by G. E. Stills
He pressed the blinking button and the speaker button right after. “Trevor here.”
“Boss,” Jacobi started, “I’m calling from the residence of a Mr. Stanus, Glenn Stanus.”
“Yes and who is he?”
“The head of security at the Tramac plant.”
“And what does he have to say, since he wasn’t there when it was bombed.”
“Not much. He’s dead sir. So is his wife. According to the investigators we place the time of death several hours before the plant was bombed.”
“Hmm.”
“Something else, boss. Glenn and his wife weren’t shot or stabbed. They both have some kind of hole that looks like it was burned through them. Glenn also has a burn mark around his head.”
Trevor glanced up at Lance raising his eyebrows in question.
“I think we should go see this for ourselves,” Lance said.
“Jacobi, don’t touch anything else. My assistant and I will be there by tonight. I’ll call you for directions from the airport in Williamsport.”
“You got it. I’ll be waiting for your call.”
Trevor broke the connection and paged Shirley. “Call and get my private jet ready for immediate departure. Lance and I will be there shortly.”
“Will do,” she answered.
“Oh, and call Jim back and tell him not to send those explosive samples. I’ll get them myself while I’m there.”
“Yes, sir,” she answered.
Trevor rushed out of his office with Lance following close behind. A few hours later, they landed at Williamsport. A car was waiting and Trevor was on the phone getting directions as he raced to the waiting car. Trevor slid into the passenger seat and Lance slipped behind the wheel. Trevor’s phone rang.
“Trevor.”
“This is agent Sanchez at the bomb site near Austin. We’ve found traces of an explosive made from an unknown substance.”
“Not surprised, Sanchez. They found an unknown explosive at the Tramac plant too. Hold on one.” Trevor covered the phone with his hand and asked Lance. “Isn’t Austin just a few hours’ drive from our Houston complex?”
“Yep. A little less than three.”
Trevor uncovered the phone speaker. “Agent Sanchez, I’m going to send someone out to collect that sample you have. I’ll call you back when I know who is going to meet you.”
He hung up and triggering his implant, called Tracy. “Is anyone there familiar with the Austin area?” he asked her.
Tracy was silent for a moment then said, “Yeah. Lina, she’s from that area.”
“Put her on.”
“Lina,” he heard Tracy call.
A moment later, a woman’s voice replaced Tracy’s. “This is Lina.”
“Lina, this is Trevor, head of World Security. Are you familiar with the Seimons plant near Austin.”
“Yes.”
“I need you to drive there and meet with an agent Sanchez. He’s going to give you a package. When you get back to Houston I need you to go to Teelan and deliver that package to Kyra.”
“Yes, sir. I’m leaving right now.”
“Thanks, Lina.”
He called Sanchez back, giving him Lina’s name.
***
Unlike Pennsylvania, Naa’dia remained near the bomb site in Austin. She had returned daily, hiding in the bushes and observing the men sifting through the rubble. Her position in the bushes was close to where the men parked their cars. She listened in on snippets of conversation. Evidently, these men worked for an organization called World Security.
Naa’dia hunched down lower when a lime green car screeched to a halt almost on top of her hiding place. A woman with ear length brunette hair and a petite build jumped out of the car. She put her binoculars down and listened intently when a man ran up to greet the woman.
“Lina?” he asked.
“Yes,” she replied. “You must be Agent Sanchez.”
“That’s me. Here,” he handed her a small box. This is the item Trevor asked me to give you. Wants it analyzed further he said.”
“Thanks. Well guess I should get started on the long drive back to Houston.”
“Drive careful.”
Sanchez walked away and the woman got back in her car. On a hunch, Naa’dia waited until she drove away and then raced to her own car. If nothing else, Lina might lead me to my next target. These people must be investigators. The headquarters of the people searching for me would not be a bad place to destroy. She grinned.
She followed Lina on the trip back to Houston and drove past slowly when Lina turned into a parking lot and stopped at a guard shack. A tall stone fence hid the facility inside. Driving a little further, Naa’dia pulled off, parked and retraced her way on foot. The stone fence had coiled wire containing many barbs on top of it. She crouched low, flexed her muscles and with a single bound cleared the fence. In one fluid motion, Naa’dia landed on the other side and dropped into a prone position. She rolled quickly behind some decorative shrubs and then studied the grounds. Her excellent vision spotted the security cameras that panned the area, making her thankful for her quick reaction at finding cover.
Wouldn’t do to be spotted.
She determined that access to the compound was restricted to the single guarded entrance.
Whatever is in here they definitely don’t want outsiders to know about it.
One building, a large rambling single-story structure gave the appearance of once being a large residence. The other four newer buildings, warehouse like, were constructed of metal. This was not the layout she had expected. She had pictured a multilevel building with people coming and going frequently.
I need more information. She picked out Lina’s car parked with several others. And Lina can furnish it. Timing her exit for when the cameras were not focused in her direction, Naa’dia left the compound and returned to her car. She rummaged through her suitcase and picked an outfit. Climbing into the car she calmly removed her black jumpsuit and tossed it in the backseat leaving her in her underwear. Rising up she removed the small pistol from its compartment in her butt cheek. She tucked it into her left bra cup. It was thin enough to be nearly invisible beneath the padding. While watching out the windshield, she drew on a short denim skirt and slipped a white half top over her head. Lastly, she slipped on a white pair of tennis shoes. Relaxing back in the seat she patiently watched and waited for Lina to leave for the day. When she did, Naa’dia followed.
Lina drove into the parking lot of a large apartment complex and parked in one of the spots. Naa’dia pulled into the next entrance and parked a few places down. Grabbing her bag, she stepped out of the car and waited. Lina strolled across the lot to a glassed in entrance. She turned her back and started entering a code on the keypad next to the locked door. Naa’dia raced across the lot and then settled into a walk to come up behind Lina.
Lina pulled the door open. “Hold it please,” Naa’dia called out.
Lina held the door open, stepping aside to let Naa’dia pass. The two women stood beside each other waiting for the elevator.
“Hot weather we’re having,” Lina started the casual conversation in a soft melodious voice.
“Yeah, I wish it would rain instead of just being muggy,” Naa’dia answered tossing her head in an attempt to get the hair off her shoulders.
The elevators doors opened and Lina ushered her in first. “You should wear your hair in a ponytail to get it off your neck.” Reaching out Lina pressed three on the control board. “Which floor?” she asked.
“The same.”
“Fancy that, you live on the same floor as me and yet I’ve never seen you around before.”
“I just moved in. This afternoon as a matter of fact,” Naa’dia answered in explanation.
“Well, welcome to the building. My name is Lina by the way.”
“Naa’dia.”
“Nice to meet ya Naa’dia.”
The elevator chimed and the doors slid open. Again, Lina made arm motions for Naa’dia to go first.
“No, after you.”
“Thanks.” Lina stepped out. “See ya around.” She turned left and headed down the hall.
Naa’dia stood in the center of the track preventing the doors from closing watching Lina’s back. When she was several feet in the lead, Naa’dia stepped out and followed casually. Lina stopped in front of one of the closed doors, fumbled in her purse for a short time and retrieved a key. She fitted it into the door lock and turned the handle.
Naa’dia closed the space separating them in a flash. Clamping a hand over Lina’s mouth, she shoved the woman before her into the apartment. Lina struggled, arms waving and legs kicking, but her strength was no match. Naa’dia kicked the door closed behind them and dropped the bag from her hand. While still keeping a hand over Lina’s mouth she braced the woman against her hip. She dug into her bra and removed the pistol. She pulled the struggling Lina with her as she searched the apartment for others.
Assured they were alone she released her grip on Lina. The angry woman spun to face her. Her eyebrows shot up. “You! Why?”
Naa’dia did not answer. Her hand shot out striking Lina near the temple with the flat of it. Lina flew back into the couch collapsing into an unconscious heap. Naa’dia unzipped her bag removing a roll of what she had learned was duct tape. Lifting Lina’s unconscious form into her arms, she carried her to the kitchen and secured her into one of the chairs. She placed a piece of tape over Lina’s mouth and placed the mind probing band over her head. After fitting the other band on her head, Naa’dia went to the refrigerator and removed a bottle of water. She took a seat in another chair calmly drinking the water and waited. The subject of the probe needed to be awake for the process to work.
While waiting, Naa’dia studied the woman. Lina’s short brunette hair, her finely featured face and petite body made her very attractive. Naa’dia recalled her soft melodious voice and her friendly manor. Something she could not explain stirred inside her. When she thought of her plans for Lina’s future, a twinge of pain pulsed through her heart. What were these feelings? Regret? Remorse? Pity? Naa’dia shook herself to banish these emotions and step back into reality.
I am Men-gar, she told herself. These humans are my enemies. I will not allow myself to feel anything but contempt for them.
Tired of waiting she poured the remains of her water over Lina’s head. Lina jerked awake, opened her eyes and glared at her.
“What we are going to do will be painful for you, but you will share everything you know with me.” For some reason, Naa’dia felt the need to reveal her true identity with Lina. “I am Men-gar you are my sworn enemy.”
Naa’dia winced when Lina’s eyes narrowed and her pretty green orbs hardened focusing a stare of icy cold hatred. Not able to look in Lina’s eyes any longer, Naa’dia turned away and pressed the controller button. Lina’s thoughts and cares began to flood into her mind.
Naa’dia’s lips stretched into a smile at the word ‘Teelan’. Lina knows of Teelan. Fate has smiled on me. She ignored the smell of searing flesh, she ignored every part of the physical world surrounding her and relished the knowledge pouring into her. A deep respect formed in her for Lina. The woman would have never revealed what she knew even under torture. Lina would have taken her own life before saying anything.
But there is no way you can resist the mind probe.
Naa’dia paused the process when the doorbell chimed. In a few swift strides, she crossed the living room and pressed her ear against the entry door. The chime sounded several more times and then was silent. From the other side of the door, Naa’dia heard a woman’s voice. “Lina is usually home by now. Guess I’ll check back later.” Faintly Naa’dia heard footsteps recede down the hall.
Naa’dia sifted through the information she had gained. She knew that Teelan was a world in another dimension. It was a closed dimension and could only be accessed through portals. Two of those portals existed at Lina’s work facility. Thanks to Lina’s knowledge, Naa’dia knew how to go about getting through that portal.
She found Lina’s thoughts during their previous elevator ride disturbing and yet flattering, comforting. Warm feelings crept through Naa’dia. Lina found me attractive. Sexually attractive. Naa’dia felt her cheeks heat as she shared Lina’s fantasy of the two of them making love.
For the first time since beginning the process, she glanced at Lina. The hatred in Lina’s eyes was gone. In its place a blank stare. Naa’dia did not initiate the mind probe to complete the procedure. An uncontrollable and strange urge crept though Naa’dia. One that she had never felt before. It was both physical and emotional.
She removed the tape from Lina’s limbs and mouth. She picked up the woman and carried her into the bedroom. Lina stood complacent, motionless as Naa’dia removed her clothing. Walking Lina back, she caused the woman to lie back on the bed with her legs flexed at the knees and her feet on the floor.
Lina stared up at the ceiling with no expression in her eyes. Naa’dia gazed down at the beautiful woman as she removed her own clothes. She knelt and spread Lina’s legs wide. The wonderful scent of sex soon filled the air.
***
Naa’dia glanced at her watch and her heart rate increased. How is it possible that an hour has passed? Her body’s needs had been sated, but there had been more than just physical. More than just answering animal needs.
As she rode down in the elevator and drove back to her motel room she was lost in thought. Naa’dia recalled her experiences with Molly and Felis. Those had been strictly role playing. A means of furthering her mission. What she had done with Lina was different even though Lina had not been mentally present to share them. She remembered Lina’s reactions to her stimulations and the kisses they had shared. She knew those reactions were automatic. Lina is no longer there mentally, but even so…
Naa’dai closed the door to her motel room and could not remember the drive. That last image of Lina staring up at her, lips puffy and red from their kisses, tears tracking down from the corners of her eyes. How was it possible that Lina was crying? Crying required emotions and after the mind probe there should have been none of those left in the husk that had once been a woman. Only now did Naa’dia realize she had left without killing Lina as she had intended. For a second, she considered returning to the apartment.
Too risky. When she is discovered, she won’t be able to tell them anything. Why am I feeling this way? What is happening inside me? I’m getting sloppy.
CHAPTER SIX
Naa’dia woke with a jolt. Even awake she could not get the image out of her head. Lina’s green eyes staring vacantly up at the ceiling with tears trickling from the corners of them. What are these feeling? Sorrow? What is sorrow? Naa’dia shook her head. I have too much to do today. I need to concentrate on my mission.
She stopped at a sporting goods store and purchased a small backpack, a body harness and some bungee straps. She transferred the items from her bag and a few clothing items from her suitcase to the pack. The rest she would leave behind. On the way to the food warehouse she tossed the bag and suitcase into a wooded area. Pulling her rental car over a few blocks away she stripped it of anything she thought would identify her.
There were two portals going from Earth to Teelan. One located inside the house was for people and impossible to get through without being spotted. The other was for freight. Getting through that one would be difficult, but she hoped, not impossible.
Naa’dia placed her derringer in one cup of her bra, zipped her jump suit up the rest of the way and shrugged on her pack. She stepped into her body harness and adjusted it. After leaping the fence, she crouched in a dark corner and watched. Soon a delivery truck backed into the loading dock. She watched an
d waited patiently for her opportunity.
The men loading the truck went into the warehouse. Naa’dia dashed across and crawled under the truck. Quickly she attached the bungees to parts of the truck’s suspension and to the body harness she wore. She had just completed her task when male voices announced the return of the men loading the delivery truck. She pulled herself up more, hugging the floor of the truck. She heard the back door trundle closed and a few minutes later a man walked by. The front door slammed shut, the engine started and the truck began to move.
When they drove out of the warehouse compound Naa’dia relaxed her grip letting the straps hold her up. When they turned into the Houston complex, she pulled herself up again. The truck backed up to another loading dock. Two men opened the back door and started unloading. While the men were in the truck, she dropped to the ground. She stashed the straps in her pockets, hid by the back tires and observed. The warehouse door was open. Naa’dia leaped up to the dock level and dashed inside. The interior was filed with large shipping crates. She dodged and crawled deeper into the interior and hid behind one of the large crates. From her hiding place, she peered around, but saw no sign of anything that fit the description of a portal as pictured in Lina’s memories.
The loading door closed. On the other side, she could hear the truck drive away. Two men walked toward the back of the building.
“Well that’s the last delivery for now. Time to get this stuff moved to the other side. You open the portal and I’ll get the forklift. Naa’dia watched in wonder when minutes later fully two thirds of the back wall became hazy, shifting and black as night.
Naa’dia watched the man pick up a crate with the forklift and drive toward the shifting blackness. The crate, the man and the forklift vanished. The other man driving a second forklift picked up a crate and followed.
My cover is going to go away soon. I need to move now.
One of the men was on the other side of the portal. The man here had his back turned picking up a crate. Naa’dia broke cover and dashed toward the black haze. She didn’t know what she would encounter on the other side, but had no choice, she had to take the risk. She dove into the portal and rolled. She stopped abruptly when she tumbled up against a crate. Naa’dia scrambled to her knees and ducked behind it. She peeked around one side and viewed her new location.
