The Oracle Trilogy Book One Ohm's Node

Not a Bedtime Story

'What does that feel like?', Maya asked.

'It feels like hope', she answered.

The ones in front stopped. They all relied on following the one in front of them, creating an invisible chain to stay on mark. Everyone wore a mask for the dust. If things got too bad, the leaders would stop, going into huddle conditions until they were tapped by those in front of them and they would then tap the ones following.

Sitting in a dark ocean of dust, waiting, they would create a story, each contributing a few minutes. Sometimes, around and around they went until tapped. Once again, Gen spoke.

'Part of its about the book.'

'Which, the sci-fi one?'

'Its gone viral.'

'Why?'

'Hope.'

'It's fiction though, so?

'I don't know. Maybe not.'

'They've said, there's nothing that they can't do.

But Gen had gone quiet, allowing the angry presence of the wind to intrude. It seemed anti climatic to begin a story, but Maya began as she usually did but this time with a twist.

'All four sisters left their beloved home and began the journey north where temperatures would cook an egg on cloudy days. They were all beautiful girls, well trained and schooled by their professor father and researcher mother. They knew what they could possibly confront on their epic trip and prepared as best they could. They understood the hazards and dangers of walking during end times so always spoke with each other about the best ways to survive. On one night as the fire near by was sparking and our small caravan began packing up a miracle came to pass. More band width and the hope for open food markets along the way. But the biggest surprise was our special sis who read the signs like maybe the one in the book gone viral, and said that something, something had changed. Hardly ever had we heard so much from her than that night.'

To the surprise of all, without missing a beat, Genesis picked it up.

'After what seemed like hours the girls walked over a rise and down to a what looked like a mirage, a clearing with their heads held high, not running or talking, without any sign of stress or concern, naked, covered in a film of dust, fingered streaks on their faces and breasts like some apocalyptic nymphs. Holding hands, they formed the vanguard of the caravan. A native woman dressed in bright colorful thread, addressed the girls as soul mates.

My daughters, you have all been eagerly awaited. We are here for you. How many in your party?'

'We are one hundred and fifty-five, a small band, sister', they replied in unison.

'This UN mobile unit is yours to use in any way you desire. When you decide to leave, we'll guide you in selecting a months' worth of provisions. But first, I'll show you a shelter to relax and catch your breath and where you can take a short shower.'

She laughed, spreading her arms. 'Of course, it's not mandatory but from the reactions from other travelers, from other sites, it may be something that you might consider. A communal meal will be served at four. Until then there will be trained medical facilitators who will advise you on preferred treatments. Our mobile unit consists of five hundred inflatable yurts, five large tents able to accommodate a few hundred diners each. So welcome and come, let me show you.'

I couldn't hold myself back anymore so stumbled ahead, giddy like I get after too much stimulation.

The youngest went right to the five-minute shower. One minute in and she thought she'd gone to heaven. Three minutes in and she knew she had. Four in and she realized there was soap and shampoo there and she had better clean before it went off. While she was drying off, a woman asked her if she would like a five-minute hot oil massage. She wanted to say, 'What, are you fucking kidding me!', or, 'Ah, ya know, I just had one the other day', but with deep respect answered, 'um, sure.'

She was led into one of the inflatable yurts that smelled of honey, lavender and mint. There was a beautiful young man standing next to a massage table, asking me to drop the towel and get on. And my favorite Renee came on, Love the Refugees, and....'

'Ana, we must go. The wind has died down. Loved it little girl. Soon, we hope.'

Maya stopped and looked at all of the people in the room, making sure to make eye contact. 'This was the fantasy of my youngest. These are my other two daughters here to pray that you step up your help to the helpless.'

Three daughters appeared on both sides of her in ripped clothes. Somer thought they looked like distressed clothing other than the fact that they were emaciated, dirty and bruised.

'Hello, I am Ana and my precious little sister was lured away at night, was killed and eaten. We want to say to you who have billions to po-leaze help! At least with protection. One drone isn't enough, five aren't enough. Fifty, maybe. Look for the bad people who follow us behind us hiding. You must know living children are wanted even though we have little meat on our bones. They get lots of money for us, understand?'

'They have no morals, nothing. We are sorry if we interrupt your party, but this is a message you should hear from real people.'

As Somer watched the tableau of all activist guests, trying to read their thoughts by how they reacted, refugees began filling in all the available spaces so in seconds the packed room began praying in unison~ please help us..please help us. Only for a minute and all were gone.

'Well, here, here for the imagination! Nothing off the table when it comes to youthful telling it like it is, eh! A bit grim but I for one believe that this should be a time without fables, without any falsehoods or clever fairy tales to muck the waters. MD is the narrative and this poor family has captured a slice of it, so to speak.'

Looking around at her cohorts, Moon continued. 'We're damn lucky to have the likes of her among us. And let us not forget that fourteen is the new twenty. And with the trillions being spent on research, it is she that must lead forwards. When you find that the cows are out of the barn, you let them graze on fertile pastures. Cheers to our future.'

Bill stepped up next to Somer.

'My granddaughter has been my inspiration from the outset of this amazing coalition of partners from all corners of the planet, ours being one of the first. I must say that seeing this horrid mess we've made, I've contributed to, through the eyes of a child, has been both sobering and heart felt to this old man, no small thing that. We hear her heart breaking for these poor refugees and have pledged all resources to help them out. And the Consortium of creative Nodes agree.'

While everyone stood up to clap, Somer ran to the bathroom and barfed into the newly installed solar compost toilet. 

chapter 23