She eyed him. “That wasn’t an attempt at a joke, was it?”

“No.”

“What are we going to do with him?” Olivia asked.

“Get him into the vehicle and ask him a few questions.”

He opened the cargo bay door and maneuvered Ash into the compartment. There was no resistance. Ash sat quietly, back propped against the side of the vehicle, and stared at something only he could see.

Olivia watched him for a moment. Harlan felt her energy stir again in the atmosphere.

He gripped the door, preparing to close it, but he paused.

“What is it?” he asked.

“There’s something off in his aura,” Olivia said. “It’s unstable.”

“You said it was wobbly. He’s not handling the fog well. I think he’s in shock.”

“Maybe.” She sounded bewildered. Uncertain.

Harlan glanced at the captive. Like most people with talent, he could perceive auras, but he wasn’t a particularly strong reader. When he heightened his senses all he saw was an energy field that appeared fairly strong.

“What do you see?” he asked.

“There’s a disturbance in some of the bands that I associate with the dreamstate. And there’s something else going on as well. Ask him a question.”

Harlan looked at Ash, who sat motionless.

“What’s your name?” Harlan asked.

“Ash.”

His voice was a monotone. There was no trace of emotion in it.

“What’s your last name, Ash?” Harlan continued.

“I don’t have a last name now.”

“What was your last name before you lost it?”

“I don’t remember.”

“How did you find out my name?” Harlan asked.

“The Piper knows.”

“Who are you working for, Ash?” Harlan asked.

The question evidently confused Ash. “I don’t have a job. I have a mission.”

“What do you do to earn money?” Harlan said.

“I don’t need money.”

“Why not?”

“I’m a student,” Ash said.

“What are you studying?”

“I study the skills that will enable me to master my talent.”

“Who is your teacher?”

“The Piper.”

“Does the Piper have a last name?”

“No.”

“Where is the Piper?”

“On the island.”

Harlan leaned into the compartment. “What is the name of the island?”

“It doesn’t have a name.”

“How do you get to the island with no name?”

“I don’t know,” Ash said.

He slumped to one side, eyes closed. Unconscious.

Harlan grasped his shoulder and gave him a shake. There was no response.

“I think he’s in the grip of a powerful hypnotic suggestion,” Olivia said. “Asking questions about the island must have triggered it.”

“What about the instability in his aura?” Harlan asked.

“It’s still there. Sparking. Looks like a broken neon sign.”

“Think he’ll wake up anytime soon?”