Six months later we were aboard a Kalinar heading towards Manyarner. The small vessel used Hyperlight drive which phased it out of normal space time and clipped the edge of hyperspace. The non-Euclidean mathematics of this form of space travel is highly complex and requires a full size biotronic unit to calculate the trajectory. In simple terms when travelling in hyperspace you are going at right angles to the normal plane of space time and thus the vast distances involved are cut dramatically. If the vessel had been travelling through normal space we would have had to reach speeds equivalent to many thousand light years per second in order to cross such vast distances.

I preferred this form of transportation to the long teleports the Tomorrow People were used to. Their bodies have been designed by evolution to compensate for the constant disassembling and reassembling of their physical form, mine had not. This time alone also gave us the opportunity to reflect upon the events of the last few months.

>From within the ship there is no awareness of the indeterminate state of your own existence as everything is moving within the same realm and at equal speeds everything appears normal. We had been aboard for three earth weeks and had decided not to slow-sleep through the trip. Stephen used the time to examine every item of equipment available. Due to circumstances he had not finished his degree and I was sure that he regretted the decision.

Andranovich had grown considerably and now resembled a human child of about eight years old. Sending a message ahead we had arranged for him to begin his training as a communicator as soon as we arrived. My parents were pleased that they would get the chance to see him before they left on a long term diplomatic mission to the Preya Galaxy (Earth designation 2997) five hundred thousand light years away from Federation territory. I had my own worries about this trip, not at the possible dangers of long voyages through Hyperspace to meet unknown civilisations but because, as elders, their absence from the circle would have it's ramifications in Manyarnern politics and I only hoped that it would not result in too many upheavals in the smooth running of the society.

After the funeral and the reading of their will it had become apparent that we had inherited a reasonable sum of money. In addition to this was the house in Kingston and another property in Scotland. This, it later transpired, had been inherited previously by Tom from an aged aunt who spent most of her life as a recluse in the Grampian mountains.

We teleported to the station at Corrour Sta to coincide with the arrival of the London train, and then took a taxi out to the property. It was outside a small rural community and set in large formal grounds beside loch Ossain.

As we pulled up into the drive I was reminded of my family home on Manyarner, a large fronted stone building with two bay windows which looked out towards the distant mountains. The house was extremely run down and in need of major repairs.

Andranovich, in his excitement, ran from the car and climbed up the few steps to the large oak door. He did not wait for us to pay the driver and meet him with the key but instead used a brief burst of telekinesis to open the rusted lock and enter the cool interior of the hallway. (Come on.) He pathed as he searched from room to room.

"Well what do you think?"

We stood in the lounge of the old building, dust sheets covered the dilapidated furniture, the atmosphere was thick and smelt strangely musty.

"I think we could be happy here."

"That's exactly what I was thinking." Said Stephen. This was the first time that he had shown interest in anything since the funeral and it was pleasant to see him smile. "It is just far enough away from civilisation for us not to be noticed. We can use the money from the other house to do it up."

He lifted a sheet from an old chair and the clouds of dust wafted up like smoke."It will take a lot of work, but the old place has a happy atmosphere."

"You'll be able to wear a kilt again." I teased "Elizabeth has told me all about it."

He smiled then we stood briefly and linked. Sensing the structure of the building we could feel a calming influence descend into our minds. Momentarily we caught a glimpse of our future selves standing in a temple beside the loch.

(Yes we will be happy here.) We thought in unison.

After making arrangements with a local building firm we left John with our power of attorney and departed for a vacation on Manyarner.

Gradually the distance between Earth and my birth planet diminished. The Kalinar dropped out of hyperspace and for the first time the window shield lifted. During Hyperlight travel the ship needs intense structural support and the whirling void of hyperspace is nothing to look at anyway. As normal space filled the observation window we glimpsed for the first time the large planet orbiting a class one star which bathed it in light. The northern continent had just entered it's day light phase and the glow of the surrounding psionic field could be seen just above the upper atmosphere.

"Wow!" exclaimed Stephen. This was the first time he had actually seen this world from space. "So that's why you glow purple."

I had returned to my normal appearance shortly after starting the trip. It felt good to save the energy needed to maintain the constant transformation and to feel the smooth sheen of my usual skin. Andranovich had rarely seen this form and during the early days of our voyage had spent some time just stroking my arm watching the skin's subtle changes at his touch.

We disembarked at the forth continent space port and were met by my parents. Bowing slowly they welcomed us with a glass of Tralmark.

(May your senses be enlightened and your dreams be fulfilled.)

I took the large container offered by my mother and drank deeply of the sweet liquid. Handing it to Andranocivh he sipped at the drink hesitantly. Once he realised that it's taste was pleasant he gulped down more.

It was Steven who seemed reluctant to join in this traditional greeting. (Do I have to? It's an hallucinogen and I want my mind kept clear at the moment.)

Picking up his thoughts and seeming very disappointed my father took back the container to drink himself.

Catching my look of disapproval Stephen held out his hand to drink as well. (Hey it's quite nice.) He sent with surprise. We all smiled at his unnecessary anxiety.

We stepped aboard a waiting hover vehicle and headed off towards our family home. During the short journey the Tralmark, began to work it's effects.

Stephen's eyes widened as his sense for the consciousness around him heightened. (There are thousands of other beings here, I can feel them.)

(Have you forgotten the wonders of the joining.) Said my mother. (Everyone on the planet took part in the celebrations that day.)

Turning towards me his expression was of disbelief.

(Yes, she speaks the truth. It was so alien to you that you probably felt only the edge of the Manyarnern group consciousness.)

(I can feel it all,) this was Andranovich, he had been looking over the edge of the vehicle at the country side flashing by below us, (I know that I will never be alone again, as long as I stay here.)

Stephen began to send his disapproval of the suggestion that the child remain on this planet but I cut his message short.

(We can discuss these things later after the family blending.)

The house was built into the side of a hill overlooking the lake of Qualmarth, which roughly translated into English means tranquillity. I had forgotten the natural beauty of the place since moving to Earth. Large Fructa bushes rustled in the breeze and the scent of wild flowers filled the air. I bent down and picked a small blue flower from a nearby plant. It made a gentle tinkling sound, like distant bells, as I handed it to Andranovich to smell. He took the little blossom from me and tucked it into my hair.

(And she shall have music wherever she goes.) Pathed Stephen.

The house itself had three levels built by successive generations of our family. My parents lived, when their commitments to the Federation allowed, on the second level. The ground floor had an open courtyard which led into a large brightly lit living space. The layout was predictably circular with a small sunken area in the centre where many cushions lay.

Around the edge the walls shifted with moving patterns of light. Mother had prepared rooms for us above on the third floor and we carried our belongings over to the back of the circular space.

"Where are the stairs?" Asked Andranovich, looking around him.

"There is no need for them here." I lifted myself, and the bundle I carried, up into the air.

In no time at all we were settled in and the familiarity of my childhood home surrounded me with pleasant memories.

Later that evening Stephen and I walked down the steep cliff pass and through the rock overhang to the viewing platform. From here the sun could be seen sinking below the horizon in a glory of deep reds and mauves which spread out across the lake turning the water into a wondrous mass of colour.

(This is my favourite spot in our whole land.) I sent absent-mindedley.

(I can see why, I never realised it was so beautiful when I was here before. I guess I was preoccupied with the strange ceremony involving this gorgeous young alien friend of mine.) We stood looking out across the lake at the brilliance below.

Overtaken by the intensity of the moment I stepped forward over the edge. Stephen grabbed at my robe frantically trying to prevent me from falling. But I knew that I would not fall. The psionic field around me supported my body weight and I floated effortlessly in mid air.

(God! You nearly gave me a heart attack.)

(Sorry, I thought that you would read my intentions and join me.)

Stephen took a step back from the edge and I became aware for the first time of the intense feelings of dread which had arisen within him.

(You have vertigo? Please don't be afraid.) I reached into his consciousness and found the root of his anxiety. Dismissing the little knot of fear he began to relax. (Come on join me.)

Slowly he shuffled forward. Then without looking down he reached for my out stretched hand and stepped from the ledge. Bobbing about in mid air we laughed together.

(What shall we do now?)

(Watch.) I lent backwards until nearly horizontal then shot out from the cliff edge. Lifting myself vertical again I gave him a wink then looped the loop.

Presently we were swooping over the water below dipping and diving like birds on thermal currents. Our joyful laughter filled the air. Looking down we saw a small craft drifting across he lake.

(Hello down there.) I sent.

The thoughts of the couple in the boat swam in our minds.

(Greetings Angerianaasusilicana, nice to feel you amongst us again.)

(Trilliafortunecta! Is that really you it's been so long?)

We quickly descended into the bottom of the vessel. After many hugs and kisses introductions were hardly necessary. Although Trilliafortunecta, Trilly to her friends, gave a verbal greeting out of respect to Stephen's ancestry. "I am pleased to meet you Stephen this is my joining partner Faltron."

"I am happy to meet any of Angie's relatives." They shook hands. "We left this planet straight after our joining and it is only now that I am becoming fully aware of the splendour of the place."

(In that case we will have to show you more.) Sent Faltron.

We sat beside them and began to trade stories of old times at the academy and my new life on Earth. Trilly was the first born of my fathers brother, being of about the same age, we had trained together until my posting to the Trig. She was taller than I remembered and her hair was plaited into a long braid which reached nearly to the ground. She carried herself with an air of authority which called for immediate respect.

Trilly's specialisation was as a lens, that is one who focuses psionic energy in religious ceremonies. The training for such a vocation was more intensive than I had endured and was only just complete.

(I am going to command the family blending tomorrow as one of my first duties as a novice.) She pathed proudly. (I'm a bit worried about dealing with so many minds at once especially as elders of the circle will be there.)

Faltron wrapped his arm around her shoulders reassuringly. (You will be fine, they would not have given you the responsibility unless they thought you could handle it.)

(What exactly does a lens do during these ceremonies?) Asked Stephen. (I know a little about psionic energy and how you use it, like just now when we flew from the cliff. I knew I could do it but if you asked me how I would not be able to explain it.)

(Psionic energy flows through our bodies, if you know how to sense on the right wavelength then you can feel the vibrations it makes in your living tissue. As a lens I can not only feel this energy but harness and focus it.)

She held her hand palm upwards above her head. With a sharp crack a bolt of brilliant white lightning forked across the sky towards us. Suddenly it seemed to stop in mid air and roll into a flaming ball. This sank down until it rested in her hand.

She brought it down level with Stephen's face, it's glory filled the boat and lit up the surrounding water, he was aghast with amazement. Nodding approval at his silent question he took the glowing sphere from her and studied it more closely.

(This energy not only moves through us but we also generate a limited field around us. Flying like you did was a result of localised fields generated by the plants, animals and people of the planet. Your body took advantage of the energy field to give you buoyancy then you used telekinesis to move around within it. During ceremonies the energy of individuals is entwined to enhance the group consciousness. The commander is the main link and flows the group mind through her own. It will be my duty to see that everyone joins but also that they keep a thread of their individuality. We will all share visions with one another but also experience personal insights into our life.

Training in this specialisation has taken most of my life. The energy is unpredictable and controlling it needs a very precise form of divided concentration. You are not aware of the constant control I have to place over that lightening in order to prevent it from burning your hand.)

(Oh!) Stephen returned the glowing ball to her and it slowly dimmed to leave us sitting in complete darkness.

(One day when I have much more experience I may become an elder of the circle myself, but not for many centuries.)

Noticing how late it had become and realising how far the little boat had drifted we bade farewell and flew back towards the welcoming lights of the house, now just a speck on the distant hill side.

It was a glorious morning, the atmosphere at home was charged with excitement at the imminent family gathering. We ate breakfast quickly then made our way to the temple. As we stepped from the hover vehicle I looked around me. There was already a small crowd milling about in the warm sunshine. It surprised me how many relatives were present on the home world at this time, but I soon recalled that they had probably come to say goodbye to mother and father before their long trip. Apart from our immediate group there were father's two brothers their joining partners and children, one of which was Trilly, my mothers sister and her joined children and grand children, about thirty people in all.

We stood around the rim of the structure. I smiled across at Stephen and Andranovich who had become quickly accustomed to their lack of bodily covering. They stood together almost opposite me in the large throng. Trilly walked to the centre of the temple and stepped onto a raised platform. She looked up above her and a stream of pinkish light emanating from the stone arches surrounded her body. One by one we took each others hands until the circle was complete then walked forward a few paces and knelt down. For a fleeting moment I was aware of the thoughts of all those present. I saw the circle of people from many different viewpoints which gradually melted into one image of us all as if we were looking out from the centre.

My mind filled with pictures of distant planets and civilisations, one of which was the streets of London filled with people busily going about their business. Another seemed to be the peaceful hills of the Scottish highlands. This cacophony of individual feelings swirled around my consciousness then solidified into images from my childhood.

(Look at me Angie?) Trilly skipped up and over the fructa bushes. Her feet just touched their feathery softness as she passed. (I can fly like a bird.)

I had not mastered the art of lifting yet and ran along through the undergrowth trying to keep up with her. (Wait for me Trilly, please let me catch up with you.)

She grounded in a clearing beside a rock outcrop. The sun had warmed the stone and ground and it seemed as good a place as any for us to relax. Many small animals scurried away in fright as we approached. I sat down and opened a large leaf I had been carrying. Inside was a handful of Markless berries.

"If you had not scooted off like that we could have picked more." I said angrily.

(I'm very sorry, can I still share them with you?)

We laid on our backs and watched the birds circle above us as we ate the fruit. After a while I became aware of it's effects. Sharing ourselves, we drifted off into a dream.

Eventually I sat up and looked at her. (What have they taught you at the academy recently, apart from lifting?)

(Nothing much.) She replied (They say it will take many months before I can even begin to channel energy. It's really frustrating, I saw a novice the other day practising in the gardens behind the hall.) She sent me an image of a teenage girl her hair blowing in the wind as she lifted her hands and caught a shaft of sunlight as if it had substance. (I bet I could do things like that. They said I mustn't but it's not fair. You already practice your art but I spend most of my time in meditation and schooling.)

Feeling that she was about to do something very stupid I tried to change the subject. (I only get to heal little surface wounds like this.) I picked up a stick and snapped it in two. Then with all my concentration I reached into the plants tissues and rejoined the damages ends.

(See... You can do things, I'm not allowed any fun.) At that she jumped up and raised her hands above her head. "Watch me." She said gleefully.

Lightning cracked across the sky towards us. It passed over our heads and I felt the static charge tingle my skin. Sensing danger I leapt out of the way as it struck the rock outcrop. Trilly had been too preoccupied with her summoning of the light to notice it's trajectory. Splinters of stone spewed out and begin to rain down on her. She started to scream.

"Stop!" I shouted, and much to my surprise the rock fragments froze in mid air just above her head. I was suddenly aware of an eerie silence and looking around me I realised that they were not the only thing that had stopped. There was no breeze on my face, no bird song and even Trilly stood absolutely motionless.

I was very afraid now. I rushed to her side and saw that she was transfixed her mouth open in a silent scream. The rocks loomed ominously overhead and pulling at her arm with all my might I managed to move her a few steps to the left out of their path. Almost as soon as I had accomplished this the whole world started up again.

"Aaaah." The rocks crashed down where she had just been standing. (What happened?) She looked at me like a scared animal (I was sure that they would fall on me.)

I couldn't explain what had happened and thought it best not to mention it to any one.

"You were so scared I pulled you out of the way" I said lamely shielding so that she could not read my inner turmoil. "Anyway, now you know that you cannot control the power and why they told you not to use it yet."

We trudged our way back to the academy, she was obviously shaken by the events but also angered by my constant shielding. My mind was trying to figure out whether to tell her about what had happened but as we approached the outer buildings we were swept up in the hubbub of daily routine. That night I made it up to her by bringing a small gift to her room we were soon on good terms again but to this day had not mentioned the incident.

Stretching I noticed the circle begin to wake. Stephen trotted over to my side and eagerly shared his visions. He had also relived moments in his childhood and it gave him the opportunity to say goodbye, for the last time, to his parents. The blending is good for helping those in need deal with their grief. I was pleased that he gained so much from the experience.

Andranovich by contrast never told me exactly what he saw that day but afterwards there was little debate about his decision to remain on Manyarner.

The sun had lost it's heat and I estimated that we had been there well into the afternoon. People around us began to bring food from their vehicles parked a short distance away. The rest of the day was spent picnicking and sharing tales of our visions.

Andranovich ran off with the children to play in the surrounding countryside. He seemed very much at home in the company of other Manyarnerns and his very human appearance began to take on a light purple psionic glow.

Trilly sensing my feelings, at the realisation that I had lost my little boy for good, approached and sat on the grass beside me. (What did you see?) She enquired.

(I don't think that you need to ask, how long have you known about what happened that day?)

(Well it was just after you left that my meditations became full of you, I spoke with the elders about it and they said that I should try to summon the memories from our past. Do you realise what you did that day?)

Stephen had joined us and looked at our earnest expressions. Feeling his curiosity I shared with him the events of many years ago. (So, what did she do?)

Trilly took a large gulp of air. We waited. (You stopped time.)

As soon as the words came into my mind I new the truth in them, the whole sequence suddenly made complete sense.

She continued. (I am now convinced, as are the elders, that your calling was misinterpreted as a child. Although you are a good healer we believe...) The whole party around us fell silent as they perceived the importance of our exchange. (That you are the One, the first Premier to be born for millennia.)

I laughed at the very idea until I noticed that no one else was laughing. Mother and father's thoughts filled my mind, in unison they sent. (Yes our daughter you are the One, we are humbled in your presence.)

"That's crap!" I exclaimed and stomped off into the undergrowth.

Still their thoughts followed me. (You can deny your heritage all you want but there is no doubt, the group consciousness already understands the importance of this moment. Our people have not had a leader for many centuries and now is the time for you to take us into a new phase of our planets history.)

Wanting no more of their fanciful ideas I blocked them out and lifted off into the afternoon sky.

"She'll come round eventually." Trilly spent the rest of the gathering time explaining things to an astonished Stephen.

It was the middle of the night when I returned to the house. I crept across the living space and up to our room. Stephen was thankfully in a deep sleep brought on by the rigours of the blending. At least I would not have to discuss the ridiculous idea until tomorrow.

I also slept soundly and it was well into the morning when I dropped down to the ground floor of the building. No one was around, helping myself to some warm Durun loaf from the food dispenser, I wandered out to sit on the patio thankful for the peace and quiet.

After a long while the others absence began to worry me. (Andranovich, are you all right?)

(Of course mum. I'm up in the hills hunting lafta cats with Holly and Mantron, please don't make me come back, this is the best fun I've had in ages.)

(Okay but remember not to let yourself get sunburned it's a hot day and your skin is not as tough as the others.)

(I won't.) He sent with obvious excitement at being able to play freely. (I'll be back in time for supper I promise.)

"Well then, what are we going to do for the rest of the day in our son's absence?" Stephen walked over and sat on the chair beside me. "Have you calmed down now? I've never seen you so angry especially at the family. I'm sorry that Trilly's little announcement spoilt what had up till then been such a lovely day."

"I still don't accept what she says you know."

I stuffed a piece of the bread into my mouth in an attempt to stop the conversation from progressing further.

"After you left Trilly explained things to me. She said..." he held up his hand to stop me interrupting, "and I accept that she could be wrong, she said that whether or not you are the Premier they cannot keep you here and make you join in the Manyarnern life style usually undertaken by the One. You are free to decide what is best for you and they will accept that this is what is meant to be. I also got your parents to agree that they will not discuss it with you unless you mention it first. After all we came here for a holiday away from any hassle and that is exactly what I intend to have."

I could not believe that this naive young man that I had joined with such a short time ago had matured into the assertive adult who could handle my very pushy family.

"How on Earth can I thank you." We hugged for a long while and I wept gently on his shoulder.

Suddenly he jumped up and lifted me to my feet. "Well firstly you can come for a swim in that very inviting lake of yours then you can give me a back massage. After that... well I'm sure that I can think of something." He squeezed my left buttock impudently and we headed off towards the lake.

The months on Manyarner flew by and were some of the happiest times of my life. No one in the immediate family mentioned the circles beliefs about my calling as the Premier and after a while I almost completely forgot it myself. That was until we took a trip to the second continent to attend an arts festival. The people there kept giving me funny looks and I often caught their desire to bow as I approached, until they sensed my obvious irritation at their intended actions.

Shortly before mother and father left for their trip we exchanged words briefly on the subject.

"My child you have a difficult path ahead. Be assured that the circle will support you in all that you do. We are not happy at your decision to remain amongst the human's but if that is your wish then we hope all goes well for you."

"Thank you mother and father for being so understanding." Was all I could think of saying. "I'll miss you."

(We will miss all of our grand children as well.) Sent mother.

(What?)

(Don't you feel them within you child?) She placed her hand on my belly and went inside to feel the growing embryos. (Twin boys, there have not been any twins in the family in a long time.)

Stephen came close and also placed his hand against me. (Hey! how did that happen?) Our laughter took away the feelings of gloom which hung over the parting.

They walked up into the waiting transport ship which was to take them the first leg of their journey. This was much larger than the Kalinar we had travelled in and was designed to be self sustaining on trips that would last many years. Stephen had longed to get a glimpse at the Hyperlight generators but the ship was out of bounds to all non Federation personnel.

The circle of elders reached out their minds in a joint wish for success. (Our thoughts go with you on your voyage.) They sent as the ship rose into the air. As it made the jump out of space-time we all felt the sense of loss.

I was heavily pregnant as I too stepped aboard a Kalinar for the return trip to Earth. Andranovich stood beside Trilly, who was to supervise his time at the academy, at the foot of the entrance ramp. Feeling tears well up inside me I waved quickly and went in to join Stephen. He was busy at the controls checking the trajectory on the biotronic unit. We had decided to slow-sleep the rather tedious return journey. As I had pointed out, on our way here we had Andranovich to keep us occupied and it was a new experience for him and Stephen. Now that this technology was all familiar there would be little to do but get on each others nerves. In fact I was finding it hard to leave and I could not face endless weeks dwelling on the fact that I might not see my home world again for many years. Stephen's ability to sense my moods had improved much during our stay and without sharing my thoughts directly with him he knew how upset I really was.

(Ready then?) He asked holding open the lid of the sleep chamber. (What about these two little fellas?)

I lifted myself into position and fastened the harness over my swollen abdomen. (We are all fine, now lets get going before I change my mind.)

(Your wish is my command Premier.)