Chapter 24

It was mid-morning when the Command Staff gathered around the ring on Dóchas’ bridge. “Star, please assume command of Dóchas until we return,” said the Command Staff. “Aine, would you join us?”

Aine stepped between Sarah and Rusty as they placed their hands on the ring, with an arm around a shoulder of the person next to them. When they all gripped the ring, it glowed brightly as they entered the crystal to once again stand on the path. This time the mist surrounding them had a soft golden glow. Following the path, they soon reached the circle and formed a ring, linking their arms behind each other. Aine’s inclusion added a new dimension to their ethereal entity.

Much had happened since the last time they were here and they wanted to study the events that had occurred since then. Together, they sifted through the information they had and each event was evaluated in light of their growing knowledge. One concern was that they had gone too far when they reacted to the bandits and terrorists in Afghanistan. Another concern was whether those events were linked to the more recent ones. Or was Afghanistan just an unpleasant distraction.

As they completed their review, they saw several aspects of their responses that pleased them. The circumstances that led to the organization behind the ‘flesh peddlers’ was an aspect of Earth’s culture that they could not change. It saddened them, as they saw that the combination of culture, religion, and other visible differences between groups would be a barrier to future growth. No one person or group in Earth’s politics appeared willing to stand up against bigotry, or the promotion of hate through a kind of self-righteousness. From the Command Staff’s current perspective, these destructive attitudes would limit the growth of the civilization on Earth. Until these elements changed, humans would not come close to reaching their full potential.

From their standpoint, it was now clear that if they were not careful, they could fall into the trap of trying to help someone who did not want help. Each political group was only interested in their own well-being. None were sincerely interested in finding mutual solutions that would allow them to work together. Command Staff realized, what many on Earth had not. It was that, no one could solve cultural interaction issues except those involved. As long as the leaders used this discontent to ensure their position and power, no solution would be possible.

It was now clear why their prime directive was worded the way it was. Do not meddle in other worlds or societies internal issues. Exceptions were allowed only when they, or their friends, were at risk. In the latter case, they should only act with sufficient strength to rescue them, and to insure their security. Additionally, it was clear why the exceptions were very narrowly worded.

With this fresh view, they went through the data again, and soon realized that their efforts to date had been correct. They understood where the desire came from to solve the problem of the ‘flesh peddlers’; it was because Earth was their birth place. Many of the crew, besides themselves, were also from what would be considered the western countries on Earth. By giving those rescued another chance they had managed to thwart some evil. The real solution would have to come from the residents of Earth, even if that meant starting over.

With their new understanding and a better sense of the prime directive, they reviewed all the data since the first incident with the ‘flesh peddlers’ and slavers. At this point, as members of this new species and culture, they saw they had done all they could. The question in their mind now was, would them becoming known change the motivations of Earth’s citizens enough that different cultures could work together productively? It was a question they couldn’t yet answer. There was hope though.

Command Staff turned their attention to their progress and growth. They now saw Comrie and the western retreat as attachments, with a possible negative impact. If the scope of the Mars settlement was expanded then more recreational choices could be provided there. This would minimize the need to use the two islands. For Comrie, it was clear they would need to ensure sufficient resources so that GISS had the tools they needed to function. An alternative would be for GISS to cease operations, but that was a choice for them to make.

As before, they split into teams to go through their special section of the library. They learned of the availability of some additional information and technology, and the technology’s potential benefit. As each group acquired the knowledge, they shared it with the others in a summarized form. By using the team approach, they covered a lot of material. In going through the library, they realized much of it they had seen before, but it now had a lot more meaning. The Command Staff now realized that they needed to study this information more frequently in the future as repetitive reviews seemed to make them aware of more aspects of their new species and culture. There was much more they needed to learn.

Aine said, “Speaking for my colleagues and mentors, you are doing well. I have never seen any group examine past events with the thoroughness that you have. You have applied the lessons you learned much as we thought they should be applied, based upon our experiences. Again, that is a very positive comment. All of you are a blessing.”

“Thank you,” they whispered together, blushing a bit, as they felt the warmth of her praise. “We surely hope those comments were not a prelude to your saying you are leaving our presence.”

“No. My mentors have told us that we can stay as long as we feel comfortable and welcome here. We will need to leave from time to time, to fulfill assignments we receive from our mentors. We feel we are learning from you as well.”

“Good,” said Sarah. The others nodded their agreement. “Now, I think we should go see how the children are doing, as it will be dinner time before long.”

“It does not seem as though we have been here very long,” said Maeve. The group stepped down and began the walk back up the path returning to the ring. At the ring, they released each other’s shoulders and stepped back.

“Good, you’re back,” said Star.

“How is everything?” asked Sarah.

“I know you want to go visit your children before dinner, so I will keep it brief. MacFarland’s group has made excellent progress with the issues surrounding the ‘flesh peddlers’. It seems everyone that’s been arrested wants to tell everything they know.

“The fire at the armory is out and cleanup efforts are underway. The politicians are extremely pleased with the way the groups came together in responding to the attack. Some were not keen about the initiative taken by some individuals, but, after seeing the results, the emergency managers are rethinking how they do things.”

“Good,” said Rusty, “the front-line person often does not have time to send reports. All the managers need to really do is give them the information they need quickly and let their training work. Oops, sorry for interrupting.”

“Let’s see, what else. All of those rescued from the resort seem to be in very good medical condition. This is also true for those we picked up from the boats. They have all met with the medical staff. They are aware of their status and the changes that are expected to take place in their bodies. We have suggested to them that they hang around our islands for a month or so. None have objected.

“Beth went to see her sisters’ families. The security teams are reporting no issues there. Both of her sisters’ families were pleased to see her. They are having a small reunion at the moment.

“The Admiral commanding the naval task group had some sharp words with the Pentagon brass regarding the flyby. He basically told them it was not a FUCKING UFO. They had seen aircraft that could out-perform anything they had ever dreamed about flying. He stirred them up even more when he then told them that the crew had permission to keep their photos for themselves. He did tell them that the crew had been asked not to share them until the photos were released to the news media by the Navy.

“Mars settlement has the plans for a new ship all laid out. They would like to go over them with you before they start.”

“I think that covers it,” said Star, “go relax with your children.”

“We will,” said Sarah. “We have several things to discuss this evening, after dinner.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to wait until later in the week?” said Siobhan. “A lot has happened in the last week. We have a large number of guests and, in the past, we included guests in these discussions. In some ways, waiting until next week seems to be a good idea, except for us uncloaking Dóchas on Saturday.”

“I see your point,” said Maeve. “Why not Friday evening? I don’t think we should wait much longer.”

“I sense Friday would work out fine,” said Aoife. “That will give our guests time to consider what they want their future to be. I don’t think many will stay initially, but most of them may want to join us at some future date.”

Just as James, Clarence and the Security teams were preparing to depart Comrie for Washington, James received a call from Kylie a paralegal in his office. She said, “A staff assistant in the AG’s office called to confirm your approximate arrival time at Andrews. After doing that, she advised me that five vehicles and drivers would meet you on arrival. The drivers and vehicles would be available for the duration of your visit.”

“Interesting,” replied James. “Did she indicate why?”

“Sort of. They felt drivers familiar with the area would be a wise step considering the situation.”

“Fine. I’ll tell the others. See you in an hour or so. Take care.”

“We are looking forward to seeing you again and you all take care.”

“Briana, Adam, I’ve just been informed that the limos come with drivers,” said James with a smile.

“Great!” exclaimed both. Adam continued, “We weren’t looking forward to driving in that area.”

After departing Comrie, Alpha2 flew to a small business airport near Grand View to pick up the four paralegals, Trudy, Marie, Kendra and Kylie. They were ecstatic to see James and Clarence again. Even though it had been only a week, it had been a very trying week. On leaving Grand View, Alpha2 flew well out over the Atlantic before turning north.

While Alpha2 flew due north, with Alison and Maureen at the controls, those in the cabin discussed the call from the AG’s staff assistant. Kylie told them that her perception of the staff assistant’s call was that it was simply to confirm arrangements. This gave her the impression that providing the drivers had been a recent decision. With that in mind, they decided to monitor the drivers to ascertain intent as they didn’t see any additional risk due to their presence.

This discussion was winding down when they turned east toward Andrews JAB in Maryland. Just before reaching controlled airspace, Alison turned on Alpha2’s transponder and contacted Washington Area Air Traffic Control and identified their flight. When requested she cycled the transponder, then set it to the requested code. They were still some 200 miles from Andrews and well off the coast. Their flight controller asked for confirmation of their altitude, as they weren’t sure it was correct. Alison confirmed they were at flight level 5 5 0 and that they would begin their descent once they had the coordinates and altitude for entering Andrews ATC zone.

Command Staff on Dóchas monitored the approach of Alpha2 to Andrews JAB. They saw two air force fighters pull up behind Alpha2 then linger for a few minutes. They then heard the fighter pilots radio Air Defense Command confirming that the aircraft was as identified. The two jets pulled along side Alpha2, waved then peeled off.

Sally advised Maureen that their were two cloaked Star Fighters escorting them. They would be very close but above and behind them. Maureen acknowledged and indicated that their systems saw them. The flight leader confirmed they would stay with Alpha2 until it departed Andrews JAB.

Alpha2 touched down then followed the instructions of the ground control. They turned off the runway on to the taxi way, then awaited for an escort as requested. It was just a few moments before a truck with a ‘Follow Me’ sign pulled in front of Alpha2, then led them to the VIP area. The Star Fighters escort shifted to hover mode above and behind Alpha2 as it taxied. When they reached the VIP area, Alison advised ground control that they would be leaving once their passengers were on their way. They would return tomorrow afternoon, to pick them up. Maureen asked if it was acceptable to enter and exit ATC at the same point they had this afternoon. Permission was given and a flight plan was filed for Alpha2’s departure.

While the exchange between flight operations and Alison in Alpha2 was taking place, the passengers had exited. As they were walking down the steps, five SUVs pulled up near the shuttle. Briana motioned for the drivers to join them. As the drivers came over to join them, Cathan’s team began searching and scanning the vehicles for any suspicious items. Each vehicle was equipped with two radios, a GPS and armored.

“You guys look like Marines,” said Todd when introduced, “not drivers.”

“We were,” smiling said Cathal, the driver from the lead vehicle. “I have never seen this many women on a security team before.”

“Well there are two teams and much better than any TTC team I’ve seen,” said Adam.

“How would you know?” queried Charles.

“Todd and I were once a member of a TTC team that played in Afghanistan.”

“Tough place, especially for TTC teams, so I heard.”

“That it was, but I believe General Walker got it sorted out.”

“That wouldn’t surprise me.”

“Gentlemen,” said Briana, “Alison is waiting for us to leave, so that she can depart. I think we need to be clear with each other. We were only told of your availability just prior to our departure to come here. Due to a number of recent events, one option we considered on our way here was to drive the vehicles ourselves. However since meeting you, we would be pleased to let you all drive as we are not familiar with the area. Considering recent events, we would not be surprised to have some kind of incident occur on the way to the hotel.”

“Our instructions are to transport you to your hotel and any other place you wish to go,” said Cathal. “The five of us are assigned to be your drivers until you return here for pickup. Once we are at the hotel, we are to contact our supervisor.”

“Why is that?” asked James.

“So they can send someone to watch the vehicles, while we get some rest.”

“Watching the vehicles won’t be necessary, as we have that covered,” said Cathan. “Let’s wait until we get to the hotel before you tell them that.”

“Let’s mount up,” said Briana, “Once we are in the vehicles, we can share with you the possible routes we had mapped for reaching the hotel. We have a live communication link between all our team members, so all of us will immediately know which route we choose.”

Once everyone was in the vehicles, they headed for the ramp exit. As they moved, an Air Police detail followed them. By the time they reached the ramp gate, Alpha2 was taxiing down the taxiway, toward the runway. The five vehicles paused once off the ramp so they could review the maps. It turned out both had identified the same primary and alternate routes. Briana activated their GPS units as they headed for the main gate.

On leaving the main gate, the lead vehicle followed the verbal directions from the GPS system. The drivers were surprised at the detail this system gave them as they headed toward the hotel. By the system providing verbal guidance, they had more time to monitor their surroundings.

“There are four cars following us,” said Cindy.

“There should only be two,” said Cathal.

“What other surprises are there?” responded Briana sharply.

“Sorry, it wasn’t definite that they were going to shadow us to the hotel when we left to pick you up.”

“Can you verify it? And why?”

“Yes.” Cathal called his supervisor on a satellite phone and spoke for only a few minutes. After disconnecting, “They didn’t assign any cars to shadow us. The only reason they considered it was that the AG made these arrangements himself, which is highly unusual.”

“Interesting. It was one of his staff assistants who called us with the information about you all being assigned to chauffeur us around.”

“Ciar, Sorcha, Abaigeal,” said Briana, “see if you can determine who is in the other two cars.”

As they moved through the traffic, the traffic lights were green on approach and stayed that way until they had cleared an intersection. After about the tenth light, Cathal said, “I have never been this lucky with stop lights. Briana, one of our passenger’s name sounded vaguely familiar so they must not be in the news very often. So, the high security seems to be unusual.”

Briana thought for a moment while she considered his interest, and then said, “Have you heard of the ‘Lodge Incident’ and ‘Armory Attack’ down around Grand View?” He nodded. “We have the lead DA and investigator on those cases with us.”

“So, having two tail cars would not have been a bad idea? How large is the circle of knowledge?”

“In the Attorney General’s office, I hope not very large. So, just who do you work for?”

“I’d prefer not to say.”

“Well, my guess is the US Marshal’s Office, NSA or Secret Service. Most likely, the first.”

“I’ll just say close.” Just as he responded, they pulled into the hotel entrance. As soon as the vehicles stopped, the security teams took up positions around them. Their actions, along with their looks, drew quite a few stares.

“One security team member go with each driver to park,” said Briana. “Everyone else, let’s go inside. James, we have the top floor. The reservation is in Madeline’s name, and the company is GISS.”

“Ciar,” said Adam, “who was in the cars?”

“As well as best we could tell, two of the cars had news people in them, looking for a story. So I would expect to see them hanging around the hotel. The occupants of the other two saw the vehicles traveling together, and seemed to be just interested in who was in them. They left when we turned in here. The news people went to the parking garage.”

“Nice job guys, let’s go relax.” With that, they followed the group to the elevators, where Cathan passed out room keys. “Security team members with the drivers, once you have everything set, all of you come up to the top floor. Someone will be waiting to give you room keys.”

“Okay, we should be up in a few minutes.”

Everyone went to the main suite that James, Clarence and the paralegals would be using. As soon as they entered, Cathan said, “No serious conversations until we do a house cleaning.”

“Boy, that was a neat flight,” said James with a slight smile. “That aircraft has to be the smoothest I have ever ridden in.”

“I agree with you,” said Clarence. “That was the first time I’ve flown over the Atlantic.”

“Too bad we weren’t lower and over land,” said Marie, “I like to look at the scenery.”

“Well, maybe we can do that on the way back,” said Cathan. “We shouldn’t be in as much of a hurry.”

“Yea, but most of the trip is over the ocean.”

“We have 2 hours before the AG arrives for dinner,” said James. “He will be accompanied by several of his staff.”

“We’re eating here, correct?” queried Todd.

James replied, “Well, now that you mention it I am not sure. From what I have heard about the hotel’s restaurant, it should be acceptable to everyone.”

“In that case why not suggest this location to the AG for dinner? If agreeable, we can arrange a private dining room, which will make it easier to talk and manage security.”

James called the AG to make the suggestion which he warmly accepted, as he hadn’t been to this restaurant in quite a while. He was also liked the idea of a private dining area, as it would make conversation a lot easier.

With that agreement, Todd and Cathan went to talk to the restaurant manager. Several of the security team members went to check the other rooms.

It wasn’t long before everyone was back in the primary suite, including the drivers. Briana introduced the drivers to everyone in the room. Once they heard James’ and Clarence’s full names, the drivers understood why the unusual security arrangements had been made.

Adam told them that they knew they were carrying side arms but if there was an incident, they preferred for them to let their security members handle it. The drivers nodded their agreement, reluctantly. Todd told them that he understood their reluctance, but doing it this way would give them the highest chance of success, without any injuries.

On Dóchas, Sarah’s Clan spent a quiet afternoon with their children. The children were enthused to have their parents playing with them. They played many of the games the nannies had taught them, games which helped the children’s growth while being fun.

It was a relaxing time for the adults, as they forgot about all the issues surrounding them. With their link to Star, Maureen and Siobhan on the bridge, they were sure that, if something arose, they would be called.

When the dinner chime sounded they were all surprised by how quickly the afternoon had gone by. They did their exercises, before freshening up. Once ready, they assisted the nannies in getting the children ready for dinner. They decided to eat on Dóchas tonight, and go to Comrie for tomorrow night.

Entering the dining room, they were surprised to find the group who had ridden up from Comrie still there. Sam was the first to see them with their children, and immediately started toward them.

“I’m surprised to see you still up here,” said Joyce.

“Well, we were in no hurry to return as James and Clarence are in Washington tonight,” said Sam, with Kelsey and Karmen nodding their agreement. “This place is so neat. These must be your children. What are their names?”

Joyce and Alison took turns introducing the children to the group. The children warmed up to the group immediately. As they were talking, several of the ship’s staff came over to them. Some of the children went and greeted others as they came into the dining area. Both Irene and Sue were amazed at how comfortable the children were with them. They were even more surprised by their daughters interaction with the children, as they had not been around small children very often.

“We would like all of you to sit with us for dinner,” said Maeve.

“We won’t be in the way, will we?” asked Sue, thinking of the needs of the children.

“No, not at all. All of us will fit in quite well with the children. It wouldn’t surprise me to see some of them eat with other clans.”

“Really?”

“In an Earth context, the other clans on the ship are like uncles and aunts to the children.”

“Oh, I can see that,” said Irene.

“We know our interrelationships on the ship are different than they would be on a planet. Based on what we have found in the library, we believe that even in a settlement there is strong extended family structure. As our settlement grows on Mars, we will have a better appreciation for that aspect.”

“Do you find these differences unsettling?” asked Sue.

“No,” said Tara, “I don’t think we have. When Alison, Claudette, Erin and I were brought to Comrie, we were very suspicious. At the same time, we were relieved to be safe and alive. Our suspicions were aroused, in large part, because of our experiences before we arrived. Because Comrie is so isolated, there was a part of us that felt we were, effectively, still slaves, with new masters. However, shortly after arriving at Comrie, we saw several events that quickly convinced us that Sarah’s and Amy’s Clans were leaving our destiny to us to decide. Sure they wanted us to stay, but at the same time, they made it very clear that they would support us in whatever choice we made. Once we decided to stay, the four of us were drawn to Sarah’s Clan. When we told them we wanted to join their clan, they opened their arms to us. It was the most wonderful day in my life. Hum ... I am not sure I answered your question, Sue.”

“You did, in a way, as I could sense the swings in your emotions as you told the story. The message I sense is, yes, there are differences, but, in total, you feel more comfortable here than you did in Earth’s society. I suspect you would have stayed whether you joined Sarah’s Clan or not.”

“You’re right. I think the openness, along with the ability to share both perspective and emotions through our mind-link, is a significant characteristic of this species and society.”

“I’m not sure what ‘mind-link’ is.”

“To enter a mind-link you need to be telepathic. It is a very intimate sharing of everything about yourself and your thoughts with the others in the mind-link bond. Most clans have approached establishing a mind-link very slowly. This is done by sharing things about themselves with the group one layer at a time, somewhat like peeling an onion. Our interaction with others, due to our upbringing on Earth, makes the first steps toward total openness difficult. We can see a strong bond between James, Sam and you. Here, there would be nothing wrong in the three of you forming a family group or clan. There is also nothing wrong with having children and not being part of that clan.”

“So, do you think Sam would be a good fit in a clan with James and I?”

“Whether she is a good fit or not is something for the three of you need to decide for yourselves, though not something to decide for each other. Now let me complicate that a bit, as it is something the three of you should decide together. I know it sounds contradictory, but you will understand when the time comes. You can feel love for many people. The sharing within a mind-link is more basic and definitely more intimate. It includes love, but also many other qualities. Just don’t let your desires or preconceptions outweigh your instincts. If it is your destiny, then your instincts will help you form your clan, if you stay.”

“Oh, I’m pretty certain we will ask to stay,” said Sue. Sue and Tara had been so engrossed in their conversation, they hadn’t noticed when they sat down to eat, or even remembered going through the buffet line. “When did we get our food?”

“You didn’t, mom,” said Sam. “I filled your plate, and Erin prepared a plate for Tara. You all just followed us until we sat down. I thought I could get engrossed in something! I think you two have me beat.” Several chuckled at Sam’s comments.

“Tara, Sue,” said Eilene, “I found your exchange quite informative. I hope you didn’t mind us listening. Besides, I think most of us heard it.” The others sitting at the table nodded.

“Can I add a bit?” asked Erin. “Sam, Kelsey, Karmen; the three of you are at a crossroads. We know what you have said, regarding your love for your elders. You should not let the fact that you have been intimate with them drive your decision to join them in a clan, that is, if you stay here. It could be the right thing to do, but let your senses and instincts help you seek the right direction for you.”

“Let’s be clear,” advised Sarah, “we are simply expressing the possibilities of relationships. If the MacFarland’s and O’Toole’s form clans, then great. If you stay here, we would be very happy to have your company on a regular basis. Our fondest desire is for you to be happy in your relationships with others, and for them to be the most stable thing in your life.”

“I saw the intent,” responded Sam, “of Tara’s and then Erin’s comments. I appreciate it and I am glad it was said. What I take away from this discussion is that I, or any of us, shouldn’t structure our decisions based upon artificial circumstances. We should consider all aspects but let our instincts drive us.”

“Give her an A+,” said Tara, with a big smile. Several around the table endorsed Tara’s comment.

“Again, thank you, all of you” said Eilene. “I think all of us will find this discussion very beneficial.”

“In several cases here,” noted Joyce, “the precursor of a clan began as a group of women, then at some point, a man joined them. Once a male joined the group, the bonding between everyone began to grow. We still don’t understand all the dynamics.”

Claudette went to the front of the room. “It looks like everyone is done eating, and most of the tables are cleared. So, do we have any announcements or other things to share?”

“We would like to hold a concert,” said a couple standing at the back of the room.

“Sounds like a good idea,” replied Claudette. “What are your plans?”

“Well, I don’t know that we have plans. Several of us have been trying to learn the music that we found in the archives. It has been a bit challenging, because it is scored differently than the written music we know. At this point, we think we have progressed enough to share it with the rest of the crew. The lyrics are all in old Celtic, or something very similar. We think some of the songs sound better with the original words, and others we have translated. So the concert will be a mix of both.”