#1 in a trio of drabbles about Adam, Angela and Kaito. Followed by Tipping Point and Dreamtime.

No spoilers for future episodes. Spoilers for seasons 1-2, and for the deleted scenes which reveal Kaito and Angela's abilities. Contains speculation about the Company.

Adam and Angela. PG. Not powerless - never that.



This is how he grows: by being defeated, decisively,
by constantly greater beings.
- Rainer Maria Rilke, 'The Man Watching'



Methuselah, I

I have leapt, no sympathy for gravity, from waterfalls and zeppelin chambers, twisted my cheek to nurse three dozen languages, palmed golden heads of barley the same wrist scattered. Frostbite to make an avalanche I have deflected. Served my country, to muddy grave, and beyond it.

Time, you assured me once, is power; that is unless I misheard your warm breath.

Airtight in memory is your seal-black hair, burnt-copper eyes. Eyes that open to the future. Knowledge, another kind of power, you whispered, in awe and terror with your head pillowed beside mine.

A wonder - that I can be so powerful and still a prisoner.

But never fear.

Life is just a succession of temporary cages, my love, stretching beyond end. So keep away from the bars, their fugitive comfort.


4 September 2008