Core Beliefs - Chapter 52 - The First Counsil of Dlrow Wen

Core Beliefs – Chapter 52 - The First Council of Dlrow Wen

When Ellie and Doug left on their honeymoon, Charley Lehman also disappeared.

On a very cold day in early November, Joe and Cynthia drove to the Kansas City airport and waited in the terminal, watching with anticipation. Passenger after passenger walked by, but not Charley.

Finally, a young man with a deep tan, sun bleach hair, a scruffy beard, wearing a ragged sweatshirt and ratty blue jeans, angled their way. His body was lean and fit, carrying a well-worn computer bag and a small duffel.

“Charley!” Cynthia launched into his arms.

It took Joe a second, but once he realized the young man being hugged by his wife was his son, he joined in.

“I need Bar-B-Q. Now!” Charley said.

Laughing, they headed for a good place to get ribs. Joe called Matt to let him know the traveler had returned.

Matt was glad to hear that Charley was healthy and well, as Cynthia put it, “Studly!”

Matt, Ling, Joe, Cynthia, and Charley spent most of the next week in St. Louis, reviewing the information Charley had brought back.

Matt started calling a small group of people and asked them to meet at the farm the day after Thanksgiving for an important meeting. To a person, they agreed.

***

Thanksgiving at Armonia House was again a time of food, fellowship, and fun. Some raised questions about the meeting, but Matt simply asked for patience.

Friday came, and people started arriving at the farm at about 2:00 in the afternoon. The meeting would start at 3:00 p.m. in the silo.

At 2:40, Matt asked everyone to load up and follow Eldridge.

Those in attendance included Matt, Ling with Timmy, Joe, Cynthia, Charley, Doug, and Ellie. The rest of the Coblentz family, the Kumar family, Ling’s Mom, Susan, the Martin family, Marcus Corush with his wife, Eloise, and two children. Also, among those invited were Bernadette, Clarence Chambers, and his wife and their child, Melissa Kyle with her husband, and Queeny Stevens and her children.

The total number was thirty-five. Most had never been to the silo and had no idea what to expect.

As the convoy pulled up to the metal building and unloaded, most expected the meeting to be held in the building. Once inside, Matt said they could take the elevator or the stairs down to the next level.

More than a few were surprised by the instructions, but curiosity and encouragement had those attending quickly moving.

Some boarded the lift; others descended the stairs. As they congregated at the bottom of the entry building, Chris and Suchet were ready to lead them towards the silo. They followed into the silo portal, many asking questions, ‘Where are we?’ ‘Where are we going?’ ‘What is this place?’ Suchet and Chris often answered, “Please be patient.”

The groups reached the silo and the construction elevator, which could carry eight at a time. In groups, they descended to the fifth level. Chris pointed to a door in the wall, and Doug directed the group toward the outer chamber, circling to the right.

Ellie stood at the end of the corridor. Many of the group had no clue and thought the silo tour was the event.

When the last of the guests reached Ellie, Matt gave her the nod.

Ellie called all the children to come to her. “How many of you know the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves?” she asked.

Hands went up.

“Good!” she said. “Who knows the magic words to open the treasure cave in the story?”

Again, hands shot up, and the children were more excited than ever.

“Okay, kids!” she said. “When I count to three, I want you all to say the magic words. Are you ready?”

Heads nodded, and an air of anticipation filled the space.

She started, “One! Two! Three!

“Open Sesame!” The kids screamed in unison.

Directly behind Ellie, the wall receded into the earth. Slowly and silently, it slid straight back for almost eight feet, then swung to one side.

Almost to a person, people stood silent, awestruck. An eight-foot-wide by eight-foot-high passageway had appeared. The walls, floor, and ceiling looked like continuous glowing pearls, translucent with a beautiful iridescent quality.

“If you will follow Ellie,” Chris said, “we have a short walk to our destination.”

Matt trailed and watched as people reached to touch the walls, surprised when the color changed to pastel blues, for others to greens and pinks, and yellows and ambers also appeared. His eyes watered; his heart thumped hard in his chest. Ling tenderly grasped his hand, gave a reassuring squeeze, and a soft smile. Matt felt her thoughts, as trust, love, and hope all flowed from her to him. A sense of peace wrapped his mind. This gathering would be what it would be.

At the end of the passageway, they came to a room forty feet in diameter, and all around the room were comfortable low couches, beanbag chairs, and many cushions and pillows. The floor in this room was a dark navy blue, and the walls were pearlescent lighter blue, but the ceiling was blue sky fading to pink at sunset. The effect brought gasps and comments of amazement.

Matt stepped to the center of the room. “Please, everyone, get comfortable.” He moved to sit next to Ling and Timmy on a couch.

Matt knew what he wanted to convey, and for the first time in his life, he wasn’t sure he could do it justice, but he had to try.

“My friends,” he began, “I can tell you are in awe of what you see. I am too. I would like you to stop for a second and consider how something this beautiful was created. The surfaces are incredibly smooth, the lighting effects are spectacular, and even though you don’t realize it, the air is pure and clean. This is indeed a marvelous place.”

Matt paused to let the effect soak in. “What I want you to consider is that this is but the tip of the iceberg.

“What we will discuss and share today will change our lives forever, and the decisions we make may well change the future of the human race. This gathering is important.”

The group became focused and sober.

“We want to share with you the labors of some very special people,” Matt continued. “What they have accomplished in the last four years is almost impossible to comprehend, but I want you to understand that everything you hear is real.”

Rapt attention remained as Matt gathered his thoughts and hopes. Something deep within told him he was doing the right thing, but he was about to cross a threshold, and worry began to gnaw at his gut.

“This room is only one of many in this facility,” Matt said, almost in a sigh. “It was formed by technology discovered, designed, and produced right here by the group I affectionately call the Fantastic Four. Dr. Christopher Martin, the father of the technology; Dr. Suchet Kumar, whose brilliance has enabled its development beyond what anyone could have believed possible; and Mr. Douglas Lehman and his beautiful wife, Ellie, who, time after time, found answers and solved problems that even the good doctors struggled with.” A smile split Matt’s face.

“Together, they form a team unlike any I have ever seen. Tonight, we want to share their discoveries and potential with you. I also want to share with you something researched and developed at our lab in St. Louis. I know what you see about you is overwhelming, but the St. Louis discoveries will be equally powerful and life changing. Chris, would you take over?

Chris all but leaped from the beanbag chair he’d occupied and, grinning, stepped to the center of the room. “We can do amazing stuff, convert atoms and molecules to other elements or molecules.”

He explained how they had turned toxic waste into safe elements and how the rooms they were sitting in were carved from the earth by this technology. How, even at this moment, it was purifying the air they breathed. The list of possibilities was endless.

Chris ended, his expression turning serious. “I have told of all the good we can do, but I warn you that the same technology can destroy cities and countries. It can kill people by the millions. In the hands of those who do not care about life, it is evil beyond our imagination. You hold the future of the world in your hands.”

The room was quiet, and even the children sat still as Chris painted a vivid and powerful picture of his discovery and the potential dangers.

“I want to show you something that is a by-product of Dr. Martin’s discovery,” Suchet said as he rose and took center room.

Doug carried a cube into the room and set it in the middle of the floor.

Suchet walked over to it and said, “What if I told you that this simple-looking block could provide power to twenty homes?”

The eyes and minds of the adults became even more focused.

Suchet continued. “What if I told you that this simple-looking block could provide that power to those homes forever?”

There were murmurs and even a gasp or two.

Suchet raised his hands for silence. “What if I told you that this power unit never creates any waste, radiation, or harm in any way?”

The room was stunned into silence.

Suchet paused, “It is all true, it is all real, and it is what is powering this facility right now.”

Silence, followed by thunderous applause and cheers.

After a minute, Suchet raised his hands for quiet, as the room returned to silence. “As with the other discoveries, this also carries a burden of responsibility just as great.

“As easily as it could power a house or car, it could also power a factory making war machines. It could be the heart of an attack submarine. It could be the basis of power for war and destruction.”

The shift in the mood of those attending was palpable.

Suchet took a seat on pillows next to his wife. She kissed him and called his two girls to sit with them, holding them gently.

Ling stood and walked to the center of the room.

She took a minute to look around at everyone. “I am not a good speaker. What I am going to share with you is as much from my heart as from my head. As most of you know, in 2008, Matthew was in a terrible car accident. The accident left him technically brain dead and his body crushed. Through a unique combination of desperation and commitment, resources such as I have never seen before were miraculously created. Reaching outside known science and medicine, an entire community of people dedicated themselves to one purpose: bringing Matthew back.”

She spoke softer, “It was a passion and a challenge, and in the process, we reached into the unknown to try something that had only been dreamed by Dr. Kumar and never attempted before. Carefully, we concocted a new treatment, and in desperate hope, applied it.” Ling paused; emotion raced across her face; a visible tremble emerged on her arms and fingers. She took a deep breath. “It succeeded, and we have Matthew with us today, and for a future beyond any we can predict.”

From the depths of her heart, she said. “The treatment not only brought Matthew back, but it has also made him mentally sharper than ever in his life and physically a healthier person than he ever was before. Matthew’s body continuously heals and restores itself. Since the recovery, he has not had a single day of sickness, not a single headache, and no cavities.” A few chuckles emerged. “In every way measurable, he has a potential lifespan that may run into the hundreds of years.”

Jaws dropped as the fullness of what Ling had said soaked in.

“When I became pregnant,” Ling continued, “the regenerative DNA from Matthew’s cells tried to overpower those of my body and that of our baby. It was at that time that Matthew, Melissa Kyle, and Clarence Chambers returned to the lab and restructured DNA for me and my baby, which would allow us to not only regain genetic control of our bodies, but as with Matthew, we have no sickness and every expectation of long life.”

People were quiet, lost in their thoughts.

Matt joined Ling.

“Friends, my brother told me not too long ago that I had been given a great gift, but I would find it also a great burden. Today, we have shared these marvels with you. I want to share another thought with you. As I began to return to life in 2008, I found the ability to search every memory, every conscious thought, and every muscle, bone, nerve, and function of my body became mine to control. I could speed up or slow down my heart; I could open or close blood vessels; I could block pain and literally reorganize my brain to operate more efficiently than ever before. I did not choose to acquire these abilities, but I accepted them because that is who I am now.

“One of the things we want to discuss in this meeting is if and how to share these discoveries with others. For me, this is a deep burden and one I do not carry lightly.”

Matt and Ling returned to their couch, and Matt pulled a sleeping Timmy onto his lap and gently stroked his hair.

Joe stood and walked to the center of the room. “I have been an observer throughout these events. Watching in amazement and awe as the walls of impossibility came crashing down. What I wish to share is short and simple. You are here this day because of all the people in the world; you are the ones whom Matthew trusts to help guide and direct what should and what should not be done with the discoveries you have witnessed and heard about.”

He took a moment to look at everyone in the room. “We ask you to seriously consider that what we determine here will affect humanity for centuries and possibly change the very nature of our world.”

Smiling, he added, “It is time to take a break. Food and refreshments are prepared in another room. Charles will guide you. I would like us all to reconvene here in one hour for the first Council of Dlrow Wen.”

The words sounded foreign: “Del Row Win?” and several wore curious expressions, questioned what Joe had said, but they began to rise and follow Charley to the other room. People gathered and sat at tables in this larger room, mingling and munching. Yes, they talked about the amazing things discussed, but it was also a chance to get to know each other.

“Why did Mr. Lehman want us to bring our wives and children?” Clarence asked Chris.

“If you have to make an important decision and your child is on your lap, would it change your perspective and view?” Chris replied.

“I get it,” Clarence said after but a moment, “not only my children but grandchildren and great-grandchildren are affected by what we choose.”

“I’m glad you’re here,” Chris said.

The hour passed with much conversation, and soon everyone gathered. They’d rearranged the room; everyone sat facing a projected image on a screen.

Matt and Ling had been deliberately scarce from the break room and now emerged from a passageway. Things quieted quickly.

Matt stepped forward, and a logo appeared on the screen with the words ‘First Council of Dlrow Wen.’

“I’m glad you’re all still here,” he sighed. “I want us, as a group, to consider some philosophical themes to guide our deliberations and decisions. I propose the following for your consideration.”

The screen flashed to a new text, ‘All human life is precious and valuable.’

Matt waited, giving those in attendance a moment to absorb the concept.

The next text appeared on the screen, ‘There is no just reason to willingly take the life of a human being.’

Matt saw a few folks react to the phrase but determined not to get into discussions at this time.

The text changed: ‘Technology should be used only for the betterment of life.’

The last slide, ‘The developers of technology are morally and ethically responsible for its application.’

All four phrases now appeared on the screen.

“These are beliefs I hold dear, and I hope you share and embrace,” Matt said. He took a deep breath. This was the moment he dreaded. “When we started this adventure in 2007, Chris, Charlotte, and I sat and made a promise to each other. We wanted to explore the possibilities of this technology.” Matt paused, eyeing everyone in the room. “Yet still be prepared to destroy every bit of the technology and research rather than allow its use for any purpose that would bring harm or hurt to anyone in the world. We fully believe that it would be better for it not to exist than to be in the hands of those who would use it to gain power or do evil.”

In the silence, Matt saw heads nodding and smiling around the room as he sat next to Ling. His fears faded.

Charley walked to the front. “It’s time to discuss and determine if we will go forward or if everything you’ve seen will be destroyed.”

The reality hit home with many of the new people. Matt was prepared to destroy everything.

The discussion began slowly but gathered pace into animated, passionate conversations. They raised many points, but when all was said and done, the core beliefs were intact and stronger than ever. It was more than Matt had hoped. This group stood united in belief and purpose.

Chris emphasized that they should keep everything they saw and heard secret and guard themselves closely. There would be another meeting after the first of the year. He emphasized that each person should have input and, if possible, help find applications for the technologies.

The meeting ended with applause, handshakes, and hugs.

Ellie, Doug, Chris, and Suchet took people on an extended tour of the new facilities, which now consisted of six rooms and various passageways. Though some were still clad in their titanium shells, the impact was powerful.

Gradually, everyone migrated topside and ferried back to the farm. By 6:00 p.m., it was just Matt’s family, Chris’s family, Suchet’s family, and Joe’s family, including Doug and Ellie, sitting in the family room at Armonia House. All were exhausted yet elated.

“Have we really started down the road of bringing this to the world?” Joe asked.

“I think,” Cynthia said, “we have created the opportunity for a wider group to participate and help carry the burden and responsibility.”

“I sensed they were very serious and would be good partners,” Doug said.

There was agreement that everyone felt immense relief.

“If you are willing to carry on a bit,” Matt said, “I would like to talk about Charley’s wanderings and why we sent him to the outer reaches of the world.”

Folks laughed, remembering Cynthia’s description of Charley at the airport.

“Hey, I’ll go again tomorrow!” Charley piped.

“We know that if the government decided to come in, they could seize everything,” Matt said, “and whether legal or not, the result is the same. All would be lost, so let’s talk about options that make our ability to carry on a probability, not just a possibility.

“The thing that causes me the greatest concern is that the moods and policies of politics are perpetually changing, and as long as we are on the soil of a government we can’t control, we will be at risk. That’s why Joe and I sent Charley on his quest. I would like Charley to recap his trip.”

Charley hopped up from the place on the floor where he’d been sitting. “Matt sent me trekking into the South Pacific to research an island group he and Ling had spotted while on their honeymoon.” Charley began. “We chartered an oceanic research vessel out of New Zealand with a crew of twelve. Onboard were some skilled individuals, including a geologist, a volcanologist, an oceanographer, a biologist, and a botanist. We sailed out of New Zealand and arrived at the Islands six days later. It took five of those days to get over being seasick!” Charley grimaced for effect.

“We did detailed sonar scans of the area and determined that the three islands are the remains of an extinct super-volcano. They are the parts of the rim that remain above water. The islands are almost equally spaced, forming a triangle with five miles per leg. The volcanic rim ranges in depth from 10’ to 500’ as it encircles the islands. The largest island is almost twenty-eight hundred acres and rises six hundred feet above sea level. The other islands are about four hundred and three hundred acres, respectively, and only rise two hundred and ninety feet above sea level. All the islands have vegetation and animal life. The large island has two sources of fresh water and three natural shallow caves. The rock is lava-based and appears to be of a greater density than typical volcanic rock.”

Charles took a moment to gather his thoughts.

“We camped on all three and explored them extensively. The old caldera in the middle of the islands is home to myriad coral reefs and an unbelievable variety and abundance of sea life. At its center, the caldera of the ancient volcano tapers to more than six hundred feet. Outside the rim, the sides of the volcano slope down to the main sea floor, almost a mile deep. We also used ground penetrating radar on land and determined that there were some areas with cavities, but most of the land was solid.”

Charley wrapped up his presentation by saying, “The closest neighboring islands are forty miles away and are very small, uninhabited atolls. I have turned all the data and charts over to Chris and Suchet, and as I said earlier, I’d go back in a heartbeat.”

Some had heard this before and had discussed it, but knew Matt had a point and patiently waited for him to get to it.

“I had heard, while Ling and I honeymooned,” Matt said, “that these islands were for sale. I asked Joe to check into it, and he determined they were discretely being offered. It seems the owners are a wealthy Indonesian family. A deceased member of the family had acquired the islands and set them aside as a preserve, thus the pristine condition and the fact that no dwellings were found.”

Matt smiled, “It appears the younger members of the family are looking to convert the inheritance into cash. I’ll let Joe explain the unique legal aspects of the islands.”

Joe calmly stood. “This area was titled as fee simple, which means you own everything above, on, and below the ground. In this case, there were some other important provisions. They knew it had a volcanic origin, and the title includes all the ocean within the rim and all the ocean outside the rim to a fifteen-mile limit. The other aspect of the original title was that the islands were an independent domain and did not fall under any government’s jurisdiction. Basically, it means you can buy your own country,” Matt smiled.

“Now we get to the core of why I have pursued this possibility. If, for any reason, we find ourselves unable to continue here, this could be an alternative, independent of any government.”

It began to dawn on the rest of the group, except for Ling, who already knew Matt’s thoughts.

“Charley,” Matt said, “I would like you to review with Chris the capabilities of the tunneling and construction units. Could you design a small facility that can expand into a full community? Do you think you could do that?”

“Uncle Matt,” Charley chuckled, “I hoped you were going to give me a chance to tackle the design.”

“Would New Year’s be too soon for some concepts?” Matt asked.

“Let’s shoot for Christmas!” Charley said.

Matt asked if there was any other business, and when everyone remained silent, they went to bed.

***

Ling said as they crawled between the sheets, “Did you notice the intensity in the eyes of the Kumar twins? You know they graduate from high school this year and will probably be the top two in their class. It would be nice if we could find them a task as well.”

Matt kissed her. “Again, you are so right. Will you help me find the right thing for them?”

“That depends. Are you going to be a good boy tonight?”

“There is no need to bargain. I am yours to command.”

The energy came from somewhere unknown, and the passion was intense, lustful, and complete. A short blaze of pleasure, then deep sleep.