Chapter 15

The room reformed into its original shape and the glass bubbles opened allowing them to set up and look around. Estragon was standing in the same place waiting for them to become oriented again.

Joy laughed, "What happened, did this techno-monstrosity malfunction?"

"I am not Estragon. I am the voice of the Node of Rykki Syn. I do not know this Estragon." He said.

Marcie looked confused. "Where are we?"

"Rykki Syn," he answered. "You are expected by Alanon. He's waiting for you in the garden outside. You may exit through that door and follow the path. Even thought you are half human he won't be hard for you to find."

Marian looked around for the robes. "Do you have any clothes for us to wear?"

"Clothes," He appeared confused.

"Come on," Jack said. "I think we better go before we blow a fuse in this place. We must be the first humans to pass through this Node. If we needed clothes they would have been provided."

Jack headed for the door and the others followed. The door opened automatically when they approached it. They left the Node and walked into a world beyond belief.

They stood outside the Node and admired the view before them. The grass was green and the air sweet. The birds were colorful and plentiful. Wild animals walked fearlessly around in the fields. It was paradise. The path wound through the fields and followed a brook of crystal clear water flowing from a lake in the distance. On a hill at the end of the path was mansion and they began walking toward it.

They came to stand of trees and saw a being of bright white sitting on a bench beneath them.

"This place is beautiful isn't it?" He said.

Jack stopped. "You must be Alanon." He said.

"Yes, son of Salban, That is my name." He stared deeply at them. "It has been a long time since I last saw a human. The bodies you wear bring painful memories. Why do you use them? The ability of separating from them should have been part of your first lesson with Estragon.

"We use them for Marcie. She is human and our partner. There is no need to make her feel lonelier than is necessary." Jack answered.

He looked at Marcie "Come to me daughter. Do not fear me. I would never harm you. Would you let me hold your hand and observe your mind and emotions?"

Marcie walked over to where he was setting and held out her hand. "I trust you, Alanon. Do as you will."

When he touched her, the bright light engulfed her. Slowly the light faded and Marcie stood looking into the distance with a blank stare. A few seconds later she was once again shrouded in white light and Alanon reappeared holding her hand. When he let go of her hand see seemed to wake from her trance.

"That was the most awesome feeling I have ever experienced!" She said. "It was like sex but many times more intense. I'd like to do that again."

"Daughter, your life has changed, and it will change again. I see deep emotional scars from the events of your life. The time you spend here will be your healing. Someday you will be asked to return to Earth and share your knowledge there. Salban will seek to destroy you, but the goodness you possess will give you victory. I have much to teach and we will join many times before the Earth is changed again." Alanon became silent.