Recruitment was an experience. I didn’t expect to be escorted to the Council after the second Phase. They offered me a position on the Council to replace their Intellect. I had no idea what that entailed. After they trusted me – when I was too far in to back out – they told me about their secret project called the Omega Protocol. They haven’t been able to create a functioning drug, but their goal is to remove the powers of dangerous individuals. Something like that can and will be misused, and I cannot be a part of it. I’m worried that whoever replaces me will continue the research anyway, and I know that when I tell them this they will send me Outside. I hope this message finds someone before it’s too late. If this research is allowed to continue, I swear it will be the downfall of Sanctuary and the Council. – Satoshi Eldric, 682 Anno Imperi Ortu

Satoshi stands with his palms on a table and his elbows locked. Leaning forward, he examines the map he’s been working on. Silently, Jade, Lukas and I simply watch him work. I know I shouldn’t be impressed by him anymore, but his power continues to surprise me. He hasn’t been inside the wall in decades, but he has replicated a nearly perfect map.

Seemingly satisfied with his work, he stands straight and backs up. Then he folds his arms and rubs his chin with one hand. His graying hair and the creases in his face make him look dignified as he furrows his brow, still trying to pinpoint what’s wrong. I can already see a few inaccuracies, but that’s mostly because some of the shops he’s named have closed and been replaced. Finally Satoshi snaps and laughs to himself. Retrieving the pen from behind his ear, he scribbles onto one of the buildings.

“I was having trouble remembering the name of Melloney’s. You see, John Maloney and his wife Melanie opened this restaurant. Melanie is a Class III Sensor, but her power is specifically taste and scent. She’s able to smell the ingredients of something and perfectly describe the taste – which makes her an incredible chef. Of course, there’s more to her power, but it didn’t particularly affect her job. Anyway, the name is a combination of the wife’s first name and their last name. Both have a singular l, so I tricked myself into believing there should be only one l in the restaurant name.”

Laughing at himself and shaking his head as if it were the a ridiculous mistake to make, Satoshi snickers and returns the pen to his ear. With a contented sigh, he examines his unnecessarily detailed map.

“Satoshi,” I stammer. “Is there anything you don’t remember?”

“Well, I wouldn’t know if there were,” he shrugs.

“Right,” I reply slowly. Dissatisfied with the answer, I press for more information. “Could you tell me the name, class, and power of everyone you went to school with?”

“Only the school?” He asks. “That would be simple, yes.”

I wish I could use that infinite source of knowledge, but it would no longer be applicable. Looking at his map, it’s obvious that Satoshi’s knowledge of the city is outdated. While construction rarely changes existing infrastructure, so the building placement is pristine, he is missing entire city blocks and has improperly named most of the stores. Even if Satoshi could tell me every power from when he was inside, we would be going in practically blind.

“That’s really cool, Satoshi,” Lukas muses. He examines one piece of the map, leaning closely and inspecting it in great detail. In a flash, he darts around the table and is looking at another piece. “You have a lot of empty space, though. Have you forgotten what’s here? Oh, no, of course not that wouldn’t make sense! Wait, you haven’t been there in a long time. This is a new shopping center, it’s super cool and there is even an arcade. Do you know what an arcade is? They have games and stuff and virtual reality but I don’t know why people like virtual reality it gives me vertigo but they have other stuff that’s more fun. There’s also a tailor – which is really cool because I went through a lot of clothes as a kid. Like I ran really fast and tripped into bushes and stuff. The bushes aren’t by this shopping center, though. You didn’t include bushes in your map, which makes sense because it’s just foliage.”

“Lukas,” I sigh. He stops and looks up, sensing my exasperation but clearly not understanding the reason.

“Yeah?”

“I appreciate your stories, truly, but do you think you could channel that energy into adding the construction projects which have been built since Satoshi left?”

When Lukas had joined my movement, I hadn’t had a clue how useful his construction background would be. As part of his schooling, he had to become intimately familiar with every construction project in the past decade. That coupled with his innate curiosity makes him the best person to finish this map. Between him and Satoshi, we will actually be able to plan as accurately as Michael had with an official map.

“Oh, yeah that sounds awesome! I love helping. Don’t worry Carson, I won’t let you down,” Lukas cheers. He retrieves a pen and begins drawing faster than I can follow. Watching the lines appear on the map is actually quite entrancing, since the pen is little more than a blur. Of course, Lukas has to ruin the majesty by continuing his rambling. “I have a lot of energy. I think it’s because of my power, but also because I’m excited. I don’t really know, but my mom used to give me sugar to calm me down as a kid. Isn’t that crazy? Like it has the opposite effect. I don’t know if it worked, really, but I think she figured I couldn’t be more wired. I can talk while I draw though, I’m good at multitasking. So anyway, I won’t draw in bushes either. I don’t remember as much as Satoshi, so I don’t want to mess it up. I’ll only put walls, because those will keep us from places. Unless you’re Carson! Pow!”

I rub the bridge of my nose and try to tune him out. Satoshi adopts a wide grin and chuckles quietly as he greedily absorbs every word Lukas says. The two seem to make a good pair. As desperate as Satoshi is for any new information, he may be the only person who has the willpower to actively listen to each and every word which flows from Lukas’s mouth. Jade, on the other hand, has no semblance of patience. Rolling her eyes, she turns and retreats to the kitchen.

After what feels like hours but is probably no more than ten minutes, the map is complete and Satoshi stands back over it, thoroughly examining the additions. Lukas has marked the opening in the wall, which appears to be our only clear entrance. Lukas falls silent, accepting the social cues and granting Satoshi a moment to plan.

“The only clear way in is through the opening you’ve already made,” Satoshi mutters. “There is no doubt in my mind they’ll be guarding that. They’d be fools not to.”

“So we make another opening,” I suggest.

“While that’s possible, they’ll be monitoring. They’ll see us coming.”

“So let them.”

“We may have numbers, but not nearly what they have. Even the small fraction of their people who attend Battle School outnumber us. We won’t win in a full-on assault.”

“That’s not what I’m suggesting,” I counter. “Let them see some of us coming. Let them think we’re attacking the opening.”

“While the rest of us find another way in,” Satoshi finishes.

“Can you make a bomb?”

“I’ve read about bombs once,” he tells me. I stare at him blankly. Though I am fairly confident that for him, that is supposed to mean he is able, it’s not a guarantee. Realizing I’m waiting for more detail, he adds, “Yes, I can make a bomb.”

“Perfect. Jade and Alfred have grown strong the past few days. I can easily fly over or create a new hole.”

“We approach from every side. We can send the fastest team to the opening, because their goal is only diversion and they’ll have the best chance of escape. Then, the rest of us split into four teams. I’ll lead a group in through the South and Jade through the North. Meanwhile, you can approach from the East. We all meet here,” he suggests, pointing to the capital.

“It will take us days of wandering through the plains. We have to make sure we move under nightfall and remain hidden, so we’ll have to keep our distance from the wall until we’re ready to move. Therefore, each team needs to have a few people capable of fending off the Beasts.”

“I’ll have to fabricate some walkie-talkies,” Satoshi muses.

“Some what?” I laugh, teasing him for his elementary name for his fabricated device. Judging by the apt name, I assume it’s something which allows one to walk while talking – so it’s probably just a communication device. Still, from someone so intelligent, I would have expected a cleverer name.

“Sorry, it’s a portable two-way radio transceiver,” Satoshi explains, waving his hands. “They’re a technological remnant from the world before, and I doubt the Council would be prepared to track them.”

“Oh, I guess I should have known it’s a real thing,” I mutter, feeling foolish. I should have learned by now that I shouldn’t question basically anything Satoshi says. Calling him a walking encyclopedia would be to diminish his ability.

“No problem,” he shrugs. “So, let’s work on mapping our paths. Most of us won’t be able to stay hidden, but that’s fine. We’ll draw all of the warriors to us, allowing you to sneak through.”

“I can fight,” I argue.

“I know. We all know. The Council doesn’t.”

“They’ve seen my power,” I argue.

“Not like we have. Not only are you our leader, Carson, you’re our trump card. You have to be there to inspire the people, but you also have to keep your true strength hidden. We can’t risk them finding a way to counter you.”

“That makes sense,” I agree reluctantly. I want to lead them in the fight, but Satoshi’s right. It’s more important that I’m able to lead them against the Council than in the initial charge. Between the five of them, I’m sure they could figure out a way to best me if I give them the chance to prepare.

A knock on the door interrupts our planning. Confused, I turn from Satoshi and walk to open the door to city hall. I haven’t given anyone reason to think I have a closed door policy, but I appreciate the respect nonetheless. Opening the door, I see Kyle standing at the entrance, his face flooded with concern. His eyes seem to look past me, and he doesn’t display any sense of recognition. Leaning on his cane, he squints.

“It’s me,” I tell him.

“Carson,” he stammers. I try to wait patiently, but he keeps tripping over his words. Unable to tell if he’s afraid or surprised, I start to worry. Just as I’m about to rush him, he finally tells me what’s on his mind. “Someone’s coming.”

“Okay,” I reply, elongating the word to clearly display my confusion. “Anyone is welcome to come in if they need anything.”

“No,” he shakes his head. “No, I mean someone’s coming.”

“Oh,” I stammer, realizing what he’s saying. “How many?”

“About twenty,” he tells me.

“Alright, I’ll deal with this,” I tell him. Turning over my shoulder, I return my focus to Satoshi. “I’ll take care of this. You work with Jade and Lukas to plan your paths. We’ll regroup after I figure out what’s going on.”

“What if you need us?” Satoshi asks.

“I’ll make it clear,” I laugh. Satoshi nods and Lukas races forward to join him. I assume they will fill Jade in, and this way I don’t have to deal with her annoyance that I’m going out there alone. Perhaps I’m becoming overconfident, but I don’t foresee any threat. The Council has never had the guts to venture out into the Outside – why would they be willing to do so now? I don’t know what exactly is happening, but I can’t assume the worst. They wouldn’t have sent an army out here. If it’s not an advance squad from them, though, I have no idea who it may be.

Either way, I have to get moving. If Kyle noticed them, they’re still miles away. I can intercept them before they reach our town. I don’t necessarily want to kill anyone unnecessarily, so I’d rather they not see where we’re located.

“Can you lead me to them?” I ask. Kyle nods and turns away. The rifle he has strapped to his back swings precariously. I don’t know much about guns, but I can’t help but wonder if it’s possible he accidentally shoots it. Carefully scanning the ground with his stick, he monitors his path while staring into the distance. I wonder how far he’s able to see, but I don’t think this is the appropriate time to ask him. Even if the question makes him uncomfortable, though, it would at least break the increasingly awkward silence. “How far out can you see?” I ask.

“Well, it’s complicated,” he muses, shrugging and looking toward the sky for a moment. “The distance is more about physiology. The horizon exists is maybe about 3 miles away. On a hill, I can see further, of course.”

“So, how is your vision enhanced?”

“It’s in the details. While you can see dots on the horizon, I can see detailed images. Up close, I see the dots. It’s basically the reverse of your perception.”

“That’s interesting,” I admit. The two of us walk in silence for a few minutes again. Kyle focuses intently on the figures in the distance, but his cane continues scanning the ground in front of him. More than once, I slow myself down to match his pace. I see the figures approaching us slowly. We’re quickly losing ground. I try to hide my exasperation as I match Kyle’s pace. The silence fills the air again, and for some reason that seems to compound my annoyance. Finally, I try to politely dismiss him. “I can handle it from here.”

“I don’t mind,” he counters. “The walk is good for me.”

“It could get dangerous,” I reply. “Why don’t you stay back here with your rifle and cover me?”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to leave you on your own.”

“It’s not a discussion, Kyle,” I snap. With a sigh, I try to calm down and find a way to mask my frustration. A good leader must focus on morale. If I make Kyle feel underappreciated, I’ll lose the best watchman anyone could ask for. Still, he needs to know he shouldn’t be questioning me – and he’s significantly slowing me down. Softening my tone, I try to explain myself without sacrificing my authority. “When we go to battle, you’ll need to follow my orders without hesitation.”

“Yes, sir,” he mumbles. I nod and take a few quick steps to pass him. Then, I lift myself into the air and shoot forward, flying toward the mysterious figure. As I approach the leading dot, I see a few dozen more behind him. Finally, I’m close enough to see what’s happening. A Beast is scratching its hoof against the ground, getting ready to charge toward a young man cowering and trying to flee. He trips and scurries backward, glancing over his shoulder and noticing my approach. I recognize him instantly, and I put even more focus into speeding toward him.

The Beast charges at Rhett, who defenselessly sits on the ground. As I approach, I lift the Beast into the air and throw it with a massive force backward. It collides with the ground a few hundred feet away and slides along the plains, breaking one of its horns with the impact. Carefully, I land beside Rhett and offer him a hand.

“What are you doing out here?” I ask as he grabs my hand. A sense of familiarity washes over me and sends shivers down my arm. With how quickly my life has been moving, I hadn’t taken a moment to sit and think about how much I miss my best friend. In this moment, I feel like I’m at home again.

“What was that?” Rhett asks, too distracted by the Beast to answer my question. When he stands, he releases my hand and brushes dirt from his pants. I hear him cautiously breathing, trying to regularize his gasps.

“That was one of the Beasts the Council warned us about,” I shrug.

“You threw it aside with no issue,” he observes.

“I’ve grown a bit since we last spoke. Anyway, it turns out they’re just big animals.”

“That’s what the animals are like out here?”

“It’s not that bad. So, Rhett, why did you leave the walls?”

“Oh, right,” he sighs. Rhett glances over his shoulder toward the large group of people marching toward us. Sadness fills his eyes and he seems to look beyond them. Rhett runs his hand through his hair and takes a deep breath. Finally, he looks into my eyes and the world freezes for a moment. For a long time, I’ve harbored resentment toward his decision to stay out of my army – but that may have saved his life. Now, I’m just happy to see my best friend again. All I want is to pull him into my arms and forget the world. I barely even grant any thought to my confusion or the question I asked, but when he finally answers it snaps me back into reality. “Things are bad back at home.”

“What do you mean?”

“The Council is terrified, Car. They have militarized every school. Food production is barely sustainable as any farmer capable of fighting was pulled into Battle School. They even put me through it, and I have plenty of bruises, scars, and broken bones to show for it. It’s not sustainable.”

“They’re that afraid of me?” I smirk. I can’t help but allow a hint of pride to fill my voice.

“That’s what you got out of that?” Rhett groans.

“I’ve just come a long way,” I shrug.

“Yeah,” he agrees. He falls silent for a second. “You look good.”

“You too,” I compliment. Overwhelmed with saving his life and then simply appreciating his presence, I hadn’t even noticed Rhett’s altered appearance. His arms have grown and muscles bulged clearly through his shirt. One scar across his left cheek takes the innocence which used to be on his face and replaces it with a gritty look. His hair is shorter than I’ve ever seen it, so it no longer makes his face look circular. His nose is slightly crooked, and I assume it’s been broken at least once.

Seeing the innocence which has been torn from Rhett, my heart fills with rage once again. He’s too good a person to have to go through that. He shouldn’t have to live with the consequences of war – he should have been protected. The Council doesn’t care about their citizens – they’re simply willing to make any sacrifice required to stop me.

“Carson, you need to surrender,” Rhett adds abruptly.

“What?” I cough.

“They’ll be merciful, I know they will. No one else has to get hurt.”

“They’ll kill me, Rhett.”

“No! They’ll kill you if you keep fighting. Even you can’t beat this, Car. There are so many people! We used to be happy. It doesn’t have to go this way, Carson. They can help you, and we can be happy. Everyone can be happy!”

“It’s too late for that!” I scream. I feel betrayed by him all over again. For some reason, I had been able to convince myself that he’d come out here for me. It seems as though he’s nothing more than a pawn of the Council. They’re using emotional warfare to try to get me to surrender. Such underhanded tactics can’t be forgiven. I’m done allowing them to use people as their playthings.

“They were good for us, Car,” he reiterates. “They still are, they are just scared. People are safe and happy.”

“I wasn’t,” I scowl.

“Maybe that isn’t their fault!”

I fall silent, completely baffled by his assertion. Even Rhett, the one person I trusted above anyone else, blames me for this.

“I didn’t choose this power. I didn’t choose any of this. They pushed me here. This is on them, Rhett,” I scowl.

“I didn’t mean…” He stammers.

“I don’t care what you meant,” I sneer. The rest of the group finally approaches. I don’t recognize most of them, but there are a few scattered throughout the crowd that I’ve met. José and Halsey from my dodgeball team are among them. I assume they’re all Class V’s who couldn’t handle being warriors.

“Why are you all here?” I announce, turning my attention toward them. I push past Rhett, who sighs solemnly. He places his hand on my shoulder, but I shrug it off and approach the group. I don’t bother hiding my emotion, so those in the front stagger back. Finally, one of the V’s shows enough courage to step forward and speak, though he quakes as he does so.

“Rhett told us he was coming to find you,” the young man croaks.

“So what? You expect me to surrender?”

“No! We want to help you,” he counters. “The Council has lost their way. I remember what you were saying about changing things. We need your help, Carson.”

The other V’s nod their agreement, and pride swells within me. It’s almost enough to displace the seething rage I feel toward Rhett. As I look over the quivering new army, though, I realize something. If they’re too weak to fight for the Council, I shouldn’t expect them to have the power to support my army. They’ll just get hurt or get in the way.

“This is a war. I need soldiers now, not just numbers,” I announce, turning my back on the group.

“Then we’ll fight for you!” The boy demands. “Please. The Council will call us deserters. We have nowhere else to go.”

“You shouldn’t have come here,” I sigh. “It’s dangerous out here, and none of you can defend yourselves.”

“Please, Carson!”

“Carson,” Rhett interrupts. I glare at him, but he doesn’t cower like the others. “Please. I don’t want you to get hurt. I don’t want anyone else to get hurt.”

“Neither do I,” I agree. I look over my shoulder to address the others. “He’s right. You’ll all get hurt if you try to fight. You’re just not strong enough. The best thing you can do is hide and wait until it’s over.”

“Where will we go? The Beasts will kill us!” The speaker of the V’s calls.

“That’s not my problem,” I mutter, still seething about the betrayal. I walk away from the others, but I see Rhett’s face in my peripheral vision. I don’t want to do anything for him, but I can’t let him die. I won’t let any of them die. With a heavy sigh, I stop and turn back toward them. “I’ll let you stay with us. You’ll be safe until this is over.”