In the Name of Chaos

Chapter 10: In time

Week 1 of preparations

"You always show up where you shouldn't," Saint reprimands.

"When else?" I ask, but Saint brushes me off as I ask for more examples of such situations, knowing the only time I have showed up where I shouldn't have is today.

I never thought it would be much of a problem to go up to Aris' office to talk to him, especially since my babysitter—who Aris prefers to call my bodyguard—saw me take the elevator to the top floor and did nothing to stop me from doing so.

It isn't as if I intended to eavesdrop on their conversation, but the topic of their discussion happened to draw my attention; terrorists. Well, the Foster government calls them terrorists.

I was only able to hear Aris and Saint discuss the various damages some terrorist group has inflicted across Geode before Saint saw me peeping at them and decided to invite me in, reprimanding me for showing up to places I shouldn't.

"How long have they been around, anyway?"

"Apparently for a hell of a long time" Saint scrolls through his phone as he speaks, "but they're only recently getting recognised because of things like..."

Saint holds up his phone for me, and I walk over to him.

Taking the phone from his hand, I skim through the article, reading out phrases that catch my attention, "The heist at central bank...burning crops at four—five of Geode's largest farms."

I'm prevented from reading any further when Saint snatches his phone out of my hand.

"That's all the interesting parts," he says. "Now, the government has declared war on these grey-masked, grey-clothed and grey-gloved people."

"Grey everything, it seems."

"You'd think they're making a statement."

"Definitely. It must be because they feel so grey inside." My eyes scan Saint's grey outfit. "What are you trying to say?"

Saint seems like he wants to smile, but he holds his smile back once he notices Aris is watching us.

"Would you like to read some more?" Aris asks.

I lift my eyebrows, unsure of what he means.

"About this group," Aris clarifies, shoving stacks of papers my way.

I walk towards Aris and smile at him in gratitude before struggling as I carry the load onto the couch. I don't understand people who prefer carrying all these papers instead of downloading it all onto a device, but beggars can't be choosers.

Flipping through the papers, my interest in the terrorist group grows. They wear grey items that are covered in the letter s. Well, they happen to wear such attire under regular clothing, and the only reason the public knows this is that a member of their group was arrested during the heist. She wore that attire under her regular clothes. It seems the only information she has given to the police is that all members wear these outfits under their clothing. She also said the attire is bulletproof, comfortable and cooling.

I can't help but laugh knowing the chaotic state of Geode, but Saint and Aris don't seem too pleased by my reaction.

I admit I feel terrible for the people who will suffer due to such acts. Money and food has been lost to many. However, as my father once said, the Gifted are helping to improve the economic status of Geode, so I'm sure we will be able to cope. Other counties will also be more than happy to provide aid, especially if a Gifted individual is up for grabs.