Aurora Rising (3 page)

Rori’s breath caught with her embarrassment that he knew what she’d done.

His lips twitched. “Then again after reading your chart, this is all a new aspect of your talent for you isn’t it?”

“Yes.” Rori felt herself start to blush even more.

“It’s all right.” The man actually grinned. “You need to explore and develop. You haven’t had much time yet.” There now was compassion in the man’s voice. “Have you been able to identify any other emerging talents?”

“I’m not sure.” Rori fumbled over the words.

Tasc’s brow furrowed slightly and she knew he was studying her. After a second, he actually smiled. “Do not be concerned. You are a multi-talent like your grandfather, though much stronger. You will do well.”

“Mr. Tasc?”

“Just Tasc is fine. Yes?”

“What is your talent, if I may ask?”

“Probably close to what you’ve surmised. My talents led me to organization. I see patterns, but I also can read talents in other people. Much like you were doing with emotions. I can usually figure out what they are. Place or sort them, if you will. You, though, are hard to read because you are so strong and varied. Your talents are muddy, overshadowing and layered. I’m guessing that is because they have been repressed and have not had the chance to develop individually yet. Dr. Narrasa should be able to tell you. He is over the physical and mental care of the Guardians. He is a strong reader besides a healer. It will be hard to catalog your talents, though, until you start to use them. I can tell you that. Also you will be a great asset to the Guardians.”

Rori was shocked at all that came out of the man who had remained so brisk and quiet until then. “Thank you.” Her insides quivered and she hoped what he said was true. She hated to admit but it worried her. Within her, things felt so strange but right.

Guardians usually went into training in their mid-teens and graduated out into full service at nineteen or twenty. And although she started rescue training at fifteen when she showed she was a searcher, finding a young girl lost in the jungle when no one else could, she was now nineteen years old. It sounded like she was being placed with an already existing team, so it would be basically on-the-job training. The thought terrified her.

“Through the doors. He’s waiting for you.” Tasc broke into her thoughts nodding to the door, once more back to his abrupt manner.

Rori didn’t need to send out her talent to know his mind was already focused on organizing things as needed. She forced herself to the door which slid open on cue. She’d liked Manning Hiymm when she’d met him years earlier. Still, she was nervous. He was turned away, talking to someone on the comm-link when she approached his desk. Unconsciously, Rori took a rigid stance, her head held high, body stiff. She caught a glimpse of a man in a security uniform before she heard the director say, “I’ll get back to you later for more information.” The screen went blank.

“Rori.” The wiry man turned to her. “Relax.” He stood, coming around his desk, reaching out to grasp her in an informal greeting. “How is your grandfather?”

“Fine, sir.” Rori was aware Hiymm talked to her grandfather regularly and it was a ploy to get her to relax. Fortunately, it worked. When she settled into the chair, she felt much better. The man chatted amicably about old times with her grandfather for several minutes before he turned serious.

“Rori, I need you to tell me everything about your trip here. We’ll start with why you came today instead of tomorrow.”

At his question, Rori became certain something was wrong with her showing up today and not just that her quarters were not prepared as Tasc wanted. “I received instruction two days ago there was a change in plans, that you wanted me here earlier, and I received a new set of travel plans.”

The man’s brow crinkled. “Do you remember where the plans were sent from?”

“Here, sir.” She pulled her personal planner from her packet, pulled up the information and turned it so the man could read the file she’d loaded there.

His mouth tightened as he studied it then reached for the device. “May I transfer this to my computer?”

“Certainly.” She handed it over. “Sir, then I’m not wrong in that there was no change in my travel plans?”

He eyed her thoughtfully for only a second before he spoke. “No, you were to be here tomorrow. So the questions are, who was able to get into our system and send the change from here? Who was at the docking station and why were they after you?”

Though Rori expected the answer, it still hit her like a blow to the stomach. Air rushed out of her. She felt oddly sick. Someone had really tried to kidnap her.

Steadying herself, Rori met Manning Hiymm’s gaze and repeated everything that had happened. She felt tension and anger build in the director as she presented her report and sought to ease it. “But who knew I was coming? And better yet, why me? I’m not part of the Guardians yet. I’m not known here. Maybe it was a mistaken identity?” Even as she suggested it, she knew it wasn’t true. She had been the target.

Hiymm’s head was shaking to confirm her thoughts. “I’m afraid that is not it. I guess you should have been informed before you made your decision and headed here.”

Rori felt a weight surface, settling heavy on the man.

Hiymm sighed deeply. “There have been several attacks on the governing council and on Guardians. Nothing as obvious as this, in fact, the first few were brushed off as coincidence, though talents seemed to be involved. You are certain they were strong talents?” He almost looked like he hoped she’d deny it, but she couldn’t.

“I have no way to measure them, but what they did and how I felt when the woman went after my mind to put me out, yes, I’m sure they were strong. They were very confident they could take me.” The last words hit home, the blow of the possibility was followed by Hiymm’s words.

“Now there is no doubt. With what you felt and I saw on the security recording from the port.” A grim resignation settled over the man. “It was an organized talent-attack. What I can’t figure out was how they knew about you. There are not many people who are aware of you, and that you were on your way here. I’m sorry, Rori. I know this is a lot, especially when you’ve just arrived.”

“This is why I’m going straight to a team?” she ventured a guess.

“Partly, we have four teams of Guardians. Two here in the city and two more stationed out at widespread points, so we can cover the greatest area more effectively.”

Rori nodded. She knew this from her grandfather. Just as she knew that until eleven months before there had only been three teams, until they graduated the fourth and elected to keep them together. “And what if I don’t fit in or my talent doesn’t hold?” The latter was the question that plagued her for days now even though her grandfather had waved the concern aside, telling her not to worry when she broached the subject with him.

“If you don’t fit with the team we’ll transfer you to another. Your personality scans have linked you quite favorably to this team though. As for your talent not holding, we’ll face that if it occurs. Your grandfather is not concerned with that at all, and I’ve never know him to be wrong on picking talents. He’s the best. He thought he had picked up your talent before you were of age. Did he ever tell you that?”

She felt a pang of regret and shook her head, more to clear it than to answer.

“We should know more after our people run a complete charting on you. I’ve talked to them and moved it up to tomorrow morning since you’re already here. For tonight, I suggest you relax and get some rest. So,” he rose from the chair, “let’s go see what Tasc has been able to arrange for you.”

“I’m afraid I’ve thrown him off.”

Hiymm turned her toward the door. “Don’t worry about it. He thrives on challenges like this. It’s unfortunate we didn’t have a unit ready in the Guardians grouping but since we had no new guardians coming up they hadn’t worried about having a room prepped.” Hiymm Manning looked at his assistant as he stepped through the doorway. “Found anything yet?”

“All the visiting dignitary suites are full because of the conference that is coming up soon. I have one unit available two levels down, but it’s not a high-security floor. That may be a possibility and we’ll just add an extra guard for the night.”

“Guard? Do you think that’s necessary?” Rori couldn’t help ask, shocked at the idea.

Tasc turned to her. “After what happened at the transport dock, I think it would be best not to take chances. Do you concur?” He shifted his attention to Hiymm.

“Yes. See what you can find. If there’s nothing else, go with that. I’m going to take Rori on a tour to get her acquainted with the layout here.”

The assistant nodded. “I will have everything arranged on your return.”

“You really don’t have to take the time to do this,” Rori said as they exited the office. “I know you’re busy and weren’t expecting me.”

The director motioned with his hand as if waving her concerns away.

“I’m happy to take the time. It will give me time to ply you with tales of your grandfather and reminisce about old times. I will not get to have dinner with you this evening and introduce you to my wife as I had hoped because of the upcoming conference Tasc mentioned. I am afraid I will be tied up with that for the next while. It is expected that I attend all functions. I don’t know why, but it is. Now, did your grandfather ever tell you how we met?” He started off the long series of stories as he showed her around the building.

Rori found the stories fascinating but doubted she’d be able to find many of the places they visited again. Luckily, when they returned to his office Tasc took over showing her where she’d being staying that night. He also loaded a layout of the building and surrounding area on her personal organizer.

“The central dining room will be serving now,” Tasc informed her from the doorway of the room. “You’ll probably want to head down there soon. Your belongings were left in the bedroom. In the morning, if you will leave them there, they will be shifted to your permanent quarters during the day. Is there anything else you need?”

“No, thank you. I apologize for being such a problem for you today.”

“It is not your fault. The most disturbing thing is who could have messed with your schedule. I assure you I will not let it go until we get answers. Just try to get some rest. Tomorrow will be a busy day for you. The testing will take most of the day. If it can be completed in time, we will introduce you to your team captain, and hopeful have you begin training with him.”

Rori nodded, trying to take it all in.

“Good evening, Aurora.” The man inclined his head at her and the door slid closed behind him.

Rori stared at the closed door for a moment before she turned to study her accommodations. The room was large and furnished nicely but there was a barren quality about it. She imagined her own private suite would be similar and, if so, she was going to have to get some things to give it life. The balcony drew her attention and she moved out onto it.

Her breath caught at the view. Blue-green water stretched out forever, more beautiful than she remembered. A few water-craft dotted the surface. The sun was lowering to the water, giving the sky a warm glow. It was later than she figured. No wonder, when Tasc mentioned eating, her stomach reacted with interest. She really was hungry. With one last look out over the ocean, she went inside. Washing up quickly, she headed right back out the door to eat.

“Hi.” The young cheerful voice surprised her.

Rori turned to see a lean, white-blond haired boy, who she guessed was about eight, standing by the door next to hers. “Hi.” She smiled back.

“Did you just move in?” The boy’s curiosity bubbled up.

“I’m just staying here for the night.”

“I live here. My dad works upstairs monitoring problems. He’s one of the people who decide when the Guardians need to be sent out.”

Rori felt the wave of pride come through the boy so strong she didn’t need to use her talent. “That’s an important job.”

The boy nodded, obviously pleased at her comment. “Have you met the Guardians?”

“Not yet.”

“I know them all. One day I hope I’m strong enough to be one. My dad’s a strong talent, but not Guardian level. His is more an administrative type.”

Rori felt the corner of her lip twitch and had to fight to keep from laughing. There were no secrets with children. “That is just as important as a Guardian or any rescue team. They couldn’t do their jobs if they didn’t have someone feeding them the details.”

“I know.” The boy again looked satisfied at her comment.

“Tad, what are you doing?” A female voice came from inside the apartment.

The boy looked back inside. “Waiting for you and just talking.”

“Talking?” A second later, a petite woman in her early thirties appeared in the doorway. “Oh, hello.”

“Hello,” Rori greeted back.

“I didn’t know anyone had moved in there. I’m sorry if he’s bothering you. He’s not at all shy as you can see.” She smiled fondly at her son.

“I’m just staying here tonight and he’s no bother. I’m Rori Straye, nice to meet you, Tad.” She held out her hand to the boy.

“I’m Dena Tern. If you need anything, just let me know,” the woman said.

“Thank you.”

“We’re going down to eat at the dining room tonight,” Tad burst out.

“That’s where I’m headed. Maybe you can show me so I don’t get lost.”

“I know the way,” he assured her, puffing out his small chest.

“I thought you might.”

“Are you alone?” Tad’s mother asked. “Would you like to join us?”

“I’d love to. I just got in today and haven’t met anyone yet.”

“Well, just stick with Tad. He knows everyone.” The woman shook her head. “I don’t know how he does it. I’m with him all the time and I don’t know half the people he does.”

Tad took Rori’s hand as they walked. The central dining room was a large room broken into smaller areas by an array of plants and a waterfall that bisected it.

“Wow, this is nice,” Rori commented as they stepped in.

“Yeah, the food is really wonderful too.” Dena led the way to the buffet. “Tad loves to come down here. So we come down at least twice a week. Once on our own when his father’s on duty and another time with his father. I have to admit I like the freedom of coming here and not cooking all the time. It really is handy.”

They were waiting in line when Tad tugged on her arm, all excited, motioning to the exit. “Look over there. There’s Keyen. He’s one of the team leaders of the Guardians.”

Rori tried to see but only caught a glimpse of a tall, dark-haired man as he disappeared out the portal. She wished she could’ve gotten a better look. It would’ve at least been nice to know what they looked like.

“Keyen’s the best and he’s my friend. You’ll like him. He’s a real strong talent. They say one of the strongest ever.”

“Enough.” Dena laid her hand on his shoulder. “We have a touch of hero worship here if you can’t tell.”

“No problem,” Rori assured her, trying to quell some of the unease she felt at her coming role as a Guardian. She was glad when they reached the food, and she could focus her attention on the selection.

Over dinner, they talked about random subjects then headed back to their rooms where they said goodnight as it was time for Tad to get ready for bed. Rori settled down on the balcony to look out over the water and read for a while before she decided to turn in. Though it was still early, she was exhausted due to the events of the day and fell right to sleep.

Rori jerked awake with the wail of alarms. Scrambling off the bed, she got her feet under her only to have them knocked out from under her as the whole floor lurched beneath her. Dropping to her knees saved her from the shower of debris as the outer wall on the other side of the bed collapsed. The rumble of the explosion drowned out the siren for seconds that seemed to go on forever.

When Rori pushed up, she looked out at the night sky through torn metal and crumbled debris. The balcony she’d sat on was no longer there. Shock and terror filled her. Bright lights slashed in through the opening, blinding her for a second before she got her arm up to shade her eyes. A second later, the light swung away followed by a series of flashes that burst across the sky.

Someone was firing a weapon. Common sense told her to stay back, but unable to stop herself, she moved toward the gaping hole.

The cool breeze off the ocean flattened her thin sleep-shirt to her body. She ignored it like she did the electricity sparking from torn wiring. Her attention was ensnared by a figure on the hoversled hanging in the air not far from the opening. The sled darted closer, and for a fraction of a second Rori was compelled to reach for it before another blast forced it away. Still Rori was drawn toward the opening again until fear and panic burst over her nerves.

She stumbled after breaking the mental hold then stepped to the edge again, this time focused on the destruction of what had been the apartment next to hers. Though heavily damaged, it was the boy clinging to the exposed cables dangling seven stories above the ground that gripped her.

A chunk of facing broke free hurtling toward Tad. Instinctively, Rori threw up a shield around the boy, knocking it away. Tad jerked from the unexpected impact and slid farther down the cable.

“Tad, hold on,” Rori yelled. “I’ll get you, just hold on.”

Forgetting the hoversled and the gun blasts keeping it back, Rori climbed out on a beam, using torn sections of flooring and whatever she could reach to hold onto as she worked her way to the boy.

“Rori,” he cried out seeing her, and she felt a wave of his fear and tamped it down in an effort to keep her mind clear as she reached for another handhold.