Shine: Season One (Shine Season Book 1)

by William Bernhardt

  “That’s putting it far too mildly.” He touched the tablet and read aloud. “Dear Reverend Trent. Thank you for all you have done to make the world aware of the danger posed by Shines. When I think about those girls walking free on the streets, torturing people with their satanic powers and engaging in acts of miscegenation, it makes me so angry I can barely sit still. You must urge our sick government—” He paused there just long enough to make eye contact with the senator. “—and those who enforce our laws—” This time his eyes went to the district attorney. “—to deal with these threats before those whores steal this nation from the people who founded it. I know you are under constant attack, but please don’t let that stop you from your holy work.”

  “That’s rather extreme,” the senator said.

  “Some of the other blasts are less constrained. But the underlying theme is the same. They all want something done about the Shines. That’s why I’ve asked you two here today. The top legislator in the state and the chief law enforcement officer in the city.” He spread his hands wide. “What are we going to do about this?”

  The senator straightened. “First of all, let me say that I wholeheartedly support the actions you and your organization have taken.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. I built the Shine Surveillance System from the ground up.”

  “I know. And I’m sure you realize the PA2 is almost certain to be passed.”

  “That’s what I hear.”

  “So the groundwork is there. If a Shine poses a potential threat to others—”

  “And they all do.”

  “Yes, I agree. So under the PA2, as soon as a threat is detected, the Shine is required to enter treatment from which they may be sent to a secure institution.”

  “That should be mandatory.”

  “For all practical purposes, it soon will be. They either submit to residential treatment or they’re incarcerated at Mordock. Once the PA2 passes, Shines will effectively have no constitutional rights whatsoever. We’ll be able to do anything we want with them. Incarcerate them indefinitely. Extract information from them. The President has given this bill his complete support.”

  He didn’t like being lectured on the obvious, and thought it appropriate to make that clear. “I’m well aware of all that the PA2 will do, Senator. But it isn’t enough.”

  “There are several auxiliary bills now pending before both houses—”

  “And none of them is enough. So long as any Shines wander freely, our people are not safe. The SSS has over five million dues-paying members, Senator. And we all feel that way.” He shifted his attention. “Don’t you agree, Savannah?”

  “I have several concerns here,” she said, tucking her shoulder-length hair behind her ear. He sensed that she was not nearly as easily intimidated as the senator. Perhaps her job made her more accustomed to telling people what they didn’t want to hear. “But before we talk about Shines, let’s talk about your organization. That business in Santa Monica. I’ve got eyewitnesses saying that your people were at the crime scene in droves. They say that despite the best efforts of the police, they almost had a riot on their hands, and they think someone offstage was pulling the strings and fanning the flames. While my officers tried to collect evidence.”

  “Those people were not all SSS employees. We only sent out a handful of observers. Most of the people in attendance were simply concerned citizens.”

  “Who all but attacked a group of Shines.”

  “Those Shines should not have been out on the street. They should not be allowed out in public. Ever.”

  “They were ordered there by my police lieutenant. Who I can assure you has no great love of Shines. But he was investigating a crime. Something your people made extremely difficult.”

  He slowly drew up his shoulders. He liked a feisty woman. But he didn’t have time for pointless debate. “Savannah, I’m beginning to question whether you completely support the SSS cause.”

  “I’m the district attorney. I’m not supposed to take sides. I’m supposed to enforce the law.”

  “Which some would argue includes prosecuting officers who bring dangerous girls to a public place.”

  “Don’t chainmail my—”

  “Madam, please!” His neck stiffened. “This may be my office, but it is also a house of the Lord.”

  She gave him a withering look. “Forgive me.”

  He adjusted the lie of his vest. “Yes, Savannah, you are the district attorney. And why are you the district attorney? Because you were elected to that position by the people. Something you might do well to remember. In the current political climate, I don’t see anyone being elected who does not make their position on Shines unequivocal.”

  “Again, I’m not a politician and I don’t take positions—”

  He continued as if he had not heard a word she said. “You were elected by the county population, which is still predominately normal. Non-Shine. The people who made this nation great.”

  “Forgive me, Reverend, but this is almost sounding racist.”

  “It’s not racist to be concerned about the preservation of your race. There are stories that some of these Shines—a mutation known for sexual aberration and promiscuity—are mating with normal people. Where might that lead, I ask you? Can you see why people are concerned? Afraid? Can you imagine what abominations might result from this unholy intercourse?”

  “My job is to—”

  “God sanctioned the sacrament of marriage for one purpose and one alone—procreation. And he declared that marriage should be between one man and one woman. One human woman. And what do we see happening all around us? The same sort of decadence that brought the Roman Empire to its knees. Is it any wonder this nation is in decline?”

  “I’ve heard all this before, Reverend,” she replied. He couldn’t help but notice the flush in her cheeks when he talked about mating and promiscuity. Good. “What do you expect me to do about it?”

  “I have the same question,” Senator Sharpe said. “I’m always happy to meet with a prominent constituent. But where is this going? Why did you invite us here?”

  “You represent the legislative branch of government, and she represents the judicial branch.”

  The senator chuckled. “That’s true. If you had someone in the executive branch, you’d have the whole government.”

  “I would, wouldn’t I?” So tempting to tell, but he kept his mouth closed. He walked around his desk and stood between them. “Let me answer the lovely district attorney first. Why have I asked you here today? I understand, Ms Fish, that your office is conducting an investigation into SSS activities. True?”

  Her reaction answered his question, not that he needed one. “I’m not at liberty to discuss an ongoing investigation.”

  “So you choose to keep secrets from me?”

  “I have no choice. It’s a matter of public trust.”

  He squatted down so he could scrutinize her at eye level. “The friend of my enemy is also my enemy.”

  “I’m no one’s friend or enemy. I told you, the district attorney’s office doesn’t take sides.”

  “It would appear to me that it already has.”

  “There have been reports of extra-legal activities by persons affiliated with the SSS. I just mentioned one possible example. I have a duty to investigate.”

  “I’m not sure anything is illegal if it relates to the containment of a dangerous domestic threat.”

  “The SSS is not a government agency.”

  “Perhaps it should be.”

  “But as of today, it is not.”

  He smiled. “My weekly e-blast goes to over seventeen million people every week. My daily blogs reach even more. Those people all believe the SSS is the thin blue line between them and a complete Shine takeover.” He slowed his speech, emphasizing each word with precision. “They believe that those who oppose the SSS are no better than the Shines themselves. Shine lovers are unlikely to be elected to public office or to be retained i
n public office. Shine lovers are no better than Shines. Perhaps worse. Those who will not fight for the purity of the species are by definition its defilers.” He paused. “Am I making myself clear?”

  “I’m not an idiot,” she replied.

  “I’m glad to hear it. I was beginning to wonder.” He shifted his attention to the senator. “Have you read my proposal for universal Shine-related DNA testing? Of all future members of the population, on the day of birth?”

  Senator Sharpe made a small coughing noise. “I’ve read it, of course, but I’m not sure the world is ready for it.”

  “I’m not sure the world can afford to wait any longer for it.”

  “We’re dealing with Shine problems as they arise.”

  “Barely. Why must we remain inactive until the disaster has already occurred? Seattle. Santa Monica. We need to be proactive, not reactive. We had no idea that girl had powers until she destroyed Seattle Center. Why not test children at birth? Early Shine detection is a technological possibility—and a societal necessity.”

  “And when we detect them…then what?”

  “Residential treatment. Or Mordock. Those are the only safe places for them.”

  The District Attorney stiffened. “You’re talking about incarcerating people before they’ve committed a crime.”

  “Being a Shine is a crime. Or should be.”

  “There is no precedent for locking people up because of a condition of birth.”

  “Senator, we do it all the time. Nature has always been stronger than nurture, particularly in some sectors of the population. There is strong evidence that a propensity for criminal behavior is genetic. Yet we lock criminals up all the time. The mentally ill, addicts, pedophiles, serial killers. All attributable to bad genetics. And we lock those people up.”

  “After they’ve committed a crime.”

  “Because in the past we didn’t have the ability to deal with them before. But now we do. And when we have that ability, it is irresponsible not to use it. To prevent damage before it occurs. To prevent lives from being taken, or ruined, or to prevent entire cities from being destroyed.”

  The senator lowered his head. “I don’t know…”

  “Well, sir, I do. I have my finger on the pulse of the people. This is what they want. Politicians blather pointlessly about progress, but this is the real progress—progress that makes our world a better safer place. I think you will find your constituents have little tolerance for those unwilling to take action to ensure their safety.” One more carefully calculated, deliberate pause. “I know I do.”

  He returned to his desk. “So there you have it. You know exactly what I want. I want this investigation into SSS activities to end. And I want full support for my natal testing bill. And you know why.”

  He drew in his breath, then continued. “So, are you with me and the people? Or against us?” He posed the question directly, even though he already knew their answer. The only answer they could possibly give.

  His two guests glanced at one another, then down at the carpet. Both nodded.

  Good. He’d thought he could persuade them to give him what he wanted. Even though they hadn’t the slightest inkling why he really wanted it. And that was good.

  By the time they finally figured it out, it would be too late to stop him.

  24

  Aura was barely conscious when one of the men kicked open the door to Room 4A. Through foggy eyes, she saw Dream let out a startled cry and Twinge jump a foot into the air.

  The two men hurled her into the center of the room.

  “What happened?” Twinge cried.

  “She had an accident,” Joseph said. They closed the door behind them.

  Twinge was the first at her side. “Aura. Honey. What happened to you?”

  She tried to roll over. Her bodily control was returning, but she ached all over. The burning sensations in her nether regions stung and her skirt reeked of urine.

  Just moving her mouth hurt. “Ran into a door.”

  “Don’t chainmail me. What did they do to you? And why? Where have you been all this time?”

  For some reason, looking into Twinge’s eyes, seeing someone who actually appeared to care, made her eyes swell. She must look like a real dog biscuit. “I went…snooping.”

  “They punished you for snooping? Sweetie, look at yourself.” Twinge held up a hand mirror. Her face was bruised. Her uniform was torn. Her limbs hung at unnatural angles, like an artist’s mannequin in the hands of a maniac. “They must’ve been seriously pissed off. Why?”

  She thought for a long hard moment, even though thinking made her head hurt a thousand times worse than it already did. What could she tell them? About the Shines chained up underground? Her mother? Coutant said if she so much as hinted about any of it to any of the other girls, she’d send them downstairs. And then maybe Coutant would go after their mothers.

  “I got mouthy. With Coutant,” she replied simply. True as far as it went.

  “And she did this? I’d call that a major overreaction.”

  Dream made a growling sound. “Now I’m especially glad I rebuffed her advances.”

  Twinge’s face contorted. “Coutant came on to you?”

  “Don’t be naive. They all do.”

  “Right. Aura, sweetie, how do you feel?” Twinge laid a hand gently on her head, running her fingers backward through her blue bangs. “Looks like they really did a number on you.”

  Yesterday she was sure all these girls hated her. Now she saw only concern. Which convinced her she must look like a rag doll chewed up by a rabid dog.

  “If you don’t stop stroking her hair,” Dream said, “I’m gonna think you care a little too much. Like maybe you should be in LL with Tank and the others.”

  She squinted at Twinge. “LL. What—does that mean?”

  “Oh, sorry. You didn’t get the codebook, did you? Lesbian Lounge.”

  “Tank is—”

  Dream waved a hand in the air. “Isn’t it obvious?”

  Twinge cut in. “Stop already. She is not.” Pause. “Well, I don’t know. Who knows? We don’t know. That’s just a snotty thing Dream likes to say.”

  “Like you haven’t thought it.”

  “Okay, so maybe I’ve been a little snotty, too. Maybe we all have been. This is a crappy place and it gets to you.” Twinge gently hoisted her off the floor and moved her to her bed. For a petite supermodel-type, she had some real muscles on her. “Maybe we all need to be a little nicer to each other. Just because this place sucks doesn’t mean we have to.”

  Dream laid a finger on her nose. “Rules for life, Twingie. Never explain, never apologize. And especially never apologize for expressing your opinion. Bitch Power, that’s our strongest asset.”

  “That isn’t illegal yet.”

  To everyone’s surprise, Harriet suddenly spoke. “Shine Bitch Power—that’s the strongest force on earth.”

  Dead silence for several seconds…then they all burst out laughing.

  She wiped her eyes clear. “Stop. It hurts.”

  “What do you know?” Twinge said. “Our resident nerd made us all laugh.”

  “I’m not a nerd,” Harriet whispered. “I’m just…quiet.”

  “If you were any quieter, you’d be invisible.”

  “Sometimes I wish I was.”

  That settled things down a bit.

  “Come over here, Harriet,” Twinge said.

  Harriet took a step out of her chair…and Twinge grabbed her by the arm and pulled her close.

  “Ow!”

  Twinge squeezed her with maximum strength. “That’s called a hug, Harriet. You’re supposed to say Thank you, not Ow.”

  “It kinda hurts.”

  “You’ll get used to it.”

  “Who says I want to get used to it?”

  “I do. So you can start being one of the gang, instead of an alien observer.”

  She managed to prop herself up on one wobbly elbow. “I thought we were all g
oing to start being nicer to each other.”

  “Right, right. Sorry.” Twinge knelt by the side of her bed. “You’re not going to tell us what really happened to you, are you?”

  She peered deep into those ebony eyes and could see that Twinge was genuinely concerned, genuinely wanted to help. Apparently her heart was big enough to embrace people her brain didn’t like. But she couldn’t tell Twinge anything. She couldn’t be responsible for having anyone else end up below the stables. “I’m sorry. I—can’t.”

  “So you’re keeping secrets,” Dream said. “And you think that’s a good technique for making friends?”

  “Friends?” She turned away. “You all hate me.”

  The three other girls looked at one another. “We do?”

  “Well—you act like it.”

  More exchanged looks. “We do?”

  Twinge jumped in. “Sister, you need to consider the source. We’re all miserable here. We’re all prisoners. You can’t expect us to be perky all the time.”

  “Besides,” Dream said, “Judy has an exclusive on perky. By the way, I give great massage. That’s another of my many secret talents. One of the legal ones.” Dream crossed the room to her bed. “Where does it hurt?”

  “Everywhere.”

  “If I give you that kind of massage, they’re gonna put me in the LL.”

  More laughter. She clutched her stomach—and realized a second later that she was able to control her arms again. Shaky. Uncertain. But her body was recovering from the drugs and the cattle prod.

  “This is an extremely mean-spirited conversation,” she noted.

  “Which of course is why we’re all laughing so hard.”

  “You rest,” Twinge said, placing a hand on her cheek. “But once you’ve had a chance to recover…we need to talk.”

  “About what?”

  “About what we’re going to do. We can’t just let these pigs beat up on you and do nothing about it. You’re in 4A, girl. We stick together.”

  Dream stared at her. “We do?”

  “What we need,” Harriet said, in a voice so soft she wondered if hidden mikes could pick it up, “is to get out of here. Would you be up for that, Aura?”