Journey OutwardChapter 30 Yule
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An ClochánChapter 54 free porn video
Sarah's Clan was gathering near the dining area when Sarah said, "So how was your afternoon?" to Aoife, Joyce, Janet, and Erin as they joined them.
"We had a great time. We heard you did some dancing."
"Yes. We got a little more involved than we anticipated but had a grand time."
"We heard. We ended up participating with some groups as well but not to the extent you did. It was fun."
"I don't think I've ever danced that much at one time," said Tara. "Everyone looked like they were having a good time. I know we certainly did."
While they were talking the rest of their clan joined them. Terry said, "Today was a lot of fun, but I'm getting tired."
"I agree," added Alena as they entered the dining area. They had just sat down when Siobhan's and Keriann's Clans joined them.
As they were finishing greeting each other Keri said, "Our group will be singing in a few moments so we need to be getting ready."
"Where?"
"The first stage toward the shuttle landing area."
"Okay, we'll be there shortly."
"Good."
Sarah's, Siobhan's, and Keriann's Clans arrived near the stage several minutes before the children were scheduled to sing. When Jean of Jean's Clan saw them, she waved, motioning them toward an open area close to the front of the stage. After exchanging greetings they sat down, in the meantime the area behind them filled rapidly.
Sarah's Clan looked at each other and then scanned the crowd surrounding them without being too obvious. Sarah saw Keriann wink at Siobhan and wondered what that meant.
Corey of Sarah's Clan came out on stage and said, "Good evening. This evening we are going to introduce a number of new songs. In some cases you will know the tune, however the words will not be those you've heard before. These new verses describe aspects of our lives, things around us, and adventures we've had. We have other songs about these events and will share them with you in the future. We hope you enjoy them. In the meantime these songs are accessible in the library under 'Órarduine History in Music'." With that Corey bowed toward the audience as the musicians and singers came on stage.
The group moved from one song to the next with hardly a pause. The first couple of times the applause overrode the first few bars of the new song and the group compensated by repeating the first verse. The audience then adapted and just gave a short burst of applause to avoid drowning out the beginning of the next song. Many of the songs involved only some of the group's members, thus giving everyone a short break during the performance while still providing almost continuous music for the audience.
Jordana moved to the center of the stage as a song finished and said, "This will be our last song for this performance. We hope you have enjoyed the music." As she finished speaking the whole group began to sing. When the song ended the noise was overwhelming as the applause that had been muted during the performance was given free reign. The group bowed acknowledging the ovation. The applause continued for several more minutes until Jordana stepped to the front of the stage. "Thank you for your appreciation. We would offer you an encore but the next group is due out in just a few moments. We will be giving another performance very soon. Now stick around to hear our friends as there will be dancing as well." As she spoke there were some moans which were quickly followed by more clapping.
After the performance was over many in the audience congratulated Sarah's Clan on the artistry their children had shown. When the crowd had thinned out some Siobhan said, "I didn't realize how many songs they had written about our adventures."
"Neither did I," said Maeve as the three clans moved away from the area in front of the stage.
As Sarah's Clan waited for their children to join them, they watched as those attending the next performance rearranged the chairs in front of the stage to provide a large space for dancing.
"You know if I wasn't so tired, I would suggest we stay and dance some more," said Sarah.
"Let's see what the music is like," replied Alena. "Perhaps we have enough energy for a couple of songs."
"I'm game even though we have a lot to do tomorrow," responded Tara.
"Good," said Aoife, "I'm anxious to try the dances you did earlier."
"Well that depends on the music."
The next group came out on stage eliciting some clapping. "Great, you still have some applause left." There were several chuckles. "Weren't they great?" There was more applause. When it died down she added, "Well we agree. There is space to dance down here by the stage so don't feel bashful." Looking to the side she saw Sarah's Clan and added, "I see Tara, Sarah, Rusty, and Maeve are still around so maybe they will give us another dance demonstration or more lessons." The audience cheered.
Tara said to her spouses, "Well it looks like we will be dancing a few songs."
Maeve said loudly, "Play a few songs then we'll decide, but it will only be for a few songs."
"Thank you," replied the musician. She picked up her fiddle and the group began to play.
As the music began the children came out from behind the stage to join their parents. Moya said, "Sorry we took so long. We had to encourage this lot to go on as scheduled. I guess we kind of intimidated them."
"They are good, very good," added Deirdre. "So, are you guys going to dance?"
"We are pretty tired but it's hard to refuse under the circumstances," replied Tara.
"Well their specialty is Celtic songs that are very easy to dance too."
"Are you guys going to join us?" asked Maeve.
After looking at her sibs Marnia said, "I'm not real sure I'm up to that."
"If we utilize our mind link and start off with a rather slow tempo song it is pretty easy to do," replied Rusty. "That's how we did it earlier today. It worked out pretty well."
"Yea, we heard," responded several children. Earnán added, "From what we heard you are understating it, again!" All the children laughed as they nodded their agreement.
"So are we all going to dance to the next song?" queried Maeve.
"Sure, why not?" responded Jordana.
"Maeve, let's do it as one group like we did when you were teaching us."
"Okay. We will need to open our mind links with each other a bit more than we normally do so all of you can follow my movements." Maeve made an adjustment then began to take small dance steps. "Can everyone feel those?"
"Yes."
"Okay, we can try it on the next song. Remember to listen to the music while you feel my movements."
As the song was ending, Sarah's Clan moved toward the nearly empty dance area with Keriann's and Siobhan's Clan following.
"Bree," said Maeve to the musician on stage, "could you play a song that has a tempo that is about half the last one with a similar rhythm."
"Sure. Just one?"
"Yes. We will likely only dance a few numbers as we need to go up to the ship. The children may stay longer. Also, invite the audience to dance."
Bree then relayed Maeve's comments to the audience before she began to play. Sarah's Clan began to dance to the music. As the song progressed more people joined them in the dance area. Maeve said, "Bree, would you play the song again as it will help the newcomers?"
Bree almost missed a note when she heard Maeve's voice but quickly recovered as she nodded to her. She then motioned to the other musicians that they were going to repeat the song.
When the musicians paused after the third song, Sarah said to her spouses, "I think we should do one more song then leave as I am not sure I could dance anymore."
"Suits me," replied her spouses.
"This is fun," said Moya. "We'll probably stay for a few more songs. Well at least some of us will."
The next song had a considerably faster tempo than the previous ones. As a result many of those on the dance floor moved to the side. Seeing some of the dancers leave the area due to the tempo Maeve said, "This should be fun."
"I hope someone is recording this," said Kennith, "as I would like to see it again."
"Well one of the audience could share their view with us later," replied Corey.
"Good point. Now would be too confusing."
When the song ended Sarah's Clan was panting. The audience and musicians were applauding. Sarah's Clan turned to the musicians and clapped as they made a slight bow. Sarah's Clan with their children began to move off the dance floor. Bree seeing that they were leaving said, "Wow. Sarah's Clan, thank you so much for that dancing exhibition." The audience cheered. "It looks like they are leaving so we hope the rest of you will stay for the rest of our set."
"We are."
"Great."
As the musicians then began their next song, Sarah's, Siobhan's, and Keriann's Clans headed toward the pavilion. Periodically they glanced behind them to see how close Celia was to the horizon.
They were almost there when Maeve looked back and said, "We are cutting it close."
"This really is a beautiful spot," said Judy as they stepped into the pavilion and turned to look west. Before them they could see the sun approaching the horizon as well as all the activity around them.
"Yes it is," said Keriann.
"It looks like it is going to be a lovely sunset," said Oriel of Keriann's Clan. "The clouds should really give a spectacular range of colors."
"So how was your day?" asked Niamh of Keriann's Clan.
"It was very nice," replied Eileen of Siobhan's Clan, "an enjoyable break from space. Our ships are fine but it feels great to have a blue sky overhead and to hear the sounds of nature."
"Sounds of nature," exclaimed Eleánóir. "All I heard was laughter, music, yells..."
"Sounds pretty natural to me."
"Well okay. I thought you meant something else."
"Mom," said Keri drawing the attention of several in Sarah's Clan, "we think someone should do a grid survey of the plateau."
"It is planned," replied Sally. "The Security teams are scheduled to do it. Why?"
"Well, we found some pretty interesting places. We think we should know more about them before we make use of those areas."
"Let's look at a map tomorrow."
"Fine. We have the coordinates for the spots we found especially interesting. None of them are very big, they just seem special. One felt like the one we visited with you several weeks ago."
"Okay. They are starting to plant grain in many of the large open fields. Several fields are scheduled to be prepared for planting vegetables which will start in a few weeks."
"We have the replicators so why do we need to grow food?"
"So what happens if we lose access to them? What happens if they just quit working?"
"That couldn't happen," replied Keri firmly.
"It would be more accurate to say 'it's not likely to happen'. In the past significant disasters have befallen many civilizations, some were due to unanticipated natural events, others were the result of conflict or arrogance. From our perspective, we think the humans are tempting fate by ignoring the potential threat posed by someone like the Imperial Council. This is in spite of seeing our battle with them. Enough said...
"Back to your comment, at the moment we are very dependent on some items that don't have an alternative source. Food is one. It currently comes from either the replicators or hydroponic gardens on our ships. With our current resources and population the later can't supply nearly enough. Now that we are on a planet that has an atmosphere we can grow all of our food, but it takes time to get it started. The benefit of growing food is that we will have a more varied diet, which in turn provides additional health benefits. There are other items that currently have only one source. Most of the technology we've implemented came from the Connemare. We've expanded on it but much more needs to be done. Also, we are a small group of people so it wouldn't take much of a disaster to make our lives very difficult, if not impossible." The change in Keri's expression told Terry that she was beginning to realize the implications of her comments. "Sorry, I wasn't trying to upset you or ruin your day. Besides, this isn't something to lose sleep over. We are better off than we were some seven years ago. We now have a home on an environmentally friendly planet, so our growth should be more substantial and sustainable. It is for these reasons that we are moving quickly to establish this settlement, a technology development center, manufacturing facilities, and a defensive network in this solar system."
"But it was so easy to set up our settlement on Mars."
"Yes, but a large part of that was due to finding the cave adjacent to the site we chose for the settlement. The condition of the cave was such that we only needed to enclose the entrance. Without that, it may have taken us quite a few more years until we could have even considered moving here. Although it hadn't become crisis level before we left Sol, our active settlement on Mars was a growing concern to some humans. It's likely that in a few more years some of the more irrational leaders of governments on Earth would have attacked us. The Iridiens may face that issue, but they aren't as active there as we were. An attack is something that cannot be ignored so we would have found it necessary to respond. Depending on circumstances a response could have resulted in an escalation of conflict rather than stopping it, all due to too much alien fantasy and not enough common sense."
"But, many of us originated from Earth."
"True, but now they primarily see the differences between us, just like they first see the differences between themselves and other human breeds. Besides, our very existence flies in the face of some fundamental human beliefs. For thousands of years Earth's religions have promoted the idea that their breed of humans are God's chosen ones. This is further complicated by the attitude of different groups who believe that their God trumps the God of anyone else."
"I noticed that when we were studying different civilizations in the universe. Virtually every civilization has at least one deity that they worship or give a special place in their lives. There are many similarities between the deities of the various civilizations."
"We've been told that there is a family of deities in most solar systems with advanced life forms."
Keri looked at her sibs as Moya said, "Thanks mom. Your points make a lot of sense. Some of us were worried that we would diminish the beauty of this planet as we settled on it and began to grow."
"You're thinking of some of the pollution problems that Earth has."
"Yes. Connemare had some environmental issues on their planets too but there isn't very much about those issues in our library."
"Unless we've missed something or there is a major disaster, our plans strive to minimize those issues here. Over the next several days why don't you look them over? There will certainly be some changes on the planet due to our presence. If we manage them correctly then there should only be minor alterations due to our footprint. It will take everyone working together to achieve that. We must remember that a planet's environment is not a static system as every natural event also has an impact because it is a very complex system. Just our presence will cause some changes. There would be changes even if we weren't here."
"Okay, we'll do that."
"Wow," exclaimed several of the group drawing everyone's attention to the sunset. Celia was halfway below the horizon with the clouds taking on a variety of reds, orange, and blues with golden streams of light passing through the openings between them. The group watched quietly as Celia slid below the horizon.
In the twilight they could see one moon high in the western sky and behind them the second moon was just peeking above the horizon. "Look," said Marnia, "we can see both moons already."
"With two moons we can look forward to having some moonlight virtually every night," said Joyce.
When Celia had set Siobhan said, "Sarah's Clan, we don't know who had the idea to do this, but it was a great one. For us it brings a great close to the day."
Star said, "I need to return all my attention to the ship so I'll only be with you telepathically for the rest of the evening."
"Golly!" exclaimed Tiff, "Star, when did you join us?"
"Shortly after you started watching the sunset. It has a much different perspective from down here."
"Yes it does," responded several of the watchers.
Sarah said, "We don't sense a need for you to hurry back. Are there problems?"
"No. Not really. It's just that ... well it feels different here. There I am more comfortable, plus I can feel and see what you are doing here. Besides, I have some pending tasks to complete. For me this has been an out of the world experience. I love you all."
"We love you."
"Today is a day we've been dreaming of for years."
"True. But you've had a few more years to dream than we have."
"Without all of you this would have not come to fruition. May the Gods and Goddesses continue to bless us."
"Blessings are good," replied Sarah, "walking with us would be nice as well."
Aoife said, "To walk with a God or Goddess, an interesting thought indeed."
"It certainly is," responded both Siobhan's and Keriann's Clans.
"If we did, it would give us a significantly different relationship with Ananu's Gods and Goddesses than there is with those in Sol," added Maeve.
"Yes. When you walk with someone, you become better acquainted. While they may not need that interaction, I think all of us would benefit from it. Our relationship with Them would definitely benefit as it would give us a better understanding of Them. Hmm ... perhaps it would help Them."
"I guess we shall see," replied Aoife. "Both Morrigan and Aine indicated that the God and Goddesses here had different personalities than those we knew about on Earth."
Star said, "Sarah's, Siobhan's, and Keriann's Clans it was a pleasure to watch the sunset with you. Sarah's Clan, I will see you in a little while. All of you have fun."
All three clans said, "Good bye," as Star's avatar faded away.
Kelly said, "You know, Star is a key reason we are all here today."
"There are many 'key reasons' in our family," added Conan. "We are all fortunate that our paths crossed when they did."
"Moms and dad, we enjoyed watching the sunset and dancing with you," said Iris. "We should do it again, soon."
"We can do that. Actually, it should be much easier to get together for dances now."
Keri said, "We're going back to dance for a while yet but I don't think we will be very far behind you. All of us are pretty tired."
They gave their children hugs and kisses.
Sarah said, "Briana's Clan will be down shortly if you need something and there aren't any of the Command Staff around."
"We'll be fine."
"Okay. Be careful."
"We will," replied Moya
"Have a good time," responded the three clans.
"See you in the morning," added Sarah's Clan.
"We are heading back to our ship," said Keriann.
"We are as well," added Siobhan.
"Well in that case let's walk back to the spaceport together," said Erin.
"Terry," said Sarah, "were the children satisfied with your comments?"
"I hope so. I tried to get across the idea that we had to use the planet's resources to survive long term, but that we had to do it wisely. It was an awkward lead into the topic. I suggested that they look at the plans we have for developing here and beyond. Apparently they have not looked at them in detail."
"That is likely true. They have been very busy with their learning modules and they should all be ready to graduate before too long."
"About another six months for most at the rate they are going," said Joyce. "Except for doing a thesis they have been immersed in more knowledge than a triple major PhD does on Earth."
Chester added, "At least that much, and ten times the common sense."
"Yea, well you don't live long in space without oodles of common sense."
"True."
A short time later they looked out the shuttle's windows as it lifted off. The shuttle turned as it rose to give them a view of the celebration still going strong. As they climbed higher Celia came into view, along with the other stars around them.
Rusty looked around at his spouses and then said, "Is it me or does the landscape give you the impression that this planet was inhabited before?"
"Why do you say that?" asked Maeve.
"Mainly it's the boundaries on many fields. They seem a little too organized."
"Well it's possible," replied Tara, "but we haven't found any other traces to indicate that."
"Ah, we're almost home," said Sarah as she saw Dóchas take shape out the window.
"Think we will ever feel like Ananu is home?"
"Yes, in time. I'm not sure it will take the place of Dóchas. In any case, Dóchas will always have a special place in our hearts. But my home is wherever the rest of you are. I love you all."
"Sarah, we love you too," replied her spouses as they all hugged.
Near the pavilion three women stood in the shadows. They had spent the day observing those participating in the celebration, paying special attention to the leaders and their families. "So what do you think?" asked Ariu.
"The stories told in their songs are consistent with the information from the Old Ones," replied Iodla. "I've mingled with and observed many of them today and at no time did I sense any lingering anger. Based on what we were told about what some of them had endured before being rescued, I really expected to find a lot of residual anger and bitterness. With what I've seen I am inclined to believe what others have told us, and that this is a truly remarkable group of people."
"That was my experience as well," added Cabd. "All the discussions of their past, that I heard, focused on their successes. Those were about either rescuing someone or defending themselves. Some of those events are mentioned in the lyrics of their songs. Many more discussions were about their future here and what they wanted to accomplish. I only heard a few talk about the recent battle with the invaders and that was pilots telling of their encounters. I had to duck a few times to avoid hands waving to support their story.
"You know, we could just look at their thoughts and memories as they would never know."
"No!" exclaimed Ariu. "From what I've sensed, some of them very likely would know. Their mind-link with each other is ... unusual ... very deep, in fact deeper than I understood was possible for mortals. I would not be surprised if some weren't already aware of our presence."
Cabd smiled as she said, "Well we gave Sarah's Clan a pretty strong clue by returning the plate that held their offering."
"That was a very nice gesture they made," added Iodla.
"I think all of us were surprised."
"True, especially Mother," replied Iodla. "It seems like all members of their family groups are always in touch with the others. Within the family unit, it seems that they share everything, even senses and emotions."
"Are you sure?" asked Cabd.
"I am," answered Ariu. "I know Mother is reluctant but we really should meet them. This would be beneficial to both them and us as we need to know them better. Perhaps it will avoid issues like Mother and Dad had before."
"I agree," said Canu startling them as she, along with Laghdha, appeared beside them.
"Good evening," responded the three goddesses as their parents appeared.
"Have you had fun today?" asked Canu with a smile.
"Yes!" exclaimed the three.
"So how would you want to interact with them after we meet them?"
"I didn't think you wanted to meet them," responded Cabd.
"I've been thinking about that a lot since our last discussion," replied Ariu. "I don't think we want the relationship that the mentors have with them, which is almost like that between young and old siblings. I was thinking that something like the relationship that exists between aunts and uncles and their nieces and nephews might work?"
"An interesting idea and I think it would be very appropriate," added Iodla.
"Based on what we now know, it is something to seriously consider," said Canu.
"I would like to know more of their background," said Cabd, "but I have no objection to your proposal. In fact, I wish I'd thought of it. It would be a way for us to learn more about them."
"I think they will have no reluctance in sharing their history with us," said Laghdha. "You've done a good job of observing them today. We are pleased with the interactions you had with several of them. Aine and Morrigan know you were here as they talked with, I believe Michaela, after Ariu spoke with her."
"Well they were all opportunities that I couldn't pass up," replied Ariu, "even though they did go a bit beyond what we agreed to."
"When do you think we should meet them?" asked Canu.
"Mother, is this a test?" asked Iodla with a smile.
"No," she replied before sticking her tongue out at her daughters.
"I think we should meet them after their visitors have left," said Ariu. "My inclination is to meet Sarah's Clan first then the others in the order that they accepted their role in the family. However, I have some concerns with that approach as the others may feel slighted."
"I see you've picked up much of what I have today," replied Iodla. "However, I don't think any of them would feel that way. I agree with waiting until their visitors leave as it will give us more time to observe them."
"I also agree," said Canu. "However, a situation may arise where they see you and realize who you are. If that happens, go ahead and introduce yourself. Let them know our plans to meet with them after their visitors depart."
"Good idea," said Laghdha. "We're going back."
"We will probably stay for the rest of the celebration," said Cabd. "Do you want us to link with you so you can see our observations?"
"Let's wait until you are back," replied Laghdha with Canu nodding her agreement.
On Dóchas the shuttle carrying Sarah's Clan settled into its cradle followed a short time later by the hatch opening. They found Briana's Clan was waiting at the side of ship for them to exit.
"Anxious," said Aoife.
"Yep."
Briana said, "Star told us you were on the way up and that she could hold the fort until you checked in."
"Okay. Have fun!"
"Oh, we will. We heard you all are great dancers."
"Boy, news travels fast. We enjoyed every minute of it."
They watched as Briana's Clan hurried into the shuttle for the trip down to Tara Ardchlár.
"As soon as we check the bridge and enable our links with it, I'm ready for some rest."
"Me too."
"Are we fooling ourselves by not having an active watch on each bridge?" queried Terry.
"Don't think so," replied Rusty. "I see why you raised the question, but at the moment we are operating as a single entity rather than seven ships. Although resting in our quarters, we are linked to our bridge. During the celebration we have each FCS manned and passively scanning, so that is another bit of insurance. Someone would need to enter the system with a vessel mimicking the characteristics of a piece of space debris in order not to be detected. Even then they would need to stay well away from us in order to keep from attracting attention. I am not saying something can't get through, but that it's not too likely. What brought this up?"
"I was thinking about the issue Keri indirectly raised, which is: Are we careful enough with our security?"
"For now, I think so. Once more worlds know of us and visitors become more frequent, we will need to change the way we do things. One item we need to discuss is a spaceport which would also be the traffic control for the system, rather than the FOCs. In the meantime, we need to identify and qualify more staff for the bridges, and as leadership in the different departments. It will come but it will take some time."
"Okay. 'Are we doing enough?' is a question I frequently ask myself."
"Good, keep doing it."
It was a couple of hours later that Sarah's Clan began preparations for bed. Their children returned just before they were in bed so they chatted for a bit getting impressions of their day on Ananu. In bed they arranged themselves so that Rusty and Sara were in the middle, with Maeve and Tara cuddled up next to them and the other spouses next to them on each side.
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