The Diamond Bearers' Rising
Page 16
I screamed? “Probably the part where Crimson took me flying again. But there was something new, too. People were shooting lightning bolts from their fingers. What kind of power is that?”
“Maybe one of the Elementals?”
“I guess so. It was terrifying. We have to find a way to evacuate that city, Chris. Maybe we can prevent them from becoming empowered.” I look down at my hands. They aren’t glowing anymore.
Chris reaches forward and pushes my hair out of my eyes. His hand continues a gentle journey across my cheek and back behind my ear.
I press my cheek into his hand. “I’m sorry my vision ruined our moment.”
“Don’t be. A moment is all we have right now, and we made the most of it, believe me.” He pulls my head forward and rests his forehead against mine. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“I think you’ve earned the Bearers’ respect by healing Chuang, both because they couldn’t, and because he’d been so rude to you. Yet you helped him. You demonstrated unconditional compassion, something they lost long ago.”
I pull back and look him in the eyes. “I don’t ever want to lose it like them.”
His eyes glisten with tears. I angle my head, trying to understand why this is emotional to him. He whispers, “I want to gain it. I need to.”
I wrap my arms around him and pull him close. “You’re not giving yourself enough credit, Chris.” I issue comforting vibes to him, hoping I can help him realize how much I believe in him.
We continue to hold each other, absorbing each other’s energy, for a few minutes. Then someone knocks on the door.
I let go of Chris. “Come in.”
Jonas opens the door and enters the room, then diverts his eyes. “Sorry, I can come back.”
Chris moves off the bed and sits in the nearby chair. “No, Jonas. What do you need?”
“I found something in the files. The company name you couldn’t remember, Calli. Vorherrschaft. It’s a Swiss-based manufacturing entity. They have ties to all the different aspects of what we’ve encountered so far: the power-removing machine, the obsidian bullets, quartz crystal growing operations, you name it. However, nothing in the files connects General Harding’s operation with the operation in China. They are independent of each other. Well, with the one exception, they both had an employee named Agent Alpha.”
“Freedom,” I say on an exhale.
“From what I can tell, Freedom coordinated with Vorherrschaft and hired them to make his machine. He also helped set up the machine in China, but the two operations worked independently of each other.”
“Toward what goal?” Chris asks.
“I don’t know. Another similarity I found is a title used, one that we haven’t mentioned or talked about: Power Reaper.”
Chris rubs his face. “It sounds like a title for someone who reaps powers from people. Basically, harvesting powers, like my dad was doing.”
Jonas lowers his voice. “Yes.”
I try to change the subject, saying, “Any information about Vorherrschaft? Is there a business location?”
“I haven’t found one yet, at least not one that actually exists. There are several addresses, but a quick Internet search revealed them to be fake. My idea is we check out the different manufacturing companies first, like the obsidian bullet plant in Missouri where Yellowstone obsidian has been sent.
“Thank you, Jonas. It’s definitely worth checking into.”
Jonas adds, “When you’re feeling better, come to my bungalow and I’ll give you more information. By the way, what you did for Chuang was . . . awesome!”
Chapter Nine - Brand on a Mission
After Jonas leaves the room, I get up and Chris and I head outside. My strength is full, and all my senses are on high. I find I’m able to zoom in on conversations with ease partly because these people are fellow Diamond Bearers and I’m connected to them in a different way than say Sarangerel and her parents.
I hear Chuang beating himself up for declining my offer to heal him before Yeok Choo died. He thinks if she’d been able to see his “poisoning” healed she might have changed her mind about surrendering her diamond. Chuang believes she was more scared of the future and the threats to the Bearers than she was missing Marketa.
Chuang’s regrets remind me that no cosmic power includes being able to see what might have been. Brand’s is the only one that comes close and even he has to actually experience the situation, then repeat back from it. Speculation is a pointless use of time, yet somehow we are all guilty of doing it.
I pick up on how the Bearers see me now as a strong leader, better than an equal. They understand why Crimson and Maetha chose me and they respect the decision. More than anything, though, they respect Crimson, and like Chuang, they want to continue to serve nature’s will.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was to unite the Bearers. I can’t take all the credit for accomplishing that. Yeok Choo’s decision to quit and Chuang’s choice to remain and accept my help was highly influential. One thing I won’t do is become comfortable. I will continue to move forward.
I spot Brand sitting on a chair amongst groups of conversation, but not participating. What’s more is I can read his mind which means he isn’t repeating at the moment. He’s definitely feeling down about Beth.
I send my thoughts to Chris rather than speaking directly, even though he walks beside me. Chris, I think Brand should be the one to investigate the Missouri obsidian plant. He needs a break from Denver.
Don’t you mean Beth?
Regardless, he’d be perfect for the undercover mission. Let’s take him with us to Jonas’s bungalow.
Good idea.
We approach him and I say, “Brand, would you come with us to Jonas’s place?”
Brand grunts. “I already helped him clean it up. What are you gonna make me do now?”
“Just come on.”
We arrive at Jonas’s and knock on the door. Jonas lets us in. Anika is seated at the table with her hands wrapped around a mug full of steaming liquid. Jonas’s bungalow is small and cozy, but the air crackles with tension.
After the door is closed, I say, “Brand, how would you like to go to Missouri to check out an obsidian plant Jonas found?”
“Me? Sure!”
Wow. I didn’t think Brand would be so excited to get a task of his own.
I continue. “I’ll find a Diamond Bearer to accompany you. The two of you will have to decide the best way to go about getting info. If at all possible, try to sabotage their operations.”
Brand says, “I could do this on my own, you know.”
“Yeah, but I wouldn’t be able to communicate with you. Having a Bearer with you gives me that connection.”
Jonas says, “I wish I could go with you, Brand, but I’m supposed to avoid going to the States. I’m dead, re-member?”
Chris turns to Jonas. “Why don’t you change your appearance like Maetha?”
“I don’t know how yet.”
I consider that I’ve already altered my appearance to appear more like Chris’s vision. Of course, I didn’t know I was doing it, and I certainly didn’t change my entire self the way Maetha can. Still, I’ve done a little of that.
“Why don’t you come with me?” Brand asks, wiggling his eyebrows.
I don’t even have to give this any thought. “No. I think it would help if we pair up with some of the older Bearers.”
Brand is let down, but quickly recovers with the thought of having his first real assignment.
Chris says, “Jonas, why don’t you tell us what you found and what you think is the best way to infiltrate the building.”
“Sure.”
As Jonas begins outlining his discovery, my mind wanders. I think about Beth, wondering where she is at the moment. She should be here with us. We’re the younger Bearers and candidates.
I interrupt Jonas. “I’m going to step out and go find a Bearer to go with you to Missouri, Brand.”
&nb
sp; Chris says, “I’m going to stay, if that’s okay. I think I might be able to use my government resources to help investigate this facility.”
I nod and leave the bungalow.
Anika catches up with me down the pathway. “Calli, wait up. I wanted to talk to you about the Seer topaz you gave me.”
“Did you use it?”
“Yes.” She looks down at her feet. “I looked for my future and if Jonas was in it. All I saw was you.”
“Me?”
“Yes. You and Jonas.”
“What?” I cough and sputter.
Her eyes meet mine and I sense her hesitation to be completely honest with me. She blinks a couple times, then says, “I can’t compete with you, Calli. Your name comes up in every conversation. And to see you in his future and not me was confirmation of what I’ve felt for a long time.”
“I’m sorry Anika. But Jonas and I don’t have anything going on.”
“You don’t now. Look, I hate to be the one to break this to you, but Chris isn’t always going to be around.”
I stop abruptly and take a deep cleansing breath to try to gain control of my rising anxiety. “Anika, I remember when I saw the future for the first time. I misinterpreted it. Perhaps you’ve done the same thing, not knowing how to look at small factors and jumping easily to conclusions.”
Anika hands me the topaz. She says, “My conclusion is that being able to see the future is a gamble one way or the other. Knowing how things are going to work out is not healthy to the mind, body, or spirit. I’d rather be surprised. I’ll leave the future divination up to others more qualified than me.”
“Anika, I don’t know what to say. I don’t . . . Jonas and I are not . . . ” I stumble over my words. “You don’t have anything to worry about.”
“You’re right. I won’t spend any more time worrying about him. His hands are full and his future even more so.”
I haven’t looked to Jonas’s future. I try to make it a practice not to look at my friends’ futures, especially potential relationships. I’m going to keep up with my practice.
Anika heads toward the main house after saying good night. I walk to the gathered Bearers, still mingling amongst themselves.
I send out vibrations with my diamond to the other diamonds to get everyone’s attention. I’m a little surprised how well it works, but I hide my excitement. With everyone looking my direction, I say, “Jonas has located a facility that manufactures obsidian bullets in the state of Missouri. I’m sending Brand to investigate and need a Bearer to accompany him. Would any of you have time in your schedule for this task? I don’t know how long it will take.”
A couple seconds tick by, then Ruth speaks. “I could go with him.”
“Excellent. He’s being briefed in Jonas’s bungalow. You can join him there.”
She nods and leaves the group.
I send a message to Chris. Ruth is coming to join you. She’ll be going with Brand to Missouri. I’m going to my bungalow to rest.
Okay. I’ll tell Brand. Are you all right?
Yes. Just mentally exhausted.
Do you want me to come to you?
No, I need to meditate.
I’d be lying if I said that’s fine.
I’m sorry, Chris. Please give me some time to sort out some . . . stuff.
I really want to be with you.
I want that, too, but you’re too much of a distraction right now, Mr. Harding.
Well, you be sure to let me know if you decide you need to be distracted.
* * *
I meditated for a while after settling into my bed and apparently fell asleep because I just awoke from a terrible dream. I dreamt about the Portland blast—again. There were dead bodies piled upon dead bodies in mass graves. Critically ill people, mutations, cancer diagnoses, and the emergence of altered DNA. Obviously, an evacuation still didn’t happen.
I need to learn who to contact in the city government. I’ll do some research on the Internet and compile a list of names, titles, and addresses, starting with the mayor. Then possibly the chief of police. But what will I say to them?
My mind wanders to the events of yesterday: the Surrendering, Chuang’s healing, Brand and Beth’s relationship, Jonas and Anika’s impending break-up, Chris handing me a pebble. I focus more on that memory than the rest. When the Portland blast hits, everything could go out the window. But if Chris is by my side I’ll be fine. I know it.
Interestingly enough—and quite disturbing—I realize he’s not in any of my visions of the blast. I don’t want to read too much into it. This is probably because Chris won’t be on top of the building with Crimson and me. He should be far away at that time. I don’t want to consider any scenario in which Chris is no longer in the picture.
I start to feel overwhelmed, holding too many thoughts in my head at once, too many decisions.
I call to Chris with my mind. Are you awake?
Yes.
I could use your distraction for a little while.
You got it!
* * *
The next morning at breakfast in the main house Brand pulls me aside and asks, “Calli, can you get me an invisibility topaz.”
“They don’t work around cameras.”
“I’m not worried about that. How long will it take?”
“I already have one charged. Just don’t forget how quickly they lose their power.”
“I won’t, but I think it would be foolish not to have one in this situation. Ruth and I are leaving later this afternoon.”
“Have you talked with Beth?”
“Why?”
“Does she know you’re going on assignment?”
“No. She’ll figure it out.”
I’m shocked with his lackadaisical attitude. All I can say is, “Seriously?”
“Not your problem, Calli, so please back off.”
“Okay.” Somehow I know he repeated the conversation just now and found out I overheard them and talked with Beth. I feel I’ve overstepped my bounds with them. “I’m sorry, Brand. I didn’t mean to interfere.”
The door opens and Chris’s uncle Don walks in. I think he’s wearing the same clothing as when I saw him last. Maybe I’ll suggest Merlin take Don shopping to update his wardrobe. Don’s eyes scan the room and stop on Chris. “There’s my favorite nephew!”
Chris gets up and gives Don a hug.
Don says, “I knew you were here yesterday and it just killed me to not be able to come visit with you, but you know, rules are rules. Speaking of rules, is Crimson here?”
“Don’t you mean Jo Jo?”
Don shuffles his feet. “Yeah, ‘Jo Jo’ or whatever name she’s going by these days.”
“She’s gone, Uncle Don.” Chris leads his uncle to a seat at our table. “I hear you’re working on assembling a machine.”
“That’s correct. As soon as I get oatmeal in me I’ll show you the progress.”
After eating, we make our way upstairs in the main house. One of the many bedrooms is being used as a lab for the machine, although the machine is mostly loose parts lying around on the floor at this point.
Don walks over to the wall with a closet. “We’ll have to knock out this wall to enlarge the room before we’ll be able to properly use the thing. Well, that and install radiation containment seals and barriers. This thing is going to be hazardous.”
Chris responds in more of a grumble, “If you build it right it won’t kill anyone. I’ve been through one.”
“You have? But that would mean . . . ”
“Yeah, I lost my Runner power.”
I look into Don’s consciousness to determine just how much he knows about the Sanguine Diamond and Bearers and find he doesn’t know much. In fact, not much at all. I have to figure that once he’s completed the machine, Crimson will send him back home.
The information in his head is similar to what other workers and staff members know: just the basics of cosmic powers and the need for secrecy. They know the c
hain of command, enjoy being well taken care of financially, and honored to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
Don places a hand on Chris’s shoulder. “If I build it right, you could get it back.”
“No thanks.”
I step closer. “Why would you think you could give him a power when the machine is designed to remove powers?”
Don walks over to a table with schematics spread out on top. “You see this one here? It is for what we’re building. A remover.” He shuffles through the papers and lifts one up. “But this one is for an infuser.”
We walk over to Don and I take the paper from him, holding it with two hands. My eyes travel briskly over the page not really seeing the design, but rather looking for recognizable words. Then I locate a capital T and the number 19.
I nearly shriek. “Do you know what this is? This is how they made Brand.”
Don says, “I don’t follow.”
Chris takes the plans out of my hands and looks them over. “How do you know?”
“T19. Project T19. Hans Lindlebauer.” I toss out these fragments of information, thinking Chris will recognize them. He doesn’t. I ask Don, “Does Maetha know about this?”
“Probably not. I only tell her what I know and I didn’t know anything about a project. But the name Lindlebauer sounds familiar.”
Chris asks me determinedly, “How do you know about this, Calli?”
I relay the experience of helping Maetha rescue Hans from the impending government capture last spring and how he informed us about the project.
“But if the project was canceled almost two decades ago,” Don says, taking the plans from Chris and laying them back on the table, “why is this schematic dated just last year? Furthermore, why did the Chinese have the same schematics in their computer files?”
Is it possible there are other Repeaters roaming the earth? I rub my temples and close my eyes. I focus on Crimson. Can you hear me? Did you know about this? Are there more like Brand?
No response. Not that I’m surprised.
* * *
Chris and I hike up to the highest point on the island, as per Jonas’s directions. Maetha encouraged Jonas to come with us, but Chris said no. From the high vantage point we can see the Field of Remembrance, the beautiful beach, and the boat dock.