Wells was Right

He Got it.

“Detective, how are you?” Harrison Wells said from the 'entryway' to STAR Labs.

“I'm alright, Dr Wells, thank you. I was hoping I could enlist that huge science brain of yours to solve an annoyingly enigmatic case of mine, and catch a killer in the process.”

“Are you asking me because I'm a scientist or because I'm the biggest enigma you know?”

“Both actually. He is...one of the wild-world of weird cases we've been busy chasing down.”

“The reason you don't want Barry on the case taking down this particular bad guy with us?”

“The case is the murder of Nora Allen...Barry's mother.”

All calm and humor evaporated from Well's face. It actually took a few moments for him to speak again. “Why don't we get to the hands on science part of this building. We've some things we need to discuss, and hopefully to discover.”

Joe West wondered very much at this but he was not about to lose an opportunity to answer his many questions about the impossible killers, and messed up humans that had become part of his daily life... especially not if those answers were to come from the normally tight-lipped professor that led the team.

Wells led Detective West into the anteroom of the rather amazing STAR Labs facility and within an hour Joe West and Harrison Wells were consumed with analyzing the physical evidence from a murder that had brought Joe's family together. From the man who created the Particle Accelerator and the meta-human hero known as the Flash.

“Is it possible that someone with Barry's abilities killed his mother?” Joe asked bluntly.

“Now we reach the core.” Harrison said coyly. “You want to know if my particle Accelerator had anything to do with creating this monster. Do I assume correctly you've had this notion in your head the entire time we've been talking?”

“I didn't believe Barry's story. For 14 years I thought Henry Allen was guilty, because I couldn't believe that sort of impossible even exists. But Barry does,stuff right out of the Twilight Zone is a weekly occurrence now. I have to consider the possibility it existed back then.”

“But my Particle Accelerator didn't.” Wells said pointedly. “Someone or something impossible killed Nora Allen that night. He killed more than just Barry's family actually. And yes, my accelerator created the meta-humans we deal with on a daily basis. These freaks were my fault. I can't deny that and I don't. But my work is not the only source of trouble for this city, and not every wild and weird story comes out of my experiments.” His voice took on a dangerous edge. “I'm fairly certain that monster had nothing to do with me, no one knew who I was yet.”

“The timing is more than a little suspicious don't you think?” Joe said is a deliberate, slow tone, openly challenging the genius who wormed his way into their lives without a word of his own origins. A challenge that was met with a steely glare.

“Ask the man in yellow for why he showed up when he did, outta the blue. He thinks for himself and changed the world overnight. Whatever the heck drew him here, why we've never even seen him since...” Harrison Wells took a physical step back. “Yeah, the timing is less than coincidental. But if you're looking for explanations, I don't know the why. and as far as the how I'm as in the dark as you are....and searching for exactly the same answers...Almost exactly the same.”

Detective Joe West stared at the normally unflappable man who had unraveled before him. There was not a lot that could rile a self-possessed professionally restrained man like Harrison Wells. It was one of the reasons he'd felt safe coming to the man with his suspicions, that he knew sounded like accusations. Somehow he had a feeling that it was something way more personal than Joe's rush to judgment that had animated him so completely.

“You've seen him too.” Detective West realized aloud.

“Seventeen years ago.” Harrison replied sadly. “He's why I moved to Central City in the first place. Meting him that night is why I created started the foundations for STAR Labs when I did. What he took from me, is why it took 14 years to achieve my life's dream.” Sinking into a desk chair Wells put his hands over his face. When he did look up, Joe was staring at him with an expression he'd never shown the man before: a look of compassion. “Joe, Barry doesn't know my story. He has enough on his heart, he's been through enough trying to catch up with this creep. And I know him well. The fact that my masterpiece cause more suffering and more monsters is something I have to live with every day. But THIS monster, he's the one pulling the strings and I want answers as badly as you do. I don't have them Joe. To summarize my entire attitude and answer: If your chasing the man in Yellow, you cannot find a stronger ally than me. If you want answers about MY life story, look up Tess Morgan. More specifically, look up where she was December 15^th 2002. Then decide if I have a good enough reason for keeping my past to myself.”

When Detective Joe West walked into the Cortex at precisely 7:03 pm that evening, he looked like he wanted to bury his head in a bag of potatoes. He didn't sit down, only tapped on the door-frame to signify his presence. Wells waved him in but did not verbally acknowledge his presence, until Joe placed a box of very expensive Irish Whiskey on the table.

“I take it you're not here to make more accusations.” Wells said briskly..

“Doctor Wells, I don't know what to say. I looked up Tess Morgan...I'm sorry I had no idea. When you mentioned adapting and evolving to a new life before...you weren't talking about after the accelerator exploded; you meant losing her, your wife.” Wells sat back in his chair, motioning for Joe to take the seat beside him. “Something must have created this monster, and the accelorator created a lot of them. I...I'm not trying to make excuses I just...I hope you understand why I squirel-brained. Finding answers based on what information I have...it's in my job description, as a cop...”

“And finding answers to life's greatest mysteries is in mine...as a scientist.” Wells offered. “I understand the need to understand everything Joe. Detectives who follow leads and geniuses who need answers both have a tendency of getting obsessed. But this was personal for you. And however little emotion I show in my daily life...I do understand trying to keep your family safe.”

“What was she like?”

“Strong, brilliant, the most musical laugh. We were married to the work as much as to each-other. Making a facility like STAR Labs was something we were thinking about anyway, we just couldn't find a place to put down roots that wouldn't turn into a media-government circus if we ever got it up and running. I later learned the car accident...wasn't an accident. Someone or something r wanted me out of the way...tried to kill me that day...She died instead. So I decided to move here. The best place I can think of to build our dream...even if she couldn't see it.”

“You're chasing him to.” Joe said stoically.

“Ironically, I think if I ever met him I owe him a thank you. If I hadn't moved here, I wouldn't have been around to help take care of Barry. I would never have had a team to help make that dream a reality.... I wouldn't have had Sisko and Caitlyn to help build the accelerator, or to stand beside me when it blew up in everyone's face. Until the accelerator exploded Barry was the only person to believe in the impossible, and I imagined he got teased pretty regularly for it. Now because of my failed experiments, the world has a man in red to help deal with the crazy. Ultimately though, unless the man in yellow was messing with Tachyons there's no way he could have originated from my work, from something we...I...hadn't even built yet.”

“Okay...what's that look on your face?”

“Tachyons, little bits of time-travel THAT'S how he did it! I...Barry and I need to find this creep and kick his speedster ass. Failing that we need to train him, Barry I mean, to be the hero this city needs right now. Are you with me, Joe?”

“Taking down metas who abuse their powers, helping innocents deal with getting them, that's what I signed on for. It's my job and my duty. Raising a hero like my son for people to look up to, making him fast enough to kick this creeps ass if we ever see him again? That's a bonus! I am totally in!”

“Barry is lucky to have you on his side Joe.”

“He's lucky to have you too.”

A brief conversation between devastating revelations:

“Doctor Wells, can I talk with you for a minute?”

“I'm always here to help Barry, what's up?”

“You seem different, like something's weighing on your heart that wasn't there before. And if this is because of Ronnie...what happened to him.”

“Barry, Ronnie's death was a noble sacrifice and a freely given choice. I don't feel anything for him other than he should be an example we all aspire to emulate given the opportunity. But before he...the last conversation we had together was very different...and, well you know how people regret 'never having the chance to say things' or to 'take them back'. Because of his death, I will never get the chance to tell him I actually heard what he said!”

“Do you mind telling me what it is he DID say?”

“The people who died or were changed in the accelerator are my fault. Even if I couldn't have seen it coming. But there is one death that can be placed ENTIRELY at my front door, from long before you and I ever met. Ronnie found out my 'deep dark secret' and told me to stay away from you. Something I actually admire him for, he wanted to protect you. And I can't help thinking that he had a weird sort of a point. If keeping you safe meant keeping my distance.”

“I'm the one who decides if I want you in my life Harrison. And I want you in my life. If YOU want to leave fine. But don't leave because someone who barely knows you...barely knew you... thinks you don't belong here anymore.”

Fully cognizant of the irony of his advice. “One day I might. And if I do, I just don't want you to think I'm leaving you out in the cold.”

Blissfully ignorant of the uncomfortableness of the conversation. “You do what you gotta do Doctor Wells. Just do it for yourself and no one else, a'rigte?”

“We did it...It's over.” Barry Allen sighed with relief.

“Not yet. You still need to end it.” Harrison Wells said from behind him. Barry turned around and saw the man he'd called his mentor standing beside him quiet and still, with his hands at his sides in a gesture of surrender. For a moment he didn't know what to think.

“What are you doing?”Harrison actually seemed surprised at the question.

“You said when this was over and the city was safe, you'd kill me. And I promised I wouldn't fight you. I wasn't lying when I said I cared about you Barry, and I know what I've done. If this is what you need...” To Barry's lasting shock Wells actually lowered himself to his knees. “Then finish it.”

“Why, why would I do this?”

“That'd be stating the obvious. I don't think either of us need the remi...not what you meant is it?”

Vibrating his right hand Barry Allen, a hero known as The Flash, approached his nemesis. “I want to hear you say it.” He said strongly and softly.

“I killed your mother and I've done nothing to free your father. This may sound ironic coming from me but I'm tried of running, of trying to forget or deny my past. For the past 3 years I've done what I could to make you better than the Rival and stronger than Zoom. After this you will be.”

“...You're wrong about that.” Barry said lowering his hand and his voice. “Killing you wouldn't make me better than zoom it would make me the same as him. Killing anyone in cold blood would just make me as petty and self-absorbed as the Rival. I refuse to be either one. Get Up.”

Later Harrison Wells stood in the cortex, standing alone in front of Sisko Ramon, Caitlin Snow, Detective Joe West and young Eddie Thawne, Joe's partner on the Central City police force. He didn't seem willing to say anything more, he just stood there as The Flash filled his friends in on what he'd learned, and what happened 17 years earlier. “There's one thing I need to show you...then we can finally be out of each-other's lives. “Gideon, bring up file ninety-four-thirty-one Zed please.”

“Of course Doctor Wells.” A soft, feminine voice spoke from literally thin air. A film projector, or the screen for one appeared and pages of information scrolled down the 'page' two fast for anyone but Barry to read. “Download complete Doctor Wells, will there be anything else?”

“You get to fulfill your original purpose now Gideon, Barry Allen will need your help.” He pulled a thumb drive from the interface. “This is a database, I discovered when we first laid the ground-work at Star Labs. It seems to deal primarily with a hero called the Flash and his two closest allies: The Arrow, and the former villain Frost. When I first found it, I started following the history it presented like a script, trying to make sure the world had these heroes. It's why I fast-tracked the Particle Accelerator, why it blew up in everyone's face, why I'm so convinced Killer Frost will one day just be a part of you Caitlin and...it's why I see such hatred in your eyes right now Barry. Seeing the man in the yellow suit kill you mother as a child...it's what inspired you to investigate the impossible and is why you became a hero when you got your powers not a criminal or swollen with pride like most meta-humans. I know that sounds trite but take it from the expert here. “The world doesn't need another speedster, it needs the Flash.” That's what Gideon told me not long after I uh...activated her. I didn't realize what she meant until I started working with you. When you look at me and I looked away, it's not that I was afraid of my feelings, but that I was afraid of yours. Afraid of your anger, your scorn...and I'd lose any chance of calling you my friend.”

“Prism, Firestorm, Robin's Heir, Cicada, Overlord, Pestilence...any reason we haven't heard of any of those bad guys yet?” Sisko Ramon asked in his traditional lightly sarcastic voice.

“You're not there yet.” Harrison answered. “The record covers 10 years of heroism and equality; we're on year 3. Firestorm's not a bad guy, just messed up...another victim of my hubris.”

“One question Harrison,” Joe West said peaceably. “What have you been doing since then?”

“I stopped following the pages like a script and started seeing them as guideposts and mile-markers. Until one of these creeps showed up I tried not to rely on it too much...or dwell on it. The ship where I found Gideon and this record, might have belonged to the Reverse Flash. It's where I found the Yellow Suit. It wasn't until Joe confronted me on something that I put it together.”

“What you told me about Tess, that was real?”

“Yes, Joe. I was more or less hunting the man. He DID take my wife from me. I've not seen a thing of him since the accident. He must've returned to his own time. After I read Gideon's records, I took it upon myself to fulfill his role in history when the time came. Barry is the hero the world needs, because of that tragedy. He's not just another meta-human: he IS the Flash.”

Detective Thawne spoke. “Okay time for the obvious question, who the hell were you talking to?!”

“Why don't you ask her, she's interactive you know?”

“Ma'am...Gideon did he call you?” Eddie said uncertainly. “Who are you?”

“I am Gideon, an interactive artificial consciousness.” The soft female voice that had sounded once before answered almost instantly. “Forgive the otherworldly effect of my disembodied voice, the visual circuits of my matrix were severely damaged. Doctor Wells has done his best to repair me..”

“Just tell them your manufacturing origin Gideon.”

“I've never understood your reluctance Dr. Wells. You are a genius by the human standards of this time. But in response to your prompt: Star Labs, research and development March 18^th 2024.”

“You mean to say, seven years from now, Doctor wells invents you, here at Star Labs?”

“Incorrect Mr. Allen, You do.”

“In Gideon's original records I died tonight, supposedly helping you fight your newest 'big bad'. But I knew that was just the official story, a cover-up. I knew you'd killed me, for what I'd done to you. Anyway six years from now you discover something called the time vault and within it purely theoretical plans from an inter-active artificial consciousness that takes you less than a year to bring into reality you call her 'Gideon'. The ship I found had a copy of her program.”

“And you integrated her into the Star-Labs mainframe.” Caitlin said in a strange voice.

“I figured it would be helpful having a future computer around, help interpret and analyze any threats, meta human or otherwise we come across. You can do the same thing if you want. Now can we get down to it please...What happens to me?”

“We record your posthumous confession, get my dad out of prison, burn your house to the ground, make an official report that you were inside of it...perhaps that one of your experiments quite literally blew up in your face, you leave Central City and NE-VER come back.” Barry said as calmly and emphatically as if he were rewriting history by sheer force of will. “Doctor Wells, you were doing what you thought was needed, to protect me and the city. And you didn't delude yourself into thinking it was justified. I don't know anyone else who could have made such a sacrifice and not lied to themselves about it. Also, I read Gideon's original report, just now. The one you must have read as your mile-marker. Originally when we went out to fight Clariss today HE revealed your secret, and I killed you in blind rage, feeling all betrayed. That's why you 'needed to tell me now' isn't it? Not just to rob him of that victory...but spare me from that regret.”

“On this much you must believe me: Since I've gotten to know you, I would never do anything deliberately to hurt you.”

“And on that score, I do.” Barry Allen answered.

“....Me too.” Joe West said in a strong voice.

A Dawning of the Age of Heroes

 Takes place on Earth 42. Probably the best version fo this story I even have. It is sparse and hard compared to what I wrote when I 'expounded' on it. What does my audience think?

March 16^th 2014

“Detective, how are you?” Harrison Wells said from the 'entryway' to STAR Labs.

“I'm alright, Dr Wells, thank you. I was hoping I could enlist that huge science brain of yours to solve an annoyingly enigmatic case of mine, and catch a killer in the process.”

“Are you asking me because I'm a scientist or because I'm the biggest enigma you know?”

“Both actually. He is...one of the wild-world of weird cases we've been busy chasing down.”

“The reason you don't want Barry on the case taking down this particular bad guy with us?”

“The case is the murder of Nora Allen...Barry's mother.”

All calm and humor evaporated from Well's face. It actually took a few moments for him to speak again. “Why don't we get to the hands on science part of this building. We've some things we need to discuss, and hopefully to discover.”

Joe West wondered very much at this but he was not about to lose an opportunity to answer his many questions about the impossible killers, and messed up humans that had become part of his daily life...especially not if those answers were to come from the normally tight-lipped professor that led the team.

Wells led Detective West into the anteroom of the rather amazing STAR Labs facility and within an hour Joe West and Harrison Wells were consumed with analyzing the physical evidence from a murder that had brought Joe's family together. From the man who created the Particle Accelerator and the meta-human hero known as the Flash.

“Is it possible that someone with Barry's abilities killed his mother?” Joe asked bluntly.

“Now we reach the core.” Harrison said coyly. “You want to know if my particle Accelerator had anythign to do with creating this monster. Do I assume correctly you've had this notion in your head the entire time we've been talking?”

“I didn't believe Barry's story. For 14 years I thought Henry Allen was guilty, because I couldn't believe that sort of impossible even exists. But Barry does,stuff right out of the Twilight Zone is a weekly occurrence now. I have to consider the possibility it existed back then.”

“But my Particle Accelerator didn't.” Wells said pointedly. “Joe, someone or something impossible killed Nora Allen that night. He killed more than just Barry's family actually. And yes, my accelerator created the meta-humans we deal with on a daily basis. These freaks were my fault, I can't deny that; I haven't. But my work is not the only source of trouble for this city, and not every wild and weird story comes out of my experiments.” His voice took on a dangerous edge. “I'm fairly certain that monster had nothing to do with me, no one knew who I was yet.”

“The timing is more than a little suspicious don't you think?” Joe said is cold hard tone, openly challenging the genius who wormed his way into their lives without a word of his own origins. A challenge that was met with a steely glare.

“Ask the man in yellow for why he showed up when he did, outta the blue. He thinks for himself and changed the world overnight. Whatever the heck drew him here, why we've never even seen him since...” Harrison Wells took a physical step back. “The timing is less than coincidental. But if you're looking for explanations? I don't know the why...as for the 'how', I'm as much in the dark as you are.”

Detective Joe West stared at the normally unflappable man who had unraveled before him. There was not a lot that could rile a self-possessed professionally restrained man like Harrison Wells. It was one of the reasons he'd felt safe coming to the man with his suspicions, that he knew sounded like accusations. Somehow he had a feeling that it was something way more personal than Joe's rush to judgment that had animated him so completely.

“You've seen him too.” Detective West realized aloud.

“seventeen years ago. He's why I moved to Central City in the first place. The night I saw him is why STAR Labs became such a priority for me. What he took from me, is why it took 14 years to finish the job.” Sinking into a desk chair Wells put his hands over his face. When he looked back up, Joe was staring at him with an expression he'd never shown the man before: a look of compassion. “Joe, Barry doesn't know my story. He has enough on his heart, he's been through enough trying to catch up with this creep. I know him well. The fact that my masterpiece cause more suffering and more monsters is something I have to live with every day. But THIS monster, if he's the one pulling the strings, I want answers as badly as you do. But I don't have them Joe. To summarize my entire attitude and answer: If your chasing the man in Yellow, you cannot find a stronger ally than me. If you want answers about MY life story, look up Tess Morgan. More specifically, look up where she was December 21^st 2002. Then decide if I have a good enough reason for keeping my personal past to myself.”

When Detective Joe West walked into the Cortex at precisely 7:03 pm that evening, he looked like he wanted to bury his head in a bag of potatoes. He didn't sit down, only tapped on the door-frame to signify his presence. Wells waved him in but did not verbally acknowledge his presence, until Joe placed a box of very expensive Irish Whiskey on the table.

“I take it you're not here to make more accusations.” Wells said briskly..

“Doctor Wells, I don't know what to say. I looked up Tess Morgan...I'm sorry I had no idea. When you mentioned adapting and evolving to a new life before...you weren't talking about after the accelerator exploded; you meant about losing her, your wife.” Wells sat back in his chair, motioning for Joe to take the seat beside him. “Something must have created this monster, and the accelerator created a lot of them. I'm not trying to make excuses I...I hope you understand why I squirrel-brained. Finding answers based on what little information I do have...it's in my job description, as a cop...”

“And finding answers to life's greatest mysteries is in mine...as a scientist.” Wells offered. “I understand the need to understand everything Joe. Detectives who follow leads and geniuses who need answers both have a tendency of getting obsessed. But this was personal for you. And however little emotion I show in my daily life...I do understand trying to keep your family safe.”

“What was she like?”

“Strong, brilliant, had the most musical laugh. We were married to the work as much as to each-other. Making a facility like STAR Labs was something we were planning, but we couldn't find a place to put down roots that wouldn't turn into a media-government circus if we ever got it up and running. That's why I made it my mission to bring STAR Labs to life. Three years later it became...well I found out that the accident wasn't accidental. Whoever the man in yellow is, he wanted me out of the way, and crashed our car. I survived...she didn't. That's when I decided to move here. A larger but otherwise unremarkable city seemed like the perfect place to build our dream...even if she couldn't see it.”

“You're chasing him to.” Joe said stoically.

“Ironically enough I think if I ever met him I owe him a thank you. If I hadn't moved here, I wouldn't have been around to help take care of Barry. I wouldn't have had Sisko and Caitlyn with me to help build the accelerator, I would never have had a team to help make that dream a reality...or two awesome friends to stand beside me when it fell down like a house of straw. Until the accelerator exploded Barry was the only person to believe in the impossible. And now because of my failed experiments, the world has a man in red to help deal with the crazy. Ultimately though, unless the man in yellow was messing with Tachyons there's no way he could have originated from my work, from something we...I...hadn't even built yet.”

“Okay...what's that look on your face?”

“Tachyons, little bits of time-travel THAT'S how he did it! I...Barry and I need to find this creep and kick his speedster ass. Failing that we need to train him, Barry I mean, to be the hero this city needs right now. Are you with me, Joe?”

“Taking down Metas who abuse their powers, helping innocent humans deal with getting them, that's what I signed on for. It's my job and my duty. Raising a hero like my son for people to look up to, making him fast enough to kick this creeps ass if we ever see him again? That's a bonus! I am totally in!”

“Barry is lucky to have you on his side Joe.”

“He's lucky to have you too.”

June 29^th 2017

“We did it...It's over.” Barry Allen sighed with relief.

“Not yet. You still need to end it.” Harrison Wells said from behind him. Barry turned around and saw the man he'd called his mentor standing beside him quiet and still, with his hands at his sides in a gesture of surrender. For a moment he didn't know what to think.

“What are you doing?”

Harrison actually seemed surprised at the question. “You said when this was over and the city was safe, you'd kill me. And I promised I wouldn't fight you. I wasn't lying when I said I cared about you Barry, and I know what I've done. If this is what you need...” To Barry's lasting shock Wells actually lowered himself to his knees. “Then finish it.”

“Why, why would I do this?”

“I'm pretty sure that would be stating the obvious and I don't think either of us need the reminder...That's not what you meant is it?”

Vibrating his right hand Barry Allen, a hero known as The Flash, approached his nemesis. “I want to hear you say it.” He said strongly and softly.

“I killed your mother and have done nothing to free your father. This may sound ironic, but I'm tried of running, of trying to forget or deny my past. For the past 3 years I've done what I could to make you better than the Rival and stronger than Zoom. After this you will be.”

“...You're wrong about that.” Barry said lowering his hand and his voice. “Killing you wouldn't make me better than zoom it would make me the same as him. Killing anyone in cold blood would make me as petty and self-absorbed as the Rival. I refuse to be either one. Get Up.”

Later Harrison Wells stood in the cortex, standing alone in front of Sisko Ramon, Caitlin Snow, Detective Joe West and young Eddie Thawne, his partner on the Central City police force. He didn't say anything more, just stood there as The Flash filled his friends in on what he'd learned, and what happened 17 years earlier. “There's one thing more I need to show you...then we can finally be out of each-other's lives. “Gideon, bring up file ninety-four-thirty-one Zed please.”

“Of course Doctor Wells.” A soft, feminine voice spoke from literally thin air. A film projector, or the screen for one appeared and pages of information scrolled down the 'page' two fast for anyone but Barry to read. “Download complete Doctor Wells, will there be anything else?”

“You get to fulfill your original purpose now Gideon, Barry Allen will need your help.” He pulled a thumb drive from the interface. “This is a future database, I discovered when we first laid the ground-work at Star Labs. It seems to deal primarily with a hero called the Flash and his two closest allies: The Arrow, and the former villain Frost. When I first found it, I started following the history it presented like a script, trying to make sure the world had these heroes. It's why I fast-tracked the Particle Accelerator, why it blew up in everyone's face, why I'm so convinced Killer Frost will one day just be a part of you Caitlin and...it's why I see such hatred in your eyes right now Barry. Seeing the man in the yellow suit kill you mother as a child...it's what inspired you to investigate the impossible and come a hero not a criminal like the other meta-humans when you got your powers. The world doesn't need another speedster, it needs the Flash, that's what Gideon told me. I didn't realize what she meant until I started working with you here. When you look at me and I looked away, it's not that I was afraid of my feelings, but because I was afraid of yours. Afraid of your anger, your scorn...and that I would lose any chance of calling you my friend.”

“Prism, Firestorm, Robin's Heir, Cicada, Pestilence...Is there any reason we haven't heard of any of those bad guys yet?” Sisko Ramon asked in his traditional lightly sarcastic voice.

“You're not there yet.” Harrison answered. “The record covers ten years of heroism and equality, we're only on year three. And firestorm's not a bad guy, just messed up, ironically another victim of my hubris.”

“One question Harrison: What have you been doing since then?” Joe said calmly.

“I stopped following the pages like a script and started seeing them more as guideposts and mile-markers. Until one of these creeps showed up I tried not to rely on it too much...dwell on it too much. From what I understand that ship might have belonged to The Reverse Flash...it's where I got the suit.” He waved his hand in front of himself, indicating the yellow suit he wore, very much made to speedster specifications.

“Okay time for the obvious question, who the hell were you talking to?!”

“Why don't you ask her, she's interactive you know?”

“Ma'am...Gideon did he call you?” Eddie said uncertainly. “Who are you?”

“I am Gideon, an interactive artificial consciousness.” The soft female voice that had sounded once before answered almost instantly. “Forgive the otherworldly effect of my disembodied voice, the visual circuits of my matrix were extremely damaged in the crash. Doctor Wells has done his best to repair me..”

“Just tell them your manufacturing origin Gideon.”

“I've never understood your reluctance Dr. Wells. You are a genius by the human standards of this time. In response to your prompt: Star Labs, research and development March 18th 2024.”

“You mean to say...seven years from now, Doctor wells invents you, here at Star Labs?”

“Incorrect Mr. Allen, You do.”

“In Gideon's original records I died tonight, supposedly helping you fight your newest 'big bad'. But I knew that was just the official story, a cover-up. I knew you'd killed me, for what I'd done to you. Anyway six years from now you discover something called the time vault and within it purely theoretical plans from an inter-active artificial consciousness that takes you less than a year to bring into reality you call her 'Gideon'. The ship I found had a copy of her program.”

“And you integrated her into the Star-Labs mainframe.” Caitlin said in a strange voice.

“I figured it would be helpful having a future computer around, help interpret and analyze any threats, meta human or otherwise we come across. You can do the same thing if you want. Now can we get down to it please...What happens to me?”

“We record your posthumous confession, get my dad out of prison, burn your house to the ground, make an official report that you were inside of it, that one of your experiments must have quite literally blown up in your face, you leave Central City and NE-VER come back.” Barry said as calmly and emphatically as if he were rewriting history by sheer force of will. Which is essentially what he was doing. “You were doing what you thought was needful, and didn't even delude yourself I to thinking it was justified. I don't know anyone else who could have done that. And I read the report, speed-reading comes in handy sometimes. In the history Gideon knows, presumably the version of events you first saw, Clariss revealed your secret in the middle of our battle and I killed you in blind rage. Are you going to stand here and deny that you told me your secret before hand to spare me from the regret and uncertainty a murder of blind rage would have left me with? I know you care about me Wells, or you wouldn't have bothered telling me half the things you've said tonight. So yeah, we get out of each-other's lives, like you said, but nothing else has to happen.”

Heavenly Journeys (original)

 “My name is Balian.” The Christian said firmly. He looked down at his former Opponent's servant.

“Nassir.” the man said simply, holding his right hand to his chest. The introductions were complete, and for a moment neither spoke or moved.

Balian helped the other man to his feet and walked toward his own horse. “How far are we from Jerusalem?” He asked in an easy tone.

“At a steady pace we should be there just after midday.” Nassir replied quickly and quietly.

Balian tried to suppress a smile. The man had spoken in the tones of a commoner to a lord, or perhaps a lower ranked solider to his commander. 'He must be accustomed to it, from his master' Balian thought to himself. 'It's hard to unlearn your own upbringing'.

This was a truth he understood very well. Until a short time ago he himself had been a peasant and a blacksmith working for his lord in France. More than that, he had been a fatherless bastard. And having only known his father for a matter of days, he was again fatherless. But he was no longer a commoner.

They both mounted their horses and began to ride at a steady pace toward Jerusalem. He could not tell what thoughts or feelings filled his companion's head but Balian's mind was overflowing with memories of the last two weeks. Godfrey, the baron of Ibelin had come ot his forge, in a tiny village in France. His message had been brief: I am your father, please forgive me, will you come with me. Balian's only response had been indifference. Godfrey had told him they were headed to Jerusalem by Messina, and rode off.

The next morning a murder of rage had driven Balian to find and follow his father. The law, such as it was, had quickly followed. Godfrey had fought for Balian's freedom, and had received an arrow in the ribs during the battle. Balian had received both his father's title and blessing in the man's final moments. It only seemed right to continue to Jerusalem, as his father had wanted. The ship had crashed in the middle of the desert; Balian was the only human survivor. The horse he'd rescued from the wreck was in a strange way responsible for Balian's current state. Nassir's old master had challenged Balian for possession of it.

“If you'd known,” Balian began cautiously. Nassir slowed his horse down to listen. “...I mean, I have a rather mean look about me compared to my title. Would it have made a difference?”

“We still would have challenged you.” Nassir answered at once. “But it would have been on a more even plain from the start. Mummad al Fais has...had few equals among our own people. So he never learned to fight equals as well. Please, do not blame yourself.”

By this time they had almost reached the walls of Jerusalem. Nassir had stayed a few paces ahead of Balian while guiding him. Balian quickly pulled out in front. Out of the corner of his eye Balian saw Nassir lower his head slightly as he slowed his pace.

A few minutes later Balian and Nassir stood by a water trough, near a spice market.

“A very good horse.” Nassir stated, patting the neck of his steed.

Balian looked at the man for a moment. “Then take the horse, and be about your own business.”

Nassir raised his head sharply, confusion seared into his features. “this is your prize of battle. I am your prisoner, your slave should you wish it.”

Balian shook his head firmly. “No, you are not. I understand the custom, tradition, whatever one would call it. But I will not abide by it. I cannot.”

“If I may ask...why not?” Nassir's inquiry had been so slow and deliberate he once again might have been talking to a great lord. If nothing else, he was thoroughly surprised.

It took a moment for Balian to find an answer. “In my life in France, I was little better than a slave myself. I will never keep one nor suffer any to be kept if I can change it.”

Nassir lowered his head again, this time in deep thought, not submission. After a few moments he raised his head and looked Balian in the face, though not directly in the eyes. “If you will not keep a slave, will you let me follow you...as a servant?”

Balian let a broad grin spread over his face, but spoke with a restraint and gentleness as he answered. “If it is your choice to follow me, I accept your help.”

Nassir bowed his head. Looking Balian in the face he said. “Then where do we go?”

“I was headed to the hill where Christ died. Away from everyone. Are you ready?”

“A new chapter in my life has begun. I am ready to see what it will be. Let us go.”

Leon and Lancelot pt 1

 

Merlin and Sasha were up in the middle of the night. There was nothing sneaky or suspicious in this. It was actually fairly common anymore. Every six nights or so Merlin would tell his guardian Gaius of his desire for a more private conversation and walk up to his friend Sasha's room. As long as he didn't stay much past literal midnight, no one seemed to have a problem with it. The problem was that Sasha seemed to barely be noticing his presence, and he'd been there for over an hour.

“I could make a living as a story teller, if I had the concentration for it.” Sasha told her friend suddenly, not bothering to sit up from her 'couch'.

“How do you mean?” The wizard inquired, politely curious.

“I could tell my sister Grace's adventures as fanciful stories.” She clarified a moment later. “Or even my own adventures, from before I came here.”

“You remember your older travels?” Merlin stated, now thoroughly interested.

“Of course Merlin. I never meant to imply otherwise. I don't remember them in personal detail and I've not mentioned them much cause I knew it would be unwise to live in the past. There are a few things in both the sea of stars and the breadth of the ancient world that would seem both relevant and well, meaningful here. Or so I guess. And I take it by the look on your face, you want me to tell you one of those stories now.”

“If you can think of one that means a lot to you and you think would resonate with me, absolutely.”

“Alright, imagine if you will a ship traveling through the stars as easily as sailors travel the seas. And while most of the crew is perfectly human, there are two strange beings. One a warrior whose race was once considered an enemy. And one an android...a constructed being...built by a human scientist and whose one desire is to be as human-like as possible...knowing he can never fully achieve his goal...”

She proceeded to tell the story of the android's trial to determine his rights and status, convened by the organization called 'starfleet' and the assertion that this constructed being was nothing but property. The trial's conclusion being that this android was a strange but sentient life-form with free will and possibly a soul...She did her best to tell nothing more or less than the story itself as it had been told her by her sister Grace. When she was finished she sat up and stared at her dearest friend.

“You honestly expect me to believe this ever could happen?” Merlin stated simply.

“The events themselves, of course not.” Sasha answered bluntly but politely. “Being widely accepted for who and what you are, though not quite publicly acknowledged, absolutely!”

“I don't understand.” Merlin admitted.

“Data's friends already knew and accepted what was made public policy that day. To them it was what we call a 'no brainer'...self-evident and true. I honestly believe that most people who know you here, couldn't care about the legal ban on magic if they knew the what as well as the who of your being. And I just realized I'm supposed to ride out with Sir Leon and Sir Percival tomorrow around 9 am...not long after breakfast.”

“A not so subtle hint to take what you've told me and hide it in my heart, as well as leave this alone for now and go to sleep.” Merlin inferred. Sasha nodded and with well wishes and what Sasha referred to as a wave of peace, Merlin left his friend alone.

“Remind me again, why you're out here with us?” Sir Leon queried as the path turned further South, past the last of the thick trees. “Not that I mind the company, because I don't.” He added hurriedly. “It's just a little odd having you this far from Camelot when you don't usually leave the castle.”

“Well I can't deny that.” The young woman answered confidently, slowing her horse down so Sir Leon could catch up. “I'm afraid the only explanation I have is this: I've an irrational belief that something is about to change for the better, and I want to be present when it does.”

“You've piqued my attention.” Sir Percival commented from the woman's forward left.

“I think I might meet someone on this journey who will have an integral part in bringing a splendid change in the heart of my first friend.” Sasha clarified. And after a moment of thought, she continued. “And I would ask that you not require me to explain further.”

“I wasn't about to.” Sir Leon answered honestly. Whatever he would have added to his statement, if anything at all, was silenced by the appearance of two strangers right in the middle of the road. It took several moments to take in all of their appearance, and it will take almost as long to tell it.

The black haired gentleman was dressed in a dark red shirt that came just past his elbows, and a thin black vest that knotted over his chest and came in a V just below his heart. The other man had skin paler than Merlin's and short-cropped brown hair that seemed to blow in the wind. His clothing was far simpler: white cotton shirt and rough brown vest that seemed to be made of one piece of fabric, and had a pocket just at the man's right ribs. Both men were about the same height and wore trousers of a study brown material, but what material it exactly was the knights could not guess.

“Greetings strangers.” Sir Percival announced to the pair.

“Good day gentleman.” The black haired man answered cordially. “Would I seem impolite to ask where in the country we are?”

“Strange yes, impolite not at all.” Sir Leon answered slowly. “You're in the Southern plains of the kingdom of Camelot.” Both knights noticed a small smile on the paler man's face. “You were heading here?”

The smile vanished as the stranger looking man answered. “Not at all, at least, not expressly. I believe some introduction is in order. Certainly it would be proper before thing become even more...convoluted.”

“How do you mean?” Sir Percival replied curtly. A frown growing on his otherwise childlike face.

“Please, introductions should come first.” The first stranger insisted politely. “My name is Will, Will Riker. And this is...Jayden. At least, that's my own name for him.”

“Alright I'll go along with that.” Sir Percival acquiesced. And after giving the names of himself and his fellow knight, he again asked for clarification of the younger man's choice of words.

“I think he means me.” Sasha answered simply. “Friends, strangers and gentleman all,” She began solemnly. “If I am any judge of anything these two believe they have met me before and are wondering what I'm doing already a part of this story. They are mistaken on both counts.” She caught herself and continued. “I was and am only one of four sisters. They might have met Grace or Sophia before, and simply cannot see the distinction.” She turned to look Riker squarely in the face. “Do I not hit near the mark?”

“Far closer than most would, I expect.” Riker answered cryptically.

“My name is Sasha.” The young woman answered simply. “Or at least it is lately. And for the sake of ending any confusion, I would suggest that we three walk our horses straight back into Camelot proper, with these two right along, and see that either Merlin or Arthur is the first person we introduce them to. To answer what might be a doubt in your minds, this is nothing like how I normally speak. I am simply trying to make a good first impression.”

“You have succeeded at that.” Riker congratulated, grinning spontaneously. “Though I think you would do better simply speaking however is normal for you, as far as being a good host or a mediator.”

“Mediator?” Percival inquired.

Sir Leon sighed and smiled. “He means someone to represent Camelot to them or them to Camelot...true?”

Riker simply nodded and walked up to Sir Leon's horse. “I'm ready to leave whenever you are.” And with that all five turned back to Camelot. Riker was walking beside Sir Leon's horse and Jayden beside Sir Percival's. This time Sasha was leading the pack, not stuck in the middle of it. When they were almost to the gates of Camelot, Sasha pulled her horse to a complete stop. She glanced back at Riker.

'It just struck me sir, unless they are actually right in their conclusions, you might want to clarify that Jayden is not your property or anything like that.' It was a message to the man's mind. One he understood.

“I believe I should make one thing perfectly clear.” Riker stated as he walked to the front of the group and turned back to address all three of his discoverers. “Jayden is my name for my friend, because his given name has no translation. My use of the word is not anything approaching possession, or any affinity even.”

“Sir are you a mind reader or something?” Percival inquired softly but firmly.

“Not at all.” Riker answered simply. “It's only that with his other-origin appearance and my casual reference to his name, it would be easy for strangers to think of him as being any less than my equal. But that is exactly what he is: my equal.”

Jayden as he had been called, smiled shyly. “Quite so my friend. I suggest getting quickly wherever in this city we are headed.”

Sir Leon was forced to smile at the obvious truth. “As soon as we dismount we'll take you to see Merlin and King Arthur, In the citadel.”

“We won't have to wait even that long.” Sasha said as she pointed to the skinny young man bounding up to them as though being chased by happy wolves. He stopped 12 paces away from Sasha's mare.

Leon held up his right hand to stop what Sasha was about to say. “Will Riker, Jayden, please allow me to introduce to you our friend Merlin. Who it seems has an incredibly urgent message for one of us.”

Merlin smiled shyly and exuded his message, without taking his eyes off of Sasha once. “Apparently Arthur has learned to trust Your judgment Sasha. He just told me that on the 'unlikely' occasion our theories pan out I'm to bring your guests directly to him in the great hall and find quarters for their stay. Though even I admit I'm having trouble understanding how you knew about such strangers. I assume by this word from Arthur that you both are welcome here as our guests. I just wonder which of us are to be a guide.”

As they walked up to the citadel Sasha was finding it hard to concentrate. Most people present assumed it was because she had basically been called out as a seer. In reality it was because she'd received a message in her mind. “Sasha I know you can send messages like this. In case you can hear them as well, answer me who these people are. They are almost as strange as you were when you first showed up.”...And was wondering how Sir Leon knew even that much about her.

She knew it was Sir Leon and not Sir Percival because the slightly younger, and certainly plainer knight that was Sir Percival had not been in Camelot, much less a knight of the kingdom, when she'd first showed up. That rank and honor had been bestowed on Percival and three other knights just over two years ago. A gift both given at need and very much earned by deeds and valor. The weightier question was why Sir Leon thought of her initial behavior as 'strange'. The question could only be answered face to face, hopefully alone, so she put it out of her mind. They were just outside of the great hall, and she had something else to think about. By the time they all entered, everyone living in the kingdom had plain, but happy faces on. The strangers had blank yet serene expressions. Merlin moved to stand just behind Arthur in his seat of state, the throne, and Sasha stepped forward to introduce her sister's friends...of course not in those terms.

“My King I present Will Riker and his friend Jayden, travelers from beyond the five kingdoms.” And considering her job done, she walked to stand behind the pair, beside Sir Leon. “I can hear you. I don't know them in any persona detail. If I am right, they are lost friends. I'll treat them as such.” She told his mind.

“Welcome to Camelot.” The king said from his throne. “What brings you here?”

Riker stepped forward a couple of paces. “We are explorers and seafarers. Nothing particularly brings us here except that we haven't been anywhere like it before. Or that is, we haven't been here before.”

“How long do you plan to stay?” Merlin inquired, completely forgetting his 'place'.

“Probably only a couple of days.” Riker answered simply. “People get tired of us after too long.” He would have gone on to say something about his Captain missing his presence on the ship, and not knowing for sure when weather would permit their departure. But two things happened first. Sasha sent him a telepathic message reminding him not to say anything he couldn't take back if he did get his captain's permission, and Sir Leon stepped forward.

“My King, Sasha seems to know these people, or at least they know her. I would hope if they allow themselves to stay, they would be welcome to. I feel excited to learn more about other places and ways.”

King Arthur looked doubtful for a moment. He turned to face Merlin, who placidly stated. “I for one don't see any reason not to try and learn. No matter how strange people seem, there's probably some reason for their arrival...if anything can be learned from that tavern and the Griffin.”

King Arthur suppressed a smile. “Agreed. Merlin will you find suitable rooms for our guests? Sir Leon, Sasha, I'd like a word.”

Merlin and the visitors bowed and left the room Sir Leon and Sasha stood where they were and waited for their lord to speak whatever was on his heart. It took a while.

“Sasha, what do you know of our guests?” King Arthur ventured.

Sasha's answer was so immediate it could have been rehearsed. “They are honest in what little they do say about themselves and while they won't be the most forthcoming individuals while they are here, they do what they think is right and will try to make something better for people here.”

“Any particular something?” Sir Leon prodded.

“They are egalitarian. They might not notice things are better than they were and might try to make an individual's life better, not realizing it already is. They are also philanthropists. They go around doing nothing but good deeds and, I put particular emphasis on this word, trying to help people. To answer what might be your next question...I think they knew one of my sisters. I highly doubt they know me. I cannot say for certain because my memory of who I was before I came here has mostly faded from my mind. But from what I do know, I wouldn't have been interested in their adventures the same way I was drawn to yours. The perplexed look on my face is concern, not doubt...I'm worried about Jayden.”

“In what manner Sasha?” Sir Leon inquired softly.

“I have a suspicion about him, some innate sense that wouldn't make any sense to anyone here. So I both hope I'm wrong and hope I'm up to the challenge if I'm right. My King, if it's alright, I'd like to go back to my room now and try to figure this whole mess out.”

Arthur held up his hand and slightly dropped his head. “I hate to tell you Sasha; I have one more question for you about...how well people know you?”

Sasha looked almost exasperated. “I think everyone who was at that table knows as much about me as they have bothered to be curious enough to openly ask me about. And if you prod me on this any further in front of Sir Leon it will have been You and not I to have dropped that particular veil. Even if I'm the one who says it, the responsibility for it will be yours.”

“Why do I feel like I'm being left out of something pretty important?” Sir Leon remarked.

“Because you are my friend.” Sasha responded in a placid enough voice. “I think you already figured out what Arthur wants me to tell you, or at least most of it. The issue is that Arthur already knew it as well.”

“You knew about her magic?” Sir Leon repeated aloud.

“Merlin told me she has something that can only be explained as such.” Arthur answered. “What I want to know is how strong and, multi-faceted this ability is.”

“Developed at need on a broad range of things. Most of which I can't utilize. I wouldn't worry about or expect its use if I were you.” She paused and looked through her recent memories. “But apparently a door once opened may be stepped through in either direction. Which is to say, if someone prompts or provokes my abilities, they can still work.” Sir Leon blushed. A reaction noticed by the others present. Who very wisely, elected to ignore it. “Either way, I'm not eager to expose my own abilities to these strangers, at least until I figure out why they feel so familiar to me at all. So, whether you were asking about the knights of the round table or our guests, the proverbial ball is in their court...not mine.”

“I have to say I concur.” Sir Leon stated plainly.

“I won't give any orders about this; use your best judgments both of you. But Sasha, be careful.” King Arthur told his friends. He promptly dismissed them and they departed in peace.

In the meantime Merlin was having almost as interesting a conversation with the visitors.

“I believe you will be comfortable here.” The young servant wizard stated plainly, having led the pair to one of the higher rooms in the palace.

“I am certain we will.” Jayden answered simply. “But if I could trouble you for a moment?” Merlin nodded. “Regardless of how long we are here, I believe it would be most helpful and appropriate to have some one guide us in what will be expected of us during our stay.”

“I completely agree sir.” Merlin replied. And catching a look in the man's pale face he hesitated. “Are you asking me to be that guide?”

Riker smiled suddenly. “At least as far as telling us who we're going to meet while we're here and who not to offend, yes.” The smile vanished as he seemed to realize the man probably had other duties. “What is your position here anyway?”

“Officially I am Arthur's servant.” The younger man answered without thinking. “Lately those duties have been very light so it has left me with time for other things. Especially making friends with the knights; and strengthening my friendship with Sasha.”

Jayden lowered his gaze for a split second. When Merlin asked if he was alright, the response was cryptic.“I have a question that will make me sound like either a seer or a fool.”

Riker chuckled at that. “Ask it anyway. That's the only way to know if you're correct in that conclusion.”

“Have some of this kingdom's knights only recently achieved that honor?”

“Data you are the most insatiably curious individual I've ever known.” Riker groaned softly. “And I think that was a near miss.”

“I'm sorry I don't understand.” Merlin half pondered half pressed.

“He's asking if anyone raised simply have been given knighthood and are only just getting used to the honor. Although how that conclusion entered his head I have no clue.”

“Well, that answer is yes.” Merlin answered simply. “Two years ago Arthur and I along with a bunch of friends led a charge to retake Camelot from Morganna...Arthur's half-sister. Those young men who were not already knights were knighted for their valor and loyalty. Why do you ask?”

Riker fidgeted. “Merlin, forgive me but we are basically strangers, and I don't want to make anyone any less alright with us than they already are. The only honest answer we can give is that Sir Percival didn't meet our gaze and barely spoke to us. He didn't seem accou...that isn't even honest either. I've heard of King Arthur and his knights of the round table. I wanted to know if those stories were true.”

“Why couldn't you have just said that?!” Merlin insisted. “If you're from far enough away that those stories just now reached you, or if somehow you didn't trust them, you could have simply asked if the stories were true, could you not?”

Jayden sighed and made an attempt at explanation. “I cannot argue with that dissatisfaction. I simply did not want to sound presumptuous or telepathic.”

“Tele-what?” Merlin breathed.

“Like a seer or a mind reader.” Riker answered at once.

“Well I can't argue with you there.” Merlin replied honestly. “Magic is still basically a capital crime here after all. And even the suspicion of such is something to be fervently avoided.”

“Merlin,” Jayden began slowly. “I honestly believe it is time for each of us to retire. Sometime before we leave, can you and I slip away for some more quiet and open conversation?”

“That sounds like a splendid idea. I'm wondering neither of you have asked me about my original statement. The one I bounded down the steps with.”

Jayden jumped at the chance to answer and interpret that question.“If you mean your assertion that you might meet guests. That would not be at all out of step with what...well I really don't know how to proceed.”

“I think I should leave both of you to get some sleep. And I welcome your suggestion about a more open conversation; especially after that last remark. Good night sirs.”

Merlin slow walked down two flights of steps and across a long hall to get to Sasha's room. He was certain a very long conversation about to happen between them, in the course of which a lot of air would be cleared. He was also quite certain that conversation would happen as soon as he entered her room.

He was right on two counts and wrong on one.

After pounding on the door three times. “Sasha if you're in there at all I need to talk with you.”

“Come on in Merlin.” A voice said from inside.

Merlin entered with less grace and more presence than usual. He was certain she would not like what he would say and was almost as sure of his need for answers. Answers that only she could provide. All such ideas flew from his mind as he saw Sasha sitting on the floor in front of her couch. Her head was bent over the very short table she had insisted on having made for her room. She had her feet tucked under her rear and her face was white. Now Merlin of course knew she had magic. But he also knew that ritual was not part of her spells or her powers. He concluded that this must be a prayer to her interpretation of god. And thus, he had arrived and the worst possible time for this discussion.

“What have I interrupted?” Merlin asked in a low voice.

“I'm trying to remember if I know those visitors.” The young woman answered plainly. “Other than yourself Will is the only person to accept my mind's messages so readily. And I trust that they are friends and explorers, but how could I know that?”

“My first thought is that's what they called themselves.” Merlin quipped.

“No you don't understand Merlin.” Sasha responded shortly. “Once you left I gave Arthur a description of their character and intentions that came completely out of nowhere. I don't doubt my own assertions, but how could I have any to give?”

“Are they honorable?” Merlin ventured.“Since when do you not trust your assertions? I always have since we met in the woods that day. We'd seen each-other's faces prior, but that was an open door. I'm the one who continuously doubts themselves. If you are right about these people, I for one don't care how you know them. I've learned we both are usually right about people's intentions and true motives. I saw Gwaine and Lancelot for who they are. I'm not out of reason to think you can do the same. Who are these travelers?”

Sasha smiled as the memories of meeting the mentioned knights flitted across her mind. She answered easily. “They cannot answer for themselves without lying, but they are as honest in their hearts and minds as any human beings can be. And they either met me a long time ago or they knew my sister Grace. Either would explain a lot. And Jayden is...complicated.”

Merlin was about to ask 'in what manner my friend'. The question died on his lips as he remembered something even more relevant. “Will Riker called Jayden 'data'. What did he mean by that?”

“It's another word for information or knowledge. Indicative of a thirst for wisdom and understanding.” Was the almost immediate reply. A moment later Sasha dropped her head in deep thought. “You are starting to see the possible truth in my story.”

“I'm starting to see you were preparing me for their visit.” Merlin responded in a hard tone.

“Merlin you are incorrect.” Sasha stated coarsely. “I knew those adventures were real. As surely as I know my older travels are history. I did NOT know they could encounter each other. One of us should be the guide for these travelers. You know this world and I know thiers...at least a step removed. I'd almost want Sir Leon to be with us on this but I still wonder...”

“How to ensure you're given that task?” Merlin asked askance. “Ask Arthur for that chance.”

“Merlin, there's another issue. Sir Leon knows most of my secret. Am I safe to tell him yours?”

The younger wizard's answer to a question that was meant to surprise him came after a sharp look into his friend's eyes, and in about three seconds. “If you can send him to me instead of telling him yourself, I'd prefer that. But yes, it's alright. Good night Sasha.”

“You have other duties here. I don't.” Sasha spoke to Merlin's mind. All she said aloud was “G'night.”

Sometime in the middle of the next morning Sasha came into the stranger's room. She had knocked but there was no clear answer. It turned out there was no one in the room. She turned and raced down the stairs to go find Merlin...and very nearly knocked into Sir Leon on the way.

“Sorry, I didn't see you there.” She told the knight as though in passing.

“Clearly.” The man replied simply. “Merlin says you're looking for me.” He added with a smile.

“Not really. But I do think we have a bunch of things to talk about. I can't do cloaks of silence anymore, so why don't we just go to my rooms?”

“Sounds fine to me. And I will ask you about that as well.” Was the concise reply.

They walked down two hallways and up another flight of steps in silence. When Sasha opened the door to her room and walked in, she had expected Sir Leon to follow her right in. But he stood at the threshold.

“Open conversations go both ways right?” She told him. “Come on in and we'll have one.”

At her invitation I walked into her apartments. The room was pretty sparsely decorated. She had a very short, long table in front of what I first mistook to be a comfortable dining seat and a long one. A few minutes later I realized she must sleep there as well: there wasn't any other place for a bed. She sat down at one end of the long table and motioned for me to sit at the other. I did and I just waited.

“You obviously know about my powers.” She told me bluntly. I just nodded. “Do you realize that I haven't been able to use most of them since I finally made the choice and decision to stay here?”

“No but that doesn't surprise me.” I answered plainly.

“This conversation is strictly about how I can trust these visitors so implicitly?” She asked meekly. I nodded again. “Use your words from here on in please? I send messages; I don't receive them unless I'm searching for an answer. I don't think you'd like that.”

I had to give her credit for that perception. “Fair enough. But what is your answer to the question at hand?”

“Either they trust me because they remember my sister Grace, and by inference probably couldn't tell the difference. Or they knew me a long time ago and I simply forgot how far they can travel and how damn near insatiably curious they are.” I stared at her. I was trying to get her to speak plainly without restraint or courtesy. But she seemed too interested in NOT offending me. She apparently saw this even in that look.“They are polite and sincere, almost to a fault. While people here can't satisfy their greed or need for security...people where these two are from have the same trouble not asking too many questions, and are incredibly selfless.”

“And they don't like to...what's that expression you used that time to mean 'be blatantly obvious'?”

“I think, 'stick out like a sore thumb'. Around here things are better than they were as far as what I just described; I get that. But they might not see that. And their world's...a lot like they are...I think.”

“Is there something else you wanted to tell me?” I told her shortly.

“Yes. I will tell it only if you can suggest to me what else I might be hiding?” She answered bluntly.

'Finally! She's being direct and simple.' I thought to myself. “Why you spend so much time around Merlin? And why do the two of you seem to hang on the other's every word?”

“He and I share opinions of magic and the human capacity for selflessness and self-preservation. To be a bit more open about it...We both see way more than most others give us credit for and thus usually end up confiding in each other more than in anyone else. Including Gaius on his part and Arthur on mine. And if you don't mind, I suggest you ask Merlin the rest of that to his face or the visitors about me to their faces?”

“Sounds fine to me.” I told her in what I hoped sounded like a joyous tone. And considering the conversation completely done with, I stood up to leave. She stopped me with a command. “Don't send me any more messages in my head. It hurts to even hear it, even more so to respond.”

“Now that I know, I'll do my best. Besides, in situations with others abou...You mean even when others are around and I don't want them to hear?”

“Of course, I wouldn't bother telling you otherwise. I know you'd not use it at any other time. But it physically hurts to receive a signal at all, no matter why you're sending it.”

“I won't try it again, I promise.” I told her is as confident a voice as I could muster.

I was halfway out the door when I realized Sasha wasn't following me.“Oh I'm not going to be part of this. It's time everyone formed their own opinions based on the evidence of their own eyes. I'm out of the race.”