In Strange Worlds

by Brenda Cheers

  "So you were on foot, even in those early stages?"

  He laughed. "Yeah, well I started in a car, but without a plan for when I ran out of gas. I thought I'd syphon some — nothing worked. I'd swap cars, but the unlocked ones had dead people in them. I wasn't like you with your great pump solution — that was a stroke of genius by the way. I think my brain was still recovering from the alcohol abuse and I couldn't think very clearly. Anyway, I just began walking and that suited me."

  "It doesn't help, does it...the booze I mean."

  "No, it doesn't. But then, nothing does."

  Now when I think of those words I realise that he is still battling some demons. There is probably no way I can fight these.

  As she closed the book, she did so with a feeling of acceptance.

  Meg told Connie what Derek was planning and saw the shock show on Connie's face. "No! What about Thomas? We need him here!"

  "I know. He's been so good to all of us, but he wants to move on. He's restless. I believe he's still in shock over losing his family."

  "We all lost family."

  "It was different for him. He lost a spouse and two children. I think he loved his wife a great deal. It's hell to have children die, but to lose a loving and supportive wife at the same time? I think he's a very sensitive man and he just can't move on from that — not now anyway."

  "I sorta thought that you and him..."

  "Yeah, me too."

  "Did you try?"

  "Try what?"

  "You know, come on to him."

  "No, Connie. I've never 'come on' to any man."

  "What, they've just fallen at your feet?"

  Meg laughed. "I've only had two men in my life. Both showed interest in me first and then I showed interest back. I don't like to be, you know, aggressive. I wait until I'm asked."

  "And you've never got signals from Derek?"

  "Not one."

  "But if you did come on to him a bit and it worked, then he might stay. Could be worth a try."

  "Or he'd reject me, and it would be awkward, and he'd go away sooner, which I think would be the more likely outcome."

  "It's not fair. I want him to stay!"

  "So do I, believe me, but we have to play this smart. If we make it easy for him to go, he might be more inclined to return if he sorts himself out. What do you think?"

  "Yeah, I guess so."

  "So, we'll make that our game plan, then?"

  "Okay, I'll let Luke know."

  "That's what I've been meaning to ask you. Is Luke talking to you?"

  "Sometimes. Not much."

  "Still, it's a good sign."

  Despite the sensible attitude she adopted when talking to Connie, Meg still plotted to delay Derek's departure. The fencing job — to enclose the entire property — was almost completed, and she wondered if he planned to leave after that.

  She racked her brains to think of projects he'd find interesting or fulfilling. Then she thought she should plan some that were clearly beyond her capacity. She left drawings and notes around the house, hoping he'd find them and stay to help do them.

  She loved watching him work. His tall, lean frame moved easily. However, sometimes she saw him wince and rub the small of his back as he straightened, but he never complained of any ailments.

  Derek's moods were clear to Meg when she looked at his eyes. She could tell when his demons were chasing him, and she'd leave him alone, waiting for the return of the clear, bright humour that shone from him when everything was good.

  "I wonder how long he will suffer and if he will ever fully recover. Will any of us? I think it's a case of just moving forward — not dwelling on horrors that cloud the spirit and rot the soul."

  The morning after the fence was completed, Meg found two letters on the dining table, one marked "to Luke and Connie", while the other just said "Meg."

  She didn't have to read her note to know he'd gone — she could already feel his absence in the air. She unfolded it slowly.

  “Meg. I don't think you know how hard it has been for me to be around you. I have felt your need for me — you wanted me to be your man — but I just can't be that person.

  I feel I've done my duty. I owed you for bringing those low-lifes to your door. Do you know how magnificent you were that day when you shot them? You did the human race a huge favour by dispatching them so efficiently. Just imagine how much havoc their genes would have caused in this limited gene-pool?

  In any case, Thomas no longer needs constant monitoring and I've left a note with detailed instructions for Luke and Connie. These will help him into the future. We can only hope the condition heals itself.

  We have finished the fence at last. I know there are more jobs yet, and I know you could really use my help, but I must go. Sadly.

  My plan is to go down to the coast and just hang out there for a while. Maybe I'll move a bit further north. I'd like to think that I'd be welcome to return one day, even if it's just to check on Thomas' condition. He's the only patient I have in the world so I shouldn't neglect him.

  You'll do great in the future. I've often admired your can-do attitude and no-fuss approach. You think I have an advantage over you — some secret inbuilt knowledge, but I don't have your drive and determination, without which my knowledge is useless. I could never have achieved what you have on that property.

  You shot those men seemingly easily and then later showed a vulnerability that made me want to hold you. You're very special and I will never forget the time I've spent with you. D x”

  This letter acted like a magic potion to Meg. There were no words of love but he had taken the time to describe his admiration for her.

  Although she felt his absence like an open sore, his note had given her the gift of hope that one day he would return.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Meg was in the chicken coop collecting eggs when she heard a sound so unbelievable that she dropped the three she had collected and ran to where she had a clear view of the sky.

  Connie ran from the house, rubbing her hands on a tea towel. Luke came from the machinery shed. They grouped together and watched the sky until Connie squealed, "There it is!"

  It was a black helicopter, and it came toward them unsteadily and hovered over the house. Meg realised she'd left the coop open and the chickens were running crazily over the lawn, frightened by the sound. The animals in the enclosure were round-eyed with fear. Meg was frightened and exhilarated. What did this mean?

  She could see a figure in the cockpit, fighting with the controls. She waved and pointed to the end of the property where there was room to land. Eventually the aircraft moved and landed where she wanted.

  The door to the cockpit opened. The pilot undid his harness and disembarked. The first thing she noticed was his strange gait. He walked awkwardly, like he was all loose inside.

  He was dressed in a black suit, white shirt and thin black tie. Although it seemed he was well-dressed, the outfit didn't work properly. The suit seemed badly-cut or wrong for his body.

  He was swarthy with wavy black hair — a bit greasy — and brown eyes. As he moved toward them Meg noticed that Luke and Connie took a step back so they were behind her.

  "Hello there." She kept her tone light. "Where have you come from?"

  He shook his head and handed her a piece of paper. As she took it she noted it was just as standard A4 sheet. The printing said:

  WE HAVE COME TO HELP YOU WITH MEDICAL MATTERS, INCLUDING THE BOY'S HEART. ALL OF YOU PLEASE PACK A SMALL SUITCASE CONTAINING ONLY ESSENTIALS TO LAST FOR A FEW DAYS. YOU WILL BE TRANSFERED BY HELICOPTER.

  Meg raised her eyebrows and shook the letter at the man. "But who is this from? Where would you take us? You don't just expect us to pack up and go away without knowing more?"

  The man just raised his hands and shook his head. Connie stepped forward and whispered in her ear. "I don't think he understands you."

  "Well, what about the animals? Who's going to look after them? I should st
ay behind."

  "Oh, no. Please don't. We might need you."

  "Luke, what do you think? Should we go?" He nodded.

  Connie nodded too. "Luke would say yes because they talk about Thomas' heart. I say yes too. They know about it. Do you think Derek sent these people?"

  "No, he would have come himself."

  Meg turned to the pilot. "Are you sure we'll only be gone a few days?" He raised his hands helplessly. Then he pointed to his watch.

  "Okay, we'll come." Connie had already begun walking toward the house. Luke ran to catch up and put his arm around her shoulders in a protective gesture. She was pregnant again — they'd only just confirmed it that morning. Meg wondered what was going through their minds.

  She looked at the man again, trying to work it all out. He just stared back. After a few seconds he tapped his watch and she went inside the house to pack.

  Meg realised that her selection of items to pack would seem strange. She started with her journal, fountain pen and refills and then added the book by the Vietnamese Zen Monk. Another book, about survival tips, was added to the pile. Her army knife and multi-tool came next and it was only after all those things were stowed in pockets of her backpack that she began thinking about clothing and toiletries.

  After doing up the clasps of the backpack, she went into the spare bedroom to see if she could help Connie pack for the twins. They had everything under control so she moved outside and handed the backpack to the pilot. She returned all the chickens to the coop and made sure they had plenty of food and water. By the time she'd finished attending to the other animals, the rotors of the helicopter had begun turning.

  Luke, Connie and the twins came out of the house, the children looking at the helicopter with wide eyes. There weren't enough seats for all of them, so the twins sat on Luke and Connie's laps.

  As the helicopter rose unsteadily over the property, Meg looked down and was able to see what they had achieved in the time they had lived there. She felt proud and also anxious about leaving it.

  The helicopter ride was thankfully short, just to Maroochy Airport where a small jet was waiting. Meg could see a pilot in the cockpit and noticed that he seemed similar to the man who flew the helicopter, who was bringing up the rear. He was carrying their luggage and kept dropping items. He seemed frustrated at his lack of co-ordination.

  As Meg walked up the steps to the jet, she looked around her carefully. She wondered about other people — who was in the control tower? Who was re-fuelling aircraft? The airport seemed totally deserted.

  The helicopter pilot joined the other man in the cockpit and the jet engines were started. After a short taxi they were airborne.

  "What do you think of all of this, Meg? What's happening?" Connie was pale, her freckles standing out starkly from her face.

  "I have no idea. I guess the best thing is to just go with the flow. Try not to worry. If they wanted to harm us, they would have done so by now."

  "I just wish they'd talk to us."

  "Yeah, I know. Seems they can't."

  They hit some turbulence which made them fall silent. The children began whimpering. Luke and Connie tried to settle them down.

  As the jet levelled out, Connie began again. "Do you think they'll keep us for long? What will they do to us?"

  "Don't' know, Connie, and it's useless trying to speculate. Just wait and see."

  "Oh, Christmas! It's Christmas Eve! All those plans we had. The presents for the kids..."

  Meg felt a pang then. They had decided to make Christmas a big event and had been planning for weeks. Those plans were now in disarray.

  "Doesn't matter, Connie. The kids won't know the difference if we celebrate it a bit later. We make up our own rules now, you see."

  Meg looked out the window and noticed they were over land, not water. She could see the coast disappearing behind them which meant they were flying inland, maybe west or northwest. After some time the vegetation became sparser and she heard the engines slow. They had begun their descent.

  The aircraft hit the runway with a jolt, which upset the children all over again. Meg shifted in her seat, looking out each window to see what airport they had landed at. All she could see was a shed with no signs on it. The door of the aircraft opened, and as Meg stood at the top of the steps to disembark, she noticed there was a bus waiting.

  The two pilots were waiting at the bottom of the steps. Meg didn't know which was which. Not only did they look similar but they were dressed the same and both walked with that strange, disjointed gait. Were they twins?

  The bus looked as though it would seat around twenty people, but they were the only passengers. The road was uneven, and they were constantly being flung from side to side. After ten minutes or so they stopped in front of a low, white building.

  Just like the airport, this facility, whatever it was, bore no signage. Meg tried to take in every detail, and as they walked through the front doors, was interested to note that they were automatic — powered by electricity. Air conditioning units hummed.

  They were led through an area which looked like its purpose was a reception desk, but there was no one manning it. After that was a large, red door which one of the men opened before motioning them through.

  This room was like a dormitory, with three beds and a bathroom. Beside each bed was a small chest of drawers that also acted as a table. There was a metal frame on wheels next to the door which contained coat-hangers. Everything in the room was bright white.

  Connie sat on one of the beds with a child on each side of her. Luke and Meg began stowing their possessions. The men moved behind Connie and took a child each and then left, closing the door behind them. It happened so suddenly that the adults had no time to react, although Meg almost made it to the door before it closed. She heard the click of a lock.

  Connie's face began to crumble and Meg moved toward her. She and Luke talked to her gently, suggesting she stay calm for the good of her unborn child.

  After a while, Luke tried the door. They knew what the result would be. He returned to the bed with a downturned mouth.

  Meg looked outside. The sun was beating down harshly on the land around the building. She figured they were in the desert, or close to it. The vegetation was low and scrubby, the soil arid.

  She turned and removed some items from the backpack. The survival book she gave to Luke. The one on Zen Buddhism was passed to Connie, in the hopes it would calm her. Meg settled onto a bed and began writing in her journal.

  The sun was low in the sky when they heard the door being unlocked. Meg jumped to her feet and ran toward it, confronting one of the men as soon as it opened.

  "How dare you! You can't treat us like this! You've snatched the children and locked us up like criminals. I won't have it!"

  The man's eyebrows shot into his hairline. He took a step backward and held up his hands. The other man was standing behind him with a paper cup, which he handed to Meg while indicating with sign language that she should drink it.

  She sniffed the contents. "What is it?" The men made the drinking motion again. "Okay, I'll do what you say, but stop locking us up. Where are the children?" Two sets of brown eyes just looked at her.

  She shook her head in frustration and drank the contents of the cup in one swallow. They led her to another room and pointed to an examining table. She sat down on it and then realised she had to lie down very quickly.

  When Meg woke she was alone in the room. There was a sheet covering her and she realised she was naked from the waist down. Her clothes were on a chair. As she sat up she felt the sensation in her genitals of just having had a pelvic exam, like a pap-smear. Like she'd been stretched open and she could feel there had been an application of lubricant. It wasn't an uncomfortable sensation — quite pleasurable.

  She wondered what other medical tests they had run. She also wondered who had performed them. The two pilots didn't look like medicos, but there hadn't been any sign of other people in the building. The only
voices they heard were their own.

  Back in the dormitory she found the door unlocked, but one of the men was standing outside it. Connie looked even paler, and Meg was becoming quite concerned. She wondered briefly about attacking the men and escaping, but quickly realised they had no means of getting away. They couldn't fly a jet. Besides, the men still had the children somewhere.

  Luke was led away next and came back after an hour or so, scowling. Next it was Connie's turn. Meg walked to the door with her and looked at the man taking her away. "Be gentle with her, she's pregnant." He didn't acknowledge this, and they moved away.

  Luke couldn't sit still. He paced for the whole time Connie was gone, which was over an hour. When she returned, she told of being blind-folded and taken to a room where various tests were performed: blood pressure, heart, and something that felt like an ultrasound of her abdomen and womb.

  Meg was beginning to feel murderous. They hadn't been fed or given water. She opened the unlocked door and looked at the man outside it. "How about some food and water?" He held up his hands. She shut the door again.

  Around half an hour later the door opened again, and the men entered, bearing trays of food and drink. Meg, Connie and Luke fell on the food hungrily, but were soon pulling faces. It was barely edible. They drank the water thirstily.

  After the trays were removed the three of them settled down to reading and writing. After an hour or so the lights were turned off, and eventually they fell asleep.

  With daylight came another almost inedible meal, but it also brought Maisie. As she was carried through the door she caught sight of Connie and her bottom lip began to wobble. Connie leapt from the bed, ran to her and snatched her out of the arms of the man. "What about Thomas? What's happening with him?" The man just turned and left the room.

  The day seemed interminable. Connie let Maisie crawl around the floor while the three adults began to boil with impotent fury.