Red-Line: The Shift (Volume One)

by J. T. Bishop

  “Sure. I’ll get you something. You want to join us? Get out of that bed for a while?” Ramsey held his breath.

  She looked behind him at three pairs of eyes, all looking in her direction.

  He could feel their stares and willed them all to stop gaping at her. As if on cue, they went back to eating their food.

  She hesitated. After seeing them, she seemed to come to some sort of conclusion. “Guess so. About time I got to know everyone better.”

  Happy that her memories of the group were still intact, he stepped aside to allow her to move to the table.

  All of them stood as she neared, as if she were royalty.

  Ramsey rolled his eyes. “Sarah’s going to join us, guys.” They all stood there, saying nothing. Apparently, he was not the only one tongue-tied. “Declan,” he said, “can you pull up an extra chair?”

  Declan stirred and moved to grab a chair.

  Leroy finally spoke. “Glad to have you join us, Sarah.”

  “I’ll get you some water,” said Ramsey, glad that Leroy had started the conversation. He headed into the kitchen.

  Declan brought the chair around and set it behind Sarah, who sat down slowly, obviously still achy from her ordeal. She seemed glad to get off her feet. Declan hovered next to her until Ramsey brought the water, then he returned to his seat but continued to watch her.

  Ramsey sat down next to her.

  She picked up the glass and drained it entirely before putting the glass down. She noticed they all watched her as she did so. “Sorry,” she said. “I don’t know why I’m so thirsty.”

  Ramsey stood again and grabbed her glass. “I’ll get you some more.”

  “Your body needs it, Sarah,” Hannah said in response. “Drink as much as you need.”

  Sarah looked over at her. “Hannah, right?”

  Hannah smiled. “That’s me.”

  Sarah moved her eyes to Declan. “Declan,” she said.

  “Correct. Nice to formally meet you.”

  She cocked her head at his reply. “Oh, we have formally met. Now we’re just making it official.”

  He gave her a strange look as Ramsey returned with the second glass of water and set it down in front of Sarah. Ramsey exchanged glances with Declan, both of them unclear as to what her response meant.

  Next, she looked toward Leroy. “Hi, Leroy.”

  He beamed a great big smile at her. “Hi, Sarah.”

  “I’m glad you’re better,” she said.

  “Good as new,” he replied.

  She looked at the table and all the food.

  Ramsey immediately felt stupid. “You must be starving. I’ll get you something.” He moved to stand.

  “No, actually, I’m not,” she said. “I have no appetite at all. I’m just thirsty.” She took another long drink of her water. “This is all I need. Thanks.”

  The four of them sat quietly, dinner forgotten, as they adjusted to her presence. They’d spent all this time with her, cared for her, risked their lives for her, hoping she could do the same for them, yet they didn’t actually know her.

  Ramsey tried to break the ice, but Sarah beat him to it. She gazed around the table after the introductions and calmly asked, “So am I correct in assuming that no one at this table is human?”

  The direct question caught them all off guard, and nobody answered. Even Ramsey stayed silent, waiting to see if someone else wanted to take the lead.

  Finally, Hannah said, “My cousin is married to one.”

  Declan chuckled at the remark, and the rest of them smiled. Declan spoke next. “I guess this must all seem pretty unbelievable to you.”

  “Now who’s making the understatement of the year?” asked Ramsey.

  Declan smiled again and kept talking, trying to find a way to determine how much Sarah understood. “I assume John has explained things to you?”

  Sarah glanced over at Ramsey. “Yes, I suppose, but it’s all a little fuzzy.” She thought for a second. “I remember our conversation when we first got here. I remember the man who tried to take me. I remember…” She stopped and massaged her temples.

  “Take your time, Sarah.” Ramsey was concerned she was dealing with too much. “Don’t push yourself.”

  “No, I need to know.” Sarah spoke strongly. “I’ve been here for six days, and all these things are happening. I don’t know who I am or why I’m here, and I have all these thoughts and memories that I can’t make sense of, yet I know things I don’t understand why I know and feel things I’ve never felt before, and now I’m not human and neither are you. I’m freaking out but trying not to. Please tell me how I’m supposed to handle this. What am I doing here? What is happening to me?”

  They all watched her shudder, place her head in her hands and rub her face with shaky fingers. “God, what is happening?” she asked.

  None of them knew what to say. They were all capable of protecting her and caring for her physically, but when it came to the emotional side, none of them had much experience. Having never told anyone of their existence before put them at a distinct disadvantage.

  Leroy tried to help. “Sarah, listen to me.” She kept her head in her hands. “I promise this will all make sense eventually. Just try to suspend your disbelief a little bit. Your world is tilting upside down right now, I understand, but try not to think of it like that. Just try to think of us as new friends you’ve just met. We’re all here for you. We’re no different from anybody else you’d meet on the street, other than the fact that our DNA is a little different. We were all born here, so it’s really not that big of a deal when you think about it.”

  Sarah appeared to have no reaction to Leroy’s comments until Ramsey heard her laugh. It started with a low chuckle, but it quickly gained momentum as it turned to full-on laughter, and finally, she pulled her head up, her hands went to her stomach and she laughed hysterically as tears rolled down her face.

  “She’s cracking up,” said Hannah.

  “No, she’s just coping,” said Declan. “She’s got a lot coming at her right now, and she’s more sensitive. Let her get through it.”

  Ramsey watched her and saw through the laughter. It expressed more sadness than humor. He wondered if she was finally accepting that her life had changed forever, and rather than run screaming from the house, she had chosen to either laugh or cry. Hearing her now, he didn’t think tears could feel any worse. He wanted to reach out and comfort her, but he knew she wasn’t ready for it.

  Gradually, she composed herself, and her laughter subsided. She let out a few more bouts of giggles and wiped the tears off her face before finally collecting herself. She took a few deep, shuddering breaths. “I think I’m losing it.”

  “No, you’re not,” said Ramsey, encouraging her. “You’re dealing with it as best you can. Just be patient. This won’t happen overnight. I know you want answers, and you’ll get them, but I recommend not all at once. You’ve got sensory overload as it is.”

  She closed her eyes and took a few cleansing breaths. She opened them again and reached for the remainder of her water.

  Ramsey stood to get her some more.

  “Wait,” she said, holding out her hand as he reached for her glass.

  “What?” he asked.

  “I…” She hesitated, not knowing what to say, then grimaced. He was about to ask her what was wrong when she found her voice.

  “Just sit, please. I need you to sit next to me. I feel…”

  He sat down before she could finish. “No problem,” he said. “I’m sitting back down.”

  “I don’t understand it. It’s just something I feel. Like I’m off-kilter or something.”

  “You’re picking up on our energy, Sarah,” said Declan. “You’re sensitive enough now to feel all of us in the room at once. It’s probably throwing you off a bit. Until you get used to it, you may feel a bit off-balance, even with us just moving around the room.”

  She nodded. “When he got up, I felt dizzy.”

  �
��I tend to have that effect on women,” Ramsey added, lightening the mood.

  “But not in a good way,” Leroy replied, contributing to the banter.

  “I could tell you some stories,” Ramsey responded.

  “I know your stories. Would you like me to share some?”

  “No.”

  “Then I rest my case.”

  Hannah smiled.

  Declan nodded at his brother. “It’s probably more acute with John,” he said, not explaining why. “I’ll get up now, and you let me know how you feel as I move.” He stood slowly, and watched for Sarah’s reaction.

  “It’s not so bad,” she said.

  “You still want that water?”

  “Yes. Just go slow, please, or I may woof my cookies.”

  Declan took his time as he moved around the table to pick up her glass.

  “Wow. I can definitely feel it as you get closer.” She took a breath and closed her eyes.

  “You okay?” he asked as he picked up the glass.

  “Yes. Keep going.”

  He turned and headed into the kitchen.

  She opened her eyes. “That was an unexpected experience.”

  “That’s just the first of many,” said Hannah.

  Ramsey frowned at her. “Hannah.”

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean that in a bad way.”

  “It’s fine, Hannah,” Sarah said. “You can’t protect me forever.”

  Declan returned with the glass of water and set it front of Sarah, then moved back to his seat. Sarah barely noticed.

  “See?” asked Declan. “Looks like you’re adjusting quickly.”

  She seemed visibly calmer. “It wasn’t near as bad as I thought it would be.”

  Ramsey couldn’t help himself. “That’s what all his girlfriends tell him.”

  Declan shot an exasperated look at his brother, then returned his attention to Sarah. “You’re gradually getting used to us,” he said, looking pleased. “Either that or it’s my peaceful nature.”

  Ramsey snorted. “I’ll keep my mouth shut on that one.”

  Declan shot back. “That would be a first.”

  Sarah began to relax, just as the rest of them did. She sat back in her seat and let her blanket fall to the back of her chair. She wore red sweats and had socks on her feet. She looked more comfortable now as she engaged with them.

  “Are you warming up a bit? Running a lot of energy will do that.” Declan watched her nod, but then she reached up to rub her temples again. “I want you to try something,” he said. “Focus in on each of us individually. Sometimes focusing on a group as a whole can be overwhelming, especially at first. If you break it up a bit and segregate us, it can help you adjust.” He set his gaze on Hannah. “Do you mind standing, Hannah?”

  Hannah hesitated momentarily before rising out of her chair.

  “Focus in on her,” Declan told Sarah. “Tell me what you feel.”

  Sarah seemed unsure what to do, but when Declan prompted her, she closed her eyes. “Can you move around a bit, Hannah?” she asked. “You’re sort of clumped in with the group.”

  Hannah looked uncertain, but finally she walked around her chair and then came back to where she’d been standing.

  “That’s it. I got you now,” said Sarah.

  “What does she feel like?” asked Declan.

  Ramsey and Leroy watched with interest.

  Sarah started slowly. “Compassionate…kind…wise…reliable…a caretaker.” Her eyes still closed, she broke off.

  “Good,” said Declan. “Now read me. You should be able pick up on me after getting the water. ”

  She sat still and quiet, with her eyes closed. “Strong...attentive…assertive...sensitive… smart…stubborn…”

  “That’s for sure,” Ramsey interrupted.

  She frowned for a moment and then opened her eyes, surprised. “You two are brothers?”

  Ramsey and Declan looked at each other. “Stepbrothers,” they said at once.

  Declan kept testing her. “That’s good, Sarah. Keep going. Leroy next. See if you can do it without him moving.”

  Sarah took a deep breath and, after glancing at Leroy, closed her eyes again. “Um, let’s see. Ah…there you are. Oh, you have some strong energy, Leroy.”

  “That’s my sparkling personality you’re picking up on.”

  “You are sparkling,” she agreed, “but also balanced, strong-willed, confident, unwavering, resolute and loyal.”

  “You’re good,” said Leroy

  “You’re married?” she asked, opening her eyes.

  He looked surprised. “Yes.”

  She gave him a knowing stare. “Lucky lady.”

  Leroy beamed at her. “She is.”

  “Okay,” Ramsey groaned. “I can’t take anymore.”

  “Him next,” said Declan, looking at Ramsey.

  Sarah and Ramsey regarded each other. She held his stare for a second before closing her eyes.

  “I take it I don’t need to do anything,” said Ramsey.

  “I doubt it,” said Declan.

  They watched her as she sat unmoving, various expressions moving across her face. Finally, she spoke. “Stubborn…”

  Declan chuckled, and it was Ramsey’s turn to glare.

  “Persistent, impulsive, honest, straight-forward…warm…protective…gentle…” She slowed as she spoke the last three words.

  Ramsey felt the heat bloom in his gut, and he realized it originated from her. She was blushing slightly, and he knew she was choosing her words carefully. He felt certain that if there weren’t three other people in the room right now, her next few words might be vastly different. He secretly wished that were the case, but then he pushed the thought aside, judging himself.

  She made a pinched face and then opened her eyes. “You closed off on me. I felt it.”

  He stared back at her. “Sorry,” he said, offering no more explanation than that. They held eye contact for a few seconds as she conveyed that she knew more than what she had revealed, but thankfully, she said nothing. Ramsey broke the connection and looked away.

  “Great job,” Declan said, glancing between the two of them. “Feel better?”

  Sarah looked a hundred pounds lighter than she had when she first sat down. “Much,” she said. “That helped. You all feel individualized to me now. You’re not just one big mass.”

  Hannah was curious. “Are you able to read our thoughts?”

  “No, not your thoughts. It’s just a feeling. And apparently, only if you’re open enough to let me in,” she said, glancing briefly at Ramsey. Her mood seemed to shift as she moved her finger over the rim of her water glass.

  Ramsey felt the change. “What is it?”

  “So what happens now?” she asked. “Where do I go from here?” She stopped messing with her glass. “What happens to my job, my life? Can I go back to it?”

  Leroy met Ramsey’s eyes as if to ask if he wanted to answer that question.

  Reluctantly, Ramsey did. “You can’t go back, Sarah. At least not right now.”

  She sighed but didn’t look up. “Why not? You think I’ll tell people about this?”

  None of them had considered that, but that wasn’t their fear. “No, Sarah. We’re not worried about that,” Declan answered.

  “What, then?”

  They all debated how much to say.

  “Sarah,” Ramsey began, “There’s reason to believe that you are in danger. And if you return to your life right now, you are at risk.”

  “But why? Why am I in danger?”

  “Because of who you are.”

  “But I’m just like all of you. Aren’t we all in danger, then?”

  “Yes, and no,” answered Ramsey, feeling her frustration.

  “Then what am I missing here? Why am I so important?”

  Unbeknownst to her, Sarah was perched on the edge of a rabbit hole, the depths of which were completely unknown to her. Answering her questions too soon could spiral her into a me
ntal breakdown, but not answering them meant prolonging her confusion and creating conflict between them. The last thing they wanted to create was a rebellion. Preventing her from leaving would be difficult, if not impossible. They needed her on their side, but to get her there meant telling her everything, despite the risk. The truth was there would never be a right time.

  In that moment, Ramsey decided to answer her honestly. “Because, Sarah, you’re different from the rest of us.”

  “Why? Why am I different?”

  He tried to think of an easy way to explain, but it didn’t exist. The direct route seemed to be his only option. He hoped she could handle it. “Because there has never been another one like you.”

  “Like me?” she asked, confused. “What does that mean? I just learned I’m not human. How much more different could I be?”

  “Well, let me clarify.” He waited for any sort of protest from Declan or Leroy, but he didn’t get one, so he kept going. “You are part-human and part-Eudoran, which in itself is not unusual. Our people do at times choose to mate with humans. However, you happen to be a very rare type of Eudoran. One that has actually not been in existence for over sixty years.”

  She took that in as she clenched her hands. “And what type is that?”

  “There are two types. The most common type is what we call the Gray-Line, which is what we are. Gray-Lines are the predominant type of Eudoran in existence on earth, save for one…or two, excluding you, of course.”

  “And I am not a Gray-Line?”

  “No. You are what we call a Red-Line. Red-Lines died off many years ago. More than that, you are the only half-human, half-Eudoran Red-Line. While Gray-Lines have been known to mate with humans, Red-Lines have not. That makes you a one-in-a-million shot.”

  She stared at him, trying to absorb the information. “Lucky me.”

  He smiled sympathetically at her. “Yes. Lucky you.”

  “So what’s the difference between a Red-Line and Gray-Line?’

  Some part of him enjoyed her curiosity and interest. He’d never had the chance to explain his species to another. “One physical difference is the mark on our bodies. Gray-Lines have a gray mark, whereas Red-Lines have a red one. They resemble scars, which is how a human might interpret them. But they are actually similar to a birthmark.”