THE GRAND COUNCIL OF GALACTIC ALLIANCES, circa 100,000 BCE; Chapter 1
‘No.’ Ashar’s powerful utterance echoed through the Council Chamber, cutting across the clamour of voices raised in argument and objection. Immediately the room fell silent. The tall, charismatic First Officer of the Grand Council of Galactic Alliances fixed a steely gaze on his fellow councillor, Ka’ark.
‘No.’ More quietly this time, the full weight of his authority carried in that one short word. ‘It must not be, and it will not be. What you propose contravenes our mandate completely and is in violation of everything this Council stands for.’ Although he spoke courteously and respectfully, no-one who listened was in any doubt over his resolve.
Ka’ark returned the stare, his yellow-green snake-like eyes unblinking. He was not in the least intimidated by the Council’s elected leader. ‘The Plan is not working. They are a primitive and unintelligent species who will never be capable of ruling themselves. Councillor, for their own good, and to ensure their survival, they must be controlled. We must hold them to our will.’
‘We must not. That was not what was intended when our ancestors set out on this path so long ago. Humankind must be free to develop as it will. Though primitive now, it holds the potential for greatness and the highest expression of love and compassion. It is our belief, as it was our ancestors that, watched over and guided by the Skulls of Light, it will achieve this potential.’
‘You are wrong, Ashar. Humans are violent and warlike. It is their inherent nature. They will not change. If we allow them to advance to the level where they can create the necessary technology, they will one day destroy their world. I do not need to remind you of the devastating consequences of such an eventuality, not only for their own solar system. The energetic fallout will reach far beyond this galaxy to threaten the stability of the entire universe.’
‘The Council does not share your fears, Councillor Ka’ark. The Skulls have been in place for eons, and we see clear evidence that the people of Earth have benefitted greatly from their presence. The time is fast approaching when the Skulls will be brought from hiding to live among the humans as friends and allies. Anything less than that would be unacceptable.’
‘It would be a grave mistake. If the Skulls are to be brought forth, let it be as gods and masters, feared by the humans. Their power is so great that it will not be difficult. Use them for control. Keep the humans in fear and they will never come to realise their own power and potential. They will never progress to the point where they are able to self-destruct.’
‘That is not the purpose of the Skulls nor their nature, as you know well.’ Ashar could not prevent anger colouring his words.
‘Then take them away. Stop the evolution. Let the humans be governed by higher beings.’
‘Evolution can never be halted, only guided. Tell me, Ka’ark, who do you propose would rule the Earth people?’
‘We of the De’aku would be willing to take on the role. Earth has an abundance of natural resources. We will employ the humans as our workforce – they are a strong species – and in return we will clothe and feed them and heal their physical bodies when necessary. They will be well cared for.’
‘They would be your slaves!’ The Council’s First Officer slammed his fist onto the table top in a rare display of fury. He fought to regain control of his anger. ‘No, Ka’ark, that will never be. Humans are not slaves. They must, and will, remain free to find their own destiny. Yes, they have made mistakes and they will make many more. But they are still as children, and children must be allowed to find their own way. Would you deny that alongside those mistakes they have made great progress? Their consciousness is deepening with every generation that passes and their thirst for knowledge surpasses anything we could have anticipated. Give them time, Councillor. Give them time.’
The other members of the Galactic Council watched this exchange closely. Tension between the factions had been simmering for centuries as those who wished to modify the original agenda looked for an opportunity to overthrow the majority’s consensus. It appeared that this conflict was reaching its climax.
‘How much more time, Councillor Ashar? For how much longer is the Council prepared to endanger the integrity of the universe? Are you ready to wear the blood of the inhabitants of millions of worlds on your hands?’
The Councillor looked across at his opponent, standing belligerently on the petitioner’s dais. Sorrow had replaced his anger. ‘It is you who are wrong, my friend. The human essence is love, and that love will prevail. It may be that the people of Earth have a long and difficult road to travel first but in time they will awaken to their true nature. When they do, the Skulls will be there to guide them forward.’
‘We shall see, Councillor, we shall see. We have all seen it happen too many times. Civilisations that cannot or will not evolve beyond the need to destroy themselves and their worlds. And we have seen the consequences – planets blown apart, sending the balance of their solar systems into chaos causing the annihilation of countless other innocent life forms. Are you willing to take that risk?’ Scowling, Ka’ark turned on his heels and stalked out of the Council chamber, his few allies following in his wake. Ka’ark’s camp was very much a minority amongst the thousand or so Council delegates. Nonetheless, they were strong and zealous; it would be foolish to underestimate them.
Ashar turned to address the chamber. ‘My friends, I do not believe we have heard the final word from our brother Councillor Ka’ark and his supporters. We must be vigilant. His race is headstrong and often intransigent, and he will not readily accept defeat. I fear he will attempt to influence others to his point of view. He may also work to actively sabotage this project. This cannot be allowed to happen. The stakes are too high.’
A chorus of assent rippled through the Chamber. Ka’ark was well known for his obstinacy. He would not back down, nor give up without a fight.
Ashar drew his hand through a slender beam of violet light emanating from the console in front of him. All those present turned their attention to the centre of the room where a large three dimensional image was gradually forming. A beautiful blue and green sphere flickered and shimmered in and out of focus until the emerging hologram settled into the perfect representation of planet Earth.
Ashar smiled softly to himself as his gaze rested on the image, which never ceased to move him. A hush had settled over the audience; it always did when this special world came into view. Special because it was by far the most beautiful planet in the entire galaxy. Special because of the virtually infinite variety of plants, insects and other animals that lived on its surface. Special too because of the human life form that was evolving in its unique, oxygen-rich atmosphere.
Tens of millennia earlier, the Council’s forefathers had seen the potential of this world and its infant race, and had sworn an oath to protect and nurture it. It was they who had created the Skulls of Light and placed them across her continents. As the current elected First Officer of the Council, it was Ashar’s responsibility to ensure that this legacy remained intact and that the original objective was held firm. A fleeting doubt fluttered in his chest. What if Ka’ark was right? What if humankind was incapable of moving beyond its primal destructive instincts and fears into full consciousness? What if it did destroy its unique and exquisite home?
No, he would not give Ka’ark’s fear-mongering space in his heart. It would not happen. Not here. Not this time. Earth was different. Earth had everything necessary for humankind to develop to its fullest potential. Few other planets in the entire galaxy were as well equipped to do so. The Elders had chosen carefully, making their decision only after lengthy consideration. They had read the future timeline of the human energy field and seen its potential and its evolution. They had also seen its darkness and dangers. And, in the end, they had seen that the consciousness and energetic influence of the Skulls would mitigate the worst excesses of the dark times and protect both the Earth and her people from the ultimate harm.
‘No.’ More quietly this time, the full weight of his authority carried in that one short word. ‘It must not be, and it will not be. What you propose contravenes our mandate completely and is in violation of everything this Council stands for.’ Although he spoke courteously and respectfully, no-one who listened was in any doubt over his resolve.
Ka’ark returned the stare, his yellow-green snake-like eyes unblinking. He was not in the least intimidated by the Council’s elected leader. ‘The Plan is not working. They are a primitive and unintelligent species who will never be capable of ruling themselves. Councillor, for their own good, and to ensure their survival, they must be controlled. We must hold them to our will.’
‘We must not. That was not what was intended when our ancestors set out on this path so long ago. Humankind must be free to develop as it will. Though primitive now, it holds the potential for greatness and the highest expression of love and compassion. It is our belief, as it was our ancestors that, watched over and guided by the Skulls of Light, it will achieve this potential.’
‘You are wrong, Ashar. Humans are violent and warlike. It is their inherent nature. They will not change. If we allow them to advance to the level where they can create the necessary technology, they will one day destroy their world. I do not need to remind you of the devastating consequences of such an eventuality, not only for their own solar system. The energetic fallout will reach far beyond this galaxy to threaten the stability of the entire universe.’
‘The Council does not share your fears, Councillor Ka’ark. The Skulls have been in place for eons, and we see clear evidence that the people of Earth have benefitted greatly from their presence. The time is fast approaching when the Skulls will be brought from hiding to live among the humans as friends and allies. Anything less than that would be unacceptable.’
‘It would be a grave mistake. If the Skulls are to be brought forth, let it be as gods and masters, feared by the humans. Their power is so great that it will not be difficult. Use them for control. Keep the humans in fear and they will never come to realise their own power and potential. They will never progress to the point where they are able to self-destruct.’
‘That is not the purpose of the Skulls nor their nature, as you know well.’ Ashar could not prevent anger colouring his words.
‘Then take them away. Stop the evolution. Let the humans be governed by higher beings.’
‘Evolution can never be halted, only guided. Tell me, Ka’ark, who do you propose would rule the Earth people?’
‘We of the De’aku would be willing to take on the role. Earth has an abundance of natural resources. We will employ the humans as our workforce – they are a strong species – and in return we will clothe and feed them and heal their physical bodies when necessary. They will be well cared for.’
‘They would be your slaves!’ The Council’s First Officer slammed his fist onto the table top in a rare display of fury. He fought to regain control of his anger. ‘No, Ka’ark, that will never be. Humans are not slaves. They must, and will, remain free to find their own destiny. Yes, they have made mistakes and they will make many more. But they are still as children, and children must be allowed to find their own way. Would you deny that alongside those mistakes they have made great progress? Their consciousness is deepening with every generation that passes and their thirst for knowledge surpasses anything we could have anticipated. Give them time, Councillor. Give them time.’
The other members of the Galactic Council watched this exchange closely. Tension between the factions had been simmering for centuries as those who wished to modify the original agenda looked for an opportunity to overthrow the majority’s consensus. It appeared that this conflict was reaching its climax.
‘How much more time, Councillor Ashar? For how much longer is the Council prepared to endanger the integrity of the universe? Are you ready to wear the blood of the inhabitants of millions of worlds on your hands?’
The Councillor looked across at his opponent, standing belligerently on the petitioner’s dais. Sorrow had replaced his anger. ‘It is you who are wrong, my friend. The human essence is love, and that love will prevail. It may be that the people of Earth have a long and difficult road to travel first but in time they will awaken to their true nature. When they do, the Skulls will be there to guide them forward.’
‘We shall see, Councillor, we shall see. We have all seen it happen too many times. Civilisations that cannot or will not evolve beyond the need to destroy themselves and their worlds. And we have seen the consequences – planets blown apart, sending the balance of their solar systems into chaos causing the annihilation of countless other innocent life forms. Are you willing to take that risk?’ Scowling, Ka’ark turned on his heels and stalked out of the Council chamber, his few allies following in his wake. Ka’ark’s camp was very much a minority amongst the thousand or so Council delegates. Nonetheless, they were strong and zealous; it would be foolish to underestimate them.
Ashar turned to address the chamber. ‘My friends, I do not believe we have heard the final word from our brother Councillor Ka’ark and his supporters. We must be vigilant. His race is headstrong and often intransigent, and he will not readily accept defeat. I fear he will attempt to influence others to his point of view. He may also work to actively sabotage this project. This cannot be allowed to happen. The stakes are too high.’
A chorus of assent rippled through the Chamber. Ka’ark was well known for his obstinacy. He would not back down, nor give up without a fight.
Ashar drew his hand through a slender beam of violet light emanating from the console in front of him. All those present turned their attention to the centre of the room where a large three dimensional image was gradually forming. A beautiful blue and green sphere flickered and shimmered in and out of focus until the emerging hologram settled into the perfect representation of planet Earth.
Ashar smiled softly to himself as his gaze rested on the image, which never ceased to move him. A hush had settled over the audience; it always did when this special world came into view. Special because it was by far the most beautiful planet in the entire galaxy. Special because of the virtually infinite variety of plants, insects and other animals that lived on its surface. Special too because of the human life form that was evolving in its unique, oxygen-rich atmosphere.
Tens of millennia earlier, the Council’s forefathers had seen the potential of this world and its infant race, and had sworn an oath to protect and nurture it. It was they who had created the Skulls of Light and placed them across her continents. As the current elected First Officer of the Council, it was Ashar’s responsibility to ensure that this legacy remained intact and that the original objective was held firm. A fleeting doubt fluttered in his chest. What if Ka’ark was right? What if humankind was incapable of moving beyond its primal destructive instincts and fears into full consciousness? What if it did destroy its unique and exquisite home?
No, he would not give Ka’ark’s fear-mongering space in his heart. It would not happen. Not here. Not this time. Earth was different. Earth had everything necessary for humankind to develop to its fullest potential. Few other planets in the entire galaxy were as well equipped to do so. The Elders had chosen carefully, making their decision only after lengthy consideration. They had read the future timeline of the human energy field and seen its potential and its evolution. They had also seen its darkness and dangers. And, in the end, they had seen that the consciousness and energetic influence of the Skulls would mitigate the worst excesses of the dark times and protect both the Earth and her people from the ultimate harm.
GEMMA; Chapter 2
I lay without moving for a few moments, shaking and dripping with sweat. Waiting for my mind to catch up with my body. It was back again. The dream. The one I’d had for the last four nights. Each time it came it was more real, more urgent, yet always the same: Callum, beaten and bloodied, bound to a hard wooden chair in a dirty, empty room.
What was it telling me? Was it a warning of events yet to come, or was he even now a prisoner in some dingy basement? Or was I being shown what had already taken place, and Callum was already dead? Because that was to be the final outcome, I was certain of it.
Why was I being shown this? Joe and I were powerless to help him. We had no idea where he was and we’d had no word from him in over a month. OK, so communication with Callum had always been sporadic, even at the best of times. Since he had gone on the run after being framed for the murder in his hotel room, it had dwindled to practically nothing. Just an occasional cryptic text or email, or a few hurried words on the phone.
He had been lying low, that much he had told us, moving from town to town, never staying in any one place for more than a few days. It wasn’t only the police who wanted to find him; Callum was in no doubt that whoever had set him up would be hunting for him too. He was desperately looking for some evidence that would clear his name, and all the while he continued to poke around in a cesspool of secrets that it would perhaps be wiser to leave well alone. Only he wouldn’t. He couldn’t. His freedom, and more likely than not his life, were at stake. The skulls, Jack, the murder – it was all tangled up in an impenetrable web. Callum had got too close for comfort and was paying the price. Who was behind it all, and where did the skulls fit in? So many questions, to which I had no answers at all.
I shivered under the cosy warmth of the duvet. Bubbling up in my thoughts, unwelcome and alarming, came Joe’s firm conviction that, if Callum ever fell into the clutches of his enemies, sooner or later he would tell them everything they wanted to know. If he hadn’t already. Having heard about their previous handiwork in Callum’s hotel bedroom it was a terrifying thought, and one on which I couldn’t let myself dwell. I had been burgled once. Despite the police view that it was an opportunistic thief targeting an isolated home, I believed differently. As did Joe, which is why I was still sleeping in his friend Duncan’s spare room more than a week after the break-in.
I wriggled and fidgeted, still disturbed by the dream that flashed back in random fragments every time I closed my eyes. For heaven’s sake! I was so tired. All I wanted was to go back to sleep. Grumpy and restless, I flicked on the light and stared at the patterns the shade threw on to the ceiling. After a long while, my body grew heavy and I started to drift off…
In a flash the entire vision returned in all its original clarity. That was it… That’s what was bothering me. Tonight it had been different. Only a little, but enough to have played on my mind. Whereas previously I had been looking down on Callum from high above, as if from the ceiling, tonight I had been standing right in front of him. And he had known I was there. With a monumental effort he had raised his head and looked straight at me, pleading, crushed, his eyes dull and defeated, all hope gone. My eyes filled with tears as I took in his swollen, lacerated face and the utter despair there.
‘Help me,’ he had whispered, barely able to form the words through his bruised and bleeding lips. ‘Help me.’
‘Oh Callum.’ My heart went out to this broken man, unrecognisable from the confident – no, let’s be honest, arrogant – archaeologist who had led his team across the arid deserts of Arizona and who had made love to me on the same warm sands under the stars.
His steel grey gaze locked onto me. ‘Help me.’
I sat up, wide awake now, understanding at last. Somehow Callum was reaching out to me, begging for help. Which had to mean he was still alive, if barely. From the state he was in, he wouldn’t be for much longer. I – we – had to do something. What though? Neither Joe nor I had any idea at all where he was, which could be anywhere from Aberdeen to Penzance, and that was assuming his kidnappers hadn’t smuggled him out of the country. Even so, we had to try. His life depended on it. I fell out of bed, bundled on my dressing gown and ran to Joe’s room.
His sleep-heavy voice eventually answered my persistent knocking. ‘W…what is it? Whaddya want?’
‘Joe, we have to find Callum.’
His tousled head appeared behind the opening door, yawning. ‘Gemma, it’s three o’clock in the morning. Can’t it wait?’
‘No. That dream – the one with Callum tied to a chair? I know what it means. He’s asking us to help him, Joe.’
He opened the door wider to let me in and clambered back into bed.
‘He’s in trouble. Real trouble.’ I explained the latest developments.
Joe slumped back against his pillows, grumbling. ‘Callum, you can be a right royal pain in the arse!’ He caught my frown. ‘Sorry. I’m not very friendly when I’m woken up in the middle of the night.’ He yawned. ‘Tell me again.’
I repeated my story. This time he listened properly.
‘So Callum is in deep shit and needs our help. Only what can we do? Where the hell do we even begin to look for him? He could be anywhere. It’ll be like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack.’
‘I know.’ I slumped down beside him and snuggled against his shoulder looking for reassurance. I was at a total loss and deeply frustrated.
‘Cathy!’ The idea came out of the blue, so obvious now that I wondered why we hadn’t thought of it before. ‘Cathy,’ I repeated to Joe’s blank expression. ‘She’s as psychic as it gets. We can ask her to have a go at tuning in to him.’
Joe brightened. ‘It’s worth a shot. If anyone has a chance of locating him, she does. Where are you going?’ I had jumped up and was heading for the door.
‘To call her.’
He caught my arm. ‘I know this is urgent, Gemma, but it’s the middle of the night. Wait until the morning. We’re shooting in the dark anyway. A few more hours won’t make that much difference.’
He was right, of course. I looked at the clock – three twenty-four. ‘I don’t know about you but I doubt I’ll get any more sleep tonight. I’m going to make some tea. D’you want some?’
So we spent the remaining hours until morning nursing cup after cup of hot tea and speculating wildly over what might have happened to Callum.
What was it telling me? Was it a warning of events yet to come, or was he even now a prisoner in some dingy basement? Or was I being shown what had already taken place, and Callum was already dead? Because that was to be the final outcome, I was certain of it.
Why was I being shown this? Joe and I were powerless to help him. We had no idea where he was and we’d had no word from him in over a month. OK, so communication with Callum had always been sporadic, even at the best of times. Since he had gone on the run after being framed for the murder in his hotel room, it had dwindled to practically nothing. Just an occasional cryptic text or email, or a few hurried words on the phone.
He had been lying low, that much he had told us, moving from town to town, never staying in any one place for more than a few days. It wasn’t only the police who wanted to find him; Callum was in no doubt that whoever had set him up would be hunting for him too. He was desperately looking for some evidence that would clear his name, and all the while he continued to poke around in a cesspool of secrets that it would perhaps be wiser to leave well alone. Only he wouldn’t. He couldn’t. His freedom, and more likely than not his life, were at stake. The skulls, Jack, the murder – it was all tangled up in an impenetrable web. Callum had got too close for comfort and was paying the price. Who was behind it all, and where did the skulls fit in? So many questions, to which I had no answers at all.
I shivered under the cosy warmth of the duvet. Bubbling up in my thoughts, unwelcome and alarming, came Joe’s firm conviction that, if Callum ever fell into the clutches of his enemies, sooner or later he would tell them everything they wanted to know. If he hadn’t already. Having heard about their previous handiwork in Callum’s hotel bedroom it was a terrifying thought, and one on which I couldn’t let myself dwell. I had been burgled once. Despite the police view that it was an opportunistic thief targeting an isolated home, I believed differently. As did Joe, which is why I was still sleeping in his friend Duncan’s spare room more than a week after the break-in.
I wriggled and fidgeted, still disturbed by the dream that flashed back in random fragments every time I closed my eyes. For heaven’s sake! I was so tired. All I wanted was to go back to sleep. Grumpy and restless, I flicked on the light and stared at the patterns the shade threw on to the ceiling. After a long while, my body grew heavy and I started to drift off…
In a flash the entire vision returned in all its original clarity. That was it… That’s what was bothering me. Tonight it had been different. Only a little, but enough to have played on my mind. Whereas previously I had been looking down on Callum from high above, as if from the ceiling, tonight I had been standing right in front of him. And he had known I was there. With a monumental effort he had raised his head and looked straight at me, pleading, crushed, his eyes dull and defeated, all hope gone. My eyes filled with tears as I took in his swollen, lacerated face and the utter despair there.
‘Help me,’ he had whispered, barely able to form the words through his bruised and bleeding lips. ‘Help me.’
‘Oh Callum.’ My heart went out to this broken man, unrecognisable from the confident – no, let’s be honest, arrogant – archaeologist who had led his team across the arid deserts of Arizona and who had made love to me on the same warm sands under the stars.
His steel grey gaze locked onto me. ‘Help me.’
I sat up, wide awake now, understanding at last. Somehow Callum was reaching out to me, begging for help. Which had to mean he was still alive, if barely. From the state he was in, he wouldn’t be for much longer. I – we – had to do something. What though? Neither Joe nor I had any idea at all where he was, which could be anywhere from Aberdeen to Penzance, and that was assuming his kidnappers hadn’t smuggled him out of the country. Even so, we had to try. His life depended on it. I fell out of bed, bundled on my dressing gown and ran to Joe’s room.
His sleep-heavy voice eventually answered my persistent knocking. ‘W…what is it? Whaddya want?’
‘Joe, we have to find Callum.’
His tousled head appeared behind the opening door, yawning. ‘Gemma, it’s three o’clock in the morning. Can’t it wait?’
‘No. That dream – the one with Callum tied to a chair? I know what it means. He’s asking us to help him, Joe.’
He opened the door wider to let me in and clambered back into bed.
‘He’s in trouble. Real trouble.’ I explained the latest developments.
Joe slumped back against his pillows, grumbling. ‘Callum, you can be a right royal pain in the arse!’ He caught my frown. ‘Sorry. I’m not very friendly when I’m woken up in the middle of the night.’ He yawned. ‘Tell me again.’
I repeated my story. This time he listened properly.
‘So Callum is in deep shit and needs our help. Only what can we do? Where the hell do we even begin to look for him? He could be anywhere. It’ll be like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack.’
‘I know.’ I slumped down beside him and snuggled against his shoulder looking for reassurance. I was at a total loss and deeply frustrated.
‘Cathy!’ The idea came out of the blue, so obvious now that I wondered why we hadn’t thought of it before. ‘Cathy,’ I repeated to Joe’s blank expression. ‘She’s as psychic as it gets. We can ask her to have a go at tuning in to him.’
Joe brightened. ‘It’s worth a shot. If anyone has a chance of locating him, she does. Where are you going?’ I had jumped up and was heading for the door.
‘To call her.’
He caught my arm. ‘I know this is urgent, Gemma, but it’s the middle of the night. Wait until the morning. We’re shooting in the dark anyway. A few more hours won’t make that much difference.’
He was right, of course. I looked at the clock – three twenty-four. ‘I don’t know about you but I doubt I’ll get any more sleep tonight. I’m going to make some tea. D’you want some?’
So we spent the remaining hours until morning nursing cup after cup of hot tea and speculating wildly over what might have happened to Callum.
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