#WritcoStoryChallenge
#CoronaVirus
Social isolation had forced an eerie silence upon them. While fear haunted their existence, one question was at the forefront.
When was this going to end?
© ItsJustJabirIn the year 2177, the city of Neo-Tokyo buzzed with the hum of a million machines and the neon glow of holographic advertisements. The skies were perpetually overcast, a hazy orange hue masking the sun, a remnant of the decades-long climate catastrophe. Towering spires of steel and glass reached toward the heavens, home to the elite who controlled the corporations and lived far above the polluted streets below.

Kai, a rogue netrunner, weaved through the throngs of people in the bustling Shibuya district. His cybernetic eyes scanned the faces in the crowd, identifying potential threats and opportunities in a split second. Kai's target was Aria, a renowned AI engineer rumored to have developed a prototype that could change the balance of power in the city—a true artificial intelligence capable of independent thought.

The resistance, a ragtag group of rebels fighting against corporate tyranny, had hired Kai to extract Aria from the clutches of NeonCorp, the most powerful megacorp in Neo-Tokyo. NeonCorp had eyes and ears everywhere, and the mission was as dangerous as it was crucial.

Kai slipped into a narrow alley, pulling up a virtual map on his wrist display. Aria's apartment was located in one of the mid-level districts, a place where the corporate middle managers and engineers lived. It was guarded, of course, but Kai had already hacked into the building's security system the night before. As he approached, he activated his cloaking device, becoming nearly invisible to the naked eye.

Inside the apartment, Aria was hunched over a terminal, her fingers flying over the keyboard. Her room was cluttered with parts of dismantled robots and screens displaying lines of code. The AI prototype, an elegant cube of circuits and light, sat on the table beside her.

Kai deactivated his cloaking device, appearing silently behind her. "Aria," he whispered, and she jumped, spinning around to face him.

"Who are you?" she demanded, her eyes wide with fear and surprise.

"I'm here to help you," Kai said. "The resistance needs your prototype. NeonCorp can't be allowed to control it."

Aria hesitated but then nodded. "I knew they'd come for me eventually. Give me a minute to pack."

Suddenly, the apartment door burst open, and NeonCorp security officers stormed in, their guns trained on Kai and Aria. "Freeze!" one of them barked.

Kai's reflexes kicked in. He grabbed a smoke grenade from his belt and threw it at the officers, the room filling with thick, choking vapor. He grabbed Aria's hand and pulled her towards the window. "Trust me," he said, before smashing the glass and leaping out into the abyss.

The fall was short; Kai activated his grav boots, slowing their descent as they landed on a lower rooftop. Alarms blared behind them as they sprinted across the rooftops, the neon lights casting eerie shadows around them. Drones buzzed overhead, searching for their quarry.

"We need to get to the old subway tunnels," Kai shouted over the noise. "The drones can't follow us there."

They ran through the labyrinthine streets, ducking into an old, abandoned subway entrance. The tunnels were dark and damp, remnants of a bygone era before the maglev trains had taken over. Kai led Aria through the winding passages until they reached a hidden base, the heart of the resistance.

Inside, rebels greeted them with cheers and relieved smiles. Kai handed the prototype to the resistance leader, a grizzled veteran named Mara. "You did well, Kai," she said, examining the device. "With this, we can turn the tide against NeonCorp."

Aria looked at Kai, a mixture of gratitude and determination in her eyes. "Thank you," she said. "But this is just the beginning. We have a lot of work to do."

Kai nodded. "Welcome to the resistance, Aria. Let's change the world."

As the city of Neo-Tokyo continued to blaze with neon lights, a spark of hope ignited in the shadows. The fight for freedom had just begun, and the resistance was ready to take back their city from the iron grip of the corporations.

The underground base buzzed with activity as rebels prepared for the next phase of their mission. Aria quickly integrated into the team, her expertise in artificial intelligence proving invaluable. Kai watched as she worked tirelessly, her determination a beacon of hope in the dimly lit tunnels.

Weeks passed, and the resistance grew stronger. With Aria's help, they managed to enhance their technology and gather crucial intel on NeonCorp's operations. The prototype AI, now nicknamed "Athena," was the key to their strategy. Athena's potential to infiltrate and disrupt NeonCorp's systems was unparalleled.

One evening, as Kai patrolled the perimeter of their hideout, Mara approached him. "Kai, we need to talk," she said, her voice serious.

Kai nodded and followed her to a secluded corner. "What's on your mind, Mara?"

"We have a new mission," she began. "NeonCorp is planning a major update to their security systems in three days. This is our window to strike. We need to plant Athena directly into their central server."

Kai's eyes widened. "That's a suicide mission. Their headquarters is a fortress."

"I know," Mara admitted. "But it's the only way. We've mapped out a route through the old sewer systems. It'll be dangerous, but if anyone can do it, it's you and Aria."

Kai sighed, the weight of the mission settling on his shoulders. "Alright, we'll do it. But we need a solid plan."

The next morning, Kai and Aria gathered with Mara and a few key members of the resistance. A holographic map of NeonCorp's headquarters floated in the center of the room. Aria pointed to a section of the building. "This is their main server room. It's heavily guarded, but there's a maintenance hatch here," she indicated a small access point. "If we can get Athena into the server, she can disable their security grid and open a path for the rest of the team."

Kai studied the map. "We'll need to move fast. Once we're inside, we have less than ten minutes before their security protocols kick in."

As the team finalized their plans, Kai and Aria prepared for the mission. Kai checked his gear-plasma gun, EMP grenades, and his trusty hacking toolkit. Aria packed a small bag with the Athena prototype and a few essential tools.

That night, they set out, slipping through the dark alleys and abandoned subway tunnels. The sewers were dank and foul, but they moved quickly, guided by a holographic map projected from Kai's wrist display. The sound of rushing water and the distant hum of machinery echoed around them.

Finally, they reached the maintenance hatch. Kai hacked the access panel, and the hatch creaked open. They climbed up into a dimly lit corridor, the walls lined with cables and pipes. Moving stealthily, they navigated the labyrinthine passages, avoiding security cameras and patrols.

As they approached the server room, they encountered a group of NeonCorp guards. Kai signaled Aria to stay back. He tossed an EMP grenade into their midst, the explosion sending out a pulse that fried their cybernetic implants. The guards collapsed, and Kai motioned for Aria to follow.

They reached the server room door, and Aria quickly connected Athena to the access panel. The prototype's lights flickered as it interfaced with the system. "We're in," Aria whispered. "Athena is disabling the security grid."

The door slid open, revealing rows of towering servers. Aria ran to the central terminal, connecting Athena to the mainframe. The room was filled with the hum of data streams and the flashing lights of countless machines.

Suddenly, alarms blared, and the room's lights turned red. "We've been detected," Aria said, her voice tense. "Athena needs a few more minutes."

Kai readied his plasma gun as the door burst open, and NeonCorp security officers poured in. He fired, taking down several guards, but more kept coming. "Hurry, Aria!"

The resistance forces, alerted by the commotion, stormed the building, engaging NeonCorp's forces in a fierce battle. Explosions rocked the corridors, and the sound of gunfire echoed through the facility.

Finally, Athena completed her task. "It's done!" Aria shouted. "Let's get out of here!"

Kai grabbed Aria's hand, and they sprinted toward the exit. The resistance fighters provided cover, their coordinated attack pushing back NeonCorp's forces. They fought their way through the chaos, reaching the maintenance hatch and diving back into the sewers.

As they emerged into the night, the sounds of battle faded behind them. They had done it-Athena was in place, and NeonCorp's security grid was compromised. The resistance had struck a critical blow.

Back at the base, the rebels celebrated their victory. Mara approached Kai and Aria, a rare smile on her face. "You did it. Athena is already feeding us crucial intel. This could change everything."

Aria looked at Kai, exhaustion and relief in her eyes. "We made a good team," she said.

Kai nodded, a sense of camaraderie and purpose filling him. "This is just the beginning," he said. "NeonCorp won't go down without a fight. But we're ready for them."

As the city of Neo-Tokyo continued to blaze with neon lights, the resistance stood stronger than ever, ready to reclaim their future from the shadows.
The days following their successful infiltration were a whirlwind of activity for the resistance. With Athena embedded in NeonCorp’s mainframe, they had a stream of valuable information flowing in, giving them a crucial advantage. However, the euphoria of their victory was tempered by the reality that NeonCorp would soon launch a counterattack. The corporation had vast resources and would not take the breach lightly.

Kai and Aria spent countless hours poring over the data Athena provided. They discovered that NeonCorp was planning a city-wide surveillance upgrade, codenamed “Project Omniscience,” which would cement their control over Neo-Tokyo. This upgrade would deploy autonomous drones equipped with advanced facial recognition and combat capabilities, making resistance movements almost impossible.

"We need to stop this project," Aria said, her eyes fixed on the holographic schematics of the drones. "If they deploy these, it'll be game over for the resistance."

Mara called an emergency meeting, gathering the key members of the resistance. The room was filled with tension as they discussed their options. "We have one shot at this," Mara said, her voice firm. "We need to destroy their production facility before these drones go live."

Kai nodded. "According to Athena, the facility is located in the industrial sector, heavily fortified and constantly monitored. We'll need a diversion."

Aria leaned forward. "I can create a virus to shut down their power grid temporarily. It won't last long, but it might give us the window we need."

The plan was set in motion. Kai, Aria, and a small team of elite fighters would infiltrate the facility while another group, led by Mara, would create a diversion by attacking a nearby NeonCorp outpost. The diversion team would need to draw as much attention as possible to give Kai and Aria the best chance of success.

On the night of the operation, the resistance moved out. Kai and Aria, clad in stealth suits, made their way through the darkened streets of Neo-Tokyo. The air was thick with anticipation and the hum of distant machinery. They reached the perimeter of the industrial sector and waited for Aria's virus to take effect.

At the designated time, the lights in the facility flickered and then went out, plunging the area into darkness. "We're in," Kai whispered, motioning for the team to move.

They slipped through the security fence and entered the facility. The production lines were eerily quiet, the assembly robots frozen in mid-task. Moving quickly, they planted explosive charges on key structures, their movements precise and practiced.

As they worked, the lights suddenly flickered back on. "We’ve got company," Aria said, her voice tense. NeonCorp security forces were already converging on their location, alerted by the sudden power outage.

Kai drew his plasma gun, ready for a fight. "We need to finish this, now!" he shouted.

Aria connected Athena to the facility's mainframe, initiating a system overload. "Just a few more seconds," she said, her fingers flying over the keyboard.

The security forces burst into the room, and chaos erupted. Kai and the resistance fighters engaged in a fierce firefight, the air filled with the sounds of plasma bolts and explosions. Aria continued her work, ignoring the danger around her.

"Got it!" she finally shouted. "Let's get out of here!"

They detonated the charges, the facility shaking as explosions ripped through the structure. Kai and Aria sprinted toward the exit, the resistance fighters covering their retreat. As they emerged into the night, the facility collapsed behind them, a pillar of smoke and fire rising into the sky.

Back at the base, the resistance celebrated another hard-earned victory. The destruction of the production facility dealt a significant blow to NeonCorp's plans. However, the fight was far from over.

Mara addressed the group, her voice carrying a mix of pride and determination. "We’ve struck a major blow tonight, but NeonCorp will retaliate. We need to stay vigilant and keep the pressure on."

Kai and Aria stood together, the bond between them stronger than ever. "We've come this far," Kai said. "And we'll keep fighting, no matter what."

Aria nodded. "For Neo-Tokyo, for freedom."

As the dawn broke over the city, the neon lights flickered, signaling a new day and a new chapter in their struggle. The resistance was ready, and the battle for the soul of Neo-Tokyo continued, their resolve unbroken and their hope burning brighter than ever.

With the production facility in ruins, NeonCorp's plans for Project Omniscience were delayed, but the corporation's retaliation was swift and brutal. Across Neo-Tokyo, NeonCorp's enforcers cracked down on suspected resistance sympathizers, and curfews were enforced with ruthless efficiency. The atmosphere in the city grew tenser by the day, the citizens' fear palpable.

Back at the resistance base, morale was mixed. The recent victories had energized the group, but the looming threat of NeonCorp's countermeasures weighed heavily on everyone. Mara called another meeting to discuss their next steps.

"We need to capitalize on our momentum," Mara said, her voice steady. "NeonCorp is on the defensive, but we can't let up. We need to strike their headquarters directly."

The room fell silent. A direct assault on NeonCorp's headquarters was a bold and dangerous move. It was the most fortified location in Neo-Tokyo, teeming with security personnel and advanced defenses.

Kai spoke up. "If we hit them at their core, we can cripple their operations for good. But we can't do it alone. We'll need to rally other resistance cells in the city."

Aria nodded in agreement. "I've been working on a way to broadcast a message city-wide, using Athena to hijack NeonCorp's communication networks. We can call on the people of Neo-Tokyo to rise up."

The plan was ambitious: a simultaneous uprising across the city, combined with a strike team infiltrating NeonCorp's headquarters to take down their leadership. It was a high-risk, high-reward strategy that could either liberate Neo-Tokyo or doom the resistance.

Over the next few days, preparations were made. Kai and Aria worked tirelessly to coordinate with other resistance cells, securing alliances and gathering intel. Athena was instrumental in their efforts, her AI capabilities allowing them to stay one step ahead of NeonCorp's surveillance.

On the eve of the operation, the resistance base was a hive of activity. Weapons were checked and rechecked, final plans were reviewed, and quiet conversations took place among the fighters. Kai found Aria in the corner, tinkering with a small device.

"Are you ready for this?" he asked, his tone serious.

Aria looked up, a determined glint in her eye. "I am. We've come too far to turn back now."

Kai nodded. "Let's make history."

At midnight, the operation commenced. Aria, with Athena's help, breached NeonCorp's communication networks and broadcast a message to the entire city. Her voice, clear and resolute, echoed through the streets and across every screen.

"People of Neo-Tokyo, this is Aria of the resistance. For too long, NeonCorp has oppressed us, controlled us, and taken our freedoms. But no more. Rise up with us and reclaim our city. Together, we are unstoppable."

Across Neo-Tokyo, the message sparked a wave of defiance. Citizens took to the streets, overwhelming NeonCorp's enforcers with sheer numbers. Riots erupted, and the city's pulse quickened with the energy of rebellion.

Meanwhile, Kai led the strike team toward NeonCorp's headquarters. Using the chaos as cover, they infiltrated the building, navigating through security systems and armed guards. Their goal was the executive suite at the top, where NeonCorp's leaders orchestrated their control.

As they ascended through the building, the resistance fighters encountered heavy resistance. The corridors echoed with gunfire and shouts, but they pressed on, driven by their mission's urgency.

Reaching the executive suite, Kai and his team faced the final barrier: an advanced security door, reinforced and nearly impenetrable. Aria connected Athena to the control panel, working quickly to bypass the defenses.

"Almost there," Aria muttered, her fingers dancing over the keys. "Just a few more seconds."

The door slid open, revealing a spacious, opulent office. At the center stood Victor Harkness, the CEO of NeonCorp, flanked by heavily armed guards. His expression was one of cold fury.

"You've made a grave mistake coming here," Harkness snarled. "You think you can topple an empire?"

Kai stepped forward, his plasma gun trained on Harkness. "Your empire ends tonight."

A fierce battle ensued, the resistance fighters clashing with NeonCorp's elite guards. Harkness retreated behind a desk, activating automated defenses that filled the room with deadly energy beams. Kai and Aria fought side by side, their movements synchronized and precise.

In the chaos, Aria spotted a control terminal linked to the building's defense systems. "Cover me!" she shouted to Kai, dashing toward the terminal. She connected Athena, initiating a takeover of the building's systems.

As Athena worked, the automated defenses faltered, and the resistance fighters gained the upper hand. Kai advanced on Harkness, who, in a final act of desperation, drew a concealed weapon.

Before Harkness could fire, Kai's plasma bolt struck, sending the CEO crashing to the ground. The room fell silent, the battle won.

Aria finished her work at the terminal, and Athena's voice echoed through the suite. "NeonCorp's systems are under our control. The building is secure."

Kai helped Aria to her feet, the weight of their victory settling in. "We did it," he said, a rare smile breaking through his usual stoic expression.

Aria smiled back, exhaustion and relief evident on her face. "For Neo-Tokyo."

As dawn broke over the city, the neon lights dimmed, and the first rays of sunlight pierced the smoggy sky. The resistance's message had spread, and the people of Neo-Tokyo rose up to reclaim their freedom. The battle was far from over, but the tide had turned.

In the weeks that followed, the resistance worked to dismantle NeonCorp's control, piece by piece. The fight for Neo-Tokyo continued, but now, the people had hope and the resolve to see it through. Kai, Aria, and the resistance stood at the forefront of this new era, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The neon shadows that once symbolized oppression now stood as a testament to their resilience and the dawn of a new future.

With NeonCorp's headquarters in resistance hands and Victor Harkness defeated, the initial wave of liberation swept through Neo-Tokyo. The resistance, once a scattered group of rebels, had become a symbol of hope and defiance. However, the remnants of NeonCorp's vast network were still active, and the fight to completely dismantle their influence was far from over.

Kai and Aria emerged as leaders in the resistance movement, their combined expertise and bravery earning them the respect and admiration of their fellow fighters. As the dust settled from their recent victory, they gathered in the central command room of their new base, the former NeonCorp headquarters.

Mara stood at the head of the table, her gaze sweeping over the assembled leaders. "We’ve won a major battle, but NeonCorp still controls many critical sectors. We need to secure these areas to ensure lasting freedom for Neo-Tokyo."

Athena's holographic form materialized in the center of the room, her eyes reflecting the streams of data she constantly processed. "Based on the latest intel, NeonCorp's remaining strongholds are their research labs, manufacturing plants, and the data centers that hold sensitive information. These locations are key to their power."

Kai nodded, studying the holographic map that Athena projected. "We need to hit them simultaneously to prevent them from regrouping. We'll need to split into teams and coordinate our attacks."

Aria looked at Athena. "Can you help us disrupt their communications and prevent them from calling for reinforcements?"

Athena's holographic form flickered as she processed the request. "I can create a city-wide blackout in their communication networks for a limited time. It will give you the window needed to strike."

The plan was set. Teams were formed, each assigned a target to neutralize. Kai and Aria would lead the assault on the primary research lab, where NeonCorp was rumored to be developing new weapons and cybernetic enhancements.

As they geared up for the mission, Kai approached Aria. "You ready for another round?"

Aria smirked, adjusting the strap on her tactical vest. "Always. Let’s finish what we started."

That night, under the cover of darkness, the resistance moved out. Athena executed the blackout, plunging NeonCorp's communication networks into silence. Kai and Aria's team reached the research lab, a towering structure surrounded by high fences and automated turrets.

Using their stealth skills, they bypassed the outer defenses and entered the facility. Inside, the lab was a maze of high-tech equipment and sterile corridors. They moved swiftly, planting charges on key structures and gathering intel on NeonCorp’s projects.

As they approached the central laboratory, they encountered heavy resistance. NeonCorp's elite security forces were waiting, armed with advanced weaponry and combat drones. The firefight was intense, plasma bolts and energy blasts lighting up the corridors.

Kai and Aria fought side by side, their movements synchronized from countless battles together. Despite the fierce opposition, they pushed forward, determined to reach their objective.

In the central lab, they found the head scientist, Dr. Elara Tanaka, a brilliant but morally compromised cyberneticist. She stood behind a reinforced barrier, frantically working on a terminal.

"Dr. Tanaka," Kai called out, his weapon trained on her. "Step away from the terminal and surrender."

Tanaka glanced at them, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and defiance. "You think you can stop NeonCorp? We've built this city. Without us, it will fall into chaos."

Aria stepped forward. "The city will rebuild, and it will be free. Surrender now, and you’ll be treated fairly."

Tanaka hesitated, but then her fingers flew over the terminal. The facility's defenses activated, and a swarm of combat drones descended on the team.

"Take cover!" Kai shouted, diving behind a console as the drones opened fire.

The battle intensified, the team struggling to hold off the relentless assault. Aria worked quickly to hack into the terminal, attempting to override the drones' control. "I need more time," she called out, her voice strained.

Kai and the others provided cover, taking out drones and security personnel with precision shots. Aria's fingers flew over the keys, and finally, she managed to gain control of the system.

"Got it!" she shouted, deactivating the drones and opening the barrier.

Kai approached Tanaka, who had slumped to the floor in defeat. "It's over," he said, his voice firm but not unkind.

Tanaka nodded, her defiance replaced by resignation. "I just wanted to create something... something that mattered."

"You can still make a difference," Aria said, helping her to her feet. "Help us rebuild. Use your knowledge for good."

With the lab secured and the charges set, Kai and Aria led their team out of the facility. As they reached a safe distance, the charges detonated, reducing the lab to rubble and ensuring that NeonCorp's dangerous projects were destroyed.

The resistance's simultaneous attacks across Neo-Tokyo were a success. NeonCorp's strongholds fell one by one, their power crumbling under the relentless assault. The people of Neo-Tokyo, inspired by the resistance’s bravery, took to the streets in celebration and solidarity.

Back at their base, the resistance gathered to take stock of their achievements and plan the next steps. Mara stood before them, pride and determination in her eyes. "We've shown NeonCorp and the world that we won't be controlled. But our work isn't done. We need to build a new future for Neo-Tokyo, one where freedom and justice prevail."

Kai and Aria stood side by side, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. "This is just the beginning," Kai said, his voice filled with resolve.

Aria nodded, her gaze steady. "Together, we'll create a city where everyone can thrive."

As the neon lights of Neo-Tokyo flickered, the dawn of a new era began. The shadows that once symbolized oppression now heralded the promise of freedom and the enduring spirit of those who fought for it. The resistance, united and unyielding, stood ready to build a brighter future for all.

With NeonCorp's infrastructure crumbling, the resistance turned their focus to rebuilding Neo-Tokyo. The battle for freedom had been hard-won, but the task of creating a just and equitable society loomed ahead. Kai, Aria, and the other leaders knew that their greatest challenge was not just to dismantle the old regime, but to foster a new beginning for the city's inhabitants.

In the weeks that followed, the resistance organized community meetings and forums across the city, inviting citizens to voice their needs and ideas for the future. These gatherings were a stark contrast to the oppressive silence that had previously pervaded Neo-Tokyo. People spoke of their dreams and aspirations, their hopes for a city that belonged to everyone.

Kai and Aria were at the forefront of these efforts, tirelessly working to ensure that the voices of Neo-Tokyo's diverse population were heard. They collaborated with experts, activists, and ordinary citizens to draft a charter that would guide the city’s reconstruction.

One evening, after a particularly long day of meetings, Kai and Aria sat on the rooftop of the former NeonCorp headquarters, now repurposed as the resistance's central hub. The city stretched out before them, its neon glow softened by the first hints of dawn.

"We've come so far," Aria said, her voice tinged with both weariness and wonder. "But there's still so much to do."

Kai nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "We knew this wouldn't be easy. But every step we take brings us closer to a future where people can live without fear."

Aria turned to him, a determined spark in her eyes. "We need to keep pushing forward, even when it gets tough. We've given the people hope, and now we need to deliver on our promise."

The next few months were a whirlwind of activity. The resistance, now functioning as the provisional government, implemented policies to ensure fair distribution of resources and rebuild critical infrastructure. They worked to restore power and water supplies, rebuild schools and hospitals, and create jobs for the city's unemployed.

As part of their efforts, Kai and Aria spearheaded a project to reclaim and repurpose NeonCorp's vast network of cybernetic enhancements. These technologies, once used to control and oppress, were now being redesigned to assist in medical treatments and improve the quality of life for all citizens.

One day, while overseeing the redevelopment of a former industrial district, Kai received an urgent message from Mara. "We have a situation," she said, her tone serious. "There's been a series of coordinated attacks on our supply lines. It looks like remnants of NeonCorp's loyalists are trying to destabilize us."

Kai and Aria immediately mobilized a response team. They knew that despite NeonCorp's downfall, pockets of resistance remained, driven by those who had profited from the corporation’s rule and sought to regain their power.

The resistance forces quickly identified the source of the attacks: a hidden base in the outskirts of the city, where NeonCorp loyalists were regrouping and planning further sabotage. Kai and Aria led a strike team to confront this new threat.

Under the cover of darkness, they infiltrated the base, neutralizing guards and disabling security systems. Inside, they found a makeshift command center, where the loyalists were coordinating their efforts. A fierce battle ensued, the air filled with the sounds of gunfire and clashing metal.

In the heart of the base, they encountered the leader of the loyalists, a former high-ranking officer named Marcus Voss. He stood defiantly, surrounded by his followers.

"You think you can just erase NeonCorp and everything we built?" Voss spat, his eyes burning with anger. "We’ll take back this city, one way or another."

Kai stepped forward, his weapon trained on Voss. "Neo-Tokyo belongs to its people now. Your time is over."