A strange warmth like a small ember started in her core and spread out to the rest of her body. It wasn’t painful, but it did cause sweat to bead on her upper lip, brow, and chest. Her vision went from hazy double vision to crisp, clear, and more vivid than she’d ever experienced. A flash of color poured out from Kozeb’s head.
Bree rubbed her eyes and blinked a couple of times. No more color oozing out of the dickless weasel’s head; however, the vivid intensity remained. She wished for her sunglasses or something to tone things down.
Kozeb smiled again.
“You fucking maggot, you better wipe that smile off your face before I do it for you.” Bree bent down to pick up the pipe from the ground but kept her gun pointed at Kozeb. “We need to finish this. Now.”
Bree silently asked Zuhl to fill her in on what she’d missed during her last trip to the land of strange visions. According to Zuhl, Kozeb had been trying to find a more successful way to sabotage the brain zappers. He’d wanted to use her brain to test the newest version of his xeno-wand, but they hadn’t succeeded because of Zuhl’s protective bubble.
“Kozeb, why were you sabotaging these experiments? What’s your plan? And who the fuck is making those brain-zapper boxes?”
Kozeb grabbed his head and groaned in pain. It looked like someone put a mind-clamp on him. Bree wanted to stop it, but under the circumstances, she caved and accepted the help. She had no idea how long it would be before the visions and searing brain pain returned. Besides the mind clamp did have certain advantages.
No, no, no. I did NOT just think that.
“I was offered wealth, a position of power for my mate, and a new start anywhere in the Universe, if I developed technology to alter the Monk Brain Generators to produce rage and cause an increase in violence. Now, stop the Bijzhuet before you do permanent damage to my brain.” Kozeb slumped over, his head still in his hands.
Bree looked up, eyes darting between the two Kusharian females, not sure which one had used the mind clamp. Zuhl nodded and Bree understood that the Commander had been the one to squeeze the slimeball’s brain until he talked. “Who are you working for? And you still haven’t told us who made the… what did you call them?”
“Monk Brain Generators. The inventors call them Monk Brain Generators. They hoped to alter human brain waves to match those of your Tibetan monks in an attempt to speed up your advancement to a non-violent society. They are obviously having some trouble getting the intended results. They are running unauthorized experiments on your people without their permission. They are working from a lab at the…” Kozeb’s voice broke off and he moaned. “They are working from the local center for advanced education.”
“Yavapai College?” Bree asked.
“Sedona College of Metaphysics.” Kozeb fell forward. His head landed with a thump on the desk in front of him.
Bree looked at Ipeshe. “Shit! Is he out?”
“He has lost consciousness. I can stimulate him back to awareness.”
Bree put the pipe down on the desk and ran her hand through her hair. “Hold up a minute on that. I’ve got some questions for you two.”
24
Bree needed background information about Kozeb, and given his current state - passed out on his desk due to a Kusharian mind clamp - now seemed like as good of a time as any. “What do you guys know about this asswipe? Why would he be doing this? Is he hurting for money or something?”
“I have viewed the Laenahur Records and discovered that his mate violated a Primary Custom and brought shame upon the family. She was removed from her position and reassigned to a role of less prestige,” Zuhl’s mouth puckered like she ate something nasty. “It appears that this left Kozeb vulnerable to corruption. He didn’t possess the fortitude to wait for his mate to regain her honor on her own.”
“Uh, okay. First, what are the Lanyard - or what ever the hell you said - records?”
“I believe some humans refer to them as the Akashic Records.” Ipeshe looked back and forth at Bree and Max.
“Not these humans.” Bree shook her head.
“The Laenahur or Akashic Records are a compendium of information about every living being across all points in time. Similar in some ways to a super computer, although that is a limited concept. The information in the Laenahur is infinite in capacity, precise in detail, and vast in scope. The Records store information about events, thoughts, emotions, relationships, and health for all beings.” Ipeshe held a hand up to stop Bree from interrupting. “The Records are non-physical. The information is pure energy found on a different plane of existence than this physical one.”
“Yeah. Well, uh, I’ve no clue what the bloody hell you’re rambling on about, but here on this plane of existence, we need names of the people who created the Monk Brain - oh hell, let’s just call ‘em MBGs. And we need to know who this dickless wonder is working for. Clearly it’s one of your people. Humans can’t offer him a free pass to some other planet. So, why would your people be trying to sabotage the MBGs?” Despite all the propaganda, Bree still doubted the Kusharians’ intentions for humans and Earth.
“I’m as surprised as you are about this. I don’t understand why any Kusharian would risk the extinction of our species by threatening yours. While Kusharians certainly have a history of violent behavior, not unlike humans, we’ve been though a radical change since the T’Lalz took over our planet. Our Primary Protocol requires each Kusharian to ensure, first and foremost, the needs of our species, then our tribes, our families, and lastly our individual needs and honor. Species survival is deeply woven into our DNA now. At this point, the survival of our species depends upon our ability to live peacefully and to help Earthlings do the same to avoid attack from the T’Lalz.” Zuhl lowered her head and exhaled a loud sigh.
Damn, Zuhl looked sincere. Granted, Bree didn’t have a whole lot of direct experience with Kusharians to base that observation on. In fact, until meeting Ipeshe and Zuhl, she’d avoided any contact with the intruding aliens, but something about the Commander’s words rang true in Bree’s gut.
Kozeb made a sound as he lifted his head. He struggled, like it weighed a ton, but finally managed to sit back up.
It rings true because I am honoring you with the truth. Zuhl sent the quick message to Bree before they resumed their interrogation.
Bree shot a sideways scowl at Zuhl. The bitch deserved it for eavesdropping on her private thoughts - again. She’d be so happy when they could sever this creepy mind link.
Me too, Sabrina Jackson. Me too.
Max broke the silence. Of course he wasn’t aware of the silent conversation going in Bree’s head. “Names. Now.”
“Sun Dragon and Prema Griggs.” The words slid out, like Kozeb struggled with controlling his tongue and mouth. Maybe he’d had a stroke?
No. He didn’t have a stroke. He will recover with time, Zuhl assured her.
“Continue,” Ipeshe ordered.
“Sun Dragon works at the Metaphysical Education center with Dr. Griggs, a former professor at the University of Arizona. The two of them have assembled a team to carry out these experiments with help from Vashaz Qialhur of the Tuhlengi.” Kozeb moaned. “I given you plenty of information, but I cannot tell you tell you that name.”
“What name?” Bree asked trying to track that last statement.
“Cannot or will not?” Zuhl demanded.
Silence.
The group watched the dickweed squirm in his chair.
More silence.
Kozeb winced and looked like he might pass out again.
Ipeshe stared at Zuhl. “You need to relax the Bizhuet.”
Zuhl kept her eyes on Kozeb. “We need more information. We have to find out who Kozeb is working for so we can deliver justice.”
“I understand Iziqa, but we cannot risk his life in pursuit of the name. We will find another way.”
“You can continue torturing me, but I can’t tell you who I’m working for. You should thank me for that.”
> Ipeshe stepped closer to Kozeb, who let out a big breath. Zuhl must have let go of the mind clamp.
“We have enough information to track down the makers of the MBGs. Bree and I will do that while you two deal with this guy.” Max holstered his gun and looked at Bree with raised brows. “At least this lab is out of commission for now.”
“Are there any other labs? Anyone else sabotaging the MBGs?” Bree demanded from Kozeb.
“No. Just this one.” Kozeb’s answer was barely more than a whisper.
“Ok. Can you hold him until after we take care of the MBGers? For real this time?” Bree directed the question at Zuhl.
“Yes. I will have our Guards detain him in one of the holding units at our headquarters. That will give him some time to recover and decide to cooperate with us by giving us the name of his benefactor.”
Two Karma goons popped in. They took Kozeb with them as they popped back out.
“Well, fuck! He’s just going to escape again!” Bree shouted, trying to ignore the weird sensations that started back up in her head.
“We’ve taken the appropriate precautions. He won’t escape. I assure you of that,” Zuhl snipped.
“Yippee, skippy. Does this mean you’re coming with us?”
“Yes. I believe you will need our assistance. We do not know what type of trouble this group may present for you or if they have any Karma Guards working with them.” Ipeshe looked directly at Bree with pity in her eyes - or maybe concern. “In addition, you need my assistance. Your brain is still in need of healing, Bree.”
“Whatever. Let’s just get this done.” Bree holstered her gun, grabbed her pipe, and stormed out of the office.
A few steps down the hall, Bree realized no one had followed her out of Kozeb’s office. “Shit,” she mumbled and turned around to yell back at them. “What the hell are you waiting for? Chop, chop.”
Max poked his head out. “We hitched rides here with the KGs, Bree. We don’t have any other transportation.”
“Are you fucking kidding me? No way. Look, it’s bad enough we’ve got to work with these two. Don’t ask me to trust some goons to transport me. How do you know they won’t take us up to the cocoons? Or to some other lab to be used as lab rats?” Bree shook her head and spun on her heel. “Nope. Not gonna happen. There’s got to be a car or something out there we can… uh, borrow. Hell, I’ll walk.” She continued down the hall.
“Bree! We’re in Flagstaff, and you can’t just steal someone’s car,” Max pleaded.
“Uh, yeah, I can. You’re welcome to watch.”
“You can’t drive in your condition, and I’m not going to drive you. The KGs brought me here. They could’ve taken me up to the ships, but they brought me here. Here, to help you.” Max trotted down the hall after her.
“Well, that’s cuz you and Captain Intrusive are plotting something together. So go play with your new friends and leave me the hell alone, jackass.” Bree winced as hot pain seared through her brain again. She willed herself to keep moving forward. This was no time to pass out, or to have another round of visions.
Max moved past her, then turned around, blocking her forward movement. The small wrinkles around his eyes gave away his worry.
“What are you saying, Bree? I’m not plotting against you with the damn Kusharians. But, I did work with Commander Zuhl and Ipeshe. I never would’ve found you in time without their help. They both worked hard to find you and protect you. I swear that Iziqa was just as surprised as I was when Kozeb escaped from us. She didn’t have anything to do with that.” Max towered over Bree as he ranted. “I know you don’t like the whole Instant Karma shit. I don’t either, but sometimes you gotta just suck it up and work with what you’ve got… with who you’ve got. Until they give me a reason not to trust them, I say we use them.”
He might be used to intimidating people, but Bree didn’t scare easily. She stood her ground, fists balled and jaw clenched tight.
Apparently the rant wasn’t over.
“I never have, and never will do anything to put you or JJ in danger. How could you doubt me?” Max swallowed hard and leaned back. “Jesus, Bree.” His voice broke. “I love you. You’re my family.”
Bree blushed. How could she have doubted Max? The man who had sworn to protect her and Jason after their mother’s death. Her head swirled with confusion and pain. Despite some possibly questionable things in his past working for the government, Max had always been one of the good guys. She wanted to believe him. Desperately, in fact. If she couldn’t trust him… fuck, she didn’t even know how to live in a world like that. But, she’d had visions of Max and Zuhl whispering to each other and looking suspicious. Not to mention the knowing looks they’d been exchanging.
No matter how hard Bree wished to be somewhere other than standing in this hall, neither she nor Max moved. While she’d never admit it out loud, she did have some doubts about her ability to drive back to Sedona. Even more troubling, she doubted her ability to walk to the elevator, or make it outside to find a car.
Damn it! Fucking damn it all to hell and back.
She searched Max’s slightly glassy eyes, trying to find the truth and determine his intentions. The last time she’d seen Max cry had been at her mother’s funeral.
“Bree, will you please drink some more of this medicine. Your brain energy is reaching dangerous levels again.”
Bree nearly jumped at Ipeshe’s voice, close behind her. She hadn’t heard her approach during Max’s lecture.
“How much of that shit do I need to drink?” Bree snarled.
“I am sorry, I do not know. Until we can get you to our equipment so I can assess your brain, I cannot know. This medicine will not cure you, it simply helps ameliorate the symptoms for a period of time. If you are ready to let me do a full examination and treatment we could go directly to my healing room.”
After considering her options - all of them shitty - Bree reached back for the bottle of water, then she raised her head to look at Max. “We aren’t finished with this conversation, but for now let’s move on.”
Max’s shoulders dropped as he let out a big breath. “Thank you, Bree.” He reached out and pulled her into a tight hug.
Bree pulled away and drank some of the laced water. “Are you sure we don’t have any better way to get back to Sedona?”
“It’s the quickest and best option,” Max answered.
“Best? Fuck me running if that’s what we’re calling ‘best’ now.” Bree turned to head back to the office, but two goons… Guards… whatever, popped into the hallway behind Ipeshe and Zuhl. Bree’s stomach tightened and her breath caught at the thought of willingly traveling through the ethers with these freaks of nature. After all, it’d been KG who’d kidnapped her.
“Are you ready?” One of the goons asked.
Zuhl looked to Bree for permission. After Bree’s stiff nod, Zuhl answered for the group. “Yes, Nial. Please take us back to Essential Spirit Healing Center in Sedona.”
25
“Holy shit! That was freaky.” And kinda freakin’ cool. Shit! Bree hoped her intrusive mental parasite hadn’t heard that thought. But she’d just experienced instantaneous transportation like in the science fiction stories she loved. Un-fucking-fortunately, she didn’t do it on her own. She jerked her arm from the KG’s grip.
“Thank God you’re ok!” Bree’s father rushed in for a hug. Jason, Kali, and Nina followed close behind.
“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s good to see you guys too.” Bree hugged each of them.
Kali hugged the Kusharians. “Thank you for saving our daughter.”
Bree bristled. “Nobody saved me.” She’d have found her own way out. Eventually. Maybe. Then again, maybe not. Her stomach knotted.
“We could not have done it without your daughter’s help. She managed to escape the room and give us her location.” Ipeshe spoke to Kali, but nodded to Bree.
Damn straight. Bree eyed Ipeshe with suspicion, not sure about the motivation behind her s
tatement.
“Bree, honey, you’re bleeding. How badly are you hurt?”
“No worries,” Bree said, hoping to assuage her father’s fear. “Just cuts and scrapes. It looks worse than it is.”
“She’s probably gonna need some stitches. And she needs some type of treatment for her brain. Ipeshe thinks she can help with that.”
Bree shot a look of disapproval Max’s way. Clearly he’d reverted to a three-year-old tattle tail.
He turned his hands up and shrugged.
“That stuff can wait. Let’s go find the idiots running these damned experiments. I’ve got the stupid laced water to get me through for now.” Bree headed toward the back exit. “Who’s coming with? Or am I on my own with this?” She slipped out the door and headed to her Jeep in the parking lot, where Jason had parked it earlier.
“Do you think it could wait until tomorrow?” Jason asked. “I mean, we got all the boxes so no one is going to be zapped.”
“We don’t know if we got all of the boxes, Jase. For all we know, they might have put more out. I’m not going to risk anyone else getting zapped because of a few cuts and a headache. Come on, you can drive.” Hoping the offer would both entice Jason and ease the concerns of the rest of the family, Bree opened the passenger door and crawled into the Jeep.
Jason stood in the parking lot, looking back and forth between Bree and the rest of the group coming out the back door of the center.
“You didn’t really think I’d travel by way of Karma goons, I mean Guards, again, did you?” Bree spoke loudly enough for all of them to hear. “I’m doing this with or without help. Come on, baby bro. The longer you stand there, the longer it’ll be until Ipeshe can do her special alien magic on me.”
Nina climbed into the back seat. “I’ll ride with you in case you need anything.”
Jason slid into the driver’s seat, looking like he might throw up.
Max and his little alien girlfriends got in Max’s truck.
This is a bad idea. Stay here and let Ipeshe treat you. Max and I can handle this.
Mind Sync Page 19