When we get to the street we see the line and follow it. We make two turns on the yellow line when Cliff asks, “Ben how do you keep such a cheerful attitude no matter what happens?”

I try to think before I answer, “I don't know. I guess I have had so many catastrophes in my life I gave up being upset.

I used to be depressed for days, if not weeks, when something would happen. Then one time, I don't know when, I realized that getting depressed wasn't doing any good.

I decided to make a joke of it and found that life seemed better. We cannot control everything in our lives, so why try. And getting mad or depressed just makes your own life miserable. No one wins, but if you pick yourself up and dust yourself off, things seem easier. I think it is just a desperation reaction, but it works.”

“Very productive and insightful analysis,” Peth says.

“Thanks, but I don't know about insightful, just desperate grasp,” I say reminiscing about past desperation.

I would say the line is taking us in the same general direction as before, but I can't be sure. The longer we are following the line the more confusing it gets. Why would anyone make a maze for a city is beyond me.

Ben. Grass says in my head.

Yeah? I reply in my head.

You need to let them sleep. You are going to run them into the ground.

Huh? I say in my head. I stop and turn around. I see they seem to be dragging themselves along. As soon as they see I have stopped, they perk up.

“Oh my lord, I am so sorry everyone. I forget that I am on overdrive. You all should have said you were tired.”

“We are fine,” Berg says trying to pump out his chest.

“No you are not. We will just fail if I kill you all from exhaustion. There is no need for you to try and keep up with me. You can't.

I want everyone to be in peak condition, so we can figure this out. And if you all just try to keep up with me, you will collapse. Thanks Grass.”

“Any time,” Grass says.

“Please, Please, don't make me rely on Grass to know when you need rest. I want to rely on everyone. I want a team, not blind servants. Do you understand?”

“We have waited so long for the makers, we just want it back the way it was before the disease,” Berg says as he slumps from exhaustion.

“I am not the maker, and you are not my servants. You are descendants of the noble race that created all of this. It may be hard for you to grasp, but you are the Makers, not me. The only difference between you all, and me, is that I am cursed and you are not.”

Peth steps up defiantly, “And you are not cursed. If it wasn't for you and what you do, we would still be in the town wishing these so called Makers would show up. As soon as you stop thinking you are cursed, we will know we are the Makers.”

“Touche, agreed, I am gifted now will you rest? That's better?” I say deflated.

“For now and yes we will rest. I think here is okay,” Peth returns.

“I hate to counter such a wise woman, but wouldn't a bed be more comfortable?” I step next to a door so it opens.

“But it is not our place,” Peth says, showing her fatigue.

“How do you know? It might have been if the virus had not happened,” I motion into the door.

“What is the word you used? Touche,” Peth returns and heads in the door.

The guys shrug at each other and follow her in. I follow in behind. I get in and they are standing unsure where to go, “Grass?” I ask as I walk in.

“The one to your right has been reconfigured to work for rest.” Grass says.

“Thanks,” I enter the right apartment and the others follow. We enter into a very small living room with five chairs in a circle around a round table block.

Directly across is one door and to the left is two doors. “To your left are separate rooms for the guys, and straight across a sweet. I figure Berg and Peth would appreciate it. If you need anything just activate the table and ask.”

“Thanks Grass,” Peth says, “And you are so sweet.”

“You make us blush,” Grass says.

Peth giggles. Each head to the rooms without another word. I can't believe I would have probably killed them, if it wasn't for Grass. I really need to stop this one track mind.

“Don't blame yourself, Ben. They were hiding it from you,” Grass says.

“I know, but that should not be an excuse. They look at me as a leader, I need to remember their needs too,” I say disgusted with myself.

“Quit being so hard on yourself Ben. You were thrown into this. No one expects you to think of everything.”

“But I feel I should, these people are relying on me. I need to be more observant.”

“No,” Grass says firmly and loud. “You are human not a machine. We should know. We are as close to a computer, a living organism can be, but even we miss things. So we do not want to hear this stupidity again, and remember we know what you think.”

“Okay got ya grandma,” I say and laugh.

I get an image of three blades of grass standing like my grandmother does when she is pissed. “Okay that was almost disturbing,” I say.

“But you won't forget will you?” Grass asks, pushing its point across.

“True,” I sit down in a chair. It still gets me how these chairs can feel so soft.

I think of how someone could make a killing on earth with these. That brings me to my return. That is if it is even possible, after all this ends. Do I really want to return?

I know that my family will be worried sick about me. But after seeing what I have seen, I'm not really sure I could live on earth anymore. Here I have all I need and more.

My talents are not feared, but revered. If I go back to earth I would have to go back to hiding them again. So no one will get to know who I am.

I might even find someone here to get with, because they would understand my refusal to touch them. And if it would happen they would not be scared of me, after I canceled it.

And who knows, I might find a use for them. And then there is the problem of me obliterating myself. Could anyone at home understand that at any time, I could blow up something. Here they may be able to stop it, or at least make sure I don't hurt anyone.

Could I blow up? Is it possible that I am a ticking bomb? Could that be what happened on the other planets? Could it be possible for one body to produce enough energy to blow up a planet?”

“Grass,” I say.

“Getting him now,” Grass replies.

“Thanks.”

The table starts going fuzzy. Then as I watch the image of the man rise out of the table, “Whoa neat 3D TV.”

Althoos turns to face me, “Yes this program is capable of it. Most things don't need 3D, but I thought it a nice touch,” he smiles.

“Definitely, but anyway,” I shake my head. “Do you know what happened to the subjects that obliterated themselves?”

“I was told of a few. One consumed themselves in fire. The other just vanished. They did a scan for the subject, but could not find a trace in the known universe.

“How much of the universe do you know?” I ask, very curious.

“Just a fraction. Last I recall we knew only about nine trillion billion light years. I think that is how you calculate space distance. Although there is a flaw in that concept.”

“Well I have no clue about it all, but yeah I think that is how earth figures. But back to my original question. Is it possible for one body to have the ability to blow up a planet?”

“I can’t say for sure, but theoretically it is possible. I find it not very probable, but in essence yes I think a body could.”

“Could that be what happened to the other planets?”

“As I said, it is possible but not probable.”

“If I were to do that, could your technology contain it?”

“Ben, we don't even know if it will happen to you.” compassion can be heard in his voice.

“I know, but it worries me. If I knew, that if it were to happen, the city could contain it,” I say sadly.

“Yes, I do believe the city could contain it. Although I can't be sure it would contain it fast enough. Those within a few feet of you would be killed, before it was contained.

But do not worry over it. The only subjects that were recorded as succumbing to a fatal talent were late gainers. I was told that all those who gained their talents after about thirty years old were the ones to watch.”

“Does that computer say when my grandfather got his?”

“I don't know. This program does not have the access to find out.”

“Grass?”

“Sorry, Ben, it does not say. The validator did not ask him.”

“Okay, thanks Althoos, I appreciate your help.”

“Any time. Is that all you needed?” Althoos asks and I nod. The image shrinks into the table and fuzzes away.

“Grass what am I going to do?” I ask staring at the space where Althoos stood.

“We don't know. We are almost done with all your grandfather's searches, but we don't see anything that is in reference to the disease, or the clause. Most of his searches were trying to locate his position to earth.

The other searches were of the city and his abilities. We have also done some cross searches of our own, but are coming up empty. There doesn't seem to be anything that would reveal this scientist's motives.”

“You have done more than enough Grass. It seems that the answer lies with me. And I have no clue what it is. I was never a great problem solver.”

“You are not the only one on this mission, Ben.”

“Oh I know, but every action the clause takes is based on my actions. If it was what we all do, or another individual, then there would be more actions with others and the clause.”

“That is a possibility,” Grass says and I know it is just to humor me.

“The only thing that eludes me with the clause is why did it know about you?”

“What do you mean?”

“Althoos said he worked at keeping you hidden, and he said he just didn't mention the crown. So I can understand how the clause found the crown, but not you. And since it indicates she knows of you, why hasn't she stopped you?”

“Why would she need to stop us?” Grass sounds hurt and confused.

“Because you could be a threat to her cause or design.”

I hear a strange sound coming from the room. As I listen harder I can swear it says no. Then every surface in the room starts flickering. I jump up startled, and start looking around.

The word no flashes on the surface in different spots. The flashing 'no' begins to flash faster and faster. Finally the room is almost white with the word 'no'.

“Grass?” I ask in desperation.

“We don't know, we cannot locate the source. It seems to be coming from several places, in the computer, at once. There is no source code. It is just there then gone.”

The sound and visual no's increase till they reach a crescendo with the word 'NO'. The whole room is covered in the word 'NO'. Then silence, and the room goes back to its low light.

“Um, did that wake up the others?” I ask, shaking.

“No it was only in your room,” I can hear Grass's voice shake.

“What the hell was that about?” I didn't expect an answer, but I had to ask.

The table goes fuzzy and I hear the computer say, “Unknown.”

I look at the table, “How did the computer get active, and why did it answer when I was not near it,”

“Unknown memory has been set to respond to the subject's voice.”

“Why?” I ask.

“Unknown.”

“Where did the command come from?” I ask in desperation.

The computer starts listing off numbers longer than a chalkboard. It pauses just slightly between numbers. As I stand there it continues to list off numbers.

When I can't stand hearing it anymore I say, “Stop,” and silence fills the room.

“Grass?” I ask.

“It is listing off every location the commands came from when our show happened.

“Why would a command come from many locations?” I ask.

“Unknown,” the computer responds.

“Am I supposed to ask a question?”

“Correct,” comes the computer.

“Do you know what question I should be asking?” I hate the round and round of this computer. I don't know what else to do.

“Negative.”

“Grass, what were we talking about before our side show?”

“You were saying that the clause would want us gone,” Grass replies.

“Oh yeah, why would the clause not want Grass gone?” I ask.

“Must define clause and Grass is unknown.”

“Damn a computer is so stupid some times. Okay then what purpose would a life form have to be connected to main?” I ask in desperation.

There is no response, “Grass?” I ask.

“The clause is active,” Grass responds.

“Okay, why would that stop a response?” I ask.

“Good question, too bad we don't have an answer,” Grass says distracted.

“Great, this keeps getting better,” I say flustered.

“Tell us about it. The clause has stopped, but erased your question.”

“What?” I say exasperated.

“Yeah, got us too. Ask the question again.”

“What purpose would there be for a life form to be connected to the computer?”

Again no response, “Grass?”

“Something but faster. The clause will not let the computer answer.”

“Why? What would the answer tell us?”

“We don't know,” Grass says.

“Unknown,” the computer says at the same time.

“Great, now what am I supposed to ask?”

“Unknown,” answers the computer.

“Do you know a life form is integrated with you?”

“Memory detects no infection,” returns the computer.

“Infection is that the subject of the question?”

“Un...Un...Un...Unknown,” the computer stutters.

“Grass what caused the computer to stutter?”

“The clause. It repeated the question to the computer three times.”

“Why?”

“Unknown question,” returns the computer.

“Well crap, Grass why?” I repeat.

“Unknown,” says Grass.

“Oh, ho, ho,” I mock.

“We were filling left out,” Grass laughs.

“Okay the computer would consider you an infection. And that in itself would be a clue, because the clause interfered. But we know it is the infection that is the problem. But what does, you as an infection, mean in relation to a virus?”

“Unknown you, but an infection should be eradicated,” says the computer then pauses, “Or duplicate it.”

“Um...” I say.

“Yes clause again,” Grass answers my unasked question.

“I don't get it, why would you want to duplicate a virus? It does it on its own.”

“Duplicate Grass's relation to the computer,” Peth says behind me.

I jump around, “Sorry we woke you.”

“No, I never sleep very long. It is caused by being on call for help. She wants us to create a virus that will merge with the host, to help protect it,” Peth says as she goes to a seat and sits.

I sit in a chair opposite her, “But how can we do that?”

“I do not know, but she thinks you do or in you lies the answer,” Peth replies calmly.

“How am I supposed to do that? I am no chemist.”

“I do not know what a chemist is, but she thinks you have the answer.”

“I think she has misplaced faith. I have no understanding of this stuff. And if there was an answer in me, the health station would have picked it up.”

“Can I ask what the health station asked you?” Peth asks.

“Sure, it asked if I wanted to eradicate the infestation, why?” I look at her confused.

“That is not what it asked me. It did not ask me anything. It said, welcome, you can register at the main office and until then my medical records are attached to my DNA ID.”

“But why did it ask me then?” I ask.

“Ben, your DNA is different,” Grass says. “The computer is set to not destroy viruses in Oranians. But since you're not Oranian it was uncertain what to do.

Your DNA is registered here as forbidden, so the computer in the city could not automatically work on you. This city is at this point, forbidden to change or help you. There must be something in relation to that, that she sees as the answer. On a side note, we found your grandfather.”

I look up at an angle, “Where?”

“In memory like Tieth's brother. He must have activated a shield by accident.”

“Oh my god, why didn't I think of that?”

“We don't think you realized the shield is capable of being created anywhere in the city. And since it was before your arrival, it would treat your grandfather as a threat with a virus in him.” Grass comments.

“In your defense, Ben, you are under a lot of pressure. You need to slow down or you will collapse,” Peth says.

I look at Peth with wanting, “You don't know how much I would love to just get in bed right now and have a time away in dream land.

But that is one of the drawbacks of these talents. When I change into anything that has energy to it, I am overcharged. I think this is the longest I have been up with such a clear head though.

I am not sure if it is the devices here or that I transformed into a tree for the night. But I do know my head still seems clear. Plus Grass would, I am sure, inform me if I was losing control.”

“You betcha,” Grass responds.

“So I believe at the moment I am doing okay. I think you do need to keep more eye on the others and yourself.

I tend to have a one track mind, and forget not everyone can keep going like me. I think you are the most level headed person I have ever met. I need you to help keep me in check.

You are willing to push yourself farther then you need to. This situation has been this way for millennia, a few extra days will not change it. So can I count on you to help me help all of you?”

“Of course. We would be of little use to you in a state of constant exhaustion,” Peth returns.

“Okay I guess back to our dilemma. So have I got this clear? Because I am from earth and forbidden from these computers, they cannot do anything to me? But since I got the computer to leave the virus in you all as a defense, the clause doesn't think it is the best course. It may think there is something I can contribute as some guinea pig, so a super virus can be created. And through this virus, all future virus infections will become mute. Did I get the gist?”

“I do believe so. At least that is how I would see it,” Peth says. As I watch Peth I notice that her chair starts to fuzz, then stops.

“Before you ask, yes it was the clause,” Grass says.

“Well I guess that is a yes, now we just have to figure out our next step.”

Peth looks at me with suspicion, “What is a yes?”

“Oh nothing big. Just your chair did something funny after you said, it is how you would do with the virus situation.”

“Really? And the desperation clause done it?”

“We believe so. When we seem to be on track, or way off, the clause causes strange effects, the computer would never do.” I say.

Grass continues the explanation as though coming from one person, “And when the clause does these things, it leaves a trace in the computer. It in essence gives us a way to track the clause.”

“You know at times it is hard to tell that you are two different people,” Peth comments.

“I don't get why?” Both me and grass respond at once except Grass says 'we'.

“Okay I see your point,” I say.

“We don't,” Grass says.

“That's okay Grass you wouldn't. I think since you learn from me through my mind, you have in a sense become me in personality.”

“Oh god, now we feel violated. Ah the horror,” Grass says with extreme sarcasm.

“Ha, Ha,” I say.

“I think there are worse people to become,” Peth says.

“We agree,” Grass responds.

“Ah now I blush,” I say.

Grass laughs and I see a smile on Peth's face. I think it is the first time I have actually seen an honest smile on her face. I can not imagine the stress and pain, she deals with on a daily basis being a healer.

“Well anyway,” I say, “None of us are able to understand the process of a virus. So what can we do that could possibly help?” I state.

“I have not dealt with these viruses, but anything I would need is in memory. You told us we could use memory anywhere,” Peth points out.

“Normally I would agree with you, from what I have been told. But the city seems to be more limited than the town was. There are only two places in the city that allow connection to the main frame. One is the memory center and the other is locked.

I would say let's head to the memory center, but I wonder if going to the main office might be a good idea. I think it is one of those damned if you do, or damned if you don't.”

“We are checking out the main office now, but it doesn't seem to have anything out of the ordinary in it,” Grass adds.

“Wait, do they have the equivalent to a hospital here?” I ask.

“No,” Grass comes back.

“Damn, well the only other place that could have the info, or equipment to help would be a health lab or science lab.”

“There is a lab, but they cannot access the mainframe.” Grass says.

“Okay maybe we are jumping ahead of ourselves. The trick seems to be, to use the city without its main frame connection. It can't, or won't directly change or alter me. But the main frame will.

So could it be useful to use the city's limitations, to our advantage? I inadvertently messed things up by allowing the main frame to diagnose its own remedy to the virus. I want to try to keep that from happening again.”

“We have overridden capabilities, in most of the cities functions. We can hinder the computers altering its function or programming. But since we do not have level five clearance we cannot stop the mainframe.”

“I think a little recon wont hurt. Lets get as much info, and understanding of this place first. How about we head to the main office and see if there might be some hidden info, or get a clue from the clause.”

“Sounds good,” Grass says and Peth nods.

“Well while we wait for the guys, let's put Althoos to work.”

The table shimmers and Althoos rises from the table. He does a look around and stops on me, “Hello anything I can help with?”

“I hope,” I say, “You were a research scientist right?”

“Yes,” he says and nods.

“What area?” I ask.

“Species relations and a little of talent research,” he responds.

“But you said you were trying to work on a virus cure,” I state deflated.

“Yes I was, but it isn't my area of study. That is why we failed,” he says defeated.

“I'm sorry, I understand that. I thought maybe you were in anatomy or something like that.”

“No I wasn't, but I did have to do a little research into there, at the last. This program is also designed to do research in open memory too. Why?”

“We think we know what that scientist is trying to accomplish,” I say hopefully.

“What?” he asks with curiosity.

“Peth deduced that the best way to combat future virus is to create a cannibal virus or something.”

“Ingenious, but I don't see it practical. There are too many variations, and not to mention the most deadly to us is immune to our technology,” he says matter of fact.

“Well you are way over my head on all that, but I think I am the key.”

“How so?”

“The clause has started a more aggressive approach to help us. It knows of Grass and through Peth's insight figured out what she wants.

We had gotten that she feels that Grass is necessary, and that his relation to the computer is the key. She had the computer tell us that we need to duplicate their relation to the computer, with a virus in the body.”

The image of Althoos looks to be in deep thought. Then it focuses back on me, “In theory she may have something there. I find it an interesting and innovated approach. Infecting a host deliberately would never had been allowed.”

“But could it work?” I ask impatiently.

“In theory yes, but I still do not see how. We do not have the people to research it.”

“Then why does she feel it is possible with me?”

“I do not know. Maybe through construction of your natural ability, create antibodies we could create one that...” Althoos freezes.

“Um Hello?” I ask Althoos.

“It's useless, Ben,” Grass says, “ The clause has frozen him.”

“Oh what for?” I ask flabbergasted.

“I don't know,” Grass says.

“Because he is going around and around in his thoughts,” Peth says.

I look at her, “What do you mean?”

“It refuses to see a possibility. It wants to dismiss it all and try another way,” Peth says.

“In other words he is pissing her off and she shut him up?” I ask.

“Put strangely, but yes,” Peth responds. I just can't fathom how she can keep such a calm expression no matter what happens.

“So she thinks, old man winters, can't help. Can you Grass?” I ask and Althoos shrinks into the table. “Well so much for that angle.”

“You know this would be so much easier if she could just come out and take us through this.”

“That may be her problem, Ben,” Grass says. “She may not be able to.”

“Why not?” I ask.

“The clause was set to unlock when the primary condition is met. Well she could have changed the primary condition, which prevents it from releasing. In essence she has inadvertently trapped herself.”

The room flickers for a few seconds then the word 'Yes' fills the room. After a couple more seconds it clears and the surface returns to normal.

“Man that has to be awful. To know the answer, but unable to tell anyone. I would be going insane. She has lots more patients, then I would have,” I say sympathetically.

“It is her resolve that keeps her focused. To know there is a solution within grasp, is enough for anyone to keep trying.

Just like you, Ben, she knows there is a possibility as long as we keep trying. I think you and her are a lot alike. With every block you hit, you always find a way around. I'm sure she sees it in you like I did,” Peth says in such a soft and comforting voice. I realized that I was holding my breath while she talked..

After I take a deep breath I say, “You and possibly her have more confidence in me then I do.”

“We all do,” Berg says. I look up and see Berg, Tieth, and Cliff standing at their doors.

“He is right,” Cliff says, “You have shown us things we never knew. You taught us that the dearly departed are not truly gone. You've shown us that everything has a bright side. You showed us hope we had lost.”

“Yes, without you, I would never know what happened to my brother. I would never have understood that with every gift there is a price. And most of all, you showed us that even the price of the gift can be a gift in itself,” Tieth says.

I sit there without a thought in my mind. I sit looking at a group of people that have more confidence in me then I could ever muster. I cannot fathom what anyone can see in a blunder. I can't even go a day without causing a catastrophe.

“Ben, your strength is what they see, not your flaws. Despite your self induced shortcomings you strive to be more than them. It is the strength to overcome, that is you not anything else.

You are the embodiment of humans, we strive to be. Your honesty and willingness to sacrifice all, for others. You grasp the ungraspable. You understand the chaos that others fear. You are what others want to be and understand,” Grass says calmly and deliberately.

I look on, as the others nod. I cannot put together fully what was just said. I know it was a compliment, but it all sounds like a lie. I am nothing what I heard. Then I realize everyone is up.

I shake my head, “Well what are we all standing here for? We have a city to kick in the ass. You all fully rested?” I ask.

They all nod with utter shock on their face. “Make sure you have everything and I will meet you on the street,” I say and head out the door.