Unity by Carl Stubblefield (epub read online books TXT) 📕

thing—and I promise I’ll leave off the lectures, although it’s kind of the same thing. I don’t know how the quantum server assesses us, but that personality is just what you need right now to progress the most. Its main directive is to help you evolve in every way. You may not understand it or even like it. But take advantage of your Nth. Make a game out of finding what exact flaw that personality can help you overcome.

“I can tell you this: life has a funny way of giving you more chances of learning important lessons if you kick the opportunity down the road. Knowing what I know now, I wish I would have learned what I should and moved on rather than face the same challenge over and over, but ultimately the choice is up to you if you want to do the same.”

“Were you like a psychiatrist or something before you were a super?” Gus joked.

“I’m a healer at my core. Sometimes the body is only a small part of what makes a person ill. We would think someone taking poison on a regular basis would be an idiot, but we do it all the time with poisonous thoughts and habits. I sense that in you. I’ll admit I’ve done the same, and I know how it’s held me back. Don’t let it do the same to you.

“I don’t know why you’re at odds with your father, but he probably was doing the best he could with the resources he had. I shudder to think if everyone judged me on my behavior on my worst days. We always tend to do that, don’t we? Judge others on their behavior and ourselves on our intentions. Don’t make that same mistake. You have more, so be more.” BoJack pointed a cable arm at the lake that had yawned into view beyond the trees. Gus lifted his pensive eyes and saw the lake for himself, his mood brightening.

“We’re almost there!”

Gus had been so lost in contemplation that he hadn’t realized how far they had been traveling. BoJack lowered himself to the water’s edge and made a boat out of a few planes of ether. Two cables extended underwater, making an outboard motor and rudder and they were off across the water.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Get Back

As Gus sped along the surface of the water, he could see the Crew on the other side of the lake. One must have seen him because they all turned and started to wave. It was a relief to see as many there as he did, probably everyone had made it, he counted and found eleven others. All present and accounted for.

His heart began to fill with excitement at meeting everyone again, and the chance to really get to know them this time around. He still felt awkward as hell, but he was just going to push through it.

The Crew started to cheer as they got close and then BoJack executed a deft maneuver where he let his momentum carry him as he slowly dissolved the sides of his ether boat, fading to a semblance of a surfboard, until he was skidding to the shore on just his heels. The effect was expertly executed; it had to be something he had practiced before. He stepped effortlessly onto the bank and was met by high fives and shoulder claps.

He landed and grinned as he watched his new friend’s warm welcome. Gus was almost knocked over as he was grabbed suddenly from behind. He stiffened from the unexpected assault.

“We were so worried about you guys! I’m so glad you are alright!” a perky voice chirped in his ear, the heat and proximity sending a slight tingle down his spine. He recognized the voice as Harmony’s at about the same time she jumped on his back in a tight bear hug. He instinctively grabbed her legs as she wrapped them around him, squeezing him tight. The silky feeling of the fishnets along her supple legs caused him to flush at the closeness.

The scent of some fruity perfume wafted to Gus’ nose as she rested her head on his shoulder, her blonde ringlets bouncing as she squeezed even tighter. Gus stiffened some more, albeit in a different way than before, as he realized what was pressing against his back with the embrace.

At that moment, he realized another big disadvantage of the spandex-like suits but fortunately with a little hybrid-Nth assistance, things were sorted and mischief was managed. Gus gulped and thanked his luck stat that he was facing mostly toward the lake during the encounter.

Releasing her softly, she slid to the ground gracefully. She was so light! Without thinking anything amiss, she loped over and gave BoJack a big hug as well.

Taking a deep breath and shuddering, Gus looked to the side and saw Aurora watching him with interest. He nodded in acknowledgement and she shook her head with a wry smile, turning back to organizing a pack she had salvaged from the transport.

The rest of the Crew heartily welcomed Gus, with Darik using both his hands to shake with Gus. This time Gus leaned into the reunion, hugging back with as much gusto as he received, happy to be back with everyone once again. Even Jet did a flourish, welcoming Gus back to the group.

He turned and there was a brief pause as his father had his outstretched hand. Instead of going for the stilted handshake, Gus pulled his father close, clapping him on the back as they embraced.

As he pulled away, Tempest cleared his throat and nodded to his son. “Good to see you again.” He looked deep into Gus’ eyes and held on to his shoulder, as if he didn’t want the contact to end. At last he turned to Yuki.

“Yuki, have you worked out exactly where we are? We’ve been discussing our plan to get out of here, but all of it hinges on knowing our exact location.”

“Yes, sure. I mean, sir.” She slid her belt