Rebel

Chapter Twenty Two

The closer I got there the more I started to worry about what Alexsandra said. Why would I have to be careful? I was just going to early training. When I got there I knocked and the door opened right away as usual.

"Ah Sage." Cathleen said, "Come in, come in."

I walked in the room, the door closing behind me, and the feeling of being trapped overwhelmed me.

"I'm glad to see that you've awakened!" Cathleen said, her strong hands intertwined and set on her desk. "Now that you've got your power we can start training you on how to use it! But that's not why I've called you here. Sit down please."

Something about this lady really freaked me out. I didn't want to sit down, that made it harder for a fast escape, but I forced my legs to carry me over to the chair and sit down.

"Good." Cathleen said, a small smile playing around her face, "Now, as I'm sure you've heard, young Alexsandra still hasn't gotten past her testing simulation. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but she's been here for nearly two years now, and that's far too long for her to still be here."

Suddenly my vision sharpened, all of Cathleen's inhuman features coming into laser focus. Her cold grey eyes, the muscles showing through the very expensive looking blouse she was wearing, the sharp cheekbones protruding from her face. "I--I'm not sure what you mean."

"Well you see Sage," Cathleen said as if she were explaining what two plus two is to a three year old, "Once a special completes their training, they get sent to a secret compound where they get to... complete some given tasks. That's why there are so few specials here.

"Now, Alexsandra has been here for almost the longest time on record, and she still hasn't even completed her simulation section. This can cause problems in the long run. Understand?"

I blinked up at her, my mind still processing what she just said. 'This can cause problems in the long run.' I nodded slowly, the sound of my heart thumping in my ears. What was she gonna do about it?

"Now," Cathleen said, leaning back on her chair, "We must do something about this. I've been pondering this, and I came to the conclusion just last night. I'll have you do it to test your loyalty." Cathleen paused as if expecting me to say something, but when I stayed silent she continued, "Your task is simple, you need to go up to Alexsandra and tell her that she has stayed here too long. She must leave immediately or be executed."

I paused, feeling slightly light headed, "Wh-where would she go?"

Cathleen pressed her lips together, "In the streets to find a living I guess."

"Buh-but what if no one takes her in? What if she can't find food or shelter or a job? The compound's in the middle of nowhere, she can't just walk to civilization. She could die!"

Cathleen stood up and began slowly pacing around the room, "Sage, this may be hard for you to comprehend now at such a young age, but that is the hope. Alexsandra knows too much, and it could be dangerous if we just send her out for adoption. The best way to dispose of her is by telling her that we're giving her a chance to live, and let her die slowly on her own."

The room was spinning, and suddenly I felt sick. This is a dream. I thought, grabbing Cathleen's desk for extra support, I'm just having a nightmare and soon I'll wake up and it'll be all over. But that didn't happen. I even tried pinching my leg, but I remained firmly planted in the chair. My heart was racing so fast it felt like it was going to pound its way out of my chest.

"I understand you might be in shock," Cathleen said, grabbing a picture of the wall and admiring it for a second, "But I need your answer now." She hung the picture back on the wall and turned to face me, "Will you do it?"

I forced my lungs to capture air, my mind racing. Don't betray Alexsandra. One half of me said. Don't betray Dr. Morsie. The other half of me argued. It was a war raging inside my head. Alexsandra, the only person who truly understands me and my only friend, or Cathleen Morise, the person who saved me from foster care and Mr. Hoolay, and gave me this amazing power. I can't sentence my own friend to death! But then again, if I don't do it Cathleen will just kick both me and Alexsandra out. Alex wouldn't want that. But I can protect her out there! But what if I can't? I'm not that good at shapeshifting yet, and I have no idea about how to live out in the wild! Alex wouldn't want me to die for her, and it would be useless to say no anyway....

I cleared my throat, though it was sore and raw, "Alright." I said, "I'll do it."