Soteria- The Crisis Forge

by Roberto Arcoleo

  Mark is such a sentimentalist concerning these beings, not really seeing their baseness and barbarism. Jason recalled how angry Mark was about that night in China when he had killed several businessmen. He had been enraged after watching them slicing off the skulls of apes and eating their brains while the creatures were still alive. A whole family of apes… and all while their mother watched her children being brutalized before her eyes. These humans had been laughing and drinking wine as they performed the barbaric act. Even the memory angered Jason when he thought of the evolutionary distance between the apes and the humans and the relative distance between humans and himself. The apes were just half a step behind humans, yet these humans felt no empathy for the apes.

  Mark was very upset with me for that, but to this day I feel no remorse… He started listening to the music again. But then there are moments like this one. Sometimes with these beings, they lift you to an almost glorious state.

  After the music ended, Jason and Helena partied for a few hours with the rest of the band.

  Finally, Jason tore himself away. “Well guys, I have to go. Places to go… People to see… as they say.”

  “Jason, Jason… It’s early! We always party till dawn!” implored Helena with a mischievous smile on her face.

  “Not tonight, I really have to go, Helena. I would love to hang… Tomorrow, for sure, we’ll party all night.”

  “Oh please, please stay, Jason! I will be so sad if you leave.” Although it was futile, Helena would never give up the dream of having Jason. But the more she threw herself at him, the more Jason withdrew. He just smiled, waved and left the room.

  Walking down the stairs and out into the street he searched for a dark alley that could conceal him enough to transport himself to Westchester County, into the living room of the psychiatrist. All of a sudden, he heard his name called out from the shadows.

  “Jason, so I finally getcha alone!” It was Lucasie.

  Holding a .38 revolver in his hand, he said, “So you thought it would all end that night, you fucking little punk. No one fucks with me; you little shit! The only reason I ain’t got three of my boys rippin’ you to pieces with pliers and saws right now is that I don’t want anyone to know what happened up in that room! But you’re gonna die, you scumbag, and I’m gonna love watching you die slow!”

  Jason turned to face Lucasie. “You fool. You should have left well enough alone. You disgust me. You’re not worthy of the air you breathe. I don’t have time to give you all the suffering you deserve, so I will just have to end you with the same contempt in which I hold you.”

  Slapping away Lucasie’s gun with his right hand, he grabbed him by the neck, pinning his body to the wall with his left. The .38 flew across the ally. “You bastard!” Lucasie snarled, reaching for his switchblade. Jason laughed, snatching away the knife and crushing Lucasie’s hand as if he were crumpling paper.

  He lifted Lucasie off the ground by his throat, tore open his shirt, and with the knife made an almost imperceptible incision along his exposed mid-section.

  Lucasie felt a gentle warmth arise within his neck. The heat, almost soothing at first, grew more intense as it traveled down. His eyes started to burn, his throat grew dry, he tasted blood. Jason lifted Lucasie further off the ground, smiling as he watched his legs frantically dancing as if he were an electrified puppet. Lucasie looked down at his stomach as the pain intensified. His organs started to boil. The wound in his abdomen tore open.

  “Oh Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!” he cried, watching his intestines drop to the ground amidst the bodily waste.

  Jason looked down at Lucasie’s body. He noticed that there was a large commercial dumpster in the back of the ally. That will do, he emptied out an oversized plastic garbage bag and then stuffed the body into it, leaving the bowels for the rats. He said, “A fitting end for you, you piece of crap.” And he closed the lid to the dumpster.

  Jason walked to the corner and waved a cab, he still had to visit Abernathy tonight, but he knew that he had better stop to change his clothing first.

  Chapter 14: A Call in the Night

  Jason surveyed the room. Eclectic and stuffy, he thought. Why would Mark trust the person who lives here? He observed a large library of academic books, a chessboard sitting on a solitary table next to a standing African sculpture, and a stuffed deer head with large antlers on the wall behind. Maybe Mark has some respect for this man’s desire to gain knowledge, but surely not for his taste.

  He spotted an old Magnavox console stereo near the desk. A large collection of LP records was neatly shelved just behind it. Jason pulled out an album of Beethoven’s 5th. This should do just fine, he chuckled to himself, after all, he seems to be living in the past. Well, time for us to meet, doctor. He sent the album spinning, placed his wife and children into a deep sleep, and sat down behind the desk to wait.

  A light spilled down into the hall from an upstairs bedroom. Jason lowered the music as the figure of a man tying his robe emerged. Moving tentatively, the figure descended the stairs. A fearful tone rang out, “Who are you? What are you doing here?”

  Jason looked up. “I think you know. Mark told you I would come on my own terms.”

  The doctor stood transfixed, and in an angry voice, asked, “Are you Jason?”

  A boyish smile appeared as he nodded, yes.

  “Look, Jason… This is highly inappropriate. I do not see clients in my home, or at this hour… No, this is impossible. You must leave immediately!” proclaimed Abernathy.

  Jason grinned. “I see you like to read Greek mythology. Are you a fan of the residents of Olympus? I am very fond of Zeus, myself. He really had his hands full with his children running around doing wild and crazy things. A kind of god running around doing crazy things is the topic we need to talk about…”

  Abernathy, shaking with agitation, dismissively said, “Look, if you need to talk to me, please make an appointment at my office, and we can discuss whatever topic you would like.”

  “Oh, an appointment…?” Jason smiled. “Your book is just there in your desk, is it not?”

  Abernathy nodded, bewildered. Jason walked slowly to the desk, and with a relaxed motion, waved his hand to unlock the drawer. He pulled forth the appointment book and, holding it in his hand, turned the pages to the following days’ appointments. “I see you are all booked up tomorrow, so we had better talk now.” he smiled.

  Gasping and trying to catch his breath, Abernathy spoke, “Who… what… are you?”

  “Dr. Abernathy, please take a seat. I’m sure our conversation will help explain some things to you about Mark and me.” Abernathy, still hardly capable of responding, stepped backward toward a chair at the farthest side of the room. He looked at the telephone, thinking of calling for help. His thoughts ran to his wife and children upstairs; his mouth grew dry.

  “Doctor, please do not be afraid. If I wanted to harm you, you would be long gone. Relax, I am not here to hurt you or any of your loved ones. Your family is sleeping peacefully… perhaps a bit more deeply than usual, but they will awake fine and refreshed in the morning.”

  Jason spoke softly in an attempt to put the doctor at ease, “We have things I need to discuss. Get comfortable, for what I am about to tell you will sound fantastical: I am from a faraway place thousands of light years away. And, although I grew up on this planet, I am not human. Neither is Mark.”

  Dr. Abernathy clutched the arm of the overstuffed chair. Trembling he said, “You’re not human… and neither is Mark. What do you mean you’re not human…? What do you want from me?”

  “It’s a very long story. In short, Mark and I have been sent here to avert an impending calamity for your planet. All has not yet been revealed to us; all we know is that if we do not succeed, life on this planet will end.”

  Abernathy sat back, his heart racing. He tried to catch his breath.

  Jason noticed Abernathy had not blinked once.

  “I fear that Mark’s recent activity may be putting
our mission to save your world in jeopardy.”

  Abernathy was doing his best to comprehend what was happening. “Our planet is going to be destroyed?” He had barely listened after those words.

  “Please, Doctor… I know this is difficult to hear but try to gain control of yourself. No one is in any immediate danger. The calamity is years in the future, and although I am not clear of the details, I know we are here to save you, and rest assured, we will. Earth and its inhabitants are very dear to my civilization.”

  Abernathy was now on the verge of hyperventilating. He was trying to regain his composure. “You said something about Mark. Mark is like you? He is also from another world? Where is it? I knew there was something strange… but this? Who could have imagined this? You want something from me?”

  “Are you asking where we came from? That information is really not important now. But yes, that is why I am here, to save your world.” He paused. “I can see that this is a bit much for you to take in all at once… shall I come back another time?”

  “No, no!” implored Abernathy hoping that this nightmare wouldn’t have to be repeated. “Please, continue!” he said anxiously.

  “As I was saying, Mark and I are not native to your world. However, we did grow up here, having been created to absorb and understand as much about humanity as possible. My civilization wishes to understand and protect you. We were sent here, well let’s say as kind of explorers, to gain an understanding of humans, but we were not sent here to acquire any degree of humanity ourselves. However, Mark seems to be attempting to break down this divide. He has become enamored with humanity. He wants to feel as you do, to experience as you do, and he does not have permission to do this. He will anger The Council, our teacher, and there could be… well, there will be problems.”

  “The Council… Who is the Council?”

  “Doctor… You do not need to understand that.” Jason looked at Abernathy sternly. “You will have to take my word as to the importance of what I am saying. I just need you to accept what I am telling you. Do you want more examples of my power to convince you I am telling you the truth?”

  “No, no, please! No more examples,” Abernathy responded. “But what do you want of me?”

  “Mark is attempting to experience human love. I fear that this will complicate our mission. This is not a part of our directive. We must stop him.”

  “You are saying Mark wants to become human in some fashion? Change who he is? These questions are well beyond my purview. I am a human psychiatrist; how can I understand his motivations? Jason, you think too much of me. I do not have the power to divert a person’s feelings, much less control a being from another world. At best, I could only advise him as to the possible consequences of his actions. I, I…” Abernathy tried to find his words.

  “I don’t know what you are expecting of me. You come into my life with this insane story, and now you ask me to solve this wild problem…”

  Jason responded, “I know I am moving very quickly, but I do think you can help, and there is really no time to waste. It’s imperative that we solve this quickly. Mark’s actions could be disastrous and have far-reaching consequences.”

  “Okay, but this is all too absurd for me. Just let me catch my breath here; I really don’t understand what I can do.”

  “You can make him see the nature of the risk he is taking, the consequences!”

  Abernathy looked baffled. “So you think I have that much influence on him? Well I guess I should be flattered, but I doubt you are correct.”

  “He came to you for a reason. He wants something from you. He has never asked for help before, so yes, yes I think you do.”

  Abernathy thought for a moment. “Okay… I am doing my best to understand. But, before I jump to conclusions, we are dealing with multiple characters, possibly multiple motivations. Have you considered that there may be an ulterior motive at play? I must ask if you have thought about the possibility that this is the actual plan of your people. Have you considered that they might want Mark to have these experiences? Perhaps there is a plan that you are not aware of…”

  Jason stepped back. Surprised by these words, he started to walk about the room. He could not believe that he had not given thought to this notion. Maybe this was all part of a larger plan that he did not understand. Jason looked at the doctor, considering his suggestions… Could this be possible?

  “I see now why Mark chose you. You bring a fresh perspective. Yes, that may be a possibility.”

  “Well,” replied Abernathy, “from what you are telling me, that would be my first question. It must at least be considered.”

  “Yes, it must,” replied Jason. He appeared to Abernathy to be pondering for a moment. “Still, on the side of caution, please advise Mark to go slowly and to think about the ramifications of his actions. I will talk with you again about this as we try to learn more.”

  “Going slowly when it comes to love is always prudent,” replied Abernathy, and then he mused, “Love is strange, not to mention, so is meeting an alien in the middle of the night.” Abernathy’s words had a hint of annoyance; he was surprised at his boldness, catching himself in mid-breath, wishing he had not said these words. He couldn’t decide if he was more comfortable at this point or simply exhausted.

  Jason smiled, reassuring Abernathy all was well; he turned towards the wall, looking back to say, “Thank you, Doctor. I appreciate the time you took to listen. There is much to be considered… Please do not speak of me, or of Mark, to anyone. Our existence here must remain a secret. The consequences would be grave beyond your imagination.” Jason spoke with a stern tone. He then opened his hand to reveal a perfect blue diamond the size of a walnut, cut beautifully. He smiled. “I saw one like this, much smaller of course, in the window of Tiffany’s. I hope you will accept it as a token of my good faith.”

  Abernathy replied in a fearful voice, “Yes, yes, of course. Don’t worry; our conversations will be kept in the strictest confidence!” He looked at his hand in amazement. “But this thing you are giving to me, is it real? Are you joking? It would be priceless if it were…”

  “Yes, of course it is real! I am hoping to motivate you, Doctor. As I have said, your discretion is of vital importance. I can be a very good friend.”

  “Yes, yes, absolute confidentiality.” These words tumbled from the doctor’s lips. “But this gift is not necessary.” He thought, who would ever believe me anyway?

  Reading Abernathy’s last thoughts, Jason grinned. “Many of the things you value are but little importance to me. But what I do value is your confidence, and please excuse my showmanship of this gift, I just wanted you to believe I am sincere.” He abruptly turned. “I am sorry doctor, but I have to leave now. Mark will be waiting for me. Maybe you should not show that diamond to anyone just yet.”

  The doctor heard the record skipping on his stereo, Beethoven’s 5th had ended some time ago, but he had not been aware of it till now. Jason was no longer in the room. He examined the diamond; its existence a confirmation of what he had just experienced. This all really happened. I am not going crazy. He sat until the morning light broke his stupor. He kept going over Jason’s words, “our existence here must remain a secret…”

  Chapter 15: The Note

  When Mark awoke, he sensed that Jason had been very active. He was not allowing him to see what he had been doing. This lack of communication was unlike him. No matter what licentious activities he had been up to, Jason always shared them, usually boastfully, sometimes with contempt.

  Well, he must have his reasons… He seemed almost frantic when we passed each other in the portal. He sees that I am getting more involved, in fact, swept away. But why is my relationship upsetting him? Is he jealous? I wonder! Could he feel she threatens our bond? Mark knew that Jason’s words, “No, she’s a mistake,” could only be referring to Gabriela.

  It must be that these humans are affecting him more than he knows. He has already allowed himself to be driven by anger an
d contempt. Should I remind him of the day he killed those Chinese businessmen in Hong Kong? Did he understand what drove him? Did he feel the slightest remorse for the slaughter? No, this is jealousy, and if I’m right, jealousy can be a lot more dangerous than love.

  Mark left the apartment, obsessing over these thoughts as he walked up to St. Marks Place. At the corner, he took the subway to Columbia.

  Reaching the campus, he entered the science building, his mind racing ahead. I must first check to see if the undergraduate interns have set up the laboratory for the day’s experiments. Then I have a class on Chaucer to teach, and later I must work on my thesis. He stopped by his mailbox to see if Professor Bolinsky had left him any additional instructions about the day’s work.

  He found a small pink envelope. Inside, the letter read:

  Dear Mark,

  I think I left my sunglasses at the restaurant. I know you live close to it. Could you go by and check for me? I would really appreciate it.

  Gabriela, Mark thought. She wanted to be sure I would call… She’s leaving nothing to chance.

  The note ended simply:

  Thanks, looking forward to hearing from you!

  Gabriela

  Mark knew no one was looking on as he read the note, but he found himself glancing about the hall reflexively as he chuckled reading these words. He had to call upon all his willpower not to look inside Gabriela’s mind, as he had promised himself not to use any form of power in relation to her, but the letter was overt, humorous in its obviousness. Yet he felt elated by the thought of her feelings. She wants me. What should my next step be? How do I move this along?

  Mark had often thought about the possibility of a real relationship, even love, and yes, sex too.

  Sex, is that conceivable? What would happen if we did that? Mark had delved into the subject on a theoretical basis, but he had reached no concrete conclusions on the matter. He had read a great deal about sex. He had even secretly observed the act without humans being aware of his voyeurism, but despite all of this, Mark remained timidly naïve. He was intrigued by the thought. What would it be like?