The Gift

Chapter 55

"FINALLY!" SAYS THE ONE Who Is The One triumphantly. "This is what I needed to see.

"Clearly," he continues, walking away from one of the dozens of video monitors, stroking his chin, "it's just as I hypothesized. It appears she manifests especially in moments of great duress. Which clearly indicates she has little or no mastery of her Gift."

The man at his side types this up in his mobile data pad and nods.

"Once they've doused the flames, put her in the Isolation Ward. We need to study her abilities in a controlled environment. And, needless to say, show no mercy. Not to either of them. I need results, results, results!"

"Yes, Your Excellency," says the assistant.

"The Allgoods believe they're here to get closer to me, and they're absolutely right," The One reflects. "In time, once I know them better than they know themselves, I will get very, very close to them."