I Find Your Insurrection Revolting

 Emlyn glanced behind her into the sky but saw no sign of Axelis’s starship. Maurice followed her gaze but saw nothing. “Come inside out of the cold, cher.”

It was good to be in his parlor and away from the upheaval, for a few minutes at least. Maurice wrapped her in his arms. “I missed you ma Coeur.” He kissed her cheek. “Come sit beside me and tell me your news.”

Emlyn fell upon the sofa. “Maurice, I need your attention to what has become perhaps a matter of international importance.”

Maurice sat beside Em, his face reflecting her concern. He frowned. “What have you been up to Emlyn? You leave me for an hour and return with threatening possibilities? C’est le chaos?” 

“Non, mon cher, not yet, at least.” Em sought to inform, not inflame. “But you must listen. I need your help in seeing a way out of this trouble.”

Maurice was listening. “Go on.”

Emlyn brought him up to date upon the entire situation, ending with the disabling of the airships and continuing with the threat of troops marching overland. “Cavalry as well, waggons transporting the bombs….it is sheer madness Maurice.”

“I see.” Maurice sighed. “If all is as dire as you say, then it would be well advised for us to take some part in the effort to cease and resist this ill advised attack.” 

“But what can be done?” Emlyn stood. “Action is needed, and soon.” As tired as Em was, she was itching to get things done. Time for rest later.

“Oui, ma cher. Do not fret yourself. I have an idea.” Maurice also stood and began to pace. “I have many friends, some with certain connections, that may be useful.” He stood still and turned to Em. “You say that they are heading east to Washington, non?

“Oui, actually more northeast.” Em paused. “I know not the exact route, but thus far, Kidd wishes to create a stir, to show themselves and hopefully pick up more volunteers along the way.” 

“Ah, parfait!” Maurice went to the telephone. “I know someone who will be very interested in an army marching northeast bent upon revolt! Allo? Jacque? Oui, Maurice. Ecouter….”

Emlyn sat with rapt attention as she tried to understand Maurice’s rapid fire French, but she barely knew only every second or third word. She watched the hands of the horloge de parquet as it chimed the hour. Time, now, was not their friend.

At last, Maurice hung up the phone and grinned her way. “Oui ma petit, I think we have found a solution.”

“Tell me!” Em was on tenterhooks. Maurice took a seat. “Sit, cheri. I think now all will be well. Friends of mine are on the job.”

“Yes? How so?” 

Maurice smiled. “You have, perhaps heard of my friends…do you know of the RCMP?”

“The Mounties?” Emlyn cried, “Oh, Maurice, truly? Tell me all!”

Maurice chuckled. “Oui, c’est vrai. The Mounties are on the march, on horseback. And best of all, they will intercept the enemy from Alberta and British Columbia, in the west, long before they even reach the divide.” Maurice sighed. “I explained about the pirate, Kidd, and the bombas of the bats…c’est fou. So my friends know that these are men who are possessed by the folie, and to confiscate weapons but not to harm anyone if it can be helped.”

“Brilliant!” Em kissed Maurice her thanks. “It is indeed parfait.”

“Oui. The mounties will tell them and anyone else who asks why they are there, that intelligence was received that a battalion was marching upon Canada with combat in mind.” Maurice put an arm about Em. “Is there anything else you require, Mademoiselle? World peace perhaps?” 

“Oui,” Em replied. “ That would be parfait.”

Revolution or Evolution?

To be a star you must shine your own light, follow your own path, and don’t worry about the darkness,  for that is when the stars shine brightest.

• 
  
•  Ralph Waldo Emerson 

 Axelis put up a hand. “Hold. A moment: this airship, with bat bombs? It is plotting some destruction?”

“Yes, Axelis! It must be stopped. I wish I knew a way…” Emlyn began to head for the door.

“I have a way,” Axelis replied. “My ship could disable these airships, silently and stealthily.”

Em paused. “They will not see you?” 

“They will never know what hit them, as you would say.” Axelis rose and joined Em at the door. Jeanne and Shannon followed. “You must bring it down safely!” Emlyn cried as they ran. “Of course.” Axelis assured her. “It will all be over in minutes.”

The sisters of the Celtic Triad traveled as quickly as Axelis’s ship. 

Em delivered them back outside The Bear tavern. They were just able to discern two airships above steaming slowly but inexorably eastward determined upon delivering freedom from supposed tyranny via bat guano and a motley troop of piratical revolutionaries.

“There they go, the great numpty wallopers!” Jeanne summed up Kidd’s ragtag army with gusto. “Whatever happens, I hope Kidd gets his just desserts!”

“But Jethro wants no part of this madness!” Emlyn worried about her friend. “He was taken much against his will.”

A melodious baritone voice sounded behind them, “That’s true, Em. The daft buggahs!” His smile included everyone.

Em wheeled about to find Jethro, a bit worse for wear but safely away from danger. “Jethro!” She threw her arms about him as did Jeanne and Shannon. “Umph! Easy, ladies…I got a bit dinged up getting away, plenty to go round later!”

“Ah the great sass of him now!” Shannon grinned.

Em held Jethro at arm’s length then. “You’re all right though? Oh, Jethro you gave me quite a start.”

“He scared us all for a bit,” Alain sauntered over from The Bear.  Shannon flung herself upon him with a whoop. “It is good to have you both safely away from that duchas!” Shannon hugged him hard. “ No more of that now!”

“Something is happening!” Emlyn stepped up upon a knoll, eyes to the skies. Where once the ships were sailing slowly through the air, they now  began to inch downward until both were resting peaceably upon the ground.

“Axelis did it!” She exclaimed, excited. “Goddess be thanked,” echoed Jeanne. “As well as this is,” Alain began, “I do not think that it will end there.” 

“ He’s right,” Jethro said, still with an arm around Emlyn. “They’ll probably just proceed with an alternate plan of marching over ground to Washington.”

“Oui, I believe that will happen, and soon,” Alain agreed. All were silent then, thinking. Finally Emlyn turned to Jethro. “You are certain you are all right?”

“Much better, now I’m here.” He smiled down at Em. “I think I better get back to check on ole Homer, though. Been away a while now. I can always rustle up a horse somewhere…”

“Try Mrs. Murphys boarding house,” Em suggested, pulling some cash from her pockets. “And pay my rent while you’re there.”

“Just like old times, Em.” He bent to give her a peck on the cheek. “You all take care now!” And off he sauntered. 

“So, what next?” Jeanne asked, hands on hips. Emlyn looked at Alain and Shannon, heads together. “I believe I will take Alain’s advice and see what Maurice may suggest. We might be able to get a jump on this overland invasion. Somehow.”

Jeanne directed her gaze toward the park beside The Bear. “What is that shimmering?”

Emlyn had an idea. “I believe it is my father, decloaking.” She began walking towards the space where the shimmer seemed most solid. Soon, Axelis appeared. 

“That was good work you did, grounding those airships.” Emlyn greeted him. “Thank you.” “It was the least I could do.” Axelis glanced back toward his ship. “I would like you to do something for me, if you will.” “Of course,” Em wondered what this could possibly be. 

“ I would like to take you wherever you are bound in my ship.” He glanced behind him. “There is someone I would like you to meet.”

Whoever could it be? Em’s  curiosity peaked. “I was thinking I would head east, to Canada and talk over some things with Maurice.” Axelis bowed and gestured toward the ship. Emlyn was finally on her way, ascending the skies with Axelis. “Took him long enough…” she murmured to herself. “Did you say something, daughter?” Em had to get used to being around a telepath. “Nothing important. I am so looking forward to this trip!” 

“As am I. Please take a seat, make yourself comfortable. I will return shortly.”

Emlyn gazed about her, seeing nothing more than utilitarian curved walls lighted by an amber glow from an unknown source. Without sound or motion, she wondered when they would be airborne. On  the wall before her, a screen appeared suddenly. The glowing amber lighting changed to a soft indigo. She watched, rapt with wonder as she beheld the planet below become a small blue ball surrounded by the darkness of space. The ship seemed to slow then and stars appeared, shining points of diamond lights.

“We have reached a cruising speed.” Axelis had a way of simply apporting in and out. “We shall fly to Canada soon,  but first, I wished to take you via the scenic route.”

Emlyn had no words. She slowly shook her head. “I had no idea…it could be so beautiful.” 

“It is that. And more.” Axelis seemed to frown slightly. “But, for now, all is at peace.” Em glanced aside. “Are there wars in space then?”

“Sometimes.” Axelis sighed and looked out at the stars glimmering as they slowly traveled past. “ Not as much now, as there once was.” He looked at Em. “Know that your world had taken part in some skirmish or other throughout time.”  Emlyn recalled Daryl saying as much. Earth as a battlefield.    

“Emlyn, I was hoping to introduce you to someone who is actually a distant…cousin of yours.” Axelis nodded toward a figure who was approaching silently. Curiouser and curiouser, thought Em…

“Sharina, this is Emlyn, my daughter.” 

Em certainly was not prepared for such a surprising situation. However she managed a greeting. Just. “Pleased to meet you, Sharina.” The young person seemed quite out of her element here. “It is pleasant meeting you,” she managed, staring unabashedly at Emlyn, and Axelis. “Is Em Lyn also a hybrid like me?” 

Axelis seemed caught a bit off guard. “Yes…I am her father, but her mother was of Earth stock, partially.” 

This was news to Em. “Partially? Do you mean, she also, was hybrid?” Axelis gestured to a couch which had appeared from behind a wall. “ Let us take a seat so we may discuss these things more comfortably.”

Emlyn and Sharina eyed one another warily like strange felines. Axelis sat between them. “Sharina’s father is a step brother of mine,” he began. “Our uncle knew your mother, Emlyn. From many years ago now.”

Em’s head swam. She knew there was no way she could follow this otherworldly family tree. Axelis intuited this, arose and made for a panel on the wall. “Three cups of Andorian tea.” A door previously unseen appeared with tea upon a tray. Axelis served. “This tea is quite good, you will find it soothing to the system.”

“Thank you,” Em replied, quietly astonished to find a table had arisen from the floor before them. She took a sip and set her cup down, fearing her hand would shake. “It’s quite good,” she commented, wondering how long it would be until they reached Canada…it seemed terribly far away. “This is all rather a lot to, take in, all of a sudden.”

Indeed, Axelis was finding his plans for a simple gathering to have become exceedingly complicated. “Quite understandable.”  He was not adept at family matters, having spent so much of his time at work, and with the council. “ I had hoped that, with time, we might be able to get to know one another better.”

“I know now more than I would like!” Sharina burst, shaking her head. “This is not a world I would wish to know better, not at all! I want to return home. Now.” The young person retreated into another room leaving her tea behind. Apparently it had not soothed her much.

“I apologize for Sharina,” Axelis began, “her upbringing has been rather free of anything more difficult than unpalatable tea, I fear.”   Lucky girl, Em thought, but kept that to herself.

“I fear now that time is of the essence,” Em stood and walked to the view screen now showing what could only be the lunar surface of the moon approaching. “Something must be done before a civil war breaks out on my insignificant but most unpleasant planet. How much longer until we reach Ontario, Axelis?”

“We will be descending soon.” Axelis joined her at the window on the worlds.  “ I am sorry I have been focused on my own agenda. Of course you’ve more pressing matters to attend than the education of a wayward young woman.

“Timing is everything.” Emlyn told him. “ I wish now more than ever that I could cruise the galaxy with my father…but, duty calls. Surely you understand.”

“I’m afraid I do, all too well,” he smiled then. “We are more alike than either of us imagined.” He pointed to earth approaching. “Canada, there you see. Won’t be long now.”

“Perhaps, some other time, then?” Emlyn asked. “Soon?”

“Decidedly. Yes.” Axelis reached into a pocket. “Nearly forgot…just a small token to remember me by.” He pressed a velvet box into her hand. Emlyn opened it to reveal a blue star sapphire in a diamond shape set within a silver necklace with an eight pointed star. “Allow me,” Axelis fastened it about her neck. “It becomes you. Brings out the blue in your eyes…”

Emlyn fingered the blue star, feeling suddenly sentimental. “I will treasure it, thank you.”

“Ah, yes, well…we are here.” Axelis opened the doorway and released the ramp. He took Emlyn’s arms and bent to kiss her cheek. “You have not seen the last of me,” he smiled. “If ever you have need of me, just hold this star and call to me. I will hear and respond.” 

Emlyn could only smile. “Fare well, and good journey father.” 

Axelis raised a hand. The ramp retreated and the door closed. A silvery shimmering engulfed the ship. And, he was away.

‘“Second star to the right, and straight on til morning…’” Em quoted Barrie’s Peter Pan. Then she turned and walked to Maurice’s cottage and rapped upon the door.

“Ah, there you are!” Maurice answered at once. “And just where have you been, ma cheri?” 

“ Oh, not so far.” Em smiled. “It’s good to be back.” Maurice brought her inside and closed the door upon the night.

 

In Life, Like Comedy, Timing Is Everything

 After the loss of family, Carlos was always the abandoner, never the abandoned. His need to be in control in his relationships was tremendous and appeared to dictate all his actions.

From: Sorcerer’s Apprentice - my life with Carlos Castaneda 

Amy Irving

……………….

“Hello? Em?” 

Emlyn glanced up the stairway. Jeanne was awake. “Feeling better?” Em inquired. “Absolutely.” Jeanne made a careful descent downstairs. “You’re just in time for dinner,” Em told her. “At Athena’s.” 

Em turned to Axelis. “We will meet you there.” Axelis nodded and quickly made his exit.

“Interesting man.” Jeanne noticed. “Your father?” “Yes.” Em sighed, “ He is attempting to act human now.” Jeanne grinned. “Nice try.” “Indeed.” Emlyn headed into the kitchen. “I need to leave a note for Shannon. Just in case…”

“This should be an interesting dinner,” Jeanne opined as the two headed down the well worn pathway to the gatehouse. “Do you notice anything odd about the meadow over there?” Emlyn inquired. Jeanne stared about. “No. Not really. The usual…although it could use some rain perhaps.” “Just wondering…it’s nothing,” Em wanted to be certain of Axelis’ ship’s cloaking device. All seemed in working order.

……………..

Athena hosted an impromptu gathering with her guests strewn about the parlor, gathered round her pirate chest as they noshed on a mound of cheesy biscuits while a great cauldron of soup was kept bubbling over the low fire in the stone fireplace.

“Any ideas as to what to do about our friends about to become the enemies of the US?” Jeanne paused. “Just asking.”  Axelis glanced about the crowd. “Our people had to learn the hard way that violence is not the answer. Our homeland was nearly destroyed before we came to our senses at last.” 

“In my timeline before this, it was much the same,” Athena concurred as she spooned the up the last of her soup. “Which is why Daryl sent the lucky few back into another timeline in the past. Here and now.”

“It will take a while for a marching patrol to make it to Washington,” Emlyn noted. “I think Shannon had a good idea …Maurice may be able to see what we may be missing. From his eastern viewpoint. I should stop by and inquire.”

Axelis suddenly looked up. “Maurice?” he asked. Emlyn was surprised by his question, to say the least.“Yes. He is a gentleman friend of mine in Ontario. Canada.”

“I am acquainted with Canada,” Axelis frowned slightly. “ Your northern neighbors. It is quite cold there.”Em smiled slighty. “ Indeed. Especially in the eastern provinces. The snow is quite beautiful though.”“But, cold. Still”Axelis confirmed.

“More beer anyone?” Athena offered. “The newest batch is still fermenting but should be ready in another week. This one will be a dark beer, and not so hoppy.”

“Excellent.” Axelis accepted a small top up. “ I do prefer your darker ales. Heartier.”

“Axelis refused alcohol until I convinced him to try my brew.” Athena commented proudly, “He has since become quite the expert.”

“A very little bit goes a long way,” Axelis replied. “ Generally, my people do not indulge in spirits.” He took a small sip and continued, “I would like to know more of this Maurice of whom you speak, daughter.”

Em was gobsmacked just then. Now he decides to act somewhat fatherly? L’etonnement! As Maurice might say! “Ah, well…” Em stammered.

Just then a series of knocks sounded rather loudly at the door. Not wanting for an answer, Shannon burst in upon the crowd. “Sorry to interrupt, but Em, Jeanne, I think we should go,” she announced breathlessly, “They, Kidd and company, have AIRSHIPS now! Airships loaded with bat bombs and headed east!”

Earth Stinks

Canst thou bind the sweet influences of the Pleiades

          or loose the bands of Orion? Job 38:31

 The sun was out and warming the earth nicely. Or, not so nicely, depending upon one’s olfactory preferences. Athena naturally enjoyed the fragrance of horse and hay, and all the accompanying scents of same. Alas, the young half-human visitor did not share her enjoyment of stable scents. She became even more discomfited when Athena’s white stallion Galahad lifted tail and let loose his mighty bowels.

“Oh no! The animal is ill! It has lost its…innards!” Soft retching noises followed her assessment as she trotted outside. 

“Oh, dear.” Athena put a hand upon Axelis’s arm. “ I fear this wild and woolly planet may not agree with your young…ward.” 

“Perhaps not.” He sighed. “She has been rather cocooned in a more rarified dimension.” He followed the girl without. Athena brought the wheelbarrow around, and whistling, began to pitch horse biscuits within. “Good boy, Galahad…” she cooed in his ear. “Mummy is well pleased with her sweet boy,”And Galahad received a carrot for his hearty digestive efforts.

Athena attended to her ranch chores throughout the day, seeing no further signs of Axelis or his puzzling youngster. The ship remained where it landed however. She supposed her otherworldly visitors were sequestered within. Ah well. They knew where to find her.

Feeling a bit peckish, she returned to the gatehouse and began to bustle about rustling up some dinner. She supposed the girl could eat…she knew Axelis was not so squeamish about such earthly habits. 

A hearty corn chowder soon simmered on the stove and Athena had just popped cheese biscuits in the oven when Axelis rapped gently upon the door, then peered within. “Ah, there you are!” Athena greeted him. “How fares our young visitor?” 

“Resting.” He shut the door and inhaled appreciatively. “I’m afraid it’s my error in assuming that just because I am adept at acclimatizing to this planet, others may not find it so easy.” He took a chair near the window and gazed out at his ship anchored beyond.

“It would appear not,” Athena agreed. She poured a herbal tea in two mugs and joined him. “Exactly how do you come to be so intertwined with young Sharina?”

Axelis stared into his tea. “We are, somewhat related. Sort of…step cousins.” He took a sip.“It is hard to explain.”

“I see.” Athena did not. She put a hand upon his. “ Do us both a favor and do not mention this liaison to Emlyn. She would be deeply hurt.”

He raised his eyes to hers. “Truly?” He seemed oblivious of the obvious.

“She wishes she could know you better, Axelis. You know she considers you her real parent. And you see her so seldom. How could you not know this?” 

He sat back into his chair and sighed. “Diplomatic matters have kept me busy, you know how it is. And my uncle has had some, ah, rather sticky challenges of late. He suggested it would be best perhaps to take Sharina away somewhere more…secure. Somewhere no one would find her.”

“Sounds serious.” And less innocent than a simple visit here. 

“ I sincerely doubt that anyone could trace my ship here, especially with all Daryl’s wards upon the area. The perimeters here hold strong.” Axelis was showing signs of stress. Something rarely seen about him. “However, I see now that this may not be the time for a forced rooting here. Sharina is a more delicate flower than I had expected.”

Athena sat back, stretching her long legs before her. “Earth is decidedly not the place for delicate blossoms, you know this well my dear. Even the heartiest specimens have a rather rough go of it here.” Athena stood, and placed her biscuits on the table. “I believe Emlyn is here at the house. Why don’t you pay her a call and invite her over for dinner?”

Axelis stood and nodded. “Of course. It is, as you say, the least I could do.”

“I didn’t say it,” Athena replied. 

“You were thinking it, though.” Axelis smiled then as he headed out the door. 

Emlyn rambled around the great echoing chambers within the mansion wondering what she was doing here.  She wished for news from Shannon and Alain regarding the latest developments and how Jethro was faring in this rather hurried and ill favored insurrection.

But she didn’t want Jeanne to awaken alone in this mausoleum. 

Such were her musings as she haunted the empty place room by hollow room. Sighing, she flopped down on the parlor sofa. And sat up abruptly as she heard a knock upon the front door.

Not awaiting an answer, the door opened.

“Axelis!” She knew she was blushing as her heart pounded in response to viewing her long lost otherworldly paterfamilias. 

“Emlyn. How good to see you again.” Uncharacteristically he held his arms open, beckoning.

Em naturally took advantage of this rare opportunity, and approached gingerly, daring to allow his embrace. “Let me look at you.” He held her apart and smiled. “Come with me to Athena’s?

She has invited us to dine with her tonight.”

“Yes, that sounds lovely.” Em hardly knew what to say…such an unexpected surprise, seeing Axelis appear here, of all places. “Just give me a moment, I’ll get my coat.” Em quickly wrote a note and left it for Jeanne in the kitchen. 

Events and people were suddenly moving fast. Em had to prioritize, and spending time with Axelis trumped all. “Let’s be off. I’ve waited long for just such an evening with you…” 

“As have I, my dear,” Axelis was suddenly saying all the right things after a lifetime of silent absence. It left Em wondering, but she put off any deep thinking until much later. For now, all that mattered was this dream that had come true at last. For now, reality need not intrude.

Axelis held her arm as they walked the pathway to the gatehouse. “The stars are just beginning to appear,” he noted. “Look up to the right, above those trees, You see Orion, the Hunter, yes?” Emlyn did. “Orion is unmistakable. Such a large constellation.”;

“Indeed.” Axelis pointed beyond. “And that mass of cloudy stars, is my home world, the Pleiades. Specifically, Taygeta.” 

“I see.” Emlyn sighed. “How I would love to visit there…”

“Would you, truly?” Axelis pondered this. “Perhaps that can be arranged.”

Emlyn felt herself halfway there already…✨⭐️💫✨💫✨💫

…………….