Claudia reminded us, “We asked for Themi so as to establish the ethics for Vincent’s sake. With Amelia a prime he cannot hand her over so that takes care of that problem. However he feels, he may not do anything that would leave her damaged.”
7461
I shook my head. “It is not that simple. What Kirsten said is right, this could blow up in our faces and damage the Cherinians.”
“What are you suggesting, that we hand over Amelia so as not to damage the Cherinians?”
I smiled at Claudia, despite her flash of anger, “Amelia is prime, same as any other child would be for us. What I’m asking is that we find a way to handle this that serves her best interests, but also minimises the damage to Cherinians.”
Rosie grinned. “Attorneys say that the law is an ass. All we have to do is find out in which way the law is an ass in this case and use that to our advantage.”
Robbie ignored us and stood by the glass doors to stare out at our garden. He opened the doors and lit a cigarette as we waited for him. “I stand with Vincent. As prime he cannot hand her over, but we must have a solid case that will turn the tide of public feeling to our favour.”
Quietly I left the room and phoned David. He agreed to meet me in his office.
“David, there are a number of problems that crop up at various times that place us in a difficult situation - ethically and legally - plus we have the opinion of the public constraining us. I think I may have a solution, but I am worried that if a Cherinian makes the proposal it would turn public opinion against the proposal.”
“I’ve never seen you lose your colour before, it must be something dramatic you have in mind.”
“It is and I don’t know how to go about it, but I am convinced it must happen. David, whether anyone likes it or not, the Cherinians, Ipohin and other Talents are a fact of life and the clock cannot be turned back. Society has to evolve to integrate us or else our paths will clash someday in a way that will harm all of us.”
“I thought we’ve been doing a pretty good job of that already.”
“In some ways, but not as far as the legal system of most countries are concerned. For as long as telepathic evidence is not acceptable in a court of law there will be times we are forced to act against our own ethics. If that continues, it will destroy the Cherinians, but strengthen those Talents who do not have the same ethics as us.”
“Give me an example, I’m not certain I understand what you’re talking about.”
I had to avoid mentioning the case of Amelia as it is an emotional issue. We need this to be agreed on non-emotional issues so that it becomes an established procedure and only then can emotional issues be confronted using the solution I had in mind. The pons asinorum was that I had no good examples I could quote for him to understand the problem. Then I recalled the time Robbie attacked the orphan children. I gave that as an example, telling him that if Angelica had been allowed to share her memories with a panel and they were entitled to confirm to a court the validity of her memories, Robbie would have been found innocent earlier.
“What kind of panel could make such a decision?”
“I was thinking that if an international panel is formed of ten Cherinians, ten Ipohin and thirty Normals and the simple majority accept the sharing as being true, it could be legislated that the courts of all countries have to accept the evidence as being true. Isn’t it similar to someone presenting a tape or video as proof?”
He smiled. “No, not quite the same Samantha, but I understand what you are hoping for. Why have you come to me, surely this is a problem for politicians and the judicial system to consider and decide on?”
“Why should they? Surely they’ll only do so if public opinion demands it of them?”
“Ahh, Samantha, that is rather naïve of you, surely you know that both groups rarely care about public opinion? You are talking about a major change and neither of the groups approve of major changes -unless circumstances force themselves upon them?”
7462
As I’d talked I’d also come to the conclusion that I was expounding nothing more than a pipe-dream so I found it difficult to argue. Still, apart from the case of Amelia I did consider the idea sound and necessary.
David sensed my disappointment so he tried to think of a way to help me. He suddenly smiled. “We just might have a way to make it happen Samantha!”
I perked up. “There is?”
“Certainly. What if Cherinians checked on all the prisoners in prisons in all the countries and shared the memories of those who insist they are innocent of the crimes they’ve been charged with. Bring to me a list of wrongly convicted prisoners substantial enough to impress the public and I can kick up a big stink. Then your proposal could be suggested. Keep in mind that Campbell is bound to demand representation and if he has it, he could use it to prevent a simple majority ruling where he sees an advantage to his group. Also, I rather doubt any judicial system will accept a simple majority, they’d want at least a majority decision of seventy five percent. You’d also need to explain how the Normals on the panel can share memories without becoming Talents themselves and thus disqualifying themselves.”
I could have kissed him! I was flying high when I returned to my family. They shared with me and whooped, only Robbie sinking into deep thought. They finally sensed him and their mood changed, waiting to hear what troubles him.
“If we do this Sam, we could be handing Campbell a lot more power than he presently has. It is a real danger and we must think carefully before going ahead. I also presume you thought of this to help Amelia. My love, we don’t have the time, Vincent must respond within a couple of days or else he’ll face contempt of court.”
“Not necessarily Dad, Amelia is from a different reality and the court order was issued there and has not been served on him yet. However, I agree, even if such a panel is appointed here, it would still take months to achieve the same result in her reality. If Campbell is not given the powers you fear, we must go ahead anyway, even if it will not help Vincent, this is too important a change for us to let it die without us giving it our best shot.”
Apart from Campbell, there still remain a hundred and one problems to be solved before we can hope to make the idea work. For instance, we will need permission to interview the prisoners and when and if we get permission, how many of them will be willing to share their minds? Normals, in the majority, still distrust or fear telepathic contact. Whatever, we can at least make a start. Even if the proposal is not accepted the first time, the time will come when they themselves will make the proposal.
The first rule we imposed was that we are only allowed to examine those memories relevant to the prison sentence. If we notice by mistake (for instance the fear of the prisoner could bring those memories to the fore) that the prisoner committed a different crime, however heinous it may be, we are not allowed to betray the confidence shown us. Even should we discover the person was raped while in prison we have to respect their privacy and keep quiet about it - unless they ask us to act as witness.
Those kind of rules are easy to make, perhaps they will be difficult to keep under certain circumstances because of our own emotions, however, there is another fear we cannot overcome with good intentions. They will feel that we are judging them, all the petty things they did or their failures. That is the trickiest hurdle we have to overcome.
I foresee another point could become an important step in helping the Normals to accept the proposal - on an emotional level, not just legal. As the panel will be made up of the three parties (if we can keep the Campbellites out), so will they expect that those investigating are formed at least out of the Cherinians and Ipohin, with a Normal accompanying them to ensure the rights of the prisoner are clearly explained and respected (don’t ask me how they’ll do that), but I guess there is a certain aspect of symbolism being put in place so that the prisoners and outside critics think their governments are doing their best to protect them.
Dimi came up with the most important solution. He suggested that the Sparklers be appointed as investigators so that the Ipohin do not have to manoeuvre against Cherinians. There is another point; Terrans mostly trust and like the Sparklers and knowing they are aliens they will not feel they are being judgmental. Robyn strutted around demanding we confirm how brilliant ‘her’ son Dimi is
7463
Themi pointed out to us that Normals will not only resent us knowing their failures and small sins, they’ll also resent us ‘seeing’ when they acted out of love, for it seems that to many, those moments are seen as an aberration, a brief time of weakness.
Arthur, I really want this, more than I’ve wanted anything for a long time. Even Campbell can’t spoil it for me, if we have to include him and he tries to abuse his position I’ll fight him. If we can get the governments to change their laws and accept the panel, this will be a big step towards uniting us with the Normals. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
Michael sees the importance of what I’m trying to do and has taken over, doing all he can and using whatever influence he has to make it happen. He agrees that the original form it takes is not that important, once the concept has been accepted and implemented it will evolve. I was surprised when all my loves also joined him - each of us has our own friends among the Normals and they have talked to them and are doing all they can to help. I felt or feared that Michael might take a stance against Campbell that kills the possibility of this happening, so after hiding under my waterfall for half a day to face my fears [of the pain I’d be causing], I sent a message to Campbell asking him to meet me in private. He has agreed and offered to meet wherever I decide.
I called Michael and asked him to join me and we left a very bemused family behind us as we jumped.
“Mr Campbell, I have a dream that you could decide to destroy or else you could help it become a reality. I’ve decided to tell you about it and because Michael is trying to help me, I asked him to join us. I hope you will see that my dream is not only important to the Cherinians and Ipohin but to all of mankind. I’ll start off by mentioning that all the alien species have already adopted my dream and, back home on their planets, it is a reality with them.”
He extended his hand. “Don’t you think we should start off with a greeting and order something to drink before you tell me about your dream?” Red faced I took his hand. He did not squeeze hard, only firmly, and released my hand. The two men glanced at each other a moment and then Michael gave his hand. We ordered and then Vincent cocooned us so that nobody else can listen in. Campbell felt Vincent so I explained and he shrugged - but I saw the thoughtful look in his eyes. I explained what I am trying to do and why I consider it so important for everyone; not only the Cherinians and Normals.
He nodded. “I appreciate your courtesy in briefing me, but what is the real reason you asked to meet me?”
“It would have soon become known anyway, there was little to be gained in keeping it a secret. I’ll be open with you - this could develop into all I dream for it, or else it can become just another battleground between us. I’ve come to ask that we declare a truce in this area. I do not mind your group having representatives on the panel,” I felt Michael’s mind give a start, “but if you see this as another way for you to fight us, then I’ll have to do all I can to minimise your representation. I don’t want to do that, the panel must represent all of mankind. Will you give me your word that you will use the panel in the spirit it is being proposed?” I held up my hand to stop him speaking. “You told me once that you appreciate true beauty. What is more beautiful than the human spirit Mr Campbell? Help us nurture it by using the panel to reduce tension between all groups so that we grow as a species.”
“I’ve sensed you are not in total agreement with Samantha and that you did not approve of her speaking openly to me. What is your attitude Mr Teller?”
Michael shrugged. “As always I see that Samantha has a broader vision than I do. If you agree to work with us in this area I’ll extend my fullest cooperation. Before you give us your decision, I’ like to ask a question. If you do agree, will you keep to your agreement if we clash head on in other matters?”
“If I agree? Yes, as Samantha said, we’ll have declared a truce with regard to our cooperation on the panel. Samantha, why have you decided to offer my group the opportunity to join the panel, were you not confident you could put it through without our cooperation?”
“I’m convinced we could. How would that help? The panel must represent all of mankind or else it is a failure.”
7464
“You are handing me powers I did not have - I have too high a regard for that sharp mind of yours to believe you are doing so without having considered all the ramifications.”
I smiled. “Perhaps you have too high an opinion of me, I’m flattered. Actually, what you said has been pointed out to me a number of times so it is obvious. Do you truly want more power, is that what drives you? I have a feeling that the power you speak of is not the main driving force behind your opposition and the hostility between us. I’m still trying to understand what drives you - and I must admit I do not believe that story you gave Paul; you know that neither my father, my brother or I wish to enslave the world.”
“Your brother will tell you that I intend to enslave the world.”
“He may have thought so in the beginning and I would not be surprised to find that you originally were motivated by some such ambitions. I think you have matured and your dreams are different now.” Again I sensed Michael’s mind give a start of surprise, I wished I could have sensed Campbell’s reaction.
He stared at me for a moment and then chuckled. “Damn! Your mind twists and changes in so many ways! Having you as an opponent is going to keep me on my toes forever.” For the first time Michael chuckled and relaxed.
“She has that effect on friends and family, so I can empathise with you for the first time ever.” That made both men laugh.
As Campbell became serious again he leant forward. “Explain to me why you and Robert have never attacked me. I’m not stupid, I know you have the power to obliterate me.”
“Boxee.”
“What?”
“Have you read it?”
“Yes, mostly out of curiosity.”
“The Arthur in that story is actually called Arthur Campbell. Arthur our author is soon going to make them real for us and if I’m going to have to be friends with an alternate of yours, it crossed my mind that perhaps I should start by looking to knock down a few walls between us. Help me understand you so that I can.”
Michael shook his head and spoke to Arthur earnestly, “Can’t you see why she is loved by everyone so much, why do you only concentrate on ascribing evil motives to everything she does? What she just said has shocked me, I did not know, but I do know that she means what she said. If she is willing to try, then I’m also willing. Take the olive branch man, you’ll never have a better opportunity.”
For the first time Campbell showed he was floundering. He shook his head. “This is too sudden, I need time to think.”
My face must have paled, for I had arrived at the moment I’d dreaded and I heard Hesina, for the first time ever, weep as she realised what I intended doing, for she loves Michael just as much as I do, but I tried to keep my voice relaxed. “You only have about seventy years.” Startled they both looked at me. “In a private chat, Arthur warned me that you will be joining us to face a common enemy, despite your group joining the enemy. Michael, it breaks my heart to tell you this, but he said you will abandon us.”
He turned white as he almost shouted, “Never!”
“He said you will because of the pain in your heart. I don’t understand, but I know that Arthur has never lied to me.” He felt the tears in me that I was holding back because of the presence of Campbell and his shoulders slumped. For the first time since coming to this meeting I sensed pandemonium back home from their sharing. Robbie hugged his pain to himself, only sending me a question as to the reason I’d kept the chat secret from them. I explained that Arthur asked me to. Campbell is strong enough a talent to sense what my family were putting me through.
“Do you know who are the enemy? Aliens or Terran Talents?”
7465
“I don’t know, Arthur refused to tell me.” I was too worried about Michael for me to concentrate on Campbell. I put my hands to his cheeks to force him to look at me. “Michael, I was told that you were forced to abandon us because of your love for your family. Before you leave, you will ally the Ipohin to us - it will be all you can do, you have to leave.”
I know that Arthur had his reasons for telling me about the future, for he felt this was an important moment, that I have to repair the situation with Campbell, that I’ve partly been to blame for. However, it has brought me much heartache. My poor son, my darling Michael, my heart weeps for you.
Campbell waited until public opinion gave us the support we needed as hundreds of prisoners all over the world were released. Michael made the proposal and governments opened a dialogue with him. He tells me the final form it takes will not be anywhere as good as I was hoping for, but he also believes it is important that a start is made. Once the panel have proven their value, he thinks changes can then be brought about gradually. Everyone, including me, was surprised when Campbell only asked for one seat on the panel. It was agreed.
Arthur, I met Campbell in August and the discussions for forming the panel only started the next February. It is now the 23rd of April, PC40. In a few days it will be a new year for us and forty one years on this planet since you brought Cherine and Robert together.
Vincent is far too ethical for his own good. He agreed that he has a duty towards Amelia and that she must be healed before he returns her, but that he must return her as soon as possible. They jumped to the reality Robbie went to as an artist when he left us. He arrived in time to take over the house Robbie had rented and the first thing he did was return the painting of Alki. Marian made Robbie sign it and then placed it in their lounge, showing it to everyone with pride that Robbie saw and was able to paint such strength in the portrait of our Alki.
Despite being a Cherinian, I do sometimes forget to mention events that would give Arthur’s story the continuity he needs. Sebura, Piri, Efineh and the leaders were returned to their reality by Freddie last year. They stayed here about two months and the leaders have learnt more about our culture and we had a long debate where it was made obvious to us that they prefer their way of life.
The anniversary that Cherine and Robbie celebrate and almost consider more important than their wedding anniversary is nearly upon us. Robbie suggested we celebrate on Goldi’s planet the anniversary of their meeting. We all happily agreed, so Robbie is busy stocking up Freddie. This time we are not taking any guests with, only our closest friends and family. Of course we insisted Michael and Ahní come with.
The planet is just as lovely as we remember it. Ahní became a typical housewife and spent the first day examining their home and making the few changes she wanted. Only after that did she become curious about the rest of the planet.
“I’m glad we don’t have such a big home back in Greece - I’d have to spend half my life cleaning it!” She laughed. “There are some antiques in the house that would sell for a fortune back home. If Arthur made them for Michael, can they really be called antiques?”
Cassie had to tease of course. “Well, considering that Arthur only created all the realities forty one years ago Earth time, can anything be called an antique?”
Jade of course answered her, “Of course. Robert is an antique. Arthur created him first.” Cherine tried not to take umbrage as everyone teased Robbie and we sometimes crossed the line. As for him, he lapped it up and enjoyed himself.
Since we did want to allow Robbie and Cherine lots of time alone, mostly the girls broke up into groups that fluctuated day by day and they explored the planet. I, on the other hand, mostly went for long walks on my own. On one such walk I’d sat on a rock and was lost in my thoughts when Ahní appeared.
7466
“It’s impossible to appreciate a planet like this one from only one or two visits. Every day I notice another beauty I’d missed before. How can any planet be so beautiful?”
I smiled. “It seems an apt question for this planet since it also applies to Goldi.”
She grinned. “We’ve seen more photos and portraits of her all over the world than of anyone else. It seems half the world is in love with her.”
“Well, I am and I know I’ll never tire of her beauty. As you said, I seem to find something new to wonder about every day.” I grinned. “So, what brought you? Are you here to talk about Michael?”
Sweetly she replied, “You are supposed to allow us to indulge in some pleasantries first Sam.” She nodded. “He is still hurting.”
“So am I. I could not keep it a secret forever Ahní.”
“No, but you could have told him on his own first - not in front of Campbell, the one man who hates him.”
“Wow!” I grinned. “You do have teeth!” Before she could react by becoming angry I touched her hand. “Ahní, that is why I had to do it then. Just as Arthur shocked me out of my obsessive hatred of Campbell, so did the two of them need to be shocked into taking a new look at themselves and each other. It was also important that Campbell know for certain that I was speaking the truth. Thanks to Michael’s reaction he does know.”
“I bet he’s gloating.”
“He does lack in empathy so you’re probably right.”
She put her arm around me. “I came because I see you walking by yourself every day. Is it hanging over you Sam, are you miserable?”
“I feel guilty, but not miserable. I have to trust in Michael’s love and his knowledge of me - surely he knows I’d do anything to prevent him being hurt in any way?”
“Don’t feel guilty my love, Michael does understand. You did what you saw had to be done and he understands.”
“Does he?” She nodded and I burst into tears.
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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)- posted: 1st Jul, 2020
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