Chapter 10
Decision Time
Relli was anxiously pacing back and forth on the front porch when Jenny came running up. Jenny beamed with excitement and relief.
"I found him! Or he found me. His name is Born, and he's not scary at all. He's actually really nice, but kind of grumpy sometimes. I think he is a little resentful to be in this position though. You were right, he just wants his suit, and to be on his way. They come for water, and apparently our planet is the closest water rich planet to theirs," Jenny blurted.
"Can he help?" Relli asked.
"There is a possibility. He has this amazing computer on board his spaceship. I saw his spaceship, Relli! It is amazing, and huge. Anyway, his computer, Obos is its name, says there is an eighty percent chance of being successful at moving the comet off course, but it would be very dangerous, and Born doesn't want to risk it, but he wants his suit back, and I think I am getting to him. And I think Obos may be on my side," Jenny rambled.
"Wow, that's amazing. See I told you, you could do it. How did you communicate?" Relli asked.
"He's got a translation device that converts his language into English for me to hear, and converts my words into his language for him to hear, although his translations aren't always accurate. But it was kind of fun trying to decipher what he was trying to say. It was weird. It was like watching one of those old kungfu movies. You know, the ones where the actor's lips move and then the words come out, but none of the words match the lip movements. It was a bonus to be able to communicate though, and it made me feel much more comfortable," Jenny explained.
"Come and tell me about it while I prepare dinner, I'm way behind, and your father is due home soon. What did he look like?" Relli asked as they walked to the kitchen. Jenny excitedly told Relli all of the details about Born and his amazing spaceship while she helped with dinner.
"I also asked him if I could go along if he does decide to help us," Jenny mentioned.
"I thought you would," Relli said.
"How come?"
"Well, because now that I know you better, I would have guessed it as a possibility, but also because of my visions. Remember, my vision indicated you would be going on two long journeys, the second longer than the first, and I'm assuming this is the first," Relli answered.
"Hey, that means Born will do it, and we're going to succeed in moving the comet off course, if I'm going on a second longer trip," Jenny surmised.
"Not necessarily. You have overlooked one possibility. If Born can't move the comet away from its collision course with Earth, and it does collide and destroy life on the planet, he will have no choice but to take you along with him wherever he may see fit," Relli advised.
Jenny frowned. "Oh yeah, I didn't think of that one. But it does indicate I will be going on this trip, so that means Born will agree to help us, and he will let me come along," Jenny said hopefully.
"It would appear that way, but don't count your chickens before they're hatched. Visions have a way of tricking us into thinking one way, and then a whole new set of circumstances crop up, and the prediction still comes true, but not in the way we had hoped. Just concentrate on convincing your father first. That will be a chore in itself," Relli added.
"Will you help me?" Jenny asked.
"No, I'm afraid you're on your own with this one, Jenny. I'm a newcomer to this household and I don't have any pull in a matter like this. You don't need my help anyway."
"Okay, just a thought. When is Dad due home?" Jenny asked.
Relli looked up at the clock on the wall. "Any minute now, actually."
"I'm going to have to hit him up as soon as he comes home if that's all right. I won't be able to relax until I do. Not that I can relax anyway, considering the circumstances," Jenny admitted.
"Yes, I think that's a good idea. You should probably include Martin. He needs to know, too."
"Yeah, you're right. I can't wait to see the look on their faces when I show them the gravity suit," Jenny said, as a wicked grin spread across her mischievous face. A few minutes later Mr. Thompson rolled up and shuffled into the house.
"Hi Dad, how are you doing? You look tired," Jenny greeted.
"I am honey. How are you doing?"
"I'm okay. Dad, I need your advice on something," Jenny said, getting right to the point.
"Ok, what's up?"
"Come into the kitchen and sit down," Jenny instructed her father. "I need to get Martin, too. I'll just be a sec," Jenny said, as she left the kitchen and bolted up the stairs.
"Suppertime Martin," Jenny called as she ran past his room. She knew if she wanted her brother downstairs right away, she had better mention food.
"Great, I'm starving," Martin said, as he hurriedly signed off his computer.
Jenny ran up to the attic, collected the gravity displacement suit, and ran back downstairs with it. She caught up to Martin and they entered the kitchen together. Martin saw everybody assembled and supper on hold. Relli leaned against the counter with her arms folded in front of her, and Mr. Thompson was sitting at the kitchen table.
"What's going on, I thought we were going to eat?" Martin asked.
"Jenny seems to have called a family meeting. Have a seat Martin," Mr. Thompson instructed. "Okay Jenny, what's up?" her father asked.
"I may need to go away for a few days," she started.
"What do you mean, go away? Like to Auntie Sarah's, or something like that?" he asked.
"No, a little farther away than that I'm afraid. This is going to be hard to explain, and even harder for you to accept, but here goes," she said before taking a deep breath in preparation. Mr. Thompson's brow furrowed, and he shifted in his chair as if to ready himself for what he about to hear.
"Have you heard about the recent UFO sightings?" Jenny directed the question at her father.
"I've heard a little bit about them, but I've been too busy to pay too much attention to it. Why do you ask?"
"Well, I've met the alien and visited his spaceship," Jenny said, matter-of-factly, although the words sounded unbelievable even to her.
Martin unsuccessfully tried to suppress a laugh, and Jenny shot an annoyed look his way. She studied her father's face for a moment. If the situation were not so serious, she would have broken out into laughter herself at the blank look on his face.
"Okay..." was all he could think to say.
"He and his ship have the capability of altering the comet's course. I'm trying to convince him to do it. He's going to let me know by tomorrow morning, and I want to go with him," she said.
"Whoa, hold on there, Jenny. We've all been under a lot of stress lately, and sometimes a dream or wishful thinking can make something seem real," her father stated.
"I have proof," she said calmly.
"You do, do you?" Mr. Thompson said.
"Yes, I do," she said, and she displayed the gravity displacement suit.
"I found this by the lake yesterday," Jenny explained, as she passed the suit to her father.
He examined the bundle of clothing. "A weird sweatsuit, with a baseball cap and shoes attached? How is this proof?"
Jenny didn't answer. She removed the control module from the front pocket of the gravity displacement suit and powered up the suit. It shifted in her father's arms.
"Whoa! What happened? It suddenly feels much lighter," he said.
Jenny was kind of enjoying this. She turned the dial on the control module to increase the gravitational pull on the suit until it was so heavy, her father had to use great effort to keep it held up.
Jenny smirked. "Heavy, Dad?"
"Yeah, slightly," he strained to get the words out.
"Do you want me to lighten the load a little bit?" she asked him.
"I guess so. But how the heck is it doing that?" he asked.
Jenny turned the adjustment dial in the opposite direction. The suit became lighter and lighter the further she turned it. It was so light, when Mr. Thompson lowered his arms the suit did not follow. It stayed put, f
loating in mid-air. Jenny could not suppress herself any longer, and broke out in laughter.
"I wish I had a camera. You should see the look on your faces."
Mr. Thompson and Martin sat there with open mouths and astonished eyes, while Relli stood off to the side, trying to hide and suppress her amusement.
"This is incredible!" Jenny's Dad said. He waved his hands above it, in search of non-existent supporting strings, as it levitated in front of them. "How, is it doing that?" he asked.
"It's not of this world, that's how. It's Born's. That's the name of the alien. He needs this suit to be able to move around on our planet, because the gravity on his planet is five times less than ours. He left it beside the lake when he went for a swim. He comes here regularly to collect water. Born's planet has a permanent water shortage. There are very few planets within his range of travel that have an abundance of clean water. Earth is the closest to him. I'm holding the anti-gravity suit hostage, and I'm trying to convince him to help us out, to move the comet off course." Jenny studied her father's reaction to the unbelievable news.
"I've tried out the suit, and worn it outside. It's amazing. You should see how high I can jump without the Earth's gravity holding me down. I hate to give it up, but it isn't mine to keep. Even if Born refuses to attempt this mission, I'll eventually have to give it back, but I'm not going to let him know that. This is our only chance, Dad. Born has this incredible computer on board his spaceship. His name is Obos, which stands for on board operating system, and he says there is a good chance they may be able to shift the course of the comet," Jenny explained.
Jenny's father sat and listened to his daughter, with a stunned look on his face. He would have thought she was starting to crack under the intense pressure, except for one piece of concrete evidence, the anti-gravity suit, which was now floating in front of them all. He looked over at Relli, who smiled slightly, and nodded her head, in confirmation of the incredible account.
"Jenny, this story is fantastic! Can I meet him? Where is his ship? How big is it?" he blurted.
"He's very shy. I don't know if he'll meet you. The only reason he met me was because I took his anti-gravity suit," Jenny said.
"This, is absolutely incredible. You have the fate of the entire planet in your hands," her father said.
"It's nice to have some hope in what seemed like a hopeless situation, but it's a lot of responsibility," Jenny admitted.
"Relli says I was chosen for this task. And even though I don't know if I'm really the best person for the job, it seems to have landed in my lap, and I am more than willing to try my best," Jenny stated, with a look over to Relli, who kept silent, but smiled proudly.
Mr. Thompson did not fail to notice the exchange between his daughter, and their new housekeeper.
"So, do you think he will agree to try?" Jenny's father asked.
"I don't know for sure, but, my gut feeling says yes. Of course my gut feeling is also based on Relli's visions," Jenny said, and she recognized the cynical look on his face.
"I know, Dad but look at the facts. Relli has had visions since she was my age about this situation, and she felt an overwhelming urge to come to this area. When she saw your ad in the newspaper, she knew she should apply for it. Something guided her here to help me, and Dad, she really has. I don't know how I could have coped without her help."
Jenny's father looked over at Relli, and realized he would have to accept the amazing circumstances confronting him. He had always held certain scientific beliefs about how things happened in time and space. These circumstances formidably challenged his beliefs. For the good of his daughter, and Earth's future, he now felt he had to be more open-minded.
"I know, honey; I'll try harder. Thank you Relli," he conceded. "I have faith in you Jenny, you're an amazing kid. This responsibility couldn't have been bestowed on a more capable person, adult, or child. Just go with your instincts, they have always worked for you. I know you can do it," her father reassured. "What can I do to help?"
"Give me permission to go," Jenny had those big puppy dog eyes no father could resist.
"Don't give me that look young lady. This isn't a sleepover at a friend's house. This is serious, and why do you need to go anyway? It sounds like it will be very dangerous. Did Born discuss the risks at all?"
"Yes, there are risks involved, but the chances of surviving the mission are good. And it's not that I can offer much help, but I really want to go. I mean, look at the opportunity, Dad. I'll be able to see a comet close up. As far as the risks involved, if we fail and the Traveler is destroyed, then the Earth will be struck by the comet and destroyed as well. If we fail to move the comet off course, but survive, I will return to Earth to await my fate with the rest of you. If we succeed and survive, then I have had a wonderful experience that no one has ever had before" Jenny said.
"You've missed one possibility," Jenny's father added. "What if Born manages to move the comet off course, but is destroyed in the process."
"Yes, I suppose that is a possibility, but if Born does this, he is doing it for me, for us. Don't you think I should be there to represent the planet he is trying to save?" Jenny argued.
"Yes, someone should be, but not my daughter."
"Dad, this is my responsibility, you can't take this away from me, and that outcome is the least likely of the three. If the Traveler is destroyed, Earth will be destroyed as well, so what difference does it make if I die here on Earth, or up in space?"
Jenny's father gave his head a shake. "I don't know. I just can't believe we are sitting here discussing life and death situations. These are extraordinary times. As your father, it's not going to be an easy decision to let you go. And, we don't even know if he is going to do it yet. So, let's cross that bridge if we come to it."
"I have a feeling he will at least try. I got the feeling Obos, the ship's computer, was on my side, and Born bases his decisions on Obos' advice. I sure hope he will. It sounds like our only chance," Jenny said.
"We are extremely lucky to even have this opportunity," her father added. "We certainly don't have even a remote chance if we rely on our own capabilities. Now tell me more about this suit, and Born, and the ship, while we eat."
.
Meanwhile, as Jenny was talking to her family, Born was having a difficult time deciding what to do.
"I really would like to help, and I do want my gravity displacement suit back, but I don't want to risk my life, or damage to the Traveler, and my orders are, to return home as soon as possible. Jenny is a very interesting and intelligent Earth human, and it would be a shame to lose this planet as our main source of water. If we succeed, I would return home a hero, but if we fail, there is a chance I'll die. What is your advice, Obos?" Born asked, as he paced back and forth across the bridge, desperate for help in making the most difficult decision of his life.
"The chances for success are good, and the chances for survival are good, but there are dangers involved that could cost you your life. The ship will undoubtedly be damaged in the procedure, but if you succeed, the damage will be overlooked by home base, because you will have saved Soilanglobe's most valuable source of water," Obos advised.
"So, if you were me, would you attempt it?" Born asked more specifically.
"If I was a biological life form like you, given the data, the circumstances, and the possible benefit involved, I would attempt it. If it proves to be too difficult or dangerous, we have the option to abort the mission. With all that said, the decision lies with you, but it is imperative that we begin before mid-day tomorrow." Obos concluded.
.
With the killer comet bearing down on Earth, Jenny would have to wait until the next day for the decisions of Born and her father.
Jenny, and the entire Thompson household had a restless sleep that night. The anticipation of Born's decision was overwhelming, and all were relieved when morning finally arrived. They all rose early and met for breakfast in the kitchen.
"What time are y
ou supposed to meet with Born this morning?" Jenny's father asked.
"We didn't set a time, but I'm planning on going as soon as I finish breakfast." Jenny said, as she bit into her toast.
"Maybe I should come with you," her father suggested.
"I don't think that would be a very good idea, Dad. Like I mentioned last night, Born is very shy, and I don't want to spook him, or delay the process in any way. Thanks for the offer though," Jenny responded, and she and Relli exchanged smiles.
"Okay honey, you know best. It's just hard for me to sit back and watch, when there is so much on the line here, but I trust you and your instincts," he concluded.
"Don't worry, I'll do my best," Jenny assured them all.
The sun was bright and warm when she left the house, but the air was still cool. She suddenly had a feeling of apprehension that Born and the Traveler may not even be there. Maybe he decided to forget the whole thing and left without his suit.
Her pace quickened, and her heart began to thump in her chest at the thought of the sinking feeling she would feel if the spaceship was not there anymore. She made her way through the last clump of bushes and was relieved to see the Traveler still there, gleaming in the morning sunlight, with the stairs down in a welcoming gesture.
Obos had been tracking Jenny with its sensors. "Jenny is here," Obos informed Born.
Jenny ran across the field and bounded up the Traveler's stairway. She knocked on the outside of the ship and poked her head inside.
"Anybody home?" she called out.
"Hello Jenny, come in," answered Born.
"Good morning," she cheerily chimed.
"Did you bring my gravity displacement suit with you?" asked Born.
"Umm, no I didn't," she answered in a hesitant tone.
"I thought that was the deal," Born said with a bit of a smirk.
"You mean you'll do it?" Jenny blurted hopefully.
"I mean we'll try. I have consulted with Obos and we agree we will try and see how it goes. If it proves too difficult or dangerous, we may have to abort the mission. That is the most I can offer," Born explained.
"Oh, thank you, thank you, Born!" Jenny gushed as she jumped up and down.
With the charge of excitement and the reduced gravity in the ship, Jenny nearly hit her head on the ceiling. She wanted to go over and give Born a big hug, but she wasn't sure how he would accept it, and she was afraid she might break his frail body in half with her exuberance. Jenny walked past the computer panel and whispered, "Thanks Obos."
"What about me coming along?" Jenny asked.
"Have you mentioned this to anyone?" asked Born.
"I told my father about you last night. It took a bit of convincing to get him to believe me though. I had to use the suit as proof. He thought I was losing my mind at first," Jenny said, smiling. "I asked his permission to go. He hasn't given it yet, but I think he will. May I come along if he lets me?"
"I suppose, if your father gives you his permission, and I'm sure he will. I have experienced firsthand your powers of persuasion."
"We will have to leave by mid-day at the latest in order to have sufficient time to successfully complete the mission," Born advised. "And we need to do some final preparations before we start, primarily filling our water tanks. The extra mass will serve us well by enabling us to be more effective in nudging the comet off course. Do you want to come along, or do you need to go home now? It will take about two hours to complete the water collection process," Born offered.
"Yes! I'd love to come along!" Jenny exclaimed. She was looking forward to going for as spin in the Traveler, even if it was only for a few kilometers.
"But I would really like to tell my family the good news, if that's okay? I promise I'll be fast," Jenny asked, as she jumped up and down with excited energy.
"All right, but be quick, we need to get going as soon as possible," Born advised.
"I will," Jenny promised.
She darted out the door and down the stairs of the Traveler. She ran all the way home, and burst into the house out of breath, and overjoyed.
"He's going to do it. He's going to do it!" Jenny shouted, in between gasps for air. The Thompson household erupted in a cascade of whoops and cheers, and they all met in a circle in the hallway, and jumped around and up and down in jubilation.
"I've got to go back now. Born's waiting for me. We need to fill his water tanks for the extra mass," Jenny advised. "Dad-can I go?" Jenny asked, with all becoming silent.
"It seems senseless for me to say no, considering the extraordinary circumstances...so," Mr. Thompson displayed a pained expression, "I reluctantly give you permission to go."
"Thanks, Dad. I love you."
"Yeah, you love me now, but what if I had of said no."
"I always love you, no matter what, you know that," Jenny assured.
She dashed back out the door, after barely getting her breath back. Mr. Thompson, Relli and Martin continued the celebration after Jenny had left. It was wonderful to have a feeling of hope in what had seemed like such a hopeless situation.