The room was full of people, who all quieted down as we entered. It was slightly warmer in here, a big beam of light and warmth coming from a giant one of those things a dentist uses when he is looking at your teeth. It was pouring down onto a hospital bed- the grey haired man I was following was walking straight towards it. I started to say something but all of a sudden felt a pressure around my throat.

  “Just be still. It won’t kill you.” The grey haired man now had a hold of my elbows, pulling me down towards the bed. I fidgeted, and he tugged harder. Struggling against him, I bumped into the bed and knocked it out from under the light. I felt my legs start to move without my telling them too- next thing I knew I was laying flat on the bed. I wiggled, trying to get away from the thing that was controlling my arms and legs like a puppet. I shuddered all over, my back flat against the bed.

  I worked my mouth, trying to get out words, but the lady with the crazy hair still had a hold of my throat. I mouthed the words up at the gray haired man: I’m cold. I’m cold. “Terraze, let up a little will you? She doesn’t look like she’s trying to scream.”

  I hauled a breath in. “I’m cold.”

  “We’re not giving you a blanket.”

  “Just let me have my coat back. Please.”

  The man looked around the room, at a loss for words. The door at the far end opened and somebody was wheeling in a stretcher. I forgot all about my coat. “Mr. Left?”

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  He was pale but his eyes still bright green. “Ms. Kelly! My apologies. I truly did not intend for this to happen.” I tried to look away but he got inside too quick. “She’s just a child, Mikel. Give her her coat.” Silently the man holding me nodded to Terraze, who brought over my coat. I felt my throat tighten up again as she walked away. “And really, Ms. Kelly, this is quite the honor for you. Really bringing things full circle. An inquisitive child like you, caused so much mayhem and trouble...” He winked. "Feels rather appropriate, don't you think?" Mr. Left was continuing as I struggled into my coat and fought with the buttons. “It’s a continuation of your parents project, and wouldn’t they be proud of you for your commitment to the scientific method.” A chuckle ran around the room.

  The man holding me, Mikel, strapped my arms down with some kind of band, then grabbed my head. I flinched and tried to gasp, but my throat was so tight it felt like I was swallowing a pile of guitar strings. Must have sounded like it too, because I heard Mr. Left again. “At least tell her what you’re doing, Mikel. Have some decency.” This got a roar of laughter from the room, but the man did as he was asked.

  “I’m just strapping your head down with this band, it's coming across your forehead. We don’t want you to move too much, wouldn't help us any to miss.” I felt the cool leather press down on my head. “Now you’re going to feel a couple of pricks.”

  At the same time I felt the pricks, Terraze must have let go of my throat, because I felt the scream shoot out of me, like a soda bottle that’s been shaken and then uncapped. But almost immediately, my voice shut off and even I could hear my scream echoing around the room.

  There was some applause. Mikel grunted. “Showboat.”

  Forgetting I couldn’t talk, I tried mouthing “What’s happening,” but before I even finished the words Mr. Left spoke. “This device that’s on your head is going to do something incredible, Ms. Kelly. For a few moments, you are going to have my powers.”