In the observation center, Colonel Manroe sat and enjoyed all the chaos this particular Choosing was causing. Psi-Ops had kept a close eye on the nineteen-year-old Jewels Enbran as she grew from a frightened four-year-old to a mature officer in the World Military. He, in particular, was intrigued by the abilities she used and those she had no knowledge of yet. She truly was a product of the Psi-Ops breeding program and a great testimony to what military discipline could do for one's life and career.
Manroe had always maintained that the superiority of the species lay with psionics. And now his theory was bearing fruit. His superiors were shocked by the information that the Prince had an interest in Jewels. He, however, was not.
Even the meaning of her name was appropriate. She was like a precious stone, waiting to be molded, shaped, and used to attract only the best the universe had to offer. Right now, three unified business corporations are fiercely bidding on Jewels' contract. Each of them wanted the telepath's skills. Psi-Ops hoped to cash in and make a tremendous amount of money. Not that the lucrative military contract Jewels was currently under was shabby, but the Psi-Ops Council wanted to branch out. They also didn't want their prized telepath to die at the hands of abusers like Maussey.
Manroe did wonder, though, if the Gatoan Prince would remain on Earth if Dex did ultimately become Jewels' anchor. It was the one thing Psi-Ops had not considered. And, if the tension and simmering passion in the testing room were any indication, they might have a problem if the big cat wanted to take Jewels with him instead. It was not his job to worry about such things. He was here as an observer and information gatherer.
Several officers were under suspicion by the World Military High Command, and if the charges proved true, heads would roll. It was one of the tasks that he did enjoy. Cleaning house and taking out the trash was always a pleasure.
Dr. Cosmit called a break, and the medical staff left to check on the applicants. She was still angry at him and Psi-Ops for the change made to the Choosing trials. Too bad. She was having to deal with it, just like Jewels and Jeremy were coping.
Manroe stretched and stood up. "Doctor, make sure Jewels gets the restorative drink and a fifteen-minute nap. Psi-Ops wants all three phases done by midnight. I know, Dr. Cosmit, that this is normally done over three days, but we don't have that luxury. I shall return at the start of the next phase. By all means, relax after I leave," he quipped and headed for the door. He had to make his report, but first he wanted to talk to Jewels.
The soldiers stepped aside, and he went out into the hall. The white and tan walls were such stark and boring colors. Then again, the military was not supposed to be a place of warmth. He reached out with his mind and brushed against Colonel Lingley's shield. He chuckled when the shield tightened, and he lost the trace. No matter. He knew where Lingley had taken her to rest. It took him a few minutes to get there. Manroe didn't knock. He walked right in.
Jeremy stepped into his path, blocking him from coming any closer.
"Down, Lingley. Bristling at me gets you nowhere. Now, where is the lady of the hour?" He saw the other man's hand clench, and then Jeremy pointed to a dimly lit portion of the room.
"Ah!" Eagerly, Manroe brushed by the anchor and went to Jewels' side. He pulled up a chair next to the cot. Her eyes were closed, but he knew she was awake.
"I must say, dear, that I was impressed by your showing. You did well. Psi-Ops is hopeful about this venture with the aliens. What I want to know is which candidate caught your eye? Don't bother feigning sleep. I know you're awake."
She muttered a curse under her breath and opened her eyes. "You were there, you should know."
"Jewels!" Jeremy hurried toward them, faltered, and froze. Astonishment, swiftly followed by rage, crossed Jeremy's face. "What the...! Release me, Manroe!"
Manroe kept his gaze trained on Jewels as she slowly sat up and pushed aside the sheet. He read the fury in her posture. Excited by the thought of pitting himself against her, he used his telekinesis to choke Jeremy.
"Stop it!" Jewels demanded and swung her legs over the side of the bed. "I said, stop it!"
"Make me, little girl," Manroe sneered.
"Wrong answer," she hissed.
Manroe felt her anger erupt and braced himself by erecting a telekinetic shield. The shield was no match for Jewels' rage as she lashed out with her kinetic energy. He was flung clear of his chair and slammed into the wall far from the partners. The air whooshed out of his lungs, and he slid to the floor, slightly dazed. He laughed maniacally as Jewels surged to her feet, her hair billowing about her head. He saw the telltale sparks of her electrokinesis charging up.
He still had his telekinetic grip on her anchor. Manroe cleared his throat. "If you zap me, I'll kill him."
Jewels froze, indecisive, as her gaze swung from him to Jeremy and back again. "Let...him...go," she demanded, her entire body stiff.
Manroe hissed as his body protested his movements. He was going to be sore for days, but it was worth it to see her let loose. "No, I think not. I could kill him before you ever hit me with your power."
"Why? Why are you doing this? Isn't this Choosing bad enough? What do you want from me?" Her fists clenched, and her electrokinesis fizzled out.
Her gaze slid to her anchor, and Manroe saw the anguish. She might be hurting, but he had a lesson to impart. "Good girl, wouldn't want me to kill him by accident. I am doing this for one reason and only one. Psi-Ops is your family. Your family has need of you. Your weakness makes you a liability. You need to function without your anchor. But you can't. You're overly concerned for his welfare and have made yourself vulnerable as long as you worry about his life."
"Oh, geez, tell me something I don't know! You know you are a freaking bastard!" she snarled.
Manroe let go of Jeremy, who staggered and gasped for air. He saw the murderous glare of his captive and knew one day Colonel Jeremy Lingley and he would revisit this moment. But not today.
"Let me educate you, Jewels Enbran. You were made by Psi-Ops to serve a greater purpose. That time is at hand. Whether you wish it or not, you will become Earth's only salvation." He stood and brushed his clothes off. "Well, I said my piece. Sleep well. You have ten minutes before Phase Two begins."
Jewels glared with hate as she crossed her arms and said nothing.
Manroe chuckled. Her spirit was good. Jewels would really need it if things played out according to plan. He whistled as he left the pair to think about his words.