When Lightning Strikes

By Emily Hutnyak

“Surveillance to Headquarters, code red in Sector Five.”

I frown, tapping the holo-desk to activate the map. “The city square again? But we just—”

“Shh.” My boss, Josef, pushes his archaic spectacles farther up his nose, eyes locked on his screen.

I open my mouth to protest, think better of it, and check my smartwatch. Thirty minutes till my first official date. If Rae’s mom doesn’t figure out what’s up, of course.

But if Surveillance orders another storm, who knows how long it’ll hold us here? Blast it.

“Headquarters to Operations requesting SL-Eight to Sector Five.”

I slap the desk, sending a ripple of static through the map. “SL-Eight? We just sent a six yesterday. Surely—”

Josef pulls up the interface on the master computer. “HQ orders an eight, we deliver an eight.”

I clench my jaw. “But there was flooding yesterday and two people called the E-Medics with severe burns from the lightning. I think the square’s gotten enough storms for a while. That’s all.” But that’s not all. Something is off.

He pushes his Stormkey into one of the twin slots in the master computer. “Key, Ezekiel?”

I yank the chain over my head and thrust the stupid necklace at him. When he takes it from me, I notice his hand is trembling. “Is something wrong?”

He shakes his head even as he nearly drops my Stormkey while shoving it in place.

I squint at him. He knows more than he’s letting on. “Josef?”

He doesn’t respond. It looks like I won’t be able to pry anything out of him.

A chime draws my attention to the door before it folds back to reveal… Rae’s mom?

My frown returns as I stand to show the customary honor to a superior. “Director White. Does Headquarters need something?” Why didn’t she use the intercom? Most of HQ act like spending time in this room is beneath them.

The head of our department stands like a statue in the doorway, precise and neat in her suit. Her tech jewelry casts a pale orange glow that only adds to her intimidating demeanor. “I wish to inform you that my daughter will be engaged elsewhere. Your lunch together is canceled.”

Blast.

Rae warned about how little freedom she was allowed. That we’d have to go behind her mother’s back. I almost wish the director would break into a furious rant about it. That would be better than her not showing a pinprick of emotion.

I slam back into my chair, kicking the ground to spin in a circle. “What do you want her to do cooped up all day? Starve?”

Her right eye twitches. “Perhaps you haven’t heard, but the square is full of protestors at the moment. You wouldn’t be able to reach your destination if you tried. Be grateful I was going to let you accompany her at all before circumstances changed.”

Oh—

Wait a minute. With the SL8 we just sent, will the diner even be standing tomorrow?

And—the square full of protesters?

I slap the holo-desk again, hitting the zoom button until the blue image of the square fills the air between me and Josef. “Let me get this right. We’re sending a—”

He holds up a hand. “Watch your tone.”

“Seriously?” I cross my arms. “We’re sending an SL-Eight into a square full of people? There’s a section in the regulations, it—”

“If you’re pulling it up to show me, don’t bother.” His hard tone stops me from scrolling. When I look up, his eyes are full of steel. “I know what the regs say.”

“A six is the highest we can do with people in the area,” I press. “I thought this code red was just taking down the buildings.” Which was still stupid, but we’d done it before.

He holds my gaze.

I curse under my breath. “We’re murderers.” How many people can fit into that square? A thousand?

Will a thousand people die today? No, surely not. Most of them will leave when they see the clouds gathering. Right?

“What is this? We’re scientists, not killers.” I make a grab for the chain of my Stormkey, but Director White’s steely voice stops me.

“Don’t touch it, Zeke.”

I stare at her. “But the people—”

“We follow orders.” Josef leans forward, eyes hard and cold.

“This is wrong! I didn’t sign up for this! I wanted to learn, not—”

“Calm down, Ezekiel.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Director White’s half smile as she watches Josef scold me. Understanding strikes me, just like a bolt from the SL8.

This isn’t the prestigious lab they advertised. It’s not a peaceful establishment sending rain to dry fields, only using its powerful strikes as self-defense. It’s an oppressive regime. One I’ve sworn to serve.

My hands begin to tremble. Those protesters may have been on to something. And now they’re being silenced by an SL8.

My eyes slide shut. I won’t let them make me a mindless killer or a soulless lackey. I’ll stop them. I could fry their computers. Steal all the Stormkeys. No…. that wouldn’t make a lasting impact.

I imagine sabotaging the master interface, then escaping. Starting an underground resistance.

I open my eyes to see Rae’s mother leaving the operations room, the door sliding closed behind her. Rae could come with me, too, if she wants. She knows all HQ’s secrets. Plus, getting her out would mean setting her free from that evil woman.

The idea actually has potential.

Josef glances at me, then sits, looking satisfied that I won’t be making any trouble.

Not yet, but I’ll take these monsters down, whatever the cost.

So what if they can bend lightning to their will? They won’t be able to stand against the storm we’ll bring.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emily Hutnyak is a young writer with dreams that touch the sky and an overactive imagination. She spins stories about teens like herself finding their place in the world and tales of the light and hope that can be found even in the darkest of places. When she’s not writing, you can generally find her hanging out with friends and family, reading, or, on rare occasions, venturing outside to get some fresh air and sunshine.

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