A/N: In case you are wondering, much of this takes place in a barren, woe-be-gotten future. Also, Marie is also in ‘Freedom’s Been Convicted’.

“We are broken, what must we do to restart our innocence, and all the promise we adore, give us life again, ’cause we just want to be home,” We Are Broken, Paramore, Riot!

Artemis’ POV

“If my calculations are correct, then this should create a portal to the future.” I explained.

“Well, I’d best get out of your way then, the last time I did something that defied the laws of physics, the results weren’t the best.” Marie said, going to sit on the couch.

“What happened?” I asked, a bit surprised to find out that Marie had done anything of the sort. She hated anything academic, the idea that she actually tried bending the laws of physics was, doubtful, to say the least.

In response, she held up her hand, which was engulfed in a kind of blue and black energy. “AG is what I was experimenting with, and after a malfunction, I now have control over it.”

~~~~~~*~~~~~~

In the future.

“No!” Vivian screamed.

“Calm down, Vivian, since you won’t remember this when all this is over, I’ll tell you what’s going to happen to you and your little trouble-making friends.” Vladimir told her calmly, looming above her, as she struggled in her chains. “You four are a threat to our perfect society, and—”

“Perfect society? What the heck are you talking about? You kill anyone who’s in the way of your invasion, and tell the public that they’ve been ’selected for special privileges’. You’ve brainwashed and enslaved the human race without anyone realizing it.” she spat.

“But, we do make exceptions, like now, for instance; instead of killing you and your rebellious friends, we will simply ReSurfacize your minds. Your skills could greatly benefit us if you were on our side.”

“Never!”

“I’m afraid you don’t have a choice in the matter,” Vladimir replied, and nodded at the guards, whom tranquilized Vivian and took her away.

~~~~~~*~~~~~~

Artemis’ POV

“There, finished.” I said, sitting up.

“Finally,” Marie replied, coming over, “does it work?”

“Let’s find out, shall we.” I flipped the switch, and the portal whirred to life, casting a violet glow over everything. I held out my hand, and she took it, together we stepped through the portal.

The Surface’s HQ and Selection Facilities, Earth 2075

“Where are we?” Marie asked, looking around at the Sci-fi style setting they found themselves in.

“Future Earth, or at least a possible future, for nothing is definite when it comes to the future.” I replied looking around, “Marie we shouldn’t touch anything,” I turned around and Marie was gone. “Marie?!”

“Oh my god, look, a girl.” Marie said, looking at a cylindrical holding tube, where a girl was floating, with her wrists chained to the ground, her long hair spread out behind her slender frame. Reading the placard she continued: “Vivian Marceto, age fourteen, member of Potestas de Varietas, schuedled for ReSurfacization along with the rest of Potestas de Varietas.”

Looking around, I saw three more holding tubes, with three boys, similarly chained. “Valin, Valentine, Veda.” I read the names off the placards. “Also members of Potestas de Varietas, or, Power from Diversity, in Latin.”

Turning to look at Vivian again, I noticed that her eyes were slowly opening. When she saw us she cringed and curled into a ball. “You’re here to erase my memories, and turn me into some obedient human tool you can use to take over the Earth, aren’t you?” she asked, eyes panicked.

“No we’re not, we’re here to rescue you.” I asserted, acting recklessly, knowing that I shouldn’t interfere, but not being able to stop myself. Blasted hormones, they’re making me impulsive.

“Really?” Vivian asked, hope in her eyes as she uncurled from the tight ball she had been in and put her hands on the glass. “Ow!” she recoiled from the shock transfered through the glass.

“There most be some kind of button on this thing,” I muttered looking at the cylinder.

“How ’bout this?” Marie asked, pushing a big red button marked ‘do not touch’. As she pushed the button, a green light flashed and the cylinder opened.

Some other stories by Lydia Tall:

• Code Red Creations Updated
• C Is For Conviction
• B Is For Betrayal
• Code Red Creations
• A Is For Accusation

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