Chapter 29

At Norfolk NAS, as soon as Alpha1 started taxiing across the ramp, Commander McGrath walked over to the Marines. He could see the twinkle in their eyes as he walked up. “Gentlemen,” said McGrath, “it is apparent that you are not just enlisted Marines as your uniforms indicate. Thank you for your assistance this afternoon especially the security issues regarding the proposed accommodations, and providing an alternative. It bothered us as well, but it was the only thing we could come up with in the short time available.”

“Commander, if I hadn’t thought of the alternative, I am certain they would have said something. They would have raised the issue and provided a solution that benefited both you and the four from the carrier.”

“How do you know that?”

“We spent about 24 hours with their security team when MacFarland and O’Toole were in Washington.” McGrath looked puzzled. “Didn’t look like a security team, did they?” McGrath shook his head. “The group that came over to talk to us before they left was a part of that team. The time we spent with them was simply to escort MacFarland, O’Toole and some of their staff around Washington. This may be hard to understand, but in that short time it became clear to all of us that, if we were in a fight, we wanted them on our side.”

“I can understand that. It is a sense I felt immediately upon meeting them.”

“By what they have done for the three dumped in the ocean then quickly accepted responsibility for the seaman, it is apparent that they place a high value on protecting the weak from the strong. It was clear to us when we were working with the security team that they are a tight-knit group.” McGrath looked puzzled. “By tight, I mean they work together as if they were one. It was really amazing.”

“Who are they?”

“We believe Rusty was an exceptional member of Special Ops, and we think that based on his reputation. The only other bit of information we have is that when we first met them, Adam he alluded to an event involving TTC. Just that comment told us that several members of the security team were former TTC members, which we confirmed. Beyond that, we don’t know for sure.”

“Interesting. Again thanks for your assistance today.”

As Alpha1 began its descent toward Comrie, everyone’s attention was drawn to the windows. Alison made a wide circle of the island while descending before lining up with the valley.

“I have never seen an island that looked so forbidding from the outside and just the opposite on the inside,” said Kelly.

“It is beautiful,” said Keriann. “It is easy to see why everyone loves it.”

On exiting Alpha1, Sarah’s Clan waited while Keriann, Kelly and Chester were introduced to those meeting the shuttle. In the meantime, the EMTs carried Kevin’s stretcher out of Alpha1. Once everyone had met, Briana’s Clan went with Kelly, Keriann, and Chester to the clinic. Sarah’s Clan went to their quarters on Comrie.

At the clinic, Judy had the autodoc examine Keriann, Kelly and Chester again, to determine their progress. Gail told Kelly that they would have another temporary bridge ready for her the next morning, and that as soon as her gums had fully healed, they would provide her with a permanent replacement for her missing teeth. Kelly’s smile told the group she was pleased to hear that.

The autodoc recommended suspending Kevin so that there would be minimal pressure on any part of his body. After Judy and Gail conferred with the autodoc, they told Keriann, Kelly and Chester that they expected Kevin to be up and about in less than two days.

“That’s wonderful, I’ll bet his girlfriend will be very relieved to hear that,” said Keriann.

“Girlfriend? What do you know about her?” asked Cass.

“Not very much, just that he adored her. I think they were considering getting married.”

“I wonder, how we can let her know he is going to be okay,” said Ellie.

“Donna, can you access Kevin’s e-mail account on the carrier?” said Adam.

“No, it’s been deactivated. It looks like the NCIS team has shut down nearly all the Carrier Strike Group’s outside e-mail services.”

“His girlfriend,” said Kelly, “was a cc’d in on an e-mail Kevin sent to my mail server. When we get to a terminal, we could look it up.”

“We’re done here. Let’s go find a terminal so you can check your e-mail account, then, I think one of you should try to contact her.”

“That is a good idea. What if she wants to see him?”

“That shouldn’t be a problem,” responded Briana, as the group headed for the recreation room.

The next morning, the Command Staff were on their way to Dóchas, when Chloe contacted them from the Communications group. “We would like to discuss our plans for establishing contact with Earth. How soon could you join us in the conference room?”

“We could do a video conference,” said Claudette.

“It’s not that urgent. Would right after you arrive be OK, since I don’t think it will take long?”

“We’ll be there.”

When the Command Staff reached Dóchas they went to see their children, before going over to the Communications group. Entering the conference room, they could see that the whole group was waiting.

“Are we ready for the broadcasts?” asked Sarah, after they had all greeted one another.

“We think we are,” said Chloe. “We have made a couple of changes to what we discussed earlier. These avoid several potential technical obstacles that we found when we got into the details of doing a general broadcast. A general broadcast can be done, but we have what we think is a better approach. If you don’t agree, we can still do the broadcasts. This new approach has several steps to it.”

“The first step is to post music files of our choir on Internet sites that focus on sharing music. One afternoon, when we heard them practicing, we noticed that every song they sang was about us, our life and our culture. All the songs have excellent rhythm, which is attention getting. Each music package will consist of several songs, sung in three languages with printed lyrics. The order of the lyrics will not always be the same. The music will be billed as a new sound in old Celtic music. For languages, one will be in our native tongue, one in English and one in another language. The third language will vary. We had quite a discussion about a name, but we decided to call the group ‘Beyond the Stars Choir’.

“You are probably wondering how we managed to record the choir.” Several nodded their heads. “We went to them with our idea of using our music to introduce us to the residents of Earth. At first they were reluctant, as they didn’t think they were quite polished enough. We played back several songs that we had recorded without their knowledge, and pointed out the message in the songs. After that, they agreed. In all, we have about 6 hours of music; over half of it is sung in our native language, which is very similar to Celtic.”

“The second step builds on the music’s availability,” said Orla. “When someone initiates a search using a song’s name, or the group name, it will take them to a section of our website where a full set of CDs can be downloaded. After the music files are up for a day or so, we will add a DVD to the site. The DVD will show the choir singing many of the songs. The views will be mixed, so there are close ups as well as views of the whole group. The DVD will close with all of you talking about us, and with your ‘greetings’ message. A website visitor will be able to either download the DVD or watch it over the Internet. The DVD will be indexed, so a viewer can choose any track.”

“Our biggest concern is that no one will hear the music, or see the video,” said Brenda.

“Have you thought of asking the newspaper reporters for their assistance?” Siobhan wondered.

“Yes, but we weren’t quite sure how to approach them,” said Orla.

“Give them a CD, and ask them if they like the music. Better yet, tell them what you have planned and get their input.”

“How about asking them to join us?” asked Aoife.

“Are they here?”

“Most likely with the Intelligence group, if not, we can video-conference with them.”

“Marge, Evelyn, are you on Dóchas, or at Comrie,” Aoife asked.

“We are on Dóchas, in the Intelligence.”

“Would it be possible for you come down to the Communications for a little while?”

“Sure, how do we get there?”

“Shannon, could you show the reporters how to find our conference room?”

“Yes.”

When the reporters arrived and everyone had met, Aoife told them what the meeting was about, and what had prompted them to be invited. Chloe, Orla and Brenda then reviewed the parts of the plan that had been discussed before they arrived.

“If it wouldn’t delay things too much, could we hear one or two of the songs?” said Chad.

The first song had barely started before many of the group were tapping along to the tune. It was readily apparent that everyone was enjoying the music.

“We think you will be surprised by how quickly this music will begin circulating,” said Evelyn, as the other reporters nodded their agreement.

“When are we going to send the letter and CDs with our greeting and history to various country’s leaders?” asked Tara.

“That is the third step. They are scheduled to be sent electronically, right after the DVDs are available for download. The e-mails will go to several key officials in each government. There will also be copies of just the broadcast sent to the news media. Each of the messages will contain the full text of your ‘greetings’ presentation, along with your photo.”

“Can we send a copy of the CD to our paper’s music critics, now?” Fred suggested. “I am sure we will get some heat for doing it, though.”

“I will send a copy to our music critic as well,” said Chad, “from what I have heard about yours, I am sure ours will be more receptive.”

“Boy, you’ve got that right,” said Marge.

“Why would you get some heat?” asked Joyce, in a puzzled voice.

“Pamela, our music critic, is very territorial,” said Evelyn. “Just the fact we are giving her a CD, she will take as an indication that don’t think she is doing her job.”

“Oh.”

“If we don’t get a response to our letter in three days,” said Alison, “we should buy time on several networks to make a broadcast. By then, we can openly seek advice from the reporters and their newspapers.”

“Why do that?” asked Marge.

“We don’t see any other way of doing it.”

“I think we do.” The reporters all had large smiles on their faces. “Our proposal may cause us to look for new places to live and work, though.”

“You’re welcome here,” said Chloe, “but why would your idea cause you to relocate?”

“Let’s send the CD, DVD and letter to our editors as soon as possible, before you release them would be even better. This will probably prompt them to call us shortly after the information has been received, asking for an explanation; since they will have some doubts about the authenticity of the files. At that point, we can tell them the ‘rest of the story,’ as a famous newscaster liked to do.”

“You can have a copy of all three now.”

“Good. Would Command Staff be willing to give each paper an interview?” asked Chad.

“We would,” said Sarah, “provided we see the copy before it is published.”

“They might not want to do that.”

“We suspect there could be some items that we prefer they not include in the articles.”

“You are worried about technology issues. I wouldn’t. But tell them of your concerns, and why.”

“Fine. Make the arrangements for doing them here on Dóchas. I suspect many here, as well as those on An Clochán and Comrie, will want to watch the interview live.”

“When do you want to start posting the music files?” asked Fred.

“When Command Staff gives us the go ahead. We have everything cued. We just need to tell our AI to start the process.”

“Do it,” said the Command Staff, in unison. “Did you provide an option on the music site for visitors to leave messages?”

“Yes.”

“At first, I was concerned with this approach, as it is indirect,” said Maeve. “Since we have brought Marge, Evelyn, Fred and Chad into it, I like it. It has the advantage that those on Earth will have some idea of who we are, before they are fully aware of the link to Dóchas. How are we going to deliver the letters with a CD to each country’s leader’s office? It could quite easily get lost in the daily shuffle.”

“Not if we deliver the information directly to their desks,” said Aoife.

“What?” said Orla.

“Aoife, that is a great idea,” said Sarah, “it would ensure that they arrive as intended. We can have our ethereal entities assist delivering the packages directly to the leaders’ desks. Briana’s, Cathan’s, Edana’s, Darcy’s and Caoilinn’s Clans can all assist, using their ethereal entities. Each of our entities will locate the office and desk of each country’s leader, then either Star or Donna can teleport the package directly onto their desk.”

“To the few who recognize what was done, doing it that way will say a lot about our abilities.”

“Won’t that set off an alarm?”

“Perhaps. But, does it matter?”

“We like that approach,” said Sarah’s Clan.

“We do too,” added the Communications staff.

“Wow...” said Brenda. “In just this short time there have been 5000 downloads of the music files, and over a 100 of the whole CD.”

“Good. It seems we have the plan well in hand, and just in time for lunch,” said Maureen.

“Thank you all for coming,” said Brenda. “We really appreciate the guidance.”

“You are doing well,” said Joyce.

Command Staff was walking back toward their quarters, when Siobhan said, “I wonder if we can get the choir to sing a few songs at each location tonight, after dinner. They really sound good.”

“I bet it throws them into a panic,” said Joyce.

“Yes, but we only want this performance to whet our appetites for the full concert they promised. Besides, it would be nice to hear a few songs live, before we hear them on the Internet.”

“Star, will you check with the choir leaders about tonight?” asked Aoife.

A few minutes later she replied, “They are willing, but they would like to do it from here, with holographic images at the other locations. It wouldn’t affect the sound quality.”

“I don’t see a problem with that.”

“Why don’t we meet on the bridge, after lunch?” asked Sarah. “I think we need to look through events and our status together.”

“Are you concerned about anything?” responded Maureen.

“No, but a lot has happened in the last few days, and I think we need to take stock of where we are. I am concerned about the long-term implications of the aircraft carrier incident. At the moment, it seems that we acted correctly. Could other choices have given us a better result?”

“We will never be able to answer that question, because the mere fact that we acted changed the sequence of events.”

“Agreed,” responded everyone.

“Cathan,” said Todd, “who are Enya and Máiréad?” Cathan looked startled, then her eyes filled with tears. “Gosh, Cathan...” Todd and Ciar put their arms around her.

The question had triggered memories of her two lifelong friends. All the memories of all the great times they had together floated through her mind. Tears filled her eyes again, when the last memories of their time together as captives came to life. At first, her spouses were pleased to relive her memories with her, until her memories reached their final months together. Her clan was shocked when they saw what Cathan and her friends had endured at the hands of their captors.

“Cathan,” said Todd, with sadness evident in his voice and their mind link, “I am so sorry I triggered a resurgence of those memories.” All of her spouses sent her their love and made sure that she knew they were supportive of her.

“Todd, Ciar, Sorcha, Lasairfhiona, and Krystin; as you could see, they were very dear friends. We were almost like sisters. We grew up together and went to school together. Sometimes it seems like I can sense their presence, or at least Máiréad’s. Occasionally, they seem to be in my dreams. Why did you ask?”

“Well, I have both their objects in my mind. They are not very strong, but they are there. I suspect the rest of us have them, as well.”

“Your memories indicate that they were sold to a baby farm,” said Ciar.

“Yes, that is what the asshole told me. I never got to say goodbye or anything.”

“Since we can see the objects, they must be doing reasonably well. I wonder why we suddenly noticed them.”

“Command Staff, Creidne,” said Cathan, “we have something occurring that we don’t understand. Can we meet with you?”

“Sure,” came the quick reply. “We are on the bridge.” Just then, Creidne appeared next to Cathan and her clan.

“Can I look?” said Creidne.

“Yes,” said Cathan. “I think this points out an interesting aspect of our sharing, or mind-melding. We have been fully sharing our minds for several months. Even though we fully share through our mind-link, our memories are available to each other only if we look. Or, to put it another way, we retrieve our own memories differently than the way we view each other’s memories via our mind- link. I am so glad we came together to form our clan.” Cathan’s Clan started for the bridge, while Creidne explored Cathan’s memories and the objects in their minds. Todd and Ciar walked alongside Cathan, with their arms around her.

As Cathan’s Clan approached the doors to the bridge, they opened. Sarah, Rusty and Aine were waiting for them. Behind them, they could see the rest of the Command Staff sitting, facing the entryway from in front of their consoles.

“Wow!” said Cathan’s Clan as they looked around, “this is amazing.”

“Cathan,” said Sarah, “you seem a bit unsettled.”

“Yes, I guess I am. Todd asked me a question that triggered a resurgence of memories about my two friends, Máiréad and Enya, who were with my family when we were captured. I now realize that Enya and Máiréad are periodically in my dreams. However, I can’t remember any detail from them. Didn’t your clan assist someone who had repeating dreams about her friends?”

“Yes. I think the situation might have been a bit different with Briana and her friends. Could we look at your recent memories?”

“Please.”

“It would be good for all of us to do this together. Aine and Creidne, please join as well.”

Sarah’s Clan joined to form eSarah, while Siobhan and Maureen monitored the activities on the bridge. eSarah opened a link to each member of Cathan’s Clan, as they began to assess the added presence of Cathan’s friends in her mind-link. After studying the exchanges between each of them, they decided that her missing friends had become slightly telepathic. They presumed that this was likely due to some additional stress they were now experiencing. It was clear that Cathan had a strong link with both of them, thus drawing them into the link with the rest of her clan. It was Cathan’s strong bond with them that had activated the person-objects in the minds of her clan.

Looking at the content of the dreams Cathan had of Máiréad showed that Máiréad seemed to be worried, but most of the dreams were of the good times they shared. There was very little information about Máiréad’s current circumstances, but it was as if she was seeking an escape. eSarah pulled back, after assuring Cathan that things looked stable for her friends.

“Cathan,” said Creidne, “it seems that your dream link to your friend occurs near the time you wake up. That may indicate that they are three or four hours west of Comrie, but it could be as many 6 hours.”

“Let’s see, that would put them on, or near, the west coast of Central or North America.”

“Cathan,” said Sarah, “why don’t you and your spouse’s sleep a little later for the next several days? If we are correct about the time difference then that would give you a larger overlap. Wait for her to connect to you, then see if you can get her to include more about her situation in your dream. Don’t worry about remembering the details, just share with her. Tell her about yourself, and perhaps introduce her to your clan. Building a more dynamic link with her through your connection should soothe her worries. Her increased use of her telepathic activity should strengthen both her ability and her link to you.”