Among the Stars

by Matthew Ellis

  Sylvia lost control of her body and Jenni’s voice took on the realization tones. Sylvia didn’t notice it for a while.

  Jenni said, “It’s not for every traveler to know. Only the most caring travelers know the grand nature. I killed myself to be with you. So now, I’m your guide. I’m here to keep you safe.”

  Sylvia asked, “Why does your voice sound weird?”

  Jenni answered, “Because the universe is speaking through me. This is your grand realization. There are some secrets that travelers can’t handle, and only grand travelers receive them. Then there are secrets that only caring travelers can handle. You’re now a grand traveler and I’m a caretaker traveler.”

  Sylvia noticed that she couldn’t move. She remembered this feeling from her realization on the train, but she didn’t understand why it was happening again.

  Sylvia said, “Whoa! You just blew my mind! So, am I allowed to know why the psychiatrists wanted to stop me from becoming a grand traveler?”

  Jenni said, “Because you’re now the second most powerful type of organism in the universe. You are almost unstoppable by yourself, and with me you shall not be stopped.”

  Sylvia asked, “Why didn’t we get this information in the last universe?”

  Jenni replied, “Because it was more important to show you the folly of chasing what seems good, but what is actually to your great detriment.”

  Sylvia said, “This is awesome. You and I are the most powerful force in the universe.”

  Jenni said, “No, we are the most powerful organism in the universe. The universe itself is still much more powerful than we are. We will still die at our appointed time. The universe keeps that power for itself.”

  Sylvia said, “What else do I need to know?”

  Jenni said, “The psychiatrists have no more power over you. They try to prevent this, but when they fail, there’s no changing it. Also, remember that with this power comes the responsibility to use it wisely. Many travelers have gone insane trying to bend the universe to their will. The universe will not allow that to happen.”

  Sylvia said, “So I can see a shrink if I think I need help?”

  Jenni said, “Not only do they have no power over you, they also can’t help you. You’re on your own from this point on.”

  Sylvia said, “So I’m like a god.”

  Jenni said, “No, we are not gods! We have an awesome gift, and that comes with an equal responsibility. You no longer have to die to travel from one dimension to another. You can travel at will, but I always have to go with you. We can see how our choices have affected the world, the galaxy, or the universe. It’s going to be an awesome ride. ”

  Jenni came out of her trance, and Sylvia was able to move again. Jenni hugged Sylvia.

  Sylvia said, “So, we escaped psychiatric control, and we have almost limitless power.”

  Jenni said, “I’m here to make sure you don’t get all pompous and start thinking you don’t need anyone. Remember that without me, you’re still in danger.”

  Sylvia asked, “How am I in danger? I don’t have to worry about the shrinks anymore. Besides, you’ll always have my back.”

  Jenni said, “There’s going to be times when I’m not around to help you. I can’t always bail you out, so please try not to go off halfcocked. If you die in a random universe, you aren’t guaranteed to come back here.”

  Sylvia asked, “So what happens after that?”

  Jenni answered, “I will die for no apparent reason in this universe, and join you in your new dimension.”

  Sylvia said, “I thought you said that we have to travel together.”

  Jenni said, “There are a few exceptions, but I’m here to prevent you from getting into trouble.”

  Sylvia said, “I’ve always had a level head, you know that.”

  Jenni said, “You’d be surprised what a little bit of power can do to a level headed person. The universe gave me to you for a reason. I promise to always be your best friend.”

  Sylvia said, “I love you.”