Convergence Read Online Free PDF Page B

again.
    A guard, resplendent in his uniform, walked toward the gate, swinging a baton in a subtle-but-threatening manner. The people in the crowd accelerated toward their final destination. Hope caught sight of the man’s name—Rand—and filed it away in the event she needed it later on. The crowds, guards, and gate workers slowly dispersed, until Hope remained alone on the Plaza.
    Time to get to work.
    Hope flew noiselessly toward the scanner. The device was a clear circle about ten inches in diameter, backlit by a faint white light, where prospective riders placed their palms for clearance. Hope knew the circle would turn green when the rider’s palm matched and they were approved. On those rare occasions, the light would turn red, and the on-duty technician would summon a guard to escort the miscreant away, shouting the name of the troublemaker for all to hear.
    Hope expanded her nanoskeleton to give her visibility into her nano-purse, removed one of the toothpaste-style tubes, and approached the scanner, alert to any movement. The next train would arrive in about fifteen minutes, and the first riders would begin to queue up in about five minutes. She held the tube above the scanner and evaporated it, allowing the gel-like substance inside to fall upon the screen. The scanner didn’t detect it, remaining backlit with the white light. She reformed the nanos into a small brush and smoothed the gel over the surface of the glass, leaving a small gap in the center. She pulled a second the nano-tube from her purse, checked the label, and squeezed the material onto the glass, inside the small gap in the first substance. She vibrated the nanos forming the brush to ensure the first gel was gone, then spread the second out on the interior. She checked the scanner from all angles to ensure a smooth distribution, then pulled a tiny spray bottle from her purse, sending small puffs upon the two gels. The substances, once faintly visible with the backlit screen, turned invisible. Satisfied, Hope stored her remaining supplies in the purse and slung it over her shoulder.
    She pulled her nanoskeleton tight to her body once more and moved away, just as the next train pulled into the station, rolling to a silent stop. Hope flew silently atop the train, watching as the passengers lined up to work through security and board. The security guard ambled back into place and the meandering line began moving forward. One after another, they touched the screen and watched the light turn green.
    “Step aside.”
    Hope felt her skin chill at the words. The emotion of surprise swept over her, overwhelming her empathy senses. She rolled on to her belly and peered through the gate area, seeking the man who owned that voice.
    Porthos.
    The man wore his usual cloak with the hood down. She tried to remember the reason he’d preferred the accessory for so long, but her memory failed. She mentally shrugged, considering the reason unimportant. It was far more critical that she understand what he was doing. No Aliomenti deigned ride the monorail. Porthos’ presence here was unexpected, and could drastically alter her plans for this mission.
    Porthos pushed his way to the line, smirking as the humans properly waiting their turns first protested and then fell silent as the identity of the pusher became apparent. He moved with swarthy confidence, but Hope watched his eyes darting around as if… expecting an attack.
    She refrained from sighing. They had to expect an attack at some point. Perhaps Porthos had gotten paranoid. Just so long as he didn’t—
    She watched in horror as Porthos placed his hand upon the reader.
    She gulped, her pulse racing. The temperature seemed to drop from a warm summer day to a blustery winter. Why would a Hunter look to ride the train? More to the point, why did he bother with the security? Why not just climb aboard? No human guard would disallow him access to the train. She frowned, watching, as she tried to figure out what to