WATCHING CORONA: From Our Dimension to Yours

by Holly Fox Vellekoop

  Flora snorted. When the All learns who’s sending those messages, they’ll wish they hadn’t done that. She tapped the board and erased the comment.

  Corona was startled by the posting and Flora’s harsh tone.

  Who are the Valers? And what’s that message about? Corona asked.

  Flora was unhappy Corona saw the posting. The Valers are beings who visit us from our closest dimension.

  Come, Fancy said. I don’t want to change the subject, but, we’d like to show you our outside world.” She glided toward the only visible door in the house. We’ll talk about the Valers another time.

  You don’t have any windows,” Corona said. “I love looking out of windows.

  Watch, Flora said. She touched the wall near the door, tapped it and stepped back. A large open space appeared, through which, they could see the outside.

  That’s great, Corona said, leaning to look out. A wave of membrane energy followed the outline of her head. She was amazed how their outside world was similar to hers, yet there was little resemblance to the sci-fi shows she saw on television.

  It has a shield to keep things from coming in or out the opening. Flora said. She put her hand through the window and an outline followed it. She tapped it. After pulling it back, Flora touched the wall near the open area and it closed. That’s much handier than using glass like your world does. That’s a dangerous product. By using a window like this and closing the opening flush with the wall, it gives us protection from anything outside. It’s a good thing, too, because once in awhile, one of the people from your dimension does some absurd experiment which sends something crashing from your space into ours. I despise those people who do that. The All has a warehouse of junk sent our way by your dimension’s fools.

  Wow. No kidding? Corona communicated. What do you do about that?

  Nothing. We just let the All come get it and deal with it. Let’s go now, Fancy said, opening the door with a touch of her hand. We have to take you back sometime tonight. I want to show you not only what our homes look like, but also our outdoors. As you learned from Bob-Boy, fermions can and do occupy the same space as do other particles. She walked through the door opening and motioned for the others to follow.

  On the step directly outside the door, there were different-sized packages wrapped in the identical fabric as the In Situs clothing. In the distance, a blur of a transport device was seen leaving the area.

  My household supplies have been delivered, Flora said. I’ll put them away later. She placed them inside and closed the door with a hand gesture.

  Corona observed Flora’s movements.

  When they were all outside near the front of the house, Corona was able to get a better view of the building. She touched the exterior wall which felt like rubber. Her fingers left an indentation in the dark orange outer covering which sprang back to its original surface. Corona’s gaze traveled up the side of the outer wall which continued seamlessly over the roof area and back down.

  It looks like there’s only a few species of trees here, Corona said. And look at those. On either side of the walkway was a carpet of lush flowers, hugging the soil.

  They don’t grow any larger and never need mowing, Flora said when she observed Corona staring at the trees and plants. We have no need to do home or garden work here unless we want to. No one ever wants to. Grass and trees are designed to grow a certain size and height. The All chooses the plant size and doesn’t change them out unless they wear out. No pruning. No weeding. And they’re edible so the All let’s us have them. When the plants have completed their cycle, they crumble to dust and a new one’s brought in and it starts over.

  Corona loved hearing there was no weeding or pruning, but wasn’t sure she’d like being told what to plant and that it had to be edible or it wasn’t allowed.

  Me and my parents work hard keeping the landscape on our property attractive. Sometimes, plants die and new ones have to be repurchased and are expensive. The acres of lilies need constant replenishing and care. Everyone would love having minimal yard work to do.

  Your world won’t have this kind of capability for awhile, Fancy said. I’m sure you think it’d be good for them to possess all this, but we can only move humans along at a pace they can keep up with. Some of your experts, with our guidance, have learned to alter plant species genetically, but they aren’t yet ready to learn the technology we have here. That’ll change someday. If our leadership agrees.

  I see, Corona said. I’ll be happy when I can take back with me the amazing and practical advantages you have.

  We’ll share with you what we can, as we’re able to do so. The team continues to get pressure from other In Situ packs to cease our efforts in your universe. They’re threatening to make us stop if we don’t do it voluntarily, so I don’t know how long we’ll be able to help you.

  I understand, Corona said. I watch the news and read the papers at home and understand how countries and groups of people are always trying to force what they want onto other people. And, they often resist doing what’s right within their own borders.

  We have some of the same problems here, Flora said. Now let’s go around to the back of the house. I want to show you what’s there. She shook off the feelings of discomfort she felt when discussing politics with Corona, vowing not to get into any of those discussions again. It could have dire consequences for her if the All found out. Flora wondered if the leadership was still monitoring conversations in everyone’s homes.

  Around the low, curved side of the dwelling to a backyard area, they went. It was just like they’d told Corona. Dozens of homes were grouped around a larger building they call the Common House. Pathways leading from each home, trailed to the Common House door.

  A male being was seen touching the outside wall. The door opened, allowing him, followed by Bob-Boy, to enter. It closed smoothly behind them.

  Not only can we dispose of our monthly internal waste there, Fancy said. But we also go there when we don’t feel well. Inside, there are tables placed in booths. We call them Healing Rooms. If someone doesn’t feel well, they go in, lie down on the table, close the door, and they’re diagnosed with whatever’s wrong with them. Then, while lying there, the proper treatment is sent on a specific energy wave frequency into the air and into their bodies through skin and nasal passages. It’s done quickly and works well for almost every known disease. This wormy fungus I have is one of the few things it can’t cure.

  Fancy pulled at one of the wiggly lumps on her skin. A wormy creature was extruded and kept between her fingers. She continued, And there are other diseases that came to us from your dimension which we cure. If we hurt ourselves, another In Situ helps us onto the table and it’s determined what’s needed for a repair. Healing energy is then sent directly to the damaged area. So much simpler than what we’ve seen elsewhere.

  Can it keep you from dying? Corona asked.

  Flora snorted. No. We haven’t figured that one out yet, but one of the other dimensions hinted they can live forever. We age similar to what humans do, only we do it at a differing rate. But we die, nonetheless. It’s not a painful process and we have no formal ceremonies or announcements to mark one’s passing. In Situs don’t find it concerning when one of their own dies. The All has assured us it’s important for the old to go to the Goodbye Room when they can no longer contribute something for the good of everyone. That makes more space for their fellow In Situs. Even if we’re not old, but just tired of living, we can end our lives when we feel like it. It works out well.

  That’s sad to think about, Corona said. Do many of your kind go there?

  There are those who choose to die instead of being unhappy while living their lives, Fancy said. We don’t keep track of them. If an In Situ is gone, they’re gone. We don’t go looking for them or concern ourselves with it. Those who want to take their own lives enter the room and when it’s over, their body is dealt with. Why would you want to keep someone around who doesn’t want to stay? And, the All say
s its helpful to the collective.

  We do know how to simulate dying and bring the supposed dead being back, Flora said. We’ve used it on several occasions when we wanted to transport humans from your world to here.

  That’s amazing, Corona said, although the explanation gave rise to more serious concerns she had. Wait a minute. What humans have you brought here? What about my mother? Is she here? Will I get to see her again?

  Flora looked at Fancy and knew it was time to say something about Grace.

  Your mother Grace had a different experience than actually dying. More like what Fancy was telling you about. Sometimes, Corona, when we want to take a human from your space, they don’t actually die. If they’re taken before their time is up, we bring them here. Their body’s deterioration can be reversed as long as we’re the ones who started the dying process for them. So, we have humans living here. They have their own camp where they can be with others like themselves. If your mother’s grave was dug up, they’d find her body isn’t there.

  Corona’s eyes widened as she realized the implications of what she’d just been told. This is wonderful. Can you take me to my mother before I go back? Corona asked. To wherever it is she’s living? I can’t wait to see her.

  I’m sorry. We’ve had an issue with your mother’s location and need more time to work that out. We don’t know where she is now. Flora said. And, we should be returning you to your home soon, so let’s move on to other things that need taken care of.

  My mother’s here, Corona said, digesting the good news. That’s awesome. I’m so excited to see her. When you work out her location issue, whatever that is, can we go to her? She asked, looking from Fancy to Flora.

  Of course, Flora said. I’m not sure how soon it can happen, but we’ll make arrangements when it’s possible. I’ll get back to you about it.

  What about my grandparents? My mother’s parents, Corona asked. Are they here too? They had an accident on their boat and are missing. Could they be here, too? Her eyes lit up with anticipation. Is there anyone else here I’m related to or are friends with? I want to see them all. Corona immediately sensed concern and uncertainty coming from the beings.

  We don’t know for sure what happened to them, Fancy said. Your grandparents were Hybrids of ours with whom we were in contact, but one day they were gone. We never saw them again. Your world reported it as an accident, but we’ve never been sure. She hoped Corona would believe her.

  What else could it have been? Corona asked. If you didn’t take them and there was no accident, what could’ve happened to them?

  It could’ve been an accident and they drowned in the river. Their bodies were never found so we just don’t know, Fancy said, her eyeband narrowing. There are other groups at work from here and other spaces, too. We don’t always know what they’re up to. We don’t know everything. And things aren’t always what they seem to be. As I said, if I learn anything about them, I’ll get back to you.

  Listen, Corona. Even though our world needs you, remember, I told you some of the In Situs don’t approve of the Hybrid program. And they don’t like having you or any of your kind here. They insist that all of you be kept away from the In Situ population. We’ve contracted some minor physical ailments from humans, nothing life-threatening, but some don’t like it. And humans have contracted illness from us.

  Some In Situs think we’re far superior to anyone in your world and they fear humans will want what we have. They think humans will learn to pass over without our help and invade our space. They don’t like sharing provisions with other dimensions. Even though we can only personally possess what we need, some still don’t want humans to have anything of ours. They think you’re disgusting and cruel. And all those different species of animals and bugs and everything else you cultivate are revolting. I can’t protect you from this information because you may learn this on your own. Some of the others want us to stop visiting your universe. They don’t care if your world progresses or not. They’re only interested in themselves. They have other ideas of what should happen to your dimension. And they want to dispose of the Human Camp that’s here.

  Dispose of them? Corona asked. How? Take them back to my world to their homes? How would that look? People there think they’re dead or missing. It’ll never work out. They’ll be called freaks or zombies. My goodness, they’ll be labeled zombies. People’ll be scared of them.

  The beings fidgeted.

  Some In Situs want to take the lives of those at the human camp. Kill them, Fancy said. We insist they be left alone and so far we’ve been able to protect all twelve thousand of them. So far…

  Twelve thousand, Corona interrupted. That’s a whole town.

  They come from all over your space and from many timelines, Flora said. It’s been a real challenge to keep them safe from the suspicious In Situs. And also to keep them occupied and happy. They want more than we can supply - like Communication Boards and lots of writing instruments. We can’t get those things for them. The All won’t permit it. And some of the people from different cultures are unhappy with the meager choice of food items here. They complain about not having things like meat, milk and coffee. Some of them tried to make doughy foods and sweets from their provisions and grumbled when they weren’t able to do it. We have nothing like dairy or sugar here. They miss those things. See what I mean about choices? Having a lot of choices and wanting things can make your lives miserable. It’s their own fault that they’re unhappy.

  For some reason, their bodies don’t age outwardly while they’re here, but inwardly they get old, Fancy said. When they die we can’t bury them here so we burn their bodies and dispose of the ashes.

  Corona left out a sigh and leaned against one of the trees. It was becoming too heavy and burdensome for her. She was sorrowful for the humans at In Situ, and sorry for the fate and decisions of those who govern and the governed.

  Bob-Boy emerged from the Common House. His yellow eyeband appeared brighter.

  Fancy walked to a tube near the Common House and flicked into its opening, the worms she’d groomed from her skin. She joined Bob-Boy in his walk.

  Are you better now? Corona asked Bob-Boy.

  Yes, he said. All better. It was just something in my stomach. What you would call a virus. I’m fine now.

  Good, Corona said. But she couldn’t get the Human Camp out of her thoughts. The fact that her mother was alive and living here somewhere was causing some anxiety.

  We must go to my home now, Flora said to Corona. You should be getting back to your bed. Your parents have plans for you tomorrow. You’ll be visiting the university where you’ll further your studies and we want you to be refreshed for those activities.

  Will you be joining us Bob-Boy? Fancy asked.

  No. I’ve been summoned by the All, Bob-Boy said. They have a new project of interest for the communication board and they want me to work with the team which is creating and implementing it. I’m not much interested in doing it because it’s work. But, that’s how it is when the All conscripts you for one of their special details.

  You can rejoin us when you’re finished, Flora said. As long as they don’t have something else they want you to do.

  As they walked back to Flora’s home, Corona admired the gentle light illuminating the community. She never had to shield her eyes because it was regulated for comfort and visual safety. Yet, everything was perfectly visible. It reminded her of how the beings had a soft light around them when they were in her room at home.

  When they were close to Flora’s backyard, Corona began to feel uncomfortable. Thoughts of being unwelcome, disliked, even hated, were flooding her senses. This was new to her. She slowed her pace and, without stopping, looked around for its source.

  In the next yard, a group of In Situs stood alert, observing Corona.

  Recognizing the need to hide her level of ability and enlightenment, Corona kept her veil down. She stayed close to her supporters, poised should she need to run.

  Di
slike, suspicion, and concern flowed her way from those watching her. She could feel it.

  Corona looked over at them to see what they looked like. Then, eyes averted, she attempted to appear calm and unconcerned to throw them off her true feelings.

  Flora sensed the heavy air of disdain against Corona. She spied the teen’s slower pace and felt her discomfort.

  Their small group kept gliding in the direction of Flora’s home, looking around at the source of the steady, unwelcome vibrations.

  “Hey Travelers,” Flora called aloud to a crowd lingering near the property line. “Why are you hanging around here? You know the All doesn’t permit anyone to have home meetings.”

  “We can go wherever we want,” Uni, one of the Travelers, answered. “You have no rule over us and you know it.” Her dark eyeband glowed.

  “Well, move on,” Flora said. “You’re not welcome in this area. And you better not be having a meeting in there.” She pointed at the hovel.

  “Oh really?” Uni said. “We’ve been invited to hang out awhile. We’re watching you. Where you go, we won’t be far behind. We want to see what you and your ragged Hybrids are up to. Look at her, all ugly, with diseases and human shape. Causing trouble.”

  Corona pretended not to hear their ridicule and insults.

  “That tactic of ridicule won’t work with us,” Flora said, still gliding toward her home. “Move along to another area to cause your usual trouble. We don’t want you here. Marva will deal with you if you start anything with our Hybrids.”

  “We’re not going anywhere. We’re camping here tonight and for as long as we want. There’s nothing you can do about it. We have the necessary permission and support.” A couple of them started flinging clumps of vegetation at Corona.

  The moist chunks fell close to Corona’ shoes.

  Corona stopped and looked their way. She gave them a steely gaze and picked up some of what they’d thrown at her, as if she was going to fling it back. She tossed it up and down in her hand and scanned the offenders, choosing her mark.