Wishing On A Star

Chapter 29

Chapter 29

We served supper aboard the Na'Vas, something little Caleb enjoyed immensely. Just after dark, we received a hail from Gitel who announced he was preparing to land. Since there was, only enough room in the clearing for one vessel Gitel set down off to our left side. We greeted him and Weeko as they came off their ship. Both shook hands with Colin and Mrs. Benning as we talked of the past rescue effort. Then Gitel said,

"We've just come from meeting Weeko's brother, but I'll let her tell it."

I could tell she was very happy about finding her brother, as she began her tale.

"We landed near a small meadow, you know the one Colin, near Lost Trail pass. It was in the middle of the night, and our scanner indicated human life nearby, but it wasn't moving towards us, so I took a chance, and lowered the ramp, and started calling out my brother's name. Gitel kept telling me nothing was moving my way, so I started getting angry, now I was really shouting, "Red Moccasin" if your out there it's me Weeko your sister show yourself!" After a few more taq's Gitel warned me something was slowly approaching on my left, so I shouted, "Red Moccasin" I know that's you sneaking up on me, now damnit, show yourself!" Gitel started to warn me as I turned around, he was just standing there. We looked at each other for a moment then I we hugged each other."

"Was he frightened of your ship?" I asked.

"He was terrified," replied Weeko, he came with his wife and son, who never did show themselves, my brother thought I was a ghost at first; he couldn't even deal with the concept of our ship. It took awhile, as we just stood there in the dark talking. I think I finally convinced him I was alive and very real, and was a wife. I called Gitel to approach and meet him, and when he did, my brother became very frightened, you could tell it in his eyes, but he stood his ground. Gitel slowly extended his hand which after a moment my brother took."

"I took his hand all right," added Gitel, "He had a grip like you wouldn't believe, took me a while to get my hand working again."

"We talked some more," continued Weeko. "I learned that he and I are the only members of my family left, my brother and his family don't go near the reservation, but have a secret place they go to, he told me a very sad tale, my people are starving and have been humiliated by the blue coats. It was only by chance he got my message." Pointing to her husband, she said. "He doesn't know what to make of Gitel, he seems to think of him as some sort of spirit, not a white man but because of his eyes, and complexion, more like some sort of wolf man or spirit."

"Our language doesn't have words to describe things I was trying to tell him; it made it very hard to get him to understand my situation. He seems to think I have very powerful medicine. We ended up agreeing to meeting at the same spot next dorn but I was left with the impression Gitel and I would be bringing powerful medicine to defeat the blue coats."

"Wouldn't they really love that back on Falth," added Morkai. "You and Gitel go in with guns blazing, wiping out Kagorian military posts. Sandrick, guess what? We've just started a splendid little war with the Kagorians, wiping out a couple of their military bases, now you finish it please!" Nobody really laughed, as the subject matter in light of what the Dekken's did was simply too serious.

"So then what happened?" I asked.

"I told my brother I would return to this place next year, we said our goodbyes, he moved back to where his family was waiting, and we took off." Later, Weeko told me in private that she had mixed feelings about their visit.

"I was so happy to know that he was still alive, and I am very proud to be Nez Perce, but deep inside I realize I'm no longer a part of them anymore, however the fact that not only am I a woman, as well as an Indian I've traveled farther in more ways than one than anyone else. I am afraid I'm just kike the rest of you women, I simply can't look back anymore, had Gitel not rescued me, I'd either be dead, or starving on government rations. I know it seems heartless to say that, but I'm afraid it's true. Like the rest of you, my life is with the stars now, but that doesn't mean I wish to forget the old ways, I'll never do that, and my child shall know their heritage."

"Do you intend to see your brother again next year?" I asked.

"Perhaps once more, I would like my child to meet his blood relative."

And so it came to be that Weeko became like the rest of us, proud of our past and where we came from, but realizing that it was time to move forward with our lives and to understand that we were no longer Americans or even citizens of earth, but citizens of a new world, a vanguard of human beings taking our place in the universe. Once when Morkai discussed this very subject, he rightly pointed out.

"Sometime in the distant future your race will come calling at our door. No doubt, they will believe themselves to be the first to make contact with the Nuel, but imagine the expressions on their faces when told, "Sorry, you're not the first, we've known of your race for arkons (centuries) there are many on Falth with human blood in their veins."

Later that night, we began our work. While Colin patrolled the area, we all took turns operating the harvesting machines, at one point; Morkai even let Caleb ride for a bit on the harvester. Since this was a very large field, we were only able to complete half the task shortly before dawn. Since we were all extremely tired, we laid over for another day to finish the job the following night.

During the afternoon, Colin worked some more on his house with Morkai and Nargra and even Gitel helping him. Morkai and Gitel chopped down a tree for Colin, something they had never done before, a rare and novel experience both were quite enthusiastic about. Morkai enjoyed it for the exercise, more than anything else. Weeko went hunting and shot a small deer. Later, she and Colin roasted it while she scraped the hide. Colin agreed to make sure the hide got tanned properly and would have it for her on her next visit. The next evening we wrapped up the harvest, and dropped Mrs. Benning off at Colin's shack.

Before we left, she confided to me.

"I think…I think I'm going to say "yes" to Colin. I've been giving it much thought, I'm beginning to find him growing on me, I see the way Caleb acts around him, for me it will simply be starting over, but I'm becoming very optimistic over this, so…I suppose the next time I see you I'll be Mrs. Blessing."

"You're making a sound decision Mrs. Benning," I replied, since Hanna and I won't be coming next time we'll be sure to send something along with Morkai as a wedding present, and if Colin wants you to meet his folks, Morkai will be more than happy to whisk you three off to Michigan."

We hugged as we parted company, Caleb insisted on standing just outside the shack door watching us as we lifted off for Pennsylvania and my Uncle's farm. Landing shortly before dawn. Karuk was already there; both he and Sara came out to greet us. While Morkai and Jaerka talked Wort and walnuts, Hanna and I chatted with Sara.

"There's a good possibility your brother will be getting married soon," I said.

"It's that Benning woman isn't it?"

"yes, why don't you like her?"

"Oh she seems all right, I just thought…Oh well I guess it's not important, as long as Colin is happy."

"I told her the next time Morkai shows up he could run them up to your folks place in Michigan," I replied.

"That ought to be interesting," added Sara

"I'm not sure why you're so upset," I replied. "I think she's a nice woman, she's caught in a bad situation, she obviously likes your brother, apparently Caleb likes him a lot as well."

"Well that's nice, I'm sure things will work out for the better," she replied.

I wasn't sure what had gotten into Sara, I thought Mrs. Benning was very nice, she was still attractive, life hadn't beat her down, she had a pleasant personality seemed all right to me.

We spent half the day picking walnuts using a floating platform, Morkai and Nargra were concerned that Hanna and I might be adversely affected by the extra work and effort, but we worked right along picking walnuts, although we worked on the platform to avoid a lot of bending, Morkai and Jaerka stayed on the ground using special rakes to gather up the walnuts. Later that day Andy showed up bringing with him numerous supplies and requests as well as troubling news.

"Emily is expecting any time and the doctor thinks she might have trouble, we're really worried about it." This wasn't sitting well with me, I really liked Emily, both Hanna and Nargra didn't like the sound of things either, "We could get her back to Falth, it would be a whole lot safer," said Nargra. I agreed so I hailed Ambor who I learned was preparing to head back home. He was down in Virginia but promised to be here shortly. We then "ganged up" on Andy,

"I don't care what you have to do cousin," I snapped, "But you get Emily here right away, we'll run her back to Falth, I've got ID cards for both of you on the ship, Ambor will be arriving shortly now you get her here as fast as you can!" Andy knew better than to argue with us so off he went. Hanna was also preparing to go with them just in case.

Ambor and Ann arrived three shons later, just as it was getting dark, Andy and Emily arrived shortly after, Emily wasn't feeling well, so we got them quickly aboard. Emily wasn't too keen to go, but as we got her into bed, I told her,

"You'll be fine Emily, Dr. Metana knows what he's doing you couldn't ask for better medical care, we all trust him and will be seeing him soon enough ourselves, you take care we'll see you soon."

Andy expressed concerns that they might be stuck on Falth for quite awhile but I assured him it might not be as bad as all that.

"Tell Sandrick the new field out in Dakota is really going to make a difference, things are going well, Colin's doing great and that no wars have been started."

Andy chuckled, "You want me to really tell him that?"

Grinning, I replied, "Use your own judgment, if he seems in a good mood, go ahead." Soon Ambor lifted off, the first to head home, Jaerka and Pricilla were next, followed by Karuk, then us and Gitel. Again, I did quite a bit of the flying, although I took frequent naps. One thing we did before leaving earth's solar system was to skim the surface of mars, or as Morkai explained it.

"Kemri Elcon asked me that if we ever had the time, he wanted me to over fly the planet you call mars and take intensive scanner readings."

"Any particular reason?" I asked.

Morkai shrugged, "Apparently something about this planet caught the navy's attention when they came here to pick up the Dekkens." So we shot across the surface of the red planet recording all sorts of readings. This had me curious, "Were they planning on establishing a base on mars to "monitor" earth?"

Since there were no broadcast transmissions coming from earth, I wasn't sure what they would be monitoring, but perhaps we'd find out more later on.

Once we were back home, and we were given clearance to leave, it was straight over to the medical center to check on Emily. A pacing Andy met us in the waiting room and told us that the ID cards I gave him and Emily worked fine, they had no problem with security.

"Emily is in surgery right now," said Andy, Doctor Metana did a quick exam on her and expressed concern, he assured me things would be all right, but I'm not so sure, I'm really worried Holly.

Holding his hand, I replied,

"This is why we insisted that you bring her back here, the medical care is so much better it's much more advanced, Emily will be all right."

Just then, Nargra and Hanna came around the corner, Nargra announcing,

"Your wife is just coming out of surgery right now Andy, Doctor Metana should be out in just a few taqs, I think he'll have good news." Andy continued to fret, and I couldn't really blame him, poor man.

Before long, Dr. Metana came out then after greeting us all said to Andy.

"Your wife is going to be fine Mr. Bickford, you've got a healthy eight pound son, he was twisted up in your wife's womb so I did what we call a "mredifin" surgery, where we cut your wife open and lifted the baby right out. I took the liberty of "straightening" a few things out while I was in there. I also observed a few minor differences between human and Nuelian reproductive anatomy, which is good to know should one of these other ladies have similar problems."

"Is she going to be all right doctor?" Asked Andy.

"Mother and son are doing just fine; once your wife comes out of anesthesia you can see her. Oh…One other thing Mr. Bickford," added Dr. Metana.

"You saved your wife's life by bringing her here. From what I've been told of medical practices back on your planet, I believe there's a strong possibility your son could have died, possibility your wife as well." With that, he departed, leaving Andy to ponder his words.

I called Sally while Morkai Nargra and Hanna left for Drolugi's; promising I stick around until Sally showed up or Emily came out of anesthesia.

Andy and I sat in the waiting room not saying anything, until he looked, at me and quietly said, "Thank You Holly."

"For what Andy?"

"For insisting that I bring my Emily here, I now realize the truth of everything, I don't know what I would have done had I lost her, she is my life."

Touching his arm, I replied,

"It's quite all right cousin, why do you think we all like it here, why your own sister chose to remain here?"

Andy remained in thought for a few moments, then replied,

"There is much I have to think about."

While we were sitting there, Dr. Metana came back out and said,

"Your wife should be coming around in about fifteen taqs or so, Mr. Bickford."

"Will she have a bad scar where you had to cut her open?" Asked Andy.

Doctor Metana chuckled, "Absolutely not, I used a device called a laser; you'll barely be able to see a thing."

He then turned to me, and asked.

"How about you Mrs. Draaka, any problems with your pregnancy?"

Shaking my head, I replied,

"There was some discomfort to be sure, as well as some morning sickness, but I was careful, all of us were, we certainly didn't do anything to endanger our babies."

"I'm certainly glad to hear that. You Kagorian women are quite the item in certain medical circles."

"Because their curious as to how a half human half Nuelian offspring will turn out?" I replied a bit testily.

Metana cleared his throat,

"Ah hem…Yes,…Well there is that, but there are certain physical differences between the human and Nuelian internal physiology many are interested in, sorry, it can't be helped."

"Oh I didn't mean to jump at you Dr." I replied, "I wasn't aware we were the subjects of scientific study."

"I'm sorry Mrs. Draaka, but you have to admit, the mingling of two distinct races just draws attention. None of this was intentional, love conquers all I suppose, but while you Kagorians and we Nuelians share a great many traits, we also have many differences as well, I hate to say it, but I'm afraid you Kagorians as well as your children will be studied for many dorns to come. I daresay that there is already speculation that you Kagorians could possibly be directly descended from we Nuelians, more study will be needed, but there it is."

I looked at Metana, and grinned,

"Don't tell Kagorians that, or you're in for the fight of your life."

He gave me a curious look and asked,

"Why would that be?"

Shaking my head, I simply replied, "I'd rather not go into it just right now, maybe another time."

Before long we were allowed in to see Emily, a nurse was standing next to her, assisting with her tiny son.

Emily was lying in bed with tubes coming out of her arm, as she gave us a weak smile, the nurse let Andy get a close look at his son, but wouldn't let him pick him up, but he was the sweetest looking thing.

"How do you feel Emily," I asked.

Weakly she replied, "Like I just woke from a long sleep, I feel so logy and disoriented am I in the infirmary?"

"Yes," replied Andy, everything went just fine, I'll tell you more about it later, when you're more alert."

Andy then said," Emily and I agreed that if it was a boy we would call him Albert James, so Holly, meet Allen James Bickford."

It wasn't long before Sally and her husband Drokai arrived, with Todd and Jenny. Andy and Sally hugged, then he and Drokai shook hands, as did I. Sally then stood at the head of Emily's bed,

"Andy, Emily, welcome back to Falth, isn't he just the cutest, what's his name?"

"We are naming him Albert James," replied Andy.

Todd and Jenny were then allowed to approach to see their new cousin, I stepped back to let brother and sister get re-acquainted.

"How are you Drokai," I asked.

"Oh just fine Holly, how's the flying going?"

Smiling, I replied, "Morkai let's me fly every chance I get, things are going pretty well, say, why don't you and Sally stop over at Drolugi's, Morkai and Nargra would love to see you.

"Well we just might do that," he replied. "Say, did you know Sally's training for a career."

"Really, I hadn't heard about that?" I replied, "What is it?"

"She's training to be a flight controller, learning the fundamentals on the comp network, then she tests over at the landing field with Jarmecca our senior controller."

"How's she doing?" I asked.

"It's slow, but she has a cool head, and a disciplined mind, two essentials, no offense, but because she comes from a race that has no comparable technology it's more difficult for her, but she's bound and determined to learn, so I encourage her all the time, but I have no doubt she'll learn it."

I looked at my cousin and how she had really taken on the Falthian culture, her clothes the tailored slacks, the short-sleeved shirt, wrist bracelets as well as a necklace. Even Todd and Jenny had completely shed the heavy and overdressed Victorian look, they had completely adapted to a new world, as had all my friends and I. I suppose that's the way it should be, but we "Kagorians" were extremely adaptable. It was time for me to go, so I bid everybody good-bye promising to see them again over at Drolugi's a little later.