The officer in charge explained, “It is completely safe. The operator can’t fall off the disk because there is a force field that surrounds the individual while the disk is in motion. You control the speed by applying pressure with the ball of your right foot onto the pad. If you let up it slows down to a stop. To turn it you twist your upper body the way you want it to turn. In order for the disk to go up, you step back on your left heel. In order for it to go down, you tap your left foot until you are the height you want. Then, just return to your normal stance to level out. If you want to hover at that height you step on the red button. In order to go backwards you just push on the force field.”
He stopped his disk and showed them that underneath was a shiny gold Frisbee-looking disk with intricate cut outs on it. Then he held the flying disk in place in front of himself and spun the golden Frisbee underneath the flying disk. It hovered in place and then it gradually lowered itself.
“When the flying disk spins it generates a dim light that is the color of the speed the operator chooses, it always starts out with a green glow. The operator also controls the force field that surrounds him by first coming to a stop close to the ground and then he can raise it by swiping up or down on the force field.” He demonstrated what the force field surrounding the operator looked like. “It lights up like a computer that has panel controls. You can control your disk by manipulating the screen. The operator can also control the air temperature inside the force field by the panel controls.”
The officer reviewed the instructions and gave a brief demonstration on how to maneuver on the disks. He then asked them to step on. Once they stepped onto the flying disk an officer came beside them, and asked them to demonstrate what they had learned. Once they passed his test they were able to climb above the pedestrians and moved rapidly above the crowd.
The people who noticed them from the ground watched and pointed up at them. Charles wondered before how the other Sojourners had moved so swiftly when he first entered the Hub, now he knew. He noticed they were moving at much faster speeds than those moving below. He thought to himself the Hub must have a speed limit otherwise he couldn’t see why everyone wouldn’t be traveling at this speed. It was exciting to be able to zip around while everyone else had to walk or take pods. He looked down at them. They looked like a continuous streak.
Charles tried not to think of losing his balance. He looked at Airabelle who was perched on his arm. He figured she would rather be flying alongside them, but they didn’t dare risk being separated.
Suddenly they were asked to press the yellow button on the screen and they all slowed until they were asked to press the red button on the screen to hover in place. Charles realized they were in the International Hub. They were awaiting a French escort to their destination. Once the French escort arrived, a brief exchange in French took place. Charles understood about half of what was being discussed.
The American in charge turned and said, “This is our French counterpart, they are going to escort you safely to your destination at the hotel. Upon arrival they will introduce you to your guide who has a copy of your itinerary and a detailed description of information you will need.” He shook everyone’s hands and whispered in Charles’ ear, “Good luck son we are excited to be in this. It has been a long time.” After he said that he and his partner flew away.
That left everyone just standing and staring. Charles figured if the other officers knew what was going on, these people did too. They were probably sizing him up after already seeing his competition. Airabelle looked up at him.
The leader asked, “May we see the documentation on the unusual bird in your arm sir, before we cross the boundary?” One of the other officers was on what appeared to be a walkie-talkie.
Carson asked for permission to retrieve the papers. The leader nodded. It was hard to see them through their tinted helmets. Carson sorted through the bag. After a couple of tries he pulled out the documentation.
As the leader looked over the paperwork, from nowhere Dimitrios came on his own disk and landed right in between Carson and the French Officer. An ugly exchange took place between the two. The leader turned to the others who were with him and asked, “Who gave you permission to call headquarters?” They didn’t move just stood with their shoulders squared.
Dimitrios grabbed the paperwork from the leader and returned it to Carson. Then he apologized for the inconvenience and told Carson the paperwork in his hands superseded anything the International Government might claim. He advised Carson not to let it go from his possession because any original paperwork dated before the International Government would be priceless. They left the border and continued on their way.
They stepped through the Time Warp Tunnel to their destination. Dimitrios then dismissed the escorts and took them personally, with his assistant, directly to the accommodations where they would be staying. The officer previously stated they would be placed in a hotel, but they were taken to a fully furnished flat in the historic section of Paris. Carson and Bev repeatedly thanked Dimitrios for such wonderful accommodations. He kissed Bev on the cheek and spoke to her in French.
Carson said, “We were considering staying on for a couple of…”
Dimitrios waved his hand and said, “Consider it done. This is my place and you are welcome to stay on as long as you desire.” He explained that Cassia would soon be knocking at the door and that she would be their guide. He turned to Charles and said, “And I will be yours.”
Airabelle shook her wings. Carson slowly turned around and looked at Charles. Bev’s eyebrows were raised as she turned away in shock. They all quickly gained their composure. Dimitrios walked around the flat making sure everything was in order before he came back and gave Charles a few directions. Carson, Bev and Charles repeated their appreciation. Dimitrios shook Carson’s hand and patted Charles on his shoulder. He then turned to Bev and kissed her hand before leaving. Bev flung herself onto the plush couch and covered her hands over her face. Charles thought she might cry just by looking at her. He sat down beside her. She grabbed Charles’ arm swiftly but softly and whispered, “We are at the disadvantage.”
Carson looked at Airabelle as she said, “Now Bev, his body language didn’t suggest that. He is geared up for the battle. You know as well as anyone else, Dimitrios loves to do battle. He’s best at it when he fiercely believes in something.”
Airabelle looked at Charles and said, “That someone is you, Charles.”
Nodding at her remark Carson said, “The politics are showing.” Bev nodded. “Dirty politics or not, such is life,” Airabelle continued. “Charles, just remember when you are answering their questions to do your best. You wouldn’t be here if you were out of the race. They are still planning to interview you.”
Bev looked at Charles and said, “Dimitrios said he would be back for you in time for your interview at 5:00 p.m. I think you should rest before you get cleaned up.” She started looking around the flat. After coming out of the room on the left she said, “Charles your things are in here.” Charles walked back to where she stood in the hall. As they entered the room Bev said to him, “Charles, I am proud of you. You are going to do fine. Get some rest. When I come to get you we will discuss a game plan.” She kissed him on his cheek and closed the door.
Charles could hear them talking. A soft knock at the door interrupted them. Charles figured it was Cassia. He rolled over on the bed and drifted off to sleep.
Her perfume lingered in the flat long after she left. He wondered what she looked like.
Airabelle replied, “Cinnamon and spice and everything nice.” Charles laughed at her as he walked into the front room. Bev was talking to Carson on the outside balcony.
Airabelle said, “You are going to have to get ready soon. Dimitrios will be impatient if you are late.”
Charles smiled and said, “I don’t intend to be late.” He walked out on the balcony to let them know he was up.
“I have picked out a suit and tie for you. The
y are hanging on the back of the door in the bathroom,” Bev said.
Charles thanked her and went to get ready. Bev already had all of his things set out for him. He took his time knowing he didn’t need to be in a hurry. He looked in the mirror and ran his hands through his hair. He had forgotten to get a haircut, but surprisingly enough the length suited him. He liked his hair short but it actually looked fine growing out as well. He went through his routine and then began to put on his suit. He decided the solid black suit Nana chose for him was perfect. He put on his cologne and glasses. He completed tying his tie before he went in the kitchen and sat at the table.
Bev came in the kitchen and joined him, Carson followed. Bev told him that he looked very handsome. Carson took a black box out of his sweater pocket and handed it to Charles. Charles looked at him and then at Bev.
She asked, “Well, aren’t you going to open it?”
Charles nodded. He opened the box. Inside was a tie tack. It looked like a coin of sorts. Charles looked closer.
“It belonged to Prime Minister Thomasen,” Carson informed Charles.
Charles took it out of the box and Bev placed it on his tie. She smiled knowing it finished the suit nicely.
Airabelle said, “Voila!” Charles looked down.
“You look very distinguished,” Carson and Bev said in unison. Charles thanked them.
Carson looked at his watch. Charles knew that was a sign that Dimitrios would be arriving soon. They all gave him advice.
Bev reminded him of their training and said, “Remember your manners and to speak clearly.”
“Have a firm handshake and answer every question,” Carson advised. Airabelle added, “What we are trying to say is, just be you. When you answer a question think carefully before giving your reply. As you speak make eye contact with each member and be decisive.”
Charles laughed and said, “In other words we are in serious trouble.” Just then there was a knock at the door.
Airabelle said, “He’s fashionably early.” Charles momentarily lost all his color. Airabelle silently mentioned to him that she was there to help him, and to take a deep breath. He did and instantly felt better knowing she would be with him in thought.
Bev went to open the door and was talking to Dimitrios in the entry. Charles came around the corner and Dimitrios came to shake his hand.
“Good first impression, we are on a roll,” Airabelle informed Charles.
Dimitrios stared briefly at the tie tack before shaking Carson’s hand and kissing Bev on the cheek. He said goodbye as he and Charles headed out the door.
Charles wondered if they were late because Dimitrios was practically running. He must have realized what was happening because he slowed, turned to Charles and said, “It won’t be much farther, just around the corner. The Prime Minister is waiting for us and that is why we are in a hurry. I would like for us to arrive early. The other candidate was late.” Dimitrios smiled an impish smile, turned and continued his quick pace. He slowed again saying, “We are early. Time to catch your breath.”
They were in a well-lit cold stark white hallway. Charles could almost see his breath. It was a good thing it was so cold because Charles believed he would have been sweating from the racing speed they had used to get to the building. Charles was thankful for an opportunity to gather his thoughts before entering. Dimitrios disappeared through a fancy steel door leaving Charles alone.
Charles started communicating with Airabelle. She inquired about his location. He told her what he saw. Bev listened to Airabelle’s description and reported that Charles was outside the Prime Minister’s office, standing at the back door.
Bev smiled and said, “That means Charles is the last to interview. I believe this is a good sign.” Charles told Airabelle what Dimitrios had said about his competition. Airabelle went over etiquette with Charles one final time before Dimitrios opened the door. He moved to the side and allowed Charles to enter.
The contrast was amazing from where Charles was just standing to the luxurious accommodations of the Prime Minister. Dimitrios led the way. They paused briefly before going through double doors. Dimitrios looked Charles over. Charles figured he must have passed the inspection.
The Prime Minister was sitting at a small round table and stood up as Charles came through the door. “Mr. Brookfield.” He came over and shook Charles’ hand. He asked Charles about the accommodations for his stay. Charles thanked him and told him it was wonderful.
The Prime Minister motioned Charles to the table. Everyone sat down. The Prime Minister and Dimitrios immediately began to ask questions. Charles was confident of the answers that he was giving. Airabelle agreed with what he was saying. She was careful not to interrupt so Charles could hear the questions being asked. Charles thought to himself how thankful he was that Paw Paw and Nana had prepared him. The questions they were asking were all things they had discussed previously. Then something curious happened. Dimitrios went to the door.
Airabelle began to say, “Charles, we forgot to tell you that Cassia asked for a sample…” she trailed off. Charles turned and watched Dimitrios walk back to the table with his journal in his hand. Charles’ face burned from being embarrassed. He looked down.
Airabelle barked, “Look up Charles, look up. Don’t let them throw you off!” He looked up. The Prime Minister was watching Charles’ expression as Dimitrios set the journal on the table.
The Prime Minister asked, “Charles, you are the candidate with the least experience. It might be helpful for us to understand what you have experienced; if you would be kind enough to show us documentation.”
Dimitrios smiled to himself because Cassia had, accidentally on purpose, left it on her desk open for him to see a sample because she was so impressed with his work. Charles thanked the Prime Minister for wanting to see his work. He turned the journal for the Prime Minister to see. Finally Charles smiled because now he was in charge. If it was something Charles knew, it was his own work.
As he opened the book the Prime Minister’s eyes lit up as if he were a kid again as Charles took him through each of his experiences. Dimitrios moved closer to see, then found himself getting up to dim the office lights to get the full effect of the magnificent work Charles had created. Several times the Prime Minister laughed out loud and made noises of wonder at what Charles had done. When they were finished Dimitrios ran for the lights. The Prime Minister looked Charles over. His elbow was on the table and his mouth rested on his knuckles. He then shifted in his chair and sat back speechless. He looked at Dimitrios and asked if he had any questions for Charles. Dimitrios shook his head.
The Prime Minister said, “Very well then, Charles may I keep possession of your journal through the conclusion of the decision making process?”
Charles nodded and said, “I’d be honored.”
The two men shook hands and Charles thanked him for the interview. Dimitrios asked Charles to follow him from the office. Once they were out of sight Dimitrios did a little tap-like dance. This time he walked beside Charles as he led him back to the flat. Dimitrios asked him questions along the way and they had a discussion about what this opportunity would mean to Charles and his family. They briefly discussed the role of the Prime Minister and a few of the little known facts the responsibilities involved. Dimitrios also explained what his role would be with the successor.
When they arrived at the flat Dimitrios shook Charles’ hand and said, “I will be back for you in an hour for dinner.” Charles said he’d be ready. Then Dimitrios left. Charles entered the flat. Everyone was waiting for him and ready to ask questions. They were clearly excited. Charles expressed concern that there was a change of plans and he would be eating with Dimitrios. Bev told him that was all right because Cassia would be taking them to dinner while he was with Dimitrios. Cassia was the first to arrive. Carson introduced her to Charles. He was thankful she didn’t ask how the meeting went. She was very pleasant; he could see why Airabelle had commented she was cinnamon and spice
and everything nice. He could also tell by her mannerisms that she was very organized, could at any moment change direction and get down to business as a professional. When the opportunity was right she whisked Charles’ family out the door. Airabelle was staying home and was perched on the bookshelf. Charles sat on the couch after they left and talked to Airabelle as he waited for Dimitrios. True to his word Dimitrios arrived exactly an hour later. Charles hated to leave Airabelle, but she said she would rest and listen for him if he should want to communicate. He thanked her before he opened the door.
Dimitrios didn’t come into the flat. Charles walked out to join him, as he closed and locked the door behind himself. They walked and talked. It gave each of them a chance to know the other better. When they arrived at the restaurant Dimitrios was immediately escorted to a table ahead of the large crowd. Shortly after they sat down, dinner was served. Dimitrios apologized and said, “Cassia always places my reservations and orders ahead of time. I am sorry I let her take the liberty to order for you. I hope you like it.”
Charles thanked Dimitrios for his thoughtfulness, and then again later because the meal was delicious. The dinner lasted for an hour. After finishing their meal they walked back to the flat in the cool of the evening. Dimitrios told Charles that the interview with the Sojourners’ Council would be the next day at noon. After the interview there would be a final Sojourners’ Council meeting to debate the merits of each candidate and to take a vote. Then, that evening they would be escorted to a formal dinner and a dance. That would conclude the process. If Charles should be selected he would hear the following evening. They shook hands. Charles thanked him for his hospitality. Dimitrios smiled and said he was welcome.
Charles could hear Bev and Carson as he entered through the door. They called for him to join them. They were excited as they all sat around and compared notes. Bev encouraged Charles to go ahead and get changed. When he returned he handed Carson the tie tack. He sat down and again they shared more stories of their time apart. Charles explained to them what Dimitrios had told him about how tomorrow’s schedule would be throughout the day. They decided to all turn in for bed early in order to get up early, and then to go down the street to the little café for breakfast. Bev had seen a menu posted in the window and their breakfast menu looked like it might be good. They were all so tired they got ready for bed and slept soundly.
The Xidoran Prophecy Page 41