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Jonathan shifted in the uncomfortable chair that had been arranged before the long conference table in the Hunters Association hearing room. To his right, Jimmy sat in his wheelchair, still recovering from his recent injuries. Captain Hayes stood at parade rest behind them, waiting patiently for the small hearing to begin.
Director Matthews sat centered at the table, with Deputy Director Sullivan at his side. Their postures were as different as their personalities. Sullivan sat with perfect posture and a pressed suit gave a stark contrast to Director Matthews’s relaxed demeanor.
The wall of windows behind them cast long shadows across the polished wood. Jonathan could see the December morning sun breaking through the clouds behind the two leaders of the Hunter's Association.
“Let’s begin. Deputy Director Sullivan, you may lead.”
“Very well, thank you, Director,’ Sullivan said. His voice sounded like he’d been through this process before, and it reminded Jonathan of the standard greeting and protocol in a courtroom. “This hearing concerns the events of December 13th. Specifically the protocol violations and the subsequent incident involving Jonathan Reeves.” He shuffled through some papers while fixing his glasses. “Before addressing the recent mission, we should note this investigation begins with a previous incident. Agent Elijah Carter reported observing Untethered leaving a Rift during your engagement there, is that correct?”
Jonathan felt his gut twist. “Yes, that’s true.”
“Did you make contact with the Untethered while in the Rift?”
“I did.”
“How did that encounter play out?”
Director Matthews had prepped Jonathan, letting him know that part of the meeting was a formality and that they would need to review this, even though it had already been discussed before he was signed on. “I ran into them as they were leaving. They were mapping the Rift, and one of them recognized me and asked me to join their group.”
Deputy Director Sullivan nodded along. “And what was your answer?”
“I didn’t say yes or no. They gave me a contact card and told me to reach out if I wanted more information on the death of my son.”
“Did you ever use that contact card? Where is it now?”
“No, I did not. Director Matthews now has the contact card. I turned it over when we discussed this before joining the Hunters Association.”
“Moving on to the recent incident,” Sullivan continued, “we lost Dr. Turner.” His voice softened. “A significant blow to this organization. While his death cannot be attributed to your actions, it emphasizes the volatile nature of these missions.” He looked down at his papers again. “We also have serious injuries to your team member and reports of your loss of control during the mission.”
Jonathan sat unmoving, looking at the Deputy Director in the eyes. Without a question to answer, he felt that speaking would only make him seem guilty.
“Sir,” Hayes stepped forward with a professional tone. “I’d like to note, for the record, that Jonathan’s trait was fully disclosed and discussed prior to our team formation. Every member of this panel, including yourself and the director, acknowledged the risks during our preliminary briefing. We accepted those risks because of the unprecedented power levels Agent Reeves brings to the team, even with his power suppressed.”
Sullivan nodded. “Yes, that’s correct. And we’ve attempted to mitigate those risks with the enchantment bracelet, which I personally requested he wear at all times outside of Rifts.” He paused while adjusting his glasses. “In hindsight, that may have been an overcautious approach and one that, even if obeyed, would not have remedied this situation.”
Should have had better control and not needed the bracelet in the first place.
Jimmy coughed, and when Deputy Director Sullivan inclined his head to the man, he spoke up. “The bracelet broke during the ambush, but Jon still held it together for several minutes longer than that. Long enough for most of us to get clear.” He glanced at Jonathan. “Without him there, none of us would have made it out. Period.”
Jonathan kept his face even, but the hearing was not going the way he had expected. Especially not the deputy director, who he thought would be more than willing to pin such an incident on Jonathan’s reckless way of fighting.
“This is accurate. As the team leader, I don’t see any way that we, or any of the teens, would have made it out of there without him and his unique power. Even with how strong he is without his trait, we might not have been able to make it out without the dampener breaking. Their leader, Richard, was much stronger than we thought and had several enchanted items with him. Between him and the beasts that they released from the Arena pens, it would have been a slaughter.”
“The mission reports support this,” Matthews added. “Despite the ambush and unexpected monster release, Agent Reeves’s actions ultimately saved lives.”
“Sir,” Jimmy said. “Captain Hayes and I formally request to remain on Agent Reeves’s team.” He gestured to his wheelchair. “Even with this setback, I gained two levels during that mission, and we weren’t even supposed to fight. Besides, the healers patched me up good as new, sir. I’ll be back to fighting shape inside of a week.”
Jonathan's eyebrows came together as the two continued to field reasons not only for his name to be cleared of the incident but to request to keep him on their team. The look of unease and fear that Hayes had given him after he gained consciousness lingered in his mind.
Hayes nodded. “During training, he even mentioned growing his control over the emotions that trigger his trait. With proper support and more practice, the risks will only decrease.”
Sullivan studied them for a long moment, then looked down at his papers. “Your assessment suggests that with proper emotional support and training, Agent Reeves could better manage these situations.” He looked at Jonathan. “Would you be open to professional counseling as part of your continued service?”
“Counseling?” Jonathan’s brows furrowed. “You want me to go to therapy?”
“Yes,” Sullivan replied evenly. “We’ve recently brought on Agent Lee, a psychologist with extensive experience counseling both combat veterans and those dealing with grief.” He pulled a file from his stack. “More importantly, she’s recently awakened with a trait that enhances her ability to connect with and understand her patients.”
Jonathan’s jaw tightened. The thought of talking to someone about Marcus, about his… feelings. He glanced at Jimmy, still recovering, then at Hayes, both of whom had just defended him despite witnessing his loss of control.
Director Matthews leaned forward. “This isn’t punishment, Reeves. Agent Lee’s unique capabilities could help you develop better control over your trait as well as help you heal. The stronger your control becomes, the more effective you’ll be at closing Rifts, which is your goal, isn’t it?”
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
“Regular sessions with Agent Lee would be a condition of your continued service,” Sullivan added. “Along with your willingness to be a part of the Hunter's Association. We don’t need a loose canon, especially not one that can act as a one-man army.”
Jonathan looked at his team again. They hadn’t been together long, but they were quickly building a bond that he missed from his time in the military. Despite everything they’d been through two days before- or maybe because of it, they were willing to stick with him.
Hayes gave him an almost imperceptible nod.
“Alright,” Jonathan said finally. “I’ll do the counseling.”
“Good,” Director Matthews said with a tone that made it clear he was tired and satisfied. “Then, I believe we can conclude this hearing. Deputy Director?”
Sullivan nodded while arranging his papers. “Agreed. Agent Reeves, you’re cleared of any responsibility for the mission on December 13th. Requirement for continued work with the Hunter's Association will be contingent upon a consultation with Agent Lee and her assessment for continued consultations.”
Sullivan finished speaking, and the tension seemed to dissipate from the room. Hayes moved first, helping Jimmy maneuver his wheelchair away from the table.
That’s it?
Something about it all felt wrong to Jonathan, like he’d been let off too easily.
The sounds of paper being collected and chairs sliding across thinly carpeted floors filled the room around him.
“Agent Reeves.” Sullivan’s voice caused Jonathan to turn as he stood. The Deputy Director approached and extended his hand. “Despite our differences in approach, your results are… undeniable.” The handshake was brief but firm, and his expression was as professional as ever.
As the man turned and left, Jonathan’s forehead wrinkled further in confusion.
Jimmy waited until Sullivan was out of earshot before speaking up. “You know Matthews has been workin’ on this day and night?” He kept his voice low, and the amusement was clear in his tone. “Ol’ boy has been in and out of meetings since the incident, talking up your control rather than your power.”
“What?” Jonathan felt that since he’d sat down in the room, he hadn’t had control over a single thing, and none of it had gone how he’d thought.
“Come on, Jon. You really think the Hunter's Association just happened to hire a psychologist willing to awaken and get the proper skills to make this work?” Jimmy grinned, then winced as he adjusted in his chair. “Hayes and I just did our part. Matthews was the one steerin’ this whole thing.”
“Agent Reeves.” Matthews’s voice carried across the rapidly emptying room. “A moment of your time?’
Hayes caught Jonathan’s eye. “We’ll catch up later. I’m glad it worked out this way- and… Sorry for how I reacted in the Rift. You didn’t deserve that. I know your skill set makes it so that you don’t play so nice with others in a team, but I hope we can learn to make it work. Next time, we just won’t stick around to try and help,” she said, pushing Jimmy’s wheelchair toward the door. “Also, try not to look so suspicious when someone’s trying to help you.”
Jonathan watched them leave and heard Jimmy snort and say, “Help? Even with barely getting the kids out, I feel like I just got in the way. Sending Reeves in there ought to be like our secret weapon.” He smiled as they exited the room and brought his hand up to rub his beard before remembering once again that it was gone.
Matthews waited until the room was empty before speaking and gesturing to the side door of the room. “Walk with me, Reeves.” His manner shifted to something more familiar than the formal tone he’d had during the hearing.
Jonathan fell into step beside him as they moved through the building. Other agents stepped aside, nodding respectfully to Director Matthews while glancing at Jonathan.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Matthews said in a casual tone. “That this was too easy. Sullivan wouldn’t just let this go. If you’ll listen to a bit of gossip, the Deputy Director actually likes you quite a bit. He just dislikes the problems you can present to the other things that he likes. He’s a smart man and no doubt realized what I was doing in there. It would have been easy for him to push back, but he allowed things to be steered that way.” He stopped at a window overlooking the city. “If I’m being very honest with you, we need you. But, we need you stable and in control of yourself.”
“Sir-“
“The Rifts are getting worse, Reeves. More frequent and more dangerous. We have seen reports in other countries of D Rank Rifts, which would even be too much for you to handle. We’ve lost good people, and Doctor Turner won’t be the last.” Matthews turned to face him. “But we can minimize those losses with the right people, the right training, and the right support.” He paused again before gesturing. “Let’s step into my office. There’s a bit more I’d like to talk with you about.”
The Director’s office reflected the man’s military efficiency and orderly personality. They both took seats and Jonathan looked at his tired face. He was only a dozen years older than Jonathan himself, in his mid to late 50s, but his exhaustion seemed to add another 10 years.
“I’m just going to lay it out there. We want to offer you a formal position with the Hunter's Association.”
“Didn’t you already do that?”
Matthews squinted and tilted his head to the side. “Yes and no. Your current position is something of a contractor. We’re paying you, and you get some benefits, but it doesn’t feel like you’re really part of the team. Does it? We want you to join the organization and help achieve its goals. This offer would come with full benefits, permanent housing here in DC, and…” he paused to slide a document across the desk. “Complete college funding for David.”
Jonathan looked at the paper, intrigued.
“Your son’s pre-med, right? Expensive program.” Matthews leaned back. “We’d pay for whatever loan debt he currently has as a signing bonus. We’re prepared to provide him with support when he awakens as well. Having you here in DC puts you closer to New York, which gives you the opportunity to be close while he’s at Columbia. It’s clear that family is important to you Reeves, if helping them can sweeten the pot, we’re happy to do so.”
Closer to David.
“There are some conditions,” he continued. “Full compliance with HA protocols. The therapy we discussed. Until we see some real progress with Doctor Lee, you’ll only be authorized to go into designated Rifts that we are certain to be empty. And we want you as the face of our organization- the ‘Crimson Warrior.’ The public needs heroes who can trust Reeves. We have to take this public now. We’ve kept things quiet for the last two months, trying to pass off powers as kids and editing monsters and deaths as aliens, anything to get the conspiracy theorists to look the other way. It’s reached the point where we can’t do that anymore. Other countries are falling apart, too much footage has gotten out, and too many people think this is some sort of damn video game.”
Jonathan almost snorted. “You want me as a poster boy?"
“I want you for what you are… a soldier who can inspire others. Show them that power can be controlled and turned to fight these damned monsters.” He leaned forward. “You and your son both want to help people. You have the power to do so immediately. David can prepare for this life and set himself up to be a healer or something valuable that would see him set and protected for the rest of his life.”
The mention of David’s choice made Jonathan think about the way he’d tried to pressure his youngest son into a path he thought was best.
“Think about it,” Matthews said, standing. “But not too long. The Rifts won't wait.”
Jonathan folded the paper carefully and tucked it into his pocket. A chance to protect others and to make things right with David.
“I won’t need to give it much thought,” he said. “I’m in. I will talk with David and make sure he’s alright with this. I won’t push him in any direction; the choice will be his. But I do have one stipulation of my own. I didn’t work with or believe the Untethered because I want to believe in what you’re selling here. I have served my country before, and I’m happy to do so again… but there has to be some trust built here. They were claiming to have proof that negligence from the government led to Marcus’s death. I need to know if this is true. I want you to get me the full file on his deployment. All of them. That’s my condition.”
Director Matthews looked at Jonathan seriously, gauging the resolve of the request. He let out a breath before agreeing, “Alright. It will take a few days, but I can do that. It depends on what you’re looking for in these files, though. It’s clear that they were unprepared, or else they wouldn’t have almost been wiped out to the man. It was one of the first Rifts, and by all reports, it was a brutal one to enter as a first Rift. But I’ve looked at those files already; there was nothing malicious or intentional about the death of some of our country's greatest young warriors.”
Jonathan took several seconds to return the same searching look he’d received from the Director. The older man’s face was stoic yet honest. In the end, Jonathan had to nod and take his words for what they were.
I’ll know for certain when I see the files.
Matthews nodded and waved Jonathan away with a smile. “Take some time. It’s a big decision.”
Jonathan turned and walked from the office, still a bit shell-shocked by the result of his hearing and the subsequent offer.