Chapter 26

I knew something was up as soon as we got home Monday and was afraid it was bad. Mom, Jane and Gail met us in the driveway and grabbed my hand along with Tina, Angie, and Kathy.

We asked what was wrong and felt relieved when They laughed. Jane said "words can't describe it. This is something you just have to see for yourselves."

When we got there I had to admit they were right. The children were all over the living room table. They were talking and drawing on large sheets of paper. This may not sound that strange, at least until you realized that only one of them had seen their first birthday and they used complete sentences.

Upon further examination the fact that they weren't scribbling would certainly astonish most people. It sure blew me away to see what appeared to be a set of blueprints drawn to scale. They took a break when they saw us, climbing down and screaming as they ran to us for kisses and hugs.

That didn't last long as they were eager to show us what they were doing. We were just as eager to find out. I knew what it looked like but Angie voiced it "is that a space ship?" she asked Paul.

He nodded seriously and said "yep! Not just any space ship though. It's a colony ship to go to another planet. The Gods said we'd need it so we thought we'd better get started now."

Yet another shock but this one needed some questions answered before we could satisfy our curiosity about the drawings. It turns out that more than one of the gods had been visiting with the children periodically.

Our children apologized for not being able to answer all of our questions but said that they were told that the gods would handle it. I certainly hoped it was soon.

As for the vessel, it was a colony ship of massive proportions that would require a construction facility be built in space to put together. I asked about how they intended to power it and Paul sheepishly said "that's Aaron's job. I got the ship and he got the drive. We're helping each other though. Actually, somebody else is supposed do the drive but he's supposed to help too. They told us not to tell who the other person was."

Angie hadn't said anything until now but she made Paul's day when she gave him a fierce hug and said she thought it was beautiful. Coming from her, that was quite a compliment.

We let them get back to work and went to the basement at our place for a conference. When everyone started talking at once I raised my hand and they all got quiet.

I probably looked as angry and confused as I felt when I addressed them. "I know we all want answers but we won't find them without help."

I closed my eyes and silently thought "Loki... Freyja... will you please help us understand what our children are becoming?" and when I opened them they were there.

Loki smiled and said "thank you Mathias, for not bellowing in anger as most mortals would have."

I sighed and told him "I wanted us to be able to speak with you. I'm sure there is an explanation and getting mad about the inevitable is pointless."

Freyja looked at Loki and quipped "he is intelligent" before turning to us and stating "most of what has occurred with your offspring is simple genetics. Matthias is probably the most intelligent mortal this world has ever seen. What he asked for upon his return will be passed on to all children he sires. The fact that in almost all cases the mother will certainly contribute a considerable gift as well insures that his get will produce what amounts to a new race of humans. To a slightly smaller degree this applies to all of you. After Mathias every mortal we assisted in their new beginning has a much larger use of their mental capabilities than they once possessed."

She looked at Tina and continued "except for you, my dear. You were so close to ideal in mental capacity there was no need. The children you bear Mathias will be amazing. I will let my companion continue from here."

At her nod, Loki spoke "thank you, dear one." Before turning to us "We asked you to return to save this world. That has not changed but it will only provide a temporary solution. Eventually this world will cease to sustain life and nothing can be done to prevent it. There are two tasks. First save this world for now and then save your species. I can tell you now that three hundred and twenty years from now the Earth's moon will move far enough away from the planet to allow its orbit to deteriorate. This will cause erratic and unpredictable climate changes. The resulting extreme weather conditions will preclude food production. In short, it will truly be Ragnorok. If a suitable planet can be found in time it might be possible to start anew. You must continue your species if it is to survive."

Kathy had been pracyically jumping up and down and finally couldn't wait any longer "please forgive me for interrupting but this would take generations. We could help begin the preparations but how would we insure the completion of this task? Also, what of my daughter Frieda? Her biological father was certainly no genius and neither am I. I also was not returned from the future, so how can it be that she seems so advanced?"

This made Loki chuckle before he answered "don't sell yourself short young lady. While it is true that Frieda's sire left much to be desired, his mother did not. We took the liberty of giving you as much help mentally as we did the others. We did this as soon as you agreed to join this mission because your task is the most important of all. Your daughter inherited every bit of this additional capacity. You might go as far as to say she is almost a clone of you. Also, you will be alive to see the completion of your work if you have the desire to do so. I'm afraid that the changes we have wrought in you make that entirely possible. That doesn't mean you cannot die but age will not take you unless you desire it to do so. With your combined talents you might be surprised at how swiftly you can proceed. Now if there is nothing else, I must go."

I stopped him with one more question "Aaron mentioned someone else was supposed to design the power source for the ship. Can you give us any idea who that might be?"

He took Tina and I by the hand and said "I already told you that your children will be amazing" as he faded away.

Everyone remained in stunned silence until Tina turned to me and stated "time to knock me up, big boy."

Everyone but me got a laugh out of that. I knew she was serious but then again, they probably did too. As soon as we were alone, she confirmed my belief by stating that she thought that she should graduate early and start college as soon as our child would allow her to do so. I would have been eager even if I hadn't known about the destiny our children were to attempt to fulfill.

We stopped to visit the youngsters before running the idea past our parents. The more questions we asked about the plans the more impressed we became.

Paul seemed a bit frustrated and Tina commented on it. He gave a sigh that would have sounded dejected if it had originated from an adult and said "I can't say" before donning a dazed expression for a moment. He quickly recovered and said "I can now! Boy, I'll be glad when we get more help. Too bad we have to wait for you and mommies Tina, Faith, and Rhonda to have more babies. We can't do some of the design until you do. At least mommy Connie is getting us some help soon."

When I recovered I asked why he was so anxious. Paul pointed at Tina and said "your babies have to do the drive system. Mommy Faith's has some really neat stuff to invent that makes things, and mommy Rhonda's is supposed to come up with what we're supposed to build the ships out of. Wes is the defense expert."

Tina was finally able to talk again and suggested that they might occupy the time by designing the facility where the ships would be built and figuring out where the labor to do it would be found.

I used the opportunity to bring up a major concern of mine. "Where are the crews and support people supposed to come from? With the ships you're laying out we'd need thousands for the crews and that's not counting the numbers we need for a colony."

Aaron decided to help Paul out on that one and said "Uncle Bryan and Aunt Paula could help us out there daddy, along with Aunt Lin and Uncle Adam. There are supposed to be people from California and a lot of other places too."

I was shaking my head when I noticed mom and dad trying to suppress their laughter in the kitchen doorway. When I asked what was so funny pop quipped "just thinking that we need a bigger house. Again!"

I looked at the others and asked if they could join my folks in the kitchen, explaining that I would be there shortly. Tina looked worried at my expression but seemed relieved when I kissed her and said it was nothing for her to be concerned about.

I ran back downstairs and whispered "changer? I hate to bother you again but I have a favor to ask of you if I may."

Loki immediately appeared and smiled as he said "what can I do for you Matthias? You sound worried."

I took a deep breath and asked "is there any way the changes you made to me can be made for my parents? I lost my father once already and at the time of my return, my mother was in bad shape. I don't think I could go through that again and remain sane."

He was still smiling as he replied "why not do it yourself? That healing ability of yours does more than you seem to be aware of. Because of your earlier healing of them they will already be immune to diseases common to growing old. All that remains are some minor changes which would effectively halt the aging process. You can't make someone younger, but they wouldn't grow older. Look for the knowledge in your mind and I think you will find it."

I was so overcome with relief that I actually hugged him before thinking that hugging a god might not be healthy. Of course Loki being who he was I found myself with my arms full of a very nude Ann-Margaret instead of a pissed off god. He laughed at my discomfort as he kissed me on the forehead and said "you're welcome. Do not hesitate to call on us. We have never found a frivolous reason for you doing so" before fading out.

I ran to the kitchen even faster than I had run to the basement. As soon as I arrived Tina started talking a mile a minute until I stopped her with a kiss. "Hold on babe" I explained "this can't wait."

As I related my conversation with the changer I was worried about the looks our parents were exchanging. They were silent for a minute after I was done before dad said "I think your mother and I need to discuss this first. It's a very big decision, you know. Something like this would be hard to explain and I for one don't want to become a lab experiment. I think we can let you know tomorrow. I wouldn't mind the additional mental capacity but the longevity requires some thought."

I just swallowed and nodded before forcing a smile and saying "now what was my lovely sister-wife just bursting to tell me?"

Mom was elected spokesperson and she said "we were discussing the future lack of space and logistical problems. Your father and I thought that if everyone planned on attending state, we might use the land in Hazard and build something out in the middle of the mountains. We already have the land and nosy neighbors are few and far between. Security would be easier for all the things you're up to and gossip about the way we live would be easier to contain."

When we asked if the cost would be a problem he cracked up "Matt, we're making money so fast that we had to open some off shore accounts. We've been buying the land you suggested as well just have to use some of it. Unfortunately, the buyers you told us would eventually want it have already been making offers at an unreal profit margin for us. I took the initiative of also buying land for future research and manufacturing facilities. We chose areas that would be hardest hit by the fact that coal and oil will be obsolete. We concentrated those in Appalachia as well as the gulf coast area. Construction has already started on the computer manufacturing complex in Hazard and we bought land in Kentucky, Wyoming, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania since it was so cheap."

I suggested that with what his grandchildren were working on there might be more land to consider. Desert property could be purchased for a song and would make an excellent choice for a spaceport.

He promised to look into it soon and suggested a meeting to discuss relocating before everyone started college, adding "you might want to call a meeting for everyone else on the island over Yule break to go over the new developments with them. I'm sure you'll find them helpful with technology, cash, and staffing. If a colony is actually started you won't want only people from North America. I believe we should at least begin with a diverse population even if it does eventually blend into one. I only hope that if it does come about there is only one government. War sucks and it would be easier for everyone to get along that way."

We heartily agreed and left to make the phone calls, some of which were overseas. I took care of those while Rhonda handled the locals and California. A meeting was set up for Monday (tomorrow), the following weekend, and over the holidays. Monday was for our group and next weekend was to clue our California people in. When we gave Sally some idea about what was up she couldn't wait any longer than that.

The girls and I headed home only to find we had company. It seems Sally wasn't the only impatient one because Gail, Angie, and Faith were waiting for us.

As soon as we hit the door Angie said "Paula, and Jackie will be here in a minute and we all want to know what's going on."

It looked like it would be a long night, and it was. It looked like I'd be a father again before a year was up. More than once it seems. Faith saw no reason to wait and Jackie didn't either.

Paula and Rhonda were both eager but reality got in the way. Paula said she was going to talk to her mother about finally cluing her dad in to our situation. He would have to know the whole story so he didn't totally freak.

I had a feeling it wouldn't be hard to convince him. He didn't know it but his wife had been following our investment advice too. He'd probably faint when he found out his family was worth over ten million instead of the two he thought they had.

He might be a bit more shocked when he found out about Bryan. I had no doubt that he would be the father.

Rhonda had baseball to think about and we decided it would be best to wait until between high school graduation and the beginning of college. When our little meeting broke up all the girls were ready for bed.

During a lull in the inevitable lovemaking that followed, Connie was snuggled up to me and said "I'm glad you got over your dislike of big boobs"

After the laughter died down we realized she was upset so I explained again. "Sweetie, now I know for sure that problem was caused by my first wife. She was all tits and no brains. Those horrible memories have been swept away by you and my other wives. It may be a cliché but it really is what's on the inside that counts."

Since none of us needed sleep we spent most of the evening talking about the future. I asked Rhonda to deliver the same question to her parents that I had asked ours.

She seemed to believe they'd agree quickly because of the frequent comments she heard them make about not looking forward to getting old.

I also told them that I was going to start volunteering at the local hospital. I wanted to begin by reading to the patients in the pediatric cancer ward. They quickly grasped my idea and the talking ended as I was attacked again by six gorgeous females.

I wasn't as enthusiastic. I remembered very clearly Loki's warning about not being able to help everyone. How bad would it suck when I encountered such a situation?

The plan was temporarily put on hold when Connie went into labor that evening. Everything went well and within three hours of our arrival at the hospital Wesley Charles Sussmann arrived right on schedule.

It was kind of scary at first. There was no crying at all and he looked at us with an expression that seemed to say "OK I'm here, now what?"

Connie and Wes only stayed for one day before being released and he was settled into our remodeled space. The three bedrooms had been changed to one and a nursery with a huge closet and a bathroom beyond imagining. The shower was big enough for twelve (possibly fifteen if you were as friendly as we were) and was a four-seater. They even included a bidet and a urinal.

Tina and Faith went with me after school Tuesday to see if they needed someone to do what we intended and were met with an enthusiastic yes!

We were each assigned a patient and grabbed some of the books we had brought. We had a wide variety and let Tina and Faith's patients choose first.

This had the advantage of letting me shake their hand for a quick scan. Tina was to read to an eleven year old girl named Martha. I was pleased to discover that she would probably make it without my help (I helped anyway She'd be going home soon).

Faith was assigned a fourteen year old boy named Jim. When he saw Faith his eyes lit up and a big smile appeared on his face. I liked him immediately, especially when his first words were "I must have died already, because I see an angel!"

Faith blushed and thanked him as I shook his hand and complimented him on his excellent taste in females. I stuttered once when the extent of his problem hit me. He had bone cancer and he had it bad. How in the name of Hel could he be so cheerful?

He looked at me strangely when I held onto his hand longer than I needed to. When I released it Faith saw my face and pulled me aside to ask what was up. I told her and she said loud enough for Jim to hear "you've got to tell him, there's no other way."

When we turned around he was frowning "tell me what, that I'm going to die? I've known that a long time. Are you going to wimp out like everybody else and leave me to do it alone?"

He got a "Hel no" in harmony and his smile came back.

"Good!" he enthusiastically said "got any sci-fi in there? I love to read but my damn hands shake because of the meds."

I sat down beside him and said "this sexy young thing will let you check out the books in a minute but I need to ask you if you can keep a secret first"

He actually laughed for a second until the pain hit and he groaned "that's rich! I won't need to keep it too long so I guess I can safely say I'll take it to my grave."

He looked pissed when I was done with my tale and snarled "that's not fucking funny, man. Get your weird asses out of my room before I call the nurse."

Faith took over and tried to calm him down "Jim, why not play along with us. What could it hurt if you do? It's not like you'll be any worse off or anything."

When he started to protest again she said "look, I'll make you a deal. Let us try and I'll lay a kiss on you that will make your hair stand up."