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.