‘Great Leader,’ said Amos. ‘May The Creator be at your side during the journey you are about to undertake.’
***
The news of Quintus’s elevation to Great Leader was greeted with joy throughout Terra Nova. The terror wrought by Ezra’s government remained an indelible memory in those unfortunates who had suffered directly or indirectly. For most of the populace there were visible signs of a return to the glory days. Noah accompanied Richard to the same cell in the bowels of the Coliseum where they had personally experienced the gruesomeness of Ezra’s cruelty. It was a liberating experience and helped advance the process of erasing any lingering, deep-rooted, memories.
Leaving the Coliseum in their wake, they began strolling down the steep, winding hill that led to the Forum Vespaliani; unconsciously retracing the same route taken after Richard’s daring escape. It was a glorious day; the sun was warm in spite of the evenings beginning to draw in as summer’s lease waned. They sat under the same tree where Richard had awaited the arrival of Noah after the success of his plan to rescue Richard. It seemed an eternity ago, so much had happened.
Richard was the first to speak.
‘Is there any news, of my meeting with the Magus that is? The weeks are stretching into months and there’s still no news. What’s the reason for the hold up now?’
Noah nodded, showing his concern.
‘Patience Richard, wheels are in motion, albeit turning slowly. I understand everything is being prepared for your experiment in hyper brain expansion. You do remember don’t you? Upon your arrival on Terra Nova, I told you the Magus will meet you and, if they are satisfied with you and with your potential to complete your given task, you will be infused with the innermost secrets of the Universe by means of an organic connection to The Creator. That meeting is now well ahead of the planning stages. A little more patience and the process will be underway.’
He paused
‘Once the process is completed to the Magus’s satisfaction, we can then return you to Earth where you will commence your task of saving the planet from an otherwise inevitable end.’
Chapter Fifty Eight
‘Esther!’ exclaimed a delighted Richard. ‘What are you doing here? It’s so good to see you!’
He stood aside and beckoned for her to enter the house in Trastevere which he and Noah had used as a haven during the harrowing time when they were fugitives from Ezra and his militia.
‘You look beautiful.’ he added.
Esther is one of those persons who, no matter what they wear, manage to look as if they’ve just stepped off a high-fashion catwalk. Beautiful, sling-back, high-heeled shoes, a flowing white chiffon dress caught at the waist and ending just below the knees; long flowing hair the colour of ripened corn; flawless make up and a smile to brighten the hardest of hearts. But Richard’s heart was most definitely not hard. The sight of and nearness to Esther caused him to shake like the strawberry jelly he had loved so much when a child.
‘Thank you Richard,’ answered Esther. ‘You are very generous with your compliments.’
She declined to enter the house.
‘If you don’t mind I would rather we go for a walk; perhaps stop off somewhere for a drink? The weather is lovely for this time of the year. Why don’t we take advantage of it, instead of sitting inside a stifling room?’
Richard nodded and closed the door behind him. He offered his outstretched hand, which Esther accepted, with a smile. They began walking, hands clasped, in the direction of the nearby bridge spanning the River Tiber. On the far side of the bridge lies the more desirable area of Trastevere.
‘Did you know I’m living in the safe house on my own now? Noah’s gone back to his own place. You’re the first person I’ve seen in days! I thought I’d been deserted. But at least Noah gave me some money before he left, so I can pay for the drinks! It’s good because I’ve got to know a few local cafes since he left and there’s one called Gabriella’s that really cool. There’s music and, would you believe I saw some people dancing last time I was there! It wasn’t exactly disco - more like, oh more like something out of the 1940’s back on Earth. Let’s go and have a drink and a bite to eat; I missed breakfast and I’m starving!’
They strolled languidly across the bridge, stopping every now and then to take in the distant sights of Leviticus. It was exactly what Richard needed to help ease the depression caused by the continuing lack of action about his return to Earth. He felt a surge of passion every time Esther squeezed his hand. There was no doubt; he was falling in love. The knowledge enveloped him like a comfortable cloak. But it hurt, badly, because he was caught between conflicting desires and emotions; a return to Earth, to Julia, and to his requited love for Esther.
‘What are you thinking about?’ asked Esther. ‘Your expression. You look concerned. Can I help?’
‘Yes you can. If I can I be honest with you that is.’ he said.
‘Of course you can. Please tell me what’s bothering you.’
‘It’s not that I’m bothered. It’s, it’s, a question about a conflict between a strong desire and a deep emotion. The desire concerns my returning to Earth. The emotion concerns you!’
‘Me, it concerns me?’
‘Yes, you Esther, and don’t look so innocent. You know exactly what I’m going to say.’
‘I do?’
Richard blew a lungful of spent air and then inhaled the clean, fresh air wafting in from the river. He took hold of her other hand.
‘Yes you do.’ He paused. ‘I’m in love with you!’
Esther smiled.
‘And I with you.’
She paused momentarily, frowned, and then shook her head.
‘But, it is a love that cannot be. You have to return to Earth not only to carry out your mission but also to rejoin your partner - the person the dreams have been directed at.’
Richard looked at Esther, surprised at her answer.
‘You know about the dreams? You know about Julia?’
‘Yes I do Richard - I have known for some time. Believe me when I say I am tormented just as much as you. I desperately want you to stay but it is impossible; nothing can come of it. You have duties that cannot be set aside. We must both do what is right; not that which is best for ourselves.’
She looked at Richard, tears now visible in her eyes.
‘Please tell me you agree or I will become weak, and then I’ll plead with you to stay. I need you to be strong for me, for us.’
***
Noah was puzzled. Although he had knocked several times on the door of the safe house Richard had not answered. Where can he be?’ he muttered to himself. This is so frustrating. He stood back looking at the upper windows for signs of life. I’ll leave a note for him. He reached into the side pocket of his cloak and retrieved a pencil. Hmm - nothing to write on. In the street, tumbling over and over in the slight breeze, was a crumpled piece of paper. He stamped a sandal-clad foot onto it, bent down and picked it up. He unraveled it. A black and white print of Ezra’s image stared at him.
Under the image was a message. “Be not afraid, The Great Leader watches over you!” Someone had scrawled upon it in bold, scarlet, lettering, GOOD RIDDANCE YOU BLOODY MURDERER.
Noah grimaced. The leaflet was but one of hundreds of thousands that were once distributed regularly by Ezra’s public relations office. He turned it over, smoothed it flat upon the door of the safe house and began writing.
Dear Richard,
Excuse the paper on which this is written. You were out when I called so I had no choice. You are to meet with the Magus tomorrow, midday, at the Secretariat. You don’t know where the office is, so I will meet you here at 10 tomorrow morning and I will brief you as to what to expect. There will be questions that you most certainly will not be able to answer. However, let us discuss that in the mor
ning.
Your friend Noah
He slipped the note under the door but not before banging vigorously on the door several times. He shook his head in frustration and emitted a frustrated sigh.
This isn’t good enough, he thought, frustrated, backing away. Richard has been admonishing me for not setting up a meeting, and now that I’ve arranged it, he’s not here!
Chapter Fifty Nine
The Café Gabriella was packed to bursting point; every table, every chair within and without was occupied. The air of repression that was once etched on the faces of the vast majority of the Terra Novan populace during the last two years of Ezra’s rule, was now replaced by a look that reflected freedom, a new beginning, a return to the halcyon days of the past. People were actually smiling, laughing, joking, their emotions now allowed to be displayed without fear of retribution.
Esther and Richard arrived at the café, still hand-in-hand. They smiled as they cast their eyes around the joyful scene.
‘Bit different from when I first arrived here,’ said Richard. ‘Trouble is there’s nowhere to sit. Whoa, hold on, they’re leaving that table over there; let’s grab it quick before someone else jumps in.’
Esther looked surprised. ‘Before someone else jumps in,’ she repeated. ‘What does that mean? Jump in the river perhaps?’
Richard pulled her towards the now empty table. ‘You are such a wuss,’ he said, laughing. ‘I’ll have to give you some lessons on the way we use the vernacular back on Earth.’
Esther maintained her look of surprise as they sat down at the table.
‘Wuss?’ she said. ‘Is that a compliment?’
‘Well, it’s not exactly a compliment!’ answered Richard. ‘But let’s leave it to rest there otherwise I’ll dig a very deep hole for myself, one I won’t be able to climb out of!’
‘I cannot see a hole, Richard. Is it on your side of the table?’
Richard issued a long sigh. He was about to answer when a pretty, young waitress approached their table.
‘Are you ready to order?’ she asked.
Richard nodded.
‘Yes I think so. What would you like Esther?’ he asked ‘The coffee here is as good as Starbucks!’
Once again Esther looked surprised.
‘Star Bucks, is that in your galaxy or ours?’
Richard laughed out loud. He brushed a tear away with the back of his hand.
‘Starbucks, my dear Esther,’ he choked. ‘Is a chain of coffee shops back on Earth!’
Esther wasn’t amused.
‘You should explain yourself more clearly,’ she said. ‘And don’t forget it wasn’t so long ago when we weren’t permitted to show emotions on Terra Nova. You must remember that when you say silly things, otherwise I will never understand what you are talking about.’
Richard leant forward and kissed her lightly on the cheek.
‘Esther, you’re even more attractive when you get on your high horse...’
‘I am not sitting on a high horse,’ she interrupted snootily. ‘So why do you say I am? Is it another of your silly sayings?’
‘Esther, please, allow me to explain,’ answered Richard soothingly.
Conversation ceased as the waitress arrived with the coffees.
‘I suggest we drop the subject, enjoy our coffee and,’ Richard raised his cup in a gesture of reconciliation, ‘let’s toast to no more misunderstandings.’
‘Toast? But we didn’t order toast...’
Richard buried his head in his hands.
‘Oh my God, please give me strength!’
Chapter Sixty
The meeting with the Magus opened with a prayer to The Creator, seeking His help in the forthcoming instruction and indoctrination of Richard Moss; the ultimate object being to empower Richard with the knowledge, skill and political astuteness necessary to halt Earth’s seemingly unstoppable progression towards ultimate destruction.
Noah had prepared Richard for the questions that were likely to arise during the course of the meeting. But, while it was useful, the preparation proved unnecessary. Richard was welcomed warmly by the five Magus but Noah, looking most embarrassed, was brusquely ordered to leave the meeting room. He mouthed “Good luck” to Richard didn’t react.
His extreme nervousness apparent, Richard was asked to remove his shoes and shirt before reclining on a couch which was covered in a startling pristine white sheet. Under his head was placed a bulbous pillow covered in the same material. It was so comfortable. It felt as if the sheet and the pillow were an inherent part of the indoctrination process about to take place. One of the Magus stepped forward and clicked two fingers before Richard’s eyes. The deep black hole he had so detested, and vehemently protested, on previous occasions, provided an unexpected escape from the ordeal he was about to experience.
The Magus ensured Richard was passively comatose before returning, without comment, to his seat. Then another Magus approached the divan, carrying what looked like a set of helicopter pilot’s headphones. He placed them carefully over Richard’s ears and then fixed circular monitors in seemingly random positions throughout his upper body. When satisfied, he returned to his position alongside the others.
At this stage the Magus were only concerned with ensuring that Richard had the ability and the motivation to carry out the daunting task he had been selected to undertake. The Magus bowed their heads as if in prayer and remained so for several minutes. The, upon an indiscernible signal, one of them stood up and walked towards an area where a bank of computers were sited, their screens flashing indiscriminately. He gathered up a printed mass of diagnostics sourced from the headphone and monitors. He placed them on a desk behind which the other four Magus were seated. After an hour-long period of intense study, interspersed with deep discussion, a conclusion was reached.
Richard’s destiny was decided. He would now be “schooled”, as Noah had put it, in the minutiae of his assigned task.
***
The pain of heartbreak was unrelenting. Julia felt it on a daily basis; in fact it hurt every time she looked at Alexander and saw a miniature replica of his daddy, Richard Moss. This was the sole, the only, reason for the pain. She should have been blissfully happy. Now four years old, Alexander was a revelation. His primary school teachers were constantly astonished by his prowess at reading, writing and by his boundless self-confidence. Julia was apt to put it down to a combination of ancestral genes but, in Alexander, she saw someone quite unique. He was very different! Different summed it up. He was markedly different from all the other children. His joy of learning set him apart. The questions he raised caused the recipient of his queries to wonder how a child so young could hypothesize in such an adult manner.
Julia was sitting on the sofa in the small living room where she and her son had lived since their homecoming after the birth. Beside her was Emily Moss. Alexander was sprawled on a thick rug looking at a book just given to him by Emily. It was Richard’s book about the universe. He was leafing through the book, occasionally stopping to look with curiosity at items which attracted his interest. He stopped and smiled when he flipped to a page where he saw a multi-coloured depiction of a planet in a far away galaxy. He traced his index finger around a shining orb several times before looking up to where Julia and Emily were seated, watching him closely.
‘Mummy, auntie,’ he said excitedly. ‘This planet, this one here, is where my daddy is staying!’
***
The Magus were busily preparing Richard Moss for “an organic connection to the Creator.” The phrase brought memories flooding back as Richard, tired of hearing excuse piled upon excuse, was acquiescently ready to undergo anything that would enable his repatriation to Earth. The only inhibiting factor had been Esther. His love for her remained undiminished but he knew, and heart-breakingly accepted, that his personal
life was subordinated by many more important considerations. After a sad discussion at the Café Gabriella, they ended their relationship and parted.
In the centre of the otherwise empty room, where the organic connection was to take place, was a wooden chair that bore a striking resemblance to the electric chair used on Earth to execute those convicted of murder. Richard was stunned when he entered the room and saw the chair squatting stark and forbidding, its slatted-wood structure contrasting incongruously with the majestic marble chairs he had witnessed in the staterooms of Leviticus.
This is bizarre, he thought, trembling. What have I let myself in for?
His fears were heightened when he drew closer to the chair. Leather straps were hanging loosely from the two arms of the chair, while a silver-coloured hoop was attached to the top rung of the chair back.
This is an electric chair, he thought to himself. They’re out to kill me!’
He was startled by the sound of movement to his rear. He looked around. A tall, bearded, man dressed in flowing white robes touched him on the shoulder.
‘It is not an electric chair and we are definitely not planning to kill you! The chair is fitted with all that is required to establish a connection to the Creator. Please try to relax because it is my task to ensure that you are at ease and comfortable before the process begins.’
He paused.
‘Permit me to explain the purpose of the various pieces of apparatus. These,’ he said pointing to the straps on the arm of the chair, ‘are fitted with sensors which measure your vital signs. Unless you are in perfect health it would be unwise, indeed impossible, to complete the connection. Now this,’ he said touching the silver hoop, ‘is the most important piece of equipment. It carries stream upon stream of information necessary to enable you to carry out your task on Earth. I should mention at this stage that many others have undergone that which you are about to experience. They all emerged safe, at peace, and with the all the necessary powers implanted within them.’
Terra Nova Page 22
