The Cray’s terra forming of Earth had resulted in a severe reduction of the human population. 57 yrs later, it remained remarkably similar
Virtually all humans now alive were born during the Cray occupation. A few, like the late Dara Branson, had been there at the beginning
“Transition” ensured the Cray’s adaptation to Earth normal was sustained and that an adequate number of humans remained. Numerical balance
The Cray’s natural clairvoyance was well known, if not understood. The telekinetic skill of the elders was less known but vital
The process was simple: a clairvoyant “cloud” of reassurance and false memory shielded the living from the absence of the soon to be dead
Some humans volunteered to transition and, in these cases the process was managed to seem more like a religious ascension to Heaven
The result was the same in either case. A human’s essence, their life force, memories and knowledge were assimilated; the body consumed
Only special cases were allowed to remain beyond the traditional 65 years. Any resistance to the process was managed through clairvoyance
Dara had been given dispensation through her remarkable relationship to Cray leader, Bloo. She & he were one now. She had not been shared
Bloo’s assimilation of Dara would have a profound effect on both the Cray, and humankind. The question was: who would see it first?
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Chapter 10 The Anniversary
A ceremony honoring the 5th anniversary of Dara Branson’s voluntary Transition was announced. Her family, in both populations, prepared.
Peter Branson, now relieved of the burdens of office, met Brad & Raina Avery at the air lock. Their son Geir Avery, now 3, ran to meet him
“Raina & Geir aren’t coming today, Dad.” “Why?” Peter asked, as he swept up his tow headed grandchild. “Bloo won’t be happy you know.”
“We go to the farm!” Geir blurted. “I’m swimming!” The child squirmed out of Peter’s arms & ran through the airlock door as it cycled open
Bloo came into view and was it now his turn to sweep up the child he considered his great grandson. “Blooooo” cried Geir as he flew upward
Neither Cray nor human had yet been able find a way around the translator, except mind to mind contact. Bloo addressed his human family
“I honor your mother” he said directly to Peter, handing him 3 white scarves. In MTM, he added “I love you all more than life itself.”
Dara’s last conscious thought, the note she’d left for Peter, was part of Bloo now. Her sacrifice impacted Bloo and, through him, all Cray
Human population was on the rise. The Transition was now entirely voluntary and, with the increased population, still sustaining the Cray
A remarkable covenant had naturally evolved between humans and the Cray. Always apart; yet not separate. Completely alien; yet familiar
Peter Branson, now relieved of the burdens of office, met Brad & Raina Avery at the air lock. Their son Geir Avery, now 3, ran to meet him
“Raina & Geir aren’t coming today, Dad.” “Why?” Peter asked, as he swept up his tow headed grandchild. “Bloo won’t be happy you know.”
“We go to the farm!” Geir blurted. “I’m swimming!” The child squirmed out of Peter’s arms & ran through the airlock door as it cycled open
Bloo came into view and was it now his turn to sweep up the child he considered his great grandson. “Blooooo” cried Geir as he flew upward
Neither Cray nor human had yet been able find a way around the translator, except mind to mind contact. Bloo addressed his human family
“I honor your mother” he said directly to Peter, handing him 3 white scarves. In MTM, he added “I love you all more than life itself.”
Dara’s last conscious thought, the note she’d left for Peter, was part of Bloo now. Her sacrifice impacted Bloo and, through him, all Cray
Human population was on the rise. The Transition was now entirely voluntary and, with the increased population, still sustaining the Cray
A remarkable covenant had naturally evolved between humans and the Cray. Always apart; yet not separate. Completely alien; yet familiar
Chapter 11 Going Home
Geir Avery and his shipmate Cray 307, nicknamed “True” stood together on the bridge of the Cray mother ship watching as Earth faded from view.
Thru transition, the Cray had developed the approximation of rather human facial features; smaller eyes, a functioning mouth and oddly, hair
When True was budded by Bloo, Geir was already spending as much time with Bloo as with his human father. Geir & True became inseparable
Humans evolved. Their nascent clairvoyant powers grew stronger. Geir showed special talent. Dara’s influence on humans & Cray continued
A message was received from the Cray home world. The need for fresh genetic material was great. The hybrid Cray of Earth would save them
“I honor your Earth.” True MTM’d, bringing his hands together 3 times to approximate clapping. “I honor yours.” Geir responded in 3 words
Both young, both yet to reach the peak of their powers, Geir and True smiled at each other as best they could. A Cray officer approached
Nearly 100 Earth years would pass before they saw each other again. Oblivious in stasis, neither would age again until then
Over the following year the Cray ship would automatically accelerate to just below the speed of light and rise above the plane of the galaxy
Engaging its own “event horizon” at a safe distance, the ship would be pulled through empty space towards Aldeberan, and the Cray home world
Thru transition, the Cray had developed the approximation of rather human facial features; smaller eyes, a functioning mouth and oddly, hair
When True was budded by Bloo, Geir was already spending as much time with Bloo as with his human father. Geir & True became inseparable
Humans evolved. Their nascent clairvoyant powers grew stronger. Geir showed special talent. Dara’s influence on humans & Cray continued
A message was received from the Cray home world. The need for fresh genetic material was great. The hybrid Cray of Earth would save them
“I honor your Earth.” True MTM’d, bringing his hands together 3 times to approximate clapping. “I honor yours.” Geir responded in 3 words
Both young, both yet to reach the peak of their powers, Geir and True smiled at each other as best they could. A Cray officer approached
Nearly 100 Earth years would pass before they saw each other again. Oblivious in stasis, neither would age again until then
Over the following year the Cray ship would automatically accelerate to just below the speed of light and rise above the plane of the galaxy
Engaging its own “event horizon” at a safe distance, the ship would be pulled through empty space towards Aldeberan, and the Cray home world
Chapter 12 Dara's Legacy
Remarkable changes had occurred by the 100th anniversary of the Crays initial revelation of their presence on Earth; and much more to come
Natural geneticists, the Cray had quickly adapted themselves to the remarkably different conditions on Earth.
Through the use of Transition, the assimilation and dissemination of human genetic material affected both species.
Humans developed the unused powers of their brain, particularly mind-to-mind contact. Cray developed functioning mouths and speech.
Transition evolved and now represented a reciprocal gift. The transition ceremony rivaled even the ancient human tradition of “marriage”
The legend of Dara Branson and her beloved Cray, Bloo, was imbedded in the very structure of the rapidly melding genome.
The Cray ship falling towards Aldeberan had eventually become a legend as well, although the memory of its crew lived on in place names.
DB 37, a lovely child at the age of 10 years, sat comfortably besides the stream which bisected the popular “Branson Eternal Monument.”
In the shade of the heroic statue of her distant cousin Geir Avery and his Cray bother True, DB
37 waited for her own blue friend to appearSuddenly DB’s heart was racing as she was nearly overcome with . . .fear! “They’re coming this way! We must hide!” came Rain’s urgent plea
Natural geneticists, the Cray had quickly adapted themselves to the remarkably different conditions on Earth.
Through the use of Transition, the assimilation and dissemination of human genetic material affected both species.
Humans developed the unused powers of their brain, particularly mind-to-mind contact. Cray developed functioning mouths and speech.
Transition evolved and now represented a reciprocal gift. The transition ceremony rivaled even the ancient human tradition of “marriage”
The legend of Dara Branson and her beloved Cray, Bloo, was imbedded in the very structure of the rapidly melding genome.
The Cray ship falling towards Aldeberan had eventually become a legend as well, although the memory of its crew lived on in place names.
DB 37, a lovely child at the age of 10 years, sat comfortably besides the stream which bisected the popular “Branson Eternal Monument.”
In the shade of the heroic statue of her distant cousin Geir Avery and his Cray bother True, DB
37 waited for her own blue friend to appearSuddenly DB’s heart was racing as she was nearly overcome with . . .fear! “They’re coming this way! We must hide!” came Rain’s urgent plea
Chapter 13 The Others
DeeBee, as she was typically addressed, arose and turned in time to see her Cray playmate, Rain, running to her in that odd way they move.
“Tell what’s chasing you!” she demanded through thought. Her own heart continued to be effected by the emotional outpouring from Rain.
“The Others sensed out plan to meet” Rain replied. “They are not 30 strides behind me!” At this, Rain reached the side of his friend
Without hesitation, the two joined hands & ran for the relative safety of the other side of the monument. There was a small door at the base
Safely inside, the door closed and bolted, Rain and DeeBee slumped together to the floor. They both concentrated on mental control .
The Others would detect directed thought, so the young friends each concentrated on different places in the small room; not on each other
It was nearly an Earth hour before Rain could use his superior mental powers to scan the area, and found it to be safe to exit safely
The Others were, after all, impulse hunters. They had no staying power. DeeBee had once likened them to the long extinct “cheetah”
“Rain, we can always go up to the farmhouse” DeeBee said in speech. “My palm is still registered, and we could spend the afternoon inside
“I must report.” Rain thought back. “The Others may be human, but they’re dangerous & must be stopped!” Even at 10, DeeBee understood why.
“Tell what’s chasing you!” she demanded through thought. Her own heart continued to be effected by the emotional outpouring from Rain.
“The Others sensed out plan to meet” Rain replied. “They are not 30 strides behind me!” At this, Rain reached the side of his friend
Without hesitation, the two joined hands & ran for the relative safety of the other side of the monument. There was a small door at the base
Safely inside, the door closed and bolted, Rain and DeeBee slumped together to the floor. They both concentrated on mental control .
The Others would detect directed thought, so the young friends each concentrated on different places in the small room; not on each other
It was nearly an Earth hour before Rain could use his superior mental powers to scan the area, and found it to be safe to exit safely
The Others were, after all, impulse hunters. They had no staying power. DeeBee had once likened them to the long extinct “cheetah”
“Rain, we can always go up to the farmhouse” DeeBee said in speech. “My palm is still registered, and we could spend the afternoon inside
“I must report.” Rain thought back. “The Others may be human, but they’re dangerous & must be stopped!” Even at 10, DeeBee understood why.
Chapter 14 The End
Dara’s legacy eventually spread throughout the known worlds of several galaxies. The insurrection of The Others on Earth was gently put down
The eventual descendents of Geir Avery returned to Earth and became the core of the Earth’s now vast space faring fleet.
Human and Cray, unable to completely meld their still remarkably different genetic structure were able to adapt to and adopt from each other
New species were discovered; and the spirit of Dara’s child-like acceptance of someone so outwardly strange was employed to include them.
Many challenges remained; diseases not only remained, new ones seemed to arrive on each new ship. Conflicts erupted; some on Earth itself
But on the 200th Anniversary of the Voluntary Transition of Dara Branson, a grateful people spread over nearly as many planets, gave thanks
Goss Defen, a native of Zeneb II and now working in the Intergalactic Solar Observatory, was in charge of monitoring over 1,000 suns.
His observations of N57001A, a rapidly expanding star of inestimable age troubled him greatly. Close enough to harm Earth, or even Zeneb II
The pleas of this young scientist had fallen on deaf ears. An unearned confidence had overtaken the elders of both the Cray and Humans.
It would be 100 years on before the traditional ceremonies included the courageous Goss Defen in worshipful honor of heroes who saved Earth
The eventual descendents of Geir Avery returned to Earth and became the core of the Earth’s now vast space faring fleet.
Human and Cray, unable to completely meld their still remarkably different genetic structure were able to adapt to and adopt from each other
New species were discovered; and the spirit of Dara’s child-like acceptance of someone so outwardly strange was employed to include them.
Many challenges remained; diseases not only remained, new ones seemed to arrive on each new ship. Conflicts erupted; some on Earth itself
But on the 200th Anniversary of the Voluntary Transition of Dara Branson, a grateful people spread over nearly as many planets, gave thanks
Goss Defen, a native of Zeneb II and now working in the Intergalactic Solar Observatory, was in charge of monitoring over 1,000 suns.
His observations of N57001A, a rapidly expanding star of inestimable age troubled him greatly. Close enough to harm Earth, or even Zeneb II
The pleas of this young scientist had fallen on deaf ears. An unearned confidence had overtaken the elders of both the Cray and Humans.
It would be 100 years on before the traditional ceremonies included the courageous Goss Defen in worshipful honor of heroes who saved Earth
Sunday, May 3, 2009
On Being Young and Stupid: Reflection
You know those days when you’re all fired up? You get to the office or school a little earlier than necessary, hit the deck running and, when you next look up, it’s 3:30 in the afternoon and you haven’t even had lunch? It’s recently occurred to me that I have lived my life like that. The problem is what do you do with the last hour and ½ of your day or, figuratively speaking, your life? There isn’t enough time to start and finish something new; yet it’s too long a period to just sit there like a mushroom, waiting for someone turn off the lights.
Things seemed less complicated when I was young and stupid. As I matured, I eventually realized why the words “young” and “stupid” are so often linked. We make selections from the seemingly unlimited array of choices before us, but we are often (a) unaware of the act of choosing; and, (b) if we are aware of making a choice, we almost never contemplate or understand the consequences.
On a personal level, you could think of it as “bad boyfriend” syndrome. You choose a guy for his looks and sex appeal, and after you break up a month later, you look back with new, clearer eyes and realize your mistake – until the next demi-god on wheels rolls into view. What you’re really choosing is not a boyfriend, but an image of yourself you hope you see in the eyes of someone you admire. You’re not seeing “him” at all. Truthfully, he probably doesn’t see you either, and for the same reason. Too bad we have to live through the side effects so often.
The choices seem to keep on coming, and we doggedly keep slogging away at it until the image matches our expectations; or we just give up. Somewhere along the line, I just gave up. You leave the field. The roar of the crowd dims with distance and you don’t look back for fear of turning into that pillar of salt. It’s a choice.
If you’ve been raised to believe you can, you will. If your upbringing was more ambiguous, you still can – but it’s a hell of lot harder. I just didn’t see it coming; the afternoon of my life. But, when I think about it, looking back, I had a pretty good day already – just not the one I was expecting.
Things seemed less complicated when I was young and stupid. As I matured, I eventually realized why the words “young” and “stupid” are so often linked. We make selections from the seemingly unlimited array of choices before us, but we are often (a) unaware of the act of choosing; and, (b) if we are aware of making a choice, we almost never contemplate or understand the consequences.
On a personal level, you could think of it as “bad boyfriend” syndrome. You choose a guy for his looks and sex appeal, and after you break up a month later, you look back with new, clearer eyes and realize your mistake – until the next demi-god on wheels rolls into view. What you’re really choosing is not a boyfriend, but an image of yourself you hope you see in the eyes of someone you admire. You’re not seeing “him” at all. Truthfully, he probably doesn’t see you either, and for the same reason. Too bad we have to live through the side effects so often.
The choices seem to keep on coming, and we doggedly keep slogging away at it until the image matches our expectations; or we just give up. Somewhere along the line, I just gave up. You leave the field. The roar of the crowd dims with distance and you don’t look back for fear of turning into that pillar of salt. It’s a choice.
If you’ve been raised to believe you can, you will. If your upbringing was more ambiguous, you still can – but it’s a hell of lot harder. I just didn’t see it coming; the afternoon of my life. But, when I think about it, looking back, I had a pretty good day already – just not the one I was expecting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)