Chapter 8

Nexus Mapping Sequence

6975 8800 – film – Gattaca (1997)

5699 3285 – film – Training Day (2001)

1234 6688 – film – Daybreakers (2009)

* Nexus Mapping Sequence media is provided to support chapter contents.

The next morning, Ethan woke up with an energy he hadn’t felt in weeks. It was as though the chaos of the previous night had ignited something in him. He had narrowly escaped death and was still being hunted by a relentless assassin, but none of that seemed to weigh him down. His optimism had likely started the moment Alex kissed his cheek the night before.

He stretched in his sleeping bag, the wooden slats of the bunk bed above him coming into focus as sunlight streamed through the tiny bedroom window. A small smile played on his lips. For the first time in what felt like forever, he felt like he could handle anything.

But as Ethan climbed out of bed and entered the main room, it became clear that no one else shared his enthusiasm.

The tension in the tiny cabin was suffocating. Every conversation seemed to hit a wall. Anytime someone spoke to Akima, they were met with sharp, clipped responses and the kind of glare that made the room colder. She sat near the window, her posture rigid, staring out at the forest with an intensity that made it clear she wanted to be left alone.

Ethan understood. Akima had lost everything—her job, her purpose, her entire world. The weight of it hung on her shoulders, and even Wolf, usually cheerful, seemed unsure how to console her.

The others moved about the cabin in relative silence. Marco was unusually quiet, nursing his ribs and avoiding eye contact. Bobbi fiddled with his phone, pretending to be engrossed in something to avoid awkward conversations. Alex tried to keep busy by tidying up, but her face betrayed her worry.

Sensing that everyone needed space to process the events of the night before, Ethan slipped out the front door, the crisp morning air hitting him like a splash of water. The quiet of the woods felt like a balm for his racing mind.

He found a flat rock near the cabin and sat down, pulling his iPod from his pocket. The simple act of holding it brought him comfort. He scrolled to the next track, eager for another connection with his dad, and hit play.

"Doesn’t that song just get you going?" his dad’s voice said, referring to the Ludacris track from the previous night.

Ethan smiled, leaning back against the rock. He cherished these moments. For all the chaos surrounding him, these recordings were like lifelines, tethering him to a part of himself he’d long ignored.

Growing up, Ethan had resented his father. The anger started in his adolescence, bubbling up whenever he saw his mom struggle to make ends meet or his younger brother look to him for answers he didn’t have. To Ethan, his dad had abandoned him, leaving him to fend for himself in a world that felt increasingly unfair and cruel.

But now, listening to these messages, he was beginning to see his father in a new light. Each track felt like a piece of a puzzle he hadn’t known he was solving, a way to understand the man who had been more than just a distant memory.

He closed his eyes, letting the warm timbre of his dad’s voice wash over him.

The cabin sat nestled within a sprawling plot of wooded land. Years ago, Will and his friends had pooled their resources to buy the property, constructing the small cabin as a retreat from the chaos of their daily lives. It was modest but charming, surrounded by towering pines and oaks that swayed gently in the morning breeze.

"While most of these recordings are about music and my love for it," his dad began, "I also want to share my love of film. Movies have been a huge part of my life, and while I can’t share the films themselves, I figure I can at least tell you about my favorites. Maybe you’ll watch them one day."

In the daylight, Ethan finally saw the beauty of the area, something he hadn’t appreciated during their frantic arrival. The forest was alive with sound—birds chirping, the rustle of leaves, and the occasional snap of a twig underfoot.

"I’m sure you have your own list of favorite movies," his dad continued. "But I’ve got a handful that mean the world to me. There’s one, though, that stands out above the rest."

Starting to get restless, Ethan stood up and started walking down the dirt road they arrived on. 

About half a mile down the road, Ethan came across an opening in the trees. The dense woods gave way to a meadow bathed in soft sunlight. The long grass rippled in waves as a gentle breeze passed through, and wildflowers dotted the landscape with bursts of color. Ethan couldn’t help but smile at the serene view. It was the kind of place you’d want to share with someone special, and for a fleeting moment, he wished Alex was there beside him.

Finding a fallen tree near the edge of the clearing, Ethan sat down and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. The iPod continued playing, his dad’s voice filling the stillness around him.

"Gattaca is such an amazing movie," his dad said, his tone full of admiration. "If you have time, you should check it out. It’s a film that really stuck with me, so much so that I named you and your brother after the actor and the main character."

Ethan straightened abruptly, his heart skipping a beat. He stared off into the distance as the words sank in.

His mom had mentioned before that he’d been named after an actor, but she had never been specific. Hearing it now, from his dad, made it feel real. Excitement bubbled up in his chest. He had to know more.

"The story was so impactful for me growing up," his dad continued. "Go ahead and pause this track, watch it, and then come back. I’ll share my thoughts on the movie after. I don’t want to spoil anything for you."

Ethan fumbled with the iPod, his fingers shaking slightly as he hit pause. The small device suddenly felt monumental in his hands, a bridge to a part of his dad he’d never known. He stood up from the fallen tree, his mind racing.

Even without having seen the movie, Ethan felt an instant connection to it. He was curious to learn more about this "Ethan" actor and the story that had meant so much to his dad.

With a renewed sense of purpose, he turned back toward the cabin, the forest around him alive with light and sound. He needed to share what he’d just learned with the others—and maybe, just maybe, they could find a way to watch Gattaca together.

When Ethan returned to the cabin, he was out of breath, his chest heaving as he sprinted up the dirt path. Above him, Will was crouched on the roof, adjusting one of the solar panels that powered the remote hideout.

Seeing Ethan’s frantic approach, Will froze, alarmed. "Whoa, what’s going on?" he called out. "Is it Issac?"

Quickly climbing down the ladder, Will rushed to meet Ethan, who doubled over, hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath.

"No," Ethan gasped, shaking his head as he leaned against Will’s shoulder for support. "It’s okay… I’m just… really excited."

"Dammit, kid," Will muttered, his worry turning to irritation. "You had me thinking we were under attack."

"Sorry," Ethan said, still struggling to speak between gulps of air. "I was… listening to my dad’s next track, and he gave me homework."

Will raised an eyebrow. "Homework? That’s rich, coming from your dad. He hated homework almost as much as you. So, what’s this assignment?"

Ethan straightened, a grin spreading across his face. "He wants me to watch a movie."

Will snorted, crossing his arms. "I feel like there are more pressing matters to deal with. But honestly? I have no idea how to prepare for this new enemy. So, maybe a movie isn’t the worst idea."

"Yeah," Ethan agreed. "I think everyone could use a distraction right now."

Will nodded, gesturing for Ethan to follow him inside. "So, what’s the movie?"

"Gattaca," Ethan said, his excitement bubbling over.

Will’s face lit up with recognition. "Oh yeah. Your dad loved that movie. I swear, he watched it at least once a week. You couldn’t tear him away from it."

Together, they entered the cabin and began setting up the TV in the cramped living room. Ethan rummaged through the streaming apps, searching for the film, as Will plugged in the necessary cables.

"What’s going on?" Marco asked, stepping out of the bedroom and rubbing his eyes.

"Instead of a song, my dad said I should watch a movie," Ethan explained, fiddling with the remote. "I figured it’d be a good way to clear our heads."

"Sounds good to me," Bobbi said, flopping onto the couch.

Ethan hesitated for a moment before walking to the door where Alex and Akima were resting. He knocked gently, the sound barely audible over his own nerves.

The door creaked open, and Alex appeared, her hair slightly tousled and her expression soft with sleep. Ethan’s knees nearly buckled beneath him.

"Good morning," Alex said, her voice warm and melodic.

Even disheveled, she was breathtaking. Ethan struggled to keep his thoughts in order, focusing on the task at hand.

"We’re, um… we’re going to watch a movie," he stammered. "And I was wondering if you, uh… maybe wanted to join us?"

Alex smiled, a light blush touching her cheeks. "Sure," she said, her voice as gentle as ever. "Let me see if Akima wants to join too."

She closed the door briefly and returned moments later. "Akima said to go on without her," Alex said with a small sigh, closing the door behind her.

As she followed Ethan back to the living room, she added, "I don’t think she’s handling all of this very well."

Ethan nodded in agreement. Akima the super soldier seemed to be out of place in this adventure.

"Hey, Wolf!" Marco shouted from the couch. "You want to watch a movie with us?"

Wolf appeared in the doorway, his face lighting up with childlike excitement. "I’ve never seen a movie before," he admitted, his voice eager.

"Well, according to my dad, this one’s special," Ethan said, grinning. "Apparently, I was named after the actor in the movie."

"What’s the movie?" Alex asked, settling onto the couch beside Ethan.

"Gattaca," Ethan replied, his excitement infectious.

"Oh, this is a great movie," Bobbi chimed in. "Ethan Hawke is amazing in it."

"Ethan Hawke?" Ethan repeated, tilting his head. "That name sounds familiar."

Bobbi nodded. "He’s been in a ton of great stuff—Daybreakers, Dead Poets Society, Boyhood…"

"Don’t forget Training Day," Will added. "That movie’s a masterpiece."

Ethan frowned slightly. "I don’t think I’ve seen any of those."

Will gave him an incredulous look. "You haven’t seen any of them? Kid, we might need to have a full-on movie marathon."

With everyone gathered, Ethan started the movie. As the opening credits rolled, he felt a wave of joy wash over him.

Alex sat beside him, her shoulder just barely brushing his. Ethan’s heart raced, but he focused on the screen, letting the film draw him in. About halfway through, he glanced at Alex, mustering every ounce of courage he had. Slowly, he reached down and took her hand in his.

Her fingers intertwined with his, and she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. The warmth of her touch sent a wave of calm through him, melting away the tension he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.

Ethan felt content in that moment.

As the movie reached its final moments, Alex’s hand remained intertwined with Ethan’s. Her warmth anchored him as the film’s message unfolded, leaving him both exhilarated and vulnerable. Around the time Ethan had nervously taken her hand, Akima had quietly emerged from her room. She said nothing, simply sinking onto the floor in front of the couch, her back to the group, and silently watching the movie.

When the credits rolled, a heavy but contemplative silence filled the room. Ethan blinked rapidly, trying and failing to stop the tears that had begun rolling down his cheeks. He wiped at them with the back of his hand, but Alex noticed. Without hesitation, she leaned her head gently against his shoulder.

"It’s okay," Alex whispered. "That movie was amazing."

Ethan nodded, still too overwhelmed to speak. He let out a shaky breath, clutching the iPod tightly in his hand. As his emotions settled, he glanced around at his friends, their expressions equally somber and thoughtful.

"Do you guys want to hear more from my dad?" Ethan asked, his voice quiet but steady. He hesitated for a moment, knowing how personal these recordings were. But something in his heart pushed him to share this moment. His dad’s words felt like they were meant for all of them.

"Are you sure?" Will asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Yeah," Ethan said, meeting Will’s gaze. "I want to share this with you all."

Will gave a nod of approval and stood up, walking toward the kitchen. "Do you have a way to play it out loud?" Ethan asked, holding up the iPod.

"Guess we’re going old school," Will said with a chuckle. He rummaged through a cabinet and returned with a small portable speaker. Dusting it off, he set it down on the coffee table.

Ethan plugged in the iPod, his fingers trembling slightly as he scrolled to the next track and hit play.

"I hope the movie still holds up," his dad’s voice said, a playful warmth in his tone. "Sometimes old movies just don’t age well, but I’m going to bet Gattaca still does."

"It totally does," Marco muttered, his voice thick with emotion.

"As you can tell, I named you after an amazing actor," Ethan’s dad continued. "Ethan Hawke was an inspiration to me. When I was a teenager, I was so lost in the world. So many people told me I wouldn’t make it far. They were surprised I even made it through high school."

Ethan sat back, his eyes fixed on the speaker, but in his mind, the room began to dissolve. The soft chatter of his friends and the coziness of the cabin faded. He was no longer in the living room.

Instead, Ethan found himself standing in a vast, white void. It was serene and still, like the quiet between heartbeats. Across from him stood a man he’d only known from photographs—a younger version of his dad. His smile was warm, his posture relaxed, and his eyes sparkled with life.

"When I watched that movie for the first time," his dad’s voice echoed, "I had just graduated from high school. It told me I could do great things. It told me the critics and naysayers in this world wouldn’t hold me back."

Ethan felt a lump form in his throat. The void around them shimmered with unspoken possibilities, the vast emptiness somehow brimming with meaning.

"He’s not wrong," Alex’s voice pulled him back to the cabin, soft and sure. "You’re destined for the stars, Ethan."

Her words struck something deep inside him. He glanced at Alex, and for a fleeting moment, it felt as if gravity itself was bending. He was orbiting Alex’s world, and she was orbiting his.

"You are destined for something amazing," his dad’s voice continued, filled with both pride and longing. "If you’re listening to this, it means I’m not there to be with you, and that truly sucks. I saw you come into this world. I watched you take your first steps. I love you with every fiber of my being. I love you more than there are stars in the sky."

Ethan’s composure shattered. Tears streamed down his face as his dad’s words wrapped around him like a warm embrace. He tried to suppress the sobs rising in his chest but couldn’t.

Alex squeezed his hand, her touch grounding him as he wept openly. Marco and Bobbi exchanged somber glances, and even Will looked away, blinking back his own emotions.

Akima, sitting quietly on the floor, turned her head just slightly, her expression unreadable.

In that moment, the group wasn’t thinking about assassins or shadow organizations or the mysteries of Chimera. They were a circle of friends bound by something deeper: the shared experience of love, loss, and the resilience to keep moving forward.

"While I don’t know the man you’ve grown up to be," Ethan’s dad continued through the iPod speaker, "I know you. You and I are alike. I saw it when you were just five years old. You were so much like me back then. Your mom used to tease me because you wanted to do everything like me, acting exactly how I did when I was little."

Ethan wiped the tears from his face, but the flood of emotions refused to stop. He was feeling a million things all at once: love, regret, pride, and something he hadn’t felt in a long time—hope.

"Just like in the movie, you’re going to do something amazing," his dad said, his voice brimming with confidence. "Believe in yourself. You can do it."

Ethan stood up and stopped the track. His hand lingered on the iPod as if releasing it would sever the connection to his father. The anger that had consumed him throughout his youth—the resentment he carried for years—had withered away. In its place was a profound and overwhelming love.

Alex quietly stepped up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her cheek against his back. The warmth of her embrace broke through the dam of emotions, and Ethan let out a soft sigh.

Will approached and placed a steady hand on Ethan’s shoulder. "You alright, kid?"

"Yeah," Ethan said, nodding. "Yeah, I’m okay."

Bobbi, never one to be left out, joined in, wrapping his arms around Ethan. "Group hug time!"

Marco laughed and followed suit, pulling Wolf into the growing huddle. Even Will gave in, joining the circle with a reluctant chuckle.

From the edge of the room, Akima hesitated. Her expression was guarded, a mix of reluctance and longing. After a moment, she stood and stepped into the group, her presence completing the circle.

"I don’t know how," Ethan said, his voice cracking slightly, "but I think we’re going to be okay. Thank you, guys."

They held the hug for a few moments longer, taking comfort in the warmth and solidarity of their small group.

Breaking the embrace, Marco clapped his hands together. "Alright, what movie are we watching next?"

"Easy," Will said, grinning. "Ethan needs to see Training Day."

"Okay, okay," Ethan said, laughing as they all settled back onto the couch.

As the credits rolled on Training Day, Ethan turned to Wolf. "So, what did you think of the movie?"

"I really enjoyed it," Wolf replied, his wide-eyed enthusiasm genuine. "Creating dreams is a bit like making a movie, I think. But I never stopped to enjoy the stories before. Watching that was… special."

"It’s a solid first movie," Bobbi said.

"I want to watch all the movies now," Wolf added earnestly.

"All of Ethan Hawke’s movies?" Alex asked with a teasing smile.

"No, well, yes," Wolf said, scratching his head. "But I mean every movie. I want to see them all!"

"Oh, buddy," Alex said with a laugh, ruffling Wolf’s hair. "There are more movies out there than you could watch in a lifetime."

"Well, let’s add one more to the list," Marco said, grabbing the remote.

The group fell into an easy rhythm, one film blending into the next. It was a rare moment of peace, a reprieve from the chaos that had engulfed their lives. They were being hunted, yes, and the threat of death loomed large, but for now, the simple act of watching movies together brought them a sense of normalcy.

They watched three Ethan Hawke films as the day wore on. Will stuck around for Training Day but eventually excused himself to work on securing the cabin.

Between movies, Marco voiced a concern. "So… what are we going to do for food?"

Will poked his head into the room. "There’s a small grocery store about 20 miles from here. Should be safe enough to grab supplies."

"How long do you think we’ll stay here?" Alex asked, her brow furrowed with worry.

"Long enough to figure out a plan," Will replied. "For now, the safest thing we can do is lay low."

"We might have a few days. A week at best," Akima said quietly, still sitting apart from the group. Her voice carried a grim finality. "Issac will find us. They always do."

"Then we need to figure out our next move sooner rather than later," Will said firmly. "But tonight, let’s keep it simple. I’ll make a supply run."

The next movie, Boyhood, was like watching a snapshot of Ethan’s own life. He couldn’t help but see himself in the story’s quiet struggles and moments of triumph.

By the time the credits rolled, Will returned, carrying bags of groceries. Alex and Bobbi jumped in to prepare dinner, whipping up spaghetti from the sparse supplies.

Over a plate of spaghetti, Alex spoke up. "I think we should wait until tomorrow to figure out our next move. I don’t know about you all, but I didn’t sleep well last night, and I’m completely fried."

"Same," Ethan agreed, twirling spaghetti around his fork. He had barely slept the night before, tossing and turning as the weight of their situation pressed down on him.

After dinner, the group drifted off to bed one by one. Ethan barely made it to his bunk before exhaustion overtook him. His limbs felt heavy, his mind fogged with a mix of weariness and dread.

Lying in the dark, his thoughts swirled around Issac and the looming threat of Gerry’s forces. The weight of his newfound abilities, so unpredictable and random, filled him with irritation.

But as the storm of his thoughts threatened to pull him under, one image rose above the chaos: Alex. Her smile, her steady presence, her unwavering faith in him.

With that thought, he allowed sleep to take him.