The Crystal Visions: A Families Journey into the Paranormal Volume 2 (15 page)

          Shaley and Pippi sat on the front porch talking about their recent adventures. “I see your knees  have healed after your Flying Nun imitation.” Shaley pointed to Pippi’s legs. Pippi looked down at her nearly healed scabs and picked at them absently. “I’m sure they’ll be fine soon. I still can’t forget the look on their faces, it was priceless.” Pippi giggled. Shaley couldn’t help picturing in her minds’ eye the image of Pippi in her Angel costume and didn’t even try to stifle her own giggle. “I thought I was going to pee my pants when you landed on top of them!” Shaley broke out laughing. “And and and the look on your Aunt’s face. Hahahaha” Pippi laughed as tears started to stream down her cheeks.

           Shaley
watched her friend laughing with fascination. She watching her friend laughing so hard it made her burst into hysterical laughter herself. ”Shay there is never a dull moment around here. I’m so glad you came to live here. You’re the best!” Pippi said wiping a tear from her cheek. “Nope!” Shaley said. “I’m you Bestie and you’re mine.”

          Pippi sat on the step with her back against the rail frowning. “What do you think made Ms. Lawson go off the rails like that?” Pippi said picking a piece of lint off her trowsers. “I don’t know. I just hope I don’t ever get to that point. I’m incredibly lucky to have so many great people in my life that I can talk to. I am blessed.” Shaley said smiling. Pippi thought about her friends’ comment. She knew her friend had been through more than most people and still she found a way to feel blessed.
Pippi wanted to find a way to be more grateful. ~

          School was out but many of Sona’s kids still came by the Church. She loved her peeps and enjoyed having them around on a part time basis. Shaley spied the special needs school bus that transported the kids to summer school then dropped them off at the Church afterwards. It was hard for some of the families to find alternate care for their kids in the summer. They were allotted only so many hours of Personal Support care depending on the severity of their child’s disability so they had to schedule wisely.

          Shaley and Pippi ran to the end of the driveway to walk the kids to the back door of the Church. Some days Shaley would stick around
and play video games or do crafts with them but not today. Today she was going to spend the afternoon with her best friend in the whole world. The bus lumbered to a stop at the end of the driveway. Its electric door opened smoothly to reveal the occupants inside. For a school bus the special needs school bus was eerily quiet as many of the kids were non-verbal.

          Shaley and Pippi peered into the interior and saw Mrs.
Fisher the driver and her kind smiling face seated in the drivers’ seat. Some people underestimated bus drivers but Shaley knew many of them had other jobs or were retired. One man she knew had been a foreman at a steel plant down south, another woman was a writer and still another man was a Minister. To some it was just a job but to the majority they did it because they loved kids. They certainly didn’t stick around for the pay. Mrs. Fisher was a widow whose kids were all grown but she still wanted to feel useful.

          She especially loved
working with special needs children as they were gifts from God she would say. Shaley greeted each child that came off the bus with a hello or pat on the back followed by a big smile. She honestly loved Spencer and Elizabeth, Brandon, Reuben, Taehoon and Connor. They each had found a place in her heart. The kids started walking up the drive as Shaley turned to thank Mrs. Fisher. In the seat directly behind the driver sat a young man that Shaley hadn’t noticed nor remembered seeing before.

          He sat with his head down and a stringer of spittle hung from his lower lip. He lifted his head and looked Shaley directly in the eyes and smiled
a wicked evil grin. His teeth appeared to be stained red and his eyes shone garnet red as though they were lit from within. Shaley’s heart sank and she was momentarily speechless. Mrs. Fisher was bidding her a good day and would see her tomorrow. Shaley stood motionless as the driver closed the service door. Suddenly Shaley felt panicked and needed to warn Mrs. Fisher. The movement of the closing door snapped her out of her catatonia. “Wait Mrs. Fisher.” Shaley started to say but it was too late. The bus had already started pulling away. “No Mrs. Fisher…wait!” She called after the bus but to no avail.

          Pippi
who had been walking with the kids turned when she heard her friends’ voice. She stopped and came back to stand beside Shaley. “What’s wrong?” Pippi asked with a concerned look on her face. Shaley turned toward her friend with her mouth still agape. “I…I…I just needed to tell the driver something.” She stammered. Pippi’s eyebrows knit together, something was going on. Shaley would probably tell her later. “Pip c’mon.” Spencer called to Pippi. She smiled and ran up the drive toward the Church. Shaley stood watching the retreating bus. “What the hell was that?” She said softly to herself.

         
She turned and sprinted to the Church as well. She needed to talk to Auntie Sona. “I hope Auntie Sona has the bus drivers’ phone number. I need to know she made it home safe.” She told Pippi as she ran by. An ice cold chill migrated up Shaley’s spine leaving her anxious and a little nauseated. The image of that horrifying face terrified her and Shaley needed to talk to Naomi… Now! ~

“I’m telling you right now Conrad, those bastards are not going to highjack this project. It was conceived by us, it has been planned by us and we will not give up our autonomy to any of those damn talking heads, not now, not ever. Their threat to withdraw funding or deny access to state of the art equipment will not deter us. They want to turn Marcus II into their own personal bank account. If we make a deal with them they will strip that planet of its minerals, forests and anything else they can sell to make a profit. Marcus II will become a wasteland; future explorers will think it’s a twin to Terra. You can see with your own eyes what the result will be if they have any hand in this project, My project. They will not have the opportunity to exploit the resources of that planet.” Moira Murray ranted. This particular argument was ongoing, this was the tenth time the government had tried to force the researchers into playing the game of politics.

Special interest groups were owed a favor and they wanted the Government to grant them exclusive rights to any and all of the resources on Marcus II and they weren’t against using the threat of removal of funding to get their way. “Moira please don’t upset yourself, I’m asking you to be practical; we need that money.” Conrad Drummond proclaimed. “There is no project without a vast influx of capital, you know that as well as I do and you know how to play the game.”

“I know how it has been in the past; researchers have had to prostitute themselves to be able to follow their projects through to the end. The original proposal was clear, it stated unequivocally that every aspect of this colonization, every decision was ours to make, Period! Now they think they can change the rules. That will not happen Conrad, do you understand me? That is one thing I will not compromise on!” Moira stated adamantly.

Conrad paced back and forth. He knew there was no changing her mind, not about this. He struggled to find a way to salvage the project, six years had already been invested into its planning. Possibly thousands of man hours would be wasted if they couldn’t secure the funds necessary, and this latest stunt of the governing body overseeing the allocation of funding was disastrous. Moira went over to Conrad and gently patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry Conrad. Have I ever let you down? I didn’t come into this with my eyes closed, I was well aware they might try to take over. I have always had an alternative plan. We will get to Marcus II and will have our colony the way we want it.” Moira said with a slight smirk.

Months later on the transport vessel Moira paced the bridge as they neared Marcus II: “Dr. Murray, there seems to have been some sort of cock up with the original survey of Marcus II. The science vessel
Audra surveyed the five planets in this sector and they concluded that Marcus I and Marcus II were possible sites for a human settlement. Both have moderate climates, thick vegetation and several sites suitable for settlements. Marcus I is an M Class planet that has a primate species with the potential for evolving into a humanoid life form. Or at least it did Ma’am.” The extremely young looking Technical Officer of the transport ship informed Moira. That sentence caught Moira’s attention and her head snapped around.

“It looks like Marcus I has had a significant impact Ma’am. It looks bad.” He concluded. “Could you show me on the large viewer?” Moira asked. The Tech looked to the Captain for confirmation, the Captain nodded. The viewer came to life showing the enormous crater similar in size to the Barringer Crater in Arizona. Moira moved closer to examine the image. “Can we get a better resolution on that image?” She said squinting at the screen. “No ma’am, our equipment isn’t that sensitive; this is just a transport vessel. We only carry an outdated first generation THEMIS Imaging System. That’s the best image we have, I’m sorry.” The scruffy haired Tech looked away embarrassed. Moira tried to reconcile what such a significant impact might mean to her project. Granted it wasn’t on Marcus II but it could have significant repercussions. She turned to the tech and noticed a sheepish look on his face. “What are you not saying young man?” Moira asked. After taking a deep breath he replied. “The data sent in the original reports were somehow transposed, it’s almost impossible to separate the two. Images and data from Marcus I are in the Marcus II report and vice versa.” The tech concluded. “Damn damn damn.” Moira said under her breath while resisting the urge to slam her hand down on the console. She had to find a way to salvage this mission; there was no turning back now. Everyone had given everything they had, gathered their families and even brought genetic material to grow their own livestock. This colony was their dream and it had to happen, there was no other option. Moira had assembled some of the most brilliant minds she knew and they would have to utilize their combined intellect to make this colonization a success. Moira rubbed her forehead and turned to the Captain. “Captain, could I use your conference room please?” She asked. “Yes Doctor of course.” He said motioning to her toward the doorway. “And Captain if it’s not too much trouble could I have any information your people can pick up of the Planet sent there please?” The Captain smiled and nodded encouragingly. He had become quite fond of Dr. Murray in their time together and wanted to help in any way he could.

In the Captains’ conference room the scientists were gathered, engaged in a heated discussion about what would be the best way to proceed. After reviewing the new data the majority believed the expedition could continue, with a slightly modified plan. A small but very vocal group on the other hand wanted to pack it in and return to Terra. “I don’t think we can cavalierly make such a serious decision. I brought my entire family here; I am not going to put them in jeopardy.” Dr. Sharma proclaimed. “Then you should return to Terra, after the rest of us go down to the planet. It’s your decision.” Dr. Morgan commented with barely disguised contempt. “Dr. Suzuki, is there any animal life on either of the planets that will make settlement impossible or dangerous?” Moira asked. “The survey that we now know was a complete shambles shows what appear to be large primates on Marcus I. There are large mammals detected…” Dr. Suzuki started but was interrupted by Dr. Dunkin “We can’t use any of that data, it has been corrupted and we don’t have the time to do a complete survey of our own. We have to start fresh with the equipment we have and hope that is enough.”

The new Planetary Survey was distributed to all the scientists. It would take time to analyze all this new information. After two days the council was reconvened and the decision was made to proceed, minus Dr. Sharma and his family. They had decided to return to Terra. The word was sent out to begin the disembarkation protocols for the rest of the scientists and their families. They were proceeding; the THEMIS Imaging System had located a suitable site for their colony that had all the ingredients needed for their endeavor. The scientists dispersed to carry out their assigned duties for preparation to make landfall. Moira sifted through the copious amount of new data that continued to come in. She had a slight headache and leaned back in her chair massaging her temples.

Dr. Conrad Drummond came up behind her cautiously trying not to startle her. Before he had a chance to say anything Moira asked. “What is it now Conrad, it better not be any more bad news!” Conrad shuffled his feet and waited; he leaned down and whispered in her ear. “I’m sorry Moira it’s worse than that. Can I speak with you in private?” This day was going from bad to worse. There was so much they didn’t know. She motioned for the others still mingling in the room to leave and close the door. “What is it?” She said impatiently.

“It’s about the original survey; there is evidence that the mix up wasn’t an accident. It looks like the data was deliberately scrambled by someone. The question is if it was done to deliberately sabotage us specifically or someone just being a prat.” Moira spun around in her chair. “You have got to be kidding me!” Moira sighed. By the look on Conrads’ face she knew instinctively that was not all. She made a circular movement with her hand motioning him to proceed.

“I have indisputable evidence that this so called mix up was not only known by Bellinger but was ordered by him. He wanted us to fail so he could swoop in and take Marcus II away from us.” Conrad’s eyes met Moira’s squinting glare. “That little bastard; I’d like to wring his frigging neck. If he were here now I would. He said he would sink this project and it appears he has made his best effort.” She said. Conrad looked like he was going to have a coronary. Moira stood and put her hand on his shoulder and gave it a firm reassuring squeeze.

“Don’t worry Conrad, that asshole has made his biggest mistake ever. He has greatly underestimated me. We will continue with our plan, this changes nothing.” Moira turned her attention back to the analysis reports. “Moira, there is one more thing I would like to discuss with you. It’s about the impact on Marcus I. It has caused considerable stress on the primate species we discussed earlier as well as two or three other species in the immediate vicinity of the crater. They would be considered endangered at this point. I have only been able to identify approximately one-thousand individuals. I would hate to see such a unique and promising species become extinct.” “Fine Conrad, what are you proposing?” Moira looked intrigued. “I would like to lead a team to relocate a number of representatives from those species and have them brought to Marcus II.” Moira breathed out heavily. “If you can get a consensus and some volunteers without our schedule being affected you have my ok.”

“How did the collection process go Conrad, do you have enough numbers to create a viable seed population?” Moira questioned a few days later. “Yes Moira, I am confident we have enough individuals as well as sufficiently diverse genetic material to support my plans for rehabilitation and reintroduction. We already have the crio-units for storage of human genetic material brought from Terra. There is plenty of room for those specimens as well. The only consideration at this time is that we use them in plenty of time before their internal power sources run out. If those units fail not only will we lose the specimens from Marcus I but our own samples as well.” “Conrad, we have numerous units but let’s not take any chances. Let’s evenly distribute the specimens among several units as there is always the possibility of the crio-cylinders failing.” “Good thinking Moira. I’ll get right on it. See you on the planet.”

“Oh and Conrad… could you please ask Dr. Sharma to join me in the conference room? I need to speak with him before we depart.” Conrad nodded before turning and exiting. Shortly Dr. Sharma arrived. “You wished to see me Dr. Murray?” He inquired. Moira turned in her chair and took the measure of the man in front of her. She had assembled and handpicked these scientists for their skill and expertise. He was highly regarded by everyone who knew him and she mourned the loss of such an important member of her team but it couldn’t be helped. “Yes Dr. Sharma we will be disembarking within the hour and I would like to take my leave of you.” “If this is about my returning to Terra, my mind is made up I’m afraid.” Dr. Sharma said sternly. “No no Doctor, I respect your decision and wish you luck in your future endeavors. I’ve asked you here on a completely different matter. I need a favor and you’re the only one I trust.” Dr. Sharma looked confused. “If there is anything I can do for you Dr. Murray all you have to do is name it.” Handing him a memory storage device she asked. “I need you to contact Commodore Fitzgerald as soon as you return to Terra and give him this. It is very important and confidential.” Dr. Sharma looked at the device and slipped it into his pocket. “Yes Doctor you can count on me, you have my word.” “Very good Dr. Sharma, Bon Voyage.” Moira hoped she was doing the right thing. Dr. Sharma bent at the waist and left the room. Moira sat down heavily in her chair. The fun was just about to begin and as she was gathering her belongings the Captain entered to wish her good luck and escort her to the last shuttle.

“Hello Dr. Murray, are you ready to depart?” He enquired smiling broadly. “As ready as I’ll ever be thank you Captain.” Moira replied. "I'm going to miss you and your team. It’s been a pleasure having you aboard. I think I’ll especially miss you, I consider you a friend.” The Captain looked at her with a sheepish grin. He had been good-naturedly flirting with Moira at almost every opportunity. She smiled genuinely at him. “I’ll miss you as well. There is one thing you can do for me if it’s not too much trouble. Could you take this report to my Uncle, Commodore Fitzgerald and give it to him personally when you return to Terra. It would set my mind at ease.” He took the storage device. “It would be my pleasure Doctor… Moira, good luck again.” With that they went to the hanger deck for departure to Marcus II. Moira wasn’t taking any chances with this project, her insurance policy had been successfully delivered and now it was time to begin the work.

The journey to the planet went without a hitch. It had been a dream of Moiras’ to find a planet to do her research. Her Father had planted that dream and she would be the one who would finally fulfill it. Before leaving the bridge of the Artimus for the last time she had taken the time to observe their new home from orbit. Marcus II was in some ways very much like Terra, its atmosphere highly suitable for humans. Terra was the home of her ancestors but in her soul she knew that Marcus II would become the home of her children and grandchildren.

The sphere that filled the view screen was massive and spectacular and the sheer magnitude of the challenge was a little daunting but she and her people were up for it. Its sea green oceans dotted with islands and continents, mountain ranges and mighty rivers. The atmosphere was as strange as it was beautiful. Her heart raced knowing all their hard work was finally coming to fruition. Her heart felt as though it might jump out of her chest: like a teenager seeing the sight of their lovers’ naked form for the first time it was beautiful and inspiring and captivating. She stood there a long time unmoving until she realized she had been holding her breath.