DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters created by Alexander Key and
owned by Walt Disney Pictures. This is fan fiction, and not endorsed by
Mr. Key, his estate, or Walt Disney. No copyright infringement is
intended, and no money is being made from this story. It is based on plot
elements used in both the book Escape to Witch Mountain as well as the
movie of the same name, although the book and the movie differ extensively.
Please direct all queries, comments, etc. to kevinpkhaynes@yahoo.com. It
is my sincere desire that you enjoy the story as the pure entertainment it
was intended to be.
LIFE ON WITCH MOUNTAIN
By Kevin Haynes
CHAPTER 8
Up until this very moment, Tia had felt confident and excited. Now, as she prepared to climb the steps to the Capitol building, she had to force her feet to move. She had been looking forward to this moment for a long time, and had spent the past two years preparing for nothing but this. And now . she was scared. More than scared . terrified!
Fear was something she had known often in her life, at least until arriving at New Home. Once she had found her people and settled in with them, the only fear she had really experienced was when Tony had been kidnapped by Dr. Gannon. She also feared for him after they had returned, until the night they had bonded.
No, this fear was . different. This wasn't fear for her life, or fear for someone's safety. This was a fear of messing up. She had never been "center stage" before. No plan or event had ever depended on her. She had always been in the shadows, off to the side, or just part of a team effort. Not any more. Now it was all up to her. Would she be able to play the part? Could she talk the talk - look and sound and respond like a professional? After all, she was just a nature girl, more at home with the deer and bears and woods than with people, even Homedwellers. What was she thinking to accept three years of working side by side with humans, pretending to be one of them? What was Uncle Bené thinking?
As she made her feet climb one step at a time, she forced the thoughts from her head. Each step she ascended meant one more fear she forced to be gone. This is what she had dreamed of, to make a difference, to step out of the shadows. Now she understood what "stage fright" meant. The spotlight, so to speak, was on her. If she succeeded, everyone would know. If she screwed up, everyone would know. But she had to realize, she told herself, the risk was part of the excitement. No risk, no thrill. She almost laughed out loud when, in her silent conversation with herself, her inner voice seemed to cry out, "But no one told me risk was so scary!"
She made it to the top of the steps, through the front door, and past the security guard who checked her ID badge with his list of new employees. He directed her to the right elevator and the right floor. And there it was . the office of Eric Long, Senator from North Carolina.
Tia knew very little about her new boss. She had been told (or actually had read in a report given her by the Homedwellers that set this up) that he was a first term senator and was one year away from reelection. Unlike other new senators, however, he preferred to keep working in Washington to help his constituents instead of going back home to campaign for his reelection. She also read that he was very detail-oriented, and he expected his assistant to be the same, while also keeping the big picture - schedule, appearances, votes, etc. - in mind.
The receptionist, an older lady dressed very nicely, asked her name, and then asked her to be seated. She picked up her phone, dialed a three-digit extension, and said, "Senator, Tia Castaway here to see you." Then she hung up and said, "He'll be right out." And she went back to her typing.
Tia was looking around at the office, trying to get to know it. She saw a desk back in one corner but before she could see who was there, a figure came around the corner from behind the receptionist's desk. Tia wasn't expecting this at all! This young man standing before her, dressed in a suit, couldn't be a U.S. Senator! Maybe she had just been around too many years, but she expected someone much older.
She suddenly realized that she was staring at him. What was happening to her? Boy, this day was taking its toll on her! She just wasn't acting like herself at all! He approached her and said, "Tia?"
She stood, smiled, and extended her right hand and said, "Tia Castaway. I'm your new assistant, Senator Long."
He smiled and extended his hand and said, "Call me Eric. Nice to meet you, Tia! Welcome aboard."
They shook hands, and Tia felt like she was in a dream. She wished she could just freeze the scene, step out of it, and slap herself! She had been around many men in her life, from two different planets even, and never reacted like this! She mentally berated herself and forced herself to start acting professional and not like an awestruck schoolgirl.
As Eric led her to the back of the office complex, he pointed out his office, and that hers was right next to his. Tia noticed that she had two phones on her desk. She said, "It looks like a nice office - I love the view! But why do I have two phones?"
He pointed at the beige phone with about 20 buttons on it, and said, "This is your contact with the rest of the world. It is the published number for my assistant, and all calls to you go there. You can set up a voice mail greeting yourself, or leave the standard one there provided by Uncle Sam. Now, this other phone," he said, as he pointed to a black one with just the standard key pad on it, "is your direct line with me, and vice versa. It's like an intercom, except that I hate intercoms. What's said over them is never private, so we have a phone instead. When I need you, this phone will ring. And when it does, whatever else you are doing can wait. If you're talking on the other phone, put them on hold or hang up. If you're writing a report or a letter, stop. This phone is your top priority. Is that clear?"
Tia was a little startled by his directness. However, she sensed that Eric, instead of being pushy or a bully, simply a man who knew what he wanted and knew how to get it. "Wishy-washy" could never be used to describe him! She replied, "I understand perfectly, and it will be my top priority."
The look Eric gave her was difficult to read. He seemed to either doubt her sincerity, or couldn't believe someone would be that willing to accept what he had just said. Tia, her nervousness having faded, began to feel that working for Eric itself would almost be a greater adventure than looking for other Homedwellers.
Eric looked at her and said, "I appreciate that, Tia. You're here because the last three people who held your job didn't understand that. My work is often unrelenting. So many people think that the hardest part of getting to be a Senator is the campaigning and speaking and making promises. Well, if you're like some of my colleagues, that's right. But if you want to have any integrity at all, being a good senator is much harder than any campaign. I work my butt off to be the best I can be for those who elected me, and sometimes that doesn't allow me the luxury of waiting until you are off the phone. If I ever come across as rude, I apologize right now, because I assure I probably won't have time to apologize then! If you want a soft-spoken boss with an easygoing manner and a job that allows you to be comfortable, then you should probably go grab the classifieds. If you like some adventure and are willing to suffer some discomfort for it, you should find this job exhilarating!"
Amazing, Tia thought. He is so focused, so passionate. The only humans I have met who were like that wanted to capture or hurt my people. He's just the opposite . but no less driven! I am definitely going to enjoy this!
Not sure what her eyes were saying as she thought that, she straightened and said, "Eric, I am ready for any adventure you can send my way. When do we get started?"
Eric smiled, which not only lit his whole face but also the whole room, and said, "Well, first we introduce you to your gofer. I need you here, accessible, so when there are errands to be run, you send him. That way you're where I need you to be."
Tia actually laughed. All of her experience with animals had prepared her, when hearing the word "gofer," to actually picture a gopher! She knew from her studies what a gofer was, of course - someone that you send to "go for" things for you. But she couldn't help picturing a little animal with big teeth wearing a suit, running an errand for her.
Eric seemed a little puzzled by the laughter, and she said, "I'm sorry, I just pictured a real 'gopher' when you said that! It just struck me as funny." She hoped she hadn't offended him or made him think she was weird. She had to gain his trust to be able to do what she came here for . her real job - the assignment.
Eric laughed and said, "You know, I got the same mental picture. I just thought I was tired, but it is a funny sight! But don't worry, the gofer we have for you is much better than the gopher you pictured! Turn around and meet him."
Tia turned, not realizing someone else was there. Standing next to the desk that she had seen near the corner of the main office was a man, slightly taller than Tia, with kind features.
The man cocked his head and looked surprised. He said, "Tia . is that you?"
Tia's mouth flew open. There was something familiar about him, but what human would she know? She had had contact with so few of them. She composed herself, extended her hand, and said, "Yes, I'm Tia. Tia Castaway. Have we met?"
The gofer grinned as he shook her hand and said, "Yes, we have! You probably don't remember me, but I'm Kurt Garrison."
Tia's brow knotted as she tried to remember. Her memory was usually photographic, and she could remember minute details even years later. Her brain was telling her that she did know this man, or had before, but for some reason her brain wouldn't tell her any more than that!
He chuckled and said, "Maybe this will refresh your memory." Then he stepped back, and, as his open hands came up near his face like fireworks going off, he said, "I'm Dazzler!"
LIFE ON WITCH MOUNTAIN
By Kevin Haynes
CHAPTER 8
Up until this very moment, Tia had felt confident and excited. Now, as she prepared to climb the steps to the Capitol building, she had to force her feet to move. She had been looking forward to this moment for a long time, and had spent the past two years preparing for nothing but this. And now . she was scared. More than scared . terrified!
Fear was something she had known often in her life, at least until arriving at New Home. Once she had found her people and settled in with them, the only fear she had really experienced was when Tony had been kidnapped by Dr. Gannon. She also feared for him after they had returned, until the night they had bonded.
No, this fear was . different. This wasn't fear for her life, or fear for someone's safety. This was a fear of messing up. She had never been "center stage" before. No plan or event had ever depended on her. She had always been in the shadows, off to the side, or just part of a team effort. Not any more. Now it was all up to her. Would she be able to play the part? Could she talk the talk - look and sound and respond like a professional? After all, she was just a nature girl, more at home with the deer and bears and woods than with people, even Homedwellers. What was she thinking to accept three years of working side by side with humans, pretending to be one of them? What was Uncle Bené thinking?
As she made her feet climb one step at a time, she forced the thoughts from her head. Each step she ascended meant one more fear she forced to be gone. This is what she had dreamed of, to make a difference, to step out of the shadows. Now she understood what "stage fright" meant. The spotlight, so to speak, was on her. If she succeeded, everyone would know. If she screwed up, everyone would know. But she had to realize, she told herself, the risk was part of the excitement. No risk, no thrill. She almost laughed out loud when, in her silent conversation with herself, her inner voice seemed to cry out, "But no one told me risk was so scary!"
She made it to the top of the steps, through the front door, and past the security guard who checked her ID badge with his list of new employees. He directed her to the right elevator and the right floor. And there it was . the office of Eric Long, Senator from North Carolina.
Tia knew very little about her new boss. She had been told (or actually had read in a report given her by the Homedwellers that set this up) that he was a first term senator and was one year away from reelection. Unlike other new senators, however, he preferred to keep working in Washington to help his constituents instead of going back home to campaign for his reelection. She also read that he was very detail-oriented, and he expected his assistant to be the same, while also keeping the big picture - schedule, appearances, votes, etc. - in mind.
The receptionist, an older lady dressed very nicely, asked her name, and then asked her to be seated. She picked up her phone, dialed a three-digit extension, and said, "Senator, Tia Castaway here to see you." Then she hung up and said, "He'll be right out." And she went back to her typing.
Tia was looking around at the office, trying to get to know it. She saw a desk back in one corner but before she could see who was there, a figure came around the corner from behind the receptionist's desk. Tia wasn't expecting this at all! This young man standing before her, dressed in a suit, couldn't be a U.S. Senator! Maybe she had just been around too many years, but she expected someone much older.
She suddenly realized that she was staring at him. What was happening to her? Boy, this day was taking its toll on her! She just wasn't acting like herself at all! He approached her and said, "Tia?"
She stood, smiled, and extended her right hand and said, "Tia Castaway. I'm your new assistant, Senator Long."
He smiled and extended his hand and said, "Call me Eric. Nice to meet you, Tia! Welcome aboard."
They shook hands, and Tia felt like she was in a dream. She wished she could just freeze the scene, step out of it, and slap herself! She had been around many men in her life, from two different planets even, and never reacted like this! She mentally berated herself and forced herself to start acting professional and not like an awestruck schoolgirl.
As Eric led her to the back of the office complex, he pointed out his office, and that hers was right next to his. Tia noticed that she had two phones on her desk. She said, "It looks like a nice office - I love the view! But why do I have two phones?"
He pointed at the beige phone with about 20 buttons on it, and said, "This is your contact with the rest of the world. It is the published number for my assistant, and all calls to you go there. You can set up a voice mail greeting yourself, or leave the standard one there provided by Uncle Sam. Now, this other phone," he said, as he pointed to a black one with just the standard key pad on it, "is your direct line with me, and vice versa. It's like an intercom, except that I hate intercoms. What's said over them is never private, so we have a phone instead. When I need you, this phone will ring. And when it does, whatever else you are doing can wait. If you're talking on the other phone, put them on hold or hang up. If you're writing a report or a letter, stop. This phone is your top priority. Is that clear?"
Tia was a little startled by his directness. However, she sensed that Eric, instead of being pushy or a bully, simply a man who knew what he wanted and knew how to get it. "Wishy-washy" could never be used to describe him! She replied, "I understand perfectly, and it will be my top priority."
The look Eric gave her was difficult to read. He seemed to either doubt her sincerity, or couldn't believe someone would be that willing to accept what he had just said. Tia, her nervousness having faded, began to feel that working for Eric itself would almost be a greater adventure than looking for other Homedwellers.
Eric looked at her and said, "I appreciate that, Tia. You're here because the last three people who held your job didn't understand that. My work is often unrelenting. So many people think that the hardest part of getting to be a Senator is the campaigning and speaking and making promises. Well, if you're like some of my colleagues, that's right. But if you want to have any integrity at all, being a good senator is much harder than any campaign. I work my butt off to be the best I can be for those who elected me, and sometimes that doesn't allow me the luxury of waiting until you are off the phone. If I ever come across as rude, I apologize right now, because I assure I probably won't have time to apologize then! If you want a soft-spoken boss with an easygoing manner and a job that allows you to be comfortable, then you should probably go grab the classifieds. If you like some adventure and are willing to suffer some discomfort for it, you should find this job exhilarating!"
Amazing, Tia thought. He is so focused, so passionate. The only humans I have met who were like that wanted to capture or hurt my people. He's just the opposite . but no less driven! I am definitely going to enjoy this!
Not sure what her eyes were saying as she thought that, she straightened and said, "Eric, I am ready for any adventure you can send my way. When do we get started?"
Eric smiled, which not only lit his whole face but also the whole room, and said, "Well, first we introduce you to your gofer. I need you here, accessible, so when there are errands to be run, you send him. That way you're where I need you to be."
Tia actually laughed. All of her experience with animals had prepared her, when hearing the word "gofer," to actually picture a gopher! She knew from her studies what a gofer was, of course - someone that you send to "go for" things for you. But she couldn't help picturing a little animal with big teeth wearing a suit, running an errand for her.
Eric seemed a little puzzled by the laughter, and she said, "I'm sorry, I just pictured a real 'gopher' when you said that! It just struck me as funny." She hoped she hadn't offended him or made him think she was weird. She had to gain his trust to be able to do what she came here for . her real job - the assignment.
Eric laughed and said, "You know, I got the same mental picture. I just thought I was tired, but it is a funny sight! But don't worry, the gofer we have for you is much better than the gopher you pictured! Turn around and meet him."
Tia turned, not realizing someone else was there. Standing next to the desk that she had seen near the corner of the main office was a man, slightly taller than Tia, with kind features.
The man cocked his head and looked surprised. He said, "Tia . is that you?"
Tia's mouth flew open. There was something familiar about him, but what human would she know? She had had contact with so few of them. She composed herself, extended her hand, and said, "Yes, I'm Tia. Tia Castaway. Have we met?"
The gofer grinned as he shook her hand and said, "Yes, we have! You probably don't remember me, but I'm Kurt Garrison."
Tia's brow knotted as she tried to remember. Her memory was usually photographic, and she could remember minute details even years later. Her brain was telling her that she did know this man, or had before, but for some reason her brain wouldn't tell her any more than that!
He chuckled and said, "Maybe this will refresh your memory." Then he stepped back, and, as his open hands came up near his face like fireworks going off, he said, "I'm Dazzler!"