Timecaster

FORTY-ONE

The Mastermind, Dr. Michio Sata, sits patiently in the waiting area. Anyone passing by, if they bother to look, sees a calm, bemused man, with a strange case strapped to his chest that has a bizarre prism effect. They might guess he’s a kindly old grandfather, awaiting his family’s arrival. Or perhaps he’s simply a people watcher, enjoying one of the few pleasures left in his golden years.

It’s doubtful any of them will guess he’s few hours away from killing them all. Them, and eight million more.

And that’s only the beginning.

Sata has had enough of this world. He’s decided to find another one more to his liking.

But first, he’s going to wipe this one out.

The prospect delights him. But even more exciting is facing the mouse again. Talon. As close a thing to an adversary as Sata has.

It isn’t much fun wiping out all life on the planet if you don’t have to beat someone in order to do it.

Sata can still remember years ago, meeting Talon for the first time. His buddy Teague had done better in classes. But Talon had something about him. Something special. Teague, though an excellent timecaster, was a rather boring, oafish personality.

Talon cares about people. He truly wants to make a difference.

Breaking him will be so much fun.

A child walks by, holding his mother’s hand. He stares at Sata, offers the old man a smile.

Smile while you can, child, Sata thinks. You’ve got two hours left.

The ghoulish thought makes Sata smile back.