“Thanks for meeting me here,” Quinn said as he sat down.
David nodded. “It’s a little irregular, but I assumed you didn’t want to go back to the island after seeing Blake.”
“You’re right. Tell me you’ve found something useful.”
David shrugged. “First, you should know Agent Hartman spends a lot of time on the phone.”
Quinn frowned. “Um, not sure why that matters?”
David smirked. “That’s code for he’s talking to Washington…possibly the Pentagon, the Joint Chiefs, or even the President himself.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
David shrugged again. “I’m not sure, but it might suggest things may become unnecessarily complicated as the upper echelons of government and military become involved. Or, they will work with us and let us take the lead. My intelligence reports the President is one of your biggest fans, but that doesn’t mean the Joint Chiefs will agree. They may not embrace you on merit or the words of a lowly agent. It took Chief Applegate and Agent Potter months to accept you. The same is true here.”
“So, you think it’s that bad?” Quinn asked again, trying to read between the lines.
The captain shook his head. “No, the chatter is not focused on apprehending you, but on stopping Victor. There’s also some discussion on whether they can trust you or not. However, I haven’t heard anything to cause alarm.”
“That’s a welcome change. I’m getting used to people being unsure about me. Victor doesn’t help. What about your…special research project?”
“Ah, yes. Slow and steady. The limited information we have access to doesn’t offer much, but we think we’ve studied the local systems thoroughly. We discovered that when the campus lost connectivity to The Order’s private network, it self-purged and erased every last byte of data.”
“So, is it all in the recycle bin or something? Can you un-delete it?”
“Trinity and Goodbutt are working on restoring the local servers, but it’s a slow process. They can only work on one blade at a time. Tara studied the conduits Dark Flame severed and she believes she can reconnect the campus to the network. That should be done within a day or two and we hope the uplink is still active. That should allow us access to anything we want.”
“Won’t they—someone in The Order—detect you?”
David nodded. “Whomever they refers to, most likely. It’s possible they’ll notice the connection is active, but we’re going to use a data shielding trick to fool the bandwidth monitoring systems so it appears the connection is idle. We don’t want anyone cutting us off remotely when they notice we’re downloading vast quantities of data.”
“That’s great. You guys have done a phenomenal job. I thought all this secret spy stuff was only in the movies, but clearly I was wrong.”
David smiled. “Sometimes, the creative ideas in spy movies inspire reality. Other times, the reverse is true.”
❖
Later that day, Quinn sat at the kitchen table as Daddio prepared dinner. Dad was in his home office whistling some tune as he finished up a deposition. On the television, news anchor Paul Anders ran through the day’s news then switched to a story with Camilla Brenhurst about the nighttime attack over the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Quinn’s ears perked up and he tuned into the story. Daddio also turned around and watched the television.
Camilla stood in Prescott Park, her back to the naval prison where Victor had attacked with his two super goons and tried to wipe Quinn and Blake from the face of the planet.
“What spectators are calling a powerful nighttime battle between Blue Spekter and Dark Flame turned into a confusing display resembling fireworks and electrical explosions. Today, authorities confirmed the death of super villain Dark Flame at the hands of Blue Spekter, an action deemed necessary by United States military personnel and the Department of Homeland Security. The powerful battle originated from what authorities believed was a retaliatory attempt on Dark Flame’s part against Blue Spekter after a nefarious secret base within the abandoned naval prison was identified and captured by military forces with Blue Spekter’s help. Though officials will not comment on the nature of the secret base, they insist it was not a military installation nor was it sanctioned by the U.S. Government.
“Though authorities confirmed that super villain Dark Flame is no longer a threat to the community or the world, they admitted the existence of a new breed of superhuman criminals is the latest public menace.”
The camera cut to footage of the afternoon interview, where Lieutenant Doral and Agent Hartman responded to questions. The latter answered a reporter’s question.
“It was only a matter of time before our worst fears were confirmed. If a superhero exists, it wouldn’t be long before the world discovered that super villains exist, too.”
“Wow,” Daddio said.
The camera cut back to Camilla, who continued. “Three of these new superhuman menaces revealed themselves during the battle between Blue Spekter and Dark Flame. Authorities reported that although two of the superhumans were dispatched by Blue Spekter, one of them escaped. This super villain glows red and is believed to be the leader of the unknown organization that occupied the naval prison. The public is urged to consider him extremely dangerous and avoid the red super villain at all costs. If seen, you should get to safety and call 911 immediately.”
“Wow, they’re coming out with everything!” Quinn exclaimed.
“The world needs to know,” Dad whispered, startling them both. Quinn was too focused on the news broadcast to hear Dad join them in the kitchen.
“While there is speculation about their origins, authorities believe the accident that created Blue Spekter and Dark Flame may have been reverse engineered and used by the mystery organization to create super villains. Authorities are working with Blue Spekter to hunt down and destroy the organization and the technology that would allow them to create more evil super humans.
“The Department of Homeland Security announced it has set up a series of informational pages on its Web site and encourages the public to consult the page…”
Quinn grabbed the remote and lowered the volume. “Wow, they’ve come a long way. This is…I don’t know…shocking.”
“You didn’t know?” Dad asked.
Quinn shook his head. “Not at all. I mean, it wasn’t that long ago when Chief Applegate and I were having a conversation about people rioting in the streets when they discovered Dark Flame existed. Now, they’ve basically told everyone there are more evil superhumans and, oh yeah, the bad people can make more of them, too.”
Daddio leaned back against the counter, looking troubled. “Victor Kraze is the red super villain, right?”
Quinn nodded. “Yeah.”
“What exactly did Camilla mean when she said, ‘two of the superhumans were dispatched?’” Daddio asked, looking at Quinn with concern.
Oh boy…how do I tell my dads I had to kill two people…
“They had to be stopped, Daddio. There’s only one way to stop someone like me.”
Daddio took a deep breath and his face seemed to age with worry.
“Damn, who knew this would get so complicated?” Dad said.
“Or dangerous,” Daddio added. He shook his head and turned back to the stove.
Dad smiled and then silently set the table.
This isn’t the last time I’m gonna hear about this, is it? You guys are thoroughly freaked out and you’re scared because now you know someone can kill me…and that I had to kill someone.
❖
Victor
Victor walked into the small café in downtown Dover and spotted the high schooler sitting alone in the corner. The teen nodded at him when their eyes met.
“I know you. You’re Blake’s big brother, a.k.a. his secret government mister moneybags. Or, you’re his pervert lover.”
Victor offered a pleasant smile and sat down. “I assure you, I had no prurient interest in Blake and I have none in you. I don�
��t work for the government. I represent something much more…significant.”
“Uh huh. What is it you want? I told your messenger guy I’d give you five minutes. The clock’s ticking.”
“What I have to offer you is revenge.”
“What makes you think I want revenge?” Darien asked, almost laughing at the idea.
Victor grinned. “I know how you feel about Quinn and Blake. I can offer you the chance to…”
Darien’s posture stiffened with excitement. “Can you give me powers like they have?” he almost shouted.
Victor shushed him and glanced around the café. Thankfully, no one seemed interested in the boy’s outburst.
He doesn’t know Blake is dead.
“Discretion is of absolute importance, Darien. If anyone finds out what we’re planning, it will never happen, is that clear?”
Darien relaxed a little, then nodded. “Right, sorry. But, can you?”
“We have the technology. It’s not perfected, and you’ll need considerable training before we risk enhancing you.”
“I can’t wait to beat the shit out of Quinn…”
“In a year’s time…” Victor said, then waited for the teen’s response.
“Fuck that shit, man.”
Victor smirked. “If I could have more than five minutes of your time, I’d like to explain who I am and what I represent.”
Darien sighed and nodded. “You’ve got my attention.”
Victor explained who he was and described his vision and mission for The Order while selling the broken youth on the promise of a glorified power trip in the name of justice, much like he did with Blake months earlier. Darien’s mind, however, proved much more receptive to Victor’s empty promises. Though Victor knew the bully would receive a control chip to keep him in check, he sensed a blind loyalty within Darien that Blake lacked, a quality he realized too late that was of utmost importance in anyone he enhanced with super powers. He needed followers, not untapped leaders.
“What do I do now?” Darien asked.
“For now, stop bullying Quinn.”
“What? Why? The stupid asshat deserves it.”
“Quinn and Blake are enemies of The Order, which means that if you join us, he is also your enemy.”
“Okay…”
“But, it’s not like you can openly battle him in school or draw attention to The Order now that he’s exposed us to the authorities, right?”
“I guess not,” Darien said.
Victor tapped the side of his head. “We cannot have a repeat of what Blake did at the high school. So, we’re going to show you a smarter way to bully Quinn. The best way to confuse your enemy is to treat him in the exact opposite way he expects. Since you’ve been his bully, then you must start treating him with absolute kindness. It’s the perfect, preemptive strike. It will throw him off base, lower his guard, and when the moment is right, then you strike. But only when the moment is right, Darien.”
“Okay,” Darien said, smiling wickedly.
“That might be six months or a year from now. The problem is, if I infuse you with the power that gives Quinn his abilities, he will sense you and know what we’re doing together. It will defeat everything you wish to accomplish. Besides, between now and then, you need a lot of training and mental conditioning. We need to plan well and do this when you won’t be around Quinn for some time. Like, over the summer.”
“But, what can I do now while we’re in school?”
“You mean other than the training we’ll start within a few weeks?
Darien nodded. “Yeah.”
Victor smiled. “You have ambition, I like that. You can help me now by being my eyes and ears in school. Blake told me his dad asked you to check in on him, so I know you’re already good at reconnaissance missions.”
Darien smiled proudly and puffed out his chest. “Ain’t I, though?”
“Indeed. Imagine how much better you could be with a little training from a professional on my team?”
“You’d do that for me?”
My god, this kid is so dumb. I had to fight with Blake, but this one will believe anything I tell him if he thinks he will gain the upper hand against Quinn. Now, I have my leverage.
“If you’re willing to help me preserve The Order and succeed where Blake failed…”
“Because he was weak like his faggoty friend, Quinn?”
Um, what? Victor regarded the youth with surprise, then frowned. “Kids still use that word in school these days?”
“I do, if it fits.”
“I see. Then yes, because you can be strong where they were weak.”
“I’m in. Sign me up.”
Victor grinned. “Excellent. I must return to my office, but someone will be in touch. We’ll get you set up and begin your training as soon as possible.” He extended his hand and Darien shook it. “You won’t regret joining The Order, Darien. Just remember, absolute secrecy is a must. If we find out you talked, the deal’s off. Understand?”
Darien gave him an evil grin. “I know how to keep my mouth shut. See you around, Victor.”
All too easy.
5-3 | A Much-Needed Distraction
Quinn
“COME ON, QUINN, DON’T BE lame. It’s gonna be fun. It’s the perfect distraction from all the craziness going on in your life,” Keegan said. “And the best part is, Aaron’s parents are out of town, so you know this party’s gonna be awesome.”
Quinn sighed and tilted his head, holding his cell phone between the right side of his face and his shoulder. He had been folding laundry after dinner when Keegan called to invite him to an impromptu end-of-the-year holiday bash that night. Word was spreading among the junior and senior classes, so if Keegan’s information was accurate, the party could be just the thing he needed to pull his head out of superhero life for a few hours.
“Fine, I’ll go. You’re really twisting my arm here,” Quinn teased, grinning.
“I know. It’s because you’re so adorable.”
“Uh-huh.”
“I’m serious. I love your dimples when you smile at me or laugh at something funny.”
“You’re quite the handsome stud yourself,” Quinn said, folding the last pair of sweatpants.
“All right, pick you up around eight?”
“Do you think we should drive?” Quinn asked. “I mean, there’s probably gonna be booze at the party, right? The last thing either one of us needs to be caught up in is a DUI.”
“Oh, good point. Um…maybe we should get a Uber?”
“How about I pick you up?” Quinn asked.
“You just suggested we don’t drive?”
“I didn’t say I’d drive.”
“You mean fly? Heck yeah!”
Quinn chuckled. “All right, I’ll pick you up around eight in your driveway. Just make sure you wear a warm coat. Flying through zero-degree air isn’t fun.”
“But you’ll keep me warm, right?”
“Yes, babe.”
“Then I have nothing to worry about. See you at eight.”
❖
Quinn adjusted his bow tie and noticed the reflection of his father’s face in the bureau’s mirror. “What’s wrong, Daddio?”
“You mean other than the fact that I have to accept the reality that my sixteen-year-old superhuman son had to kill two bad guys to save the planet? Well, seemingly nothing important, I guess, but I can’t help but think there will be booze…maybe even drugs at this party.”
“I’m sure there will be,” Quinn answered honestly. “If I didn’t stop the super goons, they’d be terrorizing the city. It’d be awful.”
Daddio nodded and changed the subject. “Who’s driving tonight?”
“Neither one of us. I’ll fly us close enough to the house, land, then we’ll just walk in like everyone else.”
“Do you even know if alcohol can affect you?”
Quinn paused and wrinkled his eyebrows as he finished fussing with his bow tie. “No, I don’t.” He t
urned around and faced his father. “Look, if you’re worried about me…”
“I’m not sure if I’m worried about you, but I’m concerned. You’ve made some of the most incredible and responsible decisions over the past few months and I know you can’t get hurt easily, but Keegan can, and so can your peers. If alcohol does affect you and your inhibitions drop…I’d hate for you to hurt someone with an accidental use of your powers.”
“So, why aren’t you forbidding me from going?” Quinn asked, wondering if he was going to have to cancel and do something else with Keegan that night. Damn, that’s going to be lame at school after break when everyone talks about the awesome party I couldn’t attend.
Daddio shook his head. “Because I did the same thing at fifteen. Like you pointed out a day or two ago, you’re almost seventeen. You need to make normal teenage decisions. Hell, you’re making incredibly adult decisions—saving lives, and making a huge difference in the community and the world. It seems wrong to deny you this semblance of normalcy. Besides, if not this party, there will be another party in a few months or next year. I’m just glad you told us about the party and didn’t lie or try to hide your real plans.”
“I lied for too long when I was hiding my sexuality and my super powers from you. I don’t want any more lies between us.”
Daddio smiled and said, “Me either.”
“Look, at the first sign of trouble, meaning the police, I’ll grab Keegan, sneak out the back, and fly away. I can turn us invisible if I have to.”
“That’s…a questionably irresponsible use of your powers,” his father said with a tinge of disappointment in his voice.
Quinn raised his hands in exasperation. “Like you said. I’m seventeen. Maybe it’s time I did something teenager-esque with my super powers. Maybe I should go freeze the neighbor’s front steps and watch them fall on their asses.”
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