Special Defense Force

Episode 9: Who Guards the Guardian?

My breathing was labored and sweat poured from my face. The beeping of the Infirmary's life support equipment was my only solace in the darkness. In the waiting room Bobby leaned against the view window, "Any idea how he is?" Dr. Sarah was sitting nearby, looking at my chart, "Not very well. Whatever happened with his powers, the battle with Robbie and not to mention the explosion he suffered. He keeps fluctuating between critical and stable." Emily fidgeted on the couch, "I just can't believe any of this is really happening." Sharon looked at her hands, "What about Dr. Adams?" Dr. Sarah nodded, "He's weak, but is recovering slowly. He should be out of danger soon." Anna whined, "I'm worried about him." Jayce looked down at Anna and patted her head, "Rest easy little one. Your big brother is stronger then we give him credit for." Anna sighed, "I know Jayce. But that's in a fight. This is...I don't know what this is." Dr. Sarah sighed, "It's my fault I guess." Bobby turned as everyone else looked at her, "How is this your fault Doctor?" She sighed again, "I warned him that something was going to happen. I guess I was too late." Emily stood in slight annoyance, "So it was you in his head." She looked up in surprise, "You knew about that?" Emily nodded, "That's the thing about couples Doctor. They talk." She looked back at me through the window, "He told me about the woman in his mind that seemed to guide him. At first I didn't know how to feel about it, but after I thought more on the matter I decided whoever it was only wanted to help." She looked back at Dr. Sarah, "You were that woman weren't you?" Dr. Sarah sighed and nodded, "Yes. I too am a special. I can enter a person's mind and heart and help them control themselves to an extent. Like you said, a guide." She smiled, "That's how I knew about your feelings for each other, even before you said a word about it." Emily nodded, "I'm not upset doctor. But to have been told by you would have been appreciated." She nodded, "Of course. I apologize."

Jayce sighed and sat down, "I'm the new guy here. Anybody know who the two Renegades were that showed up put of no where?" Courtney sighed from her seat, "The one who attacked me is known as Joseph. He's a master swordsman and a Special at that. He was the one who trained me at first." Jayce put his hands on his chin as he listened, "However, one day while on a training exercise I saw his true nature. One that truly loves fighting and killing. A closet psychopath who enjoys living by the sword." Jayce nodded, "You said he was a Special. Do you know what he can do?" Courtney shrugged slightly, "Only a little bit. His left eye carries some sort of power that aides his natural combat skills." She looked at the floor, "I'm afraid that's all I know." Bobby sighed, "The woman's name is Crystal. She can control temperature by lowering it to the point where ice is created for various effects. Also, when she is in contact with an icy surface her speed rivals even mine." Jayce leaned back, "You seem to know an awful lot about her." Bobby shook slightly, "I should..." He punched the wall, "She's my sister." Jayce recoiled as Bobby continued, "When we found out about our powers, our parents wanted us to control them but live like normal people. I was okay with that. But Crystal..." He lowered his arm, "She eventually couldn't take it any more. A guy at school pushed her around once too often." He turned to the room, "She froze him solid. He died almost instantly." Anna shook a little, "Even I didn't know that." Bobby sat down, "The SDF was able to incapacitate her and hold her in a thermal neutral cell. Therefore cutting off her powers. But now she's out. And she loves to use her powers for whatever she wants to." Everyone sighed as Sharon brushed her hair aside, "It's a huge mess."

Anna nodded but then looked at my recovery room, "Huh?" She rolled over as Emily looked at her, "Anna dear what is it?" Anna stared at me through the window, "For just a moment. I felt something." Emily stepped closer and knelt by her, "Like what?" Anna shook her head, "I'm not sure. It was a slight twinge in my head. And then it left." She looked over at Emily, "It felt almost like his heart was crying for something." Courtney looked over at that point, "Do you think you could peek in and see what's going on in his mind?" Anna nodded, "He's asleep so it should be easier. Just a moment please." Her eyes started glowing and after just a few seconds she gasped and they returned to normal. Bobby leaned back, "See anything?" Anna nodded and turned to Dr. Sarah, "Is it possible we could move him back to the dome? There isn't a lot of room here. And I think we should all see this."