“Any questions? Yes, you, please state your name.”
“I am Reverend Bookings. This says they are in our solar system. They are here now. What is keeping them from attacking us?”
Before Michelle could answer, one of the two board members she suspected would object stood up and started pointing.
“You did this! You brought these abominations upon us.”
The board member grabbed his throat and commenced to fall. A minister and a board member grabbed the choking board member, holding him up. Michelle released the choke and nodded to Jan. Jan rose with patience, slowly walked over, and escorted the board member backstage.
Corb and Janish were waiting out of sight. Corb grabbed the board member and teleported him to a holding cell at Q’eqchi.
“You will not be harmed. You will remain here until tomorrow evening. Do you understand?”
The petrified board member nodded an affirmative.
Corb waved to the military guard before he teleported back to where Jan and Janish were waiting. Jan went back into the auditorium and gave Michelle a thumbs-up before sitting in the seat on the aisle. Michelle acknowledged Jan before she angled back to the assembly.
“Reverend Bookings, yes, they are in our solar system. They are awaiting orders to deploy. What is keeping them from attacking Earth? Why are they here? Before I answer those questions, I want to know if anyone will not be able to deliver the message tomorrow?”
One of the ministers raised his hand while whispering to the minister on his left.
“Tell me, minister, why you will not be able to deliver the message.”
“It is not the message to which I object. It is the forum. Why a sermon? Why tomorrow?”
“That is extraordinarily astute of you. What is your name?”
“I am Reverend Jacobson. Matthew Jacobson.”
Michelle heard Landry via her nanobots.
“Matthew Jacobson, Doctor of Ministry. Thirty-four, wife Juanita, two kids, Matt Junior and Mary. Employed by the ministry for five years. Largest attendance, well-liked, and admired by his congregation. The minister sitting next to him is his protégé, Andrew Trammell.”
“Reverend Jacobson, Reverend Trammell, thank you for your question. There are two components to this message. Would you care to speculate on what the components might be or their purpose?”
The reverends looked at each other before Reverend Trammell responded to Michelle.
“One component is religion and its acceptance of non-human sentients. A large number of non-human sentient beings close to Earth will make it … real. Many still do not accept God’s grand design includes non-human sentient beings. If there is a grand design, a sermon will affirm it does not preclude humanity co-existing with others.”
“Well said, Reverend Trammell. You appear to have accepted faith does not preclude humanity co-existing with others.”
Reverend Trammell did not look away from Michelle, confirming her assertion, before he deferred to Reverend Jacobson, who picked up the response.
“The other component to which I assume you are alluding is one of pragmatism. Earth was ignored by other sentients until we became interstellar-capable. Now, we are galactic children, toddlers, with much to learn. I presume the quote you used in the summary is accurate. Any sentient, no matter how many fingers it has, is one of God’s creations.”
Everyone chuckled before Reverend Jacobson continued.
“Miss Wilbon, I understand the need for protection. To protect Earth. Why these beings? Why now? What happened? Why should we trust you?”
Tough questions, murmurs of agreement, grunts of acceptance, and nods of approval among the assembled were exactly what Michelle had hoped to achieve.
“Everyone, I am going to introduce you to two people. Two people capable of extraordinary things. My abilities are known, but they are minuscule compared to the people you are about to meet.
“I will request they join us, but I have one more question. I expect honesty and will not accept anything but your true belief and faith. This question is not rhetorical. Does anyone here have confidence in Earth being able to defend itself if attacked by a spacefaring race?”
Michelle waited. In turn, she looked each person in the eye.
“Thank you. I will ask my friends to join us.”
Corb and Janish teleported from backstage to either side of Michelle. Gasps of shock and whispered prayers erupted.
“Hello, I am Corb Levi Johnson. I grew up right here in Postahoka and some of you know my parents. Thank you for allowing us to speak to you today.”
“Hello, I am Janish Anika Roa. I was born in India. After graduating from university, I became an American citizen. I lived in Portland, Oregon, before I joined with Corb and Michelle and went to space.”
Jan had gone backstage, and in two trips, placed three chairs center-forward on the stage. Michelle sat, flanked by Corb and Janish. Michelle swiveled to her cowboy and smiled. Corb interlaced his fingers with hers and initiated the story.
“You may not have witnessed them until today, but you have all heard about the Summitate abilities. That is not new news. You have all heard about the spaceships and the formation of the Terra Carina Celestial Council, the TCCC. I am here to tell you the whole story …”
For three hours, Corb, Michelle, Janish, Davinder, Jan, and Himari went over the history of the Coterie, answering the occasional question. The assembly sat in captivated concentration.
“There it is, in a nutshell. No, we are not gods, nor do we presume to be deities. There are races who view me as a deity, but that is their problem, not mine. I am Corb and I have abilities. What I do not have is the ability to be everywhere.
“Therefore, we humans require help. Earth must be defended. The Ajawlil will remain in orbit and will be introduced gradually by the TCCC. Are the Ajawlil enough to stop an armada if a despot decides Earth is their target? No. Are the Ajawlil enough to defend Earth against raiders and pirates? Yes.
“Earth was off-limits for three thousand years. We have learned that which was lost, the Summitate abilities. Visiting the Ch’en people on K’an changed everything. Oh, and releasing the galaxy from the Xjaal oppression was a trigger.”
“A trigger, Mister Johnson?”
“Reverend Bookings, the Xjaal had their thumb on everything. They controlled interstellar transit and trade. Now, the galaxy is something of the Wild West. We saved the Xjaal and the Ajawlil from extinction, but we also created disharmony among the spacefaring races.
“There it is. We need help. We need your help. Any more questions? Yes?”
“Is there a plan for Earth to become capable of its own defense?”
“That is a question for the TCCC.” Corb stopped and pointed to Davinder. The assembly had to crane their necks to see the colonel.
“Accepting the Ajawlil mercenaries on a short-term basis to protect Earth is our best option. It is our only option. The TCCC is formulating plans to open trade negotiations with several planets. The problem is we have little to offer races who are centuries, or millennia, ahead of Earth in their development.
“All options are being considered. If you have an idea, I will personally deliver it to the TCCC.”
Before the assembly reverted their attention to the front, a small, dark-skinned minister on the edge of the assembly asked a question. His speech was heavily accented with its origins somewhere on the African continent.
“You called them mercenaries. Where I come from, mercenaries are both good and evil. It depends on who is paying the most or who is sure to pay. Why should I trust mercenaries?”
Davinder immediately understood the implications of the question. Having memorized the list of officiates under the Lite of Zion ministry, the pause to collect his thoughts was fleeting.
“Reverend M’Gata, I am sorry for your pain. My use of the term mercenaries was a poor decision. They are not simple weapons-for-hire. They have another duty. I will let Mister Johnson explain.”
Davinder placed his palms together in front of his face and, closing his eyes, bowed with respect toward Reverend M’Gata. The reverend nodded acceptance and spun back to the stage. Everyone followed the cue. Corb spoke tenderly.
“When my team saved the Ajawlil from extinction, we learned a great deal about them. They are a race whose sole purpose is to maintain order. They are an entire culture based on a military hierarchy and fighting battles. Without going into the details, when we freed the Ajawlil from the Xjaal, their leader, Admiral Jexond, vowed fealty to me.
“The Ajawlil are honor-bound to protect the person who pulled them from the brink of extinction. The fighters are all volunteers and have no higher purpose than to protect my home.”
Corb paused and, using his nanobots, reached out to Landry.
“Landry, are Jirmina and Jirxena watching?”
“Yes, Corb.”
“Please have them put on their dress uniform and stand ready. Quickly. I may come get them.”
“Those are all good words, Mister Johnson, but why should we accept you at face value?”
Beaming, Corb stood.
“That is an outstanding question, Misses McKenzie. I would expect nothing less from an attorney. If you will permit me, I will be right back.”
Before he could teleport out, Michelle grabbed his forearm.
“Corb, this was not part of the plan. What are you doing?”
“Relax. I am calling an audible.”
Corb kissed Michelle’s forehead and teleported to the Jaguar.
Michelle looked at Janish, who shrugged. Janish looked to the audience and continued the discussion.
“Regarding tomorrow, does anyone desire assistance? Is the message clear enough, are there any points we can clarify?”
Several people asked questions with some discussion on delivery and common sermon content. The reverends had warmed to the idea of being on the forefront of global change. Michelle’s nanobots interrupted her thoughts.
“Yes, Landry?”
“Michelle, Corb wants you to prepare the audience for the arrival of the Plentari.”
“Oh crap. Okay. Stand by.”
“Everyone, we have something to show you. Reverend M’Gata, your concern about alien defenders is important. Among the galaxy’s sentients, Corb is highly regarded.”
Janish, Jan, and Himari snorted at Michelle’s understated description.
Slightly embarrassed, Michelle continued. “My friends are correct, Corb is powerful and his opinion carries significant weight across the galaxy. He is going to bring to you two people. Not Ajawlil. They are Plentari. You will be the first humans who have not been to space to meet the Plentari.”
“Okay, Landry, tell Corb we are ready.”
Michelle did not hear a response. Corb and the two Plentari appeared to her right.
“Everyone, this is Commander Jirxena. This is Lieutenant Commander Jirmina. They serve aboard the Jaguar. They are my personal guard. Their communications translators will allow them to answer any questions you have. You will hear their responses through the auditorium’s speakers.”
Dressed in their formal uniforms, plasma lasers on their hips, the Plentari stepped forward and waited. Simultaneously, several reverends and board members asked questions, confusing the Plentari and their translation devices. Corb pointed to Reverend M’Gata and swept his arm left to right, indicating the group should take turns.
“Commander Jirxena, Mister Johnson is attempting to assure us the Ajawlil will not attack Earth. Is that correct?”
Jirxena addressed Corb first, and immediately Corb regretted his decision to bring the Plentari into the briefing.
“Corb, this man speaks of the Ajawlil under command of Admiral Jexond and Colonel Jyrode?”
Realizing Jirxena understood to avoid speaking of Admiral Jymind, Corb relaxed. Corb heard Landry.
“Corb, I anticipated what you were going to do. I briefed the Plentari to not speak of any threats to Earth or of the Xjaal and Ajawlil being clone races.”
“That is correct, Jirxena.”
“Sir, the Ajawlil who will defend Earth will give their lives to protect Corb’s home. For the Ajawlil, there is no greater honor than to serve Corb. Earth is not in danger from any of the Ajawlil Admiral Jexond assigned to protect the planet.”
Reverend M’Gata looked down the line of seats after he completed his questions. Reverend Bookings was next.
“Commander, how did you come to be Corb’s personal guard?”
“Corb freed the Plentari from the Xjaal. When Michelle was killed, he freed the Plentari from our corrupt ruler. The Plentari revere the person who gave us back the course to harmony.”
Corb realized there was a potentially big problem and jumped in. “Michelle was not dead. She was attacked, knocked unconscious and bleeding badly. We were able to provide medical aid and she made a full recovery.”
Michelle slid the sleeve of her dress up, exposing the scar on her shoulder. Before Corb had finished, Landry was transmitting a different message for the Plentari, Corb, and Michelle.
“Jirxena, Jirmina, do not speak of anything the Enlightened One has done. Answer the questions plainly. I will provide guidance before you answer.”
“Commander Jirxena, how did you come to be a crewman on the Jaguar?”
“You volunteered to serve the one who brought a path of harmony to the Plentari.”
“We volunteered to serve the one who brought a path of harmony to the Plentari. Corb accepted our service. For the Plentari, there is no higher honor than to serve the one who brought harmony.”
Reverend Jacobson seized on the frequent use of the word harmony. “You have used that word repeatedly. Harmony. What does it mean to the Plentari? What does it mean to the galaxy?”
“Harmony is when all things live with simplicity and focused attention on the coherence of the whole cultural structure."
“Harmony is when all things live with simplicity. Harmony is the focused attention on the unity of the whole cultural structure."
“Yes, that is the definition of harmony. What I am asking, Commander, is what does it mean to you?”
Before Landry could provide guidance, out of frustration, Jirmina stepped forward and responded to the reverend.
“Harmony is no fear of a child being hungry. Harmony is finding warmth when it is cold. Harmony is freedom from war. Harmony is a long life filled with joy. Harmony is being loved. Harmony is loving. Many places have harmony. One day, Earth will have harmony.”
After pausing for effect, Jirmina continued.
“While I am capable, and while he continues his quest, for as long as he allows me to serve, I gladly put my life between Corb and any threat to restoring the harmony.”
Jirmina stepped back and Jirxena followed. They flanked Corb, one step behind him.
“Any more questions? Yes?”
“Why? Why are you doing this? You have a powerful spaceship. You can go anywhere. Judging by your entrance, exit, and the magic you performed, you can do just about anything. Why?”
“Reverend Bookings, I will do what it takes to keep Earth safe. My friends here, and many more across the galaxy, will help me to keep Earth safe.”
Turning, Corb wiped the tears from Michelle’s face before closing the meeting.
“I want my daughter to grow up healthy, safe, and smothered in love.”
Chapter Twenty-One
ᚳᚻᚪᛈᛏᛖᚱ ᛏᚹᛖᚾᛏᚣ-ᚩᚾᛖ
“Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.”
Malala Yousafzai
“They did what?”
Muting the array of television monitors, Janice Patterson, chairperson of the TCCC, stared down the council members. Late Sunday evening in Geneva, the TCCC was surprised at the news they were hearing about a small but growing fundamentalist congregation. Headquartered in the state of Texas, the congregation’s Sunday sermons had lit up the national news organi
zations. Her response to the incredulous councilman was matter-of-fact.
“What they did was tell the truth. They are preachers for the Lite of Zion ministry. You will recall, from the dossier, the ministry is owned by Michelle Wilbon. She orchestrated this, and now we have to respond.
“The North American Sunday news talk shows, the cable news outlets, and social media are non-stop with the message from the sermons. There are already a few far-right conservative groups staging protests, but they are being ignored.
“The news is spreading about our friends the Ajawlil. We have about an hour to craft a response if we want to stay ahead of the message. Ideas?”
Chairperson Patterson let the council argue and debate, but she had worked with Michelle and Davinder to craft the TCCC’s response. While the council’s debate raged, she simulated taking notes, scribing suggestions, and making recommendations.
“It is agreed. We will take credit for the Ajawlil contract to defend Earth from privateers and marauders. Here is the message I have drafted.”
The message appeared on the monitors. The council reviewed the content and made small suggestions for wording, grammar, and flow.
“Madame Secretary, please schedule a news briefing for midnight. It will be carried live in the Americas and played repeatedly on the morning talk shows following the sun.
“If there are no objections?
“It is done.”
“Esteemed members of the press, thank you for assembling at this late hour. I am Chairperson Janice Patterson of the Terra Carina Celestial Council. It is my pleasure to speak to you about several recent developments. The first topic I will address is the news reports regarding the Lite of Zion ministry’s sermons. The messages delivered in this morning’s sermons are generally accurate. I am also here this evening to correct a few items being reported incorrectly. The second topic I will address is the TCCC’s role and our plans to ensure Earth’s security.
“The ministry’s message is accurate. The Ajawlil are an expeditionary combat force tasked to provide temporary protection to Earth. The news reports are also inaccurate. The Ajawlil under the command of Colonel Jyrode were invited by the TCCC. They did not take it upon themselves to become Earth’s guardians.
BairnGefa- The Akashic Expedition Page 15