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Sitting in his room Tony turned down the music as a premonition started to come to him.

Having learned over the years, he allowed it to flow through and lead him through the process of what would happen.

Walking over to his bedroom wall his fingers itched to move along a map placed there when he first arrived at the Center. Placing two fingers along the east coast, they moved rapidly towards the nation's capital before pausing.

Moving slower now a single finger moved as if it were following a route. Crossing over from Virginia to West Virginia it stopped. Sure now this was the place he looked. A small dot in some place called Circleville.

For over two weeks the news media had reported trees uprooted along with other structures either being destroyed or severely damaged. There had been no indications of any severe weather within the affected areas when they occurred.

Images taken by satellites and aerial reconnaissance showed all had been blown outward from an epicenter.

Then there was the sudden earth tremor where a trench was created close to a mile long and thirty to fifty feet wide. Luckily no one was around as it was just as deep.

Kristen, along with others in command, had thought they were being caused by new emergences but were quickly discarded. The Center's scientists scrambled to study this phenomenon. They were sure no one person could make or control this much energy.

Then rumors had started of how covert satellites had detected a sudden surge of tachyons in the vicinity prior to each of the occurrences. None had even known that tachyons were real let alone existed except in science fiction. Heather, the local gossip could only say she had heard it from someone.

So intent was Tony on the premonition he didn't hear the door to his room open. The intensity was that strong.

Normally he had a room to himself but that had all changed as more teens were being found and were surviving their transitions. Sharing a room was becoming the norm.

This was all due to Kristin's guidance. She had only been in charge for close to two months and things were changing for the better. Still some didn't make it but the numbers were better than anyone had ever hoped for. So now he shared his room just like so many others.

Walking over to his half of the room Jerry watched. It was rare for him to see Tony this focused. Stopping by he had just enough time between classes to check his family's Facebook account. Pictures of them were on his desk along with DVDs he'd been given. He might not be allowed to contact them but still it was nice to see how they were handling his or rather her disappearance.

He understood that Tony had the same opportunity as he did only he didn’t seem to care. Only saying that this was his home, thanks to the Colonel, and Jerry didn't push it.

Forever indebted for saving his life Tony had vowed to help in the search to find others like himself. He wasn't always accurate though. Not like Danielle Marks. He was only a level one clairvoyant while Dani was a level three precognizant or pre-cog. Still the Colonel seemed to be grateful for whatever he could do. This was what he wanted to do in return for saving his life. It wasn't until recently he had learned just how close he really came.

Gathered together on his side of the room were other items that helped in his search. Calendars, notepads with pencils, even an Ouija board lay on his desk and shelves.

Sitting he was drawn to the Ouija board. Fingers placed on the planchette he watched as it moved in slow circles as if warming up. At times there was just no sense to what he was being given until after it happened. Still everything was recorded and the planchette stopped along single letters. W, T, T, G then paused for a second. Numbers one, zero, three and six followed again by a slight pause. This was repeated twice more with one, eight, T, H, U, R, S, D, A and Y before stopping completely.
Yet the feeling persisted. This was going to happen, he was sure of it now.

Grabbing a pad of drawing paper he let the lines flow. No real artist, the image would be crude but legible. The point was to help with the location or to find whoever it was.

Leaving him, Jerry had to inform someone higher up. His family could wait as this was important. Running, he passed the lounge, where a TV News broadcast could be heard, "…..Again in what appears to have been a sudden shift in the earth's crust, ships and boats dropped as much as sixty feet as water surged away from the coastline. No serious casualties have been reported…."

Reviewing Anthony Carter’s latest prediction Colonel Harris leaned back. Those present understood his dilemma. Any sightings, visions or whereabouts of the boy were to be immediately reported to the President. There were to be no exceptions.

Richards’ method of departure had caused problems. His past accomplishments were cast aside.

'I don't care what they think Colonel they can't have it. They don't understand what it'll do. They never understood until it was to late. Never testing it. Relying on nothing but computer simulations inputted by humans, it's flawed.'

Presidential staff wanted assurances the boy was gone permanently. He couldn't give it to them. Even Richards hadn't been sure of the outcome.

'I... I don't know what will happen afterwards.' Sensing confusion. ‘I mean I know what will happen; I just don't know what... what it will do with me. Does that make any sense? Hell does it matter? I'll have what I wanted either way.'

"Mrs. Fine, have helicopters ready, one with a medical team on board. They're to be on a routine training mission."

Tapping fingers he added, "Miss Keys, have a team ready. Send both myself and Mrs. Fine the list." Thinking, "Make it two lists. Let's give some of our newer personnel experience in dealing with the media. They’re to be either hiking or camping in the area."

"And the main group?"

"Nothing that can fly away as they'll be transported by air."

"Yes sir."

"And Miss Keys, ensure your daughter is part of the main group. Inform her she'll only be used if necessary. Understood!"

"Understood sir."

Looking at the information before him. "Have the officer in charge report here to discuss operations. He can assemble his flight crew after the briefing."

"Understood. I'll have the necessary equipment ready."

"Also find someone who knows why the mining company shut down this particular mine. Environmental, poor maintenance, whatever the reason."

"Yes sir." Pausing before taking her leave. "Colonel, he did tell you what he wanted. It was their refusal that forced him."

"It still doesn't change the fact he is the cause of these anomalies Mrs. Fine."

Walking towards the window, sun light worked its way through the blinds entering within.

'Who you going to trust Colonel? The so called experts or me?'
Without hesitating Richards removed his hand from the wind breaker, fingers over a button.
'I'm sorry sir, I'm through taking chances. They'll never understand.'

"My orders were mad clear to me on this matter Mrs. Fine, my hands are tied."

Leaving the Colonels office, Mrs. Fine headed towards admin.

Knocking she waited the customary seconds before entering. Mrs. Stapleton looked stern till she recognized who had entered. On the desk a novel laid open while slightly puffed eyes watched her. Relaxing slightly, "How can I help you Mrs. Fine?"

"Carla I need you to verify if the following directive is still valid." Writing down numbers. She was grabbing at straws, yet it was the best she could do. If anything the order still stood, never revoked by any other President. Possibly not understanding the power it enforced.

Glancing at the numbers "I'll need a few hours to.... Wait is this..." Looking at the woman, suspicion grew.

"Why are you helping him? He's hated you for what you did that day."

Looking at the elderly woman. The one who could find out anyone's background or obtain information. The woman was a snoop. "And maybe it was put there for a reason? Just remember it was you who tipped me off that day. Now just find out and report back to me personally. Do I make myself clear?"

Looking at the directive again. "Yes Ma'am. That order's classified with the highest clearance." Turning she had contacts to get hold of. Favors to call in and if necessary people to threaten. "Now if you'll excuse me I have work to do."

---

Standing before them Kristyn Keys pointed to the large computer screen displaying an aerial view of Circleville, "The following roads need to be blocked off, here, here and here. Current reconnaissance shows there are numerous hunting trails in the area. I would suggest that we have soldiers, placed along these trails in State Uniforms. If they find anyone other than our own people they are to order them to leave the area immediately for their own safety as methane gas is escaping from the old mine shafts creating an explosion risk."

Going over the outline Colonel Harris nodded his approved. "Good assessment and suggestion Miss Keyes. We’ll need our hikers out along the trails as well. This will allow them to appear to be moving away from the area. Having them seen and questioned by any locals will encourage them to leave the area."

Taking her seat, the Colonel turned his attention to officer in charge of the air lift.
"Major, what's your analysis of the area?"

Approaching the display Major McKenzie surveyed the room. Teenage boys and girls of different races were seated before him. The oldest appeared to be no more than seventeen years of age. This was definitely not his normal briefing as some even sported different hair colors.

Focusing he remembered the classes a few were undergoing upon his arrival. It was like the dog and pony shows he was used to putting on for normal high school recruits and high ranking personnel. Only they weren't demonstrating for his benefit. They were discovering what they could do and who they were.

During lunch they socialized like any normal teenager. Talking, kidding around and in some cases playing practical jokes. It was then that he realized what they were. Teenagers trying to cope and live some type of normal life.

Relaxing, "Sir, ladies and gentlemen," and he heard the giggles and snickers before pointing to the overall terrain.

"We have low lying ridges towards the backside of the entrance. By placing our aircraft behind them we'll be shielded from the outgoing blast. We'll still have to deal with any escaping gas that could erupt after the initial explosion of course but they should be minimal."

Pointing to several clearings. "These four areas have been designated as rendezvous points. Miss Keyes’ personnel will be picked up here, here and here and flown over to the staging area as no roads are available."

Coming from the left side a question. "And the fourth one?"

"Stand-by in the event something should happen to one of the aircraft."

Listening Colonel Harris nodded his approval before the Major continued. "Once the crews have verified that all personnel are secured inside the birds all aircraft will be buttoned down and hovering no more than twenty to thirty feet in the air. The initial shock wave along with escaping thermal heat should be deflected by the surrounding terrain. Once the lead scout gives the all clear, all birds are to take flight to the vicinity of where Mr. Richards is to be found."

Directing the question towards Colonel Harris, "I understand that there are personnel that will take care of any fires?"

"That's correct Major. Each aircraft will have at least one Hydrokinetic on board along with a Pathfinder."

Trying to hide it he looked at them. Teenagers able to control elements. "Understood sir. I'm to understand Mr. Richards will be coming in hot. Do you know what type of vehicle will he be using and how fast?"

"None and unknown."

"Sir?"

"You heard me. He isn't traveling in any vehicle. His speed is also unknown."

Standing there he looked at them again, "Impossible."

Irritated, "Look around you Major. What do you see? Teenagers with special abilities. Do you think this boy is any different?"

"No sir, it's just... it's just that it’s... hard to believe."

"Believe it Major, because it is going to happen."

The pressure is tremendous as my bubble is forced against the invisible barrier that's been my prison for so many lifelines.

At one time the barrier was used to stop the destruction I had first caused. Now it had another purpose.

Like an image that was burned onto an old ATM computer monitor so was this part of history. At some point he'd return and go through the motions. He still affected history, just not in the major way as before. He created ripples that reverberated down through history.

Now with the 'Other World' and him gone there was no need for the barrier, yet it remained.

Looking into the future, humanities lifelines spread out before me. Living their lives as it should be.

I did it. I'd finished what the Universe had forced me to do. And I wonder did anyone know what I had accomplished? Hell..., did they even care?

Only I can't leave now. There's no place for me to go. The world that I had originally come from doesn't exist anymore. Well it does..., only now it's very state was being changed.

Changed into Matter, Anti-matter or some other form of particle I didn't know or care about. Yet as it was being changed parts are forced past me through the barrier itself and thrust into the future.

What about the past? Could I go there? Possible, if I could move. But did I even want to? With the barrier still here I'd just be a shadow living amongst shadows. What type of living would that be? To live through seventeen years of history for eternity, never growing older yet never dying either. Screw that.

Sitting down inside my safe haven I think of the nine days I lived in the 'Other World'.

Nine days, biding my time. Taking in sights that didn't hold my interest. I couldn't care less. I had lived it before and they didn't impress me. So what if they never returned. Humanity was better off if you asked me.

It had to have been while I was inside my old world that the Hyperion cubes moved into place. Their job was to protect this realm. Whether I succeeded or not the Universe took precautions.

I don't know if whatever controls this realm knew beforehand. If it did it never shared it with me. Maybe it did and I just never bothered with the right question. Pre-cogs had to have known. From what I had been told Dani was able to see past the days leading up to this and I just ignored it. So maybe it did know. Lot of crap its doing me now.

I had entered the 'Other World' as I call or called it, earlier than intended. Now that I think about it I had effectively sealed my fate. I had triggered the Hyperion's to move into position earlier than intended.

Now I couldn't escape. There was no escape route for me. I looked frantically for it after sending him back home. A small opening waiting for me to pass through before the final destruction. There had always been one before, yet there wasn't one now.

Screaming in the nothingness as I searched, "Was this your plan? Am I still too dangerous to be trusted? Even by you... you, you, whatever you are?" I never got the feeling like I usually did. I had been abandoned.

Wherever I looked no opening could be found. Every possible area had been effectively closed. I didn't dare try to pass through a Hyperion cube. I learned that the hard way early in my journey to get here. Never, ever try to go though them.

Teleporting was also out as there was no reference for me to use. Distance in the usual sense was meaningless here.

Like one of those fireworks that shoots different colors into the air, Matter, Anti-matter along with other particles started filling the confines of my prison. Like the finest grains of sand they flowed. Slowly at first and then speeding up like some movie.

Moving there was only one place I knew was safe. It didn't matter where I moved along the barrier; at least I could touch it.

Looking the lifelines are grow long now as they continue to move into the distance. Moving every second, minute hour and day. I can't see the ends, they're that long.

Not knowing why; I longed to be with them. This wasn't like me. But then I'd only just started coming to grips with what I am.

I missed them; Grizzly, Chris, Heather, Red, and for some reason I especially missed sis. I'm sorry for what I did to you. Sorry that it turned out this way.

Taking fists and striking against the barrier. "Damn it, you goddamn son of a bitch how much more are you going to make me suffer?"

Particles are over my head now. How high I don't know but from the pressure their exerting it must be pretty high.

Watching as particles of Matter are forced through the wall itself none seem to break through my barrier. Why?

Watching they slowly work their way through till all of a sudden they're speeding forward into the future itself. Is this what awaited me also? Would I be converted into the same substance and be displaced? What did it matter, I did my job.

Chuckling, I have to be losing it as I think of what Professor Walton or Professor Westfield would say to this.

‘Moving faster than time itself? Impossible! It can't be done.’
‘Well then what am I?’
'You circumvent history James. You don't move through it.'
'But I've seen it. I know what happens there.'
‘Then go to the future and tell us what's there.’
‘Why? It'll only change; it’s just a bunch of possibilities right now.’

Shit, I'm sure they'd have a hard time understanding it. They had a hard time in the beginning with me being who I am let alone what I wanted to do.

‘Think of a black hole and how it discharges what it consumes. Only now there's something more powerful directing it. Matter itself is directed away from the past and pushed into the future. What's so hard to understand about it?’
'A black hole releases its energy from both ends. It's not possible to redirect it.'
'OK Professors, I'll just wave bye-bye as y'all leave me behind.’

Hey maybe Chris and Heather would have laughed at that one. And I so wanted to hear the latest gossip she had. What was happening at the Center now? How was sis coping? Damn there I go again.

Getting a headache now, the pressure had to be increasing all around me. How much could I take before I was either crushed by my own protectiveness or have it torn apart? What the hell did it matter anyway? The wall was put here for a reason. To prevent me from ever leaving because of what I, or rather TP4, did.

Shit no, it was me. No matter who I am now I was still him inside. I had proved that. No amount of therapy from Dr. Tripp or Dr. Taylor would ever change my mind.

Just like how I thought of myself. A tool of the Universe. But am I just a tool? Was it done with me? Damn you both for making me think of having it again. To have it show up only to be crushed away like before.

Smashing fists against the barrier I want to join them. To be a part of their lives still. What's so wrong in that? Haven't I been punished enough for my transgression? Is this my reward for helping you? Changing me to be like them. Can't I live like the rest of them? But there was the guilt again. I had caused this. It owed me nothing.

At least I had stopped TP4 from messing with history again. Preventing what I felt and acknowledged by the Universe on what would happen next. The end of ends for all of us, even me.

---

Thinking back on that trip to New Mexico, sis had been right somehow. I had been too close to the problem. I always had been.

"Why go to him bro? Why not wait for him to come to you instead? He's going to go there anyway."

Looking at her like she was stupid or something, "And what about the merger? What if that happens while I'm in there?"

Taking my hand she just gave me that look. The look that said I was the idiot and not her. "Haven't you changed Jimmy? Haven't we all changed? Just like him you’re repeating the same things over again, but in more subtle ways."

True, I'd go in and try to fight TP only to be submerged somewhere inside his conscience. Wasting time as I tried to wrestle from him. By then it was too late.

Once I had been the doppelganger of myself. Unchanged, moving to wherever the Universe needed me most.

Then later after I'd finish what it wanted I'd try to stop myself. Only it never worked. It didn't matter how much time had passed. I was still to much like him.

Then somewhere along the line even I can't even remember when, that problem was fixed. The Universe made me one of them, so to speak. It took me several timelives to accept the fact it was permanent.

I didn't want it. I hated the change. I felt like an alien thrust into the wrong skin. Foreign to me, weak. I resisted till I eventually gave in. I had to. What choice did I have? It was then I realized I could also change. If only I was willing to.

It wasn't so bad till TP4 sent out several strong ripples affecting the world around me. Making more drastic changes to history. The Hyperion cubes couldn't even compensate.

Even the Universe patients was wearing thin on this one. TP4 was becoming a danger again. It didn't wanted him anymore than I did and it let me know in no uncertain terms. Ten years gone. Ten years taken away from me.

I had been one of a kind till then. The ripples changed that. And I knew what I had to do. I had to get back to this point in time somehow. To stop him. Only I couldn't just move here like I had before. And I suffered just like the rest of them. Only I would remember while others didn't.

It was driving me crazy till I learned to control them. Control the memories and not let them control me.

Remember Jimmy remember what happened?

Yeah I remember. How could I forget.

Headache's getting worse now. Think about what happened? How you got to this point.

Thinking how I moved from the 'Other World' back into the fourth dimension. The wait almost over.

Returning back inside events had taken place. Things I'd never realized happened when I had fought myself.

Looking at them, people’s timelives had moved passed through the barrier. Dani had been able to see new events. Did any others also? Had this happened before, only to have them destroyed when I failed? No I remember before. There was nothing. Nothing past this day.

Looking, Hyperion cubes had gathered as usual. Forming up around the area as I waited for TP4 to come through.
Not really cubes, they moved inside themselves. It's weird to watch them. Their shapes so strange, like everything else here.

Not really a square or cylindrical they are a combination of the two.

Flat on each side their bodies curved where the corners would be. There is no sharp edges.

The back end is considerable smaller compared to the front. It's how they moved that has always fascinated me, even now.

Moving inside itself if that was possible; the back end would become the front. While the back moves forward the front moved backwards. The back becomes larger and while the front grows smaller until they reached the middle and were of equal size. Yet they moved past each other and you would think as you watched that they had just reversed direction. But that wasn't it. I had gotten as close as I dared possible and seen where they continued to each side. Then the back was the front and the front was the back. After completing this maneuver they would pause for a minute or two and then repeat the process. I have yet to see any of them go backwards.

There had to be thousands of them surrounding me. And as I looked closer, new timelives were gathered inside each one.

A timelife is what a person considered here in the fourth dimension.

Each one is flat and divided into sections of their lives. No two timelives really touch. Even when a baby is conceived they never truly touched. Each is a separate entity unto itself.

Placed inside, a new branch emerged alongside the others. Almost the same, they followed their counterpart. Only they never moved past the barrier. So even if the Universe knew it wasn't taking any chances.

Now here I was. Just me and with my backpack containing a modified neutron bomb placed on my back.

Removed from the projectiles casing it was easier to carry.

Rechecking the backpacks snaps, it wasn't coming off till I needed it to. Out of habit I settled the pack more comfortably and straightened my cap wondering how the Astros did. Better than the last game I hope. They just plain sucked.

Then it was there. Like a wound it glowed in the distance.

Watching, a hand appeared, as if testing the strength of an unseen wall. Shortly the hand was followed by a foot and then the rest of him.

Over six feet, he stepped in, unsure of what he was going to see. As if he could really see anything with that com-helm on.

Watching he raised the visor to have a better look around. Can he see me or is he so blinded by the newness of it all?
Moving away from the still open rift he set the pack down, scrounging inside for food.

Sis I hope you’re right about this. There isn't going to be any more chances after this. I know it. And inside it felt right to be here. That little feeling letting me know the right decision had been made. Waiting for me to end the cycle once and for all.

As I expected TP moved away now, abandoning his pack to look around. Not yet, wait for it. Then the rift was gone. Did I really act like that when it disappeared? Man what a doofus.

After what seemed like an eternity another rift appeared and, as he disappeared inside, I moved. Grab the bomb Jimmy, take it before it starts again and the Hyperion's moved closer if that was even possible with how they were formed up. Preparing to destroy either timelives as they approached.

Removing my own backpack from behind me, I placed it next to the other one. Lifting out the canister nothing had changed. It was still the same shape as it was before.

Placing it inside next to the Neutron bomb I made sure it was secure before closing the flap on top. It has to be kept close to one of us; else the Universe would try and eject it from its realm. It wouldn't use the Hyperion cubes. They weren't designed for that.

I didn't care about the backpack but why take any chances and secured it to the back of the pack itself.

Putting the backpack back on, I watched TP4 move inside the rift. Watching and waiting as I secured it in place once more.

I could see him as he turned back. Standing there I wait as there's no place for him to go. A doofus he may be but not stupid, well not entirely anyway.

Grabbing hold of him as he steps out flashes of blue surround the two of us. Our bodies are trying to merge once again, only their repelled. Damned if she wasn't right. How did she know?

Startled he lunges while I move down and to the right. This was my realm, my turf. I didn't like the place but I knew it better than he did.

Watching him fly overhead he stops suddenly. He had hit the barrier itself.

Confusion shows as he stood there. Touching what isn't there.

Pushing against it, he was learning fast as he used it to propel himself towards me.

It was crazy, but I had to know something. Grabbing my arm then my waist he holds me at arms length. Then a voice I hadn't heard in ages speaks. A voice so deep and menacing even I'd forgotten it. "Who are you? What happened to my home? My world! Answer me!"

Even as he's holding me, we tried to merge only the light is more intense as it glows brighter around us. DNA strands trying to be forced together, but no longer can.

"It's called Armageddon TP and you caused it." Trying to twist around he just rotated with me.

"We're trapped here because of what you did." My voice didn't scare him. It was higher. Yet not a soprano. "Think about it. You sent one of the bombs down into the pass. You destroyed that part because you let one of the bombs move into the zone."

Pissed off at myself, "What did you think the AI was going to do? Catch it and hold it till the border patrol shows up? Or were you thinking it was going to get through with the armour it was made of?

I could almost laugh as I was arguing with myself. "Why do you think it's called no man's land you stupid moron?"

“You could have just abandoned them both in the building and left. That's what they wanted. That's what they were after. They didn't give a shit about us. They wanted the fucking Negative bombs back."

"But NOOOO.....you had to come in here. Hoping to escape while you still had the other one. God I admit it. You hear me?" Looking at my own face, "I was such an idiot back then." But in my defence my brain had been made into swiss cheese.

Wanting to rip my own throat out I can't reach it. Hands smaller, arms shorter he keeps me at arm's length. Damn the universe for making me this way.

I can feel the repulsion as our bodies try to separate from each other again. How long can he hold me? "Did you feel it TP as you pushed your way back here? That invisible wall sending you back to me? Well it stops me also." I point towards the other side. "Do you see them TP? Do you see them on the other side? Well that's my friends leaving me while we sit here and argue."

Breaking apart we couldn't stay together to long. Even though we're different I'm still him in some respects; I could never truly lose who I once was. Not completely else I wouldn't be needed.

"There's only one place for one of us to go TP. Only one place the Universe will let us return to."

Circling we're both looking for an opening; anything to get the advantage. "You lie. There has to be somewhere else to go. I didn't cause it. I just wanted to get away. To be free."

"Well this isn't it. We're in a place we shouldn't be. A place that's neither here nor there. We're everywhere and nowhere."

Confused, angry leaps towards me. Leapfrogging over and grabbing his helmet I twist and wrap my legs around his waist locking my feet together, knowing we'd be forced apart again.

Leaning backwards like I was riding a wild stallion or bull, I have to keep away from reaching arms.

‘Click, click,’ pulling the quick release pins on my shoulder straps they quickly came apart. While keeping a firm grip on my backpack, the waist strap is unbuckled and moved to the side.

Grabbing his right hand and lifting it up, the waist straps moved diagonally over his right shoulder and under his left arm.

Quickly snapping it back together the adjusters are pulled taut. The push to separate us was growing stronger now. There's no time to use the shoulder straps as it's getting difficult to keep my feet together much longer.

Gathering the change in mass another rift is opened. Only this rift is mine now. This bastard was mine and I didn't want him here.

For so many of my lives I’ve deceived myself. Always angry for what I'd done, I blamed the wrong person. In truth there was only one person to be angry with and here we were.

Unable to hold on any longer, "No...." He cried out. Countless years of practice had taught me just how much effort was required to move someone through a portal and close it. Forced back inside, he went back, back to where he belonged along with both mine and his own WMD. Both a can and a can’t.

For nine days I had kept that neutron bomb with me. Sleeping, eating and when I could, bathing with it. Always protecting it while trying not to be caught in a world that monitored people like me.

Watching, a new breach appeared. Not the rift I'd made for TP but a breach that the universe controlled and the destruction began.

---

Now here I am, pressed against a wall watching as particles are forced through. Sis was only half right. I did change, but not enough. Not enough to let me though.

Hitting the wall in frustration, What the...? Is it? Excited, Yes, damn it and I can feel it. The wall it's softer now.

Of course it can't stay. It's no longer needed. The Hyperion cubes must be using the particles themselves to tear the wall down. Forcing them through to the other side.

Getting back up. Slamming my shoulder against it the wall it feels like it's flexing inward. With not much room to maneuver I keep hitting the barrier repeatedly, yelling out to my keeper, "I'm not giving in, you hear me? I’m not giving in. Kill me if you want but I'm not quitting."

Just like the Matter it’s hard to move. Darn it like moving through jello or molasses. Still it's better than being trapped in there and press forward.

Concentrating I gotta get out. C'mon, c'mon open up, let me out. Wiping my face, there's a funny taste to the sweat; blood. Shit my nose is bleeding and my head hurts worse than before along with my shoulders. I can't stop. I won't stop. Not here.

"I'll fight you till the end, you hear me. I'm not quitting. I screwed up once before but I'm not giving in now." Felling it, its like a challenge. Daring me to fight what I know I can't win against. Well fuck you too. Did it just laugh at me?

Straining, eyes blurring, the dimension hazy as I continue through it. How far is it? How far have I progressed? No, don't think about it. Keep going, just don't pass out. Not in here.

Breathing harder, calculations are fuzzy, it doesn't matter. I'm not staying here, not where I'm not wanted. Hell I don't want to stay here.

Everything around me seems to be moving faster now. Am I through? Looking back cubes had lined up and smoothed out what was left of my old world and destroyed the barrier with them. Pushing everything and me with them forward along in time and history.

Again with the speed, distance, mass and time but there's no numbers for where. It doesn't matter. Fake it. Passing between the two dimensions images are too fast to comprehend and I'm back inside. I'm moving too fast still, yet the pressure’s decreasing around me.

Again it’s opened. Counting, one… two… three… four. Barely making out trees and other objects I pass through them. I'm still in-between the two dimensions. I'm slowing down, just not slow enough.

Excited That’s it Jimmy you're onto something and a feeling of encouragement is there.

For all of my lives it has always been there. I don't remember when it started but it’s helped me at what seemed odd moments in my life. Like praise and other feelings it was there. At one time the only one that ever came close to understanding what I felt was Lara. Not anymore.

Maybe it didn't want what was left of my past any more than it wanted me. And there was anger. Ok maybe it didn't want me. Still wrong. Shit being human was so hard.

Breathing through my mouth it feels like I'm drowning, and now pain emanates from my ribs. It hurts to breathe. Am I running out of oxygen? This has to have been the longest I'd ever been inside this plane.

Moving through people's timelives with the rest of the Matter do they see me or feel anything as I pass through? I've spent countless time here yet there's only so much that I know about it. Oh how Professors Walton and Westfield wanted to see this place. To view what I've only been able to describe.

Having no idea what I'm doing, my only hope is not to hurt anyone. I killed only when needed. Change history when needed or of necessity. Steal when I had to.

Do it again Jimmy. Do it now before you enter somebody's lifeline. Counting, it’s open. One… two… three… four… five… longer still... thirty-nine… forty… forty-one.

Watching, particles of energy escape and evaporate sections of the sea as they make contact. I had warned them this could happen. Not by me but by the very Universe trying to get rid of what didn't belong in its realm. That's what had destroyed my world. No not my world. My old history. This was my world now. My home. Now and forever.

Moving forward through history, boats and ships come into view. Not really a part of either realm I Watch as they drop suddenly into the displaced water. There's damage to docks and piers as I traverse back inside.

Phasing back inside the future is coming closer now as the end of timelives come into view. Far away still, but drawing near.

Options. What are my options? I could stay in longer. Go on into the future. End up in a possibility hoping for the best outcome. That's an option.

Shivering at the thought, old memories surface on what had happened before. There are some things I never want to go experience unless forced to.

The other option is to take my chances. Hope for the best on surviving Sure I'm moving fast yet, Ah Screw it! I don't want to cross into the future. I've lived a good life in some respects.

As much as I bitched, griped and cursed at it, I have to thank whatever's been with me. Thanking it for just being there. Trusting me to do what had to be done. It didn't matter what the outcome is. It was letting me out. To be given the chance, not really expecting it to.

For the final time I cross over. There's no turning back now.

Coughing, something clouds my vision. How fast am I going? Doesn't matter. Then they’re back.

Everything happens quickly. Numbers stream through my brain. Giving me the coordinates of where I'm located at. Moving quickly it's hard to pinpoint with accuracy where I am. Somewhere in Virginia or West Virginia.

Shit! This is it. I'm back. Free like the rest of them.

But that also means; OH CRAP! Curling up, the bubble, shield, containment unit. Whatever it is, is no longer there. No control whatsoever "Oomph", tumbling uncontrollably, there's an explosion close by and the air around me burns. Lungs feel as if their on fire inside along with the inside of my mouth. It's all around me.

Shooting pain erupts trough my body as I spin through the air. Whatever's in my way I can't avoid them and there's the snapping sound I feel inside. Arms and legs hurt so much. Oh god make it stop. Take it away. Kissing terra firma hurts. It hurts bad.

Crying out I can't seem to catch my breath. It hurts, it hurts.

Turning inward I run away from the pain. Hide within myself. Pleading I ask it to take it away. Take away the pain.

“What price would you pay Colonel? What would you give to experience a new day like no other? To know when the sun rises the next day it’s not a repeat from sometime before.”

Holding the button in my hand so they all can see it I move away from him. Opening a rift, "I'm willing to give my life for it Colonel. Because if I have to live through it again nobody's going to win. So let’s end this now."

Passing through I move away from the third dimension into that 'Other World'. A world that I had once called home, but no more. I know what it would cost me to give those around me what they deserved. For that new day to arrive, free to experience what I would never see.

It's strange as I flee from the pain. It feels like I'm being lifted up, yet there's no sensation. Is this what it's really like? To experience what I've always wanted?

Hearing voices, they’re all around me, but muffled. It doesn't matter, nothing matters anymore. The journey’s over. Since returning, the Universe lets me know it's still there. Comforting me in its own way. Never abandoning me like I though it had.

Running towards the feeling I let it envelope me as I feel myself disappear.

Flying overhead the sound of rotor blades cut through the air. Birds took to the air as larger animals took flight. Surveying the area, trees and overgrowth reclaimed an area abandoned years before. Colonel Harris and Miss Keyes listened as they inspected the area.

"From their last inspection the gas is a quarter of a mile down. There are small pockets of water build-up in some areas. Once detected, they stopped."

"How large an area would be taken out when it does go off?"

From what they’re saying maybe a football ground sized area. There are miles of tunnels down there. So the biggest concern will be escaping gas once the surrounding area collapses into itself.

"Understood." Signalling the OH-58 returned to the rendezvous point.

Stepping away, heads down to avoid the turning rotor blades, the two exited before the pilot took to the air again.

Sitting nearby, on an overgrown road, several SUV'S sat idling as teens leaned against them, looking bored.

"Well?"

"He's not making it easy. There's a lot of abandoned machinery nearby covered over."

"I still can't understand why he's doing this. Every report I was given didn't include this."

"Kris, he's not doing it, well no on purpose anyway. Your right this is beyond what he's capable of doing.

Going into her purse looking for something. "He's moving back and forth between the two dimensions and something's going to follow him. Mostly its Tachyons as they pass through the openings."

Giggling, the white haired girl continued, "It drove Mr. Walton wild when they were first detected. He wanted to publish papers on the subject. Only the Colonel stopped him. Threatened him for wanting to do so. Anyway that's how we can track him."

Filing her nails as if bored by the subject, she had an image to uphold, "Fewer Tachyons escape when he goes in and more when he comes out. Only now he's letting some other substance out. Something destructive. Professor Walton suspects its small amounts of anti-matter."

Looking at the girl, "Where have you been hiding that brain Heather?"

"What? Don't stereotype me Kris. People come to me for my fashion tips and gossip not Astrophysics. If you want to talk about the how and why then go to Professor Morton or Chris. They're the ones that understand it better. And I think Chris has a better understanding than the Professor. I just listen and give some insight when those two are trying to pick apart one of Jimmy's formulas."

Looking around "Now if you'll excuse me for a few minutes I need to talk to someone." Strolling away from the group Heather walked over towards the red haired girl as she stood away from the group. Looking as if she was surveying the surrounding area.

Let them talk tactics, she and Rita weren't needed yet. They were just bodies to help look for Jimmy when he came out.

"You ok?"

"Leave me alone Heather."

Gently resting a hand on her shoulder while trying to help the girl, "He'll be fine Rita. He's experienced worse than this."

Placing her hand on top she didn't move it away. "Yeah, as if you cared. I heard it took them several days to get you to come out of your room once he emerged." Yet the hand remained. "You know what'll happen if he's still alive, what the Colonels going to do to him don't you?"

She knew just like the rest of them, "He doesn't have much of a choice."

Pushing the offered hand away, "We all have choices Heather. Only sometimes we can't change them once their made. He could do it only he suffered for it when needed."

Watching the girl head back, hurt. Don't think you're the only one girl whose experience it girl; Several of us do know how to keep a secret when it's really important.

---

Headset in place Colonel Harris listened, "Satellites are indicating Tachyon activity within our vicinity."

"Major, have your birds spread out. Indications are he should be arriving out of the South by South West. Have your personnel focus in that vicinity."

"Colonel we're detecting higher than normal readings."

Blackhawks hovered low behind the tree line while higher overhead two OH58 Kiowa's observed the entry point. Their instruments looking for any sudden activity.

Seated in the medical chopper Colonel Harris relayed last minute instructions. Behind him both Kristyn and Elizabeth Keys waited along with several trained medics. "Be on the lookout for a slight shimmer that will be his exit point when he appears."

Minutes ticked by as Major McKenzie waited. Hearing the countdown his camera trained in the vicinity. Suddenly the shimmer was there, just for the blink of an eye before it was obscured by an object. Too fast to follow, instruments followed Jimmy as he moved away from the rift only to be followed by a sudden flash. "Target acquired, instruments tracking. Damn he's moving fast. My god is he..."

One second the old structure was there, the next it was gone.

Inside the man-made caverns, pockets of trapped methane gas exploded with incredible force, shattering the rock, before collapsing in on themselves.

At the opening of the mine shaft a huge, expanding, ball of moved outwards setting brush and trees afire. Burned out, the air was covered in a grey cloud of dust as searing heat escaped scorching the surrounding the ground to its front.

As the earth trembled, fissures opened releasing more of the deadly gas skyward, igniting as it escaped. Surrounding areas suddenly ripped apart sending rocks and debris flying away.

A heavy shockwave moved through the tree line buffeting the hovering aircraft before a wave of heat briefly engulfed them. Pilots compensated for the effects while passengers held on tightly.

"Son of a bitch did you see that Major?"

"Cut the chatter Donovan. Do we have his location? "

He didn't like the wait not after what he saw happen to the boy. Seconds ticked by slowly. Saying a prayer as they waited.

"Clear, I repeat all clear."

Chatter started overtaking the channel. "We have a confirmed sighting at five o'clock. Repeat five o'clock. Range estimated three hundred feet. Move it people."

Aircraft converged around the surrounding area lowering pathfinders and hydrokinetics onto the scorched ground.

Flames disappeared or diminished as water drenched the outlying area.

Hovering they waited as areas were made safe to land.

"Colonel? We ugh... we ugh... we found him."

"Get this bird down now, Captain!"

Not even waiting for the aircraft to touch ground doors opened as the medical team rushed to their victim. Jumping out Colonel Harris ran towards the group.

Personnel had started to gather around trying to take a look at the boy. Some wishing they hadn't after looking.

Running, he watched as both teens and soldiers moved away. Making way for the medics.

He had followed the advice of chief medical officer. But it was he who ran the Center not the others.

Stopping in front of the body it lay twisted before him. An arm out of place along with a leg. His orders had been very specific; Under no circumstances was anyone to touch him, no matter how bad the injuries.

The only thing missing was his cap. A cap the boy had always kept with him.

"Miss Williams find it." She knew what he wanted. Walking away she headed in the direction where it would lay. He always kept it with him for some reason.

Being held back the native American girl waited. Anxious to do what she had always wanted to do. Restrained by her mother, knowing that it pained her to see someone injured like this. Yet she obeyed, keeping her daughter back for safeties reason.

Kneeling beside him they heard the whimper, ever so slightly. Through all of this the boy still lived, if only barely.

Time was of the essence yet he had to be sure. Taking a stick he dropped it in the boys' hand. Flipping the stick upward it remained whole.

Looking around the others waited. Waited for what he was ordered to do.

Motioning Miss's Keys over, "You understand what could happen once you start?"

Not even waiting she grabbed hold of Jimmy's shoulders, "I understand Colonel and I'll wait. Oh My God where do I start? Lungs, ribs, arms. Even his skin. Mom, I think I'm going to understand what you go through when your depleted."

Inside a conference room teens and adults argued. More specifically, one teen argued.

"NO! Out of the question! What you’re asking to do is too dangerous. You’re still learning to control your ability."

Leaning forward the girl retorted, "Learning? How am I supposed to learn Dr. Tripp? By viewing someone's morning as they watched birds in some damn field, thinking what a waste of time it was when they could have been doing something else, like being with their girl or boy friend? My best friend is just lying there, trapped inside himself and I know I can help him."

Sitting at the head of the table, the officer held his ground. "I understand your desire to help Miss Brice, but I cannot allow it. Telepaths have been monitoring him for any changes."

"And do what, Colonel? They can't help him. Your spiritualist tried to take possession of him but couldn't. We all know what he is. Think of what could have happened to them if they had used one of his formulas by accident." Pleading, "Let me try Colonel! Let me try and find him. Lead him back from whatever place he's locked himself inside of."

Monitoring the Hispanic girls temper, the groups’ empath spoke up, "Do you really know him as well as you think Donna?"

"Do you know him Chris? Does anyone here really know him? I've known just as much as you or any others here. Maybe even more." Looking over at the Colonel. “Well maybe not as well as him."

"That’s not the point. To delve into someone's mind can cause mental anguish to the person going in if they’re unprepared. Several of our telepaths are still trying to deal with what they read."

Pushing back. "And yet you still have them monitoring him over Kris' objections.”

Pausing "His favorite team is the Astros and we know he wears their cap whenever and wherever he goes."

Pointing, "Colonel how many times has he visited you with it? You even recovered it. He's short, but can take care of himself, he has to."

"No argument there."

"We game together, spending hours discussing nonsense while we played."

“I am well aware of his activities Miss Brice.”

“And then you know he's like any normal kid.” Giggling, “Well as normal as any one of us."

Facing her peers, they knew what she was talking about. "I may have only known him for two years, Kristyn. But I've seen a side that you guys didn't see."

Placing hands over heart, "I was one of the few he trusted to allow in his house anytime I wanted. I didn't know what he was risking allowing me to do that."

"I went to his house once and his sister said he wasn't there. She didn't elaborate but she had this look on her face. A worried look. Seems they had had an argument the day before.

I thought he'd run away because of the arguments they'd have. Paul said it was between the two of them and he stayed out of it."

"I thought the worst as I had lost a friend previously."

"Three days passed and nothing, then on the fourth day he just shows up at my house."

“I tore into him for just leaving the way he did. Then I saw them. The cuts and bruises on his arms and legs. There were also cuts on his face, like he'd been running through the bushes. Worse, I first thought Paul or his sister had beaten him up.”

“He said it was nothing like that. Only that he'd been helping someone and there was some trouble. He was being all secretive about it."

It was Mrs. Fine who answered, “He should have never allowed you there, he disobeyed direct orders.”

“He was lonely. He had no one his own age to be around.”

"It was his decision."

Pointing it out, "Yet you never intervened when you found out."

“He could have come back to the Center.”

“He didn't want to be here and you couldn't keep him.” Slamming a small fist on the table. “He's a time traveler. How were you going to keep him? You know what he wanted.”

“He's classified as a teleporter.”

“And we all know why. It scares the hell out of people to know what he can do.”

Her voice became softer as she remembered her first encounter with him. "Like I said earlier, I had just lost someone close to me."

Lifting her tinted glasses she wiped her eyes on her sleeve before setting them back in place. "I watched as paramedics tried to save my friend that day. He didn't make it."

She didn't have to tell about her past, none of the kids had to.

Nobody stopped her as the pain returned, she never told anyone since her arrival, "Weeks later I went to his graveside. No tombstone, just a place marker."

"I'd taken a bottle of Jack from my dad's cabinet along with some amphetamines and valium. Sitting next to his grave I was going to end it there. I just needed to figure out which to take first."

Tears formed and someone handed her tissues, "The moon was just rising when he showed up."

Carefully wiping underneath her glasses, "He came out of nowhere walking towards me. Stopping he just stared like he was trying to decide something."

"I thought he was going to tell me to go home or something. Instead he takes the drugs and alcohol and starts mixing them together. Making sure it’s closed tightly he started shaking the bottle."

"Handing it back to me he says to wait for all of it to dissolve and then drink it quickly as Jack burns the throat on the way down."

"I didn't know what to think. Others would have tried to stop me, but not him. He just stood there waiting. 'Is my watching bothering you?'"

"I was angry and appalled. What was he doing? Didn't he care or understand what I'd been through?"

'Doesn't matter if you do it here or somewhere else I'll make sure they find you.’ I thought he was crazy. Then he asked me the craziest question, ‘Do you know what death is like Tom? It’s painful in so many ways. But the one thing it really is, is its final. No coming back once it's done. Did you know as you lie there dying your mind goes through the craziest shit. Thoughts like, “Why the hell did I do that?” Or "Oh crap what about mom and dad. They'll be so upset when they find out what I did.” Well, maybe for some families, but not all.’

Pulling dead flowers from Doug's grave, ‘Then it's too late. You realize the mistake, yet you're too far along to stop it.’

"Looking down at the grave marker, 'Would he have wanted you to do this?'"

"Grabbing the bottle back he shook it some more. 'You're not mixing it up Tom. Gotta have it all mixed up else you won't get the full effect. It settles to the bottom and you'll only get sick from the alcohol. Hell, maybe you'll die from alcohol poisoning.'"

Listening still, there were no interruptions. "I thought he was being a jerk, 'Want me to hold your hand Tommy?’ As if I was some five year old. 'Want me to tell you it'll be alright as you slip away into oblivion?’"

Trying to hold back the tears, "Why are you here?"

"‘Does it matter? Ah the Hell with you, I don't have time for this.’ And he left me there."

"Still angry I was also scared now. Angry that he interfered in what I wanted to do and scared because he was making sense. Catching up, “Why are you here? No one comes here at night."

"‘No? Well you’re here,’ and he was smiling, it was so eerie to see it in the moonlight, ‘so am I.’"

"Still holding the bottle I followed him. I'd drink it after he left."

"‘You think you know death Tom? Yeah it hurts but you've only seen it once. I've experienced it more times than I care to remember.’"

"Walking further he stepped over a low cement embankment outlining a family plot. Three headstones were grouped together while a fourth one was off to the side. Of the three together one was smaller. I could see it hadn't been there long as it still showing signs of its newness. I tried to read their names, yet even with the moonlight I couldn't make it out."

"‘Quiet!’ He said and, as he knelt beside the lone headstone, I heard him quietly speak, ‘Hope you don't mind but we seem to have a visitor. Anyway I hope I'm making you proud Cuz. I'm trying real hard this time to get them to understand. I've made mistakes but I think it's going to work out this time. I hope so. I can't take it anymore, but I think they’re understanding now.’"

"Staying there for another minute or two he moved over to the other three. ‘Dad, Mom, sorry I can't stay too long but I got delayed.’ I wanted to disappear right there. Sure I'd lost someone but he had lost his family. He had somehow managed to survive, why couldn't I? Was I that weak?"

"He didn't go to the third one, only looked at it. I'm still not sure if he'd said anything, I'd stepped away so he could have some privacy."

"Turning to leave he startled me. He was angry and stood with clenched fists. 'Disrespect my family by drinking that crap here and I'll beat your sorry ass and drag it back to your friends’ worthless grave.’"

“To hear the anger I wanted to run, run as far away as I could but I didn't.”

"Leaving their graves the anger was still there but it wasn't directed at me anymore, ‘Do you know what Hell is Tom? Knowing how your family died and not being able to do crap about it.’"

"Picking up the pace. ‘Hell is living with the knowledge that no matter how hard you try there are just some things you can't change. So go ahead join him. Become another statistic. You wouldn't be the first nor the last.’"

"‘How old was he Tom? Fifteen? I'm over fifteen and I'm still here.’ Pointing back, ‘Should I give up and join them? Should you? Would that make them happy?'"

"‘I heard how he died. You knew both him and his father. The local pharmacist. Seems he used that part to cover up his other side of business.’"

"‘Nobody seen it till after what he had done to his own kid.’"

"‘Did you know he lived in fear. Fear that his friends would find out. Hiding the fact that his dad was the person to go to when they wanted their next fix. Afraid to have his friends over for fear that his dad might try and push that crap on them to make a sale.’"

"‘And you know what? Doug was right? His dad did try. It was a dumb move on his part considering who your family is. Still it would have been a big score if he got you. To make you dependent on him.’"

"By now we were standing at Doug's grave. 'He stood up for you that day and what did it cost him? Just his life. A loving father everybody said. He just shoved the needle into his arm. Didn't even bother with the strap, just gave it to him full force. And as Doug's body went into shock his dad drags him to the car and drives outside the city to where kids hang out at night. Nobody goes there during the day. Place is a dump. Only you were there, watching it all.’

‘Cell in hand, you called the police and took a picture of his car. Gotta give you credit for that Tom.'

“He was drilling me like I was the enemy, 'How did you become his friend Tom? You, the son of a promising politician and him, the son of a drug dealer? Did your family even know?’”

"Nearing the entrance gates we stopped. ‘Now you come here with alcohol and drugs trying to join him because you don't feel that you’re strong enough. An embarrassment to your dad as he covers up your involvement.'"

"‘Now if I was Doug I would have ran away. Find a place to hide and live without him coming after me. Change my appearance so he couldn't recognize me.’"

"Angry at him for bringing it up I started yelling at him, "How do you know what happened that day. Yeah, I was there when I saw him pushed out of the car as if he was a piece of trash. You weren't there as he lay dying. You didn't see them as they covered him up. To hear how the police went to his house only to find his father dead.” I was crying then. If only I’d called sooner. I didn't think he would do that to his own son."

"Yeah, I knew who his father was from other guys, but I didn't do anything. I only told Doug that I knew after his dad tried to sell his crap to me. I ran to the only place I could go. Our hangout. And that’s where his dad took him. To the place he went to at night to give kids the next big thing."

"'He meant a lot to you didn't he? No matter who he was, you cared about him?’ He grabbed me then and I let the bottle fall as I started shaking."

"He was my friend and I let him down. If I'd told someone sooner he'd still be alive. Oh, Dad hid my involvement. Made it seem like I was the hero. But he also used me then, for his advantage."

"‘You haven't told anyone have you?’
“Who was I going to tell? He held it over me. My own dad used me, just like Doug's used him. What do you care? You were going to let me drink it."

"‘Maybe. Or maybe I would have knocked the crap out you for trying something so stupid. Maybe I'd hope you'd realize what you were doing and change your mind. Bet you wish it was you lying here and not Doug.’"

"Drying my face I felt ashamed. I was glad we were alone. Crying on another boys’ shoulder felt awkward but he didn't stop me. Dad doesn't like cry-babies and here I was crying all over some kid I didn't even know."

"How'd you know?"

"‘Been there. Not with the drugs, but I've been there many, many times.’"

"As we left it hit me, “Hey! How do you know my name? I never told you."

"‘Maybe I'm your conscience’ and that freaked me. ‘Nah dude, saw your picture in the paper beside your dad.’ Looking at his watch, ‘Ah man, Nancy's going to kill me. Hey c’mon over to my house. You’ll be my alibi and your dad can go piss on a rope on why you're not home yet.’”

"Grabbing the bottle off the ground he added, ‘I'll take care of this. It'll be our secret between the two of us of what could have happened but didn't.’"

"Hey, what's yours?"

"What?"

"Your name dude, what's your name?"

‘Oh sorry man! James, but just call me Jimmy, everyone does. Well almost everyone. There's this one guy, he's so damn formal on names. Anyway when I first met him I just told him my name was Richards and he started calling me Mr. Richards.’ Laughing, ‘Dude I laid it on him to never call me that. It was ‘Richards’ and nothing more.' Straightening his cap. 'Over the years that I've met him that's all he's ever called me by.’ A change seemed to come over him like he just thought of something important and I could hear it in his voice, ‘Even after I finally told him my first name he still calls me ‘Richards’. It seems to fit.’

“Look I'll head home, you don't know my dad, my mom can only do so much.”

“‘Oh I got my ideas, but let's have Nancy handle it. Trust me, she has a way with people. Hey, why don't you stay over? It'll keep me out of her way so she can spend time with her boyfriend.’”

Shocked, I had never met this kid and already he was asking me stay over.

"‘C’mon!’ It was like he was pleading, ‘we're not far and there's a spare room you can stay in for the night. Course you're going to have to figure out what to sleep in,’ and he was laughing again. ‘Not that we're going to get much sleep. I hope you’re a gamer dude. Got these badass computers and I can only play online for so long. Don't like pugging into groups when the guys I normally hang out with aren't available. Seems they’re busy and Nancy's not into MMO's.’"

“But what will we do?” And he was serious again. Only this time it wasn't like the talk he did earlier. ‘Told you, play games, talk. Go swimming if you're up to it later on.' Watching, he adjusted his ball cap again never seeming to get it adjusted to the way he wanted it.”

“‘Hey you like baseball? Astros play again on Sunday. Doesn't matter just c’mon over for the feast. Nancy and Paul are great cooks. Talk about anything that’s on your mind. Within reason of course.’”

“It didn't take much to convince my family and I spent more time at his place than my own home after that. Dad didn't even seem to really care as long as I was there as a supportive son when he needed me."

Finished, Donna adjusted the glasses she was forced to wear now as she took her seat. Still getting used to them she had weathered it along with the necessary skirts and blouses. She had accepted who she had become now, even learning to deal with the inconveniences. Still it was the glasses she didn't like. They were so dark that they shaded out everything. One day, they said, when she had better control but, for now, they had to stay in place.

Listening, someone seemed to be leaving. Barely making out Rita's outline she watched the figures leave. It seemed that Dr. Tripp left also. The glasses were dark for a purpose. Nobody seemed to stop them. Why was Rita here anyway? Ever since she arrived weeks ago Rita had been avoiding her. That is till she was told to attend this meeting.

Waiting ‘till the door closed Mrs. Fine contemplated what she was about to say. "Interesting story Miss Brice, still the fact remains you don't really know Mr. Richards as much as you seem to think.”

Placing her hands in front of her, "You were told not to go there unless you had a staff member with you. Yet you tried to enter unattended. In a coma or not that still doesn't give you the right to try and force your way inside his consciousness."

Thinking there had to be some way to make them understand. To know she wasn't afraid of him. Donna started talking, gently, almost as though she was merely reminiscing. "It was while we were driving that I saw them, Mrs. Fine. Images of him, so real I thought we were on a different world. Some of it's still a mystery to me."

Focusing on her, "We were the only ones on that part of the highway. Miles from the nearest town as we worked our way to New Mexico. Just me and him."

Vividly she remembered that day. "They were his memories, Mrs. Fine. Memories, some long forgotten while others, more recent. Colonel Harris, you, Nancy and many others. Teens along with little kids I've never seen before."

"In one you were dressed in a surgical outfit ready to operate on her. Yes, her, only now she was screaming. Not the normal outbursts, but real screams. Terrifying screams of pain and anguish. But you didn't care. You wanted something, only she couldn't or wouldn't give it to you.”

"She begged you, Colonel not to let her do it, begged for mercy only it didn't come. She wasn't weak but whatever it was, it terrified her. It ended there as another image seemed to take over."

"I wanted it to stop but it wouldn’t. Stronger than the last it drew me in. I seemed to move towards him when suddenly I was him. He was back in New Mexico waiting to make his move into the fourth dimension. There was no detonator in his hand. Nothing to prevent anyone from stopping him. He was just waiting for the right moment."

"Chris was there with bleached hair and brown eyes, along with several other people. A boy named Ty prevented him from moving. Chris was there controlling his emotions while they waited for General Harris to arrive." Hearing him breathe in sharply, "Yes, you were a general and with no scar on your face. Everyone wore uniforms with nametags along with their designations where your branch patch would have been.”

She realized what her next actions would do, still, they had to see for themselves. To experience for themselves what she had that day.

Removing her glasses she quickly looked around the room at each face, catching their eyes, before they could react… "You walked up to him General" as she forced them into the memory of what had once happened. A memory of what he had gone through that day.

They were Jimmy now, standing, trying to fight free as General Harris approached him.

"You’re insane mister. Thinking I'd let you go with that device. Allowing a boy like you to take it to wherever it is you go is out of the question."

Standing in front of him, "Scientists ran the simulations countless times. Each time the results were the same. A tear back into our world that would cause massive devastation to our realm."

Listening, the group heard Jimmy's voice as if it was their own. Everything as it emanated from her memory to them. "They’re wrong General they don't understand what's in there to prevent it."

"Who are you to say they’re wrong Mr. Richards. They're the best I could find. They studied your equations. Fed them into the simulations and do you know what happened? The computers rejected them. Invalid returns due to insufficient energy."

"I told them it would work sir. But only for me. I'm the source. Able to convert mass into energy.”

“Do you understand how much energy is required? We've measured what you do when you teleport from one location to another. You don't have it in you.”

"General I go there when I want. You can only measure from one location to another in this plane. You can't measure how much is used there because you’re not permitted to be there. You have to trust me I can do it."

"If you can show me some proof of what's there I'd believe you. Till then I have to rely on the experts. All I have from you is hearsay. No proof itself that it truly exists. It's nothing more than a concept."

Screaming, "Damn it General I'm the one who knows what's out there. Not a bunch of scientists that can only rely on the machines they program. Just because I can't show anyone doesn't mean it's not there? It protects itself. Defends its territory." Shaking, "Don't you understand, I just want it to end before I go mad from it. To set both you and me free."

"Listen to yourself Mr. Richards. Believing that there's something in there helping you." Approaching him the others removed the backpack. Taking their means of salvation away. "Whatever you've experienced has affected your mind son. Unknown radiation as you teleport back and forth maybe. Or maybe your transformation itself. Even the psychiatrists said you were on the edge."

Fighting, he had to break free. Losing it, his anger tried to take control of him. The hatred he always had to fight when he was near this man. To know he was so close to achieving his goal only to lose to him again. "You goddamn mother fucking son of a bitch. Don't you understand what's going to happen?”

Frustrated, "What's with you damn Norms where you have to have proof. Don't you have your faith to trust? To believe in something you can't see. What’s it going to take General? What’s it going to take for you to finally believe what I'm trying to do?" Cursing the universe, why did he have to deal with this man. Why him and not someone else.

Turning he faced the others like him. "Ty let me go, please. Chris, you believe don't you? I'm so close to ending this. You know when I'm lying. I've trusted you. I've always trusted you. You know when I'm lying, am I lying now?"

Shaking his head, "Jimmy, you’re good but there are times even I don't know. I mean, if you believe it to be true it can come back to me as being true. It's how you believe it. I'm sorry."

Hands caressed his face as he stared into the face of the one he had tried to make understand what was as stake. "Keep hold of him Mr. Quentin, this will only take a second." Screw the universe for making him the one it wants in charge. To be in control of all their lives.

Just as before he was on the receiving end. What was he doing wrong? Why can't they understand he was trying to help them?

Hands positioned, "I'm afraid I can't let you live Mr. Richards. You're a danger, a threat. We'll examine you, of course. To help others that are this close to the madness."

Hands moved quickly as promised. One second Jimmy was looking at those he had been friends with, the next he was staring skyward as clouds passed overhead in the evening sky.

"Take his body to one of the trucks and head back."

"Sgt. McPherson, secure the weapon in the van. Have extra guards in the convoy back.

"Sir."

Only able to stare, they didn't even bother closing his eyes, he knew what would follow. Hearing would fade first followed by his sight as his brain died from lack of oxygen. Confusion would follow afterwards. And as he died so would the world. It always happened this way. Always.

"Over there, what's that? Where'd it come from?"

There was yelling now but he barely heard them, "Damn if he wasn't telling you the truth General. I believed you more than him. He knew this would happen. He told us and we didn't..." and sound drifted away from him.

Blurred images crossing his field of vision as the moisture from his eyes dried up. Soon it would be over. Soon he would be gone and so would they.

Vision shifting, something must have moved his body. A large object as it blocked everything. A body maybe? It didn't matter now. Nothing was going to stop it once it started.

The only thought left, as the blackness finally overtook him, was the satisfaction that he was right, "Told you, you fucking asshole."

Placing the glasses back on, Donna broke contact. Shaded again from her view they would be coming out of it soon. It lasted no more than a few minutes. No need to try and leave. Besides, where would she go? He said she'd be safe here. Safer than the other place.

She heard them as they caught their breath, trying to comprehend what they had seen, witnessed.

There were certain rules that had to be obeyed, this was one of them. They had wanted to know she was sure, but not in this way. They wanted it to be in a controlled environment and there wasn't much time left as he lay there suffering. This was the only way.

They had wanted to know the extent of her ability, she wouldn't give it. Well, now they knew.

"Yes Colonel, we become that person when I show their past. To see, hear, smell and feel. I can only show so many people though. This image seemed to stay with me. I'll never forget it. Never."

Listening she heard them retching and the room filled with the smell of it. Reacting to what they had seen and felt. They may have seen death, maybe even killed. But to experience it first-hand like this was way different.

Standing, with his clenched fists on the table, Colonel Harris was furious. Furious at what he had been forced to see and to have others know. Still the voice was tempered. Imposing.

"Miss Brice, I don't know what you were hoping to accomplish by that but I can assure you you'll regret that transgression."

Wiping his mouth as another wave of nausea started to overtake him, "Place her in confinement."

Hands grasped hold of her as she was led away. "It’s hard to believe that at one time we were different. But think of what he's had to do. Helping those he hated, while living a life over and over, never truly forgetting his past."

Walking by the officers Donna had to ask. "Are you both still like who you were before? Not changed enough?

Walking out the door. "He freed us just like he promised, yet you healed him."

Barely able to hold it back, "Out. Get out. All of you."

"Sir?"

"You heard, leave me."

Regaining control, he didn't know who to be upset with more. Miss Brice, for projecting the image, or the fact he'd actually seen a side of himself that he'd only heard about and he was concerned may still be there.

Leaving shortly thereafter, personnel moved out of his way as he headed towards the infirmary.

Yes he had telepaths go inside to find out what he knew. Only there was too much to shift through. Reading thoughts they didn't understand.

Approaching one particular room, guards stood by. Miss Brice wasn't the only who tried to enter Richards room, uninvited.

Moving past them, Dr. Lynchburg was examining x-rays. "Any change?"

"None that we can ascertain." Frustrated, "By all respects he shouldn't even be in this state. Miss Keys did excellent work on healing his injuries. Even the ones I recorded years before are gone."

"I would have preferred she just performed only the basics to keep him alive till he was brought here. "

"Couldn't be helped. She claimed she almost lost him once, refusing to quit thereafter. Worked herself in to exhaustion."

"Explains the crankiness when she arrived back. Still she's not fully trained."

"Trained or not she saved his life."

Without warning they watched as the boy struggled against the restraints. Lifting his head "I'll kill you. You hear me? I'll kill you You son of a bitch," before collapsing back onto the bed.

He must have really hated you Colonel.

Watching the boys expression changed. Changed from anguish to calm again. "He's hated a lot of people Doctor not just me. I was just not his number one priority."

"If you or Mrs. Fine weren't who was?"

"The one that caused it all... himself."

~o~O~o~

Special thanks to Lilith Langtree in both the creation and opening of this universe. All characters are the creation of both myself and Lilith.
Also a special thanks to Rubberjohn for his time to read and review this work.

No copies of this work is to be published except on this website without the consent of all parties concerned.

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