The Search for Artemis - By P. D. Griffith Page 0,24

research, we have isolated a particular gene outside the normal human genome that is unique to psychokinetic-capable individuals like yourself—we call it the Prometheus gene. We are still unsure of its origins, but we do know the gene remains dormant until one’s apocratusis. This event typically occurs during the pubescent phase of development at a time when the subject experiences a moment of heightened stress. We theorize that the increased hormone levels coupled with the release of surplus emotion-controlling neurotransmitters, like dopamine or serotonin, activate the gene and trigger the abilities.”

He rattled off biology-laced, jargon-filled information with such casualness that it sounded like he was talking to a friend over a cup of coffee, but the speed of his delivery and the sheer quantity of scientific terms made it nearly impossible for Landon to process and comprehend. Nonetheless, Dr. Wells continued without a pause.

“As far as we have been able to ascertain, the gene amplifies the brain’s neural network and extends it into the space outside of the physical body, allowing the subject to interact with objects in their general proximity. At its most basic form, subjects can telekinetically move objects with their mind and hear outwardly projected thoughts, but we quickly discovered that with training, one’s abilities can strengthen and evolve to a point that allows for innumerable possibilities and applications. Who knows what we will discover together with you.

“So congratulations, you have made the intelligent decision to attend this training facility and develop your unique abilities. On behalf of Drake and Ainsley Harper and all of us at the Gymnasium, welcome, good luck, and remember—you are all that is holding you back from reaching your full potential.”

Following the conclusion of the video, the lights in the room turned back on and the projector flicked off. Landon and Celia sat bewildered in their seats, silently working to sort through and understand the bastion of information with which they had been bombarded. While still deep in concentration, a loud and sudden noise caused Landon to nearly leap to the ceiling in surprise. Celia seemed unaffected. Out of the door in the corner, a man in a lab coat entered. Once Landon saw his face, he realized it was Dr. Wells. The past fifteen years were good to him. Apart from his hair turning completely grey and the development of some considerable crow’s feet, he appeared to be exactly as he was in the video. He even wore the same blue oxford shirt and khaki pants under his lab coat.

“Hello, Landon Wicker and Celia Jackson. As you may have realized, I am Dr. Harold Greyson Wells, and I am the gymnasiarch, or director, of the facility,” he began in his low, eloquent voice. “I hope that the orientation video was comprehensive and provided enough context to explain why we’ve sought you out and brought you to the Gymnasium. You both have gifts that only a select few in the world are capable of experiencing.”

“Wait,” Celia said. “Are you telling me that we have some extra gene in our bodies? Umm, what was it? The—”

“The Prometheus gene,” Dr. Wells interjected.

“Yeah, this Prometheus gene. . . . And that’s what’s causing all of this to happen? But you have no idea how it got there? How does someone randomly get brand new genes?” Celia’s voice was loud and combative as she vocally sorted through and organized her thoughts. Landon sat silently, staring wide-eyed at Dr. Wells.

“Yes. We don’t have all of the answers, but with you and others like you, we’ll be able to work collaboratively to learn and discover more about your abilities and how they work,” the doctor replied.

“And this thing works because our nervous system can, what did you say, ‘extend into the space outside of our body?’ So basically, we can feel the space around us?” As Celia continued to talk, her voice moved from combative to inquisitive.

“Exactly. We call it your tactometric sphere. . . . It’s your sphere of influence that extends into the space around you. With a few exceptions and limitations, you can use your abilities on everything in that space. We generally see subjects with a reach of about ten meters in every direction. This distance we internally refer to as your extensity, but with proper training, one’s extensity can expand and grow.”

“Okay. . . . And you said something else about an ‘outwardly projected thought?’ Celia returned.

“Well, you were listening carefully. Because of our work with students like yourself, we’ve developed a theory