When we finally got into Mr Traven's office he sat me down across his desk and passed me a pen and paper.
"I'm going to need you to speak quietly and precisely. We have a very short amount of time and you will only have time to ask me 3 questions when we're done. Firstly write this down "verax transeundum". Say that in front of the mirror 3 times while pushing against it to pass through. It's Latin. You will be able to pass through without doing that but it makes it a lot easier if you do, especially the first time. Secondly, be careful on the other side. They may look like people you know and love, but they are not. Thirdly, take this letter to me and the other side. Tell him you're here for the resistance and he will help get you settled. You do not have time to mess around. Do not let your parents know where you are going, make up an excuse to be gone a couple of days. Make sure you tell no one you got this information from me or I won't be able to help you on either sides. Now, your three questions, go." He looked at me as if I would be able to spit out 3 sentences, let alone three thought out questions after that.
"Are you mad?" He sighed and went back to moving around papers.
"Would you like to use that as one of your questions?" He raised an eyebrow at me. "I don't have time to prove it all to you but I can tell you this, your father has his reflection still. He lied so your mother wouldn't push him away, he has no idea of the implications of having a reflection. You inherited all this from him." I didn't have time to process that yet.
"Okay. Why are you helping me." He's never liked me before now, in fact I'd go as far as saying he hated me before this point.
"I'm your uncle Jessica." He said this like he was telling me the weather. "Your fathers brother?" He added after looking at my clearly confused face.
"I know what an uncle is." I said defensively. "What I don't know is how I don't know this already?" Surely I would know if I had an uncle.
"He doesn't know. I disappeared when he was very young and by the time he met me as Mr Travern there wasn't much of a resemblance left. The oldest passers, which is what we call what you and I are able to do, are usually brought in to the rebellion young, like your brother did, leaving the younger siblings to go about normal lives. Unfortunately for you your older brother isn't exactly... the brightest bulb in the house and we've had to involve you to." My brothers alive?
"Where is my brother?" He sighed like this was un important.
"He's on the other side. I'm sure you'll meet him once you cross. And your last question?" He looked at his watch and started to pack his things away.
"How is any of this possible?" As I said this he turned back to me looking younger then I'd ever seen him.
"Finally. The right question." He walked over to the white board and drew 2 circles. "Have you heard much of the theory of alternate universes?" I shook my head. "Of course not." He sighed. "This is our world" he pointed at one of the circle's. "Everything you've ever known resides inside this universe. However, this universe is our what I'll refer to as 'twin universe'. Basically the only way to get threw is through your reflection. Only certain blood lines can pass through. On the other side is our twin universe." He points to the other circle. "We don't have much time but I can tell you this, it should be our exact opposite, at the moment though there are things, or people, changing that. Which is what we need you to fix." He picked up the tracking anklet. "This is a fake. Put it on and wear it till you pass over. You have about 8 hours till anyone notices it's a fake, by the end of that 8 hours you need to be on the other side." I had so many questions to ask him but he was already standing up and ushering me out the door. "Trust your reflection Jessica. She will explain what I have not." And with that he opened the door and all but pushed me out locking it behind me.
