The Originators

CHAPTER 12: A GENTLEMAN CALLER? (LAURA)

I.

Back from Rome, after I drop my bags at the door, I flop onto my couch.

The weather has changed, "slightly", Viktor cautiously, slowly admits. Frank and Pluto nod their heads; "For the better it would appear."

I've hologram conferenced my team; or as we now say, "holocon."

"Good news, Laura," Pluto elaborates, tumbling over his words. His face is sweaty; his facial folds dear and familiar. "You'll never believe this. The aggregate temperatures have dropped between ten and twenty degrees worldwide. Better yet, the water, rivers, oceans, seas, name your body of water, have dropped plus 20°. This is so post-doomsday. Is this real?"

"I count on nothing until I see a thirty-day trend," Viktor bellows. I see him sneak over to the bar; down a shot of synthetic vodka, cross his arms and glare at me.

I laugh, tilting my head and try out my most cajoling, charming smile.

"Viktor, who are you daring this time? Me? I just got back. So, I'm not up to this. Give me a day, then I'll shove this dainty foot," I thrust out my feet; waggling my toes at him, "into a deep sea, exploratory mission, you'll never forget."

Viktor barks, "Laura, you have been missed. I dare you. And, I look forward to it. Huh!" He stamps a foot.

I'm forewarned, I suppose.

"For now, I withhold judgment on anything," Frank.

Frank...one might assume he's a cynic. I don't see him that way at all. He is patient. In his head, emotion is for those in need of immediate biofeedback; "I'm alive. I'm real. I have to hear myself talk so I actually believe I exist." There is a definitely a need for the "Franks" of this world. In any world, we need more "Franks."

"Where's Cass?" I don't see her.

"We haven't seen her for the last two days. She's taken personal leave the last two days." Pluto tugs on his left ear. I wish he hadn't done that. I'll have to worry and hunt her down.

"I have at least four more missions to explore on behalf of H20 within the next two weeks, tops. We are expecting they will be successful. We'll talk more tomorrow. Gone." I shut the holocon down.

Wandering around my space, I retreat to the empty room. Opening the casement window, I finally feel after months, a cool gust, recalibration of the atmospheric; the geothermic. The "ic" ripple is beginning.

I move to my phonograph; pick an album and slip the vinyl out. I carefully place it on the magical wheel and hit the switch. Lifting the needle, I let it drop so softly, precisely. Holding my breath, music....

Pushing a button, the drapes pull away from the large picture window. I see her, the Moon, right in front of me, with the building rush of air, I sit on my couch; engulfed by the hugest yellow, milky eyes, clearer now. I'm spellbound.

From the phonograph, I hear:

"Sleeping Beauty fair, 

Gold of Sunshine in your hair, Lips that shame the red, red rose, Dreaming of true love in slumber repose."

"Laura. You are ready for the next steps."

"Yes, Ana."

"Good, Poll is down there now. He was in contact with us a while back, but something's changed him. I'll update you next time. We didn't share this with you as it's a family matter. You understand family, don't you?"