Chapter 12: Chapter 12
“BREAKING NEWS”
The news anchor yawned before walking out to a group of reporters who were typing, editing video and creating graphic effects. He leaned over to read the day’s news headlines and played on the computer screen. “Do we have anything interesting for the morning news? Or something big we can find on-line?”
“I’ve got a story of a possible tax evasion by a city council member in the city next to Lake Pontchartrain,” answered the first reporter. “We’ve talked to his accountant, but he claimed all tax write-offs were legal. We still have no confirmation.”
“What else?” asked the anchor. “Something good.”
“City councilman in LaSalle has decided not to run for reelection. We’ve got a crew talking to his wife about that decision,” answered another reporter. “She says she’s getting out of politics forever...”
“And a birthday party was held in Mandeville for a ninety-three year old man,” said another reporter with a laugh. “I’ve got a video of him blowing out candles.”
“Is that all? Nothing that can bring in viewers?”
Another news producer flipped through her notes and read, “A fire was reported in a riverside camp alongside Avery Island.”
“What was the damage?”
“Well, the fire was put out before any damage was done to the camp, and we didn’t get any video,” answered the reporter. “So far it looks like an accident.”
“I want some real news. Do we have anything that can draw an audience? Maybe get us some kind of ratings?”
Another reporter then looked up from her notes and replied nervously. “There were a few reports of ghost sightings in Back Bayou, but the few witnesses really have no credibility...”
“I believe them,” replied the news director as he stood up. “If they say they saw ghosts, they’ve got credibility! Let’s get out the cameras!”
“Well, they say the ghost was invisible. You can’t see an invisible ghost.”
“They must have seen something! Get the cameras and reporters out and interview every witness. Write in-depth stories on every ghost sighting. Create some animation of what the ghosts might have looked like! This could be national news! And this will mean ratings!”
Reporters looked around confused, then started typing. Some reporters then got up and started grabbing cameras and equipment, and producers headed for the remote vans and trucks.
The sun was beginning to rise as Ben drove his dirty car into the small parking lot of the local restaurant, “Cajun Deli”. There were just a few cars, and the restaurant appeared to be nearly empty. Ben looked around before nervously walking in.
An older waitress immediately walked up from behind the counter and looked tired. “Good morning sir. Welcome to the Cajun Deli!”
“Good morning,” answered Ben.
“Table for one?”
Ben looked around at the many open tables before answering. “No thank you. I just want to get some breakfast to go.”
“Why don’t you sit down and look at a menu?” asked the waitress as she pointed to an empty chair.
Without moving, Ben read from the menu on the wall written partly in French with the unrecognizable names. “I just want to order a couple of cajun breakfasts to go.”
“Okay,” answered the waitress as she walked back over. “We have a special on beignet donuts with one cup of café au lait. Does that sound like something you might be interested in?”
“Sure, that ‘coffee oh lay’ sounds good. Any other local amenities available this time of year?”
“Local what?”
“I’m sorry,” replied Ben. “What kind of breakfast can I get ‘to go’, that’s exclusive to this area of the Back Bayou?”
“Well, we got a fresh fried catfish omelet, with hot buttered grits, and a local andouille sausage. Or you can get a fresh bowl of cush-cush served with cream and cane syrup.”
“Hmmm,” responded Ben as he thought about the possibilities. “I think that all sounds great!”
“All that then?” asked the waitress. “You want all three meals?”
“Yeah, and I want it all to go.”
The waitress turned and walked back into the kitchen and yelled, “Catfish omelet, grits & sausage, and a bowl of cush-cush... Everything to go!” She then walked back out and said politely, “It’ll be ready in just a few minutes. Sit down, and I’ll bring out your café au lait.”
Ben walked over to the bar and sat down as another couple walked in. Waitress greeted the familiar customers and led them to a table. Ben smiled and nodded, then picked up a newspaper from the table and began reading local news headlines.
“Multiple Reports of Ghost Sightings!”
Drawn pictures showed a ghost-shaped figure rising from a grave. Ben was confused as he read from the long articles, “Ghost-like sounds were made by invisible life forms, first reported by gravediggers at a Memorial Service... Funeral service was honoring local Back Bayou resident Gabriel Meaux. Workers were stunned by the sighting.”
“What started out as just crying sounds turned into a ghost talking next to the grave,” said one of the gravediggers.
Ben searched for local news headlines on his phone and pulled up a local news anchor talking about sightings inside the Grocery Mart. Interviews played with employees and customers making their claims.
“We heard a voice. It was coming out around the boxes of salt! And then riding a cart across the store!”
Ghost-like computer animations began playing around grocery store shelves. A reporter then pushed a microphone into the face of the store manager, who stuttered nervously before answering. “Claims of sightings don’t mean we have ghosts. It’s only a distraction from the competition against the low prices and deals we have, right here at the Grocery Mart!”
“Never seen nothing like it,” said another customer. “Very scary.”
Ben searched through computer screen articles and videos showing more news about the sightings. “Grocery Mart employees said the ghost-like figure came into the store just trying to steal a shaker of salt.”
“I saw something hiding on the shelf... But when I tried to communicate,” said Nancy. “The ghost just took off. Never seen nothing like it.”
Ben looked up from the video and turned to the waitress, “Uhhh... You think I can also get a salt shaker to go?”
“Oh! Our chef will add perfect seasoning... You won’t need to add salt. I promise.”
Ben smiled and continued, “Maybe I could just get a couple of bottles of water and a salt shaker to go. You can just add that to the overall bill. Cost is not a problem.”
Waitress looked confused before turning and walking back to the kitchen where she began to argue with the chef.
Ben continued playing news clips and reading, “Local police say they are investigating all sightings and have no evidence to validate any claims.”
The waitress finally walked out of the kitchen carrying a bag. “Okay,” she said. “Three house specialties, plus two water bottles and one salt shaker to go. Anything else?”
“No,” answered Ben as he stood up. “That’s gonna do it.”
Ben handed over his credit card to pay the Cajun Deli bill and carried the white bags out to his car as the curious waitress and chef looked on.
News was playing on a big screen television, and the news anchor spoke into the camera, “Well, a new expedition to the small moon in the Kepler Solar System, is being planned by Science Exploration. This new journey to “Quazmopolis” will be leaving next week, via a new Solar Jet developed by the SEA crew.”
Pictures on the news broadcast showed aerial photos and video that was shot by scientists years earlier. The handsome news anchor continued, “This new mission will include a search for undiscovered compounds of elements on the colored rock surfaces. This new exploration will also be a search for possible undiscovered life forms in tiny grains of sand. One local news reporter, from Science Exploration in California, has more information on this scientific journey.”
The video cut to a live shot of the reporter holding the microphone. “I’m standing outside the SEA Headquarters, and we’ve been given information of the goals that scientists are setting for this new expedition. Several scientists are now claiming they’ve witnessed unexplained motion from video taken from overhead satellites.”
The news video then cut to overhead high definition aerial shots showing slight motion and close-ups taken of the rock surface.
“No sign of life can be seen in this video, but several waves of unexplained motion can be seen across the rock hard surfaces. Some scientists believe this slight motion proves the possibility of a tiny undiscovered life form.”
News video then cut to Dr. Palmer, “Images we’ve uncovered are being studied. But this expedition to Quazmopolis will measure a combination of all the elements. With the oxygen based atmosphere, we’ll be planting and studying any life form capable of survival.”
“Does this mission serve any other purpose?” asked the reporter as she ran alongside Dr. Palmer and pushed the mic out.
“Any unexplained motion on the surface justifies further exploration. That’s all.”
The reporter’s voice-over continued with more video cutaways, “Record setting temperatures have measured greater than one hundred fifty degrees during the summer months and twenty below zero at night. Scientists believe a new Arid Cactus plant can survive a diet of salt water natural to the planet and the wide range of temperatures.”
News continued playing on the large high definition monitor hanging on the wall before cutting back to the anchor sitting at the newsdesk, “In other news, several cities in Arizona are also battling a heat wave with temperatures nearly reaching one-twenty.”
Dr. Palmer sat alone in his bedroom, standing next to television and putting on his tie. “Mute the volume,” he mumbled as he stood up. The television sound immediately stopped as Palmer walked around to his large computer monitor and began typing.
“They didn’t bother to mention the mission to Quazmopolis is costing nothing to taxpayers, a small detail to leave out when they’re going on about the high costs...”
Computer then spoke up, “Would you like to check new classified data on Quazmopolis mission?”
“Yes,” answered Palmer as he turned to the computer screen. “What’s the latest news on the mission?”
Computer immediately began showing video and reciting information, “New Quazmopolis mission is running on schedule. Scientists are preparing for temperature swings, and laying down a bonding composite base deep under the rock surface to ensure survival of the new Arid Cacti plant.”
Palmer touched the computer screen, slid icons and asked, “What’s the latest information you have about the Quazmopolis mission crew member, Miss Lacy Meaux?”
“Lacy Meaux is now in critical condition after taking a gunshot to the head by local Back Bayou policemen. Doctors are surprised she survived and are planning to soon discontinue life support.”
Dr. Palmer looked surprised and asked, “What is being reported on their local news?”
The computer then immediately began reciting news headlines, “City Council member is being accused of tax evasion. One DUI was reported in New Orleans.” Palmer was hardly listening when the computer continued, “And unusual reports were made to police this week of possible ghost sightings.”
Dr. Palmer immediately spun around and walked over to the computer. He touched the screen and asked, “What kind of ghosts are you referring to? Please provide more information.”
“Sightings are being reported by local news stations and online by the local Back Bayou News service. Computerized reenactment video is being broadcast.”
“What the hell? Please give all documented facts on each of these reported sightings. Lay it out.”
“First reported sighting occurred at a funeral in a graveyard. This occurred in the city of Back Bayou when gravediggers noticed unexplained voices and motion.”
“Who was the funeral for?” asked Palmer.
“Reported funeral was for Mr. Gabriel Meaux.”
Dr. Palmer walked over to the computer. “Are there photos or more explanation?”
“No photos and no video,” responded the computer. “This ghost sighting case was dismissed without investigation.”
“What other reports of sightings are there?”
“Another ghost sighting was reported at the local Grocery Mart where workers and customers claimed to see motion of a shopping cart rolling on its own. No photos and no video.”
Dr. Palmer stared at the computer screen with exterior shots of Grocery Mart as video played. “One cashier reported an unexplained box of salt was taken off the shelf.”
Palmer looked curiously at the computer screen, “A box of salt was stolen by the ghost?”
“Nancy Simmons, Grocery Mart cashier, claimed she saw motion and heard a voice on the aisle near spices. Cashier claims the container of salt then disappeared from the shelf.”
“Have Back Bayou Police investigations turned up any facts?”
“Investigations and ghost sighting claims have all been dismissed by Back Bayou sheriff Rob Neil,” answered the computer before showing a video of Neil.
“The ghost sightings are silly. It’s something every city gets a couple of times a year.”
Dr. Palmer stared down at the computer screen and remained motionless, deep in thought.
Ben was walking along the downtown sidewalk carrying the bag of takeout food from Cajun Deli. A homeless man confronted him. “Hello sir? Can you spare a buck?” The man then held up a jar hoping to collect.
“No, I don’t have cash. Sorry.”
Another homeless man approached. “You got something extra? Something you can spare? Really smells good.”
“No, I’m sorry. This food is for just me and a friend.” Ben continued before walking down the dark alley towards Quazum who was lying motionless under the same blanket.
“Quazum, I got some breakfast for us. It’s the same classic cajun food that you grew up with. Your mom used to cook stuff like this for me.”
After rolling around slowly under the blanket, Quazum sat up. He looked confused as he changed colors going in and out of sight.
Ben was laying out the food boxes when the same homeless man walked up looking confused. “What is that? I saw something move under the blanket.”
“It’s just me. I’m just talking to myself while I eat. And I moved the blanket”
Quazum remained motionless as the man walked closer. When he pulled the blanket, he felt a resistance and noticed unexplained shadows.
“There’s no ghosts or moving blankets. Now leave me alone so I can eat my breakfast.”
The man finally turned and raced down the alley yelling, “I saw it. I saw the invisible ghost!”
Other homeless people on the street heard the yelling, then rolled over and went back to sleep.
“Good morning, Quazum,” said Ben as he pulled cartons of food from the bag and put them on top of the blanket. Quazum seemed confused, “What do you want?”
“I’m a friend of Lacy,” said Ben. “I was there when she was shot. She asked me to watch you and help you. And I’m going to do everything I can for you.”
“I don’t know you. I need my Mom?”
Ben thought for a moment, then continued opening boxes and laying out the different foods. “Quazum, I truly loved your Mom. And I owe her everything.”
“Mom said she never loved anybody,” replied Quazum. “I just want to go home and be with Mom and Grandpa at my home in the Back Bayou.”
“Things have changed. It’s not so easy.” Ben thought about the situation, then looked into Quazum’s eyes. “Ten years ago, your Mom and I were planning a big wedding. It was to be a marriage with all our friends and family. We loved each other.”
“So what happened? You left her at the altar?”
“I chickened out,” answered Ben. “I was just immature.”
“So you just broke up with my Mom?”
“It’s more complicated... We were best friends at Science Exploration. We dated for two years.”
Ben then stopped opening food containers and quietly thought about Lacy and all his mistakes before continuing, “We then dated for another full year while my mom was planning the big wedding.”
“So she left you?”
“I chickened out. I practically left your Mom at the altar. It was the stupidest thing I’ve ever done. I now spend every day regretting that mistake and wondering how I can make it up to her.”
“So who’s my real Dad? Who are my parents? What am I?” Quazum was confused as he looked up at Ben waiting for an answer.
“I should have been your father. I should have been there for you and been there for your Mom. She left and moved back to the Back Bayou.”
Quazum thought about his life in the swampland and finally looked away in tears. “I loved my Mom and my Grandpa. So why did the police have to take them? Why did the police shoot them?”
As Quazum began to cry, Ben patted him on the back trying to change the subject. “Hey! I got lots of cajun food here that I know you’ll like. It’s a catfish omelet with special sauce. Some buttered grits with andouille sausage. And for dessert? It’s a fresh bowl of coush-coush, with maple syrup!”
“Fine,” said Quazum as he began to taste food looking around the empty alley.
Ben grabbed a bottle of water from the bag and began trying to shake salt from the shaker into one bottle. “And I got some fresh clean water that I’m just going to mix with a little salt, just the way you like it.”
Quazum then pulled out his stolen box of salt and poured it more easily into the other water bottle. “So why are you doing all this now? It’s too late.”
“Everything that happened to your Mom and your grandfather is my fault. It’s all my fault.” Ben then looked Quazum in the eye. “Quazum, I want to make it all up to you. My entire life is now dedicated to you.”
“Nobody wants me. I’m nothing but a freak.”
“No. Quazum, you’re a fine boy. And you were raised on a beautiful bayou by some I love. You’ve been through so much because of me, and I’m going to help.”
Quazum looked around. “You say that now, but I don’t believe you. Everybody just wants to send me to a zoo. That’s what Mom told me.”
Ben looked Quazum in the eye again. “I’ve been a lousy father, but I am now committed. I promise.”
“I’m just not human. People are scared of me. So what can you do?”
“Whatever you want! We can move back to your home in the swampland if you want. And I can take care of all the legal stuff.”
Quazum looked down and thought about what he’d been through. “I don’t want to live there. I can’t live there without my mom and Grandpa.”
Ben took a bite of the grits and eggs. “Maybe we could move out to California? I’ve got an apartment, and I could make enough money to support us both. It’ll just be me and you. We can be like a family.”
Quazum looked around the dark alley, and quietly sat thinking, “No. I won’t do it.”
“You could do work, or just play alone on a computer. You’ll have complete privacy. No scientists, no exhibitions. Complete freedom.”
Quazum thought for a beat, then looked up at Ben and mumbled, “I just wanna go home.”
“So where’s home?”
“My home is on Quazmopolis. I want to return home to Quazmopolis.”
Ben looked up in surprise. “Why? Why would you want to move to the hot and cold land of solid rock? You don’t have friends there. You don’t have family or even know your family members. And you don’t even know what food they have. You’d be starting over.”
“It’s where I’m meant to be. It’s where my real family lives. Quazmopolis is my real home.”
“Let’s think about this. You’re not ready for that.”
“I know I can do it. It’s what I want.”
Ben continued eating. “Quazum, I believe that’s one option that’s off the table. It’s not even possible to get you there. It’s lightyears away.”
“If I can just get dropped off on the new mission, I can hide out, then just explore for myself. I can meet my real family, and my real parents. I could start a life at my real home. And I can be happy.”
“Quazmopolis is not a life! Your true parents knew that. That’s why they sent you here. Inside Lacy.”
“Science Exploration is planning another trip,” replied Quazum as he swallowed from his bottle of salt water. “I read about it.”
“That’s just another mission to plant cactus. They can’t find anything under the rock surface.”
“New explorers will be laying a bonding composite base beneath the surface for new forms of cactus. I want to go home.” Quazum then picked up the Cajun breakfast foods as Ben began thinking.
Dr. Palmer was sitting alone at the desk in his office going over information on the computer. Scientists were peeking through the window and seemed curious of the passion Palmer was showing in his new research.
“Did Palmer say anything?” asked Oliver.
“He said nothing to me,” replied Alice.
“Does anyone know why he’s all of a sudden not involved in this new Quazmopolis mission?” asked Chris as he turned and walked over to the lobby desk. “Is this all for Lacy Meaux?”
“He was a lot more concerned about the last mission,” said Pilot Jenkins. “That’s for sure.”
Oliver turned to the group and pulled out his computer. “I don’t believe Palmer even realizes the money this investigation is costing?”
“The cost is just pennies for Palmer,” said Heidi with a smile.
Inside the office, Dr. Palmer opened photos on his screen before the computer spoke out again. “After further examination, one police officer in the Back Bayou also claimed to have seen motion in Meaux’s cabin and in bushes around the exterior at the time Gabriel Meaux and Lacy Meaux were shot. No report explaining the motion was filed.”
Dr. Palmer stopped to think, then pushed another button on the table and spoke into the phone line. “Alice, can you come in here?”
Palmer immediately went back to the computer as Alice walked in. She looked around nervously, then walked over to the chair in front of Palmer’s desk. The group of scientists outside the door all watched curiously.
“Yes sir?” asked Alice. “Anything I can do?”
“I want you to book an immediate flight to the airport nearest Back Bayou, Louisiana,” said Palmer as he read from his computer.
“Back Bayou?” asked a surprised Alice. “Dr. Palmer, the new mission to Quazmopolis is scheduled for take-off in just a few days!”
“I know,” replied Palmer as he continued reading information on the big computer screen. “I just have some personal things I need to investigate.”
“Does this trip to Louisiana involve the Quazmopolis mission?”
Palmer looked over at Alice and the scientists standing in the doorway and explained, “The mission is simply an exploration searching for documentation. Quazmopolis mission will go on as scheduled. I will file a complete report when I return.”
Alice then got up to walk out and looked back when she got to the door. “Will anyone be flying with you, Dr. Palmer?”
“No, it will be one first class ticket to the airport nearest Back Bayou, and leaving as soon as possible!”
“Yes sir. Not a problem.” Alice then walked out and closed the door behind her.
Dr. Palmer turned back and pushed buttons before asking the computer, “Have there ever been reports of ghosts or alien sightings in Back Bayou before?”
“No reports of physical contact with ghosts had been reported. Area has averaged one report of strange sightings annually. The city of Back Bayou has now registered five claims of strange sightings and ghost contact in the last seven days.”
“Knock! Knock! Knock!” Palmer spun around in his chair when he heard the knock, and explorers Chris, Oliver, and Jenkins walked in confused.
“Can we talk to you, Dr. Palmer?” asked Chris.
“What is it?”
Jenkins then spoke up, “We’ve heard you are now planning a mission to a swampland in Louisiana. Is this really true?”
“Yes,” responded Palmer. “And it’s a personal trip.”
“But you realize the new Quazmopolis mission is leaving in just three days, right?”
“I know all about our scheduled mission. I’m paying for it.”
Chris looked frustrated and spoke up again. “Can we just cancel the mission? Or maybe just postpone the take-off? It’s not a big deal.”
“Of course not,” answered Palmer as he moved papers and files around his desk.
“Is this just a vacation you’re taking? Maybe visiting family in the swamps?”
“No. It’s not a vacation, and the new Quazmopolis mission is not to be cancelled. Anything else?”
“Can you give us some hint as to why you’re leaving three days before take-off?” asked Chris.
“What’s the point of an unsupervised mission?” asked Jenkins.
“I want Arid Cacti ready for planting,” replied Palmer. “And I want all explorers prepared for examination of Quazmopolis moon surface, possible life forms and new element combinations. That’s all.”
“Does this Bayou trip have something to do with Lacy Meaux and Ben Thomas?” asked Jenkins.
Dr. Palmer spun back around to his computer, turned it off, then stood up and put on his hat before walking to the door. “This is strictly a personal investigation I am making. I will be back in time for take-off of the Solar Jet in three days. That is all.”
Palmer then opened his door and walked by the scientists. Chris and Jenkins looked to each other, then turned and followed him out. “Yes sir, Dr. Palmer. Quazmopolis mission will leave on schedule.”
Palmer approached Alice who reached up with papers, “First class ticket for direct flight will be leaving in ninety minutes and arriving in New Orleans. I’ll have a car ready to pick you up at the airport and bring you to any local parish you’d like to visit.”
“Thank you,” answered Dr. Palmer before turning and walking down the hall.
The homeless man that saw Quazum was walking alone down a nearby alley before being approached by a group of gang members. “Where are you going?”
“I saw a ghost,” replied the homeless man. “It was hiding under a blanket, and some guy brought it some food.”
“A ghost? You saw the ghost?”
“You got pictures?” asked another gang member.
The homeless man then nodded his head before another gang member asked, “Any proof at all?”
“It was just an invisible creature hiding in the alley. And it was talking to some guy.”
“I heard about ghost sightings on the news, man.” said another as he looked around. “Back Bayou Police Department is now questioning gravediggers about something they saw climbing out of a grave.”
“I wanna see this ghost,” said one of the guys.
“Where did you see this thing?” asked another as he got up.
All six gang members then picked up sticks and chains and followed the homeless man out up the big street. The tough guys were ready for a fight.
“Did he have any weapons or perform any magic tricks?” asked one with a laugh.
“It just moved... It was laying down right there in the alley...” The homeless man then pointed to the back of the dark alleyway. “Right down at the end.”
“Come on guys,” said the leader as the gang turned and walked up the big street. The homeless man followed them and continued nervously pointing.
Ben looked up in surprise, as the group of tough gang members approached. Quazum and Ben were sitting alone, and Quazum immediately removed the blanket and began to change colors, blending in with the dirty wall and trash in the alley. Ben appeared to be sitting alone, nicely dressed and eating from the three plates of fresh take-out food.
“What you got there?” asked the gang leader.
“It’s nothing,” responded Ben politely. “I’m just eating some breakfast. Alone.”
Another tough guy stepped up, “Why aren’t you sitting in a nice restaurant eating that stuff? You got an answer to that?”
Ben took another bite from the food and wiped his mouth. “I’m out of a job. Homeless. I’ve got no money, and I got no place to stay. That’s all.”
“What’s that you’re sitting next to?” asked another member. “I see shadows.”
Ben looked surprised. “As you can see I’m here alone. It’s just me.”
“We heard there’s an invisible ghost hanging out down here. We want to see it.”
“Have you seen the ghost?” asked the gang leader as he opened his switchblade knife.
“No,” answered Ben as if it was a silly question. “I haven’t seen any ghosts, or aliens, or monsters. It’s just me.”
Another member of the gang then walked slowly up to Ben and the invisible Quazum. He kicked at the empty blanket and what looked like a small pile of trash next to Ben.
“Oh!” Quazum made a sound when he felt the kick drawing immediate attention.
As the gang moved in, Ben finally yelled out. “Hey stop it, you guys! I’m just sitting alone here. I don’t want any trouble.”
“Tell us what you got there! You got a ghost sitting next to you? Let’s see it, or you’re dead.”
“I told you,” answered Ben defensively again. “I’m here alone. I don’t have money, but you can take my phone, my computer. Maybe you can sell it.”
Another gang member then walked slowly up to the blanket next to Ben. He leaned over closely examining and reached out to Quazum’s face. Ben then pushed his arm away and started to get up. “That’s enough guys! Take what you want. I don’t want trouble.”
The gang leader with the knife then yelled at Ben, “You take a seat, and just keep your mouth shut. Or you’re a dead man. You understand?”
The big knife blade was then moved to Ben’s neck as the gang members leaned over to examine the blanket and trash. Ben looked on nervously before pushing the knife away and jumping up to fight.
Ben then yelled out, “Run! Quazum, just run! Hurry!”
Gang members looked around confused before grabbing Ben and throwing punches to his stomach and face. One of the gang members then stabbed the knife into Ben’s arm along with kicks to Ben’s head and stomach knocking him unconscious.
The gang leader then pulled out his big knife, and walked slowly over to shadow next to Quazum’s blanket. Other gang members pulled out guns in addition to other weapons and pointed them at the motionless shadow.
With no warning, the blanket flew across the alley into the face of the gang leader.
Quazum then jumped up becoming more visible and kicked the knife out of the leader’s hand. He then spun around and kicked the leg of another gang member standing over Ben.
“Argh!” yelled the gang leader as he fell to the ground.
Guns began firing and bouncing off of Quazum’s tough skin as he quickly bounced off the wall, knocking the gun out of the hands of the gang leader.
Quazum then kicked another man holding a knife before ripping a pole from the hand of the man standing over Ben.
“Go away,” yelled Quazum before running back over to examine Ben.
The gang members all looked on in shock as they heard the voice and saw the color changing alien body in motion.
Quazum finally reached under Ben’s injured body and lifted him. He then began rapidly climbing up the side of the wall.
Members of the gang looked on in shock as Quazum and Ben reached the top of the building and disappeared out of sight. Members then took off running and yelling about their ghost sighting.