“We call this area the crossroads.”
“Males and females are allowed together?”
“Yes, but there are very strict rules. Break one, and you’re warned. There is no second warning. Break it twice, and you’re labeled an Intransigent and will be exiled.
“Intransigent?”
Anyone unwilling to compromise with the laws. We’ve had quite a few who’ve been exiled. The leaders had cameras set up to broadcast live feeds of the exiles’ exits to the topside. Not one has survived yet.”
I gasped. “That’s barbaric. Why would they do that?”
“To instill fear. They believe fear is the only way people will respond.”
“They’re wrong.”
“I know, but it’s not our place to disagree. We compromise, and that’s it. Being a Reader would give you a bit more freedom, but they still keep a close eye on our work.” He swiped his tag across a pad on the wall and another door slid open. “Here we are.”
TWO HOURS AND A CLEAN bill of health later, I was directed to a training facility. Following behind Dr. Simon once again, we entered another room with one long table situated in the center. Around the perimeter of the room were stations set up with all kinds of instruments and electronic equipment. Some of the devices looked like they could be quite painful.
“Trust me. You won’t be harmed,” he spoke in a soothing tone.
I breathed deep and settled my heart rate. “Thank you for being so kind.”
“I know what it feels like to be an outsider. But these walls have become my security blanket. I feel safe here, even though there are eyes everywhere. My hope is one day you will feel the same way.”
I glanced around the room but didn’t see any cameras.
“They’re hidden.”
“Can they hear us?”
“Not to my knowledge, but I could be wrong.”
“What about my family? Will they be all right?”
“As long as they follow the rules, they’ll be just fine.”
I knew my parents would follow the rules, but I wasn’t so sure about Finn. He would do anything to make sure I was safe.
“Will I be able to see them?”
“Yes, of course. You’ll be allotted one hour per week for visitation, if you are in fact a Reader.”
“Do you think I am?” I asked, looking deep into his eyes.
He smiled. “Yes.”
“How can you tell?”
“I can see it in your eyes. Kindred spirits. You’ve made contact with the mutants, haven’t you?”
I swallowed a huge knot in my throat and nodded.
“I really don’t need to test you, but they are watching. So, let’s go through the formalities to humor them. Shall we?” He held his hand out to me and I took hold of it, then walked over to a table showcasing some electrical instruments. I sat in a chair while Dr. Simon attached wires to my forehead.
He then asked me a series of questions, and took notes as I answered to the best of my knowledge. Signing his name at the bottom of the form, he looked up and grinned.
“This will take care of all the legalities and keep you safe. Although, I have to tell you, it’s become exciting around here of late; the scientists have completed a new drug to heighten our awareness. It’s a serum that expands our minds, allowing us to channel more than one person at a time. Or, that’s the end goal at least.”
“What do you mean, more than one at a time?”
“As a telepath, I am only capable of focusing on and channeling one person or mutant. This new drug will supposedly allow us to make contact with multiple parties at the same time.”
“But . . .” I hesitated.
“What?”
“What if someone was already able to hear and speak to more than one, without the drug?”
He paused and his eyes steeled on mine. “Are you able to do this?”
I nodded.
“Come with me,” he urged.
“Where are we going?” I asked. My heart raced as we sped walked down a hallway.
Had I said something wrong, or given away too much? Maybe I shouldn’t have told him.
“I’m taking you somewhere we can talk without eyes.”
We rounded a corner and he pushed open a door, clicked on a light, stepped in and waved me inside. I didn’t feel like he would do anything to harm me, so I listened to my gut and stepped in. We were in some kind of a storage area for cleaning supplies.
“How many?” he said softly.
“How many what?” I asked, confused.
“How many mutants are you able to hear at one time?”
“As long as they are within a certain radius, all of them,” I said, matter-of-factly.
He exhaled loudly; his eyes tightening as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “You mustn’t tell anyone about this. It is of the utmost importance to keep this secret.”
“Why?” I asked.
“Because they’ve been searching for someone like you in every bunker across the world, and you will become a guinea pig. There’s no telling how far they’ll go to get answers. There will be nothing I, nor anyone else, can do to help you if they find out.”
This gift was becoming even more of a curse than I’d anticipated. “I won’t say a word,” I promised. “But what will happen if they do find out?”
He sighed and placed his hands on my shoulders. “Let’s not think about that. They can’t. At least not until after your injections are administered. Maybe then they’ll think it’s the drugs that are working.”
I nodded. “Okay.” Hopefully, that was an easy solution. “So, what do they want us to do in this Reader program?”
“They are hoping to use telepathy as a weapon because right now, it’s the safest, least invasive way to combat the mutants without adding harm to the planet and depleting our limited military resources. Yes, we have armaments, but not nearly enough to rid the world of the Arvy race. We never expected there to be survivors after the fallout, especially rage-fueled mutants determined to kill us off.”
“How exactly is the government planning on using us?”
“They’ve been tirelessly working to create a serum which will radically expand our minds and increase our perception. The ultimate goal is for the telepaths to use mind control. Rumor has it, a bunker in Germany has a few telepaths who were able to control the creatures, one at a time. Those who can control the mutants will be able to control the world,” he shrugged. “So, essentially, we will be the bullets encased in their guns.”
Anxiety and despair twisted deep in my belly. “Has anyone from this bunker been able to control them?”
“Not yet. We recently started low doses of the first serum. As for me, I’m only able to channel one mutant at a time, and they must be within a hundred-foot radius. In the week I’ve been administered the treatment, I’ve experienced diminutive results. I’m wondering if you’ll achieve a greater reaction to the serum, considering your advanced skill.”
“As long as it doesn’t hurt, or turn me into some freakish mutant, I’m in. Those monsters murdered the people I loved, and they are holding us back from our future.”
“I too have experienced loss by their hands,” Dr. Simon said sadly. “My wife was part of a team that initially went topside to collect soil and air samples. The sole survivor of the group said the mutants brutally attacked and murdered them. They were helpless, and she was unarmed. She didn’t have a chance, and I regret not saying goodbye.”
“I’m so sorry,” I whispered.
“You remind me so much of my wife when she was younger,” he said. Tears welled in his eyes. “She had green eyes, just like yours. When I told your father you would be in the best hands, I meant it. As long as you are under my supervision, you’ll be safe.”
“Thank you so much. I appreciate it, and I know my family will too. I’m so sorry about your wife.”
“It’s a recurring nightmare. I’m hoping I get to see the day when she will be avenged.”
br /> I nodded. “I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
“Thank you, Abi. Now, on to more important things, like food. Are you hungry?”
“Starving.” I exhaled.
“Good, because they will be delivering our lunch in about twenty minutes. I’ll take you back to the training center where you’ll have a chance to meet the other two Readers in the program.”
“Why do they call us Readers? Why not telepaths?”
“It’s probably easier for everyone to remember.” He shrugged. “Come. Let’s go, and after lunch I’ll show you to your new room.”
“Will I have a roommate?”
“No. Everyone in this program will have their own room.”
I smiled. “I like that.”
“Yes, they don’t like Readers commingling with the rest of the population, nor do they want you to spend too much alone time with other Readers. Basically, they don’t want anything to distract your training or your frame of mind.”
“I’ve never been able to hear or connect with other humans. The only voices I’ve ever heard belonged to the Arvies.”
“You’re able to shut it off?”
“No, but I never learned to turn it on either. Actually, I didn’t know I had the gift until a few days ago. It was the first time I made contact with one of them.”
“What did it say?” he asked.
“That they hate us and want to kill every last one of us. They blame us for their pain and suffering.”
“I’ve had the same response in my sessions with the Arvies. I’ll try and help to teach you to control it.”
“Any help you can give me would be appreciated. When I get too close, I experience excruciating pain in my head like it’s trying to explode, and then my nose bleeds. I’ve even had blood come from my ears. But once I’m farther away from them, everything goes back to normal.”
He paused his steps.
“What?”
“You’re an enigma. It might take me some time to figure out how you are able to do what you do before I can train you to contain the voices. But once you learn to master your gift, I have a feeling you’ll be more powerful than any of us could ever imagine.”
I sighed. Things were happening that no one could explain, and there was no way I could stop it. Why me? Out of all the survivors on the planet, why was I chosen to have this gift? But it wasn’t a gift. It was a curse.
“I don’t want power. All I want is a normal life with my family, and to live free on the topside without fear or threat.”
He smiled softly and laid his hand on my shoulder. “It’s what we all hope for, Abi. But some of us are chosen to be greater than normal. You were born to make a difference. When your world is seemingly falling apart, just remember you were chosen to fill this specific role at this specific time and place. I don’t believe it was chance that brought us together. Fate has a way of linking those who need to be connected. We’ll get through this, and will see a better tomorrow. Okay?”
I nodded and my thoughts flashed to Finn. God, I missed him already and we’d only been separated for a few hours. I guess it was because we’d been inseparable the past few days. Well, that and I simply needed him. He always helped pull me through the tough times, and I couldn’t wait to see him again.
“CHASE, CHLOE, I’D LIKE TO introduce you to the newest member of the Reader program.” Dr. Simon said by way of introduction. He stepped to the side and held out his hand. “This is Abi Park.”
I stood there feeling completely awkward. Two sets of baby blue eyes stared at me and didn’t seem the least bit thrilled about my arrival. They must have been related, and looked around my age. Both were gaunt and had light brown hair.
“Yes, we are related,” Chase spoke, rolling his eyes.
His long, thin frame slouched back in his chair. His eyes looked tired and were encased within deep dark circles.
“I can see the resemblance,” I muttered.
“Obviously. We’re twins.”
“Don’t mind him. He hasn’t had much sleep and is pretty grouchy.” Chloe sighed. She had a very cute petite face with pointy features, but her skin was very pale.
“Chase, are you having nightmares again?” Dr. Simon asked, stepping toward them.
“Yeah, and they’re getting worse,” he replied, with a sour look on his face.
“How much worse?” Dr. Simon asked.
Chase slid his chair back and stood. With a straight face, he lifted his shirt.
I gasped, witnessing massive bruising which covered his chest and stomach, like someone had used a sledgehammer to beat him.
Dr. Simon rushed over to him. “You need to go to the medical facility, immediately.”
“No,” Chase bit back. He lowered his shirt then slowly sat back in his seat. “There’s nothing they can do. They’re just bruises. They’ll heal.”
“You could be bleeding internally,” Dr. Simon pushed. “I’m taking you right now.”
“I’m not going. I said I was fine. If I die, it wouldn’t be soon enough.”
“Chase, don’t say that.” Dr. Simon sighed.
“I’m getting beaten the hell up in my sleep. What do you want me to say?”
“I don’t think those bruises are from nightmares.”
“What do you mean?” Chloe asked.
“I’m not making accusations, but it looks to me like someone’s been visiting him while he sleeps.” He turned to Chase. “Is there someone you’ve angered lately?”
“Too many to count,” he boasted. “I don’t know, I guess I’m just sick of being a prisoner here. That’s all we are . . . lab rats putting in time, obeying orders and waiting for them to come and inject us with their next hope for mankind. Haven’t they learned from their last mistake? The damn ARV serum is what put us in this position in the first place. Now we’re stuck behind these bunker walls, unable to leave,” Chase yelled, pointing to a clock on the wall.
“Chase!” Chloe scolded. “Stop.”
“What?” He shrugged. “They won’t send me into exile. They need me. I’m part of their master plan. Remember?”
Chloe sighed and laid her head on the table. “And you wonder why you’re the only one who has nightmares with physical manifestations?”
“I don’t care anymore,” Chase blurted. “Sometimes I think I’d have better odds on the topside.”
“Enough!” Dr. Simon’s voice rose. “This is no way to welcome our new guest.”
Chase opened his thin arms wide and glared at me. Then with an even tone he said, “Welcome to hell, Abi.”
I was speechless, not knowing quite what to think.
“Come, Abi,” Dr. Simon said, pointing to a chair at the table. “Have a seat.”
As I made myself comfortable, Chloe put her arm out to me. “Hi. I’m Chloe . . . reader, lab rat. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Hey.” I grinned, shaking her hand.
“The rude, inconsiderate punk over there is my brother, Chase. He’s a bit obnoxious, but on most days, he’s tolerable.”
Chase smirked just as another man walked into the room, pulling a cart with plates of food on it.
“The highlight of my day,” Chloe chimed. Her lips turned up into a wide smile, which made me laugh. As the food got closer, the wonderful aroma wafted to my nose. It smelled like heaven.
“What’s on the menu, Juan?” Chase asked.
“Chicken, veggies, wild rice, and for dessert, apple pie.” His eyes flitted to Chloe.
“My favorite,” she answered, batting her eyes at him.
“What’s the rest of the population having?” Chase asked.
“Meatless chili with muffins.” Juan grinned and a deep dimple adorned his face. He wasn’t too bad looking and appeared to be in his early twenties. He was around five-eight, medium build, with dark hair and dark features. A groomed mustache and goatee adorned his face, and he had a pretty strong accent, which sounded Spanish.
“I’m surprised there isn’t an uproar. T
hat’s the third time they’ve had chili this week,” Chloe added.
“People can’t be picky. It’s food. All they care about is making sure their bellies are full,” Juan answered with a smile.
“Wait. What kind of meat is this?” I asked looking at the large piece of white meat on my plate, covered with herbs.”
“That’s chicken,” Juan replied.
“Real chicken?” I questioned.
They all looked at each other like I was crazy.
“Of course it’s real chicken. Did you think it was a fake chicken?” Juan chuckled.
“No,” I blushed. “But I’ve never seen real chicken before. Our chicken came in little dehydrated cubes.”
“I guess there’s a first time for everyone,” Chase replied. “Welcome to the upgrade.”
“You’re new here,” Juan said, pointing a finger at me.
“Well spotted,” Chase said over my attempt to answer.
“I’m Juan,” he said, ignoring Chase. “It’s nice to meet you . . .”
“Abi,” I finished.
“Abi,” he repeated with a smile. “I’m your personal food deliverer on my days off, and during regular hours, I’ll be your trainer.”
“Trainer?” I questioned.
“Military. I specialize in guerilla warfare and weaponry. It was taught to me by my father, who is one of the leaders here.”
“If your dad is a leader, then why are you a server?” I asked.
“Because I want to be.” He smiled. “It allows me a bit of freedom and helps me fulfill my daily good deeds. It also takes my mind off of trivial things. Besides, I love cooking. One day when we get out of here, I’m going to become a chef.”
Chase laughed. “He is one hell of a cook, but this dude is much better at kicking ass. His training methods are insane. I’ve never seen anyone faster or more accurate with a weapon.”
“Chase. You know I hate when people brag about me,” Juan said. “But I’ll take it.”
“What kind of weapon do you use?” I asked.
“For war, I prefer a semi-automatic. But, my favorite handgun is a Glock 19.”
I smiled, thinking of Hellfire.
“Do you know how to shoot a gun, Abi?” Juan asked.