Chapter 7: Another Comic, Another Calamity
Carlotta sat at her desk, the late afternoon sun casting a warm glow through the window. She was sketching furiously, her pencil flying over the paper as if driven by some unseen force. Porter watched her from across the room, his own work temporarily forgotten. He had seen this intensity before and knew it meant another vision had struck.
Finally, Carlotta put down her pencil and looked up, her eyes meeting Porter's. "It's another one, Porter," she said, her voice tinged with urgency and exhaustion.
Porter walked over to her desk and peered at the sketch. It showed a bustling city with skyscrapers towering overhead. People were going about their day when suddenly, a massive explosion rocked the city, sending debris flying and people scrambling for cover.
"A bombing?" Porter asked, his brow furrowing with concern.
Carlotta nodded. "Yes, a bombing in the heart of the city. There will be chaos, panic, and a lot of people in danger. We need to warn the authorities and help them prepare, but we also need to get this comic out as soon as possible."
Porter placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll get it done, Carlotta. Let's work through the night if we have to. First, let's figure out the details from your vision."
Carlotta took a deep breath and began to recount her vision in detail. "It happens in the financial district. The explosion comes from a van parked near a high-rise building. People are hurt, trapped under debris, and there's a fire spreading quickly. The emergency services are overwhelmed."
Porter listened intently, nodding as he absorbed the information. "Alright, let's start with the layout of the area. We need to show the key locations: where the bomb goes off, the escape routes, and the safest places to take cover."
They spent the next several hours working together, their usual rhythm of collaboration enhanced by the urgency of the situation. Carlotta sketched the scenes from her vision with meticulous detail, while Porter worked on refining the artwork and adding elements to enhance the narrative. They crafted a story that not only depicted the calamity but also provided crucial information on how to survive it.
As they worked, their conversation flowed seamlessly, their shared focus creating a sense of unity and purpose.
"This panel needs to show the initial explosion," Carlotta said, pointing to a sketch. "We need to capture the moment of impact, the shockwave, and the immediate chaos."
Porter nodded, already adding the details. "Got it. I'll emphasize the debris and the people's reactions. The next few panels should show the hero coordinating the evacuation and first aid efforts."
Carlotta smiled, grateful for Porter's ability to bring her visions to life. "Exactly. We need to show how to stay calm, find safe exits, and help others. This comic has to be more than just a story; it has to be a guide."
Hours turned into the early morning, and finally, they completed the comic. They took a moment to step back and admire their work, knowing it was not just another piece of art but a potential lifeline for many people.
"We did it," Carlotta said, her voice filled with a mix of relief and determination. "Now we need to get this out to the public and alert the authorities."
Porter nodded. "I'll contact our publisher and make sure this gets expedited. Meanwhile, you should call the police and emergency services. They need to know what’s coming."
Carlotta picked up the phone and dialed the local police station, her heart pounding. She explained who she was and detailed her vision, urging them to take her seriously and prepare for the worst.
The officer on the other end listened carefully. "Miss Summers, we’ve heard about your previous warnings and the successful interventions. We’ll take your information seriously and start the necessary preparations."
Carlotta hung up the phone, feeling a mixture of relief and anxiety. "They’re taking it seriously, Porter. Now we just have to hope they act quickly enough."
By the time they had finished their tasks, the first light of dawn was breaking. Carlotta and Porter collapsed onto the couch, exhausted but satisfied with their efforts.
"We should get some rest," Porter said, his voice gentle. "We've done everything we can for now."
Carlotta nodded, leaning her head against his shoulder. "You're right. Just a short nap, then we need to be ready for anything."
They dozed off, but their sleep was fitful and filled with anxious dreams. A few hours later, they were woken by the sound of Carlotta’s phone ringing. She answered groggily, but her mind quickly snapped into focus as she heard the voice on the other end.
"Miss Summers, this is Officer Jacobs. We’ve received your warning and have begun evacuating the area and setting up additional security. However, we need more specific details on the exact timing of the event. Can you provide any more insight?"
Carlotta glanced at Porter, who was now fully awake and listening intently. "In my vision, it happened around midday. We have a few hours left. Please, make sure the area is clear and emergency services are on standby."
"We will, Miss Summers. Thank you for the heads-up."
After hanging up, Carlotta and Porter quickly dressed and made their way to the financial district. The city was already buzzing with activity as police and emergency services prepared for the potential disaster.
Mayor Donovan, who had been briefed on the situation, approached them as they arrived. "Miss Summers, Mr. Ellis, thank you for coming. We’ve evacuated most of the area and set up barricades. We’re also increasing surveillance to catch the perpetrators if possible."
Carlotta nodded, appreciating the swift action. "Thank you, Mayor. We need to stay vigilant and ensure everyone remains safe."
Porter scanned the area, noting the increased police presence and the empty streets. "We should check the key locations from Carlotta’s vision, make sure there’s nothing missed."
They moved through the financial district, double-checking the preparations and offering advice based on the detailed scenarios in their comic. Carlotta couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that lingered at the edge of her consciousness, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand.
As noon approached, the tension in the air was palpable. Carlotta and Porter positioned themselves near the high-rise building that had been the epicenter of the explosion in her vision. They watched the streets, every nerve on edge.
Then, they saw it—a white van matching the description from Carlotta’s vision, parked suspiciously close to the building. Porter immediately alerted the nearby officers, who sprang into action.
"That’s the van," Carlotta whispered urgently. "We need to clear the area now."
The officers moved quickly, cordoning off the vicinity and evacuating any remaining personnel. A bomb squad was called in to inspect the van, working with a precision born of both training and the urgency of the situation.
Carlotta and Porter watched from a safe distance, holding their breath. Minutes ticked by like hours until finally, the bomb squad gave the all-clear signal. The device had been found and safely disarmed.
A collective sigh of relief went through the crowd as the tension dissipated. Mayor Donovan approached Carlotta and Porter, his face a mix of relief and gratitude.
"You did it again," he said, shaking their hands firmly. "Thanks to your warning and the comic, we were able to prevent a disaster. I can’t thank you enough."
Carlotta smiled, though exhaustion was evident in her eyes. "We’re just glad we could help. Every life saved is worth it."
Porter nodded, his arm around Carlotta's shoulders. "We’ll keep doing this as long as we have to. Hopefully, one day we won’t need to."
As the city returned to its usual rhythm, Carlotta and Porter made their way back to their apartment. They were greeted by messages of thanks and relief from their fans and the community, all grateful for their efforts.
Back home, Carlotta and Porter sat on the couch, the weight of the day’s events settling over them.
"Another comic, another calamity," Carlotta said softly, leaning into Porter’s embrace.
Porter nodded, his hand gently stroking her hair. "And we’ll keep creating, keep warning, and keep helping. Together, we can face anything."
Carlotta smiled, finding comfort in his words and his presence. "Yes, together. No matter what comes next."
As they sat there, drawing strength from each other, they knew that their work was far from over. But they also knew that with each vision, each comic, and each disaster averted, they were making the world a safer place. And as long as they had each other, they were ready for whatever the future held.