“It’s complicated. More so than I have time to explain. Think of your Helix as you would a third arm that reads and reacts to your energy. See here.” He twirled his weapon, in spear form, along his fingers. “Though it’s quite heavy, I can maneuver my spear in a large circle with only the slightest effort. Ordinarily, such a weight would take great strength to wield.”

“Then how are you moving it?” Pidge asked.

“With my energy,” Hosea said. “The Helix responds to the muscles in my fingers. But also to the potential energy stored elsewhere in my body.”

“Your potential energy. Where is that?” Pidge asked. His eyes roamed Hosea’s form, looking for a muscle group.

“It’s everywhere,” Hosea answered. “My muscle, and tendon, of course. But also, my bones and joints. And deeper, my marrow and cells. The atoms that make up the elements in my cells and the bonds that hold them together. These store a tremendous amount of energy.”

Finch waved. So, Booster has an advantage over us. He’s bigger and has more muscles and, therefore, more energy.

“Not necessarily,” Hosea said. “Booster has greater body mass but, remember, the Helix reads energy, not mass. A thought, for example, is energy and the Helix can measure it. Moreover, passion is energy in its purest form. With superior emotional control and mental prowess, someone Voltaire’s size can strike harder, faster and with more skill than a giant like Booster.”

Or Jones! My heart raced. This is what I’d hoped for. The ability to best Jones, or anyone, in battle would assure my freedom.

Hosea continued. “The easiest form to achieve is the Helix’s basic form, as it’s hardwired into your weapon and requires the least amount of energy to shape. Your sword will take this form as soon as you hold it. As for secondary forms, the more complex their shape and the farther that shape is from your weapon’s basic form, the harder it will be to achieve. Any questions?”

When no one spoke, Hosea went to the trunk and lifted the lid. Inside, the cylinders were individually wrapped in bambi.

“When I call your name, come forward. Unwrap your Helix and hold it lightly, in the palm of your hand.”

Booster was first. He took the sword and moved several feet away. His massive shoulders heaved with his quaking breath. Finally, he grasped the bare tube tight in his fist.

The Helix came to life, leaping from his grip into the air. A line of blue fire erupted from the top, forcing its base back toward the ground. Shouting, Booster caught it and fell to his knees.