The images brought instantaneous familiarity, and the pieces all came together. She saw Greg, feeling an intense emotional warmth at seeing him again. Then there was Leumas, the man, or alien, whose name had triggered all these visions. Copolla, the Leader of the Council of alien worlds in his ornate robes. A huge hall full of strange-looking creatures that comprised an organization that led planets and whole civilizations by the hand to a future that they deemed appropriate. The United Council for Developing Worlds, the UCDW, she said in her mind.
She looked into the mirror and stared at her flushed face. She remembered the last moments with Greg. Build a wall, he had said. Leumas’s name will be the signal.
"That's right," she said out loud in a faint voice, touching her face with her hand for reassurance that she wasn't dreaming all of this. She turned and looked toward the telephone that sat on the table next to her bed. It was going to ring; Greg would be calling her from New Orleans. Strangely, she almost giggled at the thought of hearing his voice again.
Seconds later, the phone began to ring.
"Now how did I know that?" she asked aloud. "Greg is more than fifteen hundred miles from me." The phone continued to ring.
She picked up the telephone, and confidently said, "Hello, Greg." As she spoke, her eyes were closed and she imagined seeing him smiling at the other end of the line. She giggled like a little girl receiving her first phone call from a boy. She twirled the phone cord around her fingers and realized that the feeling she had, the one about something missing, had been resolved.
Chapter Fifteen
THE AWAKENING
Sarah got it exactly right. Greg was indeed smiling. The sound of her voice had an almost intoxicating effect on him.
"Hello, Sarah," he said. "It's good to hear your voice again." Greg suddenly realized how difficult it was to contain his enthusiasm at the sound of her voice. He imagined her pretty face as she smoothed her hair to one side as she spoke. "You saw it, too, didn't you?" he asked, already knowing the answer. "His name? Leumas?"
"Yes," she answered excitedly. "It was in the newspaper. I saw his name there, well, actually the reflection of it, in the mirror. It caused this guy's name 'Samuel' to appear like 'Leumas.' After that, it all came back so quickly, everything. Your idea worked, Greg. You did it!"
He smiled and blushed a little bit at the appreciation. "Thanks. I just had a 'feeling' that it might come in handy for some reason."
"Apparently your feeling was correct," she said, proud of him. "But what now?"
Greg's voice took on a serious tone. "We need to put an end to our planet being used by this puppeteer Leumas and the Council. We need to expose him for what he is and what the UCDW is doing! I saw him in a picture with Samuel. He's weaseled himself into a position where he can influence the outcome of this election."
"Do you think people will believe us?" Her voice sounded cautious. She continued before he could answer. "I don't think they will. The article in the paper says this guy Edward Samuel is gaining popularity at an uncanny rate. His appeal to the working masses is almost mesmerizing."
"More like his appeal is being influenced by Leumas, both figuratively and literally, I'd bet," Greg said derisively. "I see your point, though. We can't just go to the press and say, 'Excuse me, but I need to tell everyone that this guy Leumas is an alien and is part of an organization that is controlling what is happening on our planet.'" He paused, and then said, "I might as well say that there are gigantic seed pods all over the world and they're taking control of us and growing new aliens."
Sarah cupped her hands around her mouth and giggled. "I'm sorry Greg, it's not funny, but your seed pods are profound. The direct approach is obviously out."
"Look," he began, liking the sound of her tinkling laughter. "Why don't we try to confront Leumas on the side somehow. He's too popular and probably too well protected by now to reach by just walking up to him, even though we could try. But I think we need to infiltrate his organization somehow and try to get close."
"Agreed. We need to find out what Leumas is planning. His use of Samuel is only the tip of his celestial iceberg," she said.
"Celestial iceberg? And you have room to talk about my choice of words? Where did you dig up that one, Sarah?" he said, laughing at her lightheartedness.
"Samuel is coming here!" Sarah exclaimed into the receiver, suddenly remembering what she had seen in the newspaper. "I read in the paper that he's coming here to open up a larger campaign headquarters. He should be here tomorrow. Greg, can you come here?"
His heart suddenly jumped at the thought of seeing her again. He could almost smell her perfume and see her soft blue eyes. "I'll be on the next flight out of New Orleans," he said firmly. "I'll try and think up a plan on the plane, while you scope out the area and see what you can come up with. Okay?"
"Okay," she responded. He could tell from the sound of her voice she was also excited at the thought of seeing him again.
There was a moment of silence between them. Neither had mentioned anything about the mental powers they had begun to develop before the memory wipe occurred.
Hesitantly, Greg asked, "Sarah, have you experienced any of the mental abilities that we had before the memory wipe process?"
"No, not really," she said, a little unsure. "I haven't felt a thing or at least I don't think so. There was a moment when the telephone rang and I kind of knew it was you. But that was right after seeing the name in the paper. It could have just been a coincidence." She paused, then said in a quiet voice, "I wonder if the memory wipe process did something to the powers, or if they will they come back again after a while? Have you felt anything?"
"Nothing with certainty. Just a feeling or instinct about certain things," Greg said. "But who knows for sure? Maybe with our memories back, the power will return. But for now, one step at a time and we'll see what happens. I'll call you with the flight information as soon as I have my tickets in hand."
"Great," she said, a small flush creeping over her face. "I'll get to work on my end and I'll see you when you get here."
"See you soon, Sarah, bye," he said softly.
"Bye," she said as she placed the receiver back into its cradle.
Sarah walked slowly into the kitchen and poured herself another cup of coffee. She sat down at her small table to organize her racing thoughts.
My life has certainly changed these past couple of months, she thought a little bemusedly. From conservative and high strung, she had now started becoming more relaxed. Just little things here and there she had started to notice. She was finding amusement in things much more often now instead of trying to just analyze everything. And now…there was Greg. She smiled. She liked him immensely. Even though she had been memory wiped, her newly relocated memories pleasingly haunted her thoughts. She smiled and felt a warm sensation bathe her body as she imagined the first kiss she had shared with him. She embellished the feeling and let it take her where it…
"Time for those thoughts later," she said regaining her composure. "I need to figure out what we and I need to do." She picked up the newspaper and read the article slowly and thoroughly to ensure that she had as many of the facts as possible. Then she grabbed a small pad of paper and pen and began to make a list of things she needed to do. She wrote down places to call and visit. Then she added another item to the list as she spoke aloud, "Pick up Greg at airport, 7:00 PM." She stared at it and wondered why she had written it. "Too many thoughts crowding into my mind all at once, that's all," she said.
Sarah tapped the pen on the table, trying to find an excuse to be late for the office. She smiled, because she never could remember playing "hooky" before. She called the office secretary, who connected her to her boss. Sarah made some excuse as to how she thought she should get some rest today, "you know, after the incident." At the mention of "the incident," her boss quickly agreed she should take as much time as possible and not to come in until she was sure she was fine. Sarah found it difficult not to laugh as her boss
ran on about her welfare and how she should sue the hospital. She thanked him for his concern and hung up.
Sarah placed her list in her pocket, grabbed her jacket and headed out the door to do some reconnaissance of the area where the paper said the rally was going to be. When she returned home from her mission, several hours later, she noticed the light on her answering machine was flashing. She pushed the "play" button and listened as Greg's gentle voice told her that he would be arriving at LaGuardia airport tonight, at 7:00 PM.
* * * *
Sarah stopped and checked the monitor in the airport concourse to confirm the arrival time of Greg's flight. She found the flight number and gate number and continued to read across the screen, "on time." She still had about twenty-five minutes to wait so she grabbed a Diet Coke from one of the little airport shops and found a seat near the gate and sat down. Three bucks for a Coke, what a rip, she thought, and shook her head.
Her feet ached, despite the comfortable shoes she had put on that morning; she had done quite a bit of walking today. She removed the shoes and rubbed her feet trying to massage away their soreness. As she did this, she noticed her clothes, a blue skirt and white blouse and how it matched the pattern of the airports' seat covers. Great, I have the airport décor down pat, she thought to herself, and chuckled.
It had been a tiring, but eventful day. She had planned to check out the area near Samuel's campaign headquarters during her outing. It turned out to be fortunate timing, and she had been more successful than she could have imagined. She had a lot to tell Greg, she thought, raising her hand to her mouth to stifle a yawn. She closed her eyes momentarily and tried to relax, clearing everything from her mind. First, the hustle-and-bustle noise of the airport, which she replaced with the sound of Greg's voice from their earlier telephone conversation. It will be nice to see him again, she thought, as a small smile played about her lips. It seemed as if their paths were destined to cross again, and that was okay in her book, she thought, blushing. I'm becoming quite fond of him, she said in her thoughts and lingered on those words for several seconds
::Why, thank you Sarah. Same here,:: his voice said inside her head, sounding amused.
Her eyes flew open. She thought she had fallen asleep and would wake to see him standing directly in front of her. But no one was there. She turned and looked around, but there was no Greg.
"What the heck?" she said out loud, as heads turned toward her. "It can't be, or can it?" She suddenly stopped wondering about what had just happened and then said in her mind, ::Greg? Was that…is that you?::
::It’s me, the one and only, :: he said. ::Can you believe it? I'm in the plane, still about twenty minutes away. I, well, uh, I guess I felt your thoughts. She could almost hear the blush in his voice. ::So, I concentrated and they came in real clear.::
::The power, it's back?:: she asked, with excitement.
::Yep, it sure seems so. It seems to be growing as we get closer to each other. Oh and nice outfit, Sarah. It blends in really well with the airport decor.::
::Thanks, Greg,:: she said nonchalantly. The words sunk in and she wondered how he could know that. ::Wait a minute. How do you know what I'm wearing?::
::I saw it in my mind.:: he said.
::But, how?:: she asked, bewildered.
::I just did,:: he said, trying to find the words to explain. ::I closed my eyes, listened to your voice, and sort of, well, followed it I guess. It took me into the airport for a couple of seconds, then it vanished.::
Sarah was both amazed and pleased to find out that the power had returned to both of them. ::Well, this certainly could help our plans, but I'm concerned about this new vision you may be developing, :: she said wryly. ::Where is it going and why is it happening to us?::
::I don't know all the answers yet. We may have to just wait it out and see what happens.::
::I guess we don't really have a lot of choice in the matter, :: she said with a hint of sarcasm, but then added seriously, ::I just want to be able to understand all this.::
Her request to understand suddenly and strangely provoked a memory of her father. The times when she didn't understand things, and the way he would gently and patiently explain them to her. She missed him.
::Sarah,:: he began, ::I don't mean to interrupt, but I just heard your thoughts. I really didn't mean to 'thought drop' on you. It seems I haven't learned control of the power well enough yet to find the on and off switch as quickly as I would like sometimes.::
::That's okay, Greg,:: she said understandingly. Then, softly, she said, ::So you really heard my thoughts about my father?::
::Yes, and you're not going to believe this, but I had similar thoughts earlier today about my father. Almost the exact same thoughts,:: he said, placing strong emphasis on the word "exact." ::It seems like we have something in common after all.::
::And that is?:: she asked, letting the question hang.
::We both lost our fathers at an early age, and in the same year. How is that for coincidence?::
::Interesting,:: she said as her mind chewed on this new piece of information. ::I wonder if there is some significance behind it?::
::I think so, because it gets even more coincidental.::
::Oh? So, go on.::.
::I saw in your memories that your father died of a severe respiratory infection.::
::That's right. And?:: She was amazed at the scope of his power.
::So did my Dad. Same thing, severe respiratory infection.::
::This is getting really weird,:: she said with frustration. She just couldn't put all the pieces together. ::Okay, so we know our fathers had something in common, but that doesn't explain a whole lot. This is so strange.::
::Sarah?:: His voice was hesitant.
::Yes, Greg,:: she said absently, as her analytical brain was churning on this new information.
::There is something else,:: he began slowly. ::I didn't tell you earlier because I didn't want to upset you anymore tonight, but something else has happened.::
::What is it, Greg? Go ahead. Tell me.::
::I just found out a little while ago,:: he continued carefully. ::It was an accident. I don't know how I did it. It just kind of happened while I was sitting around waiting for the flight to board.::
::Out with it already, Greg!:: she shouted, her impatience suddenly flaring at the thought of yet another occurrence defying explanation.
::I think I'm developing Leumas’ ability to influence people.::
Silence.
::Sarah?:: he called, alarmed. ::Sarah, can you hear me?::
* * * *
Greg hurriedly exited the plane, exclaiming "Excuse me," and receiving evil glances from several of the passengers as he jumped in front of them. He was afraid he would find Sarah lying incapacitated on the ground. His eyes searched the waiting area for a crowd of people that would have encircled her if she had fainted.
He spotted her sitting in the same seat where he assumed she had been while they had mentally conversed earlier. She looked a little pale and withdrawn at first, but when her eyes met his, her face brightened and relief washed over him. He hurried over to her.
"It's really good to see you, Sarah," he said, beaming, and then he hugged her. As they drew apart, he placed his hands on her shoulders, looked into her eyes and said gently, "Sorry about that little bombshell I dropped on you about influencing."
"That's okay," she said, smiling into his eyes. "I just wasn't expecting it. But lately, nothing would surprise me. I'm okay now." She looped her arm through his and they began to walk down the large expanse toward the signs that read, "Ground Transportation and Luggage Pick-up."
Sarah sent her thoughts to him. ::We'd better not talk out loud about these powers. I guess I may be getting a little paranoid, but I think someone would send us back to the hospital for observation if they caught wind of it. We can talk out loud about other things, though. Okay?::
::Agreed. I was thinking the same thing, no pun intended,:: Greg responded
, impressed, as always, with her intuitiveness.
::No, of course not silly,:: she said. ::So, tell me about it, how did it happen? You know, the influencing part while you were waiting for the flight?::
He thought for a few seconds and began. ::Well, I was sitting and going over the things that had come back to me in those memories about the Council and Leumas, the ones they thought they had erased. I tried to concentrate to see if there was anything there we might be able to use to our advantage. Well, after a while, I decided to take a break, I was feeling, you know, brain tired and I saw this kid walk by with an ice cream cone. I guess I had a thought that it looked good and I would sure like to have one. The next thing I know, this kid was trying to give it to me.::
She looked at him strangely. ::Well, maybe it was just a coincidence or something.::
::That's what I thought, too, but when the kid starting bawling because I wouldn't take the ice cream, his big daddy came up and wanted to know what I had done to his kid.::
::Uh-oh. What did you do?:: she asked, a smile threatening upon her lips.
::Thinking quickly, I suggested that big daddy go and buy us both an ice cream cone because, somehow, I reminded him of an old Navy buddy. I ended the thought with a once-upon-a-time-we-were-real good-friends kind of deal.::
"And?" she said out loud, forgetting to think inside, as her patience ran out. They glanced around to see if anyone else had noticed her strange outburst.
"Oops, sorry," she whispered aloud. ::I forgot. Please continue.::
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