"Oh my God what is that?" Everyone first stared at the awestruck lady. Her gaze was fixed toward the heavens as she paid the weird looks no attention. Kalie was sitting just behind the aging woman as she pulled her glasses from her head, inspected them, then placed them back on.

Kalie looked up and marveled at the sight as well. A bright light shone in the sky as a concentric ring of energy traveled at great velocity away from it. Amy scrunched Kalie against the side of the bus as she twisted and craned trying to get a look. The bus and all traffic around it stopped. Horns began honking as unaware motorists simply wished to get where they were going.

The light began to fade as Kalie turned her attention back to her friend. "You can stop smothering me now." A half-hearted eye roll followed a sarcastic smile as Amy slumped into her seat. Kalie looked around as people began flipping out cell phones and punching in numbers. She noticed the driver appeared frantic as he talked with someone on the bus's radio.

The man slung a finger out toward the sky, as if to demonstrate to the person on the other end of the line where the event had occurred. Not knowing what else to do, traffic once again started moving.

The trip had been Kalie's idea, although the plan was conceived by Amy. Both had convinced Amy's parents that the school would be taking a trip to see the new Manatee exhibit at the Texas Aquarium. No one else could have pulled off such a blatant lie, but Amy's parents were unquestioning of their sweet Amy. They also thought it might do good for Kalie to travel. They were right.

So Documents were forged and the scheme was brought together with impeccable precision and believability, the kind that Kalie always admired Amy for.

"So what do you think that was?" Kalie immediately noticed that Amy was not paying attention to her, and followed her question with an elbow.

"I heard you, geez! I have no idea what that was. Kind of looked like an explosion or something, didn't it?"

Kalie didn't like the idea of an explosion, but it seemed to fit. Kalie looked back at the sky but saw only clouds and a few stars above the city's horizon. "Maybe it was a satellite or something that fell out of orbit."

"Maybe, or they blasted an asteroid like in Armageddon. I doubt the government would tell us if that was headed our way."

"You're too cynical."

"Or truthful."

It was Kalie's turn to roll her eyes as she settled into her seat. The large bus rolled loudly down the road as the sandy-haired girl closed her eyes drifted to sleep.

The sound of the bus's brakes releasing pressure woke Kalie up as the rising sun created a harsh light. Amy had managed to rest her head on Kalie's shoulder and was still asleep. Kalie stretched softly, trying not to wake her friend as her eyes adjusted to the light. It had been less than two days since they had left, but Kalie felt like she had been on a bus her whole life.

Stepping off, she was happy to see the "Welcome to Midland." She suddenly had a feeling that her answers would be here. This was coupled with a nervousness concerning whether she wanted to know those answers or not. It was a short ride to Odessa from here, and Kalie wanted to get going.

"I guess we should call a cab or something." Kalie looked around and spotted a pay phone with a phone book hanging below it. She gathered her luggage and started toward it, Amy grabbed her arm and stopped her.

"Come on, let's get something to eat, I am starving! Besides, with a name like Burnt Toast Diner is has to be good." Kalie didn't feel much like eating, but reluctantly gave in and followed her friend.

Amy had been right about the food. The hash browns were a little greasy, but her burger had been great. Maybe I'm just a ravenous pig.

Feeling the sudden urge to pee, Kalie headed for the restroom when a gathering of items on a wall stopped her. On the wall was the picture of a woman that Kalie assumed was not much older than herself. Candles and fake flowers adorned the picture. A little farther down the wall was a bulletin board with pictures from the diner on it. Kalie noticed the same girl again, posing with a birthday cake and an oriental man who looked sad for such a happy occasion.

She lingered on the picture a moment longer and then walked away.

"God, where in the world is that taxi?" It had been almost an hour since Amy had called them.

"Maybe they got lost?" The comment caused an instant glare from Amy, who walked out into the middle of the road and stood. "This is the ONLY road here. I can't believe it is tak…" Amy turned and looked, then pointed as Kalie noticed the yellow vehicle approaching.

Both of the girls grabbed their bags as the cab pulled up. "Sorry girls, busy day." The driver managed to disarm Amy's wit that was undoubtedly coming. Instead she huffed as she sat down in the seat.

Kalie circled around and helped the cabbie throw the items in the trunk before joining her friend.

"So where to girls?" Kalie dug around in her pocket and produced the Primetech Paper business card and handed it to the man.

"Yep, I know exactly where this is."

The cab rolled to a stop in an empty parking lot. The Primetech logo was prominently displayed, but it didn't appear any work was going on. This fact seemed to surprise the cabbie as well. "Hmm, may be a holiday for them or something. Usually the place is pretty busy."

Kalie was already out of the car and walking toward the building.

"Can you stay here a few minutes?" Amy asked the cabbie before getting out.

"Hey, its your money. I will stay here all day if you want."

Well this is just great. We came all this way for nothing. Kalie felt like crying as she looked at the dysfunctional building. Their was a single glass door that had the Primetech logo embroidered on it, and just to spite herself Kalie gave it a tug.

"Looks like no one's home." Amy had caught up as Kalie's shoulders slumped and she turned to walk away.

"Oh look, someone is coming!" Kalie spun on her heel and looked at the lone man approaching the door. A mid-sized balding man thumbed the locks on the door and pushed it open. He stared at the pair for a moment then let his face brandish a warm smile.

"Kalie Shepherd, so nice to meet you. My name's Bob." Kalie looked at the man's extended hand with shock, and withheld her own.

"Why you must have a million questions. I am really glad you are here, we lost contact with your parents and were assuming the worst." Kalie was in shock. There were countless questions but no words formed to ask them.

"That's what we're here for." Amy answered in a matter-of-fact voice, becoming a kind of mediator for the two.

Suddenly another person appeared behind Bob. A younger blonde girl appeared out of the doorway with a smile that Kalie quickly concluded was forced. She couldn't ponder on the girl though as Bob turned to her.

"Elle, this is Kalie and her friend…"

"Amy." Kalie looked to Amy, the thoughts in her head finally letting her return to reality.

"Nice to meet you Amy. Elle, please take our guests to the lounge. Also, I think you left your lights on. You will need to turn those off ok?"

"Sure daddy. Follow me you two!" Kalie couldn't decide whether the girl's demeanor was infectious or abrasive. She assumed she would cast her vote soon though.

"Oh, the cab…" Kalie began to turn as Bob interrupted.

"Don't worry Kalie, I will get your things and the cabbie." The man hesitated as he looked at her once more. "It is so nice to have you here. Go ahead, we have much to talk about."

The spacious room was eerie. Machines with huge rollers and others Kalie couldn't make out all sat quietly. No one was on the warehouse floor as the air was filled with the clicks of the petite blonde's stilettos. The two followed her across the room and through a doorway and clambered down steps that spilled out into a brightly lit hallway.

The room the girls sat in was a stark contrast to the clinical hallways that led to it. A plethora of books lined the walls and all the wood was exquisitely carved cherry.

"Comfy?" Elle had yet to say anything that sounded sincere.

"We're fine. So what is this place? How does your dad know who I am?"

"Aren't you just adorable asking so many questions? We don't tend to get many other girls down here…"

"That will be enough Elle." Kalie had not heard the man's entrance into the room, but did here the click as the door shut behind her. Bob took a seat at the other side of a rather large desk and pulled a manila folder from one of its drawers.

The man flipped the folder open and lifted some papers, his eyes scanning over pages as he went. As if he had a revelation of sorts, Bob closed the folder and turned to the young blonde at his side.

"Elle, why don't you and Amy head down to get us all some drinks, perhaps a little snack for the two travelers?"

"Sure thing daddy! Come on red, I'm starving!" Amy looked to Kalie as if unsure.

"Go ahead, I'll be fine."

The door clicked shut once more as Bob leaned over the desk, once again opening the manila folder.

"Let's see. Kalie Shepherd. You have the ability to control water. How is that coming?"

The statement didn't register with Kalie. "What do you mean control water?"

"Just what I said, Kalie. You have the ability to control water; to manipulate it with your mind. To mold it, form it, harden it. Even things I am not allowed to mention to you. You are quite valuable to us, Kalie."

What the hell? Do these guys have me bugged or something?

"How do you know all of this stuff?" Kalie's voice had a distinct sound of fear as her life was being spelled out for her.

"We know because we care about you, Kalie. See, our company is founded to help people. People like you. Sometimes a person's ability can be more than they can handle. We help them come to understand it and control it so it doesn't control them. I know at times your power has frustrated you, and porcelain has paid the price for it."

Kalie stood from her chair and began to back toward the door.

"Please Kalie, don't be alarmed. Part of the reason this company exists is to also protect you. That is why I know so much about you. There are people who would do terrible things if they found out what you can do. We keep them away. There are others like you Kalie. Allow me to show you something."

Bob picked up a paperclip from the desk and held it out toward Kalie. She nervously watched as suddenly a strand of gold began coating the silver clip. The color followed the coiled metal until it had completely transformed it into a brilliant yellow.

Kalie's curiosity took over as she reached out and gently took it.

"Keep it. It is a little gift from me to you to hopefully show I am not a bad guy here."

Kalie flipped the paper clip end over end, marveling at the complete transformation.

"However, there is a bad guy out there. Someone I actually need your help with."

Kalie was startled momentarily by the sound of another manila folder smacking the desktop.

"Noah Bennet. You don't know him, but your parents did. He went rogue from this company, doing things behind the scenes and compromising the safety of people like yourself. Your parents ran into him on their little Vegas trip. He consequently caused career problems for your father that started all of your trouble. I wish we could have found this out early enough to help your family. Is your father still drinking heavily?"

Kalie had an eerie feeling that Bob already knew her parents' fate, but went into the story anyway. Bob apparently knew about her powers, so she told him everything.

"Am I in trouble?"

"Gracious no Kalie. You're one brave little girl who has had to grow up too quickly. Because of him." Kalie looked down to Bob's pointed finger as it lingered over the picture of a man in horn-rimmed glasses.

Sadness and pain grew within as Kalie stared at the picture. Surely someone that dorky looking couldn't have started all of this?

"Make no mistake, Kalie, this is a bad man." Bob apparently had added mind reader to his list of abilities.

"Why are you telling me this?" Kalie picked up the picture and studied it further as she sat back down.

"Because we need you Kalie. It seems Noah… Mr. Bennet has disappeared off our radar. We believe we have an idea where he might be, but we need to send someone to be sure. I would like you to go."

Kalie's eyes widened "Me? Why?"

"Because Kalie, you are strong. A lot stronger than you think. Besides, all you will need to do is confirm where he is. We will have others following your progress, but Noah will know who they are. You, however, he won't suspect you."

"So you want me to go by myself to find this guy? That's a bit much don't you think?"

"Of course not. It shouldn't take you long to get to the location. I am sure your friend Amy will be able to accompany you."

"Amy? I don't want her to get mixed up in this. I tried to show her my ability before, but I just can't. I don't know why."

"Don't worry, for her it will just be another stop on a vacation. You'll go there, spot Mr. Bennet and then let us know where he is. Then you and Amy can go back home, or if you like you can come back here. We would love to have you on our team."

Kalie pondered it all over in her head. The thought seemed crazy, but at least she was getting close to some answers.

"One thing. Once you have him, I want to talk to him. I want to know why he did this to me. Did this to my family." Kalie fully expected a sharp rejection.

"Absolutely. You deserve answers and we will help you get them. Whatever you want or need Kalie we will help you. That is why we are here."

The door behind Kalie clicked open as Amy and Elle entered the room.

"Took you long enough." Amy smirked at Kalie as she handed her a bottle of water.

"Just be glad Elle was with me. I could get lost in this place."

"So wrapping things up, Amy and Kalie, you two are going to be flying out. I will check with our people again to confirm the destination, but I am sure it is somewhere nice. Thanks to both of you so much for coming."

---------

The sunlight caused the girls to squint as they exited the building. Another yellow cab sat close by.

"Your bags have already been loaded girls. He is going to take you to a nice little hotel next to the Dallas airport and we will call shortly with your flight details. Have a pleasant trip."

"Have fun you two." Elle didn't seem exactly happy about something, but Kalie figured she was probably moody.

Kalie looked back to the desolate factory as small swirls of dust where thrown into the air by Texas winds. Suddenly Kalie felt something she hadn't in a while. Hope.

---------

Amy lagged behind Kalie a few feet as they approached the front door leading outside. Bob reached out and grabbed her as Kalie walked toward the cab.

"Good job by the way."

"Why thank you Mr. Bishop." Amy cast a coy smile as bob released her arm and the two headed for the cab.

Elle joined Bob as he closed the door and the cab pulled away, leaving small trails of dust for the Texas wind to sweep across the barren asphalt.

"Daddy, why can't I go? I want to tag Bennet." Electricity arced off the ends of Elle's fingers as she sulked.

"You have to prepare for Peter. He should be arriving soon. Besides. It seems as though Amy has been working out as a partner so far."

"She seems so useless though."

"That's enough Elle. Amy has kept Kalie in line since we got her back from the Petrelli's."

"Did you give her a gun?"

"Why heavens no. That would be illegal." Elle laughed.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter. A bit of a long one for me, as I had a good bit of setup here. Thanks for reading and look forward to your reviews. Also if you have any questions about the time line here, feel free to PM me.. :)