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Joshua had barely heard Liam's startling revelation. Those photos of the men who had beaten him had brought back painful memories, full force. And Sandoval . . . who had used Joshua's senses to torture him, had turned him into a living experiment - a way to test technology. And now they were asking him to just turn that thing back on? What if Sandoval were still able to access it? Cause him more pain? He shuddered at the thought. He was suddenly seized by the panicked feeling that the walls were caving in.
" . . . Joshua?" He tuned back into the conversation as Liam asked a question.
Blair added, "I think you should really reconsider." They were back on this subject? How long had he been lost in his own thoughts? "You might be the key to finding Jim. We have to try something."
"No." Joshua shook his head vigorously, "I won't turn that . . . thing back on." he paused, "I . . . I have to get out of here."
"We need you here Joshua," Liam said gently.
"No . . . I can't . . . I have to go." he backed away, got into the elevator and nearly passed out with relief that he was finally out of there.
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"You're going to just let him leave?" Renee asked Liam.
"I'm sure he's the key to finding Jim," Blair said, "In fact, I think he's the only one who can."
"How do you know that?" Renee asked.
Blair started, "Well, it's hard to explain, or rather, it'll be hard for you to accept."
"Try us." Liam said.
"Jim and I have a sort of psychic connection as Sentinel and Guide. It allows us to access this "spirit" plane, basicly. While I was there earlier, I saw a mass of swirling Taelon energy, in a human shape - it has to be Joshua."
Renee looked confused so Blair explained further, "Here's my theory. Jim and I have "full" interactional access to that plane, because he is a Sentinel, genetically. All Sentinels and their Guides should have access. Joshua IS a Sentinel, but only because of the NSI. Therefore, Jim and I might be able to see him on that level, but he would be unable to interact and most likely, has no knowledge of that place or that he was there."
Liam nodded, understanding. "You three stay put. I'm going to find him and see if I can talk to him."
Blair said, "Tell him that I'm sorry that this is the solution. I know what it's like to have to face your past - to face your worst nightmares."
"I'll tell him," with that, Liam turned and left to find Joshua.
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Joshua had portaled back to Cascade, as far away from D.C. and the hideout as he wanted. The conference was basicly over, with a few people staying behind on vacation. He had walked thru a beautiful park. Ever since his kidnapping he had enjoyed spending time outside. Sometimes, being inside made him uncomfortable - a smell vaguely reminding him of the musty, stale air, or some such.
But out here - out here he felt free, odd as that sounded.
It was late afternoon, around 4:30 and people were milling about. Joshua had to pick up some papers he had left at the conference center. It didn't take long to find the papers, as they were right where he'd left them. As he turned to leave the building, a fist connected with his jaw.
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