After Thought

by P. A. Crenshaw

  Adam shouted, “Ian, Helen, if you can hear us, give up your fight now. You will never win against RTP. You are clearly outnumbered and we’re not going to take it anymore. If we have to, we will hunt you down. If you approach us, we will fight back from now on. We will not join with the likes of you, nor will we go peacefully as your prisoners any longer. We will fight until the death, whether it be ours or yours.”

  Adam heard loud cheering all around him. Thousands of peacekeepers and reformed KTP were cheering, hugging, and laughing at the retreating traitors. He wanted to track Ian down and take care of him once and for all, but he had vanished. Now they didn’t know if Ian was dead or alive. For now, they would have to be satisfied with their retreat and consider it a victory.

  “We will take care of them later,” Adam heard Jeremy say in a low, steely voice that raised the hairs on the back of his neck. He knew Jeremy meant it, and he knew he would not want to be in Ian’s shoes, if he were still alive when Jeremy found him.

  Maddie ran to Adam, threw her arms around his neck, and hugged him so tightly that he couldn’t breathe. He picked her up and swung her around.

  “You did it,” she cried. “We did it! I’m so proud of you, Adam. You led us to this.”

  She planted a big kiss on his lips.

  Mel approached him next. Adam thought he was going to give him a handshake, but instead Mel threw his big arms around him in a tight bear hug and lifted him up off the ground, swinging him around the way that Adam had swung Maddie around.

  Mel laughed and said, “I will consider you a brother from now on. We consider you a full member of the council as well—13-L.”

  Sancha also hugged Adam, followed by many others. Peacekeepers and peaceful KTP alike congratulated one another. When the congratulations and the cheers finally died down, it was a sobering moment when everyone looked around at the ground littered with blood and the bodies of the fallen KTP and peacekeepers.

  Wyndolyn, followed by a large group of people, approached Adam. All of their faces were distorted in anguish and many of them were crying. Tears were streaming down Wyndolyn’s face.

  She simply said, “You said we would find a peaceful resolution.”

  Adam didn’t know how to respond. He hadn’t wanted anyone to die, but he had been prepared to die or kill if need be. All he could think of to say was, “I’m sorry.”

  Wyndolyn turned, shook her head, and walked away. The group of people with her followed.

  “Wyndolyn, wait,” said Roxy, chasing after her. Shannel went after her, too.

  Adam hung his head. He suddenly felt responsible for all of the deaths.

  He turned to Maddie and said, “Can’t you do that healing thing? It worked on me and Sancha and Mel.”

  With sadness in her eyes, Maddie shook her head.

  “I can only heal living people, Adam. To my knowledge, no one has been successful in using RTP for resurrection. Once the soul is gone…” Her voice trailed off.

  At that moment, Jeremy approached the 13-L and said, “We will consider this a victory for peace and a truce between the KTP and the peaceful ones as long as I am in power. We will make sure that it is so.”

  He noticed Adam surveying the land where the dead bodies lay. He put his hand on Adam’s shoulder and said, “Leave the cleanup to us. We never intended this outcome.”

  Adam said, “We didn’t intend it either. We’ll help.”

  Jeremy searched Adam’s eyes, then nodded.

  The bodies were carefully rolled up in tarps and removed. The ground was still covered with all of the guns and munitions. Everyone used RTP to pitch in to help. When all that remained were bloody pools on the ground, Jeremy and several others lifted their faces and arms toward the sky. Adam watched as clouds gathered and rain began to pour down, washing the blood into the ground and destroying all evidence that anything out of the ordinary had occurred.

  When the rain started, some people began to leave. Many sought shelter under the horse pavilion and got to know one another. The KTP and peacekeepers mixed together in an unprecedented event. The 13-L—minus Wyndolyn—stayed, as did the KTP leaders. People brought out food and drinks. They played music, danced, and talked on into the night while the rain continued to downpour hard and heavy, washing away all traces of violence. It was reported the next day that a record-breaking rainfall had fallen in that part of New Mexico. Meteorologists hadn’t seen it coming.

  As they parted ways with Jeremy late that night, he promised they would meet again soon to continue getting to know each other and reinforce the peace treaty. He also promised to keep the peacekeepers posted on the progress of capturing the KTP who had mutinied.

  Chapter 50

  As they prepared to leave, Sancha said, “Why don’t you two stay with us tonight? We can all have a late brunch together tomorrow and you can make your travel arrangements on the secure network.”

  Maddie said, “Are you sure? Do you think we should still split up? I mean with Ian’s group still on the loose…”

  Adam thought it was ironic that, although the day’s events were considered a huge victory, they still felt the need to be cautious. It saddened him. He had expected a better outcome.

  Mel said, “I think it’ll be fine for just one night. Besides, we need to talk about our next moves and our new normal.”

  Next moves? New normal?

  Adam just wanted life to remain as it was before this trip to New Mexico. He was exhausted and wasn’t ready to consider what the future had in store for them.

  When they arrived at Sancha and Mel’s house, everyone said goodnight and quietly adjourned. Alone at last and holding each other in bed, Maddie said, “Adam, I am so proud of you.”

  Adam had mixed feelings about everything. He didn’t regret the trip to New Mexico. He had met Maddie’s best friends and traveled to a beautiful part of the country he had never seen before. He had learned so much more about Maddie’s past and the positive things that Refined Transcendent Power could do in people’s lives. He had met some truly amazing people with incredible abilities and had begun to realize his own capabilities of using RTP. He had even led the movement for a peace treaty with the KTP. But the deaths and the escape of Ian’s gang bothered him. He had hoped, perhaps naively, that this would be it—a peaceful treaty would be made, life would return to normal, and they would all live happily ever after. Had his positive thinking not been enough?

  He said, “I’m glad we did it too. If only I had mastered my thoughts a little better before this happened…”

  Maddie’s eyes searched his.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, I was so sure of a peaceful outcome.”

  “And you got one.”

  “But it wasn’t exactly what I was hoping the outcome would be. People died. And what about Ian’s gang being on the loose? They’re still a threat as long as they’re out there. Where do you think they went? How did they disappear like that?”

  “Adam, don’t dwell on that now. They must have devised a way to hide or make a rapid retreat. Let’s just be thankful for the positive outcomes. RTP doesn’t always work exactly the way we expect it to when other people are involved.”

  “Why is that?”

  “We can only control our own thoughts. We can’t control the thoughts of others. So when several thousand people come together with thousands, or even millions, of different thoughts, the outcomes sometimes—directly or indirectly—affect our lives in ways we can’t foresee or control. And sometimes when we are disappointed in an outcome, over time and in hindsight we see it was actually the best thing for us at that point in our lives. Like when people break up and they think that is the worst thing that has happened to them. But soon after they meet their soulmate and realize that the breakup was the best thing that had ever happened to them. Does that make sense?”

  “I guess so
. But what now? Nothing changes because we still have to live our lives in fear and hiding as long as Ian and Helen—if they’re alive—and their people are on the loose.”

  “We just have to remain faithful that things will eventually work out in the best-possible outcome.”

  Adam was quiet as he considered this. He still didn’t completely understand how faith and RTP worked, but maybe no one did. Overcome with the events of the day, he drifted off to sleep.

  When he awoke, the sun was shining brightly through the windows. Maddie wasn’t in bed. He rolled over to check the time on his phone—ten-thirty. He slowly rolled out of bed and took a quick shower. He was anxious to get back to his life in New York.

  He found Maddie, Sancha, Mel, and Mannie gathered around the large island in the kitchen having pastries, coffee, and hot cocoa for Mannie. He kissed Maddie and Sancha on their cheeks and gave Mel a man-hug. Mannie gave him a tight hug around the waist. Adam hugged him, patted his head, and said, “You were very brave yesterday, big guy.”

  Mannie beamed at the praise and said, “Did you see how we commanded those lightning bolts? That was killer!”

  “You’ve got that right. I’ve never seen anything like it. I’m very proud of you, but I wish you didn’t have to see the…bad stuff.”

  Sancha said, “I agree. We told you to stay home, mijo.”

  Mannie whined, “Mamá, I can handle it.”

  Then he looked directly in Adam’s eyes and said with a wisdom beyond his age, “You did the right thing, Mr. Adam.”

  Adam patted him on the shoulder and said, “Thanks, my man.”

  He wondered just exactly how old Mannie really was.

  “Have some brunch,” said Sancha.

  “Thank you.”

  He grabbed a pastry and poured himself a cup of coffee. His muscles were sore and his body was bruised, but overall he was no worse for wear, considering he had literally been struck by lightning. He wondered exactly what Jeremy had done to save him. Could he heal people like Maddie? He never got the chance to ask him or thank him for saving his life. Maybe he would do just that when he saw him again. And he knew without a doubt that he would see him again.

  Mel said, “We’ve got guards stationed at Maddie’s house in Santa Fe. If Ian or Helen show up there, they’re in for a rude awakening, although we’re not expecting them to be that stupid. But we’re prepared just in case.”

  Maddie said quietly, “It’s not my house anymore.”

  Sancha said, “Don’t worry, querido corazón. We’ll make sure your art collections are relocated. We’ll help you find an even more beautiful place.”

  Maddie nodded her thanks and said, “I’m fine with my place in New York. I’m just thankful we’re all okay.”

  Adam was relieved to hear Maddie mention New York. Up until then he wasn’t even sure if they would be able to return to New York. He was fairly certain the KTP did not know their whereabouts in New York, but he didn’t know if Maddie would want to chance going back to the same place. He didn’t know if he would have to disappear from his life as he knew it.

  “Speaking of New York,” said Mel, “we’ve arranged a private jet for you. We want to avoid public transportation for now.”

  It worried Adam that Mel was worried enough to take these precautions, but he chose not to say anything. A ride on a private jet would be sweet. He’d never even traveled in first class. Now he was going to be traveling like the rich and famous. He still couldn’t believe how much his life had changed in the span of a week.

  “Any idea on the whereabouts of the KTP deserters?” said Adam.

  Mel shook his head and said, “We’ve got our best reconnaissance teams on it. We’ll let you know as soon as we find anything.”

  “How do you think they vanished like that so quickly?”

  Sancha, Mel, and Maddie exchanged glances.

  “Okay, what’s up?” asked Adam suspiciously.

  “We have our theories,” said Mel, “but we’re not sure.”

  Adam cocked his head, waiting for further explanation.

  “Possibly subatomic teleportation,” said Luis matter-of-factly as he entered the room.

  All eyes turned to look at him as he grabbed a pastry and took a large bite. Adam furrowed his brow and looked at Maddie. She nodded slightly.

  Luis wiped the frosting from his mouth and said, “It’s like the cold war race for arms, or the race for space, but now it’s the race for time travel with our minds. Whoever masters it first will have supremacy.”

  “You mean like in science fiction?” said Adam. “Like ‘Beam me up, Scottie’ in ‘Star Trek’?”

  “Sort of like that,” said Luis, his eyes dreamy with the possibilities. “Except at this point in quantum physics, no one knows for sure who or what will come out on the other side.”

  “People really think this is a possibility?” said Adam skeptically.

  “Absolutely. Scientists have already been successful at teleporting photons into space, faster than the speed of light. So theoretically, every particle in your body could be converted to information, down to the subatomic level. The data then could be transmitted to a receiver located wherever you intend to go.”

  “Many practitioners of RTP are very interested in achieving this possibility,” said Sancha. “But, to our knowledge, no one has achieved it.”

  “But some are very close,” protested Luis.

  “What did you mean about not knowing who or what will come out on the other side?” said Adam.

  “Well,” continued Luis, “for teleportation to work, your body would have to be disrupted, particle by particle, and completely destroyed in the process. This brings up the Mind-Body Problem of philosophy. Will you still be you when you emerge on the other side? Will you have the same personality? Will you have the same mind? Will you have the same soul?”

  They all sat quietly pondering the implications of what Luis had just said.

  “Sounds kind of Frankenstein-ish to me,” said Adam. “And you really think Ian and his gang used RTP to teleport?”

  Mel said, “We think it’s a possibility. Our intelligence community has reported cases of KTP members seemingly disappearing, never to be seen again. At first we thought they were being murdered and the bodies destroyed. But then some of the ones who went missing were in high standing among the KTP, and it didn’t make sense. Also, around that same time, some of the peacekeepers who had been dabbling in teleportation were also reported missing. We’re wondering if they had a breakthrough and teleported somewhere and can’t get back.”

  “Or if they never made it all the way out,” said Luis.

  “I can’t even wrap my mind around that,” said Adam. “We can only hope that what Luis just said happened to Ian and the gang.”

  “Adam!” said Maddie as she smacked him on the arm.

  “What? It’s the truth.”

  Mannie snickered.

  She shook her head in mock disappointment. “Adam, what am I going to do with you?”

  “Love me forever?”

  He put his arms around her waist and kissed her on the cheek several times as she playfully struggled to get away.

  “Gross,” said Mannie.

  Everyone laughed.

  Adam made a mental note to read up on this quantum physics stuff sometime.

  Chapter 51

  When it was finally time to board the plane to return to New York City, Adam had mixed emotions. He could tell Maddie did, too. He had really grown fond of Maddie’s friends and New Mexico in general. He was going to miss them tremendously. But he couldn’t wait to get home to see his own friends and get back to a normal life—or what he hoped would be a normal life.

  Maddie wiped the tears from her eyes as she hugged and kissed Mel, Luis, Mannie, and Sancha.

  “We hate to see you go, mi
encantadora amiga. Please promise that you’ll come back soon,” sniffled Sancha.

  “I promise,” Maddie said softly as she wiped her nose.

  Adam hugged them all as well. When he saw Mannie bravely holding back tears, his own eyes welled up. He really loved this family.

  “Stay brave, big guy,” he said as he tousled Mannie’s hair. “Come visit me in New York City sometime.”

  Mannie beamed. “I’d love to! Can we, Mamá? Can we, Papá? Pleeeaaase?”

  “Of course we will,” said Mel. “It’s about time you got to see the Big Apple.”

  Adam gave him a high five.

  “Luis, you’ve got to tell me more about this teleportation business,” said Adam. “We’re going to teleport to wherever Ian is and kick his sorry ass.”

  Luis laughed. “Deal!”

  Maddie rolled her eyes and shook her head in mock exasperation.

  Adam wished there truly was a way to teleport to home and back. That way, they could see each other as often as they wanted.

  They made their way up the stairs of the private Cessna and stopped at the top for the final good-bye waves. Maddie blew them kisses through her tears before turning to enter the main cabin. Adam gave one last wave and followed her.

  Once inside, the staff and pilot gave them the Namaste greeting. Maddie hugged them all and gave quick introductions. Adam thought he recognized a few of them from the KTP meeting.

  The pilot said, “That was a great thing you did in arranging the meeting with the KTP. We’re making strides toward our freedom, and it is an honor to transport you home safely.”

  Unaccustomed to this kind of admiration, Adam said, “I just started the wheels turning. It took all of us coming together to make it happen.”

  One of the crewmembers said, “I’m Mason. It’s my pleasure to serve you today. Would you like a tour?”

  Adam shook his hand. “Great to meet you, Mason. I’d love a tour.”

  “Right this way.” Mason motioned for them to follow.