Spes Novis

Savior - 13

Lavender held tightly to one of the hanging straps in the elevator car. Rather than take a small private compartment, the NPU and the former hostages opted for a larger carriage so that the innocents could be well protected.

"Someone turn on the newsreel," the unit deputy said.

People shifted around and suddenly a voice was emitting from speakers within the carriage.

"-are advised to stay at home and lock the doors, as the humans are very dangerous. Dozens have escaped from the city prison and are wreaking havoc to the power grid. Lights and power are out in the 5th, 6th, and 7th sector with more power outages expected soon. If you are in an elevator now, exit and seek shelter. Twenty-four elevators have already been sent into free-fall thanks to power outages. The death toll is up to 113 due to the elevators alone," the woman's voice continued on, but the bustle of the crowd drowned her out.

A terrified voice emitted throughout the carriage, "We need to get out of here!"

"How are they supposed to get home without using the elevator tubes?" someone asked.

"What if we're next?" another person exclaimed.

Panic set in throughout the gondola, as one of the former hostages demanded to be let off before they all fell to their deaths.

"Stay calm!" the leader of the military extraction unit announced, "We have several diviners with us to power the carriage even if the electricity goes out of commission. A large commotion will only make the situation worse."

Lavender shifted on her feet, still trying to listen to the woman's voice.

"Sector 8 has just gone out. All are advised to lock the doors and build defenses. The humans are armed and dangerous- oh my word. Justice Chavez and Statera are among the lost. They were last seen entering an elevator in Sector 8 before the grid went down. Even a powerful diviner such as Chavez could not react in time-"

A whimper tore through the carriage, drawing Lavender's eyes to Tamara. Finnikin was holding her close with one arm and holding a ceiling strap with the other.

"He wasn't expecting it, Tamara," Finnikin assured. "Our diviners are ready, just in case. Besides, we're in Sector 2, and they seem to be going in order. The power won't go out here until long after we're off-"

The lights flickered and the elevator slowed its ascent and the newscast voice died out.

Tamara shot Finnikin the deadliest of glares, then looked to Lavender, as if she was supposed to do something.

In moments, the lights shot back on. The diviners were hard at work, providing the elevator with an electric charge strong enough to power the carriage.

A silence crackled across the gondola, the only sound being the fizzing and popping of electrical currents. Suddenly, the newscaster's voice came back on, informational as ever.

"Sector 2 has just gone out and the central pillar is without power. East caverns have been compromised and humans are coming in armed with anti-mage technology. The national guard has been called in from Bellum and will arrive shortly. Hunker down and don't let anyone in your house, even if they display magic. Sources say that humans have learned to replicate our powers. Stay calm, stay quiet, and be ready to defend yourself."

The unit deputy looked at Lavender, "I want you, Corey, and Veda to go with the civilians and protect them. The rest of our unit and most of the extraction unit is needed to handle the D.C. threats until the full militia arrives, but we can't leave these people unguarded. They're leaving two of their men here as well, but I'm trusting you to keep everyone safe and in order. Can you do that?"

"Yes, Sir," Lavender responded.

The carriage stopped and slowly, the doors opened, revealing an empty, dark hall. An audible sigh escaped everyone's lips now that they knew there were no D.C.s lurking on the other side of the door.

The extraction unit leader led the way down the long hall and punched in a code into an unassuming panel while a diviner powered the circuits. With a click, the light on the panel turned green, unlocking a sturdy looking door. "This is one of the safest rooms in the city, especially made for people in the witness protection program. Very few have the codes." He gestured into the dark room, which was quickly lit up by diviner and pyromancer magic.

"Thank you," Lavender responded. She watched the former hostages sit down on the plush furniture, seeming too fearful to relax. Her eyes darted to the other soldiers who would be staying here with her; they seemed competent.

The extraction unit leader smiled and waved for the other soldiers to follow him out. Dep turned, leaving with the few other members of the National Protection Unit.

Lavender watched as the heavy door swung shut and locked with a little click. Under her breath, she promised, "I will protect them with my life."

* * *