Chapter CHAPTER XXIX—CONNECTIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

I was relieved to be back on Qego Mouyo, but I could still hear Norberto’s screams inside my head. They haunted me. I felt reminded of how little I had done to protect him.

I stood on the loading deck alone, but I could hear someone sobbing. It was Ary, lying on the floor behind Rahim’s car. I ran to her and fell to my knees. She lay in a heap on the ground, holding her knees to her chest. She was a wreck and no one could blame her.

I looked around for Iris, but she was nowhere to be found. I knew it was her that had sent Rahim to save us.

All was quiet as the ramp of the vessel slid into place, closing Ary and I inside. I felt a little rattled, but I knew that we were out of harm’s way. I tried to use my ability to calm Ary as Iris had calmed me after my mother’s death. I was able to get her to stop crying, but I could not bring her peace.

I thought about the teleportation ride that had brought me back to the vessel. It had been an interesting experience. I liken it to traveling as liquid would through a swirly straw. There was no pain, but my body seemed to tingle somewhat.

I saw something blinking on the wall and walked towards it. The monitors in the loading bay, similar to the ones on the floors in the vessel’s interior, covered the walls and ceiling. I noticed that my name had been displayed on every one of them. It was flashing urgently across all of the screens. I walked up to the closest one and touched it.

Ary silently followed me. Her placid face and eerily mask to the turmoil that raged inside of her. Her eyes, red and swollen from crying, looked exhausted, confused, and lonely. I watched her as she looked around feeling anxious.

“We just need to talk to the Veex. Then we’ll know what to do. I promise. Everything is going to be okay.”

? I asked myself.

Ary’s only reply was a curt nod.

The wall monitor instructed us to enter the interior of the vessel. I knew the way and took Ary with me, still wondering where everyone was and why we were alone. The only place on the vessel where I had been left alone so far was my quarters and the Spirit Room. I longed to speak with my mother, but I knew I could not leave Ary alone.

As soon as we stepped on the first floor monitor, strict instructions appeared directing us to go directly to the conference hall. An emergency meeting had been called and everyone waited there for us to arrive.

I felt it was no secret what this meeting would be about. Me and Ary. Other possible Veex Huzeen. The Zux agenda. The saucer. The orbs. The most recent confrontation. Even I did not understand what had transpired.

The vessel was completely silent as Ary and I followed the monitors’ directions to the conference hall. As we walked, I offered up any information I thought would help her prepare for meeting the others: who and what would be in attendance and why not to be afraid, who was in charge and who was not, how I anticipated everyone to react to us and why some of their reactions did not matter. She had seen Sbapoid and Nevaeh before, but Oluh and Yzee would be new to her. There was no time to prepare further. We had arrived.

I looked down as the light came out to scan us. We still wore our shoes. It retracted and paused after attempting its first scan beneath me.

I removed my shoes and socks and turned to take Ary’s off as well. Once bare-footed, the beam of light continued its track underneath our soles.

“Remember what I told you Ary. The odd-looking characters are not going to harm you. You’ve seen Sbapoid and Nevaeh before. Remember, they fought to protect us.”

She gave me a suspicious look. She felt wary.

“Sbapoid and Nevaeh are the insect-man and the bird-lady that saved our lives last night. Anyway, Yzee will probably freak you out the most, but I assure you that he or she—or it—Yzee is honorable. Oluh is cute, but I wouldn’t sit too close to him. He’s got awfully horrible breath.

But you have nothing to fear here, okay?”

We stood still as the scanner ran under our feet. Ary watched it curiously.

“Are you alright, Ary?”

It took her a few seconds to respond, her face aglow. “I’m fine,” she conceded. “I don’t understand how, but I’m fine.”

I turned my back to her, feeling guilty for manipulating her emotions. I knew it was necessary, but I felt wrong for doing it.

The metal slab lowered and we gained entrance to the packed conference hall. Everyone was there in their normal splendor: Alec, Rahim, Kachina, Iris, Tala, Inga, Jules, Oluh, Yzee, Sbapoid, and Nevaeh.

I felt Ary stiffen beside me, so I took her hand and led her to one of the two empty seats at the end of table closest to the door. Iris sat in the adjacent chair beside Alec.

On the other side of the table, sitting across from us was: Kachina, Rahim, Tala, Inga, Oluh, and Nevaeh. Yzee and Sbapoid were on the same side of the table as me, Ary, Iris, and Alec but closer to Jules at the head.

As Ary and I took our seats, Inga was the first to speak. My derriere had barely lowered into the seat before her animosity hit me like a bus.

“These should be escorted from the vessel immediately!” scolded Inga.

“Which creatures, pray tell?” asked Jules calmly, gesturing around the table.

“You know precisely which—these human hybrids!” she shouted, pointing at Ary and me.

I shot her a dirty, contemptuous look. Ary gave her the single raised eyebrow glare, a South Florida specialty.

“The Veex , is the term you were searching for Inga, are our guests. Furthermore, they are now under our protection.”

“Says who?”

“Says me!” His voice only raised a little, but it was enough to settle the dispute. His eyes scanned the room as he addressed its occupants at large, “We protect these Earth-humans and Veex Huzeen—with our lives! The man who lost his life tonight will not have done so in vain.

“Our genus caused this anomalous situation and it is our duty to correct it. This is not up for debate! I am sick and tired of squabbling about acts which honor and duty dictate that we perform. Are we to sink so low as Zux even now?”

There were murmurs around the room, but no one answered him directly. The question was clearly rhetorical.

“What about the prime directive?” It was Tala who spoke this time. She sat in between a contemptuous Inga and an introspective Rahim. “We are still Fifth Dimensional—Level 1 beings co-mingling on a Third Dimensional—Level 4 planet.”

“Firstly,” answered Jules hotly, “The prime directive has already been broken. It was broken when the first Huzeen was made on this planet. None of us know when that happened and by whom, but we know it was a Tepon. So, until we have more information, the prime directive shall not be used as a tactical excuse to do nothing.

“Secondly, we are not in the Fifth Dimension. That much is clear.

“Lastly, we are longer Level 1 beings.”

Uproar broke out around the room at this bold declaration. Even Iris looked stunned though not surprised. Alec simply dropped his head. The four delegates were respectfully quiet though Sbapoid seemed to be grinning just so.

“What do you mean by saying that?” questioned Kachina in the midst of the angry shouts and offended scowls.

Jules waited until Rahim, Tala, and Inga finished their sidebar conversation before he answered Kachina.

“Our planet was destroyed, most likely by our own doing!

“To add insult to injury, we are no longer in Eno. The Prime Creator has sent us here and we do not know why. There is no way to keep our Level 1 status in the position that we are in currently. At best, all surviving Tepons are now a Level 2 species. Though that may come as a blow to your pride, it is the truth.

“As can be seen by the Zux actions tonight, they are well aware of this fact.

“Level 1 is a prestigious position, true, but it comes with many restraints, restrictions, and responsibilities. Level 2 has a lot more flexibility, especially when it comes to interacting with other species. Level 2 species and Level 3 species have various interactions including business dealings and procreation. Many times, Level 2 species act as allies and liaisons to the appropriate galactic administration on behalf of their Level 3 partners.

“We have learned this night that Zux are joining forces with other being in this universe as well as Zux Huzeen here on Earth. It is unclear whether these alliances are voluntary on the part of those involved. There may be some case, if not all, where Zux Huzeen are being abducted by the Zux and forced by whatever means necessary to perform the bidding of their captors.

“As such, it will be in the best interest of our collective Veex group and Veex-sponsored delegates to ally with like-minded Veex Huzeen. This has never been clearer to me before tonight as it is now. I implore all of you to listen to reason and the facts that will be brought to you in this meeting. I am confident that our objective will be clear and our mission on one accord when we adjourn.”

The room was audibly silent, but the emotions swarmed around and caused me much distress. I barely held on to my control over Ary’s grief. I almost had to ask Iris to take her off my hands, but Ary was my friend and I felt determined to help her.

The loathing that some of the other Veex felt towards Ary and I became more evident at that time, as was the compassion, concern, and anxiety of others present. I hoped that Jules was correct in thinking that we would leave the room as one mind and one team. I did not share his resolve and confidence, nor did I share his insight and wisdom.

“Now that I have your attention, please direct it to Kachina who has more information on why the Earth-Humans may soon become a Level 3 species.”

All eyes were on Kachina. She stood and walked the short distance from her chair to the front of the long table facing Jules. Though she did not look it, she emitted discomfort from her every pore. I got the feeling that she was not eager to bring this news to all of those in attendance, but it was her responsibility.

She cleared her throat. “Based on the reconnaissance provided to me by Tala, here are my findings.”

She raised her hands palms up. Digital cubes floated out of the conference table, one for every individual in attendance. I reached for mine and gestured for Ary to do the same. I showed her how to expand the cube to make it easier to read.

“There are billions of Earth-Humans that are aware of the presence of extra-terrestrials on their planet,” she began. “Of these billions, some of them are also aware of inter-dimensional beings. There is a mixed bag of what are called ‘spiritual’ or ‘religious’ beliefs that teach some truths. Many Earth-Humans believe in the Master Creator, though they call the Source of All by many names: God, Allah, Dios, Krishna, Maykapal, Elohim, Jehovah, and the list goes on. Some believe they exist alone in the universe by pure happenstance.”

There were more murmurs.

Kachina cleared her throat again. “Some of this confusion cannot be blamed on the Earth-Humans. In the somewhat distant past in Earth’s history, higher Level beings portrayed themselves as gods, some of the perpetrators were Tepon. This has caused eons of confusion amongst the inhabitants of Earth.”

“Question,” spoke Inga tersely.

“Yes?” answered Kachina.

“Has the Creator sent any assistance?”

“Yes, there have been many prophets.”

“Many—really? What of His child?” This question provoked many whispers and murmurs.

“Yes, he sent a Son.” The background noise grew louder.

“How many times?” Inga pressed over the rumble.

“Only one is acknowledged—so far,” admitted Kachina.

All the ancillary conversations in the room made it hard to hear. Even the other delegates spoke amongst themselves. There were voices in multiple languages, clicks, bells, grunts, and hisses.

The translator in my right ear converted every spoken sound into English, though I could still hear the native language of each respective speaker. Though the mother tongues were not noticeable when only one person spoke, they made quite a ratchet with nearly everyone talking at once. It did not take long before the sound became too much to bare.

“Settle down everyone,” Jules bellowed firmly but respectfully, always maintaining the order.

When the room was quiet again, Kachina continued. “The Son has been known by many names on Earth: Yeshua, Jesus, Emmanuel, Isa, the Son of God, the Lamb of God, the Light of the World, the Messiah, the Teacher, the Word, the Christ—”

“I’ve heard enough. We have no right to interfere here,” interrupted Inga.

“She has a valid point,” stated Tala.

“Is that so?” countered Jules. It was another rhetorical question. “Even though you, yourself, are well aware of the impact that Tepons have had here on this planet?”

“Yes,” answered Tala, “But the ‘evidence’ that the intervention was Tepon is simply speculative at this point.”

“Not true” disagreed Jules. “Kachina has analyzed the evidence you provided to her. It clearly shows interference by previous Tepons. Lower dimensional beings, like the operators of the orbs we witnessed tonight on the drone cameras, have been given access to this planet by those of higher standard.

“These kinds of creatures have also been known by many names: grays, demons, imps, goblins, ghosts, fairies, poltergeists, sirens, chimeras, incubus and succubus. The Earth-Humans have been plagued by a menagerie of mythological humanoids and animal-like creatures. The evidence is overwhelming. Just read it for yourself.

“Thank you for presenting your findings to us, Kachina.”

She took her seat as he continued, “We have experienced the wrath of similar creatures in Eno that were the product of Zux experimentation. If these creatures on Earth were not made by the Zux that we ourselves traveled here with, then the Zux that traveled here in the past with Dr. Quchen must be responsible. The occurrences are too similar to be coincidence!”

“My research backs what he is saying,” added Kachina.

“As you all know,” continued Jules, “Our unique Veex team was assembled and given strict orders to clean up any diplomatic messes created by the Zux. This mission was essential for keeping the cosmic balance of our genus. We failed that mission in Eno.

“We are partly responsible for the situation that we find ourselves in this night. Earth is proving to be our greatest trial yet. We must rise to this new challenge. The fate our existence is in the balance.”

The room was quite still. No one spoke or chirped or grunted or chimed or squealed. Jules’ wise words began to sink in to their souls. This is why he alone could lead the Veex, or what was left of them.

“Commander,” said Inga calmly, breaking the silence.

“Yes, Doctor,” replied Jules.

“If what you say is true, and our mission is not yet over, then am I correct in stating that you believe it is possible to save the others—including the elders.”

“Yes, that is my understanding.”

The room burst into heated debate once more.

“How can our actions save the dead?” asked Rahim puzzled but stern.

“Through redemption, of course!” exclaimed Kachina excitedly.

“If we resolve the issues the Zux have caused through violence and deception—” began Tala.

“And even the Veex through procreation,” added Inga, glancing at Ary and me.

“We can return home to Selethia-Eno and see our planet, Tepo, restored by the Prime Creator,” Tala finished.

“This is why we are here,” concluded Inga, tearful. “We are not being punished. We are being given a second chance.”

“Precisely,” seconded Jules with a determined grin, happy to see the others on his side at last.

The room filled with smiles and feelings of relief and even elation. I looked to my left at Iris. She was not smiling nor was she feeling as grand as some of the others. Without a word, she stood. Every pair of eyes in the room, including Sbapoid’s set of eight, locked on her face.

“Are we all on one accord then?” she asked of the room looking at each and every one of their faces in turn.

Everyone either nodded or offered some verbal form of consent.

“Excellent,” declared Jules as Iris took her seat. “By show of the sacred symbol or planetary banner, who is in favor of protecting Earth, all of its inhabitants, and achieving redemption?”

This time around, all of the Veex sacred symbols floated in the air. Each Veex saluted their commander by making a sign with their hands, crossing their chests, and raising the same hand gesture towards him. The elevated hands were all the same: the index and middle fingers pointed to the ceiling side-by-side while the ring and pinky fingers lay in unison atop the thumb.

There were also five planetary banners from those in attendance, that of: Tepo, Amabala, Adirolf, Negero, and Eniam.”

“Let it be so!” called Jules in an approving tone.

Everyone in the room cheered.

“Now, it is getting late,” Jules spoke once everyone had settled down. “You all go and get some rest. We will reconvene tomorrow evening.

Together, we will be victorious.”

Talking to my dead mother always brought me some relief, but my heart was still heavy when I walked out of the Spirit Room early that evening. From the events of the night before, to the ensuing meeting, and the follow-up meeting that Ary, Iris, Rahim, and I had after that to give Jules every detail of the Monte Alban event that had transpired. I had a lot on my mind, to say the least.

“Kaya!” It was Ary. She sounded frightened. No longer under my influence, I was surprised to see her outside of our quarters. I had assumed that she would be too distraught with grief to leave in the wake of Norberto’s murder. “Where did you go? I had to use the floor map to find you.”

“Sorry, Ary. I had to speak to my mother. With everything that’s been going on lately, I just needed to hear a voice and lean on her wisdom and reason.”

“I thought you said that the evil general killed your mother.”

“She did.”

“I’m confused.”

“Long story short, these doors,” I pointed to the massive, ancient, wooden doors behind me, “lead to the neutral zone between our dimension and the dimension of the spirits.”

She stared at me blankly.

“If you go in there, you can talk to dead people.”

She thought this over and asked, “If I go in there, will I see mi Norberto.” Her eyes filled with tears as she began to sob.

I walked over to her and held her in my arms. “I’m afraid not, Chica,” I mumbled into her head of immense curls. “Norberto was a human and the room will only connect you to your parents if they are like us.”

“Well, I guess that’s life in the Veex Village.”

I gave her a quizzical look.

“That’s what I’m calling it. The social structure and hierarchy here is much like an indigenous village.”

“Right—” I said curiously. It was good to hear her talk like a ‘nerd’ again. It was a sign that she was feeling more like herself. “Speaking of the village, any idea when our next tribunal is being held?”

“It’s a pre-dusk meeting. I believe Iris said 1800.”

“What time is that to regular people?”

“Six o’clock in the evening.”

“What time is it now?”

“About five-fifteen.”

“Okay. I’ll meet you there. I need to run back to our quarters and get something to eat. I’m famished.”

“I’ll go with you. I can’t stand to be alone right now.”

“No?”

“I see Norberto every time I close my eyes.”