“This just in--A new Ember Ignited today in downtown Ilbridge.”
“Shit, another Firework?”
“Shaddup, I’m watching the news.” Sheply swatted his coworker and turned his attention back to the television.
“--ree civilian casualties, and over two dozen injured, with several badly enough injured that they will most likely die by the end of the day.” The reporter continued.
“I’m telling ya, Shep! We should just round up all those goddamn Sparkies and lock ‘em up or shoot ‘em or something!”
“I said shut up.” Some part of the dwarf thought the annoying halfling might have a point, but he didn’t say it. Not that there was anything wrong with Sparkies, no, of course not; his best friend was a Sparkie. Well…. He supposes it turns out that he was a Firework. Nasty business, really. Some rich twat decided to shove his mom, she fell and hit her head, and next ya know little Jamie Bright punched the guy and blew his intestines out through his spine.
After that Jamie sat and cried over her still body...and then was shot to death after resisting a taser and killing the Suppressor who tried using it and her partner. Sheply didn’t hate Jamie, hell, he didn’t even blame him. But he saw the reason for the Lantern initiative. Not that it hadn’t been in place for decades.
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A Sparky was anyone with magical potential. Well, okay, everyone has magical potential. A Sparky was anyone with magical potential worth talking about.
Sheply sighed and quaffed his non-alcoholic beer before getting up.
Yes, it was really for the best that the government take care of all the Sparkies. For their own good, of course.
------
“Warden’s log. May 10th. Two more Branded. Mana output expected to increase roughly one quarter of a percent over the course of a week as their bodies adjust to the mana drain. Two more 'shower' incidents; let the guards go with a warning; reminded them that if any offspring lack the proper Spark of magic, that they will be their responsibility and not ours. One artificial insemination performed today, branded expected to produce healthy twins, each operating well within standard Branded parameters, both female. Branded 126 walked slowly, and did not seem to have the will to respond when asked why. Medical examination produced no reason for him to walk slowly. Conclusion:126 may be rebellious. Recommend reeducation. 215 ate little of their food. Medical examination revealed minor indigestion, too little to explain. 215 is clearly exhibiting dangerous signs of individuality. Recommend reeducation. 336 exemplary, reported several infractions of others over last month. Recommend nomination for Witchhunters. End report.”