The Secret of Mars

With the return of Jeanip and his small crew, all charges against Monarch Earon and any other were dropped. It was also determined that Earon had no guilt in the Commander’s death. And with the obelisk now gone, all hopes of a new weapon for the Company died with the Commander, so Earon did not press the issue any further. But he did warn the Settlement Commander that the attempt would be noted in the Oonock world and, if any other incidents were ever discovered, they would not hesitate to advise the other planets of Earth’s indiscretion. Commander Abrams agreed. All he wanted was the group off of his planet as soon as possible. They had disrupted the Settlement’s activities long enough.

“She’s mighty beautiful at this time of day, isn’t she?” Commander Abrams asked as he walked into the Observation Lounge where Jeanip and Phameena stood beside the plate glass, staring at the sunset. The familiar splashes of colors once more decorated the sky as the sun slowly sank behind the red mountains of Mars. But for some reason, this time the sky also contained new colors - small patches of blue, green and lilac.

“Yes, she is,” Jeanip agreed. “And tonight she seems exceptionally beautiful. I do not ever remember seeing the colors of blue, green and lilac before.”

“That is because they have never been there until tonight,” Commander Abrams replied. “You are witnessing, Your Majesty, perhaps the emergence of a new Mars.”

“I do not understand.”

“I will not even try to pretend that I understand what happened to you, how you got back, where Monarch Earon and Princesses Mary and Amber went, or what force made it all happen. But I do know this: whatever that force was it has changed Mars. Our scientists report that somehow an atmosphere is beginning to form around Mars. They say it will take close to a century to completely form and shield this planet, but you are seeing the first signs of that atmosphere. The colors of blue, green and lilac, the colors of Earth’s life-giving atmosphere. They predict that within thirty years there will be rain washing away the red dust of Mars. Imagine it, rain.”

“Way to go, Leenaw,” Jeanip said to himself. With the rebirth of Mars, the other crystals inside FarCore that contained the life force of the planet would also be released in the near future to repopulate the dead world. As Leenaw had said, “All is as it should be.”

“And your scientists have no idea why or how this is happening?” Jeanip asked, wondering what the human would say if he knew the truth, knew the real secret of Mars.

“No, but for some reason I believe you do,” the Commander smiled. “Something you are not willing to share with me.”

“I don’t know what you mean,” Jeanip lied.

“I must remember never to play poker with you Oonocks,” the Commander commented. “I’ve never met a race that can lie with such straight, honest faces.” He held his hand out to Jeanip. “I cannot say I will be sorry to see you and your parties leave. You have been very disruptive to our operations. But it has been a pleasure knowing you, Your Majesty. I wish you the best of luck.”

“Thank you, Commander Abrams,” Jeanip said, taking the Commander’s hand. “Thank you for everything. I will be sure to inform my king and queen of your great hospitality and cooperation.”

“Just doing my job,” the commander replied.

“Now who is stretching the truth,” Jeanip chuckled.

“May the Waters of Life bring you safely home.”

“May the Waters of Life give you long life and a future of blue-colored skies.”

Mary sat nervously at the large table doing her best not to fidget. Today was her first time to sit at a Command Meeting and help make decisions about her race’s future. Because Mary was having trouble transforming into an Oonock and breathing water, the meeting was held at the estate in the barn. Everyone thought her inability to transform into an Oonock was due to her usually long, extended stay inside FarCore. But she knew the real truth. To protect her secret, she had sworn Gardawyn to secrecy.

She looked around at all the faces. At the head of the table was her grandmother, Queen Europa. King Kiijon remained at the Complex with Teelons. Sitting next to her grandmother were her parents, with Jazee and Ospree sitting just behind them. Princess Misso and her mate, Wiiguard, were next, then herself. King Jun and Queen Abrow sat to the left of Europa, in the place of honor, to help facilitate the arrival of the Oonock colonists. Mary had met them several times before, but that was many years ago when she was still quite young. She stared at them in awe. They were the king and queen of Europa. Even though her grandparents were the king and queen of Earth’s Oonocks, Mary couldn’t help but admire King Jun and his mate. She had completely forgotten that her grandparents were, and still rightly were, the real king and queen. They had abdicated their right to rule to King Jun and Queen Abrow upon returning to Earth. Next were seated Lord Hoffman and three high ranking clan officials. Two newly awakened Nuuk guards stood behind him. The guards seemed a little nervous to be on a new, unknown planet. All six wore breathing apparatus to aid in their breathing of Earth’s air. Like Earth’s Oonocks, Mars’ Oonocks had spent time on both land and water so they could exist in both worlds. But the air mixture on Mars had been of a different composition and a little thinner, making the necessity of the breathing aids. She continued to look around the room and saw Graybin talking with Diiromay and Gassop across the table from her. They had come to give their report on the housing and provisions issue. There was a small medical group against the back wall, including Gardawyn, to answer any medical questions about the colonists’ emergence. When Gardawyn saw her, he nodded. Scattered throughout the group were various commanders, including Kliinew, Triibow, and several others whose names she couldn’t remember, and numerous protectors watching over their charges. The only ones missing were Jeanip, Amber, Swaybuk and Anew, who were on their way home from Mars. And then there was Klonc, almost hidden in the darkness of the room’s corner, watching over the group, protecting his monarchs. Mary thought he was perhaps the most handsome soldier she had ever seen. When she realized he was looking at her, she quickly diverted her eyes, blushing slightly. She hoped there would be time after the meeting for the two of them to talk. She moved her eyes back to the protector and saw he was still watching her. He smiled, and she smiled back.

“I believe everyone is here,” Queen Europa said, standing at the head of the table while signaling for the males to remain seated. “Let us begin. On behalf of my mate, King Kiijon, and myself, welcome. We are here to discuss the arrival of Lord Hoffman’s clan. Even though Lord Hoffman along with the clan’s three highest-ranking officials and two guards are the only ones to be awakened, the Ancient Weenow assures us that the remaining one thousand eight hundred and forty-six Oonocks are well. He sees no decline in this number. Diiromay and Gassop, with aid from King Jun and Queen Abrow, have been arranging living quarters for the clan. Diiromay, if you would give us your report.”

Mary listened intently to Diiromay’s statement about the placement of the colonists, what provisions were gathered, etc. And to the reports that King Jun, Gardawyn, and numerous others gave. After two hours her mind began to drift, and she turned her attention once again to the handsome Klonc. Suddenly, she realized everyone was looking at her.

“Princess Mary, are you still with us?” her grandmother asked.

“Um, yes, yes,” Mary quickly stammered. “Ah, what was the question?”

“As my granddaughter has so eloquently pointed out, we have been discussing this problem for some time,” Europa said, giving Mary a big smile. “I believe a break would do us all good. When we return in five pernips, Princess Mary will give us her report from Weenow.” Everyone stood, trying to stretch out their arms in the crowded room. Many adjourned to the outside yard for a breath of fresh air and sunshine.

“I am so sorry, Nana,” Mary said, rushing to her grandmother’s side when she emerged from the barn. “I guess I drifted off there for a moment.”

“It was getting a bit boring,” Europa smiled, wrapping her arm around Mary. “You are not the first one to get sidetracked. I remember falling asleep once when I was implanted with Misso. And then there were your grandfather’s handsome looks. It’s hard not to become lost in that beautiful face and amazing lilac eyes. I noticed you are having the same problem with that handsome male soldier across the room. You have not been able to keep your eyes off of him.”

“Who?” an embarrassed Mary asked. She didn’t realize she had been so obvious. Suddenly she feared that the soldier had noticed too.

“His name is Klonc,” Europa replied. “He was Amber’s protector for a short time after Cainbow was killed. Lately, he has been Teelons protector. Today, he accompanies me to learn the art of commander meetings. Perhaps it would be a good time to speak to him, Mary. It might help with your concentration during the meeting.”

Her cheeks blushing slightly, Mary took her leave and walked over to Klonc.

“I am glad to see that you are well,” Klonc stated, as he raised his hand to his forehead and bowed. “Princess Amber was very worried about you. I understand that she and the others are on their way back. Might you know when they will arrive?” A look of wonderment spread across his face. “I can hardly wait for her return. I am hoping to be reassigned as her protector again.”

“I believe they are due to arrive by the end of next week,” Mary replied, doing her best to hide her disappointment. Apparently, Klonc’s staring at her was because she looked like Amber, not because he was interested in her. “I am sure she will be happy to see you again.” Unsure what to do or say, she said, “I guess I had better return to my seat. The meeting is about to begin again. Have a good day.”

“You too, Princess,” Klonc stated.

Upon seeing her granddaughter return to her seat, Europa motioned her over. “That was a quick conversation.”

“There was not much to talk about,” a sorrowful Mary said. “I really would prefer not to talk about it, Nana.” Not sure what had just transpired, Europa gave Mary leave to return to her seat. Once everyone was back, Mary gave her report. After another two hours, the meeting adjourned and a plan set for the colonists’ return. For the next two months, a hundred colonists would be awakened as a group, with a four-day rest in between each group. This allowed each new group, and the citizens of Europa, to acclimate before the next group would arrive. It was also decided that the entire group would return to Europa since they had been living in an aquatic environment on Mars. After they had adjusted back to Europan life, any whom wished to relocate to Earth could do so, learning once more how to live as an air breather for their possible return to Mars. It was hoped that by then, the Assembly of Planets would have given their permission for the colony to go back to Mars and begin terraforming the planet.

Mary was excited and happy to hear that Glock and Tong were accompanying the Oonocks and Anew back from Mars. She had not had a chance to say goodbye to them and, other than boarding another transport to Mars which she knew her parents would not allow, there had been no way to do so. She looked forward to seeing them again, and her twin sister.

Europa opted to remain at the estate for several days and absorb some beautiful and missed sun. Unfortunately, Klonc remained also. Tried as she could, Mary kept bumping into him throughout the day. He even invited her to go horseback riding for a few hours. She politely declined, stating she had an appointment with Hygone in a few hours. It wasn’t a total lie for she wanted to speak with the Ancient in hopes of discovering why she was having trouble transforming into an Oonock. But more importantly, why she had been displayed as human inside FarCore while Amber displayed as an Oonock. Why wasn’t she both anymore? Was she losing the part of her that was Oonock? And if so, did that mean she could never breed with an Oonock male and have an egg? Would she now be able to breed with a human and give birth to a live child? So many questions running through her mind that she needed answers to.

Europa, Medi, and Mary were sitting on the back porch watching a small group of squirrels chasing each other across the grass and up into the trees. EJ walked out and informed her that Hygone had contacted him and she was available to see the young princess. Giving both her parents kisses, she rushed off to see the Ancient.

Running past the Window of Universes, she saw the twelve-legged octopus hovering to the side of the table of Orbs. “Thank you so much, Hygone, for seeing me.”

The Ancient intently stared at the young princess, examining her with her eyes. Her surprise showed on her face. “I understand why you have requested an audience with me, Princess Mary. When you returned from Mars, very little of your Oonock side showed. I thought it was due to you being in FarCore for so long. But today I see nothing Oonock in you at all. You have completely lost your wings and glowing hair and tail.”

“I feared as much. Do you possibly know why? Am I losing the Oonock part of me?

“Before I answer that, might I ask how your twin sister was displayed when she went to see you on Mars?” a curious Hygone asked.

“She too had changed,” Mary replied. “She displayed as mostly Oonock. There was almost no indication of her human side. What does this mean?”

Hygone drifted down and sat beside the worried princess. She extended several of her arms out, placing them around Mary. “Do you mind if I touch you?”

“Not at all.”

Using the tips of her tentacles, Hygone ran her arms over Mary, sensing her body, her insides, her essence. She then sent an electrical impulse through Mary, thus getting a better understanding of what was happening. At last, she withdrew her arms. “Do your parents know why you asked to see me?”

“No. Only that I wished to speak to you. But I think Grandmother expects something.”

“For now that may be for the best. But she, your other grandparents, your twin sister and your parents must be told what I am about to tell you, Princess Mary. Do you agree to this?”

Mary hung her head. She did not want to give her parents and grandparents bad news. They were finally happy again. She did not want to destroy that new happiness. But she wanted to know what was happening to her, to Amber. “Yes.”

“I sense in you a lessening of your Oonock makeup,” Hygone began. “You are more human now than you have ever been. You and your sister Amber are two halves of the same whole, part human, part Oonock. By all the laws of nature and FarCore, the two of you never should have been conceived, yet you were inside your mother’s womb. You began as a human egg, fertilized by the seed of a part human, part Oonock male. As this embryo developed, it split in two and became you and your sister. Even from the day you were born, it was noted that you received more of the human genes, while Amber received more Oonock ones. And FarCore showed you as you were, much like your grandmother, Queen Europa displayed in her early days before being transformed back into an Oonock. And, like her, you and Amber are now becoming only one species.”

“So I am becoming totally human?”

“I am afraid so.”

“But why?” Mary asked, tears now wetting her cheeks.

“I cannot say for sure,” Hygone said. “Perhaps the two species genes cannot live forever together. Perhaps it is necessary for one to dominate the other. Or perhaps it is because you have matured and the Fates have placed your feet upon the path you must take and in what form. I cannot say why it is happening, only that it is.”

“Does that mean I won’t be able to transform and go down to the Complex? Visit Europa?”

“Still inside of you lives the Orbs. That has not changed. You may or may not keep your ability to transform. I have no way of knowing, for no human has ever had the power of the Orbs within them. Perhaps you will be the future of humanity, a new type of human that can interact with the Orbs and FarCore.”

“I don’t want to be the future of mankind,” Mary shouted, as she paced around the room, forgetting not to use contractions. “I just want to remain me. Half human, half Oonock. I want three pairs of wings to swim with, two legs to run with.” She stopped in front of Hygone. “Make the Orbs turn me back into who I was, Hygone. I know you can do it. I don’t want to be ALL HUMAN.”

“I could not do that, Princess, even if I wanted to. You are who you are.”

“Does that mean I will die in fifty or sixty years?”

“Your Grandfather Terrance has the life expectancy of three hundred years, as do your uncles Earon, Jr., and Sunam, as a result of being around your family,” Hygone offered as words of comfort. “I would expect you to have at least that life expectancy. But since the Orbs live inside you, I would assume you will continue to maintain an Oonock life of twelve thousand years.”

“Will I be able to have children?” At last, Mary asked the question she feared the most.

“Again, I can only surmise. And it will depend on your mate. If you chose an Oonock, I do not believe you will be blessed with children. If you chose a human, it might be possible. We will have to wait and see if you endure the Hunger or if your body begins the monthly bleeding cycle of the humans. If, and when, either of these cycles occurs, then we will know more of your future. But do not despair, Sweet Child. The Orbs are allowing you to return to the human your Grandmother Europa once was for a reason, a reason we do not know as of yet. You are destined for greatness, greatness that can only occur if you are in human form.”

“Do you believe that?” Mary asked, sitting back down beside the Ancient.

“With all my heart.”

“And there is no way you can stop this, make me the way I was?”

“No child. I swear upon the forces of the Orbs that I cannot change who you are or are becoming.”

“How long before I am completely human?”

“That is a question for your medical personnel to determine.”

“Will I be able to come into FarCore once I’m, I mean, I am human?”

“Your mother has always been human, and FarCore grants her access because of the amulet she wears around her neck,” Hygone answered. “As long as you wear your amulet, the portal to FarCore will always be opened to you.”

With a strong military guard of Oonocks, the monarchs made an unprecedented appearance at the space terminal to greet their lost family. Everyone except Kiijon was in attendance. To assure he missed none of the festivities Sunam was broadcasting their arrival live, plus making a tape just in case the broadcast did not go well.

Without Kiijon’s strong arm to lean on for support, Europa had a hard time standing still. You could almost say she was being quite unroyal as she flittered around the room, looking out the various windows, peeking down the entrance tunnel, twirling people around in excitement. Jazee’s men were having a hard time keeping up with her and making sure she remained safe. Even though it had been many years since Prince Terrance was murdered, the royal family was always protected against possible invisible threats.

Swaybuk and Amber were also returning, and Jazee could see Prince EJ was also having trouble controlling his excitement. Hoping to kill two birds with one stone, he walked over and suggested that he play his father’s role and hold his mother’s arm. Too preoccupied with his own anxiety the prince had not noticed his mother’s activities. As she once again ran from window to window watching the starship taxi in, EJ took Medi’s hand and hurried over to his mother. He extended his arm. “Come, Mattwa, they should be walking through the door any minute. Come wait for Jeanip and Amber over here with us.”

Europa accepted her son’s arm and immediately quieted down. Becoming the queen she was again, she calmly walked over to the waiting area just outside the door. Her arm securely holding onto to her son’s, she was anchored once more.

Finally, the door opened, and the awaited guests rushed through. Europa ran to Jeanip and Earon, hugging her protector and brother tightly. EJ and Medi rushed to their returning daughter and held her in their arms. Then EJ grabbed Swaybuk, rejoicing at the feel of his former protector beside him. He hugged Anew and pulled the two into an embrace with Amber. For the next fifteen minutes, everyone hugged and kissed everyone, stating how glad they were they were back, tears of happiness and relief freely flowing. Even Jazee had to wipe away a few tears.

Mary stood a little bit back, watching the commotion. Suddenly, she saw a giant hairy beast and a tiny ball of light coming toward her. She rushed up to the pair, hugging Glock’s hairy leg, then cupping Tong in her hands, kissing the outside of her tiny biosphere. Then, Mary and Amber finally caught sight of each other. Each ran to the other sister, the two halves whole again, at least for the moment. As they hugged Mary wondered what Amber would say when she told her what was happening to the two of them, that they were starting to become their own beings, separate from the other. But today was not the day for such things. Today was a day of happiness.

Europa took Jeanip, Phameena, and Earon down to the Complex to meet the newborn Teelons and see their king before returning to Europa with Latrill and Colvin. Jeanip and Phameena needed to get home to their sons, as did Earon to his mate and family. Amber returned home with her parents and Mary, promising to visit her Poppee within a few days. Swaybuk and Anew also returned to the Estate, telling everyone all about their adventures on the Librarian space ship.

Now that everyone was home, Mary returned to Mars through the Window of Universes with Barook’s help. As she passed through, she wondered what the love-struck Klonc was going to say about what Amber had told her concerning a particular Caberan Supreme Leader named Gart and the many nights they had spent together. She wondered if perhaps that was why Amber was becoming more Oonock, less human – so that she could spend her future with Gart. But, as Hygone said, only the future would tell if this were true.

As planned, the first one hundred colonists were awakened. Mary, along with Lord Hoffman and Graybin, greeted each one, explaining what had transpired and where they had been for the past sixty-one hundred years. After twenty-four hours to adjust, they were brought through the window. Jeanip and Diiromay welcomed them home and showed them the entrance into Europa, where King Jun, Queen Abrow, and Gassop waited to help them begin their new lives. Although asked to be part of the resettling, both Kiijon and Europa felt this was King Jun and Queen Abrow’s happening. They remained unseen, promising to come to the celebration on Europa in three months when everyone was home.

For the next two and a half months, the procession continued. A hundred colonists were awaken, then returned to Europa. Five days later, another group left their crystals until all the colonists were home.

“You did an excellent job,” Weenow said to Mary, giving her a hug. “I thank you for your help. I am going to miss you.”

“Are you going to stay here all alone?” Mary asked, concerned for her friend. “Will you not consider at least coming to stay with Hygone?”

“No, I still have lots of work to do here,” Weenow smiled. “Thanks to the Librarian, life will soon be possible again on Mars. Already the atmospheric envelope around the planet has tripled, and you can just begin to see a blue tint to the red sky. Much needs to be done before Mars can receive the lifeforms hidden in the other two chambers. Plus, I will not be alone. Lord Hoffman and many of his clan members plan on returning here as soon as possible to begin transforming the planet back into a lush, green farming world again. And Barook has agreed to stay with me.”

“Really?” Mary asked, looking over at the Ancient by the window.

“I was able to get special permission from the Council to help my brother restore the planet as it should have been,” Barook replied. “It took a lot of convincing, but finally they agreed. Since someone of Oonock design caused Mars’ destruction, I argued that it was our responsibility to help restore the planet. Besides, the Librarian is the one responsible for its rebirth. We are only helping it along a little faster.”

“That you are,” Mary smiled.

“And look at this,” Weenow said. He bent down and picked up a small rock. Twirling it in his hand, it became a carving of a quinip, a Martian worm, about three inches long, covered in furry green filaments with spots of purple throughout. Protruding from its head were four tiny black-haired antennae that resembled bunny ears. “Barook gave me my powers back. Now I can do anything.” He handed Mary the statue. “For you, Princess Mary. A going-away gift.”

Mary placed her arms around the Ancient. “Will I ever see you again?”

“I hope you will come and visit me,” Weenow said.

“I will come every day. I will come and sit at the window so we can talk. Barook, can you leave the window there?”

“I can for a little while, but now that it is healed it must go back into its proper place,” Barook replied. “But I think I can manage to put it fairly close to Europa’s window. “

“That will not do, Princess,” Weenow said. “Your life is out there, outside of FarCore. I will not allow you to waste your life sitting there, talking to me. Your Fate is in the world.”

“The fate of a human,” Mary sorrowfully replied. “I know you know, Weenow. You have watched the image of me change these past few months. There is no Oonock left inside me.”

“Have you told your family yet?” Weenow asked.

“Not yet,” Mary said. “I keep hoping I will start changing back.”

Weenow took the small human’s hand in his. “Mary, you are great no matter if you are Oonock, human or part of each.” He gently touched the area over her heart. “You will always be part Oonock, for that part lives here in your heart. What your physical nature is does not matter.” He saw the disappointed look on the young human’s face. “I’ll tell you what. To start with I will come once a week and spend time with you. Then you will see that gradually our visits will become less and less frequent until we speak perhaps every few years, then decades, and so forth.”

“I will always love you, Weenow.”

“As I will always love you, Princess Mary. Now, let Barook take you to the land of the living.”

Taking Barook’s hand, Mary glided through the two panes of glass. Upon reaching the other side, she quickly turned to wave goodbye. But Weenow was already gone. He did not want her to see the tears that were in his eyes, something he never imagined he was capable of. He profoundly thanked Mary for that too.

“You will take care of him?” Mary asked.

“I promise,” Barook said.

“He is not going to come back and meet me every week, is he?” Mary sadly asked.

“No, Your Majesty,” Barook replied. “He feels a clean break is needed for both of you. He has come to love you very much. You have given him a wondrous gift, the ability to love someone, something we Ancients abandoned long ago. And I whole-heartedly thank you for that.”

“Will I ever see you again?”

“Oh, you know me. I like to pop up when not expected. Cause a little trouble. Plus, I have to keep an eye on Hygone, make sure she’s not up to some of her old tricks.” The two laughed, after which a serious look overcame the Ancient. “My one regret is that I cannot kiss you goodbye. My true form would surely burn you terribly. For you see, Oh Most Beautiful Princess, you have taught me the meaning of love also. And I very humbly thank you for that.”

As Mary watched, the Ancient withdrew back through the window and back into Mars, soon gone like Weenow. Mary looked around and saw that she was all alone inside FarCore. Holding tightly onto her worm statue, she walked past the image of the solar system and out through the painting of her father and grandfather. The house was terribly quiet, and she asked Doogon where everyone was. Doogon said that Kumiko had surprised their parents with a visit and everyone was out in the barn to see the newly born filly.

Mary slowly walked through the house and out onto the porch, down the steps and headed toward the barn. She could hear the laughter of her nieces and nephew. Nearing the barn, she encountered Neil who had a stranger with him.

“Oh, hello Princess Mary,” Neil said. Mary noticed that although he looked just about the same, his hair had grown quite gray. “I am so glad you’ve come home. Just in time too. Gertie had her baby girl two days ago. She’s a fine filly. And Sunshine should foal within the next two days.” Mary stared at the stranger. “This is my nephew, Jonathan. He’s my sister’s grandson. He will be working with me here on the Estate for the next few months, getting ready to take over when I retire.”

“It is an honor to meet you,” Jonathan said, taking Mary’s hand and kissing it softly. “Neil has told me so much about you.”

“It is delightful to meet you,” Mary said, looking into the most beautiful green eyes she had ever seen. For some reason, she felt as if she knew this human, that somewhere their paths had crossed before. “You seem familiar, Jonathan. Have we ever met?”

“Only in my dreams,” Jonathan smiled, making Mary blush.

“Perhaps you would be kind enough to escort me out to the barn,” Mary said, smiling at the stranger. “And maybe later I could show you around the Estate.”

“I would like that,” Jonathan answered, extending his arm. Mary slipped her arm inside his, walking beside the human. Life as a human might not be too bad after all.