Hands shot up from the meager crowd of reporters, but before Mat could point to anyone, Retroactivity said, “May I?”
With minor trepidation, Mat nodded and stepped aside from the lectern, ceding center stage to Retroactivity. Retroactivity straightened his white suit and motioned slightly with his hands, indicating that the reporters should hold their questions. “I’d like to say a few words first. First of all, I’d like to thank Director Roche and the entire Department of Augment Affairs for calling us in, for providing behind-the-scenes support and for regularly serving as a bridge between augmented and non-augmented individuals. Our job today was challenging, but their job is challenging every day, and we should not forget about the quiet heroes in our celebration of the bold.”
Mat grimaced internally, but kept his polite smile pasted on. Retroactivity continued, “And in the vein of celebrating less flashy victories: Halflife, Replix?”
Halflife stepped forward and raised her hand, revealing a broken piece of cement. Replix picked up a Geiger counter from behind the lectern and turned it on, pointing it at the rock in Halflife’s hand. It immediately began clicking furiously, the individual sounds melding into one continuous tone. The reporters instinctively took a step backward, and Mat barely prevented himself from making a dive for the rock. What sort of trick was this?
“This is a piece of a building from Miami, near where the nuclear detonation occurred,” Retroactivity explained. “Now, listen to the Geiger counter.”
Halflife closed her hands over the piece of rubble and smiled. The Geiger counter slowed from a continuous cascade of sound back to rapid individual clicks, then slowed still further. Within a few seconds, it had fallen silent. Halflife opened her hand to reveal the rock still there, but no longer radioactive.
“Halflife is an Aug-3 Alchemist. She is able to rapidly convert materials at near-touch range. With a methodical grid and appropriate support, we expect her to be able to return the ruins of Miami to a normal level of background radiation within three months.”
This proclamation was met by a murmur from the small crowd of reporters, and Retroactivity again raised his hands slightly for calm. “I can provide the math for those curious later. It’s a simple division of the area. In fact, there’s a chance that we can get it done even faster—” and here Retroactivity turned to Mat “—with the help of the DAA.”
Automatically, Mat broadened his smile, although he had no idea what Retroactivity was talking about. The important thing now, though, was to look good for the cameras while the hero of the day was talking, and sort it all out later.
Retroactivity didn’t leave him guessing, though. “If the DAA can locate other willing Augments with relevant Alchemist abilities, we can allow them to work in tandem or in shifts to restore Miami faster. Of course, this still leaves us with the problems of the ruins, but the proper Kinetics may be able to work wonders there, too.
“This is not to say that we will not bring in standard construction teams. Once the radiation has been reduced to safe exposure levels, we will be pursuing both augmented and non-augmented techniques to restore Miami as quickly as possible. Proper teamwork and organization is the key.
“To that end,” Retroactivity’s voice deepened slightly, and he stood marginally straighter, “I have an announcement to make. It has long been an open secret that my team and I pull many of the strings in Washington. Through back-alley deals and secret quid pro quos, we have peddled influence and exerted our will for years. This ends today.
“My augment allows me to see all possible futures and choose the one I like. This makes me, in a word, unbeatable. You have seen today what happens when I choose to oppose someone. Seed, a threat so great that the American government was willing to cede pieces of the country to him, is dead. This has happened because I desired it to be so.
“Today, I declare that my time in the shadows is done. As of this moment, I am in control of the United States of America.
“I will leave the broad structures in place, but no longer will we be paralyzed by petty politics. When red tape looms, I will cut through it. We will not be imprisoned by our ideals, but set free by them. I will make sure that it is so.
“I understand that there are those who will take exception to this. Indeed, I have seen many potential futures where things go awry, and I am overthrown. Believe me when I say that we are not living in one of those timelines.
“Any who disagree with my rule are welcome to leave. Any who stay and chafe under my rule will lose. This is not a threat. It is a statement of what I have seen.”
The reporters were exclaiming now, their voices rising and demanding to be heard, but Retroactivity smiled and continued. “The path to success for this country lies in unification. Despite all of our differences, we are one people, and I will see us function as one.
“I charge the Department of Augment Affairs with the task of bringing Augments to greater prominence. We let too many talents languish unrecognized. We will find these men and women and help them discover where they can work to best effect. The next time that a threat like Seed arises, we will not resort to fighting him by trial and error, making mistakes that cost us both land and lives. We will have our answer ready to go, and we will know before we engage in battle that our victory is certain.
“I, Retroactivity, have seen this future. I promise you that it will be so.”
Retroactivity smiled, inclined his head and strode away from the cameras, followed by his team. The reporters shouted questions after him, but he ignored them and continued to walk.
Mat briefly considered attempting to salvage the shambles of the press conference, before also turning his back on the reporters and hastening to catch up to the others.
“You can’t just declare yourself king of America,” Mat hissed as he drew close.
“Director Roche! I’m glad you’re here,” Retroactivity said, ignoring his comment. “I’m appointing Lacuna as special liaison to the DAA to help you organize and mobilize the Augments. I expect you to cooperate with her. In fact, I know you will.”
Lacuna smiled at Mat. “It’ll be like old times.”
“So—that’s it?” Mat asked, feeling lost. He reached for his augment, but received no helpful guidance, only that strange hollowness he’d felt before. “Democracy is just over?”
“Much will remain,” Retroactivity assured him. “I’m just here to smooth over the parts that aren’t working right. It’s better for everyone.”
“Come on, Mat,” said Lacuna. “You and I have a lot to discuss. We’re the architects of a new day. Let’s build a solid foundation.”
She led him away in a separate direction as Retroactivity and the others continued to walk.
“So,” said Halflife. “When’s the war with Canada?”
“What?” asked Taunt, perking up.
“What makes you think I intend on warring with Canada?” asked Retroactivity, a smile playing on his lips.
“You asked us,” Halflife said. “What we would do. Molt, rob a bank. Replix, uncontrolled replication. Lacuna, Seed. And Taunt to invade Canada. We’ve done the others, and I cannot see you leaving the set unfinished. Besides, the loss can’t sit well with you.”
“I may have some plans for handling Jonah and his matter transportation, yes,” admitted Retroactivity.
“And what about you?” Replix asked Halflife. “He said yours was too boring, right? So you just don’t get it?”
“Not too boring,” she corrected him. “Too straightforward. I wanted to take over the country.
“And here we are. Roundabout and topsy-turvy, but we’ve done it. So all that’s left is Canada.”
“We have things to rebuild first,” said Retroactivity. “Canada can wait until we need a scapegoat.”
Taunt laughed. “In politics? We’ll be invading within the week.”
Retroactivity smiled. “Let me demonstrate my benevolence first, assuage the fears. You’ll have your war soon enough.”
&
nbsp; “And this is why I stick with you,” Taunt told him. “You get things done.”
XVII
“So that’s how things—were? Could have been? Aren’t? Language isn’t suited for what I do. Let’s just call it a different look at some familiar faces. But back to the reality you’re more accustomed to: I’m sure you recall this?”
The buzz from the crowd of reporters, already diminished from its standard volume, dropped away entirely as the president walked onto the stage. His usual energy was absent, and he moved in a somber, measured gait like a pallbearer at a funeral. He stopped behind the lectern and looked out into the crowd for a long moment before speaking. The cameras broadcast this across the world, the image of a man who had been given a terrible task and who had executed it dutifully.
“People of America,” he began at last. His voice was quiet but firm, striking exactly the right note for the occasion. “Today, America has suffered a terrible tragedy. We do not yet know the details of what has occurred. What we do know is almost unimaginable: a massive detonation has occurred in the state of New York.
“It has often been said that a lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still pulling its boots on. That has never been more true than in our age of instant wave communication. I am not here to speculate. I am here to announce what is known, and to let the nation know that whatever has happened—whatever is happening—we will stand strong, and we will face this together.
“Much speculation is swirling regarding terrorists and nuclear devices. These are possibilities, but without interpretation, here are the facts:
“A large-scale detonation occurred in Long Island less than an hour ago, at 10:16 AM.
“Eye-witness reports describe an object plummeting from the atmosphere at high speeds and striking the ground just before the explosion.
“The explosion occurred near the edge of the Rocky Point Pine Barrens, near the center of Long Island. Everything in approximately a two mile radius has been destroyed, with damage and fires reaching up to eight miles away.
“The effect of the explosion appears to be nuclear in nature, but—” here the president held up a cautionary finger “—this may not prove to be the case. Objects traveling at a sufficiently high rate of speed can create very similar blast patterns. However, we are evacuating the surrounding area while we investigate, and I urge everyone to stay as far away from the area of impact as possible. Firefighters are working to contain the blaze, but it is unpredictable and unsafe to be nearby.
“To the residents of Long Island, I urge calm. Our police, firefighters and National Guard are working at top speed to evacuate you swiftly and safely. Please listen to all directions given to you by emergency personnel. They are jeopardizing their own safety to ensure your safe passage, and the best thing you can do is cooperate.
“To those concerned for your loved ones, please do not attempt to enter Long Island. In order to assist the evacuation process, emergency personnel may be directing outgoing traffic into all available lanes, including those that are usually inbound. The etherwave network appears unaffected even in the immediate area of the detonation, so you may be able to communicate through those devices. Local clusters are appearing of volunteers willing to attempt to locate anyone who may not wear a wave. Again, though, it is imperative that no one approach the affected area until response crews can effectively assess the hazards.
“We do not, as yet, have any information suggesting that this was a terrorist attack. If it turns out to have been one, be assured that we will respond with the full might of the United States military.
“Regardless of the cause, however, we must deal with the effects. I know that we as a nation are strong enough to handle this with consideration and grace. To the people of Long Island and New York City, I urge patience in the upcoming days. If the detonation was nuclear, we will need to evacuate the island on a semi-permanent basis, and resettle those displaced for several years while we work to restore our land.
“Should this come to pass, I ask you for your patience and your kindness. Remember that these are Americans just like you. Imagine if you had lost everything, and make them welcome. Share your cities. Treat them as you would want to be treated if you were in their place.
“This is, of course, a worst-case scenario. It is entirely possible that—”
Suddenly, the president’s face blanched, all of the blood visibly leaving. He convulsively gripped the lectern and, wide-eyed and staring into the gathered cameras of a room full of reporters, said, “Oh, God. Oh, dear God.”
The reporters burst into a clamorous babble, all shouting at once, demanding to know what was happening. The president blinked rapidly, gathering himself, and took in a deep, shuddering breath. He raised a shaking hand, and the room fell silent.
“America. It is my great misfortune to present you with terrible news.
“The source of the explosion has been discovered.
“Gammalock is dead.”
For a moment, everything hung in a shocked, crystal silence. Then the room exploded into noise, every reporter shouting variants on “What?”, “How?” and “Are you sure?”
The president, clearly receiving information only seconds before relaying it, did his best to answer the questions.
“Gammalock is reported to have left his compound this morning. He filed a flight plan for Washington, DC. The time he left, combined with his flight speed and path, are consistent with the time and location of the explosion.
“Gammalock’s power, as you all know, was increased intelligence in the presence of ionizing radiation. His suit provided him with a constant source of this radiation through constant controlled nuclear reactions. The damage seen in Long Island is consistent with the theorized nuclear yield of his suit.
“Gammalock is not responding to any form of communication. His biometric trackers are all reporting failure. Protocols which he set up to activate in the event of his death have triggered. We are as certain as we can be that he has died.
“America—people of the world—today is truly a day of great tragedy. We are suffering on many levels. Personal, for many of us have friends of loved ones involved in the Long Island tragedy. Nationwide, for we as Americans feel this blow as if it had happened in our town, to ourselves. And worldwide.
“Gammalock was a force like this world had never before seen. His power gave him incredible gifts, and he in turn gave those gifts to the world. He gave them freely, enriching the lives of even the least among us. From transportation to communication to medicine, he revolutionized every field he touched.
“His legacy will live on throughout the centuries. As man expands into space to settle new planets, it will be Gammalock’s mathematics that carry us there, his science that sustains us. We will carry his name throughout the cosmos, revering him as the man who inspired a generation.
“Isaac Newton once said, ‘If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.’ By that token, Gammalock was the Colossus of Rhodes, towering above us all. But his greatest credit is that he never abused his power, never used it to diminish others. As he rose, he built steps so that the rest of us might follow along.
“Today, we mourn the loss of a great man, but we also celebrate his accomplishments. When you reach out to your loved ones, remember that you do it on devices he designed. When you travel to see them, think of the technological advances he made to your vehicles’ computers and safety designs.
“Even now, our rescue workers on Long Island are saving people thanks to his inventions, and many of those who are hurt or hospitalized will fully recover thanks to him. He changed this world in a thousand ways, both big and small.”
The president paused briefly, shifting his tone from eulogy to command. “This means that the detonation has been confirmed as nuclear in nature. Residents of Long Island, if you observed the flash of the explosion, let emergency personnel know as soon as possible. They will assist you. Trust in them to help.
“Thousands of you will require care. Hundreds of thousands will need to be evacuated. With your assistance, we can help everyone in a calm and orderly fashion. Emergency centers are being erected. Plans are being enacted to handle this. Everything will be fine. Panic will only worsen the situation.
“The fires are already being contained. We will develop a recovery plan to clean and contain the radioactive material. We will restore this. We will rebuild. And we will come out stronger than ever before.
“God bless the United States of America. God bless the people of the world. And God bless Gammalock, whose contributions will never be forgotten.”
The room erupted into a clamor once more. The president, however, simply turned and walked off of the stage, leaving the press shouting to an empty lectern.
Mat’s world was chaos. As a director of the Department of Augment Affairs, the death of one of the world’s most prominent Aug-5s was going to be a major upheaval in any case. For Mat, however, it was doubly so. He had spent years agitating via email for the department to lean less heavily on Gammalock, and cautioning what would happen when he was no longer there. Like Cassandra of Troy, his warnings had gone unheeded until it was too late. Now he was being flooded with panicked requests to implement his plans, set up his committees, organize and restructure a body without a head.
“This is impossible,” he muttered, running one hand through his short-cropped hair in frustration.
“Piece at a time, boss,” called Raul from the other room.
Mat laughed. “Have you bugged my office? How do you even know what I said?”
“Easy. You’ve spent years going, ‘Let’s fix this problem!’ while everyone else went, ‘What problem?’ Today, their question was answered, so now they want your solution. So you’re inundated. I’ve spent all morning listening for you to say something out loud, because whatever it was was going to be born of frustration and defeatism. Thus: piece at a time.”
“Impressive deduction, Sherlock. Out of curiosity, how’s your inbox look?”
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