Unrelenting sound buzzes through Christina's ears. All the while, she tries to maintain her conscious state, despite her sleep deprivation. For the past few weeks, she has worked non-stop throughout most hours of the day. Only sleeping for a little over an hour a night. Stress and fatigue have piled on, making her like a zombie. Nevertheless, she persists. Determined to do her job and fix the issues caused by the hole.
Instead of at her desk like usual, Christina is seated at the end of the conference table in her office. Four other people –all wearing business attire– are also seated at the table, with two on each side. Next to the door by the table, a security guard stands, keeping a close eye on things.
Business Person 1: In short, there are a myriad of issues that you have simply overlooked for far too long.
As she responds, Christina's voice is hidden with irritation and impatience. After all, the time being wasted right now is time that could be spent solving said issues. Despite her anger threatening to bubble over, her response is rather respectful.
Christina: Would you be able to provide a few examples of this?
One of the business people at the table pulls out a folder from under their chair, and begins shuffling through papers. During this, Christina runs her fingers through her tied up hair and looks down at the papers in front of her. After moving one to the side, she reads off the meeting she's scheduled for after this one in her head.
Christina (Inner): Shit. I don't remember agreeing to this. What was I thinking? The only explanation I can come up with is that my fatigue caught up to me, resulting in a bad decision. If that's the case, what other things have I been doing wrong? Still, I'll have to cancel this meeting. I've made it a point to not give the powered representatives an audience with me.
Business Person 2: Well Ma'am. If you give me a moment here, I can read off a few examples of such issues. Here we go. Refusal to create more cemeteries to account for the numerous deaths in the past few weeks, continued delay in the rebuilding process of the city, budget cuts on government jobs, increase in taxes, increase in homelessness, increase in suicide rates, should I continue or do you get the picture, miss?
Each of the four business people were very different in how they handled things. The first one was more proper and professional. Like a stereotypical business man who is constantly on an important business call in public. The second was a little messier, but she still got her job done right. Opposite to the first's neat and combed hair, hers was messy and knotted. The third person seemed new. He looked fairly young and didn't speak the entire time, choosing instead to document everything that was being said. The fourth was a tall man, who clearly had a passion for his work, but even bigger anger issues.
Christina laid her hands flat on the table, then let out a shallow sigh. Her fierce –yet tired– eyes stared at the four for a few moments as she contemplated what she should say.
Christina: Let it be known that these are issues I intend to resolve. However-
The fourth slams his fist down on the table –causing it to shift slightly–, before cutting her off by yelling "Bullshit!" Christina attempts to continue, but is soon cut off again.
Christina: Howev-
Business Person 4: In the past few weeks, you have done little to nothing about the glaring issue that is the giant hole outside. Not only did it take thousands of lives, but those grieving families don't even have the luxury of closure. Why? Because you, Ma'am, have been neglecting their lives. They can't afford a funeral service. Even if they could, there's nowhere for it to be held because all the cemeteries are full. And once again I ask why. It's because taxes have been increased and budgets have been cut to the point where we are on the brink of an economic collapse in society. Before you know it, the amount of homeless people will blow up in your face. People are losing their jobs. They are dying of hunger. People can't work because no one has the money to buy. People can't buy because they can't work. And then they lose everything. What do you think happens when they lose everything, with no hope of return?
Refusing to respond, Christina stares at him, along with the other three there. With her mind not thinking rationally at the moment –mixed with her irritation–, she continues to wait for the right moment to continue the point she had tried to make twice.
After about fifteen seconds of waiting, the fourth answers his own question.
Business Person 4: They kill themselves. There's nothing else to it. The calamity of that hole has made the bad part a better place to live. Do you have any idea what that means for you?
Christina: …
Business Person 4: Answer!
He stands up forcefully, knocking his chair over as he quickly stomps over to Christina. Before he can reach her however, he is halted by the security guard and escorted out of the room.
A few minutes pass in silence, as the three remaining business people stare at Christina, waiting for her to speak. She clears her throat and continues where she left off. The confidence and annoyance in her voice and demeanor never wavers.
Christina: However, lately I have had other issues that I've been occupied with. I have made attempts to multi-task, and resolve the larger issues at hand, but it's simply not something I'm capable of. I am only one person, and these issues you've presented to me are far too monumental for me to handle without full focus and effort. I understand that-
Business Person 1: If I may, Ma'am?
Her fists clench as she squeezes her eyes shut. The impatience within her grows with every second that this meeting drags on, yet she can't act out of place. Taking the few seconds necessary to slow her breathing and relax her muscles, Christina takes a sip of coffee and responds.
Christina: You may proceed with your question.
She glares at him as he speaks.
Business Person 1: You've brought up the issue of overwork and burnout. While those are understandable problems one may have, it does raise a few questions.
Christina: And what might those be?
Business Person 1: The most obvious question that I'm sure my other associates also had, is the solution of manpower. Correct me if I'm wrong, please. You clearly are aware of the importance of the issues you have sidelined, and have chosen instead to focus on more menial tasks. Am I correct?
Her grip on her coffee mug tightens slightly. The third –picking up on her body language– writes down her movements and intent. Words are a shield to protect yourself. While the other two are focused on Christina's word choice, the third is paying closer attention to how she reacts to things physically.
Christina: You are.
Business Person 1: It seems to me that you are simply avoiding these issues for one reason or another. Purposely avoiding them, I mean. There are options you have at your disposal yet you choose not to take them. Instead, you drown yourself in smaller problems to appear busy, when other people could be handling those things. I think that you might be afraid to take on these challenges, and are instead allowing the public to suffer because of your slothfulness.
Christina: I understand what you are saying, but I assure you that I plan to-
Business Person 2: When?
Christina: What was that?
Business Person 2: By the time you actually get to it, society will most likely have crumbled. You need to step up now. The people can't wait. The world leader has never had too glamorous a reputation, but do you really wish to tarnish it even further? The laws that have been established and enforced are the only things keeping this world together. Without them, we would be plunged into chaos. Procrastinating will only make things worse. I suggest you take action once your meetings today have concluded.
The second's voice is more stern and demanding than it was before. Almost as if she had rehearsed those lines in her head before speaking. Usually her speech and attitude was messy or light hearted, but here it was the opposite.
Christina's calm act was dying, but she desperately tried to keep it alive. Although at this point, it was painfully obvious to the other three that she was struggling.
Christina: Well then, I will handle this issue at the source. Does that solution satisfy you?
All eyes move to the third as he raises his hand. As mentioned earlier, he hadn't spoken at all during the meeting up until this point. Deep down, Christina was a little nervous at what he might say.
Christina: Yes?
Business Person 3: Just to clarify, who or what exactly is the source?
He closes his mouth tightly, almost as if he was sealing it shut. The other two turn their attention to Christina, who is stumbling over her words at a response.
Christina: That information is classified. Therefore I can not answer your question.
While the third looks down to his laptop and writes her response down, the other two look skeptical.
Business Person 1: As your advisors, we should be allowed to know such information. With how defensive you've been, it seems you are only digging your own grave. So please, kindly answer his question, Ma'am.
Christina: Alright. If you insist. It's a sixteen year old boy by the name of Dean Jeeves. He has the ability to summon portals. He used said ability to create that hole, sending the previous contents to somewhere currently unknown. His location, status, and motive remain unknown as well.
Business Person 2: Interesting. I have two things I would like to say.
Christina: Go ahead.
Business Person 2: Well for one, I don't see the overall benefit in bringing Dean Jeeves to justice. I understand that it's something that needs to be addressed. However, it's not as if he can undo what he has done. The past is unchangeable, and we need to instead focus on both the present and future.
Christina: But there is always the possibility that he will attack again in the future.
The third's eyes squint as he notices the cracks beginning to form in Christina's speech. It seems that she is less focused on her image, and instead on ending the meeting as soon as possible.
Business Person 2: While I agree with you whole-heartedly, your solution will not in any way fix the problems we have discussed.
Christina: And what is your second point?
Business Person 2: I'd like to know how you are aware that it was Dean Jeeves who did this, and what actions have been taken to find him.
Christina's eyes widen as she begins to sweat. The other three stare her down, waiting for a response. Her breathing quickens, and it becomes clear that she is distressed. Even so, they continue to sit patiently until she answers. Mustering all the strength she has left, Christina speaks.
Christina: I was made aware by an anonymous source. We do not know who this person was. As for your second question, there have not been any actions taken to find him.
She breathes a sigh of relief, but their intense gazes never cease. If anything, the room only gets more tense as they continue to question her. At this point, it feels more like interrogation than anything.
Business Person 1: And why is that, if I may ask? If Dean Jeeves is as important as you say, then it seems obvious that you would have dropped everything in search of him. Unless I was correct earlier in saying that you are purposefully avoiding the larger issues at hand.
Christina: Like I said earlier, we don't have any clues or information about where he may be.
The third raises his hand again. Christina's irritation only grows more intense, to the point where everyone is aware of it. Despite this, she still tries to stifle it.
Christina: What would you like to say?
Business Person 3: You never said that, miss.
She raises an eyebrow at his words. Everyone at the table looks at him in confusion and intrigue.
Christina: Hm?
Business Person 3: All you said was "His location, status, and motive remain unknown as well". You did not say that you don't have any clues, just that it's unknown. I could understand if those could mean the same thing, but it's been clear so far that you've been paying close attention to your word choice, so I don't think a mistake like that would happen.
The third seals his lips again as Christina stares at him with shock. The other two are also speechless. It takes a minute for someone to speak up.
Business Person 1: Christina, it has become clear that you have not been taking anything seriously. If you don't change this soon, then it will be time for a new world leader to take the stand. A more competent one. Although by that point, there may not be a reason for one. The world may fall into chaos before then.
Christina remains silent as they pack up and leave. Their words clearly left an impact on her. Time will tell whether that impact is good or bad however.
She knows that they're right. As of recent, she has been failing in her duties as world leader. The world has been crumbling because of her inaction. But there isn't much she can do about it. Every time she makes the conscious decision to do something good, a voice rings in her head. An urge screams at her to stop and focus on one thing. Dean Jeeves.
Christina (Inner): If you play it smart, everything will work out just fine. It's only a matter of time before Leon comes in here and tells you where he is. Until then, don't worry about it all.
Christina: Too many things are going wrong. Something must be done about them, and I'm the only person capable of it. I can't sit around not doing anything.
Christina (Inner): You're too busy. Too tired. You can't do anything about it like this. Just think about it. Dean is the one who caused all this trouble for you, who made the past few weeks miserable. And what is he doing? Most likely goofing off. All while you sit here and suffer doing a job you never wanted. Dean is responsible for all this. Plus, he's Leon's brother. Wouldn't it be so satisfying to torture and kill someone who looks just like Leon?
Christina: Enough of that! Those thoughts aren't mine! I don't do things out of revenge. It's uncivilized. As much as I may hate Leon, I feel like if I were to do that, I'd be falling right into his trap.
Christina (Inner): So? You can kill him. You know you can. You can kill everyone. You are the ruler of the world. No one can stand up to you. But you think the actions of a child can dictate your sanity? Your mental state? I don't think so. You can punish him. You can kill him. Make him suffer for all the people he's killed. So why don't you?
Christina: I don't know.
Christina (Inner): Think about how much you hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. You hate him. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them. I hate them.
Suddenly, she's snapped out of her daze by the sound of the door opening. Footsteps follow, as her eyes focus on the person making those noises. A man with long hair pulls a chair out and sits down. Like the people before him, he is also wearing a suit, but his is a little more messy. Despite this, his demeanor is very professional.
Man: Good afternoon. Since you haven't revealed your last name, neither will I. Therefore, you may refer to me as Samuel.
He holds out his hand, but Christina doesn't shake it.
Christina: Your meeting with me was scheduled for five minutes. State your case quickly.
Samuel: Understood. Considering the miniscule amount of time I've been given, I'd like to bring up three major topics. First being: Are you aware of the bias and deletion in your records?
Christina: Could you elaborate on that, please?
Samuel: Of course. Throughout the years, there have been numerous records of world events. However, upon reading through all of these, there is a clear bias. This could be interpreted as propaganda, especially since these records were made public a little over a hundred years ago.
Christina: Propaganda? In what way?
Samuel: These records have only been showing certain parts of stories. This brings me to the deleted records. As you can see, there has been one record every Monday for the past 400 years without fail. Yet some just don't exist. It's odd that there are gaps here, isn't it? Of course, you could make the argument that nothing of note happened during that time, or they had a reason that they couldn't document things, but that would be false. For some of these records, very mundane things have been stated, such as a new store opening. So everything should be written down. As for the second possibility, if that were the case, then why would they make reference to events in later records that weren't established before?
Christina: Do you have an example of this?
Samuel: Absolutely. Here, look at this.
He pulls out a packet and shows it to her, before opening it.
Samuel: In this record, it states the aftermath of a library burning down a few weeks prior, and how a person with a fire power caused it. Now, I'd say that's a fairly significant event. So it's only obvious that there would be a record on that, right? Well, upon looking further into this event, you find out the reason it was removed. That reason being that it wasn't someone with a power. In fact, it was plain old arson. Committed by a "normal" person. Why was it removed? Why did they lie? It's obvious, isn't it? To paint the wrong picture.
His voice suddenly gets very hostile as he leans closer.
Samuel: Knowing that a "normal" person committed such a horrendous crime would ruin the image of the good part and its people. So, it's only natural that the blame would be pinned on one of my people. After all, it only makes sense, doesn't it? So tell me… How many more lies are there?
Christina: Your time is running out. What's the point that you're trying to make here?
Samuel: My point?
He lets out a laugh.
Samuel: I'll tell you my point once I'm finished. Second: Do you honestly think that all people with powers are dangerous?
Christina: Of course. There's been many cases of people with powers acting out in evil manners. History has shown how dangerous they can be-
Samuel: Well we've already established that history is wrong, haven't we? And evil? There's no such thing. There are many people out there who would consider you to be evil, whether they have powers or not. But I'm assuming you don't agree with them, do you? Here. Let me ask you this: My power is that I don't need food or water to survive. All I need is extra sleep as an alternative. Do you think that I'm evil?
It takes her a few seconds to respond. While she knows exactly the kind of game that Samuel is playing, she also knows that not responding would just make things worse. After all, she agrees with him on most of what he's saying. But her role as world leader and the meaning it has, prevents her from saying that.
Christina: Not necessarily, no. However, that does not excuse what your people have done in the past.
Samuel: Don't make me repeat myself. History is a lie. Stereotyping and dehumanizing are both things that are more twisted than the things I've ever done. And yet I'm the representative of the people with powers. Anyways, I suppose I should make my point now.
Christina: And what might be?
He leans closer and whispers in her ear. Because he clearly doesn't have any intent to harm her, the security guard by the door doesn't intervene.
Samuel: You are corrupt. The concept of a world leader is corrupt. Segregating based on things we can't control is corrupt. And yet you sit here telling me that my people are evil, when we are simply trying to survive? You can say that we act violently from time to time, yet that would be looking at things at a surface level. Nine times out of ten, when someone with power commits a crime, they are doing it because of the stereotyping that you and your predecessors have established. The tenth is people who are mentally ill. But again, a lot of those people only became that way because of the messed up rules that have been put in place. And that brings me to my next point.
Despite Samuel's constant accusations, Christina has lost her earlier feeling of irritation. Because she truly understands what Samuel is saying, and somewhat agrees with it, she can't bring herself to be upset. Even so, she knows that he's speaking out of a place of anger and hate, and not everything he says can be taken seriously.
Samuel: Are you aware of the mentally insane people that have been shoveled off to the bad part? None of them have powers, and yet they all claim they've experienced the same things.
Her curiosity and confusion peaks as she raises an eyebrow to his question. Her body shifts to fully face him, and she leans forward, clearly interested in what he is going to say after she responds.
Christina: I am not aware of this. Please, tell me what you mean.
Samuel: I mean exactly what I said. Non-violent insane individuals have shown up all around the bad part in recent years. And they say the same things.
Christina: Which are?
Samuel: That they were sent here by someone from the good part, and that they've seen alternate realities. Or more accurately, have lived through shifts in realities multiple times.
Christina: What?
Her eyes widen in shock, but her focus is shifted back to Samuel as he pulls out a laptop and shows her a video.
Samuel: Watch. You'll see what I'm saying.
The video plays, showing a woman in a prison cell, looking extremely disturbed. She looked like she had been sobbing. Samuel's description of "insane" seemed to be wrong, based on how she was acting. But it became clear what he meant when she began speaking, even if she wasn't technically insane.
Samuel (Video): Could you tell me what happened, miss?
Woman (Video): I was… I was with my husband when… he just vanished! Suddenly the house I was living in wasn't mine! It was like I teleported somewhere else, but I could tell that it was my home! He was gone! I had no home! I looked through my phone and everything was different! All my photos of us together were gone! Replaced with photos of me and my friends drinking at some damn bar! I don't know what happened! The next thing I knew, I heard footsteps behind me! Someone knocked me out and I woke up in the bad part! Please! I just want my husband back!
The video ends. Samuel closes the laptop, leaving Christina to stare into space with an utterly shocked expression. He stands up and begins heading to the door, as his time has run out.
Samuel: That was something I more wanted to bring your attention to than anything. Even though I have mostly hateful opinions about world leaders, I'm humble enough to understand that you are far more capable of handling this situation than I am. But as for the other two things I brought up… You better fix your shit before it crashes in your face and leaves you to bleed out.
He leaves. Christina feels frozen in place, as she struggles to fully comprehend everything that has happened in the past few hours.
Security Guard: Ms. Christina, would you like me to inform your assistant, Timothy, that you wish to delay your next meeting? It seems that you need time.
She nods as her mind races with thought.
Christina (Inner): It's not my fault. It's not my fault. None of this is my fault. I don't have control over the records. I don't have the ability to fix the issues caused by the hole at this moment, since Leon won't let me. I'm simply following the rules that were set by people before me. So why am I getting the blame for everything? It just… It fills me with hate.
She spins her chair to face the window, where there is a nice view of the hole. She stares at it for a few moments before muttering something under her breath.
Christina: Dean Jeeves.