by E. J. Mellow
With a gasp, I grab the slip from her hand. “Where did you get this?”
“Rae gave it to me to give to you.”
I scowl as I bring it protectively to my chest. “Did you read it?”
“Of course.”
“Becca! These are meant to be private.”
She grins slyly. “I can see why. Who knew my Molly was such a harlot of a pen pal?”
I turn red. “Oh my God. I am not a harlot.”
“From the sample of this man’s writing, I certainly would be.”
I can’t help it. I tip my head back and laugh. And oh, does it feel good. So many of my recent days have been filled with somber realities and hard choices. It feels wonderful to let it all go, if only for a moment.
“So you really love this guy?” Becca asks once I’ve regained my composure, a look of inquisitive amusement alight in her gaze.
“Dev?”
“Dev.” She nods.
I glance to the envelope in my hands. “Yes. More than anything. He’s…he’s…” I shake my head. “He’s my everything.”
“Then it’s settled.” Becca places a hand on my shoulder. “We’re getting you back to him.”
— 13 —
Time must be laughing at us,
with its fickle nature to move slowly when we need it to go fast.
Move fast when we need it to crawl.
If you ask me, I think it’s in need of a good hug.
—Part of a letter from Molly to Dev
The restaurant was filled to the brim, a mostly private affair with the Vigil, who were celebrating their most loyal and dedicated brethren. The few Nocturna in attendance represented the small numbers who were aware of the Dreamer and what was happening tomorrow.
In the corner, Dev sipped his drink, giving off an air of relaxation and enjoyment, even though what he felt was anything but. He was a ball of anxiety, excitement, and dread. All the things that could go wrong swam before him, not to mention what would happen if everything went right. He would be gaining and losing two great people in his life. He could barely contain his impatience to finally see Molly again, touch her, breathe in her scent of honeysuckle and sunshine. But these emotions were sobered by the thought of what was needed to get her here.
Taking in the guests, Dev’s eyes stopped when he found the man of the hour. Rae talked with the establishment’s owner, Elario, in the back of the room. Behind them a replica scene of a Tuscan landscape rolled for miles on the other side of the glass partition. It was in there that most of the ingredients for Elario’s restaurant were harvested. The dining establishment was located in Anima, a controlled biodome of all Earth’s ecosystems and which took up a large section in the south part of the city. A deep laugh brought Dev’s attention to the rotund man standing with Rae, his shortness exaggerated by his friend’s height. Elario had been a great companion to him and Rae over the years, his restaurant the base of many fond memories. It often served as a getaway from the madness their lives usually brought, and whenever either of them had something they needed to discuss, or didn’t want to discuss, they met here, Rae usually emptying Elario’s pantry while Dev overindulged on the plethora of desserts the old man never seemed to run out of.
As if sensing an audience, the two companions turned to meet Dev’s gaze, and with a smile Elario waved him over. Maneuvering through the crowd and around tables, Dev made his way toward them.
“We were just talking about you,” Elario said, a twinkle of mischief in his brown eyes.
“Oh?”
“Rae was telling me about the time the two of you took a trip to Port City—and the bridge fiasco.”
Dev leveled a chastening gaze on his blond friend, all too easily recalling the memory of their time in one of the smaller cities to the south of Terra. “I thought we were taking that to our deaths.”
Rae shrugged, and the side of his mouth quirked up. “It’s not like I’ll be around to suffer the consequences of it now, only you.”
Dev’s smile dropped at the same time Elario cleared his throat.
“Oh, come on, guys,” Rae said with an eye roll. “I was making a joke.”
“Well, it was a bad one,” Dev muttered.
“Since when were you the expert of funny?”
“Since hearing your attempt at comedy.”
Rae snorted. “Elario”—he turned to the small gray-haired Nocturna—“that was funny, right? Or is the mood of the party ruined now? Should I tell everyone to go home?”
“I know better than to get in the middle of a lovers’ quarrel.” Elario held up his hands. “I think it’s time I ensure everyone has enough wine.” And with that the restaurant owner scurried away.
“No backbone on that one,” Rae said with a shake of his head before catching Dev still frowning. “Come now.” Rae slapped him on the shoulder. “If we can’t joke about this, than what can we? You of all people should understand that. Or do I need to remind you of all the times you used levity during inopportune situations? Hint, the biennial Security Council gathering during Alex’s speech.”
Despite himself, a small grin forced its way onto Dev’s lips.
“Exactly.” Rae chuckled.
“Alex got his revenge though,” Dev said with a smirk. “Which was only softened by Aveline also being forced to clean up the Metus droppings with me.”
Both men laughed at that, the memories of their past circling Dev in a warm embrace. How much they had been through together, learned from one another. He trusted the Vigil with his life, and on this last thought his smile softened to a stern line again, reality setting in.
“I feel guilty,” Dev said after a moment. “How can it be right for me to be happy when you’re doing what you are?”
“You would do the same thing in my position.”
Dev studied the amber liquid in his drink. “Perhaps.”
“Don’t kid yourself. You would. We all have our purposes, Dev, our duties. And honestly, if you want to know the truth, I’m not sacrificing as much as everyone thinks. Sure, I’m losing this.” Rae looked around the room, to all the friends who had come to say their farewells. “But I’m gaining a life with a woman I love, and now so are you. I might even have the better end of the stick.” He grinned slightly. “At least I’ll have a better survival rate on Earth. I might even grow into old hair now.”
“I think the saying is, ‘grow into old age,’” Dev said.
“Whichever.” Rae waved a dismissive hand. “The important thing is, Terra is getting their Dreamer back. You’re getting her back. And the love of my life knows the truth about me and accepts it. We can all live happily ever after! It’s a win-win.”
Dev shook his head. “You’re disgustingly positive sometimes.”
“Why, thank you.” Rae bowed.
“You’re probably also enjoying the fact that I now have to work with Hector.”
Rae’s lips twitched. “You’re forgetting that he and I will also have to work together.”
“Not the same.”
“It’s not my fault that I’m more amiable, forgiving, lovable—”
“Does she know that he’s replacing you?” Dev cut off his friend, knowing he would have gone on ad nauseam in listing his many virtues.
Rae’s grin fell slightly. “No, I didn’t want to overload her with any more things, but she’ll find out tomorrow. He’s going to be there at the transfer and guide her in portaling here.”
Dev felt like a bird was trapped in his chest at the thought of his midnight being back here, with him, so soon. It almost felt unreal. Visions of her dark eyes, soft skin, and full lips swam before him. He shifted on his feet as his fingers drummed against his glass impatiently. How ironic it was that these small hours of waiting felt more torturous than the three months she’d been away.
“I wonder how she’ll take the news,” he said, referring to Hector.
“She doesn’t really know him.” Rae flagged down a waiter carrying a small plate of food. “But
I’m sure once she finds out about his connection with Aaron, she won’t be the biggest fan, not to mention whatever happened between him and her grandfather. He’s also done a fine job keeping himself from ever returning to Earth. I’m curious, now with him being forced back, if he’ll consider visiting Robert. That is, if Molly lets him.” He grabbed almost the complete array of crab cakes from the offered tray, ignoring the waiter’s astonished expression. “I’d accompany them of course, but I do wonder how Robert would react to seeing his old Vigil guard.”
“Well, let’s hope it doesn’t kill him if he did. Molly wrote to me about his recent health issues.”
“Yes, but that man is a tough nut. I think he’s got some time on his side yet.”
“Let’s hope.”
Rae used his beverage to wash down the lot of appetizers before peering out at the gathering. Aveline was off to the side talking with Tim and a few Vigil guards, Tim pretty close to being back to his full self. Aurora was there too, looking thinner than what was healthy as she stood away from the crowd, her partner, Ezekial, beside her, stealing a worried glance at her every so often. Dev would say hi soon, knowing he should try to maintain their friendship despite their conflicting feelings toward a certain man. He owed that much to the woman who helped lessen his grief all those years ago. If he was being honest with himself, she probably was the main reason he still stood there today.
Seeming to follow Dev’s gaze, Rae said, “I heard you went to see Aaron together.”
“I observed their visit.”
“The elders weren’t very pleased to learn you were granted access.”
“Are the elders ever pleased about anything?”
Rae grunted agreement but stayed silent.
“He’s still got his hooks in her.” Dev observed Aurora a moment longer before turning back to his friend.
“Does that surprise you? He’s her brother. They say such a bond is greater than anything we can understand.”
“Perhaps, but it doesn’t make me feel any better about it. You should see the way he tries to control her. I fear he’s going to take advantage of her if their meetings continue to go unsupervised.”
“There are Vigil guards always present,” Rae said. “She’s never alone with him.”
“They don’t know what to look for.” Dev shook his head. “Aaron acts like he’s crazy, but there’s lucidness in his eyes. I’ve seen it. He knows exactly what he’s doing. I just hope his trial comes soon and that his sentencing is termination. None of us will truly be safe until he’s gone.” Dev’s hand tightened around his glass. “And I can’t even think what he’ll do if Molly returns safely and he finds out…”
“First, she will return safely.” Rae gave his friend a steadying look. “And second, her security is going to be so thick it will practically be suffocating when she gets here. You might even have trouble getting to her.”
Dev shot the Vigil a disapproving glare, and Rae smiled.
“It was a joke, my friend. Only a joke. By the stars, I’m really bombing tonight, aren’t I?”
“Sorry.” Dev rolled his shoulders, trying to relax. “I’m a little on edge.”
“You don’t say?” Rae teased. “But think of it this way—at least it’s not you who’s about to have his DNA reorganized.”
Dev held back a weary sigh as he tried to maintain some levity. It was becoming apparent that Rae was using humor to mask his own fears. “Yes, I guess there’s that,” he said and then after finishing off his drink added, “Elena said everything looks good for tomorrow.”
“Yeah, it’s been gone over more times than I can count. Everyone is confident in the transfer’s success. Sonja and Raymond said it should be quick. Some discomfort is inevitable, of course, but shouldn’t be any worse than anything I’ve already lived through.”
Dev’s jaw set as a contemplative silence fell around the pair. Regarding the man beside him, Dev took in his strong features and the small scars visible on his dark skin, knowing exactly how each one was acquired. While siblings were almost nonexistent in Terra, Dev undoubtedly thought of Rae as a brother. He loved and would do anything for him, just as Rae was doing for Dev.
“Thank you,” Dev found himself saying, his voice thick with an emotion he had hoped wouldn’t surface until he was alone. “What you’re doing…” He cleared his throat. “I’m honored to be your friend.”
Rae studied Dev for a long while, his golden eyes shining with his own intense feelings. “Nihil familiā carius,” he said and extended his hand.
“Nihil familiā carius,” Dev returned, and the two stood there, letting the words flow through each other. They would have the rest of the evening to reminisce and joke and laugh among friends, but here, now, as they looked into one another’s eyes, they knew this was their parting words of honor. For no matter the distance that was about to be forced between them, they would always remain bonded, friends and brothers.
“Nihil familiā carius,” Dev found himself repeating.
Before my family comes nothing.
— 14 —
This will be my last note to you
delivered by another.
—A letter from Dev to Molly
It’s raining as we pull up to the storefront in Brooklyn. Becca says it’s a sign of luck, like at weddings, but I always thought that was a lie told to keep brides from turning into bridezillas. Nothing about the overcast gray sky and pellets of cold rain screams good omens. Nevertheless, I try to keep the paranoia to a minimum, as my nerves are already cranked to high. I barely slept a wink last night, despite Rae chastening that I’d need to be in my best mental shape for today. Even after the reassuring call with my grandfather, and Becca staying over to watch movies into the night, I wasn’t able to calm my mind enough to slip into a restful sleep. But can anyone really blame me? I’m about to have my body Frankensteined, for Terra’s sake. Plus, the thought of finally seeing Dev, of looking into his mesmerizing blue eyes and feeling his strong arms around me is enough to make me sick with anticipation.
Will this really work?
Will we survive it?
Swallowing back the constant rise of nervous bile, I walk with Becca and Rae through the empty storefront. Chunks of drywall hang down in corners, and the floor is covered with a chalky dust, the space’s renovations apparently paused after the Vigil procured the building.
“Charming,” Becca says as she peers around the debris. “The bookstore didn’t exactly scream cleanliness, but at least I wasn’t nervous about contracting tetanus.”
Rae chuckles as he guides us through a few sets of moveable walls, all barriers to what hides in secret beyond, and I catch the look he gives Becca as she walks beside him. To say that he seems like a renewed man would be putting it mildly. His positive attitude came back with abundance since Becca’s reappearance, and the way he regards her now, all gooey and doe eyed, under regular circumstance would have me gagging, but currently I’m too busy being happy for them. Having Becca’s acceptance is enough to make me want to kiss her, let alone what her boyfriend must be feeling. For everything Rae’s willing to sacrifice for my sake, I’m glad there still seems to be a silver lining in it for him. Now for the transfer to only go smoothly.
“How many more of these secret passages are there?” Becca huffs as we walk down a set of dark stairs leading to the basement. “Just put a sign that says Bed Bug Infestation, and I can guarantee no one will set foot inside this place.”
Rae wasn’t entirely convinced Becca accompanying us was a good idea, since she wasn’t even technically allowed to know about any of this, but after a great deal of pleading from both our ends, he conceded. It wasn’t just me that needed my best friend more than my next cup of coffee though. I’m pretty certain Rae wanted her there as well. Besides, good luck to anyone who tried keeping Becca from doing something once it was cemented in her mind.
As we stop at the back of a dark storage room, the only light source two bare bulbs dangling overhead, I
wring my hands as Rae places his palm against a metal plate on the wall. A bright light outlines around his hand right before there’s a rapid succession of metallic clicks, and with a slight shudder, the brick wall shifts to the left, revealing the pristine lab beyond. The whiteness against the black we stand in is like two squares on a checkered board, and I hear Becca’s intake of breath.
We all step inside, and the partition behind us moves back into place, closing us in with a barely audible sigh.
“Now this is impressive,” Becca says as she takes in the sterile setting of chrome tabletops and lab equipment spread out in various stages of experimentation. Her eyes linger on the smaller glass room in the far corner, where the two Molecular Chambers sit, their innocuous pill shape camouflaging the immense power they hold. After a moment I realize she’s asking me questions, but my heart’s hammering so loudly I barely hear her.
“Hey.” She touches my shoulder. “You’re going to be fine, little fish,” she says, her green gaze soothing. “Nothing will go wrong. I’m your good-luck charm, remember?” She gives me a small smile. “Plus, look at this place.” She gestures to the gadgets and monitors. “It would appear these people know a thing or two about science.”
I grin at that.
“Come on,” she says, reassured. “It’s time to introduce me to your alien friends.”
Sonja and Raymond walk over to greet us, each holding curious expressions as they regard Becca. I would have expected them to be a bit shocked or at least ill at ease, but it seems Rae prewarned them about our new guest, which is huge relief. I can only deal with so much going wrong today—meaning zero.
“Oh,” Raymond says, his already wide eyes made wider from his lenses, “I can see why you’re not so upset about becoming human, Rae.”