“Charles, do you have any questions for us before we leave?” Dimitrios asked. Charles shook his head and said, “No, I don’t think so. I thank you both for the opportunity that you gave me to interview for the chance of a lifetime. Dimitrios it was a pleasure to get to know you.” Dimitrios stood. Charles went to shake his hand. As he was shaking Charles’ hand Dimitrios looked at the Prime Minister with a strange look on his face. Then Charles extended his hand to the Prime Minister and shook his hand.
The Prime Minister said, “It was our pleasure Charles, but…”
Then Nana stood up and interrupted them, “Oh Dimitrios, the flat was amazing, thank you so much for your hospitality.”
Carson stood up and said, “Bevy, we don’t want to forget to thank them for their help with Airabelle and Airasten…”
She added, “Thank you very much, and the birdhouse is absolutely amazing. Airasten and Airabelle will be very happy together there.”
Airabelle and Airasten thanked them as well. The Prime Minister and Dimitrios said they were welcome, and expressed their congratulations on the reunion.
Carson began walking them to the Passageway. As they walked the Prime Minister said, “Charles, one more thought, the candidate that won, won unanimously.” Charles frowned wondering why he was told that information. It was as if the Prime Minister was gloating that he didn’t get any votes. An awkward pause occurred the instant the Passageway opened. The Prime Minister looked at Dimitrios and then with a smile looked to Charles and asked, “So, I guess we shall see you before the Council tomorrow?”
Bev’s mouth dropped open.
Carson asked, “Tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow?” Charles repeated.
The Prime Minister now realizing it was a misunderstanding laughed and repeated, “Yes. Tomorrow.”
Dimitrios added laughing, “Don’t be late!” Everyone began shaking hands and talking at once about the news that Charles was the one who had won the vote unanimously.
The Prime Minister continued, “And now that the outcome is settled we will be leaving. Good evening.”
“Good evening,” Carson, Bev and Charles said in unison.
The Prime Minister was getting ready to step through the Passageway but paused when Dimitrios turned and said in a quiet voice, “You were always my number one choice.” The Prime Minister said, “I heard that Dimitrios.”
The two men disappeared through the Passageway. Dimitrios emerged on the other side with a smile on his face. Anthony closed the Passageway door behind them and made sure it was locked. The two men remained silent as they made their way to the ground floor of the Hub. As they walk through the crowd at one point Anthony smirked. He was imagining the celebration that was taking place in Mr. Jones’ office. Anthony had known all along Charles was the right candidate.
After the laughter and celebrating died down Carson said, “Was I the only one that didn’t see that coming?”
Bev was laughing so hard she was crying. She said through her laughter, “Of course Charles was the first choice. How silly of us.”
Charles acted offended. “I can’t believe you guys would doubt it.”
Airabelle was so excited. She kept saying, “I never doubted, I never doubted.” Airasten innocently said, “I don’t know what anyone is talking about.”
Everyone looked at him and laughed. Airabelle told him the whole story. When she finished telling him he said, “That just makes the whole happy ending even sweeter.” “Awww Airasten, you’re right,” Bev told him.
Then Carson looked at Bev and Charles saying, “Tomorrow, huh? I guess we are going back to Paris in the morning.”
Bev said smiling, “I guess we are.”
“So, what happens tomorrow?” Charles asked.
Bev replied, “I think we will just go for the day. I imagine you will hear a presentation of what you can expect and what your duties will be. Then, I think you will sign the consent papers, after that get used to Dimitrios. He will be working on your behalf. He will be tutoring you throughout the school years ahead. Then after you graduate, he will be in charge of getting you accepted into the finest of universities. Dimitrios’ job will be similar to Dr. Pazel Moriel’s role with Prime Minister Thomasen.”
“It is almost like winning the lottery all over again,” Charles said.
Carson said, “Yes, very similar actually.”
Bev then stood up and said, “I guess I had better go to the house and fix dinner.” Charles asked if she needed any help. She thought for a moment. “I don’t think so, if you’d just help Paw Paw with all the bags from the trip that would be nice. Then, I can work on the laundry when we get back tomorrow night.” Charles and Carson began to gather the items they would need. Bev left to prepare dinner.
Carson found all the things that needed to be stored in the vault and ready for the next morning. He picked up the key from the desk and placed the items in the vault. After locking the vault and replacing the key, Carson walked over and sat in the chair. Charles went to sit beside him. Airasten and Airabelle perched quietly on top of the new birdcage. Carson asked Charles what he wanted to work on first when they returned from the meeting tomorrow.
Charles thought for a moment and said, “I think we need to get started on the riddles.”
“I agree. The riddles should be in the journal.
“Charlie, I am really proud of you. Nana and I are very excited about this opportunity. Your life will never be the same. With that being said, we are going to have to do some explaining to your mom. Nana and I have already hinted at the possibility of these things to your parents. We have already discussed your living arrangements with us, because we could use the help. Continuing that explanation would be the best solution, if you are in agreement.” Charles was very excited about the prospect and told Carson he’d love to stay on at the farm. Carson continued, “Nana and I would enjoy that as well. I’ll talk to her about that tonight. We’ll handle that part with your parents. I already hinted that this could happen based on the outcome of the trip we just took.” They sat and talked about the events. Later they carried the luggage to the house.
Bev was just setting out dinner for them on the kitchen table. They washed up and sat down for the meal. Carson returned grace before they ate. They were all very excited to be going back to Paris the next day. They discussed what they thought was going to happen at the meeting. After dinner they cleaned up and went to bed because they needed to wake up early in the morning. The Sojourners’ Council began their meetings at noon. They didn’t want to be late.
**********
It was an exciting morning around the Jones’ house. This morning was different from any other morning. Walter was puzzled when he stopped by to check on the house only to find they were back and didn’t call to let him know. Carson explained they arrived back at the farm late and didn’t want to disturb him. After all, he knew Walter would be coming around to check on everything. Since he knew Walter would tell Gretchen they returned last night, and she in turn would tell Molly, he told Walter they would be gone on errands all day and into the evening. They would check in with Molly tomorrow morning. Walter said he’d tell Gretchen. Carson asked Walter if his sons could take over Bev’s chores for the week. Walter said that would be fine.
Carson smiled. Now that all his bases had been covered with their meeting it was time to begin getting ready. Time was getting away from them and they needed to move quickly if they were going to be early to the meeting. He went to find Bev.
She was in their bedroom getting ready. She had chosen a suit for him to change into it. Once they were ready, they both went upstairs to wake Charles. As they entered his room they stopped and looked at each other knowing that from this point on things would be different.
Carson whispered to Bev, “Charles was right you know; it is just like winning the lottery twice.” She nodded.
They walked in and woke Charles. He woke with a smile on his face, then his smile turned to panic as he as
ked, “Oh no, are we late?”
Carson laughed and said, “No. You have plenty of time.”
Charles was relieved. “Oh, thank goodness. When I saw both of you standing there, I thought I had overslept.” He got out of bed and started his morning routine. Bev had his suit and tie set out on the back of the chair.
Bev and Carson went downstairs to get breakfast ready and on the table. When Charles joined them, Carson gave him Prime Minister Thomasen’s tie tack. He told him that it was a family heirloom and now it belonged to him. Charles thanked them. Bev had blueberry bagels with cream cheese and jelly, scrambled eggs, fruit and juice on the table. Carson returned thanks and they sat down to eat. Because of the time no one talked much. After breakfast, they set the plates in the sink and headed to the office. Airabelle and Airasten were waiting. Airabelle said they woke up ready to go to the meeting. Carson hurried to get the vault keys and their things. He picked up a leather notebook and a memory pen for Charles to take notes. The memory pen would record the events for Charles while he was writing. Those memories would only be available to Charles. Carson then double-checked to make sure he had everything. Everyone put on their glasses as they stood impatiently waiting for the Passageway to open. When it did they took turns going through. Charles had butterflies in his stomach. He was fidgety and couldn’t stand still. Airabelle said she was getting dizzy on his shoulder.
Dimitrios was very glad to see them waiting on him. Everyone shook hands and Dimitrios instructed everyone again on how to use the “flying disks”. They each stepped on a disk and off they raced. Once again pedestrians looked up at them as they streaked across the sky. When they made it to the checkpoint in France the guards were the same as before. The head guard and Dimitrios had more words about the “new bird”. Dimitrios was clearly agitated, but always a gentleman, produced the papers for Airasten. Finally, after the guard was satisfied that he had made his point he let them go. Dimitrios turned to Charles and presented him with Airasten’s official lifetime traveling papers. Charles thanked him and handed them to Carson to put with Airabelle’s. Airabelle winked at Airasten and said, “That makes you official.” Airasten thanked Dimitrios. Dimitrios acknowledged him and told him he would be welcome in the Hub.
They stepped through the Time Warp Tunnel to their destination. When they made it to the Council meeting they were early. Dimitrios was pleased. He stepped through the double doors, into the meeting room. He closed the doors leaving them waiting in the antechamber.
When Dimitrios returned for them, he opened the doors and stepped aside allowing them to enter first. Charles walked into the room first, followed by Bev holding Carson’s arm. As soon as Dimitrios entered the room the door attendant closed the doors. Dimitrios showed them to their seats at the table. Carson and Bev each sat at the table. Charles continued his path walking over to the Prime Minister who stood as Charles approached him and shook his hand. Charles then walked around and shook everyone’s hand at the table. The Council members smiled at each other pleased with their choice. When he finished Charles sat down at his vacant seat.
The Prime Minister then stood up and thanked them for coming. He introduced the Council members and began his presentation:
“From the very beginning our founders chose to share the discovery they created for journeying to a new dimension and time travel with only a select few. However as time went by the numbers of Sojourners rapidly grew. This realization brought with it the fact that no one knew exactly who was traveling to the new dimension, no one knew where the travelers were going or what they were doing once they reached their destination. This was a confusing time in our history. We understood that in the future our numbers would surpass what we, as Sojourners would be capable of maintaining if we didn’t act to ensure stability and create a government. A group of core men in our society came together and formed a consensus. A decision was reached that a government should be formed and that everyone should be documented if they wanted to continue to Sojourn. Our government has been able to maintain Sojourning as a secret privilege-- available only to those family lineages that have maintained Sojourning practices through the centuries. We as Sojourners have come to the realization that secrecy is paramount to maintain our way of life. That is why Sojourning is not, cannot and will never become common knowledge to the general public.
“One of the first things our government did, once it was created, was to document the identity of Sojourners. Sojourners are now required to follow a strict guideline of rules. Those of us who are allowed to Sojourn must have mentors who take an oath to train and teach our traditions and laws until the individual has mastered them. Those who do not follow our laws are apprehended and brought before the Sojourners’ Council.
“During the beginning stages of our government there were those who resisted and refused to become documented. They were considered Revolutionaries and are ‘Unknown’ to us. Their privileges of time travel were, and continue to be, revoked. Our government continues to reach out to them and try to work with them in hopes that we might one day be unified once again.
“When our founders created the new government they realized that the new dimension needed a government structure that was specific to the needs of each Sojourner. The role of the Prime Minister was created to be an Ambassador to the world representing all Sojourners. The Prime Minister’s role is to help organize meetings with the Council members who represent the people who Sojourn in their countries. Since all countries are not represented, some Council members represent surrounding countries that border their own. The Prime Minister helps to see that all the people in the world who Sojourn are organized, represented and maintain lawfulness in order to protect the virtue of life and time. A Prime Minister must protect the Sojourners’ way of life and present himself, or herself, to the world as being an individual of integrity and honor.
“The Prime Minister works with the Council to solve problems and delegates officers to handle various situations. The Prime Minister watches over the finances of the Sojourners’ wealth, suggesting and approving monies for beneficial purposes of Sojourners all over the world. He or she must be available to Council members when conflict resolutions are needed.
“Each Prime Minister has an assistant, who is a trustworthy counterpart that helps with many of his or her duties. The assistant is not the Prime Minister, but they can act on behalf of the Prime Minister with the Prime Minister’s advance approval. They are briefed daily on events and know the Prime Minister’s wishes for certain issues.
“The Prime Minister has many benefits which you will learn more about as time goes by. One benefit is to freely time travel. Sojourners are prohibited from changing events in time. However, the Prime Minister is able to use his/her discretion when dangerous situations arise. Our government grants limited powers to the Prime Minister’s apprentice under specific guidelines. This enables you to utilize your authority in order to act in specified situations. Until you are ready to fully understand the ramifications of your decisions, Dimitrios will be of assistance in those circumstances.
“The Prime Minister is head of the Passageway Authority Commissioner’s Office and is the sole judge of grievances that Sojourners bring before the Sojourners’ Council. Throughout your apprentice training you will be learning under the Prime Minister how to utilize all of the options available to you in order to make wise and knowledgeable decisions.
“The Prime Minister meets with important people and ambassadors from governments around the world on a daily basis, to influence certain policies and issues the Council deems important. The Prime Minister is an individual who is given enormous wealth upon taking office, and leaves with that wealth once they step down from office. They must manage the monies they are given and make the wealth grow. The Prime Minister is accountable to the Sojourner Treasury Department. The Prime Minister must know about different cultures and financial matters around the world. Above all the Prime Minister must be an individual who has integrity and is hel
d to a high moral standard that is unquestionable. The Prime Minister does not have a limit as to how long he or she can hold this office. The Prime Minister ages very slowly while they are in office due to the time he or she spends in the Hub. Eventually when the term is over, the Prime Minister is free to live out the rest of his or her life in the Hub, or in a country of their choice.
“This office requires a highly educated individual who is dedicated to serving others. Not everyone is suited for this position. The individual who is chosen is screened by the Council first and then goes through a process similar to the one you just completed. Not only is the individual screened but their families are screened as well. The Prime Minister is chosen from over one hundred candidates. We cannot reveal to you the future, but since we have the ability to see future aspects of a person’s life, we were able to make a rational decision based on probabilities which candidate would be the best Prime Minister. All things considered this is how we made our decision.
“Now, to your responsibilities, Dimitrios will elaborate on what I am about to expound on from our bylaws. You will receive several manuals after this meeting. We are aware of your background of being an avid reader so we know you will do the reading. Dimitrios will be following up with you as you go through each manual answering any questions you may have. Mr. Charles Brookfield, you will be responsible for the following: reading and educating yourself on Sojourning, being as healthy as possible, working with Dimitrios, coming to scheduled Council meetings and being an Honorary Council member. Once you graduate from high school you will attend a designated Sojourner University and graduate with a degree. You will be given a stipend of money each month. You will be in charge of seeing that the money increases in wealth. The Sojourners’ Treasury will monitor your account. You will also be expected to maintain a life of integrity. Other obligations are included in the manuals you will receive.
The Xidoran Prophecy Page 44