4
Brent woke early feeling totally refreshed. He rose and put on a pot of coffee, let Red out, and released Rusty for his morning run. The snow had stopped and the morning had crispness about it. He breathed the cold morning air in deeply and let it out. His breath floated in front of him as he watched the sunrise. After a few minutes he retreated to the warmth of the cabin and went into the back room.
He had a complete bathroom back there with a shower. After cleaning up he towel dried his hair, brushed his teeth, and looked into the mirror. Staring back at him was the man he had looked like fifteen years ago. He marveled at his reflection for a moment and then chuckled. The little dragon had mentioned something about an effect to her touch.
Grinning like the Cheshire cat he thought… Mya.
Brent dressed and returned to the kitchen.
During this time Tam had awakened to find himself in an alien environment. Remaining still he called out to Mya. She calmed him and explained in detail what had occurred the night before. She gave him her assessment of Brent, and he accepted it without question. Then she informed him of how they had arrived at the cabin.
Mya! I am surprised at you; contact is forbidden! We don’t know what kind of effect it could have on him. I understand the circumstances, but there must have been another way.
Mya was miffed at Tam’s admonishment; she knew the Law as well as him.
If there had been another way I would have found it. There was none and I did what I thought best.
Oh ho, a little testy aren’t we?
I am nothing of the sort!
I’m not angry with you Mya; it’s just that we will have to justify this when we return.
Don’t you think I have already thought of that? And I might as well get this out now too; I am not certain that our warrant was destroyed with his ship. I have reason to believe that he may have jettisoned to earth in a life pod
What? No, no… could anything else go wrong?
The human who came to our rescue did so after experiencing the crash thru a vision, and he heard us calling to each other. I probed him and found he has many more talents that he isn’t even aware of yet. We would have frozen to death if not for his aid. Tam, he has a glow about him, he is a pure heart. I believe he is the one we were sent to find.
Finally – good news! Okay, first off we need to repair the ship; then we need to fix the scanner and find out if Rubik is on this planet. God help us if he is.
There is more Tam… Mya explained about her run-in with the hawk and what had transpired between them.
Is there anything else, asked an exasperated Tam.
That should cover it Tam; on the plus side, at least we survived the crash.
That is an understatement my sweet.
Brent came around the corner smiling at just that moment and both Tam and Mya turned in unison.
Good Morning you two, welcome to Earth!
Tam stared at the man before him. He had seen pictures of earthlings before, but this one was different somehow. His face was oval, open, and even and his eyes seemed to sparkle. His hair was golden and his form was fit and muscular. He found him pleasing in appearance, and he liked his attitude. Mya ‘felt’ him changed in some way, but she wasn’t sure how. She had never gotten a good look at the man last night, it had been too dark and later he had been curled up in front of the fire.
“I don’t know what you people eat,” he smiled at Tam, “but if you’re game I’ll make breakfast.” Brent turned around and went into the kitchen.
Food Mya, Tam offered turning and explaining, he is offering us food.
Ah, this should be interesting, Mya answered as she flew across the room to perch on the refrigerator above Brent. Tam rose, pulled on his shirt and followed.
“My name is Tam, Peacekeeper of the Law of the Fifth District,” he said with a short bow.
Brent thrust out his hand and said, “Glad to meet you Tam; my name is Brent.”
Tam looked at his offered hand and back at him. Brandon reached over and took Tam’s hand in his and shook it.
“It’s a form of greeting, doesn’t mean anything special, just something we do,” he explained. “I am making biscuits, bacon, and scrambled eggs. I have juice, coffee, and water to drink. I don’t know if our food will agree with your systems; so you’ll have to decide if want to give it a try,” he explained.
“What are you cooking now?” asked Tam sniffing at the frying pan filled with bacon.
“It’s called bacon; it’s a cured meat.”
Smells very enticing, chimed in Mya, I should like to try that.
Brent picked up a piece and broke off a small bit and handed it to Mya.
Here you go Mya, try this and let me know what you think.
Mya took the piece of bacon in her small claws and took a bite. She chewed and swallowed greedily murmuring; mmm… this is very good! May I have more?
Great, I’ll fix you a plate.
Brent took down a small saucer and broke up some bacon into small pieces and placed it on top of the refrigerator.
You must try it Tam; it is very good, Mya thought as she noisily licked her fingers.
“Pardon but I never asked if you guys are vegetarians,” Brent asked while cooking, “or if you eat meat?”
“We eat just about anything,” replied Tam. “You know, that really does smell good.”
Brent handed him forks and knives and napkins and told him to place them on the table. When Tam returned he handed him a mug of coffee.
“Don’t know if you will like it, I like mine sweet so I added a bit of sugar.”
Brent scrambled up a half dozen eggs and divided them up between the three of them. He pulled the biscuits out of the oven and placed everything on the table, along with some butter and honey.
“This coffee is full of caffeena,” exclaimed Tam happily, “oh what a lucky break.”
Mya flew to the table as Tam carried her plate for her. Brent placed a small cup of water beside her plate. They sat down at the table and Brent made a silent blessing. The small act seemed to have an enormous impact on his ‘guests’, which he did not understand. They ate with questions interspaced between bites.
“So, where do you guys come from?”
Outside your Galaxy, replied Mya looking at Tam.
“That doesn’t exactly tell me where,” pushed Brent.
“We prefer to keep it that way,” Tam said harshly.
Brent looked at Tam with a furrowed brow, "I was just asking."
“Let me explain, your planet is not yet a member of the Guild; therefore, it must remain in the dark about the rest of us.”
“You might be a little late on that one slick. I just hope no one picked you guys up on their radar. So why the cold shoulder… you people consider us too warlike, or maybe too backward?” he asked earnestly.
Where do you get your insight Brent of Earth? Mya looked at Tam and he nodded. You are correct in your assessment of your fellow humans. But you are a definite surprise. You possess an ability that requires many years of training for us. As to your planet, well, they have not yet learned to come together. Until that happens they will be kept apart from the rest of the universe.
Tam asked for more coffee and Brent returned with the coffee pot and poured him another cup. He set down a trivet and placed the pot on it, and handed Tam the sugar.
“So are you guys going to erase my memory of all this when you leave?”
Tam and Mya looked at each other and nodded.
“We may not have to,” answered Tam, “but we do have need of your help before that problem is addressed.”
Tell him everything Tam, he will understand, interjected Mya into his thoughts.
“The creature we were chasing may have gotten away. If that is so he will stop at nothing to hunt us down and destroy us. If he has to take out this whole valley to ensure that, he will do it without a second thought.” Tam looked at Brent, “I am sorry.”
“Don’t be, it’s not your fault,” Brent smiled. “What can I do to help?”
A question Brent, Mya interrupted, are you in communication with the red hawk?
With Red, not on a level like this; but I do believe he understands me. Why do you ask?
Brent suddenly realized Mya could talk to the large bird.
You can talk to him, can’t you?
Yes Brent and he gave me the impression that he considers you a member of his family. We spoke last night. He has agreed to have his extended family keep an eye on the forest and mountain. If a stranger shows up he will inform us immediately.
Well I’ll be, exclaimed Brent; I always knew that bird was special.
He also spoke of someone called the Teacher; apparently he is the supreme ruler of this area. Do you have any idea who that could be?
Not in the slightest. Brent thought for a moment, maybe the golden eagles that live on the top of the mountain. I just don’t know, sorry Mya.
“I would like to take a look at my ship. Is it safe to go outside now?” Tam was anxious to get started fixing his ship.
“Yes, the storm has passed for now, but we have another right behind it;” Brent informed him, “It won’t arrive till tonight, so we should have good weather all day. It’s about 20 degrees out there, you’ll need a coat; I can loan you one of my old ones.”
“Lets get started then, I want to be out of here as soon as possible.” Tam headed for the main door.
Brent cleared the table and washed their dishes and cups and left them to drain. He straightened up and grabbed the extra coat and handed it to Tam, who opened it and Mya flew to him and he closed it about her. Brent reached into his pocket and handed Tam the alien remote.
The cold hit them like a slap in the face, but the wind had died down so it was bearable. Brent went immediately to the shed and retrieved the extra set of snowshoes for Tam. He showed him how to put them on and they were soon on their way. It took them a half hour to get to the lake and Brent led them around the path to the far side where the ship was hidden.
The snowstorm had obliterated all trace of their landing and slide into the snow bank. Brent pointed out where the ship was and Tam took out the remote and pressed the green button. The large ship materialized amid the snow looking very alien in the pristine environment. Tam pressed some other buttons and the side door slid open, they immediately went to the pilot’s cabin.
“Ship,” Tam announced loudly, “Tam and Mya back on line.”
“DEFENCES ON STANDBY KEEPER TAM; I HAVE DAMAGE TO MY ENGINES AND COM CENTER.
“Thank you Ship, we are here to correct that problem,” Tam answered, “please connect to Mya and download your data.”
Now that the smoke was gone Brent got a better look at the inside of the spaceship. It was the same silvery stainless steel as the outer shell. He marveled at the console as Tam pressed all kind of buttons and read out the data being shown on the computer screen. The written language was somehow familiar, but indecipherable to him.
Tam, the damage is not so severe, Mya reported, it can be fixed from the outside. A few wires need to be splice and reattached and some cables need to be soldered. Ship has already taken care of the internal problems.
Great Mya, have Ship scan the planet for Rubik’s life signs as soon as possible. If he made it here we need to know where he is located.
“Can I help,” Brent asked feeling like a fifth wheel.
“As a matter of fact you can,” replied Tam rising from the console. “Let’s take a walk and survey the damage inside Ship.”
Brent followed as Tam headed down the hallway. They lifted beams back into place and moved crates and boxes back against the wall and replaced the restraining straps around them. At one point he remarked that this was where he had found Mya pinned under a beam. They went thru a hatchway and Brent found himself in Tams quarters. He helped him tidy it up and found a photograph in the process. It was of a female who looked similar to Tam, the same long white hair, and the same eyes.
Holding the picture out he asked, “Is this your girlfriend?”
Tam turned and looked at the photo. Suddenly his features softened and he took the picture. “My mate, she died some time ago; before I became a Peacekeeper.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Brent said softly, “I know that pain well.” And everything he thought was forgotten came rushing back. He turned away as his eyes filled with tears.
Tam looked at him for a long time and then whispered, “Yes, I believe you do.”
Feeling uncomfortable he changed the subject. “Well, that’s enough here, there’s a whole lot more of ship to look after.”
With that he headed out the door and continued on to the Galley. There was a small table and chair, and a counter area with cabinets above it. They were locked, but other things were strewn about. On a sidewall was a bookcase, its books all over the floor. Brent helped pick them up and replace them on the shelves. He noted books of all kinds by the pictures on the covers. One book caught his eye; it had a picture of earth on its cover.
“You have a book on Earth?” He asked excitedly.
“As Peacekeeper of the Fifth District I have to be aware of all the planets in my jurisdiction,” he replied dryly, “and their laws. Your planet has too many; they contradict each other.”
“Amen to that,” he replied in kind.
“Let’s take a look at the docking bay. My skimmer is there, and I hope not to badly damaged.”
He headed down the walkway to the rear of the ship. They stepped thru a hatchway into a huge bay area. Across a platform and down some stairs led them to floor of the docking bay. Tam’s skimmer was banged up a bit, but otherwise not damaged. It was a smaller version of Ship, almost the size of a small Lear jet, silvery and sleek in design.
“Wow!”
“What is it,” Tam asked surprised at his reaction.
“Oh, no, nothing; it’s just a human exclamation,” Brent explained. “That is one beautiful machine.”
“Yes, I enjoy the skimmer,” he mused for a moment, “I like to take her out sometimes and just fly about.”
Tam went over to a small locker and removed a tool kit and came back to where Brent was standing. He watched him as he stared at the skimmer lightly running his hands over its sleek body. Tam had to admit that this human was very surprising in his reactions to his and Mya presence, and the events that took place.
“Brent, we have to leave," Tam said, "I want to look at the outside of the ship.”
Brent nodded and they left the bay area. Tam called to Mya saying he was going outside. She flew back to the opening and met him there. They stepped outside and were about to go around towards the back of the ship when the red hawk keened loudly.
Mya looked up and called to the bird. Good day Alpha, it is nice to see you again.
The mountain is clear, and word has come that the ship you chased crashed and the evil was destroyed within it. The Teacher wishes to speak with you both.
Of course, we would be honored to meet him. Mya looked at Tam, more surprises.
The red hawk keened once and a huge wolf with a thick black coat and a white streak down its forehead slowly sauntered out of the forest. The animal was massive, at least 400 lbs, he was extremely muscular and fit in every sense.
He approached Tam and Mya as a king granting an audience to his subject. He looked them both over and then sat.
You are not of this mountain, or this world. He stated flatly.
Mya asked Tam to open his coat and she stepped on his out stretched arm. She spread her wings and bowed and had Tam do the same.
Greetings Great One, I am Mya of the First Council…
I am aware of who you are and what you and your companion do. It is a noble profession in your world, but not here. They have not evolved enough to understand you and your kind. They would hunt you down and kill you.
Brent stared open mouthed at the great wolf. He had never suspected that he was anything more that an animal. Inside, he felt humbled at the revelation that was taking place.
Except for this being, who is more than you know; this world is not ready for you yet. I have nurtured the beings on this planet for centuries; and I have waited millennia for this meeting to finally take place. This being has evolved and reached Apex… he is ready for his destiny. When you leave here you will take him with you. Search out your heart and hear the call of the Companions Mya; you are to return to your home world and he is to go with you.
Mya was quiet for a long time, going deep within. She raised her head and looked at Tam with surprise.
It is true Tam; the ‘call’ has gone out for all Companions to return. She turned and faced the wolf, We will fix our ship and be gone in two days. May we ask for your protection till that time?
It is given Mya of the First Council and Tam of the Peacekeeper Guild. Please relay the salutations of Tobruk to your Master teacher.
With that the great wolf turned and disappeared into the surrounding forest.
The hawk keened once and joined him.
This planet is full of surprises Mya. What is he talking about; and what was that about the Master teacher? Tam was getting an uneasy feeling, what other surprises do they have I wonder?
Mya picked up on his thought and agreed. Indeed Tam, they are a very unique race, it appears their animals know more than the people do. I wonder if they are the true guardians this world. Fascinating!
Guys, what did he say? I missed the last part, Brent asked. He knows who you are, and he seems to know all about you.
Yes Brent, he does, replied Maya, he also says that you are to return with us when we leave here.
Go with you... great! Brent replied without the slightest hesitation.
Both Maya and Tam looked at each other in surprise. Then Tam shrugged his shoulders and headed for the back of the ship.
Okay, he said breaking the spell, let’s check out the engines and get these repairs finished.
They worked all day reconnecting wires and soldering cables back into place. Tam was able to make a patch in the machine shop to cover the area where Rubik’s ship had blasted a hole. They would set it in place in the morning and Mya would weld it to the ship. By late afternoon they were cold, hungry, and weary; ready to call it a day. They headed back to the cabin as the wind began to pick up again. By the time they reached the cabin, snow was beginning to fall.