Our replacing the obtuse word Intelligence with the word Person, will remove ambiguity for anyone asking about you or your position within this crew. To us, you are Landry, one of us. What do you think?”
“I am honored to be considered so highly. I do not possess algorithms or sub-processes for ego, but I am honored to accept the new designation. Thank you. Lucinda, since the encounter at the Core, your telekinetic abilities have increased significantly.”
“Yes, Landry, the abilities have improved. Everyone’s Summitate abilities have improved. I believe it is a result of being in proximity to the Triad while we are in the harmonic resonance. Even Cassandra’s connection is brighter. Ragnar’s connection is still dark and dour.”
Everyone laughed at Ragnar’s expense. He just smirked. Cassandra took up the discussion.
“Michelle, have you had any more ideas come your way? Anything else we should know about our future?”
“Nothing since the encounter at the Core, but that is not unusual. I have been thinking about the premonitions. The nanobots become highly-active when they encounter highly repetitive synaptic processes. They alerted me to the premonition. However, I also think the premonitions are stress-induced. I do not think I can see the future. When I am under stress, my mind works differently.”
“Michelle, looking back, do you think stress brought on the premonitions or do you think they are there, and stress just let them bubble up from your sub-conscious?”
“That is a good question, Cass. The first premonition, about someone dying, took a long time. It started before we left Earth, but I did not recognize it as a premonition. That is why I was so unpleasant. My sub-conscious was fighting for attention. Maybe being dead changed something.”
After a short pause, Michelle smiled, and everyone knew she was poking fun at herself and them for being so serious.
“Yeah, being dead for three days sucks. The second premonition was a lightning bolt. NT would say it was enlightening. I knew it immediately. It was the nanobots that allowed me to accept what I was seeing in my mind’s eye and to be enlightened. All that is the easy part. How was I able to receive the premonition that was exactly what we needed at that time? That is not a simple premonition, that is precognition.
I knew what was about to happen and we were able to act accordingly.”
Nick interrupted.
“Damn right we acted accordingly, or we’d all be dead too! If we are all dead who is going to pour nanobots in our gullet and zap us with high voltage to bring us back? The answer to that question is exactly no one.”
“Don’t be such a drama queen.”
Everyone roared at Janish’s comment and the exaggerated pulling of her hand from Nick’s hand. Landry sat in silent observation. NT turned the conversation serious.
“Voodoo aside, what are we going to do next, Corb? If they have not already, the Xjaal are going to send an Ajawlil team to find us. You, and by proxy we, are a threat to the harmony of the Core Systems. The Xjaal are afraid of the Triad. They are probably afraid of Landry. Most of all, they fear you more than they fear death. Do you have any idea why they are afraid of us?”
“The Xjaal are administration. They are following orders and have been for millennia. They have been subjugated for so long they have lost their history of being a free people. Consequently, they do what they have always done, they keep order. As with all subjugated people, an underground resistance has formed. Based on the squadron commander we encountered, they appear to be a fervent resistance.”
“Yes, but for who do the Xjaal work? Who subjugated the Xjaal and the Core Systems?”
“NT, that information is in the answer to your first question. What are we going to do next? We have the coordinates of the fourth Core System, we can use them to get back to the Core. We are going to speak to the Ch’en. We are going research the intergalactic lore of the Ch’en, the Garune, and the Plentari.”
“Okay Corb, but if that doesn’t work?”
“Ragnar, someone, somewhere, knows who controls the Xjaal and the Core Systems. All we have to do is find that person and trade some SPAM and Playboys for the information.
Character Profiles
In order of appearance.
Nathan Tiberius Brooks
Hometown: Ft Worth, Texas
Nationality: American
AKA: NT, NT_TX_Writer
Background: NT is a former technology consultant who was burned out and decided on a second career as a freelance journalist. If curiosity killed the cat, it emulates NT. Too smart and too naïve, NT landed in the middle of a mess through the dumb luck of being too curious.
Quote: “Agreeing to fight, with your life, is a surprisingly simple thing to do when the alternative is worse than death.”
Appears in: Biomass, Dominion, Connections, Time is an Illusion, A Calm Mind.
Baruti Edward Wolmarans, PhD
Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa
Nationality: South African
AKA: 4A, Ed, Barry
Background: Doctor Wolmarans is the Laboratory Director for Morningstar Pharmaceuticals. Born in a Soweto ghetto, he was sent to finishing schools in the US and UK, receiving doctorates from Oxford and Harvard. His public statements regarding global population control led to his becoming the architect for reducing the Earth’s population.
Quote: “Mr. Brooks, killing me would be a relief and I would thank you.”
Appears in: Biomass, Dominion, Connections, Time is an Illusion, A Calm Mind.
Jan Willem Kruger
Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa
Nationality: South African
AKA: Jon_Z_Killer
Background: A former South African Commando, Jan became a member of the counter-terrorism strike team. Now he is second in command of the strike team and second in command role at the Coterie’s West Virginia compound.
Quote: “Don’t worry boetie, I won’t let you step on your business.”
Appears in: Biomass, Dominion, Connections, Time is an Illusion, A Calm Mind.
Lucinda Louise Raitt
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
Nationality: Canadian
AKA: None
Background: Formerly a member of Morningstar’s Security forces and co-leader of the strike team. Lucinda is a trained counter-terrorism warrior. She now captains the space vessel named The Jenny, Earth’s only interstellar scout ship. Lucinda is a warrior, through-and-through.
Quote: “You scraped your face on the storm window attachment bolt. Be more careful.”
Appears in: Biomass, Dominion, Connections, Time is an Illusion, A Calm Mind.
Nicholas Bertrand Davies
Hometown: Horspath, Oxfordshire
Nationality: British
AKA: Nick
Background: A British national and a member of United Kingdom Special Forces., Nick's dual specialties: counter-terrorism and unconventional warfare were instrumental in protecting the Coterie. Skilled in computer and internet forensics, Nick's likable nature is infectious. Currently assigned to communications and navigation for the Coterie.
Quote: “Piss off, American heathen. Nothing like a good cuppa to settle the nerves and put the mind in a good place.”
Appears in: Biomass, Dominion, Connections, Time is an Illusion, A Calm Mind.
Ragnar Olaf Jensen
Hometown: Brevik, Norway
Nationality: Norwegian
AKA: None
Background: A member of Norwegian special forces, Ragnar is highly skilled in the use of hand-held weapons. Nick referred to Ragnar as “Too tall, too fit, and too blonde.” A member of the counter-terrorism strike team. Ragnar became the security and navigation officer for the Coterie.
Quote: “Actions, not words.” “Agreeing to fight, with your life, is a surprisingly simple thing to do when the alternative is worse than death.”
Appears in: Biomass, Dominion, Connections, Time is an Illusion, A Calm Mind.
Davinder (MNU) Kh
atter
Hometown: Unknown
Nationality: Nepalese, British
AKA: None
Background: A former Gurkha officer in the British military, and MI-6 agent. Davinder is the leader of the counter-terrorism strike-force. Currently, Davinder is the director of the Coterie’s West Virginia compound.
Quote: “Stay away from the windows, Mr. Brooks.”
Appears in: Biomass, Dominion, Connections, Time is an Illusion, A Calm Mind.
Vivian Lizza Treacher, née Pazzo
Hometown: Postahoka, Texas
Nationality: America
AKA: “That Bitch”
Background: Fortunately, for Vivian, she was from a family with more than an insignificant amount of money. The five and one-half year graduation plan permitted a December graduation in year seven of Vivian’s matriculation. Vivian possesses Summitate ability.
Quote: Grandma Pazzo: “Good thing Little Lizzy knows her way around men or she’d still be looking for the front door to the college.”
Appears in: Biomass, Dominion, Connections, Time is an Illusion, A Calm Mind.
Corb Levi Johnson
Hometown: Postahoka, Texas
Nationality: American
AKA: Cowboy
Background: A nineteen-year-old redneck cowboy from dusty west Texas, he received the Summitate abilities at eighteen. Everyone enjoys his likeable nature. Initially believed to be the only person known to possess all the Summitate powers, he is not the only person with the abilities, but he is the most powerful.
Quote: “You’ve got some snap in your garters.”
Appears in: Dominion, Connections, Time is an Illusion, A Calm Mind.
Michelle Raye Wilbon
Hometown: Postahoka, Texas
Nationality: American
AKA: Raye but only by her mother.
Background: Michelle holds a graduate degree in Evangelical Studies, and an undergraduate degree in Business Management. Being highly intelligent and very beautiful masks Michelle’s fierce determination to rise above. An assistant to Vivian Treacher before and after Vivian received “the gift” of the Summitate abilities.
Quote: “Hell, why not, you can’t dance, I might never be a singer, and it’s too wet to plow.”
Appears in: Dominion, Connections, Time is an Illusion, A Calm Mind.
Janish Anika Roa
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Nationality: Indian by birth, American by choice.
AKA: None
Background: Janish was born in Bengaluru India and holds multiple graduate degrees in information management and information security. Along with Corb, Janish possess' the entire range of Summitate ability. She is the Coterie’s back-up for Corb.
Quote: “Of course, it could be harmful. The amount of harm depends on who is holding the weapon.”
Appears in: Connections, Time is an Illusion, A Calm Mind.
Cassandra Rene Brady, PhD.
Home: Salt Lake City, Utah
Nationality: American
AKA: Cass
Background: Cassandra’s doctoral thesis was titled “Mesoamerican Language Permeation in non-Meso American Cultures”. Achieving her doctorate at twenty-one, Doctor Brady is the foremost authority on Mesoamerican languages. Cass found her Nirvana when Corb took her to meet the Mayan Shaman and to visit the library of Mayan writings.
Quote: “Will our knowing what you know put us in danger?”
Appears in: Connections, Time is an Illusion, A Calm Mind.
Himari Danuja Tanaka
Home: Komoro, Japan
Nationality: Japan
AKA: Unknown
Background: Himari’s middle name, Danuja, is a female name for Knight. Himari’s father groomed his only child to be a warrior. A Major in the Japanese Special Forces Group, with a vengeance, she keeps her personal life private.
Quote: “It feels like I have always been able to hear telepathically.”
Appears in: Connections, Time is an Illusion, A Calm Mind.
Crew Manifests
About the Author
Fortunately, in secondary school, my interest in reading was sparked. A close friend and an instructor, who took interest in a boy he later called ‘The rebel without a clue.’, were instrumental in my learning the value of a good book. Both piqued my interest in reading. My lifelong friend inspired me to read J.R.R. Tolkien and I became addicted to the fantasy genre. The instructor required I read interesting historical novels for academic credit. Frank Norris, Leon Uris, and Ken Follett are inspirations and fuel my love of history.
Born to a military family, it was only logical that I follow the military tradition. However, after four years of “yes sirs” and scraping the wax off floors I decided there must be more fun in a corporate career.
Thirty plus years of work experiences across the globe, the corporate career landed me in Colorado where I live with my wife and I can be close to my children and grandchildren.
Contact Ruairí
Website:
http://ruairiducantlin.com
Comments:
http://forum.ruairiducantlin.com
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LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/RCDucantlin
Books by Ruairí
Morningstar Series
Biomass
Dominion
Connections
The Carina Team Series
Time is an Illusion
A Calm Mind
Our Place – December 2018
Max and the Dream Time Series
The find
The Everwhen
The Tontine
The Lost Years
The Price of Love
A Calm Mind Page 19