Fugitives

Famed to Framed

Kryoz and Smii7y walked back into the meeting room where Tucker, Eli, Byze, and Nogla were still in the room.

"Glad you guys are here. We were discussing the Hawaii facility." Byze said when they took seats.

Eli yawned, "And it's boring." He had his feet kicked up on the table and his hands lazily behind his head.

"That's not the only thing we need to talk about." Sparrow said from the doorway. "What is happening?" She asked coldly.

"Huh?" Nogla asked.

"I just got a call from a police force in the eastern hemisphere that you broke into a bank three days ago while we were at a facility. " She snapped while looking at Smii7y.

"What? I never did. I was helping with the mission." Smii7y retaliated.

"Why would Smii7y break into a bank? Is someone accusing him?" Nogla asked.

"The police department sent me video evidence. It was Smii7y and we noticed something else." She slid a tablet and another device that looked like a thick bracelet with a red stripe. A video started playing of a bank lobby. Ice spiked up from out of view of the camera. Then someone appeared in the frame who looked oddly like Smii7y. A green glow radiated off of his cheeks from his eyes.

"Care to explain that?" Sparrow asked coldly.

"I-" Smii7y had no words.

"That couldn't be Smii7y! He was helping with the facility! I remember!" Kryoz snapped.

"The time of this recording was after the rescue mission. Where were you after that, Smii7y?" Sparrow asked.

"I was on the plane with everyone else. I can remember things even when I'm-" Smii7y shivered, "Under control."

"Either way, put this on." Sparrow said while nodding at the band on the table.

"What is it?" Tucker asked.

"An ability reducer. Well, more like an ability remover. You won't be able to use your ability, period." Sparrow explained.

"You can't prove that's Smii7y! There are other abilitors out there! It could be someone framing Smii7y!" Kryoz shouted.

"We can't take that risk. Whether you were framed or not, I still must make sure that you don't break the law. This is what I can do to keep you from being arrested like a fugitive. I can give you to the police if you have a problem with it." Sparrow demanded. She crossed her arms and watched Smii7y, "You'll be on suspension. It's the best I can do. The government wants you to be locked up."

"Do you believe he did it?" Eli asked.

Sparrow closed her eyes, "I'm not allowed to say. The green eyes give me suspicion but this is for everyone's safety and you are on probation for it is above my authority to say different."

Smii7y looked at the band on the table. "There's got to be a way to prove he is innocent." Tucker said.

"Yeah! After one video! They can't blame him!" Kryoz shouted.

"They can and they did. This is the best I can do to keep him from being thrown in prison!" Sparrow retaliated.

"Smii7y. What happened? Do you remember?" Nogla asked to de-escalate the situation.

Smii7y shook his head, "I know I was on the plane just like every other mission. I never left. Why would I need to rob a bank?"

"Why would Neo need to rob a bank?" Tucker asked.

"I don't remember Neo controlling me. He usually makes it very clear." Smii7y said. He winced from his own words.

"We would need more evidence than that to prove that you're innocent." Sparrow said.

"Does the government or whatever know if the band is on?" Kryoz asked.

Sparrow nodded, "Designed for them to start controlling abilitors if needed. It tells them when it's deactivated."

"You can take it off though, right?" Eli asked, "In case he needs his ability."

"If he wants to go to prison." Sparrow answered dryly.

"Smii7y. I hate to say this but I don't think we have another choice. I'm not saying that you did it and I clearly remember you being there after the mission. I just don't want you getting in trouble." Byze added.

"This is bullshit! The government needs to fuck off!" Kryoz snapped.

"You don't get a say in the matter! This is above you and me. There is a possibility Neo is still out there or another dangerous abilitor who is on the loose! This is for everyone's safety!" Sparrow argued. There was a beep and a click as Smii7y grabbed the band and put it around his wrist. He felt shivers run down his body as the band stripped away his ability. He knew this was going to be a long suspension of constantly being cold.

"If Neo is still out there, he only has one plan and he can do it without even touching me." Smii7y said dryly.

Kryoz looked sympathetic, "We can fight this, Smii7y."

"Not if I'm under his control." Smii7y responded.

Sparrow nodded, "Thank you Smii7y. I'll talk with the Summit and see if we can get things straightened out. For now, don't do anything stupid. You are all on thin ice right now." She left without another word.

"Was that a jab at Smii7y or us?" Eli asked.

Tucker sighed, ignoring Eli's comment, "We'll figure out who is behind this, Smit."

Byze nodded, "There is something fishy about this and I don't like it. Someone is framing Smii7y and who's to say we aren't next?"

"This is ridiculous! All those shitheads jump straight to conclusions!" Kryoz snapped. He stood up from the chair and started pacing around.

Smii7y leaned down and bumped his head on the table with a pitiful groan. "I wish I wasn't the crux of the problem. Neo could be back and who knows who else. I am a danger yet again." Smii7y sighed.

"Hey. Don't take so much of the credit. At least it's only one of us." Eli said to try and lighten the mood. Tucker backhanded him in the shoulder with a glare. Smii7y groaned again.