EXTREME MAKEOVER - WORLD EDITION Chapter 3 – Revelations
By Atlantis Jordan
DISCLAIMER: This fictional tale involves science fiction and adult same-sex situations. If you are offended by such material then this story may not be for you. All characters are fictional with loosely based material derived from my own real life situations and overactive imagination. Regardless of the title, this story isn’t about the popular reality show, Extreme Makeover. I hope you enjoy my first public offering. Comments can be sent to: atlantisjordan.com@gmail.com.
As Dante is driven home at Mark’s insistence, he reflects on the events of that night. Why did that strange man say that he needed his help? Why did the he feel that his life was in danger? And how did he make my emotions go haywire while I was scared? The car was suddenly parked on the street outside their home and Dante was still deep in his thoughts when Mark remarks, “Who the hell are they?”
When he looks up, Dante sees four hulking menacing looking men advancing towards their car after leaving the front porch of their house. Mark gets out of the car and walks quickly around to the passenger’s side of the car.
“Hey, what do you guys want?” Mark asked tensely. He had a bad feeling about these strange men and the only thing on his mind right now was protecting Dante. He’s always been protective of Dante but right now, that instinct was ten times stronger and those men were the cause. He noticed how they looked right past him and focused directly on Dante.
“I’ll ask again, what do you guys want? If you are Brian’s friends, he isn’t home yet. Why don’t you come back tomorrow?” Mark says nervously as the men continue to approach.
One of the men, a 6’7” tall mountain of muscle, reaches into his pocket and pulls out what looks to be a cell phone. The large man points the device at Mark and to Mark’s horror; he suddenly can’t move a muscle. Dante is frozen in horror as the words of the man from the coffee shop comes forefront in his mind. “They are here to kill me!” Dante thinks to himself. And immediately crosses to the driver’s side door and gets out since Mark is still immobilized in front of the passenger side door.
“Mark? Mark! Are you alright??? Mark!!!” Dante rushes over to his friend’s side and shakes him. “Hey, what’s wrong with you? We need to get out of here!” But Mark is frozen stiff, unable to move a single muscle thanks to the Centauri stun device that was used on him. All he can do is watch as the four men continue to get closer and closer. He tries to will Dante to make a run for it. “Oh please God, get Dante out of danger!” Mark prays to himself.
Dante realizes that those guys must have done something to Mark and he gets angry. “What did you do to him?!” Dante thinks that if they are here to kill him and Mark then he will go down fighting no matter how big those dudes are!
“What do you guys want? What did you do to my friend?” Dante rages as fear and anger courses through his veins. After everything he has been through, it can’t end like this. He’s worked so hard to get his life back that he’ll be damned to let some strange men off him for no reason. As he’s thinking this and allowing his pent up frustrations out, he doesn’t notice that the men have stopped advancing. Actually, they look a little afraid. Dante notices none of this... he just wants them gone!
As if watching a sci-fi movie, the sky rapidly gets cloudy and the temperature and air pressure drops drastically. Suddenly, a huge tornado touches down out of nowhere on the very spot the four men are standing, whisking them away as quickly as the tornado began. Dante blinks, not believing what just
happened. Mark can’t blink but he is just as stunned. And with that thought, Mark’s muscles begin to function again.
“What the fuck just happened?” Mark exclaims. Dante turns around and rushes up to Mark and gives him a big hug. “Dante, what just happened? I mean, that one guy pointed something at me and then I couldn’t move. It was like I was frozen or something. I was so scared for you and that I couldn’t do anything to help you. Then this tornado appeared and swallowed them up without causing any damage at all. Am I losing my mind? I feel weird....” And with that, Mark faints for the first time in his life.
Meanwhile, back on the Atlantian mother ship...
“King Xander!” The surveillance tech announces, “As per your request, I was monitoring the geological systems on Terra and a weather anomaly occurred just now in the Denver area. It may be the Gaian!”
“Perhaps, what was the nature of this disturbance?” Xander asks while dialing in some coordinates. “I need to know exactly what happened and if it was a natural occurrence.” While the surveillance tech busies himself gathering the request information, Xander opens up his data-wristlink and dials a source on-planet.
“Raynor, have you made contact yet?” Xander whispers into the wristlink. “You know how important it is that you reach the Gaian child first and help prepare him for my son.”
“Yes, my lord. I have made contact but only briefly. I chose my timing incorrectly but I am planning to make contact again in the morning when most Terrans are asleep. I have reports that the Centauri were in the area but they did not find the child. I planted a tracker mini-droid on the Gaian so to make it easier to monitor him. What should I tell Prince Orian?” Raynor asks while answering a wristlink transmission from an officer on Stealth One.
“Once you have made full contact with the Gaian and prepared him for my son, then you are to give Orion the location of the child. But you are not to inform him of the gender of the Gaian unless he asks. We need to facilitate a meeting between those two before Omega takes it upon himself to visit the planet in search of the Gaian. We cannot allow that to happen.” Xander states as he processes the incoming weather data. “Judging by the information I am receiving, the Gaian inadvertently created a weather anomaly called a tornado in an area that is not prone to tornados. If the Gaian...”
“Dante” says Raynor, already growing attached to the would-be future crowned consul of Atlantis.
“Yes, if Dante is capable of creating mini-storms this soon then it’s imperative that you help him prepare to meet my son. His emotions seem to be erratic and are affecting Terran global weather patterns as well as geological activity. You must gain his trust and help him gain control of his abilities. As you know, the survival of both planets depends on your success.” Xander says while noticing an incoming transmission from Orion. “I will keep Orion busy until you report back on your success.”
“Yes, my lord. I will not fail Atlantis.” Raynor says as he disconnects. “I only hope that I can do enough to turn the Gaian in our favor.”
200 hundred miles away in the flat plains of Kansas...
“AAAAGHH!!!” scream the four Centauri as they plummet towards the earth. Silaas activates a force field from his wristlink and expands it around him and his men to help cushion the fall. BOOM!!! They land creating a crater in the ground about 15 feet deep.
“Sir, are you okay? I thought that the Gaian needed to join with Lord Omega in order for its powers to be activated! I’ve never seen such raw power exhibited by one being before.” Chenok says bewildered as he helps his other comrades escape the crater.
“I have a suspicion that an Atlantian has made initial contact with the Gaian which may have activated its powers. What we saw was a powerful untrained being whose emotional state created that weather anomaly. We will need to rethink our strategy if the Atlantians have already made contact. Did you plant the tracking device on the Gaian’s place of residence?” Silaas asks while using his wristlink to gauge their location.
“Yes sir, the device was planted and will be non-detectable by Atlantian technology. I took the liberty of adding an audio-visual link to the tracking unit so that we can see who interacts with the Gaian.” Chenok beams as he knows this act will strengthen his position in Silaas’ favor.
“Very good work, my boy. This will allow us to be more tactful and to see when we can catch the Gaian alone in order to capture it.” Silaas says while typing in coordinates for the Centauri Glider they traveled in to meet them at their new location. “We will not inform Lord Omega of this setback. We still have one more day to make contact and take the Gaian.”
“...actually, I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands.” Omega states from each of the men’s wristlinks. “Don’t be surprised my worthless soldiers. I’ve been monitoring your activities since planet fall. And I must say; I have been most unpleased with your performance. In fact, judging from what I witnessed of the Gaian’s abilities, I am willing to be merciful and not destroy you all where you stand.”
“Yes sir, thank you sir!!! We still have one more day to retrieve the Gaian, my Lord. Please allow us this time to redeem ourselves!” Silaas begs. He looks on in horror as Korzon begins screaming as beam of light from the sky shines directly on him, a moment later vaporizing the youngest member of Silaas’ crew.
“Good, see to it that you do. Or else, you will be next, Silaas! Don’t make me have to come down there and finish the job. You know what will happen if that was to occur...” Omega states as a holographic image of Silaas’ former commander is shown and the destruction of the commander’s entire family line as well as outpost. “I hate losing loyal servants but I will not tolerate incompetence! Do you understand me? ”
“Yes sir, your will shall be done!” Silaas states kneeling and cowering in fear. Turek and Chenok still reeling from the murder of their brother also bow down in deference to their Lord.
Meanwhile, on Stealth One...
“Father, what do you mean Raynor has not made contact with the Gaian? I have been monitoring her signal for weeks. My own engineers have detected significant spike in bio-energy readings. And the Centauri are here as well. I must be close if the Centauri that we captured also confirmed that the Gaian was located in this mountain city!” Orian says passionately as he struggles to contain his powers. He can feel the Gaian close by. He knows that he is close to his goal and it frustrates him that he has been made to wait for his destiny.
“My son, Raynor just reported to me that he will be making contact with the Gaian within a day. There have been several close calls from the Centauri whom have sent a new recovery party to intercept the Gaian. Thankfully, Omega is still in orbit and has not made planet fall. We have been delaying the Centauri so to give Raynor enough time to prepare the Gaian for you.” Xander says exasperated at the situation. He wants so badly to tell his son about the gender of the Gaian but he knows that he can’t. The fate of the world depends on a genuine connection between the Gaian and his son.
Orian whispers to his second in command, “I want you to track Raynor’s progress and make me aware of when he is within contact distance of the Gaian. Once you have this information, transmit it directly to me.” Orian then speaks in his normal tone, “Father, I understand what you are trying to do and I will honor your request. Please keep me updated on Raynor’s progress”. Orian says goodbye to his father and turns back to his second in command.
“Sir, why were you whispering?” Ehran, Orian’s second in command states.
“I did not want my father to hear what I am planning. I can’t wait any longer. Once Raynor is within range of the Gaian, I will personally go to the location and make contact at last!” Orian says as he begins to leave the command room.
“But Sir, aren’t you supposed to wait until the Gaian has been prepared for you? Raynor is a master negotiator and trainer. He is from a race of humanoid that secrete a hormone that puts humans at ease even when they are terrified or nervous. He has a better chance at prepping the Gaian for its first meeting with you.” Ehran says.
“You mean her. I don’t like her being called an “it”. It’s degrading for the future queen of Atlantis. And I believe that she will be receptive to me. No female has been able to resist my charm, handsome features and strong powerfully built body. Why should this female regardless of her heritage be any different?” Xander states as he exits the command room for the transit pod.
Ehran, for some reason, couldn’t bring himself to reiterates that the bio-scans sent by Raynor were that of a human male not a female. But he remembers what King Xander instructed him on keeping that piece of information from Orian. But his King never stated that he couldn’t follow direct orders from his Lord and Commander. Whether the Gaian is male or female, Orian deserves to handle his own destiny own his own terms. He returns to monitoring Raynor’s location and hopes that his Lord can convince the Gaian to join with him. He has three beautiful little girls at home he wants to see grow up. “I sincerely hope the pressure to save humanity from destruction isn’t too great for the Gaian. I don’t envy him at all.” Finally, acknowledging that the Gaian is a male.
Back at Dante’s home...
“Brian, everything is okay. No really, you don’t have to come home. Yes, I have everything under control. Mark will be fine. He just fainted, probably from exhaustion. I have him tucked in bed and he’s doing fine. I’ll let him sleep and call Sean to let him know that I’m alright as well. Yes, I will and you have fun at David’s! You too, bye bye” Dante hangs up the phone and looks over at Mark who is sleeping peacefully. Up until last night, he never really saw Mark as the heroic type. To put himself in harm’s way like that definitely made Dante see Mark in a different light. He smiles as he remembers.
Just then the doorbell rings. Dante makes his way to the front door and opens without asking who it is. He wishes he had checked first.
“Hello Dante, are you feeling well?” Raynor asks will smiling and putting on his best charm.
“You! What the hell are you doing here?” Dante yells and then tries to slam the door.
Raynor sticks his boot in the door to keep it from shutting and muscles his way inside. “Dante, please I do not wish to hurt you. I just want to talk to you about something important.”
“All I want to hear is you getting out of my house! Now get out! Get out before I call the cops!” Dante says as he advances towards the phone. “I mean it!”
“You know, you are so handsome when you are angry. Calling the authorities will not be necessary as I have no intent on harming you. The complete opposite actually. I want to help you realize your destiny and to help prepare you for it.” Raynor says as he advances slowly towards Dante.
There is such something about this guy that seemed to put Dante at ease. He couldn’t explain but it gave him the courage to ask questions. “What is your name?”
“Raynor. And before you ask, no I am not from around here. You also may be wondering why I approached you last night about needing your help and that your life was in danger, correct?” Raynor
loved when he catches people off guard with his psychic abilities. The Gaian seemed to be no different.
“Uhm, yeah... how did you know that? I was only thinking that just now. What are you?” Dante turns and escapes into the kitchen. Grabbing a steak knife, he turns to find Raynor right behind him. “What the hell!” Dante exclaims before being kissed soundly by Raynor.
Raynor, no stranger to kissing found this experience to be a little unsettling as the feeling he received told him of the immense power of the man he was kissing... unrealized power. As he releases Dante from the kiss, he steps back and attempts to try a telepathic connection. Just on a hunch.
“Atlantis doesn’t exist.” Dante says.
“What?” Raynor says bewildered. “I didn’t say anything”.
“Yes, you did. You said that you were from Atlantis and that you were sent to help me.” Dante says disbelievingly. “Wait a minute... you didn’t even move your lips that time. What the hell!” Dante tries to escape but Raynor holds him to him and whispers in his ear.
“You should know by now that I mean you no harm. The men you encountered last night meant to kidnap you. I could have told you more to prevent that encounter but I chose the wrong time to approach you. Now I want you to concentrate on me and focus on the images and thoughts I am projecting to you. This will help you understand better... and to stop fighting me.” Raynor says smiling. He is actually enjoying this encounter.
Dante is not certain whether to believe what was being shown to him or not. But the info about his parents and how they really died was like a bucket of cold water being thrown on him. When it was over, Dante was crying uncontrollably.
“I’m sorry, Dante. I had to show you everything in order to get you to cooperate and to see that I am telling you the truth.” Raynor takes Dante into his arms and soothes him. He can only imagine what the man is going through right now trying to process 25 years of information all at once. “Dante, this is very important. I need to know why you are not open to love. Don’t look at me like that. I know all about the incident but it’s more than that. And I want to help you rediscover the joy of love.”
“I know you’re trying to help but maybe I’m not ready for love right now.” Dante says as he pulls out ingredients to make breakfast for Mark when he wakes up. “What are you smiling at?”
“You. After learning about the Centauri, if they can open up their heart, there’s hope for you too, Dante.” Raynor says as he watches Dante make a meal for his sleeping roommate.
“My heart is not closed; it’s open... just not to everybody.” Dante says as he continues mixing the pancake batter.
“No, your heart is closed, beautiful.” Raynor smirks as Dante looks back and gives him a sour look.
“I’m picky, that’s all.” Dante says and then sighs as he remembers the events of the past year.
“No, you’re terrified.” Raynor says looking pointedly at Dante.
“Of what? What am I terrified of?” Dante says not understanding what Raynor is talking about.
“You tell me.” Raynor states as he crosses him arms.
“I don’t want to play this game.” Dante says while stirring erratically.
“Well, at least stir correctly.” Raynor says as he reaches in front of Dante from behind and places his hands on top of Dante’s and stirs at a normal pace while adding something into the batter from his pocket.
“What was that?” Dante asks as he watches the pepper-like substance disappear into the batter. “Mmmm... smells good.” Dante isn’t aware of the alien aphrodisiac-like properties.
“It’s a spice that grows near my home on Atlantis. It has healing and calming properties.” Raynor says as he looks down at Dante’s face. God, this man is beautiful. “Dante, are you afraid of loss?”
“I swear if you barf up, it’s better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all, I might have to...” Dante stops mid sentence as the aroma of the batter engulfs his senses as he feels relaxed like he’s never felt in a long time.
“So tell me, what has not loving gotten you?” Raynor asks knowing the spice has begun to take effect.
“It’s kept me safe.” Dante states while leaning up against Raynor for support... and comfort.
“Safe from what?” Raynor probes, needing to hear the answer if he’s to be successful in getting the Gaian ready for Prince Orian.
“From people leaving...” Dante says in a small voice. The pain very evident with every syllable.
“Your parents? ” Raynor says understanding.
“Yeah...” Dante says in the same small voice. This is very difficult for him to admit to anyone. He’s not used to sharing his inner most thoughts and feelings with anyone... especially complete strangers.
“Your former boyfriend, Scott?” Raynor inquires, needing to get to the heart of the problem.
“Yeah... and you.” Dante states as he stops stirring.
“Are you falling for me?” Raynor says in a humorous voice but works hard to show how that comment didn’t affect him. This also breaks the spell that seems to have been cast around the two.
“No, I am not falling for you, thank you very much!” Dante says while putting some distance between him and Raynor. This man was dangerous to be around!
“Look, I am just the potential for true love, because once you let true love in, it’ll never leave.” Raynor says as he captures Dante’s downturned face and turns it towards his. “Don’t confuse the message with the messenger. That’s what you’ve always done. Messengers can make mistakes, they get lost, they run away... they even die.”
Dante sheds a single tear and Raynor uses his thumb to wipe it away. Raynor feels himself falling in love with the Gaian. It’s impossible not to. “But the message upon your heart comes from life itself. Hear it for my sake... and yours.” Raynor can’t resist, he bends down to claim a kiss when the backdoor to the kitchen bursts open.
“What the hell are you doing, Raynor! Get away from Gaian, she’s...” Orian stops mid-sentence as Raynor, startled from the interruption, jumps back. “...a male.” Orian finishes in disbelief.
Dante is stunned to see the ultra-handsome mountain of muscle come charging through the door. The attraction is undeniable. He’s always had a thing for bodybuilders. The bigger the better. But this guy was larger than any bodybuilder he’s ever seen. Even bigger than Raynor.
“Who are you?” Dante asks, a little afraid but excited at the same time. “Was it necessary to destroy the kitchen door when all you had to do was knock?”
Orian is still staring at Dante when he directs his next question to Raynor. “Why didn’t anyone tell me that the Gaian was male?”
“While you’re at it, tell your friend that on this planet... it’s considered polite to actually answer a question when it’s asked.” Dante says then he walks across the mess to leave the kitchen.
Both Raynor and Orian both move to stop him. Putting up a hand, Dante motions for them to stop. “Relax fellas, I’m only going upstairs to check on my roommate, Mark. I need to make sure that Ram jock, the rookie here, didn’t wake him up when he decided to pick at fight with my back door.”
After Dante leaves the room, Raynor turns to Orian almost forgetting his station, “What the hell do you think you’re doing! I was prepping the Gaian for you! How did you find me?” Raynor yells at Orian.
“I would suggest you watch your tone, I am still the crown prince of Atlantis! And to answer your question, I grew tired of waiting with Centauri in the area. You took too long to make contact so I decided to take matters into my own hands.” Orian states as he looks around the kitchen.
“Well, I had everything under control. I was getting through to him!” Raynor says upset at being interrupted while he worked.
“Yes, I see that. I should destroy you for even thinking of stealing a kiss from my betrothed!” Orian says as the power within him is suddenly unleashed doubling his body size.
“You wouldn’t dare! I am a personal servant to your father. You don’t have the authority to punish me for nothing. This is not Centauras, my Lord!” Raynor states as he glares defiantly at Orian.
Just as Orian prepared to meet that dare, Dante reenters the room and stops in his tracks as he notices the change in the stranger. “What the hell happened to you? Let me guess, the Incredible Hulk is not just a comic book either, right? Raynor, who is this guy?” Dante asks as he drinks in every bulge and every curve of the now 7.5 tall muscle giant.
“I do apologize, Dante. I forget my manners. This rude individual is the crown royal prince of Atlantis, Prince Orian. He is the one I telepathically informed you about.” Raynor explains while looking wearily at Orian.
“Well, it is nice to meet you, I guess. But I’m afraid that you both will have to leave. My other roommate will be home and I will have to explain about the kitchen door. It would be better if you two weren’t here. Brian is a cop and a black belt in martial arts, not to mention a former power lifting champion. I wouldn’t be here when he gets here, if I was you. Especially if he thinks I’m in danger.” Dante states while shooing the two Atlantians out of his home.
“But we are not here to harm you.” Orian states although up until now, he has not acknowledged the Gaian’s gender, he still has a duty to perform. “I’m here to claim you as your protector!”
“Orian, I don’t think this is the time to make this announcement. We should go, as Dante suggests to help avoid social disorder.” Raynor says as he attempts to drag Orian from the premises.
“I have a duty, Raynor and I will not be denied! Regardless of the circumstances!” Orian says as he struggles against Raynor.
“Guys? Guys!!!” Dante yells finally getting their attention. “Come back later today once I have had the chance to explain you two to my roommates. And then we can continue this discussion about me needing a protector?”
“Yes, Dante. When I mentioned that your life was in danger. I meant that. We can explain further when we return.” Raynor presses a button on his data-wristlink and Orian disappears.
“I’m so sorry about the door, Dante. I will compensate you for any damages. Here, I want you to have this.” Raynor walks over and places a watch-like device in his hands. “This is called a data-wristlink. It’s similar to a computer but also allows communication, transportation, and the processing of just about any information. I want you to use this device to be able to contact me... I mean us at any time.” Raynor says as he steps back and presses another button and disappears.
“I need a drink...” Dante says as he breaks out the Tequila.
End of Chapter 3....
Note from I work to dedicate time to finish and release upcoming chapters. I promise to not abandon this story. And as always, feel free to email me your comments, thoughts and suggestions to atlantisjordan.com@gmail.com.