The Xidoran Prophecy

by Elaine Bassett

  The officer stepped alongside Carson. The man paid no attention to Airabelle but instead greeted Bev. He showed them to a viewing room. It was like nothing Charles had ever seen before. As he was looking around at the coin cases he noticed the walls occasionally changed colors.

  Carson surveyed the coins in the case with Charles; but suddenly straightened up when he heard another man’s voice. The two men crossed the room at the same time to shake hands.

  “Carson Jones, how are you?”

  “Fine. Dimitrios how are you?”

  Carson began to make introductions but Dimitrios beat him to it. “Hello Bev. It has been way too long since we last talked.” He hugged her instead of shaking her hand.

  Airabelle flew to Charles’ shoulder. Dimitrios and Bev talked for a brief moment until she mentioned Charles was with them. Then he turned his attention to Charles and Airabelle. Charles was suddenly nervous.

  “Be confident. He is here to see how you act. Hold your frame. Shake hands firmly and smile a relaxed smile as if you have known him forever,” Airabelle said.

  “This must be Charles,” Dimitrios said and he glided like a dignitary over to Charles. He never took his eyes off Charles.

  “Don’t look away!” Airabelle advised Charles silently. “Look him in the eye, let him look away first.” When Dimitrios finally looked away Airabelle told Charles he did a fine job.

  “Whew,” Charles thought. Bev was pleased by the look on her face.

  “I was just on my way out the door when I noticed your group. It was a pleasure to meet you, Charles.” Dimitrios turned to Bev, kissed her hand and then shook hands with Carson before he left.

  Bev and Carson looked at each other for a fleeting moment. Charles thought about their glance and tried to decipher it.

  Airabelle said, “They are relieved, that is all. Dimitrios’ appearance was unexpected.”

  The Master Coin Keeper invited them to sit down. He asked Carson for his gold card. Carson took it out and handed the card to him. The man scanned it and left it on the glass counter.

  The man leaned over and said, “Carson, I have to say that was the oddest thing I have ever seen Dimitrios do, in all the years I have known him.”

  Carson just smiled, not letting on he knew the reason Dimitrios had been there. Knowing the secrecy surrounding the office of the Prime Minister, Carson understood why it was so important to keep it a secret. This man couldn’t possibly have known or even guessed the reason for what had transpired but he was obviously curious. Carson said, “I wouldn’t know. Dimitrios is just an acquaintance. Bev knows him better than

  I.”

  They looked at Bev. She shrugged as if she didn’t know anything. “It’s been years since I saw him. I didn’t think anything of it.”

  Carson changed the subject. “Thank you for the appointment Rick.”

  The man smiled and said, “It wasn’t a problem to work you in at all.” He shook his head. “I’m still just puzzled by Dimitrios.” His demeanor suggested there was more to an earlier interaction between him and Dimitrios.

  The man directed everyone’s attention to the coins he had displayed for them in the showcase. Everyone put on white gloves the man handed them. He pulled the coins out one at a time to be viewed as Carson requested. They studied the coins and discussed the ones that were on their master list. Airabelle picked up on Carson’s hand gestures as he told about each coin. She then told Charles which coins to tag in order to place a bid. Bev looked at a few coins and set them aside so she could review them before they left. She looked them over for the second time, but decided to pass.

  When Rick asked Charles which coins he had selected, Airabelle told him telepathically what to do. Charles did just as she instructed him. Carson was very pleased. He looked at Airabelle and smiled.

  Bev was pleased with his choices as well. She nodded her head and said, “Excellent choices, Charles. I couldn’t agree more.”

  Rick asked if final decisions had been made. Carson confirmed their order and silent bids. Rick placed Carson’s gold card in a black leather folder and placed it, along with the coins, back in the showcase. They shook hands and thanked Rick. Rick showed them out and commented that if they would like to come in for a private showing another time he’d be happy to help. Carson thanked him. Rick locked up behind them.

  As they stood outside the showroom Carson whispered in Charles’ ear, “Atta, boy. I believe you passed. At the end of my transaction with Rick, I placed a silent bid on each coin. If there are no bids higher than my silent bids, we acquire the coins. We need to attend the auction to bid higher, if we still desire the coins.”

  They walked down the street. Bev quietly added, “I suspect Rick will be paid another visit by Dimitrios.”

  Carson agreed and said, “I’m sure Dimitrios will inquire about our visit. Charles’ decisions were brilliant.”

  They decided to eat at an Italian restaurant in the Hub. Charles was thankful that this time, while they walked around in the Hub, no one gawked or said a word about Airabelle.

  Airabelle silently explained some of the nuances of the earlier meeting and why she had instructed Charles while he was conversing with Dimitrios. She also mentioned to Charles that she and Dimitrios had met years ago. “I was aware that he would be influential when I met him years ago. I paid special attention to his mannerisms and was careful to study him as he interacted with others while working the room. I was able to use that to our advantage today.”

  “Thank you for your insight with Dimitrios. The meeting went well because of your help. Also thank you for helping with the selection of coins we will place bids on.”

  They ate and had drinks before heading to the Sojourners’ Council meeting. They didn’t realize they were being followed from a distance. The individual took special care to make sure no one was paying attention to his presence.

  Once they arrived at the designated address they stood outside for a moment before entering. Carson said, “This is just a session to meet the Council members, explain the process and see if we have any questions. My guess is, they will ask if you would like to continue on with the process Charles. An answer will be expected. So be ready for that and have an answer for them.”

  Bev said, “Whatever your answer is Charles, we will be okay with it. It is up to you to decide.” They hugged before going into the building.

  Unbeknownst to them the Prime Minister had been watching from a window on the top floor. He closed the curtain, put on his suit coat and straightened his tie. He nodded to Dimitrios. They walked out the door and made their way down the steps to the meeting.

  Upon entering the building a woman greeted them and requested their invitation. Carson took it from his jacket and handed it to her. The Prime Minister and Dimitrios came walking around the corner. Dimitrios smiled and acknowledged them. He directed the Prime Minister in their direction. He introduced the Prime Minister, “Mr. Prime Minister may I introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Carson Jones and their grandson Mr. Charles Brookfield?”

  The Prime Minister shook hands with them and thanked them for coming to the Sojourners’ Council meeting. He turned to Dimitrios and said, “I will leave you with them to discuss the Council’s meeting. I will see you later inside the chamber.” He left them.

  Dimitrios thanked the woman who had greeted them. She left the room.

  He then said, “The Sojourners’ Council wishes me to thank you for attending. They would like me to remind you of your oath to secrecy regarding the process that is about to take place. With that being said they are anxious to meet you, Mr. Brookfield and your family. Please follow me.”

  He led them through the double doors into a room where the Council members were seated around a large circular table. As they entered the room the Council members all stood up. Dimitrios stopped and waited as they came around to introduce themselves. Once the introductions were made Dimitrios invited Carson, Bev and Charles to take a seat at the table where their name cards were p
laced. They all sat down. They brought Airabelle her own chair at the table in order to accommodate her. No one could see her as she remained still on the seat cushion.

  The Prime Minister once again thanked them for coming to the meeting. The Sojourners’ Council President said in a dignified voice, “Mr. Brookfield, you have been set apart from other Sojourners. The Sojourners’ Council has voted and approved your candidacy to apply for the apprenticeship for the office of Prime Minister. This evening we will explain the process of how we will choose an apprentice. Then we will briefly explain what your role and expectations would be as apprentice to the Prime Minister.”

  Dimitrios then said, “In the event you should be chosen, and accept the role as the Prime Minister’s Apprentice, at that time we will explain in greater depth what your expectations will be in order to fulfill the requirements of the position. As the chosen apprentice matures in the position his or her responsibilities will increase. It is an appointment that will utilize all aspects of the government, commanding limited powers.”

  The next hour was spent going around the table as each of the Council members introduced themselves and discussed the process. Each one of them asked Charles thought provoking questions. He answered each of them brilliantly. The Prime Minister interrupted when they continued to ask questions beyond their allotted time for questioning. When he cleared his throat that was the cue that he was getting impatient. The Sojourners’ Council President briefly explained what would follow the election should Charles be chosen as the Prime Minister’s apprentice. After they finished the presentation the Sojourners’ Council President asked if Charles or his family had any questions about the process.

  Charles asked, “Who will mentor the Prime Minister’s apprentice?”

  They all looked around the table at each other. It wasn’t that they didn’t want to answer, but they had intended to reveal that information to the apprentice upon confirmation.

  Dimitrios stated, “I will be the mentor to the Prime Minister’s apprentice.” After Dimitrios answered the question, the meeting quickly adjourned. Dimitrios walked them out of the room closing the door behind as they walked out. He walked them to the door leading to the Hub. He shook hands with Charles and Carson. Then he turned to Bev and hugged her.

  He said to Charles, “I must get a confirmation from you, Mr. Brookfield, before you leave if you shall remain a candidate for the apprenticeship of the Prime Minister. Do you accept?”

  Charles thanked him and stated, “Yes. I do accept the candidacy for the apprenticeship of the Prime Minister.”

  “You will hear from us in the near future on how we shall proceed. Once again thank you and good day.” Dimitrios watched them leave the building and merge with the people in the Hub before he walked back into the room with the Sojourners’ Council.

  The Prime Minister sat quietly rethinking the meeting they had just had as the others were conversing. It seemed to Dimitrios that the Prime Minister had a favorite coming into this meeting tonight and now he didn’t seem so sure of his decision.

  The President of the Council spoke up and said, “I think we all agree that went better than we had expected going into this meeting. He seems very well trained and knowledgeable for being a Sojourner such a short time. After looking at his extensive file, I for one am impressed.”

  Conversation broke out around the table about Charles and how he presented himself, as if he could just slip into the role as apprentice. They had been observing Charles for quite some time and seriously looking into the write-up of his recommendation. The problem had been he hadn’t stepped foot into the Hub until recently. Now everything had changed. They had no intention of letting Charles know during the meeting, that they were actually farther into this process than they wanted to admit to the Jones’. Charles had literally stunned everyone tonight when he came off far and away more knowledgeable that the other more experienced candidates, with the exception of one. The two of them stood out to the Council. The Prime Minister now looked across the table and met the eyes of the Councilman who had recommended Charles.

  Carson, Bev and Charles left the meeting and headed for their Passageway. They walked in silence. They walked a couple of blocks when a man came running toward them shouting, “Go back, go back!”

  Carson gave Bev a concerned look. She shrugged because nothing seemed to be happening around them. They continued walking a little farther up the street until they reached a crowd. Carson asked a lady standing next to him what was going on up ahead. The lady shook her head, shrugged and in a heavy accent said, “I have no idea what is happening ahead of us.”

  At that moment shouts were heard in the distance in a language Charles didn’t understand. The crowd began to panic causing people to scatter in every direction. Carson tried to grab ahold of Bev, but she was pushed back into the mob. For a short time Carson could see Charles but they were also separated in the sudden confusion.

  Charles asked Airabelle to fly to a good vantage point to keep him informed as to what was going on. She flew above the fray to tell him what was occurring down below. She communicated telepathically that there was in fact a large public disturbance ahead of them. She suggested to Charles maybe they should head back the other way. Charles agreed with her suggestion. As he turned a very tall burly man seized his arm and spun him back around. The man began shouting in his face speaking in a foreign language.

  Charles shook his head and said, “I don’t know what you are saying.”

  The man pointed at Charles’ nose and began screaming in broken English, “You, you’re one who bumped into me. Stole my crystal. You are ‘Unknown.’”

  Airabelle began circling above Charles. Charles was unsure of what to do. He pulled his arm away from the stranger and tried to explain that he wasn’t an “Unknown”. That he hadn’t taken anything from the man. The man once again lunged and grabbed Charles’ arm and began to shake him. Charles was just about to take drastic measures when the people around him began pointing. Charles then noticed bubbles floating in the air around them. They began to expand as they came closer turning into the Passageway Authorities standing on flying disks. More havoc was created around them when the “Unknowns” realized the Authorities were in their presence. They began trying to push through the crowd to escape. Shouts and loud noises were heard all over the Hub.

  As the man drew back his fist to punch Charles, he heard the crowd gasp. He refocused on Charles, squeezing his arm. The man looked over his shoulder when he heard a commanding voice shout for him to back away from the young man in several languages. The crowd pointed at Charles. He could hear random voices saying her name. The man looked around for her and recognizing the Passageway Authority Commissioner approaching, he squeezed Charles’ arm tighter and began pointing, accusing him of stealing his crystal. Charles had prepared himself for any action he might need to take.

  Anjoleah hovered near them on her flying disk and demanded, “Let loose of that young man. He is not an ‘Unknown’. He is now in my custody.”

  The man reluctantly released Charles’ arm. An officer rushed over and pulled the man to the other side of the street. He searched the man, and found the crystal in his jacket pocket. The Authority Official held it up for the crowd to see.

  Anjoleah put down the protective force field surrounding the flying disk and motioned to Charles to quickly step on to the back of it. Once he did she vertically climbed with her disk and hovered in the air.

  Charles said to her, “You showed up just in time. I was considering my options. What language was that man speaking back there? I didn’t know how to communicate with him. He kept saying over and over again I was an ‘Unknown’ and kept pounding his shirt pocket. I could tell the crowd was trying to decide if they should clobber me or not.”

  Anjoleah said, “The man was speaking Russian. Things can get out of control very quickly in the Hub when there is disorder. I’m just glad I saw you in the ring of spectators when I did.”

  Airabell
e flew ahead of them to where Carson and Bev were waiting for him. Charles pointed in their direction. Anjoleah headed that way. Once she landed she disarmed the protective force field and Charles was able to step off the flying disk. Anjoleah turned to him and said, “You are smart for not provoking the man back there. He was ready to start a fight with anyone in his path. You could really have been hurt. I have to leave now.” Charles thanked her.

  She left to establish control and order. Charles noticed she spoke in several languages to the crowd through her megaphone. Once they were aware of her presence they began to calm down and order was restored relatively quickly. Sojourners swarmed around her eager to give information about the disruption the “Unknowns” had caused.

  Carson said, “I know a shortcut back to our Passageway. I think we should go back and take it so that we avoid all of the commotion up ahead of us.”

  Bev agreed. “Lead the way. We’re right behind you.”

  Airabelle rode on Charles’ shoulder all the way back. Charles couldn’t believe what had just happened and was trying to keep his mind off the incident. He began talking to Airabelle and asked her questions silently as they walked.

  When they returned to their primary Passageway Carson entered the combination into the large lock in order to open the Passageway door. Bev went through first and then Airabelle. Next Charles walked through and waited for Carson as he made sure the door closed and sealed behind them. When they reached the other side they smiled in relief knowing they were all safe after the riot that took place in the Hub. Carson began putting their things away. He took their glasses and placed them in his desk.

  Bev thanked Airabelle for watching over Charles. Airabelle told them about what she had seen from her bird’s eye view of the “Unknowns.” They conversed about what they had seen while they were separated during the riot.