Hundreds of years after the population of Earth was decimated by a meteor, American survivors reclaimed the United States and divided it into thirteen colonies, or territories, as it was in the original birth of their nation. In this new world, people developed the ability to manipulate nature's elements. Some see this new capability as an asset. Others however, see it as the work of the Devil and believe society must be cleansed.

"You aren't leaving." The words came out calmly despite the emotions rolling inside of him.

"You just told me I wasn't under arrest."

"True, but I didn't say you were free to leave. We're holding you for the next seventy-two hours."

Her face turned twenty shades of red as anger filled her. "You-"

"Can do it, and we are. Now, why don't you have a seat and tell me who you really are."

Lexi glared at him and he swore he felt the air heat between them. She turned, pulled out a chair from the conference table and slowly lowered herself to it. She stared straight ahead and didn't acknowledge him in any way, shape, form or fashion.

"It's going to be a very long seventy-two hours if you don't talk." His words carried all the frustration he felt.

She continued to ignore him like a pro.

He ground his teeth for several seconds before speaking. "Fine, if you need anything or decide you want to talk, open the door. I'll be at my desk."

He would have rather she done anything other than the silent treatment. He took a deep, steadying breath as he turned and opened the door.

"If you keep me here that long, they'll be waiting for me when I leave."

He turned and for the first time saw a hint of fear in her eyes. "What makes you think they aren't already waiting?"

"True, the more time they have, the better organized they'll get."

She wasn't dumb, and he was certain she'd been at this a while. "Agreed, but maybe if you told us who 'they' are we could help you."

"If I told you, you wouldn't believe me. Even if you did, you'd soon realize there's nothing you could do."

"Give us a chance, Lexi."

"No."

He wanted to scream at her, but he knew that approach would do no good. "Then, give me one."

"You don't get it." She said as her eyes filled with years of sadness. "No one can save me, Dustin, not even you."