Dimitri laughed a deep booming laugh and said, “No kidding, I mean, aliens, tigers, and fairies, Oh, My!”
We all broke up at that comment and laughed till tears rolled down our cheeks. It felt good to have that release, and I realized that was one of the ways we had been processing our experiences, finding humor in them, and letting it out. Laughter is truly a stress reliever. It was not meant to diminish the magnitude of the experience, but it seemed to have helped us accept and deal with this new reality we were now living. Of course, our visit to the blue room was helping since we now all felt more invigorated and full of energy, which added to this unimaginable moment.
As darkness approached, we turned in, looking forward to a good night’s rest amid the realization that this was our last night in this wondrous place.
We awoke to the smell of fresh coffee and freshly baked bread. The round table had been set again at the campsite and was filled with food. We made our trips to the “bathhouse” and began enjoying this wonderful repast. We were finishing our leisurely meal when Jeannie appeared. Her abrupt appearance had become part of our new normal and did not startle us when she appeared.
She smiled and said, “I see you have enjoyed your last meal in the Citadel. I am pleased you were able to do so.”
“Absolutely,” I said, “as always, it was beyond our expectations and much appreciated.”
She nodded and said, “Colt, may I speak with you?”
“Of course,” I said and got up and followed her a short distance away from the others.
She reached out and took my hand and placed in it something wrapped in what felt like velvet fabric. This did startle me a bit because I realized I had never come into direct physical contact with her since we had been here. Her hand was soft and warm; her long fingers wrapped around my hand easily, and I could feel energy pulsing through them. It was a surprisingly sensual experience, and I looked into her eyes and thought I saw a flash of emotion in them.
She let go of my hand and said, “I wanted you to have this and hope you will find it useful.”
I opened the cloth and found the bracelet I had used in the library to create the teleportation portal. My mouth dropped open as I looked up at her and said, “Are you kidding. You’re giving me the bracelet?”
“Yes,” she replied, smiling more broadly than I had seen before.
“I believe it will benefit you in your forthcoming activities and also facilitate a path for a return here in the future. I know you will use it wisely.”
“I can’t believe it,” I said, “thank you.”
“You are most welcome, but this also comes with some bad news and a warning. I have deactivated all the silver cubes you found on the ship except for one for your own personal and planetary safety. I have left the lifting/anti-gravity cube active for you to use and study. But as I said earlier, you must be extremely careful in your study of it. Its power is beyond your comprehension, but I will continue to be in touch to school you in its use. Also, when using the portable transportation device, you must be very specific when you activate it and select a specific location to travel to. If you are taking others with you, they must enter first, then you follow. Once you are through, the portal will close. You must always be the last one through. A clear mind and precise location are required to use it safely. Becoming careless in its use can have dire consequences that I could not save you from. Needless to say, choose your traveling companions, if any, carefully.”
I nodded and said, “I understand and will use it as you directed.”
“Now, let us return to your friends. I will leave it to you to explain the deactivation of the cubes when you feel it appropriate.”
We walked back as the gear was being rounded up and prepared for departure.
Doc looked at Jeannie and, after a few seconds, said, “Jeannie, I hope I’m not overstepping any boundaries, but I have noticed that since we have been here, you have started laughing and smiling much more than the first days of our arrival. Does this mean you like us?” he said with a laugh, “Because we sure like you.”
There was a chorus of laughter and agreements, “We sure do!”
“You’re a fantastic host and super doctor!”
“Very impressive!”
Jeannie laughed and said, “Yes, I do like you. Your time here has brought a joy long missing from this place and almost forgotten. Your interactions and love of life have renewed my spirit and given me hope for the future. For that, I thank you, and for your help during this time of crisis, please accept my eternal gratitude.”
“It was indeed our pleasure,” Dimitri said while making a sweeping bow, “and thanks for patching me up.”
“I was pleased to be able to help; I hope your chicks dig your scar,” she said with a somewhat puzzled look on her face, still not fully understanding the meaning of that phrase.
Jeannie then turned to Doc and handed him a cube about the size of the ones we found on the galleon.
“This is our historical record of this planet. Merely think of a question you wish to have answered, and it will be projected above the box. Detailed information on our technology is not included. But, as a scholar, I believe you will find the historical record quite interesting when compared to your version.”
A few more good-byes were said, and we picked up our packs and headed
