by K. L. Wallen
“Fleet Commander Scorpak forwarded a video for you from your daughters. We have not viewed the video. Would you like it shown now or would you rather wait and view it in private later?” Commander Gharm put forth. “Fleet Commander Scorpak did say you would be pleased with the video.” He wanted to reassure them.
The MacKennas glanced from one to another and came to an unspoken consensus. “We’ll view the video later in private. When you next speak with Slotan, please extend our gratitude. Will you be able to transmit a response?” Nolan inquired. As soon as they received an affirmative, Nolan asked how they might be of service.
*.*
Commander Gharm assumed control of the meeting. The mission information he was going to impart would be limited. No mention of seeking a skilled stem cell researcher, or healers knowledgeable in biological warfare and deadly, mutating diseases, was to be shared. He would ask their advice on finding gifted humans, and methods to verify the validity of their unique abilities.
Bridgett laced her fingers together and set them off to the left side of her cheek. “Dorn, could you explain what you mean by gifted? Are you talking about individuals of exceptionally high IQ’s, or those that are physically exceptional? Or are you referring to those in our military special forces?” She gave him a cheeky smile as if she knew what he were about to say.
“No, we are looking for those like Kodiak. Humans who know things that they should not know. Things that are known only to the gods and goddesses. L.C. and Kodiak explained that in every generation gifted humans are born with unique talents. They stated that some humans can speak with the dead, others can see the future, some see the past, others can touch objects and know things,” he stopped there. Gharm looked rather uncomfortable.
Bridgett and Sherry exchanged smiles. “Dorn,” Sherry began, “Slotan mentioned his interest in these abilities, so this comes as no surprise. Bridgett and I have already begun researching the topic for you. You’re referring to persons who can communicate with the deceased or with ghosts, those that can heal with their hands, others have e.s.p., psychometry, telepathy, channeling, precognition, clairaudience, clairvoyance, claircognizant, clairsentience, astral projection, reading auras, automatic writing, telling futures by use of tarot cards and other mediums, and there have been reports of persons able to communicate through their mind with certain others. Although, that last one isn’t spoken of much. These are not the only types of abilities. There are also varying levels to abilities.” Sherry looked at Bridgett to see if she had left anything out.
All of the warriors sat in stunned silence. Ivanoff was the first to break the tension. “Sherry, would you write down the gifts you have just recited?” He made that request knowing that the MacKennas did not know the meeting was being recorded. He then continued, “I’ll research them and provide information to the warriors. Also, how many humans are gifted and to what extent? How will we find them? As you know we only found Kodiak by sheer determination, and had not known at the time he was gifted.”
Conall looked at Ivanoff. “Do you not have gifted individuals on your planet?”
Commander Gharm answered, “The only extraordinary gift amongst our population is the shared mind link that sometimes occurs in identical twins.”
Nolan felt Dorn’s concern and curiosity. “Please know that not all humans are gifted. Children often are, but lose their gifts as they age and their minds become preoccupied with their current surroundings and circumstances. Many, many, adults who claim to have special talents are scam artists, seeking fame and fortune. Some people have gifts that come and go, infrequently, with no rhyme or reason; whereas, others have gifts that are reliable. We’re not experts in this area but will help guide you.”
“Is there a test we can give these humans to see if they are gifted and the extent of their gifts?”
“I suppose there are some, however, I think a bigger problem will be locating them. Truly gifted people rarely publicize their talents,” Sherry interjected. “Then you always run the risk, if you start hauling them in to be tested, that they will intentionally give you inaccurate information or refuse to expose their gift. Fear factor.”
Ivanoff spoke up next, “L.C. and Kodiak had said the same. These people are often afraid of being ridiculed, used, or considered insane and locked up.”
“How do we locate them?” Gharm asked.
The MacKennas exchanged single words between them before settling back in their seats and facing the Commander. Conall spoke for them, “Here are a few suggestions, and given time, we can come up with more. You might want to visit a psychic fair, one or two of us will accompany you if you wish. You could also check the internet, however, you’ll find thousands of advertisements of so-called talented people wanting to sell you their services. Some may be the real deal, but most won’t be.
Another way, and this is based on a remark our brother Sean once made, is that law-enforcement precinct databases are often proprietary. Sean is in law enforcement. Anyhow, they rarely link information and as such on occasion, by way of accident, discover that a particular witness or suspect has been spotted at crime scenes in different cities. If you’re able to hack into police, sheriff, and state law enforcement databases, you might want to search for individuals who have been interviewed. Citizens, who show up at repeated crime scenes. They may have been interviewed as a witness to a crime or be considered a suspect. If you see the same person show up multiple times, and has never been charged and has no prior criminal record, you might want to take a closer look.” Conall stopped and looked around the room to make sure the warriors understood what he had said. He worried that his explanation may have confused them more.
Nolan spoke up next, “Sean, spoke of one such individual he’s heard of that has been in the vicinity of rescued children in a number of cities within our state. He has heard she is quite slippery,” he chuckled and added, “and attractive. Anyhow, I would also search newspaper articles and tabloids about unique individuals. Often times, gifts run in families, so if you find a candidate, research the relatives present and past. Although that is not always a given. See if any have received psychiatric help, been hospitalized for delusions, or been committed, which the case was once often.”
Bridgett offered up another well-known way people acquire special talents. “There have been many documented cases of people being medically pronounced dead, only to miraculously return from the afterlife, with a mission and a gift. We call it divine intervention. It is said that God has more tasks for them to complete before he will allow them into the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Warrior Blaize Pulten was intrigued by this mysterious female spoken of earlier. “What of this female you mentioned? The one who they find near rescued younglings?”
“That’s all I know of her. Sean mentioned her in passing and didn’t elaborate. I’ll ask him about her,” Nolan offered.
Conall finished, “Commander. This will not be an easy task. Many humans deceive people with gimmicks to make others believe they have been blessed. When you find candidates, we can tell you some of what to watch for, but not all. No offense intended, but often times those that believe themselves incapable of being deceived are the easiest targets.
Living on this planet, we have years of knowing their tricks, and what they call secrets of the trade. Which are often times nothing more than leading questions they ask you and they use those questions to read your body language. Physical movements often divulge more than verbal answers. They look for signs of confusion, happiness, or remorse, before offering you their mystical knowledge. In the case of mediums, you need to watch for, among other things, a slight of hand. Even then, we can’t claim that we wouldn’t fall prey to their scam, only that we’re more aware. Call it a gut feeling. We’re willing to assist you and your warriors, but may we ask why such intense interest?” Conall looked around the conference room table, curious to see if any of the warriors, other than Ivanoff and the Commander, would speak.
Dorn spoke,
“Fleet Commander Scorpak and Leader Thalmar are curious about gifted humans and wish to invite them to our planet. We have never met a species with abilities such as what L.C. and Kodiak have discussed. They will not be taken against their will, and will be able to return to Earth if they so wish.”
He rose to indicate the meeting was over. “You are free to use the cafeteria, entertainment, and training rooms. Evening meal will be announced. I would prefer you have a warrior in the training room with you so the equipment can be adjusted appropriately.”
Before exiting, he turned to Ivanoff, “Please show our guests to their quarters. The video has been set up for your viewing there.”
The MacKennas knew they would be discussing the differences between Dorn and Slotan’s style of commanding. Dorn’s warriors, with the exception of Ivanoff who no doubt had prior permission to speak, and his security officer who asked but one question, remained eerily quiet.
Chapter 7
Commander Gharm returned to his quarters and tapped into the monitoring for guest quarters. He found all of the MacKennas gathered in one of the guest rooms, viewing the video feed forwarded from Honored Guests Laurel and Moira. The conversation was at times jovial and at times sad. The consensus was that they were happy their daughters found love and acceptance, but that they missed them and wished that they could have remained on Earth with the Fleet Commander and the Scorpak twins.
The next part of the continued conversation was spent on logistics. How could they schedule enough time off work and obligations to venture to Pzianian. Who would take care of their homes and the florist shop owned by Laurel’s mother while they are gone? Lastly, how would they explain their absences to relatives and friends when they clearly cannot contact them using human communication methods.
The MacKennas had sworn a vow of secrecy for the safety of their immediate families, distant relatives, neighbors, and citizens who would panic and cause mass hysteria. Dorn found their actions fittingly guarded and thoughtful.
Two more topics of conversation arose before they decided to head to what they refer to as the cafeteria. They next discussed how to help the aliens seek out the truly unique individuals that won’t bring aboard malevolent spirits. Dorn observed the concern upon their faces and knew this was of importance. He would assign one of the technicians to research this term. Each of the MacKennas agreed to make themselves available, as their schedules allowed, to accompany the warriors when they meet prospective candidates. Even the young Robert and Aideen offered to help, and their parents accepted on the condition that it’s only when none of the adults was available and that it does not interfere with their studies. Otherwise, they would ask if the meeting could be temporarily postponed, if Commander Gharm feels them worthy of assisting.
That last comment struck Commander Gharm as odd, and it led to the final conversation before they left to the cafeteria. The MacKenna clan appeared cohesive on the previous topics, but found themselves divided about Dorn’s style of command. Nolan and Conall admitted that Commander Gharm is stern and standoffish, but that is to be expected for a man in his position.
“He has tremendous responsibility and deserves our respect,” Conall commented.
Nolan agreed, but added, “Slotan has even more responsibility yet put forth an effort to make us and his warriors feel comfortable and valued. He listened to their opinions and even welcomed their input. He didn’t always take the advice, but he did listen. In our meeting earlier, other than Ivanoff, what warrior participated without being addressed first by the Commander? I’m not sure we should be addressing them by their first names.”
“Other than Ivanoff and Dorn, we don’t even know their first names. The Commander never introduced us to his team.” Sherry paused and reflected. “It’s different this time. Slotan was with his brothers, and they were comfortable with each other. Even though it was clear they all respected Slotan’s authority.”
Aideen piped up. “Ivanoff, Riken, and Codis weren’t his brothers, neither were the warriors that came over to help with the tower. Slotan never held a superior attitude with them, or with Director Lee. In fact, he called him Cheng. Plus, he was nice to us and didn’t act as if we were a pain in his ass. I wasn’t in the meeting but saw enough to know that the people that report to this Commander are not truly part of a team. At least not in the same way. I wonder if he values them.”
Bridgett admonished her daughter, “That’s not fair. We‘ve just met Commander Gharm and you haven’t exactly tried to hold a conversation with him, have you? We’ve had very limited interaction with him and his crew. We’re in no position to judge.”
Robert joined in the conversation. “Aideen, you didn’t spend that much time with Slotan. If you had, he would have known just how much of a pain in the ass you are.”
Aideen frowned, looked down, and didn’t respond.
Bridgett wanted to put a stop to this before Aideen recouped and she and Robert had a go at each other. “I’m sorry, Aideen. I understand your concern. To be honest, parts of me feel as if we should be addressing him as Commander Gharm and keep our dealings on a formal level. Although I hope, I’m wrong in this. I’d like to believe that we can become friends and learn to enjoy each other’s company,” Bridgett admitted.
“Always the optimist,” Conall stated and pulled his wife into a hug. “Let’s find Ivanoff and see if he would like to join us for a bite to eat.”
Aideen smiled. “What about the cute doctor? May I com Warrior Bax and see if he’d like to come to? Laurel told me to ask about the permanent hair removal wand. Can I? She said the healer keeps one in medical. No more shaving, ever! Please mom. I’ll do the dishes without complaint for a month. Do you think they have a cammor on board?” Aideen smiled and bounced on the bed excitedly when she saw the interest in not only her mom’s face but also Aunt Sherry’s.
“A permanent hair removal wand? Really?” Sherry exclaimed. “Oh, I do hope they have a cammor here, one as sweet as Jewel.”
“We’ll issue the invite to join us in the cafeteria, to everyone. It’s time to break the ice,” Conall decreed.
Commander Gharm had never heard anyone compare him to Fleet Commander Slotan. The comparison was not very flattering. He then flashed back on remarks he overheard between two of the Scorpak brothers, “I hope Slotan hasn’t made a big mistake asking Gharm to work with the humans.” The other brother responded, “Perhaps he’s hoping the humans will help Gharm see what truly matters in life.”
The only reason Commander Gharm didn’t call the brothers on the disrespectful statements at the time, was that they’re the Fleet Commander’s brothers, no other warriors were present to hear the conversation, and the brothers had no knowledge he heard the remarks.
Dorn shut down the guest room monitoring feed and waited for the invitation. He would make sure to make proper introductions, including first names, when they meet in the dining room. When the MacKennas retired for the night, he would allow them their privacy. Warrior Ivanoff Chipil is correct that these humans pose no threat.
*.*
Commander Gharm and all but two warriors assigned to bridge duty, arrived in the dining facility, referred to as the cafeteria by the humans.
The MacKennas readily noticed that the warriors waited for Commander Gharm to approach the food dispensaries first. Bridgett and Sherry exchanged glances, and marched to the adjacent machines. “Dorn, do you have certain favorites?” Bridgett asked.
Conall, Nolan, Aideen, and Robert followed Bridgett and Sherry to the machines.
“What are you all waiting for?” Aideen called back to the warriors. Then added, “If you don’t get over here I’m going to snatch all the good desserts and it will be your loss for being such,” she stopped her sentence when her mother cleared her throat.
“Sorry, guys. No offense intended, but I’m serious. If you don’t want left-overs, get your buns over here,” Aideen explained.
To be certain the warriors understood, her brother Robert anno
unced, “My sister isn’t joking. She really will hog the good stuff for herself.” He then playfully shoved her to the side so he could get in his order first.
Warrior Adal Lucia entered the dining facility and got her first close-up looks at the humans. She listened to the two younglings, and then looked at her fellow warriors. She was shocked when she heard one of the male human’s call her commander by his first name. Lucia knew she needed to have another conversation with Warrior Osiri, in private.
“Dorn,” Nolan began before Robert started making his selections, “might I suggest you try a sampling of different Earth foods. Perhaps a New York steak, a chicken dish, or shrimp scampi? And for dessert, a traditional apple pie a-la-mode, or my favorite tiramisu. Some red or white wine would go nice with the dinner, although my wife prefers Zinfandel.” Nolan finished his suggestions and looked at the Commander.
Robert held off choosing what he wanted. Everything his Uncle Nolan was listing off sounded good. He wondered if his parents and his aunt and uncle would notice if he just happened to pour some alcohol into his glass.
Bridgett intervened before the quietness in the room became too awkward. She perkily added, “I know, let’s just put platters of various dishes of both Earth and Pzian cuisine on the table and everyone can just take what looks appealing. How about that?” She stepped to the side and smiled at everyone at once. “Come on up and pick your favorites and make it enough for everyone to try the dish if they want.”
The warriors were glad they studied the material Fleet Commander Slotan left behind, so they weren’t at a total loss on what was occurring. However, they remained in place unsure how Commander Gharm would receive this unprecedented request.
Commander Gharm was temporarily speechless. Upon finding his voice, he announced, “That sounds like an excellent idea. Would a couple of you gather trays and utensils, since we don’t have enough machines to accommodate placing orders all at once.”