The Drummer Act: Hammel AU [open]

[Erik Stewart]

The Washington Post,
February 16th, 1996

The existence of meta individuals, or ‘mutants’, since their discovery has been the hot topic sweeping the nation. Those wishing for more security from individuals who can, say, take any form they choose - or even catalyze explosions, radioactivity, or any number of natural disasters - can now rest easy. Today in Washington legislation passed in favor of the Drummer Act. Any individuals found to be meta individuals are to be raised and taught in facilities designed specifically to house them […] where they will be cared for safely for themselves and others.
[…]
Some argue that great benefit can be found from mutants, especially within the military, but many civilians still feel the ripples from the latest deaths by mutant powers: Oregon family Abel Whittler (age 46), Destiny Whittler (age 16)…

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Recent Developments in Inhibitors a Success
Inhibitor devices trigger and ‘turn off’ mutant powers via implant…

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The Hammel Institute:
Rules, Regulations, & Procedures

•All students are to report to class by 8:00 AM.
•All students are to be accounted for in the dorms by 8:00 PM.
•No loitering or congregations barring class time.
•Identification must be visible on any students’ person at any given time.
•Leaving campus requires a chaperone and corresponding papers.
•Tampering with inhibition devices are prohibited.

***

Erik was too used to the small chip. It was a small gray fleck, something that could be barely seen, imbedded in the webbing between his thumb and forefinger. He’d a habit of stroking it while deep in thought. Most of his fellow students argued whether it was a tracking device or whether it served its primary purpose (and its primary purpose only), which was to effectively silence their abilities. The consensus was generally the latter. Tonight Erik prayed that they were right; he was making the infamous breakout attempt.

Climbing the fence wasn’t the most original idea, yet here he was, straining to reach the highest link. It was simpler than he thought it would be. Military training had its uses. As far as he knew, the guards were at least a hundred yards either way, and the one stationed outside the left gate was always asleep by now.

He was beginning to wonder how no one had gotten out this way before when he heard a voice below him, and slipped his footing, leaving him to dangle off the fence with a barely-choked yell.