Plain of Sorrows

Author: Milady Dragon

Disclaimer: Anything Earth 2 doesn't belong to me…but the ghosts do.

Rating: PG-13

Author's notes: I've been so good at updating, then I get a case of lifus interruptus that demanded my attention…and it's another short – but I hope interesting – chapter. Thanks again for those of you who are reading and reviewing. I really appreciate the effort!


Chapter Fifteen

Morgan stared, as all hell broke loose.

What the fuck? The expletive was startled out of him as he witnessed what had happened to Danziger. He didn't speak out loud; instead he watched as the entire group went into shock…and True Danziger went into hysterics.

Devon had to have help holding the girl, until Julia managed to get her sedated. He felt sorry for her, to have seen her father change like that…

No, that was not the change I have promised, came the unbidden inner voice. It held an obvious note of disdain. That was simply a parlor trick, a ruse to sow confusion among those too weak to know any better.

Morgan stood back as Devon and Julia took the now-sleeping True and bundled her into the cab of the Trans Rover. Alonzo had gone to fetch the Dune Rail; he drove up to join them. While Morgan didn't hear what was said, he could guess when Devon got into the Rail with the pilot then took off in the direction that Danziger had run.

They will not find him. Now the voice was smug.

Morgan didn't get it, and wasn't afraid to admit it.

The voice chuckled. Those who have taken him are masters at subterfuge. They will do all they can to hide him.

"Morgan?"

He turned to his wife. "Yeah?" He'd lost track of her in the confusion.

"I'm gonna check on True, okay?"

"Sure." His eyes followed her as she climbed nimbly up the side of the Trans Rover.

How ironic, the voice continued, that they have chosen the father of that child. Did N'Merra not learn anything from what has happened before? Does she not remember what occurred between herself and her own father?

Morgan was confused by the reference, but didn't question it. Everyone around him didn't seem to know what to do; Baines and Magus were walking around, and at odd intervals they would stop and look around as if expecting something to jump out at them. The others looked equally lost; only Julia and Bess were actually occupied with True.

It was Walman, though, that puzzled him. The man was standing a few meters away, staring at Morgan himself. He had a look of expectancy, almost like he was waiting for Morgan to act.

Yes, I have chosen someone to aid you, when the change does come. There are others who will be of equal help, those I have not visited yet, as I have with you and the one named Walman. However, time is short, and the weak ones will attempt to move against us. They will use the father to move their own plans forward. However, I have faith in you, and know I have chosen wisely. You are infinitely worthy, and ready to take the place that has been prepared for you. You are strong, and those who rebel against the coming change will be ground under your heel.

Morgan wasn't sure he was enjoying the way the voice kept on about "grinding people under his heel." That wasn't something he had any desire to do. He merely believed that Devon wasn't the leader they needed. After all, she was the one responsible for them being stranded here. It had been her plan, her dream…and now they were all living the nightmare.

See, you know the truth. You see beyond what the others do, to the meat of the matter. Devon Adair, while seeming strong, is perhaps the weakest of all your people. She cares only for her own goals, and will not take others' feelings into consideration. You've seen this; you know I speak truly.

Thing of it was, Morgan thought he did know. But he'd seen the way Danziger's "illness" had affected her…

She cares for him simply because he can aid her in her quest. Would she have gone after you in the same way?

He doubted it. Morgan just wasn't important in getting them to New Pacifica. Hell, he shouldn't have even been on the advance ship.

You know I am right in this. And you have chosen the change. You are, indeed, worthy of what I am offering.

Morgan chewed his lip. He didn't feel worthy of anything at the moment. The burst of confidence he'd first gained when the voice had begun its promises had left quickly.

He thought back to the Stations. Yes, he'd been a fairly minor bureaucrat in a nest of bigger and badder government officials, yet he'd had the confidence of his position. He'd known what his place was, and how to fill that place. There would have been a chance of promotion, down the road, and he and Bess had been comfortable with their lives.

But here, on G889, he was so far out of his depth it scared him. Morgan knew it made him look like an idiot to most of the others, and there was nothing he could do to change that. However, when he saw the way Devon tried to run things…and, despite several meetings – and shouting matches – to the contrary, she was still the one everyone looked to, to get them where they needed to go…it just made him angry.

It made him realize just how much better he could do it himself.

So very true, my friend, the voice agreed. It is a case where the sheep followed without realizing what they were doing, simply because they knew no other way. It will be up to you to show them the correct path.

Yes, he could do that.

Indeed you could.

And there would be others to support him.

I have already started. You have one; there will soon be another, and while I was not certain who that would be earlier, I have now realized there is but one other who would be invaluable to our cause.

Something in the voice made Morgan go cold. It was a glee, a joy in what was about to happen.

And joy in who would be chosen next.