Devrie Spaulding's Blog, page 4

BACKROOMS Part Two

Jenna sat just to the side of where she fell through the hole. Her clothes were still drenched so the water dripping from the cave walls didn’t bother her much. Every deep breath did little to steady her nerves. The constant low chanting wasn’t helping.

“What the hell was that?” She looked up the shaft again but couldn’t see the monster anymore. It must have moved on.

Looking around, Jenna could see she was in a large cave. How it was so light in there was beyond her understanding. There seemed to be more tunnels leading off than the above room had. There had to be a way out but where did she go? She couldn’t even think clearly from the constant ritualistic noise seeming to come from everywhere. It rose and lowered in a rhythmic fashion.

She drew up her knees to her chest and laid her head on top of them. Tears streamed down her face. Maybe if she just stayed where she was, someone would come looking for her. Her mother and father would have noticed by now that she was gone, right? Even friends from school would have been blowing up her cell phone. Why wasn’t anyone looking for her already?

Thinking that moving would just force her into another encounter with a monster, Jenna decided to stay where she was. Strangely enough, she wasn’t hungry or thirsty so it shouldn’t be an issue. Jenna instantly regretted thinking that.

Screaming echoed in the cavern. Jenna covered her ears, but it didn’t help. Wait. Was it really screaming? Now it sounded like crying or moaning. And screaming? All in one voice or was it many? Again, Jenna felt as if her mind was slipping away slowly.

The pitch and tone changed causing Jenna to freak out even more. “Mom? Is that you? Where are you? What’s wrong?” Jenna stood up quickly and started looking at her options. Each tunnel appeared to be the same just went in different directions. The screaming came from all of them.

“Mom! Where are you?” Jenna ran from one tunnel opening to the other. There was no way she would run down one if it was the wrong choice.

A sound drew her attention from a tunnel across from where she stood. The scream, moan, cry continued all around her, but footsteps were coming from one tunnel only.  She ran over to that one and tried to investigate the darkness. There wasn’t any light in it, unlike the huge cave she now stood in.

Ever so slowly, a figure became visible. At first it was just a shadow. Then it grew into a woman’s form. She had long red hair just like Jenna and a thin frame. As she drew near, however, Jenna noticed her mother wasn’t wearing any clothes. Her stride was hindered by an injured leg, too.  But it was her arms and face that caused Jenna to gasp in horror. 

The form strode closer and closer giving Jenna a clearer look at what approached. Her arms were almost down to the rock floor and her mouth didn’t move even though the screaming continued. She didn’t blink either. Her gaze was straight ahead and locked onto Jenna. This was not her mother.

Jenna fell backwards hitting the ground hard jarring every bone in her body. She crab walked backwards as fast as she could but only made it as far as the furthest wall. On bated breath, Jenna watched as the thing emerged from the tunnel and into the light.

Now even more visible, it was even more wrong. The skin sagged all over. Blood dripped from the fingertips and smeared the ground with each step. Its gate was almost the same as the thing on the above level. Stomp. Slide. Stomp. Slide.

The mimic stopped just barely outside of the tunnel’s opening. It stared at Jenna, twisting its head sideways. Her mother’s voice rose above the screaming, but the mouth still didn’t move. “Jenna. Jenna, come here. I need you.”

Jenna wanted to scream but her voice was gone. She shook her head violently in answer. Her legs shook as she stood up trying to get further away.

“Jenna, dear. Come to mommy.” It twisted its head to the other side.

Finally, finding her voice again, Jenna screamed. “You are not my mother! Stay away from me!”

It didn’t speak again, only stared at Jenna. Its mouth opened hanging loosely. This time, the scream did come from with its core. A shrill, ear-piercing screech shook the ground. Jenna wanted to cover her hearing but didn’t dare move. She could feel blood trickle out of her ears and down her neck on both sides.

As if the monster’s visage couldn’t get anymore disturbing, its skin ruptured in an instant, falling to the ground. Hair, fingers, eyes, were all gone. In its place was a skeletal thing dripping blood. Not an inch of skin covered it, nor organs filled its gaps. All there was, were bones.

Hunching over, the monster dug its branch like bones into the cave floor. A snarl rose above the screaming that still rocked Jenna’s core. Just below that sound, she could still hear the chanting. It was all maddening. This couldn’t be happening. If she wanted to live, she needed believe and then run.

At this point, any of the tunnels would do so she turned around and took the closest one. Barreling down the black space, she could hear that thing pursuing her. Scratching and stomping got closer and closer.  There was no way to tell where she was going so, she just sped on.

Jenna slammed into a wall but quickly regained her control. It was merely a turn. When she did turn, a light ahead of her shone in the darkness. It had to be a way out.  

Pumping her legs as fast as she could, Jenna put on more speed. The monster didn’t slam into the wall like she did so all Jenna could think was its sight was better than hers. That cut her head start down by a lot.

Jenna made it to the light’s source. It was a small hole in the side of the wall. With her slender build, she might be able to squeeze through. There was no time to consider it though, so she climbed in. It was tight and her claustrophobia instantly kicked in. She scrambled as far enough in that she thought she would be safe so she could take control of the overwhelming panic.

She wasn’t safe. A long boney appendage reached in and wrapped around her ankle. Jenna screamed as loud as she could only to have the beast mimic her. Kicking, Jenna finally got her ankle free, and she shimmied her way further into the closed in space.  

She didn’t take the time to look back beyond her feet to see if it was following her. Instead, Jenna crawled forward with all her strength. Again, she ended up falling out of where she was and into another room. This one was similar to the one above but dry.

Scurrying away from the opening, she looked back but the creature didn’t come through. Jenna breathed a sigh of relief until she heard the chanting again. This time it was louder.

GOW Part Two

Soft humming found its way into Gow’s dreams. They were great dreams of riches and jewels. The humming didn’t belong, and he knew what it was. The glow fish were waking him for a new day.

Gow shook himself awake. He stretched and scratched his green sides with all six fingers. Day? Night? Who knew what it was above the Great Waters. Land Walkers lived such strict lives. Gow Had a schedule to keep but it was his to determine. If he chose to sleep a long time, then he did, but not now.

He had a long journey ahead of him, so he jumped up and swam to his chest. Before he left, the glow fish needed to be fed. He gave them a little more than usual just in case he had to be gone longer than normal. They could go weeks without food, but he refused to do that. Gow packed some seaweed for himself and a few other items that might come in handy.  

Today was a special day. The king himself had called for him. Gow would be traveling to Amadahy, the main Undinia city. It is where the royal family lived. If he was being summoned to Amadahy then it had to be important.

An item on one of his shelves sparkled from the corner of his eye. Placing a hand to his forehead, he went over to it. “How could I forget?” He quickly grabbed the necklace meant for Princess Nami’s birthday.

Gow looked around at his home then up to the glow fish. “Ok, guys. No parties. You know how to open the chest if I am gone too long. Don’t play dumb. I’ve seen you sneak treats when you think I’m asleep.” With that said, he turned to the opening of his cave and held out the small rock.

Once again, out of his cave, Gow surveyed his surroundings to make sure no one was there.  He may be paranoid, but his diligence had paid off way too many times for him to stop now.

Knowing his home was safe, he swam away and towards Amadahy. It would take him almost a full moon cycle to get there. It didn’t bother him. They always found a place for him to sleep, and he wasn’t picky. Anywhere safe would do. For some reason they liked to put him in a fancy room with fancy things he never needed. Such is the life of royalty.

His mind wondered as he swam. All the adventures he had been on looking for items, trinkets, treasures, and even other beings living in the Great Waters. His life was never dull even though sometimes he wished it was. Hopefully, in the near future, he could relax and live a life of luxury. Well, luxury of his own standards. Just him and his glow fish being left alone.

A large school of fish nearly ran into him but quickly diverted their path. “Hey! Watch it! I’m swimmin’ here!” Gow watched the school zip along until they were out of sight. Doing this almost caused him to run smack into a giant whale shark. “Oh, I am terribly sorry sir.”  The whale shark noddled his immense head and went along his way.

Off in the distance, a flourish of yellow and black fins twisted and twirled. A long eel like body formed figure eights. It was the most beautiful thing Gow had ever seen. Even more beautiful than any jewel ever made. It finally registered with him what he was seeing. It was one of the great god fish. They were rumors and myths but here was one right before his eyes. The question was why?

Gow cautiously swam closer and closer. He glanced around to see if any others could see what he was witnessing. Maybe he had eaten bad seaweed. No one else could be seen. The god fish stopped their elaborate dance. They faced Gow, lowering a gorgeous head ten times his size full of fins and streamers the same yellow and black as the rest of his body. Bright purple eyes glowed with an intelligence none could fathom.

His heartbeat quickened causing the water around him to thrum. If there were predators in the water anywhere close, they would surely come and eat him. The god fish lowered their head and gazed into his round eyes causing him to calm.

Should he bow? Should he not look into their eyes? What was the protocol here, anyway?

A soft feminine laugh filled his mind. ‘Do not bow or look away, my little Gow.”

He nervously glanced around to see who had talked to him. The one before him hadn’t moved a single muscle of their mouth. The voice was in his head though. He had heard that they could do this but didn’t believe it. Now he did.

He lifted his chin. “Great Fish. You are more beautiful than the rumors have said. Why is it that you grace me with your presence?”

“Thank you, Gow. Your compliment humbles me. I have an important message to give you. Things are changing in the Great Waters. War is coming. A race long forgotten has reemerged. Everyone is in danger, and you shall play an important roll in all things.”

“No, no, no, no. You must have the wrong Gow. I am a searcher. I do not involve myself in such important things. I live a simple life.”

“Are you saying I am wrong?” A smile played at the corners of the god fish’s mouth.

“Oh, no. Not at all, but maybe just…. mistaken?”

‘You have not always been a searcher, have you? You were once a warrior. You must return to your past.”

“I cannot. Those days are long gone. It has been centuries. I prefer the quiet life. It is better for all.”

The god fish sighed. “As you wish. For now, please relay a message to the king for me. Please warn him of what I said. He must prepare.”

“That, I can do. I am sorry to disappoint you.” Gow lowered his head in shame. He could not go back to violence. He had that part removed from him by a shaman. There was no going back.  Was there?

THE FERALS Part 11

The next day, Silvy wasn’t sure what she had expected. It would have been stupid to think the change would happen overnight. She stumbled into the kitchen where her mother was making breakfast as usual. The typical news broadcast blared on the holographic screen. Pat had said they didn’t want the changes to be abrupt. Otherwise, the powers that be would know and go looking for what might be wrong.  

“Hey, Mom.” Silvy sat at the breakfast bar on her favorite stool. Her mom slid her a cup of coffee just the way she liked it.

“You look tired. Didn’t sleep well last night? I didn’t hear you come in.” Her mother stared at her for a minute too long, scrutinizing her daughter’s face.

Silvy refused to make eye contact. “Yeah, we went for coffee after the movie.”

“That is why you couldn’t sleep. You need to stop drinking so much coffee late at night.”

“I know, Mom. I’m gonna go get ready.” Silvy slid off her stool and started to walk back to her room.

“I would ask you to stay home today and get some rest, but I would hate for the Ferals to go without. Especially the little kits.” Her mom didn’t look at her when she said this. Instead, she was busy scrambling eggs.

What she said caused Silvy to halt mid step. Since when did her mother care about Ferals? She didn’t want to make a scene by asking her, so she kept heading to her room. Maybe the change would happen faster than they thought it would.

Out on the streets, everything seemed the same. She went about filling orders and taking them to the Feral families. Silvy made sure to spend as much time as she could with each. It was always the best part of her day. She even made sure to buy candy or toys for each Feral kit from her own money.

Other than her mother this morning, nothing seemed different. The guards were still buttheads. The news still only told of human casualties. People came to stare at the Ferals through the fences pushing the buttons so one wall would become invisible, and the occupants could be seen.

However, Silvy realized she had only been paying attention to the adults. The next time she passed by, she looked to the children trying to climb the fence or standing slightly behind their parents. What she saw had her pulling over and getting off her scooter.

The children weren’t afraid anymore. They were waving, actually waving. One kid was even holding out a lollipop through the fence and the parent wasn’t trying to stop her. Change was happening.

Silvy got back on her bike and went to gather more supplies for the next family. Her smile stayed on her lips the whole time. They only thing warring in her mind was if she should tell the Ferals what was going on. On her way back, she finally decided that it wasn’t her place yet, but she would ask either Tom or Pat about it. They were the ones who this was all about after all. They should know. And with the humans staring at them all day? They would start to wonder about why the children were being nicer.

As Silvy went about her day, she wondered what would be next. How would they stop the Ferals from being the front line in the war? How could they get them to be equal to humans? She really hoped they continued to let her help. This was just the beginning.

BACKROOMS Part One

The smell of mildew was the first thing to assault Jenna’s senses. The next was an almost non-existent electrical humming. It was just loud enough to grind at her nerves. Jenna’s head throbbed and vision blurred. “Where am I?”

The last thing she remembered was going to bed after a party. She never really drank or did drugs, so she knew that her new surroundings weren’t based on that. Jenna clearly remembered getting home, changing into her pjs, and crawling into bed.

Rubbing her head, she sat up against the dirty wall. Jenna reached down to the carpet but quickly pulled her hand back. It was drenched. The smell of mold lay thick everywhere. Her clothes dripped with water from laying down for however long it had been. “Wait! My clothes!” She was now wearing blue jeans, a t-shirt, and hiking boots.

 “Ok, this is getting way too weird. Who the hell dressed me?” Her voice echoed through the empty space.

Looking around didn’t help at all. There was nothing she recognized. It was a large room with several hallways branching off in different directions. Halogen lights glowed from the ceiling. Not a single piece of furniture decorated the area.

“Well, sitting here isn’t getting me anywhere.” She stood up and tried to straighten her soaked clothes. There had to be a way out or maybe someone else in here with her. “Hello?” Jenna waked to the different hallways and repeated herself. “Hello? Is anyone here?” She didn’t receive an answer.

“Guess I’ll just have to look around.” Jenna went down one hallway. It was a dead end. Mold climbed the walls like ants. Her feet sloshed in the wet carpet. Luckily her boots were waterproof.  

She turned around and made it back to the large room. This time she took the opposite hallway. This one made several turns. Before she knew it, she was lost. Not that she knew where she was anyway. This had to be progress, though.

Jenna was about to turn down another hallway when she stopped dead in her tracks. Something was moving just ahead of her. She could hear a thump.  Shortly after the thump was the sound of something dragging. Then another thump and a drag. Groaning caused the hairs on the back of her neck to stand up. Whatever it was, wasn’t anything she wanted to encounter.

As silently as she could, Jenna backtracked down the short hall she was in. It didn’t matter which way she turned. She just wanted to put distance between her and whatever that was. She now faced the end of her hall and tried to choose a direction. Groaning, a little to close, caused her to glance back. What she saw was straight out of nightmare.

The thing was low to the ground and jet black as if made from tar. Its skin rippled as one long appendage lifted and stomped down. Then it dragged the rest of its worm like body a little closer. White eyes opened and closed all over the creature’s body. They appeared sightless other than the two right up front and they had spotted her.

Jenna screamed snapping her brain back into motion. Just gazing upon this thing made her thoughts sluggish and slimy. She felt her sanity slowly trickling away. Another scream ripped out of her mouth. She jarred her body forward and to the right.

At every turn, the beast gained on her. Jenna’s breath came in short gasps as she started to run out of energy. Stopping meant certain death and that wouldn’t be an option. She had to find a way out of here. For a minute she wondered if all this was a bad dream. Maybe she should stop running and when the monster got close, she would wake up.

Distracted, Jenna fell hard to the wet ground. A sharp pain sprung from her left elbow. Blood flowed freely over the carpet and spread fast through the water.  That answered that. She wasn’t dreaming.

The monster bellowed behind her. Sounds of sniffing came from it but there was no nose that could be seen. Not that she was paying much attention to its facial structure. The blood must have drove it mad because the thing quickened its pace.

Jenna shoved herself up off the ground and ran faster. The small break gave her some time to regain her breathing. She pumped her legs as hard as she could. Daring to grasp the disgusting walls to help her turn corners pulled her farther away.

She dared another look back. It just came into view when Jenna felt herself falling. She pinged back and forth along a narrow duct leading down. The only grace was that it was too narrow to flip her headfirst. It felt like the longest fall of her life. But as all things do, it ended abruptly with her hitting a rocky surface, creating even more cuts and probably bruises. That was way better than being dead.

Jenna looked up the shaft. A barely visible light could be seen at the very top. Something moved back and forth across it. She couldn’t hear the thumping of its appendage and it appeared the shaft was too small for it to follow her. With a sigh of relief, Jenna slumped against the nearest rock wall.

That is when she realized the electric humming had stopped. However, in its place was a low ritual chanting in some unrecognizable language.

THE FERALS Part 10

Silvy waited by the locked door and listened for any noises. It was eerily silent in both directions. She couldn’t hear anything that Pat was doing. She wasn’t even sure what Pat was doing or why. She knew it had to do with the news broadcasts. That was about it.

Footsteps from outside started Silvy from her thoughts. She held her breath as they stopped right outside the door. Pat had said to go to her if something happened like this. She didn’t know if she should wait to see if the person left or go to her now.

The person tried the handle nearly causing Silvy to scream but she held it in. That had made her choice for her. As quietly as she could, Silvy walked to where Pat had disappeared. She turned to the corner to see her sitting on the floor with all her gear littering the floor. Pat had her laptop next to her and many other things Silvy couldn’t identify. A pen light dangled from her mouth.

When Silvy came up to Pat, the light dropped. “What are you doing? What happened?” Pat looked behind her with her eyes wide.

“Someone tried to open the door. I didn’t know what to do.”  Silvy held her hands together so Pat wouldn’t see them shake.

Pat’s expression softened. “You did the right thing. Here, sit down with me. I need your help.”

“What about the person trying to get in?”

“They won’t come in. They were probably just checking to make sure the door was locked. Now, hold this light for me.” Pat handed Silvy the pen light.

Silvy took but her hands were shaking. She tried to hold it with both hands and keep them from moving but it only helped a little. Pat didn’t seem to mind. She just moved the light in Silvy’s hands to where she needed it.

“What are you doing to the news servers?” Silvy glanced back hoping no one would appear from around the corner. It caused the light to lower, and Pat had to reach out and move Silvy’s hands again.

“So, you know how the law states you can’t turn off the news? And you know how it is being blasted everywhere?” She looked to Silvy for a nod. When she did, Pat continued. “There are messages hidden in those broadcasts. Messages that make everyone afraid of Ferals.”

“Then why do you and Tom want to help them?”

“The messages don’t work on everyone. Take you for example. You interact with them on a daily basis. It’s obvious why they don’t work on you. You see beyond the lies. Other’s brains don’t take in those messages. There aren’t many but hopefully there are enough.” Pat went back to working on the server.

She finally pulled it out and placed it in her lap. “Get me a small screwdriver out of my bag.”

Silvy rummaged through her satchel until she came across a little screwdriver with a strange end. “Is this it?”

“Yeah, that’s the one.” She held out her hand and Silvy placed the tool in it. “Now. What I am doing is changing the message.”

“Why not just delete the one that’s running?”

Pat half chuckled. “Because it wouldn’t change how everyone felt about Ferals. They are already programed. We just need to adjust that programming.”

“That is brilliant.” Silvy smiled wide.  Her heart grew warm knowing she was helping others see Ferals for who they really were.

She continued to watch as Pat opened the black box and work her magic. Change was finally going to happen.

GOW Part One

Gow pushed through the dark waters on his way home. It had been a long day. A good one, but a long one.  Finding things the Undinia asked for was tough at times but Gow was the best at what he did. If they wanted a rare fish for a banquet, he found it. If a female desired a rare pearl, no problem. It never took him more than a few days to find anything they needed. If royalty asked, then he made sure to get it right away.

His cave came into view, and he swam faster. The thought of a long sleep was the most important thing on his mind. Land Walkers slept on soft things they called mattresses. What a horrid idea. Nothing was better than a nice hard ledge. It really kept the back in line.

Before entering his cave, he pulled out a small green rock from his bag that was slung over his shoulder.  Even in the cold waters, it felt warm in his palm. With his three webbed fingers, he held it out in front of the opening to his home. A flash of light from both the rock and the entrance nearly blinded him. Now he could go inside. Anyone who tried to enter without his rock, would most likely be dead. If not dead, then passed out for a long time. How else could he protect his treasures?

With the barrier down, he moved inside.  Another flash later, told him he was safe again. Lights flared to life along his walls. Happy humming emanated from each one. The little glow fish living inside special magic bubbles were always happy to see him when he came home. Gow took the time to say hello to each and gave them their evening meals.  

Other items lined each wall as well as well as the glow fish that lit his cave. Items that he knew the names of and items he did not. Human items were there as well as dwarven and druid. The druid treasures were very hard to come by. They always protected their things well. Sometimes, if he came across Declan the druid, he could barter for rare trinkets. He was one of the few Land Walkers he could trust.

His tummy grumbled reminding him he hadn’t eaten. He floated over to a large chest and waved his hand over it. The lid opened revealing many things that were his and his alone. Gow removed his bag and took out the coins and other items the many races in the Great Waters paid him to utilize his skills. He didn’t only take coin but anything of value. Someone somewhere would want it eventually. He placed the coins in the chest and took out his meal of fresh seaweed. Another wave of his hand had the lid lowering and locking closed.

There was no table in his cave. He really didn’t need it. The simple life was his way. So, he swam up to his ledge and sat down. His short legs danged downward as he ate his meal. Seaweed was the best. He could not think of anything else he would want to eat. He never judged a species for their choices, but the thought of eating another animal was disgusting. Everyone should eat seaweed.

His three webbed toes fidgeted back and forth in happiness. When he was done, he tied together his many tentacles that grew from the back of his head with a thin rope. If he didn’t, they would end up sticking up all over the place. Appearance was everything in his business. A hard yawn formed from deep within causing his frog like features to scrunch up and his mouth to gape open. He itched his green torso and laid down. Yes, sleep was great, too.

As Gow lay there, drifting into sleep, he wondered what the next day would bring him.

THE FERALS Part 9

The door shut behind Pat and Silvy shrouding them in darkness. The alley was your typical one. Garbage bins lined the building on the other side while stagnate water sat in puddles all down the middle. Pat got her bearings and led them to the right.

Halfway down, Pat stopped and turned to Silvy. “Stay right behind me. Do as I do.” She reached up and tucked more of Silvy’s hair into her beanie. It was cold outside so no one in the theater even glanced their direction when they showed up in hats and hoodies. Now, however, they needed to be completely covered.

Pat continued to fuss over Silvy’s attire. She lifted the hood of her jacket over her head and snugged it down with the laces. “There. Now you might not glow in the dark.” Pat did the same with her outfit and then continued down the alley.

They walked in silence, staying in the shadows. Neither spoke again. When cars would pass along the street ahead, they stopped to make sure no one noticed their movements. Finally, at the end of the alley, they stopped. On the other side of the street was a ten-story glass building surrounded by fencing.

They stared up at the side of the building. Its front ran around to the right while its back was to the left. The latter was where Pat took them next. She grabbed Silvy’s hand and drug her across the street at a very fast run. Silvy was used to hard work but running wasn’t part of her daily routine.

Once on the other side, Pat didn’t slow down.  Silvy could barely breathe, but she didn’t lag. Getting caught would be worse than being sore tomorrow.

They made it to the backside of the fence. Pat threw herself to the ground, so Silvy followed along. They inched along the ground to the left until they came to a large bush.  Pat took out a big pair of cutters and cut the fence vertically right behind the bush. When it was large enough, they slipped through.

Pat left the cutters behind as they stayed low to the ground. Just across the short lawn was a back door. Silvy didn’t understand why every building had to have a back door. Maybe it was some kind of fire regulation, but she was glad for it at this moment.

The pair darted toward the door. Pat pulled out a black card that looked like a bank card and swiped it through the door’s keypad. It was strange that it had such an old school security pad. Normally it was done through biometrics but who was Silvy to complain at their continued luck?

With a soft click, the door popped open. Pat opened it a little more and took a quick look inside. She didn’t bother looking back at Silvy. Instead, she waved her hand for them to enter.

Inside was darker than the alley. Small green lights glowed from the ceiling causing Silvy to panic. Pat grabbed her, clearly hearing Silvy breathe harder, and did a circular movement with her hand. Silvy could barely see it, but the motion helped her to remember that Pat had already hacked into the cameras, putting them in a loop.

Relief flooded Silvy’s system. With new resolve and trust in her partner, she followed Pat down the black hallway. Several turns later brought them to a door. They hadn’t climbed any stairs, thankfully, but Silvy had expected the room they needed to be on the top floor. Clearly, she was wrong.

Another pad kept this door closed but it wasn’t an older model. This one was new like the rest of the city. Silvy wondered how they would get past this one.

Pat pulled out some kind of gadget from her bag. Wires hung from it at one end. She approached the pad and opened a side panel to the scanner, revealing similar wires. Pat quickly began to connect her gadget’s wires to the panel.

Footsteps sounded somewhere in the building. They were coming closer. Silvy nervously glanced from Pat to the encroaching sound. Any time now they would be found out. The seconds felt like minutes.

This time when the door popped open, it was thankfully silent. Pat ushered Silvy inside as she put the panel back together. Pat, then, slid inside and shut the door. Silvy’s heart pounded in her ears. That was too close. What if whoever those footsteps belonged to came in here to check?

Lights flared to life and Pat placed a hand on Silvy’s shoulder. In a whisper, she said, “They won’t come in here. Their arrogance is their weakness. This room is soundproof so they can’t hear us either. Stay here and if someone does try to open the door, run to me.”

All Silvy could do was nod. She was terrified yet exhilarated. She watched as Pat went down the stairs into what was now obviously the basement. When Pat glanced over her shoulder and saw the confusion on Silvy’s face, she came back over. “Heat rises. So, the best place for a room of servers is in a nice, cold basement.” She patted Silvy on her back and went down the stairs again. This time she didn’t turn around.

THEY CAME Part 17

Since I hadn’t completed what I planned, we fell back into formation. My other self seemed to know where we had to go because before we got too far, she turned the alien hostage’s face back and winked at me. It was the most disturbing expression yet. Those empty eyes with a slight shine winking at me? No thank you.

We continued around the curved hallway, passing several rooms and bridges. When we finally made it to the control room, we came to a stop and the hi-jacked alien motioned me forward. In its guttural English, it asked, “so what exactly do you have in mind?”

I smiled up at it. “We need to go in there and put one of those head devices on you. Then you can run rampant in their systems. Crash their programs and stuff.”

The sparkle in this alien’s eyes grew. “I have just the idea. Follow me and keep your heads down.”

Before we could continue, my sister grabbed my arm. “What is going on? Why is that monster helping us? You know we can’t trust it, right?”

I placed a comforting arm around her shoulder. “I will explain everything once we are out of here. If you trust me, you can trust that one.”

That didn’t seem to pacify her, but she nodded. There was nothing else she could do if she wanted her and her husband to get out of here alive. I knew she trusted me but asking her to trust a situation she didn’t understand might have been too much of a stretch. This was life or death.

We all followed the alien inside to the control room. Not a single creature looked up from whatever it was they were doing. My other self approached one of the aliens sitting at a station with numerous buttons and controls. She tapped it on the shoulder. When it turned to her, she spoke in their language of clicks.

The real alien stood up, taking its head gear off but stared at our alien for a moment. We all held our breath as it turned its gaze to us as well. We were busted. A million scenarios ran through my mind and how we might yet survive. My heart rate rose. This was it. How were we going to fight all the aliens while trying to get out of here?

Just as I was about to take action, the alien nodded at my other self. It walked away slowly but didn’t look back. I let out the breath I had been holding. Our alien took the empty seat and place the device on its head.

It finally hit me how much information we could acquire through this kind of connection. Not the head piece but the one occupying the alien’s mind. Everything that alien maimer knew, we now knew. Once they were in the system, we would know even more.

My sister and brother-in-law nervously looked around at the other aliens. Some began to take notice of the humans in a non-human area. In my silent head, I repeated “work faster” towards the alien on our side.  At about the tenth time repeating my mantra, the other aliens began squirming in their seats and clutching at their throats. Their signs of distress grew at each passing second. Some fell to the floor. They weren’t moving.

I looked back at our imprisoned alien. It turned its head sideways so it could see me. “You guys need to go. I’m not done here. Get to the hangers and leave.”

“Then get back in my head. We all leave. No one left behind. Remember?”

“I’ll find you on the ground. Don’t worry. Now go!” One long powerful hand grabbed my arm and pushed.

I still hesitated until my brother-in-law turned me towards him. “You came to save us, let it do what it needs to do.  We must leave.”

All I could do was blink. He yanked me and my sister out of the control room. The whole time, I kept my eyes on where my other self worked the controls until we were around the corner. The ship jerked hard. Loud booms came from far away. The ship lurched again shaking me out of my uncertainty.

“Right. This way.” We ran around the corridor until we came to where we had entered with the resistance. Aliens littered the floor everywhere, none of them moving. I yanked the cover off the ducting tunnel.

“Why can’t we take an elevator or stairs?” My sister’s eyes were filled with panic.

“We don’t have an alien anymore to work the controls and I seriously doubt they have stairs.” I hugged her briefly and helped her enter the ducts.

There was no reason to recover the opening, so we pressed forward. After countless twist, turns, and slides downward, we finally came to the room full of strange boxes. That is where we ran into the other group.

Doug had just ushered out an extremely large group of humans when he saw us crawling down from the metal crates. He instantly ran over to me. “I was so worried. I’m glad you made it.” Doug looked behind me where my sister and her husband stood. Walking over, he raised his hand. “Hello. I’m Doug. I have heard so much about you. Happy to have you here.” He stretched out his arm towards the open door. “Shall we?”

“Absolutely.” I grabbed my sister and brother-in-law’s hands and lead them out into the crowded hallway. Sounds of explosions could be heard above us somewhere. Humans walked bunched together filing out into the open hanger area. Some could be seen kicking the dead bodies of aliens here or there.

Doug led us to the closest shuttle. It was jam packed with humans. One of the rebels sat in the pilot seat. Wires fell from the console. When he saw Doug, he gave a thumbs up. Doug shoved us inside. “Go. We won’t be far behind you.”

“Wait.  I can help.” I tried to push back out into the hanger, but Doug was having none of that. In my head I was crunching the numbers on how long it would take me to get back to my other self.

He placed a hand on my shoulder. “No. You stay with your family. I will meet up with you back on Earth.”

“But…” I didn’t want to leave yet.  I needed her back in my head, but I couldn’t tell anyone that just yet.

“No buts. Go.” He whistled at the pilot. “Take off. Come back for more when you unload.” Doug lightly pushed me back and hit the button, closing the door.

Silence ensued. No one dared talk. Everyone glanced from one scared face to the next. I could read from their expressions that they didn’t believe they were free. They still thought something would happen that put them back in chains or worse.

The shuttle hit the ground with a jolt. The pilot yelled back at everyone, “Sorry folks. It’s my first time driving one of these. When you depart, stay in a group. Don’t wonder off just yet.” He pushed a button and the side door lowered allowing us all to leave.

When both feet hit the ground, it all became real. I turned to my family and hugged them tight. Tears ran down all three faces. I couldn’t believe I found them. I actually found them, and we were together, away from the aliens.

We stayed in each other’s arms as we watched the shuttles fly back and forth. We all had to step into the grass to make room for more and more humans coming from the flaming ship high above. It wouldn’t be long before it would come crashing down into the waiting lake just underneath it.

I was so happy, yet sad. The silence in my head echoed at the loss of my other self. I had my family though. Next step was to free the rest.

We continued to watch until the inevitable happened. The huge craft finally started to fall. All the humans were now on the ground. Doug and the others ushered everyone as far away from the lake as possible. When it hit, a wave rose up and splashed us all but that was it. We were wet, but we were free.

As everyone cheered, I couldn’t help but think of her. She had saved us all. Just then, a soft laugh filled my head. “You didn’t think you could get rid of me that easy, did you?”

THE FERALS Part 8

Silvy waited in the coffee shop for Pat to show. She didn’t know what to expect. Only in movies did things like this happen and she was sure real life didn’t work that way. How were they going to get into one of the most secure buildings in the city? Come to think of it, why would a broadcast station be kept so secure?

A tap on her should nearly caused Silvy to scream but she held it in. When she looked who it was, she wasn’t surprised to see Pat standing there with a wide grin. “Hey girl, did I scare you?”

“I nearly peed myself. What the hell?” Silvy couldn’t help but smile, too.

Pat laughed. “Sorry, not sorry. Imma grab a coffee and then we can head out.”

When Pat returned, they both headed out of the warm coffee shop. It was getting cold outside, winter seemed to be coming early.  Silvy worried about the Ferals and how they would handle it. Some of the families didn’t have heat in their small homes.

Just outside, they approached Pat’s car. It was your typical vehicle. The usual gray like everyone else. Just another floating bubble shape among other floating bubbles. Silvy guessed that was the whole point. To blend in.  She had left her scooter back at home, choosing to walk to the café.  It could have raised suspicion if her scooter was outside the café for a long time.

Pat turned on the heat as soon as they closed the car doors. Silvy sighed in relief. She never liked the cold. Soaking in the warm sun was more her style. A beanie slapped her in the face, bringing her focus back. “Hey!”

“Pay attention. Cover your hair with the beanie. There’s a black hoodie in the back seat. Put that on.” Pat took out her phone. “Show me your phone.”

Silvy took hers out of her back pocket. Pat lightly tapped hers on top of Silvy’s.  “There. Now you have my number. We both go in but when I am in the hub, I will need you to be my eyes. Send me a message if someone is coming.”

“Got it.” Silvy tried to put on a brave face, but she was terrified. “Oh, Tom mentioned a stun gun?”

“Glove box, but don’t engage unless we have no choice.”

Silvy pulled out the two guns. They looked like regular guns but at the end of the barrel, there were two prongs protruding from it. “So, these work up close?”

“No, they shoot out the prongs.  When your opponent is down, you push that blue button on the side, and it will release the wires and push forward more prongs.” Pat kept her eyes on the road while she talked. Silvy couldn’t understand how she could be so relaxed.

“Have you done things like this before?” Silvy tried to read Pat’s face.

She shook her head. “I’m a tech. The most I have done is hack into stuff, but this can’t be done that way. This time, we have to physically go in.  This is my first field mission.”

“What?” Silvy’s mouth hung open. “This is your first?”

“Don’t worry. We’ve got this, girl.”  Pat winked at Silvy. “This place is usually empty at night. Only guards are outside the fence. As soon as we get in, we’ll be fine.”

“What about security cameras? They’ll see us and then come shoot us or something.”

“I already took care of that. I hacked in and put them on a loop. All anyone will see are empty hallways.”

Silvy tried to control her breathing. This was insane. They were going to die and never get to help the Ferals.

Pat put her hand on Silvy’s leg. “Calm down, girl. You’ll pass out if you keep breathing like that.” Her eyes widened. “Oh, look. We’re here.”

They drove past the fenced in building and parked at the movie theater. Pat grabbed her bag containing her laptop and they went to buy tickets. It didn’t matter what movie they bought them for.  They wouldn’t be watching it.

Both Pat and Silvy entered the building and walked into the theater their tickets told them to. Previews of upcoming movies flew by while Silvy nervously tapped her foot. As soon as the movie started, Pat nudged Silvy’s shoulder and they both stood to leave.

They left the theater and walked to a back door. Above it said, “Emergency Exit Only”. Silvy placed a hand on Pat’s arm. “Won’t an alarm sound when we open it?”

Pat simply smiled and pushed the door open. Silvy braced for the noise, but it never happened. So, Silvy slumped her shoulders and followed Pat outside. Now for the hard part.

THEY CAME Part 16

There she was, my sister, and next to her, my brother-in-law. They were pale with dark circles under their eyes. Those eyes, however, did not reflect people who had been broken but those who were resolved to survive. When their eyes met mine, that resolve changed to joy and then worry.

I ran to them, throwing my arms around both at the same time.  They tried to do the same, but their arms were still attached to the table. They were able to do their work but that was the total reach of their chains.

My sister pulled away and reached to touch my face with her hand. Her fingers barely brushed my skin. “What are you doing here? Did they take you too?” She glanced over at the maimer standing behind me. Hatred reflected on her face.

I stepped back and looked to the alien. “Oh, yeah. You don’t have to worry about this one. It’s a long story but it’s our way out.”

“What do you mean we don’t have to worry about it? It’s one of them.” This time it was my brother-in-law who spoke. The way he said ‘them’ dripped with venom.

“Like I said. Long story.” I went over to the maimer. “Does this alien have keys to release them?”

The other me spoke through the alien’s mouth. “Yes. Let me get them free.”

Confusion and fear ran a close race over my family’s faces. The aliens never talked, much less in English. When it approached them, they tensed every muscle until it was clear they weren’t going to be harmed. With their shackled removed, they both stood on shaky legs. Their black shirt and pants hung loosely off their bodies.

Shoving down my overwhelming emotions, I looked them over to make sure they could walk. I needed to be levelheaded, and emotions wouldn’t do any of us any good. We had to find a way out of here and fast. “Ok, let’s go.”

My sister looked at all the others in the room. “What about them? We can’t just leave them here.”

I place both hands on her shoulders. “I came for you two. No one else. I can’t save everyone. Does it suck? Yeah. Does it make me a bad person? I don’t care. We will find a way to stop all of this and then they can be free, but for now, it’s just us.”

She took one last glimpse at the other prisoners working away at their individual projects. Not a single one had looked up from what they were doing this whole time. With a nod, she and her husband moved closer to me and the alien.  “Ok.”

My other self lead the way. We walked behind it as if we were still prisoners. I whispered back to them, “keep your heads down as if you are just being moved from one location to another.”  I tried to mentally talk to my other self but only received static. Her being inside the maimer must have caused our mental connection to sever.

We left the last room and made our way over the long bridge. None of us spoke or lifted our heads. Just when we made it off the bridge and onto the other side, a large group of humans came running around from the right corridor. It took me a moment, but I recognized Doug and the rest of the group. There were countless others, however. All of them were dressed exactly as my sister and brother-in-law. As soon as they saw the maimer, their guns were pointed directly at it.

I stepped out of our formation and approached the rebel leader. “What do you think you are doing? How the hell are we going to get everyone off the ship?”

Doug’s eyes never left the alien. “We have a plan. What’s up with this thing?”

“I have it under control.” I tapped the side of my head. The motion drew Doug’s attention and he nodded.

A sudden idea came to my mind.  “Hey, there are more prisoners across that bridge.” I grabbed the keys from my other self and threw them to Doug. “Go grab them. I have something I think will help.”

He stared between me and the alien and then the keys. “Ok but be careful. Meet us back in the hanger.”   His eyes searched mine. “Should I ask what you are about to do?”

“It’s probably best you don’t.  You’ll know what I did when it happens.” I couldn’t help but smile.

Shaking his head, he motioned for his group to stay put while a select few followed him to the other humans. One of the tech guys worked on the pad to enter the room. My group took off to the left, towards the control room. I really hoped this worked.