DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters created by Alexander Key
and owned by Walt Disney Pictures.  This is fan fiction, and not
endorsed by Mr. Key, his estate, or Walt Disney.  No copyright
infringement is intended, and no money is being made from this story.
It is based on plot elements used in both the book Escape to Witch
Mountain as well as the movie of the same name, although the book and
the movie differ extensively.  Please direct all queries, comments,
etc. to kevinpkhaynes@yahoo.com.  It is my sincere desire that you
enjoy the story as the pure entertainment it was intended to be.


Life on Witch Mountain
By Kevinpkhaynes


CHAPTER 1

Tony was exhausted.  As he listened to the quiet hum of the lifeboat's
motor, he couldn't help but turn over in his mind again and again the
events of the past few days.  What was supposed to have been a fun
outing to the big city with his sister, Tia, turned nearly disastrous
when he was kidnapped by a scientist and forced to do his bidding.

How had all of this come to be?  His mind, wracked by confusion,
wandered even farther back to his first day on Witch Mountain.  He
smiled inwardly as he thought about that name - "Witch Mountain." Back
in the early 1900's, when the very first scouts from his home planet
came to Earth to look for a place to live, they were scorned because
they looked like "foreigners" and couldn't speak English. Being
mountain dwellers on their home planet, this mountain in the eastern
United States seemed perfect.

When the local people named that particular peak "Witch Mountain,"
Tony's people realized that it would only help them.  People scared of
witches, or anyone different from themselves, would stay away from the
mountain.  And that suited Tony's people just fine.  They wanted to be
left alone.

Of course, Tony's people weren't witches.  They were aliens,
extraterrestrials, "Martians."  Their own planet was on a course that
would take it into one of their suns - their world actually orbited
two suns, a double star - and they had to find a new home quickly.
Being mountain people did not mean they had no technology.  They were
light years ahead of Earth in that area, particularly because of the
unique capabilities of their people.

While in appearance they resembled the citizens of Earth, there were
many differences.  No two people on Tony's planet possessed the exact
same abilities, but some could energize matter simply by using their
minds.  All of them used an ultrasonic speech that Earth people could
not hear -however, many of them were unable to form sounds that Earth
people could hear, so they were considered mute ... or "dumb," the
term used generations ago.  They also possessed unique sensory
capabilities, which enabled them to commune with animals as well as
sense when something was going to happen.  It also allowed them to
know if someone was telling the truth.

As proud as Tony had been of the differences between his people and
those of Earth, he shuddered to think that twice in his brief life he
had encountered Earthmen that would have given everything they had -
and indeed, nearly did - to be able to control the power he possessed.
What would they have done if they had known that many of his people
were able to do far more than he could?  Would they dare to actually
mount an armed assault on his people?

Now approaching Witch Mountain, Tony remembered more of his first day
there.  After waiting for years to feel a part of something, and after
running for his and Tia's lives for almost a week, it felt so ...
inviting... to be among his own kind.  Everyone welcomed him, some
verbally, some without moving their mouths.  He searched the faces of
his people, looking for any that were familiar, but he had been so
young when they escaped their dying planet that most were completely
unknown to him.

He remembered asking what the name of their planet had been.  It had
been less than 24 hours since he had realized he was not of Earth ...
now he couldn't wait to find out where he was from!  He smiled to
himself as he remembered his first reaction to the answer - it was a
word he couldn't understand nor even pronounce!  Of course, they had
spoken a different language on their home planet, and that was the
only language in which one could say the name of the planet.  When he
asked if anyone could tell him what that meant in English, Uncle Ben‚
replied that the closest English word for it was simply "Home."

"Home!"  Tony repeated it to himself.  He was finally home!  No more
running ... Home at last.

More and more information came quickly after his and Tia's arrival to
Witch Mountain.  Within a few days he was getting acquainted with
everyone, learning how they had lived on Home.  Being mountain people,
their dwellings were simple and fit into the environment.  Some were
underground, some were caves carved into rock, and some were simply
thatch dwellings that, from the air, resembled a grassy knoll.

While clothing on their Home had been simple garments made of plain
cloth, some now preferred to dress more in keeping with the customs of
Earth.  At Home no one wore shoes or had pockets - there was no need
for them there.  The rougher terrain of Earth caused some to use
footwear, but made only of cloth.

Tony learned early on that, while his immediate family died in the
crash of their lifeboat (except for Tia) everyone that survived the
trip to Earth considered themselves family.  They had all adopted the
name Castaway, and everyone was "Aunt," "Uncle," or "Cousin."  No
exceptions. "Uncle" Ben‚ was not really the brother of his father or
mother, but that didn't make him any less a family member.

Being used to Earth customs, he was expecting to find a school
building. He had been attending school all of his life, and usually
hated it because he was so different from the other kids, and because
he always felt he needed to take care of Tia.  It took some time for
him to get used to the idea that "school" for his people simply meant
learning - all the time, every day, from every situation.  Some of the
people taught him how to build a dwelling from what he could find in
nature.  Some of them taught him how to hone his skills, such as
manipulating matter, communicating in the language of Home without
using his audible voice, and learning to communicate with the animals
and trees.

Another adjustment for him was his people's use of technology.  On the
exterior, with their simple clothes and earthen dwellings, they seemed
so... well, "primitive" was the only English word he could think of.
But they had wonderful technology!  They could monitor Earth
transmissions by radio and television.  They could even monitor "top
secret" transmissions by the military and government.  And yet Tony
never saw many wires attached to the machines, and there were no
towers or poles such as those he had seen in the city.  It wasn't
until much later that he learned how it all worked.  The goal was not
spying, of course, but self-preservation. They needed to know if
anyone was onto their settlement or who they really were.  And, of
course they were always on the lookout for more people still missing
from crashed lifeboats.

"Tony?  Are you OK?"  The voice of Tia broke his reverie.  He snapped
to, as if coming out of a trance, and said, "Oh ... yeah.  I'm fine.
Just lost in thought, I guess."

"Is that all?" Tia responded, somewhat gently.  She could sense a
change in Tony ... as if something dark was lurking under the surface.
She had the ability to sense what others were feeling.  In fact, her
ability to do that was greater than most of her people had.  And she
could sense fear, uncertainty, anger, distrust, doubt ... all clouding
in Tony's eyes, in his soul.  She feared for him.  He had always been
there for her.  She would be there for him - no matter what.






CHAPTER 2

Tia was feeling much more optimistic within hours of returning to
Witch Mountain.  While she still carried some concern for Tony's well
being, he seemed like his old self immediately upon touching down.
After the weekend they had had, the best possible therapy for him was
to be with his own people, where he could be himself, as well as to be
away from the city.  When they were younger, Tony seemed to adapt to
city life much better than Tia did, but after living on Witch
Mountain, both were now much more comfortable in the great outdoors.
Nature - trees, plants, animals... in fact, all living things - were
so much a part of them, and always had been.  Now they could just
enjoy that every day without having to explain to humans why they were
able to adapt to nature much more easily than other people on earth.

Another thing Tia noticed was that Tony seemed to be much more sure of
his "other-worldly" abilities after returning from the city.  He was
able to use his mind to move much heavier objects than he had ever
attempted without his harmonica. He spoke more with her without using
his voice than he ever had before.  She also noticed that he seemed to
almost relish being with others and helping whenever possible.

One night, after the evening meal, Tony excused himself to go sit
outside.  Tia waited a few minutes and then followed him.  They shared
a dwelling with Uncle Ben‚ and his sister Bria, whom they
affectionately called "Aunt Bri."  Tony was sitting on a fairly large
rock a short ways down the path that led to their dwelling.  His back
was to her, and he was watching the nearly full moon as it rose over
the trees.  The moon cast a quiet glow over the woodland on Witch
Mountain.  Tia enjoyed the sight as well.  In fact, she never got
tired of it.

Afraid of disturbing him, she "whispered" his name.  It was her
people's mental version of gently tapping someone on the shoulder to
get their attention - it wasn't intrusive, but let someone know you
were there.  Tony didn't turn around at all, and his lips didn't move,
but Tia heard him say, "Come on over, sis."

"Did you know I was coming out here?" she asked him silently.

He smiled, still not looking at her, and said, "I could actually sense
you've been wanting to get me alone for a while now."

Tia's brow knotted as she shot back, "I wasn't that obvious, was I?"

He actually laughed and said, "Not really.  Come on over.  We need to
talk."

As she sat on the large boulder next to him, she blurted out, "Tony,
are you OK?  I've been so concerned about you!"  She mentally kicked
herself.  That wasn't how she wanted to begin the conversation!  But,
if anyone knew her and her emotional impulsiveness, it was her
brother.

He rested his hand on hers and said, "It's okay, Tia.  You had a right
to be concerned. Despite the way things turned out, who wouldn't be
messed up by all that Dr. Gannon and Letha did?  I mean, they
controlled my mind, kidnapped me, made me fight you..."  At this point
he quit talking, and Tia saw a tear make his way down his face.

She leaned over and hugged him tightly.  "Oh Tony, it's really
alright!  I know you didn't mean to do any of it, and I don't think
you could have really hurt me if you had wanted to! I just know you,
know your heart, and I believe you could not have really hurt me."

Tony was sobbing now.  He could hardly speak.  "Maybe, Tia.  Maybe.
But all I can remember is the look of absolute fear on your face as I
almost crushed you!  Oh, how can you forgive me?  How can you trust
me?  You should be scared of me!" He began crying even harder.

What Tia did next she didn't expect to do.  She didn't even know how
she had done it. When she had finally found Tony and broke the control
Dr. Gannon had over him, as she and Tony touched they exchanged
thoughts - there was no other way to describe it.  He saw mental
pictures of what she had been through, and she saw his memories as
well.  It was instantaneous, and unprecedented.  They had never
exchanged memories like that, and hadn't heard of anyone in their
group who had.

However, it happened again as Tia sat there.  As she hugged Tony, she
just wanted to comfort him, hold him, help him know for sure that it
was OK.  And that's what she did. The only way she could describe it
was like giving someone a mental "hug."  She wrapped her thoughts
around him just as her arms were wrapped around him. She felt his pain
and his fear.  And, like water being poured over a candle, she
extinguished the fear and pain. She actually saw them begin to
subside, felt herself reassuring Tony that all was forgiven and that
she not only trusted him but also loved him.

Tony was blown away.  He had never felt anything so deep or profound.
It was like the best memories of his life were rolled up into one
wonderful moment. He felt as if his heart had been gashed, just like
he had torn open his knee when he first tried to ride a bike, and Tia
was gently rubbing ointment on the wound, and it was getting better,
just as his knee felt so much better under Granny Malone's gentle
ministrations.

His crying subsided, and they were surrounded by silence.  More than
silence - it was peace.  The first peace Tony had felt since they had
left Witch Mountain for the city.  He was safe, protected, and home.

After sharing the wonderful silence and just being together, they
began to talk.  Tony wanted to describe the change that had taken
place in him.  Always an optimist, Tony had found some good from the
horrible time they had in the city, even though he almost hated to
admit it.  He had discovered that being under Dr. Gannon's hypnotic
control had opened up possibilities to Tony that he had never
considered.  After Jason O'Day had helped them get to Witch Mountain,
Tony began to grow and improve in his abilities.  Soon he had been
able to do many things without his harmonica that he had never
attempted without it before.

But he still was afraid of trying new things.  After years of living
with humans who made fun of you if you were different, he was afraid,
even with his own people, of trying new "abilities" out.  For example,
what if he tried to lift a heavy object with his mind, and couldn't do
it?  What would his people think of him?  So he had forced himself to
be content with what he could do, even though deep inside he really
wasn't.

Dr. Gannon changed all of that.  He forced Tony to go beyond his own
preconceived abilities.  Under the doctor's power, Tony had moved and
levitated all kinds of things.  He moved railroad cars and buses.  He
magnified the sun's light.  At the museum he had "energized" dozens of
things at once and never lost track of any of them.  He had levitated
thousands of pounds of gold.  And he had contacted Tia telepathically
over a very long distance and led her to him.  At the power plant he
had lifted objects heavier than he had ever attempted before, and
without effort.

Once he was out of Dr. Gannon's control, Tony had begun to think about
all he had done. While he was wracked with guilt over the thought of
helping an evil man and trying to hurt his own sister, he was amazed
at the abilities that apparently had been in him all along. So, when
they returned to Witch Mountain, he had resolved to not hold back
anymore.  At all.  If someone needed help with something, he would
help.  If he attempted something and wasn't able to do it, then it
would be a lesson learned.  But he would never know unless he tried.

And after almost losing his freedom and his sister, he had determined
to appreciate those in his life like never before.  He didn't want to
ever take a day for granted again, nor any person for that matter.  He
found that he now relished the small things - hearing Aunt Bri sing to
herself as she prepared breakfast for all of them; watching Tia try to
communicate with every squirrel she could see all at one time;
greeting people from Home and talking with them.  He didn't want to
ever feel that he had wasted the opportunity to appreciate anything in
his life.

After talking deep into the night, Tony and Tia finally headed to bed.
That night, Tony slept like a baby.  And he greeted each new day as if
it was a great big gift waiting to be unwrapped.  The bond that Tony
and Tia shared grew even stronger, if that were possible. They became
inseparable and talked about everything.  Life was finally as it
should be.







CHAPTER 3

Twenty-five years had passed since that night.  Even after so much
time, that night had left an indelible impression on Tony's soul.
Despite the traumatic events in his life - the wreck of the lifeboat,
the death of his parents, the fearful circumstances after the Malones
died, the threats from Mr. Bolt and Dr. Gannon - the one thing that
had most molded Tony's life, his very character, was the night he and
his sister bonded like never before.

In those 25 years, the Witch Mountain community had grown as well.
More survivors had been recovered (although there were still many
unaccounted for), and the Homedwellers - as they chose to call
themselves - had settled into a wonderful routine that closely
resembled life on their home planet. They planted gardens, which
provided all of their food.  Since they formed close bonds with
animals, they chose to not eat any meat, so all of their food had to
be grown.  However, since many of them had lived among humans before
finding "New Home" (which is what they began calling Witch Mountain),
they also brought in foods from nearby settlements, such as pasta,
various vegetables which would not grow in their mountain environment,
and even chocolate and other sweets.

Tony and Tia still lived with Uncle Ben‚ and Aunt Bri.  Now adults,
Tony and Tia had taken over more of the household duties so that their
"elders" could enjoy themselves more.  While the concept of retirement
was foreign to Home, the idea of respecting one's elders and allowing
them to relax and enjoy the fruit of their labors in their later years
was very strong.

Something else Tony had been amazed to learn was that his people's
lifespan was much greater than that of humans.  Since he and Tia had
aged at the (apparently) same rate as their peers when they were
younger, he assumed they would live as long as earth people do.  He
learned, however, that the key word was apparently.  Physically the
Homedwellers developed at the same rate as earth-dwellers, but
inwardly they remained quite young. After about 50 earth years, the
outward changes began to slow down, as if reaching a plateau.  Uncle
Ben‚, for example, appeared quite old by earth standards, but Tony was
amazed to learn that he was actually over 100 earth years old!  He
appeared to be only about 60, and actually had the strength and
stamina of someone half that age.

There were at least two reasons for this, Tony was told.  First, the
planet Home took much more time to orbit its sun since it had to go
around two of them!  So one year on Home was the equivalent of many
years on earth. The other was the happy coincidence that earth's
proximity to its sun, as well as its particular atmosphere, had what
could best be described as a greenhouse effect on the Homedwellers.
Because of these properties, they ended up living longer lives on
earth than they would have on their own planet!

Life on Witch Mountain - or New Home - consisted of just living.
Growing food, learning about the earth and its inhabitants, being
together, improving one's abilities, and enjoying just being alive
were the essence of their existence.  They also enjoyed inventing.  As
earth technology improved, they had to keep their own technology
growing as well. While earth scientists weren't anywhere near the
ability to build something like the lifeboats that had brought them to
earth, they still needed to stay ahead.

The reason for this continual advancement was because of the Mr. Bolts
and Dr. Gannons of the world.  Almost any Homedweller who had lived
with humans before finding their way to Witch Mountain had encountered
people that wanted to make use of their abilities.  It was no secret
to the humans that many "special" people had made their way to Witch
Mountain. And while the more simple-minded humans that lived near
Witch Mountain avoided it and discouraged anyone from getting too
close, the Homedwellers knew that earth's technology would soon enable
someone who knew about them to look closely at Witch Mountain from the
air or even from space.  That was something they must avoid at all
costs.

This potential threat was the reason they developed the "Assignment."
Each Homedweller, as he or she reached adulthood, would take on a
three-year-long assignment.  Each one would be trained in a different
line of work.  Once ready, they would be sent to different parts of
the United States to blend in with humans and perform their trade.
While they were on assignment, their mission was two-fold: (1) to find
out what humans knew about Homedwellers and if they were in any
danger, and (2) to seek out Homedwellers that did not know they were
from another planet.

Neither Tony nor Tia had been on their assignment yet, even though
they both were approaching 40 earth years of age.  Since they had
spent so much time with humans, even though they were quite young,
they were needed to train those who would be going out into the world.
Although they had not lived with humans for almost 30 years, Tony had
used radio, television, and, of late, the internet, to follow American
fads and trends.  He was often able to relate new things he heard
about to what he had experienced years before, and Tia would often
remind him of things he had forgotten.  Then they would pass this
information on the Homedwellers who were preparing for their
assignments.  Tony would even have them role-play different scenarios
to help them prepare to react as earth-dwellers and without giving
away their unique abilities.

But after years of teaching and training, Tony was itching to go on an
assignment himself.  When he was younger and the idea was first
discussed among the Homedwellers, he had almost become sick thinking
about contact with humans again.  But as his people went and then
returned, he loved listening to their stories and experiences.  He
began to hunger for some contact with humans again as he remembered
that there were kind ones like Granny Malone and the Earthquake Gang.
There was also a part of him that, after running for his life at such
a young age, wanted to be a "spy" and play a role.  When he was nine
he didn't know how to pretend he was someone different than who he
was, and he resented having to hide his true abilities.  Now, as an
adult, he was ready to try it out - he could handle it much better
now!

Uncle Ben‚ agreed with Tony.  As elder statesman for the Homedwellers,
it had originally been Uncle Ben‚'s idea to send people on the
assignment. He was concerned, at first, that three years might be too
long, but humans seemed to not trust someone who was only around for a
year or two, and trust was essential for what they were trying to
accomplish.  Also, with their extremely long lifespan, three years
really wasn't that much time. They could keep in touch mentally or via
their version of the internet with their members on assignment, so it
was as if they weren't even gone.

Uncle Ben‚ had considered Tony for one of the first assignments, but
he needed to know for sure that the young man was ready.  Tony had
developed into a wonderful, confident young man, but his uncle knew
that scars of the past heal slowly.  When, after years of helping with
the training, Tony finally approached him about going on an assignment
himself, he knew that Tony was ready.

And so was Tia.  She had wanted for so long to be sent on an
assignment, but her bond with Tony was so precious that she didn't
want to leave until he was ready.  She couldn't suppress a smile when
he told her that he was going to begin preparing for an assignment.
Now she could, too.  Both could hardly wait for this new adventure.










CHAPTER 4

Tony and Tia, brother and sister, had so much in common.  So they were
quite shocked when they found out just how different their assignments
were!

"Uncle Ben‚, are you sure about this?  This just seems so different
for us!" Tony exclaimed.

Uncle Ben‚ smiled as he said, "I'm very sure about this, Tony.  I've
watched the two of you for years, and I know you both very well.  I am
certain these assignments are perfect for each of you.  And after
years of sharing so much in common, it will be good for both of you to
have unique experiences you can tell the other about."

Tony seemed doubtful, but he smiled and said, "Okay.  I trust you,
Uncle Ben‚.  And I can't wait to go!"

Tony had been assigned the task of going to New York City and posing
as an artist who sells paintings on the street.  Tony had loved art
and drawing since he was younger, and had spent the past two years
learning different artistic techniques, as well as painting without
his harmonica!  He had done well - his own people loved his paintings,
and some had even taken them to nearby towns and sold them for quite a
bit of money.

His main assignment was to look for possible Homedwellers in New York.
One of the lifeboats had landed near there by mistake, and its pilot,
the only one who knew any English, was killed.  The rest of the
Homedwellers on that lifeboat were discovered and assumed to be
"foreigners."  They were taken to an immigration building in New York
and processed as refugees.  But since no one could communicate with
them, they had been placed in an institution.  Over the years, they
had broken out or been released as they learned to speak English.  But
none of them knew where Witch Mountain was; they didn't even know that
was the lifeboat's final destination.

Tia's assignment, on the other hand, was completely different.  After
studying clerical skills and governmental agencies, Tia had been
assigned to go to Washington D.C. to work as a Senator's assistant.
Tia was very excited about the prospect, and Tony was in shock.  Tia,
who had always loved the outdoors, who had always collected pets even
when it wasn't prudent, Tia who couldn't stand to be cooped up ...
working in a stuffy office all day every day?  He just couldn't see
it.  He was glad that he would be able to be outside, on the street,
free to do whatever he wanted.

Deep inside, Tia had an incredible feeling about this assignment. She
was so excited to be going anywhere, but this assignment seemed very
special for different reasons.  One thing that came to mind was the
thought that she might finally be able to do something important for
her people. She had helped Tony a lot, especially when he was held
captive by Dr. Gannon, but she had never felt very important to the
Homedwellers.  She was always "Tony's sister," even as an adult, and
now she felt that, by going to Washington, she might be able to get
some real inside information that could truly help her people.

Late one night, Tony, Tia, and several others boarded a lifeboat. It
was piloted by none other than Uncle Ben‚.  Tony wanted to ask why he
was "driving," when he hadn't flown any craft in years.  But deep
inside his heart he knew why - this was his Uncle's way of being there
for them and wishing them well.  Under cover of night, the quiet craft
rose high into the atmosphere, where it could avoid most detection
methods, and flew toward the northeast.  At about 3:00 a.m. Tony was
deposited in New York City, near the Empire State Building, and just a
short time later Tia was left near an apartment building just blocks
from the Capitol.  They had hugged and said their goodbyes quickly on
the lifeboat, and now, it was time.

Their assignments had begun.









CHAPTER 5

As Tony emerged from the dark alley where the lifeboat left him, he
was amazed at not only the size of New York City, but also the number
of people still out and about at 3:00 in the morning.  He tried to
look nonchalant as he walked down the street carrying his duffle bag
and carrying some canvases for painting under one arm, but he drew
many stares.  Since part of his assignment was to observe, he decided
to start right then.  He wanted to figure out why people were staring
- he really needed to try to fit in if he were to be part of this area
for the next three years.

Most of the people on the street were in bad shape.  Some were sitting
or lying on the ground.  Their clothing was little more than rags.
Others who were standing weren't dressed much better.  He had watched
enough TV and read enough to know about the homeless, gangs, muggers,
and hookers.  He realized, as he thought about that, that he really
didn't fit into any of those categories in the way he looked or
dressed, and those would be the people most likely to be out at this
time of night.

He quickened his steps toward the place he would be spending his
nights for the next few months.  It was a rundown apartment building,
but it was a reliable place to sleep at night, and also rest during
the day if he needed to. It had been scouted out by another
Homedweller who just finished his assignment.  He had been in a
different part of the city, but had found a location for Tony just
before he left New York.  The rent was fairly reasonable, and there
were many people in the area.  Tony wanted to meet them and get to
know them, because once they felt comfortable with him, then he could
find out almost anything about them.  And that is what he needed to do
- find out about his neighbors and see if any might be Homedwellers or
know someone who was.

Just as he was nearing the door of the apartment building, someone
grabbed his shoulder from behind.  He turned around quickly, mad at
himself for not having sensed it.  A large man, dressed in secondhand
clothes, stood there with a knife drawn.  His eyes were wild and
bloodshot, and he seemed determined and nervous at the same time.  He
simply said, "Give me your bag and your money."

Tony had only seconds to size the situation up.  He could easily
disarm this man and remain safe - that was no problem.  What was a
problem was doing it in a way that wouldn't blow his cover.  He needed
to be in this neighborhood for at least a few months, and his
assignment to this city would last three years.  He couldn't get a
reputation as a weirdo or a freak yet.

It's amazing how quickly a mind can race through memories and details
when one is faced with danger.  It only takes one or two seconds, but
it seems as though it lasted minutes.  Tony remembered fighting Truck
off with a bat and a ball glove at the orphanage; he remembered
scaring Sheriff Purdy thoroughly with the flying broom with a jacket
on it; and he remembered the bears that so frightened the people of
the Sheriff's small town.  What he needed was the right kind of
frightening - something to make this guy back off, but make him think
Tony had nothing to do with it. The biggest mistake he had made when
he was young was using his other-worldly abilities so blatantly.  That
got him into more trouble than if he had been subtle.

The car!  Parked just a few feet behind his attacker, on the street
but slightly angled (since the person who parked it was not in the
best condition to drive, probably), was an older car with a smashed
passenger door.  But it could start and move, and would serve Tony's
purposes. Without warning, the car's engine started, and since it was
missing its muffler, the sound was loud.  Tony's attacker spun around
to see what was going on, and as he did, the car's lights came on and
put the attacker in a spotlight.  Then the car's brights came on, and
the spotlight got even brighter.

Tony was hoping this would be enough to make his attacker flee, but it
wasn't.  Whether the man was just numb to the unexpected, or whether
the drugs he had been taking had dulled his normal responses Tony
couldn't tell.  So he went to Plan B.  Suddenly the car shifted into
drive and began to move ... onto the curb ... across the sidewalk ...
and straight toward the attacker.  Now the man's instincts kicked in.
He started running down the street, past Tony's apartment building,
and was horrified to see the car pursuing him.

His terrified screams should have woken every person on that street.
Tony only had the car pursue him until the man was out of sight, and
then the car abruptly stopped, on the sidewalk, put itself into park,
turned off its lights, and turned its engine off.  Tony smiled as he
entered his new home-whoever owned that car would wonder in the
morning just how it got half-way down the street on the sidewalk!
Well, perhaps they'll think better of driving home intoxicated next
time, he thought.

He walked carefully up the stairs to his 4th floor apartment.  He
didn't know if anyone would be lurking in the hallways or stairwells
at 3:00 a.m., but now he was going to take no chances.  He also had
his senses on full alert. He actually picked up the fact that there
were four dogs living in various apartments he passed, several cats,
and countless rats.  While he had never had the knack for
communicating with animals that his sister had, he nevertheless had
devoted himself to making some friends of the animals that dwelt on
Witch Mountain.  He tried to remember where the dogs and cats were,
especially.  They might make good friends, and even help him find what
he was seeking.

The apartment itself was sparse.  The last Homedweller on assignment
in New York knew that Tony was coming and had rented the apartment for
him.  He hope to make enough money selling paintings that he could pay
the rent himself, but he wasn't too concerned.  It was a studio
apartment, but had minimal furnishings.  "Oh well - at least it's not
the orphanage or Sheriff Purdy's jail.  And I can decorate it any way
I like - it's all mine!" Tony was actually excited.  This assignment
was going to be such a change of pace that he knew he would enjoy it.

He put his few clothes away, stored his canvases against the wall, and
set up his transmitter.  The transmitter - a small metal box the size
of a cigarette box - was the Home equivalent of a cell phone.  Tony
could already project his thoughts, or use his ultrasonic voice, over
many miles. But the transmitter could broadcast them on a special
frequency all the way to New Home, where he would keep in touch with
his people, and especially Uncle Ben‚.  He would leave the transmitter
turned on all the time.  If he needed to use it while away from the
apartment, he only had to project his "voice" toward it, and it would
be transmitted to New Home.

Should the unexpected happen and he was to somehow find himself more
than 10 miles from the apartment and still needed to contact New Home,
he had a small microphone/receiver hidden in his watch.  The whole
thing reminded him of the old Dick Tracy cartoons he used to read - if
he needed help he would use his special voice to speak into his watch.
That was then sent to the transmitter, which would send the message
home.

Normally he would just check in each night from his apartment, but
after what had happened to him with Dr. Gannon, as well as what others
had experienced on their assignments, they wanted to have an emergency
signal set up just in case.  This seemed to be the best way.  They
didn't carry the transmitter on their person in case they were robbed
or searched or arrested.  Their watches didn't usually attract any
attention, so it seemed wisest to make the watch the receiver for the
transmitter.

The best part was that, even if his transmissions were intercepted, no
human could hear the frequency and, as far as they knew, no earth
computer could decode it either.  Also, if for some reason he failed
to check in, his watch could be tracked by those at New Home, and they
could make sure he was OK.

As the sun began to rise over New York City, Tony tried to rest.  He
had been up all night and already had one adventure.  What else lie in
store? Who would he meet on the streets?  Would he be able to help any
of his people?  What would he tell them?  Where would he start?  With
all of these questions buzzing around in his head it took him a while
to fall asleep.  But sleep he finally did.







CHAPTER 6

Since Tia had no luggage to carry, she made her way quickly from the
drop-off point to her new apartment.  As the assistant of a Senator
she had quarters provided by the government.  And, since she would
need to dress professionally, Uncle Ben‚ had arranged for her wardrobe
to be in place in her apartment upon her arrival.

She marveled at that thought.  There appeared to be a vast network of
Homedwellers looking out for their own people.  They had set her
apartment up before she arrived, they had secured Tony's apartment and
gotten the lease in his name even though he hadn't even been there
yet, they had arranged for her to get this job ... she was curious
about how many were involved and how far the network extended.

It did make her feel more secure, and less alone, to know that there
were others like her out here in the "real" world, working behind the
scenes to make a difference.  She hoped so much that she would be able
to do the same.  Tia knew that working as the assistant to a Senator
was an important government job as far as earth people were concerned,
but that didn't interest her.  Her heart's desire was to make a real
difference in the lives of Homedwellers and to make sure that New Home
remained a safe haven for them.

She had the key to her apartment in her hand when she entered the
building.  While the apartment building itself wasn't noteworthy, she
noticed it was much nicer than the place Tony was staying.  She hadn't
told him, but after Tony got his assignment, she had visualized his
new home. It scared her to think that her brother would be living in a
place like that, so she just didn't tell him.  It was hard enough for
the two of them to think of being apart for three years - they had
always been together.  She didn't want to make it worse than it was.

Her apartment, on the 8th floor, was much bigger than she expected.
Perhaps by earth standards it wasn't fancy, but, with the exception of
the short time she was at Mr. Bolt's mansion, it was by far the nicest
place she had ever lived.  To her, of course, being outdoors with the
animals was the best - there's nothing "fancier" than a canopy of
trees, soft green grass beneath you, and countless forest animals to
talk with.  But, if she had to live in a building, this one would do
nicely.

She was exhausted, as much from the trip as from the sheer excitement
of doing something she had never done before.  She also couldn't shake
the feeling, from somewhere deep within, that this adventure would
change her life.  And it wasn't a bad feeling - if her life was going
to change because something terrible would happen or someone was going
to die, she would have a completely different reaction.  This feeling
was that something good, something wonderful, was going to take place.
She couldn't help but wonder what it was.

One thing she knew for sure was that, when she felt this strongly that
something was going to happen, it would happen.  It always did.  She
felt this strongly that Lucas Deranian would figure in their lives,
and he did -he even convinced Mrs. Grindly that he was Tony and Tia's
uncle.  She knew in her heart that Mr. Bolt was bad, and that he would
try to keep them locked away forever, and she was right about that,
too.

But this time ... something good?  Something wonderful?  Well, she'd
have to wait and see.  It will happen.  She just didn't know when.  Or
what it would be.

After she set up her transmitter, she looked at the letter she had
received stating when she would start work.  Since she didn't have to
be there until 9:00, she told herself that she needed to be up by
8:00.  She had always had the ability to set an "internal alarm
clock," as she and Tony called it, and always wake up when she wanted
to.  As soon as she had set it, she fell asleep right away.  Her
dreams were sweet and hopeful.







CHAPTER 7

Tony found himself awake at about 10:00.  He was too excited to sleep
any longer, and he had never been one to oversleep.  Even as a young
boy at Granny Malone's house, he was up before she was and ready for
school. That really impressed her, because she had grown up on a farm
and was always up before sunrise to tend to the chores.  Even after
moving to the city, she kept rising early, but never as early as Tony.

Many years later Tony learned why this was true.  His people had an
internal connection to nature around them, and since time, as humans
understand it, is simply the measurement of the progress of nature -
sun, moon, stars, and seasons - Homedwellers had an internal way to
measure the passage of time (or "events," as they called it), and
usually didn't need a timepiece to arise at a certain time or be on
time for something.

After a quick shower and a simple breakfast of grains and fruit, Tony
grabbed his canvases and his bag and headed out.  The sun was shining,
the air was warm, and there were people everywhere.  He was amazed -he
had lived in a city in North Carolina, but it wasn't this big.  Of
course, few cities on earth could compare with New York City, but
despite all he had seen and read, being among this many people was
just mind-boggling.

He found a corner where he could set up.  He had passed others selling
watches and jewelry, some selling art and shirts and wall hangings,
and others playing music for donations or just sitting with their
hands out waiting for money.  He tried to find an area where others
were plying their trade (so he could be sure that area would allow it)
but far enough away that there wouldn't be much competition.

As soon as he placed a few of his paintings along the wall behind him,
people began to stop and look.  He had been told by other Homedwellers
that his paintings really attracted attention, but he had never seen
the reaction himself.  It made him feel really good inside to know
that people admired his talent.  He also set a sign up that said,
"Paintings -Make offer." While he would be living on the money he made
selling his paintings, he also had money to live on in case he didn't
make much.  Uncle Ben‚ and the other Homedwellers had decided that was
best, since those on assignment weren't there to make money but to
find other Homedwellers.  They had decided to set up an account at the
bank that Homedwellers on assignment could tap into when needed.  So
he didn't care how much people gave him for his art - as long as they
paid what they felt it was worth, he would accept it and use it for
his needs.

He then set up his easel and a blank canvas and got his palette out.
He would do some actual painting while on the street as well.  It
would give him an excuse to observe activities and to watch people.
Passersby wouldn't get angry at him for staring if they thought he was
painting them. And that would allow him to notice anything he might
need to.

Attached to his easel was a wooden holder for business cards.  He had
some business cards made that simply said, "Tony - Artist."  There was
no address or phone number to put on it, so in the remaining space he
had the double-star emblem.  It was identical to the logo for Home,
and the same image on the star cases each Homedweller had when they
arrived on earth. He wasn't sure if any of the Homedwellers that had
landed here many years ago would have star cases or know about the
emblem, but it would be a huge lead if anyone recognized it.

Over the course of the first few days Tony kept busy.  Since he was a
new face, people that had been passing that way every day in their
commute or daily business were very interested.  He had had to
replenish his business cards three times, but no one had commented on
the emblem yet.  He had sold all of the paintings he brought with him,
and had made over $100.  He had used that to buy more canvases,
brushes and paint, and had painted several new paintings since he had
arrived.

He had begun to notice patterns in some people's behavior.  He had
always been fairly observant, and had become even more so during his
years at New Home.  He recognized the cars and pedestrians that passed
by him at the same time each day.  He knew when businesses would close
for lunch, or for the day.  He even memorized the schedule of the few
police he saw -they always seemed to come by at the same time during
the day.

While his senses had been on full alert (as much as possible while he
was painting), he hadn't "picked up" anything.  He didn't know if he'd
be able to sense a Homedweller that way, but it sure would make it
easier if he could! But so far, he had come up empty handed.  During
his nightly reports to Uncle Ben‚ he had started to sound discouraged.
He wasn't sure why -he couldn't have expected to have completed his
three-year assignment in three days!  But having always been a quick
learner, he thought he would at least have some leads by now.

Uncle Ben‚ and Aunt Bri were so kind to him.  They understood his
frustration, but did try to caution him about his perception of his
progress. Finding Homedwellers took time, and he had plenty of that.
What he needed now was patience.  He smiled as he realized how right
they were.  He had never been very patient.

He thought he had prepared for everything, and was ready for any
contingency.  The one thing he should have expected, but didn't, was
to be robbed.






CHAPTER 8

Up until this very moment, Tia had felt confident and excited.  Now,
as she prepared to climb the steps to the Capitol building, she had to
force her feet to move.  She had been looking forward to this moment
for a long time, and had spent the past two years preparing for
nothing but this. And now... she was scared.  More than scared ...
terrified!

Fear was something she had known often in her life, at least until
arriving at New Home.  Once she had found her people and settled in
with them, the only fear she had really experienced was when Tony had
been kidnapped by Dr. Gannon.  She also feared for him after they had
returned, until the night they had bonded.

No, this fear was ... different.  This wasn't fear for her life, or
fear for someone's safety.  This was a fear of messing up.  She had
never been "center stage" before.  No plan or event had ever depended
on her. She had always been in the shadows, off to the side, or just
part of a team effort.  Not any more.  Now it was all up to her. Would
she be able to play the part?  Could she talk the talk - look and
sound and respond like a professional?  After all, she was just a
nature girl, more at home with the deer and bears and woods than with
people, even Homedwellers.  What was she thinking to accept three
years of working side by side with humans, pretending to be one of
them?  What was Uncle Ben‚ thinking?

As she made her feet climb one step at a time, she forced the thoughts
from her head.  Each step she ascended meant one more fear she forced
to be gone.  This is what she had dreamed of, to make a difference, to
step out of the shadows.  Now she understood what "stage fright"
meant. The spotlight, so to speak, was on her.  If she succeeded,
everyone would know.  If she screwed up, everyone would know.  But she
had to realize, she told herself, the risk was part of the excitement.
No risk, no thrill.  She almost laughed out loud when, in her silent
conversation with herself, her inner voice seemed to cry out, "But no
one told me risk was so scary!"

She made it to the top of the steps, through the front door, and past
the security guard who checked her ID badge with his list of new
employees. He directed her to the right elevator and the right floor.
And there it was ... the office of Eric Long, Senator from North
Carolina.

Tia knew very little about her new boss.  She had been told (or
actually had read in a report given her by the Homedwellers that set
this up) that he was a first term senator and was one year away from
reelection.  Unlike other new senators, however, he preferred to keep
working in Washington to help his constituents instead of going back
home to campaign for his reelection.  She also read that he was very
detail-oriented, and he expected his assistant to be the same, while
also keeping the big picture -schedule, appearances, votes, etc. - in
mind.

The receptionist, an older lady dressed very nicely, asked her name,
and then asked her to be seated.  She picked up her phone, dialed a
three-digit extension, and said, "Senator, Tia Castaway here to see
you."  Then she hung up and said, "He'll be right out."  And she went
back to her typing.

Tia was looking around at the office, trying to get to know it.  She
saw a desk back in one corner but before she could see who was there,
a figure came around the corner from behind the receptionist's desk.
Tia wasn't expecting this at all!  This young man standing before her,
dressed in a suit, couldn't be a U.S. Senator!  Maybe she had just
been around too many years, but she expected someone much older.

She suddenly realized that she was staring at him.  What was happening
to her?  Boy, this day was taking its toll on her!  She just wasn't
acting like herself at all!  He approached her and said, "Tia?"

She stood, smiled, and extended her right hand and said, "Tia
Castaway. I'm your new assistant, Senator Long."

He smiled and extended his hand and said, "Call me Eric.  Nice to meet
you, Tia!  Welcome aboard."

They shook hands, and Tia felt like she was in a dream.  She wished
she could just freeze the scene, step out of it, and slap herself! She
had been around many men in her life, from two different planets even,
and never reacted like this!  She mentally berated herself and forced
herself to start acting professional and not like an awestruck
schoolgirl.

As Eric led her to the back of the office complex, he pointed out his
office, and that hers was right next to his.  Tia noticed that she had
two phones on her desk.  She said, "It looks like a nice office - I
love the view! But why do I have two phones?"

He pointed at the beige phone with about 20 buttons on it, and said,
"This is your contact with the rest of the world.  It is the published
number for my assistant, and all calls to you go there.  You can set
up a voice mail greeting yourself, or leave the standard one there
provided by Uncle Sam. Now, this other phone," he said, as he pointed
to a black one with just the standard key pad on it, "is your direct
line with me, and vice versa.  It's like an intercom, except that I
hate intercoms.  What's said over them is never private, so we have a
phone instead.  When I need you, this phone will ring. And when it
does, whatever else you are doing can wait.  If you're talking on the
other phone, put them on hold or hang up.  If you're writing a report
or a letter, stop.  This phone is your top priority.  Is that clear?"

Tia was a little startled by his directness.  However, she sensed that
Eric, instead of being pushy or a bully, simply a man who knew what he
wanted and knew how to get it.  "Wishy-washy" could never be used to
describe him!  She replied, "I understand perfectly, and it will be my
top priority."

The look Eric gave her was difficult to read.  He seemed to either
doubt her sincerity, or couldn't believe someone would be that willing
to accept what he had just said.  Tia, her nervousness having faded,
began to feel that working for Eric itself would almost be a greater
adventure than looking for other Homedwellers.

Eric looked at her and said, "I appreciate that, Tia.  You're here
because the last three people who held your job didn't understand
that.  My work is often unrelenting.  So many people think that the
hardest part of getting to be a Senator is the campaigning and
speaking and making promises. Well, if you're like some of my
colleagues, that's right.  But if you want to have any integrity at
all, being a good senator is much harder than any campaign.  I work my
butt off to be the best I can be for those who elected me, and
sometimes that doesn't allow me the luxury of waiting until you are
off the phone.  If I ever come across as rude, I apologize right now,
because I assure I probably won't have time to apologize then!  If you
want a soft-spoken boss with an easygoing manner and a job that allows
you to be comfortable, then you should probably go grab the
classifieds.  If you like some adventure and are willing to suffer
some discomfort for it, you should find this job exhilarating!"

Amazing, Tia thought.  He is so focused, so passionate.  The only
humans I have met who were like that wanted to capture or hurt my
people. He's just the opposite ... but no less driven!  I am
definitely going to enjoy this!

Not sure what her eyes were saying as she thought that, she
straightened and said, "Eric, I am ready for any adventure you can
send my way. When do we get started?"

Eric smiled, which not only lit his whole face but also the whole
room, and said, "Well, first we introduce you to your gofer.  I need
you here, accessible, so when there are errands to be run, you send
him.  That way you're where I need you to be."

Tia actually laughed.  All of her experience with animals had prepared
her, when hearing the word "gofer," to actually picture a gopher!  She
knew from her studies what a gofer was, of course - someone that you
send to "go for" things for you.  But she couldn't help picturing a
little animal with big teeth wearing a suit, running an errand for
her.

Eric seemed a little puzzled by the laughter, and she said, "I'm
sorry, I just pictured a real 'gopher' when you said that!  It just
struck me as funny." She hoped she hadn't offended him or made him
think she was weird. She had to gain his trust to be able to do what
she came here for ... her real job - the assignment.

Eric laughed and said, "You know, I got the same mental picture.  I
just thought I was tired, but it is a funny sight!  But don't worry,
the gofer we have for you is much better than the gopher you pictured!
Turn around and meet him."

Tia turned, not realizing someone else was there.  Standing next to
the desk that she had seen near the corner of the main office was a
man, slightly taller than Tia, with kind features.

The man cocked his head and looked surprised.  He said, "Tia ... is
that you?"

Tia's mouth flew open.  There was something familiar about him, but
what human would she know?  She had had contact with so few of them.
She composed herself, extended her hand, and said, "Yes, I'm Tia.  Tia
Castaway.  Have we met?"

The gofer grinned as he shook her hand and said, "Yes, we have!  You
probably don't remember me, but I'm Kurt Garrison."

Tia's brow knotted as she tried to remember.  Her memory was usually
photographic, and she could remember minute details even years later.
Her brain was telling her that she did know this man, or had before,
but for some reason her brain wouldn't tell her any more than that!

He chuckled and said, "Maybe this will refresh your memory."  Then he
stepped back, and, as his open hands came up near his face like
fireworks going off, he said, "I'm Dazzler!"







CHAPTER 9

He should have seen it coming.  Tony had studied about life on the
streets, he had heard that it can be dangerous to live in a big city,
and he was out on the street, day after day, seeing how life unfolded
there.  It shouldn't have surprised him.

But why would anyone rob him?  He just didn't expect it.  A kind
gentleman wanted to buy a painting, and as he handed Tony the thirty
dollars, Tony didn't want to stuff it in his pocket until he first had
given the man the painting.  So he carefully set the money onto his
easel, wedged in between the edge of the easel and the canvas still on
it.  He turned around to pick up the painting from among those along
the wall, and he heard footsteps run past him quickly.

Instinctively he turned around, and the money was gone.  The man
buying the painting was standing there, looking down the street where
the thief had run. The thief wasn't that far away, and Tony saw him.
He was shocked!  The boy couldn't be any older than 12 or 13.  He was
dressed in jeans with holes in them, baggy jeans at that, a large t-
shirt, a baseball cap on backward, and shoes that weren't tied.

That last item worked to Tony's advantage.  If the shoes had been
tied, the boy could have run faster and been around the corner before
Tony could do anything. Tony handed the painting to the buyer, then
off running to catch the boy.  As he ran, he focused his concentration
on the boy's shoelaces.  Though the boy was completely unaware of what
was happening, his shoelaces began to move on their own.  The laces on
his right shoe began to wrap around his left leg, and those on the
left shoe headed toward his right leg.  Just as he was about to go
around the corner, two things happened.  He glanced toward Tony's
stand and realized that Tony was running toward him.  At that same
instant, his legs quit moving as the laces held them tight, and he
fell forward.

He landed with such a thud that Tony was afraid he had hurt the boy.
However, he had landed on his arms, which were quite scraped at the
elbows, and was kicking his legs furiously, trying to get them apart
from each other.  He even tried scooting forward as Tony got near,
probably afraid he would be going to jail.

As Tony arrived at the prone figure, he stopped to think - why was he
doing this?  He didn't have to have the money ... his needs taken care
of.  Looking at the boy, he realized that the poor kid probably needed
it more than he did.  And Tony didn't want him to go to jail.  So why
did he do it? He really couldn't say.

Putting on a stern face, Tony looked down into the frightened eyes of
the boy.  Always compassionate, Tony's heart nearly broke as he saw
that this boy wasn't much older than 10. The kid tried to look tough,
but inside he was scared and desperate. Tony's face softened a bit as
he reached down and took the money out of the boy's hand.  "I believe
this belongs to me."

After pocketing the bills, he reached down to grasp the boy's arm and
help him up.  The boy looked at him with some uncertainty, then let
Tony pick him up.  As he looked down at his shoelaces, shock crept
across his expression.  "How did that happen?" he asked loudly.  Tony
just said, "Are you OK?"

"Yeah, I guess so.  Are you gonna call the cops?" he asked.

Somehow, Tony knew exactly what he was going to do.  It just seemed
right.  "No," he replied.  "I won't if you will do two things for me."

The boy looked suspiciously at Tony and said, "What?"

"Number one - tell me your name.  Number two - if you need money, work
for me instead of stealing it."

Dumbfounded, the boy said, slowly, "I'm Ty."

"Ty - nice to meet you.  My name is Tony."  Tony extended his hand,
and Ty shook it, and then winced from the pain in his arms.

Tony said, "Come back to my stand.  I have a rag and some water - we
can clean up your wounds."  Tony waited as Ty reached down to loosen
the laces that were wrapped around his lower legs.

Then Ty numbly followed Tony as he headed back toward his easel.  No
one was watching -apparently New York City residents were used to
petty theft and didn't pay much attention.  Back at the easel, Tony
got his water bottle out of his duffle bag, and then poured some water
on one of his clean paint rags.  He carefully, softly, cleaned to
wounds on both of Ty's elbows.  Ty grimaced and sucked in his breath
once, but otherwise was still and silent.

Tony tried to make conversation.  "So, Ty, how old are you?  Do you go
to school?"

"Um... well, I'm 11.  And I used to go to school, but now I don't."

Tony tried to be nonchalant in his questions as he cleaned the boy's
wounds.  "Eleven and you don't go to school?  Wow.  Why did they let
you stop?  Are you too smart for everyone?"  He smiled at Ty as he
asked that.

Ty actually smiled back.  "Nah, I'm not that smart."  Then he stopped
talking, and he got a very serious look on his face.  "Do you really
wanna know why I quit?"

Tony looked him directly in the eyes.  "Yes, Ty, I'd really like to
know."

The boy's eyes got misty, but no tears escaped, as he said, "I want to
help my mom.  Ever since my dad died, she has to work all the time.
She can't afford no babysitter for me, and I hate school, so I decided
to quit school and try to make some money. Only problem is no one
would hire me."

Tony's eyes misted as well, but he wasn't sure it was a good idea for
Ty to see him cry yet. Some of this might be an act, although deep
down Tony didn't think so.  He kept remembering how he had felt the
night that Tia had salved his inner wounds, and how good it felt to be
trusted and cared for.  Something in him told him that Ty needed that,
too.

"That's pretty cool, Ty, you wanting to help your mom.  Does she know
you quit school so you could work?"

"Nah.  I didn't tell her that - I'm afraid she'd be mad.  But I don't
know what to do now.  You're the first person I ever tried to steal
from, and I couldn't even do that.  I can't work and I can't steal.
And how come you're being so nice to me?"  He said the last phrase
almost as an accusation.

Tony sat down on the ground, next to Ty, both of them leaning back
against the building.  "Well, Ty, believe it or not, when I was around
your age, I was out on the street, too.  Both my mom and dad died when
I was real little, and I ended up out on the street running away from
some bad people.  Fortunately, I never had to steal - someone helped
me out and even helped me find other members of my family.  So in some
ways I know how you feel, and how hard it is for you. And my offer
still stands - do you want to work for me?"

Ty seemed genuinely interested, but also afraid to really believe in
Tony's good intentions.  "What would I do for you?  I can't paint, and
you don't seem to have anything else you do!"

"There are a lot of things I could use your help with.  You can clean
my brushes and my rags. You can pick up my canvases when the wind
knocks them over.  I can send you to the store with money and you can
get me more brushes or supplies.  And sometimes I might even send you
to my apartment to get things I need there.  I'll pay you $5 an hour
and buy you lunch.  But you have to always be honest with me - no
lying and no stealing.  Do we have a deal?"

Ty was almost drooling at the prospect.  He asked one final question.
"How long do I have to work every day?"

"You can work when you want to.  When you're here, you get paid. When
you're not, you don't. Also, some time I have to meet your mom.  I
just can't have you working for me and not tell her. She deserves to
know.  But for now, if it will keep you from stealing and from getting
into trouble, I'd rather have you here, earning money honestly that
you can use to help your mom.  Deal?"

Ty actually showed his teeth in a huge grin.  "Deal!" he said, as he
stuck out his hand to dramatically shake Tony's hand.







CHAPTER 10

"Dazzler?!  What are you doing here?" Tia exclaimed.  "I would never
have expected to find you in Washington, D.C.!  What happened?  How
did you end up here?"

Kurt - Dazzler - was laughing by now.  "You'd never believe me!  The
last time I saw you, the truant officer, Mr. Yoyo, was taking us to
school.  You told us that, if we went to school, we'd be as smart as
you and Tony.  Well, we believed you, and ... well, here I am!  I
studied sociology in college, then went on from there to economics,
and ended up studying law.  I didn't like being a lawyer that much, so
I switched.  I'm kinda getting in on the ground floor in politics,
working for Senator Long.  I've been an intern, now I'm a gofer.  I'm
really moving up in the world!"

Eric was listening to this, fascinated and wanting to find out more,
when his phone began to ring. Tia turned as if she needed to answer
it, and he said, "No, it's my line from the Senate floor.  You two
carry on - but when I'm done with the call, I'll need you, Tia." And
he hurried off.

Kurt said to her, "Now, how did you end up the assistant of a U.S.
Senator?  This I have to hear!" He was smiling again.

Tia didn't know what to say.  Although it had been years since she had
met Kurt and his friends -the Earthquake Gang - Tia had all but
forgotten that part of her and Tony's adventure in the city. What she
had remember most was looking for Tony.  Had it not been for the Gang,
she could never have found him and broken Dr. Gannon's hold on him.
Now, as she thought back, she realized that Kurt had seen her lift
cars, repair a van, make people levitate ... he had even seen their
lifeboat!

Kurt could completely blow her cover if he wasn't careful, and she
needed to talk to him some more before she could confide much in him.
So she said, "It's a long story, Daz-, uh, Kurt.  Since today's my
first day on the job, I don't want to get into it yet. Could we have
lunch or dinner some time, and I could fill you in?  I'd love to find
out more about your life as well, and how the rest of your 'gang' is
doing!"

At that Kurt laughed again.  "Oh yeah, I'll have to tell you about all
of them!  You won't believe their stories, either.  Yeah, let's plan
on dinner.  I know a great place, and it's not too expensive. How
about tomorrow night, 7:00?  We can exchange numbers later."

"Sounds great.  I better go check on Eric.  See you in a while."

Kurt returned to his desk, and Tia headed toward Eric's door.  It was
closed, so she went into her new office and sat down.  She wanted to
get a feel for where she'd be working for a while.  She looked around
- the walls were white and bare.  She'd have to fix that.  The room
definitely needed some plants and a few pictures of animals.  She
wished she could have Tony paint her some, but that wouldn't be
possible yet.  As she thought of him, she wondered how she was doing.
She tried to visualize his paint stand, and was almost seeing it when
the black phone suddenly rang.  She jumped, then picked it up.  "Yes,
Eric?"

Eric said, almost abruptly, "Come into my office now.  Bring some
paper to take notes with."

"Right away!" she replied, and she was already on her feet, notepad in
hand, before she hung up the phone.

She went to his office, and since the door was still closed, she
knocked.  "Come in!" Eric called form inside.  As she entered, he
said, "Two more things you should know.  One - if I call you to tell
you to get in here, don't knock when you get here.  Just come in.  And
two, if I tell you to bring a notepad, always shut the door after you
come in.  We'll be talking about something that is potentially
confidential."

Tia went back to shut the door and said, "Got it."  She sat down in
the chair closest to Eric's desk and got ready to take notes.  He
said, "Don't write anything down yet.  Let me give you some
background."  She set the notepad and pen down and gave him her full
attention.

He continued, "Growing up in the 70's, you probably remember a lot of
hype over UFO's and such.  It seemed like everyone was seeing space
ships and aliens. Movies like Close Encounters and E.T. probably
didn't help matters much.  Well, one group has taken it farther than
most.  They call themselves AAAI - Americans Against Alien Invasion -
and they swear that, around the late-1960's, a group of aliens landed
in North Carolina to take refuge on some mountain.  Now, I know that
sounds farfetched, but as wild as this group is, I'm still their
Senator, and I need to listen to them.

"What they are requesting is legislation that would allow them access
to U.S. government files on that time period.  Not only that, they are
asking for unrestricted access to the area now, including satellite
photos and GPS mapping information.  They also want me to force the
local people in the area to permit them to set up surveillance camps
of the mountain in question."

Tia was stunned.  She wanted to remain calm, but how could she when
this man was describing the efforts of a group that wanted to wipe her
people out, or -worse - capture them and do experiments on them!  Tia
tried not to tremble or look shocked, but apparently it didn't work
very well.  Eric apparently thought she was shocked at the
outrageousness of the request, because he said, "Hey, don't look so
concerned.  I won't let a bunch of extremists put one over on the U.S.
Government!  I'm giving you some background for your first assignment
with me."

Suddenly Tia was overwhelmed with a feeling - almost like the
flashbacks she had as a child, when she could see herself, Tony, and
Uncle Ben‚ floating in the sea - only this was a vision that she was
learning the reason she was here.  This was no accident -just as she
and Tony had been in the right place to save Lucas Deranian's life,
she was here to help her people.  This was her chance to do just that.

Feeling just a little bit better from that revelation, she grabbed the
notepad and pen and said, "OK, Eric ... what do you want me to do?"

He smiled and said, "Alright.  First of all, check the internet for
anything about aliens and North Carolina in the 1970's.  Find out
what's available - where is this group getting their information?
Second - call over to the U.S. Geological Survey on my behalf. Request
any data they can give you on satellite pictures and GPS tracking from
the area in northwest North Carolina.  I think they said the place was
called Stone Creek or Misty Creek or something like that.  I won't
forget the name of the mountain, though.  It was "Witch Mountain"! Now
who else but a superstitious bunch of people would name a mountain
that?"

Tia tried to smile and said, "That sounds exactly like the way you
would get a name like that!  I'll get right on this.  Do you have a
timeline for me?  How long is too long searching the internet, for
example?"

Eric smiled as he said, "Now that's a great question!  I wish your
predecessors had showed this much initiative!  Then again ... maybe
not!  If they had done their job, you wouldn't be here!"

Not sure how to take the compliment, Tia looked away briefly.  Eric
cleared his throat and said, "Sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you. I
was trying to convey the fact that I can tell you will be great at
this job, and I'm glad you're here."

Tia smiled, her eyes sparkling, as she looked at him.  "I can't tell
you how glad I am to be here, Senator Eric!"



CHAPTER 11

Ty turned out to be a real asset.  He seemed to throw himself 100%
into anything he did.  He eagerly cleaned brushes and rags, made sure
that the paintings were always standing up, and even rotated them once
in a while to give the whole display a different look.  He had proven
trustworthy in going to the store to get supplies for Tony, always
bringing back the receipt and exact change.

As Tony was painting a scene of the sun setting behind one of the
skyscrapers in the area, the wind gusted and blew down a few of the
paintings.  It also whipped Tony's business cards out of their holder
attached to his easel.  Once Ty got the paintings righted again, Tony
said, "Ty, could you get my business cards?  They're all over, and
I've got paint on my hands!"

It was fun to watch as Ty almost hopped from card to card, like a big
frog, trying to land on each one before the wind picked it up again.
Within two or three minutes he had collected all of Tony's cards and
put them back into the card holder.  Then he looked at the holder, and
carefully picked up one card and began to study it.

Tony watched him for a moment and then asked, "What's wrong, Ty?  Is
my business card too ugly for you?"  He had meant to be funny, but
Ty's expression was serious.

Ty looked up and said, "I was just noticing the picture you have on
here.  It's pretty cool.  What does it mean?"

Tony had prepared for that question, in case anyone had asked (and
some had).  He said, "Well, basically that is the emblem that my
ancestors used to represent my family.  I thought it would be good to
have something to connect me to them, so I used it."

He still seemed mesmerized by it.  He nodded his head at Tony's
explanation, and said, "Could I show this to my mom?"

Now Tony had stopped painting entirely.  Something was going on here.
He said, "Sure, Ty.  Can I ask why you want to?"

He said, "Well, something weird happened this weekend, and I had kinda
forgotten about it until now.  I don't see my mom very much, and lots
of times I'm home alone.  Saturday I was trying to find one of my
CD's, and since I hadn't seen it in a while, I figured maybe it was in
the closet. Couldn't find it, then I saw a box up on the top shelf.
It was too high, so I got a chair and pulled the box down.  Well, my
CD wasn't there, but there was this really cool wooden box, with a
strap. And it had a big, well, this symbol, on it, in gold coloring.
It was beautiful and shiny.  I just kept staring at it, and then..."

Tony was holding his breath.  His heart was beating rapidly, and he
was trying to remain calm on the outside.  This was it!  This was what
he had been waiting for!

But Ty stopped talking.  And a tear made its way down his cheek.

Tony stepped closer, carefully putting a hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Ty, it's OK.  You can tell me.  What happened?"

He spoke in such a quiet voice, almost as if he were afraid to be
heard.  "Well ... my mom ... she was there.  I didn't know it.  I
guess the noise of the box hitting the floor woke her up, and she came
out of her room."  He paused again, as if he didn't want to remember
it.  "And she came up and just grabbed the wooden box out of my hand
and yelled at me, 'What are you doing with my stuff?  I told you to
leave this stuff alone!'"

He was trying so hard not to cry, but the tears kept coming, and his
voice stopped.  He couldn't continue.  Tony just squeezed his shoulder
and stood close by, not knowing how close to get, not wanting to scare
this frightened boy away, and yet wanting Ty to know that it was OK to
cry, and OK to want to feel secure.

Ty leaned into him, sobbing.  Then he tried to make the crying stop,
and succeeded a bit.  He continued, "I honestly didn't remember her
ever telling me that before.  I didn't even know the box was there.
But I did remember later that there was some special stuff from my
dad, and that she didn't want to keep it where she could see it all
the time, 'cuz it made her sad, but she wanted to hang on to it.
Anyway, she put the wooden thing back into the box, and then went back
to bed. And I went for a walk outside."

Tony exhaled.  He was so close, and yet he had to be so careful.  He
didn't want to do anything to hurt this boy - even finding a
Homedweller wasn't worth crushing this boy's spirit.  He said, "Ty,
did the box with the gold stars on it belong to your dad or to your
mom?"

Ty shook his head.  "I dunno.  She didn't say.  I'd never seen it
before.  It's a pretty star, though. Hey, Tony ..." he continued, as
if the thought just occurred to him, "... do you think your family is
related to my mom's family?"

Laughing, but almost crying at the same time, Tony said, "That's what
I want to find out, Ty. Wouldn't it be cool if you and I were
related?"

Ty looked up at Tony with a smile, and with a look of almost hero-
worship on his face, and said, "Man, that would be awesome."



CHAPTER 12

Tia decided that, if Eric could be decisive and get what he wanted,
then she could, too.  She walked back into the main office and got
Kurt's attention.  He came over to her, and she said, "Come into my
office for a minute."

He did, and she closed the door - something she hoped wasn't
inappropriate.  She just didn't feel right leaving the door open.  She
turned around and said, "Kurt, we have a lot of catching up to do.
But right now I need your help.  Eric has already given me my first
assignment, and it involves a lot of research.  I'd like your
assistance."

He smiled that, well, dazzling smile, and said, "I thought you'd never
ask!  What can I do?"

Tia smiled back and said, "I need you to find anything you can on a
group called Americans Against Alien Invasion, or AAAI for short.
They have members in North Carolina, but I suspect they go beyond the
borders of one state.  Print out information or email me hyperlinks to
sites -just find everything you can on them."

"Can do, boss!"  He laughed.  "Seriously, Tia ... it's great seeing
you again.  How's Tony?"

"He's doing very well, thanks.  I know he'd love to find out that I've
met up with you.  If I get the chance, I'll call him tonight and let
him know.  And then I can tell you his comments over dinner tomorrow!
Now ... get to work, 'gofer'!"

They both laughed, and he returned to his desk and started browsing.

Tia, however, had one more thing to do.  She looked toward her watch
and began sending a message to New Home.  "Uncle Ben‚, this is Tia.
It's urgent!  I must speak with you right away, if at all possible."
She knew that someone monitored messages from those on assignment 24
hours a day.  She would either hear back immediately, or just wait for
Uncle Ben‚ to contact her.

Suddenly she "heard" a voice - it sounded like someone standing right
behind her, talking to her. She realized that it was the voice of a
Homedweller coming through her watch/transmitter.  She had never heard
anyone speak over the machine before, so the sensation was new.  It
wasn't audible - if Eric had been there, he wouldn't have heard it.
But she could.

It was Uncle Ben‚.  "Tia, are you alright?  I came as soon as I was
told.  Are you in trouble?"  He sounded genuinely worried.  She
realized he must be - she had never been on her own before, and now,
less than 8 hours after being alone she was sending an urgent
transmission!

"Yes, Uncle Ben‚, I'm fine.  I just had to tell you what I've already
learned."  She went on to describe the AAAI and the effort to let the
government open up Witch Mountain for investigation. She also told him
her role in this so far, as well as Eric's.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Uncle Ben‚ couldn't help but
needle her a little bit.  "Oh, it's Eric, is it?  Whatever happened to
protocol and calling him 'Senator Long'?"  He chuckled.  Tia laughed
out loud and said, "Oh, Uncle Ben‚, is that all you can think about?
He insisted on it, if you need to know!"

Then he said, "I know, Tia.  I just have to make sure you keep your
sense of humor there.  And I already miss you - it's good to hear you
laugh.  Now, about the situation.  As you know, we have our own
research capabilities, as well as a good number of undercover
Homedwellers.  We'll start investigating all of this ourselves, and
I'll let you know what we find out the minute we do."

"Thanks, Uncle Ben‚.  I appreciate that.  If I learn anything else as
well, I'll communicate it right away.  I have this strong feeling that
this isn't the last urgent transmission you'll receive from me. The
funny thing is, I also feel strongly that this will be a very
successful assignment.  I'm having trouble putting the two together,
but I know both are right."

He replied, "Don't discount either one, Tia.  While the message you
just delivered is urgent and serious, I can't think of anything more
positive than receiving it. Can you imagine what we would have done if
we didn't even know about this threat?  Now we can begin checking it
ourselves and prepare a defense if this group is given access to our
area.  You are exactly where you need to be, doing what we need you to
do.  Now, do your work - both your 'day job' and your 'real job,' and
try to enjoy both.  Take advantage of the fun, light moments, because
they don't come as often as we like.  Laugh as often as you can, and
then be serious when you need to."

Tia loved listening to Uncle Ben‚.  He was always so encouraging, and
always seemed so ... right.  She needed the pep talk.

"I will.  Thanks, Uncle Ben‚.  I better get back to work.  I'll be in
touch tonight, if not sooner.  Tell Aunt Bri I said 'Hi,' and take
care!"

"You too, Tia.  We will be in touch."  And he was gone.



CHAPTER 13

Tony and Tia had spoken almost daily since they had arrived at their
assignments, but this time Tony couldn't wait to talk to his sister.
He was so excited about possibly finding another Homedweller already!
He almost couldn't form the words, and wished he could just transmit
thoughts as pictures so she could understand it all ... but he wasn't
able to do that at will.

Tia was very excited as well.  She told Tony to call her, day or
night, as soon as he found out for sure what was happening.  He
promised he would.

The next day, Ty didn't show up, and at lunchtime Tony finally became
concerned.  Ty had not passed up a free lunch so far!  Tony wanted to
check up on him, but realized he had no idea where Ty lived.  He
thought about trying to get a mental fix on Ty, to locate him as if he
were a Homedweller, but wasn't sure how that would work, either.  He
decided to try to be patient, knowing that things that are supposed to
happen often do.

He was roused from his thoughts by the man taking one of his business
cards.  Something seemed very familiar about the tall, red-haired man
with the piercing eyes, but Tony wasn't sure what.  The man took the
card, looked it over, put it in his pocket, then looked at Tony.
Their eyes made contact briefly, and the stranger nodded his head
toward Tony and then walked away.

Boy, that was bizarre.  He could have at least said something! Tony
thought. Wait ... those eyes. There was something about the eyes ...
no, not the eyes, but the gaze, the glare, the way he looked at Tony.
What was it?

Not wanting to fret over the strange man or Ty, Tony got back to
painting.  Today he was trying to capture the lightning he had seen
over the sky the night before.  It hadn't rained much, but the
electrical storm had been spectacular.  He was having fun trying to
make the lightning look just right when he sensed someone was behind
him.

He was going to turn around slowly, but before he could, he heard a
young voice say, "Hi, Tony. Sorry I'm late."  Tony turned around to
see Ty standing there with a woman.  She looked so much like Ty she
had to be his mom.

Tony wasn't sure whom to address first, so he decided to respond to
Ty.  "No problem, Ty.  You know you can show up whenever you want."
Then he looked at the woman and said, "My name's Tony."  He extended
his right hand.

She shook his and said, "I'm Trina, Ty's mom.  Are you the one that's
been keeping him out of trouble?"

Tony smiled and said, "Well, to tell you the truth, I've just given
him a place to hang out.  He's the one who's keeping him out of
trouble."  At that Ty's face broke into a huge smile.  He looked so
proud of himself.  Trina noticed it and mussed his hair as she
laughed.

"Well, I just wanted to thank you.  Ty's dad died about 5 years ago,
and life isn't easy for a single mom in New York.  I just didn't have
anywhere else to go, and no family I knew of to help.  I make too much
at my jobs to get help from social services, but not enough to really
get ahead, so we've just had to make do.  You've really been a
godsend."

Tony smiled and said, "I'm so glad I could help.  Ty is a bright kid,
and a very hard worker.  You should be proud of him."

"Oh, I am.  I always knew he could go far with the right opportunities
... I just haven't had the chance to help him get any of those
opportunities.  Speaking of which ..." she started digging in her
purse, "how much do I owe you?  I understand you've paid him quite
well."

Tony held up his hands in front of him, palms out, and said, "You
don't owe me a thing.  Ty earned all of that money.  The errands he
runs for me allow me to keep my stand open.  He's helping me earn more
money by the work he does, and I don't mind paying him.  I have to
admit that I was concerned about him missing school, but I was glad
that he was at least safe."

Trina nodded, "Oh, me too.  It's almost summer anyway, so I'm not
going to worry about it until next year.  Do you mind if he keeps
helping you?  You wouldn't believe how much good it does me to know
he's OK."

"I'd love to have him keep working here.  I'm glad it's fine with you
- I'd hate to see him go!"  He winked at Ty, and Ty grinned again.

"Great!  Well, I have to get to work.  Ty, remember I won't be home
until midnight, and I expect to find you in bed, TV off and lights
out, when I get home!"  She looked at Tony and said, "Thanks again!"
and started to leave.

Tony said, "Trina, wait just a second."  He turned and got a business
card for her and handed it to her.  "I know it's not much information,
but I wanted you to at least have that."  He was watching her face to
see what it might say that her words would not.

The color practically drained from her face when she saw the card. She
was silent, then looked up with a faraway expression and said, "Nice
logo.  Where did you get it?"

Tony replied in a quiet voice, as if talking to a skittish deer to
keep it from running away, "It's my family's emblem.  I use it as a
way of honoring them."

"Your family?"  Tony could see her mind working, the wheels turning,
trying to put it all together. "What is your family's name, Tony?"

"They go by Castaway. ... I know it's a strange name..." he started.

"Castaway?"  Her eyes went wide.  "Tony, I have to get to work, but
some time we need to talk."

Tony said, "You know, I don't have a family to go home to, and my
schedule is whatever I want it to be.  Would it help if I watched Ty
tonight, and we could talk when you get home?  I don't want to
intrude, but I'd love to talk about this family thing.  I don't want
to put it off.  If you're not sure about me being in your home, I
completely understand.  I just thought I'd offer."

He wasn't sure what her reaction would be.  He didn't want her to
think he was trying to make a play for her or trying to abuse Ty.  He
was honest when he said he didn't want to put it off - this
conversation could be the most important thing he'd ever done.

She didn't seem offended.  She said, "You know, I trust you Tony.  I
don't know why, but I do.  I think it's because you've been so kind to
Ty so far and have done more than even a Good Samaritan would do.
Yeah, once you close up your stand, Ty can lead you to our house.
It's not nice, and I'm never there to clean it, but we need to talk.
I'll see you around midnight."

"OK.  Take it easy at work!  We'll see you tonight."

As she walked away quickly, apparently late, she said, "See you then!
Ty ... be good!"  And she went around the corner, out of sight.

Ty ran over and hugged Tony, nearly knocking him over.  Tony wasn't
expecting this!  Ty said, "Wow, you get to come to my house!  Oh Tony,
I hope you and my mom figure out that we're in the same family ...
that would be the best thing I could ever imagine!"

Tony rubbed the boy's head, then hugged him back.  Tonight would
definitely prove to be interesting!

Across the street, in a small caf‚ with large windows, the redheaded
man sat at a table.  Even if Tony had been looking that way, he
wouldn't have seen him.  But the man could see Tony and Ty, and had
been watching when Trina was there.  He was taking notes, and had a
camera trained on the group.



CHAPTER 14

Tia hadn't been this busy in her life.  Eric seemed to never quit
moving, and he usually needed Tia with him.  She made calls, arranged
appointments, set up interviews with the press, and accompanied him to
official events.  When she wasn't with him, she was busy doing the
research he had asked for.  She was amazed at the amount of
information available about the so-called "alien threat" of the late
1960's (when her people actually did arrive) and the early 1970's.
Most of it was without proof, and some of it she was actually able to
cross-reference with top-secret government information about test
flights and experiments.

Despite her inner assurance that things would turn out well, she
carried several concerns.  The first was her report to Eric.  She had
been given one month to accumulate all of the information he
requested.  Between her efforts, Kurt's research, and special sources
from Uncle Ben‚, she had enough information to fill a 20-page report
easily.  The problem was that most of it pointed to some kind of
phenomenon in North Carolina near Witch Mountain.  She even found the
news article where she let the bear out of the cage at Sheriff Purdy's
jail.  That was fun to see, but also troubling.  It didn't mention her
name, and the only picture was of the empty cage, but it was still a
potential problem.  She didn't want to lie to Eric, and yet she
couldn't tell him the truth.

That led to the second concern.  Tia found that she had developed real
feelings for Eric.  When he escorted her to official functions, it
always felt like a date. They had never talked intimately, never held
hands or kissed, but the feelings were there.  She knew she had them,
and she could also sense the feelings of others, so she knew for a
fact how Eric felt about her.  But what should she do?

During her years at New Home, she had heard her fellow Homedwellers
debate the pros and cons of marrying humans.  It was always a tricky
topic, and while they never argued -disagreements among her people
never got personal - there was no consensus.  If she were to marry a
human, for example, first she would have to tell him that she is from
a different planet. That would cause him to wonder if they could have
children, and what those children would be like   And, of course, she
would outlive him by many years, since her people have longer life
spans.  No Homedweller that she had known had married a human, and the
genetic complications of a human and a Homedweller bearing children
were completely unknown.

Having feelings for Eric would complicate everything.  Part of being
on assignment, by its very nature, meant deceiving the humans you
worked with.  If she really cared for Eric, she wouldn't deceive him.
And yet, what could she do - walk up to him and say, "Boss, I'm in
love with you, but I'm from another planet and I don't want you to
harm my people?"

At least the last concern, which was working with Kurt, had been
resolved.  They had had a wonderful dinner together her first week at
work, and had talked late into the night.  He had nothing but respect
for Tia and Tony and great memories of the time they spent with her.
He even admitted that he'd had a crush on her for a long time, until
he really thought about the spaceship and the abilities she possessed.
That caused him to realize that, whatever Tia was (because she
obviously wasn't human), it would probably never work.

He did ask a little bit about what she was, and Tia answered him
honestly.  She didn't tell him everything, but she did talk about her
people and why she was in Washington.  Kurt was supportive and said he
would be happy to help her.  He also talked glowingly about Eric and
the work he had done during his first term.  It made Tia admire Eric
all the more, but she still wasn't sure how good that was.

She had talked with Tony a little bit about the situation, and he
supported her.  He knew her well enough to know that her heart was
rarely wrong.  Tony would never have adopted a cat, but Winky turned
out to be a real asset.  He would have left the bear in the cage, and
yet it had helped them get away from Mr. Deranian.  He would have
stayed at Mr. Bolt's for a while longer, and they would have ended up
prisoners for good - it was Tia's instincts that got them out.  So if
she felt in her heart that Eric was right for her, he wouldn't stand
in her way.  It left some questions unanswered, but that had never
stopped Tia from being right!

All of this was going through Tia's head when there was a knock at her
door.  The door was open, so she looked to see who it was.  Eric stood
there, almost tentative.  He had never knocked before if the door was
open, but had come right in.  Tia could sense something different in
him. She greeted him, "Hi, Eric.  Come on in."

He did, and he sat down in a chair facing her desk.  "Tia, I have been
invited to dine with the President and his wife tomorrow night.  It
will be a very formal dinner at the White House.  I was told I could
bring a guest, and ... well, I'd like you to join me."

Tia's heart skipped several beats, and she tried to think of how to
respond.  "Well, Eric ... if you need me to be there, you know I will
go.  I would love to meet the President!  Do you need me to take any
notes or bring anything?"

Eric smiled a little, and looked away for a second.  Then he looked
her in the eyes and said, "No, Tia.  Not at all.  You're not going as
my assistant - I'm asking you out on a date."  His eyes sparkled as he
said it.

Tia probably looked as incredulous as she felt.  She didn't know why
she was surprised, since she had already sensed how Eric felt about
her.  Perhaps it was actually hearing it that shocked her.  "A date?
Really?  Wow.  Um ... Eric, I don't want to say no... in fact, I
really want to say yes.  But, I'm your assistant.  I work with you.
Shouldn't we talk about this?"

He stood and said, "Yes, we should.  We really need to.  But first,
would you accompany me?  If the date goes well, and we have fun, then
we should talk afterward. If it doesn't go well, and you absolutely
hate me afterward, then we won't have anything to talk about, will
we?"  He was grinning, and Tia couldn't help laughing.

"I guess you're right.  What time will you pick me up, Prince Eric?"
Now her eyes sparkled.

He bowed slight, and, putting on his very best British accent, he
said, "Milady, my coach will arrive at exactly half past six."  And he
walked out the door toward his office.

She sat back in her chair, and almost yelled telepathically into her
watch.  "Uncle Ben‚!  Help me!"  She didn't expect a response - it was
more of a desire to talk to someone about this. Suddenly Eric peeked
around the corner and said, "Did you say something?"

Tia looked flustered.  She tried to think - had she said anything
audibly?  She didn't think she had.  So she said, "No.  What did you
hear?"

He frowned and said, "I'm not sure.  Must be my hearing - I guess my
checkup is overdue!  See you later."

Now what was that all about? Tia wondered.




CHAPTER 15

Tony and Ty had worked at the stand until about 6:00.  While the
weather was nice, both were tired from the day they'd had and were
ready to just chill out. Also, they both usually went their separate
ways, but today they would be hanging out together, and that called
for knocking off early.

Not sure what Trina might have for them to eat, and not wanting to use
her food, Tony insisted on buying supper.  Not being a meat eater,
Tony opted for a big vegetarian pizza.  Ty wrinkled up his nose at
that thought, so Tony offered to get him his own cheese pizza.  Ty
accepted.

Ty's home was hardly that.  It was an apartment, about the same size
as, if not smaller than, Tony's.  And two people with a lot of stuff
lived there, as opposed to Tony and his duffle bag.  It was actually
only about three blocks from Tony's, and was on the second floor.
Tony cleared some space on the kitchen counter and they set the pizzas
down there.

It was evident that Trina didn't have any time to clean.  Tony felt
bad for her, and he wanted to help her.  He had to find a couple of
plates and wash them off, then do the same with the forks.  It looked
like everything got washed as it was needed.  Tony had an idea, but
waited until after eating to spring it on Ty.

The two of them sat on the run-down couch and ate pizza while watching
a couple of sitcoms.  Ty laughed out loud through his pizza, which
made a funny noise.  Tony, not having had a "normal" childhood, and
not being of this world, often did not understand the humor in
sitcoms.  He knew they exaggerated the situations a family faces, but
he didn't always know what was normal for a family and what was
exaggeration.

Once they'd both eaten enough, Tony turned the TV off.  "Ty, I have
another job for you, if you'll accept it.  Your mom works herself to
exhaustion because she wants to make sure you have what you need.  I
bet paying for this apartment takes all the money she gets from one
job, and the other is to make sure you have food, clothes, etc.  Am I
right?"

Ty nodded, listening intently.  He seemed to really want to hear what
Tony thought about things.

Tony continued, "Well, why don't we surprise your mom tonight?  How
about letting her come home to a clean house?  I'll wash the dishes,
and you get all of the dirty clothes and blankets out of the living
room.  We might not be able to do the whole house, but we could make a
good dent. Then she can relax more when she comes home."

Ty thought about it, and said, "You know, Tony, I've wanted to do
something like that, but I'm no good at cleaning, and I could never do
this myself.  Yeah, let's work together for her!  That would be cool.
I could even vacuum and also make her bed and stuff."

"Great!  Let's get started.  You know, I always work better to music.
Do you want to put some on, and we can listen while we clean?"

"Yeah, let me get my CD player and set it up!  You'll love this
music."  And he ran to his room to get it.

Tony had started washing dishes when the most horrendous noise he had
ever heard came from the living room.  He peered around the corner and
saw Ty dancing -if you could call it that - to the "music" coming from
his portable CD player.  Tony shook his head and went back to washing
dishes.  He could hardly stand the music, but if it helped Ty clean,
and made him feel better, he'd endure it ... for now.

By 10:00 p.m. the kitchen was spotless, as was the living room.
Trina's room, while not perfect, had all of the clothes off the floor
and her bed made.  Ty's room was another story.  It would take a
miracle to clean it in one day!  But they had made a dent on it as
well.

At Ty's request, Tony read a book to him as he lay in bed.  Then,
after hugging Tony good night, he turned over and went to sleep.  He
looked like a painting lying there in the glow of the lamp, and Tony
tried to capture that image in his head.  That would be his next
painting.

At a few minutes after midnight, Trina unlocked the door and came in.
She stopped inside the door, and then checked the number on the
apartment door again.  Tony smiled at her and said, "Yes, it's your
home!  Ty helped do this for you."

She was almost crying - it had been so long since anyone had done
something for her.  She had been giving and giving ... she wasn't sure
how to receive from anyone.  She looked at Tony and mouthed the words
"Thank you" through her tears.

Crossing the clean living room, she sat on the opposite end of the
sofa from Tony.  He wasn't sure how to begin the conversation, but he
didn't have to.  She started it right away.  "Tony, seeing your family
emblem today really blew me away.  This might be hard for you to
believe, but I think we're related."

Pretending not to know, he said, "Really?  Why do you say that?"

She reached into her oversize purse and pulled out what Tony knew to
be a star case.  She showed it to him, and let him see the shimmering
double-star emblem on the top of the case. Then she handed it to him.
Tony turned it over in his hands, feeling the smoothness and the
embossed image.  He secretly pushed at the edge of the plate that
would reveal the map inside -it didn't move, so he knew that she
hadn't found the map yet.  He said, "Where did you get this?"

"What I'm going to tell you, I have never told anyone.  There hasn't
been anyone to tell.  I want to let Ty in on it when he's older, but
for now, this is only for you. OK?"

Tony nodded, and she continued.  "I was raised in an orphanage.  I
didn't know who my parents were.  The director of the orphanage told
me, when I was old enough to understand, that someone just dropped me
off there when I was a baby.  No one remembers who left me.  All I had
in my possession was a blanket and that case.

"I did well in school, but wasn't a wonderful student.  Didn't even
consider college - just figured I'd work once I got out of school.
But then I met Robert, a wonderful guy about my age.  He was from
North Carolina, and had moved to New York to go to college.  He was
21, I was 19, and we really hit it off.  He was brilliant, and didn't
seem to mind that I wasn't.  He also accepted me even though I had
been raised in an orphanage and had no family history.

"One day Robert's uncle came to visit us.  He was a grumpy old man, at
least that's what Robert always said, but I could see some kindness in
his uncle's eyes.  I had that case on a shelf in the apartment that
Robert lived in.  We were old fashioned, and we weren't going to live
together until after we got married, but we were setting up the
apartment beforehand.  So I had arranged a few of my things in the
apartment - some souveneirs, a few knickknacks, and the case.

"Anyway, the case is lying there, and Robert's uncle happened to see
it as he was looking around.  He was frowning at everything, but when
he saw the case, he stopped.  I could see his face, and his expression
became, well, I don't know.  Far away, I guess.  He picked it up and
said, 'Trina, is this yours?'  I remember, when his uncle said that,
how surprised Robert looked -he had never known his uncle to speak
softly or gently.  I was a little afraid to answer, but I said, 'Yes,
it is.'

"And he said, 'Where did you get it?'  I told him my story, and he
said, 'Before you two get married, you and I have to talk.  I think I
can help you find your family.'  I was just shocked - no one had ever
had a clue who my family was.  I almost cried, and I said, 'Please,
you have to tell me.'  He said, 'Not yet.  I need to check on
something first. Believe me, I must.  I wouldn't want to mislead
you.'"

Trina stopped talking.  Tears were rolling down her cheeks.  Tony
waited, and then gently asked, "Did you get to talk?"  She shook her
head, and then dug in her purse for a tissue to dry her eyes.

Tony was frustrated, afraid they had hit a brick wall.  Maybe this
wasn't going to go anywhere after all.  He decided to give Trina time
to compose herself - he still wanted to hear her out.

After a few minutes, she continued.  "Robert's uncle had a heart
attack two days later.  He died instantly.  And I never got to find
out what he knew.  No one else in the family knew what he was talking
about.  His secret died with him.  And so did my past. Unless ...
unless you can shed some light on this, Tony."

Tony looked at her and said, "I might be able to, Trina.  But I need
to ask you about Robert's uncle first.  I'm curious what made him
recognize something about your family when he saw this case.  What was
his name?"

"Jason.  His name was Jason O'Day."




CHAPTER 16

Tia had never been overly concerned with the way she looked.  She had
been told by boys that she was pretty, but had been such an outdoorsy
type of person that she didn't ever try to look different than she
was.  It didn't bother her animal friends if her hair was unruly or
her clothes didn't match, so why should it bother her?

Working in Washington, she had to look the part of a professional.
Other Homedwellers who knew more about this than she did had picked
out her wardrobe, and she found it was perfect. The clothes were nice,
yet comfortable, and she always projected the image of a senator's
assistant when she wore them.

However, nothing had prepared her for the way she would feel getting
ready for her first date. What should she wear?  Obviously pants were
out - this had to be a dress.  And not just any dress ... a dress nice
enough to not only please Eric, but also be appropriate for the
President and his wife.

She did something she thought she would never do.  She took the credit
card that the Homedwellers had gotten for her, and went to an
exclusive clothing store.  She had heard other ladies she worked with
talk about the wonderful clothing there and the assistance you
received from those who worked there.  She had always, when she heard
this, smiled inwardly as she thought, "Boy, these humans really like
to dress up.  Who needs a store like that?  It just caters to vanity."

But now she was going there herself!  Twice she almost decided against
it, but thinking of Eric, and then the President, she kept on going.
She didn't even know what to ask for, but the capable employees at the
store understood her dilemma, and helped her choose the right thing
for the evening out.  Tia ended up paying more for one outfit than she
normally would have spent on clothing in a year.  But this was worth
it.

Excitement and guilt mixed in her heart as she got ready for the date.
She couldn't help but be excited about a real date with Eric - she
wouldn't have to take any notes or be anyone's assistant.  She could
actually be Tia!  But then she felt guilty. What would the other
Homedwellers say about her dating a human, especially one that might
end up trying to find out the secrets of her people?

The dichotomy was driving her mad, so she finally had a talk with
herself.  Tia had always been able to focus on the task at hand, no
matter what other distractions there were.  So she decided that, as
Eric said, they would talk about their relationship afterward.  But
for now, she was simply going to enjoy herself.

At 6:30 sharp a long black limo pulled up in front of her apartment
building.  Eric stepped out of the back of it, looking dashing in a
tuxedo.  He told the driver to get back into the car because he wanted
to hold the door open for Tia.  She actually blushed, and held out her
hand to take his outstretched hand.  He steadied her as she got into
the car, and said, "Tia, you look beautiful!"

Twenty minutes later they were at the White House.  Security was
amazingly tight, but their credentials were in order, and they were
expected.  Tia tried to calm the butterflies in her stomach as she
walked into the White House ... and not as a tourist, but as a guest!

The evening went perfectly.  Eric was so charming, and she mostly
listened to him and the President talk.  Eric was so passionate about
the issues he believed in, and his whole heart's desire was to improve
the lives of the people that lived in his home state.  She saw his
face light up as he talked to the President about his dreams.  He also
saw him give the President his undivided attention - when he listened
to someone, he did it with his whole being.

After the dinner was over, Tia was somewhat relieved.  She was afraid
that the President or his wife might ask her a lot of questions about
her background and where she grew up.  She knew what to answer, but
didn't really like the idea of lying to them. But the conversation had
been carried by the President and Eric, and Tia got to simply observe.

As they rode away from the White House in the limo, Tia wasn't sure
what to say.  They talked in general terms about the evening and how
well it went.  Eric was especially excited that the President seemed
to agree with what he was saying.  Then, after a short lull in the
conversation, Eric said, "So, Tia ... do we need to talk?"

Tia remembered his comment in the office that, if she still liked him
after the date, they should talk about their relationship, and if she
didn't, then they wouldn't need to talk.  Assuming he was referring to
that, she said, "We need to talk more than ever!"  He smiled, took her
hand, and kissed it gently.

Tia's emotions went haywire again.  She had never been overtly
objective in her life, but this was ridiculous!  She couldn't even
think straight!  She finally was able to say, "I guess the bottom line
is this: is it allowed for a senator to date his assistant?"

He smiled at her and said, "That is left up to the senator and his
assistant.  I believe the senator in this case votes in favor of that
motion.  How does the assistant vote?"

Tia, her voice thick with emotion, moved closer to Eric and said,
"Aye."

As he leaned in to kiss her, he whispered, "The vote is two to zero.
The motion carries."  And they kissed.




CHAPTER 17

Tony had to work hard to keep from crying.  This whole thing was
almost too much.  He said, his voice shaky, "Trina, I have to tell you
my story.  No matter how bizarre it gets, please listen to the end,
OK?"

Trina looked at him as if she trusted him and said, "OK."

Tony began to tell her about how he and his sister found themselves in
an orphanage after their foster parents died.  They had never known
their real parents, and now they were really orphans. Without giving
too many details of their "special" abilities away, he told them about
how they first met Lucas Deranian, and then Mr. Bolt.  He said that
Mr. Bolt wanted to keep them because they were "special" kids and had
certain abilities.  He didn't add more than that.

Then he told about running away and being chased.  He said his sister
had a case like Trina's, and that they called it a star case.  He told
about finding a map hidden inside that led them toward Stony Creek,
Misty Valley, and eventually to Witch Mountain.

He talked about a kind stranger that helped them.  He was a loner, but
believed their story and took great risks to help them get to the
location on the map.  As they approached Witch Mountain, the whole
story came together.  The mystery of their people became clear.

Tony paused.  The next part was so fantastic, so much beyond most
people's belief, that he was afraid to say it.  But he had to.

"Trina, when we got to the mountain, a man came out of the trees. We
recognized him - he was our uncle.  We thought he had died, but found
out he was unharmed. He took us back through the clump of trees with
him, but the kind man who helped us waited by the road with those who
were chasing us.

We were shocked, when we made it through the trees, to find an actual
spaceship there!  It was about 50 feet across, and had enough room
inside for 20 or 30 people.  But it was just the three of us.  Trina,
we discovered that we were actually from another planet.  It once
orbited a double star, two suns, and was heading toward one of the
stars.  Our people had to find a place to settle, and earth was it.
But not all of the spaceships - or lifeboats, as we call them - made
it.  Some crashed.  My sister and I survived a crash on one.  You
survived on another.

"And Trina - there's one more thing you have to know.  The kind
stranger who helped us so much... who saved our lives ... his name was
Jason O'Day."

At that, Trina gasped.  Then she started to cry.  It wasn't just tears
rolling down her face - her body shook with her sobs.  Tony guessed
that it was years of not knowing, years of wondering, things she had
suppressed for so long, now coming to the surface. He didn't know if
touching her would send the wrong signal, but he didn't care.  He
moved closer to her, put his arm around her shoulder, and let her cry.

Time passed.  Neither seemed to be in a hurry.  This moment was too
important - too life-changing - to make it move any faster.  Tony
didn't know how long she cried, but he didn't care. She needed to do
this, and probably couldn't do it if Ty was around.

As she finally calmed down, he said, "I know this is all a lot of
information.  Do you have any questions for me?"

She almost laughed and said, "Oh yeah!  But it would take you days to
answer them all!  There are two things I want to know right now.
First, where are we from? And second, what are these 'special'
abilities you were talking about?"

Tony dove right in.  "The place we're from has a name in an alien
language that I never learned. The closest word for it in English is
'Home.'  So we say that we are from Home, we call ourselves
Homedwellers, and our new settlement is now called New Home.

"As for the abilities, they really vary.  My sister Tia can
communicate with animals, unlock locked doors, levitate things, sense
when people are telling the truth, know if something is going to
happen, and other things.  I can only do some of those - I can
levitate things, or even move them, and all of us can communicate with
each other silently.  Some call it telepathy, some say it's an
ultrasonic speech - whatever it is, it's pretty handy.  Here, let me
try something.  Watch my face."

She watched him.  He didn't move his lips, but used his silent voice
and said, "Can you hear this?"  Her eyes got wide, and she said out
loud, "Are you a ventriloquist?  How did you do that?"

He laughed and said inaudibly, "It's not a trick.  You can hear me
because we are from the same place.  Try to reply without using your
voice.  Just aim what you want to say at me, but don't open your
mouth."

She shook her head, but tried to concentrate.  Her eyes were closed,
and her lips shut tight, and Tony heard her say, "Like ... this?"  Her
eyes flew open to look at him, and he grinned.  He replied "Like
that!"  And they both laughed.

Suddenly they heard Ty call from the bedroom, "Why are you guys
talking so loud?  I'm trying to sleep!"  Trina and Tony looked at each
other, and his eyebrows arched.  Ty had heard them?




CHAPTER 18

In love!  Tia was in love!  For the first time in her life, she
understood all of the things she had heard about romance, all the
stuff she had seen on TV and in movies. It all made much more sense
now!

The difference was, if she were a teenager in love, it would be all
emotion.  While she couldn't deny that being with Eric was always
emotional, being an adult made her use her intellect as well. And try
as she might, she couldn't shake the fact that she was acting two-
faced.  Tia, a Homedweller, was in love with a human.  Tia, on
assignment, was dating a potential "enemy." What was she doing?

After the weekend, which she chose to enjoy by going to the park and
chatting with the squirrels and birds, she went back to work with
apprehension.  Eric, however, was all business.  He didn't hug her or
try to kiss her - he greeted her just as he had done every other day
she had been there. That actually helped her feel at ease ... at least
she knew how to act now.  She wouldn't change her routine or work
habits at all.

There was a message on her desk from Kurt.  He insisted on being
called Kurt, but whenever he left her a note or wrote her an email, he
always signed it "Dazz." This one was the same, but the tone was
different.  "Urgent that we talk as soon as I get there. In private.
Dazz."

Tia usually arrived at the office at 8:30, and Kurt got there between
9:00 and 10:00.  She busied herself with correspondence - answering
requests for Eric to speak, scheduling his appointments, returning
calls, etc.  At 9:45 Kurt came into the main office, and instead of
going to his desk, he went straight to Tia's office, walked in, and
closed the door.

Startled by his abrupt entrance, Tia stopped typing the email she was
working on and gave him her full attention.  "Kurt, what's wrong?
I've never seen you like this before!"

Kurt, frowning, answered, "I've never felt like this before!  The last
time I felt anywhere near this upset about something was when we were
in the plutonium plant trying to run from that wicked Letha woman and
you were trying to save Tony.  And Tia ... this is just about as bad."

She was silent, so he continued.  "I've been checking out this group
you asked me about - the AAAI.  I went to their website and got the
standard rhetoric about wanting to protect the earth. They had some
general information about their group and some links to news articles,
most of them from obscure magazines written by people probably so far
into drugs that they could easily think they themselves were aliens!

"So I decided to dig a little deeper.  I called up an old friend of
mine - Marty Smith.  You might remember him as Muscles from the
Earthquake Gang.  He is now a programmer and one of the smartest guys
I've ever known when it comes to the internet.  I told him that I had
met up with you again, and he was so excited.  He has never forgotten
about you and Tony - he's never told anyone, but he has never
forgotten.  Personally, I think he still has a serious crush on you!"

He chuckled, and then continued.  "I told him that you were possibly
in danger, and that I was using the internet to find out if you were.
I didn't tell him your job or anything about what you're doing, just
that you might be in danger.  I did tell him about the AAAI and about
them looking for you and Tony's people.  And I told him that I wanted
to hack into their website to see if they had any files hidden there.
I do know enough about websites to know that sometimes what you see on
the web only scratches the surface - a website can have many pages in
development or on the organization's computer, but they only publish
to the web the ones they want you to see.

"Well, Marty went one step further.  He said he knew how to hack into
their entire database!  That blew me away, but since we both felt it
was justified because of the potential danger, he did it. He was
actually able to download, copy, and send to me dozens of files and
articles that this group has but don't want anyone to know.

"And here's the bottom line, Tia.  No one is supposed to know this,
but the group was started back in the early 1980's by a scientist who
had spent some time in jail for trespassing on government property.
Once he got out, he immediately began to gather people around him who
were concerned about an alien threat and wanted to protect the earth.
The problem is that, in his own writings, he revealed that what he
really wanted to do was to find these aliens and harness their
abilities.

"Tia, the man behind the AAAI is Dr. Victor Gannon!"




CHAPTER 19

Concerned that Ty might be able to hear them communicate otherwise,
Tony whispered audibly, "Let's talk this way so we can whisper."  It
was funny to think that, after years of communicating inaudibly, he
had never found out how to whisper that way!  So he and Trina would
communicate as humans do for a while.

Tony said, "Trina, we need to find out what other abilities you have.
But most importantly, we need to get you to New Home.  You don't have
to live there permanently if you don't wish, but you might want to!
For one thing, you wouldn't have to have a job.  We grow most of what
we eat, and others provide us with earth delicacies that we can't
grow.  We help each other build dwellings, so you could have your own
home there with Ty, all you want to eat, and never have to have a
'job' again.

"It would also be much safer to experiment with you abilities there,
and probably that would be the best place to tell Ty what's up.  In my
experience, it's hard for 11-year-old kids to keep secrets.  I
remember when Tia and I were about that age, we didn't tell people
what we could do, but we sure used our abilities anytime we needed to
... and it usually got us in trouble.  I wouldn't want to put Ty in
the position of knowing something, or even being able to do something,
and him not being allowed to share that with anyone.  What do you
think?"

Trina looked pensive.  "Tony, if I quit both of my jobs - and I have
to tell you, I wouldn't mind -what would I do if I ended up not liking
New Home?  Where would I find work again?"

Tony smiled as he said, "Don't worry.  There are many small towns
around our area, and you're a hard worker - it shouldn't be too
difficult to find a job.  Also, there are Homedwellers everywhere,
kinda living undercover, and they could arrange for a job and place to
live for you if you should choose that.  Trina, I know this is hard to
believe, but ... you have a place you belong now. You're not alone.
You have family now, and we take care of our own."

She looked almost overwhelmed.  Tony remembered the feeling when he
first saw Uncle Ben‚ -after feeling like such a misfit, and not
belonging anywhere, to realize that he had a family, someone to take
care of him ... well, he almost couldn't handle the sheer relief he
felt.  He imagined Trina felt the same way.

When she spoke, it was almost in a whisper, as if she was afraid that
talking too loudly might wake her up from this dream.  "I need to tell
Ty that we are leaving here.  I don't think he'll be too disappointed
- he's never liked the school here, and he doesn't have any real
friends.  But he needs to know.  And tomorrow I will give my two-week
notice to both of my jobs.  The apartment here I can leave anytime,
since I'm on a month-to-month lease.

"But Tony, do we need to pack anything?  Do we just leave it here,
sell it ... what?"

Tony frowned, not really having thought about that.  "Well, the first
priority is to get the two of you to New Home.  So, let's not worry
about that.  Don't cancel your lease yet; leave everything here, and
go on a 'vacation' to New Home.  If you decide to stay there, then we
can come back and clean out the place and end the lease.  We could
also move it into my apartment, since I don't live that far away.  But
for now, I only want to concentrate on getting you two to your new
family.  We can decide the rest after that."

She nodded.  Then Tony added, "And you probably should get some sleep.
It's been a big day, but we both still have things to do tomorrow.  I
want to be fresh and ready for Ty when he shows up tomorrow!"

Trina laughed.  "Boy, do I know what you mean!  He is a great kid, but
he can sure take a lot of energy just keeping up with him!  You're
right, Tony.  I'm ready to sleep ... although part of me thinks I'll
be awake all night just digesting this new information. And Tony -
thank you so much!  I am so glad you met Ty and that you befriended
him!  If you hadn't, I would never have known what I now know.  I wish
I could thank you properly."

Tony just smiled.  He said, "Trina, when I see the two of you arrive
at New Home, and watch your faces as you just feel the place, that
will be all the thanks I need!"

He got up to leave, and she saw him to the door.  As he opened it to
leave, she impulsively hugged him.  He hugged her back, but was a
little surprised.  She saw that on his face as they ended the hug, and
she said, "I'm sorry, but I haven't had any family to hug, except for
Ty, for over five years now.  Since you're family ... get used to it!
I'm a hugger!"

Tony laughed and said, "You are definitely one of us!  We always show
affection.  Boy, I think you'll really like New Home!  Good night,
Trina."

"Good night, Tony."  He walked out the door and down the hall, and she
closed the door behind him.

Just as he was leaving the front door of the apartment, he heard
Trina's voice in his head. "Thanks again, Tony.  Take care."  He
smiled and answered back, "My pleasure.  You take care as well."

As he walked down the sidewalk, he heard another voice in his head.
"Tony, am I dreaming, or are you talking to me in my sleep?  It feels
like a dream, but it seems so real!  What's going on?"

Tony stopped in his tracks at the sound of Ty's silent voice.  They
might not be able to wait two weeks to explain everything to Ty.  Tony
answered back, "Ty, it's like a dream, but it is real.  Go to sleep,
and I'll tell you tomorrow."

He kept his senses on full alert, as tired as he was, because he knew
that walking down New York City streets at 2:00 in the morning was not
the safest thing to do.  He had already learned that lesson his first
hour here.  As he neared his apartment building, he began to sense
danger -so much so that it was like alarms going off in his head.

Confused, he looked around as he opened the apartment building's door.
He didn't want to look like he was observing, but he wanted to see
where the danger was coming from.  Across the street, a car was
parked.  It was a simple black sedan, which was nothing unusual.  Then
Tony realized that the driver of the car was looking at him.  The
alarms intensified.

Tony stepped inside the door, and then peeked out the dirty glass in
the door.  It was dark inside the entrance of his building, so the
person in the car wouldn't be able to see him ... he hoped.  He
studied the car and the driver, and realized that there was a video
camera pointed toward him. He noticed another in the back of the car,
pointed up toward the window of his apartment!

Wishing he could sense humans and their thoughts as well as Tia, he
tried to think of what to do. He remembered that, on the ground floor,
there was a cat named Whiskers.  He had petted the cat on many
occasions, and even made conversation with it a few times.  He
remembered that Whiskers was amazed that any human could communicate
with him!  Of course, Tony wasn't any human ... he wasn't human at
all.

Tony sent out a message to Whiskers that he needed his help.  Just a
moment later, he heard the cat door open that Whiskers used to get in
and out of his owner's apartment, and he heard soft purring.  When
Whiskers got near the door, Tony said, "Whiskers, across the street is
a car.  Do you see that one over there?"

When Whiskers said that he did, Tony explained that he wanted him to
go over across the street, and quietly jump up onto the back of the
car.  Then he should tell Tony what he saw inside the car.  Tony would
let him know what to do then.

The cat seemed glad to have something to do besides sit in his owner's
apartment all night.  Cats are nocturnal, and this was something fun
for Whiskers to do.  He jumped through the open window, walked
nonchalantly across the street, and started walking around the
mysterious car.

Tony could hear him from across the street in their strange, silent
language.  "Tony, there is one man in the front seat of the car.  I
can smell on him that he owns a dog - I don't think he has any cats!
That means he's probably not trustworthy."  That comment made Tony
smile.  He always liked getting an animal's perspective - it was so
much different than a person's.

Then Tony saw Whiskers jump onto the back of the car.  "There are some
cameras here, and some TV screens too.  One screen shows the front of
the apartment building - I can't see you on it, but I know you are
inside the door.  Another shows your apartment!  I remember what it
looked like when I was last there.  And Tony ... your radio must be
on, because I can see it on the TV and I can hear it as well.  This
man, with his machines, can see and hear what is happening in your
apartment!"




CHAPTER 20

It's funny how something from your past can pop up again, and even
though it's been years, you feel the same way you felt long ago.  It's
almost like the experience is brand new again.

That's how it was for Tia when she heard Dr. Gannon's name.  The
source of their trouble now was the same source of all the problems
they experienced the last time she and Tony were among humans!  She
didn't know what to say ... she just sat there open-mouthed as Kurt
continued.

"The documents that Marty downloaded - which I now have on my computer
and can show you -paint a picture of the AAAI as being nationwide.
The vice-president of the organization is actually from North
Carolina.  His name is Travis Pluck, and he claims in one of the
documents that he encountered an alien in the form of a human, and
that the alien actually attacked him.

"Even worse, Dr. Gannon's writings name you and Tony.  He doesn't have
a last name for you, of course.  And he believes that you two were
aliens who simply adopted the form of humans. Some of his musings are
pretty bizarre - he thinks you have transparent skin and green blood,
and that you actually read the minds of all creatures.  I don't know
where he gets this stuff - I think he went off the deep end while in
jail.

"I tell you, my blood ran cold when I saw his name.  I wondered if
Letha and her nephew - I think his name was Sickle - were involved,
but Marty did some checking on a crime database.  Dr. Gannon only got
nailed for trespassing.  I think he must have had a pretty sharp
lawyer, because he certainly tried more than that.  But Letha and
Sickle actually attempted to steal that gold, remember?  Dr. Gannon
testified against them, and they went to prison for a long time.
Letha died in prison - Sickle is unaccounted for.  Dr. Gannon is still
alive, but he's pushing 90, so I don't know how much longer he will
actually lead the group.

"Marty also found that they have been collecting news clippings from
different areas, mostly North Carolina, of UFO's seen, crashes
reported, people found who didn't speak any known language, reports of
activity on a place called Witch Mountain. They're really focused on
that place - many of their documents were photos taken from the air or
by satellite. They're not close-ups, and they're not very clear, but
they have them.

"My concern now, Tia, is first of all, what do you tell Eric?  How
much of this can you report?  And secondly, how do we stop Dr. Gannon
and his followers from finding your people?"

Tia had been listening, but also thinking fast and hard.  She was
trying to suppress the gnawing fear that was raging inside of her.
Being here with Kurt, hearing Dr. Gannon's name again, brought back
the same fear, despair, and uncertainty she had felt when Tony first
disappeared that day in California.  She had to get past that to find
some answers.

"I'm not sure.  First of all, thank you, Kurt.  You went above and
beyond what you were asked, and you did it out of friendship, and I
appreciate that so much. I'm going to talk with Tony and with some of
my people tonight and find out what they think.  My report will be
based on that, as well as my decision on what we should do about the
threat."

Kurt nodded, and got up to leave.  "I'm going to have Marty keep on
monitoring their systems -he said he can be alerted if they add or
edit any of their documents.  I don't know how he does it, but at this
point I don't care!  I'll keep you up-to-date."

Tia smiled.  "Thanks, Kurt.  I couldn't have done this without you!"
He smiled back, and then opened the door and left.

Eric was going to be on the Senate floor most of the day, and if he
needed her he would call. She decided to work on the report for Eric.
She knew for sure that what the AAAI was asking for was not only
dangerous for the Homedwellers, she believed that it would simply be
bad for everyone.  Dr. Gannon had never had a desire to help humanity,
and if he was involved in this, then that meant this would only serve
his purposes, and he wouldn't care who got hurt.

As Tia began assembling the pieces of the report - the history of the
AAAI, the news clippings of supposed UFO sightings about the time her
people were arriving, and other material Eric had suggested - she did
her best to paint it in a negative light.  She realized that she was
walking a fine line and could be accused of editorializing the
material, and if Eric thought that, she might be in trouble.  But she
couldn't simply leave it up to Eric- this was a bad idea, and she
wanted to convey that.

And it wasn't too difficult.  For almost every sighting of a UFO in
the 1960s she was able to find top-secret Air Force documents about
tests the government conducted around that time in that approximate
area.  It was enough to cast doubt on the sightings, at the very
least.  Regarding the AAAI, she was able to include some very radical
quotes from their material (some of it on the website and some of it
... well, not readily available, but in her hands thanks to Marty).

She was still mulling it over, trying to make a cohesive report from
the mountains of data she had collected, when she felt Eric's
presence.  It caught her off guard -she could usually sense that
someone was approaching, but it was rare that she would know who it
was.  She looked up, and sure enough, he was standing there in her
doorway, smiling at her. She smiled back, somewhat self-consciously,
and said, "Hi.  Taking a break?"

He walked toward her, shutting her office door.  As he leaned toward
her, he said, "Yes, I'm taking a break ... something that you never
seem to do!"  She laughed as she avoided his kiss and said, "Well, you
see, I have this boss who's a real taskmaster! If I slack off for even
one second, he lets me know about it!  So I'm afraid I'm too busy to
kiss you right now!"  And she turned back toward her computer.

Eric stood up, walked back toward the door to see if she would stop
him, and then said, "Fine! I'm going to go have it out with your boss,
and by the time I finish with him, he'll let you do anything you jolly
well want to!"  And he strode out the door.

Tia turned around, not sure what to expect.  She was teasing Eric, but
she didn't think he would just leave.  Did he take the joke wrong?
She really didn't mind kissing him!  Suddenly the black phone on her
desk rang, and she picked it up.  "Yes?"

He almost barked into the phone, "Get into my office now!" and hung
up.

Now Tia was really perplexed ... even nervous.  She grabbed the
notepad that she always had ready and went next door.  She walked in,
shutting the door, and sat across from him.  He looked stern.

He said, "Tia, I just spoke with your boyfriend, and he seems to think
that I treat you way too harshly!  In my opinion he's just a romantic
wimp, but, I value your work here, and I don't want anyone to think
I'm unfair, so here's what I'm proposing.

"When you are in here, I am your boss, and I expect you to do what I
say and work hard."

Then he abruptly got up, walked around his desk, lightly grabbed Tia
by the arm, led her out the door, into her office, and shut her door.
Then he said, "But when we're in here, I'm your boyfriend and you're
in charge!  If you don't want to work ... don't!  But you better work
when you're in your boss' office, because he's definitely a
workaholic!"

They both laughed as they embraced.  For a moment they just held each
other, then, as they stared into each other's eyes, they kissed.

It was sweet, romantic, loving ... and Tia just couldn't enjoy it.
There on her computer was the beginning of the report Eric wanted.  He
could joke about being boss and boyfriend, but would he joke when he
learned she was from "outer space"?  Would he give in to the AAAI or
see her side?

Eric suddenly broke the kiss.  He stepped back, and Tia looked
bewildered.  He looked confused as well, and said, "Tia, what's
happening?"

She looked at him, confusion showing on her face, and said, "What do
you mean?  We were kissing - that's what was happening!"

He didn't smile.  He said, "No, Tia.  This was different.  I've always
been fairly perceptive, able to read people, kinda know what they were
thinking or how they felt. But this was different.  I really read you,
Tia.  I heard you, but I didn't hear you.  You're scared. Something
about the report I want you to write is bothering you, and it's so
upsetting that you can't relax around me.  You ... you think I won't
like you after I read the report!  I won't accept you or love you.
Tia, how could you think that?"

Tia was in shock.  It was one of those moments when something clicks,
when you know you're in the right place at the right time.  Something
began to dawn on her, and she had to find out ... now.

"Eric, I need to ask you something.  Please don't be offended, but I
must ask you.  Who are your parents ... your real parents?"

He looked sad for a moment, then straightened and said, "I don't know.
I've never known.  I was raised by foster parents.  I was told I was
abandoned by my real parents, but I truly don't know. Why?"

As Tia tried to decide how to tell him what she suspected, she
realized there was no way to do it without him thinking she was just
plain crazy.  She tried to speak, but didn't know how to start.
Suddenly he spoke.  "No!  You really think that I am related to you?
That just because you and your brother were raised by foster parents
and found your people later, that I must be one of you, too?"

He stopped.  "Tia ... how did I know you were thinking that?  You
didn't say anything?  ...Tia, what's wrong with me?  I am usually
decisive and in charge - and now I feel like a lost little boy.  I
feel like I'm completely losing it!  Do you know what's happening?"

Tia spoke without using her voice - her lips remained closed. "Eric,
if you can hear me, then I can tell you exactly what is going on."

He looked like he had seen a ghost.  "I can hear you," he answered
back, also without moving his lips.  "How?"

She smiled and stepped closer to him.  She grabbed his arms and said,
silently, "I'll explain everything.  Just be patient.  And ... Welcome
Home, Eric!"




CHAPTER 21

Morning dawned for Tony, and he reluctantly rolled out of bed.  He
hated knowing that someone was watching his every move in his
apartment, but for the moment, he wasn't sure what to do about it.  He
could easily have disabled the man's car or his recording equipment
that Whiskers had spotted the night before - actually only a few hours
ago - but if this person was really watching Tony, then that meant he
suspected something about Tony, and destroying his equipment would
probably only confirm the mysterious man's suspicions.

Tony had recorded mentally the license number of the vehicle.  He was
going to have someone at New Home check it out for him when he had the
chance to contact them without being seen. He slowly got up, got
dressed, and ate breakfast, trying to look like a normal human in New
York City, and also trying not to look toward or out of the window
where he knew the camera was located.

Before walking out the door, he decided to try signaling Whiskers to
check if the car was there. Whiskers didn't answer his call, but Lady,
a beautiful Golden Retriever that lived on his floor heard him.  He
described the car to her, and she walked over to her window, which was
down the hall from Tony's.  She said, "Tony, there are no cars down
there at all.  In fact, every morning they make all the cars move and
not park there."

Tony realized she was right - parking was allowed only in the evening
and overnight.  He walked nonchalantly toward the window and looked
down.  No car.  He allowed himself to look around, trying to see if a
camera might be hidden outside his window attached to the building, or
across the street.  Nothing caught his eye.

Still feeling uneasy, but not wanting to miss Ty, he headed out.  He
arrived at his normal place a few minutes later, and Ty was running
down the street toward him. He was calling, "Tony!  Tony! You'll never
guess what happened!"

Seeing Ty always made Tony smile, even when he was as tired as he was
this morning, and he said, "What?  What happened?"

Ty stopped in front of him and said, "Well, first of all, I had the
weirdest dream!  You and my mom were both in my head, talking to each
other, then to me.  Then, later on, I dreamed that my mom was magic.
And I figured if she was magic, then so was I.  In my dream, I sat on
my bed and made my room clean itself - everything just put itself
away.  And Tony ... guess what!!!  When I woke up this morning, my
room was clean, just like in my dream!"

If Tony looked shocked, it's because he was.  He knew exactly what Ty
was talking about, but wasn't sure if there was anything he should do
about it.  Then Ty said, "So this morning, I tried something else, and
it worked!  Watch..."

Ty closed his eyes tightly, and suddenly started rising into the air!
Almost immediately he was eye-to-eye with Tony, and Tony quickly
grabbed his shoulders and pushed him toward the ground.  Ty's eyes
flew open and he yelled, "Hey!  Why are you doing that?  Tony ... I
can fly!"

Maybe it was the serious expression on Tony's face that made him quiet
down, but he did, and let himself return to the ground.  He whispered,
"Ty, you've got to trust me.  I was going to tell you this later, but
I'll tell you part of it now.  Last night your mom and I found out
that we are from the same family!  You and I are related!"

Ty was beaming now with excitement.  Tony continued, "And, all the
people in our family can do cool things like talk to each other
without using our mouths, make rooms clean themselves, and even fly!
The problem is that there are some bad people out there that know
about us, and want to make us do things for them.  So we can NEVER let
on that we can do these things.  Floating out here on the street is
just not a good idea!  In fact, last night I even found someone spying
on me while I was in my apartment!

"We have got to be careful, Ty.  I'll tell you more later, when we're
alone at your house, but for right now we're just Tony and Ty and
we're going to work like we do every day, OK?"

Ty looked sober and thoughtful.  He nodded.  Then he spoke, but not
audibly - "Sure thing, Tony. I'm just glad to know that we're
related!"  And he smiled again, which made Tony smile as well.

Suddenly Ty looked behind him, then all around.  He looked at Tony and
said silently, "Tony, do people in our family ever get feelings about
something, like when something bad is going to happen?"

Tony was again blown away.  He was beginning to suspect that Ty, who
had a Homedweller for a mother and human for a father, might have
powers greater than any Homedweller.  He had always assumed that if a
child was born from such a union, the child would be more human than
Homedweller - now he was thinking he might have been wrong.

"Yes, Ty ... some of us do.  I'm not as good at it as others.  Why? Do
you feel like something bad is going to happen?"

He nodded.  "Yeah, I do.  Hang on."  And he closed his eyes tightly,
trying to focus.  Tony smiled - he remembered Tia doing that as a
little girl, closing her eyes tightly, wrinkling up her face, and
putting her fingers on the side of her head.  Ty looked just like her.

Ty opened his eyes abruptly and said, "Tony, over there in that
eating-place.  Someone bad is there, and he wants to hurt us.
Especially you."

Tony fought the urge to look, and instead said silently, "Ty, set up
my paintings.  I'm going to set up my easel and paint a picture of the
caf‚ today, OK?"  And he winked at Ty.

Ty immediately got to work, and so did Tony.  As soon as he had the
easel set up, he began painting the outline of the corner caf‚ across
the street.  As he did, he was able to stare at the caf‚, and try to
see anyone inside of it.  He noticed the outline of a man sitting at
the window nearest his stand.  When he saw the man a little more
clearly, a double alarm went off in his head.

Tony realized that, not only was that the man who was in the car last
night, it was also the red haired man who had acted so strangely a few
days before.  Tony knew he needed to be careful -something big was
happening, but he didn't know what.

After about an hour of painting the man was still in the caf‚,
watching but trying to act like he wasn't watching Tony and Ty.  Tony
decided to try a little recognizance.  He called Ty over audibly and
said, "Ty, I think that man over there is the one who was watching me
last night.  If so, he has a black car around here somewhere.  Here is
the license plate number - I wrote it on one of my cards.  I want you
to carefully walk around the block.  Do not look into the caf‚ or try
to see the man ... do you understand?"  Ty nodded, so Tony went on.
"Just make one pass around the block, looking for a black car with
that number on the tag. That's all."

As Ty turned to leave, Tony spoke to him mentally.  "Ty, let's keep in
touch like this.  Keep on communicating with me without using your
voice the whole time you're gone.  Let me know what you find out."

Ty answered back, as he crossed the street, "No problem, Tony.  This
is better than walkie-talkies!"  Tony tried not to be concerned as he
watched Ty disappear around the corner past the caf‚.  As he kept
painting, Tony tried to keep his eye on the mysterious man.  He
noticed that the man's gaze followed Ty as he passed the caf‚ on his
trip around the block.

Suddenly the man got up and started to walk toward Ty.  Tony's silent
voice sounded an alarm as he called out, "Ty, the man is trying to
follow you!  Do whatever you have to do, but don't let him catch you."

Ty sounded calm as he responded, "I got it covered, Tony.  Somehow I
thought this might happen - I don't know why - and I have a plan."
Tony was anxious since he couldn't see Ty or the man, but he also was
strangely calm.  He would have to wait and see what Ty had planned.

"Tony, he's following me, but he's doing exactly what I expected.
Don't worry about me - just keep watching for him to come back.  ...
Hey Tony!  He had a camera on his table, and I think he left it there.
Is there any way you can get it?"

Impressed with Ty's presence of mind, Tony looked through the glass of
the caf‚.  Sure enough, at the man's table was a nice camera -
possibly a digital camera. Tony hadn't done this in a while, but he
concentrated and watched the camera begin to rise.  He had it go as
high as the top of the doorway, then, hoping no one would see, he had
it ease along the glass until it got to the door.  Then Tony nudged
the door open with his mind, and the camera flew out and across the
street like a bullet.

It landed softly in his hand, and he looked at it.  It was a compact
digital camera, and it could take video as well as still shots.  He
walked over and put it in his duffle bag.

He called out silently, "Ty, are you still OK?  I've got the camera."

Ty replied almost instantly, "Yeah, I'm great!  You should see him
coming back any second now. He gave up on me."  That statement made
Tony really curious, but he saw the man race back into the caf‚.
However, there was still no sign of Ty.

"Ty, where are you?  He's back ... are you sure you're OK?"

"Yeah, I'm fine!"  Tony jumped - that was Ty's audible voice, and it
was right behind him!  He turned around, and Ty stood there, grinning
like he had just played the biggest practical joke of all time.  Tony
grabbed his shoulders, then pulled him into a hug.

He said, "Ty, where did you come from?  What happened?"

Ty was almost giddy with excitement, his young face looking so proud.
He switched to his silent voice and said, "Well, I just had this
feeling he'd follow me. Then, when you said he was, I just knew what I
was supposed to do.  Behind the eating-place there's an alley, and I
remembered that there is an awning over the back of the place, because
that used to be the entrance.  So, when I knew he was coming - and I
never looked back at him, so I don't think he knew that I knew - I
just turned the corner real fast into the alley and just floated up
onto the awning and laid down."

Tony arched his eyebrows when he heard that, but he remained silent
and let Ty continue.

"What was weird was, not only did I hear him walk past me in the
alley, I also could sense when he was gone.  I didn't peek out until I
was sure he wasn't around. Then, I floated to the top of the caf‚.  I
just went from building to building, floating between them. When I got
to that corner down there..." and he pointed to the intersection a
block away, "I floated to the ground in the alley, and walked over
here.  Pretty good, huh?"

Tony mussed his hair and said, "Good?!  No!  Ty, you're awesome! That
was the best spy work I've ever seen!"



CHAPTER 22

That night Tony and Tia each sat by their transmitters to communicate
with New Home.  Uncle Ben‚ and Aunt Bri were in the communication room
at New Home so they could transmit their thoughts across the miles to
Tony and Tia.  They jokingly called it a "conference call," but the
conference itself was no joke.  They had much to discuss.

For his part, Tony had closed the blinds to all of the windows, but he
still sat a distance from the transmitter - now hidden - and acted
like he was listening to the radio, just in case anyone was watching
him or listening to him.  Since his lips wouldn't move while he was
"talking," he could carry on with the conversation and no earthly
listening device would pick anything up.

Tony went first, filling everyone in on Trina and Ty, and the threat
from the mystery man and his surveillance.  Everyone was thrilled
beyond words to hear about two new Homedwellers, but concerned about
this serious new threat.  They also marveled at the abilities that Ty,
a mixture of Homedweller and human, was showing.  Uncle Ben‚ seemed
almost more interested in that than in the other matters at hand.

Tia filled in some of the gaps in Tony's information when talking
about the AAAI, explaining that Tony's mystery man might be connected
to that group, and then suggesting he might be one of the leaders of
the group.  That last statement came as a result of her intuitiveness
and not from any research she had done.  Tony didn't discount it - he
knew her intuition was always right.  If he was facing one of the
leaders of the AAAI, then maybe he could help Tia out as well.

One of the hardest things she had to tell Tony was that the AAAI was
started by none other than Dr. Gannon.  Tony's blood ran cold when he
heard that name.  He had done a lot of healing in the 25 plus years
since his encounter with the wicked scientist, but after watching how
the mystery man had gone after Ty, he realized that the doctor must
not have changed at all, and any group he started would act just like
him.  He resolved, in his own mind, that Dr. Gannon and the AAAI must
be stopped for good.

Tia also told the group about Eric.  She spoke hesitantly when talking
about her relationship with him, although everyone knew it had been
brewing.  Then she told them that she believed he might be a
Homedweller, and the questions began to fly!  She told them about what
had happened that day in her office, and after hearing that, they
concluded she was probably right.

The conversation then turned to a plan of action.  First of all, what
do you do with a Senator - and a popular one at that - who might be a
Homedweller?  Secondly, who would be able to check on the mystery
man's connection with the AAAI and Dr. Gannon?  After considerable
discussion, it was decided that Tia would tell Eric everything about
herself and her people - it was a bold gamble, but it seemed to
everyone to be the best way.

It was also decided that Tony would get a small computer - probably a
laptop, since they are more portable - to see what pictures and video
the camera he "confiscated" contained.  That too could provide a clue
to the people behind the surveillance.

Once that was done, Tony said that he and Ty would do some checking on
the mystery man.  He felt they had been on the defensive long enough -
now it was time to try the offensive!  Uncle Ben‚ cautioned him to do
what was necessary, but nothing more.  He added, "Tony, I know you
better than I know any other Homedweller, and I know all of them very
well.  I don't believe you would consciously plan revenge, but it is
still a temptation.  Dr. Gannon has hurt you and would have hurt Tia,
and if this person following you is working with him, then he has
threatened your young friend as well.  No matter how justified it
might seem, revenge is not an option.  We will never stoop to that
level."

In his head he agreed, and he said so, but in his heart he knew he had
already resolved that Dr. Gannon would never hurt him or his people
again.  Whether that was simply protecting his own, or self-defense,
or revenge, he would let others decide.  He only knew the outcome that
he wanted - no more threat ... no matter what.




CHAPTER 23

Early the next morning, Tia got a call from Eric's receptionist. Eric
had called in sick, and he asked the receptionist to let Tia know.
She said that Tia could go on in to the office and work on the report,
or she could take the day off - it was up to her.

Before hanging up, Tia realized she needed to talk to Eric.  It really
was urgent.  So she asked the receptionist for Eric's home phone
number, and got it.  She hung up and quickly called Eric's home.  His
answering machine was all she got, so she left a message asking Eric
to call her right away.

He didn't.  Her emotions told her he was upset at her after what
happened the day before.  But her instinct - her gut - told her
something was wrong.  Eric was running from his past, trying to escape
from who he really was and is ... he needed her help right away.

She could have looked up his address, but since she didn't drive, she
wasn't sure if she'd find it. She knew it had to be close to his
office, so she set out walking. Depending partly on her heart, and
partly on the link she had established with Eric through their
relationship, Tia walked straight toward his house.

In less than 20 minutes, she was there.  She suddenly felt very
nervous, but was also determined.  No matter the outcome of the next
hour or so, at least she could be completely honest with Eric.  Tia
had never liked hiding things, and while she understood the need for
deception when on assignment, she was looking forward to clearing the
air once and for all.

She could see through the front window that he was on the phone.
Ignoring that, she walked up to the front door and rang the bell.  She
waited a minute, then rang it again ... and again.  She was determined
to have this conversation whether Eric really wanted to or not!

Finally he opened the door a crack.  He looked awful - unshaven, hair
a mess, dressed in sweatpants and a t-shirt, and his eyes were puffy.
Tia's heart longed to reach out to this man ... she cared for him so
much, and he looked like he could really use a friend.  She said, "Can
I come in?"  He didn't reply, just nodded, and opened the door for
her.

She walked in, waited for him to close the door, and then walked with
him into the large living room.  He motioned for the couch, still not
speaking, but she shook her head.  She stood in front of him, face to
face, and said, "Eric, we need to talk.  I'd like to find out what's
wrong, but if you don't want to tell me, that's fine.  No matter what,
though, we need to finish yesterday's conversation."

Tia spoke with such strength and conviction - something Eric hadn't
seen yet.  He seemed stunned, and then sunk down onto the couch and
said in a small voice, "I don't know what's wrong.  ... Our talk
yesterday just woke something up inside me.  I don't know how else to
describe it.  I feel ... lost ... alone ... like I don't belong here.
I don't want to feel this way, but I can't make it leave."

Suddenly he looked up at her, his eyes questioning.  "Why did you say,
'Welcome home'?  That's what you said yesterday!  Why?"

Tia sat down next to him and took his hand.  "I said it because you've
been looking for home, and I know where it is.  I want to tell you my
story - not my edited biography, not my resume, but my real life
story.  Please listen all the way to the end.  Then I'll answer any
question you have - and I do mean any question."

Again he remained silent, nodding his assent to what she had said.

Tia dove in.  She started at the point where, when living with the
Malones, she and Tony realized they were different from the other
kids.  She talked about being in foster care, about being able to
sense things and know things and see things ... and move things and
lift things.

She talked about her flashbacks into the past, and the wreck at sea.
Her voice broke when she talked about Granny Malone dying and going to
the orphanage.  She described her star case and finding the map.

Taking her time, she told him about Lucas Deranian, Mr. Bolt, Jason
O'Day, Witch Mountain, Uncle Ben‚, and their weekend in California and
run-in with Dr. Gannon.

Eric listened numbly, almost in shock.  Tia wasn't sure what he was
thinking, but she could sure read what he was feeling.  He was
actually feeling a mixture of confusion and hope.

As she finished her story, including her assignment, she said, "I
never meant to lie to you, Eric. But I'm here to find people like you
- people that I believe are from my planet.  We called our planet Home
when it existed.  Now we live on New Home.  You belong there, Eric.  I
really believe that, once you visit, you will know - you belong with
us."

Eric sounded a little like his old self when he said, "I have four
more days of Senate hearings, and then I have a week's vacation.
Could you take me to New Home then? I'd love to see if you are right."

Tia smiled and hugged him.  She said, silently, "Of course.  I'll
arrange for the transportation.  And between now and then, I can tell
you, and show you, more of life on Home."  Then, hoping it wouldn't be
too much for him to handle, she levitated the Kleenex box to him and
it landed on his lap.  His eyes got wide, and then he actually
laughed.

"Oh wow!  How did you do that?  Can I do that?"  And he started
looking around for something to move with his mind.

Tia put her hand up to caution him.  "Hold on!  Each person from our
planet can do different things - some can sense things better, some
can communicate with animals better, some can move things around.  It
will take some time, since you've never used these abilities, but
yeah, we'll find out what you can do!"

She looked around and saw a throw pillow lying on a recliner.  She
said, "Look at that pillow, and concentrate on lifting it.  That's
all.  Just imagine that an unseen arm is extending from you and
lifting the pillow."

He knit his brow and concentrated.  The pillow seemed to move, but it
was still on the recliner. Then they realized that he had actually
lifted the front of the recliner off the floor!  Tia said, "Not bad -
I guess you just have to work on your aim!"

He let the chair go, relaxed, and leaned back against the couch they
were sitting on.  "Thanks, Tia.  You saved me.  I felt so lost just a
little while ago.  Now I know where I'm from, and I have a place to
go.  I love you so much!"

Tia's mouth fell open, and then she smiled, and her face lit up. "Eric
... I love you, too!"  And she collapsed into his arms.



CHAPTER 24

Tony had spent the day painting, or at least trying to.  It was hard
to concentrate.  He was concerned for Ty, who was with him.  He
fretted over the mystery man, who again was across the street in the
caf‚ watching them.  And he needed to talk to Trina and wasn't sure
when he would be able to.

Just then Ty came over to him and touched his arm.  "Tony," he said
silently, "don't worry so much!"  Tony's eyebrows arched in surprise,
and Ty just smiled and went on.  "I can tell you're really bugged
about what's been happening.  But don't worry.  It's not just you or
just me or just my mom ... it's the three of us together.  I'd like to
see anyone top that!"

Tony laughed out loud, then spoke silently and said, "You're right,
Ty.  And we will stay together. I never told you, but when I was just
a little older than you, an evil man kidnapped me and, well, kinda
hypnotized me into doing some things to help him.  My sister finally
found me, but I never forgot how horrible it felt to be controlled by
someone.

"Well, I found out yesterday that the guy across the street who is
watching us ... he might be working for the guy who kidnapped me.  I
just couldn't bear to let anything like that happen to you. So please,
do me a favor and stay close by.  No more heroics for a while, OK?"

Ty hugged Tony and said aloud, "OK.  I'd do anything for you, Tony."
Then he got quiet, like he was really thinking hard about something.
Finally he spoke.  "Tony... um, since we are from the same family,
well ... is it OK if I think of you as my big brother?"

He looked up at Tony with big, trusting eyes.  Tony melted.  He leaned
down to hug him right and said silently, "You bet!  You're the best
little brother I've ever had!"  Ty hugged back, then stopped, pulled
back, and said, "Wait!  You don't have a little brother do you!?"  He
said it accusingly, and Tony was glad he got the joke, but he looked
at Ty and said seriously, "I do now."

Ty actually blushed, then went back to straightening the paintings.

That afternoon they shut down early, hauled everything to Tony's
apartment, and then went to the nearest computer store.  Tony knew how
much computer - memory and speed - he needed to view what was on the
camera he had retrieved from the "enemy." Thirty minutes later, thanks
to his Homedweller-set-up credit card, he left with a new laptop under
his arm ... and an eager younger brother wanting to try it out.

Concerned that his own apartment would be watched, he and Ty took the
laptop and the camera to Trina's apartment.  Tony set the laptop up in
the kitchen/dining room, away from any windows, just in case.  Once he
got the camera hooked up and got the computer to recognize it, he
downloaded what was on the camera.

The pictures were disturbing.  There were pictures of Tony at his
stand, painting.  Some were close-ups he never knew were being taken -
apparently the camera had a good telephoto lens. There were pictures
of Trina and Ty talking to Tony on the first day he met Ty's mom.  The
man had taken close-ups of them as well.  There was even a photo of
Tony's business card.

Tony's blood ran cold, and his stomach actually tightened in fear.
Next to his name on the business card, someone - probably the stranger
- had written in pencil "Malone?"

Malone!  The name he and Tia used when living with their foster
parents!  How would this person know that used to be his name?  Who
was this mysterious, seemingly all knowing man?

Next he downloaded the video.  Again he was chilled by what he saw.
The video was choppy, and you could hear caf‚ noises on it, but he saw
himself moving about, setting up, painting.  He saw Trina and Ty the
day that she first met Tony - the man had taken video from across the
street, then did close-ups.

The worst part was what was next.  There, on the video, was Ty
floating, and Tony pulling him down and looking around to make sure no
one had seen!  Thank the stars he had confiscated this video!  With
that footage, they would have been found out for sure.

However, he felt very strongly they were in danger right now. Someone
knew his name used to be Malone, and knew for a fact that Ty could
levitate.  That was too much for any one human to know - it was enough
to jeopardize them.

The phone in the apartment rang.  Ty went to answer it automatically.
He looked at Tony and said, "My mom always calls to make sure I'm OK.
She didn't know you were coming by probably."

Tony smiled and said, "Good - tell her I need to talk to her."

As soon as he said "Hello," Ty's smile disappeared and he looked
panicked.  He covered the receiver and said, "Tony, it's some guy.  He
says he wants to talk to Tony Malone now!  Is that you?"

Alarms went off in Tony's head - somehow this caller was related to
the man in the car with the surveillance equipment, who was probably
the man from the caf‚.  If he was calling Trina's, then he somehow
knew that Trina and Ty were connected to Tony and his people.  They
had to get out of there right away.

Tony took the phone, and then said silently to Ty, "Go pack a few
clothes into a plastic bag. We're leaving here just to play it safe."
Ty nodded and ran to his room.  Tony put the phone to his ear and
said, "This is Tony."

The voice on the other end of the line could only be described as
sinister.  It wasn't Dr. Gannon -Tony would have recognized that.
This man was younger - it had to be mystery man from the caf‚.  He
said to Tony, "Malone, I have your girlfriend."

That puzzled Tony, but only for a moment.  "She's not my girlfriend,
but you better not harm her! Now, who are you, and what do you want?"

Almost on an impulse, he began to send his silent voice over the
phone.  He had never tried to communicate that way on a regular phone,
and didn't know if it would carry through the receiver and into the
room the man was in, but it was worth a shot.  Still trying to listen
to the caller, Tony said silently, "Trina, if you can hear me, somehow
let me know!  I have Ty and he's safe!"

The caller was talking, apparently unaware of what Tony was doing. He
said, "Bring the camera you took, and the boy, to your apartment.  If
anyone else but you and the boy walk through the door, your girlfriend
will die."



CHAPTER 25

Eric's living room was a mess now!  But what else could be expected
when everything had been moved ... and none of it with hands?  Tia was
having the time of her life watching Eric.  He acted just like a
little boy on Christmas day - it seemed like everything was new again,
and he was playing with it.

After lifting the recliner, he tried again and moved the pillow.  He
had so much fun watching it fly across the room that he lost his
concentration and it fell - right into his aquarium.  Fortunately he
didn't try to move that, but he did lift it about a foot in the air.
Knickknacks, pictures, pillows, and papers had all been moved or
rearranged.  Then he went on to furniture.  If it wasn't nailed down,
he tried to move it.  That was fine until the heavy wardrobe didn't
quite clear the top of the easy chair it was flying over - so it
tipped over, in the air, and dumped its contents onto the floor.  Eric
started laughing so hard when that happened, that the wardrobe ended
up landing upside down, leaning against the corner.

For the first time since she had met Eric, Tia was completely relaxed
with him.  There was no pretending, no hiding anything ... she could
be herself and just have fun.  And she did.

She also had never seen Eric having so much fun.  He was giggling,
making funny noises as he tried to move heavier items, grimacing in
bizarre expressions ... and never acted self-conscious at all.  That
made Tia love him all the more.  Any man who could act like a kid and
not care what anyone thought was the kind of man she could spend her
life with.

For a moment she got a serious expression on her face, as she realized
what she had just thought.  "Spend the rest of her life with...?"  Was
she really thinking that?  She had never consciously let that be a
possibility.  Now, suddenly, unexpectedly... it was!

Eric caught her serious expression, and got serious himself.  He
looked at Tia and said, "Hey ... are you OK?  What's wrong?"

She looked at him, not sure how much to say, and said, "Eric,
everything is perfect.  I just realized that I've never felt so
relaxed, so comfortable with anyone besides my brother.  I could spend
all day every day with you and never get tired of it."

Eric's eyebrows arched, and he said, "Ms. Castaway, that sounds like a
proposal!"  Then he winked.

She rolled her eyes as she laughed, then said, "Oh it does, does it?"
Suddenly from nowhere, a pillow slammed into the side of his head.  He
looked shocked, then realized that she had made it fly toward him!

"Hey!  How can you laugh and talk and still make things move? That's
not fair!"  And he looked around for a pillow to "throw" at her.
However, his concentration was broken before he could do it... he
suddenly realized that he was floating!  He looked down to see the
couch getting smaller and smaller below him.

Shocked, he looked at Tia.  She was floating right next to him,
smiling.  She leaned close to him and said, "Isn't this better than
moving furniture?"  He smiled, pulled her close, and said, "Oh yeah
... much better!"  Then he added, "You won't drop us like I dropped
the wardrobe, will you?"

Laughing, she said, "Not a chance!  I always take care of someone that
I love."  Even for Tia, kissing while suspended in mid-air was a new
experience.  She was hoping it wouldn't be too much for Eric.  But the
way he was kissing, he apparently had gotten used to it.  They spent
several minutes learning to kiss in zero gravity, enjoying being
together.

Without warning, Tia pulled back.  She looked scared.  That bothered
Eric, and he said, "Tia, I'm sorry.  I thought this was OK."

They were floating back down to the couch as Tia said, "No, Eric, it's
not you.  I just got a warning.  Something bad is going to happen to
my brother.  We're connected in a special way -you'll understand more
when I get you to New Home - and sometimes I know when he's in
danger."

As they returned to the couch, she tried calling into her watch,
silently yet with Eric listening, "Tony!  Tony!  This is Tia!  Can you
hear me?  Are you OK?"

After a few seconds, maybe almost a minute, she tried again.  Still no
response.  So she decided to call New Home.  "Uncle Ben‚, I just got
the feeling that Tony is in danger!  Can you check on him please?"


CHAPTER 26

Tony had gotten no response on the phone from Trina, because the man
hung up the phone as soon as he had told Tony what to do.  Ty came
back into the room with a plastic shopping bag crammed with his
favorite clothes and a few of his CDs.  His face fell - he could just
sense that something horrible had happened.

Remaining calm, Tony said, "Change of plans.  Leave your bag here -we
have to go to my apartment right away.  But first ..."  Tony walked
over to the laptop with the camera still attached. He used the
computer to wipe the camera's disks clean - then he also deleted the
files he had downloaded into the laptop.  The pictures and video no
longer existed anywhere.

He grabbed the camera, and went toward the door.  Ty looked like he
was going to cry.  "It's my mom, isn't it?  He's got my mom!"  Tony
didn't have time to coddle the boy, and he knew he couldn't deny it,
so he said, "Yes, he does.  But remember what you told me ... we're
three against one, and we can do some awesome stuff, right?"

Ty nodded, and they went out the door together.  As they walked down
the hall, Tony said, "The man said that he has your mom at my
apartment.  Now, he might not be telling the truth, but, if he's
right, that's not very far away.  I want you to try calling your mom
with your silent voice - yell to her, and see if she answers."

As they walked down the street, Ty yelled as best he knew how in his
special voice, "Mom!  This is Ty!  Please answer!"  It almost hurt
Tony's head - he had never heard anyone yell that way before ... it
had never been necessary to do that on New Home.  But almost
immediately they heard her respond.  "Ty, my baby!  They gave me some
medicine to make me sleepy.  But I'm here at Tony's apartment, and
I'll help in any way I can."

Tony took over talking to her.  "Trina, this is Tony.  Our people can
sometimes manipulate things with our minds.  I want you to try it, but
be careful - I think the person who has you knows that our people can
do this.  Are your hands tied?"

"Yes," she replied weakly.

"OK.  That's fine," Tony reassured her.  "Try to make the ropes move
with your mind.  Can you reach out with your mind and touch the ropes,
make them move at all?"

Silence.  Finally she said, "Yes, a little."

Tony smiled and said, "Great.  Just keep working at them - don't take
the ropes off completely, but see if you can loosen them by the time
we get there.  We should be there in about 10 minutes."

Just before they arrived, Tony used his watch to transmit a message to
New Home, alerting them to the danger he, Ty, and Trina were in.  He
asked them to alert any other Homedwellers in New York, and to keep
tabs on Tony's watch just in case something happened to him.  Uncle
Ben‚ said that Tia was concerned that something was wrong, and they
were just getting ready to check up on him.  That helped Tony feel a
little better.

Finally they were at Tony's apartment building, and they opened the
main door and went in.  They slowly climbed the steps, one at a time,
keeping their senses on full alert.  They could actually sense Trina
from two floors down - she was almost panicked.

As they got to Tony's floor, they walked down the hall.  They sensed
no one watching them, no one hiding behind any corners.  They arrived
at the door to Tony's apartment, and Tony, not seeing the need to
knock, just opened the door.

The scene in the apartment hit them both the minute the door opened.
Standing right in the doorway was the redhead man, with a gun aimed
right at Tony's chest. Behind him, farther back in the living room,
was another man standing with a gun pointed at Trina's head.  Ty
yelled out involuntarily, "Mom!" and tried to go to her.  But the
redhead man stopped him and aimed the gun at him.

Something about the man nagged at Tony.  He felt he should know him.
But he was too focused on the whole scene, as well as the fact that a
gun was trained on his "little brother."  Tony said, as menacingly as
he could, "Don't hurt either of them.  I'm the one you want!"

The redhead man stepped closer to Tony, keeping the gun on Ty, and
smiled as he said, "Long time no see, Malone!"

That did it for Tony.  The past was present again, and he could see
clearly who this man was ... or at least who he used to be.  Slowly,
as if he didn't believe it possible, he said, "Truck?  Is that you?"

He smiled and nodded.  "Yep, it's me Malone.  I finally am going to
get even with you."



CHAPTER 27

Tia was almost beside herself, and Eric was doing all he could to keep
her calm.  Uncle Ben‚ let Tia know that he had contacted Tony, and
that Tony and Ty were heading to the mystery man, who was camped out
at Tony's apartment and was holding Trina hostage.  Tia almost yelled
at Uncle Ben‚, "No!  He can't go alone!  This is a set-up.  This
person... whoever he is ... knows Tony's abilities.  He'll be ready
for anything.  Uncle Ben‚, I almost lost Tony once, and now the same
person that nearly made Tony kill me is trying to control him again!

"Aren't there any Homedwellers nearby you can send?"  Tia was crying
now, and Eric almost couldn't contain himself.  He had never seen Tia
like this before, and the contrast with the happy, relaxed Tia just
moments before was startling.

Uncle Ben‚ did his best to reassure her.  "Tia, Tony is going to a
place he knows, in broad daylight, with one of the most powerful
Homedwellers I've ever known.  This mystery man will be lucky to get
away with the ability to walk, especially if he threatens Ty's mom.
Now, I have several Homedwellers in the area, and they're heading
there now, but when they arrive I want them to get a mental fix on
what's happening before they intervene."

Her uncle suddenly became aware of another presence "listening" in.
"Tia," he asked with concern in his voice, "someone near you is
listening to our conversation.  Who is it?"

Tia wiped her face and tried to calm herself at his question.  In her
emotion and fear she had all but forgotten that Eric was right there,
watching and listening. "Um ... Uncle Ben‚ ... it's Eric. He's
definitely a Homedweller and has been practicing his abilities... with
my help, of course. That includes communicating like we do.  I wanted
him to listen in -he's so important to me, I want him to know
everything about me.  Even when I act foolish like I just did."

Eric walked up to her from behind and lightly put his arms around her,
trying to let her know that he still accepted and loved her.  He
looked up suddenly when he heard Uncle Ben‚'s voice say, "Eric ...
welcome.  I look forward to the privilege of meeting you. Anyone that
can impress Tia the way you have must be exceptional.  Thank you for
being there for her now."

Eric seemed truly humbled when he said, "With all due respect, sir,
Tia is the exceptional one. She has brought a purpose and meaning to
my life that was lacking. I'm fortunate to have met her, and if you
and your Homedwellers are anything like her, I can't wait to meet
you."

Tia smiled at him, a wonderful, radiant smile.  Uncle Ben‚ said,
"Likewise, Eric.  I am going to stop communicating with you so that we
here can be ready to receive any messages Tony sends. Tia - you know
I'm a man of my word, and I give you my word that the moment we hear
anything about Tony's situation, I will personally let you know.  Just
keep your watch/transmitter with you."

"OK, Uncle Ben‚.  Thanks.  I'll be waiting."   And he was gone.

Eric exhaled sharply and said, "Man, your family has its own special
way of communicating, doesn't it?"  Trying to lighten the mood, he
added, "What do you do if they call while you're in the shower?  Or in
the middle of a good book?  I mean, it's not like the phone, which you
can ignore or turn off!"

She shot back, silently, "Well, you'd better get used to it!  It's now
your way of communicating as well!"  Then she smiled and said,
"Actually, once you get to New Home, you'll find that family is more
important than anything.  We lost our planet, and many of us lost
family members, so the ones we have left, and the place we live, are
more important than any activity.  If someone does interrupt, which
can happen, you just tell them you'll contact them soon, and it's
fine.

"One thing I've noticed that's quite different between humans and
Homedwellers is the way we get along.  While we can look and sound
very different from each other as individuals, we consider ourselves
one big race, no matter the individual differences.  And because of
that, we never let anything get personal.  Every Homedweller is
related to me in some way, so what I say to them and what they say to
me is important.  If someone disagrees with me, I don't feel like I'm
bad - I just realize that my idea doesn't match with theirs.

"Are they sometimes wrong?  Oh yeah.  But so am I.  I've been wrong so
many times in my life that I have no right to criticize anyone - from
any planet! - for being wrong as well.  That's how we learn and grow.
So we never feel insulted when someone corrects us or points something
out.  We accept it as a way to learn and grow, even if we don't agree
with the other person."

Eric looked pensive.  "Sounds like utopia, Tia.  Almost too perfect to
be true."

She kissed him, then said, "Well, Senator Homedweller, in one week you
get to find out!"

He smiled at that thought and said, "Man, I hope I can wait a week!"




CHAPTER 28

Tony's mind was reeling.  A movie was playing inside his head -images
of Truck stealing Tia's pen, trying to punch him, running off with
Tia's star case, calling them names.  When they had been "adopted" by
Mr. Deranian, Truck resented them even more.  Tony had never learned
Truck's history, or how he'd been orphaned, but Tony guess that Truck
felt it was unfair that two "weirdoes" should be adopted, and by a
rich guy, before he got the chance to get out of the orphanage.

But why on earth would Truck nurse a grudge like that all these years?
The kids at the orphanage thought Tony and Tia were different, and
Truck took every opportunity to emphasize it, since he was more
popular than they ever were.  Why on earth would he want to get at
Tony now?

Tony finally spoke, "Truck, or whatever your real name is, it's been
almost 30 years!  Have you been looking for me all this time because I
won one fight?"

Truck shook his head, smirking.  "Oh please.  You're not worth that,
Malone.  No, the only reason I started looking for you again is
because of the man I met.  He had an encounter a few years after I
knew you - with a teenager named Tony who could do miraculous things.
And this teenager had a sister named Tia who kept spoiling his plans,
and suddenly I knew who he was talking about!"

Tony gasped.  "You met Dr. Gannon?"

"You call him 'Dr. Gannon'?  Well his friends call him Victor, or Vic.
Yeah, I've met him.  His lifelong ambition has been to find you two -
he thinks you're aliens - and get you to use your 'powers' for him.
Well, I know you got some strange abilities, 'cuz I saw you use them
on me. And this guy is paying big bucks for anyone who can find you.
I never liked your or your sister, and I could use some big bucks, so
I started looking for you.

"I accidentally found you that day when I passed by your art stand. I
had been looking in North Carolina, starting at the orphanage.  Using
their records I traced you to Mr. Bolt, and then, after some research,
found out you got away from him.  I happened to be here in New York on
other business when I passed by your stand.  Lucky day for me - bad
one for you!"

While Truck had been speaking, almost gloating, he wasn't aware that
Ty and Trina were communicating.  Tony half-listened to their
discussion as they sought for a way out of the situation.

Truck continued.  "Another interesting thing about Vic is that he had
a little machine that could control your mind - make you into an
obedient robot that did whatever he wanted.  You stole things, you
destroyed things, and you came thisclose to killing your own sister!
Over the years, he's improved the device, and I happen to have one
right here.  Does this bring back any memories ... Tony?"

He pulled from his suit pocket a small mechanical box that Tony
remembered only too well.  He was having trouble remaining calm -
every nerve in his body was tense.  Memories began to flood his mind -
the frustration at not being able to think for himself; the guilt over
helping an evil man; and the fear in Tia's eyes as he tried to harm
her over and over again.   He felt like he was a kid again, and feared
he would never see his sister or his people again.  Yet through the
terror in his heart, he felt determined at the same time.  He had
decided long ago that he would rather die than to be under someone's
control again.  That determination hadn't changed.

One gun was still aimed at Ty, and one at Trina, and Truck said, "OK,
Malone.  Here's the deal. We don't care about the boy or the woman.
We want you.  You let me put this on you, and they can go.  You refuse
or try any funny business ... and they die while you watch."

Tony's eyes narrowed.  He knew Truck was lying - he had no intention
of letting the others go. He remembered Uncle Ben‚'s words about
revenge, but Truck was threatening him, his family, and his new
friends.  It seemed that the AAAI was willing kill anyone who stood in
their way. Perhaps it was time that they experience some death - they
had certainly dealt it out enough.

Truck's hand reached out to place the device behind Tony's ear. Tony
was going to stop him, but wasn't sure how yet.  He didn't want to
endanger Ty or Trina by his actions.  Suddenly, however, they heard
someone cry out, "NOOOOOOOO!!!"

It was Ty.  Apparently afraid they were going to kidnap Tony again, he
couldn't stand it anymore. Before Tony could even blink, Truck and his
associate were gone.  In a daze, Tony looked around to see what
happened to them - no Homedweller could teleport himself or anyone
else!  It just couldn't be done.  Surely Ty hadn't done that!

Then Tony realized, as his brain finally allowed sound to enter, that
he had heard breaking glass and two men screaming in fear.  He looked
up and saw that both had been driven out of the closed window and were
hanging in the air.  If Ty let them drop, it would be a 50-foot fall
to the ground.  Their guns were not in their hands - Tony saw them
lying on the floor just inside the window.

Tony couldn't help but be impressed.  He might have been able to do
that to one of the men, but not that quickly, and there's no way he
could have done it to more than one!  Ty looked shaken but determined.
Tony was still rattled himself, but tried to get back in control of
the situation. First, he looked over at Trina, and caused her ropes
and gag to fall off.  She looked relieved, although still somewhat
drugged.  He mentally lifted her up and laid her on the couch.  Her
eyes closed, and she appeared to be resting.

Then he stepped next to Ty and gave him a big hug.  Ty hugged back,
almost hanging on for dear life.  Tony was beginning to realize how
much Ty needed him -that was why Ty couldn't bear to see anything
happen to Tony.  And Tony was beginning to feel an attachment to this
boy who had really become a younger brother to him.

The two men in the air were still yelling, but it was less fear and
more obscenities and threats. Tony looked at Ty and said, "OK, you've
shown off enough!"  Ty smiled, as did Tony.  "Now, what did you have
in mind ... or are you playing this by ear?"

Ty said, "I guess by ear.  I just knew I had to get both of them out
of the room, so they couldn't hurt you or my mom.  I didn't think any
farther than that."

Tony mussed Ty's hair and said, "You did great, Ty.  You saved my life
and your mom's life! You're the best!"

An idea came to Tony, and he said, "I know what we can do to these
guys, but first we need to talk to them.  Hold them there for a second
longer."  Tony then concentrated on the ropes that had come off of
Trina.  At his gaze, they rose through the air, tied themselves
together, and headed out what used to be the window.  They wrapped
themselves around the two men, tying them to each other, back to back.

Once the rope was secure, and just a little too tight for their
comfort, Tony said, "OK, Ty ... bring them back in."  Without even
looking like he was concentrating, Ty made both men float gently back
in through the hole they'd made in the large window.  They landed a
little hard on the floor, and Tony suspected that Ty had done that on
purpose, since he obviously had the power to set them down gently.

Tony stepped closer to them, looking sternly at Truck.  A second
later, Truck's wallet flew out of his pocket and into Tony's hand.
Tony opened it up and found a driver's license with Truck's picture on
it.  It was from North Carolina, and was in the name of "Travis
Pluck."  Tony said, "Oh, I get it - Travis ... Pluck ... Tr-uck!"
Clever nickname.  Now, Travis ... where is the not-so-good doctor?"

Truck practically spit his answer at Tony.  "I'll never tell you,
Malone!  You and the other freaks deserve what he's going to do to
you!"




CHAPTER 29

Tia tried to relax as she and Eric watched the news.  It had taken the
better part of an hour to put all of the furniture and other things
back into a reasonable order. It helped keeping busy - she didn't
worry about Tony as much.  But now, sitting idly, she couldn't help
but worry again.

"Tia!" Uncle Ben‚'s voice called out.

Eric muted the TV as she replied, "Yes, I'm here!  What's going on?
How's Tony?"

He chuckled as he said, "Oh, he's fine!  I haven't heard from him -I'm
actually getting information from Trina, Ty's mom.  She communicates
very well, as if she'd been doing it all her life.  There's one thing
she doesn't understand, and I don't either.  Tia, does the name
'Truck' ring a bell to you at all?"

Tia looked like she'd been shot - so much so that it scared Eric. She
couldn't even form words at first.  "Uncle Ben‚ ... when we were in
the orphanage, after Granny Malone died ... there was a mean boy there
... big kid named Truck.  He picked fights with us, tried to steal my
star case and tried to beat up Tony.  He knew we were different, and
he hated us for it.  Why do you ask?"  The she gasped and asked, "Is
he the mystery man?"

Uncle Ben‚ replied, "Apparently so.  He's been searching for you and
Tony for years because someone that controlled Tony at one point wants
to control him again.  Tia ... would that be this Dr. Gannon you two
encountered in Los Angeles?"

Tia was now white as a sheet.  She nodded her head, then, realizing
that her uncle couldn't see that, said, "Yes, it has to be.  How did
those two ever meet up?" She paused, then added,  "I can see now,
though, why they joined forces.  Both of them knew of Tony and Tia
together - without ever knowing a last name - and knew they were
different and could do things humans can't do."

Then a thought struck her, and she said, "Uncle Ben‚ ... has Trina
told heard what Truck's real name is?"

"Why yes.  Tony just read it from his driver's license.  It's Travis
Pluck."

Tia said, to Eric as much as to Uncle Ben‚, "I knew it!  In the report
I was preparing for Eric, it said that the man who started the AAAI
was Dr. Gannon, and that a Travis Pluck was second in command!  Uncle
Ben‚, I'm afraid that Truck's goal is to turn Tony over to Dr. Gannon.
We may have stopped Truck, but until we can get to the source - Dr.
Gannon -we really haven't won."

All was silent for a moment.  Then Uncle Ben‚ said, "You're right,
Tia.  I'm arranging a secret place where our New York trio can hide
out for the night.  Once they're there, we need to have another
conference call to make a plan.  Eric, would you be able to come up
here to visit right away?  We might not be able to wait a week."

Eric looked surprised, but said, "If you need me there tonight, I'll
be there.  My constituents may not understand why, but this is much
more important than some dry old debates on the Senate floor.  Just
let me know what I can do to help, sir."

Uncle Ben‚ chuckled and said, "Eric, we're family.  Please stop
calling me 'sir' and start calling me Uncle!"

Eric said, "That'll take some getting used to, but I will do it, s-...
I mean ... I will do it!"

"See that you do!" Uncle Ben‚ said jokingly.  Then he added, "Tia,
stay near your transmitter. We'll begin the conference call as soon as
Tony and company are in place.  Eric, I'd like you to be present as
well."

He smiled.  "I'll be there, Unc!"  He and Tia started laughing, and
they heard Uncle Ben‚ say, "'Unc'?  I've been raising kids for almost
100 years and he calls me 'Unc'?"   Then he laughed and said,
"Alright, I'll talk to you two tonight.  Now behave!"  And he was
gone.

After a couple of minutes of silence, Tia said, "Eric, let's go back
to my place.  I have my transmitter there, and while I can still
communicate from here, I don't want to take any chances. Also, if we
need to get out of here tonight, they'll pick me up near my
apartment."

Eric stood and said, "OK, let's go.  First let me get dressed, and
then we can head out.  Do you want me to call my limo?"

She shook her head and said, "No.  Let's keep this between us for now.
I don't know how many eyes and ears the AAAI might have in Washington,
but if anyone here knows I'm related to Tony, I don't want them
finding out you're involved."

Tia winked at Eric and said, "Besides ... you need some more practice
before you are able to defend me!"  He rolled his eyes, and as he
turned, a pillow came flying and smacked Tia on the side of her head.
As it fell to the ground, she looked stunned. "Eric!  Did you do
that?"

He feigned innocence and said, "Me?  Why, I couldn't have!  I need
much more practice before I could ever defend you!"  And he headed off
to change clothes.





CHAPTER 30

Truck wouldn't talk, and he just got nastier and nastier.  Tony
realized, sadly, that some people never change.  He and Tia hadn't
changed very much - as children they would never have hurt a person or
an animal, and they still felt the same way.  But they had matured in
character, and were able to solve problems as adults.  People like
Truck never quit being bullies, and never quit using childish means to
solve their problems.

After silently conferring with Ty, and realizing they weren't going to
get anywhere, he had Ty levitate both men so they were suspended
between floor and ceiling, unable to touch anything. Mentally Tony
undid the rope that tied them together.  As it fell to the ground, he
systematically began to undress both men.

While both men protested loudly and accused Tony of being perverse, he
knew exactly what he was doing and why.  He didn't physically touch
either man, and he left both in their boxer shorts. He just wanted to
get them out of the way for a while.  Once they each only had one
article of clothing on, the rope floated back up and tied them
together again, back to back.

Causing both men to face away from him for a second, Tony took the
small tracking chip from his watch.  He mentally made it fly toward
the back of Truck's head and into his hair.  He had the hair wrap
itself around the chip, so that (hopefully) even if Truck washed his
hair or combed it vigorously, the chip would remain.  He didn't want
to kidnap the men, and didn't know where he would keep them if he did,
but he wanted to be able to find Truck again should he need to.  That
might be the only way he would be able to locate Dr. Gannon.

Once that was secretly done, Tony said, "Gentlemen, we're sending you
on your way.  Don't let any of us have contact with you again, or you
will not get off this easy.  Leave us alone ... for good!"

At that, Ty made them fly back out the window - carefully, so as not
to cut them on the jagged edges of the broken glass - and two blocks
away to a 10-story building that could be seen from Tony's apartment.
Ty deposited them neatly on the roof, where they would be found,
nearly naked, tied together, with no ID and no proof of who they were
or why they were there.  Tony deeply hoped that it would lead to a few
days in jail, and that he and his new family would be out of New York
before they were released.

Tony went through the men's clothes, confiscating their wallets and
any other items that might provide a clue to where Dr. Gannon was.  He
then asked Ty to send the clothes to the dumpster on the street below.
Ty did one better - he sent them across the street to the garbage
truck on its rounds!  If Truck and his friend ever found their
clothes, they definitely wouldn't want to wear them again.

They walked over to the couch to check on Trina.  Ty, now that the
battle was over, began acting like an 11-year-old.  He hugged his mom
and began to cry.  His mom held him and said, over and over again,
"It's OK, baby.  It's alright."  Tony stood nearby, one hand on Ty's
shoulder, trying to help comfort him.

After getting the tears out of his system, Ty wiped his eyes with the
back of his hand.  He looked at his mom and said, "I'm sorry, Mom.  I
was just so scared that they hurt you.  I already lost my dad, and I
couldn't stand to lose you, too.  I hope you're not mad for what I did
to those guys."

She sat up a little and said, "Mad?  Oh honey, not at all!  I'm proud
of you!  That was the best I've ever seen a boy protect his mom!  It
made me realize how lucky I am -and how lucky both of us are that we
met Tony.  It helps to know that we have a family, and also that we
can do things like this to protect ourselves."

Tony sensed a presence nearby, and looked up.  A tall, slender woman
was standing at the door of the apartment.  She had kind features and
long, blonde hair.  She smiled at Tony, and he recognized her.  "Trina
and Ty, this is my friend Blair.  She's a Homedweller, and if I'm not
mistaken, she's here to take us to a safe place for the night."

Blair entered the room and went straight to Trina.  She spoke
silently, "Hi, Trina.  It's nice to meet you.  I can't wait to show
you around our home and let you meet your people.  I know you are
weak, but we need to get out of here.  Those men know where you live
and, obviously, where Tony lives.  We have a Homedweller here in New
York that has a large apartment you can stay in tonight."

As Trina tried to sit up to speak, Blair said, "Before you sit up,
please take my hand."  She did, and both Ty and Tony could feel heat
emanating from the women holding hands.  Trina looked startled as the
heat radiated through her body.  Once it was gone, she sat up and
asked Blair, "What was that?"

Blair smiled as she helped Trina to her feet.  "Each person at New
Home has different abilities. Some of us have the same abilities as
others, but to different degrees.  The only thing I can seem to do
well is to make people feel better.  I can make an illness pass or at
least make it last less time than it normally would.  In your case, I
simply made the drugs that the men gave you dissipate immediately.
You will still be tired, but it should be a natural thing now, and not
the result of medicines."

Trina smiled, then impulsively hugged Blair.  "Thank you.  All of you
are so kind.  I'm so thankful that we met you."  She then hugged Tony
and Ty, and said, "You guys are the best!  I owe you my life.  And
Tony..." she looked right in his eyes and said, "we owe you
everything.  I will never be able to repay you, but I will never stop
trying."

Tony's eyes moistened as he replied, "Trina, if you are happy at New
Home, I will have all the reward I ever need."

Blair silently urged them on, saying, "The place we're staying is far
from here, so we need to go. There is a Homedweller waiting downstairs
with a car - we don't want him to attract any attention while he waits
for us."  Tony grabbed his transmitter and the laptop - he didn't have
to have anything else - and headed toward the door.  Blair led the way
out of the apartment, and the rest followed.

As they went down the stairs slowly - Blair seemed to be very cautious
- Ty whispered audibly to Tony, "Why doesn't Blair use her regular
voice?"  Tony smiled and whispered back, "She can't. You see, talking
without using your mouth is the way everyone on our planet
communicated. Some of us had audible voices, and some didn't.  When we
got to earth, it was very hard on those who couldn't speak audibly.
Earth people said they were 'deaf and dumb.'  But they could hear, and
they could talk - just not in a way that humans could hear!"

Ty was thinking about that.  He asked Tony silently, "So what do
Homedwellers who can't speak out loud do when they're on assignment?"

Tony was impressed.  That was a very intelligent question.  He
replied, "They actually learn sign language so they can pass as deaf
people on earth.  It's really a great way to get information, because
if people think you're deaf, they will say anything around you.  The
hardest part is to convince deaf humans that you are deaf yourself -
for that they have to really study sign language so they can be
convincing."

They were silent the rest of the way to the car.  Tony, Ty, and Trina
piled into the back, and Blair got in front next to the driver.  After
all that had happened, the three in the back just wanted to rest.  No
one talked on the way to the safe place.  They just enjoyed the peace
and the feeling of safety.




CHAPTER 31

The "conference call" that night was amazing, even for the
Homedwellers who were used to them.  It was as if all of the
participants - Uncle Ben‚, Aunt Bri, Tony, Trina, Ty, Tia, and Eric -
were sitting around a table, just talking.  The conversation sounded
just like that, but the reality was that Uncle Ben‚ and Aunt Bri were
on New Home, Tony, Trina and Ty were in New York, and Tia and Eric
were in Washington, D.C.

Tony and his new friends were in a penthouse apartment near the
outskirts of New York City. Tony had never seen luxury like this -
even the apartment that Mr. Bolt had set up for them when he
adopted/kidnapped them wasn't this nice.  Trina and Ty were blown away
- Ty thought it was the best, and Trina just seemed to be in a daze.
She had told Tony that never in her wildest dreams had she ever
imagined living in such luxury, except, she added jokingly, if she
were the live-in maid.

They set up for the conference call in a nice, comfortable parlor. If
the mood had been more joyous, the call itself would have been a lot
more fun.  Uncle Ben‚ and Aunt Bri welcomed the new Homedwellers
exuberantly and wanted so much to tell them more about their people,
but there were more pressing issues before them.  Uncle Ben‚, after
the introductions were made, started off.  "The main reason we are all
taking part in this conference is because we each have a different
perspective on the threat to New Home that is showing up. Tony, Trina
and Ty have encountered this threat directly; Tia and Eric only
indirectly.

"What we need is to come up with a plan.  We could simply pick up the
New York trio tonight and whisk them off to New Home, but that would
leave Truck with the opportunity to network more with Victor Gannon.
And we know from Tia's information, supplied by her assistant, that
they have been mapping the area around Witch Mountain for a while and
even tried to obtain aerial photographs.  That won't stop if Tony just
disappears.

"Tony has already told us that he planted a tracking device on Truck.
We have been monitoring it, and after moving from where Ty put the two
men, it has remained stationary for about the past hour.  We checked
the location via satellite, and it's the local jail!  So Tony, your
scheme to get Truck and his associate in trouble worked.  We already
have an undercover Homedweller stationed outside the jail to trail him
when he is released.  We're also hoping to find out who pays his bail
and gets him out - that could be another piece of the puzzle.

"The question now is ... what next?  Does anyone have any ideas?"

Tia was the first to respond.  "Well, it seems obvious to me that we
need to wait for Truck to get released from jail, and then follow him
to wherever Dr. Gannon is."

Tony replied, "Yeah, but what if Dr. Gannon isn't even in New York? He
could be in California for all we know.  Do we just trail Truck until
we find him, even if he doesn't go back to him for a while?"

Eric actually chimed in.  "I know I'm the new guy, so if I'm off base,
just let me know.  It's OK ... I'm a Senator, and people usually have
no problem telling me what they think of me!"  Everyone chuckled - it
felt good to laugh.  He continued, "I know that the AAAI is asking for
a decision within a month.  I'm the one who is supposed to present
their request to the Senate committee I'm on, and they are really
pressuring me to get it done quickly.  I assume that they are already
planning to do what they are requesting, which is to enter the Witch
Mountain area and also take aerial photographs using satellites.  They
just want official permission to do that.

"Where I'm going with this is that I think as soon as this Truck guy
gets out of jail, he'll make a beeline for this doctor.  They have too
much at stake to let Tony getting away from them stop their plans to
track all of you down.  So ... my vote is to keep an eye on Truck, and
be ready to follow him as soon as he's free."

It was silent for a moment, and then Trina spoke up.  "I really have
no experience in what you are talking about.  But Eric, with all due
respect, after hearing what you just said, my own thoughts turned to,
'Then what?'  Let's say we follow Truck and he leads us straight to
Dr. Gannon.  Then what?  What do we do once we have both of them?
Just leaving them has never stopped them, and we can't kill them.  So
what we really need to discuss here is... how do we get them to stop
looking for us - period?"

Tony was impressed.  Trina had brought up a very good point.
Apparently Uncle Ben‚ agreed, because he said, "You are absolutely
right, Trina.  I'm glad you said that, since that leads us to a plan
of action.  I do know that, when we first got Tony and Tia home to
safety, the man who was chasing them - Mr. Bolt - gave up when he saw
our lifeboat take off. Seeing a 'flying saucer' apparently made him
think that Tony and Tia were now unreachable. Is there anything
similar we can do to make Dr. Gannon and Truck just give up?"

Again it was silent.  Everyone was thinking.  No one could readily
think of a way to stop this for good.  Tony felt deep inside that Dr.
Gannon was different from Mr. Bolt.  Dr. Gannon knew they were aliens
and wanted them anyway; Mr. Bolt thought they were just psychic, so
their being aliens made him leave them alone.  That tactic just
wouldn't work with the AAAI.

Suddenly, Ty spoke up.  "I know!  All we have to do is get them mad at
each other!  The only reason they are this close is because they are
working together.  If we get them to not trust each other, they might
give up looking for us ... or at least they'll have a tougher time
without each other."

Tony added, "I think he's on to something.  Truck told me that the
only reason he was helping Dr. Gannon was because the doc offered to
give him a lot of money if he led him to us.  Truck's heart isn't
really in this, I don't think.  He just wants to get rich, and then
he's out of the picture."

Uncle Ben‚ said, "Alright, so how do we breed mistrust between these
two?  Is there a way that we could convince Truck that he won't get
paid after all?  That would make him leave us alone, it seems.  But
how could we do that?"

Eric spoke up.  "Another idea is to make the doctor not trust Truck.
If we could set it up that Truck was ready to turn Tony over to him,
and then at the last minute Tony could get free and tell Truck,
'Thanks for getting me to the doc.  Our plan worked.'  Or something
like that.  I think that, no matter how much Truck denied it, Dr.
Gannon would never trust him again."

There followed more silence, as everyone thought about what had been
suggested.  Suddenly Tia declared, "I have it!  I think this plan will
work!"



CHAPTER 32

It was the next day - less than 24 hours after he was arrested -that
Truck was released.  He walked out of the jail, followed by Jake, his
partner in crime who had been arrested along with him, and by Ken, Dr.
Gannon's assistant who had paid their bail. When they got out the
door, Truck grabbed Ken's cell phone out of his hand.

"What are you doing?" Ken cried.  Truck gave him a dirty look and
said, "I'm calling Vic.  I've worked my butt off trying to get Malone
to him, and I don't want to be stiffed just because he got away."

Ken protested that Dr. Gannon needed his rest, and that he could tell
Truck what the doctor wanted, but Truck ignored him.  After several
rings, a raspy, tired voice answered the phone. "Yes?"

Truck didn't waste any time.  "Vic, he got me good.  I knew Malone
could do stuff with his mind, but I didn't know the kid with him
could, too.  Now, I still want to get paid, but I don't want to get
pushed out of any more windows.  So what do we do?"

Dr. Victor Gannon spoke slowly.  "First of all, Travis, are you in a
secure location?  This is a very confidential subject."

Truck looked around.  He said, "Yeah, we're fine.  There are two guys
half a block away, and they're holding up signs that say 'I'm deaf -
please help me out.' I don't think they'll pick anything up."

The doctor continued.  "Very well.  I want you to stake out Tony's art
stand again.  I believe that he is as determined as I am.  He believes
he has gotten rid of you, so he won't be watching for you again.  Find
a different location from which to observe him. When you feel you know
his routine, make your move."

"What do you mean, 'make your move'?  You want me to just grab him?
I've already tried that! C'mon, Vic ... give me more to go on than
that!"

Dr. Gannon sounded especially menacing as he said, "Ask Ken for the
special package."

Truck looked at Ken and said, "You got a special package for me?"

Ken smiled and evil smile and reached into his suit pocket.  He pulled
out a narrow box, small enough to fit into his hand.  Truck reached
out, took it, and opened it.

Inside he fond a small bottle with an slightly-brownish liquid and a
hypodermic needle.  "OK, Vic," Truck said into the phone.  "I've got
the 'package.'  So what do I do with it?"

"Travis," the doctor said, "you are always so quick to ask but slow to
think.  That is the same medicine I used to subdue Tony when I first
met him.  It kept him from doing any harm to me.  It will work again.
Once you know his routine, his movements, you will find a way to sneak
up behind him and inject that into his body.  It doesn't matter where
you do it - arm, neck, back - it will work just as quickly.  Then, if
anyone is watching, you can say, 'My friend just passed out! Help me
get him into my car!'  Or something to that effect.  Then... you can
bring him to me."

Truck chuckled and said, "Oh, I get it!  Yeah, Vic ... this is a great
idea!  I'll be in touch."   And he disconnected the call.  Turning to
Jake and Ken, he asked, "Alright, you guys.  I need to get an
apartment near where Malone's art stand is.  Let's go get one, and
then we'll start watching for him.  I want to get that money!"

The three of them started off down the street, passing the two deaf
men who were conversing animatedly in sign language.  However, one of
the men continued to watch the three as they walked away.



CHAPTER 33

Painting was easy compared to this, Tony thought.  Knowing someone was
after you, and that you couldn't stop them, was much more difficult
than anything he'd ever attempted in his life.  He was at the same
downtown corner, with the same easel and canvases, and the same
business cards, keeping his eye out.  But this time, he was watching
for more than Homedwellers - he was also watching for danger.

If he had been looking up, instead of around him or at the caf‚ across
the street, he might have noticed the pair of eyes peering through
Venetian blinds from a window in a building right next to the caf‚.
The apartment building was hardly that - two stories of run-down
studios - but the owner made good money by renting the small units
out.  One of those was rented to Travis Pluck.

Truck was glad to have found such an easy way to spy on Tony and not
be seen, as he had been at the caf‚.  He had been watching Tony for
three days since his release.  He knew what time Tony arrived, when he
stopped for lunch, and what time he finished for the day.  Truck had
never followed Tony after work - he didn't want to risk another
encounter. But he didn't need to ... he would execute his plan from
here, where he could plan the details.

And plan he had.  He noticed that Tony's stand was a few feet down
from the entrance to an alley.  He could conceivably hide in the
alley, and when Tony was busy painting, sneak up behind him and inject
him.  The problem was that it was at least 20 steps from the alley to
the easel, and he would be heard or seen before he could get him.

It was actually Jake who had suggested a way to get Tony to move down
closer to the alley.  He had carefully stolen some construction cones
and barriers, and that night he was going to set them up where Tony's
easel normally was.  He would also put up a sign that said "Cable Work
Underground."  Tony would either have to move closer to the street
corner, where he would actually be right on the street corner, or
retreat farther back, closer to the alley.  They were betting on the
latter.

Tony started packing up at the same time he did every day.  Truck was
almost giddy - he could almost taste all the money Vic was going to
give him!  Tomorrow was the day he would deliver his prize.  And it
was actually something he had wanted to do all of his life.  Truck had
never felt it fair that Tony had a sister to be with.  It wasn't fair
that Tony got to be adopted so soon.  Truck had always believed that,
although the person that adopted Tony and Tia wasn't related to them,
at least the guy was loaded!  Truck had never gotten the same
opportunities Tony had ... but now he would be rich and important, and
Tony would be the one no one heard from.

That night, Truck and Tony both hardly slept.  Truck kept dreaming
about his plan succeeding, repeating each step in it over and over
again.  Tony felt deeply that the next day would be a turning point.
He wanted to retreat from this, but it had to be played out ...
whatever it was.  The fate of his people depended on it, but the risk
was so great he couldn't help but be frightened.

The next morning was overcast, and the promise of rain hung in the
air.  Tony didn't want to even get out of bed.  No one would have
blamed a street artist for sleeping in on a day like that.  But Tony
had a strong sense of duty and honor.  He was expected to be there ...
and he would be.

When Tony arrived at his usual spot, he somehow wasn't surprised that
construction was going on there.  It just seemed right - this day
wasn't going to be a normal day!  He decided to avoid the rush of
traffic at the corner, since his heart really wasn't in painting
today, and set up on the other side of the construction site, closer
to the alley.

Watching through the blinds across the street, Truck saw Tony setting
up - right on time.  The location Tony had chosen was perfect!  He
laughed to himself and told Jake to get into the car and get ready to
pick up Truck's "suddenly unconscious" friend.

Tony tried to paint.  He started and restarted several times.
Something wasn't right ... he just knew it.  Finally he began to paint
the sun peeking through the menacing clouds.  The brightness of the
sun, muted by the atmosphere, but still trying to break through,
represented Tony's soul.  A darkness hung over him, an uneasiness and
despair.  Yet through it all, hope and reassurance were trying to be
seen and make themselves known.  Tony decided to paint the clouds and
sunshine, since they represented how he felt.

Finally beginning to enjoy the scene he was painting, he felt the
sunshine really did represent his belief that everything was going to
be okay.  He was painting with fervor, when suddenly an alarm went off
in his head.  It was the same as the night the strange car was spying
on him, and when the man in the caf‚, who he now knew to be Truck,
tried to follow Ty.  He wanted to turn around, and look behind him,
but hesitated.

Pain!  A sharp stinging in his back!  Tony felt an incredible rush of
d‚j… vu as he was transported in his memory back to the day that Dr.
Gannon kidnapped him.  All of the sensations of that day -wondering
what was happening, wondering if Tia was alright, wondering if he'd
ever see Uncle Ben‚ again - all came screaming back to his mind.

And then he fell, unconscious.  He was afraid no longer.

Truck looked around to see if he needed to put on an act for any
passersby, but no one was there, and no one was watching.  So, he
picked Tony up and carried him to the waiting black sedan.  Jake
opened the back door, and Truck unceremoniously pushed Tony's
unconscious form into the back seat.

Jake and Truck got back into the car, and Jake drove off down the
street as Truck pulled out a cell phone.  He dialed a number he had
memorized long ago.  When someone answered, he simply said, "Vic ...
we got him!"



CHAPTER 34

The sedan drove across town to a run-down house on the outskirts. It
used to be called a mansion, but it now looked like more of a haunted
house.  The car drove up the long, curved driveway and stopped in
front of the main entrance.  A servant from the manor came out to the
car with a wheelchair.  Truck grabbed Tony's feet and began to pull
him from the back seat. Catching him before he fell out, he grabbed
Tony under the arms and hoisted him into the wheelchair.

Holding him in the wheelchair, since he was still unconscious, Truck
pushed Tony down a long hallway, around a corner, and into a large
room.  The room was lined with windows on two sides, since it was in
the corner of the large house, but it still seemed gloomy.  With the
heavy clouds outside, and the spirit of hate and greed inside, nothing
there could be described as cheerful.

The room was sparsely furnished.  It had, at one time, probably been a
music room or sunroom. But that was long ago.  Now it simply had a
large hospital-type bed in the center of the room, several tables
along the wall with medical instruments, and several hospital-looking
machines in one corner.

As Truck entered the room with his prize, he asked the servant to get
the doctor immediately. "He owes me big time, and I want to collect
... now."

The servant left to summon the doctor while Truck and Jake lifted Tony
onto the bed and began to fasten restraints on him.  Two large
restraints ran across his chest and his upper legs.  Smaller ones were
wrapped around his wrists and ankles.

"Well, you finally succeeded!  Well done, Travis."  Truck turned
around and was greeted by the sight of Dr. Victor Gannon.  Now 89
years old, he hardly looked like the man who had tried to harness
Tony's abilities so long ago.  Hate and greed had aged him
prematurely.  He was pale and gaunt.  Most of his hair was gone.  He
wore large glasses to be able to see, and had a hearing aid.  He was
so weak that he could no longer walk unaided, and used a mechanized
wheelchair to get around.

He tried to smile at Truck, but as always, it looked more like a
grimace.  Truck had been playing second fiddle to the doctor for
years.  He let Dr. Gannon believe that he agreed with him about alien
threat.  He acted like he wanted to see Tony's people in subjection to
humans.  But actually, all Truck wanted was cold, hard cash.  And now
he was done acting... it was time to collect.

Truck said, "Thanks, Vic.  That means a lot.  But what I want to see
is some hard evidence that you appreciate what I did.  Where is it?"

Dr. Gannon hardly heard what Truck was saying.  Here was Tony ...
again ... in his power!  Oh, the marvelous things he could do now!
Years ago he had made too many mistakes.  First he depended on that
money-grubbing Letha Wedge to supply what he needed, so he had to
include her in his plans.  She had no vision, no dreams of anything
greater than Las Vegas.  She had stood in his way, proven herself to
be a stumbling block.

Then he had underestimated Tony's sister.  She was persistent, and
even the doctor could not stop her nor persuade Tony to eliminate her.
But now she was nowhere to be seen.  It was just Victor and Tony, and
nothing was going to stand in his way this time.  Not even Truck's
incessant whining.

"You will be paid in due time, Travis.  Let me enjoy this moment,
after the years of waiting."

Truck looked agitated.  "Yeah, well I've been waiting, too!  And I
want my money ... NOW!" Silently, carefully, he reached behind him,
under his coat, for the gun he always carried there.



CHAPTER 35

They had seen it all.  As hard as it was to watch, they had seen it
all, and now it was time to act.

Unknown to Truck and his associate, Tony had been under observation by
other eyes the entire time.  Tia, Eric, Ty, Trina, and Blair had been,
ironically, in an apartment two doors down from Truck.  They had been
watching Tony from the same set of windows as the enemy, but also
listening in on Truck's plan.

The hardest part of all had been watching Truck seize Tony.  Just as
she had years before, Tia felt the prick of the needle in Tony's back
just as he felt it.  She also relived the fear and uncertainty as she
watched him being hauled away.  Ty was beside himself - it took every
ounce of self-restraint to keep him from sending Truck to the moon ...
and the others were quite sure he could have done it.

What helped all of them keep their cool was knowing that they were
strong enough to rescue Tony at any point of the plan - even if it
meant aborting the plan entirely - and that, if it was successful,
they would never have to fear Truck, Dr. Gannon, or the AAAI again.

Between them they had sensed, as Tony had, which day Truck was going
to make his move. While most were in the apartment watching when he
did, Eric and Blair were in a car, ready to follow Truck when he took
off.  In the time it took Truck to get Tony into his sedan, the others
had time to rush down and get into the rented minivan.  When Jake
drove off down the street, he never dreamed that Tony's sister and
extended family were in hot pursuit.

It was tricky for Eric to drive close enough to keep the sedan in his
sights, and yet far enough back so that Truck would not know he was
being followed.  One benefit to being a Homedweller was the ability to
slow Truck's car down, or make a traffic light change early so that he
didn't get too far ahead.

So far it had worked.  When the sedan drove into the driveway of the
old house, Eric had parked the van on the street where a clump of
large bushes kept it from being seen from the house itself. He was
getting ready to ask Tia what to do, when she got out of the van and
using her silent voice told everyone to follow her.

It was imperative that none of them be seen, so they stayed out of
sight.  Blair, in addition to being a healer, also had the ability to
hear from a great distance. As children, Tony and Tia could hear the
dogs at Mr. Bolt's mansion from over 20 miles away ... Blair could
hear much more than that.  She would have been able to overhear actual
conversations from that far away.

Blair was not only able to hear every word spoken, she was also able
to follow the source and know where in the house it was coming from.
She communicated to the others silently what was happening.  Once Tony
was strapped in, Tia knew that the attention of Truck and Dr. Gannon
would be diverted.  She told everyone, "Follow me," and immediately
began to rise into the air.

She floated carefully, slowly, gently, from tree to tree.  The others
followed suit.  Blair, being unable to levitate, was carried along by
Ty.  It was no problem for him to float along himself, carry Blair,
and talk with others at the same time.

When they came to the last tree before reaching the mansion, Tia
decided to risk it and fly directly from there to the corner of the
house where Blair indicated Tony was being held.  She flew quickly -
almost like a missile - and landed quietly in the bushes just outside
the examination room where Tony was.

The overcast sky was working in their favor.  There was more light
from within the room than from without, so they could peek in the
windows carefully and not be seen.  Tia had to push the fear aside
when she saw her brother held captive.  Setting him free now would not
change their situation - it might only make it worse.

Scanning the room visually and mentally, she found that only Truck,
Dr. Gannon, and Tony were in the room.  Others were in the house, but
only these three needed to be reckoned with at the moment.  She
reminded everyone of their task, and they all began to concentrate.

She saw Truck reaching behind his back.  She didn't know he had a gun
back there, but she did sense that he was up to no good.  Suddenly the
hand Truck was moving behind him stopped and started moving toward
Tony.  Truck looked up in surprise - it felt like someone was grabbing
his arm by the wrist and making him reach out and touch Tony's head.
Eric smiled - it felt good to get at the bad guy for once.

Dr. Gannon's expression, while difficult to read, took on a look of
disbelief.  He looked up at Truck and said, "Travis, what are you
doing?"  Truck tried to speak, but didn't know what to say.  He
actually didn't know what he was doing!

As his hand rested on Tony's forehead, Blair was working.  Healing
someone from a distance had never been easy for her - it was always
much better to be in direct, skin-to-skin contact with the person.
However, Tony didn't need to be healed.  He just needed to have the
drugs he had been given subside.  That she could do from where she
was.  Tony started to moan and open his eyes a little.

To Dr. Gannon, it appeared that Tony was rousing because Truck was
causing it to happen.  He looked from Tony to Truck several times,
then said, "Travis, how are you doing that?  Stop it at once!"

Truck still didn't reply ... he tried to say, "I'm not doing
anything!" but the words stuck in his throat.

Tony blinked and started to sit up.  His straps came undone, one after
the other, courtesy of Trina.  Blair's work was done now, and Tony's
head was clear.  He was still somewhat dazed, but he heard Tia's voice
telling him the plan was in effect and reminding him of his part.

That was what he needed.  He looked up and actually gasped when he saw
Dr. Gannon.  He had seen old people before, but Dr. Gannon looked like
he was almost dead.  Even Granny Malone in her twilight years looked
more spry and alive than the doctor did.

Remembering his part, he looked up and Truck and said, "Thanks,
Travis.  You did it!  You got me to the doc!"

Truck started shaking his head and said, "What are you talking about,
Malone?  I just brought you to the doc so he would pay me!  That's
all!  I don't care about anything else!"

Dr. Gannon said, "Travis, you told me you believed in our cause! You
told me you wanted to help me because it was your lifelong ambition to
rid the earth of this threat!  Now I hear you say that you never
cared.  And Tony is thanking you for helping him.  Tell me the truth,
Travis!  Tell me now!"

Truck started backing up, one hand reaching behind him.  Tony was
looking at Dr. Gannon.  He said, "Vic, Truck is one of my people!
We've been working for years to smoke you out, and this seemed like
the best chance!  He roused me using the powers we have, and now we
can make sure you don't bother any of us again!"

Startled, Truck started yelling, "No!  That's not true!  I'm not one
of you, you freak!  Tell him!"

Dr. Gannon looked even more pale than before.  He began to see his
dreams crumbling again. He said, trembling, "Travis, is this true?
Are you really one of the enemy?  You would rob me of my money just to
turn on me?"

Tony nodded and said, "It's all true, doc.  You've been had.  And now
we want to make sure you won't bother us anymore."

Suddenly, Truck yelled, "Everybody SHUT UP!"  Tony looked, and his
mouth fell open when he saw Truck brandishing a pistol.  He pointed it
at Tony, then at Dr. Gannon, then back again.  He couldn't make up his
mind who the target should be.

Tony's mind was racing.  So was Tia's.  This wasn't in the plan, but
they would have to work with it.  But what should they do?

Truck pointed the gun at Tony.  "Malone, you tell him now that I am
not one of your stupid freaky people!  And tell him to give me my
money!  That's all I want!"

Hoping he would be able to deflect the bullet if Truck fired, Tony
shook his head and said, "C'mon, Travis.  You're carrying this act too
far!  You know we planned this a long time ago.  Stop pretending this
is new.  Put the play gun away and let's take care of the good
doctor."

Dr. Gannon actually attempted to yell.  "Travis, I don't know what's
going on here, but no matter what it is, it's clear that I cannot
trust you!  You won't get one dime from me!  Our partnership is over
at this moment.  Now leave me and let me deal with Tony."

Truck looked like a crazed animal.  He screamed, "No!  I have spent
too many years getting to this point!  You're not going to rob me now!
NO!"  Suddenly he swung the gun and aimed it at Dr. Gannon.  Before
Tony could react, the gun went off.

There was an explosion of noise, and Dr. Victor Gannon fell from his
wheelchair.  He lay on the ground, not moving.



CHAPTER 36

Truck was shocked.  He had never meant to kill anyone.  In all his
life, as violent as he had been, he had never killed anyone.  But his
shock and grief at shooting Dr. Gannon turned to anger.  He slowly
moved his arm so that the pistol was aimed at Tony's head.

"This is all your fault, Malone!  I'd never be in this stinking mess
if not for you and your freak sister!  I've already killed someone
now, so I guess a second one won't matter.

"Goodbye, Malone."

Truck's finger squeezed on the trigger ... and suddenly the gun was
gone.  It had been knocked from his hand by an unseen force.
Immediately, Truck flew to the ceiling.  It was as if his back was
glued to it.  He yelled, "Hey, Malone!  Put me down!"  Tony, exhaling
slowly in relief, looked up and shrugged his shoulders.

"I'm not doing anything, Truck!  I think it's my freak sister!"

He turned toward the row of windows where he sensed his family.  He
smiled at them, and with his mind opened the large windows completely.
He then effortlessly cut a hole in the screen, and they all floated
in.  As an afterthought, he also turned and locked the door leading
into the room from the rest of the house - he didn't know if anyone
would respond to the sound of the gunshot, but he didn't want to deal
with anyone else at the moment.

Tony then quickly knelt next to the doctor.  He was lying facedown on
the floor.  He was still breathing, but Tony was concerned.

Tia knelt beside Tony and said silently, "He's OK, Tony.  I deflected
the bullet when the gun went off.  It actually hit the wall behind him
... he reacted to the sound, I think."

Tony felt a mixture of compassion and revulsion.  Lying before him was
the man who would have subjugated him and his whole race for his own
selfish pleasure.  And yet ... he was hurt and old and frail, and Tony
couldn't help but want to do something.  He said, "Doc, you didn't get
shot. You're OK."

Victor Gannon struggled to speak.  He looked up as best he could and
said, "Tony ... we could have ... made a great ... team.  We ... could
have had ... the world."  He coughed and acted as if he were in pain.

Tony said, as gently as he could, "Doc, I already have the world!  I
live in a place where I am part of my surroundings - the animals and
the trees and my family!  I have everything I want!" Sensing something
in his fallen foe, Tony added, "But you don't. You have never had a
family, and never felt a part of anything.  I just wish you would have
let me show you my world, instead of trying to make me fit into
yours."

The doctor began breathing heavily and clutching his chest.  He looked
dazed, but still tried to speak.  "Oh ... Tony ... I have been so
selfish ... but ... I just wanted to be ... important.  Can't you ...
see that?"  He paused, and almost collapsed, but went on. "Thank you
... for not ...hating me. ... Maybe ... I should have ... tasted your
world ... first!" He tried to smile, but fell unconscious.

Sensing Blair nearby, Tony called out to her, "Blair, what's wrong?
Can you help?"  He looked up and saw that she was next to him,
standing and watching what had happened.  She looked sad and shook her
head no.

"But why?!" Tony cried out.  He was sorrowful that this evil man was
dying, and he didn't know why.

Blair answered, gently, "He has been mistreating his body for a long
time, Tony.  When I help someone, I enable the body to heal itself.
It can do that on its own over time, usually ... I just hurry it
along.  He had nothing left to heal with.  His heart would not have
lasted much longer anyway.  And when he realized that he could never
control you, and then when he felt such guilt that he had wanted to
control you in the first place, his heart could not stand the strain.

"He is dead, Tony.  But he learned - from you - compassion right
before he died.  He is truly at peace now, because of the gift you
gave him.  Not submission, but forgiveness.  Let his spirit rest now."

Not knowing why, Tony began to cry.  Tia wrapped her arm around his
shoulders and cried, too. Ty didn't understand what was happening, but
he knew his big brother was upset about something.  He sat next to
Tony and grabbed his hand.  He squeezed it and said silently, "I'm
here for you, big brother."  And he began to cry, too.




CHAPTER 37

The ride to New Home was a quiet one.  It reminded Tia of the one she
and Tony made after Dr. Gannon's first attempt to control him.
Fortunately, this time the end result was much better.

The police had been called to Dr. Gannon's manor.  All of the
Homedwellers except for Tony left. Tony had Truck subdued and told the
police that Truck intended to shoot Dr. Gannon and then him, but Truck
had missed the doc, and Tony had disarmed him.  He also said that Dr.
Gannon apparently had a heart attack when he was shot at, and that he
had died a few moments later.

Truck vehemently denied the story, but the police weren't interested
in his explanation of aliens who came through the window and glued him
to the ceiling.  He tried to show the police the broken screen, but
Tia had carefully repaired it when she left. They took Truck away, and
Tony gave the police his card and told them where they could find him
if they needed more information.

Eric, Ty, and Trina were extremely impressed by the lifeboat that came
to pick them up.  They'd had to wait until after dark, but they still
got a good view of it. Ty kept saying, "Cool!  Cool! " over and over
again.

The flight to New Home only took about an hour from New York.  It
would have gone faster if they had not had to dodge radar and other
detection devices.  They arrived as the moon was shining brightly on
their little settlement.

Since it was so late, and many of the Homedwellers were asleep, it was
decided that everyone would spend the night in the lifeboat.  Each
craft had been made for long journeys through space, so sleeping
areas, changes of clothes, and other necessities were kept on board.
Ty asked if he could sleep near Tony - he was still concerned about
his "big brother" - but Ty was the first to fall asleep.

The sun shone through the window of the lifeboat the next morning.
Tony was already awake and was standing at the window, taking in the
scenery.  He found trees and forest paths to be much more scenic than
any skyscraper.  Soon everyone was awake and ready to see their new
home.

As they walked among the dwellings, people were coming out, dressed in
simple garments, and greeting them with silent voices.  Somehow
everyone knew who Trina, Ty, and Eric were - but those three had to
ask the names of the Homedwellers they met.  At the end of the
clearing, Uncle Ben‚ and Aunt Bri came walking up with big smiles on
their faces.  Tony and Tia hurried to them and hugged them.

Tony barely noticed a couple standing behind his aunt and uncle - he
had seen them before but not spoken with them much.  Then he got
distracted by the "new" Homedwellers approaching. He turned and saw Ty
and Trina there.  Uncle Ben‚ reached out his hand to the mother and
son, and he drew Trina into a hug.

"Welcome home, my dear.  I understand it has been a long and difficult
journey for you.  But this is now your home, and we are your family.
You are welcome to stay as long as you want, and we will provide for
you all that you need."  Trina started crying and hugged Uncle Ben‚
again.  As she moved to hug Aunt Bri, Uncle Ben‚ bent over to look Ty
in the eye.

"Welcome home, Ty.  I have been impressed by everything I have heard
about you, and now that I can see you with my own eyes, I know that I
was right to be impressed!  While we may not be directly related, I
hope you will call me your uncle as well."  And he hugged Ty to
himself.  Ty was smiling the biggest smile Tony had ever seen.  Tony
remembered being about that age the first time Uncle Ben‚ hugged him,
and he began to smile from the memory.

As Ty went to hug Aunt Bri, Uncle Ben‚ stood tall again.  He looked
Eric in the eyes and said, "Welcome, Eric.  It is good to have you
back where you belong."  He shook Eric's hand vigorously, then pulled
him into a bear hug as well.

Eric seemed surprised, but hugged him right back.  He said silently,
"It's good to finally meet you face to face ... Unc!  Tia has said
only good things about you, so I knew I would like you when I met
you!"  Uncle Ben‚ actually blushed at that, then turned to the couple
behind him that Tony had noticed earlier.

He said, "Eric, I would like to introduce you to my cousin Benj and
his wife Tiana."

Eric nodded respectfully to them and reached out to shake their hands.
But they didn't reciprocate.  They just stood there, looking at him
with wondering expressions.  Unsure if he had done anything wrong, the
turned slightly to Tia.  She just smiled and nodded toward them.

As he turned back to them, he saw Tiana reaching out with her hands
toward his face.  She wasn't as old as Uncle Ben‚ - at least in
appearance - but was somewhat older than Eric.  But as she slowly
reached out for his face, something in her eyes caught his attention.
He gasped, then looked quickly at Benj.  He saw the same thing in his
eyes as well.

Tiana, crying and almost shaking, said, "Oh, Benje!  Is it you?"

Something about that name echoed deep in his being, and he began to
cry.  "Only one person ever called me that name!  Could it be ... are
you my mom?"

Sobbing now, Tiana clasped his face in her hands, then said, "Yes, my
son ... it is I!  We are your mother and father!"

The three of them embraced and wept together, a family once torn apart
that had now been brought together again.  The entire forest seemed to
quietly hold its breath in awe of this magic moment.



CHAPTER 38

It had been a year since that wonderful day.  Eric had taken a week
off from the Senate to get to know his parents, his people ... and
Tia.  Trina and Ty moved in with Uncle Ben‚ and Aunt Bri, who were
lonely since Tony and Tia had gone on assignment.  Trina took to being
a Homedweller immediately - learning new abilities, helping out with
building dwellings, and camping out in the woods so she could learn to
communicate with the animals.

After that week, Tony and Tia returned to their assignments.  Eric
went back to the Senate.  Ty had fun meeting all of the Homedwellers
his age, but he still missed Tony so much that he talked to him daily
via transmitter, and spent two weeks a month with Tony on assignment.

The most beautiful thing that had happened in the past year, though,
was that Eric and Tia had grown so close.  Tony knew he would miss
being the "special man" in Tia's life, but felt that if anyone could
take his place, it was Eric.  Watching the two of them together, you
could just tell that he loved her with his whole being, and that she
felt the same for him.

Early on in their relationship, Eric's parents gave their blessing, as
did Uncle Ben‚ and Aunt Bri who had been the closest thing Tia had to
parents since arriving at New Home.

So it was, on a bright spring day, Eric and Tia were married.  The
ceremony was held outdoors, of course.  Since no one dressed up at New
Home, everyone sat on the ground.  Not only were all Homedwellers
present - even many on assignment had come back to see this - all of
Tia's animal friends were there as well.  And for the first time ever,
humans were among the group on New Home!  Tia had invited Kurt -
"Dazzler" - to the wedding, and he begged her to include the rest of
the Earthquake Gang.  After checking with Uncle Ben‚, who heartily
gave his approval, they were brought via lifeboat to attend the
ceremony.

Wedding ceremonies on Home were quite different from those performed
on our world, but since most Homedwellers had now spent time with
humans, they had combined the two traditions into one.  No one "gave
away" the bride - Homedwellers believed that two people united of
their own will.  Tia dressed in a simple garment adorned with flowers.
Everyone - Homedwellers, animals, and humans - sat in a circle.  Eric
and Tia walked, hand in hand, into the center of the circle, where
they were joined by Uncle Ben‚.  As the senior statesman for the
Homedwellers, he had the authority to formalize the union of the two.

He simply looked at Eric and said, "Benje, do you love Tia completely,
and will you do everything in your power to show her that love for the
rest of your life?" Eric, his face lit up with a smile, looked at Tia
and said, "Oh yes!"  Tia blushed, but was smiling as well, when Uncle
Ben‚ said, "Tia, do you love Eric completely, and will you do
everything in your power to show him that love for the rest of your
life?"

Tia looked at Eric, then looked at Uncle Ben‚ and said, "Yes."

Uncle Ben‚ turned to the crowd and said, "In the presence of the earth
and the stars, I declare that these two are one!"  Everyone cheered,
and even the animals joined in, making their distinctive noises in
approval.

Eric and Tia kissed.  Then the congratulations began.  Tony was the
first to wish his sister well and to welcome Eric to their family.
Benj and Tiana, Ben‚ and Bri, all were exchanging blessings and
congratulations with everyone involved.

The celebration would last the rest of the day and into the night.
Tony, overwhelmed with emotion, sat down against a tree at the edge of
the clearing.  Ty came over and sat down beside him.

"Tony, are you OK?" he asked.  His ability to sense the feelings of
others impressed Tony.  Tony smiled down at him and said, "Yeah, Ty,
I'm actually doing great."

Ty nodded, then looked up at him.  "Are you sure?  It just seems like
something's up."

Mussing the boy's hair, Tony laughed and said, "Just because you can
read somebody doesn't mean you always read them right!  Now, if you
want to know what I'm thinking, just ask."  He winked at Ty, who
started laughing as well.

"OK, Tony ... what are you thinking?"

Tony looked at him, then looked around at the celebration.  "Well, I'm
thinking that I won't be as close to Tia as I used to be, because she
has Eric now.  But that's okay, because we've already been apart for a
year on assignment, and I know she's happy."

He continued.  "I'm also happy, because I have you and your mom to be
with and have fun with.  I can't wait to teach you more of what I know
and watch you grow.  I'm also at peace because Dr. Gannon isn't going
to threaten us anymore, Truck is in prison for a long time, and the
AAAI has been disbanded.  For the first time in years, I can just
relax.

"It's a weird thing, though, Ty.  Sometimes when you've been cautious
and untrusting for a long time, it's hard to just believe all of a
sudden that you can relax, that now you don't have to be on guard.  So
I guess what I'm feeling most is that it's OK to really just relax.
I've been taking care of Tia my whole life and vice versa, and now I'm
not.  So I'm making an adjustment, and sometimes that just takes
time."

They were both silent for a minute.  Then Ty looked up at Tony with a
serious expression on his face.  Silently he said, "Tony, you know
I'll be here for you!" Tony looked at the 12-year-old's face, full of
determination and dedication.  Tony smiled, hugged Ty to himself, and
said, "I know, Ty.  And I'll be here for you."

Then they both sat back against the tree to enjoy the warm sunshine,
the light breeze, the sounds of laughter and merriment, and the
prospect of a peaceful life on Witch Mountain.


THE END





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