Unity by Carl Stubblefield (epub read online books TXT) 📕

allows those in authority to impose certain… sanctions on those in their stewardship. As long as they are compliant, they will have full use of their powers, but we need to tighten the reins. Too many supers have been running at cross-purposes to Faction interests, like this ‘mission’ Tempest dragged you all out on without Faction approval.”

“Did he not request time—”

“Yes, yes,” the man said abruptly, waving the comment away. “But this was a personal issue, and he used Faction resources to deal with it. My superiors and I are willing to let it slide this once, because it has provided the opportunity for the Faction to gain from the debacle, but that is the only thing preventing you and the others who accompanied you from censure and reprimand.”

“That is not my concern. I have no obligation to help you.”

“On the contrary. You no doubt have worked with whomever is in charge of the asset. Exploit this trust, and gain control of that facility. Then hand over those controls to me. Is that understood?”

“And if I refuse?”

“First, your brother will suffer. He will lose all access to his powers. Then you will undergo the ceremony, willingly or otherwise. Then your abilities will be restricted. If you persist in being obstinate, you will lose access to them altogether, among other punishments.”

“Wait. You are taking our abilities?”

“No. We are ensuring that only those who are loyal to Purple Faction have use of their abilities. If you doubt your loyalty then, by all means, leave Purple and become Factionless. You will be considered an active threat against us, however. Not the wisest decision, given your current circumstances. Mmm? We can make life most unpleasant for your brother, and he cannot leave without our permission.” A sickly smile spread upon his face as he gestured to the room.

“And if I do this, my brother—” Grimdark said through teeth he was starting to grind.

“…will be taken care of. Everything will be business as usual. You will see, this will be a good thing. It will increase the security we have within the Faction and the unity we all should express and enjoy. If we are all in agreement, then you can head to processing now.”

The man pushed another button and a side door opened, and two orderlies stepped into the room and took positions on either side of the door. Their stature seemed more suited for a bouncer than a guide, but Grimdark followed them out of the room.

When the door finally clicked shut, the assessor made a couple of annotations and straightened the piles on his desk. When he was ready, he pressed another button, indicating he was ready to see the next super.

Harmony bit her nail to the quick as the man sprang the door open again as if he were attempting a jump scare.

“He’s ready for ya,” the man barked before retreating back into the room.

Harmony had been thinking about what she would say, and determined that if she felt any kind of deception from her commanding officer that she would wait until she could make an appointment with someone with more authority.

By the time she had the nerve to step inside, Mr. “Jump Scare” Burly was already reading his newspaper. She felt out to read him, but the only sensation she got from him was boredom, mingled with the aftereffects of a hangover.

Her ability had not spilled over into reading outright thoughts, but sensations, impressions, and physical statuses were readily apparent to her. The more she pressed, the more defined and distinct they became, and she could often tell what the root causes were that triggered the emotions. But it came at a cost—the target became much more aware of the surveillance. Finding nothing of note, she stepped into the office as the door opened.

“Please be seated,” the lanky man said, not even looking at her as he read a memo.

Opening herself up, she noted that this was all affectation. The man was not reading the paper at all, but going through a well-choreographed routine he had done thousands of times. Not exactly the type of deception she was worried about, so she felt her nerves relax.

“You went with ‘The Crew’ on this mission to find Tempest’s estranged wife, yes?” he asked with disinterest. This was also genuine, he seemed to have little real interest in what she had to say or report, which mildly offended her.

“I wouldn’t say she was estranged, but she’s been in a hospital—”

“Yes, yes. And now she is in our facility, taxing our resources. I’ll have to see to that. I see that you haven’t been on any missions for quite a while, with your limited skill set of… oh. I see.” He turned and looked Harmony in the eyes. “Are you reading me, Miss Stettler?”

Harmony froze as his piercing glare fixed upon her, and she felt his mental defenses rise. Just before she was cut off, she felt a strong flash of a devious insincerity before his emotions melted away and she could detect no more.

“I take that as a yes?”

“No. I mean, not specifically, I kind of always have it on to detect threats,” Harmony lied.

“And am I a threat?” His gaze intensified, causing her to squirm a little bit in her chair.

“N-no. I don’t think so…” she hedged.

“Good.” He broke eye contact and reviewed another paper, as if nothing had happened. “I see you still need to go through orientation, these men will accompany you there.” He pushed a button and waved to his left as two enormous men stepped in, wearing white scrubs.

“Don’t you want to hear my report?”

“Do you have anything vital you need to report?” Again with the hard stare.

“Not if you already have heard what the others have shared.”

“As I expected. Carry on,” he shooed her away like an annoying fly as he turned back to his work.

Harmony bit her lip as she walked toward the men. Grimdark was right. Something is definitely off.

“Allow me, miss,” the