Updated – November 19, 1998
Fate or Free Will
Chapter 3 - Part C
October 30, 1997 – James Salan’s apartment – San Francisco
James rested against the wall beside his bedroom door. Shaking his head, he called out to Rebecca, currently in the bedroom. “No really, I don’t know.” Listening to her shuffle around in the room, he waited for her inevitable reply.
Bemused, she said, “Come on, James. You have to know.”
Sighing, he said, “No, I give up it’s outside my scope.”
Opening the door, Rebecca popped her head out. Her damp red hair trailed down the doorframe as she quizzically examined him. “You really don’t remember what the Daleks are?”
A little exasperated, he stood away from the wall. “No I don’t. As far as I know it’s some…hell, I couldn’t even guess.” Looking back at her he smiled slight. Putting a hand on the wall, he asked, “Are you going to tell me, or taunt me some more with that look?”
Smirking some more, she rolled her eyes. “Alright, if you can’t figure it out.” Slipping her head back in the room, she finished dressing. “It’s from the show, Dr Who, remember?” Humans who became slugs in deadly robotic war machines.”
James put his back against the wall again and furled his brow, trying to figure out what the hell she was talking about. After a moment, he started putting it together. “Oh wait, that’s something you showed me once, right?”
Taunting him more, she said, “Oh good, you were paying a little attention all these years. I guess I shouldn’t play games that involve knowing about my little interests and curiosities, hmm?”
Smiling a bit, he replied, “Come on, maybe something was distracting me, hmm? Let’s see. Yeah, they’re those things that looked like giant salt and pepper shakers.”
Opening the door, Rebecca gave him a testy look as she stepped out. She obviously didn’t take the joke as well as James would have hoped.
As she straightened out her blue dress, she remained silent.
James looked at her saying, “Hey that’s what stuck out in my mind. I’m sorry if it isn’t overly flattering.”
Nodding, she looked at her dress and brushed invisible lint from it, saying, “I suppose you find a lot of my likes silly, James.”
Placing his hands on her upper arms, he gently said, “No. I just don’t know a lot about some of these things, especially your beloved science fiction.” Moving even closer, he continued, “You’re going to have to show me the light.”
Looking up at him, she finally smiled. “It might be worth my time and all the inevitable aggravation, but now I have to get going.”
Almost shouting, he said, “Already, can’t you stay a little longer.”
Sighing, she blurted out, “Oh come on. You’ve distracted me, you’ve got me to wash up here, I have to get back to my apartment, pronto, and change or I’ll be late. The Technocracy has never been found of human frailties like truancy. I can’t just show up late and say, ‘Sorry, this incredibly gorgeous guy, who also happens to be one of the bad guys you’ve been hunting down, asked me to stay a little longer after we spent the night together.’ Oh, I’m sure they’d understand. They’d probably pause a whole second before detaining, imprisoning me and or…etc.”
Trying to smile, he looked longingly at her. “I’m a bad guy? At least I’m gorgeous.”
“James.”
“I know, I wasn’t trying to set you off, really. It’s just…” Pausing for a moment, he brought his hands up to her head and put them through her hair as he continued, “It’s hard to let you go, when I finally have you this close. It’s not easy to explain, never mind.”
Placing her hands on his chest, she smiled lightly saying, “I’m glad you’re not looking to throw me aside, now that you’ve had me.”
Leaning in close to her face, he whispered, “Not in this lifetime.”
Moving to meet his lips, she remarked, “Better not. You don’t want me anymore pissed at you then I am.” Finishing her quip, she met his lips in a passionate kiss.
Looking at each other for a time, they stood silently and pondered the moment. Finally she slowly pushed him back and said, “Besides, I’m not going off somewhere dangerous. Well, not overly so. The point is it’s something I’ve done the last five years you’ve known me. So, just like before, as soon as I can slip away this afternoon, I will and we’ll get back to this.” Thinking for a moment, she spoke again, “Hmm. I almost forgot about that invitation, didn’t I? Still going?”
Releasing her, he nodded. “Yeah, I might as well learn what this is all about. You know, you don’t need to go, maybe…”
Shaking her head, fervently, and poking his chest, she cut in saying, “Not a chance, mister. Nope. If you go, I go. Comprendé?”
“Sí”
She gave him a warm look as he responded. “Good. You don’t get to go off and have all the fun and all the adventures.” Taking his hands, she peered into his eyes. “We’re a team, right?”
Smiling, he said, “And more.”
Exhaling, she released his hands and stepped back. “Okay. Well, you’ve got me to stay even longer now. I’ve got to go. Turning for the door, she noticed something. “Where’s my arm control?” Looking around quickly, she nervously said, “God, how could I lose that now?”
Getting her attention, James waved her notice over to the cabinet beside him. Picking up the long metallic bracelet, James said, “Remember? You put it here last night.” Smirking a little, he said, “You must be slipping in your old age.”
Stepping up to him, she put her right hand out and anxiously said, “Give it to me.”
Calmly stepping over to her, he replied, “Hold out your arm.”
A little exasperated, she groaned, but decided it would be easier to humor James. Turning her hand and arm over, she let him slip the device over her lower arm. As he shut the clasps, making it snug, he carefully ran his hand over the device and her arm.
The actual control apparatus was encased, for protection and camouflage. Still, it was in no way a plain or dull guise. The metallic mirror surface held a succession of curves and waves. As it reflected the light, it almost seemed to be moving, much like the ocean. The fine work on it seemed to make it look all the more like jewelry then a piece of advanced technology. It was definitely a piece of exquisite beauty, like it’s owner. But you can rely on Rebecca to find a way to bring grace and beauty to the likes of the Technocracy.
Closing the final clasp on her arm, he was done. Still as his fingers traveled down her arm, they paused at her hand and grasped it. Looking deeply into her eyes, he said, “You know, you are an amazing woman. I know this has been a shaky start for us, but that’s only because we care so much for each other. But I promise you this, I’ll spend my life trying to find better ways to show you how amazing I find you and how important you are, my dearest.”
“Thanks James. I…” Torn a little between conflicting priorities and desires, she began to move backwards, to the door. “I really need to go. You want to meet here or somewhere else?”
Looking at her quietly for a moment, he then said, “Six o’clock? Taylor and California?”
Nodding, she positively said, “Sounds like a plan.” Turning she opened the door and began to step out. Quickly turning, she looked back at James. Softly speaking, she said, “Besides your vaunted opinion, I only like science fiction. But I love you, James.” With that she closed the door and was gone.
James found a grin come over his face as she spoke to him. As the door closed behind her, that smile quickly eroded from his face. Alone. He didn’t know if it was his or her isolation that bothered him more.
Tensing up a bit, he tried to allay his concerns. She’ll be fine. Nothing’s going to happen to her. This isn’t going to be like Elizabeth. It was much of the reason he had resisted her leaving, afraid he’d lose her forever as well, once she was out of sight.
It was true. This was a totally different time. The past was just the past. But he knew the danger was alive, out there. He would deal with it though. He could face it, without worrying Rebecca. He was not about to let anything happen to her.
Standing quietly, where Rebecca had left him, he breathed rhythmically, bringing his body back under his control. Opening his clenched hands, he thought about her again. A broad smile emerged from the contemplative look he’d taken on.
This could work. He could find the Jade Demon, while keeping Rebecca free and safe of the matter. He could create a new life with her and…
Stiffening up, James suddenly realized the room had changed. Turning, he found Soo Tzu sitting quietly, crossed legged, in a chair, observing him.
Trying to overcome the initial shock, James smiled and quickly asked, “You have heard of knocking?”
Sternly watching James for a moment, Soo popped out of the chair. Walking up to him, he peered at James and inspected him.
“Is something wrong, Master?”
Trying to sound impassive, Soo said, “Your demeanor seems to have changed since we last talked.”
Walking towards his kitchen, James laughed. “A lot of things have changed since then. The world has, in fact.”
Following him in, Soo cryptically said, “Be careful that you do not lose yourself in this new world.”
Shaking his head, James replied, “Come on, changes is inevitable. Besides, how can one not want to lose themselves to some changes of fortune? Hope. Love.” Going into his refrigerator, he asked, “Are you thirsty?”
Behind him, Soo disapprovingly sighed.
Closing the refrigerator and turning, James looked at his old teacher. “You do seem rather wound up about something. What’s wrong?”
Slowly speaking, Soo said, “Perhaps you’ve taken some of my words too close to heart.”
A little confused, James replied, “I’m afraid I don’t understand.”
“Do you think you are readying yourself for what is ahead?”
“Well, yeah. Between Rebecca and the Jade Demon I think I can bal…”
“Do you really believe balance is possible? You don’t see the certain peril and potential for being compromised? Which is more of a threat to you in the end? Do you really feel you are ready for this direction in your life? Is it worth the risk and difficulty? True priorities will come to light soon enough. What you want may yet not be what you need and achieve. Perhaps, you are blinded by certain feelings. It would be best to remain internally focused until events fully unfold. Your energies and chi will be needed vitally to help turn events to their needed course. I trust you will not foolishly rush into a path. Along with this, they are not the only things that you should concern yourself with.”
Trying to catch up to the levels of thought Soo was racing through, James caught on to his last point first. “Are you referring to the little invitation I got last night.”
Slowly nodding, Soo confirmed. “It is a first and important step. You are needed there.”
“Why?”
“It is hard to be certain.”
“Come on. We both know that that is just a way for people to avoid explaining things and sound enigmatic.”
Soo merely stayed silent.
“Fine.” Having the pause in the conversation, James began going back through Soo’s other points of concerns. Putting what wasn’t patently enigmatic together, he suddenly looked at his teacher. “What else were you saying exactly? If I were more suspicious I’d think you were condemning Rebecca and our relationship.”
Looking at each other, James stood silently wanting a clear answer very dearly. He couldn’t believe Soo would question Rebecca, her trustworthiness, or her value as a friend.
Soo finally spoke, “She is a kind person, but she is tied to a great and dangerous force. She will not willingly let go of it and in doing so she is a vulnerability for you. In turn, only two days ago you had many doubts. As it is, you seem to have overreacted to my advice to not hide from your life and duty. She is not necessarily either. Perhaps you should consider…”
A dark look passed over James Salan’s face. As tension and an unexpected rage passed through, he slammed his hand against a wall. Yelling, he declared, “Damn it! You’ve always opposed her! Never give her a chance and just look to dispose of her as if she’s nothing! You bastard!”
James fiercely stared at his teacher. In turn, the old teacher had a partially surprised look on his face as he watched his pupil.
After a moment, a calm passed through James, much like the anger of the previous minute. He looked, a little confused, at Soo. “I’m…sorry. I don’t know where that came from, master. This is the first time I’ve ever heard you doubt Rebecca. I know you are only trying to advice.” Taking a long breath, he continued, “I wish I knew where those words came from.”
Much to James surprised, Soo seemed unsettled, an uncommon event. Combined with his own reaction to Soo’s qualms about Rebecca, and the qualms themselves, he wasn’t sure what to think of this.
Speaking, with a little less assurance, Soo said, “Yes, it is odd. Curious.” Pausing, Soo looked around. “Yes, but these are things that can wait for now. We should go now.”
Not wanting to dwell on any of this either, James joined in. “Go? Go where?”
Looking at him, his confident manner restored, Soo said, “Into the community. If you are too live in this place, you must be a part of it. We will learn about this community and the people here. Then we will see how we may aid them and be of assistance.” With that, he moved towards the door.
Grabbing his coat off a rack, James seriously responded, “Okay, until tonight’s little meeting, my day is pretty free. Besides, I would be honored to do some good. It is are way.”
Not looking at his pupil, Soo opened the door, quietly saying, “Yes. Yes it is.”
*****
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