by Gary Starta
When Timothy opened the door, he could see by Chao-Zing’s dour expression something was amiss. Behind him, stood Professor Zack Simmons who held some strange gadget in his hand.
“We’ve come to discuss your circle, Timothy.” Chao-Zing spoke in a monotone voice.
Timothy invited them in. Now Helena had two more playmates.
“We decided to study the ground, in particular the circle with no vegetation,” Zack began. “There is something natural or unnatural underneath that ground causing a spike in EMP readings.”
Chao-Zing folded her hands on her lap. “It seems we need to know what’s down there. It may explain why the sun has a profound effect on you in particular. You said the spot seemed to call you.”
Timothy shrugged. “If it did, or if it was my imagination I don’t know. But I don’t think it’s important from my standpoint. I wouldn’t want to question the universe as to why it made me see the light.” He smiled hoping to appease Chao-Zing’s anxiety.
“I think we do need to see what’s down there. Science demands answers.”
Simmons interrupted Chao-Zing. “What she means to say is that it would be nice to get your blessing on this. There is a slight chance we may disturb the frequencies emanating from the spot.”
Timothy rose from his seat with his hand on his forehead. “No. I don’t think this is a good idea.” He removed his hand and clasped it together as if in prayer. “What you seem to be saying is that you could disturb my peace, my solace, my reason for getting up every morning.”
“There is a slight chance, Timothy. That’s all Professor Simmons is saying. We thought we owed you the courtesy.”
“I can’t believe this. Are you going to dig up that land either way?”
“It’s public property. We could petition the town.” Chao-Zing looked to Simmons and nodded.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea you attend the next meeting.”
“I was afraid you’d feel this way. Maybe if you sleep on it…” Chao-Zing’s voice trailed off.
“I don’t want to discuss this any further.”
Timothy watched the pair file out. He had to grab Helena who wanted to tag along after. He scooped her up and digested the morning’s news. It was the fear of losing both Lou Ann and the precious relationship with the sun in a heartbeat which caused his pulse to race. Was there any truth to these matters? Could moving some dirt affect his harmonious vibes? Could Lou Ann be someone else? He reflected on the latter because the cat’s disposition was curious. Helena was quick to greet others but still remained wary of Lou Ann, almost sidestepping away from her. Should he also tread carefully?
*
Chao-Zing’s cell interrupted a dark moment. She was driving to the university after dropping off Professor Simmons when her cell flashed an unknown number.
She answered with suspicion.
“Yes, hi, who’s calling?”
“It’s George. From your class…”
“George? How did you get my number?”
“You gave it to me one time we were coordinating a Power Point display. That’s not important.” George sounded breathless. “What’s important is that I think the new transfer student is some kind of spy.”
“How do you know this?” Chao-Zing noticed the rise in the pitch of her voice. She cleared her throat to try to speak more calmly. “George, can you tell me why you feel this way?” She rephrased the question to sound more like a professor than a raving lunatic. At least she hoped.
“I’ve been seeing her. I’m not proud of it. She tried to trick me into saying things. She wanted to attend a meeting but I discouraged her. I don’t know how long I can do that. She might attend the next meeting. Maybe it would be better if you skipped the next one.”
Chao-Zing grimaced. “I don’t think that will be a problem.”
“Huh?” George’s confusion angered her further.
“After what happened today, I’m not sure what’s going to go down. But after tomorrow I’m sure what will go down.”
George responded with a grunt.
“I know you don’t understand but will you help me?”
Chao-Zing waited for George’s reluctant okay. She wasn’t going to sit back and wait for the school board or whoever to screw with her life. If she was going down, she was going down in flames. Bottom line: her students deserved to know the truth about the universe.
“Meet me in a half hour with video equipment, George. We’re going to have one unforgettable talk with our universe.” Chao-Zing drove straight ahead, unblinking, with no recollection of her course, only absorbing the expanse of what lay beyond.
Chapter Fifteen
Chao-Zing had a few moments of silent reflection before George arrived and she wondered if the very fate of her future lay in his hands. If the student bailed on her request for technical assistance she might also be forced to bail on her plan. She had consulted no one about her jump into the abyss, the long dark fall into uncertainty which, ironically, was ‘certain’ to happen following today’s lecture. It was nothing short of professional suicide, Chao-Zing knew that much. She understood she would lose her position but could not predict the backlash which might result from her defiance. Would her brazen act invite a downpour of hatred? How many, if any, might stand with her?
The professor had avoided any consultations with Professor Simmons, although she surmised Zack was suspicious of some impending chaos. She dropped off her new friend stating that she would sleep on the decision as to whether to dig up Timothy’s circle or not. That much was true. But in the meantime, she would not sit idly by with the data she had just gathered. She ignored Simmons’s parting advice: ‘Don’t do anything rash.”
Chao-Zing’s index finger appeared to be the most rational part of her body. It wanted to call Kevin on several occasions. Finally, the professor turned off her phone and tucked it into the recesses of her handbag. Her daydreams were interrupted by George’s arrival.
“You came.”
George smiled. “Yes. I brought my equipment. I guess I’m making a leap of faith. I assume the same is true for you as well.”
“Thank you.” Chao-Zing rose and clasped George’s hand. “You’ve been an ally to me. I won’t forget it. I really won’t.” Chao-Zing turned her head so George couldn’t see a tear welling. “I’m not sure how I will be able to help you after today. But I think the universe will.” She spoke the words in a hush. Some part of her believed it.
Within the half hour, George had assembled a tripod with video cam. Chao-Zing observed the curious faces of the students filing in. Sheri Scott was among the last to arrive. Sheri stopped to stare at the equipment for a second, and as if she had been caught in a confession, she rushed to her seat as if some significant importance awaited her there. Chao-Zing enjoyed a brief surge of satisfaction. If she was going to die by the sword, at least she would perish by her own blade.
Chao-Zing approached the podium with a pounding heart. She inhaled and let arms fall loose by her sides. I guess this is it.
“You may be wondering why we’re taping today’s lecture. It is not because we’ve been selected to appear on TV, it’s more that I’ve selected us to appear, if not on TV, but to a vast audience, most of them sitting before laptops and tablets, like yourselves. Whether this lecture goes viral is anyone’s guess. But exposure is not the only aim. I want to give the select group of you a chance to see the other side of science. One that remains hidden in the dark recesses of fear and ignorance. Today, I want to usher in the metaphysical as a respected study of science. Before I begin, I would like a show of hands. How many of you want to test the boundaries of knowledge? How many want to stop being oblivious to the effects of the solar system and our effect on it? How many simply want the truth, free from academic bureaucracy?”
Chao-Zing’s heart fluttered. She scanned the room and observed a majority of hands being raised, some rose quicker than others. Among the last, was Sheri’s.
“If those in the minor
ity do not want to subject themselves to this lecture, you may be excused and I won’t report you as absent. In fact, when one rule is broken, a cascading domino effect is sure to follow. It’s why I believe in metaphysics and the Eastern view. We’re connected even though we cannot see that we are.”
Chao-Zing waited a moment to see if Sheri might change her vote and depart. But no one moved a muscle or even a finger to tap keys on their tablets.
“So, let’s begin. When energy spins it may affect the body biologically or mentally and induce altered states of consciousness. Timothy Ray is one such person who has been affected. I can say this with certainty because I’ve measured a patch of land Timothy stood upon to see his life altering sunrise.” Chao-Zing paused while the students murmured. “Yes, I haven’t been forthcoming. I omitted the truth about my involvement with Mr. Ray’s group. I have been a member and it’s allowed me to conduct a scientific study. I can’t say everyone is affected equally by the cosmos. I can posit that whatever lies within the Earth, be it a natural mineral deposit or buried object, has affected Mr. Ray because of alternating magnetic currents and the molecules of this man interacted. Out of respect for Mr. Ray, I will not pursue disturbing the patch of land I have measured. I will publish my results on my personal website if you care to examine them. The results confirm Mr. Ray has had his very makeup altered in this fashion and is now feeling the effect of the sun in a different manner to which he had been accustomed.”
George nodded in encouragement for Chao-Zing to continue. She smiled but felt her confidence waning thanks to a parched mouth. She sipped water and waited for students to rise from their seats and bolt. But they didn’t. She was grateful.
“This all may be possible because of the circular torus we had previously studied. It’s vortex like action, much like the EMP emanating from the Timothy’s special patch of Earth, allows energy to bend back on itself and refresh. It’s why this land is so important to Timothy’s experience; if that energy flow is disturbed so might his conscious experience of the universe be also interrupted in turn. The good news is that we are all capable of tapping into these energies. And once we do, we will experience an awareness of life unlike anything we’ve known before. In minor ways, many people attending Sunrise Saturdays across the nation are probably feeling an impact as well. As they say, results may vary.
“As conscious beings we have a spirit, unattached to our physical bodies. Science is labelling this as non-local. But they won’t go a step further to acknowledge our spirit. Studies of PSI confirm we exist outside ourselves because telepathy has been tested and it is not because of statistical probability. People who have had near death experiences have been able to utilize senses they shouldn’t have. The prophet Edgar Cayce stated the human spirit surrounds everything including our solar system. Our vibrations of our spirits interact with the sun and the planets although science refuses to admit this. That is funny, because the very same science posits a vibration began all life as we know it. It is because of these vibrations that we can impact the sun possibly causing sunspots and solar storms through anger. We can create our own reality in this manner and this can either create a paradise or a hell.”
Chao-Zing continued her lecture while all remained absorbed except for Sheri who peered around the room observing faces and reactions.
“I am not just lecturing to change science because it’s my personal crusade. A colleague alerted me this morning of a solar threat, often known as space weather to those in NASA. It seems the sun’s magnetic field has been stressed meaning solar flares and coronal mass ejections are imminent. So far, this weather has been directed away from Earth. But that may change with orbit. Could we have another solar storm like the Carrington Effect in 1859? If we do, we stand to lose our electrical grid and life may cease without energy to provide us food and warmth. It is because of this threat that I want all of you to consider my words carefully today. It is not only your education on the line, but possibly your lives. Our vibrations may provide a way to save ourselves.
“In conclusion, metaphysics should be a science. Beings and stars impact each other and so do we and our planet. As all actions produce a reaction, this will likely be my last lecture with you. It has been an honour to guide you.”
About a third of the class erupted in applause. Chao-Zing felt her heartbeat quicken again. She wondered how much it might accelerate once George uploaded the video to the Internet.
*
Timothy stared at the front door, waiting for it to open at any moment and change his relationship with Lou Ann irrevocably. Even if Lou Ann was not Kate Sizemore, the seed of suspicion and doubt had been planted. Was it Lori’s business to interfere? Was she trying to help him or was this part of a darker universe attempting to take away his light? People who revealed secrets often had secrets themselves. Timothy did his best to remain in a calm, meditative state, concentrating on his breathing, the slow rise and fall of his chest. Whatever happened would be for the best. He tried to convince himself this statement was true by repeating it several times.
When the door opened, Timothy entertained serious doubts whatever would transpire would be for the best. In all likelihood, he would lose Lou Ann, or whoever she really was. If that happened, it would chip away at his newfound happiness because Lou Ann was a product of his special relationship with the sun. What if everything he was experiencing was an illusion? Maybe he was being tricked not so much by people but by the universe itself. It could be giving a false sense of consciousness. Yes. The seed of doubt had been planted.
Lou Ann kissed him and Timothy drank in the serenity that gave him. It might be his last drink from that fountain. After the kiss, he found himself standing in an awkward position with hands on hips and his eyes staring at nothing in particular.
“What’s wrong?”
“Oh, daydreaming. You caught me.” Timothy shot an index finger at Lou Ann as if it were a gun. He forced a smile.
“Daydreaming is fine as long as you’re daydreaming about me.”
Timothy clapped his hands together. “You know. I was. I was thinking where we might go tonight, you know, for a little entertainment. I’m sure you must have some interests you can share with me. I’ve been selfish dragging you to my meetings. I haven’t given thought to your needs.”
“Well, the universe sure does work in mysterious ways. I’ve met the man of my dreams; caring and sexy, yummy.”
Timothy braced himself mentally. He would miss her cute drawl if what Lori said was true.
“So what do you like to do? I know it’s a little late to do outside activities but how about something indoors.”
“I know. We can go to a club. To tell you the truth, I thought my club days were over. But I am still quite addicted to music.”
“In what specific way would that be?”
Lou Ann looked as if she just bit into a sour pickle. Her nose crinkled. “Silly, just the love of music that’s all; don’t you love music just for the sake of music?”
“Sure. But I was wondering how you like to celebrate it. Some people dance. Some people like Kevin tap a beer mug to it in slightly, annoying off beat rhythm. I have been known to sing off key in the shower.”
Lou Ann’s eyes lit up. “I bet we can turn you into a pro. How about we do some karaoke?”
Timothy felt his heart plunge. His first reaction was to resist. He didn’t relish singing in front of anyone but non-judgmental bath tiles. But Lou Ann may have just confirmed his darkest fears. His mouth was already parched and he hadn’t uttered a single note. He decided to put up some resistance so as not to alert ‘Kate’ of his true intent.
“I don’t know. I am shy in public.”
Lou Ann threw her arms around his shoulders. “That’s why they serve liquid courage at these events.” She stared into his eyes, her eyes darting left and right, as if to absorb his every thought. He almost jerked away but she held him close. “Are you afraid of a little singing?” She laughed. “Or are you afraid of a
little competition? I bet I’m a better drunken karaoke singer than you are.” She playfully stood on one foot, all toes, to mock tipsiness.
Timothy nodded. He wanted to strangle Lori for unearthing this conundrum. Lou Ann’s interest in karaoke, albeit drunken karaoke, could be a simple coincidence. But Timothy’s relationship with the sun was by design. Even though it seemed by chance, events aligned to make it that way. He could only think of one thing. He would invite Lori along. It would be up to her to uncover more of ‘Lou Ann’s’ past. She was a catalyst in this design.
*
“What do you mean I have to go?” Lori sounded nothing short of angry.
“Because,” Timothy whispered, “You got me into this.” He held the phone close to his ear hoping his voice wouldn’t carry. Lou Ann was busy in the shower. He could hear the water splashing into the tub.
“How are you going to explain my presence?”
“I already told her you expressed in interest in karaoke and knew of a great place.”
“Oh. I suppose you’re right. But remember, the best evidence is the phone call she made to the police.”
“I don’t want to resort to that.” Timothy sighed. “Unless we have to; and there’s a distinct possibility she’s erased the call record.”
“Okay, pick me up. And you’re paying right?”
“What?” Timothy was exasperated.
“You interrupted a very good book. Be lucky I’m not charging you for that.”
Timothy would have laughed under other circumstances. Lori possessed a dark humour, but she did retain a humour nonetheless.
Chapter Sixteen
Lou Ann’s jaw dropped when Lori popped into sight in the not so crowded but still noisy bar.
“What is she doing here?” Lou Ann paused, her mouth twitching. “I mean it’s so good to see you. What a surprise!”
“I think Lori is a regular here. Aren’t you?” Timothy jabbed a playful elbow into Lori’s ribs.