1.5 years in the past

Declan's fingers flew across the keyboard, the rhythmic clatter of keys echoing in the quiet of his small apartment. The glow of his laptop screen illuminated his face, highlighting the furrow in his brow and the determined set of his jaw. Outside, the Oklahoma night was alive with the chirp of crickets and the distant rumble of a passing truck. But Declan was oblivious to the world outside, his focus narrowed to the words taking shape on the screen before him.

His latest exposé for the Hellen Weekly Herald, “Profit and Prejudice: The Booming Industry of Preternatural Compliance,” was more than just another assignment; it was a deep dive into a burgeoning industry that had sprung up in the wake of the “Inclusive Citizens Act,” Senate Bill 7893XX. While the Act had been hailed as a landmark achievement, a victory for preternatural rights and a step towards a more inclusive society, Declan had uncovered a darker side to this newfound acceptance. Corporate greed, it seemed, had found a new market to exploit: the preternatural community.

Declan’s investigation had led him down a rabbit hole of companies like “AuraTech,” whose sleek marketing materials touted their nullifying collars as the key to “seamless integration” for preternatural citizens. These collars, designed to suppress preternatural auras, were being marketed as a “special accommodation” for those struggling to adapt to a newly open world. But Declan had interviewed several preternatural employees who painted a very different picture. To them, these collars felt less like a helpful tool and more like a digital muzzle, a way to silence their true selves and force them into conformity.

Another company that had caught Declan's attention was “GeneGuard,” a corporation specializing in preternatural birth testing. The demand for these tests had skyrocketed since the passage of the Act, as parents grappled with the implications of raising children with abilities that had once been shrouded in secrecy and fear. But Declan had uncovered a disturbing connection between GeneGuard's CEO and several anti-preternatural lobbying groups, raising serious questions about the company’s motives and the potential for exploitation. Was this about providing a valuable service to a newly recognized community, or was it about profiting from fear and uncertainty?

Declan paused, leaning back in his chair and rereading a particularly scathing paragraph:

“Are we truly progressing towards a society of acceptance, or are we simply paving the way for a new form of oppression? The preternatural compliance industry, with its promises of ‘safety’ and ‘integration,’ is masking a sinister reality: the exploitation of an already marginalized community for profit. Companies like AuraTech and GeneGuard are not pioneers of progress; they are vultures feeding on fear and uncertainty.”

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He knew this article was going to ruffle feathers. It was a direct challenge to the narrative being spun by corporations eager to capitalize on the anxieties and uncertainties of a society grappling with the emergence of preternatural abilities. But Declan wasn’t afraid to stir the pot. It was his job, as a journalist, to hold those in power accountable, to shine a light on the dark corners where greed and prejudice festered. And in this new era, where the lines between human and preternatural were blurring, that responsibility felt more crucial than ever.

Declan’s fingers returned to the keyboard, fueled by a righteous anger and a determination to expose the truth. He typed the final words of his article, a call to action ringing with conviction:

“We must be vigilant. We must hold these corporations accountable. The fight for preternatural rights does not end with legal recognition. It begins with dismantling the systems that seek to profit from our fear, our differences, our very existence.”

Connor leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he considered Declan's article. "This is good, Declan, really good," he said, his voice laced with a mixture of admiration and concern. "You've really dug deep on this one. But," he paused, pushing his glasses up his nose, "are you sure about some of these accusations? Linking GeneGuard's CEO to those anti-preternatural groups... that's a bold claim. You have solid evidence to back that up, right?"

Declan nodded, his confidence unwavering. "Absolutely. I've got financial records, leaked emails, even a few off-the-record interviews with former GeneGuard employees who were pressured to alter test results." He pulled a thick folder from his desk, stuffed with papers and marked with scribbled notes. "It's all in here, Connor. This guy's been playing both sides for years, profiting from the very fear he's helping to stoke."

Connor flipped through the folder, his expression growing serious with each page he turned. He was proud of Declan's tenacity, but he also knew the risks involved in publishing such a damning exposé. Small-town newspapers didn't often go toe-to-toe with powerful corporations. And in a world where preternatural abilities were now a matter of public record, the stakes were even higher.

"I know this is important, Declan," Connor said, his voice softer now, "and I admire your passion for this. But we need to be careful. These companies have deep pockets and even deeper connections. They won't hesitate to come after us, after you, if they feel threatened."

Declan met Connor's gaze, his determination unwavering. He knew the risks, but he also knew the truth had to come out. "I understand, Connor. But we can't let fear silence us. This is about more than just profits; it's about exploitation, about control. These companies are preying on a vulnerable community, and someone needs to hold them accountable."

Connor nodded, a grudging admiration in his eyes. Declan had a fire in him, a passion for justice that reminded Connor of why he'd started this small-town paper in the first place. "Alright, Declan. We'll run it. But be prepared for the fallout. This is going to make some waves."