Phoenix Feathers, Part II

Chapter 8

Disclaimer: Joss is Boss, and if I could ever meet the man, I'd thank him for dreaming up this wonderful 'Verse for us all to play in, and then I'd babble and drop a string of non-sequiturs on him. He'd understand.

***

For Dr. Robert Barnes, time was running out.

During the past few hours, Subjects 01 and 02 had worked tirelessly at analyzing the twin escapes of their fellow students, breaking down the sparse information on the event and looking for patterns.

Barnes marveled at how the pair worked. They functioned like a supercomputer, reaching conclusions and extrapolating from Barnes’ computer. They systematically narrowed down the possibilities with a rapidity that shocked him, even though he had been in part responsible for their development.

With special access to the Osiris planetary Cortex network, it was not long before the two students discovered a few chance happenings that disturbed Barnes. A ship had landed inside of the Blackout Zone soon after the escapes. It had not at any point made contact with the modified shuttle that had taken River Tam, but had remained in the vicinity for roughly twelve hours before being pounced on by a squadron of Alliance patrol boats.

The pair of the Academy students stopped typing and stared at Barnes from where they lay chained to the floor. Barnes knew that he was in no danger, but their unfocused eyes still made his skin crawl. Besides, the last time that he had been around a restrained Academy student he had woken up with a cracked rib and a splitting headache.

Barnes nodded his thanks and moved to scoop up his computer, keeping a close eye on the broken students. As soon as he had the data tucked under his arm he bolted for the door, murmuring a word of thanks.

The guards outside the cell were alert and standing at attention when Barnes emerged. They escorted him the short distance to the elevator with military precision.

“Thank you, gentlemen.” Barnes stepped inside the elevator an