Harrison saw the look on Chord¡¯s face when Kites said what he said about standing behind his decision to deny Gen proper medical attention. She knew the young man had no idea what that kind of admission had just done to his relationship with Chord.?She was just about to change topics when Chord said.
¡°Let me understand what you just said. you made a decision to deny proper medical attention to one of your teammates who was down and could have died because your teammate was being too stubborn to accept help and rather than help your teammate, someone you say you care about, see reason. Or even taking control of the situation and do the right thing by get that teammate help despite their reckless stubbornness, you chose to preserve your good standing in that relationship, and make a decision that could have gotten that teammate, someone you say you care about, killed.
And in the light of a new day, after having time for contemplation you are now going to stand before me and tell me you stand by that decision. And now then you ask me what you can do to help?¡±?Chord stepped into Kites personal space then. ¡°You can do nothing Kites, that¡¯s what you can do.¡± Chord said looking the young man in the eyes.
¡°Before you left here you and I talked and I asked you if you had the ability to do the right thing despite your feelings for Gen. you assured me you could. However in your first test, you failed. you put your feelings for Gen and keeping yourself in her good graces before making sure she lived. That shows piss poor judgment on your part Kites. The Kind of pissed poor judgment that gets people killed unnecessarily. The fact that you stand behind that decision shows?The kind of piss poor judgement I knew you had in relation to Gen, but I really hope that after what happened yesterday on the training field, and after our talk that you would rise to the occasion. It¡¯s a shame you were not able to do that. So now when you stand before me and ask me what you can do to help, my words to you are to stand down and do nothing because I simply do not trust you to use sound judgment and to do the right thing, Kites. Couple that with the fact that you¡¯ve had some time to think about it and even though you knew it was wrong and you knew you put her at risk, you¡¯re still standing behind that decision shows me that yesterday was more that just poor judgment, it¡¯s flawed thinking. It shows me that when faced with a decision between reason and emotion, even in life or death situations, you will choose emotion every time. And that means I just can¡¯t trust you. And?if I can¡¯t trust you, you can¡¯t help me.
¡°I have to say after our talk I was rooting for you, Kites. I gave you the benefit of the doubt because I?believed in you. I trusted you, Kites. ?I¡¯m very disappointed.¡± Chord sighed and turned from the young man. ¡°I have work to do. You are dismissed.¡±
(Kites)
Kites was firm in his belief that what he did was right, at least at the time, but when Chord rounded on him like that, lambasting him for his mistake, the winged youth paled, startled, pupils shrinking to mere slits as he froze in place.? It didn't dawn on him what a huge mistake that could've been, that Gen's life was basically in his hands and if he had chosen wrong...if Gen didn't have her regenerative abilities, she would dead with her blood on Kites' hands.? The reality of it all was chilling to say the least and he felt his body as cold as ice listening to Chord.? The man right on all accounts but Kites felt his own fire rising within.? Was he not allowed to say anything in his own defense?
"I meant every word I said when you and I had that conversation, that I wanted to do what I could for the facility and that it was my choice to stay here," he said, looking back at Chord with resolve in his eyes.? Internally, he was afraid, shaking, but regardless of how much he agreed with Chord on his own mistakes, he felt that there are some things that maybe he could tell him that Kites did not agree on.? "With all due respect, sir, doing the right thing is not always the correct thing.? Yes, I fully acknowledge and take responsibility for something that could've resulted in death, but it didn't.? Yes, I was self-centric.? I am in love with Gen, I can't help it.? She makes me want to do better, and I know I can, but nobody becomes perfect overnight."? Kites sighed, balling his hands into fists as he pursed his mouth, biting his lower lip but when he looked back, his eyes showed a flurry of emotions, his normally bright eyes now dark and full of storms.
"What you endeavor to do with the city, to create a team of super heroes, it is amazing. It is admirable and we were all hoping to making something of ourselves.? But, sometimes, sir, I feel like your expectations are unrealistic, unreachable," Kites swallowed, feeling like his throat was dry and constricted.? He has never confronted an adult like this, least of all somehow who has been around the sun more than he has, and held a different kind of wisdom that his immature mind was not privy to.? But he also took issue with what was expected out of every single one of them.? "You...you collected a bunch of misfits who would've otherwise never met.? People whose lives did not include protecting the city but how answered the call to do so.? Who never did something this, would not have ever done something like this had you not recruited us, and yet, you expected that we would immediately know what to do?? How to act?? Teenagers who are hormonal and whose minds are not yet at the level of maturity that you expect us to have?? You're right, sir.? There is nothing I can do that you expect of me."
Why do they never learn, Chords thought why do they never just take the lesson and absorb the lesson. Why must they always speak and make it worst. So much worse.
With that Chord eyes narrowed. ¡°For the record, what I did was assemble an impressive group of individuals with immense potential. I am aware of all of their short comings. However, upon our first meeting each of those individuals made commitment to be willing to learn...to be open to bring coached...to have the desire to grow and yet it seems that you would all rather make excuse for your short coming that take ownerships of your mistakes. ?That is such a shame, Kites. Because while it is my desire to see you excel to the heights of your greatness and become more than you ever dreamed...Because I See that for you...want that for you...I can not want it for you more than you do. That would just be pointless and frustrating...for the both of us. And since it seems that you are content to be just an hormonal misfit of a teenage seeking the sexual love and attention you never had rather that true mentorship and guidance, I am beginning to learn it is cruel of me to continue to existing attempt to give you more...want to give you more when you seem to fight me at every turn to continue to exist in your world. I am stubborn Kites...but I¡¯m not insane. I can not continue to hit my head upon this brick wall. It hurts too much when I fail. I guess, I too am Human.¡± He said quietly then he went back to looking at what he was before.
If Kite open his mouth to respond, Harrison shook her head no. Chord had just shared a true piece of himself with the young man and she hoped he simply absorbed the exchange.
?
Thankfully,?Kites turned on his heels and headed towards the door, pressing the panel on the wall as the door opened.? Right as he was about to leave, he stopped, hesitating and looked back at Chord and Harrison with sadness and self-shame in his eyes.? "I sincerely apologize for disappointing you, sir, and Ms. Harrison as well.? You're right.? Maybe I'm too inflexible to fit the mold that you made with your hands.? Please let me know whether you want me to leave.? I will be in my room."
With that, Kites left, hearing the door close with a woosh behind him and bid goodbye to the receptionist as he went to the elevators and went back down to the living quarters.? It would be a shame if he had to leave this place.? As he slowly walked towards his room, his hand slid over the banisters, looking past the barrier to the living one floor below.? Gen and he and Kat somersaulted through the air here, trying to be the first to get the best room to themselves.? This is where Gen first kissed him, first as a girl, then as a boy, completely shocking the hell out of him.? He chuckled at the notion, being a Christian himself.? His lips still tingled at the memory.? Once he stepped inside and the door closed, he let himself breakdown, falling wings first onto the bed, letting his legs dangle over the edge.
Kites's heart was beating fast, faster than usual, feeling like he's done yet one more unforgivable thing.? Maybe this is the final thing that would get him thrown out, maybe not.? But if it did, he knew that he could go to Gen, provided that she hasn't changed her mind on him yet.? Placing one arm over his eyes, he just laid there, thinking, listening to the hum of the facility.
(Ireland, Chord, Harrison)
Ireland woke up dressed and ran straight to Chord¡¯s office. She was told he and Harrison were in a meeting and she had to wait. After about twenty minutes they emerged from their office with Kites in tow. She knew that there was no love lost between them so she nodded her hellos as she walked over.?
¡°No matter how tempted you are to go look into this please do not.¡± Harrison said. ¡°We have a team investigating so we need this Lightening Rod to continue on as if he got away with it.¡±
¡°Have you spoke to Gen?¡± Ireland asked. ¡°Is she okay?¡±she asked clearly concerned.
¡°I tried yesterday, when I learned she was injured she didn¡¯t want my help. She made Kites send me away.¡±
¡°What? But why?¡± Ireland said looking at Kites.
¡°Because sometimes People cut off their nose to spite their face,¡± Chord said. His jaw set firm.
¡°I left supplies. I hoped she used them.¡± Harrison said
¡°We have another meeting to attend but we will be back in about an hour. Will you please round up the team and let them know we want to meet with them then.¡± Chord said to Kites.
And then sent him on his way, moving towards the helipad on the roof.
¡°There is still a team?¡± Ireland asked. Following the pair.
Harrison nodded. ¡°Kat, Mia and Kites have decided to stay. ¡°
¡°I have yet to talk to you and Brandon.¡± Chord said.
¡°Daddio...I¡¯m...¡± Ireland said frowning.
¡°Ireland. We will talk about this later. Harrison and I are going to go talk to Gen. Make sure she is okay and...¡±
¡°I¡¯m coming with you.¡± Ireland said
¡°Do you really think that¡¯s wise, Ireland considering your temper.¡± Harrison asked
¡°I promise to behave,¡± she said as they reached the roof and she climbed inside the helicopter.
Chord shook his head and smirked but waited for Harrison to get in before he got in as well.
Soon the helicopter was up in the sky moving toward the lighthouse.
Ireland remembered the other day when she met Gen as Martin, he had given her his phone number so she pulled out her phone and called it.
(Gen)
Gen was doing stretching exercises when she heard a phone ringing.? She stopped, looking around in confusion.? There was a phone in the lighthouse, but it'd been disconnected long before she'd moved into the place.? But then she remembered the cell-phone she'd gotten but hardly ever used.? It was still in the backpack she'd had when she first started squatting in the place.
Pulling it out, she stared at the number calling her. It took her a moment to realize that she'd only ever given her number to one person.? The androgyne hesitated as the phone kept ringing.? They hadn't parted on the best of terms and her feelings were still a little hurt.? But maybe Ireland had heard about the attack from Kites, and maybe she was calling to see if Gen was alright.??
Maybe.? She flipped the phone open and touched the answer button.
"Hello?" she ventured.? The sound of a helicopter in the distance was coming in through the window, distracting her.? Moving to the window, she pressed the phone closer to her ear. "Ireland."
(Ireland, Chord, Harrison)
¡°I can not believe you made Harrison leave when she was trying to help you. I get being stubborn but you could have died. Would it have been worth leaving Kites with the guilt of watching you die just to prove a point.¡± The other woman said through the phone. ¡°I mean honestly.¡±
(Gen)
The unexpected words stung the androgyne.? "Would it have mattered to you if I had died?? Would it?" she shot back.? She was having to shout as the noise from the helicopter was growing louder.??
"I'm having trouble hearing you," Gen said loudly, staring out the window at the offending source of the noise and holding her free hand over her other ear. "There's a helicopter passing over the harbor."? She stared at the corporate logo on the craft as it drew closer, recognizing it at once.? Realization clicked in her head when she noticed that the background sound coming out of the phone matched what was coming in through the window.? "Ireland," she asked, her face knotting in suspicion, "where are you, exactly?"
(Ireland, Chord, Harrison)
¡°Really? Really! Don¡¯t you even try to go there. You left us Gen. you are the one who told Harrison to leave. If it didn¡¯t matter she wouldn¡¯t have come. If you didn¡¯t matter we wouldn¡¯t be on our way to you now.¡±
Chord reached out his hand then and Ireland handed him the phone. ¡°Gen. ?We will be landing in about ten minutes. Would you like to talk on the roof or would you like to invite us in?¡±
(Gen)
"On your way..." Gen said, staring at the approaching helicopter with realization.? "You're in the helicopter."? The androgyne's emotions were in turmoil.? Ireland's words stung.? But before she could react, Chord's voice came over the phone, prompting her for an answer.
"It's a lighthouse," she said, sighing.? "You'll have to land on the island.? When you get here, you can come in.? It's not like I can stop you." She eyed the helicopter with a mix of frustration and resignation.? It was close enough now that she could make out the outlines of the three occupants.? "It's not like I can do much of anything at all, is it?? Anything right, anyways."
(Ireland, Chord, Harrison)
Chord tried his best not to say. Ireland actually did. ¡°Is she serious right now with this?¡± Ireland said hurt in her tone. ¡°She pushed us away...me away and somehow she¡¯s the victim?¡±
¡°Ireland,¡± Harrison reprimanded.?
¡°Please forgive Ireland. She doesn¡¯t do well when she feels like people she cares just abandons her.¡±
Ireland frowned at Chord.?
¡°Gen, We are not trying to encroach on your personal space. We just want to make sure you are alright. That you have the proper and any necessary medical equipment that you need and offer any help you will let us provide to assist with the capture of your assailant.¡±
(Gen)
"I don't need help," Gen said, stubbornly defensive.? "I was designed to survive on other planets.? I can handle some two-bit--"
Just as Gen was finished?speaking, a loud pop could be heard in the background. The helicopter dipped and dropped almost like it was fighting to stay up. It managed to stay up only for a few seconds before it dipped and spun. ?
¡°Chord...¡± the sound of Ireland¡¯s scared voice could be heard through the phone.
Chaos seemed to ensue from the inside of the chopper. The helicopter nosed dived.
Gen heard something pop and saw the helicopter start to waver unsteadily.? "What was that?? What's happening?"
The chopper's instability only got worse and the androgyne became alarmed at the screams she was hearing.? "Ireland?? What's wrong?" she yelled into the phone, a feeling of panic coming over her as she watched the craft suddenly lurch downwards.? "Ireland?? Ire--"
Time slowed strangely.? It was like minutes were passing between each beat of her heart.? She could see the helicopter blades moving in slow swirls as the craft drifted down towards the water.? A bright flash seemed to spark inside the chopper, then expand, until it was consuming the interior. Things began to fall apart. The blades hit the water, breaking into flying shards. Then just as the cabin hit the surface, another explosion bloomed, again from the inside, this time ripping what remained of the craft into an expanding storm of fire and shredded metal, flying in all directions until eventually falling back to the water's surface, some pieces floating, others disappearing into the depths.
Wreckage was everywhere. Debris littered the surface of the water and there was not trace of the four people who had been inside.
"No."? Gen was still holding the phone, but there was nothing but silence.? Out the window there was smoke clouding up over a sea of smoldering debris.? "No, no, no, no..."??
The androgyne froze between an impulse to shift and dive into the water and the knowledge that she was still weak.? And the thought that there was something that needed to be done first.? She quickly dialed a number she remembered, desperately willing the other end to pick up.? Finally it did.
"Chord Enterprises," a voice said, cordial and businesslike. "How may I direct your--"
"No time," Gen said, keeping her voice as calm as she could manage.? "Listen.? Mister Chord, Harrison, and Ireland were in a helicopter, flying out to the old lighthouse in the harbor.? Something happened and it blew up.? Send anyone and anything you can.? I... I'm gonna look for survivors."? Her voice was tight and she was fighting back tears.? "I... don't think there are any.? But I've gotta look."
"Who is this?" the voice demanded, no longer cordial.? "What are you--"
"Just get here." Gen said.? "I'll be outside.? I..." She suddenly felt weary, so incredibly weary. "I'm nobody.? Nobody at all," she said finally.? "Just get here, okay?"
Flipping the phone off, she went to the window, perched on the outside rail just long enough for her wings to emerge, then launched herself into the air.? It only took her a minute to fly over the floating debris field.? There was no sign of life.? Taking a deep breathe, she willed her wings back and caused her gills and webbing to emerge as she dove beneath the water's surface.? The effort was an incredible drain, but she began searching.? The water was comparatively shallow here, allowing some light to penetrate.? It was enough for her to see by.? Enough for her to see too much.
It didn't take long to determine that there were no survivors.? There was too much... evidence... to allow for any other conclusion.? But Gen lingered, turning her attention to the pieces of wreckage, examining what she found, committing what she saw to memory.? And everything she tasted as her gills filtered the water in the area, picking up traces of things that shouldn't be there.? There were questions that would have to be answered. Later.
Finally she had nothing left. With the last of her energy, she swam to the lighthouse, crawled up on shore, then shifted back to her default mode, neither male nor female.? She leaned back against a large rock, hugged her knees to her chest, and began to weep.? "Ireland," she whispered to no one, furiously wiping tears from her eyes, "It hurts, Ireland.? It hurts so much.? I'm sorry."? Dropping her head to her knees, she fell silent and waited.? Thinking about everything that had happened.? And everything that she'd seen and found.? ?
There was much to think about.
(Mia)
Mia had gotten up early, went through her morning work out all the while wondering what the day was going to bring.? She had enjoyed her time with Ireland and her brother at the board walk, but was shocked to hear about Gen being attacked.? When they had arrived back at the facility, there was so much chaos going on that she didn't know what to do or even if she could help.? She had sat in the living area until almost 1 am, waiting for someone to let her know what to do.? She figured staying out of the way was the best course of action she could take.
Finally, at 1 am, needing to sleep was getting to her and she headed to bed.? Now, it was morning and it seemed like everything had calmed down.? She was in the kitchen eating, now, as she wondered where everyone was.? It was very quiet and she was beginning to wonder if she was the only left in the facility.
Tag: Open, whose next.
