The Impossible Future: Complete set Frank Kennedy (freenovel24 .TXT) 📖

of the survivors she was about to interview.

“Fraternal twins,” Maj. Cyril Lancaster told her. “Age thirteen. Lived with their parents on Ark Carrier Newton above G’hladi colony. Were on route to Earth on the STS Kilmurry after leaving Newton because of harassment and death threats. The family was outspoken that the UG should stand down starting with the next generation.”

Patricia nodded. “They were lucky to escape at all. Chancellors above G’hladi are known for being hardliners.”

“Their parents?” Sam asked.

The major shrugged. “No idea. They were registered in the manifest, but they were not among the dead. Six others are also missing. Two adults, four children. Possibly vented into space.”

“Something’s not right, Major. We were told there were four survivors. Our last report said …”

“Girls, ages ten and eleven. Died a few hours ago. Their stasis pods were damaged, causing irreparable neurological collapse. Even the best facilities on Earth wouldn’t have saved them.”

Sam understood Chancellory medicine well – she would have died on the table two standard years ago if not for their marvels.

“Those poor kids. Have they said what happened to the ship?”

“Not as such. The Kilmurry was out of communication for eleven days. We know this from Fulcrum transit beacons. And given their request, we assume they spent time in the throes of your dear friend James Bouchet. Beyond that, Miss Pynn, we have no more than we ever do after these attacks.”

She ignored the “dear friend” snark and focused on a new challenge. Sam never played well with younger children – for years, she preferred the company of older, more dangerous kids.

Her worries escalated when she rounded a bend and stared into a glass-encased conference room with a round table, at which sat a boy and a girl moving their fingers hurriedly through holographic games. Their recreation did not elicit smiles; Sam thought they appeared robotic. They were smaller than typical for their age, but Sam wasn’t surprised given their family’s aversion to the Guard.

“Brayllen and Rosalyn Helmut,” the major said. “The boy is unpredictable. Anxious. We’ve had to sedate him twice. The girl is composed but very cautious in her choice of words. Every time she appears ready to divulge critical details, she backs off. Insists she will talk only to Samantha Pynn.”

She sought the advice of her aide and mentor. “Thoughts?”

Pat winced. “Sam, did your mother ever calm you when you were frightened?”

“The night she was killed. We were preparing for an enemy assault on our home. She got me through the toughest patch.”

“Good. Hear her voice. Match her tone. Comforting but firm. Yes? These two have been waiting on you for days. Let their reaction guide your words.”

Sam asked the major, “Will you be in there?”

“No. They’ve had their fill of me. Your Chief is correct. They could use a maternal presence.”

Sam was eighteen by the Collectorate standard calendar but now felt much older; Michael would appreciate the irony. With a final boost of encouragement from Pat, she steeled herself and headed where she expected to hear nothing good.

The twins, both auburn-haired, paid her no mind at first, although the boy sneaked a darting glance in between gaming maneuvers. Sam positioned herself across the table and waited for them to snap out of their hypnotic gestures. The girl reacted first, setting her hands on her lap without wiping the holocube. She tilted her head slyly as if daring her visitor to speak first. Did she assume Sam was another Guard inquisitor? If the girl was playing chicken, she won.

Sam broke the silence. “Hello, Rosalyn. Brayllen. Major Lancaster says you have something to tell me.”

Brayllen gasped, pushing back his chair. “Are you Samantha?”

Rosalyn whispered to her brother and insisted he stay seated.

“Yes, Brayllen, my name is Samantha Pynn.”

“Prove it,” Rosalyn said, dispersing the game and opening a new holocube. “Every Chancellor has a unique genetic stream stamp to prove identity. Toss yours to me.”

Sam, who learned of the identifier many months after her amp was installed, fingered a cube and flicked over the data.

“I have less than two years’ record,” she told Rosalyn. “I was born on a different Earth.”

Tears overcame Brayllen as he leaped from his chair. “It is you. It’s exactly what he told us.”

The boy ignored his sister’s pleas and rushed around the table, flinging his arms around Sam, his tears raining. She detected a combination of relief and terror as he sobbed into her bodysuit.

“He said you would come, Samantha. He said you were a good person and you’d never let our parents die.”

She bent down until square with his eyes, which he tried to wipe dry. “Who, Brayllen? Who said this?”

He stammered, as if frightened to reply. “Brother James.”

“Brother?”

“That’s his name. He said he used to have two others, but he doesn’t need them now. He said you’d understand.”

She did. “He has your parents?”

A hand touched her shoulder before Brayllen answered. Rosalyn stood tall and glassy-eyed.

“Yes,” the girl said. “And the parents of our best friends, too. We haven’t heard from Freida or Carmen. They were supposed to be with us, but the major won’t tell us anything.”

Sam formed the picture. The two who died hours earlier must have been sent back as well, their parents also held hostage. She refused to drop the devastating news now.

“This has been difficult for you.” She knew her words were empty. “I’m here now. Can you tell me what happened?”

The twins stared at each other, as if deciding who went first. Sam grabbed each by the hand and insisted they sit on the floor with her.

“Major Lancaster said you were carrying a message for me. Did Ja … did Brother James threaten to kill your parents if you didn’t deliver his message?”

They nodded in unison, and Brayllen’s grip tightened.

“He showed us