Seymore's Interlude

by Franci Neale

  Chapter 37

  Hello and Goodbye

  In short order all the guests had assembled. Each brought the occasion a sense of expectation and every arrival brought good will and a plethora of curiosity to the occasion. Seymore announced that there would be tributes to those who had made a contribution to the completion of ES360, Seymore Place. He started the acknowledgements with his own accolades for everyone concerned, especially Mesa, Geralty and Jesmond. Mesa followed with similar acknowledgments and gratitude especially to Seymore and she made a special point of thanking Mercury for his generosity. Mercury was very please especially since he was not known for sharing.

  Geralty was bright and funny and made everyone laugh as he recounted some of the more exciting moments, especially his wild ride in the light. Jesmond spoke in a very shy and sweet way about how happy she was and expressed her thanks to Psyche for her special training and to Mercury for allowing her to take the assignment to Seymore Place.

  Seymore asked if any of the guests had anything to add and they all did, including The Former Meddlers. When everyone had had a chance to speak, Seymore rose to make a special note of appreciation to Psyche who had asked him to take on the task of accommodating the great lights. Psyche responded with a strong statement of appreciation to Seymore and acknowledged the tremendous achievement that had been made.

  Mesa announced that a tour of all of ES360 was available and that it would end at the new Beach House. Seymore took the lead and everyone followed him through a tour of the cottage ending at the atrium that provided a good view of the dome and The Watcher’s table. They left by the back door of Seymore’s office, which everyone admired, and made a long and chatty loop around the pond. They all paused at the long stone bench as it afforded the best view of the dome. Back at the little dock they walked over to the alder woods through the walnut trees and back around to the front of the cottage. They went down to the picnic table and everyone who hadn’t already done so carved their initials in the top of the table. They all enjoyed the opportunity to leave their mark and thanked Seymore for including such a unique personal touch in the festivities.

  They stood for a while and admired the cottage, the Weedy Field and the great dome. Then one by one they turned to make the pleasant walk down the lane to the Beach House. The air was soft and smelled faintly of the sea. A small breeze made the leaves dance and everyone was feeling very pleased about the completed new Support Station ES360, Seymore Place.

  When they reached the Beach House Geralty opened his top desk drawer and drew out nine beautiful gold envelopes with dark blue edges and the Seymore Place crest in a seal on the front. He gave one to each of the guests and said that they were grateful for their company on this special occasion and that the envelope contained a small token of appreciation for their visit and participation in the celebration.

  They all opened their gifts and were very impressed with the contents. There was a beautiful small gold coin slipped into a slot on the inner card. The delicate coin featured the great eye on one side and the station crest on the other. The simple note on the card said:

  Always know that you are loved

  The guests were quick to express their thanks for the unique gift and beautiful sentiment. They admired the expanse of beach and clever view over the water illusion; the team from Middle Mind was glad to see the holograms set up and the extra link to the Mercury band that connected to Middle mind. There was lots of small talk and a general exchange of ideas and hopes for the new station.

  The guests began to leave. The first to go was Psyche and she was careful to congratulate everyone individually and gave a special farewell to Jesmond by taking her with her to her departure point. The Former Meddlers left with the three young assistants. They had all felt encouraged to be invited and all sincerely hoped they would be able to come again. Seymore assured them that would happen. Mercury had special words about how much his own had contributed to the project and when he left it was, of course, it was in a bold flash of golden light.

  Valentino remained and went back to the cottage with Seymore and the others. As they walked up the lane they all said what a great time it had been and how even the great Psyche seemed to enjoy her visit. Valentino said that it was exceptional, but that he had learned long ago to expect the extraordinary from his beloved brother.

  When they reached the cottage Seymore turned to Geralty and said. “Where is Fred?” Geralty replied “Fred is under the desk in my room and refuses to come out. He had been there even before all the guests arrived and I don’t know what to do about it. He’s safe and mostly sleeping.”

  Seymore told Valentino that he would meet him in his study and went with Geralty to see about the cat. In Geralty’s room Seymore got down flat on the floor so he could see under the desk and got his face as close to the cat as he could. He called Fred’s name and the cat awoke and slowly crawled toward him. When he was out from under the desk, Seymore picked him up and the cat seemed to cling to him; he told Geralty that he was going to take Fred with him for a while. Geralty just nodded and wondered what was bothering Fred. He was acting very strange; like he did when Sarah left.

  Mesa and Jesmond went to the turret room and sat on the window seat. Jesmond said, “I’m very glad that the Watcher didn’t show himself during the party. He is so unusual that he would have attracted everyone’s curiosity and everything else would have been overlooked. I’m going to thank him for making a good choice.” Mesa agreed and then Jesmond asked, “What do you suppose he did with the hologram of the toddler that he kept?” Mesa said she didn’t know but that they would find out in time. Jesmond confessed that she was tired. It had been a wonderful party but she wanted to take a rest and think about it. Mesa hugged and thanked her and walked with her to see her into her room and tucked her for a long nap on her sofa. The atrium was empty and the cottage was very quiet. Mesa moved to her beautiful fainting couch and reclined to take her own rest.

  Seymore carried Fred to his study to join Valentino. He was sure that Fred knew that he was planning on leaving; cats just somehow know such things. Sarah’s departure was a perfect example. He decided he would take Fred with him when he returned to Middle Mind. Geralty wouldn’t be pleased, but for now he thought it best. His new choice to take Fred created energy in the stressed cat and Seymore could feel his body revitalize. He sat down in the office chair and set Fred free on the desk top. He swiveled the chair to face Valentino who was sitting deep in the big leather chair, feet on the ottoman, smiling and looking pleased and proud. Seymore smiled back. He so loved his brother.

  They talked at length about the party and the completion of the station. Valentino had expected something quite different, a more technical environment. Seymore’s cottage and the general atmosphere were unexpected and very comfortable. The accessible atmosphere of good will and good humor was very pleasing. It could prove to be an example of what can be done to make support stations more welcoming and improve the number of transitioners who apply for service at the far reaches beyond Middle Mind.

  Valentino was curious about a few things and he asked, “I do wonder where you have the big eye you spoke of.” Seymore smiled and said, “We don’t have much control over the big eye that we call The Watcher. Jesmond is the expert and the eye is often in her beautiful table in the atrium. We had made provisions for the eye to appear in the dome at the edge near the tent, but the Watcher chose not to appear, though I have a strong hunch he was there.”

  Valentino said, “You speak as if the Watcher, as you call him, is alive.” Seymore said, “He is. And I’m glad he chose not to appear while everyone was here. He is, I’m almost sure, a new life form and that is momentous and needs more of an introduction that a small local celebration.” Valentino agreed but was still very taken aback by what Seymore revealed. A new life form was an incredible event.

  Seymore changed the subject. “I’ve decided to start terminating my overs
ight here and return to Middle Mind. I’ve told Mesa and I am convinced that Fred knows,” He reached to gently stroke the cat that sat near him on the desk. “I am going to turn leadership here over to Mesa. Geralty doesn’t know yet and now that I’ve decided to take Fred with me, he’s likely to feel abandoned. I have a request that may solve the problem. I want to return with you and bring Fred and Geralty with me. I think it will be easier for him if he leaves Fred at Middle Mind when he returns. We will need some good reason for taking Geralty. Can you supply one?”

  Valentino thought for a few minutes and then said, “I assume you will be coming and going for quite a while. There is a vital link to ES360 with Middle Mind and you could simply take him to make sure that he understands exactly what happens when the holograms are transferred. The Former Meddlers have finished their work for the most part, and they will again be at loose ends soon. Nolan has a good grip on the various functions of the log system, but shouldn’t Geralty understand that as well since he will be making the requests for transfer?” As usual Valentino had just the right answer. Seymore readily agreed with his reason for taking Geralty and said he was ready to leave if Valentino was. In answer Valentino stood and headed for the door.

  Seymore went to Geralty’s room and asked him to be ready to come with him and Valentino to Middle Mind for some additional training regarding the holograms and that Fred would be making the trip as well. Geralty was surprised but readily agreed that more training was a good idea. He was thrilled to be able to again see his friends and learn more about his job. He wondered why Fred was going, but didn’t give it a second thought.

  Seymore asked him to come to the library as soon as he was ready. Then he went and invited Mesa and Jesmond to join them. Valentino was admiring the specimen collection when Seymore arrived with Mesa and Jesmond right behind. Geralty came up the hall from his room and immediately noticed the air of anticipation in the library.

  Seymore announced, “I am going to return with Valentino to Middle Mind and take Geralty and Fred with me. I am not leaving for good. But I will be away for a time. Geralty will be away long enough to learn the ins and outs of the new log that supplies the holograms we will need. Fred is going because his home is also at Middle Mind. I don’t want anyone to think that I am leaving for good. I created that beautiful blue canoe for my own use and plan to be out in it as often as possible.” He waited for any comments or questions. None came and Mesa and Jesmond produced vacant expressions that concealed a growing sense of loss.

  He continued, “We have an excellent communication system and I pledge that I will be here for the arrival and accommodation for every light traveler until the system is perfected and completely routine. Part of my desire to return is because this station is supported by Middle Mind and part of our team is there.” He again stopped in hopes of some response from Mesa and Jesmond. It was slow coming, but finally Mesa spoke.

  “We are reconciled to being in charge of this station during your absence and to eventually being totally responsible for the services to the great light travelers. Knowing that Geralty will be more skilled in his job and that we can rely on your continued support makes the transition easier, but we do know that a dramatic change is coming.” Mesa’s cool and professional response was disconcerting to Seymore. He saw that she was going to take full charge of ES360 more easily and sooner than he had expected. He didn’t know how to react.

  Then he unexpectedly said, “Are you upset, Mesa.” She quickly replied, “Not in the least, Seymore. I have known even before we met that this was a permanent assignment for me and an interlude for you. It was never in doubt that you would return to Middle Mind and I am grateful that you have chosen to do so in a way that is gradual and very supportive to the station. That you will always return to enjoy the pond in your exotic boat is a bonus. I do know that we will all miss Fred.”

  There was nothing else to say and, while Seymore felt mildly uneasy, he turned to Valentino and Geralty and said, “Are you ready to go?” They said they were. Geralty added, “I have taken the liberty of moving all three transport markers to a spot out by the pond so we can all leave from there.” Seymore thanked him and everyone rose to go to the water’s edge to say their goodbyes.

  Mesa and Jesmond walked very close together all the way to the bench by the pond. Valentino thanked Mesa and Jesmond saying, “You are the backbone of this place and I am honored to know we will meet again. Jesmond, the next time I hope to meet the Watcher. Your talents are magical and the Watcher is very lucky as are we all. ”He gave them both a warm embrace. Geralty simply told them both that he would be back soon and gave them each a warm hug. Seymore said nothing but hugged Jesmond and held Mesa for a long time in a warm embrace. Then he picked up Fred and everyone signaled they were ready to leave.

  The three travelers moved to their markers and were gone.