The Gospel According To Aaron

By Tanya Biondi

Following Blustardusk, the first volume of the series that introduced us to the Anusian population, in this new book, the author tells us the story of Jussi, officer and engineer for the most important ship of Anusia’s fleet. His life changes dramatically when he is stricken by a grievous loss, causing many of his convictions to crumble. Having abandoned his planet in search for some kind of precarious balance, he meets Emma, who will accompany him along the difficult path to a newly found life.
A story that unravels between cosmic fantasy and a human research for spirituality and faith, passing through tragedy and the discovery of love.
This is not a book about religion; it is a journey inside the thoughts, feelings, doubts and certainties of the characters populating it. It is, more than anything, a tribute to hope.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tanya Biondi
• Release date: Oct 6, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463092620

Tanya Biondi

HelloI'm Tanya, a self-published author who writes just for the pleasure of doing so. I was born in 1968 in London. My mother is English, while my father is Italian, so my parents moved to Italy when I was a baby. I have always lived in Italy, in a nice place near the sea and a pinewood that I love very much. Since we were kids, me and my brothers and sister, we used to travel to London to visit the family over there, so London is in fact my second home, I have also lived there for seven years when I was younger. I have a son, and I'm very proud of him, as he is a very good young man. I work as a secretary for a living, and I always try to do my job at my best. I enjoy riding my bike, walking on the beach or in the pinewood, or just around town. I like to attend museums, art exhibitions and galleries, visiting new cities, travelling. Fundamentally, I'm just a very normal person with a special privilege, it being the inclination towards creativity.As an author I have published many poetry collections in Italian, two of these I have translated into English and French, the same goes for my novels. I only started writing prose since 2013. I also like making music and I have released two EPs and two full length albums, with the aid of a few wonderful musicians/producers to whome I will always be grateful.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Talk, you witch! What are you doing here? What do you want from my son and what have you done to him?!

Oh, look who’s here, the worried mummy. Frankly, I’m surprised that you felt my presence. So, you did learn something about our arts after all. Ha, ha, ha!

Wipe that grin from your face because I’ve learned a lot more about our arts than you would wish to try. Answer my questions, your games can’t bewitch me anymore!

There, there, how touchy you have become… Well, I shall fulfil your requests right away, my dear. You see, I actually didn’t need to trouble myself doing anything to your son, everything that could be done to him was done by you from the moment you conceived that little monster. I did not do anything other than pitifully show him what his end would be, given his outrageous and unnatural genesis. I reckoned it was right to prepare him, considering the imminence of the moment. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!

My son is the fruit of love. How dare you call him a monster when you feed on hate and wickedness?!

Quiet, you idiot! You fill your mouth with words of which you don’t even understand the meaning! I feed on hate, you feed on vanity. You insist on teaching others what you don’t understand yourself, making use of that living artifice that will have a brief and tormented life, and not because of my hate, dear, it would be wasted on him, but thanks to your stupidity and conceit. Am I amused by all this? Oh yes! I am very much amused! My own cunning could never have devised such a stupidly perfect plot to strike the enemies of my people as the downfall of your macabre plan! Ha, ha, ha.

Your obtuseness is such as to not let you distinguish friends from enemies and a good intention from vice.

And your blindness is so complete that you don’t realise the evil you have caused to your creature in order to satisfy your ambition of melting hearts of stone!

In spite of the mistakes I made, each one of my actions was motivated by a will of love and tenderness, me myself paying with sacrifice and abnegation.

Poor fool! Your son will die suffering, and all of your love will waste into nothing on this arid and barbaric planet.

That’s enough! Stay away from my child and go back to where you came from!

I will not leave without obtaining satisfaction for the insults you have thrown at me; so, if you want to cast me out, show me what you’re capable of, but know that this won’t save your son.

Two flashes of white light exploded in the air, the leaves were shaken by the storm and creatures stood frozen and mute. Even the inhabitants of nearby villages were hit by an inexplicable sense of discomfort, and an unaware kid suddenly felt his body torn in pain. It was just a few minutes of furious energy, then the Priestess fell to the ground, her powers gone. She had underestimated her opponent. The other duellist gained ground sitting on a knee, exhausted and lacerated, her head bowing and her eyes closed in order to recover some composure, but intact and more powerful than ever. The glow in the blue sky faded, colours regained their natural nuances, and all the surrounding life resumed its normality. The only choice left to the opponent was to fold, look for a way out and let herself be swallowed by oblivion.

Lozemaï, Lozemaï the Wise, answer if you can, please!

Who’s looking for me during my time of rest?

It is Aïlûn, my Lady, Aïlûn the unfortunate. I think something’s wrong with Aaron, but I cannot understand what it is, I just feel that something isn’t right.

My sweet Aïlûn, you have spoken to your son, at last. My time is about to end and yours is about to begin. I will take care of him, he shall not make this journey alone. But you, you still have a long way to go before you can return to take on the position you are entitled to, having completed your path to awareness. Now go, find the serenity of your heart and leave me to my rest.

Then the wise turned to the girl next to her.

Digilla, my dear girl, it is time, I have to go. You know where I want my body to lie. Not many years will go by before the one who shall take my place will come; she will then be more powerful and wise than myself. Let her guide you and prepare you for your great destiny. I am leaving this message to you, my child: a man will come looking for me, and you shall recognise him by the pain in his eyes. Tell him that Aaron was not alone, that Lozemaï the wise held him by the hand. I bid farewell to you with my body, dear child, you know that my spirit will always be by your side.

PART I

Chapter I

Amon, I need to talk to you in private, immediately! The voice of General Rousseau resounded from the main monitor of the control room.

Transfer the call over to my office please, Rjulik.

Something wrong, General? asked Amon, worried by his colleague’s expression.

Unfortunately, something tragic happened, it will be a major blow to all of you. Young Aaron was found dead in his room this morning, it seems he killed himself.

Amon had to hold on to the desk, he stared at the monitor with wide eyes. For a moment, his mind was erased and there was nothing left but a dull pain and silence.

I’m sorry, lad, said Rousseau, I thought it was appropriate to inform you right away, and I think it’s better if Jussi hears it from you since you are close friends. An investigation has been ordered; you are to head back home, over.

Yes, Sir, over and out, answered Amon with a faint voice.

He stayed there for a few minutes, paralysed. His hands strongly grabbed the desk as if it was his only lifeline. Then, slowly, he came back to his senses, regained the coolness that the moment could allow, the one that his role required, even now that his heart was breaking.

He went back to the control room, stone-faced.

Rjulik, invert the route, we’re going back to Anusia.

One look was enough for the First Officer to understand it wasn’t time to ask questions.

Amon went out and, like a robot, headed to the laboratories, he had to tell one of his closest friends that he would never see his son again. Liukin met him in the corridor, but given his expression, he kept on going without a murmur.

Hey, Rjulik, what the hell is going on? Why have you changed the route?! We’ve just come out from the meteor storm and you want to go right back into it?

I’m following orders, I can’t tell you more.

But, Amon…

I’ve never seen such an expression on his face in my entire life, so whatever has happened must be serious. He spoke privately with Rousseau just a few minutes ago, he’ll explain it to us when he finds it appropriate; now leave him alone.

Ok, but where was he going?

I don’t know. Don’t follow him, Liukin, go back to your duties!

Amon entered Jussi’s laboratory.

Hey! he welcomed him with his usual smile, what happened to you, have you been excluded from the chatoux championship? joked the engineer.

Jussi, I have something to tell you, my friend, I think it’s better if you sit down.

Jussi followed the invitation, looking at him with concern. The commander came closer, leaning on the table.

Something terrible happened, Jussi, it’s about young Aaron. He… Apparently, this morning he was found dead in his room, at the Institute. Amon passed a hand over his face, trying not to break down.

Jussi jumped at the mention of his son’s name and stared at him unbelievingly.

What are you saying, Amon? You’re wrong! I’m sure there must be a mistake, who told you such a thing? I spoke to Aaron just before the storm and he was fine.

I’m sorry, Jussi, there’s no mistake. I’ve just been alerted by Rousseau.

No! No! I don’t believe you! the engineer backed away, shaking his head, pale in his face. You’re wrong, it’s not Aaron, he’s fine, I’ve spoken to him! he almost screamed to himself.

Siviana! You and Vrliutzkitz come immediately to Jussi’s laboratory with a stretcher, no questions!

Amon approached his friend just in time to hold him while he collapsed to the ground, staring into space, repeating that it was a mistake.

Release me! I want to talk to my son, you’re all crazy! Let me talk to Aaron! he repeated while trying to break free from the commander’s grip.

Please calm down, Jussi, please! You can’t talk to Aaron, my friend, he cannot answer anymore. Amon couldn’t hold back the tears and leaned his forehead on his friend’s shoulder.

He can’t answer you anymore, Jussi, he murmured, tightening his hands around his friend’s arms.

The engineer stared into space, silent and annihilated. Amon regained control and looked up, Siviana and Vrliutzkitz watched the scene feeling petrified. He understood that he had to react, his men would fall to pieces, he had to take them by the hand and prevent it from happening.

Bring Jussi to the infirmary! He ordered, passing a hand to his forehead again. Siviana, Vrliutzkitz, I’m talking to you!

Amon, are you ok? asked the woman approaching him. Did I get it right?

No, I’m not ok. None of us will be fine for a long time, but now it is him we have to think about, he answered, helping them to lie the engineer on the stretcher. And, yes, Siviana, what you understood is right, our little guy left us, he caressed her head before leaving the room.

The commander called his friends and closest collaborators to inform them about what Rousseau had told him.

Before reaching Anusia, I’ll release a statement for the rest of the crew, everyone knew Aaron in some way, and I think it is right to explain to them what is going on. But not right now. First, we have to recompose ourselves.

They were all petrified, no one had the strength and courage to move or say a word.

Friends, continued Amon, I think I’m speaking on behalf of all of us when I say that this is the most devastating experience of our lives. However, please try to come to terms with yourselves and what you’re feeling, I’m asking you to do it also for Jussi, who will need all of our support. I am going to call Orihn immediately, we need help from someone who understands this kind of trauma better than us.

They formed a circle and held hands together before leaving the room and going back to their duties, only Asio stayed behind.

What is happening to us, Amon? We’re so vulnerable.

We’re just men, Asio, for a long time we’ve tried to ignore this fact, trenching behind our model. We grew up avoiding anything that could hurt us, considering ourselves impenetrable, but destiny has chosen to remind us who we are, and our strength has become our weakness.

Chapter II

14 years earlier

Thanks for the hospitality, Ambassador, a truly pleasant evening, said Asio also speaking for the other officials of the Blustardusk descended on the planet.

Xtos, like Druidus, was a non-aligned planet. Its location, in a hard-to-navigate area of the universe, contributed to its protection, as well as the many natural magnetic barriers travellers needed to go through before reaching it. Non-aligned planets, in the known universe, were so for one of two reasons: either the inhabitants were too underdeveloped to travel through space, and the planet was unappealable for those who had colonial aims, or they were so powerful that they could afford their own independence. Xtos belonged to the second category. Contrary to Druidus, this planet was slightly more involved with extra-planetary events. The qualities of the place and of its inhabitants were quite enigmatic, and for this reason, the planet was awed and respected. The territory, as well as the population, was mimetic and mutant. The inhabitants were few, or so it seemed. Usually, they didn’t live in a purely energetic state as on Easterness, the planet of myth located in the middle of the Evanissium system, but they could change shape and state whenever they wanted. So, from the water of a river, from a tree or from a breath of wind, a man could suddenly appear. They never took the shape of artefacts, but only of natural elements or living beings. However, even the territory and the cities could change, appear and disappear in the blink of an eye, and of course, this did not put unsolicited visitors at ease. Those who came announced, though, were always treated with the utmost respect, and on those occasions, the shape of things was kept constant in order to make the guests feel comfortable.

For all the scientists belonging to simple races, the characteristics of superior planets and their inhabitants were a mystery as well as a source of curiosity, hypothesis and conjectures. For Jussi, being on Xtos was frustrating; he would have liked to take samples, place sensors, and take swabs, but it would have been disreputable, so he just observed and suffered. Things were different for Asio, his field was more academic and he felt satisfied when he was able to have long conversations with these beings that were so different from them, occasionally being delighted by the privilege of accessing some rare books, although he wasn’t sure whether those could also form and disintegrate according to the will of those who offered them to him. In time, with the help of the planet’s Ambassador, he had worked hard to learn the ancient language used in the books. He noticed some similarities with the idioms of the populations of Evanissium, in particular with the language of the ancient Aïlyssrynn, from which the Anusian language had also inherited so much. The society of Xtos, or maybe it would have been more correct to call it a ‘community’ since they were few, reminded Asio of some religious brotherhoods that he had met on certain planets. This feeling was underlined by the way the inhabitants appeared; dressed in a sort of cream coloured tunic made of a raw but soft material, and by their personality which was thoughtful, good-natured and quiet. Asio felt that there was something mysterious and occult in the atmosphere of the planet, but not sinister; something that inspired the sense of awe that you can feel in the presence of a superior creature. Actually, he wasn’t sure whether he could define them as creatures or rather entities. The characteristics of the planets and populations of the Evanissium system already put to a hard test the logical minds of the Anusians, and of those civilizations who, like them, had consigned to history any religious beliefs, superstitions and esotericism. What couldn’t be explained was something that responded to laws that still had to be discovered and demonstrated, and the frustration, for those like Jussi, was caused by the fact that they couldn’t conduct their own studies. For Asio, things were different. After years of interactions with different people, he had been conquered by a kind of humanism and it wasn’t hard for him to accept that something that was imponderable; indeed, he found this mentally stimulating, and occasionally even ironic. Planet Xtos and everything that existed on it was even more complicated than the wonders of Evanissium.

Ambassador! I see you’re already immersed in your speculations!

Good morning, Cyrilus, answered Asio, you know that I find the early hours of the morning perfect for this activity.

I very well understand, nodded the colleague politely.

But, tell me, continued Asio, jokingly, will there be a sunrise even after we have left?

Cyrilus laughed kindly.

I’m sure it will have its moments.

The Anusian Ambassador appreciated the answer.

We have known each other for many years now, Asio. You were but an inexperienced young man thirsty for knowledge when we met the first time.

Yes, I remember it very well, he answered pensively, I was meditating about all this just a moment ago; about all the things you taught me, Cyrilus. First of all, patience.

Indeed, patience. A fundamental quality for the wise and strong man, an essential one for an immortal.

I was not so well equipped with it at that time.

Oh, you were endowed with it then just as you are now, you only needed to make its acquaintance, like all young fellows, or most of them at least.

Asio smiled.

By the way, continued Cyrilus, you can tell to your Jussi that if he wants, as I think he does, he can take all the samples he desires, his abnegation has already been put to the test so many times.

Asio looked at him questioningly.

Don’t worry, he won’t reveal all of our secrets, you will always have something to cogitate upon.

And what if everything should be unveiled and there would be nothing left to be answered? Sometimes I don’t understand why everyone feels this urge to explain everything surrounding us…

The same reason for which you do not wish to unveil it; all simple beings need an objective to give a sense to their existence, yours is to make assumptions about mysteries and theirs is to find a way to understand their nature.

Very well, but when all mysteries will be explained, there won’t be goals for anyone.

You are a hedonist, Asio, you prefer to rack your brain on nothing, instead of giving up the pleasure of living. Admit it.

They both laughed.

I prefer to think that not everything can be explained or solved with logic, reduced to a formula.

You’ve become romantic during these years… Unfortunately, I have to tell you that everything is explainable, but for your peace, not always with logic or with your tools of thought, related to matter and its behaviour.

Asio looked uncertain.

You know, it is time for your people to take a new step on the path of evolution, Asio. What you have acquired is well consolidated, but if you stop there, it would be your defeat and the beginning of your decline. It’s time to challenge your strengths and overcome your weaknesses. The journey will be long, as it is for every evolution, but it will be a single event that will make the ball roll along the slightly inclined path.

I don’t understand, said Asio ingenuously.

You don’t need to understand it now; the fog will disperse at the right moment.

The Anusian Ambassador became thoughtful.

The concerns you were disclosing to me just a few minutes ago, such as having to live without any questions to ask oneself, the danger of boredom and a lack of purposes, all of these are already part of your model of society; you can’t see it clearly yet, but it is so. What now seems so close to perfection contains, in fact, some serious shortcomings that a few simple events could detonate, with devastating consequences. Nonetheless, you have the chance to evolve, although the process will be long and painful, even for some of your own circle.

What are you talking about?

Soon, you will gain access to a part of your being that you don’t know anymore, a part that Anusians have locked away for such a long time, that they have even forgotten about its existence. It is the site where the deepest emotions dwell, the most beautiful and the most terrible ones. Someone will come and open that lock; he won’t do it with malice, but with candour and you will find yourselves naked in front of your most intimate selves, then it will be the greatness of your soul to determine your future. You will be one of the few privileged people who will meet him in person, and I can only advise you not to be afraid to accept what might seem absurd in him. Be a guide and not a censor for your people, and protect those who will receive his message with a pure heart.

Cyrilus, your words fill me with anxiety and awe.

I completely trust you. Do you trust me?

Asio looked him in the eyes for a moment.

I trust you!

Chapter III

Jussi had collected as many samples as possible, always fearing that someone might appear out of nowhere and disintegrate him for cutting his foot or hand away… He couldn’t wait to work on those samples, but the departure was still a few days away, so he decided to go out and take a walk to calm his impatience. He opened the door of the room that was assigned to him and almost tripped on something that was left in front of it.

Damn! Who placed this thing here! he ranted.

It looked like a basket full of rags and the engineer lifted it to bring it to a more suitable place, but it was heavy and couldn’t contain just shreds of cloth, so he laid it on the bed and opened the bundle to see what it was. He almost fell to the floor: in the middle of the rags, there was a baby.

Goodness, what are you doing here, baby? Who could have forgotten you in the hallway?! he thought aloud.

He placed the basket on the bed so that it couldn’t overturn and looked out into the hallway to see if anyone was looking for the lost bundle. There was not a soul. Jussi came back and sat on the bed.

This is really weird, he thought in a loud voice again. You must really have forgetful parents, little one! Come on, come here, let’s see if there is any evidence here to understand where you come from.

It had been a long time since he last held such a small child, and the sense of tenderness prevailed on the investigation, so he started walking through the room, smiling and cuddling the baby.

Do you know you’re really cute, honey? Oh yes, you’re so beautiful, little boy, and so calm, yes, yes, yes. Eh, but you’re awake! Hi baby, how cute you are, and those lovely cheeks, but who’s this weird man, uh, uncle Jussi? You know they left you right here, in front of my door. Let’s see if we can find out who has lost you… Here, stay here on the bed and don’t move while I look in your crib, good boy.

He began to look through the rags in the basket while speaking with the baby. For a moment, he thought that he would have been sorry to give him back. They’d been together for just five minutes and he had already been conquered.

Oh, look, here’s a note, maybe it could be useful to find your mom, sweetie, eh, what do you say, we should pull her ears a little for leaving you around like this.

«Dear Jussi, maybe you don’t remember me, we met during the conference of Sirtik on Zstais last year, I will never forget those days. This creature is the result of our union, I can’t take care of him, please, take him, don’t abandon him, I’m sure you’ll be a wonderful father. Forever, Niula.»

Oh, my goodness! What kind of joke is this! Exclaimed Jussi in shock.

He took a deep breath and read the note again, hoping to have misunderstood something.

Amon, please, come to my room right now! He called the commander on the bleep.

I’m in a meeting, can you wait?

Actually, I would prefer not to. I’ll try to call Asio.

Never mind, I’ll free myself, I’ll be there in 5 minutes.

The engineer was absolutely shocked, there must have been a mistake, but in the meantime, the baby started to become restless. Maybe he felt his tension. Jussi picked him up and started walking around the room, cradling him. The doorbell rang.

Amon! Finally!

Hey! Who hired you as a babysitter?! he laughed.

It’s not funny, my friend, read that note on the bed.

Amon read and gasped.

Gosh… was the only thing he could say while his eyes went from the note to Jussi and vice versa.

What do you think? asked the engineer.

Sorry, I’m confused.

You’re telling me…

What do you say? Have you angered some young lady who wants to take revenge in some way?

Do I seem like the kind of man who cheats on ladies?

No, it was a rhetorical question, had it been Liukin…

However, it must be a joke because I’ve never been to that conference.

I know, we were on Solarius for the interplanetary games, but who’s this Niula, do you remember her?

Absolutely not, at least not among the women I’ve seen in recent years.

Maybe she has a very long gestation time, Amon joked to defuse the tension.

Jussi looked at him and burst out laughing.

I’ve never missed my birth control treatment, it is impossible that this baby is my son. Anyway, what kind of mother would abandon her son at the doorstep of an almost unknown man just out of spite?

Jussi, my friend, if that’s the matter, nothing surprises me anymore; however, there’s still the fact that this baby can’t be your son, so where does he comes from, and what should we do with him?

I think we should call Siviana and make some tests on the baby, maybe we can find out something more.

Of course, good idea. Anyway, I need to warn Ambassador Cyrilus as whoever did this must be on this planet or must have left over the last few hours; then we’ll decide who will take care of him.

Who knows how long he has been in the hallway, maybe he’s hungry, I don’t know anything about babies!

Don’t look at me, I’m not even sure I would have the courage to hold him.

Of course you would, it’s an instinctive thing, he’s so sweet.

Amon smiled, he was sure Jussi would have been a great father, but that baby couldn’t be his and they needed to understand where he came from. Meanwhile, the child started to fidget and cry.

Oh, oh, I’d better go and look for some help, Amon started to worry.

Ten minutes later, the commander still wasn’t back.

You know what, little one? Let’s go look for something to eat by ourselves, someone will direct us to the kitchens. I’m hoping there is milk on this planet.

Jussi went to the area where the meals were served and asked a passing attendant where he could find the kitchens.

Is anybody here? he called from a large