Quazum

IN SEARCH 155

Lacy was in the kitchen frying up her famous catfish with her Mom’s special homemade seasoning. French bread was cooking in the oven, and Lacy was opening up fresh raw oysters from the shell. Rain was pouring down outside as the lightning flashed and thunder struck. Lacy looked out the window.

“This rain is soaking up the whole driveway back here. It’s all mud and puddles now, and I need Quazum to take a look at my brake pads,” mumbled Lacy as she pointed at her car. “I’m getting a squeaking sound every time the computer hits the brakes.”

“I’ll take a look,” answered Quazum quietly. “I think it might be time to rotate those tires.”

“How’s the electricity in the kitchen,” asked Gabriel from the couch. “Since Quazum adjusted the solar panels on the roof, I think it’s been better. I had my fan running in my room all night yesterday. The power is only down now based on afternoon showers. Right Quazum?”

Quazum didn’t answer. Lacy continued cooking dinner and looked at him sitting quietly at the table. “Good for you, Quazum. I don’t know what we’d do without you.”

“And Quazum also made changes to the satellite position. Right?” asked Gabriel. “Isn’t that what you said?”

“Yeah,” replied Quazum softly. “I just adjusted the angle slightly for better reception and internet access.”

Quazum sipped from his special cup of salt water and seemed deep in thought as Lacy began serving plates of fried catfish with French bread and homemade sauce. Gabriel finally walked over and joined Quazum at the table.

“Oh boy!” replied Gabriel. “Nothing I love more than fresh catfish with Lacy’s special sauce! It’s one of the bayou’s best! You won’t get food like this anywhere in the world, Quazum. Remember that!”

Lacy laid out a tray of raw oysters in front of Quazum who didn't show much interest. Lacy looked confused, and finally pushed the salt shaker over and waited for a response.

Quazum reluctantly took a bite before he started asking questions again. “Can I see those pictures you took of people around the big city?”

“I got pictures of the different stores on my phone. And I even took some pictures of the various cars on the road. And I got some other photos of some shelves at the grocery store...”

Quazum interrupted, “I just want to see people. What do people look like around local spots in town? We don’t have mirrors in the house, and I know I don’t look like y’all or anyone on the computer. Does anybody look like me?”

“I told you,” answered Lacy as she collected oyster shells around the table. “Everyone looks different. Everyone’s got their own look. It’s not something you need to examine.”

“I just want to see someone who looks like me. Or someone who looks like my Dad, whoever that is!”

Lacy immediately looked up at Gabriel who seemed upset with that comment. “I told you, Quazum. That’s none of your business. Your Mom was a scientist that went around exploring the universe. It was her decision to have a baby and move back into the marshland, The Back-Bayou. Now just drop it. Let it rest. Let’s move on.”

Lacy reached out to the near invisible reptilian hand of Quazum who sat deep in thought, “You have to understand. I left my job and my career at Space Exploration because I just wanted to be with you,” explained Lacy. “I wasn’t interested in a career studying rocks in other solar systems when I could live in a beautiful open area like Grandpa’s swampland with the two people I love most in the world.”

“So, you won’t tell me?” asked Quazum. “I can’t know who my father is?”

“It’s just not something I want to talk about,” replied Lacy without hesitation. “When the time comes, I’ll tell you about your Dad, and your family, and all the exploration adventures I did with the Space Exploration Agency.”

All was quiet around the table before Quazum spoke up again, “You know they’re going on another mission.”

“Who is?” asked Lacy.

“Where did you hear something like that?” Gabriel dropped his spoon and appeared angry.

“I just read it online,” replied Quazum calmly. “It’s the original crew and some other scientists at SEA. They’ll be going to that Quazmopolis moon in just a couple of weeks.”

“Well, who cares?” said Lacy. “That’s really none of our business anyway. They can go wherever they want any time they want.”

Quazum sat staring at his catfish plate before mumbling, “I think I want to go.”

“What are you talking about?” replied Gabriel angrily. “That’s nothing anybody can just decide they want to do! Especially not a little boy!”

“I was reading about Quazmopolis,” answered Quazum with hesitation. “There's a special colored rock that doesn’t exist on earth. And there’s no sign of life. And I read the temperatures range from twenty below zero to over one hundred fifty degrees. And a stronger gravity. It sounds like some place I could live.”

Lacy looked up at Grandpa, and they both seemed shocked as Quazum continued playing with his fried catfish.

“We’re going to have a talk,” Lacy finally replied. “I’ll tell you all about our Quazmopolis exploration, and what I learned at Space Exploration. I’ll tell you everything you want to know.”

“When?” asked Quazum.

“I’ll tell you when I’m ready. Now eat your catfish.”

The three then continued eating quietly.

* * *

Ben was driving in his freshly washed car, looked clean shaven and was wearing freshly washed clothes. It was a cool morning in Southern California, and the computerized map in the car began speaking, “Good morning Ben, you’re out early. Is there anywhere special you’d like to go this morning? The interstate ten freeway is moving fast across Southern California.”

Ben interrupted and spoke politely, “I’m going to SEA.”

“Are you referring to the beaches in Southern California?”

“No,” answered Ben proudly. “I’m referring to Space Exploration.”

“Is that the main headquarters, on the south side of Anaheim?”

“Yes. Just get me there the fastest way possible,” answered Ben.

“Not a problem. Space Exploration is located nearly thirty-seven miles south. We’ll start by heading west on Pixley Drive.” said the computer. “Then turn right at the corner.”

“Please stop the play by play, and just drive.”

“Understood,” answered the computer before music started to play. Ben then studied information on his phone as the car drove.

After thirty minutes, Ben’s car computer spoke up again, “The driveway to Space Exploration is coming up on your right in one hundred yards.”

“Fine,” answered Ben as he pushed buttons on the dashboard and turned down the long driveway and up to the security station. Charles, the same guard stopped him at the gate. “Can I help you, sir?”

“Yeah,” answered Ben politely. “I’m here to visit with Dr. Palmer at the Space Exploration Agency?”

“Do you have an appointment?”

“No Charles. I used to work here.” Ben then turned and smiled.

“Hey! I remember you! You’re the one and only Ben Thomas! Ain’t that right?”

“Yes, I worked here a long time ago. And I just want to visit some old friends.”

“I thought I recognized you!” responded Charles with a smile. “What have you been doing since you left Space Exploration? Are you still with Miss Lacy?”

“No, we parted ways about the time I left.”

“Oh,” said Charles politely. “I’m sorry to hear that. You guys both left about the same time. I remember that. I thought maybe you just eloped! Got married and quit.”

Ben thought for a second, and then continued, “Can I go in and see Dr. Palmer? I don’t have an appointment, but I really need...”

“Sure, you can!” Charles then opened the gate and smiled. “You and Lacy will always be welcome when I’m working. I promise.”

“Thank you, Charles,” said Ben with a heartfelt nod before driving into a crowded parking lot to look for a space. After finally parking, Ben climbed out of his car and walked into the front of the SEA building.

Blanche, the receptionist, put down the phone and stared at Ben as he walked into the lobby. Ben smiled and waved.

“Is that who I think it is?” asked Blanche.

“Good morning Blanche. Yeah, I know it’s been a long time.”

“I don’t believe it! Give me a hug!” Blanche said as she got up and walked over to Ben. “This place just hasn’t been the same since you and Lacy left. What are you guys doing now?”

“We’re not together anymore. She and I kind of ended, on a sour note after that Quazmopolis mission. We broke up and cancelled the big wedding. I haven’t seen or heard from Lacy ever since.”

“Oh! That’s too bad. No one knew what happened with you guys,” replied Blanche with a confused face. “You both just disappeared overnight.”

Ben shrugged his shoulders in thought, “Yeah... That was a long time ago.”

“So, what are you doing now? What’s the star scientist been up to?”

“I’m kind of between jobs at the moment. I guess I’m just here today to talk to Dr. Palmer. Any chance he might be available? It’ll just take a minute.”

“Oh, he’s been here every day since they started planning this new mission,” answered Blanche. “That name, Quazmopolis, wasn’t mentioned after the last mission. Now it’s all we hear.”

“Just let Dr. Palmer know I’m here to see him.”

Blanche picked up the phone and pointed to a seat in the reception area. “I’ll get him. Just sit down.”

Ben walked over to chairs and picked up a Space Exploration magazine. He looked at pictures and looked around at exploration pictures on the walls. Ben continued reliving his experience working at Space Exploration and the time with Lacy.

“Okay Ben,” said Blanche with a wave. “Dr. Palmer will see you. Head on in.”

Ben got up and nervously walked towards the sealed door when it suddenly opened, and a curious Dr. Palmer walked out.

“Ben Thomas?” asked Palmer. “It’s certainly been a long time!”

“Yes sir,” answered Ben as he shook Palmer’s hand. Ben then followed him up the long SEA hallway smiling at some employees he hadn’t seen in ten years.

“So, Mr. Thomas. What have you been up to?” asked Palmer. “Did you start a new career?”

“Lots of things really,” answered Ben politely. “I’ve just been getting by day to day.”

“So, you’re not using any of the training you learned from Space Exploration I guess.”

Ben laughed, “No, not really. No moon explorations anyway.”

“How is your old fiancé, Lacy Meaux? Have you spoken to her?”

“I guess that’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”

As Ben sat in the chair in Palmer’s office, Dr. Palmer closed the door. Ben looked around the room, then asked curiously, “What can I tell you about Miss Lacy that you don’t already know?”

“I read on-line that she also quit SEA about the same time as me. I didn’t know that and just wanted to find out why.”

“Well, much of that is classified information. I told you everything I knew ten years ago,” answered Dr. Palmer as he opened the computer and began typing. He then touched icons on the screen flat pad, and information began flashing by.

Ben looked over Palmer’s shoulder for new information and commented, “I know Lacy loved Space Exploration. It was her life. She would have given anything for SEA. I just wondered why she quit.”

Dr. Palmer was reading from a file before looking up, “Lacy was given the option of ending her unapproved pregnancy and continuing her career at Space Exploration. But she chose to quit and start a new career and a new life.”

“I see.  So, which of the explorers on Quazmopolis mission turned out to be the father?” asked a surprised Ben “Were tests done?”

“Tests were performed. Yes. The DNA of all scientists on the mission was tested.”

“So, what did you find out? Who was the natural father?”

Palmer smiled and thought for a second. “Well, the father was no one from Space Exploration. That means she got pregnant before the expedition.”

“That’s not possible,” replied Ben in confusion. “There’s no way it could have been my baby. I’m sure of that.”

“Unless Lacy had a one-night stand the day before the mission, there is only one man that could be the father,” answered Dr. Palmer as he closed the file.

“But we were waiting till after the wedding. We only had sex... ‘protected’ s*x a few times in the two years we were dating. And then we used birth control, and we were careful with everything.”

“Ben, even if you had protected s*x, with a 99.9% certainty, that still means Lacy had a point zero one percent chance of conception.”

“There’s no way I could be that baby’s father. I know it.”

“I’m sorry Ben,” answered Palmer politely. “Unless Lacy Meaux slept around the night before she left, you are the father of that baby.”

Ben looked down and was deep in thought. He seemed confused before he asked, “So what did she do? Where did Lacy go?”

“I have no idea. She insisted on having the baby, and left Space Exploration with no documentation and no explanation. SEA has no record of Lacy since the day she left.”

Ben was silent and considered all possibilities.

“She may have returned to her family in Louisiana,” said Dr. Palmer. “I have no way of even knowing.”

“No way,” replied Ben. “She swore over and over never to return to the Back-Bayou. That was an ongoing pledge.”

“Well. Lacy burned all her bridges at Space Exploration and left pregnant with no husband and no father. That’s all I know.”

Ben thought before standing up. “I’ve got to find her. I’m going to find Lacy, and my kid.” Ben then got up and walked out the door leaving Dr. Palmer deep in thought.