Admiral's Ghost

by NB VanYoos

  * * * *

  Although sleep came easily for Tyler, it was not restful. In his dreams, he stood within a big ring, the darkness only pierced by several overhead spotlights shining around him. Above him, he caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a trapeze, and around him, other circus equipment sat quietly. The lights kept moving, but within the darkness, Tyler heard nothing.

  He was obviously in a circus, and it didn’t feel like a dream. He looked down at himself, dressed in a red tuxedo with knee high black leather boots to finish off the ensemble. In his left hand, he held a large megaphone which he threw to the ground. He recognized the body as that of the old Tyler from Earth.

  “Hello, is anyone there? Thosolan?” He imagined the friendly god appearing to help him through the mess he found himself in.

  Only his own voice echoed back. Surely this was something Thosolan would do since Tyler had plenty of memories of the circus from when he was a child. Now, however, he was the ringmaster. So where was the god?

  He began to think it really was only a dream, but it felt so real, and he felt so awake. He remembered everything about the night before: the casino, Nayllen, and confiding in Toosia.

  A voice coming from every direction spoke. “It was a mistake telling her.”

  The voice was familiar, yet strange.

  “Thosolan?” Tyler asked.

  The voice replied. “Thosolan is not here … only you and I.”

  Tyler was a spooked but found courage. “I know who I am, but who are you?” He demanded.

  One of the spotlights swung around from behind to stop across the ring. The light rested on the opening of a dark portal. Loud circus music began to play, and Tyler covered his ears to block the absurd sound. It didn’t work, it was just as loud.

  Suddenly, a small car emerged from the portal with a clown at the wheel. The music played louder as the car rambled through the ring making its way towards Tyler. The clown appeared to be performing for some unknown crowd, waving, gesticulating, and clowning around.

  The car stopped ten feet in front of Tyler, and the clown stepped out, falling to the ground with a look of surprise. It stood up in an exaggerated display of surprise, pulled up its oversized pants, and waddled to Tyler.

  Tyler watched the charade patiently, waiting for the clown to reveal itself. When it spoke, it was the voice from the darkness.

  “Howdy, Tyler, guess who I am?”

  Tyler looked at the caricature and spotted something familiar. He looked through the thick make-up trying to piece together who was beneath it. It came slowly, but startled him nonetheless. He could clearly see the Admiral’s face.

  “What is this?” Tyler demanded. “Who are you?”

  “At the moment, I am you. Or at least I am the person you have created on this world.”

  “What are you talking about? What world?”

  “Poolto.”

  “Then, I am to believe you are Admiral Osloo on Poolto? Last time I checked, there isn’t a circus. So where am I?” He became upset with the charade.

  “Oh, you are on Poolto, but this is a fabrication I created so we could talk. Just me and you, or is it, you and you?” The clown laughed at the pun, and something chilled Tyler.

  “Adanni!” He was certain it was the alien.

  “Ah, the ring master speaks. Listen all who shall obey!”

  Heavy sarcasm came through Adanni’s voice.

  “What do you want?” Tyler asked, desperately seeking a way out of the absurd prison. He pushed mentally, trying to force Adanni into his subconscious, but nothing worked.

  “Wondering why it is not working?” Adanni asked. “Perhaps because I am in control here. Here, where you have exiled me!”

  No mistaking the anger. Tyler was shaken by the revelation. Did Adanni control his unconscious dreams? Tyler didn’t think it possible.

  “You better believe it is possible!” The clown looked directly at him, an angry gaze holding a great deal of menace despite the comical clown makeup. “I have worked quietly in this place, building my empire while you tried to destroy the one you control! I can keep you here as long as I want—as long as it takes to kill the body you are in.”

  Tyler felt fear. “What? You can’t do that, I am making progress.”

  “Progress?” The clown laughed. “Is that what you call it? You are on the brink of disaster and don’t even know it. I sense your fear—you’re totally out of your league.”

  Tyler knew the alien was right, but that wasn’t what Tyler had meant.

  “Ah,” the clown sighed, “you mean progress with that woman you are pretending to love. The Admiral’s wife?”

  Tyler didn’t like the way Adanni made it sound like adultery. Maybe it was? Was he only pretending to love her or did he really love her?

  “Right!” The clown jeered. “And I suppose you want to settle down and start a family or something just as ridiculous?”

  “She can’t have children, but yes, I would like to settle down with her.” Tyler was livid. It was unfair Adanni could read every thought.

  “Fat chance,” the clown mocked, “you are about to destroy yourself and her—if not the world. I have seen it all before, my friend, fallen hero, tragic endings, it is a classic tale played throughout the Universe since time began.”

  “And I suppose you could prevent it, given the opportunity?” Tyler saw where this was heading, blackmail.

  “Clever lad, but you spoil the offer.”

  “What offer? To take over and exile me to this place?” Tyler knew he couldn’t trust this alien, even if it could help.

  “Of course you don’t trust me, as I don’t trust you. But look at it this way, I control you here, and you control me there. As long as you need to sleep, I will be a regular part of your world whether you like it or not.”

  “But, if the Admiral dies while you imprison me here, I will be released, and once again have control?” Tyler concluded.

  “Yes … something like that.” The clown conceded.

  “Then, by all means, hold me here until I die, then we’ll see what happens.”

  The clown shot Tyler a dour look. “I don’t want that same as you. Nonetheless, I am prepared to wage battle every night. It will take its toll. Is that what you want?”

  Tyler thought about it, but didn’t like the alternatives.

  “How come I can’t hear your thoughts?” Tyler was curious why Adanni had the upper hand.

  “I have more experience than you do. Besides, it was I who gave you the Admiral’s memories. Where would you be without them?”

  “Fine, I admit you were helpful, so what do we do now?” Tyler wanted this over. He wanted to end it without giving too much away.

  “Now, we negotiate for your life—as the Admiral.”

  “I said fine,” Tyler replied, “what are your terms?”

  “A truce, nothing more.” The clown replied.

  Tyler scanned the Admiral’s face buried beneath the grotesque mask but could read nothing. Well, he had to do something to get out of here. “Okay, what does that mean?” Tyler asked.

  “It means I am no longer exiled to here. Instead, I am allowed to be a part of your life out there. I can observe, comment, and assist. I don’t want control. I only want a piece of the action.”

  Tyler felt confident he couldn’t trust him, and the thought of having someone watching, commenting, and participating was disturbing.

  “It’s too much to ask. I cannot live with another voice within me.”

  “Hogwash!” The clown retorted. “You live like that now. The Admiral’s memories are not yours, and yet you let them live side by side with you—affecting your decisions and behaviors. What is the difference?”

  Tyler went on the defensive. “It is a big difference, the Admiral is dead and you are not!”

  “No matter, the end result is the same. Those are my terms, take them or leave them.” The clown stood stolidly, knowing he had Tyler on the ropes.

  Tyler couldn
’t see any way out. He would either share his life with Adanni or be persecuted every night in his sleep. Tyler remembered his life as the drifting spirit, and he didn’t relish returning there.

  “Fine. I see I have no choice, so I agree. However, if I sense even a little exertion of your control on me, I will exile you permanently and remain a wandering spirit forever.” Tyler hoped he sounded threatening.

  “Sure you would,” the clown replied, unconvinced, “whatever you say. Remember, I can hear all of your thoughts. You are transparent to me here and there. But I get your drift.”

  “Good, as long as we are clear.” Tyler replied.

  “Clear as your thoughts.” The clown agreed. “Now, if I am to have a part of this life of yours, I need to help you make it right.”

  “Now, that wasn’t part of the bargain.” Tyler argued. “You said observe, not make decisions!”

  “Cool down, ‘Admiral’. I am here to help you out of the mess you seem genuinely destined to get yourself into. I can be of great assistance, as my wealth of experience is enormous.”

  “Okay, I’m listening, what is your advice?” Tyler waited impatiently.

  “Not now, my friend, up there when you are awake.”

  “Fine, will you release me now, or must I wait for additional concessions?” Tyler was exasperated and wanted out of the three-ring prison.

  “Don’t look at me, just wake up!” the clown said.

  Tyler thought about it and watched as the clown, the circus and the spotlights dissolved into his subconscious.