Chelsea turned down another street along the island’s old wharf district. Her footsteps echoed among the abandoned buildings. In the distance, a cruise ship blew its whistle. She drew in a deep breath. Why would anyone set up a tourist adventure facility in this area? It’s so far from where the ships currently dock. She double-checked the address on the slip of paper she held and stopped in front of a large warehouse.
This is the right place, but what have I gotten myself into? She stared at the structure’s peeling paint and rusted tin-roof. A sign with illegible lettering hung by a single nail, and it creaked in the salt-scented breeze. She tested the door. It was locked.
Before she could knock, she heard a soft click, and a white-haired man opened the door. He leaned on a staff and appeared as decrepit as the building, but his silvery-blue eyes held a strange gleam.
“Good afternoon, Chelsea Devonshire. I’ve been expecting you. Please, come in.” The man stepped aside and motioned for her to enter.
“I thought there’d be several candidates, so how did you know it was me?” Chelsea hesitated on the sidewalk.
“We do thorough research on each recruit, Miss Devonshire. According to your profile, you stand five-foot three inches tall and weigh approximately one hundred thirty-five pounds. I see the description of strawberry-blonde hair and blue eyes also matches.” The intensity of his gaze increased. “Furthermore, out of all the applicants, we only invited two to come. The other has already arrived.”
“Oh.” Chelsea eyed the dim passage behind him.
“You will need to learn appearances can deceive, Miss Devonshire. Allow me to introduce myself.” The man straightened, and the wrinkles faded away. He no longer looked feeble as he held out his right hand. “I am Professor Cyril Radik.”
“Professor, hi, I didn’t realize.” Chelsea wondered how the well-known professor could change his appearance so quickly as she accepted the proffered hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“And you also. I expect we will get to know each other quite well.” With a slight wave, the professor ushered Chelsea inside.
She followed him down the gloomy corridor and waited while he unlocked a door at the end.
* * *
Derek Travers leaned against the wall, waiting to see the reaction of the new recruit whenever she entered.
A long-haired brunette with sharp nose and chin stood beside him. Every few seconds, her hazel eyes turned their attention to the watch she wore. “New girl should arrive any moment ... if she makes it on time.”
“As my potential partner in our little team, she’d better.” Derek flashed a grin that showed his dimples. “So, Kim, what do you think of the other recruit?”
“Juan seems like a nice guy, but we’ll see how he does through the training. I just hope he doesn’t end up like my last partner.” Kim shuddered.
“Me too.” Derek placed an arm around Kim’s shoulders and gave them a squeeze.
The entry door opened.
* * *
Chelsea jumped and bit back a scream as she stared into the wide-open jaws of a bright orange dragon, but it remained motionless. She took a better look and realized it hung suspended from rafters high above her head.
“Don’t mind Melvin.” Radik’s shoulders shook as he chuckled. “Even for the day he lived, Melvin didn’t hurt anyone. He blew bubbles instead of fire, and if you look closely, you’ll find he has no teeth. Makes an impressive specimen though. Follow me. I’ll show you the other creatures stored in the warehouse after we discuss the employment opportunity I have called you here for.”
“This isn’t an interview for a position as a tourist adventure guide like I applied for, is it?” Chelsea gaped in awe at several bizarre displays as Professor Radik led her toward a row of doors.
“You are correct. Welcome to Dream Chaser headquarters, Miss Devonshire. The Chasers are renowned throughout the island, but the location of our headquarters is guarded information. We never reveal the true nature of an employment opportunity until a candidate has arrived.”
“Does this mean you’ve selected me as a potential Chaser?” Chelsea’s heart raced, and she could barely contain her excitement. Please, say yes. It would show my parents that the martial-art classes and shooting lessons were all worth the effort.
“Affirmative, Miss Devonshire. Our recruiters have watched you for quite some time, but we chose to wait until you finished high school before we made contact.” Professor Radik paused with his hand on a doorknob. “You may leave at any time, but unless you commit to joining the team, you will only remember having an uncomfortable feeling about the office and walking way.”
“You can erase memories?” Chelsea asked.
“No, but we do have the technology in place to alter them,” Professor Radik explained. “It’s one of many advanced safeguards we utilize to protect our location. Now I have much to discuss with you and the other recruit before we make any decisions. Mr. Derek Travers and Miss Kimberly Jacobson will join us, since they require new partners.”
Chelsea bit her tongue to keep from squealing as a muscular black male and a white female with athletic build headed her direction. It’s them! It’s really them! I get to meet Derek and Kim.
Before the two Chasers reached them, Professor Radik pushed open the door and guided Chelsea into a conference room. A young man her age with dark brown hair, a deep tan, and a broad grin greeted her.
“Hi, I’m Juan Dominguez.” He shook her hand.
“Nice to meet you,” she replied. “My name’s Chelsea Devonshire.”
Professor Radik introduced them to Derek and Kim and directed everyone to a table and chairs at the front of the room. The professor and Chasers sat across from the new recruits.
“As you know, the Dream Chasers remain crucial to Pesadilla Island,” Professor Radik said. “Every creature we have in the warehouse is the result of someone’s imagination while they slept. Some dream-entities turn out benign, but others prove deadly. It’s up to the Chasers to control the most dangerous.
“The creatures typically don’t appear until twenty-four hours after the dreams take place. This gives us time to prepare, if the dreamer calls us early enough. Though they only live for twenty-four hours, many can cause extensive damage unless immobilized or destroyed. Most leave their shells behind when they expire, and we store the more interesting specimens here.”
“Professor Radik, do you know why these creatures come to life on this island?” Juan asked.
“No, but I have a team of researchers working on it.” The professor cleared his throat and shifted some papers on the table.
He’s lying. He couldn’t even look Juan in the eye when he said that. Chelsea gave her head a slight shake. Stop it. You’re just nervous. If anyone had solved the mystery, news of it would’ve spread faster than a gale-force wind. She forced her suspicion aside.
“While we can’t always predict which dream aspects will become reality,” Professor Radik continued, “there are a few principles that generally apply. I’m sure you know them by heart, but I wish to reiterate them. First of all, the dream should be remembered by the dreamer upon waking. Secondly, only tangible elements can take form, so dreams about love, death, or battle will not come true, in theory. However, the ability to fly has proven an exception over the years. Thirdly, people created in dreams will not come into existence, or so we have thought.”
Chelsea raised her hand, and the professor acknowledged her with a nod.
“I learned the rules are absolutes, so why do you use terms like ‘should be’, ‘in theory’, and ‘so we have thought’?” she asked.
“The rules are changing. Creatures have appeared that we couldn’t find anyone who recalled dreaming about them. A few days ago, a man turned up out of nowhere. He had no identification, no memory of his name or where he came from, and his fingerprints didn't match any in our database. He disappeared twenty-four hours later. Since he didn’t leave a shell, I cannot say for certain he was a dream entity, but I believe the forces that make elements of our dreams come to life have evolved. The work of the Dream Chasers continues to grow more dangerous, and we recently lost one of our own because of it.”
“Travis was reckless.” Kim crossed her arms and looked away.
“At times, yes.” Professor Radik studied Kim for a moment with a look of concern. He sighed and shook his head.
“What happened?” Chelsea had heard rumors of a terrible beast, but the only solid news said nothing more than a Chaser had perished in the line of duty.
“We’ll discuss it at a later time if you accept the position,” Professor Radik replied.
“I have another question.” Juan waited to continue until Professor Radik acknowledged him. “We were talking before Chelsea arrived about the fact I grew up in foster homes because my parents died. Did you choose me because there’s no immediate family to mourn my loss if something happens?”
“No, Mr. Dominguez. We, the people in charge of the organization, believe you have certain qualities we seek. We also know you have a strong desire to join the team and worked hard to prepare. Same applies to Miss Devonshire, whose parents still live. The employment ads we created were tailored to attract your attention, and we used the applications you filled out to supply the gaps in our knowledge concerning you.”
Chelsea and Juan exchanged looks. She wondered if his widened eyes mirrored hers.
“Remember, you can leave at any time, but we do not give second chances. As for compensation, the organization will provide you with a considerable salary, cover the cost of housing, and pay your college tuition. Most Dream Chasers start out at eighteen or nineteen years of age, and many resign or seek another role within the company by the time they turn twenty-five. Therefore, we continually watch for quality candidates. If you choose to stay, we will assess your skills further and provide extensive training.”
An alarm sounded outside the room, and the two active Chasers leapt to their feet.
Kim ran to the exit.
“Sorry, that’s our cue. I hope to see you both again soon.” Derek flashed Chelsea and Juan a grin before he sprinted after Kim.
“We’ll watch them on the monitors,” Professor Radik said. “It will give you a good idea of what to expect. If you need time to make your decisions, we can arrange for you to stay the night.”
“Pardon me, Professor Radik,” Chelsea said. “I already know mine. I want to be a Chaser.”
“So do I,” Juan added.
“Excellent.” The professor pushed back his chair and stood. “Let’s begin the assessments.”
This is the right place, but what have I gotten myself into? She stared at the structure’s peeling paint and rusted tin-roof. A sign with illegible lettering hung by a single nail, and it creaked in the salt-scented breeze. She tested the door. It was locked.
Before she could knock, she heard a soft click, and a white-haired man opened the door. He leaned on a staff and appeared as decrepit as the building, but his silvery-blue eyes held a strange gleam.
“Good afternoon, Chelsea Devonshire. I’ve been expecting you. Please, come in.” The man stepped aside and motioned for her to enter.
“I thought there’d be several candidates, so how did you know it was me?” Chelsea hesitated on the sidewalk.
“We do thorough research on each recruit, Miss Devonshire. According to your profile, you stand five-foot three inches tall and weigh approximately one hundred thirty-five pounds. I see the description of strawberry-blonde hair and blue eyes also matches.” The intensity of his gaze increased. “Furthermore, out of all the applicants, we only invited two to come. The other has already arrived.”
“Oh.” Chelsea eyed the dim passage behind him.
“You will need to learn appearances can deceive, Miss Devonshire. Allow me to introduce myself.” The man straightened, and the wrinkles faded away. He no longer looked feeble as he held out his right hand. “I am Professor Cyril Radik.”
“Professor, hi, I didn’t realize.” Chelsea wondered how the well-known professor could change his appearance so quickly as she accepted the proffered hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“And you also. I expect we will get to know each other quite well.” With a slight wave, the professor ushered Chelsea inside.
She followed him down the gloomy corridor and waited while he unlocked a door at the end.
* * *
Derek Travers leaned against the wall, waiting to see the reaction of the new recruit whenever she entered.
A long-haired brunette with sharp nose and chin stood beside him. Every few seconds, her hazel eyes turned their attention to the watch she wore. “New girl should arrive any moment ... if she makes it on time.”
“As my potential partner in our little team, she’d better.” Derek flashed a grin that showed his dimples. “So, Kim, what do you think of the other recruit?”
“Juan seems like a nice guy, but we’ll see how he does through the training. I just hope he doesn’t end up like my last partner.” Kim shuddered.
“Me too.” Derek placed an arm around Kim’s shoulders and gave them a squeeze.
The entry door opened.
* * *
Chelsea jumped and bit back a scream as she stared into the wide-open jaws of a bright orange dragon, but it remained motionless. She took a better look and realized it hung suspended from rafters high above her head.
“Don’t mind Melvin.” Radik’s shoulders shook as he chuckled. “Even for the day he lived, Melvin didn’t hurt anyone. He blew bubbles instead of fire, and if you look closely, you’ll find he has no teeth. Makes an impressive specimen though. Follow me. I’ll show you the other creatures stored in the warehouse after we discuss the employment opportunity I have called you here for.”
“This isn’t an interview for a position as a tourist adventure guide like I applied for, is it?” Chelsea gaped in awe at several bizarre displays as Professor Radik led her toward a row of doors.
“You are correct. Welcome to Dream Chaser headquarters, Miss Devonshire. The Chasers are renowned throughout the island, but the location of our headquarters is guarded information. We never reveal the true nature of an employment opportunity until a candidate has arrived.”
“Does this mean you’ve selected me as a potential Chaser?” Chelsea’s heart raced, and she could barely contain her excitement. Please, say yes. It would show my parents that the martial-art classes and shooting lessons were all worth the effort.
“Affirmative, Miss Devonshire. Our recruiters have watched you for quite some time, but we chose to wait until you finished high school before we made contact.” Professor Radik paused with his hand on a doorknob. “You may leave at any time, but unless you commit to joining the team, you will only remember having an uncomfortable feeling about the office and walking way.”
“You can erase memories?” Chelsea asked.
“No, but we do have the technology in place to alter them,” Professor Radik explained. “It’s one of many advanced safeguards we utilize to protect our location. Now I have much to discuss with you and the other recruit before we make any decisions. Mr. Derek Travers and Miss Kimberly Jacobson will join us, since they require new partners.”
Chelsea bit her tongue to keep from squealing as a muscular black male and a white female with athletic build headed her direction. It’s them! It’s really them! I get to meet Derek and Kim.
Before the two Chasers reached them, Professor Radik pushed open the door and guided Chelsea into a conference room. A young man her age with dark brown hair, a deep tan, and a broad grin greeted her.
“Hi, I’m Juan Dominguez.” He shook her hand.
“Nice to meet you,” she replied. “My name’s Chelsea Devonshire.”
Professor Radik introduced them to Derek and Kim and directed everyone to a table and chairs at the front of the room. The professor and Chasers sat across from the new recruits.
“As you know, the Dream Chasers remain crucial to Pesadilla Island,” Professor Radik said. “Every creature we have in the warehouse is the result of someone’s imagination while they slept. Some dream-entities turn out benign, but others prove deadly. It’s up to the Chasers to control the most dangerous.
“The creatures typically don’t appear until twenty-four hours after the dreams take place. This gives us time to prepare, if the dreamer calls us early enough. Though they only live for twenty-four hours, many can cause extensive damage unless immobilized or destroyed. Most leave their shells behind when they expire, and we store the more interesting specimens here.”
“Professor Radik, do you know why these creatures come to life on this island?” Juan asked.
“No, but I have a team of researchers working on it.” The professor cleared his throat and shifted some papers on the table.
He’s lying. He couldn’t even look Juan in the eye when he said that. Chelsea gave her head a slight shake. Stop it. You’re just nervous. If anyone had solved the mystery, news of it would’ve spread faster than a gale-force wind. She forced her suspicion aside.
“While we can’t always predict which dream aspects will become reality,” Professor Radik continued, “there are a few principles that generally apply. I’m sure you know them by heart, but I wish to reiterate them. First of all, the dream should be remembered by the dreamer upon waking. Secondly, only tangible elements can take form, so dreams about love, death, or battle will not come true, in theory. However, the ability to fly has proven an exception over the years. Thirdly, people created in dreams will not come into existence, or so we have thought.”
Chelsea raised her hand, and the professor acknowledged her with a nod.
“I learned the rules are absolutes, so why do you use terms like ‘should be’, ‘in theory’, and ‘so we have thought’?” she asked.
“The rules are changing. Creatures have appeared that we couldn’t find anyone who recalled dreaming about them. A few days ago, a man turned up out of nowhere. He had no identification, no memory of his name or where he came from, and his fingerprints didn't match any in our database. He disappeared twenty-four hours later. Since he didn’t leave a shell, I cannot say for certain he was a dream entity, but I believe the forces that make elements of our dreams come to life have evolved. The work of the Dream Chasers continues to grow more dangerous, and we recently lost one of our own because of it.”
“Travis was reckless.” Kim crossed her arms and looked away.
“At times, yes.” Professor Radik studied Kim for a moment with a look of concern. He sighed and shook his head.
“What happened?” Chelsea had heard rumors of a terrible beast, but the only solid news said nothing more than a Chaser had perished in the line of duty.
“We’ll discuss it at a later time if you accept the position,” Professor Radik replied.
“I have another question.” Juan waited to continue until Professor Radik acknowledged him. “We were talking before Chelsea arrived about the fact I grew up in foster homes because my parents died. Did you choose me because there’s no immediate family to mourn my loss if something happens?”
“No, Mr. Dominguez. We, the people in charge of the organization, believe you have certain qualities we seek. We also know you have a strong desire to join the team and worked hard to prepare. Same applies to Miss Devonshire, whose parents still live. The employment ads we created were tailored to attract your attention, and we used the applications you filled out to supply the gaps in our knowledge concerning you.”
Chelsea and Juan exchanged looks. She wondered if his widened eyes mirrored hers.
“Remember, you can leave at any time, but we do not give second chances. As for compensation, the organization will provide you with a considerable salary, cover the cost of housing, and pay your college tuition. Most Dream Chasers start out at eighteen or nineteen years of age, and many resign or seek another role within the company by the time they turn twenty-five. Therefore, we continually watch for quality candidates. If you choose to stay, we will assess your skills further and provide extensive training.”
An alarm sounded outside the room, and the two active Chasers leapt to their feet.
Kim ran to the exit.
“Sorry, that’s our cue. I hope to see you both again soon.” Derek flashed Chelsea and Juan a grin before he sprinted after Kim.
“We’ll watch them on the monitors,” Professor Radik said. “It will give you a good idea of what to expect. If you need time to make your decisions, we can arrange for you to stay the night.”
“Pardon me, Professor Radik,” Chelsea said. “I already know mine. I want to be a Chaser.”
“So do I,” Juan added.
“Excellent.” The professor pushed back his chair and stood. “Let’s begin the assessments.”
© Copyright 2015 E. J. Willis
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