Noah stands near the door, injuries wrapped in fresh bandages. His posture is upright, but his face carries the weight of everything he's lost. Imani watches him from across the room, arms folded, her concern thinly veiled behind a layer of composure.
NOAH
"I don't know how to thank you, Imani. You saved my life."
IMANI
"You don't have to thank me. Just… take care of yourself out there. Whatever you're planning, remember—you're not invincible."
NOAH (nodding)
"I know. I just… I have to make things right."
IMANI
"I get it. Just don't lose yourself in the process. Whatever fight you're in, make sure you remember why you started it in the first place."
He gives a grateful smile, his eyes lingering on her a moment longer than he intended.
NOAH
"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Imani. For everything."
She nods—quiet, firm support. Noah exists
Noah stands in the shadows across the street from his home. The outline of his garage is familiar, yet strange. A sanctuary turned question mark. He studies the area—checking rooftops, corners, every shadow. Nothing seems out of place, but his instincts scream otherwise.
He crosses the street.
Every step is silent, deliberate. He reaches the garage, unlocks the door, and slips inside.
The skybolt suit stands like a sentinel in the corner, sleek and silent. Noah retrieves the Modular Adaptive Core and gently inserts it into the suit's chest.
A hum. Lights flicker on. Systems whir to life.
VI (VIRTUAL INTELLIGENCE) (calm, precise)
"Power core successfully integrated. Initializing systems."
Noah steps back, startled.
NOAH
"What in the…?"
The HUD inside the suit glows. Noah exhales slowly. His hands tremble—but not from fear. From something deeper. Purpose.
He steps into the suit.
Armor plates close around him, and his world shifts. The HUD surrounds his vision—data, maps, diagnostics—all pulsing like a heartbeat.
VI
"Welcome, Noah. I am VI, your Virtual Intelligence assistant. I am here to aid you in all operations."
NOAH (breathless)
"You talk?"
VI
"Affirmative. Integration with the Modular Adaptive Core has granted access to Aerodyne Dynamics' internal communication channels and security networks. I have intercepted encrypted messages detailing a directive involving the city mayor."
Noah blinks.
NOAH
"You're saying… you've tapped into Aerodyne's system?"
VI
"Correct. This includes all ongoing operations. The mayor is targeted for elimination today."
Noah clenches his fists. He knows Victor. This aligns perfectly with his tactics—strike fast, leave no one alive to oppose the message.
NOAH
"VI, pull up the mayor's schedule. Where is he?"
A digital projection appears: the mayor's public address is scheduled in less than an hour.
NOAH
"That's it. That's the hit."
He checks his internal clock. No time to lose.
NOAH (cont'd)
"We've got no time to waste, VI. Let's go save the mayor."
Civic Plaza
The Mayor stands before a crowd, flanked by his security detail.
MAYOR (addressing the audience)
"Our city's future must be built on trust and accountability. While technological advancements can transform our lives, they must never come at the cost of our safety and privacy. That's why we're introducing new drone regulations—ensuring every machine is used ethically."
The crowd murmurs in agreement.
MAYOR (cont'd)
"We owe it to ourselves—and future generations—to safeguard our city from misuse and exploitation."
Suddenly, VI's voice cuts in.
VI (in Noah's helmet)
"Hostile drone detected. Interception recommended."
Noah spots the threat—an armed drone diving toward the stage.
He leaps from his hidden vantage point. Thrusters ignite. He rockets forward.
In seconds, he lands between the mayor and the drone.
NOAH
"Get down! Move now!"
Security scrambles. The mayor is pulled away as the drone locks on again.
Noah lifts his gauntlet. Fires. A repulsor blast strikes the drone mid-air. It spirals out—but not down.
NOAH (cont'd)
"VI, trajectory—now!"
VI
"Four meters. Closing."
The drone charges again. Noah launches himself into the air, catches it in a brutal mid-air grapple, and slams it down, crushing it into the pavement.
Silence.
Then: flashes. Cameras. Whispers.
Reporters shout.
And standing alone on the broken plaza, battered but victorious—Skybolt is born.