Planet of Peace

by Jerry Belvo

  AYeah I have, but birds have never been particularly special to me. I like all animals,@ Jeff answered.

  She continued. “My Nanny taught me how to read. When I was old enough we would take turns reading to each other. She took me to the library and taught me how to use it. When I went to school they wanted to advance me one grade, but Mom and Dad wouldn’t let them. I’m glad they didn’t, because I got to know the kids in my class and wanted to be with them. The library at school was my favorite place. I became a substitute librarian. It improved my image with the rest of the kids, and it inspired me to write and to follow in Mom=s footsteps. That’s why I=m majoring in journalism.

  One day Mom told me that they had invited a psychic to read my aura. She said I was gifted because of an opening in my third eye. I needed to make a conscious effort to keep it closed as spirits could influence my thoughts. I grew up thinking all the other kids did what I could do, but after I started school I realized they could not.

  Dad said that if I wanted to be accepted in school I would have to act like the other kids. I would have to keep my magical tricks secret because they might make fun of me. As I got older I forgot about my spirit friends. Did you have any, Jeff?@

  ANo, I don’t remember any. I can influence what people say, and change hostile energy to peaceful when anyone gets angry with me. I felt at peace with my classmates, and the guys always stood up for me when bullies came around. With regards to knowing other people=s thoughts, Dad is the only one who reads mine. I think we have a spirit bond.@

  AWould you like to go to the Planetarium tomorrow?@ Sarina inquired.

  AYes, I=d love to. We haven’t been there for quite a while with school and all. Let=s do it.@

  Jeff, AI have to be going. I told my folks I would be home early. I’ll see you about eleven tomorrow if that works for you?@

  They stood up and intimately embraced, Jeff thinking what a beautiful woman she had become.

  Sarina thought this kid she used to play with had become a tall handsome guy with a nice body. He was going to graduate from college soon. She hoped he would wait for her. Maybe he would one day be the man who would stay by her side for life.

  ASee you tomorrow,@ they both said simultaneously as he walked her to her car.

  *

  On his way up the turnpike Jeff slowed for the flashing red lights of a cop car beside the road. As he passed he saw a familiar car, his friend Bobby=s. He pulled over ahead of it and got out to see what was wrong. The cop was going through his papers.

  AWhat’s up,@ Jeff inquired?

  ADo you know this guy,@ the cop asked?

  Bobby glanced up and saw Jeff. AYes, this is Jeff Martin, officer. He’s my friend.@AFriends don’t allow their buddies to drink.@ The cop remarked. AI’m issuing you a ticket for driving under the influence and taking you to the station.@

  Jeff knew that Bobby may have more in his system than alcohol and was afraid they might find out. In his soft casual manner he addressed the policeman. AOfficer, I have known Bobby since we were kids. He’s really a nice guy and doesn’t get into trouble. If you want, I’ll drive him home?”

  He paused for a moment. AWell, I still have to issue him a ticket and he’ll have to go to court, but I suppose I could let you take him home. It would save us a lot of trouble booking and fingerprinting him.@

  AThank you sir,@ Jeff affirmed. AI’ll do my best to keep this from happening again.@

  The officer wrote the ticket and handed it to Bobby. AYou’re lucky your buddy is sticking up for you. I’d just as soon run you in so you can feel the wrath of the system. It would do you good.@ He folded his notebook, tucked it in his pocket, and headed back to the patrol car.

  ACome on Bobby,@ Jeff said putting his arm around him to hold him up and guided him to his car. AWe’ll pick up your car in the morning.@

  Heading up the road Bobby was quiet as though nothing dramatic had happened. He was out of it, and Jeff knew this wasn’t the time to lecture him. He didn’t want to lose a long time friend. He dropped Bobby off at his home and made sure he got to the door alright. Then he drove home and went to bed.

  *

  Saturday morning he was up early, cleaned his room, ate breakfast with his folks, took Bobby to his car, and was at the Planetarium by eleven o=clock. Sarina was waiting for him.

  AGood morning,@ he said enthusiastically.

  AWe have the whole place to ourselves. The first show is not until 1 PM,@ Sarina said.

  AThat’s great. Let’s go in.@ Jeff had a fascination for distant stars in the galaxy. He claimed he got signals he couldn’t understand from a planet called Dos, the one he read about. They were flashes of symbols he had not learned to interpret, but they fascinated him none the less.

  Today they were going to try to find this distant star. She went to the computer and typed in Orion. Up came a variety of topics. AWhich one of these do you want to see first,@ she inquired?

  ALet=s start at the top,@ he suggested. One by one the various topics were eliminated. They found Orion=s Belt and other stars of interest, but no planets had been recorded around them.

  AI think we’ll have to research it on the big telescope some evening. This isn’t getting us anywhere,@ she suggested.

  AYou are probably right. Maybe we can get answers then. Let’s go to lunch.@

  *

  At the diner Jeff handed her a manuscript. AHere is another one of John’s work. It’s about a planet that was destroyed. I thought you might want to see what can happen to a planet and its people when their sun burns out.@

  AHow did you ‘get’ all these writings,@ she inquired?

  AOn my twentieth birthday Dad gave me this treasure map showing the location of a treasure chest buried in the field behind the house. He had buried it there many years ago thinking it might fall into the wrong hands. Bobby and I went in search of it, and we found it just in time. A construction company was getting the field ready for a new subdivision. I was happy it hadn’t been bull-dozed to smithereens. Dad cautioned me not to tell anyone about the contents. They were important writings belonging to my great uncle John and were valuable, and he didn’t want them to fall in the wrong hands. I became engrossed in them and spent many nights pondering over them. My great uncle kept referring to a planet called Dos. It circles the central star in the Orion=s Belt. That’s why I’m so interested in the Orion cluster of stars.@

  Sarina smiled, AI’ve been interested in the Orion system also. In high school Dad took me to the observatory. He caught me focusing the telescope in that direction, not knowing why. When we went camping dad always took his telescope to look at the stars. He taught me how to use it, and invariably I would gaze at the Orion Cluster. Dad didn’t know what made me so interested in those stars, but he was happy I took such an interest. Besides your great uncle, why ‘are’ you so interested in Orion, Jeff?@

  AI sometimes think that’s where I’m from,@ he replied.

  AHow do you know?@ She had never heard Jeff talk like this before.

  AJohn=s writings describe going there, and I have this feeling I’ve been there.@

  AI feel the same way,” she said. “I didn’t tell anyone. I’ve always felt I came from somewhere else, but I can’t do the things you do.@ Just then a group of loud college kids came in the cafe creating a raucous.

  AI’ve chores waiting me at home. I should be going,” Jeff said.

  AYes,@ said Sarina, raising her voice. AI should be going too. Will I see you tomorrow?@

  AI hope so,@ he responded, raising his voice above the crowd. AI’ll give you a call after I get home. I’m helping out at the soup kitchen tomorrow.@ He walked her to her car. They embraced, kissed, and said good night.

  *

  The next day he ventured downtown and signed in to help serve the noon day meal. He enjoyed helping people, and w
anted to put smiles on as many faces as he could. Families with young children were served first. When they were seated the main door was opened, and an orderly crowd filed into the room picking up trays and quietly proceeded through the line. Jeff took particular notice of one man he hadn’t seen before at the shelter. The man=s skin was red from scratching and had open sores. It was evident he hadn’t bathed in a while. After the meals were served and the clean up began Jeff approached him sitting alone at one of the long tables.

  AI haven’t seen you here before. Are you new to town,@ Jeff inquired?

  AYes, I’m just passing through, going back east,@ he remarked in an agitated voice. AI hope I make it, I’m so tired, and I can’t stop itching myself.@

  AHave you seen a doctor?@

  AYes. I have spent a lot of time waiting at clinics only to have them give me some salve, and tell me there’s nothing else they can do.@

  AI’m sorry to hear that,@ Jeff said softly. In a low voice he asked, ACan I touch your sores?@

  AI don’t know why you would want to do that, but I wouldn’t object, except I’m so dirty.@

  ADon’t worry about that.@ Taking his sun glasses off Jeff laid his hands on the man=s sores, focused his eyes on them, and meditated. The man tensed up, quivered for a moment, then he relaxed. After what seemed a long time he removed his hands and said. AI want you to know that God cares for you and so do I. May you find peace in your heart,@ he said.

  He smiled as Jeff bid him adieu. The man had these blemishes so long they were now a part of him. There was always a spot wanting scratched. What started out as a red blemish now covered his body. He showered as often as possible thinking that would help, but it didn’t. Others kept their distance thinking him contagious, but not Jeff, who approached him without fear. At least someone cared. Who knows, maybe a miracle would happen.

  Jeff went back into the kitchen to finish washing the pots and pans.

  Chapter 3

  Sarina was reading the Sunday paper while listening to music. Her parents had gone to church leaving her alone in the house and before they got home she decided to call her Grandfather, Jim Roberts. He had a headache, a frequent occurrence the last few years. She asked if he would like a visitor and he quickly agreed.

  Mid afternoon she pulled up in front of the house Jim had lived in for fifty years. Her Grandmother died years ago and although he had a special lady friend, he never remarried. He greeted her as she approached the porch.

  AHow is my favorite Granddaughter?@ He asked, giving her a hug.

  AI=m fine Grandpa.@ She could tell by the squint of his eyes he had a headache. AIs your head bothering you?@

  AYes, but not as badly as it was,@ he said leading her to the back patio. AWhy don’t we sit out here in the sun? The air is fresh today, and I enjoy sitting outside.@ He offered her some ice tea which was on the table next to the lawn chairs. ASarina, as we age, we all develop frailties. Your great grandmother died of a weakened heart when she was about my age. My heart is fine, but my mind is deteriorating. It’s getting harder for me to stay focused. I don’t have enough to keep me occupied, and I need something to focus on.@

  He poured the tea and sat down. AI’ve been hearing voices a long time, but I could always find a way to block them out and focus only on one at a time. As I’ve gotten older something has changed making me unable to suppress them.@ He paused a moment, AIt’s like having several radio stations playing at once. As we age our skin gets thinner. Maybe the tissue in our brains shrink, exposing stored information when it’s not called for. Who knows?@

  AYes, but Grandpa, you still have a good mind. You’re mentally alert and physically active, and we have good conversations when we get together. I wouldn’t worry about it.@

  AThanks for the reassurance, but this problem started years ago. I would wake in the morning with all these segmented dreams surfacing at once. Finding them interesting I would analyze them to satisfy my curiosity. I got a lot out of them, but later they just kept coming, and I can’t turn them off.@

  AHave you seen a doctor about this, Grandpa?@

  AYes, he prescribed sleeping pills, but within a few weeks they stopped working. I’ve learned to live with it. It’s a small price to pay for the wonderful experiences I’ve had with spirits in my life. What about you? How are your classes coming? Are you learning anything exciting?@

  AMost of the classes in my field are easy because my spirit guides supply me the information when I’m sleeping, but my marketing class is more difficult than I imagined. I don’t seem to have a spirit guide knowledgeable on that subject.@

  The door bell rang and Sarina spoke up, AOh, Grandpa, I forgot. I asked Jeff to meet me here. We are going out later. I hope you don=t mind,@ she said getting up to answer the door.

  A moment later Sarina came back with Jeff. Jim rose to greet him and said. AHow are you doing?@

  AI=m doing great! It’s a beautiful day,@ Jeff enthusiastically replied. “How are you?@

  AI’ve been better, but I=m not complaining. I have my two favorite people right here with me.@ He smiled handing Jeff a glass of iced tea.

  AJeff, tell Grandpa about your encounter this last week,@ Sarina suggested.

  AYes, do tell,@ Jim said. AI=m always interested in what’s going on in young lives. Things have changed so much since I was in college.”

  AThere’s not much to tell,@ thinking for a moment Jeff said. ADad had his monthly lecture, and this couple made themselves known who didn’t fit the norm. They were older, and my dad thinks they are investigating star children. They also showed up at the Homeless Rally last week. Something isn’t right about them, and I can’t figure out what it is. Oh well, I’m sure they’ll show up again.@

  AI’m glad you are being observant. Some people get upset when it comes to change. They want to maintain the status quo. If your abilities are a threat to them they want to know about them.”

  Changing the subject, Sarina’s Grandpa continued. “You know that you two are special to me. We tried to protect you so that you could grow up and develop your gifts. Now you are adults and you represent the future. It’s up to you to bring about change, and I know you both will leave your mark on history. I only hope I will live long enough to witness it.@

  AGrandpa, don’t get morbid on us. You’re going to live a long time. You still have a lot to accomplish,@ Sarina said encouragingly.

  AI hope you’re right,@ he replied. Jim grew up in a religion believing in a God who was somewhere called Heaven, and he learned to fear the fiery pit called Hell. He didn’t understand why God allowed such pain and misery on the planet, and didn’t know about spirits at the time. His belief was that spirits were evil and not to allow any thought related to them in his mind. This idea eventually changed, but remnants of his past remained.

  AYou know, Sarina, years ago I was motivated to find out who I was and where I came from. Religious history didn’t have a lot of meaning for me, because I could attribute so little to life as I saw it. Your great grandmother told me that there was always another way to look at things. I believed it and it worked until she chose death over life. I realize I’m going to have to reincarnate to continue my search. My body is wearing out, and I’m trying to find my way home.

  I had no problem mentally intuiting with spirits once I realized they weren’t evil. In the spirit realm I’m quite comfortable. It’s the physical side that gives me problems. I can move through dimensions and don’t need my physical senses. When I come back into my body my brain is too small to store the knowledge I’ve accumulated. My eyes don’t see as clearly and my legs won’t carry me as fast as my mind moves. Maybe when I’m born again those parts of my brain won’t shut down.@

  Jeff understood the issues that were tormenting Jim, and empathized with him. They were letting Jim ramble on and he soon realized he had said enough. It was time to change the subject.


  AI hear you found your Great Uncle John=s treasure. Have you had a chance to read any of it,@ he asked?

  AHow did you know about the treasure?@ Jeff responded, surprised that anyone besides his parents, Sarina and Bobby knew.

  AI was with your Dad when he buried it years ago. We felt it needed to remain hidden until someone came along who could understand the contents, someone who would be able to interpret them. You are the one, the one we saved them for.@

  Jeff replied. AThey are a bit difficult, but I think when I have the time to learn the language of spirit it will go faster.” I have shown some of them to Sarina so she can help with the interpretation.@

  AThe writings will mean something different to each of you. Jeff, I believe your spirit is from Dos. You have >the gift=.@

  AWhat do you mean the ‘gift’?@

  AThe gift of healing! It’s natural for you, Jeff. Sarina can draw a spirit to her who has that knowledge, but you are a natural.”

  Jeff hadn’t thought about himself as having a >gift=. Everything he did was done naturally. To him it was not any gift. AMr. Roberts, I’m just me. I don’t think of myself as anyone special.@

  ASurely you don’t think that everyone does the things you can do,@ Jim inquired?

  ANo, but we all have talents that are developed over many lifetimes.

  Jim continued. “Jeff, I know about Dr. Fielding and of your participation in his research. I have had many discussions over the years with your Dad.@

  Jeff was surprised. “My parents told you? They told me not to tell anyone.” He wondered who else knew.

  Jim changed the subject. AWould the two of you like to take a trip with me to Bali this summer? You don’t have to say anything now, just think about it and let me know later. Maybe by that time you will have had a chance to go through the material and we can discuss it. I’ve waited a long time to find out what’s in those manuscripts. Before I die I want to know. This will give me something to look forward to, something to focus on,@ he said with enthusiasm. Sarina hadn’t seen her Grandpa so excited in a long time.