Core Beliefs - Chapter 69 - Earth or Other?

  Core Beliefs – Chapter 69 - Earth or Other

“Matt, I’ve got some ideas for the silo.”

Chris had come to Matt with a plan for the silo. It involved building an underground dock for the new GEM-C series and her soon-to-be-christened sister ships.

Chris also wanted to create a series of safe places to do research.

“Matt,” Chris sighed, “I miss the hands-on aspects, as have several of the people working at your corporations in St. Louis.”

It took little to convince Matt. He already felt it was safe to resume research at the silo.

“You have a go,” Matt said. “Coordinate with Charley.”

Chris got a ‘kid getting Christmas goodies early’ smile. “Thanks, Matt.”

***

Christmas at Armonia House was always special, and that year proved no exception. Adding little Simmi and Joseph Harold to the family only added to the joy.

They enjoyed the food and gifts, and that evening in the family room, Matt planned to read to the kids again. Timmy edged next to him, and Ling sat in the chair behind him. The other kids lay or sat in front of Matt.

Matt noticed Ellie ease forward, Doug beside her, until the two were almost in front of him. Something was up. He watched the thin smile spread across her face, a glow in her cheeks, and a gleam in her eyes.

“I want you to read to my baby, too,” Ellie said.

The room exploded as people rushed to hug Ellie and Doug. Joe shook Doug’s hand, and Cynthia draped herself all over Ellie, saying this made her Christmas perfect. It took a while for the room to calm.

Matt opened the book and read.

***

The year 2014 was successful, surpassing all expectations. Twelve power plants were up and running. The US economy had already felt the benefits. Seven of the worst pollution sites in the country were cleaned up, and twenty more were in process.

M&E had hired thousands of workers, mostly from inner cities and deprived areas. They trained them on the equipment, and many had committed to the principles of Dlrow Wen.

Negotiations with the auto, oil, and gas industries were completed, and hydrogen infrastructure was being built in Los Angeles and seven other major cities. Already, 30,000 new hydrogen fuel cell cars were on the road, and entrepreneurs were converting combustion engines to hydrogen.

M&E Enterprises’ cash revenues were in the tens of billions of dollars, and Matt and Ling, as the sole owners, were the richest people in the world.

Negotiations had begun with foreign governments over the use of the technology, and several agreements were in place.

Matt and Ling made charitable donations to many worthy agencies.

***

A fresh development emerged from the Myoplex facility in St. Louis. A cure for drug addiction, not a treatment but a cure. It eliminated the brain’s and body’s dependency on drugs and alcohol.

It was fast-tracked through FDA testing and made available through certified clinics and hospitals. As needed, M&E Enterprises subsidized the medication.

Chris and Dr. Mandaville established study courses and made them available for all Dlrow Wen Members and their children. An assortment of Dlrow Wen members taught the courses.

The studies ranged from cooking to advanced astrophysics, taught by Dr. Douglas Lehman, who now had his PhD in Engineering and Astrophysics.

Ellie had completed her residency and was now an MD.

In both the silo and on the island, new technology continued to develop.

Ellis Mandaville and his wife received the DNA treatment, along with almost 180 others.

The good doctor was like a freight train gone wild as he pursued the expansion of his old theories and began proposing a whole new panorama of propositions that had Suchet, Chris, and many others dumbfounded as they grasped concepts beyond their wildest dreams.

***

On September 13, 2014, Matt’s birthday, Ellie gave birth to Marilyn Elizabeth Lehman. She and Doug had talked to Matt and Ling about their desire to give the child that name.

Their request moved Matt in a way that had not happened in years, and he gladly gave his blessing. Ling hugged and thanked them for honoring Matt’s late wife and daughter. Again, the entire clan assembled, and again it was a perfect delivery with a perfect baby.

***

Ling and Matt visited the island for a month in October with the family, including Susan.

Timmy’s mental abilities were astounding, but he was still physically four. While on the island, Ling and Matt retired to a secluded residence built into the smallest of the land groups. They spent time conversing on all that had happened and, as with Ruben and others of their Dlrow Wen family, were connecting the dots regarding future events. Not just what was going to happen in the world, but their destiny?

With Timmy and Simmi by their sides, they looked out to envision what their actions would mean to generations for a thousand years or more. They both came to the same conclusion and resolution. They were to leave this world.

***

December 12, 2014, Matt called the largest conference Dlrow Wen had ever seen. It was a three-day affair, and all eight hundred and forty-seven members, ranging in age from eighty-plus to less than one-year-old, gathered on the tiny island nation of Dlrow Wen.

Over two hundred were already on the island as residents, and now with five GEMs transporting people, it was easy to facilitate the gathering.

The only missing members were those at ‘Well of Hope’, and they participated via PCMs.

Day one, everyone toured the island. Charley’s dream and vision were more than reality. The layers of structure and beauty of the entire facility were inspiring. Over 95% of the island’s exterior remained in its natural state as they took special care not to damage the environment. This made it even more beautiful.

The first of Charley’s underwater domes gleamed completed, filled with gardens, parks, art, and sculpture.

Most importantly, people loved to come to the dome. They loved to come and just watch the sea life beyond the acrylic wall. They loved the peace and tranquility, and they loved gathering together. The second dome was more than half done, and they were starting a third.

Mag-Drive tube transports ran to all areas, including the other two islands, moving silently from one place to another. Elevators worked the same way, and getting to any place was quick and easy. That is, unless everyone had headed for the same place.

Day two, Matt asked everyone to meet in the underwater dome at sundown. It was more than adequate to hold the entire group. The sky darkened, and the water grew gray as the dome’s lights reduced to minimum levels to project holographic images.

“I’ve watched in amazement,” Matt said, “as over the last seven years you have turned the world on its ear and set a new direction for humanity. We have only begun to realize the potential of the technologies you have helped develop, and in the future we will continue to work to transform the world into a place of everlasting hope and peace. We know this will not occur overnight, and we know there will be setbacks and obstacles, but we also believe that we are right and what we are doing is making a difference.”

Matt continued outlining the ways technology could make a positive difference and plans and visions for expanding applications and expanding Dlrow Wen.

He talked about the tens of thousands of people who, in their hearts, already embraced the core principles, even though they had never heard of Dlrow Wen. He asked that each current member make it a personal goal to find others who would embrace and join. After almost an hour, Matt changed the subject.

“I and others have looked into the possibilities the future holds. We are not seers or prophets; we do not know these things for certain, but our hearts tell us we face two paths.”

He let the words sink in: “One is the path we are already on, continuing to make life here on Earth better.”

He lowered his voice, but his words carried with clarity and power, “The other is a unique path that takes us somewhere else. Somewhere away from Earth and into realms and mysteries we cannot fathom. I truly believe we will soon travel the galaxy and beyond as adventurers on an extraordinary quest.”

Matt explained what he and others had envisioned and closed by said, “We already possess much of the technology and have more than adequate resources. What we need now are people who believe in this vision to make it a reality.”

Matt concluded the presentation, “I would like you to think on these things and ask yourself where your heart is leading you. No decision is final, and we all change our minds, but you should be honest about how you believe at this time, and tomorrow we will give you a chance to express your thoughts.”

The gathering ended. Some people left, heading to their quarters. Many stayed and gathered in groups to talk about the things they’d heard. Others found somewhere private and meditated, prayed, or rationalized their future.

Matt, Ling, Chris, Charlotte, Joe, and Cynthia sat outside on top of the big island and watched silent stars in the sky and the moon’s reflection off the water. They quietly spoke to each other. Matt sat silent, listening not only to the words but also to the hearts of those he held dearest.

***

Day three started in the dome. Joe said they wanted to give everyone a chance to share their thoughts, so they would divide into 50 groups, keeping families together for the first session. In each group, there was a moderator to help move things along. This session lasted until lunchtime.

Each group raised questions, discussed them, and the moderator wrote both the dominant view and the opposing perspective. During lunch, all the moderators met to sort the topics and categorize them for presentation in the afternoon session.

Chris and Charlotte presented the topics and the pros and cons of the discussions.

A pattern developed, and after about an hour, Chris said, “Based on the discussions, it’s clear that we have two distinct groups. Those who want to continue advancing goals on Earth, and those who desire to explore what lies beyond our planet. As we see it, almost 75% want to stay, and 25% want to go.”

“We want to emphasize that there is no right or wrong in this discussion,” Charlotte said. “It is truly a reflection of the desires of your hearts. We are going to take a break and let you refresh, and in one hour, those who desire to continue on earth will meet here in the dome. Those who are considering leaving the planet should meet in the great room on level twelve of the main island.”

The groups resumed at the appointed time, and there was a bit of a shock as people looked around, finding friends and loved ones missing.

In both groups, the moderators advised that you could not persuade someone to change their mind. That, as with all things, this had to be a personal choice.

Joe and Cynthia led the Earth group, and Matt and Ling led the pro-space group. Each focused on what their purpose was and how they would fulfill it. The discussions were deep and at times emotional. After three hours, both had vowed to go forward and make their dreams a reality. The meeting concluded with PCM group sessions scheduled for January.

Again, it was Christmas at Armonia House. It was a time and place that Matt and others cherished. Ling had described it to Matt as a perfect place filled with perfect hearts. The shared love and fellowship were like nowhere else, and it was food for their souls.

Matt and Ling went to Wichita a couple of days early. Matt felt guilty that he had not spent time with a man he dearly respected and loved. Therefore, on Tuesday, the Tuesday before Christmas, Matt and Ling dropped Susan and the kids off with Charlotte. He had called Eldridge to say that he wanted to visit and catch up. Eldridge was thrilled and looked forward to the chance to chat.

Through everything, Eldridge had been as steady as a rock, always ready to help the silo gang anytime there was a need. The farm had been very profitable, and by all rights, Eldridge had enough money to retire if he wanted.

Matt and Ling drove up the same road to the same house. The homestead had been painted bright white with cinnamon trim and, as always, looked as if it belonged to this one place in the world.

As they stepped from their car, Eldridge and Marcy came out, and after handshakes and hugs, they hustled into the house to escape the cold.

Ling noticed the new furniture, not fancy but of good quality. They sat in the living room, and Marcy went to get coffee from the kitchen. It only took her a few seconds to bring back a pot and cups and serve everyone. It was still as strong as ever, and Matt smiled as he remembered the first cup he had sipped those many years ago.

“Eldridge,” Matt said, “we really haven’t known each other that long, but I feel like you’ve been a friend to me for all my life. I respect you as much as any man I know, and you are someone I hold dear in my heart.”

Eldridge hung his head, and when he raised it, he swiped the corners of his eyes to catch a tear.

“Matt, from that first day, I was sure that you were a man of your word, but since then I realize that more than anyone I ever met, you really care about people, and it ain’t just about my family, it’s about everyone you touch. For you to call me a friend is something very special. Me and my family gonna always be in your debt.”

Matt swiped moisture from the corner of his eyes as well.

“How are Elvin and Emily doing?” Matt asked. “I talk to Ellie all the time, and I know she is doing great, and Marilyn Elizabeth is an absolute joy.”

Eldridge smiled a big ear-to-ear grin, “That little grandbaby makes our hearts leap, and Ellie calls and lets us talk to her, and we get to go see her, and they leave her here anytime they come in to work in the silo. I think me and Marcy are the most content people in the world.

“Now, Elvin is a junior at that there university and will get his degree next year! He’s done swell, and it makes me and Marcy so proud. And Emily? Wow! She’s followin’ right after Ellie. That little gal was tops in her junior high classes and is getting straight A’s in high school, and smarter than a whip. She has a year to graduate, and I can afford to send her to whatever college she wants to go!”

Eldridge straightened, sitting tall in his chair. “Do you know how good that makes a man feel to know he can take care of his kids that way? I give the credit to her momma and a lot to your nephew Doug. He was the one who set her on the path, and she talks to him every chance they get.

“Matt, it makes a difference when you got people around you who care. We’ve been blessed, truly blessed.”

“What do you think Elvin wants to do when he graduates?” Ling asked.

Eldridge smiled at Ling and scratched his head. “What he says is he wants to be a farmer, but he says he’ll be different from any farmer we ever seen.”

Speaking quieter with a sly grin, “I think hanging around y’all has given him some big ideas, and Marcy and me think whatever he sets his mind to, he will do.”

“Eldridge, I hope you consider us a good influence,” Ling said.

Marcy jumped in, “You just keep influencing all you want. I think it’s great.”

“So, Emily is doing well in school?” Matt asked.

“Her biggest problem is getting bored,” Eldridge said. “She came home the other day, and Marcy asked what she learned, and she whined she was the one teaching.”

“Do you think she would like to be challenged and study with some brilliant people?” Ling asked. “It wouldn’t be easy, but between Ellie and Doug and the rest of us, she would have lots of help.”

“Where would this studying happen?” Marcy’s voice had turned tentative.

“We could set it up right here,” Ling said.

“She’s my baby,” Marcy gushed, “and I’m just not ready for her to take off and leave just yet.”

“I think we understand,” Matt smiled.

They chatted on for a while, then Matt dropped a bomb. “Eldridge, you’ve made a lot of money from the farm over the last few years. I have made even more from some of my adventures. My question is, what do you want to do with the rest of your life?”

Eldridge gazed at Matt, “I ain’t given it a lot of thought. Farming takes about all the time you got, so if that’s what you do, then that’s who you are.”

“Eldridge, you are about as right as it gets,” Matt chuckled. “Here is an idea I want you to think about. You have a group of farmers around you who are neighbors, and I bet many of them are friends. I know what Elvin meant when he said he was going to be a different kind of farmer. We’ve been talking. I want to see if you are willing to help your neighbors be as successful as you and try to make something very special happen around here.”

“I see you got them big ideas going again,” Eldridge took a deep breath, “and I’d be a fool not to listen.”

Matt laid out a plan for Eldridge and Elvin to develop a new system of regional farming. The plan was big, but Eldridge could see that it would help many people and make a real difference. By the time Matt finished, Eldridge was ready to get started.

Matt had one more request. He wanted to see if Emily wanted to help in the silo. Marcy hesitated, but Ling assured her that nothing like what happened to Charley would ever happen again.

“Honey,” Eldridge said, “she’s sixteen and going to grow up. You can’t stop it, and the more she knows and the better she’s prepared, the better her life will be.”

Marcy reluctantly nodded and agreed.

“You talk to her tomorrow and let me know Christmas,” Matt said.

Matt and Ling drove to Armonia House, and it had an even more special feel than ever before.

Charlotte met them and assured them that Timmy and Simmi were in excellent hands, meaning Janet’s. Ling’s mother, Susan, was always watchfully near.

Matt relayed the conversation with Eldridge and Marcy.

Charlotte was thrilled, well aware that Emily wanted more to do. Charlotte added she had invited some additional people to Christmas dinner. Matt asked whom, and was surprised when Charlotte said, “The Sharp family.”

Charlotte indicated that there might be a surprise or two.

“It wouldn’t be Christmas without a few unexpected happenings,” Ling laughed.

The day before Christmas was not relaxing. All day, there were people to pick up. Doug and Ellie flew in with Marilyn E. from Houston. The Morgans also had to be collected from the airport. Ellis and Midge Mandaville arrived midday and were unsure whether Lenny and the family would make it.

Joe and Cynthia drove in, adding to the crowd. All about the house, there was a general busyness as preparations progressed.

That night, Matt took Timmy onto his lap and held him. He thought of how wonderfully blessed he was and how rich his life had become, and it had nothing to do with money. Ling, holding Simmi, felt the same thoughts.

They put the children to bed, retiring to their own, held each other with joy and humility…that they could be blessed beyond their wildest desires. That was how they awoke in each other’s arms, remembering how their hearts had shared the same realization.

Christmas dinner was not in the dining room or in a tent. Charley had designed, and Charlotte had managed the construction of a new conference center behind the garden. It could hold 50 for dinner and 100 for meetings, styled after the house with a bit of architecture resembling a stable and blended perfectly with the surroundings.

The Sharps weren’t the only extra guests. Marcus Corush and his family joined them. At the last minute, Charlie, Charley, and little Joe, along with Lenny, Alicia, and Winston, with his new fiancée, Martha, landed at the silo.

Winston and Martha piloted the GEM-C into the newly completed port below the silo. They caught a ride with the Coblentz clan, making it a wonderful surprise for Ellis and Midge.

Ling noticed that Emily Coblentz and Jacob Martin hung together almost constantly. Jacob, now seventeen, stood six-foot-two, and Emily was almost six feet. They didn’t look like kids anymore. The smiles and looks these two had for each other indicated more than just friendship.

Ling whispered it to Matt’s attention and suggested that Jacob could help in the silo as well.

Matt wondered if Charlotte or Marcy was aware of the kid’s behavior. He found out later they both were very aware; each having surprised the two kids kissing, more than once.

Christmas dinner was a total delight. Brewster and Paulette Sharp had both grown into wonderful lady and gentleman. Momma Sharp was busting with pride. The kids were going to college at night and working on Eldridge’s farm, plus the hundred and sixty acres he had given them. Matt smiled, thinking how Eldridge always did the right thing.

Provisions had been made this year so that everyone would be at the table. It was the first time in a long time that they all sat down together for Christmas. As Matt looked about the room, he was, for a moment, overwhelmed by the sights and sounds.

Joe blessed the gathering, and each person felt the sincerity and honesty of gratefulness as it poured from his heart.

The surprise this year happened just before they ate. Elvin came strolling in with a pert red-haired girl on his arm. She had a rounded, freckled face and was a foot shorter than Elvin, who towered six feet six. He introduced her as Tracie Atkins.

It was evident that Charlotte knew they were coming because she had set a place for them across from Eldridge and Marcy.

It was also apparent that neither Eldridge nor Marcy had a clue, and though surprised, they greeted Tracie warmly while giving Elvin the evil eye.

Elvin laughed and said that it just wasn’t Christmas without a little excitement. The room erupted with laughter, and it was time to eat.

The rest of the afternoon they spent on catch-up and visiting. Elvin introduced Tracie to everyone, including his mom and dad. She was delightfully funny and enjoyed everything about being there.

Winston made sure his fiancée, Martha Emmons, met everyone. She was in a daze as the flurry of people seemed endless. Martha and Winston first met at ‘Well of Hope’ and then again on the island.

Altogether, there were thirty-five for dinner.

Evening came, and it was time for Matt to read a Christmas story. It seemed this had become a tradition he enjoyed, and he had chosen the Polar Express for this year. He walked into the family room with Ling, carrying Simmi.

Matt stopped, shocked. The room was full. Everyone plopped onto the floor or perched on pillows, facing a single chair. Ling walked on ahead and sat on the floor next to Timmy. Matt looked around and then stepped up to the chair and sat. He looked at the book in his hands and set it beside him.

“Children,” he said gently, “I want to tell you a different Christmas story this year. This year, Christmas… is very different. It means more than any Christmas has ever meant in this house. You see, Christmas is always a time of joy and celebration. It is always a time when we hope for peace with wishes of goodwill towards all. It is always a time of giving and receiving. It is a time of special love. That is how every Christmas should be.”

Matt beamed as he gazed into the wide and curious eyes before him. “However, this is the story of ‘Your Christmas.’ This Christmas is special. It is special because of each of you.”

He paused, letting his words find a place in each mind.

“The reason this Christmas is special is that of the promise each of you carries…not a promise to carry out the trash or to make good grades.” Laughter and chuckles erupted throughout the room. “No, this is not a promise you keep. This is the promise that you are.”

He paused again, making sure they understood.

“Your mothers and fathers, your grandparents, and all who love you want you to know you are our joy and our love, but more so, you are our hope. All that we have done and all we will do is a humble gift which we give freely to you.” Passion rose in his voice as he said, “We said to you with all our hearts, find your dreams, live your life full, and be a beacon to others who have not discovered that they also are a promise.

“You are special beyond words.” Gazing about the room, Matt poured himself emotionally into the words. “Who you are is meaningful to us and to the world. This Christmas is the day you come to understand that you are far more than children, and you are not the future. You are the hope of today and have much to offer the world.”

Matt looked around the room. “Never underestimate your value because it cannot be measured with all the gold that exists. Do not think you are not worthy; the truth is we are not worthy of you.”

He paused again as he gazed into each child’s and young person’s eyes. “Remember always that this day you discovered who you really are. You are the hope of the world.”

Matt had spoken each word aloud and at the same time into the mind and heart of each person in the room. Some who had never experienced this before were shaken but accepted it and were not afraid. Those who understood what was happening embraced it and held it close.

Matt poured all his heart and conviction into this brief message, and it found fertile ground in each child’s and young person’s heart. Each believed and accepted his words as truth. They would carry them always.

There were smiles as parents went to the most precious thing in their lives. Others held each other close. There were tears, then there were hugs and kisses as parents held their children.

These children found a special connection. It was quiet with more accomplished in gentle hugs, the touch of a hand, and a tender kiss.

Ling held Simmi, and Matt held Timmy, and knew that both understood what he had said. A contentment and peace moved through him.

Transforming from family to friends took place. Throughout the room, there was a sense of harmony, of soul touching soul.

Whether it was what Matt had said, the spirit of the season, pent-up emotions, or the touch of God, was not important. What was important was that at this moment, in this place, this experience was real in a tangible, explicit sense.

Everyone felt renewed, and it was good.

That night, Matt, Ling, Timmy, and Simmi all slept together. It was the most peaceful sleep Matt could remember, and when he woke in the morning, he had a clearer vision of his path than ever before.

The day after Christmas, Matt spent more time at the farm with Eldridge, Marcy, Elvin, Brewster, Paulette, and Tracie. The idea for regional farming was Elvin’s, and Matt made sure everyone knew.

Elvin was majoring in agriculture but was also getting minors in chemistry and business management. Tracie was studying crop genetics and had researched volumes of information on seed characteristics.

After about an hour-long overview, Matt revealed he had people working on designs for the advanced farming systems and that he should be able to start building a prototype in a couple of months.

“Can I help put it together?” Eldridge asked. “I miss playing with wrenches and hammers.”

“My friend,” Matt laughed, “I’m sure you can ding your knuckles to your heart’s content. There are three modules to build, and they all will need a lot of work.”

They chatted for another hour, and Matt spotted the Mandavilles heading back to the silo with Charley Lehman’s family.

“Do you think Miss Atkins is ready?” Matt looked at Elvin.

“I haven’t said a word, so I think you’d better ask.”

Tracie was gazing around, wondering what the conversation was about.

“Today you have a choice to make,” Matt smiled. “It is not a scary choice, but it is an important choice.”

Matt went through the core beliefs of Dlrow Wen and emphasized the part about giving it all up if they had to. Tracie was still confused, but said she felt the same way about things. Matt reached mentally to Charley and asked him to hold up for a bit; he wanted to show Tracie what a GEM-C was.

They loaded into Matt’s SUV and proceeded to the silo. Tracie stared, fascinated once inside the old control room, but she was not prepared when Elvin stepped to a section of the wall and said, “Open Sesame.”

The wall rotated, and in its place was something that looked like one of those elevators you see on buildings with clear glass sides.

Matt motioned them aboard, and the maglift descended. It was hard the gage how far you had gone unless you were familiar with the facility. It gently stopped, and the clear door slid back. They moved out into a large room all shiny metal, with lights built into the walls and ceiling.

In the middle of the room was a GEM-C; everyone but Tracie knew what it was. Tracie was clueless.

The Mandavilles and Lehmans were waiting and smiling as Matt’s group exited the lift.

“Winston, Martha,” Matt asked, “you up to taking us for a joy ride?”

“Where in the universe would you like to go?” Winston asked.

“Use your imagination; we want Miss Atkins to have a memorable experience.”

They climbed board and Matt had Elvin and Tracie sit behind Winston and Martha in the control cabin. Everyone else settled back in the passenger section. Tracie watched in total awe as they seemed to glide down a passage and then waited a few seconds as a light appeared above.

Elvin explained, “The images on the screens in the control cabin are what’s outside.”

Martha nodded to Winston, “Accent is go.”

Winston tapped his finger, and the view on the screens changed to a full-sunlit sky and, just as fast, to pitch black, except there were stars glittering everywhere.

“Altitude three-five-zero miles,” Winston said. “Switching to manual navigation, plotting central China.”

Tracie was still trying to grasp what had transpired when Elvin said, “We’re in outer space and going to the middle of China.”

Tracie stared at him in disbelief.

“Destination forty-five seconds,” Martha chimed.

Tracie watched as the earth moved under them like a giant rotating globe in a classroom.

They passed from light to darkness, then descended into a mountainous area.

The GEM-C set down. “It is cold out there,” Winston said, “but I think you’ll like the view.”

The door opened, and they stepped out and found they were on the ledge of a cliff, looking into a long valley.

The sunrise was just creeping across the valley floor, revealing the beauty of rivers and a multitude of rock spires covered with plants and trees.

It was breathtaking, and Tracie didn’t care how cold it was; no one did. The magical view overrode all other consciousness.

“How did you find this spot?” Matt asked.

“Suchet showed us a picture off the internet,” Martha said, “we found the coordinates and just cruised until we spotted this ridge.”

“We are particular to sunrises and have several locations we keep track of,” Winston jumped in. “So, almost anytime, we can take you to where a new day is dawning, and the view is sweet.

Matt gazed at the sun, as minute by minute it revealed more beauty, and joined the others in grasping the magic of the moment. They watched for almost twenty minutes when Charley spoke up.

“We should head back. I’m due to teach a lesson in forty minutes and need to get materials loaded.”

It seemed only seconds, and they were back in the silo.

Tracie, giddy-voiced, looked at Elvin. “If you had told me, I wouldn’t have believed you. I think that’s what I like most about you. You are just you and never have to impress anyone, but personally, I think you’re plenty impressive.”

She gave him a quick kiss, and Elvin blushed.

The crew from the island boarded the GEM-C and were on their way. Tracie still struggled with everything as she watched the craft levitate, glide through a passage and disappear.

She turned and stared at Matt; her face stunned and excited. “You’re him! You are him, aren’t you, the man making the power stations and cleaning up the dumps and all that? It’s you!”

Elvin laughed, “Took you long enough to figure that out.”

Tracie’s face was as red as her hair.

Matt walked over and wrapped his arms around her. “It’s okay. I get to be the frontman, but everyone you met over Christmas is responsible for all you have and will see, and none of this could have happened without Eldridge and his family.”

They separated, and she gazed about, eyes dancing, “Wow!”

Matt and Elvin took her on a tour of the silo, and by the time they were finished, it was time for supper.