I don’t know who they are. But I know what they are. A thug. One of the enforcers on the colony’s main complex. We’re not supposed to look them in the eye, so how would I recognize him?

He knows who I am. I wasn’t careful. I didn’t catch on that I was in danger until it was too late. For precisely one minute at three o’clock, I can hear his thoughts. And he can hear mine.

I was signing a document once at 3:00, and thought my name. That’s how I know he knows me. Also, I could hear him listening. I can’t explain it. I just know it’s the worst minute of my day.

It’s like he can’t just hear me. He can see me. Today was different, though. I tried to think of nothing at all, but the way my mind works, that only works for about three seconds. Three seconds at three o’clock.

A second voice came through today, at 2:59. I checked the clock. It said, “Don’t listen this time.” I have no idea if this person is friend or foe. But he knows when I’m listening. He always knows.

“It’s not that difficult.”

Who was he talking to? Me? Or himself?

“He wants me to find the leak. I wonder what he would do if he knew I were the leak. It’s not like I have any control over it. Besides, it’s only her that listens. But she doesn’t keep it to herself. The cops are always ready for us, and we’ve lost good people. But could I do it? Could I really kill her?”

“You want to what?” I demanded.

“You’re not supposed to be listening.” He said.

“You’re talking in my head, how can I not listen?”

“You know I know who you are. Why would you listen this time?”

“Have you ever tried not to listen to the voices in your head?”

“You mean, I’m not the only one? I’m devastated!”

“You don’t even know if I’m on the same planet!” I thought back to him. “I’m on the planet Vandar, by the way. Why did I think that?”

“I’m on Vandar, too. Looks like you’re out of luck. Is she really? Could I do it?”

“Stop asking if you could kill me! We both know you would.”

“I don’t know that. And neither do you. I haven’t hunted you down, have I? Why haven’t I done that? It wouldn’t be such an awkward conversation if I had.”

“What are you going to do?” I thought.

No answer. I looked at the clock. 3:01.

“What am I going to do?” I wondered.