Circumstances (part 5 – reunion): Spring, two years after Devon fell ill
and 6 months after Danziger was banished.
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Voice of Morgan: "Things in the colony are still far from perfect, but at least we are heading in the correct direction. I requested, and it was granted, to be the persecutor on Chuck Burton's trial. Since there was no evidence that Burton did anything to Danziger, mainly because there was no evidence of Danziger, I did not seek manslaughter, but a conviction of endangerment of human life. There was ample proof that the island to which Danziger was transferred to had insufficient food and water to sustain human life. Alonzo, Julia and even Dr. Vasquez testified to this effect. I won the case then the difficult decision of what to do with Burton had to be dealt with. I proposed, based on much discussion with the Advance team, that Burton be banned for life from operating any aircraft, his privilege for land vehicles was also revoked for a period of 5 years as were his fitness center privilege. Walman suggested the revoked fitness center privilege since he knew Burton was a fitness freak and that was the only way to make him pay for Danziger. The ban on vehicles and fitness center did not extend to Burton's family; they had done no wrong so should not be punished. There was also a provision added that if Burton decided to venture out of the colony, he would need to be accompanied by someone of the community's choosing, not the committee's. I believe that Burton, although he has never said anything to this effect, was acting on committee's orders. I have no proof so I cannot act on it.
I wonder how different things would have been if Devon had not fallen ill. The situation with Danziger would have most certainly never arisen. All in all it has been a difficult several months since the colony ship landed. You would have thought the journey and construction would have been the hard part but that has not been the case. Some positive things have happened in recent months. First, after Burton's conviction, Yale was successfully able to get an inquiry into Harper's death. Danziger was proven to be innocent. It has been speculated that a penal colonist must have killed Harper. Considering we haven't sighted a penal colonist, nor has anything been stolen, this seems unlikely but at least Danziger has been exonerated and no one else from the Advance team has been charged. We are secretly looking into it, but so far have found nothing. The second positive happening is of a more personal nature; Bess and I are expecting our first child in 6 months time. We thought long and hard before deciding to have a child. The atmosphere is not ideal but as Bess pointed out, this was a beautiful place and the actions of a few should not interfere with us having a happy life. Ours will be the first child born to the colony. Bess has continued to grieve for Devon and Danziger since they were lost to us, but now, with the baby coming she wishes more then ever the Devon was around. Devon and Danziger are the only people close to us that have had a child. Bess would really like to talk to Devon about some of the things going on. Julia refuses to give up hope even after two years."
"Julia, hey Julia, can you hear me?"
"Danziger? John is that you? Where are you? How are you? How…"
"Whoa, slow down. We're on the dream plane. "
"I don't understand, how did you get on the dream plane."
Just then Alonzo joined them. "Danziger? How did you get us here?"
"Sleeping terrian, listen, I can't stay long, I just wanted to tell you I know how to cure Devon."
"What, how" Julia exclaimed.
"Seems like the planet is rejecting us, the only way to survive is to accept the planet. Go to the Elder, he can give you the details and he is willing to help."
"There is a lock down on ships after we discovered you had been moved, we'll need to get approval." Alonzo started.
"Don't tell them you're trying to cure Devon, just tell them you want to check the ship out. I don't want Uly to get his hopes up in case this doesn't work. How are the kids anyway? I've only been able to contact them twice."
"You've contacted them? They never mentioned it. They're doing good, they miss you and Devon but they are strong, top of their class, too."
"I was hoping that I could meet you at Devon's ship and catch a ride home but I miscalculated and I won't be able to get there in time. Don't wait for me. If I can find someplace I recognized, I'll try to let you know."
"When could you get to the ship, we'll try and go back. You've been exonerated."
"About time! Not sure when I can get back. Hey, I might be able to use the transmitter in the ship so leave it with some power. Don't forget stop by and get the Elder but don't let the colonists know about him or his group. Oh, yeah, I left some seeds and stuff at the winter camp, if you want to bring back some of it, just don't take it all. I plan on using that place as my retirement home so try not to let the colonists know the exact location either."
"Are you ok?" Julia asked.
"I've been better. I'll be a lot better when I am with the kids. I really screwed up. I've been using the spider tunnels to try and get back to New Pacifica. Worst case, I would do some hopping around and then head back to the ship and catch a ride with you. But I am a few weeks walk from any tunnel I know about and it's several hops before I can get there."
"We can wait. We can revive Devon and she can recuperate at the winter camp." Alonzo stated.
"How are you going to justify the long stay to the committee? How are you going to make Devon stay at camp instead of being with Uly? You haven't told anyone about the spider tunnels, have you?"
"No."
"Good then don't. I know that I am sounding paranoid but when I get back to the colony, I want to make sure that I can get me and my family out again if need be. Last time they banished me, then sent me to a hell-hole, the next time I might not be as lucky."
"We understand."
"Is everyone ok? I mean there hasn't been any backlash on the group, has there?"
"No, things aren't great but there hasn't been any backlash. Although, do you have room in that retirement home for anybody else."
"Always room for friends. When do you think that you'll go to Devon?"
"We'll request the VTO first thing tomorrow. Hopefully we can leave the day after that."
"OK, I'll give the Elder a heads up that you hope to be there soon. I'll try to contact you again later in the week, in case your plans change. Please don't mention speaking with me, I don't want to causes any roadblocks."
"OK -- are you sure you don't want us to wait. We all want you back here with us." Julia stated.
"I want to be back there as well, but it is more important that Devon get back there as soon as possible. I think that she might be able to straighten some of mess that the committee has caused. Trust me, my plan was to either be back with my kids by now or be waiting for you at the ship. I will get back there. I have to go now. Good luck and please be careful."
Danziger removed his hand from the terrian and winced in pain. He was in fact only a few days from a spider tunnel but it would be a few weeks before he would be well enough to get back there. Upon arriving at the latest spider tunnel, he had met with what must be a relative of the abominable snowman. The creature had done a number on him and he was lucky to escape with his life. He managed to drag himself to this cave and for once luck was with him and terrians were hibernating there. Morganite kept him from freezing and there was plenty of snow to melt for water. This food situation was a little precarious, but he had some roots and grains that he could stretch until he was well enough to move again. Both his legs had been broken in his encounter with the creature. He managed to set and splint them all the time cursing himself for never getting around to getting a bone healer vaccination. Julia was definitely going to read him the riot act when he finally saw her.
Danziger reached out to touch the terrian again.
"John, what have you done to yourself this time?" the Elder reprimanded.
"You don't want to know, that way when Julia and Devon start the interrogation, you can honestly say that you don't know. I'm not going to make it back but Julia and Alonzo hope to be there in a few days. Does that work for you?"
"Timing couldn't be better. The ground around here is soft enough to dig the pit. Do you know if there are sunstones where Devon is at?"
"Don't know, never looked for them."
"Not a problem. We'll bring some with us, as well as some dirt, just in case there is something special with our soil here."
"So, its just lie on some rocks and get covered by dirt and she's cured?"
"Well she needs to be at peace with herself and the planet. That's is why I hoped that you'd be here."
"If Devon needs to be at peace, then I would say it is a good thing that I am not going to be there. I told Julia and Alonzo not to bring Uly, should I ask them to?"
"No, if Uly is here, Devon's focus will be on him and how her illness is effecting him. It is best that the child be left behind. But John, I was serious; I think that if you were here, it would help Devon accept the cure. There is something going on between you two, I think that if you're not here, Devon will realize that something is wrong and worry about that."
"What if I contact her on the Dream Plane? Would that help? Gee, for someone that doesn't like the invasive nature of this thing, I sure do use it a lot."
"John, you're not manipulating anyone with it, just comforting. Yes, I think that if you can't be here, then contact on the Dream Plane would be helpful. So John, what is going on between you and Devon?"
"Time to go. I'll be in touch. " Danziger once again released the terrian. Trying to keep the pain from his mind while he was on the Dream Plane was very tiring. He had to get some rest so that he would be able to help Devon when the time came.
First thing the next morning, Alonzo and Julia requested a VTO for doing a maintenance check on Devon's ship. Since it had gone two years without being checked, it was agreed. Surprisingly, there were no objections to Julia and Alonzo going. Julia had been researching Devon's case for two years and Alonzo was the only one familiar with the technology, they were the only logical choice. No one else from the Advance team requested to go, they didn't want to see Devon in her tomb.
Julia and Alonzo left the following day. Danziger had contacted them and then relayed the information to the Elder.
Julia and Alonzo first touched down at the Winter Camp. There they found the roots and seeds that Danziger had referred to. They felt a trace of homesickness at being back at the old camp. Things hadn't always been easy but they had all been together and they were sure of the leadership. After a quick walk around the camp, they decided that Danziger hadn't spent much time there. They packed the samples, along with a copy of the notes that Danziger left with each and got back into the VTO.
Next they picked up the Elder, along with a couple of his men, some sunstones and some dirt, just in case either was needed. Once again they didn't linger, wanting to get to Devon as soon as possible. Alonzo touched down as close to Bennett's ship as possible. He and Julia entered the ship while the Elder scoured the area looking for sunstones and his men began the pit. Julia waited until the Elder informed her that the pit was ready, then she and Alonzo brought Devon out of cold sleep. Alonzo quickly carried her out of the ship into the pit. The Elder started speaking soothing words to her. Julia carefully ran the diaglove over Devon. Devon was stable for the time being.
Julia had been monitoring Devon for several hours, so far there had been little to no improvement and Julia began to despair. Suddenly Devon's vitals began to improve.
"Ah, John's with her now." The Elder said.
"John, where are you?" Devon asked in a worried voice.
"I'm sorry Devon, I couldn't be with you in person, I tried but something came up."
"Are you OK? What about Uly, True, the others?"
"Everyone is fine. They all miss you and want you back at the colony."
"The colony! You've reached New Pacifica?"
"Of course, we made much better time once you weren't there holding us back. Seriously, we had some good luck. We made it in time for the colony to be ready and waiting for the colonists."
"So how did they react to the cure?"
"Mixed, some accepted, some didn't. Listen Devon, we need you to get well so that you can join us in New Pacifica. So quit worrying about everything and everyone and relax. Accept the planet."
"How do I accept the planet?"
"Uh, not sure, I'll be right back." Danziger with some difficulty removed his thoughts from Devon and focused on the Elder.
"Hey, how does she accept the planet?"
"Well, I know that for me, it was focusing on the beauty and tranquility of the planet. Have her focus on the natural wonders of the planet, those that bring her the most joy and serenity."
"Serenity and joy -- related to the planet. Got it."
Danziger focused his thoughts on Devon. "OK, focus on the aspects of the planet the bring you joy and serenity. Not Uly, but the planet."
Devon remembered the moment she stepped off the pod and the sense of wonder she felt at seeing the beautiful world, the thrill of feeling the cool breeze. Quickly other images followed: sunsets and sunrises, the first snow fall, the majesty of the mountains, the awe at the ocean on the East Coast, the sight of a bird flying, the trees, flowers. The images came quickly.
"You're always there." Devon said.
"Well, I'm tall, I'm hard to ignore." Danziger replied in a subdued tone.
"That's not it. I mean…"
Danziger cut her off. "Devon focus on getting well, when we together again we can discuss anything else. What is your favorite image?"
"The beach on the East Coast, is the West Coast one as beautiful?"
"Yes, it's amazing. It's a little different but no less beautiful."
Devon continued to focus on beauty of the planet. Julia was amazed at how fast her vitals where responding.
"Devon, you're doing great. It's time to wake up. I have to leave…"
"Don't go John." Devon pleaded.
"We'll be together soon. I promise. First you got to get well. I miss you Devon. I can't wait to see you. " Danziger removed his hand from the terrian.
Devon slowly regained consciousness. Julia, Alonzo and the Elder were beaming at her.
"Welcome back." Julia exclaimed.
"Can I have some water?" Devon asked.
Julia glanced at the Elder who nodded. "Does she need to stay in the dirt?" Julia asked.
"I'd keep her in there for a little while longer." The Elder replied.
By nightfall, Devon was sitting beside the fire. "Why isn't John here?"
"He had other things that needed his attention." Alonzo replied.
"There are sleeping terrians in New Pacifica at this time of year?"
"What makes you say that?" Alonzo questioned.
"John contacted me on the Dream Plane, so that means hibernating terrians. Or have you all figured out how to use the Dream Plane for communication?"
"No, we cannot communicate via the Dream Plane between each other." Julia stated. "Devon, it's a long story. Please rest for the night. If you're well enough, we will head back to New Pacifica in the morning. I will tell you the whole story on the way. I promise."
Devon was feeling rather weak and decided she would probably need the energy to deal with the situation back in New Pacifica.
The next morning, the Elder and Julia gave Devon the all clear. Since the Elder said he had never seen a relapse, it was decided it would be safe to return. They loaded the VTO for the trip back to the Elder's group. The Elder instructed Alonzo to find sunstones in New Pacifica as soon as possible in case someone else fell ill, it generally happened in the spring. Luckily the dirt that the Elder brought with him was not needed so he and his helpers took it and the sunstones back to their cave.
On the trip back, Julia filled in Devon on what had been happening in New Pacifica. Devon was furious but managed to calm herself prior to reaching New Pacifica.
Alonzo radioed ahead to let everyone know they were coming. He did not tell them that Devon would be with them. As expected, the Advance team all managed to take a break at the time the VTO landed. They were all eager to hear how Devon was doing. Julia was bombarded with questions as soon as she opened the door to the aircraft.
"Hey, if you'd all give me a chance, I'll tell you." Julia reprimanded. "Devon, how are you feeling?"
"Great!" Devon appeared at the door and was rushed by her friends. Once again, everyone shouted questions.
Julia called above the noise. "Please, I would like to check Devon out at the hospital. Perhaps we can all meet for a late lunch, early dinner, at her place?"
Devon had been talking to Bess, expressing her joy at the pending baby. "Julia, I'm fine, I don't need to go to the hospital."
"Devon, it would really make me feel better if I could just run a quick scan over you. Besides don't you think a celebration is called for? This way, you and I get to enjoy it, without doing any of the work."
"We'll let you clean up!" Alonzo offered.
"Oh, I don't think that I'm that strong." Devon returned.
Julia was finally able to convince Devon to go to the hospital as the other rushed to prepare the celebration feast. Devon spent the short walk to the hospital admiring the community. She noticed right away several of the improvisation and also noted the generous use of trees and plants, which she thoroughly agreed with. Several people stopped her as she went by to express their happiness at her return. By the time she reached the hospital, there was a crowd waiting for her. Julia explained that she needed a check up and then rest. Tomorrow she would be allowed to answer questions and receive visitors. The check up went smooth and in no time Devon was back at the Adair-Danziger unit. She immediately saw that it had been combined, instead of two doors side by side, there was one large double door. Inside her family and friends were waiting with a fire burning in the large fireplace. A quick glance around the unit showed a very homey place.
"Did they tell you about John?" Yale asked.
"Yes, I know. When did these people get so unreasonable? How could.."
"Devon, please remain calm, you won't do you or John any good." Julia said.
"Can we get the VTO and search for him?" Baines asked.
"Not sure where to look, he's been traveling around trying to find this way here. He could be anywhere on the planet." Alonzo stated.
"How do you know?" Bess asked.
"He contacted me on the Dream Plane. Listen, John doesn't want anyone else to know about the spider tunnels, the location of the winter camp or anything. He wants to make sure that we'll all have an out should things get rough."
"OK, cheerful discussions, nothing morbid. Doctor's orders." Julia stated.
The dinner was long and for the most part cheerful. The dishes were cleared and the crowd started to leave, each promising they would be by the next day. When Julia ordered Devon to bed, True and Uly lead her to the master bedroom.
"Isn't this your dad's room?" Devon asked.
"He said he was just using it until you got back. He wanted you to have it." True replied.
The children lingered a little longer until Yale sent them to their beds. She explored the room. John's few processions still hung in the closet; his shaving kit was in the bathroom. Conversely, her stuff was all packed away in boxes. Devon stripped her clothes and took a long hot shower. After drying off, she took one of John's shirts and crawled into bed.
"You promised we'd be together." She whispered before falling asleep.
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End of part 5.
Voice of Morgan: "Things in the colony are still far from perfect, but at least we are heading in the correct direction. I requested, and it was granted, to be the persecutor on Chuck Burton's trial. Since there was no evidence that Burton did anything to Danziger, mainly because there was no evidence of Danziger, I did not seek manslaughter, but a conviction of endangerment of human life. There was ample proof that the island to which Danziger was transferred to had insufficient food and water to sustain human life. Alonzo, Julia and even Dr. Vasquez testified to this effect. I won the case then the difficult decision of what to do with Burton had to be dealt with. I proposed, based on much discussion with the Advance team, that Burton be banned for life from operating any aircraft, his privilege for land vehicles was also revoked for a period of 5 years as were his fitness center privilege. Walman suggested the revoked fitness center privilege since he knew Burton was a fitness freak and that was the only way to make him pay for Danziger. The ban on vehicles and fitness center did not extend to Burton's family; they had done no wrong so should not be punished. There was also a provision added that if Burton decided to venture out of the colony, he would need to be accompanied by someone of the community's choosing, not the committee's. I believe that Burton, although he has never said anything to this effect, was acting on committee's orders. I have no proof so I cannot act on it.
I wonder how different things would have been if Devon had not fallen ill. The situation with Danziger would have most certainly never arisen. All in all it has been a difficult several months since the colony ship landed. You would have thought the journey and construction would have been the hard part but that has not been the case. Some positive things have happened in recent months. First, after Burton's conviction, Yale was successfully able to get an inquiry into Harper's death. Danziger was proven to be innocent. It has been speculated that a penal colonist must have killed Harper. Considering we haven't sighted a penal colonist, nor has anything been stolen, this seems unlikely but at least Danziger has been exonerated and no one else from the Advance team has been charged. We are secretly looking into it, but so far have found nothing. The second positive happening is of a more personal nature; Bess and I are expecting our first child in 6 months time. We thought long and hard before deciding to have a child. The atmosphere is not ideal but as Bess pointed out, this was a beautiful place and the actions of a few should not interfere with us having a happy life. Ours will be the first child born to the colony. Bess has continued to grieve for Devon and Danziger since they were lost to us, but now, with the baby coming she wishes more then ever the Devon was around. Devon and Danziger are the only people close to us that have had a child. Bess would really like to talk to Devon about some of the things going on. Julia refuses to give up hope even after two years."
"Julia, hey Julia, can you hear me?"
"Danziger? John is that you? Where are you? How are you? How…"
"Whoa, slow down. We're on the dream plane. "
"I don't understand, how did you get on the dream plane."
Just then Alonzo joined them. "Danziger? How did you get us here?"
"Sleeping terrian, listen, I can't stay long, I just wanted to tell you I know how to cure Devon."
"What, how" Julia exclaimed.
"Seems like the planet is rejecting us, the only way to survive is to accept the planet. Go to the Elder, he can give you the details and he is willing to help."
"There is a lock down on ships after we discovered you had been moved, we'll need to get approval." Alonzo started.
"Don't tell them you're trying to cure Devon, just tell them you want to check the ship out. I don't want Uly to get his hopes up in case this doesn't work. How are the kids anyway? I've only been able to contact them twice."
"You've contacted them? They never mentioned it. They're doing good, they miss you and Devon but they are strong, top of their class, too."
"I was hoping that I could meet you at Devon's ship and catch a ride home but I miscalculated and I won't be able to get there in time. Don't wait for me. If I can find someplace I recognized, I'll try to let you know."
"When could you get to the ship, we'll try and go back. You've been exonerated."
"About time! Not sure when I can get back. Hey, I might be able to use the transmitter in the ship so leave it with some power. Don't forget stop by and get the Elder but don't let the colonists know about him or his group. Oh, yeah, I left some seeds and stuff at the winter camp, if you want to bring back some of it, just don't take it all. I plan on using that place as my retirement home so try not to let the colonists know the exact location either."
"Are you ok?" Julia asked.
"I've been better. I'll be a lot better when I am with the kids. I really screwed up. I've been using the spider tunnels to try and get back to New Pacifica. Worst case, I would do some hopping around and then head back to the ship and catch a ride with you. But I am a few weeks walk from any tunnel I know about and it's several hops before I can get there."
"We can wait. We can revive Devon and she can recuperate at the winter camp." Alonzo stated.
"How are you going to justify the long stay to the committee? How are you going to make Devon stay at camp instead of being with Uly? You haven't told anyone about the spider tunnels, have you?"
"No."
"Good then don't. I know that I am sounding paranoid but when I get back to the colony, I want to make sure that I can get me and my family out again if need be. Last time they banished me, then sent me to a hell-hole, the next time I might not be as lucky."
"We understand."
"Is everyone ok? I mean there hasn't been any backlash on the group, has there?"
"No, things aren't great but there hasn't been any backlash. Although, do you have room in that retirement home for anybody else."
"Always room for friends. When do you think that you'll go to Devon?"
"We'll request the VTO first thing tomorrow. Hopefully we can leave the day after that."
"OK, I'll give the Elder a heads up that you hope to be there soon. I'll try to contact you again later in the week, in case your plans change. Please don't mention speaking with me, I don't want to causes any roadblocks."
"OK -- are you sure you don't want us to wait. We all want you back here with us." Julia stated.
"I want to be back there as well, but it is more important that Devon get back there as soon as possible. I think that she might be able to straighten some of mess that the committee has caused. Trust me, my plan was to either be back with my kids by now or be waiting for you at the ship. I will get back there. I have to go now. Good luck and please be careful."
Danziger removed his hand from the terrian and winced in pain. He was in fact only a few days from a spider tunnel but it would be a few weeks before he would be well enough to get back there. Upon arriving at the latest spider tunnel, he had met with what must be a relative of the abominable snowman. The creature had done a number on him and he was lucky to escape with his life. He managed to drag himself to this cave and for once luck was with him and terrians were hibernating there. Morganite kept him from freezing and there was plenty of snow to melt for water. This food situation was a little precarious, but he had some roots and grains that he could stretch until he was well enough to move again. Both his legs had been broken in his encounter with the creature. He managed to set and splint them all the time cursing himself for never getting around to getting a bone healer vaccination. Julia was definitely going to read him the riot act when he finally saw her.
Danziger reached out to touch the terrian again.
"John, what have you done to yourself this time?" the Elder reprimanded.
"You don't want to know, that way when Julia and Devon start the interrogation, you can honestly say that you don't know. I'm not going to make it back but Julia and Alonzo hope to be there in a few days. Does that work for you?"
"Timing couldn't be better. The ground around here is soft enough to dig the pit. Do you know if there are sunstones where Devon is at?"
"Don't know, never looked for them."
"Not a problem. We'll bring some with us, as well as some dirt, just in case there is something special with our soil here."
"So, its just lie on some rocks and get covered by dirt and she's cured?"
"Well she needs to be at peace with herself and the planet. That's is why I hoped that you'd be here."
"If Devon needs to be at peace, then I would say it is a good thing that I am not going to be there. I told Julia and Alonzo not to bring Uly, should I ask them to?"
"No, if Uly is here, Devon's focus will be on him and how her illness is effecting him. It is best that the child be left behind. But John, I was serious; I think that if you were here, it would help Devon accept the cure. There is something going on between you two, I think that if you're not here, Devon will realize that something is wrong and worry about that."
"What if I contact her on the Dream Plane? Would that help? Gee, for someone that doesn't like the invasive nature of this thing, I sure do use it a lot."
"John, you're not manipulating anyone with it, just comforting. Yes, I think that if you can't be here, then contact on the Dream Plane would be helpful. So John, what is going on between you and Devon?"
"Time to go. I'll be in touch. " Danziger once again released the terrian. Trying to keep the pain from his mind while he was on the Dream Plane was very tiring. He had to get some rest so that he would be able to help Devon when the time came.
First thing the next morning, Alonzo and Julia requested a VTO for doing a maintenance check on Devon's ship. Since it had gone two years without being checked, it was agreed. Surprisingly, there were no objections to Julia and Alonzo going. Julia had been researching Devon's case for two years and Alonzo was the only one familiar with the technology, they were the only logical choice. No one else from the Advance team requested to go, they didn't want to see Devon in her tomb.
Julia and Alonzo left the following day. Danziger had contacted them and then relayed the information to the Elder.
Julia and Alonzo first touched down at the Winter Camp. There they found the roots and seeds that Danziger had referred to. They felt a trace of homesickness at being back at the old camp. Things hadn't always been easy but they had all been together and they were sure of the leadership. After a quick walk around the camp, they decided that Danziger hadn't spent much time there. They packed the samples, along with a copy of the notes that Danziger left with each and got back into the VTO.
Next they picked up the Elder, along with a couple of his men, some sunstones and some dirt, just in case either was needed. Once again they didn't linger, wanting to get to Devon as soon as possible. Alonzo touched down as close to Bennett's ship as possible. He and Julia entered the ship while the Elder scoured the area looking for sunstones and his men began the pit. Julia waited until the Elder informed her that the pit was ready, then she and Alonzo brought Devon out of cold sleep. Alonzo quickly carried her out of the ship into the pit. The Elder started speaking soothing words to her. Julia carefully ran the diaglove over Devon. Devon was stable for the time being.
Julia had been monitoring Devon for several hours, so far there had been little to no improvement and Julia began to despair. Suddenly Devon's vitals began to improve.
"Ah, John's with her now." The Elder said.
"John, where are you?" Devon asked in a worried voice.
"I'm sorry Devon, I couldn't be with you in person, I tried but something came up."
"Are you OK? What about Uly, True, the others?"
"Everyone is fine. They all miss you and want you back at the colony."
"The colony! You've reached New Pacifica?"
"Of course, we made much better time once you weren't there holding us back. Seriously, we had some good luck. We made it in time for the colony to be ready and waiting for the colonists."
"So how did they react to the cure?"
"Mixed, some accepted, some didn't. Listen Devon, we need you to get well so that you can join us in New Pacifica. So quit worrying about everything and everyone and relax. Accept the planet."
"How do I accept the planet?"
"Uh, not sure, I'll be right back." Danziger with some difficulty removed his thoughts from Devon and focused on the Elder.
"Hey, how does she accept the planet?"
"Well, I know that for me, it was focusing on the beauty and tranquility of the planet. Have her focus on the natural wonders of the planet, those that bring her the most joy and serenity."
"Serenity and joy -- related to the planet. Got it."
Danziger focused his thoughts on Devon. "OK, focus on the aspects of the planet the bring you joy and serenity. Not Uly, but the planet."
Devon remembered the moment she stepped off the pod and the sense of wonder she felt at seeing the beautiful world, the thrill of feeling the cool breeze. Quickly other images followed: sunsets and sunrises, the first snow fall, the majesty of the mountains, the awe at the ocean on the East Coast, the sight of a bird flying, the trees, flowers. The images came quickly.
"You're always there." Devon said.
"Well, I'm tall, I'm hard to ignore." Danziger replied in a subdued tone.
"That's not it. I mean…"
Danziger cut her off. "Devon focus on getting well, when we together again we can discuss anything else. What is your favorite image?"
"The beach on the East Coast, is the West Coast one as beautiful?"
"Yes, it's amazing. It's a little different but no less beautiful."
Devon continued to focus on beauty of the planet. Julia was amazed at how fast her vitals where responding.
"Devon, you're doing great. It's time to wake up. I have to leave…"
"Don't go John." Devon pleaded.
"We'll be together soon. I promise. First you got to get well. I miss you Devon. I can't wait to see you. " Danziger removed his hand from the terrian.
Devon slowly regained consciousness. Julia, Alonzo and the Elder were beaming at her.
"Welcome back." Julia exclaimed.
"Can I have some water?" Devon asked.
Julia glanced at the Elder who nodded. "Does she need to stay in the dirt?" Julia asked.
"I'd keep her in there for a little while longer." The Elder replied.
By nightfall, Devon was sitting beside the fire. "Why isn't John here?"
"He had other things that needed his attention." Alonzo replied.
"There are sleeping terrians in New Pacifica at this time of year?"
"What makes you say that?" Alonzo questioned.
"John contacted me on the Dream Plane, so that means hibernating terrians. Or have you all figured out how to use the Dream Plane for communication?"
"No, we cannot communicate via the Dream Plane between each other." Julia stated. "Devon, it's a long story. Please rest for the night. If you're well enough, we will head back to New Pacifica in the morning. I will tell you the whole story on the way. I promise."
Devon was feeling rather weak and decided she would probably need the energy to deal with the situation back in New Pacifica.
The next morning, the Elder and Julia gave Devon the all clear. Since the Elder said he had never seen a relapse, it was decided it would be safe to return. They loaded the VTO for the trip back to the Elder's group. The Elder instructed Alonzo to find sunstones in New Pacifica as soon as possible in case someone else fell ill, it generally happened in the spring. Luckily the dirt that the Elder brought with him was not needed so he and his helpers took it and the sunstones back to their cave.
On the trip back, Julia filled in Devon on what had been happening in New Pacifica. Devon was furious but managed to calm herself prior to reaching New Pacifica.
Alonzo radioed ahead to let everyone know they were coming. He did not tell them that Devon would be with them. As expected, the Advance team all managed to take a break at the time the VTO landed. They were all eager to hear how Devon was doing. Julia was bombarded with questions as soon as she opened the door to the aircraft.
"Hey, if you'd all give me a chance, I'll tell you." Julia reprimanded. "Devon, how are you feeling?"
"Great!" Devon appeared at the door and was rushed by her friends. Once again, everyone shouted questions.
Julia called above the noise. "Please, I would like to check Devon out at the hospital. Perhaps we can all meet for a late lunch, early dinner, at her place?"
Devon had been talking to Bess, expressing her joy at the pending baby. "Julia, I'm fine, I don't need to go to the hospital."
"Devon, it would really make me feel better if I could just run a quick scan over you. Besides don't you think a celebration is called for? This way, you and I get to enjoy it, without doing any of the work."
"We'll let you clean up!" Alonzo offered.
"Oh, I don't think that I'm that strong." Devon returned.
Julia was finally able to convince Devon to go to the hospital as the other rushed to prepare the celebration feast. Devon spent the short walk to the hospital admiring the community. She noticed right away several of the improvisation and also noted the generous use of trees and plants, which she thoroughly agreed with. Several people stopped her as she went by to express their happiness at her return. By the time she reached the hospital, there was a crowd waiting for her. Julia explained that she needed a check up and then rest. Tomorrow she would be allowed to answer questions and receive visitors. The check up went smooth and in no time Devon was back at the Adair-Danziger unit. She immediately saw that it had been combined, instead of two doors side by side, there was one large double door. Inside her family and friends were waiting with a fire burning in the large fireplace. A quick glance around the unit showed a very homey place.
"Did they tell you about John?" Yale asked.
"Yes, I know. When did these people get so unreasonable? How could.."
"Devon, please remain calm, you won't do you or John any good." Julia said.
"Can we get the VTO and search for him?" Baines asked.
"Not sure where to look, he's been traveling around trying to find this way here. He could be anywhere on the planet." Alonzo stated.
"How do you know?" Bess asked.
"He contacted me on the Dream Plane. Listen, John doesn't want anyone else to know about the spider tunnels, the location of the winter camp or anything. He wants to make sure that we'll all have an out should things get rough."
"OK, cheerful discussions, nothing morbid. Doctor's orders." Julia stated.
The dinner was long and for the most part cheerful. The dishes were cleared and the crowd started to leave, each promising they would be by the next day. When Julia ordered Devon to bed, True and Uly lead her to the master bedroom.
"Isn't this your dad's room?" Devon asked.
"He said he was just using it until you got back. He wanted you to have it." True replied.
The children lingered a little longer until Yale sent them to their beds. She explored the room. John's few processions still hung in the closet; his shaving kit was in the bathroom. Conversely, her stuff was all packed away in boxes. Devon stripped her clothes and took a long hot shower. After drying off, she took one of John's shirts and crawled into bed.
"You promised we'd be together." She whispered before falling asleep.
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End of part 5.