Captivate (Manipulate, Book 2)

Chapter 41

In Nat’s room, Sage quickly evaluated the biocomputer. He’d heard about this project, to put a human brain in a biocomputer, but he’d told her the truth. It hadn’t been his area of research.

The biocomputer was connected to a screen, a power source, and a signal booster, but it was simple to disconnect the wires from the exterior ports. He carefully placed the computer into the custom-made, cushioned bag Faal had provided. On consideration, he also packed up the power cord and the signal booster as well. He couldn’t fit the screen, but Faal might want these things.

I have back-up power. I can still notify Sam and Nat of what you’re doing.

“But will you?” Sage went to the door.

Nat went to the mess hall, I convinced her to get something to eat. You should be able to make it to the stairs now.

Sage blinked at the words. “Have you decided to help us?”

I despise you. But, yes. Temporarily.

It was enough for Sage. It was nonsensical, but Claire seemed to draw out the self-sacrificial in everyone. He motioned to Athlete and they jogged as silently as they could back toward the stairs and the door they’d entered by.

Juliet wasn’t in sight, but as they got nearer she popped out of the same storage closet they’d hidden in during their first escape.

“What took you so long?” she hissed. Then she slanted a surprised look at the glasses he still wore.

Sage didn’t pause to answer her. He held the tablet near the exterior door and motioned them through as soon as it opened. His pack was considerably heavier now, and he forced away the unusual thought that it was weighed down by guilt as well as technology.

Nat got back to her room. She knows.

They hustled back the way they’d come, but it was only a matter of seconds before Nat hurtled out the door. They were half-way down the observation deck and she didn’t even slow as she took stock of the situation.

Shoot, that girl could run, Sage thought unhappily. He himself was hampered by the heavy pack bouncing against his back. He didn’t want to permanently damage the computer by jarring it senseless, but –

Nat launched herself toward him in a low tackle and caught him at the waist. They both hit the ground, nearly at the edge of the platform, and Sage automatically hunched his back to try and cushion the computer’s fall. It hurt like hell.

Athlete jerked her off of him, and Nat jabbed an elbow at his chest, while also kicking at Sage’s knee. She didn’t have quite the right leverage (thank heaven) to do serious damage, but it also hurt. Sage scrambled up.

Athlete still had hold of one arm, but Nat now slammed her free fist backward into his groin. His grip loosened slightly. Nat twisted away from him and went for Sage. Juliet threw herself between them before Nat could check her momentum. Juliet crouched ever so slightly and took Nat’s charge on her shoulder. She grabbed Nat’s left forearm in her right hand, and using the girl’s own momentum, heaved her over her shoulder.

 Sage had no time to admire her technique. Juliet had forgotten how close she was to the edge of the platform.

Nat’s thighs hit the railing and she flailed her arms for one panicked second. Then she fell into the abyss dominated by the large spinner.***

Akemi was locked in a silent scream. From two perspectives she’d seen Nat attack the Rik. From two perspectives she’d seen Nat topple over the edge of the platform.