We needed to form a game plan on how we were going to get to Viakee and approach Emperor Borche.
The anticipation in the room was almost tangible. This was it. These next few day would change everything.
“Welcome, to all of you. May the Peace of the Most High be with you. This meeting is to coordinate how we will utilize our resources to support this group, The Gifted 5.
Right now, we have all of our Defending Officers as well as the Reserves. These are the groups that will accompany The Gifted 5 to Viakee, and stand with them as they make their request on behalf of the Tribes. They will be there to stand behind them. They will also be there to aid in their defense should the Houdakin become antagonistic.
Our meeting today to try and gain the support of the Arms of Justice and the leading rebel gangs, The Venoms and The Scavengers was unsuccessful. They do not share our vision of trying to solve this problem with peaceful resolution.”
There were some grumbles in the room. Some dismissed them right away, not caring that such groups did not want to join us, and others were a little disappointed that they had not been convinced by The Prophecy.
A Governor from Boralia stood up, “I say good riddance! If they do not want to join us, then so be it!”
A Mayor from Deloria spoke next, “It would have been good to have extra support...support that is skilled in battle. Just think if they attack this group! We could use their help. I for one wished they had joined us. Working together could have been a healing for everyone involved.”
Mother Jones held up her hands to the dull murmurs that rumbled around the room.
“Let us pray that if it is meant for them to join us, that The Creator would move their hearts to do so. Now, we must go over how we plan to get all of our people to Viakee.”
A man from RoAam stood up. He was tall and sturdy looking, and was from Caucasian and Brazilian ancestry. He began to speak,“Peace of the Most High to you all. My name is Brother Paul. I know that it has been suggested that we all pose as workers and take the servants commuter rail there. But our numbers will only draw suspicion and possibly clog the lines. Another suggestion was that we just sail there, but we would most certainly be stopped and either taken prisoner or executed on the spot. I have another way that we can all reach Viakee undetected.”
Many in the room raised their eyebrows. If there was another way, I sure didn't know what it was.
“The Houdakin are very wasteful in every aspect of life, including military spending. Do you remember the Samurai Submarine Fleet that made it's debut a few years ago?”
Sounds in the affirmative echoed around the room. Borche had poured massive amounts of money into making a top notch fleet that could jet through the water at amazing speeds.
But halfway through the project, his team of Scientists had developed a newer kind of technology. So, he had scrapped the project and began building an even newer team of ships, The Excalibur Fleet.
Brother Paul continued. “Well, it still exists. The ships that were completed are fully equipped and still operational. They were stored away in an offshore hanger.”
“Wouldn't that be the same as us just sailing there? The Houdakin run their patrol cycles above and below the water,” another person wanted to know.
“You're right. However, The Houdakin only search down to about 2,000 feet. They know that we do not have the technology for submarines, so they don't bother to send any sonar signals or do patrols any further. As long as we stay below the 2,000 foot mark, we can slip by undetected.”
Another Mayor sounded dubious, “And just how are we supposed to gain access to these ships? I'm sure that even the hanger is heavily protected.”
“It is. Very heavily. There are no armed guards, but there are several security measures we will have to bypass.”
The room had grown quietly uncomfortable. The same question was forming to everyone's mind.
Another Mayor slowly stood and said what everyone else was thinking. “Just how do you know so much about the Houdakin and this fleet and their security?”
The man looked down in a moment of introspect, then glanced over to where some members of the High Council were sitting. Brother Ibrahim gave a slight nod.
“Greetings my Brothers and Sisters. My full name is Noban Paul Erou. Emperor Borche is my Brother.”
The room was dead silent for only a moment.
“What!” A mix of sounds filled the room. Some of confusion, some of outrage, and others demanding answers.
“So, you're Houdakin? You're the Brother that ran away?” one person blurted out.
“And you've been here all along, tricking us? I don't believe this!” another joined in.
Brother Paul silently pulled at the edge of his wig and revealed a lively mass of blue and copper curls. He ran his had through it, feeling liberated at finally being able to take it off. His only hope now was that the people of the Sectors would accept him.
“The deception, it was wrong, and I do seek your forgiveness for that. But it was the only way. There came a point in my life when I knew I could no longer live as a Houdakin. I couldn't justify their ways in my heart. It made me sick every day to think of what their actions were doing to an entire people daily. So I ran. And I came to join you, a people who I've come to love and trust. The teachings of the Houdakin are force fed to you all of the time. But God is greater. And He rescued me. I have been living a life here that is sweeter than any moment surrounded by Houdakin riches. If you choose to send me away, it is no matter. I'd rather live as a recluse than to go back to the likes of them.
What I hope is...what I pray is that you will accept me. There are a few others like me, and they are how I have been able to stay on top of everything that goes on there. I knew that a day such as this would come. If you will let me, I can help you. Please. I promise to you that I am indeed telling the truth. And may the curse of The Creator be upon me if I am every found to be lying to you.”
Brother Paul's words placated the crowd. Papa also stood up and spoke, “I can also vouch for this man. He came to me several years ago, and his story his true.”
Xing Hong also spoke up, “And we, the High Council as well. He is also part of The Prophecy and has been verified as 'The one who comes from afar, with a changed heart.”.
Xing's words sealed the deal. Yet another piece of The Prophecy had developed, and a new excitement filled the room.
I watched, quiet and grateful to the happenings around me. Brother Paul and the rest of the group worked out how he would use his security codes, which had never been deactivated, to release the submarine vessels and have them sent to the Sectors. Quick training manuals were sent over a secure line to all of the Sectors so that they would have an idea on how to maneuver the subs. Everyone was amazed at how it was all playing out.
I looked over at Aziz, smiling, but something in his expression stopped me. He looked worried.
“Hey Bro, everything OK?” Aziz looked at me, not sure of what he was sensing.
“Something is wrong. Can you feel it?”
I closed my eyes and shut out all of the sounds around me. A pair of red eyes flashed in my mind, making me jump. My eyes snapped open in alarm. I looked over for the rest of the Gifted 5 and the Kulindas, and their expressions too were concerned and tense.
Before we could even make sense of it all, a loud growl came from outside. It was followed shortly by a woman's scream and then we heard chaos break out.
We rushed outside just in time to see a team of terrifying wolf like creatures stalk into camp.
Chapter 7
“For those who believe and work deeds of righteousness is a reward that will never fail..”
The Holy Qur’an,
Surah 41, Ayah 8
Instantly, we were outside, ready to battle. Most of the tribes-people were in shock and had completely forgotten their new skills.
“Don't lose heart! Fight! Use your skills! Use the Pulse!” A Mayor from Boralia screamed into th
e crowd. And it did the trick. People came to their senses and began to fling electric shocks towards the animals. The wolves were stunned at the weapon, but were nonetheless relentless in trying to attack, injure and kill the tribes-people.
My heart sank into my stomach when I spotted the little girl whom I had spoken with earlier cornered by one of the beasts. She threw the dolls in her hand at the animal, and it hunched down to lunge for her. I leapt into the air, landed in a roll and then sent out force-field blast, swiping two other animals in my path to the right and left. I jumped up and kicked the animal in the side, making it nearly topple over. Its focus on me now, I motioned for the girl to run while keeping the animal's eyes locked with mine.
“Right here Sis!” Aziz shot into view, sliding in and landing a mighty blow on the side of the wolf's neck. It howled in pain, stumbling a couple of times, but recovered quickly, furious and ready to rip anything nearby into shreds.
“Hit them between the eyes! That's their weak spots!” It was Brother Paul. He was doing some real damage on another animal, shooting out multiple Pulses and Deflecting effectively when the animal tried to snap at him. He managed to direct a large Pulse out that hit the wolf squarely between the eyes. It roared a few times, its head lolling back and forth, and then finally slumped over onto the ground in a heap.
“Nice one, my man! Now let's get these other ones!” Aziz shouted out.
The battle went on for several more minutes. The tribes-people were holding their ground, but were becoming tired.
Sister Josephine crossed our path, “I don't know how much longer they can hold them off. This is their first time in a real battle.” she said, concern in her voice.
“You're right.” Papa agreed.
Aziz looked over to us, a light going off as he remembered something.
“One of my items! I think it might help!” he yelled out, digging into his jacket pocket. He pulled out a pouch which contained a handful of a mossy looking substance.
“Its Swedish Moss. This stuff is like catnip for lions. It just might work here too.”
Aziz went over a few steps and laid the moss onto the ground. We all began to back away. Within moments, the scent caught their attention. The mechanical side of them was trying to resist, but the animal side of them wanted the moss too badly. They all came over and began to fight over who could grab it for themselves.
“Now! Father Zouadin shouted as soon as they gathered together. Every tribes-person shot out all of the Pulse energy that they could muster. The onslaught proved to be too much for the animals, and after a steady barrage of shocks, they each took turns suffering some type of seizure before they fell over and died.
Once the last animal toppled over, everyone broke out into a frenzy of excited shouts, hoots and hollers. We may have been exhausted, but there was no restraining our elation.
I hugged Papa. We had done it. I looked around at all of the joy filled faces. It was just the victory that we needed.
~~~
Night was falling and Beema was in her bed, but sleep was nowhere to be found. It pulled at the edges of her consciousness, but would not fully permeate her mind.
She had spoken to the woman in the prison cells, and could not get her words out of her head.
What if she is right?
And what if I am wrong?
Questioning her reality, everything that she had known, was making her nauseous. Her head ached to think of how everything she stood for could be a lie. Her skull felt as if it were going to burst wide open.
She sat up in bed, gasping for air. She ran her fingers over her face, letting their warmth make her feel a tiny bit safe for the moment.
She opened her eyes, bringing her fingers down to cover her mouth, and shook her head.
She was going to do it. What's the worst that could happen?
Beema closed her eyes again.
And then Beema said a prayer.
~~~
Night time had finally arrived, and once again, the Sisters had all gathered in Mother Kathleen's tent to rest for the evening.
Everyone else was already asleep, and I dropped onto my pallet more than ready to join them. Sleep cradled my senses for a few minutes, but a dream floated in and settled in my mind.
For a few moments, I was unable to see. I could make out that I was in a relatively small room. My eyes began to adjust to the dim light, and I could make out walls that appeared to be made of logs and a dirt floor beneath my feet.
A candle was burning in the corner, and I watched as a man of about 30 years old sat down at the workbench in front of me. A medium sized crate was on his left, and a few tools on his right. A sack filled with a single water-skin and a few homemade biscuits sat slumped against his shoe.
“I've been tryin' and tryin', and this man can't take it anymore.”
The young man bent his head down, I remained silent, not sure if I should speak. The man looked back up.
“You see this here box? This box is 'gon be the ticket to my freedom. I done seen my wife and children sold off. I done seen to many whippings. I'm 'gon die if I stay here. You hear me, gal? You hear me?”
I nodded. The man looked back and my eyes traveled over to the crate. Suddenly I knew who he was.
“You're..you're Henry Brown aren't you?
“That's right. That's right.” The man smiled a bit, pleased that I knew his name. Henry 'Box' Brown was the slave who had mailed himself to freedom. With only a little water, a few biscuits and some air holes carved in the crate, he had mailed himself from Virginia to Philadelphia in 1849.
“You don't forget about me, you hear? Freedom...freedom is a precious thing. God gave it to me. And I plan on taking it back.”
The image faded away, and some other familiar images began to swirl around me.
The Planet Earth, spinning out of control,only to dissolve into a million tiny white lights,
A pair of hands, open in supplication.
A woman with dark skin, hooded, her hands holding something. She was stretching her arms out to me.
This time, the hooded woman did not fade to blackness, but walked towards me. She opened her hands wider to reveal a delicate Aoki seedling.
She looked up at me, her warm eyes full of calm and care.
“This is the beginning. What I hold in my hands are the beginning of a promise. The seed carries so much potential, and it was deposited into the soil. The soil felt its presence, and began to deliver the necessary nutrients. It broke through the surface of the earth as a sign of hope. A sign that if you nurture something, it will grow. If you feed it, it will thrive. And if you love it, it will flourish. Take this,” the woman said, carefully transporting the plant into my hands.
“Even in the face of any turmoil around you, stop, breathe, and choose love.”
The woman stepped back into the shadows until she disappeared. I awoke and furrowed my eyebrows slightly. My mind attempted to connect all of the dreams and visions, searching for the common lesson I was supposed to learn.
There was a certain uneasiness in the pit of my abdomen. It seemed as if all of the messages were preparing me....warning me of an impending test. Whatever this challenge was, it seemed imminent that it would put my emotions to the test.
I inhaled and exhaled until my heartbeat slowed, and I fell back to sleep.
~~~
The next morning, I, the Gifted 5, Brother Chord, our Kulindas, our Parents and Brother Paul all waited on the shore for the arrival of the first Samurai Submarines. We were going to leave first, forging the new path while utilizing the Shadow Trail feature on the sub. The exterior was equipped with chemical pods which released a non-toxic chemical into the water that would effectively create an ionic tunnel for the rest of the submarines to pass through. We would be sure to create them below the 2,000 foot mark. As long as we kept to these two requirements, the Houdakin would never have a clue as to our movements. Lead teams were also leaving from Deloria and Boralia to do the same thing.
The Samurai Fleet vessels were quite impressive. The sleek slate gray exterior curved around the elongated oval framework. A wide front window shield revealed the eight seats inside.
“These are the smaller leader vessels. The ones that will transport the bulk of the defenders hold much more. We will set our Shadow Trail radius to make sure all of the other subs will be able to pass through.”
Aziz and Teo were rubbing their hands together, itching to get inside.
“Whoo-hoo! I can't wait to drive this thing!” Aziz said, nodding his head.
“Well, now is the time! Let's all get aboard.” Brother Paul advised.
We had all taken the training course, which had been surprisingly easy. Each one one of the Gifted 5 would be the captain of a submarine. Since we had the additional gifts, everyone thought we would best be able to handle any unexpected situations that might arise.
I was driving my submarine, with Kaisan as my co-captain. Papa took the third chair situated right in the middle of our chairs, but on the next row.
In Joelle's submarine, she took the pilot chair, while Father Zouadin took the co-pilot seat. Both of her parents took seats in the next row. Every seat behind the pilot and co-pilot seats were movable to accommodate the preference of any team.
Hantaywee took the helm of the next ship, with Sister Josephine at the co-pilot seat and her Father and Brother Paul in the next row.
Teo's submarine had Chord as second in command, his Mother holding the third seat.
One by one, each vessel sank stealthily beneath the water and began to plummet. Monitors beeped to inform us as the pressure in the cabin adjusted.
“Ok, guys. It's time to roll.” Aziz said over the speaker.
The vessels sank deeper and deeper, the hazy light fading above until we were surrounded by the thick dark waters. I inhaled a few times, trying to calm myself. I had never been a water person. Being under water had always made me feel claustrophobic.
The Azurean Trilogy (All Three Books: 1, 2 & 3): Essentia, Burgeor & Manifest Page 22
