“Just what makes you think that we might have any contacts with the people you’re interested in?” I demanded. I needed answers, right now, or we were getting out of here.
“Well, for one thing, I believe you’re one of those that possess some of the abilities I’ve been seeking. It’s obvious that you’re not one of the poor mind-warped freaks that roam the streets, but I’d bet that you are the telekinetic psi the Company agents were looking for, and secondly, because I saw what you and your friend did back at the house.”
When I didn’t immediately respond, Rainor went on. “It’s true that you’re still pretty young, and I’m not sure if you have any actual contacts yet, but I’m running out of time and you’ll have to do. You two are the first psis of any kind that I’ve been able to get near, well, at least before they were either killed or damaged beyond use like the Morrises.”
Jennie had obviously been listening to the conversion and when I continued to linger she returned, slowly circling around behind the grey-clad man, ready to come to my aid at the first sign of betrayal.
“Okay, Mister, let’s just say we’re willing to give you the benefit of the doubt that you really aren’t working for one of the agencies. For one thing, we’ve never seen or heard anything to prove that this Tereus place you’re talking about exists, and even if it does, what does it all have to do with us?” Jennie demanded.
“Yeah, right,” I agreed, carefully watching the agent’s face for his reaction. “We’re really getting tired of people and agencies that go to such lengths to keep their secrets from us while they’re so determinedly seeking us out. Even if this parallel world does exist, how do we know that your motives are any better than theirs? Why don’t you just tell us why we should believe any of what you’ve told us?” A soft shuffle of feet made me look back. Still too young to understand the real danger they were in, the younger children had also returned to listen.
“Great, now we’re getting someplace.” Rainor sighed with relief as he gave a quick look around at the curious faces surrounding him. “But first, I think it would be a really good idea if we get our friend Sanders out of plain sight. Somebody grab his legs and let’s drag him into the alley here,” he instructed.
Without comment, the youngsters each grabbed hold of some part of the dead agent and helped Rainor drag the body into the alley where they proceeded to cover it with trash to keep it from being spotted.
With Sanders disposed of and no one trying to run off on him, Rainor seemed to relax. Wiping his hands on his pants to remove dirt that wasn’t there, he stopped and studied us.
“Okay, that should take care of things for a while. Independent agents like Sanders don’t have any set schedule and pretty much come and go as they please, so nobody will even bother to look for him for three or four days.” He nodded his head at the overgrown remains of a neighborhood park just barely visible at the end of the block. “But I would feel much better if we move from the immediate vicinity and take our discussion over to that park across the way.”
Without waiting for our agreement, Rainor stepped into the street and took several strides in the direction of the designated park. Kelly and I started to follow, but Jennie grabbed our arms. “Wait, are you sure we want to do this? What if this is just a trick to get us to go with him without a fight?”
“Maybe, but I think killing your partner would be a pretty radical way of doing it, don’t you?” I shrugged. “And besides, I’d like to hear what he’s got to say. Maybe we can gain some information. Look, we all know that something’s been happening with the phantoms lately, they’re getting more aggressive and more substantial. If it’s time for us to get out of town then I’d sure like to know about it before the ghoulies take over.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Jennie reluctantly agreed. “What he’s saying could be true, there have been some really radical changes in the phantoms lately, and the agencies are getting freakier everyday too.”
“Right, and we can just take off anytime we want to,” whispered Kelly as she followed me into the street. “It seems like if he was going to get rough with us, he’d have already done so.”
As we drew close to the neglected park, the two younger children skipped ahead, confident that we would warn and protect them if things got dangerous. The dog yipped softly as she ran between the giggling children but the sound was nearly smothered under the sharp rustling of the tall grass and dry, brittle weeds that covered what had once been manicured lawns.
Rainor had already made his way to an old concrete picnic table nestled under the bare branches of an ancient oak tree and settled in the middle of the weather-stained table. The grey agent returned our curious stares as we gathered round him, patiently waiting for us to settle on the surrounding benches. When all eyes were finally focused on him, he drew a deep breath and began.
“Okay, I think it would be best if I just start by telling you something about me. As I tried to tell you before, I am not from your dimension. I am a resident of White Rock City, which is the capital city of the Main Island. We have always referred to your dimension as the over-world, for your dimension overlaps ours. Very few over-worlders are aware that there is another world that exists in a parallel dimensional orbit with your own. They also have no idea that our world is the source of the phantoms you have been so determined to evict, or that it is populated with people and cities and, and well, a whole other civilization.” He was silent for a moment as he collected his thoughts. “And our civilization is dying.”
“This is all very fascinating and I’m sure we’re all very sorry too about your world’s problems, but what can that possibly have to do with us and how can we be of any help?” asked Jennie.
“Yeah, right and why should we even care, especially since these phantoms that have invaded us from your world have ruined our lives?” interrupted Kelly.
Rainor leveled sad eyes on us and said softly, “Because if my world dies, it will take yours with it. The two worlds are on a collision course, and if we do not find some way to enlist the aid of special people, like you, we are all doomed. I was chosen for this mission because I more closely resemble an over-worlder than most.” He smiled when he saw our looks of concern.
“I assure you that the inhabitants of Tereus are not dangerous to your people, at least, not under normal circumstances. My mission has been to infiltrate the ranks of your military’s Special Investigations Agency with the hope of discovering a way to contact members of the psi underground in your city in a bid to solicit their help directly. We have attempted to accomplish this by dealing with your government, but all of our efforts have proven unsuccessful so far.” He plucked a stem of tall grass and stuck one end between his teeth, chewing thoughtfully, before going on, “Unfortunately, when I arrived I quickly discovered that the two most powerful agencies in this region of your earth—that representing the powerful civilian agency calling itself The Company and the Security Agency of your military—have been employing extreme force and coercion in their efforts to control these people. They have, in turn, gone underground to protect themselves and are exceedingly difficult to reach.”
He shook his head in sad disbelief and went on, “I was about to return to my world to report this sad turn of events to my superiors, when my human partner, Sanders, received orders to pick up a young telekinetic girl. When he ordered me to assist him, I did consider refusing him, until I was told what your ability was. Desperation made me reconsider, and I decided to take one more chance on trying to make direct contact with one of the psis before giving up.”
“The information he had sounded good, and the intel on this Jack and Rosa Morris made it look like there was a real good chance that there actually was a psi of this quality on the premises. Things were looking promising until we arrived at the house and discovered that another team had already been there and things had gotten completely out of hand. I did try to keep him off your scent,” he looked at Jennie and me meaningfully, “even when I saw
through your camouflage screen and spotted you all hiding in the shrubs.”
“I was hoping Sanders was going to head back to headquarters so I could come back and track you without his interference. Trouble was, he already had enough info on you to have a fair idea of which way you’d run if you had the chance. He insisted on laying in wait a few blocks from the house, in hopes that you would show yourself if you thought we’d given up.” He shook his head in sad resignation.
“And we went and walked right into his trap,” moaned Jennie.
Rainor nodded. “Right. I hadn’t planned to reveal myself just yet, but then, I couldn’t let him murder you all, either.”
When he paused to let us absorb the facts he’d been throwing at us, I leaned in closer so that I could watch his eyes when I talked to him. “Okay, let me see if I have this right. What you’re saying is that you’re from the same dimension as these phantoms that have been tormenting us since the time of the quakes and you’ve been sent here in an effort to recruit psis to help you—help you do what?”
“Well, that does simplify it, but yes. I’m sure you are all aware of the sudden increase in the number of what you’re calling phantoms flowing into your world in the last few months. What you do not know is that soon the two worlds will actually come into physical contact. There are two possible results to this. One is that the uncontrolled collision will tear the curtain separating the dimensions, and result in massive explosions and major death and damage on both worlds. It will also leave you vulnerable to an invasion by the phantoms and ghouls, which will have been made insane by the chemical reaction.” He held out a hand to calm us when we became alarmed.
“Please, there is an alternative. There is a way for us to gently guide and control this merging of the dimensions which will not damage the curtain but allow it to slowly melt into your atmosphere. A slow release of the chemicals will calm the phantoms and allow them to peacefully co-habitat with the humans of your world.”
“But how can two worlds occupy the same space? It seems impossible,” I demanded.
“No, not impossible,” Rainor insisted. “Tereus is less dense than the over-world and it is believed that the two will merge in such a way that there is just more of both worlds—deeper oceans and more distance between land masses. After the initial shock waves, everything should settle down and the result will be one larger world peacefully occupied by the beings of both.” Pausing to get his breath and to compose himself, Rainor watched us as we tried to digest what he’d been telling us.
The agent’s intense scrutiny was making me uneasy. I understood his sense of urgency but this was a lot to digest. Pulling Dusty to me, I wrapped my arms around her neck. I needed a few minutes to gather my thoughts. When I’d stopped shaking, I faced the stranger again and asked, “What about the governments on both worlds? Are they aware of what’s happening?”
“Oh yes, the governing bodies of your world, and mine, too, are very much aware of this situation,” he told us with a deep frown, “and the problem is the same for both the over-world and Tereus. There are two factions, each believing their own appraisal of the situation to be correct. Of those governing bodies gathered on the Main Island to deal with the situation, there are those who do not wish to interfere with the natural tendencies of the ghouls. They believe that they should be allowed to pass through unaltered. Others welcome the chance to bring the violent natures of these beings under control. There are also seriously different appraisals of predicted results. Some believe that allowing the uncontrolled collision will result in Tereus gaining control during the resulting confusion and believe that the damage to life or property will be minimal. Others insist that the destruction of the curtain will cause massive devastation and loss of life on both worlds. The only thing that all can agree on is that the merging must happen. Life on Tereus is dying without the light we need to live and the populations of both worlds have dwindled due to the increased radiation caused by the proximity of the two worlds.”
“You mean that the politicians of our world are aware of all this—have been aware all along that this event was happening in our very near future, and they haven’t told anybody?” interrupted Jennie indignantly.
“Yes. In fact, I am quite sure that they were aware of the impending problem even before the dimensions made first contact and the massive earthquakes and sun flares began. From what I was able to glean from this Sanders person, it is apparent that the ruling governments across your whole world have gone to great lengths to keep the public from becoming fully aware of the situation.” He nodded his head at a pair of freaks sliding through the shadows of some buildings across from us, watching them until they disappeared down a dark alley, “The only part of your population aware in any true way are those poor souls. In some part of their warped minds they sense the existence of this adjoining world and are being driven mad by the electronic harmonics it has caused within their brains.”
“Unfortunately for everyone,” he looked meaningfully at the girls, “it’s the aid of the telekinetic people like them and you that is required by both factions to bring about their preferred result.”
“And which faction do you represent?” I managed to get the words past the fear gripping my throat.
“I represent those in favor of a slow merging and the nullification of the ghouls.” Rainor resumed his pacing and left us to think about what he had told us.
For several long moments, Jennie, Kelly and I could only stare quietly at each other as we tried to digest all the information we’d just been bombarded with.
“Hey, Halie,” whispered Kelly, “do you think all that stuff he just told us is true?”
“I don’t know, sis.” I shook my head. “What I do know is that something weird has been going on with the ghouls lately.”
“Yeah, and what about those wraiths we saw at Rosa’s? They were almost human looking,” added Jennie.
“Right, and there have been rumors on the grapevine that there’s something big going on with the agents, and we know that both the government and the Company have stepped up their recruiting lately.” I turned to Jennie and asked, “Have you heard any rumors at the university about this other dimension?”
“Well yes, but I thought it was just more egg-head theorizing. You know how they can be—everyone has a theory, or two, about the cause of the quakes and the appearance of the phantoms, but no matter what the theory is or who is presenting it, the government continues to deny everything.” Jennie raised her hands and shrugged her shoulders in resignation.
“You know what? I still want another opinion and some more in-put on what our new friend, Rainor, has been telling us so, how about if we go and find the guys and tell them what’s happened?” Sliding off the edge of the table, I brushed off the seat of my jeans. I felt a little bit better now that I had something to focus on.
We were still gathering the younger children when Rainor returned. “You have come to a decision?” he queried anxiously.
“Well, yeah, sort of. We’ve decided that we’d like to discuss this with our other roommates before we make any kind of commitment,” I told him. “Can we maybe meet you somewhere later tonight and bring them with us?”
Rainor frowned and studied our faces. It was easy to read the indecision flashing across his pale features and I knew he was afraid he might never see us again.
“I understand,” he said after a moment of hesitation. “Your friends—you’re sure that they can be trusted not to betray our confidence to the authorities?”
“Yes, of course, they would never do something like that,” insisted Jennie in an insulted voice.
“Very well, where shall we meet?” Rainor tapped his fingers on the rough surface of the table..
“I know, how about Pelican Pier?” I volunteered. “There’s enough activity to give us a little security.” I cast guilty eyes at the agent. Agent that was the word I wanted to keep to the forefront of my mind. We knew only what this man had told us. It could al
l be just an elaborate trap meant to snare the boys as well as a couple of girls and kids.
“Yes,” agreed Jennie, “it’s still private and inner-city enough that it will be safe to talk. Company people and those from the upper-city don’t socialize in that part of town.”
“Good. Tell me how to find this Pelican Pier, and I’ll meet you all there at, let’s see, is ten o’clock a good time for you? You’ll have enough time to locate and speak with your friends?” Rainor asked anxiously. The look in his eyes told me that he was very much aware that he just might lose us all right now but I saw the war going on in his mind, for he also knew that if we did return with our friends and were willing to seriously listen to him, he might have finally found his way into the well-guarded ranks of the psis that had gone underground.
I hurriedly gave him directions. I wanted us away from this area as fast as possible.
When we were well out of hearing and reach, I turned my head, looking back over my shoulder at the grey agent where he still sat, staring after us. I should have felt relieved that he had really let us leave but I didn’t—what I did feel was very, very worried that our world was about to change in some very serious ways.
Kelly tugged at my arm to hurry me toward the bus-stop and the bus rumbling toward us and I was forced to put my fears away for the moment.
Chapter Six
“Wow! Do you believe this? He really let us go!” gasped Kelly as she slid into the seat next to me. The driver rang his bell loudly to announce that he was about to resume his trek across town.
With the giant tele-screen uncharacteristically silent, the jerk and rattle of the moving car were almost soothing after the tension of the last few hours. Unfortunately this break in tension also gave me time to think about all of the things that had been happening so fast. I swiped at the tears escaping down my cheeks with my shirt-sleeve. I still could not believe what had happened to Rosa and Jack. I was truly going to miss them.
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