Lynx tore his eyes from the photo. Finally lifting his head, he faced the superintendent. "Why're you showing me this?"
"Because ever since you left home your mum's been calling," the old man said. "She keeps checking in to make sure you're safe, and I assured her she'd see you again once you return from your first mission."
Lynx's brows furrowed; he stared at the old man in disbelief.
Sensing his thoughts, Sp.Jeremy picked up his cellphone. "You should listen to her voicemails yourself."
On a click, Lynx heard a familiar voice. "Hello, superintendent," a woman said. "It's me again — Lynx's mum. I wanted to call and ask if he's back yet and if he's begun his mission. If yes, when should I expect him? and If no, please tell him I miss him and I'll be waiting for him. And If he ever listens to this… I want you to know I'm rooting for you sweetie. I love you."
Lynx froze for a second, then hung his head forcing his eyes shut as he tried to shove his emotions down, though a single tear escaped.
The superintendent leaned forward on his desk. "I know you mean the world to your mum, and I'm sure she means everything to you, Lynx. Now, why am I saying all this?"
"Your missions begin next week," he continued. "Which means very soon you'll be reunited with your mum again. Do not jeopardize this opportunity." He shot Lynx a sharp stare. "And don't let anyone ruin this for you."
"What does that mean?" Lynx asked.
The superintendent smiled faintly and leaned back. "I'm aware some of you might get… rash ideas once you're let out of this facility. He paused, eyes narrowing. And If anyone does anything outrageous, you'll all be affected. The council would have no choice but to withdraw its promises and judge you as criminals."
"So…" Lynx spoke up, voice low. "Hypothetically speaking, if one of us decides not to come back — what am I supposed to do about that?"
Superintendent Jeremy flashed an eerie smile. "To save yourself — and your friends — from the judgment that would await you, there's one simple thing you can do."
"Which is?" Lynx's patience thinned.
Jeremy's eyes sharpened. "First, I need to know whose team you're on. If your friends coerce you into an escape plan, will you side with them… or with your country?"
Lynx frowned. "I have no memories of this country. My friends, though… they're the only reason I've come this far. So you might as well open up about your idea. We both know I'm the only one here who'll even listen to you — that's why you called me, isn't it?" His tone hardened.
Jeremy gave a sly smirk. "I admire your confidence, Mister Orion. But on the contrary, you're here because your country is doing you a favor. I'm giving you a chance to save yourself from whatever may come. And that's only because I promised your mother."
He leaned forward, voice dropping. "You can help us by turning in anyone who tries to escape during the mission… or you can join them and forget ever seeing your mum again. The ball is in your court, Lynx."
The older man reclined in his chair.
Lynx rubbed his temples, a knot of confusion tightening in his chest.
.................
Valtor stepped into the boys' bathroom, glancing around to make sure he was alone. From his pocket, he pulled out the wristband his father had given him.
He strapped it on, took a steadying breath. "Let's try this again, shall we?"
With a tap, a holographic screen projected from the device. He dialed his father's contact. The ringing pulsed in the quiet space.
After a moment, Malcolm appeared, wearing a white lab coat, strands of grey hair falling over tired eyes.
"Oh, thank goodness!" Valtor exhaled. "Where have you been, Dad?"
"I'm so sorry, son. I know I should have reached out sooner, but things have been... intense over here."
"Fine," Valtor muttered. "About the task you gave me..." His voice lowered. "I talked to my friends."
Malcolm raised an eyebrow. "But?"
"They need proof of the council's plans, something real. They won't just take my word for it."
Malcolm's gaze drifted, fingers tapping on his desk. "There's no solid evidence I can send. The council meeting was brief — and heavily restricted. Recording it wasn't an option."
"So, there's nothing?" Valtor asked, trying to hide his disappointment.
"Nothing official," Malcolm admitted. "But if I come across anything that might help convince them, I'll let you know immediately."
Valtor sighed. "Alright."
"Keep up the good work, son. Just do what you can to keep their trust. In the meantime... I'll make a video. I'll explain everything the council's planning — straight from me. Maybe that'll help."
"That would really help, Dad," Valtor nodded.
"Alright. I'll talk to you soon. I need to get back now, have a good day. I love you."
"Love you too, Dad."
The screen flickered and vanished. Valtor stared at the empty space for a moment, then lowered his wrist. The silence felt heavier than before.