Page 22 of Hawk on the Hunt

“I finally felt that I belonged somewhere. Until Sheppard was killed, and the Stargate agents had to run for their lives.”

13

Dylan didn’t keep anything to himself. He told Zara everything he knew, even the things he’d only found out hours earlier. He explained the theory they had about the MRI machine being used to scan a precognitive agent’s brain to harness the data to build a quantum computer. The more things he shared with her, he imagined the more fantastical the stories sounded, yet Zara listened patiently, and asked intelligent questions, which showed him that she understood what was at stake.

“So you and the others think that whoever is trying to build this quantum computer is going to be a danger to our democracy?”

“Not just ours,” Dylan said. “If he can manipulate events, because he can predict them with the help of the data he’s collected so far, he doesn’t have to confine his actions to the U.S. alone. He can manipulate anything, any economy, any government, any country, anyone.”

And if it was indeed Polo, the former Stargate agent, then there were no limits as to what he was capable of, given his psychological profile.

“He would be the most powerful man in the world,” Zara responded, nodding. “He has to be stopped.”

“We think that whatever he’s planning will happen very soon.”

“How do you know?”

“Several reasons: the frequency of our doomsday visions has increased, which leads us to believe that the event is approaching fast.”

“Didn’t you say earlier that you and the others only get this doomsday vision in your sleep?”

“Yes, why?”

“Because you were awake, and you had a vision.”

“That’s right. But we all have other visions of events happening, often involving those we’re close to. Like you and me. What I saw today, the explosion in the Capitol, and you among the rubble…” He shook his head and moved closer to her until he could touch her cheek. “From the clothes you wore, I could tell it was summer. You looked just like today.” He leaned in, pressing his forehead to hers, his heart beating with the fear that had gripped him during his premonition. “I can’t let this happen. I saw you die in that vision so I would get a chance to save you. And I’ll do everything in my power to prevent this tragedy.”

Zara put her hand on his nape. “Could it be that what you saw today has nothing to do with that big event? Could it be unrelated?”

“Sure, but it’s too much of a coincidence that several of us hear or see the Capitol blow up, while I have the vision of you dying in the rubble. I believe that the doomsday visions are rising from our sleeping hours into our waking ones. As if all events are about to collide.”

Zara sucked in an audible breath. “I’m scared.”

“I know. I’m scared too.”

“You’re scared?”

He nodded. “Even though I trained for things like this at the Farm. But I guess you’re never really prepared for everything. And it’s good to be scared.”

“Why?”

“Because if you’re scared, you stay alert, you don’t get cocky, you don’t underestimate your enemies. I’d rather have a bunch of people on my side who’re scared of what’s to come than people who are overconfident.”

“You might be right about that.” She smiled at him, and the action warmed his heart. “I’m on your side. And I’m scared. So I guess that makes us a good team.”

He chuckled softly and pulled her into his arms. “A perfect team.”

Zara combed her hand through his hair. “Yes.”

“So, now that you know everything, are you gonna let me make love to you?” He shifted and pulled her onto his lap.

“But the others.” She motioned to the door. “They’re downstairs.”

“So? This is my room. They’re not gonna come in here to check up on us. Besides, all four of them have their girlfriends living here with them.”

“All four? I only saw three guys.”

“You’ll meet Fox later. He’s the resident IT genius. But enough about them. Back to my original question: will you let me make love to you?”