 
Mylaren

A Novel

Jamie Antonia

Copyright © 2014 Jamie Antonia

All rights reserved

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Published by Jamie Antonia

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smardwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the work of this author.

The author can be contacted at

garbovatwins@gmail.com

This is a work of fiction. Characters, corporations, institutions and organizations in this novel are the product of the author's imagination, or, if real, are used fictitiously without any intent to describe their actual conduct.

A very grateful thanks and acknowledgement is given to the following artists.

Aerosmith

Bat for Lashes

Annie Lennox

Eurythmics

The Doors

Rolling Stones

Quicksilver Messenger Service

The Kinks

The Everly Brothers

The Clash

B52's

Led Zeppelin

Marianne Faithful

Shriekback

AC DC

Vangelis

The Beatles

Credence Clearwater Revival

Steppenwolf

Buddy Holly

Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.

Aristotle

Curiosity is one of the forms of feminine bravery.

Victor Hugo

In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.

Francis Bacon

This book is dedicated to my dear friend and son.

Table of Contents

1 Awake

2 Rendezvous

3 Stronger

4 West

5 Answer

6 Remember

7 Adios

8 Ruins

9 Discovery

10 Pizza

11 Green

12 New

13 Nothing Yet

14 Ocean

15 Night Life

16 Wee Hours

17 Messages

18 Lincoln Park

19 Ranch

20 Hello

21 Discovered

22 Cooking 101

23 That Bitch

24 T Party

25 Buzz

26 Down The Trail

27 Radio Waves

28 Tacos

29 Traveling

30 Uh-Oh

31 Phil

32 Cathy's Clown

33 Target

34 PKs

35 Reservation

36 DMV

37 Before Breakfast?

38 Samantha

39 Desperado

40 Saint Louis

41 Snoops On Wheels

42 Ghosts?

43 Ya'at'eeh

44 Hotel Visit

45 First Light

46 On The Beach

47 Find Her

48 Headache

49 Disposal

50 Heat Wave

51 Dive

52 San Francisco

53 Deployed

54 Let's Dance

55 Let's Rumble

56 Partial

57 Black Sand

58 Guess?

59 Midwest

60 Get Busy

61 Day Part I

62 Day Part II

63 Plans

64 Starlight

65 Children

66 Rudy

67 Date

68 Team

69 Tonight

70 Flight

71 Alive

72 Scathing

73 Begin

74 Lone Star

75 So Angry

76 Wake Up

77 Strange Bedfellows

78 Say Something

79 On The Road Again

80 Where?

81 Tacos And Coffee

82 Road

83 Where2?

84 Cherokee St.

85 Where Are You?

86 I See You

87 Low Rumble

88 Ready To Rumble

89 Almost

90 Followed

91 Let's Roll

92 Don't Harm It

93 What Would They Do?

94 It's Time To Play Ball?

95 What The Fuck?

96 Gate 5

97 Pulse

98 The Metal Case

99 Want A Ride?

100 Agreed

101 Reunited

102 The Beginning

103 The End Of The Beginning

104 Hunter Or Hunted

105 A Message For You Rudy

106 Park

107 Alterations

108 Surprise

109 Goodbye

110 Vacation To?

Prologue

A year has passed since Denise Zen and Layla Martine led a hunt for the kidnapped love of a lost and returned member of Rome's Ninth Legion.

Once again they unwittingly become part of an odyssey to keep a human who has been altered and is no longer just human, free and able to love again.

1

Awake

Breathing. Is that the sound of someone breathing? So slow. So even.

Beeping sounds accompanied it, in a disquieting serenade.

Dripping. The sound of dripping added gentle percussion to the ongoing song.

Song? This was no song. This did not inspire or bring joy.

A new sound not in rhythm with the others.

Improvisation? No. It does not fit at all in this composition.

The sound continued, but it broke the rhythm, it began to drown out the song.

Movement. The rustling sound got louder and suddenly it surrounded the senses.

New sounds. A squeak. A thud. More rustling sounds followed, accompanied by cracking sounds, as the steady rhythm of the breathing, beeping and dripping continued in the background. Footsteps. Getting closer.

"She is conscious," a woman's voice said.

"How can you be so sure?" It was the voice of a man.

Voices. Voices of authority. She?

"Can you open your eyes?" the voice of another woman said.

Who? She felt a gentle touch.

"Can you open your eyes?" the voice asked again.

Eyes? Yes. I have eyes. Is she talking to me?

"Perhaps she is not ready. Perhaps we should give her more time?" another man's voice said.

"No, she's ready." It was the voice of the first woman who spoke, but much louder now. "OPEN YOUR EYES," she shouted.

The woman lying in bed opened her eyes. Green. Everything is green. I feel sick, she thought, staring at the ceiling. She could see the movement of those surrounding her from the corners of her eyes as she continued to stare.

"See. I told you she was conscious."

An eye? Is that an eye in the ceiling? Am I dead?

"Okay, you made your point, she is conscious. How do you want to proceed?" a woman's voice asked.

That is not an eye at all. I am not dead. Camera. It is a camera.

"Let's see if we can get her up, and talking," the woman of authority said.

"Yes, of course. Should we try and feed her so soon?"

"Yes. We are going to need her to get strong." Very strong, very fast, she said, before the sharp crack of her heels on the tile floor seemed to erase all other sound in the room until it was silenced by the same squeak and gentle thud of the door.

The woman on the bed closed her eyes and saw a vision of a woman from behind eating, staring out a window.

Very strong, very fast. Yes. I must get strong.

2

Rendezvous

Denise piloted the burgundy Mustang south on Highway 3.

"This one still has that new car smell," Layla said, her arm stretched out the open window. When the wind would force her hand up traveling at 70 M.P.H. it reminded her of flying.

It was a gorgeous early summer morning. They were on their way to meet a few friends at the Fort du Chartres Rendezvous; a day of re-enactments of what life at the Fort must have been like during the time it was built.

"Are you sure we should have come this early? I hope we're not going to have to sit around waiting for everyone to show up."

"Oh don't worry. These people are quite serious about this. Many of them can trace their heritage back to the time of the Fort and before," Denise smiled.

"Maybe we should have had a nice big breakfast."

"Oh no. The food here is going to be fabulous, like much of the diet they ate back then, and prepared the same way."

"Okay. A good country meal then."

"I would imagine so."

An Aerosmith song came on the radio that Denise started singing along to. "Backstage we're having the time, Of our lives until somebody say, Forgive me if I seem out of line, Then she whipped out her gun, And tried to blow me away."

Layla joined in for the chorus, "That, that, Dude looks like a lady, That, that, Dude looks like a lady." The song continued as they turned off Highway 3 onto Kaskaskia Road, ending just before turning on to Highway 155 that would take them to the Fort.

"That was all right. Haven't heard that one in a while."

"Does it bring back good memories for you?"

"Yes it does, and no, I am not going to share them with you," Layla laughed.

Denise just smiled.

In the distance they could hear gunfire. "Gunfire. Sounds different when you're not the target," Layla giggled.

"Yes, well they are using rifles from the period. Still, I bet they'd sound different if we were the target."

"That explains it. Hey what were they driving?"

"They are in Gail's pickup truck I would imagine," Denise said.

"Oh yeah. I think I see it. I bet it is going to get pretty crowded here today."

"I think you're right. I'll park where we can get out easy."

"She said to meet them at Stage 1. She wanted to hear the French Colonial music."

"But I ain't a wearin' a dress," Denise giggled.

"Well I ain't neither," Layla laughed.

She parked between two other cars and they made their way through the crowd to the Stage. On the way they passed men dressed in French military outfits, men dressed in British military outfits, women wearing the dress of the era, and an amazing collection of indigenous tribe members.

"You look marvelous," Layla said to a group of at least a dozen Native American men in various states of undress, each packing an assortment of weapons from long rifles to tomahawks, bows and arrows.

"As do you," one of the men said. "Stop by later and try your hand at hurling one of these." He held up a tomahawk adorned with a few colorful feathers.

"Thanks. Maybe we will," Layla grinned.

"Should I be jealous?" Denise giggled.

"What can I say, warriors attract?"

"Indeed they do."

They arrived at the stage to the smiling faces of Gail and her boyfriend Mike. Performing on the stage were three musicians in colonial dress, playing a guitar, mandolin, and a violin, two of them singing the vocal parts.

"It's got a definite beat you can dance to," Gail laughed.

"Oh yeah. It's a foot stomping beat for sure," Denise said.

When the concert was over, they walked over to get some lunch ala colonial era.

"I ain't never had buffalo fish before," Denise said.

"I have," Layla said. "It's good."

"Coleslaw. I wonder if they had coleslaw three hundred years ago?" Gail asked.

"They most certainly did deary, otherwise we wouldn't be serving it here," a woman in colonial dress said.

"The Dutch brought cabbage seeds with them. Been here since they arrived. They called it koolsla," another woman smiled.

"Well I'll be. You learn something new every day," Denise said.

"Oh it goes back much farther than these here colonies. The ancient Romans prepared shredded cabbage dressed with vinegar, eggs and a variety of spices."

"Romans hey?" Layla grinned.

I wonder how those six couples are all doing? Denise said.

Really. Haven't heard from those two who stuck around in a while.

Yeah, well Aja is an air conditioned gypsy.

I bet Lucius is enjoying every minute of being with her, seeing the world.

Oh yes.

After eating, Denise suggested they make it over to the tomahawk tossing. She knew Layla was dying to try throwing a couple. "Knock yourself out darling," Denise smiled. "We'll be right over here watching you."

"I will." And I promise not to cheat.

Haa.

Layla walked over to the Native Americans where she was given a few pointers and safety tips about throwing a tomahawk.

"So, where are you going exactly?" Gail asked.

"California. Temecula to be exact. Layla's sister just had a baby and we thought we'd hit the road and pay them a visit."

"Sounds nice."

"How about you? Taking any summer classes?"

"Nope. I am going to spend the summer working part time and relaxing. Ooh, she's getting ready for her first toss."

The target was a thick section of a tree about 24 inches in diameter turned on its size.

"The wind up, and the pitch," Denise smiled.

Layla threw the tomahawk with seemingly perfect balance. It hit the target off center, blade embedded in the wood.

"Excellent. With a little practice you'd be deadly," one of the men said. "I am Tumseh."

"Why thank you Tumseh. Layla," she said, shaking his hand.

"Here, try mine."

"Okay."

"What did she have?" Gail asked.

"She had a girl. Haven't even seen a picture yet. Layla will take a bunch when we get out there."

The sound of a cannon being fired could be heard in the distance.

Layla got a feel for the tomahawk and let it fly. This time it landed dead center.

"You've done this before?" Tumseh asked.

"No, well never with a tomahawk. Me and my brothers used to toss their knives around growing up."

A woman wearing a fringed buckskin jumpsuit walked up to Layla. "It's always a pleasure to meet another woman warrior," she said.

"Why thank you. I'm Layla."

"Neah."

"Well thank you for the use of your tomahawk Tumseh. I'm going to get back to my friends."

"Hope to see you back here some day. Happens every year twice a year you know."

"I believe you will. Neah."

They hung out listening to more music, eating more food, and finally trying their hand at shooting a musket. Around three thirty Gail and Mike had to leave. Denise and Layla followed after watching the 18th Century Fashion Show.

"Feel like driving?" Denise asked.

"Sure."

Layla steered the Mustang back to Highway 3 and headed south. "I had fun today, how about you?"

"It was a good day. Lots of fun and the food was great."

"What time would you like to leave in the morning?"

"Whatever you think is best."

Cruising up and down the rolling hills of Highway 149, Denise heard a woman's voice singing in her head. She recognized the song by Bat for Lashes but it was not the artist's voice. You know my darling I can't stand to sleep alone, No sweetheart in the dark to call my own, You're my own, you're my own, I can sing, I can grow, But the darkness is a stranger in our lonely, lonely lonely lone.

"So, what do you think?" Layla asked.

Denise just stared out the passenger side window as the song in her head continued.

"Denise."

"I, I'm sorry, I was deep in thought."

"Deep in thought, or something else?"

"I'm not sure."

"I was wondering if you wanted to stop for some ice cream," Layla said, knowing that tone in Denise's voice all too well.

"I would love some ice cream."

The song continued in her head until they left Murphysboro and were headed for Carbondale.

Denise started singing the song as they did. "Lonely, lonely, lonely."

3

Stronger

She easily recognized that approaching sound, the sharp crack of hard heels landing on the tile floor out in the hallway, It was coming closer, coming towards her.

Rachel. Such a nice name. It does not suit her. She is not nice.

She was finally allowed to wear clothing that did not make her look like she was a hospital patient.

The cracking got louder.

I certainly hope she is a little more helpful today, Rachel thought.

Helpful. Yes. I must be helpful.

There was a knock at the door.

Who am I? I know what I am but who am I? She must tell me. The other way is too easy.

Before she could say anything Rachel entered the room. The three cameras that caught everything that went on in the room were undoubtedly rolling.

"Good morning," Rachel said.

"It is."

"You look good all dressed up. The color white suits you."

"Much better than a hospital gown and robe."

"I understand you have been eating well, and exercising, getting stronger. We have a lot planned for you today."

"Yes. Who am I?"

The question caught Rachel off guard. She knew it was coming eventually just not yet.

"That is a good question." She tried to buy some time.

"Yes. A good question."

Oh damn, what was that name we came up with. "Do you mind if I have a glass of water?"

"Of course. It is your water."

Rachel poured a glass and drank it slowly.

Mylaren. My name is Mylaren.

"Your name is Mylaren," Rachel said. "Now I have a question for you."

Mylaren looked at her and smiled. Where is the missing piece of this puzzle? Where is Zen?

"Have you been able to remember anything, anything at all about Zen?"

"No Rachel. I have not." Mylaren turned her gaze to the window. The tinted glass showed a light muted view of the desert.

"Have you been trying? It is important that we find Zen."

"Yes, I have been trying. Would you like more water?"

"No, thank you. Will you let myself or one of the others know when you remember?"

"Of course." Will she play nice? "Where am I?"

"In America," Rachel smiled.

"The American desert."

"Yes. Nice and cool in here though don't you think?"

"Yes."

Rachel stood up, excused herself and walked out of the room.

Mylaren stared out the window and began to sing softly. "Now there was a time when we used to say that behind every great man there had to be a great woman."

Man. Woman.

4

West

"We say, Sisters are doin' it for themselves," Denise sang, packing the cooler in the kitchen with water, juice and some snacks.

"Standin' on their own two feet and ringin' on their own bells," Layla sang along, returning from the black Mustang where she had just loaded up their luggage.

Together they continued, "We say, Sisters are doin' it for themselves."

"It's nice to be taking a bit of a vacation isn't it?" Denise smiled.

"Oh yeah. If you take out the traveling, and the visits from beyond," Layla laughed, "it is kinda like we are on vacation."

"Yeah. I know. But I am happy we are going to head west little lady."

"West. Sure to bring back some memories."

"They are good memories for me, well, most of them anyway."

"Yeah, they are."

Together they finished loading up the Mustang and doing a final check of the security system Aja insisted they have installed. The burgundy Mustang was parked off in the woods in stealth just in case prying eyes wandered on their property.

With the sun just beginning to light the sky in shades of blue, purple orange and yellow, they headed south on Highway 51 to hook up with the Interstate Highways that would take them west.

"You know what our first stop may have to be?"

"Starbucks?"

"Nope. But it is a short detour to a McDonalds's that will be open this early for some Mochas," Layla said.

"Make it so."

After loading up on multiple Café Mochas, they were finally on I-57 heading towards I-60 that would take them west. Denise wanted to take the entire trip on the ground, and she received no complaints from Layla who loved to drive, especially in stealth, weaving in and out of traffic at speeds of more than double the posted speed limits.

They made it to Tulsa Oklahoma before neither of them could 'hold it in' any longer, so they stopped at yet another McDonald's for a pit stop and lunch.

"You know, this stuff is a dependable feed when on the road isn't it?"

"Yeah," Layla said through a mouth full of Big Mac.

"I'm going to get a shake for the road. Would you like one?"

"No. It will make me feel stuffed and I don't like to drive when I'm feeling stuffed. Besides. We are going to be passing through a too long strip of Texas to suit me until we hit New Mexico. Nice to be alert in Texas."

Denise didn't say anything and walked over to get her milkshake. She could not help remembering all they had been through in Texas helping the members of the Tyrine find and return a crewmember to them. She always missed them when she thought about them and that crazy odyssey. I never did get to know Myla well enough to suit me before they left.

"Ready?" Layla asked when she returned to the table they'd just eaten at.

"Yes." Denise opened the straw, slid it through the top of the cap into her milkshake and they left to hit the road again.

Passing through Texas surprisingly put them both in a positive mood. Whenever they passed a truck Denise would sing, "I been from Tucson to Tucumcari."

"I bet you don't know any other lyrics to that song do you?"

"I been from Tucson to Tucumcari, I passed a truck along the way."

"Haaa. No, but it works for me."

"Need help driving?"

"That depends on where you want to spend the night."

"I can't help but really have Myla on my mind, intensely as a matter of fact. What say we push ourselves and spend the night in Gallup?" Denise said.

"Gallup? Sure. I was thinking more along the lines of having one of those fab pizzas in Albuquerque, but Gallup is fine."

"You know. We've made such good time, no matter how we play it on the ground we are not going to get in there until after dark, so let's stop in Albuquerque and eat and then I will take the wheel to Gallup."

"Can we stop at that shop we were at with Kinsa and Mari?"

"I'd like that very much."

"It's okay. I really miss them too."

Before long they were rolling into Albuquerque where they stopped at JCs New York Pizza Department and dined on a Little Italy pizza. When their dinner was finished, they walked back to the Indian Jewelry and Craft Store, just as they had before.

Inside they found a nice piece of pottery elegantly carved and colored in Earth hues.

"Oh my, look at this," Denise said, pointing to a figurine.

"A Kachina," the man in the store said.

"That is intense. Very nice," Layla said.

"Those are interesting medallions you are wearing. Matching medallions."

"Yes. They were hand crafted by some very dear friends," Denise smiled.

"Excellent craftsmanship. My compliments."

"Okay. We'll take that pottery and this Kachina," Denise said.

The man packaged the items carefully and included instructions for the care of a Kachina.

They walked back to the car, under the night sky.

"Set a course for Gallup," Denise said, sliding behind the wheel."

"Yes commander," Layla answered stiffly.

On a dark stretch of New Mexico highway, Denise started singing along quietly to the song that came on the radio. "Come on, come on, come on, come on now touch me babe, Can't you see that I am not afraid. What was that promise that you made? Why don't you tell me what she said? What was that promise that you made?"

Layla reached over and placed her hand on Denise's right thigh, her head still back, eyes closed.

In her mind Denise heard the same woman's voice quietly singing. Now, I'm gonna love you, Til the heavens stop the rain, I'm gonna love you, Til the stars fall from the sky, for you and I.

Who are you? Denise asked.

She received a soft reply. Not Who are you. The Soft Parade.

Denise just laughed quietly, the song still playing. Well, a sense of humor.

Yes, the voice replied, the lights of Gallup on the horizon.

5

Answer

Mylaren had just been returned to her room after being allowed to spend a portion of the day outside. It felt good for her to fill her lungs with unfiltered desert air. They had changed the clothes she would be allowed to wear. Although a completely white outfit of button down shirt, linen pants and deck sneakers seemed practical for a desert clime, she knew it was a uniform, much like one might get in a prison or mental hospital, that clearly separated one from the staff.

An assortment of eight members of her 'team', as Rachel put it, were assembled outside under a canopy to provide shade, along with Rachel and some cool beverages.

Mylaren stared intently at the water sliding down her glass with a smile on her face.

"Well, allow me to begin," Rachel said.

It broke Mylaren's concentration for a split second. Yes. By all means, begin.

"We thought it would be nice to spend part of the day, outside, since Mylaren has made such great progress, and because she believes she might have some important information for us," Rachel said.

Information. Yes.

"Is there something wrong with your drink Mylaren?" a woman asked.

She turned her gaze from the glass. Excuse me. "No, there is nothing wrong. It is very delicious."

All eyes were trained on her, analyzing, probing, and wondering.

"Well, that is good to hear," Rachel interrupted. "Before we go any further, the information?" She offered a painfully forced smile after speaking.

"Yes. It concerns Zen."

"Zen? Well that is good news. Proceed."

Now that she had them all gathered, feeling much stronger since the last time they had all been together when she regained consciousness, she probed their minds. What am I?

An experiment.

I would call you a hybrid.

An unfinished hybrid.

A prototype.

A weapon.

Ours.

No longer human.

"Yes Rachel, of course. I may have located the consciousness Zen that you seek."

Oh what the fuck, is she going to keep us in suspense all day? Rachel thought. "And where might that be?"

Why do you need Zen? Mylaren asked of them all.

She was greeted with a resounding simultaneous answer from them all that made her almost laugh as intense as it was. To finish you. Technology.

"Zen is a woman," she started. She had already found out from probing Rachel's mind for all the information she thought she had on Zen, and they were certain it was a female, or two females, or part of some organization, or even, perhaps, more beings from another world.

"Yes. That is what we suspected. Is that all?" Rachel asked.

She looked up at three buzzards flying high in the distance, circling a possible meal.

"Mylaren?"

The others whispered to each other as she watched the buzzards fly off heading west.

"Yes. Oh. I am sorry. They are such misunderstood birds."

They all looked up in the direction she had been looking but did not see anything.

"Yes, well, you were saying, about the Zen?"

"It is my belief that she is in Alaska."

"Alaska. That is a pretty big state. Do you know where in Alaska she might be?" It was clear Rachel was losing patience and was trying her hardest to control herself. Nice was simply not in her nature.

"Today she is in Nome with at least a dozen others."

"Nome. Well thank you very much. That narrows it down. Have you anything further to add?"

Oh yes, in time. "No. Apologies."

"Well that's okay," Rachel said. "If you will excuse me, I will get out of your way."

She walked back into the building.

Mylaren watched a black car speed away with Rachel in it minutes later, as the others continued probing her for information on her 'abilities'. She offered them nothing.

"Pizza. May I have a pizza?" she asked in the middle of their questions?

"Pizza?" a man asked. The question coming out of nowhere seemed to catch them all off guard.

"Why yes. I don't see why not. We'd need to add it to the menu, or order one in for you, but yes, you can have pizza."

"With sweet peppers only?"

"Yes. With sweet peppers only," the man laughed.

After they finished up, she was escorted back into the security of the building and her room. When dinner came it was a plate of meatloaf with gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Desert was a single scoop of vanilla ice cream, and to drink, a bottle of water and a small cup of apple juice.

Some time later, she found herself sitting at the window with all the lights off in her room, gazing up at the sky full of stars. Will you ever return?

She softly sang along to the song she heard in her head. "Come on, come on, come on, come on now touch me babe, Can't you see that I am not afraid. What was that promise that you made? Why don't you tell me what she said? What was that promise that you made?" Now, I'm gonna love you, Til the heavens stop the rain, I'm gonna love you, Til the stars fall from the sky, for you and I.

Who are you?

Not Who are you. The Soft Parade.

6

Remember

"You're being more than nostalgic," Layla said over the breakfast their waitress had laid out for them. "Lay it on me."

"Voices. Singing," Denise said, tapping her head.

"And?"

"Oh nothing. It's just that now, this voice REALLY reminds me of Myla."

"Really? Think they're back?"

"No. It's something else. It may have something to do with them, I don't know."

"How long have you been hiding this from me?" Layla gave her a stern look.

"Since 149 on the way back from the Rendezvous. Bat for Lashes. Her voice, singing in my head."

"Myla's voice?"

"Or someone with a voice like hers, of course at first, it didn't sound like her as much as it does now."

Layla took a final drink of her first cup of coffee. "Great coffee don't you think?"

"Yes. Love restaurant coffee. Let's get a large one to go."

"So, do you want to go past any places we have already, ahem, been to?"

"No. Let's get out of town as soon as we finish. I tell you what I would like to do though."

"And what might that be?"

"I'd like to do a bit of sightseeing along the way. I mean, we're going to be passing by some fabulous stuff we could stop and see. Native American ancient dwellings. The Grand Canyon, I mean the Grand Canyon."

"Sounds fabulous. You pick out where to go and I will get us there."

"You are so understanding."

"Is there anything else we need before we venture out into the desert?" Layla asked.

"Maybe more water. You can never have enough water in the desert."

Layla stood up when she finished eating and stretched. "How far is the first stop?"

"Far enough to use the bathroom here before finding some water and hitting the road. Around 200 miles."

Denise handed their waitress enough cash so that her tip was more than twice as much as the meal cost.

"There's that Wal-Mart on the way we can stop at."

"Yeah. Lead the way."

Layla parked in the lot and grabbed a cart on the way in.

"Really think we're going to need that?" Denise asked.

"Yeah."

They grabbed two cases of bottled water. Walking past the women's clothes Denise stopped. "What size would you say Myla was?"

Layla stopped the cart. "Size?"

"Yeah. I can't say exactly why, but I think we are going to need these." She tossed three tops and slacks in the cart.

"Are you telling me everything?"

"Yes. At least I think I am. Come on."

When they passed the shoes she tossed in a pair of sneakers, clogs and sandals.

Layla just shook her head and laughed. "I know you'd never be caught dead wearing those."

"Hey. If we won't need them, we can give them to someone who is homeless."

Layla grabbed a few boxes of Cracker Jack on the way to the checkout.

"Ooh I love Cracker Jack."

"Me too. Good muncho food."

Denise paid the tab and they walked out to the car and loaded it up.

When they were both inside the car Layla asked her for the name of the place they were heading to.

"Wuptaki. Fabulous pueblo ruins. Do you want to set the coordinates or shall I?

"You can do it, after you open one of those Cracker Jack's for me," Layla grinned.

"Ooh I can't wait to see your prize."

She pulled out of the parking lot and headed back towards the Interstate shaking her head. "Neither can I."

7

Adios

In her darkened room, Mylaren got up from her chair by the window, walked over to her bed and sat down. She gently moved her right hand over her left arm and stopped. There you are.

She then stood up and walked to the bathroom, removing the plastic fork she had kept from her dinner tray from behind her waistband. I know you are watching me. She then sat down on the toilet to empty her bladder. When finished, back at the sink, You can only see my reflection in the mirror from this angle; she turned the water on and, tested it, appearing to be waiting for it to warm up to the prying eye of the camera. She then forced the tip of the fork through the surface of her skin, removing it along with a tiny device that had been placed there to track her every movement and location. "Ah, that is a good temperature," she said, smiling at her reflection in the mirror. She cleaned the wound and turned the water off, before reaching for a towel to dry herself off. Return the towel to dry. Nothing out of the ordinary. In the instant she turned the light off, she grabbed the smaller towel and slid it up under her shirt.

"How is everything?" one of the guards asked the other, out at their station.

"Quiet. She just went to the bathroom and cleaned up. Probably getting ready for bed."

"Good. This can get boring as hell can't it?"

"Sure can."

"How about playing some cards when she turns in?"

"Okay."

They watched Mylaren slide into bed, cover herself with the white sheet, and turn out the night light.

"Whatcha want to play?" the guard asked.

"Poker, what else."

They moved their chairs to the end of the unit that housed a small bank of six video screens, all but one trained on Mylaren's room. From there, they did not have a direct view of those screens.

Mylaren tied the towel around her still bleeding wound under the cover of the sheets.

Three aces. She heard.

Damn. Three nines.

She then quickly slid out of bed and walked to the window, placed her hand on it, and a moment later, stepped right through it.

The card game continued.

Mylaren ran in the direction the buzzards had flown earlier in the day. Within the hour, the lights of the facility could no longer be seen.

She walked as fast as she could, all night. The sky behind her was starting to show a hint of pale blue announcing the rapid approach of daybreak.

I am going to need different clothes.

8

Ruins

"That's an ancient volcano out there you know?" Denise said, pointing off to the right as the Mustang headed north on Highway 89, now in Arizona.

"Interesting."

"Not much further and we will be turning right."

"Looks like it's never been easy to live around here," Layla said.

"Yes, and yet they were able to thrive. Okay, slow down, yeah; this is it, Loop Road. Make a right here and follow the signs."

"I gotta pee," Layla said.

"Well darlin' I don't see anyone around. Pull over and we'll go behind one of those big bushes."

Layla stopped and pulled slightly off the road. Together they stepped out of the car and emptied their bladders behind some Antelope Brush.

"Looks like rain over yonder," Denise said, pointing towards the northwest as they walked back to the car.

They continued to head down County Road 395.

"Ooh, there is one up on the right and yes, no cars parked there yet. I was hoping to beat any crowds of tourists out here," Denise said.

Layla pulled on to the large paved shoulder for parking. Beyond that loomed the Citadel Pueblo. "Let's stretch. Want to grab a few waters?"

"Got em."

Layla slung her camera bag around her shoulder and together they walked towards the ruins.

"You know what?" Denise said.

"What?" Layla smiled, taking one of her cameras out of the bag.

"Some of the opening scenes from Easy Rider were filmed on the very road we just drove down."

"Ah. Nice bikers," Layla laughed.

"Haa."

"Hang on. Let me get a pic of you with that in the background."

Denise posed for a few pictures with the tallest structure behind her.

"Who do you think built these?" Layla asked.

"The Anasazi, and another tribe, the Sina something, Sinagua I think."

Layla continued to snap images in the morning light as they walked around the ruins. "Amazing that they don't seem to care about souvenir hunters taking parts of all this."

"Yeah. Can't help but imagine what it must have been like to live here back then, I mean these are the people who, if you ask me, had a direct connection with other worldly visitors."

As they rounded a wall, a rabbit scurried past them and stopped. It looked at them, looked off to it's right, and then took off in the opposite direction.

"Hey neighbor," Denise shouted towards the rabbit.

Do not be afraid, each of them heard in their heads.

"Afraid? Of What?" Layla asked.

"Don't ask me, I thought it was you."

"It was I," Mylaren said, walking out from behind part of a wall.

Layla instinctively raised a force field around Denise and herself.

"Impressive, but you will not need that against me."

"Don't worry, you've no reason to fear us either. Who are you?"

"Not Who Are You, The Soft Parade," Mylaren smiled.

"Darling, it appears she is the voice that has been in my head," Denise said. "You're injured."

"I am Mylaren, and you must get us all far away from here as soon as possible. They know I am gone and will track me to this spot shortly.

"They?" Layla asked.

"Yes, those that created me. Those that search for the Zen."

Hearing that name, they swiftly made it back to the car and prepared to leave the site, Mylaren in the back seat. Layla changed the appearance of the vehicle to that of a black Ford Taurus and set it to stealth. Denise got in after going to the trunk to grab the bag of clothes from Wal-Mart.

"Here." Pick out an outfit and remove everything they gave you to wear," Denise said.

"Someone's coming," Layla said. It was a White pickup truck with a couple in it that pulled up and parked. "Shall we assume they are tourists?"

"They are tourists. Recently wed," Mylaren said as she finished changing. "What shall I do with these?"

Denise took the clothes and shoes from her, folded everything up in the shirt and tied it closed. Back up Supergirl. Let's have them chasing a moving target if these clothes are dirty.

Layla backed the car up until she was next to the pickup truck. Denise tossed the bundle of clothes in the back of the truck as the happy couple made their way, hand in hand, towards the ruins.

"Now we can get out of here," Denise giggled.

"Mylaren, do you know what direction they will come from looking for you?" Layla asked.

"Every direction."

9

Discovery

Everything on the breakfast tray that had been brought to Mylaren was strewn about her room, put there in a rage by Rachel when she found that what she had been informed of was true. Mylaren was gone.

She sat on her bed looking at the tracking device Mylaren had left on top of her pillow before she reached over to pick it up. "There is still her clothes," she said.

"We have acquired a signal and are en route," one of women on the staff said.

"Good. She couldn't have gotten far. Send those two guards to the conference room. Tell them to bring the security tapes from last night. Quickly now."

Rachel stood up, the small device still in her hand, and walked out of the room.

"Where is that? The Pueblo ruins? Maybe she just wanted to do a little sightseeing," the man said who was sitting shotgun in the black SUV.

"It's moving, can't you see that?" the driver said.

"So it is. Better step on it then."

The guards entered the conference room. "Do you want to see these now?" one asked.

"Yes. Start it and have a seat," Rachel said. "You. Fast forward it to after her evening meal."

"Yes ma'am."

"How is it that neither of you saw a thing, that her disappearance was not discovered until breakfast was brought to her?"

"That's my fault. I was playing Solitaire and kept him occupied with my chatter."

She inhaled a deep breath and turned her attention to the video screen.

"Let her know we've spotted what we are convinced is the vehicle she is in."

"I will let her know. Make sure no harm comes to her."

"Ten four."

A voice came over the intercom. "Rachel, dial 14 please."

Still watching the video screen, she dialed the extension from the phone on the table. "Rachel."

"They have the vehicle in which she is traveling in sight."

"Let me know when they have her."

She watched as the image of Mylaren walked to the bathroom, appeared to use the toilet, clean up after, and walk back to her bed where she got in and pulled the sheet over herself.

"It was right about now, since things looked and seemed to have settled in for the night, that I took out my deck of cards," the guard said.

Rachel's gaze did not move from the screen. Less than ten minutes into appearing that she went to sleep, she watched as Mylaren got out of bed, walked over to the window, touched it, and moments later walked right through it.

The guards could not believe their eyes.

"Secure all copies of these tapes. I want them all in my hands before I leave. MOVE."

The guards did as she asked as she used the remote to replay the scene of Mylaren leaving. "What have we created?" she said to herself quietly.

The SUV turned on it's flashing lights to pull the pickup truck over. The couple parked on the shoulder right away. Another car with flashing lights approached from the direction they had been traveling.

"What seems to be the problem?" the man driving asked.

"Eddie. Don't bother," one of the men from the SUV said. He reached into the back of the truck and held up the ball of clothes Mylaren had been wearing.

"Do you have any idea where this came from?" he asked.

"No. I'm sure it wasn't there when we started our day. I always check the bed before I start driving. Just a force of habit."

"Maybe someone threw it in there when we were at the ruins?"

"Ruins?"

"The Citadel Pueblo. Do you know it?"

"Yeah. You saw no one?"

"No. We were there alone the entire time. No one showed up until we were getting ready to leave."

"And what were they driving?"

"A red Chevy pickup."

The SUV and the other car sped back to the Citadel Pueblo and called in to give them the bad news.

"Yes Rachel. They found the clothes, but she wasn't in them."

She stood up and stormed out of the conference room. "Bring all of that with you and follow me."

The door to Mylaren's room slammed open and she walked straight up to the window. A host of assistants and the guards followed behind. "I want this window removed for analysis. Have it replaced. Go. Do so immediately."

"Rachel. They report there is no trace of her at the ruins."

"Bring those tapes and follow me out to my car. When you have that window ready for transport let me know."

The guards loaded the tapes in the trunk of her car and she peeled away, speeding south. She took out her Blackberry and dialed a number.

"Green, it's Rachel."

"Good morning. What can I do for you?"

"She's gone Green. I want you to mobilize everyone, and that includes everyone they know or use, and I would like that done by, oh, say dinner time?"

"She's gone? No leads?"

"Only one. I will fill you in when we meet."

10

Pizza

"You must be hungry," Denise said. She knew that Mylaren had to have missed a morning meal.

"There are a few snacks in the cooler that can help tide you over for the moment, so please, help yourself," Layla said. I'm not going any further with her until I get some answers.

You must have read my mind, Denise said.

"Thank you," Mylaren. She opened the cooler to find Granola Bars, water and juice.

Layla did not stop until she was out of Arizona. She took a detour off the Interstate on to the National Trails Highway, which was Route 66, and pulled up alongside the only thing taller than them, a rock formation in the middle of Mojave Desert in every direction.

"No need to do this inside," Layla said, stepping out of the car.

Mylaren did not appear to be the least bit nervous or phased by their detour and stop.

Denise opened her car door and stepped out. "Mylaren don't be," she started before being interrupted.

"I am not afraid." She stepped out of the car. "May I bring my water?"

"Of course."

"It is no coincidence that you were waiting for us at the ruins," Layla started.

"No. We have not formally been introduced."

"Yes. I am Nina," Layla said.

Mylaren let out a laugh. "Okay Layla, if that is what you want to be called."

Denise looked at Layla and laughed herself. "Mylaren. That is an interesting name. Have you any idea what it means?"

"I'd imagine there could be a meaning. It is however the names of two of the beings used to create me."

"Captive intellect who is a mountain of strength," Layla said.

"An amazing combination indeed. Tell me Mylaren, you said two of the beings used to create you. Were there more?"

"Yes. One more."

"And not the same species as the other two, yes?" Layla asked.

"No. Quite different."

"Mylaren, Ilga ventu remil." Denise said.

"Live long and love. Thank you Denise."

"Have you any idea who or what is the Zen?" Layla said.

"You are the Zen," she said, holding her arms out to both of them.

"And they want us, to finish you?" Denise squinted in the hot sun.

"So they think."

Layla stared out into at the horizon where there was the hint of a mountain range. "How did you escape?"

"Through the window. It was night. I just walked away."

"Through the window?"

"Windows that a captive can open?"

"No. Here, let me show you. Stay here."

Mylaren walked to the other side of the standing rocks. She placed her hand on the largest rock and walked through it, reappearing in front of Denise and Layla.

"Definitely not from the two beings you were named after," Denise said.

"Impressive."

"Can you read our minds as well?" Denise asked.

"Yes and no. Yes if you are relaxed, no if your guard is up, but that's just you two."

"They want US to complete you? I cannot imagine to what end that would be," Layla cringed.

"Well, we've got to figure out what to do with you my dear," Denise sighed. "We know what you are, we know what you are called, but I think perhaps it is important that we find out WHO you are."

"Well I ain't doing it out here in this heat," Layla said, walking back towards the car.

Denise and Mylaren followed her back to the car. Layla got them back to the interstate, headed west and did not stop until they got to Los Angeles.

"Might I suggest Rocket Pizza? It gets good reviews and there is street parking," Denise said.

"Where to?"

"West 4th Street."

Layla parked down the street and they made their way into the restaurant. Denise chose a corner booth by the small front window. The atmosphere inside was dark and basic, which kind of fit her mood. She was happy there were only a few other customers in the place, and they were sitting on the other side of the room.

"So, do you have a preference for toppings?" Denise asked.

"Just sweet peppers would be fine."

"You've got good taste," Layla giggled.

"In one of your relaxed moods a few days ago I believe you ordered one of these, so if you would rather get something else that is okay."

"No, sweet peppers will be fine. Besides, every place has their own taste in a pizza anyway," Denise smiled.

The waitress came over with menus and water.

"An extra large thin crust with sweet peppers only," Denise told her.

"Okay. Anything to drink?"

"Three cokes will do."

After the waitress delivered the cokes, they had some time to chat in private until the pizza was finished.

"Do you have any clue WHO you are, even a tiny hint?" Denise asked.

"No. I think they really did a number on me."

"Not surprising," Layla said. "How did you know you could pass through things?"

"I just knew instinctively somehow."

"Have you any idea what else you can do?"

Denise seemed entertained by Layla's soft interrogation, wearing a smile throughout.

"I can, move things mentally." She turned to make certain no one was looking directly at them and sent her fork and knife around the table, like a toy train, moving around objects already on the table, until they came to rest where they started.

"Sweet." Layla smiled. Denise was still giggling.

They both sat there watching her waiting for the next surprise.

"I think that's it."

"Can you 'make' people do things with your mind?"

"No. At least I don't think so, but I am certain that is something Rachel was certainly hoping for."

"Rachel?" Denise and Layla asked as the same time.

"Yes. She is the woman in charge. Cold. Calculated. Sinister. She will stop at nothing to get me back, and find you."

"And if that became an impossibility for them, in your opinion, could they create more of you?"

"Oh yes."

The waitress arrived with the pizza. "Would you like me to dish it out for you?" she asked.

"No, we have a lot of experience with pizza," Denise laughed.

"Smells delish. Enjoy."

"See any slice that is calling to you?" Layla asked.

"Calling?"

"Yeah, there is always a slice of the pie that you just want to dive into."

"Haa. Interesting. Okay. How about this one?"

Layla put it on a plate and handed it to her. She and Denise watched with delight, at the look on her face when she took her first bite.

"Mmm. We will add it to our menu," Mylaren said.

Oh could I use Nola and company right about now. Layla said.

After their meal was finished, and they paid the bill and left a nice tip, they walked back to the car.

Denise was already on her phone looking for a hotel. "Let's just stay at the Marriott. Large. Private."

"Okay, just let me know where it is."

"But first. Mylaren, would you object to a new hairdo?"

"No."

"Good. First a new do, and then, we simply have to get you out of those Wal-Mart clothes."

Layla could not help but laugh. "I don't think we'll have a hard time finding someone homeless to give them to."

Mylaren could not explain exactly why, but it felt good to be in their company.

Denise and Layla however, well their wheels were turning, expecting anything and everything to start coming their way, and none of it was good.

11

Green

No one knew his first name, or if it was his real name. Perhaps Rachel knew with all of her information finding connections, but if she did she simply left it at Green.

Green was average height, and looked like he might have been quite fit at some time in the past. But years behind a computer were changing that. His hair, Rachel thought, not only was dyed blonde but also 'looked' it. She felt a certain pity for men and the pains they go through over their hair. She wasn't visiting him for his looks however. No. Green was a very capable operative she and many others had used before. He had a network of people who would offer him information and more for a price, from business executives to hookers on the street, and from ex-government operatives to the ever-growing list of bikers and their gangs.

Rachel turned off Superstition Highway just south of Goldfield Ghost Town, onto the dirt road that led to Green's compound.

Inside, Green watched as she approached. He didn't like Rachel, not in the least, but he respected her and enjoyed the fact that she never quibbled about price when she needed his services.

She got out of the black Chevy Impala, grabbed a box out of the trunk, and headed towards the house. Green greeted her at the door.

"Rachel. You're looking well, all things considered."

I wish I could say the same of you. "You seem to be doing pretty good," she said.

"Have you eaten?"

"Yes. I could use a drink though," Rachel said, walking through the door he held open into the house.

"What's your pleasure?"

"Bourbon, and ice."

Rachel was not there to socialize. After he handed her the glass, she asked him to put the tape of Mylaren in his deck and push play.

Where are you, you little bitch?" she thought, as she watched the image of Mylaren leaving through the window again.

"Whoa. I have got to see that again," Green said.

"Be my guest." Rachel took a sip of her drink. "Good bourbon."

"Yes, it is."

"Well?"

"Well indeed. Quite the unexpected wrench in the works I must admit. What do you think happened?"

"I am unsure. She played me though, played all of us."

"She might still be evolving."

"Yes, I have thought about that, but into what?"

"Have you thought about all she is capable of now?"

"Oh yeah," Rachel grunted. "May I get a refill?"

Green thought she seemed unaffected by the glass of bourbon she had practically chugged.

"Rachel. Are you planning for the possibility of her not being found, or if found, being damaged beyond use?"

"Damaged?"

"Shit happens."

"You might want to tell whomever you have involved in this, that if she is damaged in any way, those who did the damage will be hard pressed to see the light of another day."

"Understood. However, what if?"

"What if? Finding a suitable candidate is not easy, but the search is on."

"Can I help in any way with that?" Green asked.

"Not at the moment. Stay focused on finding her."

Green stood up and stretched. "I'm going to have a sandwich, are you sure you're not hungry?"

"No need to twist my arm. Sure, I'll have one."

While he made the sandwiches she watched the tape again.

"Here you are, turkey breast on a Kaiser roll."

"That's safe."

"And here's a coke."

"That is a good call."

"So, who do you think is helping her?" Green asked before taking another bite of his sandwich."

"Who indeed. I suppose it could be most anybody, maybe no one. She could have been hiding behind a rock until it was safe."

"Ha. You don't really believe that do you?"

"I believe everything and I believe nothing Green."

"Well, if you ask me, she had help."

Help. But how?

"Did you have her doing anything special when she was still there?" Green asked.

"She's an unfinished project. I am convinced that in addition to what you saw on the tape, she is telepathic. Just a guess actually but I think she might be. And, if that is true, HOW much so? Can she read a mind? Can she plant suggestions to change a mind or make someone do something they would not? I just cannot say at this point in time."

"Well, she seems very cool and calculated in this tape. You said she is unfinished?

Unfinished. Find the Zen.

"Yes. She was asked to find someone, or a few someone's, who may or may not be human, that were needed to finish her."

Green looked at her with a sinister grin. "Go on."

"The Zen. I cannot say how, but the Zen may have been responsible for us losing our previous two prizes. It is our belief that she or they too are female and have abilities we would very much like to have, to explore the possibilities."

"The Zen. Well, that's a start."

"Yeah?"

"Oh sure. Maybe she found them for you already. I know, I know, she could have hid behind a rock, but let's assume she knew exactly what she was doing, and who she was going to meet and when."

"Yeah?" Rachel asked. The bourbon was obviously having an effect on her.

"Yeah. There is also the possibility that she contrived it all."

"I thought about that too."

"Can I get a copy of this tape?"

"No. I do however have some wonderful photos of her you can use."

"Well, I need to start making some calls. Need anything?"

"A dip in that pool would be nice, followed by another drink."

"Me casa Su casa. Need a suit?"

"Nope."

12

New

Layla twisted and turned the Mustang along streets leading from the highway to her sister's house in Temecula. It was nearly one in the afternoon. The harsh mid day sun glared off the hood of the car.

"Take a left at the next one," Denise squinted.

Layla looked at her face and laughed. When she squinted it always made her laugh.

"Here?"

"Yes. Avendida Del Sol. This is it."

In the back seat, the new Mylaren sat, taking it all in. They had to bring her along, unwilling to risk letting her out of their site, for now. There was simply too much at stake.

You know what being back here reminds me of? Denise asked.

Brownsville?

Yes.

Layla looked in the rear view mirror at Mylaren. She could not tell if she was 'listening in' on their silent conversations.

"Slow down, this is it I think."

"She did say there was a palm tree out front," Layla said.

She pulled on to the driveway and turned the car off. Layla had given her sister Joyce the money to purchase the property. It was a short commute to her husband Greg's job, and it seemed to her a decent place to raise a child.

"Let me get a good look at you, now that I'm more awake," Denise said when Mylaren exited the car. Her previously longer hair was now shoulder length and a rich cocoa brown. She wore a red tank top, brown Capri pants and red sandals. "You look fabulous."

"Thank you Denise. Your kindness is addictive," she smiled.

Layla heard the seal on the front door open as she walked towards the house. Joyce appeared behind the screen door wearing a huge smile. "Hey sis," she said.

"Layla. It is so good to see you," Joyce smiled.

"You know Denise."

"Hello sweetheart," Joyce said, moving from Layla to her for a hug.

"This is a college buddy of ours, Mylaren. Mylaren, my sister Joyce."

"It is a pleasure to meet you Joyce."

"Likewise. If Layla calls you friend you are welcome."

"You fixed the place up nicely," Layla said.

"Thank you."

After a brief tour of the house, and a brief visit to see her sleeping daughter, they settled into some cool refreshments and a late lunch of homemade tostadas. Layla absolutely loved the Mexican meals she prepared.

Midway through their meal and a lot of catching up, the cry of Calista was heard. "Yay. Someone else is hungry it seems. I'll be right back."

Joyce returned carrying her beautiful new baby girl.

"Need help with anything?" Layla asked.

"No, I am quite getting the hang of it all," Joyce laughed. She sat back down to her unfinished lunch and directed Calista to her waiting breast.

Kids are so lucky, Denise said.

Behave, Layla said.

Mylaren giggled mentally.

After eating, Joyce handed Calista off to Denise who went to the living room with Mylaren, Layla staying behind to help her clean up.

"New babies have always fascinated me," Denise said, gazing into the staring eyes of Calista lying on her thighs.

"She likes you. She likes your voice," Mylaren said. When she spoke Calista turned her head to see where the voice was coming from.

"Yeah. I have such a fab voice," Denise laughed.

"She certainly thinks so."

"You're not just guessing are you?"

"No. She thinks her aunt is very beautiful, and hopes she visits often."

Funny. I get nothing from her, at least not yet, Denise said.

Layla heard her as well and walked quietly to the doorway leading to the living room to look in.

I believe you will.

"Come sit over here next to me on the couch and get a better look."

Mylaren did as she asked. "Hello beautiful," she said.

Calista turned her gaze from Denise, looked at Mylaren and laughed. Hearing her laugh Joyce joined Layla at the doorway. "You two are good with kids," she laughed.

"Yeah. She just loves us," Denise said.

Layla snapped an abundance of photos of Joyce, Calista and the house. They enjoyed each other's company into the evening hours and got to meet briefly with Greg. Mylaren said he was a loving husband and would be a loving father.

"You two have a good life here," Layla smiled as they prepared to leave.

"You drove all the way out here and now you're off to see the beauty of this state. Will I see you before you head back?"

"Not sure sis. We're playing it by ear, nothing actually planned at the moment."

After finishing their goodbyes they got into the Mustang and prepared to leave. Greg appeared on the front porch, waving with Calista's arm who he held wearing a smile.

Layla waved back from the passenger seat.

Goodbye aunties, they all clearly heard.

Goodbye Calista.

Nepam kad peritum.

"Well I'll be," Denise laughed.

"What did she say?" Layla asked as Denise backed the car out of the driveway.

"Don't forget to jump," Mylaren said.

As Denise piloted the Mustang back to Los Angeles, Mylaren explained to them how all that had happened throughout the day with Calista was possible. Layla watched in the side mirror, as at least a dozen bikers loudly and slowly weaved through the traffic on the highway coming up behind them. They seemed to be looking in on each vehicle as they passed them. Before they were next to them on both sides, looking in the rearview mirror, Denise watched as Mylaren vanished from view.

Mylaren?

I am here Denise.

Layla turned her head towards Denise, and saw an empty back seat out of the corner of her eye.

Best to not be seen with them nearby.

The cycles continued past with a rumble.

"Them?" Layla asked.

Mylaren reappeared in the back seat. "They work for those, who work for he who works for her. There are many more."

"Fucking bikers again?" Layla said.

"Fucking bikers again," Denise sighed, to the sound of Brown Sugar starting up on the radio.

13

Nothing yet

Rachel was in Houston to speak to a few of her very important higher ups. They never communicated any way other than in person, setting it all up using intermediaries.

"For lack of a better way of putting it, I have nothing yet to report, positive or negative," she said. "I can assure you that a massive search is underway and I am confident that in time, our project will be found."

"Have you started your other search?" Terrence asked.

"We have, but the toughest part is finding a suitable host," Rachel said, gazing past him through the window that showed a view of part of the Houston skyline.

"Care to explain why, since a few of our people don't see it that way?" George asked.

"Well my people, who by the way have proven that what we are doing not only works, but works very well, adamantly disagree with your, professionals," she said in a mocking tone.

"Check the news Rachel. These types of freaks are in it every day. How hard can it be to find one of them?" Samuel said.

She looked each of them in the eye. The Big Three, ASSHOLES that is. "You are businessmen. How much do you really understand about this process? How much can you understand when we have found what we never imagined to be possible?"

"People get impatient. Why do you want to visit it again, in person?" Terrence said.

"It's necessary for myself and a few of my 'real professionals' to conduct an interview if you will."

"It will not be moved, ever, if we can help it, so you are all just going to have to travel to it," Terrence said. He took another puff off his cigar.

"And where might it be?"

"Nowhere near you. I will have a guide take you there, but prepare for an overnight stay my dear because it is not easy to get to."

"Okay. Will I need winter clothing?" she asked.

"That won't be necessary this time of year," George said.

"I'm staying at the Double Tree downtown. Have them contact me on the secure line if they need to reach me."

"It will not happen today, maybe the next, but we will be in touch. Get your people ready to move at a moments notice, by air."

"What's easier, from here or Sedona?"

"Here would be easier," Terrence said.

"Okay. I'll get them here within the next 48 hours?"

"That should work. If there is a change I will let you know," Sam said.

"Well, until then."

Rachel got up and George walked her out to the elevators. "Enjoy your stay in Houston."

"Thanks," she said, before disappearing behind the elevator doors.

"Sam, can you handle this for her?"

"Sure Terrence."

"And Sam. Put me in touch with this Green."

"When?"

"Before we leave here today."

14

Ocean

"Well we couldn't come all the way here without taking a dip in the ocean," Denise said.

Layla could tell she was squinting behind those large sunglasses and laughed.

"Yeah."

"Does any of this seem familiar to you at all Mylaren?" Denise asked.

"No. I believe they may have completely removed the me that was once there."

"Hey, if you like Earth music and can sing along, they did not succeed," Layla smiled.

The early morning surf rolled in gently, washing over Denise's feet and the beach they stood on at the waters edge.

"I'm not sure why, but I do not fear the water," Mylaren said.

"Well that's good," Layla said.

"As a matter of fact, I believe I can swim for some reason."

"Come on, let's see if you can," Denise said. She walked further out into the water. Layla and Mylaren followed.

"I larnt howta swim in uh watterrin' hole," Layla giggled.

"I did too and it was a biggin."

"Yeah, Lake Michigan is a pretty big watering hole," Layla laughed.

"Shore is."

Mylaren knew of the places they spoke of strangely. When she was out far enough that the waves were as high as her breasts, she took a deep breath and dove into the water.

"What if she's from out there?" Denise asked, the waves making it hard to stand still.

"She's been down there a long time. When should we worry?"

"You want to take a look? I've never liked opening my eyes underwater for some reason."

"Okay. Hey, I wonder?" Layla grinned. She erected a force field around her and Denise before she put her arms around her and fell backwards, pulling them both under the surface.

It is okay Denise. You can open your eyes. It was the voice of Mylaren in their heads. Denise did as she asked to find Layla looking at her with a big smile on her face.

"My face is still dry," Denise said.

"Apparently my force field keeps the water out."

Correct Layla, and it keeps the oxygen you captured in, but only until you use it up before you must surface. Suddenly the face of Mylaren was just outside Layla's force field bubble.

"How is it you can stay down so long?" Denise asked.

I am uncertain, but I do know the time for me to resurface is rapidly approaching.

She headed up to the surface, as did Layla with Denise.

"I wonder how deep you could go with that unique feature?"

"Deeper than any human has ever traveled outside a vehicle specifically designed to move about in the ocean depths," Mylaren smiled.

"I want to soak up some vitamin D, so if you two want to stay out here, be my guest," Denise said.

They both joined her on the towels they had laid out.

"Well Mylaren, you learned how to swim somewhere?" Layla said.

"Or one of the others did."

"Are you still tapped into this Rachel character?"

Denise stretched out on the blanket and listened.

"Yes. She is in Houston waiting for others."

"Houston. Texas. Ugh," Denise grunted.

"Waiting for others?"

"Yes Layla, from the facility. She's taking a trip with them."

"Really? Mylaren. Have you any idea where they keep the samples, DNA and all the rest they used to create you?"

"For two of the three, at the facility I walked away from. The other is unknown."

"If you ask me, it sounds like she is down there to get more of that third part, which really has nothing to do with Denise and I," Layla said.

"Yes, but finding a suitable host is the toughest part according to Rachel."

"What are you thinking?" Denise said before sitting up.

"Mylaren. How hard would it be to get into that facility with the evil one away?"

"There is no problem getting in to the facility. The problem is that they would see the two of you. They would have tapes of your presence and it would simply be a matter of time before they connect you with being or knowing The Zen."

"If we don't do something, we will be hunted the rest of our lives," Denise said.

"And if we had a way to get around that, to not be seen," Layla asked.

"Or better yet, to be seen as someone else entirely, let them get a visual record of that?" Denise grinned.

"Then we could be in and out in minutes. It is a long walk from the nearest road not used to take you right to the front door," Mylaren smiled.

"Oh I would not worry about that," Layla smiled. "Where we go, we do not always need roads."

15

Night Life

"We've been on our way there for the past hour Rachel. We should arrive some time tomorrow morning," Thomas said.

"Good. No communications with or from the facility unless you are with me."

"Understood. See you in the morning."

Rachel hung up her phone and noticed the battery was almost dead. "Shit." She hooked it up to the charger and slid the phone under the bed. "Oh well, I've got my other one if I need a phone." She then grabbled her handbag and walked out the door, checking as she always did to make sure the door was locked.

It was a clear night, warm and breezy. She walked through the streets in the general direction of a host of restaurants she found online. It is good for me to get away from all this shit, even if it's only for a few hours, she thought. And that fucking phone. No further problems until the morning.

"Ah, the Ragin Cajun," she said, seeing the restaurant when she got to the corner.

She headed inside and was seated at a table with the menu. "I'll be right back, unless you know what you want to drink?" the waitress said.

"While I decide what to eat, why don't you bring me a Ragin Rita."

"Good choice. Delish."

When the waitress returned she ordered a Cajun Rib Eye medium rare and another Margarita.

She could not help but notice the guy sitting across the aisle from her laugh when she ordered.

"Do I amuse you?" she asked.

The man sat in front of a plate of crawfish. He took a sip of his beer. "I don't believe I've ever seen someone order a steak in a place like this with so much delicious seafood. I meant no harm."

"Yeah, well it's just that I don't think I am ready to eat anything caught in the Gulf of Mexico for a long time," she smiled. The waitress returned with her second margarita.

"I'm Jeremy. Would you mind some company for dinner?"

She took a sip of her drink and looked him over. He did not look in the least bit threatening. Oh well, you are easy on the eyes. "Rachel. Come on over."

"Here on business?" he asked.

She could not take her eye off his meal. "Uh, yeah. Business."

"Me too. Just love living out of hotels and eating out every night."

"I'll bet you do," Rachel grinned. "I promised myself I would not think or talk about work until the morning."

"Now that sounds like a plan. You don't sound like you're from around here."

"I'm not."

"I'm from Tennessee originally. Worked out in the Gulf for a while. Now, you wouldn't catch me anywhere near it."

"Ah, but you're enjoying a meal from it."

"Close. Crawfish are fresh water crustaceans."

"Oh, poor, pitiful me," Rachel laughed.

"We all learn something every day." He liked the sound of her laugh.

They got to know each other enough during dinner that it led to their taking a stroll together after. From there it led to a Pub for more drinks.

Knowing good and well what the next few days would bring, feeling tipsy and carefree, at least for a few hours, they wound up together at Jeremy's hotel shortly after closing time at the bar.

Back at her hotel room, the Blackberry she left charging under the bed buzzed with new messages.

16

Wee Hours

The Mustang headed east in stealth mode and traveling above ground.

Mylaren filled them in about the facility enroute. "From the air, it appears to simply be a natural part of the changing rugged terrain. From the ground, vehicle motion sensors are in place to alert security to all vehicles on the single road that runs to and past the facility. Unless you know exactly where to turn off the road to continue to the facility, it appears as part of the natural terrain. Any human means of approaching it will undoubtedly be detected well in advance of their arrival."

"Continue please, I am fascinated," Layla said.

"Once inside, there will be two guards to neutralize. What we seek is kept in a very secure vault. Since much of the staff has been summoned to Houston, we should be able to get in and out quickly."

"It is important we remain in stealth until we appear in another form," Denise said. "They must be given a false set of individuals to hunt for."

"Have you considered the possibility that if we are successful, and they are no longer in possession of their ET goodies, they will ramp up the search more?" Layla asked.

"Of course. It is a risk we must take. Creating another like Mylaren might just work next time, and compromise our identities, and our lives."

Mylaren sat in the back seat smiling. They were about to break into a secret high security facility and it simply did not faze her.

Layla increased the speed they were traveling when there was nothing but miles of flat terrain ahead. They had rehearsed what to do earlier in the day.

The Mustang touched down silently twenty yards from the facility. They had discovered earlier in the day that when they had their medallions activated to stealth mode, Denise and Layla could see Mylaren when she vanished into thin air. Silently and invisibly they made their way to the very room Mylaren had been kept in. Mylaren touched the glass and holding hands, together they walked through it.

One of them is about to make the rounds, Mylaren said.

Denise gently massaged their minds until they were both asleep in their chairs. If those are the only two, they are asleep.

Layla tried the door. It's not locked.

No reason to lock an empty room. Mylaren, we'll follow you.

She led them down a lengthy corridor, past the two sleeping guards, one of whom was now snoring, stopping at a locked door. A light blinked at the security lock.

Once again Mylaren touched the door where she and Denise passed through it hand in hand. Layla stood outside expecting the unexpected as she always did.

Inside the lab there was another locked door to an office they passed through. Denise reached to turn on the light but Mylaren stopped her. No. It is an alarm.

She then walked to the far wall and moved a chart aside to reveal a walk in size safe.

I must go in alone, or we will be detected. Do you trust me? Mylaren asked.

Yes.

Within a minute Denise watched her walk through and out of the safe holding a small box that appeared to contain sealed biological samples. She could not help but think of Myla and Aren who they helped find and save along with the crewmembers of the Tyrine.

Most of this is Myla.

As long as they had her it does not surprise me.

Were it not for you I am certain they would still have her, and by now have you.

Let's get out of here.

They passed through the door to a waiting and obviously tense looking Layla.

We got what we came for Supergirl. Now, let's give them someone else to hunt for.

Remember. As soon as you come out of stealth, you are going to set off silent alarms at the guard station and on the phones of Rachel and the rest of the staff on the way to Houston.

The guards will remain asleep for ten minutes after we are gone.

Denise and Layla came out of stealth and did indeed set off the silent alarms. Rather than going out through the window they came in through, Layla simply forced the lock open effortlessly on the front door of the facility and they walked out into the night.

Now, Mylaren said, signaling they were in a spot where they could switch back into stealth and the cameras would not record it.

Once back inside the Mustang, Layla lifted off the ground until they were too high to be detected and sped northeast towards Illinois, leaving behind a videotaped record that showed two men skulking about the halls before leaving.

17

Messages

The first thing Rachel did upon arriving back at her hotel room was to ring up room service and order breakfast and coffee. She did so as she undressed, hoping to get a shower in before her food arrived. The buzz of another incoming message on her phone under the bed alerted her to the fact she had not checked it for nearly twelve hours.

"It's always something," she said, as she pulled the phone out from under the bed by the charger cord. Three messages greeted her when she activated the screen after entering a password, all from the same sender, security at the facility.

URGENT THAT YOU CALL US IMMEDIATELY

URGENT THAT YOU CALL US IMMEDIATELY

FOLLOWING ESTABLISHED PROTOCOL IF WE DO NOT HEAR FROM YOU BY NOON MDT

"Well, It certainly looks like something is urgent. Maybe they have found her already."

"Rachel here," she said when the phone was answered.

"Yes. We have been trying to reach you for hours."

"My phone was off and charging but you have my attention now."

"There has been a break in."

"Break in?" She walked over to the window and looked out over the skyline.

"Yes."

"Continue."

"I don't know how, but absolutely no alarms alerted us to their presence, at least not until they left the building."

"And how do you know that?"

"We have them on videotape."

"Them?"

"Two males, average height."

"And just how did they leave?"

"Right through the front door."

"You've locked the place down?"

"Yes. Everything appears to be secure, the labs, and offices. The safe is still set, and appears to not have been tampered with."

"Are all the alarms and detectors outside the building operable?"

"Yes, operable and on."

She pondered a bit before speaking. "Gentlemen, you are both stuck there until I return. You are to let no one in or out. Contact your relief crews and tell them they have the day off. You can take turns sleeping, but I want the cot brought out to your guard station. No mistakes and no contact with anyone but me. Secure those tapes for me and start new ones."

"Yes ma'am."

She hung up the phone and sat back down on the bed. "Two males huh?"

One question after another began to fill her head. Who were they? How did they get in undetected? Where was security up until they set the alarm off? Was she involved? Why now? Were these Houston boys behind it?

There was a knock at the door. She slipped on a robe and let room service in, tipped him and poured herself a cup of coffee. Her phone rang again when she reached for the cup. "Fuck, they're here already?" It was Thomas.

"Yes, we are in town. Going to stop for some breakfast. Should we get a room?"

"Yes, I think you had better. I'm at the Double Tree so it might make perfect sense to get one here. It would just be easier when we have to move."

"Double Tree, got it. I'll call you once we've checked in."

"Okay Thomas."

She rolled the breakfast cart around to the side of the bed that faced the window.

Although she now seemed to be forcing the food down, she ate most of it. Once finished, she hopped in the shower, hoping it might wash away some of the intensifying feelings of dread she was experiencing since speaking to the facility.

18

Lincoln Park

Denise was awake, unable to sleep, when she heard her iPhone buzz with an incoming call. Aja. Sweet. She slipped out of bed and into the bathroom closing the door behind her. "Aja, how are you sweetie?"

"I am good, and you?"

"Okay, now, but."

"Oh no. But?"

"It's a long story, but I feel I should see you. Where are you?"

"At the apartment in Chicago."

"Is Lucius here too?"

"No. He decided to do something with the vines this year, so I left him down on the farm, at least until this commission is finished in a few days. Where are you?"

"In Chicago, with Layla, and someone else."

"Someone else huh?"

Denise knew Aja's rule about new faces and bringing them anywhere near her home. "Yeah. She's kinda why I gotta see you."

"From upstairs again?"

"Well, in a way. Can I see you in person, to talk about it?"

"Of course. You know the greenhouse in Lincoln Park?"

"Yes, I know it well."

"I'll meet you there in two hours."

"Do I have to come alone?" Denise asked.

"No sweetie, that's why we're meeting there." You know you are always welcome at my place anytime."

"Okay. I better get them moving then. See you there."

"Chow."

Denise hopped in the shower to get that out of the way before she went to wake Layla and Mylaren. Layla was not asleep but Mylaren seemed genuinely zonked. "Hey."

"Morning."

"We have to meet Aja in about ninety minutes. Do you want to eat first?"

"No, I don't think so," Layla yawned as she stretched.

"Hotel coffee or Starbucks?"

"Starbucks. Are we checking out before we head to this meeting?"

"Yes, I think we should."

"Is Lucius here too?"

"No. He is home, tending the vines."

"Darn. Would have been nice to see him. How far do we have to go?"

"Lincoln Park. Not far at all."

Layla hopped in the shower and Denise stirred Mylaren out of her slumber.

"We are going to meet a dear friend of ours. She is a very private person."

"Aja?"

"Yes. I wonder how do you know that?"

"I must have picked it up while asleep."

"I see," Denise smiled. "Well, after you pick out your outfit for the day, pack the rest up because we will be leaving."

"Okay Denise."

"Coffee on the way," Denise laughed after seeing her yawn.

"Great."

"Nice thing about a hotel, there's always lots of hot water," Layla said, walking out of the bathroom wearing a towel.

"You're up Mylaren, then we can hit the road."

She laughed and closed the bathroom door behind her.

"We are going to the park. One of Aja's rules about new faces."

"Understandable."

Within the remainder of the hour they were checked out of the hotel and on their way to Starbucks first, then the park.

"This is a nice looking city," Mylaren said.

"I always thought so," Denise said.

"It seems vaguely familiar somehow. I can't quite pinpoint why."

"Interesting. Maybe you are actually from here?"

"I suppose anything is possible."

Layla found a spot to park roughly a block away from where they were meeting Aja. When they got to the front of the greenhouse, she came walking out of it wearing a smile. "Before you leave you simply must go inside and get a good dose of sweet oxygen."

Denise was the first to give her a hug followed by Layla. "Aja, allow me to introduce Mylaren, Mylaren, my dear friend Aja."

"It is a pleasure to meet you Aja. Here, I believe this one is for you," she said, handing her a latte.

"Why thank you Mylaren. Come on, let's walk."

Aja walked them down a path that led to the zoo. Denise noticed that if she did not know better, Mylaren was communicating with the animals. The two elephants outside walked right up to her, one caressing her shoulder with its trunk. "Looks like a new power in our innocent friend," Denise said.

"What are the others?" Aja asked.

"Telepathy. Telepathy over great distances. Ability to read minds. She can pass through objects, and take you along with her I might add. She can disappear, or camouflage herself as she puts it, she can communicate with other life on the planet, and that is about it for now. Did I miss anything?" Layla asked.

"No, that about covers it, for now."

"They like you," Mylaren smiled before taking her last sip of latte and tossing the cup in a trashcan.

"How couldn't they?" Denise giggled.

They passed the rhinoceros habitat and Aja led them back towards the conservatory in a big sweep.

"How's your car running?" Layla asked.

"Like a champ," Aja smiled. "So you say this Rachel has said that finding a new host if you will, to create another like Mylaren, and if they were to get real lucky, add your talents to the mix, is hard to find?"

"Yes."

"I wonder why?"

"She has absolutely no memory of her previous life."

"Mylaren, let me see your hands," Aja smiled.

She walked over and offered her hands.

"Well, you still have your fingerprints," Aja giggled.

"So what do you think? We might be able to find out who she is?" Denise asked.

"Perhaps, unless they have erased everything about her."

"What do you need, blood sample?" Layla asked.

"No. No blood. And speaking of precious bodily fluids, you need to destroy those samples you have and do so as soon as possible. I need to get fingerprints, palm prints, and footprints, that is it."

With ink or on something like glass, or a mirror?" Layla said.

"It doesn't matter. I'm going to make it back to my place. When you have that together stop by and I will run down to get it from you."

"Any suggestion on how to destroy that stuff?"

"I would imagine bleach might work, and then, perhaps dumping it over the lake, or the Shawnee from the air?"

"I am not heading back to the Shawnee yet, not until I know more about this other entity and Rachel's plans after she discovers everything is gone."

"I have a suggestion, if you're up for it. I own a small property up in Provincetown. Nothing fancy, but you are welcome to use it if you like. It's about as far away from the desert as physically possible in this here United States, the people are friendly, and the 4th of July madness won't begin for a few weeks."

"That sounds really nice. I've always wanted to make it up there one of these summers," Denise laughed.

"I will send you directions and info on where to find the keys. It should be a nice getaway, especially since your vacation trek west was cut short. Do a little painting. Lots of artists there."

"See you in a little bit."

"Now, go treat yourselves to a magnificent hit of fresh air."

"We will."

Aja turned the corner as they still made their way to the conservatory, Layla and Denise singing along the way. "Oh, what you do to me, Oh what you do to me little girl. Ooh, have another hit of sweet air, Oooh, have another hit."

Once inside the conservatory they heard Mylaren still singing quietly. "I want to know where you're going, I want to know sweet mama, where you're gonna go, yeah."

19

Ranch

The first leg of the journey took Rachel and company by private jet to an airfield on a cattle ranch in Montana. The ranch was a front of course, complete with a family on the payroll. They owned the land around it for miles in every direction. Mountain ranges on all but one side of the ranch kept it very private, and the nearest neighbor in that direction was more than 10 miles away to the south. From the airfield they were taken, by Land Rover, to the actual facility that had been built into the side of a mountain that from the air looked remarkably like a Sioux warrior in profile.

Their guide was a man who called himself George. Rachel insisted on sitting in the back seat, as she did not want anyone behind her reading the texts she was sending and receiving. In her world, she trusted next to no one.

The Land Rover twisted, turned and climbed to an area that housed a small building that at least appeared to be very weathered from age. Directly behind it stood tall cliffs.

"No fences?" Barry asked.

"No fences," George answered.

Rachel could imagine why there were no fences, but she remained silent. She looked down at her Blackberry and read a new text from Green.

NOTHING NEW TO REPORT. I SUSPECT PROTOTYPE ON THE WEST COAST. CALL ME WHEN YOU RETURN TO YOUR FACILITY.

Oh, you can bet I'll be calling you, Rachel thought.

The Land Rover stopped just outside the shack. "Follow me please," George said.

Rachel and her three assistants exited the vehicle. "I am going to have to ask that each of you shut off any phones you have in your possession and that you surrender them to the person inside. They will be returned to you before your departure."

When the others saw Rachel comply they followed suit.

George led them through the door where a woman sitting at a table greeted them. She had a physique like a male athlete, hard, muscular. They all handed her their phones and followed George through a door on the back wall that required a security code to pass through. Behind it was a dimly lit metal stairway that led down eighteen steps to a large door that resembled a bank vault framed by the base of a mountain.

"George, are questions allowed?" Rachel asked.

"They may not all be answered but yes, feel free to ask away."

"How long has this place been here?" Barry asked.

"Years."

"How many entities do you keep here?"

"One."

Only one? Rachel thought.

"It is not often that it is brought out of sedation to a point where it can communicate. Our instructions were to get it ready for questions. You will only be able to interact with it from behind a transparent wall, or in person one at a time."

"Why is that?" Rachel asked. "Is it dangerous?"

"Those were my orders, and no, we have never had any reason to believe it dangerous."

"Why all of this then?" Barry asked.

"To keep it safe."

"Why sedated?"

"I am not at liberty to say."

You've already given us more than you think, Rachel thought. She could tell that the elevator they were on was taking them not only down but further into the mountain. When the doors opened two others, a man and a woman, wearing lab coats, greeted them.

"Welcome. You must be Rachel," the man said.

"Yes, and you are?"

"Professor Vail. Everything is ready, please follow me."

They walked down a dimly lit corridor and through yet another security door to a space that had the appearance of a small conference room with a table and chairs facing a blackened wall.

"I am going to give you a heads up. What you are about to see, and meet actually, is somewhat familiar to us all, but it can still knock you for a loop the first time you actually see one," Vail said.

The lights dimmed in the room in which they were sitting, and the wall they were facing seemed to come alive, revealing a being sitting in a comfortable looking well padded chair on one side of a kitchen sized table.

It turned its head to look directly at them just as Vail spoke into a microphone. "Gaub we are about to start."

"Gaub? How did you come by the name?" Rachel asked quietly, as she stared at the alien face looking back at them all, pale, almost white skinned in color, with large dark eyes that seemed nothing like the emotionless eyes depicted on popular aliens like those referred to as 'Grays'. No, to Rachel these were the eyes of a highly intelligent creature. She wondered what was going on inside its head that housed a much larger brain than that of humans.

"It provided the name."

"It is a pleasure to meet you," Gaub said in near perfect English.

Oh my, what do we have here? Rachel thought, wishing she had her Blackberry on her.

20

Hello

"I'm certain there is not a coffee maker there," Aja said, as Denise walked back towards Layla and Mylaren were parked in the Mustang.

"How about pots and pans?"

"You may want to bring your own," Aja laughed.

Denise shook her head laughing.

"Well, it's from before you ever, you know, gave me your recipes."

"I'll get some TFal."

"Everything else you need is there though. I've activated the dish for the TV. Plenty of beddings, TWO bedrooms."

"Two bedrooms. Layla will love that."

"I'll be in touch in a few days. Be careful."

"We will. Love you."

Denise got back into the Mustang. "We're going to have to stop at a Target or the like."

"No coffee maker where we're going right?" Layla grinned.

"No, and we may need cookware."

Mylaren sat in the back seat wide-eyed, taking in their interaction.

"Let's not forget the bleach."

"Ah yes, the bleach."

Walking out of the Target, Denise received an image of a near white face with large eyes in her mind. Hmm.

Layla drove to the far end of the lot where she went to the trunk, picked up the gallon of bleach, poured out a small amount, and proceeded to empty the contents of the vials into the container. When she was finished she put the cap back on and shook up the mix. Looking down she noticed a tiny light blinking inside each groove in which a vial had been resting. "Oh shit."

Denise got out of the car and joined her. "What is it?"

Layla pointed to the faint blinking lights. "Honey, that tells me they have to know exactly where we are at the moment."

"Well that can't be good. Can you stop it?"

"Yes, I'm sure I can, but that's not the point. If they tracked it here, we've got to go back in there and get their security tapes. We were just in there as ourselves."

"Now, as crowded as it is?"

"Do you really want to wait around?"

"Let's get out of here, stop that, and come back in disguise and cloaked," Denise said after getting back in the car.

"Denise. They will be able to track the movement of that device, but they are not tracking anything yet. Rachel ordered no communication with anyone but her, and she is on a plane that is landing in Montana at the moment."

"A break. Okay Supergirl, go for a spin around the block and come back."

Layla pulled out of the Target parking lot and drove down Elston Avenue a few blocks before doing a U-turn. When they were heading in the direction back to the store the Mustang appeared to be a VW Beetle and they looked like two male construction workers.

"Mylaren, I don't want to leave you out here. Could you remain cloaked the entire time it takes for us to get in there and retrieve those tapes?" Denise asked.

"Yes Denise."

"We may need her other talents," Layla said.

"Stay between us," Denise said, as they walked into the store. "Where are we going to find these tapes?"

"Through there," Layla said, pointing to a door. Before going through it they slipped into stealth.

That one is going to be locked, Denise said, of a door at the end of a small corridor.

Can you tell how many are in there?" Layla asked.

Two at the moment.

Layla. This system is just on hard drives, not tapes or disks. Together we can erase it.

How?

Mylaren offered her hand and she and Layla passed through the locked door. Aim a pulse at their server, Mylaren said.

When she did, still holding Mylaren's hand, she watched as the screens the two men were looking at went completely black.

Sweet. Let's go, Layla said.

They passed back through the door to a waiting Denise, and left the store in stealth, remaining that way until they got back to the Mustang.

"How did we do that?" Layla asked as she steered the Mustang Beetle out of the parking lot.

"I added a strong magnetic field to your pulse."

"How were you able to do that?" Denise asked.

"I cannot say for certain, but I believe it has to do with the ability to pass through matter."

"Interesting."

"Where to?" Layla said.

"East young lady, and in that direction is the lake."

Layla drove them east down Fullerton Avenue until they reached the lakefront. On the southbound entrance ramp to Lake Shore Drive Layla put them in stealth, took off, and headed out over the lake. About 10 miles out from Chicago, Denise opened her door as the Mustang hovered in place and emptied the contents of the bleach bottle into the choppy lake below. Layla hurled the tracking device, now deactivated, far off in the other direction.

When Denise closed her door she once again saw the vision in her head of the white face with large eyes.

"You okay?"

Denise turned back to look at Mylaren. "Have you been receiving that too?"

"It is Gaub, the third addition to my mix, and the main reason for the changes to me."

"In their clutches hey?" Layla said.

"He can sense me. I think he believes more of his species have returned."

"Why can't he just disappear and walk through the doors as you do?" Layla asked.

"He's been kept heavily sedated. Rachel has received approval for them to keep him awake for 48 hours to be observed."

"Hmm," Layla said.

"Let's get there quick so I can pick up some groceries and cook us some pasta," Denise grinned.

"Okay, just make sure we don't forget the ham and eggs."

Mylaren tried to communicate with Gaub as the Mustang zipped east, eventually touching down on Highway 6 for the final leg to Provincetown.

21

Discovered

Rachel sat in her hotel room back in Houston eating a dinner she ordered from room service. Sitting next to her bread was a pint of Bourbon, and next to that a bowl of ice cubes. She had finalized the deal with the 'good ole boys' upon their return from Montana, and sent Thomas and the others back to the facility with the samples they collected. She knew that they would need to drive through much of the night, but she felt it necessary.

It came as no surprise that she could not get the vision of Gaub out of her head. She took another bite of her chicken and looked at the alarm clock on the table by the bed. "Well, if I drink enough of this I might get in enough rest before I need to meet with Terrence and the others." She poured some bourbon over the four ice cubes she had placed in her cup and took a long sip, sat back in the chair, and thought about what to ask of Gaub in the video conference that might shed some light on Mylaren's gifts. After lighting up a Salem her phone rang. It was Green.

"We should talk, in person, and soon. When are you heading back up north?"

"With any luck I will get out of here before nightfall tomorrow," Rachel said. She took a long drag on her cigarette.

"That will work. Tomorrow, do not agree to anything they offer you."

"Offer me?"

"I can't elaborate over the phone, just don't."

"Okay. Anything else? Anything new happening in our world?"

"No, nothing yet."

"I will update you tomorrow when I have a better handle on my schedule if you will."

"Alright. Enjoy your bourbon, and try to get a good nights rest."

She laughed. "You are getting to know me better."

"Goodnight."

She hung up her Blackberry and hooked it up to the charger next to the bed.

"What could this all be about?" she said softly, as she poured more bourbon into the glass.

She looked out the window at the Houston skyline and smiled. "You're right about one thing Greenie. I think I will get a good nights rest."

It was just after seven in the morning when Thomas, Barry and Trudy arrived back at the facility in Arizona. Inside, all the alarms and warning devices announced their arrival to the guards before they could be seen pulling up alongside the main building.

Once inside, Barry made his first order of business securing the specimens they transported. He keyed the code to open the door to the office with the bio-safe and was greeted to the muted but definite sound of beeping emanating from the safe. "Oh fuck," he said, before opening it to find the tracking device that had been activated, blinking away, and empty space where the other specimens should have been. "Fuck, fuck, fuck," he shouted.

Standing at the doorway to the office was Thomas and Trudy. "Something wrong?" Thomas asked.

Barry stepped aside to give him a clear view of the blinking tracking device and the empty space where the other specimens had been stored.

"Fuck," Trudy said.

"Fuck is right. I suppose you'll be wanting me to be the one who calls Rachel," Thomas sighed.

"If you wouldn't mind," Barry said, before walking out the door to have a conversation with the guards.

Back in Houston, Rachel was awakened by the sound of her muted Blackberry buzzing across the nightstand. "Yes?" she said.

"Rachel?"

"Yes. Who else do you think would be on this phone?"

"It's Thomas. Rachel, there's been a break in here at the facility."

"A break in?" she asked, playing dumb.

"Yes. Everything is gone."

She shot up to a sitting position in bed. "What do you mean everything?"

"Everything. The safe is empty. Everything is gone."

She took a moment to compose herself before speaking. "Thomas, now listen to me carefully. Leave everything just as it is. Put the new specimens in the safe, lock it, and do not touch a thing. After that is done, you three can go home and get some rest. I will talk to the guards and give them my instructions in a bit."

"Okay, will do. Rachel, could it have been her?"
"Her? I don't see why we should think she'd be crazy enough, but let's not rule anything out. Now get the place locked down and go get some rest. I will call you tomorrow."

The phone on the other end hung up. Rachel hung up as well and left her phone charging. She was certain she'd be spending a lot of time on it the rest of the day.

22

Cooking 101

"She knows. I made some coffee would you like some?" Mylaren said, smiling over the squinting eyes of Denise peeking out of the sheets. Only Layla's form could be seen under them.

"She knows. That's great. Sure give me a minute and I'll meet you out there."

Mylaren went back to the living room and sat down to enjoy her coffee.

Denise shuffled out to the kitchen wearing a long white tank top, poured herself a cup of coffee and joined Mylaren in the living room. As with every other place Aja owned, all the walls were white, but in this place, all the furniture, towels, and beddings were rich shades of green.

"I like the color of this couch," Denise yawned before taking a drink of her coffee.

"Green is a beautiful color. It is also the name of the one who hunts us."

"Yes. Well we're not going to worry about Green."

"Okay," Mylaren smiled.

"That ocean air smells, oceany," Denise laughed.

"Yes it does."

"Is oceany a word?" they heard Layla ask from the bedroom and obviously still under the covers.

"Oh yeah. Oceany," Denise said. "Coffee's on. Good hot coffee."

"How's Rachel this morning?" Layla asked, walking to the kitchen wearing a thin white robe.

"She is angry, confused, and less likely to trust anyone than before," Mylaren said.

"Okay," Layla yawned before sitting next to Denise and taking that first sip of coffee.

"What would you like to do today?" Denise asked.

"You know, I'm up for just about anything, but for sure I am shish kabobbing later," Layla said.

"Shish kabobbing? Is that a word?" Denise smiled.

"Yes. Kabobbing. To kabob."

"And you kabob so well," Denise laughed. "Can we watch?"

"Sure. I love to be watched."

Mylaren giggled and blushed.

"Well I will line up our choices for groceries for your shish kabobbing," Denise laughed.

Although they had neighbors, or at least their houses, within walking distance in every direction, the classic two story structure Aja allowed them to stay at afforded a fair amount of privacy thanks to well positioned trees, their own little driveway, and a white picket fence in the front of the house.

When they finally got it together and left the house, Layla suggested they spend some time on the beach, but on the western side, since it was near the largest grocery store in town where she needed to stop for ingredients to cook.

It was no sunbathing session but rather a walk along the beach. More than once Denise and Mylaren would see visions of Gaub. Denise had gotten used to his very alien look.

"I wish we could rescue him," Denise said.

"That would be the least of our worries. What would we do with him? It's not like he would exactly fit in from the description you give," Layla said.

"Yeah. I wish we knew how to contact his species."

"Wherever they keep him makes it hard to impossible to communicate. I can try, but the window of opportunity must coincide with Rachel's interrogation and that is just about to start," Mylaren said.

"That must be why we are getting visual images again," Denise said. "Well, we've got nothing better to do at the moment."

Layla walked back to the car and returned with a large blanket and a few bottles of water. "Might as well be comfortable," she smiled.

"Let me see. If I wanted to send a signal out into space what would I need?" Denise said.

"SETI would be a good start," Layla said.

"Any radio telescope," Mylaren said. "I am able to communicate with Gaub finally. I've just explained that I am little more than a hybrid, created in part using his DNA."

"Any radio telescope, like far away from oh say, Arizona or New Mexico?" Denise asked, taking out her iPhone.

"I wonder, must Gaub send it or can we send it?" Layla asked from a prone position on the blanket watching a cloud roll by.

Denise looked a Mylaren's face as it stared west looking out over the water. She tapped Layla's arm to get her attention and put her finger to her lips to shush her.

Layla just laughed and went back to watching the sky.

"Denise, can you turn on a recording device on your phone?" Mylaren asked.

"Sure. Just voice or video and voice?"

"Both please."

"And where do you want to point it?"

"You can point it at that gorgeous blue sky."

"Okay." Denise turned on her camera, set it to video and turned back to Mylaren. "Ready when you are."

Mylaren once again looked out over the water for little more than a minute. "Now."

Denise started recording, the image showing the very clouds above their heads slowly moving by. Mylaren turned to Denise, touched the iPhone, and continued to hold onto it for thirty-six seconds. "You may turn it off in nine seconds," she said when she let go.

Denise did as she instructed. "Is he finished?"

"Yes. He finds it humorous to be referred to as a male, when members of his species are both male and female," Mylaren smiled.

"Well what would we refer to this being as, I mean we are so gender programmed," Layla asked, sitting up after she spoke.

"He, or she will do," Mylaren smiled. "Denise, can you play the video back please?"

Layla put her chin on Denise's shoulder to watch it.

The video started with the view of blue sky and Layla's cloud before switching to an image of Gaub staring at the screen. The audio on this section of the video was the voice of Mylaren speaking in a yet indecipherable language. Denise thought she saw a hint of a smile on the face of Gaub just before the image returned to the blue sky and Layla's cloud until it ended.

"Amazing," Denise said.

"I am beyond impressed," Layla giggled.

"Mylaren, do you have any idea what he said?"

"Yes."

"Can you tell us?" Denise asked.

Mylaren looked at both of them and spoke. "Roughly translated, I am alive. I will be free today. The rest were coordinates that will bring them directly here."

"Nothing more?" Layla asked.

"Free today?" Denise asked quietly.

"Really. Gaub must be somewhat bitter being held captive and used the way he's being used," Layla said.

"Gaub said we are not to be harmed."

"Well now," Denise said.

"That implies that someone, or many someone's might indeed be harmed," Layla said. "Mylaren, how are we going to send the message?"

"We must get me and the video to a radio telescope or an array."

"Well that should not be too hard. Of course, and correct me if I am wrong, the signal we send with the message is not only going to be sent out there," Layla said, pointing to the sky, "but to everyone listening on this planet."

Denise went back to her search for radio telescopes.

"Yes Layla, that is true. But the message is encrypted. They will know where the signal originated from, but it will take them a very long time before they can see the message, and once they do, to understand what was said."

"Suddenly I feel hungry," Layla said. "Let's stop at that grocery and then back to the pad for Cooking 101."

"Let's," Denise said..

Layla drove them to the Stop and Shop.

"There is an assortment of what we need roughly 90 miles northwest of here, right across the bay," Denise said from the back seat.

"Well then we'd better not stock up for an extended stay in this neck of the woods," Layla said.

"Indeed," Denise sighed.

Mylaren gently tapped on her legs along to the song playing on the radio.

"She walked up to me and she asked me to dance, I asked her her name and in a dark brown voice, She said, Lola, Hey Lo Ah Ley Lo La, Lo Lo Lo Lo Lo La."

23

That Bitch

There was nothing but bad news, followed by more bad news, back at the facility when Rachel finally returned.

"As you can see, everything is missing but what they brought back from Houston," Rachel said. She had told Green earlier to meet her at the facility rather than stop at his place, since due to the description Thomas had given her regarding blinking lights, she deemed it necessary to have the man in charge of hunting Mylaren given access to it all.

Green was already on her computer reading the tracking history. "Come here and take a look at this."

Rachel lit up a cigarette and walked over to the computer.

"Obviously they had no idea that what they had taken was being tracked, at least not until they arrived in Chicago."

Chicago? "What is this, an error?" Rachel asked, pointing to the timeline.

"No error. Whoever took your samples left here in a hurry, and they left from right outside your front door in a hurry. Look at this."

The tracking graph showed them leaving slowly at first, then at speeds only a military jet could travel at.

"Go on," Rachel said through the cigarette between her lips.

This is the path they took. There are no roads they could have taken. They flew out of here and to Chicago."

"Well, there must be a record of them landing somewhere."

"Rachel, they soft landed on Lake Shore Drive. Needless to say, all of our military aircraft landing anywhere near the lakefront of Chicago would have been all over the news."

"Want one?" Rachel asked before pouring herself a glass of bourbon.

"Not yet."

She walked over to a leather chair and sank into it. She took a final puff of her cigarette before putting it out and taking a long sip of her drink. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"It was her, and she had help?"

"A very special kind of help, to land here, undetected. To enter here, undetected, to leave here, with nothing but a visual of someone, to travel as they did, with a technology yet undeveloped anywhere on the planet. Greenie, I think that bitch has found The Zen, but is that image of two men leaving really them?"

"I am thinking what you're thinking."

"Where does the trail go from Chicago?"

"It stops, on the near north side. It travels to Lincoln Park Zoo. From there it moves back to the near north side and then, BINGO. It stops at a Target a little further north."

"Stops?"

"Yes. Whatever they did here undoubtedly made them aware of the fact their every move was being tracked."

"Needless to say, we must pay that Target an official visit."

"Indeed we shall."

"And let's get a look at security videos in any and all hotels in the area, just in case they didn't sleep in their spaceship all night."

"What do you think we are looking at here, exactly," Green asked.

"Alien technology, perhaps even extraterrestrials themselves."

Rachel's phone rang. She took a final drink from her glass, put it down on the table next to her, and answered it. "Terrence. To what do I owe this after hours call from you?"

"Rachel, it is gone."

"It is gone?"

"Yes. It has escaped."

"Are you talking about your Montana prize?"

"I am indeed. I am going to have a hard time convincing everyone here that you are not responsible."

"Me? How the hell could anyone make that assumption?"

"You are the reason it was brought out of heavy sedation, and all because you lost what you were working on."

"How in the hell could it escape from that vault you were keeping it in?"

"We do not know yet. Needless to say you are going to have a VERY busy day ahead of you tomorrow," Terrence said, and then hung up.

"Their pale prize has escaped. They are blaming me, of course."

"Prize?"

"Yeah. Pour me another drink and I'll fill you in."

She could not help but wonder if the samples she had in her bio-vault from Gaub were not only more valuable, but were the very reason Mylaren possessed such incredible abilities.

That bitch.

24

T Party

Layla touched the Mustang down undetected on the grounds of the Haystack Observatory shortly after dark. There were at least six other vehicles parked outside of the site.

"Students and professors most likely," Layla said.

"Yeah. We might be happy they are here," Denise said.

Their plan was pretty simple. Get in, transmit, get out, and if at all possible, leave a visual image on any security tape recording, of the same two individuals left at the facility in Arizona.

Denise and Layla were wondering what to do with Gaub, now that they were certain, thanks to Mylaren, that he had indeed escaped his captors. She had informed him, per Denise, to stay out of sight and out of harm's way. He was after all undoubtedly in the wilderness where humans may not be the only concern. She could not help thinking about how the dogs knew of their presence while in stealth when in Italy with Quintus, Coventina and the other legionnaires.

They exited the car silently, in stealth with their appearance altered to two males.

Mylaren got them through the locked doors easily. Once inside, they followed the voices they heard to find three people sitting at a console with a rather simple looking computer array.

Mylaren, have you any idea if we need to direct the signal a certain way?"

Oh, it shall go in the right direction, don't worry.

Okay, let me go to work then, Denise said.

So, what are you working on?

The slender woman sitting on the left turned away from her screen and looked around the room.

Looks complicated. What's your name?

Trudy. She giggled mentally.

This isn't new to you is it?

No. I think I might be schizophrenic.

I don't think so.

Then how do you explain you? Better yet, why am I answering you? She giggled again.

We need to use your array to send a very important message.

It is not really configured for sending presently, Trudy said.

Don't worry. It will not affect what you are working on. Will your friends mind?

Who are you?

Friends.

From where?

From out there.

That response created a shared silence for a few minutes.

I have this crazy craving for pizza, Layla said.

Funny, but I'm thinking of food at a time like this too, Denise said.

Mylaren giggled.

I don't think they will go along with it, Trudy finally replied.

Then would they mind taking a very short nap?

Trudy laughed out loud this time.

"What's so funny?" Samantha asked.

"Are you picking up a comedy channel again?" Kenneth asked.

"No. Just thinking about something funny I heard."

Sure, give them a nap, Trudy giggled. She watched as Samantha and Kenneth slid their keyboards aside, and put their heads down on their folded arms resting on the table and fell asleep.

Wow. Can you teach me to do that?"

Perhaps, Denise said.

Okay, so what do we have to do?

Don't be frightened, " Denise said as she and Layla materialized as two males. She did not seem the least bit phased by their presence, as if it was a dream.

"You sure don't look like your voice sounds, up here," she said, tapping on the side of her head.

"I hope the sound pleases you," Denise said.

"It did."

Mylaren moved into position and let Denise know she was ready, still invisible to any prying eyes or cameras.

Just proceed when you are ready, Denise said.

"So, what were you working on?" Layla asked.

Trudy turned her head back to the computer array to find the images on the screens blinking and warping intensely. "Magnetism. You're using a form of magnetism aren't you?"

"Yes."

"Don't suppose you could elaborate could you?"

We will leave you with the information, Mylaren said.

"I could handle that," Trudy smiled. "What are your names?"

"I am A, this is B," Denise said.

"And?" she grinned, moving her head sideways towards the distorted images on the screens.

"C."

I'm not really going to remember any of this am I?"

No Trudy, you won't, but you won't need to take a nap and you will know, soon after we've gone, how to send messages with much more efficiency.

Okay.

It was a pleasure to meet you Trudy.

Same here.

The three of them headed for the front door, as Trudy looked at her screens that had returned to normal. "Now where was I?" She heard the door open and close and turned to see whom it was only to find no one there. "Hey, are you two sick or something?"

"No," Samantha said.

"Just sleeping on the job hmm?"

"Oh please don't report us," Kenneth laughed.

"You're secret is safe with me," Trudy laughed.

As the Mustang headed back towards Boston, Denise picked out a place for pizza. "Mmm, pizza and pasta. Italian Express sounds like the ticket. Solid five star reviews. I will enter the address."

"Sweet." Layla said.

"Sweet," Mylaren said from the back seat.

"Sweet. It's unanimous." Denise laughed.

They chose to drive into town, since the restaurant was in close proximity to the airport. Once they arrived on Sumner Street, they parked down the block, and then settled into quietly discussing options for Gaub while they waited for their pizza.

"Well, unless we go to some big city like New York, which I would rather not do at the moment, I am open for suggestions," Denise said.

Gaub says that with our collected talents, finding and retrieving him should be relatively easy," Mylaren said.

"Where is he now?" Layla asked, before taking a sip of her coke.

"In a tree."

"A tree?"

"Yes. Apparently the place he escaped from was chosen because of the ease with which one could be tracked if they got away. Mountains, surrounded by farmland, and of course more humans. He is less than a half mile from where he was being kept."

"I see. Good thinking," Layla said.

"Just the same, I would rather not get that close to these people if I don't have to when the time comes to collect him," Denise said quietly.

"We won't. It is temporary, and will change by morning."

"Does he know to watch for devices that will detect his presence?" Layla grinned.

"Yes. He gave them the technology."

"Figures," Denise laughed. "So where do we go once we get him?"

"Someplace with nearby forest. Not near the coasts. Definitely not in the desert."

Our neck of the woods sounds nearly perfect, but, Denise said.

"No, thicker, and I do believe we have gotten to the point of speaking openly," Layla whispered.

"So do I but I was waiting for you to say so," Denise laughed. "Do you have something in mind?"

"Yes I do, but here comes the pizza and I refuse to discuss it now," Layla laughed.

The large thin crust sweet pepper pizza did look like it was going to live up to its five star reputation.

"I hope Gaub likes pizza," Mylaren said, before taking her first bite.

"I certainly hope so," Denise laughed.

25

Buzz

Green went to Chicago personally with one of his contractors, to try and find any evidence to tie Mylaren and whoever was helping her, to the break-in in Arizona. He could not help dwelling on the departure of Gaub from his seemingly escape proof prison. Perhaps they had not been part of the escape first hand, but where else would a being from another world, that looks so different, be able to go? Where could he hide? Who could he get to help him?

Upon arriving at the Target he was caught off guard to find that the security video for that day had been wiped clean. No record here.

He moved from there to hotels, showing fake credentials that said he was part of some government agency to fear and listen to. But, one after another, no one could find anyone vaguely resembling Mylaren or the males Denise and Layla had been disguised as that had checked into at any of the hotels. He would have loved to have all the hotel records on everyone who stayed at them, names, credit card numbers, images of them coming and going, but he knew that nothing short of a court order would make that happen. Still, it was possible, even though it was a hassle and would not happen immediately. He had to try.

"Nothing. Wiped clean," he said.

"They are definitely covering their tracks."

"The hotels?"

"A dead end, so far. I am going to go after the records from a few on the list for starters, but that may take days."

"And it may lead nowhere."

"Yes Rachel, that is correct. Now, I know you don't like those boys down in Houston, but hear me out. This Gaub character has disappeared. His physical appearance is so alien, I believe they might be helping him, OR, they are GOING TO BE helping him."

"Why?"

"He was brought out of sedation, for your visit. We might safely assume that Mylaren's ability to pass through matter is a trait that she got from him. He may have literally walked right out of the place, through doors, or through a section of the mountain itself."

"So you think they worked with or are going to work with this creature to keep it from being captured again?"

"Yes I do."

"Excuse me a moment. I have another call, don't hang up."

Rachel answered the phone to the voice of Kyle Morrison. Kyle was a total UFOligist whose opinion she asked for often in the past. "Kyle? To what do I owe this call?"

"Hello Rachel. How are things going?"

"They could be better, how are you?" She knew that if he was calling it was usually for something important.

"I am sorry to hear that, and I hope it has nothing to do with what I am about to fill you in on. Then again, maybe I do hope it does."

"Hang on, I need to release this other call." She went back to Green and told him she would call him right back. "Okay, what do you got?"

"A message was sent, that's S-E-N-T last night from a radio telescope in Massachusetts."

"Messages are sent all the time Kyle, what makes this one so special?"

"Oh this is no ordinary message. Not only was it encrypted in a way that will take a very long time to crack, a way humans have never seen, it is the way it was sent. I won't bore you with the details, but this message was much more powerful that any messages we send."

"How much more?"

"Much, much, much, much, much, much, much more."

"Can you send me the details on where it originated from?"

"Yes Rachel and I won't even charge you for this one. Call me when you are having a better time and know I am here if you need me for anything."

"I will Kyle. Oh, and Kyle."

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

She hung up and called Green back. "Can you go to Massachusetts?"

"Why Massachusetts?"

"A signal was sent from a facility there. A very special signal, out of this world one might say."

"Really? Send me the details and I will get there as soon as I can."

"Greenie, they must have security cameras at the place. See what you can find."

"Rachel."

"Yes."

"Have you thought about the possibility that what was sent was and S.O.S. for Gaub?"

"Oh yeah. The question is, who in Massachusetts is helping an escaped ET that may still be out west somewhere, and how are they helping him?"

"Good questions. Let's see if we can get some answers. Oh Rachel."

"Yes."

"Just a thought, but try to get to the bottom of how and where the other pieces of your prototype were first kidnapped. It may be a long shot, but help came for them, and it came quickly and with extreme efficiency. Perhaps it came from there."

"I will Green. Call me from Massachusetts."

"Will do."

26

Down The Trail

"It's west of Bald Knob, south of Murphysboro, north of Cairo and east of the Mississippi," Layla grinned.

"Really? Have you seen it?" Ever been there?" Denise said. She rarely seemed to see Layla as bubbly as she was describing this.

"No, but I do know the area very well. It may be part of the Trail of Tears."

"When can we see it?"

"Now if you like."

"And where is the owner?"

"Stationed in Afghanistan for a fourth tour. He likes it there apparently."

"Let's go have a look then," Denise said, taking a final drink of her cup of coffee.

"And you know what else?"

"What else?"

"Apparently you can see the Mississippi from the property."

"Sweet."

Mylaren came out of the bathroom already dressed, her hair still hanging in wet layers from the shower. "That felt nice."

"They usually do. Coffee?"

"Yes, please."

"So how is Gaub today?"

"He moved during the night and is again in a tree. I believe him to be anxious to get out of that neck of the woods."

Layla came out of the bedroom dressed to go, wearing black from head to toe. "Well, time's a wasting."

"Okay," Denise sighed.

Layla noticed the small wound still healing on Mylaren's arm and wondered verbally, "Do you think they fitted Gaub with one of those?" she said, pointing to the wound.

"Oh yes. Gaub has the ability to render it useless apparently."

"Can't wait to meet him."

"Same here."

When they finally got rolling, Denise insisted on a latte, so Layla drove them into Carbondale. From there she headed west towards Murphysboro to hook up with Highway 127 and headed south.

"Gorgeous. All this time I've been living down here, why have I never been on this road?" Denise asked.

"Well, this is a very roundabout way of getting there, but it is a gorgeous ride indeed."

"I love going down these hills," Mylaren said as the Mustang zoomed down another steep rolling hill.

"Me too," Denise laughed.

"Hills may be one of the main reasons this area is still so remote," Layla said.

"I wish there were more," Denise said.

Just south of Alto Pass Layla steered the Mustang west down twisting and turning dirt roads for a good four miles, finally arriving at the property and rather amazing home of Joshua Brinkman. He and some friends built the red one story house. It had a working fireplace, three bedrooms, and outside, a shed. Next to that was a small trailer that looked like a one bedroom unit.

"Oh my, a trailer," Denise grinned.

"I have good memories of our trailer," Layla smiled.

They toured he grounds. Layla found the keys right where Joshua had said they would be and went inside. Denise went to the sinks and tried them. The pipes grumbled a bit initially, but the water flowed. "I take it this is coming from underground?"

"Yeah. Well water is the only option on properties this far out in the woods," Layla said. "How does it taste?"

Denise sampled it. "Good."

"That's good. One place I lived in east of Carbondale had a high sulfur content in the ground and it was drinkable, but it took some getting used to."

Denise sniffed the glass holding the water and laughed. "No farts in this water."

It caught Mylaren off guard and she laughed hysterically.

"That's quite some laugh you have there missy?" Denise said.

"It is?"

"We cook with Propane tanks we can have refilled. Lights work. It is livable. Going to take a little work to clean it up though, that's for sure."

"I'm thinking this is just unnecessary Layla."

"Really?"

"Yes. If they find us, they find us, here, there, anywhere. I am really not liking these people. Let's just use our place. If we could hide six legionnaires there we can hide a few who can disappear."

"That's very nice of you Denise," Mylaren said.

"I am the nicest person I know."

Her phone rang just as she finished speaking. "I'm going to take this outside." It was Aja.

"Hello honey."

"Hello D.Z. Where are you?"

"In the hills," Denise said in a thick southern accent.

"Are you sitting down?"

"Uh-oh."

"No, it's not bad, just unique."

Denise walked over to the trailer and sat on the step. "Okay, I'm sitting now."

"Mylaren is indeed a native of Chicago."

"Really?"

"Yes, a very special native. Her real name is Nora Tarris, at least it was before she disappeared just over a year ago while living on the west coast."

"Yeah, she disappeared alright. Should I tell her?"

"I leave that up to you, but there's more."

"Here comes the sitting down part hey? That music in the background sounds marvelous, who is that?"

"Vivaldi, La Stravaganza Concerto No. 2."

"Ah, no wonder, I love Vivaldi." Denise had a flashback to the name of Coventina she had carved into the wood at Uno's Pizzeria after a Vivaldi concert. "Lucius likes Vivaldi I hope."

"Oh yeah. Okay here you are. Nora was born Norbert Tarris."

"Say again?"

"You heard me right. She transitioned from male to female at sixteen. Apparently if one gets an early start, no one could tell the difference except a doctor of course, since no matter how female she looks on the outside, there are a few male parts that are still on the inside."

"Well I'll be. That's utterly fantastic."

"She had reassignment surgery in Canada at eighteen, officially changed her name and gender on everything, even her birth certificate three years ago."

"What about family?"

"No immediate family left. Her uncle took her under his wing. He's pretty well to do. He's the one that paid for her surgery."

"Well she can't go anywhere near him, not now, not if she could even remember him," Denise sighed.

"It sucks, I know, but necessary, for now."

"Okay baby. Let me know what I owe you."

"How about an unexpected visit for some of OUR wine when it is ready? You can cook."

"That's a deal my love. When you heading back?"

"End of the week. Lucius misses me," Aja laughed.

"Of course he does that lucky boy."

"Be careful D.Z. Sounds like these people have their shit together and don't play."

"I will. Until next time baby, which may be sooner than we think."

"Anytime. Enjoy the hills."

"We will, thanks."

Layla came out of the house with Mylaren and hid the keys where she found them. Denise watched Mylaren with a smile, absolutely astonished at who she was. "Come on. Let's get this done, and then, I have a crazy craving for tacos."

"Tacos?" Mylaren smiled.

"Yeah," Layla said. "You're going to love them."

27

Radio Waves

"Okay, you should be getting the images any moment," Green said. He had just sent a few hard copy images of what appeared to be the same two males at the Arizona break in that appeared on the security tape in Massachusetts.

Rachel was at home on her computer. She saw the email arrive and opened it. "Well it certainly looks like the same two individuals. Green, what's your best guess on this shitty mess?" She took a sip of her bourbon and lit a cigarette.

"I would guess their next stop is going to be out west somewhere. I just have this gut feeling they have not yet hooked up with the Montana escapee."

"Yeah, well they lost contact, no, correction, they NEVER had contact with him from the time he made his escape. There was a surgical tracking implant put in place at some point when he was out cold that was functioning perfectly until he escaped."

"Well Rachel, as far as this pair of individuals and your Mylaren, I am not sure where they could be. Unless we get some solid bit of information that points a direct finger at them, everything is a shot in the dark. We are going on images of Mylaren and these two males, and that's it."

"Where are you off to now?"

"I am going to head back to Chicago and make a few stops that just might help. You say your prototype was from Chicago right. Send me any information you have on her living relatives. And send me anything you have on this Zen as well."

"I will."

"And tell your good old boys to be on high alert in Montana the next few days. Tell them to watch for anything strange moving in the air rather than on the ground."

"I will G. Keep me updated."

"I will."

Rachel stared at the images of two males on her computer and took another long drag off her cigarette. "I believe you are the Zen, but are you really you?"

28

Tacos

"Arturo's Tacos in Chicago. Love them," Denise said before dipping some beans in her rice and putting the combo in her mouth.

Mylaren watched her intently and did the same. A smile radiated from her eyes, as she tasted the combo.

"Good huh?"

Mylaren nodded her approval.

"I've lived a sheltered life," Layla said. "Before meeting you this place right here, La Bamba's, was it. But, having never been to your Arturo's, I'd have to say Molly's La Casita in Memphis is my fav."

"Ooh, Molly's was really good." Denise wondered how the Mexican family they had met there was doing.

I'm going to tell her. Denise said.

She probably already knows.

"Nora," Denise said, watching Mylaren's reaction. She was looking at her plate when Denise spoke.

"Nora," she said, almost in a whisper. Her head rose to look Denise in the eyes.

"That's you."

She closed her eyes for a moment and smiled. "I have no recollection of Nora, but I like the name."

"You should since you undoubtedly chose it. Nora Tarris. If we did not have a resource like our friend to find that information, to know where to find it and how to find it, we would not know. But, we do. If Aja says it is so, it is so."

"Oh I believe you Denise. It's just that I have been altered to the point of not being able to remember."

"If you do remember things like friends or family, right now would be a good time to keep a very safe distance from them," Layla said.

"That is understandable. For now at least, friends and family are limited to the two of you and Gaub."

"There's more that may or may not be important."

"Don't worry. Nothing you could say will ruin the joy of this delicious meal."

"You were born Norbert. You transitioned, from male to female at an early age. This explains your ultra feminine looks. No one could ever gaze upon you and even remotely imagine you as anything but what you are, a woman," Denise smiled.

"It must be the reason I was considered at all for this experiment." Mylaren seemed to be staring right through Denise when she spoke.

Layla reached over to touch her left hand. "Those people are something that will NEVER get their hands on you again, at least not as long as I live," Layla said quietly.

"And that goes for me as well," Denise said.

"Then I am with all the family I need, at least for now."

When they finished their meal, Layla drove them out to the Best Buy on the east side of town. "Every girl's got to have her own laptop," Denise said. Once inside they purchased Mylaren a thirteen inch Macbook Air. The ultra thin profile appealed to her.

"Do you have any idea whether you were a Mac or Windows person before?" Layla asked as they walked back to the car.

"I think I like Apple," Mylaren said.

"What would you like us to call you, Mylaren or Nora?" Denise asked.

"Either."

"Well, who would like to stop for some ice cream to take back home?" Layla asked.

Just as she pulled the Mustang out of the parking lot onto Frontage Road they heard the roar of large motorcycles. About a hundred feet away, heading east on Highway 13 into town, were bikers. In their midst Layla recognized two of them.

"Of fuck me, is that?" Denise started to say.

"Fucking Johnny and Fucking Phil, yeah, it is," Layla said.

The parade of bikers turned right at McKinney Road, and made a hard right onto Frontage Road, roaring right past everyone in the Mustang. Phil slowed nearly to a stop trying to catch a glimpse of who was inside the Mustang that appeared as itself. Once it passed him, he gunned it to catch up with his buddies.

"Well that was more than a coincidence," Layla said of him slowing to try and see who was inside.

"Yes. I believe it was. Let's get that ice cream." Denise said. She couldn't help but wish they had been seen as other than the Mustang for some reason.

29

Traveling

Gaub was in the back of a pickup truck heading south. He'd been traveling through the night. The sky was still full of stars, but the eastern horizon was beginning to show a hint color.

When he heard the dogs approaching in the distance from his perch high up in a tree, he decided to catch any ride going anywhere, as long as it got him out of the immediate area where he had been held captive. He knew from the driver's thoughts that he would be going right through the Navajo reservation in Arizona. He felt he might be safer with those his species had visited, and was welcomed by many times in the past.

The driver pulled over to take a pee. Gaub quietly and invisibly got out of the truck and waited for it to pull away before he reappeared. He took a seat at the side of the road. There was virtually no traffic for nearly thirty minutes. The golden sunrise moved up over the horizon when he heard the faint sound of a vehicle approaching in the distance. Before it was close enough to be able to catch site of him, he disappeared. Even though a human eye could not see him, the old pale turquoise Chevy pickup truck slowed, and finally stopped right next to him.

"Ya at eeh," a male voice spoke from inside the truck.

Gaub remained cloaked.

"Ni ipa sampa."

Gaub could see that the woman sitting in the passenger seat was looking right at him, even though he was cloaked.

"Yes. I believe you will keep me safe," Gaub said as he reappeared.

She opened the door and slid over to the middle of the bench seat.

"You will return to the stars?" the man said.

"Yes."

The woman handed him a flask of water.

"You shall stay where your ancestors and ours once did."

The truck turned right and headed west down a narrow road. Gaub did not yet know how very close he was to Rachel's laboratories.

Back east, Green was getting ready to travel. He received a call from one of his biker gangs late the previous night.

"It may be nothing, and I gotta forewarn you, this guy is not the brightest bulb on the marquee, but he thought he saw something that looked familiar, something we were all looking for at one time."

"And what is that?"

"A Mustang. A black Mustang. Now, it may be a long shot, but it was definitely a black Mustang that helped one of our prizes escape in Tennessee."

"Where is he now?"

"Southern Illinois, Carbondale to be specific. Said he saw it pulling out of the mall parking lot out near the Best Buy. Says he experienced a strong sense of déjà vu."

Green was already pulling up driving instructions from Chicago to Carbondale.

"What's his name?"

"Phil. Something else you might find interesting. Phil and his friends are the ones who actually caught those two creatures that eventually got away."

"Is that a fact? Get in touch with Phil and tell him I have a job for him. Tell him to round up as many of his friends as he can. Send me a number I can reach him at."

"I sure will. Be talking to you."

Green checked out of his hotel, threw his things in the Chevy Malibu car rental, and followed his GPS instructions that took him to Interstate 57 south, en route to Carbondale.

30

Uh-Oh

Layla was out in the yard cleaning the grill, getting it ready for dinner. The morning sunlight coming over the trees illuminated the small swarm of green summer bugs whirling about in the yard.

Inside, Denise explained to Mylaren how the medallion worked that had been a gift from the crew of the Tyrine. "You probably will not need this feature, but press right there and you will be in stealth. It works very well, perhaps not as well as your ability to vanish, but it does come in handy."

"What will you use?"

"Oh, I have another from someone else who paid us a visit. It can make one disappear, but it does not have the next feature that is really going to come in handy, since they are undoubtedly looking for you."

"The ability to change but remain visible?"

"Yes. There is a bit of a tingling sensation when it is activated, but you get used to it. You simply press down on that side of it, and while you are holding it, whomever you imagine in your mind is what you will appear to be when it is activated, with uncanny accuracy, down to the smallest detail."

"May I try?" Mylaren asked.

"Yes, by all means."

Mylaren did as she was instructed and Layla appeared before her.

"Very good," Layla said walking in through the door. "Grill's cleaned."

"Ooh. Is it a kabob kind of day?" Denise asked.

"It is indeed."

When Layla looked up from slipping off her sandals, she and Denise were looking at a woman with red hair wearing a grey suit.

"I thought you might want to know exactly what your enemy looks like in the flesh."

"She looks like a real prize," Denise said.

Mylaren then changed to appear as Green. "I am not quite sure if I have the height correct, but this is who hunts us."

"Doesn't look like much of a predator," Layla said.

"He is very good at what he does. Even as we speak he is coming here, to this region. He comes to meet with the one you called Phil."

"Phil?" A stream of thoughts began zipping through Denise's head. Loose ends. Where did we leave any loose ends since we arrived?

"The mall," Layla and Denise said at the same time.

"We were there, as ourselves. If he gets there first every fuck that is hunting us is going to have an image of all three of us and the vehicle we were driving in," Layla said.

"Then let's make certain he does not get there first. Mylaren, have you any idea where he is at right now?"

"Exit 54B, Illinois 13 West."

"Fuck. We have to roll," Layla said.

"We got sloppy," Denise said.

"Yeah, but we fucking live here."

"Am I coming with?" Mylaren asked.

"Yes, but please change back to yourself for now," Denise said.

"Oops."

The three of them loaded into the Mustang, Denise in the back seat. Layla changed its appearance to that of a yellow VW Beetle, and sped towards town.

"We've almost the same distance to cover as he does, but he is on a four-lane highway. Let's get there if you know what I mean."

"Affirmative," Layla snickered.

"This is kind of exciting," Mylaren said.

"I guess it is," Denise laughed.

Green pulled into the parking lot outside Best Buy and parked as close as he could to the store. He made sure he had the images of Mylaren before he got out of the car. Three young women, college student no doubt, came running by laughing. "Not bad at all. I sure miss college sometimes," he said to himself.

"That was him," Mylaren said.

"He's making this his first stop as we thought he might," Denise said.

"I saw him checking out our asses. You two go do your thing, I will see if I can't stall him," Layla said.

Denise and Mylaren made their way towards the security office. Layla tugged on a cart, as if she could not separate it from the line of them it had been pushed into. She looked at Green, smiled, and let out a puff of steam.

"Need some help with that?" Green asked.

"Would you?" she cooed. Before exiting the car in the lot, she had changed her appearance to that of a tall blonde woman with a real pair of Hooters and an ass to match.

He tugged on the cart but it would not budge. "Here, let's try this one," he said. As he tugged on the one next to it his phone rang. He pulled the cart loose for her and smiled. "Rachel."

"Thank you so much," Layla smiled.

"You're welcome," he smiled.

"Better answer your call," Layla giggled.

"Right. Rachel. No, I'm not there at the moment. I am following a lead about four hundred miles south in a college town down here in Southern Illinois."

Layla was in no hurry as she really poured on her 'sexy' walk, stopping to put something into the cart just long enough to stay ahead of him.

Green was really enjoying the view of her walk from behind, and did not seem in a hurry to go over some boring security tapes. "I didn't call you because of the time difference. Besides it may be nothing, but I just have a feeling there might be some connection. I just can't explain why."

I'd like to connect your head with the floor, Layla thought.

Play nice out there Supergirl, we're done and on our way back.

If you insist.

She stopped by the music CD aisle and took her sweet time until Green finally walked by her.

"Come on Patty, they are out of stock," Denise said, loud enough for Green to hear.

"Yeah. They said that we need to order online. That it would be fastest," Mylaren said.

"That was quick," Layla said. "I think he'd still be walking behind me checking out this ass if I had not stopped here."

"Oh yes he would," Mylaren laughed.

"See."

"It is a very nice ass you're wearing, and those Hooters," Denise laughed.

"Come on, let's go shop for supper."

"Let's."

31

Phil

Green found it odd that the security discs at Best Buy had been erased, or damaged. He stopped at a Taco Bell for a quick lunch, and checked in to the Comfort Inn. Once there he called Rachel and gave her an update. "So, no word at all from Montana?"

"No. They are convinced they've lost track. At any rate the dogs led them around some trees and ended at a road. He must have slipped onto or into a passing vehicle and is long gone is my guess," Rachel said.

"Can't imagine where it expects to go looking so alien."

"Lots and lots of places to hide here if he headed this way, with nothing above but big sky, full of stars."

"I am going to call this lead down here when I get off the phone with you."

"We may have found a new host, in Louisiana."

"Let me know how that works out for you."

"I will Green. Keep me posted."

"Of course." He hung up the phone and attached the charger, then called Phil from the hotel phone.

"Hyello," the voice at the other end answered.

"I am trying to reach Phil," Green said.

"I am Phil."

Was that Phil or Feyul? Green wondered.

"Yes. Someone who has done work for me in the past gave me your number, told me to contact you, about a black Mustang. Would that be you?"

"Oh, yeah. There was definitely something about that Mustang alright, I just can't seem to place it exactly."

"Well, that's why I'm here, to see if I can't help you jog that memory. If I like what I hear, I will have some work for you and any number of your friends you can convince to help out. Interested?"

"Sure. Who can't use some extra cash? That is what we're talking about here in't it?"

"It is indeed. Where can I meet you alone for starters?"

Phil gave him directions to an area just south of Crab Orchard Lake. He unplugged his phone and left for his rendezvous. Along the way he was impressed with the beauty of the region once he got off the main highways. He also knew he would need the help of locals, seeing that if they were anywhere in the area, Mylaren and whoever was helping her, could be hiding anywhere.

He turned off County Road 23 on to Skyhawk Road, then made another quick right onto Bald Eagle Lane. About a quarter mile up that road he reached his destination to find three small trailers, with a few dismantled cars and one motorcycle. Sitting on a car seat that had been removed from one of the vehicles, with a can of beer in his hand, was Phil.

"Howdy," he said, when Green got out of the car.

"Hey."

"Want a beer?"

"Not yet, but thanks."

"Have a seat if you like," Phil said, pointing to a kitchen chair with rust on the chrome legs.

Green saw that the cushion of the chair was clean from previous asses sliding across it and had a seat. "The Mustang. Tell me what you think."

"It's kinda hard to explain, but when I saw this car uh-coming towards us, with the mall and the Best Buy behind em, I don't know, I just felt like I'd seen that before."

"That's possible. We all have that feeling at times, but why the mall?"

"Well, because to this day, me and my friend Terry cannot remember how we kinda got out asses kicked, or by who. I wish I knew. I'd like to find who it was. I had to spend more than three hundred dollars fixing what was broke on my bike alone. Terry had even more shit wrong with his."

"So you were attacked?"

"Fuck I don't know. I just can't help feeling some connection."

"You were part of an operation that was rather recklessly terminated somewhere in Tennessee yes?"

"Yeah. Can't remember shit about that neither, but I am told by others that was there, two bitches helped our main prize get away."

"Two bitches, not two guys?"

"Yeah. I can tell ya fer sure, no two bitches woulda been able to kick our asses in that mall that's for sure."

"And you, and Terry, were the ones who actually captured these two, prizes as you put it?"

"Yeah. South of here. I remember all that shit well, but I'll be goddamned if I can remember any of that other shit."

"Okay. So you captured two, what were they, people?"

"If they was, sure the hell wasn't from this planet. Didn't see them get out of it, but we saw the ship they done come out of. Nothing on Earth moves or looks like that thing did I can tell ya."

"Then what did you do with them?"

"Well, Terry made a few phone calls. Next thing we know we are being hired to, keep em quiet, ask em questions, that kind of shit. We kept em not too far from here until they told us to move em south."

"Really? Can you show me where you kept them?"

"You ain't a fed or nothing are you, cause you know that'd be entrapment?"

"No, I am not a fed."

"Well, unless you want to ride on the back of that," Phil said, pointing to his motorcycle, "I suggest you better drive."

"I have absolutely no problem with that. Grab yourself another beer if you like."

"Yeah, I think I will."

"Can a car get to where you captured them?"

"Close enough. You wanna go there too?"

"Yes, if you don't mind."

"Hell no I don't mind, just gonna need more than one beer that's all."

32

Cathy's Clown

Mylaren was sitting in the living room with her computer on her lap, installing a few browsers that Denise recommended. "And you must get Google Earth on there."

Layla was out in the yard testing her abilities when under the activation of medallions for every function. She had discovered that she could indeed move objects with great accuracy when the function that had her moving off the ground was activated.

Denise could not help but wonder what might be breaking out there in the yard when she heard a loud noise or the thud of a bolder landing nearby. "Ooh, I have always loved this song," she said to herself, and sang along as she finished preparing breakfast. "Don't want your love anymore, Don't want your kisses that's for sure, I die each time, I hear this sound, Here she comes, That's Cathy's Clown."

Mylaren heard her singing along and quietly joined in from where she was sitting. How can I know these lyrics? Why is this song so familiar?" she thought as she continued to sing along to the songs end.

Denise walked into the living room. "Breakfast is ready. Do you want to eat in here or in the kitchen?"

"I will eat where you eat."

The front door opened and closed with no one to be seen. Layla appeared a moment later sweating from a workout. "Go wash your hands, breakfast is ready," Denise laughed.

"Yes mommy."

"Mmm, delicious as usual," Layla said, once breakfast got underway.

"Thanks. Mylaren, do you like your eggs this way?" Denise asked.

"I like everything you cook Denise."

"You seem a bit pre-occupied. Care to share?"

"The song you were singing along to earlier, Cathy's Clown. I was trying to figure out why it was so familiar to me, how I could know the lyrics? It is an old memory I believe, but I just cannot place it exactly."

"That happens to me a lot, and I have not had my memory erased or my body altered as you have. I bet it is a good memory if you ever latch on to it."

"Yes, I think it is."

"Any idea what our predator is up to today?" Layla asked.

"He was given a tour by Phil, He took him to the area they had been at when they kidnapped your friends. They also went by a place where they had briefly been kept and questioned. Today, he is to meet with Phil and as many of his friends he could get together to discuss an extensive search for us."

"Fucking bikers again," Layla said. She looked down to see she had bent the fork she was holding in half. "Oops."

"Can you bend it back?" Denise asked.

"I think so." Layla and Denise watched as it returned to its original shape in a gentle fluid motion.

"Very good," Denise grinned.

"I didn't do that."

"I did," Mylaren said. "I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all."

They sat at the table having more post breakfast coffee.

"So it is safe to assume that a gang of biker boys are going to be creeping around this entire area looking for, a black Mustang right? Denise said.

"And Mylaren, along with two others," Layla said.

"They know those who helped your friends escape are female. They still have the memories of those who were present in Tennessee to tap into for information," Mylaren added.

"Then with the images of males we've fed them, let them wonder just how many are involved," Denise said. She got up and started to clear the table.

"Mylaren, have you any idea yet where they are going to have this meeting and when?" Layla asked.

"At PK's at three this afternoon." She got up to help Denise clear the table.

"Not you honey, YOU need a shower," Denise laughed, speaking to Layla.

"Yeah, I do."

"Why don't we attend this here meeting, you know, to get a good close up look at exactly what we're up against?"

"We could just leave," Layla said.

"No. It might be the sensible thing to do, take a long vacation, head to France or Italy and visit with friends. But, I fucking live here, and Mylaren is our guest, for as long as she likes, and she and Gaub really should meet in person before he leaves. I can't explain why but my gut tells me it is important. At least he is safe at the moment."

"There is more to consider," Mylaren sighed.

"Yes?" Denise and Layla said in chorus.

"Rachel and those who kept Gaub captive have found another host. It is only a matter of time before they create another hybrid like myself, and who knows where that will lead?"

"Okay. Good reason to stay in the states. Do you know who and when yet?"

"No, not yet, but when I do I will let you know immediately."

"Great. It's settled then. We ain't uh going nowhere just yet, and when we do it'll be to wreck their plans," Denise said.

"I think I'll go have that shower," Layla laughed.

She heard the sound of loud singing from the kitchen.

"Don't want your l o o o o ove anymore, Don't want your ki i i i ises that's for sure, I die each time, I hear this sound."

Layla joined in the chorus before slipping into the shower, "Here she co o o o o omes, That's Cathy's Clown."

33

Target

Samantha Egan did not notice that she was being followed. The sun was just starting to dip under some of the taller rooftops to the west as she walked by the Saint Louis Cemetery on her way home from one of her jobs at Antiques and Things. She lived on Saint Louis Street, and today she was in a particularly good mood. One of her dearest friends and mentors was coming to town to spend a few days with her, having never been to New Orleans.

When she finally got to her front door, she thought she heard the sound of a camera shutter rapidly firing from a passing car and turned, too late to see who it could have been.

"That was definitely her," one of the men in the passing car said.

"Her or it?" the man in the passenger seat holding the camera said.

"Sure looked like a she to me, and a nice looking one at that, especially in that thin dress."

"Yeah, I guess. She'll be an it soon enough though. Come on. Let's get back to the apartment so I can send the good news to Rachel."

"Sure Thing."

34

PKs

"Wheeee Dogies, just look at all them there hogs," Layla shouted as they drove slowly up Illinois Avenue.

"You're welcome to ride mine any time," a biker said who slowed to give her a good look.

Layla and Mylaren were using their medallions to give the appearance of a couple of Hooter babes. Denise was in the back seat cloaked, and quietly giggling. "I could sure use a beer. Are you having a party?" Layla asked. The Mustang appearance was that of a 1970 Pontiac Firebird.

"Can't. Some kind of private party, but if you stick around til it's over."

"Maybe I'll stop back," Layla smiled before speeding past him and the rather large assortment of bikes in front of PKs that took up the entire block.

"I'm starting to feel like an outlaw," Denise laughed from the back seat, coming out of cloak.

"Yeah. The sheriff is going to talk to his biker posse and give them as much info as he can about us." Layla grinned. The Mustang changed to a green Ford Escort. She and Mylaren then changed their appearance to that of two young college student males.

"Do you think this Green is there yet?" Denise asked.

"I don't now," Layla said as she pulled up to a parking spot on Illinois one block south of the bar. Phil had just pulled up into the alley, directing Green to park on the street south of the alley.

"He has the manners of a reckless man," Mylaren said.

Layla laughed. "You are being so nice."

"Well, it's a cinch we are not getting in there unless they know us, and they don't. Still, I sure would like to get a look at them all, wouldn't you?" Denise said.

"That door is being closed pretty fast, but I guess we could slip in with them."

"That is not necessary if I'm with you Layla."

"Well I wasn't going to volunteer you and put you in immediate harm's way."

"I want to help. I might be able to read something off Green if we are closer."

"I can erase all their memories if you like," Denise said.

"Alter perhaps, but not erase. They would just send more, perhaps much more and far worse," Mylaren said.

"Alter. Hmm?"

"Come on, I don't want to miss anything."

Denise and Mylaren followed Layla out of the car cloaked.

"Mylaren, is there a way you can take a peak inside so we don't bump into anyone against the wall?" Layla asked.

"I think so." She moved to the right of the front door, touched the wall and slowly slipped her head through the brick. She slowly retracted it. "There's a rather large one in the way."

"Come on, try over here," Layla said, leading them into the alley.

Mylaren did the same between two windows to find no one standing directly on the other side. "We can enter here."

Denise admired here calm and courage. Nothing seemed to frighten her.

They got close together, held hands, and followed Mylaren through the wall.

Wow. Looks like a real gathering of the minds," Layla said.

For what they are hired for, brains obviously are not needed. Denise said.

"Did you see that?" one of the bikers sitting at the bar asked when they passed through the wall.

"What?" another asked.

"I don't know. That wall looked weird a moment ago."

"Probably all that acid you've done since the seventies. Let me hear what this guy has to say."

"Everybody got something to drink?" Phil asked.

A few in the room were waiting for their beer.

"Well, okay then. This here is G. He wants to hire us, all of us."

A series of mumbled questions swirled around the room.

"Basically, it's about that Mustang down in Tennessee. Yeah, I know some of you know what I'm talkin about. That Mustang and three bitches."

Green motioned to Phil that he'd like to take over so they weren't kept in suspense all night. He explained to them the importance of finding that vehicle and the three women in question. He told them why he believed them to be in the area. He also made it perfect clear that if found, they were to be kept alive, no matter how much any of them wanted payback for the mess they made of things. "If you find them, try to get in touch with me first if possible. If you try to take them, they are not to be injured in any way, and that includes sexual assault. We want them badly but we want them alive. Now I'm not telling you that you can't defend yourselves if necessary, but healthy and alive. I cannot express strongly enough what those I represent will do should any of you damage or kill any of them."

More mumbling, louder this time, mostly questions.

"Are they government?" one man asked.

"No, and neither am I," Green said.

"So you just want us to roam the countryside of Southern Illinois looking for what exactly?"

"A shiny black Mustang with dark windows and three bitches," Phil said.

"If you agree to help out, you will be given photos to help you identify them," Green said.

I bet he's beginning to have second thoughts about this, Denise said.

Let's get out of here before I get upset, Layla moaned.

Mylaren. You seem amused. Care to share? Denise asked.

Half of them could care less about Green's directive, and will gang rape any of us they find, at the least, for payback.

We better go, Denise said, seeing how angry Layla was.

Follow me, Layla said. She started for the front door and slammed it open, breaking the lock in the process. Denise and Mylaren followed her through the open swinging door.

"What the fuck? Did you lock that door like I told you?" the bartender shouted.

"Yeah, well I thought I did?" Johnny said.

"It's okay, I believe we are done here," Green said.

"I told you I saw something earlier. Probably some demon," the biker at the bar said.

"Couldn't possibly have been the wind on a day like this huh?" the other laughed.

Layla started up the Mustang, still in stealth, and drove past the bar, toppling over all of their parked bikes before making a left at the corner and heading to Quatro's for a pizza.

35

Reservation

Gaub was being kept in and around ancient canyon dwellings. He was in good hands. Nalihi was the woman of Badanni, who was considered Medicine Man. Information about the Star People, had been handed down to them that had never been revealed to outsiders.

As of yet, he had no way of knowing when other Star People would arrive to take him off this planet. It could happen at any time. Of one thing he was certain, and that was when they were close enough to contact him, they would. Then he would have a timeframe to work with.

For now, Nalihi and Badanni moved him from one spot to another on the vast Navajo Reservation. He was delighted to be out of that prison he'd been kept in for so long, and to be with these friendly humans.

"Those are military planes you see creating those lines in the sky," Badanni said. "There are a few bases south of here, and we see them often, but not like this, not in these numbers. These flyovers are for you."

"Have they the technology on them to see us from that height?" Gaub asked.

"I have heard they can tell what time it is on a humans wrist watch from space, so yes, I would have to say they can."

"Then we shall be extra careful when they are around."

"Helicopter searches will follow. This is the preparation for that," Nalihi said.

"The vehicles that can fly, stop, land and take off with ease yes."

"Yes. That is when we must be well concealed. In these canyons they can be upon you before you could hide from their view."

"Then we shall be very careful indeed," Nalihi smiled. "How about something to eat?"

"Now would be a good time to prepare some food," Badanni said.

"I shall prepare enough for a few days."

"Yes. We may have to eat on the move without being able to make a fire."

Gaub gazed up at the aircraft passing by so high overhead, the white chalk-like lines reflected off his large eyes, as he sent Mylaren a message.

36

DMV

Not one of the biker friends of Phil could tell Green what year the Mustang in question was, or give any accurate description of the plates on the car. The most he got out of them was it was black, and it was definitely shiny and clean, and there were two women in it, although they didn't refer to them as women. One blonde that was taller than the other, and one with light brown hair.

So, Green used his official resources to acquire a list of black Mustang owners registered in the State of Illinois that were female. He then got back to them and asked for a list of all Mustang owners, no matter the color, no matter the registered owner, in a separate list.

It was not something he would have access to immediately, so he checked in with those helping him in other parts of the country, just in case his hunch was wrong.

It was just after three in the afternoon when his phone rang. The person at the other end needed to confirm the email address the list was to be sent to. Within minutes, he had his rather long lists in PDF format. "I need to get to a printer." He searched through the Yellow Pages in the nightstand at the side of his bed for a Kinko's or something similar. "Kopys n More. They'll do."

He rushed to send the files to a flash drive and headed out. Once there he had six copies of the file that showed only the black Mustangs registered with females. He had them print one copy of the other file for himself. He then returned to the hotel room with a bucket of chicken from KFC and settled in to going over the list. Because of a few interruptions by Rachel and others, as well as a short nap, it was well after two in the morning when he saw the name of someone from Chicago registered to an older Mustang, the color of which could be mistaken for being dark enough to be black. "Denise Zen. Now that just might be a coincidence," he grinned. Might be.

That task done, he turned down the volume on the television, turned off the light next to the bed, and settled in to a more restful sleep.

"Hello," Mary said. She had just gotten out of the bathroom and was ready to brew a small pot of coffee, as was her routine every workday.

"Hello. I'm sorry to bother you so early, but I'm trying to reach Denise Zen," Green said. He had just gotten out of the shower and his short hair was dripping on the phone he held against his ear.

"I'm sorry, who is this?"

"My name is John Martin. We took a class together and I wanted to know how to get ahold of her, to see if she would be interested in selling her Mustang."

Mary paused before speaking. Something did not sound quite right with the voice at he other end of this call. The caller ID clearly showed it coming from a hotel in Carbondale though. "John, if you give me your name and number I will pass that information on to her to get in touch with you."

"Sure." He gave Mary the number to one of his other phones. "So is she still down here at school?"

That question REALLY made her uneasy. "I'll be sure to give her your name and number John."

"Thank you." He heard the phone hang up on the other end. "Well, it seems we have at least found the family."

37

Before Breakfast?

"Maybe you better get that?" Layla mumbled, her head against the bare back of Denise. She had been listening to the phone buzz across the nightstand.

"Oh, yeah," Denise softly groaned. "I was sleeping so soundly." She reached for her iPhone and answered. "Hello."

"Oh no, sounds like I woke you up," Mary said.

"Nope. You woke Layla up and she woke me up."

"I have a message for you?"

"A message, for me?"

"Yeah. Just got a call from some guy who says he knows you. The call was from Carbondale, I'd know that area code anywhere."

"Oh? What's the message?"

"He wants you to call him. Says his name is John Martin, that you took a class together, and he was wanted to get in touch with you to see if you are interested in selling your Mustang."

Denise sat up in bed. Suddenly, she was wide-awake. "You know my baby was stolen," Denise said.

"Yeah, I know. Honey this call sounded strange. I can't put my finger on it, but something just didn't sound right."

"How did he get your number I wonder?"

"We are listed. I keep telling mom to stop being so trustworthy. He asked for you by name, Denise Zen."

"Okay sis. I'll take care of it, and try not to worry. You know I've got Layla to protect me."

"Love you little sister."

"And Mary."

"Yes?"

"Don't wait for mom. Remove her number from being listed. It's just too much information to have out there in this age of identity theft."

"I am ahead of you on that my dear, and will see to it today."

"Bye sis." She hung up the phone and turned to see Layla staring right at her.

"That call sounded like a major uh-oh," Layla said.

"Yeah. Someone called the house. Said they knew me and wanted to know if I would be interested in selling my Mustang."

Layla shot out of bed and darted out of the bedroom mumbling, "I have to pee," in between a variety of profanities.

Denise sent Aja a text.

BABY I HAVE NEVER NEEDED YOU MORE. I LONG TO HAVE YOU DO FOR ME WHAT NO ONE ELSE CAN

She walked out to the kitchen and started a pot of coffee. She heard Mylaren stirring in her bedroom when she got a reply.

I MISS YOU TOO. HOW BADLY DO YOU MISS ME?

MORE THAN I CAN SAY IN A TEXT

OOH BABY...TZMX7

She knew that code meant to check her special email account, and not on a phone, so she opened up her Macbook and headed back to the bedroom. When she checked that email there was just a link she clicked on that showed her a phone number she knew would not be there long. She fished around for her other phone, started it up, and dialed the number.

"Ghostbusters, whattaya want?" Aja asked.

"Hey baby. Am I glad you're still around." Denise explained to her all that was going on and what her sister had told her.

"Honey, I thought you never registered those two thingies you own," Aja said.

"I never did. My original Mustang was registered, and I never got it unregistered or reported it stolen."

"This asshole sounds pretty resourceful. My guess is he took a shot in the dark and found you through Motor Vehicles. From there your family wouldn't be hard to locate with the billboards your mother still has out there."

Denise let that sink in for a moment. Her family.

"I guess it's impossible to make me go away down in Springfield huh?"

"Hmm. Maybe not go away, but a change?"

"How soon?"

"My plane ticket is for Saturday very early in the morning. I don't think I will have to reschedule, but I can't rule it out. There is more I am going to have to do for you, like erase this guys data. I can't do that unless I know where to reach him. Everything else is up to you and your very special talents for making one forget."

"Fuck. I thought I was going to be able to relax today and watch the puffy clouds go by."

"You can, but I'd try to get his phone number or email address at least. Or a network he is using."

"Like his hotel network?"

"Yes like that."

"I will send you that info. I'm going to go, Layla is really pissed off about this asshole."

"Understandably so. You take care of him; I'll do the rest. I am going to do him before the DMV if that makes any sense to you."

"It does actually. Whatever you send me in the form of a bill I will double it," Denise laughed.

"Just stay safe and do what you have to do. He knows too much, even though he is fishing."

"Okay. Love you."

"Love you too." The phone call ended.

She deleted the email on her computer and shut it down. She then deleted the text messages on her iPhone.

Layla had just poured herself a cup of coffee when Mylaren walked out of her bedroom quickly. She activated the medallion to stealth. "He is coming up your drive. Green is here, now."

Layla shot up from her chair. "Stay cool baby. He's just fishing for my old Mustang. Our baby looks like a Toyota pickup out there."

"You better do the talking. I may just rip his head off."

"I know. Try to enjoy your coffee."

"Right."

They heard the engine turn off and a car door close. It was followed by three sharp knocks on the door. Sounds like a cop knock, but I'm glad he's here. Aja needs some info.

Then can I rip his head off?

Why don't you activate your medallion? Be a guy and let him see you.

Good idea.

Mylaren, just stay in there until I get rid of him.

I will Denise.

I have to be myself. He may have seen a license. You're my boyfriend.

Got it.

Denise opened the door so see Green standing in front of her. She could not see what he was holding in his hand. "Can I help you?" she asked with a serious look on her face, the look she felt someone might wear having a stranger that looks like a private dick knocking on his or her door before breakfast.

"Perhaps," he started. His eyes gave her a once over and darted around to see as much as he could through the open door. "I am looking for Denise Zen."

"That would be me. What do you want me for?"

"Who is that baby, is everything okay?" Layla said in a deep voice. She walked over to the door, put her very male hand on Denise's shoulder and opened the door wider to get a better look at Green, and for him to see her, as a him.

"Yeah, at least I think so," Denise said.

"I was wondering if you would be interested in selling your Mustang," Green said.

"Mustang? Is your name John by any chance?" she said, putting on a look of surprise. "Hell, for all I know that baby is more than a million miles from here. It was stolen."

"Yes I am John. Stolen?" Green looked surprised, since it was still on record as being hers at the DMV.

"Yeah. I really miss that car. Bought it up in Chicago before I came down here to school. It was such a nice ride. Really miss the stick shift too."

Green was wearing a look of surprise and smiled.

What is your Blackberry number? Denise asked.

He gave her his telephone number before he asked the question he had planned on asking. "Well, that's unfortunate. I'm a collector you see. So, you really don't have any idea where it ended up?"

I'll tell you if you tell me what email address you used to get my information. She also planted a suggestion that he not remember.

Green recited his email address and spoke. "Coffee sure smells good."

"Would you like a cup for the road?" Layla asked.

"That would be nice."

Fingerprints?

Probably," Layla said. She walked into the kitchen and poured a cup into a thick paper cup. "Cream or sugar?" she shouted.

"Just black thanks. Nice place you have here."

"Yeah," Denise smiled, looking a bit embarrassed. "We're still having a lot of fun together and love our privacy."

"That's understandable."

Layla handed the cup through the open door to Green and smiled.

"I'll walk you out to your car," Denise said.

Green looked around at everything outside. Grill. Pickup truck. Barn. College kids literally having a ball. "Well, thanks again." He opened the door to his Chevy rental, got inside, and closed the door, being careful not to spill the hot coffee before he could get it in the cup holder.

Denise tapped gently on the window and spoke through the glass. "Oh, there's one more thing."

He opened the window. "Yes?"

Give me that stack of papers you have. The DMV route is a dead end. Let Phil and his friends keep searching, since they can't read very well anyway.

Green handed her the seven lists he had printed out. She rolled them up and handed them to Layla who took them inside.

"I was just going to say, if you're heading back towards Carbondale, if you make a right up there and follow the road, it's a really beautiful drive through Giant City State Park."

"Why thanks. It is a beautiful region." He smiled, closed the window, spun the Chevy around, and drove down the private road and off their property. He did not turn right to go through Giant City.

"Too bad Greenie. It really is a beautiful State Park."

38

Samantha

Joyce stopped in back of a parked truck blocking most of the roadway and honked the unmistakable horn on her black VW Beetle. She watched the door open and the driver, a large balding man who looked like he was carrying twins, slide onto the street. "Patience sweetheart. I'm going to be here at least fifteen minutes," he said, as he shuffled to the door of the establishment the delivery was destined for.

"Where do I park?" she asked.

"Hang on," Samantha laughed. She opened her door and stepped over to the sidewalk. "It's narrow, but you'll fit and the path is clear once we get past this guy."

"You want me to drive on the sidewalk?"

"That's exactly what I want you to do, unless you want to sit here until that moves. Their fifteen minutes is never fifteen minutes, it's more like a hour."

"Okay. If I get a ticket you're paying it."

"This is New Orleans honey. Trust me, you won't get a ticket."

Joyce did as Samantha said, and noticed that the line of cars that had been gathering behind them followed. "It's not the first time I've driven on a sidewalk you know."

"Well that's fabulous Joyce, care to talk about it?" Samantha giggled.

"One summer, when I was still a teen and had just gotten my license, I was driving my sisters little MGB Midget. There was a horrendous thunderstorm drowning Chicago in a downpour of what seemed like epic proportions."

"We know that feeling down here all too well," Samantha laughed.

"Anyway, there was absolutely no way for me to get home without passing under one of Chicago's many viaducts, and they always flooded and flooded pretty bad when it really poured. So, I steered the MGB up onto the sidewalk, that by the way had about six inches covering it, and passed through that viaduct, car still running and dry inside."

"Did anyone follow you that day?"

"Nope. Cars were too big back then, unless you owned a foreign car of course."

"Oh, It's up on the next block. You can park anywhere along here on the right."

"Okay."

"Café Amelie. You're going to love their food."

"Good. I'm starving."

They both decided on seafood dishes. After a fabulous meal of seared salmon in horseradish cream, buttered asparagus and fingering potatoes, Samantha paid the tab and left a nice tip. "It's a nice night, how about a walk along the Riverfront? We can catch the sunset, should be nice."

"I think a walk would be nice after that meal. Lead the way," Joyce said.

Samantha had her spin around and park on Saint Louis about a block from the Riverfront. "Come on. Let's hitch a ride on the Riverfront Streetcar," Samantha said.

"Ooh, that sounds really nice. Let's."

"It ain't all pretty, but there's no bus exhaust."

"All we need is a little banjo music," Joyce laughed.

"That would work."

What they did not pay any mind to was the couple that got on with them and sat across from them on the streetcar.

In the woman's small handbag a camera was transmitting. Each of them was wearing headphones that were concealed.

"Which one is it?" Rachel asked.

"She's the one on the left," the woman said quietly, looking at her partner as if she were talking to him.

"The other one complicates things. What do you know about her?"

"A friend, visiting from Chicago. She leaves in a day."

"Lucky for her I'm a patient woman. Make arrangements to wrap this up as soon as we know she's gone back up north."

"We will."

39

Desperado

Mylaren turned to look at Denise who was sitting in the back seat as they drove east on Highway 13 just outside Carbondale. She was not cloaked, or wearing the appearance of another, nor was anyone else in the car. They were in the burgundy Mustang that too appeared to be just that, a Mustang.

"As long as we are not around our home, let's go out as ourselves," Denise had told them. "I am growing weary of searching for others, so fuck it. Let them come to us, at their own peril."

Layla agreed. She never liked playing nice with anyone out to harm them or those they loved. Mylaren was in that category. They had taken her under their loving and protective wings.

"They sing like rebels," she said of the song on the radio.

"I'm so bored with the U...S...A," Denise sang.

"They sing like desperados," Layla said, before joining in.

"Desperados, like us," Mylaren laughed.

"When this latest round of dealing with human wretchedness has passed, let's go at least visit our friends in Europa," Denise said.

"Yes, let's," Layla smiled, looking at her mate in the rear view mirror.

Once they passed through Marion the scenery changed back to lush farmland. It would change again the nearer they got to the Ohio River, into some of the hilliest narrow two-lane roads in Southern Illinois, where it was not unusual to not only see road kill lying about, but vultures picking at the remains.

"I always see eagles when I come out this way," Layla said.

"Today will be no exception," Denise said.

Mylaren smiled, knowing they were just ahead.

Denise knew there were six bikers on the ferry about to arrive a block up at the Ohio River. She also knew they were working for Green, and that one of them would see the Mustang as it turned off Canal onto Main Street to head towards the cave that gave the town its name. She did not want to alert Layla until they were closer to the cave.

"This truly is beautiful country," Mylaren said, knowing what Denise knew, trying to lighten the mood.

"One of the main reasons I settled down here," Layla said.

"Me too," Denise said. She started quietly singing. "Desperado, why don't you come to your senses? You been out ridin' fences for so long now."

"Eagles. Not a huge fan," Layla said, as she made the final turn into the parking lot. From there it would be a short trek on foot to the cave.

"Same here. Speaking of here."

"Uh-oh," Layla said, turning to look at Denise.

"Let's get out first before it gets too hot in here."

Layla led the exit from the car.

"Okay, lay it on me."

"Six of Phil and Johnny's boys were on the ferry and saw this car. They are coming here right now."

"Okay. Should I put the Mustang in stealth?"

"No, we want them to see it, but set the security system to ruin their day if they try to break into it."

"So we're still going to the cave?"

"Yes my dears, we are. I wouldn't miss it."

The six men on bikes cruised slowly up Park Avenue, knowing, because they were familiar with the area, there were very few options in and out of the park.

"They filmed a movie here you know," Denise said.

"How The West Was Won," Layla laughed.

"Interesting scene that. Innocent family about to be way laid by murdering scumbags, and good old Jimmy Stewart comes to their rescue."

"Mylaren, You and Denise are the family and I am Jimmy Stewart. The scumbags? Well they're a comin cause I can hear em," Layla grinned.

"Amazing that you do not seem the least bit worried," Mylaren said, squinting in the near mid day sun."

"Amazing that you don't seem worried either," Denise said.

Four of the men on bikes made their way to the cave while two of them chose to watch the Mustang.

"There's not a lot to see once inside but it is pretty amazing," Layla said, standing under a shaft of light coming from above in the back of the cave.

"I get a really negative vibe from this place," Denise said.

"Yes," Mylaren said.

"Well, some real desperados hung out here. Did you know this was like a bar nightclub for the river pirates?" Layla grinned.

"No I did not," Denise laughed.

"It's true. The bar was right back here. Just imagine the clientele. Small wonder you are feeling those vibes since many undoubtedly met their end here and wound up floating down that river out there."

"Speaking of out there, our biker boys await."

"Oh let me lead the way," Layla said.

They could not see anyone near the entrance. They're there all right, Denise said.

Once out in the open air they turned right to head down the path leading back to the car.

"It's them, or her," one of the bikers said to the other two blocking the path.

"They fit the description of the other two broads, and the one's that was down in Tennessee," another said.

"I'm getting hungry," Layla said.

"Me too." Denise said.

"You're blocking our way, BOYS," Layla said. She was standing between Denise on the riverside and Mylaren on the cliff side.

"Is that a fact?"

"Yeah," Layla said rather calmly. She sent them flying into each other, totally disorienting them, before she slammed each one individually into the rock cliff, leaving them lying on the path, a moaning mess.

You will not remember us or what just happened to you, and you will stop searching for those bitches because it's just too dangerous, Denise planted in their minds.

They started up the path behind Mylaren who was now leading the way, when from behind the natural out cropping of the cliff, a fourth biker lunged at Mylaren, wrapping his rather muscular arm around her neck, a pistol pointed at Layla and Denise.

Shields up Scottie, Denise said.

Aye Captain.

They watched as, in the blink of an eye, Mylaren and her attacker seemed to disappear into the side of the cliff.

Mylaren, are you okay? Layla asked.

"Yes," she said, as she came out of the solid rock cliff in a shimmer, alone.

"Oh my," Layla said.

"Are we going to leave him in there, next to Ginger and Wayne?" Denise asked, pointing at the graffiti names to the left of where the biker still was, inside the cliff.

"It was his intent to shoot the both of you," Mylaren said.

"What, no rape?" Denise asked.

"Rape after," Mylaren said.

"If it was up to me I'd have you put that trash in there with him," Layla said.

Denise led them further up the path back towards the car. "There are still two more somewhere so stay alert.

They climbed back up to find six bikes parked in the way of their exit around the Mustang. "That's going to mean a mess," Layla said.

Before the two bikers could speak, Denise got them out of the way. Your buddies are waiting by the cave. They found them and need your help. Once you get there you will forget seeing us and why you stopped here.

They took off walking down the path to the cave.

Layla sent the bikes flying in six different directions. "So what's for lunch?" she asked.

"I have a taste for a burger and fries," Denise said, climbing into the back seat.

"Sounds good to me," Mylaren smiled.

"Me too."

"And I want a chocolate shake too," Denise giggled.

"Me too," Layla and Mylaren chimed.

"Make it so," Denise said. She could not help wondering what it would be like, being left inside a cliff, and for some reason, she didn't care. Something told her they weren't going to be home very long at all before they had to take a trip.

40

Saint Louis

Joyce gave Samantha a ride to work before hitting the road and heading back to Chicago. "Come up anytime darling, you know I love your company," she said.

"Yeah. I should just hop on that City of New Orleans Amtrak and head up."

"Are you ever going to own a car?"

"Not if I can help it. They're there if you need one, and you don't really need one in a city like New Orleans."

"Point taken."

They exchanged hugs and kisses and parted ways. Mylaren knew she had a busy day ahead of her and more than likely would not get out of work until the end of the day, after taking a few days off.

"She's at work," Jack said, speaking into his phone.

"So, you're on for tonight then?" Rachel asked.

"Yes. With any luck you should see her at your shop when you get there in the morning."

"That is what we are all hoping for. Treat it like the precious cargo it is Jack."

"We shall. Talk to you later."

The phone on Rachel's end hung up.

"Well, we can sit here all day, but it's not necessary. My guess is she's got a busy day ahead of her and we can just pick her up after work."

"Jack how did Rachel sound?" Jill asked.

"Unusually calm, but her usual sweet self," he laughed.

"Let's go find a drink," Rob laughed.

"Let's," Jill smiled.

Inside, Samantha's boss came into the loft office. "Sam, I'd like you to run an errand for me please," Paul said.

"Sure, what's up?"

"Head over to Joan's and pick up something for Priscilla. Here is the check for what you are bringing back."

"What am I bringing back?"

"A cameo. She loves cameos."

"Sure thing Paul. I'm going to just grab a bite to eat on the run, so would you like my lunch?"

"Oh yeah. Love eating your leftovers," Paul laughed. "Toss a bottle of water in your bag. It's supposed to get hot today."

"I will, thanks. See you in a bit."

She thought about stopping at home first for a more comfortable pair of shoes, since her trek would take her more than two miles round trip, but decided against it. "These clogs are comfy enough." So she made it over to Joan's lickety-split. It would give her more time to sit down and enjoy a Po Boy for a late lunch at Johnny's.

Having a weakness for beautiful antique jewelry, she rushed out of Joan's as fast as she could without being rude. She'd spent more money than she had planned on spending wining and dining Joyce for a few days, and payday wasn't for two more days. With the cameo in a box in her handbag she headed over to enjoy that lunch. After, she took a leisurely stroll down Saint Louis, past her apartment and back to work.

"Do you mind locking up today?" Paul asked.

"No, not at all," Samantha said. She slid off her clogs and rested her bare feet on the carpet under her desk.

Paul left early, undoubtedly to a dinner with Priscilla. I know he has a thing for her, Samantha said as he walked out the door. "I can't stand in the way of love."

"What the fuck is she doing in there?" Rob said.

"She is probably closing. That's good. She's alone," Jill smiled.

"It says they close at seven, that's fifteen minutes. Let's get in place," Jack said.

By the time Samantha set the alarm, walked out the door, and locked up it was after seven thirty. She began her trek home slowly because it was so hot and humid. When she turned off Rampart Street onto Saint Louis Street, she did not see the usual crowd of men standing outside the mechanics shop on the corner. It made her feel good that quite often she'd hear wolf whistles directed at her when she passed.

There was no reason to be suspect of the approaching black van, until it jammed on the breaks next to her and Rob jumped out and grabbed her. She could not scream with his hand over her mouth. Jill waited in the back of the van with the syringe that would keep her unconscious until they arrived in Arizona. What they did not know, what they could not have known, was that Samantha had studied Taekwondo as a teen. She knew there was no way to win in a brute strength contest with the man who had her in his clutches, so she reached down quickly, found his genitalia, and squeezed until he screamed out in pain and released his grip on her. She then swept around and delivered a crushing roundhouse kick to the side of his head that sent him flying to the ground in further agony. When she did one of her clogs went flying off her foot and through an upper floor window of the building next to where they were.

"Jill?" Jack asked.

"What do you want me to do?"

Jack pulled out a handgun and pointed it at Samantha. "Don't you fucking move," he shouted.

She looked at him, the van with the side door wide open, and Jill in the back still holding a syringe. She threw a kick at the van with the foot that still wore a clog, and sent it flying right through the window catching Jack on the side of his head. It gave her just enough time to bolt, barefoot, in the opposite direction of her home.

What the fuck is this about? She thought as she ran north on Saint Louis Street. Night was beginning to spill over the city now. She turned to see they were still not following her. "Fuck, half this neighborhood is empty parking lots, everywhere but here that is," she said, stopping to lean against the wall of the Saint Louis Cemetery. She noticed the guy who attacked her was no longer lying in the street. "I should have no trouble getting over this wall." Knowing they would be on her as soon as they could get past the cross traffic of the busy cross boulevard behind her, she threw her handbag over the wall and strenuously hoisted herself up and over it, landing in some weeds between old crypts. She heard the sound of a vehicle stopping quickly on the other side of the wall and ran, twisting and turning through the maze of above ground graves that dated back to the 18th century.

"This bitch is lucky she needs to be in one piece and healthy," Rob said, as he was hoisted up and over the wall with the help of Jack.

Jack was able to get himself over the wall by himself. "Look at this fucking place. There are a thousand places to hide."

"Yeah. Let's work our way west while there is still a hint of light."

She could hear the crunch of footsteps from shoes stepping on seashells that were scattered all over the cemetery, dropped and left there from past flooding. It was not a friendly environment for bare feet, and she almost shrieked in pain after stepping on a sharp jagged one. You could wander around this place all night and they would never find you," she thought. Of course, I am not so sure I want to be in this cemetery after midnight, and even if I get out of here alive, the neighborhood itself is not safe.

She thought about climbing on top of one of the taller mausoleums, and just waiting the night out, but they would still be there. Of course in the daylight hours she had a better chance of finding help. Fuck, do they know where I work? What do they want?

"Aaarrrgh. Nooooo." It was the scream of a man, followed by a crunching thud.

That was close.

"Get away, GET AWAY, HELP, AAARRRGGHH." A higher pitched scream this time, but male.

That was further away, she thought. She stood perfectly still, trying to figure out what was happening. There was not a sound other than the traffic passing by on the boulevard beyond the walls. They say this is the most haunted cemetery in America. "Holy shit," she shouted, seeing what appeared to be two free floating spirit vapors reach down and take her by the hand. They are solid or I am dead. Either way we are traveling above the cemetery, above the ground.

Samantha and the two forms that carried her out of the cemetery touched ground on Saint Louis Street next to a Mustang. She could see the woman with the syringe inside the van lying on the floor. She appeared to be unconscious.

"You are not dead, and neither are we," Denise said, as their forms changed from the shimmering ghostly appearance they had programmed their medallions to appear as, to their regular forms.

"But you may be, if you stay in New Orleans," Layla said.

"Wh-who are you?"

"Friends. Come on. You need to get in and out of your place as quickly as possible with as many of your irreplaceable personal effects as possible," Layla said.

"But why?"

"If they had succeeded in abducting you, your life as you know it would be over. Come, we'll explain it on the way to Saint Louis."

"Saint Louis? This is Saint Louis Street. I live on Saint Louis," Samantha said.

"The city of Saint Louis. Your friend Joyce is waiting for you there. She will help you hide out in Chicago."

"How could she?"

"We stopped by her before coming down here to get you out of this mess. We've a personal vested interest in your continued freedom and good health."

Samantha did as they asked. What happened to her earlier was all too real and threatening. She quickly packed three bags of clothes and a laptop computer that they packed into the Mustang. Once Layla had the car back in the air, it passed back over the cemetery before zipping north to Saint Louis.

"Here," Denise said, handing Samantha and Joyce envelopes filled with one hundred dollar bills. "This will help you get on your feet and make it easier to disappear."

"Who are you? Who owns a car that flies?"

"Friends. That's all you really need to know," Denise said.

They each took turns giving her a hug and another thank you.

You will remember all this but you will speak about it to no one.

When she got back into the Mustang, it drove away this time, heading for Highway 3 that would take them home.

"You seem awfully quiet," Denise said.

"I was just thinking about how angry Rachel is going to be. She won't stop. They will just pick out another victim and it's just a matter of time before they are successful," Mylaren said from the back seat.

"Then I suggest we take away her need for another victim," Layla said.

"I agree, but I don't think it will be as easy this time.

"We shall see," Denise said. She turned up the song on the radio, and the three of them sang along as the Mustang headed south. "There is a house in New Orleans, They call the Rising Sun, And it's been the ruin of many a poor boy, And God, I know I'm one."

41

Snoops On Wheels

"Where do chicks go? What do they do?" Eddie asked.

"They do chick shit, but these ain't normal chicks," Johnny said. "I can't say why, but I do believe I have a good reason to hurt them bad if we ever catch up with them."

"Well, where do we start our day? What ain't been covered yet?"

"I told Phil and his buddy not to worry about the area south of here where we first caught those other two, fucking aliens or whatever they were."

"Okay. South it is. You lead the way."

After getting in late, Denise decided on breakfast at Mary Lou's. "You're going to just love this food," she said.

"I trust your good taste," Mylaren said from the back seat of the black Mustang that was cruising north on Highway 51 as just that.

Layla parked the Mustang on Monroe. She liked the fact that it was still a cobblestone street. She heard the roar of motorcycles going by on Highway 13 about a block away as they rounded the corner.

Denise chose three seats at the counter. She liked the counter for some reason. "Trust me?" she said.

"Yes," Mylaren said.

When the waitress came by she poured them all a first cup of coffee. "Know what you want hon?"

"Yes, for my friend and I, it's her first time here, biscuits and gravy, two eggs over easy, a side of sausage and toast."

"A perfect first time to Mary Lou's breakfast. How about you hon?"

"Just pancakes and sausage for me," Layla smiled.

Midway through a few delicious soft moans once her breakfast was served, she let out a crazy laugh.

"Ha. You're not having an allergic reaction are you?" Denise laughed.

"No," Mylaren said quietly, still giggling. "It's Rachel. She just found out that her prize is gone with the wind."

Layla poured a little more syrup over her pancakes and the sausage patties. "Do you think she still has the stuff in Arizona?"

"Yes. But she now has armed guards in the room with the safe, outside the room that holds the safe, in the usual place, and a canine unit patrolling outside," Mylaren said. "Oh is she angry right now. I bet she hits the bottle early today."

"How we doing girls?" the waitress asked.

"More coffee is all for now," Denise said, pointing to all three cups.

When breakfast was finished Denise paid and left the usual generous tip before leaving.

"Let's go somewhere nice, with some shade to digest, and figure out what we're going to do about Rachel's quest," Denise said as they walked back to the car.

"Sure. Any requests?" Layla said.

"I'll leave it entirely up to you Supergirl."

"Supergirl?"

Layla headed east out of town down Highway 13. When they got to I-57 she pointed them south.

"Where we going?" Denise asked from the back seat.

"Not far."

"Haaa. This reminds me of our first trip in the first black Mustang."

"First one?" Mylaren asked.

"Yeah. It didn't quite make it," Denise said.

"Actually we had to destroy it to be found before," Layla said, stopping in mid-sentence as she remembered the serious wounds Denise received before being found.

"You were very fortunate to have your friends from the Tyrine find you in time," Mylaren said.

"Yes I was," Denise smiled.

"I am very happy they did or I would never have had the pleasure of knowing you."

Layla took Exit I-37 to Metropolis and started humming the song from the Superman movie.

"Metropolis. How cool. Another fab place to visit down here I have yet to see," Denise laughed.

"She leads such a sheltered life," Layla laughed.

They rolled into town and parked near the main tourist attraction, a large statue of Superman.

"My turn, my turn," Denise said, after snapping images of Layla posing like Supergirl and Mylaren looking very much like a happy tourist.

"Sure thing sweetie, step right up."

When she did, Layla noticed that look on her, like when she had incoming messages. "Smile?"

"Give me a second."

"Are you okay?"

Denise saw a vision in her head of an aerial view that looked strangely familiar, like something from Google Earth, only much sharper. "Oh, it's probably nothing," she said, then struck a pose and smiled for the camera.

"There is a very cool souvenir shop right over there if you are interested."

"Sure." Denise said hesitantly.

Denise bought Layla a Supergirl mug and they left.

The ride back is going to be a bit more scenic," Layla said.

"Sweet. Mylaren let me get in the back again."

"As you wish Denise."

Layla tried to lighten up the mood since Denise had something put her on alert since posing at the Superman statue. She popped in a tape she knew Denise usually wound up singing along to. When a song by the B52's came on, she did just that. "Roam if you want to, Roam around the world, Roam if you want to, Without wings, without wheels, Roam if you want to, Roam around the world, Roam if you want to, without anything but the love we feel."

Yes, Layla thought.

Before the end of the song, Denise saw another aerial view appear in her minds eye. "Sheppard Lane. They are on Sheppard Lane."

"Who is on Sheppard Lane?"

"Who else, Phil's lowlife friends? They are probably checking out every place in the area."

"I did not put the burgundy Mustang in stealth, but the security system is on," Layla said.

"Come on Supergirl get us there fast."

"Affirmative. Where are you getting your info from?"

"Eagles. Two eagles," Mylaren said.

"Yes, it is definitely an aerial view," Denise said.

"I asked them to keep an eye on the area."

"You did, how very thoughtful of you," Denise giggled.

"They like the both of you," Mylaren smiled.

Layla threw the Mustang into stealth and it climbed above tree level and zipped toward their home.

"What the fuck year is this Mustang anyway?" Johnny asked, getting off his bike.

"Looks like a custom job. See if it's open?"

"Now Eddie, that'd be breakin and enterin."

"It ain't the right color anyway."

"Ever hear of paint? Wait here, keep an eye out." Johnny started walking over to the house. He knocked on the front door to no answer, before trying it to see if it was opened. "Locked, fuck."

"Hey, we're just looking for a Mustang and we found one. Let's get out of here fore someone comes," Eddie said.

"Wait a minute," Johnny said peeking in through a window. "Think they'd miss a computer?" he laughed, seeing Mylaren's new Macbook Air on the couch in the living room.

"Put gloves on if you're going in there and hurry the fuck up."

"Yeah. Tammy would love a new computer. Ain't no telling what she might do for one?"

I'm sure she would. Denise's voice whispered in Johnny's head.

Oh yeah. Gonna be a paaartay.

She don't want a stolen computer.

"Hell she wouldn't give a fuck where it came from."

"What did you say? Come on. Let's get the fuck out of here. This place gives me the creeps for some reason."

"Wait, it's just sitting there screaming, take me take me."

Will getting caught doing this make you a three time loser Johnny?

"Yeah, but ain't no one getting caught."

"Who the fuck are you talking to. I'm leaving." Eddie got on his motorcycle, started it up, spun around and headed down the road to take him back to town.

"Okay, I'll be right behind you." Johnny was about to smash a bedroom window to get in when his arm was stopped, twisting him around and sending him flying into a nearby tree. "What the fuck?" he said, feeling dazed.

Johnny, you're going to forget this place, or ever being here. If we catch you here again, it will be the last thing you do in this sorry life of yours," Denise said.

"Who the fuck is there?"

Get on your bike, drive back to town, go to PKs, wait for Phil, kiss him and tell him you love him.

Johnny did as he was instructed and peeled down the drive back out to the Highway.

"Kiss Phil. Really?" Layla laughed. "I was having a hard time keeping quiet."

"Denise you are a master," Mylaren said.

"He got off easy. I could not help thinking is must be pretty fucked being him," Denise laughed.

"Well I ain't cooking, so what do you say to pizza?" Layla asked between giggles.

"Pizza sounds fabulous," Mylaren said.

"Yes."

42

Ghosts?

Rachel had summoned her three henchmen from New Orleans to Arizona. She also asked that Green be present for the meeting with them all.

Jack, Rob and Jill all sat at the small conference table, each wearing bruises in various places from their failed attempt at kidnapping Samantha in New Orleans. Rob looked the worst with a bruise the size of a foot on the side of his face and head.

"This is gonna be fun," Jill said. She took a sip of her hot coffee.

"Ha. Might not be a good idea to have any hot liquids on the table when she gets here," Rob said.

She walked into the room quickly, Green following her.

"We're all here," Rachel said, glaring at the three who were seated. "Funny, but none of you looks like you've seen a ghost. You look like you were mugged. You look like amateurs. Are you amateurs?"

"Rachel, is that called for?" Jack asked.

"This is Green. He is working for me as well. Green, have you ever been mugged by a ghost in your line of work?"

"No, but there are times when those I am looking for seem like ghosts, like now."

"I take it you are having no luck where was it, Southern Illinois?"

"No. Of course I don't have the brightest bulbs in the box working on it. As a matter of fact half of them have quit, said it's just not worth it. Some quit and seemed terrified, they did not want to talk about it. They too were all wearing bruises."

Rachel's glaring look eased after hearing Green. "So, tell us your story."

"Our candidate it seems may have had some martial arts training. It caught Rob off guard, and she was able to flee," Jack said.

"And then what happened?"

"We got Rob back into the van, and chased after her. She fled across a busy boulevard that gave her time enough to climb over a wall and into a cemetery. It was already too dark to see well, with a thousand places to hide. We started searching for her when."

"When?"

"This is one creepy cemetery. Looked like the place was hundreds of years old. There was something on the ground that crunched when we walked. So we're walking slowly through the place to try and find her, moving around all these above ground crypts, when suddenly I was bathed in a pale sickly green light and floating above me were, for lack of a better way of putting it, two ghosts. They put me out like a light when they moved towards me suddenly."

Rachel glanced over to Green who was doodling on a small pad. "Let's hear your version."

"Well. You know how we wound up in the cemetery. It wasn't but a few moments after Jack let out a scream that I did. What I saw was hideous, coming at me from above, floating. I am going to admit, I have never seen anything like it, and I was terrified. When one of them waved what looked like hands I was knocked out, unconscious. I can tell you I will never go back into that cemetery at night that's for sure," Rob said.
"And where were you?"

"I was waiting in the van holding the syringe with the side door open. Next thing I know, I am coming to twelve hours later in the van on the way here."

"The syringe was empty. It is my belief that it was used on Jill, perhaps after she was knocked out which is why she cannot remember."

"Yes, well what was in that syringe has a tendency to do a number on your memory, that's why it's used," Rachel said, shaking her head. "Are you up to this, because we are already working on another guinea pig."

"As long as it does not take us to any cemeteries in New Orleans, yes," Jack said.

Rob and Jill nodded in agreement.

"Okay. You can go, we'll be in touch."

The three walked out of the room.

"So, what do you think?" Rachel asked.

"They seemed genuinely shaken from their ordeal, much like a few of those bikers up north. As a matter of fact, one of them has not even been found."

"Really?"

"Yeah. They were out at some cave and one of them disappeared, but his bike was still there. None of them could remember a thing and simply quit."

"Is it all coincidence?" Rachel sighed.

"It could be. I'm not one to rule out the paranormal, but let's assume that in New Orleans, it was not ghosts. That would mean it is beings, who can fly, perhaps even change their appearance, that could be armed with weapons or powers to mess one up, or worse. They may also have the ability to control one's mind."

"You know what I think?"

"I know that you are going to tell me whether I do or not," Green grinned.

"I think that somehow, and who the fuck knows how, they know about this Gaub, may even know where it is, and they know about what is in our vault and that as long as we have that, we are sure the fuck not going to stop."

"Set a trap, here, in case they return for it," Green said.

"Precisely why I want you to stop wasting time in Southern Illinois. If anyone finds something they can let you know, but I don't think they are going to, not there. This is where they are coming, I can just feel it, and when they do, we must be ready for them. This time they cannot get away."

"So, where's the nearest hotel?" Green laughed.

Rachel shot back a twisted grin. "Put together a good plan Greenie."

"I'll be in touch," Green said before standing up and walking out of the room.

43

Ya'at'eeh

"The message was, 'Signal received. En route.' that's it," Mylaren said, from the back seat of the Mustang programmed to resemble a black Ford F-150 pickup truck. They were driving down a very dusty Indian Service Route 12 in New Mexico.

"No idea when hey?" Denise said.

"No. Perhaps Gaub can give us a better idea when we meet with him."

"You know we are very close to Gallup, again," Layla said.

"Yes, I know. While we are in the neighborhood, How are Green's plans proceeding?" Denise asked.

"He has been very busy. He's a good planner. Tomorrow, by the end of the day, he will have in place what he needs to prevent a visit from the air."

"Tomorrow huh?"

"Looks like we are going to have to do a little climbing," Layla said, when she finally pulled up at the coordinates. It would put them within view of the Venus Needle, an amazing tall, slender, freestanding rock formation and bit of a tourist attraction.

They parked the Mustang Pickup at the base of a mountain. Denise and Layla appeared as themselves, Mylaren as a slender rather harmless looking male with blonde hair. "Ooh, water," Denise said, returning to the cooler in the back seat for a few bottles of water she tossed in her backpack.

"This does not look any harder thank trekking through Garden of the Gods," Layla said, as she led the way up and around to the tree covered top of the mountain.

"I don't see anyone," Denise said when they all got to the top. "Are we sure this is it?

Ya'at'eeh, they all heard.

"Hello. It means hello," Mylaren said. "This way."

She led them to a concentration of trees near the center of the mountaintop. "This is a camouflage," she said, pointing to the ground. May we enter?

The wooden earth covered door raised up. From above it was practically impossible to tell it was there. "This way," Badanni said. They followed Mylaren down a rock-hewn stairway that opened up into a cave that was lit by a small shaft of light. "Are you hungry?" Nalihi asked.

"No, thank you, we are well fed. Is there anything you need?" Denise asked.

"No, thank you. We have been getting deliveries," Nalihi smiled.

"Is our presence here a danger for you?" Layla asked.

"No," Badanni said.

"Gaub stepped out of the shadows. "Thank you," he said.

Hearing such a human voice come from a being that looked so unlike humans fascinated Denise. "We were happy to help. I'm sure you've met Mylaren."

The two seemed to be conversing mentally for minutes before Gaub spoke. "You will probably never get your original self back after what was done to you."

"I wasn't counting on that being the case," Mylaren said.

They sat down on blankets and discussed many things. Gaub seemed especially fascinated by Denise and Layla's past dealings with beings from other worlds. "They were technology masters."

"Yes indeed they were, and most importantly, they were beautiful beings," Denise said.

When Layla asked Gaub about where he was being held he seemed to tense up. "Apparently, what they have taken from you and in part used on Mylaren, is in the possession of those who did this to her. Do you believe they are safeguarding more of the same in the facility you were being held at?"

"My DNA, cellular tissue? Yes."

"Gaub, we need to take away Rachel's toys that put others and ourselves in danger," Mylaren said.

"Yes, since we are in the neighborhood we've been considering paying them a visit very soon," Layla said.

"Even with the technology at our disposal, we are visible to dogs, usually angry, very loud dogs," Denise said, remembering their last encounter with them in Italy.

"They can see you?"

"Yes. In stealth," Layla said, demonstrating her medallion, disappearing from view and reappearing.

"It is because of the device you use to camouflage yourself. I do not believe the animals would sense Mylaren or myself if we were, as you put it, in stealth."

"Well, we can't let her go in alone, not with all the guards they have at the place now."

"If they are as you say, in such a state of readiness, can you be certain what you seek is still there?" Gaub asked.

"Rachel is easy to read. I am certain it is still there," Mylaren said.

I believe you can hear me Denise, yes? Gaub said.

Yes, loud and clear.

Can you make your friend scratch the tip of her nose without her knowing it was you?

Layla scratched the tip of her nose, then broke off the cap of her bottle of water and took a drink.

Yes, I can.

Then you can easily put these dogs to sleep before you are close enough to be detected.

How? I do not speak poochie.

I will show you.

They spent most of the day with their hosts. Mylaren was able to further refine her abilities with Gaub's help. She also discovered that if she was in the process of moving some thing, or a person, she could make it pass through solid matter as if she were using touch to do so.

When it came time for them to depart, Denise expressed a desire to meet with those coming for him.

"I will not leave until you have had the chance to tour our craft," Gaub smiled.

"You are an amazing being Gaub, and I am so very happy you are free," Denise said.

"As are you Denise, as are all of you. Safe journey tonight and tomorrow."

"Thank you. With what you shared with us, it is going to be a trip."

Badinni let them out of the cave into the night air, the sky directly above beginning to fill up with stars as the sun sank in the west.

"Come on, there's still just enough light to make it back to the car without breaking our necks," Layla laughed, leading the way.

Once loaded into the Mustang Pickup, she took them back the way they had come hours before, then headed east to Gallup.

44

Hotel Visit

Rachel pulled into the Hampton Inn parking lot in Flagstaff and called Green's phone. "I'm here."

"I'll be right down."

She drove them to the Beaver Street Brewery where they settled into a BBQ Pizza and some beers in as dark a corner that the restaurant afforded. It was not very crowded so they were able to speak openly.

"What time do you expect to be finished tomorrow?" Rachel asked.

"They are expected about noon. It should not take that long to put in place."

"Well then, I can arrive early and finish what I need to get done before they start. The less people coming and going who actually 'see' key people that work there the better."

"That's understandable."

"I still want her back G. I must find out just what she is capable of, how successful our experiment was."

"I will stay on it, of course, but we are going to have to get a lucky break. She could be anywhere."

"Yes, I know."

"You've something else on your mind."

"You're beginning to know me," Rachel said, taking a long drink of her beer, nearly emptying the glass.

Green motioned to the waitress to bring two more beers.

"I've seen some of the hardware you have put in place at the facility."

"Yes?"

"Much of it looks lethal. Can't say that I care much for those dogs either."

"Some of it is, and the dogs are necessary, for now."

"It is imperative that no one attempting to break in is permanently damaged, unless of course they were to use lethal force."

"You still believe it was them, and Mylaren last time don't you?"

"Yes, I do."

"Well we will do what it takes to see no harm comes to her, or the others, if they show up at all."

"Great."

When they were finished with their meal, Rachel drove back to the hotel to drop Green off.

"What time will you be there tomorrow?" Rachel asked.

"Around ten."

"Okay, then I can see you before I leave."

"Thanks for the dinner."

Rachel smiled and drove off towards her home. It was going to be an early start for her in the morning.

45

First Light

Layla had suggested coming straight down on the facility from as high an altitude as possible just before dawn. "If the dogs are alerted it will give you time to do your thing," she said.

Their vertical approach did indeed alert the dogs, but Denise had no trouble putting them out thanks to Gaub's tutorial.

"Some days I wish we just had an army," Layla said.

"I know what you mean," Denise quietly laughed.

She kept the Mustang hovering just above the roof of the compound in stealth. Denise and Mylaren slipped out easily, coming to rest gently on the roof.

This is it, Mylaren said.

Be careful. We have no idea what they may have booby-trapped. Denise said.

Mylaren's touch allowed them to peak through the roof into the room with the safe to find two armed guards, one of them watching something on a computer, the other appearing to be napping.

Nap time for both of them, Denise said. The head of the guard at the computer slumped backwards on to the back of the chair he sat in.

Okay baby. Get us down there, Denise said.

They both landed softly on the plush carpeting in the office.

In and out, fast as we can, Denise said.

Looks like a car coming in the distance, Layla said.

Affirmative, Denise said. Let's do this.

She took Mylaren's hand and followed her into the safe.

Does anything look different to you?" Denise asked.

I am not a safe expert, but I do know that container is what we are here for.

Be ready to get us out of here fast in case some alarm goes off.

I will stay in this spot.

Even if the target were not so poorly lit, there would have been no way for Denise to know what to expect. Her hand hovered above the samples momentarily. She just had a bad feeling about this for some reason.

Denise the driver is a fucking lunatic. They are here already, about to park. I think it is the red headed witch.

Gotcha baby.

Rachel is here, parking outside, Mylaren said.

Oh fuck it, Denise sighed. She grabbed hold of the vile and yanked. When she did, a gas canister exploded, covering her in a white vapor. She tumbled to the ground, unconscious, still clutching the vile.

DENISE, Mylaren shouted.

Talk to me baby. What's wrong? Layla said.

Layla. Are you still in the same place?

Yes.

Don't move, whatever you do, don't move.

Mylaren slipped the vile into the waistband of her slacks, firmly grabbed Denise's limp hand and dragged her through the door of the safe into the office. The two guards inside the room were still unconscious. She could hear footsteps approaching, knowing now that they had triggered some silent alarm. She felt Denise for a pulse. It was there but faint and slow. Layla. Be ready to get out of here fast.

I am here.

The office door flew open and a single overhead light went on. "Freeze," one of the men shouted. There were two automatic handguns pointed at Mylaren when Rachel appeared in the doorway behind the guards.

"So, our prodigal daughter has returned," Rachel said, feeling confident they had her, seeing her kneeling on the floor next to an unconscious Denise.

Layla, Mylaren said.

"Be careful not to harm the one that's awake boys," Rachel said.

As the guards moved slowly towards her, Mylaren, still firmly holding Denise's hand, closed her eyes. An instant later, they both appeared to vanish in a streaky blur, upwards, through the ceiling. One of the guards discharged his weapon at the ceiling, into the center of an electronic field sparking across it.

Rachel stood there for a moment with her mouth open, staring at the ceiling in disbelief. "The roof. Get someone to the roof," she shouted.

Layla let out a short scream of surprise when Mylaren suddenly appeared in the back seat with Denise lying across her. "We should leave, now," Mylaren said.

"What's wrong with her?"

"A gas booby-trap I believe she called it."

"Were those gunshots I heard?"

"Yes."

Seeing Denise in the back seat, unconscious, having been drugged by who knew what, and hearing gunshots, Layla decided on payback. She let the cloaked Mustang climb to a safe distance, and shot three pulses at the complex. Huge sections of the roof blew in on the building in countless small pieces. She felt like leveling it, and everyone inside, but pointed the Mustang west and sped towards the Pacific coast, the sun now beginning its climb over the eastern horizon behind them.

46

On The Beach

Mylaren helped Layla spread out a blanket on the beach at El Capitan in California before Layla moved Denise effortlessly to a prone position on it. She still appeared as the blonde male she had used a medallion to disguise herself as. Layla could not deactivate it, perhaps some fail-safe built into it by their friends aboard the Tyrine. Before coming to the beach, they had dropped the contents of the vile they had taken into a gallon bottle of bleach, along with whatever tracking device that was a part of it, miles out over the ocean.

"C'mon baby. Smell that ocean air?" Layla said.

Denise's male form remained motionless.

"I can only assume what they used in that canister was designed to keep someone out for hours," Mylaren said.

"It sure would be beyond awkward to have to take her to an emergency room in this state. We are just going to have to wait it out. I could sure use a coffee."

"A coffee would be nice." Starbucks?

"We are going to have to leave before this beach gets very crowded." Layla put the Mustang into stealth since it was on the beach right next to them.

Mylaren placed her hand on Denise's head. Denise. Wake up.

She did not respond. Layla gazed out across the water, looking as if she was trying to communicate with Denise herself.

Starbucks. Denise we are going to Starbucks, but we can't until you wake up, Mylaren said.

Baby, I really want to kiss you, but I'm finding it hard to do with you in that form. Denise WAKE UP, Layla said, still staring out over the water.

Starbucks Denise. Starbucks, but not until you wake up, and then later, PIZZA, Mylaren giggled.

"She moved," Mylaren said.

"What did you do?"

"I've been telling her we can't go to Starbucks until she wakes up."

"Brilliant. I've met very few who are bigger fans of Starbucks."

They both sent images and messages about Starbucks and pizza to her.

"It's working," Layla shouted.

Denise began moving faster, twisting and turning.

"She's going into convulsions, give her a moment to try and clear her head," Mylaren said.

Finally her left eye opened slightly before it closed.

"Denise, wake up love," Layla said softly.

"Id's uh drap," Denise slurred.

"Yes, it was a trap, but you are safe," Layla said.

"Safe. Ids a drap."

"Yes, the safe was a trap, but we are nowhere near that safe now," Mylaren said.

"Safe?" she said, slightly opening both eyes.

"Yes. We are on a beach, somewhere in California, and YOU are safe," Layla smiled.

"Whrs mype Stirbuk?"

Layla could not help laughing. "Your Starbucks as well as ours are still at Starbucks. We cannot go get them until I know you are awake and showing no signs of brain damage from whatever it was they used on you."

"Obkay. Hime wake."

"Not quite."

"Getn dair."

Within the hour Denise was able to sit up with her sedated eyes wide open. "I think we are ready for that pick me up," she spoke slowly.

"Great. Let's see if you can deactivate your medallion and get back to you," Layla said.

"Sure thing." She slowly reached for the medallion and stared at it for a good minute before she pushed the proper control to change. Before Layla's eyes, her form changed from Layla, to Myla, to Marcus to Layla again, before she was back to herself. "Piece of cake," she said in a quiet giggle.

"Piece of cake indeed. Do you want to try walking back to the car or shall I carry you.

"Just throw me in the back seat booby. Legs still feel wobbly."

"Affirmative."

With Denise loaded into the back seat, the very happy occupants in the Mustang left the beach and headed to the Starbucks in Santa Maria.

47

Find Her

Green found Rachel, covered in plaster dust, instructing a member of security that was still conscious, to get her copies of the security tapes immediately. "I want them within ten minutes, no excuses."

"Rachel, what?" Green started.

"Find her."

"She did this?"

"What are you driving?"

"A rental. It's good, a Taurus."

"Here you are Rachel," a guard said, handing her the security discs.

"Come on G, get me to my place and fast." Facility debris partially covered Rachel's Impala.

After a few minutes the Taurus was speeding south on Highway 89 to Rachel's home just northeast of Flagstaff.

"Yes, it was her G. I am not sure if she was the reason the place was demolished. Somehow, I just don't think so."

"And why is that?"

"The way it was demolished. Reports that surfaced from Tennessee, about a craft that was there, then wasn't there, that shot some sort of a weapon at the hangar down there, shattering it into a thousand pieces yet it did not lethally harm anyone there. This was quite similar. The place just seemed to shatter into pieces. There was no sound of an explosion causing it."

"Her help?"

"My gut tells me yes. I think you've been on a dead end trail G. No Mustang caused this, and it certainly was not a Mustang that caused it in Tennessee. There's another thing."

"Go on."

"Remember the Lubbock Lights, not the original ones but the most recent ones?"

"Yes I do. I found it quite fascinating."

"We actually had the female in Lubbock when that display took place. They knew, but how? I don't suppose that is most important, but they knew nonetheless. How?"

"How indeed."

Green covered the distance to Rachel's place quickly.

"If you don't think it's too early for a drink, help yourself to one and pour me some bourbon on the rocks."

Green poured her drink and helped himself to a diet Coke.

The first disc they watched showed Mylaren and a tall blonde male landing on the carpet outside the safe, before they passed through it to get inside.

"Pretty incredible," Green said.

"Wait. Unfortunately we have no images from inside the safe, but your gas cartridge addition worked."

They watched as Mylaren passed back out of the safe through the door, dragging the male along with her effortlessly. The overhead light goes on and she turns to look at the door behind her.

"Okay Green, watch this closely."

Mylaren, holding the hand of the unconscious male on the floor, closes her eyes. An instant later she vanishes in an upward blur, followed by one of the guards firing his weapon at the ceiling.

"What this does not show, is the electrostatic effect that cascaded across the ceiling once she passed through it, but passed through it to where? They were not on the roof," Rachel said before taking a sip of her drink.

"Obviously a ride waiting for them? Pull up the tracking program if you have it."

Rachel did as he asked. It revealed the tracking signal shooting west, so far west as a matter of fact that it grew fainter until it stopped miles out over the Pacific Ocean.

"Maybe they have a ship or base in the ocean," Green said.

"You're serious?"

"I'm not smiling. All of this is so strange I can't rule anything out Rachel."

"I'm bringing in some other people Green. I want you to coordinate all you are doing with them. These are serious people, all or most of them ex-military and intelligence. I can't put them all under your jurisdiction, but I will insist they coordinate any and every thing they do or find directly to you."

Green sighed. He knew the kind of people she was talking about and didn't like them. "Okay Rachel."

"She just may be an army of one, or she is being helped by someone I desperately need to get my hands on G. Find her."

48

Headache

"Come with me to the farm," Aja said.

"We can't yet, but when this is over," Denise smiled.

Layla and Mylaren were waiting outside of Aja's building in Chicago.

"How are you feeling?"

"I have nothing short of the worst headache I've ever had in my life."

"Well, at least I have good news for you. Your DMV records now show you never owned a Mustang. And, your family has been all but erased from public snooping."

"You're amazing."

"Wait, there's more. I have gained access to Rachel's email as well as her good old boys in Texas."

"Now that IS good news."

"Yes, that is good news, but what they are planning for you, and someone they refer to as it and call Gaub is not good."

"Lay it on me."

Aja took a long drink of her latte before she spoke. "Rachel is bringing in her big guns to help find all of you. These are perhaps a level of madness in a human being you have never dealt with yet Denise."

"Real pricks huh?"

"Oh yeah. Ex-military, intelligence, ruthless, with much if not all that the government would have at their disposal to find all of you."

"Hmm? The farm huh?"

"My offer stands my dear," Aja smiled.

Denise thought about it for a moment. "Well, if they are that good and ruthless, there is no way I am going to lead them on a trail to you Aja."

"I figured that was going to be your answer."

"I think we'll be good. Not sure if we should stay in one place or keep moving though."

I'm not sure what I'd do. A moving target makes a harder target to hit."

"Yes, it does."

Denise stood up slowly and stretched. "I'd better not keep them waiting much longer."

"Who is Gaub?"

"A real, live, being from another world that they had locked up for oh, fifty years or more who escaped. A huge part of him exists in Mylaren now."

"Well you can be sure that whoever had him locked up that long has plenty more of what you just risked your lives to get your hands on."

"Yes, I've thought of that. Somehow, someway, we must eliminate this headache once and for all," Denise sighed.

Aja gave her a big hug. "Don't get permanently damaged or killed in the process my dear friend."

"We'll try not to."

Aja walked her down to the lobby and out to the waiting Mustang since Denise was still not quite herself.

"Give Lucius my love," Layla shouted through the open door as Denise sat down in the passenger seat.

"I will Layla. Good to see you again Mylaren," Aja said.

"Thank you. Good to see you again too," Mylaren said.

The Mustang pulled away and headed for I-55 that would take them south, and home, to Makanda.

49

Disposal

Green did not like what he was being forced to work with, he did not like it at all. The reputation of Captain Kruger and his collection of murdering military misfits was well known in the finding someone business. If there was somewhere on the planet Neil Kruger could be sent to kill someone over his disturbing career, he volunteered, and they sent him.

Rachel insisted the two men meet, alone with her, at the facility. She had arranged for a trailer to be delivered and brought online with power and even running water.

She pulled up in her dark blue Ford Taurus to find the one guard she trusted and knew had a brain for detail and following orders to the letter waiting for her.

"Good morning Rachel."

"So far it is Michael, thanks," she said, looking at the rubble that had been her facility.

"Everything is in place that you asked for. Allow me to run through the list with you before I leave."

"Yes, let's do it quickly. Our guests will be here within the hour."

Michael showed her where everything was set up. "Will there be anything else?"

Rachel smelled fresh coffee that had been brewed. "It survived," she said looking at the coffee pot.

"Yes."

"Have a good day off Michael."

He knew that was his cue to get lost. "Thanks." He exited the trailer, walked back to his car, and drove off.

Rachel poured herself a cup of coffee, and then sat down to one of the computers on a table.

Green was the first to arrive. He parked his Taurus near the trailer and knocked on the door.

"Come in G," Rachel shouted.

"You're in a good mood today."

"Yes, I am. I can't explain why, but I am. Grab a cup if you like."

Green poured himself a cup of coffee and had a seat at the table. He was about to speak when they both heard the rather loud sound of an approaching motorcycle. "Sounds like the cavalry has arrived," he laughed.

"Behave G. I know you hate these guys, perhaps this one in particular, but they have an awful lot at their disposal that we don't."

"Yeah. They probably stole it all or murdered someone for it."

The motorcycle engine roared as if coming through the thin trailer walls as Neil revved the engine before turning it off.

"Well, he won't have to knock," Green said.

"Aren't you the least bit interested in what makes a sound like that?" Rachel said as she peeked through the window.

"Nope."

The door flew open just as Rachel took her seat. "Hey," Neil said.

"Hello. Neil right?" Rachel said.

"Yes."

"Hey," Green said quietly.

"Good to see you again Green."

"Likewise."

Neil let out a laugh. "Yeah, I'll bet."

"There's coffee if you want some."

"Always." Neil grabbed a cup and had a seat at the table.

Rachel did not waste any time. She immediately went into explaining in detail what Neil needed to know. She insisted on doing it herself, because she knew Green could not stand Neil, and might leave something important out.

"Green will exchange numbers and any other ways you see fit to keep in touch."

"She can really do all that shit huh?" Neil said.

"Yes."

He stood up and walked over to the window to look out at the tattered facility. "Did she do all of that too?"

"I have my doubts, but I cannot rule it out. Someone is helping her, unless she flies and is more powerful than a locomotive, in which case I would not need either of you if I could just get my hands on some kryptonite."

Green laughed out loud.

"Can I get that exact location you lost the specimen at out over the Pacific?" Neil asked.

Rachel asked Green to print a copy for him.

"Seems like as good a place to start as any. So you have a few bikers working for you around the country, in particular Southern Illinois?"

"Yes. They all seem to be coming up empty handed, or quitting. If you ask me something scared the shit out of a few of them."

"Then I'll be paying them a visit, if you don't mind."

"Not at all Neil. Maybe they can relate better to a boss with a motorcycle."

"Yeah," Neil laughed. "Well, I'm off if that's it."

"Neil."

"Yes Rachel?"

"I cannot express strongly enough how important it is that no one is injured badly, and that there are absolutely no fatalities. I want her back, in one piece, in perfect condition, and that goes for anyone who is helping her."

"Okay," he said, with a grin, shaking his head in agreement.

Rachel looked at Green and could not hold back a laugh seeing the look on his face when the roar of that revving motorcycle engine vibrated the windows of the trailer.

"I need a raise," he laughed.

"Come on. Give me a hand trying to find a few things they missed in that mess."

50

Heat Wave

"It's going to be a heat index near 110 degrees out there today," Layla sighed.

"My Eastern European genes have never fully adapted to the Southern Illinois regular summer weather, but this is crazy," Denise said.

"I noticed you do sweat a lot," Layla laughed.

"Precisely why I am next in the shower when Mylaren is through."

"Okay, whatever you say."

"Is there somewhere we can go, you know, to get away from this crazy heat?"

"Well, let's see. It's about 20 degrees cooler in the Pacific Northwest, and 10 to 20 degrees cooler in P-Town."

"Hmm. What's the weather like in San Francisco?"

"Nice. Upper 70's to lower 80's."

"Great. Wanna go?"

"Sure."

"I'd like to go out to a club or something with Mylaren, you know, to keep her life and ours in balance," Denise giggled.

"I'll go pack."

"I'll help, after I refill this cup of coffee."

They came out of the bedroom to find Mylaren sitting in the living room wearing a thin robe drinking a cup of coffee, her hair still wet from the shower. "Good morning," she said.

"Hey," Layla said.

"We are getting out of this frying pan today," Denise said.

"Frying pan?"

"Yeah. It's going to be like 110 degrees today so we are heading to one of the cooler spots in the country."

"Really? Where?"

"San Francisco," Layla said. "We're going to make a day of it. See the sites. Maybe head out to a club tonight. Sound good to you?"

Mylaren just looked at her for a moment, as if the words San Francisco had a special meaning to her. "Sounds great."

"Good. Well, we're going to hop in the shower, so pack some things for a short trip and we can head out before it gets much hotter."

"Thanks Layla, I will."

Once they were showered, dressed and packed, they loaded up the Mustang and headed over to Giant City Blacktop where Layla put the car in stealth. It climbed to a safe altitude for the route she programmed in and headed west.

"Did you know that we are almost on the same equatorial line as San Francisco," Denise asked.

"No, I did not," Layla laughed.

Mylaren started humming a tune that very soon Denise started singing along to.

"Spent my days with a woman unkind, Smoked my stuff and drank all my wine. Made up my mind to make a new start, Going to California with an aching in my heart."

51

Dive

What Rachel did not know, what she could not have known, was that Neil Kruger was good at doing his job, but at what cost? He sat in a chair on a boat, watching an experimental Navy dive team prepare one of its dolphins for a dive. Nothing came without strings attached. He had promised to share with them whatever he found out about what and who he was looking for. Neil's heart was still with the military.

Although it was very faint, the vile that had contained Gaubs DNA and tissue, was still giving off a signal.

In short order, the dolphin was sent on its mission. Neil marveled at the efficiency of this Navy team. Because of the depth the dolphin would need to dive, there was no imagery from a camera.

"Signal source acquired," one of the technicians said.

Indeed the signal did seem stronger as the dolphin made its way back with the source of it, the vile that Denise, Mylaren and Layla had held so many hours before.

"This is it Neil. Definitely the source of your signal," one of the Navy officers said, handing the prize to him.

"Yes indeed, that's it. I'm going to need to get this back to our labs in Arizona."

"We will put it in a small containment unit for you to transport."

"Thank you," Neil grinned. He picked up his phone and dialed Rachel's number.

"Hello Neil," she said.

"I'll soon be on my way back to you to drop off something you lost the other day."

"Really? Is it still in tact?"

"No. It's been forcibly abused. I'll be bringing some of my own gear to pull any info we can off of it."

"Info?"

"Prints. DNA. We might just find out if you burglars are animal, vegetable, ETs or just plain humans."

Rachel's mouth widened into a twisted smile before she spoke, "I am looking forward to your arrival. Keep me posted on your schedule."

"I will. Neil out."

52

San Francisco

"Lovers of the past I'll leave behind, There'll never be another on my mind, I'll do all I can so you'll feel free, If you'll come and stay with me," Denise sang. She was singing along to the song on the radio in their room in the Best Western Hotel in San Francisco.

Layla and Mylaren were each on their computers, heads swaying back and forth, pausing to giggle a few times, as Denise did her very best impression of Marianne Faithful when she was young.

"That was magnificent," Mylaren said when the song ended.

"Thank you."

"I never realized you had such a fab sexy voice," Layla smiled.

"Oh yes you have," Denise laughed.

"There's a place not far from here that sounds nice."

"What's it called?" Denise asked.

"The Cat Club," Layla said, wearing an impish grin.

Hearing that, Mylaren experienced an empty feeling of Déjà vu. As with everything that may or may not seem familiar to her, it was vague, fleeting.

"Sound good to you Mylaren?"

"Yes, I believe it does Layla."

"Okay. Let's head out about midnight," Denise said.

"The witching hour. Sounds good to me," Layla said.

Midnight snuck up on them quickly. Denise let Mylaren use her makeup. They got dressed and Denise gave each of them a spray of cologne she always packed but rarely used, Tresor. "Together we will be a perfume bomb," she laughed.

They headed out the door and out of the hotel.

"Is it close enough to walk?" Denise asked.

"It's about a mile."

"You drive," Denise laughed.

Layla drove past the Club to a parking spot down the block. As they passed it Mylaren had another strange sense of Déjà vu.

"What if they card her?"

"Oh I'm not worried about that," Denise laughed.

They followed a few other people into the club. The man at the door gave everyone the usual visual once over most club doormen gave. When he looked at Mylaren he smiled and spoke. "Good to see you again."

"Thanks. Good to be back," Mylaren smiled.

"Good choice Layla darling. She might be a regular here," Denise giggled.

"Were you a regular here Mylaren? Do you know that guy?"

"I'm not sure. I was trying to be polite."

"Come on, let's start at the bar with a drink," Denise said, leading the way.

What they paid no attention to was a man sitting at the end of the bar, who, after seeing them arrive, turned to walk out of the club. Once outside, he pulled a phone from his trouser pocket, scrolled through a list of contacts, chose a number and hit send.

"Hello," he heard after two rings.

"Rachel?"

53

Deployed

"You sound tired? Did I wake you?" Rachel asked.

"No. I was just laying here relaxing," Neil said. "What's up?"

"Someone we've worked with before claims to have spotted our darling Mylaren at a club in San Francisco."

"Really? There huh? Not surprising somehow. Where exactly?"

"The very place she was headed to when we first picked her up. It's called The Cat Club on Folsom. Are we too late?"

"No, at least I don't think so. I have some colleagues in Oakland. Let me get on it and call you right back."

Rachel hung her phone up.

Neil was able to get ahold of Sam and Dave who started moving right after getting the call.

"Hello."

"Rachel, I have deployed two really good men to the bar. Any more you can tell me?"

"Just that she came in with a group of people a short time ago."

"Okay, that helps. If it's a night on the town they should be there a while. Do you want to put me in touch with your man?"

"Absolutely. His name is Peter."

"Peter. Got it. I'll keep you posted."

"Neil."

"Yes, I know. She, or they, are not to be damaged." At least not permanently.

"Thank you."

They both hung up. "Peter huh?"

Neil dialed Peter's number.

Sam and Dave sped across the Lincoln Highway heading west in their white Chevy cargo van, Jimi Hendrix on the radio singing All Along The Watchtower.

54

Let's Dance

"Come on, let's dance," Denise said, placing her drink on the bar. She watched Mylaren moving to the music.

"Okay. I don't know who it is but you can dance to it," Layla smiled.

"It's Shriekback. The song is Hand On My Heart," Mylaren smiled, wondering how she knew that.

"Come join us. I know you can dance, watching how you move to the music."

"Maybe in a bit Denise, thanks."

Layla and Denise hit the dark dance floor, an occasional strobe and assorted other flashing lights offering the only light in the darkness.

Mylaren took a drink of her Margarita and turned to place the glass on the bar. Next to her was a tall slender black man looking at her. His gaze made her feel uneasy at first, until she turned towards him again, undoubtedly wearing a confused look.

"Well Nora. You disappear for all this time, and not even a hello," he said.

"I'm sorry, I think maybe you have the wrong person."

"Oh, I don't think so Nora, Nora Tarris."

She turned towards where she knew Denise and Layla were dancing. Without a memory she had no clue how he knew her name from before her transformation.

Denise pulled away from a kiss and noticed how Mylaren looked. "Come on, something's wrong," she had to shout in Layla's ear. They both walked back to where she was standing. "Great tune. Looks like you can use another drink," Denise said.

Layla turned her gaze from Mylaren to the tall very fit looking man next to her.

Is everything okay? Denise asked.

This man next to Layla. He knows me, knows me as Nora.

Should we suspect the worst from him?

No, at least I don't think so. He seems hurt seeing me.

"Well, Nora, I wish I could say it was good to see you again," the man said, before tilting his drink back to finish it.

"Excuse me, but you are?" Denise asked.

"It doesn't matter."

"No, no you see it does actually. You know her."

"Yes, of course I know her."

"That's good. Look can we all move to a quieter part of the bar if there is such a spot?"

The man looked at her for a moment. "Sure. Follow me."

He led them to a place along a back brick wall that offered some standing room.

"Okay, let me hear it."

"Wait, let's start with some names. You know Nora's," Layla said.

"Sure. My name is Jonathan. Jonathan," he repeated, looking right at Mylaren.

"I'm Denise, our friend Layla. Jonathan, she may not remember you. She's suffered a memory loss."

He looked at her than back at Mylaren. "Well, that might explain things."

"Things?" Denise asked. She could sense pain in him.

"Yes. Things. Well we were a thing," he said, motioning back and forth from himself to Mylaren. "What happened?"

"She cannot remember and we do not know. I believe she was attacked and whatever happened to her caused the memory loss."

"I believe I was on my way here when it happened," Mylaren said softly, not completely certain.

"Hey, a spot to grab a seat opened up, come on," Layla said.

They all took a seat. Denise stopped a waitress and ordered a round of drinks for everyone.

"Let's get back to this, thing," Denise started.

"We were lovers," Jonathan said.

There was a momentary shared silence amongst them, Jonathan and Mylaren gazing at each other.

"What you say would explain a lot. If she did disappear on the way here, she was coming here to meet me. We were having a small party for a friend that just loves 80's music."

"Jo?" Mylaren said.

Jonathan could not hold back a smile. "Yes Jo. Jolene."

"Well now we're getting somewhere," Layla said, slapping her hand against her thigh.

"We've been calling her Mylaren," Denise smiled.

"Mylaren. Nora. It all works for me," Jonathan said, reaching for Mylaren's hand.

55

Let's Rumble

They had moved to the bar for one last drink before leaving. Denise and Layla went out to the dance floor one last time when a New Order song came on.

"Mylaren. That is beautiful," Jonathan said.

"Yes, I suppose it is."

"Excuse me. I need to go to the bathroom. Please don't move," he smiled.

"I'll be here."

Jonathan left for the bathroom.

"Are you sure that's her?" Dave asked.

"Positive," Peter said. "Now looks like a good time, she's alone. What do you want me to do?"

"Stay out of our way," Sam said.

Peter watched as they moved through the crowd on the dark dance floor.

Dave deliberately bumped into the drink Mylaren was holding spilling it on her. "Excuse me, I'm sorry."

Before she could speak or react, she felt the sting of the needle in her thigh. The strong sedative sped through her system quickly. Her legs gave out as she dropped the glass she was holding and headed for impact with the hard floor.

Sam and Dave caught her before she could fall, and carried her swiftly towards the door.

Denee, hap, Denise heard in her head. She turned quickly to see no sight of Mylaren. Layla. Something is wrong.

Layla followed her to the space at the bar that now had others standing at it.

Jonathan returned. "I thought she was going to leave on me," he sighed.

Layla looked at him with mistrust. "If you've done anything with her you are going to regret it," she said.

"She's not with you?"

"No," Denise said, trying to get a mental read on her.

"Did you see where the girl that was standing here went?" Jonathan asked a woman he knew had been near them.

"Yeah. It looked like she got sick and was starting to pass out. Two of your other male friends helped her out through the front door. Probably took her out for some fresh air."

The three of them bolted towards the door. When they got outside there was no sign of them, just a white van speeding away down Folsom.

"Come on, quickly," Layla said.

"You too Jonathan," Denise said.

Denise hopped in the back seat.

"Whatever you do, DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING IN HERE," Layla said.

"That's cool. I'm kinda the same way with my car," he said.

"Where do you think they are heading?" Denise asked.

The van made a quick right turn onto 5th Avenue.

"The highway. They are heading to the highway," Jonathan said.

"I see it," Layla said.

"Can't this thing go any faster? You're going to lose them?"

"Yes Jonathan, it can go faster," Layla said.

"Don't worry, she is not going to lose them," Denise said.

"They are heading for Oakland. We can't let them get there."

"Why not?" Denise asked.

"Oakland is a port. What if they are heading for a ship or something," Jonathan said.

"Trust us, they are not heading for a ship," Denise said.

"And they are not going to make it to Oakland," Layla said.

"Well maybe if you drove a little faster," Jonathan said, sounding frustrated.

"Do you trust us Jonathan?" Layla asked.

"Yes. Yes I think I do."

"Then fasten your seat belt please," Layla grinned.

"She means it Jonathan. Please fasten your seat belt," Denise said.

Jonathan did as they asked. "It's a crazy highway. Passes right across an island. There are going to be some tolls they will need to pay. That may slow them down."

"Right after they come out from under that tunnel would be a good place," Denise said, looking at the route in Google Maps on her iPhone.

"Affirmative." Layla threw the Mustang into stealth before it lifted off the ground.

"What the fuck?" Jonathan shrieked.

"Have you a fear of flying Jonathan?" Layla asked.

"Only in cars," he said shakily.

"Don't worry, she's a great pilot," Denise cooed.

"Thank you darling."

They were waiting for Sam and Dave when they exited the tunnel. Flying directly above the van, Layla fired the pulse weapon. The roof of the van caved in, windows flying away from it in every direction. Sam brought them to a screeching halt on the side of the road.

Layla touched down right behind them. "Come on. We want our baby back."

"They are armed," Denise said.

"I figured they were. Jonathan, just stay here a minute until we call you."

"What?"

"Please. Wait here," Denise said.

"Fuck. If you insist."

Layla raised a force field around them as she and Denise forced the side door open. Mylaren was sprawled out on the floor. The first rounds from Sam's handgun ricocheted off the force field before Layla just pushed on his head hard enough that it stuck out the window. She knew Denise wanted them conscious.

You are working for Neil yes?"

"Yes-s-s," Sam forced out.

"Yes," came a mumble from Dave who was just coming to.

Denise motioned for Jonathan to come to them.

"You seem fit enough. Can you get her in the back seat?" Denise said.

He reached inside, picked Mylaren up effortlessly and carried her back to the car.

How did you find us?

"Some guy named Peter who was at that bar," Dave said.

What does he look like?

"Sandy hair. Looks like a surfer."

You are not going to remember any of this, or us.

When Denise was finished with them, Layla slammed their heads together, knocking them out.

"Ooh, that is going to leave a few marks," Denise said.

"I'd say they are getting off easy."

They could see the flashing lights of emergency vehicles coming through the tunnel.

"Where to?" Layla said, putting the car into stealth mode.

"Well, we can't very well carry her into a hotel looking like that. Jonathan, what's a nice secluded beach around here?"

"Black Sands Beach. Easy to get to, especially in this, whatever it is."

Mylaren's head was resting in his chocolate colored arms.

"Lead the way," Layla said as the vehicle climbed and slowly headed west.

"Yes. I suppose we have some explaining to do," Denise said.

That, or some memory erasing. Layla said.

Play nice.

56

Partial

"Then what?" Rachel asked.

"Then, they walked through the crowd, bumped into her drink, undoubtedly stung her with the sedative because she went limp real fast. They carried her out the front door quickly," Peter said.

"Did you follow them?"

"No. They told me to stay out of the way. From the looks of these guys I was not about to give them an argument."

"So they left with her, and that's it?"

"No, not exactly. Two women and a tall black man who were with her ran out the door after her. I think someone must have told them she was carried out."

"Are you hearing all this?" Rachel asked of Neil who was on the other phone.

"Yes."

"So that's it then?"

"I walked out after them all. I saw the two women and that guy run up the street to their car and speed away. They must have been in the van about a block ahead of them."

"Did you happen to see what kind of car they got into?"

"I sure did but it's hard to say. It could have been an old Camaro."

"Could it have been an old Mustang?"

"I suppose, but I don't think so."

Anything else, anything at all?" Rachel sighed.

"No. Sorry."

"I want you to make a hard copy of everything you remember, especially about that car, and send it to my email."

"Of course."

"Okay Peter." She hung up her phone.

"I think I know what you are about to say," Neil said.

"Really?"

"We need try harder?"

"Fuck. It sounds like we were so close."

"Well, although last night was a distraction, I do have some possible good news."

"Possible good news. Why do those three words not excite me much this morning?"

"At least one of the others who handled the vile we recovered is female. There were two females with her according to Peter."

Rachel shifted in the chair she was sitting in. "Female? Human?"

"Unless some of your visitors are the exact same DNA as us, yes, human."

"Great. I am thrilled."

"That's not all. I have a partial print."

Rachel sat up erect in her chair, as if readying herself to pounce on some one or some thing. "Can you get anything off of it?"

"I'm running it now."

"Okay. Get back to me as soon as you know more." She hung up the call. Rachel was getting very tired of telling everyone working for her to play catch up. She needed and expected a break, at any cost. She dialed Green's number.

57

Black Sand

"It was chance. At least I think it was," Denise said. The early morning breeze blew her golden hair across her face as she turned to look at Mylaren lying on a blanket. She thought she might know how she was feeling at the moment, just coming to. "How's your head? I have aspirin."

Mylaren's eyes closed and opened again slowly. "Yes please."

"Wait a second," Jonathan said. "Is that wise, I mean you don't know what they gave her. There might be an adverse reaction."

"Trust me Jonathan. I believe I have a very good idea of what she is feeling at the moment," Denise smiled.

She walked over to the Mustang and came back with a chilled bottle of water and the aspirin. "She'll be sitting up before you know it, and asking for food."

"You know, I can tell you care for her," Layla said.

"Yes, and if at all possible, I plan on doing so once we leave this beach, which by the way, should be within the next few hours."

Denise and Layla told him only what they thought he needed to know. It was clear to them that Jonathan's presence was good for Mylaren, that it may very well help her get her memory back.

"So, you have actually been out there huh?" Jonathan sighed, pointing up to the sky.

"Many times. Haven't really gone anywhere else, but yes, we have," Denise said.

"What they did to Mylaren is sinister to say the least. What they are doing now, trying to find her and get her back, well for lack of a better way of putting it, really pisses me off."

"It pisses us off too," Layla said.

"We've taken away most, if not all, of the toys they would need to create another like Mylaren. It makes their quest to get her back more important than ever."

"So, at least for now, you stay on the run?" Jonathan said.

"Run? No, not really. But they have some very good detectives looking for us and the expedience with which they were able to get to that bar and snatch her is disturbing," Denise said.

"Disturbing, but not surprising," Layla said. "I also think they got a break because that Peter guy was there. I wonder if he had anything to do with her initial abduction?"

"Do you think coffee would help?" Mylaren asked softly.

"Yes, I think it would," Denise smiled.

Denise stood up, motioned for Jonathan to follow her, and walked down the beach. "They created Mylaren, in part at least, to find us, to add to her hybrid mix. We must assume that after last night, they know who you are, and will be looking for you for answers. For that very reason, because there is so much at stake, before we leave this beach today, you will need to have agreed to come with us no matter where this leads, or you will have no memory of us ever having met."

Jonathan stopped and turned to look back at Mylaren who was now sitting up next to Layla. "You can do that, really? Make me forget?"

"Yes."

"I was really in love with Nora, and I believe she was in love with me. That's her, physically anyway, and even though she is like another person now, I sense her inside screaming to get out. You did not know her then. She was a funny, loving, beautiful person to be near, so easy to fall in love with."

Denise stopped and looked him in the eyes. "You will not have to worry about money if you decide to come with us."

"The thought did cross my mind."

"Yes, I know."

"I have a crappy job, really. No lease on my apartment. Like her, I have no family left. Denise, I don't want to lose her again."

"There is the possibility she, the Nora you knew, will never resurface. Even then?"

"Perhaps even more so."

"Okay. It's settled then. You're coming with us. We need to get out of town as soon as possible I would think. How long will it take you to get all that you need from your place?"

"I could be packed up and ready to go in no more than fifteen minutes."

"Just grab what you really need. Don't worry about packing all your clothes and stuff, we'll get you new things."

"Where will we be going?"

"Not sure yet," Denise said.

58

Guess?

Rachel stood at the window of the trailer watching heavy equipment leveling what was left of the rubble that had been her facility when she heard the sound of AC/DC blasting from a vehicle crunching to a halt in the gravel on the other side of the trailer.

TNT? I wonder who that is?

There was a hard knock on the door a few moments later.

"Come in Neil," she shouted.

He drove there in his pickup truck since he had to bring along some equipment to show her what he had found.

"What's all this?" she asked.

"Well, I wanted you to see what we found, from that partial print."

"Sure. Coffee?"

"Oh yeah."

He poured himself a cup and set up his computer and another machine. She had no idea what it could be. "I'm going to need that vile we retrieved to continue."

"She stood up and walked to a desk that had been set up in a back bedroom. She had simply left it sitting on top next to the cup of pens and pencils. "Here you are."

When he was finished setting it all up, the program on his computer that was linked with the device starting whirring.

"It's going to take some time. Not long."

"I was impressed with what you were able to put together so quickly, especially in San Francisco, but I do have a question for you, something that's been eating at me since you recovered that," she said, pointing to the vile.

"How?"

"How, and at what cost? Nothing is free in our world."

"I had to agree to share information with them when this is over. How much of that information I choose to share is entirely up to me. I am going to have to share something with them, if I ever hope to be able to use them again."

"And what have you told them so far?" Rachel asked.

"Well." Neil tensed up a bit before he continued. "I mentioned a hybrid and what we were searching for was tied to that. Nothing more."

"Nothing more?"

"No."

She could see he was lying but kept silent.

The program stopped whirring to the sound of a soft gong going off.

Neil turned to the screen to see six possible matches for the print, and the location of the owners of those prints at the time they were taken.

"What is that?"

"This is a list of six possible matches of that smudged partial print." He looked over the list noting three that stood out. One in San Francisco, another in Florida, and another in Southern Illinois."

"You're guessing? Or, to be more accurate, your machine is guessing, yes?"

"Yes. A partial print like this is not even admissible as evidence for any crime. Still, one in San Francisco and one in Southern Illinois, that may or may not be a coincidence."

"It may or may not be. Neil, after getting off the phone with you earlier I rang up Green. He and I are convinced that somehow, someway, our little hybrid is able to tap into what we are doing. How exactly we can only guess, but we feel certain that she can."

"Well I can see how that can put you at a disadvantage," Neil said.

"Yes, that is true, but we also feel it might just be able to put us at an advantage."

"Go on."

"We are going to lay a trap for them Neil, rather than traipsing around the country following question marks. We almost had them all when they broke into that," she said, pointing towards the sound of the construction equipment groaning across the way.

"Yes, you certainly did almost have them. Will you be needing me for that?"

"I'm counting on it.

59

Midwest

The temperature was already 80 degrees at seven in the morning. Mylaren lay in a hammock under the shade of a few trees. The breeze did not feel cool, but it had not reached the point of stifling heat yet. She took a sip of the coffee she held in her hand and continued to read the thoughts of Jonathan who went with Layla into town for some groceries. She had asked Denise to plant a suggestion in him to remember as much as he could about her before the abduction.

She found that she loved to wear dresses and skirts. Apparently she had a nice collection of them. He loved the way she looked wearing shorts and the red cowboy boots she owned.

She now knew what he had thought the first time he saw her. She was leaving the Cat Club with another friend right after Jonathan had arrived. Her laugh, he thought, was intoxicating, as well as the way she smelled as they went past. She now remembered how nervous the both of them were the first time they were together intimately.

Mind if I join you?

Not at all Denise.

Denise walked out of the house carrying a cup of coffee. She grabbed a chair on the way and had a seat next to Mylaren.

"How you feeling?"

"Feeling just about back to normal." She let out a loud laugh. "Normal. Now that's funny."

Denise could not help but laugh along with her. That laugh of hers was indeed intoxicating. "So, when do we start calling you Nora?"

"Whenever you like. Never. It does not matter."

"Have you been learning much about you as Nora?"

"Yes Denise, quite a bit actually."

"Well that's good."

"I have also learned something about our foes."

Denise watched a few cardinals flying through the trees as she took a drink of her coffee. "Our foes. Funny but through all our wanderings I've never used that word. Has such an innocent sound to it for describing an enemy, don't you think?"

"It does."

"Well, lay it on me."

"The military man has found the vile we dumped over the ocean. He has pulled up six possible matches for a partial print he found on it. One of the matches is Layla and will point them directly to her, and us."

Denise digested that for a moment. Layla. Be wary of everyone around you.

Uh-oh.

I'll fill you in when you get here.

"There is more yes?"

"Yes. Rachel does not want to waste time chasing loose ends or hunches. She is setting a trap and is convinced that if she uses all the resources at her disposal, it will succeed. She really thought she had us last time, and vows that this time will be different. She also told Neil it is his choice whether or not to send his people out to check on the possible fingerprint matches. He will do that today. Three small teams to San Francisco, Florida, and here, for Layla."

"This information just might make her day. It can be quite a task controlling all she is capable of. If they show up, this time, I will not stand in her way, no matter what the outcome.

"Nor should you."

"Well thanks for the updates. Oh, here they are with groceries. I'll send out a refill for your coffee."

"Thank you. Denise, there is one more thing."

"Yes?"

"Gaub. His people are very close."

"Excellent. Let him know they are welcome any time they like."

"I will."

60

Get Busy

Rachel was back in Houston. She hated the idea of going to Terrence and the boys for help, but she felt she had no choice. With no material to work with, everything was at a disastrous standstill. She knew that what she and Green were going to propose would be a hard sell to this lot, but she felt it was the best way forward. With any luck, she would come out of it back on track, and Mylaren would be in her custody again. This time she won't get away.

She waited for Green in the lobby. He came strolling in through the revolving doors right on time, as he always was. She could not remember a time he had kept her waiting.

"Gee, you look happy," he joked.

"This is not going to be pleasant G. I detest being here any time, especially now."

"Well, let's get it over with. Will they have coffee or are we on our own?"

"They will have coffee, at least they always have."

They walked over to the elevators and headed up to what she was sure would be pure torment.

After being directed to a conference room, and served coffee and rolls, Terrence walked in, insuring the door closed securely behind him.

"Good morning Terrence. I believe you know of Green, even though you have never met."

"Morning." His reply was nothing more than a grumble.

Rachel studied the look on his face as he picked at a muffin without speaking.

Fuck me if his answer is not already no.

"Well, get on with it," Terrence said.

"Without the others?"

"I am the others goddammit," he shouted. "Don't waste my time."

Green was laughing hysterically inside. He knew how angry Rachel was at the moment, being treated like a spoiled daughter or misbehaving schoolchild.

She went through the outline of their plan quickly, expecting to be told not to let the door hit her in the ass on the way out. But his reaction was nothing of the sort.

"Green, I take it you have the details of this venture?"

"Yes sir, I do." He handed him a thin packet on what they had planned.

"Do you need more coffee?" Terrence asked.

"No, I am good."

"I do," Rachel said.

Terrence buzzed one of the secretaries for coffee refills. She swept in and out of the room like a breeze, leaving their cups full.

"Does this have to include our facility in Montana?" he asked.

"Unless you wish to give up more of what you have in your possession, yes."

"And you don't know how the hell this creature knows what you're up to hey? Is she reading your minds? Is she controlling you?"

"I am not certain," Rachel said. "I am however, of a mind to think that she can do all of that. I also believe she knows where this Gaub is being hidden?"

"You do? Why?"

"If she can tap into us, after what we created in her, it is my opinion she can communicate with it, and knows where it is."

"You wouldn't be trying to add extra icing on a half burnt cake before you sell it to me would you?"

"Terrence, you know me better than to suggest that."

"How the hell are you going to possibly fool her if she can read your mind?"

"I am, we all are going to make it impossible for her and those helping her to resist. We are going to make them feel so threatened they must act, and act now. What we will not know, and hopefully they will not know, is what another is planning as the trap. If we do not know what his plans are, we cannot give it away."

"Terrence walked over to a window and looked out over the skyline. "I am going to insist you both be there when it happens, and I am holding you Rachel, personally responsible if, when this is over, that place resembles in any way the mess you are cleaning up in Arizona."

"I accept that responsibility," she said.

"Alright. It's settled then. If you get this Gaub back for us, I will help you pay for rebuilding your place in the desert."

"We shall make sure that what we plan keeps that possibility in the works."

"Is this copy for me?" Terrence asked Green.

"Yes sir, that is for you."

"I'm sure you can find your own way out," he said, before walking out of the room holding the outline of the plan.

"Whew," Green said.

"At least he didn't have us kneel on beans throughout the meeting," Rachel laughed.

"Say what?" Green laughed.

"Oh yeah. I was raised a Catholic and went to Catholic schools. I was subjected to that form of torture more than once in twelve years."

"Let's get out of here. I'm kind of hungry."

"It's not too late for a good breakfast," she grinned.

"Not too early for a good lunch either."

"Whatever you decide is fine with me."

61

Day Part I

"Can we trust you to stay here? Go nowhere? Hmm?" Denise asked.

"Where we gonna go?" Jonathan laughed. "It's hotter than hell out there. Yeah you can trust us."

"I promise we won't leave the house Denise. How long will you be gone?" Mylaren asked.

"Oh I don't know. We have some things to do, as you well know. It's going to be a while."

"You know I can handle myself pretty well," Jonathan said.

"I am sure you can," Layla smiled. "How about we return with some ice cream?"

"Ice cream would be nice Layla," Mylaren giggled. She loved it when Layla mentioned ice cream.

"Okay. We're off. Jonathan, you have our numbers. Mylaren, you don't need a phone. Call if you have any trouble."

"We will Denise."

"I will give you a heads up when we are on our way back. I'm sure you have a lot of catching up to do," Denise smiled. She thought she saw Mylaren blush before she and Layla walked out the door.

The Mustang made it out to Highway 51 and headed north to Carbondale. It was ungodly hot and humid, with not a cloud in the sky.

"Biscuits and Gravy first?" Layla asked.

"Oh yeah."

"Good idea to give them some time alone together," Layla said.

"And us, don't forget us," Denise laughed.

"Us? You mean me. They're coming for me," Layla giggled.

"I wonder what they're driving?"

"Doesn't matter," Layla said.

She was not happy, not happy at all knowing some psychotic mercenary assholes were on their way up from of all places, Texas, to find her and see where that all leads.

"When did you get fingerprinted?" Denise asked as they rolled by campus and into town.

"They caught me robbing a bank."

"You'd be good at that, but seriously."

"I had applied for a job at the hospital."

"Really? To do what?" Denise asked.

"Food services or some such thing. Well it was part of the process."

"Everyone gets fingerprinted I guess if you work at a hospital."

"Yeah. But I got the job I had when I met you the day before. Pay was about the same so I told them I had found another job."

"I bet you'd be a sexy candy striper."

"You bet your sweet ass I would," Layla grinned as she parked the car a block away from Mary Lou's.

Back in Makanda, Mylaren and Jonathan turned on the television and found a movie to leave on. He felt he needed to have something on, something visual, to lighten the mood, it being the first time they were alone since before her abduction.

"It doesn't feel like we are in prison does it?" Mylaren said.

"Ha. I would not know, I've never been in prison."

"Tell me more about what I was like," Mylaren smiled.

"First, a refill?" he asked, holding up his coffee cup.

"Yes please."

Layla drove the Mustang south on Highway 51 once they had finished breakfast.

The temperature was already 88 humid degrees.

"What if no one is home?" Layla asked.

"Well, then we can wait outside."

"Mylaren has no idea of exactly where they are?"

"Apparently not."

Layla steered the Mustang into the driveway that led to the trailer she lived in when she and Denise first met. "Ah, the old neighborhood."

"Ha. It's good to be back."

Layla saw a drape move at one of the kitchen windows. "Someone's home."

They both stepped out of the vehicle and were greeted by a young man who walked out of the trailer. "Hi. Can I help you?"

"Hi. Just riding the nostalgia train. I used to live here," Layla said.

Please answer her questions, Denise said.

"You live here alone like I did?"

"Yes. It's nice to have the extra bedroom to work in. I'm a Design Major."

"Sweet. My friend here is an artist."

"Hi," Denise smiled.

"I bet being a Design major gets expensive huh?" Layla asked.

"Oh yeah."

"Would you consider renting us your place for the day?" Layla said.

Of course you would. It's a huge paycheck.

"Perhaps."

Denise walked up and handed him an envelope with $1000.00 inside.

"We'd really like to, you know, get very nostalgic," Layla grinned.

"Wow. A thousand dollars? Fuck yeah. Oh, excuse me. Come on in, I'll show you where to find clean towels and beddings."

"Has Denise or Layla ever made you Southern Fried Chicken," Jonathan asked, looking inside the refrigerator at what was a possibility for lunch.

"No."

"Well, if she has some flour and oil, you are in for a real treat."

Mylaren laughed out loud. She liked the way her laugh sounded.

"We're in business. I have all the ingredients I need."

The sound of music from the movie Blade Runner filled the room.

Kevin had a place to stay after classes. After he left for campus, Denise and Layla went to the Kroger's for some things to munch on throughout the day, since like most creative major students, the pantry was rather bare in Kevin's trailer.

They returned with enough sandwich makings that they would be able to leave much of it behind for Kevin once they had left.

"You know, I can't say that I like not knowing where or when these buttheads might show up," Layla said.

"They could be watching us right now and we may not know it," Denise laughed. "After all, they are ex-military."

"Yes I sup," Layla said before she was drowned out by the roar of motorcycles approaching the trailer.

"How subtle," Denise said, peeking through a partially open drape to see two men on motorcycles rumbling to a stop in front of the Mustang that they had programmed to look like her old Ford Focus.

Layla opened the door and spoke. "Did you take a wrong turn?"

"You Layla?"

Honey the neighbors are watching, now is not the time unless, Denise said.

"Who wants her?"

One of the men who was panning across the property with his phone, apparently making a recording spoke quietly to the other who had gotten off his bike. "Neighbors are watching."

"Yeah. Well Layla, we came to see the bike you got for sale."

You couldn't get those neighbors to leave for about an hour could you? Layla said.

Denise came walking out the door. "Hey baby, what's up?" she asked.

"Baby?" one of the men said.

"I believe these boys got me mixed up with someone else lover. Where the hell did you get the idea I was selling a motorcycle now anyway?"

"From a friend."

"Yeah, well your friend was wrong."

"Looks like maybe they were. Maybe."

"That your little car, Layla?" the man who had been video taping asked.

"You sure ask a lot of questions that don't have anything to do with a motorcycle," she said.

"You know we're going to have to get going soon," Denise said, as if they had somewhere else to be.

"Yeah, that's right. I really think you should leave," Layla said.

The two men started up their bikes and revved them as if trying to intimidate her. "We'll be seeing you around, Layla," the larger one said.

Neighbors honey, think of the neighbors, Denise said.

The two men sped down the drive that led them back on to Highway 51 where they made a right turn and headed towards Carbondale.

"They have met their foes. They are on motorcycles," Mylaren said, sitting at the dinner table.

"Bikers? Think they'll be able to handle them?" Jonathan asked.

"Oh my yes."

"So, what do you think? Good huh?"

"The chicken is really delicious Jonathan."

"Thank you darling."

Darling.

62

Day Part II

"This place is a trap. These guys will have no qualms about disturbing the few neighbors to get to us here," Denise said.

"Agreed."

"Let's get them to follow us."

"Easier said than done perhaps, without some coaxing."

"Okay, but where?" Denise sighed. She sounded like she might be growing weary of bad guys following them. It was so much easier when she was after them.

Mylaren. Do you know where out pair of foes are? Denise asked.

Mylaren was in the middle of a kiss. She tried to answer in a way Jonathan would not suspect. Denise. Give me a moment. I am so hot.

It's okay, take your time.

"Did you disturb them?" Layla grinned.

"Oh, yes," Denise giggled.

They are at the Lone Star Steakhouse.

Thank you sweetie. Now go right back to whatever you were doing.

Uhm hmmmm.

"Lone Star Steakhouse."

"Good. That's good. Your orders commander?" Layla giggled.

"Let's make our way over to that there Steakhouse."

"Let's."

Mylaren was having a few flashbacks to her old self. Oh my, they would have denied me this? Their greatest crime against me.

Jonathan pulled his lips away, opened his eyes, and smiled.

Oh no, did I do something wrong? Mylaren asked herself.

He stood up, took her hand, and led her to their bedroom.

"When's the last time we had a steak?"

"Denise darling, I don't think I have ever seen you eat a steak."

"I don't like steak. Too much like eating something with a face."

"They have burgers and fish and salads too."

"Okay. Let's go have us a burger."

"Yee haw."

Layla pulled into the Steakhouse lot and parked the Mustang that was programmed to look like her old Focus. They exited and walked into the restaurant.

"Looks like they've just started their meal," Denise said.

They found a table where they could not be missed, and ordered burgers and cokes when the waitress came around. "Please make sure they're well done," Denise said.

"Our foes look like real ladies men," Layla said. They were flirting, or propositioning their waitress between bites.

"Haaaa, ha ha." Denise let out a loud laugh hoping it would get their attention. It did. Layla saw one of them motion towards the table with his head.

"You got their attention. I hope the burger is good," Layla grinned.

"I'm going to go have a pee. Be right back."

Denise walked over to the Ladies bathroom. She seemed to be having a hard time pinpointing the two men in the restaurant. Test, test, this is a test. Come in Layla.

Read you loud and clear.

When Denise came back to the table their food had already arrived. "That was quick."

"I told the waitress there was an extra $20 in it if she got the food here fast."

"Sweet."

Denise had her back to the two men who now seemed more interested in their presence than their waitress. "Let me know if the big one scratches his nose."

She planted the suggestion for him to do so.

"Oh yes. Must have been one hell of an itch," Layla laughed.

"Good. I'm going to try and get them to follow us when we leave."

"Sounds good to me."

I remembered what to do, Mylaren said, lying naked next to a somewhat spent Jonathan. He looks pleased.

After a few minutes just lying there with his eyes closed, Jonathan spoke. "I am so happy we found each other again."

"Me too," Mylaren said modestly.

"Really? I hope doing this jogs more of your memory back."

"Did you ever see me wearing a red satin short robe?" Mylaren asked.

"Yes. I loved that robe, and loved seeing you wearing it."

"Then it's working," Mylaren laughed.

"I'm happy it's working, because you my dear have a whole lot more to remember," Jonathan smiled, before taking her in his arms and kissing her deeply.

Yes, so much more to remember.

Denise had thought about asking Layla if she could simply handle the two mercenaries, plant a suggestion in each and send them on her way. But she did not, perhaps because she genuinely found these two men quite offensive.

"Well, they gobbled those steaks in a hurry. Let me know when you are ready to leave."

"You really think they are going to follow us hmm?" Denise asked.

"Oh yeah. They don't strike me as caring at all if we were to notice them following us. Nothing to go to the trailer for if we are not there, and out here, no neighbors."

"You are probably right. Where to?"

"Oh, I was thinking of somewhere rather close they will find irresistible. The uglier one really wants to smack me around just for the hell of it, I just know it," Layla laughed.

"Okay, let's do it."

They slowly made their way out of the restaurant. Layla sneered at the two men who were now standing up, then pretended to whisper something in Denise's ear before laughing out loud.

"You're good at pissing people off when you want to," Denise said as they walked across the lot to the car.

"You're a good driver aren't you?"

"I am a superb driver."

"Good, then you drive," Layla grinned.

"Okay. Where to?"

"Head out towards the spillway."

"Sweet. Some two-lane heaven."

"Did I smoke when you knew me?" Mylaren asked.

"I never saw you smoking, no," Jonathan smiled.

Denise piloted the Mustang that was still programmed to look like Layla's old Ford Focus, east down Highway 13, and then turned right onto Spillway Road. "Do you see them?" she asked in the middle of the turn.

From the passenger seat, she had a clear view of the oncoming traffic on Highway 13. When she spotted the two men once the van that had been in front of them changed lanes, she pointed at them before flipping them the bird. "Oh yeah, they're right behind us."

"And where exactly are we going?"

"No reason why we can't enjoy this wonderful two-lane heaven scenic route in the process of disposing of these two. Just keep going, I'll direct you."

Denise continued around the spillway and down the forest lined road. "This looks very familiar."

"The last time we were down this road, I was driving and we were in your original Mustang," Layla smiled. She would stick her arm out the window and flash her upright middle finger at the two mercenaries following them.

"Yeah. That was really something. I wonder what Myla did with it?"

"I'm sure it's being well kept."

Back in their room Mylaren and Jonathan were passionately making love again.

Rachel really needs to be punished for being so willing to deny me this, Mylaren said. Oh yes, yesss.

"I wonder how my eagle friend is faring," Denise asked, remembering the last time they were in this area and an eagle aided her.

"Hard to say. Lot's of hunter-poachers around these parts."

Denise stopped the Mustang and turned it off. "So, what's your plan?"

"Just to send them on their way with info that I was a total dead end, and homely as hell."

"Ha. That can be arranged. Remember though, we must send them on their way. They have to be able to leave."

"Gotcha."

They stepped out of the car and closed the doors. The two men on bikes did not waste any time. They quickly pulled up behind the Mustang, turned off their engines and got off the bikes.

"Do you think we're being followed?" Layla asked, staring down the two men.

"They look sadly familiar."

Each of the men drew Glock handguns and pointed them at the two women. "We have some questions we want answered," the larger man said.

"Yeah, and I promise you that before we leave here, if you are so lucky, I am going to cut off that finger you've been flashing at us all day," the other man said.

Layla erected a force field around her and Denise before speaking. "Tough guys huh? They must be tough guys. Look at those fancy big guns they carry to compensate for their tiny limp dicks."

"We know you are hiding someone. We want her back."

"Fuck off."

"So you admit having her?" the larger man said.

"Are you deaf as well as stupid? I said fuck off," Layla repeated.

The smaller man fired a round that would have whizzed by between their heads, but instead careened off the shield that they were shrouded in.

Remember, they have to be able to leave, Denise said.

If you insist.

Layla forced both of their arms to point straight up into the air, and then fired their weapons for them, before she brought them to a position that had the barrel of each gun pressed against the side of each of their heads.

"What the fuck are you?" the larger man said.

"If you say another world, I will pull the triggers."

Denise altered their memories to remember having met that homely chick that could not possibly be involved in everything going on. She told them to report back to Neil to find out if he had any other leads he wanted them to follow.

You can release them Layla.

When she did their arms fell to their sides, still holding their weapons. Now put those weapons away and head back to Texas immediately. You won't remember me or any of this having happened. You will only remember the homely college geek Layla Martine.

The two men mounted their bikes and sped away.

"Such control. I am impressed," Denise smiled.

"It wasn't easy."

"Thanks for not doing to them what you would have liked to do."

"Homely college geek?"

"Haa. You like that huh?"

"It was a nice touch," Layla said before kissing her.

"Here, you drive."

"Where to, back to the trailer?"

"Nah. What say we head out to our favorite place to gaze at the heavens? We can get us a bottle or two of wine and, you know," Denise grinned.

"Now you're talking."

Layla returned the Mustang to its original look and drove back into town to stop for some refreshments before heading out to Fort de Chartres.

I hope I'm not interrupting. Denise said.

Not at the moment, Mylaren said.

We won't be back until late. Just wanted to let you know.

Thank you Denise.

63

Plans

"They just got back to me. That lead in Southern Illinois turned out to be a dead end," Neil said, speaking into his phone.

"Precisely why we will need to put together a flawless plan," Rachel said.

"How hard can it be to catch a few chicks?"

Rachel would not give him an answer. "See you bright and early in the morning Neil. Have a good night." She hung up the phone without an acknowledgement on his end.

"He sure got that answer quick," Green said, lying in the bed next to Rachel.

"He strikes me as a competent but dangerous asset," Rachel sighed.

"Well he and his men have spent a lot of time killing things, that's for sure."

"Precisely. Do you think they get the part that none of them is to be harmed when the preverbal shit hits the fan?"

"They will by then, yes, I think so," Green said. He fully understood that they were capable of going off in an instant, and that worried him.

"Turn out that light G, we have an early start in the morning," Rachel said, sliding further under the sheets.

64

Starlight

Denise slipped her top back on before lying down on the blanket. "Just look at all those stars."

"I know. Do you ever get the impression we are going to be working with ETs until the day we die?" Layla asked.

"It sure seems that way. There has got to be so much life out there."

"Tons."

"One of these days, if we ever get the chance, maybe we should boldly go, with one of them," Denise said.

"Nola and company would have been a good group to hang out with."

"Yes, but they did not offer to take us with them."

"I suppose they had a good reason not to."

"I think that first and foremost it was our ability to lie," Denise sighed. "That and our violent past as a species."

"We were deemed a threat than?"

"Yes, after all was said and done, I suppose we were, and for good reasons."

"Well, It's almost tomorrow. Think we've given the lovebirds enough of a day to themselves?"

"Yes, I suppose. Let's head back. Their bedroom has a nice thick door after all," Denise laughed.

They packed up their blanket and empty bottles of wine and loaded them into the trunk.

"Do you want to drive back?" Layla asked.

"Sure, I'll drive."

Denise piloted the Mustang back to Highway 3 and headed south. The air smelled so sweet she rolled the windows all the way down.

Mylaren. Come in Mylaren.

Hello Denise.

We are on our way back. Do you need anything? Have you eaten?

Yes we have eaten. Nothing needed.

We should be there within the hour then.

Okay Denise. We are ready.

Denise turned left onto Highway 149 and headed east. It was perhaps her favorite strip of two-lane heaven to drive on in all of Southern Illinois. They were halfway to Murphysboro, just coming over a hill, when they were briefly bathed in a dazzling shimmering light. The view of the road they had been driving down disappeared. When the light vanished they were looking at Gaub, Nalihi and Badanni greeting them under a pale blue light.

"I take it your ride has arrived?" Denise said, sticking her head out the window.

"Welcome aboard," Gaub said.

"Hello again," Layla said.

"Greetings," Nalihi smiled.

"Come. I promised a few good friends a view they will never forget," Gaub said.

"Were we just beamed up, like literally beamed up?" Denise asked.

"Where do you think they got the idea for beaming up?" Gaub said.

They were led down a short dark corridor, guided along the way by tiny lights in the walls, into another larger room that was circular, bathed in a pale red light, with circular chairs ringing the room.

Those don't look very comfortable, Layla said.

"They don't look very comfortable in their present state. They can however, be programed into just about any seating configuration to suit your needs." Gaub demonstrated one of them, rapidly changing to one form of seating or lounging after another.

"I'd love to have a few of those," Denise giggled.

"Where are we heading?" Layla asked, always the inquisitor in need of answers.

"I believe you will recognize this." A screen appeared from behind a panel that seemed to disappear into the wall, to reveal their home directly ahead and beneath them. An instant later Mylaren and Jonathan were standing before them. "Welcome aboard, friends."

"Hello again. This is my good friend, Jonathan."

"Now that is a cause for celebration," Gaub said.

Denise and Layla felt what was to them, the all too familiar pull on a ship leaving Earth's atmosphere, as the view on the screen changed to that of a sky that was black and filled with stars.

"Now about that celebration," Gaub said, as the ship they were traveling in docked in the belly of a much larger vessel.

65

Children

Denise and Layla were seated with Gaub away from Mylaren and Jonathan who marveled at all they were seeing on the viewing screen.

"I believe the key to any future for Mylaren, where she is not forced to run and hide the rest of her life, is Rachel," Gaub said.

"She does seem possessed by all of this," Layla said.

"And what of this trap they are laying? There is so much of what they acquired from you at that facility," Denise said.

"Look at those two. They are like a couple of giddy school children," Layla smiled, pointing to Mylaren and Jonathan.

"For Mylaren, there is another option, risky, with no guarantee that it would be successful," Gaub said.

"And that would be?" Denise said.

"Removing what they did to her. We believe it could be done. Of course it would be her own decision as to whether or not to try."

"Returning her to her old self. I wonder if she would want that?" Layla asked.

"And even if she did, if they ever found her, and it would be easier for them to do so without the powers she now has, they would simply eliminate her," Denise said, her voice trailing off at the end.

"That's not an acceptable option," Layla said.

"It is a possibility, if she wants it," Gaub said.

"Okay, so we are back to this facility, and their trap," Layla said.

"Now, as far as this facility, and all they have acquired from me? They will not have it long," Gaub said.

Denise was wearing a smile when she listened to Gaub. "As long as that woman has a drop of something to use, she will never stop."

"She can be altered to stop. It would not be difficult to do at all," Gaub said. Denise swore she was looking at a grin he was wearing.

"How many of you are there on your mother ship?" Layla asked.

"Thousands, including children."

"We are passing San Francisco," Jonathan said, pointing to the view of the Earth on the screen.

"It looks like a beautiful jewel," Mylaren said. "Do you remember our first picnic in the park?"

Denise watched as Jonathan turned to face her. "It is coming back to you. Yes, I do remember it. That was nothing less than one of the most beautiful days I have ever spent on Earth. It was a perfect day." He then took her in her arms and kissed her.

"Look at them. We must do whatever it takes to insure they are no longer hunted," Layla said.

"Indeed we must," Denise said.

Gaub looked at Denise and Layla, and thought that he must do whatever it takes to insure the two of them were no longer hunted either.

66

Rudy

Rudy continued his search on the laptop computer he had resting on a large garbage can he had turned upside down. Rudy was one of Neil's most ruthless and thorough mercenary colleagues.

Behind him, the bloody, near naked body of one of the Cat Club's bartenders sagged in a chair, moaning, nearly unconscious.

Rudy began singing quietly along to a Beatles song as he continued his search. "So I'm telling you my friend, That I'll get you, I'll get you in the end, Yes I will, I'll get you in the end, oh yeah, oh yeah?"

The heavy metal door creaked open. Two men entered, one who was larger and more muscular than Rudy. "Uh oh, he's singing," one of them said.

Rudy kept singing with a wide grin on his face. "Well there's gonna be a time, When I'm gonna change your mind, So you might as well resign yourself to me, Oh yeah."

"He's still breathing," one of the men said, walking over to the tattered body tied to the chair, "I'm surprised."

"BINGO!" Rudy shouted. "Boys, meet Jonathan Dryer."

"Once you go black you never go back," one of the men laughed.

Rudy turned in his chair and laughed. "You gotta love Facebook for absolutely ruining people's lives," he laughed.

On the screen was an image of Jonathan, with Mylaren before her abduction, and his address and phone number.

"Come on. We've got a lot to do," Rudy said.

"What about him?"

"He's not going anywhere, but check his bonds anyway," Rudy said.

67

Date

"I'm not so sure it's a good idea," Denise said, sitting enjoying a drink with Mylaren and Jonathan.

"Well I can understand why," Jonathan said.

"Can't you wait a couple of days? I'd feel better if you were not alone."

"There's a concert. It's tonight," Mylaren said timidly.

"A concert?" Denise smiled. For some reason she felt like a parent.

"Fiona Apple. She's actually one of her favorite artists. I thought it might be good for her to see her perform, you know, memories," Jonathan said. He turned to look out the window at the planet below.
"Well. It sounds important." Baby you got a minute?

Sure. Be right there.

Layla excused herself and quickly made it back to the room they were in.

"Wow, that was fast," Denise laughed.

"I'm light on my feet," Layla grinned.

"They would like to spend the day in San Francisco. There's a Fiona Apple concert they believe would be good for her memory," Denise said.

"San Francisco?" Layla sighed.

"We will stay at a hotel. To the concert, then back to the hotel. We should be alright," Jonathan said.

"No nightclubs?" Layla asked.

"Absolutely not."

"Who are we to stand in the way of memories?" Denise said.

"Well, we will need to let our hosts and chauffer know," Layla said.

"He already knows. Apparently we are in for quite a ride," Mylaren smiled.

"They're beaming you down," Denise said.

"Yes. We would have left already but I wanted to confer with you first."

Denise looked both of them in the eye. "Be careful. Don't do anything stupid."

"I think we will be alright," Jonathan said.

A door hissed open and Gaub entered. "I have the coordinates of your hotel, whenever you are ready."

"Well, enjoy the show," Denise said.

Layla just smiled but remained silent. She did not have a good feeling about their being alone.

"Mylaren. Get in touch with me once you arrive back on the ground, you know, just to make sure everything is working," Denise said.

"I shall Denise."

Gaub appeared to be communicating with someone when suddenly Mylaren and Jonathan vanished in a shimmering blue light.

"I bet it's going to be a great concert," Layla said, trying to lighten the moment. Mylaren, be aware, be careful.

"Yes, I bet it is, and yes Layla, we will be very careful."

"Gaub, is that how we will be traveling tonight?"

"Yes Layla."

"I can hardly wait," Denise giggled.

"Come, we have some things to go over."

68

Team

Neil looked out the trailer window at the construction still underway. "And you think they are actually going to be there, tonight?"

"He purchased two tickets with his credit card less than 72 hours ago. Yes, I do, and if I'm wrong, I'm wrong," Rudy said.

"Is your source of information still alive Rudy?"

He chuckled. "That he is."

"What do you need?"

Rudy gave him a list of items he would need, and personnel he wanted with him.

Rachel sat at a table drinking her coffee and cleared her throat to get Neil's attention. "Mute it a moment," she said quietly.

"Rudy, don't go away, I have to take this other call."

"Is this guy perfectly clear, aware of absolutely no harm coming to her if found?"

"If he's not, he will be."

She motioned for him to get back to his call.

"I'm back."

"Still here."

"You'll have everything you need by mid afternoon," Neil said.

"Great. Do you have my address?"

"I do, and Rudy?"

"That's me."

"I am only going to say this once, so listen very carefully."

"Ah, there's always a catch."

"Absolutely no harm of any kind is to come to the female. Is that understood?"

"Got it. The bitch gets delivered in one piece," he laughed.

"I'm serious. You put her out, you contain her, and deliver her to us, and I mean immediately."

Rachel was beginning to wonder why he would have to repeat himself to one of his operatives.

"Got it bro, really I do."

"You had better make sure that everyone with you is clear on this as well."

"I will Neil. You don't have to worry. Just get what I need here if you want your package returned to you."

"Okay. Let me know the moment you receive everything."

"Yes sir."

Neil hung up the phone and turned away from the window to see a disturbed look on Rachel's face. "It'll be okay. If they show up at that concert like he thinks they will, you will have her back."

"Let's make plans on where she is to be taken if they do," Rachel sighed.

"Are we going to need a flight plan?"

"Absolutely."

69

Tonight

Mylaren and Jonathan made it to their seats at the San Jose Civic Center just before the lights dimmed for the concert to start, but not before Rudy found them in the sights of the powerful pair of binoculars he was using. "They are right where they are supposed to be," he spoke into a tiny microphone clipped to the collar of his shirt.

"How many?"

"Only two. So romantic, they're on a date."

"Do you have them in your sights?" Rudy asked.

"We have them. Just need for you to say when."

"It will be easier once they are outside after the show."

The crowd cheered as Fiona took the stage.

Gaub looked at Denise and Layla intently. "Are you nervous?"

"Not really," Layla smiled nervously.

"No. I've always wondered what it was like to get beamed up," Denise laughed.

"I would not have asked you along did I not think we might need your special gifts Layla."

"I'm special alright," she laughed.

"Shall we?"

"He who hesitates is lost," Denise said.

"Energize," Layla grinned.

Jonathan could see how happy Mylaren was to be at the show of one of her favorite performers. He felt closer to her than ever before. This must be what In Love feels like, he thought.

Above them, Rudy stood near the doorway they would need to pass through when the concert ended. Outside, his fellow thugs made the necessary preparations for transport once their target was acquired.

"Just remember to breathe," Gaub said, a moment before they were zapped into billions of particles and rearranged, along with Gaub and a dozen of his shipmates, in a dimly lit hall within the mountain in which he had been kept for decades.

This way.

Denise, Layla and half of his comrades followed him along the hall, coming to a halt in front of a door that required a security code for admission.

The concert ended and the house lights came on. Jonathan led Mylaren up the stairs to the exit. They made their way out of the Auditorium and strolled hand in hand north up South Market Street, where Jonathan hoped to hail a taxi to take them back to San Francisco.

"You got them?" Rudy asked, walking about a half block behind.

"Affirmative. We are moving into place."

"There are still too many people around, but we can't let them get into a taxi," Rudy said, walking a little faster now to catch up with them.

Gaub and one of his mates took Denise and Layla by the hand and they passed through the door and surrounding rock wall entering the room where everything that had been taken from him was kept. One of the two guards on duty in the room caught sight of them out of the corner of his eye and went for his pistol. Before he could utter a word, they were both lying back in their chairs unconscious.

"It is all in there," Gaub said, pointing to a large metallic cylinder that stood in the center of the room. "Do you see how it glows?"

"Yes," Denise said, her face and Layla's bathed in a soft red glow.

"We cannot successfully pass through that. It is a force field."

"This is where I come in?" Layla said.

"There are six separate compartments in this containment unit."

"Gaub. Why not just take the whole thing? Beam the entire thing up?"

"That is our intent Denise, very good. It is however affixed to the ground quite securely."

"And you are certain everything is in it?" Layla asked.

"Yes."

"Let me know when you're ready," Layla grinned.

"Whenever you are ready. There are many more of those outside," Gaub said, pointing to the two unconscious guards.

"You're on Supergirl," Denise giggled.

Layla forced the huge cylinder to turn, back and forth, until it started to tip. "Come on son of a bitch," she said. She shook it violently, until the loud popping sound of the supports giving way echoed loudly through the room. She kept it from tipping and crashing to the ground when an instant later, it vanished from the room in a shimmering haze. The sound of muted gunfire could be heard coming from the other side of the door.

"It's okay, they got away before the shooting started," Gaub said.

"Then I suggest we do the same," Denise said, as the beeping sounds of the door locks opening could be heard. In what seemed like an instant, they were all standing in the docking area of Gaub's ship many miles above the Earth's surface.

The tranquilizer dart found its target in Mylaren's leg as they rounded the corner. "Jonathan, I'm hi...."

She was in the arms of one of Rudy's men before she collapsed, unconscious.

"Say goodbye to your date Jonathan," Rudy said, as Jonathan landed a kick upside the head of one of the mercenaries. When he turned to see who was talking the round from Rudy's pistol tore across the side of his head, sending him reeling to the ground.

Mylaren was covered in a white metallic body bag and placed in the waiting van. Rudy flashed his pistol at passersby to keep any potential heroes at bay. He then climbed into the van, the sliding door closing with a bang and a click, before speeding away.

"NOOO. Jonathan," Denise cried.

"Baby what's wrong?"

"It's Jonathan. Gaub, can you reach Mylaren? Can you sense anything at all?"

"No Denise, I can read nothing."

"You've got to get us and our vehicle down to San Jose," Denise said.

"Give me the coordinates and get in your vehicle. You cannot operate it until you fully arrive so make sure it is a place that you feel will work best for you because you will be visible."

"This will do," Denise said, pointing to a park very near the Civic Center.

"Be careful. You know how to reach me," Gaub said.

"Yes. Energize please."

The Mustang, with Layla and Denise inside, vanished in a shimmering glow and came to rest in the park exactly where she said.

"Now what?" Layla asked.

"Follow the sound of those ambulance sirens. Something has happened to Jonathan."

70

Flight

Rudy's men loaded Mylaren into the containment unit that resembled a metal coffin with a window showing her face that glowed green. His phone started ringing again. Until now he had hesitated to answer it. "Neil."

"Is something wrong? Rudy I've been trying to reach you for the past hour. Where the fuck are you? Why have you not made it to the airfield yet?"

"Calm down Neil, and listen carefully. This package is far too valuable to hand over for the pittance we agreed on. It's not going to that waiting plane."

There was silence for nearly a minute.

"Neil? Are you still there?"

"Rudy, don't be stupid. These are really not people you want to fuck with. Cancel whatever hair brained idea you have in that head of yours and get the package to that airfield now, while your head is still attached to the rest of you."

"Neil, you know I have never responded to threats very well."

"There will be nowhere you can hide Rudy, stop this fucking shit and get her to the airfield."

"Not going to happen Neil. I'll be contacting that arrogant twat you're working for soon enough, and if she is the highest bidder, well she can have her little experiment back. If she isn't, I'm pretty sure she will never see her again."

Neil could get no trace on his position at all. He had undoubtedly removed or destroyed the tracking device in the containment unit, and was using a secure phone.

"Rudy, this is your third and final chance to come to your senses. Deliver the package, and I will see your fee is doubled, no hard feelings."

"Gotta go Neil. It's a rather long drive to our first customer."

"Rudy. If you are not at that airfield by 6 a.m. you're a dead man."

"We all have to die sometime Neil. Now make that call to your employer because if my first offer seems good enough, I'm taking it."

Rudy's phone disconnected and Neil hung his up. He walked over to the window and looked out over the skyline wondering what his next move would be. He then walked back to a table, threw some ice in a glass and filled it half way with the bourbon Rachel had given him.

"Fuck," he sighed. He'd never had to deal with a greed fueled mutiny before, and he knew that if Rudy did not want to be found it was going to be very hard to do so. He reached for his phone after taking a long sip of his drink and dialed Rachel's number.

"Hello," she answered quietly, having being stirred out of her slumber.

"Rachel. We have a problem."

71

Alive

Layla was so angry she was shaking as she watched Jonathan being loaded into the ambulance.

"Come on. Let's find out what we can," Denise said.

Layla followed her through the crowd to the ambulance.

"Excuse me but where are you taking him?" she asked.

They could not see Jonathan's face there were so many bandages on his head.

"Sorry Miss, but we are in a hurry," the paramedic said.

"There was someone with her. Did anyone see what happened to her?" Denise asked.

They heard the other paramedic speaking over a radio inside the ambulance. He was describing a serious gunshot wound to the head.

"I can't help you there. Look, we're really in a hurry, sorry."

"I understand. What hospital?"

"Regional Medical Center. It's very near here." The paramedic then ran to the driver side door. "We did not find any I.D. on him. Do you know who he is?" she asked, holding the door open.

"No, sorry. I wish I could help you," Denise said.

"Don't worry. He's going to be in good hands."

She then hopped in the drivers seat, turned on the flashing lights and siren, and pulled away.

"Did you see what happened? Anyone?" Layla asked of a group of people beginning to disperse.

"I did." It was a tall thin blonde male with his arm around his girl.

"Anything would help."

"Well, we were walking about fifty feet behind them when these guys ran up to them. Something happened to the girl because she just collapsed. The guy that was just taken away started fighting them off until this other guy pulled out a gun and shot him. It made no noise. I saw it when he flashed it as us to keep us away. It had a silencer."

Denise was in his mind watching what happened as he explained it. "Go on, please."

"They pulled what looked like a white metallic body bag over the female and loaded her into a van."

Denise could see the face of Rudy as clearly as if he were standing in front of her.

"Did you happen to get a look at the plates?"

"I did," his girlfriend said.

"Anything would help."

"They were New Mexico plates."

"Sorry, I did not think to look for them. I was afraid he was going to start shooting at us," the man said.

"Thanks. You've been a big help."

"The lunatic with the gun got into the van with them and they drove off, heading south."

"Thank you," Layla said.

"Here," Denise said, handing him a $100 dollar bill. "Have a better date on us."

"Hey, thanks."

They walked past the spot where Jonathan had fell when he as shot. Layla stared down at the large puddle of blood.

"Let's eat. It's still early enough to get a pizza, then we'll head over to the hospital to get an idea of what is happening with Jonathan."

"Really? You can eat?" Denise asked, looking down at the pool of blood.

"Yes."

"Okay."

Denise could tell that Layla was furious, and wanted to give her time to cool off before heading to the hospital.

They sat in the Mustang as Denise searched for a place to eat. "Pizza My Heart. Sounds like that's the ticket."

She gave Layla the address and they headed over to the restaurant, the image of the pool of Jonathan's blood etched in their memories.

72

Scathing

"What the fuck Neil, how the hell could this happen? Don't you screen your people for sanity, for loyalty?" Green shouted.

"There's no need to raise your voice. I don't work well around raised voices," Neil said.

"Okay you two. The last thing I need is you getting pubescent on me. Neil, have you heard anything else from this Rudy?" Rachel asked.

"Nothing, and if I had heard anything so soon, I would not believe it to be true. He said he had a long drive ahead of him."

"What about the people he has with him? If you were able to get ahold of them could you bring them to their senses?"

"I am afraid he brought his own people in. The usual crew took no part in the operation," Neil said quietly.

"So he was planning this all along. I get back to my first question. How is it you turned such an important assignment over to a nut job?" Green asked.

"He has always come through before, that's why."

Well he did so again, this time for himself," Rachel sighed. "G, can you top this off?" she asked, sliding her coffee mug his way.

"Well there's no use crying over spilt milk. Let's focus of what to do when they contact us. They will be asking a pretty penny if you want her returned Rachel. Are you in a position financially, with everything else you've had happen to this facility, to meet their demands?" Green said.

"I guess we will just have to wait to hear what those demands are," she said. "I have a lot to do so let's break this up. Neil, keep me informed of everything as soon as you have any news."

Neil stood up, took the last gulp of his coffee, and walked towards the door of the trailer. "I will."

When the sound of his motorcycle was little more than a distant rumble, she motioned for Green to follow her out the door.

"I don't want to talk in there," she said.

"What, do you think he's bugged the place?"

"I would have," she laughed. "Do you trust him? Do you think he's telling the truth?"

"I don't get the impression he is part of whatever this Rudy is up to."

"I'm still undecided," she said.

They walked past the construction crew starting their day.

"Rachel. Is it possible that you are in over your head on this?"

"I have thought about that. However, we are close to getting her back, unless Rudy does something rash or treacherous."

Her phone rang. It was Terrence in Houston. "Rachel."

"Terrence. To what do I owe the pleasure of such an early morning call from you?"

"I'm going to get right to the point. Our facility in Montana was raided. Security said it looked like an army of little green men. Everything is gone, EVERYTHING," he said, ending is a loud shout.

"I'm very sorry to hear that Terrence."

She looked up at Green and shook her head. He looked more disturbed now than a moment ago.

"Rachel. All this shit started with you, and your request for more of what we had in our possession, and all due to your incompetence. I am going to have a real hard time trying to convince everyone else here that you are not at least in part responsible for this chain of events."

There was a long moment of silence. "I am sorry to hear about your loss Terrence, but if an army of little green men took it all, perhaps you should start looking for them." She then hung up the phone.

"Come on, I don't think we should stay here after the sound of that conversation," Green said, turning to walk back to the trailer.

"In answer to your earlier question," Rachel sighed, "now I think I'm in over my head."

73

Begin

"I see the bad moon arisin', I see trouble on the way, I see earthquakes and lightnin', I see bad times today." Credence was playing on the radio as Layla steered the Mustang south down the Santa Cruz Highway outside of San Jose.

The sun was just peeking over the hills as they continued south of Los Gatos. "They came this way," Denise said, seeing a vision of the van traveling down the very road they were on.

Layla remained silent. She was too angry to speak. Someone had Mylaren. Jonathan was in critical condition, his very survival in question. She pulled over onto the shoulder and stopped. If you can read me, energize, she said. A few moments later they and the Mustang were once again resting in the bowels of Gaub's vessel.

They were shown living quarters they could use while on board, then directed to a room where Gaub and two others were waiting.

"I think they've nailed them," Gaub said, pointing to steaming cups resting in place where they were asked to have a seat.

"They smell delicious," Denise said.

"They are delicious," Layla said after taking a sip.

"Jonathan may not make it, and if he does," sighed Denise.

"We can heal him," Gaub said. "Allow me to introduce Mang and Quep. They are the equivalent of your surgeons."

"It is a pleasure to meet you," Denise said.

Layla was now almost wearing a smile when she spoke. "What do we need to do?"

"Simply say yes and get us a lock on his position."

"Is now too soon?" Layla asked.

"Now might be perfect."

Denise showed Gaub where to send them. A few moments later they were outside the hospital. They activated their medallions to stealth, and quickly made their way to the intensive care ward. He is connected to a lot of things Gaub, should we disconnect him?

We shall bring it all along.

They vanished from the ward just as a nurse entered the room. When she pulled the curtain aside where Jonathan was being kept, the space was empty.

Denise and Layla arrived right back at the table in front of their lattes. Jonathan was sent to another part of the ship.

"I think I really like beaming," Denise laughed.

"Nothing from Mylaren?" Layla asked.

"Nothing I am very sad to say," Gaub said quietly.

"We need some answers, and quick," Denise said.

"Rachel," they all said together.

"Trimach. That is our word for what just happened," Gaub said.

"We need to pay Rachel a visit. Do we know where she is?" Denise said.

"She is somewhere at her facility, and alone at the moment."

"Undoubtedly working on some scheme to get Mylaren back."

"Let's pay her a visit," Layla said.

"Gaub?"

"Of course. She need not remember a thing if we so desire."

"This time I will finish the latte first," Denise smiled.

Rachel stood by a window, looking out at the construction crew back at work. She took a last drink of her coffee and turned to head to the sink when the door flew open violently. Layla entered first followed by Denise, their medallions activated to alter their identity. "I understand you have been looking for us," Denise said.

Rachel dropped her mug, now wearing a look of terror on her face. She watched as her mug gently lifted off the floor and came to rest in the sink, before the still open trailer door closed slowly and locked.

"Come on Rachel. Time to experience what it's like to be the prize," Layla grinned.

The three women vanished from the trailer in a shimmering light.

74

Lone Star

Rachel came to rest on a comfortable chair. Her eyes gazed directly ahead, opening widely as the wall seemed to shimmer away and the planet she called home came into view. Her heart pounded faster as she realized this was not a dream.

"Such a beautiful gem of a planet from out here wouldn't you say?" Denise said.

She tried to turn her chair to see who spoke but could not.

"Looks can be so deceiving. From here one could never imagine all the pain and suffering and scheming for personal gain taking place on the surface," Layla said, walking into view directly in front of her.

"What do you want from me?"

"You are not here to ask questions," Denise said, now standing next to Layla. "Where is she?"

"I'm afraid I cannot help you."

"Explain," Layla said.

"Apparently, someone we were using to retrieve my wandering specimen made a bad choice in personnel and they went rogue, with it, searching for the highest bidder."

"The life you decided to play with and alter is not a specimen Rachel. She is an amazing, loving human being that you in your seemingly infinitely callous ignorance, have managed to make even more amazing," Denise said.

"She?"

"Yes, SHE," Denise and Layla shouted.

"If I am not down there, on the ground, to negotiate with the fools who have her, they will sell her to the highest bidder."

"And who might that be, the Texans who held the species whose very craft you are on?" Denise asked.

"Lots and lots of money in Texas, and greedy men that have it.

"You can choose to give us names or."

"Or?"

"I can assure you that you will not enjoy being the specimen you become when they have finished with you," Denise said, motioning to a wall that projected an image of what looked like an operating room.

Rachel stared at the screen speechless.

"You look like you could use a drink my dear, bourbon on the rocks I believe is your favorite, yes?" Layla said.

A glass of bourbon appeared next to Rachel's hand, as she continued to watch the activity in the image on the screen.

75

So Angry

Green threw his coffee cup into the sink, smashing it into numerous pieces. "How the fuck could she just disappear like this?" he shouted.

He was about to punch a wall when his phone rang. It was Rachel.

"This better be good," he said.

"I am at my place. Come over right away."

"Are you okay? You sound a bit stressed."

"I don't know."

The phone hung up. Green grabbed a jacket, and a few extra clips for his handgun, and walked out the door heading to his car.

Rachel walked towards the liquor cabinet, grabbed one opened and one unopened bottle of bourbon, then walked over to the kitchen sink, emptying both bottles. The thought of anyone offering her a drink of bourbon again terrified her. She turned the water on to wash it and the smell of it down the drain.

She put on a pot of coffee and stretched out on the couch with a cup, and a cigarette.

As hard as she tried, she could not remember the faces of her inquisitors. They were female, I do remember that. She could remember, all too vividly, the faces of Gaub and the other members of the crew, that were coming and going with her helplessly kept motionless in that same comfortable chair the entire time.

The doorbell finally rang. She took a sip of her coffee and got up to let Green in.

"That coffee sure smells good," he said, watching her walk back to the couch. She appeared visibly off, shaken.

"Help yourself."

After pouring himself a cup he sat down on a chair next to her. "Something's wrong. Do you want to talk about it?"

"What have we been doing G?" What have I been doing? I can't do this shit anymore.

"Would you care to elaborate?

"These are real people whose lives have been altered, and why? For what?"

"That's one hell of a change of heart you seem to have had Rachel. What happened to you? Where did you disappear to?"

She rested her head back on the couch so that she was facing the ceiling and pointed towards it.

"The roof? What are you talking about? Give it to me straight."

As best she could, Rachel explained what had happened to her, where she was taken.

"That's quite a story my dear. So their offer to you is why you've had a change of heart?"

"No G, I believe it's been building up inside me for a while, which is why I am going to ask you to bring all the resources you have to bear, and find her. Find her and return her to me, or them, unharmed. Do this and I will double your fee."

"It's not going to be easy Rachel. She is in the hands of some sick sons of bitches, but I will do as you ask."

"Thank you my friend."

"At least we know where to start looking."

"Let me guess, Texas?"

"Texas."

76

Wake Up

"We can't keep her sedated Rudy, we ain't no hospital She's gonna die in this heat if we don't get some water and food into her," Sid said, wiping Mylaren's face with a clean wet rag.

"I've already sent Babe and Eddy for some food and some things to keep her restrained. We are going to have more than one option to turn her over to. Highest bidder wins, I don't care who it is. I didn't know Clemmons was too fucking cheap to have an air conditioner in this place." Rudy said.

"Shit I could of brought an air conditioner had I known."

Clemmons place could best be described as a large medium quality shack, just north of Ozona Texas.

"We're not going to be here that long."

"She's going to be coming to soon, I hope they hurry."

Jonathan, I'm, What? Jonathan? Mylaren began stirring to consciousness, still frozen physically, unable to move. Her minds eye recalled hearing a loud gunshot. Jonathan.

77

Strange Bedfellows

There was a knock at Rachel's door. Her stomach was tied in knots as she got up to answer it.

"Come in."

Denise and Layla entered, Layla ready to pounce in case Rachel had a change of heart. Gaub and friends had implanted a device in her that would allow them to track her.

"Have a seat. Would you like some coffee, tea, or just me?"

"Nothing for me thanks," Denise said.

"I'm good," Layla said, forcing a smile.

"Texas. They are somewhere in that big shit hole of a state. Doesn't surprise me."

"Are you able to communicate with them in any way?" Denise asked.

"No, not personally, but I have someone working on it who can."

"Names?" Layla asked.

"Rudy, Sid, unfortunately those are the only two names I've heard. Of course you already know of Green. They had better hope he does not catch up with them before you do," Rachel grinned.

Haaaaaaa. Layla laughed.

Behave.

"What made you change your evil ways Rachel?" Denise asked.

She turned her gaze out the open window before answering. "Mostly, the miserable fucking gutless assholes with money who really profit from it all."

"Mostly?" Layla said.

"Mylaren. Her, and the failed abduction in New Orleans. For some reason I could not stop thinking, what if that were me? What if my life as I knew it had been ended, turned upside down?" But more than that, something about Mylaren reminded me of myself before my life got twisted by greed."

"That's a real sickness, that greed," Denise smiled.

"The worst," Rachel smiled back.

Rachel's phone rang.

"G."

"You sound better, almost upbeat, can you talk?"

"Yes. What do you have?"

"I was lucky enough to run into one of Rudy's old chums. No love lost between them it seems. He gave me three locations he thinks they might be hiding in Texas."

"Do you believe him?"

"Yeah, I think I do. They've got friends all over the state."

"Where? Let me guess, somewhere near Houston?"

"Well close enough. Lubbock, Brownsville, or a shit hole somewhere near a place called Ozona. If they are at that last one it's going to take some looking."

"I'd say that narrows it down some. Good work G. When will I see you again?"

"I'm about ten minutes away and I'm starving. Let me treat you to a good meal. Last time I saw you, you looked like you could use one."

"We can decide where when you get here."

"Oh and Rachel."

"Yes?"

"All of these places are near airfields."

When she hung up her phone Denise and Layla were already heading towards the door.

"We'll keep you updated," Denise said.

"As will I," Rachel sighed.

"Some names and descriptions of those holding her, as well as any good guys working for Green would come in handy. I'd hate to see anyone innocent get hurt," Layla grinned, before she and Denise walked out the door.

78

Say Something

Mylaren had not yet opened her eyes since the last image of Jonathan they had gazed upon in San Francisco. The muscles in her body screamed out to move, to stretch, and to flex. She had no idea how long she had been in a sedated state.

She heard the rattling gritty sounds of a vehicle coming to a stop outside the room she was in. Gravel, dust, a truck, she thought as some dust the truck kicked up seeped in through cracks in the walls and ill fitting worn out windows.

"Well I guess she's still breathing cause she moved, or did you move her?" Babe said.

"No, I didn't move her." Sid left and returned.

"Let's see if we can get her up to get some food and water in her, she's no good to us dead."

Babe walked to the excuse for a kitchen and returned with a bottle of water. He knelt down next to Mylaren and gently moved her arm. "Hey, wake up, I have some water and food for you."

She did not stir. He tried again, shaking her arm a little harder.

"She ain't that bad looking out of a body bag," Sid laughed.

"Come on, let me know you're alive. Open your eyes for starters," Babe said.

Mylaren still remained motionless.

Sid's boot landed a kick on the bottom of her right foot. Startled, her eyes opened half way.

"Keep you're psychotic self away from her," Babe said.

"Quit you're bitchin' lover boy, it worked. I think you might be getting a little too cozy with our guest. Best remained focused."

"Oh I'll remain focused when I am pummeling your ass if you touch her again."

Babe lowered the bottle of water to her lips. "Just a little at a time."

She could hear others laughing outside as she drank. The cold water never tasted better. The face of the man in front of her looked harder than he seemed. His blonde hair matched his short beard, sticking out in every direction.

"How are you feeling? Do you think you could eat?"

Mylaren still felt groggy, next to useless, but she forced a nod before taking another drink of water. "Thank you," she murmured, her groaning stomach almost drowning the words out.

"Don't mention it," Babe smiled. "I hope you like chicken, Popeye's."

She nodded her approval.

"Think you can sit up?"

"Yes."

He helped her get up to a position where he was able to lean back against a wall.

"Here," he said, rolling up a sleeping bag, placing it behind her. "That should be more comfortable."

She simply smiled when he did. It did feel better.

He walked back out to the kitchen and returned with a box of chicken. "Here you are," he said, handing the box and a plate to her.

She rested it on her lap. It smells wonderful. She did not wait, starting with a drumstick.

Babe returned from the kitchen with a beer in hand and sat down in a chair across from her. "Good?" he asked, wearing a big smile before taking a drink.

"Chicken, good, thank you."

"Do you have a name? he asked.

She reached for a biscuit. "Mylaren," she said, trying to force a smile.

79

On the road again

Denise woke to the smell of coffee brewing. "Mmm, coffee," she moaned as she stretched to help wake up. She climbed out of bed and found Layla attempting to make her ham and eggs breakfast.

"Don't over cook them," she giggled, reaching for a coffee mug. "Just keep them moving."

"Thanks for the tip," Layla laughed.

"My, you must have gotten up early," Denise said, looking at Layla's packed bags resting near the front door.

"Yeah, well I've been having a hard time getting a good nights rest since they snatched Mylaren."

"The thought of traipsing around Texas wears me out mentally and I just pass out, but I share your disquiet over our missing friend."

"Well, what do you think?" Layla asked after Denise took the first bite.

"Scrumptious. I think you've almost got it."

"Almost?"

"Don't feel bad, you see I believe that a persons genes play a role in their cooking. You are missing the Litho gene, but your French genes still whip up a fab breakfast."

"You can't replicate my kabobs, I think you're onto something there."

"That is so true."

After breakfast they cleaned up, locked the place down and loaded up the black Mustang.

"Where to first?"

"The last one on the list, Ozona. Denise said.

"Just what I was thinking. If we find them, you're going to have a hard time getting me to play nice," Layla sighed.

"I know."

The Mustang headed north on Highway 51 into Carbondale for snacks, water and Starbucks before speeding south towards Texas once again.

80

Where?

Mylaren could hear aircraft landing and taking off in the distance. She pretended to be asleep when Sid snuck into the room to handcuff her to the rusted metal bed frame, taking care not to wake Babe.

After some time passed, she sat up quietly, grateful for the food Babe provided earlier, as her stomach growled. The handcuff seemed to shimmer as her wrist passed through it, catching it before it clanged against the floor. Peeking through the cracks of the crudely boarded up window, she could not see anyone outside in the pre-dawn light.

Unlike Arizona, the terrain looked dreadfully flat. No mountains, damn it, no nothing. But there is an airport out there. Oh could I use some coffee.

She'd been listening for her captors and did not hear a peep for a while. Now is as good a time as any. She moved quietly to the left of the window and touched the broken wall. It shimmered into transparency and she walked through it, taking in a deep breath of dry, dusty air before she made her way west, away from the beat up shack, the only road, and the direction she'd heard aircraft coming from.

81

Tacos And Coffee

Layla piloted the Mustang over the flat dusty looking terrain of Central Texas.

"It's coming up, should be right over yonder," Denise said, pointing towards the southwest.

"That looks like the hint of a town, and by golly it is right over yonder."

"What say we do a fly by first?"

"Affirmative."

The Mustang lifted off from the ground and moved towards the town of Ozona. There was some activity at the airport so Layla steered clear of it to the south, moving slowly.

"I could use a cup of coffee," Denise said.

"Don't look like too many choices for that. Tacos on the other hand," Layla grinned.

"Why not?"

She set the car down on 12th St.

"Purple, you know I love purple," Layla grinned as they pulled into the lot for Pepe's Tacos.

"Is that Andy Warhol's Marilyn I see hanging on the wall inside?"

"It shore is," Layla laughed.

"Good choice. Let's go have us yet another Mexican meal in Texas."

The staff was surprisingly friendly, and the menu much more than they expected, but they kept it simple and ordered chicken taco dinners.

When the waitress brought them their meals, Denise held up an image on her iPhone of Mylaren. "Have you by any chance seen this woman around?"

"No, I am sorry I have not. She is a friend to you?"

"Yes, she is," Denise smiled.

"I don't suppose they'd be stupid enough to bring her to town," Layla said.

"No, I don't suppose they would."

"These are really delish tacos."

"Yeah, they are."

Denise opened Google Earth and started scoping out possibilities for where Mylaren was being kept. "Ain't a whole hell of a lot around here. Let's grab some coffee for the road and get ourselves back up in the air when we're done."

"What we going to do if we find her with them?" Layla asked.

"Let's just wait and see, just know I won't be holding you back if we do."

Layla smiled hearing that, but it fell off quickly. She fully realized that those who had Mylaren were capable of anything.

82

Road

Mylaren sat in the back seat of an older pickup truck along with a Mexican family that did not speak much English at all, yet she could understand what they were saying in Spanish even though as hard as she tried, she could not speak it. She wondered if she had learned it at some time in what now seemed like a past life.

As hard as she tried, she could not communicate with Gaub or Denise and Layla. She felt her best course of action was to make her way back to Southern Illinois.

The mother of the family offered her tamale, and told her to remove the cornhusk and eat what she found inside.

She did as she was told and smiled after tasting the first bite. "Delicioso, gracias." That much Spanish she did know.

We have to still be in Oklahoma, she thought, gazing out across a lake they were passing. She longed to know where Jonathan was, how he was. Maybe by some miracle he's waiting for me in Makanda. Jonathan sat up in his bed that was quite literally out of this world, and thought the same thing.

83

Where2?

Layla steered the Mustang over the flat terrain towards the lead they had been given about a shack Mylarens kidnappers might be holding up in. When they got close enough to it they saw what appeared to be two men wrestling on the dusty ground.

"Trouble in River City?" Denise asked.

"Yeah. Let's put it down while they are occupied and get close enough to hear what they're arguing about."

Layla touched the Mustang down on the opposite side of the dilapidated structure. They activated their medallions to stealth prior to getting out of the car quietly.

"You're going to tell me what you did with her, so help me God," Babe grunted as he dragged Sid through the dust back towards the entrance to the shack.

It sounds like they are fighting over a woman. Mylaren?

Only one way to find out, Layla said.

Babe came storming out of the shack with a pistol in his hand. "I am going to keep blowing off things you are going to miss until you tell me what you did with her," Babe said.

"I mah juss handcuffed her to the bed, that's all, I swear," Sid pleaded.

"What did you do with her?" Babe shouted as he pressed the pistol into Sid's groin.

"He may be telling the truth," Denise said after coming out of stealth.

Babe looked behind him and stood up. "What, who, who are you? What are you talking about? Do you know what he did with her?" He pointed the gun at her.

A moment later the pistol he'd been holding flew out of his hands. He watched, as it appeared to twist itself into a useless metal ball.

"The mistake he made was thinking a pair of handcuffs would be enough to keep her unattended. She is gone."

"Nobody else inside presently," Layla said as she appeared behind Babe.

"You, you're friends of her?"

"When did you put the cuffs on her?" Layla asked of Sid.

"Would you mind?" Denise asked Babe, pointing to Sid.

He kicked him in the thigh. "What time did you cuff her?"

"Must uh been bout four."

That's eight hours.

She could be just about anywhere. Why can't I communicate with her?" Denise asked.

"Listen up boys. Unless the both of you want to wind up like your pistol there, you won't even consider ever getting near our friend again, is that clear?" Layla said.

Denise and Layla made their way back towards the car.

"Wait," Babe shouted and walked quickly towards them. "There's a chip. They implanted a locator chip. I doubt she will remember, or be able to find it, and if she does, it is somewhere that she will not be able to remove it. When they find out she's gone they are going to know exactly where she is, and believe me when I say this, they are not going to play nice to get their hands on her again."

"Why are you telling us this?" Denise asked.

"Because she doesn't deserve what they undoubtedly have planned for her. Find her."

"Thanks," Denise smiled.

"Don't follow us any further," Layla said. She was not smiling.

You're not going to remember our being here at all and you will not report her missing until the others discover she's gone, Denise thought.

They got back inside the Mustang, took off, and headed north.

"She'll try to make it back to us, or to Jonathan since she may not know where his really is," Denise said.

"Okay, which way?"

"We know where Jonathan is. I think it's just going to be easier for her to get back to us for help. Let's follow the interstates back towards Southern Illinois."

"Affirmative," Layla said. She was now smiling.

84

Cherokee St.

The Arch glistened in the distance to the light from the red setting sun.

Nothing. Still nothing, from anyone, Mylaren thought. I guess I'm on my own," she sighed quietly.

Mylaren could hear the loud turn signal go on as the pickup truck slowed going down the ramp of Exit 206 B. It lumbered around a few curves and headed away from the highway.

Wow. A neighborhood that does not look that unlike what I am used to, Mylaren thought. I don't like Texas at all.

The pickup truck stopped in front of a multi-story building on Cherokee St.

"This is as far as we go today," the driver said. He got out of the vehicle and moaned as he stretched.

Mylaren and the others got out of the back of the truck waiting for instructions.

"Wait here, I'll be right back."

How is it possible that I can understand these people perfectly, but can't communicate with Denise or Layla, or Gaub?

The driver returned. "You are welcome to stay until you get in touch with your friends," he said, gazing directly at Mylaren when he spoke.

"Thank you," she said.

He led them into the first floor of the building where a young woman greeted them with two children seated in the room.

"Welcome. I am Tyra, this is my son Robert, and this is my daughter Clarise. Are you hungry? I have plenty to eat."

"That would be nice, thank you," Mylaren smiled.

Tyra showed them all to the kitchen.

"Oh my, it all looks so delicious," Mylaren said.

"Help yourselves. There is pop and juice and water in the fridge. When you are finished eating I will show you where you will be sleeping."

After their meal, Tyra guided them to the upstairs apartment. "I've only two bedrooms, but the couch is very comfortable."

"I'm alone so the couch is fine for me," Mylaren smiled.

"The television is on the fritz, so if you'd like, you can come down and watch until you're ready to retire."

"Thank you."

"Bathroom is down the hall to the left. There are plenty of towels," Tyra said before heading back down to her space.

After washing the day off, Mylaren stretched out on the couch. She could not shake the uneasy feelings she was having, and hoped for a good night's rest.

Maybe some of what I've lost will return. I sure hope so. Denise. Layla. Jonathan.

85

Where Are You?

Knowing Mylaren was on the loose, Denise and Layla decided to head back to their place in Southern Illinois, where they could shoot off in any direction at a moments notice.

"It's frustrating as hell not being able to communicate with her," Denise said.

"I don't know why, but I have a feeling she is fine, for now anyway," Layla said.

"Do you realize I never gave her either of our phone numbers, never thought about it?"

"And why would you," Layla asked, "I mean it's not like you needed a phone to communicate with her."

"I'm obviously irritated, and hungry. Let's go get a pizza."

"You drive," Layla grinned.

Denise called Rachel as she cruised into town at a leisurely pace.

"They managed to get a tracking device into her while she was captive," Denise said.

There was an uneasy quiet on Rachel's end. "I know what you are going to ask me."

"Okay, can you?"

"The rich bastards who are paying for this undoubtedly used an implant with modulating frequencies. Without the proper equipment, unfortunately the answer is no."

"Well, I had to try," Denise whispered.

"I hope something pops soon and you beat them to her, because if you do not, I don't think you will ever get another chance."

"Thank you."

Rachel terminated the call.

"We're on our own baby," Layla said.

"Yes, it appears that way."

"You'll think better with some pizza in you."

Denise laughed but did not say a word all the way into town. She knew Mylaren could be just about anywhere, but for some reason, she felt that she was pretty close.

The sun was setting as they rolled into town, one of those glorious Southern Illinois sunsets, awash with glorious shades of fiery orange, pinks and purples.

86

I See You

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Rudy asked, turning away from the screen he'd be working at to where Babe sat handcuffed, which was next to the lifeless body of Sid on the floor to his right and behind him. "You're lucky I believed you Babe, and before I leave here, I need to ask you one more time, what happened?"

"As I told you on the phone, Sid neglected to secure her properly and she got away. I think he had a soft spot for her if you ask me."

"Where were you?"

"It was not my watch, I was sleeping."

"And how about that shit he was babbling about being visited by her friends?" Rudy asked.

"His life was severely threatened by your presence and demeanor. If you ask me he would have said just about anything to get you to spare his life."

"I guess you're right. But what about you Babe, are you saying anything at this moment just to save your life?"

"If that's what you really believe Rudy, I have no control over that. If you can believe that after all we've been through together than I guess it does not matter."

"I need to know I can trust you Babe," Rudy said, staring at him with a cold, psychotic gaze.

"You can trust me Rudy."

"Where are your weapons?"

"I am not sure. Maybe he hid them, disposed of them, I have no idea." Babe had been able to bury the twisted gun before Rudy arrived.

"She is staying put, in St. Louis. We're going to hook up with some wack jobs I already have on their way to her, to simply observe, and keep her in sight, nothing more.

"Does this mean I am coming with you?" Babe asked.

"Yeah. We are going to have to make a run to pick up some things we are going to need, along with the van and all that's in it."

Babe held his handcuffed arms out. "I could really use a cup of coffee."

Rudy laughed and tossed him the key before closing the screen on his tracking module. "There's plenty of coffee on the way."

87

Low Rumble

Mylaren stirred from sleep to the sounds of a toilet flushing followed by a low rumble passing by on the street in front of the house she was staying at. "Bikers. Again. Denise, Layla, where are you?" she whispered to herself.

She got up and walked to the kitchen for a glass of water and sat up on the couch. Soon all in the place would be stirring, and perhaps leaving.

I need a plan, she said, wondering what to do and how to get back to Southern Illinois.

She remembered Denise and Layla talking about 'that magnificent Arch' in St. Louis. "That's it. I will ask them to drop me at the Arch, and from there, who knows. Worst case is, I will have to walk back."

It was not long before everyone started his or her day. She heard a knock at the front door. It was her savior pickup truck driver. He spoke in Spanish to one of the men who had been in the back for the entire ride north.

"So, have you been able to reach your ride?" he asked of Mylaren when he entered the room she was in.

"Not yet, but I am sure I will be able to reach them today. It's still pretty early."

"Well, there's no rush."

"I don't even know your name."

"Oh, how rude of me. I'm Frank."

"Mylaren. Are you getting ready to move on?"

"We will be in a few hours. I'm waiting for a call from someone we will hook up with."

"Would you be able to drop me at the St. Louis Arch, if it is not out of the way?"

"It's not out of the way. I'd be happy to."

"Wonderful. I don't have any money to give you, at least not here."

"Don't worry about it. Money can't buy you love."

"No, it cannot," she smiled before she sat down and took a sip of water. Jonathan, where are you?

Just down the block from where she sat, three burly men on motorcycles waited.

88

Ready to Rumble

Rumble, rumble, rumble. Low rumble. Bikers again. Denise, Layla, where are you? Mylaren? It's you. Where are you? Denise said stirring from a broken sleep.

Layla was still asleep lying next to her.

Mylaren. Are you there?

Nothing.

"Shit," she blurted out. It was just loud enough to stir Layla who only half slept when they were on alert.

"Incoming?" she asked.

"I think so."

"Good or bad."

"You tell me. It contained, Bikers again. Denise, Layla, where are you?"

Hearing the word bikers had Layla sitting up in seconds. "I'm gonna hop in the shower."

"I'm sorry I woke you," Denise said.

"I got a feeling today is going to be a long crazy day, don't ask me why, I just do."

"Great. Let's eat out, no cooking today."

"Okay."

Denise could not wait and put on a small pot of coffee.

"Next," Layla shouted. "Mmm, coffee."

"What timing," Denise laughed. "I can't get motivated without caffeine."

"No deadline," Layla smiled, walking into the kitchen naked. "What to wear today? For some reason I think this is going to be a shit kickin day."

Denise took a few large gulps and headed to the shower. The radio was still set to a rock station. She decided on a hot shower, even though it promised to be in the upper 90's and sang along to the tune playing. "Get your motor runnin', Head out on the highway, Lookin' for adventure, And whatever comes our way."

Layla could hear the tune coming from the bathroom and put it on the big speakers in the living room, as she picked out her outfit for the day. "Nothing but black will do today."

Denise stepped out of the shower still singing, "We can climb so high, I never wanna die."

Drying off she heard Layla singing. "Born to be wild, Born to be wild."

She exited the bathroom wearing a towel, walked back to her coffee cup and finished what was left. Layla walked into the living room dressed completely in black, right down to her military style boots.

"Long crazy day huh?" Denise asked.

"Yeah. I got a feeling."

"Looks like you're ready to rumble."

"Oh yeah, but not until biscuits and gravy, and more coffee."

"Agreed."

89

Almost

"Some friends from just south of there have the place staked out," Rudy said. "Probably some safe house for those that have just crossed the border."

"Are they trustworthy? I mean do they know she is not to be harmed?" Babe asked, as they sped down the desert highway towards New Mexico.

Babe was hoping for a chance to use Rudy's phone that he left sitting in the cup holder.

"Seems like a hell of a detour you're taking, must be an important toy."

"Well from what I've been hearing about this 'thing' in St. Louis, you cannot be too careful," Rudy grinned.

Within the hour they were pulling up at what looked like an abandoned, very old airstrip. What was left of any structures was a wreck.

"Nice place," Babe laughed. "I don't think anyone is here."

"Don't think," Rudy smirked.

One of the dilapidated structures began to move. Once it stopped moving a figure appeared that looked like it was climbing stairs, and waved for them to come over.

"Hank, how the fuck are you?" Rudy said.

"Good, but I miss working out in the daylight."

"This is Babe."

"Hey," Babe nodded.

"Wait here," Hank said. He walked down the stairway behind him and retuned with a metallic case the size of a large suitcase. "Take very good care of this."

"I will. How long do I have before it needs to be returned?" Rudy said.

"You have 48 hours. It must be back before my shift, for lack of a better way of putting it, is ended. One of the first things my relief will do is take an inventory of all portables."

"Gotcha. Forty-eight hours. I'll have it back before then."

"See that you do, no excuses."

"Thanks man."

Rudy and Babe headed back to their vehicle, loaded the package into the trunk, and sped towards the nearest highway heading north.

90

Followed

"Do you have any money?" Frank asked.

"No, I'm sorry, I kinda had to leave in a hurry," Mylaren replied.

"Here, take this, in case you get hungry waiting for your ride." He handed her a twenty-dollar bill.

"If you leave me an address, I'll make sure it gets back to you."

"That's not necessary."

"But my friends love to reward kindness, please."

"Okay, use this address for Frank G."

"I will, thanks," Mylaren smiled.

"Come on, everyone else is loaded up."

She followed him out to the pickup. "Hop inside," he said.

Mylaren got in the shotgun seat. The pickup started with a bit of a rumble. They pulled away and before they got to the end of the block, three motorcycles started up.

They twisted and turned along Broadway, 7th Boulevard, finally coming to a stop at Market St., the Arch glistening two short blocks away.

"Should be easy enough for you to walk from here," Frank said. Lots of restaurants in the area, there's a McDonalds on a river boat on the other side of the Arch. Think you'll be okay?"

"Oh sure, I'll be fine. I think my friends will be happy to see me."

Frank noticed in his rear view mirror that the three bikers had pulled over.

"You know, with all I do, I am kinda used to checking for being followed. Don't look, but if I am not mistaken, the three men on bikes about a half block behind us have been following this truck."

Bikers, again. "It's a beautiful day and a beautiful Arch, and I will be very careful Frank, thank you again."

"Here. Take this." He wrote his phone number on the inside of a matchbook and handed it to her. "I'm going to spin back around to get to the highway and I will get their plate numbers. If you have any trouble with them, don't hesitate to call me."

"I will, thank you again." She got out of the truck and bid farewell to everyone in the back, before heading towards the Arch.

Frank did a U-turn and headed back the way they came. He gave the bikers a good hard look in case he had to describe them, pausing to get a few plate numbers before continuing. "Illinois huh?" he said after writing them down. He did not like the looks of them, at all.

91

Let's Roll

Denise was just about to slide another fork full of biscuits and gravy into her mouth when Mylaren's voice whispered in her head. Bikers, again. It's a beautiful day and a beautiful Arch.

"Excuse me, but can we have the rest of this to go?" Denise asked of their waitress through a mouthful of buiscuit.

"Let me get just one more bite, while it is still hot," Layla said, knowing that Denise had incoming and she'd be driving.

Denise left a twenty for a tip and dashed out the front door, Layla taking a last gulp of coffee before following her.

"Have a nice day," the waitress waved.

"Where we going?" Layla shouted, trying to catch up to her.

"Baby, I know that was her. We're going to St. Louis."

"How fast?"

"Fast. My gut feeling tells me it needs to be fast."

"Finish your breakfast, we'll get there soon."

"Yes mommy," Denise said.

Layla steered the Mustang west on Highway 13, grabbing a plastic spoon full of food when she could.

Once they passed through Murphysboro, Layla really increased the speed they were traveling, still on the ground. The Mustang hugged the road beautifully as it barreled down one of the steep hills, before climbing up the next hill even faster, launching itself off the ground at the top of the hill.

"I've always wanted to do that," Layla said, glancing over to see Denise wiping some gravy off her shirt.

"Let's roll baby, get us there."

"Have you thought about what where we are going to go with her if we are lucky enough to find her? We're not surgeons and have no idea where inside her that tracking device is."

"That's the least of my worries. Let's find her first."

Layla was going to plot a course and stopped, laughing.

"What's wrong?"

"Silly me, I was going to plot a course but all we need to do is follow that," she said, pointing to the Mississippi River.

"Make it so." Why can't I reach Gaub?

92

Don't Harm It

"You heard me, are you deaf or just being an asshole? DON'T FUCKING HARM HER, AT ALL," Rudy yelled into the phone.

"Yeah, I get it, DON'T FUCKING HARM HER!" Ken screamed, one of the three bikers that followed her down Market St.

"Just observe, don't lose her, we will be there in a few hours."

"You know where to reach me," Ken said and hung up.

"There's not any parking here, don't want to get towed," Jerry said. "Spin around to the river side, and let me know when you have a visual on her. I'll watch her from here til you do."

Ken and Bud sped off towards the Riverfront.

Mylaren could hear the sound of their engines, but did not turn to take a look.

"Sometimes I wonder why we bother with dim witted bikers at all," Rudy said, as the vehicle he was driving just passed a sign that read Springfield Missouri.

93

What Would They Do?

Mylaren walked up the grassy hill to the Arch, spinning once with her arms outstretched as if she was just enjoying the beautiful, sunny day, to notice one of the bikers still more than a block away. When she was directly under it, she looked straight up and marveled at its elegant beauty. She could hear the sounds of a crowd-cheering coming from the direction she has just came from. It was followed by a single loud voice of someone announcing, "It's time to PLAY BALL!"

She walked to the south base of the Arch, put her back to it, and looked straight up. "What a magnificent perspective," She ran to the center of the Arch over the springy grass and turned to look west. She noticed two motorcycles parked by the river. What would they do? Denise, Layla, I don't want to hurt anyone, she thought, seeing the two bikers coming towards her through the trees on the right. She turned to see the third biker now about one hundred yards away.

"Well, I can't take all three of them out here in the open."

She decided to follow a family with small children walking down a subtle incline. Gift shop. Of course, and they have to have a way to the top don't they? Before she walked through the door someone held open for her, she turned to see all three bikers together and walking towards her.

The further she got into the underground structure, the more comfortable she felt. The place was more than half full of visitors, most waiting for a ride to the top. It's a cinch that's not going to happen.

The first thing she did was go to the Ladies Room. Better empty this bladder, no telling what today will bring.

While on the toilet, she touched the partition to the left of her because the next stall was unoccupied. I still have that, she thought, as it shimmered and her hand passed through it.

Upon exiting the restroom she did not see the three bikers. Maybe they did not come in. She headed towards the gift shop. Something for Denise and Layla?

The Gift Shop was awash with far more than she imagined. Well, I've got twenty dollars. Seeing the prices she figured the most she could afford would be a keychain or magnet. Since the Mustangs did not use keys, she decided on magnets they could keep on the fridge.

After paying for what she chose, she could not help but notice the look on the face of the salesgirl when she handed her bag to her. She turned to see Jerry standing behind her, shifting his gaze from her to the sales girl when she spoke. "Can I help you?"

"No, I'm just lookin," he said, shifting his gaze back to Mylaren.

She walked around him to look at some books. Fuck, he's a big mother, she thought, as she tried to look more interested in the books than them. Jerry was now on the other side of the bookrack. "You know, you're not getting away this time," he said just loud enough for her to hear, turning his head towards the entrance where Ken and Bud stood watching her.

"I am sure that by the end of this day, you are going to deeply regret taking this assignment, if you survive at all," Mylaren said.

"I heard you were a cocky bitch," he said.

"This is going to hurt."

An assortment of gifts with magnets, along with replicas of the Arch slammed into his head, sending him flying into the bookshelf, before dropping to his knees. "What the fuck?"

Mylaren began moving towards the entrance where the other two watched, shocked looks on their faces, as virtually every magnetic souvenir not in a case barreled towards them, along with metal souvenirs in tow. She walked past the two men now lying on the floor and headed for the exit. "Where's an easy place to get lost?" she said once back in the sunshine and fresh air. "A baseball game."

She now headed in the direction of the sounds she heard earlier, the three very angry bikers in pursuit.

94

It's Time To Play Ball?

"What the, It's time to play ball?" Denise asked.

"Busch Stadium is very near the Arch," Layla said.

"Well if there is a game, it would be a stroke of genius to head there with all she is capable of, if she's being followed or worse. How soon before we're there?"

"Before you can spell the name of each member of the Tyrine we actually met."

"Nola, N-o-l-a," Denise started reciting.

95

What The Fuck?

"Calm down and just tell me what happened," Rudy said.

Jerry proceeded to tell him what happened, and where. "What the fuck is this cunt?"

"What the fuck is she, not to be harmed, that's what the fuck she is, not to be confronted or threatened by a big fuck like you, that's what the fuck she is."

There was silence on Jerry's end.

"Do you at least have her in sight?"

"Yeah, we're all following her about a block behind."

"That's too far, get closer, just keep her in sight and do NOTHING else, is that clear?"

"Yeah, I hear you."

"I'll be there in about fifteen minutes. Don't fuck this up."

"We won't let her out of our sight." Jerry did not plan on just following her. "I can't let that bitch go without at least one good smack," he said, turning to the others who nodded in agreement through nicks and cuts on their faces, heads and arms.

96

Gate 5

Mylaren could clearly hear the announcer reminding fans "Thursday is Phillips 66 Autograph Day."

She stopped at the ticket stations near Gate 5 to find she did not have enough cash for a ticket, so she decided to stay close to the structure.

"Hey there little lady, why don't you just come with us now, cause there ain't no way you're getting away," Ken said, all three men now walking faster towards her. When Bud lunged at her after hearing her laugh at them, she placed her hand against one of the bars on the fence and passed through it, giggling as he crashed into the fence where she stood, three of his fingers stuck in one of the bars. "Arrrrrggghh, what the flying fuck?" he screamed.

The two others looked at him with disbelief. "Come on, we gotta get tickets and get in there before they close," Ken shouted.

"Are you blind, I can't move, I'm fucking stuck."

"Oh stop being such a pussy," Jerry said, before yanking on his arm so hard his hand came loose, minus two fingernails and the tip of his middle finger. "We gotta hurry, just tie this around it for the bleeding," Jerry said, handing him a red handkerchief.

"I'm gonna kill that fucking bitch for this," Bud moaned.

After buying tickets and being allowed entrance, Ken caught site of Mylaren going through the entrance that would put her in centerfield.

"Gotcha,"

97

Pulse

"The stadium is right over yonder," Denise said.

"I see it," Layla said, the Mustang still flying in stealth mode. "So what do we do, park it out here or in there."

"Seeing as how it's a pretty big space, why not get a look see from above?"

"Okay."

"Try not to get hit by any fly balls."

"Haaa."

Layla moved slowly over the crowd. "How's she going to know we're here if she is somewhere down there?"

"Pulse. Let's circle the stadium emitting a mild pulse. She'll put it together if she sees or feels it."

Layla did as Denise recommended. The first pulse was a bit too strong and sent the pitch being thrown so out of control it flew into the stands.

"Easy baby, they won't be demolishing this place anytime in the near future," Denise laughed.

Layla had her set it to the minimum and climbed a bit higher. When they got out to left center field and emitted a pulse, Denise laughed, "Brilliant of you to be out where the crowd is sparse. I see her baby."

Layla turned to see Mylaren, hands waving.

98

The Metal Case

Rudy did a U-turn and parked on the Broadway side of the park. He walked to the trunk, picked up his metal case and slammed the trunk closed. "Let me take the shotgun seat," he said.

"What, we're just gonna sit here?"

"The three idiots are inside, fucking everything up and hell bent on payback if I know them at all. Yeah, we sit right here, and wait." He opened the case and removed what looked like an antenna, opened the car door and fixed it to the roof.

Babe watched as he turned on the device. The screen came to life and beeped quietly.

"What's it do?"

"You'll see."

Babe weighed whether or not to try and stop him, not knowing if whatever the device did would harm Mylaren, but decided to wait.

99

Want A Ride?

"How convenient, a parking spot," Layla said, emitting one last pulse, this one a little stronger, before bringing the Mustang to rest on the grassy knoll smack dab in center field.

"Mylaren looked in the direction the pulse came from but did not see anything.

"Bring us out of stealth for an instant, then back," Denise said.

When they did, Mylaren hopped the short fence and ran towards the car, three very large bikers in pursuit right behind her.

"What the fuck is she trying to get arrested?" Jerry yelled.

"That won't work," Ken said.

Denise had opened the door before hopping into the back seat.

"Faster," Layla shouted. "Jump."

Mylaren did as she said, landing in the shotgun seat laughing with joy, the door swiftly closing behind her.

Outside the three bikers could not believe their eyes, along with any in the outfield who saw Mylaren appear to vanish into thin air.

Layla took the Mustang straight up, and emitted one last pulse that sent the bikers flying into the outfield. "Let them try and explain that to security. I don't know why, but I've got a feeling they deserve worse."

"Well, maybe a little worse," Mylaren giggled.

"We are not letting you out of our sight again," Denise smiled before reaching over the seat to give her a hug.

"How did you ever find me?"

"Chance, but they found you because of the bug they placed inside you, somewhere," Denise said.

"Then they're still tracking us? That can't be good," Mylaren said.

Once Layla climbed high enough, the Mustang shot west, traveling under the Arch as they did. Before Layla could really speed their exit up, the Mustang and all inside shimmered into billions of particles, before coming to rest once again inside Gaub's ship.

"Gotcha," Rudy said, staring at the screen of the device.

Babe was poised to slam the lid closed if needs be.

"Whoa," Rudy gasped, as the image showed a muted view of the Mustang lifting off and shooting westward before dissipating in an upward direction. "Well fuck me. Beam me up Scotty."

"Where did they go?"

Rudy pointed his finger straight up. "I wonder where they got the custom job on their car, if it really was a car?"

"Where to?"

"Home, for now."

100

Agreed

"I'm sorry we were not here in time to spare you the grief of searching for and worrying about Mylaren," Gaub said. "We had to rendezvous with another ship to repair Jonathan. The damage to his brain was more extensive than we imagined."

"Hey, all's well that ends well," Layla said.

"How is today's patient doing by the way?" Denise asked.

"They have already found and disposed of the tracking device."

"Think they can track it all the way out here?" Layla asked.

"It is a somewhat primitive device, but I think the answer is yes."

"Amazing," Denise sighed.

"I've been asked to call your attention to the screen," Gaub said, pointing to a wall on their left. "Apparently it's on news stations worldwide."

What they saw was the ball game in St. Louis in progress, the batter hitting a popup into shallow center field, and what looked to be an automobile, possibly a Mustang, appear and disappear in the blink of an eye, followed by Mylaren running, being chased, diving forward and disappearing, ending with the bikers being blown on the outfield.

"Well I'll be," Layla laughed. "They got us."

"They think it was some promo for Ford who advertises all over the park," Denise heard the announcer say.

"Still, what do all those bad guys after us think it is?" Layla said.

"Good point. I bet it's going to send Green right back on the trail of Mustangs."

"Agreed," Denise said.

"So how do we get them to stop hunting us, particularly Mylaren?" Layla asked.

"They will probably never take any of us off their hunted lists, you know, if you find them bring them in for a big reward."

"Agreed," Gaub said.

"Well, we can take care of ourselves pretty well," Layla said, "But we cannot watch Mylaren and Jonathan indefinitely."

"Okay. Plastic surgery? The equivalent of a long ocean voyage?" Denise said.

"They are welcome to stay with us for as long as they like. We will not be very far from the planet for some time," Gaub offered.

"If they knew we left the planet, maybe they'd stop searching," Denise said.

"I am fairly certain they do. From the time you left the park until you arrived here, you were being tracked, this time by a not so primitive device," Gaub said.

"Why don't we talk to Mylaren and Jonathan and strongly suggest they remain off the planet while we get back down there and finish what all those bad guys started," Layla grinned.

"You are wise Layla," Gaub said. Layla detected what she would call a smile on his face.

"I know you're just dying to settle a few scores," Denise laughed. "Okay, for their own safety it's not negotiable."

"Agreed."

101

Reunited

"It's good to see you together again," Denise said.

"I don't know how to than you two," Jonathan said.

"We know of a way," Layla grinned.

Your wish is our command, Mylaren said, before actually speaking the words.

Welcome back honey, Denise smiled.

Somehow the implantation of their tracking device impaired this ability.

Well, it is good to have you back.

"You can both remain here until we have finished business down there," Layla said, pointing to the view of their world in the window.

"Are you sure you will not need my help?" Mylaren said, reaching over to pass her hand through the table next to the recliner she lay on.

"If we do, we can always send for you in a jiffy," Layla replied.

"Mylaren, you have been through far too much already, and the last thing we want is to have to have either of you harmed, or have to search for you again," Denise said.

"No remote island huh?" Jonathan asked.

"We believe you are currently in about the only place you can actually be, where those who found you so easily cannot get to you. We must deal with them all, as soon as possible, or we will be hunted the rest of our lives," Denise said.

"Agreed."

"Well, I am glad that is settled, and just in time for pizza," Layla laughed.

Dinner is served Gaub said.

"Dinner is served, Denise laughed.

102

The Beginning

"Well, since you do not want to come here, how about back at the facility?" Rachel said.

"It's not that we don't trust you Rachel, Denise said.

"Oh, believe me, I fully understand."

"Can you arrange to give everyone the day off?" Layla asked.

"It is late, but yes I could arrange that."

"The trailer?"

"Yes."

"We will see you around nine a.m. please don't be late," Denise said, before hanging up.

"I can't say why, but I have a bad feeling about all of this," Layla said, reclining on the couch at their home back in Southern Illinois.

"Really? For some reason I don't," Denise smiled.

Rachel walked over to the open window of her apartment and lit a cigarette. She mulled over just how she was going to get out of all the 'deep shit' as she put it that she was in. What she could not notice from her window was a van door opening and the first of four individuals exiting it below.

103

The End Of The Beginning

"Now I am beginning to have a bad feeling and I wonder if it is the same as yours or a new one," Denise said, before taking a drink of coffee.

"I still have mine," Layla said, between bites of her biscuits and gravy.

"Mmm, I sure do love Mary Lou's coffee. Let's just get a few large ones to go here. I don't want to stop anywhere else before we get to that wretched site."

"Mmmokay."

After breakfast, they returned to the black Mustang and headed west out of town. Once they were along on one of their favorite stretches of highway, she put it into stealth, took off, and headed for Rachel's facility.

"That's it on the horizon," Layla said.

"Change our appearance before the final approach. My feeling of dread is increasing," Denise sighed.

"Affirmative."

Layla steered the vehicle in a wide circle over the site, looking for any signs of malevolence.

"What do you think supergirl?"

"Let's get this over with. I'm going to put the vehicle down over there."

They exited the car in stealth.

"Something's wrong. No car. How did she get here?"

"Maybe she's not here yet," Denise whispered.

"Footprints, lots of them. Shields up?"

"It won't hurt."

Layla tried the door before they got to the trailer. It swung open slowly.

"Careful baby, I smell a rat." Layla said.

Denise gasped upon looking inside the trailer. It put Layla on even more of a defensive.

"Dear Goddess," Layla sighed after peering inside. Resting on a table was the head of Rachel staring at them. Sticking out of her left ear was a pencil that had been pushed halfway inside, with a post it note attached to the end. It read, SHE WON'T BE SEEING YOU, BUT I SEE YOU. RETURN IT TO ME AND YOU WILL NOT MEET THE SAME FATE OR WORSE.

"We need to get out of here, and fast," Layla said.

They bolted for the Mustang, making it off the ground before the trailer nearly disappeared in a huge explosion.

"Good idea to park away from all of that," Denise said nervously.

"Yeah. Never tested any shields I can put up on an explosion that intense."

"But I see you?" Denise asked. "They had to be watching from somewhere. That technology they have. They can see us, even cloaked."

"Let's see if we can't get our friends upstairs to help," Layla said.

"Yes let's. We have some brutal bastards to deal with."

104

Hunted Or Hunter

Denise and Layla were gathered around a table with Mylaren and Gaub where they discussed the deadly mess things had become.

"I am tired of being hunted," Denise said.

"As am I." Layla sighed.

"You are a good hunter my dear," Denise chuckled.

"With Rachel gone, will we ever be able to locate these scumbags, do we even know who they really are?" Layla asked.

"Yes." Gaub said.

"Really? What do you have for us?" Denise asked.

Mylaren slid the folded up piece of paper she had in front of her over to Denise. "I have compiled a list of all the names captured from Rachel's thoughts throughout this madness. Although we do not yet know where this Rudy is, undoubtedly the one behind what you experienced today, we do know exactly where to find all of the others."

"Would you like to work for us?" Denise smiled.

"Anytime you need me."

"Let's start with the big money guys and see if we cannot change their minds about continuing this hunt," Layla said, sounding all too serious.

"Agreed. Can you get us down there?" Denise said, pointing to the planet outside their window.

"Fucking Texas again?" Layla said.

"Yes, fucking Texas again."

105

A Message To You Rudy

Denise and Layla moved through an assortment of 'rich greedy Texas scumbags' as Layla labeled them, until they found one that could put them in touch with Green, before erasing their memories of ever knowing or meeting them Mylaren or Gaub.

The Mustang touched down softly behind Green's compound.

Okay M, we are in place, beam us in, Denise said.

Affirmative, Mylaren replied.

They're figures shimmered out of the Mustang and into Green's study, to the sound of alarms going off.

Green looked up from his computer, completely startled to see two women standing in front of him.

"You've no need to fear us, Green." Denise said.

"I knew you'd come."

"Plain and simple. We Want Rudy."

"I am not sure I can be of much help to you on that."

"Can you reach him?" Layla asked.

"I am fairly certain that I can still get a message to him, but why me, why not go to the source that started all of this, Rachel?"

"We were. Rachel is dead." Denise said. She let him see what they witnessed at her trailer in his mind.

"Is this a joke?"

"Do we look like we are joking?" Layla answered.

"Beheaded? Fuck, that brutal bastard. No wonder I have not been able to reach her." He seemed genuinely upset at the news.

"He has promised the same for us, or worse, unless we return his hostage. That will never happen," Denise said.

"She was going to get out of this dirty business you know."

"Yes, we know." Denise said.

"What do you need from me?"

"Get this message to him as soon as you can," Layla said, handing him a folded piece of paper.

"Are you from out there?" Green asked, pointing straight up.

"No," Denise replied. She sensed no threat, present or future from him and answered honestly.

"But you have, friends?" he said, again pointing straight up.

"Yes," Denise said.

"More than you can possibly imagine," Layla grinned.

"I would love to meet them one day, in peace."

"We'll be in touch," Denise smiled. An instant later they disappeared from view.

"Rudy, I would not want to be you," Green sighed.

He unfolded the paper he'd been given. The message on it read, MEET US HERE, SUNDAY AT HIGH NOON. Beneath it was a set of coordinates.

106

Park

He is not alone, Mylaren said.

I never thought he would be, Denise said.

They stood in the middle of a grassy open area at the very top of Buena Vista Park that afforded a fabulous view of San Francisco.

"Should we have chosen a more desolate area, you know, so we could end this now?" Layla asked.

"Perhaps. But I will give him and his partners one last chance to change their minds about pursuing us."

Rudy came into view along with three others. "I'd forgotten that this is a bit of a climb," he sighed.

Layla already had a force field in place around her and Denise who spoke. "Thank you for coming."

"I don't see it with you," he said.

"The it you speak of is a human being, and she will not be your prize again."

"Now that is unfortunate."

"You get quite a view of San Francisco from up here, beautiful actually."

"Yeah, so what's your point?"

"Know that this is her city, and when she returns, will remain her city of choice to live in. That decision will not be threatened by you or yours ever again," Layla said.

"Is that a threat?"

"Just a simple fact."

"Terry," Rudy mumbled. An instant later sedative darts bounced harmlessly off Layla's force field before falling to the ground.

Mylaren, now would be good.

In an instant, Rudy and his partners, including those hidden in the trees, dissipated from view before coming to rest unconscious in a hold on Gaub's ship.

107

Alterations

One by one Rudy's men had their memories wiped clean of any and all things having to do with Mylaren before they were deposited back to Buena Vista Park below.

Rudy was left for last. Denise wanted some answers from him before he lost any memory of them. Layla asked the questions.

"How many more know of us?"

"Just that pussy Babe. That's a good name for him. He's got a soft spot for it I just know it."

"No one from any other country?"

"How the hell should I know?"

"What about the boys in Texas?"

"Those fucking assholes never got back to me."

"I think we are through with him up here," Denise said.

Rudy slumped in his chair, once again unconscious.

"Do you think it is safe for us to return to San Francisco, to try and resume our lives?" Mylaren asked.

"Yes I do," Denise said.

"Now?" Mylaren beamed.

"I don't see why not. We just have to give his place a once over for any loose ends."

"Thank you," she said before giving Denise a hug.

"Let's get this over with," Layla said.

"Let's."

108

Surprise

"Can you get us here with our vehicle?" Denise asked.

"Of course," Gaub said.

Rudy was unconscious for the short trip back to the planet.

"When we give you the okay, plant him inside of that, which appears to be a trailer," Layla said.

"Okay Layla."

"Let's go."

Denise and Layla got into the Mustang and in moments were returned to the planet's surface. The trailer was just east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Nevada.

They exited the vehicle without stealth activated on their medallions. About ten yards from the trailer, Denise signaled tor Gaub to send Rudy down.

"Wait a second, I want to see if we can see him arrive," Layla said.

They saw nothing.

Inside the trailer, "Whoa, what the fuck," Sam gasped when Rudy suddenly appeared lying on the floor in front of the worn orange couch he sat on.

He pressed a communication device. "Fred, Mac, get in here, he's back."

Nearing the trailer, Layla heard what she thought was the sound of a toilet flushing. "Did you hear that?"

"Yeah."

"He's not had time to go to the bathroom if he is even awake."

"He's not alone." Denise said.

Layla raised a force field around them just in time, as multiple rounds fired at their legs careened off.

"He lied to us," Denise said.

"Yes he did, the murdering fuck head," Layla grunted.

"Honey, they are yours."

With a wide sweeping motion the windows of the trailer were blown in violently, before the roof was peeled back like an opened can.

One last chance to surrender. It was the voice of Denise that Rudy heard clearly in his head.

"No chance bitch, you want me come and get me." He opened up with automatic weapons fire from an M-16, the others trying to pick pieces of glass out of their bleeding anatomies, in no condition to fight.

Layla stormed towards the door that was ripped back and completely off. She flew in through the doorway so fast Denise could not keep up. The automatic weapon firing halted abruptly. When Denise stepped up into the trailer, Layla stood above a headless Rudy, the Roman Gladius that had been a gift from Quintus and company in her hand, blood dripping from it.

"Oh well, he was warned. Put them out if you would, but temporarily," Denise said.

Rudy's bleeding partners one by one received gently nudges from Layla knocking them out. She then flung them out the door onto the dusty Nevada ground. They made a quick search of his battered trailer for anything that could implicate them before stepping outside.

"Let's wake them up," Denise said.

Once they were close to conscious she erased any memory they might have of them or how they wound up the way they did.

Back in the Mustang Layla moved it into a position directly over the trailer and fired a strong pulse that sent it and everything within flying in all directions mangled.

"I'm kinda hungry," Layla said.

"So am I surprisingly," Denise grinned.

The Mustang shot towards Southern Illinois, towards home.

109

Goodbye

Mylaren and Gaub sat on the couch in the yard of their home in Makanda gazing intently at Denise.

"I've always been terrible with goodbyes, so I will just say it, goodbye. It's been such a long, strange, wild and yet wonderful trip since the first time I smelled the Chicago Subway in the Student Center on campus a few years ago. Meeting new species like yourself Gaub just adds fuel to the fire of a realization that we as a species have a long, long way to go, and that we are not really going anywhere out of our neighborhood until we do."

"Our offer still stands. We can drop you off at your friends from the Tyrine. It's on the way," Gaub said.

"Thanks for the offer, but I think we'll just hang around here on our crazy, backwards planet and try to make it better," Denise smiled.

"In that case, I have something for you to add to your collection of E.T. gadgets."

Gaub handed a medallion to both Denise and Layla, silver in color, that resembled paint swooshes.

"Oh my, they're beautiful," Layla smiled.

"Indeed they are," Denise said.

"There are no buttons to push. Just touch them and mentally activate them."

"What do they do?" Layla asked.

"Try activating one and we'll show you," Mylaren grinned.

"Okay, I'll be a guinea pig," Layla said.

When Gaub could tell that she had activated it, he told her to hold out her arm, and then slowly passed the glass he was holding through it.

"Kinda tickled," she laughed.

"It gives you the ability to pass through matter," Mylaren said. "You never know, we thought one day they might come in handy."

"Once again, I am blown away," Denise laughed.

Gaub reached for Mylaren's hand. "We'll make sure she gets home safely."

"Thank you."

There were hugs given all around.

"Goodbye, for now," Mylaren said.

"Make sure you invite us to your wedding," Denise said.

"But of course."

"Goodbye." Gaub said.

"Goodbye," Denise and Layla chimed simultaneously. An instant later they disappeared in a shimmering glow.

110

Vacation To?

"What say we go on vacation, you know, go see our friends in Europe," Denise said, lying on a blanket next to Layla, once again at their favorite place to star gaze, Fort du Chartres.

"Yes, let's. Oooh, a shooting star, make a wish."

Denise closed her eyes and opened them to find Layla's face and lips on top of her.

"Mmmmmm, let's go home and pack and stuff," Layla whispered between kisses.

"And stuff sounds really nice."

They packed up the blanket, empty bottle of wine and cooler and loaded them into the burgundy Mustang.

"Do you mind driving?" Denise asked.

"Not at all."

Denise slid a cd into the player as Layla drove at a leisurely pace heading south on Highway 3, and sang along to the song that came on. "Everyday it's a gettin' closer, Goin' faster than a rollercoaster, Love like yours will surely come my way, A hey, a hey hey." Layla joined in until the song ended.

When the Mustang turned to head east on Highway 149 through Murphysboro and Carbondale to their home, between the first and second hills on one of their favorite strips of highway anywhere, an all too familiar ramp appeared in their path in the distance.

Layla slowed to a near crawl. "Am I seeing things?"

I believe the word is nope. It was the voice of Myla they heard in their heads.

"Shall we board her captain?" Layla giggled.

"Make it so," Denise laughed, slapping her thigh.

Layla drove up the ramp flawlessly as she'd done in the past.

The ramp closed with them aboard, and vanished from sight.

"Love like yours will surely come my way."

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