Chiron Academy

Chapter 21: An Early Morning Exercise

"Two short months ago," Mr. Buckingham said, "in the wake of the shadow of Clive Smith's tragic death, the president of the United States used an executive order to open what he called 'Chiron Academy', a program that would train our nation's young heroes and give them the skills they would need to survive. We are very excited to finally show publically, for the first time, the manifestation of that order."

A smattering of applause broke out among the gathered crowd that surrounded the Operation Director. Many were reporters, reaching their microphones out to catch Mr. Buckingham's every word, accompanied by their cameramen and crew, though Todd recognized a number of faculty members in the crowd as well.

The sun was shining brightly this morning, though the light did nothing to warm the bitter cold in the air. Everyone was clad in jackets and coats as the gusting breeze tore through them. The group was gathered on a gravel patch outside the abandoned town where they had done their intersquad competition. The slowly failing buildings served as a backdrop for the gathering.

"Under the president's order, we gathered the finest youths our nation had to offer. Kids with strength and skill, but above all, a desire to give back to their communities and country. From Seattle to Miami, from the US territory of Puerto Rico to the Shoshone Nation, we have assembled the best and brightest to train them in the best methods possible. After weeks of operation we finally ready to show the world its first glimpse of Chiron Academy."

Again, a light applause rose from the crowd. Todd thought none of them looked particularly enthused. He wondered how long they had had to fly to get attend this press conference.

 "As our official introduction to the world," Mr. Buckingham continued," we will be apprehending a fugitive that the police have tracked down to this area. He is unarmed but we have faith in our students' ability to apprehend him."

Mr. Buckingham turned to Todd.

"To lead and coordinate our efforts to take our criminal into custody, we have Diverman."

Todd felt the gaze of the crowd fall on him. The eyes of the people wondering who exactly he must be. He reminded himself that it wasn't just the small group of people watching him, it was everyone watching the footage coming from the news cameras. He swallowed hard, trying not to let his anxiousness show.

He was dressed in his blue and green superhero costume, mask pulled low over his eyes and nose. Mr. Buckingham had said everyone was to be in costume today. The kids that didn't have one were provided one, a plain yellow and light blue jumpsuit, with the same colors as the gym uniform. The image of a charging centaur was emblazoned on the back with the word 'CHIRON' written beneath it. 

Todd thought they looked alright, not the flashiest in the world, but they seemed to fit okay and most importantly the mask covered their faces.

"Diverman," Mr. Buckingham continued," is an experienced young crime fighter out of Baltimore and a model student. We look forward to seeing his experience and ability as he helps the other youths in the program."

He turned to Todd and shook his hand. 

"Thank you, Diverman, for your service."

Todd just smiled back. Mr. Buckingham promised he wouldn't have to say anything today, and Todd trusted that, but some of those reporters' eyes flashed with anticipation when Todd introduced. He was definitely not ready to talk on national television today. He winced as he felt the sweat on his palms as she shook Mr. Buckingham's hand.

Luckily, Mr. Buckingham seemed to notice the worry in Todd's face because he led the gaggle of reporters off to a separate area before continuing questions. He mouthed 'good job' as he walked away, flashing Todd a quick thumbs up.