The Nibiru Effect

Memory 33

Angry Dude looks like hell. His nose is broken, and dried blood coats his upper lip. The exposed parts of his arms and legs are covered in bloodied scratches. He has a black eye, and his hair is a mess. He also appears to be out of breath, but what hits me the hardest is the fact that he's no longer scowling.

"Get behind me," orders Jonn as he yanks his knife from its sheath and takes a defensive stance. I don't understand the need for such hostility until I notice the knife Angry Dude clutches in his bloodied fist. Moments later, I'm standing behind Jonn.

The grey-haired soldier circles his opponent, weapon at the ready. I'm not sure who Angry Dude is, but it's obvious he and Jonn don't get along. Or so I think until he does the most unexpected thing.

He drops his knife and raises his hands in surrender.

Jonn hesitates.

"I don't want to hurt you," says Angry Dude.

"What do you want?" demands Jonn.

"I'm here to help you."

"Why should I believe you?"

"It's me," says Angry Dude. "It's really me."

I'm not sure what that means, but Jonn seems to relax. He lowers his knife, but I can tell from his posture he's ready to attack at the slightest sign of treachery.

"Talk," he growls.

Angry Dude's lips curl into a broad smile, and he lowers his hands.

"Same old Jonn," he says. "Always suspicious."

I now have proof they have a history.

"Talk," repeats Jonn.

Angry Dude's smile evaporates.

"I never meant to betray you. Avalon used a mind jacker. She forced me to deceive you, to trick you into falling into that trap. I never meant... I tried... I..." Tears start running down Angry Dude's cheeks. It's the first time I see a grown man cry. I only met him twice, yet I can't help feeling sorry for him.

Jonn doesn't seem to share my compassion. He still clutches his knife, ready to make a move. But then his lips curl into a faint smile, and I realize he believes Angry Dude.

"Is Avalon here?" he asks.

Angry Dude nods.

Relief washes over me like a tidal wave. For the first time in two weeks, I'm hopeful I'll get to go home. But the respite is only temporary.

"She's the one who created the plague," says Angry Dude.

Despair slams into me with the force of an eighteen-wheeler hitting a brick wall. Even if we locate Avalon and get our hands on her ring, Jonn and Kara will no doubt insist we find a way to eradicate the fire plague and set history back on course before we leave this time.

"How did you escape?" asks Jonn.

"We were attacked by a herd of dinos," explains Angry Dude, nodding to his bloodied arms. "The mind jacker must have been damaged during the fight because I regained control halfway through the battle. I managed to slip away unnoticed."

"Why didn't you try to take her down?" asks Jonn.

"I considered it, but I was outnumbered. I knew the best course of action was to lose them and come find you."

"How did you find us?" asks Jonn, growing suspicious once more.

"I didn't," admits Angry Dude. "After I escaped, I ran until I was certain I wasn't being followed. I was just about to take a rest and get my bearings when I heard shouting. I followed the sound and found you and this kid"—he nods in my direction—"sitting here."