DISCLAIMER: The only thing I own is Jaden "Jay" Corbin, I don't even own the words. Only the order in which they were placed.
Okay! So…it's been almost a year since I uploaded this story, and for that I'm truly sorry to those who were waiting. It's been a hectic year, to say the least. But I will say this now, I do NOT plan on quitting on this one, however I'm getting ready to start university next month, so I'm not guaranteeing on how often updates can be made…but I will say this, they will certainly not take as long as this one did! I think I've rediscovered my focus with this story, and so, barring any serious attacks of WB (probably just jinxed myself there), I'm hoping it'll be easier.
For this part in particular, I'm not quite sure what I was thinking when I wrote some of the parts within it, they seem a little out of place but whatever. I doubt it's been worth the wait, but hopefully you enjoy it!
Copyright © Jamie Zimmerman, 2003
CHAPTER 11
Despite her claims and protests, Jay paused before doing what she'd said she'd gone to do, wanting to hear what her "guests" were talking about. Although she relished the thought of a warm shower, she certainly could have gone without…but she needed a reason to leave them alone, and this seemingly innocent one was suspicious enough.
Halfway up the carpeted flight of stairs she stopped on a small landing and crouched near a vent on the wall that separated the enclosed stairway from the room the others were in. She had to strain a little to hear; her guests certainly did not want to be overheard.
~~~
Liam returned to his party and told them their "host" was just tired and, as could be expected, emotionally drained. He was careful not to say anything about what had transpired between the two of them, though.
"I say we stay," Renee piped up, "Hear her out."
Liam nodded from his leaning position against the wall, his arms crossed. "I agree. It might sound a little far-fetched, but so far we've got nothing else going for us. I say we listen, find out if she has anything that could help us. It's not like anyone else has a better plan at the moment, right?" he challenged, daring anyone of the other occupants in the room to volunteer an alternative.
No one did.
"I do not wish to remain here," Zo'or grumbled, looking about the room in mild disgust. "We know nothing of our current predicament."
Sandoval, who'd been gazing out a window at the tree-dotted field, turned back to face the group. "I agree, Zo'or," he stated. "We shouldn't stay here. We should listen to what she says, yes, but on our terms." His expression turned to that of irritation. "We should not have to sit here in our current situation, we should be obtaining useful information. At present we are getting nowhere, and that girl seems content with that."
"I wouldn't say that," Renee directed at him, slightly exasperated. "I'm not quite sure what it is, but that girl knows something, and she seems willing to help."
"Did she not say she does not know what brought us here?" Zo'or sneered.
Renee openly glared at the Taelon, the only one of them who could technically do so without much of a reprimand. "Yes, she did," her voice had dropped, but gained intensity. "However--"
"However," Da'an interjected, before Renee could say more; his stance was imposing, yet calm and collected. Ever the diplomat, he continued, "She may not provide us with the reason for our being here, but perhaps," Da'an paused to look at the occupants in the room, allowing graceful movements of his hands to unconsciously dramatize his next words. "Perhaps, she may provide us with the means to return to our own time."
Liam walked over to an empty chair and sat down, resting his elbows on his knees. He sighted and looked over at the group, his eyes resting on Zo'or. "The way I see it, we have nothing to lose."
Zo'or eyed Liam for a few moments; it was times like this, times when he knew the human was correct - any human, for that matter - that he loathed.
Looking away, he noticed all eyes were on him; he was, technically, in charge, unless a matter of security popped up, in which case it would be in Zo'or's best interests to willingly allow Sandoval to take over - to a point. He would never relinquish control completely…and his protector was all to aware of that fact. But right now, the others were awaiting his decision.
The Synod Leader locked eyes with his parent. In addition to his heightened sense of self-preservation, there was something else pulling at him, a curiosity that would never have allowed him to leave without answers. Of that fact, Zo'or was sure.
Using his best abilities as an actor - something others tended to be ignorant of, which worked well to Zo'or's advantage - he regarded the group in front of him with obvious reluctance. "Very well, we shall remain here while it is in our best interests." He paused before adding, "And our safety."
The others nodded in agreement, all the while the same thought running through their heads, He really means his interests and safety.
~~~
Jay knew she'd been egging them on since they had arrived at the house, but it had been done intentionally.
She wanted them on edge, concerned and concentrating on more than one obstacle - it was safer for her this way, just in case she'd misinterpreted the visions she'd received…or worse, in the case of certain things she'd been shown, secrets from the future, if she had indeed interpreted them correctly. Some of the images were unsettling, to say the least…she wasn't even sure why she was supposed to help them - all she knew was that it was in her best interests, and the best interests of her planet, to help them at this moment in time.
At this moment in time. For some reason that thought stuck with her…it meant something important, something that would shape her own future. Something she couldn't ignore. If only she could lock herself in her room for the next week and sort through all that she'd been given, process it, as she usually did. But she hadn't had time before her guests had arrived, and she certainly couldn't do that now. Of course it hadn't help that she had never received anywhere close to the amount of information in any past experience that she had this time - it had been so much, in fact, that she had blacked out for several minutes when it she'd first received it less than a week ago.
Jay was only glad she had been alone at the time. As it was, she still had the remnants of a headache. And now, she would have to wait until they were gone, whenever that would be, before she could figure out the larger picture, something she was loathe to admit that frightened her - it lessened her control of the situation. But she knew she had to help them, somehow. At this moment in time.
Bringing her thoughts back to the present, she tuned back to the last of their conversation. Hearing what she needed to, the girl straightened up, away from the inconspicuous vent. She stared off into space for a few seconds as she thought about what they'd said. Absently nodding to herself, content they weren't going to leave but that they were still uneasy about the whole situation, she got up and continued up the rest of the steps. It wouldn't do her any good to appear as though she had foregone a shower after the display she had provided earlier.
~~~
The group of five sat - or stood - in an uncomfortable silence for a few minutes. No one had anything much to say that could be said in such mixed company.
Finally, Sandoval addressed the group. "I'm going to survey this house, see what kind of security measures can be taken, just in case."
"A wise precaution, Agent Sandoval," Zo'or intoned, annoyed that his Protector had taken this long to act. Sandoval appeared slightly startled by his boss' reaction, but gave a curt nod, his expression indicated he knew this probably should have been done the second they'd arrived. Zo'or smiled on the inside, good.
Liam had been staring at the floor, lost in his own thoughts. At Sandoval's declaration and Zo'or's approval, he looked up. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"
Sandoval looked at his subordinate, his irritation spawned by Zo'or's not-so-subtle reprimand. "Yes, Major, it is. We're vulnerable as it is, any knowledge we can gain will be to our advantage."
Renee raised an eyebrow. "You think she's going to take kindly to your snooping around her house?" Her sarcasm was held in check…for the most part.
Before Sandoval could reply, Da'an stated, "I do not think Ms. Corbin will enjoy this invasion of her privacy, but I believe she will understand that it is necessary."
Liam looked over at his Companion, a little surprised, but not by much. He'd been supported by Da'an too many times today, it had to give sometime. And despite the differences when compared the Zo'or, Da'an was still a Taelon.
Zo'or spoke next, his voice commanding. "I do not care whether she understands or not. I will not jeopardize my safety…or anyone else's," he added as an afterthought, a little too late, "Simply for the comfort of this human. Go, Agent Sandoval."
Sandoval nodded. "Yes, Zo'or. Major, stay here." With that, he left the room.
~~~
Jaden Corbin walked down the stairs, hair still wet, after the very quick shower she'd had to make her story believable. Thankful the stairs weren't creaking, she made her way completely silent - one didn't spend their whole life in traditional martial arts for nothing. As she came to the bottom of the steps, she heard faint footsteps at the opposite end of the hall. Curious, but not surprised, she quietly made her way to the dining room.
At the far end of the room she watched as Sandoval slowly ran a strange-looking, hand-held device across the wall, as if it were a small camera. Stopping just inside the doorway and folding her arms across her chest, she asked, "Find everything you're looking for?"
Sandoval spun around quickly and noted the girl at the opposite end of the room. The amusement that had been in her voice was certainly not evident in her expression, nor her stance. Jay had to give him credit - he kept his composure well.
But as she regarded him, Jay was bombarded with a strange image….
"Yes, sir!" They intoned loudly, in disciplined unison.
Two rows of children, each about ten kids long, all looking between the ages of seven and fifteen, a mix of both boys and girls. They appeared to be in some sort of warehouse, there were people going about their business in the background, paying the children no attention.
They stood in perfect columns, hands behind their backs, heads forward, legs held fast in their stance. They were at parade rest. All were in plain black jumpsuits, with a strange, unidentifiable purple symbol above the left breast.
A large man in a black uniform walked along the front of the lines with military precision, his eyes locking onto the gazes of each of the children as he passed them. For their part, the kids never moved, their eyes remained locked ahead of them. As he passed one girl in particular, the focus came on her…she was one of the younger ones, perhaps ten at the most, with long jet-black hair pulled into a plain ponytail behind her. Her stormy-grey eyes were hard, just like the rest of her facial features. Jay didn't know who this girl was, but she instantly recognized those eyes….
The focus of the vision jumped again. Standing at the back of the warehouse stood Agent Sandoval. He watched the children, approval at their disciplined demeanours evident on his face.
As quickly as the vision came, Jay lost it. Shaking her head, she realized Sandoval was talking to her.
"…Realized we would want to make sure of our safety."
Quickly surmising what he had said, she responded, "Of course. In fact, I'm surprised you didn't try to look around sooner." She watched as momentary irritation flashed in his eyes before he suppressed it. She was glad…something about him had bothered her from the start, and this latest bit of information her brain had processed only served to intensify that feeling.
"I think it would be a good idea to continue with your story now," he told her, his expression hard.
She allowed the corners of her mouth to turn slightly in a small grin, equally as hard. "Sure. That is, if you think you can tear yourself away from my mother's fine china long enough." He kept his expression neutral, she had to give him credit. "Just think of that safety violation," she continued as she turned and left the room, "If someone broke a plate and came at you with those sharp edges…."
Sandoval allowed an exasperated sigh escape him. H didn't know how long he could keep his control with that irritating girl around…she was worse than Kincaid, a lot worse. Regaining his composure, he followed after her. He could strangle her after she told them what she knew.
~~~
Just as Jay came to the entrance to the living room where she'd left them, so noticed Da'an and Zo'or standing outside the doorway, looking a little apprehensive.
More confused than anything, she approached them and asked, "Do you guys want me to give you the grand tour of my house? Because I will, if that'll make things easier…."
Zo'or just glared at her, clearly not amused. She couldn't be sure, but Jay thought she heard him mutter something of a derogatory comment aimed at "humans."
Da'an, however, was more forgiving. "I believe your 'Pizza Man' is here."
The girl just let out a tired chortle, and walked past them into the room. At the front door she watched as Renee took the offered box and Liam struggled with the currency in his hand.
When he was finished, Renee elbowed him. "Tip him," she whispered.
"Oh, right," was the reply as he handed the man at the door the rest of the change in his hand. Renee just shook her head.
"Thank you," the man replied, and left.
As the two came back into the room, they noticed their host standing there. "Just leave it on the table," Jay told them. "I'll be right back."
She left the room and, passing the two aliens who'd been joined by Sandoval, said, "I think it's safe now," before continuing to the kitchen. She grabbed some plates and water bottles and headed back.
A few minutes later, all four humans were eating their pizza. Sandoval had initially refused, but then muttered something about "keeping our strength up" and grabbed a plate.
Jay gestured to the two Taelons, who'd both taken the chairs in the room as opposed to the couch - they appeared more comfortable this way. "I don't suppose you eat."
Zo'or looked away in disgust. "We do not."
"No," Da'an supplied, "We do not receive our energy through ingestion."
Jay just nodded. "Well, I don't really know what I can do, but if you need anything…."
Da'an inclined his head. "We thank you for your offer."
A few minutes past in awkward silence. Finally Zo'or couldn't stand it and said, "This is a waste of time. We demand to know what you know. Now." Jay raised an eyebrow.
Da'an was quick to intervene, not wanting to offend this being who was trying to help them. He wasn't sure what it was, but something about this young human was drawing him, he knew she was important. He did not want to make her an enemy. "Please, forgive us. We are simply concerned about what is happening. We wish answers to the many questions we have."
Jay looked Da'an in the eyes, and for a second she seemed entranced. She realized they felt like her - confused, concerned, and as if they were slowly losing control of the situation. Shaking her head and blinking, she brought herself back to reality. "Very well, I'll tell you what I can.
"My father is my parent from the Khayana line," she began, figuring it was time to quit beating around the bush and just jump in - she'd left them hanging long enough. The others were initially startled at how fast she'd began, but quickly put it aside and listened to her tale. "However, he turned his back on the teachings and traditions decades ago, when he was about my age. He has, to date, refused to acknowledge that part of him…and of me. My grandmother, his mother, died before she could tell me anything herself. She left me some old diaries, a bunch of notebooks, even some old Khayanese texts…but you can only learn so much from books. I haven't even told my father I have them, so I can't exactly go to him." There were a couple of unconscious nods from the human members of the group.
"About 2,000 years ago," Jay continued, "The Khayana clan was formed. Like I said, the women had powerful abilities to see future events, while the men's were limited. They formed into a group, naming themselves after the first woman with the ability, and supposedly the most powerful to date, Khayana. The group became nomads, sort of like the Gypsies, they travelled all across Europe, and to parts of northern Africa and western Asia…possibly as far as the Persian empire. Every single person who had Khayanese abilities was found in the group, and as they--"
"Are you positive all those who possessed this ability were found amongst the same people?" Zo'or asked, skeptical and just the bit arrogant. Jay simply nodded. "Evolution is a complex process. It is impossible to be certain," the Taelon added, sure he'd caught a hole in her story already.
She shook her head, biting back a sarcastic reply. He doesn't know, she told herself, another piece of the puzzle falling into place. No wonder they don't know about us. Jay's eyes flickered to Liam for a split second. But then why does he?
Jay took a moment to gather her thoughts before continuing. "No, it's not impossible. The Khayanese ability didn't evolve naturally…we had help. From the likes of you," her gaze was now directed at the two Taelons.
The eyes of the others followed the girl's to the alien members of their group, and they all, including Zo'or himself, wore confused expressions. But not Da'an. He locked eyes with this enigma of a human, and she watched as realization dawned in his blue eyes.
Da'an's voice was soft, mixed with a bit of reverence, as he simply stated, "Ma'el."
~~~
TBC
~~~
I hope not all interest in this story has been lost. And like I said, some areas of this part were a little off, but I hope you still enjoyed it.