After a couple of hours Charles was still going strong. Carson walked over to see what he was journaling. Charles showed Carson what he had created.
“Wow!” Carson said as he looked through the pages. He ruffled Charles’ hair. Charles went right back to work. He worked until it was time to go to the house for dinner. Carson encouraged him to mark his thoughts where he was, and they would return after dinner. Charles put his glasses on top of his journal and stood up to stretch. Carson opened the door for Esmond to go and explore outside. Airabelle returned to her birdcage.
Then they walked to the house. Charles ran upstairs to try on the clothes his mom had brought for him. He ran to the bedroom. He opened the closet door and found several suits and a tuxedo in a travel bag. He found several pairs of shoes and socks in a bag. Bev walked in.
Charles said, “Nana, I thought you told Mom we were going to visit a relative?”
“I did, and then I went shopping.”
Charles was excited to see all the suits and shoes. He had never owned so many clothes. He hugged Nana.
“Go ahead and start trying them on.”
She left and he tried on each one. They all fit exactly. When he came out of the bedroom he told Bev the clothes were a perfect fit.
She said, “What are the chances of that happening.” She hugged him and went downstairs.
He put all the suits back in the closet and went downstairs. Carson and Bev were at the kitchen table waiting for him. They filled their plates for dinner and held hands to say grace before eating. Dinner was simple and fast. Charles thought maybe Nana did that in case she had to alter his clothes.
When they finished Charles told Bev about his journal. She went out to the office with them to see what he had created. Esmond was waiting for them at the door and hopped in after them as they entered the office. Charles and Bev walked over to the desk and put on their glasses. He started from the beginning showing her his work.
“Charles that is amazing! I have never seen one so intricate.” She looked through it with him. She asked him a few questions before going to sit down by Carson. They talked, read the newspaper and caught up on what was happening in the Hub.
Charles became lost in his work and continued creating until late into the night. Finally Carson suggested they get some rest. They would come back in the morning and continue. Charles agreed. He was nowhere near finished and could use the time to plan out his final layouts. Carson showed him how to make what he had created permanent before they cleaned up. They put their glasses in Carson’s desk and went to the house.
It was late and the night was still. Charles was proud of his journal accomplishments. They walked in silence to the house. Bev hugged and kissed Charles goodnight in the entry and headed for bed. Carson and Charles said goodnight. Carson walked to the library.
Charles went straight to bed. In the night he dreamed of inventions and time travel. He thought it was odd that in his dreams he couldn’t decide where he was going and became lost in the tunnels. When he awoke the next morning he was concerned because he was unable to find his primary Passageway and no one could help him find his way home. He rubbed his eyes and sat up in bed. He looked around the room content to know the nightmare was something he could leave behind.
Charles looked in the mirror. His hair was a mess. He ran his hands through it trying to make it somewhat presentable. He dressed and went downstairs. Bev was in the kitchen. Charles asked if she was gathering eggs.
“Yes, would you like to join me?”
“Sure, I’m ready.”
They walked across the farm to the chicken coop. Some of the hens were out already. Bev began walking around inspecting the grounds. Charles went in and started gathering the eggs. Bev followed and they collected all the eggs. Charles cleaned the broken eggs before they left. As they walked back to the house they discussed the possibility something had gotten into the chicken coop. While they were walking Bev told him Walter would like to add another hen house on the new property. Charles agreed that was a good idea. Bev nodded and said she wanted to maintain this one as well.
When they returned to the house Charles covered the counter top with a towel. He set the eggs by the sink and took the dry sanding sponge from below the sink. He then began to dry clean the eggs with the sanding sponge. Once he was finished he cleaned up and sat down at the table.
Carson and Walter joined them for breakfast. They talked about the market. Gretchen and Molly were really making a go of the store. It was fun for the two of them.
Walter said, “I have to go there just to see her. The two of them are making that place profitable. The farmers are spending all their money there. They come in with their wives for breakfast, lunch and dinner.” Carson laughed.
“When we get back from our vacation I may have to go in again and work. It was fun!” said Bev.
“Gretchen would love to have you as often as you can get away.”
Carson and Walter discussed if they should increase what they were giving to the charities in town. Walter said he would take care of it. Walter asked if his son-in-law could start working on the farm because he could use the help. Carson agreed that would be fine. It wasn’t long before Walter and Carson finished with the farm’s business. Walter thanked Bev for the breakfast and was out the door.
Bev said, “The packing is finished. I will prepare the snacks we’ll need and then rest. Carson do you have any work left to be done before leaving?”
“No, I finished what needed to be done with Walter’s visit.” He stood up from the table and made his way to the library. As he walked into the library, suddenly something caught his eye amongst the books on the shelf. He walked over and pulled the book. He looked at it and noted it was Caroline’s book. He opened the book and a makeshift bookmark fell to the ground. He thought it was interesting he hadn’t noticed it before. He bent over and picked it up. He went over and retrieved an extra set of glasses. He put them on and examined it. It resembled a Sojourner’s journal page but had crayon scribbles on it. He examined it closely and unfolded the page. Carson couldn’t believe what he held in his hands. It was as if a child had traced the Sojourner’s words as best as he/she could on the page with crayon. Carson accessed a few of the primitive side notes on the page. The page definitely belonged to Miss Catherine Caperson. He took the page into the kitchen where Bev and Charles were working. He stood in the doorway holding the paper.
“Carson, what is that in your hand?” Bev asked. She walked over and reached out for it. He handed it to her. She looked at it. “Who did this, and where did you find it?”
“It was a bookmark in the dog book Caroline put in the library.” Bev took it over to Charles.
He read it and asked, “She can read from journals? That is amazing.” Charles handed the paper back to Bev and continued, “It would have saved Paw Paw a letter if we had found that page earlier.”
Carson shrugged. “Maybe.”
Bev said, “I think we may want to put this in the vault. It is possible that we can take it to the Sojourners’ Council when all of the other business is finished.”
Charles asked, “What would they do?”
Bev looked at him thoughtfully and said, “Well, they could give us approval to approach her.”
“And what if it went wrong and she can’t Sojourn?”
Carson said, “Well, it would be tricky, but they would have to do something that hasn’t been done in a long time…” He looked at Bev as if for help.
Bev finished for him, “A crystal procedure which is said to be painful, but harmless. It erases the memory. It is said it could erase up to a whole week.”
Charles shook his head and said, “No way. We couldn’t do that to her.”
Bev handed the paper back to Carson. She put her hand on Charles’ shoulder and said, “I just don’t know what we can do.”
“I understand. We won’t do that though.”
Bev agreed and said, “Charles, I think we are finished.
We have to let the future take care of itself.”
Carson put the glasses back and they went to the office. Charles picked up the bag for crickets and walked down to the flower garden. He bent down and started looking under the leaves of Nana’s flowers. He had to search in several areas before he found enough crickets. As soon as Charles entered the office he fed Esmond. Carson had already cleaned the aquarium. Airabelle was flying around the room. Charles flopped down on the desk chair. He scooted up to the desk, put on his glasses and began to work. Carson was reading the Hub newspaper. After an hour Charles took a break. He walked over and sat by Carson. Airabelle landed on the back of Carson’s chair. Charles picked up a section of the Hub newspaper and read to catch up on the current events. Then he set the newspaper down and talked to Carson before going back to work on his journal.
He was creating an intricate journal with as much documentation as he could pack into it. Several more hours passed until Bev came with lunch. Time was going rather quickly. They enjoyed each other’s company as they ate the picnic lunch. She left dessert for them before she returned to the house. Carson and Airabelle discussed travel plans for the next day. They looked at maps and discussed the best sights to see in Paris.
At some point a bundle landed on the office floor. Charles was so involved in his journal that he didn’t even hear it come though the Passageway. Carson and Airabelle were looking over the contents of the package. When Charles was at a stopping point Carson called him over and they discussed the itinerary in the packet.
Carson sent Charles to the house to get Bev so she could look it over with them. They returned immediately. She was so excited that the time was near. She enjoyed every minute of going through the packet of information. They discussed the events for the next day with Charles. They decided on a list of sights they wanted to see and places they wanted to visit while they waited for the interview. The committee had plans for them as well. They would all meet up for lunch and dinner. Other than that they would be in different places during their stay in Paris. The last night they would have an elegant dinner with the committee. Then they would be free to spend the next couple of days enjoying Paris. Once they finished with the details Bev went back to the house.
Charles added his signature touches to his work and brought his journal up to date. It was a masterpiece even if he did say so himself. He looked back through it with Carson. He couldn’t wait to add the next adventure to his journal when they returned. He felt prepared for the future ahead of him.
Airabelle was perched on the desk lectern watching him. She was worried about him. She was confident in his ability, but she was very aware of the pitfalls of the unknown. Charles was young and that put him at a disadvantage.
From what she heard Dimitrios mutter to himself, she was very aware that Charles’ competition was older and was more established as a Sojourner. She had heard of his family many years ago. He came from an old family line that was well known amongst Sojourners as a clan that was involved for centuries with the International Scientific Sojourners. Airabelle knew they had a reputation of being extremists. Not only that but they believed they were better than anyone else outside of their group, and that the average person couldn’t possibly fathom the scope of their vast knowledge. They believed they held the answers to the universe and to expound on that knowledge to outsiders was beneath them. Every one of them was required to swear an oath to that effect. Dimitrios had muttered that ‘over his unconscious body would the other pompous candidate see the Prime Minister’s office’. Dimitrios had obviously heard of their dealings as well.
Airabelle couldn’t understand how this Prime Minister would ever consider an International Scientific Sojourner as a replacement, just on the principle alone that they were extremists. Airabelle thought that must be part of his hesitation. Never the less, Airabelle was aware of the fact that whoever this candidate was he would be backed by power and prestige. She shook her feathers out.
Charles looked up at her. He laughed and asked her, “Did you see something you didn’t like?”
Airabelle shook her head. “No, I am in awe and inspired by such a creation as the one before me. It is truly magnificent!”
Charles laughed so hard he almost fell out of his chair. “What is that all about?” Carson looked puzzled at the exchange. Charles closed the journal. Carson suggested they enjoy the rest of the evening by relaxing. Charles agreed. They cleaned up and put everything in its place before going to the house.
Bev was glad to see them. “Margaret just called to ask if we would like to come over and visit. She mentioned that Caroline was also there. Would you like to join me?” Carson and Charles agreed, so they all got in the truck and Carson drove them over. Caroline thanked her grandma for making the call. She ran to meet them as they were getting out of the truck. She and Charles immediately went their own way. Bev and Carson went inside to join Margaret. They stayed and visited for quite some time. Margaret and Caroline fixed dinner for them. They ate and talked. Charles was reluctant to leave, but knew he needed his rest if he was going to be effective in front of the Council. They called it an evening and headed home.
When Charles arrived home, he called Caroline and told her goodnight. Then he turned in for the evening. That night he dreamed of all the things that could go wrong. He woke up several times in the night and stared at the ceiling.
After lying awake he called out to Airabelle. She answered back. They talked silently. Charles was thankful for the company. Then, she did something he never heard her do before. She sang to him. She had the most beautiful voice he had ever heard. It was in perfect pitch. It immediately relaxed him and he lost himself in her song. It was almost as if she had music to accompany her. It was beautiful. Finally, he couldn’t keep his eyes open and he drifted off to sleep.
The next morning when he woke up he remembered Airabelle’s beautiful song. He lazily smiled to himself. Then, his thoughts were interrupted by Airabelle chiming in saying to him, “Don’t even think about it Buster!” He laughed and rolled out of bed. He finished his morning routine and dressed in the clothes Bev chose for him to wear. He headed downstairs.
They ate breakfast. When they were finished he called and spoke with his mom. Bev had everything packed and ready to go. It was all waiting by the door. Carson and Charles carried the bags to the office. A Hub Hop was waiting for their bags. Carson tipped him. Charles was amazed that such a thing existed.
Carson said, “It’s a perk of the Prime Minister’s office, part of his personal staff.”
Charles shook his head and said, “Must be rough.” For a brief moment Charles thought to himself: What have I done?
Airabelle shook him out of his thoughts by interrupting him. She reminded him to set Esmond free outside. Esmond thanked her for not forgetting him. Carson and Charles told him they would see him upon their return. Carson opened the door, and Esmond croaked to Airabelle before hopping on his way.
Airabelle said, “I love that guy.”
Carson closed the door. He retrieved the key to the vault and pulled out his checklist. Charles accompanied him as he gathered all the items on the list and put them in a soft black leather bag. Once they had everything on the list Carson zipped the bag. He handed Charles his spectacles and crystal. Charles placed the crystal in his pocket and put his spectacles on. Charles removed the spectacles and examined them. He looked at Carson inquisitively and asked, “Why are my speck’s lenses tinted blue?”
“Well, they aren’t exactly blue. They are kind of iridescent swirling.”
“Huh?”
“Well, how interesting. My glasses have never done that before.” Carson called for Airabelle. She flew in and they discussed what was happening. She confirmed what Carson suspected. “It seems that they have programmed special messages for you along the way in the Hub.”
No one heard Bev enter. She walked in the vault and said, “Oh, I like those glasses Charles.”
Charles frowned and asked, “So, eve
ryone is going to notice my strange appearance as we walk through the Hub?”
Carson answered, “Apparently.”
Bev said, “I don’t see what is wrong with them.”
Charles gave them the “look.” He asked, “No one but me sees what is wrong with this?”
They looked him over and in unison said, “No.”
“Are you kidding me? You’re kidding me, right?”
They looked at each other and shook their heads. Charles knew he wasn’t getting anywhere with them. He took Carson’s glasses and put them on. They did the same thing. He threw his hands up in the air and gave them back and put his back on.
Bev smiled and said, “I hate to interrupt but we had better be going.”
Carson grabbed everything they needed and Airabelle’s travel papers. They stood by the Passageway. Everyone put the official badge around their neck and made sure they were ready. Once the Passageway opened they walked through and entered the Hub. As they turned the corner they noticed they were being followed. An officer came up alongside of them and introduced himself as their official escort sent by the Prime Minister’s office. He wore a black uniform with a reflective symbol of the Prime Minister’s office on his right sleeve. He had a badge on his chest. He asked them to wait with him.
He motioned to three other officers who came to them on hovering disks. They stepped off the disks and the disks continued to hover. Each man took from his backpack another flying disk that was held in the air. Each spun the bottom of the disk and it hovered for a moment then it gradually lowered itself to a preset height. Charles inspected the strange disk. It had numbers on the back of it.
The officer said, “These numbers identify who it belongs to.”
The Xidoran Prophecy Page 40
