Free Vanguard: The Complete Second Season: A Superhero Serial (Vanguard: The Collected Seasons Book 2) by Percival Constantine Page B

“They haven’t even done anything.”
    “And should they do something, the results could be catastrophic,” said Animus. “We have survived these past six months with a tenuous balance. The hall meetings help people feel like they are in control but all secretly know that this council is the true power behind Arcadia.”
    “That’s not true,” said the Exemplar.
    “Oh?” Animus sat back in his chair. “My mistake.”
    The Exemplar allowed his gaze to linger on Animus before finally addressing Tuwa. “What was your impression of them?”
    “The boy doesn’t seem very keen on staying. If he had his way, I think they’d already be gone,” said Tuwa.
    “And Shift?”
    “She’s…conflicted. I get the sense she’s still searching for something,” said Tuwa. “But whether or not Arcadia is that thing remains to be seen.”
    “Ferryman?” asked the Exemplar.
    The Ferryman shook his cloaked head. “I’m not the best judge of character. But I think there’s something to what Animus is saying. Don’t forget about what happened between them and the Pack.”
    “Don’t brush that aside, either,” said Animus. “The Pack may be an extreme case, but their actions were borne from fear. Having these two in Arcadia could be a potential powder keg. Should it go off, there’s no telling the kind of chaos it could unleash.”
    “They’re good people,” said Tuwa. “Give them time, the others will see that, too.”
    The Exemplar rubbed his chin as he thought on the opinions of the council. “I’ve fought beside them and against them, but I think we can trust them. We should follow Tuwa’s advice. Animus, I’d like you to start talking to people in town, let them know that Shift and Sharkskin are just two more specials, no different from anyone else here.”
    A banging sound came from the door. The gathered all looked at the door and the pounding continued unabated. The Exemplar stood and approached the door, opening it. Fenris burst into the room, in his wolf form, his claws and teeth bared, spoiling for a fight.
    “What the hell are you doing?” asked the Exemplar.
    “I warned you!” spat Fenris, pointing a clawed finger at the Exemplar.
    “Warned us about what?” asked the Ferryman, rising from his seat.  
    “It’s Zev!” said Fenris. “They killed him!”

CHAPTER 7

    Erin was surprised to hear the knocking on the door to the small hut she and Koji were sharing. She rubbed her eyes and sat up in bed, glancing over at the digital clock on the nightstand. The time was around midnight.  
    She climbed out of bed and walked from her room to the front door. When she opened it, she was surprised to see the Exemplar standing there. Erin blinked again. “What’s going on?”
    “Where is he?”
    “Erin?” Koji stepped out of his room, rubbing his eyes as well. He blinked a few times when he saw the Exemplar standing there. “Hey, what’s going on?”
    “Where were you tonight?” asked the Exemplar, stepping into the room and pushing past Erin.  
    “Huh?” asked Koji. “I’ve been here.”
    “Can you prove that?”
    “Of course. Shift was right here the whole time.”
    The Exemplar cast a suspicious glance in Erin’s direction. “It seems I woke you. When did you go to sleep.”
    Erin shrugged. “Dunno exactly. I got tired pretty early, though. Maybe around ten or so?”
    The Exemplar turned his attention to Koji. “Then she can’t help you.”
    “Help me with what?”
    “Yeah, what’s this about?” asked Erin.
    “One of the Pack has been found dead. Fenris has accused Sharkskin.”
    “What?” asked Koji. “That’s insane!”
    The Exemplar sighed. “I don’t want to believe it myself. Especially since I vouched for the two of you. But you are the most-likely suspect.”
    “But you guys told us that the Pack has caused trouble before!” said Erin. “Maybe someone else did this!”
    “We’ll look into that possibility, but it doesn’t change the fact that Sharkskin is