Arianna Storm stared at the crowd assembled in the middle of Central State. It was reasonably large, which was good, but it contained only Central citizens. Thus the reason for the cameras which were hidden in the background, recording her every word and playing it across every TV screen in all of the other States.

"People!" Arianna began. "Today is a great day in our nation's history. Central State has chosen to begin testing to create super soldiers who will be called Elementals. These special soldiers will be created as a small group while they are young and dispersed throughout society to grow up and live normal lives.

"These soldiers cannot be created, however, without proper testing. This is why we request that each State send six volunteers to us so that we can give them our formula and allow them to be carefully monitored and tested. 

"We are looking for children no older than fourteen so that their minds can grow accustomed to the new pathways that will be opened to them. These individuals will be well taken care of when they get here, but I due to the testing involved with this, I cannot guarantee their safety. Those that do not take to the power could be caused serious harm. That will be all. Thank you for your time."

Arianna descended the steps from the platform and into the frenzied crowd. They all tried to grab at her and ask her questions, but she pushed them away. Reporters swarmed her as well, but she told them that she had no comment and then ignored them. They were persistent, however, and she was grateful when she finally got to the sleek black car that would take her back to the Central State Laboratory. Her best friend, Liali Tempir, sat in the car next to her, a big grin on her face.

"What?" Arianna asked.

"You did great, Ari!" Liali said. "I just can't wait for this to start. I almost wish I could be in there with the kids. It would be so cool to have the kind of power we're going to give them."

"Just don't get to attached to them, Liali," Arianna warned. "They are nothing more than test subjects and we have no idea what these powers might to do them. They could all die for all we know."

Liali's grin faded. "You ruined my good mood," she complained. "I don't want to think about that. What if they do die? Everyone's going to look at us and think we are child killers!"

"We're trying to make them soldiers. Only one can come out alive for us to ensure that our soldiers are the strongest they can be. It's for the good of the States. Now come on, we're here and the others are waiting."