Disclaimer: This original story is not authorized or endorsed by Warner Bros, ABC, Lors Thornwald Inc, Edelson Productions, William Schmidt, or anyone else having rights to "Prey". It is not intended infringe on any rights or copyright and is not written for profit. Any characters not recognizable from the series "Prey" belong to the author.
"This is it," Alexander called out as he pulled the car into the entrance of a Ramada Inn.
Tom woke up instantly and peered outside at the hotel as Steve opened his door. "I'll check us in. Alex, why don't you go park the car over there?" Steve pointed to an empty spot not far from the door. "Then go ahead and pop the trunk so you and Tom can get our bags."
Alexander just rolled his eyes at Steve before parking the car. Then both he and Tom walked to the back of the car to retrieve the luggage.
"I guess he just likes to be in charge. He does it quite well." Tom laughed as he held out his hand to receive a bag. Alexander just grumbled and dropped a large black canvas bag on Tom's outstretched arm. He then pulled two other similar bags out of the trunk and slammed it shut. Mr. Congeniality, Tom thought as he followed the large man into the lobby.
Steve walked up to them and announced that there was a problem. There were only two rooms left; something about a convention being in town. "I thought I could share a room with you," Steve confided to Tom, "Alex has been known to snore quite loudly."
Tom laughed but then added, "It may not be any more restful for you if you bunk with me."
"Well, I've bunked with Alex before and believe me, I'll risk it with you. That is, if you don't mind. I could put up with him one more time, if you prefer."
Tom was tempted to ask Steve if he would mind doing just that but it was obvious to him that Steve was in no mood to put up with the burly driver. Besides, he was so tired himself that he was sure after a meal and shower, he would drop off to sleep in an instant without an episode to contend with. "No, that's all right. I just hope you don't regret it."
"Thanks, I owe you one."
"We'll see if you feel that way in the morning." Tom smiled. He was going to offer to share a room with Alexander so that Steve could be rested for tomorrow's meeting, but there was just something about the driver that he wasn't comfortable with. Maybe not being able to know what was going on in that head of his bothered Tom. And how would he react to one of Tom's nightmares? If his attitude to a slight change in plans was any indication of the future, Tom decided that he and Steve were better off with each other.
The three men chose to carry their own bags and took the elevator to their rooms to drop off their things before checking out the restaurant. The dining room was open all night and they had no problem in getting a meal. Then they all retreated to their rooms. Steve took the bathroom first and Tom opened the bag he was given. He rummaged through it to see what there was. Several pairs of sweats, underwear, socks, pants, shirts, sweaters - Tom couldn't have done a better job of packing himself. Grabbing some underwear and a pair of black sweats to sleep in, he zipped the bag closed and tossed it on the dresser. He suddenly felt a wave of tiredness roll over him and all he wanted to do was get showered and climb into bed. Almost on cue, Steve exited the bathroom wearing the same black sweats Tom had found in his bag.
"I'm going to run next door to Alexander's room to go over the plans for tomorrow's trip, seeing as we altered it tonight. Go ahead and do what you need to and then get to bed. You look like you're going to fall over. I won't be too long."
Tom nodded and went into the bathroom to run the shower. The room was already warm and steamy from Steve's use and it felt good on his chilled skin. Even though it was warm in the hotel, he had been cold all throughout dinner. He was still cold. He stripped down and got into the shower and just let the hot water pour over him until he felt the chill finally dissipate. Then he washed himself and pulled on the warm sweats. In another minute, he was in bed.
A short time later, Steve knocked on the door, but instantly knew there would be no response. He used his cardkey to get in and saw Tom right where he expected him to be, asleep in the bed nearest the window.
As Steve stared at the sleeping figure, huddled under the plump comforter, he wondered how this turn of events would affect the mission. Well, he would cope. He always did. He had become quite adept at adjusting to change after these past few years with the Alliance and he would just have to view this minor setback as just that - minor. Besides, it afforded him an unexpected opportunity to observe first hand the chameleon that he'd heard so much about. After just one day with him, Tom Daniels had turned out to be far more complex than he had ever imagined he would be. Yes, he was looking forward to unlocking the mystery that surrounded this man.
**********************************
"Tom!" Tom heard a voice calling to him out of the swirling mist that enveloped his mind. Who was that, he wondered.
"Mother? Is that you? What do you want?" Tom strained his eyes at the darkness. "Is that Lewis behind you? There ... in the shadows?"
"No, Lewis isn't here and I'm not your mommy, either." said the voice.
Tom turned his head around in the direction of the voice and squinted harder.
"Come on, Thomas, you know who I am," the voice taunted. "I'm with you always. No matter where you go or what you do, you know I'm there. You can't resist me. Haven't you learned that by now? Give in to me. I'll be gentler if you do." The voice was closer now. Tom could feel it's acrid breath, like hot poison, sear his face. "Give in." The voice paused, as though thinking.
"Or don't give in," it hissed. "I do so enjoy seeing you disintegrate, brain cell by brain cell. You will bend to me one day, Thomas, have no fear. You have no choice in the matter. Your destiny is set. In the end, you will give me everything I want ... and more. And when I'm through with you, I'll kill you and you'll thank me for my kindness."
"Who are you and why are you doing this?" Tom screamed into the mist. "Show yourself."
"Why, will that make you happy, Tom? To see me? You don't need to see me - you already know who I am." The voice became almost caressing as it's words writhed around Tom's head, dripping venom in his ears. "But, then again, how can I deny my favorite subject such a simple, and quite possibly, last request. I owe you that much, I think, for the joy you've given me during our time together. Yes. I will let you see what lies ahead for you. Look close, Tom, and tell me what you see." The voice exhaled, leaving its malignant breath as a marker for Tom to follow.
Tom picked up the scent of death in the air, just in front of him, and strained his eyes to see. He tried to blink away the thick fog that clung to everything like a gray shroud. Was there something there, just ahead in the mist? He reached out and touched something cold, like death. His hand instantly recoiled and a shudder rippled through his body.
"Oh, you pulled back. Just when you almost had me. Don't tell me you're afraid? This isn't like you. I thought you were trained to ignore fear. The Tom Daniels I know would never have pulled back as long as there was breath left in him. You are Tom Daniels, aren't you? Or at least, what's left of him," the voice chided. "Then again, maybe you're already dead. What am I thinking of - talking to a dead man. I need to talk to someone alive, with spirit. Maybe I should speak to your girlfriend. Would you like that, Tom? Do you want me to bring Sloan here? Would you like to see her come apart bit by bit under my tutelage just as you have? It's a simple thing to arrange. Really, it would be no trouble."
"You leave her alone!" Tom screamed and lunged forward to strangle the demon throat that threatened the one he loved. He closed his hands on the cold , stiff neck and squeezed as hard as he could, then harder, and harder still.
"Good, Tom. That's better. That's more like the real Tom Daniels. I knew you still had some fight left in you. Keep going, Tom. Don't stop now. Tighter, tighter. I'm still here. My voice is still strong. You need to try harder. You can do it."
The voice paused, flicking its tongue at the air, tasting the scent of rage from its victim and relishing the flavor. "You're angry. Good! That should make you last a little longer. But, what are you so angry about? Not at my plans for your human woman? No, not that. Wait. I now.
You asked to see me, didn't you? You're angry that I haven't fulfilled my promise. I did say I wouldn't deny a last request, and here I have."
The voice became overly-solicitous. "You think that if you can see me, your grip would be stronger. Yes. You want to see what you're doing. I understand. You want to see me suffer as I made you suffer. Of course. I apologize for being remiss. I did promise, after all."
The mist began to move and dissolve, as though by the wave of an unseen hand, and Tom's vision began to clear. His arms, and then his hands, became visible and he could see that he was squeezing something dark, foreboding. His knuckles were white against his straining skin as he gripped the hard black form. He blinked his eyes, once, twice, and another time, and the darkness took shape.
"No-o-o!" Tom screamed, "This can't be!" He slid to the ground still clutching the hard blackness in his hands. "This can't be real. It's not real ..." His voice now was nothing more than a rasping whisper and his eyes blurred at the harsh reality. His adversary's neck was nothing more than the bars of his cage. He had never gotten out. His burning eyes looked out through the bars and saw the keeper of the voice standing there, smiling at him, taunting him, belittling him. It was her. The one who had taken him. The woman whom he had grown to hate. She had reduced him to the broken man who now was before her, floundering on the bottom of a cage like an animal, soaked in the sweat of his own fear. And he saw her revel in his misery.
"Well, Tom, you wanted to see me, to confront me. So, here I am. Do your worst." Tom just lay on the floor of the cage, paralyzed, panting. She slid over to him and curled her body around the corner of the cage. Resting her cheek against the bars, she teased, "I'm right here, Tom." She exposed her throat and extended her neck so Tom could see it. "Just reach up and grab me. You know you want to." The voice was now almost hypnotic. "I won't even move when you come for me. I promise. Come to me, Tom. Come. Silence me forever."
There was no sound or movement from Tom, just the rapid, shallow breathing of a trapped creature having its life slowly squeezed out of him.
"Oh, you can do better than that. I'll even help you."
She uncoiled her arms and stretched them through the bars, grabbing her nearly-unconscious prey by the shirt and pulling him up to a sitting position. His cheek grated along the rough, cold bars as she peered into his face with cruel, ophidian eyes, but he couldn't see her.
"Look at me Tom," she demanded. "Open your eyes." Her voice raised a step. "I'm losing my patience." Once more she struck at him. She pulled him upward, slamming his face into the metal again and her words bit at him. "Coward. Quitter. Afraid to look at me? Do it, Tom. wake up. Look at me." Again he felt his head hit the bars. With every taunt, the slamming continued.
Tom tried forcing his lids open as he slowly, painfully reached up to break her grip on him. His head was spinning now and his head echoed with the sound of his name. The spinning got worse and he started to hallucinate a light shining in his eyes. Brighter and brighter. He was drawn to it, like a moth spiraling towards it's own inevitable suicide, until suddenly everything fell into sharp clarity.
******************************
"Tom! Wake up! Steve had Tom by the shirt, shaking him now almost violently, trying to drag him back from where his mind had retreated.
Waves of reality came crashing into Tom as he woke up from another nightmare. He looked up and saw Steve looming over him, his hands gripping the front of his shirt. Tom brought his hands up and tried to release Steve's grip on him. "I think you can stop shaking me now. I'm awake."
Steve let go of Tom's shirt. "Sorry. You were yelling something in your sleep and you wouldn't wake up. Shaking you was the only way."
Tom smiled weakly. "No need to apologize, Steve." Tom dragged himself up to a sitting position, trying desperately to clear his head. "And thank you for your help. That was quite a nightmare." Tom wiped his hand across his forehead and looked at the moisture on his fingers."
Steve sat on the bed and touched Tom's head. "You're burning up. No wonder you were out of your mind. I think we're going to have to stay put for another day or two until you're better."
"No, we can't do that. If we put off the meeting, we may not be able to ..."
"Look, you're not going to be much good at a meeting in your present condition. Besides, it's all taken care of. When I went to Alexander's room to figure out our new itinerary, I also put a call into the ambassador's aide. I got him out of bed but he was gracious enough to take the call. His name is Lincoln Nkounkou, by the way. Interesting name, huh? Anyway, before I could tell him about our possible delay, he, instead, informed me that the ambassador had commandeered him for a special assignment that would take all of his time for the next few days and that he would have to delay our meeting. He was very apologetic. In fact, he said he would be grateful to us if we could meet with him later this week or whenever it was convenient for us. Of course, I agreed and never did tell him the real reason I called. So, you see, no harm done."
Steve got up and went into the bathroom as Tom watched through fever-glazed eyes, trying to slow his pounding heart. He leaned back on the pillows and stared at the ceiling. He was stunned to find that he actually remembered this dream, instead of fragments of feelings. It had terrified him. For the first time, he realized that mentally, he had never gotten out of the cage. One day, he was going to have to deal with that, but, O god, not tonight.
"Anyway," Steve shouted over the running water, "After I hung up with him, now that we have a few extra days, I thought we could head back down to Manhattan and take in the sights. From the looks of you, though, I think we should just stay here and indulge ourselves in the joys of room service and pay TV, compliments of the Alliance's generous expense account. If that's OK with you, that is."
"Sure. Whatever you want." But Tom was actually quite happy to stay put for now, judging by the way he felt.
Steve soon returned with a glass of cold water and a handful of aspirin. "Here, take these. They may help with the fever. I'm sorry but I forgot to bring a medkit with me. All I have is a bottle of aspirin that I keep for Alex, so you're at the mercy of human medicine." Steve watched as Tom propped himself up on one arm and threw the aspirin in his mouth, following them up with a few gulps of water.
"And finish all the water in that glass."
Tom raised an eyebrow at Steve but brought the half-empty glass back up to his lips and swallowed the rest of the water. "So now you're a doctor? Is there no end to your talents?"
Steve laughed. "I'm told I know a little about a lot of things but there's where my talent ends. What is that expression - a Jack of all trades and master of none? Well, that's me to a 'T'. And, as your temporary doctor, I order you to drink as much water as you can; it'll keep you from dehydrating from that fever, and get plenty of sleep. Oh. And no dreaming."
"I told you sleeping with me might not be any better than sharing a room with Alexander."
Steve rolled his eyes and went into the bathroom room again, returning with an empty ice bucket. "Believe me, it is better. Alex's room has one king-size bed and I'm definitely not crawling in there with him. All he needs to do is roll over on me and I'd be crushed to death. And you're definitely not going anywhere, if you think you're going to swap rooms with him. Besides, I don't think you should be left alone right now." Steve unlocked the suite door and shoved the cardkey in his pocket. "I'll be right back."
Tom reached up and squeezed his head. It was hot, pounding, and covered in sweat although the rest of him was shivering. Steve was right again. He was definitely sick. Maybe that's why his dream was so vivid. The fever drew it out of him like a poultice. Except for the time that he took the genogenesis serum, Tom couldn't remember the last time he'd been really sick. Well, it was his own fault. There was no reason for him to stand in the cold fighting his own personal demons when he was already fighting them nightly in his sleep. At least Steve wasn't sick. One of them had to have their wits about them.
Soon Tom heard the door open and Steve walked in with the ice. He put half the ice in the plastic pitcher, filled it with water, and placed it on the table near Tom's bed. He gave Tom orders to drink as much of it as he could throughout the night. Tom promised to do so and then slid under the covers, into a less-troubled and much needed sleep.
*********************************
Steve looked down on the sleeping figure and shook his head. If he wasn't mistaken, Tom's fever had risen during the night. He placed a hand on Tom's bundled body and noticed he as also shivering, despite the extra blankets that Steve had tossed on him during the night.. He walked over to the closet and pulled out the last spare blanket and tucked it around Tom. He sat on Tom's bed and watched him for a while until he saw the shaking stop. Then he walked over to the desk and lifted the phone receiver. He had to call Alexander about Tom's condition. The phone rang twice and a gruff voice on the end of the line said "Yeah?"
"It's me. He's worse." ... "I did! The aspirin did nothing. I need you to watch him while I run out for other medication." ... "No, he can't stay alone." ... "Look, just get over here and I don't care if you're not dressed." ... "So, order Room Service from here ... "Look, will you stop already. Get in here right now and that's an order!"
Steve slammed the phone down. "He acts like he was the one up all night."
"I kept you up all night? I'm sorry."
Steve turned to see a pale Tom struggling to get up from under the collection of blankets and comforters that entangled him. Steve walked over to him and pushed him back down. "You didn't keep me up. I couldn't sleep. Why don't you stay in bed a little longer. Just tell me what you need and I'll see what I can do."
Tom thought that one over a bit then answered, "I have to go to the bathroom. You can do that for me?"
"Uh, ... no. OK, let me help you get out of there." Steve threw the covers aside and helped Tom to his feet. He walked him to the bathroom but when he started to go in, Tom stopped him.
"I haven't had an audience since I was three. I think I can do without one now." Tom's colorless face managed a smile and Steve laughed.
"Only trying to be helpful."
"Thanks, anyway," said Tom closing the door.
"Now that you're up, I'm going to run out and see if I can find a health food store." Steve called through the door. "I need to get a few things. You should be OK. I've asked Alexander to come over while I'm gone."
Tom winced. "You didn't have to do that. I'm quite sure I can manage being alone."
"Just the same, he's coming over. I'm going to get dressed." There was no reply from Tom so Steve walked to the dresser and opened his bag. He pulled out a pair of charcoal gray slacks, a black turtleneck and a gray pull-over sweater, then zipped the bag shut.
Now dressed, the last thing Steve did was to snap on his watch. A glance at the time reminded him that Alexander wasn't here yet and he wondered what was taking him so long. As soon as Tom was finished, he told himself, he was going over to Alex's room and forcibly drag him over here. Steve knocked on the bathroom door. "You OK in there? You've been in there quite a while. Are you sure a little applause might not help get you moving?"
"I wasn't aware I was being timed." Tom replied sarcastically. "I'm fine. I was just deciding whether to take a shower or not." Tom touched his sweatshirt and found it soaked. "I think I will."
"OK, but why don't you take a bath instead, in case you get dizzy. All you need to do is fall in the shower and end up with a broken something or other." There was a pause and then Steve heard the shower start.
"Stubborn!" Steve shouted at the door. Chameleons! Steve thought to himself as he shook his head. It was almost impossible to change their minds once they get an idea. Steve headed back to the dresser to get Tom's bag. He sifted around in it until he found a fresh pair of navy-blue sweats and underwear. Then he pounded on the bathroom door. "You might as well take these to change into."
The door opened a crack and Tom reached out for the sweats. "Thanks," he said as he closed the door quickly before the cold air came in. "One down, and one to go," Steve thought. "Sometimes I feel like nothing more than a baby-sitter." After another glance at his watch, he decided to risk leaving Tom alone while he went next door to retrieve Alexander. He unlatched the door and yanked it open only to walk into a human wall. Steve hated that he couldn't sense Alex and glared up at him.
"You have a problem? asked Alexander as he strode past Steve and into the room.
"What took you so long? I want to get going. What did you do, eat already?"
"No. You said to order room service when I got here." Alexander reached for the phone and started to call in his breakfast order.
"Wait. Why don't you order something for Tom?"
"How do I know what he wants? He can do it when he gets out of there." Alexander motioned toward the bathroom door and then finished his order. Soon after the mention of his name, Tom walked out of the bathroom. "He's right. I can order for myself if I want anything, but I'm not particularly hungry right now."
"Fine. Do what you want." Steve put on his coat and grabbed the cardkey from the desk.
"Now you two play nice with each other and I'll be right back." Steve opened the door but turned around briefly and added, "And no fighting." Steve raised an eyebrow as a warning directed to Alexander. Alexander just shrugged, grabbed the TV remote from the dresser, and plopped into an armchair to wait for Room Service to come up with his food.Tom stared at the closed door then back at Alexander. He was puzzled over the relationship between these two. They seemed to grate on each others nerves and yet, at the same time, appeared to be very comfortable with one another. Tom just shook his head. Must come from years of working with each other. He spotted another chair in the room and thought he might sit up for a while. Besides, he'd like to study Alexander a little closer, maybe get to know him better. As he moved toward the chair, however, he felt suddenly exhausted from his morning regimen. Maybe he'd pass on the conversation with Alexander until later. Tom squeezed past Alexander's chair and walked back to his bed. Sliding under the jumbled pile of covers, he fell instantly into a deep sleep.
Alexander turned and watched as Tom got back into bed and was glad he didn't have to put up with him. Alexander didn't particularly like chameleons, no matter what side they professed to be on, and he didn't like this one. "Too stupid to get out of the cold," he thought. "And they say I'm slow!" Once he was certain Tom wasn't getting up again, he turned on the TV and began flicking through the channels.
"Nothing on." Alexander mumbled under his breath, "I'll just have to pay for a movie."
He scrolled through the listings until he found one he liked. It was a toss-up between 'Armageddon' and 'Independence Day'. He liked the music from 'Armageddon', but he really enjoyed the special effects in 'Independence Day'. He thought a bit and then punched in the code for 'Independence Day'. It would be on in about twenty minutes. With any luck, his breakfast would arrive before the opening credits. In the meantime, Alex contented himself by watching a local fishing channel until the TV switched over to the pay one. His movie would be coming on shortly. Almost on cue, there was a knock on the door."Room Service! Yes!" Alex jumped up and ran to the door. Soon, he was happily munching bacon and eggs as he watched the first alien ship fly past the moon on its way to Earth. Alexander was in his glory.
Alex was just getting into the movie when Tom started coughing. Alex shushed him and turned the volume higher. Soon though, more coughs followed and Alex yelled, "Can't you go in the bathroom and do that. I paid for this and you're making me miss it."
"Sorry." Tom rolled over and held his throbbing head. His cough was giving him one doozey of a headache and, judging from the tickle in his throat, it was not going to go away soon. It felt to Tom like it took an hour to disentangle himself from the bedding but finally he was free. He stood up and immediately fell back on the bed. He would have to take it a little slower this time. He pushed himself up again and steadied himself with the night table. Soon he was standing, although he could feel himself leaning a few degrees off-center. Close enough. He trailed his hand along the bed to keep his balance and then aimed for the wall. Halfway to the bathroom, Tom met his only obstacle - Alexander. He tried to squeeze past Alexander's chair, as he had done earlier, but the large man had pushed his chair further back to accommodate his food cart and made no attempt to move now for Tom's sake.
Tom held his breath and tried to slide behind the chair. The back of the chair left a red mark across his stomach, but he was almost through. Then Tom's foot got caught on the chair leg and he went sprawling headlong onto the floor. He lay there, dazed, trying to evaluate what just happened when he felt two arms around his waist pulling him up.
"You're just not going to give me any peace during this movie, are you," glared Alexander. He roughly guided Tom into the bathroom and turned to close the door. Tom wobbled a bit and Alexander quickly swung the door open and grabbed him again, despite Tom's attempt to push him away.
"I'm fine. Go back to your movie. I don't want to ruin it for you."
"You've already ruined it." Alex looked at Tom and shook his head. "And you look terrible. As long as you're in here, you should probably take some more of those aspirin. You're still hot. And try drinking more water to stop that annoying cough."
Alexander watched as Tom searched the counter for the aspirin bottle.
"They're probably in Steve's shaving kit," volunteered an impatient Alex, torn between watching Tom or watching the TV screen.
Tom reached for the kit and pulled out the aspirin bottle. He struggled a bit with the cap, but finally got it off and dumped two aspirin into his hand.
"Not enough. Take two more."
Tom looked sideways at Alex and decided it was best to do as he said. He unwrapped a glass from the tray and filled it with tap water. He then threw the pills in his mouth and this time, he was careful to drink all the water. He put the glass down and wiped his mouth with his hand.
"OK. Let's go. You'd better get back to bed. I'll just have to put up with your coughing."
Alexander grabbed Tom's arm to drag him out the door but Tom held back.
"I'll be out in a minute. I have to use the toilet."
Alex folded his arms across his chest and leaned on the counter. "Go ahead, then."
Tom gave Alex the same line he had used on Steve earlier, about not needing an audience, only it didn't work on Alex.
"So?" Alex replied as he made himself more comfortable against the counter.
"So?" Tom repeated. Now he was confused. He thought he'd made himself clear. "That means you can leave."
"No, it doesn't. You couldn't walk a straight line if your feet were glued to it. If you pass out and crack your head, it'll be my head that Steve goes after. So, turn around and do what you need to do. Then I'll walk you back to bed."
Tom cocked his head trying to analyze Alex's actions. First, Alexander could care less if he lived or died and now, he won't leave him alone. It disturbed Tom even more that he was unable to scan him to see what made this guy tick.
"Don't waste your time trying to read me, Tom. Just do your thing so we can out of here." Tom finally shrugged and complied with the request.
*************************************
Now that Tom was up, he didn't feel like getting back into bed. His coughing bout seemed to be over and he thought sitting up would keep the cough from returning. He saw a second armchair in the room and decided to head for it.
"Hey, wrong direction. The bed's over there." Alexander started to pull Tom back.
"I know that but I'd like to sit up for a while."
"So I'll prop extra pillows behind you in bed." Once again Alex yanked on Tom's arm but he found that Tom wasn't budging.
"Maybe I could just sit up with you and watch some TV." Tom squinted at the screen. "What movie did you say this was?"
"I didn't." Alexander growled deep in his throat. So much for having some time to himself. He could see that Tom wasn't going to give in and he was missing even more of the movie the longer he argued with him. So he sucked in his breath and counted to ten ... quickly.
"OK, stay here and I'll bring over the other chair."
Alex dragged the large armchair across the rug and settled it near his own chair. Then he walked back to Tom's bed, grabbed a blanket and a few of pillows, stuck them all under his arm, and walked back to the chair. He placed pillows against the back cushion of the chair and the sides, then motioned for Tom to sit down.
Tom lifted his eyebrow slightly and smiled at the gesture. He sank into the chair and allowed Alex to tuck the blanket around him.
"One more thing ..." Alex walked over to the dresser and pointed to the canvas bags sitting there. "Which one of these is yours?"
"I think the one on the right."
Alex gave an evil smile and grabbed the left one. It would serve Steve right for making him play nursemaid. He threw Steve's bag on the floor near Tom's chair, placed the other pillow on it, and put Tom's legs on the top of the pile. "There, that should be better."
"It is. Thanks." Tom watched as Alex dropped into his chair and then rooted around through the dishes and napkins on the food cart looking for something else to eat.
"I guess I ate everything. Well, I'll just call for some more. You want anything?"
"I don't think so."
"Well, you'd better eat something or Steve will think I'm not doing my job." Alex thought about what to order for Tom. "How about some orange juice and an egg sandwich."
"Coffee, instead of juice. And no sandwich."
Alexander picked up the phone and called Room Service again. "Orange juice and an egg sandwich. ... Yes, toast the bread. Then I'll have a large stack of blueberry pancakes, with sausage, bacon, plenty of syrup and a large pot of coffee, extra cream on the side." Alex looked at Tom, then added, "Send two coffee cups with that pot. Thanks."
"I said I didn't want juice and a sandwich."
"I heard you. But you need something with food value. You can have coffee once you're done."
"I've traded one dictator for another," Tom complained but realized he wasn't going to get anywhere. Looking at the TV, he asked again, "So, what are we watching?"
"'Independence Day'. I hope you're not going to talk all through it. It's bad enough I have to listen to you cough.
"I won't talk unless you ask me to and I haven't coughed since I got out of the bathroom."
"Fine. Then let's keep it that way." Alex snorted. But, as the movie progressed, it was Alex who broke the silence.
"Hey, see this guy?" Alexander pointed to the drunken crop duster. "That's me."
Tom squinted his eyes for a clearer look but saw no resemblance. "No it isn't."
"I don't mean that it's literally me." Alex rolled his eyes. "I mean that his character resembles me. He knew what was happening all along, right from the beginning, but nobody believed him or gave him any credit. To them, he was just a strange guy who wasn't like the rest of them. He may have acted a little nuts, but, in the end, he was the one who was right."
"Is that how you feel people treat you? Like you're not as good as them because you're ... different?"
"Yes. You do know what I am, don't you?"
"Yes. I think so. I figured it out in the car when I couldn't scan you."
"Then you know why I don't like chameleons. Right?"
"Because they were the ones who were carried out the execution orders against your ..., er, against people like you."
Alexander nodded.
"That was before my time." Tom paused. "And, for what it's worth, I'm glad it was stopped before it got out of hand."
"So am I, although some were killed before the purist movement was banned." Then Alexander stared long and hard at Tom as he mulled things over in his mind.
Tom was getting more uncomfortable with every passing second. Alex was taking his time as he tried to size up the first chameleon he'd ever had a conversation with. Tom searched Alex's face for some hint of what he was thinking but came up blank. Then, when he saw a grin stretch across the large man's face, Tom knew he had passed whatever test Alex had set for him. So he released the breath he had unconsciously been holding and smiled back. Hopefully, he had just made another friend.
Tom saw Alex turn his attention back to the movie and Tom followed suit. Soon Tom himself was swept up in the story as the movie unfolded before him. As the race to save humanity built up speed, with the military working on a united defense, he couldn't help but make the comparison between the movie and what was going on now in real life. Yes, they would all have to work together if both species were to survive.
Tom was so immersed in the story that he hardly noticed the knock at the door or Alex getting up to answer it. When Alex plopped a tray of food in his lap, he was startled and then perplexed at how engrossed he had been in the movie. "Dangerous, Tom," he chastised himself, "never let your guard down that much!" He rationalized his lack of attention was probably due more to being sick than being overly-absorbed in TV. At least that thought made him feel better, at any rate.
Alex watched as Tom came back to the real world and just shook his head. This definitely was the strangest chameleon he'd ever seen. Not that he'd fraternized with any of them before, but he had heard stories, and Alex was convinced that this one was in a class all by himself. Then, Alex dropped his second breakfast tray on the food cart, eased into his chair and pulled the cart closer to him as he picked up the thread of the movie again..
Tom reached for his juice and took a swallow. The juice was cold and sweet, but it stung his throat going down. But, for strange, unfathomable reason, it also felt good. Tom took a second sip. It didn't burn quite so much as the first one and his throat felt better and so he took another. Alex smiled at the fact that he'd made a good decision. The juice was a good choice, he thought.
"So, do you like the movie so far?" he asked Tom.
Tom nodded his head as he continued to drink.
"Me too." Tom's nod seemed to make Alex happy and he smiled back at him. "It's one of my favorites."
Then Alex reached for the syrup and poured the entire pitcher over his pancakes. Tom had to swallow down his building indigestion as his stomach turned at the thought of all that thick goop filling the plate. How could he eat all that sweetness
without getting sick? Now, he was thankful that Alex had ordered a simple sandwich for him after all. He could've ordered the pancakes for both of them instead and forced Tom to eat every bite.
When Alex was done getting every last drop out, he put the pitcher down and looked up at the movie again. The scene was the White House."You know the President here? He reminds me a little of you."
"He does?" Tom was puzzled. He didn't see any resemblance, physical or otherwise. "What makes you say that?"
"Just watch him. He tries to be in control at all times, weighs everything he hears before he makes a decision, is concerned for people, and covers up his own fears from those around them. He even puts himself at personal risk for the greater good, ... of course, that's later on in the movie."
"You think that's what I do? If I had to pick someone, I would say that Steve was more like that. He's trying to keep this mission together, despite me getting sick and he's outside right now trying to get medicine for me."
"Steve? You make him sound so ... noble." Alex gave an evil smile, "Oh, I'm sure he'd like to be the one in charge, but I'd say he's more like one of those advisors to the President." Alex motioned at the screen. "Just don't ask me which one. But you definitely could be the President."
President, huh? Tom tried to see himself in the role. Sloan, naturally, to his way of thinking, had all the qualities of a great First Lady, but he couldn't picture himself running the country. Maybe, in ten or so years, when the world was well on its way to being unified under coexistence, he could see himself in some small role of government service. But President? Never.
"I still disagree," he answered.
"Then which role do you think is you?"
Tom put on a big grin. "Will Smith's! He's tough, he knows what he's doing, and he gets to play with all those great toys! And his girlfriend reminds me of Sloan."
Alex looked Tom up and down and laughed. "Yeah, some tough guy. Can't even handle a little cold weather without getting sick."
Tom pretended to get mad and threw a spoon at Alex, who deftly caught it mid-air.
"If you're done talking, I'd like to see the rest of the movie, please." Tom laughed. "Besides, I want to see if Ed and I end up saving the world."
"Ed? Which one's Ed?"
"I meant to say 'David', ... the computer expert, who figures out the alien code. I guess he reminds me of a friend of Slo ..., a friend of mine, named Ed. Ed's ingenious also. He discovered that Dr. Copeland used nano-technology to attack the immune systems of children and then figured out a simple way to stop them using an electrical charge. He probably saved thousands of lives."
"This friend is ... human?"
"Yes. Does that surprise you?"
"A little. I'm considered 'inadequate' by our species' standards but humans are considered even less than me. And yet one of them figured that out?"
"Yes. Not only that, but Ed and Sloan together developed a cure for the Spanish Influenza that Dr. Copeland accidentally released on himself and us. They found the cure, not Dr. Copeland."
Tom smiled at Alex. "Makes you wonder if the problem isn't so much with those being judged, as it is with the standard used to judge them. People, regardless of species, aren't perfect, and neither are their laws and rules. Sometimes standards serve just to pigeonhole people into nice, neat little categories so they can be controlled better. But I think people of all kinds have something to offer and have the inalienable right to explore their full potential, whatever that potential is."
Alex looked at Tom for a long time and nodded his agreement. "Well said, Tom. You know, you would be a good president, I think. Or at least some sort of politician."
Tom laughed, then pointed at the screen. "Come on, it looks like they're going to try flying the alien space ship."
Then, both of them once more became engrossed in the movie and watched with fascination as Jeff Goldblum and Will Smith headed up to the mothership to wreak havoc on the invaders, while the President readied the forces on Earth for a massive defense.
**********************************
"Brr-r-r. Boy, is it cold out there!" Steve walked in the room, hugging a small package under his arm, and rubbed his hands together. "I should've bought gloves while I was out ..."
"Ssshusssh!!" Alex and Tom simultaneously hissed at Steve.
Steve finished hanging his coat up and replied, "What do you mean ..."
"Will you be quiet! They're just about to plant the virus in the mothership." Alex leaned closer to the screen, waiting with baited breath to see if they will pull it off. Of course, he already knew that they did, but he enjoyed the suspense just the same. Why couldn't Steve have come back a few minutes later.
Steve leaned against the wall, folded his arms, and surveyed the scene before him. Alex was practically sitting inside the TV, acting like he'd never seen one before and Tom, while not as outwardly excited, was equally mesmerized. He glanced around and saw a food cart piled high with dirty dishes, cups, two empty coffee carafes and napkins, while empty bags of chips lay strewn on the floor.
Tom was snuggled in a cocoon of blankets in an armchair, propped up by pillows which Steve assumed Alex put there to help keep Tom upright. Steve could only wonder if Tom had been sitting up the whole time he was gone. Steve stretched his neck as he looked at Tom's legs.
Was that his suitcase under Tom's feet? That had to be Alex's doing. Anything to annoy Steve for making him come over there to watch Tom. But Steve bit his tongue, not wanting to start an argument. He would be polite and wait until the end of the movie to say or do anything.
Pretty soon, Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum were back on Earth, smoking cigars, with the alien ship burning in the background. The scene ended and the credits came on.
"So, did you like?" Alex quizzed Tom.
"Not bad." Tom smiled, "Not bad at all."
"Well, kiddies, time to leave the theater and go home."
Steve pushed himself off the wall and walked into the room.
"Wait, not yet." Alex put his hand up as if to stop
Steve's approach. "I want to see the cast. I want to see who played that idiot advisor to the president." Alex turned to glance at Steve. "He reminds me of someone I know." And I know that other guy, who played that wild-looking scientist, the one at the underground installation. He was in something else ... Wait, I know. That should be Brent Spiner. I think he was Data in Star Trek, and ..."
"That's enough." Steve yelled. He realized he'd just run out of patience. It had been a rough trip for him, too and he'd been up all night with Tom's nightmares. He needed some consideration himself. "I'm cold, I'm tired and I'm hungry. I want to sit down, relax for a minute and get something to eat, if that's OK with you. I don't feel like standing here for another ten minutes while you mindlessly watch the names of people who you don't know scroll down that fool screen."
Steve felt something crunch under his foot and bent down to pick up a stray potato chip He waved it at Alexander. "I see you didn't go hungry."
Then he marched over to Tom and swiped his hand across Tom's forehead. It was hot, as he expected. "You. To bed" he ordered and started to pull the blankets off Tom so he could get up. Then he reached over Alex and shut the TV. "And you," he said to him, "Clean up this mess."
"All right. Don't get so worked up." Alex knew how far he could push Steve and how far he couldn't. And this was not the time to push. As Alex got up to straighten his mess, he added,
"But don't pick on him. He didn't do anything." indicating Tom.
"I know. I'm not picking on either of you. I'm just tired," Steve replied as he helped Tom get back to bed.
"Sorry to be a problem. Just so you know, I do
appreciate what you've done for me." Tom replied as he leaned on Steve on the way back to the bed.
"I know you do. And it's no problem. You would do it for me, I'm sure."
Tom nodded his head in agreement as he climbed back under the covers and stretched himself out on the soft mattress. He was grateful to lie down again. While he was glad he had gotten to know Alex better, and to watch the movie with him, he was aching all over now and could barely keep his eyes open. He pulled the covers up and started to roll on his side to fall asleep.
"Before you nod out, I want you to take something that I got for you." Steve walked to the desk and returned with the bag he had brought back with him.
Tom reluctantly forced himself to sit up as Steve sat
down on the edge of the bed and opened the brown paper bag.
"I looked all over for a health food store and finally found one in Connecticut." He dumped the contents of the bag on the bed and Tom watched as all these little blue vials rolled around on the comforter, followed by a few larger bottles. Tom picked one up and read the label.
"Belladonna." Tom frowned. "Belladonna? Isn't that a poison? Deadly nightshade, or something like that. One bad dream and you're ready to kill me?"
"What-t? Kill you?" Of,..., of course not. What gave you that idea?"
Tom shook the blue vial. "Belladonna." He held up the vial to Steve. "See? "Poison."
Steve laughed. "Oh, it isn't poisonous at this strength and it should help with that high fever."
Steve took the vial from Tom and shook three pellets into the cap. "Here, let these dissolve slowly in your mouth," he instructed as he handed Tom the cap. "And don't touch the inside of the cap with your fingers. You'll contaminate it."
"Well, I wouldn't want to that. We don't want the poison to lose its potency." Tom snickered as he tossed them into his mouth and handed the cap back to Steve. They tasted like sugar and in a few seconds they were gone.
Steve got up to refill the pitcher with more ice and fresh water When he returned, he filled Tom's glass with the water and then sat down on the bed with a large dark bottle. He poured out an ounce or so of a dark green, almost black, liquid from the bottle and dumped it in the glass of water.
As Tom watched, the green-black liquid slowly swirled its way around the glass until all the water was the color of murk. Then Steve handed him the glass to drink.
"Now, that's got to be the poison." said Tom, sniffing the glass and eyeing it suspiciously.
"Still wrong. It's chlorophyll. It'll help cleanse your body and drain out all the toxins that you seem to have in there. Take it three times a day and you should see a big improvement by the end of the week."
Tom shrugged his shoulders and then downed the glass. "It tastes like dirt. The pellets were better." Tom reached for the pitcher of water by the bed and refilled the glass with plain water and drank it down to get the taste out of his mouth. "So, what kind of treatment is this anyway?"
"The pellets are homeopathic. They work by encouraging your own immune system to fight the illness. As long as we don't have access to our own medications, I think they work better on us than other over-the-counter human treatments do. And the chlorophyll is just part of a natural cleansing program. I also have a few more remedies for you take as you improve. Hopefully, you'll feel more like your old self in a short time."
"And what if I don't."
Steve thought a minute. "I guess then I'll have to kill you."
"OK." Tom laid back on the pillows and Steve threw the extra blankets over him.
Bending down, he confided to Tom. "I think Alex likes you but I'm not sure why. He doesn't like chameleons, or strangers, that much. How did you do it?"
"I don't know." Tom yawned. "I just treated him like a person." With that, Tom rolled on his side and fell asleep,