by Kelly Oram
“No problem.”
As I stepped away, one of the guys called out to me. “Welcome to NORAD, Angel. It’s good to have you here.”
“Thanks. I’ll try not to blow the place up.”
I winked at their stunned faces and left to find Major Wilks. He was right where the girl said he’d be, sitting in his office, hunched over some paperwork at his desk. “Knock, knock,” I said, hovering in the open doorway.
“Good afternoon, Angel.” He started to smile until he looked up and saw me. Blinking several times, he grimaced and said, “How do you feel about uniforms?”
I crossed my arms over my chest and raised an eyebrow. “It’ll be a cold day in hell.”
Major Wilks sighed. “That is…inconvenient.”
I smirked. It was the same thing he’d said to Ryan.
To be honest, I wouldn’t be too opposed to some kind of team uniform, if it weren’t horrible. I understood it was impractical to run around in short skirts all the time—and probably a bit distracting here at a predominantly male military base like this. I was only giving him a hard time to test his boundaries. I wanted to see what his reactions to me would be. It was best for him to learn I could be a pain right from the start.
“So, Major, do you have anything decent to eat around here?”
Major Wilks looked at his watch and stood up. “If we hurry, we can hit the cafeteria before it closes up.”
“Am I that late for breakfast?”
“Lunch,” he said as we exited his office and he shut and locked the door. “It’s almost two o’clock.”
Nice. I knew I’d slept a long time. “Sorry.”
“You needed the rest. You took quite a beating yesterday.”
“Yeah, thanks for the assist, by the way. I’m glad I didn’t have to kill anyone.”
Major Wilks slid me a long, thoughtful glance. “Could you have?”
“To save my own life?” I shrugged. “I didn’t want to, but I was about to. If Tyson hadn’t dropped that guy when he did, I’d have put a lightning bolt in his face. I’m sure I could do it to save someone I cared about, too.” I paused and gave him a hard stare. “But I’m not a killer, and I won’t just go around using my power to hurt people.”
Major Wilks held his hands up in surrender. “Easy, Angel; that’s the answer I was looking for.”
I wasn’t sure he fully understood yet. “My powers are mine, Major. I won’t follow orders where my abilities are concerned. I decide how and when I use them. No one will ever bully me into using them. Ever.”
“I can respect that.”
“Can you?” Major Wilks frowned, but I wouldn’t back down. “There’s a reason you want me so badly. I wouldn’t be valuable to you if you didn’t expect to have my power at your disposal. I’m not naïve, sir. You want to use me. That’s the whole point. What I’m saying is, I understand your need, and if the cause is right I may be willing to help, but if I ever work with you, it will be with you. Not for you.”
The major was quiet for a moment, either pondering what I’d said or trying to figure out how to argue with me. In the silence, I noticed the sounds of chairs scraping, dishes clanking, and people laughing.
“That’s a naïve outlook, Angel. Everyone has a boss.”
I shook my head. “It’s not. If I went out and got a job working in a video store or something, I’d have a boss and that would be fine. This is different. If I worked for you, you would ask me to use my powers. You’d put me on missions knowing what I’m capable of and assuming I’d use my powers for your benefit. I won’t do that.”
“But the military runs on a chain of command. We couldn’t function without people overseeing things and taking control. I understand what you’re afraid of, but everyone has to have a boss. You could work for me if you trusted me.”
“Maybe,” I agreed. “If I genuinely trusted you. And that’s a very big if. But what about your chain of command? What about your boss? And his boss? I don’t know them. And I definitely don’t trust them. If I joined you, I wouldn’t just be signing on with you. I’d be signing on with the U.S. government. Anyone with more pull than you could step in once they realized I was here. They would all try to use me. It’s human nature. I’m valuable to a lot of people. Not just you. I will not become the government’s tool.”
“I could keep that from happening.”
I shook my head. “I don’t think so. If your commanding officer said they needed me, you’d have to hand me over. Or if they ordered you to send your team on a mission, you’d have to go no matter what the job was. Your hands would be tied. I couldn’t risk that.”
We rounded a corner into a wide hallway and pushed through a set of double doors. The cafeteria seemed very average, like something you’d see in a hospital. There was a salad bar at one end and a couple long rows of food covered by glass sneeze guards, and a counter to slide a plastic tray down as you selected your meal.
The cafeteria was fairly empty, most people having already finished their lunches. But the latecomers that were there all took notice of my entrance and watched as Major Wilks and I crossed the room. I wondered how many of them realized I could hear what they were whispering about me. Most of the buzz was awe, curiosity, and excitement—nothing bad—but it felt strange to be a celebrity. I didn’t like being watched.
Trying to tune out their stares, I focused on our conversation. “We are the government, yes,” Major Wilks was saying. He had no problem ignoring people. “But we’re a just one. We have a moral code of honor. Gray areas do exist. It’s an unfortunate reality, but we try our best to always do what is right and in the best interest of this country. In my entire career, there have not been many times where my ethics were tested. What can I do to prove to you that we are not corrupt?”
Major Wilks led me toward the stack of trays and plates. I’d known from the second we opened the doors that I wouldn’t be eating much from this cafeteria, but I took a plate anyway. As Major Wilks began to fill his tray with food, I followed him down the line and tried not to sigh too dramatically as I picked through the measly selection for something that I could suffer putting in my mouth. I wasn’t hopeful. It looked like I’d be going out for something to eat later.
“It’s not a question of being corrupt. It’s a matter of handing over my power to others. My abilities are dangerous, and I’m to blame for what happens when I use them. I’m the one who has to live with the consequences. I won’t go on missions that I don’t choose to be a part of, and I won’t use my powers unless I feel it’s okay.”
Major Wilks sighed again and turned to go find a table. Thankfully he sat us at an empty one, but there were a few people within eavesdropping distance. Oh, well. I was going to have to get used to being on display. At least, for a while. “I can be a useful ally, Major, and a great friend to have. If I can trust you, you can always ask for my help. But I doubt I’ll ever be an official part of the team. I’m just too powerful. I can’t risk putting myself in anyone’s control. I’m sorry.”
As we sat, he finally noticed my tray. The lone apple on it derailed his focus. “I thought you were hungry?”
Twisting the apple in my hands, I glanced back at the buffet line we’d just gone through and wrinkled my nose. “Superpowers can have their drawbacks.” I had to elaborate. “I have amplified senses. A heightened sense of smell and taste generally equates to world’s pickiest eater. Great food is pure bliss. But mediocre food is awful, and terrible food is just inedible. No offense to your staff. It’s not their fault my taste buds are in overdrive. But don’t worry. I’ll just go out for something later.”
“No need, Angel!” Tyson chirped, appearing at my side with a wide grin. “Hey, Major. Sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to bring this to Jamie before it got cold.”
He sat down across from us and pushed an insulated bag in front of me. It was warm and smelled divine. “What is it?”
“Well, we had the day off this morning, and I remembered Ryan talking about
the supertaste thing, and I know the cafeteria food here is crap—” His eyes snapped to Major Wilks, and the tips of his ears turned red. “Sorry, Major.”
Major Wilks pursed his lips at the kid, but I think it was only to hide a smile.
“Anyway, I didn’t want you to starve, so Abiodun drove me in to Colorado Springs this morning and we did some shopping. Ryan gave us a list of foods you like, and we found more of that tea that’s your favorite. Abiodun’s taking it to your room right now, along with a new mini fridge we got for you. But I knew you’d be extra hungry when you woke up, so I brought you some tortellini from the best restaurant in town. Do you like mushrooms? I hope you like mushrooms. I ordered it because it’s my favorite, but I forgot to ask Ryan if you like mushrooms.”
He finally stopped, probably because he needed to take a breath. I would have said thanks, but I couldn’t get any words out. I was shocked. And touched. I had to swallow back a lump of emotion. After clearing my throat, I pulled a white Styrofoam box from the bag and held it up to my face, making a show of examining the food.
Tyson chewed his lip as he watched the display, and his leg bounced beneath the table. Slowly, I opened the lid, examined the food, and took a bite. I would have told Tyson it was the best thing I’d ever eaten, even if it was terrible. I couldn’t break the kid’s heart after he’d tried so hard. But I didn’t have to fake it. The mushroom tortellini was to die for. Groaning, I shut my eyes and savored the first bite. After I swallowed, I opened my eyes and grinned at Tyson. “You, my invisible friend, are my new hero.”
Tyson exhaled a giant breath and beamed a smile at me that showed all his teeth.
Two of the men I recognized from the day before sat down on either side of Tyson. “Uh-oh,” one of them teased. “Looks like Romeo’s got some competition.”
“I’m certainly not going to be the one to break it to him,” the other said.
The cute Hawaiian appeared next, boldly taking the empty seat beside mine and grinned at me. “Let him down easy, Angel.”
I rolled my eyes, but I appreciated the friendly jest. With all the stares from the other people in the room, their playful teasing was comforting.
None of the men had food. It seemed they’d all just come to say hello, and they were a lot more relaxed than they had been the day before.
After eating another bite of my delicious pasta, I turned to the guy next to me and finally asked a question I’d been dying to know. “Eyes?”
He laughed and batted his lashes at me. “My name is Maka Nani. It means ‘beautiful eyes’ in Hawaiian.”
I looked up into his big, chocolate eyes and smiled. “Well, Maka Nani, I’d say your mother got it right.”
The large man winked. “I’d say the public got your name right too, Angel.” He waved a hand at the other two men sitting beside Tyson. “This is Johnny G and Shortstop.”
Johnny G was average height for a guy, and had mocha skin and caramel eyes. His dark hair was shaved in a buzz cut and he was covered in tattoos. I imagined the ACEs recruited him from a boxing ring. Shortstop, on the other hand, was his opposite. I’d noticed last night that the pale redheaded man stood not quite eye level to my five foot eight, and while he was muscular his build was lean and compact. He was tiny, but obviously still strong. Scrappy. “Are you a baseball player?” I asked, curious about the nickname.
The question made Tyson, Eyes, and Johnny G all snort with laughter. Even the major chuckled quietly under his breath. “He wishes,” Johnny G teased. “We call him Shortstop because he’s short.”
Shortstop rolled his eyes, but his mouth curved into a smile. “You can always call me Patrick if you’d like, Angel.”
I glanced at the top of his head and smirked. “Why would I do that when Shortstop suits you so perfectly?”
We all had a good laugh, and when it died down I looked at Johnny G. “Okay, I can’t guess yours.”
Shortstop grinned. “John here plays a mean saxophone. Hence, Johnny G.”
“I still don’t get it.”
“After Kenny G,” Johnny G explained with a sigh. “He’s a famous saxophone player.”
“Like, the only famous saxophone player,” Eyes added.
“Seriously,” Shortstop said, shaking his head. “Who decides to play the saxophone? Guitar, drums…even the piano. But the saxophone? That’s extremely dorky. And embarrassing. Our fearless team leader is a former high school band geek.”
Johnny G took the ribbing gracefully, with only a roll of his eyes. But it was funny. He appeared so tough on the outside. I couldn’t picture him playing the saxophone. Laughing again, I turned to the major. “So what’s your nickname?”
Major Wilks cocked his brow, and when that didn’t make me stop waiting for an answer, he said, “Major.”
“Original.”
Major Wilks couldn’t hold his serious expression. His lips curved up and he said, “I also accept sir.”
The guys told me a little about the base and what they do while I finished my lunch, and after that Major Wilks offered to take me on a tour. Tyson jumped to his feet and scrambled out of the cafeteria after us. “Can I come?”
Major Wilks lifted one of his eyebrows into a skeptical arch. “Can you keep your mouth shut if you tag along?”
“Silent as the grave,” Tyson promised.
The major stared down at Tyson’s hopeful face, and although he heaved an exasperated sigh, there was a hit of endearment in his eyes. The major acted like a tough guy, but he definitely had a soft spot for the kid. Silently he began to walk again, giving Tyson a nod as if to say, “Come on, then.”
Tyson grinned and took my hand, tugging me along after Major Wilks. “Have you seen the command center yet?” he asked. “It’s so cool!”
I laughed. There was no way he’d be able to stay quiet on this tour. We got about five feet before Johnny G cleared his throat to get our attention. “Sir,” he asked Major Wilks, “would it be all right if we tagged along also?”
Johnny G, Shortstop, and Eyes were all waiting with curious expressions. Major Wilks sighed. “It appears you have a fan club, Angel.”
Eyes threw his arm around my shoulders to give me a friendly hug. “She’s one of us now, sir. Just trying to make our newest ACE feel welcome.”
Major Wilks shot me a smug look that I chose to ignore. “I’m not an ACE yet.”
“We’ll convince you soon enough. It’s in your blood, Angel.”
As we toured the facility, Major Wilks explained to me that while there were close to five hundred people stationed at the base who knew about the ACEs, only about two dozen people were actually part of the ACE team. There was his main recon team, which was the group of eight guys who’d come to my rescue yesterday. Then there were a handful of researchers, technical people, doctors, scientists, and trainers.
All of the men giving me the tour said that the ACEs were a tight-knit unit. A family, in a sense. I knew what they meant. I was starting to feel that bond. It was a pretty irresistible feeling. Already I felt more whole than I’d felt the entire six months I’d spent alone with Teddy.
The facility was made up of the lounge, mess hall, barracks, command center, training center, detainment center, infirmary, debriefing room, and a number of private offices and guest quarters—which Major Wilks informed me was where my room was located.
The command center looked very much like something out of an Avengers movie, except for it being underground instead of in the sky. There were a dozen different stations that had fancy computers and four or five monitors apiece, and they were all facing the front wall of the room, which was wall-to-wall screens.
My heart panged a little with grief when I walked in the room. Teddy would have loved it. It was like his office in the desert safe house, but on some major steroids. Then I saw the guy sitting in a chair at one of the main stations, hands flying over the keyboards, face buried in the monitors, head bopping along to whatever techno music was playing in his large headphones, and
felt another stab close to my heart. The guy may as well have been Teddy’s cousin.
“Hey, Geek!” Johnny G called out.
When the guy didn’t respond, Johnny G went to tap him on the shoulder, but I stopped him. “Wait, let me.” Grinning, I focused on the computer in front of the unsuspecting nerd. “Watch.”
I’ve learned to control my power enough so that I can focus on single electronic devices at a time. I reached out with my senses and felt for the electricity coming from one of the glowing monitors. Once I had a grip on it, I sent the screen just enough power to blitz the image momentarily. My tiny power surges never actually hurt computer monitors, but you wouldn’t know it from the way Teddy always freaked out. Geek was no different.
When the second computer glitched, the man sitting in front of it froze. He waited a moment, so I blitzed it again and this time he reached up to smack the monitor. As soon as he relaxed, I made one of the other monitors blink out for a moment. “What the…?” he muttered, and started pounding the keys on his keyboard with a new purpose.
“I used to do this to my friend all the time. It drove him crazy. Geeks are so touchy about their equipment.” The ACEs with me all snickered as they watched their team member get more and more confused. “And for my final trick…”
I picked up my speed and made all the monitors blink in and out like a strand of Christmas lights. The poor guy manning the station freaked out. He started swearing like a sailor and jumped to his feet so fast his headphones caught him up and yanked him back down.
The ACEs all burst into wild laughter, drawing the attention of every worker in the room. As they all came to investigate, the guy I’d been harassing finally whirled around. He spouted another string of impressive curses until he found me standing in the middle of his peers, and his mouth popped shut.
“Hey Geek, get over here and meet Angel,” Johnny G said.