The Superhuman Race #1 Human Evolution is not Over: The Superhuman Race, #1

By E.J. Perez

Step into a world where the line between exhilaration and peril is blurred, and the stakes are higher than life itself. The underground buzz is all about SH (Superhuman), a mind-bending drug flooding the black market, offering a dangerous cocktail of euphoria and supernatural powers. Imagine experiencing a high that not only elevates you but propels you into a realm where ordinary humans can only dream. Jade and Nick Boaz, ordinary siblings caught in the crossfire, are thrust into a whirlwind of chaos after a life-altering encounter. Little do they know, their destinies are entwined with the enigmatic Thomas Nightshade, a U.N. agent relentless in his pursuit of the Superhuman Rage—a being immune to SH, leaving destruction in his wake. Noah Santana, a simple man yearning for a quiet life as a husband and father, is about to have his world unravel. As the leader of an elite S.W.A.T. team in Los Angeles, he's pulled into a web of intrigue that transcends the boundaries of ordinary existence. These four individuals are hurtling towards a collision course with the Superhuman Race, a relentless force that defies the laws of nature. In this gripping saga, the exhilarating effects of SH come with a sinister price: addiction and a lethal drain on life itself. The clock is ticking as the race for power unfolds on the chaotic streets of Los Angeles, stretches into the heart of Mexico, and even reaches the far side of the moon. Embark on a pulse-pounding journey through a world teeming with artificial intelligence, clones, cyborgs, and the terrifying ability to enhance oneself. This serial novella is an unprecedented thrill ride, pushing the boundaries of imagination and plunging readers into a dystopian future that feels eerily plausible. Brace yourself for the Superhuman Race, a relentless narrative that unveils the potential consequences of today's choices, offering a cautionary tale that hits too close to home. Are you ready for the ride of your life? RATED KAA for Kick ASS ACTION

• Language: English
• Publisher: NEXTWORLD PRESS
• Release date: Mar 25, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393705017

E.J. Perez

Born in Los Angeles in 1962. E.J. Perez now lives in the inland empire of southern california. You will find him most times at a coffee shop in the corner scribbling away on his notebook. Or at home in his study (garage) typing away at his laptop with wine as his equalizer.

Book preview

In the future, the world is the same and yet different….

Chapter one

Chapter 1

The roar of the ocean waves crashing against the shoreline. Jade Boaz was all too familiar with this sound, for she had been to this place many times before.

She took it all in, the smell of the ocean, the breeze flowing around her. She imagined invisible giant hands pushing the ocean water.

Jade loved the sound of the tide; the crashing of waves was soothing to her. She closed her eyes letting the breeze seep into her; the wind playing with her auburn hair.

There's nobody here, Nick Boaz stood beside her. I don't see the others.

Jade opened her eyes and glanced at her brother, his light brown hair too short for the wind to move. He was looking around; his brown eyes searching. They'll be here, she assured him.

I don't think so, Nick looked pass Jade, he nodded his head towards his focus, he's here.

Jade turned and saw 'Him'.

She looked around, still not seeing the others only 'Him'.

She walked towards the man with Nick beside her. For them and the others he was a teacher and mentor. He was there at the beginning. Jade was never afraid of 'Him' she felt serene and at peace in his presence. She knew he'd never hurt her or her brother. Quite the contrary, she felt safe with 'Him.'

Usually Nick, herself and the others would play and listen to him talk and teach. Sometimes they would go on adventures.

After he'd leave, Jade would remember everything about him, except what he looked like, she'd ask Nick, Do you remember what he looked like? Cause I can't.

Nick would shake his head I can't either.

She'd always vow that the next time she’d see 'Him' she would try to remember every detail of his face. It never happened, his face was always a blur in her memory. Looking at him now, she knew the memory of his face would fade. It always did.

Jade also remembered the others, how could she not remember them?

Now it was just Nick and her, alone with 'Him.'

Jade could see Nick concentrating on the man's face as he approached. She proceeded to do the same.

I brought you both without the others this time, the man smiled. I wanted to talk to you both alone.

Why? Nick stared at the man, trying to remember the unique features he beheld.

The man continued, Do you remember when I told both of you, that you would go through a change in your life?

Jade nodded.

A change which would impact your world.

Nick kept staring, forcing himself to remember everything about 'Him'.

It is coming. He turned away from the siblings, his eyes drifting towards the ocean.

When? Jade looked to the ocean following the man's gaze. She watched the dolphins diving in and out of the water, the seagulls floating above as if playing with them.

Soon, the man looked at both siblings. You need not be afraid, he added noticing the nervous looks on their faces.

Is it bad? Nick's face flashed with concern.

Only if you lose hope, the man replied. But you won't lose hope because you believe.

Jade looked towards the ocean again, dolphins, and seagulls in the distance. Cool air brushed against her skin. She felt alive. She felt safe.

I'm not afraid. Jade turned to the man, looking straight into his eyes, I believe.

Good, the man smiled as he put his hand on Jade's shoulder and sighed. I cannot go with you on your journey. However, remember what I taught you and showed you, have hope and faith in that.

Jade looked downward, disappointed.

You mean, we won't see you anymore? Nick asked with concern, he enjoyed spending time here in this place with the others, this was a part of Jade and him, they felt special. Their teacher put both of his hands on Nick's shoulders; Nick didn't bother trying to remember the man's face. He only worried about what he might lose.

That will never happen, he knelt to face Nick. You will see me again you must have faith and stay with hope in your heart. This journey you both will take is important. He gently raised Nick's face to look at him.

He glanced at Jade, What I taught you and showed you both, will guide you. Do you believe me?

He looked each one in the eye, sister, and brother, 13 and 12 years old given a task that will forever change their world.

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The sound of the alarm with its shrieking beeps startled Jade as she opened her eyes. She knew what the familiar sound meant, School.

How she dreaded school. Not because it was school, with learning, homework and friends, she enjoyed that part. No, it was the bullies, the boys, and girls who put themselves above everyone else.

This year would be different she promised herself.

She recalled the dream and what the man said, Your journey will begin. Don't be afraid. Have hope and faith.

She tried to remember what he looked like, but once again, the face was a blur in her mind. Crap!

She had questions. Would this journey be in their dreams? That's where all their adventures happened. She would talk to Nick, they would have to figure this dream out and be ready.

Jade's mother's voice came through the walls as if she were in the room. Kids, uptime, school time, uppy, uppy.

Jade rolled her eyes. She was 13 years old and graduating this year from middle school.

How many times has she told her mother, she didn’t have to be reminded, she was a teenager and old enough to wake up on her own in the morning.

She wasn't Nick.

Didn't her mom know she was a responsible young adult?

Didn't she trust her enough for her to wake up on her own?

Dad needs to talk to her, he knows, he would not need to remind her.

There was a knock on her door; followed by her father's voice. Jade uppy, uppy.

Jade fell back into bed and smothered her face in a pillow to stifle her scream.

She heard her father give Nick the same greeting through the door and waited for his footsteps to fade down the stairs.

She tiptoed to Nick's room, opened the door slowly, and crept to his bed, careful not to make any noise. Nick was still asleep. Dad's greeting didn't wake him, but hers would. She jumped on his bed knowing this would awake him. She loved harassing him, he was late for everything.

Uppy! Jade shouted in a low monotone trying to mimic her dad as she jumped around the bed.

Nick covered himself with the covers; curled up in a fetal position. He expected Jade to come in and do her morning ritual on him.

Jade noticing her routine was ineffective, snuggled close to her brother, forcing him out of bed bit by bit. Uppy, she groaned as her snuggle became a push. Nick then tumbled out of bed to the floor.

I'm up, I'm up! Who made you the boss of me? Nick covered himself with the blanket on the floor, still curled in a fetal position.

Says me, your older sister. Jade pulled on the blanket Nick held.

Nick kept it tight to his body. Older? You act more like five.

Both tugged on the blanket, willing the other to let go.

And you act four, which makes me still older than you. Jade pulled hard. So. Respect. Your. Older. Sister!

Nick let go of the blanket just as Jade used her full strength to yank it back, she flew back rolling over the bed.

Nick was howling with laughter as Jade landed on the floor with the blanket and pillow on top of her.

There, you have my respect, he continued laughing.

Jade threw a pillow at Nicks face, he retaliated by smacking her in the head with another pillow, hitting Jade full on the face.

Jade grunted from the impact and covered her face.

Their pillow fight began.

Jade! Nick! Their mother's voice through the intercom. They froze. Knock it off and get downstairs!

I swear I know they have cameras in here, Nick looked around.

Jade couldn't help but give one more swing to Nicks face, he grunted.

After a few minutes, Jade was breathing heavily and her arms were aching. Nick sat down next to her also winded.

So what did he mean by a journey? Nick looked at Jade still panting and huffing.

She knew who he was referring too. I don't know.

And where were the others?

I don't know.

Are we going to see him again?

Nick... I don't know.

Well, you're the older sister, get to know.

Oh really. This older sister will bop you. Jade smacked his head.

Did you remember him?

No, did you?

Nick shook his head and sighed. What do we do about school?

Jade knew what Nick was referring too, Barloc Gaines and his buddies. We deal with it and meet it head on. Got it?

Confirmed.

They bumped fists and got up to get ready for school.

Chapter two

Chapter 2

L os Angeles, capital of the Superhumans. Thomas Nightshade said out loud, knowing he would get a look among the squad of police officers assigned to him. The man powered G-ARV (glide attack ready vehicles) with no windows glided to its target, carrying Thomas and a squad of officers dressed in exo- suits and loaded with weaponry ready for a war of the conventional kind. Floating three feet above the road on soundless anti-magnetic jets, the new makes of vehicles called gliders were a big upgrade to the noise the old makes made, gliding its way from point A to point B. Or in this case, sneaking its way from point A to point B. They weren't flying aero-cars. The propulsion jets limited the lift of the anti-magnetic cars only 3-4ft above the ground. Any higher, and glide vehicles would shake uncontrollably.

Thomas and his squad of selected officers would hope to have the element of surprise. This was not a standard raid on drugged out criminals, but an attack on drugged out criminals with unique talents.

Finding the place took months of ground work, these drugged addicts were non-chipped and locating them was done the old fashion way, through surveillance.

Talents of Superhuman proportions. Thomas finished his thought out loud to no one in particular.

Capitol of the Superhumans? an officer looked concerned.

This is no regular raid we're headed for, Thomas addressed the officer, loud enough so all can hear. There were three squads of four-man teams each in an ARV van. Thomas fought hard to have access to the full S.W.A.T. teams which consisted of fifteen squads of four officers. The police gave him seven squads. It seems someone up top was underestimating the raid. Thomas hoped the seven officer team would be sufficient. A team of twenty-eight men total against an unknown amount of drugged Superhumans, the numbers varied how many would be at the house. If they're lucky maybe less than 10, more difficult, he considered?

Thomas was after only one Superhuman in the house. He was okay with the others getting away. He wanted the one Superhuman, and the one was a doozy.

They think they could stay hidden, because their comps, an officer mentioned.

Damn I hate non chip people, especially the druggies another officer added.

This is what happens when you're not chipped, violence, drugs. People need to understand we can't help them when they’re not chipped, another officer said.

All those blow hearts, think being chipped loses your privacy.

Tell that to the infested neighborhoods the druggies are hiding in.

These druggies will each have a unique gift. Remember they feel invincible, and are, Thomas cut in. He needed them focused. He looked at each officer, looking for any hesitancy. They needed to be ready for the raid.

Let's hope some of them are carrying the side effects of the SH drug, and die during the raid, a female officer quipped.

And these new dynamo proximity weapons should give us the edge, another officer added; kissing the metallic rifle with added effect.

These babies won't just put a hole in you, but blow you up into pieces.

"And