Project Radioactive

Are We prisoners?

Dangerous, very dangerous. You're a threat to us all and to yourself. Learn to control it or we die.

I opened my eyes and found only two people in my room: a lady in a suit and Marcus. They were talking in hushed voices, but I could still hear their thoughts well enough to know what they were saying.

"You can't be serious! My parents have been waiting for three months! You can't just tell them to stay away!" Marcus was talking with his hands which were what he did when he was angry.

"Celia is a threat to so many people! We didn't let you near your parents until you got your speed under control. Before you were running around like Barry Allen! Celia is different. Her mind can copy others. That seizure she had was caused when her brain tried to copy every doctor's in the room, and there were only four of us! Also, let's not forget about how she accidentally attacked your mind. That involuntary behaver is why we need to keep her away. Just tell your parents that she's still asleep." The woman was trying to get Marcus to lie? Mom knew exactly when he lied!

"You're making a mistake, just like with Zander! It's not his fault that he can't control his emotions!"

The lady glanced at the floor. "He almost killed us all! His mutations are far too dangerous! You can't think about it either or Celia might find out. For now she is stable, so let's keep her that way.

Marcus looked down. "This whole place is like a prison. We can't help if we're radioactive or superhuman! Before that stupid meteorite, I was a normal kid! I haven't seen any of my friends and now I can't tell my parents about anything happening to me because you guys won't let me! What if I don't want to be stuck underground in the middle of Virginia! We all hate it here anyways!"

The lady crossed her arms. "Fine, go back to your school and infect everyone you touch! Have no control of your speed! We are here to help!"

I sat up and they both turned to me. Marcus looked at her hatefully. "Go ahead and tell her! I'm out of here." He walked towards Jayden's room and slammed the door.

"Why don't our parents know the truth?" I asked. The lady cursed under her breath.

"It's safer that way. No complaining, okay? Nothing you say will change our minds. Your parents can not see you until you can control your powers and that is final!" She thought of a few curse words as the lady walked through the glass door.

I tried to get up, but I still couldn't support my weight. The moment I tried to stand I collapsed on the ground. Hearing the noise, Marcus walked out and saw me struggling to stand. In an instant, I was on the bed again. I noticed that he really did use speed for the first time in front of me, and he moved instantaneously.

"Can't you just tell them?" I said. I felt so useless being here, not being able to do anything.

Marcus shook his head. "They rule our lives, Celia. It could just be worse. Believe me; I want to tell mom and dad just as much as you do. The thing is I suspect that we're here for a reason. They need us for something."

"For their science toys?" I asked.

"No, I think that it is something far worse, and maybe you can find out."

I thought about that, but it didn't make much sense. Then again, I've been awake for only 2 days now and nothing made sense. "Fine, but on one condition, tell me why no one will talk about Zander."

"I can't," he said. They are always listening, so pay attention, he thought. Clever how he'd figured out how to communicate without talking to me. I scooted closer to him. He was mutated, but he wasn't affected like us. He can turn into this monster when he's angry and he has no control over his mutation. They've been keeping him in solitary confinement to protect everyone here as they find a cure, but he's losing his mind. I thought maybe you could help him. If you practice controlling my mind, maybe you can control his and bring him back. I don't want you losing any more friends.

I nodded, terrified of what could have happened to Zander. He was the nicest guy my age, other than Charlie, but he was gone. It was up to me to save my only friend. That was why I was here.

I was no one's prisoner.