She pleaded. Caleb assured her, "everything's fine, just have a lot

on my mind". Not knowing if he should enlist her help or just

wait and rely on Command for an invasion plan. Caleb felt Jess'

presence ~ "Well, let's talk business, sit down, times wasting," the

old Warrior scolded. Jess threw a large pad of writing paper on the

table. He had already filled several pages with notes in a scratching

that only he could read. They spent the next several hours master

minding the mission. Everything fit ~ Diane was more than eager to help

and Jess assured Caleb repeatedly that she was trustworthy. Diane,

with a warm almost sheepish smile asked Jess, "Have you told him?"

Jess, smiling from ear to ear said, "No it should come from you." 

Caleb, looking from one to the other scolded, "Somebody better let me

in on this." Diane touched Caleb's arm and began, "Not long

after you left, you know when we had that talk by the 18th hole that

night ~ Jess and I prayed about my health condition ~ you know it was

diagnosed to be fatal. Anyway I was healed instantly during prayer.

Jess asked for the healing during prayer and Alpha told him to tell me

to ask him myself and he would heal me. I did ask and at that moment

I could feel the warm healing take place." Caleb growled, "why didn't 

someone tell me?" 

Diane pleaded, " I wanted to be sure ~ this is the first time anything like

this has ever happened in my life and besides I wanted to tell you in

person, I made Jess promise not to say anything." 

Caleb was overjoyed but still quite concerned with what he had seen 

in her eyes. Caleb, obviously very happy, excused himself as he 

explained ~ "for a brief walk and time to think." 

~ ~ ~ ~

The night air felt good to his skin, Caleb was feeling uncertain and

uneasy ~ his thoughts were scrambled. He'd been here before ~

watching while the demonic forces of the spiritual realm ruin 

his future. He understands that much of the time the host of a 

demonic spirit isn't aware of it's presence and are innocent, 

nice people meaning no harm but are never the less influenced

at times by the negative spirit. Many times the foul, evil thing 

won't significantly manifest itself until the most unexpected time, 

just when you need the other person the most ~ BAM! It hits you 

like a ton of lead. 

The evil entity may promote unhappiness, distress, incompatibility, 

mistrust and many untold feelings that result in failed communications 

which most times results in separation. 

It's a fact of life but extremely few people know enough

about the spiritual realm to understand. Several billion people in the

Ephysia Planetary system read the Ancient Book of ALPHA but only 

a few really understand the teachings. 

If the ones who profess to be students of the Ancient Book of Alpha 

really understood the teachings, they would readily understand that 

these unseen evil spirits were what the great writers of the book were 

trying to teach and warn against. 

~ ~ ~ ~ 

Caleb returned, somewhat renewed but at least ready to talk 

about the new mission. Jess and Diane both want to know what 

is bothering him. Caleb responds with a lie, "Nothing, just 

needed some air, let's talk business. Can you get the President 

of the Federation of Shuttle Pilots on line tonight? I'm ready 

to take on an honest job." Diane smiled and began entering the 

direct number into her communicator. Jess summons Caleb into the 

next room as if to give Diane privacy. Jess quietly informs

Caleb, "I think she used to be thick with the President of the

Federation, may be better to give her some room to maneuver." 

Caleb felt that old familiar pang of jealousy, something he 

hadn't felt for quite a while. He didn't know if he liked it 

or not, it was a new feeling to care that much again.

After what seemed like eternity Diane appeared in the doorway ~ all

smiles she flirtingly announced that, "all was well." On her

recommendation Caleb was being assigned a Shuttle Ship as we 

speak and further more the ship was on its way with one of the 

Federations best pilots to run through the check-out with Caleb. 

Diane also knew the pilot as a friend, one who owed her plenty as 

she had covered for him many times. Diane questioned Caleb, " I hope 

you've got plenty of money ~ it's going to take a lot to make a Federation 

Shuttle Ship and Pilot disappear for several days." Diane continued, 

"I've got Jamieson, The president of the Federation in my pocket, he's 

showing you as William Thad ~ Master Pilot for the Federation, I 

used all the information that is listed on your bogus ID." Diane turned 

and put her arm around Jess, "I showed Jess as the unidentified, 

underhanded merchant who has possession of the Space Coral. 

I of course have my old job back as your very own Shuttle

Stewardess and Entertainer. Is that cozy or what? We could just make 

a permanent thing of it." she smiled. Caleb responded positively,

"Command said money was no object, I'll just give them a voucher

redeemable from the treasury for whatever I authorize." 

~ ~ ~ ~ 

The plan was coming together ~ if the Pilot could be bought

they would be ready for the first leg of the mission.

Caleb was impressed that Diane had that much "pull" to make

arrangements this quickly, especially with people of such importance.

~ ~ ~ ~

Copyright 2001 Darryl Foshee