The council room could only hold so many people. The rest of the people on the Starbase were with their families and watched intently on their video monitors in their private pods.
The family unit was well blended with the whole society or tribe. The boys imitated their Fathers and Grandfathers and the girls would copy their Mothers and Grandmothers. This was how the Children were taught their place in this life.
The Grandmothers and Grandfathers taught the young children and also told stories of their history and moral values. The parents and young adults were the hunters, gatherers and prepared the feast.
Everyone’s bounty was shared with the whole.
But now, this tightly knit circle patiently waited to hear what their spiritual leader as well as the Captain had to say. Everyone was silent.
“My wonderful Brothers and Sisters! How I am grateful for your devotion and love! I thank the Creator for such an honorable gift.” The Captain shifted from one foot to the other before he continued.
“I am very sadden and yet very hopeful about my son. I have a belief that he is still alive! But I fear what condition he may find himself in and pray that Wakan Tanka, the Creator, shows him the way.” Fighting back tears, the Captain felt his heart ache and swallowed hard to regain composure.
“We are People who know of our history to ancient years back. Stories beyond stories of great mischief and yet great love of life, of wars and many packs of peace and many broken promises and stories of many great Heroes of the People. But always remember this: we have found faith in our culture and practices, that is what has kept us strong as a People…..Always remember this!”
Eagle whistles and war cries could be heard throughout the People’s voices as they responded to the Captains words with pride.
When the silence again filled the air, the Captain continued.
“We as People have had dreams and visions given to us. We are simple and humble workers for the Creator. We do his bidding as he shows us. Buried deep with in the very marrow of our bones are the all the paths our Grandmothers and Grandfathers before us traveled. The Creator has blessed their ways and allowed their Grandchildren to be the keepers of the Mother Earth!”
“I am so proud of Our People!”
Again the air filled with Eagle whistles and war cries, then settled back down to silence.
“As the People of today, we have a very heavy road to travel. The road ahead of us will be a very serious and major turning point in our success to reclaim our People’s home on Mother Earth! This turning point is upon us and we now must prepare all the People for this Holy Event!”
Eagle whistles and war cries! Then silence.
“We have a Grandfather among us that can testify to a lot of the history of our People. He has been blessed and cursed with a very long life and this journey of his is about to end with this last wonderful story about to unfold. Keo has been my long time friend and confidant. I respect him highly and trust his visions without questions. He has never proved the People wrong. He is our Greatest Spiritual Warrior….Keo!”
In the air came great waves of Eagle whistles and the women voicing the trello note of honor.
Once the voices became quiet, Keo began, “I come humble to you all. You have been the ones to give me strength to walk forward in time. And oh Great One,” Keo looked upwards and raised his hands, “I beg you to keep me strong through this one last chore you have given me. Thank you for these People. Thank you Creator, I will journey to you soon.”
Keo lowered his hands and now looked at the People before him in the council room. Silence. Keo paced slowly back and forth as he searched in his heart what to say to the People for comfort and security. He could see they were timid of the unknown and needed a push towards faith in themselves.
“I know what each one of you are thinking and feeling.”
Keo’s eyes meet each one’s in the council room. Even those watching from their screens could feel his presence.
“Take comfort in this. Within each one of you lies a center of power so great. This is from where our Creator comes. In each one of you there is a piece of the Creator. Remember this. When he breathes, we breathe, as we inhale, so does he. When we cry so to Wakan Tanka cry. Life for Life! Energy!”
“Our world is nothing but energy. We respect the energy of others and we respect our own. Our Spirit is Energy. We must now learn how to use our Energy, our Life and prepare ourselves for the awakening!”
“We have seven months to prepare. Everyone, even the little ones must all be ready. We must gather our finest clothing, bead your best work. Prepare your hair and body. There will be series of sweat lodges and visioning and smudging. Prayer songs shall tumble from our lips. Many ceremonies must we do to prepare for the Creator. And we will have one last great feast!”
Eagle whistles and war cries!
“We have come very far and we are proud People!”
The People’s voices rose again.
“We truly have only one enemy and it is not the dark starship out there but the fear we breed within ourselves. We know we can destroy the dark starship when we are ready. But we must know we can conquer any fear we may have inside of us!”
“I have to prepare every one of you. If you have any fear, bring them to me. I will help you overcome and set your mind right.”
“Believe in yourself and believe in your family. We have choices ahead. Think about them carefully and wisely. I have faith in all of you. Everyone one of you are warriors, great warriors!”
Eagle whistles and Trello pitches mixed with War cries!
The People took great comfort in what both the Captain and Keo had to say. Everyone began to work on the preparations. Sevens months to prepare. Many Ceremonies to perform. Everyone was choosing Life, Energy. But there was still the big choice yet to make.