The War Circle

Chilling Discovery

Chilling Discovery

Michael was checking the other computers when Damocles arrived. Before Damocles could even get a word out, Michael gestured for him to come around the desk, before turning the screen to show Damocles his discovery.

Damocles paled, before he stood up straight.

"How many other computers have you found...that on?" Damocles spluttered, as Michael frowned.

"Three, not including that initial one." Said Michael, "We're going to have to get the Police involved, if this is brushed under the rug and the public find out, the school is going to be finished."

Damocles made a strained growling noise, "How many of the pictures are of the students?"

"They're separated into folders, probably to 'keep them organised'." Said Michael, as the seventh computer opened its files to show more pictures, "A member of staff has been drugging students and, at the very least, taken indecent images of them. I think the previous tech support guy may have been in charge, or at least known about it and that's not even covering the stuff that's in the other folders."

Damocles quickly left the office, leaving a confused Michael behind. Michael looked over the newly opened file and his heart froze.

WC

"Why am I doing this again?" Caline asked, as she and Michael approached the girls changing room.

"The same reason I've managed to get other members of staff to go into the various bathrooms and changing rooms in the school," Said Michael, his face set in a scowl, "Someone has been taking inappropriate images of students, male and female, and selling them. At least three of the bathrooms have had cameras installed that aren't listed in the school database."

Caline stopped and looked at Michael's back, "That doesn't explain why you're taking it personally."

Michael stopped, his head bowing, "Caline, how many of your students have vanished for hours on end and come back unable to explain where they've been?"

Caline stopped and though for a moment, "All my students have done it at least once."

"How would you react if you came across an image of a close friend or family member in such a state?" Michael asked, as Wynnter flew out of his jacket, "Kwami can't follow their chosen in certain circumstances, and if the wielder can't remember an experience, then they cannot alert others to such an occurrence."

Caline's heart froze, "Marinette?"

Michael nodded quietly, "From what I've seen in the folder, they only drugged her and nothing else, but that fear still picks at the back of my mind."

"Are you going to tell her?" Asked Caline, drawing level with Michael.

Michael was silent, before responding, "How? How do I look her in the eye and tell her there is a chance she's been assaulted?"

"What was the folder like?" Caline pressed, "Was it with them in various stages of undress, was it anything beyond that?"

"I-I don't know." Michael admitted, "As soon as I saw folder with her name on it, amongst others with that filth, I closed it and started looking around the school."

Caline was silent, before speaking, "There was a time, after an Akuma attack, when Marinette was very late in coming back to class, at the time I brushed it off, thinking she'd gotten lost, but if that happened..."

They arrived at the changing rooms.

"I'll see you shortly." Said Michael, disappearing into the boys, while Caline entered the girls.