“I’m sorry,” Jase said, his voice a whisper.
With a loud exhale, Bree glared at Jase and Max. “Food. I need some food. Human food.”
The two stooges stared back, but didn’t move.
Bree spun and headed to the kitchen. “Damn it. Do I have to do everything? I’ll get it myself.”
“Bree. Calm down. I’ll get you something to eat. But, please, will you sit down and relax?”
“No, Jason, I will not fucking sit down. And, this IS me being calm. If I wasn’t so motherfucking calm, there would be nothing left to break in this house. Since I’ve yet to throw anything or punch either of you in your stupid faces, I’d say that I am holding my shit together rather damn well. Now, I need some fucking food and some damn tequila or I might not be calm much longer.”
Jason slunk off to the kitchen, looking like a dog with its tail so far between its legs it risked impaling itself.
“For Christ’s sake, Bree. You scared the shit out of the kid.” Max stared at her, his eyes demanding something from her, something like an explanation.
Too fucking bad! She didn’t owe him anything and she sure as shit wasn’t ready for some big touchy-feely talk-it-out session. Maybe a punch-someone-in-the-face session. Hitting her brother wasn’t an option. She needed to do something before she exploded.
Jase interrupted that thought with a tray of the good stuff - a bottle of tequila, shot glasses, salt, and limes. “Here.” Jason reached toward his sister. “I’ll get food in a minute. I figured you’d want this first.”
Yeah, the kid was safe for now.
“Bree, I’m really sorry this happened to you. I told them to take that thing out of your head, but they said you’d die if they did. I didn’t want to lose you. I mean…” Jason’s voice broke. He wiped at his wet eyes. “I figured a computer in your brain was better than dying.” He cleared his throat and looked deep into Bree’s eyes. “I’m so sorry. I just couldn’t lose you. I love you.”
Oh for fuck’s sake. Baby bro had to go and get all mushy. Bree’s chest tightened, even as a big chunk of her rage melted. Jason looked like a lost little boy.
She’d been an ass and probably owed him an apology and a hug. But if she did that she’d end up in a puddle on the ground, swimming in her own tears. She didn’t have time for that right now. Bree swallowed the lump in her throat and reached for a shot glass. “I know, kiddo. Thanks for the tequila.” Max’s eyes burned a hole through her. She looked at her brother and smiled. “And I love you too, Jase.” The maelstrom of emotions threatened to break loose. Time to drink.
Bree filled three shot shot glasses with tequila and picked up one. She licked the webbing between the thumb and forefinger before pouring salt on the wet area. The guys salted their hands then they all raised their shot glasses and clinked them together.
“To family.” Bree looked Max and Jason in the eyes.
They nodded and echoed her toast. “To family.”
All three licked the salt, slammed the shot, and sucked on a wedge of lime.
Jason put his shot glass down and headed to the kitchen, his tail not quite so far between his legs now.
Bree poured another shot for herself and when Max nodded, she poured one for him too. They downed that round without a word.
More tension slid away. Despite her desire to drink until she dropped, Bree chose to heed Ipeshe’s warning about drinking alcohol. When Jason brought out a tray of sandwiches and chips, she stuffed herself and drank only one more shot before going to bed.
Bree stirred in her bed. Not yet ready to open her eyes, she rolled over and pulled the covers up, wondering what time it was.
The time flashed in her mind - nine-oh-two a.m.
“What the…” Bree opened her eyes and grabbed her phone.
The clock confirmed nine-oh-two. Dread sprang up from her belly, causing her breath to catch and nausea to flare. Her eyes snapped closed and memories of the previous day played in her mind’s eye like a movie. Damn it! She’d hoped that it’d all been a nightmare.
Other than a moderate headache and stiff muscles, Bree felt pretty good. Especially given that she’d died and had alien brain surgery yesterday.
As she sat on the edge of her bed, Bree looked at the bottom of each foot. Damn! Not even a trace of the cuts from yesterday remained. No scars! She checked the rest of her body. All the cuts and scratches she’d sustained from the glass and flying debris as she’d smashed Kozeb’s lab had disappeared. She looked at the wound on her arm from the mountain lion - even that was nearly healed. The deep slashes were now fresh pink skin.
Excitement and fear battled inside of her. Who wouldn’t want to have super speedy healing? Ipeshe said to expect that after the implant. However, Bree’d started the miracle healing before getting the brain comp and had no idea why. The thought scared the shit out of her, but she shoved it down. She could only deal with so much at a time.
Standing in front of her closet, wondering about the temperature, the forecast appeared in her vision - like on a heads-up display.
“Shit! This is weird.”
And kinda cool. She grabbed a pair of jeans, a bra, and a bright orange t-shirt. She’d taken a long hot shower before going to bed last night, so she dressed and ran some styling paste through her hair with her fingers.
Max tapped on the door. “Bree, are you up?”
The aroma of Lhox and pancakes wafted through the door, causing her belly to rumble. Bree opened the door. Max stood outside it with a plate of hot pancakes and a cup of Lhox and a goofy grin on his face. Bree returned the smile.
31
“I brought breakfast to you in case you didn’t feel like getting up.”
Bree grabbed the plate and mug from Max and headed to the dining room. She sat down at the table and took a sip of the Lhox. Three beautiful pancakes with butter and syrup dripping down the sides brought warmth in her chest. Her uncle knew how to take care of her. Despite the gratitude that filled her, she didn’t manage anything other than a mumbled thanks before taking a big bite.
Max smiled and returned to the kitchen.
While relieved that he hadn’t tried to get her to talk, Bree didn’t necessarily want to be alone. Her stomach rumbled with intense hunger. How could she be so damn hungry again after stuffing her face last night? Pancakes alone wouldn’t be enough, but she dug in anyway, shoveling the butter and pure maple syrup-soaked fluffy goodness in as fast as she could chew. She chased the food with Lhox, then dropped her fork as an intense pain tore through her head.
“Damn it!” Numbers and graphs appeared in her field of vision. “The fuck?” She studied the information. A warning light flashed, indicating her brain wave frequencies were getting faster and more erratic. Another gauge appeared, showing Bree that her protein levels were too low. She remembered that Ipeshe had said she would likely require higher levels of protein to deal with the increased brain activity.
“What’s a person gotta do to get a protein drink around here?” Bree rubbed her temples and squinted her eyes against the pain.
Max must’ve known she’d need the smoothie. The blender started whizzing and whirling as it mixed his special ingredients together.
“Hey!” Jase bounced into the dining room. So much for peace and quiet. “How’re you feeling?”
“Eh… ok.”
“Wow! Look at you! You look great. You’re all healed and stuff.” Jason’s face lit up as he stared at Bree.
Fuck. She took in a big breath, bracing for her inquisitive brother and his high energy.
“JJ, come in here and help me,” Max called from the kitchen.
“But did you see Bree? That’s so freaking awesome!”
“I did, now come on and give me a hand,” Max said
Bree flashed a look of appreciation to Max for the extra few minutes of solitude and privacy. She’d have to suck it up and say something nice to him. Unless… unless she got up and took off on her motorcycle and rode far, far away from anyone
who knew her. She stared out the window, thinking about where she could run to.
“I think it’s best to give her a little space. She’s been through a lot,” Max whispered to Jase.
Maybe she’d head to Alaska. That’d be one hell of a ride.
“Dude. She’s like a superhuman cyborg. That’s freaking awesome. I just want to know how it feels, and what all she can do.”
Maine? She’s always wanted to see Maine.
“Just give her a minute to adjust. Don’t push. Ok, man?”
Quiet.
“Ok,” Jason sighed, disappointment clear in his voice.
“Now, take this to her and be chill,” Max ordered.
Jason came out of the kitchen and handed Bree the protein drink.
“Thanks, bro.” Bree managed a small smile. She took the thick drink and chugged half of it, despite the cold. It tasted like a bit of heaven. In fact, everything tasted heavenly today. Her taste buds were jacked up or something. Each of the different flavors in the protein drink stood out, as well as the flavor of the combined ingredients.
People reported that everything seemed more vivid after a near-death experience. Maybe that explained it. Unfortunately, she knew it had more to do with her new superhuman abilities than a psychological response to nearly dying.
“You really ok?”
Bree blinked a few times, then looked at Jason. “Yeah, I’ll be fine.” She downed the rest of the protein drink. “Damn, that’s ridiculously good.”
After a few minutes, the needle on the virtual protein gauge moved up and she started to feel better. The pain in her head, dissipating. Her brain waves, settling into a slower rate and more coherent pattern - at least that’s what the freaky info display indicated.
Jase fidgeted in his seat. Bree stood up and patted Jase on the shoulder, her own energy making her a bit antsy too. “Come on. Get up. Let’s go for a quick run. Let me get some shoes on.”
“Really?” Jase asked. “Are you allowed to do that so soon?”
“Fuck yeah, I can do whatever the hell I want. I think we both need to burn off a bit of energy. What’s wrong? You afraid that I’m going to run circles around your painfully slow ass?” Bree laughed, then she headed to her room.
What do you know? Bree sent the question to Iziqa and Ipeshe through the mind sync. Well, she hoped the message went to both. She pulled on her Harley Huxley boots and laced them up. Not quite running shoes, but they’d be better suited to a few quick sprints then her Frye boots.
Good morning, Bree. How are you feeling? Ipeshe sent back.
Fan-fucking-tastic. I’ve got all kinds of crazy new talents. Bree let the snark ooze through her mental voice. I’d rather talk about what you guys have found out and if Kozeb is awake yet.
I will come soon to help you deal with your new abilities and help you transition.
I will join you at Max’s after I meet with the General and do more investigation, Iziqa sent.
Whatever. I just want to wrap this shit up. Then we’ll have our little discussion about IK Phase Two.
Understood. Iziqa ended the mind sync.
Bree put her sunglasses on and stepped out the back door. “Ok, dude. Let’s go!”
The beauty of the red rocks and green shrubs against the blue sky nearly took her breath away. She’d always appreciated the natural beauty of Sedona, but today the vividness almost hurt.
“What are you waiting for?” Jason yelled as he ran past Bree.
“You little shit! I was giving your lame ass a head start.” Bree laughed and took off. She’d always been a fast sprinter. Maybe she’d be even faster now? Either way, a short run might help her shake off the edginess. “Don’t be a dick, baby bro. You don’t need to take it easy on me.” Bree flew past her brother, enjoying the burn in her muscles as she powered up.
“What? I’m not,” Jase managed between breaths as he picked up his pace.
Whether playing basketball, running, or rock climbing, Bree savored the feeling of being in the zone - the bliss from being in a state of total concentration on an activity. As she ran around the property, she experienced something beyond the zone, conscious of every muscle, tendon, bone, and cartilage, and how they all functioned in perfect harmony. The awareness went deeper, down to the intricate activity in the cells of her body, including their nearly instantaneous communication as they worked together to achieve her goal of running faster.
Instead of being overwhelmed by the heightened awareness, it felt as natural as putting one foot in front of the other. She couldn’t even remember what it was like to run and not be cognizant of all the inner workings of her body. Bree wondered how fast she was running and a speedometer popped into her field of vision. Eighteen-point-five miles per hour. Holy shit! She looked back to find Jason had stopped running, his eyes wide and jaw slack. She made a u-turn and headed back toward him.
“Jesus, Bree! You were going so damn fast. There was no way I could even get close to you.” Jase grinned like an idiot. “How fast do you think you were going?”
Bree circled Jason then jogged in place. “I don’t know. I had some pent up energy. Come on. Let’s do a couple laps. You set the pace.”
Jase turned back toward the house. “I think we should clock you and see how fast you can run.”
“Not now. Right now I just need to let off some steam. So do you. We can worry about my speed later.” Bree slapped Jase on the back.
“Ow!” He grumbled but took off running.
Bree ran at his pace. Part of her wanted to do just as Jason had suggested and test out her speed limits, but right now she needed to help Jase and running typically helped him burn off excess energy so it didn’t spill over in inappropriate ways.
On their third lap around, Max yelled out his back door that Ipeshe had arrived.
Jason stopped and bent over with his hands on his knees and tried to catch his breath.
“Thanks, Jase.” Bree didn’t want to draw attention to the fact that she hadn’t gotten winded at all, so she slipped into the house.
“Good morning.” Ipeshe greeted Bree with the Kusharian version of a handshake - her right fist to her left chest and head bowed. “I see you have been testing your new abilities.”
“Nah, we just wanted some fresh air,” Bree said out loud, then added silently, apparently my new abilities include running faster than a motherfuck and being aware of every cell in my body while I’m doing it.
Ipeshe smiled. I am not surprised. You will find that your body is more powerful. We activated additional layers of your DNA in order to save your life.
Yeah, I don’t know what the hell that means. Are you saying that I’m not human anymore?
You are still human. Human, but with enhancements. All humans have hidden potential. Your scientists have very limited understanding of DNA and the potential stored in your cell membranes. Do you wish to continue this conversation in private, or shall we speak out loud?
I’ve never really been an open book kinda person. Not sure I want to start now. Bree grabbed a couple of waters out of the fridge and threw one to Jason as he came in the door.
Ipeshe smiled at Jason. “Good morning, Jason. It is nice to see you again.”
“Oh, hey. Good to see you too,” Jason said. “Did Bree tell you she can run wicked fast? She’s like a real super hero. Our own Wonder Woman. Are you going to show her other badass stuff she can do?”
Case in point, I’m not sure what all he should know, Bree sent to Ipeshe through the mind sync.
You are very protective of your brother. I admire that. However, I do believe he can handle more than you realize. In my opinion, we should discuss this out loud and include your family.
“Hey JJ, how about we give them some privacy while Ipeshe checks Bree out?”
Thank goodness for Max and his uncanny ability to read the undercurrent in a room.
Bree needed a minute to decide how much she wanted them to know.
32
“May I sca
n you?” Ipeshe pulled her Kusharian scanning tool from her shoulder bag.
“I guess. Have at it,” Bree agreed, despite the gut-wrenching urge to hop on her Harley and ride somewhere far away.
Several snake-like prongs slid out of the handheld device. Ipeshe waved the scanner around Bree’s head. One of the prongs pressed to her temple and sent a tingling sensation deep into her brain before retracting. Next, the Kusharian healer held the scanner over Bree’s chest and abdomen. More tingles each time one of the probes touched her.
If only human medical exams were this easy.
“We are working with your healers to develop new technology for your medical systems,” Ipeshe answered Bree’s unspoken thought.
“Hey! I didn’t send that to you. Is this thing broken?” Bree tapped her temples, indicating her brain comp.
“No, nothing is broken. I am connected into your system while I scan you and, therefore, I am able to hear your thoughts. I do apologize. I should have informed you of this effect before I began. It is only temporary. Once I finish my assessment, I will no longer be able to hear your thoughts unless you activate the connection between us and choose to share. Do you wish for me to proceed?”
“Yeah, that would’ve been nice to know ahead of time. But, go ahead. Let’s get this over with,” Bree grumbled. Row, row, row your boat. Gently down the stream.
Ipeshe looked confused by the song coming through the mind sync.
“Just trying to keep my private thoughts private. If you’re gonna be listening, you can listen to a song.” Bree continued the mental tune and waved her fingers in the air, conducting an imaginary orchestra. Merrily, merrily, life is but a dream.
The probes wriggled in the air as they slid back into the handheld scanner. When Ipeshe tucked the gadget back into her shoulder satchel, graphs and numbers appeared in front and slightly above Bree’s right eye where her new brain comp display appeared. “What the hell is all that?”
“It is the result of the assessment I performed.”
Mind Sync Page 24