4 Terramezic Energy (31 page)

She almost gasped with surprise when she finally sensed their target. “There’s a door up ahead sealed shut blocking a room with the crystal skull. I recognize the energy signature. It’s attached to a device that must be a generator for terramezic energy.”

Maggie activated the wand clutched in her right hand then nodded in agreement.

“Yes, there’s a steady flow of terramezic energy being fed into the skull,” she said.

“How will we get past the door?” Arthur asked.

“There’s another control console just outside the door,” Josephine said.

“That’s just terrific.” Arthur shot her a sarcastic look. “And how do you propose we hack into it?”

Josephine pinned him with a frosty stare. “Your method proved completely ineffective so I think we’ll use white magic.”

Arthur snorted with derision.

“I could try to channel light energy through the control panel and see if that will disrupt the terramezic energy,” Mark said.

“Maybe you can use your white magic to tap into the computer,” Josephine suggested.

Mark nodded in acknowledgement. “I’ll try.”

They made their way to the door then Mark aimed his palm at the console, issuing a mist-like flow of source energy. The crimson-lit lettering on the screen blinked then shifted to display different messages for several seconds at a time as they changed from red to yellow. Josephine watched her boyfriend work with tense expectation and fervent hope. Mark’s face conveyed his deep concentration. The console chirped and beeped warnings and the lettering shifted back to red. Telekinetic waves slammed into his shield. The knives made another appearance, slashing violently at the white magic protection before landing on the ground with faint thuds. The display turned green and the stone door slid open with an audible scraping sound.

“You did it!” Josephine gave Mark a quick, enthusiastic hug and kiss on the cheek.

“My hero.” Arthur shot Mark a sardonic sneer.

“You’re such an ass,” Josephine snapped.

“And you’re an old has-been,” Arthur retorted.

They stepped into the room which was free of further traps. The red smoke billowed into the room from the open doorway. The crystal skull lay on a stone pedestal with glowing Ancient symbols etched along its surface. Arthur reached for it. The white shield wouldn’t extend enough to allow him to grasp it though. His hands pressed against the firm barrier of the light energy and he threw Mark an exasperated look.

“How do we get that damned thing now?” he demanded.

“We probably won’t be able to because we intend on destroying it,” Mark said.

“What kind of namby pamby nonsense is this?” Alice asked.

“You know that’s how white magic works,” Josephine reminded her.

“How do you propose we proceed with our mission under these circumstances?” Arthur demanded.

Josephine leveled a smug grin at him. “You’ll have to learn patience and wait for the knockout spell to fizzle out. Once that happens, we can just grab the skull and be on our way.”

“This is ridiculous! What if Mark’s shield wears off before the knockout spell?” Arthur regarded her with exasperation.

“Relax, Gattager. This will be an important lesson in patience for you.” Josephine’s lips formed a condescending smile.

“The name is Captain Gallagher,” he snarled.

“Whatever.” Josephine’s eyes flashed with mirth as she turned her back on him to face Alice, Mark, and Maggie.

They waited in stony silence until the red smoke dissipated. Maggie had her wand aimed and ready to fire.

“Maggie gets to destroy the skull. I promised her and this is technically my assignment,” Josephine said.

Arthur narrowed his eyes at her with undisguised hostility. “It’s our mission and I’m the senior leader here.”

“It was made clear that I’m the leader for this expedition,” Josephine said. “Mark will keep us confined in here until you stand down, Gallagher.”

“Just get on with it.” Arthur gestured at the skull.

Josephine nodded at Mark who lowered the white magic protection. Maggie unleashed a powerful burst of telekinesis that hurtled the skull against the wall with tremendous force, cracking it but leaving it in one piece. She had to continue beating the crystal skull against the wall half a dozen times before it broke into several pieces.

“Let me make sure this was APU 81.” Josephine picked up one of the large chunks of crystal and allowed the whispers of psychic impressions to flow to her mind. She nodded her head with acknowledgement and her shoulders went limp with relief. “Yes, this is it.”

Josephine noticed Maggie’s eyes misted with unshed tears.

She patted her on the shoulder in a comforting gesture. “Are you all right?”

“Yes.” Maggie’s gaze met hers. “I’m so glad this is finally over. I don’t have to worry about APU 81 hunting me down and killing me or stealing my body ever again.”

Surprise and compassion danced across Arthur’s face for a split second before he adopted a no-nonsense, business-like demeanor. “Let’s get this thing contained.”

They placed each piece of the skull in separate cloth satchels and left the underground shelter.

Chapter 38

Perry, Helen, Maggie, Virginia, and Josephine stood around the enchanted circle of stones in Helen’s bedroom waiting for the portal to activate. Helen’s eyes were shut as she concentrated and channeled light energy into the stones. The familiar silvery sphere flashed into existence, swirling slowly clockwise.

Helen opened her eyes. “I’ve got us connected to Adamas.”

“All right, Perry. Touch base with Hermina,” Josephine instructed.

Perry adopted a distant expression on his face and they waited in silence.

“Hello, my friends,” Hermina’s voice drifted into their minds.

“It’s been about a week since we left Adamas. How are things going? Will it be safe to turn on our Interplanetary Transit Center?” Josephine asked.

“I’m afraid I don’t have good news on that front. We’ve taken Virgos and half of this continent but everything else is still under Ludovic’s control. You can’t take the risk,” Hermina informed her.

Josephine exchanged a troubled look with Virginia.
“We’ll chat again some time. I wish you luck.”

“Thank you.”

Josephine felt Hermina’s presence leave them.

“Close the portal, Helen,” Josephine said.

“Aye, Captain.” Helen flashed a mischievous grin and gestured at the silver energy sphere, causing it to wink out of existence.

“It feels funny to think of myself as a captain,” Josephine said.

“You’re no longer in probationary status,” Virginia announced. “As of right now, your position is permanent as leader of this team. Colonel Mills was pleased with how you concluded the mission and your success with curing Yvonne and Charlotte – not just with the mind control spell but returning their out of control powers back to normal. You’ve all done excellent and I’m so glad to have you as one of my teams.”

“Will I still be able to hire Mark as a consultant when needed?” Josephine asked.

“You may do so whenever you feel it is warranted.” Virginia leveled an amiable smile at her then swept her gaze over the three of them. “You no longer report to Colonel Mills anymore. It’s been decided that you are an effective team all on your own. Of course, you will still need to work with his team and others from time to time.”

“How often do you think that will happen?” Helen asked.

“The main reason you’ll work with other teams is because of your interplanetary portal here.” Virginia gestured at the circle of quartz clusters. “The government plans on seeking out alliances with colony worlds and developing our technology through possible bartering or exchange programs. There are a lot of details to iron out and when you take government decision-making into consideration, there will most likely be lengthy delays in these types of missions.”

“Why does the government want to develop alliances with other worlds?” Perry regarded her with curiosity.

Virginia’s expression sobered. “After reading your reports, it made all of us aware that there is an ongoing effort for the AI’s to conquer Earth. If we don’t develop our defensive and offensive capabilities, we’re sitting ducks.”

“APU 81 was the last AI left on Earth after the Great Wizard Wars. We don’t have to worry about any new Interplanetary Transit Centers popping up,” Josephine said. “What am I missing?”

“We’re concerned that there may be crystal skulls still in hiding. Most of the AI’s are not able to control people and we don’t have the technology to create androids so it’s possible one or more of them may be waiting around. Furthermore, Hermina made reference to space travel. Apparently many of these facilities are capable of teleporting through space. If they develop a Power Generation Center with sufficient energy output to reach Earth, they would no longer need to establish a connection with one of our Interplanetary Transit Centers,” Virginia explained. She paused then offered a warm, easy smile at the group. “But I don’t think any of that is going to happen any time soon. You’ve all done extremely well and I want you to take the rest of the day off! Enjoy yourselves!”

“You are too kind. Thank you.” Helen leveled an appreciative look at her.

“You’re welcome. You’ve earned it.” Virginia rose to her feet. “Until next time.”

Virginia left the condo and the rest of the group lounged in the living room.

“I think she’s my favorite boss ever,” Helen gushed.

“Me, too,” Perry interjected.

“Isn’t she your first and only boss?” Maggie arched a sardonic brow.

“That’s right which means she’s my favorite.”

“I have to say I really like her,” Josephine agreed.

“You and Mark have a date tonight, right?” Helen asked.

“Yes. I’m not sure why he’s referring to it as a date since we’re living together and everything. He’s always taking me out to dinner or doing something nice for me. I’m really grateful that we managed to cross paths,” Josephine said.

“He’s really sweet,” Helen said. “Definitely a keeper.”

Josephine reflexively rested her hand against her abdomen even though it wasn’t possible to feel her unborn child yet. Although it excited her to have this baby with Mark, the experience of giving birth and possible complications scared her.

“I know what you’re thinking,” Helen said.

“You do?” Josephine was hesitant to voice her fears as it made the possibilities seem more real.

“It’s a terrifying prospect for a woman in her eighties to have a baby.” Helen leveled a sympathetic gaze at Josephine. “But your body is still strong and healthy. Just look at you!”

Maggie took in Josephine’s fit body, silky black hair, and smooth youthful skin. “She’s right. You have nothing to worry about.”

Josephine felt some of the tension ease away as she acknowledged their observations. She brushed aside her concerns and decided to try and just enjoy herself. If Mark wanted to call their night out a date, so be it. Josephine went to the Siesta Key beach and tapped into the vortex as she jogged for over an hour. Power cascaded through her body, making it sing with pleasure. As she pumped her legs with superhuman strength and endurance, she reveled in the amazing sensations. She had missed this. Even though the mini vortex in her house provided a similar experience, a vortex like this one was even more potent. Josephine returned home and took a quick shower. She waited with eager anticipation for Mark. He was making house calls today with his restoration enchantments. Even though he made more than enough as a consultant for MADA, he didn’t want to give up his business and enjoyed helping people. Many of his customers had broken heirlooms that equated to priceless family history and legacies that spanned generations.

Mark drove Josephine in his shiny black SUV that he’d restored to pristine condition but she knew in reality it was over thirty years old. He’d even managed to achieve a new car smell without adding any air fresheners. His abilities were impressive and he was developing quite a reputation in the area.

Mark’s grip on the steering wheel was fidgety. “How did things go with contacting Hermina?”

“Perry didn’t have any trouble reaching her.” Josephine leaned back in her seat. “Hermina managed to speak telepathically with all of us once he got her attention. It’s kind of a mixed bag. The resistance has freed half a continent but the rest of the world is still under AI rule. We’ll try to communicate with her again in a month or so. Until then, we’re leaving our facility in Venice turned off.”

“That’s a wise precaution,” Mark acknowledged.

He had a nervous air about him but he was one of those individuals that didn’t emit much in the way of psychometric energy so he was virtually unreadable to her. Josephine wondered if something was bothering him or if she was just imagining problems where none existed. Josephine recognized the Italian restaurant as Mark pulled into the parking lot which was a couple of blocks away from Beneva and Webber.

“We haven’t been here in ages.” Josephine shot him an approving grin.

“Lazzaro’s was our first date.” Mark’s expression was bashful.

“I remember.” Josephine leveled a wistful gaze at him. “You’re such a sweetheart.”

They kissed briefly then entered the small, cozy restaurant. The dim lighting made the flickering lights of the candles centered on every table stand out and create a romantic ambience. The waiter was a pudgy dark-haired man in his thirties named Clarence who wore a crisp blue dress shirt and black pants. He led Josephine and Mark to a window seat and handed them menus. Josephine ordered hot chocolate although she would have preferred a Kahlua mudslide. Mark liked to drink red wine when they dined out but he supported her pregnancy by steering clear of alcohol and ordered a soda instead.

“This brings back memories.” Josephine leveled a fond gaze at Mark and reached out to caress his cheek. “You had a twelve o’clock shadow on our first date.”

“Yes, I did.” Mark looked self-conscious. “I know you weren’t impressed by it.”

“I just don’t care to see facial hair on my guys.” Josephine grinned with amusement. “Of course, you’re an exception.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” Mark fidgeted with discomfort.

“Are you all right?” Josephine peered at him with concern.

The candle cast an unsteady light on his handsome face and he looked decidedly nervous. “I wanted to have an important discussion.”

Josephine’s breath quickened as she anticipated bad news. Whenever she defeated one foe or overcame an obstacle, a new one somehow found a way to pop up in her life. She wondered what kind of new threat awaited her.

“Maybe we can talk about it later.” She’d rather forget her problems for now and just enjoy the moment.

Mark pulled out a small black box and fear slid through Josephine. She heightened her psychic receptors and probed at it but couldn’t detect anything beyond the layer of light energy shielding it. Perhaps it was a terramezic powered device but it was so small and compact – the size of a marble.

“I knew you were the one the moment I saw you.” Mark’s earnest gaze held hers. “You’ve become my best friend and my partner. I love you more than words can say. I want us to be together for the rest of our lives.”

The subtle energy currents that flowed between Mark and Josephine intensified. Mark’s love was a comforting embrace and Josephine’s heart swelled with emotion.

Tears glistened in her eyes. “The rest of our lives could be a really long time, you know, since we’re technically immortal now.”

“I know.” Mark chuckled nervously and opened the black box to reveal a diamond engagement ring.

“It’s beautiful.” Josephine was overcome with emotion.

Mark dropped down on one knee and held the open box to her. “Will you marry me, Josephine O’Connor?”

Josephine had often feared this moment as she’d convinced herself she would never marry ever again. For her, romance always led to utter disaster. However, she was no longer concerned or weighed down by these past experiences. This man felt right as though she’d waited her entire life to reach this point.

“Yes!” Josephine exclaimed. “I will definitely marry you!”

Mark leaned forward and kissed her. Light energy and love flowed through her and her body glowed with a soft white luminescence. When Mark pulled back and seated himself, Josephine reveled in this special moment and she realized she’d never felt such utter happiness and contentment in her entire life.

If you would like to check out special offers, see all books available, or sign up for new book notifications, you are welcome to visit the official author website at:
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Titles currently available by John O’Riley:

Grumpy Old Wizards series:

Book 1: Grumpy Old Wizards

Book 2: Corruption

Book 3: Dark Energy

Book 4: Terramezic Energy

Winters Family Psi Chronicles:

Book 1: Transformation

Book 2: Project Onyx

Book 3: Black Moon

Wizards in Seattle series:

Episode 1: Inheritance

The following pages are a preview of the first episode in an exciting new Wizards of Seattle series, Inheritance: