Chapter 06

Training of the children continues throughout the morning with each of the children given another chance to link and to move a small object from one place to another. Andrew and Alexandra carefully guide them while providing explanations. Each time the child is cautioned not to try it alone but to always have either Andrew or Alexandra with them until other Sorcerers or Sisters are able to help.

Chapter 03

"Andrew, there you are. Why did you run off like that?" Sorcerer Gabriel rushes up gasping for breath even as he finally reaches the location where Andrew, for no apparent reason, has stopped.

"I wanted to find a mirror so I might let her see me."

"Well, there’s one right there, go ahead if you are able. I doubt it, however, as the energy required for such a link will need time to replenish before you may attempt it again."

"I have already done it, Sorcerer Gabriel. She said she thinks I’m handsome and then I lost control again."

Chapter 01

These past five days have found the Shambles to be relatively clear and beginning to warm, hinting at the possibility of an early Spring. This is a welcome respite from the short but intense winters normally experienced by those living upon this continent. Nearly everyone is still enduring the heavy winter clothing as protection against the biting cold of the breezes which continue to float around here and there, and which gain some of their chill from lapping at the still frozen earth.

Translation in french with permission of the author (Jeremy Chandler) by anonymous

Chapter 18

Air Force Sweetheart TacPzlSolGp Epilog   by T. D. Aldoennetti

Previously:

Karen stays behind to explain that the different groups have grown so large that they’re now divided, so consultations are more difficult and the pace is slowed, but the good work continues. There are still lives to save.

Magician has finally found her way home, and she’s pulled another rabbit out of that silk hat of hers, Houdini, who has a few tricks of his own.

Air Force Sweetheart TacPzlSolGp Chapter 33/34   by T. D. Aldoennetti

previously:

The four of us wait on the porch until Sis drives away, with Tony asleep in the passenger seat. Back inside, we turn on the news and catch the wrap up. Mom turns to another channel which is just beginning their evening news, so we’re treated to their particular slant on the latest disasters afflicting a weary world. They somehow forget to mention the Fickle Finger of Fate bearing down on Earth from somewhere in outer space, which is about to touch down on me once more.

Air Force Sweetheart TacPzlSolGp Chapter 31/34   by T. D. Aldoennetti

previously:

I need to find my action group and go back to work there. It seemed so much more simple back then than things are now. Interacting with men simply complicates my life in ways I’m not prepared to accept. Then again, I want a family. That almost requires me to have a man in my life. How do I find a nice one, who isn’t encumbered with ghosts, or poisoned by hatred for women? I need to move to Venus, or Mars, or Jupiter, or somewhere. Somewhere logical.

And what would that accomplish, Lucy? It’s just another way to hide.

Air Force Sweetheart TacPzlSolGp Chapter 29/34   by T. D. Aldoennetti

previously:

Once back at the conference room, Nora goes to the safe for our typed notes, the pink tablets and my conclusions tablet. When she returns we begin again, still looking through the information for the elusive answer we need to identify the country which could be behind this. I’m beginning to think I won’t have the answer before the General returns. Nora has to leave; she’s scheduled to watch the desk while Jenny has lunch, so I continue the search on my own for the moment.

Air Force Sweetheart TacPzlSolGp Chapter 28/34   by T. D. Aldoennetti

previously:

Nora looks like she’s nervous and continues to look around at the lithographs on the walls and the tables covered with tablecloths with silverware instead of flatware, and china cups, saucers and plates.

I ask, “Just a little ostentatious, isn’t it, General?”

He looks a little apologetic, but explains, “We frequently have congressmen here, or out of country leaders of one kind or another. It wouldn’t do to take them down to the cafeteria. Then too, this room is shielded and swept for bugs and it has jamming equipment built in to prevent electronic eavesdropping, so we can discuss classified material here.”

He gestures to what looks like small air-conditioning ducts or hi-fi speakers above each table. “Each table has it’s own sonic generator above the table throwing a curtain of white noise around the table and its occupants. It isn’t 100% effective, probably closer to 20% or 30% for each table, but by the time the conversation makes its way out through one and in through another it tends to muddy up the conversations enough that nearby diners inside their generator’s influence can’t understand conversations next to them which occur at normal levels. Of course if one were to yell then that would overpower the measures taken. We just learn to talk quietly in here, so the odds are much more in the favor of secrecy.”

“Impressive, Sir.” Now that I’m concentrating, I can hear a slight whooshing sound, like the sound made by the air nozzles above the passenger seats on a commercial airliner, or maybe a radio tuned between stations, pure static. Hmmm.

Air Force Sweetheart TacPzlSolGp Chapter 26/34   by T. D. Aldoennetti

Previously:

Mom immediately gets up and crosses the room to pick up the phone on her night stand. In a moment, she’s telling our communications sergeant, “I need to speak with my husband immediately. It’s very important.”

Perhaps a minute goes by before the phone rings back.

“Phillip? … Oh good, how soon? … Yes, I’m nearly ready, but that’s not why I called. Did you know that the Agent who tried to kill Lucy was in your cafeteria today?”

…

“I didn’t think so. Lieutenant Colonel Scott chased him off after he threatened Lucy again. … Phillip, remember your blood pressure. Take a pill. … Yes, as soon as you arrive. … Good. See you then.”

“He’d like to talk with you when he arrives, in about ten minutes. He’s going to arrange to have more security here at the house as well.”

“Okay, Mom. Thank you.”

Air Force Sweetheart TacPzlSolGp Chapter 24/34 by T. D. Aldoennetti

previously:

Karen leans close and quietly says, “I’ve been thinking about that story you told me just before we brought Whizz into the group. I’m glad you found your way to teach us.”

I look at her and wonder if she means that she understands. She looks at me and her eyes say, ‘Welcome to the club.’ I start crying again. Not a lot, but enough that tears roll down my face. I take her hand and give it a gentle squeeze of thanks.

Air Force Sweetheart TacPzlSolGp Chapter 22/34   by T. D. Aldoennetti

previously:

They take everything and clean up the lab. The instructors remove the maps and fold them for inclusion in the bags. We have three bags of trash to be burned.

The students are dismissed for supper and the burn bags are taken down to the incinerator. The instructors and I make our way out of the school, chatting about the students and the confusion which momentarily surfaced each time something unexpected arrived. We alter tomorrow’s group assignments and separate. This first day of the third week is something the students are unlikely to forget.

Air Force Sweetheart TacPzlSolGp Chapter 21/34 by T. D. Aldoennetti

previously:

I walk to the door and out with my thoughts swirling around me. I don’t remember finding the car, nor riding back to the BOQ, but somehow I realize that I’m back in my room searching for those few tampons I tucked away from when Mom, Sis and I went out to supper and dancing. That’s it, they’re in that purse….

Finally, I have one in my hand and, after some trial and error, manage to insert it. I clean up and go back to bed to sleep for the two hours remaining to me.

Dreams assail me in the form of tiny kicks against my tummy from within. When I wake up during the night, I find that my hand is cradling my tummy, as if feeling for something which I wish were there even now. I go back to sleep with a smile on my face.

Air Force Sweetheart TacPzlSolGp Chapter 19/34 by T. D. Aldoennetti

previous:

This time, there’s a serving of cake for dessert on the tray with another note tucked under the plate: ‘Try this one. It should tickle your palate.’ That’s a puzzling comment. I have slices of lean roast beef with gravy, peas, a small amount of mashed potatoes, two pats of butter, one slice of bread, a fruit salad, and a cup of coffee. Plus the cake. The whole supper smells good and tastes divine. I am savoring my meal as the nurse comes in to check on me. I tell her, “I’m enjoying my feast.”

Air Force Sweetheart TacPzlSolGp Chapter 16/34 by T. D. Aldoennetti

Previous:

The General saves me the trouble of asking, “We’ve had a number of reports in the last few days that lead us to believe there is about to be some sort of offensive in the North, but the information you just gave me neatly pinpoints it. We may be able to head this off before a lot of damage is done. It would seem, Miss Jackson, that you have already begun your new assignment. Congratulations.” He paused for a moment, then added, “Oh, and my condolences.”

“For what, Sir?”

“For your devotion to duty, which is causing you to lose your chances of having children. I’m very sorry.”

Allowing my face to reflect sorrow, I say nothing to contradict him, nor do I mention Mom’s or Janet’s potential support of my possible future family.

Air Force Sweetheart TacPzlSolGp Chapter 13/34 by T. D. Aldoennetti

previously read:

The Mâitre d’ holds the chair for Mom, Tony for Janet, and Jack for me. I sit the way I have been practicing, noting a number of others, men and women, in the room watching our procession and seating. Our waiter comes to the table about a minute later and asks if we would like any refreshments before the meal. Mom and Janet each take a glass of red wine.

I thank him, but say I will be just fine with water until the meal. Tony asks for a beer and Janet’s eyes look at Mom and myself then go toward the ceiling. Jack declines also saying water is fine. The waiter scurries off between the tables reminding me of a mouse navigating a maze. Jack leans over and whispers,” I hope you don’t mind but I don’t want anything to drink tonight.”

I lean over to his ear and whisper back, “Not at all. I seldom do myself. Thank you for being so considerate.”