A 23rd Century Girl in the 20th Century, Chapter 18

“Yes, you are wondering about the zombies. They were our enemies, so I have taken removed all previous thoughts from their minds and replaced it with only the ability to serve us. They know nothing else and are used as guards against other enemies. They neither eat or sleep, but are given long life –hundreds of your years. They are bandaged as zombies because their flesh cannot survive such a long life. You and the young lady with you will be spared that fate – but the others with you may not.”

A 23^rd Century Girl

in the 20th Century

Chapter 18

The group stood as Lizzie Jane walked over to speak to the men. She spoke a few words to them quietly and turned to the others and said, “The Pharaoh will see us now.”

The men led everyone down a hall, brightly lit with torches on the walls.

“I noticed you speaking, but there wasn't any movement from the men's mouth,” whispered Dr. Ledbetter.

“Why, I heard them clearly,” answered a slightly surprised Lizzie Jane.

“I believe you heard them in your mind -- mental telepathy, probably.”

Lizzie Jane walked on quietly, thinking about Dr. Ledbetter's statement. Maybe the Pharaoh did not speak in another language, but was able to converse in a manner that she could undertand.

They came to the large room Lizzie Jane had mentioned and stopped upon a hand gesture from one of the men. The other man went forward and knelt before the throne. Pharaoh pointed his scepter toward Lizzie Jane. Taking the hand of Dr. Ledbetter, she stepped forward.

“May I speak?” Dr. Ledbetter asked Lizzie Jane.

“You may speak,” mentally stated Pharaoh in an authoritative tone

“Your majesty, I come to you from another country and am not familiar with these surroundings in this part of the world,” began Dr. Ledbetter, hoping that Pharaoh was able to understand his mehod of speaking. In what he considered to be awkward speech, he continued“ What I find here is usually found somewhere else.”

“I understand you perfectly and know what you speak of,” answered Pharaoh. “Many years ago, our gods came to us to tell us of a great famine that would affect our country and brought many of us here to preserve our knowledge of science that we had been taught."

With his eyes fastened upon Dr. Ledbetter, he continued, “I can see that you are amazed at how I answered your inquiry, but I am able to interpret your thoughts and understand. You are a man of science, too, but were not taught by our gods. I see that you do not believe in our religion.”

Pharaoh smiled. “You are thinking that you need to guard your thoughts, but that takes practice which does not come naturally. I have already learned much about you. You are a good man and mean no harm. If you did, you would be sentenced to live as the people that you refer to as zombies.'

“Yes, you are wondering about the zombies. They were our enemies, so I have taken removed all previous thoughts from their minds and replaced it with only the ability to serve us. They know nothing else and are used as guards against other enemies. They neither eat or sleep, but are given long life –hundreds of your years. They are bandaged as zombies because their flesh cannot survive such a long life. You and the young lady with you will be spared that fate – but the others with you may not.”

“You mean...?” questioned Dr. Ledbetter.

“Yes, they will probably become our slaves, too. In answer to what you are thinking – no, we cannot do it with our mind. There is a long process with which we will accomplish that. I see that you are objecting. It would be wise for you to change that attitude or we will make you a zombie, also.”

“But...” began Dr. Ledbetter, not getting a chance to finish his sentence.

“Ah, yes. You are thinking about a man and his daughter that came from the future. Very interesting. Please invite them here so that I may discuss matters with them.”

Dr. Ledbetter explained the situation to Jim and Linda upon arriving at the back of the room where they were standing. He glanced toward Pharaoh and had a sudden thought. He immediately thought it best to attempt to block it from his mind until a more suitable time.

“How about us?” asked Josh.

“I think it is best to work one thing at a time. My suggestion is to let Jim and Linda talk to him next,” answered Dr. Ledbetter.

Jim and Linda went forward. Jim bowed before Pharaoh and Linda complied with a little curtsy.

Pharaoh spoke, “Yes, I have read your mind. I know about your mission and from whence you came. The idea of time travel is not quite clear in my mind. I will speak with you in detail later. As for you, young lady, because of your youth, I will take you into my harem.”

Linda openly expressed facial shock with that statement

The Pharaoh looked toward Linda and frowned. “ You should be honored with that, although I can see that you are not. Given time, you will learn obedience to me.”

He motioned to his guards who immediately understood that Pharaoh had concluded his conversation.  Dr. Ledbetter, Lizzie Jane, and Jim were escorted to separate accomodations.

Josh, Ruth, and Jake were taken to an area which served as a temporary prison while Linda was taken to a room containing younger women – the harem.

--- To be continued

Copyright 2009 by Starla Anne Lowry