Visette found herself in a familiar interrogation room once again. She stared at the one-sided observation glass, wondering who would be on the other side. There were multiple presences gathered, she could tell that much. She could also tell they weren’t people sent by Commander Wakefield.

The incident at the detention facility couldn’t be contained and as a result, entered under the jurisdiction of the New Mayhall Domestic Security Force. Though, the truth of the matter was that it became a political battle once the details of the incident spread.

Previously, Visette was allowed to be reformed under Commander Wakefield on the basis that she had multiple low-type traits and the death of Councilor Richards was swept under the rug. Upon hearing the news of her slaughtering two dozen prisoners with her bare hands, the assumption she had weak traits was dispelled. Various parties would now be looking to recruit her into their faction with a tempting offer or by coercing her into it. Even if she had one type-3 or higher trait, she would be a good addition to someone’s personal power. So the fight to gain Visette as a piece or to obstruct others from getting to her began in the shadows.

The concern for the blatant attack and sabotage was the second priority for the everyone involved. With the exception of the Domestic Security Force and New Mayhall’s Military, Visette Thales would be the real goal.

Five hours had already gone by and in that time Visette wasn’t allowed to speak to anyone or to wash off the now dried blood covering her face. It was an attempt at psychological warfare from people who weren’t familiar with Visette. Those who already started their research would know she couldn’t be affected by a small discomfort.

Suddenly, Visette heard muffled yelling from beyond the door. Two individuals argued back and forth until the door swung open.

“You have five minutes, Captain O’Hara.”

“Fuck off,” Lyn cursed as she slammed the door. She sighed, looking to the observation window before sitting across from Visette who was handcuffed to the table.

“...Here.” Lyn handed a can of tea to Visette.

“This is not the reward I expected, Lyn.” Visette intoned with an expressionless face.

“Was that sarcasm- No...I guess not...You’ll be getting a proper reward just as soon as this whole charade is finished,” Lyn replied while pulling a tissue out of her jacket and reaching toward Visette’s face before wiping some of the blood away.

Meanwhile, Visette silently drank from the can before putting it down and sliding it away in an orderly manner while Lyn cleaned her up.

“No matter what they say, you don’t have to tell them anything. I’ve already made an official report based on what you gave me. Right now, they’re just trying to scare you so they can convince you to side with them.”

Someone knocked at the door and Lyn sent a glare full of annoyance at the one-sided glass.

“Just stick it out for a few more hours and it’ll all be settled.”

“Stick it out?”

“It means to be patient.”

“...Noted.” Visette accepted the explanation with a nod, making a mental note of it.

“That’s your time.” A dark-haired man opened the door. “Don’t break protocol, Captain O’Hara.”

Lyn begrudgingly got up and moved to leave but not before stopping next to the DSF investigator. “I couldn’t care less about protocol, jackass. Visette is a military asset so don’t try anything.”

“Is that all, O’Hara?” The investigator asked.

Lyn pushed past him and left the room. Once he was clear, the investigator closed the door.

“Visette Thales, correct?”

“Correct,” Visette responded.

“I’m Investigator Warrick Lewis,” He introduced himself and sat down.

Visette glanced at the folder in his hands before staring directly at him.

Warrick, in turn, looked at Visette, finding her eyes to be empty and still, no sign of fear or apprehension could found within them. There may have been a trace of curiosity that flashed within her gaze but he couldn’t say for sure.

“Let’s start.” Warrick unconsciously looked away first before opening the folder. He spread out pictures of all thirty victims that were found in Visette's cell room.

“Now, I’ve read the report already but just to be sure I'll go over it again. When the power surge woke you up, the guard was already dead. A group of five Abnormals, leading other prisoners, entered your corridor and attempted to recruit you, right?”

“Correct.”

“After you refused, they sent the normal prisoners in there to grab you. You responded by killing them and then the Abnormals simply went about their way after your continued refusal, am I right again?”

“Incorrect, two of the prisoners were killed by an Abnormal named Hawk.”

“Sorry, so two were killed by him and the other four by you. After that, they left the keycard in your possession as a polite gesture and then the other inmates attempted to take it from you and you...killed them all, is that about right?”

“...Correct.”

“I see...So, why didn’t you go with the Abnormals? Wouldn’t you feel more comfortable with them? Surely you didn't want to stay trapped in a cage?”

“There was no reason to accept the offer given to me. Additionally, the accommodations provided for me were not bothersome enough to warrant escaping the facility.”

“But what about you killing the twenty-nine people in the room? Explain to me why you ended up killing them?”

“Incorrect, I eliminated twenty-eight prisoners in total.”

“What?”

“You said twenty-nine people, insinuating that I killed the prison guard. That is not correct.”

“I know what I said, girl." Warrick could only respond bluntly as his attempt to entrap Visette with an inadvertent admission went awry.

“Then why did you seek elaboration?”

“I’m asking you the questions!” Warrick slammed his fist on the table but Visette didn’t even flinch.

“You expect us to believe that the guard just died on his own? His wounds indicate he was poisoned meaning that someone planned for him to die.”

Visette looked at Warrick silently, it was unknown whether or not she understood his accusations but she remained unflustered.

“Did you know that those five abnormals were all arrested around a month ago?”

“No.”

“Oh? Well, each of them was detained for trespassing in different areas. The evacuation tunnels, the academy, the detention facility, the novidium manufacturing plant, and the novidium cell generator that powers this city. Since they didn’t resist and didn’t show any sign of having abnormal traits, they were locked up with the rest of the prisoners. Now, during this power surge, they passed by you, an Abnormal, and tried to recruit you. Interesting, right?”

“No.”

“Really? Because I think it is...Let me tell you what I really think happened. The group of Abnormals completed whatever mission they were given and planned an escape for you by poisoning your guard and overloading the power cells in the facility. There must’ve have been something that made the plan change so you killed all the witnesses with their assistance. That leads us to now, you’re pretending that you resisted their offer to shift the focus of our investigation. Am I close to the truth?” Warrick asked, confidently expecting Visettte to be trapped.

“No. Your theory is incorrect,” Visette replied.

She was aware that the power surge was most likely caused by her. Her psionic power spread out during her strange dream and ended up affecting the power grid. The guard was also a victim of psionic energy going out of control. Since he was the closest to her when the event occurred he would’ve felt the strongest effects. But with Visette not being able to explain that to anyone, she was forced through the “investigation.”

“Feel free to correct me then.”

“There is no reason to,” Visette said before continuing. “I no longer want to answer your questions.”

Warrick lifted the picture of the guard. “You killed an innocent man for no reason, don’t you feel bad? He had a wife and children who’ll now be left alone because of you. Don't you wish you could do something to amend the situation?”

Visette kept her silence while Warrick raved on.

“Don’t you feel a hint of remorse for what you did?!” He slammed his hand on the table before shoving the picture into Visette’s face. “Answer me!”

Visette studied the picture briefly before looking back at Warrick. “Your statement is false. That guard did not have a spouse or children. When he interacted with other guards during shift changes he repeatedly made that fact clear.”

“That isn't...” Warrick unexpectedly couldn’t find the words to reply to Visette.

How was he supposed to know that Visette would memorize the conversations that every individual guard had? He only wanted to bait out an emotional reaction but ended up being the one flustered by the revelation.

Feeling full of frustration, Warrick tossed the photo aside and gripped Visette by the collar.

“I can keep you in here all fucking year if I needed to! If you pledge your allegiance to New Mayhall and cooperate with us, you’ll benefit from it-” Warrick’s offer was interrupted by the sound of a short scuffle and then the door was kicked in.

Lyn wordlessly approached him, sweeping his legs and slamming him onto the ground before he could even fully turn around.

“You’ll be punished for this!” Warrick growled as her knee rested on his head.

“You think I fucking care?” Lyn whispered as she put her face next to his ear.

Soon enough, DSF officers rushed in with their weapons drawn and pointed at Lyn.

“Step away now!”

Lyn drew her revolver and pressed it against Warrick’s head before pulling the hammer back.

“Since you like questions, let me ask you one? Who’s faster, me or you fucking DSF bastards?”

“Let him go!”

Things grew tense by the second and Visette contemplated interfering, coming to a decision almost immediately. She silently channeled her psionic power and made sure to jam the guns of the several DSF officers gathered.

“If only you were this decisive when it came to your father, O’Hara.” Warrick let out a condescending laugh.

“What did you say?” Lyn’s eyes narrowed threateningly. She pushed the barrel even closer until he let out a painful groan. “Say it again.”

“Your father-” Warrick couldn’t finish as a loud click resounded in his ears. He jolted fearfully while his heart palpitated wildly.

“Stop, now!” The DSF officers took aim.

“Oh, was it empty?” Lyn seemed genuinely surprised that Warrick’s brains weren’t strewn across the floor.

“Y-You’d really do it? You’d really kill me for some Abnormal girl who could very well be working to sabotage the city?”

Lyn squeezed the trigger once more and another terrifying click could be heard.

“Last warning, Captain O’Hara!” The DSF officers were seconds away from shooting her, unaware that their guns wouldn’t fire even if they wanted them to.

“Oops, my finger slipped. What were you saying again?”

“You’re fucking crazy, O’Hara!” Warrick shouted, breathing erratically.

“No, you just don’t know when to shut your mouth and I don’t care which member of the council is behind you. You attempted to harm a military asset and clearly overstepped your bounds. As far as I’m concerned, killing you is justified.”

“You think they would just let you off?”

“No, but I’m an Abnormal and you’re just Investigator Warrick Lewis. Just my left hand is more valuable than your life.”

“That’s enough!” A new voice appeared, interrupting the confrontation. “The Governor has declared that Visette Thales be moved to a secure area and placed under military watch. This matter no longer involves the DSF.”

Lyn looked to see who it is but jumped in surprise when she saw a bald old man with a grey mustache. His eyes portrayed his experience and prestige. Even with his age, he didn't appear to be weak or elderly. And although he wore an expensive dark blue suit, somehow, he didn't appear to be a person who dwelled on such things.

“Advisor Price.” Lyn removed her knee from Warrick’s neck and stood up, saluting the old man in front of her.

“Please, there is no need, Captain O’Hara.” Advisor Price lightly waved before turning to a white-haired girl with doll-like eyes who watched everything unfold passively. “You must be Visette Thales?”

“Correct.” Visette gave a brief response.

“You can call me Eugene Price...You were making quite the fuss among the councilors so I thought I would come to see you myself.”

Lyn looked at Advisor Price strangely, clearly doubting his statement.

“Can’t I be curious, Captain O’Hara?”

“No, it wasn’t that I just-”

“It’s fine. Truthfully, you’re correct to doubt me. I am here on the Governor’s behalf, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t interested in seeing her for myself.” Advisor Price looked at Visette before nodding with approval. “Commander Wakefield vouched for you himself so I only hope that you live up to expectations. Telling by those stains on your clothes, you aren’t one to shy away from bloodshed. Indeed, you have the makings of a good soldier to fight against the Corrupted.”

Visette listened to his words but paid more attention to the people behind him. A group of what seemed to be personal guards dressed in black fatigues without a single symbol, all of them stood with high-powered weapons strapped across their shoulders.

“Ah, she's a sharp one too.” Advisor Price smiled. “Don’t worry, they follow me everywhere and aren’t here for you. Anyway...”

Advisor Price turned to Lyn. “There is no need for further conflict as this matter has been resolved.”

It appeared a resolution was found but it was obvious that it came from the political side of things, rather than evidence and thorough investigation.

“Advisor Price!” Warrick stood up, looking extremely disheveled. “Captain O’Hara pointed a loaded firearm at me with the intent to kill, shouldn’t she at least be punished?”

Advisor Price looked at Warrick calmly before looking to Lyn. “Anything to say, Captain O’Hara?”

“No,” Lyn responded while showing the empty cylinder of her revolver, indicating it wasn’t loaded in the first place.

“I advise you to get some sleep, Investigator Warrick. It has been a long night for all of us.”

“But-” Warrick seemed unwilling to let it go.

“As I’ve said, this matter is settled. The Governor ordered it himself, you can close this investigation and head home.” Advisor Price took a sterner tone before leaving the room.

A DSF officer approached the table and unlocked Visette’s restraints before retreating.

“Come on.” Lyn gestured toward Visette.

Without the need for any persuasion, Visette followed Lyn out.

"I can't believe I actually forgot to load my gun." Lyn's voice could just barely be heard as the two disappeared down the hall.

Warrick's expression crumpled into a vicious scowl upon hearing her.

“Damn it!” He could only choose a chair as a target of his anger, kicking it across the room.