POST-SUPER BOWL INVASION

This fictitious account ©2024, Peter S. Murano

All characters, logos, and associated elements are the exclusive property of their original copyright owners and are used here as part of a fan tribute with no intention of infringing on rights or trademarks.

THE BEGINNING

The confetti is still falling in a dazzling display of gold and silver. The stadium is packed with fans, their cheers blending into an ecstatic roar. As the winning coach of the Super Bowl champions steps into the spotlight, the camera zooms in on his grinning face, his team celebrating behind him. Among the reporters, an eager young woman adjusts her microphone and steps forward, preparing to get the first words from the victorious coach.

Reporter (smiling with excitement):

"Coach, congratulations on this historic victory! A flawless 6-0 shutout—just an unbelievable performance! Tell us, what does this win mean to you and your team?"

Coach (grinning):

"Thanks, it’s a huge moment for us. We’ve worked hard all season, and this—this is the culmination of everything. My players gave it their all. We couldn’t have done it without the fans, the support, and of course, our game plan. It’s—"

Suddenly, there's a strange disturbance, like a low rumble beneath the ground. The reporters exchange confused glances. The coach falters, eyes flicking nervously to the sidelines where a small group of people have pushed through the crowd, moving with purpose. The one in front, a tall figure in some sort of military uniform, projects a strong, commanding presence.

Reporter (trying to regain composure):

"Uh, excuse me, what’s going on? Who are these people?"

Coach (visibly tense):

"I—I’m not sure. This isn't part of the schedule, but—"

Before the coach can finish, the figure in front—who self-identifies as Captain Power—steps forward, his sharp, penetrating eyes locking into the reporter's.

Captain Power (interrupting, voice low but commanding):

"Get somewhere safe. Now."

The words hit like a slap across the face. The reporter, still holding the mic, hesitates for a second, unsure if this is some kind of prank or a publicity stunt. But the seriousness in his voice and the way the small team behind him moves with military precision sends a chill down her spine.

Reporter (half-laughing, uncertain):

"Excuse me? What is this, some kind of security drill? Is this part of the show? Because I really need to finish this interview..."

Captain Power (cutting her off, his tone hard):

"No, it’s not part of the show. You're in danger. This stadium is about to be targeted."

The reporter blinks, thinking she must have misheard. Targeted? Targeted how? By who? She looks at the coach, whose expression changes from confusion to alarm, his hand instinctively going to his earpiece.

Coach (screaming, worried):

"Hey Frank - what the hell is this?"

Captain Power (leaning in, voice stern):

"This is not a joke. Your world is about to change, and you need to trust me." He glances back at his team, who are now positioning themselves around the perimeter of the interview area, scanning the crowd. His eyes lock with the reporter's again, his voice unwavering. "We're not here to waste time. An attack is imminent. Those troopers you see are Bio-mechs. I need you to come with me. Now."

Reporter (stumbling, still incredulous):

"Wait—wait, you expect me to believe this? You’re talking about some kind of attack from... mechanized beings? What are you—"

The loud whirring sound of engines fills the air, a deep mechanical hum that cuts through the noise of the crowd. The reporter turns instinctively, her eyes darting across the stadium. The first thing she sees is a series of shadowy figures moving swiftly across the top of the stadium's roof—massive, metallic creatures, their bodies gleaming ominously under the stadium lights.

Reporter (voice faltering, now visibly shaken):

"What… What is that?"

Captain Power (without hesitation, voice firm and commanding):

"Those are the ‘Bio-Dreads.’ They're highly dangerous—and they are commanding the Bio-Mechs as we speak, the mechanized army of soldiers built for destruction. They've been activated. This is not a drill. We need to move now, or you're dead."

The reporter looks from the mechanical beings—each one like a nightmare brought to life—and back to Captain Power, whose unshakable calm in the face of imminent danger sends a clear message. This is really happening.

For a long moment, the reporter stands frozen, her mind racing, caught between disbelief and the undeniable evidence unfolding before her eyes. She watches as a couple of the Bio-Dreads leap from the rooftop, their heavy footsteps thudding like a countdown to chaos.

Reporter (almost whispering, to herself):

"Oh my God… this is real."

Captain Power (stepping closer, noticing the reporter’s I.D. badge bearing the name Christine O’Connor):

"Yes, it’s real, Christine. And if you want to survive, I suggest you stop asking questions and start running. Come with us. Now."

Her fingers tighten around the microphone, and for the first time in her life, she feels the weight of a situation that isn’t about getting the next big scoop—it’s about survival. The world she thought she understood is crumbling in front of her eyes, and her instinct for self-preservation kicks in.

With a shaky breath, she looks at the coach, who is now frantically trying to reach someone through his earpiece, his expression a mixture of confusion and terror.

Reporter (to Captain Power, suddenly decisive):

"Okay, okay, I’ll go. Just… just tell me what to do."

Captain Power nods once, sharp and deliberate. He waves to his team, and they start moving, clearing a path for the reporter. Without another word, they begin to lead her away from the interview stage, their steps quick and purposeful.

Captain Power (as they move through the crowd):

"Listen to me closely: You’ll be safe for now, but you need to stay in the back, stay out of sight. Follow our lead and don’t speak to anyone else. If you want to make it out of here, you trust us, and you keep moving. Everything you know—everything you think you know—is about to change."

The reporter, heart pounding, does what she’s told. She moves quickly, adrenaline surging through her, glancing back one last time at the stadium. The Bio-Mechs are descending, their limbs clanging against the concrete as they advance, and the once joyful sound of the crowd is quickly swallowed by the screams and chaos that follows.

In that moment, she understands: the interview she thought she was conducting just moments ago was nothing compared to the story that is about to unfold. The real story. A story of survival, and the strange, terrifying truth that she’s now a part of.

As they head into the shadows, Captain Power turns briefly, catching her gaze.

Captain Power (quiet but certain):

"Welcome to the new world."

And the reporter—still in disbelief, but now with a growing sense of urgency—nods, ready to follow him into the unknown.

THE GREAT ESCAPE

The air inside the stadium is thick with chaos. The roar of the crowd—once jubilant, a celebration of victory—has morphed into a cacophony of panic and terror. Fans scatter in all directions, the field now a chaotic battleground, as the robotic soldiers clash with the stunned masses. In the stands, people shout in confusion, some crying out for help, others fleeing for cover. Many are stopped dead in their tracks, some maimed and dismembered, others crumbling to dust as the troopers and Bio-Dreads open fire. The bright stadium lights flicker as a series of explosions rock the bleachers, sending plumes of dust and smoke into the air.

Above it all, the harsh whir of mechanical wings cuts through the din, and the Boi-Dreads—Lord Dread’s terrifying minions—descend from the sky in a relentless swarm, each one a grotesque hybrid of man and machine, with digital tendrils crackling from their forms. The ground shakes with their landings, and the energy in the air is so thick it almost hums, a force of destruction waiting to tear everything apart. The stadium has become nothing more than a hunting ground - almost a game trail -  for Lord Dread’s forces.

In the midst of this chaos, Captain Power and his team move with ruthless efficiency, cutting through the madness like a blade. The reporter, still struggling to comprehend the world around her, keeps close, her heart pounding in her chest. She doesn’t know what to believe anymore—only that she needs to keep up, or she’ll be lost.

A hulking figure with rippling muscles and armor as thick as the walls of a fortress, Tank leads the charge. He barrels through the panicking crowd, his massive gauntlets smashing into the Boi-mechs who dare cross his path. With every strike, a Boi-mech is sent flying, its digital limbs cracking and shorting out under Tank’s sheer strength.

Tank (grinning with ferocity as he punches a Boi-mech in the chest, sending it crashing into a concrete pillar): "Come on! Is this dance over already?"

His words are drowned out by the explosion that rocks the stands, sending shockwaves through the stadium. But Tank doesn’t flinch. He’s been in worse. Much worse.

Above them, Hawk is a blur of motion. With wings that spread like a bird of prey, he flies through the sky, his infrared vision cutting through the smoke and the heat. The Boi-Dreads try to target him with their plasma cannons, but Hawk is too fast, weaving between their shots with a graceful fluidity that only comes from years of combat training.

Hawk (over comms, his voice crisp and clear): "Captain, the perimeter’s closing fast! We need to move now! We’ve got incoming from the west—Bio-Dread units are forming up!"

He swoops low, firing pinpoint shots from his energy blasters, disintegrating enemies in midair. His wings beat steadily, like a hunter circling its prey. Hawk's job is to create the opening for the rest of the team, and he’s doing it with lethal precision.

On the ground, Scout is the team’s eyes and ears. He moves quickly, his athletic form darting through the chaos as he hacks into enemy systems and lays traps. His visor flickers with data streams, his fingers dancing across a hidden touchscreen built into his wrist. The Boi-Dreads may have the numbers, but Scout has the tech. And the touch.

Scout (whispering to himself as he disables an enemy’s communications systems with a rapid series of keystrokes):

"Come on, come on... just a little more— Whammo!"

In an instant, the Boi-Dreads’ signals go dark. They stumble, confused, as Scout triggers a series of EMP bursts that temporarily disables their cybernetic limbs, sending them into a state of mechanical paralysis. It’s enough to give the team an opening.

Scout (grinning, over comms):

"You're welcome. Moving up."

Ahead of the group, Pilot moves stealthily toward the stadium’s designated emergency exit, a massive underground transit gate designed for swift evacuations. But this isn’t just any emergency exit—it’s the key to their escape. Pilot's hands are steady on the control panel as she works quickly, calculating their best route through the Gate.

Pilot (focused, her voice calm despite the chaos): "I’ve got the Gate prepped, Captain. We can make it to the JumpShip in three minutes, but it’s going to be tight. We need to hold this line."

Pilot’s calmness is a sharp contrast to the madness swirling around her. She’s been through hell before, and she knows exactly how much time they have. No more, no less.

Amidst the carnage, Captain Power is the rock that holds the team together. His tactical mind is always three steps ahead, calculating every move, analyzing the battlefield with a cold efficiency that only a leader like him can possess. He stands tall in the center of his team, directing their movements and ensuring they’re always one step ahead of Lord Dread’s forces.

He glances back at the reporter, her face pale, her eyes wide with disbelief. Despite the madness around them, she’s sticking with them, following their every move. It’s clear to him that she’s terrified, but she’s also sharper than most people he’s ever met. She’s not asking questions. She’s listening. And that’s exactly what she needs to do to survive.

Captain Power (voice firm as he leads the team forward):

"Keep moving! We’re almost there. We don’t stop for anything—understand?"

The reporter nods, her breath shallow but steady. For the first time, she doesn’t question the Captain’s orders. He knows what he’s doing, and if she wants to make it out of here alive, she has to trust him.

THE ESCAPE TO THE TRANSIT GATE

The team reaches the underground transit gate just as the Boi-Dreads and troopers begin closing in. The air hums with energy, and the earth shakes as more explosions rock the stadium. The sound of marching mechanical feet echoes from all directions. The team moves quickly, weapons drawn, cutting through the remaining opposition with brutal efficiency.

Pilot (working the controls, her fingers flying over the console):

"Almost there…"

Suddenly, the Gate flickers to life. A swirling vortex of light and energy appears, crackling with static electricity, ready to transport them to safety.

Captain Power (gesturing to the team):

"Everyone, through the Gate! Now!"

One by one, Tank, Hawk, Scout, and Pilot step through the portal, disappearing into the swirling vortex. The reporter hesitates for a split second, her eyes locking with Captain Power’s.

Reporter (nervously):

"Where are we going?"

Captain Power (taking her arm gently, his tone calm but insistent):

"We’re not safe yet. We’re going somewhere you can survive. Trust me."

With one final look around the battlefield, the reporter takes a deep breath and steps through the Gate, following the Captain into the unknown.

THE FUTURE BEYOND THE GATE

The world around her shifts in an instant. One moment, she’s surrounded by the chaos of the stadium, and the next, she’s tumbling through a corridor of shifting lights and colors. The air smells different—cleaner, more metallic—and the landscape beyond the Gate is unlike anything she’s ever seen.

They land with a soft thud on a makeshift landing pad, out in a remote area, inhabited by those seeking refuge from the Metal Wars. The immediate area, with its modest dwellings and survival-focused population, is almost bustling, but everything feels distant, like a forgotten dream.

The Captain steadies Christine, or as known by her nickname “Ranger”. As she stands, she takes in the futuristic surroundings with wide eyes.

Ranger (stumbling to her feet, her voice small):

"What is this place?"

Captain Power (turning to her, his face grim):

"This is the future. And it’s the only place you’ll find hospitable. Welcome to The Passages."

He gestures toward the ruins of a small city, the last remnants of the world she knew fading behind them. The sky is filled with strangely shaped clouds, and the landscape is totally unfamiliar.

Captain Power (with a hard, serious edge to his voice):

"Lord Dread’s invasion is just the beginning. You’re going to need to learn fast if you want to help us to stop him. But first... we need to get you trained. Welcome to your new life."

The former reporter looks around, still trying to process the whirlwind of events. But one thing is certain: her life as she knew it is over. The world she’s been thrown into is dangerous and full of questions she’s not sure she’s ready to get answered. But one thing is clear—if she’s going to survive, she’s going to have to trust Captain Power, and his comrades.

And she’s ready to do just that.

THE TEST OF TRUST

Scene: The Resistance Base, Underground

Several months have passed since Christine Ranger O’Connor—now simply known as Ranger—met Captain Power and his elite team. At first, she was to escape through the passages and try to resume some kind of life in communities amidst others like herself. But it became evident early on that she had special abilities and instincts that could strengthen the Power team, as a new recruit- a path that she desired to follow, if permitted. And so, under the grueling training regimen of the Resistance, she grew into a capable, strategic soldier, her sharp mind and relentless determination quickly earning her a place among the Power team. The battlefield has become her second home, and her bond with the team has grown strong.

Now, standing before the team in the Power Base, her uniform fits her like a glove. The sleek tactical gear and the gleaming Power insignia on her chest mark her as one of them—part of mankind's last hope. But it’s her eyes that show the real transformation: the young, uncertain reporter who stumbled through a portal into an alien world has been replaced by someone unrecognizable—a woman who is both confident and deadly, a soldier of the future.

Ranger (standing at attention, her eyes scanning the room):

"Ready, Captain."

Her voice is steady, the faintest hint of pride in her tone. She’s earned her place here, and everyone knows it.

Captain Power (nodding with approval, his usual stoic expression softening ever so slightly): "You’ve come a long way, Ranger. You’ve earned your spot. The team’s ready, and so are you."

Behind her, Tank, Hawk, Scout, and Pilot exchange glances, nodding with silent approval. There’s no question now. She’s part of the team.

Pilot (grinning widely, her voice warm): "Ranger's not just ready, Captain. She’s been on the verge of outthinking the enemy for weeks now."

Pilot winks at Ranger, who smiles back, feeling the genuine warmth of the compliment. Over the past few months, she’s become close to Pilot—the two almost like sisters. Their recently shared experiences, their bond forged in the heat of battle, has created a camaraderie that Ranger never anticipated. The two of them have spent countless hours strategizing, learning the ropes, and pushing each other to be better. They seem to be on the same wavelength in many respects and can communicate and understand each other with the slightest of gestures and the minimum of spoken dialogue. This represents seconds of time saved, which in battle can make all the strategic difference it takes to gain the upper hand.

Tank (chuckling from the back of the room): "You think you’ve learned all you can from us? Think again, newbie. We’re just getting started."

Ranger smiles at Tank, a spark of camaraderie between them. Tank, with his immense strength and larger-than-life personality, had become both her protector and her mentor. Despite the rough exterior, Tank is warm-hearted, and has always had her back—and she’s returned the favor more than once.

Scene: Outside the Base, Infiltration Mission

According to the Captain, the new mission is simple—or at least, it seems that way on paper. With the help of Mentor, the Resistance has learned of a new Bio-Mech factory hidden deep in enemy territory. The Power team’s job is to infiltrate, destroy the factory, and extract any critical intel. It’s an important mission, but also one that comes with high stakes. The Bio-Dreads are relentless, and every day the factory stays intact means more devastating weapons are being produced for Lord Dread’s army.

Ranger stands with the team in the shadows, outside the enemy stronghold, hidden within the ruins of a city long abandoned. The wind howls through the skeletal remains of buildings, and the air smells of smoke and rust. The faint whirring of Bio-Mechs and the crackling hum of energy shields can be heard in the distance. The team is on edge, ready for anything.

Captain Power (his voice a near whisper, his tone focused): "Alright, this is the plan. Tank, Hawk—take the north entrance. Scout, you’re with me for intel extraction. Ranger, you’re with Pilot on perimeter security. We need the whole place to go dark before we strike."

Ranger nods, her mind already working through the plan. She and Pilot are on perimeter duty, ensuring no one gets in or out while the rest of the team executes the main operation. As they head toward the rear of the enemy base, Ranger can feel the weight of the moment. This is her first real test as a member of the team. The pressure is on—but she’s not fazed.

Pilot (smiling, her voice teasing):"Your first real mission, and they’ve already put us both on perimeter duty. How do you feel about that, Christine?"

Ranger (grinning back):

"It’s fine. Keeps things interesting. Plus, we can scope things out from the outside. I like knowing what’s coming."

Pilot (laughing): "That’s the spirit. You and me, sister—no one’s getting past us."

Scene: The Attack—A Close Call

The infiltration starts smoothly. Tank and Hawk breach the northern entrance, taking out several Bio-Mech sentries with precision. Scout and Captain Power slip into the heart of the enemy base, while Ranger and Pilot move to secure the perimeter. It’s quiet—too quiet.

But then, things start to go sideways.

Pilot (frowning, her voice tense): "Christine, something’s not right. I’ve got a trooper patrol coming in from the west. Fast."

Ranger scans the surroundings, her instincts kicking in. Through the cracked walls of the ruined city, she spots the faint outlines of approaching Bio-Mechs—their hulking forms marching with deadly precision.

Ranger (eyes narrowing, voice sharp): "We’ve got to stop them before they reach the base. They’ll call for reinforcements."

Pilot nods, and without a word, Ranger moves into action. She quickly darts to the corner of a ruined building, scanning for any advantages. Her mind works fast, her tactical acumen kicking into overdrive. She spots a nearby gas line running along the ground, with a precarious connection to a ruptured pipeline.

Ranger (smiling to herself):

"Perfect."

She signals to Pilot, who then quickly rigs the gas line with a few well-placed charges. The moment the troopers are in range, she’ll set it off. The blast will send them into disarray long enough for the rest of the team to finish their mission.

But just as she’s about to set the charges, a deafening crash shakes the ground. Ranger whirls to see a Bio-Dread appear from behind the building, its massive form towering over them. It has spotted them. They’re cornered.

Pilot (shouting):

"Christine! It’s coming right for us! Fall back—NOW!"

Ranger’s mind races. She doesn’t see time for a retreat. There’s only one chance.

Ranger (calm but urgent):

"No, wait I’ve got an idea."

She jumps into action, shielding Pilot as the Bio-Mech charges. With a swift motion, she throws a smoke grenade, obscuring their position. The enemy stumbles, trying to find them through the haze.

Ranger (shouting to Pilot):

"Okay - now! Hit it!"

Pilot, with quick reflexes, knowing what she needs to do before the word was given, launches a barrage of plasma shots, hitting the Bio-Dread in its joints. It staggers, but is still standing. Ranger doesn’t hesitate. She presses the detonator on the gas line as pilot gives her the okay sign. Flawless teamwork – and the explosion is massive.

The fiery blast rips through the base, sending shockwaves through the air. The Bio-Dread is thrown back, its mechanical limbs twisting and sparking. It crashes to the ground in a heap of metal and smoke.

Pilot (eyes wide, voice filled with awe): "That was insane! Great job!"

Ranger (breathing heavily, a slight grin on her face): "I just did what had to be done. But we’re not out of the woods yet. Let’s move."

Scene: Aftermath and a New Bond

The team regroups, and the mission continues. Tank, Hawk, and the others complete their tasks inside the base, planting explosives and collecting crucial intel. The Bio-Mech factory is soon nothing more than a smoldering memory.

As they make their way back to the extraction point, Tank catches up to the pair and pulls Ranger aside. He’s clearly impressed, his usual gruff demeanor softened by respect.

Tank (grinning, clapping her on the back): "You’ve got guts, Ranger. I’ll give you that. You saved our butts back there. You’re one of us now—no question about it."

Ranger smiles back, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. She’s not just a scared reporter anymore. She’s one of the Power team—a Soldier of the Future. She can barely believe how her life has changed, and yet she accepts it without hesitation.

Ranger (laughing softly): "Glad I could help. Don’t think you can get away with the ‘newbie’ jokes anymore, though."

Tank and Hawk chuckle, their laughter echoing across the ruined battlefield. They're proud of her. And so is the rest of the team.

As they board the transport ship, Ranger shares a quiet moment with Pilot. They exchange a glance, a silent understanding between them. Despite the chaos they’ve just survived, there’s a sense of belonging here—a feeling that Pilot and Ranger especially appreciate.

Pilot (smiling, her voice light): "Well, looks like you’ve earned your place, Sister."

Ranger (grinning, her heart full of purpose): "Sounds good. Let’s save the world."

And with that, the Power team heads into the future, stronger than ever, ready to face whatever Lord Dread throws their way.

Christine Ranger O’Connor —new Soldier of the Future—is here to stay.