Super

Chapter 19: Plot, Counterplot

“They still don't seem to really know what they're doing,” Riss continued. “Their theory about why we can do things most people can't is that we've either inherited some capability or that somehow during our lives our bodies learned to adapt in very different ways than most people's have had to. That's why they keep giving us the gene therapy protocols, thinking that our bodies are more likely to adapt to it than the average person, and probably hoping one day they can reliably replicate the process.”

Lex just thought for a moment, looking at her knuckles whiten as she held onto the edge of the table, the heavy tablecloth wrinkling in her hands. “OK,” she said after a while, “so I'm running against the clock. I'll figure out a way for us to escape, but I can't handle everything. Casey, I'd like you to be in charge of logistics. Find a way for us to get transportation away from here without having to use credit cards or identification, if possible. Figure out how to stash some basic supplies for that day. Think of everything we might need, and figure out how to get it ready. Can you take that angle?”

Casey nodded, the movement quick and sure. “Not a problem.”

Lex then looked to Riss, sitting to her right. “Riss, can you figure out a way for us to communicate secretly while we're in the facility? At least daily would be best. I'd also like for you to be our researcher. If anyone needs to find out anything, they should pass it along to you to find out. Also, we'll need new IDs and credit cards. Can take care of arranging that?”

“I'll figure it out,” Riss replied while typing into her computer.

“Good. Please work together on anything that needs it, because we know Riss can't leave the facility other than for a job, at least until we all get out together.” She looked at Riss and Casey then, and they both nodded back at her.

“In the meantime,” Lex continued, “I want to start team practice a few times a week. I'm not sure how this is all going to work yet, but we're going to have to be prepared for just about anything, and we should be comfortable with how everyone else thinks, fights, and reacts by the time we're ready to go. Serena,” she said, turning to the other woman, “you're more than welcome to join us for the team training. Actually, I'd be grateful if you did, since it wouldn't look like we're trying to leave you out.”

“I'll try. It sounds like fun, anyway,” Serena replied.

Lex looked back at each of her companions for a moment, taking in Serena's serious look, Riss' matter-of-fact gaze, and the concern in Casey's eyes. Fortunately, the food arrived at that point, so after the waiter had situated everything, they all began to eat dinner, Lex mostly picking the mango slices and pomegranate seeds from her small salad and ignoring her entrée altogether. After a short while of silent eating, Serena turned to her.

“I forgot to ask until now,” she said, “but you said you'd think about what I could do about my family and the business and that stupid man they want me to marry. Did you come up with anything?”

Lex had been fishing some headache medicine out of her purse, and took the pills before answering. “I thought of a few things, but the best one requires some effort on your part. Do you want to go over it, or do you want to hear the options that wouldn't require much or any work on your part? I have to admit, though, they're not as foolproof.”

Serena thought for a moment, then replied, “Tell me your best idea and then I'll figure out if I need to hear any of the others.”

“All right, but I need some information from you first, to be sure it's going to work. First of all, did you go to college?”

Serena shrugged. “Yeah, I got a business degree from Columbia. I managed to do OK, even though I was never really very interested in school.”

“Good. My second question: is there someone that you can trust completely, hopefully with your life? Maybe someone you met at school, someone who'd have the same type of degree, experience, and preferably some interest in running a business. Someone who could be discreet and wouldn't mind being the power behind the throne.”