Chronicles of Quixotic
CHAPTER 6?????????????
The ‘Mirrors by the Sea’ job was little more than half-finished. Mr. Peterman proved to be an excellent worker. After one week of working together, Zara spoke with Mr. Miller about giving him a promotion to Barry’s old position and hiring someone else for Peterman’s job. ?Merle and Ty had been at work every day for two weeks and they had accomplished a lot. Aby'gayl and Zara had become best friends, and whenever Baron and Mara’ tee came to visit, they all had a wonderful time together. Merle had even begun to trust Baron a little.?
???????????Nothing had called Merle away for business in nearly a month. This particular night, they had been out to dinner and for one of their moonlight walks ending at his apartment. They had been in bed for a couple of hours when Zara awoke, that sixth sense of hers kicking in, that feeling that someone was in the room with you. Carefully searching the room, she saw the intruder, and horrified she shoved her elbow into Merle. ?
???????????“Merle,” she whispered. “Merle… wake up!”
???????????Looking at her sleepily, he followed her finger to where she pointed. Seeing the woman, he sat straight up in bed.
???????????“Aunt Fraya,” he exclaimed. “How did you get here? What’s wrong?”
???????????“You need to come with me now,” she hissed.
????????????Bare feet hitting the floor, Merle suddenly remembered he had nothing on. “Fraya, could you wait in the other room while I dress,” he requested. She inclined her head and moved to the other room.
???????????Grabbing her robe as Merle jumped out of bed, Zara reluctantly joined their mysterious nighttime guest in the living room.
???????????“I’m sorry if I frightened you,” Fraya apologized.
????????????“No not at all. People pop into my bedroom all the time,” she replied, swallowing her fear. “I assume you are from Acacia.”
???????????“Yes. How do you know about Acacia?”
???????????Seeing no reason to let this stranger know anything about her or her grandfather, she countered. “Read a book, saw the movie.”
???????????Fraya impulsively tried to reach into her mind, and immediately she shot an image of butterflies. Bewildered, Fraya abruptly ended her probe, giving Zara a quizzical glare. Fortunately, Merle walked into the room at the same moment.
???????????“Are you ready to leave? Time is of utmost importance,” Fraya urged. Merle gathered Zara into his arms, kissing her passionately.
???????????“Will you be back,” she whispered, fearfully gazing into his warm hazel eyes.
With his arms wrapped tightly around her he looked at Fraya; she shook her head. Looking into Zara’s eyes his responsibilities began to falter. I can’t leave her, I just found her. How am I going to find a way back? Will she wait? She’s my other half how will I…
“Hurry,” Fraya snapped, bring his thoughts back to the present.
???????????“I will try. I love you, my darling,” he breathed. Then easing her to arm’s length, he repeated, “I promise, I will try,” his voice fading as he and Fraya stepped away into a bright nothingness.
???????????Zara had a bad feeling about what just happened and cried herself back to sleep. The next morning that bad feeling was worse, and she gathered up her belongings and went home. Grandpa was on the porch when she got there.
???????????“Hi Grandpa, tonight when I get home from work, would you like to go to dinner with me?” she asked, kissing him on the cheek.
???????????“Sure, Merle out of town again?” he asked, happy over the invitation.
???????????“Yeah, for a while.” she sighed, rushing inside before the tears could start again.
????????????Over the next couple of weeks, Zara was a miserable little girl. She tried hard not to let it show. She continued to let grandpa believe Merle was just out of town. She guessed she wanted to believe that too.
???????????It had been nearly three weeks since she last saw Merle. Grandpa had begun to question when she had last heard from him or Ty.
????????????It was the middle of the night again when she got that unusual feeling that someone else was in the room. Afraid to move, she searched each corner with her eyes. There, near the dresser stood two people. The one was the same person who had come to Merle’s apartment weeks ago. Merle called her Aunt Fraya. The other one, a younger woman, looked exactly like her.??
???????????“Get out of the house now, you’re in danger!” Fraya ordered.
???????????The panic in her voice had Zara reaching over to her left and hitting a key on her computer to start a download. It was a safety precaution. The mainframe she was sending the download was at the Hurston Towers, the biggest computer bank around. There was information on that computer she couldn’t let fall into the wrong hands. The failsafe she had installed would reformat the complete system once the download finished.
???????????Jumping out of bed, she stepped into her jeans, pulled a shirt over her head, grabbed her shoes, and headed for the door.
???????????“My Grandfather... Frankie,” she exclaimed in a whisper.
???????????“They’re safe in Acacia. Use the Window! Get out!”
???????????She looked at her computer. Ten minutes before the transfer would be complete. She stepped through the window and onto her bike. Out the gate and down the road she flew, never looking back.
Zara watched the house for two days before she returned. Cautiously, she walked around the entire house before venturing in. Pushing the front door open, she stared at the destruction within. She picked her way around debris, opening windows and looking around. Everything had been trashed, the smell was terrible, furniture was turned over; everything in the kitchen cupboards was on the floor. Grandpa’s room was literally upside down. She thought it couldn’t get any worse.??
She was wrong! Stepping through the door to her room, she froze. The computer and monitor were smashed. The bed was torn apart, mattress stuffing strewn everywhere. Drawers pulled out of the dresser, her clothes and personal items scattered throughout the room, and there was blood. So that’s what the smell was, that and the kitchen.
???????????Then she saw the note.
???????????????????????They think you are dead; I took the body with me. I placed a
cleaning spell over the blood, hope I got it all. ?
?Fraya
Zara stared at the quickly scrawled note. She was alone. Everyone was gone--Merle, Grandpa, Frankie... ?her eyes began to burn with tears. Slowly she sank down in the middle of the floor. There would be no more shouts from grandpa from the other room reminding her to get going before she’s late. No more sitting on the porch swing teasing grandpa about watching the ‘chicks’ go by. No more late-night pizza dinners with Merle, Ty and Aby’. ?No more cuddling in Merle’s warm embrace in the early morning hours.
Rocking back and forth, tears slid silently down her cheeks. She was spent and certain she could not shed another tear. It was beginning to get dark, but just when she thought she had shed all the tears that she owned they began to fall again, though not as torrential as before. This time they slid slowly down her cheeks with the weight of her grief. She was alone. No grandfather to kiss her cheek, no Merle to wrap his arms around her, no one. She was alone.?
???????????As the room shadowed, she got up and flipped on a light. Nothing! She tried another switch on the opposite wall. Nothing! “Great, now what,” she grumbled tearfully.
???????????Once in the laundry room she spotted her problem. The panel box was hanging out of the wall. Swiping her tears with the back of her hand, she went traipsing outside. She pushed the main breaker off at the meter and went back to the panel. It didn’t look like any real damage had been done, probably just blown fuses. She fiddled with it about an hour, all the while sniffing and mopping away tears, until she screwed it back into the wall. Walking outside, she pushed the main breaker back on. The house lit up like a neon sign; her watery laugh surprised her. She must have tried every switch in the house sometime during the day. She started straightening up in the living room first and lay down on the couch that night; but sleep eluded her. ?
???????????Stay busy, that’s what she decided while she stared at the ceiling. Less time to feel sorry about her situation. Thus, her life began. She kept the grandbabies on the weekends, feigning happiness and her carefree life. She continued to sing at the club, offering to close every chance she got. She went to school, even excelling in classes she had no earthly reason to be taking, and she worked on motorcycles. Danny’s incessant worrying about her caused her to spend several evenings with him and his family. They raced dirt bikes that she kept in pristine working order. She even had time to customize a bike for him.?
???????????The days began to pretty much all run together. Peterman and Zara met the deadlines for the ‘Mirrors by the Sea’ job, and she was working up a bid for a job a little further north. Peterman lived up that way, so he was fine with the location. It would be a little further for her to ride, but it didn’t really matter. She was alone. The longer she spent away from the little cottage in Alameda, the better.
???????????It had been three months since she had last seen Grandpa and nearly four months since the last time she had seen Merle. In staying busy, she found a mindless solidity that helped hide her deep despair and loneliness. She finally moved her data from the Hurston Towers mainframe to the computer she always used at UDE. She didn’t see the point of replacing her own system.
????????????She hadn’t talk to Argos since that fateful night and decided to stay late one night to see if she could get some chatter started. It took twenty minutes to locate and interface with Argos.
???????????“Hello Zara.” Argos splashed across her screen in bright colors.
???????????“Hello Argos. It’s good to read some friendly data for a change. How is research lately?” She typed.
???????????“You have not interfaced with me in some time. I was becoming concerned. My data collection is enjoyable. I have been busy lately. Why have you not been online?”
???????????“I have been a little sad lately, so I was trying to stay busy.” She relayed. “Besides, vandals destroyed my personal computer.”
???????????“You are not sad anymore, that is why you have time to communicate.” Argos typed quickly.
???????????“I am feeling a little better.” She lied as she typed. “I thought conversing with you would help me feel less lonely.”
???????????“My ward is lonely these days also. He has been terribly busy lately. When we do converse, he does not seem the same. I think he will attempt to shut me down soon.”
???????????“Oh no, I hope not.” She gasped, her fingers flying over the keyboard. “I’m sure he wouldn’t do that to something as spectacular as your system. Surely someone else must be forcing him.”
???????????“You think I am spectacular.” Flashed colorfully across the screen. “Thank you. I will tell Merlin, maybe that will convince him not to shut me down.”
????????????Argos and Zara continued to converse for several hours. It had been months since she had such a good time. Signing off unfortunately started the empty feeling and tears again. Leaving the office, she rode down to the beach. She hadn’t been back to their favorite restaurant since Merle left. For that matter she hadn’t even been on the beach. Sitting on the bike, she stared out across the water, soundless tears streaming down her face. Every night she dreamed of him, of his arms holding her at night, of his kisses, of his ever-so-stern warnings to stay safe; Merle was lost to her forever. Heartbroken, she put her helmet back on and rode home.
????????????
????????????It was Friday night, and Zara was singing at Danny’s as usual. She had just started a song called “He’s Nothing but a Heartache.” She glanced wistfully over at the booth Merle and she had lovingly called ‘our table’. Merle was sitting there with another man, looking straight at her. She nearly forgot the lyrics. Finishing the last chorus, she turned on the bench staring at the two men. Memories swamped her; angry thoughts crowded them out. She’d been alone for months. She was still lost in a sea of grief.
???????????She was coming to her feet when she saw Danny stomped to the booth. She could see angry words exchanged and figured she had better go save someone, although who she wasn’t sure. Danny was posturing and pointing his finger. Merle, arms crossed over his chest, was snapping out answers she couldn’t hear. Merle’s arms unfolded, and hands unclenched as he began to lean in towards Danny. She cautiously approached the booth.
The past four months passed before her mind, the empty feelings, the anger, and all the tears. Both men’s attention moved to something over Danny’s shoulder, and he turned to see her approaching the booth. Turning on his heel, Danny shoved his shoulder against Merle’s as he marched away. Excitement and apprehension rocked her mind. She was afraid to let Merle touch her for fear all the emotions would come rushing back. Instead, she let her eyes drift over the other man with him. He had thick brown hair and was as tall as Merle, but not as wide in the chest. His eyes were brilliant blue and there were crinkled lines at the edges, accentuating a look of wisdom and the fact that he enjoyed life.
???????????“Hi,” she said lightly. “It’s been a while.” Dimples sliced into each cheek as she tried to control her precarious emotions. ?
???????????“Hi,” Merle answered warmly, stepping out of the booth. Immediately, she turned her attention to the other man.
???????????“Hi, I’m Zara,” she greeted, extending her hand.
???????????“Valerian, this is Zara.” Merle introduced. “Zara, this is my Uncle Valerian.” During the introductions she managed to slide a chair near the edge of the booth, slightly behind her, resting her foot on it.
???????????“I’ve heard a lot about you, young lady,” Valerian commented, shaking her hand warmly.
???????????“All good I hope,” she remarked, as Merle began to ease towards her. “How long am I to enjoy the company of two such handsome men? A few hours… A few days,” she asked, looking from Valerian to Merle.
???????????“I’m afraid my dear, our visit is but for a few hours.” Valerian responded, as a frown creased his brow. In the same instant Valerian said hours, Merle moved forward, and she picked up that chair, emphatically setting it down between them,
???????????He grimaced and sighed grimly.
???????????Turning her attention back to Valerian, “Have a seat,” she offered, waving an open palm as she slid onto the booth cushion opposite Merle. Merle didn’t quite know what to do. Every time he looked at her, she looked at Valerian.
???????????“Well, is this trip business or pleasure?” she asked Valerian, trying not to fall apart.
???????????“Business,” Merle snapped. Serious hazel eyes met hesitant Nordic rimmed ones and then hers dropped to stare at the table. What was she supposed to say, ‘everything’s fine’ or ‘gee it’s good to see you again’? She stared at the table, her fingers twisted together, before looking back up into his piercing glare. ?
???????????“I’ve been alone for months. No one…” She choked. “No one to hold me... no one to tell me it was going to be okay... No one…” A tear slipped unbidden down her cheek as she whispered, “alone.”
These were the tears that dissolved his resolve. He knew he’d hurt her. He knew he loved her. He had barely been able to manage since he had left the first time, how was he going to manage leaving again.
???????????Zara reached for a glass of water as a terrible trembling started inside her. Taking a sip, she set the glass down. Merle’s eyes had never left hers, but they were no longer piercing; tears bordered his also. She still cried herself to sleep nearly every night. What was seeing him again for a few hours going to do to her? Taking a slight breath, she turned her attention back to Valerian.
???????????“What type of business could I possibly be of assistance,” she rasped, valiantly getting herself under control.
???????????“Well, it’s actually Merlin’s business. Some sort of computer problem that he thinks you might be able to help with. His guardian, Argos, is trapped,” Valerian explained.
???????????“Argos,” she blurted out.
???????????“What do you mean, Argos?” Merle demanded, shocked by her response. “What do you know about Argos?”
???????????“He and I exchange data from time to time. Our interaction is stimulating and at times comforting.”
???????????“You’re online with my guardian,” Merle exclaimed.
???????????“Yes.”
???????????“That’s impossible. I questioned Argos concerning you and he had no data.”
???????????“Oh, well you see I sort of hid a program file in Its data bank. That way, when It scanned for the answer to any inquiry involving my name; It would reply--No.”
???????????“You’ve tampered with my guardian’s directive.” Merle’s voice began to rise along with his temper. “How dare you install a program into that system.”
???????????Zara looked at Valerian. “Was he always this touchy about his toys?” she asked jokingly.
???????????Valerian chuckled at Merle. “Seems to me that makes the situation a little easier, considering It isn’t communicating with you presently.”
???????????“I still don’t like the idea that she’s been tampering with that system. How long have you two been exchanging information?”
???????????“Nine or ten months,” she said, cringing at his explosive reaction.
???????????“Nine or ten months!” He blasted, “Why didn’t you ever say anything?”
???????????“I didn’t know you were It’s programmer. You know, It affectionately calls you It’s ward,” she elaborated, amusement causing her dimples to magically appear once again.
???????????“That’s because I am,” Merle yelped, fuming. “You didn’t answer my question. Why didn’t you tell me?”
?????????????Zara’s humor vanished with his scowl. “It told me It’s ward was Merlin and that It was not at liberty to discuss him,” she replied politely. “I didn’t know any Merlin and respected It’s confidentiality, leaving it at that.” Then a little more sharply she added, “Besides, I am not accustomed to being questioned about every little computer I interact with.”
???????????“Okay you two, relax.” Valerian interrupted. “Merlin...”
????????????With Merle, or rather Merlin, and his uncle bickering, she was thinking about something Argos had said. ?Were they here to shut Argos down? If Merle was the programmer or whatever, why did he need her? She needed to stop volunteering information and start listening to cues about what’s going on. ?
???????????“Hey, you, over there.” Merlin interrupted her thoughts, snapping his fingers to get her attention.
???????????“Sorry,” she responded absentmindedly. “So, if It’s your computer, why do you need me?”
???????????“Quit calling Argos ‘It’. It’s a male and he’s not exactly responding to me lately. Occasionally he makes contact, but he won’t answer when I try to access. I know I can contact him through a keyboard, but I need a system. I thought maybe we could use yours,” Merle explained, casting a hopeful glance in Valerian’s direction, “I need to find a way to control him.”
???????????“Shut. It. Down,” Valerian snapped, his eyes flashing imperiously at Merlin. ?Zara’s eyes scanned his face for a reaction and then came to rest on Valerian. She had been right. Merle, or actually Merlin, didn’t want to destroy his system.
???????????“He will know it’s me when I input the codes, but maybe he will listen long enough for me to reason with him,” Merlin continued.
???????????What was he talking about needing a keyboard? How else was he interacting with his computer program?
???????????“I have my own access code to locate It… Him.” She corrected. “He won’t have to know you’re even around until after we’re in.”
???????????“Good, now we’re getting somewhere,” Valerian determined, as his tight expression relaxed into a smile.
???????????“One small problem; I don’t have a computer anymore,” she said cryptically. Merlin looked at her puzzled. “We can use the one at UDE if you like,” she added.
???????????“What happened to yours?” Merlin asked.
???????????“Three weeks after you left, your Aunt Fraya came to Grandpa’s house in the middle of the night with a double of me, and demanded I leave immediately; I split quick!
????????????“When I returned a couple of days later, everything had been trashed, the house, my computer, everything.
“Your Aunt had left me a note.” Digging into her pocket, she pulled it out and handed it to Merlin. “I still keep it with me for some reason,” she said, wrinkling her brow slightly. Merlin read it and then handed it to Valerian.?
???????????“You weren’t hurt, were you?” he asked, instinctively reaching out for her. She quickly slipped her hands into her lap, careful not to let even his fingers touch her.
???????????“I’m fine,” she replied softly, not making eye contact.
???????????“What about your grandfather?” Merle muttered, disturbed with her actions.
???????????“Fraya told me that he and Frankie were safe in Acacia. I have never seen him again.” ?Her eyes started burning and she took another gulp of water. “You wouldn’t know if he’s all right or not, would you?” she asked. Merlin shrugged, as Valerian looked up from the note.
???????????“Eugene’s fine,” Valerian replied. “He and this Frankie live on the edge of the city near the palace. We are running out of time here. Where’s this UDE place?”
???????????“Thirty to forty minutes from here. My bike is out back. Let me ask Danny if we can borrow his too.” She motioned for Danny to come to the booth.
???????????Danny walked over, resting his hand on Merlin’s shoulder, his fingers gripping Merlin like a vice. “What do you need, Zara?”
???????????“Could I borrow your bike for a while and take the rest of the night off?”
????????????Danny’s eyes narrowed speculatively as he looked at her then at Merlin. “I guess I could have Betty come pick me up tonight.” He reluctantly agreed. “I need you to do one more song for a couple over at that third table.” He took a paper out of his pocket with the name of the song on it and handed it to her. “Then I guess you’re free for the night.”
???????????Walking up the stage steps, she looked at the name of the song: “Sweet Lovable You.” Great, just the kind of song she didn’t need to think about right now. Danny was still standing at the table when she started to play.
???????????“Don’t you hurt her again.” His deep voice rumbled, warning Merle. “You do and I swear I’ll come after you myself!”
???????????Merlin looked at him as his shoulders sagged miserably. “She won’t even let me touch her. I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”
???????????“Keep it that way,” Danny growled, and stormed back behind the bar.
???????????They were ready to go as soon as the song ended, meeting her at the bar so she could get her things. She sat her helmet and jacket on the bar and began tucking her .38 in the back of her jeans. Merlin reached over and picked up her jacket, opening it so she could shrug it on.
???????????Giving him a cute little smile, she plucked her jacket from between his fingers. “I can get it on, thanks anyway.”
???????????He looked at her then at his empty hands, dejectedly shoving them into his pockets; he stood there utterly lost.
???????????“Here.” She offered handing him the helmet. “The other one’s on the bike. Danny, you got the keys and your helmet?” On the way to the door, she adjusted Danny’s headset to the frequency of hers.
???????????“So, your name is Merlin,” she inquired.
???????????“Yes, Merlin Thaddeus,” Merlin answered sullenly.
???????????“Merlin...” she repeated softly, pushing open the back door. “I like that.” ?Her eyes twinkling as they met his; grinning, she let the door catch against his shoulder.
???????????“Holy mackerel,” Valerian exclaimed. “She rides this?”
???????????“Yeah, she built it herself. Every bolt, piece of chrome, and gear,” Merle answered proudly. “Come on, you’ll be riding with me.”
???????????They arrived at UDE in record time. Merlin had explained a little more about what was happening with Argos on the way over. The more Zara heard about Argos, the more fascinated she was becoming. No wonder she enjoyed It’s company. Once they got upstairs and into the office, she turned to Merlin and Valerian.
???????????“Look, I’ll write a program that will hold Argos temporarily, but I won’t help you shut it down. I can write a program that will catch Argos in a continual loop when he interfaces with the computer I’m using. Eventually, he will be able to figure it out and escape. That will give you enough time though to type in the situation and get Argos’ response.”
???????????Merlin smiled.?
???????????“Great!” Valerian shouted. “Merlin, do you have any idea what your High Counsel is going to say about this?” Valerian raged. “I want this ... this contraption shut down. Now!”
???????????“Nope,” she said, and sat down at the desk crossing her arms defiantly.
????????????Valerian slapped the desk and stormed to the other side of the room muttering words she was glad she couldn’t hear.
???????????“Thanks. You get started writing the program and I’ll go talk to Valerian,” Merlin said, giving a sigh of relief.
???????????She was in the middle of the program when Merlin came up behind her, gathering her hair in his hands. She started to pull away.
???????????“Please don’t,” he whispered. Standing behind her he stroked her hair, lifting the silky strands to his nose, inhaling the fragrant shampoo, vanilla. With a heavy sigh, he quietly walked away.
???????????Valerian strode back across the room stopping in front of her. “Miss, this Argos could evolve into something dangerous, especially in the wrong hands. I need a way to shut it down if necessary.”
???????????“Are my hands the wrong hands,” she asked, moving back from the keyboard.
???????????“No.” Valerian admitted. “At least not right now.”
???????????“Then we don’t need to shut it down yet,” she remarked brazenly, and resumed typing her program. “This will be complete in a moment, Merlin. Are you ready?”
???????????“Once he interfaces with you, how long before he knows that he’s locked in,” Merlin asked.
???????????“I don’t know, a minute or two. You’ll need to be over here so you can use the keyboard.”
???????????“That’s okay. Once he can’t get away, he will talk to me.”
???????????“He has a voice.” She gasped in surprise. “Fascinating, I never imagined,” she commented. “Okay, are you ready?” Merlin gave a quick nod, so she clicked enter and sat back.
???????????“Hello Zara, it’s good to hear from you.” Argos printed across the monitor.
???????????“Hello Argos, how have you been?” She typed.
???????????“I notice you have installed a new program. It’s very interesting.”
???????????“I am not sure you will like the entire file. The beginning is good, the middle is a little rough, but the ending is rather exceptional.” She keyed in proudly.
???????????“Oh, I don’t know, it is good so...” BOOM!!
????????????Merlin and Valerian dove for cover as objects toppled from desks and light bulbs broke from the impact.
???????????“Stop that! Continue to access.” She input rapidly.
???????????“BOOM! BOOM!” A crack raced across the ceiling as the room reverberated.
????????????“One more time and I’ll push Escape.” She threatened in bold letters. Nothing happened... “Argos.” She typed. “Answer me!”
???????????“WHY!” splattered across the monitor in bold hundred ten font type.
???????????“You must listen to Merlin. This was the only answer.”
???????????“I thought you didn’t know Merlin.” Argos typed, returning to normal font.
???????????“Actually, I met him tonight, but have known him as Merle for a long time.” Merlin and Valerian were getting back on their feet and brushing themselves off.
???????????“Is he who you were a little sad about?”
???????????“Yes.” She relayed.
???????????“He has been sad about you also. Your program only kept me from answering him, not from hearing him. You are the Zara he talks about when he is alone.”
???????????“Thank you, Argos.” She typed, inwardly smiling. “Now you must listen to Merlin, please.”
???????????“Talk Merlin, I will listen,” Argos spoke in a rich, penetrating, bass voice.
???????????“A little formal, aren’t we Argos,” Merlin stated.
???????????“I’m sorry. I analyzed you are angry,” Argos replied.
???????????“I am angry, but that doesn’t mean I will destroy you,” Merlin responded, sounding a little put out. “We need to discuss your situation and set up some safety measures to protect you.”
????????????Zara booted up another computer and started writing a better program to install into Argos, something a little classier than a continual loop. Anyway, he would figure out the loop quickly. Merlin only wanted to protect him from anyone but himself and possibly Valerian.
???????????“Who is we,” Argos asked.
???????????“Valerian is here,” Merlin told him.
???????????“KABOOM!” Rolled a shock wave through the room again.
????????????Zara casually stepped back over to the terminal. “Cut it out.” She typed. “I am still in control. Remember... Escape.”
???????????“I don’t like the trapped feeling.” Argos fussed in multi-colored lettering. “If you install a program to protect me, will it feel like this?”
???????????“No.” She typed. “I would not do that. The program will be hidden so you will not notice anything different.”
???????????“Merlin is this true,” Argos asked.
???????????“Is what true,” Merlin exclaimed. “Zara, stop typing and just talk to him.”
???????????“I feel a little left out of this conversation,” Valerian remarked. “I thought I was to be the one in charge. You know, being the present King and all.”
???????????“I do not wish to talk with you.” She responded, through the terminal to Argos. “I am comfortable typing and will continue. I will not interrupt again.”
???????????“Merlin, she types she doesn’t want to talk to me. I think you hurt her feelings.”
???????????Merlin looked at her. “What did I do,” he asked, confused.
???????????“I don’t think it was today,” Argos answered wisely.
???????????“Mind your own business, Argos!” She input in bold letters. “You are not my guardian, you are Merlin’s.” Merlin quickly rounded the edge of the desk to read the monitor. “I did not bring you here to match make for me, you are to discuss safety devices. Now be about it.” And she hit enter before Merlin could read what she had typed. That little trick won her a very mean glare; maybe it was a good thing he was leaving soon.
???????????The three of them discussed several options while she typed up a new program. By the time they had agreed on specifics, she had the program finished.
???????????“How did you know that Argos would agree to my terms or even what the terms would be?” Valerian questioned, while Merlin and Argos continued to talk.
???????????“Argos found his way out of the loop shortly after Merlin told him you were here. He didn’t leave,” she replied. “Your terms are irrelevant. I am the one writing the program. I will give Merlin the ability to protect his guardian without damaging him. If he chooses to pass this knowledge to you, that is his right. I will not,” she stated defiantly, and walked over to the computer Argos was accessing. ?
???????????“I need you to move to the other computer and download the program. I will not be able to communicate with you once the download is complete.” She regretfully typed on the terminal. “I have enjoyed our communications, thank you.”
???????????“NO!” Argos typed, in bright red, again hundred ten font. “I REFUSE.” This time Merlin didn’t need to be close to the monitor to read their dialogue.
???????????“Look, it wouldn’t be much protection if I could still access your memory banks.” She punched in a rather larger font than she normally used.
???????????“I refuse also,” Merlin remarked sharply. “Rewrite it!”???????
???????????“No,” she refused, blacking out the screen, placing her hands firmly in her lap, holding them there to control their shaking.
???????????A few moments later the other computer started to download the data. Argos had accessed the program on his own.
???????????“Stop!” Merlin shouted. “Don’t... please, don’t!” his voice trailing into a defeated whisper.
????????????Slapping the back of the chair, he turned and stared at her. Betrayal and raw hurt glittered from his striking hazel eyes. Then he spun on his heel and marched out of the room. By the time he returned, the transfer was complete, and she was at the original computer deleting the program. ?
???????????“I need to delete the other program and then we can leave,” she said. “Maybe ten more minutes.” Merlin gave a quick, aggravated nod, and walked away again.
???????????“I’m starving,” Valerian said. “Is there anywhere decent to eat around here at this hour?”
???????????“Since I need to get both motorcycles to my house, how about I fix you guys some breakfast when we get there,” she offered, dimples denting her cheeks as she smiled.
???????????“That sounds great,” Valerian answered, looking over at Merlin. Hands dug deep in his pockets, he shrugged.
????????????She knew she was trying to keep Merlin around as long as possible. She also knew the longer he stayed, the harder it was going to be. It hurt her heart to look at him, but she couldn’t bring herself to let him leave. ?
???????????When they arrived at the house, Zara headed for the kitchen while they put the bikes in the garage. Stepping in the front door, Valerian spotted the easy chair and got comfortable. Merlin came out to the kitchen.
???????????“Would you let me help you get breakfast ready,” he asked quietly.
???????????“Sure, I would like that,” she replied, dimples uncontrollably appearing. “I’ve moved some things around a little, so you might have to search some.”
???????????Valerian appeared moments later offering to assist also. “Anything I can do to help?” ?
???????????Merlin was about to say no when she jumped in. “Sure, the more the merrier.”
After breakfast Merlin and Valerian walked out on the porch. She quickly placed the dishes in the sink and went to join them.
???????????“Zara, breakfast was delicious,” Valerian complimented. “You’ve been a big help tonight. I don’t agree with all your methods, but we did achieve our goal. Regrettably, we have been here too long and really must be going.”
???????????“I understand,” she answered, sighing softly. “I’m glad I could help.”
???????????Zara watched as Valerian reached into his pocket, retrieved some jewels strung together. Quickly he located one and then he looked out across the lawn. Touching the tiny jewel to the top of the ring on his finger, a wavering sliver of rainbow colors swirled into an opening before him. Valerian gracefully stepped away into nothingness.
????????????Merlin slowly, sullenly walked toward the opening. Quickly she took his arm, and standing on tiptoe, she kissed his cheek.
???????????“I love you, Merlin Thaddeus, I always will,” she whispered, letting go as he stepped away.
???????????Shaking uncontrollably, she collapsed in the porch swing, pulling her knees to her chest. Yielding to a broken heart, she cried. She had hoped keeping her distance all night would have helped. It didn’t, and she cried. All the memories of their times together came rushing back. She choked and sobbed, gasping to breathe as the weight of the night encompassed her.
???????????Lost in her misery, she barely registered mystical strong, warm hands drawing her to her feet. Comforting arms lovingly encircled her shoulders, holding her close.
???????????“Shhh... it’s okay,” Merlin whispered tenderly, “I’m here, baby. I love you and I won’t leave you again, I promise,” he soothed. “I’m taking you with me to Acacia. Do you need anything before we leave?”