16: Scholarly Intervention

She was struck by the simple truth that sometimes
the most ordinary things could be made extraordinary,
simply by doing them with the right people...

Nicholas Sparks

“Are you ready?” Logan asked as Ioana parked in front of the school. “Without knowing how long this will take, we’ll need to move fast so we can clear out before classes start.”

“Yeah, I’m set.” She closed and locked her car before joining the others as they headed for the entrance. “We have to meet afterwards, as I’ve got a proposition for you all. I think you’ll be intrigued, and before you ask, don’t worry, this should be a terrific opportunity. It’s in keeping with your ideals but should help us all.”

“Sounds good. I’m looking forward to hearing it.”

She stopped, considering him. “You’re certainly feeling better. What happened between yesterday and today?”

“This did. Before, I was reacting, not sure how to process things. Now, I know what to do. Things are clear, as are my reactions. I needn’t guess what everything’s thinking.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” she said as they resumed. Someone waved, apparently awaiting them. “By the way, I talked to the school board about this. They want to film this, hoping to justify a budget increase to hire us for this sort of thing. I think it’s an exceptional offer.”

“Terrific. Consider it done. I approve, but ... the basement is dark. It’ll be tough capturing much and I’d rather not be tripping over cables and dance around people.”

“Already covered. They’re using the same Go Pro cameras we’ve used before, though they hope to set up some floodlights. But we have first refusal rights.”

“Welcome!” the assistant principal said, stepping forward and shaking Logan’s hand while nodding to Ioana and the girls. “Your people are ready to head in and prepare the area before we enter. Can you continue, even if it goes beyond the normal opening, or should we cancel classes?”

“People?” Logan asked.

“I hired a couple of new employees,” Ioana admitted. “They’re handling the filming and have complete control over it.”

“I like how you think.” Logan turned to Vice Principal David Franks. “No, there’s no reason to close the school. Whoever this spirit is, he was perfectly reasonable yesterday, which is unusual, so our main goal is to go in and ask questions. But in the worst case, we may need to delay a few sessions, though I don’t expect it.”

“So, this won’t be an extermination?”

Logan stiffened. “We prefer not using that terminology,” Ioana warned. “Despite what you think, these are living human souls, and deserve your respect—even if they prove problematic.”

“Understood,” he agreed. “Shall we start?”

Ioana extracted her phone, calling a number. “We’re ready. We’ll be there in few minutes.”’

“So, who are these new hires, and what qualifies them for this?”

“Excellent question,” she answered. “I’ve been fielding calls from multiple people who think they’re similar to you kids. Since we haven’t evaluated anyone here, I’m giving them a chance to work with us to observe how you operate.”

“Should we give them the same evaluation we did before?”

Ioana shrugged. “Maybe not. They’re still young and haven’t demonstrated their latent abilities yet. I plan to keep them busy learning what they’ll need to know, until they’re ready for their full assessment.”

“How old are they?” Aiesha asked, as they neared the basement access door.

“They’re both freshmen, thirteen and fourteen, from different nearby states. Their parents drove them here, but they don’t have much money, so...”

“Just because we weren’t aware of our capabilities at that age doesn’t mean they won’t be ready now,” Leslie countered.

“Which is why we’ll observe them, rather than getting their hopes up, just to dash them. If they show a strong inclination, great. If not, we’ll get a better idea of our maturity timeframes. Either way, they’ll serve a useful role in the future. Ah, here they are now.

“Jonnie, Tristan, I assume you recognize everyone. Everybody else, greet our new film crew.”

“We’re honored to meet you,” she gushed.

“This is truly an honor,” Jonnie said. Both leaned in, though maintaining their distance, looking primarily at Logan and Ioana. Logan decided he’d need to ask her about any physical restrictions she put them under.

“Have any BFFs?” Aiesha teased, feeling them out. Jie however, stepped aside, quietly pointing at the locked metal door, keeping her hand hidden from the others. Logan watched as she slipped into position.

“Is this really necessary?” Franks checked his watch. “Knowing what you’re capable of the school board has compiled a history of deaths at each facility.”

“Not yet.” Jonnie shook his head, ignoring the older man entirely.

Tristan considered him. “I’m waiting for my Prince Charming, ‘cause despite what everyone says, I know he’s out there.” Logan and his girls glanced at one another, nodding.

“Ioana, anytime you’re ready.”

“Don’t you need us to set up first?” Franks asked.

“No, but turn your cameras on,” Logan instructed.

Ioana, who’d been observing the interactions between Jie and Logan stepped closer to the door, where Jie was indicating. “Can we ask your name, and why you’re here?” The assistant principal pulled out his clipboard and started flipping through pages.

“His name is Travon Martinez,” she said. “He worked here for many years, but ... there was an explosion.”

“I’ve got it,” the Vice-Principal announced. “He was employed here thirty-two years ago, when he was horribly burned.”

“Why have you remained?” Ioana pressed. “What kept you here?”

She faced him. “There was a girl caught when the furnace blew. Travon wasn’t hurt initially, but was when he ran to rescue her.”

The man was quickly leafing through papers. “I ... I have no record of that.”

“And...” She glanced back. “The girl died a day or two later, long after he did.”

“So, he stayed for her?”

“In more ways than one.” She turned, indicating the door. “We’re ready to enter.” Fumbling with his papers, David tried to retrieve his keys. Aiesha impatiently held her hand out. Gazing at her, he selected one in particular and handed it to her.

Aiesha crossed in front of the others and unlocked the door, which took multiple attempts.

“The doors have been jimmied for decades,” Logan explained.

Opening it, Jonnie descended first, glancing around, then looking up as the rest followed. Jie seemed split as to whether to stay or go. “Go, he’ll surely follow,” Logan instructed. So she did, with Tristan coming last.

The lights were on and there were floodlights set up, though not yet lit. Jie moved into position. “Pardon me, the others will be here to talk to you soon,” she soothed. Once everyone went down, Jonnie shifted over to the larger lights. “Shut your eyes,” he warned, before turning them on.

Ioana took a moment to adapt as Franks trailed her, striding towards Jie. “And who are you? Um hmm, and why are both you and Travon here, if you died at different times? No, don’t worry, we’ve gotten good at these things. We’ll figure it out.” She stepped around the invisible spirit, standing beside Jie and facing everyone.

“Her name is Lynn Abrams. She was a freshman who’d skipped a couple years but never fit in. Like you, Logan, she came here to escape the other students, where he watched over her.

“So, she’s another female pod-leader,” Logan noted, nodding sagely and stepping closer.

“Martinez sacrificed himself for her, leaving his wife and two children behind.”

“Wait, she told you that?”

Ioana shook her head. “They’re both here, and they’re so familiar, they fill in the others details. They loved one another and after he perished, he ... waited for her. And when she died, she couldn’t abandon him. At that point, he was the only one who’d ever cared about her.”

“Is that why your thoughts are so clear?” Logan pressed.

“She keeps asking probing questions and has worked on his English for ... years.”

“Thirty-two,” Logan corrected.

“So, they both remained,” Leslie noted, “trapped here ever since?”

“Did they love each other, or ... love each other?” Jie stressed.

“No, he loved her spiritually, but he had children he adored too. He’d never do such a thing and doesn’t appreciate the implications.”

“See,” Leslie said, addressing Aiesha and Jie. “I told you it’s catching if you hang around these guys long enough.”

“You say she was an advanced student,” Logan inquired. “How old was she when she died?”

“Only twelve, as it was after the new year.”

“That helps a lot.” Logan wiped his brow, considering the ramifications. “That implies our abilities develop early, even if we’re unaware of them until later. She knew to come looking for him, and thinks rationally, unlike most spectral entities.” He turned to their two cameramen. “I guess it means we’ll have to speed up your evaluation and training.” They responded by flashing him a thumbs up.

“Well, you have options,” Logan said, taking charge. “We can release you, allowing Trevon to finally join his family with you. We can leave you both where you are. Or we can give you a home, Lynn, among your own kind, if you’re interested.”

It was silent for several moments before Ioana said anything. “They’re discussing it.”

“We’ve dealt with these issues before,” Logan said. “If you have any questions.”

“That isn’t the issue, neither one wants to leave the other.” Ioana looked down. “That’s fine, but we can arrange for you to discover those you hoped to find.” She gazed at him again. “Logan’s too preoccupied lately, but you can train and safeguard a new pod, who’ll then go out and aid other lost souls.”

“You’ve supported one another all these years,” Logan added. “I can’t imagine a loving God separating you.”

“No, it’s been too many years. They’re ready to pass on, even if there’s nothing waiting for them.”

“Trust me, I’ve watched other spirits crossing over,” Jie said. “There’s definitely something there and I’m sure your loved ones are awaiting you.” And knowing what you’ve both been through, Travon’s family will surely welcome you too.”

Ioana glanced up. “Now they’re arguing with each other. She desires to go with him, while he prefers she remains behind with us.”

“If it helps, I think you’re better together than apart,” Aiesha advised.

“They compromised. Lynn insists Travon to go first, to ensure he makes it safely.”

“We can do that.” Logan raised his hand beside him, so the others could observe. “Say your goodbyes and let us know when to begin.” Ioana silently nodded, and Logan lifted his index finger and they all radiated love towards where Jie indicated.