The Killing Instinct-The New Age
After the capture of General Randell several things happened which, to Alex, mattered only so much in that they assured his dominion forever-the launch of the Nuclear weapons to which Randell's mind had held the keys at remaining human enclaves and they predictably launched back, not realising the futility of their petulance. The effect had been of such sublime brilliance that even Alex was awed. The Sun had burned upon Earth, had shined as though it were among them and Alex had basked in its glow, knowing it could not harm his growing empire. This shining beacon, humanities greatest achievement and folly, was the sign that humanity with its flaws had been judged by the Virus as worthy of only destruction...in the end part of Alex did grieve the loss, but their thoughts and memories could be absorbed nevertheless so Alex dismissed the lingering human emotion of his past life. By now the wider world had heard his name, a name that brought a terrified tremble to all who spoke it, a name that surpassed all previous dread lords and tyrants in their short history-Alex Mercer. Some called him God, some called him Evil incarnate-to Alex their child like pronouncements were amusing. So, it was deemed, upon a whim that fragments of humanity should survive for this reason alone-to indulge Alex's sense of humour, to honour him and for darker amusement still like hunting and Elizabeth's "games." With a satisfied sigh, Alex sees the New Age and knows that it is good.
Humanity for its part was broken for good; there was no weapon that could save them and no army to attempt to defend them. Many committed suicide, some simply wondered into infected areas and waited to be reborn in the Hive, or be absorbed into its consciousness. A smaller group still deified Alex, worshipping both he and Elizabeth as Gods, whether they were in time rewarded or slaughtered like the rest will never be known for sure. Some also continued to fight, or retired to isolated regions of the World to live a simple life until either their time came or the Virus found them. However in a strange way, the Virus ensured humanity was preserved as part of its consciousness which although far more advanced, retained some of the emotions and a vast collection of history and genius which, though largely unneeded was set aside as worthwhile.
Elizabeth Green, so long a victim, abused by humanity, remained the more sadistic of the new Gods of Earth. Enjoying the infinite potential of her lover Alex, days of endless sex and renewed promises of love were merely one facet of her new existence. Some remaining humans were kept around for Elizabeth to fulfil her sadistic whims, always the punishment of humanity brought her a rush of power and pleasure and satisfaction that was always savoured. Hedonism was the meaning of this new existence with the absence of cruel pain, an existence which Alex and she defined in their union. Yet to her own kind Elizabeth was a mother and a Queen, a Goddess and a servant-a benefactor of the New Age, whom all her children loved. Should Alex ever tire of her, she would have died for him gladly.
Dana Mercer became one of the few emotional attachments Alex Mercer still cherished, with the help of The Virus and Doctor Ragland she rose again and upon seeing the unrestrained joy and tears fall from Alex Mercer's cheeks knew that despite everything, despite all Alex or The Virus had done her brother was still alive and well. Now imbued with similar powers and knowledge as Alex, she acted as a counter to Green's sadistic nature towards humanity, encouraging mercy and absorption rather than destruction. Dana Mercer now knew that the horrors of creating the New Age were worth as even at its very beginning it already outshined the last.
Doctor Ragland for his part was given a great honour-the honour of choice. He could either be allowed to commit suicide or killed in a manner he deemed painless and quick, absorbed or infected. Dana Mercer encouraged him to be infected like her, stating that like Alex he would never lose himself. The Doctor at first declined, but eventually after much pleading from Dana chose to be infected, in order to remain close to Dana-he loved her as the daughter he had never had and so he was content.
General Randell remained Elizabeth's favourite toy for many years, the cruelties inflicted upon him go beyond anything a human mind could conceive, Karen Parker's end was merciful in comparison. Hell would be a Heaven to the General, Elizabeth often mused, assuming it existed...assuming he wasn't already there.
Only one loose end needed to be tied up, Alex now thought, one way or another. Destiny drove the two towards each other. It was time to find PARIAH...