Page 142 of Pulse Zero
Still the same.
I test her powers, reaching for my shadows, even just a flicker or a pull. But there’s nothing. They don’t respond, not even a twitch.
I always did fucking hate her, even if she would’ve been useful.
Samantha is Ascended, obviously. She’s able to suppress the abilities of other Ascended around her, and when I attempted to recruit her for the resistance, she used that as justification for staying with the Institute. She believes she was given her powers for a reason, that Ascended really are as bad as Malcolm claims, and she’s meant to snuff them out just as she snuffs out their powers.
“I still believe you’re totally wasted here,” I tell her.
“And I still believe that someone has to stop what you people become.”
“You mean whathemakes us, you included.”
She takes a step closer, her gaze unwavering. “No. Whatyoubecome when no one stops you.”
Same argument, different day.
“So you chosehim.”
“I chose the purpose I was given. Ascended are unstable and dangerous. You know that better than anyone.”
“I know they’re not property.”
“They’re not people like they once were,” she counters.
“That doesn’t give him the right to own them.”
She scoffs and shakes her head. “Come on, Reese. You knowsomeone has to take on the responsibility to stop them, to protect the world from what we are. I was given this ability for a reason, so I’m going to help.”
Nothing’s changed. Not her stance, not her belief. Not the fact that she’d put me down without hesitation if she had the order.
At the thought, I eye the gun clipped to the belt at her hip, then peer down at my own that’s in the holster hanging from my shoulder. I’m not wearing a jacket, so it’s plainly visible.
“You know…” I peer back up at her and raise a brow. “A bullet is very muchnotsuperhuman. Have you ever tried to use your abilities to stop one of those?”
She laughs again, and my lip curls in contempt.
“How about you come with me?”
She turns and starts across the lobby without waiting. I don’t argue or try to fight, falling into step behind her. This was exactly the plan, so I let her lead us into the elevator. Mercifully, she stays quiet on the ride up. There’s no music, no chatter, no bullshit attempt at normalcy, just the suffocating absence where my shadows should be.
The doors open with a soft chime, and Samantha steps out first. We cross the reception area, and she opens the set of double doors to Malcolm’s office and gestures me inside.
“Wait here,” she says.
She leaves and shuts the door. I’m left alone, my shadows still silent, so she must be standing outside the office. But that’s okay. This works. This buys him time.
Several minutes pass, and I’ve already made myself comfortable in Malcolm’s chair behind his desk when he enters. He stops when he sees me, but he doesn’t look surprised. Behind him are several more of his Ascended guard.
Perfect. Less for Cason to worry about.
“Mr. Morgan.” He closes the door and steps further into theroom. “I see you’ve made yourself at home.”
“Hope you don’t mind. I was actually thinking about redecorating.”
His gaze sharpens as he smiles with fake amusement. “And to what do I owe the pleasure? I know you wouldn’t visit without purpose.”
“I’m wounded. Maybe I missed you.”
