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Destiny Unraveled, part 13 They returned to the yacht with little time to spare. All of them had to quickly shower, dress, and for the first time in a long time, apply make-up. They barely made to the deck on time to greet the mayor and his party. He arrived with his wife, his closest associates and their wives, and his oldest daughter. He greeted Cierra and introduced everyone with him then she did the same. He took Cierra's hand and placed it on his arm, casually walking away from the crowd. The interpreter followed politely behind them. "I hope you don't mind that I brought my daughter. She has been grieving these last few years since her husband was killed in an automobile accident. I have hopes that after listening to tales of your own people she will snap out of her melancholy and begin living again. I know your people have suffered greatly after reading the tales from the author from the American Colonies." "Yes, and life does go on, Signor Russo, even when you think your world has ended." "I knew you would understand, Your Majesty." "Please, call me Cierra. We have no real need for formalities on our world." "Only if you do me the honor of addressing me as Danilo," he said graciously. Cierra nodded with a shy smile, pleasing the Sicilian with her modesty. He returned her to her friends and the gathering strolled to the outdoor setting that Janice arranged. It was much to hot to sit indoors. Soft classical music played from the speakers. The gentlemen politely helped the ladies to sit. The Mayor's daughter, Isabella, blushed as Nicholas bowed to her before offering her a seat. Cierra saw the look and hid a smile. Nicholas was still a handsome man and the well brought up Sicilian woman certainly found him attractive in his dress uniform. The shy look caught the officer's attention, drawing him closer like a moth to the flame. The shaman had the impression that the Mayor might find himself losing a daughter if Nicholas had anything to do with it. The stewards offered light, refreshing drinks to the diners to offset the heat of the day. The people around the table began chatting lightly, exchanging amusing stories and backgrounds. Janice nodded to Nicholas' daughter, who began serving the first course, a light soup that was served cold. The cucumber soup was served along with a light white wine. "Tell me, what brings you to our part of the world, Cierra?" the Mayor asked. "Curiosity more than anything, Danilo. We had hopes of finding evidence of early human migration on Mother Earth. Our earth seems to be nearly 8000 years behind our own times, with mankind just beginning to settle into large groups and forming more complex societies." "And have you found this evidence?" one of the gentlemen asked. "Yes. Along the Nile, we found the signs of early farming communities. Perhaps in a few thousand years they will be building the first great pyramids." "Fascinating. I only wish such an age was within our own lifetime. Do you plan on visiting this area frequently?" "Perhaps once a year or so. It depends on available times. If you would like, we can show you images from our cameras after dinner," Cierra offered. "I would be delighted," the Mayor told her. The servers began clearing away the dishes from the first course and soon began placing small dishes of vegetarian sushi in front of the guests. It wasn't something the Sicilians would be familiar with but Janice hoped they enjoyed it. Each plate had a small crystal dish with sauce and the sushi was the type eaten with the fingers. After the guests finished with the course the servers provided tiny cleansing dishes and towels to wash. "Very unusual. I will have my own chef look into the making of those delicacies," one of the gentlemen commented. "They are an art form all to themselves," Eva told the man. "Japanese chefs often spend years perfecting their own specialties." "Signora, tell me, are you Japanese?" "Yes, at least on my mother's side. My father was a Spaniard who had visited Japan and decided to remain there. We moved to the United States when I was twelve when my father got a very good job offer for a major company." "The United States?" the Mayor asked in confusion then recalled what he had read. "Oh, yes, what your world called the American Territories. Is it much different on our world?" "Not really. Of course there's a few historical differences but nothing that would made large changes between them," JP answered. "And you, my dear," he said to Pam, "appear African yet your accent is British," the Mayor observed. "My mother was from Northern Africa. My father was a missionary and visiting a colleague nearby. They married and she returned to England with him. They are still happily married and live in our village although they probably miss their grandchild. We brought her along with us on this trip." "You husband, he didn't wish to join us tonight?" The women from the Napa clan all fought not to laugh but their amusement was still visible. The Mayor suddenly realized his mistake. "I beg your forgiveness. I had forgotten the ways of many in your village," he said, clearly glad his tanned skin didn't show his flushed condition. Pam smiled kindly as she took hold of Eva's hand. "No need to apologize Signor Russo. Our ways aren't common in many places and we don't exactly advertise our unions with strangers." He nodded, grateful that she hadn't taken offense. The subject was quickly changed as the next course was brought in and placed in front of everyone. A small seafood salad was served on a bed of fresh greens and slices of fresh fruit. The vinaigrette was light and tart and only served to whet the appetites of the diners. The next course was larger, consisting of a rice pilaf, bacon wrapped asparagus, and thin slices of lamb. The red wine served along with the meal only accented the salty flavors and glasses were kept full. The final course, an Italian toffee-flavored Tiramisu, was happily accepted. Liquors were served and the diners strolled with their glasses to another deck to enjoy their drinks and to partake in cigars amongst the men. Nicholas offered to escort Isabella on a private tour of the ship after asking her father's permission. The young woman accepted politely, taking his arm gently. "He seems charmed by my daughter," Danilo commented after they left their sight. "Nicholas been alone a long time. He raised their daughter on his own since his wife died about nine years ago," Janice informed him. "He's a good man." The mayor didn't comment but neither did he look concerned. His daughter could do worse than the first officer upon the most talked about yacht in the world. "I believe you offered to show us your photographs of your trip along the Nile?" he said to Cierra. "Of course. If anyone wishes to join us, please come with me." * * * * * Isabella Russo took a deep breath and stepped up onto the gangplank to the Wave Dancer. After spending a great deal of time with Nicholas. She wasn't sure this was the most intelligent thing she had done but she had agreed to live on the ship for one year in order for she and Nicholas to spend time together. Her companion, an older woman who would also act as a chaperone, teacher, and interpreter, followed behind her. Servants from her father's house carried their luggage and would place it in the suite assigned to them. Nicholas smiled brightly at her arrival, taking her hand and placing a warm kiss upon her fingers. "Welcome aboard, Isabella." "Thank you, Signor Kalakos." "Nicholas, please." "Nicholas," she repeated bashfully. The chaperone cleared her throat, getting their attention. Nicholas smiled politely at the stern looking woman. "Signora DeNunzio, if you ladies will please follow me," he bowed slightly. Carrie and Nerrisa watched from a distance. "She isn't much older than I am," Nerrisa commented. Her lover shrugged. "They make a good looking couple and you father is a handsome man for his age." "I noticed he hasn't gone out of his way to introduce us." "He will soon. He's just trying not to frighten her off. It'll be alright, you'll see." Carrie slid her arm around Nerrisa and pulled her closer. "Come on, let's get some lunch. I'm starving," she said, doing her best to distract Nerrisa from the scene. "Do you think they'll have children if they marry?" "Probably. She's still a young woman and I bet your father would be happy to have more kids since his eldest is a grown woman and no longer needs him," Carrie told her gently. "A girl never stops needing her father. But you're right, he had always wanted a large family but mother almost died giving birth to me and was told never to have another. Papa always wanted a son." "Well, if we have kids too, they can grow up together," Carrie teased. "That's true. I can just picture it. They would be near the same ages but ours would be the nieces and nephews." Carrie laughed. "No one said it would be typical but it would certainly be fun. Come on, my tummy is complaining. Let's get some lunch." * * * * * The ship was under way but Cierra still chose to travel on Mother Earth rather than Elinor's world as Danilo had suggested. He had wanted more people to witness their existence but that was too dangerous. There could be groups of people out there who wouldn't hesitate to take her hostage and she knew it. The Mayor had understood once she explained it then promised to contact the Prince's social secretary to inform them of their intended arrival date. For now, they would enjoy the nice weather and clear skies. She watched the dolphins that raced ahead of them, leaping from the water from time to time. She found it amazing that so much sea life could be seen in this body of water. They had seen dolphins, whales, sea turtles, seals, and every conceivable fish. The crew had collected items such as sponges, pearls, and exotic shells each time they anchored. Many of the crew now wore shell bead necklaces that resembled the popular puka beads from the 1970's. They also spent a lot of time carving more shells beads for trading but kept the leftover shell powder for the glass blower in the Napa clan. It could be combined with the limestone to produce lime for glassmaking. As with her own village, little went to waste on the Wave Dancer. Cierra stepped away from the railing and went in search of her wife. JP was spending time with grandmother Kiona to learn more about the history of the shaman's people. The elder shaman had hinted that she thought JP would benefit from learning more about the shamanistic ways. The incident with Kota had caught the interest of the older woman when she heard about it. She was also rather irritated that Kota hadn't volunteered to teach JP along side her wife. Kiona intended to speak with the man the first chance she had. JP and Kiona's voices led Cierra to a deck near the center of the ship. Cierra went around the corner and spotted her wife with her medicine bundle, sitting as she usually did when she meditated in the mornings. Kiona sat near her, whispering something softly. The older woman spotted her granddaughter in the corner of her eye and held up a hand to stop her from speaking just yet. Cierra watched silently until JP began opening her eyes. Thinking they were finished, Cierra was about to speak when she noticed that JP's blue eyes looked eerily dark and stared off into the distance. "What do you see?" Kiona asked. "The ocean," she said simply. "And?" JP didn't answer at first then she spoke, his voice deeper than ever before. "The water, I think it's alive. I see it breathing." She remained silent for many seconds then continued, "I hear them laughing." "Who?" "I don't know, but I can hear them, like children playing in the field." JP suddenly shook her head and her eyes blinked rapidly. Cierra noticed they were now their normal pale blue. "That was so freaking weird," JP commented. "I must have babies on the mind because I had the strangest idea that the ocean was birth waters." "That's exactly what they are, JP. The oceans are the womb of the Earth. Life started within her womb and spread to all corners of the world." "And the laughter I heard?" "Her children, of course," Kiona smiled. "I think you've done enough for today. Your wife is here to steal you away. Have a little fun and don't try and over-think anything," she suggested. "Another lesson tomorrow?" "I doubt it. We'll arrive at our destination by late tonight. Perhaps after a few days we'll continue." "Alright. We'll see you at dinner, Grandmother." JP leaned down and kissed the older woman's cheek. Kiona nodded regally and turned her gaze to the horizon, her mind already searching the distance hum of the life around her. Destiny Unraveled, part 14 "I think we had better jump to Elinor's world. The shipping lanes and coastal area is starting to get busy with ship traffic," Cierra told Janice. "Okay, let me get everyone hustling to get ready. Give me about half an hour, okay?" The ship's speakers came to life a few minutes later as Janice addressed the crew and their families that they were about to make the jump to the other world. She ordered the assigned guards to report to their stations. This might be the port for the rich and famous but she wasn't going to take any chances. The Mayor had been promised that the Wave Dancer would be assigned a secure dock and under guard but Janice knew she wouldn't allow them on board. Let them guard the docks and waters around them but keep their distance. Once everyone reported ready, Janice gave Cierra the go ahead to transport them when she believed it to be safe. Cierra examined the area ahead of them with her inner eye then leaned forward, placing her hands on the railing. The experienced crew knew this signaled that the jump would be within seconds. The scenery around them wavered and the port city of Monte Carlo appeared before them in all its glory. Within seconds of their arrival, every nearby ship began sounding their horns in greeting. The radio, set to the port authority frequency, came alive with their official greetings and instructions to slow their speed and await the arrival of their vessel to escort them to their assigned dock. Families and crew both came to the upper decks to see the view, ohing and awing over the fairy tale city that was silhouetted in light of the setting sun. Most of the modern buildings hadn't been built yet and it still retained the charm of the past with its palace-like buildings that hid in the shadows of the high hills behind the city. Passing ships held eager people who waved happily at the passengers of the yacht from Mother Earth. Those not on duty gave in to the urge to return the greetings, waving arms and hats at the passing people. Robbie came up behind Cierra and urged her away from the rails. "I think you should stay on the bridge for now." Cierra didn't fight her long time bodyguard and friend, following her to the cooler interior where Janice was supervising her crew. The ship was keeping its course towards the large port area but soon a small, well maintained vessel approached them. On its deck were several men, either dressed in Naval uniforms or business suits. The uniformed men came to attention, saluting the nearing yacht in respect for Queen Cierra. A calm voice came over the radio and reminded them once more to follow the escort ship to the docks. "At least he's speaking English," one of the bridge hands remarked. "Never mind that, just keep a sharp eye out and follow them as instructed, Carlos," Janice told him. "Yes, Ma'am." It took nearly forty-five minutes before the Wave Dancer settled into its berth. Military soldiers surrounded the wharf and were also patrolling in motorized boats. No other ship was docked near them for over two hundred yards in each direction. Janice suspected that a few ship owners were annoyed at being ousted from their docks. She was also curious to what they expected of them now when a motorcade of four vehicles, all with diplomatic regalia. Uniformed men rushed first to the third automobile waited. Janice rushed to the intercom. "All hands, prepare to welcome our important guests." The crew already lined up on the side facing the gangplank came to attention and waited as the ship's officers approached the dock. Cierra followed Janice with Robbie a mere two paces behind her. Robbie hissed to one of the crew to fetch the others from the Napa clan. The ship's crew began lowering the stairs to the dock, secured it, then stood to the sides at attention. Janice and Nicholas waited at the top of the stairs and waited patiently for the assembly to make their way up the stairs. The first man to the top bowed the officers and announced the Prince and Princess of Monaco, along with a long line of official titles, but by no means all of them. Once he finished, the two officers bowed and welcomed the couple aboard as well as their companions. Prince Rainier and his wife both scanned the people around them, obviously curious where Cierra was. Cierra and Robbie were just around the corner, waiting for the others to join them. Cierra had no desire to meet with the famous couple without some of her friends to greet them. Pam, Eva, and Tracy arrived, all dressed in the outfits they had worn at the dinner the other night. "Ready?" Robbie asked as she placed Tracy's hand on her arm to escort her. The three couples headed out and approached the waiting guests, Cierra and JP in the lead. The second officer stood at attention and introduced the women as they neared the gangplank. The royal couple curtsied and bowed then the four council members returned the motions to the Royalty. Cierra found the formalities amusing but tried not to giggle. It was especially funny to see the men look up at Robbie, who towered over most of the men. Cierra stepped forward, her gloved hand held out so the Prince could bow over it then she took Grace's hand and shook it warmly, smiling at the glamorous woman. Even in her forties Grace Kelly was an attractive woman. Her dark honey blonde hair was covered with a silk scarf to protect it from the brisk winds. "Now that the formalities have been met, please, call me Cierra. I would rather not spend our time standing about stiffly and acting oh so polite. We'll leave that for the gala events and the diplomats. Let's go inside and relax, shall we?" The prince was not quite certain how to approach this situation but Grace chuckled. "I take it you find all this pomp and ceremony a complete bore?" "Guilty as charged. If I had my way I would probably greet you both barefoot and wearing my most comfortable casual clothes. I doubt the newsmen with their camera's would have taken it well so let's sneak off out of sight and enjoy ourselves." * * * * * Cierra led them to the same deck where they had entertained the Mayor only this time canvases had been positioned around it to keep the sun off of everyone and to give them visual privacy from anyone with telescopic lenses. A wet bar had been set up to serve drinks and chairs and tables were set up casually in circles. "Gentlemen, feel free to remove your coats. I know the heat will be uncomfortable even in the shade." Cierra removed her gloves and kicked off her heels, daring any of them to so much as raise an eyebrow. Grace's lips twitched and she did the same, removing her gloves, scarf, and outer jacket to her dress. Realizing that he would be seen as stiff necked if he remained fully dressed, the prince removed his coat and gloves before sitting down. Cierra noticed that the older man was now turning grey and it reminded her that he was a great deal older than his wife. Nerrisa and her fellow staff made the rounds and served everyone their drinks before placing platters of finger foods on the tables. The conversations were stiff at first but then as people relaxed, Grace and her husband felt more at ease asking questions about life on Mother Earth. "Excuse me, but if gasoline engines aren't permitted on your world then what powers this vessel?" one of the diplomats asked. Janice began explaining the different power sources but the man was confused by the description of the solar cells. Believing he just didn't understand the word properly, he looked to the interpreter, who shrugged, just as confused. "Solar power is a way to convert the light from the sun into electric energy using silicone cells. It's a complex method developed several decades ago and we try not to rely solely on the sun. We gather much more energy with our turbo systems by wind and water.' "I see. And you run your computers on this wind power? Isn't is difficult to transport such large equipment?" "Our computers are smaller than typewriters and much lighter. I have no idea how we'll repair them in the future but for now we use them for our studies. We don't use them at all on the bridge. We use the tried and true methods used prior to the computer age." "Do you regret leaving all your modern technology behind, Cierra?" Grace asked. "Not at all," JP responded. "There are plenty of methods to use that don't require pollutants. Technology from our old world is getting so complex that what you learn in college is almost obsolete by the time you earn your degree. At least on Mother Earth things move at a slower pace most of the time. We might have to work a little harder to gain anything but the tension and stress is much lower." "But you have no modern hospitals or places like museums and theatres." "We entertain ourselves. Back home we have a few talented singers, even a former jazz singer." Grace perked up at the mention of jazz. "I have a friend, perhaps you've heard of her, Josephine Baker?" "Yes, she existed on our Earth too. I'm sure Alix would have loved to meet her before she passed away." "Too bad your friend didn't come along. We could have introduced them," the Prince commented. "I can always fetch Alix and bring her here." The visitors all shivered in shock. Such abilities seemed like magic. "I could phone Jo and see if she would be willing to drive over here," Grace offered shakily. Janice asked one of the servers to bring out the wireless phone for the princess. The woman stared at it, confused by the technology. People of this time still used rotary dial phones. "I'm sorry, let me dial it for you," Janice offered. She punched the number the princess told her then handed the headset to her as it begun ringing. Grace spoke to someone on the other end then handed the phone to Janice, unsure how to hang up. "She should be here in about an hour." Cierra stood up. "I'll go find Alix." "Wait, Is it true that you can take others with you? I would like to see this colony of yours," Grace said. Prince Rainier begun protesting softly, thinking his spouse was insane. She shushed him good naturedly. "I'm sure Queen Cierra would guarantee my safety if she permitted me to come along," she mentioned, giving Cierra a pointed look. "Of course. Ours is a peaceful community. The worst danger would be having the children pile around her. They love visitors." The prince let out a sigh and nodded, permitting his wife to do as she wished. Grace smiled and looped her arm around Cierra's, excited about the little adventure. Cierra warned her that she'd be dizzy for a few seconds then jumped home. Grace swayed for a moment then shook off the effect. She looked around in wonder at the scenery around her. True, the village was primitive in many ways but it was neat and tidy and bustling with life. People noticed Cierra's appearance and shouted and waved. Quite a few approached the pair, wanting to find out who the stranger was. Cierra made introductions before asking where Alix was working. "I'll get her," one woman offered after Cierra explained why she was needed. "Would you like a tour of the village while we're here?" Cierra asked. "I'd love to see everything," the princess said, her nose wrinkling in delight as she smiled. Two little girls rushed up to the Princess and each took a hand, pleased to see a new face. The trio followed behind Cierra, who was soon joined by several children who had missed her. Cierra walked the princess in a circle, leaving the communal building for last. By then, Hillary had already been warned of the visitor and had hurried to make a special meal for them. Alix had met up with Cierra early in the tour and she was at the baths, cleaning up after working in the fields. She would join Cierra once she was dressed and packed. Inside the communal building, the people of the village waited patiently to greet the Princess of Monaco. Grace greeted everyone warmly, shaking hands and listening to those who grown up watching her films. She even graciously signed autographs and accepted small gifts. She was especially thrilled with a necklace made by the jeweler, made with local gold and polished amber. The colors went well with her hair and she asked the crafts woman to place it around her neck, making the woman blush. Hillary served Cierra, Grace, and the Council a light meal, showing off the types of food the clan grew and cooked with. Alix almost ran into the building, carrying her guitar case and an overnight bag. She curtsied prettily for the princess, having learned how for her visit to England to perform for the Queen. Alix had changed into an outfit she hadn't worn since before the eruption, a cocktail length dress made of a shimmering black with a delicate floral pattern. Her hair was wrapped in a matching kerchief. She had chunky silver and onyx jewelry and wore black sandals. Cierra had to admit she hadn't seen Alix so nicely dressed since they met. "I'm sorry I took so long. I had to shake out my clothes that I had stored away. I also pulled out a few of my CD's. I thought perhaps she'd enjoy listening to them while we were on the yacht." "CDs?" the Princess asked. "Yes, sorry, they haven't been invented yet in your world. They're flat discs used to record and play music instead of tapes," Alix explained. "I can't wait to see this invention of yours." "We'll be happy to deminstate as soon as we return," Cierra promised. Grace dabbed her lips with the cloth napkin. "Which should be soon before my husband feels the need to call out the guard." she thanked Hillary for the wonderful meal and the three women gathered their items, stood together, and disappeared from the dining area. tbc |