Light Master stared down at his tablet, watching the latest from Alyx Turner. This was the closest thing he could get to news anymore. Stupid network restrictions his parents had him under. The tyrants. Things were happening and he needed to know!
Alyx was on the screen, her head in her hands.
"So, like, this is seriously messed up. Okay, we all remember Phantasma, right? April, that attack with Achilles and Popcorn Bag - who now goes by Jumper. We remember that, right? And then, this Paris guy comes out of the woodwork. Like, are they pulling these bad guys out of their asses? And the names are just...
"Y'know what, we're not gonna gripe about the names right now. That's not important, at least compared to what's currently happening. Anyway, Phantasma apparently attacked Achilles again - in private this time - and wound up arrested for it. Great. If she's hurting people, she deserves to get arrested. I have no problem with that.
"But I do have a problem with what happened next. We got another attack from Paris, who's got his own goons now - we'll tackle that later - and scarcely a week passes before we hear that Phantasma's dead. Dead. Died in her cell of unexpected medical complications apparently.
"Which, y'know, is hella suspicious. The military's supposed to take care of their inmates. And then one just dies. And they insist there was nothing they could have done. Which just sounds like they're trying to dodge blame for it. Like, seriously. They were supposed to have 24 hour surveillance on her. How do you not notice that your inmate is dying in her cell?
"And then! Then! They say they'll get an autopsy, they get it and don't release it publicly. Suspicious again. Like, come on Generals. You think we can't see you're covering something up here? But, fine, they want their private records, I guess we're stuck with that. They do release an autopsy summary, which basically says exactly what they said when she died. Sudden medical distress, yada yada yada, couldn't do anything about it, yada yada yada, couldn't foresee it, yada yada yada.
"But now we have that autopsy. An anonymous post, claimed by 'Paris' Phalanx' - we'll ignore that for now - released that classified autopsy report. Great. Now we have it. Experts are checking it over as we speak, looking for any discrepancies. But the military's furious about it. They want it scrubbed from the web. Which, like, why? Tea's already spilled, you can't put it back in the cup. It feels suspicious that they want it erased.
"And then the military says this." Alyx pointed behind her, where a clip of an interview with one of the generals played.
"It's not about what was in the report. There was nothing damming in that report, nothing we had to keep classified. But it is about the principle."
The video stopped, at an unfortunate frame that made the general look pretty stupid.
"It's about the principle," Alyx said in a fake deep voice, mocking the general before switching back to normal. "Personally, I think all military files that don't contain private information about live people - like evidence of current cases or whatever - should be publicly released. There shouldn't be this entire stockpile of 'confidential' military files. How can we trust such an opaque organization?
"Transparency, General Jordan. Transparency. Please and thank you. You keep acting like you're hiding something and I don't like it. Examine, for a minute, General Evans and his reaction to this shitshow."
A different video played behind her.
"We are trying to identify the cause of the leak. I'm just glad nothing confidential was stolen in the attack. If the autopsy results are found to be lacking in any way, I'll launch an independent investigation into General Jordan's handling of this case. Olivia Hahn will have justice. If that means General Jordan has to resign, I'll do my best to make sure his replacement has more integrity than he does."
The screen went black after the general's dialogue ended.
"See? Transparency! General Evans has been the face of the military ever since he took over the Third Division, and I'd say his position is well-deserved. I sincerely hope General Jordan is forced to resign, and his position is taken by someone younger, and more open with the public!"
Applause echoed around the studio as her audience voiced their agreement.
"And, maybe, under a different general, the military will finally be able to apprehend Paris and his precious Phalanx!"
More applause. Alyx bowed her head, then sat back in her chair.
"Like, seriously, can we just talk for a minute about how incompetent everyone in this city is? I don't mean you people, of course. I'm talking about the military and the Legion. The military, who are supposed to protect us and maintain order. And the Legion, who claim to have these superpowers and vow to use them to protect people and defeat villains.
"How can they have no way of catching these goons? The Phalanx or whatever has caused problems. And nobody can catch them. Why not? Is this some big ugly conspiracy between the three groups? Because if there is, we have a problem. A huge problem. And if there isn't, we still have a major problem! Protectors of the people or whatever need to be able to...I don't know, actually do what they say they will? If these idiots can't catch one Paris, then I might as well take over!"
Laughter and applause filled the studio again.
Light Master turned off the video, seething. Obviously the military was up to no good, but lumping the Legion in with them was terrible! Who did this woman think she was? Did she have a Miracle? Could she battle Paris? Obviously not!
He stared at the tablet for some time, before a notification popped up.
You have 1 new message.
Probably something from the school. Light Master sighed heavily and opened it. Then his eyes widened at the sender.
To: tannerschultz546
From: legionbenefactor
Subject: For Light Master
Message Body:
Greetings, Light Master.
I've been watching current events unfold, and I find myself concerned with the state of Arx Nubibus. I'd much prefer to leave Arx's safety in the hands of Achilles' Legion, which includes you. Unfortunately, according to the news, you've been under house arrest for some time and unable to help.
Head for 12-14-1 and use the sternside port door. There's a number pad you'll need to use to access the building. The code is 111111 for now. The Legion is free to change it later. I've sent this information to Achilles as well, so I believe he will handle it.
Achilles will be there tomorrow at 4:00. I'll allow you to escape your minders, so meet him there. Bring anything you think you'll need or want. From then on, I believe it would be best if you stayed at that building, which will become Legion Headquarters. Secretly, of course. We can't have paparazzi bothering you all the time.
I hope this is able to grant you the freedom you need to join the Legion and battle Paris and his Phalanx in earnest.
I will remain in touch. Please do not reply to this email in case of military tracing.
The Legion's Benefactor
Light Master immediately deleted the message after reading it again. No evidence could be left behind. Tomorrow. 4:00. After school, he'd make a beeline for the headquarters. What would he need to bring? He looked around his room.
The only safe thing to bring would be clothes. Any of his electronics, the military could probably trace. Plus they were locked down. Was there anything else?
He ran ideas through his head as he emptied his backpack and began stuffing it with his favorite clothes. And of course his superhero costume. He couldn't manage without that.
Their benefactor would probably provide food, and if they needed tech they could get it later. Within a few minutes, Light Master had everything packed. Perfect.
Tomorrow he'd finally break free and spread his wings.
