Gaia's Majesty_Mission Called Read online

  In fact, she had been in Venice contacting Philippa and on another Andromeda errand. It was crucial to be trusted, and she was careful. Fortunately, unlike so many of his colleagues who trusted no one, Antonio trusted her. She knew it was a tribute to the way she tended their relationship. It was also a function of the degree to which she cared for him.

  Antonio turned and smiled. “Of course. I understand. It comes at a good time. We’re having all manner of complications with shipments of stock. I’ll be preoccupied. Take all the time you need.” He looked into her eyes. “But I’ll miss you.”

  She was relieved at his acceptance of her request, and she thought he meant it. There was pain that it could not be an enduring relationship.

  After packing for a few days’ trip, she climbed into the Alfa Romeo and sped off on the autostrada toward Viareggio.

  On another autostrada, Paolo was navigating at high speed in his usual skillful fashion. Philippa was deep in thought.

  “We’ve been on the edge with the Overlords for years, Paolo, but the attack on Martine means they’re becoming more aggressive. The call about Adelais reminds me we are entering deeper conflict.”

  “Don’t be afraid, my darling. We’re prepared and the Andromeda is ready. I actually found Luisa appearing in Venice reassuring.”

  Then they were climbing into the hills with vistas Philippa always found enchanting. She never stopped being grateful for the good fortune of her life. Their home, their glorious villa, came into view. Perched high on a hill, it commanded a view of the deep-blue Mediterranean. Bouganvilleas streamed over the soft stone walls and cascaded down the hill.

  As they pulled into the villa, another car arrived behind them. Philippa exited and reached out to the girl exiting the other car. “Adelais, I’m so glad you came.” She hugged her, but there was hardly any response beyond a slight trembling. No wonder her parents were alarmed. She has shut down.

  With her arm around Adelais, she led her into the house. Outside, Paolo took the parents aside. He extended his hand to Adelais’s father. “Michel. So good to see you. I’m sorry it has to be under these circumstances.”

  “It’s been too long,” Michel responded, his tone flat with sadness.

  Paolo turned to Adelais’s mother and hugged her. “How are you holding up, Danielle? The loss of your mother and now this with Adelais.”

  Danielle merely shook her head.

  “These people are unspeakable brutes,” Michel rasped.

  “Yes. Come inside. We can tend to the luggage later. A special member of Andromeda is on the way to arrange for the help Adelais needs.”

  Adelais and Philippa were in the dayroom. The girl continued to be largely unresponsive. Philippa looked up as Paolo and Adelais’s parents came in. She gently shook her head.

  Philippa whispered a reassurance to Adelais and rose to draw Danielle aside. Taking her hands in hers she said, “She’ll be healed. Our special friend Luisa will join us shortly and will be an ideal companion. I’ll discuss it with her, and if you agree we’ll have Adelais taken to Thonis, the Tethys near Alexandria. You’ll see. You’ll have your daughter back.”

  Philippa did not believe her own words. Certainly Adelais could be healed after a fashion under the expert care of the Progenitors in the Tethys, but she would never be the same.

  The fact that Danielle and Michel were exhausted did not escape Philippa’s notice. “It’s been a long drive. Wouldn’t all of you like to rest for a while? I’ll call you as soon as Luisa arrives.”

  Gratitude softened Danielle’s face. Neither she nor Michel objected. They allowed themselves to be settled in their rooms to rest along with a passive Adelais.

  Philippa and Paolo took coffee and went out by the pool to seek some personal restoration. For a time, they silently stared out over the Mediterranean.

  Paolo finally said, “We knew a day like this would come. The world has grown smaller, while the Overlords’ reach has increased.”

  Philippa’s eyes glinted with tears when she turned toward her husband. “I know, but this has suddenly become personal. Martine dead and Adelais devastated.”

  Paolo reached out to hold her hand. “We can’t deny the meaning of what’s happening. The Andromeda is right to express alarm. I’m sure they’re laying plans.”

  Philippa stiffened. “We’ve known our purpose here for millennia. These treacherous animals will learn who and what we are.”

  Later, as Philippa was waiting, perched on the edge of a chair in the living room, she heard the guttural sound of the Alfa climbing the hill. Then came the scratch of gravel in the drive as Luisa sped in and brought the car to a halt. Philippa smiled despite her tension. She knew Luisa’s penchant for notable entrances.

  Philippa was not disappointed. No one could miss the energy of Luisa as she emerged from the car dressed in a colorful couture-designed dress. Philippa rushed to hug her.

  Luisa took her face in her hands, kissing her tenderly on both tear-stained cheeks. “You didn’t need to say it. I assumed your call was about Adelais. We’ll make her right, Philippa. Don’t be afraid for her.”

  “But I am. She’s been through a terrible experience.”

  “We’ll see to it that she recovers, I promise.”

  While Adelais lingered in bed, her parents, Philippa, Paolo, and Luisa met on the villa terrace. Luisa was now dressed more casually in jeans and a simple blouse. The view out to the Mediterranean was soothing, but not enough to overcome the tense atmosphere.

  Philippa took charge. First, in more depth, she introduced Luisa to Michel and Danielle. Luisa seated herself to one side while Philippa talked about the dedication of Andromeda to defend the larger mission of the Tethyan people. Then she turned to Luisa, who leaned forward, clasping her hands. “From what I have heard, Adelais is a strong and resourceful girl. Understandably she’s reacting to her grandmother’s murder. I’d be more alarmed if she had not reacted at all.”

  Danielle glanced at Michel, then turned toward Luisa. “Can you help her?”

  “We have unusual resources, and we’ll build on her strength and direct her energy. We should take her to the Tethys called Thonis near Alexandria, in Egypt.”

  Michel broke in. “I’m sorry. You’re moving a little fast for me. I’ve heard of the Tethys but we have no intimate knowledge.”

  “A Tethys is a unique environment,” Luisa said. “I’m sure you know it’s under the sea, but, while the Progenitors who live there have the capacity to live in the water, the cities are encapsulated and people live as they would in any terrestrial city.” She smiled. “And the buildings have an enchanting water view.”

  Michel did not smile in return. “And so it offers what for our Adelais?”

  Philippa placed a hand on Michel’s arm, signaling patience.

  “Thonis is primarily made up of women who are extraordinarily welcoming and supportive,” Luisa said. “At the same time, it’s very different from terrestrial cities in its mystical and spiritual atmosphere. A first-time visitor feels a sense of disorientation.”

  With tear misted eyes Danielle asked, “How will being disoriented help Adelais?”

  “Danielle, she has closed herself off and is grieving. What she needs is meaning to replace loss. The disorientation will begin to free her from her shock and grief so that she can experience the healing qualities of the Tethys. She can then feel the wonder of the mystery and spirituality in a loving and tender community. Gradually she’ll form bonds with the people around her and gain meaning and an understanding of mission. Getting away from our ‘normal’ existence will permit her to gather strength.”

  Michel stood and they fell silent, waiting for him to speak. With tears in his eyes he turned to his wife. “I don’t see that we have an alternative.”

  Paolo spoke. “Certainly, it’s an act of faith, but both Philippa and I believe it will be in her best interests.”

  Danielle nodded.

  Jus
t then Luisa noticed Adelais standing in the doorway. She hurried to introduce herself. Adelais looked into her face inquiringly, and then Luisa drew her into a reassuring embrace. Adelais's face relaxed and became more animated. The others could see her talking to Luisa. They could not hear what they were saying, but the girl was responding!

  Chapter 16

  Taking Flight Together

  Miami and Brazil

  Avery and Beck were enjoying a late dinner on the terrace of Avery’s condo. They were uncharacteristically quiet.

  “Beck, you seem far away. What’s up?”

  Slowly he shook his head. “Work is getting to me. There’s endless tension.”

  Avery smiled. “I have the perfect answer. It’s time we went to Brazil. I need to go back and finish what I didn’t get done when I was there before.”

  A broad smile broke across Beck’s face. “Perfect. I’ll make up a story about a sick parent and take some vacation time. Might as well use the time since I might get fired anyway.”

  “Yikes, Beck, I wasn’t planning on getting you fired!”

  “I’m teasing. I had mentioned to Melanie about wanting to see where the problem with the weapons system occurred. I could see that she didn’t think it was a good idea. So I’ll use the sick parent cover.”

  Avery reached for Beck’s hand. “I’ll make plans and put together a schedule.”

  “Let me know soon so I can manufacture that family emergency.”

  ~~~

  At work Beck found it hard to devote himself to dealing with engineers in crisis. When he was called to attend a meeting, he knew would be contentious, he was distracted and left his tickets to Brazil sitting on his office desk. Melanie stopped by to drop off some papers and saw the tickets. She stole a peek and recalled what he’d said about going to Brazil. But his story about the sick parent didn’t fit. Something seemed wrong, so she filed away the knowledge for future use.

  Sitting in Miami International, Beck and Avery acted like a couple of kids. Finally Beck noticed people looking at them. He drew Avery close and whispered, “Maybe we need to tone it down a little. It might not be a problem, but maybe too much attention is not a good idea.”

  Avery drew her fingers across her lips in a sealing motion, then smiled. “You’re right. Soul of decorum…until I get you alone in Imbituba.”

  It felt like days before they pulled up in front of Hotel Margarida. Cortez greeted them at the door and called out to Luma, who came scurrying from the kitchen. She hugged Avery and shook Beck’s hand with vigor.

  “It’s so good to have you back with us, Senhorita.” She exchanged pleasantries with Avery but never took her eyes off Beck. Cortez suggested that they might want to rest after their trip and showed them to their room.

  Once inside Beck said, “Well, that was embarrassing. Does Luma always give that kind of examination?”

  Avery laughed. “They’ve taken me in like family, so I’m sure she was assessing if she approved of you. I’ve never brought anyone with me before.”

  The next morning a solicitous Luma served them a sumptuous breakfast, paying attention to Beck. Avery had a hard time containing herself but managed until they got to their Jeep, when she burst into laughter.

  Avery put her hand on Beck’s shoulder, shaking him gently. “I think, fella, you are definitely accepted.”

  “It’s still embarrassing.”

  “Get over it. She obviously wishes us the best. Anyway…we’re going to Laguna and I’m driving. I have business to attend to.”

  “Would it be possible for me to sit in on your meetings with the women? I know a little Spanish.”

  Avery laughed. “That won’t help a whole lot, because it’s Portuguese here.”

  “Right. Well, it’s a little like Spanish. Can I sit in?”

  Avery thought for a moment. “Remember I’m empowering women, and you might be seen as my boss or supervisor. Sometimes, maybe, you can join us. Mostly you’ll have to wait in the Jeep or the bar where men are supposed to be.”

  “That’s pretty sexist.”

  “It’s the truth in this society.”

  Beck smiled. “You’re the boss. I don’t want to interfere.”

  At Laguna Avery drove them directly to the beach. She gave him a tour and pointed out the location for each event on that dreadful day.

  Beck stood back, surveying. “Settings for tragedies often don’t look like much after it’s over. I can see it has a full opening to the ocean. Any incoming high-energy waves would have nothing to break them up.” He turned to Avery. “Are you picking up anything now that you’re back? Any moans or anything at all. Even feelings?”

  “Nothing. It looks and feels exactly as it did before it all fell apart.”

  They spent the next couple of days in and around Laguna as Avery met with interested women. On the second day, they were coming back into town when Avery exclaimed, “There! That’s the blonde woman from the beach!”

  She jammed on the brakes, jumped out of the Jeep, and ran after her. Beck walked along slowly behind, evaluating the area and the people around.

  He watched as Avery caught up with the woman and stopped nearby just as they fell into conversation. To his surprise, they were speaking English. He decided to hang back and continued to scan the area on the back street.

  At last they finished talking, and he watched the woman start to walk away. She turned back to Avery and said something he couldn’t make out.

  Avery turned and walked toward him. She was shaking her head. “That was pure bullshit, Beck. She claimed to be visiting distant relatives and said the woman in the surf was a friend of hers who’d fallen in because of the excitement. And the woman’s doing just fine. All I could say was, ‘How nice.’” She screwed up her lips and nose as if suffering a bad smell. “Then something weird happened. She turned back just as I thought she was leaving.”

  “I heard her say something but couldn’t make it out,” Beck said.

  “Her tone was very different and she said, ‘It will all become clear shortly, Avery.’”

  Beck looked puzzled. “Did you tell her your name?”

  “I had to think back. No, I didn’t. I stopped and said I had seen her at the beach that day and wondered how her friend was. I didn’t want to start out with a confrontation.”

  “Avery, how would she possibly know your name?”

  “It’s a reach, but I suppose she might have talked to Luma later. Luma stayed behind when I went back to Imbituba. Oh, and the English was a surprise. It had a curious accent which I’d never heard before in my travels.”

  As they were walking back to the Jeep, Avery stopped and looked down and then up at Beck. “Can I be a little bit of a flake?”

  He smiled. “Of course.”

  “I can’t get over the feeling I know that woman.”

  “But it sounds like you don’t.”

  “And that’s the problem.”

  ~~~

  It was another three days before Avery finished her business, but the nights were blissfully theirs as their relationship deepened.

  Outside Imbituba Avery pulled the Jeep to the side of the road. “We still have time. I want to show you a couple of other things.”

  She resumed driving, then turned off the main highway. Shortly they pulled up to a small cottage at the edge of the jungle.

  “This is where I store stuff and hang out when I want no company at all. Come on in.”

  Inside Beck looked around. “It’s cozy, but you do kinda trash the place.”

  “It’s mostly for storage. I just can’t travel with everything I need or might need. Here are some things I collected. I can’t spend all my time talking business, so I poke around in out-of-the way shops. I’m not the only outlander hanging around back here. There are all kinds of anthropologists, archeologists, geologists—whatever. It’s possible to get into some interesting stuff with the people I meet. Many of us live off the
beaten path, but are on much the same page. Help me move some of these boxes.” She dug in the back of the pile and handed small boxes out to Beck. In turn she opened them and displayed the objects inside.

  “Nice,” he said. “What are these? Bones from road kill?”

  “Don’t push it, fella. These are precious items.” She picked one up and held it out for him to study. “Looks like a tool.”

  “Pretty primitive, I’d say. For what, do you think?”

  “Well, I showed my collection to an anthropologist I met,” Avery said. “She told me they might be for cleaning fish or serve as weapons and suggested I have them dated. So when I got back to Miami, I sent off a part of my collection. Some weeks later they came back with a report. Some of the items had dates so far back in history that I wondered if the results were in error. A couple of them had been given to me by a woman in Laguna. I have no idea why she thought I would find them of interest. Others were from an odd little antique shop I found when I was at a conference in Copenhagen. I was told they were from Denmark and Ireland. The report dated them as so early I didn’t even know there were people living there at that time.”

  She picked up another one that looked like a carved bone. “This one is similar to one that was contemporary, at least according to the dating, but came from Laguna where such tools are supposed to be unknown. The local fishing people claimed they had seen something like it, but they don’t use such an object. I can’t decide what to make of it all, Beck. But, somehow I feel it’s up to me to discover what it means.”

  Chapter 17

  Overlord, Go to Hell!

  Barcelona, Spain

  Evan was snoring in a forward seat of the private jet. Further back Brigid was enjoying the view of Barcelona as they approached the airport. She was looking forward to touring the city and wanted to visit the Gaudí cathedral. But foremost in her thoughts was the meeting she had planned with Nicole.

  Upon landing, she surveyed the array of private jets on the tarmac. Near them were a matching number of large black Mercedes. Young women were disembarking from one of the jets. They were a diverse congregation including Asians, Africans, and Europeans. How interesting. More playthings. Just as in Saint Lucia.