by Kurt Winans
Before Janet could answer, Colt responded, “I think that is an excellent idea Megan. Hank needs to learn a lesson for his indiscretions, and helping to repair the damage seems only fair. When would you like him to report for duty?”
“Back on the farm in Blandinsville, my daddy used to say that there is no time like the present.”
“I agree Megan. Hank is in your hands. I will come get him a few minutes before dark if that’s alright with you.”
“Well alright then.”
Knowing that Megan only spoke those words when she felt a decision or situation had been fully resolved, Ross smiled as Colt and Janet moved in his direction.
Roughly two weeks later, Gabriela awakened Ross from his nap when Jessica had requested they both come to the medical shelter. Upon their arrival, they learned the birth had taken place just moments before. Aurora was already tending to the task at hand, and soon emerged from the shelter with a smiling face.
Ross asked, “Are the mother and baby both healthy?”
Aurora responded, “Yes they are, and even though the next eclipse will be upon us very soon, the doctor thinks the baby will survive.”
“Then its official, we’re at ten thousand.”
“Yes, it’s official. You can see the entry right here in the record book. It says girl named Samantha born on 37/15/06. Colony population now equals ten thousand souls.”
Emerging from the family shelter, Gabriela noticed that Ross and Hank were approaching from roughly one hundred yards away. The boy seemed unharmed, but Ross was limping badly. After covering half the distance to greet the brothers, she asked Ross, “What in the world happened to you?”
“It was silly, and nobody’s fault but my own. Hank was showing me an area inland from the perimeter of the newly expanded crop fields. During his free time from the duties of helping Megan expand the irrigation system, he had done some exploring. Hank discovered a group of small animals that were unfamiliar to him, and hoped that I could identify them.”
“What does that have to do with the multiple cuts and scratches all over you, and your quite obvious limp?”
“Part of the terrain that we covered was difficult, and my feet slid out from underneath me.”
Several seconds later, Gabriela urged, “Yes, and?”
“I tumbled down a hillside through some thorny bushes and came to rest in a stagnant puddle of liquid. Although clear like water, the consistency was more like syrup. The majority of my scratches, and a probable pulled muscle causing the limp, were due to the fall. Then the bushes caused more scratches on my hands and arms when I climbed back up the hillside.”
“Do you think you have any serious injuries?”
“No. I’ll be fine in a few days. Besides, Hank and I had a good time together this afternoon.”
“How about you Hank, are you hurt?”
“No ma’am, I’m fine.”
“All right, let’s get you both cleaned up for dinner.”
That evening by the campfire, Colt and Janet learned of the adventure that Hank and Ross had shared throughout the afternoon. Hank was a fearless and strong willed young man with an exceptionally inquisitive nature. Fortunately, he was also always mindful of his elders. Because of that, his parents felt he would heed their directive. Colt said, “Hank, you know that it’s not a very good idea to go exploring by yourself.”
“But sir, Ross was with me.”
“I know that, but you had already explored that area of the wilderness on your own hadn’t you?”
“Yes sir. I have been through that area a few times.”
“Well it doesn’t sound like a very hospitable place, so please don’t go back until I can explore it myself.”
The next morning Ross felt more aches and pains from the fall than during the previous evening, as his muscles had stiffened up throughout the night. Following a groan of agony as he slowly rose from the straw sleeping mat, he said, “I guess I’m not as young as I used to be. Every part of my body hurts.”
Gabriela, although somewhat sympathetic to his pain, knew she more than deserved the right to speak her mind. Her verbal onslaught began with, “You’re damn right you’re not as young as you used to be. I held my feelings in check yesterday when you and Hank first told me about what had happened to you, but I won’t hold back now. What were you thinking when you decided to blaze a new trail through the wilderness?”
“I was trying to help Hank. He wanted to learn more about the indigenous life on this moon, and I was curious about the small animals that he spoke of.”
“Ross, we have been on this moon for six of its years, and I have been your wife for the majority of that time. From almost the moment we arrived, there have been various levels of danger due to the indigenous life. You have always insisted that exploration of new territory should be done in groups of no less than eight or ten, but for some reason you and Hank went off alone. It’s going to be up to Janet and Colt as to how they want to handle this with Hank, but I will be the one responsible for chastising you.”
“Alright Gabriela, you made your point.”
“I have not begun to make my point Ross. You are one of the main reasons why many of us have survived. You would not allow people to give up hope during the early days of our life here on this moon. The leadership and numerous examples of clear thought that you demonstrated throughout the years have provided the colony with a constant source of comfort. In this case however, you made a serious misjudgment.”
“Are you done?”
“No I’m not. This would have been bad enough in the earliest days of our life here, but to do it now is ridiculous. Your body is, at a minimum, eight years older than when we arrived because of the sixteen month year of this moon. Add that to the time we spent in space on the voyage from Earth, and you will soon be an eighty-one year old man.”
“I’m aware of that Gabriela, please don’t remind me.”
“Apparently you need reminding. All you have to do is take one look at yourself. You look, and by the sound of your remark just a moment ago, probably feel like hell. You could have been more seriously injured during the fall, and Hank is not yet strong enough to drag you to safety if you had been.”
“You’re right, it was foolish. I now realize that if Hank had been the one to fall down that hill, I’m not sure I would have been strong enough to drag him to safety.”
“I’m glad you understand. Now I’m aware that you and Hank want to have fun together, but as a favor to me, could you find an activity that is less life threatening?”
“That seems fair. Maybe we could try fishing. If Hank wants to learn, then I could teach him. After all, I learned from my grandfather back in Rumley when I was Hank’s age.”
Gabriela’s forceful words had definitely hit Ross hard, and after several days of soul searching, he sent out a few of the young Peruvian runners with a message. He was requesting a special meeting of the representative council for the following morning, as there was an important topic he needed to discuss with them. That evening Jessica sat by his side and asked, “You seem lost in thought. What’s on your mind?”
Jessica had always been his right arm during the difficult times of uniting the colony and the building of life sustaining infrastructure. Throughout the years Ross had freely delegated numerous responsibilities toward her, and had always been satisfied with the results. His response caught her off guard as he said, “I’ve been pondering over who will be my successor.”
“Why would you do that? You were elected to an open ended term. The people love what you have done for them, so I don’t believe that there is any thought of replacing you.”
“Perhaps, but all good things must eventually end.”
“That’s ridiculous Ross, unless you’re not feeling well. Do you need to tell me something about your health?”
“Not at all, I feel fine other than still being a little stiff after my recent tumble.”
“That’s a relief. Please don’t scare me like t
hat again.”
The next morning, Ross, as usual, spoke of the collective effort by all those present. They, and others before them, had provided a stable form of leadership for the colony that didn’t embrace the ugly aspects of a dictatorship. The current system seemed to pacify the vast majority, but Ross was aware that one aspect had never been addressed. He asked them, “Have any of you ever considered establishing a line of succession for the leadership of this colony?”
A questioning buzz could be heard among the collective, and then someone said, “I don’t know about anyone else, but I haven’t thought about it all. Do you have any suggestions?”
“I do indeed, but first I thank you for your honesty. My suggestion would be to establish a line of individuals who could become President if the need ever arose. That being said, I also believe that Jessica should be the first to follow in my footsteps. She has in reality acted as my Vice President since the time of our arrival on this moon. You all know that she is qualified for the position, and would serve the colony well. Therefore I ask that you please vote on that particular measure at this time.”
Another buzz could be heard, and then someone asked, “Ross, you’re not intending to resign from office are you?”
“Not today, but we all have to be realistic. The people elected me to an open ended term, but at some point I will step down. My desire is that decisions made by you presently, will make the inevitable transition smoother.”
A robust English woman then spun around to face the majority of the representative council and proclaimed, “We have been asked to consider two questions. First, should we establish a formal line of succession for the Presidency? That question can wait for our next scheduled meeting to be deliberated upon. As for the present moment, there is the second question. A vote is required immediately with regard to Jessica Martin becoming our next President.”
A moment later, Jessica leaned into Ross and asked, “Are you sure about this. What if they vote no?”
Before he could reply, the English woman turned back toward Ross and said, “We’re ready to vote when you are sir.”
“Thank you. Now by a show of hands please, all those in favor of proclaiming Jessica as my eventual successor.”
The motion carried with ease, as nearly the entire mass of representatives raised their hands high into the air. Then, no more than a dozen could be seen when Ross called for all those opposed. Not far away Hank stood next to Ms. Crenshaw, and smiled as she uttered, “Well alright then.”
Within moments after their return to the family shelter, Ross leaned into Jessica and said, “They must not know yet.”
She replied, “How could they possibly know? After the adjournment of the meeting we came straight here.”
“True, but you know how information can leak out.”
“Yes, but I don’t think that’s very likely in this case.”
Nodding in agreement, Ross then loudly asked, “Could I please have everyone’s attention for a moment? Jessica has something to tell all of you.”
With that Jessica informed the circle of family and close friends living in the surrounding shelters of her good news. She would, at some point in the undisclosed future, become the next President of the colony.
The soul searching for Ross continued throughout the next several days and nights that followed. Conversations with Gabriela about his intent were combined with extensive hours of consultation with Jessica. Wanting to fully prepare her, Ross toured the entire colony, and the midpoint village, with Jessica. She used the opportunity to become re-acquainted with various team leaders, and any issues she may have been unaware of.
One afternoon, while on a rest break near the water’s edge, Ross scooped up a handful of course sand. Then he softly uttered, “There’s just way too many to count!”
Jessica replied, “Excuse me.”
“Huh? Oh, it’s nothing. I was just thinking about a time long ago back on Earth.”
“A pleasant memory I hope.”
Ross had reached his decision several days before, but he hadn’t told Jessica. The action would impact her the most, and the current moment provided a perfect opportunity. He said, “I’ll wait until Megan completes the seed planting after the next eclipse, because I don’t want to interrupt the routines of the colony. Then I will announce my resignation.”
She replied, “I had the feeling that this moment was coming sooner than later. Thanks for providing such attention to detail while bringing me up to speed during the past several days. I won’t insult you by asking if you have fully thought this through, but does Gabriela know yet?”
“Yes she does. We discussed the matter at great length before I broached the subject with the council, but I asked that she keep it to herself. Gabriela understands the need to keep the information between the three of us until the moment of the public announcement.”
Two days after the newly expanded crop field had been planted for the first time, the representative council, and a few other interested souls, gathered around to hear what Ross had to say. Megan, her team, and Hank, were unable to attend. The task of constantly monitoring the irrigation system had kept them all very busy. As Hank inspected one of the trenches, Megan shouted, “Let me know if you see any problems. The first few days of water are vital for newly planted seeds.”
“Alright Ms. Crenshaw, everything looks good so far.”
Ross climbed up the lower reaches of the steep hillside to the spot he had nearly always used to communicate with the representative council. Glancing at Aurora, he flashed back to when he and the Mayan King briefly stood on the same spot. Aurora’s freewill was in jeopardy that day, but fortunately, that potential crisis had been averted.
Gabriela snapped him back into the present moment when she said, “Ross, everyone is ready for you to begin.”
Standing firm and tall, he began, “I would like to thank all of you for coming out this morning to hear what I must say. As we are now in the second month of our seventh year on this moon, the time has come for a transition. With sixteen months in each year, we have, in effect, been on this moon for slightly more than eight years as measured by our internal body clocks.”
Turning to Aurora, Jessica said, “Could you please get your notepad out to write something down.”
“Sure, but can you tell me what’s going on?”
Before Jessica could respond to her niece, Ross began again with, “It has been my great honor and pleasure to serve as your President since the earliest days of our struggle on this moon. You have treated me, and my family, with kindness and respect, as many difficult decisions needed to be made in order to secure the survival of the colony.”
Aurora noticed that Gabriela had a tear running down her cheek, and realized what was happening. In a moment of pure denial, she said aloud, “No dad. Please don’t say it!”
Without breaking cadence, the bombshell was delivered when Ross stated, “Today, on this fourth day, of the second month, in our seventh year on this moon, I hereby formally announce my resignation as the first President of this colony. This resignation will be effective immediately.”
The murmuring voices of the several hundred people in attendance began to build into a shockwave of emotion. Ross understood that he needed to complete his remarks quickly, so with arms raised high overhead, he quieted those assembled. Concluding his remarks, Ross added, “My successor, and those that will follow, must all be people of character. Each of them must also attempt whatever is deemed necessary to insure the continued prosperity of the colony. The council overwhelmingly confirmed my suggested successor, and many of you are well versed as to the capabilities and tireless dedication that she possesses. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the second President of our colony, Ms. Jessica Martin.”
Before Jessica moved to accept her position as leader of the colony, she turned to Aurora and said, “You see, I told you that you were going to want to write this down.”
Aurora gave her Aunt Jessica a hug, and t
hen pulled out her notepad. The entry was simple enough. 04/02/07. Jessica becomes second colony President, as Ross resigns from office.
The first few weeks of retirement from office had been enjoyable for Ross. Beyond the obvious benefits of sleeping in when the mood struck him, or not needing to keep abreast of the many projects and challenges facing the colony, there was the fishing. Blocks of relaxation time had not been available to Ross since during the six week voyage through space from Earth to this moon. That brief respite had been more than eight years of his internal body clock into the past, but it had been much longer since he had enjoyed the peace and solitude of fishing.
With help from Colt, Ross had created something from flexible saplings that could be used as a fishing pole. Although primitive when compared to the gear he had known back on Earth, at least it was something. True to his word, Ross taught Hank how to fish when the young boy could break away from his studies or work assignments. As a result, the two of them would often be found sitting along the shore of the vast lake.
As the brothers teamed up to land their most recent catch, Hank exclaimed, “Hey Ross, I think this is the biggest fish that we have ever caught!”
“I think you’re right, this is a big fish.”
While occupied with cleaning their latest prize so that it could become part of the evening meal, Ross and Hank didn’t notice what was approaching. They were both caught off guard when a shadow suddenly engulfed them and the surrounding portion of the peninsula. Startled, they instinctively looked up. Although different in size to any they had seen during previous visits, the vessel casting the shadow had familiar markings to it. Without a doubt it belonged to the alien species they knew well, and those inside it had obviously returned to check on the progress of the colony. Their timing was off though. The alien visits had always occurred at regular intervals throughout the past six moon years, so Ross knew that something unusual must have transpired to make them deviate from that routine.