“Do you want me to come with you, Talon?” she asks. “I mean,” She looks down at the ground and pauses. “Cassie has Korban. Noah, just isn’t what I’m looking for.”
I pause. “Deonna?” She lightens up. I don’t know what gets into me, but I kiss her and she puts her arms around me. I’m surprisingly happy.
“I was wondering when you were going to do that?” She states. “I think I love you, Talon. Do you love me as well?”
“I guess I should have told you how I’ve felt sooner. But Noah made me feel like I was in a competition. That’s all.” I poke at the fire and look back up. “When I find a place on this world that meets our needs, I’ll build us a home and we can spend the rest of our lives together, if you’d like.”
“Talon, I’d love that. Where are we going tomorrow?”
“I think we should fly south tomorrow, and complete our mapping of this northern continent. Then we should keep our promise and check back in with Korban and the others. I do plan on checking out the other continents. We can start with the southern part of that eastern continent first because it is a closer flight from our starting point.”
“We’re going to have to start naming all of these places,” Deonna states. “We could name things after places on TerraNorre, for instance.”
“Good idea.” We sit at the fire for a while. It’s getting colder and we finally cuddle down for the night. I’m starting to really like my new life. With Deonna at my side, I feel purpose.
We awake to birds around us chirping. The sun is coming up. Deonna is next to me. She kisses my forehead.
“Hungry?” I ask.
“Just something warm to drink.”
I warm up some matee and we sip it while watching the sun rise. “It’s even more amazing from the east.” She comments. We observe the village for an hour or so. These people live in tents made with sticks and grasses. They also farm.
“I think we should move on.” I comment. “We still have a lot of ground to cover before we go back. We have the entire southern portion of this continent. And it should get warmer.”
“Maybe we could find a beach.” She adds.
I like that idea, I think.
We finally fly down the eastern coast of the continent, mapping rivers, bays, islands, and inlets. But we see no signs of life other than the tribes we saw up north. We see smaller mountains to the west and the coast to the east. I start to descend.
“Where are we going?” She asks.
“It’s more tropical here in the south. So that means the water is going to be warmer. We’re going to find a beach Deonna.” Our descent does not disappoint us.
“The water is so beautiful, and the sand is white. Not a lot of tides, are there?”
We land on the beach near the sand dunes and get out of the shuttle.
“Come on, Deonna.” I take her hand and we run down to the water and wade in it.
“It is warm, Talon.”
“Look at that, Deonna! Out further over there.” “It’s huge. What is it?”
The big fish jumps from the water and its large tail spreads out about six
to eight cubits.
“I’ve never seen a fish that large.” I comment.
“Do you think the water is safe?” She asks.
“I think it’s too big to come to shore. It would get stuck on the sand. Look over there!”
We see an animal with a large shell on its back walking back to the water. It came up out of the sand. We run over to where the animal departed and there are around 40 large eggs left in the sand from where the creature emerged.
“Fascinating. But didn’t it just desert its nest?” Deonna asks.
“I’m not sure.” I reply. We see others just like it doing the same thing. We spend time walking on the beach and talking.
“It’s funny, Talon. I’ve known you for so many years. But I realize I’ve never known anything personal about you. I wish I had met you earlier in my life. You’re so funny, and talented.”
“Well, you might have thought I was too busy back then. Now I really know what I’m doing. But this has been wonderful, Deonna. Shall we get going?”
“I guess we have to. Don’t we? But Talon, I’m going with you again when you explore. I’m going everywhere you go, because that’s where I want to be.”
We kiss again and then walk back slowly to the shuttle.
“What are those?” Deonna calls. “Look, they have at least six legs and they walk in every direction.”
“I don’t know. But watch out for those claws. They might hurt.” I look around and a cluster of them seem to be on Deonna’s side of the shuttle. “Here, Deonna. You’ll have to crawl through on my side.”
“I can do it. Don’t worry.” She gets in and moves over feet first and slides in.
We then make the return flight back to the west coast of the southern continent, mapping as we go.
I spot the Genesis and land the shuttle near it. “That was quite a trip.” Deonna comments.
“It was. Let’s check the portal and the seasonal period.”
We both get out and approach the Genesis wreckage. We step through the blue ray of light and look outside the ship on the other side of the portal. It has been snowing on the other side.
“Nothing but a wall of snow.” Deonna remarks. I push the snow away. We’re covered by a drift. The snow drifts are too high.
“It’s impossible to get down the mountain. Even if we make it to the cave, it isn’t warm enough to protect us.”
“How are we going to survive here?” she asks. “We’ll be starting all over.”
I look at her and smile. “This is an opportunity for us, Deonna. We could hang around waiting for better weather on the other side. I think that would be a waste of precious time. Let’s spend the night here in the Genesis and tomorrow we’ll take the shuttle pod and go explore the other continents.”
Deonna hugs me. “That’s just what I was thinking.” The next day, we lift off again and fly directly east over the continent and over the ocean. At this point, I fly the shuttle at an altitude of 30,000 cubits. We can see nothing but ocean for about two hours. Then I spot a coastline.
“We made it,” I say. “Let’s go up in altitude like I did before and see just how big this continent really is.” We continue to ascend for about five minutes. From an altitude of 300 parlongs high we can see the entire continent. It’s very large.
“Look southeast of here,” I tell Deonna. “Another smaller continent with islands. Where shall we go first?”
“I’m thinking if we go south it will be cold like where we just came from. Let’s go north and explore the eastern coast,” she answers. I like the way she thinks. We fly over the cape and up the coast on the eastern side of the large continent. Deonna maps as we fly. On the right side of the continent further up there is another large island far off the shore. We continue north. The continent’s shape is unusual in that the northeastern part seems to bear east for a long time until it almost joins with the larger northern continent. We travel west and follow a very long river basin north and finally arrive in a large gulf region.
“Look Talon, dwellings. And people.”
“Where shall we land?” I ask. “We’re not ready to be seen.”
“There’s a mountain range towards the southeast. Let’s see what we can find there.” I fly south following the large river basin and circle back to the east to a mountain range.
“We need a similar base like the other sites we’ve landed in.” “Just scrub brush. No trees,” Deonna notes. I land the shuttle once more and we exit. Then we cover the shuttle with a
Blanket like covering using bushes.
“Get ready to map again, Deonna. We’re going to want to find this shuttle again at some point. We’ll just follow the watershed like we’ve done before.”
“No bushes this time.” She replies. It is dry and hot and the descent is steep at first with a lot of gravel. I look back often and take Deonna’s
hand. I think of how tough she is for a woman; yet so patient, adventurous...beautiful. I pull out a small water generator. It generates water from the air and fills in one minute. I hand it to Deonna to drink. She takes a long drink and realizes how dry and arid the climate is. She passes it back to me and I drink.
“Nothing but dessert up here,” I remark. “Lots of sand.”
Deonna reaches into her pack and pulls out a skin cream. “We need this now.” She says. “It’s hot here. But at least we’re not freezing to death. How are we going to understand anyone we meet?”
“I brought translators. They’re not perfect. But I think we’ll get by,” I answer. Each translation device is like an ear piece that fits in the ear perfectly.
“Depends on the natives,” she answers.
I study the ground. “This is all Limestone. There seems to be a lot of limestone in this area. It can be used for building material.”
“Did you bring a levitator and laser,” Talon? I reach into my bag and pull the two items out.
“Wouldn’t come without them,” I reply. “It’s roughly a couple of hours before sunset.” We finally come to the lower canyon area that opens up to the desert floor. The oasis is easier to view. We can see palm trees in the distance and grasses. We also see animals being herded.
“The best place to make acquaintances is probably at a well,” I remark. “Let’s go ask for a drink.” We approach some men at a well. One of the men waves his arms towards us to approach.
“Come,” he says. “Drink. Peace be unto you and your lovely companion.”
I wave and return the greeting, “Peace be unto you. My name is Talon Imhotep. This is my wife, Deonna.”
“I am called Nahor, of the House of Shem, Son of Noah. Welcome to Memphis. You’re not from around these parts. Your clothing is unusual. From whence have you come?”
“Thank you, Nahor. We came from the south country in the upper regions. We have journeyed now for three days. We are tired and hungry. Would you be able to help us? We will give service in return.”
“The House of Shem welcomes you, Talon Imhotep. “Come and we shall dine and learn about each other. You may tarry here in our dwellings as long as you like.”
Nahor claps his hands. Three maidens come to his side. “These are my daughters. They will escort your wife to an area where she may refresh herself and obtain clean clothing.” Nahor personally accompanies me to where we refresh ourselves and put on new robes.
“Tell me Talon Imhotep. What brings you to our land?” Nahor asks.
“We’re newly married and seeking to settle in an area like this one where there are other people such as yourselves. We want a place where we can raise our family, live our lives, and serve those around us.” I explain. I wash and put on new clothes. Nahor then escorts me to another tent where we join the women for dinner.
“We thank you for your kindness and hospitality, Nahor, Son of Noah. Tell me, does your family prefer to live in tents? Or are you also on a journey?”
“We recently arrived here from the Ur of Chaldees,” Nahor tells me. “This area around the Nile River is fertile for planting crops and raising animals. Ur of Chaldees is in a drought and we have come to tarry here for a time. It is the first drought since the great flood that our Father Noah survived.”
“So there was a great flood?” I ask.
“In so much that it covered the entire earth,” Nahor explains. “We who live today are children of the survivors of that flood that killed the wicked, in as much as our family descended from the eight who came from the Ark of Noah some 300 years ago. Our records have been handed down from generation-to-generation since the first man Adam and first Woman called Eve. But I perceive that you are not aware of this. Are you not a believer in God, my friend?”
“We were raised with similar beliefs, Nahor. But my people have forgotten themselves over the years. We will learn your beliefs Nahor and learn about your God.” Nahor seems pleased. “And in return we can serve. I am skilled in the healing arts and in architecture. I noticed that the mountains are filled with limestone. I am skilled in cutting stone, laying foundations, and building.”
“Very good skills indeed. But go now. Get your rest and we can talk more of this on the morrow. Sleep well, Talon.”
I acknowledge and we’re escorted to a tent that Nahor has set aside for Deonna and myself.
“Talon,” Deonna intercedes. “We’re going to have to make this husband- wife thing official, now that you’ve introduced us as husband and wife. Don’t you think?”
“Well...I did that because...because I didn’t want anyone to think you weren’t spoken for. I....”
“Talon...I’m waiting.”
Very well,” I laugh. I get down on my knees and take Deonna’s hand. “Deonna Lyte, I give you my heart forever and pledge to you my devotion, faith, and honor. I promise my protection and you will not want for anything you desire.”
Deonna then reciprocates as I arise.
“Talon Imhotep, my new love. I promise to cherish and love you forever, no matter where our journey leads us.” We embrace and kiss. I run my hands over her red hair.
“I’ve always wanted to touch your red hair.”
RETURN TO PERU
“The doorbell rings.”
“Matt, your cab has arrived.” Kim calls. She trips over all my luggage by the stairs. “Good grief!”
“Sorry Honey.”
“Oh Matt...” She starts to cry. “Four months....”
I hug and kiss her. “I’ll make it up to you sweetie. I promise.”
“You’d better. It’s almost Christmas; don’t forget to call me!” We hug again and I rock her.
“I love you. Merry Christmas...” I kiss her cheek. The cab honks. I drag my luggage outside and the cabbie puts everything into the trunk.
“Matt, don’t forget to call on Christmas...and New Year’s!” She yells.
I wave and wink at her as I get into the cab. She watches as the cab leaves for Dulles Airport. It’s 5:30 am. Our flight leaves for San Antonio at 7:00 am. It snowed in Virginia last night; so the traffic is slower going south into Virginia from Maryland. It’s funny how the weather differs on either side of the Potomac River at times. Thank Heavens Dulles has an airport road. I observe all of the construction equipment around the building of Metro into the airport. I’m glad I took a cab. I check my luggage with the Skycap. I tip him $10.00, and I’m off to the gate with my ticket. After Starbucks, that is. People are laying all over the place. It’s going to be a crowded flight. Great! Just great! Leesa is enjoying a donut and hot chocolate from Dunkins. She waves. “Last chance,” she says.
“What?” I ask. “You’re not missing those enchuritos in Peru yet?”
Ray adds, “I was just getting used to being home finally. And it’s almost Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, Bud. Everyone checked in yet with Leesa?” I ask. Leesa is in process of roll call. ”Hans?” Hans raises his hands in a peace sign. “Julia...there you are. Frank?” Frank has a hood and sunglasses on. He raises his hand. “Ready to freeze, Dwayne?” He’s dressed like he’s headed to Hawaii. “Peter?” Peter has head phones on and is rapping to music. “Yeah, he’s here.” “Kelly, where are you? We’re missing Kelly. And Donna. I don’t see them.”
“Here we are,” Kelly’s running as she answers. She and Donna are carrying bags from McDonald’s. “That leaves Darren.”
“He’s asleep on the floor over there,” Hans says. Darren has his knees and feet up on the chair. “That’s everyone, Matt.” Other people start crowding the line that’s forming as the airline personnel start announcing boarding details. It’s the usual hurry up and wait. There are two couples waiting to fly standby. We finally board. Ray and I take our seats. He’s at the window and I have the aisle. Both of us have hats on. An older woman sits between us. We each lower our heads and pull our hats down. Ray dozes off first.
It’s an eventful flight. The woman wakes me up to grab a bo
ok from her bag in the overhead compartment and gets back into her seat. The airline hostess is on her way down the aisle and the woman orders an orange juice. Later she wakes me again to go to the restroom. She talks a lot as well. So much for beauty sleep. I think she likes talking to younger men.
Our flight lasts three hours and we finally land in San Antonio. The crew meets by the baggage claim area. Mark shows up behind us.
“Welcome to sunny San Antonio everyone. We have a bus out here waiting to go to Lackland.” We each grab our luggage and board. There’s some chatter. Mark boards last and addresses the group.
“Everyone, let me introduce you to Staff Sgt. Michaels. Sgt. Michaels will be your guide and coach on the flight down to Peru. When we get to base, he will give you training on how to use a parachute, in case we have to bail out. I would advise you to listen carefully.” Staff Sgt. Michaels is 6’ 3” and weighs approximately 220 lbs. He seems to be all muscle.
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