Quazum

A SEARCH 228

Ben was walking along the downtown sidewalk carrying the bag of takeout food from Cajun Deli. A homeless man confronted him. “Hello sir? Can you spare a buck?” The man then held up a jar hoping to collect.

“No, I don’t have cash. Sorry.”

Another homeless man approached. “You got something extra? Something you can spare? Really smells good.”

“No, I’m sorry. This food is for just me and a friend.” Ben continued before walking down the dark alley towards Quazum who was lying motionless under the same blanket.

“Quazum, I got some breakfast for us. It’s the same classic cajun food that you grew up with. Your mom used to cook stuff like this for me.”

After rolling around slowly under the blanket, Quazum sat up and looked confused as he changed colors going in and out of sight. Ben began laying out the food boxes of food but seemed to be getting no response.

The same homeless man then walked up looking confused. “Who are you talking to??

 “Oh, it’s just me. I’m just talking to myself while I eat.”

“And what is that? I saw something move under the blanket.”

“It’s just me,” answered Ben.

Quazum remained motionless as the man walked closer. When he pulled the blanket, he felt a resistance and noticed unexplained shadows.

“Okay, that’s enough. There’s no ghost or moving blanket. Now leave me alone so I can eat my breakfast in peace.”

The man watched quietly and began walking closer to the blanket, when Quazum moaned, “Ugh.”

Immediately, the homeless man turned and raced down the alley yelling, “I saw it. I saw the invisible ghost!”

Other homeless people heard the yelling, then rolled over and went back to sleep.

“Good morning, Quazum,” said Ben as he pulled cartons of food from the bag and put them on top of the blanket. Quazum seemed confused, “What do you want?”

“I’m a friend of Lacy,” said Ben. “I was there when she was shot. She asked me to watch you and help you. And I’m going to do everything I can for you.”

“I don’t know you. I just want my Mom, and my Grandpa?”

Ben thought for a moment, then continued opening boxes and laying out the different foods. “Quazum, I truly loved your Mom, and your grandfather truly loved you. And I owe them both everything.”

“Mom said she never loved anybody,” replied Quazum. “I just want to go back to my home in the Back-Bayou.”

“Things have changed. It’s not so easy.” Ben thought about the situation, then looked into Quazum’s eyes. “Ten years ago, your Mom and I were planning a big wedding. It was to be a marriage with all our friends and family. We loved each other.”

“So, what happened? You left her at the altar?”

“I chickened out,” answered Ben. “I was just immature.”

“So, you just broke up with my Mom?”

“It’s more complicated... We were best friends at Space Exploration. We dated for two years.”

Ben then stopped opening food containers and quietly thought about Lacy and all his mistakes before continuing, “We then dated for another full year while my mom was planning the big wedding.”

“So, she left you?”

“I chickened out. I practically left your Mom at the altar. It was the stupidest thing I’ve ever done. I now spend every day regretting that mistake and wondering how I can make it up to her.”

“So, who’s my real Dad? Who are my parents? What am I?” Quazum was confused as he looked up at Ben waiting for an answer.

“I should have been your father. I should have been there for you and been there for your Mom. She left and moved back to the Back-Bayou.”

Quazum thought about his life in the swampland and finally looked away in tears. “I loved my Mom and my Grandpa. So why did the police have to take them? Why did you and the police shoot them?”

When Quazum began to cry, Ben was quiet before patting him on the back trying to change the subject. “Hey! I got lots of cajun food here that I know you’ll like. It’s a catfish omelet with special sauce. Some buttered grits with andouille sausage. And for dessert? It’s a fresh bowl of coush-coush, with maple syrup!”

“Fine,” said Quazum as he began to taste food looking around the empty alley.

Ben grabbed a bottle of water from the bag and began trying to shake salt from the shaker into one bottle. “And I got some fresh clean water that I’m just going to mix with a little salt, just the way you like it.”

Quazum then pulled out his stolen box of salt and poured it more easily into the other water bottle. “So why are you doing all this now? It’s too late.”

“Everything that happened to your Mom and your grandfather is my fault. It’s all my fault.” Ben then looked Quazum in the eye. “Quazum, I want to make it all up to you. My entire life is now dedicated to you.”

“Nobody wants me. I’m nothing but a freak.”

“No. Quazum, you’re a fine boy. And you were raised on a beautiful bayou by someone I loved. You’ve been through so much because of me, and I’m going to help.”

Quazum looked around. “You say that now, but I don’t believe you. Everybody just wants to send me to a zoo. That’s what Mom told me.”

Ben looked Quazum in the eye again. “I’ve been a lousy father, but I am now committed. I promise.”

“I’m just not human. People are scared of me. So, what can you do?”

“Whatever you want! We can move back to your home in the swampland if you want. And I can take care of all the legal stuff.”

Quazum looked down and thought about what he’d been through. “I don’t want to live there. I can’t live there without my mom and grandpa.”

Ben took a bite of the grits and eggs. “Maybe we could move out to California? I’ve got an apartment, and I could make enough money to support us both. It’ll just be me and you. We can be like a family.”

Quazum looked around the dark alley, and quietly sat thinking, “No. I won’t do it.”

“You could do work, or just play alone on a computer. You’ll have complete privacy. No scientists, no exhibitions. Complete freedom.”

Quazum thought for a beat, then looked up at Ben and mumbled, “I just wanna go home.”

“So, where’s home?”

“My home is on Quazmopolis. I want to return home to my true home on Quazmopolis.”

Ben looked up in surprise. “Why? Why would you want to move to the hot and cold land of solid rock? You don’t have friends there. You don’t know your family members. And you don’t even know what food they have. You’d be starting over.”

“It’s where I’m meant to be. It’s where my real family lives. Quazmopolis is my real home.”

“You’ve got to think about this. You’re too young. I don’t think you’re ready.”

“I know I can do it. That’s what I want.”

Ben continued eating. “Quazum, I believe that’s one option that’s off the table. It’s not even possible to get you there. Plus, it’s lightyears away.”

“If I can just get dropped off on the new mission, I can hide out, then just explore for myself. I can meet my real family, and my real parents. I could start a life at my real home. And I can be happy.”

“Quazmopolis is not a life! Your true parents knew that. That’s why they sent you here. Inside Lacy.”

“I know Space Exploration is planning another trip,” replied Quazum as he swallowed from his bottle of salt water. “I read about it.”

“That’s just another mission to plant cactus. They can’t find anything under that rock surface.”

“New explorers will be laying a bonding composite base beneath the surface for new forms of cactus. I want to get on that jet and go home.” Quazum then picked up the Cajun breakfast foods as Ben began thinking.

* * *

Dr. Palmer was sitting alone at the desk in his office going over information on the computer. Scientists were peeking through the window and seemed curious of the passion Palmer was showing in his new research.

“Did Palmer say anything?” asked Oliver.

“He said nothing to me,” replied Alice.

“Does anyone know why he’s all of a sudden not involved in this new Quazmopolis mission?” asked Chris as he turned and walked over to the lobby desk. “Is this all for Lacy Meaux?”

“He was a lot more concerned about the last mission,” said Pilot Jenkins. “That’s for sure.”

Oliver turned to the group and pulled out his computer. “I don’t believe Palmer even realizes the money this investigation is costing?”

“The cost is just pennies for Palmer,” said Heidi with a smile.

* * *

Inside the office, Dr. Palmer opened photos on his screen before the computer spoke out again. “After further examination, one police officer in the Back-Bayou also claimed to have seen motion in Meaux’s cabin and in bushes around the exterior at the time Gabriel Meaux and Lacy Meaux were shot. No report explaining the motion was filed.”

Dr. Palmer stopped to think, then pushed another button on the table and spoke into the phone line. “Alice, can you come in here?”

Palmer immediately went back to the computer as Alice walked in. She looked around nervously, then walked over to the chair in front of Palmer’s desk. The group of scientists outside the door all watched curiously.

“Yes sir?” asked Alice. “Anything I can do?”

“I want you to book an immediate flight to the airport nearest Back-Bayou, Louisiana,” said Palmer as he read from his computer.

“Back-Bayou?” asked a surprised Alice. “Dr. Palmer, the new mission to Quazmopolis is scheduled for take-off in just a few days!”

“I know,” replied Palmer as he continued reading information on the big computer screen. “I just have some personal things I need to investigate.”

“Does this trip to Louisiana involve the Quazmopolis mission?”

Palmer looked over at Alice and the scientists standing in the doorway and explained, “The mission is simply an exploration searching for documentation. Quazmopolis mission will go on as scheduled. I will file a complete report when I return.”

Alice then got up to walk out and looked back when she got to the door. “Will anyone be flying with you, Dr. Palmer?”

“No, it will be one first class ticket to the airport nearest Back-Bayou, and leaving as soon as possible!”

“Yes sir. Not a problem.” Alice then walked out and closed the door behind her.

Dr. Palmer turned back and pushed buttons before asking the computer, “Have there ever been reports of ghosts or alien sightings in Back-Bayou before?”

“Area has averaged one report of strange sightings annually, but no reports of physical contact with ghosts were ever reported. The city of Back-Bayou has now registered five claims of strange sightings and ghost contact in the last seven days.”

“Knock! Knock! Knock!” Palmer spun around in his chair when he heard the knock, and explorers Chris, Oliver, and Jenkins walked in confused.

“Can we talk to you, Dr. Palmer?” asked Chris.

“What is it?”

Jenkins then spoke up, “We’ve heard you are now planning a mission to a swampland in Louisiana. Is this really true?”

“Yes,” responded Palmer. “And it’s a personal trip.”

“But you realize the new Quazmopolis mission is leaving in just three days, right?”

“I know all about our scheduled mission. I’m paying for it.”

Chris looked frustrated and spoke up again. “Can we just cancel the mission? Or maybe just postpone the take-off? It’s not a big deal.”

“Of course not,” answered Palmer as he moved papers and files around his desk.

“Is this just a vacation you’re taking? Maybe visiting family in the swamps?”

“No. It’s not a vacation, and the new Quazmopolis mission is not to be cancelled. Anything else?”

“Can you give us some hint as to why you’re leaving three days before take-off?” asked Chris.

“What’s the point of an unsupervised mission?” asked Jenkins.

“I want Arid Cacti ready for planting,” replied Palmer. “And I want all explorers prepared for examination of Quazmopolis moon surface, possible life forms and new element combinations. That’s all.”

“Does this Bayou trip have something to do with Lacy Meaux and Ben Thomas?” asked Jenkins.

Dr. Palmer spun back around to his computer, turned it off, then stood up and put on his hat before walking to the door. “This is strictly a personal investigation I am making. I will be back in time for take-off of the Solar Jet in three days. That is all.”

Palmer then opened his door and walked by the scientists. Chris and Jenkins looked to each other, then turned and followed him out. “Yes sir, Dr. Palmer. Quazmopolis mission will leave on schedule.”

Palmer approached Alice who reached up with papers, “First class ticket for direct flight will be leaving in ninety minutes and arriving in New Orleans. I’ll have a car ready to pick you up at the airport and bring you to any local parish you’d like to visit.”

“Thank you,” answered Dr. Palmer before turning and walking down the hall.

* * *

The homeless man that saw Quazum was walking alone down a nearby alley before being approached by a group of g**g members. “Where are you going?” asked the g**g leader.

“I saw a ghost,” replied the homeless man. “It was hiding under a blanket, and some guy was giving it some food.”

“A ghost? You think you saw the ghost?”

“You got pictures?” asked another g**g member.

The homeless man shook his head before another g**g member asked, “Any proof of the ghost at all?”

“It was just an invisible creature hiding in the alley. And it was talking to some guy. I saw a blanket move.”

“I heard about ghost sightings on the news, man.” said the g**g leader as he looked around. “Back-Bayou Police Department is now questioning gravediggers about something they saw climbing out of a grave.”

“I wanna see this ghost,” said one of the guys.

“Where did you see this thing?” asked the g**g leader as he stepped up.

All six g**g members then picked up sticks and chains and followed the homeless man out up the big street. The tough guys were ready for a fight.

“Did he have any weapons or perform any magic tricks?” asked one with a laugh.

“It just moved... It was laying down right there in the alley...” The homeless man then pointed to a long dark alleyway at the end of the street. “Right down at the end.”

“Come on guys,” said the leader as the g**g turned and headed down the big street. The homeless man followed them looking over their shoulder.

* * *

Ben looked up in surprise, as the group of tough g**g members approached. Quazum and Ben were sitting alone, and Quazum immediately removed the blanket and began to change colors, blending in with the dirty wall surrounded by trash in the alley. Ben appeared to be sitting alone, nicely dressed and eating from the three plates of fresh take-out food.

“What you got there?” asked the g**g leader.

“It’s nothing,” responded Ben politely. “I’m just eating some breakfast. Alone.”

Another tough guy stepped up, “Why aren’t you sitting in a nice restaurant eating that stuff? You got an answer to that?”

Ben took another bite from the food and wiped his mouth. “I’m out of a job. Homeless. I’ve got no money, and I got no place to stay. That’s all.”

“What’s that you’re sitting next to?” asked another member. “I see shadows.”

Ben looked surprised. “As you can see I’m here alone. It’s just me.”

“We heard there’s an invisible ghost hanging out down here. We want to see it.”

“Have you seen the ghost?” asked the g**g leader as he opened his switchblade knife.

“No,” answered Ben as if it was a silly question. “I haven’t seen any ghosts, or aliens, or monsters. It’s just me.”

Another member of the g**g then walked slowly up to Ben and the invisible Quazum. He kicked at the empty blanket and what looked like a small pile of trash next to Ben.

“Oh!” Quazum made a sound when he felt the kick drawing immediate attention.

As the g**g moved in, Ben finally yelled out. “Hey stop it, you guys! I’m just sitting alone here. I don’t want any trouble.”

“Tell us what you got there! You got a ghost sitting next to you? Let’s see it, or you’re a dead man.”

“I told you,” answered Ben defensively again. “I’m here alone. I don’t have money, but you can take my phone, my computer. Maybe you can sell it.”

Another g**g member then walked slowly up to the blanket next to Ben. He leaned over closely examining before reaching out to Quazum’s face. Ben then pushed his arm away and started to get up. “That’s enough guys! Take what you want. I don’t want trouble.”

The g**g leader with the knife then yelled at Ben, “You take a seat, and just keep your mouth shut. Or you’re a dead man. You understand?”

The big knife blade was then moved to Ben’s neck as the g**g members leaned over to examine the blanket and trash. Ben looked on nervously before pushing the knife away and jumping up to fight.

Ben then yelled out, “Run! Quazum, just run! Hurry!”

Gang members looked around confused before grabbing Ben and throwing punches to his stomach and face. One of the g**g members then stabbed the knife into Ben’s arm along with kicks to Ben’s head and stomach knocking him unconscious.

The g**g leader then pulled out his big knife, and walked slowly over to shadow next to Quazum’s blanket. Other g**g members pulled out guns in addition to other weapons and pointed them at the motionless shadow.

With no warning, the blanket flew across the alley into the face of the g**g leader.

Quazum then jumped up becoming more visible and kicked the knife out of the leader’s hand. He then spun around and kicked the leg of another g**g member standing over Ben.

“Argh!” yelled the g**g leader as he fell to the ground.

Guns began firing and bouncing off of Quazum’s tough skin as he quickly bounced off the wall, knocking the g*n out of the hands of the g**g leader.

Quazum then kicked another man holding a knife before ripping a pole from the hand of the man standing over Ben.

“Go away,” yelled Quazum before running back over to examine Ben.

The g**g members all looked on in shock as they heard the voice and saw the color-changing alien body in motion.

Quazum finally reached under Ben’s injured body and lifted him. He then began rapidly climbing up the side of the wall.

Members of the g**g looked on in shock as Quazum and Ben reached the top of the building and disappeared out of sight. Members then took off running and yelling about their ghost sighting.