When one door closes the other door opens, but we so often
look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door,
that we do not see the ones which open for us.
- Alexander Graham Bell
Chapter Two
Shattered Memories
The light from the alarm clock cast distorting shadows upon my sullen face as I watched the time slip through my fingers. I was lying down on my bed, curled up in a fetal position, as I remembered what happened on that tragic day. The day when I almost lost all hope.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Jane, what's you're status?
At first there was nothing but static until I heard Jane reply, concern evident in her tone, Nothing we can't handle.
During those few fleeting moments I wondered why the Phantoms were so drawn to life forms in the first place. Think Aki think. They were angry, but what else? There must be some logical explanation why they can sense us, they were ghosts after all, their dead, they can't feel us.....oh my god, a realization just hit me as I looked back out the window and saw a few phantoms several yards away from them. This is not good. Not good.
Gray I want you to tell them to evacuate immediately and tell them to avoid opening fire.
Just do it Gray!
He looked back at me in disbelief and calmly repeated to Jane,
Jane, do not open fire, I want you to come back to the ship now.
Wait, I'm picking up some phantoms...
That's an order Jane!
Gray watched Jane lower her weapon and walked over to Neil. They appeared to be arguing and Aki heard the crackle of Neil's headset as he said in a frustrated tone, But sir! I'm almost there, I only have a few more.......
He was wasting valuable time and I couldn't take it anymore. Grabbing the headset from Gray I yelled, Listen! We'll take care of the problem, right now I want you to return to the ship. You're lives are in immediate danger!
Neil? Do you hear me?
Copy that.
Aki sighed in relief as Gray gave her a mind-telling-me-what's-going-on-look.
I'll explain later.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
What was that all about?
Jane gave me an annoyed glare. I figured she was not used to taking orders from someone other than the Captain. Especially me.
I understand now why the Phantoms can sense us.
You mean besides the fact that their pissed off angry ghosts.' Neil commented as the door quickly closed behind him.
Jane rolled her eyes as I ignored Neil's oh, so enlightening remark, and continued to explain my theory.
Listen, why do you suppose the Phantoms chased me through Old New York?
Jane shrugged, leaning her arm against the metal doorway and sarcastically replied, Because they can see you?
No, they can't see. Once something dies they have to rely on different senses. Senses that don't require the former host, and judging by my research, each of the spirit waves I've collected gave off a different signature wave. The only way you could detect these waves is by warmth. A warmth caused by emotion.
Gray and Jane both gave me blank stares while Neil stared out the double pane window deep in thought.
Gray broke the silence and asked, So what exactly are you saying Aki?
What I'm saying is that it has been proven through science that when the human body goes through excessive amounts of stress or anxiety it can cause the body temperature to rise. Like an aura, if you will.
What the heck is an aura?' Jane asked bewildered.
Before I could respond to her question a voice swiftly replied, An aura is a form of energy claimed to emanate from the body and to be visible to individuals with psychic or spiritual powers.
I turned around to see Dr. Sid as he proudly replied, I see that you've been following in my footsteps Aki.
That's the reason why the phantoms chased us through the city.....because we were running, Neil said in surprise.
Gray shook his head, throwing his exasperated hands up in the air as he cried out, Whoa! Wait a minute. That still doesn't explain why they attacked us in the elevator Aki.
Gray, what were you're feelings at that time? You were afraid weren't you? Afraid of failing this mission'
Yes.'
He gave me a tender look and I instantly recognized that was not the only thing he was afraid of failing....he was afraid of losing me. I know this because I felt the same way in those precious few moments that we had in the elevator.
"So what's your plan Aki?" Gray asked.
All eyes looked towards me in anticipation.
