In the days that followed the Megamantis incident, the Ninth Department scrambled.
The Cloud Nine Squad had to send the old man Hermes struck to an ambulance, but it was a hollow gesture. He was already dead on arrival.
Rigor mortis had set in before the sirens could be heard. His body had hit the pavement with such quiet finality that even the bystanders hadn't realized until Somner barked for a stretcher.
The fire Hermes conjured to trap the anti-Threat protesters was finally put out. Not before the smoke had stolen air from throats and left a few unconscious, their lungs charred by magic ash.
Some were carried out with blistered skin, others left gasping, pale, vomit-stained. The scent of burnt acrylic and scorched flags lingered like trauma in the streets.
Somner had used Sirentone, amplifying his voice into everyone's spine.
"Remain calm. Assistance is coming. Step away from danger."
