Aberrant: In the Beginning - Westley Dalton Jr. "Shy"

[maminka]

March 22, 1998 ~1700 hours

Las Vegas, USA

The Wynn Hotel room 1121

,,

Wes just got done checking in all his chips and cards with his Pitboss. It was late...or early, hell who really knew or cared. This was Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps on the West Coast. Regardless of the time of day Westley Dalton Jr. had just worked his shift and 4 hours of overtime for the new dealer that didn't bother to show up for his shift. Luckily the Wynn had provisions in place for just such occasions. A free stay in suite for the next 24 hours. With free room service and a message included.

Wes headed up to his room exhausted. as he slide into the elevator he hardly noticed the expensive "escort" one of the hotels patrons was taking up to his room. She was the typical female for hire; stacked, good looking but not gorgeous, blonde hair (but not the roots), teeth too white from whiteners, and probably wouldn't age well at all when it all starts to fall apart.

"DING" he was surprised he was getting off the elevator before them, but oh well. This wasn't the first time to get a free room here at the Wynn. Of course working here since the time it opened probably helped open some doors as well.

He found his room "1121". It didn't take long for him to find the phone and call the spa to set up a message for him in his room. The name of the guy coming wasn't framiliar to him but the receptionist assured Wes he was good.

Wes took a quick shower and waited for the masseur. The knock on the door was strong and Wes let them in while he was in his hotel robe. The masseur was a man who looked to be in his early thirties (cloe to Wes' age). He had a shaved head and what looked like a great build. He was about 5' 8" tall. In his hands he held a massage table and asked where Wes Wanted him to place it...

"Right here in the main room is fine", Wes answered.

"My name is Jeff and I will be giving you an hour message today."

Jeff set up the table and asked Wes to lay face down on it. As he did so he noticed Jeff had also brought what looked like a medical bag with him. He started to open it and layed it out. There were stones inside and steam rose from them. Wes breathed a sigh and layed down as instructed. He knew he was about to enjoy a nice relaxing "hot stone message". Wes couldn't see anything but he could hear Jeff moving back to the wall to adjust the lights and music in the room. Wes then felt a sharp quick warmth on his neck followed by jeffs strong hands. Wes eased himself more into the table and felt his tensions fade away along with his consciousness...

[Titan]

Wes awoke just long enough for Jeff to ease him off of the massage bench and into the huge bed. With a murmured , "Thanks..." he drifted back off to sleep. He dreamed, but Wes was not one of those people who remember their dreams. When he woke fully, the clock by the bed said 3:57 am.

Well, that's what you get when you go to sleep at six. Hell, it's Vegas. The casino downstairs would look exactly the same, regardless of the time.

Wes flipped on the TV, and called room service. They promised delivery in around 20 minutes.

He killed some time watching Jerry Springer. A homophobe was about to find out that his girlfriend of 4 months was really a man. They had just called the guy out when there was a knock at the door. The room service attendant brought the table on wheels into the suite. Wes smiled. Was there anything better in the world than covered trays full of food brought to you on a wheeled table? Probably not. He tipped the attendant.

The guy didn't leave at once.

"What the hell is that?" He asked, pointing over Wes's shoulder out the window.

Wes turned, and saw through the fluttering curtains a line of blue fire crossing the sky. It was wide, and travelled slowly across the face of the moon as Wes watched. He ran to the window.

The line went from horizon to horizon. It lit the city like the sun. Shadows moved left to right as the line of fire crossed from east to west. On the streets, everyone had stopped and was staring at the sky. No horns honked, no one shouted for traffic to keep moving.

On the TV, Jerry and his brawling guests had been replaced by a blue screen that asked viewers to "Stay Tuned for an Important News Bulletin"

[maminka]

Wes sat down slowly on the edge of the bed. He didn't even notice that the kid who had brought his food has let himself out quickly. Wes tried to listen as to what was coming next on the TV but the blue screen remained with the high pitched emergency broadcast signal.

Instinctively he reached for his laptop and got to his email accounts...

There was at least one person he could count on to having any information about this if it wasn't just another publicity stunt. Wes finished typing and sending his his message and was surprised how quickly his phone rang. wes noted the number as 'Blocked ID'

"30 minutes...same place", said a deep male voice on the other end.

Wes quickly hung up his phone and made sure his phone was charged. He began stuffing some things into his backpack; his laptop, some clean clothes, a toothbrush. He would have to get both of his cameras and his flashlight from his car. He called down for to the valet for his car to be pulled around front.

No time for a shower, Wes thought to himself. Good thing I am not going to see him. at the most one of his messangers

Wes still noticed the blue screen on the television but the noise from it had stopped...

CHARLOTTE EVANS reporting live from KLAS Channel 8 news. Good morning I am here to provide some breaking news. There has been some sort of blue light traveling across the western hemisphere and believed to have circled the globe. It is unknown exactly what this light is or it's origin...

She trailed off as the phone rang and Wes moved to pick it up...

"Hello?"

"Hey your car is ready Wes get yer butt down here your holding things up." a slightly wry voice said on the other end.

"I will be right there Marcos," Wes replied and hung up the phone. He headed over to the room statememnt that was on the back of his door. He signed it without even checking what the extra chrages he might have on the bill and stuck it in the envelope.

This is it. This has to be it. If it's not it then it's something really big. I knew it! I knew it! I knew it!

Wes got down to the casino floor quickly. Once out of the elevator he couldn't smell the putrid smell of smoke which usually hits like a wall when the doors open. He headed for the main floor which wasn't as crowded at all. In fact there was only a few people at all. He ran outside to the front and saw Marcos but didn't see his car. There were what looked like hundreds of people stanidng around outside not to mention the line waiting for their vehicles. Just then Marcos came hustling over to Wes...

"Hey man where the hell is my car? This is a bad time for a joke."

Marcos smiled, "No kidding man look at you sweat. Late for a date or something?

Wes wasn't amused, "Where the fuck is it"?!

"Relax buddy. I put you in the VIP spot just over there (Marcos pointed about 50 yards to the right). Now go get it and get the hell out of here before I get in trouble for putting it there".

Wes made a half hearted attempt at to give Marcos a ten dollar bill but marcos giggled and motioned for him to put it back in his pocket. The two men shook hands and Wes hurried over to his car. He was able to pull right out into traffic. even at this time of the day the streets were alive , especially with this weird phenomenon that just occured. The sky actually looked as though it still was lit up with a faint blue light.

Wes navigated the traffic like a pro in his white 1995 Ford Taurus. It was still in pretty good shape and it was paid for. He had done this route what seemed like amillion times before but this time someone how felt more urget. Wes finally had a chance to sit back a bit as he hit the main road to the Airport. He also noticed Marcos was right. He was a sweaty mess. This was unusual. Wes had lived in Vegas long enough to not only be used ot the heat but actually enjoy it. It wasn't an overly warm night either.

Oh, well. Must be all the excitement.

Wes felt tired as well. Drained almost and he could feel a headache coming on. None of this was that unusal as well since he just had a message. He would get a big bottle of water at that little minimart just outside the airport.

There is no way I am paying for water at the airport!

Wes pulled into the short term parking area of the garage and grabbed his things and went in. He figured it had taken him about 25 minutes total to get here. The locker he rented was about a 5 minute walk. He looked at his key ring and reassured himself he had the key. After all it had been a good 2 months since his contact had sent him anything. His locker was in site and he scanned to make sure the passers by were just that. It was along side of a small bank of locked that probaly would soon be gone. They had removed all of them but just about 4 dozen that were still left. The key worked and he turned it. As he opened the door his excitement quickly turned to disappointment. There was nothing inside. Wes panicked and looked around quickly... nothing. No one was looking back. Wes closed the locker in a panic and glanced around the area.

Fuck! Well maybe I am just a little early. He pulled his phone out and checked the time. It had been exactly 31 minutes since the phone call.

Alright, think Wes. Maybe with all the excitment someone wasn't available to get here as quickly. The last thing I want to do was go over to the televisions which were all broadcasting information about tonights' light show. Can't trust the godamn news and it's propaganda machine.

Wes walked into the closest bathroom which happened to be the most secluded one as well. There was a reason his contact had chosen this set of lockers originally. He put his hands on the sink and could here someone taking what sounded like a nasty shit. Wes looked up into the mirror and could see the sweat pouring down him. He had forgotten to get that bottle of water and felt really sick now. Now that he slowed down he realized this wasn't just a case of being dehydrated. He turned on the faucet and cupped his hands under it. He splashed the water on his face a couple of times and then walked over to the paper towels to dry it off. Just then the man who was having such a hard time flushed the toilet and came out. He stood next to Wes and tried not to look at him as he washed his hands. He was your typical traveling business man; balding, over weight, about 5'9" dark hair (what was left of it), had a dark suit on carrying a briefcase. Wes finished drying his face as the man left. Wes picked up his backpack and headed out of the restroom himself. Wes looked around and went over to the locker one more time with a new found hope. Once again he was disappointed. Wes started feeling a bit nauseated and dizzy.

Damn this is really fucked up. I wonder if I got food poisoning? I better get out of here. Maybe if I get back to my car and lay down. Wes put his hand to his forehead and felt his temperature. Fuck I am on fire. What the hell is going on?

Wes moved as quickly as he could back out of the airport. He made it too his car and thanked God it was in the cool garage. His stomach had calmed alittle but his head was worse. It was pounding along with his 104 + temp. As he got into his car his phone rang. He could hardly focus on the phone number to see who it might be. His vision was blurred and he felt like he could barely hold his head up because of the pain just from keeping his eyes open...

"Hello?"

"Did you sign the divorce papers?" A framiliar voice said steadily.

"I haven't recieved them yet." Wes answered slowly.

"Kangaroos hide their babies in pouches." Just thought you might like to know that. 'CLICK'

Wes knew codes were needed. His contact usually didn't make them too hard. Unfortunately he wasn't thinking too clearly.

Pouches?...my backpack?

Wes quickly reached for his backpack. finding the zipper proved a little difficult right now but he did find it and unzipped it.

How? When? His mind falshed back to the man in the bathrrom for only a second and then...

He reached around in his backpack and thought that there was a manilla folder that had not been there before. He pulled it out and opened it.

,,

[Titan]

Inside the folder was an aerial photo of McCarran International Airport and the surrounding area. Wes wiped sweat from his eyes as he examined it. In the lower right hand corner was an 'X'. Wes traced his finger along Paradise Road. He thought that it was marking a building on Grier Drive. He shook his head, to try to clear his mind, started his car, and drove out of the garage.

He sped down Paradise, aware that he might pass out at any minute. He hadn't felt this bad in years. His head ached, sweat poured out of him, and he thanked God that he hadn't touched the room service food. He would probably be wearing it by now.

He exited on East Sunset, and hung a quick left on Grier. He drove under the Paradise overpass and slowed down. He checked the photo against the buildings that he saw. The area was full of run-down industrial warehouses. Finally, he thought he found the one indicated on the photo.

He pulled up to the curb and killed the engine. He sat for a moment, gathering strength. Finally, he pushed himself up, and out of the car.

The warehouse was obviously not in use, hadn't been for some time. Weeds had grown up through the parking area and loading dock a long time ago. Rust coated the exterior walls, and most of the windows were broken. Beer bottles and plastic bags were scattered among the weeds.

Wes glanced up and down the street. No cars, no pedestrians, no observers. He walked quickly to the corner of the building. He peered into the window nearest him. A dark, abandoned warehouse. He walked along the wall until he came to a door. He tried the knob. It opened easily. He darted through the door and closed it.

He stood for a moment and gulped air. He hadn't realized that he was holding his breath. When his eyes had adjusted, he began exploring.

Clutching his stomach, he made his way around broken boxes and rusted junk. His head was starting to take the lead in the pain race, but just barely. He peered into a corner of the main warehouse area, where a homeless person had obviously lived for some time before moving on to greener pastures. He came to an office shed, and wiped his slick hands on his pants before trying the knob. Again, it opened easily.

Nothing of value was left whole in the office. A windowless hallway led away along the east wall. He took a step or two into the darkness. Suddenly, he heard a humming sound. He stopped, and stretched his senses as far as they would go. Down the hallway, a small green light came on. The humming sound, which Wes now identified as an elevator, stopped. A crack of light appeared, then widened as the elevator opened.

Swallowing the lump in his throat, Wes approached the open doors of the elevator. He entered slowly. The doors closed. He descended.

When the doors opened again, he looked out into the small warehouse basement. One wall was an impressive bank of computers and screens, complete with video of the warehouse interior and exterior. Another wall was covered with maps and yellow stickies. Hanging from the ceiling was a model of a ship, a familiar shape to Wes from his time in Lincoln. In the center of the room, a very large man worked.

He was bearded, and his curly hair was wildly uncombed. He wore glasses, and the left lens had what seemed to be a jeweler's loupe attached to it. Without looking up, he spoke.

"I expected you sooner."

He looked up.

"Jesus, you look like crap."

He raised his hand, and in it was a surgical mask. He covered his mouth and nose, so when he spoke, his voice had a hollow tone. His eyes devoured Wes' appearance, and his diagnosis was not favorable. Wes ignored him.

"Ok, 'X', I came here for some answers. Do you have them, or not? Was it...was it what I think it was?"

X pushed a chair away from the desk, toward Wes. He motioned for Wes to sit. After a moment, he answered.

"No. No, I don't think so. This is something else, entirely. Outside my interests completely. One hears things, of course. Experiments going back to the '20s, experiments that still go on today. Not related. Still... there's the obvious nod to the satellite, so maybe they'll blame it on Them."

No need for Wes to ask about 'Them'. The people he knew from Lincoln only ever meant one thing when they referred to 'Them'.

"But you don't think so?"

"No. Doesn't fit. I don't know what does fit...not yet. But- hey, are you-"

Unconsciousness, put off for so long by sheer willpower, finally overcame Wes. He slipped bonelessly from the chair.

[maminka]

Wes awoke in the same room he had slipped into unconsciousness. It was an abrupt wake up the kind one usually has from a sudden dream. As Wes looked around he was alone now. There was still some video equiptment left in the room but the room was much more sparse then when he arrived. Things looked neat and tidy as he took in his surroundings. Wes was lying on the floor and felt the cool damp concrete more now. His head still was on fire but his stomach pain had subsided for the time being. It was his joints that seem to be aching now. Where was "X"?

"Helllooo? Anyone here?"

Wes had to have sudden and ubrupt endings to some of his meetings with "friends", but nothing quite like this.

Hmmm. Well there isn't really much to look around at.

Wes decided it was time to leave and see if there was something left for him in his car. He headed for the door to the elevator. He pressed the botton but the door wouldn't open and the arrow lights wouldn't respond either. Wes tried a few more times , pushing harder each time. Still nothing. The room was dimly lit and Wes could see there was nothing that might explain what was the problem. Wes searched regardless and located something he though might be useful to check to see if the doors to the elevator were still sealed...

Nothing! Damnit!

It was time to improvise. Something Wes was not always the best at...

Wes searched for at least 30 minutes and the dull hum of the lights was the only sound he heard except for his breathing. The only thing he could think of using to pry the doors apart was something like a crowbar or wrench.

There was a chair left in the room...

What if I took it apart and used some of it on the doors to the elevator...

It took Wes about 20 mintues to take the chair apart with his pocket knife. What was left yielded him with a makeshift bar from one of the legs. wes took another ten or so minutes just trying to figure out how to get the doors to even slightly open enough to get the leg in there. He used some of the other parts to wedge it open just enough, regrab and then open it a little more each time until it was a large enough opening.

Finally!!!

Wes fell to his knees. Instead of seeing a way out all he could see was a solid wall of freshly poured concrete. He was trapped.

What the hell is going on?..

This isn't happening...

What did I stumble onto?..

[Titan]

Trapped! Like an animal!

X obviously buried him here, left him to die. Wes knew that there was no more trust left in him, not the kind of trust he used to have, but he never expected this. Not in a million years.

His head throbbed with pain. He fought against the nausea in his gut, and searched for another way out. Methodically, Wes scanned each wall, looked in every corner. He scrabbled at the poured concrete in the elevator shaft. All in vain. He imagined that he was already having trouble breathing.

Got to get out. Get some answers. Just want some answers for a change, dammit.

The fire in his head seemed to engulf his entire nervous system. He swiped at the concrete weakly.

Out. Answers.

He slipped away.

******************************

Wesley awoke slowly. As he opened his eyes, he became aware that he was in a bed. Sunshine poured in through the window. In the distance, birds sang. He sat up suddenly.

What the-

It looked like a student's dorm room. A single bed, a desk, a bathroom. Modestly appointed, and obviously waiting for an occupant to make their own mark on the room. Wes was bewildered.

While he tried to make some sense of where he was and how he had gotten there, the door to the room opened, and a man entered. He wore a white lab coat over khakis and a white tee. He was young, about 25. He carried a tray filled with food. He saw Wes awake, and smiled at him.

"Hello! Awake, I see. You gave us quite a turn, I must say. Glad to see you look much better now." He spoke with a general European accent that Wes couldn't place. Wes didn't need to see his degree to know that his manner was of the 'bedside' variety.

Something in his face must have tipped the doctor to his suspicion, because he dropped his false joviality, and spoke seriously.

"You are in London, if you are wondering. You appeared out of thin air about sixteen hours ago in the courtyard. We carried you here, your clothes have been washed, and are on the chair there." He smiled sympathetically.

"I don't know if you are aware, but similar things have been happening to people all around the world today. It's all over the news. Come see, if you like. You, though, had the great fortune to appear here." He glanced at his watch, and nodded.

"I am Henri. I am a doctor. I do not consider myself your doctor, but you should not hesitate to consult me or any of the staff here if you feel any discomfort. I hope to be able to examine you soon, but that is up to you. In any case, you are free to leave or stay. If you stay, there will be a luncheon in an hour for our guests. Perhaps you will learn something about your new situation there. I hope you do stay."

He bowed slightly from the waist, turned and left, leaving the door to the room open behind him.

[Titan]

This story will continue in the Æon thread...