30 yr. old Secretary of Defense of the Northern Alliance, Brad Avery, stood with his back pressed against the closed door of the airlock
Raina Doll, 27 yr. old high priestess of The Church, and soon to be Mrs. Brad Avery, lay senseless and still in his strong arms
A Cray of unknown age was standing in front of them and, having picked up the three apples, was holding them out as if to give them back
"Don’t do it Brad!" came the sharp, and very recognizable voice of a human female. "Don’t take the apples from 86." the voice commanded
"Dara! You’re OK?" he exclaimed. "Yes, of course I am! Bloo wouldn’t hurt me; we’ve been visiting." she replied. "Bloo meet Brad Avery."
So it was true! Dara Branson was the human connection to the Cray, and to their . . what? . .their king Cray 300; "Bloo" to his human friend?
Bloo stepped forward & the other Cray retreated a respectful distance. Brad noticed that Dara, nearly 70, still held one blue hand in hers
Towering over Brad, Bloo began to speak through the translator. Brad heard: "Cray 47 is safely back with his family. He is well."
“Our mission is not served by harming these humans nor by returning their gift without cause” he intoned. “They will go back immediately!”
Bloo then looked down at Dara, who smiled broadly, released his hand and joined Brad and the awakening Raina in the opening airlock
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Chapter 8 The Sacrifice
“Dara! How could you believe this would work?” President Branson stood before his mother, his fists clenched in frustration and relief
“Peter” Dara said softly as she lifted her hand to her son’s face “You couldn’t know, no one could know. I knew Bloo wouldn’t harm me.”
The sounds of yelling and confusion erupted just outside the President’s office. Raina Doll burst through the doors; nearly breathless
“Dara! President Branson!” she cried out, struggling out of the grasp of a security officer. “It’s Brad, he’s entered Transition! Hurry!”
Both Dara Branson and her son Peter, President of the Northern Alliance were seized in the same instant by the horror of Raina’s words
“Transition?” Peter whispered. “ It’s not time! They can’t take him this early!” He turned to his mother, his face white “Dara, please.”
“Please! Hurry!” cried Raina as she ran for the door. President Branson was right behind her. Dara calmly walked to a 2nd door & outside
She closed her eyes and felt the calm place. She felt the sensation of talking to Bloo. “Help me” she thought. “I will” he responded
Raina’s tears rained down on the face of her beloved. His body stiffened then jerked awake. “Brad!” she cried. “Raina?“ he whispered
President Branson returned to his office and found Dara’s note. “My darling, I know Brad will be fine now. I love you all more than life.”
“Peter” Dara said softly as she lifted her hand to her son’s face “You couldn’t know, no one could know. I knew Bloo wouldn’t harm me.”
The sounds of yelling and confusion erupted just outside the President’s office. Raina Doll burst through the doors; nearly breathless
“Dara! President Branson!” she cried out, struggling out of the grasp of a security officer. “It’s Brad, he’s entered Transition! Hurry!”
Both Dara Branson and her son Peter, President of the Northern Alliance were seized in the same instant by the horror of Raina’s words
“Transition?” Peter whispered. “ It’s not time! They can’t take him this early!” He turned to his mother, his face white “Dara, please.”
“Please! Hurry!” cried Raina as she ran for the door. President Branson was right behind her. Dara calmly walked to a 2nd door & outside
She closed her eyes and felt the calm place. She felt the sensation of talking to Bloo. “Help me” she thought. “I will” he responded
Raina’s tears rained down on the face of her beloved. His body stiffened then jerked awake. “Brad!” she cried. “Raina?“ he whispered
President Branson returned to his office and found Dara’s note. “My darling, I know Brad will be fine now. I love you all more than life.”
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Chapter 9 Life Force
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?
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?
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.
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