The Quantum Objective (12 page)

‘Why are you still here?’
‘Don’t you have any instructions for me, Maestro?’
‘Get out!’
*
‘Sixteen hours and six minutes.’ A ripple passed through the spectators. At least a dozen heads were craning to see the amputated knuckles, exposed under a bright spot light. Some turned to the screen on the wall where a close up was displayed. Protruding from Galen’s pink flesh were nubs of white bone.
‘At this rate, we expect full regeneration within a week. The formation of totipotent cells at the incision point has been confirmed.’ Jenny’s eyes flashed to Beth, who sat with studied stillness. Everyone was giving her a wide berth. Galen raised curious eyes to his mother.
He’s probably picking up my calm and doesn’t know what to make of it. Thank God he managed to hold it together yesterday. Such an amazing boy.
The medical team busied themselves. Bazir hadn’t returned.
I wonder if he’s in some corner cowering about the solution thing. She rose, walked to the door and slipped out; paused to listen for the rumble of angry footsteps.
Silence.
Her fingers trailed lightly over the panelling as she moved at a steady pace down the corridor.
You have to find him before they lock you down, Irving. It’s your only chance.

The carpet sank deeper in here, absorbing her steps as she advanced through the chilly room towards a large desk. Blood flushed through her veins to beat at her temples. Thin breaths broke past her lips.
Please God, let him not be here. But I need him to be here. Galen needs him to be here. Her legs quaked and she leaned on the glass desk, gaze locked on the empty chair. She turned a stiff neck to look around.
The quiet before the storm.
A close beep shunted her off the glass top. She clutched her chest to hold her heart steady.
Calm the hell down, Irving. You’re going to give yourself a heart attack. Maybe I should just call for him. The quiet in here is killing me.
A second beep pulled her eyes to the desk.
‘Bloody ridiculous. Who needs a desk that size?’ The sound of her voice steadied her nerves. Her shoulders straightened and curiosity rose like a fever.
I bet there is zero security here. They’d assume no one would dare. She moved to the chair and sat slowly.
‘Tsk, tsk, Irving. El Maestro is going to kick your ass if he finds you here,’ she whispered and pinned her lips together to smother a sudden giggle. I swear, if I survive, I am going to need a straight jacket.
She touched the black glass of the desk. It lit up. The whole thing was a touch screen. Her gaze flicked over it and froze. Her father’s grey face looked back at her. The screen was full of images. She was three and smiling up at her mother on their back lawn. Liam as a child, dressed in robes.
Aren’t those Tibetan? I thought he was from Russia? Her memory flew over a world atlas and saw the Sayan mountains bordered Mongolia.
Oh. Her gaze moved back to his face. It was so like Galen’s she moved quickly to the next image. She was carrying Galen into the local café in France. He looked about two years old.
They knew where we were? Why did they wait so long to attack?
There were images of shamans, DNA, star systems and religious symbols of all sorts. What the hell? A religious nut? Her heart dropped.
Bad enough he’s a psycho, but a religious psycho is probably more than I can handle. Her hand bumped something that fell with a soft thud to the floor. Beth flinched.
Please God, not the carpet again. She spotted a small book.
Resurrection
.
Gold branded into black leather. A red page marker called loud to her fingers. They shook as she pulled open the pages.
I just know I’m going to regret this.
The paper whispered open.
‘See anything familiar?’
Beth yelped and sprang out of the chair; it thumped against the glass wall behind her. She stared at Khoen’s still figure in the doorway. He filled her vision, disorienting her. The strange but now familiar rush of electricity burgeoned, revived by his presence. For an awful moment Beth couldn’t remember why she was there.
Galen. You are here to save Galen, you numbskull. What is this thing between us? It feels worse than before.
The confidence it supplied outdid any class A drug; it zinged through her nerves and lifted her till she felt like a queen.
Get a grip, Irving. Stay cool.
‘No response?’ He took a few small steps towards her. The force of his presence heightened her senses with every tread. ‘I hear you’ve been causing all sorts of trouble with the staff. A stabbing, no less. Trying to steal the limelight?’
‘Hah, as if you’d ever relinquish that spot. I admit my slip into savagery was unacceptable. However, it was certainly understandable, considering your doctors are treating my son like a side of beef.’
‘You must know the tests are a valuable part of the research. And though it may make you uncomfortable, Galen suffers no pain.’
Outrage smacked her into the offensive.
‘How dare you? What do you know? You’re too chicken to even show your face. Why are you avoiding us? And please don’t tell me you’re too busy. You scared of a little boy’s blood? I doubt it. What are you afraid of?’
His skin drained of colour and his fingers flexed.
He is afraid. The sudden realisation left her more confused. He is deathly afraid of something.
‘Get out of my office.’
Beth didn’t move. The chair jumped away from the glass wall and knocked her into its cradle. Before she knew what was happening, it careened toward the door.
‘No!’ with a shout she leapt out of the chair and crashed to the floor. He stepped back as she sprang to her feet.
‘You will not dismiss me. Do you understand? I will be heard.’
Khoen’s fists slackened. He pulled away, but she followed. The magnetism between them had her bound. With his every backward step, her legs carried her forward.
‘What is this strange power you are hiding, Elizabeth?’
The hairs on her arms lifted with static. She shivered.
Run while you still can, Irving. She felt the will to do so leaking out of her; it drained through her feet.
‘I don’t have any power.’ Her voice sounded odd. Breathy and unfamiliar.
Khoen sat against the desk. His eyes bore into hers; his slow smile poured oil on her choppy thoughts. The crackly air became smooth and silky on her skin.
‘Your eyes are liquid silver.’ The coarse edges of his voice caressed the words. Her eyes widened as her pulse accelerated.
This isn’t really happening. Just look away. Look away now.
But it was too late. The pull of his gaze was like a precipice.
You got too close, you little idiot. Looked too long. The force between them jerked and writhed. The charisma pouring off him swamped her. She could feel him from two meters away. His scent, his heat, the texture of his skin.
What’s happening to me? What’s he doing?
Khoen looked down at his own hands with deep fascination. He raised a palm towards her and the jolt shook her bones. Every cell in her body jumped toward him. They were almost touching. Her breath caught in her throat as she lifted her hand towards his. They both stared as their skin drew close. Her palm felt like it was stretching away from her, yet her hand looked normal. They held the pose for a long moment, lost in wonder at the sensation.
It was Beth who finally dared. She pressed her palm to his and saw his face echo her shock. Her skin seemed to meld with his. Craving shut down her mind. His features twisted with desire and fear.
‘What are you, Witch? Demon?’ He tried to push her away, but his arms fastened around her waist. Her hands slithered up his arms and into his hair. Waves of sugary sensation washed through her. The energy emanating from his skin was like glue. She wondered if she would ever come unstuck. I’m not sure I want to.
‘What is happening?’ Khoen choked out as his mouth drew close to hers.
Entanglement.
*
Shards pierced his mind. Bazir couldn’t absorb what he was witnessing. Bitter bile coated his mouth. It’s not possible. The monster has found a mate. She’s come to destroy my plans and I have let her. He’s mine. His powers are mine. They belong to me! I earned them. I will have them. She must die. They must die.
An invisible vice crushed his chest so he couldn’t breathe. He stumbled and nearly fell through the open door. It banged softly against the wall and he lurched back into the corridor.
He gasped for air, but acidic hate scorched his lungs. Frantic eyes rushed to the desk.
No danger from them now. I could blast their heads off and they wouldn’t notice. Pigs…see how they guttle. His fingers itched for a trigger. The force of his ancestors, forged under countless desert suns, propelled him to his feet. He wiped spittle from his mouth and schooled his face into the mask so long perfected. His hand, steady now, reached for the door. It closed soundless.

Beth rolled away from the glare of sunlight on her lids. Silk sheets slithered on her bare skin, flooding her mind with flashes of the night before. She stilled.
Is he here?
His presence tugged on her. Her heart thumped with dread at the thought of facing him. She scrunched her eyes tight.
Maybe if I wish hard enough, he’ll go away.
The moments dragged.
What’s he doing? I know he’s awake. A sigh escaped her. Probably waiting for you to grow up, Irving. Curiosity pulled one lid open. She sat, raising the sheet to her collarbone. Her hair spilled over her shoulders as she looked through the morning light for him. The armchair in the far corner drew her gaze.
Cool eyes and a small smile greeted her.
Hmm, calm and collected.
‘Good morning,’ she said.
‘Good afternoon.’
‘What?’ How long had he been waiting? ‘Why didn’t you wake me?’
‘I thought you needed the rest,’ his brow arched. Her face burned.
‘I’m well rested now, thank you. I see you had no need for recuperation. Well practiced in long nights, no doubt.’
‘No doubt.’
He slowly raised the tips of his fingers off his knees, as though afraid to gesture too widely.
‘Let’s not start off on the wrong foot. Given the new status of our…acquaintanceship, I propose a greater personal involvement in the research. I’d like us to attempt to work with, rather than against, each other. That approach seemed to go well last night.’ He crooked a smile.
Her mind whirled around the night’s tempestuous encounter. All-consuming passion had fevered her beyond endurance. She was grateful Khoen had been compos mentis enough to take precautions. A shudder rolled through her at the thought of another baby to protect. Her gaze took in his cool demeanour now.
I don’t buy it. Not for a minute Mr. Big Star.
She’d seen a vulnerability in the night that he’d never willingly expose. The energy between them had stripped his mask, and he’d hated it. His body had craved hers, but his mind had reeled from the subjugation. It had vanquished them both, broken their will to resist its force. He’d cursed her as he kissed her.
What
is
this thing bending us to its will?
‘Can we agree no more operations on Galen?’
‘I agree – for now. I think it might benefit us to work together, Galen and I. Perhaps it will quicken the rate of discovery.’
Relief brushed over Beth’s face like a soothing hand.
Take the offer and behave yourself, Irving.
‘Thank you. I’d better get dressed. Galen will be wondering where I am.’ She tried to drag the sheet around her, but it wouldn’t budge. She yanked with all her strength. ‘What’s wrong with this? Did you glue it on?’ She raised puckered brows at him. A grin crinkled his eyes and flashed laughter at her, undoing her irritation. I must seem like such a weakling.
‘Laugh all you want Maestro,’ she turned her nose to the ceiling, ‘I don’t need your pesky sheet. I shall go without.’ She flung back the silk and rose naked as a jaybird. His laughter choked off.
Hah, who gets the last laugh now? With a dismissive flick of her wrist she marched into the bathroom, his gaze burning her back.
*
Their dark heads almost touched as they peered into a glass vase. A tiny shoot had poked through the moist earth overnight, eliciting excited whispers.
‘What are you boys up to now?’ She smiled over her coffee. ‘If you aren’t careful, you’ll end up producing some abominable creature that will rampage through this ship, tearing us limb from limb.’ She clutched her cheeks and pulled a terrified face.
Galen grinned at Khoen, who shook his head. The transformation in two short weeks was remarkable. Khoen the Terrible had become Khoen the Kid. He’d thrown himself wholeheartedly into the research, surprising Beth with his intelligence. His mathematics left much to be desired, but his intuitive grasp of complex concepts made his insights useful.
Galen had found a new idol. Khoen said it was just relief at not being the only freak in the room, but Beth could tell he was pleased. Together they created and transformed for hours. The research had leapt forward. It was now clear they were communicating with a conscious intelligence within all matter. Their control increased daily. Beth ambled over to the glass wall, now skirted with plants.
‘What’s today’s experiment?’
‘We’re trying to grow metal.’ Galen’s eyes shone full beam. Beth raised an eyebrow at Khoen.
‘We’re trying to coax nodules of copper from an African violet.’ Her fingers automatically drifted to his temple where she pushed back a stray lock. It had passed the point of embarrassment. The staff no longer gawped, she no longer turned beetroot and Khoen’s smile had grown frequent.
The force between them had coalesced and stabilised like a high-tension cable. Beth had given up analysing it. It just was. Neither of them could control it and they didn’t try. For the first time in her life, Beth was forced to put aside her intellect, her desire to understand and control. Her prickly sensibilities and life-long alienation had dissolved. With Khoen she felt confident, sexy, at ease with herself. A woman full grown.
Mimi would be impressed. God, it would be good to see her. I’ll talk to Khoen about calling her. She must be worried sick; it’s been weeks since I last contacted her.
The gentle pressure of Khoen’s fingers on hers brought Beth out of her reverie.
‘Do you know what day it is?’ His breath tickled her nape as he wrapped strong arms around her.
Beth smiled at the cocooning effect of his embrace. ‘Nope. Well…actually yes.’
December 25th. I haven’t thought about Christmas for years. Beth looked over at Galen. He knew what Christmas was, but they’d never really celebrated it.
‘I thought you might like a little surprise. Can I show you?’
‘Surprise?’ piped Galen.
‘What kind of surprise?’ Beth hesitated. Khoen was so over-the-top, you never knew what was coming.
His muffled laughter shook through her as he squeezed her tight, then released her when she groaned. Good lord. Talk about man-of-steel. He could probably break me in half with his pinkie.
‘Come on,’ he tugged on her hand, ‘I was going to wait till tonight. The staff will have a party, but I don’t want to share the look on your faces…’ Flecks of light flashed in his dark eyes, a now familiar mark of humour.
Galen sprang to his feet and grabbed Khoen’s hand. He glowed with admiration for his captor. Beth pushed away the pang in her chest. She wanted to drag him from this affection. His need for a male role-model had been blinding during the past fortnight. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t be everything he needed. She couldn’t be his father.
Her lungs tripped over the thought of what he’d missed out on. Can you miss what you never had? Her own father’s face flashed before her eyes. He’d been absent even when in the same room. The pain of her father’s disinterest had been immense. Conflicting emotion slowed her steps and ran a chill over her skin.
Liam would have made an excellent father…I think. Khoen...guilt bit her. He’d been so good with Galen, but could she trust his temper, his power, his ambitions? Where is this going? Where can it go? How long can we play happy families?
‘What’s wrong mum?’ Galen frowned.
‘Everything okay?’ Khoen’s voice tickled her nerves. He brushed her jaw with a thumb and pushed a loose lock behind her ear.
‘Yes, of course. I was just distracted for a moment. Let’s see what this surprise is.’ Beth pulled a smile to her mouth.
Khoen’s forehead creased and he looked enquiringly to Galen, who shrugged.
‘It’s at the other end of the ship so we’re going to hitch a ride…’ The rest of his sentence was whipped away by the wind as he pushed open a door. Humidity washed over Beth as she stepped into the glare of tropical sunshine. She shielded her eyes and squinted at what looked like a lunar golf cart.
‘Cool.’ Galen scrambled through the open doorway and sat grinning at his mother. He stuck his arm back out into the sunshine and turned his palm to catch the sun. Beth hadn’t realised how much she’d missed the sun on her skin. She turned her face toward it, but the warmth quickly grew too much for her creamy complexion.
‘Come on, slow coach!’ yelled Galen. Beth smiled at him then hesitated when she glimpsed Khoen’s face.
Anger? What does that twist of his mouth mean? Is it my imagination…the darkness I catch when he thinks I’m not looking? Beth shivered in the heat and climbed into the buggy. Her eyes reluctantly searched his face; there was nothing but a twinkle to greet her gaze.
‘Ok, here we go.’
The buggy whipped between the gigantic metal structures covering the monster deck like a beetle in a maze. Then directly ahead was a white wall. The buggy sped up and Beth clutched the seat.
‘Planning to splatter us?’ she yelled.
‘Look, mum. It’s opening.’ Galen was bouncing up and down on his seat.
‘Will you sit down, Galen.’ Beth frowned at Khoen, ‘ever heard of seat belts, Speedy Gonzales?’
His grin disappeared as they were plunged into darkness. They’d entered a giant freezer.
It has to be minus ten in here.
The wall rumbled shut behind them as Beth peered into the cavernous room. Her eyes adjusted enough to pick out twinkling lights. Her vision cleared to clouds of sparkles suspended high above.
‘Wahhhhh!’ Galen’s shout shot Beth out of the buggy as she rushed to follow him into the dark. Someone flipped the lights on and Beth fell to her knees. Before them lay a snow covered village straight out of a fairy tale. There were mini cottages and street lamps, pine trees and the largest, most beautifully dressed Christmas tree she’d ever seen. A miniature town square was set with benches and tables surrounded by stalls ready to provide a feast for the crew.
Beth snapped out of her stupor when she heard another squeal from Galen. He threw himself into a hillock of snow and thrashed around like a loon. A low rumble rolled from Khoen as he watched. For a moment Beth thought he might start rolling around too, but he turned to her with an expectant smile.
‘So? You like it, no?’
A tightness in her chest warned Beth to keep breathing. She drank in every detail of the enigmatic man who had so quickly become her world. This powerful, murderous, egotistical, thoughtful lover made her feel like she was skipping merrily along the edge of an abyss. She suddenly understood what was to come. To ensure Galen’s safety she would have to leave Khoen. To leave him would rip her open. The tensile steel bond between them would tear her apart long before it broke.
A dark wave of despair twisted her stomach and mouth - as it had Khoen’s earlier.
Ah, I’m playing catch-up…there’ll be nothing left of me. There’ll be nothing left for Galen. I mustn’t be consumed.
Understanding flashed across his face before she could turn away. His arms crushed her to his chest. She didn’t dare move though every instinct screamed escape.
‘Please don’t run.’ His whisper rushed against her neck. ‘Give me a chance, us a chance. I’ll look after you both. I know it seems impossible. I can be something more than a monster. Some things just seem impossible, until they are done. We deal in the impossible every day.’
A long slow breath slipped into Beth’s lungs.
Wishful thinking. Is there the remotest possibility I can trust him with Galen’s life? What if Galen grows more powerful than him? What if he changes his mind about his sudden affection? Does he even know what love is? It’s not this thing that binds us. That’s not love. That’s chemical, physical, something powerful, but surely not love.
The world tilted as questions ripped through her heart like a tornado, tearing at the hope she hadn’t realised she’d harboured. It had mushroomed surreptitiously in the quiet recesses over the last two weeks. She was grateful his arms kept her upright. Pull yourself together. Galen...
His footsteps approached at speed.
‘Mum, what’s wrong?’
‘Just feeling a little dizzy, I’ll be fine in a minute.’ Khoen’s grip eased to a gentle support as he guided her to a nearby bench. Galen’s crossed arms told her he wasn’t buying it. He pressed a cool palm to her head, then her neck.
‘Everything seems ok.’
He glanced at Khoen reprovingly, ‘you must be careful not to upset her.’
Khoen’s look of sharp consternation was quickly replaced with a nod. ‘I’ll do better. I didn’t mean to cause….upset.’ Galen held Khoen’s black gaze with calm consideration. Each millisecond twisted a new needle of apprehension through Beth’s brain. He’s changing, growing up so fast. Is this my baby? Sizing up a man most don’t dare make eye contact with?
Galen sighed and caught his mother’s hand.
‘You need to calm down. Come and have a look at this.’ He tugged gently till she stood. He led them to the tree laden with baubles and tiny flakes of crystal. Underneath, a tiny crimson-bowed square sat atop an enormous blue container. Galen’s grin grew wide as the horizon. His heels clicked repeatedly together as he struggled to contain his glee.
‘They’re for us. See?’ He handed her the small box.
Beth gasped at the photo on the name tag. Her captured smile radiated such unrestrained joy. How could I look so happy? Am I deluded? Like an abused wife who thinks she can change her man? Beth flinched.
That’s not fair, Irving. He hasn’t actually hurt you. He stopped the experiments. Her teeth marked her lip as she gnawed through her excuses. But he’s a killer. What if he kills again? If not me or Galen, then someone else. What will I do then? Why am I not revolted? What is wrong with me?
‘Are you going to open it?’ Khoen’s hollow tone pulled her out of the inquisition. Feeble fingers plucked at the wrapping and she closed her eyes. Please God, let it not be a ring. She lifted the lid and squinted through her lashes. Blue silk cushioned a glass pendant from a woven platinum necklace. Wonder pushed aside apprehension as Beth lifted out the clear globe. Floating inside was a miniature Penrose triangle slowly rotating. How does he do it?