Gaia's Majesty_Mission Called

by Roger B. Burt

  Chantia's eyes were fixed on Celeste. “And what is that important role?”

  “As the Discoverer you discovered us. It was signaled when you saw a woman from a Tethys, and when you saw that, when we’re in the water, we do indeed have fishlike tails. Just like the Progenitor woman you saw among the dolphins in Brazil. And then you pursued what it meant. It seems you were guided to search the meaning and to be part of our mission.”

  “Can you understand how confusing that is and how it frightens me to be at the center?”

  Celeste took her hand. “Be clear about one thing. Signaling the beginning of a new era and the beginning of the Tethyan final mission does not make you ultimately responsible. When you were a child, you wanted to be big. You wanted more. You could not have it immediately and played and enjoyed the time growing up. Think of this time as like your childhood. As you grew you gained mastery. Becoming who you will be and helping us shape our future can’t happen overnight.”

  “I’m trying to understand. This is like a childhood for me, but it also sounds like it’s for people in general. And there may be a transformation, but that can mean many things. Do you have any idea what the transformation will be?”

  “Not all outcomes can or must be defined in advance,” Celeste said. “At one level, we’re fighting for the future of humankind, for stewardship of our home, for the rise of women to power to join partnership with men. Where that will lead, is an entirely open question.”

  Chantia stared at Celeste. “That’s a burden of trust. Not much guidance. Just an experience with an outcome we don’t know.”

  “Chantia, do you want to turn away from all this?” Celeste asked.

  Chantia thought for a moment. “Something happened yesterday when we were sitting looking out to sea. You remember I said I felt a presence and anticipation. I think it was Gaia or a spirit sent to guide me. For some reason my angry child is gone. Now there’s a sense of hope and anticipation.”

  Very slowly Celeste began, “I live in a world where things are often merely intuited or revealed, and we have to accept what will come when it comes. In a way, you should know that because you have worked to help women build their futures. You couldn’t be sure they could do it or would do it. But you gave them the opportunity. In that sense it was a preparation for you. And I’ll be here with you as a guide into this new world and back as you choose.”

  “This isn’t about me just discovering things then. You’re telling me we’re now facing the possible end of humankind. Whether we survive or not.”

  “I suspect Gaia may not know the end, either. If she knew, she wouldn’t have needed to reserve the Tethyans.”

  “Which makes my blood run cold,” Chantia said. “I seem to be at the center of the choice point, but on the other hand my personal choice is to accept this as a challenge.” Chantia fell silent for a moment, then nodded. “I’m ready to stop talking and move forward.”

  “So, will you come home with me to visit my Tethys?”

  Chantia laughed. “I’m sitting here with a hundred-year-old woman who represents a goddess. She is beckoning me to join her in the sea, offering me wonder and fulfillment.” In a clear steady voice Chantia said, “My life has led me to the sea, to the events at Laguna. In turn to Philippa and Beck. And to you, Celeste. I understand all this was being guided by Gaia. I’m ready to accept what you’re offering.”

  ~~~

  Cleodora, the priestess of the Hellenia Tethys, was seated before the window of her office looking out into the gardens. She felt distracted. It was as if someone was seeking contact. Then she felt caressed by a breath of air. It was not alarming, but caught her attention—a sign that a revelation was coming. She rose and made her way to the large chamber where the people of Hellenia often gathered. For some time, she sat in contemplation. Finally it felt like a great weight was being lifted from her shoulders. Her intuition was that the hopes and expectations of the Tethyans were to be fulfilled. She rose, walked to the doors of the chamber, and swung them wide.

  Before her stood the people of Hellenia holding hands. Some had tears in their luminous eyes. Most had a look of joy and expectation on their faces. The silence was profound, the wonder and joy palpable. Unspoken words on their lips gave thanks to Gaia who had brought this day at last.

  Chapter 58

  Fading Power

  Rome, Italy

  Antonio Cipriano was suffering impatience. There had been much talk among his colleagues about action, but little had been done. He insisted upon a meeting with Carlos Herrera and Jorge Ramos. Evan Covel had been invited, but there had been no response. With feigned enthusiasm Cipriano greeted Ramos and Herrera at his Roman villa.

  Herrera maintained a brash front, Ramos seethed and Cipriano projected a calm demeanor as he opened the meeting. “Gentlemen, I’ll be direct. We continue to face strong opposition. I’m hiring more and more security personnel not because of crime but because of the intrusion of aggressive agitators bent on organizing my employees and disrupting my businesses. What are you seeing, Carlos? You reported a serious disruption of your business.”

  Herrera smiled. “That’s not quite how it was. Many of my competitors suffered serious loses, but I was adequately protected and continue to have a profitable commodities trading business.” His smile became a smirk.

  Cipriano felt anger rising but managed to maintain his calm demeanor and said, “How fortunate, but I’m still concerned.” He turned to Ramos who sat holding a fist. “How’s it with your business Jorge?” Silence.

  At last Ramos rose and walked to the window overlooking the gardens before swinging around. “I hardly know where to begin? It’s not the authorities giving me problems. The problem is security. I think it’s the same people who attacked my facility in Honduras. Now they’re attacking shipments and continue to kill my men.”

  Cipriano said, “Have you had any success in identifying families who might be behind the attacks?” He knew nothing had been done and had little faith in Ramos taking the initiative.

  Ramos’s voice rose. “I’m tied up with security, but I can’t predict when the next attack will come.”

  Cipriano responded, “It sounds like we’re having similar problems. I haven’t heard from Evan, but I still hope he’ll be able to provide us with the file he has concerning our opposition.”

  “That may not be so easy.” Their heads turned toward Evan Covel, who was standing in the doorway.

  Cipriano rushed forward.

  “Evan, it’s so good to see you! How are you?” he said clasping him in welcome.

  “I had a bad spell but I’m back.” He struck his fist into his palm. “But I’m furious about the attack on me and the attacks in general.”

  Cipriano moved a chair to the head of the conference table and signaled for Covel to take the seat.

  Ramos spoke. “I’m sure we’re all pleased to have you back and looking in good health.”

  “Let me get to it,” Covel said. “I’ve bad news on the data front. The traitor who worked in my corporation gained access to my computer and erased the files. I have an expert working to resurrect them. I believe this man also was responsible for the murder of one of my key employees. It’s clear we have to be more aggressive.”

  Having remained in his detached, smug position Herrera said, “Perhaps we have forgotten that being in control is our right and our due. My business is still prospering and control of commodities is in our hands.”

  Cipriano wanted to choke the smugness out of him, but sat quietly, feeling the futility of their claims to power and control. He felt it was slipping away and sensed nothing but violence to come.

  The atmosphere behind the scene was hardly promising. Ramos was doing nothing but seething and thinking how he might violently strike back at people he couldn’t identify. Herrera assessed himself as in control and superior.

  Covel had a problem with focus. On the surface, he appeared in control, but in his mi
nd he was beset by the image of the frightening woman who threatened his stability.

  Chapter 59

  Welcome to the Future

  Turks and Caicos

  Chantia and Celeste stood on the private beach.

  “Now we make our final preparation,” Celeste said. “Close your eyes and breathe deeply. This is the time of day when the energy of the body cleanses the lungs before dawn.”

  Chantia studied Celeste for a moment, then closed her eyes.

  Celeste continued. “Now’s the time to take in new energy, Chantia. Place your fingers gently on the top of your head. Breathe slowly and evenly. You’ll feel a stirring as you draw energy deep into your body.”

  The effect was small at first but built as if swirls of energy were flowing into Chantia. Celeste continued to talk softly, and Chantia could hear the same music she had gone to sleep with the night before. Celeste’s words seemed all-encompassing, comforting, but coming from far away.

  “This is our time,” Celeste declared. “I’m bringing the energy of the sun. Open your eyes and see this day and all it will be.”

  The day was dazzlingly beautiful as the sun burst from the horizon. Celeste led Chantia to the beach, where they shed their clothes and together entered the sea.

  “Trust now, Chantia,” Celeste said in gentle, reassuring tones. “As we enter our mother sea, take a breath and it will be yours.” They slipped below the surface and Chantia began to breathe.

  Chantia felt a tingle in her legs and turned to see scales and a fish tail blossoming from them. Lacy webs formed between her fingers as they swam out through the glowing water. At times Chantia heard chirps, which she could interpret intuitively.

  “Welcome to the sea,” Celeste said. “You are home.”

  At length they reached an abyss, which Chantia understood to be the edge of the continental shelf. She looked at Celeste inquiringly. Celeste pointed down to a rock slide. As they approached it, the rocks began to glow. Before them emerged a glorious city, radiant in soft, organic, and fluorescent colors.

  Others joined them, chirping greetings as they swam touring the gardens around the city. Children swooped around their elders. It became a celebratory entourage. Chantia realized she and Celeste were expected.

  At last they surfaced into the air near a portal into the city. Chantia could tell they were still deep in the ocean.

  When their tails and webbing had drawn back inside, they rose. Two white cloaks had been laid out for them. To Chantia they looked familiar. A dream in Ireland—seemingly from another lifetime—flashed through her mind. The door opened and a woman of profound intensity came forward. She pressed her hands together and bowed gently in greeting.

  “I’m Cleodora, priestess of Hellenia. Welcome Chantia—at last. And Celeste, our gratitude is profound.”

  They walked inside to a corridor lined with the people of Hellenia. The silence was worshipful; their faces glowed with smiles and tears. Chantia could feel their joy even as she bowed to humility and wonder.

  Chantia grasped Celeste’s arm and whispered, “I’m overwhelmed. This can’t be for me.”

  Celeste patted her hand in reassurance and drew her closer. Chantia managed to smile.

  They went to the great hall where they ate a light celebratory meal in silence and worship, sitting before the great window overlooking the city. At last Cleodora turned to Chantia.

  “Celeste sent me word that she was bringing the Discoverer to us. As an Illuminata she conveyed that this is the indication that our mission in behalf of the stewardship of our planet and the ensuring of the future of humankind is coming to fruition. You can see the joy of our people that our mission is dawning at last.”

  Chantia rallied herself, drawing in a large breath. “Thank you for your welcome.” She studied Cleodora for a moment. “Do you know what will happen now?”

  “Your coming signals we are entering the final days. Beyond that we can’t know.”

  Celeste said, “Gaia sent me the prophesy and confirmed that I was to lead you here. All we can know is that Gaia is guiding the opening of our mission.”

  Chantia sighed. “So, we remain with a mystery.”

  “But we have a clear knowledge that the fulfillment of our mission is on the horizon, whatever form it takes,” said Cleodora. “And I must add we thank you for your commitment. We understand the burden it has been.”

  Chantia nodded and appreciated the recognition.

  Celeste signaled it was time to return. When they rose, Cleodora drew Chantia into a warm embrace.

  As they swam away, Chantia looked back toward the city. Hellenia was home now. Her fears were gone, her reservations gone, and she looked forward to the future with her people.

  It was sunset when they returned to the beach and lay at the water’s edge. Chantia watched as her tail slowly folded back into her legs and the webbing receded from her fingers. As exhausted as she was, she was still filled with joy and expectation.

  Celeste said, “The sea is now your world and refuge anytime you choose. Gaia prepared the way. Our people delighted in your arrival.”

  Chantia smiled. “The unfolding has been glorious. Thank you.” She hesitated. “Could I have some time alone, please?”

  Celeste understood and without a word returned to the villa.

  Chantia was now her name for all time. She had expected to have a thousand questions, but for once she had none. For the moment, she would simply accept the experience. There was no fear or sadness. Just wonder, hope and belief in the wisdom of Gaia.

  She lay there enjoying the setting sun and suddenly felt a presence.

  Beck came to kneel beside her.

  She drew him to her on the sand, holding him tight. In measured tones she told him about the joy of her day and her understanding. At last she said, “Beck, I want to share the sea with you. Will you come with me into the sea?”

  Together they swam out and drifted next to each other holding hands. Finally Beck turned and looked at Chantia. There was an unspoken question on her face.

  He hurled himself backward and dove. Chantia dove after him. She watched as a tail blossomed from his legs as her own unfurled. Her tears were taken as a gift by the sea.

  They swam together until she led him back to the surface.

  “Whatever possessed you?” she asked.

  “I had to try. For us. I had to take the chance.”

  Together they returned to the beach and lay together while their tails withdrew. As darkness fell, a glorious night sky opened above them. Chantia felt spirits stirring and heard whispers hinting at a hoped-for future.

  Celeste, too, was looking up at the extraordinary display of the universe, but for her it was filled with portent. She feared this momentary peace was to be short-lived,

  Gaia lovingly watched over the tranquility and fulfillment of Chantia and Beck. They had earned the discoveries of this day and their place in the Tethyan movement in behalf of humankind. But she could hear the growing sound of the Maelstrom—a warning of impending destruction.

  Thank you for reading Gaia’s Majesty – Mission Called: Women in Power. If you enjoyed it, please tell your friends and post a short review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Word-of-mouth referrals are an author’s best friend and much appreciated. You can join the conversation at www.rogerbburt.com.

  The Trilogy Continues

  Coming Soon

  Gaia’s Majesty – Challenge

  The Chosen Rise

  Gaia recognizes and blesses the union of Chantia and Beck even while warnings and instructions flow from the depths of the Tethys. Is the denouement of humankind at hand? Allies rise from the spirit world and the hand of Gaia becomes even more apparent when she triggers monumental struggles among the people of the world. The extinction of great masses of people begins, but the possibility of fulfillment of the mission of the Tethyan people leads them forward—toward the hope of transformation.