Eliza’s lifelong friend, Yesha, had encouraged her on numerous occasions to write and publish her ideas so she could inform others about what ought to be done to bridge the gaps between opportunity and survival. Preservation and quality of life, optimizations of physiology and neurology and the clarity and capacity of body and mind were outstanding concerns as well. The enhancement of understanding and the successes afforded through true diplomacy were absolutely fundamental. The advancement of science and the nobility of exploration, the need for discovery, and the necessity for deep space colonization were other pursuits that Eliza had held dear for so long. With Yesha’s gentle push, Eliza had chosen to face her fears like the lion—and she wrote her ideas and published them. James had admonished her to do so over the last two years, as well, ever since they’d begun working together. After writing and publishing her book, the results took off on a path of their own. After considering the upcoming appointment with Agent Epstein, Eliza took some time, breathed in and out, and played some of the music she had compiled for moments like these to give her clarity, peace of mind, and inspiration to move forward. She did this to further optimize her mind as well, processing everything quickly and making sense of it all. Doing so augmented her unique and augmented features even more.
Meditating with Tyson by her side and listening to her favorite music seemed to work wonders, especially when perfecting and enhancing her ever-developing physiological and neurological capabilities. Tyson, who was now curled up beside her had all the particular nuances, gestures, actions, reactions, and beloved qualities that were unique to Tyson before he had passed away twenty years ago, in 1990. She had brought him back earlier that year, after the suggestion had been made by James to do so, using a lock of Tyson’s hair she had preserved within a bookmark from her childhood. This dog was Tyson in every way imaginable, and Eliza had brought him back using technology developed in her laboratories at Pathway LLC. It had been as if she had cracked a specific code perfecting stem cells and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, or CRISPR, and genetic delivery system technologies.
Her recently compiled playlist was flowing through the air in shuffle mode. Music from Bill Leeb, Rhys Fulber, Vic Levak, Jens Gad, Michael Cretu, Sleepthief, Armin Van Buren, Raz Nitzan, Garrett Schwartz, Balligomingo, Gabriel Yared, Red Flag’s Lighthouse, Martin Gore, and Dave Gahan playing from her Android, were linked to an extremely advanced version of a Bose System. This allowed her favorite music to drift and permeate throughout her living room and home.
Eliza had closed her eyes and put her hand gently on Tyson’s head, as he lay beside her curled up. As she gently massaged him behind his ears, he looked up at her, stretched his neck, and licked her a few times on the face before settling down again with his head in her lap. He was peaceful, warm, and loving, and this was his way of telling Eliza that her love was reciprocated.
Eliza then engaged in some self-reflection. She had learned from her parents many years ago that it was essential to consider often all that had brought her to each critical point in life. Additionally, they had taught her that doing so would increase her wisdom, her ability to take intellect, experience, gentleness, and kindness and meld them all together for increased intuition.
She meditated regularly to reflect on her past to stay well-grounded. This was Eliza’s form of spirituality, this was her belief and her religion—being someone who was pensive, listening to her thoughts and the thoughts of others who were kind, as well as the kind of music that allowed her to both think and appreciate the beauty of this world, were all part of her unique nature.
It helped her to become even more compassionate, considerate, gentle, and of a clear conscience, as she settled down taking time to ponder upon the highlights of life, reflecting on the parts of the past that were fundamental in bringing her to where she was now. For Eliza, self-reflection aided the evolution of details necessary for forecasting the critical aspects of a beautiful future. As much as she might have seemed like an open book to many, throughout her life she had plenty of ideas that were bottled up or shared only with Yesha or James. Anyone else who became read-in to Pathway would experience these moments as well.
Eliza hummed the tune to her favorite musical artist, Depeche Mode, as their song, “Precious,” was playing through the air. With the rhythm gently pulsating through the ground below her, the irony struck her—the ideas written in her book seemed to her like priceless and delicate things that were now out there for the whole world to see— “there is so much to do, so much to share, and so much to say. Hopefully, I was effective in sharing my ideas with others using clarity; with any luck, I did not cast that which was of high value before those who would carelessly trample upon them without a second thought. I hope that the good people of the world will unite and heal rather than tear people down and harm each other; it would be nice for humanity to share in the journeys through the Cosmos with a promising legacy soon…” she coached herself.
She thought about the many stories accompanied by the reality that the population of Pathway LLC living within the tech cities had grown to twenty million in just two years. She thought about how together with each person they had helped, they had been subsequently involved with every design and aspect of infrastructure which was currently being maintained, beautified, and improved upon at every moment of every day. It was a smooth operating work of volunteerism that would inspire anyone who knew of what was actually going on.
Thinking back, Eliza, who was grateful that she had been raised well by parents who loved her dearly, was no stranger to somewhat harsh winters growing up in the northeast portion of the US yet came into this world on a mild summer day and in a relatively calm environment. She was raised by parents in much the fashion one would expect of well-grounded university professors. “I have written policy for Congressional Committees, both state and federal, that seemed all-too-often watered down by bureaucrats with little or no compromise within them to meet the needs of the citizens. Instead, my clarity of principle became filled with agendas that were unintended for many, yet very much intended for few, all to the point of which many of the changes had nothing to do with the well-being of the people they were elected to serve,” her thoughts grew deeper. In some ways, writing policy for her congressional representatives, even though noble intent had been fractured beyond repair by the whims of the powerful and unknown, was part of her parents’ legacy as well.
Beset by a series of unfortunate tragedies throughout her life, some of which had been shared the world over, there were three that hit closest to home for her. Among them, the loss hit her hard when, at ten years of age, she lost her dog, Tyson, whom she saw partly as a person and puppy. Tragedy hit her again even more profoundly when both of her parents contracted acute leukemia and passed away following her freshman year of college. Then there was the loss of Charles and Eugene, her and Yesha’s boyfriends, at the behest of terrorists on 9/11.
She had saved a lock of Tyson’s hair when she was ten to help her meditate during any spare moments as she would consider the most vital things in life. He had been fixated on those things and proved such through his own demonstrations of love, kindness, and companionship. Eliza hadn’t saved a lock of her parents’ hair, and she hadn’t for Charles or Eugene, because those circumstances had been unpredictable. She had done as her parents had requested in their will, which was to donate their organs for scientific research before they were cremated. Her technologies had not been developed yet, or Eliza would have brought them back too, but doing so would have been scowled upon by too many to count, as unethical. Nonetheless, many things reminded her of her parents throughout her estate, and every now and then she would discover another sentimental item as if hidden by them on purpose for her to find later.
“I am so grateful for how meticulous my parents were when they raised me,” her mind wandered, “yet I am so sad that they aren’t here to share in the joy of so many of their efforts. –I miss Charles and Eugene, and
little Tyson, too; but, I am glad that in a way I have him back.”
Eliza recalled moments spent even further back, sitting with her best friend, Yesha, and listening to her parents as they would read from a variety of science books. At the same time, Tyson, laying between her and Yesha, would nose her arm with his cute little black nose to play with her, or stand nearby to place his blue rubber ball in front of her to play catch. If he did, she or Yesha would squeak the rubber ball a few times, toss it for him, and he would bring it back as proud as he could be. They would jog around the furniture playing chase for a while and then go on a little walk with him. Then they would settle down, and he’d curl up right between them as they would listen to Eliza’s parents and Yesha’s mom, Yesenia, as they received their mentoring.
Eliza reminisced upon how her parents would explain on various occasions the texts they read to her in a manner that a young child could understand and then upon the environment they provided that was conducive to learning. “I miss how they would expound upon all of the subjects and texts that they read to me. I always have appreciated Tyson’s unconditional love, and I have continuously appreciated Yesha’s friendship from my first day in life to now. James has also inspired me since the day I met him. What a wonderful man. When I was so young, my parents, they were so good at answering my questions and helping me to understand,” she thought. “From neuroscience, to physics, to biology and zoology, to ornithology, to history, from psychology to law, and of course economics, these and many more were topics of the arts and sciences that my parents spent a great amount of time reading to me about, teaching me about, and breaking down for my very young mind at the time.” They had mentored both Eliza and her friend Yesha, ever since these young ladies had pretty much opened their eyes.
She had been told many times that early on she had shown a lot of promise. Eliza had eagerly shared her studies, her discoveries, and her ideas with her parents on many occasions and— “oh, the smiles of approval on their faces as I shared even the silliest of concepts—the proud looks on their faces were worth every moment,” she often pondered.
Her parents had left the world with many accomplishments in physics and neuroscience. They had handed down critical aspects of these two sciences and many more to future scientists for consideration and study, deep within textbooks, some of which were passed on to the ones Eliza studied from as she went through school. Nevertheless, Eliza understood, “most of the time my parents’ names were rarely recognized by my peers, because they did not brag—so people did not know unless they were very astute or informed. I suppose no one can know everything, at least in this natural state, or given our current technologies. If we did, I presume boredom would set in all too fast, for some. Still, there is much to learn, and so much to enjoy along the way.”
Her train of thought continued, “Very well, then. The material they provided was the driving force behind advancement in so many ways. While accolades would simply serve to foster a sustained sense of innovation, and while it would show great character to applaud others for their wisdom or achievements, it is even more profoundly important to help others than to be recognized for greatness or to seek status or recognition ourselves. Nevertheless, we need to internally pat ourselves on the back for a job well-done from time to time, yet not try to seek it from others. Cheer others for their successes, and if they cheer you for a job well-done, be gracious and say, “Thank you.” Whether others recognize the source of wisdom or the wisdom shared, we sometimes need to allow them the opportunity to go through life and become their better selves in their own time. Sometimes we must be gracious for their wisdom too.”
Much of what her parents had done, was far from any textbook and was more of experiential. They had a range in neuroscience and physics that would have been the envy of the world, had humanity known—most of which was handed down to Eliza and Yesha through their integrity of character, the likes of which had turned them both into the geniuses they became.
While much of what Eliza’s parents had accomplished lay under the radar, her parents confided in her often, “The most powerful legacy that we can leave behind for humanity is you, Eliza. Our greatest legacy is our daughter. In time you’ll discover new things, more than we can expect to share now. We have confidence that you will utilize the tools we have given you to benefit the lives of many others, as well as your own life. Now, now, don’t shake your head and look up to us in innocent disbelief, it is you, Eliza Amber Williams, you who are our most precious treasure; you are a pearl of happiness. Our gift of life was a simple one, yet our time spent with you and the quality of it, the knowledge, the which we have imparted to you and through you, is a gift that will change not just the world, but so much more.” Her parents’ belief in her added further fuel to the fire that burned ever-so brilliantly within, no matter which type of moment took its course.
Despite the plethora of harrowing experiences that would have caused many others to give up, Eliza had an internal drive not known to many—no matter the misfortune, she would never give up on humanity. She knew how to make her way through the world in the thickest of turmoil, but Eliza had always aimed to take the smartest, safest, and the most beautiful path to enable others to follow closely behind rather than finding themselves lost in confusion and self-doubt, no matter what she did. Her parents had raised her to love others, notwithstanding the folly of mankind. “I know that deep within every person I will ever meet, there is some form of decency—it is my responsibility to find it, too bring it out, and to push wonderful people to a healthier day, if for no other reason than because they can’t see it within themselves. It helps to have that extra boost on the toughest of days.”
Those who knew Eliza knew she was not naïve to the injustices of this world, and although she handled most thoughts and mannerisms with a gentle and a suave demeanor, she still knew there were those that required a very stiff rebuke. “Oh, the machinations of malicious dilatants, the cosmic clowns who seem to rule society all too often without well-being in mind as the driving force. Oh, the people who speak as husks of themselves or who work in lazy servility feeding the bane of advancement, the destruction of our World, the bureaucracy, or the establishment. For they are as poor frigid souls without any sign of fire burning within them except the vapid lust for decay.”
To anyone who knew Eliza, there was no doubt, nor would there ever be, of her abilities, her drive toward a purpose, and her vision of clarity toward the future, they also knew she did not suffer fools lightly—yet she was patient with them. Everyone she knew, to include her professors, her peers, her friends, and her family, saw the clarity of vision into the future obligatory of any great leader within her; she inspired them. They thought of her as perhaps the most phenomenal leader the world would ever know. Changing the perspectives of humanity and changing the world in beautifully and captivatingly unimaginable ways was second nature to Doctor Eliza Amber Williams, “or simply Eliza,” as she thought to herself.
“No one should ever feel their personal character desecrated by the things we say. The thoughts we share, the ideas we converse about, or the actions that put power behind the words we speak, are meant to inspire our best. Unless a person truly has malevolent intent, they should use that fire that burns within to change for the better for progress, even for life, for liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. They should strive to be compassionate, yet fierce, kind, yet innovative, pragmatic, but benevolent, and all toward raising the bar for humanity and the quality of life for all, to include ourselves. That pursuit may seem elusive, but that is where joy is born, and with any issue affecting longevity and quality of life resolved, there are more things to pursue, always”—Eliza, thought to herself.
Most people, who worked with her or knew her in any way, knew her intentions were genuine, her passions were real, her motivations were profound, and her internal will was unstoppable. Eliza’s goals were set in stone and written deep within; she took it up as her duty to confront people with resp
ect and dignity, no matter whom she was considered to be or what title she or anyone else had. If there were ever an occasion to fight with words or in any other way, it would be in defense of the meek, lowly, kind, and gentle people and in defiance of the hardened, brutal, surly, maliciously powerful, and unkind. She always found it within herself to look for the goodness in others, and notwithstanding, refine her own abilities even more as time would pass by—if anything, to reach more people or expand her influence of hope and optimism.
In everything she did and in every moment as she grew, the idea of taking on tasks had an heir of benefitting the lives of all she knew, and love seemed no stranger to her. “I must not succumb to a lust for power only a lust for joy and love, nor should I have a thirst for wealth, only a thirst for intellect and compassion; I will not fall prey to greed or any sort of malice, yet I will boost those who are meek and seek praise for the innocent. If my perspectives are rooted in benevolence, I will look only to receive what is needed to get the job done. I will live as I want each person I will ever meet to be able to live. I must not be a force for anything but that which brings ease, vigor, peace, passion, kindness, innovation, purpose and meaning.”
Despite her skepticism of the way the world was run, she still knew that the leaders could have done so much better and squandered so much less. Their mantra could have meant so much more if their source of influence hadn’t been subjects of negligence to the sciences and art. If their focus had been toward the challenges of this world that led to the preservation of life, their results would have enabled long, and healthy lives filled with the clarity of mind and joy of heart. If given more simplicity rather than unnecessary complications or given change with real purpose and meaning in conscious thought leading to a decrease in human suffering, rather than change merely for the sake of change alone, life would lose its toxicity and humanity would prevail over the long-term.
Further than Before- Pathway to the Stars Page 11