It is difficult to see as I enter the dim room. It’s empty, the air is stale and the smell of sweat lingers. At the far end a man is sitting in a large chair that almost swallows him up. His bald head and jutting cheekbones give the impression that he is very ill.
But it’s his gaze that disturbs me. Dark, sunken eyes follow my every move. It sends a shiver through me. I stand very still in in the middle of the room and wait for something to happen.
“Young Starskye. I trust that you have been treated well.”
The gravelly voice does not suit the gaunt appearance of the man. It carries the authoritative tone of somebody used to getting their way.
“Come closer. I want to see you.”
“No.”
“Do you know where you are?” he asks after a pause.
“I’m guessing you’re not going to tell me anyway.”
“You are clever.” Somehow he makes it sound like a threat.
I decide to ask my own question. “Who are you?”
“I am Doctor Feasiblion. I am the leader of RESIST.”
I struggle and fail to keep the shock from my face. Memories of my father talking about the organization flash through my mind. It was the story of a brilliant scientist gone mad and trying to destroy what he had once tried to create.
“RESIST was shut down and so were you.”
“Is that what you were told?” He sounds amused. “The lies they tell can be convincing. I almost fell for them myself at one point.”
“You killed a lot of people.” I state.
“The human race is fast advancing. The next step in evolution is here to harness for our benefit. Yet some who fear change believe the mutations are repulsive. The sacrifice of a few were necessary.” Feasiblion coughs. “You understand that we must accept the mutations.”
I don’t think that the mutations are a bad thing. I think Feasiblion is so convinced he’s right that he’s gone to the extreme.
“Your powers have developed beautifully.” He is slow to rise to his feet and make his way towards me. Details become more visible as he draws near. There are scars on his face, his skin is a sickly gray. I stare straight ahead rather than watch him as he walks a slow circle around me.
“Show me what you can do.”
Uncomfortable at how close he stands, I move away. “I’d rather not.”
He studies me for a moment. What is going through his mind?
“Starskye. You will learn to obey me. I am now your Master. We are equals in situation but not status. I am concerned for yours and every mutant’s future. Fear me and I will protect you.”
My mouth twists into a smirk. “I don’t think it’s going to be that easy. For one thing, you haven’t told me why I’m here. And something you should learn is that I have a problem with authority.”
“You are a naive child in dire need of discipline. Address me in such a manner again and you will be punished.”
“I’d like to see you try.” The familiar feeling of hot anger is seething inside me.
“Foolish boy. I warn you, it is not wise to upset me.”
This frail man that looks to be no younger than fifty somehow gives his voice such force that it makes my throat tighten in fear.
YOU ARE READING
Shape Shifter
Science FictionThe people on Nita are plagued with a disease that leaves survivors with unusual powers. Kevin, a teenage boy with the ability to shape shift, is the son of the man in charge of trying to stop the mutations. He was told to keep his powers a secr...
