Part Four

"State your business," he said.

The tall one with the goggles said casually, "We're just here to collect a prisoner."

"What is your authorization?" the guard asked.

"Never mind that," the F'Val said. "Where's Dr. Warren Cochrane being kept?"

"What is your authorization?" the guard repeated, reaching for his gun.

The guard was suddenly lifted up eight feet in the air, and held there by an unknown force.

"Need I repeat my question?" the F'Val asked pleasantly.

"Fourth cell on the right, that way! Now put me down!"

The guard's gun, in the meantime, had been positioning itself behind him. Now the butt of the gun came down hard on the guard's head, and he fell back into his chair, unconscious.

"My pleasure," Susan said dryly. Then she hurried down the corridor, after Ril and Nick.

Dr. Cochrane looked up, surprised. "Hello. What brings you here?"

"The little thing you put in my head," Susan said, through clenched teeth. She concentrated....

"The probe?" Dr. Cochrane asked, confused. "But it was only meant for observation and recording-"

*tweak*

The energy bars in front of Dr. Cochrane's cell disappeared.

"Oh," was all he said.

"Your little 'probe' has caused a lot of trouble," Ril said. "Who was it supposed to observe, anyway?"

Dr. Cochrane looked at her. "I'd rather not say."

"Father...." Nick said plaintitively.

"No, really. If you want me to answer that before you let me out, then I think I'd best stay in here."

Nick smacked his forehead. "Why do you always put your work before everything else?"

"Because it's my way. Try to understand that."

"Alright," Susan said briskly. "I take it you need the instruments back at your lab."

"Obviously."

"So that means we have to commandeer a Hovercar," Ril said.

"I think that's easier said than done," Nick pointed out.

"Maybe not," Susan murmured. "C'mon. I have an idea."

They ran out into the open. Susan turned to Nick. "I'm sure you memorized all the Hovercar numbers. Name me one."

"Er..... HX-626573...."

"Thank you." Susan closed her eyes, held out her hands, and concentrated......

*tweak*

The Hovercar was there, real as it can be. Nick reached out and touched it.

"It's there," he announced. "That power of yours can come in pretty handy, Susan. Sure you want to get rid of it?"

"I'm sure. Now, let's get in."

"Knew it was too easy to be true," Ril muttered. She thumbed the comlink. "I'm sorry, but it's an emergency."

"We know. So the only thing we can say to you is: good luck." On the last two words, the air-traffic controller's voice changed.

"Kavi!"

"Hey, Ril, Susan, Nick, Dr. Cochrane. I took care of the air-traffic controllers here. They didn't know what hit them."

"Nothing.... permanent, I hope?" Dr. Cochrane murmured.

"Nope. They'll be fine in an hour."

"Thanks, Kavi," Susan said. "I owe you one."

"Who's counting."

Susan grinned, as a portal opened in front of them. "Can you handle everything from here?" she asked Ril.

"Yup."

"Good." Susan smiled vaguely, then slipped into unconsciousness.

The others stared at her. Finally Dr. Cochrane shrugged. "Well, it certainly beats anesthetics."

You don't seem to like me.

What makes you say that?

Well, you want to get rid of me.

Of course. Otherwise, people'll think that I'm schizo.

It's the power, isn't it? It scares you.

It definitely scares me. I don't want the power.

Why not? I mean, you could crush your parents' murderers with whatever you wish, courtesy of the power.

Don't bring that up. Please.

You can avenge their deaths. After all, the power gives you the means to do so.

Please don't.

Think about it. Then tell me whether you want to get rid of me.

Please.......

fade out......

Nick's announcement woke Susan up from her trance. She looked outside the hovercar.

Then she swore.

The laboratory was still there, but a banner hung from the building's second floor. The insignia was unmistakable.

"The Apocalypse," Ril muttered. "But what are they doing here?"

"Probably after the technology," Dr. Cochrane said. "It's worth a fortune. At least, that's what the government says."

"So what are we gonna do?" Nick asked.

Something clicked in Susan's mind. She blinked, and when she opened her eyes, her eyes glowed red.

Still want the power?

Susan opened the door of the hovercar, and she walked towards the garrison of Apocalypse troops.

Still want the power?

The troops spotted her almost immediately, and they opened fire. Susan ignored the shots, which bounced harmlessly off some eight inches in front of her.

Still want the power?

Someone aimed a rocket launcher in her direction, and fired. When the smoke cleared, Susan continued walking towards the building.

Still want the power?

Susan stopped, and held her hands out in front of her. Her eyes were flaring white now.

Still want the power?

For now, yes, Susan thought. For now, I want the power.

The power to destroy.

Susan concentrated, and dropped her arms.

The sudden wind knocked the Apocalypse troopers down, and out of the building. It gathered them into one terrified crowd, herding them to one corner.

The power to destroy.

Then, with a gesture, Susan set them on fire.

You want the power. Now you've got it.

The power to destroy.

When the screams finally died down, Susan collapsed onto her knees.

Ril rushed to her side. "Are you okay?"

Susan turned an agonized face towards her. "Help.... me...." she whispered hoarsely. Then she slipped into unconsciousness.

Nick was staring at the remains of the Apocalypse troopers. "My god...... fifty-odd troopers, just like that."

Dr. Cochrane hoisted Susan onto his shoulders. "We've got to get that probe out," he said. "You saw what happened to those troopers. I never expected this to happen, but I'm damn well going to correct it."

With that, he walked into the building, carrying Susan with him.

Still want the power?

No. Never again.

Why not?

You know what I did to those people. Not enemies, not non-humans. People.

So you don't want the power? Not even to help others?

No. The power is too powerful to be used. I never want it again.

Pause. You've made a wise choice.

It's not wise. It's simple common sense. And simple humanity.

Whatever. Dr. Cochrane is taking the probe out now, anyway. So, until you are ready for the power, goodbye.

I don't think I'll ever be ready for the power. I don't think anyone will.

No answer.

Hello? Are you there?

Silence.

Pause. Goodbye.

fade out......