The Shadow Trapper

“Indeed." A small grin comes to my lips as I allow my tech to become empower and prepare to use the spell of destruction, "Fool! My hands are no longer tied. I may have held back to protect Justice from being emotionally hurt by me harming her father but you.. You are an Imposture and now you will pay greatly." Stormcutter flies before me and Mirai yells, "No! Don't use that spell.. Hurt him, defeat him but do not kill him. I do not have time to explain." "Very well, I spat! But you would be surprised what the body can actually live through. Even a half Sayian body!" --- I fought beside Justice's true father and together we were weakening this impostor, I tried to restrain myself but this impostor Mirai kept taunting me... Then he throws a dead infant at my feet. "I cut this out of Justice..." He laughs as I stared down in horror. This life that had not been given a chance, he had my eyes from the cornor of my eye I saw Mirai eyes widen as he sees his potential grandson murdered.... "Forgive me Mirai but this man can not be allowed to continue!" "YES GALEN! DO IT! Give into Chaos!" the evil Mirai laughed again... As the spell build around him I watched and saw him standing there unaffected. Then he opened a portal near him and sliped the spell of destruction off and reflected it to ... Oh my god.. it was Justice pregnant in another dimension... I watched in horror as my spell of destruction destroyed her... Only once I had seen this happen.. I crumbled falling to my knees as I remembered that horrible day... I went after the technomages who were responsible for killing Isabel, betraying my order and who had joined the shadows. I had the circle's blessing but I was going for revenge... I killed Tilar and then Elizar's sister Razeel. I was inside Z'ha'dum, home world of the Shadows and surrounded by Shadows.. I had discovered the horrible truth of how our tech was made... When I used the Spell of destruction on him Elizar, he slipped it off and redirected it to others around him... He said the Shadows had taught him how... It was the only counter-defense against the spell of destruction. "Get up! Galen use it!" Mirai , Justice's father was yelling at me... This time when I looked at the impostor I saw it... I saw it on Morden. When a Shadow has you, you are their puppet and there is always a string. The string that had given this evil Mirai power was coming from the trapper... I nodded in the direction and good Mirai looked... "That must be the time trapper!" He says I look and in my head I hear a scream and see... "He's a shadow!" I yell "Actually I am many thing in many different times. In your verse I took the form of a shadow, no... the Shadow.. the one that started the war with the Vorlons. The one that was the embodiment of Choas." the Time trapper declared... "Even the other Shadows didn't understand me, I was ... different." "Destroy them and bring me the tech of the technomage!" He roared just as another scream filled our ears.. Overhead a shadow vessel appeared from a portal and the time trapper disappeared into it and then flew away... "Are you ready to die!" Mirai impostor smirks... I smirk back, "NO but I am ready to end this!" I channel all my power to Mirai, Justice's father.. together with Stormcutter and his sayian abilities... He should have the power to defeat the impostor.. I just have to keep channeling my power to him and transferring his injuries to me... This will make him virtually immortal and could kill me... but for Justice, I would gladly die... tbc

A ghost from my past

I thought I was doing right by Justice by leaving. I thought I was protecting her... The Excalibur as always was glad to see me... Though my mind was elsewhere... I was being summoned to return... I had given Vella a special candle. Something inside me said Justice had been hurt and hurt badly... So I rushed to see Justice... I walked in to a room and asked HS to stand a side... I couldn't believe what I was seeing... Justice was pale and a fractured wisp... She cried in pain and looked like someone who had a terminal disease that had finally won over its victim. I whisper ever so gently in her ear, "I am sorry, I should never have left." I listened to Bulma's explanation of what was happening.... Using my Tech I looked at the souls of Justice that floated around the room. These were only the few that had found their way back. Many were still lost not sure how to integrate back into Justice. This is when I saw her.. Her but how.. it couldn't be... My, "Isabel..." I suddenly became aware that everyone was staring at me... I straightened up and lifted Justice from her bed, "If time and rest is what she needs then that is what she will get.." I carried her home to the penthouse where she was staying and where I could care for her... I could only watch as she painfully laid there... I sent my organelles to her hoping they could help with her healing... How could I see my love as a soul which belong to Justice.... I didn't get to speak with her perhaps I was imagining it... Seeing her brought back memories and feelings of lost... "Galen," I was drawn back from my thoughts by Justice... I stroked her hair, "I am here." She cuddled closer and sobbed, "Father hates me... " It was all she said... "Justice as soon as you are well enough and strong enough I will take you away from here." I held her in my arms...

The Capulets and the Montagues

Cont from here, here , here and here After my trial I went to the Crime Alley Bar and had several drinks. It wasn't until Justice showed up I realized I had mis-placed my oxy pills. Justice had one of her growth spurts when I while I was away. Now before me was a beautiful woman of 18. She was so stunning she was drawing attention from every bloke in the place... She and I talked as I have always found it is easy to listen to her, something in her voice is soothing but it is just as easy to talk to her... The last thing I remember was getting in her new car and then stirring a wake.. I heard a voice but hadn't quite made it out yet but the first sensation I felt was the warmth of a body lying next to me. It brought back memories of when Isabel had laid next to me... I rolled over and with a glowed Justice smiled, "Good Mourning.. Vella I need to go." She set the phone down. She told me nothing had happened that I had passed out... When she had whispered in my ear I felt my heart flutter the way it had once did ... I caressed her hair and called up a magical spell that would please her. I pulled her to me kissing her and feeling her warm body pressed up against me... I slide her under me as I positioned myself above her -- kissing and caressing her ... As I kissed down her neck she gave a giggle and I could feel my heart do flips... The next thing I knew I was staring in the face of an angry father. “If you try a spell Stormcutter is going strike you down you old pervert! How long have you been planning this? Eh? Did you touch her before? Give me one reason why I shouldn't send you to whatever after life you believe in." He spat... I wasn't about to do anything that could lethally kill Justice's father right in front of her so I made my retreat... I used my techomancy and disappeared. I sat on my ship with my head in my hands... What had I done? I remember that young Boy and something he said about my future.. So I went to look for him, I first went to HS who was at the lake with Shiara... "HS do you know where I might find.. What was his name... Thadeus ." "Inertia? No not really.." HS said scratching his head. Shiara then smiled, "Ask Vincent or Cass." Finding the one they call Batgirl and her boyfriend Vincent, Justice's uncle I posed my question... Cass was studying me... So I used my skills as a Technomage to prevent her from reading my body language. "Maybe you should ask where Justice is!" Vincent snapped bitterly and Cass took his hand... My eyes widen, "Why? what has happened.." She turned to Vincent, "Now ... I .. can .... read him... but.. only his feelings for her... It's..true love.." She pulled him closer to her and I shifted uncomfortably... "Please what has happened to Justice?" "She moved out and Mirai disowned her. Last I heard he cut her off without a penny and she was living in a slum..." Vincent stated... I left with Haste... I found it unbelievable they would allow this. If the Corru found Justice... My concerns became worse when I found the apartment in Gotham. I couldn't believe this was where she had ended up... This was no place for any human let alone ..her. I got to the apartment and it was empty... No one knew where she was and I felt this panic. Then a man who was addicted to a terrible 20th century drug said he saw a man flying in a red and gold tin can... I used my techomancy to rid him of the drug and to expel his addiction to it.. "Thank you.. Now take this token and show it to the church in the center. They will help you." I then flew to Shield's command office.. Tony Stark walked in looking frustrated, "Just the man I wanted to see." He blinked as I emerged from the shadows and continued to speak, "Where is she?" "She?" he blinked again... "You're the strange cloak man that gave Fury the info on Sky, right? um Galen." I spoke pronouncing each word sharply, "Where! is! She! A man addicted to a solid, smokable form of benzoylmethyl ecgonine said he saw you." He raised an eyebrow, "A crackhead said... Aw ... Bald and Viagra I get it.." "Excuse me?" I was becoming enraged, "I will ask you one last time, Where is Justice!" he smiled oddly and stated, "Don't get your cloak in a bunch. She is safe Iarranged for her to stay at the Gotham Heights Apartment Suites. It is cleaner and safer.." As soon as he said the names I used my magic to see if she was there while he continued to speak, " it wasnt to nice of a place for .." She was there, I sighed with relief... "for a princess no.. She belongs somewhere nice beautiful and safe where she can be happy... you have my thanks.. How much do I owe you?" he cocked his head to the side... began to speak and then seem to choose against it.. "How long can she stay there? I can pay the expenses I just need for her to be somewhere safe and... guarded, " I gestured at a bunch of SHIELD agents out on the field, "only while I find Mr Thadeus." He cocked his head again and smiled, "sounds like you are asking me for a favor." I pressed my lips tightly together and then turned away, "I would sell my soul to the devil for her... " "Yes I believe you would but be careful Mr D may hear you and from what I hear he is running around again.." I turned sharply to him,"As you know she a target.." "the Corru... but this doesn't explain why you have to see Inertia.." He offered me a cigar and I declined... "Personal reasons... " I sighed, "He told me something once and I need to know more of what he thinks he knows since bits and bobbins are unraveling now in the present." I turned away, "but first I will go see Justice." "How old are you?" he asks I turn back saying, "32" "want some advice, Stay clear of Agent Briefs." He says just before vanishing in the shadows.. [TBC at Justice's blog]

Techno Trial: part 3: A witness from the future

Bruce continues after shocking the circle with his statement, "Your order needs Galen and his leadership even if he doesn't want to be leader it was what he was meant..." I noticed he is studying Herazade. Is he trying to read Herazade's body language. Then he gives that infamous smirk as if it all has comes clear... Deliberately he speaks very softly so only those near him can hear, "That is why she hates Galen sooo that is why she fears him..." Alwyn Federico and I were the ones next to him and looked with a certain puzzlement. he couldn't possibly be able to read a Technomage. However it would seem he could. I could tell by what he did next that he knew Federico would do anything for me "Time to use a few of those little technomage misleading tricks I learned...", he mummbled "What are you saying!" Herazade screamed He whispered to Federico, "I just dont get it. in most trials you are judged by your peers I wonder what the body would have to say about what I am about to say..." Federico then smiled and granted the subtle request by opening the trial to all technomages. He then began to speak, "I dont only know the future but I know a bit about your past... My Aunt Justice has told me many things... That your forefathers, the ones that began this order were tricked by the Shadows. When they found out that the tech they had been given had been given by the shadows and was because the shadows expected them to be their elite army when they returned, the tartatude chose to continue to accept the tech and formed the order of the technomages." He paused for effect as everyone in the room gasped to find he knew our deepest darkest secret. "not because they were going to follow the shadows but to keep the shadows from giving it to another race that would become that army.. only the circle ever knew the truth and when a leader died or retired and a new mage was chosen he then learned the horrible truth which became your curse.. " He knew quite a lot and suspicious eyes fell upon me... "you vote for your leaders ... 5 because this is said to be the number of balance. They are called the circle...When the shadows returned you refused to fight for them and that hurt them. Though some of your order wanted to fight them, knowing the shadows could turn the tech against you, the circle at the time choose to take you all in hiding.. to prevent the shadows from turning you into weapons.." He began moving around in the circle... "but it wasn't the intentions of those leaders for you to remain in this hiding place. The shadows are gone... You did your part as was your destiny and now it is time for you to evolve into what you were meant to become but one of your 5 leaders had felt and tasted the power of control, power she can best exercise over all of you if you are here confined to this place, not out there guiding the worlds you were meant to guide..." He flashed a look and pointed at Herazade.. "I am not on trial! How dare you!" Herazade roared in anger It was clear he knew all he needed to do was to reveal to the rest the power hungry tyrant Herazade was and they would vote her out the next election... She went to throw a fireball at Bruce I put a shield around him but Federico had blasted it. Herazade was restrained by the rest of the circle... "Herazade is correct this is not about her." Felicia stated, "but sir, if you have something.." her gestured was almost pleading him to say something that would help them vote me not guilty." "It is about her. You see Galen is the one that chooses to try and evolve. He is the strongest of you.. He is searching to cure the Earth of this universe and strives to prevent shadow tech to be use ... His familiar is the key to your evolution .. So he used the spell of destruction he did it for love.. He loves my Aunt .. they are lovers..." "Bruce you are mistaking.. " I try to protest... He laughs ... "No it is true... Aunt Justice only trusted me to your secrets and why,... I never understood... I have been visiting her when you," he turns to the others, "When Galen would come to see her... So I am privy to things that no one else could know. Yes he will deny it but it is because of him I can read your body language. Yes you are skilled with that cloak and dagger stuff, concealing your intent and motives... As a kid mom would get frustrated because she was never sure with Galen, couldn't read his Body language but I picked up one thing and from there learned how to read all technomages.. You see, Galen could never hide his feelings for my Aunt and he still can't." he looked at me and I shifted uncomftably..."Justice and I are not lovers.. We.." "Yet.." he interrupted with a smile, "but you will be and you will create sparks that will make most Sayian romeo types look bad." He stated in a teasing manner.. He turned to the room, "Galen is the strongest technomage and he also carried a lot of influence. She fears this and wants him dead... So she is bias and shouldn't be allowed to judge this trial. Galen was once asked to join the circle but turned the offer down. He is the only one that could challenge her position, take away her power and her control over the other technomages." he turned to me, "The circle knowingly bound your hands and let your last love die ... " he turned this time to the crowd that had gathered there in the chamber, "the one from that old circle is Herazade... that circle made many mistakes... I say this circle is broken but my opinion doesnt matter. What matters to me is that Galen is my uncle .. " He sat up straight... "There I said it.. It is a secret I have kept, I played off as if he wasn't so not to betray them but I think my Aunt would want you to know.." At that I stumbled... No marriage? "Galen is destin to marry my aunt in secret, they will have 3 children, only I know this... Kill Galen and you murder those lives... and you will have to tend with me because he is my family.." He then powers up... Federico speaks in a loud voice, "NOT GUILTY but you knew my vote.." All but Herazade give Bruce a thankful nodded... Once again Herazade goes to use a lightening spell to kill Bruce but he uses his powers to destroy the bolt... Herazade is grabbed by the four others, they carry her off to be tried later after a replacement for her in the circle is made... I still protest that I am in love with Justice and Bruce says "I tell you what I will see you later and tell me then if you are not in love with my aunt or at least lovers.." He grins as if he knows something I do not.. What will I be returning to I wonder that has him in such ... Well I guess there is only one way to find out...

Techno Trial: part 2: the witch trial

I had returned to the hiding place, where I was being tried for using the Spell of Destruction to save Justice. In a flash of light I appeared before the circle... The members of our leadership also known as the circle glared down at me... There was Rasieh Herazade who incidentally wanted to see me flayed, guilty or not... Felicia Druina My friend Federico choose to leave and not be a part of this... "You will watch your tone .. You have been a problem since day one..." Herazade growled at me... The questioning began... I knew this would bring up memories I would rather forget... Herazade paced in a circle like a vulture around me... "Were you not told by the circle never to use the Spell of Destruction and to never tell anyone how to use it?" I nodded as the image of my beloved Isabel appeared in my mind. It was because I had obeyed that directive from the circle that bound my hands and as a result not only did Isabel die but three bad eggs, evil Technomages were allowed to lived to joined the shadows and caused havoc and killed thousands. Had I use the spell against them, Elizar would never had used a spell that created the spike that killed my beloved Isabel. He and Razeel would not have aided the shadows, attacked Soom and killed ... killed Fa, the child that looked up to me. because I obeyed... of course Elric would say I had no way of knowing these events would occur and what would it make me had I not the strength to resist the use of the spell... Herazade snapped her fingers and I turn my focus back at her, "Then when you were sent with Blaylock did you not go against the circle and use the spell of destruction." I cut her off, "while saving Blaylock, Alwyn and myself and again later in killing the three rogue technomages that betrayed us... but of course I had permission to use it then." She glared, "but you didn't have permission to use it again..." Rasieh sighed, "So why did you use it Galen?" Just then someone appeared... "You bunch of selfish self righteous pompous cowards!" Alwyn .... and Federico was with him So that is what Federico was up to ... "Alwyn old friend this is not your fight." I say "like hell it's not! One of the few decent technomages left and this bitch wants.." Alwyn spat Herazade got in his face, "Watch it Alwyn, you violated the circles command when you did not come to the hiding place.." "No you bunch of cowards I chose to fight against the Shadows and help those who were fighting.." I saw this was only going to end badly... So I sent a tech-message to Federico Techno-message sent to Federico ----------- Federico , Please get him out of here before he causes himself and you trouble. If this is my... ------------ My message was cut off short... I think I would like to address this flim-flam joke of a trial... What was he doing here? TBC

Techno Trial: part 1 the summons...

The battle was over and I took Justice home. I left and had been sitting in my ship quietly. Then the techno-message I had been dreading came... Techno-message received from Herazade ----------- Galen , Your use of the Spell of Destruction against the orders of the Circle is a disgrace to our Order. Return to the hiding place immediately... ------------ I returned to my time and turned my ship toward the edge of the galactic rim. I was heading to the hidden place on an asteroid within an asteroid belt. It had been home to many technomages now for some time. I knew they would send for me. I knew Herazade wouldn't be able to resist the chance to see me tried and executed. As I approached the asteroid appear and I landed. I began wondering who would greet me first... As I approached I saw Federico. He gave me a Techno sign which was a standard greeting among my order. "Let me guess you are defending me?" I say with a force smile. He signed, "You know I can't. As a member of the circle I must judge you. Trust me it sucks and I already gave my defense." "I am sure Herazade ..." He cut me off... "She tells others that you undermine the circle at every chance and that you are dangerous. " He stated in a flat tone.. "and what do you think Federico?" I inquire... "I think old friend that you play with fire way to much." He stated as he escorted me to my room. I sat quietly waiting until a few familiar faces knocked on my door. "Galen! We are glad you have returned. Shame it has to be under .. these .." Sireal cleared her throat trying to reestablish her calm. "Yes, I would have returned sooner but being asked to leave and exiled ... Well..."I state dryly Brestan growled, " I will try to defend you but to be honest it doesn't look good. Herazade has most of the circle on her side. " "Doesn't surprise me." I say... Rayna smile, "Tell us it isn't true that you didn't defy the circle and use the spell." "Do you want me to lie?" I force a smile... "Galen why? Can you tell me that?" Brestan asked I nodded, "TO save a girl. A Special girl. I will say no more though." They soon left me to my thoughts and I stared out into space... Herazade would have me flayed and I would die, but she would live. I had only wish I had done that for Isabel. There was 5 members of the circle. 5 was the number of balance. "Galen you will now come!" A voice boomed... In a flash of light I appeared before the circle... I only saw 4 members.. In red and gold Rasieh Herazade interrupted my thoughts.... "Galen you know why you have been summoned?" She says in a sneer... I look at her, "I think we all do so please let's get this hum drum of a trial over with." "You will watch your tone .. You have been a problem since day one..." She growled back... Federico entered... "You are lare.." He sneered, "I am not staying. I think this trial is wrong. Galen has done nothing but try to uphold the 7 principles. " Herazade looked at her former apprentice and sneered even more, "He violated a direct order not to use the Spell of Destruction." Federico shook his head, "I vote not guilty and will not be a part of this." he left and the rest of the circle murmured... Felica stood, I recall she and Federico were lovers, "Galen if you would just tell us why.." "Does it matter why?" I say. I wasn't about to reveal my feeling to them for Justice. I wasn't even sure I had feelings for her... Druina spoke, "If you do not explain your actions Galen. We have no choice but to find you guilty and flay you." I choose to say no more... TBC

The Fates have a weird sense of prospective

Tell me, Do you believe in Destiny? Do you believe their is a predestine future and we each have a role to play? Do you believe in fate? Do you believe that Universe has some ... plan? I suppose you are wondering why I am asking. Well.... it is simple really. I have thought a lot about the subject. Ever since my beloved Isabel died, well was murdered actually. I guess .. no I did blame the Universe and came to believe that the Universe was without a purpose or plan. This is not a normal viewpoint among Technomages, neither is not believing in fate, destiny and the future. I was bitter for some time but no actually I am still a bit bitter, I guess. I must admit though that becoming involved with the crew of the Excalibur and our mission to save Earth from the Drahk plague, I find myself pondering these questions over and over again. Oh, and now, as Fate would have it, I have a Familiar. Who is in love with a Devil boy that has an adopted sister with a very important Destiny. See, there is that word again... Destiny... If the Universe does have a plan perhaps it is trying to tell me something... The girl's name is Justice and she is but 16, surprisingly she seems to have a crush on me. I have tried everything to dis sway her affections. I am not saying that I am not flattered, I am but ... I was going to say she is too young for me but Justice seems to growing rapidly. The fates are in a hurry for her to fulfill her destiny. This business with these aliens called the Corru, it is a lot to put on one girls shoulders. Now I hear from Shiara that Justice is being escorted by HS to meet with the rebels and give a speech. From the things Justice has told me about the Corru, I know they are dangerous. I do not know why but at that moment a memory I have buried deep down, the memory of my beloved dying, emerged. "Galen, HS says she isn't going to fight, just to address the rebels. Galen?" Shiara brought my attention back to the present. "Yes Shiara. Even so, I think we should go along." I replied. I can not say why I feel I need to go. Just that I do... I will have to postpone my meeting with Fury. There isn't much I can do there now. I told SHIELD what they need to know. If they can't keep Sky out of trouble I do not know what else I can do. "Shiara, go and tell Mr Briefs that Justice will travel in style. " I nodded and Shiara left. It isn't that I doubt the abilities of HS but that I won't be able to sleep unless I know she arrives and leaves safely.

Very interesting indeed...

While Shiara was out with her friend finding more about Sky. I was thinking about what happened and about our Dark Past. Something back Sky off, and I think I know what. Our technology is handed down to the ancients, a race called the Taratimude from the shadows. This has been our leaders dark secret skeleton for centuries... The truth is now out among my order but no further. As I was ponder this Shiara returned. "that was a short visit?" "She had school. Galen, are you married?" my familiar moves over and sits across from me "Married?" I was shocked... "what preempted that question.?" "Justice asked. I told her I can say unless you tell me I can but, well it got me thinking. I don't see anything which suggests you are. However Durena..." She just continued to speak with out a pause or break "Durena, " I paused a moment, "is a friend nothing more. No I am not married we do not have relationships like ," I hesitated, "that. It is difficult to explain. I did however have a lover, my true love, my only true love. She .. is ... gone." I hadn't realize that my voice had trailed off "oh, I will not ask anymore." She looked at me with concerned eyes. I sighed, "There is no reason to be concerned. You can tell Justice she should find someone her age. The last thing I need is a 16 year old girl with a crush." "She won't be 16 for long and anyone she date won't mature as fast as her. She hasn't had any growth spurts, so it seems the closer she gets to an adult the slower this maturing process but .." again speaking like a head on collision "Shiara," I paused, "you are my familiar not a dating service. I am fine. End of discussion." She nodded,"What was her name?" I sighed, "Isabel." Later Shiara left again, soon she contacted me through the amulet. The amulet interfaced with nano fibers which run in her eyes and ears allowing me to literally see and hear what she does.. So she has gotten help from Justice to access Mirai's computer into SHIELD HQ. She has the files on Sky. I begin immediately copying all known info. I just finish when I hear Agent Briefs... I use my connection with Shiara to coach her and tell her what to say to the young Sayian. Shiara stays for dinner and later returns.. "Galen I am sorry I have failed you." she hung her head I was in the cockpit listening to some soothing techno bells and crystals... "Fail me? Shiara what is this nonsense you are saying..." I smiled and then reclined... After a few days of studying the data on Sky, I realized why I must learn more. Perhaps through this Cyberdyne. I decided it was time for me to meet Agent Briefs. He was not in his office but our dealing with family matters and the SHIELD director was looking for a spider. he had been yelling at some Agents that looked like they still had acne. I conjured wind and mist and with the help of a few well placed illusion spells magically appeared in a dark corner have my reasons, "Hello." "Who the hell are you?" He growled. "A friend." I said "A friend?" he scoffed "Yes a friend... " I paused for effect, "A friend in need of a favor" He slammed his fist down on his desk, "I don't have time for some magician, Black Widow is missing." "I am not to found of bug or especially arachnids so I am afraid I can not help you, but I do hope you find the Latrodectus mactans or was it one of the other Latrodectus ." I walked into the light, "Your help will benefit us both I think." "You must be Galen." He sneered "Guilty as charged. I need more info on Cyberdyne specifically on the TX model that calls herself Sky." I say He laughs, "Are you a glutton for punishment? I can give you what we have but.." "I already know what you know, I need what you don't know." I walked around and folded my arms "If we could get more info don't you think we would have it?" He folded his arms and we stood face to face in almost a challenging posture "I have faith in you and your team." I smiled "Why?" he asked placing a cigar in his mouth and searching for a match. I used a quick spell to produce a flame from my hand, "Why do I have faith in you and your team?" "No," He took a puff, "Why are you so interested in the mega-mutant-bitch-bot from hell?" "I have my reasons though I can not share them at this time. I will be back when you have something for me." before he could respond I disappeared