75. Helix Point

Em reached into her snoozel skin satchel like a Cheshire cat. “Rog, check this out.”

“Whoa, sweet pea, did you do this?”

“Well, I had a lot of time on those long sea voyages and dad was all for tutoring in the fine arts. What do you think?”

Rog was stunned. Em had never before talked about her painting. “I don’t know what to say. I’ve often seen pictures of Helix Point, but I have to say this rendition is the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen. I can’t imagine what this looked like in person,” said Rog.

“Oh Rog, to be on the open sea at night, the southern winds in your hair and the Great Helix setting on the pure crystalline waters just outside of the Nusian peninsula. Oh babe, it just doesn’t get much better than that. Mom always kidded dad about having a mistress. After Helix Point, I knew.”

Rog sat stunned. Having grown up on his father’s ranch he and his brothers had often dreamed of mighty voyages on the open sea. Picture books were about as close as they thought they would ever get.

“Emy, dear, you’ve seen things I only dreamed about as a boy. Do you have more?”

“Back on board, Rog, I’ve got my whole collection. Would you like to see them?”

Paging Commander Rog. Paging Commander Rog. Man your vessel. All indications for an opening imminent.

“That’s it Em, grab your stuff! We 'bout to make things happen darlin’. Snazzle, prepare for launch.”

Commentary:

74. Sailing the Nusian Peninsula

“Rog, how long has it been?”

“Seven hours Em.”

“Any idea on when that Tear is gonna open?”

“Nope.”

“Anything we can do?”

“Nope.”

“Rog, talk to me please. Between the agent onboard our ship, Kieran in the iso ward and our inability to do anything about either, I’m stressed out of my mind.”

“Em, you ever get homesick?” Rog was a master at changing the subject when he didn't know what to to say.

“All the time Rog.”

“Tell me about home Em. Tell me about those magnificent voyages with your dad.”

“Sure you want to know?”

“Absolutely Em. Growing up on the southern reaches we didn’t see much of the ocean. Tell me about that sweet pea.”

“Okay. Imagine this . . .”



Commentary:

73. Unstable

“Rog, don’t you ever do that again,” said Emy.

“Do what darlin’.”

“Scare the bejulius out of me, that’s what!”

“Hey, we’re all still in one piece aren’t we. I think you need to have a little more faith in ole Rog’s abilities. I was--”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know. You’ve told the story a hundred times. Let’s get that medicine, the agent of retribution as they call it. I’ve got a bad feeling about that sudden change in atmosphere,” said Emy.

_

“Welcome to Quastra,” said the chief medical officer. “Sorry about the landing beacon. We’ve been having some technical difficulties of late.”

“No problem,” said Rog. “We’re in a bit of a hurry, do you have the agent?”

“Yes, but there are some things you need to know. Once the agent leaves the controlled environment of this base it starts to deteriorate rapidly.”

“What?” said Rog, more with his eyes than his voice.

“The Animus agent of retribution is highly unstable outside of our controlled environment. As you know, the Animus virus is one of the most lethal in the known scientific journals.” The chief spoke in even measured tones, the way one does when responsibility leaves one’s hands and enters another’s.

“Okay, doc, what the hell does unstable mean?”

“Two things,” responded the chief. “First, the agent starts to lose its effectiveness within twelve hours of removal from the vault.”

“No problem there doc. If we don’t get back to Bravo-Four Zero in twelve hours we might not need the damn stuff anyway.”

“Well, not exactly,” said the chief.

Rog just stared. His eyes narrowed in a seriousness rarely seen on his face.

“As the agent starts to deteriorate it becomes highly unstable. We don’t have precise information, but with deterioration the agent becomes volatile.”

“Volatile,” said, almost whispered, Emy. “What exactly does that mean?”

“Well, as I said, we don’t have exact information, but with deterioration, the agent has a high probably of implosion. If this happens in a confined environment . . .”

The chief didn’t need to finish his sentence. Rog looked at Emy. Words not needed.

“Load it doc. Time’s a wasting.”

“Oh Rog,” said the chief. “Be careful. Sudden extreme movements of the vial can speed the deterioration and increase volatility. May the Tears be in your favor.”

“Thanks Doc. Emy, lock and load.”

Commentary:

So Close, Yet So Far (This post picks up from Unstable)

Vector Beacons or Back to Neraj (Next post in the timeline)

The Bridge

If you like Rudy Stories

CBS ran an incredibly powerful story tonight that brings you to your feet and just keeps on giving each and every minute into it. Jason McElway, an autistic high school basketball team member in Rochester NY, served as the team manager and spirit coach for several years. On the final game of the season the coach let him finally put on a uniform with the rest of the team. Watch what happens then...

Autistic basketball player causes mayhem at game

Silent Night

Wabi Sabi for Ms Mario

Midnight Clear

For my Tubey

I have seen peace. I have seen pain,
Resting on the shoulders of your name.
Do you see the truth through all their lies?
Do you see the world through troubled eyes?
And if you want to talk about it anymore,
Lie here on the floor and cry on my shoulder,
I'm a friend.

(Cry--James Blunt)

72. Maneuvers

Zeke on morning maneuvers. Kestrels were single-seat Zing Tao fighters.

Asteroids

71. Nerajian Medical Base

Walk with Me

FNF: Margarita Time

Mythical Flight

High

If you have seen James Blunt's music video High this scene will look somewhat familar. Thanks to Trace for the inspiration to do this image. May the Bluntfest continue.

Beautiful dawn -
You're just blowing my mind again.
Thought I was born to endless night, until you shine.

70. Red Sky

Rog and Emy soak in the breathtaking views from Neraj nervously waiting for the green light to launch.

Happy Valentine's Day

10 Things You Should Never Say to a Guy


1. WHEN WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN? You’ll see him when you see him. If he wants to see you again, he’ll call. If not, next. You don’t have time for anyone that doesn’t have time for you.

2. WHY DIDN’T YOU CALL? There’s only one answer to this question: Because he didn’t want to!!! What you’re really asking is, “Why didn’t you want to call me?” Who knows!! There could be a lot of reasons, but you shouldn’t be sitting around wondering why. You should be out dating lots of different guys and not worrying about ONE guy. Don’t be so quick to put all your eggs into one basket, because if they break, it’s a big mess!

3. WHERE WERE YOU? If he wanted you to know where he was, he’d tell you. What you’re really asking is, “Where you with another female that you like better than me?” Your insecurity is showing, my dear. If anything, he should be wondering where you were.

4. I LOVE YOU (FIRST) - You’re saying it in the hopes that he’ll say it back, but what if he doesn’t? You’ll be devastated and probably feel foolish. Saying “I love you” is not going to speed things up if he’s not ready to say it back. So just cool it, and let him be the first to say it when he’s ready.

5. DID YOU SLEEP WITH HER? As long as he’s not sleeping with her now, who cares? The past is gone. Don’t torture yourself (and him) with these thoughts. In this case, ignorance really is bliss.

6. I’M PREGNANT. In 2005, with all the birth control choices available, there is no excuse for becoming pregnant, unless you want to be. You should be using something and he should use a condom, every time.

7. WHERE IS THIS GOING? Nowhere fast if that’s your attitude. Guys want someone fun and easy to be with, not someone that’s constantly worrying about the future. His actions or non-actions will tell you where it’s going. If it’s going somewhere, you’ll know it. If it’s not, you’ll know it too.

8. WE NEED TO TALK. This is the equivalent of, “Go to the principal’s office”. Guys know it’s not going to be a fun conversation, so they’re already on the defense. If you need to discuss something, just casually bring it up when the both of you are relaxed. Don’t try to talk to him when he’s tired, stressed or trying to watch tv!

9. I HATE YOU! Even if you do, it’s totally uncalled for and un-lady like. If there’s an issue, be mature enough to discuss it when you’re calm. If he’s breaking up with you, reacting with anger may make you feel better temporarily, but it’s best to remain calm and act unfazed. He’ll wonder why you’re so cool about it and that may make him re-think his decision. Always be pleasant during a break up. Do you want to be known as the girl that goes psycho if someone breaks up with her?? I didn’t think so.

10. I DON’T TRUST YOU. What you’re actually saying is, “You need to step up your game, because I can see you’re up to something.” If he is up to something, he’ll just become even sneakier. Better to think smart and act dumb-it’ll be easier to get the evidence you need to confirm your suspicions.

Lucia is a dating and relationship expert, author, lecturer and host of the TV Show "The Art of Love".With over 20 years experience on the relationship market, Lucia has dated men of all nationalities in six cities, four countries and two continents. Her practical know-how makes her the perfect candidate to dispense relationship advice – after all, in almost every dating dilemma she has been there, done that and lived to tell about it.

For more articles or to ask Lucia a question, go to: http://www.theartoflove.net/

Highlands

69. Ji's Sanctuary

Late to the Party

Well, better late than never. Discovered James Blunt and his album back to bedlam. In particular I'm haunted by his voice and lyrics on

You're Beautiful

My life is brilliant.
My love is pure.
I saw an angel.
Of that I'm sure.
She smiled at me on the subway.
She was with another man.
But I won't lose no sleep on that, 'Cause I've got a plan.

You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw you face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.

Goodbye My Lover

And I still hold your hand in mine.
In mine when I'm asleep.
And I will bear my soul in time,
When I'm kneeling at your feet.
Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.

Cry

I have seen peace. I have seen pain,
Resting on the shoulders of your name.
Do you see the truth through all their lies?
Do you see the world through troubled eyes?
And if you want to talk about it anymore,
Lie here on the floor and cry on my shoulder,
I'm a friend.

Recommended. Buy this album.

Catching some Rays

Intrepid

Mission and Vision. Not the same. Of the two, I'll take Vision every time. Vision is the gravational force that pulls us over, around and through the obstacles on our path. Vision takes us to the edge of our fears and then beyond them. Vision pulls us to explore the love in our heart that experience wants to protect from harm's way.

Do I have the intrepid spirit to set sail to parts unknown? When I see the moon, I ask that question. Am I willing to go to the edge of my dreams, to edge of my fears. The clock is ticking. Am I sitting on the dock watching others pursue life with abandon or am I in one of the ships pulled toward greater love by my relentless, unstoppable vision to give more than I take.

Westerly Winds

Trace, sweetie, these are for you. Get well soon.

68. Solitude

Annual 21 day treks on Silus, the barren desert Hynerian moon, were mandatory for all Blue Onyx Zing Tao. Ji believed strongly in time alone and time alone on a consistent basis.

Long after his retirement Zeke still took an annual solitary sabbatical. He always returned with a glow, a peacefulness, a grounding that touched those around him. In all his years he made only one exception to the solitary stipulation and Kyra was forever grateful for that extended time alone with Papa.

"Everything moves Kyra. Nothing sits still. Nothing is solid. Nothing stays the same. Only Love endures, only Love persists and only Love is. Remove the filters from your mind, see clearly and you will see only one thing--Love," said Papa. "When you don't see Love, my child, then you know you are deluded and there is work to be done. And Kyra, few of us see Love as it is."

Only one thing, thought Kyra. Only Love. She wore that thought in her mind like the Blue Onyx ring around her neck--always. Only Love.

For Leigh: The First and the Last

Seven Things To Do Before I Die

1) Read 10% of the books I own
2) Ride a century on my Sachs
3) See C graduate from college
4) Take a yoga class
5) Attend a week long silent meditation retreat
6) Buy a house in the country with internet access
7) Brew the perfect cup of coffee

Seven Things I Cannot Do

1) Sing
2) Dance
3) Heights
4) Talk in the morning
5) Debt
6) Hit a baseball
7) Eat haggis

Seven Things That Attract Me to Europe

1) Cathedrals and Castles
2) Real beer
3) Scottish female accents
4) A decent curry
5) Museums
6) Le Tour
7) Leigh

Seven Things I Say

1) F*** me
2) It is what it is
3) One day at a time
4) This too shall pass
5) Sweet
6) Chop Wood, Carry Water
7) No sh**?

Seven Good Books

1) Wherever you go there you are
2) The miracle of mindfulness
3) Peace is every step
4) Full catastrophe living
5) It’s not about the bike
6) The power of now
7) Notes to myself

Seven Good Movies

1) Rashomon
2) Henry V
3) Kelly’s Heroes
4) Babettes Feast
5) Shoah
6) The Lion King
7) Patton

67. Raptors in the Morning

Zeke didn't tell Kyra everything.

_________

The above image was found in Zeke's old notebooks. It is believed to have been drawn by him shortly after the events in the first image. He never spoke about that fateful day on-planet and his notes were sketchy at best as to what happened. The family requested the official after-action-report but were told the records were sealed.

Dawn

Serenity Point

Have you got the balls?

Feeling Orange