Edge of Time

by Susan M. MacDonald

  Martje seemed to be in disagreement, but her words meant nothing to Logan. A moment later, a dark frown creasing her forehead, she rooted through Darius’ jeans pockets. She handed over his orb and Logan pocketed it without comment.

  Anna placed her hand on Logan’s arm. Her voice was low and carefully modulated, but whatever she was saying seemed to make no difference. Logan shouldered past her and stormed out of the medical facility so quickly, Riley barely had time to flatten herself against the wall and out of his way. She took a deep and steadying breath as she watched his back disappear around a corner. Why had he taken Darius’ orb? What was going on?

  Riley again leaned as carefully around the wall as she could.

  Anna was still standing ramrod straight, her face carefully purged of emotion. Other than the twin blotches of fire on her cheeks, there was no indication of what had just transpired.

  Martje said something in a low voice.

  Anna lifted a shoulder then dropped it. As if she had heard something, Anna suddenly turned and caught sight of Riley. Riley straightened her shoulders and entered.

  “I wanted to check on them,” she said demurely, trying as hard as she could to stop thinking about what she’d just witnessed.

  Anna nodded.

  “I was worried.”

  Anna said nothing.

  “Your boss looked pretty riled. What’s his problem?”

  Anna’s lips tightened, but she still refused to answer.

  Riley swallowed the sigh and headed for a more neutral subject. “Is Alec going to be okay?”

  Anna turned her back and stared at Darius, whose eyes had closed again. The medic nodded. “He’s young, healthy and surprisingly resilient. He should be up and around in two periods.”

  “How long’s a period?” Riley frowned.

  “Twelve of your hours,” Martje replied. “Our schedule is similar to this planet. Twelve hours of work alternating with twelve of rest.” She glanced down the short hallway and frowned. “Where is your Guardian, Dean? You should be resting.”

  Riley forced the smile. “He had an errand, but he’ll be right back.”

  Martje turned her back and peered at a transparent screen. Anna turned away and left Med Ops without a word.

  Riley’s hands curled into fists. There wasn’t anything else she could learn here now. Darius was unconscious, Alec was asleep and Anna certainly wasn’t about to unburden her hard little soul with an outpouring of girly heart-to-heart.

  If she wanted to get out of here, she was on her own.

  20

  Alec awoke with a start. One moment he’d been in deep darkness, the next he was sitting bolt upright, his heart pounding out of his ribs, the area behind his left ear aching badly, and a feeling of inescapable doom smothering him. Immediately someone was at his side. Alec swung his arm in defense, but it was immobilized by a strong grip before he could hit anything. He twisted around to see his captor.

  “Steady on, Alec,” the grey-haired woman with the tired eyes said softly. “You’ve nothing to be afraid of here.”

  “Where am I?” His mouth was dry and his tongue almost stuck to the roof of his mouth.

  “You are currently lying in bed in Med Ops of Home Base.” The woman released his wrist and gave a cool smile. “I am Martje, the chief Medic for the Tyon Operation here on Terra. You were injured and required medical attention, hence, your stay in my facility.”

  The wild pounding of his heart started to slow as memories tumbled into place. This made sense. Darius had said someone was coming to get them. Obviously someone had.

  “Is Darius okay?”

  “Recovering as expected.” Martje stood to the side and Darius’ thatch of spiky hair was visible in the bed next to his. He was curled on his side, fast asleep, and looked only a few years older than Alec.

  Alec lay back down and thought for a moment. He was wearing the same grey jumpsuit that Darius was and his own clothes were not in sight. He had no idea how much time had passed and that was disconcerting. “What about Riley?” he asked. The last thing he could remember was the houseboat taking on water, Riley flailing about and the rips getting closer. He’d been so mad.

  “She is well and assimilating into our unit with assistance from her assigned Guardian. You too will be assigned for training, once you are medically fit.”

  Alec flexed his fingers and wiggled his toes experimentally. “I feel fine.”

  “I will scan you to confirm. Then I will call Logan.” Martje turned her back for a moment and disappeared past the head of Alec’s bed.

  “Who’s Logan?” asked Alec as he twisted around on one elbow to watch her.

  “Commander Logan is in charge. All Tyon Operatives on this planet report and take their orders from him.”

  “What’s he like?”

  Martje pulled her orb out of her pocket and gave him a slight shove to make him lie down again. She waved the orb above his body.

  “Just what can you see with that thing?” Alec asked. Darius said that orbs could concentrate power, but Alec couldn’t fathom what other properties they might have.

  “It can determine injuries and provide treatment. If you are destined for healing, you will learn the skill.”

  “So, I can’t learn it if I’m not destined?”

  “Every person with Tyon power is different. None have identical skills or aptitudes. For example, you will not read minds or influence another’s behaviour, but your female companion might. That is, if she trains hard enough.” Martje pocketed the orb. “You appear well. I will have Logan debrief you before you are sent for assignment.”

  Alec sat back up. Debriefing sounded like a good idea but assignment didn’t. What were they expecting to do with him here, anyway? Before he had a chance to ask Martje, a tall, severe looking man entered Med Ops at a brisk march. Anna followed at his heel. Neither looked happy.

  “You are Alec,” said the man in a deep voice that had no warmth and even less friendliness.

  “Yeah.” Alec shrugged.

  “You will respond with ‘yes, sir,’ or ‘no, sir.’”

  Alec didn’t answer. His fingers slowly curled into fists.

  “I am Commander Logan. I am in charge of this operation on Terra. From this moment forth, you will follow my orders implicitly. There will be no questions, no disobedience. Do I make myself clear?”

  Alec didn’t stop the frown. Logan narrowed his eyes, and the muscles around his jaw tightened perceptibly. Alec thought he heard Martje clearing her throat, but he wasn’t going to toady up to some know-it-all. Principals, schoolyard bullies, Tyon Commanders – it didn’t matter. No one ordered him to jump and told him how high.

  “I don’t like to repeat myself, Alec. Did you hear me?” Logan’s pale eyes were now freezing.

  “Sure. Whatever.”

  He felt rather than heard Anna’s sharp intake of breath. Logan took the one step that separated them and grabbed Alec’s jumpsuit at the neck so quickly the thought of retreat didn’t enter his head. The material bunched under his fist as he pulled Alec right off the bed.

  “Listen to me, Terran,” Logan said coldly. “Your uncontrolled power is a danger. You cannot be permitted further freedom. Nothing that endangers the safety of my crew is permitted. You will follow my orders.”

  “You don’t … scare … me,” Alec gasped. His hands scrabbled to release the pressure, but Logan’s grip was like steel.

  Logan barely smiled, just enough for Alec to see the glimmer of pleasure. His orb seemed tiny in his massive fist. He let go of Alec without warning. Alec fell to the ground on his hands and knees, gasping for breath. He was just about to scramble backwards as an overwhelming sense of unease and danger flooded his veins, but it was too late. The Commander was faster. The hand holding the orb clamped onto Alec’s right temple while his other hand grasped his left. His head was jerked upwards until he was on his knees and staring straight at Logan’s face. The Commander held him immobile.

  A searing
pain where the orb touched his skin drilled right through his brain. But it was the invasion of his consciousness that was truly horrifying. There was nothing he could protect from Logan’s probing invasion. Everything he was, everything he thought, every memory he’d ever stored was laid bare.

  It only lasted a moment, yet felt like forever. Logan released him and he fell backwards against the bed. His heart thudded wildly between his ears. He was soaked in sweat and trembling so hard he couldn’t have stood even if he’d wanted to.

  My God, what had Logan done to him?

  Logan straightened and dropped his orb back into his pocket. Behind him, Anna stared straight ahead.

  With that, he turned and left.

  Alec stayed in a heap on the floor, his eyes open but not seeing, his mind in turmoil. How had Logan done that and, more importantly, how could he stop him if he wanted to do it again? Why hadn’t anyone come to his defense?

  It took several minutes to get his breath back and his body under control. He ducked his head and surreptitiously wiped his cheeks with the back of his hand before pulling himself unsteadily to his feet. The profanities raced along his tongue, but he managed, with great effort, not to say them aloud. The last thing he needed was Anna summoning Logan back, and he wouldn’t put it past her to jump at the opportunity.

  “I will show you to your quarters,” Anna said without emotion. “You will receive nourishment and begin your training.” She turned and walked out.

  Alec considered refusing to follow her, but reconsidered. A sudden vision of Logan reaching out to probe him again flashed across his conscious mind. He shuddered. Not again.

  Swallowing his pride and his temper, he obeyed.

  21

  Logan’s attack had emptied Alec’s mind of all emotion but fear. He noted the vast chamber and its busy occupants without awe. He wove his way through the various sections of the bunker without stopping to gawk. He didn’t bother looking for Riley.

  He did notice vaguely that everyone watched him pass. He felt their eyes burn into his skin. He rubbed the tender skin behind his left ear absently as he trudged behind Anna. Only when she arrived at the farthest corner did she stop and turn to face him. Two bunks, a table and two chairs were enclosed behind a partition.

  “We will stay in this section of the Base,” Anna said. “You will not pass the perimeter without permission. Bathing and toilet facilities are installed for your personal use. Food and drink will be brought here.”

  They hadn’t given him much space to live in. Six paces in one direction, maybe, and less than that in the other. It was a cage. Anger started to seep through the fog in his head.

  A silent Operative entered, bearing a tray in her arms. She gave Alec a long, rather intrusive look but said nothing as she laid the tray on the table and left.

  “Eat,” Anna instructed.

  Logan had stolen his appetite. He crossed his arms and said nothing.

  Anna pointed to the chair. “Sit, then. And listen.”

  Alec counted to ten. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, he took a step towards the table. As slowly as he could, he crossed the short distance, pulled out the metallic chair and seated himself.

  “I recognize that your life has changed dramatically in the space of a few days. I understand your fear and concerns. However, it is vital that you begin your training immediately.”

  “Yeah, sure you do.” Alec didn’t curb his insolent tone. If she was going to hit him, let her. He might not like it, but he’d hit her back. He wasn’t as muscled as a grown man, but he was still strong enough that the blow would hurt. He’d wrestled his dad to the ground last month, hadn’t he?

  Anna cocked her head to one side. “You fought your father?” she asked, puzzled.

  Alec stared at a section of divider to the left of her shoulder. He didn’t answer.

  “He hurt you, didn’t he?” she continued.

  Alec felt the angry flush burning his cheeks. If he hadn’t told the social workers at the hospital, he sure as hell wasn’t going to tell these jerks. Time to change the subject. “Why am I a danger?”

  “Your power is too strong and too uncontrolled. You destroyed the houseboat and could easily have killed Riley. Only Darius’ intervention prevented that, and your own death.”

  “Logan was hinting at something else,” Alec pushed.

  Anna frowned. “Your lack of control has serious implications for this world. We must prevent any further damage.”

  “Look, I know you guys think these orb things are the greatest thing next to sliced bread, and you use them for all sorts of stuff. But I can’t. I don’t know how. So cut with the ‘you-made-it-happen’ crap. I didn’t.” Alec stood up so quickly he knocked the chair over. Ignoring it, he began to pace. “I don’t remember doing anything with the orb. I mean, I was holding it. But I wasn’t trying anything.”

  “What were you thinking?” Anna reached down, pulled the chair upright and placed it at the table.

  “I dunno.”

  “Think, Alec. You were scared. The rips were advancing. Darius couldn’t help you. Riley was in trouble.”

  “How do you know?” Alec paused mid-step.

  “I obtained the information from Darius,” Anna said, folding her hands in her lap and directing an untroubled look at Alec. “I did not intrude on your privacy.”

  Alec snorted. “Did you ask Darius’ permission?” These aliens were so high-handed, she’d probably rummaged around in Darius’ brain without a second thought.

  “Darius and I have an understanding, to which you are not privy,” Anna said. “I will ask permission before I enter your mind. Unless it is a matter of life and death.”

  “Yeah. And I can totally trust you.”

  “For the time being, Alec, there is no one else you can trust. I will be your Guardian and your only contact within this facility.”

  “Maybe I don’t want you.” Alec glared at her. Logan was the last person he wanted training him for anything, but Anna was a close second. He hadn’t liked her in Toronto, and now, surrounded by her cronies, he liked her even less. Standing by while Logan hurt him was unforgiveable.

  “Neither of us have a choice. I am the most experienced officer to train Terran Potentials. Hence, my assignment.”

  “You don’t want this any more than I do, is that what you’re saying?” The anger was building inside him.

  “Stop shouting,” Anna ordered.

  “I’ll shout if I want to! Try and stop me.”

  “I will, if force is required.” Anna stood.

  “You put one finger on me, and you’ll be sorry.” Alec backed away. She’d better not come any closer.

  “Stop moving, Alec. You’re about to touch the perimeter.”

  Alec inched farther away. Anna was holding her orb in her left hand. He hadn’t noticed it before, but now he couldn’t take his eyes off it. He’d hit her first, he vowed as she took a step towards him.

  “Alec, stop moving. Now.”

  He didn’t.

  The surge of electricity struck him squarely between the shoulder blades. For one horrible second he was held immobile, zapped by something stronger than the current in the electrical socket he’d stuck his finger into when he was a child. It suddenly stopped and he fell to the ground.

  Anna crossed over and crouched down. He saw two of her for a moment as she stroked her cool fingers across his brow. “I did warn you.”

  She sounded amused and that only fueled the white-hot fury. Alec knocked her hand away. He scrambled to his feet. He grabbed at the table, picked it up and threw it as hard as he could towards the space between the dividers that opened to the rest of the Base. Anna ducked in time. The table sailed out and landed with a dull clang. The chair followed.

  “You’ll need an orb to move the beds,” Anna advised.

  Alec was past listening. Furiously, he yanked and pulled with all his might, but Anna was correct; the beds didn’t budge. He slammed his open fist against the brackets th
at held them together. Once, twice, three times. His palm began to bleed. “I want out,” he yelled.

  Two Operatives arrived at the opening but did not enter. Anna shook her head. “I am not in danger.”

  “Leave me alone,” screamed Alec.

  “Lower the dampening fields and withdraw,” Anna instructed. Both left silently. “Alec, if you cannot control your anger, then I shall have to do it for you. You put us all in danger when you do this.”

  Alec swore violently and began to kick the toilet cubicle in the corner.

  “This is your last warning. I must subdue you if you do not stop.”

  Alec was past stopping. He was enraged with a kind of anger he couldn’t control. There was a red haze floating across his mind, blocking out all reasonable thought. He’d only felt this once before.

  “Enough.” The word penetrated his mind like a hot knife cutting through butter. Its force scattered his fury. For several moments there was nothing but the word, echoing over and over in his mind. His heart slowed down. The wild power in his muscles slipped away. Anna’s voice seemed far away. She was saying something, but he couldn’t quite hear her. Not that it mattered. Nothing did.

  22

  “Look, get your hands off me,” Riley snapped. Jacob had been hovering at her elbow for the last hour and she’d had enough. Actually, she’d had enough two hours ago, but Dean had insisted that she work with the weasely little Potential from Chicago.

  Jacob sat back in the metal chair and dropped his hands to the tabletop. He was nearly a year younger, three times as wide, and probably half as intelligent. His eyes had lit up with the fire of a zealot the instant he’d seen her and nothing she’d done so far had discouraged him.

  “Dean told you to practice with me.” Jacob’s nasal whine was only slightly more annoying than his constant sniffing. “They’ll put you in confinement if you don’t.”