A Hidden Trap part 4

Here we are on a cold Iowa evening ready to type and few lines of text for more on the story called
A Hidden Trap.  I have new details so without further adue...

  Mort awoke to the same box he was trapped in.  Everything had a layer of ice on it.  He shivered and bumped his head on the wall next to him.  He could hear muffled voices; then suddenly the side panel of the cell came open, bright blue light shown in behind two figures dressed in black overcoats.
  "He looks dead," one spoke.
  "He's not.  We get paid handsomely for this one.  Pull him out and stow him with the others.  We're almost there." the other commented.
  Mort was picked up like a rag doll and thrown clear across an open bay slamming against a steel wall.  He groaned at his aching muscles and slowly gained his composure to stand up.  Standing next to him was a tall man in his thirties with a scraggly beard.
  "Don't talk til we land," the man whispered.
  Mort just nodded and tried to understand what was going on.  He felt a heavy pounding on his head and held his hands up to steady himself.  He surveyed his surroundings and nodded to other people along the wall.  They were all in chains except him, who had just come out of being put under.
  The sound of the ship vibrated against the wall  and Mort couldn't believe he had been suckered into such a trap.  What did Cynthia have to prove by putting him on a prison transport vessel to God knows where? Of all places she could have sent him and she chooses this to live out his debt of the measly eight hundred dollars.

Well I think that's enough to wet the appitite for further adventures.  Love to chat more, oh maybe more tomorrow. See ya next time.

Pre-Circuit Assembly

I didn't get any time to write today, I have to make up for it soon.  Maybe I'll post something from my story soon.  Sorry I just haven't had any time.  An idea I have for a story is soon in the works. It is called
"The Addiction" subtle and pervasive are the habits of people and we will see what it does in the realm of science fiction.  Soon to come.  See ya later.

Saga the comic!

I just finished reading the first trade to Saga as well as issue seven of the comic series.  I like it so far, a bit sweary and also a bit of blood and sex, but if you flip past that its a pretty good story.  Once I have finished it, that will be a saga... Oh no post of story tonight, really late and well, I was reading earlier, trying to catch up on story stuff for comics.  I'll have a new post up tomorrow though.  Be sure about that.  Talk to you all later!

Two in one day?

Here I am again. Writing until I get tired.  Checked on a few things, got bored and decided to write again.  Hey it's a good way to keep busy.  Here is more of A Hidden Trap...

  Mort walked out and up the ten large steps to the three story mansion.  He looked to the left for a door bell, but instead found a long silver cord with a gold ball on the end.  He pulled at it and soon the door opened to reveal a shriveled old man dressed in the best tuxedo Mort had seen in several years.
  "Miss Edington will see you in the study sir, I will direct you." the old man moved slowly away from the door.
  Mort entered the house, taking in the marble floors, the long staircase in the center, the chandelier filled with diamonds and the stained glass windows; Mort was led to a room two doors from the middle of the room.  The butler shut the door behind him, leaving him alone yet again.  The room was the size of six normal rooms with books that lined the shelves, a ladder that slid along the walls, a second story where one could sit and read and of course then there was the other furniture.  

  A narrow desk sat near the door, neatly arranged and there were no papers sitting on the top of it.  Mort took a seat on one of the couches facing a brick fireplace.  He didn't have to wait long for his wife, Cynthia came entering the room in a long white gown, her skin was soft and pale.  He remembered loving the way she walked.  She noticed him staring and smiled briefly.
  "So, where's my money?" Cynthia asked smartly.
  "What...No hello, how are you, what have you been up to lately?  Thanks I'm fine, its taken me three years to get back on my feet and you ask me about money?" Mort replied coldly.
  "I'm sorry, but you still owe me eight hundred dollars from our divorce." Cynthia answered.  
  "Do you have a electric funds transfer device?" Mort asked as he eyed her body once again.
  Cynthia leaned over and whispered, "I'll show you in the other room...follow me." She got up and started walking to a wall of books.
  "That's not the way we came in?" Mort started.
  "This house is full of surprises." She replied as she pulled on a book and opened a hidden passageway.  She motioned him to come and he reluctantly got up...If he was ever going to get out of this he needed a clear head and needed to pay off this debt.  He followed her through the passageway and into a hallway leading to another room.  He glanced at the floor and it was pure metal.  "Why is the floor metal?" he thought.
  "That's odd, why are their metal floors in a house this old?" Mort asked out loud.  Cynthia stopped at the other door waiting for him to catch up.
  "Right through here." Cynthia answered slowly.  She opened up the door which led into darkness.  Mort didn't have time to move, four pairs of arms grabbed him and slung him into the dark room.  Mort thought he got his bearings peering up at the four figures in the room.  Before anything could happen though he was shoved into a large metal box.  He could feel bruises starting to form, "Let me out of here!" He slammed the sides of the box and soon was wearing himself out by pushing and banging around.  He sniffed the air, gas was filtering into his "cell" of a box.  'What was Cynthia planning? What would Vespa do when he didn't come out?  Would she come looking for him?' Mort thought.
  "Cynthia! No matter where you go, I'll find you and I'll find out what you've done, I swear it!." Then Mort passed out onto the cold metal floor.

Sick wives are never fun

Hello after two days, I was taking care of my wife over the weekend and didn't get any writing done.  I am back today to continue the story.  You know the story called A Hidden Trap? Oh well if you haven't caught up, go back and read the last two entries.

Here is the next section in A Hidden Trap...

  "You're awfully quiet for a man of considerable wealth, you're even working construction, why are you still in this city?" Vespa asked.
  "Seemed alright at the time.  I just never got way from working.  I put money away and I don't flaunt that I have it.  If it were not for my father dying a year ago, I'd still be broke; No thanks to her. No Offense." Mort shrugged.  He couldn't understand why this woman, someone who calls herself an ancient motorcycle, was taking an interest in him.
  "No offense taken, personally I feel your ex-wife is a tramp and a slut all at the same time.  That's not my place to say I know; I am bound by Enforcer law, but what can I say, I have my opinions." Vespa sighed and crossed her elegant legs.
  "Do you pick your clients or do they pick you?" Mort asked.
  "They pick the clients, the Enforcers I mean, and we as the employees just follow where the job takes us."
  "Must be rough, the only place I wouldn't mind going is away from the planet, It would be harder for my wife to catch up with me then." Mort snorted.
  "That's true, as a enforcer I would be able to help you with that...at least I could get you off planet."
  "Why would you help me? For all I know, soon the Enforcer Rule will be the only rule and local police will become Enforcer Patrol.  I wouldn't doubt within the next year you'll be in space patrolling some backwater world for not paying their taxes to the central union." Mort laughed.
  "I'd do it because I can.  Your wife paid the Enforcers to find you for some unknown reason and they told me to do the job.  The way I see it; depending on how your visit goes, I can get you off world if something bad happens.  I'm getting an assignment in space soon, I know that if I can help one person out of forty seven unlucky ones, I'll have served my sentence on this world." Vespa stared Mort directly in the eye.
  "Alright, are you having to stay until I'm done? I mean, do you enforce me to stay unless I get run out of her house?" Mort asked.
  "You could find a way out of the house at any cost if it means that much to you.  Let's put it this way, if she wants money from you, give it to her, if not stay as short a time as possible.  You get my meaning?" Vespa asked.
  "Not really, I still don't understand what your job has to do with my life." Mort looked out the window and could see the estate of his wife looming very close to the car.
  "Mortimer, your life is my business.  If I don't have work, I'm out of a job.  The only way I have a client is to make sure their life is enforced.  Get the picture?!" Vespa spat sternly.
  "Hey you can threaten all you want; What I want to know is if I pay her the money will I get compensated?" Mort waved his hands around trying to ward off an act of violence.
  "Your compensation will be a flight away from here and an offer for a new job.  I will be the one to enforce that." Vespa kept her cool once again.
  Mort thought about the effects of what had been discussed.  A new life away from planet, a new job and it would have to be better than what he was doing now.  The limo stopped directly in front of the house.  Mort suddenly felt very small.

Well that gives us more to consider doesn't it?  I'll leave you with that and hope you keep checking back for more.  Until next time, bye for now.

Updates for the Evening

I just watched Knight and Day, laughed my head off and enjoyed being with my wife.  Also I have been perusing the New Previews magazine for comics and have seen some pretty awesome works coming!  Well, once again, its pretty late and I have to get up early again tomorrow.  Before I do though I will post more of The Hidden Trap.

Mort pulled the virtual visor off his head and awakened to a brightly lit room with others engaged in their own virtual encounters. He looked to his left and saw the woman that interrupted his game. She was intently looking at his slightly weathered face.  She didn't wince or anything, which meant she didn't find him ugly.  He smiled dryly.
  "Sorry, I didn't expect anyone to be in here.  I should clean up or something." Mort commented.
  "But you are already in something dashing.  We should go." The woman said in a British accent.  She walked out of the room and Mort looked down forgetting he was in his best suit after going to church services.  This could be why she didn't wince.
  He got up and walked with his head held high and stepped outside.  The woman stood near the door of a hover car waiting for him.  He noticed her figure now that he wasn't blinded by the beam lights inside the lounge.  She knew how to wear the gorgeous dress she was in.  It held tightly to the narrow curves of her body.  She caught him looking and gave him a stern eye.  Mort straightened and walked out the quiet lounge to the car.
  He came here a lot, Idle Street in Timballa Moor.  A province of the northern territories on Pareg II.  A planet far from his home.  He knew the colonization of this planet was some time ago but he still couldn't believe how industrial everything was.
  The hover car was a long limo, black on the main body, but white as a bottom layer.  The driver held ready the door to allow him entry.  Mort stepped in carefully to find it was just like any other limo.  The woman stepped in with a seductive look on her face.  She smiled at Mort as she sat down next to him.  The driver shut the door and hurried off to drive.
  "Are you insurance?" Mort asked.
  "I'm an enforcer." She replied.
  "Funny outfit for an enforcer, you got a name?" Mort snorted.
  "Call me Vespa, I make sure those who are told to be seen by others actually make their appointments.  Its a growing business you know." she replied cooly.
  "I didn't know, My ex. keeps thinking I owe her something when I really don't." Mort answered.
  "Eight hundred fifty seven dollars and forty five cents." Vespa rattled.
  "Wow, that was fast." Mort thought about how the divorce he went through had sucked every penny out of him.  His wife wanted the divorce, for reasons all her own.  They never had any children, not that he was too old for that, it was just that his ex. was never around; Always working late shifts at the office and never home when she should be. Mort remembered how he loved her smile and sense of humor only to have it turned to cynicism and hate.  She was twenty five and he twenty seven, they passed each other every day until once he had the nerve to ask her out.  She accepted and six months later they were married and moved to a new planet.  Looking back over the course of five years, Mort couldn't think where he went wrong...

Well I'm going to leave that for now, you have gotten just a bit more of the story and that is all I want to give you.  I want you to keep viewing the page to see what happens next.  Catch ya tomorrow.

Star Trek! Star Trek! Star Trek!

I have just seen the star trek into darkness trailer.  Love it!  I can't wait for the film.  I didn't get to post yesterday so I'll post today.  I have a little story writing to do so it may be a little later this evening for a continuation of A Hidden Trap.  Look forward to it! Some great twist to the story.  Talk later.

A Hidden Trap

Posting stories on this blog is great and I have succeeded in continuing to bring the best I can write.  I will start posting this story here on my blog and separately on a word document that way I can update anytime.  My story will start here and I can't wait to see Star Trek Into Darkness!

Without further adue, here is my first story for the month of December 2012.

A Hidden Trap

Mort sat in the busy virtual cafe, sipping his synthetic whiskey and trying to forget everything around him.  He was drawn to the current ad blaring in front of him for a new battle game that involved people with super powers fighting against each other.  Mort shrugged and pressed the demo ad button.  He wondered if there was an entry fee, there wasn't.
  He logged on and instantly he was on some desert plain with rocks and groups of trees.  He looked down at his clothes, he was now in black coveralls with a sniper rifle.  He peered out from the bush he was in, onto a field and could see energy explosions and pulse waves hitting a group of trees.  There was a small console on his wrist telling him which were his enemies and who his friends were, he was an enemy to the people with special powers. "Great, I have to protect the people in the trees." Mort thought.
  Suddenly it was his turn to fight, he glanced around the bush and looked up to see a figure in a cape hovering not far from the trees.  Mort smirked, he had this one.  His console indicated he could hit two targets.  A wind blew at him as he adjusted his scope and aimed for the figure in the air.  He shot out and could see the super fall from the sky.
  He looked across the way, past two large rocks and could see a hideous alien thing with four arms standing waiting to attack the trees again.  Mort brought up his rifle and as he prepared to fire, a red indicator beacon flashed in front of him; A message from the outside world.
  "What is it? I'm busy." Mort moaned.
  A beautiful woman stepped in front of Mort, representing the real world.  Mort didn't even know what was real right now.  "Excuse me, Mr. Mort Henrickson?  Your wife called and wondered if you were coming to visit in the next hour." The woman spoke softly and smooth.  Her high cheek bones moved as she spoke and her auburn hair blew gracefully in the wind.
  "Is her mother still there?" Mort answered briefly.  It took a moment for this woman to look up again.
  "She has just left, will you want an escort to the house?" the woman smiled with wet red lips.  She wore a simple black dress and as she breathed in the virtual desert air her breasts rose and fell quickly.
  "Ma'am, that would be great.  Give me one moment while I finish my turn here." Mort reasoned quietly.
  "Of course... Resume game." The woman smiled again and faded out of his way.  Mort readjusted his sights and fired at the ugly creature.  The creature fell in a lump and didn't get back up. "GAME OVER...YOU HAVE WON A FREE DEMO SOFTWARE. CONGRATULATIONS!" Mort smiled and downloaded the demo to his virtual arm band.  The game would load when he finally got home.
To Be Continued...

There I have given you a snippit of a story I am currently developing.  If you like it, let me know.  Let Rocket Raccoon continue to live.  See ya tomorrow.

Post Something Every Day!

I laboriously worked today and listened to flash fiction podcast and my favorite podcast: Podcastle.  Oh and I listen to The Morning Stream with Scott Johnson and Brian Ibbott as well. Listening to Film Sack also and that is always an enjoyable listen.  I have decided to post things each and everyday even if it is small.  I feel it keeps me connected to people everywhere.  I don't have a lot of time today otherwise I would post a snippit of a story but since I don't have one.  I would like everyone to listen to the latest podcastle if they like that sort of thing.  Later.

Mind Vacuum: The Epic Conclusion!

Kenchi hurried over to her despite his pain. “You don’t have to do this yourself.  I can help you.  I don’t know what it is, but I was meant to help you.” He spoke the words from his heart.

            “No, you were meant to protect my sister.  She has no one to protect her.  I can take care of myself.  You must not leave her side.  I’ve only known you a little while but it seems like a lifetime.  You can do more by taking care of Tena.  Do this for me!” May cried.  She touched his left hand with hers. “Your strength can now become my own.” Her hand glowed bright green.  “That alien spore or bite gave us the strength to fight; now we are even more powerful.” 

            When Kenchi released her hand, his scar was gone; on May’s hand was now a unified symbol over the back.  It was a symbol of eight points all spiraling out from the center.  May looked at her hand and felt revitalized. “Tell my mother, I lover her and I will never forget her.” May kissed Kenchi goodbye and walked outside the building alone.

            “Quickly, come to the basement, the both of you, we’ll be safe there.  I can monitor everything from down there.  Hurry now!” Michelle Okibtu shouted.

            Kenchi grabbed Tena’s hand and held her close as they entered the basement bunker.  All around them was a loud howling wind and the building shook from Hero Higashi’s movements.  Once away from the noise, Kenchi watched the monitors as May fearlessly walked toward the approaching cloud.

            “Hero Higashi, I challenge you to a fight!  You may have started on this world, but you have become a monster and I will not stand for it.  My friends will survive.  I have vowed that.  Appear, you beast of hell!” May boldly called.

            The creature once known as Hero Higashi, now came closer and the cloud rolled away revealing the hideous mutant alien now standing before May Oinyado.  May stood her ground and a fierce wind encircled her body as her left hand glowed with power.  She pounded her fist into the cement leaving a deep hole in the ground.  She was even shaken by the amount of power inside her.

            A wicked laugh came from Hero. “Is that the best you can do?  I have real power!” He boomed.  He let four of his claws come down surrounding the girl and attempted to take her up.  May whirled around and used her hand to shatter the legs trying to lift her.  The power from her hand was like a beam of light shattering the darkness.  It blasted into the approaching claws cutting them off, crumbling the hard shells.

            The creature cried out in pain. “This isn’t done!  I have just begun!” Hero grew taller, and broader.  His remaining claws reached above him forming a glowing ball of energy.  The creature let his claws drop, releasing the energy hurtling toward May.  She blocked her eyes as it enveloped her position.  Slowly the dust cleared from the blast, May stood alone among the destruction that Hero the alien attacked.

            “You have ended your assault; I will not allow you to harm anyone else.” May screamed at the beast.  She held her hands together concentrating white energy through her body.  The glow of energy started growing brighter and brighter; May crouched down on one knee as the energy built.  She glared at the evil alien who had deceived all of them.  The energy started forming around May’s body.  It grew until it encompassed the area surrounding her. 

            Kenchi could no longer see May because of the glowing white ball surrounding her.  He did see Hero’s look of terror from the power that May was exhibiting.  “You will die now!” May shouted unseen.  The white glow lifted from the ground and hurled toward the alien.  In moments it impacted the creature disintegrating it limb by limb.  Hero, the mutant alien, screamed out in pain and his scream was slowly drowned out by the white energy that engulfed him. 

            Once the creature was destroyed, the energy became smaller and less bright until all Kenchi could see was a crumpled form of May’s lifeless body.  Without thinking Kenchi ran out from the bunker out into the street.

            Michelle tried to stop him. “Kenchi! Its too late, she’s gone.”

            He ignored her and ran through the destroyed roadway and found May who was trying to sit up.  His eyes lit up and he ran to her side.  He stopped short and bent down to her position.  “I thought you were dead.” He whispered.

            “So did I, I didn’t think that the energy would shield me from destruction.  Look…it isn’t there anymore.  We must have destroyed it all.” She looked at her left hand that was now barren of a scar at all.  Kenchi held her face in his hands. “I’m not going to lose you.  I love you deeply and I am vowing now that I will take care of you the rest of my life.” He kissed her deeply and passionately until he finally released her.  May smiled up at him, but then her face became sad.

            “What is it?” He asked.

            “What about my sister?  Tena has no one to look after her.  Will you take care of her as well?” She asked.

            “I’ll watch over her until she finds true love. I think she know s how you feel about me.” Kenchi stated truthfully.

            “Oh really, my gracious knight, I don’t think she knows exactly how I feel, especially since I am madly in love with you.  Now will you please help me up so we can get back to a normal life?”

            “Normal?  What part of our life will ever be normal?  Come on let’s go get your sister.” Kenchi laughed as he helped May stand up among the crumpled concrete. Michelle, her lab techs and Tena came crowding out from the still standing Elor Labs.  Tena’s eyes beamed when she saw her sister.  She ran quickly over to Kenchi and May.  Tena ignored Kenchi a moment while she kissed and hugged her only sister.

            Michelle walked up delicately to Kenchi. “It appears that the power May exhibited ended the siege upon this precious world.  The question is what now?”

            “Now?  We are going back to school.  I don’t want to drop out and I still have plans for my future.  And you?  Are you going back to teach?” Kenchi smiled at the two sisters embracing.

            “I’m not sure; I still have a lot to learn about this world.  I’ve spent 16 cycles here in Tokyo and I need to see more of this Earth.  Maybe I’ll leave and come back someday.” Michelle smiled.

            “Well, whatever you do, I’m sure you’ll be a success and you’ll bring insight to whatever you come into contact with.” Kenchi commented.

            “Thank you Kenchi, now you three need a ride back to school.  Come on.” Michelle turned and walked over to one of the Techs, he in turn ran back to the lab.  Tena and May came over to stand next to Kenchi.  May gently held Kenchi’s hand and Michelle looked at her with pride.

            “May, you certainly surprised all of us with that display of power.  I never thought any human could generate so much energy, apparently I was wrong.”

            “I’d attribute it to the alien influence and also with cooperation with Kenchi here.  If Kenchi and I never saw the meteor crash, none of this would be possible.  For that I’m grateful.” May smiled.

            A moment later a high tech hover car came over to their position.  Two side doors came open and allowed them entry.  Silently Kenchi, May and Tena climbed into the car. Michelle climbed into the front. “You realize you can’t tell anyone about this?”

            “Yes, I figured as much.  No one would believe us anyway.  We can talk to each other about though and that’s enough.” May giggled and leaned into Kenchi.  The trip back was quiet and uneventful except for the news vehicles who rushed to the destruction not far from Tokyo Tower.  The media would create a wonderful story about the invaders who fought in the streets and eventually destroyed themselves.

            Getting to the school proved people could stay indoors when something exciting was happening.  Most of the students were out on the lawn either dancing or conversing with each other.  Michelle turned the car so the trio could get out.

            “Are you sure you won’t change your mind?” Kenchi asked as he allowed May and Tena out first.

            “No, I won’t, but keep in touch.  Who knows when you may need my expertise again.  I hope you all graduate with flying colors.  Goodbye and good luck.” Michelle smiled as Kenchi left.

            The minute Kenchi stepped out he breathed deeply and looked over at May and Tena.  Tena’s eyes beamed as she picked out a face in the crowd.

            “Roturo?  I thought you were gone?  Where have you been?” She embraced him tightly.

            “The strangest thing happened to me, I thought I was eating lunch with a girl and then she tied me up and tried to eat me.  I kicked her and ran away.  I must have run for awhile because I lost her.  I hit my head on a tree and the next thing I remember is I was being untied by a teacher.  I saw an explosion coming from the center of town.  Were you there when it happened?  I mean are you alright?” Roturo was enthralled with Tena.

            Tena just smiled and embraced him tightly. “I’m fine.  Shall we get to class?  I’ve had enough excitement for one day.”  The two walked on back to the school. 

            “I guess that means we should get to class too?” Kenchi asked.

            “Yeah…but not before I do this…” May stopped and leaned over into Kenchi.  She kissed him passionately on the lips. “Let’s keep close shall we?”

            Kenchi nodded silently.  He thought about the events they encountered, an adventure of aliens sucking the minds of people so that even they didn’t know what was going on. 

In the months ahead it seemed as everything went back to normal.  School went on, Kenchi became closer to May and Tena than ever before and they all moved in with his grandfather.  Kenchi found himself happier than he had ever been in his life.  In the next semester he submitted his application to the Galaxy Force.  It was going to begin another adventure that would span eons.

                                    The End.

So thus finally ends this story.  I will have new content soon.

Busy in the world of the Real!

I have been so busy lately that my blog has suffered from being viewed or even worked on.  I am currently looking into updating this blog to be a better viewing experience.  Hope it works, and for those who actually have been reading I will be back here to post more of Mind Vacuum.  Here is the next part...
Mind Vacuum Part X

“Hurry, we don’t have all day to accomplish our mission.” She stated.  She quickly moved out of the school.  Kenchi kept his pace with May and they looked at each other with sudden anxiety.  Tena was on the other side of Kenchi clutching his arm as they exited.

            Ms. Okibtu led the group to her transport.  It was a sleek low running hover vehicle. The car had gullwing doors and twin rocket ports beneath the rear lights.  Ms. Okibtu opened the doors and motioned for them to get in.  Since May wasn’t walking with Kenchi she sat next to Ms. Okibtu in the front.  Kenchi and Tena climbed into the rear, they hear a sound coming from the school. 

            Kenchi looked out and he could see a glow coming from the front doors. “We need to go now!”

            “I know, hang on.” Ms. Okibtu called back.  The car lifted off and rocketed away with much more speed than Kenchi expected.  He fell into Tena’s lap and then tried to get up.  Tena giggled and helped him up.  May just looked back at her sister and rolled her eyes.

            “How long will it take to target the meteor?” Kenchi asked.

            “Ten minutes, it takes a few minutes for powering up the KIMAR Laser, it stands for Kinetic Imaging Molecular Accuracy Radar, and it will trigger and fire only onto the rock.” Ms. Okibtu replied as she steered vigorously to get to their destination.

            “The only reason I ask is that I believe we’re being followed.” Kenchi pointed down and behind them.  They could see a grey, black cloud of ooze rushing through the city streets.

            “Fortunately I have a roof entrance and it’s reinforced by four layers of Dura steel.  You shouldn’t worry yourself.  You’ll know when to worry.” She steered them into position.  The car floated down through the large opening in the roof of the Elor labs. The building was diamond shaped with steel walls.  It didn’t have any ornate designs, in fact in appeared more like a warehouse than a laboratory.

            The upper doors shut securely and the four were inside.  The car shut off and a multitude of lights brightened the room.  Computers surrounded a central until that pointed toward the sky.  Several monitors displayed the Eloric Satellite and its KIMAR Laser.  Three techs looked up from their work and one man came closer to the vehicle.  Ms. Okibtu stepped out and walked up to the man.

            “Activate the sensors and bring the KIMAR online.” Ms. Okibtu stated.

            “At once Michelle, we have been conducting test all night.  Who are these kids?” the man asked.

            “These are some of the very gifted students who know a little bit more about the meteor than they want to. Help them with the equipment to set up the trigger for the laser.  I want all the techs out within twenty minutes.  We’ve got unwanted company coming.” Michelle Okibtu explained.

            “The aliens are already here?” the man gulped.

            “Yes, now get moving.” She urged. The man hurried Kenchi, May and Tena to the computer terminals.  Michelle watched as the three were instructed on the sequence for the laser to fire onto the meteor.  Theoretically once you destroy the meteor, you destroy the hive.  It wasn’t going to be that simple.  Hero Higashi was a planted alien trapped here and seeking the perfect opportunity for revenge.  He might be able to infiltrate the building, but she had other plans for him.

            As the three students worked with the techs, Michelle climbed the staircase and went into an office away from the lab.  She looked at the blank wall for a moment and then pressed a button under the central desk.  A panel slid aside revealing two weapons, a pistol and a very large gun.  Each had the capacity for rendering her enemy either unconscious or dead.  She chose the pack of darts underneath the pistol.

            One of the techs came walking into the office. “You shouldn’t be here.  I don’t plan to survive this ordeal and I need you all to survive.” Michelle looked at him carefully.

            “You of all people should know I can’t do that.  Read my mind, tell me what I’m thinking.” The man said calmly.

            “You won’t leave me; you love me and won’t let me face that monster alone.  If you feel that way, grab a gun, we don’t have much time.” Michelle trembled. “Carl, you have been my greatest support through the last five years and you have helped me to see the potential of humanity.  Thank you, I truly love you.” She was overcome with emotion and embraced Carl then kissed him passionately.

            After a few minutes they released each other. “We need to focus right now so we can defeat this invasion.  I’ll help you do it.” Carl grabbed the large gun and he joined Michelle as they walked out the door.  An alarm began to blare through the building. “Proximity alarm.  He’s here.” Kenchi came running over gasping.

            “The laser is ready to fire; do you want us to shoot now or later?”

            “Fire the laser now; it will take a little time for it to weaken our enemy.  Hurry, Don’t delay!” Michelle urged.  She quickly left Carl’s side to view the images and video feed from outside the lab.  The videos she viewed horrified her.  The once human looking Hero Higashi was now morphed as a half human and half alien.  He still retained his human face and arms, but the rest of his body was replaced with alien appendages.  The eight legs carried him on the grey cloud of charging alien creatures.  She was repulsed to see how he held human life so frivolously in his clutches.  Each time a human would come into his path, instead of injecting it with alien DNA; he would rip the man or woman apart with his menacing claws.

            “How soon?” Michelle called out.

            “Now!” May called out as she pulled the final lever.  The central device charged and for a few moments nothing happened; suddenly though, a green thick beam from the satellite came pouring down, zeroing in on the meteor outside the city.  There was an imminent explosion that echoed through the city.

            Michelle looked again at the video of Hero, his look of terror made her smile.  ‘His power is his own now, he is vulnerable at last.’ She thought.  Hero Higashi turned a different shade of grey and grew another ten feet.  He accelerated his progress toward the laboratory. 

            Kenchi examined the results of the explosion.  The meteor was incinerated in the blast.  There was no trace of any organic compound left in the crater.  He felt extremely relieved, but he also felt unsure of himself.  His left hand tingled and shook violently.  He looked at the scar left by the creatures.  It began to glow with a luminescence all its own.

            He looked over at May who also was experiencing the same feeling.  She suddenly got up and walked over to Michelle. “Michelle, I must face that monster alone.  Give me whatever firepower I can carry, but I must do this."

Mind Vacuum Part IX

Kenchi held May’s hand while they traveled.  May smiled back and watched the students on the bus.  Before long they had arrived at the school.  Kenchi could see Hero Higashi pacing back and forth.  The man kept looking at his watch.  Clearly Hero was waiting for them to arrive.  As soon as they stepped off, Kenchi led the way to Hero.  As soon as Hero saw Kenchi he smiled.

            “About time you three got here!  Do you have the sample?” He asked.

            “Yes, I do.  Shall we look at it?” May stated simply.

            “Let’s go to the lab room.  Have any of you experienced any odd behavior?” Hero talked as he opened a side door to the school.

            “Actually we encountered one instance of odd behavior.” Kenchi said slowly.

            “Yes, it was our mother; she had the aliens inside her.  Kenchi, being the hero that he is, saved her and now she’s alright.” Tena clung to Kenchi’s arm and smiled sweetly to him.

            “Really?  What kind of behavior did she exhibit?” Hero became excited. He led them down one of the dimly lit hallways.

            “Well, she stumbled and acted like she was in a trance, she spilled milk all over herself and then she glared at me.  After that she screamed out and the aliens came pouring out of her skin causing her extreme pain.  She finally collapsed and lay on the kitchen floor.” Kenchi explained.

            “That sounds really weird; do you have any other information?” Hero asked as he unlocked the lab room door and switched on the lights.

            “We have two samples, on which has the aliens swimming in water and the second holds the dead aliens in flour.  Does that help?” May explained.

            “Oh yes, I’ll examine each and see what differences there are.  It may explain how we can keep them out of people.” Hero arranged the microscope in the room to project on a screen, just as May had done at home.  This made her think of her father.

            “Do you mind if I have the samples?” Hero asked.

            “Oh…no, I don’t mind.” May blushed; unaware she had drifted in her thoughts.

            Hero quickly arranged the vile with the aliens in water.  When it appeared on the screen the aliens appeared to have grown, swimming through the smooth liquid.  “This isn’t good, were they this large when you examined them at your home?”

            “Actually they were at least two or three centimeters smaller.  I wonder what their gestation period is for growing.” May replied.

            “I don’t know what that would be; we need to ask the molecular biologist on that subject.  It’s irrelevant though.  They are growing at an exponential rate once they come in contact with water.  Let’s try another experiment.  You see that water vat over there?  Let’s put those critters in there and see how they grow in a larger amount of water!” Hero became ecstatic at the idea.

            “Do you think that’s wise?” Tena asked as she started backing toward the door.

            “It’s one way we’ll see how big the threat is.  Besides it’s not like the meteor can grow legs and walk away.  Even with that rain last night, the heat from the impact would keep the aliens contained in the rock.” Hero replied sternly.

            “Alright, but May, you and Tena step back so we’ll see what happens.” Kenchi replied reluctantly.  He and Hero brought the vile over to the vat of water and poured its contents into it.  Within moments they could see changes.  The water started to darken and soon they saw spots of black in the water.  Kenchi stepped back from the vat as Hero continued to be intrigued by the changes.  May came up behind Kenchi and stood still.

            The creatures were growing quickly; they swam vigorously around in the vat.  They fought among themselves until after ten minutes there seemed to be close to five hundred creatures in the water.  They grew to about two inches and one creature came close to the side and looked out.  He showed his razor sharp teeth, and then he started clawing at the impenetrable glass trying to get out.

            Hero watched the creature as it examined the glass and would tap different spots in the glass. It glided away into the mass of aliens then several hundred aliens started toward the glass.  Hero backed away. “Kids, run… Do what you need to get rid of the meteor; I don’t think you should be here when those things break through.”

            “Not on your life, you’re coming with us.” Kenchi argued.  He grabbed a mini torch from one of the tables. “Bring them on.”

            The creatures were massing and multiplying as they converged on the side of the vat.  The four could hear the multiple tapping and then there was a crack followed by another crack.  Kenchi, May and Tena backed further toward the door.

            “What did I tell you?  Get out of here, now!” Hero Higashi held his ground.  Kenchi urged the girls out the door and down the hallway.  The next thing he heard was shattering glass followed by the flow of water.  He didn’t hear any screaming so he thought he’d go to the door of the lab.

            “Kenchi, don’t abandon us, please, let’s get out of here while we still can.” Tena cried.  Kenchi looked back at her and May.  They were right; he needed to be rational about this.  There was nothing he could do about Hero now.  He would have to investigate later.  No astro physics today.  Kenchi hurried the girls away and down another hallway.

            “It’s strange that he would want to put the aliens in a larger body of water. He seemed sincere, but there was something about the way he did it, it didn’t seem normal.” May pondered.

            “I was thinking the same thing, it was almost like he knew they would grow and they would attack.  Do you feel anything when you are around the aliens?” Kenchi held May’s arm.

            “Actually I feel like there is a telepathic echo in my mind.” May answered.

            “It’s the same for me.  Do you think it’s from the exposure we received at the meteor?”

            “It would have to be, wait I’m feeling it now.” May stopped abruptly.  Kenchi stopped Tena before they arrived at the doors.  The next thing they saw was a crowd of students walking drunkenly through the hallway ahead of them.  The students had looks of stupor on their faces.  They all walked in the same shuffling manner, a few students pushed their way past and continued on their way.  It was obvious that not everyone was affected, but Kenchi could almost feel the difference.

            “What class do you have first this morning?” Kenchi asked.

            “Molecular Biology. Why?” May was puzzled.

            “Because the molecular biology teacher isn’t human is she.”

            “No, she isn’t.  How can that help us?”

            “She will have a different perspective on humans and human behavior.  She’ll be more attune to differences in human behavior, we might get more help.” Kenchi finished.

            “I think she’d be in the teachers lounge right now.” Tena said plainly.

            “No Tena, you have astro physics first, Ms. Okibtu will be in the library where it’s quiet.” May glared at Tena for a moment.

            “How would you know that?” Tena drilled her sister.

            May rolled her eyes, sometimes she felt like she just couldn’t get through to her sister. “I actually go to the library early before class starts.  You know how that was at our last school.” She answered sourly. “I found you hidden in the back of the reference section with the head quarterback.”

            “Oh, so this is about me now?  My love life is none of your business.  Kenchi saw me with my tank top and underwear.” Tena answered back.

            “Ladies, please!  Let’s focus on what we have to do.  We’ll go to the library and see if Ms. Okibtu is actually there.  Put your jealousy away.  I like both of you so calm down and just let it go!” Kenchi was getting upset at the sister’s quarrel.

            “Alright we’ll go to the library and get on with our day.” Tena smiled and wrapped her arm around Kenchi’s as they started to walk toward the library.  May walked behind the two; maybe Tena was trying to antagonize her.  It just seemed like she was intentionally trying to start a fight, to make her jealous.

            Jealousy was a trait May tried not to display, but May had let Tena get to her.  Tena was her only sister and usually they agreed on many subjects, but just within the last couple of days they argued too much over one man who was testing each one of them to see which one gave in and let the other have him.

            He wasn’t a party favor though; Tena seemed to focus her attention on any new boy that took any kind of interest in her.  That was how she became involved with the quarterback at the last school.  He had wanted inside her pants and she let him.  He didn’t really love her, May smirked a moment as they kept their pace to the library.  May found Tena and the quarterback in the far corners of the library making out; Tena even had stripped her clothes off.  She wanted it so bad.  When the quarterback saw someone come, he pulled up his pants and ran off.  He left Tena sitting there in the dark panting and almost violated.  Tena fought back tears and May helped her get dressed.  They never discussed it again, until today.

            May couldn’t believe she used the information to hurt her own sister.  She needed to make this right with her.  With this whole alien invasion she may need to make a choice.  She glanced down at the odd scar on her hand; it seemed to pulse with energy.  Her thoughts were interrupted by arriving at the library. 

            The three entered the library; Kenchi looked around and saw a blue light haired alien sitting at the middle table reading about micro viruses.  He walked quickly over to her table.  She had beautiful features, high forehead, narrow face, long neck.  She had large black eyes, a thin nose and a small mouth with thin red lips, Ms. Okibtu looked up from her book. “You want advice about the aliens that fell from the sky.”

            “Actually yes, are you telepathic?” Kenchi asked.

            “I am indeed.  I can tell you though that Hero Higashi isn’t what he seems to be.  He isn’t even human.  I have resided here on Earth for 16 cycles and I have observed & experienced human behavior.  He is definitely not human.” Ms. Okibtu moved her chair and stood seductively.  She was extremely attractive for being a molecular biologist.  She wore a tight fitting dress that accentuated her features.

            “Yes, well we were hoping to destroy it and we have a few ideas but we would appreciate some help.” May answered.

            “Your ideas won’t work.  They are Earth based.  What we need is something stronger, such as an Eloric Satellite orbiting the planet.  I installed it up there ten cycles ago.  I have remote access, but it isn’t here.  We would need to journey to the research facility.  Elor Labs is the name; are you familiar with it?” She raised an eyebrow.

            “Yeah, I know where it is! It’s by the new Tokyo Tower.  How can we get there quickly?” Tena cheered.

            “You are all hoping to go with myself.  You will be able to do so.  Even though I teach Molecular biology I can   for your absence for a field trip to a few gifted students.  You all qualify.” Ms. Okibtu smiled at Kenchi.  Kenchi gulped and didn’t know what to say.

            “Do we go with you now or do we need permission?” May asked.

            “You can come now.  I don’t know who have been affected.  Some of the staff I can read, but the infected ones have blocked their thoughts.  The best way to do this is to go directly to the one I need to ask permission.  You will go with me, it is the safest way.” She answered.

            The principal sat engulfed in paperwork.  He was very busy, but seemed very reasonable.  Ms. Okibtu stepped up. “Principal Morgan, I need to lead a field trip down town for these gifted students.  They want to grasp the fullness of molecular biology.” She waited for his response.

            “The second day of school and already you are asking for a request; I’m surprised it wasn’t yesterday.  You know you have permission.  I expect a full report on these students progress; Perhaps tomorrow night?” Principal Morgan raised an eyebrow.

            “As you wish, Daniel, I’ll give you my report tomorrow evening.  Thank you for your continuing support.” Ms. Okibtu turned around and had the three follow her quietly out of the office.

Mind Vacuum Part VIII

A light shown from the kitchen sometime later that night, there were clanking noises, along with a container being opened.  Kenchi groggily rolled over, he had no idea what time it was, but he looked into the kitchen and could see the form of Jessica in her robe.  She seemed to not be in control of herself.  She was drinking milk from the bottle and spilling most of it on herself. 

            To Kenchi, she didn’t seem to be the type that ate at midnight.  When she turned toward the light, her eyes were sunken and it seemed as if fog surrounded her head.  Kenchi continued to watch and his foot slipped and hit the lamp next to the couch.  It created a disturbance and Jessica turned toward Kenchi, her face covered in milk and the front of her neck and chest were soaked with the liquid.

            She frowned and made an unearthly noise.  Tendrils of blackness came out from her skin and she instantly cried out in pain.  She began screaming and fell onto the floor.  The tendrils turned into ooze and poured out of her delicate features.

            Kenchi quickly got up and ran into the kitchen.  He found a lower cabinet with ordinary flour in it; he grabbed it and began pouring it over the black ooze.  The alien mass congealed and convulsed until it became a mixture of black and white crustiness that formed a glob a few feet from Jessica.  Kenchi ran to Jessica’s side, he calmly shook her and tried to rouse her.  After a few moments, she breathed deeply and then suddenly coughed.  She tried to get up, but Kenchi placed a hand on her arm.

            “Don’t get up. You’ve had quite a scare.”

            “What happened to me?” Jessica whispered.

            “You were infected by an alien force.  You’re alright now though.  I think it left your body.  Do you remember anything?”

            “I remember getting ready for bed and I took my evening pills, then I sat down in my sitting chair next to the window.  I was going to read for a little while before bed, a few minutes later I felt cold and I drifted in and out of consciousness.  I felt as if my mind were being drained of memories.  After that I blacked out.” Jessica slowly sat up from the floor and clutched the robe closer around her body.  She looked down at the crusty glob of alien goo and flour lying close to her.  She instantly pushed back from it.

            “I’m going to wake your girls, I need their help.” Kenchi said. “Stay where you are at.”

            Kenchi went upstairs to May’s room, the room being completely dark, he had a hard time finding where her bed was.  He shook her gently and she rolled over looking at Kenchi.

            “May, I didn’t want to startle you, I need your help.  Meet me at Tena’s room; I’ll see you in a moment.” Kenchi left quickly, leaving May to get up from sleep.  He continued on to Tena’s room finding that her room was the exact opposite to May.  It was cluttered and in disarray, her bed was a clump of blankets and body mixed up.  He went over to her bed, noticing she was only in a tank top and shorts.  Kenchi gulped and slowly shook her shoulder. Tena moved and then opened her eyes. “Kenchi! What are you doing in here!?”

            “I need your help; we have to go to your mother’s room.  We have to examine something, join me when you’re presentable.” Kenchi answered quietly.

            Tena smirked. “I am presentable…Alright I’ll see you in a minute.  Wait outside the door.”

            Kenchi left the room and found May standing in a tee shirt and jeans.  She had her arms crossed and a smile on her face.  “Wasn’t what you expected was it?”

            “No, I was expecting organization, like your room.” Kenchi commented.  They waited and then Tena came out in the same tank top, but she wore jeans as well.  May looked at her sister, studying her, she rolled her eyes.

            “What?!” Tena knew that look.

            “Nothing, come on.” May rolled her eyes again.  The three went to Jessica’s room, which was elegant and tidy.  Kenchi knew what he was looking for.  He went to the sitting chair and turned on the lamp next to it.  The seat of the chair was wet with the black ooze of alien D.N.A.  It dripped over the side and puddled onto the floor.

            “Is that what I think it is?” May asked.

            “Yes it is, the aliens infected your mother and I found her downstairs gulping a bottle of milk.  She was spilling it all over herself and then she glared at me.  It must have triggered a different response inside because she screamed out in pain as the alien ooze came pouring out her skin.  The only way I stopped it was by pouring flour on it.”

            “So this stuff is actually aliens?” Tena asked.

            “Yes, don’t touch it, if it comes in contact with your skin, you’ll end up like your mom.” Kenchi replied.

            “Is my mother alright?” May asked.

            “Yeah, she’s just a little shocked.  She’s downstairs recovering.” Kenchi continued. “Do you have another vile?”

            “Yes, it’s in my bedroom.” May answered.  She wanted to go and see her mother.

            “Could you grab one? Tena and I will meet you downstairs.” Kenchi finished.  May nodded and left the room.

            “Are the aliens more aggressive, the greater the liquid?” Tena asked.  Kenchi looked at her a moment then thought that could be the case.  He didn’t answer but motioned for Tena to follow him downstairs.  When Tena saw her mother sitting on the floor she ran to her.  Kenchi joined her and could see Jessica starting to regain her own strength.

            “Mother, why is your hair wet?  Were you in the shower? I mean all you have on is your robe.” Tena blurted.

            Kenchi felt embarrassed, he didn’t even think to bring a blanket down for Jessica.  He went to the couch and grabbed the blankets. “Here, wrap her in these.” Kenchi handed Tena the blanket to put around her mother.

            “I don’t remember getting in the shower; let alone taking off my clothes.” Jessica stared blankly. “All I remember is sitting in my chair and then felt as if my mind were a vacuum to whatever was attacking me.”

            “If it’s any consolation, we believe you completely.  We’ll try to get to the bottom of it.” Kenchi smiled, a clock on the wall sounded and rang its chime for five a.m.  Two hours and they needed to be at the school.  Kenchi hoped they could get rid of the aliens. Who else could help destroy that meteor?  Maybe Hero Higashi had some of those answers.

            May walked down the stairs with a piece of paper and an empty vile.  She came to her mother and hugged her tightly. “Mom, this is what was inside of you.” She held up the picture of the microscopic alien in all its villainy.

            “Oh that’s horrid!  How?” Jessica shook convulsively.

            “We believe the alien came through the window, went to the chair and waited until you sat down to enter your body.  The aliens travel much faster through water so they could be anywhere by now.  Do you work today?” Kenchi answered.

            “I do work today, May, Tena, you know I work on Tuesday’s.” Jessica replied as she started getting up.

            “When you go to work don’t forget to look at your seat. Bring some flour just in case.  It seems to kill the aliens.  I wanted to get a sample just to be sure.” May replied seriously.

            “You are so smart, just like your father, you too Tena.  I have such smart girls.  I’m going to get dressed.  Tena, could you help me?” Jessica smiled and then stumbled past the glob of alien mess on the floor.

            May picked up a sample of the alien D.N.A. and flour mixture to examine if in fact the aliens died in the flour.  May motioned for Kenchi to follow her and they quickly headed to her room.  She went ahead and poured on the lights, and then she adjusted the microscope to examine the sample vile.  To her relief the aliens were in fact dead.  Their legs crusted with white flour crystalized and caused the creature to stop is aggressive action.

            “That brings me relief, now we know how to beat it.” May sighed.

            “We just have to find something that will haul tons of flour.  You know we’re going to need something really large.” Kenchi commented.     

            “You’re right,” May looked at the clock. “Go get dressed; we don’t want to miss the bus.  I’ll get Tena.” The two separated and went to their task.  Kenchi had a numbing feeling that things were not that easy.  It was too easy of a solution.  Of all the aliens in the universe, ones would succumb to the simple ingredient of flour made from grain?  Then again it was the only planet where grain such as wheat was produced successfully.  Kenchi was torn in his thoughts as he finished getting ready for school.

            The three teenagers were ready to leave the house; Jessica stood at the door waving at them as they left.  She fell asleep shortly after Tena brought her to bed, and finally felt better after the sleep.  Jessica still felt embarrassed by Kenchi seeing her in the kitchen gorging on milk.  As Kenchi, May and Tena walked away Jessica smiled to herself. “Looks like I need to get ready for work.” She thought aloud.  She went in and prepared for the day.

           

            “Alright, so what if ones have already been affected by the aliens?” Tena asked.

            “We’ll have to deal with it differently.  Each person is different and each will not know what is going on.  Your mother was in a state of mental block.  We may not be able to tell anything until we try and talk with them.” Kenchi answered.

            “Let’s keep our distance anyway.  Right now I want to see if Higashi will actually show up at the school.” May shook slightly.

            They continued to the bus station and saw it was already there.  They ran quickly to board, and as usual there were chattering kids on the bus and then there were those who seemed off in space.  Kenchi, May and Tena went to the back of the bus and sat quietly as the vehicle pulled away taking them to school. Kenchi thought it surprising that so many kids were on the bus at this time of day considering the school didn’t start until another two hours.

Mind Vacuum Part VII

          Jessica was in the dinning room arranging the place settings for everyone.  Tena, Kenchi and May entered and Jessica put on her best face.  “May, would you sit here at the end and Kenchi; you’ll be here to the right of May and the left of Tena.  I’ll be at the other end, just sit and I’ll bring our meal.  I’ve introduced Tena and May to some very interesting dishes, I hope you like what I’ve served.” She smiled.

            “Mother just is being modest; she’s the best cook ever.  Father even enjoyed the change of pace from so much rice and fish.” Tena made a face and then giggled.

            Kenchi positioned himself down where the low table sat.  Jessica came through with a meal that smelled delicious.  “What is that?”

            “Its called lasagna, I hope you like it.” She replied.  She served the three of them and finally herself, when she turned back to Kenchi she found him drifting in thought away from the meal.

            “Something on your mind Kenchi?” Jessica asked. 

            “Oh no, I just hope my grandfather is fine.” Kenchi just blurted the first thing that he could think of.  In reality though he was thinking of the microscopic creatures they had found. ‘They could be infiltrating the citizens of New Tokyo at this very moment!  Wait, with how slow it moved maybe being on the outskirts it will take longer for them to find people.’ Kenchi thought to himself.

            “Kenchi!  Mother asked you a question.” Tena called loudly.

            “Hmm? I’m sorry I had my mind on something else.  What did you ask?” Kenchi shook himself from his disturbing thoughts.

            “I asked if your parents know you came over.” Jessica smiled.

            “Ah well my parents are deceased, my grandfather takes care of me and I take care of him.” Kenchi replied.

            “Oh…I’m sorry, I didn’t know.  Well, if you ever need a mother’s advice you come to me alright?  You’re always welcome here.  I’m sure the girls don’t mind.” Jessica looked from Tena to May.

            “Mother, this isn’t the time to talk about that.  Don’t we have dessert?” May asked politely.

            “Oh yes, I’ll get it right away.” Jessica quickly stood up from the table and looked out the window.  “It looks like it could rain.” She continued to the kitchen.

            “So what were you and May doing up in her bedroom?” Tena fluttered her eyes.

            “We were looking at a sample I found.  May, I have a theory; I think if we add water to the sample we could see the true potential of the experiment.  It could actually accelerate the product.” Kenchi hinted.

            “It could be far more effective in water; it could glide through the water and rush where it wants to go.  Oh no… It’s going to rain.” May gasped.

            “What are you two working on?  I want in; I won’t tell anyone if you don’t want me to.” Tena pleaded. 

            “Alright, remember that asteroid that was supposed to hit down near the city?  May and I found it.  For some reason we were both unaffected by the ooze pouring from the meteor.  I got a sample and we were doing an experiment on it.  Are you interested?” Kenchi sighed.

            “Definitely, I can help after we finish dinner.” Tena leaned over the table. “May, you don’t mind do you?”

            “No, not really, just as long as you actually help.” May spoke seriously.

            “I will, you know me well enough for that sister.  Kenchi, May and I really do get along.  I know you’ve only just met us today, but we really try to get along.  Just you wait; you’ll see how good we work together.” Tena said sincerely.

            The three of them finished their meal with minimal conversation.  Jessica kept the conversation going by asking about their days.  She kept it positive and seemed truly interested in what her children as well as Kenchi had to say.  Kenchi thought she would make a good mother.  He missed that of his own parents.  Before too long, Tena, May and Kenchi excused themselves and hurried upstairs, leaving Jessica to finish cleaning up.

            As the trio entered May’s bedroom, May noticed that the sample had turned black once again.  “Well the aliens must have eaten the blood.”

            Kenchi looked at the microscope and noted that wasn’t so. “They haven’t, they just converted it to their metabolism.  Let’s try injecting water into the vile and see how they react.”

            May repeated the steps for injecting liquid into the vile, only she used water this time.  The syringe entered the vile and the water gushed into the alien’s realm.  The reaction caused Kenchi to grow nervous. The water caused the creatures to move at lightning speed through the tube.  Even under the microscope it was hard to focus on just one alien.

            “This proves they move a lot faster in water than in blood.” Kenchi said.  Just as he finished his statement, lightning flashed outside followed by the sound of pouring rain.  “The meteor we found leaking ooze is now carrying it much faster.”

            “What do we do?” Tena asked.

            “We call a higher source for advice.” May answered simply.  She picked up the phone and dialed Hero Higashi’s number.  She waited a few seconds before finally receiving an answer.

            “Hello?” Mr. Higashi sounded out of breath.

            “Mr. Higashi? I’m May Oinyado.  We need some advice.  We, meaning Kenchi and I, found the meteor that was supposed to land near New Tokyo.”

            “Mr. Higashi interrupted. “Whoa, you saw the meteor?  How big is it?”

            “I’ll get to that, Kenchi and I got attacked by black ooze from the meteor.  It didn’t enter us but left an odd scar on each of our hands.  We took a sample and found that it is several million, perhaps billions of microscopic alien life residing in the ooze that is now leaking at a substantial rate.  We did two experiments to see how the creatures would react.  One was with blood causing the creatures to move slow and metabolize the blood while the other was with water which increased their speed four times over.  What should we do?” May finished.

            “Its raining isn’t it?  Well, I wouldn’t recommend dealing with it tonight.  The only concern I have is what if it stops raining.  I’ll meet you all before school tomorrow.  Bring the sample, I mean its amazing that Kenchi and yourself got so close to the meteor without getting brought inside.  We’ll talk tomorrow.  Come at about seven in the morning.  I’ll make sure you’ll get it. Bye for now.” Hero Higashi hung up suddenly.

            “What did he say?” Kenchi asked.

            May looked up from the phone and gave Kenchi a concerned look. “He said that we’ll worry about it tomorrow morning.  We have to leave early tomorrow so, we’ll let you stay on our couch downstairs.  I’ll get some blankets and you can leave with us in the morning.” May rubbed her head.

            “Are you alright sis?” Tena asked noticing May’s movement change.

            “I’m fine, just something about that conversation made me feel really uneasy, like he isn’t telling us everything he knows.  We’ll worry about it tomorrow I guess though, come on Kenchi, I’ll get those blankets.” May and Kenchi left the room with Tena just standing in the middle.  Kenchi followed May downstairs.  The lights were dim; Jessica must have turned in early.  May arranged the blankets and a pillow onto their large couch.

            “Sleep good, we’ll solve this problem, don’t worry.” May said quietly.

            “I’m more concerned with you, this whole meteor is exciting, yet I’m hoping we can solve it.  We’ll tackle it together.  Good night.” Kenchi kissed May softly on her lips; May then turned and started back up the stairs.

            “If you need anything just let us know.  We’ll be right upstairs.” May turned and finished going up.  Kenchi climbed onto the couch and settled down, within minutes he was asleep.