“Hey, what’s the deal with the drones?” Ethan asked. In the background, Hennigan overheard one of his bandmates explaining it to him.
“Just nod your head and pretend you’re listening,” Hennigan advised. “There are about five drones in the vicinity. Three are operated by the FBI, and two are remotely controlled by Ms. Wilson.”
“How the hell?” Blayne spat out.
“She’s using the satphone,” Hennigan said. “Don’t ask me how she does what she does.”
“I can also hear every word,” Ms. Wilson’s voice cut through the chatter. “Hennigan, switch to operation two lines.”
Hennigan immediately switched. “Status update?”
“There was a drawdown of personnel last night. There are still about twenty or so cockroaches scurrying about. Ms. Brighton will execute operation ‘Take Back’ in twenty-eight minutes and counting.”
“Just keep your head down,” Hennigan said. “How defensible is your current position?”
“I’m perfectly safe. I’m fine if the yokels don’t know how to track satphone signals. And so far, I’ve seen no sign that these imbecilic clodhoppers even know they exist.”
“Just don’t take any chances.”
“May our fervent call for unity and understanding resonate through the ages, inspiring future generations. Let it be known at this very moment that we proclaim with unwavering conviction that extremism shall be banished into the depths, eternally conquered by the unwavering spirit of humanity united!”
Dear God, she sounds more like a Southern Baptist preacher than a revolutionary.
I now want to bring to the stage our next speaker, Dr. Olivia Martinez!”
The crowd erupted.
“Keep your eyes open, people. The main event is starting.”
Chapter Eighteen
Ethan
The crowd extended in all directions, a diverse mix of people of all ages, genders and ethnicities. Some held signs and banners, while others seemed to be there just to see what was going on. Among the attendees were the usual students, as well as individuals dressed in business attire. Of course, Ethan wasn’t sure if the people in suits were professionals who had come to campus or were FBI agents milling about the crowd. The rally had transformed into a focal point of unity, where individuals fostered an atmosphere of awareness, acknowledging the urgency of the issues and the necessity for collective action.
“Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests,” Dr. Martinez said. Ethan only knew what the woman looked like because he’d run an internet search on her this morning after Blayne had explained what they’d learned the previous night. “Today I stand before you to address a growing concern that threatens the fundamental principles of democracy and individual liberties—homegrown extremism. Our politicians want to point at people from other countries and scare you into believing that the biggest threat to democracy is immigrants and foreign nationals. Yet, homegrown extremists are repeatedly allowed to prosper and thrive because certain politicians know that denouncing extremists and their actions is denouncing a portion of their voter base. These politicians would prefer the streets of the US run red with the blood of its citizens rather than admit the hard truths of our reality. As a society built upon the pillars of reason, justice and freedom, it is our responsibility to shed light on this pressing issue and engage in a thoughtful discourse that transcends mere rhetoric.”
Ethan found himself genuinely impressed with Dr. Martinez’s eloquence. “Was she always this captivating during her lectures?” he asked Blayne.
“She’s a bit larger here, but yeah, she’s just that good.”
Dr. Martinez continued, “We must underscore the significance of cultivating democratic values and promoting civic engagement. It is imperative to encourage active participation in democratic processes, empowering all citizens to voice their concerns, hold institutions accountable and advocate for policies that safeguard democracy and condemn extremist conduct.”
Ethan had been oblivious to the sign language interpreter, but he witnessed her collapsing to the ground just moments before the deafening sound of the gunshot that claimed her life reached his ears.
The rally, once filled with hope and unity, erupted into chaos. Panic seized the crowd like a vise, spreading rapidly through their ranks. Fear surged through the air, triggering a cascade of reactions among the attendees. People scattered in every direction, their movements frenzied. People pushed and shoved, desperately trying to find an escape route. Others tripped and stumbled, their attempts to flee impeded by the sea of bodies around them. The air filled with cries for help, desperate pleas for safety.
More shots pierced the air, and Ethan witnessed a young woman, just ten feet ahead, collapsing lifelessly onto the ground before even touching the grass.
“Down!” Mr. J. yelled. Immediately, the ZERO security team surrounded their group.
“Mr. Bond, there’s an active shooter at nine o’clock.”
“Shooter, nine o’clock,” Ethan hollered. He watched as the shooter crumpled to the ground but wasn’t sure which guard took the shooter down.
Of course, that brought the snipers’ attention to their group. Ethan looked chaotically around them for an escape route. A young man behind them went down.
“There’s a sniper in a nest on the top floor of the door west of your position,” Ms. Wilson’s voice cut through the chaos.
