The Granolith's Chosen Ones M/L/CC, Mat, Complete, 11.9.07

[uw51]

Hello, it's Friday and it's posting time again!

Natalie36 <> you’re right with your assumptions!

Nibbles2 <> You’re right, Maria and Isabelle are closer to Michael than Liz and Max, but then again, there’s so much going on in such a short time. Also he is such an ass, you can’t talk to him, he won’t listen, quite to the contrary, he only gets worse if you talk to him. So, really, I don’t know what they should say to him.

Concerning Liz not asking Maria for help, well, I know she got a lot better and she always comes though for Liz and the others, but than again, often she freaks out first, and then she comes around. So in all honesty if I were in Liz’s position I would try to find somebody more stable, who doesn’t first freak out. Liz has no time for that in that moment.

Lulù <> Liz really is very lucky to have Kyle on her side, of course let’s not forget Maria, Isabelle and the sheriff. You really can’t have enough friends when you’re in trouble!

As usual, many thanks to my beta for her terrific job, danke viil mol Moira!

I hope you all enjoy this next part!


11, Aftermath, nighttimes 08/10-11/2000
Liz and Kyle still in the kitchen…
Slowly reality set in as they saw the demolished phone. That reminded them of everything else that had been broken, burned or exploded this evening! As tired as they were they knew Liz had to repair some of the things. At least everything her parents would notice upon returning from their dinner date.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Meanwhile…
After enjoying a performance at the “Roswell Community Little Theater” and a romantic candlelight dinner, Nancy and Jeff Parker were driving home. Both were relaxed and listened to one of Jeff’s favourite CD’s “The Everly Brothers’ Best”, reminders of “times long gone by”. They were savouring the peace of the moment which was in a marked contrast to their busy everyday schedules. Nancy was happily humming to one of the lively tunes and looking forward to some more romance to round off a perfect night.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Liz’s bedroom…
Healing the worst of Kyle’s gashes and burns had used up a lot of Liz’s energy. Applying the breathing exercises helped her to ration her strength but not enough to heal Kyle completely and to fix up everything that had been ruined this evening. So Kyle instructed Liz to leave the minor wounds and his torn clothes and to concentrate on repairing the things her parents might see upon their return, like the melted phone in the kitchen, the scorched hallway and the broken door to her bedroom. Everything else could wait until after she had rested a little. Liz was glad to wait because she was exhausted, but she insisted on fixing the window to her balcony too. With her luck tonight she would be beset by another future version of somebody else!

Proud of her achievement but extremely worn out Liz decided to take a much needed rest to restore her energy. She was still insecure of her control over her powers and asked Kyle to stay, just to be on the safe side. After setting her alarm to wake them in the very early morning hours, they both stretched out on her bed and fell into a deep slumber.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Liz’s balcony, one hour later…
As Michael climbed up the fire escape, he noticed the quiet of the night. He felt very assured in his decision to wait for his rounds before looking after Liz. Now he had his proof, she was just being a nuisance, playing her queen card, trying to order him around for her own benefit.

“Well, I showed her that I’m no pushover!” He was convinced that he had taught her an important lesson. Climbing over the banister he landed on the balcony and found everything at the right place and in order. Quietly Michael sneaked to Liz’s bedroom window, stooped down and looked inside. Getting the shock of his young life he jumped back and landed on his ass. Crawling forward, to take a second peak inside, to assure himself of what he had seen, he sneered, “ha, gotcha!”

He realised two things: first, what a great opportunity he was served, and second, that no one would believe him. Thinking over his options, he snuck back to the banister, and called Isabelle and Maria.

“We have a situation, come on right over to Liz’s balcony!” was his short message before he broke the connection. Immediately following his cryptic phone calls he stood guard, to insure nobody was leaving.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Erupting Chaos…
Within 10 minutes both girls arrived breathlessly, expecting the worst. Michael was pelted with questions like “What’s going on?” or “Where’s Liz? What happened?”

Straightening to his full height he answered “I knew you wouldn’t believe me, so I called you. I wanted you to see for yourself!” saying so, he pointed, with a grand gesture, towards the window and importantly added, “go, take a look.”

When the two didn’t move fast enough for his liking, he stormed over to the window and wrenched it up with a resounding thud.

Kyle was startled from sleep and looked around to check for danger. Upon finding the intruder, he carefully detracted himself from Liz and walked to Michael. Motioning to the tall alien to be quiet and to go outside, Kyle followed silently.

Indignantly Michael yelled, “See, see, what did I tell you? You wouldn’t have believed me. They’re cheating on Max. He’s barely gone and they’re cheating on him!” He looked for approval from the girls.

Maria and Isabelle were shocked and didn’t know what to think of this strange situation, whereas Kyle just couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “You bastard, shut the fuck up! If you hadn’t denied her your help I wouldn’t be here!” he attacked Michael.

“So, now it’s my fault that you’re shagging her? I don’t think so. We all saw you two all cosy together and in her bed, try explaining that to Max. I’m sure he’ll be very appreciative!”

Losing his temper Kyle socked the taller man in his face. “I told you to shut the fuck up or Buddha help me, I will really loose my temper!”

Maria started to get upset and reached for her cedar oil, while Isabelle tried to settle the dispute before it got completely out of hand. “Michael calm down and let him explain and you, Kyle, keep your fists to yourself and tell us what happened. Fighting won’t solve anything.”

“Yeah, she’s right” Maria agreed with Isabelle and addressing Kyle continued, “anyway, where’s Liz?”

“Liz had a very bad night. Her powers started to flare up and she completely lost all control over them. She called Michael for help but he refused!” curling his lips contemptuously he added “he had to watch the game!”

“See!” Michael cried outraged ”now it’s my fault again. I mean she could’ve called her best friend Maria, or even Isabelle! I told her so, but she was shamelessly exaggerating. For Christ’s sake, we all know she’s just a human, her powers aren’t that strong. So I told her I would come by on my rounds, and here I am, aren’t?”

Looking at the others he complained, “I come here to make sure everything’s ok and what do I find? Them sleeping together and now that’s my fault too!”

“That’s right Michael; tonight you really fucked up big time!” came Liz’s voice from the window behind them. “With friends like you I most definitely don’t need any enemies. I called you twice, Michael, and both times I told you that this was a big emergency, that I was melting the phones and things started to blow up. But you still refused to come and help. I called you because you had the same difficulties before you knew how to control your powers and I figured you would know best how to help me. Isabelle’s powers are more mental, they work differently, so she wouldn’t really know what to do.”

“How was I supposed to know that this was serious? And anyway, just today you really let me down too and now you expect me to come running just because you call?” was Michael’s justification.

Seething, Liz answered in a very tight and controlled voice “I expected you to keep your promises you made to your king to keep his family safe!”

“Well, you don’t look like you’ve been through any kind of ordeal; actually you look pretty good to me. Any way, this doesn’t give you any right to sleep with Kyle, Max will be devastated.” Michael was milking the situation for as much as possible.

Kyle had heard enough and in a deceptively casual voice he said, “Why don’t we take this inside, you might understand better what really happened!” looking at Michael he added “and you shut up, you have no idea what you’re talking about!”
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
With all the commotion going on they didn’t hear the noise coming from the fire escape when suddenly the sheriff was climbing over the banister. He was listening intently to everything that was revealed. He joined the group as they climbed through the window. Kyle waited until everybody was inside before switching on the light. Maria almost fainted as she saw the ruins of Liz’s bedroom and Isabelle looked like she might join her.

After looking around the room the sheriff turned to his son and noticed the scratches and his tattered cloths, turning to Liz he found her in a similar condition. “Kyle, Liz, are you hurt? You both look quite knocked-around”

“Dad, we’re ok; Liz was able to heal the worst. All that’s left are bruises and scratches and of course these rags” Looking seriously at his dad he went on, “You know since her parents will return tonight she had to repair the things they might see, like the phone in the kitchen, the walls of the hallway and her bedroom door. After that she was too exhausted and we took a nap.”

”Well Liz, how can we help you clean up this mess?“ Jim wanted to know and continued, “I’m sure together we can fix up the worst of it!”

“Oh boy,” Kyle laughed and explained “if you think this room is bad you should see her bathroom. It looks like it got hit by a bomb.” At the unbelieving looks he received he added “I’m serious, just take a look and you’ll see that I’m not exaggerating.”

After recovering from the first shock the sheriff took over, checked out the bathroom he agreed with his son’s assessment and commanded, “Michael, since your negligence is the reason for this mess you get to fix the damage in there.” And before the alien could complain he added “It’s the least you can do.”

Giving the young man a very disappointed look Valenti continued severely, “also, I strongly suggest you rethink you’re attitude. And what’s really bad, you broke your word of honour you gave to your friend and king.”

“I really don’t see any reason why the hell I have to clean up her mess!” pointing at Liz, Michael went on, “especially after the way she let me down this afternoon!”

Upon hearing this Maria turned lost her temper. She marched right up to Michael, slapped him across his cheek and yelled, “You seriously expect us to cover for your stealing from the CrashDown and playing hooky? Hmm hmm, no way, you can forget that real fast!”

Then she stood on her toes, scowled at him and growled, “Like we told you, we didn’t snitch to Mr. P., but we informed you that from now on we wouldn’t cover for you anymore. We also said if you were man enough, you would confess to your boss. So far we haven’t broken our word to you!”

Taking a deep breath she added, “Liz also said she would only contact you in an emergency. And by the looks of it she was struck by a major disaster and you…” looking at him contemptuously she yelled, “you, you had to watch sports!” Looking him up and down, letting him see her revulsion she hissed “Yeah, I can really see just how grateful and understanding Max is going to be, when he hears of this!”

“I should have known you’d take her side. You’re being unfair. This morning you didn’t even give me a chance to explain things!”

Liz started to feel the energy level rise and desperately tried to stay calm. It didn’t work and her arms started to crackle with the rising tension. “What the hell are you talking about Michael? What reason could you give to my dad for stealing or playing hooky? For being unreliable, for lying and cheating? Tell me!”

Maria joined her friend and added, “Yeah Michael, tell us, do you really think that Mr. P. is cool enough to accept “watching the play-off’s” as a good enough reason for stealing snacks and calling in sick? For ruining José’s day off and having to pay him extra salary for coming in?”

“Well I didn’t take that much, only some snacks and soft-drinks. Anyway, you two aren’t my boss, so this is none of your business!” Michael answered righteously.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Meanwhile…
As Jeff turned into the alley beside the CrashDown they noticed Kyle’s red Mustang and the Sheriff’s cruiser parked in the Parker’s private spot. Shooting Nancy a worried look, he opened the door and got out. Walking around the car to assist his wife he watched out for anything unusual. While opening the door for her, they heard raised voices coming from Liz’s balcony. As they rushed to their apartment door the noise got louder. In his haste to reach his daughter, Jeff couldn’t find the keys, he couldn’t remember which pocket he had them in. When he finally found them, they heard Liz scream in pain and he almost dropped the damn key! After that he had a hard time inserting it in the keyhole. Everything seemed to be working against him. When, at last, they entered their home, the Parkers saw some strange lightning’s coming from their daughter’s room. They heard raised voices, male and female, and some unidentified crackling sounds. By now Jeff and Nancy were officially petrified!
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*

To be continued in the next post

[uw51]

Part 11 continued

*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
In Liz’s room…
While Maria and Michael were arguing, Liz’s started to spark and flash. Kyle noticed her distress and tried to diffuse the situation by coaching her breathing exercises. They were almost successful when they heard Michael’s righteous outcry of; ”anyway, you two aren’t my boss, so this is none of your business!”

Liz lost her fight for control and her powers exploded. Because she scorched her leg through the jeans Liz screamed in pain. Shocked she moved her hands and the bolt of energy grazed Kyle’s arm before it shattered her CD-player.

After being grazed by a painful flash Kyle reacted fast. He grabbed Michael and put him in the line of fire, between Liz and himself.

“Ouch, Kyle, this hurts! Are you fucking crazy?” Michael yelled in pain and tried hard to get away.

Kyle didn’t budge, on the contrary, he used all of his strength to keep Michael on the spot and angrily hissed, “I figured since you don’t listen to reason or cries for help you only learn through first hand experience of what you put others through!” Chuckling he added “that’s called learning by doing!”

Breathing heavily due to the strain of holding Michael he wheezed, “And if you think you’re hurting just double or triple it and you might come close to the pain you’re causing Liz with your inconsiderate asshole attitude!”

After strategically placing Liz’s hands on Michael, Kyle asked his dad to take over. Then he placed himself behind his friend to help absorb some of the excess energy coursing through her body searching for an outlet.

As soon as Isabelle realised what Kyle was doing, she joined him and put her arms around the three of them. Maria followed next and attached herself to the group. In all of this uproar nobody noticed Jeff and Nancy’s arrival.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Jeff and Nancy stood in the open doorway, staring at the commotion in their daughter’s bedroom and were convinced they had somehow landed in their worst nightmare! There, in the middle of the room, stood Liz, sparkling like fireworks, shooting of bolts of white light. She was screaming in pain while Michael was complaining. They saw how the others joined in the group hug, trying to help Liz. The stench of burned materials and, even worst, burned flesh was awful and they almost gagged, but the hardest to witness was that Liz was in such pain that she screamed.

TBC

Thanks for reading my story, please let me know what you think of it!

take care

Chula

[uw51]

...and it's update time again!!!

As always thank you Moira for being my beta!

I hope you all have fun with the next part!



12, On Overload, 08/11/2000, midnight
From the corner of his eyes Jim noticed some movement which took his attention away from “his” kids. As he became aware of Nancy and Jeff standing there in deep shock, he crossed the room and joined them.

“What’s going on, Jim? Is this some witchcraft thing? You know, like some kind of cult?” Jeff wanted to know.

Nancy interrupted “how can you just stand there and watch? My daughter is hurting, do something!”

Jim wasn’t quite sure how to handle this situation. As he heard Liz cry out again he made a snap decision and grabbed Jeff and Nancy, pulled them over to group and ordered, “join the group hug, if you help to absorb some of the energy it will lessen the pain for Liz.”

With that said Jim was the first to connect with the cluster of friends. The parents felt very insecure and Nancy asked anxiously, “will it hurt?” Jim wasn’t really sure how to answer that but said as convincingly as he possibly could, “no, it won’t hurt you, but you might feel a tad uncomfortable! Just hold on to Isabelle, Maria or Kyle and you should be safe.”

As Jeff tentatively touched Kyle, all he could feel was a slight tremor vibrating through him, so he staid put and strengthened his hold on his daughter’s friend.

Of the two of them Nancy was the more practical one while Jeff was more extroverted and amiable; she lacked the ‘people-skills’, as they jokingly referred to them. As often as she had envied her husband for his way with people, right now Nancy was glad to be the pragmatic one.

After observing how Jeff and the whole group were huddled together she noticed that the closer you were to Liz, the stronger the reactions were. Knowing that, she decided to go into the core and went to hug her daughter. On first contact the energy shooting through her was excruciatingly painful and she almost let go. But as soon as the first shock had passed Nancy was able to hold on to Liz and forced herself to relax as much as possible, in the hopes of softening the hurting currents streaming through her.

After the group absorbed the excess energy for a few moments they could feel a noticeable weakening of the currents racing through them, until it slowly petered to a stop. They checked for injuries and found Liz had hurt her hands, but somehow they were already starting to heal. Michael had received a few nice burns and Kyle decreed that he should suffer them until Liz was feeling stronger.

Gradually, one after the other realised that the big crisis had come to an end, only to discover they were facing a new and possibly bigger one, namely the Parkers.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Welcome to the “I know an alien club”…
It seemed like they were being hit with one catastrophe after another! Obviously the Parkers were very shaken and thus incapable of any coherent though or speech! They just stood there, in shock, staring at the kids.

The sheriff looked around and really saw for the first time all the damage done to Liz’s bedroom. His gaze returned to the kids and he realised just how scared and exhausted they all were.

Deciding to take charge of the situation Jim started to pass out orders, “Michael, start to clean up the bathroom, Maria grab some clean and comfortable clothes for Liz and then somebody help the girl clean up. Just look at her, she’s dead tired and ready to drop, she can’t take any more of Michael’s shit!”

Before he could continue, Nancy came out of her stupor, grabbed the clothes Maria had found, put an arm around her daughter’s shoulders and led her out of her room. Jeff too came back to reality with a vengeance and yelled, “Hey, Nance, where do you think you’re taking Liz. I want some answers, and I want them now!”

Over her shoulder Nancy threw her husband a threatening stare and he knew she meant business when she added, “Jeff, shut up, go prepare some tea and snacks for everybody, while I take our daughter to our bathroom so she can clean up and recover for a bit. Everybody else…”

A loud crash could be heard from the bathroom, followed by Michael swearing up a storm. “Ok, change of plan. Somebody please help Jeff in the kitchen, the rest of you take Michael to the living room, stay there and make sure he doesn’t cause anymore damage!” Nancy ordered.

After that Nancy led Liz to the master bathroom, started to run a relaxing bubble bath, and helped her daughter out of her torn clothes and into the bathtub. Liz obediently sank into the warm water, staring sightlessly straight ahead. “Oh my little one” Nancy crooned “everything is going to be alright, I promise.”

“Thank you mom, I love you” Liz whispered and wearily closed her eyes.

As she walked the door Nancy said “I’ll leave the door open while I change into something more comfortable, ok? You just relax and try not to worry too much!”

Nancy was very worried, she couldn’t figure out what had happened to her child. She was aware of the fact that communication between her and Liz had badly deteriorated over the last few years. As much as she loved Liz, she had never been able to show her feelings openly. She came from an old and noble family, were everybody was very reserved and feelings were frowned upon. Jeff, with his caring openness had broken through her reserves and helped her to open up. But, even with her husband’s help, it was difficult for her to openly show affection, not even to her daughter whom she loved like no one else. As she pondered on all of this, realisation set in: this was her chance to show Liz just how much she loved her. She would stand by her side, help her in any way she could.

After donning her favourite comfy sweatpants and T-shirt Nancy marched into the bathroom, determination giving her the extra courage needed to approach Liz, who was reclining in the tub. As she saw her daughter she noted that her child was no longer a little girl but a beautiful grownup woman.

Upon hearing her mom enter the room, Liz opened her eyes and looked at her. With a smile she motioned to her mother to sit on the rim of the tub, then she said “mom, I’m glad that I finally can tell you the truth. But you have to understand that this wasn’t my secret to tell.”

Waiting for Nancy’s understanding nod, Liz continued “we had already decided to tell the truth to all the parents involved, when suddenly Max had to go to a very important meeting. So we determined to wait for his return.”

Liz gave Nancy a weak smile and proceeded “We’ve had problems with Michael for sometime now, but tonight he went too far and things just escalated. Now we have to tell you all under the worst circumstances, I’m sorry mom, I really wish we could have spared you this experience!” upset Liz started to sniffle. She was really afraid of her mom’s reaction when she finally knew the whole truth, afraid of loosing her now, when she needed her more than ever.

Nancy watched her daughter closely, saw all those emotions dance over her face. She realised that after all the troubles they had been through, all the estrangement of the last few years, she still could read Liz like an open book. Seeing Liz’s fears she gently caressed her wet hair and spoke “Liz, I think you’re very scared of telling us what has been going on, but you don’t have to be. I promise you I will help in any way I can.”

Looking seriously at her daughter’s upturned face, Nancy went on, “you know Liz, there is nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, that could make me turn from you. So, maybe it would help you to roughly tell me, before you have to face the whole group. Granted, most of them know the truth, but tensions are very high out there.”

Liz looked up at her mother’s serious face, mulling over her options. She liked her mom’s idea, a lot. But, what if... she couldn’t finish that thought. She closed her eyes and listened deep within her, while Nancy was waiting with bated breath.

Going with her gut instinct and hoping it was the Granolith talking, she opened her eyes and looked straight at her mom. “Ok, you’re right, but before I tell you, you have to know, that this is going to sound totally crazy and unbelievable. Also know that we can prove everything I’m going to say.”

Expectantly looking at her mother Liz rushed on “and what’s more important than anything else, you can never ever talk about any of this with anybody else than the people that are involved. I need your word of honour on this, mom, because lives depend on your silence. So, take a moment and carefully think about it and if you still want to know I’ll tell you!”

Gravely Nancy observed Liz, this sounded extremely serious, even dangerous. Soon though she realised that, no matter what, Liz was her daughter, and her daughter needed her. That was all she needed to know and with a nod she said “Liz, I promise that whatever you tell me will stay between the two of us, you have my word of honour on this!”

Mother and daughter stared at each other solemnly until Liz nodded and asked, “Mom, do you remember the shooting at the CrashDown, you know, a few years back?”

At her mom’s nod she continued “I’m sure you remember that they never found the bullet”

Again her mom nodded and Liz looked at her earnestly, “they never found the bullet, because it hit me in my stomach. I was shot and dying.”

Taking a deep breath she added quickly, “luckily, as usual, Max was there. He came up to me and healed me, dissolving the bullet in the process.” “What? How can that be?” was all Nancy could articulate in her shock.

“Mom, Max is an alien/human hybrid!” and before all the courage left her she rushed on, “he has these amazing gifts and one of them is the gift of healing. He also healed Kyle and Jim Valenti!” After that announcement Liz watched her mom carefully, just in case she’d freak out. She clearly remembered Maria’s screaming flight into the street.

Her mom looked shell-shocked, and she hadn’t blinked an eye. “Mom, MOOOM, are you alright? Please answer me, say something or just blink, with your right eye for yes, you’re ok, with your left one for no!”

Since her mom still didn’t react, Liz jacked into a sitting position, and in the process slopped the water over the rim of the tub and soaked Nancy’s sweatpants. Finally Nancy blinked, shaking her head as if waking up from deep sleep, looked at Liz seriously and sounding surprised she said, “You know, in some strange and inexplicable way this does make sense!”

Now it was Liz’s turn to stare, she couldn’t believe what she had just heard “Mom, say that again, please”

Nancy laughed at that and repeated dutifully, “in some strange and inexplicable way this does make sense! I mean, what happened earlier in your bedroom; the mystery about the missing bullet after the shooting; Jim taking such a marked interest in you kids ever since. It all adds up!” Happily Liz hugged her mom and got the rest of her wet too.

A knock on the bedroom door broke up Nancy and Liz’s happy moment. They could hear Jeff yelling impatiently “has anybody drowned in there? We’re all ready and waiting, so no more stalling, get out here so we can sit down to business!”

“We’ll be right out,” Nancy called back and looking at Liz she whispered, “we’ll get through this sweetheart. I’m with you all the way. And what's more, I’m much too curious now and I want to know it all!” Laughing she left Liz to get ready.

Before her mother could leave the bedroom Liz stopped her and added, “for your information mom, Max wanted to be here for these talks, because they concern him too, but Michael put an end to that.”

Shyly Liz looked at her mother and stammered “Emm, you know, there’s something else, you know, actually something more, something important that you should know about too, but I can’t talk about tonight because Max wanted to be here for that talk too, you know.”

Under her breath Liz added “I just hope that Michael learns real fast to think first before he acts, because then Max might really be home and we can have this conversation together!”

Noticing Nancy’s questioning look on her, Liz, hoping for understanding, added “I just wanted you to know!”

Nancy was worried, really, really worried and Liz’s stammering did that. She knew that whatever her daughter had to say would be big news, because Liz usually was very forthright and open. All this hemming and beating around the bush meant only one thing: Liz was afraid of her parents’ reactions to whatever she had to say.

Adding two and two together and coming up with four, Nancy started to have a pretty good idea about what exactly Liz had to confess. Really, there could be only one thing harder to confess than having an alien boyfriend, and that was having an alien baby. After coming to this conclusion, one thought plagued Nancy ‘I’m far too young to become a grandmother!’
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Ponderings while waiting…
Maria didn’t follow the others into the living room, instead she climbed out on Liz’s small balcony. She needed some time to calm down and think. Since her friend was taking a bath she decided to use this time and try to figure out Michael’s behaviour.

What Isabelle had said was true, she too didn’t recognise him anymore. Something was seriously wrong with him and if she was honest with herself she had to admit to having noticed this fact a while back, but she had been too angry and hurt because of the way Michael had broken up with her.

She remembered all too clearly just how happy she had been when he had come out of the pod-chamber because Michael had decided to stay with her, Maria DeLuca. The first few days seemed like a dream.

Afterwards Michael started to change, nothing drastic, just little things here and there. Then he started to withdraw from the others and slowly from her too. He became moody and unpredictable.

One evening, after a date that had started out beautifully romantic and then turned sour, Maria wanted answers and Michael just completely lost it and broke it off with her. In an angry voice he yelled “I always knew that we were not supposed to get attached to humans. That just spells trouble big time! Tess was right, we just don’t mix. So, do yourself a favour and leave me alone.” And when Maria didn’t react fast enough for his liking he hatefully added “I have more important things to do than to listen to your endless blabbing!”

That night she cried for hours, trying to find out what she had done wrong. Maria knew that she could be difficult, but that never seemed to bother Michael. In fact she knew full well that often her spaceboy would provoke her on purpose so they could make up just as passionately as they fought!

After their split, she was only too glad to voice her anger on Michael and his aggressiveness came in real handy, she was able to vent a lot of her frustrations on him. It was true, she had been slow in noticing the changes in Michael, but now she couldn’t deny them any longer, because she could see that something was seriously wrong with him.

What had happened to him? When had it started? If Tess of Nacedo had still been around, she’d have known who had been messing with Michael, but one was dead and the other hopefully on Antar, or were they? Hmmm, when the situation was under control, she would have a talk to Liz; maybe her friend could somehow ask the Granolith for help?

Until then Maria resolved to keep her cool around Michael, knowing well just how difficult this could be, especially with his current behaviour!


TBC

Thank you for reading my story. Please let me know what you think of it

Take care

Chula

[uw51]

hi everybody, it's posting time again!

It seems that the passing of time is a bit unclear in my fic, so I decided to write a short summery to help you out. I think I should have written some dates in it. As it is, it might seem like they have more time than they really do, especially since I have one week between updates!

Anyway, to clear up some of my blunders:
<> the kids are on school holiday between their high school junior / senior years, that means they’re 17 to 18 years old

<> I can’t remember when Tess left in the series, so here she left about two weeks before the end of their junior year

<> that’s also when Michael started to change, slowly. That’s one of the reasons why they didn’t notice it at first

<> on the last days of school Max and Liz got back together and consequently pregnant

<> from this moment until Max leaves they only have about 1 1/2 weeks

<> and now, Max has only been gone a few days, so you see, everything is happening really fast

<> also, Michael does have a temper, and right now with the mindwarping and everything else going on, he feels backed into a corner, so he reacts and I’m afraid to say, he reacts badly, like he’s driven to be this way. Like when he was king he was a real bad ass too!

<> maybe you should also know, that there are reasons why they all behave the way they do, but it will be revealed at a later time!

Anyway, in my mind this story makes a lot of sense!!! And since I’m writing it, I don’t have any trouble to know the passing of time, or the lack of it.

imnotlc <> thanks for your good wishes I'm almost back to normal and on monday it's back to work again.

All this feedback is very encouraging for me to keep on writing, especially since this story keeps getting longer and longer. At the beginning I thought I would have a hard time to get 10 chapters done, but now I'm already up to 30. Who knows where that will end

a big thank you to my beta who also happens to be my daughter Moira, danke viil mol und bis zum nächschte mal



13, Let the big Powwow begin, 08/11/2000, 0.45 am
After her arrival in the living room, Maria sat down on the couch beside Isabelle. In hushed tones she asked the taller girl if she too had noticed Michael’s extreme behaviour. As Isabelle agreed, Maria wanted to know if she had an explanation for it, since the most obvious solution of Tess and Nacedo was not possible. Because neither of them could think of any other reason for it they decided to have a talk with Liz when things calmed down a bit. They were both well aware of the fact that, at the moment, there was no reasoning with Michael. They needed to confront him with facts and until then all they could do was hope for the best.
*~~*~~*
Arm in arm, mother and daughter entered the living room, demonstrating a unity that hadn’t existed in a long while. Seeing the two women’s closeness elicited different reactions in everybody. In some people the tension escalated, in others it whooshed right out of them.

Michael was leaning against a wall, brooding. Jeff kept himself busy, arranging and rearranging the snacks, masking his angst. Jim and Kyle had a quiet moment, watching the others while Kyle calmly related this night’s happenings to his father.

As the two Parker women took a seat on the couch beside the two girls, Kyle walked over to them and positioned himself behind Liz. Michael stayed where he was, looking down on all the others. Jeff sat down on the armchair and Jim positioned himself between Jeff and Liz.

It was a strange and quiet moment, nobody really knew what to say and so they remained silent. Finally Nancy broke the silence and began, “Liz, why don’t you tell us what’s going on?”

After first smiling at her mom for reassurance, then looking to all her friends for support, Liz turned to her dad and started the long dreaded explanation. “I know you saw some strange things tonight and I want to explain it all, but before I begin I need your word of honour that you won’t tell anybody about it. You can’t talk about it in public places or anywhere you can be overheard. If you need answers, or just someone to talk to, you can come to anybody present and of course to Max.” Looking seriously at her father she added, “Lives depend on your discretion!”

Jeff didn’t like what he was hearing and exploded, “what the hell are you talking about! You’re just a kid; you don’t know anything that needs such secretiveness. I’m your father and I decide if this warrants any kind of secrecy.”

Standing her ground Liz stared at her father and calmly said, “That’s not good enough dad…”

“Jeff, I advise you to think before you make some rash decision” Nancy cut in sharply. Facing Liz she continued a bit more calmly “Liz, I give you my word to keep this a secret. Also, I promise to help and support you and your friends in any way you need me to.” Looking at each person in the room she added “I’m serious, you all can come to me anytime you need me…”

“Nancy, that’s ridiculous. You can’t make this kind of promise without knowing anything!” Jeff reprimanded his wife in mid-sentence.

“Don’t treat me like an idiot Jeff. I know I can trust my daughter; after all we taught her right from wrong. We raised her to grow into a responsible and trustworthy woman. Now she asks for my trust and I give it to her, freely!”

”Nancy, I don’t recognise you, you can’t be this gullible!” Jeff was shocked about his wife’s attitude. “Who knows what kind of stories they made up?”

”Jeff, you’re looking at this the wrong way. Look at the kids, look at Jim and, most of all look at your daughter. Do you see anybody joking? Laughing? Having fun?”

Beseechingly looking at Jeff she demanded, “you want to know what I see when I look at them? I see their insecurities and fears about your reaction. Right now they’re afraid of you. So, whatever they’re hiding seems to be very serious and they need our help. Can’t you just give them your word and then listen to what they have to say?”

Seeing her husband’s set jaw, Nancy knew that there was no reasoning with him, but she nonetheless tried one last time, “Just give them your word, then listen to what they have to say. You don’t have to decide right now if you want to help, or even if you want to believe anything.”

Liz too saw her dad’s set jaw and added “Dad, I realise you’re not happy with this situation, but you’re the one who demanded answers. I’m prepared to tell you everything, but I need your word. At this moment you have no idea what you’re dealing with, but we do. So please trust our judgement, trust Jim!”

This didn’t seem to impress Jeff too much so Liz added ”I’m going to give you ten minutes to decide. If you can’t figure out what you want, I’ll go to bed because I’m exhausted and I need some sleep.” After that Liz left the room, walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table.

In the living room Jeff turned to the sheriff and said “Jim, from one father to another, can you tell me what’s going on?”

Jim shook his head sadly and replied, “sorry Jeff, but no, I can’t break the kids’ trust in me and let you know. All I can say is they need all the help they can get and they didn’t do anything wrong. Quite to the contrary, but that’s all I’ll say.”

”If it were the other way around I’d tell you!” Jeff tried a new tactic. He realised it didn’t work on hearing Jim answering, “No, you wouldn’t, if it meant they would stop trusting you. Especially if you’re the only adult they have to help them out. I really hope you don’t expect me to break my word and loose their trust now, do you?”
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Ten minutes later…
Even though Liz wanted nothing more than to sleep, she returned to the living room and faced her father. “Dad, have you come to a decision?” she asked tiredly.

“You can’t seriously expect me to give you my word since I don’t know what the heck this is all about?” Jeff tried again.

Liz had been hoping that her father would have come around and was very disappointed. Her damned hormones started to act up again and she was almost in tears. She was afraid she might loose what little composure she had and decided that she had had enough for this night.

Resolutely she addressed her father, “dad, I’m exhausted, so I won’t discuss this again. You know my conditions. You need time to figure out what you want, you’ve got it. I’m going to sleep, that gives you a lot of time to make up your mind! We’ll talk in the morning if you’re ready.”

Everybody was shocked. Usually Liz was her daddy’s little girl, she had never talked to him like that before. She turned to Maria and asked “Ria, my room is in shambles, can I spend the night at your place?” “Sure” was her friend’s short reply.

As they started to say their goodnight’s Jeff seemed to come out of his astonishment, exclaiming with a raised voice “hey, wait a minute young lady, you can’t just leave! I want to know what the hell is going on?”

“Ok dad, but I still want your word, otherwise I’m out of here.” Impatiently looking at her dad Liz waited for his answer.

Knowing full well he had lost, Jeff tried one more time to reason with his daughter, “you’re being very unreasonable you know. How can you expect me to agree without knowing more about it?”

Liz looked at him and tiredly said “this is very simple dad. You give me your word and I stay and tell you everything. You keep stalling and I go! So, Maria, can we go, I can’t take anymore of his shit, I’m just too tired.” With Maria in tow she walked to her mom, embraced her and said her good night to everybody else.

Upset Jeff realised that Liz was seriously leaving, that he couldn’t manipulate her, and quickly spoke up, “ok, ok, I’ll do it your way, but I want to know it all, no more excuses, you understand?” Without saying anything Liz just stared at her father and waited. Grudgingly he mumbled, “ok, you have my word, now get on with it”

Liz had been her father’s daughter long enough to know that he had to be more specific, or else Jeff would find a loophole if he wanted to. So she let him know, “Dad, since I know you really, really well, I want to hear you say exactly what you give me your word for.”

Looking at Liz Jeff said, “I give you my word to never say anything to anybody not present here, about what you’re telling us tonight! So now you can talk”

”No, no, that’s not good enough. I know you dad, you’re being vague on purpose; the minute you hear something you don’t like you find a way to get out of your promise. So I want your word to never communicate in any way or form, to anybody else than the people who are here, about our secret.”

Unhappily Jeff repeated her words and trying to make her feel guilty he added, “it’s a sad day when a father realises his own daughter doesn’t trust him!”

It didn’t work the way he had expected. Liz didn’t feel guilty, quite to the contrary, she put the blame right back where it belonged; on him, ”that’s your own fault dad, so don’t put the guilt trip on me! Until today I would have trusted you with just about anything, you know. But I don’t recognise you the way you’re behaving right now.”

Taking a deep breath she started with her story, “tonight you will hear things that seem so incredible that you won’t believe me. But let me tell you something beforehand. Jim can confirm everything we’ll tell you and on top of that we’re able to prove it too.”

At Jeff’s understanding nod she asked “dad, do you remember the shooting in the CrashDown?”

“Of course, what’s that got to do with anything?” he asked.

And so Liz undertook the arduous task of enlightening her parents and suddenly she understood Max’s angst of letting his parents in on the secret.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
To say that Jeff was accepting the story Liz told would be the overstatement of the year. He interrupted her every chance he had and vehemently denied any such thing as aliens. So Isabelle showed some of the things they could do, things like changing colours and shapes of things, or playing a CD without a player, snipping her fingers to turn the light on and off.

Still, Jeff wasn’t convinced that those were alien traits and loudly voices his opinion, “these things you do don’t seem very alien to me, they look more like witchcraft. Everybody knows witches do that kind of stuff!” he was smirking proudly because he had found a way to prove them wrong.

Incredulously Nancy looked at her husband and asked “and you would know that because…?” she stopped for a moment to give Jeff a chance to explain. As no answer was forthcoming she continued her sentence “…you personally know witches? Know many aliens?” as he still didn’t answer she shook her head at him sadly and finished “Jeff I have to agree with Liz, right now I too don’t recognise you. Your behaviour is just completely off the wall, I… I… I really don’t understand you!”

Jim figured that now was time for him to have his say “Jeff, believe me, I know exactly where you’re coming from. I’m sure you remember my dad and how everybody ridiculed him, thought him crazy until he finally did loose his mind.”

At his friends’ nod of acknowledgement he continued, “as you know there were several witnesses after the shooting. Most of them didn’t see much, but there were these weird UFO nuts and they kept insisting that Liz had been shot and that a dark-haired boy had healed her. He also asked, if Liz wasn’t shot, were was the bullet?”

Laughing at his own behaviour before he knew the truth he went on “I really harassed those poor kids for weeks, because I just knew that something wasn’t right. In the process I endangered their lives” Jim’s conscience was still troubling him over his past regressions.

Isabelle interjected “Sheriff, you didn’t know, you were just doing your duty! And since then you have helped us so much, you even lost your job protecting us!”

Maria added ”Yeah, remember that day you called me into your office to questions me? Boy, I was sooo scared, but that was when I understood Isabelle, Max and Michael. They were always so scared of being detected!”

”I remember Maria that was the day that I started to realise that whatever was going on with Max couldn’t be bad, because I knew you, Liz and Alex were good kids and you wouldn’t get involved in anything wrong. So I didn’t follow you any longer because I thought Max was dangerous but because I had to know what was going on.”

Sorrowfully he continued, “I brought the alien hunter down on Max, and Everet Hubble almost killed him. Then of course the whole trouble with the FBI happened because I was just doing my duty. You can’t know just how much I regret that.”

Liz walked over to Jim and hugged him, adding comfortingly “we know that Jim and what’s more important, Max knows it too and he considers you a very trusted and close friend. So stop dwelling on this, it’s truly in the past, let bygones be bygones, ok?”

Kyle cleared his throat and said, “I remember those days too, dad. I was afraid you would loose it, just like grandpa! So I really started to hate Evans, not only did he steal my girl, no he was taking my dad too!” hemming one more time he added “of course when I got shot and he healed me, my feelings got really messed up. Suddenly my enemy turned out to be a good and decent guy! Well, talk about confused, I suddenly was ready for the nut-house too!” that last remark got him a few laughs.

Nancy turned serious and asked “you were shot too?” Embarrassed Kyle answered “yeah, a few months after Liz, when I didn’t know anything and the FBI was chasing them. I was accidentally shot in the crossfire”

Jeff had heard enough of this cooked up story and interrupted, “are you seriously expecting me to believe all this bullshit? That the FBI was involved and we didn’t hear about it?”

Facing Jim he addressed his friend angrily, “I’m very offended and disappointed by you. That you can play along with these lies, what’s in it for you, huh?” He was getting madder and madder by the moment and yelled, “for that shit you demanded my word? You really are crazy, the lot of you!” and turning to Nancy he added “and you, if you believe any of this you can join them in the nut-house!”

”Well, that went really well!” Kyle said dryly to no one in particular. At the same time Jeff said forcefully “I’m going to talk to the Evans’. Philip must know what’s going on with his kids.” and he stormed off.

Liz stretched out her hand and closed the door with a burst of energy. Then she stopped her father in his tracks and said, “Dad, you’re not going anywhere. You’re just too bull-headed to listen to reason.”

Loosening her hold on him she asked “why don’t you sit dad and calm down? Then Isabelle can explain how she and Max were found and how they discovered that they were different. She can tell you everything until the day of the shooting.” At his nod she added “after she’s done you can ask her anything that’s still unclear, ok?”

Looking to Isabelle Liz asked her friend “we started the story in the middle instead of in the beginning; do you mind explaining it all to my parents?”

After a moment’s thought Isabelle agreed and Liz took this opportunity and said “I’m really exhausted, so while Isabelle tells you all about their childhood I’ll just go to the guestroom and relax. Please come and get me when you need me, ok?” Tiredly Liz walked into the guest bedroom and sank on the bed. She opened her connection to Max a little, careful not to disturb him, and lay down.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Meanwhile in the Living room…
For sometime nothing else could be heard but Isabelle’s voice, quietly recounting her childhood experiences. She told them of the moment they discovered they could do things nobody else could do; how, in that instant, they decided to keep it to themselves, not to tell anybody, not even their parents. About Max’s motto of “act normal and blend in” and “hiding in plain sight.”

With tears in her eyes Isabelle recounted about how scared they had always been of letting anybody in and getting close. How she and Max had worried about their parents not loving them anymore, if they should ever find out the truth. It was very difficult for her and she wished that Max could have been present. Suddenly Isabelle understood Max really well, his reluctance to tell their parents the truth about their origin; it wasn’t that easy!
*~~*~~*
Nancy sat there, raptly listening. She could feel the children’s fears of discovery while growing up; always having to hide their true selves. She slid across the couch to put her arm around the young woman’s shoulder, showing her compassion and support.
*~~*~~*
Jeff on the other hand was in two minds as to whether he should believe this incredible story or not, but at least he kept quiet. Some of the things could have come straight from Star Wars and then again, he thought George Lucas could have used some of the neat tricks that Isabelle had just shown off. Even though he had seen and heard things this night, that to him were simply unexplainable, he felt reluctant to believe. Only his trust in Jim made him consider the possibility that aliens were in Roswell. He almost laughed at the irony of it, but only almost!
*~~*~~*
As usual Jim was fascinated and noticed there were still many things he didn’t know. He listened carefully and stored any details he wanted to know more about at a latter time.
*~~*~~*
Kyle, as the newest member of the “I know an alien club” had not heard many of these stories. He was spellbound by all of it and remembered how scared he had been, when he found out about the Czechs being different. Suddenly he realised why Max, Isabelle and Michael all seemed so mysterious and aloof. They never considered themselves better than the others, no, they were just scared of being discovered. He figured he’d much rather be a ‘jock’ than an ‘alien king’, much less stress and he still got a lot of chicks, that was for sure!
*~~*~~*
Maria just sat there, supporting Isabelle as well as she could; holding on to her hand and squeezing it from time to time to reassure her. She felt sorry for the aliens, for the way they had to hide and be on their guards at all times. She could feel their loneliness. It must have been hard to always wonder where they came from, why they were here and worst of all, if someday some strangers would show up and take them back to where ever it was they had come from!
*~~*~~*
Michael wasn’t too sure about how he should feel. In some way it was a relief but then again he was petrified of the Parkers’ reaction. He didn’t know Nancy very well but she seemed to be handling the alien news pretty well, whereas Jeff looked like he didn’t know whether he was coming or going. With him everything seemed possible. So he decided to stay alert and be ready for whatever came his way.
*~~*~~*
Isabelle told them everything up until the moment Max was taken to the white room. She didn’t want to be the one who told them about Michael killing the FBI Agent Pierce or about the “mom-o-gram” revealing their royal status and the revolution which got them all killed on Antar.

She thought ending her revelations with Max’s incarceration and consequent tortures, would be a good place to stop the telling; it would let them (especially Jeff) know just how important their silence was.

Isabelle never realised just how tiring the telling of her life’s story could be. She was exhausted and glad that, at least for the moment, things had calmed down and she could relax; at least she tried.

Everybody was sitting there, mulling over this incredible tale they had heard. Some of them had already known about it, others heard it for the first time, but to all of them it was fascinating and unreal.



TBC

Thank you for reading my fic. Please let me know what you think of it.

Take care

Chula

[uw51]

Hey you all, it's Friday Swisstime and since I'm home early I've decided to post the next part right away

hi imnotlc, thank you for your kind words. I'm glad that my explanations helped to clear some of the questions

Anyway, Feedbackers and Lurkers, here is the next installment and I hope all enjoy it!

Moira, danke viil mol für diini Hilf

I have noticed that I should have put a timeframe in this story to make it more undertandable. I hope to change this soon, but until then I hope the following schedule will help.

Anyway, to clear up some of my blunders:
<> the kids are on school holiday between their high school junior / senior years, that means they’re 17 to 18 years old
<> I can’t remember when Tess left in the series, so here she left about two weeks before the end of their junior year
<> that’s also when Michael started to change
<> on the last days of school Max and Liz got back together and consequently pregnant
<> from this moment until Max leaves they only have about 1 1/2 weeks
<> and now, Max has only been gone a few days, so you see, everything is happening really fast
<> also, Michael does have a temper, and right now with the mindwarping and everything else going on, he feels backed into a corner, so he reacts and I’m afraid to say, he reacts badly, like he’s driven to be this way. Like when he was king he was a real bad ass too
<> maybe you should also know, that there are reasons why they all behave the way they do, but it will be revealed at a later time!

and here we go!!!!!!



14, Oops, I didn’t mean to…, 08/11/2000, 2.30 am
Meanwhile in the guest room…
Lying on bed, Liz relaxed as well as she could under the circumstances. She was worried about her father’s reaction. She barely recognised him. He was always so open, easygoing, and good-humoured, everybody loved him. In his heyday her father had been a hippy par excellence and strongly believed in love and doing good, helping where ever he could. He still held those beliefs and put them in practice by giving people chances, first and second ones. He would listen to everybody’s problems and when asked freely gave advice.

It was really strange because every time she had thought about having this talk with her parent she never worried about her dad’s reaction, always only about her mom’s. “Well, how wrong could I have been!” she thought to herself.

Her mom was the more strict and serious parent. She was always fair but reserved; she did her best for her only child, Liz was well aware of this fact.

Her parents always made decisions concerning Liz unanimously. If they had different opinions, her mom was always the one to give in, always. Liz couldn’t remember a time where her mom would openly oppose her husband in matters concerning the raising of their child.

For all his talk about equal rights for everybody, he was dead set against his wife working outside her household or the CrashDown. Liz had never understood how her mom, with her higher education than her husband, could let her father nix all her attempts at getting a fulfilling job outside the household. Sure he would let her work in the diner, but the Crash was her father’s baby and her mom wasn’t very comfortable there. No matter how hard she tried, sometimes she just didn’t understand her mom!

Too tiered to continue this train of thought, Liz concentrated on her connection with her babies. She could feel all this incredible love and contentment; it just made her smile. Tiredly closing her eyes, Liz expanded their connection to include Max. She was slowly drifting into sleep, when she heard the yelling from the living room.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
In the Living room…
Things had calmed down considerably and Nancy used this moment to find out about what had happened earlier this evening when Liz was flashing like a Christmas tree. “Kyle, if I remember correctly, you were the first one here to help Liz, so, could you please tell us what was going on?” She saw that the young man was uncomfortable talking about it and added, “I think it’s important we know, so we can avoid scenes like these, don’t you agree?”

Nancy’s question put him on the spot because he did in fact agree. He looked to his father, to Maria and Isabelle and then began to tell of the events leading up to this night’s disaster. “Ok, hmm, it actually didn’t start tonight. Tonight was just the culmination of a lot of things that have been happening lately.”

He really didn’t want to be the one to inform the grown ups about all the shit Michael had put them through. It seemed like the big, volatile alien had reserved all his pent up anger and frustrations to vent on Liz. How the heck was he supposed to tell the Parkers about that, without letting it slip that Liz was pregnant. He desperately called for Buddha’s help and began the story of Michael’s fall from grace.

”Ok, I won’t go into any details here, just so you know. Not because I want to keep them a secret, but if I start with the particulars, we’ll still be here next week!” Giving everybody a weak smile he began to relate, ”everybody in the group knows that, even before Max left, Michael was difficult…” as Michael started to huff Kyle stopped him “Oh, shut up Michael, it’s the truth and we all know it. So, anyway, he seemed to go after Liz on purpose. Whatever she did or said was wrong. Whatever went wrong in his life, even when Liz wasn’t involved, it was still her fault.”

”Ain’t that the truth!” Maria interjected and Isabelle nodded sadly in agreement.

Thankful for their support Kyle continued, “about a month ago Max got an invitation to go to an alien summit…” and he quickly added “yes, we will tell you all about it, but not now!”

Looking at Michael he added “HE felt left out, because of his behaviour it was advised to leave him behind for his own safety. For whatever reason he assumes that this is Liz’s fault too. We all tried to talk to him; actually we have tried for sometime even before this summit-invitation, we made an effort to find out what bug had crawled up his ass…” seeing Nancy’s raised eyebrows, he rephrased it, “what was bothering him, but he insists on being unreasonable.” Looking at Maria he begged, “why don’t you continue for a bit?”

Maria saw how difficult this was for Kyle and agreed. “It’s better if I tell the next bit, because you weren’t there all the time anyway.”

Taking her responsibility seriously she started, “Michael started to follow Max and Liz everywhere, he was their shadow. He even followed them to the movies.”

Gleefully she pointed at Michael and laughed, “can you imagine, him in a chick-flick!” Everybody started to chuckle at that picture.

Realising that she was off course, she picked up the story again, “Max had a few talks with Michael, explained his reasons for leaving him behind. Even Larek, we’ll tell you later who that is, talked to him. We were all there, well all except Kyle and the sheriff, when Michael promised, actually gave his word, to make sure everybody was safe. Especially Liz, because she is Max’s girlfriend and if their enemies want to hurt him they could be doing it by hurting her!”

”What enemies are you talking about, you’re just a couple of teenagers, you don’t have any!” Jeff exclaimed heatedly. “And don’t tell me you’re going to explain later, I want to know now!” he added, looking at Valenti for answers.

Sighing deeply Jim picked up the telling, “Ask yourself, why would anybody on a faraway planet clone some people and send them to earth for safekeeping?”

“What’s that got to do with anything?” Jeff wanted to know.

”I’ll tell you the very short version, ok?” at the Parker’s acquiescing nod Valenti went on ”They were royalty on a planet called Antar. Max was king Zan, Isabelle was Princess Vilandra, his sister, and Michael was general Rath, Max’s second in command. There was a revolution and they were all killed by the traitor Khivar. After their death they were cloned and sent to earth. The guy that killed them turned out to be a real dictator and he terrorised the neighbouring planets too. Until a very short time ago, nobody up there knew that the clones were alive. Now that they know, the leaders of the other planets want peace. As we have learned from Larek, the dictator Khivar has completely ruined Antar, killed a lot of the people and depleted their resources. So, he decided that earth was his next object of desire!”

Jeff exploded “Jesus! Just listen to yourself! You actually expect me to believe this shit? I thought better of you Jim, I really did.”

Appeasingly, Jim raised his hand and said seriously, “Jeff, Nancy, I know exactly how you feel. Some days I don’t know whether I’m coming or going, honestly. This is so, so… I don’t know how to tell you, but…, well, I know just how hard it is to believe any of this and I have known about them for a while now.”

Looking solemnly at Jeff he vowed, “I give you my word of honour; all you have heard tonight is the truth as we know it. I have to add though, they still don’t know everything. Most of their protectors and all the teachers were killed by the crash. We have met two of the protectors that survived it. And one protector was caught by the FBI Special Unit where he was tortured till he died a few years later. Nasedo, one of the survivors, was a traitor, so we can’t really believe anything he told us! And then of course we have Cal Langley, a big movie producer in Hollywood, who just kept his tabs on the kids, but never offered any help or guidance. Last year Liz and Max found out about him and Max went to see him.”

Jim kept his eyes firmly on Jeff and added, “We also have no idea about how trustworthy Cal Langley is. After all, he is a very reluctant protector.”

After giving Jeff time to collect himself, Jim inquired “So, Jeff, will you let us continue with the story? If we omit anything it’s not to keep it a secret, but either we forget about in the heat of the moment, or it would distract us too much.”

Smiling slightly Jim said, “As I remember it, long before I had heard as much as you two have, I was completely overloaded! It tends to be very overwhelming! That’s why I think we should just bring you up to date on tonight’s events. Anything else will be too much and can be told some other time, ok?” Jeff and Nancy agreed and looked to Maria to continue with the tale.

Maria started again, ”Anyway, where was I? Oh, ok! I remember now. Max asked Michael to watch over us all and especially over Liz, because of the enemies. And Michael gave him his word, he promised to keep us safe and to take care of Liz. Isabelle, Max, Liz and I all heard him promise that.” Thinking back on the events before their friend left for the summit, Maria tried to come up with anything else that could be of importance.

”You know, even though Michael tried everything to spoil their last days together, they still managed to outsmart him. Max and Liz found out that Michael had planted bugs in the jeep, in each of their bedrooms and at our favourite booth downstairs too.” Ignoring the shocked gasps from the Parkers Maria finished, “they used this information to their advantage and Max still managed to get away without Michael’s knowledge.”

Shooting Michael a disdainful look Maria advanced to how things had escalated and led up to the events of this day “As you know Mr. P., you sent us over to Michael’s with some food. On the way there I asked Liz if she had noticed certain things happening and she agreed, she’d seen them too. So we decided to confront Michael with it, and that’s exactly what we did. Anyway, as we got to his place we had proof of everything and we told him. He got mad, accused us of being disloyal and of being only out to get him etc.”

With all her new insight into Michael’s action, Maria tried very hard to keep things as neutral as possible, without omitting anything.

After taking a sip of her soft-drink she went on, “Lizzy and I had planned to go shopping, but she was too upset and started to feel her energy rushing through her. Well, you know, when Max healed her, he started a certain process and she is developing her own powers. So she dropped me off and went to her favourite spot in the desert to relax. Afterwards she felt better and came back to work her shift.”

Looking at Jeff she went on, “let me tell you Mr. Parker, tonight the customers were plain crazy. First of Agnes didn’t show up, secondly the place was packed, Liz had to call me to help and on top of all that, they were all complaining about this and that, and nothing we did was right.” Turning to Kyle she said, “I think you can tell the rest!”

Casting Michael a dismissing look Kyle started, “Thanks Maria, you’re right, I better take it from here on.”

Checking with everyone, to assure himself that they were still listening, young Valenti picked up where Maria had stopped. “As Liz went upstairs after her shift she was too exhausted and emotionally drained. I think that’s one of the reasons her powers started to act up.”

Kyle stopped and stood up, figuring things might turn ugly rather sooner than later. Looking Michael in the eye he calmly said, “She soon realised that she would loose control and tried to calm herself. When that didn’t help, she called Michael. Liz told him that it was an emergency, that she really needed his help badly, because her powers started to go crazy.”

With contempt Kyle regarded the tall alien and scornfully added, “She came to you for help and all you had to say was that you had to watch the damned play-offs! You’d come after the game was over. She told you that the mirror exploded as she was talking with you. …and all you had to say was,” he started to mock-imitate Michael and said “Let's not exaggerate, ‘you’re only human’ after all!” setting the exclamation marks with his fingers.

Michael felt cornered and lashed out, “how the fuck was I supposed to know she was serious? I just figured it was her damned hormones acting up!”

Maria’s answer to Michael’s blunder was fast and deadly! In a saccharine sweet voice she said ”Yeah, Michael, how were you supposed to know? I mean everybody knows that little Lizzy is one of these helpless little females that doesn’t know her own mind! She says no but, in reality she means yes!” Loosing out to her temper and completely forgetting her resolutions from earlier this evening, she yelled ”You really expect anybody to believe such an asinine excuse? Max will have your hide for this, mark my words!”

Calming down some she added sarcastically, “Michael, you must have worked real hard to achieve such a perfect level of stupidity like you’re displaying right now, because I don’t believe you hatched that way!!”

After Maria took Michael apart, the others had time to process his statement. It elicited different reactions from them!

* Michael’s first impulse by looking at the Parkers was, that is was a good idea, it wasn’t planned, but good none the less. The parent’s interest had shifted from himself to Liz. Now that was good, right? Anyway, he didn’t understand why everybody was on his case. He had just made one lousy mistake earlier that evening, misjudged the situation that could’ve happened to anybody! Right? But then, looking at Maria and listening to her ranting, he figured she might see things differently, because she was shooting him these fierce looks that promised him a very painful death at the very least!

* Isabelle gasped in shock and yelled “Michael, shut up!”

* The sheriff looked heavenwards, realising that now the cat was out of the bag and things were going to escalate. He asked for divine guidance out of this impending chaos, before murder was committed. He knew how protective Jeff was of Liz, his pride and joy.

* Kyle, not for the first time this night, tiredly called on Buddha, to give him patience in dealing with the idiot with the big blabber mouth!

* Nancy was now certain, she knew what Liz had alluded to, when she said there were more important things to tell, but she wanted to wait for Max, since he had asked to be present for that. She was worried for her daughter and for Jeff’s reaction.

* And Jeff! Jeff needed a moment to figure out what kind of hormones Michael was talking about. When he realised what the young man was talking about he exploded with a vengeance.

”Hormones?! Are you telling me, that my teenage daughter is pregnant? Is that it?” menacingly looking at the others he waited for an answer.

Jim tried to take control of this situation and said, “Jeff, it’s not our place to say anything about this. Michael was completely out of line and had no business talking about it.” Turning to the tall man he added, “that’s exactly why Max had to leave you behind. I really don’t know what you use your brains for, but I seriously doubt it’s for thinking.”

Not appeased Jeff raised his voice and yelled “I don’t care whose business it is, I want answers and I want them now! And anyway, where the hell is the bastard that took advantage of my little girl? Is he nothing but a coward that he has to hide behind all of you?”

Nancy tried to intervene and calmly inserted “Jeff, I think we have heard enough this night and emotions are running high.” Looking at the others for support she said, “Liz is finally resting, so I think we should leave her to it. As for the rest of us, why don’t we adjourn this talk until tomorrow when we all are rested?” By the mutinous look on her husbands face she could tell that he would kick up a storm before accepting her suggestion.

”Nancy! Are you crazy? You can’t adjourn something like this. We need to know if she is pregnant and, if she is, how far along, so we can plan how to proceed!” Jeff wanted for Liz to go to Harvard, and if she was pregnant, that would be impossible.

”What is there to ‘proceed’? That can’t wait until tomorrow? You can take my word Jeff; nobody is having a baby tonight. So, I repeat, let’s stop for now and continue tomorrow.”

Turning an evil eye on Michael she frostily admonished “Michael, alien or not, you better start to think before you talk; and most of all, mind your own business. Because let me assure you, one more stunt like this where Liz gets hurt, and you will have to deal with me!”

Shocked Michael swallowed noisily and avoided everybody’s eyes. It just wasn’t fair, Max and Liz fuck up, and everybody is on his case, no, not fair at all! He commiserated. Surreptitiously glancing at Nancy he noticed for the first time just how scary she could be and decided on the spot to better always stay a safe distance away from her.

Jeff wasn’t satisfied and Nancy’s attitude wasn’t helping this situation at all. He got up and stormed to the guest room. Throwing the door open until it crashed into the wall with a resounding bang he loudly said, “Liz get up, now!” Before leaving he turned on the light and returned to the others.

Finally Liz had fallen into a deep slumber when she was awakened by her father. She needed a moment to wake up properly. Before long she could hear her dad yell “Liz, get out here, now!”

As she realised that he was in quite a temper she grimaced unhappily. She went to the bathroom to refresh herself because she wanted to be fully alert when she had to face her irate father.

As Liz walked into the living room, her father was already starting the interrogation. “Is it true?” as Jeff saw his daughter’s questioning look he added, “is what Michael said true? And I want the truth, you hear?”

”Dad, what are you talking about?” Liz asked, she had no idea what had happened during her absence.

”Don’t stall! It’s very simple, yes or no, is it true?” Jeff couldn’t understand why his usually smart kid suddenly was so slow in comprehending.

Hoping she was wrong Liz tried to get out of telling her father about her babies. Because he was in such a foul mood, she couldn’t figure out what exactly he was capable of doing. So she decided two could play the game of being vague and asked “dad, what are you talking about? If you can’t ask straight questions, I can’t give you any answers!”

”Are you pregnant? Is that straight enough for you?” Jeff asked scathingly.

Knowing her time had just run out, Liz answered simply with a nod and a short “Yes!”

For a moment Jeff was speechless and this gave Nancy the chance to go to her daughter, hug her and assure her “Sweetheart, together we will find a way. I’ll help you in any way I can, ok?” Looking into Liz’s eyes she asked, “do you know what you’re going to do? Have you and Max discussed your options yet?”

Liz nodded and informed her parents, “Yes, we’re keeping the babies. The rest we have to talk about when Max gets back, but we have already looked into several options.”

Jeff interrupted furiously ”Well, young lady, you only have one option, and it’s not negotiable! You are having an abortion. I won’t let one mistake ruin your whole life. We can go the clinic as soon as they open up. You’ll see, it’s for the best.”

Deadly calm now, Liz responded, “Wrong, we have already decided to keep the babies. And dad, THAT is not negotiable.”

Liz’s cool demeanour only served to enrage Jeff and so he shouted “as long as you’re staying under my roof you’ll do as you’re told. You can choose between abortion and adoption, those are the only options you get!”

”Getting rid of my babies is no option, forget it. I’ll move out! I have friends who are willing to help us!” Liz fumed. She never knew her father could be such an ass! In fact, over the years, there had been several girls in similar circumstances that he had helped or given a job; he had even gone and talked to their parents.

Talk about double standards! Liz was getting pissed off and let her father have it ”I was always so proud of you dad. You would help people in need, support girls who were in trouble with their parents. And now? You turn out to be a hypocrite! I can’t look at you, I’m really, really disappointed in you, dad!”

She turned to her mother and cried, “mom, what are you going to do? Do you want me to get rid of my babies too?”

Before Nancy could open her mouth to answer, Jeff did for her, “Liz, forget it! Your Mother is of the same opinion as me. We always decide unanimously!”

Now for the first time in a long while, Nancy showed that she didn’t just have the red hair, no she had the temper to go with too! Turning to Jeff she told him off, “how dare you speak for me, Jeff? Without asking my opinion you highhandedly make decisions for me? Forget it, just because I always supported you, even when I didn’t agree, doesn’t mean I’m on your side this time too!”

Working herself up to a climax, she stated heatedly “On the contrary, I always told you, that whenever the time came and I absolutely couldn’t accept your decision, then I would expect YOU to support me! So, guess what, that moment has come and I expect you to support my decision to help Liz in any way we can. It’s their choice to keep the baby and I accept it!”

Shocked and unbelieving Jeff retaliated, “you have lost your mind, Nancy. She’s ruining her life, her career; she can forget all about Harvard or getting any kind of education.” Taking a deep breath he scathingly added, “I will not accept any bastard child in my family, and that’s final!”

Everybody was shocked, standing there, thinking of ways to alleviate this situation. Liz was in tears and for a moment she felt lost; she couldn’t understand her father’s harsh decision. It was so unlike anything he had ever said or done.

Jim felt guilty of not seeing this one coming. He tried to soothe Jeff’s temper and said, “Jeff, before you continue, I would like to point out some very important facts.” Sternly confronting his friend Valenti added “remember what you saw Liz go through tonight?”

”What’s that got to do with anything? We’re talking about the little bastard she’s carrying!” Jeff didn’t want to be placated, he was livid and he wanted everybody to know it.

Loosing his patience Jim surprised everybody by raising his voice to Jeff; he was known for always keeping his composure. ”If you weren’t my friend and I didn’t know you well enough to realise that by tomorrow you‘re going to regret mouthing off in such a discourteous and hurtful way, I’d knock some sense into you right about now!”

Before Jim picked up his explanation, he faced Jeff and looked at him very grimly. “Anyway, as I was saying, you don’t have all the facts to make any kind of decision because you were thrown head first into this alien situation.”

Shooting Michael a sidelong glance he added, “You can thank him for that! Max and Liz started some preparation for this event. They wanted to address all the parents together; they just couldn’t do it so far, because Max had to unexpectedly leave for the summit. But as usual, Michael does as he pleases and to hell with the consequences! Right, Michael?”

Michael’s offended “it’s not my fault he couldn’t’ keep it in his pants!” was almost drowned in Jeff’s outraged “all he did was tell us the truth and I might add, that’s something that Liz should have done as soon as she found out that she was pregnant, don’t you think so?”



TBC


Thank you for reading my story. Please let me know what you think of it!

Take care

Chula

[uw51]

Hey, it's Friday and here is chapter 15!

As always, thanks very much to my very busy beta, I really appriciate it very much, Danke schön !

and of course thanks to my lovely feedbackers: aussietrueblue <> Luna_Seer <> Kate



15, Mom’s the best, 08/11/2000, around 3.30 am
Finally, Nancy had enough of all this idiotic quarrelling. She turned to her husband and heatedly asked, “Jeff have you ever been abducted by aliens?” Responding to his perplexed expression, she explained furiously, “I’m just asking if there’s any chance of you being Michael’s human DNA-donor, because right now, you both show such a remarkable resemblance in your boorish and idiotic behaviour! Or is it just a case of one idiot recognizing an other one?!”

This outburst shut the two men up like nothing else could. Nancy pointed to Liz and in a calmer voice said “just look at your daughter, she is exhausted and very upset. Liz has had a harrowing experience this evening thanks to Michael, and you, her father, are adding to her misery. Don’t you two have anything better to do than to throw temper tantrums like three-year olds?”

Taking charge of the situation, Nancy informed them, “I’m taking Liz out of here. She needs to rest and you, my dear husband, make that impossible for her. We’ll be back at the latest by tomorrow at lunchtime!”
*~~*~~*
Before Jeff started to complain Nancy’s murderous expression changed his mind for him and he stayed quiet. He’d never seen his wife this furious and now he didn’t know how to treat her.

Once she was sure she had everybody’s attention Nancy turned to Jim and asked “do you have to leave or can you stay for a while longer?”

As tired as Jim was, he knew it was much more important to stay and help any way possible and so he replied ”No, it’s fine, I can stay. What do you need me for, Nancy?”

After smiling her thanks at their friend she turned to her husband and ordered “Jeff, while we’re gone you are going to ask Jim for all the information you need. He can advise you on how to proceed from here on. Oh, and until you and I have talked some more you will not contact anybody else about what has occurred here. You will not call or e-mail any doctors, authorities or friends in any other way either!”

Showing him her full anger Nancy added coldly, “If you’re smart you’ll do as I say. I won’t tolerate you upsetting Liz any more than you already have, or you too will have to deal with me!”

Smiling her thanks at the sheriff she said, “I would really appreciate it Jim, if you could talk some sense into Jeff. Don’t worry about the mess; that can be taken care of tomorrow! Don’t stay up much longer, you’re all tired too.”

Addressing Maria, Isabelle and Kyle, Mrs. Parker offered, “You three look exhausted, if you want to join us in the hotel, you’re more than welcome. You won’t have to worry about anything; we’ll just hang out, relax and get spoiled.”

Enticingly she added, “You could get really pampered, you know, with midnight snacks, or a massage in the morning. How about it?”

The three teens turned to Jim, asking his advice on what to do. They didn’t feel right about abandoning him, but then again, they didn’t mind to have a way out. Jim encouraged them, “go, all of you! Take some time off. We’ll be fine here don’t worry! We’ll see you all tomorrow for lunch!”

Facing Michael Nancy growled ferociously, “As for you, just remember what I told you earlier! I’m not afraid of taking you down a notch or two!” With her head held high she guided her charges out of the apartment.

At the last moment Kyle changed his mind and decided to stay behind and assist his dad. Helping Liz this night had left him with a very strong sense of responsibility towards her. He wanted to be sure that Mr. Parker found his cool again and realized that Liz was still Liz, his daughter.

Jim chuckled at the stunned looks on Jeff and Michael’s faces, as they stared at the closed door. Judging by their expressions, Nancy’s fury seemed to scare them almost as much as everything else that had happened.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
It was a quiet ride to the hotel. Everybody was worn out and ready to fall into any bed available and sleep. Nancy drove the car into the hotel’s underground parking-garage, led the girls to the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor. Silently bemused they watched Nancy’s actions and then looked at each other perplexedly. After they exited the elevator Nancy led them across the hall, removed a cardkey from her purse and opened the door with it.

She motioned the girls to enter, pointed towards the living room and said “make yourself comfortable” Grabbing the phone she called room service and said “Hi Lucinda, this is Nancy. So you’re the lucky one to have the night shift tonight.” After listening to the answer Nancy added “listen Lucy, is it possible for you to prepare four hot-chocolates and some snacks and have them delivered to the penthouse? Thanks, you’re a sweetheart!” After ending her order Nancy turned and faced the surprised girls.

Liz finally managed to find her voice and asked “mom, why do you have a key to this place?” “Yeah, Mrs. P. how come?” Maria added, imagining all kinds of sordid possibilities why Nancy had a key to the penthouse of the “Desert View”; the curiosity was just killing her. Isabelle wasn’t really sure what to think and remained silent, because she didn’t know the Parkers all that well.

“Girls, the time has come and I’m going to reveal my big secret.” After a suspenseful pause Nancy declared full of pride “I own half of this penthouse.” You could almost hear a needle drop; it was that quiet in the room. But it didn’t stay that way for long.

“Mom, what exactly are you telling us?” Liz wanted to know, as she had a hard time to formulate any reasonable thoughts.

Nancy wondered just how to tell her daughter about her reasons for her actions, without accusing her husband outright of chauvinism. Finally she came to the conclusion to stay as close to the truth as possible and started, “Well, it’s like this; your dad never wanted me to work outside of the diner and our home. And as long as you were younger that was fine with me, but honestly, as you got into high school you didn’t need me as much anymore and I got really bored.”

Looking at her daughter and hoping for her understanding Nancy picked up her tale. “Liz, how much do you know about your dad’s childhood?” smiling sadly she added “I know we never talked much about it, but now you’re old enough to understand it, so I’m just giving you the facts you need to understand my motives, ok?”

After Liz signalled her mom to continue, Nancy passed on the story of her father’s early years. “Your grandfather Parker came from a wealthy family. He was the only child and they spoiled him accordingly. As he got older he wasn’t very interested in working in his family business but turned into a real ladies’ man. He was after every skirt that came his way until your grandma Claudia came along.”

Fondly remembering Claudia Nancy continued “they had what we call a real whirlwind romance and they were married after a very short courtship. Your dad was born soon after. It didn’t take your grandma long to realise just how much of a loser her husband was. He worked the family business into bankruptcy in the shortest time possible. He also wasn’t too interested in finding any decent kind of work. He did odd jobs here and there and soon they didn’t have enough money left to live off.”

Trying to remember the facts correctly Nancy added “soon Claudia knew she had to start working if she wanted to raise her son properly, you know, give him a good education. So, she contacted her old archaeology professor from college and asked if he had a job for her. She was actually really lucky; they were starting a new project out in the reservation and were hiring people. Of course she got the job and in a very short time she made quite a career and a good name for herself.”

Looking at the girls to reassure herself they were listening she continued, “since Claudia had to work, her husband had to raise Jeff. But even that he managed to make a mess of. He actually started to drink heavily and taught your dad things like; a woman has to stay at home and raise the kids; a woman isn’t smart enough to run a business, etc. etc. etc. All the while he drank and spent all the money his wife earned.”

“Claudia loved him very much, but she was realistic enough to know that his early death was also a blessing, because he would have ruined the family. Unluckily for me, your dad picked up some old-fashioned ideas from his dad about a wife’s place. I’m just really happy that he has different views concerning you.” Nancy looked at Liz; she was concerned about how her daughter would accept her news, but Liz looked quite composed.

Mischievously Nancy finished her explanation, “I know that you overheard quite a few discussions between Jeff and I about me seeking some interesting work. So, since he has such issues with me working, I have taken matters in my own hands. You remember my good friend Iris Miller-Bourns, don’t you?”

After Liz nodded her answer, Nancy went on “when her husband suddenly died, she had no idea about business matters. They shared the responsibilities for the hotel, but Iris was responsible for the employees, while Walter was in charge of the business.”

Sadly smiling she remembered “on my frequent visits I started to help her with the office work. My friend hired a manager, but it didn’t work out with him. After that Iris asked if I wanted to have the job. Since I can’t work fulltime, we agreed that I manage the business with a good assistant to take care of daily business.”

Sincerely looking at her daughter Nancy added “Liz, I know that I shouldn’t have lied to your dad, but as long as he thought I was just visiting my very good friend for an hour or two a day, he was happy. And I was just sick and tired of fighting him all the time. I’m sorry to say, but I guess, this is one more shock your father will have to deal with!”

Seeing the girls’ surprised faces at her disclosures Nancy started to laugh, and then proudly proclaimed “and, guess what? We’re doing real well; in fact, we have made some nice profit!”

Liz had been listening to her mom’s explanation and realised that she had never noticed just how crafty Nancy Parker was. Looking at her mom with admiration shining in her eyes, Liz addressed her “Mom, I seriously underestimated you! I could never understand how you let dad order you around! And now you tell me that all this time you’ve been doing what you wanted to do! Good for you, mom!”

“Way to go, Mrs. P.” Maria cheered and Isabelle chuckled “I didn’t think you had it in you, Mrs. Parker!” Following these remarks the four women exploded into rambunctious laughter, relieving the tension of the night.

A knock on the door interrupted their merriment abruptly. Nancy reacted first and opened the door for the room service. After they had all helped themselves to hot chocolate and snacks, Nancy addressed the younger women “may I have your attention please?” Curiously the three young ladies turned to their host and waited.

Solemnly Nancy faced the others and offered “My friends, tonight we have been in a big adventure; an adventure that bonds us together and makes me very proud to be a part of this venture. So, please, Maria and Isabelle, no more Mrs. Parker for you two, I’m Nancy!” she concluded with a big grin on her face.

Surprised and very pleased Maria initiated a group hug and among a lot of laughter they settled down to enjoy their snacks and wind down. Thirty minutes later, Nancy noticed that Liz was almost asleep. She used this moment to show the girls around the two-bedroom penthouse.

Deciding that Maria and Isabelle would share one room and Nancy and Liz the Master bedroom, they sent Liz off to bed before she’d fall asleep on her feet! Before Liz went to sleep, she grabbed her diary and put in her mom’s hands, saying, ”If you really want to know what happened, read this. Everything from the moment I was shot is in it.” Seriously looking at her mother she implored her “but whatever you do, don’t leave it out in the open. When you’re not reading it, lock it away somewhere safe, ok?”
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
In the penthouse living room…
Even though Nancy was very tired, she was yet more curious and since the girls were still up, she started to grill Maria and Isabelle about all their adventures since the “alien abyss” began. Soon after, one after the other started to yawn and they decided to call it a night and search out their beds.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*

to be continued in next post

[uw51]

Well, here is the second part. For some reason I had to breake it down!

have fun

Chula

In the master bedroom…
As Nancy snuck into her bedroom she saw Liz spread out on her bed, dead to the world, so she took great care to be as quiet as possible. After getting ready for bed Nancy decided to start to read Liz’s diary. In the light of her bedside lamp Nancy got her first impressions of Liz’s experiences during the last few years.

At first she was angered by the sheriff’s persecution and by seeing to what lengths he had been prepared to go to find out what he wanted. But then she realised that he had only been doing his job as Jim passed on all the information and Liz’s uniform to the FBI; also Nancy was convinced that Jim had no idea about how obsessed the Special Unit would be. She was starting to forgive Jim for his transgressions as she learned how he had come to Max’s rescue and had helped the kids ever since. Nancy had always considered herself to be a good and observant mother and now she found herself shocked to her core at seeing just ignorant she had really been!
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Liz and Max in the connection…
Before Liz had fallen asleep, she had opened her connection to Max and let the warm and fuzzy feelings he sent her comfort her. She missed him terribly. Soon Liz drifted off into sleep and noticed that she could still communicate with Max.

**I miss you so much Max.** she let him know and added **this night has been one crazy night. Oh, and Max, we had to inform my parents. They now know everything. My dad is going nuts, but we have it under control. The sheriff, Kyle and Michael are with him.**

Smiling, she continued **we girls are at the Desert View with my mom and get this… my mom defended us to my dad and took Maria, Isabelle and I to the hotel. You won’t believe it, but my mom is absolutely fabulous.**

At hearing about Mr. Parker’s reaction Max started to get worried, but as soon as Liz began to talk about her mom he felt reassured, knowing that Mrs. Parker was supporting them.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Meanwhile at the Parkers’ home…
After his wife had abducted the girls, and most specifically Liz, Jeff had a hard time calming down. He most definitely didn’t recognise his wife the way she had behaved this night. No, most definitely not! She had always trusted him to know what was right and relied on his judgement. Sure, she would say that the day would come where she couldn’t agree with him and then she’d expect him to support her. Of course he had always known that Nancy didn’t really mean it, how could she? Was his wife maybe PMS’ing?
*~~*~~*
Michael was relieved to see the females go. He couldn’t understand the upheaval they caused just because he let the baby-news slip. It wasn’t as if the Parkers would never find out about them. Also he had a hard time understanding the sheriff’s change of attitude concerning him. But then again he guessed Kyle had managed to influence his dad. Damn, he really did have to watch that jock!
*~~*~~*
Kyle was observing Jeff and Michael closely and in some strange way he found them amusing; if only the situation wasn’t quite so serious. He was thankful to Buddha for helping him keep his cool. While he was in a thankful mood Kyle also thanked ‘the alien abyss’ for bringing himself and his dad closer. His thoughts returned to Michael and even knowing better, he just couldn’t resist and pulled his leg.

With a serious mien Kyle inquired “Michael, why are you so sure that you aliens are so superior to us mere humans? Because, you know, that doesn’t make much sense. If you’re so much better than us, they wouldn’t have needed human DNA to enhance you, to create you hybrids, don’t you think?” As expected, Michael didn’t find this very amusing.
*~~*~~*
This was the moment Jim realised he had to intervene, his son, god bless him, wasn’t helping much by riling Michael. “Ok you two, cut it out, Kyle you’re not helping!” he chuckled, trying hard to stifle his laughter. Turning serious he faced Jeff and asked, “my friend, how can I help you understand the seriousness of the situation we’re in?”

Jeff was hoping that he was having a nightmare and recklessly asked Jim “So, you’re saying all this is really true? That my little girl got involved with ‘aliens’ that just ‘happened’ to be in Roswell?” emphasizing his question in a quite deprecating way.


Jim was sick and tired of Jeff’s attitude and ordered “Jeff, Michael, sit down. Kyle go get us some coffee, we’re all going to need it. It seems, this is going to turn into one looong night!”

After Kyle had served them some coffee Jim started at the beginning. “Jeff, at the shooting in your diner Liz was shot and dying. Max ran up to her and healed her. Those are facts and I would appreciate it very much if you would stop with your snide comments about Max and aliens and so on, understood?”

Giving Jeff a pointed look Jim added seriously “Without Max you would have had to bury your daughter two years ago! Will that sink into your stubborn head?” Calmer he went on “so I’d say as an act of common decency you can show some respect. Value Max for what he has done and extend that curtsy to his sister and his friend! That is the only honourable thing to do! Do you understand this, Jeff?” At Jeff’s reluctant nod Jim retold the story of Max and Liz...
*~~*~~*
At the beginning the discussion was very heated, but after a while Jim and Kyle managed to calm Jeff, and Michael prudently kept his mouth shut.


TBC


thank you for reading my story

take care

Chula

[uw51]

Hello everybody, it's posting time again.

but first I'd like to thank tequathisy for the feedback. A few things that you write are true, but I'm not telling you which ones So if you want to know more, you'll just have to read more

Today we'll visite Max where ever he is. I was never one to read much SiFi so this part was difficult to write because the surroundings and everything else is a big unknow for me. I hope I didn't botch it too much.

Thanks again Moira, for taking time to be my beta, eventhough you're very busy! merci viil mol!

I hope you enjoy chapter 16!


16, In the Granolith Station, 08/11/2000
As Max arrived wherever it was that he was arriving, he felt quite a bit disoriented and dizzy. After leaving the Granolith he felt like his brain had been thrown into a deep chasm, gaining speed until it splashed onto the bottom, and moments later his body seemed to catch up too.

After a thorough check of all his body parts he was satisfied that he had overcome the trip in one piece. He tested his legs and found them still a little wobbly but they got steadier by the moment.

When Max’s thoughts cleared, he had to chuckle at the irony of it “Well, what a very strange experience this has been” he mumbled “and even stranger for me, extraterrestrial extraordinaire, whose life is based on ‘strange’ to say that!”

Checking his wristwatch curiously, Max was astounded to find out how little time had passed since he said his goodbye’s to Liz. He wasn’t really sure how long it had been since leaving the Granolith, but all in all, the last time he had seen his sweetheart had been just about 15 minutes ago; and now he was here, in the middle of outer space.

Soon he felt stable enough to curiously look around; he wanted to remember everything to show Liz, Isabelle and Michael.

The room he was in was quite large and shaped like a dome. The walls were shimmering in a soft, opaque white. There were no windows, but two doors, the one he had just come through as he exited the Granolith and one straight across the room. Actually, for the second one, ‘door’ was an understatement, it was more like an archway-shaped gate and the colour was almost black and shimmered like a rainbow onyx. It was intricately carved with strange symbols and Max recognised some of them; they were the same as the ones in Riverdog’s cave at the reservation. He still didn’t understand the meaning of the symbols but they seemed very familiar and comforting.

Suddenly he noticed some movement to his right and turned to find Larek standing there, quietly waiting for Max to notice him. It was really strange, the moment Max spotted Larek in his original form, he recognised him; knew him, like he used to know his friend when he had been Zan. Overjoyed that his old friend had come to greet him, Max smiled and waited, not knowing if there was some sort of protocol for this occasion or not.

Larek laughed at Max’s dilemma, he wasn’t one for protocol or formality. Of course on certain official occasions he had to bow to traditions, but he tried very hard to keep things as informal as possible. So Larek walked over and grabbed Max into a very hearty embrace, openly showing his joy at this momentous reunion. With tears in his eyes Larek greeted his long lost friend “Welcome my friend, welcome! You have been sorely missed.” And for good measure Larek gave Max an extra strong squeeze. After several hugs and many backslaps they moved apart.

As they regained their composure Larek led Max out of the chamber and into a long and empty hallway. The alien observed his friend and noticed Max watching everything very carefully. Chuckling he informed his earthly companion, “You better get used to this” and pointed to the hallway with an exaggerated gesture. “Since on Antar most of the buildings are dome-shaped, windows are round, or, like the doors and gates in this hall, have an arc on top. The Granolith Station has been constructed to resemble it as much as possible.”

Blithely Larek explained, “The inhabitants of four of the five planets from the Whirlwind Galaxy are a soft and gentle people;” smiling he inserted “well most of us are! Anyway, we like everything to be harmonious and surround ourselves accordingly. We adore light and bright colours, and things that sparkle; and we like towers and spires and lots of light. There can’t be enough light on Antar.”

Suddenly looking very serious he added “and then, of course, there’s Khivar and his followers! But you already know that, don’t you Max?”

Very interested Max wanted to know “So we’re on Antar now?”

”On Antar? No, no Max, this place is somewhere in-between our Whirlwind Galaxy and your solar system. Maybe you can imagine it like a small planet, or maybe a spaceship that no one is guiding. At the moment the Granolith is the only one who knows where or what this is. Later, after you have officially been acknowledged by him, you and his keeper will be let in on this knowledge.”

Larek could see that Max wanted more specific answers and added right away “Sorry my friend, but no one knows more about the mysteries of the Granolith, not even the elders!” laughing at Max’s frustrated expression he said “patience my friend, patience is a virtue, and in due time all will be revealed to you.”

Amused by Larek’s good mood Max replied, “You’re not very forthcoming are you? So, Larek, what can you tell me? Where are we going?” Getting serious Max added, “I suddenly remember you very clearly, Larek. You weren’t just Zan’s friend you were also his cousin. Together you visited the military academy; I’m right, aren’t I?”

Overjoyed Larek stared at his long-missed cousin. It had been very hard on him not mention the family ties during his visits to earth. But the elders and the wise ladies had agreed that it was safest for the young king not to know, as long he couldn’t be adequately protected. As it turned out, they had been right. As long as the enemy thought Zan was just a teenager without any knowledge, he had held no interest for him. They needed him alive and in power of the Granolith, but also ignorant of his former life as the mighty king Zan. That was one of the reasons Khivar had sent Nasedo and Tess to earth to manipulate Max, trying to give him false information and to trick him into the enemy’s camp.

”Cousin, I have much to tell you, but tonight we will celebrate that we’re finally reunited. We will only address happy thoughts.” Looking to Max for approval the alien went on “I’ll wait until tomorrow before introducing you to the leaders that are present; how does that sound my friend?” Larek inquired.

Max agreed wholeheartedly, since he was hit with all different kind of emotions he thought it might be prudent to wait too. He realised he was apprehensive, he was also happy to finally have his cousin back; he was apprehensive and he already missed his little family; he was apprehensive and curious about the other leaders and if he would also remember them; he was apprehensive and all these other emotions were washing over him, confusing him.

As they walked along the long hall, passing doors right and left, Max lost all feelings for the passing of time; in some way it felt like time was standing still. So far he hadn’t seen much of anything, except the long hall and all those doors, but he felt too overwrought to even try to imagine what lay behind them.

After they had been walking for a while Max asked Larek “Cousin, are we the only ones here? It seems so quiet and deserted; one would think that in a place like this there would be a lot of people working…, you know doing things…, keeping busy? Oh, em by the way, do the people here look the same as us?”

Bursting with laughter Larek replied, “First, why no one is about right now? Well, you see, this place here is somewhere between the Galaxies, so we don’t really have day- or nighttimes, and even though the hallways are brightly lit, it’s actually night time and people are in their quarters.”

Still chuckling he added, “As to what the people here look like, well a lot like you humans. Some are shorter and stockier, others are tall and heavy. They may have different shapes of the eyes or ears, and some have four fingers, depending where they’re from. But basically we have great similarity with the humans.”

Larek’s explanations turned more scientific as he continued “Our solar system underwent a similar evolution as earth and basically looks a lot like it too. Of course there are differences, but soon you’ll remember Antar and the Whirlwind Galaxy and if you want to you can go and see for yourself. Anyway, it was because of all these similarities that they chose earth to raise you!” he ended the explanation.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
The King’s quarters…
Finally Larek stopped in front of a door that was more beautifully carved and decorated than all the others they had passed, and motioned for Max to enter. Following his friend inside Larek observed his cousin curiously, hoping that Max would appreciate his quarters. Larek had spent a lot of thought and time to arrange everything for the return of his high king. He had taken a lot of time, searching his memories for the likes and dislikes of his best friend Zan and compared his findings to what he had learned about Max.

Not really surprised, Larek found out that both men preferred comfort to opulence; they both liked to have space and uncluttered surroundings. With that in mind, Larek had handpicked the furniture himself and divided the room into an official and a private section, parted with a beautifully carved room divider.

Intrigued Max looked around the room he had just entered and wasn’t quite sure what to think of it. He had just walked into a sparsely furnished living room. There were a seating unit and two small tables, and on the far side of the room was a cabinet; all the furniture’s were very grand and classy and didn’t look to comfortable. He couldn’t imagine to ‘hang around and chill’ in such a formal room. Max decided to test his theory about the seating units and to his great surprise found them very comfortable, regardless of their looks.

Upon seeing the room divider, Max looked hopeful as he walked past it and smiled outright at seeing the private part of the room. The first thing he noticed was a big window-like screen which dominated one of the walls. At the moment it showed a sunset in the New Mexican desert. Letting his gaze wander around the room he saw that the back part of it was simply yet tastefully furnished and offered him a lot of space.

Larek saw Max’s smile and explained “I tried to keep your room as simple as possible, but I was advised to furnish the front more formally, in case you have some royal visitors. You know, to keep up appearances.” Chuckling Larek added “I just hope that the rest of the room is to your liking. You know Max, we want you to feel comfortable in your quarters.”

Curiously he walked over to the big screen and inquired “Larek, what’s this big thing? Is that a TV? Can I watch movies on it?”

”Actually, that is a cyber-window. You have an assortment of earthly themes at your disposal. You can also watch moving picture-stories with it. You have a collection of them in the big closet here.” Larek used this opportunity to instruct Max on the workings of the different appliances in his room and bathroom.

Larek interpreted Max’s reaction correctly and explained “I thought there will be so many new impressions heaped on you, that you might feel more comfortable this way.” Interrogatively eying Max he added, “Of course, if your quarters aren’t to your liking, we can change everything at a moment’s notice!”

”No, no, it’s perfect. Larek my friend you did well, thank you for you’re thoughtfulness!” Max smiled and started to check out his new lodgings: Opening doors and drawers, finding the closets filled with clothes, some were familiar looking, like the ones he was used to wear, some looked like ceremonial dresses to be worn for official occasions. Prudently Max ignored those and hoped that he would never need to put on these robes.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Some time later…
Even though he missed his loved ones, Max was able to enjoy this time spent with Larek. They filled each other in on their past, since Zan’s execution. The two of them found a lot in common and were able to form a bond that was even stronger than it had been between Zan and Larek. Despite this, his alien friend had been heard to say that sometimes he got confused with Max and Zan, because they were very much alike and yet so very different and both of them together made up the Max that was sitting in front of him.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
In Max’s rooms…
Larek was happily enjoying his time with Max and was sorry when the time came to retreat to his quarters. But Max had been trying to hide his yawns for some time now; he actually looked like he could fall asleep on the spot! Hence Larek was retreating, leaving his cousin to his well-deserved rest.

While getting ready for bed Max remembered the talks he’d had with his cousin. Now he felt very relieved that he had trusted Larek enough to reveal his connection to Liz. Smirking Max recalled his stunned face and could still hear Larek’s exclamation “are you sure?” and at his nod the alien explained surprised “well, my friend and high king, we aliens do have connections to our mates that’s true, but usually we have to be a bit closer than this, you know, closer like, at least on the same planet!”
*~~*~~*
As tired as Max was, he wasn’t quite ready for bed. He started to check out the gadgets in his room and decided to take a closer look at the cyber-window. He remembered Larek saying something about different themes and curiously searched through the different discs. One had a confusingly short title on it “home” but which home did Larek mean? Home Earth or Home Antar? Deciding to find out Max slid the disc in place, reclined comfortably on his bed and started the show.

Surprised and very pleased Max realised that Larek knew him a lot better than he had thought possible, because he had found out that Home to Max was Liz.
*~~*~~*
Max reached for Liz through their connection and fell asleep. While he was sound asleep he was able to share his experiences with his sweetheart.

Listening intently Liz was amazed at Max’s impressions. **Max, you’re saying that Larek was really Zan’s cousin? Hmmm, I guess that makes him some-sort of cousin to you too, doesn’t it?**

**Yeah, it’s true** Max confirmed and tried to explain **you know, I also remember him very clearly, as he was with Zan. Not everything we ever did, but all the important events in our lives. And when we’re talking things just keep popping up, you know, they’re just there.**

As Max repeated some of Zan’s and Larek’s adventures, Liz noticed with amazement that now she not only heard what Max was telling her, but was able to see everything like a movie. She couldn’t contain her wonderment any longer and interrupted him **Max, are you remembering more of your gifts? Or has Larek shown you new tricks?**

This confused Max, he hadn’t been aware of doing anything in another way **what are you talking about? I’m not doing anything differently.**

**Hmmm, you’re not?** Liz queried, **then I guess your powers are growing, since I not only hear what you’re telling me, but I also see it, like in a movie where you hear and see at the same time!**

**Liz, maybe we should see if it works both ways, what do you say?** Max wanted to know. As the two of them were playing with their connection, they were able to let go of all the stressful events of the past day and finally found some peace.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Nancy’s and Liz’s bedroom, 08/11/2000, around 4.30 am
Nancy reclined on her bed and avidly read her daughter’s journal. She finally understood why Liz would be withdrawn or guard her privacy with such vehemence.

Suddenly she heard some giggling from Liz’s bed and looked up. There was her daughter, her pride and joy, sound asleep and giggling to herself. Nancy couldn’t help herself and started to chuckle. She was so relieved to see that after the gruelling events her daughter had experienced this evening, she could sleep and was obviously happy again.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Closer and closer to the destination, 08/11/2000…
Cal was glad he was alone in the airplane. The staff he employed had been with him for some years now and they knew him well. As they all could see his preoccupation they left him to his own devices, quietly serving him his drinks with Tabasco sauce.

Langley was spending his time between his laptop and his cell, making all the necessary arrangements. He needed a limousine and a hotel room for his stay in Roswell. Knowing Nancy Parker’s involvement with the Desert View he rented one of the penthouse suites.

The closer and closer he came to his destination the more nervous he became. He remembered all too clearly his last encounter with his king. Feeling guilty because he had neglected the kids while they were growing up in Roswell didn’t help his disposition when Max finally stood before him, ordering him, Cal Langley, to fly the spaceship.

At the time he had been furious with the boy, because he disturbed his well organised existents. After Max had left with his tail between his legs, and he’d had enough time to calm down, he guiltily admitted (only to himself though) that; one, Max was in a desperate situation, searching for his kid, and two, if he, Cal, hadn’t neglected his duty and raised the kids they would have known everything they needed to know. As it was, they knew less than new born babies. Boy, he really hated to feel guilty and he fervently hoped that Max was the forgiving kind of king!


TBC

Thank you very much for reading my fic.

Take care

Chula

[uw51]

Hello everybody, it’s that time of the week again! Anyway, first I would like to thank aussietrueblue / nibbles2 and lab6651 for leaving feedback. I really appreciate it.

Also I thank my beta for her good work, way to go Moira!

So, without further delay, here’s the next chapter!

enjoy




17, Riverdog tells a tale of times gone by, 08/11/2000
Riverdog’s Lodge just before sunrise…
Riverdog had always been an early riser, and today was no exception. As soon as he had arisen and cleaned himself, he had walked out into his garden to greet the new day with his usual morning ritual and give thanks for all his blessings. Afterwards the shaman studied the sky, the wind and his surroundings, searching for omens and signs of what the new day would bring.

When Riverdog was satisfied with the information gained from his observation, he grabbed the bundle in which he carried his medicine and started the long trek to Eddie’s house down on the border of the village.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Eddy’s backyard at sunrise…
Against all odds Eddy had been able to sleep soundly. The sound of the chirping birds had woken him and now he was standing in the middle of his backyard, absorbed in his usual morning ritual to greet the new day and give thanks for all his blessings. When he was done, he stood there, quietly studying the wind and his surroundings, searching for omens and signs of what the new day would bring, just like Riverdog had taught him.

Over the years Eddy had come to love this morning ritual. Especially in times of upheaval, this ritual always brought him the necessary peace to stay well grounded.

Before turning to go home, Eddy checked his surrounding one more time and wasn’t surprised to find Riverdog standing on the edge of his backyard, observing him. Raising his hand in greeting, Eddy beckoned his mentor to join him. Together they crossed the veranda and entered the kitchen. Silently Eddy prepared a hearty breakfast and set the table for the two of them. While Eddy was taking care of breakfast, Riverdog sat on a stool at the table, mulling over everything he wanted to discuss with his pupil.

Suddenly the two men could hear the familiar sound of Serena’s car coming up the driveway. In a very Un-Serena-like fashion she stopped the car with screeching brakes and dust flying through the morning air. She had barely pulled the handbrake before she jumped out of her car and ran up to the front door.

As soon as Serena saw the two men in the kitchen she started to explain “You won’t believe what happened, I had a dream, well more like a vision…” as she walked towards Eddy and her grandfather, Serena could see their faces and amended her statement, “well I have a feeling you do know what I’m talking about!”

After respectfully greeting her grandfather, Serena hugged him, happy to be with her family. Next she turned to her husband and ran into his welcoming arms.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
While having their breakfast, Serena told Eddy and Riverdog about her vision. The two men listened intently to her relating the whole story. They didn’t interrupt her once, because both were well aware of the fact that Serena’s dreams were to be taken seriously. She wasn’t a seer or a medicine-woman, or in any other way spiritually active. But from time to time Serena would have a vision, and usually this meant she was needed in some way when things would unfold.

When it was Eddy’s turn to recount his tale he didn’t have much to tell. “This is amazing, I had practically the same vision. I too recognised Liz and even though the dark-haired young man was missing, I know that he is most definitely involved. I would even go so far as to say he is probably one of the most important ones mixed up in whatever it is.”

Concerned he inquired from Riverdog “Those green streaks on Liz, what were those? I have never seen anything alike. They seemed to be quite painful though.”

Riverdog sat still as he was deep in thought. Eddy and Serena remained silent too, not wishing to disturb his concentration. Suddenly the shaman straightened his chair, picked up his coffee mug and sipped some of the bitter brew. After clearing his throat he began “I have come to some conclusions of utmost importance, but I have to think about it some more. We can’t talk about it here, where we can be interrupted at any time.”

Looking directly at his pupil he said “Eddy, I assume you still remember where the cave is, the one you guided the kids to?” After Eddy nodded his approval Riverdog continued, “Good, good, this afternoon at three I want you and Serena to come there. Bring Water, blankets and the ceremonial pipe with you.”

Leaving the table he headed to the backdoor and said “I need to ask the Great Spirit for guidance. Afterwards I will meet you two there.”

Surprised the couple looked at each other and back to where Riverdog had been, but he was already gone.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
At the cave, 08/11/2000, 3.00 pm…
The entrance to the cave was well hidden behind some bushes, but the young ‘shaman in training’ found it easily. He had known about this place since he had brought the two teens here to meet Riverdog, but so far he had not been allowed to enter the cavern.

In one hand Eddy held a torch, in the other he held on to Serena and guided her into the cave. The trail was long, narrow and rocky; they had to take great care to pick the safest path so they wouldn’t stumble. They followed the few footprints they detected on the sandy parts of the ground.

Suddenly the path ended in a big dom-shaped grotto. As Eddy led his wife into the centre of the closed-in area, they noticed the symbols on the walls and that they were glowing. They had never seen anything like this. After spreading the blankets on the floor Eddy reverently deposited the water and the ceremonial pipe on it. Carefully they sat down beside these article, taking care not to disturb them, and got comfortable.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Visitors from the stars…
Sitting in a circle, the three let the ceremonial pipe pass from one to the next. Riverdog had decided to include Serena in this ritual because she had seen the vision too. Sedately, every gesture long practised, he poured the water in the bowl he always carried in his bundle, blessed it and let it circle too.

When Riverdog was satisfied with the preparations, he closed his eyes and listened deeply within him. In a quiet voice he began to recount the story of the visitors from the stars.

”No one really knows how many winters ago the visitors came upon our ancestors, but it happened a long, long time ago. Since no one had seen a star up-close our people first thought a star had fallen from the sky and everybody was afraid that great disasters would befall us. But nothing happened and the bolder ones approached the fallen star. As they got closer, a big gate opened and some strange being came out to greet us. We did not understand him, but we felt that he was peaceful.

He was charming us with his most beautiful voice. We welcomed him into our midst, brought him into our camp. We called him Nasedo, which means visitor in the old language. This being lived with us for many winters. He learned to speak out tongue and became a most respected member of our tribe. One winter sickness was raging through our village and many of our ancestors were struck down, Nasedo healed as many as he could with his magic touch. But we still lost a lot of people.

After being with us for a long time he called a meeting of the elders of our tribe and informed them that he had to return to his star called Antar, but said that he had found the place for the prophecy to unfold.

Nasedo foretold that one day in the far future, a powerful king from Antar with his entourage would be reborn on our planet. He would need help and guidance to face his future and to prevent the war of all wars, the end of the world, our world and theirs. This young king would fall in love with a beautiful and courageous maiden from our world. They would have to face enemies from both worlds and dangers and our people would be called upon to be of help.”

Opening his eyes and looking at his granddaughter and her husband he added gravely, “It seems the time has come and the prophecy is about to be fulfilled.” Stunned silence greeted this last statement.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
After the crash on July 2, 1947…
”Riverdog, how can you be so sure of this?” Eddy had serious doubts and added, “I mean, this could be just a story our forefathers told around the camp fires, you know, to pass the time.”

Serena withheld any comment, as outlandish as this all seemed, she knew her grandfather really well. The shaman wasn’t given to invent fantastic stories, unless he was telling them to the little ones of their tribe. Also her intuition told her that something big was indeed coming and a crazy prophecy, from times long gone by, was without a doubt gigantic.

”Eddy let me tell you all I know and then listen to your heart, then you too will know.” Riverdog was aware of the heavy burden the involvement with the prophecy placed on the young one’s shoulders. He himself had had fifty years to get used to it, but the kids were just thrown into it.

Remembering the old times, the old man started to reveal the true happenings of the infamous crash. “I’m sure you both have heard many stories of the alleged UFO crash of 1947?” raising an eyebrow in question he waited for their nods before he went on.

”I was a young lad then, barely ten summers, but I remember it very clearly, like it happened yesterday! As usual I was roving about the wilderness, when suddenly I met a stranger. I could see he wasn’t one of us people. He seemed very weak and badly injured. Prudently I approached him, waiting for his reaction. When I got closer he looked me straight in the eye and in that moment I knew he was peaceful.”

Smiling at this particular memory Riverdog explained some more, “I smiled at him, wanted to show him I wouldn’t harm him. When I felt confident enough I walked right up to him and handed him my water container to quench his thirst and some of my smoked fish I had with me. We both sat there, eating peacefully, while I waited for him to regain some of his strength. Anyway, to shorten a very long story, after he told me that he was on the run, that bad people were searching for him, I helped him to this hidden cave.”

Recalling the events from his childhood the old man related, “After I assured him that he was safe, I went to fetch my grandfather who was one of the greatest shamans of his time. As soon as I explained all about the fugitive, my grandfather packed everything necessary and I lead him to the stranger. When we got there the stranger was in very bad shape. My grandfather wasn’t sure if he could safe him. But he did his best and was able to help him some.”

”When he was stronger, he told us, he was a visitor from a faraway place, and so we decided to call him Nasedo like our forefathers had called their visitor…” Riverdog was interrupted by Eddy.

”Grandfather, this is a great story you’re telling us, but what has that got to do with anything that’s going on?” Eddy couldn’t see where Riverdog’s story was leading.

”Patience, Eddy, patience” the shaman laughed quietly and after taking a sip of his water he told them “Grandfather couldn’t heal him completely, so Nasedo asked us to help heal him in the ways of his people. After we agreed, he pulled some crystals out of his bundle and handed them to us. My grandfather had to draw a big circle around the stranger. We had to take position along the line and then we had to drink some water and connect with him. The crystals started to glow and we fell into a deep trance. Afterwards Nasedo was healed.”

After laughing outright at a private joke, Riverdog enlightened the others “you should’ve seen the old man’s face, he was shocked, never having seen anything alike!” calming some he continued “as Nasedo told us the story of the prophecy we couldn’t believe that we were going to be a part of it.”

Taking a moment to remember the past correctly Riverdog continued “It turned out that the enemy managed to infiltrate the spaceship that brought the young king to earth and they sabotaged it, hence the crash. Nasedo was injured, but was able to hide most of the cargo in some place. The FBI Special Unit captured him and held him prisoner for several years. While they had him, the agent drugged him, so he couldn’t use his powers. And then they tortured and tested him. That’s why Nasedo was in such a bad shape when I found him.”

Riverdog lost himself in his sad memories of his badly wounded friend and remembered the good times that followed. After a while Serena brought her grandfather back to the present by coughing discreetly.

“Yeah, well, where was I?” grandfather asked, but then he recalled “the FBI came close to the reservation and Nasedo decided to leave, not wanting to endanger us all. He asked of me one last favour, the biggest one of all, and I gave him my word. Before he left, he drew a message on the walls of this cave and asked me to protect it, to never let anybody see it unless they passed the test. As it is, Max Evans passed the test, he too is a visitor and, unless I’m totally wrong, he is the reborn king of Antar.”

Serena and Eddy sat in utter silence, shocked to their core. “Wow” was all Eddy could utter. “Wow, ok Riverdog, you gave Nasedo your word, but what have Serena and I to do with it?” he asked as soon he was capable to form sentenced that made any sense!

”Well, my children, I’m an old man, I don’t know how many summers I have left. I think what’s coming is of utmost importance, and I would feel reassured to know that I’m leaving behind someone who keeps my promise after I go to the happy hunting-grounds to join my forefathers.” He answered wholeheartedly.

Explaining more particularly Riverdog said “We all know they contacted you, meaning you’re trustworthy. Now you have to decide what you’ll do. Because once you become a part of it, you can’t quit. So think carefully my children, for the time has come.”

Rising to his feet the old shaman stated, “Reflect on your choices. If you decide to be a part of it, you’ll be called and then we’ll meet at the old highway by the radio tower.” With this said, Riverdog dismissed them, turned and walked deeper into the cave.



TBC

Thank you very much for reading my fic.

Take care

Chula

[uw51]

Hello everybody, since I have today off I decided to post earlier, so here I am with the next part.

A very big thank you to all my Feedbackers, I really, really appreciate the fact that you all take the time to let my know what you think of my story. And as I mentioned before, sometimes it even helps me see how to continue with my plots. Aussietrueblue <> tequathisy <> imnotlc <> lab6651 <> nibbles2

anyway, as allways thanks to my great beta for the terrific work, I appriciate it very much

and here is the next chapter, enjoy



18, The quiet before the storm, 08/11/2000, 5.00 am
Lying in bed, Liz let the day’s events pass through her mind and she remembered her talk with Maria and about how upset her friend had been about Michael. She had tried to console her and promised Maria to give the ‘Michael situation’ some serious thought. She very quickly came to the conclusion that she needed help because her head and her heart were at war.

That was the reason why Liz decided to feel out Max’s thoughts about his friend and thus she broached this topic in their telepathic conversation. Since Liz didn’t want to worry Max too much, she put on a brave front and played down the problems. Knowing Max as well as she did, Liz was sure that he would become too distracted by these earthly problems of an alien kind if she weren’t careful. **Max, I’ve been thinking about Michael and then I was just wondering how to handle his strange and irrational behaviour. You know, with everything else going on like our babies, bringing in the parents, you at the summit and all that.**

Worried, Max asked **What do you mean when you say you have to handle him?** and after taking a deep breath he added **What did he do, Liz? Are you ok? Should I come home?** Max was getting upset and berated himself ‘I should never have left. This is sooo bad, and now Liz has to deal with Michael, that’s so not good, not good at all!**

**No, Max, Max, listen to me, he’s just like he was before you left, you know, just difficult!** and forcefully she kept convincing her sweetheart **You can’t just leave the summit Max. No the problem I have is, that my head tells me I have to act, you know, talk with Michael, but my heart and all my instincts say no, that I have to leave things the way they are. But then again, he is hurting, I’m sure of it, and so are we! As a matter of fact, everybody is quite confused by now!**

She paused in her explanations and thought about it some more before she added **What’s really, really strange and puzzling to me is, we all talked with him, we tried it in groups, and alone and he acts like it never happened. And then, suddenly I have these weird moments when I feel really strange about these talks too, like I was dreaming them, but you were there with me, weren’t you?**

Max realised that Liz was on to something with her suppositions, but as hard as he tried to remember anything special about these talks with Michael, he couldn’t honestly say anything else but agree with Liz. **I was there with you, and we tried it twice together and I went to see him alone too. Actually I went before Larek showed up. When I asked Michael if he was alright he just kept brushing me off!**

Worriedly he added **Now that you mentioned it, I too feel like my memories aren’t too clear about these meetings, you know, sort of cloudy, and that is very strange indeed!**

After the two of them had been silent for a few minutes, reflecting on these events, Max was the first one to speak **Liz? What did you mean when you said that stuff about your head and your heart?**

**It’s difficult to explain Max, I just have this very deep rooted conviction that I have to leave Michael alone for the moment. You know, like things have to play out a certain way but if we manage to reconcile with Michael it just might somehow upset the flow of whatever is going on.**

**What do mean with somehow upset the flow of action? I don’t understand that.** Max telepathed to Liz.

After taking her time to mull over this whole situation Liz replied **hey, do think you could somehow just listen to my feelings, you know, just let your mind go blank and feel what I feel? Maybe this way you can understand?**

After thinking this through Max did as she suggested, let his mind go blank and concentrated on Liz’ feelings. Suddenly he received her strong intuition as clearly as if it was his own. Stunned he whispered **Liz, it’s working and your heart’s right, we can’t interfere, we have to let this play out for a reason. I think you get this feeling from the Granolith. What do you think, could that be true?**

Hesitantly Liz replied **Yeah, I believe you’re right, it does come from the Granolith, but it doesn’t tell me why. I wish I knew what I have to do to get the answers from it. It would help me understand it, because it’s really upsetting me. The worst of it is, when Michael starts on his rants and raves I just react accordingly. I get real bitchy and mean and I hate that, because that’s just not me. Like today, I was thinking about this situation and then I told myself to be more patient with Michael until we know what to do. But then he opened his mouth and spouted off without thinking or caring about anybody else and the next thing I know, I go off, get angry and yell at him!**

Suddenly Liz stopped, realising another important fact. **Wow, I just noticed something. I’m not the only one to behave this way, we all do! We’re all out of whack!**

**Yeah, wow, Liz, are you sure about that?** Max inquired carefully.

**Absolutely, I don’t understand it, but something’s most definitely not as it should be. Max, do you think I should talk with the others about it?** Liz asked, trying very hard to bring some sense into her confused thoughts. She was torn between her logic and her intuition and mumbled ‘What to do? What to do?’

Feeling Liz’s confusion, Max did his best to stay calm and advised her **Babe, I can feel how upset you are and I know that you would like to go and clear things with Michael and the group, but I can also feel very clearly that you can’t do that. For some reason the Granolith is against it. Don’t ask me why, but that’s how it has to be!**

Knowing well that his next words were not what she wanted to hear Max added with certainty **I’m sorry sweetheart, but I’m sure we have to follow the Granolith’s wishes.** After hearing Liz’s worried sigh he added **maybe this is some sort of test, you know, to see if we can follow his instructions blindly, you know, like he wants to know if we trust him. Does this make any sense to you?**

Very reluctantly Liz replied **It feels right, but doesn’t make much sense to me.** Sadly she went on **You know Max, I just wish you were here and everything was back to normal!** Realising just how depressed she sounded Liz made light of her mood and whined exaggeratedly **Aaawww, forget it, that’s just my hormones talking! I’m fine, really, don’t worry, but I can wish, can’t I?**

Feeling Liz’s mood swings Max chuckled **Of course you can wish, as much as you want to, and I promise you that I’ll be home as soon as possible, ok?** Seeing her nod Max added **Soon, very soon we will know all we need to know and everything will be over. Then we all can sit down and talk this out. But until then…**

**I know, I know, everything has to stay as it is. I’ll do it, but I don’t have to like it!**

**Noted** Max telepathed and after that they both calmed down and drifted off into peaceful sleep, Liz on planet earth, Max out in space.
*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*
Dreamland…
They dreamed of their life together, raising their babies, enjoying peace and security. At some point in their sleep a new child joined them: It was a toddler and the dreamers realised they were looking at Tess’ son.

Max realised they had come out of their dream and were now sharing a vision. Before he could nudge Liz’s consciousness she had come to the same understanding. Together they let the vision unfold and observed carefully what was being transmitted.

It was no coincidence that Liz was the first one to recognise the little boy’s resemblance to their deceased friend; after all, he had been one of her best friends for a very long time. They had met on the first day of kindergarten she and her friend Maria were visiting. He had become the third musketeer. **Alex** Liz whispered with unshed tears in her eyes, **he looks like Alex did when we first met him!**

**I can see a resemblance but I’m not completely convinced Liz. How can you be so certain?** Max was shocked, he couldn’t believe his eyes.

Overwhelmed Liz replied **I can feel it; he is Alex’s son. The only thing he has from Tess is the colour of her eyes everything else is Alex.**

Suddenly Liz became aware what this meant, and she started to cry **Max, what did she do to our friend? We both know he was heads over heals in love with Isabelle; he would never have touched the bitch from hell! What did she do to him? He was always so gentle and kind, what did she do to him?**

Together Max and Liz cried for Alex and his much too early passing; he was missed sorely by all of them. Thanks to their strong connection they were able to hold on to the other one tightly while they tried to comfort each other as good as they could.

After they had no more tears left they calmed and tried to find out how they could prove the parentage of this little boy and how they could bring him home.

All of a sudden the Granolith flashed them pictures of Alex as a teenager, then as a younger child, and lastly as a toddler. Then the picture shifted to Tess’ son, and then both of them were shown together. With the exception of the colour of the eyes, it could have been one and the same baby. They had their proof; the Granolith had just confirmed it.

They decided that for now Max had to keep quiet about the baby, but that Liz would inform the group on earth. Hopefully somebody would have a useful idea about how to bring little Alex home. After a very emotional goodbye they shut down their connection, only leaving it slightly open, like a hum in their consciousness.


Continued in next Post