Short on Time

Chapter 143

"I've officially hacked every Quantum Kinematic database on the planet," Cisco said as he walked in. "You know what I found out about Artificial Speed Forces? Thawne built one, and that's it. And I doubt he's gonna tell us seeing how he's Linda Blaired our pal Nash, and you know, he kinda wants to murder the hell out of us." 

"Cisco," I groaned in annoyance.

"If Thawne can figure it out, then so can we," Barry said. 

"In the meantime, we need to make sure the Flash doesn't lose his powers," Caitlin said. 

"Still working on that one," I said honestly. 

"The Speed Force may be gone, but there's still a residual amount of speed left in your DNA," Caitlin continued. "Until we figure out how much, we need to manage your speed output." 

"How do we do that?" Barry asked. 

"I call it the Speed Gauge," Cisco said proudly as he gave Barry the watch-like device. 

"It will measure the intensity of the velocity you're using by color," I told Barry. 

"So, right now, it's black. That's neutral means you're not using any speed at all," Caitlin said. 

"If you're using a minimal amount, that's green. The yellow is next, then orange, and obviously red is the maximum amount," I told him. 

"At this point, I don't recommend operating beyond green," Caitlin said. "And we're not just talking about running, okay? Speed thinking."

"Speed healing," I added. 

"Flash time," Caitlin said. "All of these things could deplete your meta-abilities. You have to be careful."

"Guys, it's not that simple," Barry said. "I'm supposed to keep the city safe."

"Which is why Esther is on patrol right now," I told him gently. 

"What would it look like if you used this?" Barry asked curiously. 

"If it was calibrated to my powers, it would probably always be in the green," I told him honestly. 

"I'm glad there isn't a Light Force," Cisco said. 

"At least that we know of," Caitlin said.

"I'd like to keep my religious beliefs in the strictly-Catholic area, thank you very much," I said. 

"But you talk about other religions all of the time," Cisco said.

"Just because I'm a devout and practicing Catholic doesn't mean I won't learn about other religions," I told Cisco. "Do you know how many times I got questioned on an airplane about Catholic's worshiping Mary."

Cisco smiled, "so you do admit it!"

"Oh my gosh, do I have to explain this to you again?" I demanded as Cisco snickered like a ten-year-old who succeeded in ticking off his big sister.

"Team Flash! It's your pal, Nash. Let me out!" Nash said, saving Cisco from my correction rant of how Catholics don't worship Mary. 

"Guys, are we sure that's Nash?" Caitlin asked.  

"Or Thawne playing possum?" Cisco asked. 

"Let's find out," Barry sighed.

~*~

"So this Thawne," Nash said, "got the red eyes and vibrates, but he's also a Wells?" 

"Yeah. That's him," Barry said.

"How did you?" I asked.

"I've been seeing a lot of Wells lately. I mean, up here. A lot. I don't know how many there are, but the wizard Wells, annoying. French Wells," Nash said with a sigh. "New York City Wells, actually he's all right. And then Harry Wells."