"The Crowley's"   Chapter 5

There was an army of security people now, waiting outside to escort the Ehesti to their new quarters. Marie and Sarah watched them all leave. Did you get pictures okay Marie? I think so. I used up the whole film. Do you suppose they might let us visit them at their new home? I doubt it, Sarah replied. I don't think they will stick around for much longer than a few days. Well I am going to try what Beem told us to do tonight when I go to bed, said Marie. Can you describe more vividly what happened when you transposed with Beem?

First of all, replied Sarah, I have to say that if you had not let your fear of the unknown stop you, I wouldn't have to explain anything. You are right of course, said Marie. I apologize for my chicken heartedness. I led a very sheltered childhood. Someone was always watching over me. I am trying to overcome that influence in my life, but so far not too successfully. Would you try to explain it? I'll buy you lunch. You don't have to buy me lunch, said Sarah. I'll tell you what happened, but thinking back on it, I do remember one thing most of all. An aroma, would you believe it? There was a predominant aroma of burnt caramel or something close to that smell. I could not smell it when I had materialized, but only when in transit.

That’s very strange. I also remember something that felt like the opposite of being touched. It was kind of like having an invisible shield around me. I could brush against anything, but not feel anything. The sensation of time changed also. I was sure we were up on the mountain for three to five minutes. When we returned, the clock showed that we were gone for less than a minute. If what Beenan said at his interview is correct, replied Marie, then you were gone for about thirty seconds altogether, so your watch should be thirty seconds slow, Sarah checked her watch against the digital clock above her on the wall. She was thirty-one seconds slow. You are right, she said. I set my watch exactly to the second last night at midnight and I loose two seconds every twenty-four hours. It shows I am thirty-one seconds slow. We will have to ask Beenan how that works, said Sarah. It felt like five minutes, but It was only thirty seconds, obviously. Where did the time go on my watch?

The girls settled back to their routine lab duties. The Ehesti and their caravan were pulling into the U.B.C. estate of Bob and Joan Crowley. This was to be their home. There were twenty-five hectares of well groomed forest and flowers. It had three hundred meters of water frontage, on a rock bluff, with a breath taking view of the Pacific Ocean. A gentle breeze was blowing in from the water. The late summer flowers were in bloom. The flowers lined all the sidewalks and surrounded each building. There were two brooks flowing through the property on the north end. Heavy green growth of ferns and cedar grew near the creeks. Both creeks emptied into a, half acre fish pond, that was temperature controlled and contained tropical fish. The overflow from the fish pond fell down a seventy-five foot waterfall to the ocean below.

 There were acres of well trimmed lawn. Apple, plum and cherry trees grew throughout the estate. The house was a two story, low profile, brick building, with approximately three thousand square meters of living space. All the ceilings were ten feet high and the view side of the building was almost all glass. There were marble fireplace mantles and marble artwork throughout the house. The estate employed a staff of ten most of the time. While the owners were away, most of the staff took their holidays. Mr. Crowley was the owner of a chain of dry goods stores. He and his wife traveled around the country once a year to make a personal visit to his stores. When they heard that the Ehesti were looking for a place to live temporarily, they were glad to let them use their estate.

The Crowleys are away for the summer, said Allen, as they approached the front door. They insisted we use their house to accommodate you during your stay. We are moving the large beds and chairs in from your old place in the cyclotron building. They should all arrive within a couple of hours. Take a look around the place for a while. You will find a food, machine in the kitchen, like the old one at U.B.C. We know you like privacy, but I hope you won't mind if two of our staff live with you as scientific observers. The security staff will be inside and outside the wall. They won't hang around, the house, so they shouldn't bother you too much. TV cameras are mounted everywhere, as you can see. You nay turn them off whenever you wish. They are for security purposes only. Everything looks okay, said Beenan, but we would like to make a request of you. Ask away, said Allen. Do you suppose we could have Marie and Sarah from the lab as the observers you spoke of, that will live with us? I'm sure Cliff and Kirby are good, competent man, but we have grown quite fond of Sarah and Marie. It would be nice to continue that friendship. Great idea, said Beem. What about it Allen? I will talk to them and if they agree, then you shall have your wish. That sure made the threesome happy. They could continue to help the girls and they in turn would enjoy the friendship already established.

The Ehesti had to duck down to get through the doorways, but all the ceilings were ten feet, so they could stand and move around quite freely, once inside. Beem blew on the glass chandelier as he passed by it. It tinkled like wind chimes. Lots to look at from here, said Bo, as ha gazed out to sea. Allen took the three Ehesti on a tour of the mansion. Ho showed them their respective rooms. Each bedroom was done in a different color. They 'were all designed the same, complete with their own private bathrooms. They toured the kitchen and the adjacent huge dining room. He took then down the steps, to show the basement, but they didn't enter. It was like a large auditorium with a podium and stage at one end.

The furniture was all set up now. They had mixed the large Ehesti furniture with the normal furniture, so that the Ehesti could share the same room with humans. I must leave right now, said Allen, but before I go I have some bad news. Marie and Sarah won't be your live-in companions as you requested. They are both married and, well, I'm sure you understand. They have responsibilities at home as well as in the lab. My assistant talked to them on the phone moments ago, with your request. They expressed their regrets and they hope to see you at your next interview. The doorbell rang. Allen answered it. Good day Kirby and Cliff, he said with a smile. Come with me and I'll introduce you to our guests. I would like you to meet Kirby and Cliff. They will be your live-in observers, if you agree of course. Kirby was six feet tall, about one hundred and eighty pounds, receding hair line and about thirty-seven years old. Cliff was about five foot eight, one hundred and fifty-six pounds, brown hair, about thirty-three years of age. Kirby and Cliff, I would like you to meet Bo, Beem and Beenan. You can tell them apart by the color of their cutoffs. They all smiled and shook hands. I will leave you to get to know each other, but I will be back, to work on your interview schedule and format. Allen grabbed his briefcase and hustled out the front door. He was glad the Ehesti were accepting Cliff and Kirby. The gossip that could be generated from having Marie and Sarah staying with the Ehesti might not be good.

If you gentlemen don't mind, I have a lot of reading to so, said Beenan. Just pretend we aren't here, said Cliff, we don't want to interfere with your activities in any way. We are here to observe and serve. Beenan returned to the library. Beem and Bo decided to look around some more. Kirby and Cliff took their belongings to their respective rooms. Their rooms were almost identical to the Ehesti rooms, only smaller. They adjoined one another with a white door and they had to share the same bathroom. They left the adjoining door open, so they could chat while putting away their things. They weren't sure what to expect, so they brought everything from swimming trunks to tuxedoes. Their plan was to cook a light lunch for themselves around noon and it was almost noon already. Kirby agreed ahead of time to be the cook, while Cliff had agreed to do the dishes. They were both well trained observers, so they did everything by the clock. Each time they made a log entry, they also recorded the time. It was five minutes to twelve. They both converged in the kitchen as though they were doing a play and they received their queues.

 Beem and Bo were wandering around outside. Kirby checked the cupboards and fridge, to see what was there. We can have just about anything we want to eat, by the looks of the food in this place. There is sufficient food here to feed a large family for months. In that case, said Cliff, I will have a pizza and salad with an apple for dessert. No problem, lots of frozen pizza and a nice big microwave to cook with. Cliff laid out the plates and set up the table. Kirby read the microwave instructions for pizza. It said three minutes. The salad was already prepared and covered in the fridge. Kirby portioned it out for himself and Cliff. They both sat down to wait for the bell to ring on the microwave.

Did you get to the interview with these Ehesti yesterday, asked Cliff? No, but I sure heard about it today. Apparently, they did some pretty fantastic stuff. Is that what they want to be called "Ehesti"? I have always called them Sasquatch, but Ehesti is okay with me. Without their color coded cutoffs, I would never be able to tell them apart. What about you? Did you see the interview? Yes, I did. These Ehesti have unbelievable powers from what I saw, said Cliff. They performed what they call transposing and they showed us all what they look like in their natural form. It was quite a light show. We have it all on film. Are you sure there wasn't an element of trickery involved, asked Kirby? I doubt it, said Cliff, but if there was trickery involved, we should find out about it, by living with them. By the way they have been away for quite a while. We are supposed to keep an eye on them. Maybe we should go and look for them? No, let's eat first, said Kirby. They are around probably having a great time. Cliff was feeling a little uneasy. They had agreed to keep an eye on the Ehesti. He rejected the uneasy feeling and agreed that Kirby was probably right. Kirby dished out the food and they proceeded to eat.

Beem and Bo were examining the fish pond. Their special eyes allowed them to watch the motion and antics of the micro-organisms, as well as the colorful tropical fish. How about a cool, refreshing swim old boy, said Beem? No, you go ahead though. I'll watch. Don't frighten the fishes. I'll be as smooth as a whale, watch. He lowered himself down slowly into the pool and began to float. He did a smooth breast stroke. His powerful arms moved him along faster than an Olympic swimmer. He stopped about ten meters out and flipped on his back. His Ehesti body floated like a cork. I hope my new cutoffs don't fade, he said jokingly, while he floated gently along under the bright sunlight. This is sure a nice place, said Beem, but I'll still be glad to get back up the mountain. Me too, said Bo. It should not be too much longer. We have to give Beenan time to do his thing, and then we will go, okay? I'm not complaining, said Beem, just speaking my mind. All is well now, but I still don't trust these humans completely.

He swam on his back towards Bo and did a handspring out of the water. His cutoffs and fur were soaking wet. I'll see you in two shakes of a cow's tail, he said as he disappeared into thin air. He transposed himself to a pre-established co-ordinate in the Sahara desert. He stood in the blazing sun and hot wind for two minutes, until he was completely dry. He paused to see if there was anything to look at before he returned. There was no sign of life anywhere. All he could see with his telescopic vision was heat waves rising up from the burning sand. He beamed himself back beside Bo.

Cliff was cleaning up the dishes and looking out the window. He saw the whole thing. He was about to tell Kirby, who was still finishing up eating, that one of the Ehesti was gone. Beem returned just before he had a chance to. What were you about to say, asked Kirby? Beem disappeared for two minutes, after taking a swim. He is back now and all dried out. When he disappeared, he seemed to just fade away. He returned the same way. He hurried to log the event in his note book. It doesn't take long to dry off on a nice day like this, said Kirby he probably ducked behind a tree to dry off. Maybe you are right, said Cliff. It sure looked like he disappeared though. Cliff went on with his dishes.

Bo and Beem headed back inside. On their way in, they walked passed the library window and looked in. Beenan was in there, with three books to the left of him and ten books stacked on the right of his desk. He was flying through the pages as though there was only one word on each page. Beem turned to Bo. Do you read much old chap, he queried? Only when I can't pop the cap off, he proclaimed, and then I read the instructions. They chuckled and proceeded indoors. Beem went directly to the food machine and ordered his rose hips. Bo went to tease Beenan in the library. On his way to the library, he passed by the kitchen. How are you doing, asked Bo? Did you get all your stuff moved in? Cliff hung up the dish towel. We are all moved in and just finished our lunch. Can we get you anything? No thanks, said Bo. We eat very little. If you have any fresh dates, I might try one? I just saw some, said Kirby. He went to the cupboard and returned with a bowl of fresh dates. Help yourself, he said, as he handed the bowl to Bo.

Thank you. Bo set the bowl down on the table and took one. Well, I’m on my way to see how Beenan is progressing, so we will see you later. He began to leave, nibbling on his date. Before you go Bo, can I ask you a question, said Cliff? I won't guarantee I can answer it, but sure, ask away? I thought I saw Beem disappear for about two minutes this afternoon, when he came up from the pond, and by the way, there is a nice large swimming pool on the south side of the house. We know about the pool, said Bo. There are too many chemicals in it for our liking. The water in the pond is much cleaner. I hope we did not offend anyone? No problem, swim wherever you like, but what about the disappearing act? You were right about Beem. He did disappear for a couple of moments.

Soon after we learned to transpose effectively, we set up co-ordinates on each planet that we use at our own discretion. For example, if I was cooking in tropical heat, near the equator, then I would lock on to co-ordinates at the north or South Pole, where I would cool off enough to return. If I need water, I lock on to a place where I know there is water and go there momentarily. There is no reason to stay at these co-ordinates, because we can go there anytime we like. Beem was wet, so he went to the Sahara Desert, in the hot wind, for a quick dry off. We have coordinates in snow banks, under waterfalls, in the desert and even underground in places. What do you mean by co-ordinates, asked Cliff? Co-ordinates are not much more than memories, really. We go to the destination with another Ehesti first. While there, we imprint every detail about the place into our memory. We than fix on that memory before we travel there via the method we explained to Sarah and Marie earlier, namely "transposing." Okay, thanks for explaining things for me, said Cliff. I will get a copy of Sarah's notes as soon as I can. Okay, we will see you later then, said Bo. He grabbed another date on the way out.

Kirby had pulled out his note books earlier and took notes of everything Bo said, but in shorthand. You know Cliff that kind of makes sense alright. If you have the power to transpose, why not use it to get rid of life's little discomforts. I sure am curious to hear about what they told the girls, said Kirby. I think I will give Sarah a call and maybe she can tell me over the phone. She works the night shift, so she will probably be at home. Why don't you go and see her, Cliff suggested. She lives only four blocks away on fourth. Good idea. I'll call her first, to see if she is home.

Bo met Beenan and Beem in the library. Beem was reading some of the books that Beenan had already read. The room was in total silence, except for the pages being flipped. You guys are going to start to look like humans if you learn too much about them, Bo chuckled. Beem took this opportunity to pull a quick joke himself. He transposed himself into a look alike of Allen, just for a second or two. Bo laughed. See you are already afflicted, laughed Bo. Beenan slammed his book closed. There is not much point in reading any more, he said. What I need now is a computer. What on earth do you need a computer for, Beem asked, putting emphasis on the word "earth" to drive home his pun. I think I have located the key points in their history, where different choices could have been made. If I could lay all these points out graphically on a computer screen, it would be easier to demonstrate the changes that might occur had different choices been made in the first place. I am sure they will get one for you if you ask, said Bo. Allen is due to arrive anytime. Let's ask Cliff, Beem suggested.

The doorbell rang. Beem who was on his way to the kitchen, made a sharp left turn when he heard the bell and headed to the front door. What if they are reporters, shouted Bo. Better let Cliff answer the door. Beem stopped in his tracks. Cliff hustled passed him, on his way to the door. It was Allen all right. Hello again. I trust you guys are getting along? I don't see any sad faces, so everything must be okay. Allen went into the living room. You are just the man we are looking for, said Beenan. I was hoping to lay out a few graphic displays to relate to in my interview. We thought maybe one of your computers would suffice. No problems, said Allen, but we can also supply paper display sheets that are much larger and easier for all those people to see. We have a good graphic artist waiting to be called in.

That might be better, said Bo. TV screens are kind of small. Allen picked up the phone and dialed. We will need the artist and his display sheets. Better tell him to prepare to stay a couple of days. He hung up. That takes care of that. I don't know if you guys have seen the papers lately, said Allen, so I brought some along. Each paper glorifies the fact that you privileged us with your visit. All reactions are positive so far. It is so positive that there is a big outdoor reception being planned for you in a few days. It will take place in the Bay, on an aircraft carrier, just off the beach in front of this place. I hope you can stay a few days and attend. I don't see why not, replied Beenan. I won't elaborate, but maybe we can reciprocate on Balenn. Sure, said Allen, not knowing quite what he was agreeing to. Allen noticed the books all nice and neat, back in their shelves.

How is your reading coming along Beenan? I have read all I care to, Beenan replied. There is beginning to be too much repetition in the work now, and I pick up only about one or two percent of new knowledge in each new book I read. I think I am ready. If the artist gets started right away, I should be ready by tomorrow afternoon. Very good work, said Allen. I'll set up your next interview for tomorrow afternoon at four pm. How is that? Sounds good to me, said Beenan. Once I get started explaining certain things, it could take all night, so I would like to put one restriction on the questions that are asked. I don't want to answer any questions of a religious nature or with religious type answers. Is that okay? Sure, that's fine, but why are you staying away from that topic, asked Allen? It’s mainly because there are too many religions on your planet at this time and consequently too many conflicting beliefs. These conflicts will misinterpret the answers I give and take away from the credibility. Secondly, you people are too quick to make heroes and saints. I do not wish to be the recipient of fame. Try to judge only the material I present and make no connection to me personally. The answers I give would be given by any Ehesti. Thus, any credit must be directed towards the Ehesti people as a whole, and no one individual. I don't mean to get on my soap box so early Allen, but I needed to make that point before we went any further. I am glad you did, Allen responded. We will do all we can to carry out your wishes. I will have a long talk with the press and media before the next interview. You know of course, that you won't be able to avoid that topic indefinitely. Most of us are connected to one religion or another. I don't mind using answers that refer to religions, replied Beenan. I just don't want to answer any questions about moral codes, good and bad, right and wrong. These types of see-saw controversial topics are never ending. Fine, replied Allen. What about politics? Do you wish to avoid that topic also? No, politics is an acceptable topic replied Beenan.

They left the library for the living room. By the way, I like the way you guys have been able to control your voices and bring them down to the same frequency as a human male voice, said Allen. We decided to do that, only because the male voice commands more respect, in your time, replied Beenan. We do not prefer to talk this way. Actually, I prefer to use this voice, said Beem, sounding exactly like Dianna Ross, the entertainer. Everyone laughed. Voices, said Bo. I have a million of them, sounding exactly like Jimmy Durant. Everyone laughed again.

There was a knock on the door. Probably Kirby returning, said Cliff. I'll get it. It was Kirby. Hello Allen, back so soon, he asked? Yes, we are going to have the interview tomorrow at four p.m. I think we will have the interview here in the basement. There is room for about two hundred people down there. I don't think we need allow anymore than that. There is a podium and stage down there, so everyone can see our demonstration. That way, we do not have to go through with all that security, necessary for transporting you guys. Those two women that were in the wings during our last interview, one of whom hit me, said Beem. Will they be here?

I know we don't need any telepathic interpreters anymore, but I would like to apologize for my ignorance to them. You mean Sheila and Rita? Sure, I'll invite them myself, said Allen. Did you see Sarah, asked Cliff? No, replied Kirby. There was no one home, so I went over to Marie's instead. She gave me a copy. Kirby decided not to say anything about what he had seen at Marie's place. Great, I can't wait to read it, replied Cliff.

There is sure lots of food here Allen, said Cliff, can I get you anything? I wouldn't mind a black coffee. "Coming right up", was the prompt reply. Cliff and Kirby left for the kitchen. Did you get to read any of Sarah's notes or did you make a copy, asked Cliff? Yes, I took down her notes in shorthand, so you might say I read it all. Open my briefcase. It's the first note pad on top. Cliff opened the briefcase and withdrew the notebook. He was also very good at shorthand, so he was able to read the notes while Kirby was making coffee.

So Sarah got to transpose with Beem, said Cliff. That must have been some rush. Look at this, instructions on how to transpose. This information could be worth a fortune. Not really, said Kirby. People have been astral traveling for a long time. This is just an extension of astral traveling. Have you tried it, asked Cliff? No, not yet, but I will try it one of these days. How about you? No, I'm kind of chicken that way. From what I understand, overcoming your fears is a prerequisite. They say fear brings you back into your body, said Kirby. So as soon as the slightest thing frightens you, then "zip" back you go. I'm sure I would be unable to stay out very long with my attitude. I sure like that better than the reverse, where we would have trouble returning to our bodies, said Cliff. That is kind of a fail-safe mechanism.

Coffee is ready. Do you want a cup? Sure. These microwaves work pretty fast, even on coffee, said Cliff. Kirby prepared a tray to take out to Allen. Kirby and Cliff went back to the living room together. Thank you, said Allen, as he took his coffee off the tray Kirby was still holding. I overheard you mentioning overcoming fear, said Beenan. I assume you were discussing fear with respect to astral traveling. I apologize for eavesdropping, said Beenan. No apologies needed, said Kirby. I would like to hear your comments, if you have any. As a matter of fact, I do, said Beenan.

When and if you do decide to astral travel, you will find yourself "zapping" back to your body many times at first, for the reason you mentioned. When you confront a seemingly self-destructive situation in the astral world, such as monsters or killing situations, your natural reaction for self preservation is to run. You may find this happening again and again, when finally you give up trying. To overcome this, you must get used to the idea that you are invulnerable in your astral form. All that appears to be harmful to you is the result of beliefs you have established here, in the conscious world. I will be getting into the matter of belief tomorrow in my interview. For now though, try to imagine the worst thing that can happen to you in the astral world and also imagine how you will handle it. You could make a joke of the monster and fling him off by the tail or you could change yourself into water and put the fire out, because you are indeed invulnerable in the astral world. Once you have dealt with your monsters in your imagination, it will be much easier to dispose of them on your astral trip.

The process is not much different then preparing for a test or getting mentally up for a game. The worst thing that can happen to you in the astral world is boredom. You have so much power and everything gets so easy, that eventually you get bored. You can ward off the boredom the same way you do here on earth, by meeting people and making new friends. Speak to those who have already astral traveled. You will find their zest for life even greater than yours.

The doorbell rang again. This was just getting interesting, said Allen, as he got up to answer the door. It was Randy, the artist. Could you help me with some of my stuff. Allen looked out on the porch. Looks like you are moving in for a month. That is mostly my gear. This bag is my personal stuff. They each grabbed an end of the trunk and brought it in first. They brought the rest in on the next trip. This is Randy, our resident artist and jack of all trades. He introduced the Ehesti first and then Kirby and Cliff. Where should I set up? Allen looked at Beenan. Beenan got the message from Allen's glance. I think the library would be the best place, said Beenan. Allen checked his watch. I have a meeting to attend now, at U.B.C., with respect to our welcoming ceremony. It looks like it will be quite a show. I'll spare you the details for now. I have to leave now, Allen said to everyone. Beenan will tell you what he wants done, he said to Randy. See you all tomorrow.

Allen closed the door quietly behind him. Randy and Cliff helped each other carry Randy's stuff to the library. Bo and Beem watched the goings on and than went back to the living room. I know you guys can "zap" up sketches of your own in a moment, said Cliff. Why do you need Randy? Randy is a now person, said Beem. All the work he does, relates to the way things are now and consequently it will be easily accepted. We are not from "here and now", so our sketches might be confusing, compared to his. Randy's work is considered "art" and thus commands a respect that ours might not. Having the abilities that we do, does not mean that we are the "best" at whatever we do.

Beenan went over to the library to see how Randy was doing. Randy was assembling his wooden, easel and setting up near the south window for the best light. Most of our work will be easier to do on this table, rather than an easel, I think Randy, said Beenan. I use the easel to mount the finished product for display, rather than a working surface, said Randy, unless there is some fine sketching to do, than I use the easel. What kind of work did you have in mind? I won't be sure until I hear a few of the questions. Maybe if we all put our heads together, we can anticipate the questions that will be asked, said Randy. Good idea, but one question that has already been asked and will likely be asked again is, who are we and where are we from? We could draw a picture of Balenn and the surrounding system. Here are the notes from our last interview. See if you can sketch something, using the information in here. We can make changes later, after we see the rough copy. I'll get started right away, said Randy.

Beenan went back to join the rest of the group in the living room. We were just discussing going down to the basement to see the set up there, said Bo. Good idea, but I think I will take a look later, replied Beenan. Right now, I would like to ask Kirby some questions about cooking, etc. Cooking, my favorite topic, said Kirby, ask anything you like. Great, let's go to the kitchen, said Beenan, as he took Kirby by the arm. Some of us like to refer to cooking as an art, said Kirby, as they disappeared into the kitchen.

Beem, Bo and Cliff went down to the basement. The entrance was outside, so they went around the house and than down the wide stairway. Cliff pulled out his keys and opened the theater doors. It was a huge basement alright. It was set up similar to a movie theater, with a stage up front and about two hundred folding, metal chairs, spread symmetrically throughout the rest of the basement. It was quite dark, except for the little bit of light coming in through the small basement windows. The smell of dust bane was in the air and the unpainted concrete floor was shining clean. The ceiling was not ten feet high, like in the rest of the house. It was only eight and a half feet, so the Ehesti had to stoop, in places where there was a light fixture or some other protruding object. The stage was raised only one foot above the floor, which made the ceiling even lower. They would have to remain seated while on stage.

Bo did not like this at all. If they were going to spend hours upon that stage, it should be made more adaptable to their height, he thought. We could make ourselves smaller, I suppose, but that might confuse things even more. Who ever heard of a short Sasquatch? I don't like this stage Beem, he said, what do you think? It is kind of low for us alright, but Beenan is the one to decide, replied Beem. We will probably be sitting down all the time ourselves. That doesn't take much headroom, replied Beem. What do you think about pulling a major foundation change to this building, asked Bo? We could rise up the entire building one foot. No good, replied Beem. There are too many hidden wires and plumbing to fool around that way. We have to do something, said Bo. This is just too darned uncomfortable. Let's go talk to Beenan.

Kirby was in the kitchen, engrossed in heavy discussion with Beenan. You will have to try these for yourself, said Kirby. He brought out some cocoa powder, salt, sugar, curry powder, cocoanut, cinnamon and various other spices. Beenan took a wee pinch of each one and tasted it. The rest of the groups were on their way back upstairs. Beem spotted Beenan sampling foods. That looks like a real learning experience, said Beem. Do you mind if I try? Go ahead, said Kirby. This first one is cocoa and the rest I will tell you about as we go along. Beem took a pinch of each like Beenan was doing. This one is tasty, what is it called? I'll tell you its name later, see if there is anything else you like. When they were both through tasting, Kirby wrote down the samples each had suggested. Beenan, you chose the cocoa and the curry powder. Beem your choices were, cocoa also and cocoanut. You both chose sugar and salt, so your tastes aren't too much different from ours. Now, I've got something I think you both will like. He pulled a box of assorted chocolates out of the fridge. Try these, he said. Everyone took one, including Bo and Cliff, who were standing by watching all this time. Hey, said Beem, these taste even better then rose hips. Chocolates, you call them. They are kind of tasty alright, said Bo. The Ehesti were slow eaters. They savored their new found food, enjoying the different taste. What they did not expect was, the gooey mess in their hands, after the chocolate had melted. It stuck to the Ehesti’s long hair. Kirby anticipated the problem and had wet clothes ready for everyone's use. It takes longer to clean up than it does to eat them; joked Beem as he wiped his hands and mouth.

Tell me about the basement, said Beenan. You had better look for yourself, said Bo. Not much headroom. That's no good, said Beenan. Kirby can you get Allen on the phone and tell him about this. I'll try. Kirby picked up the phone and dialed the U.B.C. cyclotron lab. Someone answered. This is Kirby at the house. I am looking for Allen. He is right here, she handed the phone to Allen. What's up Kirby, he asked? The Ehesti do not like the low head room in the basement. What should we do? Allen paused for a minute, thinking. Reduce the guest list from two hundred to fifty and move the stage and chairs upstairs. We will have it in the living room. It's much nicer there anyway. I'll see if I can get you some help. Allen put down the phone. Allen phoned the necessary people to explain the change. They were disappointed, because of the fewer number of people that could attend the interview. Is there no other way around this, asked the voice on the other end? Not really, replied Allen. You'll have to choose just your best people; we can't accommodate any more than fifty. I had better see if I can get some muscle for Kirby, he said, as he hung up and slipped out the door.

Kirby explained to everyone what the plan was. We don't need help, said Bo; we can carry up the chairs. What about the stage and podium, asked Cliff? Let's get the chairs first and tackle the stage afterwards, said Bo. If we carry two chairs each, it won't take long at all. When they started folding up the chairs, Bo found out he could carry four or five quite comfortably. They worked at it for about thirty minutes, until all the chairs were up and in place.

Now the stage, said Cliff. Where should we put it? Beenan, Bo and Beem found what looked like the most likely spot. How about here? Fine, said Cliff. Beem walked around the spot, moving pieces of furniture that would be in the way. Bo and Beenan and finally Beem, sat themselves down on the carpeted floor, in the area where the stage was to be moved. They sat there for a minute, as if meditating. The Ehesti were fixing there transposing carriers on the spot where they were sitting. They then went downstairs and sat on the stage in exactly the same relative spot as upstairs. They concentrated for a while until they and the stage began to disappear from site. It all re-assembled upstairs along with them on the spot they had cleared earlier.

Cliff and Kirby were astonished. The Ehesti had moved an entire stage without the slightest damage and with what looked like minimal effort. Boy, that transposing power is fantastic, said Cliff. You can learn to do it too, said Beem. Start with Sarah's log of yesterday. Yes, I know, said Cliff. I haven't had a chance to try it out yet. I know how you transpose, having read Sarah's notes, but how did you move the entire stage, without damage to anything? we had to prepare, said Beem. That moment of silence earlier, while we were sitting here, was the preparation. We absorb all the smallest of details about the transposition by sitting or standing in the exact area of destination. Sitting on the stage, we did the same thing, when there are no more external conflicts, when your subconscious is sure of how to make the exchange, then you will the change. We fortify our will with a physical act. In this case, we lifted the weight of our bodies on to our hands and arms, while sitting. The combination of strong desire, plus the physical act, produces the result. Beenan will talk more on this tomorrow. I think I know what you mean, said Kirby.

Anybody hungry, asked Kirby. It is getting on towards supper time. If you can cook a vegetarian meal, I might try a small portion, said Bo. We must have used up enough energy doing that work, to warrant a small bit of food, don't you think Beenan? I'll go along with that, Beenan replied. Are you going to try some Beem? Are you going to serve chocolates? Kirby chuckled; we can serve chocolates for dessert, sure. Okay, then I will try some of your food too, said Beem. This was going to be the greatest cooking challenge of Kirby's life, so far. His mind was spinning now. He was about to serve the first meal to the Ehesti ever recorded. Kirby headed for the kitchen immediately. He had to decide on the menu quickly. He flipped through his vegetarian cookbooks, looking for the perfect menu. He never considered that some vegetarians don't eat fish or eggs, so he went ahead with the clam chowder. He began pulling out pots and microwave bowls, from the cupboards. Everything in the kitchen was in such good order; he had no trouble finding anything. He made a mental note to compliment the Crowley's Chef, when he got the chance.

This is kind of unusual for you Ehesti, isn't it? Asked Cliff? I must confess I have an ulterior motive, said Beenan. It has become obvious to me, through the reading I have just completed, that you place much importance on sharing a meal. I would like to experience that feeling of warmth and camaraderie, that you people show at mealtime. You are right, of course Cliff, he continued, we don't need to eat normally, but remember, we can change our ways if we wish. I am looking forward to the meal with you and Kirby and I hope Allen can come also. I'll call him right now said Cliff.

There was a knock on the door. Cliff hurried over to answer. Hello again, said Allen, I could not find anyone to help you guys move the stuff so I came over to help out. The way I figure it, if two of us haul chairs and the rest of us work on the stage, we should have it done by this evening sometime. That job is already done, said Cliff. We finished about an hour ago. How did you do that, asked Allen? The stage alone would take all day. It’s a little bit of Ehesti magic; smiled Beem. Allen walked directly into the living room. It was all set up all right. He went over to see how the stage was fit in. It all looked perfect. You sure did a fine job, he said. That stage looks like it was custom made to fit this room. It was, sort of, said Cliff. It was explained quite lucidly, how to transpose a stage or anything that fits into your aura. Read my notes, if you like. Everything they said is written down. I'll take your word for it and read them later. Boy, something sure smells good. Why you don’t have supper with us, said Cliff. The Ehesti are dining with us. They are going to try small portions of what we eat. They burnt off so many calories moving all the furniture that they feel the need to eat a little. Terrific, said Allen. It will be an honor to share the first meal on earth, with the Ehesti. It’s kind of like the "First Supper". What are we having? Allen wandered over to the kitchen. What's cooking Kirby?

No one in the kitchen while 1 am cooking, he shouted. This is a special meal and I need to concentrate. Sorry to be so abrupt, but it should be ready in about twenty minutes. Allen left hurriedly. No need to get upset, he said jokingly. I know when I’m not wanted. Sorry Allen, but it's kind of like not seeing the bride the night before the ceremony. I know you understand, being married and all. Allen rejoined the group.

You know Beenan, part of the tradition connected with our meal is the toast before the meal and the appetizer, said Cliff. Would you Ehesti like to join us in a toast? This means we sip wine, does it not, asked Beem? Yes, it does. You need not drink it if you don't want to, but it will give you a chance to taste our wine as well as our food. Okay, let's toast, said Beenan, but I think we will skip the appetizer. Allen went to the bar at the end of the room. He reached in behind and pulled out six delicate wine glasses. Cliff ran into the kitchen to get Kirby. He stopped at the library first, to see if Randy would join them also.

Randy was busy sketching and coloring with such enthusiasm, that he didn't even notice Cliff. Cliff tapped him on the shoulder. Randy turned with a jerk. Sorry to startle you, said Cliff, but we are about to have a toast before supper. Will you join us? How about if I skip the toast and join you for supper, said Randy. Okay, see you later, replied Cliff, as he proceeded to get Kirby.

By the time they got back, the wine was already poured. Allen spoke first. I propose a toast to the new relationship with Balenn. May the future bring better times for both our peoples. Every-one took a sip. By the look on the faces of the Ehesti, it was a very repugnant taste to them. They sipped a drop anyway. Beenan then spoke up. May this toast be the first physical preparation step, towards a better harmony between your conscious and subconscious minds ! Cliff and Kirby looked a little puzzled, but they raised their glasses anyway and everyone took another sip. Beem then stepped forward. May this toast, be the one that draws us towards the dining table to sample Kirby's culinary expertise. Everyone laughed and took one more sip. As a matter of fact, dinner is served, said Kirby. Follow me. He took everyone through the brass doors into the dining room.

The table was decked out in lace tablecloth with three candelabras. The dishes were English Bone China and the silverware was an exclusive design of Sterling silver. The glassware was imported German crystal. The candles were slightly scented, which produced an aroma of violets in the air. Soft Mancini music was playing in the background. One dining room wall was all glass, like the living room with a breath taking view of the ocean. Randy entered the dining room from the side door. I hope I didn't wait too long, he said. Boy, what a nice looking layout, he commented. I don't think I have ever eaten this elegantly. Please be seated, said Kirby. The higher chairs are for us short people obviously.

Kirby and Cliff brought out the first course. It was clam chowder soup. Shall we dig in, said Cliff, after he had served everyone. From what I have been reading, this is another point in your life, where you inject your religious beliefs. That's true, said Allen, but I think we can forego that bit of tradition, this time. Please go ahead with it, said Bo. I would like to hear it. Allen, having been raised a Catholic, recited the prayer. Bless us 0 Lord for these thy gifts of which we are about to partake, Amen. Cliff and Kirby joined in on the "Amen."

I observe, by your solemness, that this is not a matter we can criticize or make fun with, said Beenan. We laugh and criticize almost every aspect of our lives, except our religious beliefs. That becomes offensive, said Allen. We were taught to have the utmost respect for our God and our religion. Laughter, during a prayer, is considered disrespectful, as is laughter in church. I recall how nice it was when we finally could leave the church to laugh and talk. Do you not consider laughter and joviality as a positive action, asked Beenan? Yes of course, said Allen. If your religious beliefs do not generate laughter, then are they something less then positive? If you think of seriousness as less then positive, yes. But why can seriousness not be positive, asked Allen? Do your negative actions such as wars, famine, etc., begin with laughter or seriousness. Seriousness is the beginning stage of a creeping distortion with respect to the way you see the value in what you are serious about. If this distortion is allowed to grow, it will make your perception so unreal that others will call you "ridiculous." If it continues past the ridiculous stage, than you become a fanatic.

It is always good in inject humor, no matter how serious a situation seems. Humor relieves stress and laughter heals physically. I see your point, said Allen. Perhaps seriousness is not so positive an emotion. As you laugh and criticize one another in good fun, so should you be able to laugh and criticize every part of your life. Then you will have a truer freedom of speech. Sorry to preach at the table, said Beenan, let's enjoy our meal.

The Ehesti sipped their clam chowder. It was obvious again, by the look on their faces, that they did not like clam chowder. Kirby quickly got up and took away the soup. Strike one, he said, as he and Cliff returned to the kitchen, to get the main course. Don't feel bad, said Cliff, in the kitchen. I like the chowder and so did Allen. We will do better with the second course.

Cliff and Kirby brought out the second course. It was asparagus tips, bean sprouts and cucumber slices all done in a mild tomato sauce. The second dish was a cheese loaf, covered with pineapple chunks, in a Mint sauce. There were two vegetable salads. One was in a white sauce and the other oil and vinegar. There were also two trays of fluffy white biscuits, flavored with ginger. There was a combination vegetable fruit salad, floating in a bowl of watermelon juice. Allen got up and grabbed his flash camera. We have to record this for posterity, he said. He took two quick pictures and handed the camera to Cliff, who also took two quick pictures. They felt kind of foolish after doing all they could all week, to keep photographers away and now they were taking pictures themselves. I just had to record this event, said Allen. I hope you don't mind? We don't mind at all, said Bo. Records of times past like in photos or manuscripts, give longer strength to the influence of that time period. If no one took photos of our visit, it wouldn't take long to forget we ever came here. Consequently, the influence we try to bring with us would die out also. So go ahead, take all the pictures you like and write all you want to. We want our influence to be felt for generations.

This is certainly a colorful dish, said Bo, to change the subject. He took a small bite of asparagus. Beem and Beenan began to nibble at it. Cliff explained to them what ingredients went into it. This is not bad, said Bo, but what it needs is beef. Where’s the beef? he shouted. Everyone laughed. Allen had assumed that the Ehesti were vegetarian, but by Beem's joke, he was not sure, when the laughter died down, Allen asked Beenan; just what is your stand on eating meat?

All that is edible is yours to eat, said Beem. Any restrictions you place on your eating habits are not restrictions elsewhere and visa versa. What of the Sacred Cow in India. It is sacred in America as food and sacred in India alive. Who is right and who is wrong? No one is wrong about the food they eat, unless they either restrict themselves for their own reasons, or are forced by the majority, to follow their restrictions. Everything organic is or was or will be, food to one life form or another. To draw a line between meat and vegetables or fish and sea plants or insects or rodents, in the long run, makes you more vulnerable.

If you are hungry, and living in India, your cow has died of starvation, do you eat the cow and go against your beliefs, or do you let yourself die of starvation too? And would the latter not be suicide? The more restrictions you set up for yourselves, the more vulnerable you become. If we had taken on human forms and not Ehesti bodies to make this visit, we could eat and would eat, lots of meat. These Ehesti bodies don't take kindly to eating meat, as your bodies don't take kindly to eating insects. Maybe before we leave, we might take on human form for a short while to enjoy a full meal with you, with lots of beef for Bo.

This brings us up to another topic, said Allen; Hunting. Is it good or bad? First of all, said Beenan, all things are good in themselves. If you call eating meat good, than killing the animal must be good too. If killing the animal is good, than any way you kill, must also be good, providing of course you don't produce inhumane torture. Hunting is one way of killing and so is "knocking" in a packing house. Clubbing seems to be acceptable for killing seals and fish, etc. Hunting and restocking is no different then fishing and restocking, which you accept without objection. The main cause of controversy regarding hunting is the fact that you are not restocking that which you take. Once you start restocking to everyone's satisfaction, then the controversy will stop because, you will be farming your deer and moose, etc., as you do with your beef. The acceptance of what is good and what is bad is a matter of individual or group belief. Expressing the strength of your beliefs, in one way, is done through emotion. The more emotional one becomes, the more unstable he becomes for making common sense decisions. The emotions of accomplishment and manliness, connected with hunting, are a carry over from the old days. You should let them die a natural death now that you know better. The only difference between the knocker in the packing house and the macho hunter is emotion. It is a mundane job to one and a thrill to the other. Attaching a thrill to a kill is much like attaching love to your automobile.

I can smell those chocolates, interrupted Beem. That took away from the concentration and everyone loosened up. I'll bring in dessert, said Kirby, as he rose and proceeded to the kitchen. He came out the first time with fresh strawberries in whipped cream. When everyone had consumed the strawberries, he returned with a silver tray, three feet in diameter, filled with chocolates of every variety, cakes, cookies, dates, nuts, cherries, grapes and rose hips. Cliff scurried around picking up the dishes. The dish was set on a revolving tray, so everyone could turn it to their choice. The chocolate went faster then anything else on the plate. Nuts, dates and cherries were consumed but hardly anyone ate the pastries and no one touched the rose hips.

Let's all retire to the den, suggested Allen. We can take these goodies with us. He picked up the silver tray and they all withdrew into the den. Kirby brought in a pot of tea and some after dinner mints. How are the sketches coming, asked Kirby, as he offered Randy tea? Randy was still kind of shy and didn't talk much. Thank you, he said quietly, as he sat back with his tea. I've roughed out a sketch of what my image of Balenn is. I've done a couple of them actually. I'll get them to show you. No, finish your tea first, said Allen. It's no problem to get them, replied Randy, as he hustled off to the library. He returned with his portfolio. He sat back in his place and took a sip of tea. It was hot. He was going to open his portfolio up. He decided against it. He handed them to Beenan. Take a look at these and see if they are close to what you want. Beenan opened up the portfolio. He pulled out two sketches; Bo came over to have a look. These are attempts at showing our home Balenn and the surrounding systems. Which one looks the closest to you? Bo chose the second sketch. This one shows things in better proportion, but there is nothing on either sketch that looks like Balenn, said Bo. Not now perhaps, but after we make some changes, it will look better, replied Beenan. Beenan put the first sketch back in the portfolio, while Bo returned to his chair.

What did you think of our supper, asked Allen? I thought you would never ask, said Beenan. The tastes were different from what we are used to eating. I will have to think more on the deeper effects of your mealtime prayer though. I can see now, what Kirby meant earlier, when he referred to cooking as an art. For anyone to decide what taste, what color, what temperature and how moist any one part of the meal should be, would be very similar to the artist deciding on the landscape, color, light, etc. Aside from the food value and social gathering aspects of the meal, I felt aware of no other changes.

Randy interrupted the conversation. I'd like to stay here and chat with all of you, but I have much to do before tomorrow's interview, so I should get back to work. If you could spare a few minutes Beenan, I would appreciate it. Let's go to the library, if you have finished your tea, said Beenan. I'll bring these sketches. See you later.

What about you Bo and Beem, did you enjoy the meal? It was an experience, said Bo. Eating is just eating, said Beem. Why make a big fuss about it? The way your society is set up, it is necessary to create diversions and festivities, in an attempt to ward off the depression that sometimes comes with your mundane jobs. Many people make a living at providing these diversions and festivities. Of course, the more reason they can provide you with to celebrate, the more money they make. Someone else's greed can than become the reason for the festivity that you blindly partake in. If you celebrate every time you are supposed to celebrate, you will have to purchase far more merchandise than if you just had a simple meal alone. We would have enjoyed a simple one course meal, had it been served. Your elaborate meal did not change our opinion of you at all, if that was its purpose. I hope I don't sound ungrateful, said Beem. We know your intentions are good.

To change the subject, said Allen, would you like to listen to some earthly music? Sure, said Bo. Allen turned on the stereo. That music during dinner was not bad, said Bo. Allen selected another Henry Mancini tape and plugged it in. The music filled the room, but always in the background, so everyone could talk over it. It was a video stereo unit, so the screen lit up and they were able to watch the musicians and their instruments.

That flute sounds very comfortable to the Ehesti ear, said Bo. You know I would not mind having one of those to play for other Ehesti, when we leave here. I'll get you one before you go, said Allen. I am not sure it would materialize on Balenn, with our different environment, but if not, I'll hide it on your planet for future use. You do not need to hide it, one of us will gladly keep it for you, said Kirby. I may not return here for hundreds of your earth years, said Bo. Remember, we are 16,000 of your years old and we are middle aged. You are trapped here in your own small time frame, whereas the flute is not. If kept in a proper environment, that flute could last 20,000 years or longer. We could always keep it in Region 12, said Beem. That would mean that each time I wanted it, I would have to go back to Balenn for it, said Bo. We can't play it in Balenn anyway. No, I'll think of a good way to keep it and have it accessible too, said Bo. Okay, you can hide your flute where you like, said Allen jokingly. It's a good thing you did not take a liking to the piano or you would really have a hiding problem, relatively speaking of course. Bo answered back jokingly; relatively speaking of course.

Beenan was giving final instructions: to Randy, as to what he wanted on each sketch. If you could highlight these few points I mentioned, with bright colors, it might make them stand out a little better, said Beenan. No problem, replied Randy. I wish I had a better understanding of these sketches. So far, most of what you are trying to do is way over my head. It will all fit into place if you come to the interview, replied Beenan. There was enough work now to keep Randy busy until mid-night and he would probably need four hours tomorrow. Beenan left him alone to work.

Beenan re-entered the den and grabbed a chocolate from the silver tray before he sat back down in his oversized lounge chair. Is Randy going to work out alright for you, asked Allen? Yes, he now has a good mental picture of the ideas I want to demonstrate. Great, replied Allen and to change the subject for a few minutes, perhaps you could tell me if you have music on Balenn and if so, could you describe it?

In our Balenn existence, things don't materialize quite the same way, said Beenan. We do not have ears, like on these bodies, but we do hear in a different way. Again those of you, who can astral travel, can tell you of astral sounds. Although we are not quite astral beings ourselves, while on Balenn, our reality is closer to the reality of the astral plane, then to your physical plane. To human eyes, we could appear as transparent or translucent crystal-like forms. To astral eyes, we would seem like colored puffs of smoke, moving to the music of a hidden organ player. The sounds we hear are more astral then physical. For example, when you are in a quiet place, but moving around, the sounds you hear are your own clothing rustling, your breathing, if you are working hard and maybe even your own heart pounding. On Balenn, every motion we make, produces a note. If we move at a constant speed, the note sustains. If we change speed, the note also changes. You might say than, that our every motion produces music. I do not mean motion of arms and legs, because we don't have any. When we move on Balenn our entire form moves. No motion, like with you, produces silence. Because our bodies are somewhat crystal like they act as oscillators in a way, when set into motion. So we, from Balenn, on a busy day, are surrounded with music. Most of us control our motion, so as to produce harmonious sounds, but others just hurry and do not care about the music.

When I refer to us being crystal like, I do not mean solid, like your crystals, but rather having the appearance of crystal, without material substance. The music is a result of our motion against the CUs and atoms already there. CU's are Conscious Units, which we will discuss later. There are those who do not like the music and prefer silence. These people use silencers. These silencers are sound frequency absorbers. An area where one of these absorbers is running becomes a different color. Color in this case refers to a slight color tint in the crystalline like matter. The various frequencies that these silencers are set at produce various shades of color in the surrounding area. A wide spread of sound absorbing frequencies produces dark shades. The power of the silencer also affects the color. The units with a very high decibel absorption capability produce the color red. Fewer decibels of absorption, produces still another color.

Our action not only produces music, but a light show as well. You might also say that, because our motion is necessary to produce music, that our dancing, being motion, creates the music which produces the light show. You mean life on Balenn is one big rock concert, asked Kirby? Everyone chuckled. Maybe not a rock concert, Beenan replied, but nevertheless, a concert at least. I should interrupt here, said Beenan and tell you that we are attempting to tell you how it is in Balenn, with words that describe physical realities. You would have to visit Balenn personally, to appreciate what it is really like. It's far nicer than your English language will allow us to describe. Pretty far out stuff, eh man, said Beem. Far out, for sure, laughed Kirby.

What about your activities on Balenn? Do you work, like we do or what causes your activity? Your need for food, shelter and clothing on this planet generates your work, but on Balenn, we have no need for those things. Most of our time is spent traveling throughout the universe, occupying different life forms and getting involved with others as we are doing now. When we are home, we enter all our information in our main storage. That information is then available to all Ehesti, at any time. When we are home, we play games we made up and then we learn the answers from main storage. We can draw information from main storage anywhere in Balenn. Our thoughts access main storage at will. This access also contains all the co-ordinate information for transpose traveling. We have an area we call Region 12 that co-ordinates travel with available life forms. When we decide on our destination, Region 12 produces the travel plans as well as the various life forms we can occupy at our destination. We take on different life forms for different environments. This body would not be operational in Balenn, but it works fine here. Similarly, other forms are used in other environments. I suppose you could say we are professional travelers or something close, said Beem. When we leave here, our bodies will be returned to energy. This energy travels with us and re-assembles in the shape we want, at any time. Sounds like a full time job, all that traveling, said Kirby. Do many of you come to earth?

Nearly all of us have been to earth at one time or another. Very few of us mingle with the dominant life forms on any planet or system. We have found it was not necessary in most cases. If we were do-gooders looking around for somebody or some people to help than we would become a nuisance to many. We have learned through experience, not to get involved with the problems of the higher life forms, except indirectly on occasion. We can communicate telepathically with nearly all life forms, not just the higher ones, like humans. When we do intercede with our help, we do it very subtly, so that it seems like they cured their own problem. We are able to take on human bodies also and look just like yourselves, but we have been through all that and we prefer these bodies. Beem's shape slowly faded and in its place was a well dressed businessman. He spoke in Beem's voice though and said "for example." Everyone watched him smile and fade back into Beem's shape. I'm sure that there are some Ehesti here and now, on this planet, using human like bodies as Beem showed you. When we do take on human form, we make sure not to exercise our super-human powers. Most of us choose isolated locations to live, so that we can leave for long periods of time, without being missed. Anyone who chooses to live among you though, has to adopt your language and your habits.

The Ehesti population, numbers in the trillions. We are everywhere. We enjoy the company of all life forms. We enjoy our existence and feel a strong sense of love for all that is. The ironic part about all of this is that but for your beliefs, you have the same capabilities as we do.

Kirby and Cliff were frantically jotting down every word and recording every action. Allen was calmer and not too overcome by it all. His own powers of mental telepathy had shown him years ago, that there was far more to life, than just the physical. He had not experienced astral traveling willingly, but some of his dreams were quite vivid, as though they were physical.

Randy re-entered the room quietly. Excuse me Beenan; can I take you away for another moment? Beenan and Randy left again. I could not help but notice that not only did, you and Beem agree to let Beenan be your spokesman, but also that you seem to show Beenan a respect that is more than that. Am I mistaken about that Bo, asked Allen? Yes and no, said Bo. Beenan is older than us by about 2,500 years your time. As age produces experience and the associated wisdom, we naturally, like you, respect our elders. We try not to show it. I'm surprised you picked up on that. We have learned many lessons about automatic respect for the elderly. Those who choose to keep their minds on a narrow path throughout life do not require that automatic wisdom. Examples would be, certain school teachers. Most of the clergy, doctors of medicine, etc. These people concentrate so much of their time on proving the righteousness of what they do, that they become blind to the realities of life. Old age often brings with it a cautious way of life, that is too secure to accept change. Without change, there is no progress. Fortunately Beenan is still open-minded about most things and he readily accepts change.

So, talking about me behind my back eh, Beenan smiled as he re-entered the room. As a matter of fact, we were telling them what an old man you are, said Beem jokingly. Speaking of ages, interjected Cliff; what have you to say about the aging of humans and will we ever enjoy a longer life span? Beenan paused to collect his thoughts. You are just now beginning to see the power of your beliefs, said Beenan. You believe in the aspirin and it cures your headache. You believe you can get the headache first and sure enough you get one. Then you believe in the aspirin, to cure and you are cured; A seemingly endless circle. To break the circle, you have to first realize that you need not get a headache ever. Your body is perfectly capable of going through its entire life, without ever getting one. Once you believe in yourself again, there is no need for the cure. You believe in your vulnerability first though. Why do you believe in your vulnerability and not your body's ability to heal it self, as ours does? Because the proof, you call it, is all around you. Everyone else gets headaches, you being normal, must get them also. You choose to associate with the idea of your common vulnerability. You ignore those who say they never get headaches, as if they were odd balls.

Suppose you had never seen a bicycle in your life and someone gave you one and said you could ride it. Because you have no proof or mental image of anyone ever riding one or let alone seeing one, you might try to ride it, but after your first fall, you would call it a bad invention and try something else. By first seeing others ride the bike, then you have the proof that it can be ridden. Your belief in the accuracy of photography, allows you to build up that belief in yourself merely by watching someone else ride in a movie or photo. Either way, once you have proof that others do it, you know you can do it also. Knowing that you are not sub-human, you should be able to ride it too and you do. The proof created your belief. Your belief let you continue practicing until you rode it too, even though the element of balance is not fully understood. Others, in turn see you ride and realize poof enough for them ride also.

When you are born, you are immediately shown proof that all humans age and eventually die. As you progress into childhood, you see that everyone seems to get sick at one time or another. Everyone seems to catch the flu or adopt an allergy; proof positive of your own vulnerability. The proof is all around you. You adopt the same belief from that proof, as you did with the bicycle. You then proceed to get old and die, just as you proceeded to ride the bicycle, not understanding why.

Your doctors are finally looking at the placebo effect. When you expand that theory further, you will find out that nearly all of human life is a placebo. Your mass beliefs have great power. You, as an individual, can rise above these mass beliefs, simply by providing proof to yourself that they are wrong.

If you don't mind, I will go back into your history for a moment, to the time of the sorcerers, witches, etc. Almost everyone in those days was a witch by today's terms. They were aware of their powers and used them. They would be born to see their parents doing levitation and other so called magical tricks. That was their poof that they could do them too, and you did, just like with the bicycle. Because of this connection it took away the fear of death, which you have with you to this day. Too many people were disappearing or appearing out of nowhere. There was little or no order. Killing was not a crime, because there was no crime. Some people declared themselves leaders, convinced the population that they could end the killing and chaos. To do this, they had to manipulate your beliefs. The manipulations began by first; declaring the use of non-physical energy wrong. Those who persisted in using it were declared bad and labeled witches. Witches were declared anti-social and trouble makers. Soon, most of the population was led to believe that it was better to be powerless and liked by your peers than to be an outcast and exercise your powers.

The next generation of children grew up watching their parents doing only physical things and not exercising their full power. Consequently, the children did not acquire the belief in themselves, which they could have. This happened, because the parents did not want any form of ridicule to come to their children. By protecting their children in this way, they also took away from them, the belief they needed to develop their non-physical powers. This effect snowballed and throughout the rest of history, religions sprang up, perpetuating this type of thinking. You are weak and you are sinners. You are not responsible for all the good things, God is. You are not responsible for all the bad things, the devil is. Until just recently, very few have gone against this mass belief of vulnerability.

Beginning in your year, 1985, the re-unity of your conscious and sub-conscious will begin again, and by the year 2150, most people will again be able to see and use the powers that are within them. You will also see the connection between your beliefs and physical aging. Some will continue to age, but others will learn to control their molecules, as we do, and age will no longer be an issue. You only age because you believe you must. Science and History seem to provide all the proof necessary to perpetuate that belief endlessly. To simply change your beliefs and not age at all is not that simple in a way. You are going against the tide of mass belief in aging and death, which supports the entire medical industry --science Industry and religious beliefs. That influence is very strong. However, if you can provide proof, with just one example of a person that defies time, you then have the foundation for a belief system that too could snowball, as in the time I spoke of earlier. Schooling will make a drastic change to adjust to the new belief system. It should begin with a reward system, for those who show signs of developing their so called super-natural powers.

A special section of the school format should be directed towards these latent powers in children before they see too much proof of their vulnerability. There will be a need for teachers, who can demonstrate these powers, to the children, as proof that it can be done. This teaching process should begin with children between three and five years old. In secondary school, the proper use of these powers should be taught, so that we don't get a repeat of the chaos created in earlier days. Finally the subtleties of how to use your powers without anyone knowing could be dealt with in higher learning institutes. The probabilities arising from these changes are enormous. If you can live with the nuclear age, without destroying each other, than you should also be able to handle your new individual powers. If you can learn to believe without needing proof, things could happen so much faster.

I got off the topic for a while there Allen, but I hope that answers your question? If you believed as strongly in your inability to age as you do in your aging process and its inevitability, then you would not age. I understand you, I think, said Allen, so belief is the sleeping power within us that we must alter. Yes, but not must alter, should alter.

If we were to change our beliefs and regain our powers as you said, years ago, would we not resort back to killing and chaos, like before the witches? Some of you might, but look at how civilized you have become. You discipline yourselves not to use germ warfare and not to use nuclear bombs. You have adopted a pretty fair live and let live policy throughout your civilization. If you apply this self discipline and let live policy to your new state of expanded abilities, there should be no chaos. Surely, you could still maintain order. In the old days, I spoke of, the objective was to go forth and propagate. Now, you have come full circle and soon there will be too many of you in proportion to the amount of land on this planet. To continue to propagate at this rate would reduce the quality of life for everyone.

Your birth control methods coupled with the larger number of homosexuals has helped in slowing down the exploding birth rate, but it is not enough. It was an appropriate move, to separate the conscious and unconscious, at a time when everyone wanted to expand their race. Now that over crowding is a possibility, it is appropriate to take down that which divided the conscious and subconscious. That is the union we spoke of.  When the union of consciousness-occurs, you will see yourselves as the multi-beings you are. Your reincarnations, as you call them, will all be aware of each other and you will adopt a new understanding of time.

 Cliff and Kirby were taking down notes feverishly. I have one final question, said Cliff, will there not be a class distinction that will emerge between those with the power and those without? Also won't those with the power want to take over politically? If you had not learned first, to be civilized and love one another, than I would agree with you, said Beenan. Some will wield their power recklessly, but they should be kept in check by a policing force. Along with this new power, should emerge a set of regulations, insuring the rights of those without it. This new set of rights should also prevent the occurrence of a dictatorship.

 Allen checked his watch, 10:p.m., time to go. Big interview tomorrow, he thought to himself. He rose from his chair, grabbed his coat and left after bidding farewell to everyone. Everyone else slowly dispersed and drifted off to bed.

The last light left on, was in Randy's room. It was mid-night and he was still struggling with one of Beenan's requests. This was the time of day where he did his best work anyway. He did not have any work to go to after this job. Randy was six foot, four inches tall, one hundred and seventy pounds. He had blonde hair and a very thin drawn face. He was 52 years old. He had been an unsuccessful artist all his life making barely enough to live on. These sketches might make him famous, so he wanted them to be perfect. He had completed the graphic sketch on world economies. The simplicity of the idea for world economic recovery amused him. He had put that sketch aside for maybe a later touch up. The one he was working on, about birth control, was almost done. There was one more he hadn't started yet, on frequencies and solar wind plus the Balenn system hadn't been altered yet. He resumed his concentration, prepared to work all night, if necessary.

It was a beautiful morning. The sun shone in Bo's east window first and woke him up. He sat up, feeling kind of groggy. He lumbered over to the window and opened it up wide. The smell of the sea was predominant in the air. The grass was covered in morning dew and the only noises were the birds and squirrels chattering. Bo sat back in the chair by the window remembering mornings like this on other planets and in other systems. One such morning occurred on the planet "Trimus."

Trimus, although not yet discovered by man, is one of the most comfortable planets to live on in the galaxies. The Ehesti had spent much time there. It was favored even more than earth, by most of the Ehesti. Bo had been there many times, but never attempted to communicate with the higher life forms, like he was doing here on earth. Similar to their earth habitats, the Ehesti stayed on the higher grounds, where it was safer. They used the same bodies on Trimus as on Earth. The sun of Trimus produces the same amount of heat as on earth, but the color is more greenish. Trimus is a smaller planet than earth. It is about two thirds the mass and it rotates faster. A full day on Trimus is only sixteen hours. The planet's orbit is not as elliptical as earth's so the seasons are not as extreme. The vegetation is similar also, except most of the deciduous trees sprout new leaves as soon as the old ones fall off. The leaves are comparatively smaller in all respects. The conifers produced larger, fatter needles that contained less turpentine. Insects, rodents and animals are almost identical, except for the "crocka." The crocka is an inland rodent, similar to a mouse, but for the turtle like shell it carries with it. The shell is split down the center to make it more flexible. The crocka shed their shells once a year. The higher forms of life the Ehesti call "Trimusees", are similar to the south sea island natives of earth, but shorter and fatter. They are a friendly people, who love their planet and lifestyle as much as humans love earth. The Ehesti can communicate telepathically with the Trimusees. The Trimusees have a tendency to treat the Ehesti like Gods, so the Ehesti didn't visit quite so often now and when they did, they stayed in the mountains.

One of the main differences on Trimus, are the rocks and minerals found there. Rocks are only as hard as hard rubber, although they look exactly like earth rocks. They absorb far more heat and retain it for longer. This made them ideal surfaces to sleep on during cold nights. Bo had slept on many such rocks. Waking up on this particular morning, was a pleasure, because the place Bo had chosen to sleep was also the home of a species of songbird, native to Trimus, which they called "flub". As he woke, the sun was rising through the trees awakening the flubs. They began to sing and Bo assumed they were singing to him. Sunrise on Trimus was particularly beautiful. A bright green glow begins on the horizon, rising up to full exposure in about three minutes. During that three minutes, shafts of green light dart out to brighten up everything in their path. It is like standing right in the middle of the aurora-borealis, with light shafts darting all around you.

Bo sat up on the rock, putting up his arms upon his knees. Four or five of the flubs flew over and perched on him. Bo did not move. He did not want to frighten them off. They were very colorful. They began to feed on some of the tinier insects that had crawled into Bo's hair overnight. Even while they were perched on his arms and head, they sang. It was very harmonious music and very much like the music the Ehesti produced on Balenn. He felt a tap on his shoulder.

Speaking of rage, interrupted Beem, could you play some more of your background music, while we are chatting Kirby? We sure can. I will select some more flute music. Kirby went to the stereo and scanned the selection sheet. There was one album called "Super Flute", which he selected and plugged in. He was about to return to the den, but changed his mind and went back to the stereo to add more albums, so that the music would last a while. He didn't want to play all flute music, so he took a chance on some classical music. He also chose a heavy rock and roll album and a country album, hoping to find out what music the Ehesti really preferred,

The doorbell rang. Beenan was just coming down the stairs at the same time. He was close to the door, so the thought he would take a look. It was Allen already. He opened the door and they both said "good morning" at the same time. They laughed. Another beautiful day said Allen. I hope you rested well? Before Beenan could answer, Allen asked how Randy did with the sketches. I slept well, thank you, answered Beenan and I just got up, so I do not know what Randy accomplished. Okay, no rush, let's grab a nice hot coffee, oops, just kidding. I'll grab the coffee; you grab a date or something. Okay, maybe I'll grab a coffee too, said Beenan, just to warm my hands up. In that case, I'll grab the date. He and Beenan entered the den with the others. Everyone was in the den, except Randy.

Cliff had just finished the dishes. There was a large silver coffee pot in the center of the table, with cups, cream and sugar and spoons spread out around it, on a lazy Susan tray. The tray from last night’s supper was back on the table also, with many of the goodies still uneaten. Next to that tray, was a small basket filled with still warm cinnamon buns. There was also an insulated urn of hot chocolate, accompanied by a tray containing cream and miniature marshmallows.

Beenan was curious to see how Randy made out with the sketches. He was unaware that Randy was up all night. He knocked on the library door. There was no answer, so he tried the door knob. It opened easily enough, so he quietly entered the room. Randy was asleep at his desk, with his head cradled in his arms. His pencil was still in his fingers. He was sleeping so soundly, that Beenan did not want to wake him. He took a look at what Randy had done. He was a talented artist and layout man alright, thought Beenan. This looks much more impressive then if he had used graphics on the television screen. He was particularly pleased, with the sketch on world economies. He had drawn every country according to the size of its debt, rather than its geographic size. That would really help get his point across.

He flipped over a couple of sheets, looking for the sketch of Balenn and their system. It was nowhere in sight. He glanced at Randy's desk. Randy had fallen asleep on it. The sketch looked complete but there was no color yet. Beenan grabbed the corner of the sketch and pad. With the other hand, he held up Randy's arm and slowly pulled out the sketch and pad without waking up Randy. He took it over to the table with all the colors and began to do the coloring himself. The shades he was looking for weren't there, so he tried mixing a few colors until he got the right shade. He had to change some of the smaller details but generally, it was pretty good. He made a few outline changes as well. Randy was still snoring.

Back in the den, Allen was saying, we won't have quietness like this for too much longer. The television set-up people and organizers will be here soon, along with the security people. They have so many cables, cameras and lights, that there won't be room to breath around here soon. I don't think it matters much, where you go or what you do while they are here, except that the security people tend to worry if you are exposed to too many people. They will probably want you to stay in one section of the house for better protection. You might as well decide where you want to spend the next five or six hours. How about this area here, asked Bo? He pointed to the kitchen, den, library and dining room. That should be okay, said Allen. We will keep the outside doors locked and the inter-connecting doors will be closed. I wonder what is keeping Beenan.

I am going to take a walk, said Beem, before the quarantine begins. Are you coming Bo? Yes, the fresh air will be nice. Kirby was busy running back and forth between the kitchen and den. He was planning the eating for the rest of the day as well as cleaning up the dishes from the den. He was about to suggest that Cliff help because after all, clean-up was Cliff's job, but he was interrupted by Cliff speaking. Mind if I join you, asked Cliff? Sure, said Bo, but we might disappear on you, once in a while. You could take me with you, couldn't you, when you disappear I mean? We could, if we go at all, Bo replied. Come along anyway.

They left by the side door, leading directly outside. The open door let in a gush of sunlight. The door closed by it's automatic closer. The temperature was eighteen degrees Celsius. There were no clouds in sight and the wind was coming up off the ocean at about five kilometers per hour. Traffic could be heard in the background and the hoot of a freighter's horn sounded, as it crept into Vancouver harbor. Visibility out to sea was about twenty to thirty kilometers, so the Ehesti could see about a hundred kilometers. They headed over to the fish pond area, where they had been yesterday. Bumble bees were buzzing around what summer flowers were still blooming. The smell of salt air predominated.

How much time do you think we have, before we should go inside, asked Beem? Probably an hour, more or less, Bo replied. Well, how should we use that hour? Bo you want to climb down the rocks to the beach? There might be something interesting down there, said Bo. No, I think it is still high tide and the beach is not exposed yet, replied Beem. How about we take off on a quick trip? Where to? Well, you were dreaming about Trimus, how about that? That's a long way and a major time change is involved. How about a shorter trip? Maybe you are right, said Beem.

We could show Cliff the only other planet in their solar system that has life on it. You mean Saturn, asked Bo? Right. Cliff could not tell if they were joking or not. Bo you mean Saturn is the only planet in our solar system with life on it, he asked? That's right, said Beem. Other planets are capable of maintaining life, but only on small portions of that planets surface and in some cases underground. Jupiter will support life in another two thousand years or so, but for now Saturn, is your best bet. The rings of Saturn act as energy absorbers and reflectors, bringing the temperature on its surface up to the same temperature as earth. Would you like to go for a quick trip? I'm a little frightened at the thought, said Cliff. No need to be, said Beem. The air is almost identical to that of earth and there is good water. Okay, said Cliff, as he checked his pockets to make sure his note recorder was handy. It was. Okay, I'm ready to go.

They were just about to leave, when Kirby showed up. He had just stepped outside for a quick break, when he spotted Cliff. Lovely day, he said. I hope I am not interrupting anything? We were just about to go to Saturn, said Cliff. Do you want to come along? Saturn? No thanks, you guys go ahead, I'll see you later.

Kirby headed back inside, thinking of how cold and barren the planet Saturn was supposed to be. It was not his idea of a place to go to, for a pleasant trip. Bo and Beem stood on each side of Cliff with a hand on each shoulder, dwarfing him between them. They concentrated on their favorite landing spot on Saturn. In a second they were there. They were on high ground of course, with no one in sight .                                                                    

It was mid-afternoon on Saturn. The sun looked like a large star, rather than the good old heat producing sol from earth. It was the same sun of course. The lack of bright sunlight on Saturn allows one to see the planets earth and mercury quite clearly, both day and night. When there is no cloud cover, much of the sky reveals stars and planets almost anytime. A celestial navigator could use his tools on Saturn at anytime almost. The rings of Saturn radiate at various intensities, depending on the position of Saturn in its orbit. They do not emit full spectrum light however. This accounts for the orange tint to everything.

The sky was blue enough, but orange lines about the size of a big rainbow, crossed it, dividing it into layers or sections. These orange lines radiate all night, said Bo and so it never gets completely dark on Saturn, unless there is very heavy cloud cover. The vegetation does not track the sun around the sky, as on earth. There is no moss on the north side of the trees and no morning blooming flowers. The animals and rodents look similar to those of earth, but they have all adapted to the lack of night. Extremes in temperature almost never occur, except at the poles and even then they only drop ten degrees Celsius. Conditions are quite parallel to your north pole, when the sun never sets in the summer, but it is much warmer here of course.

The insects are a little different, in that they do not have a slow down period, like the cool evening on earth. The abundance of insects also produces an abundance of insect eating animals. The dog being the house pet on earth, gives way to the ant eater, as a pet on Saturn.

The higher forms of life look much like you, except dark skinned. They form and live in communities, like you, we call them "Opi". That is the way their noises sound to us. Because of even heat and light on Saturn, the Opi sleep every four hours, for about an hour or two. They eat periodically, both day and night also. We estimate that they number less than a million on the whole planet. It is difficult to tell their age, relative to earth time, because time does not pass at the same speed as on earth. The Opi have not yet developed a sophisticated language. In fact, they use the word "Opi" for all kinds of things, like sleep, eat, hello, etc. We have tried to get them to say Ehesti, but they can't seem to pronounce the letter "s". We may send a teacher to Saturn one day, just as I am doing now with you. They seem much too content right now though, for us to interfere.

The animal kingdom and birds, feed mostly on insects. The killing of insect  eating animals would only produce more insects, so a different harmony exists here, between Opi and animal. Insects are ground up for protein and mixed with other grains or vegetables. The taste is quite nice and I think even you would like it, said Beem. No thanks, said Cliff. I just had breakfast. They were standing close to a small creek that spilled into a boggy slough, down the mountain a ways. Cliff started to walk towards the slough, so Beem and Bo followed.

The water looks yellow here, said Cliff. Why is that? The yellow is a fungus that signifies purity. Any water without the yellow color is considered contaminated, because "flura" as we call it, will not grow in polluted water. Could we take some back to earth, asked Cliff? The flura cannot survive on earth's dark night condition. They need constant light to survive. Let's try it anyway; said Cliff, I have a plastic sample container here. We could keep it under artificial light at night. He handed Beem the container. I guess it won't hurt, said Beem. He bent over and scooped up the water then sealed the plastic case. There you go, said Beem and handed it to Cliff.

Why do I feel so tired, asked Cliff? The gravity pull is thirty percent more then on earth, so it is as though you are carrying around a back-pack of about twenty-seven kilograms. Cliff tried to jump. It was hopeless. He hardly got off the ground. This must be what it is like to be a lardo, he chuckled. He tried another jump. He barely got off the ground again. I can release some of your weight with my molecular powers, said Beem. No need, replied Cliff. I can get used to it. That is another reason why we chose Ehesti bodies, said Bo. They are far more versatile. Look at our leg muscles, compared to yours. Bo pressed down the hair so Cliff could see the muscle that was at least three times the size of his own. Cliff flexed his own muscle and laughed at its puny size. There must be some way, that these human bodies are better, said Cliff jokingly. You don't get bugs in your hair, said Beem, as he picked out a small beetle from the hair on his leg. They laughed and headed back to their landing spot with the water sample. I think we had better get back to Beenan, said Bo. About an hour of earth time has expired. They stood side by side with Cliff in the middle.

In an instant, they were back on the estate. Cliff pulled the specimen from his pocket and exposed it to the sun immediately. Kirby was sitting on the grass waiting for them. They appeared about ten feet away from him. I was just going to start looking for you, he said. People are starting to arrive and we should retire to our part of the house. You guys do not look very cold for having been on Saturn. We will tell you about it inside, said Cliff.

They all returned to the den. Cliff took out his water sample and poured it into a Petri plate. He made sure the sun shone in the plate. Everyone gathered around, Cliff explained to everyone where the water came from and why it had to be left in the sun. You mean that yellow water is from Saturn, asked Kirby? That's right, said Cliff. The yellow is a fungus that keeps the water clean. The sun keeps the fungus alive. You mean the sun never sets on Saturn? It sets alright, but Saturn’s rings keep giving off light constantly. The rings of Saturn continually radiate heat and light to the planet's surface. The sun, by the way, looks not much bigger than the larger stars. This yellow fungus, can only survive without light for five minutes. It eats the impurities in the water plus uses energy from light to reproduce. The animals and birds on Saturn won't touch the water unless it is yellowish in color from this fungus. This water is from a heavier gravity also, so it should act a little different then ours, let's try this toothpick. Cliff broke off a small piece and set it on the water. It sunk. Try this piece of cork. Kirby handed him a chunk of wine bottle cork. It floated, but just barely. Its buoyancy factor is also lower commented Bo. An ordinary vessel, like your steel hulled boats, would not float in this water. The only way you could safely float on this water, would be to use a wooden hulled craft, with three times the freeboard allowed by the safety regulations. This water also evaporates more than twice as fast as earth water.

The doorbell rang. That is probably the television crew, said Allen, as he left the group to answer the door. Sure enough, there were eight of them with equipment of all sorts. Allen let them in and showed them to the living room where the interview was to take place. Along with the crew was Professor Ingle from the University. I can't stay long, said the professor. I just dropped in to see how you were doing and to keep you up to date on the welcoming ceremony we have planned for them in a couple of days. Great, said Allen. As you can see, we are preparing for this after-noon's interview. It looks hectic, but everything is under control. Tell me about the ceremony plans. We were planning on having it at sea, just down there, he pointed to the front lawn. Could you elaborate a little more, asked Allen? There is a convoy of navy ships in the Victoria Harbor right now. Some of them have agreed to take part in our ceremony. I am heading there now, to discuss the show and their part in it. Sounds great, said Allen. It should be great, replied Prof. Ingle, but I can't stay any longer. See you later. He rushed out the door. Where are the Sasquatch now, asked one of the reporters? We have them safe and secure, said Allen. You will get your chance at them this afternoon.

It was mid-day now and Kirby was in the kitchen again, this time making lunch for Cliff, Randy and Allen. He was preparing tomato soup and sandwiches, all the while wondering if he should have gone to Saturn with Cliff. He probably would never get another chance. He had let his fear of the unknown control him and now he was ashamed of it.

Beenan and Randy were still in the library. Randy had woken up while Cliff and company were gone. He was working with Beenan on the sketches. I understand you guys are going to be on nation wide television this afternoon, said Randy. The more people that watch, the better, replied Beenan. Are you going to be watching? Randy hesitated. I may watch from home on TV, he replied. I have some personal problems at home to settle, so I won't be able to stay. Randy was covering up for an alcohol problem he had and he knew that he couldn't go one more night without a drink. Beenan sensed his problem telepathically, but decided not to say anything. These sketches are perfect now, said Beenan. Why don't you go for lunch and I will finish up here. Randy was starved. He had missed breakfast. Okay, said Randy, I am famished.

Randy could smell the tomato soup from the library. He hustled into the kitchen. Cliff, Allen and Kirby were there already, sitting at the table. How are the sketches coming, asked Allen? Pretty well finished, replied Randy. Beenan is just finishing up the last one now. What have you guys been up to? Would you believe I just came back from Saturn, said Cliff. Do you mean Saturn, the planet or the all night diner called "Saturn?" Bo and Beem transposed us up to the planet Saturn for a visit. I brought back a sample of the water. It's over there on the ledge. It sounds pretty far out to me, said Randy, but from what I've heard about the power of these Ehesti, I tend to believe you. Kirby served the soup and sandwiches. Randy tore right into them. Tell me more about this Saturn trip, he said. Beem, Bo and I were feeling kind of hungry, so we transposed into the waiting line at the Saturn Restaurant. It seems to me you could have walked, replied Randy, sarcastically. It's only four blocks away. Tell me the truth now, he smiled. There is not much to tell, said Cliff. We went to Saturn for a few minutes. We looked around, took back a sample of the water and came back.

Beenan entered the room. That is real nice work you did Randy. We are ready for the big show. Glad you approve Beenan. Did you know that while we were in there slaving away, these guys were on a trip to Saturn? Yes, I knew about it. I talked to Beem telepathically of course, before they left. I trust you enjoyed the trip Cliff? The only complaint I have is that it was too short, said Cliff. Our present space program does not have any exploration of Saturn on its itinerary, for the next half century. I doubt if I'll ever get to visit again, in this life time. You can always learn to transpose yourself, said Beenan. Read Sarah's notes of two days ago. It tells you how.

The noise coming from the other room was getting louder. People were yelling at one another, mixed in with the feedback screech of the microphone testers. Let's go into the dining room, said Cliff. It is much quieter in there. Good idea, said Bo and with that statement, they all stood up and migrated to the dining room. Randy stayed behind to finish eating. I'll join you in a while, he said, as he gave a quick wave.

Cliff plugged in a tape, by the Living Strings, for background music. The noise level was considerably lower in the dining room. Cliff opened another window up to the screen's edge. No one had said a word for three minutes now and the silence was getting to Cliff. Not too long before stage appearance you guys, he said. Do you get nervous before a speaking event like we do, asked Kirby? I'll answer that one if you like, said Beem. Nervous uncertainty and stage fright are all manifestations of fear. Surely out there in the crowd, there is someone who knows more about what I am talking about then I do. If that person asks an embarrassing question, I'll be booed right off the stage. I sure hope that does not happen. Boy, I'll be glad when this is all over. What you just heard was a typical thought pattern of the insecure or nervous person. These negative thoughts are not all bad. They encourage the speaker to be accurate and sure of his sources. They do however; hamper the speaker when he is speaking of something he is not quite sure of. When carried to an extreme, these negative thoughts can produce stuttering.

We all have the power to control our thoughts. When the aforementioned thought pattern enters your head, you reject it. In its place, you think. This is an ordinary day, these are ordinary people. This interview is no big deal. I wonder what the percentage of hecklers will be. These are more realistic thoughts which will calm you down and allow you to speak more confidently. They will also tend to reduce the quality of your speech, if you dwell on them too long.

No large crowd is one hundred percent supportive of any speaker. The more you speak, the more you realize this. What you can only ask, is the support of the majority of the crowd, never all of it. If you expect no hecklers or a full supportive crowd, you are fooling yourself. It is better to address your crowd, knowing full well that some will oppose you. Think out the objection before speaking and you will at least be ready for them. Beenan has more experience lecturing than any of us here. He is familiar with crowd mood control methods and he has seen his share of hecklers. Beem turned to look at Beenan. Beenan, what percentage of the crowd do you expect to be non-supportive, asked Beem? Because of the newness and frightening possibilities connected with what I say, I expect about thirty percent rejection, said Beenan.

Three types of people come to hear a new speaker, (l) those that are hopeful they will learn something new. (2) Those that are bored and are hoping to be entertained. (3) Those that are so sure about their own judgments that they go to voice their own opinions and hear or learn nothing about the main theme. This third category is where the hecklers come from. These hecklers are good in the sense that they show the other side of the coin. All topics have at least two points of view. When I speak, I show only my one point of view. Listeners in category one might take what I say too seriously and that is just as bad as not listening at all. The hecklers balance this out, while category two, takes it all in stride and are thoroughly entertained. There is of course, a fourth class of people that attend a lecture. They are the ones who never intended to go, but they got talked into it, either by their wife or husband or by a friend. These people usually don't understand most of what is happening. They are just glad to be with whoever talked them into going. I thought I was giving this lecture, interrupted Beem. There is my first heckler, laughed Beenan.

Everyone chuckled over Beem’s remark, until a knock was heard on the outside door of the den, where they had just been. I'll see who it is, said Kirby, as he jumped up. Who is it, he asked? It's me Sarah. Marie is with me too. Bo recognized the voice immediately and smiled. Kirby unlocked the door. Right behind the girls, were reporters, hoping to get a quick photo, while the door was open. Kirby gave them a dirty look, but quickly changed it into a smile for the girls. The reporters got the message and did not pursue it any further. Kirby locked the door behind him.

When the girls entered the room and saw the Ehesti, they had strong mixed emotions. They felt a deep sense of joy at seeing them again, coupled with a strong desire to laugh at their colorful cutoffs, which they had not seen before. Within seconds, everyone was laughing and no one was really sure shy. Marie spoke first, after the laughter had subsided. Your cutoffs are gorgeous, she said, looking at Bo. You girls are gorgeous, said Bo in return. I was hoping we would see you again. Cliff and Kirby are good company, but we sure miss you and Sarah. I assume you are here for the interview? Yes, we wouldn't miss that for the world, we decided to come early and maybe socialize for a while first. We don't really have to return to work for a few days now, said Marie. We are on call, but on our days off also. Why don't you girls stay for supper after the interview, asked Kirby? I enjoy cooking for large groups and there is plenty of room. Well, if it is okay with Allen, we will stay. By the way, where is Allen? We didn't see him on the way in. He is out there somewhere, getting things organized I think, said Cliff. I read your notes that Kirby copied. Glad to meet you girls in person, said Cliff. I had the opportunity to transpose, as did you, Sarah. Maybe we can compare notes later. I have a few questions to ask you Bo, about transposing if you have the time, said Sarah. Bo looked at the clock. We have an hour to spare before the interview, said Bo, but first, let me just grab another chocolate.

Sarah smiled. So you guys are getting hooked on our earthly foods eh? We have tried just about everything you people eat, since we last saw you, said Beem. Chocolates are our favorite. High energy and little bulk, said Beem. Not to mention, delicious, said Bo. We have taken a liking to dates and rose hips as well. Kirby set up a test for us, with various items you eat daily. The results were quite interesting. Maybe before we go back to Balenn, you will tolerate one of our favorite humanoid forms and we can all eat a hearty, earthly meal. That would be great, said Sarah, as long as you don't look like some Neanderthal man.

There was noise in the den. It was Allen returning. Show time, one hour, he said as he walked through the doorway into the dining room, sounding like the conductor on a train. Hello Allen, said Marie, we were just talking about you. Hello to you too, Marie and Sarah. Glad you made it okay, through all that commotion out there. Kirby interjected. I have invited the girls to stay for supper after the interview, if that is okay with you? Sure, that would be nice, said Allen, but it might be quite late. We are not sure how long this session will last. We have full approval from our husbands, smiled Sarah, if that is what you are getting at. Okay, said Allen laughingly, and that was what I was getting at. I have to get back out there now, so we will see you in one hour. With that, he grabbed a chocolate and left by the way he came in. I'm glad that's settled, said Kirby. I think I will go to the kitchen for a while and prepare a suitable menu. I'll be back in a few minutes. Randy was just finishing eating, when Kirby passed through, on his way to the kitchen. You wouldn't have a little glass of wine to top off this delicious lunch would you, asked Randy? The compliment on his lunch almost made Kirby automatically get the wine for Randy, but before he spoke, he hesitated. These were words he had heard before from his Al-anon course. If I give him a glass of wine, he'll probably ask for another and maybe want the whole bottle. Kirby needed his wine for the upcoming cooking and toasting that had to be done. Sorry, he replied, there is no more wine. Can I get you a coffee? No thanks, I'm full of coffee. I suppose I should stick around a while longer, he said meekly. Allen will be back soon, replied Kirby. He will know what you should do.

Well let's hear those questions you have for me Sarah, said Bo. I thought you'd never ask, smiled Sarah. They concern the transposing instructions you gave us. I have been working on step one, the astral projection part and I have developed some frustrating results. When I finally reach the point of projection, I am confronted with hideous faces and ogres of all shapes. They look very frightening. They seem to be deliberately trying to stop me from astral projecting. They don't answer me when I ask them what they want. Every time I try again, they are waiting for me, as if someone tipped them off, that I was coming. I wonder now, if others are stopped by the same ogres or is it just me? Why are they there; and why are they trying to stop me from projecting?

First let me explain how they got there, said Bo. You must first examine your beliefs. What is beautiful and what is ugly. You humans see variations of the human shape as ugly. You call them deformities. Before you can space travel, you will have to learn to overcome this belief. If not, than all the life forms that do not look human like, will look ugly to you and you will never learn to love one another. The word ugly, should never have been invented. It is a word that implies prejudice in its worst way. Once something or someone is labeled ugly, it becomes the object of ridicule and abuse. We think nothing of stomping on an ugly spider, but we wouldn't think of stomping on a cute chipmunk. Even now, you feel prejudices towards humans of different colors, handicapped people with beautiful faces some of them, and too short or too tall people. You must learn to control your thoughts and erase these prejudices. When you meet your ogres again, instead of feeling fright, try to think of them as beautiful in their own way. Smile and say hello to them, as you would one of your own kind. They will soon disappear. They are a product of your own prejudices and they are created by you. They can be dissolved by you just as easily. You are really confronting yourself, when you see them.

But what if they won't go away, asked Sarah? They will go away, if you send them away with love and not fear and anger and who knows, you may learn to like some of them, if you try hard enough. Your beliefs in devils and evil can also be confronted in the same way, if religious figures try to block you. They too, are products of your own beliefs. Some religious beliefs tend to be very strong and consequently, the demons they produce are harder to get rid of. Some astral travelers from twentieth century earth have told us of their beliefs, being so strong religiously, that they had to astral travel with the devil or demons at their side, like pets. It was almost impossible to get rid of them. Eventually they faded away, as do most things, once you stop believing in them. Remember one main thing; you are invulnerable in the astral world, as are we even now.

What about you Marie, have you attempted to transpose yet, asked Bo? No, she replied sheepishly. I'm really chicken, when it comes to that. I doubt if I will ever try it. I have read the instructions Beem gave us, but I haven't tried it. I am one of those with a strong religious background. We were taught that it is against God's will to fool around with the unknown like this. I don't necessarily believe that, but you can see the conflict I am up against. My husband is dead set against it too. He calls it "blasphemy." I know I must break free from these restraining influences. Maybe if I can get some help from you guys, I will take a chance on it, but not all by myself. If you do change your mind Marie, please try to remember that you are invulnerable in the astral plane. You cannot be hurt by anyone or anything. You can lay your astral body directly on top of a nuclear explosion and all that will happen is your molecules will disperse over a wide area and re-assemble with no ill effects. Not that you are the master of all that presents itself, but you definitely cannot be physically hurt. Your astral body will seem almost exactly like your physical body at first, but after you spend enough time in it, you will realize that you can change it to any shape or no shape at all, if you wish.

Kirby came back into the room. I hope I'm not interrupting anything too important. What do you think of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding for supper? There was a long pause. That should be okay, said Cliff. Sounds great to me too Kirby, said Sarah. Me too, said Marie. Next to Chinese food, roast beef is my favorite. What about the Ehesti asked Marie? They don't eat meat do they? They won't be eating much at this meal anyway, said Cliff. This is a human meal mostly. Okay, roast beef it is, said Kirby, as he began to leave the room. Carry on with your conversation. We were just digesting what Bo was telling us. He was discussing astral projection. Looks like coming up to interview time anyway, said Sarah. Thanks for the information Bo. I'll try your methods on my next attempt.

Allen came in at that moment. It's time everyone. The living room is all set up and crowded with waiting reporters. We had to turn away quite a few due to lack of space. We have reserved space for you though. Cliff, Kirby, Marie and Sarah, there are four seats reserved for you in the front row. Maybe you had better grab them now and the rest of us will be along in a moment. Are you guys ready? Ready as we'll ever be, answered Beenan. I hope you instructed them that no religious questions were allowed? Yes, I did, said Allen, but you know reporters by now. If they try to ask you anyway, just say "no comment."

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