Vicariously through Cari: 2010

Addison and I have a very simple assignment tonight. That would be a nice break after my last assignment. All we have to do is watch a possible target to verify whether or not she is working with the Kormata, the group of renegade Aplorians who are on the run from the justice of the Aplorians of our world who decreed that experimenting on humans and creating human-Aplorian hybrids to be weapons was illegal. Many of them have escaped detection by moving and working together.

This target has been initially identified as a possible target. I just need to get a better reading on her to confirm suspicions of her identity. We know where she lives and have been watching her apartment. Addison focuses on watching what we can’t see with our eyes. I send out my feelers trying to sense other Aplorians or hybrids coming nearby or trying to make contact with her since we believe that's the reason she decided to come out tonight.

Tonight throws us at first since this target doesn’t normally go out at night, but tonight she dressed for a night out it seems from her tight fitting red dress and heels. We follow her to a club downtown. Addison thinks it would be best if I go in to follow her. I’m not so sure since this would be my first real field work since the fiasco of my last assignment.

All I had to do was use my feelers to sense for other hybrids or Aplorians, anything that would be a danger to us. And I did What I didn’t know is that there are some hybrids who have the ability to create a sort of human façade that makes it impossible for me to tell the difference. IT wasn’t until the hybrid was right on top of us that he dropped the façade and surprise! Good thing Addison can slow things down as well as she can. Otherwise we would gave been in a lot of trouble.

“Are you sure you want me to go?” I ask hesitantly.

I know she’s trying to be more encouraging than exasperated but I do think that I frustrate her sometimes. “You’ll be fine. Besides, can what would you think as a human in a club seeing someone like me there dressed like this?”

She has a point. Addison looks like a vibrant fifty year old librarian and quite obviously wouldn’t fit into the club scene as easily as twenty-something looking guy in jeans and a white button down. She doesn’t look dowdy, but very prim and proper and always smartly dressed. I guess she more resembles a politician, perhaps. Regardless, I fit in more easily with this scene than she can.

She parks the car, a simple four door, in a back alley. I am going to enter through the back. I think Addison is trying to help me adjust to being back to work after the last assignment. I’m really not sure about this, but I trust Addison. This should be pretty simple. It’s an easy enough place to meet a complete stranger so I can get close without seeming suspicious.

The back door is pretty easy to get into. It’s supposed to be unlocked from the inside in case of emergencies, so I just use my telekinesis to push the door open from the inside. I normally have a hard time using this ability but it’s easy enough when it isn’t a pressured situation like a fight. The door opens a little and I pull it open just enough to slip inside unnoticed. The music is so loud when I open the door it seems to physical slap me across the face. Why do they have to play this music so loud? Addison gives me a thumbs up as I slip inside the club.

I join the crowd at the edge of the dance floor and keep an eye out for her without looking obvious. Out of the corner of my eye I see a flash of red and send out my feelers to sense if it is indeed she. I follow her aura toward the back of the club on the other side. I can’t let her get away. I hurry over a little too fast and end up almost walking right into her. It’s the bathroom. I see her enter a stall, but she doesn’t see me. This is one of those unisex bathrooms they typically have at clubs like this. I’m about to turn around and walk out but there’s a drunk couple stumbling in pushing me back into the bathroom. They dash into a stall just in time apparently as I hear vomit splash into the toilet. Just as I’m about to leave again, the target comes out of the stall. She looks directly at me. Keep calm, I tell myself. I smile. She is attractive I notice for the first time since I’ve never seen her up close like this.

I turn quickly to the mirror and pretend to preen. I check my short cut brown hair in the mirror. I’m wearing brown contacts and I’m caught a little off guard when I first see my eyes with them. It’s a drastic change from the deep blue my eyes normally are. I have to wear the contacts on assignments like this for just this situation. My eyes are a deep blue color, not the sort of blue that's normally seen on this planet. It’s a rare color even for pure-blooded Aplorians. I inherited the color from my mother and it’s a pretty bright red flag signaling to other Aplorians that I am a definitely not human, so I wear the contacts as a disguise.

She joins me at the mirror and I notice that we’re almost the same height. I thought she was shorter than me from the description we have, but I guess the heels add several inches to her five foot six height.

“Hey,” she says a little more than friendly.

“Hi,” I try to flirt back. It’s kind of weird though with the sounds of throwing up coming from the stall behind us.

She smiles and says, “do you want to get out of here?”

“Definitely,” I answer not sure if she means get out of the bathroom or get out of the club with her. I follow her and see that she’s leading me out of the club. Looks like it’s the latter. This definitely was not supposed to happen. I need to get myself out of this without making it look suspicious.

We get to the door a lot faster than I thought we could and she grabs my hand and pulls me out the front door of the club.

“Hey, um…listen, I have a friend back there…”

“Oh, come on,” she smiles slyly at me and squeezes my hand tighter. “Let’s have a little fun.” I send out my feelers and sense nothing but humans. If she isn’t aware of who I am then it can’t hurt. Maybe I can get her to come with me to the car where Addison is waiting.

“Hey, I’ve got a car,” I say a little suggestively.

“Oh,” she looks a little flustered. “I…I like walking.”

“Yeah, but I can’t leave my car here. I know. Why don’t you tell me where we’re going and I’ll go get my car and—”

Without another word, she takes off running down the street. I guess she does know who I am or at least what I am. I take off running after her.

Running down the dark streets after her I hear a roll of thunder sound in the distance. She can’t have figured out what was going on, but she is running which proves otherwise. Addison doesn’t know where we’re going. I don’t know where I’m going. With that thought I stop short realizing I could have been following her into a trap. Could she have known there are others here and that she is now a target?

I look around suddenly wary that I might be in danger. I hear her heels clicking quickly down the street, but that’s about it. I notice it’s eerily quiet here even though I’m standing in a downtown street. She’s disappeared into the darkness and now I don’t even hear her running. I turn around and quickly start walking the other way back to the club where we started this chase. I focus and send my feelers out searching for other like her or like me, but I sense no one. I pick up the pace and make it back to the main drag and al the ambient sounds of the city return. I send out my feelers again searching for Addison and I sense her in the direction of the club. I continue running toward her, feelers out just in case.

By the time I make it back to the club the storm is about to break and Addison has probably figured out things didn’t go as planned. She’ll be waiting for me, probably pissed, but really what could I do, I think to myself hoping that will be a strong enough excuse.

Coming up with excuses again why I can't do what she’s asking me to do. She knows better but if I show her the full extent then what will be next? Something to do with the circuitry and the black ooze… Then the butler will come next. I know that. Unpleasantness. He’ll bring unpleasantness. On the tray, why does he bother? With the tray. It makes me feel…I think the word is anger. Why bring the tray? Why bring the tray? Why bring the tray?

“Bentley! How many times do I have to call your name?”

I realize I drifted off again. I have to watch that around Addison. “Sorry. I was trying to get a read on her. I think maybe—”

“Don’t think. Speak. Where is the target?”

“She…she,” I try closing my eyes to focus in on her location. “She’s still moving northeast.”

“Why did you divert from the plan? We were only supposed to confirm that she is a renegade. You were not supposed to apprehend her.”

“She…I was afraid she had realized who I was and that I was after her.”

“I still do not understand the divergence.”

“I was trying to trick her into coming out here without causing a disturbance in the club. I didn’t want—”

“You did not want to relive the problem with your last target? Is that the issue?”

I know Addison isn't saying that to be mean, yet it still stings me. “No, I…well, I knew she was what we were looking for—that the target was confirmed. I thought we could go ahead and apprehend her.”

“Do you know how dangerous that is? Do you know how much collateral damage there could have been? To the humans and the buildings around here? If you knew what she was, why would you attempt such a foolish endeavor?”

“Addison, I’m sorry. I was just…well, I was afraid I had been spotted and I tried to play it off. I tried to trick her into coming out here where you were and then it wouldn’t have been a problem.”

“It would have been a problem, Bentley. We are not equipped for that type of activity. Get back in the car. We have to go home and report this failure.”

As she turns to get back in the car, I try again. “It wasn’t a complete failure. It was a success if you only report the fact that we confirmed the target. She is what we think she is.”

Addison stops and turns back to me. She should feel angry. That is the emotion to expect at this moment. I know that feeling. But she shows no signs of anger when she speaks. “No, Bentley, it was a failure since the target now knows she is a target.”

She doesn’t say another word as we leave for home. The storm has arrived and I spend the trip looking out of the window as lamps from overhead flash in the raindrops on the glass. The raindrops remind me of that room and my thoughts from earlier. Calm. I think the rain was meant to keep me calm. It did most of the time. But I liked when it was rainy and dim. A sunny day with many clouds. I never liked the rain at night. Like tonight. There are too many things that can come out of the dark. Too many things that did come out of the dark. I knew but wasn’t sure but I knew there were things out there. Too much of those days have carried over to this life I live now. I know Addison is very patient to deal with my inability to keep from acting like then, displaying the tendencies brought out in my personality from being kept by them, by the Kormata. A shudder suddenly overtakes my body. I try to stifle it before Addison notices, but she’s too keen, even without her abilities.

“Were you injured in the pursuit? I failed to ask earlier.”

“No, I’m fine. Just a little chilled now that I’ve cooled down.”

She reaches over and adjusts the temperature. It isn’t really necessary. I look out the window and then I feel it. A tingling like earlier. But that’s impossible. We left her far behind. How could she have gotten ahead of us?

“Addison.”

“Yes, Bentley”

“I think…I don't know how but I think she’s back. I think.” I close my eyes searching.

“I need a direction, Bentley. Please, respond.”

“And another thing. I don’t think she’s alone.”

Addison hits the brakes throwing me hard against my seatbelt. I keep my eyes closed knowing that opening them doesn’t help. Focus. Focusing helps. It takes a moment but the tingling is stronger, which could mean only one thing. She definitely isn’t alone.

“There are two. It doesn’t make sense. She’s in water. She’s in the water coming this way with another. I don’t recognize the feeling. This signature….it’s stronger.” I open my eyes and then realize how it could make sense. We’re on a bridge. “Got it. She is in the water. I guess on a boat headed this way, Addison.”

“Thank you, Bentley.” She puts the car in drive and takes off fast.

I keep my eyes open for this part even though it’s easier to focus with them closed, but I think for this part I want to see what’s going to happen. It’s a good thing too. It’s not often we’ve been attacked with weapons of this world but when it does happen, it can be quite effective. Before we get to the end of the bridge I see it. A small burst of flames from the middle of the water. “Addison!”

“Please, don’t raise your voice. There is not need when we are in such clo—”

“Addison,” I say quieter trying to regain calm. “Addison they’re firing at us.”

She pushes the car faster. I can feel her activating her powers. The tingling, the signature is different. Stronger than the others and of a different aura. It bleeds out from her. I can't see anything, but I can feel it. It’s strong and slightly uncomfortable like having a heavy blanket pushed over my face. I remember to breathe, to stay focused, know the position of the two attacking us, feel out for others.

I have to keep this heavy blanket of hers over me. I try not to overpower it and yet keep out my feelers for others just in case the other two are not alone. Keep searching. Keep a note of their position coming closer bobbing in the water on their boat. Possibly firing on us again but where is the first attack? It should have hit us by now and that’s when I realize which ability Addison activated. She needed to buy us more time so she slowed time down, but that also means we slow down too. She hasn’t expanded the blanket beyond the car so we are still moving at the same rate. And that’s when I feel it pull back beyond the car. We speed up all of a sudden like a sling shot and once again I’m pushed back in my seat like a rocket. We take off and reach the end of the bridge. I look back and see that she has released her hold on time and the explosion hits the bridge right where we were a few seconds ago. We made it.

Addison continues on her track toward our home. But we shouldn’t do that. What if they’re not alone and we’re being followed. I’m about to voice this concern when Addison speaks, “you need to tell me if that is the case, please, Bentley.” She continues driving without deviating. I search again a little shaken that Addison has read my mind. I hate when she does that, but I know she only does it when it’s necessary like a time like this. I spread out my feelers and search. I feel the tingling of their signatures. They are continuing on the same path as before, in the water headed right for us at the bridge. What will they do once they reach it? Do they have a car? “Bentley, focus please.”

I refocus my energies keeping stray thoughts out of my mind and reach out my feelers sensing for others. But there is nothing. “Thank you, Bentley,” she says and continues driving. Racing into the dark. I’m hoping there’s no one else. I don’t want to have a relapse. I don’t want to have to be monitored and locked away again. I need to focus. Focus. Ignore the fear. Use the rain to keep me calm. It’s stopped raining though. I feel the anxiety, no, excitement pulse in my veins. I feel freer and stronger. I push my ability’s limits. I’m sure Addison can feel it but I don’t care. Let them come let them come out. I can do it. No one can overpower me when I feel like this.

The sun is rising in the east the same direction we’re headed and I couldn’t feel better and more alive. I push my feelers further and feel nothing beyond us except a ghost of tingling behind us. They are stationary. Which is good for us. Good for them too with me feeling this way.

“Bentley, I’m glad you are feeling better, but please get yourself under control now. If we are indeed free and clear from our pursuers, then I really would appreciate you backing down.”

Realizing that I have stretched myself beyond what would be comfortable for anyone I pull back into myself and slow down everything within myself. I know what I did made Addison uncomfortable, like the heavy blanket I felt earlier when she pushed her powers out to help us escape. She has been very patient letting me leave mine so extended for so long.

“Are you okay, Bentley? Do you feel nervous or anxious?”

“I’m fine. Sorry about that. I just felt really good for a moment. I…I wasn’t scared really, which was nice.” I say it and realize the truth behind that statement. It’s been a while since I really did feel that good. I wonder what the difference was. I hope I can figure it out. It would be nice to feel that way much more of the time than I do now. Perhaps it was feeling confident with Addison with me. This is really the first time we’ve been in a situation like this where a target was after us. We’ve been in situations where we knew what we were doing and we were doing it from a distance, but this, with the weapons—and human weapons, too. I smile. “I really am fine, Addison.”

Perhaps this worries her. It used to worry Mother. That was when she liked to smoke. I hated that smell too. It seemed unnatural. Not that I really knew what was natural, but it seemed so, perhaps because of the way she looked at me. It was magnified when she smoked. I hated the smell, permeating everything in the house even the rain but I know that was my imagination. I never even felt that rain on my fingers as much as I longed to, let alone smelled it. Spending days locked away with nothing but the rain. The butler. And my mother.

We finally arrive back home without another incident. I let my feelers out for a little every now and again just to be sure there was not going to be another ambush. I still feel wronged by the fact that Addison will report this mission as a failure, but I know she’ll be fair and that, ultimately, it was a failure. The target will be on the run again, but at least we know for sure that she is an escapee. I’m kind of exhausted, so after typing my version of events, which I know to keep as close to the facts as possible, I lie down without even eating. Addison still has a lot of work to do and doesn’t bother me.

I still am puzzled with what happened in the car when I felt so powerful. Was it because the rain stopped? That really couldn’t be it since there are many days when we go out and it’s sunny. I continue to puzzle over this as I drift off to sleep.

I have a flash of being in the rain place again and then the lights flash bright. I shut my eyes and when I open them again, I’m in a very bright white room. It’s hard to see because of the glare of the lights but I think I can make out a figure. It’s a girl. Her face comes closer and pushes up against the glass so her nose is smooshed. She’s smiling like it’s a game. She has kind of a goofy smile because her teeth seem a little big for her little mouth. I smile back at her and try to play along, smooshing my nose against the glass. She must be about three or four. She has dark wavy hair that shines in the bright light of this room. And her eyes are blue, dark blue, like my mother’s. She turns her face away as though talking to someone behind her and points back at me. I try to see who she is talking to, but the lights flash bright again. I look back at her and she is facing me again only this time she looks serious. “What’s wrong?” I ask, but I don’t think she can hear me through the glass. She starts to back away. I look again behind her and see white but it’s moving. Then I realize it is someone dressed in white that has come to take her hand. She’s handed a red balloon. It matches her lips, which I notice now are forming a pout like I did something wrong to her and she’s going to cry. “I’m sorry. Don’t cry, little girl” But again, I still don't think she can hear me. Maybe if I break the glass. “I didn’t do anything! Don’t believe them!” I start beating my hands against the glass trying to break but it doesn’t even move it’s so strong. I need to get out of here. I need to convince her not to listen to them. I need her to come back to me. Anger is rising in me out of control. I feel as though I’m going to burst it’s so painful. Without thinking I scream as loud and long as I can, and finally the glass shatters around me. I keep my eyes closed but I can feel bits raining down around me and then they start to feel wet like rain drops. No! The rain will make me melt. Now I’m screaming out of fear. I have to get out.

“Bentley, wake up. You’re dreaming, Bentley.”

I hear her voice in my head and at first I think it belongs to the little girl.

“Is everything all right?” It’s Addison.

It was a dream, but I still run my hands over my arms and head to make sure I didn’t melt even though now I know they only convinced me that the rain would turn me to ash in order to keep me from trying to go outside.

“I’m okay, Addison,” I say. “I…It was just a dream. Sorry.”

I flip on the lamp next to my bed and see that I’m alone in the room. Addison didn’t even come in, and once I scan the room, I see why. What few things that were in here are now across the room from where they once were. My abilities must have activated while I was asleep. It’s crazy because I have such a hard time activating them when I’m awake, so why am I able to do it so easily when I’m asleep? At least nothing is broken from what I can see anyway.

“May I come in?”

“Yeah,” I say as I sit up in bed. “Please, come in.” I’m still having trouble pulling myself out of the dream feeling. I need to see Addison to make sure I’m really here. I need to see her to root myself to this reality. Everything is fine.

When she walks in, she quickly surveys the room and the damage, then turns to me. She is still standing near the door. She’s assessing me. My stability, I suppose.

“Addison, I’m fine. It was just…a really vivid dream.”

“I understand. Would you like to discuss the dream?”

“Addison, you can relax. I’m fine. I’m still…I’m still me. Here.” I can't help but feel offended slightly even though I, too, would probably be paranoid if I were in her shoes. “You can read my mind if it would make you feel better.”

“That won’t be necessary. I will be out here if you feel the need to discuss your dream or anything else.” She walks out and closes the door behind her.

I shouldn’t have said that. I wish I were more like her but since I’m only a hybrid, only a half-breed I never will be no matter how much I try to control my emotions. That part is definitely human. I swing my legs off the bed and punch my leg hard. I shouldn’t have said that. I should apologize to her.

I stand up and shove my feet back into my shoes stepping on the backs. I glance at the clock to see what time it is. It reads 3:00, but that can’t be right. Did I really sleep the day away? I walk out to the main room.

We’ve been staying in a three bedroom flat. We take up two rooms while the third person staying here has been away a while on assignment elsewhere. The flat, technically belongs to him. Even when he is around, I really don’t notice him, he’s so quiet and keeps to himself. I guess that’s why he never has a partner, which works out for us so we can each have our own room, which is really kind of trivial unless you happen to destroy rooms in your sleep. It’s happened a few times. Fortunate for me Addison can slow down time, which results in less destruction while she wakes me up.

“Addison?”

She’s sitting at the table in the study looking at a monitor. I guess she’s already made the report since the three spheres used to communicate with our world sit motionless on the table beside her. She looks up from the monitor and answers, “yes, Bentley? Did you want to discuss your dream?”

“No, I—I mean, no thank you. I wanted to apologize about what I said.”

“I took no offense to what you said. You made a valid offer that was not necessary.”

“But, I…” It’s times like this that the differences between us are frustrating to me. It’s hard to explain useless emotions to those without them. “Nothing.” I finger the spheres on the table. I like the way they feel when I touch them. Small electric tingles emanate from the spheres even though they’re not in use right now. Waves of light flicker ever so slightly in the center. I like when they’re completely lit up but I have nothing to report since Addison already did that for us.

I know she wants to know about my dream, at least that’s how it feels and I do feel like I should say something else other than an apology, but I don’t really know what to say. Maybe, hey, Addison, do you know why I slept so long? Did you knock me out or something? Or what I’d really like to know, I’ve been wondering what that power surge was when we left the bridge. And I guess I do want to discuss my dream since there are still some blind spots in my memory from the rain room. “Hey, Addison, about my dream…”

“Yes, Bentley?” She stops looking at the monitor and looks up at me.

“I…well, what I can remember is being back in the rain room and then after a flash I wasn’t. I was in this other room that was bight white and I was younger and...” I leave out the part about being naked. I’m not sure why since shame is such a completely human emotion that Addison wouldn’t understand and yet, I do. “There was a little girl there and I think she was holding a balloon or maybe it came in later. I don't know. Then she was laughing at me and pointing me out to someone I didn’t see until it seemed like the wall was moving, but it turned out to be a person dressed in white.

“Can you describe the girl to me?”

“She was young, maybe three or four. And she had these really pretty red lips but not like lipstick and kind of small buck teeth like they didn’t quite fit in her mouth and she was smiling at me. I felt connected to her in some way. But there was this glass separating us. I…I was in the glass like a cage or cell of some sort. There were really bright lights so I couldn’t make out anything else in the room. Like I said, I couldn’t see the other person until she pointed him out. I didn't get a good look at him and when he came forward, she seemed upset and that made me upset. I felt like they were telling her lies, which is weird since I couldn't hear what they were saying. I got so angry, and I was trying to convince her not to believe them. I felt like she was mine I guess is the word I’m looking for, the feeling I felt. It was weird.”

“I suppose that would explain the reaction, the damage to the contents in your room.”

“Sorry,” I say feeling slightly embarrassed, but of course Addison doesn’t notice. She just continues trying to analyze the dream.

“Have you ever seen that girl before?”

I think about it. “No. I don’t think so. At least I don’t remember her, but like I said there are still so many blind spots in my memory from when I was younger. It’s possible it could have been a memory. Do you have any ideas, Addison?”

“Not as yet, but I can consult your facilitator.”

“No, that’s okay, you don’t have to do that.”

“Is there a reason you don't want me to speak with her about the dream?”

“No,…well, yes, I don’t really trust her. I feel like she knows things that she isn’t telling me. Things that could solve some of the mysteries I feel are in my past.”

“I can see how that would be frustrating, but have you thought about why she would do that?”

“I guess to protect me, but I want to know. I think I can take it after everything I’ve been through. Seriously, how long do I have to wait?” Old feelings of impatience start to rise again, but after so much practice, it isn’t a problem to calm down.

“I don’t know, Bentley. As I’ve told you before I do not know everything about your past. Most of everything I know is what you have confided in me and what I have read in your background sheet, which I have shared with you. I do not see a reason to hide things from you, as I feel the best way to deal with things is to know all the facts as I have explained before.”

“And that’s why I trust you Addison.” The truth is Addison is one of the very few people I do trust. After all the lies that were told to me when I young, it has been really hard to trust others, but Addison has proven her trustworthiness on numerous occasions. I know she doesn’t hold anything back regardless of how it would make me feel. It’s not that she’s heartless. It’s just she doesn’t see a reason to leave out facts.

“Addison, what do you think about the dream?”

“I’m not sure, perhaps it has to do with the failure in our operation tonight.”

“Yeah, but I don’t feel like it was a complete failure, like I said before—“

Addison may not show much emotion, but she definitely doesn’t hide discouragement or disagreement, so after seeing the look on Addison’s face, I backtrack, “I mean, it could have gone better, but like you said, it was a failure in that she figured out she was a target and that we are after her, which is a bad thing, especially when she showed up again with help and human weapons.”

“Bentley, the signature of the person she was with, was it human?”

“No, it was definitely not human.”

“Was it,” she pauses knowing I don’t like what she’s about to say but knowing there’s no way around it, “was it a hybrid?”

“I’m not sure. It was stronger than her signature, but I don’t know if it was just a well-trained Aplorian or a weak hybrid. What I’m curious about, though, is the weapon they were using. It was human technology. Isn’t it hard to get a hold of human weapons, especially something as powerful as what they had tonight? How do you think they did that? And they moved so fast. It’s almost like they knew someone would be coming for them soon. Do you think they were prepared for us?”

“But you didn’t feel that way when you confronted her in the club, did you?”

“No, well, maybe, but I think it was just nerves.” My mind is still trying to shore up the peculiarities of tonight’s events. “Do you think maybe they’ve got reason to believe we would be coming for them next, like say they’ve been up to some very bad stuff, like something beyond creating and training hybrids.” I spit that last word hating it for showing the differences between myself and humans and Aplorains and how I don’t really purely belong to either group.

“It’s possible, Bentley. You have a good point.” I will have to consult with Harding once he returns.”

“Oh, is he coming back soon?”

“Yes, in fact he should be here within the hour. He’s been doing research on a particular group not too far from here.”

“Creating hybrids?”

“Yes, and training them to do some not so beneficial things.”

“You mean training them to be weapons. But I don't see the use in that since they can’t even get back to Aploria? They don’t have access to transport, do they? And no one on Aploria could be helping them, right?”

“That, too, is what I believe and what puzzles me.”

“Then they must be getting help from humans somewhere. Oh, no. What if they have recruited humans to help?”

“That would be very dangerous for them and the humans so let us hope they have not included them in their plans whatever they may be.”

“True.”

We’re both quiet thinking to ourselves about the possibilities. Then Addison asks, “are you hungry?”

“Hm? Oh, I guess I am.”

“I figured so since you haven’t eaten since yesterday afternoon and you did sleep for a while. Would you like to go out?”

“Addison?”

“Yes, Bentley?”

I’m hesitant to bring it up, but if I could channel the energy I did yesterday when I needed it, then it could be very helpful in a desperate situation. “Yesterday…after the bridge.”

“Yes?”

“That surge of energy I felt. I know you felt it too. What—how do you suppose I did that?”

I can see her thinking about how to say what she wants to say. She is considerate to take my feelings into account, which is probably very difficult for someone like her, raised to put a damper on emotion from birth, it seems. “I have been wondering about that myself. It’s possible that in your heightened emotional state, which of course, makes you more powerful than a pureblooded Aplorian, that your abilities grew stronger because of how you felt and that you were trying to remain focused since you were afraid we were being pursued. What do you think?”

“I think you’re right. I was trying to stay focused. But there was something more. Something different. I felt…”

“Free, I believe is how you labeled it. Sorry for the intrusion.”

“You don't need to apologize for that, Addison. I know you only do it when it’s necessary. But yeah, that was it. Free and excited because I guess I knew we could overcome them if it came to it.”

“That does not make sense, Bentley. How could you know the outcome of a scenario without knowing all the facts? You know how difficult it is to analyze the future.”

“I’m not psychic. I don’t know. I just felt it. No. I knew it.”

“I think perhaps that is a part of your human side, Bentley. Overconfidence?”

“Perhaps you’re right, Addison. Just human feelings,” I spit.

“There is no need to disparage that part of you Bentley. It makes you stronger. You know that. You shouldn't think about how that makes you different.”

“Yeah, but part of my job is to hunt down those that are like me. Other hybrids. How is that fair, Addison?”

“I suppose it isn’t fair, but that is also my job. I hunt down my own kind knowing their fate once I’ve caught them. Hybrids don’t really have a choice. Aplorians who chose this path know that they are going against our laws. Hybrids know nothing except what their trainers have told them.”

I know that isn’t completely true, but I don’t share that with Addison. Not yet anyway.

“Bentley, have you thought about the possibility that we might find another like you, with the sense to understand the situation and make the right choice. If you came out of your training sessions with your mind in tact, then it seems that finding another like you is possible.”

“Yes, but one reason I was able to do that is because there was a spy in their midst sending me helpful clues to figure things out, like the book.”

“It’s also plausible that the reason you survived the way you did was innate. That there was something within you that helped you to maintain your sense even without the spy’s help. It’s also possible that we can find a few who are young like you were when help first started to appear in order to help them choose the right side.”

“Addison…” I want to pursue this argument, but that would mean revealing more about the rain room. I don’t want to do that yet because I don’t think I’m ready to share that part with others, even Addison. “Can we go out to eat? I’m kind of tired of being cooped up in here.”

“I was waiting for you to wake before making any food decisions.”

“Wait. You haven’t eaten?”

“No, I was waiting for you, but I did not expect you to sleep as long as you did. I now understand Harding a little more now. It seems I was distracted in making my report much like what happens to him.”

“Really, Addison?” I say, amused.

“Truly, Bentley.” She smiles back at me. “Perhaps that surge in your energy levels exhausted you more than ever before?”

“I guess so.”

“What would you like for dinner?”

“Pizza.”

“If you insist, she says without reluctance. I know that’s her favorite food here, and since she’s been waiting for me all day, the least I can do is pick her favorite.

We go out to a place nearby. Even though they offer carry out, we always eat there because of the location. They have a café atmosphere with tables out front, which is the perfect place when the weather is nice like it is tonight. The rain must have brought a cool front, which is a nice relief after the months of heat we’ve experienced here. We order a whole pizza knowing we can take the extra home for Harding. I think the only reason he eats is because we feed him. I’m not sure how he survives when he’s on his own.

We’ve been staying with him—rather we’ve been staying in his flat for the past three months, but he was only around for one month before he left on his research assignment. He’s an odd little character. He’s totally able to blend in with his surroundings so people don’t usually notice him, humans or Aplorians.I wonder if that’s part of his abilities. I kind of wonder what his parents were like. Aplorians may not show many emotions, but Harding is…well, I haven’t met many like him, human or Aplorian.

Our pizza arrives and I eat more than usual, which means we don’t have much to bring back to Harding. “Oops.”

“That’s all right. We should probably stock up anyway. We may have several long weeks ahead of us in the flat.”

“True. Especially if we have to wait for an update about the latest target.”

We stop at the small neighborhood grocery store. It’s run by this elderly couple and their grandson. They’re all really nice people and give us a couple of pieces of fruit or some other packet of food for free sometimes. It’s nice because it makes me feel like I have friends or family. At least this is what I imagine it feels like. My own mother—I’m not even sure she was my mother wasn’t very maternal as I’ve seen here and on Aploria. She was definitely Aplorian, though. She had deep blue eyes like some Aplorians have, the same deep blue eyes that I have. The same deep blue eyes as the little girl in the dream. That’s when it hits me. I did know that little girl. I do know her. The dream wasn’t a dream—well, not entirely anyway. The little girl was real. That part wasn’t a dream.

“Addison, the dream…”

“Yes, Bentley, did you remember something more?”

“I think…no, I know, the little girl was not a dream. She’s real. Or at least she was.”

“How do you know?”

“She had the same eyes as my mother.” Even on Aploria, eyes the color of ours are rare. “I think she…” I don’t want to say it, but Addison might be able to help me piece this together. “I think she was my sister. Does that seem crazy?”

“No. It seems interesting. And quite possible, knowing the operatives who created you. They were very effective and it’s possible you were not the only hybrid they created and were able to train as well as they did. And they certainly had enough resources to accomplish as much as they did.”

I notice some of the other shoppers around us and remember where we are and how this might sound to an outsider—let along a human outsider. “Um, Addison, this might not be the place for this discussion.”

She looks around. “I agree. Let us hurry here. Harding is probably already home and wondering where we are.”

We finish our shopping and pay. My senses are heightened with excitement at the possibility of finding a possible relative, someone who might be the same as me. It’s also possible she would be on their side, but still it’s also possible I could talk her out of being on their side. My feelers are extended without my even noticing as though it were possible that she could be somewhere in the vicinity. Addison just smirks. She may not be reading my mind right now, but I know she can feel my ability activated.

“Excited?”

“Yes, in a way.” I could almost skip the whole way home.

When we arrive home, Harding is already there. He is excited. Well, for Harding, it’s excitement he’s showing. There is the hint of a smile hovering at the corner of his lips and eyes. “Welcome home.”

“We could say the same to you, Harding,” Addison replies. “You’ve been gone awhile.”

“Indeed, I have. The group I have been researching have been very busy indeed. Very busy.”

“Do we need to intervene?”

“Oh, yes, indeed we do. But I think we will need a larger group. And a good plan. I have been thinking this over for some time now, but I do believe we will need help beyond the three of us.”

“Are you ready to present your findings?”

“Oh, no, not yet, but tomorrow, I should have everything ready to share. Everything will be revealed, to turn a phrase.” At that he does smile. He is not old for an Aplorian, but he looks aged for a human. Of course, if a human were to see him run or climb as his job requires of him, a human would be astounded, which is also why it’s so beneficial that he blends in to his surroundings so easily.

“Bentley, would you like to share about your recent realization?” Addison turns to me and asks.

“I had a dream, but I think it was more of a memory. There was a little girl with the same colored eyes and my mother and myself. She was a little younger than I was—I mean than I was in the dream. I was younger and back in the room they used to keep me in and then I was in a different room all of a sudden and everything was white and she was there. And I felt strangely connected to her.”

“And you believe it was a memory?”

“Yes, I think—no, I know she was my sister.”

“And the only reason you think this is because of the shared eye color?”

“Yes. Well, no. It’s because I felt like I knew her.”

“But your reports of the time you were with Kormata had no inclusion of other hybrids being there with you.”

“Well, yeah, but I don’t remember everything about my days with them.” I’m starting to feel disappointed that Harding isn’t as excited as I am about the prospect of there being another hybrid out there related to me. “Harding. I know you’re all logic but sometimes don’t you ever just have a gut feeling and know something without having al the tangible facts?”

“No.”

“Never?” I can see Addison smirking at the situation knowing the differences between hybrid and pureblood, which doesn't help me to feel any less frustrated.

“If you mean do I ever have an idea and form a hypothesis and then test it, then yes, I suppose I could call that believing in a hunch, but it must be tested for me to find it true. I must research to find the facts to support the hunch to make it fact.”

“Fine. Here is my hunch. I believe I have a sister who was a hybrid and raised in the same place I was. I have a hunch that I…never mind. Can you help me prove my hunch, then? Please?”

“Of course.” And with that he turns back to his monitor.

“Is that it?” I half ask Harding and half direct at Addison.

“For now. Unless you want to tell him about your power surge,” Addison adds.

I hear Harding’s typing stop. “A power surge?”

I don’t want to satisfy Harding’s curiosity after he frustrated me but he could help explain it.

“Yes. On our last outing we were trying to verify a target, which we did,” I emphasize for Addison’s sake. “Unfortunately she figured out we were after her and ran. She got away. We left but then she caught up with us later and fired a human weapon at us. We got away, of course. Then on the way, I was trying to send out feelers to ascertain their position and I sent them out further than I ever had before and the sun was rising and the day was getting brighter and I felt like I was the sun getting brighter and more powerful and I felt free. And I knew we could take them on. We could overcome them no problem.”

“Hm…I’m puzzled by several aspects of your story. First—no, not that.” Harding has a very annoying habit of talking to himself, which takes some time to get past. I’m still working on it since I still can’t always tell when he stops and starts talking to me. “This is a very exciting development even if it is just human emotion overtaking you, which may come in very helpful indeed. Have you ever felt this way before?”

“No.” I’m trying to control the anger I feel at his belittling remark about my human side. I know he doesn’t mean to insult me. “ I have not felt this way before. And it wasn’t just a human emotion overtaking me.”

“Oh, dear, no. I think you may have misunderstood my comment. It would be a good thing if you were able to tap into your human emotions while maintaining control. That would make you very powerful indeed—“

“I know that. I have been told that all my life, Harding.” I’m starting to lose my battle with controlling my emotions. I’m starting to feel my jaw ache from clenching my teeth together.

“Harding, can you get to the point of your question, please,” Addison interjects.

“Yes, sorry. If you can pinpoint the start of the surge, that would be most helpful. Was it when you felt with your ability that you and Addison had escaped or was it when the sun was rising or was it when you felt happy that you had gotten away and you were celebrating but perhaps you didn’t realize that’s what it was.”

“I see your point. I’m not sure. I’ll think about it and get back to you. Good night.” I’m not tired but I need to get away from Harding. I head back to my bedroom. I know he’s just trying to help but what I really wanted was validation that there really is a chance that my sister could be real. I know it. I feel it that I’m right. Maybe this is just another ability developing. A psychic ability of some sort that hasn‘t been experienced in a while on Aploria. Just because they haven’t mastered it doesn't mean it doesn’t happen.

I try to distract myself with a book. It’s a comic book about humans with abilities. I started reading them for entertainment but some of them seem to be quite accurate to what happens with hybrids. I have often thought that it was a hybrid or renegade Aplorain who wrote these and had them published in order to get more recruits or send messages to each other about their current status for the different projects they have going on around this world. And to think somewhere on this planet there might be another hybrid who is related to me. There might even be other hybrids like Addison said. Other hybrids we can save from remaining with the Kormata. I hope that is the case so that I won't be alone. But if that is true, where will we belong? To Aploria or to this planet.

The current book I’m reading about tells the story of one group of teenagers who have developed powers that are tied to their emotions often losing control when they lose control of their emotions. That sounds familiar. It is what makes me have the possibility of being more powerful, but it is a very difficult feat, especially since I was raised to channel my emotions instead of put a damper on them like most Aplorians. Aplorians are raised and even with each succeeding generation to have a damper on their emotions and to exert better control of their abilities. It results in less powerful abilities, but they have greater control which makes them very powerful, but there is a limit to the power. The Kormata wanted to exert power beyond what is ingrained in Aplorians. They tried to surpass their heredity, their genetics but dialed until experiments with humans succeeded in producing hybrids of undetermined ability and power because it is tied into our emotions somehow. Unfortunately that is the fate of some hybrids, to develop abilities and then to be experimented on, killed, and dissected. I was lucky in that my mother wanted to see the potential of my abilities. She used the smoke to control me, I know. The rain and the smoke and the punishment from the butler when I didn’t perform as she expected me to.

A shudder runs through me at the thought of remembering that room and the rain. I don’t like going back to that place, but I know I have to in order to remember more of what happened—especially now if it is possible that I might have a sister that was raised in the same place. Hopefully she wasn’t one of the hybrids that was experimented on and then killed for dissection. I wonder if it would be possible to find out. I can hold out hope that she wasn’t used for dissection since she was one of my mother’s hybrids. If that was true anyway.

My mother in the experiment did escape, but they were able to copy much of her research unless that’s what she wanted them to believe. I do know that she was high up in the ranks of the Kormata and that many of the experiments done were designed by her. The experiment she was working on with me was so dangerous that she felt she was the only one who should be involved. Her and her butler. I don't know why I still use that term now that I know his true title. He was a tormentor. He served her well. If the Aplorians had not the great ability to erase injuries, quite a few marks would still be quite visible on my skin.

I shut the comic knowing that it isn't working as distraction anymore. I want to go out and question Harding and help with the research. I just need to be able to keep my temper. I still need to pick up my room from earlier when I nearly destroyed it while I was dreaming. I don't understand how I can move things with my mind so easily when I sleep, yet have so much trouble when I am actually trying to activate that ability. Maybe more practice is what I need. No time like the present.

Starting with the closest thing to me, a random shoe from the closet, I focus on activating my ability. I push all my energy into my core. I feel the emptiness in my extremities, like a tide going out to sea. I slowly push a stream of that energy out from myself to reach the shoe and envelope it. I feel the connection with the shoe and lift it. Now for the hard part, pushing the stream further out. I push the shoe further out. I know that the strain I feel is purely what I imagine my limbs feeling, which is why I need to keep my energy focused in my core. I push further and further and the shoe finally reaches the closet. I feel a little worn, but I continue practicing. The more things I am able to move, the happier I feel at the success. It becomes easier as I let the happiness flow through me. Slowly, without my noticing it, my focused energy starts to leak into my limbs. The feeling comes back and I start feeling a surge again. Not as powerful, but it still is there and rising. I feel so powerful. I try lifting more than one thing at a time. I test the level of my power lifting more and more and the success translates to happiness translates to more power. I close my eyes and wrap my energy around myself to try and lift myself off the bed.

I feel a lightness all over. I open my eyes and see that I am floating off the bed. I try raising myself even higher and when it works I laugh out loud at my success. I push myself even higher laughing the whole way.

Addison comes in looking puzzled to see me floating near the ceiling with several other things in the room. She smiles. “Practicing, I see.”

“Yeah,” I say still laughing. I slowly lower everything back down to the ground, including myself.

“That’s good. I see you’re gaining better control over that ability.”

“It seems so.” I can't seem to quit smiling. My whole body still feels like it’s tingling, reverberating with the energy I activated to access my ability. I feel so good. I want to run and jump and I feel like I could explode with this energy. “I feel really good again.”

“Like a power surge again,” Addison asks.

“Yeah, kind of. But different. More in control.”

“Well, that’s a good feeling, then.”

“Indeed,” Harding adds from behind Addison. “How far do you think you could push it?”

“I don't know.” The feeling of buoyancy starts to deflate. The question hits too close to a memory that I don't want to relive. “And I don't know how I would test that in here. I mean without doing any damage or alerting any neighbors.”

“True. That is indeed a very good point. Perhaps we should relocate while you are training your abilities.”

“That’s all right, Harding.” I’m definitely coming down from my high now. “Did you find anything in the reports about me and my mother that would help support my theory about having a sister?” I ask trying to change the course of this conversation. Sometimes harding reminds me a little too much of my mother, the scientist.

“Not very much yet. No, not much indeed. There is a report referring to another experiment that was being run at the same time yours was. However, there were not many details. I may have to access another system or send in a request. It would be very interesting to read more details of your case. Would you mind?”

“Yes, I would.”

“Bentley, Harding is just trying to get all the clues sorted out. I think it would be beneficial for him to see your case file. He may see something that no one else has yet.”

“Fine. Share it. I’m going to get some air. Later.” I leave in without saying anything else. It’s so strange how I’m still having trouble controlling my emotions, but it could be that I’ve spent so much time around Aplorians and not enough around humans that I don’t know how to deal with my human side so well or maybe this is just how humans act all the time. I know I shouldn’t react this much but it makes me even more frustrated to think that Harding and Addison are probably thinking along the same lines, that it’s my human side getting the better of me.

When I leave I walk in the direction of the city park. It’s pretty late out but there are still a lot of people out on the streets moving from one destination to another. Some are inebriated. Some not. Some homeless. Some not. One of the homeless panders me for change. I check my pockets and realize I left without my wallet or anything else. I suppose it’s okay and that I shouldn’t need it, but that also means I left without any means of contacting Harding or Addison. Except that I can use my abilities so I should be fine. I can’t imagine that anything would occur here that I would need their help immediately.

I extend my feelers a bit just in case and continue walking down the street. I pass alleyways and think back to the target. I could have kept following her. Is it really possible she had a trap set? She did show up again later with help and a human weapon. Human weapons are generally illegal here, so it would have been difficult to get their hands on them and the ammunition. True there are groups of humans that regularly traffic in weapons, but even the Kormata wouldn't want to get involved with those kinds of humans. Curious.

So close so close so close. These words keep going round and round in my head like a bit of song playing in the background of my mind, but it isn't quite music. Why am I thinking that? What am I so close to, but before I can figure it out I hear a woman’s voice crying out for help. In my daze I wandered off the busy street and onto a quieter business district street. I send out my feelers trying to sense other Aplorians or hybrids but I feel nothing. Only human auras. I follow the sound of her voice and pick up my pace almost running.

I see her. There’s a man in a business suit accosting her. She’s tiny and wearing a red dress and black tights. I run toward them and trip over something. It’s a high heel shoe. Probably hers. I ignore it and keep going. Not sure what I’ll do once I get there. I know not to use my abilities, but this guy’s pretty big. “Hey!” I shout hoping to distract him. He’s got her by the neck and she’s gone silent. “Hey! Let her go!”

He turns to look at me and shouts back. “Get out of here. This is none of your business.”

His voice is so cold like it’s nothing that he could possibly kill this woman. I try to sense to make sure he’s human and everything about his signature is human, but it’s strange to come across a human this cold. And I’ve been fooled before. I wish I hadn’t forgotten my phone. I feel fear starting to rise. Why? I know I’m more powerful than this guy. If I activate my abilities. That’s an if I’d rather not face. Why is no one else responding to the girl’s cries for help?

“Look, guy. Just let her go. I won’t call the cops. Just let her go. I don’t want to have to hurt you.” Maybe I can psyche him out if I can make a big noise on the other side of him. I look past him for something to levitate and drop. There’s a garbage bin. A big one. I’m not sure if I can lift it but I’ve got to try. I focus all my energies like I did back at the flat. I pull them in and send out a stream toward the garbage can. I feel it enveloped and try to lift it off the ground. For some reason the connection is too weak. I can feel panic start to take over, but I can't let that happen.

The business suit guy looks back at the girl, looks at me, smirks and squeezes tighter around her neck. She is really struggling but I can see her starting to weaken. I take off running toward him to tackle him. I know I can move faster than he’ll expect and that I should be able to at least knock him off balance freeing the girl from his grasp.

I move as fast as I can and lean forward, my shoulder aimed right for his midsection. When I reach him I wrap my arms around his waist and try to pull but it’s like he’s rooted to the spot. I feel his elbow come down on my back knocking me to the ground. My head is tingling with pain. I try to get back up but he plants his foot in my back. He’s laughing and says, “I told you to get out of here. Now you can join in the fun.” He steps down harder on my back pushing the air out of my lungs. I have no choice but to activate my abilities now. Send out my feelers hoping Addison will understand there’s a problem.

It’s weak at first but then I hear that voice again like a bit of song saying stronger than that stronger than that. I refocus and try again, stronger this time. I release everything at once and it feels like an explosion o f power. Somehow the guy standing on me flies off. I hear him hit the wall next to us hard and then fall to the ground. I’m not sure where that came from. I’ll have to figure it out later. Need to check on the girl first. I slowly get up wincing from the pain in my chest. I really hope nothing’s broken, but it sure feels painful right now. I take short breaths testing to feel if anything is broken and look over at the girl. She’s lying crumpled on the ground, her neck at a weird angle. Am I too late?

I step over to her and check for her vital signs. There’s a faint pulse, but she’ll need help soon, I bet. I hear laughter and coughing coming from the guy. I step in front of the girl to block her from possible harm from his direction and look over at him. I guess I should have checked on him first to be sure we were safe for the moment. He’s still lying on the ground but his face shows mirth. “What are you laughing at?”

“She not dead yet?” he huffs. I hope it’s because he’s injured. He starts laughing again.

“Shut up.” I feel anger starting to rise. It’s still a game to him.

“She said you could pack a punch in a manner of speaking. Now I know what she meant.”

“W-who?” Not her. Don’t let it be her.

“Your mother.” His laughter breaks into a fit of coughing.

Run. My brain is telling my body to run, to just get out of here and away from him and this place as fast as possible but I’m frozen in place. I send out my feelers sensing for her. I send them out as far as I can reach trying to locate her. She might be close, but I truly hope she isn’t. A few moments have passed and I still don’t sense her aura anywhere. I need to get out of here. I need to get the girl to people who can help her. But I have to know.

“What do you mean my mother?”

“She wanted me to give you something.”

“There’s nothing I want from her.”

“Aw, c’mon. Don’t be like that. She packaged it all special just for you. For your birthday, she said.”

“She wouldn’t. I know her well enough for that.”

“Oh, well. Guess I’ll keep it for myself.”

“I wouldn’t if I were you,” I say over my shoulder as I walk back to the girl. There’s nothing this guy is going to tell me.

The girl is pretty little, so I should be able to carry her back to the street and get someone to help. I squat down to pick her up and see that she’s come around. There are tears in her eyes. “I—I—I’m s-s-s-sorry.”

“Shh, it’s okay. I’m going to get you some help.” I look down at her hands to see that she’s holding a small glass vial with a black cap. “What’s…” That’s as much of the question I get out before she holds it up. Before I realize what she’s about to do, she presses down on the top with her tiny thumb. I feel it before I realize what it is. Then, it’s like time goes weird, slow at first and then speeding up and down. I know what it is but it’s too late to do anything about it, the black ooze. The circuitry of them. I know that’s next. I hear screaming, a howling scream and knowing it’s coming from me doesn’t mean that I have the ability to stop. I can feel them crawling all over me.

I open my eyes and see them crawling out of the vial in her hand, multiplying, clicking away. More and more of the little spider like creatures, their circuitry glowing in the dim light of this alleyway. I back away flinging them off of me as quickly as I can but I know it’s no use. The only way there’s only one way. Focus. Focus. Focus. Calm. Close my eyes. Send out my feelers. Locate them. Every single one. Lock on and send out a burst of energy to fry them knowing they’ll just release the black liquid that oozes into my skin, my eyes, my ears, my mouth, makes me lose hours, days at a time. But I need to electrify them. Fry them. I’ve located them all. I send out the pulse to kill them.

I know what comes next. I know because I’ve lived through this more times than I care to remember. The best thing I can do is just sit still. Stay in place. Don’t move. Don’t react. And above all don’t open my eyes. Don’t do it. But I have to see they’re all gone. I have to check with my eyes.

I open them. I see the girl lying on the ground across from me—at least what’s left of her. Mother must have put spiders in her. I’ve seen that before too. I look over at the guy. Same thing only worse. I killed them when I attacked the spiders. I did this. I killed these people bursting them apart from the insides when I sent out the pulse to destroy the spiders. These pawns in my mother’s game. She is involving humans in her plans.

When I look back down at the girl, I see something moving in her exposed intestines. It can’t be. There’s now way a spider survived, but there. I see a shiny leg moving aside the bit of flesh, crawling out of the bloody mess. It clicks away like they always do and another appears, they begin multiplying again and moving toward me. Impossible. Is it real or is it the ooze affecting my perception? I know that’s one of the purposes of it, that it’s one of the reasons she chose to use that as a conduit for them. They function as other spiders and biting insects do. When they bite, they inject the ooze. If they’re killed, the ooze burst out, absorbed into the skin, it is still quite effective. I’ve developed some immunity to it, but I still have trouble being resistant to all the effects. What I need is the antidote.

It’s getting harder to breathe. The butler used to come in with the antidote, but there’s no butler tonight. It has to be on one of them. The guy said he had a gift for me. I need to find it before I lose all sense.

I stumble over to him but can barely stand on my feet. I end up crawling over and start going through his pockets. The tremors have started. I’m having trouble manipulating his clothes besides the fact that they’re slick with blood and guts. I feel the first spider reach me, crawling up my leg. The others won’t be far behind, but they can’t be real. They can’t be real. I’d scream again if my lungs had the capacity but I’m having enough trouble just breathing. I have to find the antidote now.

There. In his inner jacket pocket. I can feel it. I wrestle with the jacket. It keeps falling out of my shaking hands, but I finally manage to slip the vial from his pocket. My hands are beginning to atrophy and I fall sideways with the vial still clutched in my right hand. I’m wheezing now and my vision is going dark. I can feel more of the spiders that aren’t there but could be there. I could try sending another burst of energy but it would be wasted effort. Maybe I can lift the vial with my mind since my hands don’t seem to be working anymore. I focus my energies, closing my eyes. I push out that energy to envelop the vial. I can sense it and try to lift it. I open my eyes and I see the vial rising slowly out of my hand. It shakes in the air. I see a black blur moving behind the vial. Is it a spider? No, too big. The black is shaped like a man. Oh, no. How can he still be alive?

“Looks like you’re having some trouble with that,” he says.

“Get away.” My voice is hoarse and quiet. I try to push myself away from the body lying on the ground. Wait. How can he be in two places? One dead and one alive.

He leans down and snatches the vial out of the air. He looks at it and walks over to me. He squats down. “You are a mess, you know that? What were you trying to do with this? I can promise you it’s not gonna do much for those two corpses over there. So is it for you?”

“Get away.” My voice is almost inaudible at this point.

“Hey, now. I’m just trying to help you. What do I do with this?” There’s a note of caring in his voice. And he’s my last hope at this point.

“S-s-spray.”

“Easy enough.” He points the vial in my face and presses down on the top of the vial.

I inhale the vapor and instantly I can feel the effects of the black ooze waning. Breathing becomes easier and the dimness in my vision clears up. My muscles begin to relax but I can feel that I’m still shaking.

“S-s-spiders?”

He looks around. “Not quite sure what you mean, but it looks like it’s just the two of us and the two corpses. Can you walk?”

“Wait.” I still need to make sure we’re not in the middle of a trap. I send out my feelers. I’m still weak, but I can pretty much always count on this basic ability of mine. Immediately I can sense that he’s an Aplorian. I just hope he doesn’t belong to the Kormata. At least he isn’t human. This would be pretty hard to explain. I sense another Aplorian aura getting closer. “Careful. Someone else.”

He turns and I can feel him activating an ability. I can’t tell what it is but I can feel the slightly stifling feeling that comes when a nearby Aplorian activates an ability.

I focus on trying to see if the aura is familiar. It’s moving fast and as it gets closer, I realize it’s Addison. “It’s okay. It’s a friend.”

Just as I say those words, Addison appears at the end of the alley closest to the street. I sense her ready her abilities. I guess I would too if I walked onto a scene like this. “Addison, wait. It’s okay.”

“Addison?” the stranger asks.

“Who is it? Bentley?”

“Yes, I’m here,” I choke out. I’m still coughing up the black ooze.

“He’s fine.” He says and looks down at me. “At least I think he is. Now, those other two are another story.”

“Quinton? Is that you?”

“At your service.” He does a slight bow. “Any ideas on what to do with these humans?”

“Who are they and what happened to them?” Addison asks.

“They’re working for her. It was a trap,” I answer.

“Are we still in danger, Bentley?”

“No. Not that I can tell.”

“Are you injured?”

“I can't tell.” My voice cracks. I can feel tears coming. The events of the past several minutes come crashing into me all at once. The danger I was in. Being completely alone. Facing these humans who were working for her. And killing them. Killing them as she planned I slowly realize. I’m still in her control. Still doing what she wants.

The anger takes over the sadness and fear. I let it wash over me hoping to push out the hopelessness I start feeling knowing that she can still make me do these things even when she isn’t around.

“Addison, can you get me out of here?”

“Of course, Bentley, but first we need to clean up this mess.”

“Any ideas, Addy?”

“Quinton, please use my full name.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he answers, standing at attention and snapping his hand to his forehead like a soldier.

“Quinton, now is not the time for your games.”

“Exactly what I was thinking.” He sounds all business but there is a smirk teasing the corner of his lips. It’s odd seeing an Aplorian joking like this. They’re usually so direct. I mean, they can have fun and play games, but usually it’s only at times of leisure not when they’re working.

“I suppose I could speed up their decomposition, though it seems a shame that their families will not be able to mourn their passing,” Addison says.

“Just do it Addison. They probably don’t have families. They were working for her. For the Kormata,” I shout as best I can. I’m so angry that Addison would care about them and their families that I don't try to shield her from my anger.

“Bentley, there’s no need—”

“To shout? Just get on with it Addison. I want to leave this place. They could be coming to get us right now and you’re worrying about funerals?!?”

She looks over at Quinton who just shrugs and turns back to me. “Do you need help standing?”

In answer I try to push myself up. I’m shaking still and feeling weak but I’m able to get on all fours and lean onto my knees so I’m upright. Quinton comes over to my side and puts my arm over his shoulders. He’s build is slightly bigger than mine but still slim and taller than I am. He pulls me up to a standing position.

“Hey, Addy—Addison, do you have a car?”

“Yes, it’s around the corner.”

“Do you need a hand with that?”

“No, I can manage,” she answers looking at me.

It’s hard to read her thoughts by the look on her face, but I guess she acquiesces because she turns and activates her time control ability. She first goes to work on the girl, speeding up her decomposition until she’s nothing but bones, which then turn brittle and break down.

“This might take a while. Why don’t we get you into the car,” Quinton says to me.

I do the only thing I can and allow Quinton to help me to the car while maintaining a look out with my feelers for others approaching. What strikes me as odd is the lack of activity around here. Granted it is late at night, but shouldn’t there also be humans out and about still?

We walk as best as we can, with me leaning against Quinton for support, and finally reach the end of the block. When we turn the corner it’s as though time has unfrozen or like we’ve walked out of a fog. I can see and hear and sense humans around us. “Quinton, did you notice that?”

“You mean how all of a sudden the world woke back up?”

“Yeah.”

I can feel Quinton readying himself for a fight.

“Which one is Addison’s car?”

“That black one, two down.”

I focus my energy trying to make my feelers more sensitive to anything that isn’t human; though, now I know that doesn't mean we’re safe.

Almost like he can read my mind, Quinton asks, “those two back there were human, weren’t they?”

“Yes, they were.”

“Any chance you can pick up on traitorous humans?” he jokes, but I know he’s serious because he picks up the pace and we move quickly to the car.

“Unfortunately no.”

“Will you be okay here? I want to go and back up Addison.”

“Yes,” I say as I lean against the car. I don't want to get in just yet, so he leaves me there and runs back to Addison.

I can sense his aura and Addison’s. I don't know that I could move to help them if something does come up to attack them, but I think I would have an easier chance out here than in the car. I close my eyes and focus entirely on sensing through my feelers. I hear a bit of song like earlier creeping into my mind as I focus. It’s faint, but it repeats, “everything’s all right for now.” I let it lull me into a relaxed state while still maintaining a watch over Addison and Quinton.

“Bentley?” I hear Addison’s voice in my mind.

“Yes, Addison,” I reply silently.

“Is everything okay?”

I reply along with the song, “ everything’s all right for now.”

“Who’s voice is that?”

Instantly the song stops and I snap my eyes open looking around for the source. I think to myself and Addison, “I don't know. I thought it was just a song.”

“I don't think you’re right about that, she replies. “We’re almost finished here.”

My defenses are back up. If Addison is right, then that means someone else can get into my head. After tonight’s attack, I have to wonder if it has anything to do with her.

Within minutes, Addison and Quinton are rounding the corner. We all get into the car and head back to the flat without anyone saying a word. Quinton helps me up to the flat and drops us both onto the sofa. Addison paces the room. Harding remains in the study.

Addison finally sits down across from me and begins the interrogation. “Bentley, please tell me what happened starting from your departure tonight.”

I replay the event for her in as much detail as I can. She doesn’t stop me to ask questions, just takes in the whole sequence of events.

“You left out the part after I arrived,” Addison says.

“But you were there.”

“No, later, when Quinton helped you to the car.”

“Oh, that. Well, we were walking. I had my feelers out sensing for anyone since it seemed that I had walked right into a trap. Only I didn't sense anyone, Aplorian or human. At least not until we went around the corner. Then it was like we had walked through a door that lead back into the real world. I could sense with my feelers and just my regular senses all the humans around me. I could hear cars going by and people talking. Regular city noises.”

“That’s what Quinton said, which troubles me. But there was one thing more. The voice, the song.”

“I thought it was just that, a song playing in my head. It happened earlier too.”

“That, too, troubles me. When I hear songs play in your head, it is a recollection. It sounds different. What I heard in your mind was not a recollection but a voice insinuated in your mind, like…well, like mind control.”

“You’re saying someone was controlling me?”

“I don't think so. It seems like all of your actions tonight were of your own volition. Do you disagree?”

“No. No, I walked into that alley to help that girl.”

“See,” Quinton speaks up, “that’s the part that puzzles me. Doesn't that seem a little contrived?”

“How so, Quinton?” Addison asks.

“Well, don't you think it was weird that you were the only one around to see the attack, that you were the only one to respond to the girl’s cries? Did you notice anyone else around?”

“No, I was thinking about earlier, about the target we were tracking. Then I heard that voice. That was the first time I heard it tonight. It was singing ‘so close’.”

“So maybe it was a trap,” Addison guesses.

“A particularly well-timed trap, if you ask me,” Quinton says. “I mean, how would they know that you would leave this flat when you did and that you would be alone?”

“That is puzzling,” Addison says.

“Unless…”Quinton hesitates.

“Unless what?” I ask.

Quinton looks back at me and finishes, “a psychic.”

“But I thought…”

“That it’s impossible for Aplorians, right?” Quinton finishes my thought for me. “Well, I’ve been doing some research into hybrids, as we all have, of course,” he says to Addison. “I’ve theorized that it would be possible for a hybrid, I mean if that’s all they did was focus on the future. I don't know that they would be good for much else since it’s so time-consuming. I also don’t truly believe it’s impossible for Aplorians. I think we just didn’t try to hone that ability since it isn't as effective and is very time-consuming to do. Another thing is that there are regular humans who have the innate ability to discern future events to an extent, so it seems plausible that hybrids would be able to hone psychic abilities.”

“But I’ve never come across any nor any reports of that.”

“Neither have I, but like I said, it’s a theory. You have to admit, though, it does seem plausible since there is a significant percentage of the human population with some latent psychic ability.”

“Wait. First there’s someone trying to control my mind and then there’s a psychic. And they both seem to be working for her…for my mother?”

“And someone who can create a sort of vacuum, I’m guessing is what it was,” Quinton adds.

No one says anything for a little while. Just puzzling things out I guess. I’m lost in my own thoughts when Addison asks how I’m feeling again.

“I’m okay. Just worn out.”

“Do you think you could do with a shower?”

Realizing how filthy I must be, I answer, “yeah. You’re right.”

“Will you be all right on your own?” Quinton asks. That smirk is back, but I’m not sure why.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine.” I stand up slowly still testing my muscle control. I’m a little shaky but I stay on my feet. I make it to the bathroom leaning on the furniture and the walls.

I turn on the water so hot the room steams up in a matter of seconds. While in the shower I replay the events of the night from the beginning trying to remember every little detail, searching for a clue that I could have missed.

I know I was walking down the street but I really wasn’t paying attention to where I was going. I remember hearing that voice singing so close. It was a girl’s voice, but not the same girl from the alleyway. Besides, she was completely human. So if it wasn’t her, then who was it? Was it really mind control?

And those humans. They were definitely working for my mother, but they weren’t hybrids, which means she is involving regular humans in her plans. It was a fear Addison and I had discussed, which might explain the earlier target with the human weapons—that is if the target is working with my mother.

And then there’s Quinton and his theories. I can’t remember walking into a vacuum, as Quinton called it. There weren’t people around. I know that. I sent out my feelers sensing for anyone. I remember trying to reach Addison. But if I sent them out that far, shouldn’t I have sensed Quinton? I know it’s possible for a hybrid to have the ability to hide form my feelers. It’s happened once before that I know of for a fact. Addison theorized it had to do with being part human and being able to put a damper on their alien side somehow, but pureblooded Aplorians can’t since they are completely alien, and I know I could sense him later when he went to help Addison. And if Quinton is right and there was someone creating a vacuum, is it possible that it was Quinton himself doing it? I wonder how well Addison knows Quinton. With that thought, I finish my shower as quickly as I can.

Once back in my room, I find the first clean thing I have to put on while thinking of the best way to broach the subject of Quinton’s trustworthiness. I know she won’t be hurt by my distrust of him, but I need to make her see the possibility that he could be a traitor. I need to get Addison alone to ask her about Quinton without raising Quinton’s suspicion. Perhaps if I just called her in here pretending to ask for help. It’s worth a try so I call out to her, “hey, Addison?”

“Yes, Bentley,” she answers after a few seconds. “May I open the door?”

“Yes.”

“Did you need some help after all?” Quinton asks.

I can see that he’s standing right behind her. I stifle the annoyance I feel. “No, I’m all right. I was just wondering if you came up with any other theories.”

“Not really,” she answers.

“But I do have a few questions,” Quinton adds. He’s not the only one I think to myself. It’s times like this that I wish I could speak telepathically with Addison, which reminds me that it’s possible that Quinton can read minds as easily as Addison can. It’s a pretty common ability among Aploarians. I can't feel that he’s activated any ability, so I can only hope that either he can't read minds or that he respects privacy like Addison does. Most Aplorians I know that do have the ability, do, but I can't say that about Quinton. Even though I only suspect that he may be a traitor, he doesn’t act much like an Aplorian, which just throws further suspicion on him.

“He asked questions I felt should be answered by you,” Addison explains.

“Like what?”

“Like who is your mother?”

“I guess introductions would help before that,” Addison says. “Bentley, this is Quinton. He’s an Aplorian who focuses his work on collecting information about humans, much like an anthropologist.”

I guess that would explain his odd behavior. His mannerisms do seem much more human than Aplorian. “And Quinton, this is Bentley.”

“A hybrid, I presume.”

“Yes.” I keep my answer short even though I’m not really offended at his use. There’s no derision in his voice. It seems like pure curiosity.

“How intriguing. You’re the first I’ve met and gotten to really talk to.” He walks over and sits on the foot of my bed across from me, which confirms that he has spent a lot of time around humans. An Aplorian would never be so bold. “So it was your mother who was Aplorian? Who was she?”

“Like I said,” Addison interjects, “he has a few questions I thought should be left up to you as to whether he gets an answer or not.”

“Thank you for being considerate, Addison.” I don't want to answer him especially since I suspect him of being in cahoots with my mother, possibly. At the same time, though, perhaps if I gain his trust, then we can trap him more easily.

Without a good excuse to not answer him, I respond, “my mother is Ladain.”

“Whoa. Seriously? I knew she was leading experiments with hybrids, but I wasn’t aware that she had…” he trails off gesturing at me while speaking to Addison. He stands suddenly. “Then how—”

“How did I get away from her?”

“Well, yes. I mean I know her projects are heavily protected since her experiments are rumored to be very dangerous, testing the extreme bounds of the possibilities of abilities.”

“She was. I’m sure she still is.” I don't want to give too much away so I leave it at that. “Addison, would you two mind…”

“Of course, Bentley,” she says understanding that this conversation is over.

“But I still have so many questions,” Quinton begs.

“And they can wait. I think we could all use a rest. It’s been a very long day for some of us.” Addison leads Quinton out of the room.

“Hey, Addison,”

“Yes, Bentley.”

“Could I see you for just a minute?” I ask quietly.

“Sure.” She pushes Quinton outside and closes the door behind him. She walks back over to me.

I don’t speak at first. I’m still trying to figure out how to broach the topic, but I know Addison is fine with the direct approach so I just dive right in. “Do you think it’s possible Quinton was in on the trap? That he could be working for Ladain?”

I’m grateful she actually takes a moment to think about it before answering. “I suppose that would be possible except that I have known Quinton for a very long time.”

“But people can change, right? He wouldn’t be the first.”

“You’re right about that, but… Let me think about it tonight. I won’t rule out the possibility. We can talk more tomorrow morning. Or rather later this morning,” she says looking at my clock on the bedside table. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Addison, and thank you…for respecting my privacy.”

“Of course, Bentley.” She turns and leaves the room.

I lie down and think over it quickly falling asleep and falling into the usual nightmares that come after being exposed to the spiders and the black ooze.

I can’t parse apart where my wakefulness melted into the dream since it happens in my room. I’m lying in bed thinking over the night’s events and Quinton’s fortunate appearance saving me from a complete inundation in the effects of the black ooze. I roll over onto my side and look at the floor lit by the light coming in from the streetlight outside. The light colored carpet begins to darken in spots like water has flooded it in spots. I sit up and switch on the light on my bedside table. I’m about to swing my feet to the floor when I look down and see that all the floor looks wet. The grey is slowly turning to black, spreading, edges meeting until the whole floor is covered.

When the wetness meets the wall, it slowly crawls up the edge and I can see it’s true color is black. I watch it slowly spread up the wall, covering the windows and doors. Then the level starts rising while the ooze that has crawled up the wall meets the ceiling and begins to coat that too.

I’m calm for some reason until the ceiling bursts like a bubble and I see that I am afloat on my bed in a sea of black ooze. The bed is slowly sinking but there is no help for it. There is nothing safe to move to in the ooze-covered landscape. I cry out hoping someone can help me. I try to extend my feelers but nothing happens. I try to calm myself and focus and try again, yet again there is nothing. The bed is sinking faster now. I cry out again and off in the distance I can see something white coming closer. Whatever it is isn’t going to make it in time.

I stand on the bed to buy myself some time but the ooze quickly overtakes the bed and I begin to sink. I try to doggie paddle but the murk is too thick and I have trouble just bringing one hand up to stay afloat. When I look for the white thing again, it’s much closer. I cry for help and when I look again, I can finally make out the white thing. It’s my sister. She’s older, but I can tell it’s her. She dressed in white and hovering over the black ooze. Her hair is longer, but her eyes are the same blue as before. I try to ask her for help and reach out my hand so she can pull me out.

“If you come with me…”

I sink again and I can't make out the words. With all my effort I push my head above the top of the ooze and catch her mid-sentence.

“…come with me and you’ll never have to suffer this again.” She is holding a balloon out to me. I reach for it and feel my fingers close upon its thin little string. I’m still sinking, though so I pull myself up the string until I reach the balloon. The balloon has grown and I push my torso onto it using it as a float. But it soon pops. I feel the explosion in my chest. It hurts much more than it should and I slip into the ooze again. I can still feel bits of the balloon sticking to my hands. I push myself up through the ooze again, but she’s gone this time.

“Caraway!” I yell. “Caraway!” No matter how much I yell she doesn’t reappear. I’m not having as much trouble swimming in the black ooze all of a sudden. When I look down I see that my bed has resurfaced and it’s supporting me above the ooze, which seems to be quickly draining away. I look for her again on the horizon but I see that I’ve returned to my own room, everything back in its place.

I look around at the room and see that it’s morning or daytime at least. I look into my hands but I see nothing there. It was just a dream but it felt so real. That’s to be expected, though. I know this from all my previous experience with the black ooze.

I can hear people talking beyond my room and I can smell food cooking. Despite these routine sounds and smells, I feel a little disjointed. Was that a dream or was it real? Then I stand suddenly realizing I know her name. My sister’s name is Caraway. But how do I know this unless we did know about each other…unless what I dreamed before was in fact a memory. But why is all this coming back to me now—and in my dreams no less?

It was just a dream. I look at the clock, which reads 10:07. I again look down at my hands for the balloon but it’s empty. I lift my shirt and feel my chest. There’s a little tender spot there along with a few others from the fight last night. I probably just hit a sore spot in my sleep and my mind made the pain fit into my dream. I shake off this confused feeling and get dressed to join the others.

Harding and Addison are seated around the dining table and Quinton is in the kitchen. Whatever he’s making smells delicious and my stomach growls in response. Quinton is the first to notice me.

“Good morning, morning glory,” he says from the kitchen. “You hungry?”

Addison and Harding turn to me and wave me over to join them at the table. “I don’t know that you’ll want to eat what he’s serving,” Addison says under her breath while smiling at Quinton. Harding just nods in agreement.

“No, that’s okay. I’m good.”

“Oh, but I insist,” Quinton says with a big smile while serving up a plate of whatever he’s cooking. He walks over and sets the plate and utensils down in front of me and says, “voila. Try it. I think you’ll like it.”

The plate is covered in black ooze. I quickly sit back in my chair and look up at Quinton incredulously and that’s when I see her. It’s Caraway still dressed in white hovering behind Quinton. She nods and silently mouths, “eat it. It’s fine.”

I shake my head. There’s no way I’m eating that. I don’t want another dose so quickly behind last night—not that I ever want another dose. I just know how the awfulness is magnified when doses come quickly one after another. The antidote takes longer to take effect—not that I see Quinton frying up an antidote anywhere.

Suddenly Caraway is kneeling right next to me. Her lips aren’t moving but I can hear her clearly. “Trust me. You’ll be fine. Eat it and see.”

I look at Addison and Harding who are very focused on whatever it is they are discussing to notice this exchange apparently.

“I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, Bentley. Trust me,” she pleads.

I look back at the plate and pick up the spoon. I barely dip the tip of it into the ooze and bring it up to my lips. I just hope Quinton still has that antidote vial from last night. I close my eyes and put the spoon in my mouth. It tastes nothing like I expect. It has a very light slightly sweet taste and the consistency is closer to water. I open my eyes waiting for the hallucinogenic effects to appear. But nothing happens. I feel no tingling. None of the usual effects. Nothing.

“H-how?” I ask Caraway.

She just smiles in response and raises a finger to her lips. “Shh.” Then she stands and turns and walks out the front door. I look back at Harding and Addison to see they are still engrossed in their conversation. I scoot back from the table and take off running after Caraway. By the time I reach the door she’s gone. I run down to the street to see if I can catch her, but there’s no sign of her. “Caraway?” I try knowing she’s long gone and that it’s useless.

People walk by me on the street. A few look at me questioningly, but none are Caraway.

“Bentley?”

I spin around hoping to see Caraway, but it's only Addison.

“Addison,” I say disappointed.

“Are you okay?” she asks.

I look around one last time for Caraway. Still there is no sign of her. I send out my feelers as strongly as I can trying to sense her but all I feel are the three Aplorians I know and all the random humans around us.

“Bentley, who are you searching for? Is there a danger I should know about?”

“No. There’s no one there.” When I look back up at Addison, I see Quinton coming down the steps behind her. Quinton, who made a dish of the black ooze. Black ooze that I ate.

“Is he okay?” Quinton asks Addison.

She shrugs her shoulders in response and asks me again, “are you okay, Bentley?”

Was I dreaming this whole time? “I…I…Addison…” I don't quite know how to phrase this without worrying her.

“Maybe we should go back inside,” Quinton suggests.

“I agree. Bentley, let’s get you inside.”

Without a word I acquiesce and return to our flat.

When I enter the flat, I stop at the dining table. My plate is still there only there is no black ooze anywhere on the plate. I can’t really tell what it is. An egg concoction of some sort and what might be beans but nothing resembling the black ooze that I tasted earlier. Is it possible it was a vision? Is it possible that Caraway, my sister, has the ability to project herself? I want to ask Addison but not with Quinton standing right over us.

“Bentley, are you still hungry?” Quinton asks tentatively. “I could make you something else…I mean, if that’s the issue.”

I shake my head and set the spoon down that I’ve been carrying. The light from the dining room chandelier is reflected off the spoon into my eyes and that’s when I notice that there is a small smudge of black near the handle. I quickly pick up the spoon and examine it more closely. It is black ooze. Tentatively, I stick out my tongue and lick it again. It’s the same texture and taste as earlier.

Even if she could project herself or if it was a dream, there’s no way that ooze should still be there.

“Addison, I know this is going to sound odd, but am I awake?”

“Yes, at least I thought you were.”

“What just happened. I mean from when I woke up. Can you tell me?”

“Harding and I were sitting at the dining room table when you came out of your bedroom. You sat at the table with us. Quinton served you breakfast—“

“Did you say anything to me when I sat down?”

“Yes,” she says with a smirk then looks at Quinton and says, “sorry, I didn’t really care for your um…experiment.” She then turns to me and says, “I warned you about what he was going to serve.”

“Look, if you think I was trying to poison you, I wasn’t. I can make you something different,” Quinton jokes weakly.

“And what was served? Did you see?” I ask ignoring Quinton entirely.

“Yes, Bentley. You were served what we all were served this morning. It’s still there on the table in front of you.”

I want to ask about the ooze on the spoon. Is it possible Quinton slipped that to me on my spoon alone? But if that is the case, then how is Caraway involved? Am I still asleep?

“Addison, is there a way you can prove that I’m awake?”

“Bentley, I don’t understand. Please explain what it is you think is going on.”

I can hear the worry in her voice but I can’t divulge what I’m thinking with Quinton here. I look up at him and out of my periphery I can see Addison follow my gaze. As if she can read my mind she says, “Quinton, would you mind if I spoke with Bentley alone, please?”

“Sure. In fact I’ll go prepare a bucket of cold water in case you need some help proving to him he’s awake.”

“Quinton, please.”

“No problem. Hey, Harding, you want to show me around. I need to pick up a few things at the store anyway.”

Harding, who has been standing in the study watching us, nods his head, picks up his bag and leads Quinton out of the flat.

We watch them leave and as soon as the door is closed Addison turns to me and asks, “Bentley, please be completely open with me. I am very worried.”

I begin pacing not sure where to begin or exactly what to disclose. Caraway did shush me, but was that to keep quiet or to keep quiet about the ooze. Then again, what loyalty do I owe her…except that she is my sister, possibly the only other person who may know and understand me and can identify with being one of Ladain’s hybrid experiments.

I look up and see that I’ve paced into the study. The three communication spheres sit on the desk and next to them is a small glass vial that looks vaguely familiar. I walk over and pick it up. Addison doesn’t say a word. She just watches my investigation waiting for me to tell her what is going on.

Upon closer examination of the vial, I nearly drop it in surprise and repulsion. It’s one of Ladain’s spiders. “What is this doing here?”

“Quinton and I recovered it from the scene last night.”

“I destroyed them. How is it still whole? Addison, please explain.” I feel a sense a hysteria rising in me. “I know I destroyed them all. Unless I’m still sleeping and this is all a dream.”

“Bentley, you’re not dreaming. I reversed time on one of them and brought it back to be studied so we can build a defense against them. Harding is working on it.”

“A defense?”

“Well, yes. Quinton still had the vial of antidote and we’re looking into making more of it if we can reconfigure the chemical sequence and we needed an intact spider in order to test the antidote we make.”

“More experiments? And who is supposed to be your test subject?”

“We—”

“Addison, do you know how dangerous that stuff is to mess around with?”

“We thought you would be able to help.”

“To help you develop more of the black ooze? Now I know I’m dreaming. Ladain, my mother, knows that if nothing else, she will suffer the harshest of penalties just for creating the stuff in the first place. And you guys want to make more of it? And you want my help? No. No way. In fact…” Without even thinking of the consequences, I break the vial open and release the spider. At the same time I extend a feeler, latch on to the spider and send a pulse along the extension. The spider explodes sending a spray of black ooze across the room. Since I was standing right in front of it, the largest spray lands on me. “Addison, where is the antidote?”

“I…It…” she exhales hard.

I turn around to see her falling to the ground. “Addison? No.” I run over to her. Her eyes are squeezed shut. The hallucinations must have already started. Mine haven’t but that doesn’t mean I have a lot of time to waste. “Addison,” I speak slowly but loudly. “There are no more spiders. They’re all gone, but I need you to tell me where is the antidote Quinton had?”

I can see she’s trying to respond. “Addison, slow down your breathing. Calm down. Don’t open your eyes, okay. I have you. I won’t let anything happen to you. I’ve taken care of all the spiders. It’s just your imagination. There is no pain. Addison? Where's the antidote?”

“D-d-d-desk. Desk!” She screams and then starts writhing in my arms.

I quickly lay her on the floor and run over to the desk knocking one of the spheres to the ground. I yank open the desk drawer and find the vial of antidote. I run back over to her and lay her face up and spray her quickly once in the face. Some of the green spray has merged with her tears and roll down the creases of her eyes. I try to wipe them away and hold her close until the antidote takes full effect. “I’m so sorry, Addison. I’m so sorry,” I say over and over again holding her tightly.

Slowly her breathing returns to normal and the stiffness of her body relaxes. I relax my arms a little so I can see her face. The fear is still there but I can see that the worst of it is over. “Are you okay?”

She shakes her head very slightly and swallows. She starts coughing so I turn her onto her side just in time for her to throw up what little was in her stomach. Most of it is stained black, which is a good sign. I know it means that the black ooze has left her system.

“Let me get a towel.” I help her sit up and dash to the kitchen to get towels for the vomit and wet another for her.

I throw the dry towels over the vomit and hand her the wet one.

“Bathroom.” Her voice sounds harsh.

“Of course.” I help her stand up but she’s too weak to make it, so I pick her up very gently and carry her to the bathroom. Fortunately the bathroom is small, and the sink is positioned very close to the toilet so she can easily sit on the toilet and lean over to the sink. I grab a clean towel and hand it to her. She’s still coughing a little but the color is starting to come back into her cheeks.

“Addison, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to…”

She weakly waves me off.

I run the water for her and dip the towel in the water and clean her off as best I can. She fumbles for the cup on the sink and knocks it down. I pick it up, fill it, and help her drink. Slowly her strength comes back and she is able to hold the cup herself using both hands.

“Are you feeling better?”

She nods.

Do you want to lie down?”

She nods again. I help her to stand and this time she is able to stand and walk with help from me.

I cover her with the blanket on her bed and kneel so that our faces are even. I wipe her hair back from her face.

“Are,” she pauses. Her breathing is still a little ragged and it takes her a few moments to go on. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I had the antidote and…” I realize I never used the antidote on myself. “I’m fine.”

The realization that I am truly one hundred percent absolutely healthy takes is such a relief that I actually start taking giant slow breaths as though I’ve somehow been tightly bound or buried under something heavy and now that weight, that pressure is completely gone. I feel so free and something more. I feel powerful. Invincible even. The one power my mother held over me and now it’s gone. I could fly. I think about trying it out, in fact, until I notice Addison’s heavy breathing. She’s fallen asleep. I close the curtains on her window and leave closing the door behind me.

I walk back over to the desk in the study thinking I must have gotten some of the antidote on me or something. I kneel down and pick up the vial. There are no leaks. The vial is in perfect condition. There are no cracks in the spraying mechanism. The vial is not moist at all. There ‘s no sign that the antidote could have leaked out onto the floor where I left it. I go and check where it was in the desk and I find the same thing. Perfectly clean and dry. I put the vial back where I found it and look at the remains of the spider.

There is still a small pool of black ooze below the remains. Only one way to know for sure. I stick my finger on the edge of the pool and smear my finger across it wiping most of it up. I hold my finger out in front of my face, take a steadying breath, and then stick my finger in my mouth. Again, the consistency strikes me as very different from my expectation and the taste is light. It almost tastes and feels like lightly sweetened water, like a bit of honey was mixed in. I wait for the effects to appear but nothing, just like earlier when my sister asked me to trust her, which brings me back to the confusion about whether I’m awake or not. What was a dream and what wasn’t?

The front door opens and Quinton and Harding are there. “So are you awake or should I get the bucket of cold water?”

“Go for it. I could use a shower,” I joke. I feel so giddy and free not even Quinton’s peculiar behavior or Harding’s frustrating questions could get me down.

“Oh, good. Feeling better I see.”

“Indeed, it seems so,” Harding says as he pushes past Quinton to take a look at the study. “But what happened here? Why is this on the floor?” Harding asks as he picks up the sphere that had fallen off the desk earlier. “And what is that,” he says reaching to touch the black ooze.

“No,” I yell, pushing his hand away. “Don’t touch that. In fact, get out of here and I’ll clean up.”

“Where’s Addison,” Quinton asks.

“She’s lying down.” I take the sphere from Harding and push him out of the study. I grab some towels.

“What? Why? Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, just stay out of here for a minute.”

Quinton looks at Harding and shrugs. He then turns to the kitchen and begins unloading the items in his bags. I start cleaning up the mess in the study and I hear Harding knocking on Addison’s door and then opening it, I suppose to check on her.

I clean up the mess without fear of touching the black ooze. In fact, when I do accidentally get some on my wrist I lick it off. Oh, if my mother could see me now.

I dump the dirty rags and the circuitry and other remains of the spider in the trashcan in the study and then take it to the kitchen. The only way of completely getting rid of it now is to set fire to it, so I strike a match and drop it into the can. Good thing the can is metal and the kitchen floor is granite. I turn on the fan above the stove to get rid of the smoke. The mess burns fast because of the ooze, which is highly flammable. Quinton stands back and watches me.

“What exactly are you burning?”

“The remains of the spider.”

“Addy and Harding won’t be too happy about that.”

“I think Addison will be fine with it and I don’t care what Harding thinks about this. It’s the right thing to do.”

“Right.”

“What’s that smell?” Harding asks as comes back into the kitchen.

“It’s the spider from last night,” Quinton answers for me.

“Why are you burning it?”

“Because it’s the right thing to do,” Quinton parodies my answer.

“Indeed?”

“Yes, Harding. My mother created enough of those things that there’s no reason to create more. They’re too dangerous.”

“Yes, but we were trying to recreate the antidote in order to have a defense in case we are ever confronted with that type of foe.”

“Then use the antidote, but bear in mind, even that is dangerous. It has its own set of side effects that are unpleasant enough.” I grab the fire extinguisher from the pantry and douse the remaining flames in the can. I take the can outside to the larger garbage cans and drop it in.

I step back and take a deep breath taking in my surroundings. I smile thinking about how cool it would be if I could fly and wonder how one goes about activating that ability to see if it exists. Guess I’ll have to wait for Addison to wake up to let me know if it’s possible.

I look around one last time before going back in to the flat and notice a girl smiling back at me from across the street. She’s quite pretty even though she doesn’t look to be wearing any make up. Her dark hair is very short and a little wispy around the edges of her face. She’s wearing a long flowing white skirt and a brown sleeveless top.

I look behind me to see if she’s smiling at someone else. There’s no one else there looking back at her. I give her a short wave of my hand to say hi and she waves back. She looks for cross traffic. After a car crosses she hurries across the street.

“Hey”

“Hi. Do I know you?”

“Oh, sorry. My name is Gaby.” She holds out her hand to me.

“Hi, Gaby. Do I know you,” I ask again still puzzled as I shake her hand.

“No, I just saw you smiling and well, it’s nice to see someone so happy they look like they could fly.”

My smile widens. “Good guess.”

“Did you win the lottery or something. Oh, wait, or did you just realize you were in love. That’s my favorite.”

“No, neither. Your favorite?”

“Yeah, you know how people get really goofy when they meet someone they like and then they hang out some more and then one day they wake up thinking about that person and poof. They realize they’ve met the one person they want to spend the rest of their lives with. Then they have this huge grin on their face for days.”

“Ah, I get it I guess.”

“Sorry. Am I being too weird. I guess so. I did just cross the street to talk to a complete stranger just because they were smiling. Sorry. Well, it was nice to meet you.”

“Oh, no, it’s okay. Don’t apologize. I don’t think you’re weird. Trust me. I know weird and you are…well, okay a little abnormal but nothing to suppress.”

She raises her eyebrows in comprehension. “Got it. I guess a little abnormal is a okay.”

“Yeah, it’s perfectly healthy.”

“So you’re a psychiatrist or counselor?”

I laugh. “No, not at all. I’m a researcher.”

“Oh...okay. A researcher.” I can tell she’s rolling this around in her mind trying to figure out what it means. “So you work in a lab?”

“No, I work from home. I get assignments to research and I come up with theories and hypotheses and research to prove if they’re true or not.” She still looks puzzled so I continue. “I do research online and some field work depending on the question posed kind of like doing a research paper.”

“Wow. Sounds kind of…like my worst nightmare. Ugh. I hate research papers. I’d rather do things with my hands. I hate having to sit in some stuffy old library and then at a computer screen coming up with so many thousands of words. Blech.”

“Well, the topics I’m assigned are usually pretty interesting and I like figuring out puzzles.”

“Oh, me too. When you put it that way…”

“So I take it you’re a student?”

“Yeah.”

“What are you studying?”

“Heh. That’s a good question. My father would like to know the answer to that too.”

“Liberal arts student?”

“Yeah, something like that. Going to college was my father’s idea, but I’d rather do what he does. He’s a healer.”

“Oh, like a doctor?”

“Yes, but without all the drugs. He helps people cure themselves.”

“Interesting.”

“Exactly. But he says I need something more stable than healing. He says if I want to heal then I should go to medical school. Great except I can’t pass chemistry to save my life.”

“Yeah, I’ve never had to do much with chemistry so I can't help you there.”

“Oh, well.”

We stand smiling at each other for a moment.

“Well,” she shrugs. “Guess I’ll see you around some time.”

“Yeah.”

“Keep smiling, whatever the reason.”

“You too. And good luck with school…or your father.”

“Thanks.” With that she checks traffic and crosses back to the other side of the street. Halfway across the street she turns back and returns to my side of the street. “Hey, you wouldn’t happen want to have lunch with me…” She scoffs a little at her forwardness, I suppose. “I mean, I don’t normally do this but…”

“It’s okay. I already know you’re a little abnormal. It’s cute.” Did I mean that? “I mean, yeah, it’s fine…oh, but I can’t right now. Sorry.”

“Oh, yeah, no problem. Well, if you change your mind you can always find me at Finn’s coffee house around the corner.” She waves and runs back across the street before I can say anything else.

I guess I kind of embarrassed her. I should have said yes. And did I really mean that she was cute? I mean, she is definitely very cute, but…I guess being so caught up in the search for renegade Aplorians and hybrids I’ve never really thought about having a relationship with anyone, especially a normal human completely outside of my world. I wonder what that would be like.

I know what Addison would say about that. She would worry about all the what-ifs, but does it matter if I just want a friend who is human and not an Aplorian so ruled by logic. It would be nice to know that all my emotions and losing control is truly a part of being human. Who says it needs to end up in a long-lasting intimate relationship. Having some advice from a human would be so helpful. I decide maybe I should foster this friendship and see what happens. It’s not like I’m planning to have a family with her. And it’s not like there are and Aplorian rules about that. There hasn’t ever been a hybrid that they were able to work with since they’ve all been trained to be weapons, like I was. It’s just a good thing for me there a spy to let me know there was another way. That I didn’t have to do whatever Ladain said.

I run back up to the flat to check on Addison and let the others know I’m going to be out for a little while. When I get back Quinton has apparently filled Harding in on what I did earlier.

“Why would you do something so dangerous? You put Addison’s life in danger. You even put your own in danger,” Harding says. He isn’t really expressing anger but I can tell he is very disappointed that I’ve taken his latest experiment away from him.

“I didn't mean to hurt her and I knew that there was antidote in the apartment.”

“But why did you do that? We were studying it.”

“Addison said you were studying it to make more. There’s no need to make more. Ladain can give you all you want if you really want them. Ladian, remember her? Our enemy? The one whose who life has been focused on creating more weapons that are more and more deadly. Why would we be interested in following in her footsteps and making more weapons designed by her?”

“So we could defend ourselves.”

“We need to find another way. All you’re doing is making it easy for someone who wants to follow in her footsteps to do so. We don’t need her weapons. We need to be smarter than her in order to defeat her.”

“Recreating her weapons and the antidote was one way of doing that.”

“Find another way. Recreating her weapons is wrong. We should not do that under any circumstances. They are too dangerous.”

“And you know better than we?”

“About this and her? Yeah. I’m going to check on Addison.” I turn and leave the conversation. I understand what his point was but it’s still wrong, since it’s possible for his recreation attempts could fall into the wrong hands.

I softly knock on Addiosn’s door, but there is no answer. I quietly open the door and slip inside. She’s moaning quietly and there is a sheen of sweat on her brow. That’s normal. I cover her shoulders with the blanket and whisper, “you’re going to be fine, Addison. Just rest.”

The moaning subsides and she slips into a deeper sleep. I turn and leave the room as quietly as I entered, then head back to my room to pick up the book I was reading yesterday. I figure I’ll take that just in case Gaby isn’t at the café. It would be nice to get some air and kill some time outside of the flat.

“I’m taking off for a bit. I’ll be back in a few hours.” I say to no one in particular. I don't want to welcome the debate to be reopened, and I walk out of the flat and down the street.

I’ve never been to Finn’s but I think I know where it is. It’s not too far from the flat, which is nice so I can walk. It turns out to be a short walk. Right around the corner form my street. It’s a tiny little coffee shop that looks like it’s been a part of the neighborhood for some time. All the furniture seems worn but in a good way, like it’s a part of the family of coffee drinkers and sandwich eaters that frequent the café.

I spot Gaby before she sees me. She’s reading a pretty hefty textbook. I watch as she puts a piece of hair back behind her ear. Her bangs are long and seem to be a bit unruly, but the way it goes with the rest of her look, a little unkempt like a little girl grown up is quite cute. Her tan legs stick out from under the table. She must come here often to feel so at ease. Like the furniture, I guess. It must be nice to have been some place for so ling that you feel like you belong. Being on different assignments, we never get to settle in any one place for too long. Maybe this is a bad idea. Being here and making friends with a human.

Just when I think I should go, she looks up from her book. She surprised but happy. A huge grin spreads over her face. So cute. I really need to watch myself.

“Hey,” she says and waves me over. “I’m so glad you came. I thought maybe I had scared you off from ever talking to random strangers ever again.”

I return the smile. “No, random strangers can prove to be very interesting, like you have so far.” Am I flirting?

“So far, huh? So you think there’s the potential for me to become less interesting?” she jokes?

Is she flirting back? Friends, I remind myself. Just friends. Casual acquaintances. “I doubt it.” This is so not going as innocently as I had hoped. “So what do you recommend?”

“Coffee and lots of it,” she says.

“Got it. Can I get you anything?”

“Nope. I’m good,” she says and takes a sip from her cup.

I head up to the counter and order the coffee and a sandwich realizing that I haven’t had anything to eat yet. And that I still haven’t figured out what happened this morning besides becoming immune to the black ooze. A huge smile spreads across my face again. The thought of not being affected by the black ooze now that I won't be affected by it ever again is exciting. I kind of want to get into a fight with my mother again just to see her face when there is no effect from the black ooze.

“Did you need something else?” the counter person asks.

“No, I’m great,” I answer. I take my food and drink and join Gaby.

Being with Gaby almost makes me feel completely normal. Like I have no enemies, no one to hunt down. No reason to be paranoid all the time. She tells me all about her father and his ability to heal others just by laying hands on them. She says he also promotes posistive thinking which as a very powerful effect on his clients. I believe her about that, but it also sounds like he may have some latent ability beyond the norm for humans—nothing that would make me think he’s a hybrid, but it’s possible that he is at the forefront of the natural evolution of humans in this age. It’s not unheard of. There are plenty of stories of psychics and telepathics and people with telekinesis. Their abilities are usually quite weak, but it’s a start in their evolutiopn of becoming more and more like Aplorians. The Aplorians are worried that humans will follow the same path that occurred on Aploria. All the wards that cost so many lives. The years wasted on legislating the changes in evolution. It’s not like it could be controlled by those with the developing abilities. So many people, children tortured when they couldn’t even control what was happening to them. It was finally a very violent and bloody revolution that led to the peace they now enjoy.

Some Aplorians are here on Earth to monitor the developing abilities. I should probably file a report on her father to be investigated when I get back to the flat. That’s another part of our duties while we are on assignment. I wonder if I should also report Gaby since she probably has similar abilities especially when she has expressed an affinity for the work. I ask her about it to determine if she should be investigated further. Perhaps I can be the one assigned to her case.

“So can you do what you’re father can? I mean, you know, heal people just by touching them?”

“Well, mine is a little different.” She seems a little shy of talking about this subject. The smile that has been on her lips this whole has kind of died a bit.

“We don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want,” I offer.

“No, it’s okay. I mean, you seem very open minded about this sort of thing. Some people I’ve talked to get kind of weirded out.”

“Nope, I’m definitely not the kind to get weirded out.”

The smile is back and she begins telling me about her ability, and truly, the more she talks the more it sounds like she is another on the forefront of developing abilities for humans. I will definitely have to file a report on her. I check my watch and can’t believe how much time has passed just talking with this slightly odd but very interesting girl. How is it I meet a random human and it turns out that she’s fun to be around and that she has developing abilities? At least I’ll have a reason to continue talking to her besides the fact that I am growing a greater appreciation of being around her. I sound so much like Addison and it reminds me that I need to check on her again.

“I’ve really enjoyed talking with you, but I really need to go and check on my friend.”

“I had fun too. Maybe we can do it again?”

“I would love that.”

“Here, let me give you my number.” She writes her name and number on a slip of paper and hands it to me. Our fingers brush against each other when I take it and I swear I can feel tingles of electricity trace the edges where our fingers meet. I feel paralyzed by the feeling and her eyes looking into mine. I don’t want to leave but I know I need to go check on Addison.

“Thanks,” I say but don’t move.

“You’re friend is waiting?”

“Possibly. All right. Well, I’ll definitely call you.” I can’t stop smiling. I’m just happy that she has the same big goofy smile that I feel on my own face. I finally reluctantly take my hand away and turn to go.

When I leave the café the sun is setting. I want to smell the paper even though I feel so foolish doing but I do it anyway. I brush it against my lips and take a deep breath. I feel like my chest could burst with excitement and happiness and elation and…I could go on and on.

The further I walk away from the café the less light I feel as the thoughts of my responsibilities get heavier. I know I can’t continue seeing her in the way that I want, in the way that I think she too wants. I have to be consumed with my job in order to make sure everyone I work with is safe. But it looks like she is now going to become a part of my job. I smile at that thought hoping against hope that I am indeed the person assigned to follow up on her case. That shouldn’t be a problem since I’ve already established contact with her. I just need to be sure to hide the feelings I am beginning to have for her that will probably be frowned upon even though there are no stated rules about it.

When I get back to the flat, Quinton and Harding are talking together in the study. I make eye contact with them just to be sure they know I’m back but I don’t join them since I really don't want to really come down from this high feeling I have from being with Gaby. I do need to check in on Addison so I quietly knock and when there’s no answer, I enter her bedroom. It feels cool in here so I sit down on the floor next to her bed. I wish I could tell her everything. After all, she is the closest thing I have to a friend these days. I look at her. She is still. A little too still. I put my hand in front of her mouth and nose to feel for breathing. She is breathing but it’s very faint. I check her temperature. Her forehead is burning up. I need to wake her at this point.

“Addison?” I say not too loud. There’s no response. I try a little louder. “Addison. Wake up.” Still nothing. I shake her a little and say her name again but there’s still no response. This isn’t normal.

I go back out to the main room and call for Harding and Quinton. They come quickly. “There’s a problem. She shouldn’t still be out like this. She’s not responding to anything.”

Harding looks at Quinton and without another word Quinton goes to Addison. I guess he’s a doctor or has had some training since he checks all of her vital signs like he’s done it many times before.

“Is he a medic?” I ask Harding.

He ignores me and just watches Quinton work.

Quinton has his head on her chest I guess listening for a heart beat. “It’s very weak. Bentley, what is a normal reaction to the black ooze?”

“Hallucinations, loss of abilities, loss of muscle control, tremors, muscle atrophy and rigidity, and then unconsciousness. I just assume death comes after, but I was always revived and given the antidote prior to that.”

“And you gave her the antidote, right?”

“Yeah, that’s why she wasn’t unconscious earlier. When I put her to bed, she was fine. She just needed to sleep off the stress of the effects. At least that’s what’s always happened to me.”

“So you know for a fact this isn’t normal.”

“No, Quinton, I can’t say for sure since I was out of it when I was sleeping it off, but as far as I know they were able to wake me form a sleep afterward. They did wake me from time to time when I was trying to sleep off the effects.” I think about those past sessions a bit more. “Unless…”

“Unless what, Bentley?”

“Unless she’s having a reaction to the antidote. The antidote is dangerous on it’s own. It functions as an antidote by combining with the chemicals in the black ooze. They cancel each other out. I didn’t think it was possible to overdose on the antidote though. I always thought all of it clung to all the black ooze absorbed by the body. Oh, no.”

“What, Bentley?”

“No, she did vomit it up. She should have purged it all. She should be fine by now. I don’t understand.”

“But you said it might be possible that she received too much of the antidote? Is there an antidote for the antidote?”

“I…I don't know. I never saw an occasion for that. I was always in an experiment. I was always given a full dose.”

“So we need to give her more of the black ooze?”

“No, definitely not that.”

“Not that we have anymore,” Harding adds.

“No, you don’t,” I say firmly to Harding.

“Enough, Bentley,” Quinton says. “Harding, do we have lab equipment here?”

“Of course.” Quinton leaves with Harding.

I go over to Addison and wish that I had telekinesis so I could see what was going on in her mind. Quinton and Harding return a few minutes later with the supplies Quinton needs.

“Bentley, excuse me please.”

I quickly get out of his way. I look on but there’s really nothing I can do so I walk out to the study to see if there is something more I can find out from my file on the black ooze. Maybe there’s something I’m not thinking of.

I sit at the desk and activate the spheres. I resonate with the energy coming from them and they begin to hover. I think of the person I need to contact, Morley. She responds quickly.

“Bentley, how can I help you?”

“I need my files on the black ooze and the antidote, please, Morley.”

“Of course, Bentley. Sending now. Is there anything else I can help you with or is there anything you need to discuss? I have time now.”

“No, thank you Morley.” She’s never been anything but kind yet I still don’t feel comfortable talking to her. I release the concentration of energy and the spheres slowly descend to the desk. When I check the monitor, the file is there. I scan through everything quickly. I know the organization of it by heart. As I’m scanning through the files I notice out of the corner of my eye the spheres starting to flicker. It’s normal for them to flicker a little, but this a little more than normal. It’s like they’re rising to be in use. I give them my full attention now and they flicker more brightly and more strongly. They begin to rise and I hear a voice in my mind as is the normal course for communicating using the spheres. It’s breaking up but I can make out the word alone.

I focus on the spheres and try to listen.

“Are you alone?”

I can make out that it’s a woman’s voice but it doesn't sound like Merriam. It does sound familiar, though. “Who is this?”

“—alone?”

“You’re breaking up. Who is this?”

Harding comes in at that point.

“Did you get the information you were looking for?”

I feel the connection break and the spheres descend once again.

“Yeah, but there was someone trying to communicate but it was unclear like a broken connection. Have you ever had that happen?”

“It usually occurs when the person is trying to communicate using fewer than three spheres.”

“I didn’t know it was possible.”

“Oh, it, is, but it can only be done by someone who is very focused and can concentrate their energy into just one sphere.”

“I guess I never really thought about how they worked.”

“Do you know who it was?”

“No, the voice did sound familiar though.”

“And were you able to find out any information to help Addison?”

“I’m still reviewing it. How is she?”

“ She’s stable. She’s not in the best condition, but her vital signs are stable, which Quinton says is good.”

“I’ll keep looking through my files to see if I can find something helpful.”

“Until later, then,” he says and then leaves me alone.

I wonder what powerful Aplorian was trying to communicate with me. It certainly wasn’t Caraway. Her voice is much lighter than that one. This one was much deeper kind of like my mother’s. But that’s not possible, is it? And why would she want to contact me anyway?

I return back to the files looking for a way to help Addison.

After half an hour of scanning there’s nothing of any significance to find. I know these files. I guess I was just hoping there was something I had forgotten, something I could find to help her. Even after reviewing my recollections of the first time I was exposed to it and reading the files stolen by the Aplorian who was spying on my mother, I find nothing new, nothing helpful. I need to go back in to see Addison.

Addison is alone in pretty much the same state as when I left her. Quinton must have left to run whatever tests he thinks will be useful and elucidating. I go back over to her and sit on the edge of the bed. I pick up her hand and hold it tight in mine. I close my eyes and focus my energies reaching out to her, trying to form some sort of bond of communication with her. I’m not telepathic like her, but I can try. I’ve seen plenty of human movies where just talking to someone unconscious helps. I know they’re fictional, but they must be based somewhere in truth, I hope.

I concentrate harder on linking with her, like when I send out my feelers. I lose myself in reaching out to her. At first there’s nothing, but the longer I stretch out to her, the longer I try to link with her, I begin to feel a tingling, then a spark. There’s something there. I reach out further for it. The sparks are getting stronger. And they’re getting closer. It’s seems like someone is aiming them at me. One comes close to hitting me. It doesn’t touch me yet the pain is excruciating. “Addison!” I yell at her not knowing whether she can actually hear me or not. There are more sparks getting closer. I try to dodge them but I’m not quick enough here. “Addison, stop it!”

I cry out as one hits me dead on. The scream I hear from my own voice isn’t alone. I hear a second scream over it. I try to figure out where it’s coming from. To one side there is a wall of sparks raining down but between them I can make out a body lying in the midst of them. It’s got to be Addison. I reach out toward her, and the wall of sparks opens like a curtain. I rush in and reach for her. Her face turns toward me only it isn’t Addison’s face. It’s gruesome and lizard like with a forked tongue and black scaly skin. I retract my reach and back up but the wall of sparks has closed me in with this creature. The only way out is to suffer the sparks. I hold my breath and dash out. The lizard creature crashes against the wall of sparks. A few fly out toward me and I quickly back away in the opposite direction.

I need to find Addison in this madness and pain. Madness and pain. That’s what it is. She’s lost in this. She hasn’t realized that it isn’t real anymore. She’s still lost in the hallucination. If my theory is true, then the sparks shouldn’t hurt if I know they won’t, if I believe the truth of it. I head back to the wall of sparks surrounding the lizard creature. If I’m right, then that thing doesn't exist either. I reach out tentatively for the sparks. A stray spark falls away from the wall. I reach out to catch it believing it shouldn't hurt. The pain isn't real.

I watch the spark land on my hand but I don’t feel anything more than the light sensation of pressure falling on my hand, like a drop of rain. Strange. This is pretty powerful. If this is all a hallucination then I should feel nothing. I guess this is the power of the black ooze on someone completely unaccustomed to it. I make my belief stronger. It will not hurt. I will feel nothing. I reach out again and push through the wall slowly. At first it feels once again like rain drops. I concentrate harder and the sensation disappears. The sparks disappear.

The lizard creature stands up again to face me. “You’re not real.” And with the conviction of my belief, it too disappears. Now to find Addison before she, too, disappears completely into this hallucination.

I try to move forward but it’s getting harder and harder. I try calling out to her to see if she can respond. “Addison! Where are you? Come back. None of this is real.”

I feel something further in the distance but I don’t know if I can push myself any further. I calm myself and try to get centered. I push out further than before and then I feel it gets easier, almost like I’m being pulled instead of having to strain myself to push so far. The feeling of being pulled gets more intense. I try to slow myself down but it isn’t working. There, off in the distance I can see her in the middle of this whirlpool of energy. The energy is like smoke, red smoke swirling around her. The closer it is to her the faster it’s swirling. I’m being pulled closer and closer to her, but I wonder if I’ll be able to pull her out when I get closer. This swirling madness is moving so rapidly. Sparks fly through the swirls and hit her and I can see her grimacing in pain. Her arms are wrapped around her but it’s no defense.

“Addison! It isn’t real. Wake up!”

There’s no response. She’s so caught up in this swirling madness, there’s no way I’m going to be able to pull her out alone. I need to get out and come back with help, but how am I going to get myself out? I pull everything back all of a sudden into myself. The shock of the release instantly wakes me out of her madness. When I open my eyes I see that I’ve fallen off the bed and am sprawled out on the floor. I’m drenched in sweat, I guess from the strain of trying to reach Addison.

I remember that place she’s in. My swirling realm of madness was different but it felt the same, the same pain, the same insanity and monsters creeping around, chasing me down whenever I got close. I need to help her see that this isn’t real. I need to help her heal herself. Suddenly I’m reminded of what Gaby said about her father and her desire to help people. I wonder if she could help Addison if I nor the others can't.

I walk out to the main room. Harding and Quinton are back in the study. I hurry over to them. “What did you find?”

“Nothing substantial,” Quinton responds.

“What do you think we should do?” Harding asks. “You’re the one with the most experience with this.”

“Well, do either of you have telepathic abilities? I know what she’s going through, but I can’t reach her, at least not alone.”

They both shake their heads.

“That’s what I thought.” I pause trying to predict how they will respond to my suggestion of bringing Gaby in to help, of bringing a human in to help. “I have one other possibility, but it’s very unorthodox.”

They look up at me puzzled.

“I met someone today who might be able to help.”

“What do you mean you met someone today?” Quinton asks. “That’s a little convenient, don’t you think?”

“Do you think it’s a set up?” Harding asks.

“No, she’s…” There’s no use hiding it anymore. “She’s human.”

They both look astounded. “How do you think a human is going to be able to help with this?” Quinton asks.

Harding jumps right in as well. “You met a telepathic human? Of considerable ability I would assume if you’re trying to bring him to help with an alien illness.”

I can hear the disdain on Harding’s voice, and the fact that its linked to Gaby just makes me angrier than I would normally feel at his prejudice.

“She,” I emphasize, “isn’t telepathic.” My voice seethes with anger.

“Yes, Bentley, but how can a human who isn’t telepathic going help in this situation? You yourself said you need a telepath.” Quinton’s voice is very calm and I can tell Quinton is trying to calm the fire developing between Harding and me.

I decide to just address Quinton. I know he works with humans and that he likes them so he might have an easier time understanding and accepting the idea. “She isn’t a telepath but she has another ability. She’s a healer. Pretty unusual from what I can tell from talking to her.”

“Are you working up a case on her?”

“Not yet. I just met her today.”

“And you already know that much about her?” Quinton asks a little suspicious.

“Yes, we chatted for a while this afternoon. Anyway, her father has healing abilities and it seems he passed them down to her as well; although, from speaking just with her it seems hers are even more advanced. I mean, from what she described.”

“It does sound intriguing.”

“Quinton, you aren’t seriously thinking about allowing this?”

“Honesty, Harding, this isn’t my unit. But if you are asking whether I would approve, then I would have to say yes. I’ve met some very talented humans in my time here. I would very much like to see this.”

“Fine, Bentley. She’s your partner. But you will also have to deal with the human and what to tell her.”

I suppress a smile. I need to keep this all business. My goal is to help Addison, but I’m glad to be able to bring Gaby in to help. I still don’t trust Quinton, but at least he really likes humans. Now I just have to figure out how to approach Gaby with this.

I run back to the coffee shop on the off chance that she’ll still be there. When I get there, I don’t see her but just when I’m about to leave I hear her voice, her laugh. I love that sound. Wit. I need to stop myself right there. This is about Addison and making her better. Focus on that.

She’s sitting outside with a group of four others. Her back is to me so she doesn’t see me at first. What can I say to her that will get her to leave the group and come with me back to my flat without saying too much in front of her friends?

I turn around and pace back the way I came. I put my hands in her pocket and feel a random piece of paper there. I pull it out and see that it’s the paper she gave me with her number on it. Of course, I could call her.

I enter the numbers in my phone and call. I watch her from down the block. I can see her getting her phone out of her bag.

“Hello?”

“Hey…it’s me,” I give a nervous laugh, but why do I feel so nervous? “It’s Bentley.”

“Hey, Bentley.” He voice sounds so warm.

“Turn around.”

“What?” she asks as she swivels in her chair.

I give her a small wave. When she sees me she laughs. “What are you doing way over there? Come join us.”

“Actually, I was wondering if you could…well, I was wondering if you could help me—or my friend rather.” A certain seriousness has entered my voice.

She hangs up the phone. I hang up too and watch her say goodbye to her friends.

She walks up to me with a little smile on her sweet face. “Of course. I mean I’m not sure what I could do. This is the friend you went to see earlier?”

“Yeah.”

“He isn’t better?”

“She isn’t better, no.”

“Oh,” she sounds a little disappointed. That’s very sweet of her to feel such sympathy for someone she doesn’t even know. “Do you really think it’s something I would be able to help with?”

“I don’t know, but I would appreciate it very much if you would try.”

“This isn’t some weird attempt for you to get me alone, is it?”

“No, I promise. You can even bring one of your friends, if you want,” I gesture at the groups he was sitting with. I make the offer even though I hope she doesn’t since this is going to be hard enough to explain to her alone.

“No, I trust you. Besides I barely know those guys.” Her smile is back.

“I appreciate that. I mean, that you trust me.” I return the smile. I can't help it. How could anyone even think about hurting her?

“So, let’s go.”

“Thank you so much for doing this.”

We walk back to the flat chatting all the way. I tell her about our roommates so that way she isn’t surprised when she sees them there. I let her know about their personalities so she knows what to expect, saying that Quinton is quite friendly while Harding is his foil in the personality department. “You probably won’t even notice him. He tends to stick to himself and his research.”

“So you are all researchers?”

“Yes. We all work for the same company and we all share the flat.”

“Cool. Well, I suppose it could be but it seems like it would be hard to live and work with the same people so you only ever see the same few people day in and day out.”

I smile at how terrible that idea must be for her. “Yeah, I guess if you’re the type of person who likes to talk to all kinds of people. No offense.”

“None taken. I accept that. I like people. Well, I like most people. Friendly people, and most people for the most part are mostly friendly.”

“Mostly,” I agree. We arrive at the flat. “Here it is.”

“Nice place,” she says looking up at the three-story building cramped in between two others of the same height.

“We’re on the top floor. You okay with stairs?”

“Yeah, no problem. I’m used to them. I live on the fourth floor of my building, but it’s nothing like this.”

She follows me up to the flat and we go inside.

“Wow. It’s even nicer inside,” she says clearly impressed. “Maybe I should change my field of study. What is it you majored in in college?” She asks jokingly.

“Let me introduce you. This is Quinton.”

Quinton seemed to be waiting for us at the door. Looks like he really does like humans with the warm smile and hand shake he gives Gaby welcoming her. “It’s so nice to meet you.” He then takes over the introduction and points at Harding saying, “that’s Harding. Feel free to ignore him. He tends to ignore most people.” As if rehearsed, Harding does a very good job of ignoring us and keeps his attention fixed on the monitor.

“Thank you Quinton,” I say to get the purpose of Gaby’s visit here back on track. “Now, let me show you to Addison.”

I lead her to Addison’s room. Quinton follows behind. Before we enter I explain Addison’s state to Gaby. “She’s sleeping in a manner of speaking. Only I can’t wake her up. I’m hoping you can help me to calm her…well, her mind. She seems to be stuck in a dream or a hallucination. Gaby, please know that I really appreciate you doing this. Please also know at any time you can leave. Just say the word and I can walk you back.”

“Bentley, you’re very sweet for saying that. But this is kind of my chance to prove that I can do what my father said I couldn’t. I want to help. Even if it’s just to try and even if it’s just to prove to myself that I can do it.”

“Thank you, Gaby,” Quinton adds. “We really hope you can help, but even if you can’t, the effort that you’ve put in just trusting us and giving your best effort is sincerely appreciated.”

The gushing Quinton is doing is almost overplayed and I’m just waiting for him to sweep an imaginary hat off his head and prostrate himself in front of her.

“Yes, thank you Gaby.”

“I do have one question, though before we get started,” she says.

“Anything,” Quinton answers before I can.

She smiles at him and then turns to me and asks, “how do you know what’s going on in her head. I know you told me you think you have some slight ability, but are you bale to read minds, or something?”

“Not quite,” I hedge. “What I can do is a little different than telepathy. You’ll see. Oh, and if anything scares you, just say so. But really you don’t have to worry. I’ll protect you. I just need you to believe that none of it is real. It’s completely invented by Addison’s mind.”

“Okay, now I am a little worried. Is there something to be afraid of?”

“No, well, not more than a bad dream. Like the boogey man or something like that.”

She just gives me a puzzled look.

“It’s just her imagination.”

“So I’m going to see what she’s imagining?”

“I’m not sure. I did in my own mind but that’s because I was trying to look into her mind and feel what she was feeling to try and figure out what was wrong with her. If the way you heal requires something along the same lines, then yes, you might see some of what she is imagining.”

She pauses for a moment pondering what I’ve just said.

“I promise I will protect you no matter what.”

The smile is back on her face and she says, “I’m holding you to that.” She takes a steadying breath and says, “okay I’m ready.”

“Great,” Quinton exclaims and opens Addison’s door.

It looks the same as when I left earlier. Addison still looking like she’s asleep on the bed. The few things she owns neatly in their place. Her shoes on the floor in front of the bed.

“Gaby, what do you need?”

“Well, if it’s okay, I would like to kneel on the bed next her. The closer my proximity the easier it is to…I guess the word is link up with her.”

“That’s not a problem,” Quinton answers.

I’m starting to get a little frustrated with Quinton now. This was my idea, but I guess that’s silly. We both just want Addison to get better.

She gets on the bed and adjusts her position. After thinking a moment, she says, “actually I think it might be better if I were at her head. Would it be okay to move her?” she asks quietly.

“Sure,” I answer. “Quinton, can you help me shift her down a but?”

Without answering Quinton picks up Addison by her shoulders and I lift her knees and we work to scoot her down in the bed so Gaby can move in between her and the headboard.

Quinton says, “I think it would be even better if we just flipped her around.” Without waiting for an answer from me, he continues moving Addison down the length of the bed making me walk around the other side with her knees so that her feet are now at the head of the bed.

“That’s a good plan, Quinton,” Gaby says and gets off the bed to sit on the floor at the foot of Addison’s bed. “Yes, this is much better.”

Chalk one up for Quinton. Focus, he’s just trying to be useful, I tell myself.

“Is there anything I can do, Gaby?” Quinton asks.

“No, not that I know of.”

Quinton backs off and sits in one of the chairs by the window in Addison’s room. I guess he wants to do just as he said and watch what happens. I hope this doesn’t mean he will want to take over the investigation of Gaby once this is all over with.

I sit on the floor near Addison and Gaby and prepare myself to once again reach out to Addison. I just hope she isn’t worse than before. Her imaginings were pretty bad the first time in. If they’re worse…

“Gaby, are you sure you want to do this?”

“Yes, Bentley. I have no doubts about this whatsoever.”

“Okay. Then, let’s get started.”

I focus my energies and begin to reach out to Addison. I can feel Quinton and Gaby and Addison. I try to focus solely on Addison while maintaining contact with Gaby. I don't want to lose her in here. I push myself further reaching further out for Addison. Pushing and pushing. At my furthest point I can feel the sparks beginning to rain down. I’m looking around for that lizard creature form earlier while keeping an eye on Gaby. Even though she is a true human, I can feel the difference in her now that she has essentially activated he innate ability. She may not call it that, but that’s definitely what it feels like to me. She is enveloping Addison in a vacuum almost like a bubble and the warmth is so friendly and cozy and relaxing, I never want to leave this feeling. He begins pulling it back, not pulling it back but focusing it just on Addison’s mind. I help her along by leading her into the shower. Addison must be in there somewhere.

The whirling picks up and I can feel us being pulled into the center of Addison’s madness. There’s still no sign of nay of the creatures form earlier, but neither is there any sign of Addison anywhere in here. The sparks have reached us and fortunately, Gaby doesn't seem to be affected by them at all. The bubble must be surrounding her as well. Good, I relax a bit in regards to Gaby and focus more on finding Addison.

I call out to her to see if she can hear me. “Addison,” I say again. “Where are you?” I ask more to myself than to her.

“Addison,” I yell and I hear Gaby’s voice join mine, but where mine is urgent hers is gentle and welcoming. It’s calming. Gaby is definitely talented. I try to mimic her and yell, “Addison” again but with less fear and worry in my voice. Something like calling her home.

I feel a familiar tug. It’s Addison. It has to be. I let myself be pulled by her nearer and nearer. The sparks raining down are heavier, thicker, and make it harder to remind myself that it isn’t real. I refocus and channel my energies to stay focused on Addison pulling me along.

Then I hear a moaning. It’s not too far away, but it doesn’t quite sound like Addison. I feel out toward where I heard it. I reach out and recognize Gaby.

“Gaby, what’s wrong.” The worry is back in my voice. I have to calm it here in this place.

She moans again a little louder.

I fight the pull from Addison and reach out toward Gaby. Instantly I can feel her. I hear her. She’s breathing hard like she’s been running for miles. “I’m okay,” she pants. “I’m okay. Everything’s fine. It’s just a little harder than I thought it would be.”

I reach out toward Addison again using only half my concentration and power. I’m not letting go of Gaby this time. If it’s too hard I need to make sure I can pull her out quickly. I was so close to Addison just a moment before. This shouldn’t take much longer.

“Addison,” I say now sounding a little angry. I’m getting frustrated not being able find her.” Addison,” I hear Gaby echo, only with a much gentler tone than mine. “Addison, everything is fine. Just come back to Bentley. He can help you. None of this is real.”

I can feel Gaby’s power getting stronger instead of weaker. She has even more inside her apparently. The sparks begin to lighten and beyond them I can feel Addison. I push further faster toward her and tighten my grasp. She’s still in the center of the swirling madness but it’s much slower this time. The sparks are much lighter. I can feel everything beginning to calm.

“Addison,” I say, “it’s okay. It’s just your imagination. It’s the effects of the black ooze. That’s all this is. Think, Addison, think your way back to us.”

There isn’t much response from her just a little movement. I can feel Gaby beginning to pull her energy back into herself. I guess she’s had enough. I pull back while maintaining contact with Addison. I open my eyes to see Gaby leaning over, her head against the edge of the bed.

“Gaby, are you okay?”

She looks at me and smiles. “Yes,” she whispers. “I think we did it.”

I look back at Addison and see that she’s beginning to move a bit. Her eyes are fluttering just a little. I stand up quickly and grab a hold of her shoulders. “Addison?” I ask gently.

Quinton has come up behind me and sees that she’s starting to wake up.

“Good job, guys,” Quinton says. “Excellent work Gaby.”

Addison continues to come around.

Harding, I guess at the sound of us talking, has decided to join us. “Did it work Quinton?”

“It looks like it.”

“Quinton, could I see you out here?” Harding asks.

“Sure. Good job, Bentley.” And he walks out to join Harding in the other room.

“You really did do a good job Gaby. I really couldn’t have done it without you.”

“What exactly did you do, Bentley? I’ve never seen or felt that before.”

“I…I was trying to connect to her. Kind of like communicating with her without talking.”

“And without telepathy.”

“Yes, I’m not telepathic. I can…well, it’s hard to say since there really isn’t a name for it. I kind of…well, what it feels like is little extensions of myself, like bits of my being spread out in thin little lines or strings. I call them feelers…”

“Feelers?” she shudders. “Sorry, it just reminds me of roaches.”

I laugh. “Yeah, sorry, it’s just the word that came to mind since that’s what I’m doing, trying to feel for things, for people, as it were.”

“Can you tell the difference between people? Like if I were in a crowd, could you find me?”

“Now that I know you, yes. If I didn’t, you would just be like another face in the crowd.”

“Cool. Can you find other things like keys or other lost things? Ooh! Or like list children?”

“No, it only works on people. And I would have to know the children in order to be able to identify them.”

“Oh,” she says and then she’s quiet, thinking about what I’ve just revealed. “How far can you send out these feelers?”

“Several miles.”

“Really?” she says, clearly impressed.

“Yeah.”

“Ben-” Addison whispers.

I jump back over to Addison. “Addison, I’m here.”

“What…happened?”

“You’re okay. You’re in your room in your bed. I’m so sorry about what happened. I didn’t mean for you to get hurt. Are you okay.”

She’s quiet and tears start forming in the corners of her eyes. They overflow and roll down her cheek.

“Oh, Addison, don’t cry. You’re safe now.”

I hug her and she really begins to cry. It scares me. I’ve never seen Addison so emotional. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an Aplorian cry in my whole life.

“Ssh ssh Addison. You’re fine. There’s no danger. You’re fine. We’re all fine.”

She begins to quiet. I look over at Gaby and she gives me an encouraging look.

I hug Addison more tightly to reassure her that she’s okay.

After a few moments the tears have completely subsided and I hear her say, “I’m okay, Bentley.”

I pull back from her a little. “Of course you are. It was just the effects of the black ooze. I didn't know…”

“I know, Bentley.”

“Do you feel well enough to get up?” I ask. “I’m sure Harding and Quinton would love to see that you’re all right.”

She thinks for a moment and then nods her head. “Can you give me a minute, please?”

“Of course.” I nod to Gaby and we both get up and leave Addison alone.

“Thank you so much Gaby. Again. I really couldn't have done it without you.”

“How long—I mean do you mind another question?”

“Of course, but why don't we go into my room,” I say looking over at Harding and Quinton.

“Sure,” she says and follows me to my room.

We go in and I let her sit at the desk while I sit on the bed.

“Do Quinton and Harding know what you can do?”

“Harding does. I’m not sure if Quinton knows or not. I mean I don't know if Addison told him.”

She thinks a moment and then asks a little hesitantly, “what happened to her? I think you said something about black ooze. Is that like a drug?”

“No, it’s…it’s a poisonous substance.”

“And you were researching it and had an accident or something.”

“No, actually I’m totally against researching it. Harding was, I think. He and Addison. I’ve had experience with it and there’s nothing good that comes from it. When I saw what they were doing, I kind of lost it and smashed the…container. Some of it got on Addison and she…it made her sick.”

She looks down at her feet thinking over everything. I guess it’s a lot to take in.

“C’mon. Addison should be out by now.”

She looks up and nods.

We go out to the main room and see Quinton helping Addison to the sofa. He helps her sit and then looks up at me. Without saying a word, he nods me toward the front door.

I join him there. “I think you should take Gaby home now.”

“But I can’t just kick her out—”

“I’m not trying to get rid of her,” Quinton says, pleading with me. “I’m grateful for her help, but I don’t think we can speak freely while Gaby’s here. You haven’t told her everything, right?”

“Of course not, but…” I can see his logic. “Fine. I’ll walk her home.”

I wave Gaby over. I pick up her book bag from the front door and we walk out. “I’m really grateful, but I think we need to let Addison rest before she meets you. I’m not sure how she’ll handle the…situation.”

“You mean me?”

“No, not just you. I mean everything that happened. It’ll take some time to explain it to her and I don't want to overwhelm her.”

“I understand. Will I see you again?”

I stop walking shocked by the prospect. “Of course…I mean if that’s okay with you.”

She smiles at me. “Of course I want to see you again. You’re the first person outside of my family that I’ve been so open with and that can do things…you know, like—”

“I know what you mean,” I assure her and we continue walking.

“Are you okay with walking? I could get the car if you want to drive. You must be exhausted after working on Addison for so long.”

“Actually I feel exhilarated. I love that I was able to do it especially when my father said I wasn’t cut out for it.”

“I don't mean to say anything bad about your father, but I think in this case he might be wrong. You did a really amazing job. I mean Addison wouldn’t be awake right now if it weren’t for you.”

She smiles and we continue walking.

After about fifteen minutes of walking we finally arrive at her apartment building. It’s a little run down but has a very artsy feel to it.

“I can't believe you lug this thing around without killing your back.”

“Eh, I’m used to walking with it. It’s all the stairs that kill me. I wish they had a dumbwaiter or pulley system or something so I could just elevate it up at the push of a button.”

“Well it looks like an old building…maybe even built before they invented those.”

“Hey, don’t knock my building.” She lightly punches me in the arm. “I know it doesn't look like much, but I love the personality of the building,” she says as a short guy with a colorful Mohawk goes skateboarding up to the steps. He waves hi to Gaby and goes into the building. “And the tenants,” she continues.

“I could carry your bag up for you if you want.”

She gives me a sheepish smile and I think over what I just did, inviting myself to her apartment.

“Sure,” she says. “That would be great.”

“I-I-I- didn't mean—”

“No, really. That would be great.” She says smiling and leads me up the stairs.

We climb up four flights of stairs passing several of her fellow tenants who feel free to share their music and discussions with anyone passing by. She’s definitely right about the personality of the building and the tenants. It’s very friendly. We stop in front of her apartment and she lets us in. It’s small but cozy. Every space has been decorated in some way with random knickknacks and pictures and art pieces. There are at least three bookshelves crammed full of books of all different sizes. There’s a colorful rug in the floor and on top of that sits a lime green sofa. On the ledges of all the windows are plants. Curtains in red and blue hang in the windows about halfway down.

“Wow. This place is amazing. You must have been here for a long time to collect all this stuff.”

“Yeah, I’ve been here for about three years. If I were on track I would be finishing my studies next year, but I don’t think that’s going to happen. I just hope my dad doesn’t make me go back home.”

“Me too,” I say smiling at her and trying to take in all the things in her tiny apartment. I never thought about decorating my place since we move around so much, but now, seeing her place, I want to. I want to stay put long enough to do something like this. Her personality is so obvious in everything here and where it’s all placed. I doubt anyone could tell anything about me based on looking at my room. Well, they could probably tell that I move around a lot.

“I’m glad you like it,” she says setting her bag down on the chair by the small kitchen table I just now noticed. Everything is so full of color. “You can set that down now. Anywhere is fine.”

“Ha! I’d forgotten I still had it,” I say as I set it down on the floor.

“Do you want something to drink?” she asks heading to the little kitchen.

“Water would be great.” I say looking out the windows. “You’ve got a great view.”

“I know. I love it. That more than anything is probably why I’ve stayed here for so long.” She brings me a glass of water standing very close to me looking past me out the window.

My breath catches. I feel so nervous all of a sudden. She’s so close. So close I can smell the shampoo in her hair and the light scent of perspiration wafting off her. She leans closer to me, her chest in my shoulder arm. Her fingers lightly brush against mine. I turn my face to her and look down into her eyes. They’re so very green. A piece of her hair rests against her cheek. I raise my hand to move it and pause. Is this okay? I don’t want to fight this feeling I have in the pit of my stomach, this urge to touch her. I move my hand and slowly but lightly brush the hair back from her cheek. I let my fingers continue her down her cheek to her jaw. My eyes follow them all the way down. She doesn’t move, but her eyes close. My fingers follow her jaw to her chin. With my thumb I brush her bottom lip. She exhales and I can smell the coffee she must have been drinking at the café and it’s the best smell in the world. She moves a little now so that she’s standing in front of me. I didn’t realize until now just how much shorter she is than I am. She stands on her tiptoes moving her face closer to mine. I lean down and her lips meet mine in a kiss, short at first and then longer and more intense. My hands move down her back to her waist and I pull her closer. I don’t want this to end.

She has wrapped her arms around my shoulders pulling herself into the kiss even more tightly. The feeling is exquisite the feel of her mouth, the lips, her tongue, the small curves of her body as her torso meets her hips and dips down to her butt. She pulls back a little and we look at each other, both smiling, both in a perfect happiness.

“I haven’t done this in a while. I’m glad it’s you Bentley.”

“I’ve never done this,” I admit.

“Seriously?” she asks incredulous.

“Yeah, is that a problem?”

“No, it’s just I…wow. I kind of feel like a pervert. Like I’m taking advantage of you.”

“You’re not. Believe me. This is the best feeling I’ve ever had.”

She smiles and moves in for another kiss, which lasts minutes or hours. I’ve lost all track of time here and I don’t know that I want to leave except that I know I have responsibilities waiting for me back at the flat.

Reluctantly I pull back from her embrace.

“Are you okay?” she asks.

“Yes. I’m perfect, but I have to get back.”

She steps back a little.

“Believe me, I don’t want to go. But I should probably get back to check on Addison.”

“I understand. Go check on your friend.”

“Can I call you tomorrow?”

“You better,” she jokes.

I pull her closer and kiss her again. I really don’t want to leave, but I know I have to get back. I pull away. “Goodnight, Gaby.”

“Goodnight, Bentley.”

She walks me to the door and waits for me to descend before closing the door. I race down the steps in my delirious state and hop down the front steps. Out on the street I look back up at her window and I see her smiling face looking down at me. She waves and I wave back and turn for home.

On the way back I memorize every step, every storefront and apartment building so that I can easily find my way back for I know I will be back again and again. I hope.

When I get back to the flat, Addison is at the table slowly eating a plate of what looks like pasta. “Hey, Addison, you feeling okay.”

She nods. “I’m much better. Thank you.”

I sit next to her at the table. “I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean—”

“I know that Bentley. It was unintentional. I saw that.”

“But I just feel so bad.”

“Bentley, that isn’t necessary. It doesn’t solve anything. I feel no anger toward you. In fact I’m quite grateful. You saved me. I remember that.”

I know she really means what she’s saying but I still can't help feeling a little guilty.

“Bentley, how did you do that? You haven’t shown any talent for telepathy. But I felt you in my mind. I could hear you. I could feel you.”

“I’m not quite sure. I mean, it was kind of the same thing as what I do when I send out my feelers but I stayed with them and brought myself toward you when I reached you.”

“Strange. It worked though. But I felt someone else. Was that the human you brought? Gaby, right?”

“So they told you about her, huh?”

“Yes, it was unorthodox, but it worked well. I’m here, right?”

“Yes, she’s amazing,” I catch myself. I can't let on just why I think she’s so amazing. “I mean, for a human her abilities are quite advanced.”

“Are you sure she’s human?”

“Yes. She definitely not Aplorain and she’s not a hybrid.”

“She’ll need to be put under investigation.”

“I know. I was planning on writing that up as soon as I got back tonight.” I continue hoping I don’t sound too eager. “I was also thinking that since I have already formed a good connection that I could be the lead investigator.”

“I think that would be ideal with Quinton as the second,” she says and takes another bite of her food. She chews it very slowly, pensive. “I think that would work best. We were scheduled to move to our next assignment…”

My heart drops. We can’t move. Not now. “But—”

“But we can’t move now. At least I can’t. I think we need to stay put for another reason.”

“What’s that?” I hope it’s a reason that will keep us here forever.

“Bentley, have you thought about why Ladain would carry out an attack on you?”

That thought really catches me off guard. “No, I hadn’t.”

“Do you think perhaps she’s trying to trap you to get you back within her control?”

“I don’t…but why?”

“I think we need to stay put to try and see what she’s planning. But Bentley, that would put you in a great deal of danger if I’m right. That’s why I want to make sure you’re okay—that you would accept that degree of danger. I wouldn’t do this without your knowledge and permission.”

“You have my permission, Addison. I think we should stay here. If you’re right and my mother is coming after me, then I think we should work to find out what her plan is instead of running away and not finding out.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes.”

“Very well. We should take all precautions necessary from here on out beyond what we normally prepare for.” She gets quiet for a moment and then calls to the others. “Quinton? Harding?”

They both come over and sit at the table.

“Bentley said he is okay with staying put here for now.”

“Do you think it’s possible to plan a way to draw Ladain out?” Harding asks.

“I don't think we want to do that. If she presents a situation that would allow for her capture then we should take advantage of it, but I think it would be very bad if we were to purposefully endanger Bentley by using him as bait for a trap.”

“Thanks, Addison,” I say and give Harding a despairing look.

“And Gaby,” Quinton asks. “Do you think it’s okay for Bentley to continue investigating her if Ladain truly is aiming to capture him?”

“I think Bentley will do his very best to keep Gaby and any other innocent humans out of harm’s way. He’s proven himself capable in the past.”

A wave of relief sweeps over me, but I do have to admit Quinton has a point. I definitely would not want to put Gaby in any danger. I’ll just have to be extra cautious, but that’s what Addison is suggesting I do anyway.

“Bentley,” Quinton says, “in Ladain’s attack, she used humans against you. I know you can identify Aplorians and hybrids, but can you identify humans who are working for her?”

“No, but like Addison said, we just need to be extra cautious. I can do that.”

“Another thing, and I’m pretty sure you don't want to hear this, but do you think it’s possible Gaby is working for Ladain?”

“She just worked to help save Addison. I doubt Ladain would want Addison to get better from the very chemical she created to be used as a weapon, so no, I don’t think Gaby is working for Ladain.” I need to control my anger regarding any attack on Gaby or they will figure out there’s more than just an investigation going on.

“I agree, Quinton,” Addison adds.

“I wasn’t trying to say anything negative about the girl. I just want to be sure that Ladain hasn’t infiltrated our ranks. That she hasn’t instructed the girl to gain or trust just to trick us into Ladain’s hands.”

“Well, what about you Quinton?” I ask.

Addison tries to break up this line of questioning since she knows where I’m headed. “Bentley, you have nothing to support this.”

“What do you mean me?” Quinton asks.

I ignore Addison and explain exactly what I mean. “The other night, you just happen to show up just in time to save the day. I had my sensors out trying to reach Addison for help, for anything and I felt nothing. How is it you were so close but I couldn’t sense you?”

“I’m not sure why you couldn’t sense me, Bentley. Maybe it had to do with you being stuck in that vacuum. Did you ever think about that?”

“Fine. That’s what it was.” I say dismissively. “I just want to make it clear that I absolutely trust Gaby especially after what she did to help save Addison. I wouldn't have been able to bring her back on my own.”

“I think we all understand that, Bentley,” Addison says trying to get control of the conversation again. “It’s decided, then. We will continue working from here. I will ask that our next assignment be transferred to another unit. I will explain the situation. Bentley will continue the investigation on Gaby. Quinton will offer support.”

I scoff at this.

“Bentley, you really should give him a chance. Quinton has quite extensive experience in monitoring and working with humans of all abilities.”

“Fine.”

“Harding, if you have nothing else to do, can you continue working on replicating the antidote. I don’t want Ladain to be able to use the black ooze as a weapon against us if we don’t have a way to cure it.”

“Indeed, provided Bentley doesn’t have a problem with it and destroys that sample as well,” Harding retorts.

“No, just be careful,” I say indifferently.

“Fine. And I will continue looking for alleged targets in this area to follow up on,” Addison says.

“Sounds good,” Quinton says, and he and Harding get up from the table.

Once they are out of earshot, Addison turns to me and says, “Bentley, the girl, Gaby…”

“Yes?”

“Be careful, okay?”

“What do you mean?”

“I get the sense that she may mean more to you than any other human—or any Aplorian for that matter.”

“I’m fine.”

“I just don’t want you to get hurt. You never know when we’re going to have to leave and I don’t want you to have a problem leaving if it’s necessary.”

“Fine. I’m fine. It won’t be a problem,” I say knowing that it’s probably a lie. “Is that all?”

“Yes, Bentley. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight Addison. And I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

“Thank you, Bentley.”

I get up and go to my room and take a deep breath. I feel like I’ve been holding it in since I got back to the flat. More than anything I want to call Gaby, to run back to her apartment, but that would be doing exactly what Addison is advising me not to do: getting too close to her. But the more I think about it the more I realize it may be too late.

The next morning I wake up late. It’s so strange that I lie in bed thinking about Gaby. She’s the last thing I thought about before falling asleep last night and she’s the first thing on my mind this morning. Not the possibility that my mother might be trying to capture me or kill me. Just the thought that part of my job now is to investigate Gaby, which means I am required to spend more time with her. Maybe I should call her now.

I pick up my phone and hold it as though it will decide for me and that’s when it rings.

“Hello?”

“Bentley?”

“Gaby?”

“Yeah,” I swear I can hear the smile in her voice.

“Good morning.”

“Morning. Everything okay with Addison?”

“Yeah, she’s fine. She looks a little worn, but I think she’ll be fine. Did you sleep well.”

“Yes. It took me a while to fall asleep.”

“Me, too,” I admit.

“What are you doing today? I mean, if you’re busy, just say so, but I really would like to see you again today.”

“Me, too. In fact I was just thinking about calling you.”

“Really?” she says with a small laugh. “I’m glad. I didn’t want to seem pushy or something like that.”

“Pushy?”

“Yeah, you know, like when someone you’ve just met wants to see you all the time. For some people it’s a turn off.”

“Hm…no, I really don’t think that’s the case here. Push all you want. I can take it.”

She laughs. “Sure. You say that now…”

“I’ll keep saying it if I have to.”

“So are you busy today? Researching?”

“This morning I have some work to do, but I can see you later this afternoon. How does that sound?”

“That sounds great.”

“Okay. I’ll call you if I there’s a change in plans, but that should be it for today.”

“Okay. I get out of class at 2:30, so maybe then?”

“Perfect.”

“Okay. I’ll call you.”

“Okay.”

There’s a long pause as though neither of us wants to end the call.

“Okay, then, bye.”

“Bye, Gaby.”

“Bye, Bentley.”

“Bye.” Reluctantly I end the call. I fling myself back onto my bed, my phone still in my hand. I hold it to my chest. Then I move it to my lips. I feel silly but I can’t help myself. I give it a small kiss and say, “bye, Gaby.” I let memories of last night wash over me enjoying reminiscing in the feelings and the flavors and scents.

After a few minutes of this I get back up and get ready to work.

When I get out to the main room the smell of cooking is in the air, but there’s no food. I guess everyone has already eaten and left for the morning to run whatever random errands they have to do. I go to the study to start the file on Gaby. I know that by doing this she will be on a watch list, but that also means she will get certain protections if the humans begin a war of some kind against those with developing abilities. If anything happens to her and I’m not here, I’ll be able to find out about it more easily since she’ll be watched from now on starting with me as her investigator.

I open a new file and enter all the basic information I know about her: her name, address, physical description, description of her abilities and the level she’s at so far with them. I also start a linked file on her father. I won’t be the one investigating him, though since he lives out of state. Someone like Quinton will investigate him and possibly her brothers as well. She didn’t mention any of them having abilities, but it is not out of the norm for abilities to run in all members of a family. It’s actually more unusual for no other family members to develop any abilities at all when has developing abilities, so maybe they just never shared their abilities with her or they didn’t recognize them as such.

I’ve met humans who had a slight ability but labeled it as something innocuous and widely accepted by others like calling premonitions déjà vu or intuition. With the number of humans developing their abilities, more and more Aplorians will probably have to move here to keep watch on them. I wonder how many of them get too close to the human they are investigating as I have with Gaby. It has to have happened before. Quinton probably knows, but I’m not sure how to approach him without making it seem suspicious.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see the spheres on the desk light up a little more frequently than what is usual for them when they are not in use. Puzzled, I put my hand out to touch one. It immediately sparks to life, rising off the desk. I concentrate and focus on all three spheres to gain a link to whoever is trying to communicate. It usually doesn’t work this way, so I’m curious to find out what’s going on.

“Bentley?” a woman’s voice whispers. It sounds the same as the other day, a familiar voice, but I still can’t place it. It doesn’t help that the connection is weak.

“Who is this?”

“Bentley? Are you—”

“The connection is weak. Can you try something else?”

“Bentley, don’t trust her.”

That came through loud and clear, but what her? Gaby?
“Who do you mean?” I ask defensively. Surely this isn’t about Gaby. But the connection is broken. The spheres descend to the desk and lay there barely lighting up. What in the world was that? The voice is so recognizable. It almost sounded like…my mother. But that’s impossible. Isn't it? And even if it were my mother, it’s not likely that she would be giving me advice about trusting people, especially when she knows how little I trust her. She should know that I wouldn’t listen to her. I wonder if it’s possible that this is a trap of some sort. I decide to talk to Addison about it as soon as she gets back.

I go back to work on Gaby’s file and her father’s file. I write out quite a bit about Gaby in her file but then delete half of it after reading it. I’m sure informing future investigators about the smell of her hair isn’t necessary.

Before I’m finished, Addison returns with Quinton. She looks much better today. The color is back in her cheeks and she is moving with her usual grace. “Good morning,” I greet both of them.

“Good morning, Bentley,” Addison replies.

“Top o’ the mornin’ to ya,” Quinton says with an accent.

Why does he have to overact everything? He can’t possibly be a true Aplorian.

“How are you feeling?” I ask Addison.

“Much better. Thank you for asking, Bentley. Are you working on Gaby’s file?” she asks as she walks over to me. Quinton follows.

“I’m just about finished.”

She looks over the screen scanning what I’ve entered. “Looks good.”

“Her father needs to be investigated as well?” Quinton asks.

“I think so. She spoke about him a little. She said he was a healer and that’s where she learned the little she knows.”

“Interesting. And her brothers?”

“Possibly. She didn’t mention them having abilities, but I thought it would be better to include them to be thorough.”

“Very good, Bentley.”

“Where’s the mother? Did she mention her?”

“She passed away when she was ten. She didn’t mention her having abilities either.”

“Addison, can I talk something over with you?”

“Should I leave?” Quinton asks.

Addison looks to me to answer. I don’t think it would hurt to have him here. I still don’t trust him but his excuse last night seemed plausible. “Fine. Just now as I was typing the spheres lit up as though someone was trying to communicate with them.”

“But that’s not how it works.”

“I know. That’s why it’s weird. Something similar happened the other day and Harding said it would have to be someone who is very powerful and able to focus their energies to great effect.”

“True.”

“Really?” Quinton asks.

“Yes, I’ve heard of it happening a few times,” Addison answers. “Go on, Bentley.”

“Well, I heard a woman’s voice trying to communicate but the connection was weak.”

“Did you recognize who it was?”

“I…I think so.”
“And?” Quinton prompts.

“And…I think it was my mother.”

Addison and Quinton are clearly taken aback.

“That shouldn’t be possible,” Quinton says. “How can she communicate via our system?”

“She is powerful,” Addison answers.

I nod in agreement.

“I know that,” Quinton says exasperated, “but the logisitics…”

“Bentley, what did she say?”

“She said ‘don’t trust her.’”

“Her who?” Quinton asks before Addison can. “Do you think she meant Gaby?”

“Why would she mean Gaby? She doesn’t even know her. She has no clue I’m talking to her.”

“I’m not so sure,” Addison says clearly running through possibilities in her mind. “How did she know you were going to be walking past that alley at precisely the moment you did the other night to interrupt the staged fight?”

“You think she’s watching me?”

“Well, what other she could she be talking about?” Quinton asks.

Then it hits me. The other she my mother could be talking about is my sister. Of course Addison and Quinton have no idea that she has been communicating with me in her own way. Should I mention this possibility?

“Perhaps we should assign Quinton to watch over Gaby for the time being—”

“No,” I say a little too adamantly. I try to backtrack. “If she does know that I’m talking with Gaby then there’s no point in my not going to talk with her anymore. She already knows.”

“You have a point,” Addison says.

“There’s…another possibility.” I’m not sure I should bring it up, but Addison and Quinton may see connections I don’t.

“Yes, Bentley?”

“Caraway.”

“Who,” Quinton asks.

“My sister.”

“Wait. You have a sister? Ladain created two children?”

“Yes, it would seem so.”

“You’ve had more dreams?” Addison asks.

“I have.” I’m really taking a chance revealing this to her and Quinton. “I…I think she may have done something to make me immune to the black ooze.”

“How do you know?” Addison says shocked.

“Yesterday when I smashed the spider and the black ooze sprayed everywhere, most of it landed on me, right?”

“That would be a correct assumption.”

“And I scurried around trying to get the antidote to you…”

“I suppose.”

“Well, the thing is, I never gave myself the antidote.”

“Yes, but it’s possible you absorbed some while treating me.”

“No, I checked the bottle for leaks. And..I…”

“Yes, Bentley, what is it?”

“After treating you and putting you to bed, I realized that I hadn’t treated myself, so I exposed myself again to the black ooze.”

“You what? Bentley, that’s so careless. No one was here. You could have—”

“I was fine Addison. I’m still fine.”

“But how?”

“Like I said, I think my sister did something.”

“I think the question was how,” Quinton says jumping in.

“I don’t know, okay? All I know is I was dreaming and she appeared in my dream and then I…woke…up…that part is still fuzzy.”

“You mean the morning you seemed very disoriented?”

“Yeah.”

“That seems very strange.”

“I know, but I also know that the black ooze no longer affects me.”

“Too bad we don’t have anymore to test your theory,” Quinton says quietly.

“It isn’t theory. It’s fact,” I say getting annoyed with Quinton.

“So you think your mother is telling you not to trust your sister?” Quinton asks, summing up.

“I just thought I would bring it up in case that’s another possibility.”

“Yes, it is too bad your mother couldn’t be more specific in her warnings. Any chance she gave her location so we could just go over to her place and ask her in person. Oh, and perhaps capture her and put an end to much of the Kormata’s experiments?”

I clench my jaw and answer smartly, “no, Quinton. She didn’t.”

Addison just gives Quinton a look.

Quinton shrugs his shoulders and tries to look innocent. “Hey, just thought I’d ask.”

“I’m sure Bentley would have mentioned that.”

“Oh, yeah. That’s true.”

I ignore him and ask Addison, “so what do you think I should do if she tries to contact me again?”

“I guess go ahead and answer her. Perhaps you can get some clue as to her whereabouts if she stays connected longer.”

“Good idea.”

“Is that all Bentley?”

“Yes.”

“When will you follow up with Gaby?”

“We’re scheduled to meet this afternoon.”

“Ah, perhaps I could join you to let her know how grateful I am for her work yesterday.”

“Sure,” I say even though I want to spend that time just with Gaby. Addison probably won’t stay long, though. “I’ll let you know when I leave so you come with me to meet her.”

“Okay.”

“Me, too,” Quinton adds. “I’d like to go too.”

Thankfully Addison answers for me. “Quinton, I think it should just be Bentley and myself, if you don’t mind. Perhaps you can visit with Gaby some other time.”

“Sure, sure. Don’t mind me. Being all alone here. Cooped up in this tiny flat,” Quinton says dramatically.

I roll my eyes and get back to work on Gaby’s file, and Addison says, “I think you have work of your own to get back to that will keep you plenty busy.”

He gives her a little salute and leaves the study.

“Addison, are you sure he’s really an Aplorian?”

“I, too, sometimes wonder that myself, Bentley.” She says and then leaves me alone in the study.

After finishing Gaby’s file, I update my own and then go out to the kitchen for some lunch. I should be starving since I skipped breakfast. I have a really bad habit of doing that. I guess it was all those mornings with Ladain and the butler that made me dread morning meals.

I stand in the kitchen with the refrigerator door wide open just staring at everything there. Nothing really appeals to me. I know I should be hungry but I don’t feel any rumbling in my stomach. I just feel light and my stomach feels fluttery—especially every time I look at the clock and see that 2:30 is that much closer. Only two more hours to go.

I go back to the study, but Addison is in there. We each have our own portable computers but we all seem to prefer working in the study with the larger monitor.

I have nothing else better to do and I don't feel like sitting by myself so I go in to the study to see what Addison is up to. I lightly tap on the doorway and she looks up.

“Busy?”

“A little. Did you need something, Bentley?”

“No, I’m just…I don't know. I guess I feel a little antsy having a lot going on, what with Ladain and my sister appearing and possibly trying to trap me and then all the time I have to wait before we go to meet Gaby.”

She ponders what I just said. I wonder if I said too much.

“Now that it’s just the two of us, can you be honest with me?”

I guess I did say too much. I take a deep breath and hold it waiting for the uncomfortable question, I nod.

“Do you feel like you are in danger?”

“I let go of the breath I’m holding. Definitely not the question I was expecting. “No, I don’t. I mean, since I am immune to the black ooze—”

“So you think,” Addison interjects.

“Since I am,” I emphasize, “I don’t really feel that my mother has any power over me.”

“That’s another thing I’ve always been curious about, but if it’s too personal, just say so.”

“Ask away.”

“Why do you still refer to her as your mother?”

“Oh, well, I guess I like feeling connected to people, like I belong to someone. I don’t like that she’s the one, but I still appreciate having a sense of where or who I came from.”

“Interesting. Even though she tortured you and ran experiments on you that were traumatizing.”

“Well, yes, that’s the part I definitely wish were different, but there were some nice times there too. Well, the memories are hazy, but they definitely have a nice feeling associated with them. I know that she did care for me. I mean how many others did she create and then give away? I don’t know. I do know that I had a sister though—have a sister, yet Ladain spent the majority of her time with me.”

“But wasn’t that to keep a closer eye on what she felt was her most important experiment?”

“Possibly, but it’s also possible that she formed an attachment to me in the twisted way that I formed one to her.”

“Is that why you are quickly becoming so attached to Gaby?”

Shock. How did she maneuver the conversation this way so suddenly? “I—I—I’m not…”

“I can tell. Well, Quinton can tell. He is the expert on humans after all, and while you are half Aplorian, your human half seems to be expressing itself quite intensely lately. Perhaps much like an Aplorian adolescence.” She smiles.

“I didn’t know Aplorians went through adolescence.”

“Oh, yes, we all do. Some more easily than others. And it is at a later age than humans, as you might have guessed since you are past the years humans normally experience adolescence.”

This has quickly become embarrassing. “What was your like?”

“It was pretty quiet. Although, I did have a bit of a rebellious stage. I mean it’s really hard growing up with older siblings who can do amazing things and all I could do was read minds. I certainly got into my fair share of trouble for that.”

“But you can control time.”

“Yes, but that ability took longer for me to learn to control. Telepathy was easy.”

I think over what she’s said and I try to picture a young rebellious Addison. The graceful, perfect older woman I work with seems like she never could have been anything that could be associated with the word rebellious. I picture her looking the same as she is no with young siblings I’ve never seen.

“Hey, Addison, have you ever wanted a family?”

“No, not really. I very much like my work. I think it would be difficult to continue doing what I do, moving all the time to consider having a family.”

“Oh.” I think about my own life and the possibilities of having a family of my own and what that would be like.

“Do you think about your own future and having a family?”

I know she isn’t reading my mind but her knack to say exactly what I’m thinking sometimes is unnerving. “I didn’t really before, but lately I’ve wondered…”

“You mean if you would be allowed?”

“Well, honestly, yes. Since I escaped from the Kormata and have been working with the special units here, I have wondered how much of my life is my own to do with as I desire.”

“I would think you have as much choice as any other Aplorian to decide the life you want.”

“But…do you think…I mean, I’ve just been wondering lately…if I did decide to you know, have a family, would I have to be back on Aploria? I mean, could I have a family here on Earth?” I finish quickly. I so desperately want to hear the answer but I don’t. If it’s no, if there’s no future possible for me and Gaby, then what’s the point?

“That’s a very interesting question, Bentley. I’ve never thought about it.”

“So there’s no law for or against it, then?”

“No, there isn’t. But that’s also because you’re the only hybrid working on our side, so I don't know that the system has ever pondered the question. Are you thinking you would want a family with Gaby?”

I know the question is purely innocent. Purely Addison’s curiosity, but I feel so defensive. “No, of course not. She’s a subject.”

“Bentley, I don’t have a problem with it, but I do think we should consult Regulations before you consider pursuing her or any human seriously. You know, I think we should ask Quinton. He would probably have some really great insight into this subject.”

“No, definitely not. I am not bringing Quinton into this discussion.”

“You called?” Quinton suddenly appears out of nowhere.

“No, we didn’t. You are not needed. Go away.”

Quinton looks at Addison who just smiles and shrugs at him.

“Fine. I don’t have time for you anyway. Harding and I have to go run an errand.”

Behind Quinton I can see Harding waiting for him at the door. He turns and joins him and they depart.

“Let me make this clear. I really, really, really do not want any advice, suggestions, or anything at all from Quinton,” I say very directly.

“I don't know why. I think he would be quite helpful in this area. Humans are his specialty. He’s formed many relationships with a fair number of humans and—”

“Wait. Quinton has had relationships with humans? Like dating relationships? I thought that was illegal.”

“In some cases it is allowed.”

“Then it should be allowed for me.”

“Like I said before, you really should talk to Quinton.”

“Fine. I,” I emphasize, “I will talk to Quinton myself.”

My phone rings and I see that it’s Gaby.

“Hello?

“Hey, it’s Gaby. My class just let out. Want to meet me at Finn’s?”

“Yeah, oh, do you mind if I bring Addison? She wants to thank you personally.”

“No, I would love to see her now that she’s feeling better.”

“Okay, we’ll meet you there—unless you want me to pick you up.”

“Oh, it’s no problem. I’ll just meet you there.”

“Okay. See you there.” I can feel Addison watching me so I cut the call shorter than I want, but it’s okay since I’ll be seeing her in person soon…with Addison. Maybe I should have told Addison about Gaby and me.

“Bye.”

I really should prepare Addison just in case Gaby brings up what happened the other night. I never told her not to, so I don’t know what she’ll say or do even when we see each other again. My mind takes off down that tangent of seeing her and immediately wrapping my arms around her and kissing, that glorious feeling, kissing again. I definitely need to tell Addison.

I take a steadying breath and, without looking at Addison, say, “so you were right and I thought you should know. I have started having feelings for Gaby and I think she feels the same way.”

“Well, at least you have finally acquiesced to speaking with Quinton. Be sure you don’t leave out that part when you do finally speak with him…soon.”

“Right. I’m going to get ready.” Without another word I hurry to my room to change.

When I finally come out of my room after three changes, I see Addison has not moved. She notes that I’ve changed and smirks at me. “I think you look lovely,” she says coyly.

I ignore her and ask, “are you ready?”

“Yes.” She gets up and grabs her bag and we walk out together to go meet Gaby.

As we’re walking along I don’t realize that Addison has fallen behind until she says something. “Bentley, if you wanted to get there so quickly we could have taken the car, you know.”

“Sarcasm? I think you’ve been hanging around Quinton too long.”

“Possibly, but tell me, are we running late?”

“No.”

“Then can we slow down?”

“Sure,” I say as we turn the corner and walk down the street where Finn’s is located, but as soon as I say that I see her. It’s all I can do to not take off running and stay by Addison’s side walking at a moderate pace down the street.

“That’s her, right?” Addison asks.

“Yep,” I say. I give up trying to get rid of the huge grin on my face. I wave at her when I see her turn our way.

She waves back after setting down her huge backpack at a table outside. When we reach her table she gives me a hug. I don’t want to let go, but I also don’t want to make Addison uncomfortable, especially if I might need her to plead my case sometime in the future.

I introduce Gaby and Addison since they really did not meet at the apartment.

“It’s lovely to meet you Gaby. I just want to say how much I appreciate what you did for me. Bentley says you are quite gifted.”

“Well, I don’t know about that. If you saw my dad’s work you might think differently.”

“Intriguing. Tell me more, but first, let me get you something to eat and drink.”

“Oh, no, please—”

“I insist,” Addison says.

“Just let her. It’s her way of expressing her gratitude,” I tell her.

“Exactly,” Addison says. “So what will you have?”

“Well, thank you. I guess just a coffee and a scone. They’re scones are really yummy.”

“Great,” she says. “Bentley, will you give me a hand?”

“Sure.” I say reluctantly leaving Gaby alone at the table.

We go in and order the same thing for each of us and return to the table.

“You’re right. These scones are quite delicious.”

“Yeah, that’s what keeps me coming back.”

I don’t say a word. I just stare at Gaby as if she were the most interesting creature I’ve ever seen. I follow their conversation and take my time slowly savoring the scone even though I’ve instantly become ravenous. I guess my hunger finally caught up with me.

Addison’s phone rings and she steps away to answer it.

“Hey,” Gaby says, “you okay?”

“Yeah, why?”

“I don’t know. You’re being really quiet today.”

“Sorry,” I say sheepishly. I was just enjoying being here and watching you talk.”

She blushes a little. “Am I that entertaining?”

“Yes, well, I don't know if entertaining is the word. Maybe enthralling? Entrancing?”

She blushes even more and hides her smile behind her fingers.

All of a sudden Addison returns looking very startled. “Bentley, we have to go. Something’s happened.”

“Is everything all right?” Gaby asks.

“I’m not sure, but we have to get back home immediately.”

“Addison, what is it?”

“Something has happened to Harding,” she says gravely.

I never really got along with Harding, but I still hate to think of something happening to any of us.

“Gaby, I’m terribly sorry we have to cut this meeting short.”

“Oh, no, I understand.”

“I’ll call you,” I say as I stand to join Addison to return home.

“Okay, bye, Bentley,” Gaby says and stands. She leans over quickly and gives me a kiss on the cheek. I stop and return the kiss, just a short one on the lips. “I’ll call you,” I say and turn away.

I hurry after Addison and race down the street back to our flat.

When we get there Quinton looks pale.

“What happened? Where’s Harding?” Addison asks as soon as she sees Quinton.

“We were ambushed. We were walking along the street when Harding notices that suddenly there was no one around and it had all gone eerily quiet.”

“Like that night I was attacked?” I jump in.

“Very much like that. I don’t even know at which point it started. Then there were four large men there. They had human weapons, Addison.” Tears start to well up in his eyes. “They had human weapons. And it was just so vicious and violent and…I don’t even know when they appeared.” Addison walks him over to a chair where he breaks down sobbing.

“Quinton, where’s Harding’s body?” she asks soothingly.

She’s trying to stay calm for him but I know how terrible it will be if humans get their hands on an Aplorian corpse. We may look the same from the outside, but there are certain obvious differences once the analysis goes under the microscope.

“He was de—. He was gone before I even realized what was happening.”

“Quinton, where is his body now?”

“They—they took him.”

“What do you mean they took him? Why would they do that?”

“I don’t know why, but they did.”

As I’m watching them speak, I can't help but look at Quinton to see if he’s injured in some way. Remarkably, curiously, there doesn’t seem to be a scratch on him. “Quinton, how did you escape,” I ask. I’m glad he got away, but it’s curious that he escaped unscathed.

“He can make himself invisible,” Addison answers for him.

“And you just let Harding take the brunt of the attack?” I exclaim.

“No, I—there was nothing I could do. It was so sudden. Once I realized what had happened to Harding I activated my ability. There was nothing I could do.”

Addison takes his face in her hands and turns it toward hers and softly says, “I understand Quinton, but tell me what they did with the body.”

“I don't know. I followed them. They knew I was still there and they were taunting me, but Addison, you know I’m not a fighter. I’m not trained. I just barely passed the basics so I could come here…”

“I know Quinton, but what happened next?”

“They dragged his body to a car, put it in the trunk and left. But they knew I was still there and one of them said, ‘be sure you leave off making more of that antidote.’”

“How—how did they know?” I exclaim.

“I don’t know. I don’t know. We weren’t discussing it or anything. We went out for a few ingredients, but we hadn’t even gotten to the shop to buy them. I don’t know how they knew.”

All of a sudden I hear Addison’s voice in my head. “Stop talking, both of you. Someone is very obviously spying on us. I don’t know how, but that seems to be the only explanation.”

Immediately I jump to my earlier conclusion that Quinton is a traitor. Addison can obviously hear my thoughts and she responds, “no, you’re wrong. Quinton is not a traitor.”

“I’m not,” he says out loud.

“Fine,” I reply.

Again I hear Addison’s voice in my mind. “Bentley, if someone has been listening to our conversations, do you think it’s also possible we are not the only ones in danger?”

Immediately I follow her thoughts and realize Gaby might also be in danger. Before anyone can stop me, I take off running.

I ignore Addison’s please to stop and come back to the flat so we can all go together. I understand that we might all be in danger but I also know that Quinton is in no shape to put up a fight and Addison can’t leave him alone.

I’m heading toward Gaby’s place but I stop in my tracks once I realize she might be back at the coffee shop. I pull out my phone and call her. Without waiting for an answer I turn back and head back to the coffee shop figuring she hasn’t had time to pack up and walk back to her place yet. We weren’t gone that long, I think.

As I run I send out my feelers. I know the attackers who killed Harding were human, but they knew what Harding and Quinton were doing. Only an Aplorian could have known that. And I can think of only one Aplorian who would want to keep others from being immune to one of her greatest creations. My mother. I put more intensity into my feelers trying to pick up any little sense of an Aplorian or a hybrid. I track all the humans to be sure they’re not coming directly at me, and then I notice it. A very familiar aura. My mother.

It makes me stop dead in my tracks. Instantly I feel cold. Hardened. Intense and vicious in a calculating way. I focus and try to sense Gaby. I want to make sure she is nowhere near this aura. My mother’s aura.

I want to find her, face off with her and put an end to this. Get revenge for Harding. I want to show her that I feel no fear from her anymore. Yet at the same time I want to run to Gaby to be sure she isn’t in danger from my mother or from any other humans who may have been sent to hurt her.

I sense my mother moving toward me. There’s nothing more to think about. She is bringing this to a head. I change direction and move to meet her.

Conveniently our paths intersect in an alley. No human witnesses. Good. And she’s alone.

“Bentley, I mean you no harm. I only came to talk,” she says quickly.

She looks very much the same as the last time I saw her four years ago. I feel a twinge of fear but suppress it before it gets very strong. She no longer has any power over me.

“I just want to warn you. Do not trust Caraway.”

“What are you talking about? Why shouldn’t I trust her? She’s my sister. She’s just like me.”

“So you remember her?”

“Yes.”

“I’m not sure what exactly you remember, but she is not exactly like you.”

“Is she not a hybrid?” I spit. “Was she not created by you just like I was?”

“Yes, I did create her as I created you. At the same time, in fact. Do you remember that?”

“Stop.”

“What? I’m just—”

“We were never a family like the image you’re trying to paint, so stop trying to get nostalgic.”

“I’m sorry, Bentley. That was not my intention.”

“Then what is your intention here exactly? I mean, you killed Harding. Am I next?”

“Harding is dead?”

“Why are you acting surprised. Anyone could make the connection. You would stop anyone trying to make sure they had a defense against your greatest weapon. You’re little spiders with the black ooze.”

She smiles with what looks like pride. “Bentley, you are very mistaken if you think those little spiders are my greatest weapon.”

“Don’t lie! Why else would you kill Harding?”

“I didn’t kill him, please believe me.”

“Believe you? You of all people?”

“I know you don’t want to trust me, but I have no reason to lie to you now.”

“And why is that?”

“Because you, you and your friends, they’re all in grave danger. Perhaps not your little friend, Gaby.”

“Don’t.”

“Stop right there.” Without thinking I send a pulse of electricity out toward her. I see it hit her as she stumbles back a little. “Don’t talk about her. Don’t even say her name.”

She puts a hand up in defense. “Fine. I’m sorry, Bentley. I just wanted to—”

“I heard you. My friends are in danger.”

“Yes.”

“From what?”

“From you, Bentley.”

“What are you talking about? I would never hurt any of my friends.”

“No, I know you wouldn’t. You are kind hearted. You seem to have gotten all the kindness while your sister…she has plans of her own that are quite vicious. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if she was behind the killing of Harding.”

“What are you talking about? She would never—”

“Tell me, Bentley. Were humans involved in his murder?”

That gives me pause. Unless it’s some sort of a ruse. I keep my feelers extended toward Gaby, checking to see who is around her. I feel nothing out of the ordinary, so what could my mother’s plan be? “How would you know humans were involved if you weren’t the one to send them to attack?”

“I know because I know your sister’s ways. She has no feelings for humans—at least for those who have developed no abilities whatsoever. She gathers them with her abilities and uses them and disposes of them just as easily without a care to the pain they experience or what they’re families feel at the loss.”

“If she does, then it’s your fault, with your training,” I spit.

“I did not train her as I did you. If you’ll recall, I was present for much of your developing years. I also saw your sister, but not nearly as much as I saw you.”

“Then who trained her to be this monster you’re trying to portray her as?”

“No one, Bentley. Your sister’s vision of the world is warped with her own view of how things should be.”

“Enough! You tell me that she’s a monster and that I shouldn’t trust her but that I should trust you. You? And that I am the reason my friends are in danger. I’ve heard enough, Ladain,” I say coldly.

“I just wanted to warn you. I didn’t think you’d listen, but I had to try.”

She turns her back to me and it makes me furious. Through a feeler I send a pulse strong enough to knock her off her feet, but she’s deflected it with a protective field around her.

“Bentley, think about what I’ve told you,” she says before she disappears. I run to where she was just standing and see nothing. With my feelers I feel nothing. Not a trace of her. She must have had a translocator. I can’t waste time here. I turn back to my original path and head back to Finn’s to where I sense Gaby still is along with what I sense are Addison and Quinton.

I race to Finn’s as quickly as I can. When I approach I see that Quinton has pulled himself together. They must not have told Gaby anything because she still looks happy, not worried in the least. At least she doesn’t until she sees my face.

She stands and runs over to meet me. “What’s wrong? What happened, Bentley?”

I pull her into a hug and never want to let go. I can't think of what I would do if something were to ever happen to her. I close my eyes and breathe her in, the smell of her hair and the light scent of her fragrance mixed with perspiration. I never want to let go, but I can hear the worry in her voice.

“Bentley, please say something. Are you okay?”

“I am now,” I answer, smiling weakly. We walk back over to Addison and Quinton and join them at the table. To Addison I ask, “You didn’t tell her?”

“Tell me what, Bentley?”

“No,” Addison answers. “I wasn’t sure what you would want to tell her.”

“Bentley, what’s going on?”

“We’re in trouble, Gaby.”

“You mean like with the police?”

“No.” I take a breath wondering how to explain some of what’s going on without freaking her out. “Do you trust me?”

“Yes,” she answers without hesitation.

“Okay, know that I can’t tell you everything right now, but know that I will.”

Addison gives me a warning look.

“I will tell her everything,” I affirm. “I just can’t tell you everything now. Do know that we have done nothing to break the law here. We are in danger from some very bad people.” I pause a moment to let that sink in before continuing. “Gaby…Gaby you may be in danger now too because of me. I’m so sorry. I never meant to put you in any danger, but know that I will not ever let anything happen to you. I promised to protect you and I will. No matter what.”

She gives me an encouraging smile. “I know you will.”

I pull her into another hug. “I don't know why, but I’m glad you trust me so implicitly.”

“I don’t know. There’s just something different about you. About all of you. I don’t know what it is, but I know. Just as I know you will keep your word.” She pulls her head back and looks up at me smiling.

I don’t care that Addison and Quinton or anybody else for that matter are watching. I taker her face in my hands and kiss her, long and deep.

After a moment, Addison taps me on the shoulder. “We really should be moving in case there’s another attack.”

“Right,” I nod in agreement. “Gaby, do you need to go back to your apartment for anything?”

“Depends, I suppose, on how long I’ll be gone from it.”

I turn to Addison and shrug. “What do you think?”

“I hope it won’t take more than a day to get help here. The closest unit is less than a day away.”

I turn back to Gaby and say, “so a couple of days?”

“Yeah, then I’d like to go back.”

“Let’s be fast, then,” Addison says.

Fortunately Addison brought the car so it takes no time to get to Gaby’s. On the way I tell them about my encounter with Ladain.

Quinton stays quiet for the entire ride.

Once I’m finished, Addison asks, “but why would she risk getting caught to lie to you about your sister? And what does she mean we’re in danger from you?”

“I don’t know. I figure it’s just her way of trying to trick me into a trap of some kind or maybe she’s just trying to turn me against my sister for something she’s done.”

“This really doesn’t make much sense,” Addison adds.

When we get to Gaby’s apartment, I help her carry her bag up the four flights to her apartment. Nothing seems out of the ordinary until we get inside her apartment. I sense the strange cut-off form the rest of the building, the rest of the world. My sense of Addison and Quinton waiting in the car below is dampened, like listening to music with earplugs in. I grab Gaby and pull her behind me.

Then I see Caraway walking out of the bedroom. “Bentley, you have nothing to fear from me, and certainly not a human as gifted as Gaby here.”

“Caraway,” I sigh with relief.

“Hey,” she smiles. “So how was Mother?”

“She’s crazy. She was trying to make me believe that I shouldn’t trust you.”

“Now why would she say that?”

“I don’t know. I really don’t. Wait. How did you know that I saw her today?”

“Bentley,” she shakes her head. “Don’t you know that I’m always with you. Even if you can’t sense me with your amazing ability, I’m always there with you,” she says sweetly.

I’m puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“I was there when Mother tortured you under the auspices of training you,” she says sarcastically. “I lost you for a little while when you escaped her, but once I found you here in this city…well, I’ve been watching you for a while now.”

“Why? I mean, if you knew where I was, why didn’t you just come meet me, in person I mean?”

“Because Mother would have known where I’d gone and I didn’t want her to find you again.”

“You kept her from finding me?”

“Yes, of course. I didn’t want you to go through what she put you through all over again.”

“But how did you find me?”

“Silly, we’re connected. We are directly related, from the same genes. Of course it would be easy for me to find you. I guess you haven’t figured that out or else you would use your ability to find me. Your amazing ability. How have you not found me yet, silly?”

“I…I guess I didn’t realize I could.”

“Of course you can. You can find anyone you want. Haven’t you figured that out yet? You’re more powerful than you think you are, Bentley. So much more powerful.”

“Wait. That was your voice I heard in the alley that night. That night when Mother sent those humans to ambush me.”

“Yes, it was me.” She smiles at my realization. “I was really afraid that you weren’t going to be able to defeat them. That would have been terrible.”

“Yes, but at what cost? They ended up dying.”

“But they attacked you,” she stresses. “What if they had attacked someone like Gaby? Would you have let her die instead of them?”

“No,” I answer immediately. “Of course not.”

She smiles, “see. It’s okay. They’re lives aren’t worth feeling sorry for.”

Something about what she’s saying is rubbing me the wrong way, but I can’t figure out why exactly.

“Bentley, now I need your help. I’ve been watching out for you all these years. Now I need you to help me. Can you?”

“What do you need me to do?”

Before she can answer the door opens but nobody is there. It startles Gaby who I now notice looks terrified. “Gaby, are you okay?” I whisper.

“I want to get out of here. Please?”

“Okay.”

When I turn back to look at Caraway I see that she’s disappeared. I look around for her. “Caraway?” But there’s no answer. “That’s weird.”

Gaby is nearly in tears. “Bentley, please, let’s go.”

I then notice I can hear the noises from the neighbors and I can sense Addison and Quinton, who I realize suddenly is in the room.

“Quinton?”

He suddenly appears right behind Gaby.

“How did you do that?” Gaby asks clearly startled. “Bentley, what’s going on?”

“Can I explain in the car.”

“Yes, as long as we can leave right now.”

“But what about your things?”

She grabs a bundle of clothes randomly sitting on the back of the sofa and says, “done. Let’s go.”

“I think she’s right,” Quinton says.

“Okay. Let’s go.”

All three of us hurry down the stairs to Addison who is still waiting in the car. She looks relieved when we appear on the steps.

“Are you all okay?” she asks as soon as we’re close.

“Yes, but let’s discuss this on the road,” Quinton says. I’ve never seen him so serious.

After we all get in, Quinton asks, “do you really think it’s wise for us to go back to the flat?”

“Who do we have to be afraid of there?” I ask. “My mother can’t hurt me and my sister is watching over me.”

Since Gaby is leaning against me in the back seat I feel her when she shivers.

“Hey, are you okay?” I whisper.

“I’m fine,” she says with a troubled face. “I’m fine,” she says again with a fake smile.

“At the very least we need to go back for the spheres,” Addison says.

“Right,” Quinton retorts.

“We can retrieve them and our work and leave for a safer place.”

“Good,” Quinton says.

“Fine,” I say. “But it really isn’t necessary.”

“I think it would be best for all of us,” Addison says bringing the discussion to an end.

We ride the rest of the way in silence. When we get back to the flat, we all quickly go inside and retrieve the few important possessions, especially those related to our work. What’s odd is that instead of coming with me to pack, Gaby goes with Addison.

“Do you mind?” she asks.

“No, it’s fine, I guess.”

“Thanks,” Gaby says and smiles a real smile.

At least she seems to be feeling a little better.

I go into my room and pack up my very few possessions. Everything fits neatly into a backpack. It doesn’t take long and I’m the first one back out into the main room. I guess I should start packing the study.

The spheres should be first. I think Addison has a case especially for them but I don’t see it anywhere. I go to her room to ask her. I tap on the door pushing it open a little ways and I can see that I’ve interrupted a very intense conversation.

“Hey, is everything all right in here?”

“Everything is fine, Bentley. Is there something you needed?”

“The case for the spheres?” I ask still puzzled.

“Sure. I have it here,” Addison says.

When her back is turned I look at Gaby and mouth, “you okay?”

She nods and gives me a little reassuring smile.

Addison hands me the case and I stand there a little longer hoping one of them will explain what’s going on, but neither does.

“Okay. Well, I guess I’ll go finish packing.”

“Thank you, Bentley. And please close the door on your way out.”

“Right,” I say a little annoyed that neither will tell me what’s going on.

I’ll get Gaby to tell me later, I guess.

I go back out to the study and see that Quinton has finished packing his room. He is standing in the study looking around at everything. I notice he has two bags.

“Hey, don’t you know to pack light?” I say trying to lighten the mood.

He shakes his head and holds up one of the packs. “This is…was…not mine.”

“Ah. Sorry, Quinton. I should have done that.”

“No, it’s fine. It was kind of therapeutic. Harding was very much an Aplorian. It reminded me of how much that part of me has faded and why his death has hit me so hard.”

I put my arm around his shoulder. “It’s not that you’re any less Aplorian than Harding. It’s that it was sudden and traumatic. Something like that would affect anyone the same way. Don’t be so hard on yourself, Quinton.”

“What do you think we should do with his stuff?”

“Maybe just leave it here,” I guess.

“What if we don’t come back?”

“Why wouldn’t we come back?”

“I mean what if we don’t come back,” he explains.

“Quinton, now you’re just being morose. We will come back.”

“With your mother and your sister both making contact with you? Don't you think that's a little foreboding?”

“Well, it…” I can’t deny he has a point. “But it’s nothing we can’t handle. Right?”

“If help gets here in time, then yes, no problem…but if it doesn’t, then that will be a hard battle.”

Addison comes out of her room at that moment. “Quinton, can you come help me with something?”

“Sure,” he says and puts the two bags down.

“Do you need my help too?” I ask.

“It would be a great help if you would pack up the study. Thank you, Bentley.”

As soon as Quinton is inside her room, Addison shuts the door again. Now that is insulting. They are quite obviously leaving me out of their discussions and I know it’s not for a surprise party. I pack up everything in the study as quickly as I can and then go and knock on Addison’s door.

“All done! Now will you tell me what’s going on?”

“Oh, good, you brought the spheres,” Addison says as she opens the door. “Thank you for your help. Now, I’ll just put out a request for assistance and we can go.”

I do not miss the fact that she is ignoring my question. “Addison,” I say exasperated.

“In a moment, Bentley, please.”

She activated the spheres right in front of Gaby. I guess they filled her in.

“So now you know?”

She nods her head.

“And you’re okay?”

She tilts her head and thinks for a moment before answering. “Well, like I said, I knew you were different.”

“And you’re okay with us being aliens? Or half alien in my case?”

She smiles and nods. “I always liked that quote about how it’s such a big universe and how it’s silly to think we’d be all alone in it. I’m just glad you’re nice aliens.”

She leans against me and I wrap my arms around her. She’s taking the news pretty well. Better than I would have hoped. I just wonder why she asked Addison instead of me and why did Addison not leave it to me to fill her in. It seems like Addison would have taken that route. But at least she knows now.

Once Addison finishes the message for help, she puts the spheres back in the case. She clasps the case shut and stands and says, “everyone ready to go?”

“No. You said you’d answer me. Now I want to know what’s going on,” I say letting go of Gaby and putting myself in front of Addison.

“Addison,” Quinton says with a note that sounds like a warning.

“No, it’s fine,” she says and walks toward me. “Bentley, I will explain what we’ve been discussing, but you’re really not going to like what I have to say, but I need you to really listen to me without getting defensive.”

I grit my teeth and say, “fine.”

Addison gives me a withering look.

I take a breath and relax my shoulders and unclench my jaw. “Fine,” I say a little more quietly.

“I’m taking a chance on revealing this to you, but I’m hoping it will help our situation.”

“Well, that’s good…sounding, at least.”

“Bentley,” she starts and then pauses a moment. “Even though your mother did all the awful things she did, do you think it’s possible that she would have your best interest at heart?”

“No,” I answer. I don’t even have to take time to think about that.

“Bentley, I want you to really consider this. What purpose would she have—what ulterior motive, really, would she have for coming to you to warn you about your sister?”

“To try to turn me against her? I think that would be reason enough. But another reason could be to try to play another mind game on me, to see what I’d do. I don’t know. What’s your point?”

“My point is…just consider this hypothetical scenario, just for a moment.”

“Okay.”

“What if your sister Caraway really was planning something destructive to you or to me or to other people on this planet?”

“What? Why would she do that?”

“That I have not quite figured out yet, but suppose she were planning something with terrible consequences, consequences even your mother thinks are catastrophic.”

“There’s nothing my mother would not try for experimental purposes,” I interrupt.

Addison looks at Quinton exasperated that I’m not going along with her hypothetical situation, so Quinton tries.

“Think about this, then, Bentley,” Quinton says. “You spent a lot of time with your mother. You’ve read all the files we have on her, I’m assuming.”

“Yes, I have.”

“What are her known abilities?”

“She can create protective fields.”

“And?”

“And she’s good at experimentation and analysis.”

“Okay, so she definitely is not telepathic nor is can she do mind control, right?”

“Right,” I say tentatively not quite sure where this is headed.

“And she can’t create vacuums…” Quinton looks at Addison who nods at him. He continues the thought, “like at the alley that night?”

“No, but those humans said they had a gift form my mother.”

I can see that Quinton is very hesitant to say whatever else he has to say. “Or like the vacuum in Gaby’s apartment tonight? When…Caraway appeared?”

“But that’s…” All of a sudden everything clicks into place. Everything they’re leading me to see, to believe that Caraway, my sister, is the one who set me up for the fight in the alley. If that’s true, then what my mother said was true. “She killed Harding,” I say under my breath.

“What?”

“That means…” I can’t believe it. I don’t want to say it, but there’s not another way around it. “That means Caraway sent those humans to kill Harding. But why? It doesn’t make sense.”

I see Quinton nodding, and I look down at my feet still puzzling it over.

“There’s more, Bentley, if you’re ready to hear it,” Addison says gently.

I look up at her. “What? What more could there be?”

“You’ve been concerned that Quinton was a traitor, that he was giving updates on our activities to the Kormata.”

“Yeah.”

“Bentley, we believe you’re the traitor.”

“What?!”

“No, not intentionally, of course,” Addison says soothingly.

“I don’t understand. Am I sending messages subconsciously or something?”

“In a way. Think about it. Think about what your sister said about being able to contact you. And that morning you woke up and discovered you were immune to the black ooze. You said you had seen your sister. That she had done something. I think…” Addison looks at the others and continues. “We think she has been reading your mind. We think she has the ability to control minds but that she can’t control your for some reason and that she’s just kind of monitoring you to see what we are doing.”

“And that she can project herself to places where you are or where you’ve been,” Quinton adds.

“But if everything you’re saying is true—if she really can hear and see what I’m doing or what I’m thinking,” I feel a rising anger and resentment at the unwanted intrusion into my private thoughts, “then why are you explaining it all to me? Won’t she know that now we know?”

“Yep,” Quinton says smiling.

“Why are you happy about that?” I ask exasperatedly.

“Because she’ll know that we know so we won’t be saying exactly what we’re going to do—at least not to you, my boy. So now we’re back to being a step ahead of her.”

“Yeah, but that also means I won’t know what’s going on.”

“Them’s the breaks,” Quinton says jokingly.

“This isn’t funny.”

“No, it isn’t, but I would love to see the look on sweet little Caraway’s face to see how angry she is that we’ve figured out her little tricks.”

I shake my head and turn away. This whole situation is so frustrating. I see the logic of it, but this means I will be entirely left out, but maybe it’s better this way. I mean, could I really seek revenge on Caraway? Could I intentionally hurt her, kill her if I were faced with that situation?

All of a sudden the room goes very quiet. It was quiet before, but now the sounds from the street and neighbors are gone. I look behind me and see that Quinton, Addison, and Gaby are still standing exactly where they were. They’re talking but I can’t make out what they’re saying. It’s as if someone has put earmuffs on my ears.

I look around and I see her, Caraway.

“Did you do this?”

She nods.

“Release me.”

“Can we talk first?”

She looks so innocent. What destruction could she possibly be planning?

“Fine. It’s not like I have a choice, it seems.”

“No, you don’t,” she says sarcastically. “Can you at least give me a chance to explain?”

“I would like that very much,” I answer. I mean to say it in the same sarcastic tone as hers, but the moment I say it, I realize that I do hope she can explain away Quinton’s and Addison’s theories about her.

“You don’t really believe Ladain, do you?”

“I don’t know. Have you been monitoring my thoughts? Have you been in my mind seeing everything I’ve been thinking?”

“Bentley!”

“Well? Have you?”

“I only monitored you to make sure you were safe and happy.”

“And it didn’t hurt that you could listen in on everything else.”

“I’m your sister. It’s possible that you would tell me if we could be together, isn’t it?”

“I wouldn’t tell you everything,” I grumble.

“Fine, Bentley. I read your thoughts from time to time. I don’t really try to pry, but I do like to check up on you.”

“I don’t need you to check up on me.”

“Fine. But there’s another reason,” she says quietly.

“What?” I’m still feeling highly agitated that she has been invading my private thoughts and it clearly shows in my tone.

“I…I just wanted to make sure I could connect with you. I needed to feel that connection to you, you know…because you’re like me. Do you know what I mean?”

That I definitely understand. I nod my head.

“So that I wouldn’t feel alone.”

“I know what you mean. But Caraway, the rest of what they think…is it true? Are you planning something…dangerous?”

“Dangerous to whom? To you? Never.”

“What about my friends? What about Gaby?”

“Of course not. Ladain seems to think so, but no, I would never hurt Gaby or anyone like her.”

I feel some relief. But there’s more she has to answer for. “Caraway, did you send those humans to poison me with the black ooze?”

“Yes.”

“What?”

“I did, but Bentley, you have to understand I only did it to find a way to help you.”

“But they died.”

“I know, Bentley, and I can see that you are very hurt that they had to die, but without them and the set-up I wouldn’t have known how strongly the black ooze still affected you. I needed to know that so that I could make you immune to it. You’re immune to it now, right?”

“I am, but at the cost of those humans? Couldn’t you have just met me some place and…I don’t know, asked me to take it or something?”

She gives me a dubious look. “Bentley, would you really submit to experimentation so easily after everything our mother put you through?”

“No, I suppose I wouldn’t.”

“I also wanted to test your abilities. I wanted to make sure you were skilled enough to defend yourself. You're my brother. I couldn’t have you dying on me in some silly battle with a renegade Aplorian or a hybrid. I mean, what if you had met up with one of the hybrids the Kormata are training to be deadly weapons?”

“I can handle it.”

“Yes,” she says triumphantly. “And now you’re even better equipped. No fear—especially from your tormentor. You’re powerful and now I need you to come and help me. Please, Bentley. I need you.”

“I still have questions. I don’t fully trust you just yet.”

“Fine. Come to me and I will answer all your questions.”

“No. Answer me now.”

“Bentley, I don’t have time for this. Please, just come to me and I will explain everything. Time is short and I need you now.”

“Why? What’s the deadline?”

“I’m in danger, Bentley. I need you to come help me before Ladain arrives with her henchmen.”

“Why is she coming for you?”

“I…I’ve done something she doesn’t agree with. I’ve betrayed her and that’s why she’s set me up, so that you won’t trust me. Please, Bentley. You’re the only one who can help me. I’m all alone here.”

The desperation in her voice finally gets to me. I want to know if she was involved in Harding’s murder, but she’s right. I can ask her in person, and if she says she was, then I can deal with her in person. I think I can, anyway.

She fades from view and the ambient sounds return along with the worried voices of Addison, Quinton, and Gaby.

“Whatever she said, you can’t believe her,” Addison protests.

“I know that may be true, but I have to find out for sure.”

“And if it is true?” Quinton asks.

“If it’s true then I’ll deal with her face to face.”

“Bentley,” Addison pleads. “Don’t go. If it is true, do you really think you can do what needs to be done?”

“I’ve done it before, Addison. We’ve been working together for some time now and before you I did the same thing with others. This is what we train for, right? This is our job.”

“But this is your sister. You said it yourself that you feel a connection to her. Like someone you have a link with, that you’re not alone in this world.”

“True, but if she is doing terrible things, then she must face the consequences. I hope I can convert her as I was, but if I can’t, then I will bring her in to face her punishment just I have done with others before her.”

“But—”

“But nothing, Addison. I have to go. I have to find out, and this is my best chance to do that.”

“Then shouldn’t we go with you? To be like your back-up or something,” Gaby adds coming forward. “You shouldn’t go alone to face her, right?”

“Gaby, I don’t want you in danger. You need to stay here with Addison and Quinton, okay? I’ll be fine.”
“Bentley, I agree with her. At the very least I should go along with you.”

“No, Addison. Stay here and wait for help to arrive and then follow me. You can’t argue this with me. You yourself said she knows what I’m thinking and what we’re planning. She’ll know I’m not coming along. Besides, I want to do this on my own. I need to know the truth. And I don’t want my preoccupation about your safety getting in the way.”
“Fine, Bentley. Go. We’ll wait here and follow later.”

“Thank you, Addison.”

“Do you know where you’re going?”

“Nope. No idea.”

“Then I guess you should take the car. Make it a shorter trip.” She tosses me the keys.

“Thanks, Addison. Truly.”

I take a step back and focus my energy into my core. I’ve never searched out just for one person—especially when I have no idea where this person is, but she said we’re linked somehow. I search for that connection, even though I really don’t know what I’m looking for. Then I here her voice in my mind, like a song. So that really was her all those times. Follow me, Bentley it sings. I close my eyes and let the song pull me along, out the door of the flat and onto the street.

I get into the car and follow the direction of the pull I feel in my gut. I’m driving out of the urban area into the suburbs and then beyond into a rural area. The drive has taken maybe an hour. In the distance I can see a building. It looks like an abandoned airport. That must be the place. I push further on the accelerator as the pull I feel gets stronger. The song starts up again singing almost there.

I park the car on the tarmac near a hangar where the pull feels strongest. The song changes again to come inside. I wonder if she sounds this way to everyone. I slip inside the partially opened door. It’s dim, but my eyes are sunblind so it takes a moment to adjust.

When my vision clears I see a young girl just coming out a room further along the wall. There is nothing else in the hangar that I can see. The girl walks up to me and smiles. “You must be Bentley,” she says and holds out her hand to shake. I take it and she continues, “I’m Katira,” she says with a strange accent, maybe French.

“It’s nice to meet you, Katira.”

With our hands clasped she closes her eyes.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m just checking to see how you’re feeling.”

“You could ask,” I say, a bit puzzled.

She opens her eyes and smiles at me. “True, but you’ve been here long enough to know that humans are adept at lying.”

“They are…but aren’t you human?”

Her smile falls a little but she answers. “Yes, I am.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…”

“Oh, it’s quite all right. We shouldn’t be a shamed of who we are when we can do what we can do, right?”

“Ah, I see. You have developing abilities.”

“Yes, I can read people, especially when I am in contact with them. I care very much about your sister, and I do not want any harm to come to her, so I was trying to get a read on you to see if you mean her any harm.”

“Got it. And no, I don’t want to hurt her.”

“You’re not lying. I can tell you don’t, but theirs is some hesitation color the edges of your feelings. Am I right?
“You’re quite good, Katira. No, I’d rather not hurt my sister, but if she is breaking the law, then I will have to take her to face the consequences of her actions.”

“We’ll see,” she says almost threateningly. “This way,” she says and leads me to the door she just came out of.

I follow her wondering what, besides my sister, is back there.

When I walk through the door, the whole room is a blank field of white and the lights above are bright white as well. I feel sucked back into my dream of a few days ago—a recollection of when we were younger and she was taken away from me…for what, though? There was a reason and the memory is teasing the edge of my mind to remember.

“You don’t really remember it all, do you?”

It’s Caraway’s voice, but I can’t tell if she’s here in person or I just am hearing her in my mind.

“Where are you?”

“Here, Bentley.”

I turn in the direction of her voice and see her, dressed in white like she was so many years ago. She smiles and starts walking toward me. Then she sort of skips into a jog and I hurry over to meet her as well. Finally, being able to see her and touch in person.

We meet in an embrace. I know there are so many questions about her activities that IU have to ask, but I just want this one moment to embrace my past. Embrace my other half who has been through much of the same things I have, even if my mother won’t admit to it.

“Bentley, I’m so glad you came. That you trusted me enough to come.” She pulls back from the embrace and I can see tears in the corners of her eyes.

“How could I not? I’ve been wanting to see you since I remembered you. I don’t know how I could have forgotten about you.”

“She made you forget. Have you remembered that part yet?”

“No, but why?”

“She didn’t want us to be together. On our own we were powerful, but together, Bentley. Together we’re unstoppable.”

“What do you mean, Caraway?”

“You’ll soon see. Come with me.”

She takes my hand and leads me into another room, much smaller than the first, where we sit at a table. Katira brings tea.

“Caraway, what’s going on?”

“I told you I would give you a chance to ask your questions once you arrived. I figured we should be civilized while you drink so I can answer questions and I can also explain what I’ve been doing and why.”

“Why don’t you start, then?”

“No, no, Bentley. You have a few more questions you want to ask, right? About Harding?”

She seems to have no fear. Perhaps she has been telling the truth and had nothing to do with his murder.

“Okay, fine. Did you have a hand in Harding’s murder?”

“No.”

“But…then how, why…”

“You mean why was he murdered?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t know for sure, Bentley, but you’ve been here long enough to know that there are some very violent humans on this planet with no other reason to maim and kill other than it seems like fun. They even make movies about it, the bloodier and gorier, the better.”

“True.”

“And the weapons they’ve created. They could destroy their whole planet at the push of a button.”

“Yes.”

“So isn’t it plausible that Harding was killed by some merciless mundane humans just for the thrill of it?”

“Right when he was going out in broad daylight for ingredients to make more of the antidote to the black ooze.”

“Coincidence.”

“Fine. But what about the rest?”

“I already said I’m sorry for invading your thoughts. What more is there?”

“Are you working with humans?”

“Yes. I am trying to help those with developing abilities to understand what’s going on with them. To train them to learn how to use them effectively.”

“I understand that, even though I don’t completely agree with it. We’re only supposed to watch, not interfere with their lives.”

“You mean like how you’re not interfering with Gaby’s life?”

“That’s different.”

“No, it isn’t Bentley.”

“I didn’t intentionally bring her in and tell her all about us.”

“But it did happen, so…”

“Fine. But what about the humans without abilities?”

“There have been a few, mainly brought in with those who have come to me to help them with their developing abilities.”

“But that’s wrong.”

“It’s not my fault these humans don't understand that when I say they don’t have true abilities, they insist on sticking around. What am I supposed to do when they insist on staying? I let them stay in exchange for helping around.”

“Wait. How many humans are here ‘helping’?”

“I don’t keep track of the numbers. I hardly ever leave this building. The ones with abilities come to me and we work here, well in the room next door.”

“Why don’t you ever leave?”

“That’s neither here nor there, Bentley. Do you mind if I ask a few questions?”

“Sure.”

“How did you escape from mother?”

“Well, I had help.”

“But how? Weren’t you locked in the rain house?”

“I was. And she terrified me into thinking that I could never escape because the rain was poisonous and that I would melt. Of course, the older I got, the more I didn’t believe her. Especially after they snuck the first book in to my room.”

“A book?” she looks at me puzzled.

“Yeah, it was a book explaining about the room. Of course, I wasn’t sure if I could trust it, but it did put doubts in my mind about the rain. Why do you want to know about this?”

“I guess I’m just curious.”

“But you said there was a deadline. That you were in danger.”

“We’re okay for now. As long as I have you here.”

“Because we’re more powerful together.”

She looks at me with a huge grin of pride. “Yes, we are brother.”

I can’t help but smile back at her.

“So how did they finally get you out of the rain room?”

“They demolished it.”

“What?” she says clearly incredulous.

“Yeah, they came in one day from the outside. It was weird. I was looking out the window, very drugged. Mother had been pushing me further, testing my abilities to their extreme, so after the exercise she was smoking that calming drug that always relaxed me and I was looking at the window watching the rain drops form larger drops on the glass and then fall faster and faster. It’s funny how clearly I remember everything even though I was very drugged.”

“She did that a lot, huh?”

“Didn’t she do that to you?”

“No, she didn’t really spend a lot of time with me. I guess she was with you all that time. She would stop in every now and again, but I had different trainers.”

“So she was telling the truth,” I say offhandedly.

“What?”

“Ladain—our mother. She said that she didn’t raise you. That you were raised by others.”

“Raised? No, she certainly did not raise me. I must say, though, after you escaped we did start spending more time together, and if what she did to me is anything like what she put you through, then I’m sorry. I’m sorry you had to suffer through that all alone.”

“Were you not alone?”

“No, not really. There were a few other hybrids with me and a very talented human.”

“Really? A human being trained with you and other hybrids?”

“Yes, well at least until she came back to train me. She pulled me from the group and started working with me one on one.”

“And…did she use the spiders on you?”

“She tried, but apparently they did not have the same effect on me as it did you.”

“How did it affect you?”

“It didn’t. I mean at first it did a little, but I was able to see through the hallucinations. The muscle tremors still affected me, but I figured out a counteractive drug for the black ooze.”

“You what?” I exclaim. “That's impressive.”

“I thought so, but Mother was not impressed at all. That was probably about the time we had a huge fight. She started coming to train me less and less, so I was sent back to my original group. It was more of a family than she ever acted with me. They welcomed me back and we started working harder than ever.”

“So my immunity,” I piece the theory together in my mind. “It was you. You made me immune to the black ooze.”

That smile of pride is back and she says, “I did. I didn’t want her to be able to use that against you anymore.”

“Thank you, Caraway.”

“No problem, Bentley. Now, would you mind helping me with a favor?”

“Of course,” I say and take a sip of tea. It has a funny kind of taste. It’s similar to the light sweetness of the black ooze, but something a little musty behind it. I look in my cup. It looks like tea, but the taste. “What is this,” I ask Caraway.

She smiles at me with a slight look of pity in her eyes. “It’s a special brew I had made just for you.”

Puzzled I ask, “what?” Then a slight sleepy feeling comes over. Peaceful.

“How do you feel, Bentley?” Her voice has that sing-songy sound to it and I can’t tell if she’s talking or directing thoughts into my mind.

“Peaceful. Did you do this?”

“I did.”

“Why? We were…” I can’t really think of what we were doing.

“Because I need you to listen to me with an open mind. I need to you help me, Bentley.”

“And I said that I would. I said I would.” I notice my fingers feel a little tingly and I keep brushing the tips of them against my thumb.

“Bentley,” she sings so sweetly.

I look up at her. “Yes?”

“I need your help to make this world a safer place for us and for humans like Katira and Gaby.”

“Oh, that would be nice. Gaby deserves a safe place.”

“I know she does, and that’s what I want you to help me do.”

“How?”

“By getting rid of all those people who would hurt her.”

It’s really hard to focus but I’m pretty sure what she’s saying is not good. “You mean get rid of all the people except for Gaby?”

“Well, not just Gaby. I mean all the people who are like Gaby, those humans developing abilities with ours should be kept safe from all those humans who would be jealous or who wouldn’t understand and try to hurt them.”

“But…isn’t that why we’re here? To keep that stuff from happening like it did on Aploria?”

“It is why the Aplorians are here, but how can a few soft hearted Aplorians do what needs to be done when the tie comes? How can they keep war from breaking out here? They couldn’t even do it on their own planet. But they did invent us. And it seems like we are the answer to the problem. You and I working together can identify all the humans developing abilites and I can protect them while you attach your feelers to the others and send out a pulse to destroy them, like you did with that guy in the alley.”

“But he was hurting that girl.”

“Yes, and there are hundreds of others out there just like him waiting to hurt others like us and like Katira and like Gaby. But you and I can prevent that from ever happening on this planet. We can protect them before they’re ever even in danger.”

It seems to make sense. I only wish she hadn’t drugged me so I could tell if it was me thinking that and not just her putting the thoughts in my head. “I understand. And I want to keep them safe. But do I have to kill all those people? I mean, that is what you’re asking me, right?”

“Yes, Bentley. I am because I so desperately want to protect Katira just like you so desperately want to protect Gaby.”

“But there are so many I would have to kill.”

“But picture it, Bentley. Imagine one day some time in the near future when someone else figures out what Gaby can do. And some fanatic says it’s the devil’s work or something. And they start attacking her. This fanatic takes a gun and shoots her or slashes her throat open or something like that.”

The words are bad enough, but she’s picturing these things and forcing them into my mind’s eye. I can see her, the knife going across her neck, the blood gushing out, her eyes wide in surprise.

“Stop! Stop it. I don't want to see these things!” I’ve shut my eyes tight and my fists are clenched. I bang them on the table spilling the cups of tea.

“Then help me, Bentley. Help me form ever allowing that to happen to her or to anyone like her.”

“No, Caraway. I can’t do that.” My mind is starting to clear a little.

“Why not, Bentley?”

“There would be too many innocent lives lost just because they weren’t developing abilities. Not everyone is a fanatic.”

“Not yet, but we’ve read about it happening. The Aplorian history is full of stories about the beginning of the revolution. All those Aplorians with abilities being put to death because they were different, because they could do things that couldn’t be explained.”

“But this world is not at that point yet. And we’re here…” I try to shake the last of the drug’s effects from my head. “We’re head to keep that from happening when the time comes.”

“And when will that be?” I can hear the rising anger in her voice.

“I don’t know Caraway, but we can’t just kill all the other humans because a few have started developing abilities.”

“Yes, we can. The threat is real. Maybe you haven’t seen it yet—”

“And neither have any of the others in the field collecting data. Take Quinton, for example, all he does is work with humans and he’s never reported anything like that.”

“Fine,” she says slyly, “let’s take Quinton and ask him.”

“What do you mean, Caraway?”

She doesn’t answer. She just stands and walks away. I get up and follow her quickly from the room back to the big white room. Just as we go through the door, I grab her arm. “Caraway, stop. What are you talking about?”

“Take a look,” she says and nods her head in the direction of a group of people standing together. They’re holding onto short lengths of rope and they’re dragging something unseen at the end of it.

“What am I looking at?”

“Quinton, of course.”

“Quinton?”

“Come on, Quinton,” she says to the group. “Show yourself. She turns to me and says, “it really is quite a remarkable ability he has, isn’t it.”

I look back at the group and all of a sudden Quinton is standing in the middle of the group, the ropes attached to him. “Quinton! Caraway, let him go. Why are you doing this?”

“Well, you wanted proof that the future I described is real. Quinton studies humans, so he should know. Tell, me Quinton, have you ever seen a human shunned by others for being different?”

He just gives her a stern look and doesn’t answer.

“Oh, Quinton, come on. Bentley and I are having a debate and I think you can settle it.”

“Caraway, let him go. He definitely is not going to hurt a human with developing abilities. Let him go.”

“You’re right about that. Katira, could you please help Quinton answer the question.”

Katira appears to Quinton’s left and then faces him. She takes something out of a black pouch. I can see Quinton struggling against her and the ropes binding him. Then he stops and slumps the floor.

Caraway approaches him and I run past her to help Quinton up. Before I reach him, one of the men who was holding Quinton grabs me to keep me from reaching him. I attach a feeler to him and send out a weak pulse. Just enough to knock him back so he’ll release me. I attach feelers to the rest of them and send out a pulse but none of them are affected.

“Bentley, please don’t do that to my people, but I am glad to see just how capable you are.”

She turns to Katira and says, “perhaps something a little stronger.”

Katira nods and walks out of the room.

“What did you do to him?”

“Don’t worry. You’ve just experienced it yourself.”

“What? The tea? She didn’t just give him tea. What was that?”

“It was the same drug I just gave you. It’s perfectly harmless. You saw that for yourself.” She turns to Quinton and lifts his head up so he’s looking into her face. “Now, Quinton, please answer the question. Have you ever seen humans shun someone who was different?”

He nods. His eyes are half-open. He is clearly drugged, but apparently not in any pain. She must be telling the truth.

“Have you ever seen a human terrorized for being different?”

“He nods again.”

“What about killing another human for being different?”

“Yessss.”

“You see Bentley. Humans are capable. Perhaps it isn’t happening to Gaby…yet. But they have the capacity to terrorize and kill another human being simply for being different. Look at the history here.”

“But they learn and move on and become tolerant. What ‘s happened in the past is just that, their history. They learn from their mistakes.”

“But at the cost of so many innocent lives. For what? For simply being different. And you know when it comes to light just how many humans are developing abilities and just how powerful they are becoming…you know what’s going to happen. What they’ve done in the past is nothing compared to what will happen in the future.”

“So your answer is to do what these other humans will end up doing to those like us. To beat them to do that to people like Gaby?”

“Exactly. Then they will never have to face that.”

“And what about their family and friends who already may know and not have a problem with it.”

“Well, there will be a few that we’ll have to lose at the benefit of getting rid of all the others who would have a problem with it.”

“I can’t accept that and neither would they. I know Gaby would be very sad to lose her brothers just because they haven’t developed abilities. And I know she’s not alone.”

“Fine. We can work out the logistics, but you do see the reason. You agree that there is a real danger.”

“I do, but I’m not about to supersede the possible future of peace that might come instead of war. The Aplorians are working to prevent that.”

“We are,” Quinton says weakly.

“Well, it seems I can’t convince you now.”

“No, not now, probably not ever. I can’t just kill random people like that.”

“No, but maybe we can find a way.”

“What do you mean?”

She smiles and looks down at my feet. There are three little spiders there crawling toward me.

“What are you doing? This is useless. You yourself made me immune to the black ooze.”

“I did.”

The first one reaches me and I try to kick it off but is has attached itself somehow to my pants leg.

“What are you planning, Caraway?”

The other two reach me just as the first one sinks its needle sharp pincers into my leg.

“These may be our mother’s design, but I replaced the black ooze with something much more useful.”

I feel the other spiders bite me as the substance they injected begins to take hold. I slump to the ground. “What? What?”

“What is that?”

I nod.

“It’s the same thing that was in the tea. It’s the same thing I gave Quinton, only this is a little stronger. I need you to open your mind, Bentley.”

It’s strange but I think I can hear Addison and Gaby. They’re saying my name. I try to look around to find them but it feels so weird to move. I get a little dizzy and fall forward so now I’m on my hands and knees.

“Bentley, are you okay?” It’s Caraway’s sing-songy voice again.

“I already told you I wouldn’t, Caraway. Too many innocent lives.”

“Oh, I know, Bentley, but oh, no! Look! They’re attacking Gaby.”

“What? Where?”

Someone flips me over so I’m sitting on the ground looking in the other direction and I see Gaby on her knees tied up. She’s struggling against the ropes that are being held by two people stretching her arms wide and even from here I can see the rope is cutting into her skin. She’s crying out for them to stop.

“Stop that,” I say weakly. I try to move, to stand and go help her, but I can’t.

There’s a group of people around her and they seem to be encouraging one of their number. Then the group breaks and I see between them all very clearly. Standing in the middle of the group in front of Gaby is a man with a large blade.

I fight against the drug with all my strength to send out a feeler, just one, and attach it to him. I have to work fast but I feel like everything is moving in slow motion. I finally feel it attach. He’s human. No question about it. Without thinking any further I send out a strong pulse. I watch as he’s thrown into the air. The blade drops with a loud clatter. The group quiets for a moment as they watch him fall to the ground. I don’t care if he’s dead or alive. I just want them to stop and I think they have until a woman picks up the blade and points it at Gaby clearly blaming her for what just occurred. The two holding the ropes pull even tighter and she cries out in pain.

“Stop!” I roar. I send out feelers as fast as I can and attach them to all of them around Gaby and send out a pulse to kill.

All at once they all drop. Gaby is released and she falls to the ground sobbing. I watch as she slowly pulls her arms to her chest and cradles herself for a moment. Her sobbing slowly quiets but I can see that she’s still breathing, her chest rising and falling.

I try to crawl over toward her but Caraway steps in my way. She squats down and says, “I knew you could do it. I guess I just needed to make it crystal clear to you.”

“I won’t.”

“But you just did, Bentley.” She says to someone standing above me, “help him up.”

Whoever it is helps me stand and walk over the Gaby. I’m dropped next to her and I try to carefully untie her. Her skin has been rubbed raw by the ropes and it’s difficult to do in my current state. “Gaby,” I say quietly. Her eyelids flutter open and she looks at me. There are new tears forming in her eyes. She sits up and wraps her arms around my neck.

“How did you get here? What happened?”

“We were attacked outside the flat. This group of people grabbed me and Quinton and Addison and brought us here.”

“But how?” How did they get Addison so easily and Quinton who can disappear.

“They threatened me and then got Quinton. Addison had no choice but to give up.”

“Caraway, why would you do this?”

“I need your help. I did this for just this situation. You can’t seem to see the logic of my plan so it seems I have to force you to help me.”

“Who are these people? Who did you just have me kill?”
“Nobody of consequence. They had no developing abilities whatsoever.”

“And they said they would hurt those with powers?”

“No, frankly I didn’t ask them. I just had them tested for abilities and when I found they had none I told them to attack Gaby.”

“That doesn’t make sense, Caraway. Why would they attack her?”

“Because I told them to. You see, that’s yet another of my abilities. I can control weak minded people.”

“You…you were behind everything, then. All along I thought my mother was responsible for some of it, but it was all you all along.”

“Yep. I had to make sure you were ready, which I see you are. Well, not quite yet. I still need to convince you. It really is a pity I can’t just control your mind.”

“Good.”

“No, Bentley, not good. You see I have to complete this plan before Ladain figures out a way to stop me and figures out where to find me.”

“But I can stop you.” I send out a feeler to attach to Caraway and send out the most powerful charge I can. But nothing happens.

“Bentley. That’s not very nice. I actually felt that one. You must have put some power in that.”

“You can protect yourself too?”

“That’s what my vacuums do. Very handy indeed especially if you’re going to be mean.”

I can feel the effects of the drug start to wear off. It seems like every time I use my ability the effects of the drug wear off a little more. I send out feelers to everyone in the room except Caraway, Gaby, and Quinton. I don’t want Caraway to know what I’m doing. I send out a pulse strong enough to knock them out. In a moment I hear a few bodies fall to the ground. The drug’s effects are definitely weakening. I wrap my arms around Gaby and I feel even better. Maybe she’s using her ability to heal me like she did with Addison. I don’t want to let Caraway know what’s going on so I continue the drugged act. When I look down at Gaby, I notice the knife is near her. Without Caraway seeing, I pick it up. Gaby sees it and takes it from me.

“Bentley, what are you doing?” Caraway asks as she looks around at her fallen minions.

I follow her gaze around the room and see the only ones left standing are Caraway and Katira.

I stand and help Gaby up. She sniffles a little and we slowly walk over to Quinton. I sit her next to him hoping she understands that I need her to help him now.

“I’m just trying to help my friends.”

“I won’t hurt them. I want to keep them around. Especially ones like Gaby.”

“And Addison? Where is she? If you want me to believe that you won’t hurt my friends, then bring her out here too.”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?” I yell. There’s no use pretending I’m still feeling the effects of the drug.

“Calm down, Bentley,” Katira says.

“Shut up, Katira,” I spit at her.

“Bentley, please don’t talk to her like that.”

“Then answer my question. Where is Addison? Why can’t you bring her out?”

“Because she got away, Bentley.”

“What do you mean?”

“My people said she just disappeared. I didn’t know she had that ability so they weren’t prepared for it. She just disappeared. Ran away from what I can tell, much like Quinton over there did when Harding was killed, it seems.”

“How do you know?”

She exhales and confesses. “Okay, you’re right. I lied. I did send out those men to kill Harding.”

“You what?”

“I couldn’t have him developing an antidote for the black ooze. My own drug has the same base so the antidote also provides a defense against it as well.”

“Why would you do that? What does it matter?”

“Well, I have every intention of using it to help convince others that what I’m doing is the right thing. It just seems that because of your immunity to the black ooze it doesn’t affect you as strongly as I needed it to.”

“Cara,” Katira interrupts.

“Yes?”

“Quinton has disappeared.”

We both look over to see Gaby kneeling over empty air.

“So he has. Well, go take Gaby back to her room.”

I send out my feelers searching for Quinton but I can’t sense him anywhere.

“Did he run away again? He's such a coward.”

When Katira grabs Gaby she struggles with her and then stops all of a sudden. Her eyes go wide and she stumbles back from Gaby. Gaby stands and walks toward her menacingly. I’ve never seen her look so threatening. She pushes her hard and Katira stumbles to the ground and lands flat on her back. A blade pushes up through her chest where her heart should be.

“Katira,” Caraway says breathlessly. “What did you do?” she screams and runs toward Gaby.

I chase after her and tackle her. We struggle on the ground for a minute, Caraway howling the whole time. Just then more people appear from the next room. They see the struggle and rush over. I send out feelers and a pulse to knock them out but Caraway must have acted faster than I did since there’s no effect and they keep coming.

I look over at Gaby and yell, “Quinton! Get her out of here!” I’m not sure where he is. I can’t sense him but he has to be in here somewhere and I’m right. I see Gaby yanked up, her hand extended and she’s dragged along the length of the room to the door in the opposite direction of where all of Caraway’s minions are pouring out.

All of a sudden I see Gaby stop and they retreat in fear of something coming out of the door they were headed to. Then I see what new thing they’re running from. It’s a swarm of spiders moving our way fast. But these look a little different. These don’t have lines of black like the others I’ve seen all my life. These are green. Puzzled, I look down at Caraway who looks terrified. Her struggle against me begins anew with more strength than she used before. “Let me go!” she screams. “We have to get out of here!”

I’ve never seen these spiders before but no spider I’ve ever seen brought anything good with it. I jump off her and take off running with Gaby and Quinton who has reappeared. The spiders are getting closer. We’re almost to the door in the other wall. When we reach it, we slam into but it doesn’t budge. I try to use my telekinesis to unlock it from the other side but I’m too anxious to get away form the spiders that are getting way to close. Caraway has nearly reached us and the spiders are right on her heels. Suddenly I feel my feet leave the ground. I’m levitating, or rather someone is levitating me and Quinton and Gaby above the ground out reach of the spiders. We’re being carried back the way we came over the swarm of spiders. We pass over Caraway’s head and she jumps to reach us.

“Help me!”

But we’re too far to do anything even if we wanted to. I watch as first few spiders reach her. Her protective shield apparently doesn’t work as well against physical attacks and they reach her easily, injecting her with whatever green substance they contain. She screams for a moment, but she grows quiet very quickly, falling to the ground.

The swarm covers her and continues on and then folds back on themselves like a wave crashing against the shore.

I shudder thinking of how that must feel. All those little spiders and their circuitry crawling all over her.

“You okay?” Gaby asks.

“Yeah. You?”

“I’ve been better but I’ll survive.”

When we land on the other side of the enormous room, I see that it was Addison who levitated us to safety.

“Are you okay?” she asks.

“Yeah,” I answer.

Quinton walks over and gives her enormous hug. “I wasn’t sure what happened to you. You were there and then all of a sudden you were gone and I knew you didn’t have that ability. What happened?”

“Help arrived from an unexpected source,” she says and I see my mother step out from behind her, a funny little whistle in her mouth. A funny little whistle I’m very familiar with.

“Hello, Bentley,” she says a little too nonchalantly for my tastes, like we’re old friends.

“Hello, Mother.” I pull Gaby by the arm to stand behind me.

“I know you probably don’t believe me, but I mean you no harm. I made these spiders specifically for Caraway.”

“Oh, so they’re perfectly harmless?”

“No, but they’re quite effective against her.”

“And you’re just here help us?”

“I tried to help earlier. Remember? I warned you not to trust her.”

“It turns out Ladain is trying to help and she is ready to turn herself in,” Addison says.

I’m speechless. I can't believe that she would turn herself in so easily after all these years.

“I don’t believe you.”

“It’s true.”

As if to add credence to her statement, several Aplorians I’ve never seen appear. They must be a part of a security unit since they look so severe. They’d never mix well with human populations from the looks of them. We all watch as Ladain steps forward past us and blows her funny little whistle. All the spiders stop where they are and then start moving toward her. She holds out a little crate and sets it on the ground. The spiders crawl into the crate, stack themselves neatly, and fold themselves in. She closes the lid and comes back to us. She hands the crate to one of the guys form the security unit and says, “that’s it.”

“What do you mean, that’s it?” I ask.

“They’re going to arrest Caraway and then destroy my spiders. I’m done.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Yes, you’ve said that already.”

“Bentley, she really is turning herself in.”

“I never wanted what Caraway wanted. I never agreed with her plan. I couldn’t get you to believe me and you seemed to be working with her, so I went to Addison. I was prepared to give myself up if that’s what it took.”

“And after what you told me,” Addison adds. “And with what Gaby suspected about Caraway, I called not only a security unit but I also contacted Ladain. Fortunately she was listening and was nearby. She helped me to escape from the group that ambushed us at the flat.”

“Oh, so now she’s the hero?”

“You were so ready to listen to Caraway but you won’t listen to me?” Ladain asks.

“Well, with what you put me through…”

“I only did that to make you stronger. I needed you to build up a defense. You needed to be able to defend yourself against Caraway. The few times I met with her, I knew she would only cause trouble. She understood the connection between the two of you and what power that meant for her. Remember the last time you saw her as a child?”

“Yes. You took her away from me.”

“That's right. She was working so hard to make sure the two of you were inseparable because she knew—even at such a young age—the power you held and how she could use that.”

“We were like six or something! You’re telling me that a child wanted the ability to destroy?”

She looks at me puzzled. “You weren’t six, Bentley. You were twelve. I guess that was her last attempt to control you. She must have made you believe she was younger than she was.”

“Still. A twelve year old?”

“Granted, it was a twelve year old’s delusions, but I could see clearly where her thoughts were headed. You don’t remember much about her during your childhood, do you?”

“You wiped my memories. How could I?”

“Again, that was her. The drugs I used to keep you calm probably didn’t help but I never made a concerted effort to wipe your memories away.”

“Why would she do that as a child?”

“I suppose so you wouldn’t remember the control she had over you. So you would think everything was your idea. She was a very powerful child. I can't stress that enough. And I had to build up your defenses if you were ever going to be able to face her again as she so wanted.”

“She wanted to see me that badly?”

“Yes, Bentley. She saw you as her own special weapon with your ability to send out those powerful pulses of energy. She wanted that ability as her own, and since she couldn’t have it herself, she decided the next best thing was to make you hers.”

A few of the people from the security unit carry an unconscious Caraway toward us. I look at her and any feeling of pity I have for her is quickly extinguished as I think over all the things she’s done that I know of for a fact: killing Harding, sending those humans to attack me, forcing me to kill that group of humans to save Gaby. She is not worth any iota of pity from me.

“What happens to her now?” I ask.

“She will be taken to Aploria to face the consequences of her actions here,” Addison says. “Do you have any other questions for Ladain?”

I look at her and try to change my feelings, the anger I feel toward her and I can’t. I suppose it’s just too ingrained in my soul to change in an instant. I shake my head.

“Goodbye, Bentley,” Ladain says as the security unit takes her away.

It’s then that I feel a twinge of sadness that I will probably never see her again. Under my breath I say, “goodbye, Mother.” Gaby must have heard me because she wraps her arms around my waist and squeezes. I look down and press gently on her arms.

Gaby says something but it’s muffled since her face is in my back. I pull her around to face me and ask, “what?”

“Can we go home now? I mean is it safe to go home now?”

“Bentley, why don’t you take Gaby home now. The security team, Quinton, and I can handle everything here,” Addison answers.

“What’s going to happen to all the humans Caraway kept here?” I ask.

“How many are there?” Quinton asks.

“I’m not sure, but I think there must have been quite a few,” I answer.

“I guess we’ll have to handle it case by case. Some people, like Gaby here, will be able to handle the truth and move on. Others will have to have some counseling or a memory wipe.”

“A what?” Gaby asks clearly horrified.

“They very carefully change memories of what they experienced here,” Quinton explains. “It doesn’t hurt them in the least. We don’t like to do it, but there have been times when it was necessary.”

“Quinton’s right,” I reassure her. “It’s harmless. They just readjust the memories they had to fit in with something plausible from their own lives. They do it case by case—not just wiping everyone’s memory all at once.”

“You wouldn’t do that to me, would you,” Gaby asks timidly.

“Of course not. I trust you not to go talking to the media about everything exposing our work and putting us and others in danger.”

“Ah,” she says with comprehension.

“That's’ the sort of reason we would do it.”

“Got it,” she says.

“You ready to go,” I ask.

“Definitely.”

I put my arm around her shoulder and walk out to the car with her to go back home and try to return to a life resembling the one we had when we first met.

Vicariously through Cari

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

To Edit or Not

Sunday, November 28, 2010

I Am a NaNoWriMo Winner.

A Hybrid's Tale