"What makes you so sure you can trust me?"
"I know people, Jett. You're one of the good guys."
"Can I think about it?"
"Yeah, but not too long. The Mayor wants this to be smooth and quick." She glanced at her holoband. "Hold on; I got a call."
She tapped the datacom in her ear. "Agent Banks." The color drained from her face. "It's happening now? Where? Okay, I'm on my way."
Jett gave her a concerned look. "Everything okay?"
"No. Magistrates just came out of Haven Core. They're on their way to the precinct."
"Magistrates?"
"Judge, jury, and executor. When they show up, people die. They call it a Culling. I have to go. Stay away from the precinct, okay?"
"Why would I want to—?"
"Just do it, Jett. I'll get back with you later. I hope."
The last words were muttered under her breath as if to herself instead of Jett. He watched her quickly round the corner, then made himself wait two minutes before heading outside and in the direction of the precinct.
Chapter 17
Vigil stationed himself in the window of a broken skyscraper several blocks away from the scene. He wore the armor and helmet because he wasn't sure what would happen. Ronnie looked afraid when she left the hospital. He knew it took a lot for someone like her to let that show.
Precinct 51 was the RCE headquarters, sitting on the harbor's edge in Brickland. The building was imposing, a hulking slab with no regard for architectural style. It was a structure made to intimidate and imprison. When things went bad in the city, the officers and Agents of the RCE knew if they could make back to 51, they would be safe.
It didn't look safe anymore.
An army of Agents and officers surrounded the building, arranged in protective units. Mech walkers and mini-tanks were on standby, positioned to guard the entrances. Snipers were tactically positioned on nearby rooftops and windows, weapons ready to fire at the first command. The air practically crackled with tension.
Crowds gathered beyond the barricades. The word had spread like a virus, infecting the people, drawing them to the precinct in throngs. Holovisors were removed in exchange for the chance to view something drastically real, something virtual reality couldn't compare with.
News reporter Cam Danvers was on the edge of the security curtail in all her holographic glory. Safe in the studio, she was in no danger should things go south quickly. Her ground crew were all androids and camera drones, recording every inch of the scene.
Good evening. You're with Cam Danvers on another NYN news Fast Break. The mood is grim as reports of a Culling are on the mouths of everyone gathered. Will swift justice be handed out to the Denizens in custody, or is this all a show of force by an RCE department desperate to appear in control? Hold on — we have movement from Haven Core. It looks like this is officially happening. And we are on the scene, giving every bit of it to our viewers.
Vigil zoomed in on the Magistrate's approach. A sleek black vehicle drifted from the sky like an aerodynamic dragonfly, vapor jetting from its thrusters when it landed. The hangar door opened, allowing a slim, blue-haired man to exit, shadowed by three Magistrates — giants in gleaming black armor. Their faces were covered by helmets and enclosed visors illuminated by a single red slash.
Billboards and sides of buildings displayed the feed, making sure everyone saw what was happening. The crowds were transfixed, oblivious to the freezing rain that drizzled on their upturned faces. They watched as the Denizen approached the main entrance of the precinct where Commissioner Miller, Chief Moore, and Agent Banks waited.
Vigil zoomed in on the trio. The Commissioner was a tall, grey-haired man in a stiff black uniform. His face was fixed in a grim frown, but his eyes betrayed his unease. Chief Moore was a bluff, chiseled rock of a man, standing as if unimpressed by the occasion. And Ronnie… she wore a more formal RCE uniform with a black beret on her mane of curly hair. She looked angry more than anything else.
The Denizen and his armored Magistrates stopped at the base of the stairs. The man was tall and slender, his face angular and smooth as marble. The wind tugged at his long black jacket as he fixed the RCE leaders with an imperious gaze. When he spoke, his voice boomed from speakers positioned all across the city.
"I am Justiciar Zeuxis of Haven Core, upholder of law and justice, accorded full authority by the Ruling Order of the United Havens and their districts. I have come to pronounce sentence upon the prisoners, the three exiles you have in your custody. Bring them forth."
Commissioner Miller turned, nodding to the guards by the entrance. The doors opened, and the prisoners were escorted out, surrounded by a ring of armed guards. In their manacles and matching orange jumpsuits, they no longer looked regal or extraordinary. Fear distorted their features the moment they saw Zeuxis, who motioned for the guards to place them on their knees. He turned to the crowds, raising his arms.
"No one is above the law; neither Denizen of our hallowed Havens, nor residents of our outer districts. Lawlessness is a cancer. It destroys all that we work for in a wholesome society. Even worse are those who turn to prey on the young for their twisted pleasure. I am here to demonstrate the righteous anger of the Ruling Order, who do not tolerate such perversions. Lawlessness must be culled in order to preserve the sanctity of our community."
He gestured to the Magistrates. Each one strode over to the disgraced Denizens and placed a large, mechanical hand on their heads. Tears streamed down the Denizen's faces, magnified on screens all around. They were small, weak, pitiful, and alone. A roar of anger rippled through the masses.
Zeuxis stood before them with his hands clasped behind his back. "Ramses, Electra, and Ulysses. The guilt of your actions had been confirmed through surveillance records. There is no plea of innocence in your case. So admit your guilt and beg for mercy. You might receive it. Choose not to confess, and you will be given to the mercy of the mob." He gestured to the gathered crowds, who roared in expectation.
Ramses and Ulysses fell forward, begging for mercy. Electra remained where she was, staring up at Zeuxis with hatred glimmering in her eyes. He returned her murderous glare with a thin-lipped smile before turning again to the gathered throngs.
"Witness the repentance of two of the accused. Their plea is for mercy. Will you give it to them?"
"No mercy!" the crowds screamed. Vigil scanned the faces. All of them were furious, whipped into a fever from the anticipation of violence. Fists thrust in the air, some even wielding bludgeon weapons.
Zeuxis stared heavenward, eyes wide as if enraptured by the fury of the crowd. "And what would you have me do with these fallen angels?"
"Kill them."
"Kill them."
"Kill them!"
Zeuxis closed his eyes, allowing the thunderous chant to wash over him. Finally he gestured, quieting the mob as if clicking a switch. A great calm settled in as he turned to Ramses and Ulysses, who still sobbed and begged for their lives.
"The people of this mighty city demand your lives. I have promised you mercy. What to do?" Zeuxis made a show of tapping his chin in thought. He brightened, eyes widening as if struck by a random thought.
"I have an idea. I will grant you mercy."
The Denizens looked up, faces flickering between surprise and hope. The gathered crowds roared in outrage but were stopped by Zeuxis' upraised hand.
"I will grant you mercy — by a quick death. Magistrates!"