Surely power over your own heart, mercy or sacrifice for those not gifted as you are, love for the child in rags that cries with hunger, that has to be the only power worth living or dying for!
Now, how about ignoring what my father said and enjoying a telling? We will not lie in our tellings but we will withhold whatever places at risk those who secretly stand by us and our plans for countering all acts of evil.” I gave my cheekiest grin. “What do you say, do you want a censored telling?”
The cheer that resounded, mentally and verbally, was like a cry of victory. Quickly Meli gathered her loves and the rest of us left the platform.
Meli cut it fine because she wanted them to hear our arguments and sense our determination to continue saving lives and linking Cherinians. They gave no clues of which reality we had been in only emphasising our will to keep the dream alive.
The next day Michael sent me a mocking message by public broadcast (telepathically): *Careful sister Samantha, or do you plan to seduce my followers and leave me on my own to battle you?* I ignored him publicly but I felt like crying from joy. I am ‘sister’ not ‘mother’ when he is hinting at the truth. Eddie and I and our tellers must have touched at least one heart important to them.
We found a message in our home from Cherine and Robert of the reality my alter Samuel was sent to, wishing us the best during our trials and sending their love. It brought back memories of when he and I were still one and the loves he earned that forced me to see him as a separate person. It is time now to admit that Samuel and us were lied to. They knew we were gone and jumped to our home for seconds only, not expecting to find us there. They had to pretend as we could have guessed some element of our future if they hadn’t.
We’ve been spending most of our time in Freddie and we have had visitors from many realities. Mostly their Cherines and Roberts. They were all deeply upset by Robbie’s refusing them the right to join us in our exile. He tried explaining why they will be helping us far more by staying to help their Cherinians and Normals, but logical argument does not soothe pride and it rankles. We can all empathise with the way they feel for we too would have felt the same way. They all agreed to do as we asked, but made us promise to call for them should we be attacked by forces stronger than we can handle. Those who had not been given pre-programmed slivers of Robbie and Vincent as a precautionary measure were now given them.
After breakfast one morning, Empathia casually asked Haven whether she felt like going for a walk in Kifissia and then a snack at a coffee shop. With a grin Haven stood up, stretching out her hand to touch her. We all looked to Robbie, but he pretended not to notice and continued talking to Diana.
“Are you going as children?” Dommi asked.
“Yeah, it will be more fun.”
Kyriakos was born to a wealthy family. During his sensitive teenage years his father died, leaving a mountain of debts as his inheritance. His mother was a foolish woman and she filled his mind with accusations against the banks, the government and even their friends, claiming they had all conspired to destroy his father who was a saint. At the age of twenty two he was in love with a religious girl and went to the island of Tinos for her to pray to Mother Mary. During the ceremony he was touched by a religious fervour and the love he already felt for the woman at his side made his heart beautiful. They spent a couple of days in Pánormos where he met a Cherinian who was also in love. Within a day he became a Cherinian.
Kyriakos is not a very bright lad and his small selfish ways soon lost him his love. This time his bitterness grew into hate combined with arrogance and he despised the Normals for their weaknesses. He stayed away from all Cherinians and used his gifts to gain back the wealth his father had lost. He bought an apartment in Kefalari and spent his time at coffee shops and exclusive clubs where he spied on the thoughts of the wealthy, using the knowledge he gained to make a killing on the Stock Exchange.
His reasoning ran as follows: If he captures Empathia and Haven and presents them as his gift to Michael, he would be invited to join his group. Although he is aware of some of his shortcomings, secretly, not even acknowledged by him, more of an adolescent fantasy at the back of his mind was a plan to become the leader someday, dramatically toppling Michael with a display of some super new power.
He knew the girls would not jump while still among people so he followed them from a small distance. The instant no other people were around, he attacked.
As from the details I’ve given, it must be obvious that we were aware of him and his plans. Robbie went into the minds of the girls and warned them while they were still in the coffee shop. Empathia asked him not to interfere, even if they become his prisoners. Since we all have a healthy respect for her convoluted way of scheming, he promised without putting too much pressure on her.
As the girls collapsed, Kyriakos jumped to them, touched both and jumped them to his home. He was not within his home more than a few seconds when a furious Michael arrived. He sent healers to block the pain and coldly shouting, “Traitor’, he lashed out, energy burning the body of Kyriakos as if he were in the center of a sun.
Ignoring the charred remains he knelt by the girls. “Mothers, are you alright?”
“Michael,” Empathia said, her eyes swimming in tears, “you killed him.”
“As I would any man or woman who breaks my word. Why the hell didn’t father interfere?”
“He is handling another problem.”
His eyes remained angry, “That is no excuse! What of Vincent then! Damn it, am I also going to have to watch over any of you that are here?”
“It won’t happen again, we thought we were safe.”
“You are never safe!”
Empathia is now blaming herself. She had allowed Kyriakos to attack so as to see whether Michael would interfere, but she never expected him to kill. Haven feels a little bit alien to us for she admires the way Michael handled himself. Cherine and Robbie blocked themselves once they were certain we were not falling apart and went for a while to his ledge.
Perikli looked a little pale, but his face was determined as he argued. “Michali did well, he has now established himself as their leader. None will dare disobey him again, for he has shown that he will kill anyone who does. His group must have had doubts because of the way he handled us up to now, but those doubts will have vanished. They know that no one who follows Roberto would dare kill. As far as they are concerned he has proven he is an Ipohin.”
Cherine clambered onto Allan’s lap. “I’m sorry, all three of you must be suffering, knowing how Ahní must be feeling.”
His face was suffused with love. “Cherine, Ahní is strong enough, Michael kept his promise. It is Simito I am worried about.”
“What promise?”
“God!” She frowned. “Weren’t you afraid it would make her hard?”
“Our little Ahní? Not in a million years sweet Cherine, she wouldn’t dare. She’d have to face Eleni.” He kissed the tip of her nose and Cherine wiggled it because it tickled and then giggled as she looked at Robbie. I wished he’d told us earlier, I’ve spent a lot of time worrying about her.
“Well done Allan.” Robbie sat worrying at something for a moment. “I’d planned on leaving here as soon as the provisions are delivered. With what happened today we’ll have to stay an extra day or two.”
It was obvious that Shelif and Aven were concentrating on something so the rest of us were quieter than usual, doing our best to control our curiosity. When they jumped to an unoccupied area we looked at each other and shrugged. Whatever it is, it is obvious they are excited about it. I wanted to do something different but was fresh out of ideas, so I walked with Anna for a while. We saw some of the kids walking in the distance and it gave me an idea. I jumped to Kairi.
I explained my idea to her. “Would you mind?”
“Of course not.” I sent my healer to her and when it was ready I changed to an Akiard girl. I’d been a male but I’d only projected, this was as close to the real thing as possible. I stood still while I analysed how my body felt. Then I concentrated on my senses one by one, examining my surroundings, learning how they see, hear and feel Freddie. Since they are closer to the hunter stage than I am, it was no surprise to find that everything was sharper. I ended up spending the rest of the day with the kids and they were fascinated by me. Ameka confided to me that I’d made myself unfairly attractive, which made me feel good, since my healer had based my looks on my Terran self-image.
If the adjustment is slight, Freddie tries to keep the same hours as Athens. Late that afternoon, Robbie sent to us that we should go home to dress up for a night at a club. Quickly he halted us as he felt the two girls. *Don’t you want to go?*
*We do, but can we meet at the taverna first?*
All those who sensed the family crowded the taverna, silently waiting to find out what had us so excited. Responding to their wishes, Robbie created a platform over the water for the girls. They left us and seated themselves close to the edge. Holding hands they concentrated and images appeared. It took us a moment to realise that what they were showing us was also on Freddie’s screens. They were repeating what he was tuning in to from Terran broadcasts but converting the scenes into real time holographic images. Even the sound was directional, as a person spoke, the voice seemed to come from wherever they are. Tina was the first and then all of us floated so as to view their projections from above, behind and all around. It was amazing - all the more amazing that they were taking flat 2D broadcasts and converting them within their minds. Perhaps those who were the most impressed were the scientists.
“It looks so real! You girls have outdone yourselves!” The words were not as important as the emoting by Robbie. The girls turned shy but we could feel their delight. Since everyone wanted to congratulate them it took over an hour before we were free to go home to freshen up and change. I see this as a good sign. We obviously have not reached the maximum of our abilities and if we try or need to, we’ll grow even more varied in our gifts. The girls have promised Freddie they’ll teach him so that he can do the same. I can imagine how beautiful it will be when he does so for galaxies.
Despite it being a club for young people, none of us looked out of place, for this once even Alki and Marian assuming an appropriate age. I personally love her song ‘Τα μάτια σου με σκίζουνε’ (‘Ta matia sou me skizoune’ = Your eyes tear into me). There is something almost violent about the words and music, as if she is singing about her love tearing into the one she loves, trying to reach and become part of his soul. However, I really wish Evlogia would organise a better kitchen, but then I suppose the young do not go there for the food, mostly ordering fruit and drinks.
We left at four in the morning, jumping to the hill close to where Eddie used to have his camp. Robbie spread out a soft sheet of energy for us to sit and lie on. We all waited for his cue, we knew he was dying to hold Shelif and Aven while also needing to love our birthday girls. Wendy being Wendy, took the two by their hands and sat them next to Robbie. She leant over and kissed him, her smile and eyes reflecting the love deep within her and then she moved to Candy, taking her within her arms.
In the morning we watched the dawn that breaks so quickly in the tropics. I wondered why the birds start to sing long before the sky pales. Our hearts were filled with love and the joy of feeling our loved ones with us, but there was a tinge of sadness as each of us privately wondered when we will return to our home world again.
The media had not forgotten the birthday girls and they’d organised a concert about half an hour outside of London, with a second concert three hours later in New York. Wendy and Candy had agreed to it because all proceeds are going to children’s charities. When you add the income from re-broadcasting rights worldwide, it comes to a very large sum. Every city put up large screens and Cherinians were standing by to ‘re-broadcast’ the emoting by the girls so that nothing was lost for those who could not get tickets for the concerts or who live on different continents. They nearly faltered in their singing when they noticed that Michael with his group and friends had seats in the VIP area for their first concert. (It sounds so impersonal calling them his group, so from now onwards, I will speak of Ahní, Zenon and Simito as his family or friends - as none others are real friends.)
Two days later all who were coming with gathered in Freddie and we jumped to Haven-R. When we arrived, our actual jumping here made me realise something and I felt very small. When I explained to Robbie, the Unation Admiral asked for Freddie to release their ship so that they could return in time to warn their people.
This is Msito. I have written, with permission, but you do not answer and my writing is deleted when the computer is restarted. We suspect you need one of the family to communicate so I have asked Angelica to write for us, our words only. Do you receive me?
There is no answer but the writing remains. You are angry? I think not.
It is as we thought. I write to explain and ask for your thoughts.
Freddie did not move for two weeks. Too much anger, pain, fear and arguments. All were shown your words and Freddie is split into three camps. Those who are shattered and see no reason to fight. Those who are shattered and demand we fight. Both are determined not to write again.
The third group are made of the Muyzith and the two alternates of Jesus. Angelica is not of our camp so do not address your words to her. We have argued your words show you are true to what you claim: that you love us.
You made one error Arthur. You treated us as your equals, respecting our opinions. All are aware that the family are your favoured and the loss of their trust in you has damaged all. Why did you not argue, why threaten?
I feel too strongly about the Wirms. Robert is meant to be the protector, if he refuses to protect, which means he must also punish to prevent it happening again, then I will do as I see fit. What is the point of my pretending so as to salve egos? As for being equals! How can I be an equal when each of you means more to me than I do?
It is as we thought. We have shared and it is time to interrupt our discussion, for Robert reacted by jumping Freddie back to his reality. I will write now of what was said, as shared.
Robert demanded Michael meet him. Michael refused unless his family and friends are present. Robert agreed but demanded no telepathic invasion of privacy by either side.
Michael glanced at the paper and handed it on to the others. “We had no intention of harming any Wirms.”
“You do not control all those who would stand against me Michael. Make certain they all know.”
“If anyone does harm a Wirm, I can assure you I will do as Arthur demands. This was foolish of you father, now all will know that Arthur is no longer on your side.” He smiled at his friends. “If we are willing to obey him, perhaps he will now be on our side?”
Robert answered him coldly, “I would not presume if I were you. We might disagree in this respect, but our dreams are his.”
“We have a better dream father, do not presume Arthur will not change.”
Freddie is back in Haven-R. Nothing is planned and we wait for the Unation ship.
May we return to our discussion?
No, we will not write of it Arthur. The decision must belong to all.
(This is Angelica. If they ask, any of us would write. Whatever we feel, everyone has the right to decide for themselves.)
This is Samantha. I have taken over again, it would not be right to force others to do what I no longer enjoy. I will write honestly and if a Wirm is harmed, you make your choice.
I’m going to ignore him and carry on writing. It is ironic. The Wirms learnt of our argument and when told what Arthur demanded, they all decided he is wrong. They insist we must not damage anyone for hurting a Wirm and pleaded with Robbie to go back to Michael and ask him not to do as he said. Of course Robbie refuses so I guess some of them will wish themselves there and tell him themselves.
The result of Arthur’s ultimatum is that we are no longer all one. He could not have sabotaged us more effectively even if he were an Ipohin. Robbie has lost his drive and sits around smoking and drinking coffees without making any plans.
The Unation ship returned, pleased to report success, but then they learnt of what happened in their absence and they are broadcasting (emoting) their dismay.
A big surprise today. The Unation leaders joined us to announce to Robbie that they are in agreement with the Muyzith and Jesus and Christós. I’m not certain how much worse this makes things for us.
The point has never been whether Arthur is right or wrong. We’ve had many arguments over the years and not always agreed. What is unacceptable is his threat. I have pulled back, mostly staying at home because, instead of everyone who has an opinion going to Robbie, they come to me in the hope that if they convince me and I change my stance, I’ll affect Robbie and my family.
When Jesus asked to visit I did not expect him to discuss the problem so my guard was not up. He asked me what I thought of the Jesus of my reality.
“Why? Have you found him?”
He laughed. “No, I was just curious.”
“I’ve read a lot about him. The trouble is, nearly all I’ve read was written by others long after he died and was resurrected. I have a feeling Jesus would not have written of himself in the same way. For instance, where is his sense of humour? They present only one facet of his existence and try to make him seem too perfect.”
“Perhaps he was Samantha, there are many, whether religious figures or not, who have tried to live up to certain expectations of themselves.”
“Tried is the keyword. Was he never surprised into giving a real loud laugh? I think I prefer you and Christós.”
It is rarely that he shows his frustration. I could not work out what he’d expected from me. “Jesus, I cannot help comparing him to Cherinians. I also worry that he was prone to becoming fanatical about some things. He doesn’t touch me as a human, only as a spokesman for much of what I believe in.”
“What of that time he attacked those trading inside the house of worship?”
I grinned. “That must have been one of his finer moments.” I love the way he looks at me when he laughs. He has the warmest dark brown eyes when he does.
He turned serious. “Sam, he broke the law when he did that. If he objected to trading in the House of God, then he should have lodged an official objection. He must have damaged a number of traders, losing them money, for even in those days it was hard to earn a living. What of their families who would suffer - didn’t they figure anywhere within his righteous wrath?”
I thought I understood, he had come for a philosophical discussion. Why me though, I’m not that good at philosophy. Was he troubled by the action of his alternate? Recalling how he attacked Christós for not doing his duty, as he saw it, his worry did fit in. “Do you believe in God?”
“Apart from our Author?”
“He is no god.” I answered vehemently.
He answered my original question, “No, not anymore.”
“If you did, would you have found the attack on the moneylenders just?” I asked.
“Not if he could have used legal methods to secure the same result, without harming anyone.”
I suggested, “Perhaps it is all a degree of our faith?”
He was puzzled, “I don’t see that!”
I said, “Most religious people do not consider humans important, only their God.”
“We’ve had our share of fanatics, it seems the more of them I have to deal with the less tolerant I become.”
“What is the difference between intolerance and fanaticism?”
I grinned. “You mean I may become fanatically anti-fanatical?”
“I think you already are.”
That was a heavy lead penny that finally dropped and it angered me. “Not you too! I’ve heard enough about the subject to keep me going for a while, thank you.”
He stood up, his face stern. “I am deeply disappointed in you and Robert.”
“He threatened us Jesus, not just the family, everyone.”
“And all the times he stood by us, all the good he has done, it now counts for nothing? You are not even willing to argue with him, fight if you must, but stay friends?”
After your message on our screens and the way it made everyone treat me, this was exactly what I needed to bump my backside back on earth.
“I think we’ve hung around here for long enough. We’ve had our rest, how about we ask Lynda to find us a nasty reality where we can kick some ass?”
Allan pulled Jessie to him and, caressing her little bum, asked, “Something small and sweet like this one Robert?” I think he is going to survive on the memory of the laughter for a long time. Usually his jokes only get a smile or two.
After stocking the platform with enough to keep us going for years he told Alki, Tasso, Dimitri, Ordinx and Allan to gather their families and jump into the platform. He did not forget to bring my computer so I guess I’ll have to keep on writing for you.
I bet you can’t guess where we are going! I’ll give you a clue: Somewhere in our own reality.
Don’t want to play? Okay, I’ll tell you. We are returning to repair the Anadir planets!
First we had to go to collect an Inguel Planet Restorer team. They had just finished working on the water world we’d watched before the arrival of the fire-world. Remember, the one with two species at war? Since they have both been brought back, their war continues, almost as if nothing had interrupted them. Neither side showed any interest in contacting us. There is a weird twist to this world.
Those we find beautiful are almost mindless, hardly any intelligence. They are the females! Why is it that nature has seen to it that in our ecology the male is more distinctive, beautiful and the female drab, while here it is the other way around?
They war for years on end and then, due to the orbit of their planet, their world grows cold and they become sluggish. That is when the urge hits the males and they exodus en masse from their habitations and roughly have sex with their enemies. The females each lay tens of thousands of eggs, most of them future females, and they allow the eggs to drift away in the currents, most to be eaten and the few that survive have to prove themselves by swimming through danger to return to their own part of their ecology, to continue their never-ending war. To me it seems that nature has created a species that has no future. Their souls will have to consider any lifetime spent as this species an intermediate stage between lives where they can become Cherinians.
Our platform is not large enough for the Inguel spaceships to be attached to us. He had to jump us to our reality (at the correct coordinates and time - leaving us to stare at the planet below us) while he jumped back to jump them to us. We are one and a quarter million years before the Anadir became sapient for the Inguel to gather what they need to repair the ecology, while the other half of their ships are already in our future, repairing the planet.
Not much needed to be done because of the Sparklers, they had not caused that much damage to the ecology, but the Anadir themselves had. Robbie asked Vincent to bring Solomon and as many of the Sparklers as can come, he felt it was important they be a part of what we are doing. Solomon is overcome by emotions that seem to be tearing him apart and we had to permanently set Irene and Noelle on him.
Healers are now bringing Anadir souls back to this time by the tens of millions and we have begun bringing back the Anadir to live once again on their home world
Let me go back in time a little. When Robbie first told Ordinx, Ashiir and Serrive, Ordinx suggested we only bring back about half of the population at this time. The rest have a ‘life’ in our present time and they do not want to abandon us until our problems are over. Noelle has grown to represent an enormous investment by them emotionally and in time and effort, with research that is exciting and very promising.
We thought we were faced with choices that were difficult to make. If we brought them back within a few years of their deaths, they would be able to salvage their cities and most of their equipment. If we brought them back closer to our time it would mean we have them with us. The problem did not really exist as they can build spaceships (plus repair those still salvageable) and using their Cherinian gifts jump through time as the Unation do.
