Ultraviolet Catastrophe (31 page)

“Uh, no, ma’am,” I say. “But I came from a school for Normals — uh…the general population.”

“Ah,” she says, glancing back. “I didn’t gather that from your reports. Very interesting. At any rate, after the Biotech Hub was established to conduct continuing discovery into the particular intricacies of Gifted abilities and to address any issues that may arise from living with those abilities, other Supers decided to use their powers for the good of society. All society. That’s when the Social Welfare Hub was established.” She looks back with a tight smile. “We gathered from your statement that you’re looking for someplace to rest for a while.”

I don’t get a good vibe from this lady, but I won’t deny that a safe place to stay and some new clothes would be great.

“We run a small year-round residential student program here for families who wish for their children learn at this Hub but are at too great of a distance to commute daily. Several students around your age are currently in attendance.”

“So, wait,” Merrin says. “There’s a school inside this Hub? Like a boarding school?”

The president smiles. “Yes, for the best and brightest, those Gifted individuals we hope will be integral to the core Social Welfare Hub structure when they are adults.” She stops before a door and presses her hand to a black scanner like the ones on my house. The most basic of security systems. Damn, these people are trusting.

“Welcome, President Eisenhardt,” the halting security voice croaks, and we pass into what looks like a completely different building. Shining hardwood floors with islands of thick area rugs stretch in every direction, and to the right, there’s a living room with huge tan couches, a holoscreen with an old movie softly playing, and a bowl of snacks in the middle of a huge coffee table. Across the hall is a kitchen with an industrial stovetop and long marble counters. They’ve basically dropped a suburban house into this wing of the Hub.

I should relax at seeing this, but something still feels so off about a Hub being this kind to two unknown kids.

“So we can just…stay here? You don’t know anything about us.” I know it’s rude to ask a question so bluntly, but I can’t help myself. My instinct to protect myself — and Merrin and our secret — is still in hyperdrive.

President Eisenhardt smiles. “I can see that nothing gets past you two. I guess I shouldn’t expect it to. As you said, you’re not children, and considering your situation…”

Both Merrin and I raise our eyebrows at her.

She continues. “As soon as you two left the Biotech Hub, a universal mobilecomm went out. Every single cuff and holoscreen in the country knows what you look like and knows that the Biotech Hub wants you.” She sighs. “They’ve announced a reward for returning you to them. Everyone’s looking for you.”