Paragon

Chapter 13:

The flight back to Calpernica was awkward, as we were all tense with anticipation. When we landed it was late in the afternoon. Falcom wasn't waiting for us, which I thought was odd. Instead of sneaking off the plane and through the crowded airport, Roman teleported us two by two. Once outside we waited for a taxi.

"Okay." I said. "There's a hotel a few miles from the school at the corner of West Avenue and 64th Street. You four go there, and don't leave until we contact you. Take this." I handed him my cell phone.

"And if you don't?" Roman asked.

"Wait two days. After that, you're on your own. I suggest leaving the continent."

"Will do. But if you're in trouble, don't hesitate to call us. We can help."

I simply nodded in response.

We five girls waited for the boys to get a taxi, then boarded a bus. The ride was spent trying to think up a story to explain our absence. Nothing was working. We got off of the bus a block away from the school and stashed our gear in several lockers at a nearby gym. After that we walked to the school, arriving just after sunset.

There was a limo in the parking lot, along with several Prime Order vans.

"We are so dead." Nikara said.

At the door we were greeted by several agents. They refused to speak, instead leading us up to the principal's office.

"Wait here." One said.

She entered the office, returning a moment later with Mrs. Wesley and a tall, dark haired woman who could only have been Leela's mother.

"Leela!" Her mother exclaimed. "Where were you?"

"Out with friends." She replied, not making eye contact.

"Come with me."

"But-"

"Now."

The two walked away.

"I expected as much of you." Mrs. Weezbi snapped. "You Enhanced are trouble wherever you go. But then again, you're not human. We really can't expect you to act like us, can we?"

Weska stepped forward, but I grabbed her arm. We were in enough trouble as it was.

"You're just scared." Weska said.

"Scared?" The teacher asked. "Of what?"

"Us."

"I'm not." Her voice shook a little. "You're nothing."

"Please leave." The agent said to her. "The Prime Order will deal with them."

She turned and quickly stomped away, heels clicking on the tile.

"Gamma will see you now." The agent said, not unkindly.

We started forward, but she held up her hand. "Only you, Katana."

I entered the office and she closed the door behind me.

Gamma sat behind the desk, looking tired. His suit was messy, along with his usually immaculate hair.

"Sit down, Katana." He said wearily.

I sat at the edge of my chair, surprised by his lack of anger.

"Is it impossible for you to stay out of trouble?"

"What? We didn't do anything."

"I have tried to be a good stepfather to you." He leaned forward. "Truly. I know that I haven't been there as much as I wanted, but there's some things that can't be helped. Have I truly been that terrible?"