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CHAPTER ELEVEN
Seer wondered why oneof the triplets was missing from the meeting as they sat in the small, lavish room. But then they were all lavish. Except the labs.
“I’ve got the Swamp Kings on the line,” Quantum announced as he made his way to a seat. He placed what looked like a cell phone on the table and sat, the air before them filling with the Creole Kings and The Twelve gathered in the Sanctum.
That trick would never get old.
After a round of brief greetings, Quantum asked, “What do we know about these events?”
Bart was given the floor and a phone, holding it at his mouth like a walkie-talkie. “Brothers, bullshit like this has to be seen with the eye and the ear.” He turned and aimed the phone at a TV screen on the wall. “Hit play,” he said.
The screen came on and immediately, a “Holy shit,” fell from Seer’s lips at the long line of naked bodies hanging from a bridge. The camera on the screen jostled then landed on the reporter. “In an unprecedented and chilling wave of vigilante justice, a coordinated series of brutal murders has taken place over the past twelve hours, shaking the nation to its core. Reports have emerged from cities across theentireUnited States, where prominent figures have been found hanging from bridges just like the one you see behind me, with their alleged crimes stapled to their chests and the word “LUST” written on their foreheads.
“Los Angeles, CA in particular was rocked this morning when fifty-three high-profile celebrities were discovered hanging from the iconic Hollywood Sign.”
“Fuck-a-buck,” Dr. Harlow muttered as the surreal sights filled the screen.
“Again, the gruesome scene was accompanied by detailed accusations of their involvement in a notorious sex ring, stapled to their chests and the same “LUST” word on the forehead.
“Washington, D.C. was not spared from this wave of extrajudicial justice.”
“Ho-ly-shit,” Vex said on his right as the next string of naked bodies appeared looking like sadistic jewelry on the bridge.
“The horrific sight you see here arepoliticians, some with decades of public service and their crimes, according to these mysterious vigilantes, much like the previous victims—human trafficking and sex rings. This has left the political sphere in turmoil, with many officials fearing for their lives and demanding immediate protective measures. This has led to heightened security across government institutions and a scramble to address the public outcry for accountability.
“But it doesn’t end there. Over thirty-five well-known religious leaders were found in the same way, hanging from the Brooklyn Bridge, their alleged transgressions, including exploitation and abuse, stapled to their bodies alongside that ominous “LUST” word on their foreheads.”
“Whatisthis?” Quantum marveled as the woman went on.
“Law enforcement agencies across the country say the precision and scale of these attacks indicate a highly organized vigilante group. Collaboration is underway to uncover their identities, but so far, their efforts have been thwarted by the group’s anonymity and meticulous planning. The nation is deeply divided over these events, some citizens seeing the vigilantes as heroes delivering far overdue justice, and others horrified by the brutality and lawlessness of the killings. Protests and demonstrations have erupted in various cities, reflecting the polarized views of the public. Many are celebrating thejusticefor victims of these crimes while calling for more of the same, and others call for the arrest and prosecution of the vigilantes responsible for these murders.
“In a national address, FBI Director Jerald Smith urged the public to remain calm and assist law enforcement with any information related to these events. As the nation comes to terms with these shocking events, the implications of this wave of vigilante justice are being felt across all sectors of society. The brutality and public exposure of alleged crimes have left an indelible mark that has the entire countryfearfulof what may be next.”
The woman paused, adjusting her ear piece before focusing on the camera. “I’ve just received news that the presidenthasdeclared Marshal Law and deployed the National Guard ineverystate in anticipation of more attacks. As this story develops, it is clear that the nation is grappling with profound questions about justice, accountability, and—” The TV shut off and Bart’s sober face reappeared as he returned the phone to whoever handed it to him.
“What do you think?”
Seer recognized Nidev’s voice on the intercom.
“Give me thirty seconds of undisturbed processing,” Quantum said, getting up from his chair.
Seer and Vex exchanged glances as the surreal man-bot performed hisprocessing—no doubt at the speed of light—while engaging in the very human act of pacing.
