When Ethan Johnson wakes up with a dead body next to him and a duffel bag full of money, he has no memory of how he got there. As he tries to uncover the truth about his past, he discovers that he possesses an alien artifact, a key that operates a g...
"Good," Dr. Müller said, picking up a clipboard and turning to a blank page. "First, we need to see the faces on the watch. Please show us what you did in the airport, Agent Johnson."
Mia handed me the key with care. I took it and admired it freely. Regardless of its scientific purpose or role in intergalactic intrigue, it was an exquisite piece of art.
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I repeated my actions from the airport, pausing on each face for Mia to take pictures and Dr. Müller to make notes. When the face came back around to the normal one, he grunted. "We hadn't even gotten it to do that. I recognize all but two of those faces."
"How is it supposed to work?" I asked the doctor.
"Wear it, set it on a face, then simply open the door. But before you do that, you need gear and a disguise. The Vegans don't pay terribly close attention to who comes and goes through the door; lazy guards are the bane of their existence. However, if it's obvious you're not Vegan when you emerge, you will be in danger."
I nodded. "Makes sense. But, do we have a way of testing the key without doing that?"
"Sharon is upstairs preparing, Dr. Müller."
"Yes, well, it is obvious that the key is somehow linked to Agent Johnson now. She can be his backup."
I balked. "My backup? You mean as my partner? No." The loss of Alex was too fresh. There was no way I was ready for a new partnership. Not after more than a decade of working together.
"I can assure you Agent Michaels is a consummate professional," the doctor insisted. "She has several crossings under her belt." He crossed his arms. "Remind us of how many gate crossings you have again?"
He had me. I was inexperienced. I knew it. He knew it. They all knew it. "Yet, here I am, the only one with the working key."
"We don't know if it works yet or not. And we won't know unless Agent Michaels goes with you because I'm not allowing the testing to continue unless I know the person wearing the key is protected."
Honestly, what he said was logical. It was just my emotions getting in the way. I could hear Alex's voice telling me to let it go and do what it took to get the job done. I matched his pose, pulling my arms across my chest. I stared at him for a moment before I gave in. "Okay, fine. Agent Michaels as backup. But she's not my new partner."
His eyebrows raised. "New?"
"Agent Alex Smith was my partner. It was his memories that bought this key. The transfer killed him. You can understand, I'm sure, why I'm hesitant to take on someone else."
He exhaled and scratched his head. "Yes. Quite. Of course she's not your new partner, but you do need protection and someone who is somewhat familiar with the planet you're going to."
The door at the top of the stairs opened, and a pair of combat boots stepped into view. I watched as black fatigues revealed themselves, continuing until a maroon sweater showed. Sharon's skin was noticeably darker than when I'd seen her before, and she had pulled her hair back into a messy twist held up by a clip. She didn't look armed, but I knew better... probably an inner pants holster under the bulky sweater.
"Agent Michaels," Dr. Müller said, nodding. "Good. Please take Agent Johnson and help get him ready for a crossing. The key is linked to him, and you will be his backup."
She answered with a curt nod. "Yes, Sir." If she was upset, she didn't show it. She eyed me up and down. "I got another bottle of hair dye and some self-tanner left. Glad I paid extra for the fast-developing kind. Come on. We'll work on the tan first." She turned on her heel and headed back up the stairs.
She took me to the second floor and parked me in the shared bathroom while she grabbed her kit. Returning, she eyed me again.
"Okay, strip."
My eyes widened. "Do what?"
"Strip. You know, get undressed." She waved the bottle of self-tanner at me. This has to go everywhere. And I do mean everywhere." She cracked a half grin. "Shy?"
I scowled and removed the key, gingerly setting it on the sink. "Let's get this over with." I pulled the t-shirt over my head before I stripped off the jeans, kicking my shoes into the corner as I did. It was only when I had my underwear to go that I turned my back on her.
She laughed. "Yeah, thought so. Whatever, I don't bat for your team."
Knowing she was a lesbian didn't make my scowl go away. I reached behind me. "Give it."
She handed me the bottle, and I popped the top.
"I'd start with your genitals first. That area always takes the longest to dry. Just FYI."
I grunted but did what she suggested.
She thrust her hand in front of me, palm up. "Give me some, and I'll do your back."
I pumped a small pile in her hand, and she pulled back, rubbed her hands together, and began to spread the lotion down my spine and across the areas of my back I couldn't reach while I worked on my shoulders and chest.
She finished and began to wash her hands. "Okay, I'll let you finish up in peace and go find you some clothes."
"Thanks," I gruffed out, beginning to work on my arms.
"Don't forget that pale ass of yours!" she called as she left.
