World of Good - Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Dales Story

From Dale’s vantage point, it made sense to share a four person Pod with Tammy and her escort. They were going to the same destination point. Being the kid of the group, Dale couldn’t help following Tammy. She was fun and full of spunk. As Tammy was waving good-bye, Dale jumped into the Pod checked out all the controls and examined the details of technical data in the instruction grid. He found some information on holographic replicas of what seemed to be historical figures. He quickly scanned the control panel for other more interesting information, like Vlanco outdoor recreation. It wasn’t long after takeoff before the pod made its usual soft landing to an entertainment area. That was where Dale and Tammy began their exploration.

Although everyone knew of the difficulties Dale had gone through in the last week, his good-old-self shined through, as he explained his story.

“Before I get started, I just wanted to say that I’ve had a hard time finding a store that carries hair enhancing products on this planet.” With the exception of a quick laugh from Chip, we all rolled our eyes at Dale’s usual bad jokes.

I shook my head. “Okay, we get it. Vlanco’s are all bald. Is that it?” I couldn’t help noticing the new bracelet on Dales wrist. It was a leathery looking band that had some colored stones in it that glowed slightly. I waited eagerly to find out the story behind it.

“Okay, okay,” he said raising his hands. “I’ll get on with it. Tammy has already told you about how we got to the Entertainment Arena and all that. So while I was hanging around Tammy and her new friends, I saw some action over at the Holographic Performing Arts Pavilion. They just changed the program to a military commando interactive format, so I meandered over to check it out. It was nova! It’s kind of like the 3D imaging games on Earth, but these guys had a physical mass! They let me in on a mission that required us to rescue the injured civilians from the outpost of some planet. In the process, some ancient mythological creature, like a dragon, had to be dealt with, not to mention the shear rock cliff and raging waters.”

Dale was getting more animated as he told of his experience climbing mountains and saving civilians. The rest of the crew was getting a little restless with his long tale, but they let him go without interruption. We were impressed to hear him speak more than one sentence at a time.

“...and just when we were in the middle the battle with the creature, a power disruption occurred, shutting down the program. I happened to be on his back when it disappeared and I fell flat on my face. The Vlancos nearby had the best laugh at my expense. Don’t worry, I didn’t have a fit,” he said, glancing over at me. “at least not then” he said under his breath. I brushed myself off and said thanks to the Vlanco boys. But before I could leave, they piled on me and gave me some big hugs. It was weird and a little too friendly.”

“I eventually went back to see where Tammy went to, and guessed she had already taken off. I decided to look around and see what else there was to do. So I asked my Escort to take me where the night action was. It was a choice between community philosophical debates, astronomical sky watching, or dancing.

“You got to be kidding, I said to my escort. Next stop, the dance scene,” Dale said, twisting with rhythm and excitement.

“But when I got there, it was very different to say the least. There was no alcohol or mind enhancing fluids—just nutritious vegetation drinks and local food. The dancing was some sort of free flowing waltz, with a swing effect. It started to get boring, until a beautiful Vlanco girl greeted me. I was her skin—color and texture of a peach. ”

“‘You are one of the Alien beings that I have heard about,’ she said sweetly.”

“‘Thank you. Yes. I mean, yes, thank you, what ever your name is.’ I said, stumbling over myself.”

“‘My pardons, I am Quin, and you are?’”

“‘I’m Dale. It’s a pleasure to meet you,’ I said, like a nervous teenager. ‘Is it the light or is your skin redder than the others?’”

“‘No Dale, it is not the light. It is my natural color. I am from the center district of the planet. We have a brighter red hue than some of the local people in this community.’”

“She seemed wonderful. I really enjoyed being with her. Most women look me as wallpaper, but not her.”

“‘If you’re not from the area, what are you doing here?’”

“‘I am being educated in the third district for Vlanco entertainment devices. That is why I am here now. I am studying the options for enjoyment and investigating new areas for Vlancos to enjoy themselves.’”

“‘That is incredible. I love entertainment, and would really like to talk more about it. That is, if you have the time?’”

“She looked behind where her friends were sitting and turned back to me. ‘Dale, would you like to meet my friends?’”

“I looked at her slender form and symmetrical smooth red bald head. On her, it seemed very attractive. Her light green eyes were striking. “‘Sure, lets go.’”

“She introduced me to her friends. As I sat there, a few of them couldn’t keep their hands off mys own head. They rubbed their fingers through my hair, discussing it as if it were the seventh wonder of the world. Quin demonstrated to me the dancing method that was being used that night. I’m normally not big on dancing, but with her in my arms I melted. I stumbled over her and at first, but as time went on, I got pretty good.”

“‘You are doing quite well, Dale.’ she said, after I was able to look up from my feet.”

“‘Yea, I can’t believe I’m dancing. My mother would be impressed. I just wish it had a little more action to it.’”

“‘You should have been here last night, Dale. It was a very active dance that requires much twisting and turning.’”

“‘Oh man! Really? I’m always a day late and a dollar short. Not that this isn’t fun. I enjoy dancing with you.’ I reassured her.”

“‘Well thank you, Dale. It is a pleasure to be here with you also.’”

“I grinned and held her a little closer. Then it dawned on me. What if she is married or engaged or something? Would I be violating some ethical tradition? ‘You don’t have a boyfriend, husband, fiancée, or something I should be aware of do you?’”

“She giggled a little. ‘Dale, I would not put myself in this situation if I was. It would not be proper.’”

“‘Oh yeah right, of course,’ I said with relief. I looked down at my feet a little less. “Hey, I’m not doing so bad. I even surprise me.’”

“Quin laughed. We spent the rest of the evening dancing and talking about ideas to entertain people. The atmosphere was very Puritan, but I was grateful Quin was there to make up for it.”

“The next day, I met up with Quin, and she showed me where she was being educated. It really baffled me that they actually had courses in studying pleasure activities. In hindsight, it made a lot of sense. Most people get trained for occupations, so why not learn the science of relaxation during off hours. Later, we went to an activity center where a person could challenge his or her mind and coordination skills. It was a series of mazes intermixed with an obstacle course. It was like a rat in the maze portion of the course. I felt like I was in military training when it came to overcoming the obstacle course. Quin and I had to solve puzzles to enter new areas of the complex…great fun for both of us.”

“However, like all amusing events, they eventually must come to an end. Unfortunately for me, it wasn’t quite the end I had in mind. It was on the fourth day of my stay when I was on my way to meet Quin—again for another exciting adventure. This time on Telediscs. The Telediscs are saucer shaped vehicles, which absorb a generated magnetic pulse in such a fashion that, when released, is sent flying across the landscape to the other side of a large lake. The charge lasts about ten minutes and allows the occupants an opportunity to see the landscape and eventually skip down into the waters edge, and dock at a pier on the other side.”

“I was a little nervous about not having some sort of engine controlling the disc, but I trusted Quin.”

“‘Smaller children were not allowed to do this. There is too much risk involved,’ she informed me, with a nonchalant attitude.”

“‘What kind of risk?’” I asked, dubiously.”

“‘If there was a power disruption from the generator, it would not have enough power to send the Teledisc to the proper altitude and we would fall quite quickly, Dale.”

“‘That doesn’t sound very exciting,’ I said with a pit in my stomach.”

“‘Do not worry, Dale. They would not release us without a full charge. The hazard is a very remote possibility.’” She probably notice I was nervous, as I squeezed the color out of my hands gripping the seat. She tried to give encouragement. ‘Dale, no one has ever had an accident.’”

“‘There is always a first time,’ I muttered to myself, as we harnessed ourselves in.”

“I watched and made sure the disc’s charging grid was full. The operator turned to us and asked if they were ready. We nodded and the disc was released. I thought we would shoot out like a plate from a skeet shooting sling, but instead we gently floated from our perch an out into the air. It almost like gliding like a tram over a valley gorge. The saucer flew through the air, whisking us across the landscape and eventually over the water. Quin pointed out landmarks and structures like a tour guide. I was noticing, not only the beauty of what was below, but the beauty of Quin as she described with pleasure some of her favorite sites. For the first time in my life, I actually was truly enjoying being myself with another woman.”

“As we continued to view the activities below us, the disc began its descent. Soon the disc had touched down into the water. It made a perfect graceful landing, skipping us to the shore, like a flat, smooth stone. We coasted to the receiving pier and docked.”

“‘This was Nova! Supernova!”

“‘That must mean you liked it.’ Then she gave me a big hug. ‘I knew you would enjoy it.’”

“I was really, really melting inside.”

“Then it happened. We had just docked at the other end of the lake, when a local hover truck was making deliveries to the snack center. It had lost a magneto converter and Vlanco people were scurrying to get out of the way. It was sliding at great speed directly to the Teledisc where Quin and I were finishing unstrapping our harnesses. Quin stood up and had her back toward the runaway vehicle. She didn’t see my eyes as big as Telediscs. Before I could say anything to warn her, it careened down the embankment, skipped over the pier, and hit her hard on the back of the head—very hard.”

Dales chest was heaving as he told his story. We were quiet and sad.

“She dropped like a rag to the ground, and hit my shoulder and threw me into the water. The vehicle slid partially into the lake with the driver in it. I got up out of the water and reached over to help Quin. Her body was limp. She had no life signs.”

“I peered up at the congregating bystanders, and yelled. ‘Get help! Get some help!’”

“I hugged her a couple times, then set her body down softly. With tears streaming down my face, I got up and walked toward the disabled vehicle, muttering profanities. As I walked, I wiped tears from his face with my sleeve. My adrenaline kicked in. I opened the access panel where the driver was starting to climb out. I hit him square in the face and caused him to reel back from the blow. My fist continued to pummel the driver’s face until blood was splattered over the both of us. I was told the spectators were stunned, as though they had been hit as well. The driver was so battered and bruised, he too was losing consciousness. I was swinging my arm for the last time. I froze. I could do nothing. The local authorities had projected a magnetic field around me. It caused my nerves to constrict. I was paralyzed. I didn’t really care.”

“The next morning, I found myself in a holding facility, when the assigned advisor entered.”

“‘Dale, is it?’ He asked gently with his hands folded in front of him. ‘I am Curthist.’”

“I sat statuesque, looking down at the ground, not saying a word.”

“‘You will be happy to know that Quin will survive.’ He cocked his head trying to find my eyes.” “I breathed a sigh of relief.”

“‘However, your anger and its consequences are another matter.’”

“I didn’t respond. What was there to say?”

“‘Dale, at some point in time we will need to discuss the particulars of the event.’”

“‘What if I don’t want to,’ I said though my teeth. I turned away.”

“‘You do not have to, but I highly recommend it.’ The Advisor sat there patiently.”

“I snarled at the advisor. ‘You bunch of goody-two-shoes. You wouldn‘t even understand.’”

“‘We would not understand what, Dale?’”

“‘We are human beings, for chrisake. We blow up every now and then. Besides, that Jerk deserved it!’ My heart rate was ramping up and my muscles tightened.”

“Then the Advisor blew up. ‘Stop it!” he said with a loud firm voice. I was startled to say the least. It was the first time I met a Vlanco who raised his voice.”

“‘Did I get your attention, Dale?’ He said, with a small smile.”

“‘Yeah, you did.” I replied, sheepishly.”

“‘Dale, it was to keep you from getting carried away with your emotions. Emotions are fine followers but poor leaders.’”

“‘Hmph. Good to know.’”

“‘Dale, you seem to have a kind heart, but your erratic behavior indicates there are other matters that need to be engaged.’ The Advisor sat down beside me.”

“‘I know—but—I don’t know. Hey, you’re not going to psychoanalyze me are you?”

“‘Do you want to continue on the path you have been on or find a better one, Dale?’”

“‘You mean, do I want to change? Well, hell yes. But I don’t want to get sucked into some sort of Alien cult.’”

“The advisor laughed a good one. ‘You Earth people are so fascinating!” Dale, we do not want to force you to adopt our way of life, but you must be able to control yourself while you are living in our society. If you can not do that then we will have to quarantine you for the good of our people and yourself.’”

“‘I see. But I never have been good at discipline.’”

“‘We are very conscientious about keeping balance here on Onos. Extremes in any culture usually cause difficulties.’”

“‘How do you know what balance is? Isn’t it the average of acting good some times and nasty at other times. Besides, if we didn’t have evil, how would we know what good was? Good would all be the same and we wouldn’t know what it was without evil.’”

“The Advisor dropped the corners of his mouth and raised his eyebrows. ‘That is quite a large concept, Dale. I believe you are mixing up your analysis of good and evil with where your emotions are pulling you. It is true that good would not be recognized well without evil, like a white stone with a black spot on it, but we can still recognize the white stone without the black spot. Can we not?’”

“He had a good point. ‘Yeah, I guess, so.””

“‘Balance is a sub-component of the behavior of your inner host. It is like your ComPad. Without the viewscreen, the machine would function but it would be missing the most important element…communicating information for you to see and make decisions. Do you not agree?’”

“‘I don’t know. It makes sense, but logic has a way of sounding great in theory but having no practical application.’ I massaged my forehead. The philosophical conversation was wearing on me.”

“‘Dale, I did not intend for you to become discouraged. It is common for Vlancos to be grateful, not distressed, when one explains the truth to another. Is it not that way for your people?’”

“Yeah, sometimes. But sometimes we just want to belt someone when they destroy something really important to us?’”

“The Advisor smiled and put his hand on my shoulder. ‘I would have to say that feel that way as well, Dale. However, while it does enter our minds, it leaves quickly. This I am thankful for, because I do not wish it to contaminate my emotions and inner host. Balance is a very simple thing, but it cannot be fully achieved without first accepting the messenger as one’s ruler and guide. Then, after passing through, it helps lay a spiritual foundation so the physical elements of your life can fit into place.’”

“‘Who is this Messenger and what is passing through? I don’t want to become some sort of psychic guru. I just want to be me—the good version.’”

“‘Dale, you do not have to give up who you are to become something of value. Rather, value who you are in what you could be. It is not an average of good and evil. Good is good and evil is evil. Think of evil as being on the outside of a disc. The outer edge has many forms of evil, while all form of good is in the center. Balance is you standing atop the disc with a pivot below the center, and you must keep yourself from tipping toward the outside. It may be difficult and you may be careless, but it is not impossible.’”

“On that note, the advisor stood up to leave. ‘Dale, you need time to evaluate some of the things we have talked about, and if you have any questions, I would very much like to talk again. Remember, the future holds for you tomorrow the choices you make today.’”

“I sat back in his cushion and realized I wasn‘t going to get out of the containment facility unless I adapted to this culture. I may have been there quite awhile, if it wasn’t for what occurred next. Later that evening, a Negritee met up with me in the dining arena. You know, one of those a-holes types that shot at us when we came into this system. He was a business man that strayed into Vlanco space and had a dispute with some of the natives on an outlying moon.”

“The Negritee made his way to the table where I sat eating my dinner. ‘Oh, newcomer from the other side of the galaxy! Did you have a nice chat with the Vlanco brainwasher?’ As he spoke, sarcasm seeped out from him easily.”

“I pretended he wasn’t joking. ‘Yeah, it was okay.’”

“‘I did not mean that in a serious way, Earthman,’ he said wryly as he stepped in front of me. ‘I am Ventfoprof. You can call me V.’ He laid his palms outward to me.”

“I Expected the usual hand greeting. So as I leaned forward in response, V grasped my hands tightly with a macho show of strength and laughed a good one. I uncrimped and released myself from his grip and wrung out my hands.”

“‘You must do better than that Earthman,’ he said cackling like and old woman.”

“‘I’ll try better next time.’ I sat back and continued eating my meal.”

“He glanced around quickly, then spoke to me as if in strict confidence. ‘Are you becoming more balanced?’ He laughed again.”

“I set my spoon down. ‘Umm. Not really. Why?’”

“‘The Vlancos, they will continue to harass you until you fold. What I have found, is that if you play along, it can be profitable.’”

“‘What do you mean?’”

“‘It is simple, Earth Human. If you cooperate they will eventually let you go and many profitable goods might go with you.’”

“‘Your starting to sound like Chip,” I said.”

“The Negritee leaned closer. ‘Who is this Chip?”

“‘Awe, just one of my crew members that I came here with.’”

We looked at Chip briefly to see he response. Chip just gave us a Hey-don’t-look-at-me shrug.

Dale continued. “I asked the Negritee what he meant by profitable.”

“‘What are the things you enjoy Earth Human? Is it power? Currency? Females? Entertainment?’”

“‘Everyone knows I like entertainment.’ V tried to bribe me for more information about Earth, the Vlancos, and anything else he could get his hands on, but I played dumb. V described how great the Negritee people were and how derelict the Vlanco people were. That the Vlancos were boring and weak instead of peaceful and gentle. He rambled on about the history of the great Negritee culture and history, which seemed almost opposite to the Vlanco’s version.”

I wanted to find out more about the people who attacked us, but Dale seemed to be describing a more cooperative people than the ones we encountered. How much was the truth was to be determined. In the end, Dale seemed to be glad he was back with the group, as so were the rest of us, but he seemed more distant than usual. Perhaps the Security Advisor had something to do with it, or meeting the Negritee, or the injury of the Vlanco woman he met. I was legally bound by the Vlanco counsel to keep tabs on him, and he gave me his word he would be a good boy. So until they decide how to resolve Dales behavioral issues for the future, my supervision seemed to satisfy the Vlancos for the moment.

World of Good - Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Shelby’s Story

Although a navigator, Shelby’s interests in sociology compels her to notice the interactions of others. As the crew separated to their associated Transport Pods, she absorbed one last look at them, as they entered their transport vehicles, just in case they didn‘t return. Chip was more focused on his notes than the escort, Tom was very orderly and aloof, Tammy was hanging on her escort like they were old friends—Dale tagging along, and she saw me greeting my escort with the proper head nod and handshake.

As Shelby lifted off, she made polite conversation with the escort, asking questions of the family and origin. Her escort was an older woman with a soft, pleasant face. Surprising, since most Vlancos had such youthful appearances. Shelby was astounded to find out the woman was 350 years old. Although and age and race difference, the two quickly developed an intimate friendship.

Shelby thought she would start her investigations by examining the Vlaco spiritual ideology first, then later their living conditions. Within a half-hour they were at the destination. She had found herself in what would be equivalent to Earth’s worshiping meeting places. And although Earth has so many varieties of religions, and denominations within religions, the Vlancos have only one.

Shelby turned to the crew members and started to explain her most exciting experience first.

“I was escorted into a large entrance area with hundreds of other persons who were talking, laughing, and some very serious, but all enjoying each other’s company. Their attire was clean, pastel colored robes. If you stood back and squinted they all seem to fit together like a tapestry. My escort introduced me to others as we strolled along. They took turns asking me probing questions about my background and other interests…not in an analytical way, but rather with genuine concern for me. Let me tell you the parts that affected me the most.”

“The older woman brought me to a tall dark Vlanco man. ‘Shelby,’ said my escort, ‘I would like you to meet Joron.’”

“‘Greetings Shelby,’ said Joron, with a deep and regal voice. ‘Have you had time to assess our culture?’”

“‘No,’ I said politely, ‘I still need to gather more technical data.’”

“He laughed, a deep hearty laugh. ‘You sound like your examining us as in a research project, Shelby,’ he said with a big grin.”

“‘Tell me Shelby, do you worship the Messenger like we do?’”

“‘Messenger? Who is that?’ I said, with interest.”

Joron paused. “‘You may know Him by another name. We believe all sentient beings know of Him.’”

“‘May...be,’ I said, slowly nodding pensively. Even those on Earth seem to have the same God by different names.”

“‘Shelby, tell me, did you have a song you enjoyed singing as a young human child, in your worship arena?’”

“‘How did you know I went to church, er I mean worship.’”

“‘You are here. I assumed you must have done this previously,’ he said, in a self-assured manner.”

“‘I see. Well, I don’t know. I guess How Great Thou Art?’ I really was caught off guard so I said the first song that came to me.”

Joran leaned in and tilted his head. “‘Shelby, how does that song proceed?’ I noticed several Vlancos turning with anticipation of an audio performance from me. It made me even more self conscious than I already was. Trying to be a good ambassador from Earth, I did the best I could, given the circumstances, with a simple form of the song. I like to sing, but felt awkward, with strangers from another part of the galaxy watching me. ‘Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder…’. I rushed through the verses the best I could, and they seemed pleased.”

“Joron nodded in approval. ‘Shelby, you sang your song very well, in spite of your shyness. It was not our intention to embarrass you. Your words sang true and it would seem universal to any culture. Would you like to meet some of my friends?’”

“‘Yes.’ I was thankful we got off me and my mediocre singing. Joron introduced me to many others who also seemed genuinely interested in me and laughed at the simplest things I would say. They really were sooo sweet.”

“For the next half hour or so, I was met and greeted by what seemed liked everyone in the building. But eventually the crowd slowly and casually moved toward a large opening into what I assumed was the worship arena. As we moved throughout the archway, my escort told me that they have smaller meetings on a daily basis and that this is a monthly gathering with the local community. The arena was like a shallow bowl with what seemed to be soft pillow-like furniture all around the arena, with the exception of the center. As the arena filled up, the buzzing of conversation evolved into more of a hum. I looked to the left and right of me to see the aliens nonchalantly humming, as they were situating themselves into their seats. I followed suit. They were all smiling and humming, when, at some point, they eventually quieted down. A central figure was down at the center of the area by this time and raised his hands. I could hardly make out the person’s features at this distance. There must have been more than 10,000 people in the place. It was completely quiet now, and everyone's attention was on him.”

“He spoke with dignity, power, and gentleness. ‘It is pleasing to have all of you here again. It seems like such a long time since we gathered. We have a special guest with us, who has traveled quite a distance to be here. I do not think it was our wonderful gathering that drew her to us.’ Scattered chuckles were heard. ‘If you meet her, please make her feel at home.’”

“He raised his hands up and looked toward the ceiling, which was beautiful to look at. It was a transparent roof. A turquoise sky was the backdrop of the three suns in a triangular pattern. The stars were little, big, and biggest, all peering in on us. As we were looking upward, he reminded the crowd of the five covenants, the gift of the Messenger, and the Creators great love. It was very hard to follow, with virtually no knowledge of what he was referencing. Eventually, I would find out what he was referring to, but at the moment, I didn’t matter, because there seemed to be a very strong peace in the arena that impressed me greatly.”

“While he was speaking, the rest of the crowd commenced that humming again. As his voice grew fainter, the crowd’s grew louder. At the same time this was happening, everyone gradually stood up with their arms and hands sliding outward to the persons on each side, until they touched the tips of each others fingers. All the while, the music was changing from humming to soft singing. It was a lovely melody that moved up and down in scale like a boat riding gently rolling waves. Then cam a transition with a complex harmony and incredible rhythm. The music had changed ever so slightly into another song in such a way that I hadn’t noticed the shift.”

“All people—and even me for goodness sake—were in perfect harmony and the voices of some people were unbelievable. There were women with voices so high, it sounded like birds singing, and men with voices so low, it was as though an earthquake was upon us. Acappella voices had the ability to impressively mimic a variety of instruments. The music seemed to trail through and around the arena like an undecided warm breeze. It was breathtaking. Then the unmistakable moment occurred.”

“The song changed into a song I was very familiar How Great Thou Art! Yes, the little tune I had sang when I first entered. They sang this:

‘Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder,

consider all - the worlds Thy hands have made.

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,

Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Chorus

Then sings my soul my savior God to thee,

How great thou art, how great thou art.

Then sings my soul my savior God to thee,

How great thou art, how great thou art.’

When through the woods and...’”

“The song continued with the singing more powerful after each stanza. While I sang, I tried to understand how they knew my song, my voice started cracking with emotion, and tears streamed down my cheeks. Like the song said, it was truly an awesome wonder! Even now I can’t help noticing how this spur-of-the-moment song was so appropriate for being in this foreign place. I found out later that they make a special effort to blend concerns and interests of those attending. And in that short time they had memorized the verses for the gathering. They were not concerned with only their own but with all those attending. In that way all will have a connection to the community as a whole.”

Shelby’s voice started wavering.

“The physical and spiritual connection to one another was something I have never felt before. There was a freedom and lifting of my spirit that was unmatched to any of my experiences on Earth. It was really impressive.”

She stopped to look down at her folded hands in her lap and then looked up at the rest of us with tears welling up in her eyes.

“I guess you can see I approved of the gathering,” she said, as she dabbed her eyes and cheeks, with the back of her wrists.

I shifted in my chair uncomfortably, glancing around to see if anyone else was getting chocked up. There were.

She gathered herself and continued. “There was also teaching intertwined with the music but it was done by different persons at different times. It seems disorganized at first, and yet it made perfect sense. It was like they were telling stories of their life, yet explaining deep philosophical truths within the story. It was rather poetic in a way. But that singing was what really spoke to me. I was so used to having a choir in my church at home, but it was fascinating to be apart of this worship meeting, where all the people were the choir. It was lovely, just lovely....”

“Oh, the five covenants! I didn’t mention it, did I?” All of us shook our heads sideways, like puppets, still mesmerized by the last episode of Shelby’s story. “After the worshiping time ended, we ambled our way back out to the entrance without a care in the universe. On our way, my escort was explaining some of the basics of their faith to me. The five covenants was an agreement between them and God—sort of like the Ten Commandments. The first is Humility, second—Purity, third—Joy, fourth—Oneness, and five—Communion.”

“Oh yea,” said Tom, “they mentioned those covenants when I was visiting the military complex. I wondered what they were talking about.”

Shelby leaned forward and counted them out on her hand as she instructed. “The short version, is that they incorporate these five covenants into their lives. Humility keeps selfish intentions at bay, Purity refers to a pure heart, Joy should be experienced in all circumstances, Oneness is more or less empathizing with others, and I believe Communion means to intently pray to the Creator regularly. There are sub-parts to each of the five covenants, but I’ll have to refer back to the data on that for a precise breakdown. One of the most intriguing parts to their faith is that it seems a lot like my own. For example, you know the Messenger they keep talking about?”

We nodded in agreement.

“Well, about 3,200 years ago, a Vlanco like the others was born. He claimed to be a Messenger to the people. It just so happens that this Messenger brought a message of good hope to the people and was killed for his teachings. And get this, he disappeared from the grave site that was sealed up. Sounds a lot like Christianity on Earth, doesn’t it? Additionally, about 400 years ago, the Messenger returned, from who knows where, and rid the world and the neighboring planets of those that didn’t follow his teachings. And remember our unwelcomed acquaintances the Negritee?”

We nodded again.

“They were the people who didn’t accept the teachings of the Messenger, and were cast out to the planetary system we entered during the disturbance. So now, it is told that there will be 1000 years of spiritual unity, until some sort of final conflict.”

Shelby explained how she spent the next few days living with and talking to the people about their daily lives, learning metaphysical concepts, and anything else that seemed to be relevant to her research. At one point, she told us about a young boy that was with his father at a Pod transit center, several days earlier.

“The father was an operator for the transmitting beam. It was his job to monitor and direct the power beam for the Pods. While he was going through the standard schedules of the vehicles, he was instructing the little boy on the launching procedures. At one point, the boy wandered off and was playing in a landing circle. The father was experiencing some power fluctuations from the launching grid, due to magnetic interference from the local stars. Reluctantly, he realized his only choice was to return the pod back to the landing pad or risk the lives of all those inside.”

“As he was making alterations to bring a large pod back down, he noticed his boy playing in the landing spot. He only had two options, push the pod onward, which would certainly caused it to crash with all 48 people aboard, or let it land where his son was playing. His son had tied his little belt around the locking ring in the center, leaning back, arms outstretched, while swinging himself around in a circle. The father called to his son, but when the boy responded to his call, his father noticed the belt tied to the locking ring. The decision had to be made in a split second. The only way to land the vessel was to send a high energy beam up from the landing spot where the boy stood, and he had to do it soon. He knew what he had to do, but wanted to leave his boy with joy in his soul and no fear. So just before the pod could come crashing down, he called out to his son, that he loved him. The boy smiled and waved, and he smiled back. The father fired the bright beam up into the air, barely catching the pod safely and bringing all inside to a safe and secure landing...at the expense of a child.”

The air went out of the room, and I felt sick.

“On Earth, making a difficult choice like this, would have had all sorts of endings, most likely different than this one. The Vlancos, however, seldom have doubts about their obligations, when confronted with hard decisions like that. They have taught one another, from a very early age, the issues of ethics, community, and the role they play in the community. They rarely hesitate to do what they know to be true.”

This story was truly heart wrenching; however, not all Shelby’s stories were serious and solemn experiences, some were humorous as well. One episode that had us splitting our sides was when she was invited to have a meal with a family she had met at the worshiping arena. The father of the family of four, a wife, and a young male and female child, wanted to make a good impression on the visitor from Earth.

As her escort brought her to their habitat, the family was walking outside to greet them. They looked a little hurried and a bit nervous when they approached. The father had a big wet spot in the crotch area of his clothing, and Shelby, although dubious, tried to ignore it. He angled himself and put one of the children in front, so as to conceal it. They went back to the front access panel, for the meal, and realized the front door was locked. He left his key inside. Being resourceful, he found an open window, to which he proceeded to climb in. However, as he climbed in he caught his clothing on a latch above him, which ripped his backside like a run in a nylon stocking.

Shelby saw him awkwardly disappear into the room, and heard some clanging and painful “ouches” as he stumbled, through furniture, to the door. The good impression he was trying to make, was wearing thin. The lever was stuck and from behind the door we could hear him excuse himself, while he obtained some tools. After a series of poundings, the access panel opened and he was there to show us in. Unfortunately as he did, the rip in his clothing showed his buttock as he reached down to pick up a toy in his path. Everyone was trying to hold back their laughter, when he turned and stepped on another squishy, flexible toy, which caused him to slip and fall backward with his legs completely leaving the floor. They all lurched forward to catch him, but it was too late. He landed on his butt, surprised and embarrassed. The whole event looked like an old vaudeville act.

Shelby tried to keep her emotions in check as she glanced to the rest of the family for the proper response, but her and everyone else finally burst out in laughter, not being able to hold it back any longer. This had to be his most clumsy day in his life. So much for his good impressions. Shelby could hardly tell the story without cracking up, which was contagious to the rest of us. Fortunately, the evening meal was a success, and she enjoyed the time the family spent together, telling stories, playing games, and just appreciating one another’s company.

We all listened intently, as Shelby described the differing social aspects of the Vlanco people. We could see how she was intrigued with the kindness and honesty of the people, and yet we too noticed it as well. But while things were wonderful for Shelby, it wasn’t such a splendid week for Dale.

World of Good - Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Tom’s Story

At the Transport Pod, Tom inspected the control panel as if he was going through a preparatory procedure prior to flying a spacecraft. As a military man, Tom was analyzing the aerodynamics and the armament of the pods. When asking the escort about weapons, he gave Tom a puzzled look and mentioned only of the safety equipment for emergencies. They reminded him more of beetles than aircraft. But he was impressed with the laser guided power beams that propelled the Pods. While waiting for the journey to end, he occupied himself with downloading wind speed data, atmospheric conditions, and other perceived important information into his ComPad. During a lull in information gathering, he extended the CompPad from a slim 3”x3” to a 12”x12” for viewing stored information from Earth. He accessed his family album and scanned a few family memories. As he stopped to view a video of his son Parker, a tear traveled down his cheek. Parker was the only other surviving family member from all previous disasters.

“Tom, we are coming to our destination,” the escort prompted. Tom quickly retracted the ComPad, put it in his pocket and peered down to the military complex that was approaching.

Here it is, a week later. It was Tom’s turn to describe the events of the week. He gathered up a comfortable seat, plopped down, shifted in it a bit. He took a sip on his drink then leaned back with a comfortable sigh.

“Let’s see, where do I begin? I was interested in the Vlanco’s military accomplishments, but I was in for a big surprise. After we landed, we were greeted by the Advisor of the complex. His name was Stron. He was a very large and tall Vlanco with an abrupt posture—almost mechanical. He could have played Intercontinental Football for the Beijing Assassins, but like everyone else on this planet, he was very polite and dignified. He asked me what areas I wanted to visit and like any red blooded American, I said all of them. He laughed, and patted me on the shoulder…hard. I thought these guys must really work out. And I wasn’t too far off, because the first area we visited was an exercise facility. They had all sorts of devices to help assist in training. Much of the equipment was so familiar, it could have been transported from Earth.”

“‘Stron tried to make conversation with me. ‘Tom, if you are interested, we can coordinate a training program schedule around your visit if you would like.’”

“‘Oh thanks, Stron...but do I look that out of shape?’ I thought, he noticed my gut hanging out—I haven‘t worked out as regularly as I should have.”

“He laughed, ‘No Tom, it is just our way of life to schedule an exercise training program into our lives.’ He kept smiling.”

“‘I see. In that case, put me down for the afternoon.’”

“‘Very good,” he said, as he looked toward his assistant, who seemed to acknowledge the information to integrate it into my schedule.”

“‘And what about your spiritual time, Tom? How can I be of assistance in helping you prepare for your needs in that regard?’”

“‘Spiritual needs? Um, I think I‘m okay in that area, but thanks anyway.’”

“‘Would any particular intellectual stimulation be of any need, Tom?’”

“’Intellectual? As in the library?’”

“‘Yes, Tom The triune harmony of Physical, Intellectual, and Spiritual aspects of your life.’”

“‘I’ll tell you what. I’ll keep you posted if I have any particular needs in those areas.’”

“I was getting nervous that this was going to be a long week. After my escort showed me around—w here the food was, where the barracks were, and so on, I was lead to the exercise facility and shown various types of machines for cardiovascular system as well as for major and minor muscle groups. As I was trying out one machine, I noticed a group of men at the other end of the area, working on some sort of self defense routine. I walked over to where they were and watched for a while. My escort, Hefu, explained their activity.”

“‘Tom, this is the fundamental training procedure that is used in the Vlanco military defense academies.’

“As I watched, it seemed to be some sort of Judo, because it was all defense and no offense. ‘Why don’t they have any offensive moves, Hefu?’”

“‘There are some offensive moves, but it more or less reverses the energy from whence it comes, Tom. It is a strict code that we follow, which restricts us from harming another individual.’”

“‘But this is military! You are suppose to inflict injury on the other guy!’”

“‘I appreciate your candor, Tom. But you must realize that it is against our moral policy to injure another.’”

“‘Then how do you subdue the enemy, you kiss them to death?’”

“Hefu laughed. Others nearby, who had heard the conversation came over to participate. A sturdy musculature looking guy, who seemed like the trainer, spoke up.”

“‘Pardon my intrusion, Earth person. I would like to make a bargain with you. If I can restrain you without injury to you, against whatever force you use against me, you must learn our methods.’”

“‘What if I get you to injure me, what will I get?’ I can’t believe I wanted him to hurt me.”

“‘Then you can name your treasure, if that occurs.’”

“We moved to a clear padded area, designated for training, as others in the facility gathered around.”

“I leaned toward my new opponent. ‘Oh, and Studly, you can call me Tom.’ I gave him a good old fashion handshake.”

“‘Thank you, Tom. You can call me Resran.’”

“As we paced around the center of the floor, I bounced up and down, like a boxer in the ring, preparing for the fight. I was thankful the floor was padded, because I really didn’t want to hurt him. The first thing I did was run at him with a flying kick. He grabbed and gently turned my foot like a big key, and forced me to land on my back. Next, I continued with my most effective punches, using my hands, elbows, and other parts of my body to attack. It had zero impact on him. He knew precisely how to deflect my blows without hurting me. I was starting to get a little steamed, as the other guys continued to laugh quietly at my progress, or lack of it. I then started using other objects, like my belt or a near by chair, but he seem to enjoy the opportunity as practice.

Finally, my adrenalin began to flow and before I knew it I had found my knife, I always tuck away—just in case. It surprised him just enough to get the smirk off his face. And this happened to be the thing that I was especially good at since fighting in the back alleys of my neighborhood as a kid. I swung around and cut some sort of button off his waist. He jumped back and closed his eyes, put his hands together and breathed deeply. I could see out of the corner of my eye that the rest of the men did the same thing. I thought this is my chance, and I jumped and tucked so that I would end up behind him to hold him with my knife at his neck. I could prove, once and for all, you can’t fondle the enemy.

However, as I was maneuvering behind and turned to grab him, something strange occurred. It was as if he knew my every movement before I did. With his eyes closed and with lighting speed, his left hand reached down to my left wrist and his right one to my right, all the while with his back to me. He knew exactly where to grab, and when he held my arms, he inserted his fingers on a pressure point in my wrists. I was helplessly and at the mercy of this guy. I dropped to my knees like a rag doll.

“‘OK, OK I give up,’ I said wincing from the pain.”

“‘Tom, I must apologize. I am sure you understand that sometimes it is necessary to use the assistance of friends.’”

“I furrowed my brows and examined my wrists. ‘What are you talking about? You beat me by yourself fair and square.’”

“‘Fair and square.’ he said, pondering its meaning. ‘No, that is not quite true, Tom.’”

“‘What do you mean?’”

“‘Tom, I enlisted the metaphysical assistance of my men, to my aid.’”

“‘Metaphysical assistance?’”

“‘I am sure you are aware of the energy between me and my colleagues. This gave me the advantage over you, and your weapon. I believe we had a fair challenge, considering you extended the challenge with use of that pointed weapon.’”

“‘Whatever you say, Resran. In any case, you beat me.’”

Tom looked at Chip for a possible analysis to the fight. “Do you think he was using some sort of energy field that allowed him, a kind of a sixth sense to overpower me?’”

Chip sat there silent and pensive, then with a shrug gave Tom his reply. “Possibly.”

Without a full confirmation, Tom continued the story. “Either way he beat me, even though it was a little spooky.”

“After the fight, Hefu turned to me. ‘Tom, I am sure you will agree there will be benefits to your promise when learning our training methods.’”

“‘Oh yeah, the promise to learn your methods if I lost. Fine. Who knows, maybe that voodoo stuff will come in pretty handy in a back alley.’”

“Tom, you really do not know how close to the truth it is you speak.”

“After the match with Resran, I said my goodbyes and went to watch some acrobatic airship flying. It seemed more of an artistic maneuver rather than a life or death aerial one. Before I knew it, I was ready for bed. The next morning. I woke up to a buzzing sound that penetrated the walls of the barracks. I was still trying to get used to the 30 hour days, not to mention the sore parts of my body from my match, when I notice no one was about. I poked around and found hundreds of men sitting in a large circle humming. As I watched, the Vlanco men spoke and hummed intermittently. It was a type of meditation or praying.”

“I went back to my quarters to get something to eat, while they finished their…whatever it was. Later Stron told me it was some sort of preparatory meeting to greet the day as he put it. He didn’t offer and I didn’t ask the details of their meeting. Hefu showed me a non-eventful tour of the complex and then gave me some time alone, which gave me a chance to plot out the rest of my schedule for the week.”

“Two main objectives of mine were to evaluate the aircraft and the weapons array. One the third day, Stron took me to the air field, and when he finished a brief explanation of the airships, asked if I wanted to fly one.”

“I said, ‘Are you serious? Of course I’d like to fly one. But doesn’t it take special training?’”

“‘Yes and No, Tom’ said Stron. ‘You must have had some tactical training in the operation of a space craft, but I have briefly reviewed your vessel’s controls and believe your vessel requires much more manual dexterity and training than ours. It is apparent you would have little trouble adapting to the controls.”

“I was pleasantly stunned. ‘No kidding?’”

“‘No kidding, Tom. I do not kid.’”

“‘Whatever you say Stron, just let me at those controls.’”

“‘You can assist me while I take the vehicle into the lower atmosphere. After viewing operational procedures, I will allow you temporary authorization.’”

“‘Great, lets go,’ I said, rubbing my hands with excitement.’”

“The vessel was a sphere with indentations around the exterior surface that made it look more like a golf ball than a space ship. The ship’s exterior veneer had a rainbow of colors that seemed to move, like an oil slick on water. The interior control panel, also colorful, had a different color operating pad to match its function. Stron laid his hands on two of the colored grids: A blue grid was for lift and the green grid was for speed. A pulsating hum erupted and we were off the ground and speeding into the air. As speed and elevation increased, so the hue increased in intensity. The ship sends out a magnetic charge that opposes the planet’s gravitational field, propelling it upward. As the ship sped through the upper atmosphere, the shell of the ship rotated to gain lift and momentum. A liquid is layered between the inside and outside walls, which allows occupants to stay in one position.”

“‘Where are the weapons systems, Stron?’ I inquired, curious about their capabilities.”

“‘Tom, we do not have weapons as you perceive them. We do have anodyne systems, which include a device that grasps and confines an attacker.’”

“‘Oh right, you don’t kill.’”

“‘We do not kill intentionally, Tom. Would you like to examine the anodyne functions?”

“I sighed. ‘Sure.’”

“An example of the non-lethal weapons was the Decelerat Sphere. It is a device that was first developed in the entertainment sector and grew into a viable weapons project. It’s basically a big bubble that is filled with a gooey slurry. It is used in combat infantry to slow down and/or stop the enemy from advancing. The bubble is launched to where the enemy is advancing. If the sphere hits its target—anything that moves—it pops and the slurry snuggles around the target with its goo and impedes movement. If it gets hit by a weapon, it automatically explodes into a quarter mile radius spreading the slurry to the invading infantry.”

Tom chuckled with obvious approval of the device.

“On a more global scale, the planets have a series of field generators, which produce an energy beam between them. Not a force field, because it would take too much energy to produce at that distance. It is like an invisible wire with a catcher’s mitt. As the incoming missile, or equivalent, enters the grid, the field generators concentrate a displacement plasma, which destroys or diffuses the weapon. There were many more unusual devices; all powerful, yet defensive and non-lethal.”

“I found out that they consider negotiations an offensive tactic,” Tom said, with a minor endorsement. “They strive to find out the fears and concerns of the enemy so they can develop solutions that resolve those underlying fears. It is more like politics than war. But then again what was that old saying....” Tom pondered.

“The pen is mightier than the sword?” interjected Shelby.

“Yeah, that’s it…in this case, it would be words instead of pen. I asked about their negotiation techniques, but Stron felt that it was very difficult to explain completely, because the learning begins when they are born and to clarify it for me in a few minutes would be, as he put it, arduous.”

“I also noticed how disciplined the military was. Not only was there physical and mental conditioning, but spiritual conditioning as well. Every morning the troops would have their spiritual meeting and if they didn’t have the duty day, they would take further educational classes and physical conditioning classes. We on Earth would see blatant nude pictures or E-Porn in military institutions, but there was nothing remotely like that at the Vlanco base. The United Continents of Earth could really use more of that kind of discipline.”

World of Good - Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Tammy’s Story

From Tammy’s viewpoint, she waved goodbye to everyone with both hands, like she was at the scene of an accident waving down a passerby. With Dale jumping into the front end of the Pod, Tammy put her arm around the escort, like they were old buddies, and proceeded to the aft end of the vehicle . She kept thinking of how monotonous these people seem to be so far, and was hoping it wasn’t going to be boring. But if it was, at least Dale will be around to keep it lively. Since, it was Tammy’s turn to explain the events of her week, we all knew it had to be exciting, or engaging at the least.

Tammy composed herself and explained her story to us. “I asked the escort how fast the Pod could go, if accidents ever occurred, how does it respond in storms, and other various questions. She said, ‘A good steady pace. Accidents? Oh, very rarely. Quite well in turbulence.’” Tammy mimicked the Vlanco woman’s plodding methodical voice.

“I guess I was looking for a little more description,” Tammy groaned, “but my escort wasn’t one to give details. Later I learned that the Pods don’t vary their speed much, as I guess they aren’t in a real hurry to get places...every event ‘has its time and place.’” She sighed and curved two fingers into the air to represent quotes.

“They have enough light beam houses on the planet to keep them from crashing, but if there was a power disturbance the Pod’s onboard power grid or the power station would bring it down safely to the ground.”

“Anyway, we were given a list of places of leisure to investigate. And since this is such a warm planet, we thought we would check out what kind of water parks they might have. By the way, the clothing they wear incorporates environmental conditioning almost as good as our En-suits, but without the energy packs. We found a park with a number of activities—”

“Oh dale, what did you think of that Bubble Transport Sphere! Wasn’t that awesome?” Dale nodded appropriately.

“Anyway, we walked in to the... Oh, let me tell you about the Bubble first. You Enter a platform, either by yourself or with a friend, then they energize some sort of magnetic field, and a bubble appears around you. It picks you up and floats around in some random pattern that flips you around like you were in a washing machine and ends up right over this big swimming pool, and just—pops! You drop straight into the water, ready for another flight. It was a gas!”

Tammy caught herself getting carried away with her story and straightened down her shirt.

“Anyway, back to the ‘research’” she quoted in the air again, nudging Dale. “Oh, I’m sorry Dale. It didn’t go so well for you did it.” She gave him a sad puppy dog look. Dale rolled his eyes as she talked. “Oh, I saw this good looking Vlanco guy...”

“Tammy!” I scolded, with bulging eyes, “Please stick to some sort of continuity.”

“Okay, OKAY.” She took a deep breath and looked up. “Lets see, when we entered the park, the people were very helpful with social procedure and the location of different leisure activities. It was a lot like Earth. They had food on sticks and drinks in shaded areas and many, many options for fun.

Oh, yeah, it was so funny, when what looked like a three year old kid walked by me with her mother and said, ‘Mama look at the furry people.’ pointing to me and Dale, HA, HA! Furry! That cracked me up! I guess if you’re bald, furry is a perfectly normal thing to say.” We all smiled at Tammy’s obvious pleasure.

“Its Dale and I,” corrected Chip, for the fourth time this week.

Tammy smiled sweetly, and batted her eyes at him. “Oh, thank you so very much Chip for putting a depression on my uplifting story”

Chip leaned his head on the palm side of his hand, waiting for more pertinent information to be revealed. I was getting suspicious of this tit-for-tat grammar competition, but she quickly got on task.

“Anyway, we continued to investigate many of the rides and activities and they were really a lot of fun, and the Vlancos really enjoyed themselves too. In fact Dale and I seem to have a little group of Vlancos follow us wherever we went. We had our own little groupies. I felt so important,” she said, pursing her lips and patting her chest, like she was royalty. “Eventually, one of the male Vlancos named Derngo, who was hanging around us awhile, invited us to a Vlanco Creation celebration. Its known as a birthday party to you and me, she confided. Anyway, this is how it went:”

“‘Tammy?’ said Derngo, ‘you really seem to enjoy yourself in our Entertainment Arenas. When you get an opportunity, you might like to go with me and my friends, and your escort of course, to a Vlanco Creation party.’”

“I nudged him affectionately and said, ‘Really?! A Vlanco creation party? I can hardly wait to be a part of this!’ I gave him a wink. ‘I hope it’s just you and me, babe.’ He and the others laughed heartily at my humor. ‘Well, take us to it,’ I said, pushing on Derngo.”

“I was always willing to try anything new, at least once. As she turned to talk to Dale, I noticed he was gone. “Well where the Hell-o did Dale-go,” I said, looking around the group.”

“‘We can go look for him if you want us to, Tammy.’ said Derngo.”

“‘Na, he’s a big boy. We’ll meet up later somewhere else I’m sure. Okay people, lead onward.’”

“And with that, the group directed me to a local transport system in the area. The transport was a series of bus sized vehicles that operated on air. They were powered by photovoltaic type fans, which were very quiet and just hovered across the ground. The escort, me, and a few Vlancos, jumped on board…including Derngo, who gave directions to the party location. I noticed no monetary exchange going on and so I inquired. “‘Hey, Derngo, how do you pay for your trip?’

He looked at me with deep blue eyes and strong squared facial features, accented with a big smile. ‘Tammy, I don’t quite understand?’”

“‘Don’t you pay for your rides someway?’ I gazed up to him with my usual fraternization.”

“‘No, Tammy we do not. Our economic system allows us all to profit in all business ventures in the system and a portion is given to each member of the society. We all work in the occupations of our choice and work hard at them. Our reward is knowing that it helps the society at large.’”

“I was intrigued, but not impressed. ‘It sounds like the communist got to you. So how do you avoid one group of society from being corrupt and taking advantage of others?’”

“‘Corrupt?’ Derngo replied, incredulously. ‘Tammy, that has not been a concern of ours since the Great Battle, almost 400 years ago.’”

“Great Battle?”

“‘Yes Tammy. Ever since that time, there has been no need to be concerned with issues such as corruption or selfish desires.’”

“‘This Great Battle didn’t involve the Negritee did it?’ I half expected the answer.”

“‘Why yes, Tammy. It did.’”

“‘I thought so,’ I said shaking my head, ‘Jerks! Anyway, we can talk about this another time. I really don’t want to put a depression on my excitement.’”

“‘Very well, Tammy. We will discuss it later.’ He pointed to a tan, octagon shaped building. ‘There is the dwelling of Manstro.’” The transport had arrived at our destination, and as we exited the vehicle, a group of other people had arrived and were making their way inside. Entering the building, I could see that the people were pleasantly surprised and anxious to meet me…the Alien.”

“‘Tammy, we must hide over here and be quiet. Manstro will be entering any moment.’ He said, guiding me over to a concealed area.”

“‘Oh…This is like a good old fashion surprise party, isn’t it.’ He gave me a puzzled look. ‘Nevermind.’”

“As I looked around, I saw a boy talking to a cute little girl. She couldn’t have been more than three. The older boy was explaining the situation to the girl. “It is a surprise for Manstro, won’t this be fun, Mana!’”

“Mana, the girl said, ‘why are we quiet?’”

“‘Shhhh,’ said the boy. ‘They might hear us.’”

“‘Who, Yobo?’ said the girl in a normal volume? ‘Who, might hear us?’ she said louder. ‘Who?’ she persisted.”

“And before he knew it the boy blurted out anything to quiet her. ‘The Negritee. That is who. We have to be quiet or they will hear us!’ He said with impatience. But just as it came out, he turn to everyone with his hand over his mouth, as if to take it back. ‘I lied.’ He whimpered. Tears started to roll down his cheeks.”

“A nearby woman went over to comfort him, while some others drop their shoulders in disappointment.”

“I turned to Derngo. ‘What’s wrong?’”

“Derngo seemed like he had been hit in the gut. ‘Yobo is almost twelve and he has not lied for three years. It tears at your heart to see it happen in front of you. Does it not?’”

“I was baffled. ‘“I don’t get it. Was that little fib a big deal?’”

“‘Tammy,’ he said straightening up. ‘Of course it is. The truth is always a big deal.’”

“I gave him a smirk. Just then, Manstro walked in and everyone jumped up and shouted praise for him and sang a local celebration song. For a while, I kept thinking back to the boy and his fib. I didn’t understand why such a minor thing was so important to them. Nevertheless, the party was fun and novel and distracted me from my ethical critiques. The Vlancos taught me some new dances, I taught them some, and everyone seemed to enjoy their time together.”

“The next day, I requested Derngo come along with me and my escort, Tooma, to see some more sights. After I finished getting ready, I walked in on my escort. She was down on a pad facing the window, with her hand together in front of her. She bowed to the ground, whispering something about the Creator. I tiptoed behind so I wouldn’t disturb her. But a little later, my escort started exercising, to which, I was not bashful about interrupting.”

“I smiled and strode into the room. ‘Hey Tooma, how about letting me in on some of your Vlancoian work-out secrets.’”

“‘Tammy, it would be my pleasure.’”

“After a series of flexing, endurance and strength exercises, we got ready for our adventure of

the day. It was a blast. Every morning, we would exercise together. However, I was able to find other things to do during Tooma’s prayer time.”

“One day, at the Vlanco Star System Museum, I made some mental notes of the history of their people. The most intriguing was that the Negritee and the Vlanco were two cultures living in this triple star system. The Vlancos lived on Onos and the Negritees lived on what is now called Donos. The Vlancos scientific development was originally more advanced than the Negritee. When space exploration took place, they shared their knowledge with the Negritee to balance the two societies. However, the Negritee people were not as philanthropic as the Vlancos, and started hording the technology for their own purposes. Disagreements started to arise. The tri-star system escalated its technological development to a very advanced stage and ethical complications caused a major rift between the two cultures. Eventually, things erupted into final clash called the Great Battle.”

Tammy took a drink of water and then continued. “There was a spiritual awareness with the Vlanco people, who believe in a holy prophet named the Messenger. The Negritee, however, never accepted his teachings. Later when the Negritee tried to take control over the solar system, they were defeated in the Great Battle, which forced them to retreat to the nearest inhabitable system.”

We were just getting into Tammy’s tale, when she suddenly changed the subject. “Moving from the Vlanco Star System Museum, the next stop was the Vlanco Zoo. This was where I was serious and conscientious. It is, after all my specialty. This was where I felt at peace and at one with the creatures around me. In essence, the zoo was a huge game preserve, the size of a small country. Animals were allowed to roam free.” I pulled out my ComPad and entered visual and audio information for future evaluation. Most life forms seemed to have a similar structure and development as those on Earth. It opened up questions in my mind about the universe and its development. Was there a common thread between all life forms in the Universe? It seemed highly unlikely to her that these similarities could be of a random nature.”

“In all this, I sensed Derngo was my company. He stuck to me like glue.

“Derngo tried to peer into my eyes, while I was examining the animals. ‘Tammy, you seem very serious when we are exploring the animals.’”

“Yes, I am. This part of the tour is where my education comes into play.” I concentrated my scanning device on a furry, struthious creature with a melodic singing that rose up and down a three octave scale.”

Derngo rested his had behind my neck. “‘Tammy, you are a very unpredictable and likable human woman.’”

I tried to concentrate on the animal and look at him too. I gave him a slight glance. “‘Well, your not so bad yourself, ya big hunk.” I elbowed him in the stomach. After he gathered his breath, we laughed and teased one other, during our time with the animals. Tooma, the escort, watched over us with a smile.

“Anyway, things were going really smooth between Derngo and I.” She gave a brief stare over at Chip, to make sure he was aware of her correct grammar, then turned to me. “Oh, and mother Alex, don’t worry, the Vlanco men have no diseases and their plumbing is just like ours, not that I had the opportunity to find out personally,” she pouted. “Because what really blew me away, was how great things were going between us and he didn’t GET THE MESSAGE! If you know what I mean,” she said, pleading to the groups emotions, hands reaching out, in her typical dramatic way.

“For example, he and I were out at one of our dancing arenas and we were getting close and I squeezed his cute little butt.”

“He pulled back with a red face, ‘Oh Tammy, I am sorry if I caused you to become aroused.’”

“I started laughing, until I noticed he wasn’t. So I pursued the topic to find out what was up. I was direct. ‘Derngo, when is it appropriate to get intimate with the opposite sex.’”

“‘Tammy, do you mean copulation?’ He acted a little surprised.

“‘Yea, sure, copulation.’ I was thinking maybe five or six dates.”

“‘Not until the two people have gone through the Bonding Ceremony, of course.’ And he said it with dignity.”

“All I could say was, ‘Oh, yea of course. And all Vlanco guys believe the same?’”

“‘Yes, Tammy. With the exception of some that are mentally defective.’”

“I started thinking about how my Grandfather (when talking about sex) always said, ‘Ya can’t have a smooth coat of paint if you keep touchin’ it with your finger.’ All these Vlanco guys have so much integrity and so little fun. I guess we just weren’t on the same wavelength, because sex is definitely not a mentally defective—...” She stopped when she saw Shelby starring at the floor, shaking her head. “Hey, miss read-the-Bible-all-the-time. Don’t be judging me.”

Startled, by her remark, Shelby looked up at Tammy’s scowl. “Oh, Tammy, I’m not. Really. I just wish you could have been with me during my week, it was unbelievable...there is so much more to life than...”

“Than what?” Tammy shot back.

We could see Shelby trying to weigh the options before descending into Tammy’s abyss, of inevitable doom.

“What?” said Tammy waiting. “You mean, SEX?”

“Wow!” said Dale, scanning the rest of the group for a response.

After a pregnant pause, and with no one else volunteering anything, Tammy reluctantly spoke, “Okay, I’m sorry for that Shelby. But at least I’m honest with my stories. Don’t worry, you’ll get your chance to tell me about your week soon enough.”

There was no doubt, we had tension looming in the air, but I quickly shifted the conversation to keep the situation from deteriorating from bad to worse. “Thanks Tammy, we appreciate the information you have acquired and I think we would all like to hear more, but I’d like to move on to what Tom found out during his time with the Vlanco Military. And it may seem like I’m cutting you guys off prematurely, so we may want to consider having a meeting on a weekly basis to discuss further information about these people.”