Jenny In Space: Chasing The Killer Comet, Page 3

Chapter 3

  The Danger from Above

  Relli and Jenny went grocery shopping, while Martin was given the job of cleaning up his own room, a major chore in itself. He had mildly complained, but Relli cleverly turned the tables on him, by simply offering to clean it up for him.

  "No, it's okay, I'll do it," he quickly gave in, thus guarding his privacy.

  "I've got Karate on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and track practice after school twice a week. Martin only has baseball though," Jenny informed Relli on the way to the market.

  "Well, thank goodness for that! My, what a busy schedule. It's a wonder you have time for homework, and I'm amazed you had any time for housework. See, I knew you needed me. Relli to the rescue!" she trumpeted.

  Jenny laughed, "Now Dad won't be so stressed. He's been working a lot more than usual, and our extracurricular activities have been tough for him to schedule around. But now with you here, he can relax a bit. I sure wish I knew why he was working so much. He keeps coming up with these lame excuses every time we ask him. I can tell he's lying, so he's either got a girlfriend," Jenny said, rolling her eyes. "or he's studying something up there that's a big secret."

  They talked the entire time they shopped, and ended up with two overflowing grocery carts by the time they were done. Jenny was amazed at how effortlessly Relli was able to heft heavy objects.

  "Do you work out?" Jenny asked.

  Relli laughed, "No, why do you ask?"

  "Well, you're so strong. I think you're stronger than my dad."

  "I've always been stronger than average," Relli admitted. "Even when I was a child, I could do things other children couldn't."

  "Were you good at sports?" Jenny asked.

  "Yes, especially any activities involving strength. It just comes natural to me. But, my interests were not in sports, but in my ability to see things other people couldn't. It is my passion, my calling," Relli said with conviction.

  "Did you inherit your gifts from your parents?" Jenny asked.

  "I don't know, I never knew my natural parents. I was left on the doorstep of an orphanage in Romania," Relli explained with a forced smile. "But I was well cared for, and well educated."

  "Were you ever adopted?"

  "No, I think because of the large amount of orphans, and the poor economic conditions at the time. When I got older I questioned the nuns on this subject, and they said it was because I appeared different from the other babies. They were kind in pointing out my differences were god given gifts, and the adopting parents missed out."

  "Well, I agree with the nuns. You are very gifted, and you would have been a wonderful child for any couple to raise. Did the nuns name you?"

  "They did, but I was never comfortable or happy with my given name, so I changed it to Rellet Caidoz, as soon as I was legally allowed to. And then, I moved to North America. There was more opportunity, and of course there was the strong urge pulling me here, to eventually find you." Relli flashed a warm smile at Jenny.

  "My, I hope your father won't be upset with me for buying so much," Relli said, as she charged the bill to the Thompson account.

  "Don't worry, he knows we need everything. We haven't done a real shop for over a month."

  On the way home, Relli mentioned her plans for the following day.

  "Tomorrow is Sunday, and officially it's my day off, but I feel guilty, because it's only my second day on the job, and I've got two readings booked that I just couldn't cancel. I should still be able to help out around the house in between my appointments though. Do you think your father will mind?"

  "No, of course not. He didn't even expect to have anyone until Monday, at the earliest, but then you showed up at the front door. And anyway, you won him over with breakfast," Jenny said with a smile. "It's his day off too, and he promised to go to the lake with me and Martin, but I suspect he'll have to go to work again. I was hoping you could come."

  "Hmm, I don't think I can swing it, although I would love to come, but I'll take a rain check. Where is the lake?" Relli asked.

  "It's on our property, about twenty minutes away by horseback," Jenny said, "But when Dad comes, we usually drive around the back way and walk in."

  "I noticed the stables. How many horses do you have?" Relli asked.

  "Just one. Polka is his name. Dad bought him to keep me company. My friends live a fair distance away, so Polka is my transportation too. I'll introduce you to him when we get the groceries put away."

  "I'd love to see him," Relli said, pulling into the Thompson driveway. The two began to unload the groceries from the car. The back seat and the trunk were full.

  "Martin, can you give us a hand please?" Relli called up the stairs.

  The three of them made quick work of the unpacking.

  "Now, let's go and see Polka before I start lunch. You two must be starving," Relli said.

  Jenny led Relli to the small white barn with red trim. The big bay door was open, and sunlight streamed in. It was airy, and rich with the sweet smell of hay, and the pungent aroma of horse droppings.

  "Wow, he's magnificent!" Relli raved. "What a powerful looking animal. I love his coloring. Is he an Appaloosa?" He stamped a hoof, and tossed his head up and down. His black mane and tail shimmered in the sunlight.

  "Thanks. Yes, he's an Appaloosa. He's fast and strong for sure. I love him with all my heart," Jenny said hugging his thick neck. Polka nuzzled Jenny and sniffed for food in her pockets.

  "Yes, Polka, we bought you some carrots, I'll bring you some later. Speaking of food," Jenny hinted.

  "Yes, it's lunch time. What would you like? The pantry is full," Relli said proudly.

  "Grilled cheese sandwiches sound good," Jenny ventured.

  "That sounds easy," Relli said, as she put her arm around Jenny, and they walked back to the house.

  "I am so glad to finally be here," Relli announced, and she squeezed and hugged Jenny as they walked in the glorious sunshine.

  "Relli, you're squishing me," Jenny mildly complained.

  "Oh sorry," Relli said, as she loosened her grip.

  .

  Jenny stuck to Relli all day. It was nice for her to have someone to talk to, and Jenny already felt close to her. "Relli?" Jenny asked, as the two put the final touches on dusting and vacuuming the living room.

  "Um-hm?"

  "I've been thinking. If you can predict the future, then everything must already be pre-determined, you know, destined to happen. So does it mean nothing can ever change whatever our fate is?" Jenny pondered.

  "I don't pretend to know all of the intricacies of fate, but from my experience, it can be modified slightly, by understanding what to expect, and taking steps to bend it, or alter it to our own favor. It is a difficult thing to do, to change fate. Most people are unable, or unwilling to change, and sometimes it requires altering one's personality to bring about the change, which is very difficult," Relli explained.

  "Scrooge did it, in Charles Dickens' book A Christmas Carol."

  "You're right, he did, very good example."

  "Do you think you can do a reading on me?" Jenny surprised herself by asking. She was a little frightened of what Relli might see.

  Relli stopped what she was doing, and looked deeply and thoughtfully into Jenny's big blue eyes. "Yes, of course. I hoped you would ask. I am as curious as you are about your future. I feel it is tied to mine, and to all of mankind, for that matter."

  "Well, if I wasn't scared before, I certainly am now," Jenny said.

  "I'm sorry, but you must be prepared for what I am about to tell you, because I won't hold back, I never do in my readings. You must be brave, not only for this reading, but also for things waiting on the doorstep of your future.

  "These events are at hand, and you will need all of your courage to face the challenges presented to you. I believe you have been chosen by powers beyond our understanding, to champion these coming events. Are you ready to learn more?" Relli asked.

  Jenny stood there astonished by the reve
lation. A wave of determination washed over her, and she gritted her teeth, and set her jaw firmly. "Yes, I want to know," she stated, and put down the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

  "Good girl. Let's go upstairs for some privacy," Relli said, leaving the rag and furniture polish on the half-dusted coffee table. Jenny followed Relli upstairs.

  "Now, what I see will be shadowy and vague, and the message may not be totally clear. There seems to be a shroud of secrecy I can't penetrate, and it is very frustrating, but we may get an idea of what to expect," Relli said, as she led the way into her room, and shut the door.

  "Let's sit on the bed," Relli said, as she removed a deck of Tarot cards from her drawer.

  She sat across from Jenny and slowly shuffled the large well-used cards. Relli looked deep into Jenny's eyes as she began to flip the cards onto the bedspread. Relli looked down at the cards, and Jenny's eyes followed.

  "You will be going on two long trips, the second one much longer than the first, but both are full of danger. You will rise above your fears, and take on the challenges presented to you. Great adventure awaits you, far away from home," Relli said, as she continued to place the cards.

  "I have a feeling of dread, and mortal fear. A crippling fear that I have never before experienced."

  Jenny considered interrupting Relli. If this was just the start, Jenny wasn't sure she wanted to hear any more, but she kept her mouth shut, and prepared herself.

  Relli continued, her voice sounding as if she was in a trance. She was no longer turning or reading the cards.

  "The danger comes from above, from the sky, from the cosmos. Your father can help to explain, he now knows about this threat. No one on Earth can change what is to come. We do not possess the knowledge, or the capacity. But, I see a faint hope coming from the same direction as the impending doom. It makes no sense, but they come together, on the same path. And something else...you are somehow connected. This glimmer of hope will arrive on Earth before the approaching catastrophe. Jenny, you and the faint hope I perceive are Earth's only chance to survive what is coming!"

  "What's going on, Relli? What's going to happen? What's coming?"

  "I don't know, I can't tell. The images are not clear. But your father seems to know something."

  "You said it's coming from above, from the cosmos. Maybe that's why Dad has been so secretive lately. Maybe he's seen something heading for Earth. Maybe it's a meteor, or an asteroid on a collision course. But you also said there's a faint hope coming from the same direction. I don't get it. It doesn't make sense, Relli," Jenny said, her head spinning.

  "I know, but it's all I can see. The images revealed to me are sometimes a mystery, until they actually come to pass," Relli explained.

  "And me, what do I have to do with all this? How can I help? Especially when we don't even know what's coming. You said no one on Earth has the knowledge to change what is coming, but I'm from Earth, so how can I change it? I think I was better off not knowing anything. Are you sure about all this, Relli?"

  "I'm positive. Something is on the way, and what you said makes sense. If your father knows about it, and it is coming from the cosmos with that much destructive force, then it must be an asteroid, or something from space," Relli surmised. "I'm sorry to be the bearer of such news. I thought it might help us to deal with the future if we had insight into it. All it has done is to raise more questions, and put you into a state of fear," Relli apologized.

  "Well, we were going to find out soon enough, by the sound of it. So, maybe by knowing what's coming, it will help us to know what to do next. I just want to know for sure what to expect, and most of all, I want to find out what the faint hope is. Whatever it is, I hope it gets here soon," Jenny said, seemingly already adapting to the shocking information.

  "I need to go and sort things out in my head," Jenny said, and she abruptly got up and went downstairs. Relli drew in a deep breath and dropped her head. She closed her eyes, and slowly shook her head from side to side.

  Jenny ran outside, and continued to run, out of the yard and into the fields. She ran until she couldn't run anymore, and then she collapsed into the tall waving grass and wept.

  .

  Mr. Thompson came home after a long day at the observatory and was happy with what greeted him. The house was warm with wonderful fragrant smells wafting from the kitchen, making his mouth water and his stomach rumble, and everything was tidy.

  "Now that's more like it. What a difference," he commented to himself. "Mmm, mmm, something sure smells good! I'm starved Relli, what's for supper?" Mr. Thompson asked, entering the kitchen. Martin was already sitting at the kitchen table, seemingly devouring the succulent aromas.

  "Pot roast with all the fixin's, and fresh baked apple pie for desert," Relli announced.

  "That sure beats TV dinners, eh Martin?" his Dad asked. Martin was almost salivating in anticipation.

  "Can you call your sister please, Martin? I'm not too sure where she is though," Relli asked, wondering how Jenny was faring since their afternoon session.

  "She ran upstairs just before Dad got home. She seems to be acting kind of weird. More than usual I mean," Martin added, and he left the kitchen to fetch Jenny.

  He returned moments later with Jenny close behind.

  "Mmm, smells good," Jenny said as she entered the kitchen. She looked at all the delicious food. "Pot roast and apple pie? Mmm my favorites."

  "Whaddya mean? Everything, is your favorite," Martin kidded, and Jenny laughed in agreement. Relli was relieved to see Jenny back to herself.

  "I'm sorry I wasn't here to help out. I really needed to get my head together," Jenny apologized quietly to Relli.

  "I know honey, don't worry about it. Come on, you can help by putting the food on the table."

  They all sat at the table to enjoy the home cooked meal, but Jenny was intent on getting some information from her father.

  "What's happening with the near-Earth object you have been studying Dad?" Jenny asked, taking a gamble with such a direct question.

  All eyes turned to Mr. Thompson, who was caught off guard by the question. "What near-Earth object?" he said, trying to play dumb.

  "Come on Dad, it's obvious to us all. We're your family. We have a right to know why you've been working so much lately, and don't give us the tired old solar flare story again. We all know it's not true," Jenny challenged.

  For a moment there was dead silence.

  Mr. Thompson stood up, and walked around the table. His face tensed up, with a look of concern.

  "All right, all right. I guess it's time I let you know. It's a comet. A big one, and it's headed in our direction. We estimate it to be sixty to seventy-five kilometers in diameter!"

  Jenny and Relli exchanged glances.

  "Sixty to seventy-five kilometers! That is huge!" exclaimed Jenny.

  Mr. Thompson continued. "It is visible in the night sky to amateur astronomers now, so word will soon get out. We were sworn to keep the information to ourselves, because of the size, and its relative closeness to Earth. I'm sorry I've been so secretive about it, but we had to keep it under wraps until we could determine its exact course, which we still haven't finished. I have to go back to work again after supper to study it tonight, and hopefully we can precisely plot its trajectory by tomorrow," Mr. Thompson said, with a huge sigh of relief.

  "I discovered it two months ago, purely by accident, while doing some charts on Jupiter's orbit. The comet was just beginning to be affected by the sun's radiation, and the coma and tail was beginning to form, which, just by fluke caught my eye," he explained.

  "Can someone tell me, exactly what a comet is?" Relli interrupted.

  Jenny explained. "A comet is a big, sometimes huge chunk of ice, with tons of particles frozen inside of it, speeding through space at over 180,000 kilometers per hour. When the comet gets close to the sun, the ice begins to melt. It releases gases and dust, and small pieces of the comet fall off, and vaporize, to form the coma and the tail. The coma is
the halo of gas vapor and dust, surrounding the nucleus of the comet," Jenny explained competently, and her father nodded in agreement.

  "Like a giant shooting star," Martin added.

  "That's a good description of it Martin, but, as beautiful as they are from a distance, they are still a potential danger. Luckily, we have identified most of the really major comets traveling through our solar system, but some unexpected comets do sometimes wander through our neck of the woods," Mr. Thompson explained.

  "So, I guess it didn't get caught in Jupiter's gravity then, did it Dad?" Jenny surmised. She knew the formidable force of the huge planet's gravitational pull sometimes trapped wayward comets.

  "No, unfortunately it snuck by," her father answered.

  "Didn't a comet break apart and hit Jupiter recently?" Jenny asked.

  "Yes, the Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet, in 1994. It broke apart from the forces of Jupiter's gravity and blasted an area of the planet four times the size of earth. Jupiter's strong gravity has proven to be good protection for Earth, protecting us from space debris that sometimes unexpectedly passes through our solar system. Unfortunately, this comet has already slipped past Jupiter and was not affected by its gravity," Jenny's father added.

  "You said it was heading in this direction. How close are we talking here, Dad?" asked Martin.

  "Don't worry, I'm sure it will miss us by a few million kilometers," Mr. Thompson said.

  Jenny knew this was actually a close miss in relation to the vastness of space. Although the chances of a large piece of space debris actually hitting the Earth were slim, it was always a topic of interest around the Thompson household.

  "Tomorrow we will be comparing our data with all of the other agencies around the world, which should help us to plot its course quite accurately. That's why I've been working so much lately. But, hopefully the preliminary work will be done soon and I can start spending more time at home. Now you know, and I am relieved to get that off my chest. Don't worry about it now though. Let's just enjoy this wonderful meal Relli has cooked for us."

  "So, I guess you won't be able to make it to the lake tomorrow, huh Dad?" Jenny asked, disappointed. She felt like she needed to spend some quality time with her Dad.

  "No, sorry sweetie. I'll make it up to you another time, okay?"

  "Yeah, sure Dad," Jenny forced a smile.

  "Are you still going to come along Martin?" Jenny asked, hoping for some company.

  "No, I think I'll stay home and watch the ball game," Martin answered, and Jenny scowled.

  After supper, Relli let Martin go without helping clean up, and Mr. Thompson went to bed to get a few hours sleep before going back to the observatory for the night.

  Jenny and Relli waited until the way was clear before they started to discuss Mr. Thompson's confirmation.

  "You were right Relli, it's a comet, but there's still a chance it may miss us," Jenny ventured hopefully.

  "Yes," Relli said, knowing the truth of the matter at hand.

  "You think it's going to hit us, don't you?" Jenny asked.

  "Unless something intervenes, yes, I know it will," Relli said with conviction.

  "But, something can help. The faint hope you see coming is on the same path as the comet, right?" Jenny asked.

  "Yes, its arrival is imminent," confirmed Relli.

  "I wish you had more details. This is so nerve wracking, not knowing," Jenny said, thoroughly frustrated.

  "I know, but all we can do is wait, and hope at this point," Relli replied quietly.