HOME | DD

Description
And he had been running ever since.

Adam was bone-weary. He leaned his head back against the dumpster and took a deep breath of the fragrant night air.

He shook his head and laughed.

"Didn't dumpsters used to smell of trash", he thought to himself. "My God. What kind of a world are we living in when even the dumpsters are scrubbed clean?"

So far he had managed to stay one step ahead of Crossbow but that could not last forever. And of course now that the word was out regarding what he was, Crossbow was not his greatest problem.

Now, the Masters themselves would be aware of what he had done and it was quite possible that some of them would be involved with the search. If there was one thing that the MGA did not tolerate it was the use of meta-human powers by anyone not under their direct control. It didn't matter whether the powers were being used for good or evil.

Adam had an intimate understanding of this.

He squeezed his eyes shut and let his memory drift back to that day at his parent's home four years ago. It had been only three days after his fourteenth birthday.

***********************************************************************************************************************

Adam drew back the curtains of his bedroom window just a fraction and again peeked down at the Crossbow officers who were standing on his father's perfectly manicured front lawn. They paced back and forth and continually scanned their surroundings like lions sniffing the air for threats. When they had arrived with the lady in the suit five minutes ago, Dad had told him to go upstairs to his room and not come down.

Of course he had not said anything about not eavesdropping.

Adam went to his bedroom door and quietly opened it. He got down on his stomach and crawled into the hallway and to the top of the staircase where he could get a view of the living room if he craned his neck slightly.

From his vantage point he heard his mother speak.

"Please, Ms Foster. Don't take our son away from us."

His Mom and Dad were seated next to each other on the sofa. His mother, whose blue eyes and lustrous dark hair were so much like Adam's had a look of grave concern on her face.

The woman that sat perched on the edge of the lounge-chair opposite his parents was dressed in a smart business suit and skirt. She looked to be in her mid-thirties. She wore glasses and her black hair was pinned back in a neat bun. Her makeup and jewellery were subdued but still stylish. On the lapel of her jacket was a small pin fashioned into the shape of the Masters' globe and starburst symbol. The overall impression that she gave was of a high-flying businesswoman or lawyer.

Ms Foster also wore a look of concern as she replied.

"Oh Mrs Jennings, please believe me. I'm not here to take your child anywhere without your express permission", she said as she raised her hands slightly in a calming gesture.

Her expression changed to a soft and disarming smile as she continued.

"The MGA certainly doesn't want to break up a loving family which it's quite obvious you are. I'm just here to ensure that you have gone over all the information that we've sent you and to get your final decision."

A vast array of pamphlets and books lay spread out on the coffee-table between them. The material had been arriving at their house almost daily since his parents had reporting his emerging powers to the authorities as they were legally obliged to. All of them had bright covers and titles such as:

'MGA Youth Program: Building a Brighter Tomorrow'

'Fun, Friendship and Adventure await at the MGA Youth Academy'

'The Masters of the Golden Age: Securing the Future of Your Child, and the World'

"Well we've read through all the literature that you've sent us", said Adam's father gesturing at the stack of information. "Quite a few times. And we've given this a lot of thought."

As Adam's father paused to take a breath, Ms Foster nodded.

"Of course you have", she said in a sweet voice. "Making a decision about securing your child's future takes a lot of consideration. I know it did in my case."

Adam's parents glanced at one another in surprise before turning back to Ms Foster

"Your case?", asked Mrs Jennings.

"Yes. May I show you something?"

"Certainly", said Adam's father.

Ms Foster reached into her designer handbag and retrieved a small photograph that she handed across the table to Adam's parents. In it, a young girl of about twelve with dark red hair pulled back in a pony-tail was beaming a bright smile at the camera. The MGA speedster known as the Crimson Commando stood by her side. He was also smiling and had his hand on the young girl's shoulder. Adam's parents could see that the child wore a sleek costume that seemed to be crafted from the same friction-reducing material that the Master wore.

"This is my daughter, Antoinette", said Ms Foster with considerable pride. "Two years ago when she was ten she started exhibiting bursts of super-speed. Someone from the MGA Youth Program visited me then just like I'm visiting you now. Believe me, I was just as apprehensive as you at the thought of placing her in the Academy. But the Youth Program officer convinced me that it was for the best."

Ms Foster's smile brightened.

"Both Antoinette and myself are very happy with how everything turned out. She is receiving a first class education and the training that she needs in how best to use her special abilities. I was so impressed that I joined the MGA Youth Program myself in order to help people like you make the right decision when it comes to your children."

Adam's mother handed the photo back to Ms Foster

"She's a beautiful little girl", she said. "You must be very proud."

"Oh I am", said Ms Foster. "Knowing that Antoinette's future is secure. Knowing that she will grow up to be part of something great. That is a tremendous feeling. Especially when I know that my decision to allow her to attend the Academy made it all possible."

"We understand", said Mrs Jennings. "And it isn't as if we don't appreciate the opportunity. Really we do. We appreciate everything that the MGA has done for the world ever since the Second Ritki War."

Ms Foster's expression sobered. She bowed her head a little and touched the wedding-band she wore on her left hand.

"The war was horrific", she said in a more sombre tone. "My husband, Stephen was in the Marine Corps at the time. He was killed by the Rikti during the first Battle of Baltimore. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss him."

Adam's mother looked genuinely moved by the revelation.

"Oh. We're very sorry to hear of your loss", she said.

"Thank you", said Ms Foster raising her head and smiling once again. "My only comfort is that he died a hero fighting to protect mankind from alien domination. Your son has the capacity to be a hero too. To ensure that the world remains a better place."

Adam's parents looked at each other as if confirming the courage of their convictions. Mrs Jennings gave a tiny nod to her husband who turned back to Ms Foster and spoke.

"Adam's abilities give him a tremendous amount of potential to be sure….but…"

Mr Jennings held up his hand to stop Ms Foster as she attempted to interject again.

"…but as I said", he continued. "We have given this a lot of thought and talked it over at length with Adam. At this time we don't think that the MGA Youth Program is the best option for our son."

For a moment, Ms Foster's expression changed. Her eyes narrowed slightly and all the warmth and geniality that had been present vanished. She met the gaze of Adam's parents searching for a sign that they may yet be persuaded. She found none.

"Of course. I understand completely", she said as most of her former charm returned to her face. Most. But not all. "The MGA Youth Program isn't for everyone. And as I said before, no-one wants to take away the right for you to decide what's best for your child."

She stood and slipped the leather strap of her handbag over her shoulder.

"Thank you very much for your hospitality Mr and Mrs Jennings", she said as she strode briskly to the front door causing Adam's parents to swiftly rise and follow her.

"Thank you very much for being so understanding", said Adam's mother tentatively

As she reached the door, Ms Foster turned and faced the couple once more

"Please don't mention it. I enjoyed our conversation. I look forward to talking to you again in the future."

A look of puzzlement overtook Adam's parents.

"We'll be seeing you again?", asked Mrs Jennings.

"Why yes", Ms Foster replied with another smile. This one not as wide as earlier. "Even though Adam won't be part of the Youth Program we'll still be looking in on him from time to time."

"I'm not sure I understand", said Mr Jennings, frowning.

Ms Foster's smile shrank even further. Her tone changed to that of an old fashioned
school- marm.

"Mr Jennings, the Youth Program has several aims. First and foremost is to give children with special abilities the best start in life possible. Another aim is….a precautionary one. You must remember what the world was like before the Masters changed everything for the better. Unregulated meta-humans running amok causing havoc. We can't have that again now, can we?"

Adam's mother began to speak.

"But…"

Ms Foster raised her hand to cut her off

"Mrs Jennings I am sure that Adam is a good boy. But you know as well as I do that sometimes, despite the parent's best efforts and intentions, a child can go down the wrong path. And when someone with meta-human powers goes down the wrong path it can endanger lives.

Mr Jenning's face was starting to turn red.

"Adam would never hurt anyone!", he protested.

"That is what we are going to make certain of", said Ms Foster sternly. "I can assure you that we won't be too intrusive. This simply means that I'll be stopping by every six months to have a chat with you and Adam. And of course you will need to keep MGA Central appraised of any change of address or travel plans that take you out of the state."

"But that's outrageous!", said Mr Jennings angrily. "It's an invasion of our privacy!"

Ms Foster's smile disappeared along with any hint of friendliness.

"I'm sorry that you feel that way Mr Jennings", she said coldly. "However the law is the law. If you refuse to allow Adam to attend the Academy then I'm afraid that you have to live with the fact that he'll be subject to monitoring. The Masters will not allow society to return to the anarchy of the past."

Without taking her eyes off Adam's parents, Ms Foster opened the front door and called to the Crossbow officers waiting on the lawn.

"Officer Rogers?"

The larger of the two troopers walked to the front step. His right hand rested lightly on his pistol-holster.

"Yes ma'am?", he said

"We're finished here", she said, still looking at Adam's parents. "For now."

"Certainly ma'am", he replied. "Will we be heading to the Academy?"

"Not today, Officer Rogers."

Ms Foster nodded briefly to each of Adam's parents.

"Mr Jennings. Mrs Jennings. Good day."

The door closed behind her with just a little more force than was considered polite.

***********************************************************************************************************************

That had been the start of Adam's dealings with the MGA Central Monitoring Unit.

Ms Foster was true to her word. She had arrived on their doorstep once every six months from that year onward. She would talk to his parents both about the family's activities in the preceding months. At first, his father used to get angry with her visits and her questions but after the first two years he gave in to the dogged realisation that Ms Foster was now a part of their lives.

The youth officer would always take Adam aside for a private discussion after speaking with his parents. He had to admit that he had never found her scary or intimidating. In fact, most of the time she was quite pleasant. They would chat about school and his extra-curricular activities. What kind of books and music he was into at the time. What he liked to watch on television. As a teenager it was actually kind of cool having a non-judgemental adult around that was so interested in him.

It was when she asked questions about his parents that he always grew uncomfortable. She would often ask him if he overheard his parents talking and if anything they said related to the Master's administration? He would always honestly reply that he hardly ever heard his parents mention the MGA and only then in passing.

Of course Ms Foster always gushed about how wonderful the Academy was and that he could still attend if only he could convince his parents to allow it. She advised him that if he waited until after his eighteenth birthday then he would be throwing away a tremendous opportunity. Those that attended the Academy had the chance to join the MGA itself after a few years of faithful service. If not, then the best that he could hope for would be to join the MGA Auxiliary Corps.

But all Adam had ever wanted to be was normal. It wasn't as if he saw his powers as a curse. He didn't. He had to admit that they were kind of cool. But the simple truth was that he loved his parents and loved his life just as it was. The thought of himself in some colourful costume battling terrorists and villains always seemed to be kind of ludicrous.

Adam's thoughts were jerked back to the present as a grim voice suddenly issued from the shadows above him.

"Adam Jennings. I believe that you and I need to talk."

Description
And he had been running ever since.

Adam was bone-weary. He leaned his head back against the dumpster and took a deep breath of the fragrant night air.

He shook his head and laughed.

"Didn't dumpsters used to smell of trash", he thought to himself. "My God. What kind of a world are we living in when even the dumpsters are scrubbed clean?"

So far he had managed to stay one step ahead of Crossbow but that could not last forever. And of course now that the word was out regarding what he was, Crossbow was not his greatest problem.

Now, the Masters themselves would be aware of what he had done and it was quite possible that some of them would be involved with the search. If there was one thing that the MGA did not tolerate it was the use of meta-human powers by anyone not under their direct control. It didn't matter whether the powers were being used for good or evil.

Adam had an intimate understanding of this.

He squeezed his eyes shut and let his memory drift back to that day at his parent's home four years ago. It had been only three days after his fourteenth birthday.

***********************************************************************************************************************

Adam drew back the curtains of his bedroom window just a fraction and again peeked down at the Crossbow officers who were standing on his father's perfectly manicured front lawn. They paced back and forth and continually scanned their surroundings like lions sniffing the air for threats. When they had arrived with the lady in the suit five minutes ago, Dad had told him to go upstairs to his room and not come down.

Of course he had not said anything about not eavesdropping.

Adam went to his bedroom door and quietly opened it. He got down on his stomach and crawled into the hallway and to the top of the staircase where he could get a view of the living room if he craned his neck slightly.

From his vantage point he heard his mother speak.

"Please, Ms Foster. Don't take our son away from us."

His Mom and Dad were seated next to each other on the sofa. His mother, whose blue eyes and lustrous dark hair were so much like Adam's had a look of grave concern on her face.

The woman that sat perched on the edge of the lounge-chair opposite his parents was dressed in a smart business suit and skirt. She looked to be in her mid-thirties. She wore glasses and her black hair was pinned back in a neat bun. Her makeup and jewellery were subdued but still stylish. On the lapel of her jacket was a small pin fashioned into the shape of the Masters' globe and starburst symbol. The overall impression that she gave was of a high-flying businesswoman or lawyer.

Ms Foster also wore a look of concern as she replied.

"Oh Mrs Jennings, please believe me. I'm not here to take your child anywhere without your express permission", she said as she raised her hands slightly in a calming gesture.

Her expression changed to a soft and disarming smile as she continued.

"The MGA certainly doesn't want to break up a loving family which it's quite obvious you are. I'm just here to ensure that you have gone over all the information that we've sent you and to get your final decision."

A vast array of pamphlets and books lay spread out on the coffee-table between them. The material had been arriving at their house almost daily since his parents had reporting his emerging powers to the authorities as they were legally obliged to. All of them had bright covers and titles such as:

'MGA Youth Program: Building a Brighter Tomorrow'

'Fun, Friendship and Adventure await at the MGA Youth Academy'

'The Masters of the Golden Age: Securing the Future of Your Child, and the World'

"Well we've read through all the literature that you've sent us", said Adam's father gesturing at the stack of information. "Quite a few times. And we've given this a lot of thought."

As Adam's father paused to take a breath, Ms Foster nodded.

"Of course you have", she said in a sweet voice. "Making a decision about securing your child's future takes a lot of consideration. I know it did in my case."

Adam's parents glanced at one another in surprise before turning back to Ms Foster

"Your case?", asked Mrs Jennings.

"Yes. May I show you something?"

"Certainly", said Adam's father.

Ms Foster reached into her designer handbag and retrieved a small photograph that she handed across the table to Adam's parents. In it, a young girl of about twelve with dark red hair pulled back in a pony-tail was beaming a bright smile at the camera. The MGA speedster known as the Crimson Commando stood by her side. He was also smiling and had his hand on the young girl's shoulder. Adam's parents could see that the child wore a sleek costume that seemed to be crafted from the same friction-reducing material that the Master wore.

"This is my daughter, Antoinette", said Ms Foster with considerable pride. "Two years ago when she was ten she started exhibiting bursts of super-speed. Someone from the MGA Youth Program visited me then just like I'm visiting you now. Believe me, I was just as apprehensive as you at the thought of placing her in the Academy. But the Youth Program officer convinced me that it was for the best."

Ms Foster's smile brightened.

"Both Antoinette and myself are very happy with how everything turned out. She is receiving a first class education and the training that she needs in how best to use her special abilities. I was so impressed that I joined the MGA Youth Program myself in order to help people like you make the right decision when it comes to your children."

Adam's mother handed the photo back to Ms Foster

"She's a beautiful little girl", she said. "You must be very proud."

"Oh I am", said Ms Foster. "Knowing that Antoinette's future is secure. Knowing that she will grow up to be part of something great. That is a tremendous feeling. Especially when I know that my decision to allow her to attend the Academy made it all possible."

"We understand", said Mrs Jennings. "And it isn't as if we don't appreciate the opportunity. Really we do. We appreciate everything that the MGA has done for the world ever since the Second Ritki War."

Ms Foster's expression sobered. She bowed her head a little and touched the wedding-band she wore on her left hand.

"The war was horrific", she said in a more sombre tone. "My husband, Stephen was in the Marine Corps at the time. He was killed by the Rikti during the first Battle of Baltimore. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss him."

Adam's mother looked genuinely moved by the revelation.

"Oh. We're very sorry to hear of your loss", she said.

"Thank you", said Ms Foster raising her head and smiling once again. "My only comfort is that he died a hero fighting to protect mankind from alien domination. Your son has the capacity to be a hero too. To ensure that the world remains a better place."

Adam's parents looked at each other as if confirming the courage of their convictions. Mrs Jennings gave a tiny nod to her husband who turned back to Ms Foster and spoke.

"Adam's abilities give him a tremendous amount of potential to be sure….but…"

Mr Jennings held up his hand to stop Ms Foster as she attempted to interject again.

"…but as I said", he continued. "We have given this a lot of thought and talked it over at length with Adam. At this time we don't think that the MGA Youth Program is the best option for our son."

For a moment, Ms Foster's expression changed. Her eyes narrowed slightly and all the warmth and geniality that had been present vanished. She met the gaze of Adam's parents searching for a sign that they may yet be persuaded. She found none.

"Of course. I understand completely", she said as most of her former charm returned to her face. Most. But not all. "The MGA Youth Program isn't for everyone. And as I said before, no-one wants to take away the right for you to decide what's best for your child."

She stood and slipped the leather strap of her handbag over her shoulder.

"Thank you very much for your hospitality Mr and Mrs Jennings", she said as she strode briskly to the front door causing Adam's parents to swiftly rise and follow her.

"Thank you very much for being so understanding", said Adam's mother tentatively

As she reached the door, Ms Foster turned and faced the couple once more

"Please don't mention it. I enjoyed our conversation. I look forward to talking to you again in the future."

A look of puzzlement overtook Adam's parents.

"We'll be seeing you again?", asked Mrs Jennings.

"Why yes", Ms Foster replied with another smile. This one not as wide as earlier. "Even though Adam won't be part of the Youth Program we'll still be looking in on him from time to time."

"I'm not sure I understand", said Mr Jennings, frowning.

Ms Foster's smile shrank even further. Her tone changed to that of an old fashioned
school- marm.

"Mr Jennings, the Youth Program has several aims. First and foremost is to give children with special abilities the best start in life possible. Another aim is….a precautionary one. You must remember what the world was like before the Masters changed everything for the better. Unregulated meta-humans running amok causing havoc. We can't have that again now, can we?"

Adam's mother began to speak.

"But…"

Ms Foster raised her hand to cut her off

"Mrs Jennings I am sure that Adam is a good boy. But you know as well as I do that sometimes, despite the parent's best efforts and intentions, a child can go down the wrong path. And when someone with meta-human powers goes down the wrong path it can endanger lives.

Mr Jenning's face was starting to turn red.

"Adam would never hurt anyone!", he protested.

"That is what we are going to make certain of", said Ms Foster sternly. "I can assure you that we won't be too intrusive. This simply means that I'll be stopping by every six months to have a chat with you and Adam. And of course you will need to keep MGA Central appraised of any change of address or travel plans that take you out of the state."

"But that's outrageous!", said Mr Jennings angrily. "It's an invasion of our privacy!"

Ms Foster's smile disappeared along with any hint of friendliness.

"I'm sorry that you feel that way Mr Jennings", she said coldly. "However the law is the law. If you refuse to allow Adam to attend the Academy then I'm afraid that you have to live with the fact that he'll be subject to monitoring. The Masters will not allow society to return to the anarchy of the past."

Without taking her eyes off Adam's parents, Ms Foster opened the front door and called to the Crossbow officers waiting on the lawn.

"Officer Rogers?"

The larger of the two troopers walked to the front step. His right hand rested lightly on his pistol-holster.

"Yes ma'am?", he said

"We're finished here", she said, still looking at Adam's parents. "For now."

"Certainly ma'am", he replied. "Will we be heading to the Academy?"

"Not today, Officer Rogers."

Ms Foster nodded briefly to each of Adam's parents.

"Mr Jennings. Mrs Jennings. Good day."

The door closed behind her with just a little more force than was considered polite.

***********************************************************************************************************************

That had been the start of Adam's dealings with the MGA Central Monitoring Unit.

Ms Foster was true to her word. She had arrived on their doorstep once every six months from that year onward. She would talk to his parents both about the family's activities in the preceding months. At first, his father used to get angry with her visits and her questions but after the first two years he gave in to the dogged realisation that Ms Foster was now a part of their lives.

The youth officer would always take Adam aside for a private discussion after speaking with his parents. He had to admit that he had never found her scary or intimidating. In fact, most of the time she was quite pleasant. They would chat about school and his extra-curricular activities. What kind of books and music he was into at the time. What he liked to watch on television. As a teenager it was actually kind of cool having a non-judgemental adult around that was so interested in him.

It was when she asked questions about his parents that he always grew uncomfortable. She would often ask him if he overheard his parents talking and if anything they said related to the Master's administration? He would always honestly reply that he hardly ever heard his parents mention the MGA and only then in passing.

Of course Ms Foster always gushed about how wonderful the Academy was and that he could still attend if only he could convince his parents to allow it. She advised him that if he waited until after his eighteenth birthday then he would be throwing away a tremendous opportunity. Those that attended the Academy had the chance to join the MGA itself after a few years of faithful service. If not, then the best that he could hope for would be to join the MGA Auxiliary Corps.

But all Adam had ever wanted to be was normal. It wasn't as if he saw his powers as a curse. He didn't. He had to admit that they were kind of cool. But the simple truth was that he loved his parents and loved his life just as it was. The thought of himself in some colourful costume battling terrorists and villains always seemed to be kind of ludicrous.

Adam's thoughts were jerked back to the present as a grim voice suddenly issued from the shadows above him.

"Adam Jennings. I believe that you and I need to talk."