Chapter 33

Rob and Paul were touring An Clochán when the reporters and others around them suddenly stopped moving. Even though Rob and Paul were not active telepaths, they felt a change in those around them. Just the look on the faces of the reporters and Melinda confirmed to them that something was up. Steve and Carl had sensed a change, but were busy focusing on their filming so it didn’t distract them.

“Melinda, what’s up,” asked Paul. He waited a minute, then asked her again, only this time tapping her shoulder first.

“What?” she responded, jumping.

“I asked what’s up? You and the reporters seem to be very distracted, while everyone that lives here has become very focused.”

“I’m not sure. I can feel, no sense, much activity in the group, but I don’t understand it.”

“Melinda,” said Evelyn softly, “think in Celtic.”

After a moment, she muttered, “Oh, my.”

“What? If I didn’t know any better, I would think I was still in the Navy and someone sounded ‘battle stations’ to a new crew.”

“They did,” responded Melinda and Marge.

“What? Now, I really don’t understand,” replied Paul, with a perplexed look. He looked around at the activity of those they were visiting, and it didn’t fit with anything that had been said. Paul turned to Jim and Amy, who had been showing them around. “Jim and Amy, if there is something that needs your attention, please show us to a place where we can relax, read or maybe even get a jump on our articles for tomorrow’s paper.”

“Thankfully, they don’t need our assistance,” responded Amy. As she spoke, Paul just cocked an eyebrow and looked at the reporters, causing her to laugh. “There is an urgent family event in progress but it appears that everything has stabilized. It is their first time managing such an event and they are doing really well.” That promptly led to puzzled looks coming from Paul and Rob.

“Well, I am really confused now,” replied Rob.

“So am I,” chimed Paul.

“Sorry for not being more forth coming. Briefly, Cathan’s Clan has been trying locate of two of Cathan’s childhood friends. They were like sisters when they were growing up. They were separated soon after they were taken by the ‘flesh peddlers’. Earlier today, she located them on a farm. In looking around the farm, they learnt that the Chosen Ones have sent a group to destroy it. The raider’s plans are to kill everyone. Two of those leading the raid were staff members on a freighter, which was indirectly operated by the Chosen Ones. We rescued Cathan and quite a few others from that ship.”

“So, how did you know that?”

“Telepathy. When conditions are right, we can all connect together telepathically. Some members participate directly while others just monitor what is happening. By monitoring the event it lets them assess if, and where, they will be needed. Right now, Command Staff is sorting through possible responses. I sense they would like to end the Chosen Ones existence, but are concerned impact. One concern is whether, it liberate a similar disease.”

“From what I have heard of the Chosen Ones, if there was no collateral damage,” replied Rob, “I would do it without even thinking it through.”

“Oh, the bleeding hearts will get you for that,” said Paul, as he laughed.

“Yes, they probably would. It would be interesting to see their response if it was their family being enslaved, turned into a genetically accentuated slave to be used as sex toy, tortured for someone’s enjoyment or turned into a baby factory. In any case, ridding Earth of that element could never be bad.”

“When was the freighter incident?”

“It was roughly three years ago Rob. Hm ... that seems about right. It was shortly after Sarah’s Clan accepted the Command Staff position.”

“From their presentation, I understood they were very reluctant to make the step to become Command Staff, or to even consider it. I am puzzled as to how they came to be selected, and moreover by how they knew what to do?”

“Yes, they were very reluctant. Remember, at that time, they were still adjusting to the changes in their bodies, new surroundings and a difficult situation. At the time, our group was very small, and did not have access to a large portion of the ship. This was because operational protocols require a Command Staff. Sarah’s Clan did not set out to fill that role. Star was the first recognize their potential. It was a succession of critical events that pushed them to reluctantly accept the role. By accepting the role, it enabled us to have full access to the ship.

“From what we understand, for a group to fill the role of Command Staff, they need to have a rather complex array of attributes. While they don’t need to be a family, they must fit together in a similar manner. The group needs to have a number of natural psionic abilities, specific character traits, and knowledge. To progress further, they have to have an opportunity to work with the ship. Typically a group evolves into becoming a Command Staff candidate. I know I have been a bit vague about the abilities required, but only the Command Staff knows the details.

“When launch our new ships, they will need a Command Staff. I suspect Sarah’s Clan has an idea as to who will lead those ships. Once the other ships have their Command Staffs, Jim and I expect Sarah’s Clan to be elevated to the next command level.”

“You admire them,” stated Rob.

“It is more than that,” replied Amy, thoughtfully. “We dearly love them. In many ways, they have been a breath of fresh air. It is interesting in that everyone here respects and reveres their presence and direction. At the same time, we feel like they are our siblings.” Amy paused, and then a small frown rippled across her face. “Before the ships sabotage which triggered the death of most of those on board, there was not the openness or sense of being one that there is now. Our society was supposed to be very similar to how we are now, but we weren’t.”

While the editors had been talking with Amy and Jim, the reporters and Melinda’s attention had returned to the group. Rob was the first to notice that they were again listening to the conversation. “So Marge, what was decided?”

Marge paused a minute as she studied him, then said, “Command Staff is organizing the rescue of a group of women from a baby farm.” Upon seeing that that wasn’t going to satisfy him, she continued, “Cathan’s Clan located Cathan’s child hood friends on a baby farm. There are about sixty women at the farm and more arriving this afternoon. While surveying the site, they discovered a group of raiders who had plans to raid the farm today. When the raiders learnt of additional arrivals, they now plan to destroy the farm tomorrow morning. The rescue will take place this evening.

“Since Cathan’s discovery, they’ve learnt that the raiders were hired by a member of the Chosen Ones to destroy several of their baby farms. This is the last one. The Command Staff has identified a way to deal with the Chosen Ones activities. Due their lack of familiarity with the approach they have asked for assistance.”

“Who did they ask?” wondered Rob.

“Associates of mine,” responded Eithne, as her wispy figure materialized next to them. “Members of this breed, which is not quite the right word but it will do, may have access to what we call a mentor. I am one of the mentors to this group. There are currently six of us. Our purpose is to assist them with the challenges they face in getting this branch back on its feet. My associates agreed to address the issue for several reasons, which they have not shared.”

“This gets more and more complex all the time,” muttered Rob.

“Why can’t I see you in my camera?” said Steve. His face then took on a look of amazement as he realized the answer to his question. “Oh, if we were on Earth, I would probably say you were a ghost.”

“Yes, you would, but I am not a ghost in the sense you would normally use the word. An apparition would possibly be more correct, if you remove the dead aspect from definition.”

“Amy, can we go back to just touring the settlement, while I try to digest all that has transpired,” asked Rob. Paul nodded his head, in agreement.

“Rob, Paul,” said Marge, “we have seen most of the settlement. So, why don’t we go hang out in the recreation area? There, you will likely have an opportunity to talk to others who live here, and get their perspective of life here.”

“Grand idea! Are we going back to Dóchas for dinner?”

“That is the plan,” replied Evelyn, “and we should leave midafternoon so we can file our stories before dinner.”

“We would like to wander around, to get photos or videotape different settings. Jim, would that be possible?”

“Yes, that is not a problem. However, you do need an escort, because of your lack of telepathy.”

“Your comment raises a question. How do we know if we are telepathically capable or not?”

“Steve, it is difficult for a person from Earth to know without some assistance in sorting it out. Amy and I are not the best choices to assist with that. We can arrange for you to meet with Connie or Betsy in our medical department here for an evaluation. Alternatively, you could wait until this evening, then when you see the Command Staff ask them. Really, any one of the five primary security team clans can also assist you. All of them are quite adept at assisting people to enable their telepathic ability.”

“Is it that hard to do?”

“No, it just requires a unique set of abilities. Those I mentioned will also notice if you have the potential for other psionic abilities. Amy and I don’t always detect the additional psionic abilities, and it is desirable for them to be noted when telepathy is enabled.”

“Okay. I think I will wait until this evening, otherwise it will cut into time for photos.”

“I agree with you,” said Carl. “Melinda, Steve and I are going to wander around, looking for good photo opportunities. We will meet up with you in a little while.”

“Fine.” She watched them as they walked off with several escorts. Melinda was still amazed by how tall most of these people were, but at the same time she thought they moved in an extraordinarily beautiful and graceful manner. It was the first time she felt like she was a part of a group, rather than a tolerated attachment.

It was late afternoon on the bridge of Dóchas, when Aine said, “Command Staff, our elders are again impressed with your proposed solution to the issue regarding the Chosen Ones. It was clear to them as well, that continued growth of the group known as the Chosen Ones would preclude Earth from advancing much beyond their current state. They were surprised that you asked for assistance with this issue, even though you knew the tools and knowledge were in our archives. It is the first time any group has done that, rather than just attempting to immediately use their new knowledge. The key element in their decision to assist was your group’s concern over implementation errors. Only a few groups with your abilities have recognized the importance of experience, and the probability for errors. They also like your reason for not wanting to restore this information to the active database.”

“We still have concerns about the longterm impact of this action. While it only directly affects a few, it is difficult to project the longterm effect on Earth’s future.”

“Our elders do not see any significant negative impact. Several models indicate a likely positive outcome. The seeding will take place beginning at midnight our time, and will cover the whole world within several hours. It is expected to take a week or more for the cumulative effect to begin to be noticed. The effectiveness of the seeding will be tested in a week. Based on the results, a reseeding may be done.”

“Express our thanks to the elders,” said Command Staff in unison.

“Now, we need to look again at the place where Cathan’s friends are,” said Tara.

“You sense it too,” responded Aoife.

“I think something was overlooked.”

“Why?” asked Sally, as she tried to understand their concern.

“If there is such a thing as a good baby farm, this one seems to be a candidate, certainly in terms of the way the women were treated. In particular, very few of them have been severely abused, as indicated by the small number with missing fingers or tracheotomies. Yes, some, apparently, have been whipped, and none are permitted to talk. Compared to other places we have seen however, this could be considered very mild restraint. The three women caretakers have gone to great lengths to improve the environment since they arrived. So why do the Chosen Ones want it wiped out?”

“Remember, the two transgenders are from the freighter. We know some of the Chosen Ones are very much opposed to anything that appears to be genetic manipulation. Also, the doctor’s appearance is unusual, based upon the female farm manager’s phrasing. We should check with James, because as of a few days ago there were still some of the Chosen Ones at large.”

“Star just told me that there isn’t a waterfront warehouse within a 5 hour drive by car, much less by truck. It is puzzling that the raiders don’t know that.”

“Oh, shit,” exclaimed Terry, “this is being set up as another lodge type incident. It is in a narrow deep valley. Are the sides steep enough that landslides could fill the valley? Is there a cavern underneath the field? As remote as it is, a landslide or cavein probably wouldn’t be noticed for a long time, regardless of how it is initiated.”

“Everyone there has some knowledge of the gene or growth factor treatments. If the basis for the raiders being there is correct, then a Chosen Ones Councilor would have an ideal opportunity eliminate more of their agents and altered women.”

“Alright,” replied Rusty, “let’s confirm our suspicions.”

The group appeared to sit quietly on the bridge of Dóchas as they sifted through the information gathered from the site by Cathan’s Clan. They queried the Security teams monitoring the site about various other aspects. Their last step was to help Anneke take a brief nap as she waited for the trucks and the doctor to arrive. While she napped, they examined her memories related to the location and its relationship to the Chosen Ones.

Aoife was the first to stir in her seat and she was soon followed by the others. When she saw that she had everyone’s attention, she said, “We should pull all the women out tonight, at the latest.”

“Yes.” said the Command Staff, as they outlined the plan in their mindlink. “We will put those running the farm to sleep and let the raiders wake them up.”

“No, we should pull out the three women managers as well,” injected Claudette into the plan. “Leaving them to be tortured serves no purpose.”

“Agreed,” they responded. “Once the raiders arrive and realize the farm is empty, we should let them meet the five from the freighter. It looks like one of the raider’s trucks has a transponder in it, so that must be part of the trigger sequence for the destruction.”

“What about the doctor?”

“Why not put him in a hotel room, with a compulsion to tell his story when he wakes up.”

“I didn’t know these decisions would have so much uncertainty.”

“Where should we take the women?”

“Let’s ask Amy if they can care for them at An Clochán. There are quite a few there with similar backgrounds. Eilene and Beth are there with their families.”

“Good idea.”

“The editors and reporters will be interested in hearing about this.”

“Yes, we should share everything this evening, after dinner, as many already know a part of it. It will be better if they are all fully aware. The reporters and editors will have a difficult time conveying this story, so they will likely not say anything about it for now. As to the demise of the Chosen Ones, we should attribute it to outside intervention when we talk to our family.”

“Let’s go relax, dinner will be ready shortly.”

The group returning from An Clochán intently watched their approach to Dóchas on the monitor. “You know,” said Rob, “I keep having to pinch myself, to make sure this isn’t a dream.” Several nodded their heads in agreement. Alpha4 came alongside Dóchas and then turned toward an open hangar door. As Alpha4 lined up with the door, the opening’s appearance changed, becoming a halo of light, giving the perception of a tunnel with dark green at the center and a color gradient turning to red at the perimeter. Alpha4 lined up with the dark green center and moved quickly into the hangar to settle into its waiting cradle.

“That whole sequence is simply amazing,” said Paul.

As everyone stood up, Carl said, “Steve and I would like to exit first, so we can film your arrival. Give us a couple of minutes before you come out.” When the door opened, both men hurried out so that they could get into position to film the group as they exited the shuttle. These scenes were to compliment the film they had taken on departing for An Clochán.

“Chad, how much time until dinner?” queried Rob.

“Well let’s see, we have a little less than 2 hours and we need to do our evening exercises.”

“We can skip that,” replied Rob, with Paul nodding.

“You may, but we aren’t,” stated Marge, firmly. “Once we finish the exercises we are heading to the medical department.” Paul looked at them with a puzzled expression. “Today we start the incubator part of our treatment. Once it begins, we will essentially be asleep for about three weeks while the alterations to our bodies take place.”

“Rob, I think we should use our columns to tell why Marge, Evelyn, Chad and Fred won’t be contributing for a while.”

“Grand idea,” replied Paul. “That will give us the opportunity to catalog some of the differences between us, without creating an ‘us and them’ perspective.”

“I hadn’t thought of it quite that way,” said Rob, as they reached the Communications department.

“Do you have any objections to me introducing Sam, Karmen and Kelsey in our newscast?” asked Melinda. “It probably won’t run until the late news.”

“Sure, I don’t see any problem with that.”

“Oh, my,” said Sam, with a worried look on her face. Kelsey’s and Karmen’s faces mirrored her look.

“You have nothing to be concerned about,” commented Samuel, with Pamela nodding her agreement. “Melinda will probably tape it, so you can have several practice runs.”

“From seeing the way you all work, my guess is that the first take will be perfect for what is needed,” contributed Pamela. “You may want to redo some aspects when you see it, but they just won’t be significant enough to worry about.”

“Very perceptive,” said Carl.

“Hey, just because I’ve been the worst kind of a bitch, doesn’t mean ... Oh. Sorry Carl, it slips out once in a while.” Everyone laughed at the exchange, even Pamela, even though she turned very red.

“Pamela, I meant it as a compliment.”

“Yes, now that my mind is working correctly, I understand, and thank you.” Her comment caused everyone to smile as she kissed his cheek.

They gathered into their respective groups to write the articles for the next day’s edition. Rob and Paul’s articles, besides touching on the change in reporters, gave different perspectives of the people they had met on the space ship. They included a review of their visit to the Mars settlement.

The four reporters eased Sam, Kelsey and Karmen into creating their articles as these would be the first with their own byline. None of the three noticed Carl filming them as they worked. Melinda watched the reporters, music critics and editors as they prepared their stories, and monitored Carl’s filming of the reporters.

“Carl, let’s send the whole segment on the reporters.”

“Why? They won’t use anything except, possibly, a small part.”

“True,” replied Melinda, “if it was used in just the news segment. If you’re agreeable, I could do a solo report, by way of an introduction, to set the scene on what they are doing. As a closing sequence we could have me talking with the reporters while focusing on Sam, Kelsey and Karmen. The bulk would be what you just filmed.”

“What are you thinking? I am at a loss.”

“A thirty minute specialinterest segment, of the type that we sometimes run,” replied Melinda, excitedly. “They would have more than enough material if some of the scenes from here and An Clochán were included. I would be very surprised if it did not run either tonight or tomorrow night as a special program.”

“You’re kidding.”

“No. Not at all.”

Carl quickly filmed Melinda doing a brief intro about the reporters’ activities. Just as they finished, Sam, Kelsey, Karmen and the reporters finished their article, so Melinda walked over to talk to them while Carl continued to film. Only Marge and Chad realized what was happening and both just smiled. As the conversation ended, Melinda turned toward the camera and said, “From just being around these three for the last two days, I am sure you will see some great articles while the regular group are undergoing their medical treatments.”

“You just filmed us,” said Kelsey, as she covered her face in her hands. Both Sam and Karmen looked shocked.

“Yes, she did,” said Marge as Carl continued to film, “and you guys did great. The roles a TV reporter fills is a bit different than a print media reporter. When the TV reporter interviews someone, they represent the viewers. During this the cameraman will focus on who is speaking, but primarily on the interviewee. When at the scene of an event, the TV reporter is acting as the viewers representative to learn what is taking place. Which is a portion of the role you fill as print media reporters.

“Now a good TV reporter when conducting an interview will position themselves so the cameraman can obtain a good view of the interviewee while including them. For some situations, the TV reporter may have a brief appearance followed by showing the scene with a voice over explanation. In other cases, the TV reporter will give their report with the event seen in the background.”

“Very good,” approved Melinda. “From watching other newscasts, not everyone does what you described.”

“Well I know you do.” Her comment caused all of them to laugh. “Really, the best articles or newscasts are those where you feel a part of it.”

“True. Some don’t as they think more about their own image than the reason for being there. The producer or director can be significant factor in how the reporter is seen.”

Rob said, “I knew that hiring the three of you and then putting you together as a team was a good move. I have to admit, the way the three of you seemed to fit together scared me. It seemed too good. Now I am impressed with how well you all seem to fit together and compliment each other.”

“Very observant,” commented Carl. “It is too bad I need to go back to the station.”

“Why, hurry back?” asked Paul. “You are an excellent cameraman and, essentially, Melinda’s producer while you’re here.”

“Thanks. There is a lady in Grand View that I am very close to. She has two children, as I mentioned last night.”

“I remember you mentioning her now. What does she do?” asked Evelyn.

“She is a commercial artist.”

“We could use the assistance,” said Chloe. “Invite her here, along with her children. We have a lot of talent, but could use a few more people with that experience.”

“It would be too much of an imposition on everyone.”

“Hog wash,” responded Chloe, firmly. “Call her. Tell her she has an opportunity to go on a unique assignment with you. While she is with you, she will have some great opportunities to use her artistic skills. She can bring her children. Show her the presentations about us as that should ease any concerns she has.”

“Well, I...”

“Do it,” said the group. “If they don’t like it here, I am sure we can take them back as soon as they want to leave. We would really like you to continue as a part of this team.”

Paul said “Remember what Rob and I promised last night, if she has to quit her job because of a lack of holiday entitlement and for some reason doesn’t like it here, we will find her a job at one or other of our papers.”

“Steve, do you have any significant others?”

“Not at the moment.”

“So, that’s why we saw so many flirting with you today.” Steve turned red as they all chuckled.

“I guess.”

“Guys, you have just enough time,” said Marge, “before the dinner chime to send your stories to Earth. See you all later.”

“We will see you in the clinic,” said Karmen as she watched Marge, Evelyn, Chad and Fred leave to do their daily exercises before going to begin their treatment.

“Hello Gail,” said Marge, as she and her friends entered the medical department. They could see a group of incubator tubes standing behind her. The lighting in the area of the incubator tubes was dim. Even so They could tell that the tubes were partially filled with a green gel.

“It is good to see you. How was the trip to An Clochán?”

“Great. Everybody seemed to really enjoy it.”

“So, you’re ready to start the treatments?”

“Yes. What do we need to do first?”

“Well, first you need to go in there, so the autodoc can give you a thorough enema.”

“Alright. Can we all do this together?”

“Well, I guess. I’ve never had anyone ask that question before. We do however need to get you into the incubator tube as soon as you finish the enema.”

“Alright, we’ll be right back.” Gail watched as the four went into the next room.

Marge returned, just as their friends arrived.

Gail was surprised to see the others. “Marge, do you want to lie down or stand up. It is really easier if you stand.”

“Standing is fine.”

“Now take hold of the ring above your head so we can lift you over the tube. Once you enter the tube we will switch to telepathy.”

The group watched as Marge was lifted up above the clear tube then slowly lowered into it.

“Oh, the gel is stiff,” said Marge as her feet entered the transparent green gel.

“Yes. Spread your legs slightly and aim your feet at the foot pads. You may need to wiggle your hips a bit to align the dildoes with your vagina and ass. When your feet reach the pads, keep them arched, so you are standing on the balls of your feet. The gel will support your weight and the pads will hold your feet in the correct position.”

The group watched as Marge positioned her feet. Once they were in place, the gel began to rise as more flowed into the bottom of the tube.

Evelyn came back into the room followed by Chad. When she saw their editors, she said, “Did you all do your exercises?”

“Not yet, but we will,” they both responded, hardly taking their eyes off of Marge.

“Chad, Evelyn,” said Gail, “I presume you want to do this standing, as well?”

“Yes,” they responded.

“Each of you go and stand under one of the rings and grab hold. Once you grab hold, you will be lifted over a tube like the one Marge is in. Aim your feet toward the pads as you enter the gel. We will switch to telepathy once you are in the tube.”

“Okay,” they both replied as they were lowered into the tube.

As Chad and Evelyn were being lowered into their tubes, the gel reached Marge’s waist. “Marge, release the ring and place your fingertips on the pads at your sides.” When her fingers were positioned on the pads, the green gel continued filling the tube. “Marge, when the gel reaches your mouth, swallow it until you feel full. I am going to focus on your friends for a moment.”

“Fred, are you ready?”

“Yes, I came in just as Chad and Evelyn were being lowered into their tubes.” As he spoke, he walked over to the last ring and grabbed it, saying, “I’m ready.”

Gail moved over to Chad and Evelyn, to check the placement of their feet. Both had followed the instructions she had given Marge. As soon as Gail had checked their positioning, the gel again began filling their tubes. She checked Fred as he positioned himself in the tube like the others. Gail waited until the gel had reached Fred’s mouth.

“The gel flowing into my ass and cunt feels strange,” said Marge. “I feel stuffed.”

“Okay, it looks like all four of you are ready to continue. Swallow the gel until you feel full. It should feel similar to having eaten a very large meal.” Gail waited while they each swallowed more gel, and until Chad and Fred were fully erect. The dense rising gel had also lifted Marge’s and Evelyn’s breasts up until they were high on their chests, giving them a naturally rounded shape, with no sag.

“The next step is suspended animation,” said Gail. “Once this is engaged, your immersion will be complete. It will feel as though you are in a deep sleep. Just relax and let it happen. We will do this in the order you entered the gel.”

“Guys, I love all of you,” said Marge. “This feels so neat. See you soon. I’m ready.”