by Sammy Sutton
He paused. Her words filled the silence.
“I understand the Solar Maximus consists of bursting energy, belted from the Sun that enters the Earth’s atmosphere. Will you explain the dynamics in more detail?” She knew he liked being the teacher. His work in the field was his passion, but he missed being the professor at times.
“They’re called solar storms, and they’ve created huge repercussions on Earth in the past. The most recent knocked out the Canadian power grid, and left millions without power in Canada and California. Our society has become so reliant on communication that it adds another layer to the vulnerable structure. Multi-layered disasters are now inevitable.
Solar storms are flares on the Sun’s surface. These flares periodically eject large streams of plasma that reach Earth. The Earth’s magnetic field directs, or focuses, the streams of plasma.
Sometimes events occur that create visible auroras in unexpected parts of the world. This presence may also trigger large currents surging throughout the atmosphere, as Earth’s magnetic field surges above, and below normal levels. Full recovery usually requires several days.
It often triggers magnetic storms in an otherwise healthy magnetic field. This may cause problems with telecommunications, radio transmissions, and magnetic compasses. Now there are holes in the magnetic field, in addition to its overall weakness. I’m not sure what to expect.”
“It is hard to imagine it will be positive,” her voice was solemn. “Now there are so many things that could be paralyzed by one tragic incident.”
He added, “Here’s something crazy I learned. We have the technology to protect our satellites from Sunspots, yet failed to do, trying to save money by reducing costs.
Remember, this isn’t a concept from mythology, it’s a fact verified by experience, endorsed by science. Even the government and the military have left their satellites unprotected. We’ve recently lost two important satellites to the wrath of Sunspots, and we’re nowhere near the solar peak.”
“That is ridiculous, Antonio. The cost could not be worth the risk of losing our satellites.”
“I agree.”
“Then, maybe the magnetic field is dropping, moving towards Zero Point, the point of renewal. Is that not how the Natives and so many others view this place in time, as a complete rebirth?”
“That’s how the Natives view it, Amanda. The death of the ‘Old’ is the birth of a ‘New’. They believe the “New’, promises a better, more mature existence. As for you and your Zero Point, we’ll see about that one.”
Chapter 14
“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”
— Aristotle (Metaphysics)
After a long night of revelations, the couple soared down the highway.
Antonio suppressed the urge to stomp the gas pedal as a car rocketed past them. The driver dared him to race. Despite his concession, he suspected Amanda would’ve enjoyed the thrill had he accepted the challenge.
A new set of dark clouds moved above the New Mexico mountaintops. Faint glimpses of the Sun peeked through a crack in the towering clusters of gray and mesmerized her.
“Hey, are you with me over there?” Antonio interrupted her trance.
“The clouds are hypnotizing me.”
“They certainly are doing a decent dance up there.”
Antonio caught sight of another daunting dance. The light sparkled through the windows, and turned Amanda’s eyes into dazzling kaleidoscopes. Mystically changing colors with the variations of light, her eyes sparkled with specks of glitter. He glanced between the road and her, finding all the different shades of turquoise, gold, sapphire, steel, and opal.
Long, curly lashes framed her wonderfully wicked eyes, designed solely to cast spells upon him. At least, that’s what he was beginning to believe. If the eyes were windows to the soul, hers were fascinating portals to Heaven.
A flicker of a reflection in the mirror caught his eye. Coming up fast was a large bodied car. He watched it get closer, and swerve out to pass him. He glanced at Amanda and wondered what she would do if he gunned Raven and took what he could now see was a big Caddy, on in a one on one race down the open road.
As the Caddy drew even with them, Antonio glanced over and saw the windows were tinted to dark to see through. Nothing unusual about that, the high heat of the area and the surrounding states caused a lot of drivers to tint their car windows for protection.
Expecting the Caddy to go on by, he was surprised when it continued to hang right there beside him. He nudged the gas pedal a little, and the Caddy did too. He slowed down, and so did the Caddy. What kind of game was this guy playing?
Looking ahead he saw an exit for a small Mom and Pop Gas Station, and suddenly swerved to take it, he heard Amanda's soft sound of distress. He flew down the ramp, and the Caddy went on by. Relaxing a little, he eased back on the gas, and took the turn at the bottom like a normal driver. Looking over at Amanda, he saw her wide eyed expression of annoyance.
"A little warning next time would be a nice thing."
"Sorry, sudden urge to make a pit stop." He reassured her.
He pulled Raven in alongside the building, and some instinct told him to park nose out. Once parked, he asked Amanda to go inside and get a few snacks for the rest of the trip, while he asked for the key to the men's room.
He watched Amanda walk into the small two story building, and then turned to watch the road. He had a clear view of both the on and off exits, and the small secondary road that ran in front of the station. Relaxing when he saw no other cars approaching, he realized he did have to go, and hurriedly went in search of the keys.
Amanda was searching for anything that was not sugar or salt laden, and so far had only found fresh fruit and water. She remembered Antonio like the plantain chips, but there did not seem to be anything like it here in this small place. They must not get much business; the little man behind the register had become overly excited when she entered. He was a tough, weathered little gnome of a man, who was currently in the back looking for 'something to please the little lady'.
The sound of a car outside, made her look up, and she recognized the car that had been following them since they left the resort. She quickly freed up her hands, and stepped quickly to the back door where the little man had gone. Moving silently, she found him bent over a crate mumbling.
Softly she said, "Sir, excuse me, but is there a back door?" He looked at her and then back towards the entrance, and said quietly, "Used to be, but I think I blocked it off a year or so ago."
Okay, Amanda opened her purse and removed the Barak/SP-21 and checked its load. Looking up she saw the worry on the man's face, and smiled. "It is alright, I know how to use it, and I need you to stay back here until I tell you it is okay to come out." With that she set down her purse, and removed the tight jacket she was wearing.
As she went to leave the back room, she heard the bell tinkle, before it was suddenly silenced; not normal customer behavior. She positioned herself behind the first row of shelves, and looked up to watch the intruder's progress in the round mirror she had noticed earlier.
When she saw them centered on the next aisle over she stepped out, gun pointed at them, and said, "That is far enough."
The two men were caught unaware, but quickly recovered. "Lady that little pea-shooter is no match for us." The man who spoke pulled out a Sig-Sauer, and the other guy drew an S&W .40. They stood there at an impasse until Amanda spoke.
"What do you want from us?"
"We want what the Doctor found, and we want you to come with us."
"Afraid I cannot help you, on either one of those points. I have no idea what you are talking about, and a woman would have to be a fool to get in a car with either of you, much less both."
"We have orders not to kill you, but nobody said anything about making you hurt first. Now drop the gun, and let's go let your boyfriend out of the bathroom."
"What have you do
ne to Antonio?" Amanda's voice had gone icy.
"Don't know do you?" The one of the men laughed meanly.
The other man was slowly moving to one side, and Amanda knew she had to act fast, if they split up, she would have to kill them.
The voice from behind her startled her at first, until she remembered the gnome.
"You boy's just take it easy. That little gun the ladies holding is an Israeli design, and just as deadly as those big irons you're holding. Now me, I prefer American made all the way; which is why this old Turkey gun of mine outshines you all. Boys, this is a Remington 20 gauge, and the shot is set for impact not spread. What do you suppose would happen if I let off these two barrels standing this close?"
The room got deadly quiet, as the odds shifted out of the two men's favor. They carefully put their guns on the floor in front of them, and held up their hands.
"I knew you were reasonable fellas as soon as I got a good look at you. Little Lady, grab a role of that hundred-mile-an-hour tape over there and lets secure these boys."
Amanda moved swiftly to wrap the gray tape around their wrist and a wide swath over their mouths, which she viciously wrapped all around their heads, being sure to cover their ears and neck hair in the process. She glanced over at the gnome, and he winked at her! Something strange about the way he spoke, and it bothered her, until she realized when pointing the shotgun, his English was perfectly formed. The rest of the times he spoke he sounded like a laid back farmer. While the gnome watched over them, she went outside to free Antonio.
Antonio had been beating on the door forever it seemed. The lock seemed to have jammed and the little room had no windows. He heard a noise and stopped banging, the knob turned and there stood Amanda; with a pistol in her hand! "What are you…?
Amanda suddenly threw her arms around his neck and climbed up his body like a monkey! He would have loved it, if it hadn't been for the barrel of deadly looking weapon pressed against his neck!
He patted her on the back, and tried to comfort her, he could feel the sobs racking her body. "Easy, easy, it's alright, I'm here now." Why she would be so upset over a locked door, escaped him. But no matter, she was in his arms clinging like a limpet and he loved it.
As she sobbed, Amanda tried to tell Antonio about the two men, the shotgun and the gnome.
Antonio pushed her down and yelled; "What men, what shotgun, gnomes in New Mexico? This is a mystical journey not a fairy tale."
Amanda decided the direct approach would work better, so she grabbed his arm and drug him to the entrance to the store and inside. There she pointed dramatically.
What Antonio saw was unbelievable. A really tiny man was sitting on a stool, smoking a shrunken head, glaring at two guys wrapped up with duct tape, while holding an ancient double barrel shotgun! He ran both hands through his hair, and calmly turned to Amanda, and yelled; "What the hell is going on? I leave for ten minutes to go the bathroom, and you get involved in a store robbery?"
The little man took the carved Meerschaum pipe out of his mouth to tell what he had overheard. "Well actually, I was in the back looking for some of that health food they sent by mistake, for the Little Lady, when…"
Amanda interrupted him and said; "That is exactly right Antonio. Thankfully the store owner keeps a weapon on hand just for such cases. If we do not want to be tied up with the authorities for hours with explanations, I suggest we leave now." She grabbed her purse and jacket which the old man was holding, and thanked him for a lovely experience. She kicked the two men in the back, one swift kick each before leaving.
Antonio stood there for a moment, until the gnome blew a perfect smoke ring and said; "Mister, if I was you I would catch up to that Little Lady and hold her forever. A woman, who carries an Israeli Barak/SP-21 in her purse and is ready to use it, is a real catch in these parts." Then he winked at Antonio, and started humming the Marine Corps Hymn under his breath.
Antonio was sure there was more to this than he knew, but he wasn't gonna delay catching up to Amanda, especially when he heard distant sirens and the thought of a huge delay kicked him into high speed.
Once they were back on the road, he expected an explanation, he didn't get one.
"Are you okay?"
"I am fine Antonio; just a little shaken up is all."
He reached over and took her hand, and noticed the tremors, wanting to spare her feelings over the shock; he let it drop for now. They spoke of what they had learned so far from the Scrolls, and the rest of the trip passed peacefully.
“Amanda, we’ll stay at my house tonight before heading down to Hidden Mountain in the morning. Tell me you’re okay with that plan.”
The gate opened as he took a quick breath, and glanced at Amanda. She was amused, excitement shined from her eyes. He wanted her to love the house.
They drove a half mile down the driveway before she could see the large adobe. Lavender was everywhere in full blossom, and the breeze carried the flower’s faint scent. Astounded, the lavender she grew at home now seemed so insignificant.
There was a pond with a platform nestled inside the wisps of blue flowers. It was picturesque. An exquisite Tuscan-style adobe came into full view through the windshield. They drove around to the back, where the garage stalls created the shape of an ‘L’ from the house.
“This is it. See, there’s plenty of room for you.”
“Room for me and an army...” Gawking, she shook her head.
The drive circled around a garden that sat in front of the smaller buildings. The house was at least three staggering levels.
“Antonio, this is incredible.”
He stopped the car before one of the opening garage doors. His hand squeezed hers.
Maria rushed to greet them. Joe followed at a steady, controlled pace. Excited, Maria was short, slightly plump, and Hispanic, close to sixty-years old.
Joe was a tall, large man, but not at all fat. A Native with gray hair, he wore it long, letting it hang down his back.
Maria fussed over Antonio, and kissed his cheeks. “She’s lovely, Antonio.”
Amanda knew he wanted Maria’s approval. Antonio smiled, and introduced her. Then he walked over to Joe, who was already busy unloading their luggage. They laughed about something. Joe asked Antonio where he wanted her bags to go.
“Put her bags in the second floor guest room, and don’t be surprised if that arrangement changes.” The two men chuckled.
Explaining to Maria that they’d eat later, he told her to finish whatever they were working on and take Joe home.
Amanda stood back, feeling uncomfortable. Antonio approached, apologetic for abandoning her. Brushing her cheek with his fingers, he took her hand in his. They entered the house through a side door.
The first room they entered was huge. The Great Room, even the title was an understatement. The ceilings were high with cedar planks and beams that formed an arched half-circle. The room housed three seating areas and a large dining alcove.
“This is amazing, Antonio. The room is awesome, an entertainer’s utopia.”
He planted himself in front of her and gripped her waist with a soft smile.
“What about you, Amanda? I don’t give a damn about the entertainer. I want you.”
Swallowing, she answered. “I really like to entertain.”
Antonio guided her to the office. The design was fitting of the man. Extending along an entire wall was a custom workstation with unique oval desk that sat before it.
An alcove camouflaged a tall bookshelf filled with office supplies neatly arranged and organized. A pair of office chairs serviced the work area equipped with two computers.
The opposite side of the room had a wall of built-in cabinets, bookshelves, and enclosures. The third wall was entirely windows with long, flowing curtains.
“Amanda, I’m going to get my portfolio bag. It’s in the bedroom across from where Joe put your things. Come on I'll show you your room" They exited through a side door that Amanda assumed was a cl
oset, and climbed up a private stairway.
Opening the first door on the landing, Antonio asked, “This is the Master Bedroom. Do you want to see it?”
The master suite followed the design of the rest of the house. The room was huge, with an open design and bed as the focal point. An intentional alcove created a precise fit for the bed and two side tables.
The alcove’s wall stood beautifully as a subtle, hand-painted sky. A gorgeous, muted impression of a cloudless evening, the artist focused on shading with blended hues of azure and gold. It was the perfect backdrop for behind the bed, created with a romantically tasteful design.
Two small vertical windows framed the alcove, and allowed a perfect hint of natural light. The bed itself was rustic, an Artisan’s craft. Understated, it allowed the bed covers to take center-stage.
The covers were gorgeous azure and light blue with limited design, and no pattern. A custom ceiling fan danced freely above with hues that mimicked the mural’s sky.
The rest of the room’s walls and ceiling were in classic adobe style, painted with a quiet blend of gold and cream.
A double French door to the left of the bed led to a Sunroom-type enclosure with a hot tub. A large, rustic armoire sat next to the French doors. Farther down the wall, near the office entry, a small marble fireplace established a cozy scene for a small seating area. The elegant vignette contrasted with the rest of the room’s rustic style.
Amanda smiled at the eclectic motif. The small sofa was a lovely, rounded design. Unusual, she understood Antonio’s attraction to it. Two antique armchairs and an oval table finished out the seating area.
Across the room, the opposite wall held a thick, long dresser with tall mirror that brought necessary height and balance to the room. Nearby, the door to the bathroom stood open. On the other side was a door to the hall.
This was his room, and represented all the parts of him. A rich mix of cultures, all intertwined to create the individually unique design.
A mirror of Antonio, it was a smooth mix of New Mexico and Miami, as well as a reflection of his blended nationalities as a Cuban- American and Jew. Not a single part screamed out, yet not one of them could hide. All the cultures were equal, and presented proudly. Antonio was a beautiful assumption of equality without struggle.