"Oh? Who is it?" Zac asked.
"Jess, Avie, you know that guy who you were checking out during that lunch?"
"Umm… the one who was hanging out with the blind guy?"
"Uhh, yeah. Him. He's our guy."
"I'm assuming it's the guy who helped you out in the bathroom." Isaac said.
"Yep."
"Aww, ain't that sweet. An anomaly and a hero." Jess smiled.
"Ooh." Zac teased. "Our li'l sister has a crush."
"What do you want to do about it?" Diana asked.
Silence.
"We don't know this guy." Zac said finally. "How do we know he's gonna use his powers responsibly? How do we know he won't betray us if we trigger his powers?"
"I know." Jess put in. "And Taylor would agree with me if he ever -"
"I get the point ok!" Taylor sounded rather exasperated. "So, what does his empathic signature say to you?"
"He's extremely loyal and trustworthy. He's also a lot more caring than he may pretend to be. And he has a kind of inner strength."
Jess gave a bit of a sigh.
"Oh I think you're right Zac. Jessi has a cru-ush." Isaac teased.
"Shut up."
Isaac grinned at her.
"Ok, ok, if Jess is right, he's not gonna betray us or abuse his powers or anything." Zac was sounding a little annoyed. "So…"
"Maybe we should just keep our distance from him." Taylor said. "I think it's safer that way."
"You're just worried that this enhancing thing of his is gonna be Level 2 and whenever you're around him you'll have to worry about anyone nearby who has a crush on you." Isaac accused.
"Wouldn't you?"
"Probably."
"But if we do trigger him, he might be able to control it." Jess commented hopefully.
"I can't believe you guys." Avie said suddenly. "You're sitting around deciding the fate of some perfect stranger. It's his life! You have no right."
On that, Avie stood up and stormed off to her room. They looked at each other.
"She does have a point." Walker said. "Let's leave good enough alone. He is a stranger - it shouldn't be too hard keeping away from him - which is probably safer for everyone, Taylor and Avie in particular."
And the discussion ended.