Flash Fire

by TJ Klune

  RF

  You’d turn him in if he came to you?

  SB

  Without hesitation.

  RF

  Two months ago, you stood with the Extraordinaries known as Smoke and Ice as you announced a bounty on Pyro Storm. They—

  SB

  Christian and Christina Lewis.

  RF

  Yes, them. Both are currently in custody, awaiting trial. It’s expected you’ll be called as a witness in the case against them.

  SB

  Terrible business, that. I thought they were people I could trust. We vetted them. Extremely intelligent, the pair of them. They worked for Burke Pharmaceuticals, but it wasn’t until they’d been employed with us for close to a year that they came to me, revealing their abilities.

  RF

  Why did you allow them to join you onstage?

  SB

  Because I thought they were good people, people who wanted the same things I did. I thought they could put a face to the word Extraordinary. I was wrong. Unbeknownst to me, they had an agenda of their own, though I’m unclear as to what that agenda was, specifically.

  RF

  Sources have told me that they haven’t said a word since they’ve been in custody.

  SB

  Yes, I’ve heard the same. I don’t know if we’ll ever know what their purpose was, what they hoped to achieve by attacking Centennial High. I’m grateful there was no loss of life. And that’s apparently thanks to Pyro Storm.

  RF

  Seth Gray.

  SB

  Yes, Mr. Gray.

  RF

  Who was friends with your son.

  SB

  Curious, isn’t it? It makes you wonder if there is anyone else hiding something in that school.

  RF

  I’m sure we’ll find out sooner rather than later.

  SB

  You were there, weren’t you?

  RF

  Yes. Unfortunately, I’m under a gag order, as I might be called as a witness. What do you make of Seth Gray revealing his identity? Especially knowing that he fought against Owen numerous times.

  SB

  I’m sure Mr. Gray had his reasons—I won’t say a calculated move, per se. He’s a child, after all. I wouldn’t ascribe him any sort of dark machinations. But I do wonder about the timing of it. He could have just as easily fled, keeping his identity a secret, the same as his counterparts—the Extraordinary who could conduct electricity and the other one, the one with telekinesis.

  RF

  Speaking of that night, there have been allegations levied at the NCPD for their late response to the attack on the school. Some are suggesting that cellular service was cut to disallow anyone to call for help, that the attack was planned using police resources. And further, Rodney Caplan, the former chief of Nova City Police, claimed during the press conference announcing his resignation that he believed officers conspired to prevent an emergency response. He said, and I quote, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark,” while also making not-so subtle allusions that you were somehow involved in what transpired at Centennial High. Would you like to respond to this?

  SB

  I thank Rodney Caplan for his service with the NCPD. His is a storied career, the first Black chief of police Nova City had, and while we’ve disagreed on many issues, I know his heart has always been in the right place. To be honest, I’m a little flattered he thinks I have any level of control over the NCPD. That being said, his unfounded accusations cast a pall over his legacy and the NCPD as a whole. These are hardworking men and women, and to have their former boss fling such aspersions on their characters is at best unfortunate, and at worst dangerous. I have met with many of the officers who protect this city, and I can assure you that none of them would ignore a call to help the people who need them most. They are all just as devastated by what transpired, and I know any investigation will prove that. They cannot and should not be blamed for their response, given how fluid the situation was, and how chaotic. I told them the same thing I’ll tell you: I trust them and will do everything I can to help them. And not only them. I want to help everyone, Extraordinaries included.

  RF

  With what? What would you do for them?

  SB

  I—I hadn’t expected to say this, but I suppose the time is right. As I said previously, transparency is important. And as a parent of an Extraordinary, I know what it’s like to be scared for your child. With this attack of a high school prom, it’s becoming evident that Extraordinaries are among us and that they’re capable of doing tremendous harm, especially if they’re unable to control their powers. What if a child could control the weather, and they became angry? Or what if a child could move things with their mind and were neurodiverse, say, for example, having attention deficit hyperactive disorder? That could lead to chaos and destruction—people getting hurt or worse. Pure speculation, of course, but the things we’ve witnessed suggest that it’s within the realm of possibility. After the events of McManus Bridge, I instructed my scientists to work around the clock in order to understand our Extraordinary brethren. I followed this with the Save Our Children initiative, hoping that different types of Extraordinaries would come into the light. The more we know, the better off we’ll be. I’m pleased to announce that as of last week, we have successfully cured our first Extraordinary.

  RF

  Wait, what? What do you mean, “cured”?

  SB

  A child was brought to us by their parents. This child, who we call Eve to protect their anonymity, exhibited signs of telekinesis. From a young age, Eve could move things around their house. The parents were frightened. At first, they thought their home was haunted. It wasn’t until the child grew older that they realized Eve was the cause. Rightfully concerned, they came to me after we announced the Save Our Children initiative. Following weeks of testing, we all agreed to proceed, especially seeing how Extraordinary powers aren’t considered medical and therefore do not need to be overseen by organizations like the FDA. There was no risk to the child. The treatment is non-invasive, and Eve is doing fine. I spoke with their mother this morning. There have been no signs of telekinesis since they completed treatment.

  RF

  That’s incredible. How on earth did you achieve that?

  SB

  Ah, trade secrets. We’re not quite ready to disclose the type of treatment Eve underwent, though we hope to soon. But the bigger thing to focus on is that we could potentially heal anyone with powers. Eve was just the first. We’re in the process of attempting to replicate the results with a different test subject, a man in his late fifties who came to us after years of hiding what he was capable of. He was in tears when he told us his story. All he wants is to be normal. And if we can help him achieve that dream, then who am I to say no?

  RF

  What would you say to people who will accuse you of playing God?

  SB

  I would listen to them, of course, and understand where they’re coming from. However, my rebuttal would be that this is a voluntary treatment. We aren’t holding people against their will. Anyone who participates in these early trials knows there’s no guarantee, and that they can stop at any time. We aren’t trying to play God. We’re trying to keep people safe. We want to help those who cannot help themselves.

  RF

  I’m sure it doesn’t hurt that after the attack on Centennial High, public polling is showing a shift against Extraordinaries. CNN released a national poll that showed fifty-two percent of people were against Extraordinaries. That’s up ten points since the Battle at McManus Bridge.

  SB

  Yes, I saw that. People are scared, as they should be. We don’t know what these people with powers will do or what they’re capable of. You have Extraordinaries like Seth Gray, who can create fire out of nothing. What if there’s an Extraordinary out there who has the capability to split atoms? To raise the levels of the oceans? I choose to believe in the good in people,
but is that naïve? I thought my son was good until I saw evidence to the contrary. What’ll we do if there’s an Extraordinary who can cause nuclear explosions and will do so if we don’t bend to their demands?

  RF

  And so you want to try to develop a way to stop them.

  SB

  No. Not stop. Help. I only want to help. I want to make sure that no one suffers like my family has. I … years ago, a dear, dear friend of mine revealed herself to be an Extraordinary, and I was so consumed by what she could do, I never stopped to think of the ramifications for the rest of us. She was kind and just and good, but what if she hadn’t been? What if she’d been evil? I should’ve helped her. I wish I had. She’s gone now, but there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of her, which is why, because of her and all those like her, I want to help.

  RF

  And for those who don’t want your help? Seth Gray, for example. Do you really think he’ll meet with you after you put a bounty on his head?

  SB

  The bounty was a regrettable mistake. I apologize for that. I should have known better. Some problems cannot be solved by throwing money at them. I won’t force him into anything. He knows where I am. All he needs to do is reach out, and I’ll gladly listen to whatever he wants to say. That goes for anyone around him too. Anyone at all.

  RF

  Say, perhaps, another teenager capable of moving things with his mind?

  SB

  Exactly. And I would urge them to heed my words. The tide is changing. People will not stand idly by while their lives are disrupted by Extraordinaries. Soon, it may become a requirement for Extraordinaries to register. I know legislation has failed in the past, but the more we know, the safer we’ll be. See something, say something. And that will be the forefront issue in my campaign.

  RF

  Because you have another announcement, don’t you?

  SB

  That I do, Rebecca. I’m formally announcing my intention to run for mayor of Nova City. For too long, our leadership has failed us. It is time for fresh blood and new insight to bring our glorious city into the future we all deserve, one where we can live in harmony without fear of fire raining down from the sky or buildings falling on top of us. The current mayor has done nothing to stop the repeated attacks against Nova City. If elected, I promise that I’ll do everything in my power to keep citizens safe from harm.

  RF

  And you’ve already received a powerful endorsement from the Fraternal Order of Police. Not only are they endorsing you, they released an internal poll showing that eighty-one percent of the NCPD support your candidacy.

  SB

  Yes, and I’m grateful to our men and women in blue, and not only for their support. They understand that while people like Pyro Storm may seem like they want to help, they cause more harm than good. People have died because of their actions. Who knows? If Pyro Storm hadn’t done what he did, perhaps my son wouldn’t have felt the need to become Shadow Star.

  RF

  It sounds like you blame Seth Gray.

  SB

  No, not entirely. I’m merely speaking in hypotheticals. Mr. Gray is a seventeen-year-old boy with abilities that defy imagination. But there’s a reason he hasn’t been allowed to return to school. Parents are scared for their children. It’s no longer just about gun violence. It’s about people manifesting powers that could mean the end of life as we know it. Seth Gray is only one piece of the puzzle. But the picture is becoming clearer.

  RF

  Thank you, Mr. Burke. This has been most illuminating.

  SB

  Of course. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to speak. And I hear you have an announcement of your own?

  RF

  I do. This will be my last interview with Action News. For the past ten years, I have reported from the streets of Nova City. I love my job and I love my coworkers, but it’s time for me to move on, to do something new. I’m excited about the future.

  SB

  Congratulations. I can’t wait to see where you end up.

  Two weeks later:

  PRESS RELEASE

  FROM THE SIMON BURKE MAYORAL CAMPAIGN

  IN BURKE WE TRUST!

  We are pleased to announce that Rebecca Firestone has joined the Simon Burke for Nova City Mayoral Campaign as press secretary. Ms. Firestone, a Nova City native, brings years of experience from her work as a journalist with Action News. Recognizable, trusted, and hardworking, Ms. Firestone has a level of expertise few have achieved.

  “I look forward to working with Rebecca,” Mr. Burke said in a statement. “She will only add to the growing movement of our campaign. She, like my wife and I, believes it’s time to take our city back. We’re better off because she has joined us. I’m delighted to have her.”

  “I’m honored,” Ms. Firestone said. “While I’ll miss holding a microphone and reporting from the streets, this new endeavor will allow me to use my knowledge of Nova City to ensure that Mr. Burke will be our next mayor. In Burke we trust!”

  EPILOGUE

  The valedictorian said, “And when we look back on our time spent here, I hope it’s with joy and light, and that we never forget the lessons we learned. Thank you.” He left the stage as the audience cheered.

  “It should have been Gibby,” Nick muttered as he clapped.

  Seth and Jazz could only nod.

  * * *

  “Megan Gardner … Justin Garrett … Lola Gibson—”

  Nick flew to his feet, screaming at the top of his lungs. The people around him did the same: Seth and Dad, Jazz and her parents, Bob and Martha. But it was Trey and Aysha who were the loudest of all as their daughter walked across the stage, her graduation gown flowing around her. She rolled her eyes at the ruckus they were making but grinned when her diploma was given to her as she shook the principal’s hand. When she reached the other side of the stage, she flipped her tassel from one side to the other. Before she descended the stairs, she raised her arms above her head, pumping her fists.

  * * *

  Nick and Seth stayed back, while Gibby’s parents and Jazz clung to her with no small amount of tears. Nick sniffled, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. Seth laughed quietly, reaching over and wrapping an arm around Nick’s shoulders. They both ignored those staring at them, whispering behind their hands. They were getting used to it by now.

  “Soft,” Seth said. “So soft.”

  “I’m just proud of her,” Nick grumbled. “Shut up.”

  “I think it’s cute.”

  “I should hope so. I’m the cutest.”

  “No question.” He looked around. “It’s weird.”

  Nick glanced at him. “What is?”

  “Being back here. I can’t believe it’s already been two months.”

  Nick scowled. This topic wasn’t his favorite. After the attack on the school and Seth’s reveal to the world that he was Pyro Storm, things had changed. The NCPD—in conjunction with the Nova City Department of Education—launched an investigation into what exactly had happened to allow two superpowered villains to enter the school and cause chaos. Seth was at the center of the investigation, and though there were dozens of witnesses (mostly students) who came forward and said Seth—Pyro Storm—was only trying to protect everyone, the school board had decided Seth couldn’t return to Centennial High for the rest of the year. The board said it was not only for the safety of their students, but so they could have time to understand what precautions needed to be taken with an Extraordinary walking the halls.

  Nick, Jazz, and Gibby had been outraged. Seth? Not so much. He took it in stride as he always did and told them it would be okay. Nick felt enormously guilty, and there were days he came close to blurting out that he was like Seth, that he, too, was an Extraordinary, just to fling it in their faces rather than have them continue to believe that everything he’d done had been because of TK. The reasons he didn’t were twofold: first, Seth asked him not to, telling Nick that while he ap
preciated the solidarity, he didn’t want Nick to reveal himself for Seth but rather on Nick’s own terms when he was ready to do so. Nick’s rebuttals were weak and half-hearted. He knew Seth was right.

  The second reason? Nick was a coward.

  Dad told him he wasn’t; Seth, Jazz, and Gibby too. And while Nick appreciated them saying so, he really was one. He’d seen what had happened to Seth after he’d revealed himself. Martha and Bob had to have their house phone number changed after they got repeated death threats telling them that Seth was a freak and deserved to die. It didn’t help that for weeks following the attack on prom, reporters had camped out in front of the Gray brownstone, trying to catch a glimpse of Seth and his aunt and uncle. There were long stretches of days when Seth never left the house, tutors coming to him to help him finish out the school year at home, since he wasn’t allowed back in the school.

  And it really didn’t help that there was a rising wave of anger against Extraordinaries in Nova City and across the country. People had watched from all over the world in horror at the footage of the aftermath of the Attack at Centennial High (capitalized by the media, just like the Battle at McManus Bridge) and the moment Pyro Storm removed his helmet, revealing himself to be a seventeen-year-old high school student. At a special meeting with the school board, angry parents said that if the board didn’t remove Seth Gray from the school, they would pull their own kids.