Earth Cat Zero: Last Cat Meowing

by Gary Starta

  “I hope we make good company then.” The doctor’s commentary was met with a raised eyebrow from Deborah.

  “Now, I will shuffle the deck. Let’s see where your destiny is taking you. Spirit. Please tell us where Earth Cat’s destiny is taking him.” She repeated the last sentences several times while shuffling.

  “Ah. First card is Tower. That’s a Major Arcana and it can signal disruption and conflict are on the horizon, if not already manifested.” The woman pulled the next card. “Queen of Cups. This is a Minor Arcana. This portends your innate power. Maybe in a quest for love or to be taken care of – but – there will be struggle. Your third card is Major Arcana – the Sun. You are bright. You were a bright force when created. So, although there may be conflict, you will have the power to deal with it.”

  Deborah pulled additional cards. “The Prince of Pentacles, Queen of Pentacles and Fifth of Pentacles tells me there is more conflict or a fight coming – but a younger person may be helping you in the way of finance or stability. A deep sense of loss is at play, maybe you’ve lost everything. Maybe where you have come from. In turn, there may be potential for a big gain – especially with the Tower card. Things are in the balance and a lot of people will be involved in your future. Whomever the Prince of Cups may be will determine your role in your future. This could be a male figure.”

  Deborah shuffled again, drawing the Four of Swords. “There is danger, Earth Cat Zero. I am seeing this in the form of a male figure once again. But you will be prepared for it with help from allies as well as your inner makeup.” The reader analyzed her next card drawn: The Justice card. “You are in interested in being just and good. This positive influence will help you in your battle. The Seven of Pentacles and the Fortune cards tells me a young person will be your protector. Fortune is smiling on you because of this ally.” She drew again. “Ah, but the Chariots card portends things will move fast so be prepared. Things will escalate quickly.”

  Miranda found herself hugging Earth Cat tighter. Entranced with the Fortune card, which depicted a woman smiling, she hoped to draw strength. OMG. This woman is telling me that I’m ultimately responsible for Earth Cat’s fate.

  “Ah, another ally will be with you, Earth Cat Zero.” She flipped a card. “It’s the Queen of Swords.”

  “Hmm.” Miranda mumbled absently. “She seems kind of stern.”

  “Maybe a mother figure, perhaps?” Deborah answered.

  “Oh, I see.” Miranda said. That can only be mom.

  “The Tradition card tells me this queen wants to stay close, she is filled with goodness; but she has claws – so to speak – and can be expected to protect when necessary. Hmm. The Two of Pentacles tells me that you are waiting for a plot to unfold.” She shuffled again drawing one more card. “The Eight of Cups. Uh huh. A happy ending is in store despite your struggles, but someone – possibly you Earth Cat – will feel as if you’re missing something. You may be a bit resigned, a bit sad. Your ending may be one tinged with regret; a departure.”

  Miranda gasped and the doctor took her hand into his.

  “Deborah,” - Brands said - “isn’t it true that Earth Cat Zero has the will to change his destiny?”

  “That is so. But our blue and green darling may be comforted that the cards generally seem to say he is capable of affecting a lot of people. I can hope – with strength from allies – that he will affect a positive change for all – whatever the outcome. He is represented by a strong light – the sun.”

  “Are you saying I’m a savior?” Earth Cat seemed to moan more than ask.

  Back onto the windy streets, glints of sunlight fenced with dark storm clouds. “We should move fast or better yet – get a ride. The storm is here.” The doctor’s assessment chilled Miranda.

  In the car, Miranda spoke with excited hand gestures. “This is so portending. The cards seem to be laying out everything we’re going through.”

  “I can also say that mere surface knowledge of Earth Cat Zero would give this reader an unforeseen advantage so to speak; meaning, it’s not hard to predict a great struggle – when his very coming was one of severe change – not to mention he is surrounded by some pretty good allies.” The doctor shot Miranda a wink.

  “I do see that. I am intrigued – if not downright scared – of her prediction about male figures and danger. She couldn’t really know about that, Doctor.”

  “Maybe so.”

  “If her reading is correct, we need to find out who those male figures are because right now they are hiding in shadows.”

  Heavy rain beat against the car’s rooftop like invisible fists.

  Miranda flipped through her phone, feeling responsible for Earth Cat Zero as the reader had predicted. “Look, Earth Cat” – she positioned her phone for the feline to see – “the first paintings have been entered in your contest.” She giggled. “They are so cute – like you.” She snuggled her face into Earth Cat’s neck hoping to ease his mind.

  Brands also flipped through his phone. “On yet another serious note, we have an invitation.”

  Miranda scrolled through text.

  “It seems we have an Internet station interested in promoting Mr. Marino’s idea. Earth Cat, do you feel up to a meeting?” Brands asked. Miranda could see contempt written all over the doctor’s face. He’s so not a fan of Mr. Marino’s spiritual crusade.

  Earth Cat took a moment to respond. “If the reader is correct then it is my duty. Deborah said I will affect many.” Earth Cat Zero’s body was reclined in Miranda’s lap but appeared to be in a defensive stance.

  Miranda sighed to herself. Who would believe towers, pentacles and swords would still play such a major part in the modern world?

  Thunder rumbled as the car wended its way through midday traffic.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Gazing up into the multi-colored ceiling lights, Earth Cat Zero pawed at the microphone before him. “This is mesmerizing, Miranda. Why don’t we have a studio like this one?”

  Miranda placed a finger over her lips in a silent plea to get the cat to comply. What are we in for now? The teen contemplated the wisdom of accepting the request from Internet broadcaster Damon Mercurio to talk about spirituality among animals. In her gut, she felt the interviewer was going to push an agenda; Vince Marino – the homeless man – had instigated the idea, believing that Earth Cat Zero could unify humanity and ready it for changes. But did Vince – or even this broadcaster – believe yet another change in addition to the cat disappearance was coming? A majority of seers – including Nostradamus – portended trouble a lot more often than they did joy for humanity. Miranda felt a chill at her back – perhaps from the air conditioning – or maybe from anxiety. She wished Brands had accompanied her, instead, he opted to spend time in the downstairs coffee shop working out formulas.

  Mercurio announced his show to listeners, mentioning upcoming appearances, many of them were conventions and classes for Tingsha bell yoga and meditation as well as other spiritual disciplines.

  The interviewer, Damon Mercurio, started a silent countdown from five to one using his fingers. Miranda could audibly hear her heartbeat thrum. She gazed again at Earth Cat Zero who seem nonplussed. For good or bad, I’ll just let Earth Cat speak candidly…

  “How about we give a nice virtual welcome to Earth Cat Zero?” Mercurio announced, speaking in a Texan drawl. The cat’s ears twitched back and forth, possibly in response to the wireless micro-sized ear buds that hung about his head.

  Earth Cat took the opportunity to turn the tables quickly, asking the announcer what kind of accent he had.

  “I’ve never heard that accent, Damon. Where are you from?”

  “I’m originally from Texas. Dallas to be exact. Hmm. I could ask you the same question, but I realize that that query may be rhetorical for the time being.” Miranda felt comforted by the man’s accent. He pronounced ‘time’ like he was saying ‘t-ah-m’.” In a way, the man’s accent was comforting
when compared to the brutality of a New York dialect. Mercurio concluded. “Can anyone really say where they’ve come from?”

  Earth Cat placed a paw on his cheek. “I would say most humans believe they originated from a creationist theory.”

  “You would probably be correct. Back in Texas, that sure seems to be the case.” Mercurio chuckled.

  “I seem to have appeared from a mischance. An unintended event.”

  “Believers in evolution might say we all came about that way. Just look at The Big Bang Theory - was that an unintended event or the hand of God?”

  “I wouldn’t claim to know. I am only a cat with the gift of speech, Damon.”

  “It would seem you are an intelligent being, no matter. You even had the capacity for intelligence before you were given speech. I think all animals possess that capability. It’s why my new friend, Vince Marino – the man responsible for suggesting this interview – believes you could be an animal spirit guide. But truthfully, I haven’t come across any literature that speaks of house cats as guides.”

  “I don’t believe I have any particular wisdom. Not on this topic, Damon.”

  “You may underestimate yourself. What is going on in the inside?” The broadcaster rested a hand near the cat’s chest. “I think you have a quite a story in there and it’s waiting to be revealed.”

  “Are you saying I may have a guide?”

  “I do. I think all sentient creatures do.”

  “How would I find this guide?” The cat’s tailed wagged quizzically in the shape of a question mark. “I have made some dear friends here, Damon. If there’s a way I can help them – help all of you – I need to know. And I need to know this sooner than later.”

  Mercurio chuckled. “Are you going somewhere?”

  The cat blinked a few times and Miranda observed a dew in Earth Cat’s eyes. She was dying to speak, to come to his rescue; but Miranda had not been equipped with a mic for the broadcast, she only was wearing headphones.

  “I wonder where we are all going.” The cat mused.

  Miranda chuckled softly to herself, proud that Earth Cat Zero was learning the art of human psychology. Way to play, Earth Cat.

  The broadcaster didn’t seem daunted, however. “It would seem that science can’t explain everything – at least not always. Would you consider yourself to be an act of divine intervention? I mean, your very name Earth Cat Zero implies some kind of uniqueness. If you didn’t exist on this planet prior, it is doubtful this is evolution but intelligent design. Would you agree?”

  “I could and I would. But surely there must be other intelligent life in the universe other than God.”

  “That is a question for philosophers, Earth Cat Zero. True believers have faith. I see you are a questioning individual. Are you implying alien intervention?”

  “Anything is possible until the most probable answer comes along.”

  “I think you are in a great and unique position, Earth Cat Zero. You are unusual enough of a creature to speak to the people – to give them unity. You are also an animal – and most of us humans have a great love for the animal kingdom. I mean, just look at all the videos of cats and dogs on the Internet. I think – what I’m saying – is that you are in a position to advance us – to bring us one step closer to ascension. People are ready to sit up and listen for a change.”

  “I haven’t considered my position. I haven’t had the time to consider my place, Damon. Not while my friends are working hard to bring back my fellow kind. All I can say is that I may have different coloring, but I believe I am a cat, nonetheless. I have the ability to read, and your history shows religion can unfortunately divide us. What I’m saying Damon is – I am on no one’s side.”

  Miranda observed Mercurio’s face pale. Uh oh. I think you hit a tender spot, Earth Cat.

  “My only advice” – Earth Cat Zero continued – “is that people should embrace love and hope every moment they can. We must enjoy our present to enjoy our future.”

  “Sage advice, my friend. Well, are you ready for some calls?” Mercurio seemed relieved that the feline had explained his stance. Color returned to his cheeks.

  Miranda mouthed toward the broadcaster: “Calls?” Now Miranda’s face paled.

  Mercurio initiated a thumbs up gesture to his producer in the booth adjacent to them.

  “Yes, we have our first caller on the line. It’s Tammy from Santa Barbara. Go ahead, Tammy.”

  “Yes, well. I don’t know if I can come to grips with your first presumption, Damon. You are saying since cats have intelligence that we are no better than them. I might remind you that we sheltered and fed them.” She paused to chuckle. “I have the food and vet bills to prove it.”

  “Good point. What do you say to that Earth Cat Zero?”

  “I think my kind would have to admit that although humans believe themselves to be the masters – they actually have served my kind quite well.”

  After a few more calls, Earth Cat Zero was able to turn the topic away from controversy. Miranda sighed in relief afraid the Bible Belters might have a few choice words to say in response to today’s conversation.

  Earth Cat sat with crossed paws. “Damon, I would like to find my guide. Please show me how.”

  “Hmm. It’s more like your guide’s going to find you. All you need to do is dream. Well,” – he guffawed – “it’s a bit more complicated. But I’m going to give you a file with drumbeats. It’ll help to get you to the upper realms. All you need to do is relax, breathe and repeat some empowering affirmations such as: I am a being worthy of love. I am loved. I will be loved.”

  Miranda felt her heart skip a beat. She had practiced such mantras to deal with low self-esteem. A part of her wondered what agenda the likes of Vince Marino and Damon Mercurio were promoting. But she concluded, Earth Cat Zero was a savior whether he liked it or not. Over the course of history, those put in such daunting positions likely never requested such a weight of responsibility. The teen was proud that such a small cat had such broad shoulders for the task. We came here for a reason. I’ll let Earth Cat follow that reason, without interference. She hoped she could convince Brands to do the same. In any case, Earth Cat Zero was going to journey this evening – at least metaphorically.

  The next morning…

  It was a place unknown to Earth Cat Zero. His recent existence as a blue and green feline on Earth gave him a gut feeling. This isn’t Earth…

  The vision unfolded as Miranda observed Earth Cat Zero sleeping with his belly in the air, paws flailing intermittently and eyelids fluttering. The teen realized the cat was no longer subject to a wave or particle existence, or even confined to the white couch it laid on. She held clasped hands, praying that he would return. The very fact that the mind could travel in an astral plane without need of a collider was both fascinating and troubling to her. Maybe Vince the homeless man was right. We’ve held ourselves back by a need to define and confine by category. Fortunately, Dr. Brands was too preoccupied getting his microchip adjusted by Andy and Andrea to protest what he had labeled as ‘metaphysical balderdash’. Miranda felt there was a bit of truth in all philosophies. The tarot reader Deborah had predicted a clash with unknown male enemies – possibly a prediction lacking credibility because of vagueness – yet she had described her mother and herself as Earth Cat Zero’s protectors to the tee.

  Earth Cat Zero continued to tousle with some unforeseen being, his body shifting from side-to-side with his mouth opening and closing as if speaking some silent nocturnal language. Finally, the cat’s eyes opened. His dilated pupils denoted a look of shock. Miranda scooped the cat into her arms and cuddled him. “Are you alright?”

  “I am.” The cat blinked a few times as if to gain perspective on his whereabouts. “I was away.”

  “Where you came from?” Miranda’s voice cracked in anticipation.

  “No. But it was a sterile place. The end of my vision was cosmic. Just a sea of stars twink
ling against a black back drop.”

  Miranda shook the cat with eyes bulged. “Very good. I am glad you are okay. Can you tell me what happened – from the beginning?”

  The cat nodded. “I was greeted by a red bird. I don’t know if he was our Red. Definitely a cardinal by his tweeting noise. He did not speak but the way he flew – it was as if he was turning pages or flipping screens.”

  “He must have been your guide.” Miranda held up a hand as she navigated her phone with the other. “A cardinal spirit guide shows you courage. He represents spiritual values of love, hope and cheer. The cardinal does not migrate during the winter. He would seem to represent a steadfast resolve. He will show you the new beginnings…you should take courage in a challenge.” Miranda paused to cup a hand about her chin. “Were you shown a new beginning?”

  “I – don’t know. It was symbolic if it was. I saw the woman we first met at the hamburger joint.”

  “Felicity’s imposter?”

  “Yes, she was wearing the coral-colored shirt. She was standing with a man who was taller. The vision did not show me their faces, it also did not allow me much in the way of auditory cues. At best, the language was muffled. But I felt some kind of intimate connection between them.”

  “Well, what did the guide show you? Maybe it wasn’t about faces or dialogue.”

  “I’d say it was about fashion sense.”

  “Fashion sense?”

  “Yes, something I have difficulty comprehending as a feline.”

  “Hmm. Describe it.”

  “It was silvery. Jewelry. There were some engravings – yes -ah – the man’s jewelry depicted the letter ‘A’. And the woman’s engraving was an expression – something heartfelt – it made the woman sob, and it caused the man to chuckle. A weird dichotomy of emotional responses…”

  “Yes, Earth Cat. Humans sometimes cry out of happiness, but they can also laugh from happiness as well. Try to remember the expression.”