iDENTITY Page 12

  A small group of fans gathered in the studio and suddenly everyone, including TV viewers, were in Paris, sitting on a bench with Tony and Polly as he asked her to marry him. They smelled the fresh Parisian night air, heard the noise of the café guests, and saw the stars twinkling over the Eiffel Tower and felt the romance as they kissed after she accepted his proposal.

  As they wrapped up the viewing and book signing, Maggie noticed a suspicious figure in black jeans and T-shirt at the back of the room. His eyes were cast downward, hidden by a baseball cap. Then realization hit— Seth had found her again. Little beads of sweat appeared on Maggie’s forehead and her hand began to shake.

  He contacted her constantly, always sorry for the break-up, begging to be back in her life. But Maggie believed he was jealous of her fame and newfound love. Her silence fueled his anger and his new messages seemed pathetic and weak: “Sorry I walked out. We had something once. Give me another chance.”

  Facing Seth and the past would ruin everything, so she acted quickly.

  Slipping Molly a note, Maggie continued to sign her book as if nothing were wrong. As the man got closer, a security guard grabbed his arm, attempting to pull him away. Upon apprehension, he peered at Maggie, hoping to catch her attention. She glanced in his direction without flinching and he knew instantly that their exchange today would not happen. Molly signaled to Tom and the interview abruptly ended; the show switched to a commercial.

  “She’s a fake! Her name is Maggie McGinnis, not MJ Moore,” he shouted and pointed at Maggie. Many in the audience glared at him and shook their heads. The guards rushed him out of the room. MJ ignored him and Tom cautioned her to keep calm. “Always an oddball in the crowd, thank goodness for security,” he said.

  After the crowd dissipated, Maggie sighed, gulped, and felt sick to her stomach. She certainly did not want to run into Seth again, but now he seemed to track her every move with her new celebrity status.

  “Don’t worry, Ms. Moore, we retained him and the police took him down to the station for questioning. We’ll watch for him in the future. Sorry for the outburst— the audience thought he was crazy anyway. Many people told me on the way out,” said Molly.

  A security guard escorted Maggie to a waiting flying taxi that lifted over the building tops, far from the streets below. Her eyes closed and she drifted off, unaware of the world around her. To be in Mark’s comforting arms again, she daydreamed. Her thoughts were interrupted by a beeping message.

  “How could you do this to me? I know where you live and I’m going to expose you to all the world. You $#@!” texted Seth’s hologram.

  Maggie shivered and gripped her phone in terror. She needed to let George know that a lunatic was stalking her before everything was destroyed. George would want to protect his newest successful writer. But how to play it off gracefully and bypass Vera plagued her. Maybe a one-way ticket to Eden; Vera always had a fascination for space travel. Maggie hatched her new plan.

  As the flying taxi touched down at the Meridian airstrip, she saw Mark waiting for her. Her eyes lit up and she ran to him, gripping him tightly.

  “Hey baby, I missed you, too. Congratulations on your stunning performance on Wake Up America! But are you ready for more excitement? Our trip to Eden is scheduled for 7 p.m. sharp! Let George knew his star novelist will greet her readers from the Space Ventures Van. Maybe he’d like to join us— more publicity for us,” Mark exclaimed, scooping her up in his arms.

  “Not a bad idea. I know George would dig taking his first trip to Eden and promoting his book empire from the heavens— maybe the first book signing in space!” The wheels started turning in Maggie’s mind, luring both George and the impossible Vera beyond the outer realms.

  Mark escorted Maggie to EI, where a crowd gathered with George at the forefront with a scowling Vera at his side, clapping as she entered through the double doors. As she entered through the doors, MJ Moore left the self-doubting Maggie behind and thanked the staff for all their help and patience.

  “I would never have made it this far without everyone’s help, from the publicity, the wardrobe suggestions, production, to the belief in my talent. Thanks to everyone here at EI, the start of a great relationship. I brought back tickets to show my appreciation,” MJ Moore as she handed out WUA tickets to an admiring staff.

  “We love the energy you’ve brought to our company; your book and Sim World has surpassed our expectations and many of our authors would like to team with you on your next book signing. You are now part of the EI family,” said George. He shook her hand.

  The TV and wall monitors repeated parts of the interview with comments from book reviewers and feedback from readers. The interview had gone viral, shown on international channels and media.

  A large seven-tiered cake, adorned with the front cover of the book, stood on a large table, ready to be cut, along with glasses of sparking water and hot coffee. Employees surrounded the table chanting, “Cut the cake, cut the cake!”

  MJ cut the first piece and handed it to George. The cake disappeared in a matter of minutes and the staff scattered to their desks.

  “Got to run, baby. See you at 1900. See if George is interested in our new venture. It will be a first for everyone,” said Mark as he gave her a squeeze.

  “That sounds very intriguing. Was that Mark from Space Ventures? Didn’t know you two were involved. But tell me more,” said George as they entered his office. MJ closed the door tightly and directed her conversation at George, avoiding any eye contact with Vera.

  “This is very hush-hush and we need to keep this quiet. How would you like to be one of the first civilians to go to Eden? Space Ventures will be the first to take passengers to Eden and is planning a big campaign to promote this idea. Just think, a first book signing on Eden— a lucky few could win a trip and meet one of EI’s newest authors? Just think of the possibilities. We could set a precedent and a trend,” said MJ.

  George hesitated, but Vera spoke up.

  “What a marvelous idea; it would certainly put us on a new competitive level, plus cause a stir in the publishing world. Not to mention create an opportunity for the adventurous book lover. Too bad it’s not Harvey Turner’s space novel that we’re promoting,” said Vera.

  “I am thrilled, yet reluctant to consider such an irrational idea!” George said dramatically. “We’ll have to do some planning. Are we looking at a couple of weeks at least?” he asked.

  “Can you be ready to leave at 1700?” MJ asked.

  George coughed and Vera gasped at the suddenness of this undertaking. Their eyes widened, George checking his calendar and Vera contemplating the situation.

  “Well, I’m not sure I can travel on such short notice. It’s awfully sudden— besides is it safe?” exclaimed Vera.

  “Mark has perfected the van’s technology— even SpaceX has approved. It’s safe and they have the right gear for us. And time’s running out,” MJ said.

  “Call my wife and let her know I won’t be home for dinner. If you can’t come Vera, then I’ll ask Lacy. I know she would drop everything for this opportunity,” said George, in a disgusted tone.

  “No, not Lacy. Just give me the afternoon off and I’ll be ready in time,” said Vera and abruptly left the room.

  My plan is now in motion and Vera has taken the bait, thought Maggie as she alerted Mark of two more passengers.

  Jaz

  Jaz took a moment to relax and drink her coffee, watching Maggie’s perfect interview. She’s so confident and poised. I’m glad she’s been there for me, like an older sister. In a couple of hours, I will be on Eden, but with Maggie by my side, I can do anything, she thought, although her hand shook as she took a green pill.

  Then she worked out for three hours on the stair-stepper and downed her protein drink. Her scale tipped 100 pounds, but hopefully she would appear skinnier on Eden. After taking an ice-cold shower after that laborious workout, Jaz examined herself in the full-length mirror. She pinched a sliver of fat from her
waist and noticed a tiny wrinkle that had just appeared on her forehead. Matt passed by the bedroom door and gazed at her in admiration.

  “You look perfect! Don’t be so hard on yourself. Besides I will always love you,” said Matt as he handed her some celery sticks. She needed him and asked him to move in, hoping that he would understand the demands of her career. Matt had been extremely attentive, but she wasn’t in love with him, even though they slept together. Her career was everything to her and tonight would prove to be the biggest challenge of all— the chance of a lifetime. She still couldn’t believe she was going to Eden.

  What would I do without Maggie? Without her encouraging phone calls and delivery of extra green pills, this trip wouldn’t be possible, thought Jaz.

  The phone rang and Matt ran to answer it. Always there to assist me, bring me food, keep track of my appointments and maintain my exercise regime— why can’t I appreciate him?

  “It was Steven- -he said to eat a decent meal before your trip and the limo will pick you up at 1600. Wear something sexy and try to relax. This Eden trip will make you the most famous model on the planet.”

  Jaz went into her room to change. Her cell phone vibrated and she noticed the familiar number. “Want to visit you soon. Feeling better and walking with a cane,” her mom’s message stated.

  Her eyes lit up and she realized her mom needed her. She sent her a quick text, exited her room and ate a small bowl of yogurt that Matt handed her.

  “You are so good to me. Take care of my cat, Cuddles, and let my fans know when I will return,” said Jaz. She lightly kissed Matt on the cheek as Enrico led her to a waiting limo.

  Jaz finally relaxed as Enrico drove off, having equipped his van especially for her tonight with a green smoothie, fresh bouquet of daisies, her favorite country songs playing softly, and lots of pillows. Now that man knows how to pamper a woman, Jaz thought.

  “Big night tonight for you, Ms. Jaz. Just sit back and enjoy the ride. Don’t worry about anything,” said Enrico, winking at her from the rearview mirror. He arrived at the Meridian, maneuvering through light ground traffic in less than two minutes, cruising at a mere 100 miles an hour.

  Jaz opened her luminous eyes, took a deep breath as she stepped out of the limo. Enrico put a protective arm around her and whisked her into transporters to the 50th floor. In less than a minute, Jazz arrived at the Space Ventures and was greeted by Steven.

  “No one knows you’re going to Eden, but everyone suspects it’s a big promotion. Only your inner circle knows, but is sworn to secrecy,” said Steven, eyeing her short, sequined dress and four-inch black boots.

  Jaz followed Steven and was met by a small group, including two strangers. She bit her lip nervously, but her eyes lit up as she caught Maggie’s eye. Mark gave her a warm hug and addressed the crowd.

  “I’m glad you could join us on this memorable journey. I’m pleased to introduce Jaz, who is the face of Space Ventures, destined to promote our future trips throughout the universe. Already 5,000 people have signed up to go to the Eden next month, but we believe that we can triple that figure, once they view our trip on G Net. Our elite team of professionals will take us to that next level. Let me introduce Paul Caster,” said Mark to a small intimate group of individuals that included Steven, Maggie, George, Vera, Rick, the director and Paul, the Captain, previously one of SpaceX’s finest.

  “My name’s Paul Caster, your captain. I joined Space Ventures and helped plan this overdue trip to Eden, a planet we discovered has water and life with a climate similar to Hawaii. The technology has been perfected and my experience in flying to the moon, Mars, and Jupiter has prepared me for this trip to possibly our new home. We can’t wait any longer and the time is right to make this expedition. It will take approximately two days, traveling at nearly the speed of light. Why so short? Because we will be taking a shortcut, a tunnel through space. Be prepared to enter a wormhole, but relax and enjoy! It will truly be exhilarating!”

  Everyone’s eyes grew wide at the magnitude of their mission, now realizing they would be truly pioneers.

  “Everyone’s on board to make this trip?” asked Mark to an anxious crowd.

  “Could we die?” whispered Vera to George.

  George shook his head and gave her a dismissive look.

  “I guess we don’t need any training; they’ll tell us what we need to do,” said George.

  “We’ve made this trek many times and Paul is an experienced astronaut, fully prepared to launch and land our ship. Now eat and drink before we go,” said Mark to his guests. No one ate much food as they eagerly awaited the take-off of the luxury ship, equipped with twenty heated seats, a complete bar, deco lighting, sleeping/bathroom quarters, and a small kitchen.

  “How are you doing? It looks like you’ve lost more weight, but I guess the camera adds unwanted pounds. I know you’ll be a superstar; Mark raves about your star quality. Don’t worry about the guests; my boss George is a big fan, but stay away from Vera. She’s a royal pain,” said Maggie.

  “I’m petrified, but excited and I know you’ll be great here. Just keep Vera away from me,” Jaz said.

  She squirmed in her oversized space suit, just made for take-offs and landings. She’d lost twenty pounds since the fitting, but knew she would remove it once they landed on Eden. She downed the pill, closed her eyes, and reflected on her present successes. Her Galaxy Tours experience, commercials, and numerous guest appearances at events, strengthened her confidence. She closed her eyes, breathed deeply, and focused on a quiet beach, repeating her mantra. The daily meditation paid off--no more body changes.

  The space van tore through the atmosphere, picking up speed as it soared past Mars. Jaz and the passengers gripped their seats and most had taken their anti-airsick pill as instructed. The ship pulled with a sharp force as they shot through the wormhole, shaking as its magnetic pull gravitated them toward the planet. Hurtling through space, the rotating lights sucked them deeper and deeper to other worlds. Numb from the pill, she only wished to survive. Forty-eight hours later, which seemed like seconds, she awoke to a bumpy landing that jolted her forward in her seat.

  “Sorry for that shaky landing; we hit some rough terrain on Eden. Take it slowly, breathe normally, and wait for further instructions,” said Capt. Paul.

  Vera mopped the sweat from her pasty, white face, clutched her stomach, and let out a scream. Blood dripped from her nose and her arm where she had scratched herself from the abrupt landing.

  George rushed over to Vera to examine her.

  “Are you okay, Vera? Stay calm and we’ll get you a tissue to clean up the blood,” he said.

  Maggie and Mark exchanged glances and rolled their eyes. Maggie informed Mark earlier of Vera’s difficult nature. They decided to let George handle the situation as he scrambled to wipe up the blood, hand her a cool drink and a barf bag.

  Jaz relaxed and mentally prepared for the photo shoot. Steven gave her usual glass of water, a breath mint, and cool compress. He brought a make-up bag, brushes, and clothes. She stretched her legs and viewed herself in a mirror.

  “Don’t worry, you’re still beautiful, even after this long flight. Must be your good genes. Matt tells me you constantly work at it, but it seems effortless to me,” said Steven. The planet appeared calm, habitable, and surreal from the windows. A faint glow of orange light shone through the misty clouds— dawn had broken. Jaz gasped at the tall leafy trees that resembled pineapples, rocky ground, mountains, and three distinct moons, just fading away. Could this be our new home? And I’m the one who will introduce it to the world, Jaz thought. Her insides tightened and a rancid taste formed in her mouth at the thought of stepping out on the new planet.

  “Ten years ago, as an astronaut, I was one of the first to step onto Eden, a place (in the Biblical sense) where it all started for mankind. But it has been proven that it’s habitable for humans. Brace yourselves— you’re about to experience such a beautiful planet,” said Paul as he opened the door a
nd stepped outside.

  Immediately a clear protective wall went up, protecting them from the elements. Rick gathered the filming equipment and lights and joined him. MJ, Mark, Jaz, Vera, and George joined them in their protective suits. They peered through the glass wall in awe, gasping, crying, shouting cries of joy, and blinking their eyes at the new world that had yet to be explored.

  “Just as I experienced it the first time. Come out and breathe the fresh air,” Paul said.

  Then Jaz suddenly emerged in long silvery gown, her long blond tresses falling loosely to her waist, eyes sparkling, and lips spread in a dazzling smile. The crew gasped at her perfection, blown away by her heart-stopping beauty. She took in their admiration and stepped past the screened area onto the sandy ground.

  “Right here, baby, just like you did it the other day. Pretend how wonderful it is and entice us on taking your first trip to Eden. Breath slowly and easily; you’re in the protective shield, and I know you’ll handle it just fine,” said Rick, adjusting the lighting and camera angles, filming Jaz standing by the van with the backdrop of Eden’s foliage, skyline, and mountains.

  It looks like a picture postcard, Jaz thought. She moved easily through the shoot.

  Rick followed her with his camera. When the soft breeze ruffled her hair, Jaz thought that she escaped the change. Her body moved easily with the camera as Rick snapped her careful moves. She breathed the light air that smelled like citrus, but felt a slight tingling sensation wash over her. Then Jaz felt the change start in her bones; the sweat pouring from her body and her hair electrified. She screamed inside, overwrought with terror and panic. I feel it coming over me and I want to stop it.

  “Hey, what the hell is happening to you? You’re turning into a freak!” Rick screamed and dropped the camera.

  Maggie watched the transformation as Jaz’s face contorted, body grew wider, and hair frizzed. Sensing the emergency and danger to this entire trip, Maggie acted quickly, wrapping a large blanket around Jaz to shield her from the air.