by Sahara Foley
“No,” Ruth said defiantly, her jade eyes flashing. “If he were, I wouldn't have this nagging feeling he needs me. Well, not me, but you. You need to find him, and help him.”
“Me?” Pam exclaimed in surprise. “How in the hell do you expect me to help him? I have no idea where he is. Do you realize how big the universe is? How many planets are out there? I could end up teleporting somewhere dangerous. I could end up dead.”
She'd thought about finding her father, many times, but it frightened her silly, whenever she thought about the immense unknown where her father went. She didn't know if she was ready to face aliens from another world. She couldn't cope with the people on her own planet.
Ruth gazed at her daughter, watching the various emotions flicker across her face. Over the last several years, she'd seen Pam retreat further and further into herself. She had no close friends, no social life, and she seldom left the house. She'd built a thick wall around herself, and the only people she allowed inside were her and Greg. Ruth gave a small sigh. I'm partly to blame. I allowed Pam to distance herself from life, wanting to protect her from being hurt. Arthur needed their help, and the only one who could help, was Pam.
“Look, honey, I know you're scared. No one knows where Arthur and Daisy went. We have no idea what kind of life forms are out there; if any of them are friendly or hostile.” She peered down at a woman's wedding ring, slowly twirling it around her right ring finger. After a small, sad sigh, she looked up, staring into Pam's eyes. “I've been thinking about this ever since you turned twenty-seven. I don't think your soulmate is here, on Earth. I believe your future lies in the stars, with Arthur and Daisy.”
“Mum, what are you saying? Don't you want me here anymore?” Pam's eyes were wide, full of hurt and betrayal.
“I love you with my whole being, honey. I never want you to leave, but I also hate seeing you unhappy. When I met Arthur, he had no idea his life was being driven by destiny. I believe that same destiny lives in you. Maybe it's his legacy. I really don't understand it, but you have to admit, you don't fit in here. It's time for you to find your own destiny.” With tears flowing from her eyes, Ruth removed the woman's wedding ring from her finger, placing it in Pam's hand, closing Pam's fingers around the ring.
“Mum, what are you doing?” Pam protested. “That's Grandmother Burns' ring. Why are you giving it to me? I know how much it means to you.” She shook her head in bewilderment. None of this makes any sense. Why does mum want me to leave? Where am I supposed to go? “Why are you making me leave?” she asked in a small voice, eyes brimming with tears.
“Pam, I'm not making you do anything. It's your choice. I'm just pointing out, that for you, there's more to life than what's on this planet. You're such an amazing woman, with abilities you'll never be able to use here. There are endless possibilities for you, if you let yourself reach out for them. And I think now is the time. As for the ring, I've been meaning to give it to you, but I kept putting it off. If you do decide to go exploring, or to find your father, you'll always have a part of me with you.”
“Are you sure?” Pam asked anxiously, staring at her grandmother's wedding ring, resting in the palm of her hand.
“Yes, Pamela,” Ruth assured her, pushing a strand of her daughter's jet black hair behind her ear. “Go on, put it on. Let's see if it fits.” Ruth gave Pam an encouraging smile.
With trembling fingers, she slid the elegant wedding ring on her right ring finger. The ring fit like it was made for her. Titling her hand back and forth, making the diamonds sparkle, Pam said, “I don't know what to say. Thank you, Mum.”
“You don't have to say anything. Seeing my mother's ring on your finger means more to me than you'll ever know. You have to promise me one thing, though,” Ruth said with a mischievous grin and a sparkle in her eyes.
“What, Mum?” Pam toyed nervously with the new adornment on her finger, trying not to make eye contact with Ruth. When it came to her mother, she never knew what kind of promises she'd get Pam to make. When she looked at Pam with those green, beseeching eyes, she'd suddenly feel compelled to do whatever her mum wanted. For someone who didn't have psychic abilities, she sure had a way of getting what she desired. Pam had seen that trick work on her step-father, Greg, and herself, too many times to count.
Seeing how tense her daughter was, Ruth gave a small laugh. “Geez, Pam. I'm not going to ask you to kill the Queen.”
With a nervous chuckle, Pam relaxed into her chair. “We never know with you, Mum. Sometimes, I swear you're a witch. So, what do you need me to do?”
“Wherever you go, be sure to take your phone. I want lots of pictures. Ever since Arthur left with Daisy, I've been dying to see what's beyond our planet. And you're the only one who can go exploring.”
“Is that all?” Pam said with a sigh of relief. “You know, my phone may not even work in space. IF I do decide to go searching for my father, I'll take whatever pictures I can. Okay?”
“Thank you, dear. Since we discovered the cavern at Lake George, my scientific curiosity has been driving me bloody crazy. We have so many unanswered questions.”
With an arched brow and crooked smile, Pam retorted, “Oh, so that's your excuse.” They chuckled together for a few seconds. Standing, she said, “I've got a lot to think about, but I'm wiped out. Can we talk some more in the morning?”
Gracefully rising, Ruth drew her daughter into a warm embrace. “Of course, dear. Just remember, it's your choice. No matter what you decide, I'm here for you.”
Stepping back, Pam gave a slight nod, saying, “I know. I love you, Mum.” Then, she BLIPPED! to her bedroom. With a loud sigh, she plopped onto her four-poster, queen-sized bed.
God, what a horrible day. Not only did she have a date from hell, her mother had to confront her about her future.
Gazing around her sparsely furnished, oversized room, her eyes fell on her work station setup in the far left-hand corner of her bedroom. While she was at University, she'd started several online businesses, two that ended up being very profitable. Since she had the ability to POP anywhere she wanted, she used her talent to acquire items people were willing to pay a handsome sum to possess. But, over the last several months, hell year, she'd been leaving her home less and less.
Biting her lip, she fiddled with the ring on her finger. Throwing herself back onto her bed, she covered her eyes with her arm. Mother is right. I'm turning into a recluse, afraid to be around people anymore. Not that she was going to hurt anyone; she learned how to control her temper and powers when she went through puberty. Whenever she saw normal people living their lives, with a loved one and children, it was like a stab in her heart every time. Why do I have to be different? It's not my fault I was born like this. If her friends knew what she could do, they'd look at her like a monster, fearing her, and probably being jealous at the same time. Is this what my father felt? Is that why he left with Daisy, never looking back?
Feeling moisture against her arm, and trails of tears dripping down the sides of her face, she swiped at her eyes with the palms of her hands. With an irate huff, she rolled off the side of the bed, and then strode over to her vanity, sitting in the cushioned chair. Resting her chin on her upraised, tented hands, she stared glumly into the mirror at her red-rimmed eyes. Thank goodness for tear-resistant mascara, otherwise I'd look worse than I do. Picking up a brush, inlaid with green jade and Mother of Pearl, she started brushing her shoulder-length, ebony hair. Finished, she sat down her brush, ready to pick up a band to tie up her hair, when she noticed the black, plastic comb.
With reverence, she picked up the cheap comb, and lightly caressed it. It had belonged to her father, and was one of his few possessions her mum was able to find and save. In fact, Arthur had stayed in this same bedroom that first night before their faithful trip to Lake George. Even though he never really slept in this room, here is where she felt the closest to him. When she was sixteen, she asked if she could move into this room. Over the years, they enlarged her bedroom to
accommodate her home office work space.
Should I try to probe for my dad? What if he really is in trouble? If he is, how will I be able to help him? She barely managed saving herself. Biting her lower lip, she concentrated on the comb, and the feelings she had when scanning for Arthur before. Nothing.
Taking a deep breath, she concentrated harder, creases appearing on her flawless forehead. Searing, white pain exploded inside her mind, bringing tears to her eyes. Reeling back in her chair, the comb dropped from her nerveless fingers. What the hell was that? She'd never felt anything like it. Did something mentally attack me?
Rubbing her throbbing forehead, Pam reflected on what she felt: hazy, indistinct, with a faint impression of The One? Okay, I'll try to locate Daisy. Opening a left hand drawer, she withdrew one of the silky, webbed gloves Daisy removed while in the cavern. Her mum gave it to her, thinking it would help Pam in locating Daisy and Arthur. Wadding the glove into a ball, she held it in her clenched fist. Concentrating again, the result was immediate.
Searing, white pain, with the faint impression of something called The One. Frightened, Pam threw the glove back into the drawer, slamming it shut. Wherever Arthur and Daisy were, they were together and being held by something called The One. Well, she knew now they were in trouble. But, where? How will I be able to find them, let alone save them?
Agitated, feeling helpless and clueless, she stood, taking a few strides toward the bathroom to fetch some aspirins for her pounding headache.
*Pamela!* said an unfamiliar, accented, soft feminine voice.
Pam whirled around, eyes opened wide in surprise. No one was there. She rubbed her aching forehead. Great, now I'm hearing voices. With an angry grunt, she turned back toward the bathroom.
*Pamela!* the voice said more insistently. *We need your help.*
Spinning on her heel again, Pam demanded, “Who's there? Where are you?”
*We are the Weesa, and we need your assistance.*
Pam glanced around her room. With trembling fingers, she rubbed her tired eyes. Am I going crazy? Frightened, she headed for her door. “Mum,” she yelled, “something's wrong.”
*We have no time for this,* the voice intoned. *Our King and Queen's lives are in danger.*
Reaching for the doorknob, Pam disappeared.
Chapter Six
A gut-wrenching scream, sounding like someone's soul was being sucked out of their body, bounced off the peeling, gray walls, echoing into cell 376. Arthur's eyes snapped open. He knew that sound. Some unlucky bastard had just been absorbed by the monstrosity of a brain housed in the cellar.
Maybe the bastard wasn't so unlucky, Arthur thought grimly, as he surveyed his cell. At least their suffering has ended. With a grimace of pain, Arthur slowly sat up, swinging his legs over the side of the hard, narrow cot.
Standing on wet noodle legs, he stumbled over to a corner they used as the urinal, and leaned against the cold, blood spattered wall. Even though his force-field protected him from broken bones and internal injuries the guards tried inflicting, burn marks and lacerations still covered his body. Some of the Calen guards got a sick pleasure out of beating him, after each thrashing, sporting hard-ons a porn star would envy.
With a sad shake of his head, he knew after each pummeling, some unlucky prisoner, male or female, would be subjected to a brutal rape. There were no rules here. The General gave his men free reign, his way of compensating the guards for being away from their homes. Arthur knew some of the men never wanted to go back to their families. They enjoyed the power they wielded over the inmates.
Finished, he turned to make his way back to his cot, when he saw Panth staring at him with his large, brown eyes. Panth reminded him of Chewbacca, except a Wookie had one set of arms and legs. Spying two small, full bowls by the cell door, he stopped to pick them up, then proceeded unsteadily back to his cot. As he sat, he handed the bowl of maggot covered meat and moldy bread to Panth. This was their one meager ration for the day, or two, Arthur couldn't keep track anymore.
Panth sat on the edge of the cot, peering into his bowl. He selected a squirming, white piece of meat, then shoved it in his mouth, chewing away. Hearing the sound of popping maggots, Arthur's stomach spasmed with nausea, so he hurriedly looked away, swallowing a few times, the strong taste of bile in the back of his throat. Arthur ran a hand through his greasy, knotted hair. I know I have to eat, but this slop the guards pass off as food isn't cutting it. I just can't make myself eat it.
He licked his cracked, dry lips, his throat parched and sore from all the screaming he'd been doing. At least he could drink the water. He brought the bowl of scummy liquid up to his mouth, anticipating the soothing feeling sliding down his throat. When he caught the whiff of a foul odor, his nose wrinkled in distaste. A guard pissed in their water, again. By the smell, the guard had a serious medical condition. I hope he dies in horrible pain, Arthur fumed, as he passed the bowl to his willing cellmate.
Panth looked up from his feasting. “How are you faring today, my King?”
“I told you not to call me that,” Arthur grumbled. “My name is Arthur. The role I'd been playing over the past twenty-six years was more jester than king.”
“I am sorry for your pain, Arthur,” Panth said, giving him a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. “You may feel your reign was for naught, but since you took the throne, we Tethians have attained a status never before imagined. You have treated us as equals, and helped us open trade with the other planets. You brought economic stability to my people. For that, I will always be in your debt.”
“Look where that has gotten us,” Arthur scoffed, indicating the cell with a sweep of his hand. “I still don't understand why these renegades attacked you and your family.”
“According to my last mental contact with Pohat, my family was kidnapped due to some silver containers, which were hidden on Teth.”
At the mention of Panth's sister, Arthur's head jerked up. “Pohat? She's still alive? How about Daisy?”
Even though the prison used an anti-PSI generator, Panth was able to maintain his mental link with his sister. Why are Tethians not affected by the generator? Panth shrugged his wide shoulders. Just one more mystery I will need to solve, if I ever escape from this prison.
With a frown and sad brown eyes, Panth nodded. “Yes, but Pohat fears for Daisy. She feels Daisy will not be of this life much longer. I fear for Pohat, as she is infusing Daisy with her life force, to keep her alive, until we are rescued. Will we be rescued?” Panth asked with a raised, bushy eyebrow.
“I'm not sure anymore. Since I got zapped by that souped up Ultilear, I can't keep my mind focused. Talking to you is a strain on my brain. All I know is, the longer we're trapped here, the weaker we're getting. I don't think we have time to wait for a rescue, so we'll have to plan our own escape.” Leaning closer to Panth, he whispered, “The next time the cell door opens, we need to concentrate our mental energies on whoever crosses the doorway and blast the hell out of them. Agreed?”
“Agreed, my friend. Now, shall we continue with my ministrations? I feel we are getting closer to melding your fragmented mind.”
“Are you sure you're up to it?” Arthur asked, brows creased with concern. “It will take both of us to escape from this hell hole.”
“Do not concern yourself. I am, after all, the only one partaking of our gourmet meals.” His furry face broke into a wide smile, showing a mouthful of white teeth.
“Okay, if you insist.” Arthur flopped back on the cot, arms crossed over his chest. Closing his eyes, trying to relax, he reflected over the last few days, or weeks, hell, it could've been months. I have no clue how long I've been in this stinking cell.
Since he woke up here, his mind had been nothing but a jumble of memories. My sessions with the huge brain in the basement haven't helped matters, either. He rubbed his forehead. Just thinking about the invasive, mental probes brought on a throbbing headache.
With Panth's help, he felt like the pieces of his m
ind were slowly coming back together.
But, he still had large gaps in his memory. Like Panth, for instance. Would I have forgotten about seeing a race of tall, fur-covered, multi-limbed people? He frowned. I don't think so. From what he learned from Panth, Tethians were an intelligent, gentle-natured species, with strong family ties, and a loyalty that should make the other races feel ashamed. Especially these cowardly Calen guards, who spit on Panth, and treat him worse than a mangy dog. Arthur scowled. When he and his new friend finally made it out of here, he'd make sure their guards received their comeuppance. He'd set them on fire, making sure the flames burnt slowly and hot, while they died in agonizing pain.
Panth's cot squeaked as he tried finding room for his overabundance of limbs. An image of two Tethians having sex invaded Arthur's thoughts. How the hell would they even do it? What do they do with all their arms and legs flailing around? Just having one pair of arms and legs caused issues sometimes. Imagine having to control another whole set.
“Is that all you think about, Arthur?” scolded a woman with sparkling green eyes, framed by long auburn hair.
I know that face, Arthur thought excitedly, as the memory bobbed to the surface. That's Ruth. Now I remember. They solved the mystery of Excalibur and The Lady of the Lake. They also discovered an alien race living on Earth under Lake George. When he tried teleporting Daisy to Ruth's garden, he somehow ended up on Calen. That still doesn't explain why I'm being held prisoner. What did I do to warrant this type of treatment?
Panth slowly linked into Arthur's mind, concentrating on the fading memory, as Arthur drifted into a deep, unconscious sleep. He needed Arthur in a comatose state while he attempted to repair the damage inflicted on the medial temporal lobe of his brain. Panth was just as curious as Arthur to find out what the Human had done to elicit such a reaction from the Calens.