Jonas held up a hand and affectionately considered his fingers. “I do have that talent, but alas, I lack the speed to have created these lifelike sculptures on such short notice. My apprentices produced them. They have a remarkable aptitude for working with wax. Nate, Lindy, the two of you will be the latest addition to my collection.”

“Why?” Nate probed.

“Do you suspect that my reasons are more than purely aesthetic?” Jonas asked. “If so, you would be correct. As a Simulcrist, I wish to establish a connection between you and your simulacrum. This connection will allow me to exact retribution should you elect to betray me.”

“Like a voodoo doll?” Nate asked.

“In theory, I suppose,” Jonas said. “Although there is no voodoo involved. I’m honestly not sure whether voodoo actually works.”

“But this does?” Lindy asked.

“Most assuredly,” Jonas said. “These simulacra will help ensure that you work with me, not against me. I have entrusted you with powerful enhancers. If you serve me faithfully, the simulacra will never be used to harm you. In fact, they can be used to help you. But if you choose not to serve me honorably—well, you should probably surrender your positions as Jets now and save all of us considerable unpleasantness.”

“This is why you need the items?” Nate asked.

“Nothing gets by you,” Jonas sneered. “The items will help establish the desired connection between you and your simulacrum. What have you brought me?”

Nate held up his video game. “Zombie Nightmare Apocalypse IV.”

“May I handle it?” Jonas asked.

Nate handed it over. Jonas closed his eyes, clutching it firmly. “I have sensed stronger connections, but this will suffice.”

“How do I know you’ll give it back?” Nate asked.

Jonas grinned. “I’ve been around a long time. If I kept every simulacrum I made, I’d need to store them in a football stadium. Once you have loyally served your purpose, your game will be returned, the connection between you and your simulacrum will be severed, and the simulacrum will be recycled.”

“Could I keep mine as a souvenir?” Nate tried.

“We could discuss the possibility when the time comes,” Jonas said. “I assume you intend to proceed? If either of you finds this arrangement unacceptable, our relationship ends here.”

Nate found it totally unacceptable. But if he walked away, how would he ever find John and Mozag? He glanced over at Lindy, who stared back at him uncertainly.

“Just do it,” Chris said. “We did. It’s no big deal. Are you really going to walk away from flying after all that work earning the stamp?”

“What can you do to us with the simulacrum?” Nate inquired.

“All sorts of thing,” Jonas said slowly. “The magicians who pioneered the manufacture of simulacra did so to help people. Simulacra were principally used to reduce pain or alleviate the symptoms of certain illnesses. Years of experimentation have shown that simulacra can be quite versatile. In addition to simulcry, I have also studied acupuncture for decades. The combination can produce some fascinating results.”

“You could hurt us?” Nate said.

Jonas grinned like a hangman who loved his job. “I could certainly harm you, yes. Inflicting pain is only one of my options. I could kill you. I could lower your inhibitions. I could make you thirsty. I could make you dizzy. I could create rushes of pleasure that would leave you pleading for more. Or I could simply cure your back pain.”

“That’s a lot of power to hand over to a stranger,” Lindy said.

“So is the power of flight,” Jonas argued. “So are the secrets I will share with you once the treasure hunt begins. The simulacra merely bring our shared risks into balance.”

Nate hated the idea of giving an enemy so much power over him. Even if he was smart and careful, it could end very badly. He wondered whether John would do it for him? He was pretty sure the answer was yes.

“All right,” Nate said. “But you had better keep your word.”

Jonas rubbed the video game between his hands. “If I failed to keep my promise as explained, the connection would weaken considerably. Of course, if you neglect to honor your end of the agreement, I will be within my rights to exact whatever revenge I deem appropriate.”

“Okay,” Lindy said. “I’ll do it too.”

Jonas accepted the pink flamingo. He held it pensively for a moment. “This will do.” He rose carefully. “Congratulations on becoming the newest additions to my waxworks. Now, who would like to refresh their stamps?”

Chapter Twelve

The Hermit

After the weekend, Todd and Cleon showed up at the training facility unannounced. Nate and the Jets were playing catch using baseball mitts when the two men entered. The appearance marked the first time any Arcadeland employee had visited the facility.

All activity came to a halt. The four clubs were now all filled. A large girl had joined the Tanks, three girls had joined the Racers, and two boys had joined the Subs. Even so, demand for the stamps supposedly continued. None of the stamps were on display as prizes anymore, but Nate had heard that a couple of kids had already been turned away from attempting to claim some.

Todd motioned for the clubs to gather to him. The Jets swooped down, arriving before all but the Racers. The Subs got there last, totally dry despite having come from the pool.

“You’ve all heard about the treasure hunt,” Cleon announced. “The first phase is about to begin. It’ll pit the Jets against the Subs, with the competition beginning at sundown.”

“What about us?” Roman asked.

“Tanks and Racers have to sit this one out,” Todd said. “You’ll get your chance next time. If the Tanks or Racers interfere in this phase, they risk disqualification.”

“We’d lose our stamps?” Trevor checked.

“At least,” Cleon said. “If you’re going to believe anything I tell you, believe this: you don’t want Mr. White mad at you. Make him proud instead. Life can be sweet when he’s pleased.”

“What are we doing?” Nate asked.

Cleon pointed to Nate as if he had asked the right question. “The Jets or the Subs must secure an item called the Gate from a secretive wanderer known as the Hermit. The Hermit is notoriously difficult to find, but Mr. White has already taken care of that for you. The Hermit currently resides aboard the USS Striker, a destroyer mothballed after World War II.”