Chapter 1
Lincoln Penitentiary, Westchester, New York
May 16, 2030
One hundred pull ups.
After the hundreth, Cayden Heller, also known as Blindshot, the archer superhero, took a second to breathe in. Staying in shape was about the best thing he could do in this situation. If he were being honest, it was a very unfair one for him. The cell, which was pristine white, gave him practically nothing to do. He certainly wasn’t going to interact with the other prisoners.
And it was all because he wanted to fight evil. At least, he wanted to fight evil on his own terms.
“This is the life.” Cayden said, sarcastically.
Cayden took his seat on the bed, thinking back at the days when it was all so simple, before the government stepped in and started “regulating” superheroics. After all the good he’s done, he was now a criminal because he didn’t wish to subject himself to a suit’s agenda.
If he recalled, the politicians were the ones sitting in their chairs and making decisions they know nothing about, while the actual heroes were the ones who were on the field fighting criminals and supervillains across the world. Yet the politicians won out. That’s what Cayden would cite as an example of life being unfair.
On the plus side, he’s been in good favor with the staff. In another year or two, he should be out for good behavior.
Suddenly a knock echoed through the cell. Several guards were outside the entrance, a crystal clear door that’s stronger than steel.
“You have a visitor.”
“Heh, I could use a little break.”
The guards escorted Cayden through the halls. They were just as clean and pristine as his cell. At least they were able to keep the place looking good. Lincoln was a special prison meant to hold dangerous, often superpowered, individuals. They spared no expense.
The doors to the meeting room slid open. To Cayden’s surprise, it was his former partner, Margot Reese. Also known as Hummingbird.
“Long time, no see.” Cayden said.
“True.” Margot said. “Now sit down, because I’ve got something to tell you.”
“Anything for you.”
Cayden took his seat at the table, opposite of Margot. He had his hands clasped together, curious as to what Margot had to say. This was the first time he had seen her since getting arrested.
“It’s been two years since you were put in this prison. How's it been holding up?”
“Not too bad. I get three squares a day, recess, and they even let me watch TV. It’s the life.”
“Not a very good life.”
“You think?”
“I know you’re not happy about this, which is why I’m here. I’ve come to make you an offer.”
“Here we go…” Cayden said as he rolled his eyes.
“There are many young crimefighters out there who need guidance. Even when you’re locked up, the people out there see you as a Paragon. See where I’m going with this?”
“I think so.”
“Blindshot stood among the greats as part of the Paragons, and they want you out as much as you want to be out. But that comes with a choice. To earn your freedom, you must join the SEA. You must lead a squad of cadets.”
“Wonderful.” Cayden said. “Just sign me up for your government-approved agency calling itself a ‘superhero organization’ and tell me to work for some politician, some armchair crimefighter who doesn't know a damn thing about what they’re dealing with.”
“Cayden…”
“It’s true! The Cray Act was the worst thing that’s happened to superheroes. It’s turned honest people like yours truly, those who risk their lives time and time again for the world, into criminals. For what? Because I don’t want to be some pawn in a politician's agenda, because I don’t want to register with the government, follow arbitrary regulations, and risk having my personal information leaked to bad guys everywhere?”
“That hasn’t happened.”
Cayden scoffed. “First time for everything.”
Margot got frustrated. Cayden could tell based off the death glare she gave him, it’s the same kind he would get in the past when he royally screwed up. She clenched her hands into a fist, as she explained further, remaining calm the whole way through.
“You’re being an ass right now.”
“Well excuse me for how I’m acting.” Cayden said. “Remember, we were happy together before all this happened.”
“Things change. I think you should accept that.”
“So who put you up to it? I doubt it was IG, he’s too good to notice someone like me. I’m too small time for him to deal with. So who’s idea was it?”
“Mine.”
“Wait.. really?” Cayden was genuinely curious.
“It wasn’t easy trying to convince the people upstairs, but I did it. Please, please don’t blow this for me. It’d be really embarrassing.”
“Huh.” Cayden sighed.
He thought to himself what kind of hoops Margot had to go through to get this to happen. The fact that he was being offered to be free must mean she really wanted it. But of course, that was natural. They were a crimefighting duo during their days in the Paragons, and it went further than that.
“Do I have time to consider it?”
“One day.”
“Not a whole lot of time then. I’m going to return to my cell if you don’t mind, it’s a lot to take in.”
Cayden would soon be escorted back into his cell. He lied down on his bed, his arms behind his head, as he considered what it meant. Getting free meant he would be joining the very thing he hated. The Superhuman Enforcement Agency, or SEA, that the government created to legitimize heroic deeds. Was it really worth sacrificing his principles?
---
Margot saw herself out of the penitentiary. She walked down the steps and through the fences of the complex, and made her way to the vehicle outside. A black sedan awaited her, sitting aside on the parkway. The driver inside looked at her, he was curious as to what she was going to say.
She took her seat on the passenger’s side. On her left was fellow SEA member, Jackson Pierce, also known as Brigadier. They drove off.
“So, how’d it go?” Jackson asked.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
“About what I expected.” Margot said.
“That bad?”
“He’s as bitter about it as ever.”
“Of course.”
“I can only hope he’ll measure the choice wisely.”
“When has he ever been ‘wise’?”
“When it counts.”
They drove back to New York City, their destination was the SEA Headquarters. It was a calm drive, nothing to really worry about. What was on their minds was if Cayden was going to accept the offer to become squad leader. Margot was sure of one thing.
“Think he’ll do it? Or is his pride just too much?” Jackson asked.
“He’s in. He may not know it yet, but he’s in.”
---
Cayden sat on his bed, pondering what he was to do. Being in prison sucked, it really did, but he had to ask himself if he was really going to join the SEA to get out. They would have him doing things that only the big wigs upstairs approve of. If the politicians want him to do something that goes against his principles, he might not be able to do it.
“This government agent stuff is a real sham.”
He leaned back, his hands behind his head, on the bed, where he thought to himself about how much he would just like to have a pizza, to walk free, to avoid any of the other dangerous prisoners, and to just live. He was told in the past that sometimes one must swallow their pride if they want to get further in life.
Easier said than done.
---
May 17, 2030
“So, what’s it going to be?”
Margot wasn’t keen on giving Cayden time to wait. She shot him a glare, the type she would always use to put pressure on him.
“Fine… have it your way.” Cayden said. “I was getting tired of this place anyway.”
Margot smiled.
“Glad you came around.”
Margot escorted Cayden out of the prison, speaking not a word. Cayden didn’t wish to speak to anyone on his way out, he’s had enough already. They stepped through the gateway and to the parking lot outside, where a black sedan awaited them. In the driver’s seat was an old friend. Cayden wondered if he had anything good to say.
“Jackson! Long time no see… I mean, you never paid a visit…”
“Too busy helping people out.” Jackson said. “Get inside.”
Jackson was a large man, African-American and always stayed ripped through intensive training. He was intimidating for many to be around. Cayden took his seat in back, on the passenger’s side. After buckling up, the car sped off, their destination was Manhattan.
“I gotta admit,” Cayden said as he was leaning back. “If I stayed another minute in that place, I may have gone crazy. Good thing there was a way out.”
“Good thing.” Jackson said.
“Remember,” Margot said. “Your freedom is on lease. You’re signed onto the SEA to be both a crimefighter and a guide for a team of cadets. If you don’t play by our rules, there’s a nice warm cell waiting for you back at Lincoln.”
“What a lovely welcome.”
Out the windows were the sights of the streets. Westchester, located outside of New York City, was a peaceful place. Apart from the prison he was forced to stay in, he couldn’t really complain about it. Once they arrived in Manhattan, Cayden began to feel hungry. His stomach growled, and desired something better than the crap he was forced to eat at prison.
“Just wondering, anyone hungry?”
“Why…?” Margot asked.
“Let’s get some pizza, at Ray’s.”
“Of course.” Jackson said. “I knew you weren’t going to make it easy.”
“What’s the big deal? I just want some food.”
“Let’s go.” Margot said. “We could use this as a chance to catch up on old times. It’s not like he’s going to run away, not from us. Or me, at least.”
“As you wish.” Jackson said, under his breath.
The sedan pulled up to Ray’s. It was an Italian restaurant, one of the greats in New York. Cayden always would stop by here whenever he was in town. Ray’s was a modest place, kept nice and tidy but never looking extravagant. The owners were humble, not wishing to franchise because that would risk losing the quality of the recipe. Of course, there was somewhere around 200 different 'Ray's' in New York City, but he was sure he was at the original.
They ordered a pepperoni, extra large, and took theirs to eat at a booth. Cayden felt a little saddened, though he didn’t show it, that Margot took her seat next to Jackson, opposite of himself.
“Remember when we were in the Paragons, back in the ONI War, we were out in Australia fighting off robots. Remember, Jackson, I saved your ass. Don’t forget that…”
They remained silent.
“... Guys?”
Margot broke the silence.
“Look, I’m sure we’d all like to reminisce about the good old days, but we need to focus on the present.”
“Exactly.” Jackson said. “They gave us a middle ground, and that was what we took. We’re still crimefighters, it’s just time we had accountability for our actions, and legitimacy for what we’re doing.”
“Tell that to the superpowered teens across the world, who have to sign for a draft when they reach eighteen.” Cayden said. “That sounds very unfair for them.”
“It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s the only one.” Jackson said.
“Now can you drop it?” Margot said. “We just got you back, I’d hate to have to escort you to your cell.”
“I just can’t help myself.”
Cayden quietly ate his pizza. It was as delicious as it always was, with the nice and thin crust he loved. One of the simple pleasures in life. Cayden took the chance to look at Margot, who was quietly eating a slice herself. She had long, blonde hair and rich green eyes. There was a point where they all worked in harmony. Cayden missed those days so much.
Ten more minutes and they were done. Cayden was stuffed, and satisfied, with his meal. He would’ve left a tip, had he had even a cent in his pocket. Jackson silently covered the pay with his own card, and after they were checked out, they headed out the door. Back in the car again, they drove to the SEA Headquarters.
“No more distractions.” Jackson calmly said.
The rest of the drive was silent. Not even any music on the radio. Cayden kept himself occupied by looking outside, it really was a sight to behold. Being outside prison gave him a new appreciation for all things in life. Better outside than in.
And he always considered New York City the most beautiful place to have ever had every inch of it be pissed on at some point.
---
SEA Headquarters, Manhattan
The SEA Headquarters was located on a man-made island in Lower Manhattan. The government spared no expense when it came to building a base for the paramilitary task force. The island, which was roughly fourteen acres wide, was equal to that of Liberty Island. The base was connected to Manhattan via a bridge, a very long bridge at that.
The car approached the bridge, specifically a booth at the entrance. Anyone needing to be there must go through the ID check. Inside the booth was a robot, of a square-like frame and a single blue eye in the center.
“ID check required.” The robot said.
Jackson placed his ID forward, and the robot scanned it. A blue light projected forward from its eye to verify his ID.
“Welcome, Brigadier. Have a nice day.”
The car drove across the bridge. It kind of amazed Cayden that it was all man-made. Looking out the side, he could see Manhattan off in the distance as they were went further and further away. They approached the front gate, which led them to an indoor garage.
After parking, the three made their way into the complex itself. The island was not only wide, but tall like many of the mid-sized buildings that can be found in the city. There were crew members surrounding them, and Cayden did his best to pay them no mind. They rode an elevator upwards to the fourth floor.
The interior was of a steel color. The room was wide, and in the center was a blue holographic projection of Earth.
“Welcome to our HQ.” Margot said.
“It’s not bad.” Cayden said.
“Welcome back.” A familiar voice said. “I’m glad to see a familiar face.”
“Son of a bitch.” Cayden said.
He stepped forward and shook his hand. It was his old teammate, still clad in his costume, known as Justice.
“Really, it’s good to have you aboard, and I prefer having friends guide the cadets when possible.”
“Someone’s gotta do it.” Cayden said.
“Every single day, there’s supervillains out there doing things they shouldn’t. We’re the line between them and the people, and it’s our duty to keep the next generation ready.”
“Well, I do see myself fit for the task.”
“Good.”
Justice, or Lachlan Calvert, appeared as a man of average height. His hair was brown, his eyes blue, and always looks determined for the next task. His costume was a blue and green suit, a light armor set, ready for any condition. In the center, he had a symbol a stylized ‘J’. He walked alongside Cayden to the window, with a view of Manhattan’s buildings visible against the orange evening’s sky.
“I know how you feel about this.” Justice said. “I wasn’t a fan of this either, in fact I still have mixed feelings. But believe me, the alternative was worse.”
“Yeah, yeah. Save me the 'lesser of two evils' talk. Let’s get down to business. I’m supposed to be leading a squad of cadets, young heroes, to help them become the next generation’s Paragons. I can get down with that, and I can get down with not going to prison again, either.”
“Glad you understand your role.”
“Glad someone’s being nice about it.” Cayden said. “Margot and Jackson treat me like an outsider. Last I checked we were on the same team.”
“Were is the operative word.” Margot said as she stepped in. “You broke the law by trying to be a cowboy, because you disagreed with the rules. That’s why you ended up in prison. That said, I believe you can do the right thing, or else I wouldn’t have vouched for you.”
Justice looked at Margot, appearing somewhat saddened that it’s come this way.
“Hummingbird, go easy on him. He’s hardly the only one who acted outside the law to be on their terms. I can understand why, it’s not easy to take in.”
“But things change. We have to be accountable for our heroics, or else we’re no better than the ones we’re fighting.”
Cayden hated how this argument came up every time. The truth is, him and Margot were more than crimefighting partners, they were also lovers at one point. Things went south, but Margot still cared for him. Evidently, it was enough to get him out of prison.
“So, where are all these cadets I’m supposed to be training?” Cayden asked, attempting to change the subject.
“You’ll be meeting them in a week.” Justice said. “I’d suggest you sharpen up on your skills. It’s been a while since you’ve handled a bow.”
“True.”
Cayden walked away, wanting to explore more of the facility, to see what it had to offer him, and maybe to catch up with other heroes that could be found within the compound itself. Of course, he had a busy week ahead with him having to train with his trusty bow.
“Oh, one more thing.” Margot said in the distance. “Welcome back, Blindshot.”