He laughed but it sounded more like a growl. “I have plans for her. Once I wipe her memory clean, she’ll be a useful warrior when we invade Earth.”
My heart sunk. So he had a memory device too. “And what about me? You going to screw with my mind too?”
“No. You will come with us to Earth. I want you to watch as I kill everyone you ever loved.”
Why couldn’t the afterlife be more like the movies? If I were a captured spy, I’d bite down on a cyanide pill and the whole scene would be over. But even if I did have a pill, it wouldn’t work. I couldn’t die twice. “And what makes you think Father won’t rescue me?”
A sly grin spread across his face. “I’ve jammed his transporter signal. You aren’t going anywhere.”
No wonder Mr. X hadn’t rescued me. Talk about being totally screwed. “I guess the ball is in your court.”
Palmer snickered. “You and your idiotic Earthly expressions.” He waved his hand in front of the guards. “Take her to the detention room. I’ll deal with her later.”
The guards dragged me out of the engine room and down the corridor. The stacks of blue cocoons were gone. I could only hope the time I bought the people of Earth would save them. My gut churned. But I’d doomed Celery to a life of a robot, and for nothing. I’d never forgive myself.
The guards stopped in front of a steel-reinforced door. The blond guard punched in a code and the door slid open. He tossed me in and I landed hard on my shoulder on the metal floor. I looked around at the riveted metal walls and the total lack of furniture. This detention cell made the ones back at Mrs. Schwartz’s look like a luxury suite at the Ritz Carlton. At least from what I’d seen in magazines. I leaned against the wall and closed my eyes. I’d done it this time. How was I going to get out of this cell? I leaned against the wall so long that my butt was sore and numb from the cold metal floor. My mind raced for solutions to my crazy situation, but came up with nothing. Exhausted, I tried to sleep. Then I heard someone say my name. I opened my eyes and looked around the room but saw no one. Then I heard the voice again. Someone snuck inside my mind. “Taylor, it’s me, Mr. X. Sorry it took me so long.”
The familiar tingling sensation spread through my body. My mind swam in a thick fog.
In a flash, I disappeared.
***
Father sat cross-legged on the rug with his back to me. Despite the fact that I had just escaped from Palmer’s clutches, he still couldn’t look at me. Not yet. I’d just destroyed any chance he had of leading his people to a new life. I‘d made my choice and picked my friends and family on Earth over the Katrans—over him.
“Father, I'm so sorry, but I did what I thought was right. You wanted me to be a leader and that's the decision I made. I hope you will respect it.”
Father slowly turned around. He still didn’t look well. His skin was pale and his eyes didn’t have their usual zest for life. A mere fragment of the father I’d come to love.
His eyes landed on the burn marks around my neck. “I am glad you are safe, my daughter.”
How could I relish my safety when my best friend in Heaven didn’t even know my name? “Mr. X said Celery is recovering. Do you think he can retrieve her memory?”
Father’s shoulders stiffened. “I have complete faith in his abilities. Your friend will be herself soon.”
I hoped he was right. Otherwise I could never live with myself. “You had faith in me. I let you down.”
“I respect your decision. But I would have made another choice.”
His words hit me like a punch to the gut. “I know I’ve disappointed you, Father. But I would make the same decision again.”
Father took a deep breath. “I believe you have an expression on Earth, be careful what you wish for. I started this. I will live with the result.”
I didn’t blame him for being so angry. But it would have been nice if he were a bit more concerned about me too. “If it’s any consolation, Palmer is working on an alternate warp drive so there is another chance. All is not lost for either of us.” I didn’t know if what Palmer told me was true. But I hated for Father to be so disappointed in me.
He crinkled his brow. “Really? I could not read that information from your mind.”
Had I finally learned to block my thoughts? “Yes, Father, it’s true. According to Palmer, the new warp drive has the potential to be even more powerful than your old ship’s engine.”
Father’s mood lifted as he uncrossed his legs. “So when we take control of the ship we will be able to explore even further galaxies for our new home.”
“I hope so. All we have to do is wait for Palmer to finish building the new engine then steal the ship from him.”
Father cracked a smile. “That will be a piece of cake.”
***
Before I headed to the lab to check on how Celery was doing, I needed to update Ryan. My mission could be called a success—at least for now. I stroked the edge of the looking glass. After what I’d been through, I needed to hear his voice. I thought of Ryan and the image of an airplane interior popped into view. He must be heading home from Georgia. This was going to be awkward, but I needed to talk to him. “Ryan, it’s me. I have news.”
His head sunk back into the headrest. “Not here, hold on a sec.”
As Ryan unbuckled his seatbelt and got up from his seat the husky guy next to him grabbed his arm. “Dude, are you okay? Were you talking in your sleep?”
Ryan nodded. “Sorry, took an Ambien before I hopped the flight.”
The man nodded as Ryan stepped over him and headed down the aisle. He stood in a small line in front of the economy class bathrooms. Smart thinking. Probably the only place he could talk to me and not seem crazy. He waited for a vacancy sign to pop up. I still couldn't get over how cool it was to see the world through Ryan’s perspective. A click sounded and a young redheaded girl in super tiny shorts came bounding out of the bathroom and ran right into Ryan. She blushed. “Oops, sorry.”
I couldn’t help notice she lingered a bit too long taking in how tall and handsome he was. Ryan gently moved around her and popped into the bathroom. “Yikes, talk about awkward.”
I laughed. “She was just admiring the view.”
A shy smile spread across his face. “Very funny. So what’s up? Mission accomplished?”
“Yes and no. I knocked out the warp drive, but turns out Palmer had a backup engine. So I only bought you guys a few days.”
“I’m sorry, Taylor. Hey what’s up with your voice? You sound funny.”
I touched the burn mark on my neck that was still healing. “I had a little run-in with Palmer. He tried to strangle me.”
Ryan punched the sink. “That A-hole! Are you all right?”
“Yeah, I’ll live.” I laughed. “I mean, I’m still dead.”
His turn to laugh. “That’s what I love about you. You never let things get you down.”
He should have seen how pathetic I was a few hours ago in detention. “I try. Look, why don’t you guys see what else you can come up with to foil Palmer?” I flashed on poor Celery. “Luck hasn't exactly been on my side.”
Concern washed over his face. “But you’ll try again, right?”
“Of course. I won’t let Palmer win.”
He gave me a huge smile. “That’s the kick ass girl I know.”
My heart ached for him. “I miss you so much. I wish…”
Someone knocked on the door. “Sir, you’re not allowed to use your cellphone onboard the flight.”
Ryan let out a sigh. “I’ve got to go. Love you.”
“Love you, too. Good luck. Hope you don’t get thrown off the plane.”
He clicked open the door and a female flight attendant stood impatiently tapping her sensible pump. “What conversation was so important you had to break the rules?”
Ryan gave her one of his classic crooked smiles. “I was having phone sex with my girlfriend. She wanted to join the mile high club.”
***
&
nbsp; I entered the lab with high hopes that Celery would be back to her old sarcastic self. She sat straight-backed in a black leather chair with a bunch of electrodes stuck to her head. Her bright green hair flying every which way made her look like she’d just walked out of a wind tunnel. Mr. X nodded as I walked up next to him. “How’s she doing?”
He motioned for me to take a chair. “I’m making progress, slowly.
“Palmer used a very high voltage on her.”
“Any progress is good. Can I talk to her?”
He nodded. “Just don't expect too much.”
I crouched down in front of my friend, who looked like she was part of a science experiment. ‘Hey, Cel, it’s me, Taylor. Your best bud.”
Her forehead creased. “How do I know you? Did you go to Hamilton High with me?”
My heart sank. How could Mr. X say she was making progress when she didn’t even recognize me? I gave her a smile. “No, we know each other from a different school.”
“Really? Was it elementary school?”
I squeezed her hand. “Yes, see your memory is coming back.”
She gave me a weak smile. “Oh, good. I’m sorry I don’t remember you at first. I’m recovering from a bad concussion. The doctor here says it might be a few weeks before my full memory returns.”
I swallowed hard. “He’s a great doctor. I’m sure you’ll get better soon.”
Celery’s eyes looked dull. Her usual sparkle had faded away. “I hope so. It’s a bit scary not to know where I am, or recognize people I should know.”
It had to be terrifying. “Mr. X is a great doctor. You be back to your old self in no time.” I stood up, unable to look at her anymore. It hurt too much. “I’ll be back to visit tomorrow, okay?”
She cracked a halfhearted smile. “That would be nice.”
Mr. X floated off his chair and hovered next to Celery. “I need to show Taylor something. I will be back shortly.”
She stared off into space as we left the room. My hopes of seeing my best friend whole again today were dashed. Mr. X led me down a hallway I’d never seen before lined with hieroglyphics. The Temple of Truth had many secret hallways just like a real Egyptian tomb. Mr. X opened a large stamped metal door. “We are almost there.”
The sound of a high-pitched whirring noise filled the room. “You moved the re-humidity machine in here?”
“Yes, I wanted it to be someplace safe. There has been chatter from Palmer’s camp they would like to steal it. You and your Father are the only people who know about this room.”
I stared into the glass room that housed the machine. It was eight times bigger than the prototype machine I helped him test. It must weigh several tons. I couldn't imagine how Palmer’s men could even think of lifting it. “It’s really impressive. You must be happy with the results. I’ve already tripped over my feet three times. Means the humidly level is getting back to normal.”
He laced his long fingers together. “I am pleased to hear that it is having the proper effect on you. But there has been one major unexpected side effect.”
That didn't sound good. “Really? What is it?”
He unlaced his fingers. “It appears that returning Heaven back to its normal humidity has a price.”
My blood pressure jumped a few notches. “How big a price?”
“It seems to be accelerating the Katrans’ aging process by decades.”
So that was why Father didn’t look like his normal healthy self. “What?”
He floated over to the machine a sign of defeat in his face. Something that had brought him great pride had turned into a huge disappointment. His hand stroked the enormous metal housing like it was a much-loved large dog. “Unfortunately, I must have made a miscalculation.”
Mr. X wasn’t perfect? “How is that possible?”
“I cannot explain it. But if I can’t reverse the effect, the Katrans’ only have a week to live.”
Chapter Seventeen
Aging Isn't For Wimps
A light breeze ruffled through my hair as I flew on Sabrina’s back over New Life City. In just a matter of two days the clouds had lost their dark grey tint and were turning white again. The silver tiles on the spire of the Ministry of Angels had a shiny luster for the first time in weeks. Mr. X’s humidity machine had done its job, but at such a devastating cost. Sabrina tipped her left wing to get my attention. “Taylor, things are not as bad as they seem. I’m certain you and your father will be able to find a way to save Junior Heaven without hurting the Katran.”
If only she was right. I was on my way to see Father to work up a new plan. I knew Sabrina must hold resentment for what father had done to her home. But I’d been too afraid to ask when I had no way to fix it. Now that we had found the solution, I dared to ask. “The angels must be thrilled that Heaven is starting to heal itself. You must have all been so upset at what happened to your home.”
Sabrina beat her wings hard as she banked around the ministry and headed toward the palace. “I must admit that we’re happy to have our home begin to return to its former glory. I am your guardian so I have an allegiance to you, but I must admit I have felt sick about what your father has done to my home.”
There it was, she finally admitted the truth. I felt terrible about not being able to repair their home any sooner. I only hoped that we could heal Heaven and the Katran as well. Sabrina landed in front of the palace and I slid off her back. She gave me a quick smile. "I have complete faith in you, Taylor. You love Heaven as much as the angels. You’ll bring back peace.”
My gut churned. Like I didn’t feel the heavy burden of repairing Heaven enough. But I had asked her for the truth and she gave it to me. I watched as she flew up and around the spire and vanished behind a cloud. I’d learned to love my guardian. I would miss her so much once I returned to Earth. But thanks to dying, I now knew how beautiful and gracious she was. I had the best guardian in angel in Heaven watching over me.
I walked into the palace living room, and for once my father wasn’t sitting cross-legged in his favorite spot on the Persian carpet. He stood looking out the bay window with his back to me once again. I hoped this wasn’t going to be how we greeted each other from now on. “Hello, Father, when I flew in with Sabrina I noticed Heaven is healing itself. Isn’t that awesome?”
He turned to face me. “It is wonderful. You know I never wanted to harm this place. I felt terrible that I played the part in destroying something so beautiful.”
I did a double take when I took in his face. Yesterday Father looked to be in his sixties. Today he appeared a decade younger. A plastic transparent mask hovered over his nose and mouth. “What are you wearing, Father? What is that for?”
“It’s another one at Mr. X’s wonderful inventions. Wearing this mask will help protect that Katran from the side effects of the humidity machine. We will still age but not nearly as quickly. A distinct advantage over Palmer and his men.”
“Father, that’s wonderful. What would we do without Mr. X? His creative powers are so awesome. I know he is not a Katran. What planet did he come from?”
Father let out a sigh and walked over to the Persian carpet and sat down. “He is a very private person. He would not like me to tell you where he came from or how we crossed paths.”
That was an understatement. “I always had a feeling that he is special. Maybe only the one left of his kind.”
Father motioned for me to join him on the carpet. “You are very perceptive, my daughter. He is everything you say and more. I do not always agree with his methods. Especially the ones he used in the Temple of Truth. But I cannot deny that he is my right-hand man and my greatest supporter.”
“Does he have any idea how we can steal the ship from Palmer?”
Father nodded. “We have discussed the matter. He said he is working on something but it is highly dangerous. He would only use it as a last resort. We must try to foil Palmer the old fashioned way, by force.”
“But Father, I can’t do it a
lone. Celery isn’t in any kind of shape to help me.”
He crossed one leg over the other. “She‘s doing much better. Celery is actually back in her apartment. Mr. X thinks it will help jog the rest of her memory.”
“That’s fantastic news! So you want me to assemble a team and try to capture as many of Palmer’s men as possible so we can recover the ship?”
“Yes, I will have Austin pulled out of classes with Mrs. Schwartz after tomorrow morning’s session so he can help you.”
“Mrs. Schwartz isn’t going to like that.”
He nodded. “I am certain she will be irritated. But he was helpful with the contest, wasn’t he?”
I didn’t have the heart to tell him he was ticking off Schwartz for no reason. Austin was a typical skater boy. All about having fun and couldn’t care less about winning. But when it came to fighting Palmer, an extra person couldn’t hurt. “That would be great. Anyone else?”
“Mrs. Schwartz has volunteered to join the team as well.”
“Terrific news.”
“Mrs. Schwartz thought you would be pleased. She thinks you make a great team.”
Let me shoot myself now.
***
I couldn’t wait to see Celery back in her apartment at the hotel. She left the door unlocked so I let myself in. She sat chatting with Austin like they’d known each other for years. Part of the guilt I felt lifted. “Hey, guys, how’s it hanging?”
Celery jumped up and greeted me with a big hug. “T, so glad to see you!”
I hugged her back, grateful she recognized me and that her personality once again shined through. “Likewise. So glad you’re feeling better.”
She plopped back down next to Austin. “Mr. X has been working so hard to bring back all my memories. I can’t believe how much Palmer screwed with my brain. I’m going to do more than that when I see him again.”
Austin pumped his fist in the air. “I’ll second that. He screwed me up, too.”
I didn’t know how I could ever repay Mr. X. He’d done me so many favors, I could never pay him back. The work he’d done on Celery’s brain was truly incredible. I had my friend back and I had him to thank. “So glad to see you remember Austin.”
Heavenly Returns Page 14