Europa Awakenings Page 28

Earon sat beside Jeanip without saying a word for some time. Like Europa, he knew the death of Mr. Dark Feather had greatly impacted Jeanip. He turned his head to look at the seasoned warrior who was driving them to safety. Once more he wondered how Jeanip managed to endure the death of so many comrades and friends over the centuries. No longer able to withstand the silence, Earon asked, “Jeanip, how did JeffRa know we’d be at the Hunting Lodge? And how was he able to attack us so fast?”

  “I don’t know, Earon,” Jeanip replied, visibly shaken. “We had this planned down to the smallest detail. We left absolutely nothing to chance. And only two Waters besides myself knew the entire plan. With all the security measures we had in place, there is no way JeffRa should have been able to surprise us like he did.”

  “Do you think there is a spy amongst Mr. Dark Feather’s Oonocks?”

  “I suppose it is possible. But Chancee and his second in command, Niquan, were the only two who knew the entire plan for the Hunting Lodge. And I trust both of them with my life. No, I don’t think there is a spy. Somehow JeffRa has developed a way to discover what we are doing, what we are planning. How else would he have known which window was your sister’s or be able to surprise my men at Minnos? Hell, he even surprised me, and that is an impossible task to accomplish. With the security grid we had and all the new advancements in the system, we should have been warned the second a Terrian stepped foot on Minnos. But, for now, no good can come from dwelling on the past events. We need to focus on getting to our next rendezvous.”

  “You said someone will be showing us the way?” Earon asked, changing the subject as he realized inquiring about how JeffRa found them was pointless for now. More information needed to be gathered. “Might I ask who that is?”

  “I think you already know.”

  “Father. Father is going to guide us.”

  “Yes, Enok will be our guide.”

  “He was also one of the Mobies that destroyed the boats.”

  “Yes.”

  “Have the medical personnel finally found a cure for his breathing problems?” A flicker of hope surfaced inside Earon as he entertained the thought his father might at last be able to live on land.

  “From what I understand they’ve made some progress. But I believe it’s the sheer size of a Moby’s enormous lungs that allows him to breathe the air for longer periods of time.” Jeanip answered, wishing the medical personnel had found a cure. If Europa and Earon ever needed their father, it was now. And he had to admit to himself, he needed him too.

  With the aid of his night goggles, Earon returned to scanning the ocean, looking for any more boats daring to approach them. He thought it eerie how quiet it was; not a sound was audible. Even the boat was silent as it sped across the ocean water. When they boarded the vessel he noticed the bow had been fitted with a special scoop, which allowed the water to pass away from the boat causing it to glide across the waters silently. He also suspected the engine was an Oonock design, for it too ran without the slightest sound. In this eerie silence they traveled until it was broken by the sound of several whale cries. Suddenly, a large whale emerged alongside the vessel making a startling sound as it blew. Not expecting the whale to be so close, Earon almost bolted out of his seat. Jeanip could barely keep from laughing out loud at the surprised Earon.

  “Ha-ha,” Earon said sarcastically, as he composed himself. Sliding off his chair, he walked over to the starboard side and saw a large Moby swimming inches from the boat. The whale turned his eye toward Earon and winked. It was Enok. Earon imagined his father was laughing inside also at the fact he had scared his son. Earon watched as his father submerged and resurfaced a few yards ahead of them, taking the lead and steering them in a new direction. Although still terribly angry with his father for the lie about his demise, Earon was relieved to know his father was out there protecting them, protecting his sister. For the first time since Minnos exploded, the young princess thought they just might have a chance to make it to Saint’s Isle alive.

  Earon’s two hour watch passed quickly and without further event. He knocked on the galley door to advise Europa he would be entering and to turn off the low beam lantern. He entered and saw Europa snuggled up in Terrance’s arms on one of the benches, mugs of coffee and playing cards in front of them on the table.

  “Sorry to interrupt your game, Sis, but it is your turn on top,” Earon said, removing the night-vision binoculars and handing them to Europa. “Perhaps Terrance and I can finish your card game if he would like.”

  Europa reached out and took the binoculars, slipping them over her head. “These are the coolest things. It’s like living in a green universe. Is this what it looks like down at the Complex?”

  “A little bit,” Earon answered. “Except we see in color, not monocolor.”

  Europa leaned over and gave Terrance a kiss. “I will see you in two hours.”

  Europa went above, closing the galley door behind her. She took a seat next to Jeanip. “Anything I need to know?”

  “No, just scan the ocean for anything unusual. And keep an eye on the night sky too.” Jeanip replied.

  Europa was surprised to hear the blow of the whale. Usually, if one can hear the sound of a blow, the whale is fairly close. She searched the ocean ahead and saw the large whale leading their way. “Jeanip, is that my father ahead of us?”

  “Yes, Europa, that is Enok, your father. He is our escort to our next destination.” He did not want to avert his eyes from Enok to look at Europa’s face to see if she was pleased they followed her father or not, but he believed he heard a tone of excitement in her voice. This pleased him.

  “Will I ever be able to meet him?” she asked, in a voice so low Jeanip almost didn’t hear her.

  “Would you like to?”

  “Oh, yes,” she eagerly replied. “I have fantasized about somehow having the chance to meet my father all of my life. But, I never thought it would be possible.” She turned to face Jeanip, a hint of fear in her eyes. “Do you think he will want to meet me?”

  “Oh My Dear, Dear Europa,” Jeanip replied, amazed at her innocence, astonished that, even after his explanation of why her parents decided she would be born human, she had no concept of how much both Enok and Medaron loved her. “Your father has dreamt of nothing else since the day you were born. Had it not been for the fact the lives of all the Oonocks were in his care, he would gladly have sacrificed his life to spend just a few hours with you.”

  “Really?”

  “Really, although if you search your heart you will discover you already knew that. I know Medaron always told you how much your father loved you.”

  “Yes, she did often. But one never knows if a parent is telling the truth or just something they think the child wants or needs to hear.”

  “Well, in this case, it is definitely the truth.” Jeanip thought for a moment then added, “If you have any doubt at all of his and your mother’s love for you and how much you meant to them, just think of all they willingly sacrificed for you. They put their life on hold for seventy to eighty years just so your life would be a happy one.”

  “At lease that was the way my life was supposed to have gone, before JeffRa reappeared,” Europa stated, remembering all she had lost the past week and a half. Realizing how lonesome her life was going to be without her mother and the others, she turned toward Jeanip and asked, “Jeanip, is there no chance he will ever be able to live on land?”

  “I don’t know, Your Majesty. Our medical personnel are hopeful.”

  “Hopefully, it will not take over fifty or sixty years to discover the cure,” Europa added quietly.

  Jeanip went to ask her why fifty or sixty years, then remembered that, as a human, that was probably how many years she would still live. How tragic it would be, he thought, if they cured Enok after Europa had passed. Not wishing to dwell on her mortality, he changed the subject to a more agreeable one.

  “That
young man of yours is very impressive, Europa,” Jeanip said, glancing quickly at Europa to see the smile on her face.

  “How so?” Europa asked, elated at Jeanip’s comment. She knew Jeanip held people to a very high standard. Evidently, Terrance had done a few things correctly for Jeanip to approve of him.

  “Do you remember when I took Terrance aside just before we were ready to board the boat at the Hunting Lodge?”

  “Yes. I thought for a moment you were going to leave him there and make me go without him.”

  Jeanip smiled. “That would have been a travesty, Your Highness. He is very much needed on this journey.”

  “What did you talk to him about?”

  “Terrance was pulled into this nightmare without his consent. He got dragged along due to his location and to the abruptness of the events. I wanted to give your young man the chance to choose between remaining behind, where he would be safe, or continue with us. This is not his fight. But he would not even consider it, not even for a second. He said he could never leave you – even if it meant it could be decades before he would be able to return to the real world. And his ability to conquer his fear of the ocean like he did in the cave at the Hunting Lodge and his agreement to go into the ocean if necessary now is commendable. He is a man with honor and dignity. Your father will be impressed by him, as I have been.”

  “Thank you, Jeanip. That means a lot to me,” Europa said. “I was talking with Earon about . . .”

  Jeanip’s voice became low and serious. “Silence, Your Majesty. You need to go get your brother and Terrance right away. Hurry.”

  Without hesitation, Europa jumped from her seat and went to the galley door, knocking on it before entering. Earon barely had enough time to turn off the lantern before the door opened. She returned with a confused Earon and Terrance.

  “What’s up, Jeanip?” Earon asked.

  “Possible trouble,” he stated, pointing to the left. Even without the night binoculars, Earon could see silhouetted against the night sky a small dot of light moving. As the light grew larger they began to hear the unmistakable sound of twirling helicopter blades. Within minutes, a large search light turned on and began to scan the ocean water below, searching for something or someone.

  “Do you think they’re looking for us?” Terrance whispered.

  “That is a possibility,” Jeanip replied, turning off the engine. “Europa, take the wheel. Keep the boat headed in this direction, but leave the engine off. Earon, put on Europa’s night binoculars and Terrance, you put on mine.” Jeanip removed his night binoculars and handed them to Terrance. “Follow me to the bow. I need your help to pull a cover over the boat.” He looked at Europa. “Do not worry, Your Majesty, I still have a few tricks up my sleeve.”

  Earon and Terrance ran after Jeanip to the front of the boat where they saw a large wooden box. As Jeanip threw the lid off they saw an odd colored, glistening cover with two heavy weights attached. “Earon, take this corner with the weight and lower it overboard on the port side. Terrance, you do the same on the starboard side. Try not to make any sound and be sure the front of the boat is concealed. Then pull it down your side toward the stern,” Jeanip instructed, as he handed Earon and Terrance a corner of the drape with a heavy weight. “Be sure the draping completely covers the boat, all the way down to the water’s surface. I will take the middle and go across the top of the boat. I will meet you two in the stern.”

  “But how will you be able to see without the night-vision goggles?” Earon asked, taking his end.

  “I know this boat like the back of my hand,” Jeanip replied. “And the moon will give me some light to see by. Plus, I have exceptional feeling in my fingers and will be able to feel my way along. Now hurry, do as I say.”

  Earon and Terrance lowered their weighted corners into the ocean and watched as the drape concealed the bow of the boat. They then dragged their portion down their respectful sides, making sure it reached the water and concealed the boat completely. Jeanip felt his way down the middle, pulling the drape along the top of the boat, aiding Earon and Terrance on their dispersal. Upon reaching the end of the wheel house, he silently dropped to the deck, pulling the drape with him.

  “In each corner of the boat you’ll find another weight. Tie it to your corner of the drape and drop it over the stern like you did up front when I tell you” Jeanip ordered. Jeanip tied a weight to the middle section and the two tied their weights to their corners. “Okay, on the count of three, lower your section into the water. One, two, three.” All three silently lowered their weights and drape over the stern, completely enclosing the boat.

  “What is this covering?” Earon asked before either of the other two could.

  “It is something one of Chancee’s engineers designed,” Jeanip stated. “It should completely conceal the boat and literally make us invisible. If the helicopter does fly over us with its search light, it should see only the ocean’s surface.”

  “Should?” Terrance asked.

  “We didn’t get a chance to test it out. On paper, that is how it is supposed to work. Let us hope it works that way in reality. Earon and Terrance, sit on the floor by Europa. We need to remain totally quiet with no movement until they leave. And Terrance, if you do not mind, I will need those goggles back now.”

  Terrance handed the goggles back to Jeanip. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he wondered how Jeanip was able to see anything even with the moonlight, for he could not. Earon took Terrance’s arm and led him back into the wheel house. “Okay, Terrance, you are standing right next to Europa. Sit down on the floor,” Earon instructed, sitting down also.

  The drape was designed to hide the boat from anyone searching for them, yet it allowed them to see though it as if it wasn’t even there. Looking up, Europa could see the helicopter with its search light heading in their direction, drawing closer with each one of her heartbeats. The sound of its whirling motor was becoming deafening.

  “Can’t we shoot it down like we did the one yesterday?” Terrance asked, trying to talk above the helicopter sound without yelling. He put his free hand in his pocket to be sure the purple stone was still safe. Luckily, he had grabbed his backpack when they came on deck so he had the blaster close by also.

  “No. That would draw attention to our location if it suddenly disappeared. We have to hope it loses interest and moves onto another location. And soon. We can’t remain here long or we will not make our destination by daybreak,” Jeanip stated, now having to bend down close to the three so he could be heard. “Here they come. Remain still and no talking.”

  Europa cupped her hands over her ears as the sound of the whirling chopper blades grew in intensity. The drape began to vibrate from the wind of the helicopter blades as it grew nearer, shining its search light upon the surface of the ocean surrounding the boat. Europa held her breath, saying a silent prayer they would not discern Enok swimming ahead of them. The light swung around and returned to shine down on the area where the boat was concealed. The light remained there, as the helicopter hovered above, remaining stationary. Jeanip feared the drape had not worked, that they had been discovered. The helicopter moved a few feet from the boat then dropped something into the water. As Jeanip heard the loud splash he feared frogmen had entered the water.

  “Something or someone just entered the water. If we are boarded you must immediately jump overboard and swim as far away from the boat as you can,” Jeanip ordered, drawing his knife in anticipation of being boarded.

  “Should we not get in now?” Earon asked, wondering why they would wait until they were boarded, which would make their escape harder.

  “No,” Jeanip responded. “I need Graybin, Runbee and a few of the other Waters to be here to help with Terrance and Europa. They should be here in about five minutes. Plus, we have no way of knowing from which side they will enter from. If those were divers, there can’t be more than two, so
chances are they will both enter on the same side. Be sure to go overboard on the opposite side. And, if for some reason they board us from both the stern and port side, go off the back.” Jeanip paused for a moment and listened, but heard nothing. “Terrance and Europa, be sure your life jackets are secured. Hold on to your backpacks – we need the items you have inside, especially the Orb. I want you three to stand and be ready to exit swiftly.”

  The three rose and stood there, ready to run to a side or to the back and leap off, if boarded. Earon reached out and took the two backpacks away from Europa and Terrance. “I’ll take these for you two,” he stated, slinging them over his shoulder. “After all, I am the better swimmer. Besides, Terrance, you need to concentrate on swimming.”

  The four remained motionless as the minutes ticked by, but no one tried to board. The helicopter remained hovering over the boat for several more minutes, then moved a few feet away. It again hovered and another object dropped into the water. “How many frogmen are they putting in the water?” Jeanip stated. “Perhaps they are going to try to board from every side, thus cutting off any route of escape.”

  Jeanip quickly began to formulate a new escape route when he heard a silent voice say, “Jeanip and Earon, it’s Graybin. Do not worry, you are safe. We have explored the area and there is no one in the water other than ourselves. They are dropping weights into the water to determine if indeed it is water underneath them or a cloaked ship.”

  “They are only dropping weights in an effort to find us,” Jeanip quietly announced to Terrance and Europa. “You three can sit back down.” Sitting back down, they kept their eyes on the helicopter, watching it advance a few more feet away and hover. All breathed a sigh of relief as they realized, had the helicopter dropped a weight while hovered above the boat, they would have been discovered.

  Jeanip looked at his watch. Time was short and they could not wait here much longer if they wanted to reach their next destination on time. But he couldn’t with the helicopter so close. “Graybin, is there any way to distract that helicopter? We’ve got to get going or we will arrive at our next destination too late.”

  “Help is on its way,” came a silent voice belonging to Runbee. “One of the decoy boats is heading towards you. I think he plans to get the helicopter to follow him.”

  “I believe the Calvary has arrived,” Jeanip announced, as the four travelers looked out over the ocean and saw a small blue light growing in size and speeding toward them. At the same moment, they heard the distinct sound of an outboard motor in the distance. Suddenly, the blue light changed direction and sped off away from their location, its sound becoming fainter. The helicopter took the bait and sped off in pursuit of the retreating boat.

  Seeing their opportunity, Jeanip ordered, “Earon and Terrance, pull the stern end of the drape inside the boat. Be sure there’s none left overboard that could get caught in the propellers. We’ll travel for a while with the rest of the drape on, just in case they come back.”

  “Can we do that?” Earon asked, leading Terrance back to the stern. Together they pulled the camouflage drape inside the vessel.

  “Guess we’ll find out,” Jeanip announced, throwing the throttle forward as soon as the drape was inside. “Hold on,” he yelled. The boat raced forward, away from the helicopter and closer to their destination.

  Gratefully, the drape remained in place as they sped across the ocean, following Enok as before. Once Jeanip was sure it was safe, he stopped for several minutes and uncovered the boat, folding the drape into a pile in the bow in case it would be needed again.

  “I believe we are now safe,” Jeanip stated. “Earon, you and Terrance can return to the galley. Europa, if you would return to your seat next to me we can continue on our way.”

  “Do you think we will encounter any more boats or helicopters?” Europa asked, scanning the night sky and ocean.

  “One can hope not,” Jeanip said, giving her an encouraging smile. “We are quite a ways from the Hunting Lodge, so I don’t think we should run into any more Terrians this far out.”

  “Europa, if you’d like, I can take over now,” Terrance said, as he paused momentarily at the galley door.

  “Thanks, Terrance,” Europa stated. “I am fine. I have less than an hour to go on my watch and I would like to remain out here. I love the ocean at night. Plus, I do not think I will ever get tired of watching my father swim ahead of us.”

  “Your father?” inquired Terrance, looking ahead but not able to see the whale in the dark.

  “Yes,” Europa answered. “The whale leading us is Enok, Earon’s and my father. This is the first time I have ever seen him.”

  Mostly to himself, as he walked down to the galley, Terrance said, “I don’t ever think I’m going to get used to animals not being animals but transformed people, beings.”

  Although he had not meant for them to hear it, both Europa and Jeanip chuckled. “I guess it is a lot for him to comprehend,” Europa said. “I know it has been for me. But somehow it is like I already knew it, somewhere in the very deep recesses of my mind I knew I descended from shape-shifters even before I found the Orb. I just did not realize I knew it.”

  “That does not surprise me, Europa,” Jeanip said. “Even though you were born human, Oonock DNA still resides in your genetic makeup. Oonocks have exceptional memories and are capable of passing past memories on to others in their lineage. I am sure when you were forming inside your mother some Oonock memories were passed on to you through her.”

  Europa turned her chair so that she could face Jeanip directly. “Jeanip, do you think you could tell me now what happened that day my mother died?” she asked. “Is there enough time?”

  “We will make time, Your Highness,” Jeanip said. “And, if need be, we can delay Terrance’s watch a bit to assure all your questions are answered.” Settling back into his seat, Jeanip began, “As I told you earlier, your mother was still alive when you arrived at the scene of the accident. Tinderoon quickly escorted you over to where I held Medaron in my arms. I believe you were in shock, but somehow you were able to kneel down beside her. Your mother knew she was dying and you would have to face the Terrians, or even JeffRa himself, without her. And, since she believed your father was dead, she feared there was no one left to protect you and your brother.”

  “But you were still alive,” Europa stated. “Why did Mother not believe you could save us?”

  “She could not allow herself that luxury. Even though she believed she had killed JeffRa, she had no way of knowing for sure. And if he was still alive, she knew he would not stop until you were dead. She knew how powerful JeffRa was and that there was a chance, although it being very small, that he would eventually defeat me too, leaving you two defenseless. She had to somehow protect you and did the only thing she knew to do - to transfer her powers to you. The Orbs’ powers protected her, and she surmised that, by transferring her power, they would also protect you. And not even JeffRa could defeat the Orbs or break their great protection.”

  “I placed your hand inside of hers and she initiated the transfer. But it was more than your body could withstand. Your system overloaded and you collapsed into unconsciousness. Earon transformed into his human form and took you back to Minnos while I carried your mother out into the ocean so she could become one with the Waters of Life. Then I went below to advise your father of your mother’s passing and the fact JeffRa was still alive.”

  “I do not completely understand, Jeanip,” Europa stated. “What is a transfer of powers and why did it affect me so?

  Jeanip thought of another way to explain it. “On Europa, when it is time for the younger monarch to replace the existing monarch, a ceremony is held where the power to lead the people is passed from the older to the younger one. It is mostly a ceremonial action, something visible the people can see, very similar to when your royalty here on Earth step down from leadership by p
assing the younger ruler their crown. But, instead of a crown, we use an amulet, like the one your mother gave you on your birthday. That is our token – only monarchs with the capability to rule may wear them. If the elder monarch chooses, he or she may also pass on a part of themselves: memories, knowledge, customs, and so forth. And sometimes, if the monarch is an extremely powerful one like your mother was, they can also pass on their powers. That is one of the ways our heritage remains current with the people. ”

  “How are these powers and knowledge passed on?”

  “It’s actually a wondrous sight to behold,” Jeanip answered. “A special ceremony is held where the elder and younger monarchs face each other, about six inches apart. They outstretch their arms toward each other, the elder holding the younger’s hands as a soft white light begins to glow in the elder monarch’s abdomen. As the light intensifies, it becomes brighter and turns lilac in color. It completely covers the elder monarch’s body and begins to stream out through his/her hands into the younger’s body. Soon, the younger’s body is encased in the light. As the younger’s body absorbs the light, it begins to decrease from the elder’s until only the light in the younger’s body remains. Then that too fades.”

  “Like what happened when I was able to heal you with the Orb!”

  “Yes, that is correct. Since you did not know who you really were, your mother did not transfer any powers to you the night she gave you the amulet.” Europa reached up and encircled her fingers around the amulet. She vividly remembered that night, the memory of which brought a warmth of deep love to her heart. “And, had JeffRa not appeared, she probably would never have done the transfer. She knew how dangerous it was for you.”

  “That is why I became unconscious, because of the transfer?” Europa asked.

  “The transfer of power and memories is a very powerful thing. On Europa, the future new monarchs are taught from a very early age about the transfer. They are conditioned and prepared for the acceptance of the energy force. You had no preparation, no training. When your mother performed the transfer, your body immediately went into shock and you collapsed. It was necessary to keep you in a state of unconsciousness for five days so your body had time to absorb the energy and repair itself. It was a miracle the energy transfer did not kill you.”

  “Kill me?” Europa asked, now realizing the power and danger of the transfer. And how desperate her mother must have been.

  “Evonic said he didn’t know how you survived it,” Jeanip stated. “But, somehow you did. Your body accepted the new energy and powers.”

  “Is that why I could hear the Orb calling me from mother’s attic after she was killed?” Europa asked.

  “So it did call to you? I wondered how you knew it was there.”

  “Actually. I originally found it by mistake,” Europa confessed. “I had gone into Mother’s room because I missed her and because I was so bored by being upstairs. Remember, this was during the time I was so angry with you and resigned myself to remain upstairs.”

  “I remember that time well,” Jeanip stated quietly under his breath, recalling those horrible days. “I was afraid you would never forgive me or talk to me again.”

  “I apologize for my behavior,” Europa said, feeling guilty for treating Jeanip the way she did. She should have known to trust him and realized he would never do anything to intentionally hurt her.

  “I thank you for the apology, but none is needed, Your Majesty,” Jeanip replied. “You did not know the truth of who your mother really was and, therefore, reacted in the only way you could. Besides, as a monarch, you must remember one never apologizes for one’s decisions or actions.”

  “That may be true but it was still wrong of me,” Europa stated.

  “That is something we could debate all day,” Jeanip smiled. “Please continue your story on how you found the Orb.”

  “When I went to leave Mother’s room I turned off the light not realizing I had turned two switches on. As I closed her door I noticed light shining through Mother’s wall. I traced the source of the light and found the secret attic, along with Mother’s diary, some paintings and maps and the Orb. To tell you the truth, when I first touched the Orb and it began to glow and hum I was frightened – I thought it was one of your security devices. I actually avoided it while I was up there that day. But that night, I dreamt about these beautiful sea creatures and when I awoke the next morning I was consumed with the need to see the Orb again. Does that sound strange?”

  “No, not at all. When you touched the Orb it recognized Medaron in you and therefore called out to you,” Jeanip replied. “Few Oonocks have been able to communicate with the Orbs. Medaron was one of the few. In fact, she was one of the most gifted Oonocks to interact with them. Whatever it was inside of her that enabled her to communicate with them she passed it on to you during the transfer. But what has me intrigued is you said you saw light shining through cracks in the wall. Is that correct?”

  “Yes. Why?”

  “Because there are no cracks or openings in your mother’s bedroom wall,” Jeanip replied. “It’s as solid as a rock. If you saw light, then it was the Orb reaching out to you, trying to tell you it was there and inviting you to come and find it.”

  “Since it appears Mother’s transfer has given me powers I did not have before, is there the possibility I will be able to do some of the other things you and Earon can do? Europa asked, hoping Jeanip’s answer would be more favorable than Earon’s was.

  “That I do not know, Your Highness,” Jeanip said, dashing Europa’s hopes. “Two weeks ago I would have said there was not a chance. But I don’t know what the transfer has done to you, how it has changed you or will change you. You have already shown Oonock’s powers you should not possess as a human – the ability to heal, as you healed me.” Taking his eyes away from the ocean for just a moment, he turned to Europa to say, “Europa, the last Oonock healer died over a hundred and fifty thousand years ago. The fact that you were able to heal is unbelievable, it’s . . . well, you should not be able to do it, even as a pure Oonock.”

  “It seemed like such a natural thing to do. You say it is unbelievable, but for me it was like breathing or waving my hand. It took no effort.” After a few minutes of silence Europa decided to ask a question she had been curious about. “Jeanip, why does my father choose a sperm whale to transform into?”

  “Actually, it is not just your father. All Oonocks do when they want to leave or return to the Complex?”

  “Even Runbee and Graybin? Even you?”

  “Yes, all Oonocks,” Jeanip laughed. “Does it surprise you I can be a whale?”

  Europa laughed also. “Somehow I cannot imagine you this huge creature with a tail.”

  Jeanip laughed loudly, seeing the humor in him having an enormous tail. “One day, after you and your brother are safe, I will have to show you. Perhaps I can even take you for a ride on my back. But for now, back to your question. The entrance to the Complex is down over eight thousand feet and the water pressure is tremendous. We needed an animal which could both live at the ocean’s surface and also withstand that amount of water pressure. And make the transition without much effort. There are several animals capable of this but most of them surface only at night. We needed one that could exist above during the day and night, one that breathed air through lungs, not gills. And it needed to be a large animal. As I mentioned before, we can transform into creatures larger than ourselves, but not smaller. The only animal meeting all our criteria is the sperm whale. Plus, the sperm whale has such tremendous lungs your father is able to stay above longer and breathe with fewer problems.”

  “What’s it like?” Europa asked, a gleam of fascination in her eyes as she thought of the possibilities.

  “What is what like, Your Majesty?”

  “Being a whale!”

  “Big! And powerful!!” Jeanip answered, trying to think of the correct words to describe t
he feeling. “As you have witnessed, you have enough power to smash a ship to pieces and, due to your enormous size, you virtually have no enemies. Except for humans, that is. We lost several Oonocks to the whale hunters centuries ago before we realized what the humans were up to. We quickly learned how to avoid their boats and, I am glad to report, we never lost another one to their harpoons.”

  “It must be wonderful to swim so free through the oceans,” Europa commented, more to herself than to Jeanip.

  Jeanip looked down at his watch. “If you have no more questions, Your Majesty, it is time for young Mr. Landers to sit next to me for a while. If you think of any more questions, we can continue our discussion when we arrive at our next destination. Thank you for keeping me company, Your Majesty, but it is now time for me to take my leave of you.”

  “Wow, that went by really fast,” Europa replied. “May I ask one more question before I go?” Europa asked, rising from her chair. “Do you think there will ever be a way I can visit the Ocean Complex?”

  “Humans cannot withstand the pressure existing at that depth in the ocean. As I said, the Complex is down about eight thousand feet. A human cannot go much past eight hundred. Your body would crumble into nothing in seconds. With training and proper decompression, some humans have been able to go deep in their submersibles, but there would be no way to get you from the submersible into the Complex. So, unless you develop the ability to transform into a Moby, I see no way you can ever go there.”

  “But could I not go down in the transportation capsule my mother came up in?” Europa asked, desperately hoping there was a way for her to visit the Complex and meet her people.

  “Yes, I suppose that is a possibility,” Jeanip replied, not wanting to dash all her hopes after everything she had lost the past few days. “We could adjust the air pressure in a section of the Complex to accommodate your fragile human body, but I am not sure it would be sufficient. But it is definitely something for us to look into.”

  “Thank you for all your answers, Jeanip,” Europa said, standing in front of the galley door, ready to knock to announce her entrance. “And for your honesty.” Jeanip could hear the tinge of disappointment in her voice. He knew how much she wanted to visit the Complex.

  “But do not despair, Your Majesty. We will discuss your visitation with your father and see what he thinks. If the medical personnel have enabled Enok to breathe air with mammalian lungs finally, perhaps they will also know a way you can exist at the Complex, at least for a short time.”

  Jeanip saw the smile spread across her face as she thought of the possibility. “You know, Jeanip, I am really not tired. I can stay longer if you would like.”

  “That is noble of you to offer, but the agreement was each serves two hours,” Jeanip said. “Besides, Your Majesty, under other circumstances you never would have been allowed to stand watch with me at all. That is not an undertaking for a female monarch. Besides, I look forward to spending time with young Mr. Landers.”

  Europa scrutinized Jeanip’s face, trying to discover his intentions. “You be nice to him,” Europa said. “That is an order,” she added, just in case Jeanip had plans on interrogating poor Terrance for two hours.

  “I assure you, Your Majesty, I will be as nice as I can to the male human who will be living with you on a deserted island for possibly a good number of years,” Jeanip said, trying not to let Europa see the glee in his eyes. Yet part of him was telling the truth. This young man could be spending the next year or more with his monarch. And, considering the other two males on the island were her brother and uncle, it put a lot of potential husbandry ideas on Terrance. Jeanip thought he must ask Enok about bringing more Oonocks onto the island.

  “He might as well jump overboard now,” Europa said, shaking her head, turning to go below to get Terrance. As she reached to knock on the door she hesitated once more, then turned back toward Jeanip. There had been one other question that had been haunting her since Jeanip told her their story back at the Hunting Lodge – the subject of fertility. She wondered if JeffRa’s curse would also prevent her from having children. Keeping her eyes on the door before her, she softly asked, “Jeanip, will I be able to have children someday? Or will I also be barren like the other female Oonocks?”

  Jeanip did not know how to answer her. He wanted to tell her the truth, but he also wanted to give her hope. He carefully chose his words and answered, “Europa, I look forward to the day I can hold your children, but the truth is I do not know if JeffRa’s revenge of infertility will affect you or not. Since you are human his curse may not affect you. Plus, your mother was able to conceive you somehow. Hopefully, whatever it was that enabled her to have you also lives inside you.”

  Europa did not say a word in response. She knocked on the cabin door and then entered. Moments later Terrance emerged from the galley with the night goggles and took the seat next to Jeanip. Jeanip could see he was a little nervous about being alone with Jeanip for the next two hours.

  “Do not worry, young Terrance. I promised Europa I would not toss you overboard or try to cut out any part of your body,” Jeanip said, trying to lighten the mood and ease Terrance’s apparent nervousness. “Besides, I would hate for all your splashing to give away our position.”

  Terrance stared at Jeanip, once again trying to determine if he was serious. He knew Jeanip had a unique sense of humor, but he also remembered the day Jeanip almost killed him. When Jeanip winked at him, he breathed a sigh of relief.

  “Is that really Europa’s father up there?” Terrance asked, wanting to change the subject as swiftly as possible.

  “Yes, that is Enok,” Jeanip stated. “He hopes to be able to meet you once we get to our final destination.”

  “Meet ME?”

  “Why do you think he would not want to meet you?” Jeanip asked, amazed at Terrance’s question. “He knows you have been instrumental in keeping his daughter alive. And, even if that were not true, you are the man his only daughter has fallen in love with.”

  Terrance knew how protective fathers were of their daughters, especially their only daughter. But for that woman to also be the daughter of a king, the future ruler of a nation – the very thought was mind boggling and a little intimidating. “What’s he like?” Terrance asked, wondering if his life was safer in Jeanip’s hands or Enok’s. Neither choice gave him much comfort.

  “He is the leader of our people, their protector. He is strong, dedicated, a superb strategist in policies and war. He puts the welfare of everyone before his own and has paid a heavy price because of it. He is confident, assured of who he is. He is tender yet not afraid to make the hard decisions. He brings out the best in each of us and encourages us to reach higher to obtain the things we did not think we could. We follow him, not only out of respect, but out of a deep love we have for him. He is probably the most magnificent monarch I have ever known or heard of. He is our life and our heart. None of us would be alive today if it were not for Enok.” Jeanip turned to look directly at Terrance. “But, most of all, Young Terrance, he is a loving father who has dreamt of the day when he could meet his daughter and finally hold her in his arms.” Jeanip saw a dark cloud come over Terrance’s face as he sat there not saying a word. It was not hard to see he was deeply troubled about something. “What is it, Terrance? Did I say something to upset you?”

  “No, Sir,” Terrance replied. “Enok sounds wonderful, the type of father Europa deserves. I was just thinking about my father, I mean stepfather. If he is this JeffRa, then my father is the complete opposite of her father. Where her father is good, mine is evil. Where her father is loving and a leader of a people who love him, mine is cold and the killer of thousands.”

  “Terrance, I want you to listen very carefully to me,” Jeanip said in a soft, caring voice. “No matter who or what your stepfather turns out to be, you must realize it is not a reflection upon you. Each of us chooses our own destiny
, and I can already tell you are nothing like your stepfather. Yes, JeffRa is an appalling, evil being who has done horrendous things. But I remember a time long ago when JeffRa was a good man, as kind-hearted as Enok and just as loving. His feet were planted on a path not of his choosing, but he is guilty of continuing on that path. Had he had a father who loved him, I do believe he could have been almost as great as his brother.”

  “Really, Jeanip?” Terrance asked, intrigued by the thought.

  “Yes, Terrance,” Jeanip replied. “That is one of the reasons why Enok could never bring himself to terminate JeffRa’s life. He remembered the good in him and always hoped it would resurface again one day. But, when JeffRa killed Medaron, he stripped Enok of that hope and Enok was forced to see JeffRa for who he had become, not for who he was when they were young. The next time Enok faces his brother, he will sentence him to death and he himself will carry out the order. But enough of such unpleasant things. Let’s talk about something more pleasant. Do you have any questions you would like to ask me? ”

  “I was wondering what it feels like to transform into another creature?” Terrance asked, curious about being a shape-shifter. “Does it hurt? I mean, well you know, your bones change shape and you sometimes get hair all over your body. And, I imagine, you sometimes even grow horns. That sounds like it would hurt really bad!”

  “You and Europa think alike. She too asked me what it was like. I am not sure it really ‘feels’ like anything,” Jeanip stated. “Have you ever had a beard and mustache for some time, then shaved them off?”

  “Yes.”

  “When you looked into the mirror, did it not feel as if you were looking at a new you, a different you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, that is kind of how it feels when you transform into another creature. Your outside appearance is different, but inside you are still the same person you were before.”

  “And it doesn’t hurt?”

  “It tingles a little, but it does not hurt. Which, now that you mentioned it, is quite amazing considering the changes your body goes through. You may even grow a tail,” Jeanip laughed.

  “A tail? I guess I never thought of that. That would be strange.” Terrance laughed, imagining what it would be like to have a tail he could flick. Or fins to help you sail through the seas. It was most intriguing.

  “Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?” Jeanip asked. “You do not have to answer them if you feel uncomfortable.”

  “It’s okay,” Terrance stated, keeping his view on the ocean. “I understand you just met me and know almost nothing about me. And, the fact I will be spending a significant amount of time with your niece in the next few months or years, may be giving you some anxiety.”

  “I was wondering if you had any brothers or sisters,” Jeanip asked.

  Surprised by the questions Terrance answered, “No, I am an only child. Why do you ask?”

  “Thought I would ask something more sinister?” Jeanip chuckled. “I was just curious.”

  “Do you have any siblings?”

  “As you may know, Medaron was my sister. I also had two brothers, who were killed in our skirmish with JeffRa at the Third City. And a younger sister, who chose to stay behind on Europa.”

  “Stay behind? I forgot that part of your story. You said some of the Oonocks did not believe Europa’s grandfather’s warning and chose to remain behind. You also said no one has ever heard from them. Do you think they survived when Jupiter exploded?”

  “You have a good memory. And just for the record, Jupiter imploded, not exploded. There is a big difference. As for the question of survivors on Europa, we have no way of knowing. From what I have seen on your news casts, the protective ice shield is still intact, so it is possible my sister and the others survived. But the implosion happened thousands of years ago, giving the ice shield ample time to rebuild itself. There is no way to determine what damage was originally done to it. But, there is the possibility that in the near future I may learn if my sister or any of the others still live. The other day at Minnos I read an article concerning celestial bodies that may contain life. Scientists feel Jupiter’s moon Europa possesses a high probability for having some sort of life. Plans are currently under way to launch an unmanned space probe to Europa in another seven to eight years. The probe will drill a hole through her ice, then plunge into the moon’s layer of water in hopes of detecting life.”

  “Detecting life?” Boy, are they in for a surprise!” Terrance and Jeanip laughed. For the remainder of his time Jeanip and he talked about nothing of great importance. Soon they noticed the sky growing lighter behind them. Dawn was fast approaching.

  “There she is,” Jeanip stated, pointing to a large object in the distance. “Our destination. Terrance, if you would be so kind as to have Europa and Earon come up.”

  Terrance went below and returned with the siblings. Again, Jeanip pointed to the object on the horizon. “That, Your Majesties, is our destination. And just in time.” Jeanip turned to look behind him. “Dawn will be here within the next half hour. Nothing like timing it close.”

  “That is our destination?” Europa asked. “What is it?”

  “You will see,” Jeanip smiled.

  Jeanip steered the boat toward the object. No longer needing to lead the way, Enok turned and swam to the boat, bringing himself alongside. The three passengers ran over to the starboard side and leaned over the rail to get a better view. Enok raised himself out of the water as far as he could, brushing up against the boat’s side. Europa knelt down and reached over and touched her father. She looked into his eye and saw several lilac tears trickle down from the corner. Then she realized she too was crying. For the first time, father and daughter met.

  “Father says you look just like Mother,” Earon said. “He says he will see you later when we reach Saint’s Isle. He cannot wait to finally meet you, but for now he needs to transform into his true self. He sends his love.”

  Europa looked up at Earon with astonishment. “How do you know that?”

  “He told me. Did we forget to tell you we are telepathic?” Earon asked, a big smile across his face. “In our true forms we do not talk like I am now. Remember, we live in a liquid environment where talking is not practical. We talk to each other with our minds, not our mouths.”

  “Great, you guys can read my mind on top of everything else?” Europa asked, giving a big sigh.

  “No, not everything,” Jeanip said. “Just the thoughts you direct our way.”

  Europa’s new discovery was interrupted by Terrance as he pointed to the now visible object ahead. “Is that what I think it is?”

  Even Earon was astonished as they looked ahead to see a large, bright-yellow container ship. “It’s the Big D’s Banana Boat.” He turned and looked at Jeanip. “Our destination is the Banana Boat?”

  “Correct,” Jeanip answered. “What could be a better hiding place than inside a vessel normally seen on the ocean? No one would expect a Banana Boat to be hiding fugitives.”

  “This is great!” Terrance said, watching the Banana Boat’s stern open, revealing a large holding area below her decks. Jeanip carefully maneuvered the boat through the doors and into the large vessel’s belly. As the doors closed behind them, the luminosity of a new day began to bring visibility back to the ocean’s surface, revealing nothing except the traveling Banana Boat.

 

  THE BANANA BOAT