2.2

It was not a simple journey for Diana to meet Sami at the cafe across from his hotel near Regents Park. She was unfamiliar with the city itself; had no money or desire to ride in one of the several taxis that ran about the streets like so many ants; and was completely untrusting and wary of the 'tube' system of which everyone was so fond. The greatest burden, however, lay not in the path itself but in the route that forced her to cross from Ettas' building near the docks where she and Steve had begun their journey only weeks before; through the city center; to reach Regents Park. Normally Diana would have enjoyed such a walk, but passing by the infinite amount of destruction the city had suffered from the German air machines brought back memories she would rather not re-live.

Indiscriminate in their damage, the 'air-ships' left some buildings untouched while others, only across the street or at times even sharing the same wall, were piles of rubble. Aid workers continued to dig at some of the sites, and Diana was torn between intervening, revealing her abilities; or passing by, voicing silent prayers to Eris and Harmonia for pity on whatever souls remained- or were lost - among the devastation. She remembered Steve, and Sami, and even Charlie telling her that they could not save everyone...that at times some may be lost for the benefit of others...and that choices must be made. A lesson she was learning all to well.

Despite a few wrong turns; one dead end; passing by two rows of shops she was certain she had passed once before; and a rather unusual experience, while crossing a large park-like area, where girls in black and crimson gowns had insisted on referring to her as 'professor'; Diana found the sign of the 'Jolly Hare' and thankfully saw Sami sitting at an outdoor table. While sharing the table with no one, Diana noted across from him an empty chair and setting of tea and sandwiches, thoughtfully placed for her; even as Sami was in spirited conversation with the two women and one man at the table to his left:

"...and you see my predicament. My family is awaiting my return, and I am due to depart in only a few short days. However, due to the unfortunate financial restrictions exacted by the War, all funds in my accounts have been placed on hold for, I am sorry to say, an unforeseen length of time. As I mentioned, something to do with the settlement of overseas war debts, I do not know, I am not a political person. However I spoke just yesterday with two highly-placed officials with the Bank of London who tell me that with the sponsorship of an eminently regarded London citizen such as yourselves, certain essential funds will be released from which, of course, I will gladly compensate you for your time and trouble."

"But Sami, if you have no money, how do you live at this hotel? Perhaps you have found a way to work for your room?"

"OH, Diana, I didn't notice your arrival." Instantly Sami stood to offer a chair to his companion. "Please meet my new acquaintances - or should I say, friends - who have through the kindness of their hearts offered to..."

Before he could introduce Diana to his new 'friends', all three had risen from their table; the two women already on their way toward the cafe's door. The man alone remained, hat and coat in place, to respond to Samis enthusiasm:

"Unfortunately, it all sounds a bit dodgy. Anyone with a companion such as yours – who, by her presence and clothing is obviously a person of means – doesn't need our assistance. Good day."

And the table to the left of Sameer and Diana was swiftly and without warning, vacant.

"Such an entrance, Diana. Your timing is as disrupting as your beauty."

"I'm sorry Sami, I did not mean to interrupt. Perhaps you can meet with your friends later?

You said you had something of Steve you wanted to share with me – did you bring the items with you?"

Sameer sat and reached inside a small valise placed beside his chair.

"I apologize if I encouraged your hopes, Diana. All I have are a few short letters he left me for safekeeping, sent to him from his family; but on those are the addresses of the correspondents, if you wish to contact any of them. Perhaps this will bring you some solace."

"Yes, thank you. I have nothing of Steve but his watch, and even that... I didn't understand why a machine one wears on ones wrist holds such importance, but I now cherish it for the importance it held for him. I miss him, Sami, so much. More than I should."

"Diana, you must remember Steve as we knew him is no longer among us, but he will return in a greater form that fits his sacrifice."

"Return? What do you mean? Is he not dead?"

Sami sat back in his chair, the picture of a man carefully considering his words:

"Each of us lives, dies, and continues on our paths as best we can. All must die, from the form we are now, to return later in a manner that reflects our previous existence. The bodies we see among us are all just passing vessels that contain our true selves. As we live every life we are given, each in a different body, we must earn our way toward a more glorious body upon our return. Or, if we do not live to the best of our ability in this life, our next vessel will reflect our poor choices."

"Are you saying those who die transform into another creature? What magic exists to restore them to what they were?"

"No magic, Diana; we each choose our own fate. Each time we return to this earth, it is another chance to live a better life, and all we can hope is our next appearance will place us in a better position than when we last were. It's like acting; give a good performance, and your next engagement will be at a larger, more grand theatre with an audience that dresses in furs and top hats. Give a poor performance, and you next appear following the trained dogs. So is our lives, Diana; how we live now, determines our future. Take my uncle – a very harsh and unpleasant man. He would strike at anyone he disapproved of – myself, included – and clutch and hold tightly to whatever he believed to be his right. Many times my dear mother, Peace be Upon Her, would do without while my uncle had more than enough. One day he died – found in the street with a dagger in his back that had not been there previously – and the next week a scorpion, very disagreeable, appeared around our home. You do know about scorpions, don't you?"

"It is a scorpion that slayed Orion, in punishment for threatening to slaughter every animal of Earth."

"Ah! In the stories, this is true; but in the desert, scorpions are bugs which sting from their tail, with clawed arms like crabs. Aware of their lowly place in life, they hide in the darkness in shame. Very undesirable. To be pierced by one is pain; or perhaps, as you say, death. As soon as the vile insect appeared, we knew it was our uncle returned in a lower form as his punishment. To kill such a reincarnation would be questioning the will of God and placing oneself on a lesser path, so each time it came near we would sweep it away with a broom. The teachings tell us rebirth is not only a renewal for those on their journey; but a test of each of us, of patience and compassion and how we treat those who have returned."

"But what of this scorpion? Is it still at your mothers home?"

"Oh, many years ago it was eaten by a mongoose. That was the last we saw of my uncle, may his mongoose dung serve to nourish the earth."

Although not as unintelligible as the 'heaven and hell' beliefs Etta had expressed earlier, this 'return of the dead' presented by Sami was not something Diana could accept. True, there are stories of the Gods, occasionally, releasing a Hero from death, or an intercession that would change a human from one form to another; but always as a lesson or test. She was not aware of any instances when the Gods had transformed any being into a guise that would not allow him to somehow return to his former self; or even a better form of himself; no matter what struggles and trials and labours that may involve. No, she could not believe Steve or any man would be bound to return to a life without understanding and for no greater purpose.

"I don't know, Sami, if everyone who dies returns; not once but again and again; in time everyone would recognize the new forms of each other. There would not be any learning or growth to a better life. I wish I could believe, as you do, but I don't want to one day learn anyone I have loved is now a scorpion or a snake or a sparrow."

"It is the will of God, Diana, and not for me to say. We each must find our own way."

"Yes, a way of our own. Thank you, Sami, for the letters and the encouragement. As Etta says, I must raise my chin."

Within a fleeting span of afternoon sunshine that had briefly overcome the clouds, the two friends sat among the comforts of reflection and memories. From the lunchtime tea Sami had ordered, Diana tested a cucumber sandwich and half-emptied her cup.

"Will I see you again before you return home?"

"Home...? Of course! Let us say that due to the uncertain state of world affairs, my current plans are...ever changing. I am always available to you, mon beau héro."

"Les dieux veillent sur toi, mon compagnon."