DreamStar: In Delphi - Duty Meets Destiny (The Delphi Countdown Trilogy Book 2)

by JB Penrose

  The morning’s agenda had been dedicated to introductions and schedules. The conference host, Queen Cedra was thorough with her planning details and showed no signs of weakness or exhaustion, although she still used a cane after the previous conference bombing. Her palace, as the only ruling monarch on the planning committee, was large enough and secure enough for the number of dignitaries brought together to organize the next conference.

  Hirundi Asaad was delighted to see James arrive with President-Elect Cauthron; Dera had sent word to the former student ahead of their arrival. Not all the former students knew of their immortality and history as disciples, but Asaad had worked with John and Andrew throughout the years and understood the important secret he kept. Even fewer students knew of their existence as aliens, but some were now trusted friends.

  Asaad made his way to James’ side immediately upon entering the room. “Poppa, I couldn’t believe it when Dera said you would be here! My heart is overjoyed to see you again.” As he hugged James tightly, he whispered in his ear. “We have much to catch up on.”

  James nodded as they separated. “We will, I promise. Mother sends her love – but,” and he pulled him closer to whisper, “But for now, you should probably refer to me as James.”

  With a wink, he let Hirundi steer him to a chair on the right of his own at the head of the table; Scott was seated to his left. Cedra moved to her chair at the opposite end of the table and softly rang a bell to command everyone’s attention.

  “If we could please take our seats,” she asked quietly. “I think it’s time we begin.”

  “Again,” someone said.

  There were twelve representatives at the circled table, each with an aide seated behind them taking and sending notes for their representative. James smiled at memories of many such conferences in his long lifetime, and closed his eyes for a short prayer to mirror the same success.

  Hirundi Asaad began the meeting with condolences. He acknowledged the death of President-elect Rodney Young and his wife, Li’Ana. He praised Queen Cedra for her unceasing efforts to keep the momentum fresh for the rescheduled conference and thanked her for working so hard to make them all comfortable when she, herself, was regaining her strength.

  “We are grateful that you survived the bomb that stopped the last attempt of this release of technology so needed in every country of the world. Please let us assist you,” Asaad asked of her. “Perhaps, if we could each assign one of our staff to work with your attendants, it would be a lesser burden when shared by all.” Everyone voiced their agreement.

  Hirundi continued by praising certain individuals who also showed courage and selflessness during the conference inferno, and commended several countries who offered to host the rescheduled event, or to contribute in the global effort to keep their momentum moving forward.

  “We are united in our effort,” he continued, “to see the vision of this world acting as One, a vision that both President-elect Young and John Reider worked to achieve. Neither are here – and for different reasons,” he added, “but the vision they shared, as we do, is also shared by others, and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce James Zebede, who is John Reider’s brother and now CEO of PROBE-Tech.”

  The curious glances James felt since his entrance turned into vocal comments and suddenly the room was alive with questions, and concerns. Scott started to rise again from his chair but James stopped him with a slight gesture to let the activity in the room die down naturally. Finally, one of the representatives from the African continent rose, an imposing figure, and the room hushed to listen to him speak.

  “My friends,” the representative began slowly. “I’m sure our first intention is to covey our best wishes to Mr. Zebede for his brother and the crew who launched on the Aurora.”

  There were a few mumbled remarks and James felt their urging for the minister to get to the questions they all tried to ask.

  “I’m sure there was a reason no crew names were announced, and you may have been one of them, so please excuse our surprise to learn of your relationship and now, your position at PROBE-Tech.”

  It was an interesting opening – the question regarding whom, if not James, who then, was part of the Aurora’s crew. The minister subtly challenged his relationship to John and PROBE-Tech and nodded to the representatives at the table who held their electronic tablets to verify what James was already aware of; no one knew he existed before this meeting. The facts were not what concerned James; the statement and you may have been one of them would have only come from someone working with Iscar. James was immediately suspicious and made a mental note to ask Dera more about Minister Awverski.

  “I see the announcement this morning in the news of your position at PROBE-Tech, but it makes no mention of your plans.”

  Mags must have taken care of the publicity release they discussed, and James was grateful for her timeliness. He smiled calmly, took a deep breath, and stood – wondering what he would say next.

  “Thank you Minister Awverski,” he spoke in the Africans’ regional dialect before continuing in English. “I am honored to be here, and honored to sit at this table with you; with you all. My brother may have kept my existence private, but he did not keep his intentions from me. I share the OneWorld vision of each of you, and my appearance here is a confirmation that PROBE-Tech will fully support the release of technology and science that was originally intended.” James paused.

  “The Aurora has finally launched, but it didn’t let the actions of one - group,” he paused for emphasis, “deter their original mission – the discovery and purpose of the DayStar. I,” he continued, “will also not let a terrorist action stop this unified effort to advance the world with a universal release of technology to every country.”

  The room burst into cheers and James felt the anticipation rise. “I know John was excited about the possibilities of how the world will use the technology developed at PROBE-Tech. After all, remember the predictions about first 3-D printers?”

  Laughter broke out among them and everyone relaxed. The printers were a prelude to the replicators, overcoming the objections of fear that they would be used for revolutionary purposes. Revolution might have been the first reaction, but it quickly changed to food and innovation.

  “Thank you again for your welcome,” James finished. “I am not here to set this conference along my own course. You are in good hands with Hirundi Asaad; however, I look forward to working with each of you.”

  “Thank you, James,” Asaad stood as James sat. “I know we’re all glad for your presence, and for PROBE-Tech’s continued support. Since we are only here for a few days I think we should get started on the scheduled items.”

  The charter for the OneWorld treaty had been previously written and ratified; the duty of this council was to see it through to completion.

  “First on the list, of course, is a new location for the OneWorld Conference. I will take this opportunity to say that Mr. Zebede has offered the PROBE-Tech facilities,” Hirundi stated. “I would like to open the floor for discussion, and for any other suggestions.”

  “Given the urgency in which we want to continue with the release of technology,” someone began, “it might prove to be the fastest answer to our dilemma.”

  “I heard from my technology ambassador at PROBE-Tech that the information exchange will restart with your return to the States,” Minister Horaios confirmed. “And that you will continue to ship out replicator units as scheduled.”

  James nodded. “The manufacture of replicators was never in question. Production is on-going.”

  “Maybe you should allow other countries,” the councilmember hinted, “the ability to produce replicator units for their own populations.”

  “I promise you, Horaios,” James assured him. “The cost of setting up the manufacturing laboratories is much greater and more time consuming than just waiting for your designated shipment. PROBE-Tech is committed to providing the world with the units they need, and each
of your countries are involved.”

  “So, it has nothing to do with patents, or profits?” Afsheen asked. “I’d just like to be sure your sentiments aligned with your brother’s promise.”

  “Let me assure you,” Asaad jumped into the conversation at James’ defense. “Mr. Zebede is dedicated to fulfilling his brother’s dream, and maybe more. His integrity should not be in question.”

  “I am here to personally make that assurance,” James confided openly. “But if it would add trust, PROBE-Tech could publicly release the specifications of a replicator unit.”

  James felt Dera’s silent agreement, and Asaad, who gave a nod of his head toward James in confirmation of support. As he met the eyes of each councilmon at the table, James pledged complete support from his heart; this was a vision of peace and freedom the world needed.

  “I will support the proposed location of PROBE-Tech for the new OneWorld Conference,” Afsheen stated. “I know the security is in place and the size is accommodating.”

  “I’ll second that motion,” Awverski said.

  The vote was unanimous among them and conversation eventually focused on the next set of problems – the amount of poly-xenite available and when the next shipment would arrive from Mars.

  “I know PROBE-Tech is the logical place for the poly-xenite to land, but there are growing concerns with the launch of the Aurora that not all of the shipment will be accounted for.”

  “Maybe it’s time PROBE-Tech allowed access to the media corps – to abate the speculation, not just in my country – but around the world.”

  Scott Cauthron stood suddenly. “I don’t think we need to tell Mr. Zebede how to run PROBE-Tech. He paused to regain his composure. “Mr. Zebede is here to assure you – and for you to assure your countrymen – that PROBE-Tech continues its mission of world unification. One World! That’s what we’re here to confirm, to plan for, and to convey. I suggest we disperse with these hints of accusations and proceed with the business at hand.”

  “It’s alright, Scott,” James gestured for him to return to his seat. “I understand the questions. I would ask that President Conamas understand our family’s regard for the media. I say ‘our’ – as a family reference. My brother John has always endeavored to do his best for this world; his service has been long and tireless.

  “When he landed on Mars,” James recalled, “the media speculated about his personal profiting. When he suggested that NASA should be reformed into a world scientific endeavor – something to profit every country equally, he was again vilified. I heard the rumors after PROBE-Tech’s mission to deflect asteroid 10KY8 from crashing into earth during the Nature War of 2021, the press hinted he – my brother, John, was the specific cause the floods, droughts, earthquakes and volcanos.” James laughed.

  “The media tends to report opinions, and only occasionally, the facts. So, excuse me if I don’t hold an unbiased view of their performance.” James looked around the room, and his eyes rested on Minister Awverski.

  Around the room, there were muffled comments. James continued. “My opinion won’t stop me from completing this mission. If there are some here who can’t see the truth of this OneWorld vision, then you might consider leaving now and send someone else in your place. I,” he affirmed solidly, “will not be leaving. I am here to see this through to the end! And that end is for everyone in this world to have access to food, medicine, and the necessary tools to live a good life in God’s Heart.”

  The room erupted in applause as James humbly took his seat again. Even President Conamas nodded in confirmation of his support.

  “I apologize if it sounded as though you did not have my support,” President Conamas told James. “You have my complete support, and my admiration. I only wish to bring forth the problems and questions that we face with regards to the secrecy of PROBE-Tech, and maybe I hoped a little bit,” he admitted, “that the process could open up for the public to see behind the veil.”

  “The public,” Mr. Leonard said, “is too easily led by what opinion was last presented. Politics has proven that - trying to appease the public taste will only lead us in circles.”

  “Yes,” Mr. Nisian agreed. “That’s why we have this council, and the OneWorld Conference. Our duty is to bring the public into our line of world thinking.”

  “I believe it’s a problem if we disregard the public view in preference to our own,” Ambassador Vaughn stated. “If we have that kind of opinion then we’re heading down a path of world-dictatorship.”

  “And if we structure how the world receives even our own benevolence,” Ms. Vanesse told them, “then we’re heading down the path of world religion!”

  “Let’s not bring religion into this! The OneWorld Conference is a scientific endeavor – one where all countries work together for the good of all countries!”

  “I submit for your consideration,” Scott interjected, “that science and religion are two sides of the same coin. The miracles of God are the study of science.”

  “It is science and government who should be on the coin,” Mr. Horaios said. “That’s how the balance is held.”

  “If there are only two powers that hold the balance, they will forever be struggling. Who is there to counter the balance of that? Religion should be the third arm of this debate, but I fear they have never even been considered.” Ambassador Vaughn looked around the table with an unspoken question.

  “If you think it was difficult to bring science and government together,” Nisian told them, “then try bringing religion into any type of agreement!”

  “You shouldn’t hold back religion just because they don’t agree! Did all the scientists and politicians agree the first time they met together?” Vaughn argued her point. “I think not!”

  “Nevertheless, do you remember how long it took us to get to this point? Rodney and John lobbied for years to bring forth this conference.”

  “Maybe we could try,” James suggested slowly, “to bring a religious sector as part of the OneWorld conference.”

  “We can’t bring them in at this late hour,” Danai complained.

  “Not to change anything at the OneWorld Conference, but as a Voice - even for the DayStar.”

  “If we bring in religion, we’ll have to bring in Politics as well. There has to be a balance of powers.”

  “And isn’t this the ultimate goal of any OneWorld organization?”

  “But we have politicians involved already,” Prince Adnai pointed out.

  “All the more reason to balance it with a spiritual arm.”

  “And who could we even get to run an organization of those groups? The Catholic Pope seems to be on his deathbed. The numerous Christian sects don’t even work with each other, the Jewish and Gnostics are in constant debate, and the Buddhists don’t talk to anyone outside their faith.”

  “We can’t expect them to contribute if they can’t work amongst themselves.”

  “I remember when science and government couldn’t work together.”

  “Don’t you see?” Scott Cauthron proposed. “Just as Rodney and John brought us together, this would complete the purpose of bringing together science, politics, and religion. OneWorld!”

  “Maybe they have a theory of the DayStar that science hasn’t considered.”

  “If they did – they would have voiced it by now!”

  “Yes, but would we have listened?” Scott asked quietly. “In the last few months, most governments have moved to military alert. Even as scientists – we haven’t got a working theory; yet the spiritual communities have built churches or prayer-stations, I’ve heard them called.” Scott gave a small sigh. “What if we included the religious community before we hear anything from the Aurora – just in case we need to consider a God aspect of this Light in the sky?”

  “I thought our purpose at this council was to get the OneWorld Conference back on track. If we bring in another group, we’ll just delay, again.”

  “I may be on this council as a politician,”
Minister Uthra said, “but I fully support the extension of a third arm to our conference. I also may know whom to suggest as a representative.”

  “I want to go on record that this change to our charter should not delay the conference,” Donahan said. “The world has been waiting for this release of technology, and I wouldn’t want to encourage their further speculation or doubt.”

  “But if we were able to gather a cohesive group of spiritual leaders,” Asaad proposed, “is there any opposition to this suggestion of a balance between government, science, and religion?”

  “I am not opposed to changing the charter to add a spiritual representation,” Kayniel nodded, “as long as there is no delay to the OneWorld Conference.”

  The same sentiment echoed around the room and James was pleased to see the agreement.

  “Then I say we close this discussion now, and resume tomorrow after each of you have a chance to contact whomever you think as the best representatives.” Asaad held his gavel until everyone around the table nodded in confirmation. “Great! Tomorrow we will continue, and our schedule will be full. Let’s come with ideas to ratify this balance of power in front of the world at the OneWorld Conference.”

  * * *

  “You want me to do what? I don’t know, James.” Mags was unsure why the prospect frightened her as it did. “I sort-of stick out when it comes to these things.”

  James had phoned to check in from the summit; it was after dinner for him but an early start of the day for Mags. She had been enjoying her tea in the sunroom even if the sun had not yet risen, and pondered the DayStar, which was always shining. She expected Michael’s arrival at any moment, with or without Lucas, to continue their research.

  “It was Dera’s idea. And you won’t be a representative.” James considered it a selling point. “But Dera has already convinced Scott you would be the perfect organizer. That way you wouldn’t have to offer your ideas but you could still interact with everyone; you know, do your magic!”