Kingdom of Gods

by F Stone

  Sam wasn’t sure if he understood her meaning, but she appeared radiant and quietly joyful just to be alive. He’d never so clearly noticed her beauty until then. He stepped away.

  “Come back to my office and have your lunch. When you’re done, you can spend the rest of the day on the deck again, if you wish.”

  After her lunch, Sidney returned to the deck. In the hot afternoon, even the ocean seemed to roll lazily under a cloudless blue sky. The Nonnah quietly surged ahead through the waves. The few seamen outside leaned on the ship’s railing and watched the endless horizon. Sidney found a shaded area on the deck and sat, under the ever-watchful surveillance of Bridges and Moore. She closed her eyes.

  Once again, she clearly heard her mother’s scream as her body fell from the cliff, saw her vacant eyes and bloody face. The childhood trauma had followed Sidney and refused to release her from the prison she’d built around her heart — until today. Today, with a touch of Sam’s hand, her heart was free of its bonds.

  Each day she’d wrestled against the feelings that had begun to grow since the day Sam had told her about sailing Tears of Joy. She’d felt his passion and pride for his sailing ship. She’d seen his joy in challenging the tides and wind. She’d admired the way he hadn’t felt defeated, even when the island had refused to grant him safe passage to its shore. She’d heard his resolve to one day stand on the island’s shore. Could it have been my island? she wondered.

  Sidney had no illusions. Sam had revealed not a glimmer of love for her. Nevertheless, the love she felt for him surged with a longing to be near him. She immersed herself in this new energy that swirled around and through her. It carried her effortlessly higher and higher to a dimension Greystone had talked of but had never been able to describe as vividly as she felt it now. She understood why.

  She shifted her consciousness and searched for Danik. Telepathically, she called out to him, inviting him to join her. In a flash, he appeared before her in their cosmic dimension, grinning like a puppy who’d just buried a bone and was proud of his accomplishment.

  “Danik! Pay attention. Sam, I mean, Captain Waterhouse, is in some kind of trouble. All I know for sure is that he’s no friend of Admiral Garland. His kids are involved somehow. We might be able to help him.”

  Danik fought for control of his impetuous nature. “So it’s ‘Sam’ now?”

  He stepped away and paced around her once before drawing near again. Offering his hands to her in the Guardian’s symbol of unconditional trust, she placed her palms on his. All barriers of their telepathic world evaporated. Their spiritual energies merged. The union was brief, but it was all that was necessary for Danik to receive the details of Sidney’s dilemma.

  “I’m going to New Seattle,” he stated.

  “No, Danik. It’s much too dangerous for you. You’ll be recognized. Badger’s people will be on the watch for you. You mustn’t. Let Ryan and the underground handle it.”

  Danik’s boyish demeanor gave way to his underlying tenacious warrior spirit. “Sidney, that ship you’re on is bound to return to New Seattle, and you’ll be on it. When it arrives, I’m getting you off of it. Besides, Greystone’s decided that Frank Butchart has to come back to the island. I’m the lucky one who gets to deliver that package.”

  Sidney opened her mouth to speak, but Danik held up his hand to silence her.

  “I’ll be there, Sid. In New Seattle. Me and Ryan and whoever else we can dig up.”

  Sidney knew it was no use arguing with him. She reached out and touched his face. “I love you, Danik.”

  Sidney returned her consciousness the ship’s deck. It was late in the afternoon, and she told Bridges she’d like to return to her cell. It was time to prepare for her picnic with Sam.

  Moon reported to the captain before he began his shift.

  Sam, sat at his desk. “Have a seat, Rhett.”

  “Sir, I understand the prisoner’s execution has been postponed. Has the admiral changed his mind?”

  Sam thought for a moment. Just how much should he reveal to Commander Moon? It still rankled him that he had information about his personal life, information that Butchart would’ve been privy to. It was disappointing to discover that Moon may have been collaborating with Butchart. But for now, Sam planned to continue his relaxed relationship with his first officer.

  “Rhett, my report concerning the prisoner will be sent to the admiral in the morning as usual. You have command of the Nonnah until zero-six-hundred hours tomorrow. This evening, I’m going to be occupied picking the prisoner’s brain.” Then he set the baited trap. “She’s promised to reveal information concerning Captain Butchart. Apparently, they have a history. I don’t want to be interrupted unless there’s an emergency.”

  If Moon was truly collaborating with Butchart, Sam would soon know.

  “Captain, are you saying Captain Butchart is under suspicion? Should I expect anything unusual, sir?”

  “You and the officers are to focus only on getting the Nonnah to Pearl Harbor. Do you have any other concerns, Rhett?”

  Moon shifted in his chair. “No, sir. Permission to resume my duties, sir?”

  “Permission granted, Commander. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

  By the time Bridges returned to Sidney’s cell to deliver her to Sam’s office, she’d bathed and freshened up the clothes Lorna had bought for her. She’d brushed her hair until it glowed, and its waves danced freely over her shoulders. All that remained was to find a way to quiet the butterflies in her stomach.

  Following Bridges to Sam’s office, her heart raced. Her mind was filled with a cascade of questions: What was he going to ask her? Would she have the courage to tell all her secrets as she’d promised? What would he be like without his uniform? Would he touch her face the way he had this morning?

  16. Feather Magic, Crystal Power

  Afternoon, July 10, En Route to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: When Sidney stepped into Sam’s office, she was pleased to see he had on a short-sleeved white shirt and khaki trousers. Even casual, though, he was still meticulously starched and neatly pressed. She wondered if he could he ever relax and be just Sam.

  “Buenas noches, Sam.” She winked, testing his resolve to remain the starched naval officer.

  He smiled briefly. “Good evening, Sidney. Let’s go through my quarters and sit on the veranda.”

  Sam opened the door to his private quarters and stood to the side. Sidney’s heart quickened its pace again as she stepped into his personal space. It contained a minimal amount of furniture, and what was there was simple but of fine quality. She wanted to see more, but he’d placed his hand on the small of her back and urged her to continue out onto the veranda through French doors.

  The veranda was grand — it was originally intended to host private parties for cruise ship officers and wealthy guests. It extended thirty feet to the ship’s railing and was enclosed on both sides by a high wall. A roof extended twelve feet out from the French doors to partially cover the veranda. It was a very private place. Sidney was pleased to see potted flowering plants and evergreen shrubs scattered about, giving the terrace the appearance of a garden. The floor even had artificial turf to resemble a lawn. It almost fooled her except for the feel of it on her bare feet.

  She watched Sam as he busied himself with pouring a drink for her.

  “This is a special blend of teas, lemon, and spice. My own concoction. Do you like it?”

  Sidney sipped her drink and expressed her delight. “Mmm, I might want another. But we need to fix something. Your shoes and socks have to go.”

  Sam hesitated, then nodded and tossed off his shoes and socks.

  “Do you ever go for a swim in the ocean, Sam?”

  “Not unless the ship is anchored, and that’s not in the plans tonight. So how does this Sidney picnic go?”

  “Picture this, Sam. You’re in a meadow carpeted with wild flowers. Beside us is a river rushing toward the ocean a few miles away. Mountains surround you, as do tall ced
ars and birch trees. Evergreen scent perfumes the air. The meadow is filled with the music of birds and humming bees. Great place for a picnic. Now, there are two levels of Sidney picnics. One is the ‘feast or famine’ picnic where you find a rock to sit on and try to down the cheese and crackers before the critters do.”

  “Critters?”

  “Yes. A very hungry lot and no manners. Then, there’s the ‘share with nature’ picnic. It’s understood that ten percent of all the food will be placed outside the perimeter of the blanket. Critters are not allowed on the blanket.”

  Sam grinned. “Well, I doubt we’ll be bothered by critters here.”

  “That’s what you think. Have you checked for ladybugs under those bushes lately? And a wee mouse peeked out from under that azalea while you were mixing this drink.” Sidney leaned toward Sam’s ear and whispered, “We’re not alone.”

  Sam laughed. “Damn. This was supposed to a private party. Now, since I’m supplying the critters, blanket, and food, would you mind supplying the meadow, mountains, and all the rest?”

  “No problem. Just imagine you’re at my home.”

  “What’s this place called?”

  “It’s an island. We refer to it as Hawk’s Island. A red-tailed hawk claims it as her territory.”

  “We? Perhaps you should start at the beginning.”

  Sidney stood up and placed her empty glass on the bar counter.

  “Would you like more tea?” Sam asked.

  “Not just yet, thanks. This isn’t easy for me. I’ve never talked about my people to anyone before. It’s a little frightening. I’ve vowed to always protect them — at least, never put them in any danger.”

  “Are your people similar to a religious group ? Are they in trouble with — ”

  Sidney put up her hands to stop Sam. “No, no. Not religious — more spiritual. And not in trouble.” Sidney paced, searching for the right words and where to begin. She put a hand to her chest to comfort the ache building in her heart. The recollection of the meadow made her homesick, and she was having doubts this was the right thing to do.

  Sam stood up and placed a hand on her arm. “Are you all right?”

  The doubts vanished. Somewhere in her soul, she believed she could trust him. “Yes. You better sit down. This is going to be a bit of a stretch.”

  Sam sat down, and Sidney returned to the chair beside him.

  “Sam, I’m what’s called a Guardian.”

  Sam grinned. “I know.”

  “What? You know?”

  “Uh huh. Just wanted to hear you say it.”

  “Where did you, I mean, how … ”

  “Relax, Sidney. It’s okay. I understand. A few days ago, actually in Acapulco, a man told me about the Guardians. Didn’t believe him at the time, or at least had some doubts. It seemed such bizarre story. Then I realized there was no other explanation for all the odd things that’ve happened since you landed on my ship.”

  “Like what?”

  “Oh, little things. Like the storm that rocked all the other ships except the Nonnah the first night after your arrival. Like the visions, the feather, the — ”

  “The feather?”

  “Yes. I’ll show it to you.” Sam got up and disappeared into his private quarters. A few minutes later he returned with an envelope in his hand. “Here it is. The medical staff found it by your bed.”

  Sidney pulled out the feather. Sam was surprised at her reaction.

  “You look shocked,” Sam said

  Sidney breathed the name. “Celeste.”

  “Who?”

  “Oh, sorry. Her name is Celeste. She’s the hawk the island is named after.” Sidney hesitated. Turning to Sam, she became solemn “She’s no ordinary hawk. And she wouldn’t bring this gift to you unless, unless you and she were connected.”

  “Uh huh. Well, our scanners confused us a great deal. The report indicated the bird is thousands of years old. How do you know this is from your hawk?”

  “Whenever I’m in trouble, Celeste shows up. Helps me get through life’s challenges. She’s more spirit than a physical bird. She’s always been a great source of strength for me. It’s hard to explain. I know her energy.” She handed the feather back to Sam. “It’s your feather. She brought it to you.”

  “Don’t think so. Wasn’t beside my bed.”

  “If she left it by your bed, your staff would probably have just thought it was garbage and disposed of it. She placed it so you’d take more notice of it. She knows I didn’t need her feather. We communicate on a different level.”

  Sam took the feather and admired it again. “Why would the hawk want me to have this?”

  “Probably to help you see things more clearly. Sort of like from her viewpoint when she’s flying above the cliffs. She sees everything from a higher perspective. Does that make sense?”

  “You mean the feather could cause me to see things through a vision?”

  “Possibly. Visions are very powerful messages. But you’ll only receive a vision if you’re open to that experience.” Sidney studied Sam for a moment. “Actually, I believe you’re a waking Guardian, Sam. You’ve just been side tracked for a while. It happens.”

  Sam smiled. “A what Guardian?”

  “A waking Guardian. Most of humanity are sleeping Guardians, moving unconsciously throughout their lives unaware of their Guardian nature. You, in spite of that rule book of yours, have begun to tune in to your inner wisdom. Do you understand?”

  Sam placed the feather back into its protective envelope and abruptly changed the subject. “I’m hungry. How about you?”

  “Famished.” Sidney let the subject drop.

  “All right. I’ll get the food and bring the blanket out.”

  After a few minutes, Sam returned and uncovered the dishes of food. To Sidney’s delight, he’d selected an array of exotic appetizers and finger food. Several small saucers contained a variety of dipping sauces, pickles, cheeses, and an assortment of breads.

  “This is wonderful, Sam! All this could keep me satisfied for a week.”

  “Glad you approve. The dessert tray is still in the fridge — a special treat. I’ll get the wine ready.”

  Sidney laid the blanket down in the shaded part of the veranda, and they sat down across from each other. For a moment Sam simply watched Sidney. Seated in her lotus position, she’d closed her eyes and tilted her face up toward the blue evening sky. He realized she was giving thanks to the universe for the bounty before them. Quietly, he followed suit.

  During their meal, Sam quizzed Sidney on her home and lifestyle on the island. He was fascinated. More and more, he was certain Hawk’s Island was the same place that had refused him safe passage to its shore. He told her of the many times he’d sailed to a particular island but had been unable to find a safe entry past the surrounding reef.

  An easy silence fell between them. They had the realization that the island, and perhaps, more, connected them.

  “Sam, I believe Hawk’s Island could become your home.”

  Home, he thought. The word conjured up visions of people laughing, children playing. “Well, that may depend on how successful I am over the next week.” He leaned toward her and in the voice of a Hollywood criminal, “If ya got an extra bunk, babe, I might hafta hide out in yer neck of the woods until the heat’s off.”

  Sidney was momentarily speechless. She never expected Sam to be playful. She giggled, and then crossed her arms as though carefully considering his request. “I don’t know. Will you be the captain still, or Samaru?”

  Sam grinned and continued the charade. “Just Sam, babe. And I’ll be traveling light. Just me and my boys, see.”

  “Good!” She chuckled. “Just what are you planning?”

  Sam stiffened. He suddenly felt odd playing the part of a shady old-fashioned tv character. He returned to being the starched captain. “How about dessert first?”

  “Later. I’m too full for dessert. I’d rather hear about your situation.”
>
  “How about a walk?” He stood and offered his hand to help her up.

  Sidney accepted his offer, and together they walked along the veranda’s railing. As they stood looking at the ocean’s horizon, Sam knew he had to make a leap of faith, to finally trust Sidney. If she was ever going to reveal all her secrets, she had to believe Sam had come clean with his. So he told her about Joy’s death and that his boys were living with Admiral Garland because Sam was under suspicion of participating with the underground.

  “I’m not sure if I understand.” Sidney said. “You’re saying that Admiral Garland is holding your sons as hostages? How can he do that?”

  “It’s kind of a trade off. I get to see my boys once in a while and stay out of prison. Or I can refuse to follow orders and go to prison and probably never see them again.”

  “Sam. I can’t believe you’d do anything illegal. You’re so … ”

  “So what?”

  “Well, so by the book. What did you do to make the admiral suspicious?”

  “It’s the implications that I probably at least knew about what Joy was doing. You see, she came across one of the admiral’s confidential files. She’d retrieved only a small portion of it but enough to discover he was mining crystals. These crystals were thought to be special, I guess, a potential source of energy.”

  Sidney felt a constriction in her throat and moved away from Sam.

  “I believe you and my wife were both seduced by Badger. I believe you went after that Thy Kingdom Come file. The one concerning crystals.”

  Sidney placed her hand against her chest and turned away from Sam again.

  “You look frightened. For Christ’s sake’s, Sidney, we’re talking about a crystal. Not a weapon of mass destruction.”

  “You’re right. I did go in to retrieve the crystal file. Badger needed to know who was controlling the crystals. In the wrong hands, this particular crystal can be a lethal weapon on a scale you can’t even imagine.”

  “You can’t convince me a crystal has that much power.”