mystic traveler chapter 04

8/8/2019 Mystic Traveler Chapter 04

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“It is what my people call the planets ecosystem. The planet

has a strong fluctuation in temp, to balance itself out. I'm sure you

might have noticed the temp rising as we walk.”

“I thought I was just causing it by walking,” Berg says.“Well the body does produce extra heat as you walk, but what

you are feeling is the day warming up. The bad thing is that it will

continue to just before sunset.”

“You mean the planet will burn us?” Tieth asks scared.

“No it wont do that. It will just get so hot and stop. But the

temp will get hot enough to become uncomfortable.”

“What can we do?” asks Peth.

“The computer is trying to find a solution. If it doesn't, wewill just have to take our time. It might take us longer, but we will

be better off.”

“What do we do?” Berg asks.

“Right now we just walk, and if anyone gets to hot we stop

and rest. Did you bring water?”

“What is water?” Peth asks.

“Oh dear lord,” I blurt, “Don't you all drink something?”

“Drink?” Peth questions.“Okay hold on a bit,” I say then speak in my mind. What in

the world? They are going to dry of dehydration.

Possible but unlikely. The algae gives them enough liquid to

sustain them.

If they are in town, but they are going to sweat off a lot more.

Oh sorry we did not anticipate that. We require very little

water and don't perspire. This might be a problem.

Well the brother did it. We just have to figure out how. I

would say go back and get some, but I doubt I can find any.

We think you are right. We don't see much mention of water.

Okay this don't make sense. How did they all survive for so

long without water. The body is something like ninety percent

water.

The algae compresses the water molecules so they actually

get more water then it looks.Okay do you calcu-thingy and see how we stand.”

Okay. I can hear the urgency in Grass's reply.

“The computer is working on a solution. We can at least keep

walking while we wait. I know Tieth's brother made it, so there

has to be a way.” I motion for us to continue.

Reluctantly they all turn and start walking. Well except Cliff.

He didn't seem to care one way or the other. I walk up next to

Cliff.“Tell me of your connect.” I say while looking forward.

I see him glance at me out of the corner of my eye. He then

asks, “Must I?”

“Of course you don't. Everyone grieves in their own way. I

just know where I come from, everyone gets together and talks

about the dearly departed to help each other through the grief.”



“Why did you refer to the dead a 'Dearly departed?'” Cliff

asks with only a slight interest.

“Where I come from the person who has dies is celebrated for

the great things they do. Dearly departed is our way to help theliving handle the death. Dearly refers to the honor we feel for

being in that persons life.”

We walk in silence for some time before Cliff speaks again.

“Can you tell me of your grieving time, on your planet?”

“I have not had the pain of loosing someone, but I can tell you

how others have done it. On my planet there is no set grieving

time. Each person is allowed to grieve how ever long they want

to.After the dearly departed has died everyone that knows them,

and wants to, gather at a wake. It is simply a time where everyone

gets together and comforts each other.”

“Why is it called a wake?” I can hear a slight increase in his

mood.

“I'm not really sure. But I heard that it was because in older

times they weren't sure the person was dead. So to be sure, they

would lay out the body for so long to see if they wake up.”“But memory tells when they are dead.” Cliff seems to be

getting really interested in what I am saying.

“On my planet we don't have a memory. We have doctors.

And they do not know even half of what memory knows. But

anyway while everyone is together we talk about all the things the

person did. We laugh and we cry together.”

“Why would you laugh at someone dying?” Cliff sounds

disgusted. I realize how similar this scenario is to the one me and

Grass had. The only difference is the shoe is on the other foot.

“We do not laugh because of the person who dies. We laugh

at the funny things the person did. We laugh at jokes some say.

But I think we laugh to help us from falling apart.

Most of my people have a saying. 'Remember the person as

they lived not as they died.'

That is why I asked you to tell me of your connect. On my planet we believe the person truly never dies as long as someone

remembers them.

The body may be gone, but the soul lives on in each person

touched by that person. Like my grandfather. He may be gone,

but he lives on in my families memories. I may not have ever met

him, but a part of him still lives in me. I have been told about him,

so his actions and personality still live in me.”

We again walk in silence for some time before Cliff speaks.“Her name was Sasa. And I agree she is dearly departed. She was

the most wonderful person in the world. Her smile was exciting.

No matter what memory said, she would say they will come.

She would always want me to run. Even when I was down,

she made me run. She would say running is like the wind. Always

moving never still.



She would race the children and always let them win. She

would always say they were to fast for her, when they weren't.

She would always get them to smile.

If someone would not smile for her she would tickle them tillthey smiled or laughed. She would say a smile is like the sun,

always bright.”

“Remember when she tickled, Seth?” Tieth asks.

Cliff perks up and smiles, “Yeah he refuse to smile for her. He

said today had no smile. So she started tickling him.

At first he resisted, but she kept at it. I thought they would go

through the night tickling and resisting. She would not give up.

She found a spot where he jerked, so she went after that spot.He would try to pull away, but she followed him.

He would start to smile but stop. It did not stop her, the more

he resisted the harder she tried.

Finally Seth fell to the ground and laughed hard. He kept

yelling 'stop, stop I give up' but she kept it up for some time.

When she stopped Seth was out of breath, but smiling. She

made him say he would always smile for her, and he always did.”

“Berg what do you remember about her?” I ask.“Hmm let me think. She would never leave me alone about

Peth. She kept telling me to ask her to connect. I kept telling it

was not time yet.

She would say, 'Who cares,' and kept bothering me about it.”

Berg looks at Peth lovingly. “Now I wish I would have. She was

so right about you. You were always my connect.” He leans over

and kisses Peth and almost stumbles off his feet. We all laugh,

even Cliff.

We continue to talk about Sasa, laughing and crying together.

I wish now I had met her. She sounds so wonderful. She was the

light in their dark times.

Cliff now seems energetic and attentive. I do not know how

they did their grieving time, but I don't think it works to well. It

wasn't till now that I realize the importance of those wakes.

As a child I had been to one, but I was to young to understandwhat was going on. I thought at the time the body in the coffin

was a dummy. It's strange what a child will think of to make

sense of things.

We stop talking for some time and just walk, when I wipe

sweat off my brow. It was then I recall the water problem. I look

at the others and they were beginning to sweat too.

Grass. I say in my head. Any luck on the hydration problem?

Not fully. According to figures the algae will sustain them for some time. They have a good schedule on when to take them.

After some more figuring we realize that they will be on the verge

of dehydration, when you reach the city. There is a facility a little

ways in the city for food. We are not sure if they will all have the

strength to make it though. Cliff is registered as lacking

physically, due to not eating properly. Tieth and Berg should



make it no problem. Their system is accustomed to exertion. Why,

we're not sure, but they both show increased muscle mass in spite

of the general sedentary life style, of most in the town. Peth may

also be a problem. Physical scans show very little muscle mass,at least compared to the others. The physical characteristics are

not designed for long travel. Her physic is designed for

reproduction and nurturing.

I laugh out loud. Everyone stops and looks at me. I notice a

tree not too far from us. I point to the tree, “Lets take a break

under that tree, and I will explain.” We head to the tree.We do not understand the humor either. Grass says a little

concerned.Where I am from you would have been called a bigot or

sexist. I say in my head.

Why? Grass asks slightly confused.

Where I come from women are adamant to say they can do

anything a man can. And the statement you said would enrage

them.

But according to the physical stats it is true.

I laugh in my head. I understand but we humans strive to bemore then our physical states. There are some woman on earth I

would never cross. They could probably bend me like a toothpick.

We do not understand. Grass just sounds to be getting more

and more confused.

Berg, Peth, Cliff, Tieth, and me take a seat on the ground out

of the sun. Let me explain things to them, then I will try to explain

to you. I say in my head, then speak to the others. “Grass had

made a comment that would have outraged most of the women on

my world. It caught me off guard and I laughed.”

“Can you tell us?” Peth asks, “Or is it just for you and this

Grass?”

“No it isn't private. I guess I can see your reaction too.” I say

and she nods. “We were discussing the dehydration problem and

how it relates to each of us.” I say to begin.

“Do you mind telling us. I feel we need to know to understoodour chances,” Berg says.

“Of course, you are right, you deserve to know. Well I am not

in the equation since my talents all but alleviate the problem you

all have.”

“How?” Tieth asks.

“I have the talent mimic. When I transform into a plant I am

fed in that form. That is why last night I didn't have to sleep. The

plant I transformed into over charged me.” I smile in my head andon my face.

“Well anyway, I am not a factor. Now, Cliff, Grass was a little

concerned since he has not been eating right,” I say and Cliff

bows his head.

“I will cause us to fail wont I?” Cliff asks.



“Actually no, the computer is just afraid you might be really

weak when we get to the city. As long as you don't over extend

yourself, you should make it,” I say and Cliff's head rises.

“Now Tieth and Berg, the computer had no concern about. Itsaid they were actually a little more fit then expected.” I say and

they nod agreement.

“Now comes the point the woman on my planet would have a

fit, on. The computer said that Peth is just physically designed to

give birth and nurture,” I say.

All the guys nod in agreement and Peth says, “The computer

is right.”

I do a double take on Peth. “Where I come from the womanwould call that sexist. And say what ever a man can do a woman

can do. And some even say better.”

Peth nods in agreement, “The name I do not know, but the

assessment they make is correct also.”

I drop my mouth. “Now you have me confused. How can both

views be right?”

Peth looks at me like you would a child that is upset. “The

female is designed to give birth and nurture. That is what it wascreated to do. And I am proud I have that right.

To give life to a living being is the highest honor of any life

form. We are the sole reason our species lives on. For any female

to demean that is awful.

Now despite we are designed differently, does not mean we

can't do more. Our physic is really not that different then a males.

The few differences do not hinder our ability to do that which

a male does. We simply have to work harder in on area of our life

then another.

I agree with Grass or Memory whoever made this assessment.

I have already taken that into account when I packed. Berg

packed extra for everyone.

When we did not know Tieth was going, we had enough for

one extra person, so we did not have to pack for him.

But when you talked of this dehydration I was worried. I havesome knowledge of it, but have not had to deal with it.

I was ready to go back and get more supplies to keep the

dehydration from being a problem. I know I am fairly safe from

it, because I packed extra to compensate for my physical lacking.

You have said you do not need food or water to sustain you,

so that has compensated for our lack of extra. I believe we will

not have a problem with nutrition or have to worry about

dehydration.If this Grass thinks I have planned wrong, I would be willing

to discuss it.”

I just sit there with my mouth open. Grass then says. Okay

your planet is right, Females are better.

I look up at an angle, “Hey.”



Well she is right. According to the computer and our figures,

she has more then compensated for lack. Oh and you might

explain the difference between memory and us. She has already

deduced that you are referring to two different things.I look back at them. They all have a dumbfounded look on

their face except Peth. “Well grass and memory agree with you

Peth. And Grass told me to explain their difference. Grass

realized you had figured out that they were not the same, by the

way I talked.” I say and Peth nods.

“Grass is just that, grass. On the destination planet the grass

has connected to the computer, and now become a part of it.

From what I gather your ancestors anticipated this andactually encouraged it. I think it makes this a super computer this

way.”

Peth nods, “I agree, the systematic functioning of memory add

with intuition and intelligent deductive reasoning make the best

combinations.”

“Nothing gets past you does it?” I ask Peth.

“Most of the time, no. I am a health support. I am suppose to

watch for as many possibilities as possible. That helps preventsevere injury.”

“All righty then. I guess since we got the computer in my

head and your connected to Berg, we are good to go,” I say as I

get up.

Berg hugs Peth and they all get up. Berg takes the lead and we

head off into the wild blue yonder. I now feel however that we

have better then average chance of making it.

As we walk, I see them all take out what looks like gray

blocks from a pouch. They pop it in their mouth and swallow. If

that has been their food source all their life, no wonder they look

depressed. I don't know if I could take that as my only source of

food.

I don't know how long we have been walking when I really

get thirsty. As I begin to feel the thirst, I start looking for a tree I

can see easily and ask in my head, is there a good source of water for the trees in the area?

Yes there is an underground water source that runs along in

here. We have been keeping an eye out so to speak for you.

Thanks. You think it would be better for me as a tree or grass

blade?

We recommend tree, if possible, their roots go deeper. The

tree has also adapted to the dryer climate better. The grass is

using water that has fallen several weeks ago, and it is drying up.Sounds good to me. Now I just have to hope there is a tree in

site soon.

If you will be okay for ten minutes, a tree will be almost in

your path, if berg stays with his course.

Warn me if his direction veers off.

Of course.



After ten minutes of walking I see a tree in the distance,

almost directly in front of us. About five more minutes of walking

and the tree is in view enough I can use it.

“Hold on everyone,” I say and stop. They follow suit and stop.They all look at me and I continue, “I'm getting really thirsty so I

need to minute to refresh. This heat is zapping my reserves.”

“Of course Ben. What do we need to do to help?” Berg asks.

“I would suggest you step back about two steps, and then

enjoy the shade for about three hours.”

They all step back and I focus on the tree. I say transform and

I am instantly a tree. I don't really feel any different then an earth

tree.I do feel I need to stretch my roots a little to get some water.

Once I get the water flowing up, I begin to hear some strange

sounds.

At first I think it is talking, but I am unable to understand

what I am hearing. I try to strain to pick up anything familiar.

No matter how much I try it, just sounds like random sounds

in a pattern. I wish I could make out what it is. I know there isn't

danger or I would have changed back. It is your companions talking, Ben Grass says. Its odd this

time, I hear it in my tree senses.Then why can't I understand them, I could on earth if

someone talked. I comment.They don't talk English, Ben. They talk in their native

language. In human form the computer translates for you. But as

a tree the computer is not able to translate. We think it has

something to do with conflict of interest. The computer says it

would be a double translate, and the meanings would be lost so it

simply does not try.

But it just translates in English, I could understand. I say

desperately wanting to hear them.The computer says it is insufficient and unnecessary to

translate into a species language, that is not present. Grass

laughs. Ironic the computer is designed to work with subjectswith this ability, but it is unable to fully understand its workings.

That it is. I say then concentrate on water and food.

When I transform back Tieth falls up against me. He jerks up

and looks at me, “Sorry I didn't know you were ready to change

back. I apologize greatly.”

I smile and say, “Don't worry about it. I've had lots worse

happen to me. I got in trouble once for letting my brother fall and

break a leg. Like I can warn someone before I change back. Of course that didn't matter, it was still my fault. She said something

about not changing, then grounded me. Well tried anyway.”

Peth looks at me strangely, “Why would you get in trouble for

a talent? It is an honor to have them.”

I point to indicate movement, “Lets walk while we talk, take

up more distance and the air feels good.” everyone follows Berg.



“Because on my planet we did, and do not know anything of the

talents. In fact most believe we are alone in the universe.”

“That is a pity, but not unexpected,” Peth says.

We continue to walk in silence. Time at this point reallymeans little to me. The only reason it did on earth was I had to

watch it to keep a schedule.

The scheduling here is at dawn they wake up. Find something

to keep your attention as long as possible. At dark decide if you

are tired enough to sleep. After sleep repeat process.

I wonder how people on earth would handle that. No reason to

compete with another for position or money. Have every thing

you need, and a little more. Could humanity as a whole survive?I look up and see the sun is on its end arch to sunset. I look at

the others, and surprisingly, they don't seem to be any worse for

ware.

They are actually doing quite well. We are surprised at how

resilient the human physic is. We have been monitoring Berg and

Peth through the computer. Grass says. Cliff and Tieth have not

interacted with memory enough to get fully registered. This

hinders tracking of them. We can track you easily through thelink and the life device. After some analysis of the reactions each

of the three of you portray, we have made a startlingly

conclusion.

What is that? I ask in my head.The five of you might make it to the city sooner then originally

calculated. Memory is actually unable to take into account the

resistance of the human body. Memory has many millenia of data

to work with, but a simple calculation of the human spirit eludes

it. No manner of calculating it can make it figure the simplest of

truths a human takes for granted. It figures max of nine hours of

walking, and the body will begin to show signs of fatigue. We

have been taking the new data from what we get form the five of

you. We surprise ourselves with the conclusion. We estimate that

the five of you could actually make it in a day or two. This is still

taking into account your transformation, and short sleep break.We don't recommend it. That would push your endurance to its

limit. But it is possible. We would have never suspected the

capabilities of the human design.

We are a bit hard to figure out at times aren't we? I smirk in

my head.

Yes you are.

Any thing you can think of that would be helpful on the

journey? Actually yes. We have been checking geography of the planet.

There looks to be a pond or spring between you and the city. We

have no way of testing the water now, but we might have a way

when you need it.

Sounds good, how?

You. They say plain and direct.



Me? I try to wrap my mind around any possible way I can test

the water, and come up empty.

Quite simple. You drink the water and change to local fauna.

By transforming right after drinking, you protect yourself fromany poisoning. After drinking we will be able to analyze its

structure while in your system.

Interesting I never thought of that, but that would be the

perfect way. I nod my head.Well not perfect. The actual best way would be to use the

scanners at the city, but that would be difficult.

Okay be that way, say I am an inferior device. I chuckle in my

head. It takes them a bit, but they eventually laugh. Guess theyhad to think on that one.

Could you warn us about an hour before sunset. I think it

wise to be prepared for night. I don't know what comes out after

dark. I say in my head.

As you wish. We think a rest and recoup all night would

extend your chances too. Grass says absentmindedly.What is distracting you? I ask.

What do you mean? We are not distracted, we are able to domany things at once.

I know, and I also know that you can do them all easily. But

every now and then it seems like something else seems to attract

more of your attention.

We are sorry, we did not realize it was noticeable. We are

talking with Seth as well. His conversations are very intriguing.

The man thinks deep. He did say since he got the ring, things

seem more clear. I explained why to him and that opened more

questions from him. Its like each answer crates more questions

for him.

Actually it does. That is the inquisitiveness of our two species.

That is how they created this vast empire, so to speak. If they had

not been always asking questions, none of this would exist.

Intriguing, We have never thought about it before. We have

had no one to communicate with to ask questions. Actually you have the best thing to be inquisitive about.

Memory itself. It has in essence all of who and what the Oranians

are. They created it. So in every small area of the computer, and

even its devices, is an Oranian. I am guessing, but I bet every

voice in it once came from or was influenced by an Oranian. The

voice on the test temple could not have been a random choice.

That voice was chosen because it is very calming to me. If it had

been a woman as the subject it probably would have been male.Or it could have been female but less sweethearty.

Your right, the voice is programed from the input from the

validation, intriguing. Again they sound distracted.Well have fun.

Grass's voice sounds down. Sorry we did it again didn't we?



Yes, but it is quite all right every species does it. You are

becoming normal.

Thanks. I can hear the smile in their voice.

We continue to walk in silence. It is taking me a bit to get useto this. Everyone I know on earth tend to talk a lot. These

Oranians take what they do very seriously

Most I know talk to fill time, but I guess since they are all use

to a very monotonous life, silence is almost expected. The more I

am with them the more I pity them.

I cannot imagine having a life like this. To me it would be the

roughest, easy life. I would have no clue what would be

considered fun here.To have no games or movies. Eating a cube several times a

day. I'm sure there can't have any flavor. They just swallow it like

a pill.

I shiver forgetting my talents. The ground shakes and

everyone freezes in anticipation. I almost run into Berg before I

stop.

“Sorry,” I say, “That was me. Another talent of mine. I forgot

about it and it slipped out.”Tieth looks at me excited, “Wow what else can you do?”

“I can disintegrate things on touch. My touch can cause fear.

That is why I never touch anyone. I can blink or as the computer

calls it sight teleport, I think.

They were all a pain as a kid, but fear was the worst. I could

not have a future connect, because every time I touched a female

they would run screaming.”

“That is sad,” Peth says sorrowful, “You must have had an

awful childhood.”

“I thought so at the time, but I see you and your plight and I

can't believe I felt mine was so bad.”

“We do not have a bad life, Ben. Ours is one of ease. We

simply live a life of ease. We have nothing to fear or distract us.

We live and we die, it can get no simpler then that.” she makes it

sound like I am the one who should be pitied.“Yes you have everything your body needs. The one thing

your lives lack thought is stimulation.”

“I do not understand how that is a problem?” Peth states.

“That is because you have grown indifferent. I could never

live this way. To never have anything to laugh or cry about. It

sounds like hell to me.”

“I don't know what hell is, but we laugh and cry. We did it

earlier. We just see no need to be that way all the time.”“I understand that, but where is the excitement, the desire?

Even when you two were connected it was done in a matter of

fact way. Where is the celebration, the strive for better?”

“There is nothing more to strive for beyond a connect. And I

do not know what more would be needed then head council doing

the connect.” she sounds like I am the one needing comfort.



“This is my point. You have become so numb to life, you

cannot even comprehend what I am saying,” I say exasperated.

“I am sorry we do not comprehend your meaning. We are

quite happy with our lives.”Grass is there any references in the computer on

entertainment, or anything that they did to have fun? I say in my

head. “Wait a moment I am asking the computer something,” I

say and they nod.There are many thousand references to entertainment. Is

there any particular area you are interested in?

I send a rough idea of what I want to Grass in one quick

thought and visions. I will have to say telepathy would have beenreally neat talent to have.

A few seconds pass and Grass replies in my head. Yes they

had theater as well as games. Not to mention most citizens were

given passes, so to speak, to watch the training. After just a quick

scan we would say, when the cities were at full functioning and

no disease they were very similar with entertainment as earth.

They just had more advanced ways to use it.

Thank you. I say to grass, then speak out loud. “What do youall do for entertainment?”

“Entertainment?” Cliff asks.

“Hmm, what do you do to take up the long hours of the day?”

Berg looks at me like I was an idiot not to know. “We study

with memory and call to the makers in our head.”

I roll my eyes, “Oh dear lord, you are all monks.”

They all glance at each other confused, then look back at me.

Exasperated I say, “Lets get going, maybe I can show you once

we get to the city.” I take off in the direction we were heading.

“I can't believe a race this advanced is reduced to monks. A

race that could blow every child’s wildest fantasy on earth out the

window.

Every actor and actress would give a left lung just to have a

chance to be in an Oranian's movie. Damn I could have even seen

a true holodeck if they hadn't been wiped out by a stupid bug.Good lord I can't believe a damn ugly little disgusting vermin

wiped out my chance at a freakin holodeck. I could blow up a

damn planet and it truly look like a planet.

The irony of it all. I wish my whole life to go to the stars and

explore strange new worlds. And would you believe I find the one

that has damn monks.

Okay fate I get it you are cruel. You just love the irony of all

of this. I am created by aliens to help them be more then meremonks. Shit would the monks on earth love this, a perfect retreat.

They could hom de whatever all day and night.”

I was so wrapped up in my ramblings I had not realized Grass

was yelling in my head. Would you stop now, it is half hour

before sundown.



I freeze in place, “Oh god how far off course have I gotten

us?” I say in panic.

“We are on course, Ben, I think you know it better then me.”

Berg says in surprise.That is thanks to us. Grass says in my head. It is surprising

how easy it is to guide you, when you are pissed. You have been

rambling for over two and a half hours. We don't think you

remember half of what you said. We will have to admit some of it

was very funny. We can just imagine what the others thought.

“Oh crap,” I say out loud, and spin around, “I am so sorry.”

“If this is anything like, this entertainment you speak of,” Peth

says, “Then I think I understand why you find it necessary. Youmade us all laugh for some time.

We all feel we could continue this all night. I am glad Grass

or computer got your attention though. It is getting late and we

will need our sleep tonight.”

“Uh, yeah okay, Yeah right okay, here okay?” I stammer.

“Under the tree over there would be perfect,” Cliff says.

“Yes,” Tieth agrees.

I look and see a tree just a few yards away. I slowly, inhumility, head to it. “Sounds good.” I walk to the tree and flop

with my back against the truck. The others roll out their bed roles

and take a seat facing me.

They watch me intently while I mull in embarrassment. None

seem in any hurry to break the silence. After several minutes of

fleeing like a side show attraction I finally have to say something.

“I am so sorry I lost it again. I hope I did not insult any of you.”

They all shake their head and Peth says, “I would not know if

I was insulted. I don't know most of what you talked about. At

first I thought you were talking to Grass, or the computer. But as

you talked I realized you were talking to yourself.

I had thought a mental sickness had come over you. I did not

want to interrupt for fear of you becoming physically violent. The

part that confused me was you turn in the right directions.

Berg said you were following a path he did not know. At firstwe were worried you were taking a path of death. Berg then tells

me the path you were taking was taking us to the city. He didn't

know how you knew.”

“Grass was doing it. I guess when I was upset and rambling

he was able to get me to go the right direction,” I say.

“Could Grass guide you when you are not upset or, uh,

rambling?” Berg asks.

I'm sure we could. We just have to set it in a higher brain function, and you react where you need to. Grass says in my head.

“He says yes why?”

“The path he sends you avoids the traps better then me,” Berg

says.

“What traps?” I ask.



Berg points to a patch of dying grass. “There, we have seen

them from town so we asked memory. Memory says these are

local life under the ground waiting for food.”

I look and see a brown patch similar, but larger, then the onesI saw as we left town. “There is something there under the

ground?” I ask.

“Yes,” Tieth says. “I ventured out of town a few times. One

time I saw a local life running through the grass. It hit a brown

area and two arms came out of the ground and sucked it under. I

stayed in town after that.”

“Understandable. Would scar the shit out of me.” I focus on

Berg. “Are there any other animals we need to watch for?”“I don't know,” Berg replies. “I only know of that local life.”

Any info on the local animal life Grass? I ask in my head.

None that we can see that is important. Since the Oranians

had the full use of their technology, they didn't see any need to

see if any were dangerous. They had devices that would keep

what you call a danger at bay.

“Well Grass can't help us on the wild life. Your ancestors

didn't have to deal with them, so they didn't make notes on potential dangers.”

“Memory said that the brown spots would eat other life, check

for that,” Tieth says.

“That I doubt would work. On my planet there are very little

ones that eat other life. These insects could not eat us,” I say

disappointed.

“Then have Grass do a search that would find the other life

eaters, of a size dangerous to us,” Peth suggests.

“Oh good one, or maybe ones with poison sufficient to disable

us, or worse,” I say.

On it. Grass says.

“Grass is checking now,” I say.

“What is this blink and disintegrate you say you have? Can

you show me?” Tieth asks.

“I don't like to use the disintegrate to much. I hate to destroythings. I feel that it could backfire or something. But I can show

you blink.”

I look at a spot a short distance away and blink. I then look

back at my spot and blink back. “That is one of the more funner

of my abilities,” I say.

“Why would you consider that bad?” Peth asks.

“That one I don't. It is the only one I consider helpful or fun.

It is the others I don't want.”“Why do you think of them as bad, when memory says they

are good?” Cliff asks.

“I really can't answer that yet. But it could be because the

computer doesn't have to deal with them



I did a search last night and found that I am not the only one

that thought this way. There was a file for those that chose not to

use them. At least that is the way I understood it.”

“I would love to have an ability,” Cliff says.Even in the very dim light I see Berg's eyes widen, “I am okay

Berg. I am not hyped on adrenalin as bad. As I said when I scared

poor Berg here.

We, including your race, are not able to choose our ability. In

fact in every case that I researched, the subject had multiple

talents. This leaves to much unpredictability in it. And that is not

considering the unknown we all get.

Now since we can't choose, you never know what you get. Sotake mine as a base to start from. I can never have a connect,

because as soon as I touch her she runs as far away from me as

possible, screaming.

If I get cold to quickly I could shake a building to its

foundation. Then there is the disintegration. If I do not keep

watch of what I think, or do, it will happen.

Lets say you get a flower for someone. At any given time I

could disintegrate it. More closer to your life style, we go towhere you talk to memory. What would you do, or could do, if

every time you touch a place to talk to memory and you

disintegrate it?”

Cliff just sits there in shock for several minutes. Then barely

able to keep his voice from cracking he says, “I did not think of it

that way. To never have a connect with Sasa would take away my

need to live.”

“Yeah,” Tieth interjects.

“Yes in the right way, and with control, all the talents would

be great to have. The problem is that earth and the Oranians very

nature prevents it.

In a way it is very disappointing, but that was the reason for

the tests. They were trying to find a way to better control them.

The only thing is that our nature makes it so we can never truly

control them.”“I agree Ben,” Peth says. “They were trying to predict the

unpredictable. In all my time as a health helper I have seen many

instances of that.”

I nod. “In a way it is a travesty in so many ways. But we

cannot undo the past. Lets get some sleep and get to the city.

Maybe we all can find a way to put the future in a better light for

those left.”

They all nod and lay down. Now is my long night of sleeplessness. I can still feel the energy of transforming into

Grass. I only remember one other time being this over charged.

I stayed up for almost four days strait. My mother thought I

would have to go to a doctor. She knew that I get over charged

some times, and can't sleep, so that didn't concern her. What

worried her was I couldn't focus.



I guess we sleep for more then just physical rest. As the days

dragged on, my mental focus began to slip. I was extremely

moody.

I had to skip school on the third and fourth day. I was pickingfights. I began to yell at the teachers. By the end of it all I was a

mess.

After that I was told never to change into an electrical device

again. I actually think it was worse for my mother then even me. I

didn't realize what I was doing, so when I came down off the

change I thought everything was fine. But just like earlier I had

no memory of what I had done.

I hope I can keep it together better. The only thing thatworries me is as the days and nights progress, it is going to get

worse. I could run right into a trap without realizing it.

Ben you will do fine. Grass saying my name startles me. You

have us now. We will keep an eye on you. We have learned a few

tricks on you to help.

Like direct me while I flip?

Grass chuckles. That was more by accident. We kept trying

yelling at you to come out of it. When we noticed you were going off course we yelled turn right, and you slowly followed. It took

us only a short while to time the directions right. As we told you

the directions we watched the area of your brain that it went.

That is when we realized we could direct in what you call

subconscious.

Great now I am a puppet. You could run me off a bridge. I say

downhearted.

No we couldn't. We don't know how it works, but your

subconscious knows what needs done and where to go. It just

needs a little coaxing some times. It looks like you are connected

to a higher source of energy then we know of. We have watched

thoughts and energy flow in and out of your thoughts. We try to

find the source, but find nothing. It comes from no particular

place in your brain. It is a random generation and location it

comes from. So we can only guide, not control. I guess that is good, but still creepy. But I still don't know

what to do tonight. I am going to drive myself up the wall with

boredom.

Well we can help you try some experiments with your gifts.

Sure at least it is something to do.

Lets start simple at first. We have some ideas on how you can

control the time you are mimicked.

That would be helpful. What you have in mind? Have you ever tried to set a time in your mind when you

mimic?

Actually no, never thought about it. I just always thought it

had its own time.



Lets start with your mimicking, something with a minute in

your mind. We know your talent, stays in effect for just under

three hours with out time influence.

I get up and walk a safe distance from the tree, to become one.I set one minute in my mind, and look at the tree and think

transform for one minute.

I change and start to feel the water rising in my roots when I

am standing in human form again. Um did it work?

It was off by two seconds, but yes it did.

Neat, this would have alleviated the times I stayed

transformed to long

Now we want to try something a little more uncertain.What? I ask tentatively.

We want you to try mimicking the life device in your pocket.

According to our research most who mimic an eternal stone

device get stuck. That is why they created the cancel temple. It

will counter any talent at any time.

Crap your right, I could be using it to stop my earthquakes.

Yep, but we want you to hold the device in your hand when

you mimic. We have a theory that it will mimic with you like your cloths and items on you.

Really, what use would that be? I speak in my head and try to

fathom a possible need.We are not sure right now, but we figure it doesn’t hurt to

know.

I laugh. True.

I pull out the life device and put it in my palm. I concentrate

on one minute. I look at the device, and think transform for one

minute. The device goes fuzzy, but nothing happens.

Nothing happened. I say disappointed.

On the contrary. It worked just as we theorized. That is

wonderful. The excitement in Grass's voice is obvious. But I didn't sense or feel anything. I just seen the device blur.

It was then that I feel the energy flow through me.

It was like the energy I got when I mimicked Grass, but tenfold. I could sear I feel every cell in my body jump. I think I just

went back to when I was young, and full of energy.

The surge sends a shiver down my spine. Before I realize it I

picture the cancellation temple. It was like my brain was thinking

faster then me.

I can no longer feel the heat of the air. It is like my body

learned a way to cool itself.

The area of my thoughts that were beginning to fuzz fromlack of sleep, clears. It is like my mind is more clear then it has

ever been.

I look around and my eyes focus instantly on each object.

Every line and detail is clear as a bell. It is night but I can swear

the sun is just going down.What the hell is going? I ask in my head.



That is the effect of the eternal stone.

How? I transformed into the temple stone and did not feel

this. I say still looking in amazement at all the clarity I am seeing.

That is because temples are used as focus for memory. Theyare not a device with its own energy source. The life device is a

fully functioning device. It has the crystalline structure aligned in

patterns to function on its own. So the energy it contains was

transferred to you. Since you only mimicked it for a minute, the

effects were delayed. The effect on your system was a little more

dramatic then we anticipated. We think you just found the way to

cancel the fuzzy effect of to much energy, but you may never have

to sleep again.Uh yeah. Really strange.

We are still working on some other theories, so we will wait

on them.

Sounds good. How much time is it till dawn? I ask in my

head.

Seven hours, three minutes, 5 seconds why?

Their bedding is not alive so I can transform in to it, and not

have to be bored all night. I say in my head.We recommend you transform into a tree or grass. It will give

you some sense, if the others wake up or something comes

around. We know the tree has a different sense of time, so it

might seem shorter while in a tree form.

Good point and I know you can talk o me as a tree. I look at

the tree and think transform for six and half hours.

I feel the water flow in my roots slowly. I have a sense of my

surroundings, but my thoughts are slowed. I can still sense

everything but I feel I am sleeping too.

Next thing I know I am standing close to the tree looking at

the others sleeping. The sun is trying to peak over the horizon.

The air is cool and crisp. The breeze seems to have picked up just

slightly.

They all look peaceful lying in the morning light. I look at

them wondering what I am getting them into. If I had known thatGrass could guide me, I would not have let any of them go.We doubt you could have stopped them. Grass comments. I could have refused to allow them to go. Lied to them and

said they could still get the disease.

One thing wrong with that philosophy. Berg, Peth, Cliff had

already volunteered even though they thought the disease could

kill them.

Oh yeah. I could have made up something. I say in my head.We doubt any thing you would say would deter Berg.

Remember he is willing to lay down his life for you.

Don't remind me. I still don't like the idea. I am no one worth

dying over. I say in my head. Not according to Berg. We are unable to fully comprehend

the need to die for another. But we believe Berg does see a need



to. We cannot see us being able to ever understand your race. But

we do understand you have your reasons for doing what you do.

Just as we have our reasons you may never understand. The

computer was monitoring all communication in the hall when you stormed out. We heard what transpired in there while you were

outside. Berg feels hurt that you would refuse the most highest of

honors a man can give a man. I do not know if he feels that way

still, but your refusal hurt him. He could not understand what he

has done wrong, for you to dislike him so. His connect tried to

console him, but he refuse to listen. She told him you are just

from a different place. Berg told her it didn't matter, it was his

own fault for trying to deny that you were sent here to save them.These people still have the servant mentality. It will take years, if

not generations, for that to leave. We are uncertain as to how

long these people have thought that. You cannot change their

view on things in just a few hours. Be patient with them. You have

already opened many doors for them. It will be up to them to

accept and understand all that you have shown them. But you

cannot expect them to accept it all easily.

I watch as each of the others slowly wake up. Each stretchingand packing away their beds and belongings. I wonder if I have

done these people a big disservice. I am trying to save them, I

think, but do they need my saving.

Despite they have what I consider a horrible life, who am I to

say it is wrong for them. And how many of their beliefs have I

insulted, due to my ignorance.

They are willing to risk their lives for me, and all I am doing

is spitting in their face. And Grass said I had honor. Ha, the true

honor lies in these people. Slaving for something they did not

understand. Then drop everything to help a man they really don't

know.

“Morning all,” I say trying to sound cheerful. “Another day

another dollar. That is currency on my planet. I'm sure you will

ask what that is too. On my planet we have to work for another to

get money or currency. Then we take that and buy the stuff weneed to survive.”

“Why do you have to work for another just to get this dollar.

Why don't you just get what you need from memory?” Tieth asks.

“Where I come from we don't have something that takes care

of us, like you do. Everything we get or want we have to work

for. As the saying goes on earth, 'Nothing is for free'.”

“I am sorry. Not to have your needs met and having to work

for it. You must have lived a very hard life.” Tieth says withsorrow.

I laugh and the others look confused. “I find it ironic, and

funny, that you feel sorry for me and I feel sorry for you. We have

both lived so different of lives that we think the other is lacking.



If I may suggest, lets stop feeling sorry for each other. We

have come from different cultures. All cultures have their bad and

good qualities.

I suggest we exchange ideas where possible, and take fromthem what we want. And form now on we need to say how we

feel about our different cultures, only to help us all understand

each other.”

I look at Berg, “I may have pried into a conversation that was

not mine to know. But you have done nothing wrong Berg.” Berg

looks at me with fear. “I am the one who has done wrong.

You have given your oath to me. And even on my planet it is

an honor you have done. It was I who dishonored you. To refusewhat you have given is what on my planet is called a spit in the

face. I did not mean to do that.

If it wasn't for you this all would have been for naught. I will

honor you as much as you honor me. All I ask is say what you

feel. I may rant and rave, but I wouldn't be at this point without

you.”

I scan the group, “Each of us has something to offer this

mission. Let us all work together to find an answer that has beenelusive for many a millenia.” They all nod their heads.

“Which way to start Grass?” I ask. Just start turning and we will say when. I start turning to

Grass's instruction. When.

I stop and then start walking. I then stop and turn around. “I'm

sorry is everyone ready? I keep forgetting not everyone is an

energizer bunny.”

They almost chime in unison, “I am ready.”

“Good the sooner we get there the better.” I turn and walk in

the direction Grass pointed out. “You all can talk or ask questions

if you want. For me it would help so Grass can guide me easier. I

don't know if you just want me to ramble. Well not like before,

but I would think not much better.”

“What is an energizer bunny?” Tieth asks.

“Oh it is off a commercial. They are selling batteries. There isa toy bunny that has energizers in it's back. The commercial says

something like 'Energizers keep going and going'.”

“Commercial?” Tieth asks.

“Oh forgot you all don't have TV. In my world we have

something like your memory outlets in the memory building.

The main difference is that we cannot ask it questions like

here. A group of people put what they think the masses will be

interested in watching for entertainment.Well to keep the stations on the air, or continuing to show on

the box, they have to play commercials. I mentioned earlier about

work. The commercial is kind of similar. Just as I get payed to

work, the TV stations get paid to show the commercial. By them

doing that, they have money to give others to keep the station on

the air.



I could try and explain the reason for money and barter, but I

think I would just confuse you. Just like you have memory, but

don't know how it does what it does, that is how it is with money

and currency for me.”“So it is a means to keep account on a wide based scale, the

exchange and record of items?” Peth asks.

“Um I guess so. Finances was never my forte, so I gave up

trying to figure it out.” I say a bit at a loss for words.

“You spoke of doctors at one point. Could you explain their

duties?” Peth asks.

“A doctor is like what you do. If someone gets hurt or ill they

try to make them better. Unlike you, they don't have the computer to help them figure out what is wrong. They have to rely on trial

and error.

They are always trying to find better ways to heal and help

others, but are hindered by many things. But I personally think

greed is the main culprit.”

“Can you explain this greed?” Peth asks.

“Well the best I can explain it, is a person wanting more then

their share. After you give them what they need or want they wantyou to give them more. It doesn’t matter how much you give

them they want more.”

“Can you explain how greed hinders the development of some

better health care?”

“Well the people in place, in the hierarchy, or level take the

money they could be used for research. Or a group will stop a

product from being used to help, because they will loose money.

But these are just my views. If there were others here from my

world, I'm sure they would see it differently.”

“Of course,” Peth responds.

“Can you tell us what it was like growing up for you?” Tieth

asks.

“Are you sure you want to hear it all?” I ask.

“I think so too,” Peth says. “We can ask questions as you tell

your story, to learn of your culture.”“Very well,” I say.

I start from what my mother had told me about my first

episode. I progressed through my life slowly. They ask questions

where they were unsure of what I had said. Most of the questions

were of things they new nothing of.

We stop when I needed water and change into a tree where

possible. We also stop when one of them gets to hot. I change into

a tree to shade them from the sun.Before I know it Grass says. It is one hour before sunset. By

that time I had gotten to my graduation.

I did not realize I could talk for so many hours. On earth I was

the child or teenager that sat back and just listened. I guess I had a

lot of talking to get out.



We find a rather large tree this time. It had to be two to three

times bigger then the one last night. All the trees we had seen up

to this point, were about the same size.

I look around to see if I can see any other trees. Unfortunatelynone were close enough to compare to. The other four set out

their bed rolls and sit to relax.

“Do any of you think it odd that this tree is larger then the

rest?” I ask.

“We really haven't anything to compare to.” Berg says.

“Well I have been watching the trees we pass, and this one

seems larger in comparison. Let me check something before the

sun sets. Be right back.” I say.I look for a visible tree in the general path we were heading. I

blink to it. The tree seems slightly larger then the one we are

camping at. I look and can barely see the tree we stopped at.

I look around, but don't see a tree in view that would still be in

view of camp. I pop back and see Cliff jump. “Sorry, I startle a lot

of people with that one.”

“Its okay,” Cliff says and settles down.

“The next one is larger slightly. I can't figure it out,” I saydumbfounded.

You are close to the water source. Grass answers in my head.

“Doh, of course. I forgot Grass had told me of a pond or

something. Tomorrow we might reach it. Although I didn't realize

it would be closer to the city.”

Actually when you reach the pond, you will be in sight of the

city. Grass says.

“Grass says when we reach the pond we will be in site of the

city. We can't be to far now.”

“I think you have taken off a full days travel the way you have

gone,” Berg says. “I lost our way about mid day.”

“I'm curious Berg, how do you know the way, if you have

never been out of the town?” I ask.

“When you become part of the council the council member

has the memory added, it is part of the joining.Our ancestors hoped to one day return, so they sent a person

to lead the way. When they returned they had the memory added

to the joining of the council.

That is how we get the knowledge of the traps. The scout

almost got trapped. They were told not to enter the city, just see it

and come back.”

“You mean you can add a memory to someone that has never

done it?” I ask very intrigued.“Yes it is the position of head council to grant memory where

it is needed.” Berg points out, like it was the most obvious thing

in the world.

“I'm sure that is very handy,” I say.

“No it is done with the staff, not the hand,” Berg says.

“What?”



“You said the hand does it easily, but it doesn't the staff does

it,” Berg looks really confused.

I just look at him trying to figure out when I said that. Then

Grass comes in my head. You said handy and the computer interpreted it being very good with your hands. We have noticed

a few miss translations, but the others were close enough to get

the point across. The computer is learning your language like we

did. But being a computer, it is limited. It is progressively

learning slang, but it still has trouble.

“Ah,” I say, “No I was not referring to how it was done. The

word was not translated right. The word I guess has no direct

translation. I basically mean that must be very helpful.”Berg nods in reluctant understanding. I wonder how many

other words got all messed up. I am sure at times I really sound

like a babbling idiot.

Actually no you don't, the computer does a fairly good job. If

we catch a wrong, we correct it. The only thing is that we can

only correct after it has already been said.

Okay, I say in my head, then say, “It seems Grass is trying to

correct miss translations, but only after it has been already said.So if something doesn't make complete sense, please ask.

Eventually the translation will catch most errors.”

“Okay,” they say in unison.

“Well I guess tomorrow I can show you water. Grass has a

way to check if it is safe.”

“Why would it not be safe?” Peth asks.

“In the wild when things die they release contaminates or

poisons. Some times they seep into the water. I figure that your

ancestors only colonize those planets closets to your home planet.

So the air at least is safe.

But since the cities sustain the population, the water out here

was not a concern. It wouldn't matter if there was something in

the water that would harm, because they would filter it out if they

even needed the local water supply.”

“How do you know this?” Tieth asks.“Well most is assumptions based on what I have seen when it

comes to your ancestors. But that with the water contaminates is

based on experience. Earth has some areas where the water would

be poisonous if drank

We have buildings that are designed to filter it out. On earth if

you don't drink, you will die. So to keep us all alive we have to

filter the water to make it safe.

Actually you all need water like earthlings, but you just get itthrough your food. Some how your ancestors found a way to put

all the liquids you need in those algaes”

“So this water is ingestible?” Peth asks.

“That is what I will check with Grass's help. But yes you can

ingest it if there is nothing bad in the water.”



“I look forward to this water. Sounds interesting and new,”

Peth says.

“It sounds so strange someone saying that about water. On

earth it is essential, so the words interesting and new don't getassociated with it.

I have really enjoyed being here. It makes me realize what my

people take for granted. It is refreshing to experience through all

of you.”

“I will not talk for everyone, but it is the same for me too,”

Berg says and the others give an enthusiastic nod.

They all settle down to sleep for the night. I take turns sitting

under the tree and looking around.I wait till I'm sure they all are asleep and blink to the other

large tree. “Can you get me back to them if I do some looking

around?” I ask.

Yes, easily. We have learned a lot of the intimidate terrain.

Grass respond s.

“Point me in the direction of the city,” I begin to turn and stop

when Grass says, “When.”

I look for a tree in sight, but it is getting too dark to see. I pick a grass area and start to blink, but remember the traps. “I suppose

you don't have an idea on how I could blink and easily miss the

traps do ya Grass?” I ask. Not safely sorry. We use your sight to see the brown spots.

There is no easy way to detect the areas with the items you have.

“No problem,” I say then I remember the head band. “Do you

think it safe to try out the band?”

Yes, we see no reason the Oranians would have a device that

is dangerous.

“But you said it is experimental,” I say cautiously.

The Oranians would not have it accessible to the public if it

had possibility of harming. It is considered experimental by the

computer, because it has no info on it. It has a level five

clearance so even the computer cannot access its info. We asked

you to take it because the Oranians appear to leave level fiveitems and info for you. Or at least for the person they wanted to

help them.

“True. They seem to have almost predicted just about every

step I have made. Like you, I think it was left for a purpose. Now

we just have to find it. I guess I should have had it on all along.”

It is possible, but as you pointed out they have predicted just

about every move you have made. So we assumed that when it

was time, you would remember it. A possible dangerous chanceon our part, but we are interested in trying a few theories and

that is one. Sorry if you feel we are using you, but necessary for

the theory.

“Not a problem. I know you would never knowingly put me

in danger, you would loose your puppet.” I smile.



Yes you are a fun puppet. Grass smirks. I don't know how I

know that but, I do.

I reach into my pocket and find the head band. I pull it out and

exam it. I turn it around in my hand, looking for anything unusualor strange.

I can't even find a seam where it was connected, if it ever was.

It feels like some heard rock but flexes like an elastic head band.

The color in the darkness is a dark gray. It looks lighter though in

color then even the wood-stone of the buildings.

I put it on my head with a bit of hesitation. When I get it

around my forehead, the band forms to the shape of my head and

solidifies. I touch it softly and find it no longer has the elasticfeeling. It is a solid stone that was cut perfectly to my head.

In a panic I grab at it to remove it. The thought of a permanent

stone crown scares me. As I grab it to take it off. It changes back

to elastic and comes off easily.

I stare in shock as what was just a solid stone, now dangles in

my hand like cloth. I put it back on and it solidifies, after it forms

to my head.

I stand stiffly waiting to see what happens next. After whatfeels like an eternity in my mind I ask Grass, “Anything?”

Hold on, the computer is in the middle of something with the

thing. The device is reprogramming some areas in the computer.

“Great I am breaking the computer,” I say exasperated. No we don't think so. On the last word I hear it echo around

me.

“What was that?”

“What?” the word comes in my head as grass, but I physically

hear it as the multiple echo, I heard when Grass talked through

the computer.

“Um I can hear you audibly,” I say waiting for the echo.

“How?” again I hear it in my ears as well as in my head. “You

can hear us?” Grass's multiple echo voice is all I hear.

“Yes, and this is very weird and disturbing.”

How about now? All I hear is Grass in my head.“Yeah but the way we have been talking. In my head.” I say

still cringing. I realize it and relax.

“This device is directly linking to the computer and you,”

Grass says audibly. “Since we are considered the computer it will

speak when we think to communicate.

We have to do a little shifting in the computer, not to be

broadcasting through it. It is a unique experience. As we speak we

are tying to figure out what is being reprogrammed.Since the device is level five clearance, we are not able to

follow it completely. It is also accessing the desperation clause.

We really hate not having access, we know we are missing a lot.”

It is a strange thing to hear Grass being frustrated. I don't

think there was ever anything they couldn't figure out. Now the

Oranians have created an unknown for them.



“Yes they have. Now we know a little of what it is like for

you. We definitely sympathize.” Grass says with frustration.

I can't help but laugh, “Sorry, but it is kind of funny, Grass.”

“We know, the irony has not escaped us,” I can almost hear agrowl in the voices.

“Well I am going to pop back and mimic a tree till morning,”

I say.

“Okay,” there is an unmistakeable growl that time.

I pop over to the other tree, or at least what I hope is the tree.

It is a good thing the tree was so big. It created a dark area to

focus on. I am a little off form where I thought I would appear,

but it is close enough.I adjust to give plenty of room for when I change. I didn't

want to disturb Grass, so I figured seven hours. I hope I am not

too far off.

I change back as the sun is just becoming visible over the

horizon. The others are in the process of packing up. I hear a soft

gasp and see everyone looking at Peth looking at me.

They turn and look at me. Each in turn show shock at looking

at me. I stand confused for a moment till I remember the band. Itentatively touch it to see if it was still there. My fingers brush

across the hard stone.

“Is this what caught your attention?” I ask.

They all nod with there eyes glued on my rock head band. I

take a deep breath, “I am guessing this was suppose to be warn by

the head of council? It seems to be a direct link to memory now,

says Grass. Say hi Grass.”

“Hi,” Grass says and I can tell they are still distracted.

“Is it still reprogramming?” I ask.

“Yes, we are discussing it with Seth. Seth remembers

something about a crown in his initiation to head council, so we

are working with him to figure out what it is.”

“Well good luck,” I say.

“Yeah,” Grass sounds really distracted.

I look back at the others. They all are unmoving, with a permanent look of shock. “Oh and you can hear him. Oops sorry

forgot to warn you about that.”

They just continue to stand and stare. I finally had to break the

silence, “Okay it shouldn't be that much of a shock. You all deal

with this technology all the time.”

“It is not what it is or does it is you and it,” Peth finally says.

“I don't understand,” I state confused.

“There is several statements in memory about the one with thecrown shall lead,” Peth says.

“Yeah your main council was suppose to ware it to lead you

all.”

“No you do not understand. Grass can you help me?” Peth

pleads.



“I think I can. The translation is the barrier here. I think the

closes translation is, 'the crowned one shall lead them anew'. That

is not exactly, but I think I can paraphrase.

With help of Seth we have figured out the crown is a key. For what we do not know. What we gather is the crown is linked to

the desperation clause. How is not clear.

But the clause did realize that the one that wares the crown is

the key to new beginning. With what little we have deciphered

about the reprogramming, the crown is now directly linked to you

and you alone.

We anticipate that anyone attempting to use it will fail. We

did see a consequence clause on the crown, but it links to thedesperation clause.

Seth warns Berg, Peth, Cliff, and Tieth strongly never to

touch it. We think you will die, but Seth warns of the

repercussions of going against law.”

Peth gasps very audibly and steps back, “Tell Seth we all

understand fully. And we would never counter the crown.”

“Oh god now what have you gotten me into Grass?” I ask in

disgust.“We do not know, but our theory seems to be proving itself

again. That crown was programed to recognize human DNA.

They knew a human would find it.

Your DNA, and we think your unknown talent is

reprogramming the computer. The computer and the desperation

clause keeps accessing your unknown talent. How we don't know,

but several clauses are linked to your unknown talent.

“We are sorry Ben, but you are linked so deep to the computer

that you can never escape it.” Grass says. I start to reach for the

crown.

“Sorry to late,” Grass says and my hand freezes, “Even if you

take it off it will continue. It is merely an audible device so others

can hear us and the computer. We think we got you in really deep.

We are so sorry.”

I can not say a word. I just slowly lower my hand and stareinto space. It doesn't matter what I do. Some things keep drawing

me farther into oblivion. I just wanted a normal life, and

everything I do takes me even farther from normal.

I don't know how long it had been when I hear Peth say,

“What is it that disturbs you Ben? You have a great destiny ahead

of you.”

Without thinking I respond, “That is the problem, I don't want

it. All I ever wanted is a normal average life.I cannot remember a time when I could just get up in the

morning and not worry. All I wanted is to be able to get up, do

what everyone else does and not worry that I would cause a

scene.”



“I do not know what causes a scene means, but you are

normal around here. Our ancestors had many races with similar

talents as you.

They all interacted together with each other, and others of theMakers. We are considered not normal here. We may be

decedents to the makers, but we are not like them. We have lost

who we are.

You are our normal around here. We have always know we

are here to help you with your talents and much more. You have

nothing to fear here. We have studied our whole lives to help you

through all this.”

“Nothing in my life is normal. You all may have trained tohandle this, but I have not. I did not choose this. I do not want it,”

I say defeated.

“None of us can choose our lives. We can only chose our

destination. Even our ancestors knew that. You take what you are

given, and find the destination you want. Through fear you tend

to choose poorly.” Peth sounds so comforting.

“But it is so hard to live up to expectations.”

A soft smile emerges on Peth's face, “We expect nothing of you Ben. You have already fulfilled your role as leader.

You have shown us who we are. You have opened areas we

had feared to go. You have us hope where it was beginning to

fail. You have given us more then we expected

Do not think we expect anything of you. You have convinced

the most doubtful of us. That is a feat that is not easy. We follow

you to see what other wonders you will show us.

If we expect anything it is to see you be you. We just want to

be around you, nothing more. Many of the others wanted to come

just to be with you. They knew thought they could not.

They did not wanted to come to see some wonder out here.

We can see what the city looks like in memory. They just wanted

to see you be you. Just your presents inspires us.

I do not know what you think we expect of you. Just know

that we expect you to be you, nothing more. Everything extra youdo is a bonus to us, and only gives us more to admire about you.

I know you have asked us to not feel sorry for the others, but I

do feel sorry for you. Not because of what your planet is like or

not like. I feel sorry that you feel you do not deserve what you are

given. It must have been horrible for you growing up wanting to

be different then you are.”

I do not know what to think. She makes me feel sorry I

disappointed them. Not because of what I have or have not done, but because I am not allowing them to see the true me.

Then I wonder who the true me is. Have I been me or what I

think others think of me? Even the phrasing of the thought makes

no sense to me. Have I been trying to be something that has no

basis?



Who is it that I think I am? Am I who I want to be, or what I

think others want? Peth is right we can not choose who we are.

We can only chose our destiny. I do not know what I want, but

maybe on my journey to destiny I will find it.I look to each of them energetically, “Okay I am done.

Anyone else ready to find this pond?” I ask with excitement.

Berg, Cliff, and Tieth nod with a bit of suspicion and shock

on their face. Peth looks at me with understanding, “Yes.”

“Okay, lets chug along,” I say and head in the direction that

Grass indicated last night. “Oh and chug is a reference to a type of

transportation device on earth that follows a track. The type of

propulsion it uses causes the sound chug chug.I am hoping to reach the city some time today. Grass says it

should be in sight from the pond. Oh I don't think I explained why

I call it a pond. On earth a pond is a small body of water.

An ocean is a larger body of water that takes up a major

portion of the planet. A creek is a small stream of running water.

Now those I love.”

I rattled on and on about nothing in particular. Peth asks me a

question when she is unsure what I am talking about. The other three do not say a word. I don't know if I have scared them, or

they just don't want to see me flip again.

As I was explaining a plane with a little hand movement I

notice some things on the horizon. I stop talking and focus on the

horizon. “Can you all see what that is?”

“That is the city,” Berg says excited. “It looks a little different

then memory, but it is the city.” It sounds like Berg is about to

jump out of his skin with excitement.

“Well that explains why the pond is not mentioned in your

memory. The city is visible before the pond. This city must be

huge.”

“I have looked at the city in memory, and it is ten times the

area of town and almost twenty times higher,” Peth says.

“Now those must be some magnificent sky scrapers.” I

comment.“They are buildings, not scrapers of the sky,” Peth says.

I laugh, “No that is a saying on my planet. The really tall

buildings are called sky scrapers, because they look like they are

scraping the sky.”

“Oh interesting comparison. I will enjoy seeing these sky

scrapers,” Peth says.

“Me too,” I say.

I watch the horizon as we walk. The city slowly rises to cover the horizon. It expands as well as growing taller. I have never

imagined its size before. This city would dwarf even the largest

city on earth.

I then notice a glint from the sun at the base of the city. As we

walk the glint becomes a shimmer. After some walking I realize

that the light is not reflecting off any part of the city.



It looks to be on the ground in a small area. Then we get close

enough to see the pond Grass talked about. I was expecting

something much larger.

The pond is about the size of a small house. It looks more likea puddle then a pond. In the center The center bulges at a regular

basis causing waves. Grass comes all the way to the water where

it laps continuously. We come up to the edge of the water. I

expect the ground to be soggy, but it feels just as dry as

everywhere in this vast prairie.

“Grass, where is the water coming from?” I ask.

“Most of the water in this area is in an underground stream.

This is one of several areas the ground allows the water to thesurface. The movement of the water underground pulls the water

back down as fast as it is pushed up.

The movement of the water has creates a strange ring within a

ring effect, at the springs location. There are several of these

under the city. They are used within the city. There are some

allowed to continue there own activity in sight of the public areas.

We figure for décor,” Grass responds through the head band.

“Well have you figured out if the water is drinkable, or shouldwe try the testing thingy?” I ask.

“The city has filters for the water. It does not say if it could be

drank without the filters.”

“Okay, get ready,” I say leaning to get some water.

“Ready,” Grass says.

I cup my hands and get a drink. I slurp a little up and swallow.

The taste is very refreshing. It is much cooler then I expected in

this hot area. It tastes fresher then any water I have ever had on

earth.

I look at a grass blade and think transform for five minutes.

As the blade of grass, I drink even more of the water. Along with

the carbon in the air, I am give a boost of energy, then I am back

as a human.

“Crap,” I hear Grass exclaim.

“What?” I say in desperate fear.“Oh sorry there isn't danger. It is just that as you mimicked,

the computer started reprogramming itself again. We hate to do it,

but we will have to ask you to do it again.”

“Not a problem, but how long do I need to stay as a grass for

you to get a result?” I ask.

“Oh the mimic is for your safety, not our readings. You just

have to change long enough to reset your human form.”

“Oh okay that makes things faster.” Again I look at the grass, but this time I say transform for two seconds, after I take the

drink.

I barely realize I had changed, when I was back human. Not

as disorientating as changing to eternal stone, but still strange.

“There are no poisons in the water, but we found the source of

the disease.”



“What?” all of us say together.

“In our test of your system we found a virus strain similar to

the one that killed the Oranians. It has mutated a bit more, but its

outer coating prevents filtering or eradication. The outer coatingof the virus reacts with eternal stone in a way that the computer

registered it as itself.

In other words the virus disguised itself to get in, ingenious.

Strange though the virus strain is weaker then any in your system.

Could we have you drink some without changing? You don't have

to fear, the strain was already being attacked before you

changed.”

“No problem, it tastes really good.” I reach down and takegulp after gulp in my hand.

Grass laughs, “Okay, Okay you can stop now.”

“Do I have to?” I say between drinks.

“No we can monitor you while you drink. Strange though the

antibodies are not eradicating the virus. The result is more a

combination to better adapt both host and virus. We will keep

monitoring to see what happens. If something looks wrong we

will let you know to change.”I finally stop and stand up, “What about the others?”

“We can not guarantee anything without a proper monitoring

device. We can not be sure the results.”

“I will try it.” Berg says.

As he heads to the hole, Cliff grabs his shoulder. “No I will.

You are council linked. That will be needed for memory. I am the

obvious choice. Peth is needed for health and Tieth needs to find

out what happened to his brother.

I no longer have a death wish, but I would not regret dying. I

will take this chance. As Ben said we are all here for a reason.

This is mine.”

Cliff reaches down and takes a drink, like I did. “This is really

good,” he bows down as close as he can without falling. He then

drinks as fast as he can.

After several fast gulps I reach down and touch his shoulder.“Slow down or you will make yourself sick.”

He stops and turns his head towards me, “How?”

“For one, none of you are use to water like this. And another

is if you drink fast, the body could react adversely to all the water

and the heat. There is cases of people throwing up because they

drank to fast.”

“Oh.” He turns and slows his drinking, I remove my hand.

“Put your hand back on him,” Grass screams.I put my hand back on his shoulder quickly and Cliff freezes.

He had just gotten another cup of water and it slowly leaks out of

his hand. We all stand frozen in anticipation.

A minute passes before Grass speaks again, “They all can

drink. It will not hurt any of you.”



I slowly pull my hand away from cliff and ask, “How do you

know?”

“When you touched Cliff the computer was able to link to him

directly. With the crown you seem to be a physical device for thecomputer.

The computer was in the process of doing a complete scan on

Cliff when you let go. We told you to touch him again to finish

the scan. It hinted at the virus in the first part of the scan.

When you touched him again it finished. The virus is already

present in them we should have seen this. The algae that is

growing needs water, and so do they. Water is not produced by

the town. So the town had to be built on a spring.Everyone on the planet already has antibodies to the virus. We

are so dense some times. The people here obviously had to gain

an immunity, otherwise they would have all died. Doh.” You can

hear a slap like a hand hitting flesh.

“Do you feel better homer?” I ask.

“Yes.”

“I look at the others, “Well enjoy, just remember slowly.”

Cliff continues drinking at a slower rate. The other threeslowly approach the pond and give it a try. They then look at each

other and nod. They resume their drinking at about the pace of

Cliff.

I decide here is a good as any, to take a break. I step back far

enough, so when I change I do not hit anyone. Then I step a few

paces back, just in case the tree is larger then I expect.

On the other side of the pond I see a tree and transform for

two hours. I feel the sun on my leaves and the water rushing up

my trunk. I doubt I will ever get to the point of taking this feeling

for granted.

When I change back, Cliff falls backwards. I guess he was

sitting up against my truck. He jerks up to his feet. It is always

funny to see what reaction I get when I change back.

“Ready? I figured you all could use a break after all the

water,” I say.“Thank you,” Peth says, “I know I feel better after. This water

is very refreshing I think you said.”

“Yep, well off to the city for more wonders,” I say and head

in the direction of the city.

It is almost sunset when we reach the edge of the city. Just

coming up on this huge city, is awe inspiring. I thought the

buildings would never stop growing.

I have been in a city with a few sky scrappers, but this isoverkill. It looks to be a solid wall of black, reaching into the sky.

There are several buildings reaching into the sky. Some buildings

sit back to back. The only indication there are two buildings is

that they were not the same height.



I couldn't see any windows in the structures. It is like walking

up to a bunch of blocks placed in the middle of no where. The sun

glints slightly off the reflective surface.

You would think with that much black stone in the direct sun,it would be an oven close to the city. The strange thing is it feels

cooler as we get closer to the city.

As we approach I remember Tieth's brother. I stop several

yards from the city. I try to figure it beyond the point the

computer said I was leaving the town.

“Grass did Tieth's brother disappear anywhere around here?” I

ask.

“Yes, but a little ways to your left. We have been trying totheorize what happened, but we only come up with death and we

are hoping we are wrong. We would hate for him to get this far

just to fail.” Grass responds.

“Agreed,” says. Tieth.

I head to my left keeping my distance from the city, “Grass

does the city have any type of defenses?”

“Not that we have located. If there is defenses, they are so

subtle the computer doesn't consider them as such.”“Well that kinda blows my theory. I thought with the virus in

there, they would register as needing eradicated.”

“No the computer would never smite the host for defense.

Otherwise it would have happened in town. There is a shield, but

it is not active. It was shut down when everyone left..”

“Tell me where Tieth's brother disappeared,” I say.

“Got strait about five more steps,” Grass says.

I stop at the point Grass indicated. I point away form the city.

“You all step way out there. Grass check the shield for any

stipulations on when it will activate itself.”

Several moments pass then Grass says, “The only one I find is

if a threat was trying to get in.”

“Now check to see if the computer considers the virus a

threat.”

“No it doesn't. When you had it calculate the virus mutation,the computer flagged it as medical, not a threat,” Grass says with

a bit of confusion seeping into their voice.

“But before that the computer considered the virus a threat?”

“Yes.”

“Okay let me step over with the others then activate the

shield,” I say and walk to the others.

“We don't understand,” Grass definitely sounds confused

now.“Humor me.”

“Very well,” Grass says then there is a slight pause. “Done.”

I look around for something loose, but find nothing. I look at

the others, “Do any of you have an extra food thingy?”



Pet reaches into her pouch and pulls one out. She hands it to

me a little confused. I take it and face where Tieth's brother

vanished. I throw the food as hard as possible at the location.

It vanishes in a flash of light, in mid air, over the location the brother vanished. Peth gasps.

“My brother was disintegrate.” You can hear a tear in Tieth's

voice.

I look at Tieth, “I don't think so. The computer would know if

it destroyed something. But it said he vanished.”

“Got ya, checking.” Grass says.

“I do no understand,” Tieth says.

I look at him sympathetically. “Your ancestors had thetechnology to transport a person from one point to another. In the

process of this, information had to be stored to reassemble the

item or person being transported.

Well by all accounts your ancestors did not like to destroy or

kill living beings. So the only thing that could happen is the shield

was designed to alleviate the threat. The best way to do that with

out killing is to store it till someone can find an effective way to

alleviate the problem permanently.”“So you think my brother is in memory?” Tieth asks.

“Yes, and Grass is checking now.”

“And the answer is yes,” Grass says. “But we cannot get him

out till transportation is opened up.”

“Deactivate the shield Grass. I guess we continue till we can

figure out the level five mess.” I say.

As we entered the area where the shield was the temp

changes. It is the same as that around the town. The sun does not

burn as it did out in the prairie. Mystic Traveler by Alan Covington

mystic traveler chapter 04

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