Chapter 9

Note: When the conversation is a telepathic exchange, it is indicated by italics font.

After breakfast the Briana’s, Cathan’s, Darcy’s, Edana’s and Caoilinn’s clans walked out to the shuttles where Sarah’s Clan was waiting. “Today,” said Sarah, “will be an interesting day for all of us. Our goal is to share with you what we have learned about our unique abilities. It is also an opportunity for you to learn more about those you have been blessed with as they are not the same for everyone. We will meet you on the island.”

Sarah’s Clan watched as the clans entered a shuttle, then waved as they lifted off and turned to the west. When the shuttle was out of sight, they turned to face each other, putting their arms around their adjacent spouse. “Let’s do it.”

If someone had been on the island, they would have been amazed to see a circle of 14 people suddenly appear in the meadow, near the beach. Together they evaluated their surroundings, then focused on their impressions of what they had just experienced. This was the first time they had moved as a group, and it was the furthest any of them had projected themselves.

“Aoife,” said Sarah, “it feels the same as it does when moving short distances.”

“Yes, it does,” said a soft feminine voice. Startled, they looked around, as they did not sense anyone else near them. “Relax, you have been aware us before. We are similar to your friend on the ship, but at the same time, we are quite different. We are aware of how you regard him. It would be correct to regard us in the same way, for now.”

“There is more than one of you?”

“Yes, there are six of us. We are here to assist each clan, as they explore their abilities. They are just becoming aware of them. It is our mentor’s desire that these clans understand their capabilities and their limits.”

“We sense a purpose behind you meeting us here, but we do not fully understand it. Why now? Why here? Please, don’t take my words the wrong way; we are thankful that you are here, and feel blessed by your interest in us.”

“First, we have several things to share with you before the others arrive. A key reason we are here is due to the formation of your clan and its evolution to where you are today. There are inherently a multitude of talents among you. The formation of your group has had a ripple effect, and has brought many talented people together in this time line. It has been a very long time since there was a gathering with so much psionic potential, this is both individually, as clans and as family. A long time ago our presence would not have been needed, as in the past there were elders to show you the fundamentals of managing your abilities and assist you in learning to control them.”

“We have observed,” said a slightly different voice, “your experimentation. Sarah, Rusty and Aoife have the strongest natural psionic sense of what they can do with their abilities. This sense is not in strength, but an ability to parse out the skill then intuitively sort out how to implement it. It is an exceptional talent. In strength, you are all equal. When you act together, your strength multiplies rather than adds.”

“For example, remember the darts on the bridge? If you did that today, with the same intensity, you would probably melt a hole in Dóchas, which would create a whole host of other problems for the crew.”

“That would destroy the ship,” said Sarah, with a worried look on her face.

“Yes, it could but not necessarily.”

“Why now?”

“The other five clans have psionic capabilities very similar to yours. Additionally, there are other clans forming in your family that will likely have similar capabilities. They do not yet have the experience, or understanding of themselves, that your clan did when you first utilized these abilities. These five new clans came together sooner and quicker than any of us expected, or even anticipated. They were not expected to form for another year or so. Circumstances, or probabilities, have changed that; much as our projections for your clan have always been short of what you have achieved.”

“We just did what seemed right,” said Maeve.

“Yes, you did, and you did it very naturally. Our mentors are very impressed and pleased by what you have accomplished in reestablishing this species and society. We were encouraged to come assist you in learning how to control your additional abilities. This is because many seem to think it will be important to your future and those you have contact with. Our goal is to move all of you from the novice stage to advanced practitioner in our short time here. Once each of you understand how your abilities work and their capability, it will be easy for you to practice them and hone your skills.

“Why now? It appears that the members of the other clans may face some significant challenges in the near future. With that in mind, we feel it is best for them to have a very good understanding of their abilities and capabilities. So, if they need to invoke them, it will be with some skill.”

“You can tell the future?”

“No. We can project an end point based on current circumstances, but the variables are ever-changing, so the actual end point is never known until it is reached.”

“Okay. Is it possible for you to be seen?”

“Yes, in a sense. You will see when the others arrive.”

“They are approaching now,” said Alison.

“Will there be other clans with these abilities?” asked Tara.

“Perhaps every clan on the ship will have some. So far, all the crew members, and crew candidates, have the required elements, which we find really amazing. It is just a question of their coming together, in time, circumstances, and space, so that they interlock to allow their powers to become functionally available. These abilities are a product of many elements. We know some of the elements, but not all. Also, it seems that they are never the same, so each clan is unique, as unique as humans’ fingerprints.”

The shuttle settled down in the meadow near them. Once their passengers exited they departed.

“When did you get here?” asked Briana with a surprised expression.

“Just moments after you left Comrie,” said Erin, smiling.

“What?”

“Yes, they arrived just a few moments after you left Comrie,” said the soft feminine voice.

“That voice, it’s the one we heard yesterday,” said Cass.

“Yes, you heard one of us,” said another, as images of six women formed. They looked very much like Sarah. Sarah, sensing their request, walked to stand among them. The images shifted around for a few moments. “So, which one of us is Sarah?”

The group looked at the different images. After a few moments, a voice came from behind them. “None, because I am here.” When they turned to look, Sarah was standing, with her arms linked with Rusty and Alison for a moment, and then she vanished.

“I am here,” said Sarah, as she re-appeared behind them again, standing with the other women.

“What’s going on?” asked Adam, a bit perplexed.

One of their coaches said, “Adam, she is showing you the effect of one of your clan’s abilities. One of us met with each of your clans yesterday, and asked you to come here with Sarah’s Clan. Sarah’s Clan has explored their psionic abilities, and has been able to work out how to use some of them. Some were discovered, at least to some extent, when an urgent need arose which required their use. They instinctively used them correctly, but there is a significant risk in taking that approach.”

“We,” said Sarah’s Clan, “sensed when each of your clans came fully together, yesterday. We now think that that sense, or instinct, was assisted by our friends. We would say new, but we believe we’ve been aware of them for some time. Considering that the members of your clans will be separated for a while, we felt that we needed to show you how your abilities work. This desire, we suspect, was strongly encouraged by our friends.”

“Yes, you are close,” said another of the coaches. “Our elders asked us to come and assist you all in discovering and how to use your abilities. These abilities will manifest themselves because each of your clans brings together all the necessary elements for them to function. Their use will draw from your clan’s energy store. Used well, these abilities will strengthen your clan, used poorly your entire clan will suffer. A long time ago, the elders of your and society would coach you in their use. However, they no longer exist, so because of this, our mentors asked us to come and assist you. We will be with you for a while after our time here, so, in a way, we become your mentors, or coaches, depending upon how you want to see it.”

“How will learning all of this affect us?” asked Todd, with a very worried look on his face. “We leave to return to active duty at the end of the week.”

“In part, that is why we are here now. Leaving you to discover your abilities on your own, or by accident, could create a number of problems for you, your clan and those around you. Sarah’s Clan discovered some of their abilities by accident, when under considerable stress they had to quickly respond to a crisis. In your case, it could create problems for you and your team if you accidentally used these abilities in a crisis, without knowing the scope and limits of them. For the next two days, we will seek to give you an understanding of what you can do with these psionic abilities. If others sense this ability in you, there could be grave consequences, from which your family may not be able to protect you. There will be times when using them will be your only choice in how to respond to a crisis. Some have said these abilities are a blessing, as well as a curse. The first is true when you use them for the benefit of your clan, your friends, your society and your species. They are a curse when you use them only for your perceived benefit. The few that have done that have destroyed themselves, along with a portion of their clan. Not all clans gain the functional use of all, or even a portion, of these psionic abilities.”

“I’m puzzled,” said Judy “when we were first brought into Amy’s group, we looked upon the genetic treatments as altering us so we were a different breed. The other day, Connie said she thought it would be more correct to consider those who receive the genetic treatments to now be of a different species. Do you know which is correct?”

“We would say that both are correct. The degree of correctness depends on how narrowly you define the terms. For simplicity, you should consider all those receiving genetic treatments to be members of a new breed or species. This breed is distinctly different from humans or the Connemare. This new breed can successfully mate with Earth humans or Connemare. Offspring will have nearly all the characteristics of your breed, in particular the physical characteristics. They will be telepathic, but will probably not have any psionic abilities. Between members of your breed, the offspring will have a combination of their parents’ characteristics, and a selection of their parents psionic abilities. Their ability to make use of their talents will vary. Does that help?”

“Yes, I think so. To summarize, genetic inheritance functions differently between us than it does when we mate with Earth’s humans, though, at the same time, we are genetically compatible.”

“Yes, that is close enough. There should be some further information in the ship’s database on the topic.”

“Thank you.”

Adam said, “I think I know but who are the Connemare?”

“The crew members who arrived with the ship.”

“Thanks. Now it fits.”

“Now, one of us will join a clan, then we will move so that each group is some distance apart. When we are settled, we will show one of you how to enable an ability, while the others in your clan watch, through your mind-link. Once enabled, each of you will practice using the new ability. After you are comfortable with it we will work with another of the clan until everyone can use that ability. The person trying out the ability will learn the ability from one perspective, and those observing will see it from another perspective. Both perspectives will help you learn to use and control it. All abilities can be used either as individuals, or as a group. Some abilities function better when used, or implemented, as a group.

“We know this is a vacation for the guys, so we will take frequent breaks together. During the breaks, share your impressions among yourselves, as it will help you grasp the concepts. Sarah’s Clan, why don’t you come with me?” One of the images linked arms with Sarah, then they walked across the meadow, toward the ocean. If they had looked back, they would have seen an image join each clan then move off in a different direction.

As lunch time approached, Sarah asked Star to have a picnic-style lunch brought to them. When the shuttle arrived, everyone stopped to rest and enjoy the break. Before the shuttle left, Sally instructed the crew to bring them dinner at the normal time, as they would be spending the night on the island.

The six clans were sitting around, relaxing, after breakfast. They had spent the last two days working with their mentors, learning how to use and manage their new abilities. The effort had been rewarding, but also very tiring. At first, they found using the new abilities challenging, as they were difficult to control. Through repetitive practice, they had learned to control and use them effectively, while still finding their intense use very tiring. Working so closely together, utilizing their new abilities, had strengthened the bond within each clan.

“We are impressed,” said the coaches. “You have accomplished much more in this short time than we expected.”

“It seems to me,” said Leo, “that some of these abilities provide us with protective or defensive capabilities while others provide us with a strategic view of a situation. For instance, we noticed that when we settled in for the night, it was like we were in a cocoon, or envelope.”

“Yes,” replied coaches. “In many circumstances that is true, with telekinesis being a clear exception. Many have found their abilities provide them with an edge in most situations. They do not give you immunity from others, but they can give you a critical advantage.”

“I think,” said Adam, “that our additional sense of things around us will prove to be very helpful. Our ability to survey areas by simply projecting our vision will, I think, be the most useful.”

“Yes, it can be. Don’t forget, if you are alone when doing that, you loose the sense of your immediate surroundings, which makes you a bit more vulnerable, physically.”

“If he was with us, that wouldn’t be a problem,” said Sal.

“Well, not necessarily. It would depend upon how quickly your circumstances changed. If your clan were together, then your vulnerability would not be a significant issue, because of your mind-link.”

“Okay,” said Todd, “it will be interesting to see how all of this alters our senses, once we are on missions.”

“Like most skills, after some experience using them, your skill in using them will grow. Your experiences will be shared with the clan, through your bond giving them the benefit of our experience.”

“Awesome,” said Kurt.

Ciar said, “A dream-walk and forming an ethereal entity seem like the same thing.”

Creidne responded saying, “They are similar. It is best to think of a dream-walk as being passive. You are taking a walk and looking around. The destination is usually some place you haven’t been too. You are very limited in any interaction with those you see and it is usually none. An exception is when what you see triggers a strong emotion. When this happens, your family will know it immediately. Even so it doesn’t change your capabilities during the dream-walk.

“An ethereal entity is an active effort by several of you preferably your whole clan. It consumes energy. How much depends on distance, length of time, and intensity. Your destination is known just like projecting yourselves to another physical location. Your ethereal entity doesn’t have any substance, like a ghost, but you can use your psionic abilities including sharing thoughts with those around your ethereal entity. To switch from dream-walk to ethereal entity, you need to return from the dream-walk first.

“Yesterday each clan formed an ethereal entity for a brief excursion so you know how to do it. It is something you should practice, just like the other skills you have learned the last two days.”

“Thanks. In thinking back to what we did, your answer has crystallized the differences for us.”

“Good. Each of you have a strong link to us so it is easy for you to ask or request that we join you. However, depending on our situation, it may not be possible for us to quickly respond.”

“We understand and thanks.”

Aine said, “You have done well in learning what we came to teach you in this kind of setting. So if you like we can return to Comrie, however, we would like be near your clans for a while.”

“Our clan welcomes your company,” said Sarah, as everyone nodded their support of her comment. “We really appreciate the assistance you have given us.” Everyone cheered, showing their agreement.

“Let’s go,” said Briana, “it’s only a few days until the guys leave.”

“See you there,” said Sarah’s Clan, as they linked together, joined by their coach, and faded out. They were quickly followed by each clan, then met on the lawn at Comrie.

“That is amazing,” said Adam, with the others in his clan nodding. They looked around, as the others joined them.

“We know you all want to go with the guys, to see them off for their flight back,” said Sarah’s Clan. “We have some concerns about the attention it will draw, but, other than that, be careful. We are going up to Dóchas. See you tomorrow!”

“Sarah’s Clan,” said Adam, “it has been so good to see all of you again. We’ve had a great time, perhaps the best I have ever experienced.”

“We agree,” said Todd, Leo, Kurt and Sal together.

“We’re glad. We look forward to seeing you the next time.” Sarah’s Clan hugged everyone before heading for a waiting shuttle.

“Let’s freshen up then go swimming,” said Briana. Adam took Cass’s hands as they headed toward their room, followed by the others in their clan.

As their leave came to an end, Adam and his friends went to the airport with all the members of their clans. As before, their shuttle looked to be an executive jet when it landed at a business airport. Waiting next to the FBO was a limo style bus to take them to the International airport. At the terminal they walked as five separate groups. This arrangement gave each woman an opportunity walk alongside their man as chatted and kidded each other.

Some of the women they passed frowned when they saw the five groups. Their disdain grew, as they surveyed the women’s outfits. The women wore long clingy sheath dresses with side seams split half way up their thigh. This allowed them to walk with their normal stride even though they wore heels. Their heels were very tall, triggering another stereotype in the observers’ minds. As they walked their bare legs would briefly flash through the slits, as their breasts rolled slightly with each step. All the women made sure to give those gawking a smile that said ‘eat your heart out’.

Check-in went quickly, as Nancy had Adam and his friends’ tickets exchanged for first class seats. Together, they walked to the security check point, where they stood and talked for a few moments, before saying good-bye. The women gave each guy a kiss and hug before letting them go. The kiss for their special man was exceptionally passionate. The women watched their guys as they went through security then waved to them as they entered the concourse for the gate.

As the women were walking back toward the terminal entrance Briana and Cathan noticed a man approaching them. It took them few moments to recognize him as one of the photographers that had been there when Adam’s group had first arrived.

When he was close Briana said with a smile, “What, no, camera this time?”

Laughing Steve replied, “Not this time; actually, I was here seeing a friend off. You all must be what the buzz is about.”

“What buzz?”

Smiling he added, “You all, as you really stand out. Hmm ... Let’s see, it’s been about three weeks, you must have just seen them off.”

“Yes, we just left them at security.”

“I must apologize for not sending you any photos. They were a hit with the editor and our readers. They were also a hit with some others who made me very uncomfortable. So, I decided it was safer for me to lose your address than for them find you.”

“Thank you. Do you have a card?”

“Briana, we are being watched very closely by several people,” said Edana.

“Yes, I do.”

“Let’s walk this way.”

“Ladies, surround us, so he is hidden.” The ladies moved calmly as they shifted, so that Briana, Cathan and Steve were in the center of their group. He handed Briana and Cathan a card, just as they reached the terminal exit where their limo was waiting.

“Could we give you a lift?” asked Cathan.

“No. But, thanks for the offer. I’m only a short cab ride from here, and it would be too much trouble.”

“No trouble at all, besides it will confuse those following us.”

“Following us?” he responded with a surprised expression.

“Yes, when we get to the limo, we will point them out.”

When they reached it, Darcy and Ciar continued walking toward the front of it, while the others approached the open door. Briana stopped and looked at the driver then asked, “Where is our driver?”

The stranger said, “He had to leave. I am your driver now.” As he spoke, Darcy and Ciar stepped up behind him.

“You may think you’re our driver, but you aren’t driving,” said Briana. “Ciar is. Darcy, ride shotgun.”

“You can’t do that,” said the stranger wearing an ill-fitting limo driver’s uniform.

Briana turned to Steve, “I think it would be a very good idea for you to ride with us.” Steve started to object until he realized her concern. “Something seems to be very wrong. Okay ladies, let’s get aboard, so we can leave. This purported ‘driver’ can ride in the front row, next to me.”

Cathan moved around Steve so that she had her back toward the terminal. “Steve, see the two in work clothes, near the exit?” Steve nodded. “Those are the two following us.”

While they were talking, the rest of the group boarded. Sorcha assisted the reluctant driver inside. Briana and Steve followed with Cathan entering last and closing the door.

“Whenever you’re ready, Ciar,” said Cathan.

Ciar eased out into traffic, and headed for the terminal exit.

“Steve, is there a hotel near here where we could talk to this gentleman privately for a few minutes?”

“Yes.” He then gave Ciar directions to the hotel.

At the hotel, three of them went inside to get a room. Using the ruse that they were with their invalid mother, they obtained a ground floor room next to an exit. Two of them walked to the room, while the other went out to give Ciar directions. The nearest exit the room was behind the hotel. Once there, Briana and Cathan escorted the driver to the room.

Meanwhile Edana checked the luggage compartment. There she found their original driver, in his underwear and bound. While she was freeing his hands she said, “Could several of you join me back here? I’ve found Allen.”

By the time Christine and several others reached the luggage compartment door, Edana had removed the tape holding Allen’s wrists and ankles together. He pulled the tape off his face, which was bright red. He said, “I am so glad you didn’t fall for his ruse. This is so embarrassing.”

“Come on,” said Edana, “let’s get inside the bus.” The other women gathered around him as they walked to the door.

Inside he was clearly quite uncomfortable wearing only his underwear. Looking around he said, “How did we get here?”

“Ciar drove us,” replied Christine. “Relax. We will be leaving in a few minutes. Our friends are talking to the guy who mugged you. When they come back they will bring your clothes. It will be just a few more minutes.” As she said that, she saw Briana and the others come out of the hotel.

When they entered the bus, Cathan handed the driver his uniform, and said, “We found this in the hotel room, and we thought you might like them back.”

“Yes, thank you. I am so embarrassed by all of this.”

“Don’t be,” said Cathan. “It wasn’t any fault of yours. Besides, we should have left someone with you.”

“Ciar, why don’t you start for our airport?” said Briana.

Cathan said, “Listen up. The impostor is a small-time hood. When he saw us arrive with our friends and there were only five bags, he figured he could make some easy money one way or another. Apparently, he chatted up the driver, before putting him in the luggage compartment. How he managed that without being seen is surprising. Anyway, after that he called some friends. They were to meet him once we cleared the airport. What happened from that point on had not been planned, or, at least, if it had he didn’t know anything about it. He also didn’t know anything about the other two following us.”

“Where is he?” asked Steve with a worried look.

“Sleeping peacefully. Later today he will wake up naked, no clothes, no hair, no money, no id and no memory of how he got there or what he did for the last day.”

“There are two cars pacing us,” said Caoilinn.

“Cathan, Edana, Christine, and Sorcha, see if you can determine why they are following us.”

It was quiet as they rode toward the business airport. They had gone several miles when the two cars following them were in an accident. It started when one side-swiped the other. Several looking out the back, screamed, prompting everyone to look back. It was just in time to see the first car swerve into the median, flip, and then roll several times, before landing on its roof. The second one swerved sharply to the right, running under a semi-trailer, just in front of the trailers’s wheels.

Fifteen minutes later, Ciar pulled into the business airport entrance. Maureen opened the gate, so that they could drive out to the airplane. As the ladies got out of the bus, they each thanked Allen. They told him not to worry about what happened, before giving him a kiss. Turning to Steve, they each said good-bye and gave him as kiss as well.

“Steve, we are fairly certain Allen will give you a lift home,” said Briana. “Sorry we took you out of your way, but it didn’t seem avoidable.” She handed him a key fob. “If someone gives you a problem about us, and you need assistance, just press the button once. If it is really urgent, press it several times, rapidly. Please don’t be afraid to use it. We’ve had people follow us before and they seem to play for keeps. So we would rather have a false alarm than be too late to assist you.” She then smiled, as she added, “Keep taking pictures of pretty girls.”

She turned to the limo driver and said, “Allen, no one will say anything about what happened today, unless you do. Your fee is in the envelope. We hope you will be kind enough to give Steve a lift home.” He nodded. “Now please take this key fob. I am not sure you heard what I told Steve, but it is just like his. If someone gives you a problem about us, then press the button once and multiple times if it is urgent. Don’t be afraid to use it as you may not have much time. As to limo service, we will definitely use you the next time we need one. That is, if you’re still interested. And it will definitely be okay, if Steve comes with you and brings his camera!” Briana and Cathan gave each of them a kiss and hug before boarding the aircraft. Maureen closed the door and joined Alison on the flight deck.

The Steve and Allen entered the bus and drove off the airport ramp as the ladies watched.

“I hope they will be okay,” said Abbie. “They both seem like such nice people.”

“They will be fine,” said Briana. “What did you find out about the men in the cars?

“Well, the two in the car that rolled will be okay, after several weeks in the hospital,” said Edana. “Although they may need to find a new line of work, once they get out of the hospital. They were working with the guy who was impersonating Allen.”

“The two in the other car thought we looked like someone they were told to watch for at the airport. They were talking on a cell phone when we connected with them. We heard comments about a party in a day or two. It was for someone in their organization that had caused them major problems. By their phrasing it didn’t seem likely that the honorees would enjoy the party. The way they were describing us would fit more with Madeline’s or Ursula’s groups. The person on the other end of the call was very interested in knowing why we were at the airport, and where we were going.”

“Did you find the phone number?”

“We really didn’t want to look too deeply. It was like being in a human cesspool. An amoeba has more character than the one I looked at.”

“There were a couple of phone numbers in the driver’s mind that I can remember,” said Sorcha. “Cathan is right, both of them were walking cesspools.”