The Character of Danny and the idea of The Alterran Order of Healers are mine. If you take the time to read this, Please feel free to email me. I can be reached at David_M_Yates@email.msn.com.
This story takes place five years after the events of "A Broken Bond #1" It does work as a stand-alone story, but it is best appreciated as a bridge between #1 and #3 (which is coming out soon.) All of these can be accessed at Wendy's Web page.(eventually)
Thanks, once again, to Shaun Hately for his help in Beta Reading this story. Any mistakes are mine and not his. . . ENJOY.
The Monastery, Alterra Prime, July 1985.
There was a hush in the chapel as all eyes turned towards the windows at the apex of the sanctuary. There were two windows, one facing east, the other west, both specifically placed for this moment.
As the twin suns of Alterra rose over the horizon, two shafts of light were caught by the windows; these were focused into a single column which projected the seal of The Alterran Order of Healers onto the floor of the Transept.Everyone's eyes were drawn to that projection as the Master Healer, resplendent in his golden robes of state, teleported into the middle of the light beam.
"Let those who seek admittance to our Sacred Order enter!" the voice of the herald boomed out. Responding to that cue thirty young people from many different humanoid races of the Federation processed into the chapel from the corridor outside. Among the thirty young novices was Danny walking tall and confidently. His five years of study over, he was seeking admission to full membership of the Order and the rank of "Healer". The column processed along the nave of the chapel, each novice there adding their own telepathic hymn of praise and dedication to the growing harmony which was so symbolic of the Healers.
In the congregation, watching as proudly as any family could be, were the exiled Tomorrow People. All of the exiles were present; John, Carol, Kenny, Elizabeth, Stephen, Tyso, Tricia, Andrew, Mike and Hsui Tai whose young daughter was also with them, but she was asleep. If we were to examine their minds at this moment we would perhaps find the same range and mixture of emotions that we would expect to find in any family group reunited for a big occasion; happiness, sadness, nostalgia, perhaps some regrets, but, above all else, with this particular group, a sense of family. The occasions when ALL of The Tomorrow People were together in one place were, these days, rare; all present were hoping to really enjoy the day.
The ceremony was simple, yet profound. Each of the novice healers knelt in turn and opened their minds totally to the Council of Healers. These worthies then examined the novices' minds and hearts as to whether they were ready to uphold the sacred trust of the Healers and serve the greater good of The Federation. On being satisfied that this was the case, the Master Healer then blessed them and bid them to rise. As they stood up, they were levitated past their new brethren who all recited the Oath of Allegiance with them. As the oath finished, the voice of the Master Healer could be heard again. "Let the empowerment begin!"
All the levitating novices landed together on the ground as the healers present joined their powers to those of the Master. Immediately, a faint blue aura began to cover the novices. This aura strengthened as the assembled healers settled into their task.
Inside Danny's head he felt as if he was on fire. The experience was similar to his original break-out, but without the pain. New connections were forged within his brain as whole new areas of power were suddenly made available to him.
From the gallery Elizabeth watched with awe. "John," she whispered, "can you feel what's happening?"
"Danny's healing powers have been increased by a staggering amount" John replied. "We always suspected that our powers could be increased . . .now we know."
Hsui Tai leaned across and joined in. "This is beautiful" she said, "I have never seen anything like it before!"
"We're privileged to be here" John declared. "Not many non-healers witness this. The ceremony is thousands of years old; its origins lost in the mists of antiquity." John's lecture was cut short by the hymn reaching a crescendo . . .and suddenly there was silence.
"We welcome our new healers." Said the Master Healer. And with that, all order and decorum ended as the assembled healers rushed down and warmly hugged the newly empowered healers.
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Later: At the reception.
"Congratulations Danny, you've more than earned it" said John warmly. All the other Tomorrow People rushed over to add their own congratulations to John's. "Well done mate!" Mike added giving Danny a playful cuff on the cheek.
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The party wound down. Mike ate too much...as usual, Hsui Tai told him off...also as usual. Carol, Kenny and Tricia left early as they has to attend yet another meeting regarding the peace conference which was now under-way. Stephen and Tyso spent most of the evening in the company of two young female healers who they had met earlier. Andrew and Elizabeth took the chance to button-hole the Master Healer about more help with the refugees that they were working with. John got to explore the chapel and have its more unusual architectural features explained to him by the Prior... A good time was had by all.
Danny was in the Watch Tower. The tallest building in the Monastery, it dated back to the earliest times when the complex had been a fortress, now it afforded breath-taking views of Alterra Prime's stunning scenery. He had walked away from the milling guests, not because he didn't want to be with his friends, but after five years of quiet study, he found all the noise and people disturbing.
He was aware that someone had jaunted in behind him. Reaching out with his mind he recognised Mike's familiar aura. "Had enough of us already?" Mike asked only half-teasingly.
"No." Danny re-assured him. "I just needed some air, is all."
"Want some company?"
"Please."
They looked out at Alterra setting on the horizon. For a long time neither of them spoke, enjoying the solitude and peace.
"Thanks" said Danny.
"What for?"
"I don't know.... For trying to save Mum, for coming here today; for simply being a friend."
"Its okay."
They continued to stare out at the sunset.
"Where will they send you?" Mike asked.
"I don't know yet. I have a feeling that it'll be Andromeda... The last year I've been studying a lot about the various races there."
"It still staggers me..."
"What does?"
"How easily we've all adjusted to all this. I mean...Andromeda! That's another Galaxy and we talk of it as if it's a move to Brighton!"
Danny smiled. "I know what you mean Mike, still, as John always says, we can do anything if we have to."
"Yeah...I guess so."
"What about you?"
"Oh, you know, the usual. They keep me busy as a peace keeper, though most of what I do is classified I'm afraid."
"I know that Mike, and I'm not prying. I'm glad someone is doing it...I know I couldn't!"
"That's OK Danny, I wouldn't want to be around sick people all the time either!" replied Mike with a grin.
Companionably, the two friends watched the sun set over Alterra Prime. Tomorrow was another day and, for both of them, destiny awaited.
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end