Little Cherine Book 08 - BPost054
Ambassador Enize, the Sprakil, spoke, more to himself, I think, “I too have wondered why this planet was wanted in this reality.”
5431
Ambassadors Ferstuchi and Tamsilcha must have shared a thought as they glanced at each other and then Tamsilcha said to me, with wonder in her eyes, “If all Unation Cherinians can learn how to teleport across realities, perhaps it would be wise of the Stifalla to remain here. This reality will become filled with energy and adventure as other species ask to join them, perhaps using them as a base for colonising their alternate home solar systems. It may be temporary, only for a few centuries, but I cannot think of a better way to rejuvenate an elder race who are struggling to maintain a reason for living.”
I nodded. “The choice will be theirs - but after what I have experienced of them, I do not think they will want adventures…”
My loves, I promise, that was the only remark of bitterness I made and I regretted it immediately. “Shall we try to tempt them?” I then mention the disturbance of space, which is radiating inwards, instead of in growing circles. They passed on the fact to scientists without seeming to worry about it and suggested we enjoy a meal with some ale they have especially had brewed for me. I wondered what it is based on, since they do not have plants suitable for brewing, hops for instance, but however they did it, it felt good and enjoyable to be drinking it with my grilled lamb chops - which tasted as if they have been cooked by our Maria.
With the excuse of holding a party for ambassadors and their families only, we gathered all those we hoped to enlist. At my request, the family who are supposed to be our equivalent, were also invited. I let them enjoy about an hour and a half of the party and then asked to speak to them in privacy.
After having to adjust to thinking of Jesus and Christós as being the local Cherines, it was not that difficult for me to adjust to feeling this male as a Cherine and enjoying how his soul shines even from within his body. Maybe it helps that they are slightly sweeter and more emotional than males of my species like to think of themselves as being, which is due to them having the Rief as their dominant partner. I did not sense, even once, any of that sickness we sense back among our own kind by certain women - who hate all males and call them ‘toxic’.
Their Teller family:
Ifae (f): Soniza (their ‘Robert’)
Oofi (m): Ifanitt (their ‘Cherine’)
Rief (n): Ogidaiisa (it is not partly Robert and Cherine, it is just a normal person who is deeply loved and has been linked, as Cherinian and family. For Robert and Cherine to be the leaders, they have had to learn to control and assert themselves when it is necessary. The rest of the time their Rief is allowed and wanted by both to be the dominant party, as is natural - and feels good - for them.)
I asked Ogidaiisa, “I am told the three of you are feeling guilty about the way I was treated?” I grinned. “I was annoyed, until I realised something funny.” I told them about the game warden becoming famous as the only Normal to ever (nearly) succeed in killing me and of course, as I’d hoped, Ifanitt saw the humour and was amused - and liked me for it. I cut in, before they could speak, “I confess to feeling guilty. I do not recall meeting you before and if we were introduced, at your time of linking, I am embarrassed. I do not have much patience for official pomp and thus, during those moments when planets of different species are being linked, since I am not needed, I tend to drift off into my own thoughts or skip the ceremony - if my loves allow me.”
Soniza earnestly explained, “No embarrassment is justified, your Cherine did explain you were concentrating on important problems at the time, for she had sensed we had hoped to meet you, but then, as the Terran saying goes, all things come to those who can wait long enough - if they are Cherinians.”
I let them sense my amusement at his joke - I might have to plagiarise, since I am bound to find myself in a similar position, so I told them and they enjoyed the idea and gave me permission. We exchanged a few more pleasantries and I promised to go to the void with them, later, for sharing motes and meeting their World entity. Then I mentioned our idea of the planet remaining in this reality, in the hope it helps rejuvenate their species, and I felt their fear. Arguing would not help, only time and love, so I changed the subject.
“What was the technology used to block my gifts and healer?”
“They created a technology that broadcasts tiny peaks of…either sound or electric…peaks, which disrupt our natural rhythm…I am not interested in electronics, so I am not certain how it can do so without interfering in other ways, for instance, with our flow of thoughts or living through our memories.”
5432
I looked at the other two and they confirmed they do not know much more than I have been told. For the first time I was angered by them and I let them feel me. “Something is created for hobbling Cherinians and not one of you takes the trouble to learn how it operates? What kind of protectors of your people are you?”
Ogidaiisa immediately responded at what it considered an attack against its loves. “Our electronics is not something you can study for just understanding one tool, we are far in advance of your electronics and it takes many years of study…”
Soniza stopped it, by speaking, “Robert is right, it is my responsibility as the protector to learn of and understand anything that threatens our Cherinians. Robert.” She turned to me. “My excuse? Our people, our Normals and Cherinians, are not as yours, we are a gentle people, so we never felt threatened. The tool was created by a Cherinian so as to provide comfort for our Normals, while it also helped them, because they can control us, even feel superior to us, so there is no reason for resentments to build up. It has only been used against those who badly abused their gifts - and only if we could not stop them.”
“That is not how I experienced it! As soon as I tried to provide information about myself I was accused of trying to use my Cherinian gifts to affect the willpower of the officer - and even when they realised I am dying, they did nothing to help me.”
“You are wrong, why do you think the ambassadors came to try and identify your species? Did you think they heard about us holding a prisoner and they came out of curiosity? The officers who were holding you were in a panic, for they could not bear the thought of them being responsible for your death. If you had not been identified, they would have had to switch off the tool so as to give you access to your healer.”
I shook my head, not agreeing with her. “I do not care what your excuse is, you were chosen as the Robert of your people, which means you are their protector and the ultimate responsibility is yours. You have disappointed me, but even more relevant is that you should have been feeling that you have disappointed yourself.”
Soniza fell apart and the other two instantly left their bodies to enter her mind. Although we were in privacy, the Cherinians must have felt something bad has happened, for they rushed in. They saw Soniza lying on the floor, unconscious and looked to me for an explanation.
“I was a bit heavy-handed in my criticisms and then I told her I am disappointed in her.”
They turned away from me (disappointed in me?), but remained to anxiously concentrate on their ‘Teller’ family. Only one of them came to me and, speaking gently, told me, “Soniza is strong and brave, in service of her people, but she takes all criticisms to heart and then we have to struggle to build up her self-confidence.”
“In other words, she is just like me.” He nodded and turned away.
This business of Cherines of other species or alternates being males and Roberts being females, it is throwing me out of sync, I keep on messing things up. Take this moment, with a male Robert, especially of our species and him being an alternate of myself, I would not bend and would demand of him that he toughens up. Here and now, I see a female and my reactions are mixed up by conflicting instincts. I decided, from now, to follow my instincts, not my logical processes. I’ll probably continue to vacillate, despite my decision. Now that I am writing of it, it becomes apparent to me that I am just as bad a ‘Robert’ as she is - in some ways worse.
I asked a Cherinian Ifae, “Do you know whether I would cause harm if I try to enter the mind of Soniza?”
“We have shared with Terrans, though it has been a long time in the past. She is stronger than most of us, so I see no likely damage.”
“Thank you.” I lay down on the floor and willed myself to her mind.
*Robert?*
*Yes. May I speak to Soniza?*
5433
I could see Soniza has retrogressed, probably to about seven or eight years old - not in body age, but her mind and memories. As she peeped at me, not knowing who I am, but reacting to what she was sensing of me, I asked, *I have a game I love to play, would you like to play with me?*
Not long after we started playing she was laughing and shrieking in our minds and her family pulled back, not quite trusting me yet, but enjoying sensing her as a child and enjoying herself. Once the game had run its course, I drew her to me and cradled her within my soul. While she was so beautifully connected to me, I sent her motes of love, but also many motes from the part of me I think of as the creative heart of my soul.
The air of this planet is not impossible to breathe, it just does not have quite enough oxygen, but with a healer now, I was sheathed and could walk around. I went out into the garden - they don’t think of it as a garden, they don’t use such a word. To them, it is a natural work of art. Seeing it from within the house had been a pleasure, just as looking at any beautiful painting or sculpture, but once I was outside and walking within it, as I moved around, I began to see the true beauty and talent of its creator. Once I returned inside I asked for the name of the artist. I was told, but they also told me I cannot meet her as she died nearly a million years ago.
“Surely her garden…her work of natural art has not lasted for such a long time?”
“It is not. In each generation we choose our most creative of artists and only he or she is allowed to recreate works of Neauti, the original artist. We should mention, Robert, Neauti was not only a natural artist; you must visit our museum, for there we will show you paintings and sculptures which speak more truly to Cherinians.”
“I would be honoured. I see Soniza has returned, excuse me.”
The three of them did as I asked and we were given privacy again. I could sense they have all recovered, but are still wary of me. I grinned. “Soniza, I am interested in finding out just how much like me you are - after all, I am often told by my loves that I am feminine in some ways - especially in my sensitivity to pain in others and to criticism. For you, which is more difficult to deal with? Criticism or adulation - as for example, when you have succeeded at being an effective protector?”
“Adulation is worse.”
I openly grinned now. “When the adulation is not deserved - or when it is deserved?”
She did the equivalent of frown. “I had not thought of it, but, when I succeeded, so everyone would say deserved, but I would think it was nothing special I did, so it was not deserved.”
“It is amazing how alike we are! Have you forgiven me for speaking badly to you?”
“You are only forgiven if you were wrong - else there is no need.”
“Even if I was right. Not because I expect a lot of you - because you are supposed to be the Robert of your people, but because you are the protector. It is the most important job in all realities and yet nobody has thought of creating a training program for new Roberts - protectors. Are you willing to give me some of your time so that I can teach you?”
They were overwhelmed, seeing my offer as not only too generous, but also bestowing upon them honour they do not feel they have earned. Honour is very important, but the way it is thought of in certain situations, it makes me feel like saying to everyone, ‘to hell with honour’. To prevent them saying anything that is embarrassing, I told them about how impressed I am by Neauti and asked to see the paintings and sculptures. It was agreed they will take me early the next morning, as they said I will need as much time as I can spare.
I am in love with Neauti! And she is ancient, not a little girl! Lol, the girls are going to make fun of me for a long, long time.
I think that seeing so much beauty has healed me, when I did not even know that I need healing. It is not what I suffered physically, nor that I nearly died. I think what caused most of the trauma is the fact that I nearly died without reason, so pointlessly - and so easily. Spending a day with the Teller family amid such beauty (I noticed works of art by other artists and some of them are also worth returning for me to take a proper look at them), was the second-best form of healing ever (the best remains sensing the hearts of my loves).
5434
It feels strange that I should address myself to the two through their Rief, Ogidaiisa, even though it was Ifanitt I wanted to ask. “Ogidaiisa, I would like to return to your home reality so as to inform the rest of your Unation of your fate and help them arrive here so that they can do so on their own. I think the three of you should come with as the representatives of your people.”
It gestured agreement, adding, “I need a moment to inform leaders of Normals and…”
Impatiently I cut in, “If you are coming with, touch me, as I am leaving now.”
Vincent must have sensed me arrive, for he was with us within minutes. I shared with him and he was quite shaken at how easily I had been overcome, unable to fight back. I shrugged and told him we’ll worry about it later.
Thank you Arthur, but I will continue to speak of my being nearly killed, for I have noticed it makes me seem more human to everyone outside my close friends and family. Thanks…and I hope I do not have to go through the experience of dying again, any time soon.
Vincent said, with a bit of a sparkle in his eye, “At least a couple of good things are developing out of our return here. Starting a new reality is important and teaching their Robert how to be a Robert is a wonderful idea and must become the norm, but for those of us who treasure great talent, bringing Neauti back to life is the best of all.”
I placed my hand on his shoulder, “Coming with me?” He nodded and we jumped, convinced our three to come with us and jumping to another reality we returned at the time of Neauti being close to the end of her life. We had to arrive far from civilisation, for none of the three knew what the cities looked like then. We jumped in small jumps of a few kilometres each time until the city was close enough for us to walk in. Vincent and I were projecting, but we left the talking to our local friends. They finally found someone who knows where the artist lives and we were given directions.
As we walked, Ifanitt softly told me, with amusement in his voice, “The way we speak, it is obvious the language has changed and is drawing more attention to us than would happen if you had spoken.”
Neauti opened the door. She took a searching look at us and then turned her back, walking back to her studio, only mumbling, “Close behind you.” I entered last, so I carefully closed the door.
When the three saw her busy with a painting, they quietly seated themselves on the floor, next to the wall, so as not to make a nuisance of themselves and gestured for us to do the same.
Neauti asked, without turning to look at us, “What are come for?”
Ogidaiisa, as is proper, spoke for all of us. “We speak when not interrupting - your art is first.”
She chuckled. “Then we never speak, for art stop when I am too tired and fall asleep.”
I guess Ogidaiisa was too much in awe of her and decided he would rather pass on the skittle to me. “If I may introduce Robert, who comes from great distance? He is famous artist in his world.”
Abruptly Neauti grabbed a canvas, placed some paints by it and ordered me. “If not waste my time, show is real.” She immediately returned to her own painting.
My style of painting is totally different from hers and I worried she might not recognise any talent in whatever I create. To try and emulate art of their species would not be real, but then I remembered that she is not the same as artists of my world; her planet has been part of the Unation for a long time and she must have studied art from other species.
5435
I have had a picture in my mind for a long time that I’ve been meaning to paint, but somehow it never happened. I recalled the scene as vividly as I could and then allowed my imagination to highlight those parts of it that appealed to me. I painted our Gilli, sitting on the steps of a tree house in her village. I managed to mimic the strange light which is slightly golden.
I had forgotten where I was, fully immersed in what I was doing, when Neauti spoke, close to my ear. “Is it of your species? That is your world?”
“The village and forest, it exists within the mind of a love of mine and the girl is of that world. I love her and she is my wife.” I grinned at the image of her pulling away from me in panic, maybe fearing I am a crazy, as I added, “Would you like me to take you there for a visit?
She ignored Vincent and asked the three, “Has been there?”
Ogidaiisa answered, “Has not, but Robert is a friend of all the Unation species. He saw your brilliance in our museums and needed to return to save you.”
She stared at me as she asked, “You came to our world, departed and returned such a great distance, to meet me?”
“Have you ever travelled outside your body? If you allow me, I would like to collect you and take you to the world of my beloved Gilli and Meli. It is a good idea that the three of them come with, for they have never been and as they are like family to my loves and I, we would like them to visit. It depends on you Neauti - just think of seeing such alien beauty, surely it will inspire you for many years?”
“I have not time, it is gone and I have many works to try finish. I would have liked to visit.”
“It is because the end draws its dark cloak around you that we came. I wish you to visit so that when it is time for you to leave, you will trust us and know we speak the truth. All the works you need to finish, I promise you will have the time to complete them.”
She pointed at the incomplete portrait. “Finish before talking so much.” Vincent was behind her, so he risked a grin, amused at my submissiveness to Neauti. I soon forgot everyone as I concentrated on my internal image of Gilli, struggling to bring her inner world to life on the canvas.
Since the three hardly dared speak and would not try to persuade her, I was surprised when she announced she is tired and so will give me a short time for visiting the imaginary planet I love. I was pleased, for my loves will be sharing with me and they will sense my reaction when she said that. I do love the world of my Gilli and Meli.
I sensed Neauti when she realised I am in her mind and she saw me as a being of energies. By the time we arrived, her reactions were subdued as she stared around. “This you claim within one mind?”
Meli had let me sense her arrive, but she waited out of sight. “Yes. She would like to meet you. Meli, please come greet one of the most important persons I have ever met. She is an artist.”
Meli came out of the trees and as she walked her long dark hair flowed and swung, making her even more beautiful to me. I was surprised to sense all four of our guests fall in love with her, a if she is a vision of something not real, not as a person. I tried to understand and found that it is her hair they love. Theirs, of all sexes, tends to be short and curly. I wondered whether Meli’s hair seems beautiful to them because it is some kind of ideal of theirs, as a species. That must mean that at least rarely, some are born with hair like ours. I’ll ask another time, I promised myself, as I introduced everyone to Meli.
Meli was friendly and natural, until I let her share from me some of the artwork by Neauti. She shook her head. “I should have known you would not be satisfied with helping the damaged ship get back home! Robert, I am sorry, but I had to let at least Jade share…”
Jade arrived. This was no imp. She walked over in a serious and dignified way and going directly to Neauti, she dipped her head. “I have been shown some of your art, as seen by Robert. I will be greatly honoured if I am offered the opportunity someday to see your work directly.”
Meli pissed her off when she added, “Neauti, our Jade is considered one of the greatest artists of our world. I hope you too have the opportunity to examine her paintings.”
5436
“You only paint? Not good, little one, painting, sculpting, basket weaving; each art form expands your talent. Make it grow in all ways you can.” From the way her speaking changed, I realised Claudia and all the girls had arrived. Sensing me, knowing I would be glad to see them, they walked out from the trees. Luckily they came as children, so Neauti was not made uncomfortable - same as with many artists, she does not enjoy being in a crowd of adults, but mostly ignores children.
Despite what I just said, she must have sensed some anomaly, for she stared at a little girl. She gestured for Cherine to go to her. “How is this? What are you, for I feel you are the sun at the other side - and I do not know what it means. All I know is, art, to me, has always been the true beauty, but you hide within you something…it is like comparing the moon to the sun.”
“There is that part of life which belongs to the moon. There are also times, on our world, when the moon eclipses the sun.”
“You are clever with words, I was speaking from my soul.”
Cherine nodded. “And I was trying to avoid it, for you must not allow anything to dim the glow of art that shines within you. Has anyone told you that Meli writes books which are studied by nearly seventy species and we have two singers whose art reaches deep into the heart of all species? We are a family who love art and it is more important to us than wealth or power.”
Her eyes lit with understanding. “Yes, power, it is the beauty in you. Robert, I am grateful that you brought me, for meeting her has shown me there is a purpose to life and I can now let go; there is no need to finish the last works.”
I stared at her with dismay, for after what she just said, how was I to tell her the real reason we had gone in search of her? At the same time, Cherine took the moment of silence to examine my memories and she swayed. Neauti reached out and steadied her. “What is it? What has caused such fear?”
And so it was that the story came out and because of the strong feelings, we were soon surrounded by the Gillians. I was not surprised to see more people arriving, mostly from Freddie. I think Alki said it for everyone: he just shook his head and we sensed him thinking I cannot be trusted to go anywhere on my own. It made Samantha enter my mind so that they do not ‘hear’ her laughing.
Practical Dommi nodded, with a pleased look. “I do not know why, but your near death does not frighten me, as if it could not have happened. But, you are right, every time we help a Robert and Cherine reach their potential, we must also train them. We have been doing so Roberto, even if we did not think of it that way, for what else happens when they travel in Freddie with us?” She reached out and took the tiny hands of Neauti in hers, emoting her mother love in the hope of strengthening her. “You have not been told all the truth yet. These three, of your species, they are from nearly a million years in your future and we are - and you while you are here, are from over fourteen million years in your future. It was what Robert meant when he said he returned for you. He could not bear the thought of an artist like you no longer existing and wants to give you all the time you need to feel you have achieved all you wished. All of life will be richer for each art work you complete, so if you accept, it will be the most wonderful gift from you to all of us.”
Later, Jade spoke to Neauti, “Robert has shared with me so that I have seen a nature-art you created. I had never thought of gardening as being such a work of art and I will be making a few attempts. I thought I should admit to you that it is likely my first attempts will be borrowing ways of seeing the beauty from your work.”
“You are truly from so distant a time in my future?” Jade nodded. “Then you must surpass me in all works of art. The future should only look back to see from where it grew.”
Jade gave a cheeky grin. “I can and do see the miracle of what artists achieved before me and I am grateful to them, but I do not like living in their shade; I intend creating my own tree of beauty, to whatever extent I can.”
“I would like to see your work, is it possible - before I am returned to my time?”
“Would seeing them in my mind be enough for now? What you see will be coloured by the way I see them, I can do nothing about that.”
When she returned to her body and opened her eyes, she looked angry. “You have stopped growing! You have settled for what you have achieved and the heart of your art is dying in you. Jade, you have seen photos of a sun? Have you seen how there are cracks running all over it from where the inner and far greater heat glows brightly? You have allowed the crust to grow thicker and the cracks are closing, blocking inside you what is still possible. Do not do that, it is the worst crime you can commit against your soul.”
5437
I rejoiced at her words, for I could sense she has affected Jade - and Meli and Wendy and Candy…even me, a little, but I also suddenly had a revelation. What she had said about cracks on the surface of the sun, it is not how we see our sun. It means theirs is much older than ours. I wondered whether both of their suns are of the same age. The one I first saw, in the dead reality, it should have been about a million years older; should I be able to see a difference, especially due to the older age?
As we prepared to leave and everyone said their goodbyes, I could not help wondering; the girls know I will be gone for months, at my end, yet they expect to see me in a day or two. Do they get a feeling that it is odd, as if we are playing with time? I sometimes do.
When we arrived back at her home, Neauti glanced at a clock. “Only three hours have passed?”
“Neauti, I must ask now, do we have your permission to collect your soul when you die and create a new body, for you to come forward in time with us?”
“I will not belong there.”
“You belong wherever it is you have people to love and be loved by. Neauti, we have to let you die, as history says you did die and if it were possible, I would bring you back to your time a few years later, but what would life be like for you without your art work? Your style, your talent, it is too unique for you to pretend you are someone else and the history books do not include any later stories about a new you or works of yours from another time. Your people only became Cherinians a few hundred thousand years later and I do not think that returning earlier will help, while returning later means we can enjoy your company and learn from you - not only us, there are many of your people who struggle to find the creator in them; I think you will be good at helping them.”
“I am tired, we talk later.”
As she left us to go to sleep, without asking us to stay or leave, I, we, could sense she is not just tired physically, and it worried us. I remained awake, monitoring her, and in the early hours of the night, I sensed her slip away. I rushed to the void and was there within seconds to protect her - if the void hurts them.
*Robert? I have died? Death is not as bad as I expected.*
*I am glad, but I also hope we can convince you that life is not as bad as you have grown to think it is. I have a suggestion. Allow us to block your memories and be a small child for half a year, the family of Ogidaiisa will be your family for that short period. When your memories are released, you will be amazed at how filled with zest and hunger for creating new works you will be. It is one of the reasons my loves choose to be children again and again.*
*May I be this for a time?*
*Of course. Let me show you around.* I drew out our tour so that she had time to adjust, while also filling her with sights she had never thought to see. Strangely, returning to see her world while a soul did not attract her, but seeing her sun, it was the most exciting magic for her. Maybe it helped reinvigorate her, for after that she agreed to be reborn as a child.
I prepared a small platform for the sake of little Neauti, estimated they will need at least a year to repair the spaceship, and timed our jump. We arrived far out of orbit, Cherinian officers sensed us and a ship was sent to collect us - there is far too much going on in space around their planet for me to feel comfortable about jumping into that organised mess of satellites, stations, shipbuilding platforms, spaceships of a variety of sizes and types from all over their corner of the galaxy, and ferries carrying everyone to and fro.
Although we were taken to the spaceship and met the admiral, he suggested we stay on planet, as there is still a lot of work being done within the ship and he did not think it is a good place for a ‘Normal’ child. When he mentioned they will need at least one more year, I decided I am being stupid. Vincent grinned and disappeared.
As soon as Freddie arrived, we were taken across, the ferry landing fairly close to the taverna. I took a deep breath as we stepped out and realised that Freddie has acquired a unique scent, perhaps made up of all the species, animals and plants. I guess it must evolve and change every time we bring a new species to visit us.
5438
As Maria brought me my first cappuccino in a long time, I gave her a smile and she smiled back, so I asked her, “Maria, are you happy here or would you prefer to have a taverna in Cyprus again?”
“Cyprus? What would I do there, everyone I have known is either senile or dead by now. This is where my family and friends are.”
“I had to ask, but I’m glad you want to stay.” She returned to her kitchen and I wondered for a moment who are the friends she has made.
Neauti was sitting by Soniza, a bit intimidated by the number of people, of a variety of species, and by the noise as there were at least thirty conversations going on at the same time. Add to that that images of spaceships outside on our screens and I am not surprised she needed to be held. I soon realised she is mostly looking at my loves. They managed to tempt her into joining them in their games and I joined Soniza.
“I’ve been wondering how to train you, I’m not a good teacher. If I block off my personal memories, would sharing what I have experienced, including what I thought and felt, help you understand what I am hoping for you to achieve?”
Coral was by my side, so I raised her and plonked her on my lap. She gave me a smile. “Robert, if you do that, then you must help open her to more gifts. She must not be a protector without them.”
I softly placed my hand on her thigh, enjoying the feel, warmth and scent of her (heck, I have been celibate for so damn long, what do you expect?), as I teased her, “Do you think she might turn out to be a better Robert than I am?” As I’d hoped, my teasing of Coral helped Soniza relax, which meant that Ifanitt also relaxed, just as my Cherine does when I relax.
I saw the politicians were sitting at one end of the taverna, with tables and chairs spilling out onto the grass. I owed an apology to them, so as soon as I could, I joined them, with sweet Coral still in my arms.
“Life has highjacked us, but still, I should have first asked you whether you are willing to come back so far in time.”
“How far? All we see in the screens, it is of the Unation?”
“Only one of their planets…we are about twelve million years in our past.”
“Good God!” They all emoted distress for a short while, though mostly it was shock. Then their curiosity took over and I explained to them what has happened to me since they last saw me. I cringed as I felt their awe, but then, I too was in awe of all I had experienced and done, so I put on a smile and waited.
When I felt they could think for themselves again, I asked, “I am hoping to spend a fairly long time here, but whenever it is I return you, it will be as I originally promised, only hours or days will have passed. The choice is yours, and there are more than two choices. Freddie can return us to your reality long enough for us to see you safely home and then we will leave again, returning much later for us, but only a day or two after we left you. The second option is that you stay with us and enjoy a few extra adventures and maybe see a bit more of this reality…think of it, you are at a time when on our planet, Mankind did not exist. The third option? Actually, it include many options, you may visit the Sparkler World whenever you wish, apartments will be provided you in Athens and you can take a tour or just sit at the coffee shops in the squares and enjoy yourselves. Just keep in mind that the people you see, all Terrans, are actually aliens - mostly Sparklers - so don’t get any funny ideas when a pretty girl smiles at you, she really is only being friendly. Whenever you wish to visit Meli’s world, whether all of you or just one or two, please say so, you will be welcomed by the Gillians.”
The Spanish prime minister made them laugh when he exclaimed, “After all this, how can I return to being the leader of Spain and deal with politicians and bankers every day!”
I was surprised when the Russians president said, “I will do what must be done, but my heart, it will be here, in Freddie.” We were touched when all of them agreed, even those who still do not like me.
This is Sam again. I felt like writing, dad has been doing it for quite long this time and I don’t want him to begin thinking of it as a chore - it is better he feels it is a privilege. J
5439
Our next little crisis, two days later, was quite funny. Neauti suddenly told Ogidaiisa, “Why can’t I be like them.” She pointed at us girls. “Even isi does when she wants.”
“It will feel strange, are you sure?”
Proudly she answered, “I like strange.”
Goldi volunteered to project for her. She then sat by her, giving her time to become accustomed to the differences and to answer a ton of questions. Because Neauti was reaching out, trying to understand her, she sensed her and that was it for Goldi, she had to stay by her side all day. Just before we sat for supper, she lightly tugged at Goldi’s arm.
“I not like it, many wrongs, make me Neauti again please?”
Jade teased her, once she was herself again, “Are you saying there are many things wrong with Goldi?”
She knew she was being teased, but she considered the question seriously. “Goldi a different picture, not wrong for her.” She was applauded by everyone.
We were forced to take off time and do some crazy jumping, for the time had arrived, but at the end of it, we did end up back here.
It is time for Rania to be born, so we told our guests they can return to their planet and we will collect them again when it is time for their Teller family to be split. At first, only three leaders asked to stay for the birth, but they soon all wanted to. Since we have one day to wait, we took them back home so that they can reassure their people that all is well and the next morning we brought them back.
Overnight, while we were alone, Robbie came up with a new twist. He asked Diana and Rania on what date would they like her to be born. They both said that if they could choose, they would want it to be on Meli’s birthday, the 22nd of February. Once Robbie explained his idea we realised Rania will have to be born in the year PC23.
We returned to our reality, dropped off Bruce, Alki and so on and promised to collect them again on the 22nd of February. Bruce asked that we invite the leaders of our Earth to join us for the birth, so Hettie sent out the invitation to all.
We did not have time to waste, so Freddie jumped to another reality and back to ours on the 22nd.
With the help of Diana’s healer, Rania just barely managed to hang on until everybody was back in Freddie, at Syrina's reality. Vincent saw to it that RT was there also and their family joined us. We even had Jesus and Christós arrive in time!
I just had time to notice that Samuel King had brought Hilda and then it was time for Rania to join our lives in person. Freddie darkened our skies and the Unation and Inguel spaceships sank to within three hundred metres of us. The Unation ships sparkled and shimmered until they glowed a soft golden colour, their light illuminating the birthing table of Diana. The Sparklers and Kinytians flitted about between the spaceships.
Diana had agreed to a caesarean and cloths were placed strategically to hide the details from the crowds of Terrans and aliens (except for those above us). Only the twins stood by Diana, one to each side, as spectators, there to be the first to greet their sister. Meli raised the cloth as the lower abdomen of Diana was bared and the line appeared. Three Wendys and Candy held the cloth for Meli and she reached in.
As Rania was lifted clear of her mother and the cord was cut and tied, Meli used her gift to cleanse the tiny body (without getting rid of any of the bacteria she needs to keep) and at her nod, the cloths were draped over Diana. Melina held Rania high in the air as the Wendys and Candy sang a song of welcome. In the silence, as the song ended, Rania sent a message to her family.
*Thank you. May I take over now?*
With heart hammering, Robbie answered, *Go ahead my love, and welcome.*
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She rose out of the hands of Meli until she was about twenty metres above her, the spaceship beams following her. A golden haze surrounded her and when it faded a golden girl about ten metres tall floated with a sweet smile. We could sense she was not projecting, she was only creating an illusion, but it was very effective.
“Thank you for coming to my birth. This has been the most special day of my life up to now.” She grinned and we laughed. “Father, may I presume to ask for two gifts that will make this day even more special for me?”
“Anything within my power dear daughter.”
“First, I ask for The Light to be by my side, to greet me with the love I feel in her.”
“Ask for something else sweet Rania, nothing must be allowed to eclipse the special event of your arrival.”
“I wish for it Cherine, if you will.”
“And the second gift?” Robbie asked.
“I ask for the mother soul of all mother souls to visit. Arthur, father of us all, please join me for a few minutes?”
“Rania, I need to let him know, give us a few minutes.”
“We shall wait.”
I jumped here, quickly explained to Arthur and once he’d agreed I jumped back (I deleted all that to keep some sort of continuity).
“He shall come.”
All those who had only heard of him, who were not present the first time, showed they were stunned. So were we. To ask for him, this sister/daughter of ours has balls!
I spoke loudly, “Will our Akiard brothers and sisters form a circle as guards of honour for our Arthur? Please sit so that everyone can see him.”
Space was made and the circle formed. “Cherine, Arthur asked, will you join him in the circle as The Light?”
Cherine rose into the air and she grew, unleashing what she still prefers to secretly nurture within herself, and many fell to their knees. She did not obey me and first went to Rania.
“Child, whatever it is you seek, do so with our love holding your heart.”
Rania’s illusion trembled for a few seconds, but Cherine reached out and steadied her. Rania sent out tiny sparkles of golden light that felt like tears of happiness as she felt the love of our Cherine.
I told Arthur they are ready and he is writing.
A glow was forming within the circle. Cherine floated over, waiting within the circle, but slightly to one side. She sensed what was happening within the glow and even she, The Light, was awed. The glow died suddenly and Arthur stood there. This time he appeared in a suit and his hair was combed.
“Rania, would you float over to me so that you are before me?”
She did so, very much shaken that he has done as she asked. He must have thought she would need longer, for she was before him and he still waited. He smiled and pulling at his trousers above the knees, he knelt to her.
“I kneel to you, as I would gladly kneel to any child. Rania, your birth, as every birth, is a miracle. At this moment, your life is a boundless energy of potential. I charge all those who watch over you to do all they can to help you achieve your potential and become all you can be. Let others watch and learn from it, for they too can help all children become what our dreams yearn for.”
I hope you enjoy reading this story of fantasy, adventure and love - and should some of it be true for our reality, I hope you will love our Cherine.
Αλέξανδρος Ζήνον Ευσταθίου
(Alexander Zenon Eustace)11th February, 2020
- posted: 11th February, 2020
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