Rooms, Page 25

  “I understand. Now… Why am I here?”

  “Early on, our ancestors decided that every living thing needed to live naturally within its biological limits. They were hopeful that they could enhance the quality of life of everyone on Loon so that we all could have very long and healthy lives, but they also felt that all life needed to cycle. It was important that everyone had a time and place where they lived, and that death continue to be a very natural and essential part of life.

  “Because of these beliefs, they made a decision that they would allow scientific work to move forward on the study of DNA and genetic therapies as well as reproductive studies for the health and diversity of our population, but they would not allow the creation of any cloned organisms on Loon. We’ve always had the ability to create an exact replica of any species, but living within the bounds of our own particular time and space was very important to the continuation and diversity of our species here and throughout the galaxy. We have always believed that everything must cycle.”

  “Fawn, I know that you’re going somewhere with this. Could you please cut to the chase and tell me why I’m here?”

  “Sorry, I had to share that with you.” Fawn stood up and took Zeer’s hand. They walked into the cave.

  It was just as Zeer had remembered it – the warm glow, the scent of spices filling the air, and the lush ground cloths covering the floor in the sitting areas. She could still feel herself waking here when she’d first arrived on Loon. She thought of the ceremony that had initiated her cycle and remembered Dominie.

  Fawn watched and knew that Zeer was thinking back to when she had first arrived on Loon. She let her soak it in and remember, and then she took her behind the sitting area and pointed towards the floor.

  Zeer turned her head and gasped. She fell to her knees in disbelief. This was not possible. There was a man lying naked on the ground on one of the ground cloths, a bowl of steaming liquid next to him along with an energy sphere that glowed and blanketed his body with subdued golden light. It was Rad!

  He looked to be either sleeping or unconscious. His wounds were gone. His body was whole. Zeer turned to Fawn and spoke quietly with anxious wonder. “My god! Is he alive?”

  “Yes, Zeer. He’s alive, but he hasn’t been awakened yet. That is your job.”

  “You cloned Rad?”

  “Yes.”

  Zeer had deep concern in her voice as she said, “Fawn, he won’t be the same person. It’s not really Rad. It’s just his physical body. This is not right!”

  Fawn waited to let Zeer’s emotions settle and then explained, “Yes, it is Rad, Zeer. When I attempted to heal him on Earth, I carefully collected his DNA, and before he died, I used the energy sphere to scan and amass his core – his memories – his soul. I knew that the Science Cluster had the information about how to do this, so I learned from them before I left for Earth. I had hoped that I wouldn’t need it, but it turned out that I did.”

  “So, this Rad has all of his memories - all his mannerisms - his basic nature is completely in tact? His very soul is the same?”

  “Yes. That’s right, Zeer. This is Rad.”

  “How were you able to do this when it was banned on Loon? How do the people feel about this?”

  “All of Loon was informed, and without hesitation, they decided that in this case it would be allowed. However, the only way that they would agree to this was if he were brought back to the exact age where he was when he died. They also insisted that all of his memories had to be intact. Otherwise, they wouldn’t agree.”

  “My god! I can’t believe this!”

  Fawn continued, “So the scientists worked incredibly hard and were successful. The fact that people on Loon have their own energy sphere, which is tuned specifically to them, was the only reason that this could be done. And, Zeer, we want you to help Rad. We want you to awaken him and help him gain some strength. We want you to be the one to initiate his first cycle on Loon.”

  Zeer stared down at Rad, “I’m not sure I know what to do. I haven’t been trained to help someone cycle and start their life here.”

  “Whatever you do is what needs to be done, Zeer. The ceremony is a very individual thing. We know that you care deeply for Rad. You are already part of him, and that’s going to be very important. Just make sure that you have him drink the warm liquid. It will help revive him and give him strength. The other part to remember is that in order to be fully open and ready to exist here in our culture, you must also bond with him in the deepest way possible. You know that is our way. It is how you started your cycle, and how we bring all young people into our culture when it is their time. We do it with love.”

  Zeer nodded and walked slowly towards Rad. Fawn watched for a moment then turned and left the womb.

  36

  Awakening

  Somewhere in the bottomless night a small spark had begun smoldering ever so slightly, almost losing its heat, barely clinging to the oxygen molecules that provided for its insignificant existence. Then minute by minute, second by second, the flicker matured, almost imperceptibly. That glint, which had been so inconsequential only seconds before, had now become an ember, an ember that continued to burn, sustained by hope and the unknown.

  ***

  His first thought bubbled up. ‘What? Who am I? My name… My name is…Rad.’

  His breathing was extremely shallow, but on one particular inhalation, he smelled the strong odor of spices in the air. He breathed again a little deeper. The thick aromas etched themselves on his senses; his mouth began to water, and he ascended further from his shadowy tomb towards the light of life.

  ‘A dream. This has to be a dream,’ he thought, but then other feelings began growing and spreading through him. The nerves on his skin came alive to the warmth of the air encapsulating his body, calming him like a supple blanket. His head, arm and leg muscles twitched ever so slightly, communicating to him that they had been still far too long.

  Rad’s awareness began tugging and pulling itself upwards through the fog and haze of oblivion, escaping his long, deep sleep. He slowly licked his lips and moved his eyes back and forth, faster and faster, behind immovable eyelids, searching for the tiny patches of light that were dancing on his face.

  His hands, back, and legs started registering the existence of a cushioned, yet malleable cloth that lay beneath him. It cradled his body and lovingly reassured him with its texture. And then a sound vibrated against his inner ear and entered his mind. Someone was there.

  Rad tried to open his eyes and awaken, but his body was simply not ready yet. He relaxed again. ‘Just let it happen,’ he thought. ‘Just let it happen.’

  Then the touch came. It was a shock. He felt fingers sliding under his head and through his hair. They were working to support and raise his heavy head, just a bit. A voice. A female voice spoke tenderly, but Rad could not comprehend the words. He then felt something against his dry lips. A small amount of warm liquid slid into his mouth. The muscles of his throat involuntarily swallowed. It was soothing. He took more. The taste and feeling of the warmth seemed to bring him closer to opening his eyes. He smacked his lips just a little, swallowed, and received more. He knew that he needed this food. He began to yearn for it.

  Again, he heard the voice; this time it spoke his name. “Rad?” Someone was reaching out to him. Someone cared.

  Whoever was there stopped feeding him the broth. Then he heard an echoing sound of something being placed on the floor nearby. It sounded as if he were in a large space. His eyes cracked open slightly. The lids were heavy with mucous. It would take time to be able to see clearly. What he could see were only clouded shapes, some colors, and the glimmer of lights. He reached up to wipe his eyes, but a hand stopped him and positioned a warm, wet cloth on his face. He had never felt anything quite so welcome. The heated water caressed his skin and helped clear his eyes a bit, allowing him to see the outline of the person above him.

  Zeer continued to use the cloth. Rad voiced his ple
asure with a small moan that rumbled up from his chest, and Zeer lay the cloth down for a moment, brushed the back of her fingers over his face, and caressed his forehead with a gentle kiss. The loving gesture led Rad to tilt his head slightly, indicating that he had a question. He tried to speak but wasn’t able to voice anything recognizable. However, Zeer thought she noticed that the right side of his mouth had lifted, ever so slightly, into a miniscule smile. She recognized the look.

  Rad desperately wanted to awaken now. He wanted to see and talk and come completely out of this trance. Then something happened which took his breath away. The woman lay down next to him, her skin touching his, creating a cascade of feelings and sensations that were almost overwhelming. He relaxed somewhat when she wrapped her arms around him, holding him close, and whispering his name in his ear. “Rad…Rad, I’ve missed you terribly.”

  He now knew and remembered. ‘It was Zeer. Zeer!’ A tear of joy escaped his matted eyes and rolled down his cheek. Zeer noticed and kissed the tear, absorbing it with her lips as the two lay together inside Loon’s womb, wrapped within the brilliant light of their spheres, surrounded by love.

  ***

  It had been seven days since Rad’s awakening, and he had recovered enough that Zeer felt that he could finally walk out of the cave into the sunshine. He was still weak, but the food and care that she had provided were definitely working. They had begun to smile and laugh and talk together. Zeer had so much to share with him about Loon, and of course, they talked of his death, his rebirth, and what had happened on Earth. They could have stayed there longer, but it was time to get him into the sunshine and take him to the Medical Cluster to be sure that his recovery was complete.

  They gathered their things to leave. Rad didn’t have very much to take, just the clothes on his back and his energy sphere, which he clutched tightly in his hand. Zeer placed the items that she had into a bag and slung it over one shoulder. She reached her other arm around him. They looked into each other’s eyes, and Rad said, “Zeer, everything that has happened is beyond me, but I do know this, my dear and wonderful friend, I love you.” Their lips pressed together, and they held each other close.

  “I love you, too, Rad. I love you.”

  They both smiled, and Zeer said, “Now, let’s get outside in the sun!”

  Even before they had completely left the cave, they heard clapping and people hollering their names. They walked out and couldn’t believe what they saw. With each step, the roar grew louder and louder. Their closest friends were in the front of the throng, and they ran up to Zeer and Rad with tears in their eyes, hugging them and wishing them well. They saw Brit, Dominie, Shee and, of course, Fawn and Landree. Zeer noticed that the leaders from every Cluster on Loon were there, many of her friends from the History Cluster, and many more Loonites that she had never met.

  There were long tables of food elaborately decorated and the welcome sound of children and families everywhere. People were standing as one, cheering and welcoming Rad home. It was overwhelming for both of them after the quiet and solitude of the cave, but it also gave them strength. They couldn’t stop smiling. Fawn walked forward and calmed everyone. Then she said, “I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for being here to show Rad the beautiful spirit of our world.”

  The people clapped again and yelled, “Welcome home, Rad!”

  Fawn held up her hand after the crowd had had time to express themselves and asked for quiet again. She said, “I’m sure Rad and Zeer would love to speak to all of you and share their feelings, but they’ve both just been through a mind-altering experience. I know they’ll need some time.”

  Rad and Zeer nodded and smiled in agreement as Fawn said, “I would like everyone to stay and enjoy the celebration and the beautiful day. Landree and I will take Rad and Zeer to the Medical Cluster to help Rad complete his recovery.” Everyone obviously understood as they clapped and cheered again, showing their support.

  Rad then held up his hand, and Zeer helped him walk over beside Fawn. The crowd noticed and hushed in anticipation, and Rad did not disappoint as he said, “As you all know, I don’t have a lot of strength right now, but I have to say that I am deeply touched and moved by your welcome…and…what you have done for me. You are remarkable, remarkable people!” His voice had begun to waver with the emotion of the moment, and he finished by saying, “Thank you! Thank you so much!”

  Everyone there smiled as one and cheered. They opened a path for them to walk through and looked on as the two stepped up into a bubble-chair and floated into the sky with Landree and Fawn by their side.

  As they left, they gazed back down at the celebration and all the people that had gathered there to greet them. They continued to watch until the throng had almost vanished in the distance, and then Zeer, sitting beside Rad and holding his hand, pointed in a different direction and said, “Rad…look!”

  Rad turned his head, stopped breathing for a moment, and simply stared wide-eyed. Then, almost reverently, he whispered, “My god, this is Loon!”

  37

  Another Beginning

  Just as he had with Zeer, Landree had spent several months with Rad on Loon. His first cycle had been completed. His training had been very similar to Zeer’s, although, no two persons’ education was ever identical. His instruction had been led by his interests and questions as well as by the important concepts that Landree had needed to teach him.

  Together they had traveled the width and breadth of Loon, visited diverse biomes, shared ideas about the water, air, and mineral cycles, worked to understand the balance of small and large ecosystems, studied plant and animal life across the globe, and Rad had been taught a great deal about the history of the people of Loon. They had discussed their culture, their beliefs, and how they remained in balance with the natural environment. The final part of his training was meeting and learning from the Scree, just as Zeer had done.

  After Landree and Rad were finished with their work, Rad took some time to simply live and be a part of this great planet. He went to each of the Clusters and decided the Science Cluster was the one that most interested him. He also spent many hours with his old friends, especially Zeer - their bond of respect and love growing and deepening with each passing day. And Rad…most of all, was unbelievably grateful just to be alive.

  ***

  It had been a little over a year now since their return, and one afternoon Zeer and Rad were in his flat when they heard a knock at the door. It was Fawn.

  “Hello you two.” Fawn walked in and smiled. “I’ve heard that your time with Landree was very productive, Rad. I’ve also learned that you’ve started working with the Science Cluster. I’m very happy for you.”

  “Thanks, but of course without you and many other people here, I wouldn’t even have had this chance. It’s been a joy, and the knowledge I’ve gained has changed me. I can see why you love your home. The people of Loon are like a huge family, working, living, and striving together, and Loon itself is such a fantastically beautiful planet. I can’t believe how lucky I am.”

  Zeer watched and listened as Rad spoke, and then added, “We’re just glad you’re here Rad. Everyone is. But, you’d better take better care of yourself this time around!”

  They all laughed. Zeer was always giving Rad a hard time as well as caring about him more than anyone. “I will,” he said. “I don’t think anyone will ever let me forget that I’ve been given a second chance. I’d better not screw it up!”

  It was fun for the three of them to share some time and relax. They ate a meal and were watching the sunset when Fawn finally talked about the reason for her visit. “I need to let both of you know that the day after tomorrow there’s going to be a gathering of the leaders from every Cluster on Loon. Landree, myself, Dominie, Brit, and Shee will also be there. We’re going to be updated on Earth’s recovery. We know its environment has made great gains since the disaster several hundred years ago. We have a lot to talk about and wanted to make sure that you
both would be there.”

  Zeer was excited and said, “Absolutely!”

  Rad added, “Of course! We wouldn’t miss it!”

  “I thought that’s how you’d feel.” She got up and started to leave as she said, “I’ll see you in two days.”

  ***

  Rad and Zeer walked into the Gathering Hall. Landree was already there. His energy sphere sat on a table in the presentation area and was beaming a large 3-D projection of the Earth above their heads. The hall reminded Rad of the layout of some of the Rooms on R-131. The Rooms where he’d joined his friends Tal, Simon, and Vella and where he’d actually begun this long, amazing journey.

  “What are you thinking about, Rad?” Zeer wondered.

  “Oh, I was just thinking about our last lifeglobe. Many of the Rooms had a configuration similar to this with the seating area and chairs forming a circle around the main viewing area. This just reminded me of those times.”

  “I know. I remember them, too. R-131 was the start of all this, wasn’t it. Now, here we are.”

  Landree stood below them. “Rad…Zeer…please come down and sit near me.”

  They walked down towards the center area and sat by the railing, looking down on Landree. Zeer then stared up at the projection of the Earth and asked, “Landree, is that a current view of Earth as it is now?”

  “Yes. Can you believe it?” Then he slowly rotated the projection. The oceans were blue with light wispy clouds floating overhead. Areas of lustrous green were bursting from its surface. Snow-capped mountains jumped into view along with fast rushing streams and rivers that plummeted towards the seas. On the nighttime side of the globe, they could even see a few lights flickering. Zeer and Rad’s eyes immediately focused on those, causing them to turn and stare at each other – both with a huge question poised on their lips.