The Starchild
Page 29
“Come on…!” She hissed in quiet desperation. “I need you to show me…!”
“Move back to your desk for a moment, Rayna. It’s quite all right. Remember: In this dreamscape, your world operates by its own set of rules. Try to remember that as you explore around.”
The woman nodded as she returned to her desk and looked at the message system screen. The thing remained dark to her as the outside world remained light and inviting.
“So what must I do?” She asked. “I want to remember.”
“I know that. But you must realize that with your memory problems and night terrors, such information will not come to you easily. Perhaps, for now, we should end this session. Since it’s getting close to that time anyways.”
Rayna nodded and leaned back in her chair. “I wish we had more time. I really do.”
“Things will become more apparent as we continue on, Captain. This is only your fourth session. Be patient.”
“Okay.” Rayna said, getting up on her own. There was a flash of movement nearby and the woman glanced over to look.
But before she could say anything, the device beeped in question and her world promptly resolved itself back into what passed for the doctor’s office.
Everything was right where it was. Nothing was out of place.
Bright. Clean. Inviting.
Never threatening.
That was the problem Rayna had with this device. For some unexplained reason, she felt like something was tickling at the corner of her perceptions–daring her to do something about it.
But each time, she held back out of fear. Out of uncertainty.
Rayna Hastings shuddered for a second.
Doctor Khan noticed her immediate distress and asked her if everything was all right.
The woman shook her head. “I don’t know.” She responded truthfully.
“I just don’t know…”
****
Maye McGowan sighed as she watched her only son get dressed for a trip down into the space complex’s lower levels.
“You should spend today getting some sleep instead of going on a fool’s errand chasing after your ex.” She said.
Bayen remained unmoved by his mother’s words of advice.
“I had a couple of naps,” he said in quiet defense of himself. “I’m good.”
“Honey, I would rather you stay home instead of getting yourself further into trouble with the Praetorial Guard. You know how much trouble they gave your friends who live on Level 90–right?”
“Yes, but I will be taking all the necessary shortcuts and precautions on the way down.” He said, slipping on his green and brown overcoat.
The shopkeeper nodded despite her better judgment. But her son was–thankfully–old enough and he could make his own decisions. But it didn’t mean that she had to agree with every single one of them.
She went up to him and hugged him for all he was worth. And more.
“Give my regards to your ex. I know she must be missing my cooking by now. If she and Gravis feels up to it, maybe you can invite them back here for one night. Let Tray take the reigns for a change.”
Bayen nodded.
“I’ll see what I can do.” He said–kissing his mom lightly on the forehead.
Then he left her side and headed out the door.