NSA Headquarters, Fort Meade, Maryland
2021
It was late in the day, and mostly everyone was on their way out as the night shift came in. Security was tight, as usual at one of the most secure buildings in the nation. Anyone wishing to enter had to pass through a metal detector, a retinal scanner, and a facial recognition scanner. It was almost impossible to get into the building without proper authorization.
Nevertheless, there was someone who just then managed to get through security and sneak his way into the file room. In the digital age, there seemed to be no purpose for physical files. However, computers can always be hacked, so the agency likes to have hard copies of their files, making it harder for anyone to erase any information from their systems. The only way one could remove files is by hacking the systems from inside the building while also taking the physical file. This made the man's job harder, but not impossible.
He began to search for the file. Meanwhile, the computer concealed in his briefcase was hacking into the file management system and searching for the same set of files. Hopefully nobody would notice the files' disappearance; they hadn't been touched in years. He scanned through the different file cabinets, searching for the category he was looking for.
Finally he found it. The cabinet in a dark corner, the name almost impossible to read. Enhanced Individuals.
He slammed his briefcase into the cabinet, breaking the lock. He had earlier reinforced one of the sides so that it wouldn't damage the computer. The man opened the cabinet and flipped through the files.
Allen
Alderman
Danvers
Franks
Harrison
Johnson
Kelso
Finally he found one that he was looking for. Carr, Gabrielle. Out of curiosity he opened the file and read the first few lines. Not because he was trying to learn about these people, just to see what had been written about them.
Gabrielle Carr. Powers focused around manipulation of minds.
He closed the file and put it on top of the cabinet. One by one he found more of the files he was looking for, taking a second to read a bit of each.
Amber Lane. She has the ability to steal powers from other enhanced individuals and use them for herself.
Tyler Lane. Powerful telekinetic abilities.
Maddy Morgan. Powers centered around ability to fly.
Vanessa Nichols. Can shapeshift into a black housecat.
Jay ---
This one he put straight in the pile. He didn't have to read about himself.
Eventually he found the final folder. Brooke Anderson. Telepathic abilities, enhanced intelligence
There was a photo attached, just like all of them. This one appeared to be from a school picture day. The man slid it out from the paper clip holding it to the file, held for a second, and then pocketed it.
He put her file onto the pile and took out a matchbox. He struck a match against the side, then dropped it onto the pile of files on the cabinet. They caught quickly, the fire spreading from the top down. Quickly he walked out of the file room. The clock was ticking; eventually someone would notice either the fire or the hacking.
He was almost at the security checkpoint when the alarm sounded. Without hesitation the man ran for the wall. He threw his briefcase forward and ran along the wall around the security checkpoints, jumping off and catching his briefcase before it hit the ground. The man dashed off through the doors and into the night.
One Week Later
"It's official: Ronald Wrenworth has been elected Mayor of New York City. One of the City's most divisive candidates in decades, Wrenworth-"
Dian Nyugen switched off the TV. His plan was working perfectly. This would be the perfect bait for his target.
He stood up and walked over to the window. From his office, he could see Madison Square Garden, the line of skyscrapers, and even parts of Central Park. The city always looked beautiful at night, the lights of every building shining out into the dark sky. Nyugen had done a lot to get this office, this view. He was willing to do whatever it took to stay ahead.
Soon I'll have him. Then I will have all the power and money I'll ever need.
YOU ARE READING
HTH
Action2 years ago, a tragic accident led a hacker known as HTH to leave his life behind. Now, he uses his extraordinary abilities for good as a vigilante hitman, targeting corruption and injustice. But when the ugly part of his past catches up to him, HTH...
