Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. I might not own the characters but this crazy evil plot is all mine.

This is not based on any conspiracy theories. This is a completely separate story from what is going on in reality.

Chapter-1: Reprobate

A/N: Hi! So I have been taking part in a challenge during the quarantine called Keep Writing Challenge. This story is written as part of that challenge. So each chapter is based on the daily word prompts and word limits I receive for the challenge. Since it's a flash fiction challenge, the chapter length will vary based on the word limits provided.

A huge shout out to my dearest friend Banshee69 for beta reading this little monster for me and my older sister from another mister, IpsitaC77 for creating this amazing banner for this story. I love you both. :*

I would also like to take a moment to thank my biggest fangirl, my Granma Dee, DataByteDL FangirlinGranma, for always being there for me and for being my number 1. I love you, Granma. Please watch over me from your heavenly home.

Without further ado, let me welcome you to a new journey. I hope you'll enjoy the ride.

Prompt: The Gift

Word Limit: 200

James looks through the eyepiece, changing the magnification to visualize his object of investigation properly. He frowns. This isn't behaving the way it's supposed to.

The sound of a door opening alerts him of another presence.

"Dr. Bright," his visitor says without any preamble. "How's it coming along?"

James barely spares him a glance as he answers, "I need more time."

"How long?" the visitor asks, sounding annoyed. "It's been over four years. I need to see results for the billions I've been shelling out on you!"

His irate tone of voice makes James look up from his work. Taking a few steps toward him, James says, "Director, I already told you it's a long process. You're investing money on yourself, not me."

"What's that supposed to mean?" he questions menacingly.

"You wanted world domination. This virus will help you with that, but it's not ready yet. We need to be able to control its virulence before we can use it."

"Excuses!" the director spits out. "You have 24 hours before your time is up!"

As James watches him turn around and make his exit, he makes up his mind. This bastard will be his test subject. That will be his gift to the world before the world implodes.

A/N: Thank you for reading.

Share your thoughts with me and leave a review.

Since the word count is so low and I am writing daily, you'll get daily updates for this story.

Stay safe and healthy, everyone.

Love,

Ann