The Secret of Mars

Everyone crowded before the Window of Universes, tentatively waiting for 0-nine hundred. Medi and EJ were in the front, barely able to stand still. They stared at the window. Mary and Weenow had repaired the section of broken glass between Weenow’s original two handprints. fixed area measuring nine by fifteen inches could now be seen, just enough for one person to look through.

Hygone floated a little to their left, not wanting to interfere with their ability to see their daughter. To the parents’ right were King Kiijon and Queen Europa. Although a little young for such occasions, Newborn Teelons kept poking his head out of his birthing pouch, curious as to what all the commotion was about. As soon as someone tried to talk to him, he would quickly dart back down, hiding in the comfort of his father’s wing. It was almost as if he was playing a game of hide and peek.

Robert had surprised his parents with a visit. He stood beside them, eagerly awaiting to see his lost sister. Behind the parents and grandparents were the cousins and protectors – Giibold, Earon, Jr. and Sunam, followed by Jazee, Ospree, and KaaZee. Even Barook was there, but he remained on the other side of the windowpane, in the Great Expanse, supposedly supervising the visit. But Hygone believed he was there to make sure that nothing went wrong and his brother was alive and safe. No matter how much of a scoundrel Barook often was, he never lost his love for his younger brother and sister.

“I see something,” Medi shouted, rushing forward and putting her hands on the glass.

“Please do not touch the glass,” Barook stated, poking his head through the windowpane. When Medi withdrew her hands, the Ancient quickly brought forth a cloth and wiped away her fingerprints. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty, but the window is sensitive. It smudges easily and will compromise your ability to see your daughter.” Hygone didn’t think she had ever heard Barook use such a soft, caring voice. Was the love the Oonocks had for each other tearing down his impenetrable wall? Could he be feeling empathy for this distraught mother?

“Where?” Europa asked, straining to see something.

“I see it too,” EJ yelled. Suddenly, in the small repaired area of the window appeared Mary’s face, a huge smile on her face.

EJ and Medi both dropped to their knees, unable to believe that at last they were seeing their lost daughter. Even though both Earon and Amber reported they saw her, the parents would not believe she was alive until they actually saw her. She appeared healthy and surprisingly happy.

“Mary,” Medi called. “Mary, can you hear me?”

Mary answered something back, but because the window was not completely repaired, the sound did not escape into the cavern and travel through the window of Europa’s FarCore.

“Quick, Kiijon. Give EJ the first card,” Europa instructed. In case they could not communicate verbally with the young princess, they had prepared cards on which were written various questions and statements. The questions were kept simple, requiring mostly yes and no answers.

Kiijon handed his son the first card. EJ held it up so Mary could see it. “Are you okay?” She smiled and nodded yes.

Medi held up the next one. “When are you coming home?” Mary shrugged her shoulders. She didn’t know. She pretended to move her hands across the window in a circular motion. “What is she saying?”

“I think, Sis, she is saying she cannot come home until the window is repaired,” Sunam suggested.

“How long will that take?” Medi asked.

“It took Hygone and me almost a month to repair the window on this side,” Windar stated. “I would imagine it will take them as long or longer.”

“A month,” Medi sighed. “I can’t possibly wait another month to hold her in my arms. Isn’t there some way to repair the window faster?” She looked over at Hygone.

“Not to my knowledge, Your Majesty,” Hygone replied. “Both Mary and Weenow only have so much blood they can spare each time. They must rest between repairs to replenish their blood supplies. From what we can tell, the cracks are more numerous on their side. It may take them several more months to complete their repairs.”

Determined not to let any disappointment show on her face, Medi kept her smile. “What’s the next card?”

Kiijon handed Medi the next card. “Is Weenow with you?” Mary nodded yes while looking to her right. Apparently, Weenow was the dark blob beside her obscured by the cracked window pane.

“The colonists are alive?” Mary nodded affirmatively.

“At this rate, it is going to take us years to get answers,” Barook grumbled, as he poked his head through the Europan window. “Prince EJ, tell your daughter to back away from the window and close her eyes.” EJ sat there, not obeying the Ancient. “If you don’t want your daughter to be blind for the rest of her life, tell her to close her eyes. And not to open them until Weenow tells her to. I believe I know a way we can talk directly to them.”

“Make it so,” Kiijon said. EJ quickly wrote down the instructions for Mary, adding “It will be okay” at the end. After reading the writing, Mary backed away from the window and closed her eyes.

“I need everyone in this room to close theirs also,” Barook stated. “I have to allow my true self to be exposed. Keep your eyes closed until told to open them.”

“But,” Medi started to object, fearful she would not see her daughter again.

In the same soft voice he had used before, Barook said, “Do not fear, Your Majesty. You will see her again after we are done talking. I promise on my word as an Ancient.” Believing in the truth of his words, Medi leaned back on her legs and closed her eyes.

Once he was sure everyone’s eyes were closed, Barook shed his outer cloak and revealed the energy creature that he was. Floating in the abyss between the two windows, he stretched out a long arm, stopping when it hit the pane of glass on Mars. At the same time, he sent out another arm to touch Europa’s glass. Weenow and Hygone shed their protective covering and placed their hands on their respective plates of glass over Barook’s. An energy bond formed, allowing the three Ancient siblings to connect. They could now verbally communicate: Weenow would speak for Mary and Hygone would speak for the monarchs.

“There, I believe this will be more efficient,” Barook stated, his words translated by Weenow and Hygone.

“Mary, is it true? There are one thousand, eight hundred and fifty-two colonists?” Weenow asked as Barook relayed the question.

“Yes,” Hygone replied, feeling Barook’s answer.

“And they are in suspended animation,” Weenow asked.

“Yes. They are sleeping until it is time to wake them up,” Hygone answered.

“Mary, you really are alright?” Medi asked. “You’re getting enough to eat? Weenow is taking good care of you?”

“Yes, Mattwa,” Hygone answered. “I am not going hungry. But I cannot wait to get home to eat a hamburger and French fries.” Everyone laughed. “Uncle Earon said that Uncles Jeanip and Swaybuk, Anew, Quigbee and Staybo have disappeared also. Is there any news of them?”

“No,” Weenow said. “Earon stated that they were not with you. You have no idea where they might be?”

“No,” Hygone replied.

For the next twelve minutes, the two groups talked through Barook until his energy began to dim. The last thing said was that each loved the other. The Ancients withdrew their hands and recloaked, allowing the Oonocks on both sides to open their eyes again.

“Thank you, Barook,” a grateful Kiijon said. “You have no idea what this has meant to my family.”

“No mother should lose a daughter,” Barook said, as he leaned against the window, half inside FarCore, and half inside the abyss, too exhausted to come all the way inside.

“Or a brother loses a brother,” Kiijon added. “Let’s not tax Barook or the window on our first connection. Say your goodbyes. It is time to leave and allow Barook and Hygone their time with their brother.”

With tears in their eyes, each member of the group waved to Mary, throwing her kisses, gesturing that they loved her, and so forth. Although sad to leave, all knew there would be more opportunities to see her and that soon she would be home.

“Come, Brother, let’s go talk to Weenow,” Hygone said.

“I don’t think I have the energy, Hygone.”

“Then I will hold you in front of the window so that you do,” Hygone said, wrapping a protective arm around her older brother. Never had she been more proud of him than she was at that moment.

For the next few days, Europa and Medi spent their time sitting in front of the Window of Universes watching Mary and Weenow mend the broken window. Even though they could not verbally communicate, they were able to convey simple thoughts by motions and hand gestures. But the going was tortuously slow. Plus, the constant blood loss was already showing physically on Weenow and Mary. Both looked drained, exhausted and anemic. They feared the repair would have to stop for several additional days so they could rest while their bodies repaired themselves. It was hoped that once more of the window was fixed, Barook could slip through the windowpane and take over for Weenow. But the glass was unyielding. Apparently, nothing could traverse it until the window was completely healed.

Now that they had the correct path back to Mars, the next challenge for Jeanip and the others was to determine how to send a message. Anew tried asking for the message to be sent, but nothing happened. Apparently, the ship needed more information, information they did not know or have. Complicating matters was the constant fact there were no visible instruments, words or images to help them. Which left them with only one choice - a “hit-or-miss” approach; you touched a certain part of a console and hoped for the best. Jeanip knew how dangerous that was. Pushing a wrong button could put them in worse peril, send them further out into the galaxy or even end their lives. But he saw no other choice.

Exhausted and knowing tired minds did not think clearly, the crew of five slept. Jeanip decided they would accomplish more together as one team rather than splitting up and taking shifts. Because of that reasoning, no one was awake to notice the small ball of light flying around their ship, looking for a way inside. The tiny, glowing ball inspected every inch of the starship’s exterior, but no opening was found. Determined to help his friend, he hovered outside the front screen hoping someone would see him. Suddenly, a yellow light began to blink on the right side of the ship, about six feet from the view plate. Since yellow was the color of the Ancients, he floated over for a closer look. When he was a foot away, a beam of light emerged and encased him. A scanning beam. Apparently recognizing the glowing light, a small hatch door opened and the creature slid inside. It raced to the bridge, inspecting the recent memory banks. Next, it raced through the corridors, looking for the Ancient he knew was inside. Not surprised, he found Anew sleeping, securely held in Swaybuk’s arms. He had felt a deep connection between the Ancient and the Oonock when he had spent time with them, and he was happy to see their friendship had continued. He didn’t know why, but he liked the idea of Anew not being alone.

Not wanting to wake the male Oonock, the light drew close to Anew’s ear and whispered her name. On the second try, Anew’s eyes shot open in surprise and disbelief. “Kree?”

Swaybuk woke to find his arms empty. He knew Anew often rose before him, needing less sleep than he did, but she never left without telling him first. And kissing him good morning. He remembered neither. He called out her name and looked around the room for a note. Perhaps she wasn’t able to awaken him, although that was unlikely. No note. A little worried, he quickly dressed and went down to the kitchen. There he saw Jeanip, Soojay, and Quigbee enjoying breakfast and coffee. But no Anew.

“Have any of you seen Anew?” Swaybuk asked.

“She finally got tired of you being her bed partner?” Jeanip teased.

“This is serious, Jeanip,” Swaybuk replied. “Have you seen her?”

“Don’t get your panties wadded up in a bunch,” Jeanip laughed. “She’s up on the bridge working on the communique to Mars.”

Without a “thank you” or any other word, Swaybuk dashed out of the room to the lift and went straight up to the bridge. Fearing something might be wrong, Jeanip following. When the elevator door opened, both saw Anew quietly singing to herself while playing with a newly discovered console.

“Why didn’t you wake me when you got up?” Swaybuk asked.

“He told me not to,” Anew innocently answered. “He said you looked like you needed the sleep. Plus, there wasn’t anything you could do.”

Swaybuk turned to face Jeanip, giving him an angry look. “Why did you tell her that?”

“It wasn’t me, Swaybuk,” a confused and concerned Jeanip replied. He had given her no such order. And he knew neither did Quigbee nor Soojay.

“Who told you not to wake me?” a worried Swaybuk asked. Was there someone else on the ship they knew nothing about?

“A friend,” Anew smiled, jotting down a few notes on her pad.

Swaybuk walked over and lifted Anew into a standing position. He grabbed her arms and looked her directly in the face. “What friend, Anew? Is there an alien aboard this ship?”

Anew continued to smile. She leaned forward and gave Swaybuk a quick kiss. “Kree. Kree came to see me last night. To see us all.”

“Kree? I thought Kree died?” Jeanip stated.

“Remember, his crystal was empty. Hygone surmised that his essence went somewhere else,” Anew said. “It seems that he purposely shed his Ancient’s body so he could travel through the universe without physical limits. He’s the one that went and found Starship Fourteen so it could save Earth.”

“So that’s how Captain Gillian knew to come to Earth,” Swaybuk said. “I always had my suspicions. But what is he doing way out here?”

“He said he was looking for me,” Anew said. “He came to help us get home.”

Swaybuk and Jeanip both looked at the console Anew was playing with. They realized it was the communication panel they had been searching for days. “He showed you where the communication controls were. And how to send the message.”

“Yep. The message was sent about twenty minutes ago,” Anew beamed. “It should be halfway to Mars by now.” She leaned against Swaybuk, kissing him. “Why don’t you and I go back to our room and try waking up again?”

“I did miss you this morning?” Swaybuk laughed, turning to look at Jeanip.

“Go ahead,” Jeanip chuckled, waving his hand as an indication of dismissing the two. “At least behind closed doors, I don’t have to be reminded of what waits for me on Europa.”

Europa was sitting with Kiijon in the courtyard, trying to coax Teelons to take an interest in things outside of his birthing pouch. Other than the day they had all gathered to see Mary inside FarCore, her son had shown little interest in what was beyond his little world. His wings were uncurling nicely, and it was important for him to spend time outside of the pouch so they could expand and dry properly. So far, however, no coaxing or tempting was accomplishing their task. Twice they tried to physically remove him, only to have him scream in terror and cling to his father’s skin.

“Your Majesties, Your Majesties,” Kliinew shouted as he swam across the courtyard. “Oh, I’m sorry. I did not mean to startle the new princess.” Both Kiijon and Europa looked. Two little eyes peeped out over the pouch.

“I believe we have an adventurer on our hands,” Kiijon laughed. “It seems he is attracted to loud sounds and activity.”

“Please say it is not so,” Europa sighed, thinking of all the trouble her son was going to get into.

“What has you so excited?” Kiijon asked.

“We just got a communique from Monarch Earon. They received a message from Jeanip. They’re alive and well.”

“What?” Europa screamed in excitement. This time the new Prince was not pleased with the loud noise. He began to cry and sink back down into the pouch, huddled in the corner. “I’m sorry, Teelons. Mattwa did not mean to scare you.”

“Go,” Kiijon said, trying to console his son. “Go discover what Earon said. Teelons and I will join you shortly.”

Having no wish to wait, Europa kissed her mate and sped off with Kliinew. On the way, he told her what little he knew.

True to his word, Kiijon and Teelons arrived in the Communications Center five minutes later. Upon hearing numerous voices, Teelons peeked out from his father’s pouch once more, eyes wide, watching all the Oonocks move about. “So, where are our missing Oonocks and Ancient?” Kiijon asked.

“It appears, Your Majesty, that their message originated here,” Triibow stated, pointing to a dot on a star map. “Known on Earth as NGC 7293. The Helix Nebula.”

“And how far away is NGC 7293?” Kiijon asked.

“Six hundred and fifty light-years, Sire.”

Kiijon gave the Oonock a startled look. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“And how long would it take to reach them?”

“Sixteen to eighteen million years,” Triibow replied.

“That is a little jaunt,” Kiijon replied, flabbergasted by the news. “Do we have any idea how they got out that far?”

“No, Sire. The message was very brief. Just that they were fine and where they were.”

“Are we able to return a message to them?” Kiijon asked.

“Staybo, Latrill, and Colvin are working on that exact problem as we speak, Sire,” Kliinew replied.

“And why are we not trying the same here?” Kiijon inquired.

“It appears Mars is on a straight trajectory to their current location,” Triibow stated. “Earth is not in alignment. Therefore, Mars will send it.”

“A message that far out should have taken thousands of years to reach Mars,” Jazee commented. “They must have found a way to use one of the wormhole routes or another passageway.”

“Could that same route be used to travel back to Mars?” Kiijon asked.

“They are trying to determine that,” Kliinew replied.

“And how is our beautiful queen doing?” Kiijon asked, swimming over to his mate.

“Glad to know he and the others are alive,” Europa said. “But concerned with them being so far away.”

As if the newborn knew of his mother’s pain, Teelons reached out and took his mother’s finger, gladly chomping on it for something to eat.

“I believe your son is telling you not to worry,” Kiijon said with a smile.

Europa tilted her head, raised her eyebrows and looked at her mate. “I believe he is telling us he is hungry. Again.”

“Then I think his mother should go with me to feed him,” Kiijon announced, offering her his free wing. She did not want to leave the Communications Room, but she knew there would be no new message. Knowing it was best to keep busy, she slipped her arm inside Kiijon’s wing and floated back to their habitat, where Doogon had a nice meal waiting for them.

“Come in,” Swaybuk shouted upon hearing a knock on his door.

Soojay cautiously stepped inside. “I am sorry to disturb you, Commander, but Jeanip would like the two of you on the bridge. A light has started to blink on the Communications console, and he is hoping Anew might know what it is.”

“Tell Jeanip we will be there shortly,” Swaybuk replied. After Soojay left, Anew continued to lie there. “Come on; it is time to get up. Jeanip needs us on the bridge.”

“Can’t we have five more minutes?” Anew asked.

Twenty minutes later, the two came running onto the bridge, totally out of breath. “Am I going to have to put you two in different quarters so you can report when asked?” a stern Jeanip asked.

“No Sir,” Swaybuk replied, trying to hide the smile on his face. “It won’t happen again.”

“See that it doesn’t” Jeanip replied. “Anew, can you tell me why this light is blinking?”

“Give me just a minute,”

“I already gave you twenty.”

Anew giggled, then became serious, moving the screens on the Communication’s monitor. “If I am reading this text correctly, it says our message was delivered thirty-eight point three minutes ago to Mars.”

“That’s impossible,” Jeanip said. “You must be reading it wrong.”

“I do not believe so, Jeanip,” Anew stated. “I can decipher the message without error. It does say thirty-eight point three minutes.”

“There must be an almost direct route to Mars from here,” Soojay stated. “Something that doesn’t show up on the maps. It should have taken years for the message to reach Mars, not hours.”

“That would explain how we arrived here so fast,” Quigbee said. “Remember? Our timepieces showed we had only traveled for about forty minutes. That’s why we couldn’t believe where we were.”

“Anew, you said that Kree came to you last night,” Jeanip stated. “And showed you how to send the message. Did he also show you how to navigate this ship home?”

“No, Jeanip. He only showed me how to send a message. He seemed a little frustrated, so perhaps he didn’t know how to navigate it through the wormholes.”

“One little slip and we’d be atmospheric dust,” Soojay said. “Remember what happened to that cargo ship last year when those humans tried to send it through without proper navigational tools? It slammed into one of the wormhole sides and was blasted into a gazillion pieces. Not exactly how I hope to die.”

“Same here,” Swaybuk said. “Maybe if Anew tells us the whole story, we can figure out what to do.”

“That’s why I asked for you twenty minutes ago,” Jeanip stated, leading the way down to the kitchen, which had become their primary conference room.

“I swear, Jeanip, get you away from Phameena and you become an old fuddy-duddy,” Swaybuk laughed, teasing Jeanip. “You don’t want anyone having fun if you’re not.”

“Isn’t that one of the perks of being a Commander?” Jeanip teased back.