The Venator (The Mindbender series Book 2) Read online

  I looked at the tablet as if I didn’t know what it was or what I needed to do. “What am I supposed to do with this?” I asked.

  “Read it, smart ass. It’s not all about skill and fighting its smarts, too. So, learn that. Use your head, and I’m not talking about knocking someone with it. Use your brain.”

  I narrowed my eyes at him. “I’m the smartest in the Academy,” I boasted.

  “So fucking start showing it.” He grinned.

  I glanced down at the tablet. The girl had brown hair cut into a bob style that complimented her dark eyes; she looked like any normal, teenage girl. She wore glasses. What was so special about her?

  “I know what you’re thinking. She looks like an ordinary girl. Doesn’t she?”

  I glanced back at the driver’s seat. Joseph was looking straight passed the dashboard of the vehicle.

  “She’s not…The Company found her by chance. She’s a Mindbender. They’ve been hunting her since the beginning. She’s quick, but sometimes she’s not so smart. Likes to prowl the school grounds. The director thinks she’s looking for something.”

  “Something?” I asked wondering what he was talking about. In the distance the buses were letting students off. The school was looking pretty crowded.

  “Something or someone. No one is really sure.”

  “Do you think she is? Looking for someone, I mean.”

  “Doesn’t matter what I think, kid. The Company just wants us to pick her up. She’s not as dangerous as the ET product, or as the director refers to them as Project X defectee. But she does need to be dealt with.”

  “What’s gonna happen to her?”

  “What happens to all of her kind…” He looked right at me.

  “Termination.” The idea didn’t even make him flinch.

  “What else? The Company’s trying to clean up its mess from thirty years ago. You know the story…the contamination and release of nearly twelve alien products. Most died, of course, but those that survived have still not all been accounted for.”

  “How many are left out there?” I asked.

  “Not sure, kid. We are just sent to engage, capture, and pickup. The crew does the rest. That’s how it’s always been.”

  “Termination, though? That seems a little drastic,” I said, finally letting the truth of the situation sink in. “I thought they were worth something.”

  “Nope; she’s just another Mindbender, a product that went rogue a long time ago. No need for those,” he said gazing back at the school.

  I looked down at the file and read.

  The briefing was direct. Company property that had escaped has to be returned. This property was a teenage girl, the same age as me. At least she looked like it. Had she escaped years ago, as the information claimed, she would have to be older than that. But she looked no more than sixteen.

  Notes continued: young hunter (John Slater) brought in, meant to be bait for the experimental Mindbender to relax, see a peer. I was also back-up, so she would feel safe from whatever she was running from.

  “You ready?” Joseph asked.

  I spun my head around and nodded. He grabbed the tablet and put it away.

  As he got out of the car, I followed; questions lingering at the edge of my mouth. What were we doing?

  Students were entering the school building. The yellow school buses were now leaving the side of the building.

  I walked alongside Joseph. I was grateful for his presence. He’d been with The Company for years and knew the outside world. Everything was so confusing! People were far more chaotic. I tried to take it all in. Inside The Academy, I thought I’d seen different people, but in the outside world, there were more variations rather than athletic males of different ethnicities.

  Women were probably the most interesting. There was more variety than the ones in the simulations. Sometimes, when ones my age looked towards me, they would keep watching. It gave me a strange feeling in my stomach, and at first, I couldn’t help but think it was a threat. A few eyes looked in my direction, smiles from the females made me feel different; something I’d never felt before… well, except that one time.

  “They think you are handsome,” Joseph explained, grabbing my arm before I could reach hunter adrenaline and react.

  That was noble. I never assumed I would be one of the more handsome humans that existed.

  The school was big, far bigger than the training halls at The Academy. Joseph took hold of my upper arm and pulled me out of the crowd of students. His face was stern.

  “Slater, you need to focus.”

  “I am focusing, sir.”

  “Don’t call me ‘sir’.”

  “Sorry, I am focusing, Joseph.”

  “I want you to wait here.” He looked alert. I was distinguishing his various facial expressions, learning to tell them apart from what he was actually feeling. He was in hunter mode, but always my guardian first. Vigilant and focused, his demeanor seemed to take on a sterner and firmer pose.

  “Where? Here? Why?” I argued. It was the middle of the hall; students were moving passed us on all sides. As far as I knew, I looked like a student talking to a man who could be my father or a teacher.

  “I know you can handle yourself, kid. But you have to learn to take orders, too. Trust me.” My mouth open as I was about to say something. Joseph gave me a stern look, one I was catching onto. One that said, don’t question me; just do it.

  I took a breath and nodded. I would wait, I would stand here like an idiot and wait. I hadn’t noticed before, but he had a backpack in his hand, he swung it over my shoulder before I had the chance to say anything. The look was complete his eyes said. The backpack, teenage apparel, a school accessory. He glared at me and moved to leave.

  I looked around and noticed I fit right in as soon as Joseph stepped away, seamlessly disappearing in the crowd of strange faces. The backpack made me look the part far more than I had upon entering.

  What are you doing, John? I asked myself.

  “I’m here to identify the Mindbender,” I said aloud. The day was moving fast; students were rushing pass me into the halls ahead. I tried to look like I knew where I was going.

  I moved over to the cafeteria close by the doors Joseph and I had entered through. I hadn’t seen where Joseph had disappeared to, or even in which direction. My mind wandered, following one person; then, another. I tried to focus on them, imagine their thoughts. It was almost like an audio track clicked on in my head, voices filling the room. Was I actually hearing them?

  At first, I could follow one voice, and then another, and then it seemed as if the whole room was shouting. I tried to turn it off.

  No, stop!

  Hello?

  Who are you? Why can I hear you?

  I’m... Why can I hear you?

  I don’t know.

  Me either.

  The girl’s voice was clear above the others. It was like she was standing right next to me. So much so I looked to my right and left. I listened, hoping to hear her again, but it was only the noise of the people walking through the hall. I recalled the girl’s face in my mind. She looked unhappy in the photograph, sadly staring at the person behind the camera. Her brown eyes were kind and I was intrigued if she would look like this in real life.

  I wanted to wander. But Joseph’s instructions had been clear; he wanted me to wait. I turned toward the doorway. A bell rang in the distance loud enough to catch me off guard. Students raced passed me. I meant to move along with them, but I didn’t know if I should act or if I had to wait for Joseph.

  “Are you lost?” I heard a faint voice from behind, nearly causing me to jump out of my skin.

  I spun around to find a young girl staring in my direction. She approached slowly, carrying a bag of books at her side.

  I didn’t know what to say. I think I must have turned all colors in front of her. My lips felt numb and no longer a part of my face.

  “You look like you’re new here,” she said very politely. />
  When she came closer, I felt a shock come from her. She gazed oddly at me as if she felt the same thing. Her smile spread, her caution being replaced with determination.

  “Yeah,” I said, feeling like a big fool running a hand over the back of my neck. “I think I am. Can you point me to the office?”

  She smiled and so boldly took my hand moving upon me. I stepped back. Her face came close to mine, our lips almost touched. She took a deep breath, but it wasn’t a scent she was taking in, but the feel of me. Something between us was connecting. She looked passed my eyes, straight into my soul.

  “We’re both looking for the same thing, John Slater,” she whispered. Her eyes flashed at me. I was speechless at first.

  “Wait, how?” I hadn’t told her my name. I gazed at her, this strange connection was drawing us closer. She wanted to share something with me. “How did you know my name?” I stupidly asked.

  “Take me to her, help me find her…”

  “Her?”

  Immediately, a metal collar wrapped around her throat and locked in place; a burst of light flashed from the collar’s surface. The look in her eyes became one of fear and panic. She tried to turn but couldn’t move. She was frozen in place.

  I backed away a step or two. Joseph stood behind her as she dropped the bag she carried to the floor.

  Joseph looked at me. “Good job, kid. Get her bag.” I couldn’t move for a moment. I moved only when he glared over at me to hurry.

  The girl was frozen in place.

  “Is that what I think it is? Looks better from the one in simulations.” I said to Joseph. The sound of my voice surprised me. It sounded shaky and childlike.

  “Yeah, never seen one?” he said, but it wasn’t exactly a question, even though he phrased it as one. He already knew the answer.

  I shook my head, anyway.

  “It’s the new model. Neat, huh? Pretty much does what the older one does and keeps her from using her powers against us, and keeps her still. So we can secure the product without inviting outside interference. This one has added features.” He chuckled.

  “How so? Is it hurting her?” I asked. He looked surprised to hear me ask that.

  “Nah but does it matter, John? You can’t feel anything for these Mindbenders. They’re products. We’ll let The Company deal with that part. Our job is to secure the product and deliver her to the facility. After that, our job is done.” He pushed one button on the metal device placed around her neck and it disappeared. He moved back to pick up the bag when I had not done so. The girl remained still. It didn’t look like she could move though the collar was no longer visible. She frowned over her shoulder at Joseph, who came to face her and threw the bag at me. I caught it with both hands before it hit the floor.

  Her eyes drifted over to me. She was trying to speak.

  “What did she tell you?” Joseph asked.

  “Nothing useful,” I lied through my teeth, not sure why I withheld the truth.

  He furrowed his brow. “Sooner or later, you’re gonna have to learn, kid; these things are not your friends. They’ll do whatever it takes to escape. Who wants to get terminated?”

  I nodded.

  Joseph walked ahead. When he advanced, the girl moved with us. She walked like she was part of our group. She couldn’t speak, only grunt or glare over at Joseph as she walked alongside him and out of the building.

  We came to the vehicle and Joseph opened the back door for her. She climbed right in. I climbed into the front seat with Joseph.

  I observed her from the front. She was seated upright, beating her eyes at me. She bared no expression, just a blank look on her face.

  “Put your seat belt on,” Joseph commanded. I thought he was referring to me, but I noticed the girl obey his command without missing a beat.

  He chuckled. “Damn, how I like those fuckin’ things. Thank you, Dr. Nicholson.” He smirked turning on the car.

  I settled back, putting on my seat belt.

  “Look alert, kid,” said Joseph.

  I glanced over at him.

  “Not bad for your first day, huh? Don’t worry; you’ll get the hang of it. Give it time.”

  5

  Birthday Present

  After my adventure with Joseph, I returned to the barracks, washed up, and redressed into my military uniform. The other cadets were enjoying their leisure time talking or flipping through smuggled magazines.

  I took a seat on the bed, brushing away an offer from another cadet to look over the magazine he had taken from the other recruits. Instead, I took a book from under my bunk and studied.

  Steps echoed, and I heard the rush of cadets muttering as they tried to hide their contraband before scattering. I lifted my eyes from the pages of the book, and glanced over the trim of the cover, catching sight of a man in a white coat standing over a bunk and taking a magazine from a cadet’s hands. I immediately sat up when I realized it was Dr. Nicholson and the staff sergeant. Dr. Nicholson handed the magazine to the sergeant who ordered the cadet up and out of the barracks.

  Dr. Nicholson turned toward me. I leaped to my feet. He was looking around, but I caught his eyes spot the books on the bed where I had dropped them.

  I saluted him; he echoed my gesture.

  “What brings you here so late, Dr. Nicholson?”

  “At ease, John. I wanted to congratulate you on your first capture.”

  Capture? I had done very little, at least that’s what I thought.

  “Joseph’s report detailed great promise in your performance. I was delighted to hear the news. That is why you have been selected as part of the Venator division along with nine others…”

  I tried to contain my excitement.

  “Congratulations,” he said. I stood speechless, thinking of Jack’s words: Are you ready for what’s out there? Was I?

  “Your sergeant will give you your orders. You’ll transfer to the new Venator quarters and begin the required training.”

  I nodded almost immediately. He smiled back. He narrowed his eyes at the book on the bed.

  “What are you working on tonight?”

  “I was doing further reading in Spanish and German. I enjoy the languages very much, sir.”

  “I will have to put that passion to good use one of these days.”

  A small smile fashioned his slim lips. He picked the book off the bed and turned the pages. Around us, the other cadets, were anything but at ease. They always tried to avoid conversing with him.

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “I hope that Joseph is a good fit for you. He will be your mentor, guardian, and bodyguard throughout your journey as a hunter. Do you find him well-fitted?” His brow became a curious crease on the peachy color of his face, delighting me that he would ask. I had a choice, and that was a surprise to me.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “He seems quite fond of you.”

  I rejoiced, letting a look of surprise wash over my face. He put the book down on the bed.

  “Of course, I disregard such nonsense, but a solid hunter and guardian relationship is essential. What is your take on him? Does he challenge you? He can be replaced, but now would be the best time to make those recommendations.”

  “No,” I was quick to reply. He waited. “Forgive me, sir. He is a great mentor. Yes, I like him.”

  He smiled.

  “Very good, then. He’ll be officially appointed to you.” He turned to the sergeant who had come over to his side. The sergeant had something in his hands.

  “I have something else for you as well.” He had a box tucked beneath one arm. When he approached Dr. Nicholson, he lifted the lid.

  “Take it,” Dr. Nicholson ordered me.

  Inside was a beautiful gun. I lifted the weapon from its case and handled it expertly, opening the clip and messing with the mechanisms.

  “It is a Desert Eagle. It will help when you go out on your first mission. Enjoy it, you’ve earned it.”

  The gun was decorated in black
characters. I ran my fingers over the etched surface. It was truly beautiful. This hadn’t been the first time he had presented me with something special. Usually, there were books, but a few weapons had been gifted. This was something far more special than the others, though.

  “They’re the symbols of power, the universal sign life and energy,” I said regarding the characters on the body of the weapon. I smiled, this had to be the best of the items he had ever presented me with.

  “Thank you, sir, I will not let you down.”

  “I do not think you will.”

  “I had a question, Dr. Nicholson. Well, two actually.”

  “Go ahead.”

  “Is today my birthday. Ever since I’ve known you, you always give me something on this date.”

  There was hesitation as if he wasn’t sure how to answer my question. He moved closer, closing the lid of the box, and instructed the sergeant to move away. The man did as he was told.

  Standing face-to-face he said: “Yes, this is your birthday, John. What is your other question?”

  I was slightly surprised, but not sure about which part. The fact that I had a birthday was just as confusing as the idea that he presented me with gifts on each one. I saw no one else get the same treatment.

  “What happened to Jack?” I bluntly asked.

  “As I have already stated before, I sent him on a mission.”

  “A mission where?”

  “Is it the duty of a subordinate to question his superior?”

  “No, sir, but I was hoping you would tell me about my friend as a, well, I see you as a father of sorts since I have none of my own.”

  I was being honest. He was the only father figure I knew, someone that seemed to be at every step of my growth within the Academy. Through him, I knew Jack. Through him, I would achieve the next phase as a hunter. I knew no one else that would fit that title best. He gave me a tiny grin.