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

by JB Penrose

  It was finally quiet in the cavern, although expectations were pensive at every level. Iscar returned to Malkuth, stoically projecting his usual formality. At the moment, Rachel appreciated his attitude; it was part of what held Delphi together, but today was time for Rachel to take control.

  She was now sure that Mother Star had the Oracle, even if Iscar blamed Peter for the theft. Peter must be close to Delphi, and that meant their ultimate confrontation was also close - to explosion.

  But one look at Iscar’s expression and she realized it was an accusation Iscar no longer held – he was strangely silent. Rachel probed a little deeper, sensing Mother Star’s connection.

  He knows! Iscar knew Mother Star had the Oracle!

  The Septorian looked away quickly, partially guilty, and partly sorrowful. His expression changed to surprise, understanding instantly that Rachel knew his secret. He seemed unsure of his next step, and Rachel needed to use that to her advantage.

  She pulled Aaron aside. “Would you get the area cleared – except for Ministers and Counselors?”

  “Hannah?” Rachel sent out the mental question. “Could you broadcast the activities on stage, just as you did during my Arrival?”

  “Of course, Spokesmon.”

  Instantly, the vid-screens onstage reflected their activity. Rachel took a deep breath as Fairidai ran on to the stage; she stopped behind Rachel and whispered in her ear.

  Rachel nodded, “Thank you,” she said, and the young girl scampered off. It was time.

  “If everyone would step aside,” she asked of them, and the Ministers and Counselors moved away.

  Rachel extended her hands, palm down, and with a wave across an area of the open stage a half-circular table with chairs appeared instantly.

  She was aware of the gasps, and even somewhat surprised, herself. A quick glance to Iscar found the Septorian staring at her with outright surprise; she let the sureness of her actions bolster her confidence.

  With a snap of her fingers the table was covered with a cloth, and a quick flip of the wrist, she put a small bouquet of gardenias in the center. Mostly, she was stalling for time to determine her next course of action.

  The table and chairs were not her first manifestation; Uri didn’t really teach her how to do it as much as she assured Rachel it was expected that she could.

  At her wedding, Rachel had manifested a ring for Peter with just the thought, even to Peter’s surprise. Throughout her life, she had fashioned something-from-nothing if she needed it – usually in an act of desperation, like using the tasht for transportation to the Aurora when her mother and Gail had been hurt by Morrow.

  Now that Uri showed her that it was a talent she could use, Rachel believed it was what the moment called for.

  “Please take your seats,” she instructed quietly.

  Gideon stood behind Iscar, stoic in his service, and Rachel sent a private mental request to Sorath to be close, if needed. She heard the woman’s discrete response.

  Rachel remained at the parapet. The scene was reminiscent of her Arrival, but the mood was decidedly different, even though she recognized the support and loyalty from each one of Delphi’s residents. Had it really been such a short time ago when every level of the city was lined with people?

  “Please form the Circle,” she sent the instruction mentally. Around the city, she could feel the link beginning to form, hand to hand, heart to mind. Behind her she knew Aaron had gripped the Septorian’s hand and beside him the Ministers and Councilmon. The Circle extended off the stage, and throughout the Tiphereth, it linked all of Delphi to those on Malkuth. The Spokesmon waited at the edge until she knew the Circle was complete.

  She intended to seal it with a blessing. Love, gratitude, confidence, understanding; it was still forming in her mind until the last connection was made – almost the last. She turned to the group behind her at Malkuth and joined the Circle.

  Trust in God.

  The thought completed the connection as she took the Septorian’s hand. The current of energy traveled each level of the city, and although the hands grasped had not loosened, their anxiety relaxed.

  It took more effort for everyone to control their thoughts without the focus of the Oracle. Iscar had to admit it was better after the Spokesmon’s song; that had done much to bring their talents under control. An occasional stray question, a moment of fear, or passionate plea for quiet bounced through the collective city. Iscar didn’t want to block any of them; he listened for a loose thought from Kerroon or Gabriel, a hint of direction where they were coming from.

  “Septorian?” The Spokesmon looked at him with some expectation. “Would you like to start?”

  All heads turned and Iscar felt his control over the situation whither. The Spokesmon spoke with more sureness than he had ever noticed.

  He stood, slowly rising from his seat as Rachel moved away from the edge of the stage. She didn’t move to the empty chair beside him, just off to one side of the Falls. Iscar felt the cameras close-in on his image.

  “This has been a trying day, and I thank you for your service to Delphi, today and in the past. We have all been surprised by our dependence on the Oracle’s influence in our lives; and this experience,” he paused, “will only make us stronger.”

  Surprise, anger, pride, stubbornness, he felt it leaking from himself with every breath. With his first realization of the truth about Mother Star’s identity, Iscar knew the course of his future was changing.

  He felt the mental broadcast for everyone in Delphi to Listen, but he was surprised it came from the Spokesmon. He brushed that feeling aside and wondered what he would say; he wondered how much to tell them.

  Tell them the Truth, she instructed privately.

  “For reasons of her own,” he began slowly. “Mother Star has taken the Oracle of Delphi.”

  The collective sigh of relief was felt around the city, and their trust erased all question of why; everyone loved Mother Star. He sat down behind the table and the story began to flow out of him.

  “The Oracle has been with us from the beginning,” he began. “This Oracle, I should explain, is called a tasht. Aboard our ship, the Orygin, it was part of a larger piece called a roleau, and used as a power source to enable galactic travel. Bi’atra-4 is my home. Myself – as well as those you know as the Aurora’s crew; six of us in total.”

  He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, but that didn’t stop the vision of everyone’s gaze upon him. “A strange storm pulled our cargo ship into this solar system. We crashed here the night Jesus was born, and he split the roleau into six pieces that we have each carried since that time.”

  “What are you saying, Septorian?” Aaron asked aloud what he heard everyone else thinking. “Are you not,” he paused, then quietly added, “human?”

  Iscar opened his eyes to meet the Spokesmon’s. It was like looking at her Father – those steel-gray eyes pierced his soul. Her expression was not as judgmental as he felt within himself. He had never wanted so much just to be normal, human, until he heard Aaron’s accusation.

  The buzz through Delphi was almost deafening. “Not human?”

  “No, technically I’m not human,” he admitted. “But after more than two thousand years on Earth I certainly feel as though I am one of you.”

  “If you’re not human, then what are you?”

  It was a fair question, but barbed just the same. He had spent his lifetime protecting the secret he had just explained to everyone. “Alien would be the description you use.”

  “Like,” Counselor Ramón hesitated before finishing the question, “extra-terrestrial?”

  Iscar could only nod, his eyes averted from the betrayal he felt directed at him. This must be why Jesus swore him to secrecy. Humans could never tolorate anyone who wasn’t just like themself; and they would tolerate, less, any imposters.

  The stage was silent. He heard their heartbeat louder than their breathing. He felt the Spokesmon holding back their questions. He was glad
to the chance to finally explain; to present the truth.

  The cavern had quieted to just breathing sounds once Iscar finished his story. He described the Orygin’s crash and their life with Jesus. He talked about running from that life until he found this mountain, and of how Urica had influenced the creation and building of Delphi. He explained it was she who embedded his tasht into the Falls at Malkuth to create the Oracle that called each of them to this home.

  Everyone had to notice his change of demeanor when speaking of Urica; they had to feel his sadness and embarrassment of not realizing she was also Mother Star. Rachel sent a wave of love and trust through the group onstage as well as throughout Delphi, until she felt their hearts unfold in understanding.

  “Would it make a difference to you to find that I am also alien, as you say?” she asked quietly of the city. “My parents were part of the Orygin’s crew; in this world, Mother is known as Mary Magdalene.

  “That they came from another planet or distant solar system never mattered to Jesus. There was a plan,” she hinted, “and it remains to be fulfilled.”

  As she walked around the table, Rachel sent her assurance to each of them, and tested the response to her truthful outburst.

  “Jesus has not been our only teacher,” Rachel told them, “and we still have much to learn. The Septorian knew the Teacher intimately, and he has carefully guided Delphi. He’s taught you everything he knew how to give, without asking anything for himself in return. Have you not benefitted from his alien technology?”

  She felt the room acknowledge those accomplishments as well as the embarrassment at their own pride. “Delphi is beautiful, it’s exceptional,” she admitted. “You have always thought of yourself in the same way.” Rachel knew her words were broadcasted to all of Delphi; she felt the support of each citizen. And she continued.

  “Now you have seen that you are just like everyone else.” She paused. “You are human.”

  “But, Spokesmon? If we are only human, then what are we doing here, in Delphi?”

  “I didn’t say that you were ONLY human. There is more to your existence here. We have much to do and little time left to accomplish it.”

  “How can we accomplish anything without the Oracle?” Mehia spoke up. “The Oracle has drawn us here; it gave us the talents that Mother Star has now reclaimed.”

  “Mother Star is committed to our success,” Rachel assured her. “You have always had your talents; the Oracle just helped you focus them. Now, you will find you can master those talents without the assistance of the Oracle. Mother Star has a plan, and our mastery is part of it.”

  Sudden shouts from the lower cavern diverted everyone’s attention. Rachel’s heart began to pound. Peter! She felt his relieved response.

  Gideon edged forward to whisper something in Iscar’s ear, and then disappeared using his cyto after a slight nod of approval from the Septorian. Rachel mentally urged Sorath up to the stage area to be with both her sons, unsure how the brother would react to Gabriel’s seeming alliance with Peter.

  From the height at Malkuth, it was easy to see where the crowds parted; she searched for Peter at the Tiphereth. They ascended from the lake bottom led by Fairidai, and at every level the people moved aside, curious but silent. Their path to Malkuth was broadcasted on the vid-screens and Rachel watched Peter’s face intently as he beheld the majesty of Delphi for the first time; he couldn’t help but see the beauty at every level.

  With an air of accomplishment, Fairidai stepped on to Malkuth ahead of Peter and Gabriel and ran to Rachel’s side. Rachel squeezed her hands with gratitude, and with a touch to her shoulder guided the young girl to stand behind Rachel’s chair. Gideon returned to his place behind Iscar’s chair and the petite redhead was a great contrast to Gideon’s stoic darkness.

  Iscar didn’t have an expression on his face, but he stood for the arrival of Kerroon to Delphi. Rachel dared to greet Peter with a light embrace and a tentative kiss, hoping to indoctrinate Peter to Delphi in bits and pieces. From Delphi’s collective gasp, it was a big first step.

  Sorath stopped Gabriel for a motherly hug, but he was also a target of a thousand silent questions from Delphi. He remained several steps behind Peter, and Rachel nodded at his salute to her.

  “Thank you, welcome home,” she verbally thanked him. Gabriel received a curt acknowledgement from his brother as he took his place beside Gideon on Iscar’s right; Sorath stood close behind both sons.

  If there was any emotion to be felt, it was the betrayal between Gabriel and Iscar. Other members of Iscar’s cadre edged closer to the Septorian – ready for his command. Rachel sighed, realizing their loyalty, and wondered what Iscar had told them about Peter. Only the truth would make things right; and today, the truth must be revealed. With a prayer to the invisible guardian angels Urica assured her were assisting, she vowed only to speak the truth to Delphi.

  Rachel took Peter’s hand and led him to the edge of the parapet. His touch was an elixir of life to her; with his smile, her muddy thoughts became clear and all her hesitation became confidence. She was finally complete.

  Delphi focused on Peter’s next move; the balance between question and trust waited to be forged. As if he understood, Peter kissed her hand and released it with a deep bow, stepping back.

  Nevertheless, she pulled him towards her for a tight hug, not caring about the appearance of their closeness, only letting herself bathe in his warmth and security. Rachel wanted all of Delphi to know of their love.

  Rachel whispered, “I’ve missed you, my love.”

  “It seems that much has happened since we last parted!”

  She laughed, and when they broke apart she took the ring that hung around her neck and put it on her finger. She turned toward the Delphian city where the attention was focused on the expected introduction.

  “This is Kerroon, who was also one of the crew members of the Orygin,” she explained. “He has also been known as Peter, the Apostle, and he is my husband.”

  The surprise from Delphi was genuine support, but the audible gasp behind her came from Gideon. She felt Iscar tamp it down immediately. With a sigh, she turned to face the opposition. Gideon exchanged quick glances between Peter and his brother.

  The Ministers and Counselors remained standing at the table. Aaron had moved aside to vacate his seat next to Rachel, and Peter nodded with appreciation.

  Rachel sat, just to make the other retake their seats. Peter’s timing was perfect, but the truth still needed to come out. Under the table, she squeezed his hand and silently laughed at her preparedness of creating a cloth over the table for such a purpose.

  What she really wanted was to be alone with Peter, to be able to show him the beauty of Delphi, and to share her star, Ishleen, with the man she loved. She needed to read and study the Words of Thunder, and finally learn what it was she should already remember. All of that would have to come later. What was required of the Spokesmon now was to give Delphi a purpose without the Oracle.

  Rachel didn’t know what prompted Mother Star to remove the dreamstone from the Falls, and she wasn’t sure if Iscar even understood the reason, but she did feel responsible for continuing the Cosmic Plan Urica told her was in place. Now that Peter was here – she was at least ready to try, and that’s what she planned to ask of Delphi.

  “Spokesmon?” Minister Akai leaned forward. “We are,” he paused, “happy for your joining and extend our welcome to Peter – or Kerroon, if you wished to be called.”

  Rachel felt the quick prompting from Gabriel for his reference to Kerroon. Others around the table offered a welcome as well, and then the awkward silence returned.

  “Before – you spoke of a plan,” Akai continued. “Do you have a plan to return the Oracle to Delphi?”

  She didn’t mean for her heart to sink at such a question, but the fact the Oracle weighed so heavily on their thoughts was all the more reason for Urica to have taken it. Rachel began to appreciate the broadness of any plan that Angels had for
humans.

  “Even I can see that Kerroon has the Oracle with him.” Gideon’s voice carried a sharp edge to his words. “So, excuse me if I question the story created to convince us that Mother Star had taken it.” Gideon was emboldened beyond his station and even Iscar seemed surprised at his outburst, but his brother was horrified.

  “Brother, you must not speak like that,” Gabriel said. “There is much, here, that you do not understand.”

  “And what of you?” Gideon demanded. “Why are you with Kerroon? What about your loyalty to the Septorian?”

  “Gabriel’s loyalty is not in question here,” Iscar tried to dampen the rising emotions between them. Without the Oracle, all of Delphi was an emotional tinderbox.

  “It might be if he has the Oracle.” Gideon declared. “Obviously, he’s been subverted by Kerroon; the Aurora’s crew have always been greedy for power.”

  “That’s not true!” Rachel’s voice rang out with hot denial.

  “If you referring to the contents in my bag,” Peter answered, “I confirm the existence of my tasht,” he emphasized, “and the pairing with others’ tasht to make the roleau you see, but I have taken nothing that is not mine.”

  “You deny the Oracle’s possession when I can clearly see it in your bag?” Gideon demanded.

  “Be silent!” Iscar demanded. He stood, poised to restrain Gideon if necessary, and yet, Rachel realized, he was completely willing to let the accusation play out.

  Peter stood, his eyes locked on Iscar and not Gideon. Rachel felt the tension mounting between them, and knew all of Delphi could feel it, too.

  No one had detected the presence of Peter’s tasht in the valise before this moment, inside or outside of Delphi, and she realized Gabriel must share the same ability as his brother. Rachel considered their karmic connection with the source, remembering Sorath’s family connection to Mary Magdalene, and wondered if there were others in Delphi who also sensed the presence of the near-completed roleau in Peter’s bag.