GraceFall [ONC 2024]

Epilogues

Bastion Headquarters ... A secret location ...

"The trial and conviction of the former superhero, Psycona, also known as Zjahn Zjmit, Sean Smith and the villain, Phaross, has sent shockwaves through both the superhero community and the world at large, with many governments considering registration of supers, or outright bans of cape activity. Commentators, on both sides, are divided on the consequences of such legislation, with advocates calling it a move long-past due and critics stating that it could embolden super-villains to create even more chaos. Psycona, who made his home in Faraday City and, in his Phaross identity, destroyed a large swathe of that same city, killing hundreds, is now held in a secure facility by the super-team, Bastion, awaiting enactment of his sentencing. Meanwhile, in other news ..."

Betty waved a hand, switching off the news channel, and swivelled in the chair, trying not to look out of the floor-to-ceiling windows. When Principle had invited her to Bastion Headquarters, she had jumped at the chance, even signing the non-disclosure agreement with little protest. She needed to be here. Seeing the view for the first time, however, had left her awestruck, but that soon wore off. Now, every time her eyes drifted to those windows, she only felt a yawning sensation of falling. She hadn't eaten since she arrived.

A number of heroes came and went throughout the day. Most she recognised, but others were less well-known to her. It seemed almost as though the whole superhero community had come to watch the events. Some came to pay their respects, others to ensure Zjahn received justice. Still others had come to gawp and gloat at the man that many had considered the Earth's second-greatest hero.

Every so often, Betty allowed her new psychic senses to spread out around the space station that orbited the Earth and listened to people's thoughts. Few could keep her out. Few, meaning only two. Principle, which was as expected. If he wanted to, he could let her in, but she respected his privacy. The other surprised her. A human, with powers that had nothing to do with psychic strength. Fear, the dark avenging hero of Bohemia City. She sensed him, in the shadows, always watching, but his mind felt like a brick, concrete, steel and diamond wall, all at the same time.

One of Drone's drones floated toward her and she mused on something she had learned but could never reveal. The main drone of the robotic army, Drone himself, was not actually a robot, but a human in a technological marvel of powered armour. She knew who he was, too, and it made sense. Though if she ever wanted to write a story about him, she would have to find evidence elsewhere. She could reveal nothing of what she learned or experienced today. Which, as a reporter with a voracious appetite for the truth, practically killed her.

"Ms Burns. They are ready for you." The drone hovered, a screen upon its chest showing a smiling emoji. "Would you like to visit a restroom first? Perhaps a beverage?"

"No." She lifted herself from the chair, avoiding looking at the revolving Earth through the windows. "Let's get this over with."

The drone led her through several corridors, down elevators and through more corridors. The satellite, the space station was enormous and no-one on Earth even knew it existed. She, for one, had never had an inkling it sat high above their heads, an imposing watchman casting its gaze across the world. After some time, the drone led her to a set of large, sliding doors, that whooshed aside revealing the room within. A vast hangar bay, filled with heroes of all types, colourful costumes clashing to the eyes.

And there he was. Shackled, eyes downcast, Zjahn awaited the enactment of the court's judgement and he accepted it with no protest. He must have sensed her approach, his head rising and a small smile curled upon his reptilian, or lizard-like, she had never learned which, features. The eyes lowered again as Principle called the meeting to order, hovering beside Zjahn.