A small faction has escaped Morgan Hudson’s mind control. The resistance grows by the day, but we’re outnumbered and outmanned. Last month, Hudson stormed city hall and – REDACTED. Dante Amar – REDACTED – and two of the Councilmen are leading the resistance. REDACTED – Hudson – REDACTED – already failed, leaving little hope. If anyone sees this – REDACTED. – Annie Carr, 680 Anno Imperi Ortu

Holding onto one of the rafters of a building near my base, I crouch down in the unfinished attic and examine the world below. With nothing but time on my hands, I don’t mind sitting around and waiting for Jade all day – but I do wish I had given her a time frame. Sighing, I allow my eyes to wander to the endless sky above me.

That same sky connects all the worlds around me. My world – the hidden underground – and the Council’s share the same sky. It even stretches beyond the Wall, giving us something in common with the dangers on the other side. We’re all bound together by that sky.

Movement below me pulls my attention from my musings. Glancing down, I see three people huddled closely together. Did she bring reinforcements? No, I recognize Michael from the lack of confidence in his gait, but from my height I have trouble discerning any faces. If it isn’t Jade with people to help stage an attack against me, then perhaps it’s Michael with help.

I leap from the side of the building, careful to keep my hands and feet pointed directly down. Slowly, I drift to the ground below. Landing in an alley about one hundred feet off their path, I allow myself the secrecy to spy on them and assess their motives.

Carefully, I maneuver to the edge of the alley and peek my head out. As they walk away and head toward the base, I recognize Alexis from the back of her head. It seems our resistance is starting with Battle School dropouts. I suppose that’s sensible, since the Council didn’t seem to care much for our health or futures. Those who were chosen for Battle School Recruitment but not selected to attend the school are probably the most marginalized group. Whereas I found my recruit by sheer happenstance, Michael seems to know exactly who to target.

I don’t recognize the other person walking with Michael, though. He seems a bit too old to have gone through Recruitment as recently as us, but I don’t doubt Michael’s decisions. So far, he hasn’t steered me wrong, so I’ll trust his recruitment strategy as well. Clearly, it’s more effective than my own.

I’m about to step out into the daylight, but a heavier set of footsteps distracts me. Ducking back into the shadows, I twist my head to the left and see Jade storming through the Industrial Sector.

“What are you doing here?” She demands, making an entrance. I groan, immediately regretting my decision. She is going to be nothing but a problem. I suppose it’s not too late – I was intentionally vague. She only knows the general area, not my specific location. Still, I worry she’ll say something to Peacekeepers if I scold her for being obnoxious.

“I’m sorry, we’re just meeting for a class project,” Michael defends, raising his hands in defense. “Are we not allowed back here?”

I appreciate his quick thinking, but I know it won’t be enough to appease her. Confirming my suspicions, she storms toward him and pulls her fist back. Michael backs away, but Jade continues to close the distance. She walks right past Alexis and the other person, focusing her aggression on Michael. Alexis, apparently trying to defend her new friend, quickly places a hand on Jade’s neck. Though clearly off-put by the shock, Jade manages to turn and shove Alexis, pushing her toward a building.

This is getting out of hand. I step out, catching Alexis telekinetically and setting her on her feet. Jade doesn’t notice me as she turns over her shoulder and finally executes the punch she’s been chambering for Michael. Before her fist connects, I stop it in place and walk toward them.

“Jade,” I scold. “He’s with us. If they’re with him, then they’re with us.”

I’ll have to learn to control her, but having some muscle on our team won’t hurt. She will be able to defend us easily. Aside from that, her Class II status is likely to be regarded even more highly than my Class I. People are aware of my lack of power – or at least that’s what’s been conveyed to them for my entire life – so think my status is a fluke. With a Class II on our side, it’s more like we will convince other strong people to join.

“Well, you should have made that clear,” she muttered. I’m shocked, but I try to monitor my expression. I’m not sure what my initial thought was, but for some reason it surprises me that she was just trying to defend my base. Maybe she’s a better addition to the team than I expected.

Shifting my focus, I glance around for cameras or potential witnesses. This area is relatively abandoned, but that doesn’t stop me from being paranoid. This conversation shouldn’t happen until we’re safely veiled behind the walls of my sanctuary. With a nod, I direct them all to follow me. The altercation has convinced me that everyone is at least somewhat trustworthy. Something in each of their eyes assures me they were on my side. Anyway, anyone who won’t turn and run at the first sign of violence is clearly dedicated. I don’t want violence to be something they expect, but it’s a good indicator of their loyalty nonetheless.

Leading the others through a convoluted path to the base, I try to confuse them a bit. I’m still a fugitive, and I have to take some kind of precautions when I meet new people. Finally, I duck through the exposed walls of my building. The others look around, examining the area, and I consider allowing them to think this is my base. I remind myself that a leader is nothing without his supporters – and he will have none without a little trust.

“Is this where you’ve been hiding?” Jade scoffs.

“Not exactly,” I shrug. Telekinetically, I life a slab of drywall on the ground. Inconspicuously, it blends in with the rest of the mess left behind by construction workers, but beneath it lie the stairs to the basement.

“How is that happening?” The new guy stammers.

“In time,” I respond, nodding toward the basement. I wants to spend as little time exposed as possible.

“This explains a lot,” Alexis mutters. Michael leads the others downstairs and I follow them, setting the wall down behind me.

“This isn’t much better,” Jade observes when I reach the landing.

“Living as a fugitive isn’t exactly glamorous,” I sigh.

“Drywall is easy to put up,” the new person asserts. “They’ve left pieces behind, and I could easily get some more that no one would miss. We can close off the first floor to give you more space for operations. I can also let you know if they plan to re-open the construction here. That will give you a bit of a warning.”

“Lukas,” Michael interrupts, holding his hand out to stop the young man’s rambling. “I’m sure Carson appreciates your ambition, but let’s start with some introductions.”

“Of course,” he mutters, shaking his head in embarrassment. He’s excitable. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but hopefully he’s able to stay focused.

“Carson Adachi needs no introduction,” Michael starts.

“Thanks,” I chuckle, “but I think they’ll want some explanation. First, I’d like to hear why you’re all here.”

“You know why I’m here, Powerless,” Jade grumbles.

“That’s Jade Cameron,” I explain to the others, fully aware that I won’t get many words from her. “She’s here because I beat her during Recruitment and she wants to prove it was a fluke. As you can see, motives aren’t the most important thing as long as they’re true.”

“After Battle School Recruitment,” Alexis jumped in, answering my vague prompt, “I was ignored by every school. I was forced into Drone School. My chances were robbed from me. That isn’t okay – the system is broken. I wanted to blame you, Carson, but it isn’t your fault. The Council used us like playthings.”

Lukas doesn’t seem mildly confused as she speaks, so I get the feeling they’ve already discussed these issues. Though I wasn’t relegated to Drone School, I can empathize with her position. We missed two phases of Recruitment where we may have had a chance to show our skills to other schools.

“Battle School may be one of the best kept secrets of the Council,” I acknowledge solemnly. “That’s one of the things they need to change. The training of our Peacekeepers doesn’t have to be a secret – and it shouldn’t steal the potential from others. I wasn’t even asked to go to Battle School Recruitment – I was told.”

“Recruitment as a whole has to change,” Lukas joins in. “I like my job, honestly. I’ve always loved working with my hands. I just want to do more. I don’t want to have to rely on someone else to fix the wiring in my house or to repair my appliances. It’s like they’re afraid of educated citizens, so they want us all hyper-specialized. They give us a role and lock us in it for the rest of our lives.”

“Good point,” I admit.

“Sorry, I’m Lukas Cannon. I’m a Class III Somatic – a Runner. It doesn’t play much of a role in my career, honestly. I work in construction – that’s how I would be able to let you know when this project is back on the table. That’s also why I’m sure we could put some walls up without anyone noticing. It would be easy…”

“Thank you, Lukas,” I interrupt. “That is definitely something I would like to discuss with you. First, I’d like to wrap up introductions by talking a bit about my story and the reason we’re here. I didn’t discover my powers until Recruitment, and the Council decided to try to keep them a secret. They have a serum which neutralizes powers. It’s their most well-hidden secret, and that is my main purpose here.

“You see, people won’t believe me – I’m just a fugitive. As we grow, and as more of us tell our stories, we can expose the Council’s corruption. We can propose solutions. We can fix this. We aren’t here to hurt anyone or start riots. Are we all united on this?”

I read the room, looking at the others. Everyone – even Jade – nods silently. I wonder if they’re simply processing the information regarding Omega Protocol or if they’re truly agreeing. Allowing them a few moments to process, I wait for any dissenting opinions. Confident no one has anything to add, I breathe a sigh of relief.

“We all feel slighted by the Council,” I continue. “The fact is: they’re five flawed people trying to lead a country on their own. The system needs reform – they need a government. A true leader builds his stand on transparency, not secrets. I will be open with all of you, and I expect that in return. We will show the people these errors, and they will demand reform.”

“That’s a beautiful idea,” Alexis says. “It seems a little unrealistic. Any of us will be arrested for associating with you. Not that I’m not willing, but we’ll be silenced.”

“We start small. We’ll meet here twice a week at night, and you’ll all only tell your stories to those you trust. Gauge reactions. At first, people will not be receptive. They’ve been brainwashed to believe the Council is flawless. As much as it hurt for each of you to have that perception shattered, it will be just as painful for someone else. Look in your inner circles for people who may feel disappointed in their leaders. For now, leave the public face to me. I’m not going to ask you all to take on all the risk. I won’t lead from here – hidden safely in my basement.

They all nod, their eyes lighting up with inspiration. Looking back, I know I’ve led before. The Class V’s have looked up to me, and Ashley helped me win a fight. Still, something feels different about this. I didn’t realize I had this in me, but somehow I’m igniting a fire in this group.

“I’ll plant the seeds,” I tell everyone. “That’s why today: I come out of hiding.”

“What?” Michael stammers. “Don’t you think that’s a little soon?”

“No, I don’t,” I shake my head. Of course I’m intimidated, but I can’t hide forever. Seeing the faith these people have in me has convinced me I can make a difference. “People won’t believe the first time they hear.”

“So you’re going to try to protest across town without getting caught?” Michael wonders.

“Exactly,” I shrug. “I’ll start slow. I’ll plant the seeds of doubt, and you all can find those in whom they take root. We’ll show people the truth, and they’ll start to believe. Do you remember what you told me, Michael? When you first found me?”

“We can make a difference,” he sighs.

“I know we can,” I finish his statement. “I know it’s fast, but you all wouldn’t have come here if you didn’t want things to be better. We can’t wait for the world to change. We have to bring the change ourselves.”

“Okay!” Lukas cheers. I laugh and shake my head. I can see my words having an impact on the others, but Lukas is by far the most vocal.

“Alright, then I’m going to go to the marketplace. This has another benefit as well, of course. If I’m pulling attention from here, Lukas can make some upgrades.”

“I’ll help,” Jade offers. “I’ll just want to fight the Peacekeepers, so I wouldn’t be helpful to you there. Anyway, Lukas doesn’t look strong enough to carry those walls on his own.”

I’m surprised by Jade’s mature reaction. She actually offered to avoid the action. I’d like to think I’m already having a good impact on her, but it’s far more likely there’s just more to her than I assumed. If I’m going to lead more a bigger group than the one around me, I’m going to have to learn to read people better.

“Thanks, Jade,” I reply. “Alexis, Michael, you’re with me. Obviously, I don’t want to make your association known. You’ll go ahead of me and scope out a good and populated area. Michael, you can direct me in any necessary escape. Alexis, you can stand at my exit point and basically just serve as a deterrent. If a Peacekeeper bumps into you, you give them a light shock. Nothing suspicious, just enough to make them think you’re not entirely in control, but it’s their fault for running into you.”

“Okay, I finished those untraceable communicators,” Michael affirms. I realize I made my entire plan based on the assumption that he had without any actual evidence. I scold myself, but try to appear confident. There’s a line between transparency and giving them reason to suspect I’m incompetent, so I decide not to mention that error.

“I can do that,” Alexis nods.

“Great,” I say, realizing that I now have to go through with this plan. I feel a weight on my chest, but I know I have to move. Michael is patient – I’m fully aware of that. Alexis is hungrier for justice. Jade will get bored with a slow-growing revolution. Lukas is clearly excitable, so he’s going to want to constantly be moving. I know my team, and I know I have to show them I’m serious. If I don’t take action, I may lose all the people we’ve found. There’s no better time than the present.

Michael hands me an earpiece before he and Alexis leave. Lukas and Jade promptly get to work on renovating the base. Suddenly, I start to feel as though there’s hope for us as a team. When I was alone, it was about survival. Now, after only trying to recruit people for a few days, Michael and I had tripled our numbers. I’m leading a small team. More importantly than that, there are people who share my vision.

I take a moment to relish that fact before walking upstairs myself. Jade carries twelve-foot pieces of drywall on her own and Lukas starts drilling them into the wall. I’m not certain where he got the tools because I was only downstairs for a few minutes without them. I know Runners can be unbelievably fast, but this is still impressive.

“Is there anything you need help with before I go?” I offer.

“Day one and you’re putting us to work, Powerless. I should have known this was an excuse for manual labor,” Jade teases. For a moment, I’m worried and I want to defend myself. Instead, I choose to match her banter.

“I don’t think I even asked you to be here,” I counter.

“Well, either way, I don’t need your help, Powerless,” she snaps. I don’t understand her, but as long as she’s on my side that’s all I need to know.

“This is a very odd dynamic,” Lukas observes. “Regardless, I’m just happy to help. You’re going to make a big difference and I want to be a part of it. Maybe we’ll even see a time in our lifetimes where people aren’t separated by Class!”

“Woah, I like my Class,” Jade argues.

“Well, if you’re truly as strong as you think you are, you shouldn’t need a Class to tell you that,” I argue.

“Look, Powerless, I know you’re trying to manipulate me, and it’s not going to work. Also, I never said I need it.”

“My mistake,” I laugh. Any playfulness in her tone has shifted to clear anger, but she continues to move the walls for Lukas.

“Quick note before I go, Lukas. I am glad you’re with us, and that you’re happy to be a part of this. However, I’m going to need you to be careful what you say. Here, you tell me everything you want to change about the Council. Just know that all of that talk stays in here, understand?”

“Oh, of course! I know it doesn’t seem like it, but I’m really good with secrets. I just like to talk and I get excited, but I’ll just tell people about other things. For example, at work, we all love to talk about sports. There’s so much to discuss about sports.”

“Thanks, Lukas,” I cut him off, trying to stay focused on preparing for my first rally. “I’m glad we’re on the same page.”

I wonder if his loquaciousness has anything to do with his power. From childhood, he would have been constantly moving faster than everyone around him – especially if he’s as fast as I think he is.

“Ready,” Michael announces through the comm. I take a deep breath and steel myself. It’s finally time to make myself known to the world again. I leave Lukas and Jade to their work and slide on a hat and sunglasses. It’s not a great disguise, but I plan on shedding it when I reach my destination. All it has to do is get me to the meeting point, and I plan to be moving quickly.

Making my way to the marketplace, I navigate through the back alleys. These dark pathways have become a second home to me, and I’m starting to know the back streets of the city better than the main ones. Without incident, I’m able to navigate through the maze of buildings and reach the marketplace.

This is it. I relax my shoulders and crack my neck. Taking off the sunglasses, I hang them from my shirt. I toss the cap to the ground and emerge from the alley. If people see me wearing it, there’s no point in keeping it.

Not nearly as much drama arises as I’d expected. Everyone seems distracted with their own lives, and no one notices me calmly strolling to the center of the market. Families are huddled together with vendors as they procure their food for the week. Students are grouped with others from their school, all wearing similar uniforms. The vendors can’t be bothered with someone who isn’t a customer when they’re so busy making a profit.

Everyone around me is living in a false sense of security. Even with my pictures still on the television, they have fallen into the belief that the Council will protect them from their problems. For their sake, I’m happy the news is lying about me. If I were as violent as they make me out to be, I could cause serious damage here before anyone acknowledged my presence. They’re all brainwashed into thinking the Council is their savior and can do no wrong. I don’t know how I’m going to convince these sheep otherwise.

I steady my breathing and try to build my confidence. I never would have assumed Alexis or Jade would join my cause. Michael sought me out. Lukas is clearly dissatisfied with the current system. These people are relying on me to bring change – and if they’re waiting then there are bound to be others. All I have to do is let them know they’re not alone.

As I’m preparing myself to make a speech, someone finally notices me. At least it makes my job of getting attention a bit easier.

“Peacekeepers!” A mother shouts, pushing her daughter behind her.

“I’m not here to hurt you, Ma’am,” I assure her. “Your daughter is safe.”

“That’s Carson Adachi!” Another voice screams.

“The terrorist!”

“Help!”

“Someone stop him!”

This isn’t going well. I don’t know why I expected anything different, but this is quickly getting out of hand.

“Everyone, please, listen to me,” I yell, my voice booming over their shouts of terror. “I’m not here to hurt you, I’m here to tell my story.”

No one listens. People are clearing out of the marketplace faster than I can speak. Time for drastic measures. I have to do something to hold their attention and overpower their panic. Pointing my hands toward the ground, I push myself upward. Slowly, I rise until I’m a few feet above everyone. Their fear shifts to awe as every eye turns toward me.

Of course, flight is nothing special to the people around me. However, my name has been in the news since I was a child. I’m the Powerless. Even their recent attack ads claim I used bombs to damage the school. I can use their ignorance to my advantage.

“There are two sides to every story. I just ask that you hear mine,” I call. I try to telekinetically amplify the sound of my voice, but I can’t tell if it’s working.

I hear no protest from the crowd. Knowing I can’t hold myself here forever – if for no other reason than because I need my hands free – I have to make the time I have count. I wonder if I can direct the energy from my feet well enough to keep my balance. Cautiously, I shift the energy and feel my hands freeing up.

“My name is Carson Adachi. At my Assessment, it was deemed I have no power. I thought this was true until Recruitment. I found that I do have a power, but it’s one the Council fears. You see, I have an external power, and we all know how that went last time.

“They wanted to keep my power quiet. Rather than teaching me to use it, they abandoned me. The attack they’re showing you was an attack on me. Derrick Levine tried to silence me. You all know how hot-headed he can be. We think he balances the Council, but he doesn’t. There are flaws in the leadership structure that we refuse to address.

“They are just men and women trying to lead. They’ll make mistakes like the rest of us. We shouldn’t think they’re immune to that, but they can’t pretend they are either. True leaders show honesty to their people. Ask questions. Ask your leaders – ask your friends. Ask about Battle School and where your friends were for the second half of Recruitment. Ask where the bruises come from. Ask how Peacekeepers are selected,” I implore.

I know I have to be careful. I can’t push too far, and I plan to find a way to give more speeches. I can tell my story over time, but the main purpose of today is to get the people thinking. If I try to overload them, they’ll dismiss me.

“Everyone please evacuate calmly,” a Peacekeeper calls over a loudspeaker. “Consider Carson Adachi armed and dangerous.”

“I’m not dangerous,” I argue calmly. “I don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

Every television around me turns on and shows the image of the school torn apart by my powers. More Peacekeepers emerge, surrounding me. One by one, they draw their guns and aim them upward toward me.

“Carson Adachi, surrender now or we’ll be forced to use lethal force.”

I hold my hands out, holding all eight of the Peacekeepers in place. I’m exerting myself too much, and I can feel my head start pounding. The more I use my power, though, the duller the pain seems to get.

The Peacekeepers begin panicking as they struggle to move their legs. Their struggling presses against my energy and I feel my headache growing worse. I have to get back to the hideout quickly. Somehow, I have to end this.

I pull all the guns from their hands and hold them above the crowd. People cower, covering their heads with their arms and shielding their children with their bodies. All at once, the clips from the weapons fall to the ground. I eject the bullets from the chambers. Finally, I set the guns on a nearby rooftop.

“Ask why they were willing to kill me,” I yell, bringing myself to the ground as I try to quell the pounding headache. Landing carefully in the circle of Peacekeepers, I hold my hands out to either side as I try to continue holding all of them in place. All at once, their extremities begin to twitch as I slowly lose my hold. “Ask who is more violent.”

I turn to walk away from the scene. I won’t be able to run well with my head hurting like this, so I have to keep the Peacekeepers in place for a little while longer. With that head-start, I may be able to evade capture. Before I depart, I want to leave them with something powerful. I can’t mention Omega Protocol. I want them curious enough to ask – not in disbelief enough to shrug off my comments. Anyway, it sounds like a conspiracy, and I can’t help but remember how Rhett responded. That is information for people who are already convinced. Instead, I leave them with one final thought.

“Ask yourselves if you’d kill me for what you’ve seen.”