To Earth and Back

by William Boardman

  The lieutenant leaned back and looked Adie in the eye. “How amazin’...amazin’,” he said.

  “It’s funny, once I did that, I felt like a huge weight was lifted off me. I felt free—free from the hatred, free from the bitterness...free.”

  The song came to an end. Adie held the lieutenant for a moment and then released.

  He brushed the dampness from his cheek, and said, “My, my, my, dear lady, how you have lifted my spirits this evenin’. God bless you. God bless you.” He walked back to his table and began to speak with his friends.

  Adie returned to Colonel Bogie.

  “Whatever you said to that boy—nicely done,” the colonel said. “Look at him. He’s alive again.”

  “I told him nothing more than you told me when my parents died,” Adie said.

  “Maybe so, but I think you may have said it better,” he countered. “Listen, we’re going to wrap this thing up. Would you mind closing the evening with a Christmas carol?”

  Adie smiled. “I’d be glad to.”

  Colonel Bogie walked to the piano and took the microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for us to say good night on this fine Christmas Eve. But before we go, our distinguished guest has agreed to play us a familiar carol to send us on our way. So without further ado...Miss Adie Behr.”

  Adie took a seat at the piano and pulled the microphone close. “It’s been a lovely evening, hasn’t it?” she began. Warm smiles came from all around. “This was my mother’s favorite...written by an Austrian priest over a hundred years ago. I think you’ll recognize it.” The first notes of “Silent Night” rang out, followed by her soprano voice—sweet and clear. She motioned everyone to join in, and their voices filled the room. With the beginning of each new verse, Adie eased close to the microphone to help the audience with the lyrics. Then, all too soon, the song came to an end, and the group offered their applause.

  With the colonel’s coaxing, Adie joined the senior staff at the door to wish everyone a pleasant evening. When all had filed out, she reclaimed the fur and met Colonel Bogie at the exit.

  “You look like you just put in a full day on the trail,” he said.

  Adie’s smile was warm and sincere. “An unforgettable evening. Thank you for this. It was lovely….”

  # # #

  CHAPTER 24

  “You’re yawning...,” Merrick said. “Tired?”

  “Not at all—seriously,” Ari replied. “We’re almost done… Any questions before we wrap up?”

  Merrick pondered. “I was wondering about Adie’s eye. When she was in the med bay at the air base, did anyone take a good look at it...I mean, to check the extent of the injury?”

  Ari nodded yes. “They found the eye intact, just not functioning. Later, Col. Bogie sent her off to Naples to have the good eye checked. Turned out her vision had continued to deteriorate since the original pair of glasses, so they made a new pair, with a corrective lens on one side and a dark lens on the other; not very flattering, but functional.”

  “Silly question, but what happened to the gun?” Merrick asked.

  “Not as silly as you might think.” Ari replied. “She asked to keep it, and believe it or not, it’s still with her today.”

  “Good grief! How did she manage to get that thing all the way through to Israel?”

  “Well, Col. Bogie had his parachute shop fabricate a leather rucksack for her, complete with a false back. They secured the pistol and magazines inside and sealed it—very clever I thought, if not a little risky. Interesting though, no one ever bothered to inspect it, probably because she looked so innocent, or they may have felt sorry for her because of the eye.”

  “And what about Pete? How did he get along at the vineyard?”

  “Truthfully, I think he was just grateful to be away from the fighting. Of course, the sisters doted on him, and Adie treated him like a brother. The colonel...well, the adoption papers were finished before Adie and Raul left for Spain.”

  “So when did they leave?”

  “Not until the following spring—1945. Unfortunately, at the time, American aircraft were barred from Spain, so Col. Bogie got them as close as he could—Ajaccio Air Base on Corsica. Naturally, he dreaded seeing Adie go, but it was what she wanted, so he made the arrangements, and after an emotional goodbye, she and Raul were on their way.

  “Once in Corsica, they went to a nearby harbor and found a crew heading for Gibraltar. A little over a week later, Raul introduced Adie to his family.”

  “And Raul’s family was okay with this—you know—room and board for Adie?”

  “Good point. That might have been a problem, except Adie paid her own way. She still had a dozen gems sewn in her clothes and used a few to cover her expenses.

  “Anyway, she wasted no time settling in and became acquainted with several Jewish families in the community. Later that summer, she attended a social event at the local synagogue. While talking with the rabbi, she learned of the Spanish government’s plan to expel a large number of Jewish refugees, most of whom would be heading for Israel. Adie found the idea of a new Hebrew homeland inspiring and decided to join them. Of course, you can imagine how hard that was for Raul. But she was determined, so he arranged transportation to the port. Once there, she joined over 2,000 others, all bound for Israel…. And I do believe you know the rest of the story.”

  Merrick nodded. “And quite a story it is…. Listen, thanks for taking the time—setting up the imagery and all.”

  “My pleasure,” Ari said. “She’s a big part of my life, and I’ve been wanting to share her story.”

  “Well, I’m glad you chose me.”

  Remembering their earlier commitment, Ari said, “You know, we promised a couple of little girls we’d finish a game of Monopoly. Surely, we don’t want them thinking we aren’t men of our word.”

  Merrick jumped to his feet. “Absolutely not...after you, kind sir,” he said with a sweeping gesture.

  They left Ari’s quarters and started down the corridor.

  “Moon mission tomorrow,” Merrick said. “Be gone two weeks.”

  “Oh boy, does that sound like fun,” responded Ari with a chuckle.

  “How about you?” Merrick asked.

  “Research—all day. Oh, and Adie has a doctor’s appointment in town.”

  “Oh boy, does that sound like fun,” Merrick echoed.

  CHAPTER 25

  The next evening, Ari entered his quarters, grabbed an apple from the refrigeration unit, and went straight to his display. “Zoey, let’s see how Adie’s appointment went today...starting after the censored part.”

  > > >

  Case Study: Adina (Adie) Behr // Location: 32°48’09.07” N 35°00’39.87” E // Elevation: 39 ft // Northern Israel - Haifa - Medical Clinic // Earth Date: April 29, 1948 - Local Time: 0923 //

  Appearing disheartened, Adie fastened the last button on her blouse.

  “I don’t want you to worry about this,” the elderly doctor said, helping her down from the examining table. “Quite often, nothing comes of these things…. Now everything is set for the ninth. I’ll see you then.”

  Worry about what? Ari wondered. What’s going on?

  “Is there anything I need to do?” Adie asked.

  “Not a thing,” the doctor answered. “Just be back here on the ninth. We’ll be ready.”

  “I will,” Adie said, stepping out into the lobby where her friend Myra sat waiting.

  They exited the building and walked to the truck.

  “Cook asked me to pick up some things while we’re here,” Myra said, noting Adie’s gloomy expression. “Hey, what’s with you? Why the long face?”

  Adie responded in a weak and tentative tone. “Nothing, I’m fine.” They stepped up into the cab, and Myra started the engine.

  Ari knew better. You’re not fine, he thought.

  After a moment, Myra turned off the engine. “Look, I know you, Adie Behr, and something’s wrong. It’s written all over your face. N
ow, are you going to tell me what’s going on, or not?”

  Adie stared blankly out the window. “He thinks I may have cancer in my breast. There’s a little lump. He wants me back on the ninth for an operation—to check it.”

  Ari’s pulse began to race. “No...no,” he muttered in disbelief. “This is not happening.”

  “Oh, Adie...that can’t be true,” Myra said. “It must be a mistake. You’re too young.”

  “It’s not a mistake. I felt the lump. Anyway, he says it’s not all that unusual.”

  Myra slipped over on the seat to comfort her. “Well, we’re just going to have to pray that it’s not cancer.”

  Ari continued to watch the sequence, but no new information was forthcoming. He shut down the display and dropped back against the couch, exasperated and feeling helpless.

  ———————

  The days leading up to Adie’s procedure seemed endless. Ari found it increasingly difficult to concentrate on work. Then, after the biopsy, when the test results confirmed cancer, he started to come undone—forgetting appointments, repeating questions, slowly slipping into a melancholy funk.

  Though his staff was aware and concerned, it was Brooke Haden, his senior nurse, who finally intervened. With the psych department just across the corridor, she decided to call on Walt Maran. However, in doing so, she encountered unexpected resistance from his receptionist, and a heated discussion ensued. Recognizing Brooke's voice and her uncharacteristic aggravation, Walt poked his head out and motioned for the receptionist to show her in.

  “Dr. Maran, I am so sorry,” Brooke said as the barrier closed behind her. “I know it’s an intrusion on your time, but something is wrong with Dr. Stratford, and we need your help.”

  Walt tried to remain calm. “Can you tell me what’s happening?”

  “He’s just not himself. It started about a week ago, and it’s getting worse.”

  “What’s getting worse?”

  “He’s so depressed, he can’t think straight. He’s letting things slip. We can’t figure out what’s bothering him, and he won’t talk about it. You’re his friend. Maybe he’ll talk to you…. Would you mind?”

  Walt gave a concerned nod. “I’ll stop over a little later...and thanks for bringing this to my attention…. You know, I think Dr. Stratford is fortunate to have such a caring staff,” Walt said, walking her to the door.

  Later that afternoon, when Walt stopped by to see Ari, Nurse Hayden met him in the reception area and showed him in.

  Catching movement at the door, Ari glanced up from his console. “Hey, Walt,” he muttered weakly as if lacking the energy to speak.

  Walt found his way to a seat. “Say, you don’t look well. Is something bothering you?”

  Ari went completely unfocused and offered only silence.

  Walt’s concern multiplied as the seconds ticked by. He tried again. “Ari...look at me!”

  Ari seemed bewildered. “Yes, what...what did you say?”

  “What’s bothering you?” Walt repeated, much more assertively.

  Ari’s eyes returned to his console. He choked out the words. “She’s dying, Walt. Adie’s dying, and there’s nothing I can do.”

  “What do you mean, she’s dying? How? Of what?”

  “Cancer...she has breast cancer. They’re going to use radiation...straight out of the dark ages...horrid, horrid treatment.”

  “Good Lord, why didn’t you tell someone?” Walt stood and walked around the console to Ari’s seat. “Stand up, Mister; we’re going to your quarters.”

  “Listen, Walt, I can’t just—”

  “Dr. Stratford,” Walt interrupted, “I’m speaking as your counselor. You are relieved of duty. Now, are you going to come nicely, or do I have to make a scene?”

  The reality of the situation finally brought Ari to his senses. He buried his head in his hands. “What’s happening to me? I feel so useless.”

  Walt patted him on the back. “Come on, old boy. Let’s go find the Doc Stratford we all know and love.”

  ——— Two Hours Later ———

  “Tell me, have you tried praying about this?” Walt asked.

  “Regularly,” Ari said. “I give the burden to the Lord, and then ten minutes later, I take it back.”

  “Don’t you think He can handle it?”

  “Deep down I know He can, but I can’t seem to stop myself from fantasizing a solution. Sometimes when I’m alone, I imagine going down to the surface, slipping into her room while she’s sleeping, and giving her the injection. It’s torture knowing she could be cancer-free in a matter of days, and I’m helpless to make it happen. It’s tearing me up inside.”

  “Have you considered bringing this to the council? They might approve—”

  “—a medical procedure on Adie—without her consent?” Ari said. “And to get her permission, wouldn’t someone have to speak with her? Not much chance of that...but still, I appreciate the thought.”

  “Okay, okay. But I want to encourage you once again to turn this over to the Lord. Believe me, my friend, He is well able to resolve any issue, even this.” Walt prepared to leave. “Now look, I want you to take some meds and get a double sleep-cycle tonight. Stop by my office in the morning before you return to work. If you’re as focused as you are right now, I’ll clear you for duty. But we’ll still need to talk again.”

  CHAPTER 26

  Ari left his office after a long, arduous day. Research alone had added six hours to his schedule. It had been three days since his talk with Walt. He entered his quarters and settled onto the sofa in front of his display, taking a moment to view a condensed version of the Ship’s News. Doc Socal’s Galapagos expedition caught his interest. The senior zoologist had been a week in the islands studying the diverse animal life. Ari found the imagery fascinating and welcomed the distraction. Toward the end of the segment, a window popped up in the corner of the display showing Merrick at the door. He rose and headed for the entrance. “Zoey, let him in.”

  Merrick stepped through, and the barrier closed behind him. “Just happened to be in the area,” he said, grinning. “Not interrupting your sleep cycle, am I?”

  “No, no...not for another five hours. How was the moon?”

  “Desolate,” Merrick said, sensing some sadness in Ari’s tone. “You feel like some company?”

  “Sure, sure,” Ari said, shaking Merrick’s hand. “Come on in, and have a seat. Care for a drink?”

  “No, thanks—had something before I left.”

  “So how have you been?” Ari asked. “Two weeks is a long time away.”

  “Oh, I’m fine…. You have a lot of time to yourself on a mission like that—lots of time. Anyway, I’d like to share something with you, if that’s all right.”

  “Of course, Ari said. “What’s on your mind?”

  Looking a little uncomfortable, Merrick shifted his gaze to the floor. “It’s a little personal, so I’d like to keep it between you and me.”

  “That’s not a problem.”

  The two men walked into the living space and sat on the sofa near the still image display.

  “Well, I guess it goes without saying, I’m kind of a technical guy,” Merrick began, “always have been—not very social. Even in school; math, science, and mechanics were about all that interested me. I’ve spent most of my life figuring out how things work—dissecting and putting them back together. All I ever wanted was to become a pilot. So I planned my education to make that happen…. It’s not that I didn’t want to make friends. There just wasn’t any room.”

  Ari listened attentively, periodically giving a nod. Many of the crew had voiced similar experiences—their lives focused on achievement, while paying little attention to social issues.

  “When I was chosen for the Earth mission,” Merrick continued, “most of the pressure to study and compete was gone. All I had to do was learn the new job and adjust to life on the ship. It didn’t take long to settle into a routine. Now don’t get me wrong
, the missions are interesting enough. It’s just the social part that seems lacking. Since I became a Christian, it’s as if I can finally see what’s important. Life isn’t all about technology. It includes relationships—our relationship with the Lord and our relationships with others.... I guess what I’m saying is, I just don’t want to be alone anymore.”

  Ari raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

  “I’ve gone off the alpha meds.”

  ———————

  The entire crew understood the importance of the Earth missions. Moreover, each individual viewed their ERS crew status as a deep honor, one that warranted their best efforts and complete concentration. Therefore, the majority of single crewmembers had opted for a medical resolution, “alpha meds,” to reduce the distractions of the opposite sex. While the meds could be taken with various levels of potency, even the strongest dose left room for the unusually ardent attraction.

  ———————

  To Ari, Merrick’s story sounded all too familiar. Katie Warren, one of his nurses, had recently stopped the meds, deeply smitten by some new face at the chapel.

  “In short,” Merrick went on, “I’m thinking of starting a family.”

  Ari smiled at the awkward statement. “But don’t you need a wife for that?”

  Realizing his blunder, Merrick retorted, “That had crossed my mind.”

  “Then who’s the lucky girl—anyone I know?”

  “Just the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen.”

  Confused, Ari said, “Are you telling me, in fifteen years you have never noticed this girl?”

  “Doc, as I mentioned, I’ve been totally focused on my job and just don’t visit the upper decks very often. We’re fairly self-contained down on the lower decks. And yeah, I may have walked past her before, but if so, I’m sure I’d have remembered. Anyway, that’s why I’m here. I’ve seen her at the chapel a few times, but her friends are always with her, and I just don’t feel comfortable breaking in. You must know who I’m talking about. She wears little flowers in her hair.”

  Ari glanced down at the floor smiling, knowing flower-adorned hair to be Katie’s hallmark. Wait, he thought, the “new face” at the chapel. Merrick’s the only—