Earth Blend

by Pescatore, Lori

  Finally, the anticipated event was upon them. Percone’s connection with the female had allowed him to sense her emotions. He woke Flute when he felt the distressed feelings coming from Regina. Together they arrived at the woman’s home just as the male of the house was assisting her out to the car. She was moaning in evident pain.

  Flute: What is happening?

  Percone: Isn’t it obvious? She is about to give birth to that… thing.

  Flute: Why is he placing her in that vehicle?

  Percone: He is probably taking her to a hospital. That’s where they go for their needs.

  Flute: He mustn’t. I need to be there when the child arrives.

  The couple had just pulled out of the driveway.

  Percone: Fine….

  Percone sighed as he brought his hand up slowly. The ground began to shake and rumble. A few feet in front of the vehicle the ground rose upward, forming a sizable mound. The car quickly backed up to avoid being toppled over. Once the mound seemed to have stopped its ascent, the male exited the vehicle. While he was distracted examining the mini mountain, Percone opened the passenger door and placed his finger on Regina’s lips encouraging her to be quiet. He quickly lifted the woman and carried her off into the woods. The Earthling had to stifle his laughter as he listened to the frantic calls from the male as he searched for his wife. Percone kept a steady whisper in her ear to keep her as quiet as possible. Arriving at the cave Flute had been occupying, he placed her on the dirt floor.

  Percone: She is all yours.

  Regina let out a loud yell as a powerful contraction radiated through her.

  Flute: How does the birthing occur?

  Percone: Beats me. I never cared enough to learn.

  Another loud yell escaped from the distressed woman’s lips. “It’s coming!”

  Flute knelt down next to her and placed his hands on her abdomen. He sent his essence inside to see how he could help.

  Flute: Fascinating. The woman’s body is moving the baby along and guiding it towards her cervix.

  Percone seemed disinterested as Flute spoke of the process. He did, however, grin each time Regina moaned in pain.

  “My water broke!” the woman exclaimed as the fluid ran from her body. “It hurts.”

  As piercing screams emanated from the mother, Flute did what he could to hasten the baby’s exit from her.

  Flute: Percone, please help. I’m going to push the child out. Be ready to receive it.

  Percone: You mean I have to touch the thing?

  Percone’s face grimaced in horror at the thought. Regina’s eyes rolled back in her head as her body began to convulse.

  Flute: Percone! I need you to do this. The fluid released is causing a reaction in the mother. I must push this child out before it kills them both.

  Percone sighed heavily before kneeling down.

  Percone: Fine, go ahead. I’ll play catch.

  Flute used his abilities to guide the baby out of the woman’s body. Percone did his part and lifted the child up and away from the mother. The infant began to cry in his arms. He was quite fascinated with the tiny human-like creature.

  Percone: Are you sure it worked? It looks all human to me.

  Regina’s body lay quiet and still. Flute removed his essence from her and reached for the child. He used two fingers to sever the umbilical cord from the infant. He scanned the crying child and relayed his findings to Percone.

  Flute: Yes, it has worked. Thank you. I must get the child nourishment. I need you to get me food a human child would eat.

  Percone: No… Not my concern. I’ve done all I was asked to do. The rest is up to you.

  Flute: I beg of you, Percone. Once this child matures, it will be able to continue my mission. I still need assistance until then.

  Percone: What about the mother? Isn’t that what they do?

  Flute: She did not survive. I need a caretaker for this child. If you cannot or will not, please find me someone who will assist me.

  Percone looked down at the now deceased woman.

  Percone: Give me a minute. I’ll get you someone.

  Percone left the cave and returned a short time later. Another Earthling, a female, was by his side.

  Percone: This is Vena. She will help you in caring for that… thing.

  Vena: That thing is a baby boy. He is precious. May I hold him?

  Flute handed the still crying child over to Vena. “Hey there little man. Shh… it’s okay.” She cooed to the baby. She placed one of her fingers in his mouth and the child began to suckle.

  Flute watched in fascination as the Earthling female calmed the newborn. Vena was a striking woman. Tall, dark-skinned with short cropped dark hair. Although her features were chiseled, her eyes were a soft warm brown. She wore clothing, unlike Percone.

  Vena pulled off a shawl she had worn around her shoulders and wrapped the child in it.

  Vena: Nice of you toads to have brought a blanket. We need to get this child cleaned, clothed, and fed.

  Percone: That’s your job now. I’m done.

  Vena looked down at the dead woman.

  Vena: Was this mom?

  Flute: The birth was traumatic for her.

  Vena glanced between the two creatures.

  Vena: It’s obvious neither of you has any idea of what to do next. Flute, you and I are going back to my place and we will get this child cleaned and fed. Percone, you dispose of mom… properly.

  Vena walked out of the cave with the child. Flute looked questioningly at Percone.

  Percone: Go with her. She is a bit brash but will help you take care of… the kid.

  Flute: Thank you.

  Flute followed after Vena

  Percone looked down at Regina. “I’m glad to be done with you.” He made a sweeping motion with his hands. The ground opened up and swallowed the woman.

  Vena had a small cabin in a secluded part of the mountain. It was a perfect location for Flute and the newborn blend. The baby grew slowly physically but excelled in speech and comprehension. As the child matured he was schooled in human and alien heritage. As soon as the child was old enough, Flute tested him for some of the more unique abilities. Gregg, as they called him, had several key powers. He was a Healer, able to heal himself and others. He had the Lure ability, able to draw people to him. He was also a Blocker, able to block the Lure ability from others. Flute was especially glad that the boy was a Numera as well. It would allow him to see numbers like the race winners, lock combinations, and most importantly genetic code numbers. Gregg would able to carry on the blending mission.

  Flute and Vena helped raise many Blends alongside of Gregg, although none of the others had the Numera ability.

  As years passed, Gregg grew and was able to create many Blends. The mothers always died during the births.

  When it came Flute’s time to return to the home planet, he gave Gregg these instructions: “We must build up a great number to help in the battle to reclaim our planet. Unfortunately, the Numeras will be few and far between. Be extra careful with them. They will play an integral part in the battle to come. Keep them close. Use the communications in the underground lab we’ve set up to keep in contact with me. I shall return when the time to fight has come. Our future lies in your hands.”

  “I understand,” Gregg said.

  So began the Blends’ habitation of Earth.

  5. Gregg’s Story

  Once Flute returned to his planet, Vena decided it was time for her to go her own way as well. “If you need anything, you know how to reach me. Besides, Percone will be nearby.” She glanced over at Percone, who was leaning against the wall.

  “If I do decide to stick around, it will not be because I will be helpful to anything even remotely human.” Percone said.

  Gregg smiled at Percone. Even though Percone professed a hatred for humans, he had become a good friend to the young man.

  “If he misbehaves, be sure to contact me,” Vena said, giving Percone a glare.

&n
bsp; Percone: Know that when you leave, I intend to have a lot more fun.

  Vena: I’m on to you, Percone. I will check back from time to time and will alert Suron should there be any misdoings.

  Percone: I look forward to it.

  Gregg watched the exchange between the two Earthlings. He knew they always talked in thought with each other, especially when it was something they did not want him to hear. “It’s unfair to talk amongst each other while I’m still in the room,” Gregg said with a smile.

  Vena turned back to him. “I’m sorry, G. Sometimes that man can make me forget my manners,” she said, gesturing towards Percone, who made a disgruntled grumble.

  “I’ll keep my eye on him,” Gregg assured her.

  Percone laughed loudly and headed out the door.

  Vena just shook her head. “Take care, G, and good luck on your agenda.”

  “Thank you, for everything,” Gregg said, hugging Vena. She had been like a mother to him. He felt sadness as she left. She had given him so much, including the cabin in which he resided.

  The home was quiet. Gregg started for the kitchen when he heard Percone’s voice. “I thought that bitch would never leave.”

  Gregg turned around and grinned. “Hey, watch your mouth, that’s my pseudo-mom you are talking about.”

  “My apologies for bringing her reign down on you then. I wanted nothing to do with you when you were that crying, shriveled-looking thing.”

  “And now?”

  “Now you are fun… and you don’t rag on me for playing with the humans. Speaking of, ready to gather some more victims?”

  “Victims?”

  “Okay, fine. The blend factory humans or whatever you call them.”

  “I call them wonderful donors for a desperate cause,” Gregg said, grinning. “I do appreciate your help, but I have changed how I approach them. You are welcome to join me, but it would require you to wear clothing.”

  “Ugh, I’ve worn those itchy and uncomfortable things once or twice but prefer not to.”

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear them,” Gregg said, laughing.

  “Hopefully you never will. I’m going to find my own humans to play with,” Percone said and gave a wave as he left the cabin.

  Gregg smiled and went to get something to eat before leaving on his mission. Flute had taught him the importance of food for fuel whenever he used his abilities. He freshened up and dressed for work. Working in a clinic as an aide was beneficial for him. This put him in direct contact with pregnant woman who visited the clinic. It was located in a low-income area. Most of the pregnant woman were single moms-to-be. Using his Lure ability he would convince the moms to come home with him and allow him to enhance their child. As with all the previous births, the mothers did not survive. The newborns were sent to live with other blends that had been created after him. Gregg kept up a steady rate of births. Flute had left the breakdown of the genetic code. Within the code was the defined area that the essence of each blend came from. Location on the Flutara’s planet was important for tracking where each child created was from. It was hoped that one day the blends created could be united with their Flutara parents of origin. Gregg had the blends call him by different names to keep track, depending on the location from which the essence came. Names he used were similar in fashion to Gregg, like Gordi, George, and the name Vena called him, G. The blends referred to him as Uncle.

  As the blends grew in numbers, Gregg expanded the cabin Vena had given him. He held conferences twice a year for all the blends to update them on the status of their home planet. He also sent updates to the planet.

  He was disappointed at the lack of Numeras born of the blends. The birth of a blend named Laney was a joyous event. Early on she showed evidence of being a Healer and a Numera. Everyone was drawn to her, evident of her Lure ability. All blends knew how valuable she would be for the cause. Gregg entrusted her care to Trevor. He trusted Trevor even though they did not always agree on things. Trevor enjoyed the human life he lead and was not fully on board with the idea of one day leaving the Earth to return home. He did, however, have a fierce passion for protecting the blend children.

  Trevor cared for Laney for nine years, although physically she only looked to be about three. Together, they lived in New York as father and daughter. His job as an investment analyst on Wall Street enabled him to keep himself and Laney living comfortably in an older Victorian home in Brooklyn. Trevor never used Laney’s Numera ability to further his career. In fact, he would caution her whenever she would talk in public about the numbers she saw. The slow aging of the blends made it difficult for him to keep Laney in daycare for more than six months at a time. He did research on all the daycare centers before placing her in them. One choice proved to be the worst decision of his life.

  6. The Taking of Laney

  Laney loved going to daycare. Playing with the kids and teachers was a highlight of her day. She was an intelligent and verbal child who quickly became a teacher’s favorite.

  Tina, a teacher’s assistant, took special interest in Laney after the little girl healed her of a hernia she had been dealing with. Tina watched in confusion as Laney doubled over in pain after touching her arm. Within a minute the child appeared fine.

  “What just happened?” Tina asked.

  Laney smiled. “It’s okay. You won’t have any more pain; I fixed you.”

  “How…what?”

  Laney shrugged. “Can we have a snack now? I’m hungry.”

  “Laney? How did you fix me?”

  “I took your pain.”

  Tina just kept staring at her.

  “Are you mad at me?” Laney asked.

  Tina knelt down next to her. “No… no, I’m not mad. I guess I’m just trying to understand what happened.

  “I’m not supposed to talk about it. My daddy would get scared if I did.”

  “Scared?” Tina was surprised at her choice of words. “Don’t you mean mad?”

  “No.” Laney shook her head. “He doesn’t get mad, just scared.”

  “I… I won’t say anything. It’ll be our secret.” Tina assured her.

  Laney nodded.

  “Okay. Come on. Let’s get back to class.”

  The rest of the day progressed normally. Laney kept looking over at Tina throughout the day. Tina would smile at her each time their eyes met. Tina’s hours were usually after drop-off and before pick-up. She decided to stay late to catch a glimpse of Laney’s Father.

  “Daddy!” Laney squealed, running to her Father.

  “Hey Pumpkin!” Trevor replied, scooping her up into his arms. “How was your day?”

  “Good. Can we stop by the nursing home before dinner?”

  “You want to check on Mrs. Tanner?”

  Laney nodded and giggled.

  Tina watched them and smiled. They seemed like a normal Dad and daughter. She took notice of how attractive Trevor was. Tall, with short light brown hair. A five-o’clock shadow just accentuated his bright smile and beautiful blue eyes. Looking from Laney to Trevor she guessed the little girl must resemble her mother. Laney’s hair was long, a dark chestnut color, and her eyes were a deep brown.

  After her Father put her down, Laney took his hand and pulled him over to Tina. “Daddy, this is my friend Tina.”

  Trevor extended his hand. “Hello Tina. Nice to meet you.”

  “Nice to meet you too. Laney is a special little girl.”

  “Yes… yes she is.” Trevor replied, looking down at Laney.

  Laney looked up at him, biting her lip.

  “Well, we should be going. Have a great evening.” Trevor said as he left with Laney. He walked with his little girl to the car in silence. He strapped her into her car seat. “Something you want to tell me?” He asked.

  Laney knew that her Father had figured out what she had done. “Daddy, don’t be scared. She was in pain and she’s my friend. I had to help her. She promised to keep it a secret.”

  “Laney.” Trevor
sighed. He knew it wasn’t her fault. Her abilities were not fully in her control. She had many special gifts. The Lure ability is what drew people to her but it also drew her to them. “I know you need to help people, but we have talked about this.”

  “I don’t have to change schools again, do I? I like it here.”

  “I can’t risk people knowing what you can do, Pumpkin. They won’t understand.”

  “Can I at least finish the week?” She asked sadly. “We are supposed to go to the zoo on Friday.

  Trevor knew this was difficult for Laney. They have had to change schools frequently because of her delayed aging. She had only been at this school a few weeks. “It will take me a few days to get you registered somewhere else, so, yes. Do not tell them you will be leaving. The least amount of questions the better.”

  “Thank you, Daddy.”

  Trevor kissed her on the forehead and got behind the wheel.

  “Can we still see Mrs. Tanner?” She asked.

  Trevor laughed. “Sure.”

  Tina went home that night very excited. She couldn’t wait to share her newly learned secret with her boyfriend. Her exuberance was shattered when she walked in to an all too familiar sight. “Johnny! Come on! It’s only six o’clock and you’re already drunk.”

  “So what? I break my butt all day long to pay those sons a��� “

  “Your bookies. I know. I hear the same sob story every day. Why can’t you just tell them you don’t have the money… or make payment arrangements?” Tina’s good mood was rapidly fading.

  “Payment arrangements? Are you insane?” Johnny stood up and pointed to his left arm that was encased in a cast and sling. “There’s your payment arrangements! They broke my arm because I didn’t have the money!”

  Tina rushed over to him. “Oh my God, Johnny! How is breaking your arm going to get them money?”

  “Drugs. They made me sell the medicine I got at the hospital and then took the money.”

  “So now they have you dealing? Johnny, this is insane. We have to go to the police.”

  “And tell them what? That I owe my bookie money. I’m sure the cops will be real sympathetic.”