by Jerry Belvo
AMr. Martin, may I call you Jeff,@ he inquired casually shaking his hand?
AYes, please do,@ Jeff responded putting him at ease.
AHave a seat,@ the CEO said, pointing to a chair across from him. Mr. Bell was a small man with a big heart, friendly smile, and mass of grey hair neatly furrowed on his forehead. AI didn’t get a chance to welcome you when you started to work here. My wife and I were spending a few weeks in Hawaii, but I’m happy you chose to work for us. It isn’t often we employ someone with your unique ability.@
AWhat ability, Mr. Bell?@ Jeff asked inquisitively. He didn’t consider himself anything special.
AYou know, your star child abilities,@ he responded. AI first heard of star children several years ago, how kind and benevolent they were, and the way they treated people. That type a person fits perfectly in a Foundation like this. I told the staff I would like to hire a star child, but no one knew of any until a month ago when my friend, Leslie Storm told me she suspected you might be one. She told me about how you healed several homeless people. In fact my wife and I rode in the parade you two organized a month ago. I knew then I wanted you on my staff.@
‘So that is how he came to work here.’ Jeff was impressed. He saw a twinkle in his boss=s eye and a joyful glow on his face when he finished the sentence. He was now much at ease, and suddenly realized that Storm may not have betrayed him after all. AMr. Bell, I don’t know how to respond. I’ll do my best to live up to your expectations.@
The CEO looked directly at Jeff without mixing words. AI want you and Mrs. Storm to be friends. I don’t want any problems between the two of you.@
Jeff was slow to respond, not knowing how to approach the subject, so he decided to be up front with his boss. AMr. Bell, last week two people who want to do me harm were in her office when I arrived. They destroyed my mobility, my ability to do those special things. I don’t feel like a star child any more, and I’m frustrated and angry about it.@
AWhat did they do?@ Mr. Bell asked, curiously concerned for Jeff=s welfare.
AThey gave me a shot of something messing up my immune system. It destroyed my ability to heal others and to teleport myself. I was sick for the first time in my life. These two people were coming out of her office when I arrived.@
When he was finished Mr. Bell looked at him and said, AJeff, I don’t condone what they did to you, but Storm represents the Foundation=s interest on a political level, and she is a personal friend of mine. There is a bill before the State Legislature that could severely limit our philanthropy. It’s imperative that it be defeated, and she is doing the best she can to see that it is.@
ABut, what about her fraternizing with my adversaries,@ Jeff inquired?
AStorm gets her information wherever she can and it isn’t limited to only kind people. She’s in politics. It gets down and dirty, but she is the best.@ Again, looking directly at him, AJeff, I don’t want to lose you here. You are a rare find, an asset to us, and I want you around here for a long time.@
Changing the topic, he said. AWhat is your schedule this week? I hear you are going to Bali soon. I have been there with my wife. It’s such a romantic place. Are you going there with someone special,@ he winked at Jeff?
AMaybe,@ Jeff didn’t know how to answer that question. He was looking forward to having time with Sarina, but after being slightly reprimanded by his boss and recalling his episode with Jones and Cleaver he wasn’t really in any mood to discuss his trip.
AWell, if I don’t see you before you go, I want you to have a good time. Now, please tell Thelma to come back in here as you leave?@
ASure, and thank you Mr. Bell for hiring me,@ Jeff replied as he turned to leave.
AJust call me Joe,@ his boss remarked as Jeff left the room.
*
Before going to bed that evening Jeff checked his email messages. He was pleasantly surprised to find one from Bobby. He printed the e-mail and promptly deleted it not wanting it seen by the eyes of a snooping hacker.
It confirmed the fact that Bobby did create a web site for star children, a forum for anyone who wanted to post articles, and a chat room for discussions. He apologized for what happened the last time the two of them met, and hoped it would never happen again.
Jeff suspected there would be a lot of activity on Bobby=s site. They could discuss issues to educate each other and the public at large. There would also be naysayers condemning them, and cults who falsely claim to be star children. Some people may want to know how to be a star child. He thought, >Maybe I should write an article about losing one=s powers by having their genes tempered with, or maybe about government efforts to curtail star children through persecution and the administration of drugs?=
For not being a star child, his buddy had certainly done a great service on Jeff=s behalf, and he was proud of him. He wished he could see him again, just to tell him how much he appreciated his efforts. But that was out of the question. Jeff could no longer teleport himself anywhere. He was heading to Tucson the next day and would have to tell Julie about the site when he got back.
*
In Tucson Jeff and Helen spent two days with Doctor Martinez going over the plans for a clinic in the area. Jeff was just returning to his motel room from an evening swim when the phone rang.
AThis is Sarina. I have been trying to reach you.@
He tried to dry off with one hand while holding the phone with the other. AYou will have to excuse me. I have just come in from the pool. It’s so hot here in Tucson the pool is the only place that’s comfortable. Is there anything wrong?@
AGrandpa=s had a heart attack. He’s in the hospital.@ She spoke softly, choking back tears.
AWhen did it happen? Is he going to be alright?@ Jeff sensed anxiety in her voice and wished he were there to consol her. Sarina was a strong willed person, but if anything happened to her family, he knew she would be devastated.
AHe started feeling chest pains last night and called the paramedics. We didn’t find out until this morning, and I’ve spent most of the day at the hospital. Your Dad is there now.@
“I wish I could be there with you. It’s times like this when friends need to be together. I’ll be home tomorrow and will go to see him. Cheer up Honey, everything will be okay.@ He was experiencing feelings for her that were new to him.
He lay on the bed thinking of Sarina=s grandfather. Wanting to send him some healing energy, he didn’t know if he still had that ability, but he would try. Picturing him lying in his hospital bed, he sent energy to surround him, and allowed it to do its work. John had told him he was under the influence of the Oracle and to allow it to work through him. >Put your trust in the Oracle,= he had told him.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door startling him. It was Helen wanting to go over the proposal for Doctor Martinez=s clinic. It was late when she finally left and he turned in for the night.
*
Jeff went directly to the hospital when he arrived back in Denver Friday afternoon. Sarina was sitting by her Grandfather’s side when he entered the room. AI got here as fast as I could,@ he sighed.
AShush,@ she said softly. ANot so loud, Grandpa is sleeping.@
AI’m sorry, how is he doing?@ Jeff whispered.
AWe thought we were going to lose him, but last night he took a turn for the better. It was rough going for a while,@ she replied. AHe’s going to have a triple bypass on Monday.@ She sat back in her chair. AI don’t think we’ll be going to Bali next week.
Jeff stepped closer to the bed and put his hand on her Grandpa. AThat’s a shame. I know how you were looking forward to that trip.@ The old man opened one eye slightly recognizing Jeff and spoke softly, ATake my Granddaughter to Bali. I want you two to go without me. Take her there,@ he whispered.
ABut Grandpa, we want you to go with us. It won’t be the same without you,@ Sarina stammered, not want
ing to leave him behind. ABesides I should be here for you.@
ASarina, I can have the operation without you. The doctors won’t need you in the operating room.@
ABut Grandpa,@ she responded.
ANo buts, Sarina.” He raised his hand and gently touched her arm. AI want you to go to Bali with Jeff.@
AWell, if you insist. Call me on my cell phone if you need me, Grandpa,@ she replied, as if it would do any good being that far away. Still it made her feel connected to him. Jeff hadn’t realized how dependent she was on her Grandfather, and was really surprised by her tenderness and concern.
The nurse came in with food for the patient. Seeing the two guests, she set the tray to the side and left the room. She straightened her Grandpa=s covers, moved the stand into place, and put the tray in front of him. AWe’ll leave you now Grandpa, but if you need me call.@
He pushed the button raising the headboard until he was close to the food tray, and acknowledged their departure. AYou two run along and have a good time. Don’t worry about me.@
*
Jeff and Sarina spent the weekend together and after work Monday, Jeff checked his email at home. Then he clicked on Bobby=s web site. There seemed to be a problem, maybe it was the international connection making it run so slowly, but finally it appeared. One by one he skimmed through the various articles. Finally one from Indonesia caught his attention. Several star children were arrested trying to leave the country. Government officials claimed they were fomenting riots against the government under the guise of healing ceremonies. They will be tried for treason.
>Surely they wouldn’t do that,= Jeff thought. >Yet governments can do what they want.= He was happy to be living in the United States where there were more laws in place to protect its citizens. All he had to worry about was Jones and Cleaver. He had a hard time forgiving them for taking his power, yet they weren’t really that bad. They were just doing their job.
The next day he stopped by the CEO=s office asking Thelma if he could see Mr. Bell. AHe’s out, but he’ll be back around one this afternoon. I’ll let you know when he gets back.@
About one-thirty Jeff=s office phone rang. It was Thelma. AMr. Bell can see you for a few minutes if you come right now.@
AI’ll be right there,@ Jeff replied.
When he arrived, Thelma sent him into Mr. Bell=s office. The CEO was on the phone but hung up as Jeff entered.
AWhat can I do for you, Jeff,@ he inquired?
Jeff sat down and leaned forward. AYou know I’m leaving for Bali tomorrow night.@ Mr. Bell nodded. ALast night I found out they arrested several star children on the charge of espionage when they tried to leave the country. They will be tried for treason. As you know Bali is in Indonesia. I may have trouble with my passport. What can I do?@
AThat’s a problem,@ Mr. Bell remarked. He thought for a moment. Then he pressed the intercom button, summoning Thelma into the room. AGet me any files we have on Indonesia,@ he requested. In less than a minute she entered the room handing her boss a small file folder. He opened it and reviewed the contents.
Finally he spoke up. AThis may be a long shot, but there is an organization in Bali that has requested our help. If I sent you there on business you could stop to visit them, tour the facilities, work up a proposal, and bring it back with you. Could you do that?@
ASure, I’ll do anything just so I don’t end up in jail in a foreign country,@ Jeff replied.
AI’ll have Thelma prepare the work order. You and Helen can put together a preliminary proposal to take with you when you leave work this afternoon. We’ll inform them you are coming so they can arrange for an interpreter.@
Jeff appeared very relieved. AThank you, Mr. Bell. Thank you very much.@ He reached across the desk and shook his boss=s hand.
ACall me Joe, please,@ he reminded Jeff?
AThank you Joe,@ Jeff said smiling. AI’ll get to work on it.@ He informed Helen when he got to his office and together they prepared the necessary papers.
ADo you realize, Jeff, you are going to be reimbursed for your trip to Bali?@
His eyes lit up and a big grin plastered itself on his face. AThat’s right. Hadn’t thought of it, but I sure could use the money.@
AJust keep track of your travel expenses. Keep receipts for everything and turn them in,@ she replied.
When Jeff left work he had everything he needed to make his trip look legit. Even though traffic was heavy on the turnpike he drove home singing.
AWhat are you so happy about?@ His Mom inquired as he entered the house.
AI’m being paid to go to Bali,@ he quipped, his nose in the air.
AWell, Mr. Smarty-pants, how did you do that?@
AI told Mr. Bell about my problem getting in and out of Indonesia,@ Jeff put his hand to his mouth. He suddenly realized he hadn’t told his Mother about the arrests. AMom, they arrested some star children trying to leave Indonesia last week. I was afraid I would be arrested by the police.@ He didn’t want her to worry.
She held her breath for a moment. AHoney, please be careful. I don’t want anything to happen to you.@
AI’ll be careful, Mom.@ Changing the subject, he said. AHow’s Grandpa Jim doing? Have you heard anything?@
ANo I haven’t. Why don’t you call Sarina? It’ll be at least a half hour before we eat.@
AGood idea,@ he replied picking up the phone. She answered her cell phone on the first ring. AHow’s your Grandpa,@ Jeff inquired.
AHe’s in intensive care, resting quietly. I want to see him before we leave tomorrow night.@
AKeep us posted, Sarina.@ They talked for a few minutes and hung up. He didn’t want to tell her about the arrests in Indonesia or the slight change in the itinerary. He would do that tomorrow.
His Mom quietly waited for him to finish his conversation before speaking up. AThose two agents were here again today.@
Jeff was immediately suspicious. This was all he needed to ruin his vacation. AWhat did they want,@ he inquired?
ANothing really, Jeff, they just asked how you were. Oh, they did ask how you enjoyed Tucson,@ she remembered. ABut, I didn’t tell them anything.@
AThey knew about Tucson? They must be watching my every move. I wonder if they know I’m going to Bali.@ He set his jaw, and he felt anger rising up inside.
Jeff called Julie. While they were talking he heard a click on the line. He remembered Julie saying her phone may be tapped and he suggested they meet, same time and place. If something happened to him on this trip he wanted to make sure she had the list of star children. AMother, I’m going out after dinner for a little while, but I’ll be back early.@ He told her trying to act casual.
ADon’t stay out too late. You have a big day tomorrow,@ she replied.
During dinner Jeff told his Dad everything that was happening, and privately told him that he was planning to move out after he got back from Bali because AIA agents were snooping around. He didn’t want his Mom having to put up with any more uninvited guests.
AWhen you get back we will talk about it,@ his Dad replied.
At eight o=clock sharp he met Julie at the restaurant. Over coffee he handed her the list, told her about the web site, and about the arrests in Indonesia. She told him to be careful and they departed a half hour later.
Wednesday went quickly and Jeff drove over to Sarina=s place to have dinner with her folks. After dinner the two of them headed to the airport, her parents waving, bon voyage, as his car left the curb.
At the airport they checked their luggage, got their boarding passes and headed towards security. When they got in line they were met by two agents, Jones and Cleaver, the last people Jeff wanted to see.
AGoing somewhere,@ Jones asked?
Jeff wanted to belt him one, but instead asked. AWhy are you harassing me?@
Jones=s face immediately tu
rned red and Jeff could feel anger building up.
AIf you think this is harassment. You haven’t seen anything yet.@ He turned to summon the security guards, but Cleaver grabbed him by the sleeve.
Calmly she suggested. ALet’s not create a scene, Jones. You get riled too easily.@ To Jeff she asked. AAre you leaving the country?@
AYou know I’m leaving the country or you wouldn’t be here. My company is sending me to Indonesia on a fact finding mission,@ Jeff replied trying to keep his temper from flaring up.
ADo you have company orders?@ Cleaver asked firmly, but politely.
Jeff opened his computer case taking out the papers from his boss. AHere,@ he said showing them to her.
She studied them for a moment, then handed them back. Turning to Jones she said, AI don’t think we need to detain these people any longer. They have a plane to catch.@ Taking her partner by the arm, she turned him around and they departed. Jeff heard her say as they were leaving. ASee how easy that was.@
He pulled his arm away from her and shook his head, ABut Cleaver; we’re supposed to learn all about him. Our job is keeping track of these aliens.@
Jeff heard the alien remark, turned and shouted after Jones. AI’m not an alien. I was born on this planet, just like you.@
Jones stopped and turned back towards Jeff. ASome day Mr. Martin you are going to slip up and I’m going to have your ass. Just you wait.@ Cleaver grabbed his arm feeling his muscles tense up.
ALet’s get out of here,@ she suggested. Fists clenched, Jones stood for a moment trying to decide whether to go back and punch him out or leave. He finally relaxed and Cleaver pulled him towards the exit. A crowd was watching the ruckus and security guards stood by in case it got out of hand.
Sarina and Jeff breathed sighs of relief. This was the first time she had experienced what Jeff had been going through. AAre they always like this,@ she asked, a bit exasperated at the incident?
AI’m tired of him harassing me and calling me an alien. He has no right.@ Cleaver is generally okay, but he’s a bad egg. He has a chip on his shoulder, daring someone to knock it off,@ Jeff replied. AThe less I see of them the happier I’ll be.@
