Parallel in Jeopardy: Parallel Missions, #3

By Larry L. Sydow

Parallel in Jeopardy is the third book in the PARALLEL MISSION series. In the first two books, members of an elite team from a parallel universe enter the Earth Parallel to recruit team members on Earth Parallel to change the course of the history of both parallels. "As it is in Earth Parallel, it will be in other parallels." Their rescue missions spanned the globe, beginning with Earth recruits visiting the centuries-advanced parallel where scientists and technicians trained and prepared them for their Missions. Then, a European "vacation" became the staging place as they prepared to spread the message: "Violence begets violence. Peace begets peace. More Team members are recruited, as the Missions require more members.

     Alien, government, and criminal elements enter the picture early, attempting to identify the Mission Team and capture their Ship and technology. The Parallel scientists will only provide the Team with equipment that has already been invented on Earth or is on the drawing boards but not in use. Thus, it appears their cigar-shaped Ship, their Suits, and other space-age technology are far more advanced than any other being used on Earth. A renovated farm near Omaha is where the Ship and the supplies are stored and prepared for the various Missions.

     In Parallel in Jeopardy, a work project in Mexico, sends Derek, the Earth-Team leader, to Mexico City on a purchasing assignment. An unidentified organization recruits Derek to help them find and capture the Mission Team and their equipment—especially their Ship. Derek recruits a local driver to show him the city and seek reports about the "aliens and their Ship."

     Numerous encounters in Mexico and other countries threaten the continuation of the Missions. Even Derek's return to the States is fraught with challenges. Yet, despite the difficulties, enduring friendships are forged.  

     At the same time, Derek's brother-in-law, a disbeliever in all things alien, encounters an alien visitor who steps out of his closet. Tilden is the alien whose presence creates a crisis for Bryce, his family, and the Team. His turmoil increases as he gets to know "Tilden."

     A crisis in Egypt draws the entire Team to assist with rescue efforts. Unfortunately, the work is complicated by terrorists, military, and police who have sworn to capture or destroy the Team and their Ship. Will their message finally sink in? Violence begets violence! Peace begets peace!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Larry Sydow
• Release date: Feb 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201875954

Larry L. Sydow

       Larry Sydow is a retired pastor. He received his B.A. Degree from Midland University in Fremont, NE, and his Master of Divinity Degree from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. He previously published “Let Them Answer,” a book of children’s sermons. When he retired, he planned to write a book compiling the best of the devotions he had been writing for almost fifteen years. However, as a Master Gardener, the other writing project on the back burner was a book of the stories medicinal herbs tell.       His writing was interrupted by his first retirement failure by a request that he serve as a nursing home chaplain.  During that time, he began writing science fantasy. The first book of the PARALLEL MISSIONS series, “Parallel Mission, the Journey Begins,” was published in 2017.  He failed retirement a second time when he was asked to fill in for a couple of months for a pastor in Roswell, NM going on medical leave. It was a position that lasted three years, during which he moved to Roswell and continued to write. The results were a continuation of the Parallel Missions Series.      Larry and his wife, Susan, have two children and two grandchildren living in the Seattle, WA area. In 2018 they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Susan is an accomplished quilter. In addition to writing, Larry enjoys music. He sings, plays piano, organ, and guitar. He has written numerous songs for various occasions, including more than 20 “herb songs” illustrating the stories herbs can tell. ABOUT THE ARTIST     Pat Hittle became an artist quite by accident. Studying to become a theater director, she discovered she needed an art course to design her own scenery. She found that she enjoyed it so much that she studied the masters when she lived in Italy. When she returned to the U.S., she found that people wanted to buy her art, so she started entering shows successfully. Thus, she became a professional artist.

Book preview

1-Touch and Go

The questions racing through Derek’s mind as he waited for the Port to open caused his heart to race. Would Tomas recover? As Team Leader, he was the liaison with Parallel and critical to all of their Missions. Would Parallel assign another Team leader? Would Parallel Command shut down the Missions and send them back to their old daily grind? Would the legalists among their scientists put new restrictions on their interference in human affairs? What part would Voleta and the other humanoids they met in Europe play if their Missions continued? Would doctors in Parallel wipe their minds to prevent any leakage of information? Would the whole Team simply disappear—forever?

His worst-case scenario: Parallel would flood the Ship with a gas that would render them unconscious ... and/or dead ... signaling the end of their fantastic adventures... and life itself. 

The swoosh of the Portal opening brought absolute darkness to Derek, Heinrich, Telsa, and Marlin. It’s amazing how many thoughts can flash through a person’s mind at lightning speed. Derek’s first thoughts involved regrets he hadn’t gotten to say a final goodbye to Margo, his family, and his friends. The darkness made it obvious to him that the option Parallel chose was to eliminate the Team. 

But, he thought, "...if I’m being gassed, I would smell something, or I’d be unconscious.  If I’m dead.... Maybe this is hell... utter and absolute darkness for eternity. It wouldn’t be fun, but at least there aren’t any of the horrors of Dante’s Inferno—no demons, and devils, and lakes of fire, and torment. But, I need to use the toilet A.S.A.P.! Would I be able to experience bodily functions, if I were... in hell... or dead?"

Suddenly his mind was shocked back into reality by a loud voice. Hey! he heard someone—Heinrich?—shout, What happened to the lights? Did someone forget to pay the light bill? 

Just then, the lights came on full force, momentarily blinding them. 

Sorry ‘bout that! a disembodied voice apologized. I was in a rush to flip all the switches to make certain you had the clean air and atmospheric pressure when I took over for Bart, and I missed that one, little switch marked ‘light.’ Happy to have you back. Another very successful Mission! Good job, everyone. 

Parallel Command had sent the Team to Finland, where they prevented a Russian separatist from accidentally blowing up his own family and a large portion of the village. It took some convincing before Nikita believed the truth about his past. Once the truth sank in, he was able to accept their message and begin building a peaceful future. 

The foursome—Derk, Marlin, Heinrich, and Telsa—unbuckled their seat belts and made their way through the Port to the clean room. There, specialized showers and filters removed both internal and external bacterial remnants from the Earth-world Parallel. It took time and was not the most enjoyable of experiences. However, it was a safety precaution for themselves and those in Parallel who might be susceptible to Earth illnesses. Before returning to their home Parallel, the reverse took place, removing certain bacteria and replacing others to maintain health. 

Once technicians allowed them to leave the clean room, they made their way to the gathering place to meet their friends. Derek and his Team thought Judith was with Tomas or upgrading her Parallel training. Margo was most likely updating her medical training and language skills. And Voleta, they knew, was already with some Parallel scientists being interviewed and debriefed while receiving special training to compliment the needs of the Team. They were not surprised to find themselves alone in an empty room. 

No sooner had the door through which they entered closed when another door opened to admit one of the technicians. We’ve been expecting you, she said. My name is Sandra. I’ll lead you to the appropriate update facility. Each of you will renew and upgrade your skills in several categories. Please follow me. 

Derek asked, Any word on Tomas’ progress? The last we heard when Parallel sent us on our last Mission wasn’t good. 

Not really. You’ll need to talk to one of the doctors. For your peace of mind, I’ll request updates from time to time. 

Thank you. We’ll appreciate any word we can receive. I take it Margo, Judith, and Voleta are being upgraded. 

Sandra replied, Again, someone else will have to give you reports on their progress and their situations. 

Sandra led the Team through a series of doors and brought them to a small room with three other technicians waiting patiently. 

Heinrich, Sandra announced, leading him to a young man with short-cropped red hair and a mile-wide smile, "this is Mitchell. He’ll take you to your upgrade lab. 

"Telsa, this is Tonya. Please follow her to your appointed lab. 

"Marlin, meet Dale and follow him to the lab to which you have been assigned. 

Derek, I’ll take you to your lab. It’s just two doors down this hallway, on the right. 

True to Sandra’s word, each of them received updates on language skills and critical physical abilities. Simultaneously, the equipment and exercises strengthened their muscles and expanded their mental and spiritual capabilities. In some ways, the experiences were effortless, even enjoyable. In others, those activities challenged and pushed them close to the breaking point. 

Intermingled with enhanced skills and abilities, their training provided them with newer and more efficient tools. Because of, or thanks to, the interference of certain alien species who were providing scientists and engineers in the Earth-world Parallel with advanced knowledge, the Team members received the positive benefits of those technologies. Parallel provided them to the Team with more refined enhancements than Earth scientists received from their alien collaborators.

Their month-long stay in Parallel was intense, so crammed with lessons, exercises, and challenges that the time seemed to fly. Their coaches gave them rest periods, but they could not be together until it was time to return to their home base. On that crucial day, they warmly greeted each other in the clean room after undergoing the required sanitizing. 

Derek and Margo embraced and included Judith and Voleta in a group hug.  Heinrich, Telsa, and Marlin eventually joined the hug, only a minute or two before passing through the Portal and into the Ship. They would have to swap stories later. 

Notably missing was Tomas. The sadness of the moment registered on Judith’s face and dulled the joy of their reunion. Their trainers gave them vague weekly updates that left them with little on which to base their hopes, primarily because doctors were shifting him to numerous other parallels with specialists. Also, they could not visit Tomas during the last two weeks of their stay because he was in another parallel and in a state of suspended animation. Judith’s last look at him brought her to tears because his bed looked to her as if Tomas was already in a burial box. 

As they waited to enter the Ship, the mood turned somber. For fear of losing emotional control, no one mentioned Tomas or said the obvious. 

The Portal swooshed open, admitting the Team, then swooshed closed.  A person dressed in a blue Mission Suit, complete with mask and gloves, sitting in the pilot’s seat surprised them as they boarded. 

Welcome back, Bart, the computer, greeted the Team. 

Before any of them could ask questions or even reply, Bart continued, You are all required on the next Mission.   The language will be American English, and the color will be blue.

The entire Team went into automatic mode, pulling out their uniforms and Suiting up. 

Bart droned on, "Derek, you will refer to yourself as Andrew.  It will not be necessary for the rest of the Team to have assigned names on this Mission. The danger level is minimal. The target you will rescue is a group of eight teenagers who don’t know they’re in danger. They are floating on the Niagara River a few miles above the Falls, playing a dangerous game of ‘chicken,’ all waiting for someone to grab the controls and turn the boat for the shore. However, the current in which the boat is caught is exceptionally swift, and they are in grave danger of breaking up and being swept over the falls to their deaths. 

"Each of you must tether yourselves to the Ship. The Captain and I will maneuver the Ship to intercept the boat. When the hatch opens, each of you will need to grab one of the teens. The terror of their predicament has already sunk in. They have lost control of the boat and cannot change its course before it slams into the dam and breaks up. They will not resist a rescue. 

Once we are in position and the Team has started pulling the teens into the Ship, the Captain will retrieve the last person in the group. 

In the excitement of the moment, no one had time to question the identity of the Captain. All Team members worked like the well-oiled and efficient crew they were and pulled all eight teens to safety before their boat slammed into the barrier and broke into unrecognizable pieces. 

Andrew had read the monitor as he was donning his uniform, giving him a speech to deliver. As the Team distributed towels to the shivering teens, he began, "My name is Andrew.  We are people of peace who have been sent to save all of you from certain and foolish death. Several of you will make significant advancements to benefit humankind. To do so, you need to live. Treat your lives with respect and stop your childish games. 

In addition, we would have you relay our message to all who will hear it. Violence begets violence; peace begets peace. 

With that, Bart announced that the Ship was about to land in an opening close to a ranger station. When the hatch opened, the shocked and speechless teens left their towels behind and walked out of the Ship. Before they could turn to thank the Team, the hatch closed, and the Ship disappeared. The Team watched the monitors for a few minutes as the young people embraced and stood sobbing. Even the boys were weeping with relief. Their dare had come within seconds of ending in disaster. 

The multi-national crowd of tourists on both the Canadian and American sides of the falls witnessed the blue Ship. Those with binoculars saw the rescue, and cameras captured every detail—the blue cigar-shaped ship and the space people dress head to toe in blue. 

As the Ship’s monitors went blank, masks came off, and Judith almost screamed, Tomas!? and reached for the love of her life to give him a bear hug. You scoundrel! Why didn’t you tell me...? Why didn’t Parallel let us know? We thought we’d left you behind in Parallel! 

As he caught his breath, Tomas replied, I was transferred back to our Parallel via Bart and our Ship, only about ten minutes before you boarded. It was Bart’s suggestion I Suit up and pretend to be the pilot to save the time our reunion would have taken. 

Bart! Judith scolded. You could have warned us! Did you do that on purpose... as a joke? 

Bart entered into a monotone mode and replied, You know I am a computer. A computer does not have a sense of humor. I cannot make up jokes. I cannot laugh at jokes. What is a joke? 

The entire Team broke into uproarious tension-relieving laughter as they came together in a giant group hug with Tomas. Tears were flowing freely from relief that Tomas was back and from the joy that they were all together, as well as from the hilarity of Bart’s reply. 

Bart, Derek shouted over the ruckus, if we could, we’d rip your circuits out of hiding and add you to our hug! 

Bart remained in a monotone voice and replied, For all of our sakes, it’s good I am in hiding. I will consider myself hugged. 

Another round of laughter rang through the Ship as they all changed into street clothes for the journey home. Voleta found herself included in the Team without reserve. She was new enough on the Team to experience a slight hesitation at stripping off the Suit in the presence of the others. But, those few seconds of total nudity as she stored her Suit and pulled out her street clothes passed so quickly and seemed so natural, her reserve and modesty melted away. She was a wholly accepted member of this elite and unique family, a member of the Team. 

As a Humanoid team member from another planet, she never felt so much acceptance and oneness as she experienced as a member of this Team. They had embraced her, not just in a group hug, but in a genuine sharing of themselves with her, mentally and spiritually. The very thought brought more tears of joy flowing freely down her cheeks. 

Margo was the first to realize Voleta’s emotional reaction. She separated herself from the group to draw Voleta aside for a one-on-one sharing embrace. The result was a renewed wave of emotional release for both women. It took several minutes to regain their composure, wipe away their tears, and rejoin the party atmosphere being enjoyed by the others. 

Tomas’ return had been a wonderful surprise for all. What surprised them, as much as anything, was Bart’s complicity in the surprise. Tomas explained that it took Bart’s incredible brain and the help of an array of Parallel scientists to shift his almost lifeless and paralyzed body through numerous advanced Parallel dimensions to make it possible. Some shifts were risky.

Parallel had not yet assessed the ruling factions of some of those worlds. They knew their state of scientific advancement in necessary medical fields. However, there were no treaties or agreements in place with three of them. For all Parallel or Tomas knew, they might not have returned him, or they might have returned him in worse shape. 

In every case, Tomas explained, Parallel left the final decision to me. The good news is that the risks Parallel and I took created a sense of trust and the beginnings of mutual exchanges with some new Parallels. 

Derek asked, What made those dimensions willing even to admit a primitive stranger from our dimension? 

It was the records Parallel sent ahead of me, Tomas replied, records of what our Team had accomplished in the short time we’ve been together. Every one of those advanced dimensions, without exception and with centuries more history, showed me they too had discovered the universal truths we proclaim: ‘As it is in one world, it is in other worlds.’ And, ‘Violence begets violence; peace begets peace.’ They used different words, but the meaning was the same. 

Judith asked, Did they treat your paralysis as soon as you arrived, or did you have to wait until they completed all the negotiating? High-level mucky-mucks waste a lot of time bickering and posturing. A person could die waiting for them to get their act together. 

Once they discovered the purpose of our Missions, they whisked me off to their best medical technicians to piece me together again. Each Parallel or dimension concentrated on one area of my spine and its related nerve pathways, then shipped me off to another even more specialized dimension for further treatment. I’m not sure, but I think they enhanced some of my bodily functions. One assistant hinted at that a few seconds before they whisked me off to another dimension. I guess I need to discover what those enhancements are as they’re needed. 

Marlin asked, How militaristic are those dimensions? What’s their war strategy? 

The ones I visited seemed to have the same philosophy by which our Team has been operating. They oppose violence and strive for peace. Of course, our Parallel wouldn’t have routed me through any of those with different thought patterns. There are plenty of militaristic, war-mongering Parallels and planets out there too. 

Judith said, You seem to be pretty pumped up! The last time I saw you, you were really depressed. When did that change? 

"I experienced a period of deep depression in our Parallel, and that carried over to the first Parallel to which they sent me. I had seen no improvement. I was already beginning to give up. 

That was when one of their spiritual counselors pointed to some lives we saved on our various Missions. He showed me the implications for their world and several other dimensions. It was amazingly inspiring and made me want to get back to work. That was the last hint of depression I ever felt. Oh, I got a little discouraged at times, but my therapists and doctors were great cheerleaders. 

Derek asked, Any limitations? 

Not a one. I’m better and stronger than I’ve ever been. I’m ready for action. 

Judith piped up, I’m hoping that little exercise we completed will be all for a couple of weeks. We haven’t had time to unpack from our month-long ‘vacation.’ You would think the multiple universes, Parallels, and time zones could manage without us for a while. 

Agreed! Margo exclaimed. We need a real break, and I’m not talking about broken backs, bones, or barriers. 

Tomas said, Before they released me to come on this Mission, I asked Parallel to do just that. They agreed but insisted that we needed to rescue those teens first. ‘Besides,’ they said, ‘the Team needed a happy surprise after all the negative emotions they’ve had to deal with.’ I have to admit, it was a fun surprise. 

Surprise!? Heinrich exclaimed. It was an underhanded shock. If Parallel hadn’t trained all of us to work as a synchronized machine with a single-minded Mission, it could have been a disaster. Bart’s instruction to you, referring to you as the Captain, didn’t hit me until we delivered those kids. My first thought was, ‘Who is this Captain?’ 

Judith agreed. I almost spilled the beans before those kids were out of earshot. I think I almost stared through your Suit, and I know I wasn’t the only one. 

They all agreed and had another tension-relieving laugh. 

Bart announced, We are about to land near Strasbourg. Heinrich and Telsa prepare to exit. We’re cloaked and will keep you Shielded from three people walking nearby in the woods. 

Heinrich and Telsa gave another quick round of hugs and handshakes as they prepared to leave. When the hatch opened, the Ship’s interior lights went out, and the two Teammates disappeared into the nearby forest. Beyond the sight of the other people in the park, they ran to Heinrich’s taxi cab, which he parked near the funeral home where he lived. In addition to his doctoral thesis study and cab driving, he worked for the funeral director when he needed an extra hand. 

Next stop, Bart told them, Bellevue, in 57 minutes. Marlin, please prepare to exit. The 57-minute trip was full of chatter about new equipment, new technologies, and new skills they learned in their visit to Parallel. 

From Bellevue, Nebraska, the Ship took the rest of the team to the Farm in a matter of seconds to deposit them. The Team decided that Voleta would stay with Judith and Tomas until she found her own place. 

Do you know what I’d like? Margo asked, aside from a good night’s sleep, that is? After all the excitement of the past few days, I’d like a vacation. 

Derek smiled and said, We may have been busy, but as far as our neighbors and coworkers are concerned, we’ve only been on vacation for a month.  We've only been home a few days. It’s amazing how much time and activity traveling through worm holes and Parallel universes can add to our days. 

I guess you’re right, Margo agreed. If I have it figured out right, and tomorrow is Sunday and our first day back to church since we left on vacation. 

Judith added, The two of you need to remember that you’re returning to your friends tomorrow and to work on Monday in new and improved bodies. Tomas and I are almost total strangers to most of the people at the church. We all need to keep our stories straight. 

Judith is right, Tomas agreed. You have to remember your old selves to ease your friends and coworkers into the new you. Voleta is a total stranger to everyone. We’ll need to create a cover story for her. Since it’s so late and we need to get some sleep, we’ll text it to you in the morning before going to church. 

In some ways returning to church and work will be frightening, Margo replied. In other ways, it’ll be exciting. 

Derek looked at his watch and suggested that they needed a few hours of sleep. They all agreed and headed home. 

2-Back Again–Reinvention

For Derek and Margo , Sunday morning seemed like most mornings of the month while they were vacationing in Europe.  Sleeping in their own bed felt good, but they had almost forgotten the feeling of being in their bed.  To their friends and neighbors, they had only been away from their home near Omaha for a month.  But, if Derek figured it right, with all their time in Parallel, traveling through time and space, and a month in Europe, their bodies and minds had been away from home almost four years.

The physical, vocal, and spiritual exercises they performed had become a permanent habit in Parallel and only took 15-20 minutes each morning and evening.  Once they completed their morning routine, they showered together, enjoying the intimacy of their oneness, before preparing for their day.  The changes their bodies had undergone meant spending extra time searching through the new clothes they had to purchase to find things that fit.

Their enjoyable tryst in the shower didn’t leave them time for a nice leisurely breakfast.  Instead, Derek made a cup of coffee for himself and a cup of tea for Margo. He filled their mugs for the road while Margo toasted bagels and spread a generous helping of a mixture of cream cheese and honey on them.  They would have to eat on their way to church.

Tomas texted them the cover story for Voleta Carpenter.  It introduced her as Judith’s distant cousin from New Jersey.  She was recently divorced, with no children. Voleta received her MBA from Missouri State University and plans to open a travel agency in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area.

Tomas also texted them the cover story for himself and Judith as a reminder for the whole Team:  They moved from California for the good life and slower pace of Nebraska.  Tomas is in the construction and renovation business.  Judith burned out as a 24/7 physician and surgeon and is taking a break to be the office manager for Tomas’ business.  They have two grown children:  Their son is Constantine, an insurance broker whose wife, Rachel, is a fourth-grade teacher.  They have two children: Mark, 12, and Julie, 10.  Stephanie, their daughter, is a beautician.  Her husband, Dane, is a specialized construction manager.  Stephanie and Dane have three children: April, 18, Andrew, 16, and Diane, 14.

Tomas and Judith brought Voleta with them to the church.  They had only been to worship with Derek and Margo once before the big trip.  Their first experience at the church had been positive. They appreciated the welcoming atmosphere of the church members.  Thankfully, when they arrived, several church members remembered them, greeted, and welcomed them back.

Travis Peters, a single bachelor in his mid-forties, a successful corporate lawyer, was one of the first to meet them.  He was among those who remembered that Judith and Tomas were friends of Derek and Margo.  His baby-blue eyes were drawn to Voleta.

Tomas introduced him to Voleta.  As was Travis’ custom, he introduced them to everyone who was early for worship.  By the time Derek and Margo arrived, a good-sized group of people gathered with Voleta, Judith, and Tomas, getting to know them better. 

Derek was happy to see the group around their friends.  He and Margo had visited other churches where people were friendly but not especially welcoming.  They were friendly with their own small group of friends, but not welcoming to strangers.  After the obligatory Hi, how are you? they were left by themselves hold cups of coffee.

As Derek and Margo approached, they noticed how Travis and Voleta slowly drifted away from the group.  Margo smiled as she saw Travis giving Voleta a personalized tour of the building, introducing her to the pastor and everyone else they encountered.

Margo and Derek joined their friends and received warm, welcoming hugs.  As expected, several of them commented on how much younger, lighter, and healthier they looked.  The bells... the church bells... literally saved them from further explanations as they called people to worship. 

They settled into a pew with Tomas and Judith and noted that Travis had joined them. He was giving Voleta his full attention.  Voleta didn’t seem to mind in the least.  After worship, Travis asked her to lunch and a movie, which she accepted.  She came over to Judith and Tomas to explain that Travis would bring her home later.  When she left the building with Travis, the two match-makers smiled at each other but said nothing. 

Margo announced, Judith and I have decided that our husbands are taking us out for lunch.

Oh, really? Derek and Tomas said in unison as they rolled their eyes in mock resignation, directing their wives to their cars after agreeing on a small restaurant at which to meet. 

The friends spent an enjoyable Sunday afternoon and evening relaxing and reminiscing about their travels, their families, their plans for the future, and some of the Missions on which Parallel sent them.  Both couples knew their plans were subject to change, with little notice.

It’s like that old saying, Derek commented, "...tell the Lord your plans and listen to Him laugh as He tells you His plans."

They all chuckled over that thought, knowing full well how true it was.

The next morning, Derek and Margo finished their morning exercises, showered, and dressed.  They had cereal for breakfast before heading for their respective jobs.  Despite feeling rested, Margo was more than a little apprehensive about how her coworkers would greet her.

Were he totally honest with himself, Derek would have admitted that he felt the same thing.  He knew it could be a long day for them both.  And it was.

Margo stopped at the grocery store on her way home to pick up a few things, so Derek was waiting for her when she arrived home.  He helped her with the groceries and said, We need to talk.

Oh, oh!  Trouble?

"Yes and no.  We’ll need to talk this over with Tomas and Judith, too.  My boss has asked me to take a business trip to Mexico.  The board of directors wants to expand our product line to include the handcrafted furnishings produced down there. They also want to get patent permission to reproduce some of them here.  The boss’ secretary, Margaret Jefferson, overheard me speaking Spanish to Sofia, one of the cleaning ladies.  So, when Henderson brought up the subject at the staff meeting and asked for a volunteer who could speak Spanish, no one said anything.  When I didn’t volunteer, Margaret said, ‘Derek, I heard you speaking to Sofia, didn’t I?  Why don’t you go?’

"I tried to say I just got back from being away for a month on vacation and knew nothing about that end of the business.  I said I was in human relations, not in buying and selling and don’t have a clue about how or what to negotiate. 

"Henderson perked right up and said, ‘You’ll do just fine!  You’re good with people.  That’s what counts.  I’ll teach you everything you need to know before you leave next week.’

"From that point on, I couldn’t get a word in edge-wise.  The whole discussion was focused on choosing the companies, the products, and the cities I’d be visiting, based on the pictures and catalogs they had accumulated.  I felt like an invisible and silent nonentity.

When the meeting ended, Henderson slapped me on the back and thanked me for the contribution I’d make to the success of the company.  Then, he slipped out before I could say a thing.  I don’t know how this will mesh with our Missions.

Margo had listened attentively, then said, I’m sure it will all work out.  Didn’t anyone question you suddenly speaking Spanish?  You didn’t speak more than a few phrases before our trip to Parallel.

"The only one who said anything was Carl, one of the salesmen I often talked to on coffee break.  At the meeting, I saw him raise his eyebrows, and he had a questioning look on his face when he heard it.  But then, he just shrugged.  During our coffee break, he asked about it.  I stretched the truth a bit and told him I spent travel time brushing up on what I had learned in ‘another life.’  He said he was impressed.

Speaking to Sofia was a major blunder on my part.  Parallel warned us about letting on we had special skills.  I wasn’t thinking.  Sofia said something in Spanish, and I responded automatically.

Well, you can’t do anything about that now.

The phone rang as they were preparing an evening meal together.  It was Judith.

Voleta and I thought you’d be tired after your first day back to work, so we made supper.  Would you and Derek like to come over?  We have plenty.

Margo welcomed the invitation.  Thank you!  We’d love it.  Be right over.  There are some things we need to talk about, anyway.  See you in a few minutes.

After explaining the situation to their friends, Derek asked, What will that do to our Missions?

Tomas replied, "It might work to our advantage.  In terms of logistics, it shouldn’t be any different for Bart than zipping over to