Page 24 of The Syphon King

“Agreed,” Nidev said, emphatically, his bright gray eyes scanning them. “You, Lore, Alerik and Kael. Do you need more?”

“If we do, I’ll let you know.”

He nodded. “Any theories?”

“With the latest recon done, we think the intimacy they’re sharing is opening whatever gift she has that allows her to contain negative energy. Theoretically, keeping her a virgin and locked away ensured the evil she held remained in a single location, allowing them to tap into it whenever they wanted to. But the scars on her body tell a gruesome story.”

Nidev’s scowl intensified. “Tell me.”

“Scans show she endured numerous traumas no doubt attached to the darkness he siphoned. If we find more, that means her gift is related to neuro-partitioning which would explain why she has no memory of it,” Lore said.

“Zodak thinks he over-siphoned and took her memories,” Nidev reminded.

But Thakx was unsure now. “We’ll know in a moment.”

“So, she was some kind of power bank for these people,” Vael said in low disgust.

“We’ll get them both hooked into the Synapse Monitor and see what type of neural connections they’ve formed and go from there,” Thakx said.

“He’ll want her clean if we find any darkness remaining,” Alerik assured.

“We need to see what we’re dealing with first,” Gauld said.

“Which reminds me,” Thakx remembered. “I’ve received word back from our good Dr. Ubaldo via email and he’s sending me everything useful to consider for Zodak’s situation.”

Nidev eyed him. “Been a minute since we last had dealings. How’s his work going?”

“Whatever it is, it must be spectacular,” Thakx said. “He’s currently in hiding.”

“Really.”

“One of his projects went off the rails. His words. But it led to a phenomenal break through.”

“Likewhat?” Nidev pressed, eager.

“Don’t know.” Thakx grinned. “Figured you’d be in touch to see if he needed anything.”

“Good,” he said. “I could use him in our laboratories.”

“You’ll have to email him for the rest of that story if he can tell it.”

“No phone number?”

“Not yet. I was thinking you’d make special arrangements to get something he’d feel safe giving.”

“Right,” he mused, heading out. “I’ll meet up with all of you later for updates on Zodak.”

“Bye-bye Poppy,” Gauld said when the door shut.

Thakx peered at Zodak on the monitor. “How’s he doing?”

“Out like a light,” Alerik said, fingers flying over his keyboard as Thakx regarded the screen next to their brothers.

“And his girl?”

“Same.”

“How soon before we have the readings we need?” Thakx wondered, taking a seat at his station.

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