“Zoey, let’s check in on Adie.”
>>>
The display came to life showing Adie in the kitchen, helping the cook with the evening meal. Pertinent information scrolled across the top of the display.
Case Study: Adina (Adie) Behr // Location: 33°14’32.41” N 35°40’25.66” E // Elevation: 986 ft // Northern Israel - Chabar Kibbutz - Central Kitchen // Earth Date: March 14, 1948 - Local Time: 1817 //
The scrolling completed and disappeared.
The cook was a rather cranky middle-aged woman who had clearly consumed her fill of criticism and impatience.
Adie wore a khaki outfit with shirtsleeves rolled up just above her elbows. Her pistol, always within reach, was holstered at her side, a necessary precaution against the constant Syrian threat. She pulled a steaming potato from a pot and began peeling. Ari had often marveled at how much she enjoyed serving others, always with a kind word and a smile.
One of the guards poked his head through the back door. “When’s dinner?” he yelled.
With her back to the guard, the cook retorted, “You’ll get it when you get it!”
The guard looked at Adie for clarification.
Using a hand gesture and mouthing the words, Adie said, “One hour.”
As Ari watched them exchange smiles and the guard depart, a small window popped up in the corner of his display showing Merrick standing just outside his entrance.
CHAPTER 4
“Zoey, shut down the display and open the door,” Ari said as he rose to show Merrick in.
# # #
A string of lights across the top of the threshold winked out, and the opaque barrier disappeared. Ari offered a cordial greeting, and Merrick stepped in.
“Can I get you anything?”
“A glass of water would be great,” Merrick said, taking a moment to look around while Ari went to the kitchen. “You know, I’ve only visited this deck a few times. These quarters are extraordinary.”
“It’s been quite a blessing,” Ari agreed with raised voice.
Merrick’s eyes drifted to the still image display on the far wall. “Is this your case study?”
“Yes, that’s Adie—kind of a family history,” Ari called from the kitchen.
A variety of images covered the wall, ranging in width from 12 to 36 inches.
“Well, she’s beautiful, and that’s no exaggeration.”
“Yes, and just as beautiful inside as out.”
“These images—where is she? Were all of these recorded in the same country?”
“She’s lived in several places: the United States, Germany, Hungary, Spain, and now Israel,” Ari said, returning with drinks.
“How in the world did you draw a female for a case study? I thought mixed gender arrangements were frowned upon.”
Ari handed Merrick a drink. “Actually, they are; however, Adie wasn’t my first...this little fellow was,” he said, pointing to one of the images. “That’s Joshua, her younger brother. Sadly, he died only two years after I started the study…. Anyway, I liked the family and managed to persuade ops to transfer the study to Adie. She was seven years old at the time. I’m sure my medical background had something to do with the approval.” Ari paused momentarily, and said, “You know, Adie’s a completed Jew.”
“Oh—I’m not sure what that means.”
“Well, she’s a Hebrew, born and raised in the Jewish faith, but believes in Jesus Christ as her Messiah.”
“And how did that happen?”
“Quite amazing, actually—kind of an unusual turn of events. It all started a few years ago when she and 2,000 other refugees left Spain for Israel. On their way, the British government diverted them to a relocation camp in Cyprus. There they joined 3,000 others waiting to enter Israel. As part of processing in, everyone was given a medical exam. And that’s where she learned of her diabetes.”
“Hmm—,” Merrick said, sympathizing.
“She had been complaining about fatigue for some time—couldn’t seem to get enough to drink...and I noticed her injuries were slow to heal…. Anyway, during one of her visits to the clinic, she met a young woman named Neta, a Jewish Christian. As it turned out, they were a lot alike, and over time they grew very close.”
“Jewish Christian,” Merrick said, “is that the same as a completed Jew?”
Ari nodded. “Anyway, Neta tried her best to help Adie accept Jesus. Finally, she enlisted the help of a minister who was also a Jewish Christian. He stopped by one evening and spent several hours with Adie, going over passages in the Old Testament—prophesies concerning the Messiah.” Ari paused. “Are you familiar with the Bible?”
“A little. My mom is a Christian.”
“Then do you understand that Jews don’t accept the New Testament?”
“Why is that?”
“Because their faith is based on the law and the prophets of the Old Testament. The New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the Messiah, and they don’t accept that. They’re still waiting for their Messiah.”
Ari went on to explain how Adie, after several hours of questions and conversation, had become so convinced and convicted, that she was moved to embrace Christ as her savior. Ari watched Merrick’s reaction.
“Quite a story,” Merrick remarked.
“Yep, sure made my day…. So, would you mind if I show you a few passages in the Bible?”
As Merrick listened, Ari began to read scripture that spoke of repentance, forgiveness, and salvation, concluding with Revelation 3:20, Christ’s invitation to the lost.
“Well, there you have it,” Ari said. “My story’s a little different from Adie’s. I became a Christian when I was very young. Other people I know didn’t believe until they were much older, but from my experience, the earlier, the better. It’s certainly the best decision I ever made.”
Their conversation continued for over an hour, ending with Merrick’s heartfelt prayer and profession of faith.
“What a blessing!” Ari said, elated. “I really am happy for you.”
“Amazing...,” Merrick said. “When I was praying, I had this warm feeling inside…. Is that normal?”
Ari smiled. “Salvation seems to affect people in different ways. I’ve heard others say that, though…. Listen, we’re having a fellowship at the chapel tomorrow evening. Would you like to join us?”
“Love to, but I’m taking a team down to the surface tomorrow. Maybe I can make the next one.”
The two men walked to the door. The barrier opened, and Merrick stepped out.
“How about the first worship service this Sunday, then?” Ari said. “I normally attend the later one with my family, but I have a meeting.”
“Of course,” Merrick said. “I’ll be there.” He shook Ari’s hand and departed.
———————
Following the Sunday service, on their way out of the chapel, Merrick turned to Ari. “You know, I really felt at home in there,” he said of the service.
Ari returned the wave of three passing crewmen, and said, “It does me good to hear that…. Listen, how would you like to come over for lunch? I have a few people I want you to meet.”
“Love to. Who’s coming?”
“It’s a surprise,” Ari said, grinning.
CHAPTER 5
They exited the lift at Deck 3 and walked down the central corridor to Ari’s quarters. The entrance sensor identified Ari and dismissed the barrier.
“That meeting I was talking about earlier has been canceled,” Ari said. “It seems I’m free for the afternoon, so if you’re interested, I thought we might watch a movie a little later.”
The barrier closed behind them.
“You know, I’d enjoy that,” Merrick said.
———————
The recreation department regularly recorded movies via the observation satellites. They found the entertainment a boost for morale, though some of the crew had adopted the sometimes comical practice of injecting movie dialogue into conve
rsation.
———————
“There are visitors at the door,” Zoey advised.
“Uh-oh...brace yourself,” Ari said. “We’re about to be invaded.”
“Huh?”
“You’ll see…. Zoey, let them in.”
The barrier disappeared, and two little girls dashed into the room. In excited and elevated voices, they exclaimed, “Ari, Ari, where have you—?“ They stopped mid-sentence when they caught sight of Merrick.
Jennie, after a brief recovery, softened her voice. “Who is he?”
“This is my friend, Merrick.”
Merrick was astonished. “Are these yours?”
Ari smiled. “I’m afraid I’ll have to claim them.”
“Ari!” Jennie chided, embarrassed.
“You didn’t tell me you were married,” Merrick said.
“I’m not. This is Jennie, and this is Claire—my sisters.”
“Wow! You’re just full of surprises…. Identical twins?”
“Yep.”
———————
Claire and Jennie Stratford were sweet-spirited 5-year-olds and closely bonded to their brother. Except for the small beauty mark on Claire’s left cheek, telling them apart was impossible. They lived with parents Brent and Rose at the opposite end of the corridor near the lifts.
———————
Merrick, aware of his size, came down on one knee as the girls shyly approached. He reached out and tenderly took Claire’s hand. “And you are?” he said, in his most charming voice.
“Claire.”
He kissed the back of her hand. “I am honored to meet you, Claire.” After greeting Jennie in the same way, he rose to his feet.
Claire leaned over and whispered into her sister’s ear loud enough to hear, “He looks like a prince.”
“We think you’re a prince. Are you a prince?” Jennie asked respectfully.
“No, M’lady, I’m but a humble pilot.”
“Oh, how exciting,” Claire said, tugging on Ari’s arm. As he bent down, she cupped her hands and whispered into his ear. “He’s handsome! Is he really a pilot? He seems like a prince.”
“No, sweetheart, he’s telling you the truth.”
While Claire had Ari’s attention, Jennie was smiling intently at Merrick.
“What is it, M’lady?” he asked.
“Lift me,” she said, raising her arms.
Merrick leaned down and scooped her up, setting her against his hip. Jennie reached up and softly touched his face, looking sweetly into his eyes. “Beautiful, so beautiful.”
The child’s innocent kindness and warm expression caused Merrick’s eyes to well up, and a tear coursed down his cheek.
Surprised, Jennie took a quick breath. “You’re sad,” she said, tenderly wiping away the tear and hugging his neck. “It’s okay.”
Ari gently rubbed Jennie’s head. “Sweetheart, haven’t you heard of happy tears? I don’t think Mr. Merrick is sad. He’s just not used to someone loving on him.”
Merrick finally found his voice. “My, my, my...what lovely young ladies; you sure do know how to make a visitor feel welcome.”
“Do you know Jesus?” Jennie asked unexpectedly.
“Well, as a matter of fact, I do,” he replied.
“Then you’re not a visitor...you’re family! Isn’t that right, Ari?”
“Yes, Jennie, that’s exactly right.”
“Let’s play a game,” Claire announced.
Merrick set Jennie down and watched the two girls dash into the living area.
Ari glanced at Merrick and grinned. “I did warn you.”
“That you did,” Merrick said, laughing. “That you did.”
“Come on, Ari,” Jennie insisted.
Ari and Merrick made their way into the living area.
“What are we playing?” Ari asked.
“We want Monopoly!” the girls chimed in unison.
“Monopoly?” Ari complained. “That game’s awfully long. Remember, you two are going to church in an hour.”
“It’s okay. We can finish it later when Mr. Merrick comes over again.”
“All right, all right,” Ari said in surrender. “Zoey, set up Monopoly on the display table, and lower it for the girls.” The telescoping pedestal under the table retracted to an appropriate height, and four stools rose from hidden compartments in the floor. “Jennie, why don’t you get the pieces? I’ll take the battleship. Merrick, what’s your pleasure?”
“The race car for me,” Merrick replied.
Jennie skipped over to the cyclic. “Zoey, I want four gold monopoly pieces, please: a ship, a car, a thimble, and a dog. Oh, and we need two dice, too.” An opaque barrier formed over the cyclic opening, then disappeared. Jennie reached in and retrieved the playing pieces, returning to find Claire standing very close to Merrick. “Can I stand with Mr. Merrick, too?” she asked Ari.
“There’s plenty of room,” Ari replied. “You can stand on the other side of Mr. Merrick.”
As the game progressed, Jennie and Claire would move to their playing position for their turn, then return to stand beside Merrick.
The hour passed quickly. When the Stratfords came for the girls, Ari introduced them to Merrick, and after a brief but cordial conversation, wished them well and sent them on their way.
The barrier closed, and Merrick took a deep breath. “My word, those two are a force of nature! Now, don’t get me wrong, of all the experiences I’ve had on this voyage, that had to be the sweetest. They’re adorable!”
“It was nice to see you relax and enjoy yourself,” Ari said; “and as for the twins, well, you definitely got their attention.”
“So...what movie did you have in mind?” Merrick asked.
Ari thought for a moment. “You know, I invited you over for lunch. Aren’t you hungry?”
“Famished!” Merrick replied.
“Well, why don’t we go ahead and eat? Then, instead of a movie, I thought I might show you a little of Adie’s history. I’ve been putting together some imagery to show you later, but I have plenty for today, if you’re interested.”
“Absolutely, let’s do that.”
CHAPTER 6
After lunch, Ari offered Merrick a seat in front of the main display.
“These first sequences are of Adie’s childhood...kind of an introduction. When we’re done, if you want to continue, I’ll put some more together for your next visit.
“No doubt, you’ll find some of these earlier sequences quite enjoyable. However, other events, later in her life, are troubling, even disturbing...just fair warning.”
“I’d be honored to see whatever you suggest,” Merrick said.
“Okay then...we’ll get started.” Ari recycled the Monopoly pieces and returned to the display. “Zoey, stow the game table, and bring up the main display. Cue the imagery I compiled of Adie.”
The display lit up, showing an exterior view of the Behrs’ mansion in Berlin.
“Adie came from a wealthy family, by Earth’s standards,” Ari began. “Her father was a very successful jeweler.
“Okay, Zoey, run it.”
> > >
“I thought we might start with a walk-through of the mansion. What you’re hearing in the background is Adie playing piano. This was recorded in the first year of the case study, a few months after the death of her brother.”
The wide view showed a large stately mansion, complete with drive-through portico in front and a driveway running out to a brick entrance on the west end of the property. The field of view began to shift to the right, taking in the chauffeur’s quarters, garage, and east entrance a quarter mile away.
The point of view shifted to the front door and moved through the entrance, passing a cloakroom on the left and a bathroom on the right. Then, after three steps up, the room opened into a long reception hall, stretching to the back of the house. A grand stairway started to the right, curved back toward the entrance, and circled upward i
n a wide, ascending spiral, ending at the third floor. The lofty ceilings on the first floor gave the rooms a grand appearance.
Through an archway to the left of the main hall was a spacious living room with two massive crystal chandeliers. At the back of the room to the left was the sunroom entrance.
Returning to the reception hall, the next room on the left was devoted to music. Adie and her mother were sitting at one of two grand pianos that faced each other in the center of the room. The space was lavishly appointed, as were most rooms on the first floor.
———————
Tall and slender, with light brown hair and deep blue eyes, Mrs. Behr was an attractive woman in her mid-thirties. Her work with the New York Philharmonic had earned her international status as a concert pianist, a reputation that continued to build after her arrival in Berlin.
———————
“Okay, let’s give that piece another try,” Mrs. Behr said.
Adie straightened her posture and began a sweet rendition of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”
The last room on the left was a small lounge.
Directly across the reception hall, on the right side of the house, was a larger lounge. At its center and surrounded by plentiful seating was a magnificent table displaying a beautiful set of porcelain figurines.
Returning to the reception hall and moving back toward the front entrance, the point of view turned left into a narrow passageway. A short distance down this passage on the right was an entrance to the main dining room, followed by a small kitchen dining area, and then the back staircase. Beyond the staircase, the passage continued a short distance and ended at the kitchen, where the cook, one of four servants, was busy preparing the evening meal.
The scene transitioned to the second floor. The master bedroom was on the left, with its adjoining sitting room where the family often gathered around the large console radio. To the right and down the corridor was the library on the left, followed by the study, where Mr. Behr sat bent over a large desk, holding a double-lens magnifying glass. Before him were four rows of glistening diamonds on a blue velvet cloth.
———————
Mr. Behr was a pleasant, middle-aged gentleman who dressed impeccably. His dark, wavy hair had a gray streak in front, which, when combed back gave him a most distinguished appearance.
———————
Merrick glanced at Ari. “Do you mind if I ask a question?”
# # #
“I assume that’s Adie’s father,” Merrick said, gesturing toward the display. “What’s he doing?”
To Earth and Back Page 3
