New World - Stage 2

by Can't make a name

A 2 part story. Everyone has emotional baggage including the Visitors. John must deal with growing unrest on the ships. Diana, must find a way to give the Great Leader the supernatural abilities he wishes to posses. Steven, could care less about anything. Even Willie and Martin are not free of their emotional baggage. Brian and his friends are Doing Our Own Thing

32. Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Jason

Follow Your Own Path

Jason can't see down to the planet from the popular observation window as he would like, this is because of today's smog being too dense. Sadly, this happens often. He would love to see the tall palm trees swaying in the breeze, they remind him of old visuals before the deserts at home became unlivable. The ocean is fine, but not as nice as the trees. Jason wishes he could go down more often, so far he has gone once and that was to help set up the Visitor Friends building for any possible immediate medical care. His device goes off, his supposed hour of freedom has been taken away by Diana. He could not dislike the woman anymore than he does, especially after what happened with Donny.

Walking into the room, he finds two SSG troopers. Diana looks up at him from her computer which she and the two SSG officers have been intently watching some visual. "Umm...Jason, please meet Brett and," She giggles, "Brian our two best SSG troopers. I am sure you remember them from our unpleasant time with that crew member." Her grin frightens him.

He understands she thinks this is an inside joke, one that is between the two of them. The joke because Brian the Youth Leader was just here this morning and Brian the SSG officer standing here now, both are named Brian. He's not sure why she thinks it is funny as there are more than one Jason, Diana and others bearing the same human names. He would like to think that the joke is not because Youth Leader Brian is on her list of sperm manipulation on his DNA or likely her future sex toy. Yeah, good luck having children after Diana is through with you Youth Leader Brian. Jason sadly knows how important it is to Whipelli to have a child for their family legacy. Of course the Youth Leader thinks he is there to ensure their health from human viruses and that the procedures are safe. He is there to serve his people so they remain healthy. Diana of course, only helps herself, caring for others doesn't come up in the conversations he has overheard. All he can do is smile a little as if he got the joke, whatever that was supposed to be.

What he cannot forget is the last time that both Donny and Brenda489 were breathing their last breath. Jason understands that Donny answered Diana's requests for sexual voyeurism every time she requested him as a very willing participant. That guy was known for his romantic escapades long before he got on Diana's sex list. Diana knew that there was nothing innocent about Donny, on that day though he just couldn't do as requested to a young human who had basically disappeared into her mind. He paid the price as Brett and Brian the SSG officers dragged him away to his death. Now, the Youth Leader Brian is being led down her dark path. Jason can see it, but there is no way to warn the Youth Leader without placing both of their lives in jeopardy. He looks at the SSG troopers both dressed totally in black and looking just as scary as before. With a tone vacant of any emotion he says, "Yes, I remember."

Since he said nothing more her eyes narrow for a moment, then she shrugs, turning to the one named Brett. "So you agree with this plan. We take the Downstairs child Carl to this place in Sechin Bajo in Peru."

"Yes, Our Great Leader is sure this is where the ancients came first to this planet. We thought initially that it was in what the humans call the Guatemalan jungle. We found a city that the humans have not yet discovered as well, we thought it was the temple of the ancients may have used or have had created. The temple is not far from the city, but we found it was not where the ancients hid the message." Brett points to a visual. "Since the child is a genius in understanding these writings, we believe before anything is done that we have him look at it first before trying to move them. We want to ensure that he sees everything first in case there is damage done. Also, visuals could miss something that the child needs to see, we leave everything as it is."

"I agree he may only be twelve, but he could read the stones with little training at the different sites at home." She says rubbing her hands gleefully together.

Jason cups his hands together becoming more nervous as to why he is here on something he knows must be a very secret assignment from the Great One. He watches as Diana lights up images of some old stones and finds he is forced to move even closer to them. All he wants is to leave the room.

Four images float in front of the group and Brett begins to point at them. "Notice how this one in Siviley looks very similar to the one here on Earth."

"Yes, I agree. These must be the ancient writing." Diana replies quickly, then she points to some stick figures on a wall in Sechin Bajo. "But I think the humans did these figures."

"Yes, it is like the ones in Siviley. We believe after the ancients left our planet the Dahax made these drawings." Brett points to stick figures running away from what appear to be spaceships with spider legs. "This may be when many Dahax were pushed out of the jungles. Notice how some of the figures go this way and some in another direction. This must be how the ancients caused our people to change. This group will become us the Depol and this group the Ibrea; the environment changes us into different species."

"Yes," Diana is smiling. "Our Great Leader believes it was the ancients and not the environment that caused the Dahax to split into two groups and begin the change into our different species. I doubt the ancients meant for the Ibrea to do much. It was our people the Depol, that are being called to service for this great journey. The Dahax are obviously of little intelligence and the Ibrea could be what Earth people call hippies. A project for the Ibrea could not even be found for them on procuring water. They will not kill except for insects, which they eat continuously. Then again average height of eight or nine feet would make them hard to blend into human society." She raises a brow as she shakes her head. "No, one understands them except maybe the Whipelli, who evolved from the Ibrea during one of the worse global warming s our world endured until now."

Brett cocks his head smiling at her. "I agree, the Dahax are of little value except to serve as soldiers. Although at the time the Dahax would have been thought of as highly intelligent. As for the Ibrea they may have already fulfilled some need of the ancients." He points to one of the visuals, "There is so much here at this new site Sechin Bajo. We are lucky the humans have not found it. Then again, we know what we are looking for."

"I like the one in Siviley where you see what appears to be our planet and next to it is this planet Earth. You know immediately it is Earth, yet who carved it? The Dahax at that time didn't even know what a planet was." Diana moves closer to the visual as a hissing sound comes from her throat, she is excited by what she sees. "Note how the stick figures are holding hands. Below this is another circle. Our Great One believes that the circle below is the universe."

The SSG officer Brian shakes his head. It is easy to see his passion for these artifacts, "Doesn't this mean that the ancients did this drawing. As you said our ancestors at that time would not have known of this planet, nor of our own continents, let alone Earth's continents carved on the artifact. How could they have done this though." He is now rubbing his chin, "No, it must have been the ancients. Although the carving is not what you would expect of the ancients from other things we believe is their work. If our ancestors, how could they know of Earth" Next he points to the image of the stick figures holding hands standing on their planets. "Does this not signify that we are too work together and is that maybe another planet and not the universe below."

Brett counters with his thoughts. "No, you have heard what Our Great One has said, this means we find Earth and we subjugate the humans. He is to become the protector of this universe." He points to the two figures standing on what is suggested to be their planets. "This doesn't mean they are human, the crests were simply left off of the ones standing on the Earth carving. I do not understand Brian why you can't accept everything you have been told."

Diana laughs, throwing her hair back she says. "We, meaning myself and Our Great Leader believe that some of our ancestors were brought here by the ancients. When they looked down from the spacecraft and saw Earth they remembered what they had seen, then they went home and carved that image. Somehow our people needed to leave a message for when we were ready to take on this new venture. Yes, somehow the crests were left off. There is no way that the Ibrea would have already lost their crests. It is quite doubtful we could ever, I mean ever work with these..." She wrinkled her nose, "Silly humans. Now, we on our way to fulfilling the first part. First we need to find the information that the ancients have left for us."

Jason listens to them speak endlessly, looking at the carvings and drawings from this planet and the other three from his world it appears to him like Brian SSG is correct. The two beings, the one from his home world and the one Brian believes is of this world are holding hands. He has no idea about the Great One and his being destined to be protector of the universe. Just this quick observation on his part would mean this is a joint project. A joint project to what he does not know, who would put his people and humans in charge of caring for the universe. He wants to smile, but he keeps his face passive; who in their right mind would have people who are happy to destroy their planets take care of the universe. He just wants to leave and has no idea why he is here. He knows he is beginning to frown, but he can't stop himself.

"Jason! Snap out of it. You have something to say?" Diana is glaring at him.

He swallows hard, his hand waving at the visuals, "I never knew any of this. I mean, I knew there were these artifacts, but that is all. I guess if the ancients were involved why don't we see the path to the Whipelli? I see only the beginning and two paths."

Both Brett and Diana laugh. Brett shakes his head. Even his false eyes show a fervid gleam of a fanatic as he speaks. "The Whipelli were not meant to happen. They are not needed. And before you ask." He holds up a hand to reinforce that he does not want anyone to interrupt. "Yes, there was more than one human species. We believe although we are not sure, but we believe that the ancients only wanted this particular human species to continue. They became extinct with only this one evolving and continuing on. This of course is unlike our people where we have our root ancestor the Dahax, but we have evolved differently as we moved on, each suited to their environment until of course technology changed all of that. As to why the Ibrea were needed I have no idea. Maybe they did fulfill a goal for the ancients and now are no longer needed. They certainly will die before picking up a weapon, there is no known species like them." He shakes his head, "Yet they are the root of the Whipelli who have no issue with picking up a weapon and killing. Until a way was found to control the mountain people they were an irritant to our people. Now we dominate them as we do the Ibrea and Dahax."

The SSG Brian smiles jumping into the conversation and exclaims with a large smile. "It is good that the Whipelli are being dealt with. For years we have been moving them to Avena. Their clan leaders and council have been executed. We will fulfill Our Great Leaders wishes without them causing any problems." He then tilts his head at Jason for a moment. "Diana says you can be trusted for this assignment. You have been very good at keeping secrets shall we say."

Jason knows one thing, answer as though completely loyal and dedicated. He nods his head quickly. "Humm, yeah." He then straightens his posture standing stiffly, putting the loyalty look in his eyes. He has grown up with the Regime always watching, you learn how to survive. "Of course, my devotion is to the Great One for as long as I live and I have never given away any of Diana's secrets or information." He then nods his head too her, but finds himself fearful; could be his head is already on the chopping block. The three continue to stare at him, he just says the first thing that comes to him. "Why am I here, how may I serve you?"

Brett nods his head to him and points what appears like a clawed Dahax finger at him. It frightens Jason as he is sure Brett is not Dahax. Then the SSG officer snarls. "You would not be here if we thought you were not loyal, but I wanted to hear that. Do you have other questions though?"

He squints, "Ah...Okay, why are you getting rid of the Whipelli when a good deal of the Youth Corp is Whipelli and nearly all of the Youth Leaders."

Brett's voice has a dry tone to it as he answers, "We have plans for them that will suit Our Great Leaders plans. Also, they are as close to human as our people will be for passing as them. No, crests and such; makes it easier for creating a more human appearance without any pain for them. Also, our project for Our Great Leader to be able to enhance and embrace his supernatural abilities. When we have found a way," Then he nods his head to Diana, his tone seems almost spiritual in nature. "This wonderful woman has found a way to give him a binal organ that his body will accept. Something you are assisting with." His eyes look up as though gazing at some amazing light, "With his power comes his domination of the universe. This may very well be why there are humans, even more why there are Whipelli. They have been created for the Great One by the ancients."

To Jason it is like Brett is contradicting what he originally said about the mountain people, but if he says anything it will mean more yakking about something he just wants to not hear. He just nods his head. "I take it you need me for something."

The two SSG officers and Diana look at one another for a moment. Then she smiles, "Jason I have an important job for you. I want you to meet Carl today and then we will schedule you to go with him to see the artifact we have been speaking about."

"Ah, ah, I don't know that I am ah, the right one for this. Sounds like someone who works with children. " Jason shrugs, the feeling of depression is joining his feeling of confusion in this situation. "You know a Youth Leader or at least a Youth Corp member."

Diana's gaze lingers on him for sometime. Finally she shakes her head. "No, you are the correct individual for this. You are aware of confidentiality and you wanted to be a doctor. I need to have the child undergo a bit of tweaking to his appearance. We need him to look," She pauses and stares at him. "As human as possible, even for the short time he will be onsite. Better than someone seeing him when we are not aware that they are there. Do you understand?"

"Yes, just give me the information and I will go down and meet him. I guess that means visit him everyday until the trip is scheduled."

She turns to the SSG officers, "Any issues or questions?" Next her forked tongue darts out licking her lips for a moment. "This I know will please Our Great Leader very much and he will always remember what we have done."

Both shake their heads, but although not smiling you can see they are very pleased. SSG Brian then speaks up, "If it is okay I would like to go now."

Jason keeps himself from sighing, "Fine. Lets go."

It is not long when they reach their destination and happily as far as he is concerned have not said one word to each other. They walk off of the elevator and Jason is amazed. A beautiful garden reveals itself to him. "My...I knew they were here, this is so awesome!"

The SSG officer just looks at him then turns away. They are greeted by a large woman and at her side is a boy. Jason smiles and the SSG officer just glares at the child. The little boy backs up and hides behind the woman. Easy to see he is immediately afraid of the SSG Brian

The woman reaches behind herself and grabs the little boys arm pulling him from behind her. She then waves to a small room as their destination. "If you like we can go over Carl's information."

The officer glares again at the boy and then to Jason. "Enjoy getting too know each other." He then turns and he and the woman walk to the room she had motioned too.

"Shall we walk and get to know each other?" Jason says with what he hopes is the correct smile to a frightened child. The little boy appears to be looking for a place to hide. "Its okay. I just want to get to know you." He points to a path. "Lets just walk and if you don't like it...well run away."

Carl laughs as he runs down the path, then turning awaiting Jason to catch up. They talk and Carl shows him the garden. Then Jason hears a sound, it doesn't sound good. He walks away to an odd ladder that is made to look a bit like a tree. Looking up he can see a little girl. "Are you okay?"

She tries to crouch lower so she is out of his line of site, but he knows she is there. "Carl is she okay? Who is she?"

"That is Cathy." Carl looks up and calls out to the little girl, "You okay Cathy?"

"I am fine, she wants to kill it." Her tone is sad, yet something tells him she is stubborn and ready to fight. "It has organs outside. I want to fix him."

"She has been waiting for the chicks to hatch. Bet ya something is wrong with that chick." Carl says.

"Cathy I am a doctor. Let me look at the baby." Jason just lied, so he tries again. "Actually I am training to be a doctor." That is not quite true. He is trying to become a doctor, but Diana has intervened in his training and he is far behind his roommate in his training. "Climb down and let me look at the chick."

Her voice is shaking now as she moves about. "I can't. Oh, I can't get down."

Jason is not someone who climbs. In his head he is looking for a Dahax or Whipelli; someone who thinks climbing is an awesome task. "Okay, on my way." He takes a couple of deep breathes with Carl giving him an odd look. Obviously the kid can see he is not comfortable with this. However, up he goes climbing up the rungs in the ladder. Avoiding the branches that have been attached to the ladder are a problem as they either stab at him or he gets his hand tangled in them. Guess they are supposed to be twigs. He has no idea how long it takes him to reach the young girl. Cathy is shaking with emotion, but she hands him the bird. As she hands the chick to him she asks him to be careful with it and she climbs down quickly. It is a sad situation, tiny organs lay matted around the little chick. It is not bleeding, but it is a not moving. All he can do is carefully place it down his jacket and hope for the best. One more deep breath, placing a foot on the rung of the ladder he begins his descent. It takes only a few rungs down for Jason to wonder how long before he falls. He stares down to the ground at the distance left for him to reach the ground. He is quick to understand that was something he should not have done, he wonders how many bones he will break when he loses his grip and falls. Carefully avoiding the fake twigs and branches as best he can he continues to climb down the very tall ladder, this time not looking down. Once he places his foot on the ground he realizes he has been holding his breath. Jason forces himself to breath then he reaches for the chick carefully from his jacket. He is afraid to look at the children; this bird is not going to make the night.

Cathy gently takes the bird cupping it in her hands. The chick is so tiny, there is no way to his knowledge to place the organs back. Infection has likely set in if just from being held. Cathy looks up at him with a look that says she has lost her fear, with a commanding voice says, "Come on Deanna knows what to do she's a doctor and your training to be a doctor." She runs quickly, Carl turns and immediately runs after her.

Jason shrugs and follows after her. At least there is a doctor, with luck they can explain how bad the issue is with the chick. At times he slows to look at the plants and the small animals. He has even stopped once when he caught a whiff of some flower. As he nears the door that the children have ran into he hears Cathy's commanding voice. "Jason, Jason, Jason, here; now!" He enters and looks about the room.

"Deanna this is Jason," Carl points to him.

All he can do is stare at her, if the girl is fourteen he would be surprised. She can't be that old, thirteen, twelve. What is this, he sees no adult in attendance. "Your the doctor?"

"I am a doctor, I wish to be a surgeon and I am training." Deanna raises a brow and sighs, "What is your field of study?"

Although he can see she is not Dahax she has very large crests and a nose more like a Whipelli. Deanna must stand out among the Downstairs Kids. Jason just gives her a quick smile. "I was studying to be; to be just a doctor. That is my passion, nothing fancy. Just want to help people in need of health issues."

She raises her brow again, "I thought you were training to be a doctor? A doctor with passion is pretty nice as far as I am concerned. What are you really doing?" She shrugs, "Adults don't necessarily feel like they need to speak to just a child. So answer or don't, it's up to you."

He smiles as if in good humor, "Diana has requested that I work for her. That is what I do with most of my day, then with what time I do have I try to keep up with my studies." Jason then nods to the chick his tone is a bit somber now. "What do you think doctor?"

Deanna speaks quickly. "Carl go sit down, we need to go into what we will be using as the operating room. Cathy have you scrubbed?" Cathy nods that she has, then she looks at him. "You should prepare. We shall operate, now!"

He scrubs and is not sure what to say. He is interested in how a child will perform such a delicate operation on a living creature that is so small and so young. Then again he should stop her, the likelihood of the creature living is not realistic. Once prepared he walks to what Cathy is calling her operating table. He watches her with her laser and other equipment. She requests items from him and they work on the chick. Once finished she looks to Cathy. "We will put it in this oxygen tent. You must understand it may not make the evening. However, always remember that it was you who gave this creature more life, so when it goes to its next life it will remember you always. You have protected her and she will protect you."

Cathy nods her head sadly, "May I stay in case these are her last hours."

Deanna nods, "Yes. Do you need someone to come and stay with you?"

Cathy shakes her head. He feels for her as she appears nervous as she says, "I wish this to be our time together. I will let you know if the time has come."

Jason finds himself in awe of Deanna and Cathy is definitely a strong individual for her young age. After they leave the room he turns to Deanna. "You are going to be the most respected surgeon I know. My only hope is if I need someone to operate on someone I care dearly for that it is you or someone very much like you." He nods his head to her, "I must leave. I will be thinking of you as one amazing individual." Then Jason turns and begins to walk towards Carl.

Deanna nods to him, but suddenly she calls out to him. "Be strong, you are the keeper of your true self. They can't take that away from you. When you can, follow the path that calls too you."

"Thank you." He turns to Carl and as the boy rises he places his hand on his shoulder. "You okay. I know this might be difficult."

"No, yes, I guess." Carl shrugs, "Who was that one dressed all in black. Is he your friend?" Carl appears unhappy as he looks up at Jason.

"No, just assigned to work together." Jason can see the concern on Carl's face. He uses the tone his mother would use when he was sad over something. "Come on. You show me something that makes you happy. I really want to see this place, I would enjoy something just for the fun of it."

Carl continues to looks sad for a moment, then suddenly he laughs, "Okay." Then he speaks very, very quietly and for a moment puts a finger to his lips. Then very quickly says, "We like to do our own thing. You want to see that? It is really special. They just invited me today. So much, so I don't know; just great." He stops and takes a breath, "Want to?"

Jason whispers back, "That would be great. Lets go before the..." He nods his head over to another direction, "One in black returns." He looks at the boy who is smiling and bouncing down a path laughing. Jason smiles as he watches the boys change, maybe this is not going to be so bad after all.

"Here Jason, here." Carl is waving at him and he walks over where there is a metal disc and several tools laying on a heavy blanket. There is something about the disc, it appears like a platform used to transfer supplies. However, there is something different that he can't quite make out about it. "Really nice isn't it!" The boy is certainly excited.

He gets down on a knee to look at a control panel when suddenly two boys and a girl appear. They do not look happy. One of them grabs Carl by the arm and growls, "What have you done? You idiot." He then shakes Carl who appears shocked by their reaction.

Jason grabs Carl by one arm then pushes the others away with the other arm, this breaks the boys hold on him. "What's wrong with you? He was just showing me this, his, your project. Your hurting him, want me to do that to you?" He finds the anger deepening in him so he takes a breath and awaits for one the children to speak.

"Ohhhhhh, Anthony don't be mad. I just wanted him to see; doing our own thing." Carl is playing with his shirt nervously, "I'm sorry."

The one named Anthony stares sternly at Carl, then with a quiet voice he says, "Please this is a secret."

Jason holds up a hand, "I understand. If anyone knows how to keep secrets I do. However, you may want to figure out a way to not keep telling people." Then he looks at Carl, "Or determine who you tell, its on you if you pick the wrong people to include."

"Alright, just don't tell Brian. I don't want him to be mad, he is doing a lot for us to do this and we don't want him to get into trouble." Anthony says gritting his teeth.

"Not a problem Brian is here." Jason looks around, "What is this for?"

They tell him about how it is going to be a small disc that will not only go up and down, but move around the room. Anthony also explains it will be used to grow some plants. Jason is impressed, if the disc works as the children believe it would be a good idea. Using a disc to move things several miles from a ship to the ground using elctro magnetic power would be better than the drones.

"So you said Brian is here, I sure would like to talk to him, " Anthony says with a smile.

Jason is a little amazed from what he has seen Brian dislikes children. "He treats you okay? Doesn't seem like a lets go have fun with kids kind of individual."

Anthony and his friends are slumped over the disc hiding the tools and the disc. "Naw, he likes kids. You can tell he may think he is smarter than everyone else, but he is good with us. Everybody has their thing." All four of the Downstairs Kids are laughing about Anthony's description of Brian. "Well lets go, if that is okay."

Carl on the other-hand is very quiet. "Brian, you mean that Brian. He doesn't seem very nice to me..."

Anthony interrupts him, "You never met him. Lets go." They all begin up the path talking about how they hope more animals will be coming and what animals would Jason suggest. Then suddenly there stands Brian the SSG officer. Carl stops and stands behind Jason.

"Brian we have had a great visit and I have met some of Carl's friends. I will be happy to come again." Jason is laughing and turning his head to the group who have suddenly become very quiet.

Anthony gestures for Jason to lean down a bit and he whispers, "Wrong Brian, don't tell on us."

Jason whispers back, "Is your Brian a Youth Leader?"

"Yeah," Anthony shrugs. "I think we better go for studies. May we take Carl?"

He finds he is shaking his head, should have known. Jason whispers, 'Sorry.' He knew Brian SSG was likely not child friendly when they first arrived, nothing has changed. "No, problem with that..." Jason gives a very pointed nod to Brian. "Is there?"

"No," Sneers Brian. "Time to leave anyway."

Jason gives the children a smile and a shrug to Brian, "I am ready."

Everyone goes to their destination and the only conversation between him and the SSG officer is that he should visit Carl every day to ensure that the boy feels comfortable. Also, a reminder that he will accompany the child on his skin treatments which will be scheduled to begin tomorrow. Once they have returned to the lab the schedules are created for the skin procedure and everything is calendared up.

Finally, Jason is given permission to leave so he can work on some medical studies, studies Diana feels is something he should no longer be persuading as his work for her is far more important. He has been reminded so many times that there is more than studies and that he must observe if not actually perform some of the duties under guidance. Hard to perform actual duties when you can't even observe. However, he was supposedly sent to become a doctor and not even Diana is going to stop him. Before he walks out the door though he is reminded by her that he should meet his new roommate.

Walking back to his room he remembers what the young Deanna had said; be strong, as he is the keeper of his true self. That no one can take it away from him and to follow the path that calls to him. He shakes his head, she is so young, but with the soul of someone so old. He chuckles about what the kids had said, doing our own thing. That's what he needs, he needs to do his own thing, and how does one go about doing that. He wishes that was the path he was taking and not Diana's dark path.