Elimination (The Mind Breaker Book 1)

by Marina Epley

  “I can definitely try,” I say. I can’t remember when I last ate. I guess it was my last meal just before my execution.

  Holtzmann phones in a delivery from the kitchen.

  “How long have I been here?” I ask.

  “Five days,” Holtzmann answers.

  I’ve completely lost track of time.

  “Why did you need to kill me back at the prison?” I wonder.

  “The dead have no legal rights,” he explains. “You’re government property now. They can do with you whatever they want. Additionally, during tough times the society needs a distraction of sorts. A figurative enemy to hate, so to speak, helping divert people’s attention from the misery of their daily lives. Unfortunately for you, mind breakers make the best enemy the government could possibly conceive,” Holtzmann sighs. “They just don’t realize what they’re doing,” he adds quietly.

  “What exactly did Victor do to the girl?” I inquire, worrying for Jessie. “Is she gonna be all right?”

  Holtzmann doesn’t answer, lost in thought.

  The door slides open and a tall young woman comes in, carrying a tray with food. She wears a gray business suit and black framed glasses, both serving to make her appear very serious despite her youthfulness. She’s probably around twenty. Her dark smooth hair put up in a tight bun complete her business image.

  Her appearance snaps Holtzmann out of his trance. His smile is unexpectedly gentle. The girl places the tray on top of his messy desk, avoiding my glance. She seems tensed, her movements a bit nervous and jerky.

  “Thank you, Rebecca,” Holtzmann says. “You may go.”

  She nods, but doesn’t leave, looking at him with hesitation.

  “Egbert, let me send guards,” she pleads, her voice being full of worry.

  “I don’t need guards,” Holtzmann answers. “And we’ve already discussed this.”

  “Please, it’s not prudent for you to be alone with this breaker,” Rebecca adds, throwing me a distressed look.

  “For goodness sakes!” Holtzmann exclaims. “It’s okay, just leave us, Rebecca.”

  She sighs and heads unsteadily toward the door.

  “My apologies, Rex,” Holtzmann says after she leaves. “My cousin has trust issues after going through a very traumatic experience with breakers.”

  I shrug, not being too interested in hearing their family history.

  After Holtzmann passes me a plate with steaming mashed potatoes and a large juicy steak, my stomach growls in anticipation. I eat greedily, taking huge bites. Holtzmann watches me attentively, as if he’s never seen anybody eating before. He has some salad on his plate that he doesn’t even try, only tossing the leaves of lettuce with his fork. I wonder whether or not they’ve drugged my food, but am too hungry to worry about it too much.

  Having finished my meal, I wait for any symptoms of being sedated. I feel nothing unusual. My food was clean.

  “I’m guessing you’ve already figured out where you’re at,” Holtzmann says.

  “Well, some sort of prison I suspect,” I say, “certainly not a resort although the meal was first rate.”

  “Officially, this is a research facility,” Holtzmann explains. “Technically, it’s not much different from a prison. You must be well behaved and very cooperative if you hope to thrive and survive.”

  “I believe I’ve heard this spiel already,” I answer.

  “I’m not threatening you in any way,” Holtzmann says. “But my power is limited. I’m the lead scientist here, but the fact is, I too have to follow set guidelines. A second fact of this place is that uncooperative breakers aren’t allowed to live very long.”

  “I’ve already died once,” I answer. “I guess I can do it again if needed.”

  “Unfortunately, the next time will be for real,” Holtzmann says, his eye twitching. “You’ve only been spared initially because I’ve detected in you some extremely rare abilities. Dr. Carrel was overly arrogant and distracted by Wheeler during the initial assessment, thereby misjudging your level. Carrel is a proud man who doesn’t like to be made a fool of, so he’s a little bitter as you may have surmised. You see, each breaker here is assigned to a certain scientist. Dr. Carrel and I are allowed to choose our own subjects for studying. Naturally, Carrel would want to have such a singularly unique breaker to study himself. But it’s too late,” Holtzmann adds, smiling. “I’ve claimed you first.”

  Holtzmann looks like he’s just won the lottery.

  “Aside from my being a breaker, what’s so unique about me?” I ask. “I’m not the strongest by a long shot.”

  “Oh, contraire Rex, you’ve just never developed your talents,” Holtzmann answers. “Trust me, I’ve studied your kind in depth. I can tell a strong breaker from the weaker ones. You’ve shown obvious tendencies for telepathy. This in itself is an outstanding gift!”

  I shake my head, trying to understand. I remember the pain and horror I experienced back with Wheeler, while he was torturing the inmate woman. Even being in a different room, I knew that he had shot her.

  “What are you talking about?” I ask, disbelieving. “Telepathy isn’t real.”

  “It is very real, Rex. Telepathy was actually the technique Elimination used to locate you,” Holtzmann explains. “As it happens, Dr. Carrel has his own level four breaker, a strong telepath. She envisioned you on the train in her mind and even identified its exact location.”

  Lena. The little girl from my dream, I realize.

  “What are these levels everybody keeps talking about?” I ask.

  “I’ve created these classifications,” Holtzmann says. “Each level roughly matches the skills that a breaker of that certain level demonstrates. The first level is the most common. It consists of the ability to hypnotize ordinary humans. We look for something more advanced, at level two, whereby breakers are able to hypnotize and control the minds of people resistant to level one abilities.”

  “What?” I exclaim. “You’re telling me that some of us can control the resistant?”

  “It’s uncommon, but quite possible,” Holtzmann confirms. “Carrel’s subject Victor has this skill. Although he’s forbidden to utilize it on Elimination employees. I doubt he would anyway, hoping to build a career here.”

  I’ve never considered a breaker may be willing to cooperate with Elimination. This Victor dude must really be some kind of rat.

  “At level three, breakers are capable of reading memories along with the abilities of the first two levels,” Holtzmann continues. “As you likely already surmised Victor is level three. That’s his primary job function here, to scan the memories of captured breakers.”

  “And I’m level four?” I ask.

  “You certainly are,” Holtzmann nods. “Your additional gift is telepathy. Less than one percent of breakers possess this gift. Actually, you’re only the second telepath we’ve managed to obtain.”

  The first one must be Lena, I realize.

  “Officially, this system of classification is very informal,” Holtzmann adds. “Mind breaker phenomena is far too complex. I’m fairly certain there are additional levels we haven’t discovered at present. An excellent example would be the way you managed to block Victor from taking your memories. It doesn’t fit into any classification currently documented.”

  I raise my eyebrows. Blocking Victor didn’t feel like anything outstanding to me.

  “Thanks for the very entertaining lecture, professor,” I say. “But what do you want from me? What is this all about?”

  “You see, in spite of the fact I’m an Elimination scientist, I do follow ethical principles and have never practiced a more violent approach of the sort Dr. Carrel employs,” Holtzmann says. “Bottom line, Rex, I want you to agree to participate in my studies. But it must be your own decision. I believe this to be the only appropriate way to work with breakers and conduct the necessary research.”

  “You’re pathetic, egghead,” I say. “Sorry, but I truly don’t give a damn about your experimen
tal research. I don’t care to be anybody’s lab rat.”

  “Careful now,” he warns. “If you don’t agree to work with me, Carrel will surely take you. I won’t be able to stop him.”

  “I’m not afraid of Carrel,” I answer.

  “You can’t imagine what this monster can do to breakers,” Holtzmann adds.

  “I don’t care,” I answer. “I’d sooner die than work for Elimination.”

  “This isn’t only about you,” Holtzmann raises his voice suddenly. “This is about the survival of entire human race!”

  My mouth falls open. “What?”

  “Do you believe in fate, Rex?” Holtzmann asks.

  “No, not really,” I answer, trying to figure out where this conversation is leading. I get a creepy feeling I’m talking to a very sick guy.

  “I do,” he says. “Maybe it’s strange for a scientist, but I do believe each person has his own purpose in the world. My purpose is to prevent the coming war.”

  This nutbag is also paranoid, I think.

  “There’s no war,” I say. “And there’s not even another country to go to a war with. We’re the last country left on Earth.”

  “I’m referring to the coming war between ordinary humans and mind breakers,” Holtzmann says confidently. “Perhaps the war hasn’t started yet, but soon it will.”

  “There’s not enough breakers to fight a war with humans,” I argue.

  “Our latest data confirms that in excess of thirty percent of the population possess breaker abilities,” Holtzmann explains. “Furthermore, I hypothesize more breakers are coming soon. You are the latest dominate subspecies threatening to displace Homo sapiens as the highest rung on the food chain.”

  “Your facts are all twisted,” I say, smiling. “Breakers aren’t the reason this is the only country left in the world. We just want to live and let live, to coexist peacefully, and get nothing in return but hate for our efforts. Why do you think we have to displace your kind?”

  “Because that’s what usually happens when a new species appears,” he answers. “Can’t you see what’s happening? The Yellowstone Eruption triggered a type of punctuated equilibrium, a sudden, rapid change in mankind after a long period of stasis. You see, for thousands of years the human race remained relatively unchanged. Sudden and extreme alterations in environmental conditions forced humans to adapt more quickly. Your species is the result of that sudden change, being more advanced and ultimately supreme. You don’t require weapons to hunt or protect yourself from enemies. The only weapon you need is your mind. Ordinary humans are like cavemen or even dinosaurs in comparison to you. Do you know what happened to the dinosaurs? Total extinction! I fear a similar fate is awaiting what remains of the human race. Our government has recognized this threat, and that’s why mind breakers are being hunted and killed. It’s a basic survival instinct. This research center provides a means for studying our enemy.” He pauses, catching his breath. “Do you see what kind of conflict we have? Both species, humans and breakers, want to survive. A war is ultimately unavoidable. Unfortunately, with our current population issues, it’s a war we can’t afford. I believe once the real fighting and killing starts, both species will end up being exterminated.”

  I listen quietly. No point in arguing with a delusional madman.

  “Humans and mind breakers must quickly learn how to coexist,” Holtzmann concludes. “It’s the only way for us to survive. Finding a means for peaceful coexistence between the subspecies is my life’s work and purpose.”

  “Good luck with saving humanity and all that,” I say, “but count me out. I have my own troubles to deal with.”

  “You don’t believe me, do you, Rex?” Holtzmann asks sadly.

  “Sorry professor, but it’s too late,” I answer. “Nobody has exactly tried to peacefully coexist with me lately and now I just don’t care.”

  “Well, I’ll give you time to sleep on it,” Holtzmann decides. “We’ll meet in the morning to determine what happens next.”

  He calls for the guards. As they lead me away, Holtzmann suddenly stands up and approaches.

  “Just know I’m not your enemy,” he says. “I’m fascinated by your kind and want you to survive. I really do believe that there’s enough room in the world for all of us.”

  I don’t answer. Saving the world isn’t my main priority right now. I need to think of escape, and then to find Kitty.

  Locked away inside a small cell, I lie down on the floor. Apparently, this is some type of high security facility. I can’t rely on my breaker skills as long as this blocking collar is around my neck. There are plenty of well-armed guards, ready to put down any signs of trouble. So I can’t fight my way out. How can I even stop them from attacking me?

  I can see only one possible option. To use Holtzmann as a human shield. Tomorrow after the guards deliver me to him, I would need to overpower only one officer and get his weapon. Then press the barrel against Holtzmann’s head and hope any guards along the way out don’t shoot us both. The professor is obviously a very important scientist around here. I just might get a chance to escape.

  I’ve never had to contemplate such an outrageous idea before, always being a law abiding citizen. It’s crazy how much I’ve changed within the last few weeks. I’ve adapted quickly, accepting the new rules and conditions of life. Except for all this business of being locked up anyway. Now the idea of using Holtzmann as a human shield doesn’t seem too farfetched. I’m determined to regain my freedom, no matter what.

  Jessie, I think suddenly, I must help her somehow. She’s in this mess because of me. First I endangered Kitty, now Jessie is imprisoned. Seems like I’m a bad person to be around these days.

  I close my eyes, resting. Tomorrow’s going to be a big day.

  Chapter 10

  I’m fully awake in the morning when guards arrive. They check the blocking collar on my neck, holding their rifles ready.

  “Face the wall,” one commands. “Hands behind your back.”

  They’re going to handcuff me. I feel anxious, realizing that my plan is already falling apart. If I’m handcuffed, I’ll have no way to fight.

  “Now breaker, face the wall!” a guard commands, slamming the butt of his rifle into my stomach.

  I groan, turning to the wall. There are five of them, each watching closely for any sign of resistance. Now is obviously not the time for heroics, so I put my hands behind my back and let the guards handcuff me.

  That’s all right, I think. Holtzmann likely will order to have handcuffs removed as he seems to prefer softer methods. I may still get a chance to carry out my plan.

  As the guards lead me through numerous corridors, I see Officer Chase walking toward us.

  “Hey! What’s going on here?” he asks. “Where the heck are you taking him?”

  “That information’s on a need to know basis, and you don’t need to know,” one guard answers. “Out of our way.”

  Chase doesn’t move an inch.

  “Holtzmann is waiting for him,” he says.

  “We have other instructions,” the guard answers arrogantly.

  Chase frowns, thinking.

  “I’ll have to report this to my commander,” he warns.

  “To Wheeler? He already knows,” the guard says, grinning. “It’s his order we’re executing.”

  Chase steps away, seemingly confused, as the guards proceed forward.

  Something is wrong. Where are we going? I can only guess.

  Finally, the guards open a large metal door and push me inside a spacious room. The sharp smell of disinfectant makes me gag. One quick glimpse around and I understand exactly where I am. This is the same room I awoke in yesterday from a coma.

  Dr. Carrel rises from his desk, smiling.

  “Welcome back, breaker,” he greets.

  I don’t look at Carrel. My attention focuses on a little sad girl with puffy, oriental eyes, sitting on a gurney. I stare at her shaved head with protruding electrodes. Lena. The same child
from my vision.

  “What have you done to her?” I shout at Carrel. “You sick monster!”

  Dr. Carrel laughs, seeming very pleased with my reaction.

  “Do you like my little star breaker?” he asks. “This is whom you need to thank for being here. She located you for us.”

  He probably wants to shock me, but I already know everything. I don’t blame Lena for directing Elimination. She was probably forced to do this in order to save her own life. Moreover, Lena tried to warn me, communicating through visions. Only it was too late.

  “I’m so sorry,” Lena says.

  “You’ll pay for this!” I threaten Carrel.

  “My dear silly breaker,” Carrel says with condescension. “You must have no clue as to your predicament to even make such statements.” He pauses and then commands loudly, “Strap the subject in the chair.”

  Guards follow his order willingly, dragging me across the room. I wind up being strapped to some kind of a recliner, like a dentist chair. Lena sobs, wiping tears with her shirt.

  “You’d better let me out of here or I’ll miss my meeting with Professor Holtzmann,” I say. “We have an agreement and I’m working for him now,” I lie.

  Dr. Carrel rolls his eyes.

  “You’re even more stupid than I originally thought,” he sighs. “You picked the wrong person to be working with. What did you call him? Professor Holtzmann? He’s no professor! He doesn’t even have a university degree. Your Holtzmann is only an ignorant epileptic wannabe who lives locked away in a fantasy world of perverted dreams.”

  He pauses, looking down on me.

  “Holtzmann has no real power in this place,” he continues. “He’s just a pawn. I’m the only real scientist here. You do have a choice, breaker. You can choose to work for me, or you can die.”

  “Then you can shoot me right now, moron,” I answer. Somehow I know he won’t kill me. Carrel needs me alive.

  “I may consider shooting you,” Carrel says. “First I want to see what abilities you’ve got. If I find you worthy, I may use you for my work. Believe me, even less agreeable breakers than yourself have ended up working for me.”