Widderkin V. O. E. - 23. Chapter 23

Widderkin VOE.

Chapter 23.

"You’d better not take Ban to the Lodge, Kieran. We’d both like to go but the mining company’s furious after yesterday's media releases and the nationwide coverage of the protest march. They’ll be watching like hawks."

"I suppose, but always staying in the background the way you do’s got knobs on it."

"Morrison’s so convinced it's me accessing their systems he’s got a dedicated security team looking for me."

"Hasn't he been looking for you ever since you disappeared?"

"Yes, but not like this. He kind of understands my capabilities and wants me under his control again."

"Corey, we won't let that happen."

"I know, but it still makes sense for me to keep a low profile."

"Okay. You know what’s best. That’s for sure. What’ve you actually found out? You've been working on that thing for hours."

That ‘thing’ was the computer Corey had ordered from a place that specialised in building state-of-the-art ultra performance machines. Tan and Woorawa raved about its capabilities. Corey said it he was happy with it.

A portable workstation with multiple cores and pseudo-ram, whatever that was, was way beyond the college computers Kieran worked with. Whatever, it was sure helping Corey get astonishing results.

"Will we need to be ready for some kind of come back?"

Corey laughed.

"Not straight off. Morrison’s copping it from the overseas headquarters for putting the company in a bad light, and he’s ordered an instant media campaign about the benefits for everyone and implying there’s been a misunderstanding. He’s ordered another security overhaul too, but I’ll get around that easily enough.

They’re still confident the mining bill will go through though, because the gang of three has so much control of their various factions."

"That’s the biggest worry, Corey. The Prime Minister wants to help but he and his adviser couldn't see a way through. They’re talking it over with Malcolm this afternoon, so hopefully we’ll know more after that ... It’s a pity that you and Ban can't come with us."

"I’ll be busy monitoring Sydney and overseas, but I’ll sneak a peek to see what you’re doing."

"At the lodge? What do you mean? Make a mind link and see what I'm seeing?"

"Hey! That’s way better than accessing the Lodge video. Give me a yell when something interesting’s happening."

Kieran stared. He was getting used to Corey's accomplishments but they were still startling.

"For sure. What’s overseas?"

"The supercomputer for the European Collider is partly idle while they do some physical upgrades so I’m going to sneak in and use it to monitor the mining company's international headquarters."

"Good grief! You can do that? Of course you can ... What does Ban do while you’re concentrating on your computer?"

"Kind of the same. He uses the laptop to surf the Internet and go all round the world. And he’ll have free reign while there’s no-one else here ... What’s Michael doing? He must have reached his orcas by now?"

Kieran checked.

"He’s in the boat eating his lunch ... And following the pod somewhere. Do you want me to give him a message?"

"Not really. I know he’s okay but I do think of him being alone in the middle of the ocean."

"He’s not alone. The orcas are his special friends."

A message box binged and Corey's attention refocused.

***

The aide, or whatever he was, led the group through the building to a door that opened on a patio and then a garden area.

The Prime Minister, sitting with his associate and Malcolm, was instantly on his feet and beckoning in welcome.

"Wonderful! Find a seat and relax. Malcolm’s been telling us about his experience at the Eagle Valley.

Auntie Arika, Malcolm didn't meet you personally in Mparntwe and he’s keen to ask you some questions.

"Woorawa, introduce your college friends."

Woorawa didn't get the chance. The Prime Minister's eyes locked and he offered his hand.

"You must be Tan. We’re set up for a barbecue later and I’m a hopeless cook so maybe you could do the honours for us?"

"You said you liked him, but is he really this friendly, Kieran?"

"He really is, Rhys, and whatever Malcolm’s been saying has really piqued his interest."

"Do the security guards all check out? I’ve only seen two so far."

"Yep! Everything’s okay. There are three more in a room with screens and other equipment."

"And you must be Rhys. Woorawa tells me you’re an avid reader so you might enjoy talking to my son Nathan. He describes himself as a bookaholic."

"It’s nice to meet you. Yes, I’m Rhys and I do like reading. Mostly specfic, with a few thrillers tossed in. And you are the man?"

The Prime Minister's eyes lit up.

"As in the boss? I often ask myself the same question. What is specfic?"

Mr B spoke up.

"Rhys likes destroying the English language, Prime Minister. He means speculative fiction which usually covers both fantasy and science fiction."

"Fantasy? Nathan's bookshelves are bulging with that. We do encourage him to try other types of reading but he’s got a mind of his own."

"That’s the best way to be, Mr Prime Minister."

The Prime Minister turned to Woorawa.

"Your house mate is very direct, Woorawa. I guess that makes life interesting."

"You have no idea, Prime Minister. It takes all the rest of us to control him and that only works half the time. He thinks we’re his slaves."

"Hmm! I see, but I am sure you manage. I have the same trouble when I don't listen to Rory."

Rhys set everyone grinning with an exaggerated fake groan.

"Why do we have to suffer like this, Rory? Can I loan you one of my whips?"

Rory looked stunned, then nodded in agreement.

"He’s putting a lot of effort into making us feel welcome, Kieran?"

"He’s working at it, Rhys, but there’s nothing fake about it. He is edgy about us meeting his son for some reason. No ... He’s going to say something to you."

"Me?"

"Rhys, my son Nathan will talk for ever about his books but please be patient if he gets too much. I wish he had more confidence. He’s aware that he doesn't get on with most young people because he’s a nerd. That’s his word, not mine, and he’s sensitive about it no matter how much we tell him that’s special. Be gentle with him."

"Gentle? What do you mean?"

"Your personality might be a bit strong for him."

Rhys looked horrified.

"I’ve got nothing against nerds. I’m surrounded by them."

Mr B put a calming hand on Rhys's arm.

"Prime Minister, before he had the gifts of friendship and support of his friends Rhys was quiet and withdrawn. Behind the bold front is one of the most gentle and caring people you’ll ever meet."

The Prime Minister grimaced as he looked at Rory and Malcolm then nodded at Rhys.

"My apologies, Rhys. In my concern for Nathan I've been awkward with my explanation. I know you’ll get on. He spends a lot of his time in the pool so you’ve already sparked his interest. I do repeat my request for a gentle approach though, as his dog is not well and that’s very hard for him."

"It’s an old dog?"

"No, Rhys. That’s making it even harder for us. Rom is only five years old and so far three veterinarians haven't been able to find out what's wrong with him."

The Prime Minister pulled himself together.

"Your protest march was a great success, Woorawa. Were you expecting that massive media coverage?"

"We were, Prime Minister, but we kind of cheated. Auntie was the star. Her voice leading the chant was so wonderful we had the bystanders joining the march."

Auntie's head lifted but she didn't say anything.

"I agree with Woorawa that your chant is wonderful, Auntie Arika. Did you devise it yourself or is it part of your heritage?"

"It is a spirit song, given through Tan, to rally our people against the storms of interference."

"Tan?"

All eyes turned and Tan spread his hands with a ‘don't ask me’ gesture.

"Tan walks with spirits to bring us their help."

The Prime Minister nodded, somewhat uncertainly, then smiled.

"I don't really understand, Tan, but Auntie Arika surely holds you in the highest regard. Have you had a long association with Mparntwe?"

"None at all till Woorawa moved to our share house and opened my eyes."

Prime Minister nodded again.

"I know what you mean. Rory’s been doing that for me ever since we had our own share house.

Woorawa, I suggest we all move to the shade. It’s more relaxing and not so open as this patio."

***

"How will we do this, Kieran? Nathan doesn't look nervous."

"He’s hiding it, Rhys, but he’s curious too. We’ll just dive in and say hello."

They did just that, except Tan walked to the steps at the shallow end.

"Hi, Nathan. I’m Rhys. I wish we had a pool."

"Hello. Does Woorawa like swimming?"

"Yep, he loves it but he’ll be talking with your father and the others for a while."

"Hi, Nathan. I’m Kieran. It must be awkward for you, meeting strange people all the time."

"Hey! Speak for yourself. There’s nothing strange about me. Well, not much ... This is Tan. He used to be scared of swimming till we got him over it."

Tan offered his hand and, surprised, Nathan took it.

"Hello, Nathan. If Rhys talks too much tell him to swim a few laps. What year are you in at school?"

"Hello ... Tan. I’m technically in Year Eight but my school lets me work at different levels for some subjects."

"That sounds like a good school. We’re all at college, but our levels are different too."

"Different? We’re Year Twelve equivalent, Tan."

"You and I are, Rhys. Mr B’s a lecturer, and Woorawa’s technically Year Ten, a bit like Nathan."

Nathan was immediately interested.

"Woorawa is Year Ten? Is he younger than the rest of you?"

"You do the talking, Tan. Nathan likes your manner."

"He’s a year younger, Nathan, but his school situation is way, way complicated."

"Didn't he have a good school in Mparntwe?"

"He says his school was okay, but he was blind till about six months ago and they didn't have the resources to help him properly."

"Woorawa was blind? That’s amazing. My dad says he’s the most special person he’s ever met. Is he really an elder? He gave my father a ceremonial feather."

"His people made him one. I’ll tell him to give you something too. Would you like that?"

"Please don't. That would be the worst manners."

"Wow! Kieran! He’s only fourteen."

"He’s a thinker, Rhys. His father was right about him having his own mind."

"Okay. I won't ask, but if he does offer you should accept ... How did you get to know about First Nation affairs, Nathan? Your father said you tell him off for being ignorant."

"He is too, but he's changed since he met Woorawa the other day ... I had a school project a couple of years ago and it was so interesting I got carried away."

"Carried away with school stuff? What does that mean?"

Nathan smiled.

"I get obsessed, Rhys. My teacher couldn't believe it when I handed in ninety-six pages. Everyone else did two or three."

Rhys duck dived, grabbed Kieran's ankles and pulled him under, then underwater breaststroked towards the deep end. Kieran surfaced, spluttered, then smiled at Nathan.

"I’ll be back in a minute after I get him."

Tan and Nathan watched him head off then looked at each other with mutual understanding.

"They’re both muck-arounds, Nathan. Do you spend much time in your pool?"

"Lots. Were you really scared of swimming, or was Rhys teasing?"

"He was teasing, to make you smile, but I really was scared till they helped me."

"Why would Rhys want me to smile?"

"That’s who he is. Your father told us how you keep to yourself and Rhys was the same till last year. Nathan, he really is keen to talk to you because he’s mad about scifi and fantasy."

"He’s a book reader?"

"He sure is. He’s always complaining about not enough time. He loves animals too."

Nathan gave Tan a very direct look.

"My dad told you about Rom?"

"He didn't say much but he sounded sad."

"Yes."

Nathan went quiet and for a moment Tan thought he’d made a bad judgement.

"He’s the best dog in the world and we can't find out what's wrong. He’s young, Tan. It's not fair."

Tan didn't know what to say.

"He’s always been so happy and lively, and now he just lies on his bed like he’s too tired to do anything. This morning he wouldn't even eat his favourite treat till I put it right in his mouth."

Tan made a decision.

"Nathan, would you let us have a look at Rom? Kieran has a special affinity with animals and we call him a whisperer."

Nathan went quiet again, then nodded.

"Affinity? That’s more than just loving them."

"Interesting things happen with Kieran and Rhys. Will we call them?"

"Have you been listening, Kieran?"

"You’re a wonder, Tan. Give us a yell and we’ll come straight over."

Tan waved both arms and called.

"Kieran! Rhys! Get over here. Nathan’s going to take us to see his dog."

Rhys waved back.

"Watch this, Nathan. They’re competitive. They’ll race each other."

"Are you competitive, Tan?"

"Sort of. I think you and I might be a bit the same. The only person I want to compete with is myself."

"Yourself? That sounds funny."

"If I get a B for something I want it to be an A. and if I get an A I want it to be an A+."

"Yes. I am like that ... But only with things I like ... Rhys is winning."

Tan was too busy dodging a directed splash to answer.

Rhys's attention was on Nathan really.

"What kind of dog is Rom, Nathan? Is he very big? I’m a big dog person."

"He’s pretty big, but he was a rescue puppy and we don't like saying mongrel so we say bitsa. We think he’s a labrador, with a bit of kelpie and a bit of collie."

"Neat! Rom is kind of interesting for a dog name. How did you come up with that?"

"I was reading a story about gypsies and –"

"Wow! Is he dark and mysterious and Rom is short for Romany?"

Nathan stared at Rhys.

"You’re clever. He is dark, but it's just his eyes that are mysterious."

Rhys shook his head.

"Not clever, Nathan. Some of my books connect Romani with magic and mystery. I don't know what they’re really like. Tan said we’re going to see Rom. Is that all right?"

"Yes. I don't exactly understand what he means but he says animals are special to you."

This was addressed to Kieran.

"They are, Nathan, and I’m really keen to meet Rom."

Nathan nodded then led the way out of the pool and pointed to a handy pile of towels.

"He’s inside."

"Can you sense Rom, Kieran?"

"Ever since the Prime Minister mentioned him, Rhys. He’s bad."

"??"

"I’m going to take over. Tan decided we’re going to help."

"Oracle Tan?"

"No, but almost as forceful."

Nathan led the way.

"Rom kept sicking and we moved his bed to the laundry where the lino floor makes it easy for me to clean up."

"You do the cleaning up?"

"He’s my dog, Rhys."

The room was quite spacious and Kieran, Rhys and Tan quietly watched while Nathan sat on the floor and ever so gently caressed the dark furry head resting unresponsive on the bed material. No, not unresponsive. It took a moment, but two eyes half opened and a bushy tail twitched in an attempt to wag.

"Please take over, Kieran. I can't watch this."

"Neither can I."

"Nathan, I need to be close to Rom to get in tune with him. Move just enough for me to take your place."

Kieran added a touch of authority and Nathan moved instantly. Kieran positioned himself with one hand on Rom's head and the other on the back of his neck then carefully revealed his presence.

Rom’s eyes opened, and stayed open. His tail wagged in recognition, weakly, but with far more than a twitch.

Nathan gasped.

"What happened?"

"He’s a real battler.

Rhys, you’re the strongest. I want you to hold Rom steady while I probe around his head and neck.

Nathan, did the vets mention any lumps or irregularities?"

"They didn't find anything. One of them took x-rays but that didn't help ... Will your probing hurt?"

"I’ll be very gentle but he might flinch if there’s a sensitive place. Rest your hand on his chest. That will be very reassuring for him even if he can't show it.

Good! We’re all in place. Don't interrupt me while I concentrate."

"Are you set, Rhys? I’ve got extra Opal energy ready just in case you need it."

"Okay. Do you really think there might be lumps or irregularities?"

"I haven't got a clue, Rhys. I wanted a plausible reason to get your hands in place."

Power flowed, then, at the insistent call, flowed again.

"Where’s the healing happening, Kieran?"

"His brain and along the first part of his spinal cord. It must be something complicated because you’re calling more energy. Wow! That’s weird."

"What?"

"I’m sure I’m controlling it. Can you see any glow around your hands?"

"Your blue? No, there’s nothing. Why?"

"What about you, Tan? Can you see any glow?"

"No, but Nathan’s staring at you with the weirdest look."

"I don't understand this. He’s seeing glow when there isn't any."

Rhys felt Rom’s head stir.

"Leave Nathan for the moment and focus on Rom, Kieran. You need to stop him moving so I don't break contact."

Rom twitched, his whole body this time and, sending a message of reassurance, Kieran hastily blocked the powerful impulse to stand up.

Two eyes opening and a short burst of tail wagging brought another gasp from Nathan.

"The energy flow has reduced, Rhys. I think he’s nearly better."

"I think so too. He’s looking at me."

Nathan's hand moved gently against Rom’s chest.

"What are you doing?"

"Rom’s responding well, Nathan. He just needs a bit more. I’ve got a good feeling, and if we keep tending him I think he’ll wake up properly. He’ll need a drink first and I reckon he’ll be hungry too."

A few moments was enough and with a nod to Rhys to do the same, Kieran lifted his hands and eased the movement restraints.

It was clearly an effort, but Rom came to all fours, twisted, and lunged to lick Nathan's face.

Nathan rolled on his back, and following what was clearly an established pattern, Rom rested his head on the proffered chest. An arm folded round the dark furry neck and the three friends watched till Nathan sat up and, still hugging Rom, turned to them.

"I know it’s not my imagination. Why were Rhys's hands glowing?"

"Glowing?"

Rhys held his hands out, then looked at the glazed laundry window.

"I can't see any glowing. It might have been a trick of the light."

"They stopped, just before Rom woke up, but I can still see Kieran's necklace."

Seemingly puzzled stares covered a rapid exchange of ideas.

"Holy hell, Kieran! What does this mean?"

"I have no idea, Rhys, but he really is seeing something with my Opal. Sort of like a glow without any colour."

"Remember when Woorawa's jeweller got mesmerised, Kieran? There’s been no one else since but it must be something like that."

"Tan’s right, Rhys, except Nathan sees a lot more. He’s smart too. He’s practically certain the glow healed Rom and not my special finger probing."

"What about making him forget? It will get complicated if he tells his dad that Rom was healed by a glow."

"Hmm! I might have to. Rom getting better so suddenly is already going to set those three men thinking."

Tan's thought came with force and conviction.

"No! That’s wrong for Nathan. We’ll take him into our confidence and you can put the same block against him saying anything that you gave Auntie after her healing. If he’s got a special gift we should help, not take it away."

"Tan’s brilliant, Kieran. And he’s right as usual."

"What exactly do you mean, Nathan? Tell us what you can see."

"I don't know, Tan. There was blue before, but now it’s just alive or something. What kind of gemstone is it?"

"It’s a black opal and the rest of us have rubies. How we got them is a complicated story but I want you to have a close look at mine and tell me if it’s anything like Kieran's.?"

Nathan laughed because the action of sitting up had allowed Rom to lunge for a chin lick.

"His tongue feels nice ... Is it a real ruby? It’s big. I can't tell, Tan. I can't say yes and I can't say no."

"Activate my Ruby for a moment, Kieran."

"Okay, how about now?"

While Nathan stared, Rom rested his head and closed his eyes.

"Yes. It’s definite now, whatever it is. It’s like Kieran's opal but a bit different ... You made it happen didn't you? Rom is really better and I’m not dreaming."

"Rom will be as good as gold but that’s from Rhys and Kieran, not me. Nathan, we need to keep this to ourselves so how good are you at keeping secrets?"

"I’m really good, but what will I say to mum and dad? We don't tell each other fibs."

"Wow! I like this family more and more, Kieran."

Nathan rubbed underneath Rom’s chin and smiled at the funny look it caused.

"He loves that so much. What are you going to tell me?"

Tan pointed to Kieran.

"Not me, Nathan. This is Kieran's area and you’re a real puzzle for him."

"Me?"

"Yes, Nathan. You can see things that other people can't. One other person had a feeling about my Opal but that was nothing compared to your gift. Have you heard about laying on of hands for healing?"

"Yes, it’s a religion thing but I’ve never really believed it."

"Well, Rhys can do it, but not by belief. He needs energy from my Opal to make it work."

"And the energy turns blue when Rhys uses it?"

"Not me, Nathan. I haven't got a clue. Kieran controls the energy and I only see colours if he puts them there."

"Is it like electricity?"

"We’re still figuring it out ourselves, but I suppose it is. You can store electricity in batteries and do things with it and we can store our energy in gemstones so that’s a good comparison. What do you reckon, Tan? You’re our physics boffin."

"Boffin? That’s a funny word but, yes, you’re right. The big mystery with Opal energy is that Kieran can control it ... Make a GPS arrow and find Woorawa with it, Kieran."

A light blue arrow hovered in midair and after a moment to take it in, Nathan reached with his free hand.

"This is hard to believe. Is it safe to touch?"

"For sure. Have a try. Direction only needs a smidge of energy."

"... I can't feel anything ... It’s blue again. How do you do it?"

"Open the palm of your hand, Nathan."

That happened.

"So, how did that work?"

Nathan clenched and unclenched his hand several times.

"I see. You just think it and it happens."

"Exactly! Now, if you’re happy about it we’ll try and understand your power eyes."

"It’s called power eyes?"

"We have to call it something. I thought energy eyes first, but power eyes sounds better."

"It does. What are we going to do?"

"We’ll get Rom settled first. He wants to stay with you but he needs water and food and a really good sleep."

Nathan didn't move. Instead he looked to Tan.

"Please, Tan, can you empty his bowl in the trough and put fresh water in it. And, Rhys, those are his treats on top of the washing machine. He loves them and they’re meant to be really healthy. He won't go to sleep though. If we leave him alone he’ll just get upset."

Kieran smiled.

"Watch this. He’ll have the best sleep ever."

***