Free Psyched Out by Viola Grace

Chapter One
     
     
    Trala looked down at the woman under heavy sedation. “Are you sure we can’t wake her?”
    Veera shook her head. “Not if her records are accurate. We need a special talent to act as companion and interface. That will take some research. This isn’t something we can rush. You know what she could do if she was left open.”
    Trala stroked the silvery hair. “She was a good friend when we were young. She knew all along and didn’t tell a soul.”
    “Wimsah Cavinagh is in good hands. We will keep her body strong until we can find a match for her mind, Trala.”
    “She was doing fine before.” Trala whispered it and stroked her friend’s hair again, feeling the vast openness of her mind.
    “And then Resicor rose, and she was lying here with her mind wide open. When Resicor entered you, you were prepared for it and the planet took care. She is unlimited power and she is wide open. If we try to stem that with someone who can’t take the load, she will blow them to hell and back.”
    “Is she like you were?”
    “No. I am just a telepath. She puts power into folks and shapes it. That is why it is urgent we find a partner for her. She needs a cork or a funnel who can channel what she puts out.”
    “So, she is the light and her partner will be the focus.”
    Veera brightened, “Exactly. We just have to contact all the Citadel outposts and the Imperium. We will look for the best possible match and hopefully wake her as soon as we are able.”
    Trala swallowed and she felt Resicor quiet behind her eyes. “Will you call me when she wakes up?”
    “She will contact you the moment she stabilizes.”
    “I want to keep her here.”
    “That is not wise. The population here is well within her scope. She would reach for them on instinct and pour power into them. The results are not predictable and would probably not be pleasant. For their protection and yours, we will take her to Balen and put her in a safe environment, waking her in a controlled manner with messages from you to keep her calm while she wakes.”
    Trala pulled her hand away from Wimsah’s head. “You will be careful with her?”
    “And with all of your people that have been judged to be suitable for Balen. We will keep you apprised of how they are all doing.” Veera smiled and inclined her head. “Trala-Resicor, they will be safe with us.”
    Trala pulled out a necklace and she fastened it around Wim’s neck. The tiny glowing stone was bright against her dull skin.
    “Goodbye, cuz. You are in good hands.”
    Trala watched them stow the capsule that contained her and Noma’s childhood friend. She was on her own now. Her last great friend from the past was being taken off world. Wim needed help that Trala couldn’t offer. Even the power of the planet couldn’t undo what had been done.
    Too much energy had run through Wim’s mind in her position as a Holder of Resicor, and it had locked her talent in the open position while revving it to full power. If she woke and lashed out in any way, she would overpower any living mind around her while temporarily gifting them with whatever psychic power she chose. If she was waking from a month-long coma, she would be disoriented and that made her very dangerous.
    Trala returned to where Envix was leading a planning session. He had been involved with the first Citadel, and he knew how to get things working. They would be up and running with their own facility in no time, but Balen could offer Wim a chance that Trala could not. Balen was still relatively unpopulated, which meant that she would not have to bear her guilt over hurting someone when she woke. There would simply be no one to hurt.
    As the ship lifted off, Trala choked back a tear. There had been enough tears shed on Resicor. It was time to plan a new future.
     
    * * * *
     
    Two months later, Veera sat up and pointed excitedly at her screen. She stared at Fixit. “Do you see this?”
    A laugh from the outer room preceded Stanik