Chapter 58
Networks
The Qabalah continued to support terrorism while provoking domestic and international disagreements in the year 2042. Claude questioned why the clones hadn’t attempted to sabotage the electromagnetic energy grid. He called Haley and the other Prophies into his office to ask for help.
“We recently completed construction of the fiftieth relay station of the global energy grid. There’s been no terrorist activity and very little political opposition.”
“That’s great news Claude, so why do you sound worried?” Chris asked.
“I think the Qabalah is up to something.”
“They sure are,” Chris responded. “They’re frightening people by claiming that Haley’s unique capabilities are proof she is the Anti-Christ. The tabloids are full of the stories!”
“We know Chris; we’re working to counter the lies. I understand how disturbing it must be for Haley, but that isn’t why I called you here. I want to know why the Qabalah hasn’t tried to disrupt the energy grid. They stand to lose a great deal when the system becomes fully operational next year.”
“Is it possible we’ve weakened them so much they no longer have the ability?” Steve asked.
“I wish,” Claude answered. “But our sources tell us they’re as powerful as ever. We’ve received several reports of Qabalah agents actively helping to implement the project. We need to know why.”
“Maybe they see the energy grid as a good thing,” Steve said. “Could the Qabalah be on our side for a change? The energy grid makes the world more productive. Doesn’t that mean more for them?”
“Actually Steve, the energy grid makes the world more efficient. It won’t necessarily be more productive. Efficiency means less excess; the Qabalah takes their cut from the excess. Besides, they relish power. The energy grid eliminates their control.”
Claude looked around the room.
“There has to be something we’re missing. I want you to keep your eyes open for trouble. Be ready to respond when the time comes, and it will.”
When they finished the discussion, Haley asked Dan to meet separately with her and the other Prophies.
“You need to be brought up to speed on a project we’ve been working on. Meet us at the usual place around noon.”
The usual place was a small clearing in the woods with no surveillance cameras or listening devices. It was their preferred hangout as students, but it had been many years since their last meeting.
The others were already there when Dan arrived. They were standing ten feet apart in a circle with their backs to each other. Chris was holding a soccer ball.
He turned and threw it hard toward Brian’s back. Brian spun around to catch the ball seconds before it hit. Chris turned around while Brian threw the ball at Haley who whirled around at the last possible second to catch it. Dan thought it looked like a bizarre circus act.
They continued playing the game until each caught the ball several times. Then without anyone saying a word, they turned to walk toward Dan.
“How do you like our new trick?” Steve grinned.
“So is this some kind of mental telepathy?” Dan asked.
“We’re working on it,” Haley replied. “But it takes practice. That’s why we’re doing this exercise.”
“It looks like you’ve got it mastered.” Dan said. “Nobody came close to dropping the ball. Even if you shouted directions to me, there is no way I could turn around at the last second to catch it like you guys.”
“You should’ve seen us the first time we tried,” Matt said, laughing. “It looked more like a dodge ball tournament.”
“We don’t communicate in the normal way,” Haley said. “We share consciousness. It’s a great deal more personal.”
“What do you mean by personal?” Dan asked.
“Well, for instance,” Haley looked at Steve. “I know exactly how it felt down to the most intimate detail, when Steve kissed Tammy for the first time.”
“Whoa!” Steve yelped, “That’s quite enough thank you very much.”
Dan was puzzled. “How can you think straight when someone else’s thoughts are in your head? Isn’t it confusing?” he asked.
“Less than you’d think,” Haley answered. “Each of us share the other’s memories. It’s no different than the memories you have. We aren’t aware of the information until we recall it.”
“Then how do you explain the way you’re able to catch a ball?”
“Practice,” the five of them said in unison.
“Then I have one more question. Why tell me?”
“You’re a part of our team, always have been, always will be,” Chris said.
“But I don’t have any special abilities like you guys.”
Steve patted Dan on the back.
“The Institute didn’t recruit you for your pretty face. You’re one of the few people on the planet whose DNA isn’t mixed with Nina Nizhoni genes. You are pure Homo-sapiens, whatever that means. None of us knows why it’s important, but the QBIFI predicted you have a vital role to play.”
Haley reached out and held his hand. “We love you Dan; it’s that simple.”