by S. Robertson
Angi realized the small harp provided by Carola was far superior to her student version left behind on Earth. Her homeland harp was a plain wooden one with catgut strings, whereas this one was resplendent with deeply engraved symbols of nature and the strings were foreign, a material that seemed to come alive when played. When practicing she was surprised by the volume produced with little effort. “No need for electronics here,” she thought, “I wonder how they achieve so much sound.” Angi was glad to be joining experienced harpists which inspired her own musical effort. The students were young, enthusiastic and enjoyed playing something unique. With a few starts and stops the harpists completed their segment to Carola’s initial satisfaction.
Then she focused on the guitar and violins, instructing them, “When the harpists reach the last two bars of their segment I want you to enter gently, and then burst forth into the selected music. This will be unfamiliar to our audience.” Then smiling she added, “I want them to be captivated by your music, so put your heart into this.” Carola, enamored by the music and its future possibilities, provided steady guidance using the professional skills of Wolfram, Morgan and Vette to pull the group into a cohesive whole.
Angi looked at Andrew and Bryce who were obviously enchanted with their role and comfortable with their replicated violins. She had recently overheard them discussing the differences in the replicated instruments and their own violins back home, Andrew saying, “You know Bryce, this is remarkable. That young boy has created the quality of a Strad in mere days. While I hate to admit it, it’s superior to my expensive instrument in Scotland. Just listen, there is warmth, richness and depth of sound which is impressive. I expect there is no need to have an electronic enhancement to this instrument. Incredible!” Then Angi focused on the other musicians.
“Morgan and Vette seem captivated by each other’s musical expertise. They’ve discovered a mutual interest in something other than this venture. That’s a good sign. Wolfram is a master at that guitar. It’s obvious he and Morgan have had a long musical history. Look at the ease they give each other signals as they play. And just look at Flora and Rick, I bet Dylan never knew they had such skills. While initially I didn’t think it possible, this musical idea is gaining momentum. But will we be ready for a performance for the Queen……… that’s another question.”
Lulled by her thoughts Angi wasn’t ready when Carola turned and said, “Now, on the last bar of the violin and guitar piece, I want the harpists to join in.” Annoyed that they were not ready she tapped her hand on the musical stand. The ending took several takes before Carola was satisfied.
“That’s good for a first practice,” said Carola, beginning to think it time to bring the session to a close. But she had hardly completed the sentence when two students, dressed in green uniforms, arrived carrying what looked like hand drums. Carola turned to greet the two saying, “Well, does this mean you would both like to join this musical challenge?”
“Yes,” came the joint reply in Gaelic. “We’ve been listening to your practice and believe we could add something if given a chance.” They turned with pleading eyes seeking the group’s permission.
“As you know, it must be the decision of the group if you can participate.” Then she turned to the group and proceeded to defend the students saying, “I can assure you Bran and Togu, while young, are enthusiastic and capable drummers. We have few like them in our musical school.”
Morgan was the first to speak, “Could they play us a short piece so we might hear what their drums sound like?”
The students were glad to perform. Pulling forward two chairs, they began as if of one mind. Their drum routine rose and fell on a rhythmic pattern ending with a few notes from Keegan’s Jig, to demonstrate their quick learning of the music from Gaia.
While their skill was impressive, Wolfram asked, “We hadn’t planned on drums, can we add them to the program at this point?”
Defensively, Bran replied. “We won’t need the printed music, we already know where we can come in.”
“I’m sure these two can manage,” came Carola’s reassuring comment. “Let’s go through the program again and I’ll let Bran and Togu come in as they see fit.” Her confidence reassured the group who settled back for another practice session.
The drummers played softly along with the harps and became more integrated with the violins and guitar. As the session ended there were smiles everywhere. No vote was needed, the two were added bringing the group to fourteen, an accepted Tir na nOg number of twice seven.
Deep down they knew their first practice session as a group had gone well. But Carola, being a stickler for perfection, wasn’t about to let them off lightly. As they prepared to leave she said, “From this date, I want you here every evening at 5:30 your time, until the performance. We have only weeks to get this program perfected and, as my students will tell you, I accept no excuses unless,”…………. she looked at Angi, “it’s a royal command.”
As they were preparing to leave Vette stood up and announced, “By the way, Joel, Danu and I thought this would be a great occasion for the testing of our latest food creation, a pizza. If everyone will come back to our dining area I believe the rest of the team will have everything ready. Please note that there will only be a taste as our pizza production is still somewhat limited.”
Carola, having previously tasted the bread, was enthusiastic about tasting something different and replied, “Thank you, Vette that would be a welcome closure to the evening.” Then turning to the students she added, “You can come along. Your instruments will be safe left here for now, but return and put them away as I have another musical group here in the morning.”
The students were thrilled.
The rest of the group deposited their instruments in their suites before joining the party.
The smell of pizza filled the air. In the dining area Danu and Joel stood on duty next to four silver, round objects, hovering about two feet above the floor. Another boxlike cabinet sat next to one floating ball for the storage of additional pizza. Plates, utensils and napkins were carefully stacked on the serving table. Joel took command saying, “With Vette’s baking know-how and Danu’s replication skills we have created our first pizza. As you can imagine, we had to time this evening’s get-together very carefully. These charming balls are ovens which Danu will be glad to describe to anyone who might be interested. For me, I know it works as we have tested this many times. So, before we proceeded in placing the first four pizzas in the ovens I needed a signal from Vette indicating you were heading this way. This she provided on her cell phone. The tantalizing smell of tomatoes and cheese which you are smelling means that the first pizzas are ready. With that he lifted the lid of the barbeque-like device to reveal a bubbling pizza. Our plan is to give everyone a slice. I ask the experienced pizza eaters to help new comers in the eating of pizza with or without utensils. We should have plenty.” Taking a wide paddle he lifted the first pizza out onto a wooden cutting surface where Vette and Danu stood ready to slice the pie. It took no time for everyone to gather their plates ready for the tempting treat.
The dining area was filled with chatter, laughter and demonstrations as more pizzas were prepared and eaten. No one noticed Sirona entering until she asked, “I heard there is some special food offering this evening. Am I too late?”
Angi, stepped forward saying, “Sirona, how delightful.” Then a quick glance and reassurance from Joel she continued, “Come and have a slice of pizza. It’s the latest creation of Vette, Joel and Danu. While we know the tomatoes and cheese are replicated, I must say it certainly tastes like a homemade pizza.” She escorted Sirona towards Vette who was already standing with a plate and a slice of piping hot pizza.
Then Andrew asked, “Should we give you a piece for Myttrwn?”
Before Sirona had a chance to speak Joel responded, “No need. As we experimented with this, Myttrwn not only enjoyed the tasting but also provided input to make improvements in both the cooking it
ems and the pizza content. It was his expertise that helped create these floating ovens.”
Smiling Sirona added, “It was Myttrwn who alerted me to your party. He insisted that I should taste this pizza.” Using utensils she placed a small piece of pizza into her mouth and, after chewing and swallowing remarked, “My, Myttrwn was right, this is different and delicious. You keep surprising me. May it continue.”
With the disappearance of the final piece of pizza, the assembly began to take their leave, a few sitting at the tables engaged in discussion of other matters. Sirona’s second objective was to inform them that arrangements had been made to call home at dawn the next morning near the transport gate. She would arrive to escort the group.
As they retired each pondered what critical messages needed to be delivered and who was best at crisp delivery.
“Home,” thought Angi, “it seems light-years since we left,” her thoughts going back to those they said farewell to just months before.
* * *
House of Life, Transport Room
At dawn, they met Sirona at the entrance of the House of Life where she escorted them through security and into the transport room deep underground. This was the first time they had seen the gate since their arrival. The area was alive with activity with individuals in white uniforms focused on their duties. Circling the gate area were a number of separate rooms equally endowed with complicated equipment.
Angi thought to herself, “It’s much bigger than I remember. The huge circular gate seems alive with those flashing lights on its outer rim. There’s a command center above us with individuals fully occupied with the operation of this complex device. It’s also busier than I expected.”
With that, Sirona maneuvered the group to one side to witness the arrival of one female and two males dressed in simple but elegant uniforms from some distant planet. The flowing energy screen at the center of the gate remained for seconds before evaporating after the three exited the gate.
“They definitely look official,” thought Andrew. “The welcoming party are those two senior members of the Queens Council, dressed in formal attire. I expect it’s a diplomatic meeting with the Queen, but not major enough to warrant her presence. It’s likely routine. I wonder if, in the years to come, representatives from Earth will be welcomed in the same way. Apparently, such visits occurred in the past.”
Then Sirona directed the group to a side room where Myttrwn was waiting. As always his stoic but welcoming manner relaxed them, “I hope everyone enjoyed the pizza yesterday.” He glanced at Sirona and smiled. “I certainly did as the trio worked on this project.” Myttrwn was enjoying his time with his Gaia friends. He looked forward to their endless questions and their surprises. But realizing the importance of the occasion he changed the topic, “Now for today’s business. Using the, now opened, Serpent’s Gate at Tara we have been able to link up with your World Wide Web for this call.”
“That’s great,” said Andrew, “So, this will be like an Internet phone call?”
“Not quite, Andrew. Our two energy systems are very different so the connection may be brief. Remember this is our first communication in some time from this side of the Gate, outside of Sirona’s holographic connection with Angi in regard to the medallion. We’ll give it a go this morning, as we’ve surmised this is the best time of day for clear communication. If it doesn’t work we’ll try again or will think of something else.”
“That sounds reasonable,” replied Andrew, trusting in Myttrwn’s abilities. “Since this might be a small window, do you think we should narrow down who should speak and precisely what should be communicated?”
“Would you like a few minutes to get your thoughts together,” asked Myttrwn? “But first, could you give my technician your home phone number along with any details regarding a call to your country?”
“Certainly,” replied Andrew as he moved towards the technician. After a brief discussion, he returned to Myttrwn and asked, “Can we have a few minutes?”
“How about ten minutes. With the information you’ve given to my technician we’ll need to discuss the details of this matter,” replied Myttrwn.
When Myttrwn and Sirona left, Andrew turned to the others asking, “OK if we have no more than a five minute window let’s make a list of priorities to discuss with our home contacts. Any suggestions?”
“First, we should tell them we’re all right,” said Wolfram, thinking of his grandparents.
Remembering their earlier discussions, Angi added, “We need to get them to set up some kind of screening system so we’re not returning with any unwelcome problems.”
Then it was Dylan’s turn, “We need to ask Matt if they have had any problems regarding our return to the Hill of Tara.” Matt was Dylan’s second in command, a trustworthy individual. “Also, I asked him to check the long range weather forecast for the end of October. So, if we have time, we could ask about that.”
“Fine, that seems enough for this inaugural telephone call,” replied Andrew. Then looking around he added, “It would be nice if everyone had a chance to chat but this doesn’t seem possible. I’ve had some experience with poor communications from remote locations. Expect a gritty, muffled or broken connection, anything may happen. The key is that Matt hears our voice and gets the message we’re OK. Next, let’s decide who should take the lead; Angi, Dylan, or myself.”
There was no hesitation, in unison they replied, “You Andrew.”
“Very well. Here comes Myttrwn and Sirona.”
“Are we ready?” asked Myttrwn, “I’ve arranged for everyone to hear the conversation.”
“Yes,” replied Andrew. “I will take the lead while the rest of the team listens in. We’ve identified the priorities. Now, let’s see how this goes.”
Myttrwn nodded to the technician standing in front of a large console with flashing lights. The technician proceeded, skillfully concentrating on the technology. Within seconds the sound of a familiar open phone line filled the room.
“Andrew, for the best reception I’d like you to stand over here,” said Myttrwn.
Andrew moved closer to the technician’s booth.
Next the room was filled with a dial tone, a slightly different sound than the usual Internet version.
On the third ring an individual with a soft Irish accent answered, “Hello, this is the Sinclair residence. Can I help you?”
Everyone smiled, it worked on the first try and the line was clear.
Andrew responded, “Hello Matt, its Andrew and the travelling crew from Tara.”
“Fantastic,” was Matt’s exuberant reply, “I won’t even try to understand how you achieved this. I’ll get the others, they’re all nearby. But knowing you may have little time on this historical call, go ahead. I’ve got you on the speaker phone.”
Andrew responded, “Matt, your right, this may be brief. First, we’re all here and everyone is fine. We have been royally treated and have learned much. Matt contact Ian Fraser and have him set up a screening process for our return. This is only a precaution. Just have your team at Tara. Dylan wants to know if there have been any problems with the Tara arrangements for our return.”
“No, everything’s under control. Is October 31st still your return date? If so, can you be more precise on the time?”
Sirona stepped closer to Andrew and whispered ……… “about 4:30 in the morning of the 31st.”
Andrew repeated the time, “Matt, about 4:30 in the morning. It’ll be dark.”
Some static began……… but the connection held.
“Gotcha 4:30 a.m. on the 31st.” Concerned the line might die, Matt added, “The long range forecast looks cool with rain. I’ll keep a check and come with extras.”
They could hear the commotion as the others piled into the room behind Matt.
Tyloar, Wolfram’s grandfather pushed forward to ask, “How’s my grandson, Wolfram?” Andrew beckoned Wolfram to come forward.
“Granddad I’m fine, everyone is fine, i
t’s been an amazing venture.” At that point the static increased, the team watched as the technician tried feverishly to clear the line.
Andrew, realizing the situation, stepped in, “We’d love to chat more but it’s not possible. We’ll be home in no time with much to talk about. Our best to you all. Signing off.” And at that moment the line went dead.
“You did it,” was Andrew’s exclamation as he turned to face Myttrwn. “Thank you to both yourself and your technicians.” Then he added, “I know that the ramifications of this historic call were only feasible through your expertise, Myttrwn. May this be the beginning of a fine relationship between Earth and your kingdom?” Turning to the team he wanted to share his thoughts, “It was good to contact home base. I don’t know about you but it seems ages since we left the Hill of Tara, yet it’s only been a couple of months. Much has changed since then.” There were nods all around.
“I’m glad it worked the first time,” said Myttrwn. “Yes, I also hope this is a fine beginning for all of us. Since I’ll be meeting with you later today, I’ll leave you with Sirona, as my technician and I review this morning’s activities.”
The team followed Sirona back through the transport room and out into the main lobby of the House of Life. Bidding her good bye at the entrance, they walked back to the House of Learning chatting happily about the call and the prospects of their homeward journey. Like all travelers, there comes a time when the appeal of home beckons.
* * *
House of Life
After their mid-day meal they set off for the House of Life and another of Myttrwn’s sessions. Over the weeks Myttrwn had generously given them open sessions where they could ply him with questions. Comfort with the new theories varied.
Myttrwn and Sirona were already present, chatting adamantly over something. They broke off when the group arrived.
“Oh, to have the gift of telepathy,” thought Andrew. “I expect everything is not as rosy as it appears. It’s hard to detect abnormalities when one is struggling with an alien language and culture, especially this one. Stability exists with Sirona and Myttrwn and their chosen associates, but it’s hard to judge how extensive that is. Must talk to Bryce about this later today.”