“Speaking of which, I must attend to checking all systems, please excuse me,” said Andy.
Staring out at space, both Gudama and Layla were left alone. She smiled as he glanced at her.
“What will you do after it’s over? I mean what will do after you save the earth?”
“Go back to space, there are others who need me,” he replied.
“Family, your wife,” asked Layla?
“No, I’m not married, just friends of mine.”
That sentence made Layla float on the air of joy. The words melted all particles of grief, bringing her an indescribable happiness in her as she stared with a fixed smile at Gudama who was blissfully unaware of her as he kept looking at the stars.
“Do you ever think you’ll settle down, get married, and maybe have a few kids?”
“Eh, I’m passed that point.”
“But you look so young,” she said amazed.
“I don’t age, not anymore,” Gudama said looking down at the planet.
“Oh well yea that makes sense,” she said dumbfounded, “How old exactly are you?”
“I lost count a long time ago, heh it’s funny how you people worship death. You’re given a certificate for birth, completing university indoctrination, and for death. Each year your kind participates in their countdown to the grave.
Rather than celebrating once a year, why not rejoice every day and treat each new sun as a blessing?”
“Is that why you stay so young…and good looking?” Layla blurted out.
Oops, what did I just say? Darn it, you did it again, she thought!
“Ha, ha, I just choose youth and life that’s all. Your brain controls your body. By making a conscious choice for health you over-ride all biochemistry.”
“I see, well said,” Layla commented, “still ya never know, you may fall in love someday,” she said nudging him on the shoulder semi-jokingly.
Gudama turned to her.
“Layla, I took a vow of celibacy a long time ago devoting my life to serve humanity, to God. After my service is complete, if it is the wish of the almighty, then I will be given the right person,” Gudama said looking at her boldly.
“That’s so noble, I’m sure you’ll get the right girl,” she said winking with a smile.
For a moment Gudama was engulfed with a funny fuzzy feeling inside.
“Want to see something cool?” he asked.
“Sure, as if I haven’t already.”
Gudama entered a command which zoomed in on earth on a city atop a second story building.
“Wow, that’s incredible!” she said wide eyed.
“Look at all those people Layla. They’re imprisoned, slaves to a monetary economy being forced to perform rut labor that leads nowhere. It’s a shame…a real tragedy, but I understand why, I know their predicament, because I’ve been there.”
“What do you mean?” Layla asked puzzled.
“No one knows your race better than me, I lived just like you, I even went to a university, obtained graduate degrees, and worked for a number of years in various fields. I’m responsible for a lot of the new technologies you’ve seen lately such as advancements in robotics, alternative medicine, architecture, city designs and free energy, the virtual reality system that arrived recently, and even gaming. I did all of this for my fellow man, I mean, to make this planet a better place. For ten years I’ve sacrificed, but it seems politics interferes with science and development.”
“Ten years, you’ve been here for ten years?”
“Longer.”
“I don’t get it, I thought you just arrived recently,” she said confused.
Fiddling with his fingers, Gudama appeared to be hesitating. Layla sensed there was something more to say, “What’s on your mind? It’s ok, you can tell me,” she insisted.
“Let me clarify something. I actually was born on earth. Ever since a child I felt the need to serve humanity. Several years ago, I met aliens who shared my goal and offered assistance. I accepted and fortunately had the opportunity to visit the Pleiades where the people there shared with me their ways. I learned higher science, art, medicine, health, martial arts, music, technology, many things. However, there were those who didn’t approve of a human being taken outside of earth to learn the higher knowledge. Technically it’s forbidden, but the group that helped me was composed of volunteers so it was legal so long as certain regulations were met. Still, those that didn’t advocate such conduct attacked us and imprisoned me.”
“Luckily, I was rescued by a passing space traveler and through his help, along with others encountered during our journey, I was able to return to earth, the earth that I knew. Time is different, not like here, so even though I spent a relatively short time in space, the equivalent was over three thousand earth years.”
“Wait, now you’re human?” Layla said surprised not letting him finish his story, “So you lied pretending to be something you’re not?”
“Andy and I felt it would be best not to reveal my earthly origins so that people would take me more seriously.”
“I can’t believe this, all this searching to find out you’re just one of us,” Layla said disappointed.
“Only much more evolved. You know it’s funny, after all this time living on other worlds makes it hard to identify with earth. I forget I originated from here and really feel like an alien sometimes, speaking to people like an outsider. Still, I never did fit in growing up, and besides, I believe my soul is of a higher origin and was incarnated here to help this planet.”
Folding her arms, Layla glanced away with an upset look on her face, “Does anyone else know?”
“Except for a few close friends, no,” he replied.
“I don’t understand why you would do that lying to everybody!”
“Layla, I already told you. I did it to protect myself and to help mankind. I’ve lived my whole life on earth, but went into space as I mentioned to learn. Now I’m home.”
Layla turned away holding back tears. Gudama could feel her anger, “I didn’t blatantly lie, just left out details about myself, that’s different than lying.”
“I feel like I don’t even know you.”
“Don’t be silly, I’m still the same person only once human like you. You should feel more at ease that I’ m one of your own.”
“What are you talking about? That whole interview on the boat was a lie. You made up a story.”
“No, I shared with you what I learned living in space. They treated me as one of their own and I consider them my family, so no I told you my real experience.”
Layla didn’t respond, remaining silent.
“So what was it like, who were they?” she asked breaking the hiatus.
“I went with a race from the Pleiades, a human race like us. Since they have a history with earth and that we are genetically similar, they are the ones who primarily assist us as it is easier for both parties to cooperate.”
“What were they like? What did you learn?
“I learned about myself, they taught me to bring out my full potential, to dismay limitation and to achieve higher. That’s what I want to share with earth.”
“But if you’re human, how are you able to project energy blasts, and do all those superhuman feats?”
“These gloves help harness free energy which gives me a boost in power. The suit that I’m wearing contains technology to enhance my performance. It’s designed to assist users in focusing their energy. Plus, I’ve undergone evolution while alive, so I’m not merely human anymore.”
“So you’re just one big mutant freak creation?”
“No, I developed this power through meditation and intensive training. The suit merely acts like a tool to assist me. It’s also good for storing other necessities for interstellar travel.”
“What about that half-moon on your head?”
“This? Ah, it’s a long story, but like I said I’ve done lots of spiritual work for many years. I already was developed when I left
the earth. The Pleiadians merely took me to the next level.”
“Well that’s one fascinating story,” she said yawning, I think I’ll go back to sleep now.”
Gudama nodded and Layla left for bed.
Irritated, Gudama walked back to Andy.
“I reviewed the test results of your friend. It seems her DNA suggests she has otherworldly origins.
Her complex genome suggests she has healing powers. I still have to thoroughly investigate, but it is clear that you have selected no ordinary woman.”
Gudama looked at him silent with a stone look.
“Is everything ok? She heard us earlier didn’t she,” said Andy, sensing his thoughts, “Layla knows everything.”
“It doesn’t matter. What’s important is getting our job done by any means necessary. I don’t care if I have to personally overthrow the government myself. I will enjoy the sweet smell of success,” Gudama said bluntly.
“Gudama, you know that is forbidden.”
“I don’t care! This is my fight, not yours or anyone else’s!” he shouted with a clenched fist.
“Very well,” Andy said taking a breath, “as you wish. Understand however, that your actions will result in serious consequences that I’m afraid even I can’t prevent. Additionally, please know that I cannot continue with your personal quest. Our agreement was for earth’s mutual benefit. What you do on your own is your decision.”
Gudama’s eyebrows slanted, “I know, just provide me assistance and you’ve got your deal.”
“It is not I who you owe Gudama, it is your promise, remember? There are others who need you. The commitment you made to them.”
“And in doing so, I believe you have made such a promise yourself, to me,” Gudama said standing face to face with the much taller Andaglios.
“That indeed I did,” he replied.
“Then you assure me that no matter what happens, no matter what reactions we generate, no matter what I do, you will be there, you will support me, and guarantee your trust in my cause.”
The tall blue man read his eyes and slowly took a deep breath, “Yes my friend I will…I will.”
Gudama folded his hands in respect to Andaglios.
“Thank you…and I’m sorry,” he said bowing his head apologizing for his aggressive behavior.
Andy placed a hand on his shoulder in forgiveness.
Both of them turned their necks towards the window, staring at the earth where their destinies await.
Reflections
Leaning on the glass, Gudama pondered his past and how to avoid making the same mistakes on earth. He noticed Layla walking in.
“How’d you sleep?” he asked.
“Ok,” she said rubbing her eye while yawning, “How about you?”
“Ok, just thinking about everything.”
“Oh, thinking about what?” she asked scratching her leg.
“Just about our next move and how earth will react and everything else, I guess you could say I’m anxious.”
“Can’t wait to get outta here huh?” said Layla.
Gudama darted his eyes out the window in silence.
Layla came next to him to see her home planet.
“Beautiful isn’t it? I’d hate to see anything bad happen to it,” she said turning to him.
“Nothing will, I can assure you.”
“Good, because if anything did, I would fight with all my might till death against anybody to save it,” Layla said looking into his eyes.
Gudama studied her, returning her gaze.
“Earth needs more like you.”
“Oh they’re plenty more like me, millions, ready to fight for their precious land.”
“Heh, we’ll see,” Gudama said with a smirk.
He walked away and spoke to the ship in another language asking if preparations were ready. Andaglios appeared and Gudama said a farewell in another language before opening a portal back to earth.
“Ladies first,” he gestured to Layla.
“Lead the way. After all, you are here to save us.”
Gudama tilted his head and walked towards the portal, “You ready?” he asked her.
“Yea, are you?” she replied challengingly.
Gudama smiled and walked through the portal. Layla started following, but stopped just before entering to look at Andaglios.
“You have nothing to fear, we are on your side,” he said telepathically giving a kind smile.
Layla studied his eyes and then walked through the gateway.
Instantly, they arrived at the hills by the lighthouse they were at before thanks to Andy’s teleportation portal. Gudama started walking towards the lighthouse deep in thought.
“Where are we going?” asked Layla.
“I just want to check on Luke before we depart with our plan.”
“Umm ah, maybe we shouldn’t bother him, we should focus on our plan,” Layla said nervously scratching the back of her head.
“What? What are you talking about, it’ll just take a minute,” Gudama said stopping to turn around, “Why did you say that?” he asked face to face with her.
“I just thought we shouldn’t waste any time, I guess I’m just over anxious,” she replied.
Studying her face, Gudama grew suspicious.
“You’re hiding something. What were you doing last night?”
“Umm…sleeping,” she hesitantly answered.
“Oh really, no secret activities that I should be aware of,” he asked curiously?
“What, no, no, we’re in this together.”
“Oh, is that so? Very well, then we’ll check up on Luke, and depart after that.”
“Sure, as you wish,” she said backing off raising her hand.
Oh my God, what have I done, she thought?
Suspicious, Gudama walked a couple of steps ahead of Layla, occasionally checking back at her as though she were up to something. The distance grew as they reached the sand and Layla’s face became more revealing as she sniffled a bit with her concerned look. Gudama had a bad feeling and started running. On his way he noticed bullet holes on the walls of the laundry building and other damage done to the lighthouse. Gudama looked up to the balcony and with his super sharp eyesight, noticed that the telescope had been confiscated.
“Luke,” he uttered to himself, “Luke!” he exclaimed while sprinting towards the lighthouse.
“Oh no,” Layla said as she too noticed the carnage.
“Luke, Luke! Lu-” Gudama was caught off by the sight of the dead body of his dog. He slowly walked towards the lifeless carcass with piercing eyes and stern lips.
Layla ran to catch up, “Gudama, something has gone wrong. I can explain,” she said arriving.
Slowly Gudama turned to her. A vicious look wiped his face causing Layla to swallow saliva.
“Explain this,” he said stepping aside revealing the dog.
Layla gasped coving her mouth.
“What have you done?” said Gudama.
He ran inside the lighthouse while Layla fell on her knees in front of the canine’s body.
“Snuggy...I’m so sorry,” she said stroking his head.
“Luke!” Gudama shouted barging inside. He leaped up the stairs calling for him. Broken pots, kitchenware, and furniture stained the floors. Further up, Gudama noticed something else, blood. It led up to the highest floor which Gudama traced, but found no Luke. Angry, Gudama hastily searched, but only ended up downstairs reuniting with Layla.
“Where’s Luke!” he screamed like an animal scaring the wind out of Layla’s lungs.
“I don’t know,” she murmured.
With raised fists, Gudama shouted at her, “What the hell happened? Answer me!”
“I contacted a friend ok!” Layla admitted.
“You did what, why?”
“They helped me sneak in that night I met you. I thought they were worried and might call the police so I tried to send a text letting them know I was fine. I didn’t think they would send militar
y!”
“Argh! Lies, all lies!” Gudama frantically ran up the stairs again to recheck for Luke.
Layla’s head fell down as she pondered her actions. She glanced outside a window and saw red on the grass. Gasping, she went out to investigate. The blood trailed behind the lighthouse to the garden.
“Gudama!” shouted Layla.
Hearing her call, Gudama stopped and headed to her. His mouth fell at the sight his retina revealed to his brain, “Luke,” he said walking over.
Bullet holes filled Luke’s body as well as the remnants of battery. His face was unrecognizable from the attack.
“Get me a towel!” yelled Gudama.
Without skipping a beat, Layla fetched a towel with a water bottle. Gudama wiped Luke’s face, cleaning the blood. Tears burst from Layla’s face, “Gudama, I’m so sorry,” she said sniffling. She came to comfort him, but Gudama shoved her away, knocking her down.
“I’m sorry Luke. I’m so sorry,” he said shedding tears placing his hand on Luke’s lifeless face, “You were right, you were right all along. I should’ve listen to you, but was blind, blind by my own foolishness. Forgive me Luke…please.”
Rising up, Gudama glared at the sky, the sun’s rays illuminating its brilliance as Layla looked up.
“I now exercise a new plan, the only plan, the one that even earth primitives will understand.”
“Why are you talking like that? Violence is not what you do, this goes against everything that you’ve preached, in your books, your speeches, everything!” she pleaded getting up.
Gudama stood in silence as his blood boiled.
Layla shook her head in disbelief, “You’re one of us, don’t do this. I know that’s not you. Deep down beats the heart of a good hearted human being.”
“Hush, you know nothing of me! I came here to liberate your kind. You came to me offering help and I believed you, trusted you, thinking you were sincere, but now I see you’re no different. You’re just like every earth woman on this planet who only seeks money, sex, and liquor. I came here selflessly to help you. You came to me for personal gain and fulfillment of your wretched vile fantasies!”
Galactic Earth Page 20