Nocturne’s Reaping® : Intermezzo Chapter 5

Nocturne’s Reaping® : Intermezzo

Chapter 5

When Patty came the next morning, Takara was still asleep. Usually, she was awake well before Patty’s arrival. This time she heard Patty knocking at her door. Takara pulled herself up.

“Takara!” the woman cried out.

Takara went and opened the door. She had set her doorknob lock to the locked position the night before, even though she didn’t think it would be very strong. Takara had had trouble going to sleep that previous night. All she could think about was how she was being denied access to her school and to her father’s room. It seemed she had no way to contact her mother now. Still, it was the fact that she saw Mr. Tyler walking the halls the day before that had driven her to decide to go ahead and make this public display of her mistrust.

“I see you’re sleeping in this morning” Patty observed.

“I guess.” Takara returned. “But really, why does it matter?”

Patty looked surprised and somewhat annoyed as she stepped into the room. Takara closed the door.

“Actually …” the woman started.

Patty and Takara both turned toward the door as it was suddenly reopened — only Patty didn’t appear to be surprised. Takara braced herself for another visit from Mr. Tyler. Instead, it was a different man, who was carrying a box.

“Where should I put it?”

“What?” Takara asked.

“You can set it up on the table. Go ahead and move those books.” Patty directed.

“What’s going on?” Takara questioned.

Patty sighed. She obviously had a very different and very negative opinion of Takara now.

“Mr. Tyler has bought you a computer for your classes.” Patty informed her.

Takara sat on her bed as Patty turned back to the computer technician.

“I’m going to be making the girl her usual breakfast. You don’t need me here, do you?”

“No, I should be fine.” the man returned.

Patty left without another word to Takara. Takara watched the man set to work on the computer. She noticed that he had a badge from a local computer store on his shirt. It occurred to Takara that she was now a prisoner in her own home. The only people she felt she could risk trusting at all were ones who didn’t directly know Mr. Tyler … like this man.

“I guess that one’s going to have parental controls?” Takara asked.

The man looked at her skeptically.

“Of course.” He turned back.

“I guess I’ll have to be careful what I write.”

“No, I don’t think so.” the man said. “You just won’t be visiting any sites but that school’s site — so I guess it’s pretty much the same thing.”

“That’s fine.” Takara laughed.

When the man looked back, Takara was smiling.

“I was bored for so long; even homework sounds pretty good to me now.” Takara declared. Sadly, it was partly true.

The man smiled but looked doubtful. Takara looked off to the side. She could only visit the website of the school … but at least there wasn’t a keystroke logger. Then again, she couldn’t be sure of even that. And certainly, the teachers would report to Mr. Tyler if Takara said anything too provocative; Mr. Tyler wouldn’t have allowed Takara to communicate with a school, even online, if that weren’t the case.

As Takara was thinking these thoughts, Patty returned.

“Here is your usual. I hope it will be okay.”

“It’s fine.” Takara replied.

Takara wished she could go back to the way things were with Patty a week ago, but then she reminded herself it really wasn’t Takara’s fault that there was tension now. How was she supposed to know there would be an issue with her going back to school? How was she to know her asking about it would be viewed as though she were trying to get away with something? Usually kids were questioned for wanting to stay home, not for wanting to go back. Why couldn’t she leave this house or talk to other people anyway? It made no sense. Takara shook her head.

“It’s not to your liking?” Patty asked with an edge to her voice.

Takara just looked at her. What could she say that wouldn’t rub this woman the wrong way?

“It’s fine.” Takara repeated blankly.

Apparently, now she couldn’t even think without being questioned.

“All right. All set.” the computer tech stated.

“Oh, good.” Patty returned.

The cheerfulness in Patty’s voice rang hollow to Takara given Patty’s current treatment of her. The man nodded then looked at Takara.

“I hope you feel better … and enjoy your classes.”

Takara smiled sincerely.

“Thank you.” she said.

“I’ll show you out.” Patty insisted.

As they left, Takara was glad the man hadn’t alluded to their conversation. Takara had been hoping he wouldn’t think much of it if she downplayed it. As long as Patty didn’t give him the third degree, Takara doubted it would come up in conversation. Speaking of Patty, what was with her anyway? The change in her attitude towards Takara was hard to fathom. What could Mr. Tyler have said to change Patty’s opinion of Takara so completely? Takara hardly knew Mr. Tyler — or Patty for that matter. The whole situation was odd. If Takara couldn’t find a way to be viewed as a normal person again, she knew that this harsh treatment of her was bound to take a toll.

Takara stood up and headed for the computer. As she sat down, she braced herself for the possibility of more of the same bad treatment. She couldn’t trust anything completely anymore. Everyone she met online might have the same rotten opinion of her that Patty now had. Takara had effectively been isolated from everyone who knew and liked her. Still, if she didn’t try to connect with those outside the walls of the Institute it wasn’t going to get any better. One thing was for sure: playing nice with Mr. Tyler wasn’t an option. She was just getting further and further trapped in his cage. No, it was best to not care what the people around here thought of her. Her parents had always loved her, and her mother was still alive somewhere … hopefully able to be reached. Takara was determined to reconnect with her. Yes, she would find a way out of this prison they held her in even if she had to lie low for a long time before an opportunity to escape presented itself. She clicked on the power switch to the computer.

Takara ended up being somewhat relieved as she logged on to the course site. There were no people there that were mean to her. However, that might have been because the only one she interacted with on the video relay was a website administrator. The administrator helped Takara through the course selection and registration. Unfortunately, it soon became clear that the administrator was merely following a script. Takara feared that this level of emotional distance would be typical of her interaction with the school. If so, it would seem this online school wouldn’t be helpful in Takara’s efforts to contact her mother after all.

The school itself had both positive and negative aspects. The classes seemed interesting enough. Yet, Takara couldn’t help but feel agitated that she had been forced out of her old school for no apparent reason.

“All right, we’re all set here, Takara. You can access your texts online. I will send you a notice with the links.”

“All right.” Takara managed to smile.

“The next term starts on Monday. Some of the teachers have a reading list for you, so you can start working on that.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. If you have any questions, just message us.”

“Okay.”

The woman disappeared from the screen. It was nice, Takara concluded, to have someone not act negatively towards her, even though the interaction was superficial. And in addition, Takara felt a certain level of excitement. She finally had something to do with her time — something to occupy her until she found a way to contact her mother. Maybe this would give her a way to keep her morale up in case it took awhile for her to be freed.

Takara got to work reading the assigned text. Every time she started to feel bored, she would stop. Unfortunately, it was then that she realized it was even more boring to just sit in her room doing nothing. So, she would begin to read again. Unfortunately, after awhile her eyes started to blur.

“What now?” Takara thought.

There was a room down the hall, kind of big and airy. She and her father had spent time there during special occasions such as New Year’s Eve. When her father was very busy, she’d lie on the floor and read in front of the fireplace. When she first came back to the Institute from the hospital, she noticed a lot of people gathered in there. They were all dressed in business attire with drinks in their hands. It seemed the atrium, which was actually a part of her father’s wing, had been taken over by the Institute. Little by little, traces of her father were being erased. Now that her father’s door was locked, how long would it be before someone took over his office? Maybe that was why Mr. Tyler had been there: to stake out the room for himself. If the company was going to encroach this far into her living area, how long would it be before Takara completely lost her home? Or at least what was left of it.

 

Copyright © Jennifer Alice Chandler 2019

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Nocturne’s Reaping® : Intermezzo Chapter 4

Nocturne’s Reaping® : Intermezzo

Chapter 4

Two weeks passed. It was nighttime, and Patty had left long before. For some reason, Takara found herself awake. Everything was dark, including Takara’s room. And as Takara felt her way to the door, she felt a sense of invisibility. She liked that. She carefully opened her door and found the hall to be deserted and almost as dark as her room. Fortunately, Takara knew these halls, so the barely existent light from the skylight would be enough for her to get to her father’s room. As she progressed, she felt free for the first time since she woke up in the hospital. She felt she could determine where to go in this wing and how long to stay there. Takara breathed. She could remember feeling this way when her father was alive. Suddenly, the emotional heaviness that had weighed on her was gone.

Then, as she dragged her hand along the wall at the correct height, her fingers stumbled upon the knob of her father’s door. It was exhilarating. She opened the door and slipped inside. Then, she made her way to the sofa and sat upon it. She leaned back and listened to the clock tick. Finally, she lay down. She figured she might as well rest in here awhile. After all, it wasn’t hurting anything.

Around midnight, the clock struck; this time the sound was enough to stir Takara. Then again, maybe it wasn’t just the clock. Takara sat up when she heard the sound of feet shuffling out in the hall. The sound appeared to be coming from the entrance to the wing. Takara sat stunned as the sound became louder and louder. Finally, it stopped by the door frame. There was a moment of silence in which she could hear the person breathing. Then, the light came on. Takara squinted. When her eyes finally adjusted, there was Mr. Tyler standing in the doorway glaring at her. After a moment of gawking at her, he suddenly reached for the doorknob and shut the door. The sound of footsteps then retreated back toward where they had come from, and the sound of a large door being shut vibrated in the distance.

 

***

 

About a week earlier, Takara had begun dropping hints that she wanted to go back to school. At first Patty smiled and seemed happy about the progress Takara was making. Then, one morning — the morning after Takara’s run-in with Mr. Tyler — Patty’s reaction to the conversation became decidedly different. She frowned and cast her eyes downward.

“Well, let’s get you something to eat, shall we?” she suggested coolly.

As soon as she got Takara’s order, Patty seemed to dash from the room. Takara was confused. She tried being very nice to the woman when she returned, but after Patty arrived with the food she stood feet away and avoided eye contact. Then, Patty came forward to remove the tray. Takara tried to get the woman to look at her but to no avail.

“Is something wrong?” Takara asked.

The woman looked down at the tray.

“No, it looks like you’ve eaten most of it. Good job.”

She glanced at Takara then departed from the room. Takara didn’t know what to think. She wished she had been more direct with Patty somehow. So, when Takara saw the door slowly reopen to her room she was relieved.

“Patty.”

Takara recoiled when she saw the frame of Mr. Tyler quickly slip through the doorway. He then carefully shut the door behind him.

“Did I scare you? I didn’t mean to.”

Takara ‘s eyes narrowed.

“What …?” she uttered.

“I heard you were planning on going back to school.”

“Yes.”

“So, I thought we should talk about that.”

“Talk about what?”

Mr. Tyler stepped away from the door. Takara did her best to hold her ground while she remained sitting on the bed.

“Well …” Mr. Tyler grabbed a chair and sat in it. He entwined his fingers and leaned forward. Takara questioned what he could possibly be up to.

“I’ve been thinking you’re a smart girl. I think you should be capable of studying from home. There’s an online school I think we might try. You can get your assignments and any help you may need over the school’s network.”

“But why?” Takara pondered.

“Well, what’s the rush in going back to your old school? I realize you’re bored. Really, Takara, this seems to be the best solution given your health. I would hate for you to get sick again. Also, it turns out that they have an advanced program for those as smart as yourself …” He paused. “All right.” The man stood. “I’m glad we had this talk.”

Mr. Tyler quickly left the room. Maybe Takara was being paranoid, but his words felt almost like a threat to her. Either way, it appeared as though Takara’s plan to get out of the Institute had failed.

Takara hadn’t wanted to speak to Patty at dinner, and apparently the feeling was mutual. They barely spoke, except for the necessary niceties such as Takara’s menu selection. This wasn’t going to work. Takara needed to contact her mother. And now she knew for sure there wasn’t anyone here whom she could ask to contact her mother for her. She had to find a way to do it herself. She needed her mother. Her mother was her only family and her only way to get out of this prison.

Needing to think, Takara headed to her father’s office later that night. Only when she got there, she found the door was locked. She pulled at the door in disbelief. Sure enough, the door was locked. Takara headed back to her room. She was grateful for two things: that she already had her mother’s address and that there was no lock on the outside of her bedroom door.

 

Copyright © Jennifer Alice Chandler 2019

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Nocturne’s Reaping® : Intermezzo Chapter 3

 

Nocturne’s Reaping® : Intermezzo

Chapter 3

Takara made a lot of effort to get better. She ate well and tried walking back and forth down the hall in front of her room. Takara and her father had resided in a wing on the second floor of the Institute. There had been a guest room in this suite. This was the room that Patty was given. Patty didn’t sleep there overnight, but she used it as a sort of office when Takara didn’t need her during the day. Takara’s room was between Patty’s room and the room her father used to occupy.

As Takara walked down the halls, she noted her father’s room. At first, Takara purposefully didn’t look at the room. But on subsequent days her eyes would drift to the side and towards the room.

Eventually, Takara stopped in front of her father’s door. Her hand hesitated on the knob. She breathed. Finally, she turned the knob. She stepped inside then shut the door behind her. Unlike her room that seemed to be different somehow, her father’s room seemed the same. Of course, she hadn’t spent much time in there actually. Her memories of that room basically consisted of peeking into the room nearly every evening. She would take her father a cup a green tea. It was one of the few moments that Hayato Takahashi would actually stop his work and take a break. Dr. Takahashi would spend hours straight consumed with his work. Yet, he would never seem to be annoyed when Takara stepped in briefly; in fact, it ended up becoming part of their nightly routine. Once he even said this was the best part of his day. Takara wasn’t completely sure whether she believed that, but it made her feel good all the same.

Takara felt protective of her father. Even though he never let on, she could tell it bothered him being away from Takara’s mother, Ran. They had all planned to move to Colony 29 as a family. Dr. Takahashi had finally gotten the financing to open the Institute, and he concluded that Colony 29 was the ideal place to establish it. It had many qualified scientists that could be hired. It was merely days before they were to board the shuttle to Colony 29 that Takara’s mother got a phone call. Her boss had recommended her to replace the CFO of one of his subsidiaries. It was a tense few days. Takara’s parents talked a lot in soft subdued voices; then, they just stopped talking altogether. When it was time to board the plane, Ran Takahashi gave her daughter a hug and a message capsule, so they could exchange messages. Takara knew what that meant. Her parents had decided that, though Dr. Takahashi would work as much as Mrs. Takahashi, since Dr. Takahashi would be residing where he worked the Institute would be a better place for Takara to live. This would allow Dr. Takahashi to work from home in a manner of speaking. It was settled; Takara would live with him. So, Takara and her mother said they loved each other, and Takara and her father left. Takara looked back towards her mother until she disappeared from view.

No one asked Takara what she wanted. The fact was she was almost grateful for that. She wouldn’t have wanted to choose; she didn’t think she could have. She learned later in a communication with her mother that she was going to seek a transfer to Colony 29 as soon as it was available. That was nine years ago. No one said that the situation was definitely going to change back to the way it had been; no one said much of anything.

Takara decided she would come back to her father’s office again soon. She thought it would make her feel better. She had thought of something else to do right then. Takara stepped out of the room and carefully shut the door behind her. She remembered she had gotten a message from her mother before the accident. Takara hadn’t replied then. It seemed as though this would be a good time to respond — even if she dreaded being the one to announce her father’s death. No one said anything about her mother knowing about his death. Maybe they didn’t even know her mother existed. Either way, it would take some time for her mother to come to get her once she received word — if that was even possible.

As Takara stepped outside the door to her father’s office, she could see Patty’s form enter her room. She could hear Patty call her name. Takara quickened her pace to meet her. She didn’t want anyone to wonder where she’d been. She wanted to keep her visits to her father’s room a secret.

Patty stepped back into the hall just as Takara arrived.

“Oh, there you are. Oh good, you’ve been walking.”

Takara just smiled.

“Well, I’m supposed to take your vital signs as part of your discharge orders. Also, I wanted to know what you wanted for lunch.”

“Wow!” Takara exclaimed. “I’m not used to having such treatment!”

“Really? As great as this place is, I would have thought this was the lifestyle you were accustomed to.”

Takara frowned.

“Not really.” she said. “I helped my father cook dinner. I had lunch at school most days.”

“So, you go to school?”

“Yes. Grove Academy. I am at Level 7 — at least I was. I imagine I have a lot of catching up to do. I wonder whether I’ll have to repeat the year now.”

“Well, we can see whether they’ll give you some of your work to catch up on. Really though, we should just be grateful you survived given how bad the accident was.”

Something flashed through Takara’s mind then, and it caused her head to spin.

“Come on.” Patty said. “You shouldn’t be overdoing it.”

Patty took Takara by the arm and led her to her bed.

“Thank you.” Takara offered.

“No problem.” Patty replied.

Patty suddenly started treating Takara like a young child.

“I’m going to go ahead and make you some of my homemade chicken noodle soup. It always made my kids feel better. I just wish there were someone to take over when I go home in the evenings.” she lamented.

Takara looked at Patty searchingly. Obviously, her dizzy spell had really frightened the woman. Then, a thought occurred to her.

“You don’t think I’ll have to go back to the hospital?” Takara questioned.

The woman looked at her in stunned silence. Obviously, that was what the woman had been thinking. Takara’s eyes began to water.

“No.” Patty was quick to offer. “But I do think it would be good for you to get in to see your doctor. I’m not a nurse. A professional needs to be keeping an eye on you.”

Takara nodded.

“Now let me get the soup.” She patted Takara on the arm. “It’ll be okay.” she reassured Takara.

Patty left, and Takara looked after her. Takara really wanted to confide in Patty about the message she was planning to send her mother — but she just couldn’t. Patty wasn’t wary of Mr. Tyler the way Takara was. Patty might, therefore, say something to him. Takara didn’t know whether Mr. Tyler would have a problem with Takara contacting her mother, but just in case he did she couldn’t chance him finding out. The relationship between Takara and her mother had been distant since the move. Takara couldn’t stand the possibility of being left wondering why if her mother never responded to the announcement of her father’s death. No, Takara would make contact with her mother once she was sure she was alone, so no one could stop her. In Takara’s mind that meant getting back to school and, therefore, out of the Institute as soon as possible.

Copyright © Jennifer Alice Chandler 2019

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Nocturne’s Reaping® : Intermezzo Chapter 2

Nocturne’s Reaping® : Intermezzo

Chapter 2

The next day was busy with one medical test after another. For some reason, Takara wasn’t too scared about the tests. Before the accident, Takara could remember being afraid of needles. The tuberculosis test she had had as a child had left her in tears. Now she felt numb – or at least she thought she did.

After she got back to her room after the MRI, the X-Rays, the CT scan, and the blood tests, Takara thought she was done. When she found out that there was yet another blood test, she grew agitated. Fortunately, the nurse mentioned her diet had been upgraded to normal foods. When Takara was handed a real menu, her mood improved significantly.

“I’d recommend the turkey.” Mrs. Taylor called from the other side of the curtain.

Takara looked at the curtain a moment.

“Thank you.” Takara called back.

Takara reached for the phone. She felt a jolt of enthusiasm that she hadn’t felt since she awakened. Then, Takara spied her teddy bear wedged in the crack between the mattress and the bedrail. She suddenly felt a bit bad for her teddy bear — that she hadn’t been more affectionate towards him. She patted him on the head. Room service answered the call, and Takara gave them a pretty large order. Then, she thought better of it; she reduced it by half. After all, Takara may have felt hungry, but she doubted her stomach could accommodate all that food. She did opt to keep Mrs. Taylor’s suggested turkey, so that Mrs. Taylor wouldn’t be offended. Besides, Takara liked turkey.

It seemed like forever before the meal arrived. Takara wasn’t sure she could stand the wait much longer. Finally, as the sun started to fall beneath the horizon, she could hear the familiar sound of the food cart as it rolled down the hall. Finally, it was coming with actual food for her! The food attendant went to Mrs. Taylor’s bedside first, and for a second she thought she heard the cart turning away. She gripped the blanket in her hands. Fortunately, the woman turned back around and headed for Takara’s bed.

“All right, Ta-ka-ra Ta-ka-ha-shee?”

“Yes.” Takara responded.

It was close enough anyway. She would take the shaky pronunciation if it meant keeping the food. The woman placed the plate on a tray and positioned the food in front of her. Takara thanked the woman, who nodded then left.

Takara unwrapped the silverware and placed the napkin in her lap. As she swallowed her first bite of the turkey, Mrs. Taylor asked, “So, how is the turkey?”

“It’s delicious!” Takara admitted.

“Yes, it’s great, isn’t it? I’m actually going to miss it tomorrow.”

“Why? What happens tomorrow?”

Takara thought Mrs. Taylor meant she was going to have another procedure tomorrow or the next day. She had just had one that morning.

“Oh, I’m going home tomorrow.” Mrs. Taylor stated.

Takara sat back and away from her meal. For some reason, she was afraid to have Mrs. Taylor leave. Suddenly, Mrs. Taylor pulled back the curtain.

“You’re going to miss me, aren’t you?” she asked.

“Yes.” Takara replied earnestly.

Mrs. Taylor seemed surprised by the response.

“I mean, I’m happy for you.” Takara added.

“Well, don’t worry. You’ll be let out soon.”

“Yes.” Takara said. “I hope so … I hope so.”

 

***

 

Just like every test she had been given while she had been unconscious, when the latest test results came back they showed nothing that would explain why she had been in a coma all this time. The doctors would have to be satisfied with the explanation that comas were hard to understand. Fortunately, the fact that the test results didn’t indicate a problem allowed Takara to be discharged the following day. On that day, she was given instructions to take along with her so that she could deal with a few issues: she was anemic and a bit malnourished. She also had muscle atrophy.

“That would explain the weakness I feel.” Takara told her doctor.

“Yes.”

“Will I get better?”

“There’s no reason to think that you won’t. The tests don’t show any permanent damage.”

Takara nodded. Dr. Thatcher noticed the girl seemed a bit down. That seemed odd given how much she had wanted to go home. So, Dr. Thatcher took the opportunity to ask, “Do you have any concerns you need to ask me about?”

“No,” Takara considered. “I don’t think so.”

“So, you feel ready to go home?”

“I think so. I mean, it won’t be the same without my father.”

“That must be it.” Dr. Thatcher concluded to himself. “Well, do you have a family doctor you can follow up with?” he asked her.

“Yes.”

“Are you comfortable making an appointment?”

“Yes, I will.”

“Well, I’ll give you my card. If you need anything or start to experience any odd symptoms, feel free to call my office. I specialize in neurology.”

Takara took the card from him.

“All right.”

“I wish I had more answers for you.” the doctor admitted.

“That’s okay.”

Dr. Thatcher smiled. He reminded himself that this was the outcome he had hoped for; this was a success story. He had done everything he could for her. Yet, something was troubling him. Dr. Thatcher decided to dismiss the concern. It was important to maintain some professional distance; he wouldn’t do any of his patients any good if he didn’t.

“Well, I’ll have the nurse call your contact information. And I’ll get that paperwork filled out for you.”

He offered her his hand, and she took it.

“It was nice meeting you, Takara.”

“Yes. Thank you for your help.”

Dr. Thatcher left. It wasn’t all that long afterward that a nurse came in to remove Takara’s IV. Next, Takara was wheeled out toward the nurse’s station where a young woman Takara vaguely remembered seeing at her father’s office was waiting for her.

“Hello, Takara.” The woman smiled with a large grin on her face.

“Hi.” Takara returned in a more reserved tone.

The woman seemed surprised. It was true that Takara had been more of an extrovert before the accident. Maybe it was the loss of her father or her current weakness, but she didn’t have the energy to be enthusiastic with people right now.

“Well.” she said, placing her hand on Takara’s shoulder. Takara looked down at the hand for a moment. “Let’s get you home, shall we?”

Takara managed a smile.

The woman, Angela Barts, looked at the orderly who was pushing the wheelchair for a moment.

“If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to the car.”

Angela Barts turned abruptly and headed toward the door. The orderly began pushing Takara in that direction right away. Takara suddenly wished she could slow the journey down, but then what good would that do? Takara couldn’t stay at the hospital; she’d have to go home eventually.

The “car” that was waiting for her was actually a limousine from the Institute. Takara gripped the arms of her wheelchair. The limo was just like the one she and her father were riding in on the day of the crash.

“Whatever happened to the driver?” Takara asked aloud.

Angela turned toward her; she looked at Takara with curiosity.

“I’m not sure.” she said. “I believe he’s fine, though, and has moved on to another company.”

“I can’t recall his name.” Takara admitted.

“Well, you don’t need to, Takara. As I’ve said, he’s fine. And he wasn’t at fault for the accident.”

Takara looked up at Angela Barts quizzically. Why did she assume Takara meant something like that?

“Well, let’s get you in the car, all right?”

Takara noted that there was an edge to Angela’s voice. The orderly helped Takara into the back seat. Takara thanked him. Angela sat across from her then pulled the door shut; next, she tapped on the glass behind her. The car pulled forward and headed off. Angela Barts then made a short phone call on her cell phone. During the conversation, she basically just confirmed what the other speaker was saying. After the call was over, Angela stared off into space toward the window on her side. Takara could tell that the woman was avoiding eye contact with her. Had what Takara asked really bothered her that much? Just as Takara was going to speak again, Angela received a call. This time she talked a lot more. By the sound of it, the conversation seemed more personal in nature, and it was almost as though Takara wasn’t even present anymore. Takara decided to look out her window lest the woman remember she was there and think she was purposely eavesdropping.

The city streets started becoming less crowded, and the trees began to increase in number as they headed toward the Institute. It wasn’t long before the massive building surrounded by a tall, wrought iron fence came into view. It was actually quite intimidating all of a sudden.

Takara had thought her fear would have left her when she returned home. Only it seemed to have followed her there. Takara realized when her father was alive the Institute felt like home; now it didn’t. Instead, Takara wondered whether she really had a place here anymore. What would stop them from kicking her out tomorrow? It seemed to her that they owed her next to nothing. Takara wasn’t even aware how her father provided for her in his will. All she knew was that Mr. Tyler was in control of her father’s estate … and her. Speaking of Mr. Tyler, Takara was surprised to find him standing at the entrance to the Institute waiting for them when the limousine pulled into the circular drive. Takara suspected that at least one of the calls Angela had made had more than likely been made to him.

Takara hesitated as Angela slid out of the back seat and opened the door. It occurred to Takara that Angela appeared to be very comfortable with the limousine. Angela flounced up to Mr. Tyler.

“We’ve brought Takara home safely.” Angela then turned back toward the limo and finally noticed that Takara hadn’t left the vehicle. She looked at Takara with a confused and annoyed look on her face.

“Come on.” She waived Takara out of the vehicle.

Takara slowly pulled herself out of the back seat. She pulled her bear along with her as she exited.

“She hasn’t been herself since …” Takara heard Angela say.

Takara stopped short and glared at Angela. Takara wouldn’t have presumed to say personal things about Angela; she hardly knew the woman. And to Takara’s knowledge the woman hardly knew her. Takara climbed the rest of the way out of the vehicle.

“Well, are you going to thank Mr. Tyler for all he’s done for you?” Angela asked in a condescending tone as though Takara was a mere child.

“That’s fine. That’s not necessary, Miss Barts. Takara has been through a lot. I’m just happy to see she’s all right.”

Takara just looked blankly at Mr. Tyler for a moment.

“Well, Patty should be here any minute. Ah, here she is.”

An older woman came upon them then.

“Takara, this will be your nanny.”

“Nanny?”

“Yes, she will take care of all your needs.”

“You can come shake her hand, Takara.” Angela directed her.

Takara hesitated. She decided she didn’t like Angela. Still, because she didn’t want to start off on the wrong foot with her new caretaker, she decided to do as Angela instructed. That didn’t mean Takara trusted Patty. After all, she didn’t trust Mr. Tyler or Angela, and it seemed obvious that Patty would be reporting to one of them. Takara reached out to shake the woman’s hand. Patty looked at the hand for a moment.

“She’s not contagious.” Angela reassured her.

Patty looked as though she felt a bit ashamed but then reached out for Takara’s hand. Takara’s heart sank a bit.

“Well, let’s get you to your room.” Patty suggested.

“Is it the same one?” Takara asked.

Everyone looked at Takara funny. Patty seemed confused. Angela and Mr. Tyler appeared to be insulted.

“Don’t worry.” Patty assured the other two. “Let’s go, Takara.”

Takara was glad to follow the woman just to get away from the other two. When they were alone on their way to her room, Patty said, “I’m sorry for before. They didn’t tell me why you were in the hospital, and my daughter and her kids live with me.”

“That’s fine.” Takara smiled at her. Something about this woman seemed sincere. Patty smiled at her. Takara was relieved when they got to her room. It was the same one. Takara opened the door. For the first time, it occurred to her that her room had a lock on the door. Funny, it had never occurred to her to want one before.

“Well, if you need anything.” Patty handed Takara a portable intercom. “Just let me know.”

“Thank you.” Takara stated.

Patty smiled again then left. Takara shut her door. The room looked exactly the same, but it didn’t feel the same. Takara went and lay down on her bed with her bear. It felt good to be in her own bed again, and yet she couldn’t wait for the sun to go down. Somehow, it felt as though people could see her.

Copyright © Jennifer Alice Chandler 2019

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Nocturne’s Reaping® : Intermezzo Chapter 1

Nocturne’s Reaping® : Intermezzo

Chapter 1

Many decades earlier, technology had advanced far enough to make space colonization a possibility. Of course, not everything could be anticipated. Most of these unexpected issues were able to be worked around without incident. There were, however, some major issues that weren’t able to be gotten around. Those “issues” were the nebula reapers: entities of strength, speed, and ferociousness. The nebula reapers attacked ships and their passengers and consumed them regularly. Fortunately, the creatures would hibernate periodically in clusters, and the first attempts at containing them in energy force fields seemed to work. There were many roving groups of these creatures, and one such group was spotted and contained close to the doomed planet of Colony 52.

Colony 52 hadn’t planned on using its force fields to contain the nebula reapers; it was just a fluke that seemed to work. At first, it was actually a source of pride for Colony 52 that they had stumbled upon a solution to the nebula-reaper problem that other colonies would later emulate. The colonists believed the containment field would be a solution – that the nebula reapers were merely a temporary inconvenience. After all, how long could they live in there? Only they didn’t die — at least not enough of them — and their presence started to scare off supply traffic to Colony 52. As the years passed, the resources of Colony 52 began to dwindle, and the fear of the nebula reaper’s looming threat increased. The colonists of 52 were no longer the vanquishers of the reapers. The reapers were winning — patiently waiting out their captors.

Then one day, disaster struck and an explosion from a then unknown source ripped through space. The cluster of nebula reapers on Colony 52 was freed. Tragically, it wasn’t long afterwards that most of the inhabitants of the tiny planet were gone — more than likely consumed by the nebula reapers.

What was more, this group of nebula reapers seemed to have learned from their captivity. This development made the nebula reapers particularly difficult to contain, and, therefore, a larger threat to the other colonies and their citizenry. Their increased level of aggressiveness, cunning, and even speed was unexpected and alarming. Each reaper also seemed to no longer have a problem attacking its own. Oftentimes, they no longer felt the need to travel as a group. However, when they did move as a unit, they found they had an ample supply of things to feed off of when contained.

Far away from the remains of Colony 52, there was a tiny planet known as Colony 29. It was a planet rich in resources. Because of this plentitude, the colony developed a large scientific community. It was not surprising, therefore, that when the news of the outcome of Colony 52 came to the attention of the Security Force that help from Colony 29 was sought. In particular, there was one man named Dr. Hayato Takahashi [Ha-ya-to Ta-ka-ha-shee], a leading researcher and the founder of the renowned Virtual Reality and Robotics Institute, who was approached for assistance.

Since the nebula reapers were no longer able to be consistently contained as a group, the Security Force was open to new ideas. And Dr. Hayato Takahashi had the most innovative concept of all the scientists on Colony 29 — arming the individual for ground combat. At least this way a person would stand a fighting chance against a rogue reaper. Dr. Takahashi had actually been working on the concept for years despite other people’s insistence that the nebula-reaper threat had been resolved. But Dr. Takahashi persisted. And, though he had yet to complete his work, there were rumors all over Colony 29 that a breakthrough was imminent — that was until Dr. Takahashi’s untimely demise.

Takara Takahashi [Ta-ka-ra Ta-ka-ha-shee] had been in a hospital bed for months. She had been in a coma that entire time. No one knew exactly why she was unconscious for so long. True, the concussion she had sustained was severe, but all of the tests showed that her brain activity was normal. It was particularly difficult to be a doctor on such a scientifically advanced colony and not be able to help a patient. Everything Dr. Thatcher had tried seemed to do nothing. Takara just continued to lie there day after day – so still … so very still. One of the nurses suggested Takara seemed as though she was waiting for something. But what? Another offered that Takara looked like Snow White with her long, straight black hair and wan complexion. The only part of that observation that had been helpful to Dr. Thatcher was the comment about Takara’s complexion. The severe paleness was a sign that Takara’s health was poor. Dr. Thatcher just couldn’t figure out the reason Takara’s health was no longer improving. Strangely enough, it wasn’t until the hospital ran out of room and had to move Mrs. Taylor, a rather talkative patient, in with Takara that a breakthrough occurred.

Mrs. Taylor was waiting to have surgery several days after her admittance. Given that Mrs. Taylor was something of a social butterfly, after visiting hours she would talk to Takara about a television program she was watching or about what the weather was like outside of their shared window. Then one day, as Mrs. Taylor was recovering from her surgery, Takara finally opened her eyes. Mrs. Taylor quickly pressed the nurse’s call button repeatedly.

“Hurry! It’s a miracle! She’s awake!”

The nurses arrived soon after; still, Mrs. Taylor felt as though it had been a long time. Mrs. Taylor had been afraid the girl’s eyes would drift shut again, and that the hospital staff would think Mrs. Taylor was just loopy from her pain medication. Fortunately, the girl’s eyes were still open when the nurses got to her. Oddly enough, as they looked upon Takara they noted that Takara’s eyes seemed to be fixated on the ceiling. Mrs. Taylor was rather insulted when one of the two nurses then pulled the curtain closed between Mrs. Taylor and Takara thereby blocking Mrs. Taylor’s view.

“There’s gratitude for you!” Mrs. Taylor exclaimed.

Not long after that, Dr. Thatcher arrived and went beyond the curtain. As he emerged moments later and seemed to be leaving the room again, Mrs. Taylor spoke, “See it’s all the talking I did. The girl just needed to hear a human voice.”

Dr. Thatcher wasn’t sure what to make of Takara’s stare. Her eyes were responsive to light, but she just stared unseeingly forward. Eventually, he snapped his fingers next to the side of her face; however, instead of her eyes moving to the side, they just started to water. Then, about a minute later, her eyes shifted over, and she looked squarely at the doctor. Next, her eyes slid from person to person until she had looked at every one of the medical staff who was staring down at her.

“Let’s remove the feeding tube.” the doctor mentioned.

Takara coughed violently as the tube was removed. Then suddenly, Takara sat straight up in bed.

“Father!” she screamed. “Father!!”

Takara then pulled her knees up to her chest and wept.

“Honey!” a nurse called out. The nurse placed her hand on the young girl’s shoulder.

Takara’s lip quivered as she looked back at the nurse.

“Where — where’s my father?” Takara finally got up the nerve to ask.

The medical professionals looked amongst one another.

“What aren’t you telling me?” Takara’s voice cracked. Her voice didn’t sound right to her; it sounded hollow. “Where is he?”

“Should I get her a sedative?” one nurse whispered.

“No. We can’t risk that.” The doctor leaned down beside Takara’s bed.

“I’m very sorry, Takara. There was an accident. Your father died.”

Takara’s brows furrowed in disbelief. Then, she buried her face in her hands and began quietly sobbing.

“She’ll be all right.” the doctor concluded. He looked at the nurses, who looked helplessly back at him. Dr. Thatcher hadn’t considered what would happen when Takara woke up. Dr. Thatcher had been so preoccupied by whether she would wake up at all that he hadn’t considered what would become of her if she did. When she came into the ER, Dr. Thatcher had seen her with her father — wheeled in on gurneys side by side. He had handled thirteen-year-old Takara’s case. Later, when he heard her father hadn’t made it, he somehow still viewed them as a unit. Now it occurred to him that the young girl was alone. There hadn’t been a single visitor. How could that be, and what would become of Takara now?

“Who’s been paying the bills?” the doctor whispered to one of the nurses.

He received an odd look from the nurse.

“I’m trying to figure out whom we should contact.”

“Oh.” the nurse looked at the girl. “I’ll go find out.”

The first nurse left the room.

“Would you like something to eat or drink?” the other nurse asked Takara. Then, she paused abruptly. She turned toward the doctor. “Is that okay? You haven’t updated her chart.”

“Yes. Only start her on a clear liquid diet.”

“Yes, Doctor.” the second nurse stated before she also left.

Doctor Thatcher waited anxiously for the first nurse to return. Eventually, Takara looked up at him through her tears. The doctor looked at her.

“I’m sorry you had to hear about it that way.” he awkwardly put forth.

Takara nodded.

Suddenly, the curtain was pulled back halfway. The first nurse had returned, and she was carrying in her arms a small brown bear with a purple ribbon tied around its neck.

“I wasn’t sure what you would like. I’ve always liked teddy bears, so I thought I’d give it a try.”

She offered the toy to Takara. Takara looked at it quizzically for a moment then reached out and took it.

The doctor looked at the nurse expectantly. She gestured with her head that they should talk off to the side.

“The bill’s been paid by her father’s institution. There is no other contact information. I’m afraid there might not be anyone who can take responsibility for her. After all, she’s had no visitors.” the nurse informed the doctor.

“Oh yes, she has.” Mrs. Taylor spoke up.

Mrs. Taylor was a bit surprised by the look on the medical professionals’ faces. But then she realized they must have thought she was asleep. She hadn’t really done anything to make them think otherwise. After all, they were used to her speaking nonstop when she was awake.

“At least I believe so.” Mrs. Taylor corrected. When the look on their faces suggested they were going to dismiss her account, she added that the man only came once — the first night Mrs. Taylor was in the room. “I never saw him after that. The strange thing was he left right away when he saw me. At the time I thought he had the wrong room, but then he had burst in here as though he knew for sure where he was going. Still, as I said, he never did come back.”

The doctor and the nurse looked at one another unsure of what to make of Mrs. Taylor’s story. If someone had come looking for Takara, then that could be a good thing. But then why would he come at night? And why would he leave and not return?

“Well, go ahead and call the phone number of the Institute. Maybe they can locate some sort of will or something. If we can’t find a suitable guardian for this girl … Well, let’s see what we’re dealing with before we go there.”

“Yes, Doctor.”

The nurse filed out. The doctor left as well. He figured there was no point in being around until things were settled. Still, Mrs. Taylor was surprised the staff would leave that young girl alone again.

Mrs. Taylor reached out to the curtain. It took some effort and some stretching to get a handle on the fabric; finally, she grasped the divider with two fingers. It took a couple of attempts before she was able to open the curtain wide enough to see the girl.

The girl was looking straight ahead. At first, Mrs. Taylor wasn’t sure the girl was aware that the curtain had been moved. But then suddenly, she looked over at the woman with curiosity.

“Hey, I’m going to be your roommate for a while. It must be very hard for you that you’ve lost so much time.”

Takara’s forehead crinkled.

“How long has it been?”

“Well, I’m not sure. It’s just that the doctors and nurses acted as though it’s been awhile.”

“Well, what day is it?” Takara asked.

“I’m not sure exactly.” Mrs. Taylor reached over and grabbed a newspaper from off her nightstand.

“March 29th.” Mrs. Taylor read.

“The last thing I remember was going to a New Year’s Eve party with my father …” Takara began blankly. “We went into a limousine afterward. I think there was ice on the road that night. Could that have been it … what caused this to happen to us?”

Takara touched her head with her hand suddenly. There was pain there. It started when she saw a flash of something in her mind she didn’t want to think about. Whatever it was, she knew it wasn’t something she wanted to remember.

Takara instead decided to focus on the memories she had from the time right before the accident. Then again, in a way it was more painful thinking of those last moments with her father. They had been attending a New Year’s Eve gala. They had been introduced to the large gathering below while standing at the top of a very large staircase. Takara had worn a long red velvet dress; her hair was pulled back in a braided updo. Takara usually wore her hair in a loose braid, but this was a special occasion. She had even accentuated her hair with red jeweled barrettes. Over her hands, Takara carried a white muff.

Takara’s father, a man of medium height, escorted Takara down the staircase. Her father was always a distinguished man with a kind smile and a pair of small spectacles on his face. This night he replaced his white lab coat for a dark gray suit. He usually worked so hard that Takara wasn’t able to have her father’s full attention very often. But this night her father had made time for her, and Takara couldn’t have been more thrilled.

Takara guessed that the dress she had worn that night must have been ruined in the crash. But that locket her father had given her for her birthday, was that also gone? She needed something to hold on to. Takara looked at the bear. She grasped it to her chest and lay back down on the bed. Takara felt exhausted. She had been unconscious for over three months; maybe she’d slip back under once more. Takara’s eyes watered and tears slipped down her face. Did she really want to stay awake? But then the question of what might happen to her if she did fall away again came to Takara’s mind. She wiped her eyes.

Takara realized that she didn’t have any real control over her future. Yet, if there was something she could do to improve her chances, she decided she would try. The first thing she wanted to do was to get out of this bed and eventually out of this hospital. Takara wanted to sleep in her own bed again.

“Teddy bear,” she whispered. “You’ll like my room. There are a bunch of stuffed animals there you can be friends with.”

Takara curled up in a ball on her side with Teddy wrapped in her arms.

“It will be nice to sleep …”

It was dark when Takara woke up again. Her first thought was one of wondering how long she’d been asleep. Her second thought was one of wondering what that form was that was looming by her side.

“Doctor?” Takara whispered.

Takara could see the man’s eyes glisten from the dim light streaming in from the outdoor street lamps. When there was no reply — only breathing — Takara began to freak out.

“Who are you?” she gasped as she lurched backward on her bed.

Takara turned away and began to scream as the man seemed to reach for her. Suddenly, the light by Mrs. Taylor’s bed came on.

“What’s going on? Are you all right, girl? I’m calling for a nurse!”

Takara could see the man retract from her bed. Takara squinted at him.

“Mr. Tyler?” Takara murmured.

Suddenly, the nurse entered the room and was redirected by Mrs. Taylor to Takara’s bedside. The doctor came in soon after, seemingly fearing the worst; instead, they found a strange, thin man of medium height with slightly disheveled, stringy, pale blond hair standing by Takara’s bedside. Despite the girl’s frantic look, the man appeared as though nothing was unusual. His striking business attire made him appear to be less than threatening. Still …

“Hello, you must be Takara’s doctor.” The man offered the hesitant doctor his hand. “I’m Mr. Tyler. I was a colleague of Dr. Takahashi at the Institute … I just received your phone call.”

“Oh, yes.” the doctor said, taking in the scene. “I just wasn’t informed by the nurse’s station that you had checked in.”

“Oh, I didn’t.”

The doctor had taken up Mr. Tyler’s hand; now, he released it.

“You wouldn’t happen to be the one who Mrs. Taylor saw in this room the other day – the one who came to see Takara.”

“Yes, that was me.” the man said, situating the vase on a nearby bedside table to his liking. “I lost my nerve I’m afraid to say. I didn’t know what to say to the child … assuming she could even hear me.” Mr. Tyler looked up. “So, is she ready to be released?”

“I’m afraid not.” the doctor said. “I’ve set up some tests tomorrow to make sure she is all right. I wouldn’t feel right about releasing her until I was sure she was ready.”

Mr. Tyler looked over at Takara.

“Yes, of course. Well, call the Institute again, and I’ll send someone to pick her up.”

“I’m sorry but do you have the authority to take her?”

“Oh, yes.” Takara was surprised when Mr. Tyler pulled something out of his breast pocket. “Here. I am the executor of the estate. I also went to the trouble of becoming Takara’s guardian.”

The doctor took the form and looked it over just to be sure. This whole situation left Dr. Thatcher with an uneasy feeling, but he couldn’t pinpoint a valid objection. He handed back the document. Takara watched the document as it was passed back and forth.

“Do I get to go home?” she asked.

“As soon as you’re released.” Mr. Tyler said without looking at her. He put the form back into his pocket. “As I’ve said, contact the Institute again, and we’ll pick her up.”

Mr. Tyler headed for the door.

 

Copyright © Jennifer Alice Chandler 2019

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Nocturne’s Reaping® : Dirge Chapter 24

Nocturne’s Reaping® : Dirge

Chapter 24

 

Nora and Jack were nearly dead when they were discovered by a passing ship — their plane floating seemingly lifeless in space. The passing ship did a scan of the plane. The scan detected life. Therefore, the ship’s crew salvaged the plane. There would be rumors of other survivors from the dead planet known as 52, but for some reason none of those people would acknowledge being from there. Tracking down those survivors wouldn’t be easy as they were scattered about in various colonies, blending in with the people there. But some colonial citizens noted that there were new residents on their colonies; these were colonies that weren’t accustomed to newcomers. Still, the only ones talking about Colony 52 were the two from that broken-down plane. At first the couple’s story seemed unbelievable, but what else could account for the plane and the two teenagers inside of it?

Not surprisingly, no one wanted to go to Colony 52 to check on the story. But, eventually, robotic rovers were dispatched. By the time they inched their way to the planet and sent out information by way of their video relay, the only life they found on Colony 52 were the nebula reapers. Nora sobbed in Jack’s arms when she learned the force field had failed sooner than expected — at least it was sooner than Nora had expected. There was still hope that her family escaped in time, but I never have heard whether or not she found them.

In the end, the information from the rovers — as well as Nora and Jack’s account — was collected by the Security Force. It viewed the discovery of Jack and Nora as useful to understanding what had happened. Yet, it was apparent to most that this tragedy wasn’t just a historical issue to learn from in the years to come. Colony 52’s problem had become a problem for everyone. What was more, the nebula reapers seemed to have learned from their past mistakes. They were no longer moving slowly and as a group. They were, therefore, harder to pin down. Additionally, they were more frenzied in their attacks. Finding the right strategy to contain the threat became a universal concern; the rest of human civilization had to avoid the same fate as Colony 52. Meanwhile, Nora and Jack were left to wonder if, instead of escape, they had just delayed the inevitable. In addition, Nora wondered why they should have lived while others died. But I figure if they hadn’t lived the rest of us might never have known what actually occurred on Colony 52, at least not for a long time. There might never have been an investigation. And even if the truth had been discovered with certainty through other means, valuable time would have been lost. This lost opportunity would have probably cost even more lives.

So ended a dark chapter in our history. Death is one thing; murder is quite another. It is more personal, more intimate. It sickens the soul. And yes, I consider what the Administration did murder. Still, that reality wasn’t mine — not yet. Circumstances didn’t change for me overnight — not that night anyway. The ripple started off small, and the effects were delayed. But, eventually, they would spread decidedly from planet to planet. No, instead of the nebula reapers, different enemies had landed on my home planet of Colony 38.

“Monrage?”

“That’s Leader Monrage.” Leader Monrage stated in a tone of annoyance as he folded up a local newspaper. He uncrossed his legs and leaned forward towards the butler, who had come to greet him.

“I’m sorry, sir.”

“Well …” Leader Monrage collected himself. “I have been thinking about shortening it to Monrage. After all, times change, and I should as well.”

The butler hesitated a moment under the odd man’s stare.

“Well, what is it?!” Leader Monrage demanded.

The butler cleared his throat.

“Yes … your brother has accepted your request for an audience and will be here shortly.” the butler announced. “That is all I’ve been told to tell you.”

Leader Monrage raised an eyebrow toward his companion, who was sitting next to him. She nodded a subtle agreement. Then, moments later, into the room walked Oliver Bertrand, Leader Monrage’s older brother and my father.

“Oliver …” Leader Monrage stood quickly. “Or, should I say King Oliver? My, much has changed since I was last here.”

“Yes, indeed. Yet, some things are apparently the same.” King Oliver turned toward Leader Monrage’s companion. “Then again, apparently some things have changed. My, Lark, you’ve certainly grown up. I hardly recognized you.”

“I’m not Lark!” the woman, who had decided to remain seated, spat. Her voice was quavering.

King Oliver was taken aback. He looked upon Leader Monrage with disapproval.

“This … lady is Twelve’s sister. She goes by Celeste.” Monrage announced.

“Oh, all right.” King Oliver returned, still quite a bit put out by Celeste’s outburst.

At that moment, I came into the room. I was a girl of ten then, and I was looking for my father. I spied Leader Monrage almost instantly and realized I had made the same mistake I had made years earlier, for I had also interrupted them then. My father came toward me to usher me out the door as two guards on either side of my father protected the king’s back.

“No need for that again.” Leader Monrage put forth. “Why do you keep doing that?”

King Oliver turned toward him.

“Why do you keep hanging out with little girls?” King Oliver countered.

Leader Monrage laughed.

“This one’s hardly little.” Leader Monrage stated, referring to his companion. “And the rest is nothing like that I assure you. You don’t have to worry about my kidnapping anyone.”

“So, what is it you are doing here, Brother? I’d have thought you’d be traveling the universe with your latest companion.”

“Space is not so safe as it used to be — or haven’t you heard?” Leader Monrage joked.

“I have, but I’m surprised you have. It seems you’ve been off the grid for a while.”

Leader Monrage shifted uncomfortably.

“I’m surprised you even tried to reach me.” Monrage returned.

“You’re my brother.”

“Though, you sometimes wish I weren’t.”

“You said it, not me.”

“Let’s not kid ourselves, Oliver. That isn’t why you tried to track me down.”

“Seems we both have items we’d rather not discuss.” my father countered.

I had no idea what they were talking about.

Leader Monrage laughed to himself. Then, he eyed my father squarely.

“So, you remember Colony 52, eh? I’m glad I’m not the only one who isn’t able to forget it. Though, I guess it really is as much my fault as yours what happened to me — you know … the prison colony. Given my fascination with Colony 52 — or at least what surrounded it — I had to volunteer to take those supplies there.”

“Only, you never actually showed up with them.” my father reminded him.

“Oh, I showed up. Not with those supplies, but I definitely showed up. I even brought them something worth as much money as they paid us. It just wasn’t what they were expecting. And I was very late with the delivery, I’ll admit that. Still, I never did feel right about helping them by providing them with those supplies. I didn’t agree with how they decided to handle the situation — how others followed their lead. So, why should I help them when my loyalty is elsewhere?”

Leader Monrage’s companion grew noticeably uncomfortable. My father, however, held his ground.

“My regret has been that you were too young back then to show judgment. Now, I don’t know what to think.”

Leader Monrage sneered and seemed to hiss as he laughed.

“You would know. You know everything … don’t you, Oliver?”

“There was nothing I could have done then … we have no relationship, no pull with the Security Force.”

“That again!”

“What more do you want from me? You stole from me before Aurore was born. And I still helped you after you escaped years later …”

“And you weren’t just a little bit glad I was out of the way?!”

Leader Monrage took a step toward my father. That action was enough to get the guards’ attention.

“Well, you’ve caught me. There is something you can do for me now.” Leader Monrage started in a newly found jovial tone. His first words had seemed to strike his companion with horror. “We are here to stay for a while. We don’t plan on living in your palace. We can find our own place. Though, I have to admit the occasional family dinner might be nice — if it’s okay with Princess Aurore, of course.”

My dad just stared at him for a moment. I noticed that Leader Monrage’s companion looked upon me with a mark of admiration — or was it jealousy?

My brow furrowed. I realized my uncle was playing a game of some kind — a not fun game. He seemed to be skirting the edges of saying something that he, his companion, and my father didn’t want anyone else to know. I decided I really didn’t like Leader Monrage.

“Do what you want. You will anyway.” Dad finally told him.

“My, that statement brings back memories.” Uncle Monrage whispered.

My father seemed frozen as Leader Monrage and the woman passed us by. I looked after them. I was surprised that, after all of my father’s concern, my father had let him get this close to me. He must have believed Leader Monrage harmless after all — or at least not interested in kidnapping me. Maybe Uncle Monrage didn’t need the money or the trouble. I would ask my father later why he let Monrage come around us. My father just answered that Monrage was his brother. I remember thinking I was glad I didn’t have a brother.

And so, while others continued to struggle with the nebula reapers, we contended with Leader Monrage. And yet, one colony found itself at the time in the enviable position of going forward as though nothing had happened at all. And yet, even there important events were occurring beneath the surface. These events would ultimately affect the outcome for everyone nonetheless.

 

End of Book Two

Copyright © Jennifer Alice Chandler 2016

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Nocturne’s Reaping® : Dirge Chapter 23

Nocturne’s Reaping® : Dirge

Chapter 23

“Pray with me.” Nora whispered to Jack.

Nora and Jack prayed as they slowly approached what she believed to be the spot where they were supposed to ascend, even though it was still a ways away. By the look of it, it seemed the recruits were to cross the force field through a temporarily weakened section. Nora also noticed there were fighter jets within the area. Were they there to repel any nebula reapers that breached the vulnerability? Were the nebula reapers right there — perhaps just passing in the distance? Could that be why the recruits had been told to keep in a holding pattern for the time being? At the very least, it would seem that the opportunity to exit into space couldn’t be guaranteed at any given moment. Certainly, the recruits weren’t all going to be sent out just to be ambushed. The fact that the Administration delayed their ascent suggested that wasn’t true. Yet, Nora’s mind couldn’t help but run through all the possibilities she could conceive of. And the fact was that in this situation almost anything was possible.

Then, Nora got to thinking about the purpose of the fighter jets. Perhaps, they weren’t there just for the nebula reapers. Maybe they were there to shoot down any of the recruits who strayed off course. Even if that wasn’t their real purpose, it had the same effect — it made you think twice before trying to escape.

Finally, they were given the signal to ascend. Jack and Nora filed in behind the other recruits; a couple more filed in behind them. They lined up in the order they had left the Institute. One by one they disappeared into the hole in the force field like a person sinking underneath a pool of water. Nora thought of Group A and their final moments. Were they given a chance to come back through the force field? How long had they been kept out there? Had they realized at some point they weren’t going to be able to defeat the reapers? Had they tried to return? Had the fleeing planes crashed into the force field, and that was how they fell to the ground the way they had? Was that the reason the planes were now even smaller than the ones she had seen Group A use during their test flight? Had even the small planes from before resulted in too much debris? On the one hand, Nora was in a unique position to understand the horror of that. On the other hand, her brain wouldn’t allow her to go there.

As it turned out, it was pointless to wonder. Nora hadn’t actually seen the planes Group A had used on their final mission. The ones Elsie saw may have been set aside for either Group A or Group B. Actually, Nora didn’t know at the time to ask Elsie whether the planes she saw being moved on to the grounds before the members of Group A were sent out that last time were the same as those used during the test flight. In the end, what Nora really wanted to know now was whether the plane she and Jack were in was the same type that had been used in that disastrous mission. And were they, therefore, doomed to have the same kind of failure now? Would the Administration have even had the time to improve the planes this fast? It could be the Administration anticipated the need for smaller planes yet sent Group A out in the less effective ones anyway. Either way, it seemed impossible to know at this point whether Group B stood a better chance than Group A had.

Nora did decide that, no matter whether those in Group A had lost their lives as a direct result of the nebula reapers or while trying to flee from them, it was likely the force field had been closed off behind them. Chances were good that that was what was about to happen to her and the others in Group B, too. Nora’s stomach dropped when she realized that the force field would probably not be opened again until Group C was ready to be sent out. Then, it suddenly dawned on Nora that the planes she saw earlier, the small ones she assumed were for Group B, may be intended for Group C instead. If Group A flew out that final time in their test planes, it would mean that the plane Nora was now using was one of the ones Elsie saw being brought in to the complex, and that Nora instead saw the vehicles meant for Group C’s demise. It was like it had been with Group A — Group B had already died in the mind of the Administration. Panic began to set in once more.

“Why are we doing this again?” Nora questioned. “Wouldn’t we have a better chance against those fighter jets?”

Jack hesitated. He didn’t want to talk about the fact that the colony was on borrowed time. It would automatically call to Nora’s mind her parents and her brother. Though Jack talked with Nora’s mother, he wasn’t sure her family would be able to leave in time.

“I’ve been thinking we might get trapped out there …” Nora noted.

“I talked with your mother. I told her everything. There may be a way for them to leave.” Jack decided to say after all.

Nora partially turned. She was silent for a moment as she considered.

“I told them I’d take care of you.” he added.

“But it’s such a risk for them to try. Is it because of me? Because of this?”

“Yes and no. If I hadn’t promised to try to get you out, they might not have considered leaving. But still … there isn’t much of a choice. The truth is we’re not going to stop the nebula reapers. Eventually, the force field is going to fail. Our goal is to delay them long enough for some others to escape in a passenger plane.”

Nora fully turned around to look at Jack. She forgot she couldn’t see his face behind his helmet.

“How can they fit a plane that size through those small force field gaps?” Nora wondered.

“My guess is that with the distraction they can open a hole big enough for a larger vessel. It’s a risk, but it worked with Group A.”

Nora swallowed. Moments later, she bit her lip.

“Then, they’ve already given up on the colony … There’s no hope down there.” she said as she turned back forward. Nora lightly touched the controls. “And yet, most everything in me is screaming that we should turn back … unless, unless I can help my parents … my brother … you and I … It could just be fear, I guess. Something tells me it could just be fear I’m feeling …”

“There’s no time left for you to go with them tonight. And if they are going in the third group, it might ruin their chances if you tried to join up with them now — assuming that’s even an option. Still, I’m planning on escaping with you right now if we can. This is our only chance to have a plane. Are you up for it?”

Nora breathed.

“I guess I’ll have to be … It’s time.”

The computer monitor showed that they had reached the point in space where they were to ascend. In fact, the controls lit up to show that they needed to be adjusted. Once Nora put her hands on the controls, the screen showed instructions on what should be done next. She did what the instructions spelled out. As she did, the plane started the steep climb towards the exit into space. Nora breathed shallowly and swiftly as the plane ascended. Eventually, she realized she was near hyperventilation. She thought about closing her eyes but decided against it. She needed to be able to see. That was when she felt Jack’s hand grasp her shoulder reassuringly. Nora managed to calm down … but just a little.

Then, suddenly, a thought flashed into her mind. She remembered how the lecturer had told them how lucky they were compared with the others who were to remain on the colony. It was a lie that the recruits were lucky, but what about the others? Was he thinking about what was going to happen when the force field failed? Maybe he felt he’d rather be in a plane like the recruits than be one of the people on the ground. Would he be one of those helpless people, or would he be one of the ones who were set to escape all of this?

And could she really judge the people behind the escape plan now that her parents and brother might be among the escapees? No, it wasn’t their escaping that was wrong; it was the way those behind it were going about it. Nora did worry that her parents wouldn’t escape. Yet, if they could it would be a relief. One thing Nora felt sure about was that Jack wouldn’t lie about the possibility that her family might escape, not even to make her feel better. No, she had to believe it was possible.

“Nora, heads up.” Jack said. “We’re going through.”

There was an eerie silence when they emerged on the other side. At first, she could only hear the low roar of the thrusters. Then, Jack switched on the radio. Jack could reach some of the buttons that Nora couldn’t easily reach under the circumstances. On the radio, they could hear the others breathing. Nora then realized she could also hear her own breath rather loudly from within her mask. She concluded that her nerves were getting to her. There was one question that needed to be answered to reassure Nora: what were they supposed to do now?

“Should we turn the lights on?” Nora wondered aloud.

“No.” Jack returned.

“But I can’t see anything.” she persisted.

“I’m more worried about their seeing us at this point.” Jack noted.

He was leaning to the side and seemed to be straining to see what was going on outside the window.

“Wait! What’s that!” a voice came over the intercom suddenly. “Turn us around!”

Nora held her breath as the screaming began.

Because of the light from the other planes’ thrusters, Nora could see that the planes were scattering. The lights would spark on and off at varying times. Nora couldn’t tell whether the nebula reapers had actually come upon the recruits or whether the recruits had just lost their nerve. Nora thought about calling out to them, but she doubted they could hear her over the shouts and screams, which abounded. While everyone else seemed to be in some state of movement, Nora was frozen. Though the planes came equipped with weapons — and they had now been activated — she couldn’t see anything to fire the weapons at.

But when the firing began from elsewhere, she was able to finally see the massive forms of the nebula reapers streaking around. Only they seemed much larger, much closer than ever before. And one was coming almost directly at her and Jack’s plane! Nora shrieked as the light gray apparition slid against their vehicle with such force that it caused Nora and Jack to careen off course.

But the creature didn’t go for them; it was hot on the trail of another plane. Nora swallowed and wrung her hands.

“Maybe it thinks we’re dead.” Nora put forth.

“Those weapons don’t seem to be doing anything.” Jack observed calmly.

Nora screamed as the pursued plane and all those in it were consumed.

“No!! Jack!” Nora screamed.

She attempted to turn around toward him, but she did it so quickly that she forgot to compensate for her safety belt. Yet, she could see that his mask was facing her.

“I’m trying to figure out what to do.” he stated. “The problem is we can’t just stay here forever.”

Nora was confused by Jack’s demeanor. Should she be comforted or concerned by his seeming stoicism? It all depended on what it meant. Was he formulating some sort of plan? Or, was he like her — in a state of shock — incapable of deciding on a course of action. Then, another reaper bumped into them then another. Nora shook violently.

“What should I do, Jack?! Should I fire at them?!” Nora demanded, her voice shrill.

“No. Even direct hits don’t do any good.”

Nora breathed unsteadily.

“You were right! We’re just a distraction! There’s nothing we can do!!” she sobbed.

Nora could suddenly hear someone over the intercom start to cry, and she realized her mistake. She had been talking over the radio.

“I’m — I’m sorry …” Nora stammered. “Maybe you should all try stopping as we have. I mean, it’s not a complete answer, but …”

“We’re being pursued, you idiot! We can’t stop …” one yelled back at her.

“The firing may draw attention …” Nora offered.

“What?! Are you crazy? We have to defend ourselves!” another screamed.

“It doesn’t do any good!” Nora argued.

“Don’t listen to her! I’ve seen it repel them,” a man yelled out. “Just keep moving and firing. She probably just wants everyone to be a sitting duck like she is.”

“No, I …”

“Don’t bother.” Jack said. “You tried.”

Jack switched the radio off.

“I hate to say this, but we can use all that’s going on to get away … Nora … Nora.”

“Yes.” Nora uttered.

“I’m switching us on to impulse power.” Jack informed her. “I’m hoping that will keep our movement so slow and emit so little light that it won’t draw attention to us. You need to steer us toward the right.”

Nora managed to move her eyes toward the controls. She slowly reached out her shaking hands to the controls and tipped them ever so slightly to the right. She breathed and realized that she had been holding her breath. Her muscles were also so tense that she felt they might start cramping. She started rubbing one leg with a hand she freed up just to have something else to do. Unfortunately, she couldn’t help but look up again. The scene she saw in front of her looked almost identical to the one she had seen before she looked down.

“Are we even moving?” Nora asked after a moment had passed.

“Yes, we’re moving — just slowly.”

Nora leaned back into Jack.

“Then … we just wait …” Nora murmured.

“Yes.”

“We’re using the same strategy as the passenger transport — wherever it is — just trying to lie low …” she whispered. “I wonder whether my parents are out there somewhere trying to get away.”

Nora looked off to the side at the edge where the windshield met the metal sides of the plane. From that position, she was able to witness certain events unfolding. In the distance, she could see lights erupt in patches against the force field surrounding Colony 52. At first, Nora thought it was just the debris from the planes, which had either succumbed to or were trying to flee from the nebula reapers, and it was. But it was also the nebula reapers bearing down on the force field, weakening it. And it was weakening. Almost imperceptibly, the light grew dimmer and dimmer. And when the weakening occurred, the small planes would disappear from view as they delved into the atmosphere — though by then they were no longer in one piece. It must have been the same for Group A, Nora decided. Only because the force field had become weaker since then, it was happening faster for Group B. For now, most of the reapers were too large to make it through the force field and reach Colony 52. And yet, Nora somehow knew that soon that wouldn’t be the case. Soon the force field would be no more. Then, nothing would exist … not on Colony 52.

“It’s funny, you know, though not in an amusing way …” Nora’s voice was hollow. “… but I can still hear the screaming even now that the radio is turned off.” Nora muttered. “Am I dreaming? It’s getting so dark. The lights are all going out one by one … And now, they’re gone. They’re all gone. Ours could come back on though. And what about my parents and brother …? It’s cold, so cold. And dark — so very dark. How far do you think we can go before we die of suffocation — assuming you’re right, and they don’t kill us?”

“As long as it takes. I believe we can make it to the nearest planet.”

“But how much oxygen could we have left?”

“Enough I think. As soon as we’re farther away we’ll set off faster.”

Nora reached back and grasped his hand.

“Thank you for coming for me — no matter what happens.” she murmured softly.

He squeezed her hand.

“Don’t give up, Nora. Don’t give up.”

Copyright © Jennifer Alice Chandler 2016

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