At the mere thought of sitting up and getting dressed, the recliner moved. The leg support lowered and the back came all the way up. Bree’s eyes darted back and forth looking for someone else in the room, but saw no one.
What the fuck? How did that happen?
Did you do that? She thought at Iziqa, but didn’t get an answer.
She sat frozen, waiting to see if the recliner would move again. When it stayed still, she decided to stand.
The chair moved again. This time, gently pushing her to a standing position.
“Great. Now the fucking chair is reading my mind,” Bree whispered to herself. The hairs on her arm sprang up as a chill shuddered through her. Emotions flooded her. Fear. Anger. Amazement. She grabbed the cup from the table to soothe her desert-dry throat and took a big gulp.
“Shit!”
Clearly not in her right mind, she’d grabbed the cup of Lhox. If it hadn’t tasted so damn good she might’ve spit it out. It was like a light roast coffee, only sweeter - like a praline pecan with a spicy undertone and hint of a peppery aftertaste. Similar to the taste in the last batch of the medicine laced water.
Something that tasted that good couldn’t be all bad. She shrugged and tried another sip, enjoying the very complex layer of flavors. The warmth hit her stomach and eased the chill.
For the first time since regaining consciousness, Bree noticed her clothes. Well, of course they’d given her a nice new Kusharian outfit to match her new Kusharian brain comp and her new love for Kusharian Lhox.
Oh, joy! This day just keeps getting better and better.
Time to get the hell out of there.
Bree looked around for her clothes and found them piled on a counter. Even her dirty, blood-stained clothes would be better than this stupid Kusharian outfit, which looked like a cross between a karate gi and hospital scrubs. She grabbed her jeans, but noticed they weren’t the ones she was wearing when she came in.
Someone had brought her a change of clothes. Awesome!
Once dressed, she checked her gun and found the safety on. She flipped it back off and holstered the gun. Not wanting the others to see her drink the Lhox, she gulped down half of it, nearly scalding her insides.
Bree set the cup on the table. A realization hit her like a two by four. She felt better. Not just a little better, but fucking amazing! Crap. Maybe she was still in the floatation tank and this was all one of the weird visions?
Bree shook her head. Unfortunately, it was real. Every damn bit of it, even though she couldn’t imagine feeling this well after such trauma. The blasted Kusharian drink must’ve contributed to her remarkable improvement.
Bree sighed and opened the door, Lhox drink in hand.
After all, she still had a lot of work to do.
28
Bree found Zuhl, Ipeshe, Nina, Jason, and Max waiting when she stepped into the hall. Irritation fluttered in her chest. Max’s eyes were soft with relief. Someone had filled him in on her near-death experience. He ambushed her with a near rib-cracking hug.
“It’s good to see you up and moving. Are you ok?”
“I won’t be if you don’t let go!” Bree grumbled despite the too tight hug.
The crew laughed.
Max let go and stood back to give her a once over, checking her head to toe.
“We can assemble down this hall in one of our conference rooms.” Zuhl gestured down the hall to Bree’s left.
Resisting an urge to go in the opposite direction, Bree followed the group. Halfway down the hall, Zuhl turned to her right and paused for a fraction of a second. A door-sized portion of the wall slid open and they all entered the room.
The humans - including Bree - gaped at the cool futuristic room with floating cushy chairs around a smart glass tabletop. The Kusharians settled into the strange chairs. The humans darted their eyes around the room and to each other.
Nina moved first. She bent down to inspect underneath the chairs. She stood back up with wide eyes and shrugged. Bree already knew what the doctor had seen - the chairs did not have a base. They actually floated in mid-air. These looked less hammock-like than what she’d seen in her visions, however. More like plush living room chairs.
Nina chose a seat next to Ipeshe. Her face lit up as she sat down and her chair turned a sunny yellow.
Jason and Max had similar reactions when they sunk into the seats, Jason’s glowing a deep sea blue and Max’s a hunter green. The boyish smile seemed out of place on Max’s face.
“Sweet!” Jason exclaimed, bouncing and rocking his floating furniture.
Bree held back a chuckle and moved around the table to take the seat next to Zuhl. Her chair turned bright blue and conformed to her body. It felt like sitting on memory foam, only much better. Like nothing on Earth. Despite the ultra-soft comfort, it provided ergonomic support.
Shit! She needed to stop this slippery slope. The Kusharians were still running IKS and quite possibly the enemy. She set her Lhox down on the table and pushed it away from her.
Jason gave her a questioning look, which she ignored.
“I’d like some of these chairs for my place,” Max said.
“Unfortunately, they wouldn’t be operational. At least not yet. They require our technology and this smart building to operate. However, we’re working with your people to introduce some of this technology to your planet. In time you may be able to have smart furniture,” Iziqa answered.
One side of Max’s mouth turned up and he nodded at the Commander. His half-smile disappeared when he turned to look at Bree. “How’re you feeling?”
“Let’s see… I was kidnapped and used as a lab rat. I nearly died. I got a damn alien computer inserted in my brain against my will. My DNA is doing something weird that I don’t understand. I have advanced healing abilities. Oh, and I have a sudden craving for all Kusharian coffee. So, all in all, I’d have to say… never fucking better.” Bree smirked, the sarcasm dripping.
Max chuckled. “All in a day’s work, huh?”
“Yeah, not so much, actually.” Bree’s tapped a beat with her fingers on the table.
“Seriously, how are you feeling, Bree?” Nina cleared her throat and looked at Bree with intense eyes. “Do you notice any difference with the brain comp yet?”
“I’m not sure. I don’t have a clue what it’s supposed to feel like.” Bree crossed her arms to keep from reaching for the Lhox, debating whether to say anything about the lounger in the recovery room responding to her thoughts. Or about the miraculous healing of her arm and feet. She aimed a sharp look to Iziqa and Ipeshe. “One of you want to tell me about my new superhuman cyborg abilities now?”
“The brain comps are similar to a very advanced version of your wearable technology. Humans currently experiment with some versions of brain-computer interfaces - albeit very limited.” Ipeshe looked at Bree as she talked. “Once you adjust to the idea, I believe you will find that it is rather helpful. In addition, it will monitor your brain waves and prevent the dangerous buildup of the toxins caused by your enhanced brain functioning.”
“So can she connect to the internet with her brain?” Jason asked.
“Yes,” Zuhl answered. “She will be able to access the internet and other electro-magnetic frequencies. Her brain is now linked with a very powerful computer chip.”
Max nodded.
Bree shot an angry look at him. Easy for him to approve. He wasn’t the one with the Kusharian computer chip in his head. Then again, it did sound pretty cool. She’d always wondered when tech would advance to this point. Maybe this could be a good thing. No, no, no! It’s Kusharian tech, she reminded herself. Bree ignored the flush that touched her cheeks. “Is the mind sync with Zuhl severed for good?”
I don’t know. Can you hear me now? Commander Intrusive’s voice rang through Bree’s head.
“Well, fuck a duck! We’re still linked!” Bree exclaimed. “Do you mean that I’m stuck with you in my head forever?”
“No. The mind sync channel
is no longer stuck open. However, either one of us can activate the link in the same way that Kusharians do with each other,” Iziqa explained. “You can choose to block the signals if you want. With time and practice, you should be able to mind sync with other Kusharians.”
“Oh, bloody hell. So I didn’t get rid of you, and I’m gonna have more Kusharians in my head?” Bree snapped. A mixture of dread and anger filled her.
“Bree, it is now your choice if you want to communicate in this way. You are free to keep all channels of communication closed if you wish. However, you might find it beneficial at times.” Ipeshe sounded apologetic.
Bree shook her head and something close to a growl slipped out. “Let’s just move on. How do I use the computer in my brain?” Whether she chose to use it or not, she figured she should at least know the basics.
“As your brain integrates with our technology you will notice functions coming on line and developing. For Kusharians, it is a seamless process due to the programming we receive in our early development pods. We access functions with our thoughts and eye movements. I assume it will be similar for you, but since you are the first human subject, we cannot be certain. And we do not know if your brain comp will eventually function at the same capacity as ours. I am sorry. I wish that we could give you more information. I will gladly work with you as you adjust to the technology.” Ipeshe’s eyes lit up with a big smile, then her chair floated away from the table.
Jason beamed, watching her go. “How’d you do that? Can I do it too?”
“No, I am sorry Jason. These smart chairs require a brain comp to operate in this way,” Ipeshe answered and then looked at Bree. “If you think about moving your chair, it should respond.”
Before she could stop the thought, the stupid chair responded. Damn it! Just like fucking recliner in the recovery room. Part of her wanted to flee the room and this Kusharian bullshit, but she had another thought.
Jason’s eyes went wide as Bree plowed her magic chair into his, sending him careening into the wall. His laughter filled the room, and Bree’s heart.
The others joined in the laughter as she continued to play bumper car with Jason’s chair.
“Bree, that was awesome!” Jason said through more laughter. “Did you really do that with your mind?”
“Yes. Yes, I did.” Bree smiled at Jason. The look of pure joy on his face was almost enough to make it all okay. Almost. The fun had distracted her for a few minutes, but the tension returned to her muscles when thoughts of the clusterfuck of a day returned. She pulled Jason back to the table and turned a serious look on Zuhl. “The parlor tricks are fun and all, but I think we need to move this meeting along and discuss what we are going to do about Vashaz and Kozeb.”
Regret tugged at her heart when Jason frowned. But she couldn’t continue to play when they had work to do. Besides, she still had a helluva lot of feelings to sort through regarding the brain comp and all the freaking shit that involved.
“This was not just for fun, Bree.” Ipeshe’s eyes kept flashing to Iziqa. “Even this simple act of controlling your chair requires your brain to interface with the computer, strengthening the connection and fostering the integration. It is an important part of your recovery.”
“Alright, but I still think we need to get back to planning so we can finish this op.” Bree’s eyes swept over her team, before landing on Zuhl. And don’t think that I’ve forgotten about the conversation we’re going to have regarding Instant Karma Phase Two. We WILL have that discussion and you WILL answer my questions.
Zuhl didn’t respond. Either she didn’t hear the message, or she refused to answer. Or Bree sent it to the wrong Kusharian.
Shit. She might need some instructions on how to work the mind syncing.
Max interrupted the awkward silence. “Rick and his crew found the rest of the MBGs. Plus, Prema and Sun are currently stashed in the Sedona jail. I let your parents know you’re awake, but you need to check in with them because they’re seriously worried about you.”
“Thanks for the update, Max. I’ll call them when I can.” Bree looked at Iziqa. “Have you guys found Vashaz?”
“We located her and the Guards brought her here to one of our holding units. We’ll deal with her misconduct. She had intended to help Prema and Sun create a way to advance the human brain and save your species. Unfortunately, Vashaz wasn’t aware that her human cohorts were using the machines without gaining consent from subjects. She’s concluded that such a device won’t work at this time. There are too many variables to control for and the interaction between the device and the nanotech trackers-” Iziqa stopped abruptly and looked at Ipeshe. Their eyes darkened and shifted to a slow swirl. “Excuse us. We have an emergent situation that needs immediate attention.”
“Whoa, hold up!” Bree grabbed Iziqa’s arm to keep her from standing. “What’s going on?”
Iziqa said nothing, her face like stone.
Bree gave the Commander’s arm a squeeze and raised her brows.
Ipeshe stood up. “Someone has attempted to access Kozeb’s cell.”
“Did he escape?” Max shot out of his chair.
“No,” Iziqa said. “As I assured you before, he’s in a secure room. However, we assume that whomever he is working for is the one attempting contact.”
Bree stood up, releasing Iziqa’s arm. “Let’s go then. Let’s get the son of a bitch!”
“We can’t take you to the holding units. The three of you should return to Sedona. We’ll be in touch.” Zuhl’s chair tilted forward and slid away once she was on her feet.
“Hold the fuck on. You’re not gonna just dismiss us like that.” Bree’s voice held a razor-sharp edge and she shifted to put her body between Iziqa and the door. “In case you forgot, this is my op. We work together or I work alone. Period.”
Zuhl’s chair bumped the back of her legs, causing her to fall back to a sitting position. “What-”
Bree flashed a wicked grin. “Have a seat, why don’t you? So we can discuss this.”
Ipeshe shifted on her feet. Her eyes darted back and forth between Zuhl and Bree. Flustered, she started to speak, but nothing came out. She shook her head, took a deep breath, and looked at her Commander. “I will stay here with them. You go gather information. When you come back, we will make our tactical plans together.”
Max lifted one brow as he pinned Iziqa with his stare. “Aren’t you the Commanding Officer at this facility? I think you can find a way to get us down to see Kozeb.”
The room fell silent for a few moments. Bree assumed that Ipeshe and Iziqa were mind syncing, but she no longer had automatic access to Iziqa’s thoughts.
Iziqa pointed to Bree and Max. “I’ll take the two of you with me. Nina and Jason will stay here until we return.”
“That’s not fair! I want to go too,” Jason protested.
“I’m sorry, Jase.” Bree slid an apologetic look his way. But no way would she pass up the opportunity to grill Kozeb and to see the holding cells in the Kusharian HQ just because she felt a little guilt.
29
Iziqa led Ipeshe, Bree, and Max down to the holding cells in Kusharian Regional Head Quarters. The group planned to interrogate Kozeb again to determine who’d hired him to sabotage the Monk Brain Generator experiments. In addition, they needed to know if that person had other plans to sabotage humans and draw the T’Lalz to Earth.
Bree swayed, fighting a dizzy spell as she walked.
Max put his hand on Bree’s shoulder. “Are you okay?” He looked to Ipeshe. “Should she be walking around so soon?”
“I’m fine,” Bree snapped.
“She appears to be healing remarkably fast,” the Kusharian healer added.
“I can handle this.” Max insisted. “Maybe you should go rest a bit longer. Your heart stopped a few hours ago.”
“Not a fucking chance, Max. I’m superhuman now, remember? I said I’m fine. End of story.”
Fine had a lot of wiggle room. Compared to when sh
e’d come into this building nearly unconscious and in horrid pain? Fine. Compared to how she should feel after dying, being revived, and having an alien computer chip inserted in her brain? Again, fine. Compared to how she felt a week ago? Not so fine.
Bree opted not to mention the rage threatening to overwhelm her, or the excitement at the opportunities her new abilities offered. Now wasn’t the time to sort through her conflicted feelings. She needed to focus on the task at hand and pay attention to her surroundings.
As they made their way through the hallways, Bree marveled at the ultra-smart building. She couldn’t help it, she loved tech. This place had some kick-ass features. Not only did the doors respond to the Kusharians’ thoughts, but so did the furniture, computers, lights, and the digital wall displays.
She wondered how much of the smart building would respond to her thoughts. After all, she had controlled the recovery recliner and the conference room chair earlier. She closed her eyes and focused on stopping the elevator-type device.
Well, shit. How would she know if her command worked? Unlike human elevators, this stupid thing didn’t feel any different when it moved.
Since neither of the Kusharians reacted, Bree figured they were still moving. Face scrunched with effort, she tried again with more force.
Stop! Now!
Iziqa smiled at Bree. “I’m in control of this transport compartment.”
Damn it! Bree huffed. “I thought you were out of my damn head.”
Max chuckled. “Bree, even I could see what you were trying to do.”
The door vanished and the group moved out into a small alcove with no visible doors or hallways. Despite the lack of windows or light fixtures, a soft natural light emanated nowhere and everywhere at the same time.
Iziqa turned to face the wall on the right. When a door didn’t appear, like on the medical floor, Bree wondered if this one had malfunctioned.
Before she could ask, Ipeshe spoke up. “This area has higher security. It will only allow access to those who have been approved. It scans both DNA and bio-rhythms. The person being scanned not only needs to have approved DNA, but must also be alive and not under any type of duress. Iziqa is also using her brain comp to program the door to allow all of us to enter with her.”
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