Snapper led her up the stairs and peered into the hall. Only a few people filtering into classrooms. Class would be in session soon. He stepped out. Dreamer came right after him and shut the door. No one had seen or paid attention.
“Thanks for showing me, Snapper,” Dreamer said, leaning close to whisper. “We could do this again, you know.”
“Yeah?”
Dreamer nodded, smiling warmly. “See you soon.” She kissed his cheek and headed off for class. Her doubts about him seemed far away for the moment.
Chapter 59
Dreamer knocked at the door. Ponder invited her in with a voice that sounded much more serene than before. Yesterday’s visit must have done wonders for her mental state.
“Hello, Dreamer,” Ponder said. “Hello, Snapper.”
“Um… Snapper didn’t come with me. I’m here by myself.”
“Oh? That is interesting.”
“I caught him in the hall this morning and told him I really wanted to see you today. He said I could go right ahead. We decided to come down separately every now and then to keep people from wondering where we are. I hope that’s alright.”
“Of course it is. What have you got there?”
Dreamer set her bag down and produced a thick hardcover book. “This is my theology textbook. There are some great photographs in it. I thought Mauler would like to look at it while you and I take a trip out of this room.”
Mauler perked up. “Theology?” he repeated, enunciating each syllable with care.
“Yes, Mauler. It’s about the gods. Karkus and Optera and all the rest.” She held it out. He snatched it from her hoof and retreated to his corner on the bed.
“Mauler,” Ponder chastised.
Dreamer laughed. “It’s alright. It’s cute that he’s so excited. Are you ready?”
“Of course. Do you have something in mind?”
“Well, yesterday you mentioned wanting to find your purpose. I thought today we could go into your mind and look for clues together.”
“Sounds wonderful.”
As before, Dreamer rested her forehead against Ponder and their eyes began to glow as their minds connected.
Dreamer flew through Ponder’s memories in reverse—meeting Snapper, then three months of near-total isolation with Mauler. An unacknowledged emotion crossed Dreamer’s awareness.
There’s something here for this creature besides shared captivity, Dreamer thought to herself. Even if they were freed, she would never imagine parting with him.
Then she was up the mountain, being whisked away from the falling tree by the four canaries. There’s the connection between Snapper and Mrs. Flaxer. Out of the corner of her eye, Dreamer glimpsed Snapper’s father slamming into the tree to knock it over the cliff.
Then she was being jerked around by the skeletal-faced condor. She saw him arguing with Caper. Then Caper and Mrs. Flaxer pulling Ponder from the natural spring. Then… darkness.
Dreamer felt panic setting in as she was utterly alone with her thoughts. There was nothing to see or hear. Total sensory deprivation. But she pushed onward. There had to be more.
The scene went from nothing to a burst of overwhelming light so quickly, she was nearly jarred out of Ponder’s mind altogether. But she held on, forcing herself to see what was next.
The light solidified into a pair of almond-shaped eyes with burning violet irises. Vapor and wind and slashing rain surrounded her. Dreamer wanted to pull back in terror, but she gritted her teeth, determined to see this through. The voice was austere and maternal, and yet struck her ears like a thunderclap.
“I bestow you with a bird’s understanding of the world. And the gift of charisma. You will affect the minds of others with words and thoughts. When you are ready, we will meet… Ponder.”
Dreamer was forcibly ejected from Ponder’s mind and found herself back in the tiny room, feeling wet and cold despite the room being completely dry. She stared at Ponder.
“Y-you are from Optera,” Dreamer stammered. “I… saw her. I was in her presence. I mean, you were.”
“How strange. ‘We will meet.’ So she did give me instructions,” Ponder mused. “And a power much like yours. It seems I have been using it on others without realizing it. I have a lot to think about.”
“Look,” Mauler said. He held up the textbook to an open page with a series of photographs taken from the tunnels leading to Karkus’s shrine. Cave drawings depicted long claws and a coat of patchwork hides. “Looks like me.”
“It does,” Dreamer said. “I thought you would like that. Maybe next time I can look in your mind too. We can see if Karkus sent you, just like Optera sent Ponder.”
Mauler thrust out his chest. “He did. I know.”
Chapter 60
“There. It’s recording. See the red light?”
“Yeah. I think we’ve done it. Hey, can you hear us in there?”
Hearing was fine. After a few seconds his vision came into focus as well. He became aware he was lying on his back.
“Durdge, it’s Swill and Tuck. Can you hear us?”
“Yes, damn it.” He looked to his left. Two doughy-faced pigs in white lab coats, a scientist and a technician, were gaping at him from a computer console a yard away. “I’m awake.”
“Excellent.” The lead pig, Swill, tapped at the keyboard a few times. “Do us a favor and move around a little. We want to make sure everything is in good order.”
Durdge stood up on the table and stretched. He noticed he was taller. He looked down at his arms. They were bulkier than before. Sturdy. Metal claws protruded through the burlap outer skin.
“Bring me a mirror,” he snapped. Tuck, the assistant, hurried to comply.
A minute later, Durdge was admiring his own reflection. His body had definitely been built stockier than before. He flexed the improved joints in his arms. Well-articulated. Well-lubricated.
“We constructed you an entirely new body.” Tuck beamed with pride.
“We fitted a plate exoskeleton around the vital components beneath your outer covering,” Swill added.
“You won’t be knocked down by any more self-important sheep.”
“With upgraded dexterity, you can make your own arrests rather than rely on backup.”
“A drug administration system to ease interrogation or apprehension.”
“Improved wireless connectivity to the building’s server, so you can report what you see almost instantaneously.”
“Looks good.” Durdge hopped down off the table. “Anything else?”
“Just be sure to report any bugs so we can send you updates,” said Swill, still typing. “We haven’t fully tested all of your systems yet.”
“Why not?”
“We were in a hurry. The boss was asking for you.”
“Right now?”
“Yes. He told us to have you call as soon as you were conscious.”
“Well, get out so I can talk to him in private.”
The two pigs meekly obeyed his command. He sat at the edge of the table and activated his internal uplink to the computer in the boss’s room.
Static crackled for a few seconds before the boss’s melodic baritone answered the call. “Durdge? Is that you?”
“It’s me, Pops.”
“It’s good to hear your voice. You sure gave me a scare.”
“I’ll never die as long as there’s work to do. What can I do for you?”
“I wanted your opinion on something. I’ve just had a visit from Reverend Specter and General Pincher. They want University investigated.”
Durdge paused. “And what did you tell them?”
“I laughed in their faces. I said University is a resource, as are the time and attention of my enforcers such as yourself. They said they had a solid lead. Specter also said, and I’m quoting him directly here, ‘Just wait until Durdge is back online, he’ll know we’re right.’ What’s your take?”
Durdge stood up. “Pa, that old bird is onto something.”
>
“Talk to me.”
“Did you read the transcript from the hearing after I was attacked?”
“Not personally.”
“Well, the sheep who assaulted me was the son of the Trampler.”
A pause. “Did we get rid of him?”
“No, Pa. Not that I’d expect you to remember. A lot of sheep go on the chopping block these days. Anyways, here’s the kicker. Guess who came into the courtroom to defend the Trampler’s son? Caper did.”
“The Trampler was the prime suspect in the disappearance of that wooden puppet and beast that Specter and Pincher were so upset about. Specter thinks Caper was involved as well, it seems.”
“Yeah, Pops. The way I see it, this strengthens Specter’s case that there was a connection between the old ram and Caper. The owl said he’s the little sheep’s legal guardian. You don’t put just anyone in charge of your kid. If the Trampler was guilty of stealing that puppet, for sure he trusted Caper enough to let him in on it.”
“I’ll leave it up to you whether it’s a strong enough lead to act on.”
“I’m going to turn that school inside out.”
“Go, then. I’ll be watching from here, through your eyes. Bye, now.”
“Oh, I’ll go,” Durdge said. “And I know exactly who I’m going to talk to first.”
Chapter 61
“I feel good,” Snapper admitted. “And that terrifies me.”
Ponder’s eyes flickered. “Explain.”
“One, I’m getting used to the Vexylam. I’m still having nightmares, but now the side effects aren’t messing me up as badly. Two, I’ve got Dreamer and Swifter. They both make me better, in their own way. I’m trying to do the same for them.”
“Swifter… your roommate?”
“Yes. We have more in common than we thought. He drags me out to play sports and I drag him to train at Boxer’s place. I’m getting better at both. I’m sore most of the time, but I can tell I’m getting faster and hitting harder.”
“That is good.”
“And Dreamer… I can’t run out of good things to say. I’m going to the quarry with her, not this weekend but the next. I think she’s trying to hint to her dad about the fact that she’s been healed, but we’ll see how it goes over. The best part is, we’re able to help you and Mauler deal with this situation in what way we can. All in all, I’m happy. And that’s the problem.”
“I am afraid I am not following, Snapper.”
“I feel like I have to keep my eyes and ears open all the time. When things go well for me, that’s when they’re about to go bad. I discovered my power as a kid and then our lives turned upside-down. I brought home a great final exam from the primary school and my dad died that night. I’m just on guard.”
Ponder didn’t speak for a few seconds. “I suppose I could offer some trite wisdom about life having ups and downs.”
Snapper sighed. “I’m sorry. You don’t need me dumping on you. How are the sessions with Dreamer going?”
“Extremely well. As you said, her help has made our time in this room much more tolerable. You had better go before you are late to class.”
“Right, right.” Snapper headed for the door. “I’ll get this paranoia out of my system and come see you this evening.”
But when he emerged from the underground tunnel and into the school hall, he found the place in total chaos.
I wasn’t paranoid. Something was headed our way. And here it is.
Students were filing out of classrooms and moving toward the exits. Some were upset, panicked, crying, but most just looked apprehensive.
He pushed through the crowd, trying to get someone—anyone—to stop and explain to him what was happening. He caught a glimpse of stark white fleece.
“Swifter!” he called out.
The athletic sheep turned at the sound of his name but did not slow down. Snapper broke into a trot to keep up with his roommate.
“What’s going on? Where is everyone going?”
“Dude, haven’t you heard?” Swifter puffed. “There are dogs in the school! They took old Caper in his office and told everyone to leave. And…” Swifter leaned in close. “That creepy robo-pig you busted up all over the news last week? He’s back, and he’s in charge. They’re all in Caper’s office.”
“Durdge.” Snapper felt his guts twist in knots. “Have you seen Dreamer?”
Swifter didn’t look at him. Snapper blocked his path and grabbed a lock of wool.
“Swifter, where’s Dreamer?”
“Dude… the dogs took her in the office too.” The color drained out of Swifter’s face. “That pig was very specific about it. He pointed her out. He said ‘The one with the purple eyes, bring her along.’ I don’t know what they wanted with her. Come on, man, we gotta get out of here.”
Snapper froze. Swifter slid around him to keep heading for the exit.
This is one hundred percent my fault. Durdge is out for revenge because of what I did. If they tear this place apart and find Ponder and Mauler… If they hurt Dreamer or Caper…
Snapper shook his head, trying to force himself to make a decision. For sure, he could not just storm that office and mount a heroic rescue mission.
I’m responsible. If they find Ponder and Mauler, everything Caper and Boxer and my dad took all this risk for would be undone. I have to make sure they get out first. Then I’ll figure out what to do.
Chapter 62
“We’ve combed every building in Fleece City,” Durdge said. “Every residence. We’ve even looked inside the Megatropolis. The one place we did not thoroughly pick apart, we’re standing in it. Our benevolent masters at the Chugg Corporation have always looked the other way as far as University is concerned. That ends today. You’ve abused our trust. Specter’s puppet and Pincher’s beast are here. You’re hiding them and we want them.”
Caper’s small office was crammed with eight people, yet everyone gave Durdge’s new body a wide enough berth that he could pace around. Five dogs stood with Dreamer against the bookcase. The desk had been shoved aside. Caper sat like a statue on his chair-perch.
Dreamer trembled as she stood between two of the cloned red hounds but pushed her fear down and tried to look unmoved.
“We want to be reasonable,” Durdge continued. “I want to minimize collateral damage. So I am extending a one-time offer. If you tell us how to find them, we will be on our way with no further intrusions. You can get on with educating the valuable youth.”
Caper did not answer.
Durdge leaned close to the owl. “If I have to ask again, this offer won’t stand. I’ll have to start opening up cans of worms around here. Maybe I’ll revisit the verdict in Snapper’s criminal case. Sound fair?”
Caper did not flinch. “We don’t know anything. Leave my facility.”
“Oh, I’ll get the truth one way or another.”
A mechanical whir sounded off in Durdge’s arm as tiny gears spun. From between the metal claws of his right hand, a six-inch-long hypodermic needle slid into view.
Dreamer let out an involuntary shriek and lunged forward. The two dogs punished her by slamming her into the bookcase.
Durdge’s other hand touched the quivering needle. “My upgrades include internal stores of whatever medications I might need to deliver to get results. Dopemol, Vexylam, and, of course, Gabytol.”
Caper rolled his eyes. “Truth serum. So your corporate owners have expanded your official duties to include interrogation.”
Durdge laughed. “You’re exactly right. The thing is, I know who you are and what your profession is. You lie to your benefactors on a daily basis. For you, lying is not a cognitively challenging task. I could give you this dose and you’d just lie right through it, completely immune.”
Caper nodded.
“Good thing it isn’t for you then.” Durdge turned away and reached for Dreamer.
“No!” Caper shouted, leaping talons-first off his perch. Three dogs met him in midair and took him to
the ground.
Durdge jabbed the needle into Dreamer’s foreleg. She screamed and tried to twist away, but the two dogs held her until she passed out.
Chapter 63
Caper was not easily intimidated. He had seen enough combat to be unafraid of physical harm to himself. But now the invaders had assaulted one of his students. He felt his resolve failing.
The room was dead silent for several minutes until Dreamer finally stirred. She groggily raised her head, half-opened her eyes, and looked around with a vacant expression.
“We swept the school and couldn’t find Snapper,” Durdge said, “but it would be naïve of me to think he has no idea of the treasons his father committed. I know this girl’s spent at least a little time with Snapper. I also know how boys are when they’re trying to impress a woman. And I’m willing to bet she doesn’t make a career of lying the way you do.”
“A pointless effort, Durdge,” Caper spat. “She doesn’t know anything. Neither does Snapper. You’re wasting your time and ours.”
“Shut up,” Durdge replied. He caught the eye of the nearest dog. “If he interrupts again, break his beak.” He stepped close to Dreamer, crouching down to her eye level. “Hey, are you with us?”
“Yeah.” She made eye contact with him, her gaze bleary but steady.
“What’s your name?”
“Dreamer.”
“Are you from the quarry?”
“Yeah.”
“Who did you live with there?”
“My dad. Shiver the ram.”
“Is he the one missing a horn?”
“Yeah.”
“I thought so. You see, a pig named Scurvert told me about a girl with purple eyes.”
“That’s me. Yep.”
Caper’s anger got the best of him and he tried to lunge at Durdge. He was met with a vicious blow to the face.
“Dreamer, Scurvert leaves young sheep with scars,” Durdge continued. “I don’t see any scars on you. Can you tell me why?”
“Snapper got rid of them for me.”
“You don’t say. You know, his father promised me a long time ago that Snapper would never do that kind of thing again. Dreamer, do you spend time with Snapper a lot?”
The Healer Page 16
