Super

This should be a marvelous time for the human race. The species is evolving in such a way that makes them share abilities with their favorite superheroes. From telekinesis to hypnosis to shooting lightning out of their hands, the process of puberty now comes with a unique ability for the lucky ones. Although, it is not that cut and dry. First, the family bloodline must get basic abilities. These secondary abilities are easy to miss. Some are subtle, like being particularly good at math. Some are hard to find, like being immune to electricity. And some could be achieved by regular people, like increased strength or speed. Due to the slow evolving process, the world has reached a state of chaotic equilibrium. One third of the human population still has no abilities, one third has subtle abilities and one third has powerful abilities. Those without any abilities are called norms. Norms tend to be part of the lower class as they are unable to do as much as the other two groups. Those with subtle abilities are called betas. Betas make up the middle class because their abilities allow them to find secure jobs and make a fair bit of money. And those with powerful abilities are called alphas. Alphas are the cream of the crop and likely don’t even need to make money because their ability allows them to live a decent life.

Third world countries’ have devolved into tribes where alphas fight for power and are looked up to like gods. Meanwhile, first world countries’ have managed to keep government stability for the time being. However, much like the racial disputes that emerged just after the civil war, the people of The United States have created strong prejudices for the three groups. This is the most apparent in the job market. Alphas and betas are able to find jobs much easier than norms. And many norms are looked down upon as lazy or insignificant. Government parties are constantly debating over how norms should be treated compared to alphas. The three most popular political parties are the encircled party, the buttress party and the economic party.

The encircled party believes that everyone should be categorized by their ability and given jobs to fit their strengths. Everyone would get a job and the country would become more efficient due to the fact that people would be making the most out of their abilities. Extremists of this party want to take it a step further by physically dividing the three groups into separate communities. This would allow ‘racial’ prejudices to disappear because everyone in a community would be of the same class. Eventually, the norm and beta communities would disappear once everyone became alphas. People have a problem with this party because this amount of control could result into slavery for norms.

The buttress party got its’ name because it is a supportive party. People in this party believe that the norms should get benefits because they are not as gifted. If this party was in control, norms would get financial aid, and other services much like the homeless and elderly. Meanwhile, alphas and betas would have complete control in the job market and dominate the working environment. Extremists would want alphas and betas to be overworked because they have the ability to get more work done. Meanwhile, norms would be encouraged to remain unemployed with plenty of benefits. Norms of this party recognize that they would be able to abuse this system in their favor.

The economic party believes that the dispute between norms, betas and alphas should be untouched. They believe that much like the price of an object naturally settles based on what customers are willing to pay and what sellers are willing to receive, alphas and betas will naturally be hired for jobs that suit their abilities. This, however, does not stop alphas from getting a lower-level job for a higher pay. This, in turn, stops norms from being hired at even the lowest level jobs. Why should the manager of a restaurant hire a norm as a busser when he can hire and alpha with telekinetic abilities?

These radical parties are causing the upper, middle, and lower classes to be sporadically changing due to the shifting balance of political power. The United States is on the verge of total anarchy and a single dramatic event has the power to tip the country over the edge. These are the days leading up to that event. The event that may give Alphas political superiority over norms.

“Yes sir. I can handle any kind of work you give me. No, I’m able to work full time. Yes, I have a valid driver’s license.” Allen paced back and forth in his room hoping the phone interview would go in his favor. “No, lifting heavy boxes isn’t a problem. The delivery position sounds just fine for me sir.” Ashley sat, laid back, on the couch in the living room, listening in on the conversation. “What’s my ability? I don’t have one sir. I’m a norm.” Ashley could tell there was a sudden pause in the conversation. “I understand sir. No, I totally get it. Thank you for your time.” As soon as he heard the ‘hang up’ tone, Allen threw the phone as hard as he could at the closest wall. “FUCK!!!!!” The phone’s plastic casing caused it to bounce onto the floor, leaving a dent in the drywall.

“I trust the interview went well.” Ashley said with a smirk.

“We’re sorry but we need to choose someone who is a better fit for the position.” Allen said mockingly. “No doubt it’s an alpha with super speed or something.”

“So what are you going to do about it?” Ashley asked with a glimmer in her eyes.

“You know what I’m going to do.” Allen grabbed his laptop and sat on the couch. Ashley repositioned herself to lean against Allen when the laptop turned on. “If they don’t want to give me a job for being a norm then I’ll just take their money.” Allen opened the Internet and went to the website of the delivery business he just applied for.

“I love when you get all vigilante like this.” Ashley said leaning her head on Allen’s shoulder.

“Don’t lie.” Allen replied. “You just love it when I put money in your account.” Allen stayed focused on the screen as he navigated the website. “Let’s see.” Allen browsed the company website to find as much information as possible. “New York Delivery is part of the umbrella company Cityscape Enterprise. And crap, they keep their money at First National bank.”

“What’s the problem?” Ashley asked.

“Their money is insured. Even if we rob the bank, it won’t hurt them.” Allen explained.

“Let’s just rob First National. They have a norm hire rate of zero percent anyways. We’ll still be hitting those jerks where it counts.” Ashley’s encouragement was inspiring to Allen.

“I’ve already tried hitting them. All of their computers are on their own personal system. I can’t get access without being at the bank.”

“We go to the bank then.” Ashley persisted.

Allen’s insecurity showed through when he admitted his biggest fear. “I don’t like physical robberies. If I can’t wire the money remotely then the risk isn’t worth it to me.”

“There’s still a way.” Ashley said getting up.

“How?” Allen asked while Ashley shifted through electrical clutter on the kitchen counter.

“With this.” She said, holding up a USB

“Is that what I think it is?” Allen asked.

“Plug it in and find out.” Ashley handed the USB to Allen and he quickly inserted it into his laptop. As expected, the USB established a remote link to the laptop. “Now all we have to do is plug this USB into a First National bank server and you will have complete access from your laptop. ”

“You are amazing, you know that?” Allen said.

“I was going to give it to you on your birthday. But I thought this might be a good enough occasion.” Ashley sat back down on the couch, rubbing up against Allen.

“So how do we get this on a First National server?” Allen asked.

“I fill out an application, get a face-to-face interview and charm my way to the server room.” Ashley said pridefully.

“You sure you can get passed all of that security?” Allen asked.

“Please.” Ashley boasted. “They think it’s cheaper to get robbed than it is to pay for better security. Besides, have you met me?”

“If we pull this off, we’ll prove that a couple of norms can outmatch an all alpha and beta company.” Allen imagined.

“That’ll feel good, won’t it?” Ashley kissed Allen on the neck as he closed his laptop.