Annihilation Prequel - Psychic Beginnings Read Online Free

help those that are too poor to afford health care.”
    Cynthia blurted out, “How do you know this. No one knows about those plans. How can you know these things?”
    The young man looked at her and said, “Because you are my chosen.” He then turned back to the gathered Clan, “The value she will have to your community is tremendous. She is worth protecting simply because of what she is going to do for you and your families. But that is not the main reason for you to give her your favor.” This caused many in the room to look at each other. “She should be given your favor because of no fault of her own she will be brutally attacked by one of your own who has made a travesty of your law. Who will protect her if I am unable to do so?”
    The Kahn listened and looked out at the gathered warriors. He could see their feelings and he turned to the two women and said, “Take her and prepare her, Clan Mothers.”
    Cynthia looked at the young man as she was lead from the room and he nodded at her. She then looked at Tao and saw he was red faced from his anger. “Anything that makes him that mad is worth doing,” she thought as she left the room.
    Cynthia was taken to a small room surrounded by lime green curtains that hung from the ceiling to the floor. She walked through the curtains until she arrived at a small space with cushions on the floor. The older of the two women sat down on a cushion and pulled Cynthia down. “Child, what do you know about the Wang-dao?”
    “Nothing, Clan Mother. Tonight was my first contact with any of your Clan.”
    “The Wang-dao Clan was formed by the great Wang-dao who was our leader and teacher. We were little more than a street gang when he favored us with his presence. He taught us the way for us to live in harmony and protect ourselves against the outside world. He was the strongest warrior in the Clan’s history. He gave us a book of his laws and commanded us to follow them. I guess from your perspective we are nothing more than a street gang, but we represent so much more than those hoodlums.”
    Cynthia furrowed her brow, “How are you any different? My experience tonight of being attacked by one of your warriors doesn’t show me a lot of humanity in your Clan members.”
    The Clan Mother shrugged, “I can’t disagree with you but there is a difference. We do not allow the people in our territory to be victims of criminals. Burglars, organized crime, violent offenders, sex offenders are stopped from preying on those that live in our territory. Have you never noticed how safe it is to live in this part of the city?”
    Cynthia thought for a moment and realized that the Clan Mother was right. Her father never had a case to defend in this part of the city. All of the criminal cases were elsewhere.
    The Clan Mother continued, “We do conduct illegal activities to fund the Clan. Drugs, gambling, and other things are done here but those that use these services do so by choice. We do not force them on anyone. We also are very heavy handed in protecting the Clan’s interests. We have to do that to guarantee our safety. Your chosen, I know he’s not your chosen but you are his, has asked for you to be made a Clan Favored. Let me explain what that is. Our favored are those that are not members of the Clan, but through their actions have earned the right to the Clan’s protection. We will not allow a favored to be harmed. By granting you this status, no member of the Clan, or anyone else, can disrespect or harm you in any way. To do so would carry a very heavy penalty.” Cynthia stared at the Clan Mother and she nodded, “Death is the penalty for any Wang-dao that violates that status. I think you can understand why he has asked for you to receive this gift from us.” Cynthia knew it was to insure that Tao would not harm her. The Clan Mother continued, “There are requirements of those that accept our favors.”
    Cynthia looked the Clan Mother in the eyes and asked, “What are