Page 17 of Artificial Moon

Moments later, I see what Allison sees: a nondescript space. It’s smaller than an office, but bigger than a bathroom, but not by much. It’s a utility work room, and there’s a man sitting at what looks like a desk on wheels; unfortunately, Allie hasn’t quite brought the room into focus. That said, the image of the man himself sharpens enough that I can confirm he’s my target: Norman. Can’t quite call him avictimyet, because I don’t know what the hell is happening.

“That’s him, Allie. Now, can you shore up the room? I need to see more than just ‘blurry small office’ to make the jump.”

“I’m trying, Sam.” Allie looks over at me from her big chair, a look of defiance or defensiveness on her face. “I’m pretty sure there’s something blocking my ability to see him.”

I frown. “Blocking how? What kind of something?”

“I’m not sure. It’s all around him. A metal of some sort.”

I frown, focusing on the image projected in my mind. “I don’t see any metal. His desk is metal.”

“No, it’sonhim, around him.”

“Jewelry?” I ask, scanning the man in my own thoughts. But I see no jewelry at his throat or on his fingers or wrists. No watch, either.

As I search earnestly, the room and desk come into view. Yeah, it’s as if something dispersed enough for Allie to see. Me, too. Pretty sure I’m now seeing enough for me to make the leap.

“Sam, let’s talk about this.”

“What’s there to talk about?” I ask.

“He seems protected in some way, a way I’m not used to seeing.”

“Or maybe he’s deep underground?”

She shakes her head. “He is, but that’s never bothered me before. Remember those Canadian kids stuck in a cave last year?”

I nod. Of course I do. With Allie’s help, we led each and every one of those kids to safety. “You’re right. The depth didn’t seem to matter.”

“It’s a small office, Sam. There’s not a lot of room for you in there.”

“Maybe I’ll leap onto the desk, grab him, and jump back here.”

“You’re not getting what I’m saying, Sam.”

But I do get it, having gotten a glimpse of it in her mind, a different part of her mind. She’s worried about me. She doesn’t know what I’m getting myself into and suspects a trap, and if there’s something screwy going on with the guy, she won’t know how to find me again.

“I’ll be careful, I promise. Robots don’t scare me.”

“He’s not a robot, Sam. If anything, he’s a cyborg—and smarter than a hundred people combined. And if not smarter, than the next best thing—he can access information on the fly.”

I shrug. “You’re saying he’s basically a super nerd. I’m still not feeling very worried.”

“A super nerd with enhanced physical abilities.”

I motion to myself. “Hello. Doesn’t get much more enhanced than me.”

“Just promise me you’ll get in and get out as soon as you can.”

“I promise. Now will you quit worrying?” I say. “He’s gone all fuzzy again.”

“Oops, sorry. Hang on.” She closes her eyes, grips the arm of her chair, and nods. When she nods, the man and the room come back into focus.

“See ya in a bit!” I say, and summon the single flame.

I make the leap.

Chapter Eight

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