Calculated Risks — Val Chanda

Renny never had a moment to consider putting thought into action. Before she could move, before she could even think of moving, a flash of anger burst in her head and the world vanished. How long this second oblivion lasted, Renny didn't know. But as she experienced it, it lasted forever. It shattered her. When she came back to herself, she was flat on the floor again, weeping, her heart pounding. Somewhere out of the chaos, words formed in her head, as if she were thinking them, but of course neither the thoughts nor the words were her own. --I said, unpleasant, isn't it?-- Renny choked back a sob. "Please." --Please.-- The word echoed in Renny's head in a tone of mocking mimicry. As it died away, it was replaced by, --You know the code for the lock. Open the gate.-- Renny pushed herself back to her knees. Her fear urged her to comply and do it immediately. Groggily, she reached for the mesh of the enclosure and pulled herself upright. Her face and the psy's were inches apart. She had a fleeting, unbidden thought. How could she ever have believed that face was simply human?