He shrugged, as if it were the simplest thing in the world. “We do the same thing you do. All translation comes from knowledge. We understand how the human body works, and we influence it.”
I nodded, mulling over his words.Knowledge. It always came down to knowledge. Precisely like Justine had said.
Except when it came to knowledge about myself, apparently. My anger toward James and his reluctance to help me flared again.
When the Healer finished, I admired my new tattoo with a mix of awe and gratitude. The intricate patterns wrapped around my arm, beautifully covering the scars. I’d have to train with the Skindo for sure, but for now, there was something else I needed to do.
Taking Justine’s advice, I decided to dive into the Collective’s library, looking for clues in as many books as I could get my hands on. James wasn’t going to help me but I didn’t needhim.
Though I did need reinforcements. And there were two people who could use a little forced proximity.
Smiling to myself, I contacted Sean first. He eagerly agreed to help me with the research, and his enthusiasm was almost contagious. Next, I called Jackson, who I needed to get us clearance and who immediately launched into a tirade about how and why we couldn’t trust Sean to help out.
“Do you have any idea why he’s here? In Cyclos?” he asked, brows drawing together with suspicion.
I stilled. I didn’t, actually. “No, why? What’s the deal?”
“I don’t know! That’s the problem! Don’t you find it strange?”
“Jackson, he’s an Offensive from Crown,” I explained, and tried to stay patient. “A Collective that went throughwar. He brought Maurice’s body here with James, and evenhetrusts the guy. I think it’s safe to assume he’s okay.”
Jackson was quiet for a moment, evidently not convinced. “The United Chiefs officially tasked Crown with the search for the Amplifier. You don’t find it strange he’s over here instead of helping his own Collective?”
I shrugged, trying to push back the hurt that James hadn’t told me that yet. “Maybe he’s on another mission? Some diplomatic mission we don’t know the details of?”
Jackson shook his head. “I don’t trust him.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “Then why don’t you join us and protect me from him, if you’re so worried?”
I knew I had him with that.
“Fine,” he snarled. “But if he so much as looks at you the wrong way, I’m killing him.”
I raised an eyebrow, amused. “You’regoing to kill him?”
“Well… I’ll call James, who will kill him,” Jackson muttered stubbornly.
That made me laugh. “Sure, tough guy. Now, get to the library.”
“No, that’s not the aisle for books on translation. That one is,” Jackson snapped, jabbing a finger in the exact opposite direction of where Sean had suggested. His patience had officially lasted two minutes since stepping into the library. A personal best.
Sean smirked, leaning lazily against the bookshelf like he had all the time in the world. “Oh, Jackson, where’ve ye been all my life? If only ye knew how many times I’ve wandered aimlessly through a library, prayin’ for a broody, bad-tempered guide to show me the way.”
Jackson didn’t even glance at him. “I wish you’d wander off right now.”
Sean blinked, then let out a low whistle. “Wow. Two minutes in, and yer already tellin’ me to piss off. A new record, even for ye.”
Jackson’s eye twitched. Without another word, he turned on his heel and stalked toward the aisle, irritation radiating off him like an overworked boiler. “Just grab the damn book and shut up.”
Instead of moving, Sean flopped into a chair with a dramatic sigh. “Y’know, ye could’ve asked nicely. But I guess hostility is yer love language.”
Jackson spun around, arms crossed, scowling like he was debating whether or not to launch the nearest book at Sean’s head. “You’re still talking?”
Sean propped his feet up on the table, completely unfazed. “Aye, well, someone’s gotta balance out all that sunshine and charm ye bring to the room.”
Jackson barely spared him a glance before stalking off. Sean lingered, twirling a pencil between his fingers like he had all the time in the world.
“Do you really have to antagonize him like that?” I whispered, leaning in.
