Snippet #2467916

Alexis

"Right. Well... Tell me, Dr. Mason. Why the hell is this place open? What good is it bringing you to get a whole bunch of kids in what might as well be a fucking concentration camp just so that we can learn to 'control' our abilities? Quite honestly, I've had enough of these stupid powers and I Just want to know where the hell the customer service desk is because I want to return this shit."

My eyes darted towards the boy who'd spoken, surprised and a bit unsure if it was very wise of him, but at the same time was relieved that he had said something. He'd broken the silence that, though only lasting for a second, had seemed to stretch on forever. Why would silence bother me though? I was usually extremely comfortable with silence. Well, maybe it was because of the tense atmosphere that had been forming around them and held an almost physical pressure. It seemed to lift, but my relief was short lived as the tension actually seemed to spike. My heart was pounding. But, wait... what good was it doing me to get excited? Stay calm. Stay calm and watch, and then I can come up with my best course of action. That's how I'd survived until now.

"I'll just see myself out."

I crossed my arms as the boy made for the door, and leaned back against the wall when he was forced back in by two guys. I watched as the boy made eye contact with Dr. Mason with a not-so-friendly expression. I scanned the room, looking for possible ways to escape if things went South, only finding the door Dr. Mason had come through and the one the boy had tried to leave through. That makes for a bit of a pinch. I shook my head to clear it before looking back at the man who I was seriously starting to question.

Dr. Mason ((3rd person objective POV))

He held eye contact with Carter, raising an eyebrow, but otherwise, the assertions didn't seem to phase him. "First off, I didn't make you come here, you searched for Arzura yourself," Dr. Mason gave a hard stare to the two men who had forced the boy back into the room, and they backed off immediately, as if they were children who had been caught doing something wrong, "so if you want to leave, then go ahead. I, myself, and no one in Arzura will force you to stay." He put more emphasis on "no one", his voice on that word colder than ice, and the two men flinched. He sighed, running a hand through his hair before crossing his arms and taking on a bored expression.

Dr. Mason's voice matched his expression with a bored tone as he met Carter's eyes again, yet his voice also took on a more serious note, though it was barely detectable. "To answer your questions... First," He uncrossed his arms, motioning around him, "this place is open because the government and its cronies can't find it," and he crossed his arms back. "Right now, it's the only place that Tracers can't get to. Also, it's the only place where it's safe to use and master your abilities without destroying the lives of the people around you. Second, as for what good it will bring me? The answer to that, is that I gain absolutely nothing. I mentioned before that I'm like all of you. I know what it's like to feel scared, lost, frustrated, and out of control. I know what can happen if you don't get control of your ability..." He trailed off as if remembering something before continuing.

Then, Dr. Mason, using the same words and mocking tone as Carter had, said, "And, quite honestly, whether you've had enough of these powers or not, they're yours for life, kid."

The bored tone returned, and he shrugged. "If without knowing anything about Arzura, you compare it to a concentration camp, then, please, I beg you, show yourself out. If you don't want to learn how to control your abilities... Or learn how to protect your mind from others... Or learn how to live a normal life by containing your abilities and not fearing them... And if you want to run from Tracers for the rest of your life, then feel free to do so. After all, it's your life. You leaving won't affect me at all."