Chapter 16 – A Plan, A Concept

Arwain’s gaze darted all around the room, bouncing to plaques of scientific excellence in flight tech with photographs of the award recipient. The fact that they were framed physical awards spoke of their age, the man in the picture likely being the mayor’s grandfather. He looked over to the next point of interest, a hologram of a man cutting the ribbon to a model of Stratos. And finally, there was Mayor DeWine elected as mayor, proudly standing beside the aged family members from previous pictures.

Arwain nervously gulped as he turned back to the portly man silently scribbling at his desk, likely reviewing reports of the past day’s events. It was like waiting before the principal, wondering what he had been caught doing. The seconds ticked by as the possible offenses felt heavier and heavier, causing his breath to jitter in anticipation.

The pen stopped, and Mayor DeWine coughed.

“What were you thinking when you charged into the building to confront the suspect? After all the others told you to hang back and hold on.”

Bingo. That was the thing that Arwain had expected to get dinged on. He knew that it would’ve been Silver Stream that would get punished if things had gone wrong. And as the head of the company on paper, his actions impacted the entire crew.

“I… uh, I felt like I couldn’t stand by as the suspect did his best to hurt as many people as possible. If I could hold him up, even for a few moments, then that many more could escape from the blast area.”

“And did you not think of your own safety?”

“No, Sir. I’m mighty proud of my wings. And I’m sure others are too. That’s why I couldn’t let them be taken so easily, even at the risk of my own… but you’re right. I was being foolish. It won’t happen-”

A cleared throat cut him off. He looked up to see Mayor DeWine looking straight at him, which brought chills up his spine.

“I am not mad. You were right to save them.”

And then, confusion.

“Your actions prevented unnecessary trauma to many young flyers. Not to mention, I won’t have to foot the bill to restore their wings, so I thank you for that as well.”

Arwain looked all across the mayor’s face, seeing only gratitude.

“You mean, I wasn’t brought here for punishment?”

“Punishment? No! You acted when others hesitated. It was an admirable decision.”

The mayor walked over to the window of his office, on the 300th floor of the Thousand Wonder. He looked at the buzz of traffic swirling around, right in the heart of where the city’s activity was. He sighed as he placed a hand on the window as if to grasp the city before him.

“Ever since my grandfather invented wings for mankind, we have continued to progress. Though he had his fair share of naysayers, the promise of vertical freedom was too tempting. In time, my father became the main architect for this city, a haven to demonstrate to the world how wings were the next stage of evolution. And now, this dream has been passed onto me.”

The mayor walked over to one wall, where a collage of pictures swirled around indicating his family’s achievements. He reached up to grab a pair of digital photos, one showing his father and the mayor himself proudly taking turns to display legislation to make Stratos a better place.

“Let me ask you, what do you think of Stratos? As a boy who moved in at a young age, what has your eyes seen up to this point?”

“With all due respect, Sir. I love this city. Despite coming from a poor family, I had food and shelter. Every basic need was covered. I was given a pair of wings that are my entire livelihood and allow me to chase a better future. I hear that there are places elsewhere that people living there aren’t as fortunate. If that’s true, then I can’t think of any reason to go elsewhere.”

The mayor bobbed his head, happy to hear such praise. Why wouldn’t he, after working decades to ensure the prosperity of his citizens? But then, a serious look struck his face, and he looked up with puckered lips.

“But there are some that don’t think that. Quite the opposite, in fact.”

“No-Flyers?”

“Exactly. They are not happy that clouds cover the skies over them. They are not happy that we continue to build up while they feel ignored at ground level. Stratos is a city built for flight, but they complain about being abandoned. It is they who reject Stratos. But still, they are content on living off the wealth that trickles down to them. They continue to do business while choking down their disdain of our ideals. And now, they send bombs to scare us when we make rules that they don’t like.”

Arwain thought back to the people on the surface. He could feel the distrust shooting up at him. He hadn’t felt anything like it before. It unnerved him.

“For so long, Stratos has known only prosperity, while the under belly of the city slowly stokes the flames of rebellion. It may seem like paradise to live in the most advanced city in the world, but that doesn’t mean all troubles have been dealt with. But I have a plan, or rather, a concept if you will.”

The mayor turned back to Arwain and marched right up to him, extending a hand forward.

“You, Mr. Arwain Riot. How would you like to be Stratos’s champion Glider? A model Flyer that fearlessly defends the city from threats, shining a beacon of hope to Flyers everywhere not to give in!”

Arwain immediately recoiled in surprise. That was the last thing he thought would happen when he was called for a private meeting.

“But Sir, why me? Why not-”

“Ha, you jest! Were you not hearing what I said before, or even the words that came from your own mouth? Your courage, your willingness to protect the citizens, your appreciation of a city that has done you right – you have the same spark that I see in my younger days. Not to mention, I’m sure that you want to overwrite the regrets of your past.”

Arwain took a step back. His eyes widened. Mayor DeWine stepped forward, his eyes perking up like he was calling ‘check’ on his opponent.

“I’ve read up a bit on you, Arwain Riot. You were involved with some delinquency soon after you obtained your wings. Nothing too serious, thankfully. But it seems like you want to put that all behind you, am I right? Well, this is your chance. You can make your deceased mother proud, bless her heart. And pay back all the gratitude the city instilled upon you for keeping her deteriorating condition at bay for as long as possible.”

Arwain looked at the ground to avoid the mayor’s gaze. He had hit the nail on the head. His reason for starting Silver Stream – it was all to feel better about the regret he felt for failing his momma. Delivering things fast was all he could do. But now, the mayor himself was offering a role too good for the likes of him.

He felt almost obligated to accept it. But backing away, Arwain held his hands and wings up in defense.

“Let me think about it. This is a lot to take in. I’ll talk to my crew and give my answer.”

“You and your team would get the best support from the city and its staff. The entire population of Stratos will get to know Silver Stream. I’m sure that it will be a benefit for you all.”

“That’s what it felt like things were heading toward. I appreciate what you plan to do for us. If it were my decision alone, I’d shake your hand right now. But I’m nothing without my team. I want to know if they want to share in the glory.”

Mayor DeWine beamed him a smile.

“Understood. I’ll wait to hear back from you. I look forward to our collaboration.”

The door to the mayor’s office opened, a secretary droid beckoning for Arwain to exit. The mayor plopped back into his chair and continued pushing papers, a slight hum in his lips. Clearly, he was anticipating good news.