Chapter 23: The Academy’s Press Conference
The press room was packed, tension thick in the air. Journalists leaned forward in their seats, cameras flashing as they waited for answers. One month had passed since the Galewood disaster, and today, the Academy was finally breaking its silence. But for Dr. Evelyn Mercer, this press conference wasn’t just about appeasing the public—it was about maintaining control. She had spent years building her position, carving out a powerful role within the Academy’s vast network. And now, it all hung in the balance.
Next to her stood Mariane Kyros, her assistant, whose sharp gaze flicked across the crowd. Unlike the public, Mariane wasn’t focused on what had happened at Galewood; she was watching the Academy’s internal politics unfold. If things got too messy, the government—or worse, the central Academy leadership—would step in and seize control of their operations. That was the real fear. Losing power. Losing the control they had fought so hard to maintain over this branch of the Academy.
Dr. Mercer stepped up to the podium, her expression calm and authoritative. She had prepared for this moment, every word meticulously chosen, every statement designed to reveal just enough—but not too much.
“Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today,” Dr. Mercer began, her voice even, controlled. “As many of you know, the Academy has been working closely with federal authorities to investigate the events surrounding the destruction of Galewood. Today, we are here to provide an update on the situation, specifically regarding two individuals who were detained in connection with this tragedy.”
The room bristled. This was the moment they had all been waiting for. The facts about the two individuals caught on camera, the ones seen just after the explosion.
“We can confirm that Levi Blackwell and Jake Foster are currently being held under the Academy’s custody,” Dr. Mercer continued. “These individuals have been classified as Class 5 metahumans, a designation that reflects the significant precautions required to ensure the safety of the public and themselves.”
The term Class 5 metahumans sent a ripple through the crowd. It wasn’t a designation used lightly. Everyone in the room knew that it implied a severe threat, a level of power that most people could barely comprehend. But Mercer was careful, making no direct connections to the explosion itself.
One of the reporters, a woman from a national news outlet, raised her hand immediately. “Dr. Mercer, are you saying that Levi Blackwell and Jake Foster were responsible for the explosion in Galewood?”
Dr. Mercer’s lips tightened ever so slightly. “The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation,” she replied smoothly. “At this time, we have not attributed responsibility to any one individual or event. However, Mr. Blackwell and Mr. Foster were present at the scene, and given their classification as Class 5 metahumans, it was necessary to contain them for further observation.”
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The reporter persisted. “But isn’t it likely that their involvement, given their classification, suggests they were at least partially responsible?”
Dr. Mercer gave a diplomatic smile, but her words remained firm. “It would be premature to draw conclusions at this stage. The Academy’s role is to ensure that any potential threats are contained, and that is what we are doing. The investigation remains ongoing, and we are cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities.”
Next to her, Mariane Kyros was monitoring the reactions in the room. The questions were coming faster now, the reporters growing more aggressive. They smelled blood, or at least a cover-up. But Mariane knew that the worst thing they could do now was confirm too much. If they admitted that Levi and Jake had caused the explosion, the central Academy leadership could swoop in, bringing with them government oversight, military forces, and perhaps most damaging of all—new leadership.
“Dr. Mercer, there have been allegations of excessive force used in the detainment of Levi Blackwell and Jake Foster,” a reporter from the back row called out. “Can you comment on the treatment of these individuals? Were any protocols violated?”
Dr. Mercer’s face remained impassive. “The Academy follows strict protocols when dealing with high-risk metahumans. Our priority is always the safety of the public, and in cases of Class 5 individuals, more stringent measures are required. I can assure you that all actions taken during their detainment were in full accordance with Academy guidelines and federal law.”
She could feel the room growing tense. The reporters wanted specifics. They wanted details on the brutal takedown that had occurred. But Mercer wasn’t about to give them that satisfaction.
A hand shot up from the front row. “Is there a risk that Levi Blackwell or Jake Foster could escape?”
Dr. Mercer’s gaze hardened ever so slightly. “Both individuals are being held in a secure facility under the highest level of containment. The Academy’s containment protocols for Class 5 metahumans are designed to ensure that no breaches occur.”
Mariane glanced at her tablet, watching the real-time reactions unfold. They were holding it together, just barely. But the danger wasn’t over. She could feel it—the government officials watching from the shadows, the central Academy leadership waiting for any slip-up to justify stepping in. One wrong word, one misstep, and they’d lose control of this branch.
Dr. Mercer continued. “I understand that the public is eager for answers, but we must be careful not to jump to conclusions. The Academy’s investigation is ongoing, and we are committed to ensuring full transparency once all the facts have been established.”
Lisa Hayward, the lead reporter from Channel 5 News, spoke up. “Dr. Mercer, you mentioned that the investigation is ongoing. Is there any timeframe for when we can expect more concrete answers?”
Mercer nodded, giving her the most polished version of the truth she could offer. “At this point, it is difficult to provide an exact timeframe. We are conducting a thorough investigation, and I can assure you that as soon as we have more information, it will be made available.”
Mariane’s eyes darted to the officials standing at the back of the room. She recognized them—high-level government operatives, no doubt sent to assess the Academy’s handling of the situation. If they felt the Academy had lost control, they’d recommend intervention from higher up the chain of command. Mercer couldn’t let that happen.
The press conference was winding down now. Dr. Mercer had given enough information to satisfy the press for the moment, but not enough to tie herself or the Academy to any clear wrongdoing. Mariane could feel the eyes of the room still on them, the unspoken questions hanging in the air.
As Mercer stepped back from the podium, Mariane leaned in close. “We need to tighten control,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “The government is watching closely.”
Mercer’s eyes flickered toward the back of the room, her face unreadable. “I know,” she muttered. “But we’ll hold them off. We have to.”
Together, they exited the room, leaving behind a room full of buzzing reporters.