Janey's Story

Major Janey Pierce, U.S. Army Intelligence.

I wash my hands slowly, taking care to keep the sleeves of my dress blues dry. My knuckles are raw. I'd finally taken down the mind-wiping mutant -- Anna? -- with a surprise punch. Followed by several more: a dangerous lack of control.

Jason's face flashes before my eyes. He's seventeen, on his motorcycle, and he's turning to--

There are two men coming. A second later, the door squeaks open behind me. Men's shoes stop on the tiles.

"You know you're in the men's room, right, lady?"

I look at the two Building 26 agents in the mirror until their eyes drop.

"It was closer," I say.

They look at each other uncomfortably, then at the urinals.

"Where's Danko," I say. It's an order, not a question.

"Uh, end of hall, take a left."

I straighten the collar of my uniform blues, turn, and head for the door.

• The agents step out of my way...