SPLASH!

He did a back flip into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, letting the coolness of it envelope him as he made his way to the surface. He wouldn’t be surprised if he had a few burns on him, but he seemed unscathed, except for his clothing. He had a few holes in his pant legs and his boot heels had melted. His jacket was tattered and the right sleeve was all but gone. It wouldn’t hurt him to have an ice bath; he felt he was burning up as if with fever. Pain shot through his right arm, in all the frenzy, his shoulder had come dislocated. He grabbed it tight. This was going to slow him down for a while. He didn’t care; he was alive! He decided where he wanted to recuperate, at home with his long lost family.

He looked up, dark plumes of smoke curled in the sky where he had fallen, all that remained of the explosion. He thrashed around, oblivious to the dockworkers staring at him. He then saw it, the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge standing majestically in her place. With his good arm, he thrust the omni in the air, and the green light rang. Pioneer had accomplished its first mission after a long standstill. Phineas Bogg let out a holler of sheer victory!

-O-

Phineas tumbled into the alleyway of Kayla’s brownstone. He bit his lip, wanting to scream from the searing pain in his shoulder. He didn’t have to knock, Kayla’s door flew open and Jeffrey ran to him with a strong embrace.

“Bogg! I didn’t want to think you were dead! I knew you could do it! I knew it!”

“Oww! I’m glad to see you, Jeffrey. Thanks, it wasn’t easy. Ouch, be careful, I dislocated my shoulder.”

Jeffrey led Bogg into the room where Kayla and the others were waiting. He smiled wistfully at them. Kayla leaped up, but decided against grabbing him. They sat him down on the couch and she stroked his hair.

“Phineas, I was confident you weren’t lost, I didn’t lose track of your omni. That was promising to all of us.”

John-Henry knelt by him and pulled the shirt down from his damaged shoulder.

“I can handle this. We need to get him to a flat surface, like a sturdy bed or something.”

They led Phineas upstairs to the room he had used previously. Kayla and Jeffrey filled icepacks for him.

“Okay, Phineas just do as I say, I’m gunna try and make this as painless as possible, man.”

Phineas nodded halfheartedly. The pain was starting to become unbearable. John Henry bent him forward gently and facedown on the bed. He kept his arms dangling at his sides.

“Now just relax, I mean really relax your whole body.”

Phineas did as he was told, John Henry put a hard grip on his shoulder and he slowly eased the ball back into its socket. Phineas drew in sharp breaths, but the relief that followed when it was back in its place was wonderful. When John Henry was satisfied he rolled Phineas over trying to avoid pressure on it.

“Out West when you’re ropin’ the herd and there’s no doc for miles, you learn how to take care of yourself pretty quick. I used to do this all the time for the other cowboys. Now what you need is some strong painkillers and ice. Here it comes now.”

Kayla came to his side and sat on the edge. She took a pair of scissors and began cutting away at the burned out clothing.

“John Henry, that was great man. I’ll remember this.” Phineas said.

“Hey, if you don’t have a bed handy, just bend forward from your waist like this…”

John Henry proceeded to bend at a ninety-degree angle. He let his arms hang limply at his sides.

“Again, you relax yourself, eventually you’ll start to feel it go back in place. Don’t sleep on it whatever you do. The docs don’t always tell ya this stuff, all they do is pull, tug and push making the pain even worse.”

“Thanks, John Henry, got ya. Ohhh Kayla, that’s the spot.” He winced when she gently brushed over the injury.

“Well, y’all, I need to be back in the field. It was really nice meeting you, hon. I’m glad to know my family members. I’ll be back to visit of course, you are my Voyager Aide now, Kayla.”

The cousins gave each other a tight hug, and Kayla kissed his cheek.

“Please come back anytime John Henry, and bring Regina, I’ll make us a nice dinner. I really want to meet her.”

With a wave to both Jeff and Phineas, John Henry disappeared.

Kayla completely removed Phineas’ shirt and put the freezing icepack directly on his shoulder blade. The area around it was swelling and bruised up. His skin felt so warm and she put a cool rag on his forehead. Jeffrey made him swallow two bitter red tablets and water.

“Kayla said these are from The Medical unit at Headquarters, they’ll knock the pain right out of you.”

“Oh yeah, I remember these things. I’ll also stand on my head and quack like a duck.” Phineas winced. “Jeff, how would you like to take a little vacation with me soon, to stay at my family’s manor?”

Jeffrey’s eyes brightened. “I sure would Bogg! We really need one now.”

Phineas looked at Kayla, now she was concentrating on removing the melted boots and socks. She pulled them off and held her nose from the burnt smell. Phineas sighed.

“What again? My feet don’t really stink, do they?” He joked.

“Ha ha! No, it’s the melted boots, boy you must have had some trip through the cosmos. I can’t believe you dragged two bombs with you. I’m so impressed and grateful you’re alive.”

She began massaging his feet and it eased him, he sighed deeply and Jeffrey groaned.

“Is this my cue to leave Bogg?”

Bogg opened one eye, “No kid, I want you right here with me, at least for now.”

He gave Kayla a quick wink and she blushed.

“Kayla, why don’t you come with us, I’m sure Headquarters will allow you some time off. Jeremy can run the ship here, its good training for him anyway.”

“Mmmm, a few days in old England sounds so lovely. Can I Phineas, really? I can meet Vinchenzo, oh that would be fantastic!”

Kayla hugged his good side and kissed his lips briefly. Then her face darkened a bit. She bit her lower lip, in all the excitement she had to tell Phineas her findings on the omnis.

“Phineas, Jeremy and I were able to retrieve the files we needed on Mason and Temple…It wasn’t them who actually killed my father! It was another man, big gray eyes, very sadistic. He killed my father at Drake’s order, but Mason and Temple were witnesses. He shot him down execution style…”

Kayla laid her head on Phineas chest and hot tears began to fall. He rubbed her back to keep her composed and Jeffrey held her hand.

“Kayla, we know who that was, his name is…”

“Dwight Roache. We looked him up. He’s vermin all right. He’s even more volatile than Drake.”

“Kayla, Dwight was there on the Bridge. He had kidnapped Jeffrey and strapped the bombs to him. In all the fighting before I took them, he got away…I’m so sorry. I want to get him too. Right now he must be lying low. Paradox is going to be in frenzy now that they don’t have a leader. As soon as I’m up and running again, we are going to go after them all.”

“Phineas, you did your best. Saving Jeffrey and that bridge was the most important thing. We decided to send the files and omni to H.Q right away. I’m sorry we didn’t wait for you. They promised me that Mason and Temple were getting a 'speedy' conviction. Personally I think banishment is too good for those rats. And as for the ‘V’ pin situation, Bernard wanted me to tell you that Joseph got an anonymous letter about them.”

“Really? Who knew about that?” Phineas was concerned.

“I don’t know. John Henry is suspecting Lorna Turner? He said she was at the hotel when Jeffrey was missing. The letter said that the ‘pins are not a reliable source of communication and henceforth Paradox will abandon them, nice try.’ I took Bernard and Jeremy off the project until I asked you about it.”

“Fine Kayla, It was too conspicuous and easy anyway. It looks like this war is far from over.”

Phineas looked at Jeffrey, remembering Garth’s words. “He is to be the future leader of Pioneer…”

“The war is just beginning, Phineas. But Kayla, what about Dwight? They must have seen him on the recorder?” Jeffrey pressed.

“Dwight is still out there, so is that vamp Lorna. They couldn’t get a trace on their omnis.” Kayla forlornly picked at the blanket threads.

“Oh no…he’s horrible!” Jeffrey shuddered thinking of how brutally he was dragged and bound in the cellar of the hotel. Phineas noticed and put hand on his arm.

“Don’t you worry, kid. He’s only one man, we’ll get him soon enough. Hey, you managed to trap Drake! That’s a big accomplishment.”

Phineas couldn’t bear the suspense.

“So, what happened to Drake?”

“Drake was transported back to where they found him, New York City, 1890, with no memory of ever being a voyager. I looked up his history. He still became a conniving lawyer, only to be exposed as a fraud. He was involved in scandal after scandal with the likes of guys like Robert Van Wyck, The first mayor of New York. He was right there with him when he stole out the back door of City Hall at Seth Low’s inauguration. He went bankrupt and spent the early part of the nineteen hundreds in England.”

“Boy, isn’t that sweet, he still gets away with everything.” Jeffrey sneered.

“No, he didn’t, Jeffrey. After amassing a lot of wealth again he decided to come back to New York. He boarded a ship on Sunday, April 14th, 1912.”

Jeffrey and Phineas looked at each other. They were all too familiar with that date now.

“Wait a minute. He was on the Titanic? Jeff and I didn’t see him. He didn’t see us?”

“You may not have, it was a big ship. Besides, if he did see you, he would have had no idea who you were, plus he was about twenty-two years older. After that, there are no more records of him. He must have died, Phineas.”

Phineas lay back drowsily on the pillows she piled up for him. Drake did not have it easy after losing his career, but he lived out his days the way he wanted to, a man of corruption.

“Now Mister, before you go shooting off to merry old England I think you should rest here overnight. C’mon Jeff we’ll get some dinner. I’ll keep some on warm for you if you want, Phineas…”

Kayla’s offer was not heard. Phineas had turned his head and fell fast asleep. She and Jeffrey laughed quietly. He would wake up soon enough and jump into a shower to wash off the seawater. She covered him, kissed his forehead and they left the room.

-O-

Jeffrey had to ask her during dessert, it just seemed so perfect.

“Kayla, are you and Bogg…well, you know…in love?”

She smiled at first keeping her attention on the ice cream, and then looked him in the in the eye.

“Jeff, I do love Phineas a lot. He told me that he loved me too. It’s just that so much is happening there hasn’t been any time to establish a firm relationship. We haven’t really talked about it, but it’s there.”

Jeffrey was satisfied with that answer. If Phineas was to ever fall in love again he wanted it to be with Kayla. It would be a perfect romance. He smiled at her.

“Bogg’s a great guy, Kayla, he doesn’t fall in love easily. I mean, he gets attracted to women…a lot of women. But he never truly falls in love with them. He told me once that all women are beautiful. There is something special about each and every one of them.”

“Well, that’s a sweet statement to make, I agree.” She laughed.

“What I also know is…that if he says he loves you, he means it.”

“Thanks Jeffrey, I’ll keep that in mind.”

-O-

Bogg Manor, October 15, 1715

“I can’t believe I came back in time for Vinchenzo’s wedding! Thanks for getting me. It was spectacular”

Kayla wrapped her shawl tighter around her shoulders. Phineas kept his arms around her, his warmth was all she needed.

The couple was lounging on the veranda bench after a filling lunch. It was a cool afternoon. The clouds were building over the horizon in spectacular hues of blue and gray. Vinchenzo’s marriage was a big affair for the family. The ceremony earlier that weekend was held on the grounds of the Manor and nearly the whole village attended. The bride looked ravishing in her traditional Indian wedding garb. She wore pink and gold. Phineas kept marveling at her resemblance to Kayla, the same wide and golden eyes. Jeremiah and Sonora spared no expense to make it a lavish occasion. Phineas couldn’t hide the truth of Kayla’s relation to Vinchenzo and it made the wedding more joyous.

Sonora had cried when the vows were taken. She also had observed her own son and his new love. She couldn’t wait for the day when they would have a wedding for him. She still couldn’t get over that Kayla was a descendant of Vinchenzo, but the proof was there. Kayla was a beautiful, kind woman. The sort of lady she always wanted her son to marry. Both Jeremiah and Joanna approved of her as well, and they could often be tough critics. The feasting and revelry that followed was spectacular and the evening ended with fireworks as Vinchenzo and his bride sailed off the coast for a tour of Italy.

Phineas nuzzled her neck. “It really was something else. Rashina and Vinchenzo make a handsome couple, don’t they?”

“Very! And speaking of handsome couples, here come your parents. Aww, Phineas, look at Jeffrey, he’s attached to Joanna. I hope they had a nice time in town today. I was really too tired to go out this morning. I promise, tomorrow I want you to show me the whole village.”

Phineas kissed her earlobe and whispered to her. The two giggled like schoolchildren as the family came up the walkway. Joanna and Jeffrey stayed outside by the gates. Jeffrey had the idea to bring along books about sign language for her and she enjoyed them thoroughly.

“Well, well, well, look who decided to awaken this morning! Phineas, come into my study please.”

Jeremiah led his son away from the women. Phineas looked back at Kayla with a scared expression and drew a slit across his throat. She waved him off and smiled. Jeremiah was a complete gentleman to her all the time she was here. Sonora sat beside her and they began idle talk of Village happenings.

Phineas gulped slightly. He remembered that going into his father’s study always meant he was about to get a lecture or a scolding. He sat in the big oak chair, feeling dwarfed by the deep and dark wooden and seafaring furnishings.

“So, Uhhh, is there something wrong, papa?”

Jeremiah leaned back in the chair with his feet propped on the desk.

“Nothing wrong at all son, I just wanted to know more about you and Kayla. Tell me, what is your intention? You shouldn’t wait too long to make a decision, it wouldn’t be fair to both of you. I married your mother at a young age. I had to decide, to go with my father on a yearlong voyage first and then marry her? Well, young love had won over. Yes, we were impatient and lusty, it was better we did it then. I never regret the decision.”

“However, I know your position Phineas. You’re a voyager with many responsibilities. It seems all but impossible to expect you to settle down right now. You’re still very young too. Even though Jeffrey says you often act like you’ve been around hundreds of years! Playing cards when they were still made of rocks?” He bellowed in laughter.

Phineas laughed too. He always reminded Jeffrey how ‘long’ he had been alive, but he was confusing his voyages for actual years.

“Phineas, you’re a grown man and you will make your own decisions, but remember to make wise ones. A woman’s heart may never fully mend if she feels slighted and scorned.”

“I understand, Papa. We both have a lot on our plates right now. As soon as she goes back she is going to Voyager School for training in her position as an Aide. They have already assigned her courses and everything. I may not see her for quite awhile, though I can visit.”

“Keep the flicker of love alive, Phineas, if she’s the woman you want, make sure she knows it. I do want you to have a happy future son and I want grandchildren!”

Phineas stood up proudly.

“Yes sir! Papa, I do love her very much. I know that when the timing is right, I’ll be spending the rest of my life with her.”

“That’s what I like to hear, don’t wait too long. When the urge of motherhood comes…”

“I’ll omni out of there!” Phineas kidded. “But seriously, since traveling with Jeffrey I…I can see myself as a husband and parent. It’s not an impossible thought to me anymore.”

Jeremiah patted his back. “You’ve grown in wisdom, Phineas, I appreciate that. How much longer do you have to stay?”

“Until the end of this week, and then its back to serious business. My arm feels one hundred percent better.”

“Good! I was a little worried when you decided to make more of these voyages while still in recovery. But, I’m so glad you wanted to come back and rest here Phineas. We were at a loss. To see you disappear like that and all the drama was very upsetting, particularly for your mother and sister.”

“I know, I’ve spoken to them. Hopefully things have calmed down for now. I’m thankful you healed well too, papa.”

“Ah, yes, it was just a nick really. I was fortunate to move out of the way when I did.”

Phineas hugged his father for a moment. “I would keep going back until I got it right if anything happens to you or mother and Joanna.”

“Son, wouldn’t that be breaking the laws of physics and all of that?”

“I don’t care. I’m going to make sure I’m there to see your lives continue safe and sound.”

“Thank you son, I love you.”

“I love you too.”

-O-

Saying goodbye proved to be a tearful affair for the Bogg family, Jeffrey and Kayla. Joanna would not let go of her brother and he kept her in a bear like hug, then stroked her hair and held her face.

“Please don’t cry Joanna, I will return to see you again, I promise.”

“Don’t wait…long…Phineas…I love you…we will miss you!”

Even Jeremiah’s tears fell freely for his son’s departure. They all hugged as one.

“You had better come back to us, Phineas. I know you explained this whole time travel scenario to us, but it still perplexes me.” Sonora sobbed in his chest.

Sonora then hugged Jeffrey. “I do not want to see Phineas here without you my sweet Jeffrey.”

Kayla felt a real sense of belonging to this family and it saddened her to leave them as well. After all was said and done, Kayla, Jeffrey and Phineas gave a final wave and were off into the cosmos. They landed at the brownstone.

Kayla had given Jeremy the keys to the home, and he and Kirstie were going to reside there after they married, while Kayla was in training school.

Kayla hugged both voyagers and then Jeffrey stepped away so she could share a personal goodbye to Phineas.

“Well Voyager B, its been quite a wild ride, hasn’t it?”

“It sure has, Kayla, and I know there’s more to come…hopefully between us as well?”

She play-slapped him on the shoulder. “Now that’s up to you, right? I’m going to be hard at work studying my courses. I should hope I wouldn’t have to rig your omni like Artie and force you to...”

Phineas lifted her and kissed her passionately. She would have fell back in a loving daze had he not held her close.

“Take that as a promise, pretty lady. You’re mine and I’m yours. You will see me again!”

“I believe you Phineas, you never lie, right?”

“Hey! Did Marie Antoinette have great legs?”

“Ha! I’ll take that as a yes!"

They laughed and he reluctantly put her down. He played with the flipped ends of her soft hair and traced her face with his fingers. He really did love Kayla Sheppard and knew deep in his heart that their time would come. Kayla bounded up the steps to the door.

“Jeremy should be back from his runaway honeymoon. I completely forgot to tell you he and Kirstie eloped! After he sang her his love song they just took off. It has put a strain on his family. I think in time, they’ll come to accept her for the lovely woman she is.”

“I’m sure of it. Please send him our regards and congratulations!”

Kayla was just about to close the door.

“Goodbye Boys! I’ll be seeing you…Ohh, Artie used to sing and play that song for me all the time. We would dance and I would step on his toes. It’s my favorite.” She said reminiscing.

Phineas stopped short and faced her. With a debonair expression he threw his arms out and began to serenade her. Jeffrey held his head and groaned loudly.

“I’ll be seeing you in all the old familiar places, that this heart of mine embraces, all day through…I’ll find you in the morning sun, and when the night is new…I’ll be looking at the moon, but I’ll be seeing you!”

A few passersby giggled and pointed at the singing pirate. He smiled and bowed.

Kayla and Jeffrey began to laugh.

“Phineas, you are too much.”

“I mean it, sweetheart! I love you. When I do see you, we’ll share a wonderful dance together.”

“I look forward to it. I love you too. And you know I love you, Jeff.”

“Thanks! Same here. Remember the special handshake!”

They both spit into their palms and held them up. “I’ll never forget it, big brother.” She said choking up.

Kayla closed the door and watched from her window as two of the people she loved most in the world vanished. She went to her couch and wept, but then composed herself. They were all a team now. She had more packing to do before Headquarters summoned her.

-O-

Drake's Former Headquarters

‘CLICK, CLICK, CLICK!’

The silver metallic balls clashed wildly. Lorna Turner spun around in the leather chair quickly to face the large group of men and women assembled before her. She was dissatisfied with everything; she was going to start cleaning house promptly.

“What do we do now, Lorna, now that Drake is gone for good?” One of them asked frightened.

“Drake? Drake was a pompous, windbag, and a weakling. For now on, you only answer to me. It’s been that way for sometime, hasn’t it?”

They all nodded in fast reply.

Lorna threw back her head in throaty, sinister laughter. Everyone else began to laugh nervously too. The woman seated before them would finish them off in a heartbeat.

“Mark my words ladies and gentlemen, Paradox will be brought to a new frontier and world domination will be ours!”

To be continued in ‘The Voyager’s Aide Sequel: The Disappearance’