"Kyle."

Kyle almost jumped. The male voice from behind the glass wall filled the room, much louder than he'd been expecting. It emitted from the intercom.

"Kyle, we know you are awake." Kyle heard the man already in the room exhale in disbelief.

"Uh, sir?" he was speaking into his Bluetooth, "The boy hasn't shown any signs of life yet. And you said he wouldn't wake for another two hours."

"I said he most likely wouldn't," came the fainter reply, "It would seem that we were mistaken. We underestimated him. He's awake."

Kyle knew that it was time to acknowledge them. He couldn't carry out the charade any longer; they'd seen his brain activity, seen the dissolved neural block, and knew he was awake.

He opened his eyes and lifted briefly lifted his head and looked around to take in his surroundings.

Nothing came as much of a surprise; it was exactly how the room's sounds had distinguished it, and exactly how Kyle had been picturing it. A half-hearted and short-lived smirk of satisfaction flickered across Kyle's face; he'd gotten everything right, aside from the colors he couldn't have heard.

"Ah, that's better, Kyle," the voice calmly acknowledged Kyle's movement.

Kyle's face became an unreadable mask. He didn't answer, only stared stonily at the ceiling, listening to the man speak into his microphone and listening to his voice carry through the loudspeaker and around the room.

"Kyle, first of all, we'd like to apologize for the condition you find yourself in. That is, the – er – furniture you find yourself lying on, as well as the room and near isolation. Precautions, you understand. We heard about your attempt on one of our member's lives. We just want to make sure you're… stable. We want to talk to you."

The man waited for a response. Kyle did nothing to give him what he wanted.

"Right. Well, we hope you understand. We want to ensure that our members are safe around you. We understand that you were in quite a rage, and that Cassidy only barely escaped with his life. At first, we were shocked. You never seemed like the violent sort. But after we found the full extent of your treachery, we felt that these drastic measures were of vital importance.

"This was unnecessary," Kyle admitted through his teeth, "If I really wanted to hurt you, you'd be hurting right now. I don't need to touch you."

His claim was met with silence.

The man in the room with him swallowed nervously and glanced uneasily at the mirror.

"Well," the man continued after a moment, "That's only further proof that you are an extraordinary being. And being a person with such extraordinary talent means that you have responsibilities and duties. It's your responsibility to utilize your gifts to help mankind. You agree with that, don't you Kyle?"

"By helping to create clones? By allowing human life to be tampered with, to be wasted?"

"Now Kyle, you really don't understand the situation – "

"I think I understand it fine," Kyle retorted, "And I cannot help you. Besides, there are no more records of the formula for the gestation fluid."

The woman in the room with the man exhaled slowly.

"How does he know so many details?" she breathed.

"Kyle," The man spoke into the microphone, "I'm afraid you aren't really understanding the situation. We have no desire to hurt or harm any human life. We at Latnok are all about preserving and benefiting mankind. Didn't you see that when you were a part of our college branch at the UW?"

"I saw that you used brilliant college students to unknowingly rebuild Baylin's gestation tank in order to grow clones of me in. That certainly seems like it would tamper with a lot of human life. And I cannot condone that."

"Well, Kyle, it is our sincerest hope that – given time – you'll come to understand our reasoning for our decisions. A bio-computer could benefit all of humanity, could come up with cures for terminal diseases, could generate so many solutions."

"By destroying a life."

"No. Let me ask you something, Kyle. While you were in the tank, did you experience any discomfort? Did you know what was going on?"

He didn't answer.

"I didn't think so. You only became aware of what you'd missed after you'd exited the tank. If you would have stayed in the tank your entire life, you never would have known what you were missing. While it's true that you never would have experienced a true human life, your existence would have helped thousands of people, and you would never have had to experience any pain or loss or discomfort. It wouldn't have been the worst life."

"I would also never have experienced love, or a family. Because of you and Zzyzzycs."

"But you would never have known what you were missing. You certainly weren't complaining while you were in there. And trust me, you got lucky in the family department. Not all families are so great; family isn't all it's cracked up to be. Even if you'd been a normal kid, you probably wouldn't have had the same family experience."

"No. I'm not helping you mess with human life."

"Kyle! It would be in your best interest. Because, unfortunately – as you pointed out – you destroyed all the records of the formula and directions for making the gestational fluid. Except one."

"I thought I got them all."

"Kyle, think about it. You read the formula, didn't you?"

"Not really."

"But you looked at it, yes? While you destroyed the records of it? And we know enough about your abilities to know that since you've merely seen it, there is a record of it… in your head. So you see our dilemma. We'd love to let you go, to continue your human life. But you have the only record of the formula we need. So we can't let you go, not until the formula is successfully remade."

"I'm not helping you." He inhaled deeply, trying not to let anger get the better of him. The man's voice was growing colder, more calculating and distant.

"Well, until you come around, we could use your help on some other projects as well. And, of course, we'd love to test your abilities more thoroughly and for ourselves and our records."

"Tests?"

The image of the lab rat sprang into Kyle's head. One of his deepest fears was being realized. He was going to be the lab rat. But what choice did he have?

"Yes, Kyle. Tests. We believe that testing your abilities will give us a better understanding of these bio-computers and how to control them. Until such time as you decide to cooperate whole-heartedly, don't expect any luxurious treatment. And don't expect to see the outside world."

"The only thing keeping me here, talking to you rationally," Kyle growled, "Is the Tragers. If not for them; you, this man, and the woman in the room with you would be on the ground in agony, and I'd be escaping."

The woman caught her breath.

"How does he know I'm here?" she whispered.

"I can hear you," Kyle answered her.

"You can hear me?" she asked. The man wasn't pressing the button for the microphone anymore.

"Yes. I can hear you, whoever you are."

"Extraordinary," the man in the room with her breathed.

"Kyle," he said, not bothering with the microphone, "What do you mean, about the Tragers?"

"I mean that if Cassidy hadn't threatened them, I wouldn't be sitting here complacently. If you so much as touch one of them, you will pay." Kyle wasn't used to making threats. It went against his nature. But he'd been through a lot, and his nature had changed. He didn't necessarily like who he was becoming, but he wasn't able to stop it. He meant what he said. If they harmed the Tragers, he would get revenge.

He'd never wanted vengeance before.

"Cassidy had no right to do that. Of course we wouldn't harm the Tragers. They are innocent people. We are committed to benefiting mankind, and they are among mankind. They are not in any danger. No one you know is in danger. You're bargaining for your freedom, not on the lives of innocent people. Cassidy's methods are a bit… extreme. But we will see to it that the Tragers are kept safe for you."

"Stay away from them!" Kyle shouted.

But if the Tragers were never in any real danger – if they weren't in any danger now – then what was keeping Kyle here, strapped to a table?

Nothing. But could he trust that what Latnok was saying was the truth?

The family was tense. Josh had silently gotten himself a meager breakfast of cereal. Lori and Stephen each drank their own cup of coffee, and didn't even bother with food. Nicole hadn't even come out of her room.

Lori jumped when her phone rang.

She glared at the name it displayed after pulling it out of her pocket.

"Ugh. Mark, again,"

"Maybe you should answer," Josh suggested acidly, "And tell him to stop calling you."

Lori wrinkled her nose in distaste, and answered.

"Mark – "

"Lori!" he interrupted, "Thank God. Listen, I know this is going to sound weird, but can I talk to Kyle?"

"He's not here."

"Oh… Do you know when he'll be back?"

"No."

"Well, listen, can you let him know that I called? I would have used your house phone, but I really just need to talk to him. Ask him to call me when he gets back in, would you please?"

"No, probably not."

Surprised, Mark didn't answer.

"Listen," Lori continued, "I really can't talk to you right now."

"Okay!" he cut in again, "Jessi. Let me talk to Jessi. Please."

"Jessi?" Lori scoffed, "No. Goodbye, Mark."

"Wait!" he interrupted again, as Lori was starting to hang up, "Lori! Are you mad at me?"

"At you? Why would I be mad at you?" Lori's voice barely concealed its contempt.

"That's what I'm wondering. Look, I want to be honest with you – there's something seriously wrong happening right now, and I don't know what it is. It's probably nothing but paranoia on my part, but – I just am a little worried about Kyle. Cassidy's missing and I sort of ran into Kyle last night…"

Lori sighed.

She wasn't mad at Mark. She was mad at Latnok, and mad at the fact that Mark was a part of it. But Mark's concern reminded her that he wasn't intentionally a part of what was happening to Kyle. He had no idea what was going on; if anything, maybe he could help.

Josh gave her a dirty look as if to say 'Why haven't you hung up?'

"You saw Kyle last night?" she asked, suddenly urgent.

"Yeah," Mark was hesitant. Josh's expression turned to one of hesitant, suspicious curiosity.

"When? Doing what?"

"I'm not sure what time it was – it was in a warehouse. I was there – well, it doesn't matter. But I thought something seemed wrong. Kyle was – hiding in the rafters, I think. He jumped down and told me what I thought was happening was wrong. He told me I needed to trust him. He had some kind of bacteria. Lori, I don't know how much you know about all this…"

"More than you," she answered quickly, her breathing speeding up, "But not about what happens next."

"Well, so I trusted him. And eventually, we both left. But he – warned me – and I don't know, I just feel like something's not right."

"Did you see him after you both left?"

"No…"

"Come over."

Josh's demeanor turned furious.

"Now?"

"Yes. Now."

She hung up.

"Are you serious?" Josh asked angrily, "You invited him here? Now? He's a part of them, Lori!"

"No. I don't think he is. And he saw Kyle last night. "

She dialed another number on her phone.

"Now who are you calling? And I don't trust Mark."

"Well, I do," she retorted, and spoke into the phone after the soft 'hello', "Decklan! Come over, right away. Latnok has Kyle."

"What?" Decklan's shocked voice asked.

"Just come over. We all need to figure this out."

She hung up again.

"What are you planning on doing, Lori?" Josh asked disgustedly, "Once everyone gets here. We'll talk about it; we'll feel more depressed, we'll realize how hopeless it is. Then what?"

"Well, maybe we can do something."

"Like what?" Josh's voice rose, bordered on hysterical.

"I don't know – that's what we can figure out! Maybe it will all make sense when everyone is here and we find out what everyone knows. Maybe we can figure out where they've taken Kyle. And maybe we can – call the cops or something. Do something."

"You're grasping at straws. Lori, I understand not being able to just sit around and do nothing. But what can we do? Even Jessi seems to have given up. Without Jessi, we can't do anything, except what Kyle wants us to do. He'll be back. He always has been. I still give him a week."

"Josh! This isn't like before! He's not learning from a mentor, like with Adam Baylin, before! As long as we're around, you know Kyle will do anything for us! Including following Latnok's wishes! He doesn't think he has a choice!"

Josh's eyes glistened with unshed tears. He leaned forward. He scrunched his nose and his muscles tensed in defiance. He swallowed a few times, trying to find his voice.

His mouth twitched. He turned, and fled from the room.

"Josh – " Stephan protested from the counter where he'd been observing the entire conversation with uncharacteristic quiet. He took a step, as if to go after him. He looked down, stepped back. He wouldn't know what to say in a heart-to-heart about this. He didn't know how to handle the situation himself. He'd never felt so powerless.

Lori sighed, holding back tears of her own. Her elbows found their way to the table top, and her face sank into her hands.

If Jessi found Latnok – found where they were keeping Kyle, she could kill them all. Easily. It would be difficult to contain her, and if her attack was a surprise, none of them stood a chance. She was sure she could kill quietly. She would have to kill them all; at least all the senior members. Then she and Kyle would be free to go, and Latnok would be finished forever.

She shivered involuntarily. She'd killed once before, but hadn't known better; hadn't known what she was doing or what death even was. She hadn't even understood the world then. After she did, once she'd realized what she'd done to the man, she'd experienced the worst heartache in the world. It had been even worse than watching Kyle with Amanda. And the guilt. It had been enough for her to want to end her own life. And that was before Kyle had and the Tragers had taught her compassion, had shown her what love and forgiveness were. Could she really take life from a roomful of innocent people, and live with herself afterwards?

They are far from innocent, she reminded herself. She shook her head, her resolve strengthening even as her stomach twisted in pain. She knew that after she was done carrying out the dark task, neither the Tragers nor Kyle would ever be able to look her in the eyes again. She'd be completely alone in the world, even worse than before. No one would ever care about her again. Including Kyle.

But Kyle would be free. So it would be worth it.

What was her life, really? She didn't have any real family that would miss her, not like the Tragers were missing Kyle. She would sort of be taking his place, and ensuring that they could never bother him again. And then she could disappear. Start over, somewhere, far away. Like Sarah had wanted to do. Kyle had kept her tethered to Seattle before, but once Kyle would have nothing to do with her, there would be no point to her sticking around. She'd make a new name for herself, make new friends, where no one knew about her unusual past. Maybe she'd even meet someone. Kyle could never be replaced in her heart, but maybe she'd meet someone who could take the pain of rejection away. Her life wouldn't be totally hopeless. If she could get past the guilt that was sure to attack her after she killed.

Even if it ruined her life, even if it drove her to suicide, it would be worth it.

She swallowed her determination solidifying. She refused to let Kyle be the martyr, and let him suffer maybe for the rest of his life. He was good; she was bad. He deserved to live, to be happy. She deserved nothing. She deserved to live in misery. She was the one who should have to suffer.

She would find Kyle. She would free him.

She would kill Latnok.

"Why should I believe you?" Kyle asked.

"Because, Kyle, as we've tried to tell you from the beginning, we only want to help people. We aren't a violent group."

"But you killed Sarah."

"What? Sarah's death was a regrettable decision of Cassidy's. We never authorized it, and we can assure you that Cassidy was punished."

"How can I be certain that he won't harm the Tragers?"

"Cassidy is being…. Detained, for his violent behavior towards you. He almost killed you; he won't be seeing the light of day for a while."

"So, hypothetically – if I were to get free – are you saying that you woudn't go after the Tragers?"

"Of course not. We're not barbaric. This is between you and us."

"But you took Amanda. The night of prom."

"Yes. A test. She was never in any real danger."

"The neural block you gave her never dissolved; she could have been seriously hurt – you wouldn't call that danger?"

"Regrettable. But rest-assured, your family would be safe. However, I wouldn't count on being able to escape."

The vein thing. Expanding them. Like Jessi had done. He knew how to do it; he knew he could do it.

Why was it so hard to actually do it? These people had done nothing good for him or anyone, so why was it so hard to actually hurt them?

He couldn't condone tampering with other lives. And if he stayed here, they'd weaken his resolve until he gave in; he was sure of it. Even if it took years, they would be relentless. He had to escape. And this could be his only opportunity.