A Brave New World

[Jonathon Orwell]

(from page 7 of Tear Down This Wall.)

*I walk into the conference room. I try to radio the communications head but he doesn't respond. I sigh. I change my setting and radio Fact News.* Please reassure the citizens that everything is all right and going according to plan.

[Volume Virus]

*I dejectedly head back to the conference room and reclaim my seat. How did I manage to do absolutely NOTHING right just now? Maybe I don't deserve to be on a patrol at all.*

[Rachel Mahoney]

*I walk back to the room feeling really jumpy. I wanted to go back out there and do it again, but of course, orders are orders and I sit down*

[Jonathon Orwell]

*I am silent for a moment then yell.* What?! What do you mean he is not there?! Well go find him! *I angrily shut off my radio. I take another moment to control myself before turning back to my unit.* I just received information that the anchor to Fact News has gone missing. He shows up everyday for work and today he has not. My guess is that his disappearance has something to do with the killjoy attack. I appreciate your effort today but I am thoroughly disappointed. It appears I gravely over estimated your abilities.

[Max Griffiths]

*I'm standing in the doorway, having decided that Orwell might be entertaining enough to warrant returning to the meeting. His comment about the abilities of the team, for instance, makes me smile - why does he think I've been kept on for so long?*

[Rachel Mahoney]

*it feels like a blow to the chest to hear him say that. can my day possibly get any worse? First not getting the info on Static and now this*

[Jonathon Orwell]

*I ignore the disappointed looks and continue.* You see, that was slightely pathetic. The only muscles I saw you use were your finger to pull the trigger and your legs to run away. You all might as well be killjoys. Not a single one of them was captured. They vandalized our tower and the citizens of Battery City are growing restless. In New York we did not have problems like these. Do you know why? Because the killjoys are like cancer. They are easier to remove early on. I am afraid you have let it grow and spread. The chemotherapy you are giving out is ineffective. It is time to upgrade. If you can not do as I ask I am afraid I will have to either depromote you or fire you altogether. *I glare at One Shot as I say this.*

[Max Griffiths]

*I smile wider and give Orwell a little wave*

[Jonathon Orwell]

*I squint my eyes and smile back, evilly. I give him a little wave. The others are slightly confused but it is none of their concern.* Max! I know how much you like to lead and assign yourself into an authority position. Is there something you would like to say to your co-workers?

[Volume Virus]

*It feels like Orwell's trying to stab me with words. I was pathetic. He's right. I'll have to ask for a desk job or something, because I must not be able to handle being a Crow.*

[Rachel Mahoney]

*I pale at Orwell's words. Demoted or even fired? What would Ryan say? I fidget uneasily in my seat, too nervous to sit still*

[Max Griffiths]

*I keep leaning against the doorframe, totally relaxed, and lazily wave him off* You're confusing me with someone else, Johnny. I avoid people in general as much as possible. Besides, I don't want to say something in front of everyone here that might ruin your illusion of aptitude and control. Please, carry on.

[Rachel Mahoney]

*I'm a little shocked at the way, I think Orwell said his name was Max, acts. I would never speak to my superior like that*

[Jonathon Orwell]

*I grin and raise my eyebrows in mock surprise.* Oh! I think you forget I AM your superior. I was appointed this position and transferred from New York for a reason. Because I am GOOD. I do things well. You on the other hand, well, you kill your own teammates. I am surprised she- *I point to the girl who follows him around like a puppy*- is not dead yet. *I smile even more and in a tone similar to that of a parents I scold him* I am sick of your sass young man. *Really he is older than me. By years at least. But I am too caught up in the moment and hate him too much to care.* I am afraid I have to go further than your previous punishment and fire you.

[Max Griffiths]

*At that, I actually laugh* Fire me? Come on, now, you didn't really think I was going to stay on the staff, did you? I'm leaving as soon as you wrap up this charade you call a meeting!