Reflection Page 23

  “I guess this is the Council’s idea of a life,” he replies.

  “What about the old guy who was thrown out?”

  “He wasn’t thrown out, he left on his own,” Takoda explains. “She said he refused to stay and demanded to be returned to his homeland. He was ignored and started out on his own. She begged him not to go, but couldn’t stop him. The authorities picked him up and are detaining him.”

  “I wonder where their homeland was and what the Council needed it for?” I ask.

  Takoda pulls out his tablet and searches a database until he comes to the case about the old couple. He reads through the text and growls.

  “What?” I know that sound means something’s wrong.

  Takoda stands and walks to the door. “We must go.”

  I stand and follow him out the door, confused. Isn’t he going to say goodbye? Takoda leaves but I stay to nod my head to the left and say, “Um, goodbye and it was nice to meet you.”

  When I catch up with Takoda, I grab his arm. “What is wrong with you? That was rude!”

  “We have no business here,” he says, and continues to walk to the train station. It’s as though he can’t get out of here fast enough.

  When we’re back in our office alone, he explains. “Journey, those people… that woman…” he can’t finish his sentence. Tears form in his eyes and his hands shake. I’ve never seen him so angry. I can see his visions in my mind. I can feel the reverence, the spirituality, as Takoda’s mind tries to sort out the situation.

  “These people are special?” I ask, knowing the answer before he says a word.

  Takoda nods.

  My stomach tightens as Takoda’s feelings surge through me. My hand finds his, and I squeeze it to let him know I’m there. “We’ll fix it, whatever it is.”

  • • •

  The city is busy when we return. We find a bench away from the crowds under a large tree. It amazes me how large the trees are. Nowhere on Earth are there anything as big as these, not even the redwoods in California. As the sun’s rays penetrate the thick cloud layer, the leaves, covered in dew, sparkle as if sprinkled with diamonds. It is too beautiful to put into words. Takoda stares into my eyes and holds my hand. My mind races through the possibilities as I try to understand. The look on Takoda’s face is a mixture of concern, anger and pity.

  “Journey,” he says. “My people are a proud race. We are not educated in schools the same as you. We are taught by the old. We learn wisdom and how to understand.”

  Knowing his need to explain, I sit and just listen.

  “We live as one with our world and our environment. She feeds us, clothes us, and gives us warmth. We have no seasons, only nights and days. Our world is us, and we are our world. That old woman,” he says, with tears in his eyes. “She is an ancient one. I read her thoughts. Her people are the first people. Her lineage goes back many, many generations.”

  “You mean as old as my family?” I ask.

  “Your lineage is short compared to hers. Because your family artificially extended their lives. Instead of living a hundred years, they now live thousands. But this woman’s family evolved. That woman is probably more than a thousand generations from the first. According to the records I pulled from the computers earlier, her DNA is from the original ancient line, and I don’t believe we were supposed to know about that.”

  “Wait a minute.” I need a moment to grasp what he’s telling me. “If she is from the original settlers, then her DNA must match the Captain Lady’s, Gaia’s… and if she’s related to Gaia, then she’s related to…me…to us!”

  “Yes, she is related to you.”

  “That would make her related to the Council members, somehow,” I surmise. “Every member is one of my ancestors and is related to me. So why isn’t she on the Council, and why did they bring her to that dump? And how is she related to me?”

  “I don’t know,” Takoda admits. “Maybe they brought her here to humble her, make her feel bad about herself or maybe they just wanted her land, but that doesn’t make sense either. This planet is so large there is no reason to fight over land.”

  “Unless,” I surmise. “Unless there is something special about that land.”

  “Special?” he asks. “Special in what way?”

  “Abeytu said our cabin is on sacred ground. What makes ground sacred?” My mind begins to piece together the puzzle. “Think about it, Takoda. Earth people will kill for land that has gold or diamonds.”

  “I see your point,” he agrees. “But we do not have precious metals or stones. The other planets in our system provide us with whatever we need. We have no reason to fight for it. There is no benefit from having gold or jewels here.”

  “Okay, maybe not minerals,” I reply. “But maybe there’s more going on here than we know,” I suggest. “These planets must have… I don’t know… special powers… minerals… there has to be something. Let me ask you this, why do the Wanderers pray to the other world? Just because it’s hovering over their heads? Of course not. If you’re born here and see something cross throughout your life, it becomes normal. Not something to be worshipped.”

  “What are you trying to say?” Takoda asks.

  “Seeing Journey over my cabin was amazing. But it was the first time. After many years, I may not feel that way. People here don’t worship the sun do they, or the moons? We need to talk to Abeytu. We need to get him alone and really rack his brain. There’s something he is not telling us.”

  “Journey, we already have people trying to kill us. I’m not sure about this, we need to be careful.”

  “We need to find out why they’re after us, Takoda. We need to find out who is after us. Maybe if we dig into what’s going on around here, maybe we can figure out the whys. There is a reason my mother wants us here and not on Traveler. She’s hiding something too.”

  “Well, here you are,” my mother says, making us both jump. “How was your first day?”

  “Interesting,” I answer. “Ready to go home?”

  “Day is over,” she says, with a smile. “We can leave now.”

  “Mom,” I say, as she turns to guide us to the car.

  “Yes.”

  “Mom, why is the Council immigrating people around this world?” I ask, knowing I probably won’t get a straight answer.

  She doesn’t reply, but glances around to see if anyone is watching. She stutters as she answers. “Journey, you have to understand that most of the Swetaachata are undereducated and live in very poor conditions. We are trying to help them.”

  “I saw the one-room home the Council considers great living conditions. But they’re just one room shacks. Where did you pull them from, a cave? That family didn’t look happy, and I would not consider their new home anything but trash.”

  “Journey,” she scolds. “You are asking questions about situations that are none of your business. You are only going to cause trouble.”

  “Trouble for who, Mother?” I demand. “For me, or you?”

  “We will discuss this when we get home,” she says, nervously.

  “By the way, I met my great grandmother the other day. Ever met the lady?” It feels good to throw little bits of information at her and catch her off guard. Maybe I’m hoping she’ll tell some of her secrets.

  “Of course,” she replies. “Don’t be silly, Journey.”

  “You should talk to her sometime.” I walk away holding Takoda’s hand.

  ï‚·ï‚·ï‚·

  The ride home to Traveler is quiet. Chawlya, Mom, keeps glancing over at us from time to time. But Takoda and I do not discuss what we saw. George has dinner on the table when we return and he hugs us. After we eat, I walk with Takoda by the lake.

  “I don’t like working for that social department,” I say, when I know no one can overhear us.

  “It may prove useful,” he replies. He picks up several rocks and throws them into the lake.

  As I watch the ripples, I reply, “What we do eventually affects
others. I believe that. Look how Anneeta affects me. If we can affect in a bad way, then we can also affect in a good way.”

  “Yes,” he says, tossing another rock. “I believe that.”

  “We will not go back,” I state. “We can do more good from the outside. Not the inside, where we are watched and monitored.”

  • • •

  Takoda and I stand by the lake. As I pull out my phone, he asks, “Who are you calling?”

  “Abeytu,” I reply. “We need to tell everyone at the same time that we will not be working for my mother. I want everyone on the same playing field. No more surprises.”

  Makayah works on her school project while we have our little family meeting. She’s listening and perhaps that’s a good thing. My classes are over, but Makayah’s stay in session, three months on then two weeks off. We sit on the porch. My mom and dad on the swing, and Abeytu leaning against the door. Takoda sits on the steps and I stand by Abeytu.

  “Since we’re all here, I think now is a good time to tell you something.” I glance around at everyone. They’re quiet waiting for me to continue. “Takoda and I will not continue working for the Council.”

  “And why not?” my mother demands.

  “For one, I don’t appreciate sitting in a broom closet,” I smirk.

  “They put you in a broom closet?” Abeytu chuckles. “I can see that happening.”

  “It’s not a broom closet,” my mother objects. “It’s just a very small room.”

  “Anyway,” I continue, ignoring them. “Takoda and I prefer to travel this summer.”

  “Oh?” my father asks.

  “I have credits saved up,” Takoda interjects. “We will cover the costs.”

  “I see,” my mother says, not looking happy.

  “Maybe next year I’ll be ready for work, but now I wish to visit my relatives,” I add.

  “The Council is family,” Chawlya defends.

  “I mean my immediate family,” I say, defending our decision. “My grandmother for one and Takoda’s grandmother for another.”

  “I think that is a wonderful idea,” Abeytu adds, giving me a hug. “I really didn’t like this working for the Council decision anyway. You need to explore your surroundings while you are still young enough to appreciate them.”

  “Aren’t we forgetting something here?” my father asks, interrupting Abeytu. “What about the people that are after them…what about Takoda’s abduction?”

  “I’ve thought about that,” Takoda adds. “My father said there is a class we can take this summer that teaches defense and other useful skills. We plan on signing up tomorrow.”

  “I see,” George says, not sounding convinced. “I just don’t know if this is a good idea.”

  “Your father is right,” Chawlya states holding onto George’s arm.

  “Oh, so now he’s right?” I ask. “The other day he worried too much, but since he doesn’t like our plans, you are suddenly agreeing with him? I think I’m old enough to decide for myself. I will not be returning to the Council, and Takoda and I will be taking that class and traveling this summer.”

  “I guess that is settled,” Abeytu says. But my mother looks furious and my father looks like he’s going to be sick.

  “Is there something you are not telling us?” I ask.

  “Now what could anyone be hiding?” Abeytu says, staring at my parents with the look.

  “Nothing,” my mother replies, and my father glances out at the lake.

  “Right,” I sigh. “Sure…you tell us everything, don’t you? Then I guess it’s all settled and I’m going to bed.”

  “And I’m going to the couch,” Takoda adds, with a grin.

  28

  GRANDMOTHER

  TAKODA’S GRANDMOTHER lives on Journey. Being a Council daughter, we cheat and hitch a ride on my mother’s private spacecraft. Mother Vviaa lives with the family tribe in a remote village. Therefore, once we’ve landed, I find myself strapped to my backpack riding a train into a vast wilderness.

  Excitement invigorates me knowing I’m about to meet Takoda’s family tribe. Even though the train sped through the mountains at incomprehensible speed, our journey still lasted several hours.

  I’m exhausted stepping off the train and staring into the darkening sky. The air is warm and a slight mist clings to my hair. Without a formal train station, we stand in the darkness holding hands.

  “Not much out here, is there?” I laugh. My nerves are crawling and if I don’t say something, panic will consume me next.

  “It’ll be okay,” he replies. “It’s only a few miles down the road.”

  It is not a road, but a dirt path, and not used much. The foliage has been fighting to take over and I think it’s winning. Takoda uses a machete to hack his way through thick brush. I’m reminded of a jungle with flowering vines and plants with leaves larger than my body. Cries of animals yell in the distance and alert my inner alarm. By the time we reach his family, I’m sweaty, tired and ready to explode.

  Lights filter through as the last few leaves are cut. We stand at the jungle’s edge and stare into the busy village. The huts are amazing. I’ve never seen anything like them. One large hut sits in the middle. Other huts surround the main one with connecting halls. Stairs lead to upper huts that are built on stilts. Above them are even more wedged between the trees. A whole city was carved into the jungle.

  “This way,” Takoda says, taking my hand.

  A large fire is off to one side. It looks like something is roasting over the open flames. Several women are tending to the evening meal. White wraps hug their slender frames, which makes their skin darken and radiate. Drapings cling to their hair. I can hear them tingle from across the yard.

  Takoda yells out to the women in his native tongue. They turn and wave. A couple scream and run to us. Hugs and kisses are freely exchanged as I stand and watch. I’m not sure what to do or say.

  Takoda reaches for me and pulls me in. He says only a few words before I’m whisked away by several beautiful Swetaachata women. My hair is pulled in all directions, my face touched and stroked, my hands studied. Takoda’s at my side hugging me. He’s laughing and talking to the women. They back away and finally, I take in a deep breath.

  “You okay?” he asks.

  I nod.

  “These are my cousins,” he says. “This is Veevaa, Eevva…” the introductions are endless. There is no way I’ll remember everyone’s names. I can see a family resemblance. But since I can’t understand a word, I’m at a disadvantage.

  “Takoda?” It’s a woman’s voice. “Takoda, is that you?”

  “Vookda!” Takoda yells grabbing on tight to the beautiful woman. “I have missed you.”

  “I have missed you,” she replies. “You brought a friend?”

  “Yes,” he says, wiping his eyes. “This is Journey, my Kupatanna partner.”

  My heart leaps through my throat and flies into the heavens. As my eyes cross, the world twirls and my legs melt. Before the ground slaps my face, Takoda steadies me.

  “Journey,” Takoda asks. “Are you okay?”

  “I need to sit down,” I reply, knowing my face is glowing red.

  “Please,” Vookda says. “Bring her to my bed.”

  As I’m dragged through the village, my emotions run wild as I stare into the eyes that are fixated on me. I can’t believe Takoda told her we bonded. We enter the private hut and Vookda hands me a glass of water.

  “Please, Journey, sit, be comfortable,” she says, pushing the hair from my eyes. “Oh my! You are sweaty.”

  Vookda runs into another room and returns with a wet cloth. She wipes my face and the back of my neck. As I sip on the water, the room finally stops spinning.

  “Feeling better?” she asks.

  I nod.

  “And your father?” Vookda asks. “He is good, and Freya?”

  “Yes, they are all fine,” Takoda replies.

  She is not asking about us bonding. Why not?

&nb
sp; Vookda chases the family from her hut. She studies me and I study her. The woman is tall and slender. Her color similar to Takoda’s, but her swirls are larger and less wavy. Her eyes are amber and huge. Gray hair falls down her back to her knees.

  “You are very pretty,” she says.

  “No,” I reply. “You are.”

  “Journey,” Takoda says. “This is my mother’s sister, Vookda. I believe you would call her my aunt.”

  “Yes,” I reply. “You are correct. Nice to meet you, Vookda.” I nod to the right and hold out my hand. She kisses it and nods to the right.

  “She has a good heart, Takoda,” she says, smiling. “Not like Anneeta. It is good Anneeta is not in your life.”

  “Yes, that is good,” Takoda adds, squeezing my arm.

  “You come to stay awhile?”

  “A day or two,” Takoda answers. “I wish Journey to meet Mother Vviaa. How is she?”

  “She is not young,” Vookda replies. “She is with us, for now. Food is almost ready, let us eat and I will take you to her.”

  Dinner is something else. The roast was not an animal, but a large plant stalk with herbs and spices. My mouth explodes with every bite. A large bowl of cut fruit is offered, and I can’t resist. A large glass of water tops it off and I’m stuffed.

  As we walk through the main hut, an enchanting melody captivates my soul. Not recognizing the instruments, I follow the sound. Several people in the center are enjoying the evening. Others come up to me and stroke my hair or kiss my cheek. But I’m more interested in the music. I can’t get enough of that beautiful sound.

  “Journey?” Takoda asks.

  “I love this music,” I reply. “What is it?”

  “Bowls,” Vookda answers.

  Between the legs of each musician is a colored bowl. With wet fingers, a melody escapes as they run their hands around the glass. It’s beautiful and I don’t want to move.

  “We can teach you to play,” Vookda says.

  “Really?” I ask. “It’s beautiful music!”

  “Yes, it is,” Vookda adds. “Our children learn young.”