Lightyears Series - Episode 3: What Used To Be

Spacetastic Mysteries

"Jordana," a deep, baritone voice greeted, “how much does your partner know?”

“Hello to you too, Father,” I returned, then I dropped onto the corner of the bed. “Nothing. He knows nothing. I have to keep it that way to keep everyone safe. Isn’t that what I agreed to when you came to me eight years ago?”

“Yes, it is,” the familiar feminine voice interjected. “We are just making sure you remember that.”

“You know, you two are acting like I owe you. I don’t owe you. I am the child you didn’t raise because you were in hiding, but you managed to raise the others. I am helping you…and I have been through hell trying to keep you safe. If there is anything worse than hell, that is what I have been through…and you two are here acting like enforcers.”

“You haven’t had to live an assumed life because--”

“That would have been easier…I have been through the physical, emotional and mental wringer because of this. I have scars inside and out. Jake knows nothing about you. He, however, is investigating who is sending the threats, so it is a matter of time before he tracks you down…and I am not going to stop him. Once he finds out I knew and kept it from him, any reconnecting he and I seem to be doing is going to be out of the question. I am going to stick to our official case and figure out the cure for the disease that killed Josh.”

“You act like we are forcing you to help us. We are your biological parents. It is your obligation to help us.”

“It is those kind of statements that make me want to just walk away, but I have too much invested in you two. I will see this through to the end but not for your sakes. You two have proven that living this life as other people has made you bitter. I am doing this for my children and Adam’s children. They need to know their grandparents, but the people you have presented to me over these last eight years are not people I would willingly associate with if you were not blood related to me.”

“We are your biological parents. Show us some respect,” the man retorted.

“I tried, but you two have been nothing but entitled and selfish. You don’t know me…you have no idea that Jake was the greatest love of my life before he was captured…and I was forced to marry Josh. At first, you two were fine, nice people who I was enjoying getting to know, but I don’t know what happened. You switched into these people…who are controlling, manipulative and threatening. Something happened. I just cannot remember what.” “You are so ungrateful…we have done so much for you,” the woman said. “Umm…what have you done for me? You gave birth to me—that’s it. Any birth parents could do that. What you have done for me is get me involved in this whirlwind of deception trying to save you.” Just then I heard, “Incoming Wounded.” I hurriedly said, “I have to go” and disconnected the call. I had no intention of going to help with the wounded. Graham made it clear that I was to take time off…and that’s what I intended to do. “Danny,” Jake said over my CommLet, “I am going to take care of the wounded with the other doctors who are not part of the skeleton crew…afterward, maybe we can have dinner or lunch, and I can brief you about what happened with the wounded.” “I have to eat. I cannot stop you from meeting me at the Food Court or in my office.” Just then the computer system announced, “General Graham will be arriving later today to tour the Lightyears…and he would like to talk with you.” “CHIP, tell General Graham, we will be ready.”