The Barsoom Project

“I feel… so strange,” Tony said. “I can’t believe that you’re giving me a chance like this.”

“You’ve panned out,” Griffin said. “Let’s start over again. I want you here, in Security. Meantime, until we know exactly what the situation is, you’ll stay in CMC, with full protection. Just in case.”

“Appreciate that.”

McWhirter nodded to Millicent. His eyes lingered on her until he suddenly flushed with embarrassment. He left the office hurriedly.

Millicent watched him go. “Could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

“Yeah,” Alex sighed. “Based on honesty and trust.”

“Based on fantasy,” she said.

“Not the worst place to start,” he said.

His arm stole around her.

It wasn’t his fault. None of the death, the deception, the injury surrounding the Barsoom Project, and the past of Cowles Industries, had been his fault. But his aching back and bruised ribs, and the sight of Tony’s hollow face, had reminded him that it was all his responsibility. He had done the best he could. And he had to believe Vail.

Vail just couldn’t have reached into Marty’s head somehow, and twisted…

He thought of Kareem Fekesh in La Mesa, and of Vail’s loving ministrations, and shivered.

He had to let it go. If he could just manage to live with himself for another week or so, maybe he could go on, and do his job.

He felt heavy, and old, and tired.

Millicent kissed him gently on the cheek. “You know what let’s do?” she said softly.

“What?”

“Let’s sign up, the two of us, as partners in that Shipwreck Game next week.” She paused. “I wouldn’t mind being your girl Friday again.”

“A whole week’s Game?”

“Tropical sun, digging for turtle eggs, exploring semi-extinct volcanoes for treasure..

“I don’t know. I’m damned busy.”

She punched him in the good side. “I happen to know that you’ve got three weeks accumulated vacation. Harmony would give you three more without a blink. Refuse me and I’ll have Vail give you a psychiatric suspension.”

“On what grounds?”

She turned his head with palms that were warm and soft. Her lips parted slightly as she pressed them against his. “You’d be crazy to turn me down.”

He laughed. Not a large laugh, but it held promise, the first glimpse of sunlight through storm clouds. It was going to be all right. As long as he had friends like Millicent and Harmony, he could survive anything.

They held each other and watched the front gates open. The crowds would marvel at the effects and immerse themselves in the adventures. For a time they would lose their minds, and most would be the better for it. But if they knew what lay behind the magic…

That one question, at least, he could answer. Most people don’t really want to see the strings, don’t want to see what lurks behind the mirrors. They need dreams. Need magic. Always have.

Alex couldn’t hear the sounds of laughter, of gaiety and excitement, couldn’t see the individual smiles of anticipation. But he could see the flow, the tide of life as it streamed once more into the streets of Dream Park.

We are the Magicians, Griffin reminded himself proudly. We bring the dream to We.

And we’re the only ones who can.