This story dedicated to Beverly, who owns and maintains Beverly's Balcony. Her creative insight and hard work has made her web page a favorite of mine. Thank you for allowing us a place to post our stories, Beverly.
By Kelly Davidson
Edited by Geoff Green and Nelson T
Copyright 2001
Flashback - Three months earlier...
Judge Jasper opened up the chamber door with such great force that he almost ripped it from its hinges. Behind him followed Andrew Marshall (Mars), Pete Akins (Apollo) and Ashlee Gang. Jupiter slammed the crumbled note down on his desk in rage and faced his two sons.
"This is intolerable!" he almost screamed. "A few months ago it was just one person, today it's two. What's he going to do the next time, bring in a busload?"
"Father," Apollo interrupted. "Perhaps it would be a good idea if we discuss this matter in private." He made a motion over to where Ashlee was standing.
Jupiter took a deep breath and nodded. "Ashlee, if you would please."
"Of course, Your Honor," she said politely and left the room, closing the door behind her.
"Father," Apollo started out. "We've checked every lead - 'twice'. Whoever this person is, he's crafty and very thorough.
"I want him," Jupiter said firmly. "I want this mailman brought to me by the end of this year - ALIVE! I want him brought here to face trial in MY COURTROOM!"
"We're doing our best," Mars replied evenly in an attempt to calm his father down. "But every person he brings in has a different description of him. It's like he can change his appearance at will. And if that's not enough, even his car has been different on each delivery. We checked the license plates we got off the people he brought in. Each plate was stolen off a junked car similar to the one he is driving at the time. As Apollo said before, he's very thorough."
"Maybe he's a Titan," Apollo threw out.
"I don't believe so," Mars answered with a frown. "If he were a Titan, why help us out by bringing in people we can use? No, it has to be a human who thinks he's doing a good deed."
"Then how does he know so much about us?" Jupiter asked.
"Perhaps from one of our past residents," Mars suggested. "We still have three people unaccounted for."
Apollo rolled his eyes at the suggestion. "If their government won't do anything about us why would one man? Besides, the first place these escapees's would've gone running is to the FBI. We know from our sources that they didn't do that, nor did they go to the local police. So why would they go up to a complete stranger and tell him all about us?"
"Have you got a better suggestion?" Mars shot back with fire in his eyes.
"Yea, I do! I believe the Titans are behind all this. I think they're trying to rattle our cage and turn us against one another."
"Utter nonsense!" replied Mars. "The Titans want to see us stopped, not play games with us. It has to be a human. If you don't believe me, why don't you confirm that with your friend, Dennis Butz!"
"He's not my friend!" Apollo countered, and moved closer to his half-brother. "I negotiate with him on our behalf, nothing more! If you want to try and make something more out of it, we can settle this right now!"
"That's enough you two," Jupiter said, putting his massive arms between them. "It's clear we don't know for sure what's going on here. Fighting amongst ourselves isn't going to help the problem go away." The two Gods gave each other a strong glare but stepped back.
"Now let me make this clear," Jupiter said slowly to his son, Mars. "I don't know how you're going to do it, but you're going to find this mailman and bring him to me. We have to catch him before he does any real damage to our plan. Look at his last note!"
Jupiter picked it up off his desk and handed it to Mars. "He's becoming more demanding about what he wants me to do. He now threatens to tell everyone about Peace River if I don't follow his instructions to the letter. Well I can guarantee you this my sons, that one day he's going to grow tired of this game and do it anyway. Number 6 & 7 just got delivered, how many more are left?"
"We'll catch him, father," Mars assured him.
"If you don't we'll have to move our operation," Jupiter explained. "I don't have to tell either one of you how many people we'll lose in the process." Mars and Apollo both nodded with a frown.
"Then find him before that happens." Both Gods started to leave when Jupiter stopped one of them.
"Stay for a moment, Apollo. I have something else I wish to discuss with you."
Mars looked disappointed that he wasn't asked to stay, but left without saying a word. Apollo took a seat and waited in silence while his father picked up the note given to him by one of the two ladies he had just converted. He read it carefully again for some kind of clue. Like the other five before them, the two girls brought in today were young and Transsexuals. Under their own guidelines, only one of the two would've been considered to become a resident of Peace River. Oh, both could be used, but only one was really compatible with their system.
Of course Jupiter had not choice in the matter, not as long as this mailman person was holding the cards. To add insult to injury, the mailman had instructed him to make them sisters and keep their first names the same. This didn't go over to well with Jupiter. He had to make up a brand new family just so Angie and Anne Felton could live their life the way they wanted to, not the other way around.
Jupiter wanted to get mad at the two girls, but deep down he knew it wasn't their fault. He also couldn't take a chance of having their secret discovered by the outside world. There were still many years to go, maybe even a century, before their dream would become a reality. No, he couldn't please his ego and put the entire operation in jeopardy by not obeying.
The king of the Roman Gods took a deep breath and laid the note back down on his desk. There was another matter needing to be taken care of right now. He pressed on his intercom button and said, "Ashlee, can you come in here please."
A moment later his secretary opened the door holding a pad of paper in her hand. She smiled brightly, and Jupiter couldn't help but do the same. They were always so pretty during this time. Each pregnant woman gave off a certain pink and blue aurora that made the gods feel at ease. Jupiter had to admit to himself; Ashlee Gang was probably his favorite secretary out of all the ones who had worked for him before. It had been a good choice to grab her when he did.
"Ashlee, I want you to have Officer Ganymede bring Sally Rider to me right now." She nodded and left the room.
Apollo gave his father a bewildered look. "Sally Rider. The same Sally Rider that used to be Al Parker's girlfriend?
"That's correct my son. I want you to set up a meeting with Dennis Butz and do some negotiating for me. When you meet, tell him I'm purposing a trade. Sally Rider for the services of Linda Anderson while Ashlee is on maternity leave."
"Linda Anderson!" Apollo almost protested. "But we have more qualify people here, and she's also Dennis' favorite. Why bring her here?"
"Simple," Jupiter smiled tightly. "I have no doubt that who ever is running this underground movement in Peace River will try to contact her. When they do, we'll nab them."
"How do you know Dennis Butz will go for the trade?"
"Oh, he will," Jupiter answered with a thin, evil smile. "He's too much of a romantic to pass up an opportunity like this. No doubt he'll try to bargain for her with something else; don't let him. Tell him this is a non-negotiable deal straight from me. Sally Rider for Linda Anderson, nothing less."
"I'll talk to him," Apollo replied without debating the issue farther. He knew when his father made up his mind it was pointless to do so.
Fade out...
***
Voice of Judge Jasper - We are the Roman Gods, who fell to your world long ago when your people were still learning how to crawl. We have guided you through the years, rewarded you for good deeds, and punished you when needed. With our leadership, we helped you defeat the Titans in a terrible but glorious war. Once your path was set, we went to sleep, waiting for the day you would reach for the stars and take us home. But the Titans interfered, and turned you away from your destiny. When we awoke, we found much work to do; so we established a base and called it Peace River.
The Titans, with our help, established their own base later on. It's a town where we can work together, a last ditch effort to avoid another war that may destroy the human race forever. Some would like to see the town and your people destroyed, others would like to see it work - to have peace at last. There is much hatred between our people, and the road ahead won't be easy but the rewards if we do are great. The name of this last chance for peace is called Andersonville.
***
Fade in...Present day
I was going into the local Andersonville drugstore to pick up some gum for my long trip back to Peace River. Judge Jasper, much to my surprise, had called me into his office on Thursday and given me permission to take off Friday and most of Monday morning so I could spend a long weekend with my family. I had to admit it felt great to be home again, even if it was for just a few days. My flight back to Peace River was due to leave in an hour, but first I was going to have quick meeting with Dennis Butz. It wasn't going to be a pleasant one either considering what I now knew.
I was so busy thinking about what I was going to say to him that I absentmindedly ran into a teenage boy coming out of the store. In the process of doing so, I spilled the contents of my purse onto the ground.
"Excuse me," he said politely while reaching down to help me pick everything up. There were some tubes of lipstick, a tray of eye shadow, and a couple of tampons that announced it was that time of the month for me.
"My fault," I replied absentmindedly. "I wasn't looking where I was going." I raised my head to make eye contact and was startled at who I saw.
"Frank?" I gasped in surprise. The teenage boy reminded me of how I once looked. Average height, a protruding nose, and sandy brown hair that lay straight across his forehead. Even his smile was similar to my own.
My older brother, Frank, had died when he was only six years old in a car crash, along with my real parents. Even though this young man had to be at least 15, I knew right away it was him.
"Something wrong, honey?" I heard an older female ask.
"Mom?" I responded with tears forming in my eyes. It was my mother, just as I remembered her the night she had died.
"I'm afraid you have me confused with someone else, young lady" she replied with a tad of concern at my reaction. "I don't have a daughter. Come on Frank, I need to get to my appointment."
The teenage boy said goodbye as he got up and followed his mother, my mother, back to the car. I sat down on a bench in a daze, torn inside as to what to do. Should I run after them and make a fool of myself? Or should I accept that they were really dead and my new family, the Anderson's were not? It was like a sick joke being played out on me, and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry about it. Why hadn't Dennis told me they were here?
I forgot about the gum and drove straight to my appointment with Dennis Butz.
***
The director was already sitting at the table waiting for me, a pleasant but rather smug smile on his face. I was going to take great pleasure in wiping that smile away.
"Linda, how are you?" he asked cordially.
"Forget the pleasantry's, Dennis." I informed him angrily. "I want to talk to you about my brother!"
"What about Steve?" he asked a little confused.
"I'm not talking about Steve, I'm talking about my real brother, Frank. I just ran into him by accident at the drugstore, along with someone who looked amazing like my mother. Why didn't you tell me you created my family here in Andersonville?"
"Because if I had, I knew it would only upset you," he explained calmly. "Frank Harvey, that's his name by the way, was supposed to be the person you were going to be transformed into. However, at the last minute I decided to it would be better if you became Linda Anderson.
"YOU DECIDED!" I shot back while getting within inches of his face. "I'm getting DAMN tired of you deciding what's right for me! What gives you that right to decide who I should live as for the rest of my life?"
"I created the town, I financed the program that created your family, and you signed a contract with me," he explained. "Pick any of the three, Linda. And it was your relationship with the Anderson's that made up my mind. You hardly knew your real parents, and my program probably doesn't come close to recreating what they were really like. It was clear from the reports I read that you thought of Sox and Norma Anderson as real parents. I couldn't bear the thought of breaking the three of you apart."
"And what about me?" I asked in an irritable tone. "Is there a little Tom running around Andersonville as well?"
"No, you were replaced by someone named Sam. So you see, I really didn't recreate your entire family, only their images. I wasn't going to keep this a secret from you forever, Linda. I was planning to tell you about them as soon as the time was right."
"Was it going to be at the same time you told me you were a Titan?" I snapped back. Dennis's head jerked about in surprise and his mouth opened wide. I knew that I had asked him something he had been completely unprepared for.
"He wasn't suppose to tell you," Dennis whispered angrily after he recovered from the shock.
"Was he also not supposed to tell me about the man-eating mermaids?" I asked in an accusing tone. "Or that you turned some of your own people into one-eye monsters!"
"You don't know what you're talking about," he responded defensively.
"Don't talk to me like I'm an uninformed little girl, Dennis," I snapped forcefully back. "I saw the Titan's greatest achievements with my own eyes! Let me tell you, I wasn't too impressed with your work. That's why I set up this meeting, so we could have a talk about them."
"You didn't come here to talk, Linda," the director pointed out. "You came here to condemn me."
I came here to find out the TRUTH!" I yelled, pounding my fist hard on the table in front of him. "But every time I try you throw up a God Damn smoke screen. Well not this time, Dennis! This time you're going to tell me what I want to know!"
"And if I refuse?" he asked calmly.
"Then I'll give my support to Judge Jasper. I'll tell him anything he wants to know."
"I don't deals with blackmailers, Linda," Dennis replied coldly while now moving within inches of my face. "Go ahead, Linda. Go to Old Jupiter if you think he'll treat you better. You won't be the first person I tried to help who left me high and dry, nor will you be the last."
Dennis sat back down at the table and calmly placed his napkin on his lap as if the matter had been settled. I turned and took two steps toward the door before my anger got the best of me. It wasn't going to let this matter end this way. Not this time.
I turned to Dennis and shouted, "Aren't you even going to defend yourself?"
"How do you suggest I do that, Linda?" he asked in a puzzled tone. "Yes, our scientists experimented on the Roman Gods, and the results were those flesh-eating monsters you saw swimming in Peace River. We didn't mean for them to come out that way but they did; and the results were just as terrifying to us as they were to you.
"We also created the Cyclopes, although we've always suspected Judge Jasper and his friends had something to do with that. You have to understand, Linda; those were desperate times for us. We were losing the war to the Olympians, and we knew all to well what would happen to us if we did. So we grasped at a straw and lost. I'm not happy about it, but that's the way history played out.
"And that's it? That's your defense!" I snarled. "It was a desperate time and we had no choice."
"No!" he replied back in an equally, unpleasant tone. "My defense is that you're judging me based on decisions made over 10,000 years ago. How can I defend my people or even myself against those actions made in the past that I now know are wrong? Don't you think that over the centuries I've changed some, Linda? Look at my actions since you've known me, don't they count for anything? And that's my point, Linda. I could talk till I'm blue in the face about how much I've changed and it wouldn't matter to you. Because in the end, you would still associate me with events that happened while your people weren't even 'potty-trained'."
"Oh, and just so you know, the Roman Gods did some pretty despicable things to us as well. I personally suffered, losing a daughter almost 200 years after our war was over because Jupiter decided 'we' needed to suffer some more. By "we" I mean the original Titans, not our offspring. I'm one of the original twelve he declared war on, but I was the last to be defeated so I had to suffer the most for holding out the longest."
Dennis stopped for a moment, and a rare, angry expression crossed his face. "Most of my brothers and sisters are now located in Peace River," he added in silent anger. "Locked underground and guarded by those same Cyclopes we created to save us. Two of my sons are there, and it's unlikely I'll ever see them again in this lifetime or my next one. Jupiter will never let them out, and I'm not be allowed to visit them unless I wish to become a permanent resident underneath 'Peace River'."
He sighed slightly and stared into his coffee as if trying to find the words to describe what he was feeling.
"We all lost something in that war, Linda," he said quietly with regret. "That's why I never want to see a repeat of it again. We need to bridge our differences because if we can, maybe, just maybe, one day I'll see my entire family again. Unfortunately that will only happen if and when we trust each other - when we declare peace on each other instead of war. So until that day I'll work as hard as I can to make sure it happens - even if it means taking the insults my own people toss at me who are still walking free. That's its, Linda! That's my grand defense you've been waiting for. I'm doing this to free my people, nothing more, nothing less. I'm sorry if that disappoints you! Now you can curse my presence if you wish and leave; but if you want a piece of my flesh you better get in line. Let me warn you, Linda, it's a very long line!"
"We're not quite done yet, Dennis," I pointed out and not giving the man an inch. "I want to know where we fit into your plans? Why do you need humans in Andersonville for your plan to work?"
"That, I'm not going to tell you," he said tightlipped. "I've told you more then you should know at this time. You can think of me what you want."
"I think you're a secretive, Son of a Bitch!" I hissed slightly
"Then you and Judge Jasper finally agree on something," he said turning away.
"UP YOURS, Dennis!" I yelled at the top of my lungs. I rushed out to my car feeling both sadness and angry. Sadness for Dennis, who I could tell was feeling pain for his people trapped in the bowels of the earth; and anger for still trusting him more then I did Judge Jasper, who had been open and honest with me since I arrived in Peace River. I drove home so my mother could take me to the airport.
'My mother,' I thought. Could I still make believe that Mrs. Anderson was my mother while knowing my own dead mother was alive here in Andersonville? I didn't really know anymore, but I wished I hadn't run into them this morning. Why in the hell hadn't Dennis told Colonel Myers to pull the plug on them and saved us both this misery? Bitter tears began to form in my eyes.
***
Robert Cardon the III was surfing the net bored out of his mind. That was the price he paid for being rich and not having to work; he still had to find something to do with his time. When his computer alerted him that Sweet Candy had just logged in, he smiled. Quickly he entered in his user name, waited for a moment, and then pressed on her name.
"Good Morning, Candy, how was work?" he typed. Almost thirty seconds passed before he got a reply from Candy, indicating she had had a very bad night.
Although Robert had never met Sweet Candy before, he had a large, impressive file on her. Her really name was Candy Stern, and she was young, single, and lived alone in a bad neighborhood. She was also a transsexual, which was why Robert was so interested in her. He had taken great pains to gain her trust, and was waiting for the right moment to make his move. This looked like it might be it.
Slim-man: What happened, Sweet?
Slim-man was the Internet name he used with her. He had other names, each one assigned to a different target. It made anyone trying to find him very difficult, if not impossible.
Sweet: My boss wrote me up for taking an extra 5 minutes on my break last night. Later on I heard several of my co-workers cracking jokes and insults about me. Why can't they accept me like you do?
Slim-man: Most people are bigots when it comes to gender, Sweet. I'm sorry you had such a bad night. Is there anything I can do to help?
Sweet: Not unless you can supply me with a new life Robert smiled at her response. He had been very carefully with the ones he had picked out. Those that posed too much of a risk he broke contact with. Out of the 70 TS's he had started with, only 19 were still left. Candy, if things worked out, would be his next delivery.
Slim-man: Candy, if I tell you something that's pretty wild, do you promise not to tell anyone else?
Sweet: Of course, Slim-man, you know you can trust me.
Slim-man: You have to promise me, Candy. This is very big, and if it gets out it will ruin everything for those already there.
Sweet: I promise, Slim. What is it?
Slim-man: Supposing I could take you to a place where you would be turned into a real girl, without any pain involved. Would you be interested in going there?
There was almost a full minute of non-activity on Candy's end after the question had been asked. For a moment Robert thought he had blown it. Finally she replied:
Sweet: Is this a joke?????
Slim-man: I know you may not believe this Sweet, but I know of such a place here in the US.
Sweet: Where is this place, Slim? How do I get there?
Slim-man: I would have to take you there, myself. I'm serious, Candy, this place exists.
Sweet: I want to believe you, Slim, but you have to tell me more before I can. This is a pretty wild story you're telling me.
Slim-man: I understand Candy. You see, I found out about this place almost three years ago. It's run by a bunch of aliens who created this town so they can study human interaction in a control setting. I'm one of their agents. I search for people who won't mind living in a town like this for the rest of their lives. That's the price, Candy, you have to be willing to give up your present life for a new one. In exchange for doing so, they'll grant you the body of the gender you want to be. They'll turn you into a beautiful, young woman and set you up with a fabulous life. All you have to do is live it and be happy - oh, and not try to leave.
Sweet: Slim, this all sounds so incredible. Can you tell me where this town is located?
Slim-man: I'm sorry, I can't. Look Candy, I know you have doubts about what I just told you, so just answer the question. If such a place does exist, and I could take you there, would you go?
Her answer came back almost immediately.
Sweet: YES!!!!!
Slim-man: I'm glad. When we first met I knew this place was meant for you.
Sweet: So what do we do now?
Slim-man: I'm going to send you a first-class plane ticket and $1,000 dollars in cash. The money is to show you I'm serious about what I just told you. Use it to have a good time, but don't' buy any clothes. The people who run this town will supply you with a new wardrobe. The same with the money, you won't need it once you get there so spend it all. In a week you'll board a plane for Chicago, I'll take care of the arrangements on this end. Plan on boarding another plane when you get there. And whatever you do, don't tell anyone where you're going. These aliens are watching the Internet and phone lines very closely. If you tell anyone else about this then the deal is off, and you'll never hear from me again. Do you understand, Candy?
Sweet: Yes, I understand, Slim.
Slim-man: Good. I'll overnight you the money and a plane ticket. Have a good time with it, Sweet.
Sweet: I will, Slim. Thank you!!!! You've made me so happy.
Slim-man: That makes this all worth-wide, Sweet. I better go and get your money ready. Talk to you later. Hugs
Robert logged off the computer and smiled happily. In a week he would pull the wool over the eyes of the Roman Gods - again. Gosh, how he loved doing that. He only wished he could've been in the courtroom when old Jupiter saw two of them standing in front of him from his last delivery. It had been a very risky move on his part, but the reward had been worth the risk. His contact in Peace River said that Jupiter had blown a fuse afterwards.
Robert stood up and walked over to the bar to fix himself a drink. He was a wealthy man, although he had inherited his money and not worked for it like others had. He was a student attending Princeton University at the time he heard what happened. The headmaster himself had called Robert into his office to tell him the bad news. That day, the 19-year-old lost both of his parents in a tragic car crash, and inherited 21 million dollars at the same time.
That was almost 8 years ago, and since then Robert had done absolutely nothing with his life. The day after the funeral he quit school and retired, planning never to work again. At first it was fun, staying up late and sleeping in as long as he wanted. Then the routine became boring, and Robert found something lacking in his life - excitement. Going on trips had helped. In one year alone Robert had logged over 30,000 miles in the air traveling around Europe and the Asia. Then even that became monotonous. So Robert started looking for other ways to entertain himself, and his search lead him to Peace River.
He recalled how it happened. He was traveling down a deserted road late one night when a young woman came running out in front of him. Robert had to slam on his brakes and barely avoided missing her. No sooner had he stopped, she was climbing into the passenger side of his brand-new Corvette and asking if the car could move. Robert proceeded to tell her that it had an intercept motor when she interrupted him with a proposal; free sex for a ride. All he had to do was get her at least 70 miles away from where they were in less then an hour. The young girl was skinny and very good-looking. Robert never passed up a chance on free sex with a beautiful girl. He drove like the wind to please her.
She said her name was Judy, and along the way told him a very strange tale. It was a story about a town run by the Roman Gods who kidnapped people and transformed them into other people, including those of the opposite sex. At first Robert thought the girl was whacked out, or maybe even trying to invent a wild tale so he would forget about the sex. But the more she talked, the more interested he became. Early in the morning they stopped at a 4-star Hotel and had a wild night of passionate sex. Robert almost felt as if she were celebrating some event. Later that morning she bummed $100 dollars from him and got on a bus for Kansas City. That was the last time he saw her, despite his best attempts to find her again.
Afterwards Robert kept wondering how much of what Judy had told him was true. While he didn't particularly believe in God, or the Roman Gods for that matter, it didn't mean that there wasn't something strange going on. He checked his map and found there was no Peace River listed in the area.
With his curiosity peaked, Robert made his way back to where he had picked up the girl. After a number of criss-cross patterns, he came upon a town with a wide river in front of it. Both the town and river shouldn't have been there according to his map, and yet there they were!
Still a little suspicious, Robert pulled out his video camera and pointed it at the river as he drove across the bridge. There appeared to be something in the far distance sitting on a rock, but he didn't dare stop to check it out. Instead he pointed the camera at the location and zoomed in on it.
He passed by a sign welcoming him into Peace River, and continued to drive (and pray) that the people here would think he was just passing through. The town for the most part looked normal, except for the extremely large courthouse that sat in the middle of the downtown area. It seemed to be the focal point of the town. When he started to cross over the river again, Robert stuck the camera up once more to record any movement he could see. Then he kept driving for more then an hour until he reached a truck stop.
His hands were shaking as he replayed the tape to see what it had captured. That's when he saw the object and gasped. In the viewer was what looked to be a mermaid, with a fin for legs. It was sitting on a rock sunning itself and combing its long, blonde hair. Robert played the video back several times to be sure. Yes, it was still there. He lay the camera down next to him and thought about it. This was big - real big.
Not totally convinced that what he saw was real, Robert visited a friend who worked for NASA. After a rather large bribe, his friend took some high-profile photos of the area with one of the weather satellites he control. What they saw was acres upon acres of green forest trees, and no town. Robert knew this was impossible. He had crossed the mile-wide river twice and had seen the town with his own eyes. That's when he noticed the roads leading into the area all disappeared underneath the mass of trees.
Robert felt his heart pumping as he left the building, and for the first time in a long while felt excited about something in his life. His mind race with idea's about what to do, but in the end his thoughts kept going back to how he felt. He liked how his body was feeling, and wanted to find ways to keep the rush going. So he hurried home and played with several idea's in his head.
One thing Robert didn't do was let others know what he had found; that would ruin the fun. He was determined to use the situation to create a huge rush while at the same time, not posing too much of a risk for himself. Finally he hit upon an idea. Supposing he started sneaking people into Peace River? The possibilities were endless.
He would become a covert operator, like the Navy Seals or Delta force he had read so much about in his spy novels. Each delivery would have to be planned out and executed with fine precision, right down to the final detail. The main drawback was finding someone to deliver to the town. That's when he hit upon the idea of using Transsexual's. Since Jupiter liked to change people into the opposite sex, they were the perfect candidates.
Back in college Robert had met his first and only MTF Transsexual in his entire life. She was taking a class he was in, and even though she seemed nice, he was still a little leery of her. When he came home one weekend from school he had mentioned her to his parents. Robert remembered his father going off on a tangent about how sick this person had to be, and how she should be locked up to keep others from catching her illness. Of course Robert knew better, but the message to him was clear. Stay away from her or be prepared to find yourself a new home. Afterwards Robert avoided her as much as he could.
Still, he remembered the day she walked up and asked if she had offended him in some way. Robert tried to make up an excuse, but she saw through it and left with tears in her eyes. Robert regretted how he had treated her, but he didn't have a choice in the matter. He had his own problems to deal with.
Getting back to Candy, Robert sat down and drew up a plan. He would first fly her to Chicago and then on to Des Moines. From there she would go by private plane to where he was waiting. After that, he himself, would drive her to Peace River.
There were several items he had to take care of. Two old cars to buy, both under someone else's name. Hiring the private pilot to fly Candy to the place he would meet her at. Money that couldn't be traced back to him. After six successful inserts, Robert had become pretty good at working out all the details. He picked up the phone to begin the process.
***
The past week had been a good week for Candy. After receiving the money from Robert, she called in and quit her job. Her past position wasn't anything to look back on. It was a low-paying factory job making plastic parts for other companies. The pay she received had barely paid her bills. So telling her hard-nose boss that she was leaving made Candy feel wonderful. He had always treated her badly since she had been there.
With the money in hand, Candy used it to go sightseeing, see movies, and eat out each night. All of these things, normal things for most Americans, had been a rarity in her life. She also packed up her stuff as if she were moving. Slim-man had told her to put everything in a rental storage unit and it would be picked up later. She thought she didn't have a lot of personal stuff, but it turned out to be a much bigger job than she imagined.
Perhaps the hardest job Candy had to do that week was writing a letter to her parents. Almost two years ago she had confessed to them about her feelings of wanting to become a woman. Her parents were rather old-fashioned, and had consulted their church leader, Reverend Fred Phelps, about what to do. He in turned filled their heads with images of two men in bed sucking each other's dicks, and bringing in children to satisfy their sexual lust.
"God HATES FAGS!" he told them directly. Their son, by wanting to dress and act like a girl, was a fag condemned to hell. Candy's parents had no other choice but to disown her if they wished to remain in his church and under God's good graces.
Candy was bitter at this bigot pretending to be a religious man. He was leading people away from God's real message, to love thy neighbor as you wanted to be loved! It was such a simple message to learn. Yet so much heartache had been created in the world by not following the simple command Jesus had given them. With much emotion, Candy wrote them a note saying she forgave them despite the hurt they had bestowed on her. She also added that she hoped they would forgive her for the pain she had placed on them. After the letter was written, Candy's heart felt cleansed.
The next morning the young woman boarded a plane from Little Rock to Chicago. It was her first plane ride ever, and she had butterflies in her stomach. For the trip she had wore her favorite blouse and a pair of new blue jeans. Slim Man had told her not to wear anything flashy, such as a mini skirt and 5" heels. He wanted her to dress casual so she would fit in. The problem was, no matter what she wore, some people could always tell she wasn't quite the same as other girls. One reason for this was she was tall, almost 6'1". Another was that she had broad shoulders and huge hands that you would find on a construction worker.
Still, Candy couldn't deny that inside her soul she was a woman who had been born in a man's body. It wasn't just about things she liked to do; it was also the attitude on how her life should be. While most men focused on careers and getting ahead, she was more content to dream about a family she could take care of and share her life with. Candy knew that couldn't happen, that she could never have children unless science came up with a way to fix the problem. So Slim Man's offer was more than just a dream come true, it was the only path she could follow.
Candy found her seat, next to a middle-age woman dressed in a light tan business suit. The woman greeted her politely, but Candy saw the fear and disgust in her eyes. The woman fidgeted in her seat for several minutes before excusing herself to use the restroom. When Candy looked back, she saw the woman talking to the airline stewardess. Candy kept her eyes straight ahead, but she knew what the woman was saying. She didn't want to spend the rest of the flight sitting next to that 'freak'.
Tears formed in Candy's eyes at the insult. She was a woman, DAMN IT! How many times did she have to explain that? Why couldn't others just accept her word, instead of setting up hoops to make her prove who she was? People knew it was wrong to discriminate against someone based on the color of their skin, the size of their body, or the religion they worshiped - so why was treating someone who had a gender issue any different? Why did they treat her like a criminal, no 'worse', a perverted monster? DAMN IT, she was a human being just like everyone else!
Candy tried to calm down. Part of her wanted to forgive them for treating her that way. She knew most people's negative reaction was out of ignorance, not hate. Most likely their only exposure to a transsexual had come from watching the Jerry Springer show.
On the other hand she wanted to lash out and make them feel some of the hurt and pain they made her feel. Candy knew the latter was wrong, but she was so tired of turning the other cheek only to find someone else slapping it again.
'Well, in a few hours this old life will all be over,' she told herself. Either that or she would be flying back home feeling completely foolish. Candy sat back as the plane started to taxi for the runway.
***
In Chicago there was a man holding up a sign with her name on it. Candy walked over and identified herself to the man who smiled, handed her an envelope, then turned and left without saying a word.
"Wait," she called out. "Isn't there anything else you need to tell me?"
"It's all in the envelope," he replied crispy. "I have to go now."
With those few words he walked away in a rush, carrying a book to read on the return trip home. The man had been flown in the day before, stayed at the airport's 4-star motel, and had eaten one of the best steak dinners he had ever had - all paid for by his unnamed client. And to top it all off, he had earned $1,000 dollars to do a 10-second job. It was the easiest money he had ever made.
Candy watched the man disappear into the crowd then opened up the envelope. Inside she found a note and some cash. The note read:
Dear Candy,
I'm sorry for the runaround, but I think you can appreciate the seriousness of the situation. Please bear with me, soon you will be where you belong. Enclosed you'll find $50. Please have a nice lunch while you wait for your next flight. See you real soon.
Love - Slim Man.
Candy folded up the letter and placed it back in her purse, along with the $50.00. Who ever Slim Man was, she was convinced he was serious about this town. However, just in case he turned out to be a crazy, she had a can of mace hidden in her purse. Not far away she spotted a small café and headed for it.
From a distance Robert tugged at the mask he was wearing and watched Candy leave. He had two masks with him, one for today and the other for when he went back to Peace River. Both masks were made of a special silicon rubber that looked and felt like real skin. The problem was, they were hot to wear and made your real skin itch real badly after a few hours. The upside to his situation was, he looked like someone else and didn't have to fear about having his picture captured on video. If the Roman Gods did ever wise up and started backtracking Candy's trail, he wouldn't have to worry about the security cameras spread around the place. They might be able to figure out which person was the mailman, but they wouldn't have a clue as to what he really looked like.
Carefully Robert pretended to read his newspaper as he glanced around the terminal through his dark sunglasses. There were almost a hundred people getting off the plane, but Robert had been gifted with a photographic memory. He would store the face and outfit of each person from the plane and check to see if any of them followed Candy to Des Moines. He didn't think she had told anyone, but one couldn't be too careful. Once the last passenger had departed, Robert folded up his paper and walked toward the restaurant that Candy had gone into.
***
The flight to Des Moines had been long and boring. Even though Candy had brought along three love novels, she found herself unable to read them. Instead her thoughts were flooded with the promises Slim Man had made to her.
"A town where I will finally become on the outside what I am on the inside," she whispered to herself. She daydreamed about staring into the mirror and seeing a perfect, female body reflecting back at her, instead of the ugly, male body she had been cursed with. By the end of the day her long-time dream would come true.
After the plane landed, Candy was disappointed to find another man waiting for her with an envelope. Inside the envelope was yet another plane ticket and note. She opened it up and it read"
Hi Candy,
By now you must be tired of flying all over the place. I guarantee you, this is the last plane you'll have to get on. Soon we will meet and I'll drive you to Peace River. Here's $60 for the taxi ride to the airport. Please give the driver these instructions.
Love - Slim man
Candy sighed. So she was to leave this airport only to ride to another airport so she could board yet another plane. For a moment Candy had reservations about the whole trip. How could she be sure this wasn't some elaborate trick being played out on her? Well, if that were the case someone had spent a lot of money just to watch her tramp around the country looking for her promise land. Candy picked up her backpack and walked outside to a taxi. She handed the cab driver the instructions, and he looked over them with great interest.
"You do realize this isn't the most direct route to the airport," he told her.
"No, I didn't," she exclaimed. "In fact, this is my first time in Des Moines. Please, just follow the instructions. I'm sure there's a reason why he's doing this."
The cab drive shrugged his shoulders and drove off. Robert watched them leave and hailed his own cab. Unlike Candy, he would go directly to the airport and board a plane right away so he would meet her at the next meeting place. His heart raced as he told the cab driver to step on it. The thrill of setting this scheme up and executing it made him feel so alive. Sure, it was costing him a fortune, almost half of what he would receive from his trust fund this month, but it was worth it. He tugged at his mask again and wished it didn't itch so much.
***
The plane Candy boarded was a small Cessna piloted by a man who had been very well paid not to talk to her. They took off from the private airfield and headed in a northerly direction. Half an hour later the pilot turned the plane to the southeast as if they were doubling back. Fifteen minutes later he turned the plane again and flew west for a while. This continued for almost 2 hours, and by the time they landed on a small, deserted airfield Candy wasn't sure where she was at.
The pilot taxied his plane over to a small hanger where a brown, beat-up old Chevy was parked. The pilot left the engine running and told Candy to get out. As soon as she did, he revved up the engine and headed back toward the runway. Candy was so intent on watching the plane that she never noticed the man inside the car step out and walk up to her.
"Hello Candy."
The lone woman almost screamed in surprise, but managed to keep her response to a low squeal.
"You scared me," Candy panted with her hand on her chest.
"I'm sorry," the stranger replied. "I'm Slim Man, but you can call me Slim. It's a real pleasure to finally meet you." He held out his hand in friendship.
"What's going on?" Candy demanded to know in a rather curt tone.
"I'm sorry Candy, but I had to make sure you weren't being followed. You see, while you may want to live in Peace River, I do not. I would rather be out here, free to help others like yourself. So I flew you around to make sure everything was okay."
"And if it hadn't been?"
"Then you would've driven yourself," Robert replied formally. There's an envelope in the car with your name on it. Everything you would've needed to get to Peace River, including the keys to the car, are in there."
"I thought you said you were an agent of theirs? That was a lie, wasn't it?"
"Yes, I'm afraid it was, Candy. You see I found out about the place by accident. I just didn't want to scare you off by telling you the truth. But everything I told you about Peace River is true. It's real and waiting for you."
"Are you taking me there, then?" Candy asked with a more relax tone.
"Yes" Robert smiled. "You can read everything I have on Peace River along the way. It's about an hour and a half drive from here."
"And it's really there?" Candy asked suspiciously. "This isn't a trick."
"No Candy, its no trick. I didn't spend all this money to make a fool of someone I met on the Internet. By the end of this day you will be a complete woman." Robert saw the young woman frown slightly. "That's what you want, isn't it?"
"Yes," she said with reservations. "It's just that - well, I have -"
"Doubts!" he finished for her.
"Yes," she said. "No offense, Slim, but how do I know you're not taking me somewhere to hurt me. How do I know I won't be killed or even sold off into some kind of perverted sex scheme?"
"Yes, I can see your point," Robert nodded gently. "Candy, if I had wanted to do any of these things to you, I would've just kidnapped you. Look, if it helps I'll let you pat me down for a weapon. Heck, I'll even let you search the car if you like. I understand your fears."
"Well, that would help," she told him. "If you don't mind."
"Go right ahead," he smiled while holding out his arms. She did a quick check of his body to see if Slim had a gun. Convinced that he wasn't carrying a weapon, she then did a search of the car, checking the glove box and underneath the seat. It was also completely clean.
"Feel better?" he asked.
"I'm sorry," she said softly.
"Don't be, I'm not," he smiled as if he meant it. "Now, lets be on our way."
Robert held open the passenger door for her and waited until she was properly seated before closing it. He drove down the dirt road leading away from the small airstrip.
"Here, you can read about your new home while I drive." He pointed to a pile of papers sitting between them.
Candy picked them up and started shuffled through the pictures of the town. It seemed like a cozy place to live.
"Did you write down what you wanted to look like?" Robert asked.
"Yes," she said while holding up a letter. "I decided I wanted to be a single, 18 year old woman with long red hair. I want them to make me so attractive that I'll have boys fighting over each other to date me. I also want enough money so I'll never have to work again. I just want to sit around the pool and work on my tan. Do you really think the people will honor all this, Slim?"
"I can guarantee you that they will," Robert grinned while handing her a white envelope. "This letter will insure that the Judge will give you what you want. Just don't open up, otherwise they'll think it's been tampered with. See this seal on the back, it identifies me to the Judge. Now, if for some reason he refuses your request, don't fret about it. When I find out about it, I'll make sure he honors your wishes. You see, I have the judge in my back pocket and he will do exactly as I say. However, sometimes I have to nudge him every now and then, if you know what I mean."
Candy nodded as she looked at the wax seal with a large 'M' on the back of the envelope. She placed it in her purse and looked intensely for a moment at the man she knew only as Slim. He felt her stare and asked, "What is it, Candy?"
"Why are you doing this, Slim? Why would you risk your life to help out someone like me?"
"I guess it's because I feel you've suffered enough and could use a break," he lied. "I have a lot of compassion for the underdog. Being a FTM Transsexual in a man's world, well, you can't be more of an underdog than that."
"Thank you," Candy replied with tears in her eyes. "No one has ever said that to me before. I wish I could pay you back."
"You being happy is payment enough," he smiled thinly. "Besides, there are a group of investors paying for all this so it's not costing me a cent."
"Still, I wish there was more I could do."
"Really Candy, I'll get my satisfaction knowing you're happy. Why don't you read over some of the stuff I have on the town now? You may find it useful later on."
Candy took his suggestion, and Robert was only too glad that he had finally gotten her to shut up. There was a feeling inside him that made him uneasy. He was sensing danger, but couldn't understand why. He had been careful as always, more careful in fact than the last five deliveries. Still, he sensed something wasn't right. As much as he hated to do so, he decided to drop his plan to take Candy all the way into Peace River. She could drive the rest of the way there herself. Of course, Robert had planned for such an event to. His back up plan was already in place.
A feeling of disappointment came over him. He hated the idea of not following through on his plan. Still, something inside kept telling him it was better if he didn't. With some reluctance, he headed for his backup vehicle hidden close by. When he got there, Robert pulled the car over.
"Candy, I'm sorry," he started out. "I was going to take you all the way there, but something changed my mind. I can't put my finger on it; it's more of a feeling than anything else! Just don't worry, you'll be fine. I've already drawn out a map on how to get there."
"But what about the car?" she asked.
"Don't worry about it, Candy. It's an old car; the judge can have it. Just follow the map, it'll take you straight to Stephanie Hall's office. She's an attorney in Peace River and has handled my other cases before. Just promise to be happy there."
"I will, Slim. Thank you so much."
Robert cringed as Candy hugged him before getting behind the wheel. He watched as she disappeared from sight then ran up an overgrown path through the woods. About 200 yards from the main road he came to an old shack that had been abandoned years ago. He unlocked the heavy padlocked and went inside. Parked in the single room shack was a motorcycle.
"First I'm getting rid of this damn mask," Robert said out loud. He pealed it off and felt the cool air hit his skin. "Damn, that feels good."
Next Robert took out a rag from his overnight pack and used it to remove a few of the more stubborn pieces. After all traces of the mask were wiped clean, Robert put on a full-face helmet with a dark visor and pushed his motorcycle outside. He turned the key and it started up without a problem.
Robert looked back on the old shack one last time, knowing that he would have to find a new hiding place. It was too risky to come back here again. He knew Jupiter would have his people search the area once they found out where Candy had dropped him off. They wouldn't have much trouble finding this old place. That really didn't concern Robert, he had made sure the place was clean of anything that could point back to him. He twisted accelerator on the bike and headed away at a fast rate of speed.
***
The car crested the hill and Candy got her first good look at the town of Peace River. From the distance it looked even more charming than in the pictures. The town sat there along the river's edge, surrounded by lush, green trees and a beautiful park. She crossed the long bridge and noticed the river curved toward the east in both directions. The color of the river was unusual too, more of a sea blue than river green.
Just after entering into town, Candy spotted the brick building with white shutters on the windows. She pulled up in front and checked herself one more time. Butterflies formed in her stomach as the moment of truth was at hand. Candy would know in the next few minutes if Slim had told her the truth. She got out of her car and went inside.
Stephanie was working at her desk when she heard the door chime ring. She didn't bother getting up; her secretary would take care of the matter and send the person away. She had given her secretary specific instructions not to be interrupted unless it was a matter of life or death. Judge Jasper had asked her to handle some paperwork involving a land deal in South America. It had turned into a bear of a job to figure everything out. There was a knock on her door.
"Come," she said without looking up. "What is it, Carrie?"
"I'm sorry, Stephanie. I know you didn't want to be disturbed but, well, it looks like that person you told me about, the mailman, has sent someone else to you."
"Oh shit," she said out loud and then corrected herself. "Sorry Carrie. Send her in and then call Judge Jasper."
"Yes, Stephanie," Carrie answered obediently.
Stephanie smiled. Carrie was a new recruit from last month who hadn't been very willing to join in on the game. Actually, her being here was her own doing. She had driven into Peace River to deliver some lobsters to Crystal's restaurant and had the misfortune of backing into Judge Jasper's car. It would've ended there if the young man had admitted his fault, but he insisted that since the car had been parked illegally, he wasn't responsible for the damage. This infuriated the Judge, and when the truck driver boasted he was a confirmed bachelor and would wait around to fight the case in court, his fate was sealed. Judge Jasper transformed the rough-looking, 25-year-old truck driver into a very cute, 19-year-old brunette female. The fact that Judge Jasper had assigned Carrie to work under Stephanie's authority only confirmed to the young attorney that she was earning his trust. That trust brought her another step closer to her dream of being able to travel outside of Peace River on her own. It would be nice to visit some of her old art museums again.
The strange thing about the incident was the way it was handled, in the Judge's own chambers without Linda Anderson around. It seemed Judge Jasper wanted to keep this a secret from her. Stephanie figured this was because Linda was new and wouldn't understand Judge Jasper's reasons.
This is Candy," Carrie said formally with a weak smile. Stephanie could see her young secretary was trying. Carrie hadn't yet fully accepted her new life or the fact that she could never leave Peace River. Well, there was time for her to learn. Once Mr. Cupler set her up with a young man and they had a family, those feelings on wanting to leave would disappear for good. Still, she understood what the young girl was going through right now and tried to be sympathetic.
"Thank you, Carrie. By the way, that's a nice dress you're wearing today." Stephanie figured a little praise may help her ego, and reinforced the idea that she was now, and forever would be, a young woman. However, her compliment seemed to have the opposite affect on her secretary.
"Thank - thank you, Stephanie," Carrie replied slowly, making her appear rather shy. "Ms. Marshall picked it out for me. She said I looked pretty in it."
Before Stephanie could answer back, Carrie ran out of the room as if she were embarrassed at the comment and her reply to it. Stephanie frowned; she would have to take care of this matter later. She stood up and greeted her new client.
"Good afternoon, Candy. I'm Stephanie Hall but please, call me Stephanie. Can I get you something to drink?"
"If it's all the same to you, Stephanie, I'll like to go see the judge and get this over with. You don't know what it's like to feel trapped in the wrong body."
Stephanie laughed loudly. "Oh, yes I do, Candy. But don't worry, I'm having Carrie set up the meeting right now. Please, sit down."
For the first time Stephanie looked carefully at her new client. She was tall and muscular, and wearing a wig that clearly looked like a wig. On her neck was an Adam's apple about the size of a large walnut. The shoes Candy wore were about a size 16, a much bigger size than what regular women wore. The mailman was getting less picky about who he was bringing in. The last few had been very passable.
"Will everything be alright?" Candy asked slightly concern.
Stephanie smiled brightly. "You don't need to worry, Candy, I've dealt with other girls like yourself. Judge Jasper won't hurt you."
"I have my requirements, would you like to see them?"
"Requirements? Sure." Stephanie took the list and quickly scanned through it. "Are you sure about this?" she asked cautiously.
"I've thought about it for a long time," she answered firmly. "I've had to work hard and struggle every day. Now that I'm here, I want to relax and enjoy life."
"Work is still important, Candy," Stephanie pointed out. "It'll also help you meet new people."
"Oh, I'll work," Candy agreed. "I want to volunteer my time to help others here. I want to make Peace River a better place to live."
"Well, that's a good start." The phone buzzed and Stephanie picked it up.
"Hi Linda. What did Judge Jasper say? Good, we'll be right over. Bye." Stephanie hung up the phone and smiled. "That was Judge Jasper's secretary. The Judge will see us now."
Candy stood up and followed Stephanie out to where her secretary was working. "Carrie, I'll be at the courthouse for a little while in case you need me. Oh, can you work late tonight? I still have a lot of things that need to be done."
"I - I'm suppose to go out tonight," Carrie whispered softly with her eyes facing down. "Mary, my helper, told me I needed to get out more and set me up on a blind date."
"Oh, well I don't want to keep you from your fun!" Stephanie replied while eyeing her secretary gently. It was a first painful step, but Stephanie knew it had to be taken or Carrie would never grow past the stage she was in. She would have to be gentle with her secretary right now, to help her accept what had to happen next.
"When I get back we'll talk about it over a cup of coffee," she told the young girl in a comforting fashion. "It'll get better, Carrie, I promise."
Candy noticed the young secretary looked like she was ready to cry and wondered what her story was. Did the poor girl have a bad experience with a man? Candy felt compassion and she made a mental note to get to know Carrie better. Maybe she would be able to help her out somehow.
Stephanie drove them to the courthouse and ushered Candy into the courtroom. A teenager girl was already waiting for them, as well as an incredibly beautify blonde hair lady, a police officer, and a man in an expensive business suit.
"Have a seat while I go talk the ladies for a moment," she told Candy. The attorney walked over to them and asked a few questions. After a few minutes she walked back to her client with a smile.
"Good news, Candy. I talked to Linda and she says that Judge Jasper is in a good mood today."
Stephanie didn't get to say anymore, because the sound of a door opening up turned everyone's attention to the front. Judge Jasper walked up to his desk and sat down. He frowned, but more out of frustration than anger.
"Miss Stern, I understand you wish to join our little community," he started out, ignoring the usual procedures.
"Yes sir, I have a list of my requirements." She handed it to the police officer, and he handed it to the judge. Judge Jasper looked over the list and frowned.
"Miss Stern, I'm willing to honor most of these request, but not all of them. For instance, everyone in Peace River works, including my people. Work builds character and good, social behavior. I can't have you ruining that balance."
"I'll volunteer for odd jobs, sir, but I don't want to live my life from paycheck to paycheck anymore. I've done that already, Your Honor."
"I'll make sure you get a good-paying job here. You needn't worry about doing that. However, you will work. You'll also start out by living in a luxury apartment. A home such as what you want is something that is earned here. Again, it's a matter of keeping the harmony in our town."
Stephanie leaned over and whispered, "Take it Candy, it's the best deal he'll give you. If you refuse it'll only make him mad."
"Perhaps a apartment will work for now, Your Honor," Candy agreed. "After all, it'll make it easier for me to meet men."
"I don't think you're have much trouble meeting men after I'm done with you, Miss Stern," Judge Jasper answered with a small smile.
"Thank you, Your Honor," Candy replied with a grin of her own. "Oh, there is one more thing, sir. The man who brought me here wanted me to give you this." She handed it the officer who passed it on to the judge.
"Thank you, Miss Stern. Now, if you would please close your eyes."
Candy did as she was told, and a moment later felt something warm enter into her body. She felt herself shrinking and become lighter, as almost a hundred pounds disappeared from her frame. Her wig fell off as a mass of hair pushed out of her head and fell down her back. Other feelings bombarded her mind, as she felt her breast grow out and her penis shrink inside her body. When the activity stopped and Candy opened up her eyes to looked down at her new body. She couldn't see her face, but she knew she was beautiful. She held out a mass of red, curly hair in her hand and stroked it lovingly.
"I'm - I'm beautiful," she announced while looking over her body. She gently caressed her smooth, tanned legs that peeked out from underneath the short yellow sundress. "Oh thank you, Judge Jasper, thank you!"
"You're quite welcome, Miss Baker. Officer Ganymede will show you to your new apartment now. In a little while someone will be by to welcome you into our town more properly. Ms. Hall, you can go back to your office now, we don't need you anymore. Vickie, Andrew, Linda, I'd like to see you in my office right now.
I picked up my things and followed the Marshall's into Judge Jasper chambers. I noticed that Andrew Marshall wasn't very happy about the event, and even Vickie seemed a little concern about what might happen next. In the background I heard Candy asking Officer Ganymede if they could stop by a mirror before leaving. I smiled inwardly about how happy she was. Candy was truly one of the lucky ones here.
"Close the door, Linda," Judge Jasper ordered. I found myself a little surprised that he had invited me inside with them. Perhaps this was due to the talk I had had with him last week, after my fight with Dennis Butz. He had been very sympathetic toward me as I spilled my guts and even cried a little about my frustration over my old boss. Of course I wasn't really as upset as Judge Jasper thought I was, but he never knew that. Judge Jasper even went so far as to walk over and placed his massive arm around my shoulders in an attempted to comfort me. I thanked Dennis again that Judge Jasper couldn't read my real thoughts or feelings.
"Father, perhaps it would be better if Linda wasn't here," Andrew said cautiously.
"Why?" he pointed out strongly. "Everything will come out in due time. Besides, I think it's time we started keeping a record of all this, don't you?"
Judge Jasper read the note and although he never said a word, I could see the anger build in his eyes. When the judge was done, he passed it on to Andrew Marshall who read it with interest.
"He knows!" Mars stated. "He knows everything about what goes on here! But how does he know?"
"Someone must be supplying him the information," Judge Jasper said firmly. "I want you to double your efforts. Use whatever means necessary but FIND HIM!"
"Excuse me, Judge," I interrupted politely. "Perhaps I could help out in some way."
"YOU!" Mars spatted out. "What could you do that we haven't tried?"
"I don't know," I replied honestly. "However, I have had some experience in looking at clues and tracking down people. Maybe I can spot something that you haven't seen yet - no offense, Mr. Marshall.
"None taken," Mars growled, but in his eyes I could see that he was offended.
"Perhaps that's not a bad idea," Jupiter agreed after he took a moment to think about it. "What do you need to get started, Linda?"
"A complete history of the mailman for one, including all the notes he's sent you. I'd also like to discuss this with my brother. I could fly home for the weekend and run some things by him. I'll also need access to the Internet at some point."
"What do you want in return?" Jupiter asked.
I thought about it carefully. "I don't know yet, Your Honor. Let me look over what you have and see if I can help you out first. I'm sure, Mr. Marshall has done a thorough job. I may not be of any help at all."
"I don't like your brother getting involved in this," Mars stated right out.
"He's a better detective them I am," I explained. "Together, we'll have a better chance at figuring this all out."
Judge Jasper sat silently in his chair for a few minutes. I could tell he was desperate. This mailman, who ever he was, had gotten underneath his skin. His entire operation could be seriously damaged or brought down if word got out.
"I'll allow you to look at some of the information, starting with this note. Andrew, hand it to her."
Mars did as he was ordered but with great reluctance. What I read shocked me. This mailman was a pretty arrogant fellow. It read:
Jupiter,
I understand that you didn't fulfill all of Sam's, um, excuse me, Amy's wishes. I've also been told that her wish wasn't possible, and I'll accept that answer - for now. However, let's not try any more freelancing in the future. If you deviate from my client's wishes in the slightest - well, let's just say your little secret won't be a secret much longer. BTW, I understand that you kept Angie and Ann together as sisters. Good boy Judge! I'll be sending you some more clients real soon. Until then!
The Mailman
'Wow, this is some letter,' I thought to myself. 'No wonder Judge Jasper wants to find him so badly.'
"Who is this Amy person and what was her wish?" I asked.
"She was brought in about 6 months ago," Judge Jasper explained. "This mailman actually dropped her off on Stephanie's doorstep and left town before we could stop him. Amy wanted to have wings to fly with, but that wasn't in my power unless I turned her into a bird. I could have given her wings, but not the kind that would have allowed her to fly."
"I see. How about the other information I requested, Your Honor?"
"My son will tell you about his efforts while he's flying you to Andersonville," Judge Jasper said. "You can talk with your brother tonight and fly back in the morning. I'm guessing he already knows who we are from your last visit."
"You didn't say I couldn't tell him?" I pointed out defensively.
"True, but you will inform Steve not to mention the mailman to anyone else. Both of you will treat this as you would any other case, as privileged information."
"Yes, Your Honor. Thank you for the opportunity to work on this. It's quite an honor!"
My words actually caused the Judge to smile. "Good luck, Linda."
***
It was great to be back home again, even if it was for just a single evening. My mother and father were very happy to see me again. Before dinner Jennifer filled me in on all the things going on in her life. It seemed that a boy in her class liked her. I smiled slightly, and wondered if the boy was a temp or real person. After we had dinner, Steve and I went outside to talk
"So what's up, Sis?" he asked.
"There's trouble in Peace River, Steve. I've been asked to investigate it. There's a man who refers to himself as the mailman, and he seems to know about everything that goes on inside their town." I proceeded to tell my brother everything I knew up to this point.
"Looks like this mailman person has an inside man working for him," Steve noted. "There's no other way he could know the names of those who had been transformed."
"Yes, but the question is, how does he know? Mr. Marshall, I guess I can say his real name, Mars, has had the people the mailman brought in under surveillance for months. Anyone who contacts the new arrivals is investigated. Even those whose have contact with the people who had contact with the new arrival are investigated.
"Sounds like an impossible job," Steve observed. "There's no way he can watch everyone all the time, and that's what it really boils down to."
"True, but I think he's looking for a pattern. The mailman seems to know what has happened to those he brought into Peace River, sometimes within a matter of a few days. The second person he brought in, I think her name was Jasmen, got turned into a big football player. Within a week Judge Jasper received a letter from the mailman informing him to turn her into a woman or he would be sorry. He knew exactly what was going on, even going into detail about how the young man was feeling. Needless to say, Jupiter turned her into the woman she wanted to be but he was pretty pissed about it."
"Where was that letter sent from?"
"That's the kicker, Steve. It was sent from inside Peace River. It even had the mailman's own special marker on the letter so Judge Jasper would know it came from him. After the third person was dropped off, he sent another letter. This time the mailman wrote he was glad that Jupiter had followed his instructions to the letter, and that he better never cross him again or else."
"Interesting," Steve replied. "And each new person this mailman brings in describes him differently?"
"All except for his size and build. They all agree he stands about 5'10'and is of average build. However, his facial structure and hair color is always different! It's as if he can change his appearance at will."
"Maybe not at will, but with some help. Remember in the TV series, Mission Impossible, how the agents would put on a mask to make them look like someone else?"
"You don't really think someone could do that, do you Steve?"
"Have you got a better idea, Linda? The alternative is, he's found a way to shape-shift his face into whatever image he wants it to be. Which sounds more plausible here?"
"Okay, you got me there," I admitted. "So how does he know what goes on inside Peace River?"
"Easy, he visits Peace River every now and then to check up on his deliveries."
"So he must have a group of people working for him. They must each take turns contacting the new arrival so Mars and his people won't find out. They investigate to see how the person is doing, then meet with the mailman at a given place and time.
"No, I don't think so, Linda," Steve disagreed. "Such a situation would be too complicated and dangerous for someone to set up from the outside. Besides, the Roman Gods would have surely found out who they were by now with all the checking and rechecking they've been doing. If you want my honest opinion, I think only one person is responsible for supplying him the information."
"But who could it be? Mars has kept very detailed records on the meetings that he knows about. The most one person has had contact with the seven other people is three. That leaves four others who they wouldn't know anything about."
"Are you sure!" Steve asked directly. My eyes went wide when I realized what he was saying.
"Stephanie Hall has had contact with all seven of them."
"So has Ashlee Gang," he added. "Both know about the cases and the outcome."
"My gosh, you're right, Steve," I gasped. "Even with this latest case they would both know what happened. So which one could it be?"
"Who do you think it is, Linda?" he asked directly with a straight face. "Someone who was dragged out of a dismal life with no friends, family, or future, and given a life with everything they desired? Or someone who had a good life snatched away from them?"
I slowly put my hand over my month in shock. It all made sense now. No wonder Mars couldn't find a connection with anyone who came in contact with these people, there wasn't any. The person supplying the information to the mailman was right underneath Judge Jasper's nose.
"This mailman, his motive interests me," Steve added interrupting my thoughts. "You say all of the people he's brought in were transgender."
"Yes, that's correct," I replied. "All male to female transsexuals. Why does that interest you?"
"Because it seems to me his main reason for doing all this is to have control over Jupiter. Yet he also goes out of his way to make sure the people he brings in are transsexual. So they interest him too, and that bothers me."
"But why?" I asked. "He's fulfilling their dream to become real woman."
"Is he?" Steve asked. "From what you've told me, this mailman seems like a pretty selfish person. Even his letters indicate he's doing this more for his own pleasure than out of goodwill for others. If that's the case, I have to wonder why he only works with transsexuals. He must have a real hatred towards them."
"I'm sorry, Steve, but you lost me."
"Okay Linda, think about this. Supposing you hated the Jewish people, what would you do? You would put them someplace where they would never bother you again. That's what Hitler and the Nazi's did. The mailman could work with any isolated person trying to get away from their problems. That could include straight people, gays, shut-in's, even those running from the law. Think about it, that would be the smart move. Don't set up a pattern the Roman Gods can see and use to finally catch you. Hell, the detail the Mailman goes through is incredible, so we know he's intelligent. But he always picks young, lonely transsexuals with no family and few close friends. That's who he preys on."
The word "prey" sent a cold chill down my spine. Maybe the mailman's motives weren't so honorable after all.
"Steve, he can't send all the transgender people to Peace River."
"That's not the point, Linda. The mailman understands that, but in his mind he thinks he's making the world a little bit better by getting rid of one transsexual at a time. Sure, it's a small drop in the bucket, but he feels vindicated each time he does it. The problem is, one day his appetite to get rid of them will outgrow his ability, and all hell will break loose. He won't be happy bringing in one or two people every few months."
"That's why Jupiter is so concerned," I said.
"He has reason to be," Steve pointed out.
***
Robert was sitting in the Peace River diner having a piece of pie and a cup of coffee. He wasn't too concerned about being seen. Like before, he had on a different mask. To everyone else in the restaurant, he was just another stranger passing through. There was a slight chance the Gods would be interested in him, but he doubted it. Robert had made up a lengthy profile on his new identity for them to read. If the Gods called in his tag numbers, it would show he was 45 years old, married, and had three kids. He knew one of these reasons would be enough to disqualify him from being chosen. His waitress, Sandy, came over with his check. She didn't know his real name; only the name he had given her which was Jeff. Robert placed a gold coin on the table, a signal to show her who he was.
"You're looking different, tonight," she whispered with a smile.
"Man can't be too careful," he replied softly. "Still happy, Sandy."
"I don't want to leave if that's what you mean," she answered while looking around carefully to make sure no one was listening. "I can't abandon my friends."
"I understand, Sandy. I wish I could do more, but their people are everywhere." Actually, Robert wasn't sure if they were or not, but it was a good lie to use on Sandy. The last thing he wanted to do was get involved in their struggle.
"You're doing enough," she replied in a low voice. "Every victory you have over these bastards boasts our spirits. You're also a hero to transgendered people everywhere, Jeff! I better go now before someone gets suspicious. Take care of yourself."
"You too," Robert replied with a smile.
'If only she knew,' he laughed to himself. 'If only they all knew why I did this.'
Robert had no intentions of getting involved in their war for freedom. 'A hero to these people' Sandy had told him. The young man had almost burst out laughing when she said the words. It was the perfect solution, better than murder. He could bring these fruitcakes into Peace River knowing they could never leave. They were out of his world forever.
As an added bonus, he had control over these Gods. That would come in handy one day when he figured out a way to get rid of his enemies without exposing himself. Soon he would find more ways to exploit these Gods for his benefit.
Robert picked up the bill and looked at the back. There were a series of numbers, mostly one's and a couple of two's. To anyone else they meant nothing, but to Robert it showed how his last delivery had fair. Candy had gotten everything she wanted except for the wealth and house. The one's next to the two's indicated she was happy with the situation and most likely didn't want her situation changed.
The Mailman reached inside his coat pocket and felt the envelope with the pre-written letter. It was tempting to slip it in a nearby mailbox, but he fought the urge. He didn't want the Gods to know he always visited them a few days later. Instead he pulled out his wallet and placed enough money on the table to cover his bill, plus a rather generous tip. Then he wiped his mouth with his napkin and walked out of the diner a free man.
***
I spotted Ashlee sitting on a park bench, gently rocking her baby in her arms. She looked so content sitting there watching her other two children play on the slide. I noticed a look of contentment and satisfaction grace her lips, and I hated the idea of interrupting her. No one could tell by looking at her what she was doing, and it made me realize how much Judge Jasper had underestimated her. I swallowed hard and approached her. One of her kids spotted me first and greeted me with a wave. Ashlee turned to see whom he was waving at, and a smile appeared on her dark, brown face.
"Linda, how nice to see you again. Isn't it a beautiful day, hon?"
"It sure is," I replied formally with a tight smile.
"Something wrong?" she asked in a concerned tone. She placed her sleeping son into the stroller.
"It's about the mailman. I need to ask you something, Ashlee, and I need you to be honest with me. It seems that finding out the truth is hard to come by these days."
"Well go ahead, Linda. I don't mind talking shop with you," she reassured me.
"Okay." I paused for a moment then asked, "Why Ashlee?"
"Why what?" she blinked in confusion.
"Why are you supplying the mailman with information about the people he brings in?"
"How - how did you find out?" she gasped slightly.
"It wasn't hard," I explained. "Stephanie and you are the only ones who know the same personal information that the mailman knows about, other then Judge Jasper and those who run Peace River. For some reason I can't picture one of the Judge's people doing something like this, and Stephanie just didn't fit the bill."
"No, I suppose not," Ashlee agreed quietly. "She's sold on this life."
"I don't understand, Ashlee."
"Ask me if I'm happy, Linda."
"Okay. Are you happy here, Ashlee?"
"Believe it or not, Linda, I'm very happy here. This life," she sighed slightly, "is wonderful. I wouldn't dream of leaving Peace River now even if I had the chance."
"Then why, Ashlee?" I was confused by her actions. I had figured that the opposite would've been true, that she hated Peace River. That's when I saw the silent anger building on her face. Her lips grew tight, and her eyes narrowed, as if I had asked a painful question. Then she spoke quietly, calmly, but with a tad of bitterness in her words.
"It wasn't enough that Judge Jasper stole my life and changed the color of my skin, he had to switch my gender as well! You don't know how horrible that was for me Linda, being a strong, white man one moment and a weak, black woman the next. My worst nightmare had come true, with no reprisal or escape from it. I asked him about it once, if it had been necessary to change me into a woman. He told me it hadn't been, but he felt a female secretary suited him better. What I wanted, what I felt didn't matter to him.
"Then I watched him do the same things to others throughout the years; reliving the pain and abandonment they felt because I'm some kind of living history book now. Unlike those in Andersonville, Linda, everyone who comes to Peace River remembers their past life. Sometimes Judge Jasper makes them forget for while, but sooner or later they always remember who they once were."
Ashlee turned and looked me directly in the eyes, as if she wanted our souls to merge so I could feel what she was feeling. "You should've seen me back then, Linda, when I was still Matt Stover. I stood almost 6'4". My body was 210 pounds of lean, firm muscle. I took care of myself, and was proud of the fact that I was a strong man and not some weak, fat, sissy-boy. And good-looking! I never had any trouble finding women to go out with me. Did I also tell you I was engaged to the prettiest girl in Alabama, and she was 4 months pregnant with my child? No, I'm sure I left that part out. I had a life, Linda! A good life with a mother and father who loved me. I had two brothers and a sister who I cared about deeply. Damn it, I had a 'good life'."
She said the last sentence with such bitterness that I reached out and placed my hand on hers for support. She smiled slightly as if it made her feel better and continued.
"Okay, so I was a bigot," she said softly with regret. "I admit it, I hated black people with a passion and I was wrong to do so. Maybe there is some kind of twisted justice in the world. I hated black people and looked down on women, and so now I'm both. Most people would say I got what I deserved - maybe I did. Maybe somewhere in the universe, my hatred has been balanced out. Thinking that way helped me in the early years. I truly believed I deserved this punishment. When I think of all the pain I caused other people." Ashlee closed her eyes and I saw resentment of her past actions overtake her.
"That old person - well, he's dead, Linda! For the first time in my life I'm free from all the hatred and prejudice that enslaved and robbed me of so many simple pleasures in life. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
I nodded and replied, "I believe so, Ashlee. You've recognized your past mistakes and wish you could make up for them."
"Yes, that's correct," Ashlee agreed slowly, looking out into the distance horizon as if she were searching for something. "Everything was fine until about a year ago, when something interesting happened to me - something that changed the way I looked at things. For the first time since I arrived, I got access to the Internet. Mark Merrick was searching for something on my computer when I came back from lunch and forgot to log off. I don't know, maybe he did that on purpose - he does stuff like that. Anyway, I did an Internet search on my family and found their web page. Maybe I shouldn't have, but something drove me to find out what had happened to my family - and what they thought had happened to me. That's when I learned."
"Learned what?" I pushed, now intrigued by what she was telling me,
"That my father - the one man I loved and looked up to, had died of a heart attack the year before." Tears formed in her eyes and Ashlee quickly put her hands up to remove them. "I'm sorry, I swore I would never cry for him again."
"Grieving is a natural process," I explained. "Sometimes it takes years to get over the death of a loved one. I still find myself grieving for my family even after all these years."
"Grieving is not a process that's allowed in Peace River," Ashlee pointed out strongly and mocked, "we all must be happy here, you know."
"So it seems," I agreed.
"I couldn't be there for his funeral, Linda. Judge Jasper and his people robbed me of that right to say goodbye to him, not to mention the time he was still alive. My father always blamed himself for my bigotry, although he was never a bigot. He could never understand why I hated black people so much, or where it was coming from. Yet he never told me he was ashamed of me, only that he wished I wouldn't hate people I didn't even know. All that time I thought I had deserved this fate, but then I realized no one deserves to be stolen away from his or her family like this.
Ashlee stopped for a moment to gather her thoughts. I could see her anger was like a slow, simmering fire burning inside her. Slowly, over time, it would consume the young woman if she didn't find a way to put it out. But pain, anger, and guilt were feeding that fire and it was growing. She continued on, her anger always present but never really there except if you read between the lines.
"There was a picture of my son on the web page, Linda," she told me bitterly. "I have a son out there! He's almost 10 now, and looks just like me. His mother was standing next to him, and seeing her only reminded me how much I miss her. She's married to someone else now, and I pray that she's happy. When you think about it Linda, it's really kind of funny. I have so much in common with her now then I ever did before. I could sit down and talk to her about dress sizes, or how painful our periods are, or what's its like to have sex with a man. I know exactly how she feels because I'm a woman now, just like her. A normal...Africa-American, heterosexual woman. It's - shocking to say that."
"What about you?" I asked carefully. "What do they think happened to you 10 years ago?"
"That's the funny part, Linda, I'm not dead. The web page say's I'm missing - that I just disappeared on my way to my KKK meeting. Anyone else brought to Peace River would've have been killed off in some kind of accident, but me; Judge Jasper left my disappearance in limbo. I can only imagine the pain and torment my parents must've felt over the years. Not knowing where I was, thinking I was dead but hoping against hope I was still alive. What kind of personal hell did they go through? Why couldn't the Judge have just let me be dead to them?"
"I don't know, maybe it has something to do with our position," I told her.
"Maybe, I've never figured that out. Oh, there's one more thing I learned," Ashlee added softly. "My mother is very sick, and most likely won't live much longer. Some kind of cancer, I didn't get a chance to find out because the Internet link disconnected at that time. God, I miss her! I would give anything to wrap my arms around her one more time and tell her I'm," Ashlee started to weep softly, "tell her I'm sorry for growing up the way I did. Damn it, I'm so sorry for being that way when she knew me."
"It's okay, Ashlee, let it out." I wrapped my arm around her shoulder but to my surprise, she stopped crying as quickly as she started.
"I'm okay, I've had years of practice hiding my pain," she told me with a slight smile. "You see, Linda, I really am happy with my current life, and that's me talking, not the magic of Mr. Cupler. I have a wonderful spouse (I noticed she avoided using the word 'husband'), three kids I adore, and I'm free from all that hate that used to be inside me."
"Do you realize what Judge Jasper will do to you if he finds out?" I warned her sternly, hoping I could talk some sense into her.
"I know exactly what he'll do to me," she replied softly while looking back out at the horizon one more time. "I have a 150 years of his justice locked up in my head."
Then her words turned bitter again. "But I want him to feel some of the pain and anger we've been feeling. I want Judge Jasper to experience that same, helpless feeling that everyone else feels when they first get here. I want him to know what it's like to be in a situation where the only thing he can do is play the tune someone else orders him to play!"
"I have reason to suspect the mailman isn't doing all this for good reasons," I told her.
"I don't care, Linda," she almost snapped back. "No one gets hurt from it. If anything the mailman is doing these ladies a favor by correcting a cruel trick nature played on them. The only one who suffers out of all this is Judge Jasper, and he deserves to be knocked down a peg or two."
"How does the mailman get the information?"
"I don't know," Ashlee replied more calmly. "There's a drop point in the ladies changing room at Marshall's department store. I have no idea who picks it up, or how they get it too him. I just know he gets my notes."
She looked at me with her dark eyes and asked the question I knew she was dreading the answer too. "Are you going to turn me in now, Linda?"
I looked at Ashlee with teary eyes and shook my head. "No, Ashlee, I won't. Judge Jasper wanted me to find out who the mailman was, not the person supplying him the information. Beside, I would never turn you in even if he offered me the world. I just wish you'd stop what you're doing. At least be more careful with the information you're supplying him with. This is a very dangerous game you're playing. Sooner or later they're going to catch on like I did and start looking in your direction.
"They're not as smart as you think," Ashlee said with conviction. "They can be fooled, even beat at their own game. Once they have an idea in their heads, their egos won't allow them to change their opinions without losing face. Case in point, you found the answer they been search for in just under a day. Mr. Marshall and his men have been after this link for over a year now. They're chasing their tails trying to watch everyone who comes in contact with these ladies, but they can't or won't admit failure. Their ego won't allow it."
"It doesn't mean that can't get lucky, " I pointed out. "Maybe they'll capture the person who is passing the information on to the mailman."
Ashlee gave me a loving smile. "Linda, I appreciate you worrying about me that way. You're a good friend."
"I want to keep it that way," I told her seriously. "If you ever need to talk."
"I'll let you know," she finished with a hug. "My gosh, look at the time. I better get home now. Boy's, come on. It's time to go."
I watched her leave the park, hugging the older boys as she did. It was a perfect picture of a happy mother enjoying the day with her kids. Except for me, no one else could see the volcano boiling underneath the surface. I had to do something before that volcano exploded. I thought about it carefully and came up with an idea.
Fade out...
Next episode - The Rich Bitch
