by Amy DuBoff
“I thought you’d be more concerned about me being a potential security risk.”
Kurtz secured her other wrist in cuffs. “You’re plenty secure now.”
“But what about my telepathic abilities? How might that blend with the Hochste?” Ava asked.
Kurtz smiled. “We’ll find out soon enough.”
* * *
Ava watched Colonel Kurtz leave the room. Something about him seemed different from the man she’d known before the mission to Coraxa. She couldn’t place what exactly, but it seemed unlikely the security-conscious officer she’d known would be content with having her in a couple of restraints on a bed in the middle of FDG headquarters. After all, she was carrying unknown nanotech inside her, and that could do anything.
Ava expected him to have flipped his shit when he learned about her condition but, instead, he seemed calm. But not just calm, almost… pleased.
That’s not possible, Ava dismissed with a shake of her head. Right?
She couldn’t think of a reason to justify his behavior. More likely, he was acting normal and it was her perception that was off.
She squirmed around on her bed to get comfortable, but there was no way she was going to feel at ease while strapped down. Moreover, there were too many uncertain thoughts running through her head.
I trust Luke to figure out what’s going on with me, but maybe Kurtz is right. Maybe this is something for me to embrace rather than run from. Ava hated the idea of such a fundamental life change being thrust upon her with no warning, but it wasn’t like she’d planned on having telepathic abilities, either. She was shocked, and then she adapted.
Except, with special skills came the likelihood she would be used—just like the people on her home of Coraxa wanted her to become a Reader, and just like the FDG used her now for their covert investigations.
She was a willing participant in the latter, but how many new ‘special assignments’ would she get if she were a telepath and a super-warrior? She might get sent in on her own.
But her team was her family. She wanted to stay with them and to work together. It’s what made her work fulfilling. With new abilities, that dynamic would certainly change.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the plexiglass window looking out into the hall. She looked over to see Doctor Dwyer holding up a handwritten sign.
Why the fuck would he be writing something out on a dry erase board rather than typing it? In true doctor fashion, his handwriting was almost indecipherable. She squinted at the script to make it out: ‘Kurtz isn’t who he seems.’
Ava’s heart dropped. She shook her head with confusion.
Doctor Dwyer erased the message on the whiteboard and wrote another: ‘Play along.’
Before she could question him, the doctor departed.
What the hell was that about? Ava released a long sigh and nestled into her pillow. If the colonel was indeed not who he seemed to be, then things would be getting very uncomfortable, fast. He was a senior officer, and not a lot of people in the FDG would have the authority to detain him on suspicions alone. The doctor better have some sort of evidence to support the odd behavior of handwritten notes.
Ava groaned. And the day had gotten off to such a good start.
CHAPTER THREE
Luke’s setup in the FDG lab was a far cry from his previous arrangement at NTech, but he hadn’t exactly had time to do any customizing. Colonel Kurtz had indicated that Luke would have a budget to purchase anything he might need to continue NTech’s nanotech and genetics research in a more civilized and ethical fashion, but having a budget meant little without also having the time to acquire those materials.
He looked over the equipment at his disposal and frowned. This won’t get the job done.
The lab had also come with two assistants, who’d been pulled off related research assignments with medical applications. They watched Luke from their chairs on the other side of the room.
“Something wrong?” Jack asked.
“You don’t have a sequencer,” Luke replied. “How am I supposed to run any sort of analysis without a sequencer?”
“Well, we sorta do,” Tess countered. “It’s just not the type you’re used to. She rose from her chair and crossed the seven-meter space to a console along the wall near Luke. She opened a door in the console and produced a half-meter square box.
“And that is…?” Luke prompted.
“The old-fashioned way of doing things,” Tess replied. “Breaks everything down and tells you how it ticks.”
“Organic analysis? I thought the Federation had all the latest tech.”
“Well, many labs do,” Jack responded, “but this kind of research hasn’t historically been a part of the FDG. This is old.”
Luke groaned. “Using this, we’ll have to translate the components to their digital representations to create an expression model.”
“Unless you know of another sequencer, then this is what we have to work with,” Tess replied with a shrug.
“I know exactly where we can get one, but I don’t know if they’ll allow it.” Luke crossed his arms.
“Where?” questioned Jack.
“The NTech lab on Coraxa.”
Tess screwed up her face. “Wasn’t that place condemned after your op?”
“It wasn’t my op, it—” He shook his head. “Never mind. Yes, it was condemned, but that was to keep the locals out. Lots of debris and equipment where a person could get hurt. But if you know your way around, there’s lots of good tech to be obtained.”
Jack frowned. “But that’s private NTech property.”
“Yes, which is why I said they might not allow it.”
Tess scrunched her nose. “Even with transit time to the Alaxar Trinary, we’ll still save time versus an organic analysis.”
“My thoughts, too,” Luke agreed. “If I can get permission to go.”
“Give it a shot,” Jack said. “We’ll get going on the organic sampling in case you can’t make it.”
“Maybe I can find us some other goodies, too.” Luke smiled. “Thanks for jumping in to help with this.”
Jack shrugged. “The chance to study a whole new type of modified human? That’s not something any sane scientist would pass up.”
Luke’s eyes narrowed. “I happen to care very much for this particular human. Her name is Ava, and she’s not just a subject.”
Tess grinned. “Ooo, I see what kind of assignment this is. We’re not just here for science, but we have to save the love of our boss’ life.”
Jack chuckled. “That’s a nice little bit of motivation.”
Luke sighed. “She’s not…” No, he wouldn’t kid himself. Not after the years he’d tried to forget Ava and pretend that a career was enough. Some bonds were too strong and ran too deep. They’d been lucky to meet each other young, but it was before they knew what it meant to be a partner to someone, and they’d tossed it away. Now, they were back together, and he wouldn’t let her go again. He saw in Ava’s eyes—even when they were crazy Hochste orange—that she felt the same way. Luke had to do everything he could to either make Ava’s new condition bearable for her, or find a way to reverse it.
He looked to his team members. “Yes, she means a lot to me. More than science, I’m here as someone who wants her to have the best future she can. I hope you’ll help me give her that.”
Tess nodded. “Hell, I’d have done it for just the science. But I’m a sucker for a love story.”
“As long as I get an equipment upgrade at the end of this, I’m game for whatever,” Jack said.
Luke smiled with satisfaction. “Then I have an NTech lab to raid.”
* * *
The voice in Kurtz head had been quiet since their chat in the supply closet, when everything had become so clear. Kurtz’s understanding of his guilt cast recent conversations in a new light, and he felt a twang of remorse for the fates the other Force members would suffer as a result of his actions.
Bu
t Nox had a vision, and Kurtz was powerless to deviate from that plan. It had all been explained to him with such conviction that he almost believed it was the best course. Almost. Kurtz was determined to resist, yet he was now a passenger in his own body and mind.
From deep within himself, he sensed his body returning to his office—a place that was as much his home as any residence he’d ever had as a child. He looked around the place with new eyes, absorbing the details for what was now an unrestricted control room from which to orchestrate plans with civilization-scale impacts.
It’s so impersonal, Nox commented. Then again, you are a loner.
You already know everything that’s in my mind, yet you still comment and ask questions, Kurtz replied.
Come now, Tyson. What did I say before? We are to be the best of friends.
Then tell me, Kurtz demanded, how many others have I subverted?
Nox gave him a mental tisk. I can’t give away all my secrets, can I?
So, you probably won’t tell me how many others there are like you.
There are… enough.
What are you after, aside from these new vessels to allow you travel across the worlds? Kurtz asked.
We are hungry.
For what?
In time, it will become clear, was Nox’s only response.
When there was no further commentary from his unwanted companion, Kurtz turned his attention to catching up on communications that had stacked up while he was gone.
He scanned through the list of electronic messages, mostly copies of memos to keep him in the loop rather than anything requiring direct action. One particular message, though, caught his eye. It was from the alias account he’d used for his written correspondence with the Alucian president: >>Chancellor Heizberg may not be herself. Possible connection to the subversions within the FDG. Investigate immediately.<<
Kurtz read the message and frowned.
Oh, can’t let anyone else see rumors like that! Nox said.
How long has the chancellor been subverted? Kurtz tried to ask, but the presence controlling him pushed the thought to the back of his mind.
Don’t worry yourself. You’ll be in good company soon.
Kurtz watched his hand select the message and send a generic acknowledgment, then delete the original.
See? It’s nothing at all, Nox said. Now, what else do we have?
The next message that caught Kurtz eye was Colonel Walton’s agreement to the sentencing recommendations for the three individuals who had violated security. Colonel Walton deemed the punishment appropriate.
It grated on Kurtz’s soul that he had been the one to subvert the others and they were being punished because of it.
The lieutenant and major both had motivations Kurtz had been able to exploit through subtle telepathic prodding, and some mysterious helpers behind the scenes made sure those promises related to outside had been delivered. With Alan, though, Kurtz had simply implanted a command for the tech to do his bidding and then forget anything had been done.
The part of Kurtz that was still himself hated the abuse, but he was overpowered by Nox’s pleasure.
The more Kurtz resisted his companion’s actions, the more he was pushed into the background. For sheer desire of self-preservation, he allowed Nox to guide him.
All the other messages could wait for another time. There was a more pressing matter.
Nox’s presence filled Kurtz’s mind. You must guide Ava in her new abilities. Prepare her for us.
* * *
Major Marcus Widmore had lost good warriors over the years, but having one transformed into a new type of being was a novel experience. He scowled as Colonel Kurtz relayed the news about Ava’s uncertain condition.
The colonel was surprisingly calm about the whole thing, so maybe it wasn’t as big of a deal as it sounded. But Widmore knew Ava, and he was certain that no matter how calm she might appear on the outside, she’d be filled with uncertainty and concern over what this change meant for her.
“I’d like to talk with Ava,” Widmore said when Kurtz finished his explanation.
“She already requested to speak with you,” Kurtz assented. “I think she wanted you to fill in her team.”
“Oh, right. Not looking forward to that conversation.”
“She’s alive and doesn’t appear to be in any immediate danger. I look at this as an opportunity,” Kurtz stated.
Widmore was taken aback. “Sir, our people aren’t commodities. I suspect Ava didn’t want this. We have to do what’s best for her.”
“Oh, of course. I didn’t mean to imply otherwise.”
“Well, I’ll check in on Ava and see how she’s doing. I trust we’ll take whatever actions will support her best interests,” Widmore stated, “but I do recognize that she’s a valuable asset to this organization, sir. Telepaths are hard to come by, and having additional augmentations would make her that much more valuable.”
“Yes, her care is our top priority.” Without another word, Kurtz departed Widmore’s office.
Widmore took a moment to gather his thoughts, then headed for the infirmary.
When he arrived in the medical center, Widmore headed for the quarantine rooms in the back, where he had been informed Ava was being held.
His chest constricted when he saw her strapped to the medical bed like a criminal. “Ava…” He stepped up to the window.
“Hey, Major. I don’t think I’m about to rip your face off if you want to come in to talk,” she greeted.
Widmore entered through the containment tunnel and approached her bed. “Why did they strap you down like this?”
“I changed earlier and then blacked out in some sort of seizure. This is as much for me as it is to make sure I don’t hurt anyone.” She stared down at her feet. “I like to think I’ll be able to hold onto myself, but I’m not sure I can.”
“We’re all here to help you,” Widmore tried to assure her, but he really had no idea what he could do aside from offer moral support.
“I wanted to talk about my team,” Ava said. “It’s important.”
“Of course, I’m listening.”
“It’s really important,” she emphasized, looking him in the eyes.
Widmore caught on and repositioned so she could look at him straight-on. A moment later, he felt a presence in his mind.
“Doctor Dwyer came by a few minutes ago. He held up a handwritten sign that said ‘Kurtz isn’t who he seems. Play along.’”
“I don’t understand,” Widmore replied.
“Have you noticed anything odd about his behavior?”
“Come to think of it, he did seem rather unconcerned with what’s happened to you. I’d dismissed it as being his usual detached way.”
Ava swallowed. “That’s what I thought, too. But he told me to embrace this. Who says that to someone who’s been infected with something untested?”
“No FDG officer I know,” Widmore told her. “I’ll keep an eye on him.”
“I really appreciate you coming to see me,” Ava said aloud. “So, my team… Unless they’ve decided to be heartless asses, they’ll be worried about me. Will you let them know I’m okay?”
“Of course. I’ll relay a message. I might be able to get them added to the visitor list since you’re not actually under quarantine.”
Ava’s gaze passed over her restraints. “I’d rather they not see me like this.”
Widmore nodded. “I understand. I’ll let them know you—”
“Major Widmore, sorry to interrupt.”
Widmore turned around to see Luke standing on the other side of the plexiglass. “I heard you talking about Ava’s team. I have a proposition.”
“And what is that?” Widmore asked, stepping away from Ava’s bed toward the window.
“I don’t like where this is going,” Ava interjected from the bed. “Each of you have way too much blackmail on me. Not sure I want those social circles to blend.”
“If you want out of those re
straints faster, then you might want to hold that thought,” Luke replied with a wan smile. “Major, I’d like to take Ava’s team back to the NTech lab on Coraxa to extract some equipment.”
“That’s not ours to take,” Widmore protested.
“It’s specialized and can’t be purchased from any old supplier,” Luke continued. “It’d have to be custom commissioned, and that would take weeks. Without it, we’re looking at three days for each test we run here, and we’re not going to get what we need the first time. Those tests can be performed in half an hour with the equipment I want to retrieve.”
Widmore considered the proposition. “Come to think of it, our official investigation requires a deeper dive into NTech’s research practices. I believe we need to send in a team to procure additional evidence from the facility for examination and testing here at FDG headquarters.”
Luke smiled. “I’d like to volunteer myself for that assignment.”
“Very well. Approved,” Widmore said. “And yes, Ava’s team would make for excellent support on the mission since they are also familiar with the facility.”
“Thank you, sir. I’ll leave as soon as possible.”
“I don’t like the idea of you going back there,” objected Ava.
“It’ll be quick. Just grab the equipment and go,” Luke told her.
“That’s the plan, right. But what about NTech? You think they’ll really just let us condemn the lab and not come for their equipment? It’s only been a few days since our raid. I imagine they’ll try to reclaim it right at the time you’d be showing up.”
“Which is why he’ll have a team of elite Force warriors accompanying him,” Widmore countered. “Like I said, this will all be above board as part of the FDG’s official investigation. They won’t have grounds to bar entry from the facility.”
Ava frowned. “It’s not getting in I’m worried about, sir. It’s getting back out.”