Europa: Quanundocii (Book 2)

By P. R. Garcia

The Quanundocii – a love so pure, so strong, so real, that it can even defeat death.

To ensure the continuance of the Oonock race, the Orbs of FarCore developed a most powerful weapon called the “Quanundocii”, a love capable of conquering all. The Orbs have called upon the Quanundocii to save the Oonock race only four times in the past hundred million years. The last was King Enok and Queen Medaron. But with the Queen’s death, the Quanundocii is broken, leaving the Oonocks vulnerable. They sense a new Terrian leader hunts the young monarchs, determined to destroy them and all Oonocks, and fulfill JeffRa’s Vow of Revenge. Without the Quanundocii, the end is near for this noble aquatic race.

The only hope is for Europa to unite with another Oonock in a new Quanundocii. But this cannot happen as long as she is human. She must be an Oonock to become the new weapon. Using their great powers, the Orbs begin to change Europa, transforming her into a true Oonock, rebuilding her at her DA level. But their transformation soon puts her life in mortal danger. If Europa cannot control her transformations, she will die. And with her death goes any chance of saving the Oonock race on Earth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: P. R. Garcia
• Release date: Jun 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311251985

P. R. Garcia

P. R. Garcia describes herself as a crazy, not-too-grayed haired old lady. Born during the winter of 1951 in Monroe County, Michigan, the youngest of three children, she attended Western Michigan University, where she majored in zoology. While living in Michigan, she became an award-winning basketweaver, carrying on the tradition of her maternal grandmother, Margaret Dark Feather. In 2008 she moved to southern California and became a volunteer at the Birch Aquarium of Scripps Institution of Oceanography and a guide on the Gray whale touring boats. The following year she joined the Whalers, a dedicated group of volunteers from the San Diego Natural History Museum of San Diego, California, whose love of the Pacific cetaceans and other marine life off the shores of California matched her own. As a guide on the Hornblower and Flagship whale-watching boats, she introduced people from around the world to the wonders of the world of the Pacific cetaceans. In 2012 she combined her knowledge of these ocean mammals, her love of science fiction and astronomers’ exciting belief that life exists in the oceans beneath the ice shield of Europa, Jupiter’s ice moon, to create a new trilogy of an alien race from Europa, a race that has lived in our deep oceans for thousands of years. Using legends and known ancient landmarks from Earth’s past, she wove a story of intrigue, mystery, magic and adventure. In 2014 Ms. Garcia added three more books to the story of Europa. In early 2015, she began to tell Europa’s son, Prince Enok’s, story.Now an international bestselling author, Ms. Garcia is currently working on Book 10, which will be about Prince’s EJ’s twin daughters and the search for the destroyed colony on Mars.The Europa Saga may be the first multi-generational science fiction series ever written, spanning five generations of the Waters family. Start your adventure with a free copy of book 1 EUROPA Awakenings at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/633078For a more traditional account, visit her webpage at http://www.prgarcia1.comSMASHWORDS Author Profile https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/prgarciaPlease remember to leave a review of my book at your favorite retailer.

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DEDICATION

Dedicated to my parents, Carl and Violet, for their enduring love and commitment to each other for over sixty-four years. It is their deep love and dedication to each other that gave me the model for the Quanundocii and the love between Enok and Medaron and Kiijon and Europa. May more of us have the privilege of knowing such a love.

To the San Diego Natural History Museum Whalers for their love of the incredible cetaceans and other life that calls the Pacific Ocean their home. And for their dedication to the people of San Diego and the world to see the wonder and importance of these creatures through knowledge, sharing and guidance.

And to London, a most precious gift who always brings a smile to my face.

ACKNOWLEGEMENT

I would like to acknowledge the extraordinary volunteers of the San Diego Natural History Museum Whalers Group and the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla for their dedication to the cetaceans and other marine life residing in the waters off southern California and northern Mexico. Both organizations have a dedicated group of volunteers who work as naturalists on the whale boats during the gray whale migration season in San Diego from late December through mid-April. The Whalers also accompany the Blue Whale tours during the summer months. The knowledge these two volunteer groups have passed on to me was invaluable in writing this trilogy.

On October 18, 1989, NASA launched the spacecraft Galileo to study Saturn. In February of 1997 on its way to Saturn, Galileo briefly orbited Jupiter and sent back pictures of several of her larger moons, including IO, Ganymede and Europa. The images sent back confirmed the analysis Europa was covered by a layer of ice possibly sixty miles thick under which may exist a subsurface ocean. Many scientists believe Europa’s waters contain the three primary ingredients for life (water, heat, and organic compounds) and believe her waters have the best chance for containing alien life in our solar system.

A special thanks to W. Cooley and M. Sixtus for their help in editing this book.

FOREWORD

Beneath the ice shield of Jupiter’s moon, Europa, lies a vast global ocean. In this ocean of lilac waters lives a sentient race called the Oonocks, an ancient race at least seventy to one hundred million years old. They are, for the most part, peaceful beings, who value family and honor above all else. They have no words such as divorce, greed, want or hate, for those things do not exist. The race consists of clans, which number from several hundred members to several thousand. Each clan specializes in two or three fields, such as fishing, farming, ship building, engineering, physics, chemistry, metal urging, aerodynamics and so forth. Each clan is governed by a royal family, usually consisting of a Lord and a Lady. Together, the clans are managed by a King and Queen, to whom everyone pledges their loyalty and lives to. Every individual contributes something to the whole; those who do not partake is a specific area of study become soldiers; those too young to work attend school; and those too old teach the young. Although not a perfect society, it is pretty close.

No land exists above water on Europa, so the Oonocks are aquatic beings. They are equipped with three pairs of wings that glide them through their watery world. Their streamlined bodies are muscular and strong, tapering into a long tail with a feathery lilac end. Strings of pearl-shaped glowing lights cascade down from the top of their heads, framing a gentle, oval face with large lilac eyes and soft lilac lips. Like most creatures of Europa, they are bioluminescent and glow a soft lilac color. Their expected life span is twelve thousand years. Infancy lasts a hundred years and adulthood is not reached until one turns a thousand years old. And, as if this isn’t enough to convince us of their excellence and superiority, they are blessed with a special power – the ability to transform into both land and aquatic creatures equal to or larger than themselves.

Approximately sixty four hundred years ago, this peaceful existence of the Oonock world was destroyed when the reigning king betrayed his middle son, JeffRa, devastating him beyond repair. In retaliation, JeffRa tried to assassinate his older brother, Enok, who is the future king. Once the best of friends, the two brothers became mortal enemies and civil war broke out. JeffRa and his followers are hunted down and exiled to Ganymede, another of Jupiter’s moons. There he became the leader of another race called Terrians, a barbaric society who embrace cruelty, greed and war. From his place of exile, JeffRa continued to plot his brother’s end, promising to never stop until every Oonock in the universe was dead.

When Jupiter is turned into a ball of gas, King Enok and his mate, Queen Medaron, took twenty ships of Oonocks and fled Europa. Most of the ships went further out into the galaxy, but King Enok brought three ships to Earth. Using their starships, the Oonocks built a city of gold nestled in the center of a C-shaped island beside the ocean. There, they lived in peace with the humans until word was received from the colony on Mars that their enemy, JeffRa, had found them. In hopes of saving Earth, King Enok sank his golden city overnight in a blaze of fire and water to the depths of the Pacific Ocean. Thus the legend of Atlantis was born. There, hidden beneath the cloak of darkness and water, the Oonock race remained for thousands of years. Occasionally, they emerged and tried to live on land again, but for one reason or another, were always forced back to the security of the deep, causing the creation of many Earthly legends. During this time, they had no idea that JeffRa had crashed on Earth, and was still hunting his brother and wife.

Believing it was safe to live in the light of the sun again, the Oonocks emerged from their Complex below and built a new city, but this time choosing a location on the other side of the world, high on top of a tall plateau in Bolivia (Puma Punku). They called her Third City. There they lived in happiness and peace, safe behind their megalithic stone walls, hidden from the world, never interacting with the indigenous natives. For several hundred years the Oonocks lived in harmony and contentment until one fateful day when the sound of marching feet broke the stillness of the air. JeffRa and his army of Terrians had found them.

The two brothers, King Enok with his Oonocks and JeffRa with his Terrians, fought a great war. Both sides suffered great losses. JeffRa was at last defeated, but the Oonocks paid a huge price. Once more they were forced to retreat to the sanctuary of the deep ocean and try to rebuild their race. But this time the possibility to do so seemed impossible for JeffRa had released a biological weapon on them that caused all future Oonock newborn children to die within the first few years of their lives. Later, it caused infertility, thus dooming the Oonock race. With no way to reproduce and no way to return home, they faced a dismal future; when the last Oonock died, the great Oonock race would be no more. As they waited for their end, something marvelous happened. Queen Medaron discovered she was pregnant with the future Queen. But with the joy of a new life came the realization that, because of JeffRa’s curse, the unborn female could not survive as an Oonock. To ensure her survival, the decision was made for her to be born on land as a human. To protect her, it was also decided that she would never know who or what she really was. Thus begins the Europa Saga with book one, EUROPA: Awakenings.

EUROPA Awakenings tells the story of a young human’s journey. As she flees before her assassin, she unravels the lies of her life, discovering the truth of who and what she and her family are. Finally accepting that she is a creature of Jupiter’s ice moon, Europa looks forward to a life as the Oonock peoples’ queen. EUROPA Quanundocii continues her journey.

THE ESCORT

(Ten years earlier)

The young princess ran into the kitchen with Anna, Rannie and Suzie, Triton close behind. Today was the princess’s birthday and, as an extra special treat, she was allowed to have her three best friends spend the day with her on Minnos followed by a sleepover. Europa loved when her friends were allowed to come over, for it was only on rare occasions her mother allowed others onto the property.

Europa, young ladies do not run in the house, Medaron said as she sat her coffee cup on the table. Especially when we have guests in the house.

Sorry mother, the young Europa said, suddenly noticing the stranger sitting at the table with Jeanip and her mother. We were in the middle of playing tag and decided to come in for something to drink. I guess we forgot to pause the game before coming inside. Europa walked up to the stranger mesmerized by his beautiful lilac eyes. She had never seen anyone with such eye color. Even though only ten, she thought the young man to be extremely handsome and was naturally drawn to him. She lifted her hand up and gently placed it upon the stranger’s cheek. You have the most beautiful eyes, she said as she stared into them.

Europa, Medaron said, surprised by her daughter’s forwardness. That is no way to act, Young Lady.

It is okay, Your Majesty, the stranger said. I am used to getting such comments about my eyes. Very few people have ever seen such eye color and are usually quite intrigued. He reached up and took Europa’s hand, bringing it to his lips and softly kissing it. As he lifted his head back up he looked at her young face, thinking she was the most beautiful being he had ever seen, someone he would have no trouble defending or protecting. Hello, Your Majesty, the stranger said. My name is Kiijon. I understand today is your birthday and you are turning ten years old.

Yes, Europa said smiling. Did you come for my party?

No, I’m sorry to say, Kiijon replied. I’m here to see your mother and Jeanip. I’m afraid I will be gone before your party tonight.

Europa turned and looked at her mother. Mother, can he stay for my party?

Kiijon has business to attend to, Jeanip said. He was just about to leave when you four came in.

I bet he would stay if Mother asked him, Europa replied, looking at Jeanip. She turned once again to Medaron. Mother, please ask him to stay. He will have to if you ask him.

Europa, as Jeanip said, Kiijon has business to attend to, Medaron replied.

Please, Mother, Europa said, giving her mother a sorrowful look. Make his staying my birthday present.

Medaron was surprised by her daughter’s request; Europa seldom asked for anything and never before had she seen her daughter take to a person as she did Kiijon. It was almost as if a bond was formed instantly between the two of them. Medaron turned and looked at Jeanip who gave a nod of approval. Kiijon, it seems you have won my daughter’s heart. She has never voiced such a request before. May we impose upon you to delay your departure and join us for her birthday dinner this evening?

Kiijon looked immediately at Jeanip. He knew soldiers did not dine with the royal family and was afraid to respond. He did not want to refuse his monarch’s generous request, nor did he wish to break protocol. Jeanip nodded again, signaling to Kiijon it was permissible for him to accept the invitation.

I would be honored to stay and help our young monarch celebrate her most important tenth birthday, Kiijon said smiling. Thank you, Your Highness, for the invitation.

Now, Europa, I need you and your friends to go back outside and play so we may conclude our business, Medaron instructed her daughter. You only have two hours left before you will need to wash up and get ready for your birthday dinner.

Yes, Mother, Europa responded. The four girls headed toward the front door to continue their game outside. As they reached the door Europa turned and looked at the stranger, feeling a strange warmth toward him. We forgot our drinks, she said, suddenly remembering their purpose for coming inside.

How about I bring some drinks outside for you? Misso asked, knowing the adults needed to return to their business. Would some fresh-squeezed lemonade do?

Oh, yes, Misso, that would be perfect, Europa said. She gave Kiijon another smile before running outside.

You will have to forgive my daughter, Medaron said. We seldom have strangers on the estate.

No apologize is necessary, Your Highness, Kiijon said watching the girls play outside. She is very beautiful.

I believe she thinks the same about you, Jeanip commented. I was wondering if there was a reason for your lilac eyes. Normally we change our eye color to a color human eyes would be so as not to attract attention to ourselves.

My eye color is the one thing I have never been able to change, Kiijon explained.

Then I suggest you have a medical assistant make you a pair of eye coverings in the appropriate color, Jeanip stated.

They have tried, Sir, but my eyes will not tolerate the eye coverings. Normally when I am around humans I wear sunglasses to hide my eyes. Since everyone on Minnos is Oonock I did not think of wearing them.

Europa has no idea we are not as we seem, Medaron said.

Yes, Your Highness, I knew that and should have remembered to wear my glasses, Kiijon replied. Forgive me for my oversight. It will not happen again.

Without further mention of Kiijon’s lilac eyes, Medaron, Jeanip and Kiijon returned to their business discussion.

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The four friends sat in the grass drinking their lemonade, giggling about the handsome stranger in the house. My heart melted when he took your hand and kissed it, Anna said. It was SOOOO romantic.

I’ve always wanted someone to kiss my hand, Rannie added. What did it feel like, Europa?

Kind of strange, Europa replied. It felt like thousands of pins pricking me all over.

Is it supposed to feel that way? Susie asked. I thought it was supposed to make you feel all googley inside.

Me too, Europa said. There was a warmth too that went through my body but mostly I felt the pins.

Maybe he didn’t shave this morning and you got stuck by his whiskers, Susie commented.

YUK! the four girls said in unison, then started to giggle. Having finished their lemonade, the four friends adjourned to the side porch and spent the remaining time making friendship bracelets.

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Europa came down the stairs in her new aqua party dress, a very excited ten year old. Her usual guests were in attendance: Misso, Birea, Sunam, Tinderoon, Mintoo, Ebar and Evonic. She always liked special celebrations because they were the only time the help was allowed to participate and sit down for a meal with her, Jeanip and her mother. She looked around the room for Kiijon, wanting to make sure he had stayed for her dinner as he promised. When she could not see him she became worried that, due to some business needing taken care of, he had to leave. As she greeted each guest she continually searched for him, growing more anxious with each minute. At last she saw him sitting in a chair with her three friends surrounding him. Apparently they too were intrigued by the stranger and were intent on learning all they could about him. Breathing a sigh of relief, she swiftly walked over to the group and stood directly in front of the stranger. A wave of jealousy swept over her as she positioned herself between her friends and the stranger. For some unknown reason she did not wish to share him with anyone.

Kiijon, would you do me the honor of being my escort to dinner? she very maturely asked.

While I would be most honored to escort you, Your Highness, I do believe that honor befalls upon Jeanip or possibly your mother, Kiijon said smiling, touched she would ask such a favor.

But they always escort me, said the anxious ten year old. Besides, this will probably be the only opportunity you will have. We never have strangers visit the estate so I will never see you again after tonight.

Kiijon knelt down on one knee so he could look directly into the young princess’s face. She noticed that for some reason he wore sunglasses over his beautiful eyes. Tell you what, Europa. If your mother and Jeanip say it is okay with them I will be your escort for dinner.

Really?

Really.

Europa began to run to her mother, then remembered young ladies do not run in the house. Purposely slowing her canter down to a brisk walk, she approached her mother and asked for permission to have Kiijon escort her. After receiving an affirmative, she immediately went to Jeanip requesting his. He too gave it. She hurried back to tell Kiijon the good news just as Misso announced dinner was ready.

My lady, Kiijon said as he slipped her hand through his arm and prepared to escort her into the dining room. Together they waited until Medaron announced dinner was served, then followed her into the dining room. When they arrived at the table Kiijon pulled Europa’s chair away from the table, waited until she sat down before pushing her chair in. With a huge smile on her face, she watched as he walked down toward the end of the table and selected an empty seat. Europa wanted to ask him to sit next to her, between her and Annie, but she knew her mother would not approve and therefore kept silent. She vowed if ever she became Queen she was going to do away with all this tradition stuff, and allow the help to eat with them all the time and sit wherever they wanted to.

After dinner the party adjourned to the front sitting area for cake and ice cream, then the opening of the presents. All too soon the party was over and it was time for the guests to leave, including Kiijon.

It is time for me to leave now, Your Highness, Kiijon said to Europa as he once again knelt on one knee in order to be eye level with her. I have a long way to travel before I reach home. Thank you for inviting me to your birthday dinner and for the honor of being your escort for the night. I will never forget this evening.

Might I see your eyes one more time? Europa boldly asked. Kiijon smiled and removed his sunglasses allowing Europa to see his eyes. She stared into them, totally lost in their lilac beauty and wonder. Then suddenly she threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. Not sure what to do, he gently embraced her suddenly aware of a pricking sensation cascading through his chest.

Europa swiftly kissed him on the cheek and pushed something into his hand. I made this for you. Shy and embarrassed, she scurried off with Anna, Suzie and Rannie into the kitchen for another piece of cake.

Kiijon stood up and looked at his hand to discover a lilac friendship bracelet lying in his palm. He smiled at the precious present and slipped it over his wrist. Putting his glasses back on, he said his thanks and farewells to Medaron and Jeanip, then walked through the front door to the car where Sunam waited to take him down the road so he could transform.

Hearing the start of a car Europa hurried to the front door and watched Kiijon slide onto the passenger’s seat of the truck. Just before he closed his door he spotted her and waved goodbye. She waved while watching Sunam drive him toward town, wondering if she would ever see those beautiful lilac eyes and their owner again. As they drove away, Kiijon looked at his bracelet and wondered how someone so small could win his heart such as she had.

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(Present day)

Enok was working on a new security grid for Europa’s new home when he heard a soft knock on his door. Enter. He watched as two males and one female floated into the room and neared his desk.

Good day, Your Majesty, said the lead male as all three raised their hand to their forehead and bowed slightly. Enok bowed back. Reporting as requested, Sire. My name is Kiijon; this is Teerdomay my next in command and Swaybuk, my second in command. I was told you have an assignment for us.

Yes, Kiijon, a very important one, Enok stated. And I have been told you are the Oonock to get the assignment done.

My team and I are in your service, Your Majesty. We are ready to do your bidding.

This assignment is land bound. Are you able to travel over land?

Yes, Sire, we keep an active driver’s license so we can travel by car or air, whichever is needed, whenever it’s needed.

It is imperative this assignment be carried out as swiftly as possible, so air is needed. I am sure you are aware of JeffRa’s attack on my children, Europa and Earon?

Yes, Sire. Might I ask if she is well? Realizing he had only inquired about Europa and hadn’t even covered up his singular concern by referring to her as the Supreme Monarch, he quickly added. And Earon?

Both are doing fine, thank you, Enok replied But they may not be out of danger yet. JeffRa is dead: I personally executed him so I am positive he is not going to surprise us again in the future and return. However, he may still have followers out there waiting to fulfill his vow of vengeance and execute my children. But I am not as concerned about that as I am a new unforeseen threat JeffRa’s death may have produced. His death may have exposed us to the humans.

Your Majesty, how would our presence be in jeopardy because of JeffRa’s death? Teerdomay asked.

In his hotel room were found detailed journals of Minnos’ comings and goings, plus a history of our travels over the centuries. They were written in both English and Terrian. It is logical to assume if JeffRa had those with him at the hotel, he would have much more at his home filled with facts which could entice the humans to start investigating JeffRa’s lost race of shape shifters, as he called us. Plus, I am sure he would have been using some Terrian technology to accomplish his search for our whereabouts, something else we cannot allow to fall into human hands. There could also be artifacts. And the number one priority I need for you to search for is bendicor; JeffRa used it in many of his inventions. More than anything else, every speck of bendicor must be found and brought back to the complex. Failure to accomplish this could result in the end of the human race. Thus the urgency of this mission! We must secure any evidence before the humans realize JeffRa is missing or dead and move his belongings to storage. Enok looked directly at Kiijon. I need you to take your team and go to Michigan to search his home and office at the university for anything pertaining to us or the Terrians.

My team is ready to leave immediately, Your Highness, Kiijon said.

May the Waters guide you on your journey and enable you to fulfill your mission, Enok said.

We will not fail our monarchs or our people, Sire, Kiijon said. If you have no further need of our service we will take our leave and begin our journey.

Enok nodded, giving them the approval to leave. He watched as the three left his office and headed toward the Exit Chamber. He prayed their mission would be successful and his children and people safe once more.

ANN ARBOR

Kiijon, Teerdomay and Swaybuk exited their airplane and stepped into the cold air of a fall day in Michigan. Accustomed to the frigid water of the ocean’s depths the cold did not bother them, but they noticed most of the travelers had on coats. Wanting to blend in, each one removed their jackets from their carry-ons and slipped them on. Now secure they looked like everyone one else, Kiijon and Teerdomay walked down to the baggage claim to obtain their luggage while Swaybuk went to the car rental desk for their transportation. Soon the three travelers were on their way to their hotel to begin to calculate their plan of investigation.

We will search the home first, Kiijon stated as he opened up his suitcase and began to remove the hidden components to their scanners. JeffRa should have kept anything of importance or value there. Plus, his residence will be easier to enter than his office at the university.

Agreed, Teerdomay replied.

Swaybuk, I need directions to his home. I need satellite pictures of the area. I am certain JeffRa would have had some sort of Terrian security system set up around his home. See what you can find out about that. Teerdomay, we passed a food store down the road. Go and get some food for us to consume, preferably some fresh fish if at all possible. Pick up three disposable phones also. I also need the components hidden in your luggage.

Still having trouble with human food? Teerdomay teased as she began to remove the parts in her suitcase.

Not so much trouble as I don’t like the taste, he replied. Once we’ve eaten and Swaybuk gets the directions, we will take a drive past the residence. That will give us a better understanding of what we will encounter.

While his team members completed their assignments, Kiijon began to put together their scanners and security devices. To avoid detection at the airport security, it was necessary to disassemble the devices into tiny components and hide them in various places in their luggage. While they possessed no danger to the airplane or the humans, Kiijon knew an assembled scanner would definitely draw airport security attention.

Swaybuk began to scan for the requested information as Teerdomay drove down to the local Food Mart to obtain the food and phones. Luckily they had a meat counter containing numerous fish, but she wasn’t sure how fresh it was. She asked the counter human if any were today’s catch. He replied the perch and walleye had been locally caught and brought in that morning. She opted to purchase both hoping Kiijon would like the taste. On the way to the checkout she passed the snack aisle and spotted a family-sized bag of barbeque rippled potato chips. She debated for an instant, then threw the bag into her cart. She and Swaybuk had developed a love for the human snack and seldom were able to indulge that love. She also obtained three large containers of water, bananas, fresh Brussels sprouts and broccoli and two cans of collard greens. After paying for the groceries she hurried back to the motel holding up the bag of chips for Swaybuk to see as she walked in.

You didn’t? Swaybuk shouted as he ran over to her and grabbed the chips. It’s been so long since I’ve tasted these. Swaybuk looked inside the bags to see what other goodies she bought. Didn’t you buy yourself a bag too? he asked teasingly.

It’s for the two of us, Teerdomay said with a smile, knowing all too well she could easily consume the bag by herself. There are three jugs of water out in the car if you would get them. Swaybuk raced out the door to retrieve the water as Teerdomay began to place the food on the table. They had some fresh fish caught locally they just received today. I believe he said it was perch and something called wallie. I thought we’d try it; it looked better than the snapper and swordfish they had. I also purchased some human vegetables I thought we might be able to eat, plus several cans of collard greens I know you like.

Thanks, Teerdomay, Kiijon replied as he placed the last piece in the first scanner and switched it on smiling to see the lights activate. One down, two to go, he said as he held up the completed scanner.

Do you want me to get the other two together before we leave? Swaybuk asked as he entered the room with the water.

If there is time after we eat you and I can work on the other two, Kiijon replied. If not, you can finish them when we return. Kiijon looked down at his watch. We have two hours before sundown. Once it is dark we will proceed to JeffRa’s residence. The cover of night should aid us in remaining undetected. I don’t believe JeffRa would have left any Terrians behind to guard his residence but we should proceed as if he did.

Teerdomay took a bite of the fresh walleye. Kiijon, I think you are going to like this wallie fish. It’s extremely good. Has a very nice texture and a great flavor.

Are these sea beans? Swaybuk asked as he lifted up a Brussels sprout. I didn’t know humans ate such things.

I don’t think they do, Teerdomay replied. The sign said they were Brussels sprouts. Since they looked so much like our sea beans back home I thought we’d give them a taste.

Swaybuk popped one into his mouth and bit down, chewed, then swallowed. Not too bad. They have a nice taste to them. Not as strong as our sea beans but passable. Good choice, Teerdomay. Swaybuk looked over at Kiijon. I think you should make Teerdomay chief food finder for this mission, Sir. She did a great job.

I agree, Kiijon said. This wallie fish is excellent. The perch isn’t bad either. I’ll pass on the sprout things, but I do like the broccoli and greens.

The three quickly devoured the food not realizing how hungry each of them were. They had left the complex immediately after receiving Enok’s assignment and had not had an opportunity since to eat. It was nice to finally get some sustenance into their bodies. Kiijon and Swaybuk assembled the other two scanners between bites while Teerdomay worked on the weapons. As soon as it became dark Kiijon announced it was time to go and survey the location. Following Swaybuk’s directions, they drove through the streets taking notice of various stores, power relays, law enforcement and side-roads. After twenty minutes, Swaybuk turned into a residential neighborhood and traveled three blocks before turning right. He pulled up next to the curb and stopped the car. Across the street stood JeffRa’s residence. The three stared at it delighted to discover JeffRa’s residence was a home and not a condo or an apartment which would have complicated their entry inside. Swaybuk proceeded to circle the block several times so they could take note of the other homes, which ones were occupied, the lighting in the neighborhood and the traffic traveling the road. As they pulled up across the street for the second time they noticed a security sign posted in the yard identifying that the house was tied into a human security system. Kiijon scanned the home with his scanner and detected an additional security grid, one which was definitely Terrian.

He definitely has something inside if he has both human and Terrian security, Swaybuk stated.

I agree, Kiijon said. The human security device will be no trouble to bypass, but the Terrian one could pose a problem. I’ve only worked on models.

Sir, during the Terrian Wars one of my main jobs was the deactivation of Terrian devices, including their security ones, Swaybuk announced. I believe I should be able to deactivate the security field without too much trouble.

I’ll count on that, Kiijon said. Let’s go back to the hotel and begin preparation to enter the home.

It took Swaybuk two days to study the scans of the home before he could develop a plan to disable the Terrian device. In the meantime, Kiijon and Teerdomay went to the university and analyzed a way into JeffRa’s office, taking detailed notes of its accessibility, the security guards whereabouts and times they made their surveillance rounds, the offices located next to JeffRa’s and the traffic flow. They also made several trips to a local computer store, a hunting shop and an Army surplus store for parts and night-vision goggles. During their outings Kiijon also kept an eye out for fish markets which might offer a better variety of fresh fish. The perch and walleye offered by the Food Mart were delicious but they did not get a fresh supply in every day; plus, he knew he would soon get tired eating the same thing day after day. He wished he could enjoy the taste of human food as much as Swaybuk and Teerdomay did. It would make land missions amongst humans so much easier if he did.

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Europa stirred in her sleep as she dreamt of a beautiful field of yellow and purple crocus. She was lying next to someone amongst the flowers’ splendor. She heard the person say, My Queen, then softly, but passionately kiss her. When the kiss had finished she opened her eyes to see who her companion was and looked into the most beautiful lilac eyes. Startled at their unusual color she woke, sensing a warm feeling pulsing through her body. She looked over at her table clock and saw it was seven-thirty; too late to go back to sleep. After showering and dressing, she went down to the kitchen to see who else was up and if Graybin had breakfast ready. As she neared the kitchen she could smell the heavenly scent of coffee, knowing there would be a cup waiting for her at her place at the table.

Good morning, Sis, Earon greeted as he rose from the table in respect. You are up earlier than I expected.

Good morning, Your Majesty, Graybin greeted. Would you like eggs or pancakes this morning?

Good morning, she replied to both. I think I will have scrambled eggs with cheese along with some bacon and grits, she informed Graybin. Turning to Earon she said, I see you are up at your normal early time.

You know us Oonocks. We only sleep for a few hours during the night. Not like you lazy humans, Earon teased. Speaking of humans, was Terrance up yet?

I do not know, Europa replied, I did not stop by his room but came straight down to breakfast. I could not resist the thought of a cup of coffee.

Mother sure passed her love for coffee on to you, Earon smiled, remembering how much his mother adored coffee. I think when the time had come for us to return to the complex she would have made the engineers figure out some way for her to brew coffee there. I do believe she would have beheaded them if they had failed.

I do believe you are right, Graybin laughed as she placed Europa’s breakfast plate on the table in front of her along with a glass of juice. Misso commented several times over the years that, besides you two, coffee was one of her few joys in life.

All were silent for a moment as they remembered their lost loved one. Finally Earon broke the silence. So, Sis, what is on yours and Terrance’s agenda today?

I am not sure, Europa replied. We had talked yesterday about going back to FarCore for a while. Terrance is interested in checking out some of Earth’s history and I would like to study some of our people’s past. Would you like to join us?

No thanks, Earon replied. I have been working on a new musical piece for EeRee when she arrives, sort of a welcome present. I want to go up to the pool and see how it sounds and looks.

You are really excited about her arrival, are you not? Europa commented, amused and delighted to see her brother finally excited about someone in his life. He had given up so much to be her guardian all these years. Perhaps now that she knew who and what she really was, he would at last have a chance at real happiness and joy with EeRee.

If you had not seen Terrance in over twenty years would you not be excited to see him again? Earon asked.

Most definitely, Europa replied. I am so glad Father is bringing her up when he returns in a few days. She paused for a minute, then added, I still feel really bad about being the cause of you two being apart for so many years.

Oh, not that again, Europa, Earon stated as he hung his head for a moment. He raised his head and looked directly into her eyes. I thought we were past this, Sis. You did not cause our separation – I did it of my own free will. You are NOT responsible for what everyone did to protect you.

I know, she sighed. That is what Father said too. But I still feel responsible.

Listen to your brother and your father, Graybin said as she refilled Europa’s coffee cup. By feeling responsible you dishonor the memories of those we lost and the very old traditions and beliefs of the Oonock people. We do what we do for you and Earon out of love as well as duty. This is the way the Oonocks have lived for millions of years.

I meant no disrespect, Europa quickly replied. I guess it is just a guilt thing we humans deal with.

Well, stop and go get Terrance up, Earon said. Go have fun making discoveries in FarCore. Let me know if either of you discover anything really exciting or strange; like who really killed President Kennedy, if man did walk on the moon or if the Loch Ness monster really exists!

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With the necessary devices now assembled, Kiijon and his team prepared to enter JeffRa’s home. They chose the time of one a.m., determining that time of day gave them the best defense against discovery. To ensure they worked in total darkness Swaybuk short circuited a transformer several blocks away, plunging the entire neighborhood into blackness. Next, Kiijon overrode the human security field fed by batteries so that it indicated nothing was out of the ordinary. Kiijon realized if he completely turned off the security system the humans would come to investigate why the battery back-up system had failed.

Cross your fingers, Swaybuk said as he pointed his newly made security disrupter at the house. The lights on the device blinked several times before a surge of energy shot forth and encompassed the house. After several seconds the Terrian security grid went down.

We’re in, Kiijon said as they put their night goggles on and ran around to the back of the house. After resurveying the immediate area to ensure no one was watching, the three slipped through the back door and entered JeffRa’s house. Teerdomay, you take the den. Swaybuk, you take the second bedroom. I’ll take the master bedroom. He would not have hidden anything in the open. Use your devices to scan for Terrian signatures. Look into every conceivable location; openings in the wall, hidden compartments in drawers, loose floor boards and underneath furniture. And be sure to scan for any sign of bendicor; that was Enok’s top priority. I don’t believe JeffRa would have kept any large stones here so look for small ones.

For the next three hours the three searched the house locating several items of interest. They were able to locate six ledgers written in Terrian, several small pieces of bendicor plus a jar containing numerous rice-grain sized pieces, a half constructed apparatus believed to be a new weapon JeffRa was developing, three maps and a small piece of a Terrian space ship. Lastly, they ran their scanners through the house, attic and garage once more to be sure they missed nothing but the scanners remained silent.

Looks like we got it all, Swaybuk commented.

Good job team, Kiijon said. Let’s get out of here before they get that transformer fixed and impede our departure. As the three prepared to leave with their confiscated items, Kiijon noticed a wooden box sitting on the fireplace mantel with an unusual symbol on it. Assuming JeffRa would not have left anything of importance out in the open, he almost bypassed it, but then became intrigued because of the symbol. He walked closer and was astonished to see the symbol was three circles, one inside the other with a solid circle in the middle with a large S resting to the left of the circles crossed with a line running down below the last circle – the Oonock sacred symbol. Why would JeffRa have something with an Oonock symbol on it? he wondered. Kiijon reached out and tried to open the box, but it was sealed shut. Knowing this had to be something of importance, he ran his scanner over it but it revealed nothing.

Swaybuk, can you run the disrupter you used to bring down the grid over this, he said as he held up the box.

Wow, what is this? Swaybuk asked as the disrupter went crazy. It’s protected by a force field I’ve never seen the likes off. What’s ever inside JeffRa wanted to make sure no one could get to it but him.

Sneaky, Teerdomay commented. Keeping it out in the open would make most people pass it over.

Agreed, Kiijon said. Which it exactly what we almost did. It makes me wonder what else he has hidden in plain sight. Swaybuk, run your disrupter back through the house. Teerdomay, you and I will do a visual scan for other items.

The team was able to find eight more pieces with an Oonock symbol on them. They appeared to be all part of one device, cleverly hidden in the open throughout the house. Just then they heard a beep as the human security alarm reset itself and reactivated; the transformer had been repaired and the electricity was back on lighting up the neighborhood and inside the house once again.

Damn! Swaybuk, disable that security alarm, Kiijon ordered. We need to get the hell out of here.

Swaybuk immediately complied and was able to disarm the security alarm just as it reached the last number. He had been swift enough to avoid the authorities being notified but they still had the problem of the streetlights.

Teerdomay, shoot out those two street lights in the front of the house. Kiijon asked.

No problem. Teerdomay took aim and shot out the bulbs in the two street lights in front while Kiijon shot out the fluorescent light in the back. Once more the area around the house was concealed in darkness.

Swaybuk, give me a grain of bendicor from that jar, Kiijon instructed as he removed a small detonator from his pocket. Swaybuk handed him the grain which he placed inside the device. He set the timer for five a.m., a time which would be the safest for little human activity in the neighborhood. Now armed and ready to implode, Kiijon slid the explosive beneath the sofa.

Not sure we got everything? Swaybuk asked.

No, Kiijon answered. Your disrupter showed too much Terrian technology built into the house for us to be able to remove tonight. And with the lights back on we do not have the luxury of staying longer to hunt for more items displayed in the open. The only way to make sure there is nothing for anyone to discover is to destroy this dwelling immediately.

Won’t the humans get suspicious if the house is destroyed? Teerdomay asked.

I don’t believe so, Kiijon said. I made it look like a power surge was created when the electricity was restored. And it will be an implosion rather than an explosion so the surrounding homes should not be affected nor will anyone be in danger unless they were inside the home.

What about the Terrians? Swaybuk asked. JeffRa’s house’s destruction could tip them off to our presence.

Again, I don’t believe so, Kiijon stated as he headed toward the backdoor. From every account I’ve read of Terrance’s statements regarding his father, there does not appear to be a time when any Terrians were present. I believe JeffRa kept this place to himself, devoid of any Terrian interaction.

The three soldiers quickly exited the back door and walked nonchalantly to their car. Swaybuk reactivated the Terrian and human security devices. They drove off slowly, satisfied they had removed everything of importance in the house and secure in the knowledge that what could not be removed would be destroyed in the implosion. There would be no evidence of their existence or Terrian technology.

When they arrived back at their hotel they examined the items and journals. Kiijon was particularly intrigued by the box and the eight wooden pieces they had found displayed in the open. He tried to put them together but had no luck. We need to pack these items up and ship them first thing tomorrow morning overnight delivery to our address in San Diego. We can’t chance taking them with us on the airplane. We’ll ship the box too along with some of the larger items. The journals I’ll carry in my bag. The other items we’ll pack in our suitcases in their secret compartments. The shielding in the compartments should keep the airport security scan from picking them up. Kiijon looked at his watch; four forty-two. Swaybuk, get the scanner up. JeffRa’s house should implode in eighteen minutes.

Swaybuk quickly sat down at the panel and brought up the satellite display of JeffRa’s residence. The three huddled around the screen and waited as the minutes ticked by. At precisely five a.m., there was a blinding flash of light and then the house was gone. So much for leaving any traces of us or Terrians, Swaybuk commented.

Great job you two, Kiijon stated. Let’s get some sleep. We’ve got a big day ahead of us gaining access to JeffRa’s office at the university and seeing what goodies he has stored there.

After several hours of sleep the three rose. Kiijon and Teerdomay dressed into their FBI suits while Swaybuk packaged the found articles for shipment. When everyone was ready, Swaybuk drove his captain and co-captain to the university, then proceeded to the post office to ship the package overnight delivery to themselves in California. He returned to the university to wait for the remainder of his team to complete their task.

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Europa laid in bed staring at the ceiling overhead. She turned and looked at the clock: twelve thirteen a.m. Lately she had been having trouble sleeping, so she purposely had stayed up late to ensure she would fall asleep when she went to bed, but her strategy did not work. She turned on her bed light and retrieved a book from her dresser, hoping reading would make her sleepy. She crawled back in bed and began to read. Finally, after an hour her eye lids began to grow heavy and she laid down, pulling the covers over her. Soon she fell into a deep sleep, but once again the dreams that had been plaguing her nights returned. Europa turned over to her right side as she felt a pair of soft lips kiss hers in the dream. She opened her eyes to see a pair of lilac eyes staring into hers. A warmth flowed through her body followed by the sensation of thousands of tiny pinpricks. Still asleep, she began to toss and turn as a wave of deep sorrow and loss began to engulf her, bringing tears to her eyes. Where are you? she said out loud, startling herself. She opened her eyes and looked at her clock: four a.m. It was definitely too early to get up. Unaware of the dream or her outcry, she rolled over in bed hoping she would fall back to sleep. After six minutes Europa was sound asleep once more as she began to dream of the stranger with the lilac eyes. As she continued to dream the Orbs in FarCore began to glow a soft, reddish glow, while inside her amulet a red strand of light appeared briefly, then disappeared.

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Hello, I am Agent Phillips from the FBI, Kiijon stated to the secretary sitting at the front desk. This is Agent Darcy, my assistant, he said as he gestured toward Teerdomay. We’re looking into the disappearance of Professor Landers and need to examine his office. May we see whomever is in charge for clearance?

Yes, Sir, said the young secretary giving them a surprised look. Did your agency change their mind about searching Dr. Landers’ office?

I’m sorry, Kiijon said, I am not sure what you are speaking of.

The two gentlemen who were here this morning left after I told them Dr. Landers’ office had already been boxed up. They stated they were not interested in an empty office and wanted to know where the items were.

What did you tell them? Kiijon asked, concerned someone else was searching for JeffRa’s items.

I told them they had been sent down to the security office for shipping, the secretary replied. They left immediately and did not give me a chance to tell them they had already gone out and were on their way to Australia.

Yes, they failed to complete their mission, Kiijon said. Even though no personal items remained, they were supposed to search his office anyways. Kiijon leaned in very close to the secretary giving her a warm sexy smile. Trainees. We have to finish what they started. He winked, bringing a smile to her face.

I know what you mean, she whispered softly. I have had to clean up after trainees myself. She rose from her chair and motioned toward several chairs in the hallway. If you would please have a seat, I will go find Dr. Fritzgerald for you. He can grant you access to Dr. Landers’ office. Kiijon and Teerdomay took a seat as instructed and waited.

She said someone else was here, Teerdomay said silently. That means we were wrong. There ARE Terrians in the area.

Terrians our scanners did not pick up, Kiijon replied, now very concerned over Swaybuk’s safety. He quickly called Swaybuk on his phone and updated him on the Terrian presence in the area. Swaybuk reported he was safe at the post office and would be returning directly to wait in the parking lot for them.

As soon as we survey JeffRa’s office we need to leave this area, Kiijon stated. Evidently the Terrians have found a way to elude our detection so our safety is no longer guaranteed.

Agreed, Teerdomay stated. How are they beating our security devices?

I wish I knew, Kiijon replied, realizing the danger all Oonocks, especially his queen, were now in. He quickly texted a message to the security grid in San Diego advising it of the new threat. Within minutes a courier was on his way to the complex to advise Enok of Kiijon’s inability to scan and detect Terrians. He had just replaced his phone inside his breast pocket when he heard footsteps coming back down the hallway. As he looked up he saw the secretary appear from around the corner accompanied by an elderly gentleman.

Hello, I am Dr. Fritzgerald, head of this department, the elderly man stated as he held out his hand to Kiijon. Miss Sweets informs me you would like access to Dr. Lander’s office?

Kiijon firmly grabbed Dr. Fritzgerald’s hand and shook it. Good day, Dr. Fritzgerald. My name is Agent Phillips and this is my partner, Agent Darcy. We are investigating the disappearance of Dr. Jeffrey Landers. We were hoping we might inspect his office. We talked with his son, Terrance Landers, who indicated his father had returned to the university but we understand he never arrived. We were hoping to uncover an itinerary or some documentation in his office which might lead us to where he is.

Might I see some identification? Dr. Fritzgerald asked. Both Kiijon and Teerdomay quickly showed the dean their FBI badges. Thank you. It is not unusual for Dr. Landers to disappear for weeks on end, but he is currently on corrective action for such doings so I am surprised he would go off without permission again. Do you believe something may have happened to him?

That we do not know, Sir, Teerdomay stated. All we know is he concluded his field study but left without retrieving the things in his hotel room. He left a note stating he had to leave expectantly, but he did not specify where to. Apparently, no one has heard from him or seen him for several weeks.

You are more than welcome to search his office, but I doubt you will find anything of importance, Dr. Fritzgerald said.

Why is that, Sir? Kiijon asked.

When he did not return he was suspended, Dr. Fritzgerald replied. Since we had no idea of how to reach him, we sent his personal belongings to his next of kin in Australia.

And may I ask who that is? Teerdomay asked.

His son, Terrance Landers, stated Dr. Fritzgerald.

And what became of his non-personal items? Kiijon asked.

Anything that was university property is still in his office, Dr. Fritzgerald replied. We only removed personal items. His computer is still on his desk and his files are still in the drawers.

Would there be any chance for me to have access to his computer?

I am afraid you would need a search warrant to access his computer and files, Dr. Fritzgerald stated as he walked the two FBI agents down the hallway. He stopped in front of a glass door with the words Dr. Jeffrey Landers, Department of History written on it. This was his office. Dr. Fritzgerald opened the door, stepped inside and turned on the light. As you can see, it is quite bare. But feel free to look around. If you need any assistance please see Miss Sweets.

Thank you very much, Dr. Fritzgerald, Kiijon replied. When the professor had left, he looked around at the very bare office. The bookshelves were empty except for a few books. Most of the pictures had been removed from the walls and all that remained on the desk was the computer. Teerdomay, download his computer while I check the filing cabinets.

Thank goodness Dr. Fritzgerald doesn’t realize we don’t need a search warrant to gain access to the computer, Teerdomay said with a smile. Do you want me just to download his files? Or leave it open so we can do more checking into the system if we need to when we return to the hotel?

Just do the download, Kiijon answered. Even though our connection is small and probably would not be discovered by humans, if the Terrians came back their scanners might pick up our device. I don’t want them knowing we were ever here.

Understood, Teerdomay stated as she completed the download. All done.

Kiijon walked over to the file cabinets and tried to open them. As he suspected, they were locked and the files unattainable. I can open the locks with no problem, Teerdomay announced.

No, I think Dr. Fritzgerald was right. We are not going to find much here, Kiijon said. Plus, I am sure he would never leave important information so readily available to the university should something happen to him.

But he may have hidden some things in places whomever packed up the office would not have looked, Teerdomay commented.

I agree. Look around. Search for secret panels, check behind those pictures. I’ll check out the desk.

For the twenty minutes Kiijon and Teerdomay searched the small office, looking in and above every drawer and shelf, inside the heat register and beneath the furniture. They found nothing. Lastly Kiijon walked over to the bookshelf and thumbed through the few historical books on the shelf. In the