12 First Visit

Zebedee clearly recalled the day when Emmer induced him to speak a language. He could swear that he is experiencing a glossolalia, since he babbled syllables rather than words. When the language burst out of his mouth, he could not understand it at first, until after several minutes. Then, amazingly he could understand them, the more he speaks it to them. However, speaking it felt easier than understanding the language. All he had to do is think or feel his thoughts and when he opens his mouth, the words stream out automatically.

When he got out of the cylinder, the man-boy signaled him even if questions still fill his mind. The man-boy led him to a chamber where he sat and listened to words that he could not understand - until he felt sleepy or groggy. He thought the man-boy hypnotized him, for after that session, a wonderful feeling of happiness engulfed him, and he could speak something he could not understand at first.

The viewing screen showed a starfield after they entered a ring of light. Zebedee has never seen such a ring of light. From a distance, it looks like a giant disturbance in space, emanating light with other colors. But that spectacle did not change his thoughts. One person kept emerging from his memory.

"Maria." Zebedee said with a sigh. He saw her the last time when a Star Sailor placed her body in capsule, before she was transferred to a chamber in the satellite orbiting Hammada.

"Space, with proper protection from its debris is a good place to preserve bodies. She will be buried later in Hammada if you wish."

Zebedee remained pensive after Emmer said that. "What would you like me to do, revive your mate? I could do that but there is no . . ."

The man interrupted him. "No. Just let it be. The best thing I can remember was when she was as perfect as I can recall. It would torture me to see her in another way. She might not accept herself as well."

Emmer did not try assuaging the man's feeling. He need not be. A man who just survived from certain death usually becomes stronger, and a lot more different. They tend to philosophize, like people who get older, and nearing death.

"Where are we going?"

"After you learned how to speak in the mother tongue, I reported to my father, in Xavenon. Now, I returned to pick you up and show you to my father. You are very important to us."

"I still do not believe that I am in Andromeda. If I could report this thing to earth . . ."

"You are in the future as well."

Zebedee feels he should believe the man-boy. He seemed sincere, but why can't he believe he's telling the truth? He asked another thing instead. "You haven't told me so much about yourself, and the creatures that work for you."

"What for? You will know later about us when we arrive in Xavenon."