Voice of the Elders

by Greg Ripley

  “OK. You should be able to get a line of sight in the valley outside the entrance,” Guangming said.

  Jane retrieved her satellite phone from her pack and headed outside. Holding up the phone she turned around trying to find a signal. No such luck. The line of sight was fairly limited in this narrow valley. She’d either have to try again later or see if there were any higher vantage points she could use which wouldn’t leave her too exposed. While their pursuers were gone for the time being, there was a good chance they might still be surveilling the area. How did they find us, anyway? After their tails had been intercepted by Tenzin she thought they’d be in the clear. They must have had eyes on the area somehow to have located the monastery. Either satellite access or drones. She couldn’t think of any other likely explanation. Which again leaves us with the question of a mole or else just a group with very deep pockets.

  She headed back inside. It had been a long night. I might as well get some shut eye myself, she thought, but she wanted to find her mentor first. It had been such a pleasant surprise when he’d appeared in the Guanzi’s chamber the night before, yet the events ever since had been a whirlwind. She’d hardly had time to process the fact that he was actually here.

  Guangming was still in the main chamber when she returned. “Any luck?” he said when he saw her.

  “No, I couldn’t get through,” Jane said. “I’ll try again in the morning. I figure I’d better try to grab at least a few hours’ sleep. Have you seen Zhongkui?”

  “He’s downstairs with Jimmie still. He and some of the monks have been cleaning the body and preparing it for the funeral rites. Since we don’t know yet if we’ll be able to perform them down at the temple—or even what’s left of the temple—they thought they’d better prepare to hold them here. They wanted to retrieve the others from the valley below, but Zhongkui convinced them they’d have to wait.”

  “Good. Our pursuers could still be watching the area, better to play it safe for now,” Jane said, before heading downstairs to see her mentor.

  As she entered the storeroom, she saw that much had changed in her absence. Jimmie’s body had been laid out on a table and most of the room had been cleared out. The blood had been washed off and he’d been dressed in fresh white clothes. Zhongkui was standing near the body, quietly reciting prayers. Jane waited silently until he spoke.

  “Sinéad, my pupil,” Zhongkui said. “It is so good to see you again. I only wish it were under happier circumstances.”

  “So do I, Mentor, so do I. He was a good man,” Jane said, looking at Jimmie’s body.

  “And how is your pupil holding up? I understand she had strong feelings for this man,” Zhongkui said.

  “Yes, they hadn’t known each other long, but they’d grown quite close. She’s sleeping for now. She’ll recover in time. She’s very resilient,” Jane said. “Will you be staying with us, Mentor? Or will you be leaving soon? During our training I never knew when to expect you or how long you’d stay.”

  “I will stay until I am sure you are out of danger. If that is until the Elders return for the ambassadors, so be it,” Zhongkui said.

  “Where have you been for so long, Mentor?” Jane said.

  “I must apologize for my absence, Sinéad,” Zhongkui said. “It was not my intention to leave you for so long without an explanation.”

  Then Zhongkui told her the story of Guanyin, how she had stepped down as Guide and had returned to the One, and his decision to go into retreat which had followed.

  “I understand, Mentor. I’m sorry to hear of your loss,” Jane said.

  “Much time has passed, Sinéad,” Zhongkui said. “Though I must admit, ten years sometimes seems like only a day, when you have lived as long as I have. Seeing loved ones pass is something we all must face, Immortal or not. The price only goes up with immortality—the longer you live, the more death you’ll see.”

  “Yes, I guess that’s true,” Jane said.

  “You seem distracted, Sinéad. If you have other matters to attend to, please do so. I assure you I will still be here in the morning,” Zhongkui said.

  “You’re right. I have another duty to fulfill. I also have those I answer to here on earth. I need to let them know what’s going on, but I haven’t been able to communicate with them yet. I can’t get through with my satellite phone right now.”

  “You know I can help with that,” Zhongkui said.

  “Let me try one more time. I’ll ask Jingyi, the Guanzi’s assistant, if there is a higher vantage point. I’d like to talk to the president myself. There are things I think she should hear directly from me. Besides, I know you’ve never liked sharing your thoughts,” Jane said.

  “I still don’t, but sometimes it’s necessary,” Zhongkui said. “Many things have changed since we were last together ten years ago, Sinéad. I’m afraid we no longer have the luxury of our preferences—our petty likes and dislikes. Time is of the essence now. There is a threat looming which has changed the Elders’ opinions of many things. The council is considering a drastic course of action not seen since the Great War. There is much we must discuss, Sinéad, but that will be for another time. I must consult with the council again first, to see how they wish to proceed.”

  Jane found Jingyi upstairs. Everyone was still awake, the evening’s events keeping everyone on edge. Jane asked her about the satellite phone and Jingyi knew just the place. There were other openings to the outside in the cave complex like the one in the Guanzi’s chamber. Jingyi led her up several flights of stairs and down several passageways until they came to a door which let out onto a ledge just below the peak. From there a short flight of stone steps had been carved which led right up to the very pinnacle. There was a flat area from which she had a completely unobstructed view of the night sky. This should do the trick. She made the call.

  The president called her back a few minutes later. Jane told President Powers about the attack on the monastery and their escape through the tunnel back to the Guanzi’s cave complex. She had been hesitant to involve Zhongkui at first, and considered giving the president a sanitized version of the events, without telling her of Zhongkui’s involvement—or her own relationship to the Elders—but the stakes were too high. She bit the bullet and told the president everything, from the Elders’ bloodline and her mission to protect Rohini, to the return of her mentor, Zhongkui.

  President Powers was a bit shocked, to say the least. There was a long silence when Jane finished her story. Eventually she spoke.

  “Is that everything, Agent Smith? You’re not hold anything else back?” the president said.

  “Yes, ma’am. That’s everything,” Jane replied, sheepishly.

  “Good. I’ll expect you back in Washington ASAP. I’ve spoken to the other world leaders and we’ve been unanimous in our determination to carry through with the Ambassadors Program. Under the circumstances, I think it only fitting that you be a part of it.”

  “I understand, ma’am,” Jane said.

  “We’ve all agreed that continuing with the program is the best way to honor the memories of the fallen ambassadors. They are already being thought of as martyrs to the cause of a united humanity and the restoration of Earth.”

  “Plans for a complete renovation of the Lincoln Memorial are already underway, fortunately the most extensive damage was limited to the steps and the façade,” the president said. “I’ve put out the call for submissions for a new memorial design honoring President Johnson and the ten Earth Ambassadors lost on that fateful day to be incorporated into the restoration.”

  While much of the world’s attention had turned to the tragedy and its aftermath, efforts at ramping up renewable energy production continued. As new generating capabilities were brought online, old coal and nuclear plants went offline, signaling the end of an era, one most of the world agreed they never wanted to revisit. The collective mood of the global community was
one that said, “For once, let us learn from our past and not repeat our mistakes, as we have time and time again.”

  But there were still those who opposed the new order of things. There was still the question of who was pulling the strings behind the SOC. After the attack on the monastery they at least had another piece of the puzzle. The number of groups or governments who could have pulled off that kind of operation under the noses of the Chinese military was limited. They might still be looking for a needle in a haystack, but that haystack had just gotten much smaller.

  54

  The next morning, Rohini awoke to find Jane on the small cot next to her. It was comforting, at least for a moment, until the events of the previous night came flooding back. The tears threatened to start falling again, until she pulled herself together. Time for a stiff upper lip, Rohini, she told herself. You won’t be any use to anyone, if you fall apart now.

  Jane woke at the sound of her stirring. She sat up on the edge of the bed and put a hand on Rohini’s shoulder. “How are you doing?”

  “I’ll be OK,” Rohini replied. “I just need to push on through. How long have I been out?”

  “For a while, it’s almost 10am,” Jane said, looking at her watch. “The immediate threat has passed. The strike team is gone, but we’re laying low in case they’ve got any surveillance on the mountain.”

  “I want to see Jimmie,” Rohini said, sitting up and wrapping her arms around herself.

  “Are you sure you’re up to it?”

  “Yes,” Rohini nodded. “I need to see him one last time.”

  “Alright. I’ll take you. He’s still downstairs. They’re setting up an altar and making preparations for funeral rites still, you should be able to have a few minutes with him.”

  “Jane, there’s something else,” Rohini said, taking in a deep breath. “Yesterday, while I was meditating in the grotto—before Zhongkui came and all hell broke loose—something happened. I remembered what happened.”

  “What do you mean?” Jane said, cocking her head. “Remembered what?”

  “In college,” Rohini said. “I remember what happened to me, and what you did. You were there for me even then. All this time I had no idea.”

  “I’m sorry you had to go through that, Rohini. I wish I had found you sooner,” Jane said, hanging her head slightly.

  “It’s OK, Jane,” Rohini said, squeezing Jane’s hand. “I’m just glad you were there at all. How did you even know?” Rohini said. “Weren’t you a spy back then or was that just a story?”

  “I was based in DC during much of your time at George Washington. I’d leave on assignments, of course, but when I was in town and had the opportunity, I kept an eye on you. I had a bad feeling that night and knew something was wrong, call it intuition, or maybe some of my Elder heritage starting to manifest itself, I don’t know. I’m just glad it did.”

  “Me too,” Rohini said, giving her a smile.

  “Are you sure you’re OK, Rohini? This is a lot to take in at once.”

  “I’m OK. I’m glad I got to process it here, like this. I think being in the grotto helped. It felt like I released all of the bottled-up emotions connected to it. I’m pretty sure it would have wrecked me if I’d remembered in my old life, before all of this,” Rohini said, holding up her palms. “Now, let’s go see Jimmie.”

  When they went downstairs, the chamber had been transformed once again. An altar had been set up for the funeral rites. Rohini gave it a cursory glance as they passed. There was a lamp in the center flanked by two candles, along with cups of tea, water, and rice, and five bowls of fruit. But what caught her attention were seven lanterns which had been hung from the ceiling in the pattern of the Big Dipper. As her eyes fell back down in the chamber, they came to rest on Jimmie.

  They walked over to the table on which Jimmie’s body had been laid out. “He looks so peaceful,” Rohini said. Despite his clean face and the fresh, white clothes he was wearing, she flashed back to how he’d looked the night before, covered in blood as he lay dying. Her knees buckled slightly at the thought.

  Jane grabbed her arm, but Rohini had already caught herself. “I’m OK,” she said, steeling herself. She reached out and gently stroked his hair. “Oh, Jimmie,” she whispered. Bending down, she gently kissed his forehead. “Goodbye, my sweet man,” she said, placing a hand on his chest. It felt hard and cold to the touch, even through his clothing. She knew Jimmie was truly gone. Just his body remained. After a minute, she turned to Jane. “OK, let’s go.”

  Back upstairs they ran into Jingyi, who asked them if they had eaten anything.

  “I’m fine. Thanks, Jingyi. I’ll wait and eat with the others,” Jane said. “Rohini?”

  “No, I don’t have much of an appetite, but thank you,” Rohini said.

  “At least let me bring you some tea,” Jingyi said. “The Guanzi has been speaking with Zhongkui and Guangming in her chamber, she requested you join them. I’ll bring you some tea.”

  “OK. Thank you, Jingyi.”

  Rohini and Jane followed Jingyi upstairs to the Guanzi’s chamber.

  “Ah, Rohini. Jane. Please, join us,” the Guanzi said. “Zhongkui has been telling us a little about the Elders’ world. It’s quite fascinating.”

  After Jane and Rohini sat, the Guanzi turned to Rohini with a concerned look. “And how are you doing, my child? I know this has been especially hard for you.”

  “I’ll be OK, Guanzi. Thank you,” Rohini said, quietly, fighting back her tears.

  “We’ve been discussing our next steps, as well,” Zhongkui said. “Jane, were you able to speak with your president?”

  “Yes. She’s expecting us back as soon as possible. They’re moving ahead with the Ambassadors Program and she wants Rohini and I to be part of it,” Jane said.

  Rohini shot Jane a surprised look. “Really? You’ll be going too? I have to say, that’s a bit of a relief.”

  “I told her the truth,” Jane said.

  “About the bloodline?” Rohini said.

  “The bloodline. My mission from the Elders. Zhongkui returning. Everything,” Jane said.

  “Wow. How’d she take it?” Rohini said.

  “She was a bit shocked, but you know the president, she’s tough. She took it all in stride,” Jane said.

  “It’s probably for the best,” Zhongkui said. “The level of cooperation that will be required between our worlds going forward can only be built on honesty. That being said, there are things which the council have not decided to share with the leaders of earth at this time. I hope that by the time the delegation returns, they will be ready to.”

  “Can you at least tell us, Mentor?” Jane said.

  “I would like to. Let me speak to the council first,” Zhongkui said. “The Guanzi and I have been considering something else which will also require the council’s approval. I will need to go into meditation to communicate with the leader we call the Guide. It will take me some time. By tomorrow morning I will have an answer for you. Now I must prepare myself, if you’ll excuse me.”

  Rohini’s curiosity was piqued by Zhongkui’s enigmatic answer. Once he left, she asked the Guanzi what they were contemplating.

  “Zhongkui has told me about a group of Elders on their world called the Watchers. We were both struck by the similarity with the title and office I hold as head of the society,” the Guanzi said. “These Watchers are those most talented at viewing other worlds in spirit. They keep an eye on things and let the council know of anything which warrants their attention. Zhongkui feels that I would be particularly suited to this due to my current abilities, and of course as a carrier of the bloodline. He suggested that once you are safely back in the protection of your government, he take me back to their world to train with the Watchers. I would of course return—I wouldn’t be leaving for good—but this would also be another way of forming a relationship
with the Elders. I must say I’m quite excited about the prospect of such a trip!” she said, breaking into her signature infectious laugh.

  Rohini couldn’t help but smile. She’s still such a child at heart.

  Later that evening they held the funeral rites for Jimmie with the Guanzi presiding over the ceremony. After the services, Guangming explained some of the meaning to Jane and Rohini.

  “First the Guanzi and the monks chanted scriptures, this is often done as a form of building merit, and to release the dead from the suffering of darkness. This goes along with the lanterns which are meant to serve as guides to Jimmie’s spirit,” Guangming said.

  “Is that why the lanterns were in the pattern of the Big Dipper?” Rohini said.

  “Yes, just like in the Hall of Ascension. The ceremonies are designed to lead him to the heavens, and away from the earth or the underworld,” Guangming said. “The other parts of the ceremony all essentially had the same goal; they were all meant to relieve Jimmie’s suffering and smooth his transition in various ways. Believe it or not, this was a very concise service. Sometimes these can go on for a week.”

  By the next morning, Zhongkui had returned from his seclusion. They all met in the Guanzi’s chamber again. “It seems the Guide approves of our idea, Guanzi,” Zhongkui said. “The only question remaining is when we will leave.”

  “You shouldn’t have to wait long,” Guangming said. “The society has arranged to get us back to the plane in Lanzhou with a security escort. We can be back in the United States soon. When we came here, we were trying to be inconspicuous, but now I think playing it safe means having protection and being visible.”

  “I think you are right. Nevertheless, I will escort you as well. I can return here to retrieve the Guanzi, or else she could come along, and we could travel to the Elders’ world as soon as we’ve seen you safely back to your president,” Zhongkui said. “I was also able to convince the Guide that all of you can be trusted with the Elders’ secret, the real reason we have come to earth at this time.” And so Zhongkui told them of the Others.