...my loves and I always forget that nobody is stopping us, only our own decision to prevent our family from growing to the point where we have to split. Once she allowed herself to recall the truth, she was glum for the whole day.
“Batsy, if the sun goes nova, could the half you leave in the system survive?”
“Not if I remain in orbit. Would there be a warning giving me time to move out of the system?”
“With scientists from dozens of advanced species monitoring the sun, I’d say it is safe to presume so.”
“It would depend on how far I can teleport with each jump. I’ve never done so with life on my surface that needs to be protected.”
Laura beamed. “Why keep the buildings and the people living on you on the surface? Couldn’t you sort of swallow them until it is safe to move them back to your surface?” She could hardly contain her excitement as she added, “That way we would not need an extra moon, the library and museum could be placed on you.” Michael grabbed her before Robbie could and squeezed her. Although she felt how Robbie also wanted to crush her to him she happily stayed in the arms of her son.
Batsy asked, with awe in her voice, “In all the Cherinian Systems? Even the Prime one?” When everyone joyously shouted yes, she also looked like she needed to be crushed to someone. Aganthi decided ‘to hell’ with inter-species protocols and respect etc. and grabbing her tiny black slim form, she hugged her. The Sparklers had been about to point out that they will be present and that even should they only have hours to act in, they can transfer all the planets to their World. They had the sense to keep quiet, allowing Batsy and the others their time of joy, pride and of being bombarded by the admiration and love of everyone.
Since we collected the two little Cherines, a bit over seven years have passed for them and they are now old enough, and experienced enough, to be effective Cherines for their realities. All species have shared in the joy of watching them and their Roberts grow into one and then expand into a family with their Dommi, Wendy and others. Both families are very close to the Ivgos family, closer than they are to us! What is truly wonderful is the way their Terran government leaders have grown to love and trust them. It could be said that their only ache is that they feel there is a vacuum within their family where they feel there should be a Diana, her twins, Laura, Chantel and all the others of our family that they don’t have. It hurts us, but there is nothing we can do to assuage the way they feel, it would not be right for them to start off with exactly the same family as us. The whole idea of alternate realities is that each family grow in new ways and with diverse souls. Look at the Teller families who have loves we don’t, we envy them and love those girls as if they are part of our family and it makes all of us far wealthier in love as our families bond even closer.
The politicians sent us a delegation. They remained casual and spoke informally, but we sensed they need what they ask for. They feel their people are losing out by not having scientists and artists from their realities with us. They asked that we collect some for them to be present during the creation of the first Cherinian System. We decided they are right and that we should have representatives of all the species from all the allied realities. They felt flustered when they realised what they have started, but they have grown wiser and allowed themselves to enjoy the love we flooded them with.
Before I continue, maybe I should explain something. In some ways, the Sparklers are not good for us and we might not be good for them. They number in the trillions, but their Thinkers are probably about two and a half to three billion. When we first met them, we think their Thinkers only numbered in the hundreds of thousands. Unfortunately, they are so useful and willing to help that they keep on having to increase the numbers who awaken to become Thinkers. When they decided, our Sparklers and all their alternates, that they must spread out to heal all species, in known and unknown realities, they had to increase the number of Thinkers. Luckily each group that visits a planet only needs a handful of Thinkers, the rest only need to be vestigially aware, since they now all have healers that can be guided by the healers of the Thinkers. Then we returned close to the big bang in the a-reality and they felt more Thinkers would be needed. And so it goes, every time we need them to watch over a species or area, they have to increase the number of functioning Thinkers. If we have had this effect on them over two centuries, how will it be a thousand or a million years from now? Just like the number of children we have from now must be controlled, so must the ways and times we allow the Sparklers to help us.
Sol has terrified me that I may be found guilty, but I cannot argue, she is right. I hope the Sparklers (of all realities) are not too angry with me. Aganthi: as an honorary Thinker, I am caught in the middle, since I’ve known all along what Sam is thinking. Maybe I too will have to be judged? Irene: in that case, so will I, if it is true for my mother. (Sam - the two of them have now really got me worried.)
As Sol said, the matter will be dealt with afterwards. What started this conversation was my explanation as to the reason we are not using the Sparklers to notify and bring all the guests who should be present at the creation of something symbolically so important to all Cherinians. Robbie asked Vincent to enlist the assistance of Robert with his R.T for bringing guests from seventy two realities while we do the same for the remainder. We will also return in time to invite and bring our guests from the deep past and one from the future. There are also many species we only met once and have not visited again, despite linking some as Cherinians. It is better that we be the ones to call on them. (I’ll only write of the trips and visits should something prove to be of interest.)
These trips have been an eye opener for all of us - by ‘us’ I include all the species who are in regular contact with us, plus the Terrans of all the realities where there are Cherinians. When we first began using the witness program to find and bring back the species destroyed by the fire-world, the Inguel had to be transported by us, so we met the species brought back and linked those who were suitable to become Cherinians. Then the Inguel teams became Cherinians and we also realised that the species brought back need time for adjusting, so they were not linked unless we returned to visit them. The second growth of Cherinianism that we sort of ignored was from the Unation ships who are-were bringing back the species destroyed by the nomad AI. Also, as is their right, species who became Cherinians either have other species friends or meet new species or else, meet their alternates who we have not met, and link them.
So, here is the big news - Cherinian species (alternates of each reality are counted as a species) we did not know about, total 167,004. Cherinian species and alternates in total are 758,517. Wow!!! There is absolutely no way any solar system can represent that many species! What do we do?
The inhabited part of Freddie is not a sphere, the land part of it is flat with what looks like a dome over it. That is what makes it possible for Robbie to create ecological niches. We can’t do that on planets. To create domed cities would not work. Not if we are hoping to make them last for a really long time. I’m stymied. The worst of it is that we can’t do anything about giving the Xudypaf a home planet right now as all the planets and moons that are to become a part of this solar system must be inserted at exactly the same time (I have not mentioned this before, but we also have to dampen the effect on the sun, only gradually allowing it to be affected in measured ways by its new family). There is little point in indulging ourselves in self-recriminations. We know more than we did and that knowledge has also helped shed a light on some of the ways the future will change us. The meetings we have called for, starting tomorrow, must concentrate on our solutions encompassing all that is and what can be foreseen.
“Your request is rejected. Dimi, should you need to exercise your duty by meeting the rest of the CDC members, RT Robert or our Robert as our leader or myself, then such meeting will be held under truce.” I sternly stared into his eyes. “You know that what I am about to say does not need to be said to me or both Roberts, but you are cunning and will think of doing it. Dimi, you will not create a false reason for a period of truce just to serve some selfish strategy or need of yours. Should you do that, there will be no accusations by us, but you will be betraying the trust Arthur has shown you.” Arthur, I’m convinced he will not abuse his position and we thank you for choosing him. Michael told me to tell you that he could not love you more even should he have originally been the soul of your father, from your reality.
When we have guests in the hundreds of thousands or more, we no longer keep them in Freddie. However, they are welcome to visit from the Sparkler Worlds whenever they want. This means that there is a constant stream of visitors moving in and out of Freddie by courtesy of the Sparklers and Spartans and so word of the interference by Arthur (two times) spread quickly. The overwhelming majority of the Normals decided you did well.
I am sometimes prejudiced and think that because we Cherinians are able to use our gifts to learn how our mind works, that we are able to control our emotions and act wisely. The truth is we are not much wiser than Normals, often getting carried away so that we see things as we want to see them. I think we were sort of aware of the truth at the time, but we blocked it off because the Cherinian System (in general, not just this one) idea appealed to us so much. We have known, for a very long time now, that the number of species, without taking into consideration our alternates, would someday number in the tens of thousands.
We were not really as stupid as we seem to have been. When we first discussed the idea, we were aware of the number of species and the potential numbers to be met in the future. However, we were feeling a bit parochial, as I indicated, we wanted something to reward those who have stood by us and shown us love. Our main mistake was when we became over-excited and got carried away, wanting to do the same in all the realities allied to us. We have now decided we were wrong and the basic concept is entirely different now.
By merging three symbolic concepts, we think we may create something beautiful. It is apt that we do so here since it will come into existence because of the Xudypaf, who are created out of the merging of three species. This system will be used for orphaned species (of this reality only) who want to share a solar system with others. An entire system of nine moons orbiting one planet will be terraformed for becoming the center of the Inter-Species University. The Batsy alternate will become the home for the Cherinian Museum, Library and Art Gallery. The museum will include a galactic encyclopædia holding and explaining all the technology needed by species that need to bypass or get out of the petroleum stage. The last of the three is: mimicking my Orati Centre, this will be a place of learning and philosophy for Cherinians who wish to advance and guide our people when we are confused by instinct or ethical questions. Cherinian gifts and powers of Talents will also be studied in an effort to round up our abilities without strengthening us in a military sense. In a manner of speaking, the Centre will be allied to the University, with exchanges of ideas flowing both ways. Hopefully this solar system will be responsible for a flowering of the Cherinian dream. Arthur, I cannot describe for you how happy I am. The above was not designed by me and to have so many advanced (socially, philosophically and technologically) species take my Orati Centre as an example for the third facet, it must be just about the most flattering gesture ever made to me.
The work undertaken this time is one of patience, love and a sense of history, past and future, added to a dream of beauty. The participation of the Muyzith, Jade, Wendy and Meli and seven Roberts have made it certain that it will be so. Most of the work is being done within the Sparkler World where it is easier to create. Despite the ease offered, it took many months, for what is created often does not turn out to be as we imagined it. What works well in segments, does not always create a total of harmonious beauty. Never have any of us sculpted on a planetary scale, so changes are frequent - as are the pained moans of anguish when they see their dream of perfection unsuited to the whole and requiring changes.
These planets are not being proportioned-landscaped to suit the tastes of one or even a dozen species; we are blending whatever is commonly accepted as attractive to the majority of species, where possible. This has reduced the necessity for an endless variety which we could not cater to - even though it may sound a little bland, it is not. The complexity of providing worlds which are peaceful and conducive to deep thinking, while lighting our souls by their beauty is almost impossible to achieve, despite the splendour of advanced technologies. In a way, the only manner in which that which is dreamt of can be achieved, is by the gift of the mind, as exercised by the most sensitive Cherinians. It means we have nine ‘ecologies’ that do not belong to any one species. We provide a list of species for projection that will maximise the effect of each ‘ecology’. Though our species do not qualify for a ‘maximum’ for any of the ‘ecologies’, we find that almost all of the ‘ecologies’ are very pleasurable in our own slightly adapted form, so we will not need to project as other species that often.
Robbie, and many of us girls, don’t like to stand on ceremony. If there is something to be done, we just want to go ahead and do it. Most species we know love ceremony, but they don’t even ask because they know how Robbie feels. Robbie surprised them by offering to create a massive platform with a landscaped ground, decorated with water features and plants of various ecologies as a place for us to hold a ceremony. He did warn them and us that the platform will be thrown into the sun as nothing from it should survive after existing in alien environments without being sheathed or protected in any way. Though it is a pity to waste so much plant life, Robbie is afraid of mutations affecting other ecologies. The idea was supported enthusiastically, many speaking of how unique the space garden will be and the most impressive ceremony that can be held in such a space is being organised.
The platform was only meant to be a means to an end, providing a place from where the creation of a new solar system can be observed, but it almost upstaged the event by its unworldly beauty that provoked countless gasps of amazement from all species. For instance, one of my favourites, along a stream bank, Robbie placed feathery ferns with the light green colour of crispy lettuce and mingling amongst them like bobbing silken heads of naughty children the darker gossamer strands of loxtuka float in the nearly zero gravity, their tips glowing pale-pale phosphorous green. Seeing Muyzith walking around, pointing out to each other spots of rare beauty filled all of us with pride and love for our Robbie - Michael no less than Cherine.
isi made the request, “Robert, will you allow the scientists to keep the platform for a time? They wish to see which plants live and which die. It will be instructive watching which plants survive among alien plants and there could be important lessons to be learnt.”
“isi love, the depth of the soil is far too shallow, all the plants will die. Is it the Inguel scientists who wish to study the mix of ecologies?”
“The Unation scientists requested I speak on their behalf, but I did not identify them, as scientists of all species are interested, including the Inguel.”
Robbie did not allow the admiration for his first ever natural work of art go to his head, so he remained the friend and father (mother) of our isi in his thoughtfulness and care for her. “I guess it would be interesting, but it is far too large to keep it inside Freddie, we’ll have to move it to a Sparkler World - no, that will affect the experiment. We’ll be here, at this system, for a long time, so I’ll keep the platform here for as long as possible.” He tipped his head to the side with a twinkle in his eyes. “So, you are proving to be a capable ambassador? Strange, you are my only daughter who is turning out to be good at anything.” He was happy, for he knew he had provided us with much mock ammo to make his life hell for a while, but he felt our minds laughing and flooding him with love. As for our isi, it seems she’ll never outgrow her love for her weird alien mother.
The platform measurements are: fourteen kilometres long and one thousand six hundred metres wide. The curve of the shield above us reaches to a height of two hundred and eighty metres. The gravity varies, with spots of no gravity so that every species present will find an area comfortable to it. There are benches, logs and chairs of all shapes and sizes, even those funny ones the Eqkee use. Nobody is allowed to enter the platform without being sheathed. By the way, since I mentioned the Eqkee, here is a news-bit worth mentioning - they elected to have the friend of Iona, Sumçia, represent their species at the ceremony. From what we’ve picked up (inadvertently) they chose her (a female) in honour of us Teller girls. We have to keep up the pretence that we don’t know, unless someone mentions it to us. Officially standing at the ceremony will be one of each species, except for those species that need more than one to make up one complete entity. Even for the Sparklers and Wirms, one of each will represent them, despite millions of them being present. We are expected to choose one of us to represent our species (Robbie and Cherine will be a part of the group of officials, but they will not represent our species). We have narrowed our choices to: Michael, Campbell, Alki, Allan, Hettie or Eddie. Some tried to include me but I flat out refused. Though each of the others tried to withdraw in place of the others, we ignored their pleas.
Craig was returned to Freddie a long time ago. Any person, gifted but whether a Cherinian or just a Talent, who has sensed Craig, cannot doubt that he is a good person. Whatever weakness existed that allowed bitterness and anger to drive him over the edge has now been healed and strengthened. His healing did not include the entire blocking of his memories and it has made of him a sad man who mostly keeps to himself - when Candy allows it. We had found an alternate Earth where we subsidised him with a nice three bedroom apartment of his choice plus an income that would enable him to live comfortably with just enough luxuries to add flavour to a drab life. He had quietly lived there for eight years when a visitor from a different reality recognised him. Thinking that Craig must be an innocent local alternate, he checked by spying on his mind, wanting to find out what made him different. Horrified, he realised the truth and showing no compassion or empathy, he let everyone know that they have a monster living amongst them. The local Teller family had to take him in and they sent us a message, asking that we relocate him. When we collected him, Craig asked to be allowed to remain in Freddie and he has been with us ever since.
Because of Ivgos, I could no longer avoid mentioning Craig. Ivgos met him at the taverna when he first came to Freddie, but he did not notice him. We felt how Craig was affected by Ivgos and were not surprised to see him visit us at the taverna more often. We have never sensed that he wishes to become a part of the Freddie family, his own sad thoughts holding him prisoner, convincing him he would not be wanted - and Themi suggested we give him the time to learn to accept his past without allowing it to cripple him. Candy, often taking one or two of us with her, ensured he is never allowed to remain alone for long stretches of time. We have been gradually learning to love him because of the love he emotes for Candy (as a father). Then Ivgos became a Cherinian. It did not take him long to emote his puzzlement when he sensed Craig. We had impressed on him the importance of not spying on the thoughts of others so he did not try to find out what the reasons are and did not interfere, thinking that if we allow Craig to remain as he is we must have our reasons. This was to turn into his first lesson of his responsibilities as a Cherinian. In the beginning, the time Ivgos had free to indulge his curiosity and other thoughts was limited as he had a lot to learn and the excitement of what he was learning plus the strong emotions he had to learn to cope with whenever he felt how much he is loved by those he loves, blinded him (mentally) to Craig who was not an important part of his life. However, the quiet unvarying devotion Craig emoted as he watched Ivgos from a distance, always careful not to intrude, slowly penetrated and Ivgos became aware. When so many are ensorcelled by your gift, I guess the ‘expected’ feelings of an individual are less obvious, so no one blames Ivgos for taking some time to realise.
“My friend, why do you send me your sadness every day? Does nothing bring you joy?”
Tears filled his eyes as Craig bent his head. “I committed a great evil, causing pain and bringing death to those who cannot heal themselves, but I was not allowed to pay. I have little space within me for joy or laughter young Ivgos.”
“Will you tell me about it friend Craig?”
“I have lost some of the memories that explain why it happened, all I know is that I was the cause. Perhaps you could ask Robert Teller, for he knows.”
Candy joined them and Craig tenderly folded his fingers over her tiny hand as she placed it within his. “Are you certain you want to know all the truth Craig? Will it help you find peace? I hope you are ready, for until you find a way to forgive yourself you never will have space within you for joy and that will make me sad.”
He looked into her eyes for the strength he needed and nodded. “Yes, it is time I learn what drove me to commit such evil deeds.” I asked that we consult with Themi first but Candy refused to listen, insisting Craig has the right to decide for himself. A Unation officer present during the discussion consulted with his ship and privately let me know that Craig might need extra support for a while, mostly through allowing him to speak his thoughts, but he is as ready as he’ll ever be.
Robbie tried to emote reassurance and friendliness as he spoke, “Craig, I want you to declare two people your friends so that they can support you through the next few days. Do you wish Candy to be one of them?”
The telling for Craig could only take place the next day and by then Craig was a nervous wreck and had to fight his need to ask for a postponement. Neither Campbell nor Michael commented when Candy took his hand and led him to his place. The lights dimmed and the telling began. It started from the day our Robbie was ‘accused’ of spying on another Robert and Cherine.
Michael had taken his place, sending Candy away, within the first hour. Campbell sat alongside, broadcasting the right emoting to provide some kind of morale backup. Here is where I confess the truth. Craig was made to wait an extra day because the girls did their telling the previous night with all of who would be present tonight, so as to rob our emoting of the shocks and feelings that would harm Craig. I’m proud to say that it was Candy who thought of it.
The telling was only the first part of his healing. The real catharsis came after his agonising and self-blame. Once he began to talk of the little he recalled and the shock of the telling, he began to let go the bitterness he’d felt at being blamed for actions that made no sense to him. The bitterness had never been a strong element of his frame of mind, but even a hint of it can block the mind from knowing itself. A pattern was established without any decision being undertaken; he would spew out the words to either of the men and they would avoid trying to soothe him, only speaking when he tried to avoid a thought or deed he did not want to speak of. They would then leave and soon Candy would be by his side. She would ask him to tell her all he had told the men. He did so in a far less virulent manner, not only because it was Candy he spoke to, but also because the boil had been lanced and the men had drawn most of the poison out of his system. Candy was loving, found excuses for him and tried to be supportive. As she’d known would happen, he was thus forced to face himself and refuse to accept any excuses he’d wanted to make.
There is a new gentleness to Craig and I decided the time has come for strengthening him. I joined the Dalai Lama early the next morning and explained my thoughts, asking for his help.
“How is it you wish us to strengthen him? You are not pleased by the way he is now?”
“If he would be happy living in a monastery, he would be an ideal monk.” I did not elaborate and did not lift my eyes to his, looking as if into an inner distance as I waited.
He nodded. “Will he be linked as a Cherinian again?”
“Not during this life. I do not wish him to lose his gentleness and neither do I wish him to lose the sense of peace he has earned. However, he will have to face people who are cruel and he will face good people who are righteous and shun him for the evil he has done. I do not know how to help him find the inner strength he needs.”
The planets, eighteen in all plus twenty nine moons, were transferred at exactly the same time, each placed in the exact designated location. A complex system of electronic eyes recorded their appearance and reflected the first kiss of sunlight on them within the shield of the platform where the ceremony took place. The ceremony before the transfer did not include stirring music, fireworks or cannon shots. Various speeches were made but they were kept short and once all was ready, with the planets and moons in place, Batsy arrived at her chosen orbit. Distant from the other planets and being only a small moon in size and able to control her gravity, Batsy split in two. At the same instant she left her body and the Sparklers helped her split. The ‘new’ Batsy greeted the old and then us, giving her choice of name: Imbatsu.
As soon as the above occurrences were done with, we turned towards the gas giant and Robbie jumped us to its vicinity, Freddie also moving there. The Xudypaf are now to be given their planet - after one minor ceremony. We could not perform it within Freddie as the Xudypaf should be within their own environment, so Sedpyz is to be returned to life within the Sparkler World, within the planet his people are using temporarily. We did not want this to take on religious connotations so we made no appearances within the habitat that Robbie had visited, Sedpyz suddenly existed again and was alive and young. Everyone waited for a number of hours until those chosen to explain brought him out for all of us to meet.
The Xudypaf have transferred (in a large number of habitats) to their new home. Their praise and words of love for the Sparklers has endeared them to most species. Seeing their children allowed to play as they learn outside, riding currents that would frighten most other species, has been quite something to see. We had to get out of there as soon as we could since it did not take them long to begin asking what they can trade with us. I’m glad we remembered to include a metal rich belt of meteors for them to mine from, otherwise they would have struggled to find anything to trade.
Robbie decided that everyone else must wait, that it is time Ivgos and family return briefly to the Ribbon Planet. This time, both Bryce and Craig will visit with the Ivgos family.
Because Ivgos is to have company from Freddie, his family decided he should visit a divide and people they’d never met so that all can enjoy the excitement of meeting strangers. Robbie drew a rough sketch in the sand of the Ribbon continent, marked the various divides and after reminding Ivgos that the divides at either extreme would be freezing cold and covered in ice and snow, he asked him to pick a divide at random.
“I have long been curious about the City of Haramf, since Barvin chose it as our site for meeting. Is it in the frozen land?”
Robbie poked the sand with a stick. “It is not in the last divide as you were told - I suspect nobody travelled beyond it as the dividing mountains to the south are very high and have no passes.”
Guhpan’s raspy voice added, “There are no people in the last two divides Ivgos, they were kept as storage for the machines we need for regulating the climate. The machines that do the work are situated at the highest peaks where no climber or flyer can reach and though there is little pollution on our planet, the machines do wear out so we did need to keep spares.”
Robbie’s eyes lit up. “Do you have any worn out machines stored there?” When Guhpan indicated they do, he asked, “Would you permit our scientist to dismantle one to see how it works?”
“We can provide them with blueprints.”
“That would be appreciated, but an old machine would have its uses as we can study why it is worn and whether we have materials that can extend the lifespan of the engines.” Feeling much happier now, Guhpan immediately agreed to provide whatever the scientists need. Robbie gave Ivgos a grin. “Are you going to Haramf to find someone to fight?” We instantly protested, but Ivgos likes his sense of humour and they joked, teasing us and his family more than each other.
Over centuries we saw that our relationship with the Amowy was changing. As with most species that do not have advanced technology, a large percentage of the population lived outside the city and towns, farming or mining or fishing. This brought about a lower general standard of education with a growth in superstition. Religion turned us into both angels and devils and those who still worked with us were persecuted. As with all people, their beliefs were flawed by inconsistencies that they explained away by demanding faith. For instance, although they persecuted those who helped us as being devil worshippers, when they spoke of themselves in comparison to the peoples of other divides, they thought and spoke of themselves as the chosen!
We severed all communication with them as it had not been our intention to keep them outside the experiment. The damage, however, had been done and as you’ve learnt from meeting Ivgos, the fame of their city has spread to the opposite end of the continent.”
Coral asked, “What is their ecology like and what do the species look like - do they resemble any of the species in Freddie?”
“They do not. In superficial ways you could say the limbs resemble those of such and such a species, or the body or the eyes and so on. However, the totality resembles none other. They walk on two legs like you do, but the legs are the only hairy part of their body. This is for the hairs to collect the pollen from the plants they walk amongst and for pollinating them. The legs do not lie in line with their lower body. What are the hips and lower abdomen in you is a shiny round ball with skin as thick as that of your cattle with the legs affixed at the rear. The mid and upper bodies are slim and tube-like and rise upwards so that it looks as if they are about to fall over because they do not have front limbs for holding them up. Their arms are about a third of the length of the legs and are not strong enough to carry their weight. Of course, the way they seem to be to other species is not how it is for them, their legs and body muscles are strong and they can move very fast. Their eyesight is very keen and they could probably see more details of the land at the opposite side of Freddie than any of us can. They are not carnivorous and only eat fruit, not vegetables or leaves or grasses. A delicacy for them are the flowers of their fruit trees, which they ration as they cannot afford to lose the fruit which are far more nutritious.”
Claudia lightly frowned. “Are they evolved from insects?”
“Surely that question could only apply to creatures from your world?” Ahram asked. “If you were to choose that way of categorising species from other planets, surely you would have to say the same of Seuria and I - which would not be flattering for us, would it?” We all blushed, for he was right and we have all been guilty of doing so with many species. Maybe we should not be as embarrassed as we were, for what we do is natural and I don’t doubt other species categorise us in the same way. As long as we treasure their existence and their differences, surely we are being Cherinians? Robert: Sam, have you heard people described as being ‘horse faced’ or looking like a bulldog…and so on. Does loving them take away the sting of them knowing we think of them that way? Don’t keep your mind closed by justifying; remember that learning to think like a true Cherinian is just as important as being able to feel the best of emotions for all forms of life.
It was decided, by Guhpan, that he should not join the family during this trip as it is entirely possible there could exist individuals with ancient descriptions of his species. He used his ‘new’ gift as a Cherinian and jumped to one of the moon bases and returned with a large sum of Amowy art currency (they have two sets of currency). I can imagine that trading with them must be very complicated as their coins are made out of scrapings from their abdominal area. They are cooked for hours and then compressed within red hot metal jaws. The material has a warm brown appearance, somewhat like very old amber. Each person decides the shape of his coin and during one lifetime most individuals can produce from one to three coins a year. If the design is artistic and considered a work of art, it can double or treble the value. Some of the rarest coins of artists living decades in the past can purchase a mansion. Older art coins are not traded as they are, theoretically, valued too highly - though it is known that twice, in recent times, when there was a life debt, it was bought back by the exchange of such a treasure. The other currency is for small trades and is formed from washed up seashells. There is a class of workers who do nothing but scour the beaches at dawn to collect shells or parts of shells. Whole shell are not worth more but if the part cannot be worked into the shape of a coin it is worthless. Guhpan gave each person two art coins of medium artistic value and a small bag of shell coins.
They arrived half a day outside the city, entering it from a road that is not frequented by many travellers. We had prepared a surprise for them and it was waiting for them just beyond the first curve of the road. Waiting for them was the wagon Ivgos loves, with their singer and dancer friends, Tormaeos and Desiya, and his brother Asikrik. As soon as Ivgos saw them he gave a startled cry of joy and ran to exchange gestures of love, in the manner of their species.
Haikra is still the teacher, as they travel, wanting to turn every experience into a lesson for his charge. Ivgos is not interested in learning at this time, he is living an adventure of his own with his two Terran friends and his brother Krik. However, he remains the tender soul he has always been and listens to Haikra. Luckily Ahram is able to ensure Ivgos has more time for enjoying himself. This divide is unlike other divides in many ways. The sheer walls of granite (I have not examined them, but they seem to be granite) on the south side truly do rise much higher and there is no gap in them. There is no ‘Road’ for travellers along the spinal divide and the road from the north winds down the mountain sides to where the land smoothens into gently rolling hills and flat valleys with a mess of tiny streams splitting and splitting again. There are no big rivers!
The city of Haramf (the city itself is named Haramf, but when it is spoken of, it is always called City of Haramf - I don’t know why), is not shy and like a beautiful maiden shimmering with the energies of life flaunts itself from all directions. It sprawls over the lowest lands that gently sink into the big water and it climbs the stark and high cliffs to the side, the buildings on the cliffs like iridescent clusters of insect eggs, each of a slightly different hue when the sun kisses them and with an inner pastel glow at night. In Freddie all who admire or love beauty are fixed to the screens, amazed at what they are seeing and grieving for the homes that have grown dull, as if the heart has been stolen out of them because their owners have died without children to replace them.
Ivgos strayed from the road that leads into the city and lightly leaping across rills carved into the lush land by icy clear water, he pursued some childish fantasy of his - or so we presumed. Not even our Cherinian gifts hinted at what he was to find. We know for definite that he did not have a sense of purpose to his flitting in different directions, it was mostly exuberance that energised him. A small but long natural depression in the ground hid what was waiting until Ivgos was at its edge. He suddenly found before but slightly below him and less than sixty body lengths from him, about twenty creatures that did not resemble the Amowy. They bristled with teeth, claws and hair that was stiffened into thorns capable of piercing battle leather. Ivgos felt the rage directed at him in warning and stopped where he was. The others, sensing him, jumped to stand at his side, Haikra arriving before him. The cacophony of rage increased and they could all sense a demand that they depart or else they will be attacked.
“We should not provoke them further Haikra, this place is obviously of importance to them and we are trespassing.” Ahram tried to reach out, hoping his thoughts would soothe the animals. He felt a different mind and his mind glowed with pleasure. “Step back, all of you, step back, show them we are no threat. They are protecting a young one, an infant. The lack of infants for a long time now must have made the birth of this one very special to them, but if they try to attack us they could harm it by mistake.”
They all did as Ahram asked, delighted at the first sign of life continuing in this divide. All stepped back except for Ivgos. He stepped around Haikra and stepped forward and then crouched, his soft voice asking the others to retreat. He then concentrated on the animals, his eyes searching theirs, looking for a hint of intelligence. The animals could sense the others were still present, even though they were behind the rise of land, but with only Ivgos close to them, they visibly began to relax, remaining alert and wary, but not so strident in their demands he depart.
The hours dragged by without Ivgos moving, only his voice softly speaking as he tried to make eye contact. He wanted to see what an infant of theirs looks like and though he could have used his new Cherinian gifts to float over them, he preferred the challenge of making them his friends so that they trust him with the sight of their precious child. He wished they could understand him so that they learn more children are to be born to them. He sent his thoughts to Ahram. *Can Robert check how many there are of the sexes required for the species to survive? I must not promise them more infants unless I am certain it is true.*
