by John O'Riley
Fear lanced through her as she wondered if she would be one of the unlucky few who died from the retrovirus. Sometimes the body simply couldn’t handle it. She stumbled back to bed and lay down. Unfortunately, the sheets were still damp and had now chilled. She didn’t have the strength to fetch clean, dry ones. Exhaustion and drug induced sleep pulled her back into unconsciousness. The scene rippled as though Brian were watching a movie projected as a reflection on water that suddenly moved. After several seconds, he saw a spacious sky-blue office. Lin sat behind a massive, polished oak desk facing his mother. A framed Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, one in Parapsychology, and one in Sociology hung on the wall off to the side. A couple of oak file cabinets were positioned behind the desk while a couple of beige, cushioned chairs faced Lin’s desk. Teresa sat with her back straight in the right-hand seat with her attentive eyes honed in on Lin with unwavering intensity.
“How is it that this company is so profitable? How can it afford such expensive housing and office buildings?” Teresa asked.
“We have a team of employees called the Profitability Psi Group consisting of nine members at the moment. One of their most important functions is to offer suggestions for how best to utilize employment in order to maximize revenue. Virtually everyone on the team are aggregate intuitives,” Lin said.
“There are businesses worldwide that have the exact same type of team in their employment but they don’t share your success,” Teresa said.
“One of our advantages is the Zen Network which actually strengthens the psychic abilities of our members exponentially compared to all other existing networks including the Global Net,” Lin said.
“That’s impossible. It’s a statistical fact that the more members who are linked share a greater psionic enhancement in their abilities. The Global Net is by far the largest psychic network in the world,” Teresa said firmly.
“The Zen Network is maintained by connectivity psi with special training. All members of the Zen Network undergo extensive tutoring that allows them to emit only positive energy rather than a combination of negative and positive depending on individual moods set at any particular time. We commonly refer to the negative or neutral energy that virtually everyone gives off unconsciously as junk energy. It takes skill to control yourself into being able to not radiate any junk energy. These are the main qualities of the Zen Network that allows us to live pain free and to enhance our psionic strength at a much higher level. It also allows greater control of our gifts.”
“That’s interesting,” Teresa said skeptically. “Assuming that I believe everything you’ve just said about the Zen Network. Your employees must accept assignments that take them outside this compound. Don’t they experience pain at that point?”
“Not usually. The strength of our network is enough to prevent the outside influence from bombarding our senses until an extended length of time which is why we offer so much vacation time in between assignments.”
“How much time before we begin to feel the negative impact once you’re outside the compound?” Teresa asked.
“It takes about two weeks before that happens,” Lin said. “Keep in mind that you only start to feel the negative impact. It still isn’t much and slowly progresses after that point. I know the advantages of the Zen Network sound incredible which is why I can arrange for you to meet with one of our connectivity psi. They can link you to the Zen Network and temporarily block the Global Net for up to an hour to allow you to experience the advantages for yourself.”
“That is a generous offer,” Teresa said smoothly. Her neutral expression didn’t betray the surprise that this proposal engendered.
“I can set up an appointment for tomorrow, if you’d like,” Lin said.
“I accept your gracious invitation. Thank you,” Teresa said.
Brian abruptly awakened and mulled over what he’d just seen. He couldn’t remember beyond the last two dreams but knew that he’d seen a lot of other scenes. He almost felt like a peeping tom the way he randomly glimpsed people’s conversations and experiences. He shrugged aside the guilt as he realized his mother had kept yet another secret from him. She worked for the military with top clearance so he understood that but she hadn’t mentioned she had an appointment today to experience the Zen Network. Brian quickly showered and dressed in jeans and a black polo shirt. The aroma of bacon and eggs greeted him as he stepped out into the living room.
“You do realize you shouldn’t eat food like that at your age?” Teresa’s disapproving voice floated from the kitchen.
Brian joined his mother and grandfather in the kitchen. Teresa’s arms were crossed over her chest and her blue eyes flashed in reprisal. Jason smiled back at her with unconcern as he stirred the pan of eggs with a black turner. Another frying pan contained sizzling bacon. It was unheard of to see him cooking like that.
“Hey there, Brian,” he said warmly. “I’m making enough for all three of us.”
“Thanks. What a treat,” Brian said, inhaling appreciatively.
“You should take a few pointers on manners from your son,” Jason chided his daughter.
Teresa’s expression softened but remained mostly neutral as she turned to gaze appraisingly at him. He felt her scanning him which was something he could never do before. Now that he possessed strong telepathic talent, there were many new skills he would need to learn.
“Your connection to the Global Net is more stable now,” she said.
“I feel better than I have in a long time,” Brian said.
“Did you have any nightmares?” Teresa asked.
“No, but I saw your conversation with Lin. Why didn’t you tell me?” Brian asked, intentionally choosing vague wording in case his mother harbored other secrets that she might slip up.
“You heard about the appointment I have today to experience the Zen Network?” Teresa asked.
“Of course,” Brian said irritably. “I don’t know why you would keep that from me.”
“It seems that with your connectivity psi, it will be next to impossible to keep anything from you. As I have top level clearance in special military operations, this is a troublesome situation,” Teresa said.
“I noticed you didn’t answer his question,” Jason said pointedly. “Why on Earth would you not tell us about your appointment today?”
“I knew you would hope I would work for Phoenix Enterprises if I gave in with this small concession and probably hound me incessantly with the perks of employment here.” Teresa turned to fix a cool look at her son. “And I knew you would tell your grandfather since you tell him everything.”
“I do not!” Brian exclaimed indignantly.
“Yes, you do. You tell him things you don’t tell me. I’m a level ten telepath so I know some of those things, young man,” Teresa said coolly.
“Hmm,” Brian said irritably as he wondered what she was referring to but didn’t want to risk pressing the issue.
Jason turned his attention completely to the eggs and bacon as he began humming softly. Brian and Teresa regarded him with surprise. He had never been this cheerful and hadn’t hummed in many years.
“You seem a lot perkier than usual,” Teresa said.
“You bet! I feel fantastic! I’m connected to the Zen Network and I’m a believer in what they have to offer. I wish I would have known about them before,” Jason said. “Unfortunately, they’ve only recently began advertising and working aggressively at growing their numbers.”
“There are many aspects of this place that are reminiscent of a cult,” Teresa said authoritatively.
“I understand what you’re saying but the rules they’ve made are necessary,” Jason said.
“If you say so,” Teresa said skeptically.
Jason shrugged and sprinkled shredded cheese over the eggs. Soon, the three of them sat down with their breakfast and a glass of orange juice.
“How did you come up with the time to stock up the refrigerator?” Teresa asked.
“I didn’
t. It came that way. Lin offered to have it done when I told her I was coming with you and Brian,” Jason said.
“I see,” Teresa said.
“The food is great, Grandpa,” Brian said.
“Thanks,” Jason said.
“You cooked the eggs and bacon to perfection,” Teresa said conversationally.
“Thank you.” Jason smiled briefly at her then shot his grandson a questioning look. “Are you receiving any training while being treated at the wellness center?”
“Yes, Melissa is helping me with my connectivity psi. She says it will be beneficial to me to learn to sense and remove unhealthy connections,” Brian said.
“I agree. There are so many psychic vampires out there.”
“The correct term is energy transference psi and there aren’t too many of them,” Teresa said.
“There are a lot of undeclared energy transference psi out there because they are ashamed of their ability. Virtually everyone who has the ability takes advantage of others which tells me that its determined by one’s character,” Jason said.
“That’s nonsense. Studies have proven that there is no correlation between psionic talent and moral character or temperament,” Teresa said adamantly.
“You’re wrong. There have been many case studies showing certain talents do correlate to moral character, temperament, and even personal interests or hobbies.”
“I’ve read the research and it is inherently flawed due to choosing only particular talents.”
“It’s proven that some talents are determined by certain individual characteristics,” Jason said stubbornly.
“I’ve done extensive research and those case studies are wrong,” Teresa said adamantly.
“Whatever,” Jason said with a casual shrug.
Teresa’s lips curved into a very slight frown but she refrained from further argument. She fixed an inquisitive look at her son.
“How much have you learned about your connectivity psi?” she asked.
“Just the basics. I was able to actually see the connections around me briefly by the end of the day. Melissa said it will be a lot easier for me to do today. She told me there isn’t time for me to learn more than just the basics though. My treatments will be over soon,” Brian said. “By Friday, I should be completely stable.”
“That is what Lin told me as well,” Teresa said.
Guilt stirred in Brian as his most recent dream about Ashley reminded him he’d dreamed several times about his captors. He had chosen to keep this information to himself but after accusing his mother of hiding things from him it made him feel like a hypocrite.
“You might as well tell me,” Teresa said coolly.
Jason cocked a bemused eyebrow and waited for him to speak.
“I’ve seen something that I didn’t want to think about,” Brian said hesitantly. “I hoped it was just a fluke and that I wouldn’t see it again.”
Jason’s expression turned anxious as he waited for his grandson to continue. Teresa merely gazed unflinchingly at him with anticipation. Brian took a deep breath and then just gushed out the dreams he’d experienced about his captors.
“No,” Jason whispered with horror.
Brian cringed inside at his grandfather’s terror which he usually couldn’t feel but for just an instant, it radiated in a sharp spike that made his insides clench painfully. His mother was unable to repress her own icy horror that continued to dig relentlessly at Brian’s empathic and telepathic senses. Her face remained emotionless except for the fear that reflected from her vivid blue eyes. After several moments, she managed to level out her fear and maintain a cold calm.
“You must not tell anyone about this except for your father,” Teresa said.
“Why?” Brian asked.
“You haven’t heard the stories about connectivity psi that work for the police or the FBI?” Jason asked.
“No,” Brian said with bemusement as he puzzled over his mother’s and grandfather’s reactions to his dreams.
“Connectivity psi that work for the FBI and police can look at a photograph or touch an object in a murder investigation or kidnapping. If their connectivity psi tunes into the energy, they will dream about the victims or the criminals until the case is solved,” Jason said.
“But there’s no case,” Brian said.
“Yes, there is. Your situation is unresolved because the kidnappers experimented on you and countless others. They killed many innocent children for the sake of science and power,” Teresa said in calm, measured tones that made her words all the more chilling. “You will dream about them until they are apprehended.”
“They’ve been doing this for years now,” Brian said. “Do you think they’ll be caught?”
“If Agents Hurst or Driscol learn about your dreams, they will use you to track down your captors. I know that Hurst and Driscol are hiding something from us and that they have a very vested interest in this case. You probably sensed something from them empathically that troubled you, I suspect. They can’t be trusted to follow your best interest and to keep you safe. Your only choice is to keep your dreams a secret,” Teresa said.
“You’re right. I did feel something odd about them,” Brian said slowly.
“It’s conceivable that one of them may even be involved in the experiments,” Teresa said.
“How could that be?” Jason asked.
“There are a number of unsolved cases involving illegal experiments to increase psychic power that have been exposed by the media and also by internal government investigations. The ones responsible are positioned within the upper ranks and haven’t been discovered. This experiment could be just one of many that a group of individuals are keeping under wraps. It’s very likely that operatives exist within the FBI to assist in the cover up,” Teresa explained.
Brian clutched the table with both hands as a sudden wave of disorientation washed over him. A jumble of partial thoughts and facts with strange connections spun through his mind. It was over too quickly and contained too much information for him to remember. He had the sense that he had been on the verge of figuring out something extremely important.
“What’s wrong?” Teresa asked.
“I sensed something. It’s hard to explain. It’s like ideas or something. I’m not sure,” Brian said as he struggled to describe the strange sensations he’d just experienced. “I think it was my aggregate intuition puzzling something out.”
“Do you remember anything? What it pertained to?” Teresa asked.
“It must have something to do with your captors,” Jason said.
“No, it had nothing to do with that. I think it had to do with my nightmares but I’m not sure,” Brian said.
“Are you referring to the psychic burnout nightmares?” Teresa asked.
“Yes,” Brian said. “It has something to do with psychic burnout and the treatments at the wellness center.”
“Maybe this place isn’t as pristinely pure as one would think,” Teresa said coolly.
“I’m not sure that’s it,” Brian said.
Teresa shot her father a pointed look then rose from her table with her plate and empty glass. She brought them to the kitchen and began cleaning up. Jason quickly followed her into the room and shooed her out.
“I’ve got this covered,” he said as he took the cup she was washing out of her hands.
“You made breakfast, I can clean up,” Teresa said.
“I’ve got it covered. You should relax. You don’t rest enough,” Jason said.
Teresa reluctantly left the kitchen while Brian smothered a grin and tried not to laugh at the peeved look on his mother’s face when she thought no one was watching. Soon, he walked to the wellness center for his second day of treatments. Adam was the healer who spent the vast majority of the time treating him but a couple of other healers along with Melissa worked with him as well. When Melissa finished reviewing the basics with him, she instructed him to close his eyes and activate his connectivity psi. She had alre
ady shared memories telepathically of how to do so which made it easy to put into practice. Melissa appeared as a large sphere of golden energy floating where her head was located with a myriad of blue shimmering lines emerging out in a multitude of directions. Many other spheres of blazing light surrounded them. Brian discovered he could perceive everyone’s energy and connections from a radius of at least several miles. He spotted his mother and zeroed in on her. She appeared as an intense turquoise with many shimmering blue lines intersecting with her. There were half a dozen muddy orange connections attached to her psionic energy as well. Melissa had informed him that links that appeared in this manner were created by energy transference psi.
“I see Mom,” Brian said. “She has some psychic vampires attached to her.”
“Virtually everyone who lives outside of this compound suffers from a few of those connections,” Melissa said.
“When Mom connects with the Zen Network, will those links be removed from her?” Brian asked.
“Your mother will be asked if she wishes to terminate those links. If she consents, they will do that for her,” Melissa said.
“You make it sound like you think she’ll refuse,” Brian said.
“It’s just that some people don’t wish to have us tamper with any of their existing links. Teresa seems like the type who may feel this way,” Melissa explained.
“It’s hard to believe anyone would choose to keep themselves tuned into psychic vampires,” Brian said.
“A lot of people don’t believe it makes a difference,” Melissa said. “Unfortunately, the drain on the victim’s energy reserves is quite substantial.”
“I believe it. Ever since you got rid of the energy drains on me, I haven’t had any more problems with psychic burnout,” Brian said.
“It’s also because of your treatments,” Melissa said. “Go ahead and look at your connection to the Global Net. It is the largest one.”
Brian’s eyes were still closed and he was awed by all the various shimmering lights that surrounded him. He moved back to his own position and focused on himself. His sphere of energy blazed with a vivid indigo luminescence. There were about a dozen blue lines and one of them was substantially larger than the others.