Essence: The E.S.T. Org. (7 page)

Sitting in their replicated rooms early the next day, Isa, Nicky, and Willy are communicating securely linked.

«So, maybe if I touch my bed I can change it? Let’s see.» Nicky closes his eyes and concentrates. «Why isn’t it changing?» Nicky wonders.

«Well, we can’t change large objects yet. Try something smaller. Do you have a lamp?» Isa asks Nicky.

«Yeah,» Nicky responds.

«Touch it and imagine it as something about the same size,» Isa suggests.

«Okay.» Nicky closes his eyes, touches the lamp, and thinks of a toaster. Amazingly the lamp transforms into a toaster. “Whoa!”

«Now, let it go,» Isa instructs.

«It changed back to normal.» Nicky just has to do it over and over again. «This is so cool!»

«Yeah, I guess we’re used to it,» Isa laughs.

«So, what do you think Mr. Macken meant by ‘we’re ready’?» Nicky asks.

«They intend on trying to clone us now. They wanted to know what we were capable of. Up to now they’ve been unsuccessful in finding bodies, or vessels, as they call them, they could use. Unfortunately they’re much closer to having an army now,» Willy says.

«How do you know all of this?» Nicky asks.

«Z told us. He’s one of them but doesn’t believe what his kind is doing is right. So he’s trying to help us. He told us that they intend on first controlling the American government and then eventually all of humanity. They’ve learned many things from our wars, especially from the Nazis.»

«But what about our allies?» asks Nicky.

Willy goes on to explain, «They’ve already infiltrated every large government in the world. We’ll have no allies. The objective is not to take control by force, but to eventually take control internally. In other words, control our government from the inside.
With this strategy, they believe we will be much more easily deceived. They plan to promise the masses changes to government programs that would enhance their lives at no cost to them, not knowing the true cost.»

«I can’t believe how deep this goes.» Nicky is stunned by all this information.

«Z also taught us how to adapt, link, and a few other things. He even told us why they left their planet,» Isa tells Nicky.

«Mr. Macken told me it was about a disagreement on essence,» Nicky states.

«I guess you could say that. The Chreé can sense when their bodies are close to dying. They created bodies by using a large living organism called the Chrymisium.* (
*Pronounced, Cry-mis-ee-um.
) They did this during what they call a creation ceremony.

«The Chrymisium looks like a giant, brilliant, blue crystal that hung from the ceiling like a stalactite. Ten or so Chreé would enter the chamber where the Chrymisium was. They would start chanting and then a piece of each of their essence would enter the Chrymisium. It would get really bright and a blue gelatinous liquid would start to drip from the Chrymisium until a body was created. They could then use this body to transfer their essence to whenever one of their own bodies died.»

Nicky shudders, «Huh … confusing and creepy.»

«I know; it gets better. So, here’s why they left. They also used to have what they called a birthing ceremony. After the creation ceremony they would start to chant again, and all but one of the Chreé would turn around. The one who remained facing the basin was called the birther. He would send as much of his essence as was necessary to the Chrymisium until a much larger amount of the blue gelatinous liquid fell from it. Once the Chrymisium stopped glowing, a new life was created. They had to be careful, if too much of the
Chreé’s essence was needed, his entire essence was lost in the Chrymisium for eternity,» Isa says.

«But after some time, the birthing ceremony was outlawed. Those in power thought enough Chreé had been created and no more would be necessary. The birthing ceremony was never performed again. That is what started the exodus from their planet. Those who wanted the birthing ceremony to continue, set out for a planet they could start over in,» Willy adds.

«I think I get it. So, without the Chrymisium, they can’t create a body or create others like them?» Nicky asks.

«Right. That’s why they are so desperate to make a human transfer possible. But first they want control. They want to clone us to help finalize their plans. They want to use us to help them destroy our own government, and eventually all governments.» Willy explains.

«Nicky! Wake up!» It was early the next day when Nicky hears Willy’s voice linked. «I’d like you to speak to Z.»

«Okay.»

«Think of this as the coolest conference call ever,» Willy smiles.

«Hello Nicholas,» Z’s voice comes in deep. Nicky could immediately feel his essence; it feels like positive energy. A very different feeling than Nicky got from all the other Chreé he’d encountered.

«I have so many questions.»

Z laughs. «I know Nicky. I have been following you for a while now.»

«Wait … you were the light, weren’t you?»

«Yes. I tried to get to you before the others.»

«That must have been you outside my window. I’m sorry,» Nicky apologizes.

«Yes that was also me! You have quite a powerful auditory weapon. I was so pleased you pulled through the initial merger.»

«Can you tell me about my parents? How are they doing?»

«They are fine. They have been placed in what you would consider a sleep-like state. They have been in suspended animation since their arrival, just like Isa and Willy’s parents,» Z explains.

«Thank God! How can we rescue them?» Nicky asks.

«This will be very difficult and you must prepare. Perhaps Mr. Macken, as you call him, could be persuaded to continue your training. That would be most helpful for the operation we must undertake. As you know, we have the ability to transform our bodies to replicate human form, but you three have somehow developed the capability to not only transform your own bodies but external matter. It is extraordinary; continue to practice this gift. Also, you can ma … wait … I must go.»

«But … what happened!?» Nicky exclaims.

«It’s okay,» Isa says. «He has to be careful. If he’s even suspected of helping us we’re all dead.»

«I think Z is right. We need more training, but even then I don’t know if it will work,» mentions Willy.

Nicky turns to Willy, «Can you tell me how you create those weapons, those fangs and claws?»

«Well, since I was merged with a grey wolf, I try to access him,» Willy explains.

«What do you mean?» Nicky asks.

«Well, Z told us we could access these parts because subconsciously, we can use trigger words. So if I think the word ba-chú, the Apache word for wolf, I connect with him and somehow create what you saw. For you the word is…»

«Wait I know,» Nicky interrupts. «It is Sũsh, for bear. But how do I know that?»

«The essence of the great warriors we were fused with makes it possible for us to speak their language,» Isa answers.

«Now say the word and concentrate on the connection. Close your eyes and say it,» Willy says.

«Okay.» Nicky breathes deeply, “Sũsh,» and a flood of memories rush to him; roaming, feeding, being captured, and even the merge.

«Now become him, imagine the teeth, imagine the claws,» Willy says.

Slowly, enormous grizzly claws and teeth materialize with a blue glow. But Nicky just feels anger. He can’t concentrate on anything but hurting those
things
, those aliens!

«Close your eyes, Nicky, come back to yourself. Relax, breathe,» Willy instructs him.

After a few minutes, Nicky composes himself. «I couldn’t control my anger.»

«It takes time. You will learn to accept it, but you can’t really control it. And that’s okay, it gets better on its own, the more you bring him up,» explains Willy. «It just takes time and of course we can manifest other things.»

«Like what?» Nicky asks.

«Well …»

Isa asks Nicky, «What does ‘Chǐdn-tú-yo’ mean?»

«I know, that means Spirit land,» Nicky replies.

Isa goes on to explain, «This word can connect you to the essence of the man you merged with. From what we know, the Chreé were fond of the Apache and took only the greatest warrior’s spirits. That’s who we’ve merged with. If we focus and connect, we can also manifest weapons. For me the bow and arrow, the club for Willy, and …»

«The tomahawk for me,» Nicky interrupts. «It was my favorite, but how do I do this? I don’t want the bad memories.»

«First focus on the tomahawk, pretend it’s in your hand. Really feel it. See it. Now say it in your mind,» Isa says

“Chǐdn-tú-yo
,” Nicky thinks. Instant darkness encompasses Nicky.

«Don’t fear. Only focus on the weapon in your hand. Do it. Open your eyes.»

«It’s here! It’s here! I see it! It’s glowing blue! It’s beautiful. Wait … I see a woman and children. They’re hurt or dead!» A tear starts running down Nicky’s face.

«Nicky relax. Let it go, let it go,» Isa says.

«Okay, okay. It’s gone. The memories too.»

«Just like the bear you have to keep going back. It will happen in time. You will be able to control the memories, but you have to learn not to fight them, simply accept them. Eventually they won’t bother you anymore. Practice these powers; you will need them against these monsters.»

«Nicholas, I see you have been practicing in your room.» Mr. Macken’s voice interrupts telepathically.

“Damn. He’s been watching me,”
Nicky thinks.

«How did you learn to manifest a tomahawk?» Mr. Macken asks.

«Well, I just dreamt about it and when I woke up I did it!»

“I hope he buys this story,”
Nicky thinks to himself.

«Interesting. Well, keep practicing.»

«I will.»

“I’ll keep practicing to make sure I get rid of you
,” Nicky thinks.

Several hours later, Z returns and links to the three, «Well, I apologize for my hasty exit. Discretion is paramount. What did he say to you Nicky?» asks Z.

«He’s watching me. He asked how I learned to manifest a tomahawk,» Nicky answers.

«I see. So, you are able to manifest a tomahawk now. Excellent. You are learning. Your potential is extraordinary. Unfortunately, I have terrible news. They intend to place you three in suspended animation much quicker than we had anticipated,» Z tells them.

«When?» Isa asks.

«Tomorrow. Escape must happen tonight.»

«Tonight!? But how, Z? How can we escape when we’ve been kept in the dark about the layout of this place?» Willy asks.

«Calm yourself. Remember you will have my guidance,» Z replies. «At exactly 2:22 a.m. your doors will open. I will guide you out, where hopefully, you can escape.»

«And what about our parents?» Isa asks.

«Their escape will have to wait. I am sorry. I cannot make this operation work and help with your parent’s extraction simultaneously. Our only course of action at this point is for you three to attempt an escape. I see no reason for your parents to be harmed. Do not concern yourself with their safety. I will make sure they are safe. If you want to help them, you will follow this course or all will all be lost, including perhaps, your planet as you know it.»

«We know you’ll keep them safe Z,» Willy says.

«Thank you. Now get some rest. It will be necessary to be at your best,» Z tells them.

«I can’t sleep and it’s 1:59 a.m.,» Nicky says.

«I know, same here,» Willy replies.

«What about you, Isa? I sense you’re sad and scared,» Nicky says.

«Yeah, I am. But I know we can do this,» Isa smiles. «I sense your fear, too. So I guess we’re connected now.»

«Yeah, we’re all scared, but you’re right we can do this,» Nicky agrees.

«Just in case we don’t, I’m proud to call you guys my family now,» Willy says.

2:01 a.m.

«Nicky?» Willy calls out.

«Yeah?» Nicky responds.

«Remember, focus on your weapons. Try … at least for now, not to get caught up in the memories. Okay? Just focus on what we have to do.»

Nicky nods, «Got ya.»

2:20 a.m.

«Guys, thanks for being with me and all of your help. I love you guys,» Nicky says.

«Let’s save the love for when we’re out of this dump,» Willy smiles.

«It’s 2:21 a.m. It’s almost time,» Isa announces.

Z comes through telepathically. «There are three Watchers. They are connected to each other much like your surveillance cameras, but the images are fed to their minds. I will distract their minds long enough so that you can step out and adapt your vessel to its surroundings.»

«Got it. We’ll disappear as soon as we’re out,» Isa responds.

2:22 a.m.

All three doors open simultaneously. «Quickly, all step out and adapt to the white hall,» Z instructs them.

Nicky had been practicing and had gotten much better at adapting. All three are together again in the hallway. All three rooms are next to each other and they never even knew it. They can’t help but laugh quietly.

«They would never suspect an escape. So there are no extra security measures. Now go left and down the hall quickly!» Seconds later, « Are you at the T yet?» Z asks.

«Yes, we’re here,» Willy answers.

«Right. Go.» Z continues to direct them.

«Stop!» Nicky yells. All quickly put their backs against the wall. One of the Chreé passes right in front of them.

Isa immediately blocks any attempts to sense them.

«Clear,» Nicky says.

«Continue straight to the door at the end of the hall,» a double door opens, «Now go!» They enter a large hall. «Go to the fourth door on your right.» All three hurry.

They have entered another hallway with several white doors.

«Do these guys ever paint anything but white?» Nicky asks.

«Quickly to the third door on your left,» Z instructs.

The three enter.

«But it’s just an empty room,» Isa says.

Suddenly, a small panel opens in one of the walls. «Go!» Z instructs.

Willy pauses, «Oh man, I’m kind of claustrophobic.»

«No time. Let’s go!» Isa yells.

All three get on their hands and knees.

«You can return your vessel to normal. There are no Watchers here,» says Z. They stop adapting to their surroundings.

They continue down into the cramped, pitch-black chute for miles.

«Have you reached the end?» Z questions after several minutes.

Luckily their enhanced eyes can see in complete darkness.

«Yes, we’ve reached the end,» Willy replies.

«Excellent. Now you will have to dig out. Break the chute and dig. You are about twelve feet below the surface. Perhaps Willy’s wolf merger would suit him for this task,» Z suggests.

«Okay. I’ll dig us out.» Willy’s glowing claws appear and light up the dark chute. At speeds not visible to the human eye, Willy starts to dig. After a few seconds they ascend to the desert floor.

All three now stand in the dark, desolate desert looking up at the star-lit sky.

«Nothing but desert … where are we?» Isa asks.

«You are in the New Mexico desert now. I must go and will be unable to communicate with you for some time. I do not know how much time all of you have before your escape is noticed. Good luck and stay strong.» Z breaks his link.

“We’re out! We’re out!” They start jumping and laughing. Then they realize something.

“You know we’re in the middle of nowhere. Now what?” Nicky asks.