Emergence (The Primogenitor Chronicles Book 1) (48 page)

He shook his head. “No. She clammed up after the first day we had her back in her room. But I’ve listened to her grill Kieran.”

Jays slid into the chair next to him, so he handed Nick’s test results over. “Is she still scheming?”

“I can’t tell. But at a guess, I’d say she’s starting to seem frantic.”

“That can be good or bad. On one hand, if she loses hope, it could impact her chances of survival, but if she’s starting to resign herself to the fact that she’s here to stay, maybe she’ll start to cooperate.” He waved at Jays to read, then rubbed his eyes. “Whatever she’s up to doesn’t change our course. Once Nickolas has himself in hand, we have to move on to Christoff’s and Donald’s withdrawal and resumption of the change. We need to get as many of the Valkyries cleaned up and through stage four as possible.”

“I had a thought, Ian. For the Hunters, if we organized more frequent sparring matches, that could take a great deal of the aggressive pressure off of those changing. It might also work to hide the raised level of aggression to others in the Facility.”

A smile broke out and he nodded. “Very good thought, Jays. When Nickolas is in a better frame of mind, I wanted to go over how he should handle the rest of this chaos. I’ll recommend that approach.”

He leaned back and stretched his legs out. “I’m estimating that it should only take the Hunters somewhere around five days to a week to finish their change. They won’t have much in the way of brain alterations, if any. For them it really is just a matter of ridding their systems of the drugs and becoming used to telepathic intrusions. The Casters and Seers, I expect, will be somewhere in between how long it takes the Hunters and Nickolas’s time.”

He fell silent and closed his eyes, giving Jays some time to read through Nickolas’s test results.

The squeak of Jays’s chair brought him back to awareness. “These are looking really good. His blood work is showing elevations still, but not to the degree they were last week. Whoa, his brain wave patterns are off the chart.”

“Yes. Chris said he was getting stronger. That just proves the point. I would love to see what a qualified grader would make of his power well.”

Jays set the paper work down then leaned back in his chair before taking a drink of his coffee. “So now what? What’s the next step?”

“We wait. There’s really nothing else we can do. Either he gets it under control or he doesn’t; either way, we still have to wait until his change is complete. After that we can worry about training.” He gathered up the medical reports and put them into a locked drawer. Then he sat back and idly watched Jessica on the monitor and waited for his Second to broach what was on his mind; he could feel Jays collecting his thoughts.

Jays placed his coffee cup down with a controlled click before he asked, “So have you heard anything yet, Ian?”

Nodding his head, he swiveled away from the monitor to look at Jays. “Yes, finally. I was worried they had caught him,” Ian said, feeling his relief return.

“It was his choice to go. He volunteered. He knew how unsuccessful we’d been in getting a spy into the camps,” Jays said.

“That doesn’t make me worry any less, and it’s been a week. Jack hasn’t been involved with us for long and doesn’t know as much as I would like.”

“It makes less for Gabriel to get out of him if he is caught.”

“True. He was finally able to get a message out to me last night. Gabriel knows about Marcus’s plan for the new settlement up north, and he is going to set a trap to capture or kill as many as he can.”

“How in blazes did he find out?”

Ian shrugged and said, “Your guess is as good as mine. But I suspect
we
have a spy too.”

“What about Michael?”

He froze and stared at the far-seeing, glazed look on his Second’s face. Not wanting to break the tenuous trance Jays was hovering around, Ian asked softly, “What about him?”

Jays’s eyes blinked, then he replied, “I don’t know, something about the way he acts. What if he’s a spy for Gabriel?”

Shock rippled through Ian, and he gasped as pieces started to fall into place. His head reeling, he saw patterns form from the new input and his mind skimmed through them at light speed. “Why didn’t I see that? This just became too dangerous. We have to get Jack out. Now.”

“What? Gabriel can’t do much to him except question him. He’s unfledged. Kratz tends to keep that much control on Gabriel, at least.”

“No, Jays, he’s not. He’s about to enter the second stage of the change soon. And if he’s there when the physical change starts, Gabriel will have all the control he wants. Normally if one of his staff starts to change, they get sent here to me. But if Gabriel knows he’s my spy…”

“This is so not good.”

Nodding at the dawning understanding on Jays’s face, Ian said, “We need to do this by the book. Gabriel will know something’s up if he requests a transfer out so quickly. Maybe Luther would actually help with this one.”

He pushed to his feet, running a hand through his hair. “Jays, stay here and monitor the fledges. I’m going to my office to make a phone call.”

Nickolas walked through the doors into the Hub and felt like himself for the first time in weeks. Christoff and Donald swung in behind, flanking him protectively. He laughed and just shook his head then caught Ian’s eye as he sauntered over to the doctor. “Well, you’ve had your week.”

Ian looked him up and down, smiling, his eyes twinkling. “Good to have you back, Nicky. Sit, we’ll do a few final tests.”

He straddled the chair and sat patiently while Ian drew blood then scanned him with a handheld device. His mind drifted while he reveled in the calm. Then his senses sharpened and zeroed in on a target.

Undisciplined spikes of energy flared when Jays walked into the room.

“David’s exam is done, Ian,” the younger doctor said. “Oh hi, Nick, you’re looking good today.”

He cocked his head and studied Jays as the power washed over him. It took a moment before he could respond. “Just waiting for the official go ahead, Jays.”

Cloudy and disjointed images flooded him, and he had to work to control his expression. The realization hit him that the Frankenstein of scenes, pictures of Jays meeting with strange Valkyries, came from his friend’s mind and not his own imagination. He pushed a little and they cleared, allowing a wider array of images, this time a disturbing sequence involving Ian. Concerned, he pushed at Jays a little harder.

Jays pressed his thumb and forefinger against his eyes. “Oh, what the hell?”

A wall came up between him and Jays, and Nick snapped his attention back to Ian.

“What are you doing, Nickolas?” the doctor asked him quietly.

What are you guys doing?
Nick thought, then replied, “Have you noticed Jays lately, Ian?”

The doctor in question shook his head in confusion then moved to set up the cart for an exam. Nickolas looked back at him. “I can feel him.”

“Stay out of his mind, Nick. And don’t tell him anything. It’s too disruptive to the new fledgling to know before they are well into stage two. I didn’t tell you when your time was approaching for the same reason.”

“I didn’t know there was a way to tell when someone was in stage one,” Nickolas said.

“It’s not something that
is
known, Nick. And it would be good to keep it that way.” He finished up the tests and removed the blood pressure cuff. “Well, Nick, you’re good to go. Chris, Donald, please come over here.”

He stood and stretched then gave his wings a flap before settling them on his back. At the relief that filled his brother’s eyes, Nickolas grinned. “I told you, Chris. I could feel the difference this morning.”

His brother snorted and said mockingly, “Forgive me, Nick, but after the last couple of weeks, I’m afraid your word on this subject was just a little suspect. So he’s clear, Ian?”

Nodding, the doctor smiled. “Yes, Chris, he’s clear. You and Donald are next. Don’t take your pills in the morning. Since my estimate on Nick proved correct, I’m guessing it’ll take around five days, give or take, for the two of you to clear the drug completely out of your system. Unless either of you prove to be in a different caste, though I don’t think you will. I believe you both to be Hunters. It’ll take about twenty-four hours before you start to feel the aggression take hold. Please…try not to kill anyone.” He sighed. “It’ll be hard enough to hide the injuries I’m anticipating. Nickolas, Jays had a good idea. Set up extra sparring practices now, focusing on those who are in the process of clearing out the drug. We might be able to channel most of the aggression, or at least cover up for it that way.”

“Done. I’ll work a schedule out with Chris today. Anything else, Ian?”

“No, I think we’ll just have to play it by ear and see what happens.”

He looked over at his brother and waved him off. The satisfaction of finally being able to get them to leave was childish, but he enjoyed it. “Looks like I don’t need you guys anymore; why don’t you take off for a bit and start to get things in order for the next week.”

Chris laughed and waved while Donald snorted as they headed out the door.

His smile faded as the two Valkyries left and he turned back to Ian. “Can I see her now?”

Ian gazed at him, unblinking, then turned and walked away. He followed him over to the monitors and froze, the wind knocked out of him, as he stared at Jessica. She paced the short length of her cell. Her movements flowed, animalistic, less human. The sight pulled at something within him and power hummed. Her wings cascaded down her back in a dark waterfall. Not quite long enough for flight yet, but at the rate they were growing, it wouldn’t be long. He couldn’t help but wonder what else had changed since he saw her last.

Ian cleared his throat and Nick broke away from her image to find the doctor studying him closely. “That’s something I need to talk to you about, Nickolas. How much do you remember of the weeks of your change?”

“Ah…” He shifted his feet and rubbed his hand down his thigh. “I’m not sure. I…well I mostly remember feelings I guess. There’re some snapshots that are clear.”

“That’s much more normal. Glad to hear it. Your abnormal level of memory from your initial change came from the Xanthar.” The doctor shifted over to a different computer and typed in some commands. A few seconds later, a recording of Jessica’s room came on. Nick groaned.

Saved forever, he and Jessica lay sprawled on her bed. Heat filled his cheeks. “Ian…”

“Get a grip, Nicky. Just watch.”

“It’s embarrassing,” he muttered. But he watched. A few moments later, he noticed a glow start to form around the two of them.

“What…” He swallowed and tried again. “What is that?”

“That’s why you don’t get to see her right now, Nick.”

“I don’t remember that,” he whispered.

“I’m not surprised. Both of you were feral at the time and acting on instinct.”

The scene continued on to show them getting broken apart, and he turned away. “What is it?”

“Not something that I’m willing to go into detail about. But you need to know that she’s not ready and neither are you.”

“Excuse me?” He flung a hand at the screen. “I think I have a right to know.”

“No. You don’t. You have no idea how dangerous you are. You don’t know the first thing about your talents or how to control them. You walk in here and nearly compromise Jays without a thought. It is not safe here. You have to keep your talent locked down because if Gabriel comes near, he’s going to know. And he has twenty-five years’ experience using his talents.”

“I…”
I don’t even know where to step now.
He ran his hand through his hair and turned back to watch Jessica’s room monitor.
What is it? The pull is so strong.

“You need to let her finish her change, Nicky.”

He nodded but continued to watch.

Ian sighed, then after a moment, changed the subject. “It’s Wednesday.”

He glanced over at Ian, not daring to let the hope start yet. He’d only just been cleared after all.

“How much wing atrophy have you suffered from the last two weeks? Spread.”

He tried not to race across the room to the wall, and extended. “I can feel some, but every opportunity Chris gave me in the gym, I took.”

Ian pulled and prodded. The smooth wall felt cool on his hands while he waited for Ian to decide.

“Well, without taking the time to hook you up to the machine, I think you’ll be ok for a run.”

“Yesssss.” He nearly bounced and snapped his wings closed, then turned around.

Ian tried unsuccessfully to smother his smile. “Ok. You can go. We can bend the rules about an escort. Bring me back my usual. I figure you’re desperate to get some wind. But keep low and don’t over exert. Understand?”

“Sure. No problem,” he called over his shoulder, already halfway to the door. Ian’s laugh followed him into the hall.

The freedom to walk down the corridor without anyone breathing down his neck, coupled with the prospect of a flight, left him giddy. He shoved the nearest door out into the gardens open and stepped into the crisp late fall sunshine. He ran down the path, then without missing a step, jumped up onto the seat of a bench and leapt. With a huge downsweep, he sailed out over the bushes of the garden. He exited the garden at the water’s edge and followed the twisting path of the slough, staying low like he promised.

Grounded too long.
He thought as he pumped the soreness out of his disused wings and started evaluating how much strength and ability he needed to work on recovering.

Flying on autopilot, he made his way to the restaurant Ian liked.
So why is it that I am always the curry courier? Why not just order takeout like a normal person, and have them deliver it? Not that I really mind the excuse to get out and fly by myself every week, but still, I don’t even like curry.

He rose a little in altitude to get over the trees and buildings, keeping a watch on his muscle fatigue. He didn’t spend long over the populated city sections before he dropped down in front of the tiny hole in the wall restaurant. The little bell on the door tinkled as he walked in, and he smiled when he was greeted warmly by the little old woman who ran the register. She called back Ian’s usual before he could open his mouth, then he had to spend the time assuring her that, yes, he was just fine even though he hadn’t been in on his normal schedule. Her obvious concern raised his spirits after the low of the last few weeks.

Her chatter kept him occupied until an unfamiliar feeling dimmed her voice in his ears. He absently took the little tied plastic bag from the woman and said good-bye as he tried to sort through the newness of his abilities. When he walked out the door, he paused on the doorstep, scanning the nearby rooftops, not quite sure what he was looking for. He had almost decided that he was imagining things when the watched feeling grew much stronger.

Movement caught his peripheral vision and his focus snapped to it, then he sucked in his breath. On the roof directly across the street, two feral Valkyries stood and made eye contact with him. One raised a little white carton in salute to him. Feeling a brush against his mind, he opened up.

*So, Nickolas, it’s good to see you out of the Facility again.*

The shock of the unfamiliar telepathic touch rocked him. Feelings accompanied the stranger’s sending, an overwhelming sensation while trying to shape his own reply.
*Who are you? What are you doing here?*
he sent.

The one with the carton raised it again.
*Who doesn’t like curry?*

Amusement laced the Hunter’s sending. Not sure what to make of this encounter, Nickolas tensed when he noticed the other silent Valkyrie point a device at him. He reacted on instinct, liquid heat rising from somewhere inside him, and he got ready to defend himself, but the curry-eating one broke his concentration.

*I see you’ve finally rid your system of the drugs. There’s more to the universe than the two dimensional, black-and-white world that you’ve been living in, Nickolas.*

And with that sending a slideshow of pictures slammed into his mind; his fingers clutched the bag in his hand as his thoughts blanked for a moment and the power that had coursed into him flowed back to where it came from. The images the Hunter sent to him of strange Valkyries, living, performing everyday tasks, seemed almost alien. Unable to think, he just absorbed the new information to process later. A feather light touch flittered through him. A flutter of sensation, barely felt over the crash of impression inundating him, and Nickolas became aware of the subtle intrusion taking place in his mind underneath. Slamming up barriers, he cut off access.
*What the hell?*

Annoyed surprise, laced with a touch of amusement, circled his mental pathways.
*Be careful, Nickolas, stay safe.*

And with that, the two Valkyries took off from the roof in a thunder of wings. Tempted to follow, Nickolas held himself back, remembering his physical condition just wasn’t up to it. He launched into the sky, his mind full of questions about wild feral Valkyries, and Ian and Jays’s involvement with them.

Marcus paced in his office, shifting his wings restlessly.
Finally,
he thought as a knock sounded at the door. He moved behind his desk as he called out permission to enter. “You said he came to the drop this week. So how was he?”