A New Time

by Donna Steele

  At his bidding, Vion followed them to the large room.

  ~ ~ ~

  The two mind talkers awaited them in the chamber where the conclave was held. They showed respect for the warriors, then rising quickly bowed formally to Vion. Surprised, she acknowledged them dutifully before examining the room. As a minor female, she had seen only a small section of what the magnificence of Velotor’s holdings had once been. No female had ever been aboard any of his ships.

  Vion’s mind still reeled from the new ideas and deference she received. She was unsure of the rank these mind talkers held in Braxal’s clan, since they ranked very low under Velotor.

  Braxal made brief introductions and brought forth their suggestion to Sark and Axal, who answered for both of them. “We believe this to be a wise course of action, Warriors. To have this species as allies, or possibly friends could have great advantages in the future.”

  “Please see if the Guardian will respond to you,” Braxal ordered.

  Chapter 34

  Washington, D.C.

  “Dad, we’re fine,” Dee assured her father once again. They had finally gotten through to him. The panic hadn’t subsided completely, but apparently a lot of people finally made contact with friends and family, then left room for others to do the same. “No, do not try to get here. Travel is still insane around here. Dusty is working from home. Probably one of the only ones doing any actual work.”

  “Dee, the thing we saw . . .”

  “Yes, I know. An alligator man. It was exactly what Dusty and I both saw in our dreams.”

  A small silence followed her statement. “You two weren’t the only ones to see it.”

  “No.”

  “Do you have any idea if any of the others had an adventure like you did?”

  The idea struck her solidly and knocked the breath from her. Dusty stood at her side in an instant. “What?”

  “The others, the ones who saw the alligator man, could they have time traveled as well?”

  She watched Dusty’s mouth move, though no sound came for a long moment. “We need to talk to Dr. Morgan again.”

  ~ ~ ~

  They’d opted to call Dr. Morgan rather than try to make their way to the facility, and after several attempts, Dee finally reached him.

  “I’m especially glad to hear from you, Dr. Stevens,” he said.

  “I think, under current circumstances, the research Dr. Williams and I were doing is moot.”

  “At this time, I’m not prepared to discuss that. The people who had the ‘delusion,’ which of course is the wrong word now, have all recognized the alien as the being they saw in dreams. I have never given much credence to the idea of precognition. My ideas might have to change now.”

  “I understand. I wanted to ask a specific question about your patients. Did any of them have the additional delusion of time traveling, something where they traveled, say to the future, and that’s how they saw what they saw?” Dee asked.

  “No one has mentioned anything of that nature to me. The idea this was a view of the future has not been presented by anyone I treated. They seem to be as stunned as the rest of us regarding all of this. No one even put forth the idea what they saw was an alien from a distant planet. As for time travel, that’s a concept I believe I would have caught when treating these patients.”

  “I’m sure. It’s a very far out idea, but one of my colleagues brought it up and I thought I’d check with you. I’m not sure I’ll be continuing this research.”

  “I understand. I will tell you following the broadcast, three more of my patients have become ready to leave the facility. They feel vindicated and more anchored in reality.”

  “That’s very good news, Dr. Morgan. I know you’re busy. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me.”

  “Of course. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you do decide to pursue . . . whatever this was.” He chuckled and they said their goodbyes.

  “He would have picked it up,” Dusty said. “I don’t think there was any time travel involved with the others.”

  Dee shook her head. “I didn’t think so, but I wasn’t going to bring Erica into the conversation with Dad. I’m glad we checked.”

  They both regarded Erica as she lay on the floor, under a colorful montage of soft animals, occasionally striking one with her hand more by accident than design.

  We have so much to learn.

  ~ ~ ~

  Aboard Braxal’s ship

  With trepidation, Axal allowed his dominant claw to link with Sark’s as he reached out for the Guardian.

  To his astonishment, she responded instantly. “Axal? Sark? How may I assist you?”

  She knew their names. For a moment Axal felt too weak to answer, until Sark stroked his claw. “Guardian. We apologize for disturbing you.”

  “It is no disturbance. I see you are still orbiting the planet Earth.”

  “Yes, that is why we have contacted you. Our presence here has caused much panic and fear among the Earthlings. This was not our intention. Our warriors, Braxal and Gsark, hesitate to leave when we have been unable to communicate with these beings. We would wish them to understand we did not travel here with hostile intent. Our motive was only to contact you, Guardian. If we depart with no explanation, we leave a planet in turmoil.”

  “You wish to communicate with them?”

  “We wish to calm them. Sark and I are forbidden to reach the minds of the inhabitants due to the shield you erected. Even prior to that, our communication was misunderstood since the Earthlings have no mind talkers.”

  “That is true. It would take some time for mind talkers to evolve naturally on the planet.”

  “Our warriors believe if we leave the planet without explaining our reasoning, fear will grow and, as they mature as a species, they will always view us as hostile and an enemy.”

  “Allow me to meditate on this for a short period, Axal. I will contact you shortly.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Guardian Enclave

  Cael sank onto the mat in her quarters. On some level the Malveks were correct. The panic had not subsided on the planet. With the two ships still in orbit, that wasn’t likely.

  Should she speak to her Elder or go first to Erica? She relaxed her physical body and reached out for Erica.

  “Cael. My thanks for your assistance. The two humans who care for me are now able to discern my thoughts.”

  “You are most welcome, Erica. I did very little.”

  “Perhaps that is the point. I feared if I attempted it, I could damage them. Very little was necessary, but it was vital. I have much to learn in my new circumstances. Why have you contacted me?”

  “The Malveks are concerned their actions are not understood on Earth.”

  “They are correct, for the panic is global. Do they have a solution?”

  “Not exactly. They would like to communicate and explain their actions. Axal and Sark are the two mind talkers who have accompanied the Warriors. They are the beings who were in contact causing the dreams. Their contact ended when you erected the shield protecting the planet. They admit they were unsuccessful in communicating effectively prior to that instance.”

  “Their attempts caused much harm to the being I know as Mother.”

  “I do not believe such harm intentional. They had never communicated with a species which had no experience with mind talkers. Their plan was to draw out the Guardians, which they have done.”

  “Yes, I monitored your visit with them. They were sincere. Two of the younger Malveks accompanying them were hostile but contained. I have seen growth in the older warrior, which is pleasing to me.” Cael watched as Erica stretched her human body and allowed the multicolored shape above her to distract her for an instant. Would such a trivial decoration be a
ppropriate for her own dwelling space?

  “Do you wish for their communication to be understood?”

  “Let me consider the action for a moment. I will contact you.”

  “I am always at your bidding, Erica.”

  Cael allowed her physical body to recline on the mat of her quarters and her mind to relax.

  ~ ~ ~

  Washington, D.C.

  Erica ignored the colorful hangings dangling in front of her. In all of her long life, she had never been involved in any situation regarding other beings so closely. Observation had always been her way. But she wanted the people of this planet to feel safe and calm again. Her parents knew more than the others and still they were uneasy.

  They had no idea how safe they now were. No form of life could get beyond her shield.

  These humans would not feel safe if a representative such as Warrior Braxal were to visit the planet. He was large and imposing. No, someone more like Vion, or possibly the mind talkers, Axal or Sark, would make the better envoy. They knew the entirety of the Malvek strategy and had some experience with the human mind. Yes, the mind talkers might be the best solution. She could protect whoever stayed and the other could be in communication. The shield would no longer hinder communication between the two.

  Cael could handle the modifications in such a way that everyone they met could understand them.

  This was the life Erica had chosen. New and fascinating items, things that had never before reached a level of interest, now consumed her.

  Chapter 35

  Guardian Enclave

  Cael waited outside of the Elders quarters. To her credit she had not raced through the corridors this time.

  “Cael, please enter.”

  Cael bowed to her mentor. “I wished to let you know of my latest communication with Erica.”

  “Cael, you no longer need to report to me. You have passed beyond me in your journey. It is I who should report to you.”

  Cael stilled, looking directly into her Elder’s eyes. “I . . . I am not ready.”

  “None of us is ever ‘ready,’ my child. It is good you acknowledge your limits but please remember you have all of the Elders to advise you, even as you are one of us. You have the ear of the Essence and are performing duties directly from her. Hold that in your mind as well. Please, sit.”

  Cael sank onto the bench and the Elder seated herself next to her. “Go on with your report. We will ease into this shift at a pace comfortable for you.”

  “The Malveks wish to communicate with the Earthlings to reassure them their intentions are not hostile. Erica agrees with this idea and will summon me when she decides what course of action she would prefer.”

  “Befriend Earth, or perhaps ally with them? That shows wisdom on their part. Earth is under special protection now. If they have come to realize such, this confirms growth in their species.”

  “Braxal, a great leader of the Malveks, has shown much growth in the short span of time I have observed. He has opened himself to advice from females and lesser ranks of his kind.”

  The Elder’s eyes shone with pleasure. “Too often the strong overlook the wisdom of the physically weaker, to their detriment. I would like to observe the Malveks myself, if you do not mind.”

  “I would appreciate it. They are not my assignment, but due to the entanglement with Earth, I have followed them.”

  “I imagine you will be observing many new species in your enhanced role.”

  “Elder—”

  “I believe you should begin to address me as Miri.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Aboard Braxal’s ship

  Cael focused her attention on Axal and Sark. “I would speak with your group again.”

  “Yes, Guardian. We will convene immediately in the same location.” Axal rose and, with Sark at his heels, hurried to Warrior Braxal’s quarters.

  “Our apologies for disturbing you,” Axal began, as soon as he rose from his cringe. He noted Vion was present and listening. “The Guardian wishes to address us regarding our request.”

  “Very well. Vion, accompany me.” Braxal strode toward the gathering place, Axal and Sark following after.

  Gsark met them there. “Our sons are not in attendance,” he observed.

  “It might be possible for the Guardian to include them regardless of proximity,” Sark offered.

  “A good point. We should ask for that accommodation.”

  Cael shimmered into view. “I have made our communication available to your sons.” She advised them before a request could be made. “It is vital they learn from your wisdom as well.”

  She paused as Braxal and Gsark absorbed her statement. “It is our understanding you wish to reassure the inhabitants of Earth. We agree this would be in the best interest of both species. A broadcast will be arranged in which your language will be no barrier. In addition to such communication, we feel leaving an envoy on the planet would serve as well.” Cael’s gaze covered all of those in the room. “The Earthlings have a custom of what they call Embassies, which allow people of other cultures to live with those unlike themselves and learn firsthand as well as teach their differences. I believe this idea was not in your thoughts when you left Malvek but would enhance the learning process. Axal or Sark would be fine representatives for such an embassy.”

  “O-Or, Guardian?” Axal betrayed his nerves in speaking aloud without permission.

  “Yes. Only one would remain behind in order to continue communication.”

  “The shield.” Axal reached out for Sark, who had fallen into the position of respect.

  “Yes. The shield guarding this planet has been modified to allow continued interaction for the two of you.”

  “Our mind talkers have no protection, Guardian,” Gsark said. “I would be uneasy, leaving them to a world of frightened, hostile beings.”

  “I understand your unease. Rest assured they would be under our protection and safe during their stay. This is not a permanent situation. Once you return to Malvek, and report what has transpired, a full contingency of ambassadors could be trained and transported to replace whichever one remains.”

  ~ ~ ~

  “We would not be separated permanently.” Axal mentally reassured Sark. “Listen to her. This is not a life ending assignment.”

  “I would be without you.”

  “For a short period only. And only physically. She has assured our Warriors we could be in one another’s minds regardless of the shield. It is I who should stay. I would not wish to leave you among hostiles, and you would return for me as soon as you train other mind talkers or whatever new rank comes into being for this enterprise.”

  “Axal, Sark?” Gsark drew Axal’s attention back and he cringed for his lack of attention. “Were you discussing this possibility?”

  “We were, Warrior. It should be I who stays behind. Sark will teach the mind talkers or new rank what is needed to replace me.”

  Sark touched him with his dominant claw but did not refute his statement.

  “We would not leave you here alone for many spans, Axal,” Braxal assured. “This is a new venture, far beyond my imaginings. Before a final decision is made, we will discuss it further.”

  Braxal addressed the Guardian. “You will assist in a planet-wide communication?”

  “I will. I would know the thoughts you wish to convey to ensure it does not appear hostile to this species.”

  Braxal blinked several of his eyelids as he refocused on Vion, then Gsark. “We are entering murky waters.”

  “For the good of all Malveks,” Gsark responded.

  Axal allowed his claw to entwine with Sark’s.

  Chapter 36

  Washington, D.C.

  Dusty hit save on his keyboard as Dee steppe
d into his home office. “You okay?”

  Dee shrugged as he rose and pulled her in his arms. “I put Erica down. She fell asleep on the floor but . . .”

  “What?”

  “I was watching her, I can’t stop. Just before she fell asleep, she had that look in her eye, as though seeing something I couldn’t. Dusty, she’s only a few months old. I’m not a pediatrician so I have to wonder, is that natural? Or did she have another conversation with the Guardian?”

  “Would it be a bad thing if she did?”

  “It’s not normal.”

  “Normal? We time traveled and changed the past of an entire world. Admittedly with this Guardian’s help, but we did it. That’s not exactly normal in my mind.”

  “Why are the ships still here?”

  His arms tightened around her. “I don’t know. They’ve hurt no one. Our panic hasn’t helped, but they have only, as the Guardian said, observed.”

  “Isn’t that creepy enough? We’re being observed by at least two alien races. Okay, only you and I know about the second one, but still . . .” Dee rotated her shoulders, clearly trying to ease the tension.

  “Why don’t we have a glass of wine? Relax.”

  “Because I’m keeping you from work and I’m being a wuss.”

  Dusty chuckled. “Wuss? I don’t think so. And I’m getting more work done than ninety percent of the population. I can take a break. Only one glass for you.”

  “Leonard hasn’t said anything?”

  “He’s working from home as well. No, to be honest he’s working from Sherry’s home.” Dusty grinned at Dee.

  “What?” Dee looked truly stunned.