by Hep Aldridge
Once introduced, it would be able to spread to all water it came in contact with. It would not degrade over time yet is undetectable if the water were analyzed. It would not affect the salinity of saltwater, only pollutants that might be present.
The second container held fifty or so small square boxes about the size of a paper clip box. They contained a derivative of the water purifier, except this was airborne. When activated, it would disperse a purifier that eradicated air pollutants over vast areas. It was also self-replicating and stayed active in the atmosphere for years. While not as pervasive as the water purifier, it would lose some of its potency over time the further it spread from its source. Jeannie said her people have used both of these for thousands of years and on many planets and have not found any environment they cannot clean. Once activated, the air purifier would clean an area of two to three thousand square miles and last for years before a new unit would need to be activated, if needed.
The last package contained a device that looked somewhat like the cutting/welding tool Joe had used to repair Jeannie’s power source. There was a metallic-looking glove and a thin silver device, eight by ten inches, with an area at the top that was a display surface. She said this was a water detection and drilling device. Activating the device required touching a red spot on its surface. The device would then scan the underground area below it, like sonar, and show water deposits, size, and depth. The glove device would create a hole or shaft, the diameter of which was adjustable, down to the water supply. Jeannie said the device disintegrated the material it cut through and formed hardened walls as it operated. There would be no worry of wall collapse after its use, no matter which shaft diameter was chosen.
This was amazing stuff, and when she finished with her explanation, I asked her if she could kind of explain how they did what they did. Jeannie laughed and said, “Colt, I don’t mean to insult you, but I’m afraid your world’s understanding of science and physics doesn’t even come close to being able to comprehend how these devices work, so please forgive me if I don’t go into those details right now. Perhaps someday, I can share more specifics with your scientists.”
Joe let out a low whistle and said, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”
We all saw the humor and truth in Arthur C. Clarke’s familiar quote.
I even think Jeannie got it when she said, “For now, yes, we’ll just call it magic,” as she disappeared.
An hour or so later, we were wrapping up our packing when Jeannie reappeared and said she wanted us to accompany her. We followed and wound up back at the storeroom we had seen days earlier. She entered the chamber with the lounges in it and asked us to have a seat, lay back, and relax. By now, we knew better than to question Jeannie and did as she requested. She left the room and entered what we had previously identified as the control room. The light in the room began turning blue, and she told us to close our eyes as it grew brighter.
I remember a sense of well-being, serenity, and revitalization engulfing me. I relaxed and soaked in the feelings with a hint of what was now occurring. It lasted about ten minutes, and then Jeannie said, “There, you may open your eyes and get up.”
She entered the room, and Doc said, “Did you just do what I think you did—actually extend our lifespans?”
“Not quite,” she replied. “You will age, but I did, however, provide you with eternal good health—immunity to the diseases that ravage your population, cancer, heart disease, and all others. Your aging will happen more slowly than any of your peers. At the age of seventy, you will still have the health and vitality of a fifty-year-old. One day, you will die peacefully, unless individually you decide to return to the Citadel and live on indefinitely, guiding future researchers in the use of the library.”
We were stunned, not only at what just happened but the fact that Jeannie had just opened the door for any of us to return if we wanted to. As I looked at my colleagues’ faces, I saw the realization of what she said sinking in. I looked at Jeannie and said, “I don’t know how we can thank you for this amazing gift. I think I speak for everyone when I say, we assure you we will use it wisely.”
Jeannie nodded and left the room. We went back to our preparations for departure, too dazed by all that had just happened even to discuss it right now. It was late afternoon when we finished and headed to the restaurant, as we called it. The table was once again set with meats, cheeses, bread, fruit, and flagons of drink. We were halfway through our meal when Jeannie appeared, and Eduardo and Lithel walked in. I think we all were more than a little taken aback at the transformation we saw in Eduardo. His clothes were flowing robes of a pale blue color, his hair was neatly cut, and he stood taller with confidence we had not seen before. Lithel, in her giant saber-toothed cat form, walked in and sat next to Jeannie as Eduardo came in and greeted each of us with a manly handshake, followed by a hug and huge grin.
Joe spoke up first, “Eduardo, look at you; you’re looking good, young man.”
He was, and it was evident that a transformation from teenager to adult was taking place. As he greeted us, his voice was even different, precise and confident—the voice of a man. When he got to me, he gave me a great bear hug, then stood back, and, looking me squarely in the eyes, thanked me for all I had done for him over these last couple of years and for agreeing to allow him to stay with Jeannie.
“You are welcome,” I said, “but I should be thanking you for what you have done for us and what you have brought to the team. You became a true asset to this group, and you will be missed.”
I saw Lithel’s huge cat form get up and walk to me. I was seated, but her head easily came to my shoulders as she nuzzled against it. Her thoughts were clear, “Thank you, you have done well with this one. He will make a fine Watcher and keep your memory fresh in our minds.” She pushed her cold nose against my cheek in what I can only describe as a giant feline kiss and turned away.
Doc laughed and said, “Colt, I think you may have just made the A-team.”
Lithel glanced over her shoulder as she continued walking away, and I heard, “Indeed you have, Colt.”
Eduardo joined us, choosing to sit next to Joe, with whom he had developed a close bond, and we continued our meal as Jeannie and Lithel watched. I had been thinking about something and figured this is as good a time as any to bring it up.
“Jeannie,” I said, “those men that attacked us, I am afraid when they do not return to civilization, there may be more sent to find out what happened. They will not give up easily. They are driven by a perverted zeal that seems to have been building for many years within their organization. There could be more trouble.”
“I understand, and thank you for your concern. But now that my powers have been restored, I am quite capable of protecting the Citadel from all foes. They will find it impossible to find a trace of our existence, let alone be of any danger to us.”
“What if they find the roadway?” Doc said.
“The roadway is no longer visible. I have increased the cloak and added safeguards that will ensure no one will come this way uninvited. I will be able to sense their presence days before they would even come close, and at the very least create mental disincentives and confusion to keep them from continuing.”
Knowing how fanatics can react, I said, “And if that doesn’t work?”
Jeannie shrugged and said, “Then they will cease to exist.”
Dimitri said, “You could do that?”
“Oh, yes,” she responded, “and much, much more…remember, you are only privy to some of my magic.”
With that reassuring thought, we finished our meal and enjoyed our time with Eduardo, not wanting to think of it as a good-bye visit. We rose to leave, and Jeannie asked, “You plan on departing in the morning?”
“Yes, we need to get an early start. It’s over a two-day hike back to the abandoned village, then two more days to Tamara’s village, and two days back to our vehicle. So, we’ve got a bit of jou
rney ahead of us,” I said.
“I understand. I will meet you in the morning before you leave,” Jeannie said and disappeared.
We said our somewhat emotional good-byes to Eduardo and Lithel, with promises of seeing them again, and headed back to camp.
The rest of the evening was spent in final checks and quiet discussion. They centered on the amazing circumstances around our search for the library and discoveries made as well as the gifts Jeannie had bestowed upon us.
O’Reilly commented, “You know, it almost seems normal for us to make these wonderful discoveries, finding an otherworldly Citadel, meeting and learning from an alien being, and finding the library of all libraries. I don’t know; I think I’m kind of in shock over all of it happening in such a short time.”
“I agree,” Joe said, “And then there was the confrontation with the Brotherhood and the Vatican mercs on top of it all. I even got to use and work with magic tools.”
“And don’t forget, we got to fly,” Dimitri added, “that was so cool.”
Doc said, “I do believe we are in sensory overload, accepting what we have seen, experienced, and been part of without having or taking the time to really let it sink in. It just kept coming at us non-stop. It’s only been a little over two weeks during which we’ve experienced all of this. That’s a hell of a lot to take in during a short time.”
Reggie, who had been unusually quiet the last couple of days, said, “You know, Colt, when I first decided to try and join your group, I was looking for money and maybe a little adventure. But all of this… Sheez, totally unbelievable. It’s a good thing we agreed this should remain a secret because if we tried to tell people about this, we would all wind up in the nuthouse.”
Dimitri laughed a deep booming laugh and said, “No kidding, I mean, aliens, tigers, and fairies, Oh, My!”
We all broke up at that comment and laughed till tears rolled down our cheeks. It felt good to have that release, and I realized that was one of the ways we had been processing our experiences, finding humor in them, and letting it out. Laughter is truly a stress reliever. It was not meant to diminish the magnitude of the experience, but it seemed to have helped us accept and deal with this new reality we were now living. Of course, our visit to the blue room was helping since we now all felt more invigorated and full of energy, which added to this unimaginable moment.
As darkness approached, we turned in, looking forward to a good night’s rest amid the realization that this was our last night in this wondrous place.
We awoke to the smell of fresh coffee and freshly baked bread. The round table had been set again at the campsite and was filled with food. We made our trips to the “bathhouse” and began enjoying this wonderful repast. We were finishing our leisurely meal when Jeannie appeared. Her abrupt appearance had become part of our new normal and did not startle us when she appeared.
She smiled and said, “I see you have enjoyed your last meal in the Citadel. I am pleased you were able to do so.”
“Absolutely,” I said, “as always, it was beyond our expectations and much appreciated.”
She nodded and said, “Colt, may I speak with you?”
“Of course,” I said and got up and followed her a short distance away from the others.
She reached out and took my hand and placed in it something wrapped in what felt like velvet fabric. This did startle me a bit because I realized I had never come into direct physical contact with her since we had been here. Her hand was soft and warm; her long fingers wrapped around my hand easily, and I could feel energy pulsing through them. It was a surprisingly sensual experience, and I looked into her eyes and thought I saw a flash of emotion in them.
She let go of my hand and said, “I wanted you to have this and hope you will find it useful.”
I opened the cloth and found the bracelet I had used in the library to create the teleportation portal. My mouth dropped open as I looked up at her and said, “Are you kidding. You’re giving me the bracelet?”
“Yes,” she replied, smiling more broadly than I had seen before.
“I believe it will benefit you in your forthcoming activities and also facilitate a path for a return here in the future. I know you will use it wisely.”
“I can’t believe it,” I said, “thank you.”
“You are most welcome, but this also comes with some bad news and a warning. I have deactivated all the silver cubes you found on the ship except for one for your own personal and planetary safety. I have left the lifting/anti-gravity cube active for you to use and study. But as I said earlier, you must be extremely careful in your study of it. Its power is beyond your comprehension, but I will continue to be in touch to school you in its use. Also, when using the portable transportation device, you must be very specific when you activate it and select a specific location to travel to. If you are taking others with you, they must enter first, then you follow. Once you are through, the portal will close. You must always be the last one through. A clear mind and precise location are required to use it safely. Becoming careless in its use can have dire consequences that I could not save you from. Needless to say, choose your traveling companions, if any, carefully.”
I nodded and said, “I understand and will use it as you directed.”
“Now, let us return to your friends. I will leave it to you to explain the deactivation of the cubes when you feel it appropriate.”
We walked back as the gear was being rounded up and prepared for departure.
Doc looked at Jeannie and, after a few seconds, said, “Jeannie, I hope I’m not overstepping any boundaries, but I have noticed that since we have been here, you have started laughing and smiling much more than the first days of our arrival. Does this mean you like us?” he said with a laugh, “Because we sure like you.”
There was a chorus of laughter and agreements, “We sure do!”
“You’re a fantastic host and super doctor!”
“Very impressive!”
Jeannie laughed and said, “Yes, I do like you. Your time here has brought a joy long missing from this place and almost forgotten. Your interactions and love of life have renewed my spirit and given me hope for the future. For that, I thank you, and for your help during this time of crisis, please accept my eternal gratitude.”
“It was indeed our pleasure,” Dimitri said while making a sweeping bow, “and thanks for patching me up.”
“I was pleased to be able to help; I hope your chicks dig your scar,” she said with a somewhat puzzled look on her face, still not fully understanding the meaning of that phrase.
Jeannie then turned to Doc and handed him a cube about the size of the ones we found on the galleon.
“This is our historical record of this planet. Merely think of a question you wish to have answered, and it will be projected above the box. Detailed information on our technology is not included. But, as a scholar, I believe you will find the historical record quite interesting when compared to your version.”
A few more good-byes were said, and we picked up our packs and headed for the steps of the platform and the way out of the Citadel.
Jeannie said, “Please wait; I have one more gift for you.” She extended her arm, and the swirling mist of a portal opening began to appear.
Chapter Thirty-Five
We stepped into the mist at the Citadel and stepped out on the path in front of the hut of the elder brothers, the Watchers, a four days’ hike from where we had first breached the “cloak.” They were the ones we had interviewed at Tamara’s village about a half-mile away. Both men were standing there, smiling as if gleefully awaiting our arrival. Jeannie stepped through, and they immediately continued smiling and reverently bowing in her direction, obviously delighted to see her again. She bowed slightly to them and said, “They are very excited; they have not ever seen me outside the Citadel.”
We recognized the brother Dimitri’s marksmanship had saved on the road at the rockpile. The other one was still displaying the wounds
from having been severely beaten by the mercs. Jeannie was communicating with them, and they were nodding gleefully. A few minutes later, she came over to us and said, “They asked me to thank you for saving them and protecting the Citadel.”
I reached out and shook their hands and told her to tell them they were welcome. We were glad we could help in a critical moment.
A few seconds later, Jeannie said, “They have also told me that one of the men who attacked you on your way to the Citadel was wounded in the altercation and was being taken care of in Tamara’s village. They said he has been asking to speak with you if that was ever possible.”
“That sounds interesting,” I said, “the village is only a short distance away. Guess we better find out what he has to say.”
Jeannie said, “Then I will take my leave.” She looked at us, raised her right hand, palm facing us, and said, “safe travels, my friends, till we next meet,” and vanished. Wow, she didn’t even need a portal… magic indeed, I thought and wondered if our civilization would ever become so advanced.
And that was it; our encounter with an alien being from a star system thousands of light-years away had come to an end on a remote mountain path in the Andes mountains of Ecuador. We all seemed kind of stunned as we stood there. Finally, Doc said, “Well, I guess it’s back to the real world; this is all starting to feel like a dream.”
“I guess so,” I replied. What a strange feeling as we started walking toward the village—exhilaration mixed with sadness, a peculiar combination. The brothers had gone ahead of us to the village, and our arrival was met with much excitement. Tamara greeted us and was pleased that we had arrived safely. The brothers were speaking excitedly to him, and I asked Doc what they were saying.
“They are telling him they met us on the trail coming in, and they had told us about the man who wanted to speak with us.”