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 12
Tia decided that, if Eric could be decisive and get what he wanted, then she could, too. She walked back into the main office and got Kurt's attention. He came over to her, and she said, "Come into my office for a minute."
He did, and she closed the door - something she hoped wasn't inappropriate. She just didn't feel right leaving the door open. She turned around and said, "Kurt, we have a lot of catching up to do. But right now I need your help. Eric has already given me my first assignment, and it involves a lot of research. I'd like your assistance."
He smiled that, well, dazzling smile, and said, "I thought you'd never ask! What can I do?"
Tia smiled back and said, "I need you to find anything you can on a group called Americans Against Alien Invasion, or AAAI for short. They have members in North Carolina, but I suspect they go beyond the borders of one state. Print out information or email me hyperlinks to sites - just find everything you can on them."
"Can do, boss!" He laughed. "Seriously, Tia . it's great seeing you again. How's Tony?"
"He's doing very well, thanks. I know he'd love to find out that I've met up with you. If I get the chance, I'll call him tonight and let him know. And then I can tell you his comments over dinner tomorrow! Now . get to work, 'gofer'!"
They both laughed, and he returned to his desk and started browsing.
Tia, however, had one more thing to do. She looked toward her watch and began sending a message to New Home. "Uncle Bené, this is Tia. It's urgent! I must speak with you right away, if at all possible." She knew that someone monitored messages from those on assignment 24 hours a day. She would either hear back immediately, or just wait for Uncle Bené to contact her.
Suddenly she "heard" a voice - it sounded like someone standing right behind her, talking to her. She realized that it was the voice of a Homedweller coming through her watch/transmitter. She had never heard anyone speak over the machine before, so the sensation was new. It wasn't audible - if Eric had been there, he wouldn't have heard it. But she could.
It was Uncle Bené. "Tia, are you alright? I came as soon as I was told. Are you in trouble?" He sounded genuinely worried. She realized he must be - she had never been on her own before, and now, less than 8 hours after being alone she was sending an urgent transmission!
"Yes, Uncle Bené, I'm fine. I just had to tell you what I've already learned." She went on to describe the AAAI and the effort to let the government open up Witch Mountain for investigation. She also told him her role in this so far, as well as Eric's.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Uncle Bené couldn't help but needle her a little bit. "Oh, it's Eric, is it? Whatever happened to protocol and calling him 'Senator Long'?" He chuckled. Tia laughed out loud and said, "Oh, Uncle Bené, is that all you can think about? He insisted on it, if you need to know!"
Then he said, "I know, Tia. I just have to make sure you keep your sense of humor there. And I already miss you - it's good to hear you laugh. Now, about the situation. As you know, we have our own research capabilities, as well as a good number of undercover Homedwellers. We'll start investigating all of this ourselves, and I'll let you know what we find out the minute we do."
"Thanks, Uncle Bené. I appreciate that. If I learn anything else as well, I'll communicate it right away. I have this strong feeling that this isn't the last urgent transmission you'll receive from me. The funny thing is, I also feel strongly that this will be a very successful assignment. I'm having trouble putting the two together, but I know both are right."
He replied, "Don't discount either one, Tia. While the message you just delivered is urgent and serious, I can't think of anything more positive than receiving it. Can you imagine what we would have done if we didn't even know about this threat? Now we can begin checking it ourselves and prepare a defense if this group is given access to our area. You are exactly where you need to be, doing what we need you to do. Now, do your work - both your 'day job' and your 'real job,' and try to enjoy both. Take advantage of the fun, light moments, because they don't come as often as we like. Laugh as often as you can, and then be serious when you need to."
Tia loved listening to Uncle Bené. He was always so encouraging, and always seemed so . right. She needed the pep talk.
"I will. Thanks, Uncle Bené. I better get back to work. I'll be in touch tonight, if not sooner. Tell Aunt Bri I said 'Hi,' and take care!"
"You too, Tia. We will be in touch." And he was gone.
LIFE ON WITCH MOUNTAIN
By Kevin Haynes
CHAPTER 12
Tia decided that, if Eric could be decisive and get what he wanted, then she could, too. She walked back into the main office and got Kurt's attention. He came over to her, and she said, "Come into my office for a minute."
He did, and she closed the door - something she hoped wasn't inappropriate. She just didn't feel right leaving the door open. She turned around and said, "Kurt, we have a lot of catching up to do. But right now I need your help. Eric has already given me my first assignment, and it involves a lot of research. I'd like your assistance."
He smiled that, well, dazzling smile, and said, "I thought you'd never ask! What can I do?"
Tia smiled back and said, "I need you to find anything you can on a group called Americans Against Alien Invasion, or AAAI for short. They have members in North Carolina, but I suspect they go beyond the borders of one state. Print out information or email me hyperlinks to sites - just find everything you can on them."
"Can do, boss!" He laughed. "Seriously, Tia . it's great seeing you again. How's Tony?"
"He's doing very well, thanks. I know he'd love to find out that I've met up with you. If I get the chance, I'll call him tonight and let him know. And then I can tell you his comments over dinner tomorrow! Now . get to work, 'gofer'!"
They both laughed, and he returned to his desk and started browsing.
Tia, however, had one more thing to do. She looked toward her watch and began sending a message to New Home. "Uncle Bené, this is Tia. It's urgent! I must speak with you right away, if at all possible." She knew that someone monitored messages from those on assignment 24 hours a day. She would either hear back immediately, or just wait for Uncle Bené to contact her.
Suddenly she "heard" a voice - it sounded like someone standing right behind her, talking to her. She realized that it was the voice of a Homedweller coming through her watch/transmitter. She had never heard anyone speak over the machine before, so the sensation was new. It wasn't audible - if Eric had been there, he wouldn't have heard it. But she could.
It was Uncle Bené. "Tia, are you alright? I came as soon as I was told. Are you in trouble?" He sounded genuinely worried. She realized he must be - she had never been on her own before, and now, less than 8 hours after being alone she was sending an urgent transmission!
"Yes, Uncle Bené, I'm fine. I just had to tell you what I've already learned." She went on to describe the AAAI and the effort to let the government open up Witch Mountain for investigation. She also told him her role in this so far, as well as Eric's.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Uncle Bené couldn't help but needle her a little bit. "Oh, it's Eric, is it? Whatever happened to protocol and calling him 'Senator Long'?" He chuckled. Tia laughed out loud and said, "Oh, Uncle Bené, is that all you can think about? He insisted on it, if you need to know!"
Then he said, "I know, Tia. I just have to make sure you keep your sense of humor there. And I already miss you - it's good to hear you laugh. Now, about the situation. As you know, we have our own research capabilities, as well as a good number of undercover Homedwellers. We'll start investigating all of this ourselves, and I'll let you know what we find out the minute we do."
"Thanks, Uncle Bené. I appreciate that. If I learn anything else as well, I'll communicate it right away. I have this strong feeling that this isn't the last urgent transmission you'll receive from me. The funny thing is, I also feel strongly that this will be a very successful assignment. I'm having trouble putting the two together, but I know both are right."
He replied, "Don't discount either one, Tia. While the message you just delivered is urgent and serious, I can't think of anything more positive than receiving it. Can you imagine what we would have done if we didn't even know about this threat? Now we can begin checking it ourselves and prepare a defense if this group is given access to our area. You are exactly where you need to be, doing what we need you to do. Now, do your work - both your 'day job' and your 'real job,' and try to enjoy both. Take advantage of the fun, light moments, because they don't come as often as we like. Laugh as often as you can, and then be serious when you need to."
Tia loved listening to Uncle Bené. He was always so encouraging, and always seemed so . right. She needed the pep talk.
"I will. Thanks, Uncle Bené. I better get back to work. I'll be in touch tonight, if not sooner. Tell Aunt Bri I said 'Hi,' and take care!"
"You too, Tia. We will be in touch." And he was gone.