THE SIGHT

Courtesy of : http://www.myspace.com/texastaz6369

Courtesy of: wwwmyspace.com

Courtesy of: FantasyArtDesign

“Who could not think their world was still beautiful?” Vessa thought contentedly. She was about to find out…

Getting closer to her brother’s place, she saw there were four CIP vehicles on the 3^rd level airwave. Traffic was being detoured. Vessa shatt (lowered) her window to be nosy. She reached for the dimmers to shield her eyes against the sun’s lime brightness.

Courtesy of: FantasyArtDesign

The chilly air was quick to drift inside. The faint smell of ore was a normal odor, ever since the Spectrum Era began, but another scent assailed her nostrils too. Acrid smoke. Vessa upshatt her window, and tuned the transmitter to news. The report confirmed; there had been a fire.

As Vessa made her descent to airwave level 4, she saw what the news related…

Courtesy of: Aldyss.Com

“Oh, my God!” Vessa whispered, as columns of green and red smoke billowed from the area of her brother’s estate. The minutes ticked like hours, it took so long to explain to the CIP Provost, that she was related to those up ahead in the restricted zone. (The full import that this was CIP in charge, hadn’t dawned on Vessa yet.)

Auggie was CIP (he followed in their parent’s footsteps), but Vessa and Nanna Ti wasn’t aware of that. All they knew, was of his trading operation in the Ilovaria Republic. Auggie interacted with the UNC Consulate over there. (So, Auggie had the perfect alibi.) His family understood that his business took him away much of the time. But he came home regularly. In fact, he was due home today.

Yes, for safety reasons, CIP family members were not informed of their recruitment (until their death). Also, the agents’ families and their true place of residence were kept secret. Of the disguised CIP members themselves, only a few of them knew one another’s alternate identities.

Finally, the Provost allowed Vessa’s descent, to stationary down. She ran past the incinerated grounds. Gray and orange ashes smoldered around shards of tree stumps and strewn branches. The outside walls were virtually unscathed.

Inside, Vessa saw someone had torched the place. The damage to the furniture and Nanna Ti’s sculpture models was tremendous. There was no sign of Nanna Ti. CIP agents were everywhere. Now, realization dawned, since it was CIP who was doing the investigation… this had to be something serious. Vessa asked the next one scurrying by, “Where’s my grandmother?” Her voice had the start of hysteria in it. Upon hearing Vessa’s voice, Miriam Bathliev, a friend of Tina, immediately came out of the den where she was trying to assist the CIP with answers to his questions. When Vessa caught sight of her, she felt some relief, until she took stock of Ms. Miriam’s disheveled appearance and distressed expression.

“Where’s Nanna?” she asked louder.

“Auggie took your grandmother to the hospital.” Miriam said consolingly. She was trying to prepare Vessa.

“Hospital?” Vessa questioned like a dim-wit. Fear was growing. It barely registered that Auggie had returned already. Vessa was asking which hospital, when the CIP agent came closer, “Are you Vessa Pajalez?”

“Yes”, she answered turning around. “What happened?” the plea was full of anxiety.

“We can’t say for sure right now. But your brother asked me to see that you get to the hospital as soon as you arrived.”

Vessa was about to ask Ms. Miriam to watch after the place, but Miriam anticipated her concern, "Don’t worry Vessa, I’ll look after things here. You just go and be with your family.”

Vessa arrived, half an hour later. The desk attendant said Tina Mollings was still in emergency. When Vessa got to ER, she ran straight into her brother’s arms. It was so good to have his big, comforting presence.

Two hours had passed. They were weary. Auggie had informed Vessa of everything.

`Before he got home from the aerotrans terminal, two black men dressed like generator techs, said they were there to check the diatonic gauge. Unsuspecting, Nanna Ti let them in. and that’s when the sinister dogs let their true intent be known. Gathering from what the inspector had told him, the attackers were purists. Psychotic malcontents, looking to cause as much pain as they themselves were in. And they were still out there somewhere.

Auggie paused, trying to stay calm for his sister’s sake. He continued,

“First, they trashed everything they could get their hands on, and then tried to rob Nanna.” Auggie was gripping his hands together. Thinking out loud he said, “They had her tied up, while they set their minds to destroy, even the garden! It was a good thing, Ms. Miriam was coming to visit when she did.” Auggie sighed, as he described the second-hand account, “From high over, Ms. Miriam saw what was going on and called the authorities. She had said, she tried to knock one of them down with her aero-veh. The other one fired a matris at her! The protraction-force rod, hit. And Miriam went crashing about two blocks away! Fortunately for her, she was just slightly banged-up from the fall. But she had hoped the state agents would show up in time to help Nanna.”

But the worst had been done… When Auggie relayed the next part, anger blazed in his shady, green eyes. His voice cracked as he said, “They set her on fire, Vessa. Our gentle, precious Nanna; they beat her, then set her on fire!” Auggie was a strong man… but he hung his head and cried.

Nanna Ti had fourth degree burns all over, two broken ribs and a collapsed lung. It didn’t look good. But they had to believe…

The doctors were really fighting to save her life. Finally, the chief surgeon came out to tell them… she didn’t make it.

Auggie and Vessa couldn’t understand it. Vessa refused to accept it. Stunned in their anguish, Auggie finally took his weeping sister by the arm and led her out of the hospital. Amid her sobs, she heard him guarantee, “I’ll find them, Ves. Rest your heart, I’ll find them…

…“Well, you need to come with us!” Vessa’s best friend, Jiddi LaRetz was coaxing. In agitation, Jiddi pushed her dark-blonde braids over her shoulder. The voluptuous woman’s previous complexion of high yellow, was now a soft blush. The fuchsia toned pupils of her eyes dilated, indicating her resolve.

Vessa had just refused going to the lake for the traditional Frontier Trail Barbecue.

“I must have this presentation, aced, for tomorrow,” she hedged. It was now one o’clock in the afternoon. She had reviewed her marketing strategy for the umpteenth-time. The excuse was a sham and Jiddi knew it. Jiddi had come over to Vessa’s for the sole intent of getting her out of the house. Auggie had asked for her help.

And even though, Jiddi may have been flippant about it, she was really worried about Vessa. As was Auggie. It was already a couple of weeks since Nanna Ti’s passing…

After the funeral, Vessa was steadily withdrawing from any kind of association. Except work. Vessa threw herself into her work like a mad woman. She had taken only three days away from her job. Rimal had offered to let Brais take over the UNC account, in light of the family tragedy. Vessa had pleaded with Rimal not to.

“It’s like there was no other purpose to her life now.” Jiddi complained. Auggie had taken time off, to help Vessa through this trauma. Jiddi, who had always had a thing for Auggie, thought, “This definitely put him first, in the best brother category – Such unfailing care.” And Jiddi who was like a sister to Vessa, didn’t want her to ignore reality… no matter how much it hurt.

“You’d have thought, when the authorities solved Nanna Ti’s case, it would have soothed some of Vessa’s pain.” Jiddi wished.

And talk about just deserts; they found those two miscreants dead – matris fused beyond visual identity! It appeared that while in an insane frenzy, the lunatics had committed suicide. Yet no matter the fate of the murderers, it didn’t pull Vessa out of her emotion freeze.

Jiddi knew, if Vessa didn’t snap out of it soon … she was headed for a nervous breakdown. But Vessa wouldn’t even talk about it.

“Bottling all that grief inside … it just ain’t natural!” Jiddi reasoned. And she wasn’t about to let Vessa damage herself like that. She was determined to stop this crisis, before it got a stronghold on her mourning friend.

So, Jiddi persisted… “I made enough inert, but tasty, synthoid salad,” she teased, then tempted, “and two butter-frost cakes.” Jiddi knew it was Vessa’s favorite treat. “…So, you don’t’ have to worry about bringing anything.” she chattily informed, while ignoring Vessa’s protests, and added, “When Auggie gets here with the meat, you should be ready Ves.”

“I’m not…” Vessa again attempted to argue, but Jiddi was adamant. She interrupted, “…Look! Your brother is hurting too. And Auggie needs you Vessa. He needs your support, just like you need his!” Jiddi berated none too gently.

“I’m here for Auggie.” Vessa defends quietly.

“Not if all you do is work, work, work!” Jiddi remonstrated. She stood up for emphasis and pointed to Vessa’s desk in her home office. Papers and notepads were everywhere. So were snack-containers and a blanket on her lounger. Tell-tell signs.

A bit of guilt was trying to seep in. Vessa knew Jiddi was right. But she just didn’t want to feel – nothing!

Vaguely, she heard Jiddi demand, “So, what outfit are you wearing?”

“The barbecue festivities were in full swing when they got there. Seemed like the whole town was at the lake. Even though it was 48°, some revelers were splashing about in reminisce of former days.

“Good food, good people, good times.” Auggie and Jiddi, both hoped those three ingredients would give Vessa back her zest for life. Their plan worked – somewhat.

Initially, Vessa was just going through the motions. Greeting and acknowledging well wishers’ sympathy.

Jiddi had volunteered Vessa and herself to do a stint in replenishing the buffet table. It was an easy task. Just refill the platters of food and jugs of liqs. Then, all a person had to do was bring their own drink dots or dish dots to the buffet and select.

Drink dots or hydri-jars (which was the proper name), were computerized, flat discs. The circumference was no larger than an average sized palm. Sensory controls were encoded on the bottom side. When placed onto a jug’s spout or a liquid dispenser, drink dots were programmed to crystallize into containers, as fluid poured into it. Shapes and designs varied according to the encryption installed.

The convenience was; the container kept the contents hot or cold. And when it emptied, the jar automatically purified itself. Then, the container reverted back into the small, flat disc.

The same application applied to dish dots (or brazier pots). It was very environment haute monde – so litter free.

When volunteering duty was over, Vessa finally managed to get away. She found a secluded spot, uphill from the lake area. Hidden behind some swaying trees, Vessa could hear the people down below having fun. She lay back and shut her eyes against the cold, beautiful day. She thought, “Nanna would have enjoyed this.” And she wept at the unfairness.

It was at this time, that Legislav Miriam Bathliev’s voice amplified over the gathering. Vessa wasn’t interested in the speech, until she heard her grandmother’s name. Miriam was saying, “Tina Mollings, was not only one of the most notably talented artists of our generation… but she was also my dear friend…”

There was respectful silence as Legislav Bathliev paused. The audience knew, that this was no political harangue. This was genuine emotion. Miriam concluded, "So, it gives me boundless satisfaction to present her last accomplishment. Here is our Lake Pryor Commemorative… in honor of Tina Mollings.”

Even before the speech was over, applause and shouts of approval rang out. Vessa sat up and peered through the caressing leaves.

Courtesy http://www.glitter-graphics.com/graphics/101994

Now, being transi-lifted into position, was the seventy-five foot long sculpture, Nanna had called, “The Swan’s Lullaby”. It was composed of dual tiers. The uppermost tier was turbulent water, about nine feet high. An invisible barrier kept it swirling above the main design. This was the new water-sculpt technique.

The bottom tier, was where the symbolic, geometric swans floated above their artificial, black lake. At intervals, water-flumes spiraled upward. The force lifted the razor-thin wings, which made soft, bell chimes, until they fluttered down again. The rising, inky, yet translucent mist – shimmered and added an ethereal effect. It was superb!

“Oh, Nanna!” Vessa whispered longingly. Yet, at that moment she realized, her grandmamma’s legacy of beauty would still be with them.

“You ok kiddo?” Vessa turned around. It was Auggie, Dear, sweet Auggie. She could tell he had been standing there awhile. She smiled her assurance and hugged him. Auggie was relieved. For Vessa’s smile was a sign of acceptance. A smile of healing.

Vessa came extra early to work. She was so nervous. She had reason to be. The UNC representatives were due any minute. She was ready. And she didn’t want any snags to hinder this opportunity. “If only those protesters would go away!” she wished.

Highly agitated, Vessa watched the people below her office window. They were picketing for a concept that had notoriously troubled the last century; enforced racial barriers. It was absurd, this ocular genus syndrome! This kind of propaganda was supposed to have been outlawed in 2020! It was bad for state policy. (Vessa wondered, “So where are the authorities when you need them?”

Trying to be fair minded, she admitted, “Sure, the light mutation and different color pattern took some getting used to; but it’s not all that serious!” Vessa reasoned. But she saw that apparently, to those on the sidewalks, it was a life or death deal.”

“Those picketters floated their cybernetic placards of poison and paranoia, like banners of ultra-enlightenment. While the other side – amplified their message of hostile, vilified outrage. Vessa noted with derision, “So, this is progress – technology, enhanced hate!”

Staring at the scene below, made Vessa think of her grandmother, and the events of her death. “People like those marching below, had killed her!” Vessa accused. She hated what they stood for. She almost hated them. But to give in to evil, would have undone everything Nanna had taught her. And she refused to tarnish Nanna’s memory that way.

Nanna used to laughingly say, “Flawed flesh can’t get along, ‘til its dead and gone!” Yet, Nanna really believed, “One day, there would be unity.” But now, Vessa was beginning to wonder, “Are our differences stronger than we are?” The question was shelved to the back of her mind as she retreated inside her office.

Jim Seevers and Haubry Riild, had parked their aero-veh, a block away. They had to walk past the commotion to get to Jackstan & Younger.

Both men felt like they had entered the eye of a storm. They walked sure-footed – alert. For the latent animosity of both sides, was like a virulent chasm; waiting for someone to trip into. Jim, archly mentioned to Haubry about adding hazard pay to their travel expenses. Haubry didn’t hear him. His attention was mesmerized by the fleeting vision of loveliness, he saw standing at one of the third story windows. The sight lasted only a moment. A moment – that he decided to find out who she was.

“Hey buddy, are you with me?” Jim’s question interrupted his musing. Haubry didn’t realize he’d stopped walking and stood looking up at the building. Such was the attract-impact on Haubry, that it just then dawned on him, “the beauty works for Jackstan & Younger.”

Haubry strode quickly past Jim, replying, “Absolutely, quit lagging and come on.”

The initial meeting was successful. Personalities were well received. Though these guys packed a lot of clout, neither was overbearing or rigid in their approach. This boded for a good working relationship. The J&Y, host group, consisting of Rimal, Jerom and Vessa, were certainly relieved. The first man, Jim Seevers, from UNC Head Administration, introduced Haubry Riild, as the Project Director, from the CCM (Consumer/Commerce Management) Division. Jim informed them, that Haubry would act as the tactical liaison between the UNC and J&Y. After the introductions, Jim sat back and allowed Mr. Riild to do the talking. He was very articulate regarding suggestions and expectations of the Administration.

As for Vessa, she had to put forth effort to maintain hr professionalism. Her attention span would occasionally shift to her feminine, subconscious level. She found herself wondering, “Why couldn’t she have met someone like him before the sunlight change?” Her curiosity led her to observe step by step;

“He was a mahogany dream of a man. At least six feet tall, well proportioned and meticulously attired. No wedding band, maybe single. Probably in his mid thirties. His wave-cut hair was combed back and glossed black and satiny. Haubry’s violet-hued eyes had a touch of cool-calmness to them.

Vessa acceded, “The boy definitely gave new emphasis to the term – tall, dark and handsome.” That thought reminded her… he was black. That meant he was really white… “Uh-oh…” That realization sobered her up. Vessa regained her concentration, to hear his strong, diction-perfect accent, stating what they have in mind for the project. She liked his brisk gesticulations.

This time, Vessa caught herself before going back into dream mode. She sat up straighter. “What is wrong with me?” she asked, dissatisfied with her uncharacteristic behavior. “She was acting like Jiddi in a jazz lounge!” she scolded herself, then pardoned. “Oh, well, birds of a feather and all that…” she smiled to herself.

Haubry saw that smile and was pleased she found his clever anecdote amusing.

Just short of grandstanding, Haubry used every bit of subtle charisma he possessed, while discussing UNC criterion.

Usually, it was the other way around; corporations boot-licked, for the chance to work on a Continent production.

When Haubry finished his dialogue, Rimal Jackstan began citing J&Y’s proposal modifications. It was then, Haubry admitted to himself, “It wasn’t just to solidify the contract, that he showed his personal best. UNC already knew J&Y was the top team for the job. Rather, Haubry wanted to impress her.” The woman inspired him… She, with the smoky, green eyes and red-gold curls, which thickly cascaded and framed her face and shoulders.

“She is incredibly beautiful!” he thought. “Vessa… even her name was a seductive whisper.” Haubry couldn’t recall ever having seen anyone like her. Even before the Spectrum – except maybe that actress, Moira Lontaire.

“But still,” Haubry continued his covert scrutiny of her, and realized, “Vessa’s translucent fairness, combined with her ethnic-traced features, only magnified her mystique.” Haubry had always been a sucker for the pale, fragile type. He saw no reason to change his stride, just because the light isn’t right. Looking at Vessa, only affirmed his point of view. Her presence in the meeting was so poised, yet demure. Not pushy or belligerent, like she’s out to prove something. (He’d met his quota of those females lately!) Haubry made a mental note, “That’s 2 out of 6 points on his desirability list.”

Yes, Haubry was smitten. Though he sat in the conference, appropriately reserved. To all concerned, Haubry appeared the consummate Director, as he occasionally asked interested and pertinent questions, regarding the plan. Especially as Vessa was delivering her presentation…

“… and make available the Radix Stall. To make the LaserVidifiers a household name, we propose to initiate catchy phrases that fit each, distinct pattern of light-emission. For example; Cyperion View, The Chrom-A-Lite Beam, or SolaRinse…”

“Brains, as well as looks.” Haubry noted point #3 and thought in irony, “It’s a good thing Jim gets a say on the promotion stipulations, because I’ll agree to anything she recommends.” Haubry admired her curvy form, as she bent to retrieve the laser pointer for the easel’s low floating platform.

“Oh, the wayward thoughts of the mortal mind.” He chided silently, yet he indulged his imagination. But shortly, Haubry refocused all his attention to the business at hand.

Jerom Younger was saying, “I’m aware of the figures for the North Continent, but what is the overall projection we’re shooting for?”

Haubry informed, “Our preliminary report shows that 62% of the global population is receptive to usage of the lvd’s (LaserVidifiers). That leaves 38% that needs to be convinced of the advantages.”

As the group compared reports, Haubry and Jim knew it was time to get to the crux of the matter.

Haubry leaned forward and stated, “We’re all aware that our environment is thoron-rich, even with the KN-240 absorption. But did you know, that the Spectrum also has a detrimental effect on certain atmospheric gases and the ozone, that could endanger our relative safety?” The J&Y group looked stunned. They’d got the same official report that everybody else received… `Everything was copacetic! A thumbs-up!’

“Of course you didn’t.” Haubry answered their surprised faces. And Jim added meaningfully, “That’s why we had you sign two confidential agreements.”

“So, what does all this mean?” Rimal spoke up, asking what his team also felt, “Are you telling me, that the authorities, let all these people come back topside before figuring that out?”

It was an angry question. Rimal was thinking about Diane and their two, young sons. He had enough wealth to safeguard his family; to stay underground for years, if that had been necessary.

Haubry took the heat in stride, “No,” he asserted patiently, “What I’m explaining is, the reason we need the LaserVidifiers. They’ll work in conjunction with the Solar Modulators to maintain the existing atmosphere. This will intensify and keep the Spectrum in place.”

“Well, excuse me for being … concerned,” Jerom stressed the last word. He too, was pissed at these tardy disclosures. He continued, “… but exactly what are the lvd’s going to do? – and tell us the real deal this time!” And Rimal also cautioned, “Please remember, that not only our company’s reputation, but our lives are on the line.” Vessa nodded her agreement.

They had been told, the lvd’s would help boost the energy output to 60 quads per year. The lvd’s would completely replace all the outdated, photovoltaic conversion systems. And once the lvd’s were installed, the biomass centers would just be for alternate back-up reserves.

So, it was with trepidation, the J&Y group waited for accurate info.

This time, Jim Seevers spoke up, “Since the Kann Asteroid, there are two hazards to our atmosphere. One problem, is the carbon dioxide measurements:

`CO₂ has increased to 375 ppm. That’s too much. Under usual circumstances, this large amount of CO₂, should have caused a global heat-stroke. But the Spectrum, by its changed light, stopped the CO₂ from absorbing the infrared rays, which bounce off the planet’s surface. Now, the carbon dioxide allows the heat to escape our atmosphere. That’s why the planet is experiencing a climate chill.’

“Now, that’s the good news!” Jim tried a little levity in his discourse, “But if the Spectrum is to change one iota, we could be in for a hot time.” Jim looked at his audience. They didn’t appreciate his cavalier understatement. He continued, “The other dilemma is this:

`The Solar Modulators, which are also used to send out a simulated web-field of O₃, has to be readjusted. The altered light of the ultraviolet wavelength is getting longer and stronger. It is unstable at best. Our ozone layer was totally depleted with the KN-240 factor. And the Solar Modulators’ O₃ web-field won’t be able to block the uv-rays without additional aid. So we’ve come up with a way to compensate.”

“You mean the LaserVidifiers?” Vessa asked hopefully.

“Yes,” Haubry interjected at this point, “You see, the lvd’s with their actuators (super-conduit prism lens) will stabilize the Spectrum’s wavelengths and help to control the radiation level.” Haubry passed around copies of the diagram and accompanying studies.

“Are you sure about this?” Rimal asked.

“This is on the up and up.” Haubry assured, “It has been tested at five of the Solar Modulator sites and the results were conclusive. – This is the Spectrum’s safety net.”

As Jerom was pouring over the reports, Rimal sighed heavily and threw his pen on the table. He rubbed his temples, as though to make this discussion disappear. Vessa understood. This was a big pill to swallow…

“J&Y was a reputable marketing firm. They had always acted responsible. And they had the public’s trust, because of it. Now, the UNC wanted them to corroborate this duplicity.

All the while, the two UNC representatives exchanged knowing looks. They already knew the outcome.

It had been a long day. Haubry really didn’t feel like attending a social function. Especially with the lvd’s tension unresolved. But Rimal and Diane Jackstan were hosting this do. Diane had stopped by J&W’s office to invite Haubry and Jim personally, so it would be churlish to not show up now.

Haubry wondered, “How much prodding did it take for Diane to get Rimal in the party mode?” He chuckled. Rimal wasn’t too thrilled about the conference’s end result. Haubry didn’t blame him. They had a right to be sore. UNC did keep vital information from J&Y, but … they should know the North Continent’s, stateship policy by now… The old, `last to know approach. Jim and Haubry had known, they’d get the short shrift for it. Oh, well.

Yes, Haubry wished he could just stay in his hotel room and relax. The Tsorada Suites, was just the kind of place to do it too. Haubry sighed, “Well, at least there was one reviving reason for going tonight.”

7:00 pm. Both Vessa and Haubry had the same idea; arriving early and leaving early. They arrived at the Jackstan estate at the same time. Haubry parked down first, then waited for her.

Vessa was wearing a satiny, yellow striped, `Echard dress, with matching cape, to ward off the ever present chill. Tawny, leather boots, gloves, a scarf and purse, completed the attire.

Haubry looked casually elegant in a blue sweater-shirt and black trousers.

“I want to apoli…” – “I wan…” (Twice, they both began speaking at the same time and laughed at the blunder.

“You go first.” Vessa insisted.

“I just wanted to apologize for the off-handed way UNC does things sometimes.” Haubry’s cloudy, violet eyes accentuated his genuine regret.

“It’s ok” Vessa let him off the hook, “I realize, you guys were just doing your job.” The two were walking side by side in relieved, comfortable silence, until he stated…

“I’m glad.” Vessa curiously waited, until she understood his statement was finished.

“Of what?” she asked. She looked up into his handsome, shadowy face. His aquiline nose was profile perfect. He looked like an ancient prince of her people. Vessa had to keep reminding herself… “he’s not really black.”

Haubry turned to face her so he could answer her question. “I’m glad we can start off right, this time.” And smiling a slow, engaging smile, he took her pale, cool hand in his strong, dark one…

“… Hello, I’m Haubry Riild. And I’m very pleased to meet you.”

The months that followed were hectic ones. Happy ones. Vessa and Haubry worked unitedly. Together, they successfully achieved their goal of incorporating 2,350 lvd’s around the globe, plus the individual accounts. The lvd’s sold for $8,540.00 each. It was a sufficiently gainful venture for the United North Continent.

During this time, Vessa grew to respect Haubry for the man he was. She saw his quiet strength, when she needed it. The edge of hardness that made him cynical, tempered, when she shared her dreams and promises with him. And it was that boyish rascality, which stole her heart. This was the man she now saw.

As for the world, well, - the lvd’s did stabilize and made the spectrum more pronounced. Which made the aberrant behavior of some, more desperate. Fanatical groups, that advocated and sponsored destruction, had to be monitored or exiled from UNC territories. Finally, some of the most radical purists, pooled their resources and established a syndicate – The Frondeur, for their goal of … leaving the planet.

Courtesy of FantasyArtDesign.Com

The Inter-Continent Space Unication (ICSU), a collective-alliance, aerospace program, was always looking for funding. They accepted the purists’ syndicate affiliation as a sponsor.

The ICSU had completed their 15^th, and 16^th spaceworthy crafts. The Interstellar Anon and the Interstellar Rise, were ready for their astral migration. And the purists, some of whom had political connections, made sure only their color type would be going to seek a new world.

Actually, everyone hoped they would succeed. (But for different reasons.)

“Life goes on…” Vessa could attest to that. In fact, the whole planet could.

In some ways, the maelstrom of events that had transpired during this time, seemed to shape or symbolize Vessa’s life. Reclining on a transi-lounge above the lawn, Vessa looked around the duplex. Yes, things had changed, and she had been afraid of the changes. But this was home. This place held our hopes; our memories; our kind. And even the controversial Spectrum, allowed insight into what is real. A glimpse of what’s important. Vessa laughed at herself. Now, she sounded like Nanna. But it was true, “the visions of the heart, identify you.”

And speaking of heart, she saw Haubry walking toward her. Earlier, he had gone inside to view the event on the scoptometer. When he climbed to her side on the floating settee, he informed, “Well, they’re on their way.”

Art - Courtesy of FantasyArtDesign.Com

“I hope they find what they’re looking for.” She tells him sincerely and then asks, “Where exactly is it, they’re trying to go?”

Haubry embraces Vessa as they both gaze up into the golden day. Contented with his world, he replies, “Some place in the Lacti Bolis galaxy. A place they called… EarthStone.

The End

Art: Courtesy of www.kenmusgrave.com