Chaos Theory

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Fifteen

The Justice League met up again outside the 33.1 facility.

"Adam Knight is clear and heading for a safe house," Carrie said. "Aquaman?"

"Charges are set."

"Boyscout and Impulse?"

"All the prisoners are out of the building."

"Cyborg?"

"Mainframe downloaded." They could all hear the HASMAT alarm, he didn't need to confirm that part of his task.

"Boyscout, X-ray the building, make sure everyone's clear."

Clark did as she said.

"The building is clear."

"Good," Carrie nodded. "Aquaman?"

He held up the detonator. Carrie held her arm out again.

"Grab on," she told them. When they all had a firm hold she nodded to AC who detonated the charges. Carrie teleported them out as the bombs began to explode.

Back at Watchtower Bart whooped with delight.

"Man, what a rush! That was awesome!"

AC and Victor seconded his sentiments, but in slightly more grown up terms. Clark looked worried.

"So what else can that mask do, Chloe?" AC asked.

"A lot. Not to be a downer, but would you guys mind leaving soon?"

"Why?" Bart asked, grinning as he threw his arm around her shoulder. "The party's just beginning!"

"Guys," Clark cut in. "The mask takes a pretty big toll on her. I don't think she wants you to see her like that."

Carrie put her hand on his arm.

"No, we shouldn't keep secrets," she said, remembering how her secrets had nearly destroyed her relationship with her Clark. "They deserve the truth."

"Are you sure?"

"Secrets only breed mistrust."

Slowly she reached up and removed the mask. Once again she was enveloped in a bright, golden light and when it faded, Carrie was lying on the floor.

"Too much," she began repeating. She didn't want to frighten the guys too badly so with what little coherence she had left, she made an effort to whisper and just repeat that one phrase.

Clark took the mask and used his super-speed to put it back in the safe, then he brought her the anti-psychotic pills that were also in the safe. He handed her two pills, which she swallowed gratefully, then he lifter her into his arms and carried her over to the couch under the window. He held her, gently rocking her and stroking her hair until she drifted off to sleep. Careful not to disturb her, he laid her down on the couch and went to join the others.

"What the hell was that?" Bart asked quietly. Clark appreciated his restraint.

"Yeah, no offence, dude, but that was pretty freaky," AC agreed.

"The mask Chloe put on is psychic but it has more power than she can handle. She said it's like a circuit being overloaded and it takes her a while to reboot her brain."

"But she'll be okay, right?" Victor asked.

"For now." Clark nodded.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Bart asked.

"With the pills she takes she can fully recover in a few days but the more she uses it... eventually it'll drive her insane."

"Whoa," Bart said, looking at Chloe with awe for her bravery and just a touch of fright. An expression the others seemed to share.