July 16th 2027
Atlas
Texas
The next few weeks were filled with violence and protests, some getting out of hand with riots breaking out.
People were scared and angry.
People were afraid.
The country was falling apart.
It was chaos, and things were only going to get worse.
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Isa sighed, her eyes going over the news articles she had written for the day.
"Jesus..." she muttered, "I don't know how much more of this I can take."
She had been working nonstop for weeks, ever since that meeting with the mayor. She had barely been home, always working.
"C'mon Isa you can't stop now, you still have to write this article."
Isa groaned, not wanting to finish the article.
She wanted to quit.
She needed a break.
But she couldn't.
There was too much at stake.
She needed to keep writing.
Isa stared at her computer screen, trying to think of the right words.
Suddenly a knock on the door.
"Isa are you in there?"
Isa quickly shut her computer and walked over to the door.
She opened it, seeing Jarvis standing in the hallway.
"Hey, Davis is calling us to his office. Something happened and he wants us there ASAP."
Isa raised an eyebrow, confused by the sudden turn of events.
"Why did she want to meet so suddenly? And what happened?"
Jarvis shrugged. "I dunno. But we gotta go now."
Isa nodded reluctantly.
She went back to her desk to grab her things before following Jarvis to Davis' office.
as the two made their way down the hallway, the hallway busy with everyone getting ready for various things.
Isa sighed as she pulled open the door to Davis' office.
"Hey Isa, Jarvis. Come in."
Isa and Jarvis stepped inside, seeing Davis standing at the window looking out at the city."
"You wanted to see us sir?"
"Yeah, there was a development that came up...a good one, so I wanted you guys to be the first to hear it."
"What happened?"
"The Police decided to pull out from the multiple police-free zones that are uptown, they claimed it was a gesture to decrease tensions, but the truth is no officer wanted to go in, as it was too dangerous" He paused looking at the screen "The zones have united into the-" He paused once more "New Atlas Zone."
Isa and Jarvis were silent as they looked at the screen, seeing the different sectors of the city combining into one on the small map.
"It spans twenty-four by sixteen block radius, It's certainly something. and the mayor has ordered another meeting with her, the chiefs of police for all counties in Atlas, and the Commanding general for the national guard for this part of the region. I want you guys there. Get there early, wait in the parking lot, be prepared for anything. If there's any sign of violence, I want you to stay out of the line of fire, alright?"
Isa nodded, trying to calm her nerves.
Jarvis replied "Yes sir, we won't let you down."
Isa and Jarvis stood there, not wanting to move.
"Anything else sir?" Jarvis asked.
"Not for now, but be careful, alright?"
Isa and Jarvis nodded.
Isa and Jarvis looked at each other for a moment before leaving the room.
"Great." Isa muttered under her breath, "This is just fucking great."
Jarvis shook his head, "Let's just go, we'll figure something out."
Isa nodded reluctantly.
They each went to their respective locker rooms and prepared for the meeting.
Once out they met each other in the hall again
"I hate this stupid fucking helmet" Isa mumbled "Always messes up my hair"
Jarvis shrugged "Well, it's better than getting shot."
Isa sighed. "I suppose..."
"C'mon, let's just get there quick so we can get back home."
Isa nodded as the two made their way outside.
The air was muggy, the sky a dark gray.
It felt like it was about to rain.
They got into the van and drove to the conference building in downtown.
Isa stared out the window, seeing the city.
"I've seen this view a thousand times..." she muttered to herself.
The road was empty, a lot of the city was after the last few weeks, most just huddled in their homes, some at protests, some at riots, the lucky ones fled the city till the chaos subsided.
They stopped what seemed to be some of the most irregular traffic on the streets, all driving with banners and flags hanging from the top.
It was unsettling.
Isa didn't know what to make of it.
"What's with all the traffic?" Jarvis said, trying to keep his eyes on the road.
"Don't know, don't care" Isa replied, annoyed.
Suddenly a state patrolman knocked on the window, another on the other side of the van
"Open the window" She said in a stern tone.
Jarvis frowned but opened the window anyway.
"ID's" she said, her hand resting on her rifle
Isa pulled out her driver's license and handed it to the officer.
"What's your business here?" she asked as she looked over Isa's ID.
Isa and Jarvis looked at each other, wondering what to say.
"Just coming to the meeting" Isa responded, doing her best to keep calm.
"You sure?" She said, raising an eyebrow while staring at Jarvis
"Yeah, I'm sure" Jarvis said, his voice annoyed and frustrated.
"I mean I'm not sure..." she said as she stared at Jarvis "You look familiar to me..."
She motioned towards some other officers
"Get out."
Isa and Jarvis did as they were told.
She pointed to Isa and the side of the van "Sit. Stay."
The other officers came to the patrolman's side.
"State your business" An officer stated to Jarvis
"We're just going to the meeting" Jarvis replied
"No, you're not. Now, what are you really doing here?"
Jarvis was silent, the air tense.
"I am Jarvis Vargos. I am here as a cameraman for Isa Bellas a news-anchor for One Star News Network. I have all my credentials and all the papers needed for my work, You can check the van if you so feel like it."
"I'm sorry sir but that's not good enough. I will take your ID and call your information through."
Jarvis sighed, knowing there was no use fighting.
Isa couldn't help but feel irritated.
This was ridiculous! What were they thinking?
Jarvis shook his head, frustrated as he opened the van's rear door.
The officers readied their rifles and looked inside of the van. Nothing but news equipment and camera supplies.
One of them picked up a large bag of equipment, and handed it to one of the other officers who gave it to another officer to hold.
The officer took the bag and opened it, searching for something, but only seeing more equipment.
"It's all just supplies for our job." Jarvis explained, looking over at Isa
"Alright,fine. you are free to go." She handed Jarvis his ID, "Don't be more trouble than you already have been" she said in a stern tone.
Isa frowned, annoyed at the officer's attitude.
Jarvis put his ID away, his face growing tense.
Isa wanted to say something to the officer but she knew there was nothing she could do to help.
"Let's get out of here..." Jarvis muttered as they walked away.
"You can go now" the officer said as he looked inside of the van
Isa and Jarvis got back in and through the checkpoint.
They didn't speak, both not knowing what to say to each other.
It had been a long day.
Isa just wanted to go home.
Finally, they reached the conference building and parked the van in the back.
They walked up the steps of city hall,multiple national guard soldiers standing by the doors, weapons ready.
Some of them glared at Jarvis, Flipping their weapons safety off, clearly on edge.
"Isa" Jarvis whispered
"Yeah?" Isa replied
"If anything happens...just stay out of the way."
"I know."
"Be safe..." Jarvis said before going inside
Isa sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing.
She stepped inside, immediately being greeted by several security guards, now clad in kevlar equipment and high powered rifles.
"Where do you need to go?" One of them said
"Just a meeting with the mayor. I'm supposed to be waiting."
The guard looked at Isa and glared at Jarvis
Suddenly
"Let them through." It was another security guard "They're with the news." He pointed to their helmets, "They're reporters, be careful."
The guards nodded and let Isa and Jarvis go through.
They passed several rooms of guards, all armed to the teeth, as they walked towards the conference room where the meeting was being held.
As Isa passed several soldiers, she could hear them whispering.
"What are we gonna do?"
"I don't know..."
"They could be terrorists for all we know!"
Isa shook her head, frustrated.
She had had enough of this shit.
They walked up to the door, several guards posted at the front.
"Your name?"
"Isa Bellas, One Star News Network, with my cameraman Jarvis Vargos."
The guard looked through his tablet before nodding, letting them in.
"Don't make trouble." He said sternly, giving Isa a harsh look.
Isa sighed and opened the door, walking inside, Jarvis right behind her.
Isa and Jarvis stood by the door, trying to get a good look at everyone in the room.
There was a group of reporters gathered around the room, looking nervous and restless.
Isa recognized a few of them, She had met several of them at the meetings and conferences, most of them new to her, some of them foreign news journalists from countries like the United Kingdom, China, South Korea, Russia, Germany, France, and Mexico, all of them speaking their respective languages, looking confused and nervous.
As well as a large number of national guards were posted around the room, all armed with heavy weapons and armored combat gear.
They were nervous and on edge, like the whole room was holding its breath.
"This is insane..." Jarvis muttered under his breath as he glanced around the room.
"Tell me about it..." Isa whispered back, taking in the tense atmosphere.
She swallowed hard, nervous about the whole situation, her eyes darting back and forth.
Finally, the doors opened on the stage.
A group of men and women entered the stage, the commanding general of theTexas National Guard, the chief of the Atlas Police Department as well as the Gray County Sheriff's Department, The chief Department of Public Safety the Governor, the Mayor of Atlas and her security detail,
Everyone waited as the various officials walked into the room, each taking their seat at the front table.
The Mayor looking slightly gray and woosy, the stress of all of this must be getting to her, The Commanding General, Captain Sven Rhymes, The Chief of Police Ken Wiley, and Sheriff Dennis Doyle as well as the Chief of the Department of Public Safety Kayra Williams sat at the table on the stage, while a large group of soldiers and officers stood around the room.
Jarvis and Isa went up to the table where Jarvis set up his camera equipment.
As they were getting ready, The Mayor addressed the room, trying to get things started.
"Thank you all for coming today, we have a lot to discuss and we don't want to waste any more time than we already have. We will be discussing what we are legally allowed to disclose"
The room was silent as the room filled with murmurs and whispers.
The Mayor frowned, clearly annoyed by the lack of focus and respect in the room.
"I'll allow our Chief of Police to give the opening statment."
The man stood up from his seat and gave the room a stern look.
"The last month has been a difficult one, it has seen unprecedented violence and rioting. mostly in the uptown districts of Atlas. It has become a epicenter of violence and crime, Which has been too dangerous for our officers to operate in."
Suddenly a Projection popped up, Showing mutiple wrecked police cars, and a Water Truck meant for dispersing large crows in shambles.
"Our officers have had a difficult time trying to control the situation, with our forces being overstretched and unable to respond effectively. So we have decided to pull our officers from the areas to try and control the situation and as a sign of goodwill."
"What are you going to do about the areas that were hit by these attacks? You can't just leave them without protection, " one reporter shouted, clearly angry at the officer's statements
"I understand that you're frustrated and that you have concerns. But we will be discussing this matter today with our various leaders to see what we can do to help and keep Atlas safe from any further violence, but for now we are offering evacuation buses to go to Gray County"
As he sat down, The Mayor looked around the room, waiting for another outburst.
"The Chief of the Department of Public Safety has also requested to discuss an issue that has been troubling us."
Kayra stood up, adjusting her suit jacket and clearing her throat.
"It has recently been brought to my attention that there has been an increase in violent attacks aimed against Quitainians in this area. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of several individuals, mostly Human Workers Federation activists, but also of Quitainian civilians, which has resulted in a spike of anger towards their kind."
The Mayor nodded "We are trying our best to keep these attacks at bay. We get it. your scared, and you want peace. But violence will only result in more violence."
"But what about the police attacks on Quitainians? Are they getting punished?" Isa said, stepping up.
Some of the officials cringed at hearing her voice, She had became known for being very vocal at their meetings.
"They will be investigated, but we cannot afford to punish officers over rumors, it would only make things worse."
"So you're admitting you are allowing your officers to get away with anything because you need them to stop this violence?"
The mayor frowned "Look, we are doing our best to keep the peace and we will be taking any action necessary to do so. We are trying to contain the violence, and we will be discussing our options today."
"But are you punishing the officers? We need to know. How do we know you're doing what's best for our community?" Isa said, her voice becoming more stern.
The Chief of Department of Public Safety could be seen visibly recoiling in anger from her question.
"We will discuss this later, Miss Bellas. I understand that you have a lot of questions and concerns, but we must discuss the issues we face here and now."
Isa frowned, irritated by the response.
She stepped back, ready to say something else, but stopped when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
She turned around and saw Jarvis looking at her, giving her a look, telling her to back off.
Isa took a deep breath, calming herself, letting her go with the flow.
Jarvis gave a nod and went back to the camera.
Isa shook her head.
This was getting out of hand.
She didn't know what to make of all of this.
She knew they were supposed to keep quiet and be professionals about this but they needed answers and she couldn't help but ask these questions, even if they were a little aggressive.
The Commanding General stood up, and stepped in front of the microphone.
"It has come to our attention that we may not be able to maintain the peace in the areas that have been under our jurisdiction. So we will be deploying more divisions to the areas that have been affected by the violence to help control the situation and try to prevent further outbreaks, but we will not be going uptown, as we are concerned the violence may escalate if we do so."
Suddenly, an outburst from the group of reporters.
"That doesn't make any sense! If you're going to help keep the peace why can't you help us?"
Isa could see Jarvis looking at her, trying to get her attention, trying to keep her calm, but she was on the verge of losing it.
"We need more support! We need more police, more troops, more backup! We need help! The violence is getting worse! I've seen the numbers! If you're not doing anything then we have to do something ourselves!"
Jarvis and Isa stared at each other, wondering what they should do, the room was silent, all eyes on them, as they had disrupted the meeting.
The Mayor glared at the two, her expression a mixture of anger and disappointment.
Isa took a deep breath, calming herself, and trying to get back on track.
"What are you doing about the attacks against Quitainians?" she asked, "They are citizens in your state. It's your responsibility to protect them."
The room was silent, everyone watching, all waiting for someone to respond.
"We are investigating those allegations. We are trying our best to protect them as well. But the truth of the matter is that it is a difficult situation to be in. Our hands are tied in trying to do the right thing."
Jarvis frowned.
"So what does that mean? That you're just going to sit back and watch them die?" Isa asked, frustration and anger in her voice.
The Mayor stepped in "Look, I know that we're all frustrated. And I know that we're all tired of this violence. But it has to stop. We need to put our resources into keeping people safe, not arguing amongst ourselves."
The room was silent once more as everyone waited for someone to speak, to make the next move.
Isa shook her head, angry at the response.
"And how are we supposed to keep people safe?" Isa said, her voice loud and full of emotion. "Are you going keep a eye on the police? what about the soldiers? What are you going to do to protect our communities? If you can't protect our community from violence, what do you expect us to do?"
Isa looked around the room, reporters now speaking up themselves, the whole room talking over each other, each asking questions, demanding answers.
"This is bullshit! You can't just ignore us! We need answers!"
"What about the deaths of the Quitainians?"
"You can't just let it go on like this!"
"We need to know what's happening! You need to do something!"
"This isn't fair! This is our state!"
The room was a flurry of chaos as the group yelled over each other.
The Various soldiers and police gave Isa and Jarvis a look of hostility.
Isa suddenly piped up again "Wha-"
Suddenly the Commanding Officer slammed his fist onto the table, silencing the room.
He stared at the group of reporters, anger and annoyance in his eyes.
"I will not stand for this behavior." He said sternly
The group of soldiers and police gave Isa and Jarvis a menacing glare, all looking at them like they were nothing but small children, clearly not impressed with their behavior, it was almost intimidating.
The Commanding General raised his hand, motioning for Isa and Jarvis to sit down.
"If you do not want to respect this meeting, then my men will be forced to remove you."
Isa and Jarvis exchanged glances.
"Look, we're all tired of this." He said, "I get it, you're frustrated, but this meeting isn't for you to scream at each other and demand answers. It's for us to discuss the matter at hand. You want to be a reporter, then you need to understand this is not an interview. You can speak your piece when it's relevant."
Isa gritted her teeth in frustration, not liking his answer.
Jarvis whispered to Isa "It's okay, we got enough for the article."
Isa shook her head "I just want the truth..."
She stared down at her hands, her hands clenched into fists.
Isa sighed. "Alright, I'm sorry for my behavior. I just-"
"It's alright, just try to calm down, I get it, this is frustrating." The General replied, trying to calm Isa down.
Isa frowned, still feeling upset.
"It's a difficult time. But we will do everything we can to make things right." spoke the Mayor
The Mayor looked around the room, and gave a nod to the Commanding General.
"That is all."
They left the room, the Soldiers close in tail.
Isa felt the anger bubbling up inside of her, She was frustrated and angry, and it felt like everything was falling apart.
She had done her best to contain it, but she felt like she was going to lose control.
She was furious, angry, scared, sad...
She didn't know what to do.
She needed to calm down before she did something stupid.
She sighed as she tried to control her breathing, She felt dizzy, like she was going to faint.
A Guard yelled out "I want this room cleared out, now!"
Jarvis turned off his equipment and put it away, looking at Isa.
"C'mon, let's get out of here."
Isa followed Jarvis as they made their way out of the conference room.
Isa took a deep breath, trying to relax as they left the building.
As they got into their van, Jarvis turned on the radio as he grabbed a piece of gum and chewed it
Isa sat in silence for a moment, feeling exhausted.
"Well that was interesting."
"You could say that again."
They pulled off, the traffic of all the leaving vehicles leaving them crawling to a stop, a police car waiting ahead of them.
"Why does this keep happening to us?" Isa sighed, feeling tired.
"I don't know."
As they drove to the station, Isa leaned her head back, feeling like she was going to fall asleep.
She wanted to get some rest but she couldn't.
It seemed like everything was just getting worse, and she was feeling more and more exhausted.
She was so tired...
She just wanted to be able to take a nap, just for a little while, but there was always something to do.
She didn't know what to do.
She needed some sleep, she was running on fumes.
She was so exhausted...
She was so tired...
It was so quiet..
Isa eventually passed out, Jarvis feeling a bit worried, but let her rest.
Then suddenly his phone ringed
It was Maverick
"Hey you and Isa ok?"
"Yeah, She's just asleep right now, How's Maria? I've barely been able to talk to her since this shit started."
"Yeah,She's assigned to the Mass Tramua Unit, so you can imagine she's been everywhere and then some.."
"Oh boy."
"I know right, it's crazy"
"How are things doing traffic control?'
"So many people are leaving, I've seen a lot of evacuation busses...and some people aren't taking this very well... Almost stopped a few violent fights against Quitanians and Humans, and I thought this was going to be the safest job in the whole damn city"
"That sucks, I'm sorry Mav."
"Yeah, it sucks, but what can I do?"
"I know what you mean..."
"Yeah, it's just been a crazy month and I don't know what else I can do to help.."
"I just wish this would end."
"Yeah, same"
"I mean...I just hope this will get better..."
"I know..."
the brothers stood a moment in silence, neither of them knowing what to say to each other.
"Well, I'm gonna go, My breaks almost up. I'll call you later, alright? Love ya' bro."
"Love you too Maverick. Be safe out there"
"Yeah, same to you Jarvis."
Jarvis hung up the phone and leaned his head back.
He couldn't imagine what Maverick was going through.
He knew the job was hard, and it had been getting harder by the day, and now he was assigned to some sort of war zone, it was the worst place he could be.
But he didn't want to say anything, it was a difficult situation.
"Hey, Jarvis."
Isa was awake, she looked exhausted.
"How long was I out?"
"I think maybe two hours? Maybe three? You passed when we were sitting in that crawling traffic"
Isa frowned, confused, "Why didn't you wake me up?"
"You needed the rest"
Isa shrugged "Yeah I know... I just wish I could have slept more"
Jarvis frowned, "Well, don't push yourself. It's not good for you."
"I know, but we still have to get these articles out tonight, so I don't know if I'm gonna have time for much else."
Jarvis sighed "Yeah, you're probably right..."
He turned into the Station, parking the van.
As they got out, Jarvis looked over at Isa.
"Don't be too hard on yourself, alright?"
Isa nodded as they headed inside, the lights dimmed and quiet.
As they made their way down the hallway, they saw a few people hanging around, chatting, all trying to get a jump on the stories that were happening that day.
"You guys ok?" One of them asked, seeing their expressions.
"Yeah we're good...Just tired is all..."
"Ah, that sucks...But you guys made it through the whole meeting, right?"
Jarvis nodded "Yeah, we just left"
Isa frowned, thinking to herself, feeling uneasy.
"How was it?"
Isa sighed "Could have been better"
Isa frowned, feeling sick, remembering the tension in the room.
She shook her head, trying to ignore the memories.
Suddenly, a wave of exhaustion hit her, her knees buckling under her.
She could feel herself about to faint.
She grabbed a chair, and sat down, resting her head in her hands.
"Isa? are you ok?" Jarvis said, seeing Isa sit down.
"Yeah... I just felt dizzy all of a sudden..."
Jarvis sighed "You should go home. You can't do anything if you pass out."
Isa nodded "Yeah, I know, I'm just so exhausted..."
Jarvis gave a soft smile, "You should go home, get some rest. You'll be able to sleep more at home. Besides, the article you wrote yesterday was great, I think you have it covered. I'll come in early tomorrow and help you get it out, alright?"
Isa nodded, "Alright...I think I'll head out now..."
She stood up, still feeling unsteady, her head was still pounding.
"Want me to drive you home? I know the roads can be rough at night." Jarvis said.
"I'd appreciate that, I just wanna get home."
"Yeah, I don't blame you..."
Isa and Jarvis walked outside into the parking lot, seeing the late afternoon sun beginning to set, the sky a dark purple.
"It's so pretty..." Isa said as she stared at the sky
"Yeah...it's always been my favorite time of day." Jarvis replied, a soft smile on his face.
They both got into the car and started driving.
As Isa sat in the car, she could feel her mind begin to fade, her eyes growing heavier and heavier.
She felt tired, so tired...
She felt like she could sleep for days...
But she knew that was not possible.
She just wanted to get home and get some rest.
She just wanted to lay down in her bed, but she couldn't do that, she had things to do.
Isa sighed, trying to keep herself awake.
But she was so exhausted...
She closed her eyes, hoping to rest for a moment.
She felt herself about to drift off, her mind in a haze...