Angels Among Us

by C. E. Barrett

  “The gel contains everything he needs,” Rapsim had told her. “It's quite oxygen rich, and his lungs are using it like air, pulling out the oxygen he needs, releasing carbon dioxide into it. It's nourishing his body directly, feeding each cell. If you watch, you'll see he swallows some now and then. It'll do amazing things for him.” He explained that it was dissolving the destroyed tissue and would help Daffyd to regenerate new bone, muscle, and skin. The broken rib had already healed, his lungs were recovering from breathing in the superheated air. But he had sustained terrible injuries.

  “How long will he be in there?” she had asked.

  Rapsim kept whatever doubts he had to himself. Even with the restorative powers of the gel, and the other technologies the Recruit Medical Corps had at their disposal, he doubted Daffyd would survive. Telling Seren this would be cruel and hurtful. “A good six months, I would think,” he told her. By that time, either Daffyd would be on the road to recovery, or he would be dead.

  Now Seren stood by the tank, her hand resting on the cool transparent wall, and stared at him. She averted her eyes from the clawed hands, fingertips burned away, and blackened bone showing through. There was scarcely an untouched spot on his body. The hate-filled crowd had made certain he was thoroughly doused before setting him alight. She wished there was some way to communicate with him, to let him know she would be waiting. She watched the tiny movement of his chest, the only sign of life as he breathed the gel. She closed her eyes and remembered what he had been, the laughter and loving in his blue eyes, the tenderness in his hands. She turned her back on the tank and left.

  Rapsim was waiting in the corridor outside her quarters. She invited him in.

  “I understand you're going home today,” he said. “I'm sorry I can't accompany you.”

  “That's okay, Rap. Devany needs you more than I do.” She smiled at him warmly. “I hear the Recruits move fast.” His face took on an innocent, questioning expression. She laughed. “Don't play coy with me, Rapsim. I'm certain you had a hand in my cover story.”

  “Oh, that!” He grinned. “It's sort of plausible.”

  “How did you get all the records in place so fast? I mean ... damn! We only got back, what ... two days ago?”

  “All part of our work, Seren. Sometimes it's necessary. Don't worry. It's all undetectable. As far as anyone investigating will know, the records, the emails, files, everything, have been there since whatever date they say.”

  “And Devany's papers?” she asked.

  “They'll be ready before she is,” he replied. “Devany Renée Roussimoff, born in Uzbekistan, parents killed tragically, put in adoption center until you discovered her through email correspondence with one of the workers. You've spent the past month in Uzbekistan, trying to finalize the adoption—somehow your message to your children was lost.... It'll work, Seren. We're even flying Devany to Halifax from Russia, via I don't know where yet. It'll all look the way it should.”

  She shook her head in disbelief. “You people are amazing!”

  He beamed. “Now, the person taking you home is a Psi-Master. He's going to help with your children, give them something like a post-hypnotic suggestion. You can tell them the whole truth, and talk about it among yourselves, or with Recruits, but not with the general town populace. You understand.”

  “Yes. I know. It sort of worries me, but I do understand.”

  The door chime sounded. “In,” she called. The door slid open and a tall man with thick blond hair stood there.

  “Seren Baker? I'm Ellison Jones. I'm here to accompany you to Earth. Are you ready to go?” He smiled, the warm brown eyes meeting hers.

  “I guess I am.” She turned to Rapsim. “I'll miss you, Rap.”

  “Oh, I'll be around,” he said. “Just to check up on you and Devany; see how you're doing. Keep you posted on Daffyd's progress.”

  She put her arms around him and hugged him for a long moment. He returned the embrace and kissed her gently. “Take care, Seren.”

  “You too, Rap.” She smiled crookedly, a hard lump in her throat making it difficult to speak. She stood and followed Ellison Jones to the waiting scout ship. They made pleasant, innocuous conversation as they walked through the corridors of Recruit Headquarters. He deftly drew forth information about her children, herself and marveled at her strength of mind. He knew the story of her past week or so, and knew many people who wouldn't have come out of it so intact. She was an amazing woman.

  The scout ship was small, comfortable and equipped with hyper-drive. The pilot explained to Seren that she might feel a long moment of disorientation as they jumped through hyperspace, but it would pass quickly. He was surprised at her laughter.

  “I'm sorry,” she said. “The whole past week has been one long, damn moment of disorientation. What's one more?”

  Ellison grinned at her. The pilot, not knowing her story, shrugged her comment off. “I'll let you know just before it happens,” he said. She nodded, and winked at Ellison. “It'll be about an hour,” the pilot continued. “Just make yourself at home.” The little ship pulled free of its moorings and they were on their way.

  For the next hour, Seren and Ellison chatted. He was easy and relaxed and helped her to feel better about things in general. He understood her grief and fear over Daffyd, but helped her to focus on the upcoming reunion with her children.

  “Is there anyone with them, do you know?” he asked her, although he had memorized all the pertinent information.

  “Rap told me that my brother, Roy, was been there for a week or so,” she said. “But I gather he went back to Toronto yesterday. Larry was taken ill suddenly. Nothing serious, but when Roy found out I was coming home, he felt it was all right to scoot home. I hope Larry will be all right.”

  “Do you want to include Roy in your list of people who can know the truth?”

  “Yes, please, and Larry, if you can arrange it,” she said. “They'll love this stuff. They're both big science fiction fans. The fact that I've spent the past however long in the Twilight Zone will tickle them pink!” She laughed at the prospect, then grew serious. “Tell me, Ellison. How exactly are you going to keep us from blabbing to the world?”

  “It's a trade secret,” he said, smiling. “Rapsim said you'd ask, and he gave me clearance to tell you. I have certain psionic abilities. I'm going to tap into everyone's mind, very subtly, and set up mental roadblocks. That's all. Nothing harmful, nothing drastic. No memory or personality erasure. When anyone not cleared is around, the cover story will be the only thing that comes to mind. When it's safe, you'll be able to discuss the reality.”

  Seren grimaced. “It doesn't sound safe,” she said. “But, what choice do I have?”

  Ellison didn't tell her that he had already tried the technique with her, but had met with an unconscious, yet very firm refusal. He hadn't dared to push her mind further, but had made a mental note to discuss her with Rapsim on his return. He trusted that her own nature would keep her from sharing her story with the world.

  “I can write about it, though, right? As in fictionalize it? It'll make a hell of a story,” she said.

  He stared at her for a brief moment. Her comment had followed on the heels of his thought so quickly that he wondered if she had read his mind. “Absolutely. Fictionalize away!” Rapsim, we definitely have to talk about this woman!

  “Prepare for the jump,” said the pilot from the front of the little ship. It felt more like a twist and a rollover loop than a jump, and she was left feeling somewhat nauseated and disoriented. However, the pilot had been right, and the feeling soon passed. “We'll be there in another forty-five minutes or so,” the pilot informed them.

  “Ellison, please don't think me rude,” she began. “But I'd just like to think about things for a bit.”

  “Go right ahead, Seren,” he said. “No offense taken.” They fell silent.

  Seren thought about her children and what to say to them. Maybe it's just as well that I have six months to prepare you
for a.... Her mind shied away from the word ‘stepfather’ ... new man in my life. What will you think of your mom in a serious relationship? I haven't had anyone since your dad died, not really, not anyone important. And this one is so incredibly important.

  She closed her eyes and let her mind drift and whirl, sorting, discarding, planning. Thoughts of Devany and Daffyd mixed and mingled with images of her children. She couldn't wait to get home.

  * * * *

  Meggie opened the front door and looked out for what seemed like the eight hundredth time. Matt was pacing the front hall, and Theo sat in the living room, apparently reading her favorite book. Karina put her head into the hall from the kitchen, where she was preparing a welcome-home meal.

  “Meggie! Close the door. Matt, go sit somewhere. Go listen to music. She'll be here, when she gets here!” She returned to the kitchen, and nervously checked the vegetables and chicken she had cut up to make stir-fry. The rice was perfect; everything seemed in order. She gathered up the dishes and utensils she had used in preparation and started to wash up. If she didn't keep herself busy, she would be as bad as Matt and Meggie. She envied Theo her seeming calm. A shriek from the front hallway almost made her drop a kitchen knife on her foot.

  “She's here! She's here!” Meggie shrilled, almost high enough to set neighborhood dogs barking hysterically. Karina put the knife in the drainer, and hurried to the front door, drying her hands on her jeans as she ran. The other three had already boiled out onto the porch.

  A nondescript dark car had pulled into the driveway. Seren and a blond stranger were getting out. Matt and Theo approached them, but Meggie developed a sudden case of shyness. She clung to Karina's hand. It had been more than a month since Seren had disappeared, and Karina's emotions were in turmoil. Relief warred with anger; joy with apprehension. In the past month, Karina had kept the bills paid, her family together, had quit a job she hated and found another with a more understanding boss. She had discovered strengths she had never realized she had. Now she was afraid of being reduced to child status again. On the other hand, she could now hand the responsibilities back to Seren, and resume her life.

  She watched Matt and Theo hug their mother, and saw Seren's arms holding them tightly while tears ran down her face. Karina and Meggie moved closer. Seren released the twins and smiled at her other daughters. She held her hands out to them.

  “Mummy?” said Meggie timorously. Seren nodded. “Mummy!” The little girl threw herself into Seren's embrace. Karina stood quietly nearby. Seren put Meggie down and turned to her eldest.

  “Kari,” she said.

  “Mum.” Her feelings were still roiled and confused, but when Seren put her arms around her, Karina hugged her back ferociously. Tears flowed freely. “We were so worried! Why couldn't you call? Where were you?”

  “Let's go inside, honey. I'll explain everything.” They trooped into the house, the blond stranger right behind. They sat around the kitchen table, looking at each other for long minutes. Ellison stood silently in the doorway.

  “First, I need to introduce Ellison Jones. He's a ... how do I explain you, Ellison?” She looked over at him.

  He grinned suddenly. “Well, Ma'am, I suppose you could say I'm part of the organization that is helping with your adoption of Devany Roussimoff.”

  “You—we—really are adopting a Russian girl?” exclaimed Karina.

  “Yes. I am. I hope you'll be able to let her be one of us. She's had a very rough time, and she needs a lot of support, and love.”

  “Why didn't you talk to us first?” Theo demanded.

  “Yeah, Mum. It's not like you to do something this big without a family meeting, at least.” Karina said.

  Seren looked at Ellison. He nodded. “Go ahead, Seren. Tell them the truth. I'll just listen in, if you don't mind.”

  “Go ahead,” she said. She looked at each of her children in turn, meeting each one's eyes. “This is going to be very hard to believe, guys. Just let me tell it, and save the questions for later, okay?”

  They all nodded, wondering what she could possibly be going to say.

  “It all started at Foodland,” she began. “I was walking to the car.... “She proceeded to tell them the tale of her displacement. She told of meeting Daffyd and Devany, of Reznik and Rapsim's arrival the next day. She talked of the Portals, and the dangers, of Devany's world and its harshness. She touched briefly on Daffyd's world and the injury he sustained. She explained about the Galactic Recruits and who Ellison really was.

  “Way cool, Mum!” breathed Matt. “Can I join?”

  Ellison smiled from the door. “You can apply when you turn eighteen,” he said.

  “When does my new little sister get here?” asked Meggie. At last, she was going to be a big sister, and not to a poopy, noisy baby, but to a little girl she could play with. This was exciting!

  “I think in about ten days. The Recruits will be flying her to Halifax, so it looks like she's coming from Russia. They'll let us know exactly when.” She looked around the table. “You guys okay with all this?”

  They nodded. “It's going to take some getting used to, but yeah,” said Theo.

  “I can't wait till I'm old enough to apply to the Recruits!” said Matt.

  “I'm just glad you're home safe and sound, wherever you were,” said Karina.

  Ellison coughed politely. Everyone looked at him. “I just have a few things to say to you all,” he said. “Seren, you know all this, feel free to ignore me.” He focused on the young minds before him and spoke quietly. “Not everyone knows about these things, and many people would not understand. It's very important you keep what you know to yourselves for now. Perhaps the time will come when the whole world will be ready to accept the reality of alternate worlds, other planets, but for now.... “His voice was soothing and low. They listened raptly, caught by his tone and his gentle mind touches. He talked for fifteen minutes or so, and released their minds gently, one by one, checking quickly to ensure his blocks were securely set. Satisfied, he clapped his hands, and brought them to full awareness. “It was a pleasure meeting you all,” he said. “But I must go and let you get reacquainted with each other.”

  The children murmured polite replies and Seren stood to shake his hand.

  “Thank you,” she said. “For everything.”

  “My pleasure, Seren.” He smiled into her eyes. “I hope everything works out for you.” He waved to the children and departed. When he was gone, Karina looked at her mother.

  “I have stuff ready for stir-fry, if you're hungry,” she said. “I'm getting quite good at it.”

  “Sounds wonderful!” Seren beamed. “We'll set the table; you make supper.”

  Awkwardness quickly faded as they fell back into old patterns, talking and laughing as they worked together. Seren answered seemingly numberless questions about Devany and the others. Only Karina noticed the sadness in Seren's eyes when she spoke of Daffyd, and the wistful way she said his name.

  When the meal was over, and the dishes done, Karina asked to speak to Seren alone. The others grumbled, but complied. They went to watch TV in the living room.

  “Can I ask you something?” Karina turned to her mother curiously.

  “Of course, Kari. What is it?” Seren filled the kettle and put it on to boil. “I haven't had a cuppa tea since I got zapped.”

  “This man, Daffyd. He's important to you, isn't he?”

  Seren's gaze went through her daughter into the middle distance. “Yes,” she said quietly. “Oh yes, Kari. Very important.”

  “You said he got hurt?” Karina asked. Seren nodded unhappily. “What happened to him?”

  “He was burned very badly, Kari. He ... he's in a Recruit hospital in, um, a ... a regeneration tank. Rap said they'll know in six months if he's going to be okay.”

  “Six months? Oh my god, Mum.” Karina was aghast. “He's really hurt bad, isn't he?”

  Seren closed her eyes, biting her lips, trying not to see his tortured, blazing
body in the clearing. Tears squeezed out from under her lids. “Yes.” She looked at her daughter. “He's hurt very badly, Kari. I don't know if even the Recruits can save him.” She bit her lip harder. “This is worse than when your father died.”

  “Mother!” Karina was shocked. “How can you say that?”

  “Well, Terry was gone so fast, Kari. One day he was there, and then he was gone. It was horrible. Terrible. But he was gone. I didn't have to sit and wonder and wait for six months to find out whether he was going to live or die. Or worry about what he'd be like if he did survive. But Daffyd.... “Her face crumpled and she sank into a chair. “He's so ... oh, Kari, ‘important’ doesn't begin to cover what he means to me. He's warm and sweet and funny and intelligent, and so loving. I miss him, Kari. I miss his arms around me. I miss his smile, his kisses, and his hands on me. I miss him. I need him. Here. Now. Forever.”

  Karina stared in wonder. She had never imagined her mother could have feelings like this. Karina was still young enough to believe that love and passion were for those under thirty years of age, and she was stunned to realize that Seren was capable of passion and desire.

  “If he's okay in six months, then what?” she asked.

  Seren wiped her cheeks and busied herself making tea. “I don't know, baby. It depends on how he feels, how I feel ... a lot of things.” She poured boiling water over the teabag in her mug. “What I would like is for him to be alive, and well and the way he was before he got hurt. I don't think I'm going to stop loving him anytime soon, and I hope he still loves me. I want him here, Kari. I want to share my life with him.” She took the milk out of the fridge and added a splash of it to her tea. “Before this happened, I was going to bring him home with me; put him in the spare room, get him an apartment or something until you guys got to know him. And then move him in. I wanted so much to have him here, to have you all meet him.” She spooned sugar into her mug and stirred. “I love him, Kari. More than I could tell him. More than I can tell you.” She sipped at her tea. “I never expected to love anyone like this. Ever.”