Page 60 of Between Imminent Fates

“You’re going to root through the internet, every file in the Army’s archives, and every communication Torrin ever sent, and you’re to excise any mention of theCitizensthat might still be documented.”

It was all Remmus could do not to laugh in her face.

“Key, that’s impossible. Even if I started now, it’d take days just to deal with Army archives purge. And ‘the internet?’ Searching and purging content from the largest revolving database with no finite end would be like—”

“Attempting to weave a future twelve centuries in advance?” Key finished for him, one stark blonde eyebrow quirked in challenge. “I understand what I’m asking, Remmus, and I understand your reservations. However, while your limits may be finite, realize that I won’t be asking you to do this alone.”

“There are no other Technopaths here, Key.”

“No—” A cunning smile appeared on her lips, “—but there are two Amps.”

When Remmus’ mouth gaped, his sovereign rode to the rescue. “The risk is substantial, Key—even with several healers present. The energy drought that’d kick back following such a massive display of power could kill him.”

Key’s features softened. “Remmus, I understand the risk you’re taking, but trust that I wouldn’t put your life in danger with this—I’ve foreseen that this doesn’t irreparably harm you. It will create a severe energy drought for the next several hours, but your ability will return before our final confrontation in two days’ time.”

“You want not one, but two Amps powering Remmus’ gift?” Zeke asked from across the room, his concern mounting.

Key nodded. “It’s necessary, Zeke. You alone will not be enough for him to reach every database that needs cleared.”

“Who is the other Amp?” Remmus’ eyes scoured the room, landing on Derikles. “You?”

The man—Isaiah’s second—was quiet, but wickedly powerful. That much was apparent by his psychic signature. He stood behind his sovereign, arms crossed. Like Remmus, Derikles’ skin was visibly tattooed, but his was a watercolor pattern that spanned up his arms.

Derikles nodded. “I am.”

A man of few words. Jaw clenching, Remmus glanced at his mate. While worry funneled down their bond, she wore a look of determination. “Only if you’re willing. I have faith in you.”

His co-sovereigns were clearly communicating telepathically. He interrupted.Sovereign, thoughts?

My only hesitation is your comfort level, Remmus,Nina replied.If Key says you won’t be harmed, then I believe her.

That was enough for Remmus. Pushing past his reservations, he internally girded himself against what was to come. He inclined his chin to Key and gave her a nod.

“Good.” A laptop teleported into her hands. “You’ll need to take a seat for this, Remmus. Derikles, Zeke, if you would?”

Neither Amp appeared to be wary of what they’d attempt.

“If the rest of you would like to leave, now would be the time,” Key warned. “Healers are required to stay.”

No one left.

“Ominous words, Key,” Remmus muttered.

“I’ve not lied to you. You’ll be okay.” Then, softer, she whispered, “Eventually.”

He stared at her when she dropped the laptop into his hands. “When they begin to Amp you, it’ll be overwhelming. I need you to focus on the threads of theCitizens’communications first. From there, it’ll lead you to the Army’s databases. Finally, you’ll scour the internet for any mention of theCitizens’or their contracted mercenaries. Do you understand?”

“Yep.”

Key’s attention shifted to the two men standing behind him. “Zeke, you’ll connect with his ability first, amplifying it at the rate he commands. Derikles, you’ll follow, connecting to the same thread Zeke is already feeding him. Amplify that instead of creating a new thread.”

She stepped back, the intensity of her stare almost criminal. And then she spoke the words that chilled Remmus: “You’ll continue amping him until I tell you to stop. If you let go to soon, you’ll kill him. Ava, you will be here before him to catch him when he falters. Donotlet him fall.”

Remmus’ mate appeared in front of him just as the rush of adrenaline fueled him. He reached out telepathically.I love you, Ava.

When Key gave him the go ahead, Remmus’ technopathic gift swelled inside him, connecting instantly to the technology in the room. In his hands, Torrin’s laptop flared to life. The screen blinked through document after document at his will, just as Zeke’s hand gripped his shoulder.

The amplification effect was instantaneous.

---