Howl of the Wolf (Heirs to the Throne Book 1) (4 page)

Jenny touched her arm and Krystal winced in pain at the contact.  Krystal’s mental blocks slammed into place, automatically blocking Jenny’s pain.  Jenny blinked away a tear.

“I’ll meet you at 1400 hours, Jenny.”  Krystal gestured toward the exit.  “Follow me, children.  The Transfer Lab is filled with delicate equipment, but you’ve behaved so well, I’m sure you won’t touch anything.  In this section of the space station, you may switch off the current in your boots.  The lab is at ENG.”

“That’s Earth Normal Gravity!” Robert said, ignoring the harsh stare from his teacher. 

“Very good, Robert, we appreciate people who respond quickly.  Emergency situations call for fast thinking, so you might be a good candidate for station work.”  Krystal cast a rebellious glance at the teacher.

“Who will volunteer to help me demonstrate?”  All the hands shot up.  Krystal chose several children, placing them in position.  The overhead lights dimmed.  As she described the sequence of events, lights glowed over each position in the room. 

“Robert, spread your hands over the patient and then over his clone to compare genetic structure.  Angela, watch the monitor for heart rate and respiratory functions. Harold, begin the countdown.  Transfer must be completed within two minutes or we could lose the patient.”

A clock glowed in front of Harold’s face ticking off the seconds. 

“The Transfer equipment absorbs the mind of Jeremy.  At full power the patient’s mental signs flatten, and we direct the flow of energy to the clone.  Mental activity registers within the clone and Robert confirms the readings by empathic touch. 

“This is the most crucial moment of Transfer.  As we withdraw mechanical support, the clone must function independently or experience rejection.  The clone opens his eyes and moves on command.  Angela confirms all functions are normal before full life-support is withdrawn.  Transfer is complete.” 

The overhead lights flickered on.  Collectively the children exhaled a sigh of relief and giggled. 

Krystal said, “Although we simulated this Transfer, you understand the basics.  Remember to treat your technician with respect when you come back for your first Transfer.”

Krystal smiled.  “Our time is ended.  Please follow me back to the shuttle, and I’ll answer questions along the way.” 

Resentment radiated from the teacher but it didn’t matter.  The children’s joy filled Krystal like a sponge that absorbed water, renewed, revitalized.  What a thrill!  There was nothing better than igniting the spark of curiosity in a young mind. 

Jenny waited in the lounge with an extra cup of steaming coffee.  Krystal smiled and sat down.  “Thanks, I needed this.”

“I conducted tours last schedule.  The kids are great but the teachers are creepy.  You suppose it’s their conditioning?”

Krystal shivered at the idea of conditioning.  She said, “I knew a tech who suffered a mental breakdown.  After conditioning she lost all empathic abilities and finished her assignment on the boards.”

Jenny nodded.  “I heard.  That’s what scares me.”  Her eyes misted, and she stared into her cup. 

“What is it, Jenny?”

“A top level patient assigned for special Transfer…” Jenny sipped at her coffee.  “His name is Jarrack, and he’s deliberately using mind control.”

“Mind control!”  Krystal choked on her coffee.  Wiping spatters from her uniform, she said, “That’s illegal, report him!”

“I tried, but got reprimanded for my trouble.  He’s got immunity and says he’ll get me slated for conditioning if I fight his mind.  Truth is…I don’t know how much longer I can block his mind.  It’s too powerful.”  Tears trickled down Jenny’s cheeks.

Krystal sighed.  “Tell me everything.”

“I got pulled from regular duty last shift to prepare a priority Transfer…thought it must be an accident case, a quick cloning and Transfer…the patient was Jarrack, fat, balding, and mid-forty chronologically.  I’m good at avoiding roving hands, but he was different, creepy.  He didn’t touch me just stared at me…his eyes…they’re filled with menace.  He’s evil.”  Jenny shuddered.

Hair prickled on Krystal’s neck as she shared Jenny’s feelings.  “Go on.”

Jenny gulped a swallow of coffee.  “He transmitted standard day-dream stuff.  I blocked reception and politely asked him to think of something else.  He turned on me.  That’s the first time I really felt scared.  He said, ‘Soon you’ll be eager to hear my thoughts and beg to feel my touch.’  I couldn’t move!  He made me stand there experiencing his vulgar thoughts.

“That night disgusting nightmares started.  They were his dreams, and he’s got a twisted mind.  During the day I block him, but I’m afraid to sleep.  He takes control the minute my eyes close.  I need to get away.  I’d rather die than have him touch me again.”

“Did he physically attack you?”

Jenny sobbed.  “I woke up one night in his bed and didn’t know how I got there.  When I tried to leave, I couldn’t move.  He had complete control over my body, and I couldn’t stop doing exactly what his mind ordered.”  Jenny sobbed.

“Go on,” Krystal said softly.

“He took perverse pleasure in my helplessness.  That’s what frightened me.  I’m afraid my personality will get lost, and I’ll act like a robot.  Jarrack says I’ll go with him, never escape.”

Krystal touched Jenny’s hand lightly.  A flood of raw emotions engulfed her, and she broke away with difficulty.  “You’re leaving on the next shuttle.” 

“How?  I don’t have shore leave.” Jenny frowned.                                  

“Take my ID badge.  My leave starts today.  We’re both blondes and about the same size.  People confuse us all the time, so nobody will worry if you go downworld.”   

“You’re saving my life!”  Jenny smiled for the first time.

“You’re telling the truth, and I won’t allow that monster to hurt you again.  Tell me more about his telepathic abilities.  He projects, can he also receive?” 

“No.  He’s headblind.  His whole energy channels only project, but he’s so strong.”

“How long until his clone is ready?”

“We’re in the final phase.  I monitor him today, and he’s slated for Transfer tomorrow.  That’s why I’m so scared.  He plans to take over my mind as soon as his Transfer is complete.  A new body will make him even stronger.”

Krystal nodded.  “How many sleep cycles have you missed?”

“Four.” 

“Come with me.  The shuttle’s leaving with those children.”  Krystal stopped at the nearest comline and her fingers flew over the touch screen.  “You’re leaving now.  I’ll ship your personal gear later.” 

“Thanks, Krystal.”  Jenny held out a trembling hand but stopped short of touching.  Krystal grabbed Jenny’s hand and poured hope into her friend’s mind. “Get moving!”  As Jenny glanced back before entering the airlock, Krystal waved. 

Apprehension filled Krystal.  Did Jarrack need time to wear his victim down?  She felt relieved that she was scheduled to leave on the Zebulon tomorrow and checked Jenny’s schedule. 

“Better get to the lab.  Can’t keep a top level waiting.”  Remembering the image of Jarrack from Jenny’s mind, Krystal cringed.  “Better get it over with.”

Inside the examination cubicle, Jarrack and his clone occupied the tables.  A shudder rippled through Krystal when she met his dark gaze.

“Who are you?” he growled.

“Your new medtech.  Jenny was called away on an emergency, so I’m taking over your case.”  Krystal kept her tone emotionless and her expression blank.  She forced herself to read the monitor and charts, avoiding Jarrack’s piercing gaze. 

He smirked.  “Jenny thinks she can get away?  She can’t escape my power!”

Krystal stiffened.  She assumed an authoritative tone.  “I’m a higher level medtech, so your Transfer isn’t endangered by a change of personnel.”  She approached Jarrack.  “Lie still while I monitor your vitals.” 

A hot wave of anger blasted Krystal’s mind with her mental shields fully open for monitoring.  She slammed down her shields and blocked the worst of the onslaught.  The intensity of the blast left her visibly shaken. 

She heard Jarrack’s voice low and menacing.  “I could strangle you with a thought.” 

Invisible hands gripped her throat, threatening to cut off oxygen.  Krystal gasped. “Harm me and your Transfer will be delayed.”  The burning in her lungs eased slightly.  “I’m the best tech available and you don’t want inferior work, do you?” 

Instantly Jarrack curtailed the attack. 

With difficulty Krystal controlled her shaking hands, forced herself to breathe.  Averting her eyes, she moved, methodically monitoring the clone.  The bitter residue of coffee burned her raw throat and she swallowed hard.

“You might be a tasty treat.  What’s your name?”  Jarrack’s malevolent demeanor made Krystal cringe.  “Answer me!”            

“Krystal,” she croaked, not knowing why she answered.  She could not avoid her final task; she must monitor Jarrack.  Forcing her hands to obey her will, they hovered like fluttering birds over his corpulent body.  Nothing happened.  He lay docile, his eyes half-closed, like an alligator basking in the sun.  She sighed with relief as she finished her task and tightly blocked her mind.

“You’ve got fair control, but I’ve conquered better,” Jarrack commented glibly.  “If I want you, I’ll take you.”   

“You won’t have time,” Krystal stammered.  “I’m leaving.  I’ll only be here to oversee your Transfer tomorrow.”

Jarrack sneered, “I could change your plans.”

“You can’t countermand Dr. Alexander’s personal request,” Krystal said, and her words had a visual affect on Jarrack.

“You’re going to work for Alexander?”

As words tumbled out of her mouth, Krystal felt more agitated.  “I assisted the doctor during the early days.”  She tried to stop, but she found herself babbling.  “He personally requested my transfer to the Zebulon.  A special project requires senior technicians, so I’m important to his plans.”

“I wouldn’t dream of interfering with the good doctor’s plans,” Jarrack said.  “I merely felt disgruntled.  My technician—though hardly a competent example of this facility—was abruptly changed without advance warning.  Please take no offense.” 

His manner seemed pleasant, almost servile, but Krystal sensed an underlying threat vibrating in his mind. 

He said, “Forget this whole incident.  I look forward to seeing you again, my dear.”  He held out a pudgy hand. 

She recoiled from his touch, turned, and fled the room.  Although sound did not carry past the airtight doors, Krystal heard an evil laugh inside her mind as she ran.  Reaching her room, Krystal locked the door.  A man who could invade her mind, her dreams, now threatened her own safety. 

Huddled against the wall, fingers tightly enmeshed in a sleeping cocoon, Krystal exercised tight control, reinforcing her protective mental shields.  She took deep breaths to soothe her frayed nerves. 
Is my fear of Jarrack a reflection of Jenny’s fear?  Why is he so interested in Dr. Alexander?
  The thought of the Zebulon’s impending arrival gave Krystal comfort and resolve.  She’d stay awake tonight and discuss the situation with Alex when he arrived.  She felt glad that Jenny escaped the evil mind.  Now Krystal needed to survive monitoring his Transfer.

Donovan squinted at the printout.  “It gets more difficult each trip.  How do they expect us to comply with all these regulations prior to debarking?”  He tossed the sheet onto the table. 

Trenton answered the comline.  “Hi, Maggie, what’s up?”  Trenton’s face lit with the pleasure reserved for Maggie.

“Is Donovan available?” she asked.             

“He’s busy but I’m eager to help you.”  Maggie’s familiar round face filled the screen, her green eyes brimming with tears.

“Dr. Alexander went into the spaceport to retrieve his prodigy but something’s wrong. He says we should prepare for a hasty departure.”

“What?”  Donovan edged Trenton aside.  “Tell me everything.”

“Alex tried to contact Krystal but computer records show she went downworld yesterday.  Her last message to us sounded excited about joining the Zebulon!”

“Go on.”

Maggie took a deep breath and tears trickled down her pink cheeks.  “Krystal left a coded message for Alex, asking him to contact Jenny in medlab six.  He tried, got no answer, and charged in there alone.  I tried to contact Krystal downworld,” her voice cracked, “but dispatch claims . . .  Krystal’s dead!  She committed suicide last night!” 

“Send us a hard copy, Maggie.”  As the message spat out of the printer, Donovan grabbed the paper.  A muscle twitched in his jaw as he crumpled the document. 

“I don’t like it!”  His face reddened and he looked ready to punch a fist through the wall.  “Why would Krystal go downworld the day before the Zebulon arrived?  Who is Jenny?”

“I don’t know,” Maggie said in a small voice. 

Donovan stared at the crumpled paper in his fist.  “I’m going in.  Trenton, stay and get ready for a speedy liftoff.” 

Trenton opened his mouth to protest, but Donovan said, “We may not have much leeway, so I need my best man at the helm.”   

Trenton said, “You can count on me, sir.” 

“I always do!”  Donovan turned to find Chella blocking his path.  “I suppose you had some kind of vision!  Do you know what’s going on?”

Chella’s black eyes flashed.  “I’m not a fortune teller, Captain.”

“But you know something happened!”

She nodded.  “I’ve already stowed the breakables in the lab and came to help Maggie in the galley.”

“Will we make it out of here okay?”  Donovan asked. 

“I wish I knew.”  She dropped her gaze.  “My visions are obscure, the meaning unclear until everything’s over.”

Donovan laughed gruffly.  “We’ve all got special talents, and I count on my own. I won’t ask you to read the future, since you’re not a fortune teller.”

“We’ll get out of here.”  Chella tried to sound confident but doubt flickered across her broad ebony face. 

Covering the distance with speed uncommon in a man of Donovan’s size, he breached security, hoping the station police couldn’t stop him before he reached the fringe.  Alex’s long legs must have carried him well into the spaceport by now. Donovan hoped his own athletic regimen might give him the speed to catch up.  Reaching the fringe at a run, he automatically activated his gravity boots, and the magnetic current propelled him so fast the curved walls blurred.

Navigating was easy.  Space stations were constructed in standard designs so medlab six should be just ahead.  He flashed his ID and the door opened.  Good!  Security hadn’t posted an order to detain them…yet.  There may be time to get out safely. 

Recognizing the flurry of activity in the Transfer chamber, Donovan’s stomach clenched.  He stepped into a waking nightmare with screens flashing, a dying patient, and Alex plunging smack into the middle.

A medtech tried to block the doctor, but Alex hurled the man aside.  The pompous medtech squawked, “What are you doing?  Guard, remove this man at once!”  

Dr. Alexander growled, “Don’t obstruct my work or she’ll die!”  His long fingers flew over the keyboard.  “I’m Dr. Alexander and my authority supersedes any medtech on this base!” 

Donovan whirled, his wild eyes challenging the guard who started toward the doctor.  Seeing Donovan’s gold uniform and imposing stature, the guard backed away.

“Dr. Alexander?”  The medtech’s face blanched and he stood wringing his hands.

Alex nodded.  “Who’s the idiot that monitored this patient?”

“We compared badge numbers!” 

“And proceeded without proper monitoring?”  Alex scowled.  “Where’s your empath?”

The medtech pointed at the patient.  “She’s our empath.  The senior empath left yesterday so Jenny was the only one on duty.  I’m supposed to be on the boards, not running the whole Transfer.”

Dr. Alexander said, “Hold the controls steady while I make direct contact.” 

The medtech nodded.                                   

The doctor scrutinized his patient, a blond woman in her late forties.  Dried blood caked her hair, and deep gashes covered her face.  Alex broadcast his thoughts to Donovan. 
It’s Krystal, I recognize her aura.  She’s weak, dying.
 

Alex rubbed his hands together, grabbed Krystal’s shoulders, and forced his mind to make contact.  Donovan shared it all
. 
Pain! Fear!
  Alex projected his memory of Krystal—happy, laughing, silken blond strands of hair floating in delicate tendrils as she somersaulted through the gravity chamber.  The fear diminished.  They heard Krystal’s weak mental whisper
. 
Please help me, Alex.

I’ll do everything I can
,
he told her.

Jerking around, Alex shouted, “We don’t have much time.  Secure Krystal’s clone from stasis!  Get it in here immediately.”

“Krystal?  But this is Jenny!”

Alex shouted.  “Move!”

“I’d do as he says,” Donovan said.  “When he gets like this I’d rather be laser-blasted than get in his way, but it’s your choice, son.” His green eyes squinted menacingly.

Faced with an imposing giant dressed in captain’s gold, sweat trickled down the medtech’s face.  “Yes, of course.”  He scrambled into action, shouting orders that spurred activity. 

Donovan rubbed his forehead, walked to Alex and whispered, “You’re broadcasting again.  I saw everything through your mind.”

Startled, Alex said, “Sorry.”

To Donovan’s relief the fragile string that connected their minds dissolved.  He shrugged.  “It’s okay.  At least I’m in tune with the situation.”

“We can’t take her out in this condition. She’d die.”

Donovan nodded.  “Downworld sources report Krystal died yesterday, a suicide.”

“Well, we know different!  These idiots initiated Transfer without monitoring, using the wrong clone!  Are they insane?”  Dr. Alexander’s fingers flew over the keyboard.  “The settings are all wrong, and I’ve no time to prepare the clone properly.”

“Do your stuff, Alex.  I’ll figure a way to get us out of here.”  Donovan measured the lab with his gaze.  “Word will hit administration soon.”  He activated a hand-held communicator.  “Trenton?”    

“Aye, Captain.”

“Prepare to take on fragile cargo that needs special handling.”

“Understood.”

Donovan disconnected.  He maneuvered his large frame through the equipment-filled space to the outer periphery.  Still housed in a life-support container, Krystal’s clone floated into the room on a hydra-lift. 

Dr. Alexander vetoed shifting the clone onto a table.  Swiftly monitoring the new clone, he nodded with satisfaction.  “We’ll proceed.”  He worked feverishly, the Transfer machinery humming. 

Donovan remembered the first time he met Krystal, so many spans ago.  He was a new recruit, young, green, and awkward and Krystal was the perfect woman, who he admired from a safe distance.  Was this battered woman the vibrant, lively, and incredibly sexy woman he remembered?  His heart pounded at the memory of Krystal.  How would Krystal react to him?  Foolish question!  Krystal never knew about his youthful obsession, and he still felt awkward when it came to women.  He played the role of spaceship captain, impressive and aloof, but Krystal would see him as a stammering old fool dressed in gold.  

Donovan dragged his mind back to the present.  He must solve the critical problem at hand.  Administration wouldn’t let them waltz out of here unhampered, and the Zebulon’s capture could jeopardize the entire exodus.  Donovan clenched his teeth.  A diversion!  He needed something to keep security occupied while the ship slipped away. 

Leaving the lab, he paced off the size of the room.  A medtech opened a nearby storage cell to secure a fresh oxygen tank.  Emergency suits hung in the cubical within easy reach. 

“Can I help you, miss?”  He flashed his most charming smile, the one that revealed a dimple in his right cheek.  The medtech blushed.  “Anything else you need?” he asked.  Hefting the burden over a muscular shoulder, he peered over her head and memorized the combination while she locked the door.

“Thanks.”  The girl eyed his gold uniform.

“Might as well help. I hate standing idle while I wait for the doctor.”  He followed her back into the lab and swung the tank into position.  His plan might work. 

Donovan asked, “How’re they doing?  Will it be much longer?”

“Transfer’s complete.  We’ll move the patient to recovery soon.”  She smiled coyly.  “I’m off duty at 1730…”

“Sorry.  I’m slated for duty for the next full shift.”  Donovan shrugged and the girl sighed.  Attaching hoses to the oxygen tank, she cast a sideways glance at Donovan.  He waved good-bye and stared into the recovery room. 

Located on the outer rim of the space station, the lab, recovery room, and hallway completed a wedge-shaped section designed as a self-contained emergency pod.

Approaching the doctor, Donovan mumbled, “I’ve got a plan but we need an emergency.” Alex glanced up as Donovan pointed to the emergency instructions printed next to the entrance.  He whispered, “Can you make any of this equipment blow?”

Alex looked at the equipment critically.  “Yes, I see.  Give me a moment to clear the room.”  His fingers moved rapidly over the keyboard and warning bells clanged.  Techs froze and stared.  Alex announced, “Equipment failure, you know the drill!  Evacuate!  Move the patient into the recovery chamber and get out.  Move!”

Two techs maneuvered the container holding Krystal into the recovery cubical while Alex manipulated dials and lights under the bewildered gaze of departing techs.

Alex said, “Computer, equipment malfunction in medlab six.  Request emergency status.”

“Identity, please,” the voice responded.

“Dr. Alexander, 977.  Equipment failure is imminent.  I will stay with the patient and one staff member.” 

“Code blue confirmed.  Section sealed.”  The overhead lights flashed blue.  Alex flipped the manual communication switch off.  Donovan opened the storage cell and secured two space suits.  Handing one to Alex, he asked, “How long?”

“Ten minutes.  I’ll execute an overload and we’ll have five minutes until the explosion sends us into orbit.”  Alex squirmed into the space suit.  “After the explosion, we’ll have a supply of fresh oxygen in our suits, but Krystal only has thirty-minute’s air supply.  Can we get to the Zebulon in that time?”

Donovan labored to pull the suit over his large body frame.  “I’ll tell Trenton the schedule.”  He toggled his comline.  “Donovan calling Zebulon.”    

“Awaiting orders, Captain.”  Trenton’s voice sounded cheerful—always cheerful during an adventure.  

“Cargo expected on the quarter-deck.  Three crates marked 15-0-60 Zebulon.  Do you copy?”   

“Logged in and ready to receive,” Trenton replied.  “Other cargo is stowed.”                      

“Priority on loading schedule.  New cargo is perishable and can support a delay of thirty minutes max.  Do you copy?”

“Orders logged.”

Donovan shook his head.  “I’ll be soothing Trenton’s feelings for at least three shifts for questioning his abilities.”

“He’ll understand.”  Alex fingered the self-sealing closures on his suit.  “Trenton enjoys theatrics, so don’t fret.” 

Donovan followed the doctor into the recovery cell to check on their patient.

Shrouded in a hazy mist, Krystal looked like a young princess sleeping in a glass coffin, her delicate features soft and smooth, like polished marble.  His chest tightened. 
Why complicate my life with a boyish crush?  It will be torture working by her side unable to stroke that petal-soft skin, but losing her would be far worse.

Alex glanced up, his eyes wide with surprise. 

Donovan huffed, “Damn it!  Stop reading my mind.  She’s pretty, so don’t give me your know-it-all attitude.”  Donovan stomped out of the cell, fighting the ache spreading through his chest by forcing his mind to think about something else. 

Alex turned to the keyboard.  “No turning back, we’re set on overload.”  He activated the comline.  “Computer, we have an overload caused by a faulty intensifier.  There has been no response to a manual shutdown sequence.  According to emergency guidelines, we’ll take shelter in the recovery cell.”