CHARMED
“A Divergent Path”
By J. B. Tilton (a.k.a. Noazmale) with Teri Thibeault (a.k.a. Tessalynne)
Emails: noazmale@isot.com evilgidget_2000@yahoo.com
Rating: K+ (for mild language)
Disclaimer: “Charmed” and all related characters and events are the property of the WB television network, except for those characters specifically created for this story. This is a work of fan fiction and no infringement of copyright is intended.
* * *
(Authors note: This story takes place between season 5 episodes "A Witches Tail” and “Happily Ever After".)
* * *
Concerned that her precognitive power hasn’t been working recently, Phoebe casts a spell to see if she can figure out why. A spell that has unforeseen results that could alter history forever.
* * *
ONE
Phoebe closed the Book of Shadows and rubbed her eyes. She had been looking through the book for hours. There didn’t seem to be anything that was of any help to her. It had been so long since she had had a premonition. She should have had one about their recent fairy tale adventures. But she hadn’t even had a glimmer.
“You okay?” Paige asked from the doorway to the attic. “You look like you’re pissed about something.”
“No, not really. Just trying to figure out why I’m not having any premonitions lately. But there’s nothing in here that’s of any help.”
“That’s too bad. I know how upsetting that can be. You don’t have any idea why you aren’t having any?”
“None. I’m beginning to think that maybe I’ve lost it.”
“I doubt that, sweetie. At least you can still cast spells. That’s something.”
“Yeah, I guess. Still, my premonitions are part of the Power of Three magic. Without it I feel like I’m letting you and Piper down.”
“Nonsense. You’re as much help as ever. You have helped teach me a lot. I’m sure it’s just temporary. Before you know it you’ll be having premonitions left and right.”
“I hope so.”
“Well, I’m off to work. I’ll see you when I get home.”
“Okay.”
Phoebe thought about what Paige said. Except for her premonitions everything seemed to be working fine. And Paige was right. She could still cast spells so they still had the Power of Three when they needed it. That had proven useful even if her premonitions weren’t working at the moment.
She could still cast spells. That didn’t seem to be any less affective than it had always been. Maybe there was a way for her to find out why her premonitions weren’t working even if there was nothing in the Book of Shadows. And it wouldn’t be like it was personal gain. Her premonitions were meant to help the innocent. So, in a way, it was for the innocents at risk.
She picked up a pad and pencil and began to write down a spell. It was more difficult than she had imagined. Writing spells to vanquish demons seemed to come easily for her. Writing a spell to find out why she wasn’t having premonitions wasn’t as easy. She finally decided it would probably be best if she wrote a spell that helped her find her “lost” power.
Finally she decided the spell was complete. It was simple and direct. If it worked she should have her precognitive power restored to her. Or at the very least know why it wasn’t working right now. She took a deep breath and read the spell out loud.
“I call upon the ancient power. To bring to me the visions of past and future. To restore that which was lost and allow those events which are yet to come to be seen again.”
The magic of the spell began to coalesce in front of her. She found this odd. The magic should have affected her, not something external. As the magic was forming she found herself becoming dizzy. It passed quickly and she decided it must be the affects of the magic. She watched as the magic began to take form. Within moments a man stood in front of her facing away from her.
A Divergent Path
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NoAzMale
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A Divergent Path
"One day we are going to look in our microscope and find outselves staring into God's eye. And the first one to blink is going to loose his testicles." - Peter O'Toole in "Creator"
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NoAzMale
- Self Proclaimed King of Blandness
- Posts: 927
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:22 am
TWO
“Uh oh,” Phoebe said out loud before she realized it.
The man turned to face her. He appeared to be in his early to mid-twenties. He was dressed in robes that she recognized from old photographs. The kind that had been normal garbs several hundred years ago before trousers had become more popular. He had a beard and dark hair. He was looking around in total confusion.
“Where am I?” the man asked. “How came I to be here?”
“Hi,” said Phoebe a bit timidly. “Well, that’s a bit hard to explain, really.”
“I do not understand,” said the man turning to face her. “How is it I can understand you? I speak many languages but English is not one of them. What is this strange place?”
“Okay, well, it’s like this. I sort of brought you here. It was an accident. I was, uh, looking for something and it seems I found you instead.”
“Michael de Notre Dame, at your service. And whom might I have the pleasure of addressing?”
“I’m Phoebe Halliwell. As for where you are, right now you are in the attic to my house.”
“How came I to be here? I was studying in my library. What form of dark magic is it that has brought me to this place?”
“It’s not dark magic, not exactly. You see, I’m a witch. And as I said….”
“Witch? Back evil doing. I’ll have nothing to do with the black arts. I am a physician and healer. I’ll not have you trying to corrupt me for some foul plan of evil you may have conjured.”
“Relax. I’m not evil. I’m a witch, not a warlock. And you’re here because a spell I cast didn’t work out the way I had planned. I’m not sure what exactly happened here. Where are you from?
“I currently make my home in Montpellier, France. I shall soon complete my doctoral studies in medicine and hope to cure many of the ills of my countrymen.”
“Yeah, okay. Tell me. What’s the date?”
“The date?” He looked totally confused. “I do not understand.”
“You said you were studying in your library. What was the date? It might be important.”
“The date was February 9, fifteen hundred and thirty. How is this significant?”
“Yeah, well, I know this might be a shock to you but the year is 2002. My spell seems to have brought you about four hundred and twenty years into the future. Only I don’t understand why.”
“Four hundred years? That is not possible. Such things can only be accomplished through the use of the dark arts. A practice condemned by the church and punishable by death. Why do you seek to destroy me? What offense have I committed that you would wish me harm?”
“Look, it was an accident, okay? Just sit down and I’ll see if I can explain things to you.”
She pulled out two chairs and cautiously he sat down. She explained to him about being a Charmed One and how they protected the innocent and fought against evil. She also explained how she had somehow lost her ability to have premonitions and the spell she had cast was designed to get them back. All through the explanation he had a look on his face that she was unable to decipher.
“So you are not a consort of the evil one?” he asked when she had finished.
“No, not at all. Like I said, I’m a good witch. We help people. I’m just trying to get my power of premonition back so I can do that. I just don’t understand why I got you instead. What do you have to do with my premonitions? Are you a fortune teller or anything?”
“Of sorts, I am. I am versed in astrology and astronomy. It is possible I could use that knowledge to produce your horoscope which may give you a clue as to why you have lost this ability of yours.”
“I don’t think that’s going to help. I do know that things happen for a reason. That reason isn’t always self-explanatory. If my spell brought you here there must be a reason for it. Are you sure you don’t have any kind of precognitive ability?”
“Only a minor one at best. I occasionally have visions. I would not speak of such things openly, however. To do so would risk incurring the wrath of the church. And as I said, such practices are under penalty of death.”
“Things have changed a lot in the last four hundred years. People are a lot more tolerant of some things now than they used to be.”
“Well I do not understand why your magic has brought me here. What have I to do with your precognitive ability?”
“I don’t know,” said Phoebe thoughtfully. “If I knew who you were that might give me an idea. I suppose you might have done something noteworthy later in life. Maybe if I did an Internet search I might find something about you. That might give me an idea who you are, or were, and what you have to do with my premonition ability.”
“What is this Internet?”
“That’s a long story. Right now I need to get some answers before Piper and Paige find out what happened.”
“Your sisters?”
“Yeah. Come on. Let’s go see what we can find out. It shouldn’t take long to figure this out. Then maybe I can learn why my spell brought you here.”
Still confused, Michael de Notre Dame followed Phoebe to her room.
“Uh oh,” Phoebe said out loud before she realized it.
The man turned to face her. He appeared to be in his early to mid-twenties. He was dressed in robes that she recognized from old photographs. The kind that had been normal garbs several hundred years ago before trousers had become more popular. He had a beard and dark hair. He was looking around in total confusion.
“Where am I?” the man asked. “How came I to be here?”
“Hi,” said Phoebe a bit timidly. “Well, that’s a bit hard to explain, really.”
“I do not understand,” said the man turning to face her. “How is it I can understand you? I speak many languages but English is not one of them. What is this strange place?”
“Okay, well, it’s like this. I sort of brought you here. It was an accident. I was, uh, looking for something and it seems I found you instead.”
“Michael de Notre Dame, at your service. And whom might I have the pleasure of addressing?”
“I’m Phoebe Halliwell. As for where you are, right now you are in the attic to my house.”
“How came I to be here? I was studying in my library. What form of dark magic is it that has brought me to this place?”
“It’s not dark magic, not exactly. You see, I’m a witch. And as I said….”
“Witch? Back evil doing. I’ll have nothing to do with the black arts. I am a physician and healer. I’ll not have you trying to corrupt me for some foul plan of evil you may have conjured.”
“Relax. I’m not evil. I’m a witch, not a warlock. And you’re here because a spell I cast didn’t work out the way I had planned. I’m not sure what exactly happened here. Where are you from?
“I currently make my home in Montpellier, France. I shall soon complete my doctoral studies in medicine and hope to cure many of the ills of my countrymen.”
“Yeah, okay. Tell me. What’s the date?”
“The date?” He looked totally confused. “I do not understand.”
“You said you were studying in your library. What was the date? It might be important.”
“The date was February 9, fifteen hundred and thirty. How is this significant?”
“Yeah, well, I know this might be a shock to you but the year is 2002. My spell seems to have brought you about four hundred and twenty years into the future. Only I don’t understand why.”
“Four hundred years? That is not possible. Such things can only be accomplished through the use of the dark arts. A practice condemned by the church and punishable by death. Why do you seek to destroy me? What offense have I committed that you would wish me harm?”
“Look, it was an accident, okay? Just sit down and I’ll see if I can explain things to you.”
She pulled out two chairs and cautiously he sat down. She explained to him about being a Charmed One and how they protected the innocent and fought against evil. She also explained how she had somehow lost her ability to have premonitions and the spell she had cast was designed to get them back. All through the explanation he had a look on his face that she was unable to decipher.
“So you are not a consort of the evil one?” he asked when she had finished.
“No, not at all. Like I said, I’m a good witch. We help people. I’m just trying to get my power of premonition back so I can do that. I just don’t understand why I got you instead. What do you have to do with my premonitions? Are you a fortune teller or anything?”
“Of sorts, I am. I am versed in astrology and astronomy. It is possible I could use that knowledge to produce your horoscope which may give you a clue as to why you have lost this ability of yours.”
“I don’t think that’s going to help. I do know that things happen for a reason. That reason isn’t always self-explanatory. If my spell brought you here there must be a reason for it. Are you sure you don’t have any kind of precognitive ability?”
“Only a minor one at best. I occasionally have visions. I would not speak of such things openly, however. To do so would risk incurring the wrath of the church. And as I said, such practices are under penalty of death.”
“Things have changed a lot in the last four hundred years. People are a lot more tolerant of some things now than they used to be.”
“Well I do not understand why your magic has brought me here. What have I to do with your precognitive ability?”
“I don’t know,” said Phoebe thoughtfully. “If I knew who you were that might give me an idea. I suppose you might have done something noteworthy later in life. Maybe if I did an Internet search I might find something about you. That might give me an idea who you are, or were, and what you have to do with my premonition ability.”
“What is this Internet?”
“That’s a long story. Right now I need to get some answers before Piper and Paige find out what happened.”
“Your sisters?”
“Yeah. Come on. Let’s go see what we can find out. It shouldn’t take long to figure this out. Then maybe I can learn why my spell brought you here.”
Still confused, Michael de Notre Dame followed Phoebe to her room.
"One day we are going to look in our microscope and find outselves staring into God's eye. And the first one to blink is going to loose his testicles." - Peter O'Toole in "Creator"
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NoAzMale
- Self Proclaimed King of Blandness
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- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:22 am
THREE
Michael was marveling at all the incredible things around the manor as Phoebe searched the Internet. The electric light absolutely astounded him. And he asked several times how they got the tiny musicians inside the radio. Phoebe eventually gave up answering his questions and concentrated on her search. As she did Michael began to look through some books lying in her room.
“Oh boy,” said Phoebe after only a few minutes searching.
“Have you found something?” Michael asked, walking over to the computer. “This is a quite amazing apparatus. And you say it allows you to discern information from all over the world?”
“Yeah,” said Phoebe. “If it’s not on the Internet you can’t find it.”
“And you have found out something about me?”
“You could say that. According to this website most people know you by another name. Nostradamus.”
“That would be the Latin rendering of my name.”
“Yeah, well everyone knows about Nostradamus. He – you – are probably the most famous psychic in history. Some people say that your predictions about the future are uncannily accurate.”
“That is not possible. As I told you I do not have visions of any significance.”
“That might change. According to what I’ve found out you started publishing your predictions in 1555.”
“Is your information accurate? I cannot see how I could have such accurate premonitions when I do not have them now. And I certainly would never publish them. As I said, such practices are punished with death. Dealing in the dark arts is nothing to be taken lightly.”
“Well, apparently you wrote them in some kind of code. Wrote them backwards and in different languages. And you weren’t really clear in a lot of them exactly what they meant. So some of them couldn’t be deciphered until after the events occurred.”
“That would make sense. If I were to publish predictions I would be accused of witchcraft. Only those in league with the evil one would have such an ability.”
“Practicing the Craft has nothing to do with devil worship. And as I explained, witches are good. Warlocks are evil. We spend most of our time helping to protect the innocent and fighting evil.”
“It is so much to take in. I still do not see how all this could be true. As I said I do not have this precognitive ability that you’ve described. I don’t understand how I could suddenly begin having these visions you speak up.”
“Maybe you’re a witch,” Phoebe suggested standing up from the computer. “Witch’s powers can develop at different times. Maybe yours has just taken longer than most others.”
“Entertaining the idea that I may be a witch is not a pleasant thought.”
“Oh, wow,” said Phoebe, putting her hand to her head. “Head rush. Guess I stood up too fast.”
“Are you all right, young lady?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just dizzy for a moment, that’s all. It’s passed now. It happens sometimes when I stand up too fast. I’m fine.”
Just then there was a creaking sound in the hallway outside. Phoebe turned and began to head toward the bedroom door. She hadn’t taken more than a couple of steps when suddenly several men rushed into the room. They were all dressed in some type of military garb and were carrying weapons. As they rushed into the room they pointed the weapons directly at Phoebe and Michael.
“Don’t move,” said a man standing in the door. “You’re trespassing on restricted property.”
Phoebe just stared at the armed men
Michael was marveling at all the incredible things around the manor as Phoebe searched the Internet. The electric light absolutely astounded him. And he asked several times how they got the tiny musicians inside the radio. Phoebe eventually gave up answering his questions and concentrated on her search. As she did Michael began to look through some books lying in her room.
“Oh boy,” said Phoebe after only a few minutes searching.
“Have you found something?” Michael asked, walking over to the computer. “This is a quite amazing apparatus. And you say it allows you to discern information from all over the world?”
“Yeah,” said Phoebe. “If it’s not on the Internet you can’t find it.”
“And you have found out something about me?”
“You could say that. According to this website most people know you by another name. Nostradamus.”
“That would be the Latin rendering of my name.”
“Yeah, well everyone knows about Nostradamus. He – you – are probably the most famous psychic in history. Some people say that your predictions about the future are uncannily accurate.”
“That is not possible. As I told you I do not have visions of any significance.”
“That might change. According to what I’ve found out you started publishing your predictions in 1555.”
“Is your information accurate? I cannot see how I could have such accurate premonitions when I do not have them now. And I certainly would never publish them. As I said, such practices are punished with death. Dealing in the dark arts is nothing to be taken lightly.”
“Well, apparently you wrote them in some kind of code. Wrote them backwards and in different languages. And you weren’t really clear in a lot of them exactly what they meant. So some of them couldn’t be deciphered until after the events occurred.”
“That would make sense. If I were to publish predictions I would be accused of witchcraft. Only those in league with the evil one would have such an ability.”
“Practicing the Craft has nothing to do with devil worship. And as I explained, witches are good. Warlocks are evil. We spend most of our time helping to protect the innocent and fighting evil.”
“It is so much to take in. I still do not see how all this could be true. As I said I do not have this precognitive ability that you’ve described. I don’t understand how I could suddenly begin having these visions you speak up.”
“Maybe you’re a witch,” Phoebe suggested standing up from the computer. “Witch’s powers can develop at different times. Maybe yours has just taken longer than most others.”
“Entertaining the idea that I may be a witch is not a pleasant thought.”
“Oh, wow,” said Phoebe, putting her hand to her head. “Head rush. Guess I stood up too fast.”
“Are you all right, young lady?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just dizzy for a moment, that’s all. It’s passed now. It happens sometimes when I stand up too fast. I’m fine.”
Just then there was a creaking sound in the hallway outside. Phoebe turned and began to head toward the bedroom door. She hadn’t taken more than a couple of steps when suddenly several men rushed into the room. They were all dressed in some type of military garb and were carrying weapons. As they rushed into the room they pointed the weapons directly at Phoebe and Michael.
“Don’t move,” said a man standing in the door. “You’re trespassing on restricted property.”
Phoebe just stared at the armed men
"One day we are going to look in our microscope and find outselves staring into God's eye. And the first one to blink is going to loose his testicles." - Peter O'Toole in "Creator"
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NoAzMale
- Self Proclaimed King of Blandness
- Posts: 927
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:22 am
FOUR
Phoebe looked around the room she had been taken to. The armed men had hurriedly ushered her and Michael out of the manor into a panel van. She had no idea where they had taken her. After driving for what seemed like hours she had been unceremoniously dumped in a small room with no windows. The door was locked and she had no idea what was going on.
The men had taken all of her personal affects from her, including her watch, so she had no idea what time it was. They had also fastened a metal collar around her neck and sternly warned her not to attempt to remove it. As she sat in the room trying to figure out what was going on the door suddenly opened and a man wearing a uniform entered.
“I’m Captain Barger,” said the man. “You were captured trespassing on restricted space. The collar is simply a precaution until we get this figured out.”
“I’d like to get this figured out, too. Since when is my house restricted space?”
“What is your name?”
“Phoebe Halliwell.”
“Halliwell? You’re claiming to be a Halliwell?”
“Of course I am. I’ve lived there my whole life with my sisters.”
“According to our records there are only two Halliwell sisters and neither is named Phoebe. Now, you want to give me your real name?”
“I told you. My name is Phoebe Halliwell. I don’t know what your records say but they’re wrong. I was born in that house and I’ve lived there my entire life except for a short time I spent in New York. Now if you’ll just tell me what’s going on here….”
“So I suppose you’re a witch as well?”
“What? I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Barger took out a small device and pointed it at Phoebe. She watched as he manipulated several buttons on it and suddenly a blue light began to flash on the device.
“Ah, just as I suspected. You are a witch. My guess is you were in that house trying to get at some of the magical items rumored to be housed there. I can assure you there are no magical items hidden in that house. It was cleared out long ago. Now, if you’ll just give me your real name, please.”
“I’ve all ready told you, my name is Phoebe Halliwell.”
“Very well, if that’s how you want it. It’s really just a formality, actually. As a confirmed witch you are required to be housed in one of our internment camps. For your own protection, of course.”
“You can’t do that. There are laws. And I haven’t done anything. You can’t do anything to me without due process. I want to speak to a lawyer.”
“Under the Sovereign Protection Act of 1974 a confirmed witch is not entitled to an attorney. The United States Supreme Court has held that the rights afforded under the Constitution apply only to mortal citizens. It’s fortunate for you that you’re a witch. If you were any other type of magical being immediate termination is mandated.”
“What?” Phoebe shrieked unable to believe what she was hearing. “This is insane.”
“Now,” continued Garber as if he hadn’t heard her, “I am required to inform you that the collar you are wearing will remain permanently affixed as long as you are in the internment camp. I would suggest you not tamper with it or attempt to remove it. The results would be most unfortunate.
“You’ll be transported to the internment camp where you will be given all the instructions you need. I suggest you heed those instructions. We will have your DNA and bioreadings so I’m sure it won’t be very long before we’re able to establish your true identity. And once we’ve done that we can begin to see if any of your other family members are undocumented witches.”
“This is insane. You can’t lock me up just for being a witch. I haven’t broken any laws.”
“You aren’t being locked up. You’re being taken into protective custody, just as any witch would. As I said the camp is for your protection. If you wish to come clean and provide us with your true identity you may do so at any time with the camp commandant. He’ll be more than happy to take down all the information we require. Have a safe journey.”
Garber left Phoebe in the room alone. She just sat in the chair staring at the door. Suddenly the world had been turned upside down. And she didn’t have a clue what was going on.
Phoebe looked around the room she had been taken to. The armed men had hurriedly ushered her and Michael out of the manor into a panel van. She had no idea where they had taken her. After driving for what seemed like hours she had been unceremoniously dumped in a small room with no windows. The door was locked and she had no idea what was going on.
The men had taken all of her personal affects from her, including her watch, so she had no idea what time it was. They had also fastened a metal collar around her neck and sternly warned her not to attempt to remove it. As she sat in the room trying to figure out what was going on the door suddenly opened and a man wearing a uniform entered.
“I’m Captain Barger,” said the man. “You were captured trespassing on restricted space. The collar is simply a precaution until we get this figured out.”
“I’d like to get this figured out, too. Since when is my house restricted space?”
“What is your name?”
“Phoebe Halliwell.”
“Halliwell? You’re claiming to be a Halliwell?”
“Of course I am. I’ve lived there my whole life with my sisters.”
“According to our records there are only two Halliwell sisters and neither is named Phoebe. Now, you want to give me your real name?”
“I told you. My name is Phoebe Halliwell. I don’t know what your records say but they’re wrong. I was born in that house and I’ve lived there my entire life except for a short time I spent in New York. Now if you’ll just tell me what’s going on here….”
“So I suppose you’re a witch as well?”
“What? I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Barger took out a small device and pointed it at Phoebe. She watched as he manipulated several buttons on it and suddenly a blue light began to flash on the device.
“Ah, just as I suspected. You are a witch. My guess is you were in that house trying to get at some of the magical items rumored to be housed there. I can assure you there are no magical items hidden in that house. It was cleared out long ago. Now, if you’ll just give me your real name, please.”
“I’ve all ready told you, my name is Phoebe Halliwell.”
“Very well, if that’s how you want it. It’s really just a formality, actually. As a confirmed witch you are required to be housed in one of our internment camps. For your own protection, of course.”
“You can’t do that. There are laws. And I haven’t done anything. You can’t do anything to me without due process. I want to speak to a lawyer.”
“Under the Sovereign Protection Act of 1974 a confirmed witch is not entitled to an attorney. The United States Supreme Court has held that the rights afforded under the Constitution apply only to mortal citizens. It’s fortunate for you that you’re a witch. If you were any other type of magical being immediate termination is mandated.”
“What?” Phoebe shrieked unable to believe what she was hearing. “This is insane.”
“Now,” continued Garber as if he hadn’t heard her, “I am required to inform you that the collar you are wearing will remain permanently affixed as long as you are in the internment camp. I would suggest you not tamper with it or attempt to remove it. The results would be most unfortunate.
“You’ll be transported to the internment camp where you will be given all the instructions you need. I suggest you heed those instructions. We will have your DNA and bioreadings so I’m sure it won’t be very long before we’re able to establish your true identity. And once we’ve done that we can begin to see if any of your other family members are undocumented witches.”
“This is insane. You can’t lock me up just for being a witch. I haven’t broken any laws.”
“You aren’t being locked up. You’re being taken into protective custody, just as any witch would. As I said the camp is for your protection. If you wish to come clean and provide us with your true identity you may do so at any time with the camp commandant. He’ll be more than happy to take down all the information we require. Have a safe journey.”
Garber left Phoebe in the room alone. She just sat in the chair staring at the door. Suddenly the world had been turned upside down. And she didn’t have a clue what was going on.
"One day we are going to look in our microscope and find outselves staring into God's eye. And the first one to blink is going to loose his testicles." - Peter O'Toole in "Creator"
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NoAzMale
- Self Proclaimed King of Blandness
- Posts: 927
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:22 am
FIVE
It had been a long two days for Phoebe. She had been fingerprinted, her DNA had been taken again, and she had been photographed, and even given a thorough physical. No one had mistreated her. But it was clear that none of the people she had come into contact with cared for her very much.
The collar, she discovered, was a combination bomb and restraint. Although she wasn’t told how it worked, it apparently prevented a witch from user their powers. And she was told if she tried to remove it, it would detonate instantly. She was given a set of gray, non-descript clothes and told to change. When she finished, she was loaded into another panel van and had been driven for what seemed like hours.
Now she was stepping out of the van. She was inside some kind of camp. The internment camp Barger had mentioned, no doubt. Armed guards sat in towers spaced around the camp. A large barbed-wire fence apparently encircled the camp. A second fence similar to the first circled a smaller encampment inside the first. Dozens of people dressed in the same gray uniforms milled around inside the inner encampment.
Besides the towers, there were armed guards on the grounds. Some had dogs with them. Phoebe stood next to the van with three other women dressed as she was. Apparently they were also witches, since they word the same collar she did. As they stood looking around a man wearing the insignia of Lieutenant walked up to them.
“I’m Lieutenant Parris, the Assistant Commandant of camp Papa 3. This is where you will be living for the foreseeable future. The guards are for your protection but they are also here to make sure you don’t try to leave. You would be in danger from the general populace and this camp is designed to keep you safe from harm.
“The rules are quite simple. You will be assigned a job in a few days. Once you’ve had a chance to acclimate to your new environment. Do your job and no one will bother you. Don’t try to escape. Your collars are now programmed for this camp. If you move more than ten feet beyond the perimeter fence they will detonate automatically. Don’t cause any trouble and your stay here should be a pleasant one. Do any of you have any questions?”
“There was a man with me,” said Phoebe. “What happened to him?”
“That’s not your concern. He’ll be categorized and dealt with in whatever manner is prescribed by law. What’s your name?”
“Phoebe Halliwell.”
“Oh yes,” said Parris, looking over a clipboard he was holding, “apparently you refuse to identify yourself. Caught in a restricted area. Well, behave yourself while you’re here. Malcontents and disrupters are dealt with harshly. If you wish to come clean and divulge your true identity you may request to see the Commandant at any time.”
“I’ve all ready told you the truth. Why won’t anyone believe me?”
“Now,” said Parris ignoring her question, “behave yourselves and your stay here will be tolerable. Act up or cause any trouble and you’ll find that discipline is quick and harsh. We don’t tolerate troublemakers. Just keep that in mind when you think about causing any.
”One other thing. The fence is electrified. I wouldn’t suggest you try to climb it. It has a charge of more than a hundred thousand volts and if you even touch it you’ll be killed instantly.”
Phoebe and the others were escorted inside the inner compound. She stood around looking at the other denizens of the camp. She was completely confused. None of this was making any sense. And where were Piper, Paige, and Leo? Other than a passing remark from Garber, nothing had been said about them.
“Well, ain’t you a pretty one?”
Phoebe spun around to see a man with long blonde hair standing behind her. Several of the other inhabitants of the camp had gathered behind him. He stood smiling at her with a smile that Phoebe had seen before. And she recognized the man.
“Aames,” she said. “I thought we vanquished you years ago.”
“You know me? I’m flattered. But as you can see I’m far from vanquished. Now, just who might you be?”
“I’m Phoebe Halliwell.”
“Halliwell? Yeah, sure you are. Everyone knows there are only two Halliwell sisters. You don’t want to tell me your real name, that’s fine. It ain’t your name I’m interested in.”
The people gathered behind Aames all laughed. Phoebe was getting frightened. Apparently Aames was something of a ringleader in this camp. And she had no delusions what his intentions were. She took a couple of steps back to give herself some room. Well, whatever he had in mind she wouldn’t go easily.
It had been a long two days for Phoebe. She had been fingerprinted, her DNA had been taken again, and she had been photographed, and even given a thorough physical. No one had mistreated her. But it was clear that none of the people she had come into contact with cared for her very much.
The collar, she discovered, was a combination bomb and restraint. Although she wasn’t told how it worked, it apparently prevented a witch from user their powers. And she was told if she tried to remove it, it would detonate instantly. She was given a set of gray, non-descript clothes and told to change. When she finished, she was loaded into another panel van and had been driven for what seemed like hours.
Now she was stepping out of the van. She was inside some kind of camp. The internment camp Barger had mentioned, no doubt. Armed guards sat in towers spaced around the camp. A large barbed-wire fence apparently encircled the camp. A second fence similar to the first circled a smaller encampment inside the first. Dozens of people dressed in the same gray uniforms milled around inside the inner encampment.
Besides the towers, there were armed guards on the grounds. Some had dogs with them. Phoebe stood next to the van with three other women dressed as she was. Apparently they were also witches, since they word the same collar she did. As they stood looking around a man wearing the insignia of Lieutenant walked up to them.
“I’m Lieutenant Parris, the Assistant Commandant of camp Papa 3. This is where you will be living for the foreseeable future. The guards are for your protection but they are also here to make sure you don’t try to leave. You would be in danger from the general populace and this camp is designed to keep you safe from harm.
“The rules are quite simple. You will be assigned a job in a few days. Once you’ve had a chance to acclimate to your new environment. Do your job and no one will bother you. Don’t try to escape. Your collars are now programmed for this camp. If you move more than ten feet beyond the perimeter fence they will detonate automatically. Don’t cause any trouble and your stay here should be a pleasant one. Do any of you have any questions?”
“There was a man with me,” said Phoebe. “What happened to him?”
“That’s not your concern. He’ll be categorized and dealt with in whatever manner is prescribed by law. What’s your name?”
“Phoebe Halliwell.”
“Oh yes,” said Parris, looking over a clipboard he was holding, “apparently you refuse to identify yourself. Caught in a restricted area. Well, behave yourself while you’re here. Malcontents and disrupters are dealt with harshly. If you wish to come clean and divulge your true identity you may request to see the Commandant at any time.”
“I’ve all ready told you the truth. Why won’t anyone believe me?”
“Now,” said Parris ignoring her question, “behave yourselves and your stay here will be tolerable. Act up or cause any trouble and you’ll find that discipline is quick and harsh. We don’t tolerate troublemakers. Just keep that in mind when you think about causing any.
”One other thing. The fence is electrified. I wouldn’t suggest you try to climb it. It has a charge of more than a hundred thousand volts and if you even touch it you’ll be killed instantly.”
Phoebe and the others were escorted inside the inner compound. She stood around looking at the other denizens of the camp. She was completely confused. None of this was making any sense. And where were Piper, Paige, and Leo? Other than a passing remark from Garber, nothing had been said about them.
“Well, ain’t you a pretty one?”
Phoebe spun around to see a man with long blonde hair standing behind her. Several of the other inhabitants of the camp had gathered behind him. He stood smiling at her with a smile that Phoebe had seen before. And she recognized the man.
“Aames,” she said. “I thought we vanquished you years ago.”
“You know me? I’m flattered. But as you can see I’m far from vanquished. Now, just who might you be?”
“I’m Phoebe Halliwell.”
“Halliwell? Yeah, sure you are. Everyone knows there are only two Halliwell sisters. You don’t want to tell me your real name, that’s fine. It ain’t your name I’m interested in.”
The people gathered behind Aames all laughed. Phoebe was getting frightened. Apparently Aames was something of a ringleader in this camp. And she had no delusions what his intentions were. She took a couple of steps back to give herself some room. Well, whatever he had in mind she wouldn’t go easily.
"One day we are going to look in our microscope and find outselves staring into God's eye. And the first one to blink is going to loose his testicles." - Peter O'Toole in "Creator"
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NoAzMale
- Self Proclaimed King of Blandness
- Posts: 927
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:22 am
SIX
Aames took a step toward her and Phoebe struck out with her foot. She kicked him along the side of his head sending him reeling for a few steps. He turned on her the smile gone from his face.
“That wasn’t very smart, bitch. Like the rest of us you don’t have any powers. And you’re all alone here. It would be a good idea if you garnered a few friends. You’ll soon find you’re going to need them.”
“I don’t need a warlock as a friend. Just keep your distance and you won’t get hurt.”
Suddenly Phoebe was grabbed from behind. Two men held her arms pinned behind her back. As much as she struggled she knew it was useless. Her physical strength was no match for them. And it seemed that everyone else in the camp was on Aames’ side. He moved up standing only inches from her.
“You’re a fool. We wouldn’t have hurt you. Just a little welcome initiation, that’s all. I dare say you would have even enjoyed it. But you had to go and try to be tough. Now I’ll have to teach you a lesson.” He leaned over and ran his tongue up the side of her face. “And I think I’m going to enjoy teaching that lesson very much.”
Phoebe turned her head and tried to push away from him. He was disgusting. He was right about one thing. She needed friends. And it was clear these were not the types to be those friends. Her mind raced trying to find a way out of the situation. She knew what would happen. And it wasn’t something she was looking forward to.
Suddenly a figure grabbed Aames by the collar of his shirt and threw him away from Phoebe. The figure stepped between Aames and Phoebe facing the warlock.
“Care to try that with me, Aames? I’m not a defenseless woman.”
“Hey,” said Aames, fear in his eyes, “I don’t want any trouble with you. This isn’t your concern.”
“I’m making it my concern. I’m sick and tired of you trying to intimidate the newcomers. You and your band of punks make me sick. Now, let the girl go and go about your business.”
“You ain’t got no right to do this. You don’t involve yourself in camp business. Why should you care what happens to this girl?”
“Because I don’t like bullies. You’re awful brave when it’s seven against one. And a defenseless girl at that. Why don’t you give me a try? I’d be interested in that lesson you mentioned to her. Come on, Aames. Let’s see if you can back up that mouth of yours.”
Aames just stared at the stranger for a minute. Then he turned and moved away. The men holding Phoebe pushed her roughly to the ground and followed the warlock. Phoebe wasn’t hurt and was grateful for the stranger’s intervention. She couldn’t see his face but he had long brown hair past his shoulders. And such broad shoulders, too. The muscles of his arms indicated he could back up what he had threatened Aames with.
The stranger didn’t turn. He simply stood and watched as Aames and the other hurried away, disappearing into the camp. The crowd that had gathered quickly dispersed back into the camp. The moment’s excitement gone, they had all apparently decided to return to whatever business they had.
“Thanks,” said Phoebe. “I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. There were so many of them.”
“Don’t mention,” said the stranger, turning to face her. “Ever. I didn’t do it for you, lady. I’m just sick and tired of his kind trying to bully their way around. I’ve been looking for a reason to confront him and you just happened to give me that reason. But we aren’t bestest buddies and aren’t likely to become that way. So just move on and find a place. You’d do well to avoid him in the future. He’s not the type to give up easily. If I’m not around he’s liable to have another go at you.”
Phoebe stared up at the man in shock and disbelief. Deep lines covered the face. There were several scars that appeared to be quite old. Hatred and anger showed in the blue orbs that looked down at her. Hatred and anger she was not accustomed to seeing from the face she recognized instantly. As she stared at the stranger who had probably just saved her life, Cole Turner turned and walked away from her.
* * *
Phoebe moved cautiously toward the house that Cole was working outside of. It was Cole, she knew that. But he was different. He apparently hadn’t recognized her which confused her. And he was cold and uncaring. Not at all like the Cole she had once known. As she approached the house, Cole turned to her.
“What do you want?” he demanded.
“I just wanted to thank you again for helping me.”
“You’re welcome,” he responded sarcastically. “Now, move on.”
“What happened to you? Why are you this way? I know we had our differences but you were always so kind and caring. And how come you pretend not to know me?”
“Should I know you? Have we met before? You don’t look familiar. As for why I’m like this let’s just say I don’t play well with others. I prefer being alone. Now, if you don’t mind, I have work to do.”
“I don’t understand what’s going on here. Everything has changed. I can’t even find my sisters. And what are you doing in this camp? I thought it was a camp just for witches and warlocks?”
“It is,” said Cole, looking around.
“Then what are you doing here? You aren’t a witch. I was told that all other magical beings were killed on sight. How come they let you live?”
“What are you talking about? I’m a witch, just like you. Only with this damned collar I can’t use my powers any more than you can.”
“You’re no witch. You’re Belthazor. You’re a demon.”
Cole moved up and stood directly in front of Phoebe towering over her as if she were a small child.
“Watch your mouth. Even an unfounded rumor like that can be disastrous. I don’t know what you think you know but you’re wrong.”
“No I’m not. You’re Belthazor. Upper level demon. A member of the Brotherhood of the Thorn. Half human. Your mother murdered your father when you were three. And you worked directly for the Source.”
Cole pulled her back toward the house until they were both hidden in the shadows.
“Keep your voice down. Who are you? How do you know so much?”
“It’s a long story. Look, I’m not interested in exposing you. I guess you have your reasons for pretending to be a witch. But things aren’t as they’re supposed to be. Everything is changed. And I’m going to need some help to figure out what’s changed and how to fix it.
“I’ll make a deal with you. You help me and I’ll keep your secret. You helped me back there with Aames so no one will be suspicious if you keep helping me. If I can figure out what’s happened maybe I can put things back the way they’re supposed to be.”
Cole looked at her suspiciously.
“How do I know I can trust you?”
“You can. That’s all I can say. Look if I had wanted to expose you I could have done that earlier. I didn’t. And I’ve come to you privately now. I didn’t go to the guards and tell them your secret. You help me and I’ll help you. What do you say?”
Cole looked at her for a moment. If she said something he could be in a lot of trouble. He couldn’t just kill her. That would be too suspicious.
“You have a deal,” he said after a moment.
“Good. Now, let’s start by you filling me in on just what the hell is going on.”
Aames took a step toward her and Phoebe struck out with her foot. She kicked him along the side of his head sending him reeling for a few steps. He turned on her the smile gone from his face.
“That wasn’t very smart, bitch. Like the rest of us you don’t have any powers. And you’re all alone here. It would be a good idea if you garnered a few friends. You’ll soon find you’re going to need them.”
“I don’t need a warlock as a friend. Just keep your distance and you won’t get hurt.”
Suddenly Phoebe was grabbed from behind. Two men held her arms pinned behind her back. As much as she struggled she knew it was useless. Her physical strength was no match for them. And it seemed that everyone else in the camp was on Aames’ side. He moved up standing only inches from her.
“You’re a fool. We wouldn’t have hurt you. Just a little welcome initiation, that’s all. I dare say you would have even enjoyed it. But you had to go and try to be tough. Now I’ll have to teach you a lesson.” He leaned over and ran his tongue up the side of her face. “And I think I’m going to enjoy teaching that lesson very much.”
Phoebe turned her head and tried to push away from him. He was disgusting. He was right about one thing. She needed friends. And it was clear these were not the types to be those friends. Her mind raced trying to find a way out of the situation. She knew what would happen. And it wasn’t something she was looking forward to.
Suddenly a figure grabbed Aames by the collar of his shirt and threw him away from Phoebe. The figure stepped between Aames and Phoebe facing the warlock.
“Care to try that with me, Aames? I’m not a defenseless woman.”
“Hey,” said Aames, fear in his eyes, “I don’t want any trouble with you. This isn’t your concern.”
“I’m making it my concern. I’m sick and tired of you trying to intimidate the newcomers. You and your band of punks make me sick. Now, let the girl go and go about your business.”
“You ain’t got no right to do this. You don’t involve yourself in camp business. Why should you care what happens to this girl?”
“Because I don’t like bullies. You’re awful brave when it’s seven against one. And a defenseless girl at that. Why don’t you give me a try? I’d be interested in that lesson you mentioned to her. Come on, Aames. Let’s see if you can back up that mouth of yours.”
Aames just stared at the stranger for a minute. Then he turned and moved away. The men holding Phoebe pushed her roughly to the ground and followed the warlock. Phoebe wasn’t hurt and was grateful for the stranger’s intervention. She couldn’t see his face but he had long brown hair past his shoulders. And such broad shoulders, too. The muscles of his arms indicated he could back up what he had threatened Aames with.
The stranger didn’t turn. He simply stood and watched as Aames and the other hurried away, disappearing into the camp. The crowd that had gathered quickly dispersed back into the camp. The moment’s excitement gone, they had all apparently decided to return to whatever business they had.
“Thanks,” said Phoebe. “I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. There were so many of them.”
“Don’t mention,” said the stranger, turning to face her. “Ever. I didn’t do it for you, lady. I’m just sick and tired of his kind trying to bully their way around. I’ve been looking for a reason to confront him and you just happened to give me that reason. But we aren’t bestest buddies and aren’t likely to become that way. So just move on and find a place. You’d do well to avoid him in the future. He’s not the type to give up easily. If I’m not around he’s liable to have another go at you.”
Phoebe stared up at the man in shock and disbelief. Deep lines covered the face. There were several scars that appeared to be quite old. Hatred and anger showed in the blue orbs that looked down at her. Hatred and anger she was not accustomed to seeing from the face she recognized instantly. As she stared at the stranger who had probably just saved her life, Cole Turner turned and walked away from her.
* * *
Phoebe moved cautiously toward the house that Cole was working outside of. It was Cole, she knew that. But he was different. He apparently hadn’t recognized her which confused her. And he was cold and uncaring. Not at all like the Cole she had once known. As she approached the house, Cole turned to her.
“What do you want?” he demanded.
“I just wanted to thank you again for helping me.”
“You’re welcome,” he responded sarcastically. “Now, move on.”
“What happened to you? Why are you this way? I know we had our differences but you were always so kind and caring. And how come you pretend not to know me?”
“Should I know you? Have we met before? You don’t look familiar. As for why I’m like this let’s just say I don’t play well with others. I prefer being alone. Now, if you don’t mind, I have work to do.”
“I don’t understand what’s going on here. Everything has changed. I can’t even find my sisters. And what are you doing in this camp? I thought it was a camp just for witches and warlocks?”
“It is,” said Cole, looking around.
“Then what are you doing here? You aren’t a witch. I was told that all other magical beings were killed on sight. How come they let you live?”
“What are you talking about? I’m a witch, just like you. Only with this damned collar I can’t use my powers any more than you can.”
“You’re no witch. You’re Belthazor. You’re a demon.”
Cole moved up and stood directly in front of Phoebe towering over her as if she were a small child.
“Watch your mouth. Even an unfounded rumor like that can be disastrous. I don’t know what you think you know but you’re wrong.”
“No I’m not. You’re Belthazor. Upper level demon. A member of the Brotherhood of the Thorn. Half human. Your mother murdered your father when you were three. And you worked directly for the Source.”
Cole pulled her back toward the house until they were both hidden in the shadows.
“Keep your voice down. Who are you? How do you know so much?”
“It’s a long story. Look, I’m not interested in exposing you. I guess you have your reasons for pretending to be a witch. But things aren’t as they’re supposed to be. Everything is changed. And I’m going to need some help to figure out what’s changed and how to fix it.
“I’ll make a deal with you. You help me and I’ll keep your secret. You helped me back there with Aames so no one will be suspicious if you keep helping me. If I can figure out what’s happened maybe I can put things back the way they’re supposed to be.”
Cole looked at her suspiciously.
“How do I know I can trust you?”
“You can. That’s all I can say. Look if I had wanted to expose you I could have done that earlier. I didn’t. And I’ve come to you privately now. I didn’t go to the guards and tell them your secret. You help me and I’ll help you. What do you say?”
Cole looked at her for a moment. If she said something he could be in a lot of trouble. He couldn’t just kill her. That would be too suspicious.
“You have a deal,” he said after a moment.
“Good. Now, let’s start by you filling me in on just what the hell is going on.”
"One day we are going to look in our microscope and find outselves staring into God's eye. And the first one to blink is going to loose his testicles." - Peter O'Toole in "Creator"
-
NoAzMale
- Self Proclaimed King of Blandness
- Posts: 927
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:22 am
SEVEN
They had moved inside Cole’s house away from prying eyes. It wasn’t luxurious but it was serviceable. Although it was somewhat cramped it was still comfortable.
Phoebe couldn’t believe what Cole told her. So much of the history she had learned in school was different. Cole had never heard of Nostradamus. And the current state of events was even more confusing.
“After World War II,” said Cole, “it became known that Hitler was trying to use the occult to win the war. There was a public outrage about it. Even Germany’s allies were appalled at the discovery.
“It was mostly due to a little known Senator named McCarthy. He started a witch hunt, literally. He got the people so worked up over the existence of witches and demons that people became afraid. They started looking for witches everywhere.
“It culminated in the Witch Suppression Act. It was enacted in 1958. It stipulated that any witch inside the United States was considered a threat to national security. And they didn’t distinguish between witches and warlocks. They were considered the same thing.”
“But what about the other laws? The Constitution prohibits segregating people like that.”
“They changed the Constitution. That’s what the Witch Suppression Act was. A constitutional amendment that allowed the government to separate them from the rest of the populace. The only thing that kept them from wiping out every known witch was a rider on the bill. It provided that witches were to be segregated from the general populous and locked away. For their own safety.”
“So these internment camps,” Phoebe asked, “they’re for keeping witches controlled?”
“Yeah,” said Cole. “When they captured me their little detection devices wouldn’t work properly. I think it’s because I’m half human. It confused the sensors. So before they could determine what I was I confessed to being a witch. I figured being locked up in here was better than being exterminated.”
“You always were a very devious man.”
“You act like we know each other. I don’t recall ever meeting you. And if you know who I really am than you know I specialized in killing witches.”
“Yeah, I know. It’s complicated. I think a spell of mine backfired. When I brought Nostradamus from the past it seems to have changed everything.”
“The past can’t be changed. Everyone knows that.”
“I don’t know. All I know is that once I brought him to the future everything changed. No one seems to know who I am. And they won’t believe me when I tell them.”
“That’s because you don’t exist. It’s common knowledge about the prophecy of the Charmed Ones. Three sisters with great power. But there are only two sisters. Their mother was killed before she had a third child. I don’t know who you really are but you can’t be the third Halliwell.”
“Yeah, well, like I said, things changed. If I could just find my sisters maybe we could fix this. But I don’t have any idea where to look. And stuck in this camp I’m not sure what I can do about it anyway.”
“They’re in this camp. There are camps set up like this all across the United States. There are five Sectors in the western United States. This camp is in the Papa Sector of Southern California. This is camp three making it Camp Papa 3. Everyone from the Central and Southern parts of California are in this camp.”
“Then if they’re here maybe we can do something about this. I just have to find them. Even if things have changed we still might have the Power of Three. If we can find a way to get these collars off we might be able to fix things.”
“Look, maybe we can help each other. I don’t know if you can do anything about what’s going on but you might be able to help me get out of this camp. I’ve been biding my time waiting for the right opportunity. And I can’t really trust anyone else here. You know my secret and haven’t given me away. So maybe we can help each other.”
“How? These collars prevent us from using our powers. Besides, how can I help you?”
Cole looked at her for minute. Then he raised his hand and an energy ball suddenly formed in the palm.
“These collars are designed to prevent a witch’s powers from working. Since I’m not a witch they don’t have any affect on me. I still have all of my powers. But the first time I use them they’ll know I’m not a witch. I need to figure out a way out of here without letting them know that. Otherwise I’d be terminated immediately.”
“Okay. That’s an advantage anyway. But how can I help you? I don’t have any powers.”
“If you’re right, and you still have the power of three, your magic may allow us to escape. You could cast a spell or something that could shield us from prying eyes. If they can’t tell what we’re doing we should be able to get out of here easily.”
“That makes sense. What about the collars? If we set foot outside the camp they’re supposed to blow up. And the way they explained it to me the same thing will happen if we try to remove them.”
“I can take care of the collars. We just need a diversion or something so no one notices what we’re doing. Once outside the camp you’re on your own.”
“Okay,” said Phoebe. “First order of business is to find my sisters. And somehow convince them that I really am their sister.”
“I know where they are. But you don’t say anything about me. Not until we’re sure we can trust them.”
“Don’t worry. We need them as much as they need us. And in this changed timeline I’m not sure what they’re going to be like. Just get me to them. I’m not real crazy about this timeline. I want to get things back like they’re supposed to be as quickly as possible.”
“It will be dinner time soon,” said Cole. “Everyone will be gathered in the courtyard for the meal. It should be easy for you to get to them then. Just remember not a word about me. If it gets out that I’m not really a witch I’ll have to get out as fast as I can. And that means without you.”
“Don’t worry,” said Phoebe. “I won’t say a word until I’m sure we can trust them.”
“Good,” said Cole. “You’ll need a place to stay while you’re in here. And Aames is sure to try to ‘initiate’ you again if he gets the chance. I know a place you can stay. Just watch your back. You’re my ticket out of here.”
“Thanks,” said Phoebe. “I appreciate everything you’re doing for me.”
“Don’t thank me, witch,” said Cole. “I’m not doing it for you. You just hold up your end our bargain and everything will be fine. Betray me and I swear I’ll kill you before I leave this prison.”
Phoebe was under no delusions. Before she had met him Cole had been one of the most ruthless demons in the underworld. It was only her love that had changed him from evil to good. Since they had never met in this timeline he would be as he had been before. A cold-blooded killer who wouldn’t hesitate to murder her if she got in his way.
They had moved inside Cole’s house away from prying eyes. It wasn’t luxurious but it was serviceable. Although it was somewhat cramped it was still comfortable.
Phoebe couldn’t believe what Cole told her. So much of the history she had learned in school was different. Cole had never heard of Nostradamus. And the current state of events was even more confusing.
“After World War II,” said Cole, “it became known that Hitler was trying to use the occult to win the war. There was a public outrage about it. Even Germany’s allies were appalled at the discovery.
“It was mostly due to a little known Senator named McCarthy. He started a witch hunt, literally. He got the people so worked up over the existence of witches and demons that people became afraid. They started looking for witches everywhere.
“It culminated in the Witch Suppression Act. It was enacted in 1958. It stipulated that any witch inside the United States was considered a threat to national security. And they didn’t distinguish between witches and warlocks. They were considered the same thing.”
“But what about the other laws? The Constitution prohibits segregating people like that.”
“They changed the Constitution. That’s what the Witch Suppression Act was. A constitutional amendment that allowed the government to separate them from the rest of the populace. The only thing that kept them from wiping out every known witch was a rider on the bill. It provided that witches were to be segregated from the general populous and locked away. For their own safety.”
“So these internment camps,” Phoebe asked, “they’re for keeping witches controlled?”
“Yeah,” said Cole. “When they captured me their little detection devices wouldn’t work properly. I think it’s because I’m half human. It confused the sensors. So before they could determine what I was I confessed to being a witch. I figured being locked up in here was better than being exterminated.”
“You always were a very devious man.”
“You act like we know each other. I don’t recall ever meeting you. And if you know who I really am than you know I specialized in killing witches.”
“Yeah, I know. It’s complicated. I think a spell of mine backfired. When I brought Nostradamus from the past it seems to have changed everything.”
“The past can’t be changed. Everyone knows that.”
“I don’t know. All I know is that once I brought him to the future everything changed. No one seems to know who I am. And they won’t believe me when I tell them.”
“That’s because you don’t exist. It’s common knowledge about the prophecy of the Charmed Ones. Three sisters with great power. But there are only two sisters. Their mother was killed before she had a third child. I don’t know who you really are but you can’t be the third Halliwell.”
“Yeah, well, like I said, things changed. If I could just find my sisters maybe we could fix this. But I don’t have any idea where to look. And stuck in this camp I’m not sure what I can do about it anyway.”
“They’re in this camp. There are camps set up like this all across the United States. There are five Sectors in the western United States. This camp is in the Papa Sector of Southern California. This is camp three making it Camp Papa 3. Everyone from the Central and Southern parts of California are in this camp.”
“Then if they’re here maybe we can do something about this. I just have to find them. Even if things have changed we still might have the Power of Three. If we can find a way to get these collars off we might be able to fix things.”
“Look, maybe we can help each other. I don’t know if you can do anything about what’s going on but you might be able to help me get out of this camp. I’ve been biding my time waiting for the right opportunity. And I can’t really trust anyone else here. You know my secret and haven’t given me away. So maybe we can help each other.”
“How? These collars prevent us from using our powers. Besides, how can I help you?”
Cole looked at her for minute. Then he raised his hand and an energy ball suddenly formed in the palm.
“These collars are designed to prevent a witch’s powers from working. Since I’m not a witch they don’t have any affect on me. I still have all of my powers. But the first time I use them they’ll know I’m not a witch. I need to figure out a way out of here without letting them know that. Otherwise I’d be terminated immediately.”
“Okay. That’s an advantage anyway. But how can I help you? I don’t have any powers.”
“If you’re right, and you still have the power of three, your magic may allow us to escape. You could cast a spell or something that could shield us from prying eyes. If they can’t tell what we’re doing we should be able to get out of here easily.”
“That makes sense. What about the collars? If we set foot outside the camp they’re supposed to blow up. And the way they explained it to me the same thing will happen if we try to remove them.”
“I can take care of the collars. We just need a diversion or something so no one notices what we’re doing. Once outside the camp you’re on your own.”
“Okay,” said Phoebe. “First order of business is to find my sisters. And somehow convince them that I really am their sister.”
“I know where they are. But you don’t say anything about me. Not until we’re sure we can trust them.”
“Don’t worry. We need them as much as they need us. And in this changed timeline I’m not sure what they’re going to be like. Just get me to them. I’m not real crazy about this timeline. I want to get things back like they’re supposed to be as quickly as possible.”
“It will be dinner time soon,” said Cole. “Everyone will be gathered in the courtyard for the meal. It should be easy for you to get to them then. Just remember not a word about me. If it gets out that I’m not really a witch I’ll have to get out as fast as I can. And that means without you.”
“Don’t worry,” said Phoebe. “I won’t say a word until I’m sure we can trust them.”
“Good,” said Cole. “You’ll need a place to stay while you’re in here. And Aames is sure to try to ‘initiate’ you again if he gets the chance. I know a place you can stay. Just watch your back. You’re my ticket out of here.”
“Thanks,” said Phoebe. “I appreciate everything you’re doing for me.”
“Don’t thank me, witch,” said Cole. “I’m not doing it for you. You just hold up your end our bargain and everything will be fine. Betray me and I swear I’ll kill you before I leave this prison.”
Phoebe was under no delusions. Before she had met him Cole had been one of the most ruthless demons in the underworld. It was only her love that had changed him from evil to good. Since they had never met in this timeline he would be as he had been before. A cold-blooded killer who wouldn’t hesitate to murder her if she got in his way.
"One day we are going to look in our microscope and find outselves staring into God's eye. And the first one to blink is going to loose his testicles." - Peter O'Toole in "Creator"
-
NoAzMale
- Self Proclaimed King of Blandness
- Posts: 927
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:22 am
EIGHT
The place Cole had led Phoebe to was a small building near the one he lived in. Its only inhabitant was an elderly witch that accepted her in without question. Neither she nor Cole mentioned why she was so friendly with Cole and Phoebe decided not to ask. Apparently she was the only “friend” Cole had in the camp.
A couple of hours after arriving in the camp Phoebe heard a shrill whistle sound throughout the camp. She looked out the door to the house and saw people starting to head toward the front of the camp. Agitha, her hostess, walked up next to her.
“That’s the sound to let us know the meals are ready,” said Agitha.
“They don’t allow us to make our own meals?” Phoebe questioned.
“No,” said Agitha. “That would require allowing us to have cooking ingredients. Since many of those ingredients are also used in potions we aren’t allowed to have them.”
“I haven’t noticed any books or writing materials either,” said Phoebe.
“Nothing that will allow us to write or research spells,” said Agitha. “Although it really wouldn’t make any difference. With these collars on the spells wouldn’t work anyway. But they don’t want to take any chances.”
“I guess I should get out there,” said Phoebe. “I need to find my sisters so we can put things back like they’re supposed to be.”
“Go ahead, dear,” said Agitha. “I rarely eat dinner.”
Phoebe left the house and headed for the front of the camp. People were gathering in lines very similar to the type she had seen in pictures from the Great Depression in the early thirties. Aames and his cronies were gathered in one of the lines. He just looked at her and smiled a wicked smile. Phoebe had doubt what that smile meant.
She looked around for any sign of Piper or Paige. There were so many people in the camp she wasn’t sure how she would ever find her sisters. Guards lined the wire around the fences weapons at the ready. But no one seemed interested in the guards. They all seemed to be more interested in the meals being dolled out to them.
Suddenly Phoebe saw Piper. She was standing in one of the lines talking to another woman who had her back to Phoebe. At least she had found one of her sisters. Piper would know where to find Paige. First, though, she had to convince Piper that she was, in fact, her sister.
“Piper,” said Phoebe walking up to her, “I need to talk to you. No one else believes me so I don’t know why you should but things have changed. We need to get Paige and see if we can put things back the way they’re supposed to be.”
“Paige?” questioned Piper. “Who’s Paige? And just who the hell are you?”
“That’s a good question,” said the woman with her back to Phoebe, turning to face her. “Why do you need my sisters’ help?”
Phoebe couldn’t speak. She could just stand and stare at Prue.
* * *
“Okay, let’s see if we have this straight,” said Prue. “You claim to be Phoebe, our younger sister. And somehow the past has been altered and things aren’t supposed to be like this.”
“That’s right,” said Phoebe. “I haven’t been able to have a premonition for quite a while and I cast a spell to see if I could find out why. Only somehow the spell seems to have changed everything.”
“And we have another sister – a half sister – named Paige Matthews,” said Piper. “A sister whose father was her White Lighter, Sam.”
“Yes,” said Phoebe. She hadn’t told them about Prue’s death. She wasn’t sure just how much they would believe and she felt if she told them about Prue it might put them off completely. “I know how this all sounds, but . . . “
“No, I don’t think you do,” said Prue. “First, we don’t have a younger sister. Mom and dad broke up after Piper was born. She died four years later when they discovered she was a witch and she refused to surrender to the authorities.
“Second, there’s no way a witch and a White Lighter would ever have a child together. The Elders wouldn’t have allowed it. And since mom died anyway there’s no way she could have had a child with her White Lighter.”
“Third,” said Piper, “Paige Matthews is no witch. She’s probably the most respected TV anchorwoman in the world. She’s one of the primary spokespersons against witches and other supernatural creatures. If she had her way we’d all be dead instead of in this damned interment camp.”
“Look, I told you,” said Phoebe, “everything has changed. In the correct timeline none of this exists. The mortal world isn’t even aware that magic exists and we do everything we can to keep it that way. Even the demons protect the secret.”
“Demons working with witches?” questioned Prue. “Yeah, that’s real believable.”
“It’s not like we work together,” said Phoebe. “It’s in their best interest to make sure magic doesn’t become known just as it’s in our best interest. If there’s any way to put things back the way they’re supposed to be we’re that chance. We have the Power of Three. Surely that will be strong enough counter what’s going on here.”
“And how do you suggest we do that?” Piper asked. “Assuming we believe you. How are we supposed to use this Power of Three in this internment camp with these collars on? They keep us from using our powers.”
“I’m working on that,” said Phoebe. “First I had to find the two of you and convince you what I’ve told you is true. Then we can work on getting out of here and setting things right again.”
“Well I for one don’t believe you,” said Prue. “If we had another sister she would have been found long ago. The only reason Piper and I are still alive is because there is no third sister. Everyone knows about the supposed prediction of Melinda Warren. Three sisters who will be the most powerful witches in history. If there were a third sister the authorities wouldn’t hesitate to kill all of us to prevent us from using that power.”
“Prue, you were born on October 28, 1971,” said Phoebe. “Piper was born on July 3, 1973. Grams was born on June 23, 1937. Mom was born on April 5, 1950. I know the entire history of our family. I can answer any questions you might have.”
“So can anyone with a computer,” said Prue. “All of this is available on the internet. The history of all known witches can be found there to help people identify unknown witches. That doesn’t prove anything.”
“What about Grams?” Phoebe asked. “What happened to her?”
“She was killed,” said Piper. “Protecting us. Somehow they identified her as a witch. When they came to get her – and us – in 1987, they killed her when she resisted.”
“In my timeline,” said Phoebe, “none of that happened. She died of a heart attack in 1998. The three of us live together in the manor. Wait a minute. They identified you as witches in 1987? So Grams never bound your powers?”
“Of course not,” said Prue. “Why would she do something stupid like that?”
“Of course she didn’t,” said Phoebe. “Without me there was no reason to bind your powers. I’m betting the warlock never even tried to kill mom and take her powers so she wouldn’t have made the deal with him.”
“What warlock?” Prue asked. “What are you babbling about?”
“Look,” said Phoebe, “even if what I’m saying isn’t true, what do you have to loose by working with me? I might be able to get us out of here. You really want to hang around here any longer than you have to?”
“She has a point,” Piper said to Prue. “If she does have a way out of here it’s better than being locked up like this.”
“How can you get us out?” Prue asked.
“I’m still working on it,” said Phoebe. “But if I can will you come with me? Once we’re out of here and have these collars off maybe we can find a way to put things back the way they’re supposed to be.”
“Well,” said Prue, “you figure a way to get us out of here and we’ll talk about it. We aren’t promising anything.”
“Fair enough,” said Phoebe.
“You,” said a guard through the fence. “The commandant wants to talk to you.”
Piper and Prue looked at each other.
“Who is he talking to?” Phoebe asked.
“Me,” said Prue. “I guess it’s time for my weekly visit to the commandant.”
“Weekly visit?” questioned Phoebe.
“Yeah,” said Piper. “He’s taking a liking to Prue. About once a week he has her brought to him for ‘interrogation’. If she doesn’t cooperate, well, let’s just say the consequences wouldn’t be pretty.”
“You mean interrogation as in,” began Phoebe. “Oh, that’s just night right. How long has this been going on?”
“Since we got here,” said Prue. “I only do it because he said if I don’t he’ll make Piper suffer. If I get the chance I’ll put a knife in his heart. As it is all I can do is submit and hope he doesn’t hurt her.”
“Once we’re out of here and we set things right that won’t ever happen again,” said Phoebe.
“She only does it for me,” said Piper as Prue walked to the front gate. “It’s really strange. The commandant used to be a really nice guy. He and Prue even dated in high school for a while. Until they discovered we were witches. He’s really changed over the years.”
Phoebe listened to Piper as she watched Prue walk up the front steps to the commandants’ quarters. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. The Commandant was standing on the porch waiting for Prue. Phoebe just watched in disbelief as Andy Trudeau escorted Prue into his quarters.
The place Cole had led Phoebe to was a small building near the one he lived in. Its only inhabitant was an elderly witch that accepted her in without question. Neither she nor Cole mentioned why she was so friendly with Cole and Phoebe decided not to ask. Apparently she was the only “friend” Cole had in the camp.
A couple of hours after arriving in the camp Phoebe heard a shrill whistle sound throughout the camp. She looked out the door to the house and saw people starting to head toward the front of the camp. Agitha, her hostess, walked up next to her.
“That’s the sound to let us know the meals are ready,” said Agitha.
“They don’t allow us to make our own meals?” Phoebe questioned.
“No,” said Agitha. “That would require allowing us to have cooking ingredients. Since many of those ingredients are also used in potions we aren’t allowed to have them.”
“I haven’t noticed any books or writing materials either,” said Phoebe.
“Nothing that will allow us to write or research spells,” said Agitha. “Although it really wouldn’t make any difference. With these collars on the spells wouldn’t work anyway. But they don’t want to take any chances.”
“I guess I should get out there,” said Phoebe. “I need to find my sisters so we can put things back like they’re supposed to be.”
“Go ahead, dear,” said Agitha. “I rarely eat dinner.”
Phoebe left the house and headed for the front of the camp. People were gathering in lines very similar to the type she had seen in pictures from the Great Depression in the early thirties. Aames and his cronies were gathered in one of the lines. He just looked at her and smiled a wicked smile. Phoebe had doubt what that smile meant.
She looked around for any sign of Piper or Paige. There were so many people in the camp she wasn’t sure how she would ever find her sisters. Guards lined the wire around the fences weapons at the ready. But no one seemed interested in the guards. They all seemed to be more interested in the meals being dolled out to them.
Suddenly Phoebe saw Piper. She was standing in one of the lines talking to another woman who had her back to Phoebe. At least she had found one of her sisters. Piper would know where to find Paige. First, though, she had to convince Piper that she was, in fact, her sister.
“Piper,” said Phoebe walking up to her, “I need to talk to you. No one else believes me so I don’t know why you should but things have changed. We need to get Paige and see if we can put things back the way they’re supposed to be.”
“Paige?” questioned Piper. “Who’s Paige? And just who the hell are you?”
“That’s a good question,” said the woman with her back to Phoebe, turning to face her. “Why do you need my sisters’ help?”
Phoebe couldn’t speak. She could just stand and stare at Prue.
* * *
“Okay, let’s see if we have this straight,” said Prue. “You claim to be Phoebe, our younger sister. And somehow the past has been altered and things aren’t supposed to be like this.”
“That’s right,” said Phoebe. “I haven’t been able to have a premonition for quite a while and I cast a spell to see if I could find out why. Only somehow the spell seems to have changed everything.”
“And we have another sister – a half sister – named Paige Matthews,” said Piper. “A sister whose father was her White Lighter, Sam.”
“Yes,” said Phoebe. She hadn’t told them about Prue’s death. She wasn’t sure just how much they would believe and she felt if she told them about Prue it might put them off completely. “I know how this all sounds, but . . . “
“No, I don’t think you do,” said Prue. “First, we don’t have a younger sister. Mom and dad broke up after Piper was born. She died four years later when they discovered she was a witch and she refused to surrender to the authorities.
“Second, there’s no way a witch and a White Lighter would ever have a child together. The Elders wouldn’t have allowed it. And since mom died anyway there’s no way she could have had a child with her White Lighter.”
“Third,” said Piper, “Paige Matthews is no witch. She’s probably the most respected TV anchorwoman in the world. She’s one of the primary spokespersons against witches and other supernatural creatures. If she had her way we’d all be dead instead of in this damned interment camp.”
“Look, I told you,” said Phoebe, “everything has changed. In the correct timeline none of this exists. The mortal world isn’t even aware that magic exists and we do everything we can to keep it that way. Even the demons protect the secret.”
“Demons working with witches?” questioned Prue. “Yeah, that’s real believable.”
“It’s not like we work together,” said Phoebe. “It’s in their best interest to make sure magic doesn’t become known just as it’s in our best interest. If there’s any way to put things back the way they’re supposed to be we’re that chance. We have the Power of Three. Surely that will be strong enough counter what’s going on here.”
“And how do you suggest we do that?” Piper asked. “Assuming we believe you. How are we supposed to use this Power of Three in this internment camp with these collars on? They keep us from using our powers.”
“I’m working on that,” said Phoebe. “First I had to find the two of you and convince you what I’ve told you is true. Then we can work on getting out of here and setting things right again.”
“Well I for one don’t believe you,” said Prue. “If we had another sister she would have been found long ago. The only reason Piper and I are still alive is because there is no third sister. Everyone knows about the supposed prediction of Melinda Warren. Three sisters who will be the most powerful witches in history. If there were a third sister the authorities wouldn’t hesitate to kill all of us to prevent us from using that power.”
“Prue, you were born on October 28, 1971,” said Phoebe. “Piper was born on July 3, 1973. Grams was born on June 23, 1937. Mom was born on April 5, 1950. I know the entire history of our family. I can answer any questions you might have.”
“So can anyone with a computer,” said Prue. “All of this is available on the internet. The history of all known witches can be found there to help people identify unknown witches. That doesn’t prove anything.”
“What about Grams?” Phoebe asked. “What happened to her?”
“She was killed,” said Piper. “Protecting us. Somehow they identified her as a witch. When they came to get her – and us – in 1987, they killed her when she resisted.”
“In my timeline,” said Phoebe, “none of that happened. She died of a heart attack in 1998. The three of us live together in the manor. Wait a minute. They identified you as witches in 1987? So Grams never bound your powers?”
“Of course not,” said Prue. “Why would she do something stupid like that?”
“Of course she didn’t,” said Phoebe. “Without me there was no reason to bind your powers. I’m betting the warlock never even tried to kill mom and take her powers so she wouldn’t have made the deal with him.”
“What warlock?” Prue asked. “What are you babbling about?”
“Look,” said Phoebe, “even if what I’m saying isn’t true, what do you have to loose by working with me? I might be able to get us out of here. You really want to hang around here any longer than you have to?”
“She has a point,” Piper said to Prue. “If she does have a way out of here it’s better than being locked up like this.”
“How can you get us out?” Prue asked.
“I’m still working on it,” said Phoebe. “But if I can will you come with me? Once we’re out of here and have these collars off maybe we can find a way to put things back the way they’re supposed to be.”
“Well,” said Prue, “you figure a way to get us out of here and we’ll talk about it. We aren’t promising anything.”
“Fair enough,” said Phoebe.
“You,” said a guard through the fence. “The commandant wants to talk to you.”
Piper and Prue looked at each other.
“Who is he talking to?” Phoebe asked.
“Me,” said Prue. “I guess it’s time for my weekly visit to the commandant.”
“Weekly visit?” questioned Phoebe.
“Yeah,” said Piper. “He’s taking a liking to Prue. About once a week he has her brought to him for ‘interrogation’. If she doesn’t cooperate, well, let’s just say the consequences wouldn’t be pretty.”
“You mean interrogation as in,” began Phoebe. “Oh, that’s just night right. How long has this been going on?”
“Since we got here,” said Prue. “I only do it because he said if I don’t he’ll make Piper suffer. If I get the chance I’ll put a knife in his heart. As it is all I can do is submit and hope he doesn’t hurt her.”
“Once we’re out of here and we set things right that won’t ever happen again,” said Phoebe.
“She only does it for me,” said Piper as Prue walked to the front gate. “It’s really strange. The commandant used to be a really nice guy. He and Prue even dated in high school for a while. Until they discovered we were witches. He’s really changed over the years.”
Phoebe listened to Piper as she watched Prue walk up the front steps to the commandants’ quarters. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. The Commandant was standing on the porch waiting for Prue. Phoebe just watched in disbelief as Andy Trudeau escorted Prue into his quarters.
"One day we are going to look in our microscope and find outselves staring into God's eye. And the first one to blink is going to loose his testicles." - Peter O'Toole in "Creator"
-
NoAzMale
- Self Proclaimed King of Blandness
- Posts: 927
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:22 am
NINE
Captain Barger sat in the waiting room outside the office for the commissioner. The Office of Homeland Security – the organization tasked with seeking out witches and other magical beings – had district offices all over the United States. The commissioners of these districts reported directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security who in turn reported directly to the President.
The commissioners in turn ran the various sectors where witches were interned. The internment camps were run by commandants whose job it was to insure that those in the camps remained in the camps. Everyone had a job to do protecting the witches from public outcry. As well as protecting the public from the witches.
Barger was an administrator. It was his job to identify, catalogue, and classify people suspected of being witches. Those that were identified as witches were to be assigned to an internment camp. His job was to assign each to a camp. For the most part it was a very easy job.
“The commissioner will see you now,” said a secretary.
Barger stood up and straightened his uniform. It was rare that the commissioner spoke to him. And in his entire tenure as an administrator he had never been summoned to the commissioners’ office. No doubt his excellent record had finally been noticed and he was about to get that long overdue recognition he knew he deserved.
He walked into the office and stood in front of the commissioners’ desk. He glanced at the name plate on the desk. Darryl Morris, District Commissioner. Commissioner Morris had been a simple police lieutenant when he and his partner, Andy Trudeau, had helped capture the Halliwell witches. After that both of their careers had skyrocketed.
“Have a seat, Captain,” said Morris.
“Thank you, Commissioner.”
“I’ve been going over your record. Very impressive.”
“Thank you, sir. I do my best. But a lot of the credit goes to my staff. Without them I couldn’t so such an efficient job.”
“Oh, come now, Captain. Don’t be modest. A unit is only as good as its commanding officer. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“I suppose, sir.”
“I was wondering if you explain something to me.”
“Certainly, sir. If I can.”
“Can you explain this file?”
Morris handed a manila file folder to Barger. He looked at the name on the folder. Phoebe Halliwell. He thumbed through the folder and found the normal paperwork on all witches currently in the internment camps.
“I don’t understand sir. What exactly would you like me to explain?”
“The name for one thing,” said Morris. “I assume you’re familiar with that particular name?”
“Of course, sir. She insisted her name was Phoebe Halliwell and wouldn’t tell me her real name. A soon as we discover her true identity I will amend the file to reflect the appropriate information.”
“That’s not why I’ve called you here. Tell me, Captain. Are you familiar with Executive Order 212 of the Office of Homeland Security?”
“Of course, sir. It’s required that all personnel commit it to memory before being assigned to their first posting.”
“Would you please tell me exactly what Executive Order 212 says?”
“Well,” said Barger nervously, “it says ‘in the event that a blood relative or a suspected blood relative of the Warren line is discovered they are to be reported immediately to the district office for Homeland Security’.”
“And can you tell me why that was not done in this case?”
“Well, sir, it’s common knowledge that there are only two Halliwell witches. The mother died shortly after the second daughter was born. No other daughters were born so there is no way there could be a third Halliwell witch.”
“I see,” said Morris, his temper flaring. “Are you in the habit of making all decisions that affect national security based on popular opinion?”
“No, sir. In all the years that directive has been in place not a single Halliwell witch has ever been identified. Neither of the two Halliwell daughters have had any children and all blood relatives of the Halliwell line have been identified and ruled out. Besides, there’s no evidence this woman is a Halliwell. I didn’t think…”
“No, Captain, you didn’t think,” said Morris angrily. “That directive is in place for a reason. The report says that she was caught inside the Halliwell manor.”
“Yes, sir, that’s correct.”
“And how did she get into the manor? It’s been sealed off for years and no one can get inside without security being notified. But according to the report she was found – with an as yet unidentified male – on the second floor. Can you explain how that happened?”
“No, sir, I can’t. I have someone investigating that right now. We assume there was a glitch in the security net that allowed them to slip inside.”
“A glitch?” screamed Morris, slamming his fist onto the desk. “One of the most secure locations in the country and there’s a glitch? That is totally unacceptable. I suggest you locate this ‘glitch’ immediately and fix it.”
“We’re working as fast as we can, sir. We’ll figure out what went wrong and fix it as soon as possible.”
“See that you do. Now, about this young woman. Your report indicates that she tested positive for being a witch. Are you sure the results are accurate?”
“Absolutely, sir. We have one of the new Mark IV detection units. It’s supposed to be infallible at detecting witches. No false readings like previous units. She has been positively identified as a witch and she’s assigned to an internment camp. She’s under close guard, sir.”
“Which camp did you assign her to?”
“Camp Papa 3, sir.”
“You put a possible Halliwell witch in the same internment camp as the other two? Are you a complete idiot? Aren’t you aware of the prophecy regarding the Halliwell witches?”
“Of course, sir. Melinda Warren, the witch that started the line, predicted that three of her descendents would become the most powerful witches in history. But sir that’s not going to happen. As I said, it’s common knowledge that there are only two Halliwell sisters at present. There’s no way they could make that prophecy come true.”
“That’s not your decision, Captain. Your job is to follow your instructions as dictated by your superiors. Which means that anyone identified or suspected of being a Halliwell witch is to be segregated from the general population and reported to my office immediately.
“Now, Captain, if you wish to retain both your rank and your position I suggest you get to Camp Papa 3 immediately and locate this Phoebe Halliwell. She’s to be segregated from anyone else and no one – I repeat, no one – is to have any contact with her until a special unit arrives to take command of the situation. Secretary Bennett has all ready been notified of her and is on his way here to interrogate her personally. So if you don’t want to end up as a member of Internment Camp Papa 3 you’d better not screw this up. Do I make myself understood?”
“Perfectly, sir. I’ll go there immediately and make sure she’s isolated. What time is Secretary Bennett expected to arrive sir?”
“In about six hours,” said Morris. “And you can bet if the Secretary of Homeland Security learns about your screw up he’s not going to be as understanding as I am. You just better hope that when he gets here he’s too interested in this Phoebe Halliwell to be concerned with how she managed to evade classification after she was captured.”
“Yes, sir. Don’t worry, sir. There won’t be any more mistakes. You have my word.”
“Get out,” said Morris as he began to look through the contents of the file folder.
Barger exited the office and headed for his car on the parking level. The meeting hadn’t gone how he had first imagined. Now he had to get to Camp Papa 3 and make sure there were no more mistakes.
Captain Barger sat in the waiting room outside the office for the commissioner. The Office of Homeland Security – the organization tasked with seeking out witches and other magical beings – had district offices all over the United States. The commissioners of these districts reported directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security who in turn reported directly to the President.
The commissioners in turn ran the various sectors where witches were interned. The internment camps were run by commandants whose job it was to insure that those in the camps remained in the camps. Everyone had a job to do protecting the witches from public outcry. As well as protecting the public from the witches.
Barger was an administrator. It was his job to identify, catalogue, and classify people suspected of being witches. Those that were identified as witches were to be assigned to an internment camp. His job was to assign each to a camp. For the most part it was a very easy job.
“The commissioner will see you now,” said a secretary.
Barger stood up and straightened his uniform. It was rare that the commissioner spoke to him. And in his entire tenure as an administrator he had never been summoned to the commissioners’ office. No doubt his excellent record had finally been noticed and he was about to get that long overdue recognition he knew he deserved.
He walked into the office and stood in front of the commissioners’ desk. He glanced at the name plate on the desk. Darryl Morris, District Commissioner. Commissioner Morris had been a simple police lieutenant when he and his partner, Andy Trudeau, had helped capture the Halliwell witches. After that both of their careers had skyrocketed.
“Have a seat, Captain,” said Morris.
“Thank you, Commissioner.”
“I’ve been going over your record. Very impressive.”
“Thank you, sir. I do my best. But a lot of the credit goes to my staff. Without them I couldn’t so such an efficient job.”
“Oh, come now, Captain. Don’t be modest. A unit is only as good as its commanding officer. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“I suppose, sir.”
“I was wondering if you explain something to me.”
“Certainly, sir. If I can.”
“Can you explain this file?”
Morris handed a manila file folder to Barger. He looked at the name on the folder. Phoebe Halliwell. He thumbed through the folder and found the normal paperwork on all witches currently in the internment camps.
“I don’t understand sir. What exactly would you like me to explain?”
“The name for one thing,” said Morris. “I assume you’re familiar with that particular name?”
“Of course, sir. She insisted her name was Phoebe Halliwell and wouldn’t tell me her real name. A soon as we discover her true identity I will amend the file to reflect the appropriate information.”
“That’s not why I’ve called you here. Tell me, Captain. Are you familiar with Executive Order 212 of the Office of Homeland Security?”
“Of course, sir. It’s required that all personnel commit it to memory before being assigned to their first posting.”
“Would you please tell me exactly what Executive Order 212 says?”
“Well,” said Barger nervously, “it says ‘in the event that a blood relative or a suspected blood relative of the Warren line is discovered they are to be reported immediately to the district office for Homeland Security’.”
“And can you tell me why that was not done in this case?”
“Well, sir, it’s common knowledge that there are only two Halliwell witches. The mother died shortly after the second daughter was born. No other daughters were born so there is no way there could be a third Halliwell witch.”
“I see,” said Morris, his temper flaring. “Are you in the habit of making all decisions that affect national security based on popular opinion?”
“No, sir. In all the years that directive has been in place not a single Halliwell witch has ever been identified. Neither of the two Halliwell daughters have had any children and all blood relatives of the Halliwell line have been identified and ruled out. Besides, there’s no evidence this woman is a Halliwell. I didn’t think…”
“No, Captain, you didn’t think,” said Morris angrily. “That directive is in place for a reason. The report says that she was caught inside the Halliwell manor.”
“Yes, sir, that’s correct.”
“And how did she get into the manor? It’s been sealed off for years and no one can get inside without security being notified. But according to the report she was found – with an as yet unidentified male – on the second floor. Can you explain how that happened?”
“No, sir, I can’t. I have someone investigating that right now. We assume there was a glitch in the security net that allowed them to slip inside.”
“A glitch?” screamed Morris, slamming his fist onto the desk. “One of the most secure locations in the country and there’s a glitch? That is totally unacceptable. I suggest you locate this ‘glitch’ immediately and fix it.”
“We’re working as fast as we can, sir. We’ll figure out what went wrong and fix it as soon as possible.”
“See that you do. Now, about this young woman. Your report indicates that she tested positive for being a witch. Are you sure the results are accurate?”
“Absolutely, sir. We have one of the new Mark IV detection units. It’s supposed to be infallible at detecting witches. No false readings like previous units. She has been positively identified as a witch and she’s assigned to an internment camp. She’s under close guard, sir.”
“Which camp did you assign her to?”
“Camp Papa 3, sir.”
“You put a possible Halliwell witch in the same internment camp as the other two? Are you a complete idiot? Aren’t you aware of the prophecy regarding the Halliwell witches?”
“Of course, sir. Melinda Warren, the witch that started the line, predicted that three of her descendents would become the most powerful witches in history. But sir that’s not going to happen. As I said, it’s common knowledge that there are only two Halliwell sisters at present. There’s no way they could make that prophecy come true.”
“That’s not your decision, Captain. Your job is to follow your instructions as dictated by your superiors. Which means that anyone identified or suspected of being a Halliwell witch is to be segregated from the general population and reported to my office immediately.
“Now, Captain, if you wish to retain both your rank and your position I suggest you get to Camp Papa 3 immediately and locate this Phoebe Halliwell. She’s to be segregated from anyone else and no one – I repeat, no one – is to have any contact with her until a special unit arrives to take command of the situation. Secretary Bennett has all ready been notified of her and is on his way here to interrogate her personally. So if you don’t want to end up as a member of Internment Camp Papa 3 you’d better not screw this up. Do I make myself understood?”
“Perfectly, sir. I’ll go there immediately and make sure she’s isolated. What time is Secretary Bennett expected to arrive sir?”
“In about six hours,” said Morris. “And you can bet if the Secretary of Homeland Security learns about your screw up he’s not going to be as understanding as I am. You just better hope that when he gets here he’s too interested in this Phoebe Halliwell to be concerned with how she managed to evade classification after she was captured.”
“Yes, sir. Don’t worry, sir. There won’t be any more mistakes. You have my word.”
“Get out,” said Morris as he began to look through the contents of the file folder.
Barger exited the office and headed for his car on the parking level. The meeting hadn’t gone how he had first imagined. Now he had to get to Camp Papa 3 and make sure there were no more mistakes.
"One day we are going to look in our microscope and find outselves staring into God's eye. And the first one to blink is going to loose his testicles." - Peter O'Toole in "Creator"
-
NoAzMale
- Self Proclaimed King of Blandness
- Posts: 927
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:22 am
TEN
“That doesn’t sound like the Andy I knew,” said Phoebe. “He was always such a caring person. In fact, he even. . .” Her voice trailed off as she thought about Andy’s death.
“Power does strange things to people,” said Piper. “When he discovered that Prue and I were witches he couldn’t handle it. He and his partner, Darryl Morris, turned us over to the authorities. They were rewarded with instant promotions. Any position they wanted was theirs for the taking. Andy chose to become commandant of this camp. Morris is the Commissioner for the Western District of Homeland Security. They're both considered something of heroes.”
“For what?” Phoebe asked. “Turning in a couple of witches?”
“Not just witches,” said Piper. “The Charmed Ones. When the Sovereign Protection Act of 1974 was passed our identities became common knowledge. No one knew exactly who we were but we became public enemy number one.”
“How did all this happen?” Phoebe asked. “Cole told me some of it. But it’s hard to believe this all happened because of what Hitler tried to do during the Second World War.”
“Cole?” questioned Piper. “You’d do well to stay away from him. He’s a bad one he is. He’ll be nothing but trouble for you.”
“You’d be surprised how much help he can be,” said Phoebe. “Given the right incentive. What else happened?”
“In the early 50s,” continued Piper, “some little known senator named McCarthy started a witch hunt. A real one. I don’t know why but he saw witches as the ultimate evil. He convinced a lot of people – powerful people – that we were the cause of all the problems in the world.”
“That sort of happened in the real timeline,” said Phoebe. “Only McCarthy was interested in communists, not witches.”
“A lot of witches were exposed back then,” said Piper. “We had to go underground. But every witch that was identified gave the authorities more information about us. In the late 60s they learned about Melinda Warren’s prophecy. They hadn’t known that Melinda Warren’s daughter has survived so they had trouble tracking her descendants. We were safe until Andy and Darryl discovered who we were.”
“They told me other magical beings were killed on sight,” said Phoebe. “How come they let witches and warlocks live?”
“Because we’re human,” said Piper. “According to them, we aren’t prisoners. We’re being protected from the outside. To keep normal humans from attacking us for whatever they feel we’re responsible for. Other magical beings aren’t human so they aren’t afforded the ‘protection’ we get. They’re considered enemies of the state and are killed on sight.”
“I still don’t understand how they can do this,” said Phoebe. “The Constitution prohibits anything like this. It can’t be legal. How are they able to get away with it?”
“They changed the Constitution. A special amendment just for us. I understand it passed in a matter of weeks. I don’t understand how you got here. Whoever you are you claim to be my sister. You should have been taken into custody as soon as you made that claim.”
“Why?”
“They’re afraid of us. Even though there are only Prue and me they’re afraid a third sister might pop up completing the Power of Three. That’s crazy. Mom didn’t have any more kids before she and dad split up. Then when she died that prevented her from ever having a third daughter.”
“But she did have a third daughter. Me. When did she die?”
“February 28, 1978. When they finally identified who we were they came to take us into ‘protective custody’ as Andy put it. Mom tried to stop them and they murdered her for her trouble.”
“Mom died on the same day in the original timeline. But she was killed by a water demon. We were finally able to vanquish it. What about Grams?”
“Our grandmother was murdered the same time. After mom died they took us into custody and we ended up here. Grams tried to rescue us and they killed her.”
“Grams died in 1998 from a heart attack. We got our powers shortly after that. This is all so crazy. So much has changed and yet is still the same. I don’t understand how all this could have happened by the spell I cast.”
“What spell?”
“My premonitions weren’t working very well recently,” Phoebe explained. “So I cast a spell to see if I could figure out what happened. But instead of telling me what I wanted to know it brought Nostradamus into the present. That’s when everything went to hell.”
“Who is Nostradamus?” Piper asked.
“He is – or rather was – someone who made hundreds of predictions about the future. People still debate how accurate his predictions were. He lived about four hundred years ago. I don’t see how bringing him into the future could have changed things so much especially since most of the changes seem to have take place in recent history.”
“Who are you really?” Piper asked. “Prue and I don’t have any sisters or brothers. You’re obviously a witch or you wouldn’t be in this camp. So what do you have to gain by claiming to be my sister.”
“I know it’s hard to accept but I am your sister. And I’m not the only one. You mentioned Paige Matthews that anchor woman.”
“Yes. Like I said she’s one of the most outspoken opponents against witches. She even has a special segment on her nightly broadcast identifying witches that haven’t been captured yet.”
“Well, she’s more than that. She’s our half sister. Like I said, her father is Sam, mom’s White Lighter. When she was born they gave her up for adoption so the Elders wouldn’t find out about her.”
“That’s crazy,” said Piper. “White Lighters don’t come to Earth any more. It’s too dangerous for them. As soon as they’re identified they’re killed. Even demons are afraid to come here. The government has a series of satellites in orbit that helps them identify magical beings. If someone stays in one place too long the satellites will pick them out of the general population.”
“That doesn’t mean they don’t come here. They can orb. As soon as the satellites pick them up they can just orb to somewhere else. I can’t believe they’ve abandoned us completely.”
“Doing a little ‘sisterly bonding’?” Prue asked walking up to the two.
“You’re back early,” said Piper.
“Trudeau got a phone call,” said Prue. “Kind of interrupted the ‘interrogation’. A phone call about her.” She looked over at Phoebe. “Someone seems very interested in you.”
“More than interested,” said Cole, walking up to the three. “I just saw a car pull in. It was Captain Barger. In all the time I’ve been here he’s never once come to this camp. Now he chooses this day to make a visit? I find that just a little too coincidental.”
“What do you care, Turner?” Piper asked with undisguised disgust in her voice. “You’ve never shown even the slightest interest in what the rest of us do. Why should you care if someone is interested in one of us?”
“Look,” said Cole, glancing at Phoebe, “I prefer to stay to myself. But if the administrator is coming here it could impact any one of us. So this isn’t exactly altruistic on my part. Forewarned is forearmed as they say.”
“He says he can get us out of this camp,” said Phoebe. “I believe him.”
“Of course he can,” said Prue sarcastically. “That’s why he’s hanging around here now. He just loves it so much.”
“You can debate the sincerity of my actions later,” said Cole. “But I suggest we get inside before the commandant and the administrator come looking for one of us.”
“He might be right,” said Piper. “If they’re after one of us we need to decide what we’re going to do about it.”
“What’s there to do?” Prue asked. “It’s not like we can exactly catch the next bus out of town.”
“If Cole can get us out of this camp,” said Phoebe, “then we just might have a chance. At least let’s give ourselves the option.”
“Okay,” said Prue. “But just for the record I don’t like you and I don’t trust you. You try anything funny and I don’t care how strong you are you’ll regret it, understood?”
“Yeah, I understand,” said Cole with no enthusiasm.
They all turned and followed Cole back into the compound.
“That doesn’t sound like the Andy I knew,” said Phoebe. “He was always such a caring person. In fact, he even. . .” Her voice trailed off as she thought about Andy’s death.
“Power does strange things to people,” said Piper. “When he discovered that Prue and I were witches he couldn’t handle it. He and his partner, Darryl Morris, turned us over to the authorities. They were rewarded with instant promotions. Any position they wanted was theirs for the taking. Andy chose to become commandant of this camp. Morris is the Commissioner for the Western District of Homeland Security. They're both considered something of heroes.”
“For what?” Phoebe asked. “Turning in a couple of witches?”
“Not just witches,” said Piper. “The Charmed Ones. When the Sovereign Protection Act of 1974 was passed our identities became common knowledge. No one knew exactly who we were but we became public enemy number one.”
“How did all this happen?” Phoebe asked. “Cole told me some of it. But it’s hard to believe this all happened because of what Hitler tried to do during the Second World War.”
“Cole?” questioned Piper. “You’d do well to stay away from him. He’s a bad one he is. He’ll be nothing but trouble for you.”
“You’d be surprised how much help he can be,” said Phoebe. “Given the right incentive. What else happened?”
“In the early 50s,” continued Piper, “some little known senator named McCarthy started a witch hunt. A real one. I don’t know why but he saw witches as the ultimate evil. He convinced a lot of people – powerful people – that we were the cause of all the problems in the world.”
“That sort of happened in the real timeline,” said Phoebe. “Only McCarthy was interested in communists, not witches.”
“A lot of witches were exposed back then,” said Piper. “We had to go underground. But every witch that was identified gave the authorities more information about us. In the late 60s they learned about Melinda Warren’s prophecy. They hadn’t known that Melinda Warren’s daughter has survived so they had trouble tracking her descendants. We were safe until Andy and Darryl discovered who we were.”
“They told me other magical beings were killed on sight,” said Phoebe. “How come they let witches and warlocks live?”
“Because we’re human,” said Piper. “According to them, we aren’t prisoners. We’re being protected from the outside. To keep normal humans from attacking us for whatever they feel we’re responsible for. Other magical beings aren’t human so they aren’t afforded the ‘protection’ we get. They’re considered enemies of the state and are killed on sight.”
“I still don’t understand how they can do this,” said Phoebe. “The Constitution prohibits anything like this. It can’t be legal. How are they able to get away with it?”
“They changed the Constitution. A special amendment just for us. I understand it passed in a matter of weeks. I don’t understand how you got here. Whoever you are you claim to be my sister. You should have been taken into custody as soon as you made that claim.”
“Why?”
“They’re afraid of us. Even though there are only Prue and me they’re afraid a third sister might pop up completing the Power of Three. That’s crazy. Mom didn’t have any more kids before she and dad split up. Then when she died that prevented her from ever having a third daughter.”
“But she did have a third daughter. Me. When did she die?”
“February 28, 1978. When they finally identified who we were they came to take us into ‘protective custody’ as Andy put it. Mom tried to stop them and they murdered her for her trouble.”
“Mom died on the same day in the original timeline. But she was killed by a water demon. We were finally able to vanquish it. What about Grams?”
“Our grandmother was murdered the same time. After mom died they took us into custody and we ended up here. Grams tried to rescue us and they killed her.”
“Grams died in 1998 from a heart attack. We got our powers shortly after that. This is all so crazy. So much has changed and yet is still the same. I don’t understand how all this could have happened by the spell I cast.”
“What spell?”
“My premonitions weren’t working very well recently,” Phoebe explained. “So I cast a spell to see if I could figure out what happened. But instead of telling me what I wanted to know it brought Nostradamus into the present. That’s when everything went to hell.”
“Who is Nostradamus?” Piper asked.
“He is – or rather was – someone who made hundreds of predictions about the future. People still debate how accurate his predictions were. He lived about four hundred years ago. I don’t see how bringing him into the future could have changed things so much especially since most of the changes seem to have take place in recent history.”
“Who are you really?” Piper asked. “Prue and I don’t have any sisters or brothers. You’re obviously a witch or you wouldn’t be in this camp. So what do you have to gain by claiming to be my sister.”
“I know it’s hard to accept but I am your sister. And I’m not the only one. You mentioned Paige Matthews that anchor woman.”
“Yes. Like I said she’s one of the most outspoken opponents against witches. She even has a special segment on her nightly broadcast identifying witches that haven’t been captured yet.”
“Well, she’s more than that. She’s our half sister. Like I said, her father is Sam, mom’s White Lighter. When she was born they gave her up for adoption so the Elders wouldn’t find out about her.”
“That’s crazy,” said Piper. “White Lighters don’t come to Earth any more. It’s too dangerous for them. As soon as they’re identified they’re killed. Even demons are afraid to come here. The government has a series of satellites in orbit that helps them identify magical beings. If someone stays in one place too long the satellites will pick them out of the general population.”
“That doesn’t mean they don’t come here. They can orb. As soon as the satellites pick them up they can just orb to somewhere else. I can’t believe they’ve abandoned us completely.”
“Doing a little ‘sisterly bonding’?” Prue asked walking up to the two.
“You’re back early,” said Piper.
“Trudeau got a phone call,” said Prue. “Kind of interrupted the ‘interrogation’. A phone call about her.” She looked over at Phoebe. “Someone seems very interested in you.”
“More than interested,” said Cole, walking up to the three. “I just saw a car pull in. It was Captain Barger. In all the time I’ve been here he’s never once come to this camp. Now he chooses this day to make a visit? I find that just a little too coincidental.”
“What do you care, Turner?” Piper asked with undisguised disgust in her voice. “You’ve never shown even the slightest interest in what the rest of us do. Why should you care if someone is interested in one of us?”
“Look,” said Cole, glancing at Phoebe, “I prefer to stay to myself. But if the administrator is coming here it could impact any one of us. So this isn’t exactly altruistic on my part. Forewarned is forearmed as they say.”
“He says he can get us out of this camp,” said Phoebe. “I believe him.”
“Of course he can,” said Prue sarcastically. “That’s why he’s hanging around here now. He just loves it so much.”
“You can debate the sincerity of my actions later,” said Cole. “But I suggest we get inside before the commandant and the administrator come looking for one of us.”
“He might be right,” said Piper. “If they’re after one of us we need to decide what we’re going to do about it.”
“What’s there to do?” Prue asked. “It’s not like we can exactly catch the next bus out of town.”
“If Cole can get us out of this camp,” said Phoebe, “then we just might have a chance. At least let’s give ourselves the option.”
“Okay,” said Prue. “But just for the record I don’t like you and I don’t trust you. You try anything funny and I don’t care how strong you are you’ll regret it, understood?”
“Yeah, I understand,” said Cole with no enthusiasm.
They all turned and followed Cole back into the compound.
"One day we are going to look in our microscope and find outselves staring into God's eye. And the first one to blink is going to loose his testicles." - Peter O'Toole in "Creator"
-
NoAzMale
- Self Proclaimed King of Blandness
- Posts: 927
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:22 am
ELEVEN
“So you’re saying that all this is wrong?” Prue asked after Phoebe had explained to her what had happened. “You said you cast a spell and brought this – what was his name, Nostradamus – from the past? And suddenly everything is different from what you remember?”
“That’s about the size of it,” said Phoebe.
“And you claim to be our younger sister and we have another half sister,” continued Prue. “Paige Matthews, probably the most vocal celebrity against witches in the public eye today? And we’re supposed to buy all this on your say so?”
“Look, I know how it sounds,” said Phoebe. “Piper told me Grams never bound your powers. Which means you’ve had your powers since you were a child. So you must know that magic can do some unpredictable things. I don’t know how or why things changed just because I brought Nostradamus into the future. All I can tell you is as soon as I did some soldiers suddenly appeared in the manor and arrested me.”
“Look, I do know that you can’t change the past,” said Prue. “No matter what you do what happened is what happened. So no matter what you say there’s no way you could have changed things.”
“That may not be entirely true,” said Cole.
“Who asked you?” Piper snapped.
“Look, we need him,” said Phoebe. “I know you guys don’t like each other. You didn’t in my timeline either. But he says he can get us out of here. So you’d just better put your differences aside and start working together or there’s no telling what kind of trouble we could be in.”
“What do you mean it might not be true?” Prue asked.
“You can’t go back in time and alter what happened before,” said Cole. “But if you pull someone out of their normal time then whatever they did in that time didn’t happen. That would change everything that happened after that.”
“Isn’t that changing the past?” Piper asked.
“Technically, no,” said Cole. “No one has gone back in time and changed what happened. That’s not possible. But if what Phoebe says is true then she pulled someone of historical importance out of their time. So whatever it is they did in their life after she pulled him out didn’t happen. There’s no way to tell what affects that can have years or even centuries down the line.”
“That sounds like changing the past to me,” said Prue.
“Technically it’s not,” said Cole. “Phoebe didn’t change the past. She changed this Nostradamus’ future.”
“I don’t understand,” said Piper. “Isn’t that the same thing?”
“Not according to Tempus,” said Cole.
“Tempus,” said Phoebe suddenly. “Maybe he could help. He is the demon of time manipulation. If the timeline has been altered then he’s probably still alive.”
“Still alive?” questioned Cole. “He’s dead in your timeline?”
“Yes,” said Phoebe. “The Source sent him after us. We were able to stop him but it wasn’t easy. He died when he reset time one too many times without regaining his strength.”
“As far as I know he’s still alive,” said Cole. “Most demons avoid the mortal plane as much as possible. Those that do usually end up vanquished.”
“You seem to know an awful lot about demons,” said Prue.
“You know what they say,” said Cole. “Know your enemy.”
“It’s more than that,” said Piper. “You talk about Tempus like you actually know him. How is that possible? Demons and witches don’t exactly collaborate.”
“We need to tell them the truth,” said Phoebe. “We’re going to need their help and it’s best if they know everything.”
“What the hell,” said Cole. “I’m tired of the games anyway. I’ve been cooped up in this camp far too long. And if you can help me get out of here then I guess you should know who you’re helping.”
“What truth?” Prue asked.
“Cole’s not a witch,” said Phoebe. “And he can get us out of here because that collar doesn’t affect his powers. He’s just been biding his time so the authorities won’t be suspicious of him when he breaks out.”
“Okay, if he’s not a witch, what is he?” Prue asked.
“My name is Belthazor,” said Cole. “I’m an upper level demon. When they captured me they had trouble cataloging me so I ‘confessed’ to being a witch. If they had found out what I really am they would have killed me on sight. At least this way I have a chance to get away.”
“Are you crazy?” Piper asked. “You want us to trust a demon?”
“He’s only half demon,” said Phoebe. “He’s also half human. And at one time he was also my husband.”
“Okay, hold on a second,” said Prue. “You claim to be a Charmed One and yet you married a demon? What’s wrong with this picture?”
“It’s a long story,” said Phoebe. “One we don’t have time to go into right now. What we need to do is get out of here now.”
“What do you mean ‘we’?” Prue asked. “Seems to me they’re only interested in you.”
“And when they do a DNA test and find out that I really am your sister what do you think they’ll do then?” Phoebe asked. “When they discover that the Power of Three actually exists do you think they’ll really let you live then? They’ll kill all three of us just to make sure.”
“That’s assuming you really are our sister,” said Prue. “Which as we’ve all ready told you isn’t possible.”
“Are you willing to bet your life on that?” Phoebe asked. “What if what I’ve told you is true? Then I really am your sister. And like I said, a simple DNA test will prove it. You really want to risk your life that it’s not true?”
Prue just looked at Phoebe for a moment.
“No, I guess I’m not,” she said finally. She looked at Cole. “You say you can get us out of here?”
“Yeah,” said Cole. “But it’s risky. Getting out isn’t the problem. Making sure they don’t come looking for us afterwards is. We need to make them think we’ve died so they won’t be suspecting us of escaping.”
“Okay,” said Prue. “If you’re really a demon you should be able to accomplish that easily enough. Any idea how to make them think we’re dead without actually having a body to prove it?”
“I have an idea on that,” said Cole. “First, we need one of the surveillance devices around the camp. Without it we’re dead as soon as we leave the camp.”
“If I had my powers that would be easy,” said Prue.
“I can get it,” said Cole. “They service the devices once a month and they were just serviced last week. The rest of the time they pretty much ignore them. I can remove one of them from the far side of the camp. Once I’ve done that I can get us out of here. But I need is someone to create a distraction while I do so that the guards don’t get suspicious..”
“What kind of distraction?” Piper asked.
“Anything that will keep the guards occupied for a few minutes,” said Cole.
“I have an idea that might create just the distraction we need,” said Phoebe. “Assuming Prue and Piper are willing to help with it.”
“Well,” said Prue after a moment, “if it will get us out of this camp I’m willing to give it a shot. What do we need to do?”
“First, I need to know how Cole plans to fake our deaths,” said Phoebe.
“It’s very simple,” said Cole. “Belthazor blows up a building with you three in it.”
“So you’re saying that all this is wrong?” Prue asked after Phoebe had explained to her what had happened. “You said you cast a spell and brought this – what was his name, Nostradamus – from the past? And suddenly everything is different from what you remember?”
“That’s about the size of it,” said Phoebe.
“And you claim to be our younger sister and we have another half sister,” continued Prue. “Paige Matthews, probably the most vocal celebrity against witches in the public eye today? And we’re supposed to buy all this on your say so?”
“Look, I know how it sounds,” said Phoebe. “Piper told me Grams never bound your powers. Which means you’ve had your powers since you were a child. So you must know that magic can do some unpredictable things. I don’t know how or why things changed just because I brought Nostradamus into the future. All I can tell you is as soon as I did some soldiers suddenly appeared in the manor and arrested me.”
“Look, I do know that you can’t change the past,” said Prue. “No matter what you do what happened is what happened. So no matter what you say there’s no way you could have changed things.”
“That may not be entirely true,” said Cole.
“Who asked you?” Piper snapped.
“Look, we need him,” said Phoebe. “I know you guys don’t like each other. You didn’t in my timeline either. But he says he can get us out of here. So you’d just better put your differences aside and start working together or there’s no telling what kind of trouble we could be in.”
“What do you mean it might not be true?” Prue asked.
“You can’t go back in time and alter what happened before,” said Cole. “But if you pull someone out of their normal time then whatever they did in that time didn’t happen. That would change everything that happened after that.”
“Isn’t that changing the past?” Piper asked.
“Technically, no,” said Cole. “No one has gone back in time and changed what happened. That’s not possible. But if what Phoebe says is true then she pulled someone of historical importance out of their time. So whatever it is they did in their life after she pulled him out didn’t happen. There’s no way to tell what affects that can have years or even centuries down the line.”
“That sounds like changing the past to me,” said Prue.
“Technically it’s not,” said Cole. “Phoebe didn’t change the past. She changed this Nostradamus’ future.”
“I don’t understand,” said Piper. “Isn’t that the same thing?”
“Not according to Tempus,” said Cole.
“Tempus,” said Phoebe suddenly. “Maybe he could help. He is the demon of time manipulation. If the timeline has been altered then he’s probably still alive.”
“Still alive?” questioned Cole. “He’s dead in your timeline?”
“Yes,” said Phoebe. “The Source sent him after us. We were able to stop him but it wasn’t easy. He died when he reset time one too many times without regaining his strength.”
“As far as I know he’s still alive,” said Cole. “Most demons avoid the mortal plane as much as possible. Those that do usually end up vanquished.”
“You seem to know an awful lot about demons,” said Prue.
“You know what they say,” said Cole. “Know your enemy.”
“It’s more than that,” said Piper. “You talk about Tempus like you actually know him. How is that possible? Demons and witches don’t exactly collaborate.”
“We need to tell them the truth,” said Phoebe. “We’re going to need their help and it’s best if they know everything.”
“What the hell,” said Cole. “I’m tired of the games anyway. I’ve been cooped up in this camp far too long. And if you can help me get out of here then I guess you should know who you’re helping.”
“What truth?” Prue asked.
“Cole’s not a witch,” said Phoebe. “And he can get us out of here because that collar doesn’t affect his powers. He’s just been biding his time so the authorities won’t be suspicious of him when he breaks out.”
“Okay, if he’s not a witch, what is he?” Prue asked.
“My name is Belthazor,” said Cole. “I’m an upper level demon. When they captured me they had trouble cataloging me so I ‘confessed’ to being a witch. If they had found out what I really am they would have killed me on sight. At least this way I have a chance to get away.”
“Are you crazy?” Piper asked. “You want us to trust a demon?”
“He’s only half demon,” said Phoebe. “He’s also half human. And at one time he was also my husband.”
“Okay, hold on a second,” said Prue. “You claim to be a Charmed One and yet you married a demon? What’s wrong with this picture?”
“It’s a long story,” said Phoebe. “One we don’t have time to go into right now. What we need to do is get out of here now.”
“What do you mean ‘we’?” Prue asked. “Seems to me they’re only interested in you.”
“And when they do a DNA test and find out that I really am your sister what do you think they’ll do then?” Phoebe asked. “When they discover that the Power of Three actually exists do you think they’ll really let you live then? They’ll kill all three of us just to make sure.”
“That’s assuming you really are our sister,” said Prue. “Which as we’ve all ready told you isn’t possible.”
“Are you willing to bet your life on that?” Phoebe asked. “What if what I’ve told you is true? Then I really am your sister. And like I said, a simple DNA test will prove it. You really want to risk your life that it’s not true?”
Prue just looked at Phoebe for a moment.
“No, I guess I’m not,” she said finally. She looked at Cole. “You say you can get us out of here?”
“Yeah,” said Cole. “But it’s risky. Getting out isn’t the problem. Making sure they don’t come looking for us afterwards is. We need to make them think we’ve died so they won’t be suspecting us of escaping.”
“Okay,” said Prue. “If you’re really a demon you should be able to accomplish that easily enough. Any idea how to make them think we’re dead without actually having a body to prove it?”
“I have an idea on that,” said Cole. “First, we need one of the surveillance devices around the camp. Without it we’re dead as soon as we leave the camp.”
“If I had my powers that would be easy,” said Prue.
“I can get it,” said Cole. “They service the devices once a month and they were just serviced last week. The rest of the time they pretty much ignore them. I can remove one of them from the far side of the camp. Once I’ve done that I can get us out of here. But I need is someone to create a distraction while I do so that the guards don’t get suspicious..”
“What kind of distraction?” Piper asked.
“Anything that will keep the guards occupied for a few minutes,” said Cole.
“I have an idea that might create just the distraction we need,” said Phoebe. “Assuming Prue and Piper are willing to help with it.”
“Well,” said Prue after a moment, “if it will get us out of this camp I’m willing to give it a shot. What do we need to do?”
“First, I need to know how Cole plans to fake our deaths,” said Phoebe.
“It’s very simple,” said Cole. “Belthazor blows up a building with you three in it.”
"One day we are going to look in our microscope and find outselves staring into God's eye. And the first one to blink is going to loose his testicles." - Peter O'Toole in "Creator"
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NoAzMale
- Self Proclaimed King of Blandness
- Posts: 927
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:22 am
TWELVE
Commissioner Morris’ secretary opened the door to his office and walked in.
“The Secretary of Homeland Security is here to see you, sir,” said the secretary.
“Please, show the Secretary in immediately.”
“Yes, sir.”
She left the office and a few moments later the Secretary of Homeland Security walked into the office. He was smiling as he walked up and shook Morris’ hand.
“Secretary Bennett,” said Morris, “it’s a pleasure to see you again, sir. I believe the last time we met was at the confirmation hearings for Justice Pollock.”
“Please, call me Victor,” said the Secretary. “No need to stand on ceremony here. And yes it was at Justice Pollock’s confirmation hearings. I got your report on the invasion at the Halliwell manor. And of the woman who was found there. Any idea how she got into the house?”
“We’re still investigating it. Perhaps you could give us some idea how she could have gotten past security. You did used to live there after all.”
“That was a long time ago,” said Victor. “Long before I was aware that my wife was a witch and the mother of the supposed Charmed Ones. I’m sure your security people will find out how she did it. Now, what about this Phoebe Halliwell?”
“I’ve all ready reprimanded Captain Barger for his foolishness. And I’ve made it quite clear that we are very interested in this young woman. He’s returned to the camp where she is interned to segregate her from the rest of the population. She should be isolated by the time we get there.”
“Good. As unlikely as it seems there is a possibility this woman is who she claims to be. If that’s the case we need to deal with her immediately.”
“I assume you’ll be wanting to deal with the other sisters as well,” said Morris. “You did say the only reason you kept them alive was to draw out any relatives they might have. If this Phoebe does turn out to be their sister you won’t have any use for them any longer.”
“No, we won’t. “It was a calculated risk keeping them alive. But it appears it was worth it. What of the special prisoner? You haven’t sent any reports on her so I assume the situation hasn’t changed at all.”
“No, sir, it hasn’t. She’s still secured in her special prison. She hasn’t given us any more information but then neither of us expected her to. I’ve left her to herself. I assume you’ll be wanting to speak with her.”
“Of course,” said Victor. “It’s been a while since she was last interrogated. Maybe the time alone has made her more amiable. I know she’s hiding something. Maybe she’ll be willing to talk now.”
“I’ll see about making arrangements to take us to the camp while you’re interrogating her. Just let me know when you’re ready to leave. Barger is expecting us.”
“Fine,” said Victor. “This shouldn’t take long. Somehow I don’t think she’ll be any more willing to talk than she has been in the past.”
Morris picked up his phone as Victor left the office. Victor negotiated his way through the building to an elevator at the end of a hallway. As he approached the elevator two armed security men stepped up to him.
“I’m sorry, sir,” said one of the security men, “this is a restricted area.”
Victor reached into his coat pocket and pulled out his identification. He showed it to the security guard who looked it over very carefully.
“Secretary Bennett. We’ve been expecting you, sir. Commissioner Morris has instructed us to provide you with whatever assistance you may require.”
“I want to go to sub level four,” said Victor. “And I don’t want to be disturbed for any reason.”
“Yes, sir,” said the other security guard removing a security card from his pocket. He used the card to open the elevator doors. “The code for sub level four is 0037. When you want to come back up use code 1549. If you use any other code the elevator will be automatically secured and the alert will be sounded.
”To access the security area on sub level four you’ll need the code 5221. Once inside the room the only way to get out is using the cold 9632. Once you have exited the room the security code will automatically be reset to another code so make sure you’re finished before you leave the room.”
“Understood. Thank you, lieutenant.”
The two security men stepped aside as Victor entered the elevator. Inside there was simply a keypad on the wall. Victor punched in the security code the guard had given him and the doors immediately closed and began to descend. A few moments later the elevator stopped and the doors opened onto a long hallway.
It took him less than two minutes to walk the hallway to the only room on this level. Once at the room Victor took a deep breath and then punched in the security code for the room. The door opened automatically and Victor stepped inside. The door closed automatically behind him.
Inside the room was a smaller room. It was constructed completely of a clear material and in the upper corner where each wall met the adjoining wall was a small spherical device about the size of a basketball. Inside the smaller room sat a woman with her head lying on a small desk. The inside of the smaller room was completely outfitted with every necessity a person would need to live. There appeared to be no way into the smaller room.
“It’s been a while,” said Victor. “I thought I’d stop by and say hello.”
The woman raised her head and looked at Victor. Contempt showed in her face.
“Well, Victor. I’m surprised you have the nerve to show your face. Considering everything you’ve done. I’ve told you everything I know. I don’t know what more you expect to learn from me.”
“Is that any way to talk to your husband, Patty?”
Patty Halliwell just stared at Victor with contempt in her eyes.
Commissioner Morris’ secretary opened the door to his office and walked in.
“The Secretary of Homeland Security is here to see you, sir,” said the secretary.
“Please, show the Secretary in immediately.”
“Yes, sir.”
She left the office and a few moments later the Secretary of Homeland Security walked into the office. He was smiling as he walked up and shook Morris’ hand.
“Secretary Bennett,” said Morris, “it’s a pleasure to see you again, sir. I believe the last time we met was at the confirmation hearings for Justice Pollock.”
“Please, call me Victor,” said the Secretary. “No need to stand on ceremony here. And yes it was at Justice Pollock’s confirmation hearings. I got your report on the invasion at the Halliwell manor. And of the woman who was found there. Any idea how she got into the house?”
“We’re still investigating it. Perhaps you could give us some idea how she could have gotten past security. You did used to live there after all.”
“That was a long time ago,” said Victor. “Long before I was aware that my wife was a witch and the mother of the supposed Charmed Ones. I’m sure your security people will find out how she did it. Now, what about this Phoebe Halliwell?”
“I’ve all ready reprimanded Captain Barger for his foolishness. And I’ve made it quite clear that we are very interested in this young woman. He’s returned to the camp where she is interned to segregate her from the rest of the population. She should be isolated by the time we get there.”
“Good. As unlikely as it seems there is a possibility this woman is who she claims to be. If that’s the case we need to deal with her immediately.”
“I assume you’ll be wanting to deal with the other sisters as well,” said Morris. “You did say the only reason you kept them alive was to draw out any relatives they might have. If this Phoebe does turn out to be their sister you won’t have any use for them any longer.”
“No, we won’t. “It was a calculated risk keeping them alive. But it appears it was worth it. What of the special prisoner? You haven’t sent any reports on her so I assume the situation hasn’t changed at all.”
“No, sir, it hasn’t. She’s still secured in her special prison. She hasn’t given us any more information but then neither of us expected her to. I’ve left her to herself. I assume you’ll be wanting to speak with her.”
“Of course,” said Victor. “It’s been a while since she was last interrogated. Maybe the time alone has made her more amiable. I know she’s hiding something. Maybe she’ll be willing to talk now.”
“I’ll see about making arrangements to take us to the camp while you’re interrogating her. Just let me know when you’re ready to leave. Barger is expecting us.”
“Fine,” said Victor. “This shouldn’t take long. Somehow I don’t think she’ll be any more willing to talk than she has been in the past.”
Morris picked up his phone as Victor left the office. Victor negotiated his way through the building to an elevator at the end of a hallway. As he approached the elevator two armed security men stepped up to him.
“I’m sorry, sir,” said one of the security men, “this is a restricted area.”
Victor reached into his coat pocket and pulled out his identification. He showed it to the security guard who looked it over very carefully.
“Secretary Bennett. We’ve been expecting you, sir. Commissioner Morris has instructed us to provide you with whatever assistance you may require.”
“I want to go to sub level four,” said Victor. “And I don’t want to be disturbed for any reason.”
“Yes, sir,” said the other security guard removing a security card from his pocket. He used the card to open the elevator doors. “The code for sub level four is 0037. When you want to come back up use code 1549. If you use any other code the elevator will be automatically secured and the alert will be sounded.
”To access the security area on sub level four you’ll need the code 5221. Once inside the room the only way to get out is using the cold 9632. Once you have exited the room the security code will automatically be reset to another code so make sure you’re finished before you leave the room.”
“Understood. Thank you, lieutenant.”
The two security men stepped aside as Victor entered the elevator. Inside there was simply a keypad on the wall. Victor punched in the security code the guard had given him and the doors immediately closed and began to descend. A few moments later the elevator stopped and the doors opened onto a long hallway.
It took him less than two minutes to walk the hallway to the only room on this level. Once at the room Victor took a deep breath and then punched in the security code for the room. The door opened automatically and Victor stepped inside. The door closed automatically behind him.
Inside the room was a smaller room. It was constructed completely of a clear material and in the upper corner where each wall met the adjoining wall was a small spherical device about the size of a basketball. Inside the smaller room sat a woman with her head lying on a small desk. The inside of the smaller room was completely outfitted with every necessity a person would need to live. There appeared to be no way into the smaller room.
“It’s been a while,” said Victor. “I thought I’d stop by and say hello.”
The woman raised her head and looked at Victor. Contempt showed in her face.
“Well, Victor. I’m surprised you have the nerve to show your face. Considering everything you’ve done. I’ve told you everything I know. I don’t know what more you expect to learn from me.”
“Is that any way to talk to your husband, Patty?”
Patty Halliwell just stared at Victor with contempt in her eyes.
"One day we are going to look in our microscope and find outselves staring into God's eye. And the first one to blink is going to loose his testicles." - Peter O'Toole in "Creator"
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NoAzMale
- Self Proclaimed King of Blandness
- Posts: 927
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:22 am
THIRTEEN
“I hope this works,” said Prue. “I’m not real comfortable trusting a demon. Even a half demon.”
“It will work,” said Phoebe. “Cole always was very resourceful.”
“You sound like you know him pretty well,” said Piper.
“Yeah, I guess I do,” said Phoebe. “Or at least I did. He was different in my timeline. Even before he changed he never seemed to be as antagonistic as he is now.”
“Before he changed?” questioned Piper.
“It’s a long story,” said Phoebe. “Even though he was half demon he became good. He helped up fight demons for a while. He even helped us vanquish the Source.”
“Wait a minute,” said Prue. “You vanquished the Source?”
“Not by myself,” said Phoebe uneasily. “The Charmed Ones defeated the Source. With Cole’s help.”
“And what about Matthews?” Prue asked. “Did she help vanquish the Source?”
“Yes,” said Phoebe. “When we discovered her she didn’t have any powers. Maybe that’s why she hasn’t been identified as a witch in this timeline. She never met us so her powers are still dormant. Except for her White Lighter powers. She didn’t know she had them so she never consciously used them.”
“Sounds like things are a lot different in this altered timeline,” said Piper.
“Yeah, they are,” said Phoebe. “I still don’t see how bringing Nostradamus into the future could have changed everything so much. It just doesn’t make any sense.”
“We can try to figure that out later,” said Prue, looking around the corner of the building they were standing next to. “Turner has the security orb. It doesn’t look like any of the guards have seen him. I guess it’s time to put your plan into action.”
“Why do we need the orb anyway?” Phoebe asked.
“They monitor these damned collars,” said Phoebe. “As long as we’re within a certain distance of them they keep the collars from detonating. While the orbs are run off a central power source they also have battery backups in each one. In case there’s a power failure. The batteries will run the orbs for twenty-four hours before they run down. As long as we have one of the orbs with us when we leave the camp the collars will remain dormant. It will give us twenty-four hours to figure a way to get them off without decapitating us.”
“Okay, makes sense,” said Phoebe. “Well, no time like the present, as they say. Any idea where Aames is?”
“Yeah, he’s over there,” said Prue, pointing toward the fence. “You sure he’s going to take the bait?”
“Yeah,” said Phoebe. “He seemed real interested in me. The only reason he backed off was because Cole intervened. If Cole’s not around he’s bound to make another attempt. All we have to do is make him angry enough to come after us.”
“That should be easy,” said Piper. “Humiliate him in front of his friends and he’ll be so mad he’ll follow us anywhere to get even. Well, ‘sis’, I guess you’re up.”
Cautiously Phoebe walked out into the compound. She tried to appear nonchalant as she skirted just beyond the buildings nearest the fence. Just as she suspected Aames noticed her right off.
“Well, what do we have here?” he asked walking towards her. “Where’s your protector? You seem to be all alone.”
“I don’t want any trouble,” said Phoebe, backing away from him. It had taken longer for him to see her than she had anticipated. It was going to take longer to get back to Prue and Piper. “Just leave me alone.”
“Oh, I can’t do that. You haven’t received our initiation yet. Until you do you aren’t really a part of the community.”
Phoebe kept backing away from Aames and the two men with him. He had a smile on his face that anything but friendly. Suddenly she came to the corner of the building she was backing against. Prue and Piper would be right around the corner. In a few minutes they would put her plan into action and – hopefully – be out of the camp.
“There’s no place for you to go,” said Aames as he drew closer. “You can’t get away. Might as well just relax and enjoy it. We won’t be too rough with you.”
Suddenly Prue and Piper stepped out from the opposite corner of the building behind the two men with Aames. They were both holding chair legs as clubs. Before anyone knew they were there they had struck the two men knocking them to the ground.
Aames turned to see what had happened. Seeing his two friends on the ground and the sisters holding clubs he instinctively turned back to Phoebe. She didn’t hesitate. She jumped into the air and swung out with her foot catching him along the left side of his head. The blow knocked him to the ground, stunning him momentarily.
The sisters all turned and disappeared around the sides of the building. They moved quickly to Cole’s house. He stood in the doorway holding the door open for them. As they entered the building they looked out to see Aames and his two friends come around the side of the building after them. They all had hatred in their eyes. As Prue entered the building Cole slammed the door shut and threw a bar over it sealing it shut. He handed the security orb to Phoebe.
“It’s time to get out of here,” he said. “Join hands. Everyone has to be touching if I’m to get us all out of here. With any luck they won’t bother to look for us once this is over.”
The sisters joined hands. Cole reached out and took Phoebe by the arm with his left hand. With his right hand he reached up and grabbed the collar he was wearing. With one massive yank he pulled the collar from around his neck. He tossed the collar in the back of the room and at nearly the same instant he shimmered out of the building with the sisters in tow. They had no sooner shimmered out of the building than the detonated destroying the entire building.
“I hope this works,” said Prue. “I’m not real comfortable trusting a demon. Even a half demon.”
“It will work,” said Phoebe. “Cole always was very resourceful.”
“You sound like you know him pretty well,” said Piper.
“Yeah, I guess I do,” said Phoebe. “Or at least I did. He was different in my timeline. Even before he changed he never seemed to be as antagonistic as he is now.”
“Before he changed?” questioned Piper.
“It’s a long story,” said Phoebe. “Even though he was half demon he became good. He helped up fight demons for a while. He even helped us vanquish the Source.”
“Wait a minute,” said Prue. “You vanquished the Source?”
“Not by myself,” said Phoebe uneasily. “The Charmed Ones defeated the Source. With Cole’s help.”
“And what about Matthews?” Prue asked. “Did she help vanquish the Source?”
“Yes,” said Phoebe. “When we discovered her she didn’t have any powers. Maybe that’s why she hasn’t been identified as a witch in this timeline. She never met us so her powers are still dormant. Except for her White Lighter powers. She didn’t know she had them so she never consciously used them.”
“Sounds like things are a lot different in this altered timeline,” said Piper.
“Yeah, they are,” said Phoebe. “I still don’t see how bringing Nostradamus into the future could have changed everything so much. It just doesn’t make any sense.”
“We can try to figure that out later,” said Prue, looking around the corner of the building they were standing next to. “Turner has the security orb. It doesn’t look like any of the guards have seen him. I guess it’s time to put your plan into action.”
“Why do we need the orb anyway?” Phoebe asked.
“They monitor these damned collars,” said Phoebe. “As long as we’re within a certain distance of them they keep the collars from detonating. While the orbs are run off a central power source they also have battery backups in each one. In case there’s a power failure. The batteries will run the orbs for twenty-four hours before they run down. As long as we have one of the orbs with us when we leave the camp the collars will remain dormant. It will give us twenty-four hours to figure a way to get them off without decapitating us.”
“Okay, makes sense,” said Phoebe. “Well, no time like the present, as they say. Any idea where Aames is?”
“Yeah, he’s over there,” said Prue, pointing toward the fence. “You sure he’s going to take the bait?”
“Yeah,” said Phoebe. “He seemed real interested in me. The only reason he backed off was because Cole intervened. If Cole’s not around he’s bound to make another attempt. All we have to do is make him angry enough to come after us.”
“That should be easy,” said Piper. “Humiliate him in front of his friends and he’ll be so mad he’ll follow us anywhere to get even. Well, ‘sis’, I guess you’re up.”
Cautiously Phoebe walked out into the compound. She tried to appear nonchalant as she skirted just beyond the buildings nearest the fence. Just as she suspected Aames noticed her right off.
“Well, what do we have here?” he asked walking towards her. “Where’s your protector? You seem to be all alone.”
“I don’t want any trouble,” said Phoebe, backing away from him. It had taken longer for him to see her than she had anticipated. It was going to take longer to get back to Prue and Piper. “Just leave me alone.”
“Oh, I can’t do that. You haven’t received our initiation yet. Until you do you aren’t really a part of the community.”
Phoebe kept backing away from Aames and the two men with him. He had a smile on his face that anything but friendly. Suddenly she came to the corner of the building she was backing against. Prue and Piper would be right around the corner. In a few minutes they would put her plan into action and – hopefully – be out of the camp.
“There’s no place for you to go,” said Aames as he drew closer. “You can’t get away. Might as well just relax and enjoy it. We won’t be too rough with you.”
Suddenly Prue and Piper stepped out from the opposite corner of the building behind the two men with Aames. They were both holding chair legs as clubs. Before anyone knew they were there they had struck the two men knocking them to the ground.
Aames turned to see what had happened. Seeing his two friends on the ground and the sisters holding clubs he instinctively turned back to Phoebe. She didn’t hesitate. She jumped into the air and swung out with her foot catching him along the left side of his head. The blow knocked him to the ground, stunning him momentarily.
The sisters all turned and disappeared around the sides of the building. They moved quickly to Cole’s house. He stood in the doorway holding the door open for them. As they entered the building they looked out to see Aames and his two friends come around the side of the building after them. They all had hatred in their eyes. As Prue entered the building Cole slammed the door shut and threw a bar over it sealing it shut. He handed the security orb to Phoebe.
“It’s time to get out of here,” he said. “Join hands. Everyone has to be touching if I’m to get us all out of here. With any luck they won’t bother to look for us once this is over.”
The sisters joined hands. Cole reached out and took Phoebe by the arm with his left hand. With his right hand he reached up and grabbed the collar he was wearing. With one massive yank he pulled the collar from around his neck. He tossed the collar in the back of the room and at nearly the same instant he shimmered out of the building with the sisters in tow. They had no sooner shimmered out of the building than the detonated destroying the entire building.
"One day we are going to look in our microscope and find outselves staring into God's eye. And the first one to blink is going to loose his testicles." - Peter O'Toole in "Creator"
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NoAzMale
- Self Proclaimed King of Blandness
- Posts: 927
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:22 am
FOURTEEN
“What the hell happened?” Andy demanded as he watched the building burn.
“We aren’t sure, sir,” said one of the guards. “Witnesses said that several of the residents got into some kind of altercation. Three of them ran into that building and several moments later the building exploded.”
“What kind of altercation?” Andy demanded.
“Three males approached a female,” said the guard. “Two other females stepped in and there was a fight. The three women ran into that building just before it exploded.”
“We have a full accounting,” said a guard walking up to Andy and Barger. “The only ones unaccounted for are the Halliwell sisters, the new girl whose only identity we have right now is Phoebe Halliwell, and a Cole Turner.”
“The building that exploded was Turner’s home,” said the first guard. “He preferred to stay to himself most of the time. He rarely left his house except to get his meals.”
“So he was in there when the house exploded?” Andy questioned.
“It appears that way, sir,” said the second guard. “Neither he nor the women are anywhere in the camp. They couldn’t have gotten out of the camp. They probably died when the building blew up.”
“One of the collars was probably damaged in the fight,” said Barger. “That would have caused it to detonate. If they were all standing close enough to each other it could have caused the other collars to detonate as well. We’ll be lucky to find anything left of them.”
“Lock down the camp,” Andy ordered. “Get that fire out and I want the entire structure searched thoroughly. I want to know for sure they were in there when that building exploded.”
“Sir,” said the first guard, “more than likely their bodies were completely destroyed in the explosion. I doubt there will be anything left to find.”
“Search it anyway,” said Andy, his temper flaring. “Until we find bodies or portions of bodies we’ll go under the assumption they are still alive. And don’t stop until you have something to report.”
“Yes, sir,” said the guard.
“Come on,” Andy said to Barger. “The commissioner and the secretary will be here soon. And I don’t think they’re going to be happy with the report I’m going to have for them.”
Without another word Andy turned and headed back to his office. Barger followed close behind.
* * *
“What is this place?” Phoebe asked as she looked around the cabin they were in.
“It’s a place I’ve had for a while,” said Cole. “It used to belong to my father. I use it sometimes when I want to be alone. It’s located in the Rocky Mountains far away from any other people.”
He opened the door and walked outside. The girls followed him. Just a few yards from the front door was a precipice that dropped off several hundred feet below. The view of the mountains from this vantage point was breathtaking.
“I see why you like it up here,” said Piper. “It’s beautiful. What about water and electricity?”
“There’s a well in the back of the cabin and a generator in a small outbuilding behind the cabin. And there’s enough food to last about two months. Longer if you ration it. I like to keep it well stocked since I never know how long I may have to stay here.”
“What about the satellites?” Prue asked. “They’re supposed to be able to detect supernatural beings anywhere on the planet.”
“Their orbits rarely take them over this part of the mountains,” said Cole. “This area is largely uninhabited so the authorities don’t consider it a high priority. I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Now, we need to see about getting those collars off you.”
“And just how do you plan to do that?” Prue asked.
Cole didn’t say a word. He simply reached up and grabbed the collar around Phoebe’s neck. With his demonic strength he easily pulled the collar off her as he had his own in the camp. In one swift motion he yanked the collar off her neck and cast it over the side of the precipice. It sailed over the edge of the cliff and fell several feet below before suddenly exploding. However, it was far enough away that it was no threat to the four. He did the same with Prue and Piper’s collars and they all stood there free of the instruments of death they had been wearing.
“It takes a few seconds for the detonator to kick in,” said Cole. “Long enough to get the collars far enough away so we didn’t have to worry about them. And without the collars you should have your powers back. Although I don’t know what good it will do you.”
“Why?” Prue asked.
“Why what?” Cole asked.
“Why did you remove the collars for us?”
“We had a deal. We work together to get out of that camp. The collars were part of that camp so until the collars were removed our bargain wasn’t complete. You kept your end of the bargain. So I kept mine.”
“An honorable demon?” questioned Piper. “Not exactly something we’re used to.”
“He’s not your typical demon,” said Phoebe. “He belongs to the Brotherhood of the Thorn. They have a very strict code of honor they live by. I guess that much is still true.”
“You shouldn’t know about that,” said Cole. “No one outside of demonic circles knows about that. How did you get this information?”
“I told you,” said Phoebe, “we were married. I know a lot about you.”
“You mean what she said is true?” Piper asked.
“Yes, it is,” said Cole. “Including the code of honor. We had a deal. As long as you honored your end of it I was honor bound to hold up my end of it. But that doesn’t make us friends. Now that we’re out of that camp we go our separate ways.”
“Wait a minute,” said Prue. “You can’t just leave us here. We could die before we get out of these mountains. We can’t shimmer like you can.”
“That wasn’t our deal,” said Cole. “Our deal was we work together to get out of that camp. We’ve completed that deal. I’m under no obligation to do anything more.”
“So you’re just going to leave us here?” Piper asked.
“You’ll make it out okay,” said Cole. “You’re the Charmed Ones. With your power you should find it easy to get out of these mountains. If you don’t, it’s not my problem.”
“So much your so-called ‘code of honor’,” said Prue.
“Listen, witch,” said Cole. “I kept my word. I got us out of that camp. And I got those collars off you. Something you couldn’t have done yourself. And it’s only my interpretation of ‘getting you out of the camp’ that had me remove the collars in the first place. Someone else probably wouldn’t have done that much. So if you think I’m being unfair just get over it. You’ve got more of a chance now than you had an hour ago. I’d think you’d be appreciative for that at least.”
Suddenly Cole shimmered and was gone leaving the sisters alone on the mountaintop.
“What the hell happened?” Andy demanded as he watched the building burn.
“We aren’t sure, sir,” said one of the guards. “Witnesses said that several of the residents got into some kind of altercation. Three of them ran into that building and several moments later the building exploded.”
“What kind of altercation?” Andy demanded.
“Three males approached a female,” said the guard. “Two other females stepped in and there was a fight. The three women ran into that building just before it exploded.”
“We have a full accounting,” said a guard walking up to Andy and Barger. “The only ones unaccounted for are the Halliwell sisters, the new girl whose only identity we have right now is Phoebe Halliwell, and a Cole Turner.”
“The building that exploded was Turner’s home,” said the first guard. “He preferred to stay to himself most of the time. He rarely left his house except to get his meals.”
“So he was in there when the house exploded?” Andy questioned.
“It appears that way, sir,” said the second guard. “Neither he nor the women are anywhere in the camp. They couldn’t have gotten out of the camp. They probably died when the building blew up.”
“One of the collars was probably damaged in the fight,” said Barger. “That would have caused it to detonate. If they were all standing close enough to each other it could have caused the other collars to detonate as well. We’ll be lucky to find anything left of them.”
“Lock down the camp,” Andy ordered. “Get that fire out and I want the entire structure searched thoroughly. I want to know for sure they were in there when that building exploded.”
“Sir,” said the first guard, “more than likely their bodies were completely destroyed in the explosion. I doubt there will be anything left to find.”
“Search it anyway,” said Andy, his temper flaring. “Until we find bodies or portions of bodies we’ll go under the assumption they are still alive. And don’t stop until you have something to report.”
“Yes, sir,” said the guard.
“Come on,” Andy said to Barger. “The commissioner and the secretary will be here soon. And I don’t think they’re going to be happy with the report I’m going to have for them.”
Without another word Andy turned and headed back to his office. Barger followed close behind.
* * *
“What is this place?” Phoebe asked as she looked around the cabin they were in.
“It’s a place I’ve had for a while,” said Cole. “It used to belong to my father. I use it sometimes when I want to be alone. It’s located in the Rocky Mountains far away from any other people.”
He opened the door and walked outside. The girls followed him. Just a few yards from the front door was a precipice that dropped off several hundred feet below. The view of the mountains from this vantage point was breathtaking.
“I see why you like it up here,” said Piper. “It’s beautiful. What about water and electricity?”
“There’s a well in the back of the cabin and a generator in a small outbuilding behind the cabin. And there’s enough food to last about two months. Longer if you ration it. I like to keep it well stocked since I never know how long I may have to stay here.”
“What about the satellites?” Prue asked. “They’re supposed to be able to detect supernatural beings anywhere on the planet.”
“Their orbits rarely take them over this part of the mountains,” said Cole. “This area is largely uninhabited so the authorities don’t consider it a high priority. I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Now, we need to see about getting those collars off you.”
“And just how do you plan to do that?” Prue asked.
Cole didn’t say a word. He simply reached up and grabbed the collar around Phoebe’s neck. With his demonic strength he easily pulled the collar off her as he had his own in the camp. In one swift motion he yanked the collar off her neck and cast it over the side of the precipice. It sailed over the edge of the cliff and fell several feet below before suddenly exploding. However, it was far enough away that it was no threat to the four. He did the same with Prue and Piper’s collars and they all stood there free of the instruments of death they had been wearing.
“It takes a few seconds for the detonator to kick in,” said Cole. “Long enough to get the collars far enough away so we didn’t have to worry about them. And without the collars you should have your powers back. Although I don’t know what good it will do you.”
“Why?” Prue asked.
“Why what?” Cole asked.
“Why did you remove the collars for us?”
“We had a deal. We work together to get out of that camp. The collars were part of that camp so until the collars were removed our bargain wasn’t complete. You kept your end of the bargain. So I kept mine.”
“An honorable demon?” questioned Piper. “Not exactly something we’re used to.”
“He’s not your typical demon,” said Phoebe. “He belongs to the Brotherhood of the Thorn. They have a very strict code of honor they live by. I guess that much is still true.”
“You shouldn’t know about that,” said Cole. “No one outside of demonic circles knows about that. How did you get this information?”
“I told you,” said Phoebe, “we were married. I know a lot about you.”
“You mean what she said is true?” Piper asked.
“Yes, it is,” said Cole. “Including the code of honor. We had a deal. As long as you honored your end of it I was honor bound to hold up my end of it. But that doesn’t make us friends. Now that we’re out of that camp we go our separate ways.”
“Wait a minute,” said Prue. “You can’t just leave us here. We could die before we get out of these mountains. We can’t shimmer like you can.”
“That wasn’t our deal,” said Cole. “Our deal was we work together to get out of that camp. We’ve completed that deal. I’m under no obligation to do anything more.”
“So you’re just going to leave us here?” Piper asked.
“You’ll make it out okay,” said Cole. “You’re the Charmed Ones. With your power you should find it easy to get out of these mountains. If you don’t, it’s not my problem.”
“So much your so-called ‘code of honor’,” said Prue.
“Listen, witch,” said Cole. “I kept my word. I got us out of that camp. And I got those collars off you. Something you couldn’t have done yourself. And it’s only my interpretation of ‘getting you out of the camp’ that had me remove the collars in the first place. Someone else probably wouldn’t have done that much. So if you think I’m being unfair just get over it. You’ve got more of a chance now than you had an hour ago. I’d think you’d be appreciative for that at least.”
Suddenly Cole shimmered and was gone leaving the sisters alone on the mountaintop.
"One day we are going to look in our microscope and find outselves staring into God's eye. And the first one to blink is going to loose his testicles." - Peter O'Toole in "Creator"
-
NoAzMale
- Self Proclaimed King of Blandness
- Posts: 927
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:22 am
FIFTEEN
“It’s good to see you again, Andy,” said Morris when he and Victor had arrived at the camp. “It’s been a long time. You remember Secretary Bennett.”
“Yes, I do,” said Andy shaking hands with Victor. “A pleasure to meet you again, sir.”
“I wish it were under better circumstances,” said Victor. “Your communiqué said the explosion happened about an hour ago?”
“Yes, sir,” said Andy. “We aren’t sure exactly what happened. It seems some of the residents got involved in an altercation of some kind. A few minutes later several of them entered one of the buildings and it exploded moments later.”
“Any idea what caused the explosion?” Morris asked.
“We found the remains of a collar in the debris,” said Andy. “We’ve identified it as the collar belonging to a Cole Turner. It was also his home that exploded. The best we can figure out is for some reason he removed the collar which caused the explosion.”
“What about remains?” Victor asked.
“We didn’t find any remains in the rubble,” said Andy. “Not even the collars of the three women who entered the building. It appears, Mr. Secretary, that four witches have escaped this compound although I am at a loss to explain how. We’ve also discovered one of the security orbs missing. We think they may have taken it with them to keep the women’s security collars from exploding. But as to how they got out of the camp, we’re still investigating that.”
“I don’t understand,” said Morris. “The collars should have prevented them from using their powers. How could they have possibly gotten out of the camp?”
“If Turner removed his collar he might have been able to do it,” said Andy. “We don’t really know that much about him. He was one of the first interned here. When he was first captured he freely confessed to being a witch. According to the records he claimed his power was the ability to alter his form. At the time there was no reason to doubt him.”
“Altering one’s form is a far cry from vanishing from this camp,” said Victor.
“I think it’s quite possible there was more to Mr. Turner than we originally thought,” said Andy. “According to the report the collar we found was torn in two. It would take massive strength to do that. Supernatural strength. I’ve all ready issued a priority two alert for their capture. It’s only a matter of time before they’re identified and recaptured, sir.”
“Perhaps not as soon as you think, Commandant,” said Victor. “While Darryl and I were flying here I also received a communiqué from our genetics lab in Virginia. They completed their tests on the DNA sample collected from the Phoebe Halliwell. The results are disturbing. According to the tests, this woman is related to Prue and Piper Halliwell within no more than two generations and most likely within one. Which means her claim to be their sister seems to be true.”
“That’s impossible,” said Andy. “I’ve seen the reports. There were only two Halliwell offspring.”
“Andy,” said Morris, “the reports you’ve read are the abridged versions. To be perfectly honest we aren’t sure if there was a third child or not. All indications are that only two were born but we aren’t really sure.”
“As I’m sure you’re aware,” said Victor, “it was my wife who was the mother of the Charmed Ones. It’s one of the reasons the President nominated me for the position as Secretary of Homeland Security. I have a unique perspective regarding witches. My wife and I broke up in March of 1976. She wasn’t killed until February of 1978. She claims she had not other children after Piper was born but we really have no way to prove that.”
“Claims?” questioned Andy. “I understood that she was killed resisting arrest.”
“That’s the story that was put out,” said Morris. “The truth is she was only wounded. She was taken to a secure location where she’s been held ever since.”
“And she’s being kept alive because?” questioned Andy.
“Initially it was to get information from her,” said Victor. “It wasn’t easy to get information from her but over the years we’ve been able to glean information from her. It’s help in our fight against the witches and other supernatural creatures that plague mankind.”
“I see,” said Andy. “Sir, if Phoebe Halliwell is their sister then the Power of Three is free. Once they figure out how to get those collars off there won’t be anything to stop them. And they will figure a way to get the collars off. Prue, especially, is very resourceful. If anyone can figure a way to get them off she can.”
“You sound like you know her quite well,” said Victor.
“We dated in high school,” said Andy. “I used to live next door to you, if you’ll remember. I think it was one of the reasons Captain Barger assigned them to my camp. I’m more familiar with them than just about anyone else, present company excluded, of course.”
“You won’t have to worry about Barger any longer,” said Morris. “He’s been officially relieved of his position because of this debacle. If he had been more efficient we wouldn’t be in this position.”
“I assume I’m to be relieved as well,” said Andy.
“Why do you think that?” Victor asked.
“Four witches did escape from my camp,” said Andy, “including the three Charmed Ones. As commandant anything that happens here is my responsibility.”
“That’s true,” said Victor. “But you had no way of knowing about Phoebe. And your record speaks for itself, Commandant. Besides, as you said, besides me you probably know more about them than anyone. And it’s possible you know things about them even I don’t know. I wasn’t a father to them for very long. Your help in finding them may prove invaluable.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Andy. “I appreciate the confidence.”
“What we need to do now, Andy,” said Morris, “is try to figure out what they’ll do next. Now that they’re free of the camp we need to figure out where they’ll go and what they’ll do. And we could really use your input on that.”
“I’ll help in any way I can,” said Andy.
“First,” said Victor, “I think we need to raise the alert on them to a priority 1. I’ll need to inform the President of these developments. For now I think we need to keep this private, though. No sense in alarming the public unnecessarily. But we will be putting certain contingency protocols into place. Commissioner Morris will fill you in on what they are. As of right now finding those three women is the top priority for the intelligence community. Anything you can help us with will be greatly appreciated.”
“I’ll do my best, sir,” said Andy.
“I’m sure you will, Commandant,” said Victor. “Now, I need to be getting to Washington. Darryl, fill Andy in on everything he needs to know. And let’s hope, gentlemen, that we can resolve this matter within a matter of hours.”
Andy escorted Victor out to his vehicle so that he could return to the airport and his flight to Washington. Somehow he felt that it would be longer than a few hours before this mess was cleaned up.
* * *
“What do we do now?” Prue asked, looking around the mountains. “There’s no telling how far away the nearest town is. And I’m not sure we could go there anyway. Someone might recognize us and we’d just end up back in that camp. Or worse.”
“What happened to the Book of Shadows?” Phoebe asked.
“How do you know about that?” Piper asked. “We never told anyone about the Book of Shadows.”
“Because I’m your sister,” said Phoebe. “We used to use the Book of Shadows to vanquish demons. Is it still at the manor?”
“We don’t know,” said Prue. “Once we were arrested they isolated us from everyone else. When we got to the camp we were effectively cut off from the outside. We never did learn what happened to it and we weren’t about to ask in case they didn’t know about it.”
“The last I saw it was still in the attic,” said Phoebe. “But with all these changes there’s no guarantee it’s still there. We need to find it so we can try to figure out what’s going on and find some way to change it.”
“You’re still claiming you cast a spell that altered the past?” Piper questioned.
“I don’t know exactly what happened,” said Phoebe. “Like I told you, I cast a spell to see if I could figure out why I haven’t been having any premonitions lately and then everything changed. The only thing I can think of is that bringing Nostradamus to the future has somehow changed the past.”
“Which, as we all know, is not possible,” said Prue. “You can’t change the past.”
“Well, something has changed,” said Phoebe. “Maybe the Book of Shadows can help us figure out what.”
“Well, now, that’s the problem, isn’t it?” questioned Prue. “Getting out of here. Right now we have no way to do that, do we?”
“Maybe we do,” said Phoebe. “It’s a long shot in this timeline but it’s still possible. The least we can do is give it a try.”
“Give what a try?” Phoebe questioned.
“If it works, you’ll see,” said Phoebe.
“It’s good to see you again, Andy,” said Morris when he and Victor had arrived at the camp. “It’s been a long time. You remember Secretary Bennett.”
“Yes, I do,” said Andy shaking hands with Victor. “A pleasure to meet you again, sir.”
“I wish it were under better circumstances,” said Victor. “Your communiqué said the explosion happened about an hour ago?”
“Yes, sir,” said Andy. “We aren’t sure exactly what happened. It seems some of the residents got involved in an altercation of some kind. A few minutes later several of them entered one of the buildings and it exploded moments later.”
“Any idea what caused the explosion?” Morris asked.
“We found the remains of a collar in the debris,” said Andy. “We’ve identified it as the collar belonging to a Cole Turner. It was also his home that exploded. The best we can figure out is for some reason he removed the collar which caused the explosion.”
“What about remains?” Victor asked.
“We didn’t find any remains in the rubble,” said Andy. “Not even the collars of the three women who entered the building. It appears, Mr. Secretary, that four witches have escaped this compound although I am at a loss to explain how. We’ve also discovered one of the security orbs missing. We think they may have taken it with them to keep the women’s security collars from exploding. But as to how they got out of the camp, we’re still investigating that.”
“I don’t understand,” said Morris. “The collars should have prevented them from using their powers. How could they have possibly gotten out of the camp?”
“If Turner removed his collar he might have been able to do it,” said Andy. “We don’t really know that much about him. He was one of the first interned here. When he was first captured he freely confessed to being a witch. According to the records he claimed his power was the ability to alter his form. At the time there was no reason to doubt him.”
“Altering one’s form is a far cry from vanishing from this camp,” said Victor.
“I think it’s quite possible there was more to Mr. Turner than we originally thought,” said Andy. “According to the report the collar we found was torn in two. It would take massive strength to do that. Supernatural strength. I’ve all ready issued a priority two alert for their capture. It’s only a matter of time before they’re identified and recaptured, sir.”
“Perhaps not as soon as you think, Commandant,” said Victor. “While Darryl and I were flying here I also received a communiqué from our genetics lab in Virginia. They completed their tests on the DNA sample collected from the Phoebe Halliwell. The results are disturbing. According to the tests, this woman is related to Prue and Piper Halliwell within no more than two generations and most likely within one. Which means her claim to be their sister seems to be true.”
“That’s impossible,” said Andy. “I’ve seen the reports. There were only two Halliwell offspring.”
“Andy,” said Morris, “the reports you’ve read are the abridged versions. To be perfectly honest we aren’t sure if there was a third child or not. All indications are that only two were born but we aren’t really sure.”
“As I’m sure you’re aware,” said Victor, “it was my wife who was the mother of the Charmed Ones. It’s one of the reasons the President nominated me for the position as Secretary of Homeland Security. I have a unique perspective regarding witches. My wife and I broke up in March of 1976. She wasn’t killed until February of 1978. She claims she had not other children after Piper was born but we really have no way to prove that.”
“Claims?” questioned Andy. “I understood that she was killed resisting arrest.”
“That’s the story that was put out,” said Morris. “The truth is she was only wounded. She was taken to a secure location where she’s been held ever since.”
“And she’s being kept alive because?” questioned Andy.
“Initially it was to get information from her,” said Victor. “It wasn’t easy to get information from her but over the years we’ve been able to glean information from her. It’s help in our fight against the witches and other supernatural creatures that plague mankind.”
“I see,” said Andy. “Sir, if Phoebe Halliwell is their sister then the Power of Three is free. Once they figure out how to get those collars off there won’t be anything to stop them. And they will figure a way to get the collars off. Prue, especially, is very resourceful. If anyone can figure a way to get them off she can.”
“You sound like you know her quite well,” said Victor.
“We dated in high school,” said Andy. “I used to live next door to you, if you’ll remember. I think it was one of the reasons Captain Barger assigned them to my camp. I’m more familiar with them than just about anyone else, present company excluded, of course.”
“You won’t have to worry about Barger any longer,” said Morris. “He’s been officially relieved of his position because of this debacle. If he had been more efficient we wouldn’t be in this position.”
“I assume I’m to be relieved as well,” said Andy.
“Why do you think that?” Victor asked.
“Four witches did escape from my camp,” said Andy, “including the three Charmed Ones. As commandant anything that happens here is my responsibility.”
“That’s true,” said Victor. “But you had no way of knowing about Phoebe. And your record speaks for itself, Commandant. Besides, as you said, besides me you probably know more about them than anyone. And it’s possible you know things about them even I don’t know. I wasn’t a father to them for very long. Your help in finding them may prove invaluable.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Andy. “I appreciate the confidence.”
“What we need to do now, Andy,” said Morris, “is try to figure out what they’ll do next. Now that they’re free of the camp we need to figure out where they’ll go and what they’ll do. And we could really use your input on that.”
“I’ll help in any way I can,” said Andy.
“First,” said Victor, “I think we need to raise the alert on them to a priority 1. I’ll need to inform the President of these developments. For now I think we need to keep this private, though. No sense in alarming the public unnecessarily. But we will be putting certain contingency protocols into place. Commissioner Morris will fill you in on what they are. As of right now finding those three women is the top priority for the intelligence community. Anything you can help us with will be greatly appreciated.”
“I’ll do my best, sir,” said Andy.
“I’m sure you will, Commandant,” said Victor. “Now, I need to be getting to Washington. Darryl, fill Andy in on everything he needs to know. And let’s hope, gentlemen, that we can resolve this matter within a matter of hours.”
Andy escorted Victor out to his vehicle so that he could return to the airport and his flight to Washington. Somehow he felt that it would be longer than a few hours before this mess was cleaned up.
* * *
“What do we do now?” Prue asked, looking around the mountains. “There’s no telling how far away the nearest town is. And I’m not sure we could go there anyway. Someone might recognize us and we’d just end up back in that camp. Or worse.”
“What happened to the Book of Shadows?” Phoebe asked.
“How do you know about that?” Piper asked. “We never told anyone about the Book of Shadows.”
“Because I’m your sister,” said Phoebe. “We used to use the Book of Shadows to vanquish demons. Is it still at the manor?”
“We don’t know,” said Prue. “Once we were arrested they isolated us from everyone else. When we got to the camp we were effectively cut off from the outside. We never did learn what happened to it and we weren’t about to ask in case they didn’t know about it.”
“The last I saw it was still in the attic,” said Phoebe. “But with all these changes there’s no guarantee it’s still there. We need to find it so we can try to figure out what’s going on and find some way to change it.”
“You’re still claiming you cast a spell that altered the past?” Piper questioned.
“I don’t know exactly what happened,” said Phoebe. “Like I told you, I cast a spell to see if I could figure out why I haven’t been having any premonitions lately and then everything changed. The only thing I can think of is that bringing Nostradamus to the future has somehow changed the past.”
“Which, as we all know, is not possible,” said Prue. “You can’t change the past.”
“Well, something has changed,” said Phoebe. “Maybe the Book of Shadows can help us figure out what.”
“Well, now, that’s the problem, isn’t it?” questioned Prue. “Getting out of here. Right now we have no way to do that, do we?”
“Maybe we do,” said Phoebe. “It’s a long shot in this timeline but it’s still possible. The least we can do is give it a try.”
“Give what a try?” Phoebe questioned.
“If it works, you’ll see,” said Phoebe.
"One day we are going to look in our microscope and find outselves staring into God's eye. And the first one to blink is going to loose his testicles." - Peter O'Toole in "Creator"
-
NoAzMale
- Self Proclaimed King of Blandness
- Posts: 927
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:22 am
SIXTEEN
Cole moved through the caverns of the underworld. It had been a very long time since he had been here but he still knew the pathways quite well. He knew precisely where he was heading. He suddenly came to a cavern that was flanked by two demons. He stepped up to them drawing himself to his full height.
“Belthazor?” Questioned one of the demons. “Welcome back, brother. It has been many years since I saw you last. I felt sure you had been vanquished.”
“Hello, Baldasor,” said Cole. “It’s a long story. But I’m back now. And I need to speak to the Source. I have news that he’ll want to hear.”
“Wait here,” said Baldasor. “I’ll announce you. I’m sure he’ll want to see you. He has often spoken about missing you and your efficiency.”
Cole waited outside the chamber for several moments while Baldasor went inside. It took only a minute before Baldasor returned.
“He says to go right in,” said Baldasor.
“Thanks,” said Cole. “We’ll have to catch up later. There’s a lot I have to tell you. And you can catch me up on what’s been going on in the underworld during my absence.”
Baldasor just smiled as Cole entered the chamber. The source stood in the back of the chamber the hood to his robes drawn to hide his face. A face that had been maimed in his bid to take over the underworld.
“Belthazor,” said the Source, walking over to Cole, “I thought you vanquished. It has been many years since anyone has heard from you.”
“I’ve been in one of the humans internment camps for witches,” said Cole. “I wasn’t able to make my escape until now. But I have news that I’m sure you’ll be interested in. News that may help us once again walk among humans undetected.”
“How is that possible?” the Source asked. “Their technology can identify us on sight. Many demons have all ready been vanquished. How can we possibly walk among them undetected?”
“I need to see Tempus,” said Cole. “If what I’ve learned is true then all that’s going on is not supposed to be happening. It’s supposed to be a very different timeline. If that’s true, we may be able to put things back the way they're supposed to be.”
“Interesting,” said the Source. “And what makes you think the timeline has been altered?”
“I’ve met a young woman who claims to be the third Charmed One,” said Cole.
“Charmed One?” hissed the Source. “Are you serious. Aren’t you aware of the prophecies? The Charmed ones are our bane. The most powerful witches in history. Do you have any idea what they can do to the underworld?”
“Yes,” said Cole. “But if I’m right, we should be able to change the way things are and still do away with the Charmed Ones. The best of both worlds, as the old saying goes. A world where humans have no knowledge of us and without the Charmed Ones to deal with.”
The Source just smiled. It had been a long time since he had been able to send a demon to the mortal real without fear they would be discovered. And Belthazor had always been a resourceful and efficient subordinate. Quickly he moved to the opening to the cavern.
“Baldasor. Have Tempus come here immediately.”
“As you wish, Source,” said the demon, bowing slightly. He shimmered and was gone.
“Now,” said the Source, “what is this plan of yours? One that will return us to our rightful place of power?”
* * *
“Leo,” Phoebe called into the air. “Leo, we could really use your help right now.”
Nothing happened. Phoebe waited patiently for the White Lighter to orb in but the girls remained alone in the cabin.
“Who’s Leo?” Piper asked.
“A very good friend,” said Phoebe. “Leo, I know you can hear me. We need you down her right now.”
Prue and Piper just stared in amazement as Leo suddenly orbed into the cabin. He looked around furtively to make sure they were alone.
“A White Lighter?” Prue questioned. “Grams told me about White Lighters but I’ve never seen one before.”
“Leo’s our White Lighter,” said Phoebe. “At least he used to be. If anyone can help us he can.”
“Who are you?” Leo asked Phoebe. “How do you know me?”
“Because I’m one of your charges,” said Phoebe. “Or I used to be. Everything has changed so much I can’t be sure any longer. But you heard me so I must still be one of your charges. I believe you all ready know Prue and Piper.”
“How does he know us?” Prue asked.
“He’s been watching over us all of our lives,” said Phoebe. “That’s his job.”
“I don’t remember meeting you before,” Leo said. “How could you know so much about me?”
“It’s kind of a long story, brother-in-law,” said Phoebe.
“Brother-in-law?” questioned Leo. “That doesn’t make any sense. I’m not married. And I have no siblings.”
“Yeah, well that’s part of the story,” said Phoebe. “Sit down. I have lot to fill you in on.”
“It’s dangerous,” said Leo. “The satellite system in orbit can detect us at any moment. We can’t stay in one place too long.”
“Well, if our information is correct,” said Piper, “we’re safe here for a while. And if what Phoebe tells us is true, this may all be wrong, anyway.”
“Phoebe?” questioned Leo. “Phoebe Halliwell?”
“That’s me,” said Phoebe.
“That’s impossible,” said Leo. “Phoebe Halliwell was stillborn.”
“You mean mom really did have a third daughter?” Prue questioned.
“Yes,” said Leo. “In November of 1975. But like I said, the baby was stillborn.”
“Actually,” said Phoebe, “that’s what happened in this timeline. It’s not what really happened.”
“I don’t understand,” said Leo.
“Just have a seat and I’ll explain it all to you,” said Phoebe.
* * *
“That’s incredible,” said Leo when Phoebe had finished telling him the story. “Not to mention completely unbelievable. If what you’ve just told me is true then you must know it can’t possibly be true. You can’t change the past.”
“Cole said we may not be able to change the past but it is possible to change someone else’s future,” said Phoebe. “I don’t understand it all and I know we can’t change the past. But something has happened to cause everything to change so much.”
“I just can’t accept that,” said Leo. “There’s no indication that things are supposed to be any different from the way they are.”
“So you think I’m delusional?” Phoebe questioned.
“I don’t know what to think,” said Leo. “I only know you can’t change the past. Whatever has happened to cause you to believe the past has changed I can assure you everything is exactly as it’s supposed to be.”
“Then how do you explain how I know so much about you?” Phoebe asked. “About the Elders and everything else?”
“I can’t,” said Leo. “But I do know the Elders would never allow a White Lighter and a witch to get married. Especially not one of his charges. It’s just not possible.”
“You might want to listen to her, White Lighter,” said a voice from the front door of the cabin. “If only a part of what she’s told you is true then things could be totally different from what we’ve all become used to.”
They all turned to see Cole standing in the doorway.
“What are you doing here?” Prue demanded. “I thought you didn’t want any more contact with us?”
“Situations changes,” said Cole. Suddenly half a dozen demons shimmered into the cabin surrounding Leo and the girls. “And if Phoebe’s telling the truth then it’s in our best interest to try and figure out what happened and how to put things right again.”
They all just looked at the demons expecting that they’d be fighting for their lives at any moment.
Cole moved through the caverns of the underworld. It had been a very long time since he had been here but he still knew the pathways quite well. He knew precisely where he was heading. He suddenly came to a cavern that was flanked by two demons. He stepped up to them drawing himself to his full height.
“Belthazor?” Questioned one of the demons. “Welcome back, brother. It has been many years since I saw you last. I felt sure you had been vanquished.”
“Hello, Baldasor,” said Cole. “It’s a long story. But I’m back now. And I need to speak to the Source. I have news that he’ll want to hear.”
“Wait here,” said Baldasor. “I’ll announce you. I’m sure he’ll want to see you. He has often spoken about missing you and your efficiency.”
Cole waited outside the chamber for several moments while Baldasor went inside. It took only a minute before Baldasor returned.
“He says to go right in,” said Baldasor.
“Thanks,” said Cole. “We’ll have to catch up later. There’s a lot I have to tell you. And you can catch me up on what’s been going on in the underworld during my absence.”
Baldasor just smiled as Cole entered the chamber. The source stood in the back of the chamber the hood to his robes drawn to hide his face. A face that had been maimed in his bid to take over the underworld.
“Belthazor,” said the Source, walking over to Cole, “I thought you vanquished. It has been many years since anyone has heard from you.”
“I’ve been in one of the humans internment camps for witches,” said Cole. “I wasn’t able to make my escape until now. But I have news that I’m sure you’ll be interested in. News that may help us once again walk among humans undetected.”
“How is that possible?” the Source asked. “Their technology can identify us on sight. Many demons have all ready been vanquished. How can we possibly walk among them undetected?”
“I need to see Tempus,” said Cole. “If what I’ve learned is true then all that’s going on is not supposed to be happening. It’s supposed to be a very different timeline. If that’s true, we may be able to put things back the way they're supposed to be.”
“Interesting,” said the Source. “And what makes you think the timeline has been altered?”
“I’ve met a young woman who claims to be the third Charmed One,” said Cole.
“Charmed One?” hissed the Source. “Are you serious. Aren’t you aware of the prophecies? The Charmed ones are our bane. The most powerful witches in history. Do you have any idea what they can do to the underworld?”
“Yes,” said Cole. “But if I’m right, we should be able to change the way things are and still do away with the Charmed Ones. The best of both worlds, as the old saying goes. A world where humans have no knowledge of us and without the Charmed Ones to deal with.”
The Source just smiled. It had been a long time since he had been able to send a demon to the mortal real without fear they would be discovered. And Belthazor had always been a resourceful and efficient subordinate. Quickly he moved to the opening to the cavern.
“Baldasor. Have Tempus come here immediately.”
“As you wish, Source,” said the demon, bowing slightly. He shimmered and was gone.
“Now,” said the Source, “what is this plan of yours? One that will return us to our rightful place of power?”
* * *
“Leo,” Phoebe called into the air. “Leo, we could really use your help right now.”
Nothing happened. Phoebe waited patiently for the White Lighter to orb in but the girls remained alone in the cabin.
“Who’s Leo?” Piper asked.
“A very good friend,” said Phoebe. “Leo, I know you can hear me. We need you down her right now.”
Prue and Piper just stared in amazement as Leo suddenly orbed into the cabin. He looked around furtively to make sure they were alone.
“A White Lighter?” Prue questioned. “Grams told me about White Lighters but I’ve never seen one before.”
“Leo’s our White Lighter,” said Phoebe. “At least he used to be. If anyone can help us he can.”
“Who are you?” Leo asked Phoebe. “How do you know me?”
“Because I’m one of your charges,” said Phoebe. “Or I used to be. Everything has changed so much I can’t be sure any longer. But you heard me so I must still be one of your charges. I believe you all ready know Prue and Piper.”
“How does he know us?” Prue asked.
“He’s been watching over us all of our lives,” said Phoebe. “That’s his job.”
“I don’t remember meeting you before,” Leo said. “How could you know so much about me?”
“It’s kind of a long story, brother-in-law,” said Phoebe.
“Brother-in-law?” questioned Leo. “That doesn’t make any sense. I’m not married. And I have no siblings.”
“Yeah, well that’s part of the story,” said Phoebe. “Sit down. I have lot to fill you in on.”
“It’s dangerous,” said Leo. “The satellite system in orbit can detect us at any moment. We can’t stay in one place too long.”
“Well, if our information is correct,” said Piper, “we’re safe here for a while. And if what Phoebe tells us is true, this may all be wrong, anyway.”
“Phoebe?” questioned Leo. “Phoebe Halliwell?”
“That’s me,” said Phoebe.
“That’s impossible,” said Leo. “Phoebe Halliwell was stillborn.”
“You mean mom really did have a third daughter?” Prue questioned.
“Yes,” said Leo. “In November of 1975. But like I said, the baby was stillborn.”
“Actually,” said Phoebe, “that’s what happened in this timeline. It’s not what really happened.”
“I don’t understand,” said Leo.
“Just have a seat and I’ll explain it all to you,” said Phoebe.
* * *
“That’s incredible,” said Leo when Phoebe had finished telling him the story. “Not to mention completely unbelievable. If what you’ve just told me is true then you must know it can’t possibly be true. You can’t change the past.”
“Cole said we may not be able to change the past but it is possible to change someone else’s future,” said Phoebe. “I don’t understand it all and I know we can’t change the past. But something has happened to cause everything to change so much.”
“I just can’t accept that,” said Leo. “There’s no indication that things are supposed to be any different from the way they are.”
“So you think I’m delusional?” Phoebe questioned.
“I don’t know what to think,” said Leo. “I only know you can’t change the past. Whatever has happened to cause you to believe the past has changed I can assure you everything is exactly as it’s supposed to be.”
“Then how do you explain how I know so much about you?” Phoebe asked. “About the Elders and everything else?”
“I can’t,” said Leo. “But I do know the Elders would never allow a White Lighter and a witch to get married. Especially not one of his charges. It’s just not possible.”
“You might want to listen to her, White Lighter,” said a voice from the front door of the cabin. “If only a part of what she’s told you is true then things could be totally different from what we’ve all become used to.”
They all turned to see Cole standing in the doorway.
“What are you doing here?” Prue demanded. “I thought you didn’t want any more contact with us?”
“Situations changes,” said Cole. Suddenly half a dozen demons shimmered into the cabin surrounding Leo and the girls. “And if Phoebe’s telling the truth then it’s in our best interest to try and figure out what happened and how to put things right again.”
They all just looked at the demons expecting that they’d be fighting for their lives at any moment.
"One day we are going to look in our microscope and find outselves staring into God's eye. And the first one to blink is going to loose his testicles." - Peter O'Toole in "Creator"
-
NoAzMale
- Self Proclaimed King of Blandness
- Posts: 927
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:22 am
SEVENTEEN
“That’s the entire situation, Mr. President,” Victor said after he had briefed the President on what had happened. “It appears that the third Charmed One has surfaced and the three are now on the loose. Along with someone named Cole Turner.”
“This is terrible,” said the President. “You’re sure they didn’t die in the fire?”
“There was no evidence of any bodies in the rubble, sir. The only conclusion is they somehow figured out how to escape the camp. I don’t think we have any choice, sir. We have to implement Program 7. With them on the loose there’s no telling what they will do or when. We have to find them right away.”
“You’re right,” said the President. “I’ll sign the order immediately. This has to remain completely covert, you understand. If word should get out it could have disastrous repercussions.”
“Don’t worry, sir. That’s what we have the special unit for. They’ll be able to take care of this quietly. They are going to want additional compensation for this one. These aren’t ordinary witches they’re going after. They’re the Charmed Ones. If even half the prophecies are true they will be quite formidable.”
“What do you think? Are they really that formidable? They are your daughters.”
“Two of them are. I’m not sure about the third one. She’s definitely their sister but we haven’t done any tests to see if I’m her father. To be honest, it doesn’t matter who her father is. The lineage is normally passed down through the mothers’ side of the family so she’ll still be a Charmed One whether I’m her father or not.”
“Don’t you want to know?”
“Why?” questioned Victor. “She’s been positively identified as a witch and as a sister to the known Charmed Ones. That makes them a threat to national security. Whether she’s my daughter or not is beside the point. I don’t think my loyalty to your administration or to the United States can be questioned, sir.”
“No, not at all, Victor. I’m not questioning your loyalty. If I had even the slightest question about your loyalty I would ask for your resignation. As you say, your loyalty is beyond question. But this does involve your daughters. A lot of people wouldn’t understand how you could order their deaths so easily.”
“It’s anything but easy, sir. But this is bigger than any single person. They’re a threat to our entire way of life. If we don’t stop them they could destroy everything this country has built for the last two hundred years. I can’t just sit back and let that happen.”
“Good enough. Do you have any idea where they’ll go next?”
“I’m not sure, sir. I think they’ll try to stay out of heavily populated areas. There’s too much of a risk they could be recognized. My guess is they’ve found some out of the way place to hold up at. But we both know that won’t last for long.”
“What about the manor?” asked the President. “This Phoebe was captured there. Do you think she was after the Book of Shadows?”
“I don’t know. We’ve never been able to locate the book. The manor was searched as soon as the sisters were arrested but it wasn’t found. We think their grandmother may have hidden it somewhere but after she was killed trying to rescue her granddaughters we lost any leads we had to its location.”
“Do you think they know where it is?”
“I don’t know. I doubt it. Penny didn’t have a chance to tell them before she died. Wherever she hid it it’s probably still there. We just don’t know where to look for it.”
“Okay,” said the President. “As for additional compensation, offer whatever you think is reasonable. I’m sure you can make suitable arrangements in that respect. How long do you think it will be before the special unit can take care of this?”
“I’m not sure, sir. It shouldn’t take long. As you know they have certain unique skills that will be especially useful in this situation. I will of course keep you fully apprised regarding all developments.”
“Thank you, Victor. I hope this is over quickly.”
“As do I, Mr. President. As do I.”
* * *
“Why did you come back here?” Piper demanded.
“As I said,” said Cole, “it’s in our best interest to hear her out. After I left here I had a little chat with Tempus. He had some interesting ideas on the situation. Ideas I thought you might like to hear.”
“What kinds of ideas?” Phoebe asked.
“The kind that alter timelines,” said one of the demons in the cabin.
“Baldasor?” Phoebe questioned.
“Do I know you, witch?” questioned Baldasor. “I don’t recall ever meeting you.”
“In another life,” said Phoebe. “Literally.”
“What did Tempus tell you?” Leo asked.
“You really want to know?” questioned Prue.
“Tempus is the only one – good or evil – who can effectively manipulate time,” said Leo. “He’s been around for a long time. It’s possible he has insight that no one else has.”
“And we should trust him because?” questioned Piper.
“Because if what your sister says is true,” said Cole, “he’s the one best able to help put things right.”
“So where is he?” Phoebe asked.
“He’s waiting for us in the underworld,” said Cole. “For obvious reasons we think it’s best if we went there to discuss this. It’s likely to take a while and no one wants to risk being detected by the satellite system.”
“You said that was unlikely,” said Prue.
“Unlikely but not impossible,” said Cole.
“And you just want us to go with you to the underworld?” Piper asked. “I’m thinking that’s not going to happen. What’s to keep you from just killing us once we’re down there?”
“You have my word,” said Cole. “If you accompany us to the underworld I will personally vouch for your safety while you’re there and that you will be safely returned here when we’re finished.”
“You also have the word of the Brotherhood of the Thorn,” said Baldasor.
“If you know us as well as you claim,” Cole said to Phoebe, “you know that our word is our bond. You have our word you won’t be harmed. What do you say?”
“I believe them,” Phoebe said to Prue and Piper. “If the Brotherhood are anything like they are in my timeline they’ll keep their word.”
“If,” said Prue. “We have no proof they are.”
“They are,” said Leo. “The Brotherhood is known by the Elders. The one thing that sets them apart from most other demons is their code of honor. But they aren’t the only ones we have to worry about. There are a lot of different demons in the underworld. Any one of them would be glad to try and take out three witches.”
“We have given our word that they will not be harmed,” said Baldasor. “That includes allowing them to be harmed. As long as they are in the underworld they will be under the personal protection of the Brotherhood of the Thorn. Any demon who attempts to violate that protection will answer to us.”
“Does that go for the Source, too?” Leo asked.
“He has promised he will not make an attempt on the witches,” said Cole. “If he breaks that word he’s violating the oath that binds the Brotherhood to his service. He won’t risk that.”
“What say you?” Baldasor asked. “Is the word of the Brotherhood of the Thorn enough for you?”
“I think we can trust them,” said Phoebe. “We don’t really have a whole lot of choice.”
“Okay,” said Prue. “But just remember we’re far from helpless. You try anything funny and I promise you that you won’t live long enough to see the outcome of it.”
“I’m going too,” said Leo.
“White Lighters aren’t exactly welcome in the underworld,” said Cole.
“These three are my charges,” said Leo. “If they’re going down there I’m going with them to make sure they’re all right.”
“Suit yourself,” said Cole.
“And we expect him to be under the same protection that we are,” said Phoebe.
“We should be going,” said Baldasor. “The sooner we get off the mortal plane the better I will like it.”
Within seconds the cabin was once again empty.
“That’s the entire situation, Mr. President,” Victor said after he had briefed the President on what had happened. “It appears that the third Charmed One has surfaced and the three are now on the loose. Along with someone named Cole Turner.”
“This is terrible,” said the President. “You’re sure they didn’t die in the fire?”
“There was no evidence of any bodies in the rubble, sir. The only conclusion is they somehow figured out how to escape the camp. I don’t think we have any choice, sir. We have to implement Program 7. With them on the loose there’s no telling what they will do or when. We have to find them right away.”
“You’re right,” said the President. “I’ll sign the order immediately. This has to remain completely covert, you understand. If word should get out it could have disastrous repercussions.”
“Don’t worry, sir. That’s what we have the special unit for. They’ll be able to take care of this quietly. They are going to want additional compensation for this one. These aren’t ordinary witches they’re going after. They’re the Charmed Ones. If even half the prophecies are true they will be quite formidable.”
“What do you think? Are they really that formidable? They are your daughters.”
“Two of them are. I’m not sure about the third one. She’s definitely their sister but we haven’t done any tests to see if I’m her father. To be honest, it doesn’t matter who her father is. The lineage is normally passed down through the mothers’ side of the family so she’ll still be a Charmed One whether I’m her father or not.”
“Don’t you want to know?”
“Why?” questioned Victor. “She’s been positively identified as a witch and as a sister to the known Charmed Ones. That makes them a threat to national security. Whether she’s my daughter or not is beside the point. I don’t think my loyalty to your administration or to the United States can be questioned, sir.”
“No, not at all, Victor. I’m not questioning your loyalty. If I had even the slightest question about your loyalty I would ask for your resignation. As you say, your loyalty is beyond question. But this does involve your daughters. A lot of people wouldn’t understand how you could order their deaths so easily.”
“It’s anything but easy, sir. But this is bigger than any single person. They’re a threat to our entire way of life. If we don’t stop them they could destroy everything this country has built for the last two hundred years. I can’t just sit back and let that happen.”
“Good enough. Do you have any idea where they’ll go next?”
“I’m not sure, sir. I think they’ll try to stay out of heavily populated areas. There’s too much of a risk they could be recognized. My guess is they’ve found some out of the way place to hold up at. But we both know that won’t last for long.”
“What about the manor?” asked the President. “This Phoebe was captured there. Do you think she was after the Book of Shadows?”
“I don’t know. We’ve never been able to locate the book. The manor was searched as soon as the sisters were arrested but it wasn’t found. We think their grandmother may have hidden it somewhere but after she was killed trying to rescue her granddaughters we lost any leads we had to its location.”
“Do you think they know where it is?”
“I don’t know. I doubt it. Penny didn’t have a chance to tell them before she died. Wherever she hid it it’s probably still there. We just don’t know where to look for it.”
“Okay,” said the President. “As for additional compensation, offer whatever you think is reasonable. I’m sure you can make suitable arrangements in that respect. How long do you think it will be before the special unit can take care of this?”
“I’m not sure, sir. It shouldn’t take long. As you know they have certain unique skills that will be especially useful in this situation. I will of course keep you fully apprised regarding all developments.”
“Thank you, Victor. I hope this is over quickly.”
“As do I, Mr. President. As do I.”
* * *
“Why did you come back here?” Piper demanded.
“As I said,” said Cole, “it’s in our best interest to hear her out. After I left here I had a little chat with Tempus. He had some interesting ideas on the situation. Ideas I thought you might like to hear.”
“What kinds of ideas?” Phoebe asked.
“The kind that alter timelines,” said one of the demons in the cabin.
“Baldasor?” Phoebe questioned.
“Do I know you, witch?” questioned Baldasor. “I don’t recall ever meeting you.”
“In another life,” said Phoebe. “Literally.”
“What did Tempus tell you?” Leo asked.
“You really want to know?” questioned Prue.
“Tempus is the only one – good or evil – who can effectively manipulate time,” said Leo. “He’s been around for a long time. It’s possible he has insight that no one else has.”
“And we should trust him because?” questioned Piper.
“Because if what your sister says is true,” said Cole, “he’s the one best able to help put things right.”
“So where is he?” Phoebe asked.
“He’s waiting for us in the underworld,” said Cole. “For obvious reasons we think it’s best if we went there to discuss this. It’s likely to take a while and no one wants to risk being detected by the satellite system.”
“You said that was unlikely,” said Prue.
“Unlikely but not impossible,” said Cole.
“And you just want us to go with you to the underworld?” Piper asked. “I’m thinking that’s not going to happen. What’s to keep you from just killing us once we’re down there?”
“You have my word,” said Cole. “If you accompany us to the underworld I will personally vouch for your safety while you’re there and that you will be safely returned here when we’re finished.”
“You also have the word of the Brotherhood of the Thorn,” said Baldasor.
“If you know us as well as you claim,” Cole said to Phoebe, “you know that our word is our bond. You have our word you won’t be harmed. What do you say?”
“I believe them,” Phoebe said to Prue and Piper. “If the Brotherhood are anything like they are in my timeline they’ll keep their word.”
“If,” said Prue. “We have no proof they are.”
“They are,” said Leo. “The Brotherhood is known by the Elders. The one thing that sets them apart from most other demons is their code of honor. But they aren’t the only ones we have to worry about. There are a lot of different demons in the underworld. Any one of them would be glad to try and take out three witches.”
“We have given our word that they will not be harmed,” said Baldasor. “That includes allowing them to be harmed. As long as they are in the underworld they will be under the personal protection of the Brotherhood of the Thorn. Any demon who attempts to violate that protection will answer to us.”
“Does that go for the Source, too?” Leo asked.
“He has promised he will not make an attempt on the witches,” said Cole. “If he breaks that word he’s violating the oath that binds the Brotherhood to his service. He won’t risk that.”
“What say you?” Baldasor asked. “Is the word of the Brotherhood of the Thorn enough for you?”
“I think we can trust them,” said Phoebe. “We don’t really have a whole lot of choice.”
“Okay,” said Prue. “But just remember we’re far from helpless. You try anything funny and I promise you that you won’t live long enough to see the outcome of it.”
“I’m going too,” said Leo.
“White Lighters aren’t exactly welcome in the underworld,” said Cole.
“These three are my charges,” said Leo. “If they’re going down there I’m going with them to make sure they’re all right.”
“Suit yourself,” said Cole.
“And we expect him to be under the same protection that we are,” said Phoebe.
“We should be going,” said Baldasor. “The sooner we get off the mortal plane the better I will like it.”
Within seconds the cabin was once again empty.
"One day we are going to look in our microscope and find outselves staring into God's eye. And the first one to blink is going to loose his testicles." - Peter O'Toole in "Creator"
-
NoAzMale
- Self Proclaimed King of Blandness
- Posts: 927
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:22 am
EIGHTEEN
“It’s just as I remember it,” said Phoebe as they waited in a cavern in the underworld.
“You’ve been here before?” Leo asked.
“A couple of times,” said Phoebe. “Believe me I wish I hadn’t. Not very good memories.”
“How long do we have to wait?” Piper asked. “We’ve been down here ten minutes all ready. If they wanted to talk you’d think they’d be waiting for us when we got here.”
“We are,” said Cole from the doorway to the cavern. “But there are other matters in the underworld to deal with besides you. Not everything can be dropped on a moments notice.”
Cole walked into the chamber followed by two other demons. Phoebe recognized both of them immediately. One was the Source of All Evil. The other was Tempus, the time manipulation demon.
“Well, well, well, the enigmatic Charmed Ones,” said the Source. “You are less impressive than I would have imagined.”
“Turner said you wanted to talk,” said Prue. “So talk.”
“My, my, impatient aren’t we?” questioned the Source. “I would think you would be happy to be here. Away from the prying eyes of the meddlesome mortals.”
“We came here because Turner said Tempus has some information about this timeline alteration,” said Piper. “That’s why we came here. Not to verbally spar with you.”
“You,” said Tempus, looking directly at Phoebe. “You’re the one Belthazor told me about. The witch who claims she cast a spell and altered the past.”
“Well that wasn’t my intention,” said Phoebe. “If I had known it would have worked that way I would never have cast it.”
“Just like a witch to go messing with magic she does not understand,” said the Source.
“Look, I’ve had plenty of practice with magic,” said Phoebe. “But you of all people should know how unpredictable magic can be. I don’t know what happened or what went wrong but something changed the past culminating in this horrendous timeline. I just want to put things back the way they’re supposed to be.”
“No one can change the past,” said Tempus. “Did no one ever tell you that?”
“Of course,” said Phoebe. “More than once in fact. But I’m telling you this timeline isn’t right. How would you explain it?”
“Very simple,” said Tempus. “Your spell has caused an inversion of the temporal and magical forces which present a constant in the universe and have allowed them to intersect between the convergence of two multidimensional points of contact.”
“Okay,” said Prue. “Would you care to explain that again. This time in English.”
“I’ll see if I can,” said Tempus. “In laymen’s terms, her spell caused two specific points of time to cross connect with each other. A specific point of the past was brought through time and has intersected with a specific point in a future time frame.”
“You mean two points of time are overlapping each other?” Piper asked.
“Exactly,” said Tempus. “Your Einstein showed that it is possible to fold space, so to speak. Since his discovery many human scientists have been working toward a mechanism or machine that will allow them to do that. To travel vast distances in relatively short periods of time.
“This is much the same concept, only instead of folding space it’s folding time. Taking two separate points in time sometimes centuries apart and bringing them together so that they overlap. When this happens the events of those two points merge, corrupting or contaminating each other. Elements from one time period will be incorporated into the other time period and vice versa.”
“Isn’t that that changing the past?” Prue asked.
“Not exactly,” said Tempus. “In a very real sense the events of one time are transplanted, so to speak, into the other time. It’s not altering the past because the overlapping has caused those transplanted events to actually become the past.”
“Excuse me,” said Piper, “but that sounds like changing the past to me.”
“It has taken me centuries to understand the intricacies of time,” said Tempus. “I can hardly expect a mere mortal to grasp such concepts based on the extremely oversimplified and very basic explanation I have given here. If I were to explain the entire concept to you it would probably take several years using language you could understand.”
“It’s comparable to trying to explain how a computer works to a chimpanzee,” said Cole. “You can take Tempus’ word for it though. No one knows time manipulation as well as he does.”
“Okay, so I folded time or whatever,” Phoebe said. “Does that explain how everything got so changed around and different?”
“Yes,” said Tempus. “While I cannot be sure of all the repercussions it does appear that part of the ramifications are the beliefs and attitudes toward witchcraft and science have been transplanted to the present. Only it hasn’t been completely transplanted. It’s overlapping with the more tolerant attitudes of the present.”
“So this folding time,” Leo asked, “that would cause things from the past to appear different from the actual timeline?”
“Yes,” said Tempus. “When a being moves through time they open a doorway of sorts. If the movement is relatively short – a matter of days, say – then there is not enough time for changes to become noticeable. In this case, however, the witch has folded time causing the changes to become immediate.
“There are also safeguards which must be in place for an extended trip into either the past or future. Safeguards which, if not in place, will cause any changes to accelerate rapidly. As these changes increase in duration they could pose a threat to what you would call the space time continuum. The changes could affect all magical beings.”
“Is that what’s happening here?” Piper asked.
“I don’t believe so,” said Tempus. “I have not noticed any unusual changes in the time flow. I do not believe that – at least for the moment – we are in any danger.”
“Okay,” said Phoebe, “now we know what happened. Sort of. How do we fix it?”
“That is a bit more difficult,” said Tempus. “We must first locate the individual you brought from the past. It’s his presence in our time that is keeping the time folded and the changes in place.”
“That could be a problem,” said Phoebe. “I have no idea what they did with him. When I asked about him I was told it wasn’t any of my business.”
“We must locate him,” said Tempus. “If we are to put things back the way they are supposed to be he must be returned – unharmed – to his own time. If he should die in this time it will be impossible to unfold time and reset history.”
“Okay,” said Prue, “assuming we can find him, what else do we need to do?”
“I need to know what spell she used to bring him from the past,” said Tempus. “That will allow me to know exactly what two time periods have been overlapped and how to properly separate them. It will also tell me what safeguards may be in place and which ones I may need to implement to prevent further changes.”
“I think I can do that,” said Phoebe. “It wasn’t a difficult spell. I should be able to recreate it.”
“Good,” said Tempus. “Now, there is one more thing we need. This will be the most difficult. Someone or something is anchoring the two time periods together. We must find that anchor and sever the connection.”
“Okay hold on a second,” said Prue. “If you’re talking about killing someone. . .”
“Not at all,” said Tempus. “The connection will be a magical one. It will only be necessary to sever the magical connection that is holding the two time periods in place. Once we do that time will unfold and everything should return to its natural state.”
“Just as long as we’re clear that there is no killing involved,” said Prue.
“I guess the first thing we need to do is locate Nostradamus,” said Phoebe. “Without him the rest of it will be useless. Any ideas how we can find out what they did with him?”
“I could have the Elders look for him,” suggested Leo. “If he’s out of his time it’s possible they can locate him.”
“I doubt your Elders can locate him,” said the Source. “They did not even notice that time had been altered. That does not inspire confidence.”
“Hey, you didn’t notice it either,” said Prue. “So I wouldn’t be making jabs at the Elders.”
“Why didn’t the Elders notice any change?” Phoebe questioned.
“Any changes made to the timeline would have affected all beings,” said Tempus. “Those changes would appear to be normal. While the Elders may have great power I am the being with the closest link to time. I would have noticed it long before they did and I noticed nothing amiss.”
“Fine,” said Phoebe. “What if the Elders can’t locate him? What do we do then?”
“I have an idea,” said Piper. “But we’ll need to return to the mortal realm to act on it. I know someone who can find out what happened to him.”
“Tell me his name,” said the Source. “I can send demons to bring him to us and he’ll tell us what we wish to know.”
“It doesn’t work that way,” said Piper. “The person I have in mind may not know what they did with him but can find out. We’ll need to convince them to help us. And I don’t think threatening them is going to work.”
“Very well,” said the Source. “Return to the mortal realm and contact this human. Find out what they’ve done with this Nostradamus. Once you have done that return here and Tempus can restore the timeline.”
“You’re awfully accommodating,” said Phoebe.
“I grow tired of hiding in the underworld,” said the Source. “With the timeline reset perhaps we may once again walk the mortal plane unobserved.”
“Whatever,” said Prue. “Let’s just get this over with. I don’t relish spending the rest of my life looking over my shoulder or rotting in some internment camp. If this will change all that then we need to get it done as quickly as possible.”
“White Lighter,” said Cole, turning to Leo, “take them back to the cabin where you found them. They should be safe there for a while. You can contact me when you’ve found Nostradamus.”
“Fine,” said Leo. “I don’t like being down here anyway. We’ll let you know as soon as we find out anything.”
The girls linked arms and Leo orbed them out of the chamber back to the mortal realm. Cole turned to Tempus.
“How much of what you told them is true?” Cole asked.
“All of it,” said Tempus. “For several centuries I have had this nagging feeling that things weren’t quite right. I always dismissed it as my imagination since I couldn’t pinpoint anything wrong. When you came to me with this story I knew what had happened and why I was so ill at ease. It is necessary that we reset the timeline to its proper frame.”
“What about the rest of it?” Cole asked. “You said we could reset the timeline and dispose of the Charmed Ones at the same time. So that in the restored timeline we won’t have to deal with them.”
“Yes,” said Tempus. “Once all preparations have been completed it will take a few minutes for the timeline to reset itself. Everything will return to the way it is supposed to be. During those few minutes if you kill them they will not be incorporated into the reset timeline. They will simply cease to exist.”
“That will be difficult,” said Baldasor. “They are the Charmed Ones. They will not be easy to kill if the prophecies are correct.”
“It will not be necessary to kill all of them,” said Tempus. “Only the youngest need die. The one who folded time. She physically transversed the overlapped timelines. When the timelines are reset everyone will resort to whatever they were in the original timeline.
“But if the youngest witch dies before the timeline is reset she will be dead. Even if she returns to the original timeline she’ll still be dead. And without her there will be only two sisters left. Not enough to create the Power of Three. It will be gone forever.”
“Excellent,” said the Source. “Belthazor, once the preparations have been completed you will kill the youngest witch.”
“As you wish, Source,” said Cole. “It would be my pleasure.”
The Source just smiled as he turned back into the chamber and the demons all shimmered out.
“It’s just as I remember it,” said Phoebe as they waited in a cavern in the underworld.
“You’ve been here before?” Leo asked.
“A couple of times,” said Phoebe. “Believe me I wish I hadn’t. Not very good memories.”
“How long do we have to wait?” Piper asked. “We’ve been down here ten minutes all ready. If they wanted to talk you’d think they’d be waiting for us when we got here.”
“We are,” said Cole from the doorway to the cavern. “But there are other matters in the underworld to deal with besides you. Not everything can be dropped on a moments notice.”
Cole walked into the chamber followed by two other demons. Phoebe recognized both of them immediately. One was the Source of All Evil. The other was Tempus, the time manipulation demon.
“Well, well, well, the enigmatic Charmed Ones,” said the Source. “You are less impressive than I would have imagined.”
“Turner said you wanted to talk,” said Prue. “So talk.”
“My, my, impatient aren’t we?” questioned the Source. “I would think you would be happy to be here. Away from the prying eyes of the meddlesome mortals.”
“We came here because Turner said Tempus has some information about this timeline alteration,” said Piper. “That’s why we came here. Not to verbally spar with you.”
“You,” said Tempus, looking directly at Phoebe. “You’re the one Belthazor told me about. The witch who claims she cast a spell and altered the past.”
“Well that wasn’t my intention,” said Phoebe. “If I had known it would have worked that way I would never have cast it.”
“Just like a witch to go messing with magic she does not understand,” said the Source.
“Look, I’ve had plenty of practice with magic,” said Phoebe. “But you of all people should know how unpredictable magic can be. I don’t know what happened or what went wrong but something changed the past culminating in this horrendous timeline. I just want to put things back the way they’re supposed to be.”
“No one can change the past,” said Tempus. “Did no one ever tell you that?”
“Of course,” said Phoebe. “More than once in fact. But I’m telling you this timeline isn’t right. How would you explain it?”
“Very simple,” said Tempus. “Your spell has caused an inversion of the temporal and magical forces which present a constant in the universe and have allowed them to intersect between the convergence of two multidimensional points of contact.”
“Okay,” said Prue. “Would you care to explain that again. This time in English.”
“I’ll see if I can,” said Tempus. “In laymen’s terms, her spell caused two specific points of time to cross connect with each other. A specific point of the past was brought through time and has intersected with a specific point in a future time frame.”
“You mean two points of time are overlapping each other?” Piper asked.
“Exactly,” said Tempus. “Your Einstein showed that it is possible to fold space, so to speak. Since his discovery many human scientists have been working toward a mechanism or machine that will allow them to do that. To travel vast distances in relatively short periods of time.
“This is much the same concept, only instead of folding space it’s folding time. Taking two separate points in time sometimes centuries apart and bringing them together so that they overlap. When this happens the events of those two points merge, corrupting or contaminating each other. Elements from one time period will be incorporated into the other time period and vice versa.”
“Isn’t that that changing the past?” Prue asked.
“Not exactly,” said Tempus. “In a very real sense the events of one time are transplanted, so to speak, into the other time. It’s not altering the past because the overlapping has caused those transplanted events to actually become the past.”
“Excuse me,” said Piper, “but that sounds like changing the past to me.”
“It has taken me centuries to understand the intricacies of time,” said Tempus. “I can hardly expect a mere mortal to grasp such concepts based on the extremely oversimplified and very basic explanation I have given here. If I were to explain the entire concept to you it would probably take several years using language you could understand.”
“It’s comparable to trying to explain how a computer works to a chimpanzee,” said Cole. “You can take Tempus’ word for it though. No one knows time manipulation as well as he does.”
“Okay, so I folded time or whatever,” Phoebe said. “Does that explain how everything got so changed around and different?”
“Yes,” said Tempus. “While I cannot be sure of all the repercussions it does appear that part of the ramifications are the beliefs and attitudes toward witchcraft and science have been transplanted to the present. Only it hasn’t been completely transplanted. It’s overlapping with the more tolerant attitudes of the present.”
“So this folding time,” Leo asked, “that would cause things from the past to appear different from the actual timeline?”
“Yes,” said Tempus. “When a being moves through time they open a doorway of sorts. If the movement is relatively short – a matter of days, say – then there is not enough time for changes to become noticeable. In this case, however, the witch has folded time causing the changes to become immediate.
“There are also safeguards which must be in place for an extended trip into either the past or future. Safeguards which, if not in place, will cause any changes to accelerate rapidly. As these changes increase in duration they could pose a threat to what you would call the space time continuum. The changes could affect all magical beings.”
“Is that what’s happening here?” Piper asked.
“I don’t believe so,” said Tempus. “I have not noticed any unusual changes in the time flow. I do not believe that – at least for the moment – we are in any danger.”
“Okay,” said Phoebe, “now we know what happened. Sort of. How do we fix it?”
“That is a bit more difficult,” said Tempus. “We must first locate the individual you brought from the past. It’s his presence in our time that is keeping the time folded and the changes in place.”
“That could be a problem,” said Phoebe. “I have no idea what they did with him. When I asked about him I was told it wasn’t any of my business.”
“We must locate him,” said Tempus. “If we are to put things back the way they are supposed to be he must be returned – unharmed – to his own time. If he should die in this time it will be impossible to unfold time and reset history.”
“Okay,” said Prue, “assuming we can find him, what else do we need to do?”
“I need to know what spell she used to bring him from the past,” said Tempus. “That will allow me to know exactly what two time periods have been overlapped and how to properly separate them. It will also tell me what safeguards may be in place and which ones I may need to implement to prevent further changes.”
“I think I can do that,” said Phoebe. “It wasn’t a difficult spell. I should be able to recreate it.”
“Good,” said Tempus. “Now, there is one more thing we need. This will be the most difficult. Someone or something is anchoring the two time periods together. We must find that anchor and sever the connection.”
“Okay hold on a second,” said Prue. “If you’re talking about killing someone. . .”
“Not at all,” said Tempus. “The connection will be a magical one. It will only be necessary to sever the magical connection that is holding the two time periods in place. Once we do that time will unfold and everything should return to its natural state.”
“Just as long as we’re clear that there is no killing involved,” said Prue.
“I guess the first thing we need to do is locate Nostradamus,” said Phoebe. “Without him the rest of it will be useless. Any ideas how we can find out what they did with him?”
“I could have the Elders look for him,” suggested Leo. “If he’s out of his time it’s possible they can locate him.”
“I doubt your Elders can locate him,” said the Source. “They did not even notice that time had been altered. That does not inspire confidence.”
“Hey, you didn’t notice it either,” said Prue. “So I wouldn’t be making jabs at the Elders.”
“Why didn’t the Elders notice any change?” Phoebe questioned.
“Any changes made to the timeline would have affected all beings,” said Tempus. “Those changes would appear to be normal. While the Elders may have great power I am the being with the closest link to time. I would have noticed it long before they did and I noticed nothing amiss.”
“Fine,” said Phoebe. “What if the Elders can’t locate him? What do we do then?”
“I have an idea,” said Piper. “But we’ll need to return to the mortal realm to act on it. I know someone who can find out what happened to him.”
“Tell me his name,” said the Source. “I can send demons to bring him to us and he’ll tell us what we wish to know.”
“It doesn’t work that way,” said Piper. “The person I have in mind may not know what they did with him but can find out. We’ll need to convince them to help us. And I don’t think threatening them is going to work.”
“Very well,” said the Source. “Return to the mortal realm and contact this human. Find out what they’ve done with this Nostradamus. Once you have done that return here and Tempus can restore the timeline.”
“You’re awfully accommodating,” said Phoebe.
“I grow tired of hiding in the underworld,” said the Source. “With the timeline reset perhaps we may once again walk the mortal plane unobserved.”
“Whatever,” said Prue. “Let’s just get this over with. I don’t relish spending the rest of my life looking over my shoulder or rotting in some internment camp. If this will change all that then we need to get it done as quickly as possible.”
“White Lighter,” said Cole, turning to Leo, “take them back to the cabin where you found them. They should be safe there for a while. You can contact me when you’ve found Nostradamus.”
“Fine,” said Leo. “I don’t like being down here anyway. We’ll let you know as soon as we find out anything.”
The girls linked arms and Leo orbed them out of the chamber back to the mortal realm. Cole turned to Tempus.
“How much of what you told them is true?” Cole asked.
“All of it,” said Tempus. “For several centuries I have had this nagging feeling that things weren’t quite right. I always dismissed it as my imagination since I couldn’t pinpoint anything wrong. When you came to me with this story I knew what had happened and why I was so ill at ease. It is necessary that we reset the timeline to its proper frame.”
“What about the rest of it?” Cole asked. “You said we could reset the timeline and dispose of the Charmed Ones at the same time. So that in the restored timeline we won’t have to deal with them.”
“Yes,” said Tempus. “Once all preparations have been completed it will take a few minutes for the timeline to reset itself. Everything will return to the way it is supposed to be. During those few minutes if you kill them they will not be incorporated into the reset timeline. They will simply cease to exist.”
“That will be difficult,” said Baldasor. “They are the Charmed Ones. They will not be easy to kill if the prophecies are correct.”
“It will not be necessary to kill all of them,” said Tempus. “Only the youngest need die. The one who folded time. She physically transversed the overlapped timelines. When the timelines are reset everyone will resort to whatever they were in the original timeline.
“But if the youngest witch dies before the timeline is reset she will be dead. Even if she returns to the original timeline she’ll still be dead. And without her there will be only two sisters left. Not enough to create the Power of Three. It will be gone forever.”
“Excellent,” said the Source. “Belthazor, once the preparations have been completed you will kill the youngest witch.”
“As you wish, Source,” said Cole. “It would be my pleasure.”
The Source just smiled as he turned back into the chamber and the demons all shimmered out.
"One day we are going to look in our microscope and find outselves staring into God's eye. And the first one to blink is going to loose his testicles." - Peter O'Toole in "Creator"
-
NoAzMale
- Self Proclaimed King of Blandness
- Posts: 927
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:22 am
NINETEEN
Victor Bennett was sitting in his office looking through several file folders when the door suddenly opened and a man walked in followed closely by Victor’s secretary. The man was dressed in all black and had closely cropped black hair and wore a goatee. He walked over and plopped down in one of the chairs opposite Victor’s desk, hanging one leg over the arm of the chair as if he hadn’t a care in the world.
“I’m sorry, sir,” said the secretary. “I told him you were busy but he just barged right in.”
“It’s okay, Alice. Go back to work I’ll handle this.”
The secretary shot an angry glance at the man and then left the office. Victor closed the folder he had been looking in.
“Still insolent as ever I see,” he said.
“I have a right to be. You need me more than I need you. I got your message. You have a job for me?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact.” Victor picked up three photographs and handed them to the man. “They’re witches who have escaped from their internment camp. We want them back ASAP.”
“Well, Prue and Piper Halliwell,” said the man, looking at the pictures. “Two of the so-called Charmed Ones. And the third?”
“Her name is Phoebe Halliwell. She’s their sister.”
“I thought there was no third sister? Didn’t your ex-wife tell you the child was stillborn?”
“Yes, she did. Obviously she lied. This has top priority. Everything else is to be put on hold until you are able to locate and subdue them.”
“I assume the same rules apply? Wanted dead or alive?”
“Of course. In fact, alive is not necessarily a requirement. But their bodies have to be returned so that we can verify that they actually are dead. You know how dangerous the Charmed Ones can be. It’s imperative that they be dealt with as quickly as possible.”
“Well, now, that is the crux of the problem, isn’t it? These aren’t any ordinary witches. They’re the Charmed Ones. Assuming the prophecies are true they are going to be quite formidable. It won’t be easy to get them.”
“I’m authorized to make any compensation within reason,” said Victor. “What is it you want?”
“I’ll need to bring in some special help for this one. You’ll need to program the satellite system to ignore their biosigns. I can’t have some overzealous Homeland Security officers interfering with us.”
“Just have them report for scanning. I’ll issue orders that they are to be scanned in immediately.”
“And I want them on the permanent list,” said the man. “I can use them in the future and I don’t want to have to get clearance every time I need them.”
“Just what kind of special help are you talking about?” Victor asked.
“Ah, ah, not too many questions. Our deal was that I help you with jobs you can’t do yourself and you don’t ask too many questions. It’s worked so well lo these many years. No sense in changing it now.”
“Fine. I’ll see that they’re put on the permanent ignore list. How many are you going to need?”
“I think four should do it. I’ll need as much information on them as you have. We’ll need to be prepared when we go up against them. Just the usual stuff. Powers, abilities, that sort of thing.”
“Everything is in here,” said Victor, sliding a folder to the man. “As for the new one, we don’t have much on her. No idea what her powers are. But if the prophecies are true she’ll have premonition. The ability to see the future. Prue has telekinesis and Piper has the ability to freeze time. That only leaves the power of premonition.”
“A very formidable power. It means she could foresee whatever we have planned. That’s going to make it just that much more difficult to get them.”
“What else do you want?” Victor asked.
“You know me so well. Like I said, these are no ordinary witches. Their power is the greatest power for good ever known. Perhaps the greatest power that has ever or will ever exist. I can do a lot with that power. Things you can’t even dream of. I want their power. I’ll bring you their lifeless bodies and in exchange I get to keep their power.”
“That’s totally unacceptable. The whole idea for you tracking down these special targets is to get rid of their powers. So that they can never be used against humanity. I can’t authorize you to keep the greatest threat to mankind we’ve ever faced.”
“Look, I’ve kept my end of the bargain. We’ve killed a lot of rogue witches for you and not once have we kept their power for ourselves. In return you’ve allowed us to walk the mortal plane unhindered. But this is the ultimate prize for both of us. This point is non-negotiable. I get to keep their powers or you can find someone else to find the witches for you.”
Victor just glared at the man. He knew there was no one else who could get the Charmed Ones. And he knew that by allowing him to keep the girls’ powers it would make them infinitely more powerful than he all ready was. But he worked with Homeland Security. For his own reasons, he was one of the ‘good guys”. Witches were the bane of humanity. Even considering the risks Victor would rather have their power on his side than against him.
“Very well. You can keep their power. But in return I want one more thing.” He pulled out a picture of Cole and handed it to the man. “This witch escaped with them. I want him alive. I have a feeling he’s the one who figured out how to get out of the camp undetected. I want to know how he did it. Bring him to me alive so I can find out.”
“Witch?” the man questioned. He laughed out loud. “You must be joking. He’s no witch. I worked with him a few decades ago. He’s a demon. A mercenary named Belthazor. And a quite good one, too.”
“A demon?” gasped Victor. “No wonder he was able to get them out of the camp. The protection devices protected against witches powers, not demons.”
“What was a demon doing in an internment camp?” asked the man. “Demons are supposed to be vanquished on sight.”
“He was identified a few years ago. When the scanners were much less sophisticated than they are now. According to the report the readings they got were indeterminate for what type of creature he was. He apparently confessed to being a witch. That’s how he ended up in the camp.”
“That sounds like Belthazor. He always was very devious. He knows he’s caught so he ‘confesses’ knowing that a confessed witch will be processed faster. Once in the camp no one will give him another thought. All he has to do is bide his time until he can make his escape without suspicion. A plan worthy of Belthazor.”
“Great,” said Victor, slamming his fist down on his desk. “All this time we had a demon in our midst and never knew it. And if there’s one there could be others. I’ve all ready ordered their biosigns put back into the system so we might locate them that way. I’m also going to order that everyone in the internment camps be rescanned. If there are any other non-witches in custody I want to know about it.”
“What about Belthazor? You still want me to bring him in alive?”
“No. He’s made a fool out of all of us. I don’t want it to get out that we had a demon in one of our camps and he broke the Charmed Ones out. If that gets out confidence in the government will plummet. My political career would be over and I’d have to resign in disgrace. Not to mention your usefulness to us would be over. If the American people ever find out we’ve been using you and your friends it would be disastrous.”
“I’ll take care of it. There’s no love lost between Belthazor and me. We’ve tolerated each other because we were useful to each other at times. But I have no problem taking him out if you want.”
“Good,” said Victor. “Let me know as soon as you’re finished with the job. Like I said, this needs to be done as quickly as possible.”
“I’ll be in touch,” said the man, standing up.
“Use the door,” said Victor. “My secretary saw you come in. I don’t want to have to explain how you got out of here without going past her.”
“As you wish.”
The man turned and left the office. Victor rubbed his eyes. He knew the man would do a good job. He always had. But working with him was always risky. He was unpredictable.
Victor Bennett was sitting in his office looking through several file folders when the door suddenly opened and a man walked in followed closely by Victor’s secretary. The man was dressed in all black and had closely cropped black hair and wore a goatee. He walked over and plopped down in one of the chairs opposite Victor’s desk, hanging one leg over the arm of the chair as if he hadn’t a care in the world.
“I’m sorry, sir,” said the secretary. “I told him you were busy but he just barged right in.”
“It’s okay, Alice. Go back to work I’ll handle this.”
The secretary shot an angry glance at the man and then left the office. Victor closed the folder he had been looking in.
“Still insolent as ever I see,” he said.
“I have a right to be. You need me more than I need you. I got your message. You have a job for me?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact.” Victor picked up three photographs and handed them to the man. “They’re witches who have escaped from their internment camp. We want them back ASAP.”
“Well, Prue and Piper Halliwell,” said the man, looking at the pictures. “Two of the so-called Charmed Ones. And the third?”
“Her name is Phoebe Halliwell. She’s their sister.”
“I thought there was no third sister? Didn’t your ex-wife tell you the child was stillborn?”
“Yes, she did. Obviously she lied. This has top priority. Everything else is to be put on hold until you are able to locate and subdue them.”
“I assume the same rules apply? Wanted dead or alive?”
“Of course. In fact, alive is not necessarily a requirement. But their bodies have to be returned so that we can verify that they actually are dead. You know how dangerous the Charmed Ones can be. It’s imperative that they be dealt with as quickly as possible.”
“Well, now, that is the crux of the problem, isn’t it? These aren’t any ordinary witches. They’re the Charmed Ones. Assuming the prophecies are true they are going to be quite formidable. It won’t be easy to get them.”
“I’m authorized to make any compensation within reason,” said Victor. “What is it you want?”
“I’ll need to bring in some special help for this one. You’ll need to program the satellite system to ignore their biosigns. I can’t have some overzealous Homeland Security officers interfering with us.”
“Just have them report for scanning. I’ll issue orders that they are to be scanned in immediately.”
“And I want them on the permanent list,” said the man. “I can use them in the future and I don’t want to have to get clearance every time I need them.”
“Just what kind of special help are you talking about?” Victor asked.
“Ah, ah, not too many questions. Our deal was that I help you with jobs you can’t do yourself and you don’t ask too many questions. It’s worked so well lo these many years. No sense in changing it now.”
“Fine. I’ll see that they’re put on the permanent ignore list. How many are you going to need?”
“I think four should do it. I’ll need as much information on them as you have. We’ll need to be prepared when we go up against them. Just the usual stuff. Powers, abilities, that sort of thing.”
“Everything is in here,” said Victor, sliding a folder to the man. “As for the new one, we don’t have much on her. No idea what her powers are. But if the prophecies are true she’ll have premonition. The ability to see the future. Prue has telekinesis and Piper has the ability to freeze time. That only leaves the power of premonition.”
“A very formidable power. It means she could foresee whatever we have planned. That’s going to make it just that much more difficult to get them.”
“What else do you want?” Victor asked.
“You know me so well. Like I said, these are no ordinary witches. Their power is the greatest power for good ever known. Perhaps the greatest power that has ever or will ever exist. I can do a lot with that power. Things you can’t even dream of. I want their power. I’ll bring you their lifeless bodies and in exchange I get to keep their power.”
“That’s totally unacceptable. The whole idea for you tracking down these special targets is to get rid of their powers. So that they can never be used against humanity. I can’t authorize you to keep the greatest threat to mankind we’ve ever faced.”
“Look, I’ve kept my end of the bargain. We’ve killed a lot of rogue witches for you and not once have we kept their power for ourselves. In return you’ve allowed us to walk the mortal plane unhindered. But this is the ultimate prize for both of us. This point is non-negotiable. I get to keep their powers or you can find someone else to find the witches for you.”
Victor just glared at the man. He knew there was no one else who could get the Charmed Ones. And he knew that by allowing him to keep the girls’ powers it would make them infinitely more powerful than he all ready was. But he worked with Homeland Security. For his own reasons, he was one of the ‘good guys”. Witches were the bane of humanity. Even considering the risks Victor would rather have their power on his side than against him.
“Very well. You can keep their power. But in return I want one more thing.” He pulled out a picture of Cole and handed it to the man. “This witch escaped with them. I want him alive. I have a feeling he’s the one who figured out how to get out of the camp undetected. I want to know how he did it. Bring him to me alive so I can find out.”
“Witch?” the man questioned. He laughed out loud. “You must be joking. He’s no witch. I worked with him a few decades ago. He’s a demon. A mercenary named Belthazor. And a quite good one, too.”
“A demon?” gasped Victor. “No wonder he was able to get them out of the camp. The protection devices protected against witches powers, not demons.”
“What was a demon doing in an internment camp?” asked the man. “Demons are supposed to be vanquished on sight.”
“He was identified a few years ago. When the scanners were much less sophisticated than they are now. According to the report the readings they got were indeterminate for what type of creature he was. He apparently confessed to being a witch. That’s how he ended up in the camp.”
“That sounds like Belthazor. He always was very devious. He knows he’s caught so he ‘confesses’ knowing that a confessed witch will be processed faster. Once in the camp no one will give him another thought. All he has to do is bide his time until he can make his escape without suspicion. A plan worthy of Belthazor.”
“Great,” said Victor, slamming his fist down on his desk. “All this time we had a demon in our midst and never knew it. And if there’s one there could be others. I’ve all ready ordered their biosigns put back into the system so we might locate them that way. I’m also going to order that everyone in the internment camps be rescanned. If there are any other non-witches in custody I want to know about it.”
“What about Belthazor? You still want me to bring him in alive?”
“No. He’s made a fool out of all of us. I don’t want it to get out that we had a demon in one of our camps and he broke the Charmed Ones out. If that gets out confidence in the government will plummet. My political career would be over and I’d have to resign in disgrace. Not to mention your usefulness to us would be over. If the American people ever find out we’ve been using you and your friends it would be disastrous.”
“I’ll take care of it. There’s no love lost between Belthazor and me. We’ve tolerated each other because we were useful to each other at times. But I have no problem taking him out if you want.”
“Good,” said Victor. “Let me know as soon as you’re finished with the job. Like I said, this needs to be done as quickly as possible.”
“I’ll be in touch,” said the man, standing up.
“Use the door,” said Victor. “My secretary saw you come in. I don’t want to have to explain how you got out of here without going past her.”
“As you wish.”
The man turned and left the office. Victor rubbed his eyes. He knew the man would do a good job. He always had. But working with him was always risky. He was unpredictable.
"One day we are going to look in our microscope and find outselves staring into God's eye. And the first one to blink is going to loose his testicles." - Peter O'Toole in "Creator"
-
NoAzMale
- Self Proclaimed King of Blandness
- Posts: 927
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:22 am
TWENTY
“So, what’s this idea you have?” Leo asked after he had orbed the girls back to the cabin in the mountains.
“Well, we have no idea where they’ve taken this Nostradamus,” said Piper. “He wasn’t brought to our camp or he’d have arrived the same day Phoebe did. So we need someone who can find him for us. Someone with connections that the authorities won’t suspect.”
“Don’t forget someone who will be willing to help us,” said Prue. “It’s going to be hard to find someone like that who’s willing to help a witch.”
“Not if it’s another witch,” said Piper.
“I don’t follow,” said Leo. “All the known witches are locked in the internment camps or are dead. None of them are in any positions of authorities like you describe.”
“That may not be true,” said Phoebe. “I think I know who Piper is talking about. Paige.”
“Exactly,” said Piper. “I didn’t want to say anything in the underworld so the demons wouldn’t learn about her if it’s true. You claim she’s our half sister. If that’s true she’s probably a witch just as we are.”
“She was,” said Phoebe. “She’s also half White Lighter. She didn’t know anything about it until after. . . until she met us. It’s like her powers were dormant or something. When she met us her power surfaced. She was a big help fighting demons.”
“What power does she have?” Prue asked.
“It was a form of telekinesis like you had. That reminds me. What powers do you two have? With all these changes it’s possible your powers have changed as well.”
“Well I have telekinesis,” said Prue. “I also have astral projection. Piper can freeze time and blow things up. What are your powers?”
“I have premonitions of the future and sometimes visions of the past,” said Phoebe. “I can also levitate.”
“Those are the same powers Melinda Warren had,” said Leo.
“We are her descendents,” said Phoebe. “But it’s our Power of Three that’s the greatest threat to evil. With it we can do just about anything.”
“So you’re thinking Paige Matthews can help us?” Leo asked Piper.
“Sure,” said Piper. “If she’s a witch like we are she’ll have a lot of incentive to help us. If they discover who she is she’ll be locked up in one of the internment camps.”
“Why haven’t they discovered her before now?” Phoebe asked. “You’ve mentioned the satellite system that can identify supernatural beings. Why don’t they detect her if she’s such an important person?”
“The technology they use to identify witches and other supernatural beings is based on detecting electro-magnetic fields around living beings,” said Leo. “What a lot of people would call a persons’ aura. The aura of a supernatural being is somewhat different from that of a normal human. It’s because of the inherent magic in such beings.”
“So shouldn’t she have this special aura around her?” Phoebe asked.
“The technology used to detect such auras hasn’t always been as sophisticated as it is today,” said Prue. “In the past a lot of false positives and false negatives were made. Witches were scanned and discounted when they came up negative. If she were wrongly identified as a mortal her aura pattern would have been programmed into the satellite system to be ignored.”
“If her powers are dormant that could account for it, too,” said Leo. “A witches aura changes once her powers become active. That’s why everyone is required to go through a scanning on their 18th birthday. Most witches’ powers have become active by the time they reach 18.”
“Paige’s hadn’t,” said Phoebe. “Neither had her White Lighter powers. When we met her she had only used her orbing once when she was a teenager and it was subconsciously. She wasn’t even aware of what she was until we found her.”
“If she is a blood relative,” said Leo, “she should have powers similar to you three. And if she’s half White Lighter she might have White Lighter powers, too. If we can cause her powers to become active that might prove to her that she’s a witch.”
“I know how to make her powers active,” said Phoebe. “We need to get to her first.”
“That’s going to be a problem,” said Leo. “All public buildings have detectors. If a supernatural being enters the buildings the authorities will be alerted immediately.”
“We could really use the Book of Shadows,” said Phoebe. “It might have something in it that can help us. But it’s in the manor. And if we go in there we’re bound to be caught.”
“It’s not in the manor,” said Leo. “When they identified Piper and Prue as witches I removed it. I didn’t want the authorities getting their hands on it. It would have given them all the information they needed to hunt down witches.”
“But it was there when I was captured in the manor,” said Phoebe.
“That’s not possible,” said Leo. “The Elders have had it for several years. I know the Office of Homeland Security has been looking for it since they arrested the girls.”
“Then how could it have been in the attic when I was captured?” Phoebe asked.
“It wasn’t,” said Leo. “It couldn’t have been.”
“Which means my spell didn’t cause this time folding right away,” said Phoebe. “There was a delay in it.”
“Probably what happened,” said Leo, “was that it took a few minutes for the changes to take affect. Just like Tempus described would happen when – and if – we set things right again. That’s why you thought the book was still in the manor. But I can assure you it’s with the Elders right now.”
“Go get it,” said Prue. “We might have need of it. In the mean time we’re going to figure out how to get to Ms. Matthews without being detected. If Phoebe knows how to activate her powers we’ll need to do it as quickly as we can.”
“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” said Leo. He orbed out immediately.
“Oh,” said Piper suddenly, “I’m not feeling very well.”
“We’ve been through a lot,” said Prue. “It’s probably just catching up with you.”
“Piper, are you pregnant?” Phoebe asked.
“What!?” Piper nearly shrieked. “No, of course not. That’s ridiculous.”
“Why do you ask?” Prue asked.
“In my timeline she’s pregnant,” said Phoebe. “With her first child. With all that’s going on it had slipped my mind.”
“Really?” Piper asked. “Who’s the father?”
“Leo,” said Phoebe. “You two have been married a couple of years now.”
“The Elders let them get married?” Prue asked. “That doesn’t sound like the Elders we’ve been told about. Witches and White Lighters aren’t supposed to fraternize.”
“It wasn’t easy,” said Phoebe. “They only relented after we stopped Aames from killing all the White Lighters and leaving witches unprotected.”
“I never did like Aames,” said Prue.
“Well he is a warlock,” said Phoebe. “But with all the changes to the timeline I guess it’s not so surprising that you aren’t pregnant. If you and Leo never met you couldn’t very well be pregnant with his baby.”
“Besides,” said Phoebe, “the government puts chemicals in the food at the camps. They’re a form of chemical sterilization. It’s not permanent but as long as we keep taking the chemicals it prevents conception. So even if they had met it would be impossible for her to be pregnant.”
“Pity,” said Phoebe. “I was really looking forward to being an aunt.”
“I guess I was, too,” said Prue.
“What?” questioned Phoebe. “Oh, yeah, of course. So was Paige. We kept teasing Piper about home birthing but she kept insisting she was going to have the baby in the hospital.”
“Of course I would,” said Piper. “I wouldn’t want to risk my baby on some complication we wouldn’t be equipped to handle with home birthing. It would be a hospital with lots and lots of professionally trained medical people around to help.”
“That’s exactly what you keep saying in my timeline, too,” said Phoebe.
“Not to change the subject,” said Prue, “but we still need to figure out how to get to Matthews without being caught. It’s a given we can’t approach her at her television station. And it’s in New York, anyway. That’s a long way from here.”
“Leo can get us anywhere we need to go,” said Phoebe. “He can orb us anywhere in seconds.”
“Well, that explains how we’ll get there,” said Prue. “That orbing is kind of cool. I wouldn’t mind being able to do that.”
“I’ve always wanted to fly,” said Phoebe.
“What about going to her home?” Piper asked, redirecting their attention to the matter at hand. “It would be a lot easier to approach her at home. There wouldn’t be anyone around to distract us or discover us.”
“That could be risky,” said Prue. “A lot of residences have the sensors installed to detect witches or other supernatural beings. If she lives in one of those places we’ll be detected as soon as we get there.”
“What about some place else?” questioned Phoebe. “Some place that might not have the sensors?”
“That would be difficult,” said Piper. “Every day more and more places are installing the sensors as routine safety precautions. You really don’t know what it’s like here. Witches are the primary enemy of all countries. It’s the one thing they can all agree on. We’re lucky. At least we live in the United States.”
“Why is that lucky?” Phoebe asked.
“The United States is only one of very few countries where witches are locked up,” said Piper. “In most countries they’re just murdered. And a lot of the countries don’t have as sophisticated detecting devices that we have here. Which means there are probably a lot of people are killed who aren’t witches but only suspected of being witches.”
“That’s barbaric,” said Phoebe. “We have to protect magic from being discovered by the mortal world in the real timeline but nothing like this. Practicing the Craft isn’t a crime there.”
“Really?” said Prue. “It’s been illegal here for decades. Grams used to tell us what it was like when she was a girl. It wasn’t nearly as bad as it was during the Salem Witch Hunts but she still had to practice in private. Then McCarthy came along and in just a few short years it became illegal. It just sort of snowballed from there.”
“I don’t think it will be long before the camps are considered unnecessary,” said Piper. “I think that very soon they’re going to decide that witches are unnatural and they’ll be eliminated like they do in most of the rest of the world.”
“If we can find Nostradamus and get him back to his own time we can put things back the way they’re supposed to be,” said Phoebe.
“Which means we still have to find some way to get to Matthews,” said Prue. “I don’t think we have much of a choice. Anywhere we confront her we risk being detected. I think her home is a good idea. She’s a very public person. I’m willing to bet she values what little privacy she has. Which means she probably doesn’t want a sensor in her home spying on her.”
“Spying on her?” Phoebe questioned.
“The sensors can do more than detect a person’s aura,” said Piper. “They can be programmed to do just about anything. From what I understand it wouldn’t take that much to convert a sensor lens to a camera lens. Instant peeping tom.”
“That makes sense,” said Phoebe. “Most celebrities I’ve heard of get really annoyed when the paparazzi invade their personal homes. I agree with you. If we confront her in her home I think we stand the best chance of being able to talk with her privately.”
“Now,” said Prue, “just how do you plan to convince her she’s a witch? You said you had a plan to activate her powers? Just how do you plan to do that?”
“The same way she got her powers in my timeline,” said Phoebe. “She came to the manor and when we all joined hands we were bathed in this bluish-white light. That’s when her powers manifested themselves. I’m willing to bet it would work the same way here.”
“Even with me here?” Prue asked.
“What do you mean?” Phoebe asked.
“You’ve been very careful not to mention certain things about your timeline,” said Prue. “But you’ve made some small mistakes. Mistakes that might not seem like much individually. But taken together there’s only one conclusion I can come to. In the real timeline I’m dead, aren’t I?”
“What?” exclaimed Piper.
Phoebe could do nothing but stare at Prue in shocked surprised.
“So, what’s this idea you have?” Leo asked after he had orbed the girls back to the cabin in the mountains.
“Well, we have no idea where they’ve taken this Nostradamus,” said Piper. “He wasn’t brought to our camp or he’d have arrived the same day Phoebe did. So we need someone who can find him for us. Someone with connections that the authorities won’t suspect.”
“Don’t forget someone who will be willing to help us,” said Prue. “It’s going to be hard to find someone like that who’s willing to help a witch.”
“Not if it’s another witch,” said Piper.
“I don’t follow,” said Leo. “All the known witches are locked in the internment camps or are dead. None of them are in any positions of authorities like you describe.”
“That may not be true,” said Phoebe. “I think I know who Piper is talking about. Paige.”
“Exactly,” said Piper. “I didn’t want to say anything in the underworld so the demons wouldn’t learn about her if it’s true. You claim she’s our half sister. If that’s true she’s probably a witch just as we are.”
“She was,” said Phoebe. “She’s also half White Lighter. She didn’t know anything about it until after. . . until she met us. It’s like her powers were dormant or something. When she met us her power surfaced. She was a big help fighting demons.”
“What power does she have?” Prue asked.
“It was a form of telekinesis like you had. That reminds me. What powers do you two have? With all these changes it’s possible your powers have changed as well.”
“Well I have telekinesis,” said Prue. “I also have astral projection. Piper can freeze time and blow things up. What are your powers?”
“I have premonitions of the future and sometimes visions of the past,” said Phoebe. “I can also levitate.”
“Those are the same powers Melinda Warren had,” said Leo.
“We are her descendents,” said Phoebe. “But it’s our Power of Three that’s the greatest threat to evil. With it we can do just about anything.”
“So you’re thinking Paige Matthews can help us?” Leo asked Piper.
“Sure,” said Piper. “If she’s a witch like we are she’ll have a lot of incentive to help us. If they discover who she is she’ll be locked up in one of the internment camps.”
“Why haven’t they discovered her before now?” Phoebe asked. “You’ve mentioned the satellite system that can identify supernatural beings. Why don’t they detect her if she’s such an important person?”
“The technology they use to identify witches and other supernatural beings is based on detecting electro-magnetic fields around living beings,” said Leo. “What a lot of people would call a persons’ aura. The aura of a supernatural being is somewhat different from that of a normal human. It’s because of the inherent magic in such beings.”
“So shouldn’t she have this special aura around her?” Phoebe asked.
“The technology used to detect such auras hasn’t always been as sophisticated as it is today,” said Prue. “In the past a lot of false positives and false negatives were made. Witches were scanned and discounted when they came up negative. If she were wrongly identified as a mortal her aura pattern would have been programmed into the satellite system to be ignored.”
“If her powers are dormant that could account for it, too,” said Leo. “A witches aura changes once her powers become active. That’s why everyone is required to go through a scanning on their 18th birthday. Most witches’ powers have become active by the time they reach 18.”
“Paige’s hadn’t,” said Phoebe. “Neither had her White Lighter powers. When we met her she had only used her orbing once when she was a teenager and it was subconsciously. She wasn’t even aware of what she was until we found her.”
“If she is a blood relative,” said Leo, “she should have powers similar to you three. And if she’s half White Lighter she might have White Lighter powers, too. If we can cause her powers to become active that might prove to her that she’s a witch.”
“I know how to make her powers active,” said Phoebe. “We need to get to her first.”
“That’s going to be a problem,” said Leo. “All public buildings have detectors. If a supernatural being enters the buildings the authorities will be alerted immediately.”
“We could really use the Book of Shadows,” said Phoebe. “It might have something in it that can help us. But it’s in the manor. And if we go in there we’re bound to be caught.”
“It’s not in the manor,” said Leo. “When they identified Piper and Prue as witches I removed it. I didn’t want the authorities getting their hands on it. It would have given them all the information they needed to hunt down witches.”
“But it was there when I was captured in the manor,” said Phoebe.
“That’s not possible,” said Leo. “The Elders have had it for several years. I know the Office of Homeland Security has been looking for it since they arrested the girls.”
“Then how could it have been in the attic when I was captured?” Phoebe asked.
“It wasn’t,” said Leo. “It couldn’t have been.”
“Which means my spell didn’t cause this time folding right away,” said Phoebe. “There was a delay in it.”
“Probably what happened,” said Leo, “was that it took a few minutes for the changes to take affect. Just like Tempus described would happen when – and if – we set things right again. That’s why you thought the book was still in the manor. But I can assure you it’s with the Elders right now.”
“Go get it,” said Prue. “We might have need of it. In the mean time we’re going to figure out how to get to Ms. Matthews without being detected. If Phoebe knows how to activate her powers we’ll need to do it as quickly as we can.”
“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” said Leo. He orbed out immediately.
“Oh,” said Piper suddenly, “I’m not feeling very well.”
“We’ve been through a lot,” said Prue. “It’s probably just catching up with you.”
“Piper, are you pregnant?” Phoebe asked.
“What!?” Piper nearly shrieked. “No, of course not. That’s ridiculous.”
“Why do you ask?” Prue asked.
“In my timeline she’s pregnant,” said Phoebe. “With her first child. With all that’s going on it had slipped my mind.”
“Really?” Piper asked. “Who’s the father?”
“Leo,” said Phoebe. “You two have been married a couple of years now.”
“The Elders let them get married?” Prue asked. “That doesn’t sound like the Elders we’ve been told about. Witches and White Lighters aren’t supposed to fraternize.”
“It wasn’t easy,” said Phoebe. “They only relented after we stopped Aames from killing all the White Lighters and leaving witches unprotected.”
“I never did like Aames,” said Prue.
“Well he is a warlock,” said Phoebe. “But with all the changes to the timeline I guess it’s not so surprising that you aren’t pregnant. If you and Leo never met you couldn’t very well be pregnant with his baby.”
“Besides,” said Phoebe, “the government puts chemicals in the food at the camps. They’re a form of chemical sterilization. It’s not permanent but as long as we keep taking the chemicals it prevents conception. So even if they had met it would be impossible for her to be pregnant.”
“Pity,” said Phoebe. “I was really looking forward to being an aunt.”
“I guess I was, too,” said Prue.
“What?” questioned Phoebe. “Oh, yeah, of course. So was Paige. We kept teasing Piper about home birthing but she kept insisting she was going to have the baby in the hospital.”
“Of course I would,” said Piper. “I wouldn’t want to risk my baby on some complication we wouldn’t be equipped to handle with home birthing. It would be a hospital with lots and lots of professionally trained medical people around to help.”
“That’s exactly what you keep saying in my timeline, too,” said Phoebe.
“Not to change the subject,” said Prue, “but we still need to figure out how to get to Matthews without being caught. It’s a given we can’t approach her at her television station. And it’s in New York, anyway. That’s a long way from here.”
“Leo can get us anywhere we need to go,” said Phoebe. “He can orb us anywhere in seconds.”
“Well, that explains how we’ll get there,” said Prue. “That orbing is kind of cool. I wouldn’t mind being able to do that.”
“I’ve always wanted to fly,” said Phoebe.
“What about going to her home?” Piper asked, redirecting their attention to the matter at hand. “It would be a lot easier to approach her at home. There wouldn’t be anyone around to distract us or discover us.”
“That could be risky,” said Prue. “A lot of residences have the sensors installed to detect witches or other supernatural beings. If she lives in one of those places we’ll be detected as soon as we get there.”
“What about some place else?” questioned Phoebe. “Some place that might not have the sensors?”
“That would be difficult,” said Piper. “Every day more and more places are installing the sensors as routine safety precautions. You really don’t know what it’s like here. Witches are the primary enemy of all countries. It’s the one thing they can all agree on. We’re lucky. At least we live in the United States.”
“Why is that lucky?” Phoebe asked.
“The United States is only one of very few countries where witches are locked up,” said Piper. “In most countries they’re just murdered. And a lot of the countries don’t have as sophisticated detecting devices that we have here. Which means there are probably a lot of people are killed who aren’t witches but only suspected of being witches.”
“That’s barbaric,” said Phoebe. “We have to protect magic from being discovered by the mortal world in the real timeline but nothing like this. Practicing the Craft isn’t a crime there.”
“Really?” said Prue. “It’s been illegal here for decades. Grams used to tell us what it was like when she was a girl. It wasn’t nearly as bad as it was during the Salem Witch Hunts but she still had to practice in private. Then McCarthy came along and in just a few short years it became illegal. It just sort of snowballed from there.”
“I don’t think it will be long before the camps are considered unnecessary,” said Piper. “I think that very soon they’re going to decide that witches are unnatural and they’ll be eliminated like they do in most of the rest of the world.”
“If we can find Nostradamus and get him back to his own time we can put things back the way they’re supposed to be,” said Phoebe.
“Which means we still have to find some way to get to Matthews,” said Prue. “I don’t think we have much of a choice. Anywhere we confront her we risk being detected. I think her home is a good idea. She’s a very public person. I’m willing to bet she values what little privacy she has. Which means she probably doesn’t want a sensor in her home spying on her.”
“Spying on her?” Phoebe questioned.
“The sensors can do more than detect a person’s aura,” said Piper. “They can be programmed to do just about anything. From what I understand it wouldn’t take that much to convert a sensor lens to a camera lens. Instant peeping tom.”
“That makes sense,” said Phoebe. “Most celebrities I’ve heard of get really annoyed when the paparazzi invade their personal homes. I agree with you. If we confront her in her home I think we stand the best chance of being able to talk with her privately.”
“Now,” said Prue, “just how do you plan to convince her she’s a witch? You said you had a plan to activate her powers? Just how do you plan to do that?”
“The same way she got her powers in my timeline,” said Phoebe. “She came to the manor and when we all joined hands we were bathed in this bluish-white light. That’s when her powers manifested themselves. I’m willing to bet it would work the same way here.”
“Even with me here?” Prue asked.
“What do you mean?” Phoebe asked.
“You’ve been very careful not to mention certain things about your timeline,” said Prue. “But you’ve made some small mistakes. Mistakes that might not seem like much individually. But taken together there’s only one conclusion I can come to. In the real timeline I’m dead, aren’t I?”
“What?” exclaimed Piper.
Phoebe could do nothing but stare at Prue in shocked surprised.
"One day we are going to look in our microscope and find outselves staring into God's eye. And the first one to blink is going to loose his testicles." - Peter O'Toole in "Creator"