The Bureau of Time by Brett Michael Orr Read Free Book Online Page B

that is free to act with impunity to defend American civilians from this threat,” the video continued. “Our Intelligence Analysts use state-of-the-art satellite technology to detect changes in T.E., while our Temporal Operators are highly-trained soldiers that risk their lives to destroy Adjusters and protect Timewalkers.”
    Images of soldiers in black combat gear flashed before her; fresh-faced recruits jogging through a forest, practicing in a firing range, and sparring in a boxing ring. At the same time, Cassie felt an uncomfortable headache spread across the base of her neck, and in her mind, she saw – or rather felt – a bright beacon flare to life, growing in intensity.
    “After completing an intensive physical and weapons training course, your Supervising Agent, in conjunction with a formal review from the Bureau’s Directors, will advise you where your unique skills will be used to help serve and protect the Bureau of Time.
    “God Bless America.”
    The video segued into an image of the American flag with a brief burst of pompous sixties-era music, and then the presentation ended. Lights flared to life, and Cassie jumped in her seat when she saw two other people in the room – she hadn’t even heard them enter.
    She recognized both. There was a man in his mid-thirties, his black hair greasy and thick, his jaw chiseled; he wore black-and-gray fatigues and held himself with an air of command – she had seen him the night before, when the soldiers had rescued her from the Adjusters.
    Beside him stood a teenager, no older than Cassie herself, with a shock of dyed-white hair and slate-gray eyes. Her heart leaped suddenly, a strange mixture of emotions swirling through her mind; she realized that the bright beacon in her mind – her Affinity – was pointing toward the boy.
    “Cassie,” Natalie said, standing up and smoothing her skirt. “This is Captain Tallon and Timewalker Briars.”
    Cassie stood, aware that her hands were shaking again.
    “Timewalker Wright,” Captain Tallon said, his voice hoarse. He shook her hand roughly, his grip strong. For the moment their hands touched, the strange beacon in Cassie’s mind faded, then returned in force when they separated. His dark eyes roamed over Cassie’s face, making her cringe – it wasn’t a lascivious look, but an appraising one, as though Tallon was sizing her up, determining what she was capable of.
    “I’m the Captain of Clockwork Unit,” Tallon explained. “You’ll be training with the rest of the recruits, but spending time with our operators too.”
    Cassie swallowed past a thick lump in her throat. This is really happening. It was all becoming so real, so quickly. Her old life was being torn down, replaced by this new world.
    “Shaun,” he indicated the white-haired boy, “will show you around the base, and help you to feel at home. We start training first thing tomorrow morning, understood?”
    She opened and closed her mouth like a beached fish. Natalie subtly nudged her in the side, and Cassie mumbled, “Yes.”
    Tallon grunted, throwing a disapproving look at Shaun, as though confirming a shared suspicion. “Yes Captain, ” he said, his dark eyes flicking back to Cassie. “We’ll work on that. Briars, show her the ropes – Agent Hunt, a word, please?”
    Tallon nodded once at Shaun, then headed for the door. Natalie stayed a moment, offering Cassie a supportive smile that didn’t ease the fear and anxiety coiling up inside of her.
    “You’ll be fine,” Natalie promised, handing her a pager. “My number’s in there, if you need to talk. Your unit’s numbers too – you’ll be working with them a lot, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.”
    “Thank you,” Cassie murmured, holding the pager limply.
    Natalie followed Tallon out of the classroom, leaving Cassie and Shaun alone. She wasn’t sure what to say, or where to begin. She knew that Shaun had saved her life – Director Anderson had