Watchers of the Night

by Matthew Keith

  * * *

  Not realizing that he’d already begun moving, Paul backed into the far wall, nervous without knowing why. The door opened inward and a stone-faced man that Paul didn’t recognize poked his head in the door. He was dressed in a black uniform, complete with gloves and a beret. He looked every bit the part of a covert ops commando, which seemed absurd to Paul.

  The man peered into all corners of the room, looking right past Paul—obviously this was not one of the other Walkers—and gave a sharp nod. “All clear!”

  Really, thought Paul drily.

  Just as quickly as the man announced the ‘all clear,’ Dr. Abrams slipped into the room before the door was closed again. He wore an impish smile and was looking directly into Paul’s eyes.

  “Surprised?” he asked conversationally.

  Confused, Paul moved away from the wall. Dr. Abrams’ eyes followed his movement. He could definitely see Paul.

  “How are you doing this?” Paul asked. “How can you see me?”

  “To my knowledge, all Walkers can see and speak to each other in the dream,” answered Abrams.

  “But… you’re not a Walker!” Paul stammered. “Everyone told me you don’t have the ability!” Stunned, he put the pieces together. “You’re a Walker and no one knows it? How is that possible? How could you possibly pull that off?” Thinking a moment longer, Paul blurted, “I saw you and Natasha leave this room just minutes before sunset! You couldn’t have made it to your room in time. You would have passed out in the hallway.”

  This didn’t make any sense. Paul had just met this man. “Why would you keep this from everyone else—and why on earth would you tell me? You don’t even know me!”

  Chuckling, Abrams sat down on the desk, glancing at the clock on the wall. “You are so full of questions and so perceptive at the same time. That is a very good thing, Paul. It will help you in the times to come. Now, please, sit down. We have less than an hour and I have a great deal to tell you. By the time I finish, most of your questions should be answered. Unfortunately, your questions will almost certainly lead to many more. And because we’re under a time constraint, I must ask you to let those new questions wait until later.”

  Intrigued, Paul sat down on the bed and indicated that he was all ears.

  “First of all, yes—I am a Walker too,” began Abrams. “And yes, you are now the fourth person in the entire world that knows this. The only other people who are aware of the fact are Natasha, who I trust in all things, my brother whom you may never meet, and Carlisle—whom you just met when he opened the door for me. I have kept my ability hidden for so long to give myself the added security of having an ace up my sleeve, as it were. This facility is so much more than just a clinic and as its director, I have created enemies.”

  Paul opened his mouth to ask what on earth he was talking about, but Abrams held up a hand and said, “Please. We truly are on a time limit tonight. When I am finished, I will be more than happy to answer as many as I can with the time we have left.”

  Paul gave him a nod and stayed quiet.

  “It is a rare thing to see such outward calm and self-discipline in someone of your generation,” Dr. Abrams complimented. “I applaud you for it. Let me start with what Astralis is, because as you’ve probably already surmised, we are not what we appear to be. It is because of my need for you to trust me, and trust in what we do here, that I can think of no other way except to give you this information directly. My most precious secret is that I am a Walker, and I have already entrusted that to you. I hope it conveys how important you are to me and to this facility.”

  Looking down at the floor, Dr. Abrams paused to collect his thoughts. He ducked his head one time, as if making a decision he already knew he had to make.

  “We are an agency contracted by the United Nations,” he began earnestly. Paul’s eyes widened in surprise, and Abrams continued. “The main and upper levels of this facility are meant to appear to any visitor as a clinic devoted to the research and treatment of sleep disorders. The lower levels, however, are devoted to an entirely different cause.”

  He paused, allowing Paul a chance to interject, but when the only response he got was complete attention, he continued. “Because of the unique ability that Walkers possess, their potential for gathering intelligence is unparalleled. That is our value to the U.N. and it is the way that we are able to operate on such a handsome budget. Aside from the Secretary General and a few other select members, no one is aware of our existence. Because our abilities are unique to the extent that we could cause all manner of embarrassment for some of the most powerful people in government, they prefer to keep it that way.

  “Because the U.N. understands the value of keeping us on their side, we are given the opportunity to accept or decline any mission offered to us. We analyze every request and determine whether we feel the mission will contribute to the greater good.

  “In short, we are a valuable enough asset that we hold all the cards in the way we operate, at least for now. We are not above the law, but we can choose not to participate.”

  “What is the difference?” Paul murmured rhetorically.

  Dr. Abrams raised an eyebrow. “There are some who see it in precisely the way that you have put it, who would prefer that we be controlled much more tightly. And those are the people we must be most wary of, because if their fear of our abilities ever grew too great it could be our undoing. I recognize how dramatic this must sound to you, but it does not make it any less true.”

  Sitting up straight, Dr. Abrams said, “Vigilo Nox Noctis. ‘Watchers of the Night.’ Our motto. That is who we are and how we operate. As you know, our abilities do not allow us to interact with the rest of the world when we are asleep, but they do allow us to move and listen freely without detection, so we watch.

  “We watch, we listen, and we report. We do not use Astralis for financial gain. We use it for the greater good of the world. The abilities we possess could topple regimes, and indeed have. They can unlock secrets that lead to wealth and power. In our world, knowledge is power, and the one who possesses the key to that power can become very dangerous. We are very aware of that. In fact, part of our training is directed toward the self-discipline that all Walkers must possess in order to keep from falling prey to greed and ambition.

  “This is why a very large portion of our time and efforts are spent searching for other Walkers. I know you’ve been told many of the dangers inherent in having this ability; isolationism, inability to maintain relationships, even madness. Consider the idea that should our abilities become known by someone with ill intentions, you—or any Walker here—would become a commodity too valuable to be allowed freedom. Your abilities would be used for their gain. That is why we hold this facility and agency so dear. By staying together and offering our help to the world, we create a protection for ourselves that could never be had were we to operate independently of one another.”

  Paul realized again how much his life had changed in the last month, how completely ignorant he’d been of who he was and what he could do. Now that he knew, he couldn’t fathom how he hadn’t suspected it all along. The only explanation he could accept was that the truth was just too impossible to be believed without someone like Lisa proving it. Up until this point, he’d been lucky that no one had realized what he could do. His lack of friends may have been his greatest blessing in the quiet, unobtrusive existence he’d spent so long brooding over.

  Dr. Abrams saw the look in Paul’s eyes. “Yes, Paul. Nothing will ever be the same for you, because you will always view everyone you do not know with wariness and suspicion.

  “I’m sorry, I truly am. I know how much this will change you. Even those you do know will become suspect. Truly, the only people that you can trust—for the most part—are other Walkers. And that is only because their interests coincide with your own. It is still very close to the lonely existence that you had before coming here, but at least here you have those few who you can turn to.”
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br />   “And so Natasha?” Paul asked. “Is she a Walker too, then?”

  “Your questions are very intuitive,” Abrams answered with another smile. “With every moment you and I spend in each other’s company, I feel more strongly that I’ve made the right decision to trust you.”

  Paul wasn’t sure how to respond to that, so he remained quiet.

  “To answer your question, and one of your previous questions, no, Natasha is not a Walker. She does possess a unique ability, but it is an ability that is unique only as it pertains to me.” Pausing a moment, Abrams reconsidered his wording. “That is… as far as I know her ability is unique to me and me alone.

  “She is a Nullifier. At least, that is the name I have attached to what she can do. What that means, in very simple terms, is that when she is near me I do not get tired. I do not fall asleep. She nullifies my ability as a Walker and allows me to stay awake and alert after the sun has set.”

  “And that is how you’ve managed to maintain the illusion that you are not a Walker,” Paul said, marveling at the implications of this new facet of a Walker’s life.

  “Precisely,” answered Abrams.

  “But wouldn’t other Walkers think of that? Wouldn’t that be fairly obvious to any Walker with half a brain if she’s always with you after sunset? How do you keep it a secret?”

  “It would be obvious if other Walkers were aware that Nullifiers exist,” answered Abrams.

  “You mean…” Paul blinked. “Are you telling me that Natasha is the only Nullifier you know of?”

  “No,” Abrams answered cryptically. “That is not what I am telling you. I know of at least two others and I am fairly certain of a fourth. But what I am telling you is that she is the only Nullifier at Astralis and she affects only me. In all my travels and with every Walker that I’ve met, Natasha has never affected them in the same way that she affects me. Nor have any of the other Nullifiers I’ve met had power over me. Because of this, I am fairly certain that a Walker is only affected by one specific Nullifier. Or possibly it is that a Walker can only be affected by a very select group of them. I have yet to determine what the link is or why it works the way it does. Without raising any flags, I have attempted to find that link, but my research has been hampered by my need to keep Natasha a secret.”

  Again, the doctor was telling him what must be one of his greatest secrets, and Paul had no idea why. “Dr. Abrams, I’m nobody. I have never done anything to deserve special attention. I know that the fact that I am a Walker makes me special, but here, in a place like this, it doesn’t make me any more special than anyone else. So why? Why are you telling me these things?”

  “Ah, yes. And here we are finally to the point. You were nobody before you could Walk. But now—now you can Walk and so much more. Let me ask you, Paul, how it is that you left your house and made it to your bench in Radcliff every night?”

  “How did you…” began Paul, but realized that of course Abrams would have been updated by Lisa or Dittrich. “I left how I always do. Out the front door and then I walked. It wasn’t far.”

  “You’re missing the point,” replied Abrams. “Let me ask you a different question that should lead to the same end—do you remember your night in the cemetery with Lisa?”

  Paul didn’t know if he could blush in the dream, but if it was possible he was doing it then. “Yes, I remember.”

  “Do you remember anything special?”

  He remembered quite a lot from that night. In fact, he remembered it all. He would have remembered anyway simply because, with his memory, he remembered almost everything. But it wasn’t just that. It was one of the greatest nights of his life. He’d found out he was a Walker and learned that he was no longer alone. Most of all, he remembered the way Lisa had looked at him.

  But of course now he knew about Hodge. Was the way Lisa acted that night all just an act? Paul found it hard to believe. It had been too genuine, too heartfelt. He could see in her eyes that she cared about him. It was possible that it was just concern for a fellow Walker, more of a humanitarian interest than a love interest. Maybe.

  Sighing, he replied, “I remember the entire night, Dr. Abrams,” and then added wryly, “but other than finding out that I could walk around invisible, I don’t think anything really stuck out.”

  Cocking his head to the side, as if he thought maybe Paul was putting him on, Abrams said, “Okay, let me frame the question another way. Are you aware that there are Walkers who have abilities within their ability?”

  Confused, Paul shook his head slowly.

  “It’s true. There have been stories of Walkers who can travel at amazing rates of speed while in the dream. Some have been reported to actually be able to fly, which, by the way, I believe is a complete fabrication. Others can move objects while in the dream.” Pausing, he looked at Paul intently, waiting for a response.

  “Okay?” Paul encouraged him to get to the point.

  “Brent—Hodge as he’s called by most of the others—can actually be heard by people, regular people, while he is in the dream, if he is very vocal. And Lisa can sometimes make her shadow seen, although she does not seem to have any real control over when it shows.”

  “That’s… amazing,” Paul replied, realizing that if Abrams was telling him these things, he must have an additional ability of his own. His heart began to hammer. This was why everyone at Astralis was treating him so differently?

  Again, Abrams waited, looking deep into Paul’s eyes. “Yes,” he answered, “it is amazing. And it has given both Hodge and Lisa quite a bit of status among the rest of the Walkers here.”

  Paul waited for more, but Abrams waited him out. It was obvious that Dr. Abrams was trying to tell him something more, but wanted Paul to piece it together on his own. For the life of him, Paul couldn’t figure out what it could be. The seconds stretched on. Paul could literally hear them ticking by on the clock. Finally, breaking Abrams gaze, Paul looked up at the clock. Abrams’ eyes followed suit.

  “Well!” exclaimed Abrams, slapping his hands on his knees. “We’re nearly out of time, so I had better fill you in on the last reason for my visit tonight.”

  “What are you talking about?” asked Paul, getting frustrated. “It isn’t even ten o’clock yet. We still have all night.”

  “You do, Paul,” answered Abrams, “but I don’t. In six minutes Nastasha will bring me out of the dream per the instructions she was given. I keep my Walking visits short while I am in the facility to ensure that my secret is held safe.

  “The last thing that I want to bring to your attention is that you’re going to need a Sentinel of your own. Every Walker who stays here is required to have one. You met my Sentinel, Carlisle, earlier. Of course, as far as the rest of facility is concerned he is nothing more than the head of security, but his true purpose is to protect me. I saw you take notice of Hodge’s Sentinel, Rex, earlier in the commons room. He was the quiet one in the corner dressed in black. You can choose someone on your own, or you can allow us to help you find a paid Sentinel. Be aware that any Sentinel of your own choosing must complete our full training program and it is … rigorous, to say the least.”

  “You still haven’t told me what a Sentinel does,” replied Paul, trying to keep up with the abrupt turn in the conversation, “and you still haven’t finished telling me whatever it was that had to do with extra abilities. Do I have one? What is it?”

  Ignoring the second part of Paul’s questions, Abrams replied, “It is a Sentinel’s job to keep your mortal body safe at all times, most particularly while you are in the dream. Every Walker is extremely vulnerable to attack in that state, so we employ Sentinels to watch over us and ensure our safety.”

  “And it can be anyone of my choosing?”

  “Anyone within reason, yes,” replied Abrams cautiously. “Most of the Sentinels here are hired help. If you wish to choose your own, we strongly suggest that if you choose a family member or friend, you choose one with no strong ties to anyone or thing.
Current or ex-military is certainly preferred. Your safety will become their priority seven days a week, which is why we normally end up hiring professionals. Not only are they usually much more competent, but they tend to ask fewer questions. We pay Sentinels quite well, you see.”

  “Steven,” Paul said without hesitation. “I would like to offer the position to Steven.”

  “Your little friend from home?” asked Abrams with a trace of amusement. “We have monitored Steven to some small extent. I would strongly recommend against your choosing him as...”

  “I would like to offer the position to Steven,” Paul repeated firmly. “He may not seem like much to you, but he is unquestioningly loyal and can handle himself in a fight. He more or less fits the profile you’ve described.”

  Blanching, Abrams replied, “Normally a Sentinel has some sort of military or tactical training. Your safety is of prime concern. There are places our Walkers are sent that aren’t always friendly to Americans. After all, the U.N. is a worldwide agency. Even during daylight hours you could wind up in situations that would require a measure of decision-making from your Sentinel that only comes from training in analytical tactics. I do admire the loyalty that Steven has shown you as a friend, but you would be placing him unfairly in harm’s way if you made this choice for him.”

  “Then I won’t make the final choice,” said Paul. “First you will make it, and then Steven will. You said every Sentinel has to complete training, correct? If he passes your training, that’s the equivalent of you choosing to allow it. If we explain to him what I can do and what I need from him, we can then allow him to decide if he’d like the job. We’ll explain all the risks. If he agrees, if that’s his choice, then he’s my Sentinel.”

  Looking once again at the clock, Abrams gave a relenting nod. “Less than a minute left for me. Fine. It is agreed. I will arrange a phone call at the appropriate time and you can invite Steven to come tour the facility. Once he’s settled in, we’ll all meet together and discuss your proposal.”

  “Agreed.”

  Looking toward the door, Paul asked, “So now what happens? Do we just wait?”

  “Absolutely not,” replied Abrams. “Natasha is always prompt and all of the clocks in Astralis are perfectly synched. She will rouse me in seven, six, five, four, three, two…”

  Paul gasped and flinched as Abrams was pulled upward at a tremendous speed through the wall and ceiling of the room. It happened in less than a second and without a sound. If Paul hadn’t been looking at the doctor when it happened, it would have been as if the man had simply vanished in the blink of an eye.

  “Now that,” Paul said quietly to himself, alone in the silence of his now empty room, “was about the coolest thing I have ever seen.”