by Jenn Nixon
He nodded and grinned, pulling his hand out of his skinny jeans, holding a fifty-dollar bill.
“Not sure that’ll be enough, I’m starved.”
Laughing, they crossed the street and cut through the park, searching for the food truck she’d been craving since she woke, and found Julio’s right where the app directed. The line wasn’t too bad, ten deep, which seemed odd for this time of night. Usually he had a line around the corner between four and seven at night.
While waiting, Dina set her head on his shoulder, listening to the teens in front and now behind chatting about the drama in their lives. Words she’d once said, long ago, before she learned her life was deeper, more complex than the average normal human. Until Liam, all Dina had wanted was to be normal. He opened her mind and heart to something much greater, even if she could go back and make different choices, she’d always want to end up here.
At the counter, they ordered the same meal, ribs with mac and cheese, and ate silently next to an older couple chatting about their visit with the grandchildren. Thankfully, they left without engaging, which caused Liam to glance at her with concern.
She sipped her soda, frowned. “We’ve…never talked about it.”
“Children?”
“Yeah.”
“Do you want—”
“Do you?”
“On Shria, having children was a duty in a way, an obligation. One I didn’t want when I was younger.”
“And now?”
“If you want a child, it would be my honor, Dina. You’ve already given more than I expected in life. Your love is all I need.”
“You have it,” she said, reaching across the table and taking his hand. Always will, Liam. As for having kids…I don’t think I can do it. Knowing how hard it was for Duncan and me. What if we have twins?
Liam nodded, rubbing his thumb over hers. I completely understand, it’s not something to decide lightly. We can talk about it again in the—
Future? Are we even sure we’ll have one? Dina shuddered, withdrawing her hand only to have him snatch it back and meet her eyes. “I think we should head back now.”
“I trust you with my life, that holds true for your future counterpart as well, Dina. We may be heading down the same path, but everything we’ve learned from the memory and things you’ve said, we already have more information than we…uh, originally did,” Liam said, dipping his head when she tried to look away. “I will never give you false hope, however, I have faith we’ll make it through this.”
Nodding, she got up from the picnic bench, keeping her hand in his, knowing her fear and worry wasn’t going away anytime soon. He tried to occupy her mind with some history of the park and a church with fantastic gargoyles on the rooftop. When they reached their building, he teleported directly into the elevator. During the ride up, Dina moved in for a hug, hating how vulnerable and numb she still felt deep down.
Once inside the penthouse, she broke out of the hug and met his eyes. Her beautiful nerd smiled down, caressing her chin, making her heart flutter. More time with him, like this, and all that numbness would vanish, she knew it.
“Thanks for taking me out, spaceboy, you always know how to cheer me up,” Dina said, trying on her best smile.
“You’re welcome,” he replied.
“You should go, check in with Aime.”
“She can text if anything needs my attention. You are my priority right now, Dina.”
“I’m feeling better, but you already know that,” she said, smirking. “I should probably rest, right?”
“Are you tired?”
“Yeah, a little.” Dina nodded.
Liam took her hand and led her up the stairs. She sensed her father sleeping as she reached their bedroom. An image of Pop’s face, pale with black lips and dead eyes slammed into her head.
Gasping, she tightened her hold on Liam, shut her eyes, and grunted, “Stop it, stop it!”
“Dina?”
She panted. Her mind cleared of the image. The memory, however, stayed in her head. Then came all the questions she’d been ignoring. With the extra information provided by the odd split in personality, aspects of the memory held even more clues about the future. Sometime in the next forty years, Lexa would need to go into stasis, the penthouse and MIND base is destroyed, and she contracts a virus capable of killing everyone. Her answer to that problem: warn the past, change the future.
Dina, Liam said mentally this time.
She didn’t mean for me to have these other memories, Liam. But I do. Shouldn’t I—
“No,” he snapped, shaking his head. “We follow only what was said in the dream and the sphere. Caelum will block the rest and once we find Gardner those memories will fade.”
“How can you be so sure? Faith?”
“Yes and your strength, Dina. Your courage, kindness, and ability to see so many possibilities from a single thread. I’ve never seen you give up or give in and it has always served you well.”
“Sweet-talker,” she said, shaking her head and smiling. “You win, I won’t go seeking answers.”
Liam’s Netphone beeped. He sighed and checked the screen. “Aime has something.”
“Go. I’m going to take a shower then meet you in the base.”
“You should rest.”
“It’s still early and I’m not that tired,” Dina said, rising on her toes and kissing his cheek. “I’ll be down soon. Go.”
Liam nodded and vanished from view. She stripped on her way to the bathroom and stepped in when the water was piping hot. Although she tried to ignore the buzzing in the back of her brain, the memory replayed, the green rose had triggered the future Dina into motion. Later on in the lavatory, another flash of the rose and thinking of Jazara’s vision and after that, knowing Lexa would be waking from stasis.
Her eyes snapped open. Another odd piece to the puzzle, Jazara had seen Dina’s future. Shuddering, she finished washing her hair, rinsed and shut off the water. Instead of a towel, she wrapped up in a fluffy robe and stood in front of the sink, wiping the steam from the mirror. She still had circles under her eyes and looked a little sickly, and realized Caelum was right.
Dina saw a flicker of her future counterpart. Her long hair, dirty and wild, a tough, lined face not much older than she looked now.
Needing a distraction, she dressed in a rush, opting for yoga shorts and a tank top, and teleported to the living room. She paused in the kitchen and decided to make a snack for her and Liam before she went into the base, hoping to build up her strength so Caelum could finish what he started and block the rest of the memories.
***
She had almost invited Hinta and Jazara to see her studio and the window Caelum installed or called into creation or whatever the hell he did, only because she didn’t really want to be alone, but when he and Jazara smiled softly to each other, Sanjeeta said good night.
They were halfway down the block when they teleported away. Still amazed at the sight, she chuckled softly, tapped the keycard to the pad, and dashed up the stairs. The apartment was cool and quiet. She tossed her keys on the kitchen table and crossed the tiny living room to the window.
Even though she was still a little light headed from her time with Caelum, she already missed the sensations, their connection. Shutting her eyes, Sanjeeta recalled the emotions coming off the powerful Enhancer. He carried the weight of the galaxy on his shoulders. On the other hand, his hope and his love for the MIND team and humans in general filled her with joy.
As if answering an unasked question, she felt him nearby, almost as if he were in the next room. Her skin warmed. Her mind opened. Sanjeeta felt their connection carry through the air. She didn’t understand exactly how it happened, but as she absorbed the burden of his mind, she saw the sun setting and the green eyes of Dina mix with her own thoughts. Aware Caelum had hundreds of thoughts at any given moment, Sanjeeta tried to break the odd connection, never meaning to eavesdrop.
Don’t leave me, Sanjeeta.
His deep chuckle filled her mind.
Oh, good…I thought—
I did not mean to startle you.
I didn’t do that…well I did, but I’m not sure how.
Your psionics are strengthening, Sanjeeta, if you continue to spend time with the team, I’m certain you’ll become very powerful.
Sanjeeta glanced down at the street, wondering how close he actually was. Do you think I should?
My answer would be biased. I thought you’d be resting.
Not quite there yet. You feel so close.
I am. His response made her shiver. I was doing another search for Marjorie, hoping the new information would help.
Did it?
No, I’m sorry. How are you feeling?
Sanjeeta turned away from the window. I don’t feel drunk anymore.
The effects will be less altering next time. If you are still willing to help.
As long as you need me, I’m there, Caelum.
Have you eaten?
No, not since lunch.
Dine with me.
Hot flashes rocked her body. Okay.
Where would you like to go, Sanjeeta? Anyplace, anywhere.
Um... She froze. Glanced around her studio, seeing it was mostly clean. She dashed around the bed, kicking shoes, tossing tops underneath her bed, and fixed the sheet covers. How about some In and Out Burger? I keep hearing about that place, my Facebook2 friends in Cali brag all the time. I hate to fly, so I’ve never been.
When the soft tap on her door echoed through the room, Sanjeeta’s heart skipped. She waved the heat from her cheeks, took a breath, and pulled the door back. Eyes back to blue, Caelum smiled and bowed forward slightly, looking too fine for words in a dark maroon dress shirt, sleeves rolled to the elbow and a pair of black jeans.
“Hello, Sanjeeta.”
“Hi.”
He held out his hand.
She slipped hers on top.
The link sparked into place, filling that missing space. In a blink, they were standing in line behind a couple with spiky green hair. The shock on her face amused Caelum. She tilted her head and stared.
When I teleport, I distort perception in humans so they don’t notice.
I wish I understood half the things you say to me.
“You will, one day,” he said aloud, and innocently nudged her toward the young kid taking orders. Sanjeeta contemplated the menu for a moment, choosing two cheeseburgers instead of the Double-Double, which made him lift a brow at her, and then she order a shake, chocolate, while he asked for the double and a strawberry shake when it was his turn. Sanjeeta thumbed the payment pad. He showed her a credit card when she glanced back.
She shrugged. “I wasn’t sure to be honest.”
“I believe I am the one who invited you,” Caelum said. She blushed, a smile forming on her mouth. “So why the two burgers?”
“I love carbs.” Sanjeeta collected a couple of straws while he picked up the receipt with their order number. He followed her to a booth near the side exit, watching her more closely than normal. When she sat, his eyes seemed to shimmer as he stared. “What?”
“Nothing that cannot wait until after we eat,” he said, without being patronizing yet still amused.
“I know you’re laughing on the inside, why?”
“Perhaps I consume too many fictional movies. I offered to take you anywhere for food, I expected a more elaborate establishment.”
“I was nervous,” she said, twisting the straw in her hand, not sure she wanted to look up just yet.
“Oh. I’m—”
The counter called their number. Caelum glanced at the receipt and got up. From the corner of her eye, she saw him collect their tray, and noticed two women and a man checking him out. Who wouldn’t? They probably thought he was a movie star, depending on how close to LA they were. It dawned on her then. Sanjeeta had no idea where she was and more importantly, she didn’t actually care. The freeness of Caelum’s life enticed her beyond words.
He slid back into the booth and set her shake and burgers at her fingertips, pushing the tray aside. “Sanjeeta?”
“Just curious, where are we?”
“San Francisco,” he replied and shoved the straw into his shake to take a sip. He smiled and nodded. “Good choice. I apologize for making you nervous.”
“Don’t be,” she said, taking a bite of her burger to stop from saying something stupid. They enjoyed the food and settled into a superficial conversation about fast food in general. When she sipped the last of her shake, making the loud slurp noise, Caelum asked if she wanted another. “No, thanks. I’m stuffed.”
He cleared the table and took the tray to the trash. Sanjeeta was anxious to get away from the crowds and ears of the public and went to the exit. Caelum met her at the door, holding it open for her.
“I am still making you nervous,” he said softly while they walked away from the establishment.
“Not you, I just…want to talk, without having to worry about what I’m saying,” Sanjeeta replied, running a hand through her hair. “I was nervous because I wanted to see you again. After I got home and my head cleared, I stared missing that connection and then thinking about you brought it all back and everything you feel is so powerful…”
“I, too, am enjoying our connection, Sanjeeta, which means I must explain exactly what a continued link between us entails.” Caelum paused on the sidewalk. “Do you like the beach?”
“Yes, but if we’re going to talk, I’d rather go home. Do you like wine?”
“Yes, I do,” he said, extending his hand. The instant their fingertips touched they were standing inside her studio.
“Whew.”
“Sorry, was that too fast?”
“A tad, but I’m good,” she chuckled, patting his shoulder and flicking on the lights with a wave of her hand. “Red or white?”
“Whichever you prefer, I enjoy both.”
“Okay. It’s small but cozy, make yourself at home.” Sanjeeta went to her fridge, opened it manually, pulled out a bottle of merlot, and collected two glasses from the dish drain. When she turned back, Caelum was standing in front of the window, staring out as the first peeks of moonlight spilled into the room. She set the bottle and glasses down, drawing his gaze. “If I asked how you changed my window, would I understand it?”
“Most of what I do has no scientific explanation, it’s one of the reasons my kind became legend,” he said, moving to the couch and sitting.
Sanjeeta poured two half glasses and handed him one. She took a big sip, letting his words sink in. The video didn’t tell her much about the two remaining Enhancers, but with everything she’d seen and heard, she imagined infinite possibilities.
“You are nervous again.”
“Not sure why this time,” she whispered, taking another sip of her wine.
Caelum sighed, set his wine on the coffee table, and looked up. “Please sit.”
Blinking, she sank into the couch, staying as close to the arm as possible so there was distance between them. Yet when he offered his hand, she gladly accepted. The warmth spreading over her skin made her heart race. The normal connection seemed muted. When his eye color reverted to the brilliant silver, she quivered, feeling the heat rise.
“I don’t need it quiet right now, and I don’t want my emotions to sway you. I should probably start with some history.”
“Okay,” she said, unwilling to take her eyes off him as he explained his background. He told her a little about his planet and people, eventually easing into what the enhancements did and how the Sarpians eventually used the Enhancers to do destructive, horrific things across the galaxy.
“Many years after we gained our freedom, some lost their way, and others went mad from living so long with so much chaos in their minds. We found a way of dealing with our abilities, by purging what we absorb from the planets we visit. Long ago, we used artificia
l intelligence as a way to make the connection to share. As the classes grew stronger over the millennia, some of us relied on a Conduit.”
Sanjeeta gasped. “That’s what I am, isn’t it?”
His eyes widened. “You have the capacity, yes. How—”
“I heard the word in my mind, most recently in the medlab, I…felt attached to it.” She inched closer, taking his hand, curious. “What does a Conduit do?”
“They help us store memories in a collector device and allow Enhancers an extra amount of control over which abilities they are able to block for periods of time. You quiet my mind, helping me focus.” Caelum rubbed her fingers gently. “I never thought I’d find another.”
“What happened to your last one?”
“Tenebris killed her.”
“I’m sorry, that’s awful,” Sanjeeta replied, squeezing his hand. “You’ve had many?”
“Six, I believe, they are not easy to find,” Caelum sighed. “Being a Conduit is a life-long bond, Sanjeeta. It’s not without benefits, if you see them as such.”
“Like?”
“You’ll become stronger, live much longer. I’d show you places you never imagined,” he said, reaching up to brush his thumb across her cheek.
“Are you flirting with me, Caelum?” she asked as the heat scorched her face.
“If you consider reading your reactions to my words and touch, and trying to determine how you feel, yes, I am. You intrigue me beyond any Conduit link. My thoughts often find you and the way you look at me thrills me.” He ran his thumb along her chin. “I’ve never had an attraction to a Conduit, Sanjeeta, so I ask your forgiveness for anything odd I may say or do or if I’m making our friendship awkward. I still can’t sense you...”
“Good. I mean, I don’t want you to know what I’m feeling, it spoils the mystery,” she said, wrapping her fingers around his hand and leaning closer. “You literally took my breath away. I don’t think attraction is an issue.”
He grinned, pulling her hand to his lips and kissing it. “No, perhaps not, but linking with me will bring my feelings to the surface, and they are, often times, potent.”
“Oh yeah, I’ve noticed,” she said, nodding. “Think I can handle them?”