by Jerry Belvo
Then Jeff saw Bobby’s wedding band and understood. He may never see him again. AI don’t want to lose your friendship, Bobby, but I’ll leave the two of you alone.@ To Heidi, AI’m truly sorry if I put your lives in danger. I’ll be going now.@ He was happy for the two of them, but Bobby had meant a lot to him. He didn’t have many friends, and didn’t want to lose his best friend. Jeff put his hand on Bobby=s shoulder and said, ASo long friend.@ Head drooping he slowly turned, went into the bathroom, and teleported himself back home.
*
Saturday afternoon Jeff found himself walking the streets of downtown Denver near the Soup Kitchen talking to derelicts propped against entrances to buildings and squatting on curbs wanting handouts. To some he gave money, but to most he just talked, gave his blessings and visualized healing energy running through their bodies. He left them with smiles on their faces.
When he arrived home his mom met him at the door. AJeff, two people were here this afternoon to inquire about you. Are they investigating you for a special clearance for your job?@
AWere they a man with a gruff voice, like a policeman and a matronly woman in horn-rimmed glasses,@ Jeff inquired?
AYes.” She replied.
AThey are from the AIA, the ones that have detained me on several occasions. What did they want?@
AJust to confirm you lived here. They inquired about your graduation and about your new job.@
ADid you give them any details about my youth or my abilities,@ he asked?
ANot that I can recall. They asked about your brother and sister, and wanted to know if they were as gifted as you.@
AWhat did you say?@ Jeff felt he needed to pull each phrase out of her like she was hiding something, sensing her nervousness. He decided not to pursue the matter further. If she wanted to say something she would. AThat’s okay, Mom. You did just fine.@
AThey asked about Bobby,@ she volunteered.
AWhat did you tell them?@
AJust that I hadn’t seen him since your graduation. I didn’t know where he was but I had heard he disappeared.@
AThat’s good Mom. I’m proud of you.@
AIt’s the truth. I don’t know where he is,@ she answered.
In the kitchen she started preparing the evening meal. Jeff busied himself setting the table then sat down to watch her cook. AI think I should be finding my own place to live,@ he spoke out. ANow that I’ve graduated and on my own, it’s time for me to move.@
She looked at him. AI hope I didn’t do anything to make you feel unwanted here. This is your home.@
ANo, Mom, I just think it’s time for me to have my own place.@ Down deep he was afraid his continued presence here would put their lives in jeopardy.
AWell, whatever you decide, but we’ll miss you.@
*
Sarina and Jeff took a walk in the park Sunday afternoon. A group of youths were playing volley ball, and they joined in. It lasted ten minutes before the game was over and everyone took a break. Then they sat under a tree discussing Heidi and Bobby=s situation while enjoying the park flower garden before going for ice cream. When they parted she once again warned Jeff, AI see conflict and danger in your aura. Please be careful.@
There was a message on the answering machine from an unknown woman when Jeff arrived home. The voice was pleasant, but had a hint of concern in it. He didn’t know whether it was a solicitation or someone he should know. Maybe she was from the university. He returned the call. AThis is Jeff Martin, you called?@
AYes,@ pausing momentarily, AJeff, you are in grave danger,@ the voice blurted out.
AHow do you know my name,@ he inquired? Curiously wondering what was going on he waited for a reply. Who would relay such an ominous warning?
AI can’t talk now. My phone may be bugged. Meet me at Denny=s, on Alameda near Santa Fe at eight o=clock tonight. I’ll tell you all about it then.@ She hesitated a moment then said, AI will be wearing a red rose in my hair. Be careful.@ Jeff wondered if this was a prank or for real. He decided to meet her.
Chapter 10
Jeff was at the restaurant promptly at eight PM. He noticed an attractive woman in the far booth wearing a red rose in her hair, and made his way to her table. She saw him coming in the door, and waved to get his attention.
AAre you waiting for me?@ He responded approaching her table.
AYes, if you are Jeff Martin?@ She returned his question.
Jeff slid into the booth opposite her as the waitress approached to take their orders. ACould you give us a moment please,@ he requested? She moved on to the next booth leaving them alone. He was gazing at an attractive blond in her early thirties with no makeup disguising her natural beauty.
AAre you a star child,@ she whispered? Without verbally answering he nodded to her and she continued. AThen you are in danger. The government is rounding up star children to run DNA tests on them.@
In a low voice Jeff returned her question, AAre you a star child?@ She nodded back. AWhat is your name?@
AI’m Julie Anderson.@
He leaned closer to her and asked. AHow do you know they are rounding up star children?@
AThey took me in for questioning. I was going to disappear on them, but they told me they would take my children if I didn’t cooperate. I have two young boys and didn’t want anything to happen to them. If they found me unfit my husband would get custody of them.@ She started to cry and Jeff put his hand on her arm.
AIt’s alright. Nothing is going to happen to them,@ Jeff reassured her.
ABut they are star children also. My ex-husband is not a believer. If he gets them he will raise them strictly causing them to lose their heritage. I don’t want that to happen. That is why I divorced him, to give them a chance to develop naturally.@
AWe can only do the best we can, but no matter what happens we will be protected by those who protect all star children,@ he reassured her.
It took a moment for her to relax. The waitress came back and took their orders of pie and ice cream. Then Julie continued. AWhen they had my cooperation they drew my blood and gave me a shot of something. It put me out. I think they asked me a lot of questions, but I can’t remember anything. When I started coming around I heard your name mentioned and that you were living near Boulder. I called all the Martins in the book until I found you because I thought it important for you to know. Besides, I didn’t want to feel alone any more. Being a star child is a secret I’m tired of keeping. I need to be among my own kind and bring my children up around other star children.@
AI’m glad you called and I understand how you feel. You are the first star child I have met. Did you hear anything else?@ Jeff was curious. He was excited to finally have someone who understood what he had been through; someone who could empathize with him.
AI heard something about our genes becoming defective. If they can make genes defective we’ll not be able to use our abilities.@ Her face began to tear again, but she kept her composure. AI’ve always felt I had a purpose, a reason for living, but this is destroying my dreams.@
AOur gifts are only part of who we are. It=s our attitude towards humanity that is the most important thing we offer, and our desire for everyone to be treated with dignity is what matters. We have a rich heritage. No one can take that from us.@
AIt’s easy for you to say. You haven’t been through this yet, but you are right. I enjoy teleporting myself around and healing people with my energy. I don’t want to lose that ability.@
As they relaxed Jeff asked. AWhat line of work are you in?@
AI’m a day nurse at Children=s Hospital. What about you,@ she inquired?
AI just graduated from college and have gone to work for the Claudia Bell Foundation. When I finish my indoctrination I will be traveling quite a bit.@ Changing the subject, he said. AThey found my name on a list of children being studied for special
gifts when I was a child?@
AWas it a study by Doctor Fielding,@ she inquired?
AYes. Did you participate in the study also?@
Her eyes registered surprise. ADr. Fielding? He told mom my name would never be used. He lied to us. Now, I understand why I was stopped and questioned on the street for no reason. It all makes sense.@
Jeff volunteered, AI have Doctor Fielding=s list at home. Maybe I should check it to see if there are any others in the Denver area and contact them. We could compare notes with them. At least it’s good to know we’re not alone.@ Having finished his pie, Jeff was getting ready to leave. ADo you know two agents who call themselves Jones and Cleaver,@ he asked?
AYes, they are the ones. I tried being nice to them at first, but they kept hounding me. Then I ignored them when they came around, but they took me in and threatened me.@ Changing her tone she asked. AWhat should we do now? Where do we go from here? I have to keep a low profile. I don’t want anything to happen to my boys. I’m afraid I may have to leave town.@ She handed Jeff her phone number and said. AI have to get home to my kids. Keep in touch, please,@ she begged, appearing greatly relieved not to be alone in her struggles anymore.
ADo you need a ride?@ Jeff inquired.
AAre you kidding?@ She hesitated a moment then rolled her eyes sideways towards the restrooms. I keep my transportation in there. I go in one of the stalls and I’m home in no time.@
AI do the same.@ Jeff replied. Giving Julie a hug, he paid the bill, and they headed towards their respective departure terminals. In the men=s room he entered a stall and disappeared.
*
Jeff thought about Julie as he sat in his bedroom. He sensed something was not right, something he couldn’t quite put his finger on. She wouldn’t spend all that time trying to find him just to warn him. There had to be more to the story than that, something she wasn’t telling him. He decided to make a trip to Dos before turning in for the night. Maybe he would get some answers there. Eyes closed he got quiet, releasing all thoughts from his mind. He began to sense John=s presence and when he opened his eyes John was standing in front of him.
AI’ve been waiting for you.@ John smiled. AWe have much to talk about.@
Jeff agreed. ABut where do we start? I need some answers.@
AI sense you are having trouble on your planet. Want to tell me about it?@
AI think I’m about to be taken into custody by a government agency. I’ve received word that they intend to take blood samples to see if they can find a way to make my psychic genes defective. Can they do that,@ Jeff asked?
AOf course they can. It’s possible to do that, and it would limit your abilities, but it wouldn’t limit who you are. You have to look at the bigger picture. Your abilities are a gift from us, but it’s who you are that’s going to change the planet. @
AWhy do authorities act that way,@ Jeff asked?
AThey want to stay in power and fear anything that appears to be a threat. Everyone fears the unknown. Once people understand the threat, it subsides. You have to get your message to the people, show that you are peaceful and are there to help mankind. Then the people will rise up to save you and governments will lose their hold on you. Until then you will have to watch your step. Beware, you are about to experience betrayal.@
AI know the word, but not the feeling. What do you mean?@
ABetrayal is extremely destructive because it rips open the soul exposing it to a negative world. Babies are supposed to be born pure. That is the intent. But very early in life, sometimes while still in the womb they experience betrayal in one of its many forms, like the feeling of being unwanted which they sense in their mother, or abandonment when they are given up for adoption. The younger they are the more mental damage it does to them. So far you haven’t been touched by this evil curse, but you may be about to experience its wrath.@
ACan I avoid it in any way,@ Jeff inquired?
ANo, I sense it in your aura,@ John replied.
Jeff recalled Sarina=s warning, and this was the second one. He had better keep an eye out for this monster. AIf governments can cause that much destruction to their people, why isn’t it happening here? This place is so peaceful. I feel no negativity at all.@
AOh, it=s not governments who create betrayal, it=s the people who use authority for fame and power. We are ruled by the Oracle, not by physical people. If anyone here tries to use their power against another they lose it making it impossible to attack or betray. On Earth when a person stays positive they can accomplish almost anything, but when they turn negative they accomplish little. Betrayal is extremely negative and will undermine everything you try to do. If you can’t be true to yourself, you can’t be true to anyone else.@
AYou are governed by an Oracle?@
AYes, it isn’t a person. It’s the mass consciousness of all the inhabitants on this planet. We don’t need representatives as we all have a say on how society is run. It’s unnecessary for a person or group to make decisions because we are always in agreement. The only thing that makes us different from each other is our personalities and our talents. We contribute our talents and skills to humanity. It is as important to be a builder as it is to be a highly trained technician. There’s nothing any better than anything else. Therefore the decision on how to govern is made by the one we call the Oracle. There are those who govern well. They run the system in which we live. My friend=s job is to make sure nothing goes astray in any public buildings. He enjoys order and this requires his entire focus. My focus is history. I make sure all is recorded in the order events occur.
Each community has its Oracle which keeps everything at a local level. There is no court, army, or wealth accumulation. Each planet in the Orion system has an Oracle, and satellites that circle some of the planets have their own. Do you see how we function,@ John asked? AThe Oracle is created by the positive thoughts of the people it governs.@
AYou mean you don’t elect anyone to office?@
AWhat office? There is graft and corruption with elected officials. We did away with them eons ago. Anything that creates opposites no longer exists.@ John explained.
AI don’t think the earth will ever commit to that,@ Jeff replied.
AMaybe not now, but your computers could be designed to act as an Oracle. If your people are to evolve they will have to come to a similar conclusion. Maybe in a thousand years it will happen. Those who are after you don’t respect human life and are a negative influence on humanity. You must stay positive. Look for the good in everyone even those who want to destroy you.@
AThank you. You have been a great help to me, but I’m going to have to face what is waiting for me, no matter how unpleasant it is. Good-bye.@ Jeff sat quietly for a moment, took a deep breath, and stood up to stretch himself. It was true, he wasn’t looking forward to the future, not knowing when or where he would be taken into custody, but Sarina was right. Something was going to happen and soon.
*
The next morning Jeff kept looking in his rear view mirror while on his way to work fearing someone might be following him. He passed Lillian in the hall when he entered the building. AHow are you feeling this morning,@ he inquired?
AI feel great! Did I tell you what happened to me last week?@
ADo you mean the accident,@ he suggested?
AYes, it=s a miracle, I didn’t even get a scratch. I didn’t see the semi approaching me when I pulled into traffic until it was too late. I was so scared, my life flashed before me. It was very painful like being crushed by a steam-roller. I am thankful I didn’t get killed. My car got demolished. I loved that old car, but it was totaled, and I had to buy another one.@ Jeff nodded his head as she talked, and when she stopped to take a breath he excused himself and went into his office.
Helen was already at work. They spent the day preparing for their trip to New York City on Wednesday, putting
graphs and charts together, and preparing the materials to be presented. She had done this so many times it seemed a breeze, but Jeff was nervous that he would soon be called upon to make the preparations by himself.
He finished the day in good spirits, and headed home in rush hour traffic humming to his self. When he turned into his subdivision his mind came back to reality. Jones and Cleaver were waiting for him in their black Ford sedan in front of his house.
AWe’ve been waiting for you.@ Jones oozed a smile of malicious delight. AGet in the front seat where we can keep an eye on you.@
AYou can’t do this to me. Where is your warrant?@ Jeff shouted at him.
AWe don’t need a warrant, not since the Patriot=s Act was passed. Now we can detain who ever we want,@ Jones replied, pushing Jeff into the front seat and slamming the door behind him. Cleaver quietly sat in the back seat behind Jeff and closed her door.
AWell, at least let me tell mom I won’t be home for dinner. She will be worried,@ Jeff insisted as Jones slid in under the steering wheel on the driver=s side.
AThat can wait,@ Jones said, speeding away from the curb. ARight now you are coming with us.@
Jeff=s mom stood at the window behind the curtains watching what happened to her son. She said a prayer hoping he would be alright. ‘Will those people ever leave her son alone,’ she asked herself?
When Charles Martin got home from work he found his wife in tears. AThey have taken Jeff. I watched the whole thing.@ He held her tenderly reassuring her that Jeff would be alright. AHe offered to move out, wanting to spare of us from having to witness this. Jeff is a good boy. He would never hurt anyone. Why are they doing this to him?@
