Extraordinary Mistakes II - Blood Ties

Face the consequences of your actions

September 2028

"This just in. Emily Roberts, the most powerful deviant in the world, has been kidnapped by Rachel Moore and the Angel of Death."

Emily's eyes are locked onto the television screen. Everyone else in the room burst into laughter when they read the footnote: Parker heir also got caught.

"Jade Harris has taken over as the interim most powerful. We'll be speaking to her in just a few minutes."

The voices around Emily are now indistinguishable. Abigail laughs loudly with Ánh, while Alex Williams jokes with Diego Álvarez, and the Angel of Death sits next to Rachel Moore. All attention shifts to Emily as she stands up. She fakes a headache and leaves the room.

"I should-" Abigail gets up.

"Let her be," Rachel looks at Abigail, "Alex, turn up the volume, please. Let's hear what the new number one has to say."

***

All cameras focus on Jade. She breathes in sharply and turns her head when her eyes connect with Madeleine's smile. Right next to Madeleine, is Jessica.

"Attention, everyone, we're going live in 3... 2... 1..."

"My fellow Americans," she pauses, "friends. Today, I stand here with a heavy heart." Her eyes focus on the teleprompter.

Jessica reveals the ongoing social media responses to Madeleine. Jade's dress and posture are being praised, while others criticize her. Jessica texts an unnamed contact, and seconds later, those reactions are gone.

"Being the number one deviant, the most powerful, is a responsibility."

Responsibility. A broad smile appears on Jessica's face.

"A responsibility I will not escape." Jade faces the camera.

Escape.

"Until our dear Emily returns," Jade looks down, takes a deep breath, and looks up again, "my message today is to one person, Rachel Moore."

Jessica looks at Madeleine with a questioning expression.

Across the studio, everyone's jaws drop.

"This wasn't-" Jessica mutters under her breath.

"I know, he'll know too," Madeleine looks at her.

"Rachel Moore." Jade's attention is fixed on the camera, "I understand your pain."

"If I shut it now, it'll look bad..." Jessica looks back at Madeleine.

"I do. I recognize the unfairness of it all. Shouldn't we have equal rights? Why are we deemed unworthy of being recognized as human beings? I get it. In that aspect, I empathize with you.

Jade's sympathy for the devil sparks a flood of posts on social media. Jessica chooses not to send any texts this time.

"This path does not lead to acceptance. Your approach is destined to fail. If you want acceptance, you must first pursue peace. Enough with the abductions and killings. Show us you aren't the same as your father."

Some posts express solidarity with Jade, while others condemn her for her choice of words. There's no such thing as understanding a terrorist like Rachel Moore.

"Mentioning Matthew Moore was a smart move," Madeleine whispers to Jessica.

"Madeleine, she has to stick to her script. Does she pose a burden or a risk? Make sure she gets in line. God, I miss Emily already."