The Councilwoman raised an eyebrow at Charles and stated coldly, “It is doubtful anything you have to say in regard to this matter will change my mind. Ms. Caperson was a close and personal friend of mine.”
Anthony struck his gavel. “Honorable Councilwoman please relinquish your seat for the remainder of this hearing. I do not believe after your statement, you can be impartial.”
She was shocked and looked at her friends for support. They all looked down. She said, “I’m sorry Prime Minister. I don’t know why I said that. I most certainly can be impartial.” She remained in her seat and turned back to Dimitrios.
Dimitrios began to speak. Anthony stopped him by raising his hand. “Honorable Councilwoman, I asked you to relinquish your vote and leave the room for the remainder of the hearing. You may return after the vote if you wish.”
She waved her hand. “No, that’s okay. I stated on the record I could be impartial.”
Anthony momentarily squinted his eyes at her. “I didn’t ask you if you could be impartial in order to remain. Ma’am, I asked you to leave until after the vote. If you do not leave your vote will be suspended for the remainder of the term.” He sat back.
She said, “That seems harsh Prime Minister.”
“So be it. This Council will remain impartial while all evidence is heard and I do not believe for one moment that you can fulfill your obligation to the Sojourner Community.”
She slowly stood up and touched each of her friends on the shoulder as she tried to be dignified as she left the room. After the door closed behind her, Anthony gave Dimitrios the go ahead to proceed.
Under his breath Anthony quietly muttered, “This better be good.”
Dimitrios began. “I believe based on the evidence you are about to hear you will come to accept and agree that Caroline Saunders is a Sojourner. She should be allowed to inherit Ms. Catherine Caperson’s estate and the Caperson lineage should immediately be reinstated allowing Caroline to rightfully have what is lawfully hers.” Dimitrios stood and turned to pick up the Caperson journal. He had the attorney on his right verify the ownership with the registration code on the inside of the journal. While he was doing that the Councilwoman sent in her own attorney. He stood in the box at the back of the room.
Anthony asked him to come forward. “Do you have information in regard to this case?”
“No, Honorable Prime Minister I do not. However I would like to request that the Honorable Councilwoman be allowed to sit in on this meeting, being impartial but abstaining her vote.”
Anthony let out a breath. “I will leave that up to Dimitrios.”
Dimitrios asked the Jones family who agreed. “That will be fine.”
Anthony said, “Permission granted.”
The attorney left. As he was leaving the journal was verified. The Councilwoman came in and quietly sat down. Dimitrios asked everyone to put on their Sojourner glasses. He showed everyone the journal and then displayed it on the large screens. He pointed to the spaces. Then he laid the crystal on top of it to reveal the numbers. “The code has been cracked.” He showed the evidence and read the wishes of Ms. Catherine Caperson to the Council. He asked Carson Jones to explain several things to the Council: how he knew Caroline’s family, how long he knew them, how he came to have the journals, and how he discovered the writing in the journals. Carson gave his testimony. Then he asked Carson to explain to the Council, Caroline’s bloodline. Carson turned to the page that showed that information. Dimitrios pulled out the picture from his pocket.
Just as Dimitrios placed the picture on the page, an altercation occurred outside the door. A man was yelling, “Let me enter! You don’t understand they are discussing my family! Let me enter! Stand aside. I know the Sojourner law allowing access to hearings.”
Anthony shook his head in disbelief. He asked the doorman to find out what was happening on the other side of the door, and to bring the man forward.
The doorman exited and then returned stating, “Prime Minister may I introduce to the Council, Albert Caperson, Catherine Caperson’s brother.”
Anthony was now interested. “You may.”
Al walked into the room. Bev and Carson stood up. Al walked over to them and hugged them. He smiled at them saying, “I knew what was going on as soon as I came in for lunch from the field. It all made sense: the chess game, the walking stick, the story and library…”
Carson asked, “Why didn’t you tell us you could…”
Al put his hand on his old friend’s shoulder. He then asked permission to speak directly to the Council. Anthony nodded.
Al brushed off his overalls and walked to the microphone. He cleared his throat and said, “My name is Albert Caperson. I am Catherine Caperson’s brother. I am a registered Sojourner. Caroline Saunders is my granddaughter. I am the only survivor Sojourner approved in my family. I suspended my license when I married my lovely wife, Margaret, because she can’t Sojourn. I’d like to thank my good friends for offering Caroline a chance to inherit what I can’t give her. Thank you.”
He took the photo from Dimitrios’ hands and looked at it. A tear slid down his face as he set it on the journal. In Catherine Caperson’s own voice she said, “My dear sweet Caroline.”
The Councilwoman stood up and asked if she could speak. Anthony nodded. “Al, I am so sorry. I didn’t know you’d want Caroline to Sojourn if you weren’t doing so yourself. Fellow Councilmen and women he is speaking the truth. Please consider this when you vote.”
Then there was another commotion taking place outside the door. Anthony stood up and asked the doorman to find out what was happening once again. Anthony then left the room and went into his chambers for several minutes. The disturbance ceased and Anthony emerged from his chambers with a tall slender man beside him. They walked together to the podium. Anthony introduced him. “May I present Mr. Gladestrom to the Council. He is Ms. Caperson’s representative and guardian to her Sojourner Estate.”
Mr. Gladestrom picked up and read the exact document that was found in the Caperson journal. After reading the document he implored the Council to immediately reinstate Ms. Caperson’s legacy. He added, “It was her dream to have a legitimate heir and I cannot think of a better heiress than her beloved Caroline. I was hired to watch over her in order to discover if she could possibly be the one.”
Mr. Gladestrom recognized Al. They shook hands and discussed things quietly off to the side. Charles looked at the stunned Council. Anthony banged his gavel to snap everyone’s attention back to the hearing. Then he said, “I’d like to call a vote to order.”
The Councilwoman said, “I vote aye.” It was seconded and the vote was unanimous for Caroline to be able to become a Sojourner and to inherit the Caperson Estate. Natalie and Charles hugged and discussed the hearing.
While everyone was discussing the events from the meeting after the vote, the Councilwoman came to the representative and asked him, “Were you in charge of finding an heir?”
“I was entrusted with that responsibility by Catherine Caperson, yes.”
“Then why didn’t you bring up Caroline’s name before now?”
“I have been watching her very closely. She would continue to be watched. As you are aware Miss Caroline is not of legal Sojourner age, however, I understand she has a legal sponsor now. I am confident that Ms. Caperson’s wish would be to have her begin as soon as possible.” She thanked him, then turned to Al and started a conversation.
Mr. Gladestrom walked over and stood close to Charles. When Charles finished the conversation he was having with Natalie, Mr. Gladestrom stated, “I can’t legally discuss the inheritance with you; but I’ll be watching the events unfold. If Caroline chooses to accept her legacy as a Sojourner, I will at that time make her aware of all aspects of her inheritance.” He thanked Charles for beginning the process and they shook hands.
Charles said, “I’m glad that Ms. Caperson would be happy with the outcome of this hearing. I think right now we are all in shock abou
t the turn of events.” He nodded in Al’s direction.
Al, Bev and Carson were having an animated conversation. Carson put a hand on Al’s shoulder and said, “I’m so glad you are here. How did you make it to the meeting?”
Al quietly responded, “I have my Passageway in the barn hidden in the loft. I know Margaret won’t worry about my Sojourner items if they are in the barn. The adage is true, out of sight-out of mind.”
Anthony’s secretary moved around the room, then stood by Natalie and Charles and asked them to follow her into Anthony’s chamber. Once they were inside she closed the door. Anthony stood up from behind his desk and brought Natalie a large leather-bound journal. He handed it to her and said, “This is for Caroline’s journey and to keep track of her progress. Everything you need to know is inside.”
Natalie and Charles thanked him as they all walked out together. Al, Carson and Bev looked over and smiled as they came out of Anthony’s office holding the journal. Al came over and thanked Natalie for being Caroline’s sponsor and mentor. “I’m sorry. I can’t fulfill my obligation to Caroline. I…”
Natalie said, “I know why you can’t, and I still accept the role for her.”
They shook hands and Al said, “I have to get back to the farm.”
After he left the Jones family walked to the hallway to discuss what to do next. They decided to take Dimitrios up on his offer for lunch. When they arrived Dimitrios and Natalie were already waiting at a table talking to one another. The hostess walked them to the table and they sat down to join the couple.
Natalie asked Charles, “Are you ready?”
“Yes. Are you?”
She smiled. “I’m ready to get started. I can’t wait to meet her.”
“That’s good. You are going to meet her soon. I’m a little nervous about that. I’m afraid you both might hit it off from the start.”
She laughed. “You should be nervous. That’s all I have to say Charlie Brookfield.”
Carson was listening and grinned. “You have your work cut out for you. They just may gang up on you.”
Natalie took a sip of her drink. “It’s on! You should take our self-defense lessons very seriously.”
Charles said, “Great! Just what I need two ganged up on one…”
After lunch Carson and Bev wanted to visit with Nicky. Charles and Natalie went to Dimitrios’ office. Anthony’s secretary had brought over a few things for Natalie, which were sitting on his desk. She received: a leather-bound Sojourner’s Manual on the Guidelines of Sojourning , a contact name if she needed help, a few of Sojourner tools, a new set of Sojourner glasses (which both Natalie and Charles fought over), a flying disk (compliments of Anthony), a Sojourner calendar, and a note to Natalie. They left the Prime Minister’s office. Natalie read the note that said: “Congratulations on your new endeavor. The road to success is not always easy but if you persevere it can be very rewarding. I’m here if you need me. Love, Uncle Anthony P.S. Please make sure Caroline can utilize her disk properly before setting her loose, unlike someone I know who got ticket after ticket in the Hub. Best Wishes.”
She laughed, “Awww, he remembers. How sweet.”
Dimitrios rolled his eyes. “Back to business children.”
They both flopped down in the same chair at the same time. Natalie laughing pushed Charles out of it and said, “Hey, get your own chair!” Charles acted offended.
Dimitrios paged Cassia. “Please roll in another chair, the children are having a tantrum.”
She responded back, “Yes, right away. We can’t have that, now can we?”
His response, “Most certainly not.” Cassia wheeled in the chair.
Dimitrios cleared his throat, “Back to business people, focus on the business at hand.” He smirked and rubbed his hands together. “Congratulations! That was brilliant! Can’t wait to get started.” Natalie and Charles both simultaneously looked at him.
After the meeting Natalie said, “Looks like we are going to go through with this.”
“Yes, it does.” They gave a high five.
She said, “Okay see you at training, just be ready bright and early.”
Charles groaned, “Oh, all right…”
“We can talk more tomorrow about how we should proceed.”
After the meeting Charles hurried to Nicky’s kiosk. It was crowded, and it took some maneuvering but he made it to where Nicky was conversing with Bev and Carson. As soon as he arrived Charles saw Nicky pull Carson aside. Nicky handed Carson a box wrapped in brown paper. It had a postmark on it from Pennsylvania. Carson thanked Nicky for the package and placed it in his bag. After the exchange Carson, Bev and Charles headed toward the Passageway stall. Once they returned to the office Carson took the package out of his bag and set it on Charles’ desk. Charles asked, “Is that for me?”
“Yes, that is why it is on your desk. Go take a look at it. I think you will find it very interesting.” Charles walked over and picked it up. The package was light in weight. Carson came alongside of Charles and said, “Open it, but save the stamps and postmark. They are valuable.”
Charles said, “I thought they might be since the postmark reads 1918. The stamps are interesting as well.”
Charles carefully opened the package. He looked over the gold box that was inside. It had an engraving on the front of it that read, The Universal Game. Charles ran his hand over the unusual design on the top of the box. The design was inlaid with diamonds, emeralds and rubies. He opened it and inspected the package. Inside was a small shiny object. Charles took it out of the box and looked at it.
Carson asked, “Do you know what it is?”
“No. What do you do with it?”
“It’s a game spinner or decision maker.”
Charles was still looking it over. It was made of gold. At the top of it was a large golden orb, which set on a platform that had ball bearings under it on a track. All of the ball bearings were gold except one red one. Around the outside of the ball bearing track were numbers that were assigned words: 1- draw a card, 2- buy, 3- sell, 4- go for it, 5- no, 6- miss a turn, 7- yes, 8- ask, 9- move ahead. Charles looked at Carson puzzled.
Carson said, “It’s for playing games. Look here.” He looked over at Bev as she brought over a round folded game board and a small etched tarnished box. She unfolded the board on top of his desk. Charles looked at it. It was magnificently detailed. Sojourner glasses, if worn, changed the look of the game as if it were two different games. He took the glasses on and off several times. With the glasses off the game appeared as if it were a child’s game board with muted colors along the paths. With the glasses on it represented a new world that had beautiful vibrant colored pictures with choices of different continents, islands and morphing villages with many details. Woven throughout the picture were sparkling golden paths leading to different places the game piece characters could visit.
Charles pointed out different images around the game board. “It’s magnificent. It’s almost too pretty to use for a game. How do you even play this game?”
Bev opened the box. Charles learned over to see what was inside of it. “Whoa, all kinds of gaming items.” The box contained gaming tools, sparkling-changing dice of different sizes, shapes and colors (some had numbers, some had characters), an hour glass full of golden sand, two decks of cards (one aquamarine deck with a golden sun on its face and a navy blue deck with a silver moon on its face). He took out the game pieces. “They are just tiny characters.” He reached for a game piece and a larger holographic image appeared above the character. Charles stared at it. “Do they all do that?”
Bev reached in, pulled the characters out and placed them on the game board in the start position. The characters began moving in place. The game had nine characters to choose from: an architect, an inventor, a scientist, a carpenter, a farmer, a banker, a doctor, a sage and a blacksmith. Bev said, “When it is your turn they will talk to you, but you have to listen closely.”
Charles momentarily watched
the characters moving in place and then said, “I’m in!”
Carson said, “Wait a minute. You don’t know the rules. Let me explain about the game first, then you can decide if you want to play it.”
Bev asked, “How did you learn about this game Carson?”
“I saw an advertisement about the game in the Hub newspaper and I asked Nicky about it. He participates in the game on a regular basis.”
Charles said, “Okay you have my attention. Tell us more information on how to play.”
“Well, I don’t know everything about it. I’ve researched and gathered bits and pieces. This is what I’ve learned: this game board is a planet similar to Earth and a limited number of them were created. You can purchase different game boards, which represent different planets and create your own galaxy if you get into the game. We only have one to start with. Anyway, you travel to different continents or countries within the continents. If you have the currency you can even buy your own island. Along the way you are able to form alliances, or if you choose to, you can go through the game alone. As you play you are playing with different Sojourners from around the world. This is just a way for Sojourners to connect with each other in a fun way.
“Each owner of the game can purchase these different characters, but there are only so many out there of the same character so it becomes difficult to get the ones you want to put into play. A player can even develop his own character with the specific traits he desires by going to see a Creatovite. However, you can purchase an infinite array of characters that are already out there in the Universe, to do different things to help you play the game. The characters, no matter who owns them, will keep certain resources and currency. They will also be able to maintain the record of the quests they have completed. The ones that have scored high are more valuable when you purchase them from another Sojourner. These game pieces were bought from someone Nicky found. He told me he’d tell me more about the former owner at another time. Supposedly these pieces have been well used. They come with some valuable information, tools and resources to help with the game.”
The Xidoran Prophecy Page 71
