The Relics- The Keystone Trilogy - Part 1

by Michael K. Damron

  “I definitely feel the same. And I’ve got to say, that Nigel guy is very strange. I mean, at least he has a unique personality compared to some of dad’s old coworkers from his previous job.”

  “Yes, but he means well. He was the first one to come and make sure I was doing all right after being notified about your father’s passing.”

  “Don’t get me wrong, he seems nice,” said Jack. “He’s just acting a bit peculiar, considering the circumstances.”

  Soon, the crowd left the house and everyone traveled to the viewing at the funeral home. To Jack, it seemed like the shuttle took a millennia to reach its destination. More friends of the family were waiting at the funeral home for everyone else to arrive. After standing outside for a few minutes, Jack took a deep breath and walked into the building with his mother and grandparents by his side. There would be no burial after the viewing was over, because James’s body was to be cremated after the service.

  The gathering of people took their seats as the funeral director gave the eulogy and a lengthy talk aimed at helping those in attendance with the grieving process. During the speech, however, Jack kept his gaze on his father’s body at the front of the room, hearing nothing but the dampened sound through the ceremony. His eyes produced a continuous stream of tears as memories of his father and important life events replayed themselves in his head. Jack also thought about his friends back in China, and how Hao talked about the pleasant moments in life when the harsh realities of the world are outside of one’s consciousness. He wished he could escape the reality of his father’s death, but the visual reminder remained directly in front of him and exhibited the harshest reality in life he had ever faced.

  Shortly after the funeral director finished talking, he invited friends and family to come and say some words about James if they wished. Nigel and another coworker talked briefly about the man they knew and called a friend over the past year. Jack and his mother closed out the speaking portion of the viewing. Melissa gave a heart-wrenching speech in which she thanked everyone for coming to honor such a great man. After finishing, she motioned for Jack to step forward and say something as well. Although he felt emotionally and physically drained, he held it together the best he could while speaking about his father.

  “My dad was and will always be a special part of my life.” Jack’s eyes began to fill with tears as he continued to speak. “He always took care of me and Mom. He sacrificed a lot to provide for his family, yet he always carved out time to spend with us. Even being here, I still find it hard to believe he’s gone . . .”

  Jack couldn’t produce any more words about his dad. He simply went back to sit beside his mom and buried his face in his hands while the funeral director ended the ceremony.

  The morning after the funeral, Jack woke up wondering how soon those in attendance for the funeral the day before would start to forget about his father. He didn’t want to think they could just continue on with their lives as if nothing happened. He was supposed to pick up at the university where he left off, but didn’t know how he’d manage.

  After Jack continued to lie in bed for as long as he could stand, he made his way to the kitchen where he could hear his mom shuffling things around.

  “Good morning, Jack,” she said while giving him a hug. “We’ll head to the airport in just a little bit. Grandma and Grandpa left for their house about thirty minutes ago, so it’ll just be you and me. Do you want me to make you something to eat for breakfast?”

  “No, I’ll just forage around and see what I can find.”

  She seemed concerned that he wasn’t going to get enough to eat.

  “You’d better pack up some other things to snack on for the flight back, then.”

  “I definitely will,” he said, giving her a smile.

  “You know, I’ll be seeing you again soon at your graduation,” she said, her eyes welling up with tears.

  “Yeah mom, I’ll be sure to finish up the year strong and the next time you see me, I’ll be wearing a ridiculous graduation robe and silly hat.”

  “And you better believe I’ll be taking pictures of the outfit,” she said, smiling.

  They were at the airport by midday and exchanged a long goodbye before Jack traveled back to China.

  “You’ll be okay, right, Mom?”

  “Both of us will be. We’ll make it through,” she said, failing to hold back more tears.

  Jack smiled at her, nodding his head and trying to remain emotionally strong as he boarded the plane. He was ready to see his friends in China again, although he didn’t want them to ask too many questions regarding his feelings about his father’s death. All he desired was for his life to continue where it left off in China, even though he knew it was likely that it would never be the same going forward.

  Many hours passed on the plane before Jack finally arrived in Beijing. While disembarking, he was pleasantly surprised to see Robbin and Cong waiting to pick him up at the airport. They simultaneously gave Jack a hug and welcomed him back.

  “Hao tried to come too, but he had to visit his family for something,” said Robbin.

  “Thanks, guys. You know, Robbin, I thought it might already be past your bedtime,” Jack teased.

  “I figured I’d stay up late just for you,” she sarcastically replied.

  “Geez, Robbin, it’s only 9:00 p.m. You should really think about staying up later,” said Cong.

  “I stayed up late with you bozos the other night, so I don’t want to hear it. Now let’s get a move on so I can get my beauty sleep.”

  She began walking away without looking back to see if the boys were following her. Jack and Cong picked up their pace so they could catch up.

  Jack was happy that his friends kept him in mind while he was dealing with his father’s death. He knew of other people in his life with friends who might try to create an excuse and not be around them. It meant a lot to him.

  When they made it back to the university, Robbin and Cong bid Jack goodnight and went their separate ways. She was headed back to her room while Cong was planning to go on a late-night exotic food quest. As Jack entered his dorm room, ready for sleep, he saw a note on his bed that Hao left for him.

  Jack,

  I’m sorry I wasn’t able to accompany Robbin and Cong to surprise you at the airport. My father requested me home this weekend, so I ventured off toward Shanghai to see my family. I hope this letter finds you well rested and ready to take on the days ahead. Please let me know if I can do anything for you to help with this trying time in your life.

  Your friend, Zhu Hao

  Jack stored the note away in his desk drawer and got into bed. Because he slept some on the plane ride back to China, he remained awake in his bed for a little while and thought about the good friends he had and the emotional challenges ahead. Eventually, he was able to close his eyes and succumb to exhaustion.

  The next morning, Jack did his best to carry on with the day just as he would have before going through tragedy of his father’s passing. Many mornings and evenings came and went after that with the same routine: wake up, eat, go to class, go to more classes, eat, study, and go to bed. Jack still remained as close as he could to his friends, but a numbing of his personality slowly crept in as time passed. Days turned to weeks, the weeks to months, and suddenly, graduation was upon Jack and his friends.

  The day before their graduation, Robbin, Hao, and Jack planned to eat one last dinner together before having to go their separate ways and begin new careers. They also invited Cong, of course, since the group camaraderie would not be the same without him. Led by Hao, they began walking from the college to their dinner destination. The journey didn’t begin without some objection and pleading from Robbin and Cong, who desperately wanted to take a shuttle. Nevertheless, they decided to walk so Hao remained pacified.

  “Where are we eating tonight?” said Jack.

  “I have made a private reservation at a very special restaurant,” said Hao. “I think you’ll be very ple
ased.”

  “I’m sure I will be,” said Jack, smiling.

  “It’s true,” said Robbin, “Hao did a good job picking out the perfect place.”

  “I still don’t know where we’re going!” said Cong.

  “That’s because, for one thing, you can’t keep secrets. And secondly, you’re Jack’s roommate,” said Robbin, very matter-of-factly, “and that’s a deadly combination for keeping the dinner location a surprise.”

  The group continued to follow Hao down several city blocks through Beijing’s downtown district. Minutes later, Jack was pleasantly surprised to see them walking toward the entrance of The Black Duck.

  “We can all go straight in. They’re expecting us,” said Hao, addressing the group.

  The stewardess immediately seated them on the rooftop at a table on the edge with a gorgeous view of the city.

  “I hope you don’t mind eating here again, Jack. We just wanted to make it a nice evening for all of us and salute our future. I know we all had a wonderful time the last time we ate here,” said Robbin.

  Jack gave a large, unforced smile at the sincerity of his friends’ sentiment and kindness.

  “That’s really great. Thanks for everything, you guys. It’s been a couple of really rough months. I’m glad I could count on you to help bring me out of any emotional void I was momentarily lost in . . . that I can still get lost in from time to time. It’s just nice having a night all to ourselves.”

  “Of course, Jack. We know you’d do the same for us,” said Cong. Robbin and Hao nodded their heads in agreement.

  The friends finished their final, pleasant dinner together and made their way back to the college so plenty of rest could be had before graduation the next day. On the way, Jack received a call from his mother letting him know that she would be arriving in Beijing with her parents a few hours before the graduation ceremony started.

  “Is your dad coming tomorrow, Robbin?” said Jack.

  “Yeah, he’ll be here!” she said, trying to be careful not to upset Jack while talking about her father. “He’s very excited. My other family will not be able to make it, though. How about yours, Hao, will they be here for the ceremony?”

  “I know my mom will be,” Hao said with a defeated tone.

  “Will your dad not be?” said Jack.

  “I’m not sure yet. It would be nice if he could come, but something always seems to come up.”

  “He’ll be proud of you whether he’s able to be there or not,” said Robbin.

  Hao nodded and gave Robbin an agreeable, but forced smile.

  The gang of friends finally finished walking back to the dorms and went their separate ways, excited and anxious for their graduation.

  By 10:00 a.m. the next morning, the graduates took their seats and the ceremony was soon underway. It was the day scheduled for science majors to graduate from the university. The dean of sciences gave a short, generic speech about the graduating class and the bright future ahead of them all. After his talk, the students were called upon to receive their diplomas. As each student walked across the stage, they were showered with a symphony of applause. Hours later, the dean concluded the ceremony and the students went to find their relatives in the audience.

  “Jack, over here!” his mom yelled as he wondered through the crowd.

  He made his way over to his family, giving them all a hug.

  “I’m so proud of you, Jack,” said Melissa.

  “Thanks, Mom. I’m sure Dad would be too.”

  “I know he would,” she said.

  They both began to tear up before another voice interjected their conversation.

  “Congratulations!”

  Jack turned around to pleasantly see it was Hao calling out to him.

  “Congratulations? I believe you got a similar degree, did you not?” Jack said in jest.

  “Maybe so. I think my mom would have been a little more proud, though, if I got one in business administration instead,” said Hao, motioning over to where his mom was standing.

  “Was your father not able to make it today?” said Jack.

  “I’m afraid not, but he sends his regards and says he is also proud.”

  “Well, Hao, I’m happy for you. I know we’re officially no longer in school together, but I hope to see you again sometime soon.”

  “I hope so too, Jack. Anything to get me away from my duties at Sanctuary will be welcome.”

  Hao walked back to where his mother and grandparents stood and Jack, as he talked to his mother, saw Robbin making her way over to him.

  “Jack, I want you and your mom to meet my dad, Dan,” said Robbin.

  Jack and his mother turned to him and shook his hand.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Carpenter,” said Jack’s mom. “I’ve heard some about you and your daughter from Jack over the years.”

  “You as well, Mrs. Drake. And please, call me Dan. Robbin always raves about how witty and smart your son is, which I’m sure he inherited from exceptional parents.”

  “Yes, James and I made a good one,” said Melissa.

  “That’s very true. It was devastating to hear about James,” said Dan. “If there’s anything we can do, please let us know.”

  “Of course. Thank you for the support,” she said.

  Robbin and Jack let their parents continue to talk amongst themselves as they started a side conversation.

  “You know I’m going to miss hanging out with you, right?” said Robbin.

  “I’ll miss you too.”

  “It’s a shame you were such a chicken around me,” she said, starting to play with her hair.

  “What?”

  “Nothing. Never mind . . . Just remember to look me up if you ever come my way, okay?”

  “That’s such a cliché thing to say,” said Jack, winking.

  “You’re a cliché!” she spat back, giving him a strong hug. ”I hope we will see each other again.”

  “I hope so too.”

  Robbin joined her father again so they could leave and be on time for a dinner reservation they made to celebrate the occasion.

  “So, when can I expect you back home?” said Melissa.

  “Don’t worry mom, I’ll head back within a day or two,” said Jack. “I just need to pack up my stuff and get a plane ticket. I’m looking forward to being at home for a little while.”

  “All right, son. I’ll be happy to have you back,” she said. “Well, I guess I’ll head on out and let you get to packing. I don’t want you to feel like you have to entertain me while I’m here.”

  “Of course I don’t feel that way, Mom.”

  Jack suddenly heard a familiar voice calling his name from the crowd behind him.

  “Jack, dear boy, congratulations on graduating!”

  As he turned around, Jack was surprised to see Nigel, his father’s coworker, walking to greet him.

  “Nigel, I didn’t know you’d be coming,” said Jack.

  “Don’t be too surprised, I told you I’d be here to say congrats and give you a graduation present.”

  “You did?” said Jack.

  “Oh, Nigel, you didn’t have to come such a long way for us,” said Melissa. “That’s very kind of you.”

  “Think nothing of it Mel, it’s what James wanted. I mean, it’s what he would have wanted, I’m sure. Jack, if you’d be so kind, please come with me to receive your gift.”

  “Sure, but after you give it to me, I need to get back to my dorm room and start packing for my trip back home. And not to be rude, but I really don’t remember you saying you’d be here, and that you’d have some sort of graduation present for me.”

  “Of course,” said Nigel. “Could have slipped my mind. Anyway, this won’t take up too much of your time.”

  “Jack, the man brought you a gift. Be nice, please. Now give me a proper goodbye before I get on my way,” said Melissa.

  He hugged his mom, bidding her farewell, and walked with Nigel to an AEB-branded shuttle with
black windows. Nigel ushered him inside as the doors opened. When he sat down, he noticed a medium-sized box with black wrapping paper around it. Nigel stepped inside, the doors closing behind him. He took a device from his inner breast pocket and flipped a switch on it before laying it down on top of his seat’s tray table.

  “There’s no screens in here,” said Jack, looking around the cabin.

  “Well, some AEB shuttles are meant for privacy. And as you can see, this happens to be one of them.”

  “Huh, I’ve never been in any transport without screens . . . weird.”

  “If you don’t mind, I’d like to sit and talk with you for a bit about the line of work your father and I were in before giving you your gift. It will make more sense when you hear a little bit of backstory, I think.”

  Although Jack was wary of Nigel’s strange request to sit down and talk in such a private setting, he couldn’t help but want to gain as much knowledge about his father as possible after the tragedy of losing him.

  “All right,” Jack said with trepidation, “but I really do—”

  “Really do need to be getting back to your dorm room to pack. I know. This will not take too long. Trust me when I say I’m trying to do exactly what James asked of me before he passed. I apologize for the secrecy, but you see, your father and I haven’t exactly been doing ecological work for the AEB this past year. We were both recruited from different backgrounds when the bureau realized we had the type of talents they were looking for—talents that allowed us to join an elite team of . . . let’s just say, archaeologists.”

  “Hang on, you and my father have been working for the AEB as archaeologists?” said Jack, confused.

  “Calling ourselves archaeologists is the closest description to what we did for the bureau. Essentially, we traveled around the world in search of special relics from an ancient culture.”