by Unknown
Dickson did the honors. "Michael Wilkes and Josephine Ramey," he said before catching himself. "I mean Josephine Wilkes, His Majesty, King Raterc and President Rapheli."
"I have heard great things about you two. It will be a pleasure working with you," said the King.
Jo gave him a quizzical look. "Working with us?" she asked.
Captain Dickson looked at the young couple and remembered the communications with the University and Diplomatic Service. Both had been much more than enthusiastic about their request.
"It seems the University has recommended the two of you as deputies for the new ambassador. They seem to think that with your talents in the arts and Mike's talents in history and engineering you would be well suited to remain here and help these people through the technological and cultural problems they have. If you will take it," he said.
King Raterc looked at them earnestly. "Please do. We will provide you with a home, equipment, salary for purchasing goods and anything else you may require."
"After all, you suffered under Levid's madness as we did. You have a unique knowledge of our situation," the President added.
Jo turned to face Mike. Her face was split wide with a smile and expecting eyes like the schoolgirl Mike had grown to admire so long ago. "Oh Mike. Can we?"
Panor added, "I too hope so. I’d like to live with the people who have become a part of my family."
Mike almost couldn't believe what was happening. His dreams had been to get off the ship and do something important. Now everything was being laid before him - even the chance to have his own family and be with his new friends. "How can we turn it down? After all," he said looking at his wife, "it's more than a simple request."
"Good," said Dickson. "I will make the arrangements after tonight's sing-along."
Rapheli turned to look at Dickson. "Yes. I understand this is the anniversary of one of your religious holidays. I am glad we did not spoil it."
"Not at all. Now if you will excuse us, we have some preparations to do," Mike said.
Jo suddenly remembered something and said, "Oh yes. And thank you all."
"Our pleasure," the King said as Jo and Mike said their farewells and left the King, President, Rokka, Shala and Panor alone in the hangar bay with Captain Dickson.
The six walked over to look at the Spirit.
"So this is the machine that they used?" the King asked.
"It lifted them both from the ground and into the sky," Shala said to him.
"And it was made with things we already had," Rokka added wondering why he hadn't thought of it. "It looked like it could be a lot of fun," he said with a smile. "Maybe I should try to build another."
Dickson stood back and let the others talk among themselves. Levid had mentioned something about sowing seeds. He almost could not wait to see what grew from this planting.
Hadaie sat on the small sofa in his stateroom while Olena prepared him some food. She had quickly learned what it took to operate the equipment in their stateroom and now concerned herself with making sure Hadaie made a full recovery. He had already let her know he was back to normal, but she insisted for one more day of rest. She sat on the sofa beside him and watched as he ate the soup-like mixture in a bowl with a spoon. The buzzer sounded on the door.
“Come in,” said Hadaie.
Jo Wilkes stepped into the room. “Hello, you two,” she said with a smile. Hadaie and Olena both smiled at her. “What are you doing in here? I thought you had recovered,” she said.
Hadaie shrugged his shoulders. “She won’t let me,” he said. “How are you doing?”
“Fine. It looks like Mike and I will be staying behind on Thera to help the people here recover from Levid’s reign of terror. But I wanted to at least stop by and talk to you a minute.”
Hadaie sat back a looked at her. “Is there a problem?”
Jo smiled. “No, not really. It’s just that it seems we shared a little something when you saved my life . It seems like somehow we bonded. I am remembering some of your thoughts and a number of images in your mind. I got to know you a little more than most people, and I’m not quite sure what to do. They appeared to be very personal thoughts,” she said almost sheepishly.
Hadaie looked at Olena and then at Jo. “”I have to tell you that I wasn’t sure if what I did would help. Angelans have certain abilities. To touch someone like I touched you is very personal and very emotional. With our brains being different from your own, I was not sure if you could take what I needed to do. But when our minds came together, I found that my fears were unfounded. It seems we are much more alike than I realized.” Hadaie reached out and took Jo’s hand. “You are a wonderful person, Jo. Even when near death, I felt your strength, your intelligence, and your feelings for Mike. Believe it or not, that was what pulled you through. I just helped guide the way.”
Jo felt suddenly warm. With his touch, she seemed to lose her fears and concerns. She knew that somehow they would always be linked in some way. She was content with that. “Well, I want to say thank you again. If you hadn’t done what you did, I would be dead.”
Hadaie squeezed her hand. “Jo, I saw Mike sitting there crying his eyes out in fear he would lose you. I couldn’t let that happen. Besides, it taught me two things. You showed me that I need not be concerned about shorting out someone else’s brain. That was a very good lesson.” Then he looked back at Olena and took her hand as well. I am also learning that the old stories I heard on Angela were right. For us, once a certain thing happens, two people can be destined for each other,” he said looking at Olena.
“Oh, so you feel the same way?” Jo asked Olena.
Olena’s eyes turned up in a wide smile. “We shall take our time, but the things I have seen make me want to help him,” she said. “My father says many things will come naturally to us. I am certain he is right. For example, I didn’t know what I was doing in that surgery. But something told me to take Ulon’s hand and all would be fine. I saw him risk everything for another. It was so selfless. I have known no one who would do something like that. I am still a little afraid of all that is happening around me, but I am getting used to the ideas. My father thinks that such my feelings would not happen if there were just this few of us left. There have to be more of our people out there. But for right now, I will take care of Ulon until he is ready to get around. Then, possibly, we can find more of our species, together,” she said holding his hand.
Joe nodded in understanding, then took the bowl from Hadaie’s hands and handed it to Olena. “Well, the other thing I came to do was get you going. Or have you forgotten the concert is tonight?”
Hadaie’s eyes opened wide. He jumped from the couch and rushed to put on a new uniform over the objections of Olena. Even she would get a thrill from this.
Chapter 21
The Renewal
Captain Dickson was not surprised when Terma asked to speak to him. With the hostilities on Thera now at an end, much of what he and his family were doing was no longer needed. They had also met another Angelan, and he was thinking their future might be to find even more. “Come into my office,” said Dickson as he led Terma into his ready room. The two sat in two very comfortable plush chairs beside his desk. “Now, what is on your mind?” he asked.
Terma looked a little uneasy. Returning to a more advanced environment reminded him slightly of the home he left behind many years before. Despite that, he had come to a decision and he hoped Dickson could help them. “Captain, is there any way my family and I could join your ship when you leave Thera? I have determined that my family and I should now look for other Angelans to possibly rejuvenate our species. Since my own ship was lost years ago, it appears your vessel is the only one we could possibly go aboard. I am asking you because the Tetans are only just now beginning to explore space, while Alliance members have been at it for a while. Even if you could just provide passage to another place, it would be very much appreciated,” he said.
“But what about the friends
here on Thera? Surely you and your family could live well here,” said Dickson
Terma nodded. “Yes, we have made a great many friends here. But meeting Hadaie has had a profound effect on both me and Doneda. We both felt a pull of kinship which we have not experienced since we left home. In talking to my wife, we decided that maybe Ulon’s quest to find others of our world is not so bad. A ship such as yours would aid us in our search. Besides, I doubt you would find anyone who would know more about the worlds in this universe than an Angelan. In stretching out our minds, we have come in contact with countless worlds that you have yet to discover. I would enjoy helping you find these worlds,” he explained with a grin.
Dickson sat back and smiled. “Mister Terma, I anticipated that you might want to leave with us. In contacting our fleet headquarters, I found they were more than enthusiastic in granting such a request. I can offer you and your family a place as members of our crew. If you agree, you will be given the rank of Lieutenant Commander, and will be assigned duties in our planetary assessment division. This should allow you to assist us with our efforts as well as look for more of your people. Do you think this might be acceptable?” he asked.
Terma got a surprised look on his face, then broke into a smile. “I thought only Angelans could read minds. But it seems, in this case, I was wrong. I would be happy to agree with one provision.”
Dickson looked hard at the man. “And what is that?”
“If we do find Angelans, either we bring them along with us or we are allowed to stay where they are. I believe we should keep us all together, for now,” Terma pleaded.
“I agree. Allow me to suggest that while we travel, you look for other worlds which might be good for habitation. If we do find enough people, you could all settle in one place and populate another world,” said Dickson.
Terma nodded in agreement. “I’m afraid it may take a while. Our people were not known for straying far from home. My best estimate is that there may be less than one hundred Angelans who were not on our home world in the end. To find them may take many years,” he said.
Dickson reached out and took Terma’s arm. “Then we shall work together for a long time. The important thing is to live long and productive lives. I would be happy to have you and your family aboard the Lexington for as long as you like,” he said.
“That would be wonderful!” Terma exclaimed, clasping Dickson’s hand in his own. “Now let me tell Doneda and the children. They should be most excited.”
After the conversation with Captain Dickson, Terma made his way through the trees to the clearing where Mike and Jo had landed in their plane. Sensors had shown that the crowd of people had stopped by a hillside and had made camp for the evening. Since Terma had made the decision to leave, he now needed to say good-bye to the friends he had made.
After a short walk, he saw Gesta sitting quietly on a rock under a tree, his head down and his eyes closed. At their approach, he looked up. At recognizing Terma, his face brightened considerably. "Master, I was wondering where you had gone. Everyone is ready to leave in the morning. I trust your visit with the others went well,” Gesta said pleasantly.
Terma placed his hands on Gesta’s arms. “It went very well, my friend. But I am afraid I won’t be going with you on your journey south.”
Gesta got a surprised look on his face. “What is the matter? Has something terrible happened? We cannot leave without you,” Gesta said sincerely. Concern was growing on his face.
“No, actually things are going very well. It appears my work is needed elsewhere. You of all people know how much trouble we have seen and how much is left to do, especially in the South. There is so much to do that I have decided to send you and our followers on to the south to continue our good works there. I will remain here with my family to work on some projects in the larger cities. It will mean our quest will expand much more widely than if we all stayed together. So I need you to lead our people to bring comfort to those in our more backward countries. Do you think you could do that for me?” Terma asked quietly.
Gesta almost pleaded with his friend, “But I have never done anything without you. How will I be able to do this?”
Terma smiled and placed his hand on the side of Gesta’s head. “You of all people know my mind and my teachings. Now go and spread this to others,” he said.
Gesta stood transfixed for a moment until Terma removed his hand. Then he blinked his eyes and smiled. “It shall be as you ask. Of course I will miss our times together.”
“We will be together again someday. That I shall promise,” Terma said. “Now let’s go and be among our people one last time.”
The two men stood and walked together back to the main part of the camp. Both knew the good work they had begun would continue.
Everyone aboard had been looking forward to the events of the evening. The sing along had been a part of Dickson’s ship celebrations since he had become a more senior officer and they seemed to add to the Season each year. Now aboard the Lexington, they had become even more popular and festive. Along the passageway leading to the main hanger, garlands of green and sprinkles of red were adding to the anticipation.
As First Officer James Thompson and Captain Fred Dickson came to the door they eagerly awaited the view inside. In past years, the planning committees had selected a new venue for the sing along each year. Each had been grander and more elaborate than before. This year, the participation far exceeded the capacity of the main meeting room. So this year, the preparations were moved to the ship’s main hangar. The shuttles had been moved aside and the entire space decorated. Enough seats had been installed so that all of the crew, not on watch, could participate.
As they walked briskly along, the Captain and his First Officer were particularly happy. "This is one of my favorite events of the season," Dickson said as he walked.
Thompson agreed. "Hard to believe that it's been going on so long."
"Indeed, Number One.”
They arrived at the hangar access together. It opened into a giant hall, filled with arches of pine boughs, large colorful balls and sprays of icicles seemingly everywhere. A giant stage filled the back of the hangar next to the large hangar bay doors. The stage was set up to look a little like a barn, and was already decorated with trees, ornaments, snow, bows and a variety of decorations of the season. As they looked up in wonder, the seats seemed to be almost filled with people, some dressed in their uniforms, and many in more traditional attire. The whole sight was utterly breathtaking.
"This is magnificent," Thompson said in a wondrous tone. "I've never seen anything like this aboard a ship before," he said. "This is going to be great."
They made their way down to the front and took their seats. Seated next to them were King Raterc and his wife, President Rapheli and his. On the other side were Rokka, Shala and Panor. Even Terma’s family was there. Rokka leaned over and spoke to Dickson.
“I have never seen such decorations. You say this is a religious celebration?” he asked.
Dickson nodded. “Yes, and I hope you will not think we are trying to win you to our beliefs,” he kidded.
Rokka let out a laugh. “I would not want to start a war,” he chuckled. “It is good to see how other people celebrate things,” he said.
Dickson smiled and patted his new friend on the arm. "There’s something I must do. I'll join you shortly," he said as he got up and made his way to the stage. As everyone finished settling in their seats, the Captain walked up some side stairs. He saw that the orchestra and choir were waiting to begin.
"Is everything ready?" he asked Tosh.
"Whenever you are."
Dickson grinned at her. "Then let's get started." He walked out on the stage in front of his crew. Unexpectedly, someone started to clap. More joined in and soon the entire hall was on its feet cheering the Captain not only for solving the latest problem, but so many more over the previous year. It embarrassed him and he started to walk off, but Tosh shook her head and indicated
for him to go on. He turned back to the crowd and raised his hands to urge them to stop. It only grew louder. Then he indicated for the rest of his guests to stand so they too could be recognized. After several minutes of applause, he was finally able to get them quieted.
Once they had all returned to their seats he began his practiced remarks. "For several hundred years we have celebrated this season by listening to, or in our case, singing music. It seems it never gets old. For a while it appeared as if we would have to postpone this event. But since this is Christmas Eve and a holiday for most of us, it just wouldn't seem proper. We come together to celebrate this wondrous Season. It is a time of joy and peace. How fitting that we came here to this world and helped bring some of the same joy and peace to it. I trust you all know the words," he said jokingly. There was muffled laughter from the assembled crew. "Let us celebrate!" he said. Then he turned and walked off the stage and to his assigned seat up front.
Sitting in the orchestra were Jo with her violin, and in a surprise, Michael at the piano. Hadaie was seated in front of the orchestra in a soloist's chair. Doctor Nolan was in the chorus along with Tosh and several other staff members. The conductor walked on stage to polite applause and raised his baton. The lights dimmed. Once again, as it had been played for hundreds of years, the opening strains of Sleigh Ride filled the hall. It seemed to immediately lighten the atmosphere in the hanger and get everyone in the mood for the myriad of hymns and carols planned for the evening. At one point, Hadaie stood and, following the orchestra’s lead, began to sing Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. His Angelan voice was almost the purest sound anyone had ever heard, leaving a feeling of wonderment and warmth.
The evening had both secular and some sacred music as a part of the festivities. Even parts of Handel’s Messiah were performed. Each song had been selected to elicit the feelings of happiness and good cheer of the Season. The old favorites were there. The Carol of the Bells, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Joy to the World, and a smattering of carols from other worlds.
