The Genesis Illusion

Chapter 34

The mid-day sun cast its potent rays on Bright Sun, Ian Carlson, Zhang Tao Lim, and Ling Wong who still stood reverently, heads bowed, behind the missile launcher like it was holly. Bright Sun, however, stood defiantly erect and without any outward sign of regret. Sobbing uncontrollably Ms. Wong could barely keep from collapsing. Carlson and Lim also fought back tears and their jaws quivered as they held a silent vigil. Their little girl was gone forever.

~~~

Ann snuggled down under the sheets. Her head rested on a pillow looking up at the ceiling where the fan turned silently creating a refreshing gentle breeze in the stillness of her room. "Read me a story," Ann begged using her most sympathetic voice. "The one about the fairies and dragons."

"We've read that one many times," Ian Carlson wanted to read something else.

"I know, but it's my favorite." Carlson retrieved the storybook from the shelf across the room and sat next to her leaning back against the bed headboard. "Once upon a time there was a princess who lived in a great castle in a magical kingdom far, far away." He read just a few pages before Ann drifted off to sleep, undoubtedly dreaming she was the princess.

"You see here Ann, darling these with the happy faces," Mr. Lim pointed at the pink and blue orchids near their feet.

"They're smiling at me," Ann touched the white ones nearby. "They're so beautiful and they smell nice too. You have so many, which ones are your favorites?"

"Oh dear, I cannot choose. They are my children. I don't like one better than the other."

"Other gardens with orchids I've seen don't look like yours."

"I know, dear, it's because I love them so they love me back. They bloom brighter and bigger for me because I care for them."

"You talk like they're people, like me. You take care of me so I smile and love you."

"Yes, that's right. When you truly care for something or someone they know it and they care for you."

Ann complained in an almost angry tone, "I'm tired of studying. What's, what's the reason? I don't have any future here. Why do I need to know mathematics and science? Why does mother make me read these books and study? I hate it."

"It's for your own good dear," Ling Wong reasoned. "I'm sure your mother wants what's best for you. I'll talk to her if you like. Maybe it would be best if you had more free time. If you did, what would you do?"

"I would like to spend time in the village. Maybe I could play with others my age?"

"Perhaps that would be good. Much can be learned from others different from you. You know you have a special gift. Your mother just wants you to use it."

"I need to understand what others need so I can help them. It's not good enough to read about things in a book. I need to see and feel... Can you talk to mother for me. When I try we argue."

"Ann stop wasting time," Bright Sun commanded, as she often did. "Get back to your studies. We need to find a way to deflect artillery."

"I know it's important mother but can't I have time to play with friends? Why should I care about weapons?"

"I've told you, we have a special gift. We not only can understand and absorb tremendous amounts of knowledge but our gift makes it possible for us to make connections that others can't see."

"All right, I'll keep studying. But why do we need weapons?"

"There will come a time when we must defend ourselves."

"From who? We haven't done anything."

"I know you don't understand but you must believe me, we will need this protection. You must do as I say. Stop being so selfish. I need your help. Your playtime can wait. Our safety comes first."

"I don't feel threatened."

"No more backtalk. You ungrateful child. Just do as I say."

~~~

The faint swoosh of an engine in the sky far in the distance grew louder. Seconds later a vapor trail, visible low on the horizon just over the treetops, came into view. Something... a plane? The object became bigger, and the sound became a roar. Sunlight reflected off shiny metal speeding directly toward them. There was no time to move and only an instant to pray.

A horrendous blast and a fiery cloud expanded into the void above the new kingdom compound. Birds scattered from their peaceful perches squawking as they flew away from the powerful shock wave. The still of the forest, though, rapidly returned accompanied by the comforting sound of waves gently slapping on the sandy protected shore but a dark cloud lingered, drifting with the gentle breeze over the sea surrounding Ann's family home.