Winters Family Psi Chronicles 1: Transformation by John O'Riley Page A

he rose from the couch and left to carry out the task at hand.
    “It’s almost six o’clock. If we try the linking process after dinner, we could end up staying up until midnight or later,” Emily said. “Do you think you’re up to it?”
    “Of course, I am. We have people to save and a world to change,” Julie said wryly.
    Emily smiled questioningly at her. “A world to change?”
    “Yes, I have a plan,” Julie said confidently.
    “And what would that be?” Emily asked.
    “I’m going to actively seek out telepaths and form a large psychic network. With our enhanced ability, we should be able to protect ourselves from any attacks that Psi-Tech can throw at us,” Julie said.
    “It’ll take years before you can develop a network large enough to be sure your psychic abilities are strong enough to protect you,” Emily said. “Are you sure you want to do that?”
    “Yes,” Julie said. “I’m not going to allow bullies to control this country. What do you plan to do once you link with Skylar and Jeremy?”
    “Assuming I can successfully save those two, I plan on going into hiding. Jeremy and Skylar are both loners. We’ll purchase fake ID’s and purchase a house in the country somewhere.”
    “Sounds like a nightmare to me,” Julie said. “I’m not going to go into hiding indefinitely.”
    “What you’re planning to do is too risky. The precognitives at Psi-Tech will see the potential for the psychic network that you create in the future and will be able to track you down by locating future members,” Emily said.
    “It’s worth the risk,” Julie said.
    Emily swallowed a rush of guilt over her own cowardice. She should be supporting Julie rather than finding fault with her plan. She was embracing her destiny while Emily planned on shirking her own responsibility.
    “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be arguing. I just feel like escaping from Psi-Tech. I never want to have anything to do with them again,” Emily said.
    “You have nothing to feel sorry about,” Julie said passionately. “You were their prisoner for years. I saw your memories and how Sharon had them punish you with starvation and water torture. If you decide to go into hiding, I don’t blame you in the least.”
    Emily’s eyes misted over with unshed tears and she blinked several times to clear them.
    “Thank you,” she said quietly.
    “Everything will be okay,” Julie said encouragingly.
    Emily marveled at Julie’s strength of character and mental stability. She didn’t know how she could be so confident in spite of the odds; especially when she’d seen some of the more brutal memories that Emily had endured. Soon, Ryan called out that dinner was ready and they gathered in the dining room. Emily gave herself a very generous portion of the pasta with white sauce because she hadn’t eaten since breakfast and was starving. She’d only finished half her plate when she sensed a remote-viewer. Emily pushed against the invasive presence but unexpectedly sensed another one approaching. It took a lot more energy and focus to block out two invaders at the same time. Instantly, her head pounded with pressure. Julie reached out with her mind and took one of the remote-viewers off Emily’s hands. Almost immediately, a third presence joined the melee. Emily prepared to block the third opponent but Julie quickly stepped in.
    “Are you sure you can handle two of them?” Emily asked with concern.
    “I’m alright,” Julie said.
    Because Julie was a moderately stronger telepath, Emily allowed her to take up the slack. The struggle continued for a long period of time. Emily could tell it was taking far longer than the earlier remote-viewing attempts. Sharon must have ordered a change in strategy. Hopefully, she wouldn’t realize this new approach was a lot more effective than the previous one.
    “I’m going to need some help,” Julie said.
    “Okay,” Emily acknowledged.
    She reached out with her mind and pushed against one of the