SNEAK PREVIEW

THE UNITY OBJECTIVE

ADVENTURE TO DESTINY

BY SANDRA GOLDEN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTERS

PROLOGUE

l. UNITY

2. THE FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

3. J.R AND HELAINA LEARN THEIR FATE

4. THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

5. SEA LAB

6. SEA STATION UNITY

7. TROUBLE UNDER THE SEA

8. OUT FOR REVENGE

9. RETURN TO UNITY ONE

10. TROUBLE IN WASHINGTON

11. NEW FRIENDS ARE FOUND

12. HELAINAS IN DANGER

14. THE STORY CHAMBER

15. ALL IS NOT WHAT IT SEEMS

16. J.R AND HELAINA DISCOVER A NEW TALENT

17. WORKING TOGETHER

18. FUN AT THE LAKE

19. WHERE’S THE WATERFALL?

20. RETREAVING THE LAST TWO BALLS

21. WHAT TO DO WITH THE BALLS

22. UNDERSTANDING

23. A SURPRISE WELCOMING

24. MORE THEN JUST PRETY CRYSTALS

25. VALUEBLE DISCOVERIES

26. THE HOKEY POKEY

27. WHAT’S WITH THAT WATCH?

28. BEACH PARTY

29. A NORMAL SUMMER DAY FOR THE FAMLY

30. THERE ARE NO SURPRISES

31. THE HOPE ISLAND FAIR

32. NOT LIKING WHAT SHE SEE’S

33. THINGS TO COME

34. COMPLETED PROJECTS

35. SCHOOL STARTS

36. STATION ONE, THINGS BECOME CLEAR. OR THE ENDING OF THE BEGINNING

GLOSSERY OF TERMS

Guardians-Are leaders of the population of aliens. There are ten sectors around the world and each has a set of Guardians. The Guardians are also CEO’s of corporations.

The corporations are collectively a conglomerate called Unity.

Unity-is also the surname the head Guardians adopted, and was also the name of the planet for which they came.

Elders-The adults in the group. Can refer to parents, grandparents, Guardians, and Watchers.

Seekers-Those who seek the truth about “Who” and “What” Unity Corporations really are, and especially what their objectives are.

Watchers-Can be any adult who is assigned to “Watch” someone in order to protect them, and help them achieve their destiny. They can be family, friends, teachers, or elders.

Mind Speak-This is when two people can connect their minds together and speak to each other with just their minds. Mind Speak can only be done with the person that is your partner, or equal. This connection usually happens to cousins, or twins, who were born on the same day, and year.

The Story Chamber-A six foot tall crystal which stores stories of the past.

Nature Park-A Nature preserve were the Dome will be located.

Balls-Four balls, that later are discovered to be precious jewels used to operate a machine. They later just call them “jewels”.

Unity One-William and Jennifer Unity’s Yacht.

Hope Island-The home for the Unity family, and the conglomerates home base of operation’s.

Station One-The secret city that is hidden under Hope Island. Nine others exist, there are ten all together.

PROLOGUE

Ten generations ago:

Ten ships had been built for this journey to their new home. The journey would be a long one, and even if they could, they could never return. So the ships were loaded with everything they would need to survive the journey, and everything that they needed to build their new homes, and much, much more. They would make stops along the way to gather supplies, and record and collect as much scientific data that they could before they reached their final destinations. The ten ships were so large that they each could comfortably transport a population of more than 25,000 people, and each was fill to capacity. The ships themselves were four miles long, and three miles wide, and twenty stories high, they operated with a very advanced, and powerful engine, and computer system, and could travel the great distances that was required of them.

Each ship had a Captain and crew that maintained the ship, the Captain was also their appointed Guardian or person whom they recognized as their leader. The ten Guardians would gather, or come together as their governing body and make the major decisions that concerned the population. Being a Guardian was not an elected position, it was an inherited one, with each Guardian accepting their position at a young age, being chosen when they exhibited extraordinary skills, and knowledge, and a giving and compassionate nature. Each Guardian took over the duties of the previous one, when that Guardian retired at the age of 65.

It had taken two generations to build the ships themselves, and prepare for this journey.

A journey they knew they had to make. An unendurable sickness affected their home; they had named this hardship “Black Cell Disease” or BCD for short. BCD was introduced into their environment by an evil being who thrived in dead environments. And it wanted their home, and there was nothing to stop it. Their best scientist had finally discovered the cure, but it was too late for them to use it. They would take the cure with them, and if the time came when it was needed the right person would know where to find it, and how to use it. BCD had taken generations to destroy their environment, which gave their community time to plan their escape.

Black Cell Disease turned living healthy cells in plants, animals and all living creatures black by robbing them of all their oxygen, and thus turning the cells black. Eventually this destroyed tissue, then whole organs. It was a long and painful death for that which hosted BCD. It spread slowly, but eventually it would destroy everything. Including the air they breathed, and the water and food they needed for survival. Finally the evil entity would swoop in and take all that was left. This was the reason they had to leave.

This was the reason they had to travel great distances to find a home in which they could thrive. A home that was similar to theirs, but different. A much younger place, where the inhabitants weren't as knowledgeable as themselves, or as accepting of outsiders as they were. But they would change that. Others had traveled there before them, and had prepared for their arrival and now the time had come to say good-bye the evil was now upon them.

The ten Captains or Guardians stood at the helms of their ships watching the horizon as the darkness started swallowing up the once beautiful blue sky. The ships were ready, yet it was hard to say good-bye to your home, a home you shell never see again except in your memory, or with pictures that would be a precious reminder of where they had come from.

Every person was accounted for, and securely housed on their assigned ship. They had managed to make room for their entire population. Not a living soul would be left behind. Each person was valued, life was valued. It was thanks to generations of careful planning that made this journey and their survival possible. Everyone aboard knew their place, their job, and knew their responsibilities. It would take many months before they reached their new home, and their ten ships would become a home where they lived, worked, and learn and played. Together they would accomplish the dreams of their fathers, and their fathers before them. They would be safe, and they would save others.

The big receiving doors were now closed and it was time to leave. The power to the ships had now been activated, and the ten Guardians now embraced their roles as Captains, and together ordered the launching of the ten ships. Everyone stood by the huge viewing windows to say a final good-bye to their home. Once a beautiful paradise, but now, it was just a vast wasteland void of life. Emotions were mixed, and confusing. They mourned the loss of what they had, and most let tears fall silently down their cheeks, yet they still embraced the excitement of venturing to a new place, and the pride in realizing that together they had made their dreams, and now their people would thrive, and new generation would be born and continue on with their work. When they could no longer see their home they let out a loud joyful cheer, embracing each other, and the new life they were headed towards.

A few days before they were to leave the Captain of the lead ship had a secret mission. When the control room had been void of personnel the Captain had hid a large amount of the antidote for BCD in a special containment chamber that only he knew of. A chamber his father, now gone, had built into the presumably solid metal wall. Only one other person would know where the antidote rested, and that person would not be born for ten more generations. How did he know this? He knew this because of a machine that his father and others had built, a machine that had now been taken apart, and stored aboard the ships. A machine, which would not be assembled until “The One's” where old enough, and wise enough, and able enough to use their special abilities to rebuild it. “The One's”, his elders told him would be two very special individuals, who would be born into a strong family unit, and they would one day have the knowledge, and the power to unite their people with those from their new home. And together they would defeat the evil that lurked in the universe. Unity was their ultimate destiny, and Unity being the name his great-grandfather had chosen for his family.

P R E S ENT D A Y

CHAPTER ONE

UNITY

    Hope Island laid two miles off the coast of Washington State. The island was rather large being over two thousand square miles, and completely surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. The island had a population of over 25,000 residents who lived on its shores, everyone employed, and under the protection of the Unity Corporation. Today the town was busy preparing for tomorrow’s big July 4th celebration. Small planes landed at the small airport, brought guests from all over the world, and big yachts arrived filled with honored guest anchored off shore. And the two company helicopters were making constant trips to the mainland, than back to the island. Each trip brought more and more people to the island. By the day's end Hope Island had almost doubled its population. This was not going to be just your ordinary Independence Day celebration: this celebration was marking a new era for the Unity Corporation, the biggest conglomerate in the world.

   William Unity, and his sister Hanna Unity Black, not only were celebrating the holiday, they were celebrating their 65the birthday.  This date also marked their retirement as CEO of Unity Corporation, and the end of their duties as Guardians. These duties were being passed down to the next generation. David Unity, Williams son, and Charles Black, Hanna’s son would become the new Guardians and CEO's.

   The family estate was busy with preparations; chefs were busy in the huge estate kitchen, preparing gourmet delights. Workers decorated the compound, putting up lights, setting up the tables and chairs for tonight’s banquet. The dance band was doing a sound check, and going over the list of music to be played that evening. Tonight’s festivities were to ceremoniously celebrate William and Hanna’s retirement, and the welcoming of David and Charles as the new CEO and Guardians. Only family, and the board of directors would be present. The board of directors of Unity Corporation consisted of all the Guardians for their people. Tomorrow the town’s residents would celebrate the occasion, which would be broadcasted all around the world so their people could take part. First, there would be a big parade tomorrow morning, followed by a picnic in the park. Ending the day with a concert which would be followed by the largest fire-works display the island has ever seen.

  On the second floor balcony the elder members of the family were relaxing. Present were William, Hanna, David, Charlie, and their spouses. All business had concluded a few days ago, and now the family was taking time to enjoy this opportunity to catch up on family news, and enjoy their island paradise, and all the festivities. The younger members of the family, were under the watchful eyes of their Nannies and played lawn games, and swam in the cool water of the Olympic sized pool down in the court yard.

  Helaina Unity, laid stretched out on a deck chair, her young curvy body dressed in a one piece designer swim suit that showed off her long tan legs. Helaina with her thick curly dark hair, which she kept in a ponytail, had the darkest brown, almost black eye’s anyone had ever seen, and if you looked closely you could see that gold streaks appeared to radiate from her iris when she got angry. Helaina’s Cousin J.R Black, short for James Robert, was at her side. J.R. was the same height as his cousin, five foot ten, but there the similarities ended, his hair was the color of wheat, his eyes were bluer than the ocean, but it was when he was concentrating on a problem when the gold streaks appeared in his eyes. The gold streaks in J.R and Helaina’s eyes were an inherited Unity family trait. Both looked and acted like you typical 15 years old. But typical they weren’t.

“Helaina, did you bring that rat with you?”

“She isn’t a rat, she’s a Sugar Glider, and she has a name, and it’s Peanut, and she is right here, it’s a good thing she can‘t hear you.”

“Sorry!  You don‘t have to get so touchy.”

“What are you working on over there? Is that a new I pod?”

“Yes it’s an I-pod, I’m modifying it.”

“Why?”

“You sure ask a lot of questions.”

“I know, I like asking questions, that’s how you learn, and besides it drives you crazy when I do.”

   This would be a typical conversation between two teen-age cousins except for one thing, not one word could be heard. This conversation was being conducted using their minds, a talent they discovered when they were a tender age of 8. They could only hear what the other was thinking, and their talent didn’t extend to other people however, and this frustrated them to no end. The cousins would like nothing better than to hear what other people were thinking. They had never told anyone, keeping this talent a secret from everyone, and they believed that they were the only ones with this special talent.

  Up on the balcony William Unity watch the two teens with fascination, and amusement. William Unity was Helaina’s grandfather and J.R’s great Uncle, but to the all the kids he was just Granddad. William was a large teddy bear of a man, he stood six foot four inches tall and was very muscular, with a slightly rounded belly thanks to his wives’ cooking. William made a commanding figure and was a highly respected CEO and Guardian, and a leader who was very watchful of what was happening, but most of all he cared and loved his people. Little did the two teens know, William was able to listen in on their private conversations. This came in handy especially when J.R and Helaina decided to get into mischief, or to do something they shouldn't. They could never figure out how William always showed up in time to prevent any disasters from happening.

David Unity, Williams’s son, and his successor, approached his father carrying with him plateful of cookies. David was a much younger version of his father, the same dark brown hair, except without the gray, the same eyes, and the same very medium skin tone. Like his father he was a great business man, but William always thought that David took more after his mother in personality and was one who sometimes preferred solitude, and didn’t like sharing his ideas until he had worked them out fully on his own.

“I see you found the cookies your mother made for the picnic tomorrow.”

“She can’t hide them from me, besides she makes the best Chocolate chip Pecan cookies in the world, and I just can’t resist them:” David told his father.

“You do know she makes several batches so that the rest of us can enjoy them also? She just lets you think that you found her secret stash, so that you leave the rest alone.”

“I know, it’s a little game we play, and besides, if I don’t go searching for these little delights I think she would be hurt.”

“I think you are right about that.” They were both laughing as Charles Black, Charlie to friends and family joined them. Charlie Black was the same age as his cousin, and partner David, thirty-six, but was the total opposite of his cousin in looks having golden blond hair, and blue eyes. Charlie was known as the family prankster, and was always looking for ways to make things, even work, fun. He believed his cousin took life to seriously and was always dragging David into one of his schemes. It was their differences which William and his sister Hanna believed complimented each other, and would make them strong partners and Guardians for their people.

“Uncle, have you and mom discussed who will precede us as Guardians?”

“Hanna and I made the decision a while back; I guess it is time to reveal our choice.”

  In the Unity family it was tradition that the outgoing Guardians of the company choose the Guardians that preceded the incoming Guardians. This time the choice was simple. Even though he was 65, William was still a force to be reckoned with, when he spoke, the family, his friends, and especially those who worked for the Unity Corporation, listened. He ruled Unity Corporation with a strong hand, and an open heart, being the one to handle the business end of things, while his sister Hanna dealt with the more technical, and scientific aspects of the Corporation. Knowing what was to come, instinct fully, Hanna Black came and stood beside her brother. As much as her brother was outgoing, a big kid at heart, and everyone he meet was a friend, that is, until they proved themselves otherwise. Hanna was quiet and reserved keeping mostly to herself and her family, and trusting no one, and always questioning everything. Just like her niece Helaina.

 “Hanna and I have thought about this for some time. The next generation of Guardians was an easy choice, the only choice really, and should not be a surprise to anyone in this room.”

Everyone’s head was nodding in agreement.

“J.R and Helaina will make excellent Guardians. Usually at the age of 18, the next generation of Guardians begins learning about their heritage, and about what we are about. But not this time, this time something is different about our future Guardians.”

“Dad, you do realize they just turned 15, on June 16.”

“Yes I know, but J.R and Helaina are different from previous generations. Charlie, David when did the two of you make your connection, knowing what the other thought, how they felt, and start your private communications?”

Charlie and David looked at each other. Then they answered in unison: “We were 17.” “It happened to Hanna and me when we were 19.” William paused, knowing what he was about to say was unheard of. “J.R. and Helaina were able to Mind Speak together when they were 8 years old.”

Joanna, David’s wife spoke up. “Dad how is that possible?”

“I don’t know. I have two of our best scientist working on that question. I believe that J.R and Helaina are proof that we are evolving, getting stronger, wiser, and more sensitive to our environment.”

William walked over to the desk and pulled open a draw and retrieved a little pink note book. Immediately Joanna, David’s wife, recognized it.

“Joanna, do you know what this is?”

“Yes, it’s my daughters little book, she likes writing little things in it.”

“It’s much more than that, I’m afraid. Yesterday morning I was walking in the gardens before breakfast. I found Helaina sitting by the water fountain writing. I asked her: “What she was writing?” She told me they were her “Dream Stories”, and she had to write them down, because she didn’t want to forget, because she “Felt them in her heart.” Curious, I asked if I could borrow one of the note books, so I could read her stories, Helaina was hesitant, but let me take this one note book. She had two others with her.” 

William took the pink note book and handed it to his wife Jennifer. “Jenny my love, you are our fastest reader, read a few of Helaina’s Dream Stories, than you tell us what they are.”

Within seconds Jennifer Unity was turning page after page, reading them at a remarkable pace, when she was finished she closed her eyes, and laid the little book on her lap. Letting the words she just read sink in, she looked visibly shaken and her son and daughter-in-law immediately went to stand by her side.

“Mom what is it?”

“I don’t understand, there is no way that she knows, this has never been written down before, and it’s only in video files. These are things only the Elders and Guardians should know.”

William spoke softly: “She knows them as dreams.”

David asked: “Are you two going to tell us?”

Jennifer looked around the room and took a deep breath. “Helaina is writing down the “Truth’s”, as if she were present and witnessing them first hand.  She believes they are dreams, but in reality, it’s the truth about us, our heritage, what we are doing, how we have helped them evolved”

The room became silent; the Guardians began to think, trying to reason out the problem. 

David spoke: “I will talk to my daughter; she needs to know that she must not share her “Dream Stories” with anyone.”

“Yes son, she needs to know that what she writes can impair what we are trying to accomplish. Don’t discourage her, or frighten her, handle the matter with gentle hands. Remember she is a sensitive child, but incredibly intelligent. It might be best if she lets you keep her “Dream Stories” in a safe place.” William continued to make his case to the family. 

“There are another signs which tells us that Helaina and J.R need to start their education. Hanna what was that gadget that your grandson gave you as a present.” Hanna was William’s older sister, by just 3 minutes. Out of the two she was the creative thinker.

“J.R presented me with this beautiful watch for Christmas, and he told me that it could tell me how much energy a person had. What he really produced was a meter which told exactly how much of our DNA, was in a person. When held up to William and I, and Charlie, you see that the needle points to 100%. We know that Katie’s father was a half breed, and her mother full blood, which makes her three quarters, watch the needle when I get close to her.”

The family looked closely as the little gold watch correctly foretold Katie’s, Charlie’s wife, heritage.

Hanna spoke quietly, but confidently, “There has never been an instrument created to correctly identify how much of our energy, our make-up or genes, is in a person.  That is until now! Since I have had this little device I have tested it countless times, and it has always been correct. I have had our best technical engineers study it, analyze it, and none of them can figure out how J.R produced it.” 

  The room became silent, everyone’s mind calculating the possibility on how such a device could be constructed by a fifteen year old. It was the mothers of the two children who spoke up. Joanna Unity, Helaina’s mom and David’s wife, spoke first. Helaina had her mother’s beautiful hair and her long legs but there the resemblance ended. Helaina was differently her father's daughter when it came to appearances, but her personality came from her mother. Both mother and daughter were nurturers, they were the happiest when they were taking care of a child or an animal, and both were very cautious, and detailed orientated and meticulous organizers.

“William is right! If the children are exhibiting such knowledge now, can you just imagine how much more their young minds will take in? With such knowledge brings much responsibility and power. They need to learn now how to accept that responsibility for the good.”

It was than Katie Black's turn to join in the discussion. Like her son, J.R, she never wanted to be left out of anything. Katie and Charlie were both the adventurers in the family, and their children took after them. “I agree, even though they are very young. I think it would be best for “Unity”, that William begin their education. Helaina and J.R would benefit from his knowledge, and they enjoy spending time with him, and Jennifer.  Besides, he knows how to make things fun for the kids, being a 65 year old teen-ager himself. (The family laughed, Katie always seemed to know how to remove the tension from a tense situation, because she always saw the good in everything.) She then continued, “Joanna and I think that it would be best for them to spend the summer months here on Hope Island with William and Jennifer, than in the fall return to a more traditional schooling. What do the rest of you think?”

  As the family discussed their future J.R. and Helaina played a carefree game of Marco Polo with their siblings, and other cousins. Enjoying the hot summer day as only the young could. An odd feeling came over Helaina and she got out of the pool and walked to the edge of the garden. With the hot sun making the water droplets on her skin look like shimmering diamonds she stared out towards the beach. Suddenly she shriveled, goose bumps appearing on her young body. J.R had followed his cousin sensing that something was not right.

“Is something wrong?” J.R wanted to know.

“Yes! I have a feeling someone is watching us. And I am not talking about Nannies, Parents, or Staff. I don't think this is good, I feel like...”

“Like someone is threatening us.” J.R finished Helaina's thought.

“That's exactly it! J.R can you feel it? Can you feel that we are changing?”

“They call that puberty.”

“NO! That's not it. I don't want to be different. I want to be like everyone else. I'm really scared!”

“You sure jump from one subject to another! Of course we are different; we can talk to each other within our heads silly. That just makes us special. Mom once told me; “That everyone's unique in some way. Because if everyone in the world was the same the world would be a boring place to live in.” J.R was trying hard to comfort his cousin the best he could, and protect her from the unknown eyes that were upon them. “And yes I feel like I am changing, but change is good, right?

“I guess so. But who is watching us?”

“Don't worry about that right now. Just remember that Hope Island is one of the safest places on the planet, and with the Secret Service here this week, we couldn't be safer. Now come on let’s go play Spy Games before my dad and yours take over the video game, playing one of their endless tournaments.”

CHAPTER TWO

THE FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

J.R’S VERSION OF THE BIG BANG

  After dressing in their best evening wear, eating the best steaks and sea food that money could buy, and after all the boring speeches were made, and as the tables were being cleared away for dancing, the younger children were taken up to their room to sleep, and to rest up for the all the excitement which would come tomorrow. This left only the adults, and any family member above the age of 10, and their honored guest, to enjoy the music and to dance the night away. It was a perfect summer evening, no cloud dared to appear in the sky, the heat from the day had cooled down to a very comfortable 80 degrees, and every star looked like someone had personally placed it on the black velvety background of the night sky after they had polished it to look its best.

   Helaina danced with her father, dressed in a pink chiffon dress, made especially for her, by her talented mother, her hair falling down upon her shoulders with stylish pink feathers clipped on. Her mother had also made the matching accessory. The accessory, which Helaina protectively wore close to her side, looked like a small rectangle bag, about four inches wide, and six inches long, and was hanging on a long decorative chain. One would think that the little bag held the things that young girls used like lipstick, and a comb. But inside the bag, however, curled up in a tight ball, and secured with a little collar and leash that attached to the inside, was Helaina’s constant companion. A little Sugar Glider her father had given her for her 15 birthday a few weeks before. The little animal was a dark gray, with a dark brown stripes running down her small body, and when curled up looked like she was the size of a large peanut, and that was the name Helaina had given the little marsupial.

While she danced with her father Helaina spotted her cousin J.R. sneaking off down the garden bath on the way to the beach. When the dance was finished she followed him, kicking off her shoes when she reached the sandy beach, she then ran after her cousin. As she ran she could hear little Peanut noisily protesting the fact that she was being roughly bounced around. Peanut wasn't shy about telling her human when she wasn't happy about something. Helaina took one hand and held the bag close so Peanut could have a much smoother ride and continued following J.R. She caught up to him just as he reached the barge that held the fire works for the celebration, the next night.

  J.R. dressed in a dinner jack, and slacks, with his discarded tie carelessly tucked into his back pocket, didn’t need to turn around to know that Helaina was following him, he just knew she was near. When he reached his destination he turned around, and just waited for her to catch up with him.

“Go back and dance with that handsome prince, I saw you drooling over at dinner.”

“He’s a terrible dancer, and he stepped on my new shoes and scuffed them all up. What are you doing here?”

“I’m working on a surprise for our dad’s”

“That’s the barge with the fireworks; Granddad said that everyone was restricted for being near that, because it was dangerous. Only the explosive expert and his crew are allowed here. We will be in trouble if they catch us.”

“Stop being a mother hen, besides I’m not going to touch the fire-works, I just want to get into the computer that controls them, to upload a program.”

“And what’s this program?”

“A program that will make the fire-works dance to a song.”

“Cool! And what song would that be?”

“A Country Boy Can Survive, by Hank Williams Jr.”

“That’s our dad’s favorite song!  They sing it at camp fires when we go camping, and when they go fishing, and I swear my dad sings that song every day in the shower.” “That’s why I think it would be nice to have the fireworks preform with that song for them. After all, they are the new CEO’s, and they should have their favorite song performed for them.”

“That’s a wonderful idea, come on I’m going to help.”

  It took J.R. and Helaina just 5 minutes to find the computer that controlled the fireworks and install the special program that J.R had designed for their fathers. They were back at the estate and eating chocolate cake before anyone knew that they were gone, so they thought. Both sets of grandparents sat at a table near the edge of the patio enjoying their cocktails, and watching the younger generation dance. They saw their two mischievous grandkids sneak back into the party. They looked at each other, and they all started laughing, all thinking the same thing.

“What are they up to now? I think that maybe we’re all in for a little surprise tomorrow.” William remarked. There was way too much noise, and to many people around for William to use his unique skill on the two teens.

   As the festivities took place outside, one lone person, was on another mission. Hired by the Unity Corporation to pilot their guest to and from the island in the Corporate Helicopter, he had developed a trusting relationship with his employers. For two years he watched, he listened, and he waited. Taking a walk yesterday he stumbled on the conversation between Granddaughter and Grandfather. Williams' interest in the young girls’ writings, and the look on his face when he read a few pages in the little pink book, told him that he just might have stumbled on something that his other employers might be interested in. So, this night, when everyone was celebrating, he took the house elevator to the second floor study. When he opened the door to the study, there it was, right on the desk. He just walked over, put the little pink book in his jacket pocket, than went back to the party. The Unity family didn’t have any security at the house, no cameras, no gates or fences. Security checks were made on the main land before anyone was permitted to come to the island. The only law enforcement on the island was a small sheriff’s office, with 8 trained police officers to take care of the residents of the island. All employees had intense background checks; all residents employed, and taken care of by the Unity Group. The family felt safe on their island, protected from the outside. But this was no ordinary, rich, family, and it was his mission to discover the secrets that they were protecting from outsiders.

    Despite the late night everyone was up early the next morning. Everyone in some way would participate in the parade that would travel down the main street of the little town on Hope Island.  The children had decorated small floats, and their bicycles and wagons, and wore patriotic costumes that their mothers had sewn especially for the occasion. Helaina even made Peanut; her Sugar Glider a special bag to ride in, it was a red velvet bag in which she had decorated it with white and blue stars made from glitter. She even put a tiny little bandanna around Peanuts tiny neck, but not without a lot of fussing from Peanut, who wouldn’t cooperate with her. Peanut finally let the girl have her way, figuring that the second that she was securely in her caring pouch she would strip the irritating fabric from around her neck and turn it into a little blanket that she could curl up in and sleep away the day.

  The parade was great fun, the whole population was out this special morning to celebrate the holiday, and to celebrate the retirement of their outgoing CEO’s, showing their support, and showing them how much they would be missed.

   First the islands high school band performed the national anthem and the Star Spangled Banner, they followed by William and Hanna, along with their spouses, riding in a 1940 Ford Convertible, painted red, white and blue, for the occasion. Following them in a blue 1915 Studebaker SD touring car was David and Jennifer Unity and their children, Helaina, and Cassie. Next came Charles and Katie Black, with their children J.R, Paul, and Tina, they traveled in a fire engine red 1947 Chevrolet convertible. The rest of the family followed them, all in antique cars that were owned and maintained by William Unity himself. It was his favorite pass time to restore what was old, and not working, back into useful and beautiful machines. The parade also had clowns, and stilt walkers, and people who made balloon animals. Floats showed off the prized winning, oversized vegetables that some of the residents grew. There were street venders handing out free cold drinks and hot dogs.  The different clubs on the island had floats that had been judged, and had been rewarded prizes for their efforts by the parades organizers. It was a typical Independence Day parade that any small town would put on for their residents, with the outside of the stores and businesses along the route decorated for the celebration. The participants, as well as those who watched from the sidewalk, enjoyed this time of celebration. Unknown to them, that in their mist were two FBI agents who were watching closely, looking for anything that was not what it was supposed to be. They were there at the invitation of William Unity and Hanna Black.

    Following the parade the ocean front park was opened, carnival rides, a petting zoo, and lots of games that rewarded the winners with big stuffed animals were available for the residents of Hope Island. Barbecue teams set up their grills, and began cooking various meats, fish and poultry. The first official duty of their new CEO’s was to judge the team’s best efforts and award them cash prizes. What a tasty way to begin their new positions.

   During the day no one was granted passage to the island, and patrol boats kept watch, like they did on any given day. Hope Island was a happy secure place, and no one had any worries, at least not today. Soon the day turned to night, the stars brilliantly shown down upon the beautiful island, a cool breeze cooled everyone’s sun burned skin. David and Charlie handed out the last of the trophies, and big checks to the winners of the barbecue cooking contest. Colorful ribbons were given out to those who won the watermelon seed spitting contest, the pie eating contest, the cake decorating contest, and the best decorated bike, and the cutest animal costume. Unfortunately for Helaina, Peanut refused to wear her costume, and preferred to remain sleeping throughout the whole day. J.R teased Helaina telling her that Peanut should have gotten a prize for sleeping through all the noise. It seemed that everyone on the island had their hands filled with prizes, and good food. It was now time to sit back and relax on the beach to enjoy the concert, and the elaborate fire-works display.

   Young children raced up and down the beach playing with friends, the teen-agers had congregated near the stage, where they danced along to the rock and roll music. After a few short speeches, thanking those who had work so hard for a successful, and pleasant day were out of the way, it was now time for the big finale of the day. The fire-works show was about to begin.

    J.R and Helaina were more excited than most of the children, and teen-agers who had gathered on the dock to get a water front view of the dancing lights. For half an hour, rocket after rocket was fired into the sky, and then exploded into colorful lights. Music played over the speakers, and the brilliant colored lights danced in unison to the variety of music that accompanied them, like a well-choreographed Broadway show. Since it was now dark, Peanut had awaken and now sat on Helaina's shoulder and was doing a little people watching, and hoping that the little terrier a few yards away wouldn't take an interest in her. Suddenly the sky above became quiet, the lights on the beach were dimmed and the music came to a temporary halt. Excitement and anticipation at what was to come built up in the crowd on the beach. But not more than in the two teens who were sitting together on the dock, with their bare legs swinging over the platform, their feet being cooled by the ocean waters. J.R. whispered to his cousin.

“It’s time.”

“I know. Be quite.”

But J.R was too excited to be quiet. “Now you are going to see what a real genius I really am.”

“You idiot, we are both geniuses, remember that test we took?”

“Taking a test doesn’t show your true potential.”

“I know, now shut up, it’s time.”

   Suddenly the music began, within a few notes Charlie and David knew what song was playing. Helaina and J.R looked over and saw their fathers smiling and begin singing along to the music. They looked at each other and smiled taking joy in knowing that they had make their parents day a little more special. Soon the fire-works began, and they were spectacular, the crowd began to sing along to the music as they watched. Then without any warning the music started speeding up, the rockets started shooting from the barge, faster and faster causing the mechanism to begin smoking. That’s when the two little schemers stood up and started moving towards the back of the crowd where they couldn’t be seen. Helaina took Peanut off her shoulder and placed her in her bag and zipped it up, which angered Peanut.

   The rockets stopped shooting into the air, which was really not a very good sign of things to come. Everyone had stood up to watch what was to come, the beach was silent. The smoke got worse, the music still played, but no one was singing now. It was a good thing that the barge, and the computer that controlled them were on that barge, and far away from the beach. And luckily the technician who controlled it all worked from a little tower on the beach. Because what happen next, could have cause any person on the barge great harm, or even death. The Engineer who was in the control tower tried to override the program, and stop the rockets, but it was too late. The rockets got jammed in their silos: which caused them to overheat, which caused the remaining rockets to be ignited, which caused the whole barge to blow up in one big spectacular ball of colorful fire that even the residents living on the coast, from Spokane to Alaska would be able to see.                                                               

   The patrol boats quickly responded to the situation and were able to put out the fire within minutes. Then the crowd broke out in applause. William and Hanna, wanting to defuse the unexpected ending took the stage, along with David and Charlie. Taking the microphone Charlie began speaking:

“What an explosive way to begin our new positions at Unity Corporation.”

Everyone laughed, then broke out in thunderous applause.  Charlie waited until the applause died down before he continued.

“We want to thank everyone for coming and celebrating with us the beginning of a new era. Let’s give a big round applause to everyone who made this day, one to remember.”

   Everyone on the beach applauded, and cheered showing their new CEO’s and their predecessors how much they were appreciated. Hanna and William hugged their sons, than standing shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, raised their arms together. A new generation had come into office, and there was a promise of great things to come, for them, and the world. It was a proud and heartwarming moment of celebration.

   The family left the stage all smiles, at the bottom of the stairs they were meet with people wishing them well, and a lot of hugs and handshakes. It wasn’t until they had safely returned to the house that they felt they could let loose with the laughter they fought to control. They knew who was responsible for the unexpected display, they weren’t angry, and they weren’t concerned. They knew that J.R. and Helaina just wanted to show their love for their parents. They had to admit it was a brilliant idea that had ended in an unexpected way, and when they thought about it, it was hilarious, and they just had to laugh about it. Just not in front of the people, after all they had keep things in control, right?

   As for J.R. and Helaina, after the barge blew up, they headed to the house with the other family member, not saying a word, wondering if anyone knew what they had done. They quickly retired to their rooms, where they laid in the dark all night wondering if they would be in trouble the next morning. What better punishment could there be? And their Elders agreed.

CHAPTER THREE

J.R. AND HELAINA LEARN OF THEIR FATE

    The next morning everyone was busy preparing to go home, and back to work at the various companies that the Unity Corporation owned. At breakfast everyone was discussing the previous day’s activities, not one single person accused J.R and Helaina of last night’s mishap. Some of their cousins, and siblings talked about the exploding barge, and how cool it was when all the remaining rockets exploded, and what a beautiful display it made, right there on the water. The younger kids thought that it would be cool to be on a patrol boat, and help put out that fire. Before J.R. and Helaina could go back upstairs to pack their bags for the trip home, they were told to go to Grandfather’s den, because their fathers wanted to talk to them. Slowly they made their way to the second floor, not saying a word, only using Mind Speak to communicate.

“This was all your idea!” Helaina accused her cousin.

“You wanted to help.”

“What kind of punishment do you think we will get?”

“Maybe we will have to go clean up the beach. Grandma made me do that once when I blew up the trash dumpster:” J.R smiled slightly at the memory.

“Maybe we will have to rebuild that barge. If that is the case maybe we can stay here for a few more weeks. I sure hate working with hammers and nails. I always end up smashing my fingers!”

“That would be cool. Staying a few more weeks, not smashing your fingers:” laughed J.R.

    As the two teen’s climbed the stairs, little Peanut had woken up climbed out of his travel bag, and with his harness and leash securely on, climbed to sit on Helaina shoulder. J.R reached out a finger and rubbed the small animal’s soft fur. They now stood at Granddad’s door, but before they could knock the door opened to let them in. They walked in with their heads down, looking as remorseful as possible.

Helaina’s' dad spoke first: “You two look like you are headed to the electric chair, cheer up, we have wonderful news for the two of you.”

Helaina and J.R looked up in confusion. Using their Mind Speak, and in unison they said: “They don’t know! Great, maybe we are going to get away with it!”

William came up behind them, putting his hands on their shoulders, giving both teens a start, which got their hearts beating rapidly, and sending Peanut racing into her carrying bag. William smiled, knowing what they were saying to each other, but not letting on to their secret.

“Sit down children your parents have come to a decision about the rest of your summer.”

“Maybe they do know.” They still were using Mind Speak, as they called it.

“Why are they torturing us like this?” asked Helaina.

“Why don’t they punish us and get it over with?”

“Maybe they ….”

Their conversation, not heard by anyone but their Granddad was interrupted by Charlie.

“Kids it has been decided that you will spend the remainder of your summer with your Grandparents, they have much to teach you, and would love spending a little more time with you.”

Helaina jumped up excitedly, causing little Peanut to curl up into a ball, and start shaking from fear: “That’s wonderful, really! That’s great.” Than not wanting to hurt her Dad, “I will miss you, and the camping trip we had planned.” This was a dream come true for her, she loved being on the island, and with her Grandparents. The more time they spent on the Hope Island, the better.

“Don’t you worry about that, you will be having a few adventures with your Grandparents, and I assure you, you will have lots of fun.”

J.R. spoke “Do we have to rebuild that barge that blew up last night?”
“Now son, why would we make you do that?” Charlie asked his son.

“No reason, I was just wondering.” Then he thought for a minute “Can I work on some of the antique cars?”

“I have something a lot more interesting to show you, now go and tell your brother and sisters good-bye. They are going to be envious of you, getting to stay here with us. Than go help your mothers pack up the luggage into the cars:” David Unity instructed his daughter and nephew.

In unison they said; “This is going to be great!” than they stopped. J.R and Helaina looked at the men in the room. “Why do we keep speaking together like that?” They asked.

David and Charlie just smiled, then together, in unison they said: “One day you will know the answer, but not now.” The kids just looked at their fathers with quizzical expressions.

Just as they were about to leave Williams's office David stopped them: “About the fireworks last night, I think that it was extremely lucky that no one got hurt.”

“We do too!'

“I think that in the future only those with the skills, and knowledge to execute events should program the controls. This will help prevent dangerous mishaps from happening, and prevent injuries to innocent bystanders. What do you two think?” David asked the two teens.

J.R and Helaina looked at each other and turned back around to face their fathers, and grandfather. “We think that you are probably right.” J.R answered for both of them. “We're glad you think that.” Charles Black told his son. Now both David and Charlie smiled at them, then Charlie continued. “Boy! We were very surprised to hear our favorite song. And it was sure cool to see the fireworks performing to our song. It was a very nice thing to do, and it was our favorite part of the day. Something we will remember the rest of our lives.”

“Even the barge blowing up was cool:” said David. “But dangerous! And we are sure that something like that won't happen again. Right!”

“Right!” everyone agreed. Then J.R and Helaina left their Elders, and went to do as they were instructed.

   The rest of the morning, and a good part of the afternoon were taken up with saying good-bye to brothers, and sisters, mom and dads, and aunts and uncles. Small planes filled with family and friends, and board members were taken to the mainland. From there they got on fights that took them all over the country, and all over the world. Back to their homes, back to their jobs at the various companies owned by Unity Corporation. The residents of Hope Island were now hard at work, cleaning up, and putting things back in order, getting ready to welcome in a new week.

   At the helicopter receiving room, at Washington’s International Airport, helicopter pilot Jack Webber stood waiting. Two men, dressed in dark suits approached him, without exchanging pleasantries, without any expression at all, the taller of the two simply said: “The package please!”

   Jack pulled out the small pink note book, that he had wrapped carefully in brown paper, from the inside pocket of his black leather flight jacket. Then he handed it to the men. Without a word they took the package and walked away. Jack suddenly felt regret, he worked for two companies, both secretive, both looking out for their own interest. It was a good thing that Jack knew which one was the good guys, and which were the bad guys, and he always made sure he was on the good side of both. Just for insurance, he had removed some of the pages from the girls pink Dream Stories journal, he didn’t know why he had done that, he just knew deep down inside that he had to.

   After all the good-bye were said, and everyone was gone J.R and Helaina went down to the beach for a swim, dressed in their scuba gear, dragging with them a small inflatable raft. William and Jennifer Unity watched them from the second story balcony. The kids swam out to were the barge had been, and began collecting the wood, and debris from the water, and placing it in the raft. When it was full they pulled it back to shore, emptied it into a trash dumpster, then went back to collect more. Jennifer turned to her husband of nearly 45 years.

“They’re good kids.”

“Yes my dear, they are. They have good hearts.”

  For the next hour they watched as Helaina and J.R. cleaned up, then they went out and joined them in the clean-up.

CHAPTER FOUR

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

     Breakfast the next day was served out on the patio, near the swimming pool. Since there was only Jennifer, William, and J.R and Helaina, there was no need to mess up the big dining room. After the four of them finished breakfast, William announced that he had an arranged a special trip. They would take the new yacht and travel down the coast towards California.

  The yacht, one of two identical ships built, the other given to Hanna Black, was a 44 Steel, built in Italy; she was a beautiful ship, 144 feet for stem to stern. She had a top speed of 17 knots, and cruised comfortably at 14 knots. She was outfitted with a large recreation room, a lap pool, basketball hoop, a theatre to watch television or the latest movie, a large restaurant style kitchen, and sleeping quarters for 8. Below deck, was a tender garage which held a small submersible, and a small cabin cruiser to take passengers to shore. She was equipped with the latest computer, and navigational technology available.  The Unity One was given to William as a retirement gift; The Unity Two was given to Hanna Black, and was delivered to her, at her sea side home in Florida. This would be Unity One’s first trip.

   J.R and Helaina were excited about being the first to travel on the Unity One. They were sent to pack their bags. Helaina made sure she packed plenty of special food for little Peanut, and brought along Peanuts rather large cage, and of course she couldn’t forget to bring along at least 3 books to read, and one of her little pink note books. J.R made sure he had his lap top computer, and the newest gadget he was working on. However he did forget to pack socks, but who needed socks when you were on a luxury yacht in the heat of summer. Helaina on the other hand packed enough clothes for a month, with matching accessories for Peanut of course.

    Captain Elijah Alexander had gotten orders from his employer to prepare the Unity One, for at least, a one week voyage. Elijah Alexander had retired from the Royal British Navy and had moved to Hope Island with his wife ten years earlier to be closer to their daughter and her family. When William needed someone to captain his yacht Elijah had been the perfect choice, having plenty of experience piloting small and large sea vessels. Elijah welcomed the opportunity and enjoyed this part time position, and loved the chance to get back out on the water. (A pass time his wife had never fully enjoyed)

Elijah’s friend, and second mate Mason Johnston was down below checking the engines, and making sure everything was in working order. Mason had worked for William for over thirty years, starting when he was just a twenty-two, and just out of mechanic school, they both had bonded over their love of antique vehicles. Everyone considered him family, and a trusted friend. The third member of the crew would be Sophia, Jennifer Unity’s assistant in all things home related, and her dear and trusted friend. Sophia had already boarded the Unity One, stored her things away, and was busy putting away the food in the big walk in freezer. Elijah, Mason and Sophia were the only crew that was needed on the Unity One, the state of the art equipment made that possible.

    The family arrived at one in the afternoon, and at one thirty the Unity One pulled away from her dock, to begin her maiden voyage. They began their journey traveling south, down the coast towards California. Elijah and Mason had taken this trip many time’s on William’s old yacht the Jenny, name for Jennifer Unity. Elijah and Mason were happy that the family had purchased this brand new vessel, for the Jenny was an old relic, that constantly needed repair, and parts for her engines were getting very scarce. For years they had pleaded with William to retire her, but his love for antiques and everything old kept him from doing, so. Even now the “Jenny” was being taken to a dry dock to be refurbished. William just couldn't let her go.

  Once they were on their way William brought J.R. and Helaina up to the pilot house. J.R. was interested in all the gadgets, Helaina, with Peanut riding on top of her head was more interested in using the binoculars to find sea lions, and dolphins and believed the pilot house was the perfect look out spot. Elijah had to stop J.R. from touching the controls, and noticed the interesting watch that he was wearing.

“J.R., that’s sure a cool watch:” Elijah told the teen.

“Thanks, I made one for my grandma, for Christmas.”

“You made two watches?”

“Sure did.” J.R said proudly and extended his left arm so Elijah could get a better look.

“What does this gage here measure?”

“It measures people’s energy; it says here you are 50 %”

“50% of what?”

“50% of our energy. Look when I point it at Granddad it says he is 100%, so is Helaina, and me. You are 50%.”

Elijah looked over at William, instinctively knowing what his eyes were asking; William nodded yes to his silent question.

J.R had opened a draw and discovered some random parts, and an old radio from the Jenny, plus fuses and wires.

“Elijah do you need these things?”

“Not right now, but you never know, they are just some spare parts.”

“Can I have them? Do you have more?”

“No you can't. Besides what do you want with those?”

“To put them together, and make things. Do you have a welding torch?”

That’s when William interrupted; knowing that if he didn’t this could go on for hours.

“J.R.  We don’t need you setting our new yacht on fire with a welding torch. And Elijah might need those parts for repairs if anything breaks down. Why don’t you and Helaina go and try out the pool, and I bet Sophia and your grandmother have a snack waiting for you.”

“Ok, come on Helaina, by the way your rat just went pee on your hair.”

“No she didn’t, and she is a Sugar Glider for the thousandth time.”

As the two teens went out the door, Elijah relaxed.

“Thank you my friend from rescuing me, that boy can be persistent can’t he.”

William laughed, “You don’t know the half of it.”

“Does that watch of his, really do what I think it does? And he made it himself?”

“Yes it does, and yes he did. That boy is always making things, our best people hadn’t figured out how he did that. He has a talent. Better keep the control room locked, or he will take everything apart to see how it works, than put it back together.”

Elijah laughed, “Yes sir, I will do that.”

“I’m serious that boy took apart my Model T last summer, and when he helped me put it back together he had the thing going 90 miles an hour. The fastest one on record never went above 50:” William told him. Remembering how J.R put modification in the engine that Ford himself would have never thought of.

“I will remember that!” Elijah laughed.

William then went and joined his family near the pool. At dinner that evening Helaina must have asked a thousand questions. But it was her last question the shook up her grandparents.

“Grandma, where did our family come from?”

After a few seconds of trying to think of a plausible answer, Jennifer decided to take the offensive.

“Why do you want to know?”

“Well Elijah is from England, Sophia is from Spain, and I have a friend whose family came from Germany. So where does our family come from?”

“Well Granddad was born on Hope Island, and I was born in California.”

“Ok, thanks.”

“You are very welcomed.”

Later on that night as William and Jennifer lay in bed, reading, William took a break to compliment his wife: “You did a great job tonight in answering Helaina’s question.”

“Thank you, my love.”

“I’m sure glad she didn’t want more information.”

“She’s young; usually kids just want simple answers.”

“You are very wise.”

“Well isn’t that the reason you love me. You know that the question’s will become harder, and very soon, J.R and Helaina are special.”

“And that my dear is what I am worried about:” William told her.

   All through the night, as the family slept, the luxury yacht moved effortlessly through the Pacific water, toward their destination. Elijah taking William’s words seriously brought one of the vessels comfortable lounge chairs to the control room. He slept with one eye open, and an ear to the door. Waking up every 2 hours to make sure they remained on course. The Unity One was completely capable of piloting herself, but Elijah had a hard time trusting all the modern equipment.

    William was up at 5 a.m the next morning, he had always been an early riser, always being the first one at the corporate offices. First he went to the galley and made coffee, than taking two hot steamy mugs, along with some donuts, he made his way up to the pilot house. Elijah was already at work checking the instruments, and making notes in the log book.

“Good morning William, did you sleep well?”

“Like a baby in her mother’s arms.”

William put the tray down, and handed Elijah a cup of coffee.

“Thanks I was just thinking about going below deck and fixing some. Those donuts look good.”

“Is everything running properly?”

“Right as rain, and right on course. Later I will radio the station and give them our ETA. We should be there around 4 tomorrow morning:” Elijah told William before taking a sip of the steaming cup of coffee.

Elijah looked out the viewing window, and saw that Helaina was sitting at a little pool side table writing. “William looks like you aren’t the only one who likes to get up early. Looks like Helaina beat you this morning.”

“Think I will go fix her some hot chocolate than join her, you need anything?”

“No sir, I am just fine, talk to you later.”

   William went back down stairs and fixed another tray with donuts and hot chocolate, and another cup of coffee for himself than went out to join Helaina.

“Good morning sweetie, you’re up early.”

“I couldn’t sleep I’m too excited, and besides I had another Dream Story, and wanted to write it down.”

“Did your dad talk to you about your Dream Story Diaries?”

“He said that they are special, because I wrote them, and that I should let him keep them safe, so the wrong people can’t read them. Who are the wrong people?”

“People who wouldn’t understand what you were writing about, and would get really angry about some of the concepts you talk about in those stories.”

“I don’t want that, besides I don’t think anyone would get upset about my dreams. Maybe one day I can publish them in a book. Can I have the Diary I gave you the other day?  I wasn’t finished with that one.”

“Your dad didn’t give it back to you?”

“No;” Helaina reached for the steaming cup on the tray, “Thanks for the chocolate.”

Helaina took the cup off the tray and took a few sips, then a few bites of a donut.

“It’s nine o’clock in Maryland, let’s call your dad; I have a question to ask him.”

“Can I talk to him; I want to make sure they give Aggie, my iguana her calcium.”

“Sure you can, let me get him on the phone first. Should be easy, he likes getting up early like we do.”

The phone rang only 3 times before David Unity picked up.

“Dad, how’s the trip going? Is my girl driving you crazy with all her questions?”

“We are having a wonderful time, its smooth sailing here. I was wondering, did you take Helaina’s pink diary off my desk and take it home with you?”

“No! But I talked to her about keeping them safe for her, and when I went to the den to retrieve it before I left I couldn’t find it. Thought you put it in the libraries safe, or had given it back to her.”

William walked away so Helaina couldn’t hear what he was to say next.

“We have a problem, I don’t have it, and neither does Helaina. We have to find that book. Call the house and have them search it, than call me. She wrote dates and names in those books that were right on the money, they can’t get in the wrong hands.”

“I agree, is Helaina with you now, she’s doesn’t sleep late, even on a holiday. Can I speak with her?”

“You're right about that, and she’s right here.”

William walked over and handed Helaina the phone, “Princess, your dad wants to talk to you.”

Helaina put down her pen and took the phone from her granddad. “Hi Dad, the Unity One is great, and last night I beat J.R at Dragon War’s and he got frustrated because I beat him six times in a roll. How’s everyone?” Without taking a breath Helaina continued with her questions. “Can you remind Cassie to give Aggie her calcium? Did you get my cell phone fixed? Peanut loves the….”

“Goodness girl! Can you take a breath so I can answer your questions.” her father laughed. “First great job in beating J.R., tonight play your grandma, she beat me twice while we were on the island. Everyone’s fine, Cassie is taking good care of Aggie, and your phone couldn’t be fixed, your mom will get you a new one, next time try not to drop it in the pool, OK.”

“OK dad.”

“Now can I ask you some questions?”

“Sure, but I usually have more than you do.”

“That you do baby. Now, can you tell me how many of those little pink books you have?

“Well mom ordered them from your secretary, they are the usual note books that the employees are given to keeps notes in, you know the one’s with the company logo on front. I wanted some pink ones to write in, so mom had your secretary ordered me some. She even got the printers to put Dream Diary on the front and my name in gold, isn’t that cool.”

“Yes that is, and it was nice of Sandy to do that for you.  I will ask your mom how many she ordered. Can you tell me about how many you wrote your stories in?”

“I didn’t count them.  They are on my book shelf in my bedroom closet, all but 4 of them. Those are the ones I brought with me. Did I do something wrong?”

“No Princess, you didn’t, we just want to keep them safe, like I told you. I am going to take the one’s you have at home and put them in a safe place. Is that OK with you?” “Sure” Board with that subject she asked her dad some more questions, before saying good-bye and handing the phone back to William. They spoke for a few minutes more. Both men were greatly concerned about the missing book. The world wasn’t ready to hear the truth yet.

   At breakfast it was decided that they would stop for a few hours so that the kids could go scuba diving with William and Elijah. It had been about six months since the kids had gotten certified and they needed the practice. Elijah anchored the Unity One, as Mason prepared for the dive. Mason would stay on board the luxury yacht with Jennifer and Sophia who had planned to make cookies and work on a little needle work project. But first they would take the smaller cabin cruiser for a little ride to shore. They wanted to have some fun also and do a little shopping. Mason would monitor everyone by radio, and keep a watch out for any dangers with the underwater radar system.

    After opening the bay doors Jennifer and Sophia were off, they headed for the docks of a little town. The two men and the two teen-agers dressed in wet suits, checked their equipment, than dropped into the crystal clear waters, diving down about 20 yards before leveling off.

    J.R. and Helaina swam in front, as the two men followed behind them. J.R. was the first to see the old ship wreck and pointed it out to everyone.

“Let’s go explore the wreckage, we might find gold.”

They headed down slowly, letting their bodies adjust to the pressure. Finally they were on the deck of the old ship, and having a great time exploring. J.R  picked up little things off the deck that interested him and place them in his dive bag. The two men explored the wreckage, taking notes as to wear it was found and noting any identifying words, or symbols that might identify the origins of the vessel, later they planned to send a salvage crew to retrieve her. Helaina had slipped away from the group and was swimming through a passage way, chasing after a school of fish. As Helaina slipped out of sigh Mason called down to Elijah to tell them about a few sharks that appeared on the radar screen back on the Unity One.

     Elijah, felt it was his responsibility to keep any of the family, or crew safe from harm while on sea, quickly informed William of the danger. J.R was within sight and heard them through his ear piece. But Helaina didn’t, the thick metal of the ship blocked any communication from the others. Before they could go after Helaina the sharks were upon them, circling just above their heads. The three of them took cover in the wheel house, thankfully it was fully enclosed, and the windows were too small for the sharks to enter, so it provided a safe haven. Elijah took out his underwater flare gun, before shooting he informed Mason he was going to try to distract the animals and send them off in a new direction. He fired, the flare flew through the water, but the sharks weren’t interested in following it. They were more interested in what was causing the noise instead, so they stayed where they were watching the three guys, who looked like yummy Sea Lions in their dark wet suits.

“J.R try to contact your cousin on the radio, she went into that passage way and I am afraid that she was distracted by something and isn't paying attention to what's happening. Tell her to stay where she is until the sharks move on, I'm positive that they can't fit through that passage, and she will be safe where she's at.”

“Roger that.”

J.R tried to contact Helaina, first by radio, than by Mind Speak, but the rusty metal of the dead ship prevented her from hearing him. Meanwhile the men checked their gages; they were good, they figured they had about 45 minutes more before their air tanks were empty. When that was done they radioed Mason to tell them the situation. They decided not to fire their last flare until it was absolutely necessary. J.R was worried about Helaina, when something caught her attention she would forget everything else to go investigate.

   Helaina was having a great time collecting some treasures of her own when suddenly she heard a voice on her radio, but it was unclear. She tried to call the three men, but got nothing. She decided that it would be best to go find them. As she emerged from the passage way, she swam about 20 feet towards the entrance in which she had entered, and she tried to adjust the radio station. When this didn’t work she swam back out to the deck of the wreckage. Finally she heard J.R in her head.
“Helaina go back to the passage way.”

But it was too late one of the sharks was now blocking the entrance, and she couldn’t go back in. Elijah and William motioned for her not to move, not to panic. Finally she was able to get her radio to work. She saw that two sharks had trapped the men in the wheel house, and another was headed in her direction.

“Granddad they aren’t going to hurt you.”

“Helaina, darling, please don’t move.”

“But it’s alright; they are just curious. Watch!”

Helaina than did something that almost gave William and Elijah a heart attack. She held out her arms, extending them away from her body, with palms up. She stayed as still as possible. She didn't appear to be afraid; in fact she looked relaxed and had a smile on her face.

“Girl what are you doing?”

“Be quiet please, you are going to scare them.”

“Hell! Girl they are scaring us:” William yelled at his granddaughter.

“Just give me a minute, watch me, and be very quiet and still.”

Elijah and William were pulling their knifes from their sheaves, and were about to go and rescue Helaina. But before they could swim to her they froze at the sight before them.

   The two sharks had approached Helaina, one on either side, they nuzzled her open palms, and she wiggled her fingers rubbing their soft skin, as she looked straight ahead, not making eye contact with the sea creatures. Slowly she brought her arms together in front of her, with the sharks following the movement. They were now directly in front of her, not attacking, not moving, and just watching her. She then rotated her hands slowly, palms down, and fingers extended, she stroked between their eyes, and they seemed to enjoy it. Helaina smiled at them, making eye contact with each of them. Then they turned around and swam away, taking their two friends with them. Then Helaina swam to her Grandfather, all three of her companions astonished in what they had just witnessed.

“I told you they didn’t want to hurt you.”

William, the first to regain his voice, was the first to speak. “What did you just do?”

“I showed them that we were harmless, and told them that they were scaring you, and that they should go.”

“You spoke to them? You can’t do that!” J.R said

“Yes I can, I can talk to them with my mind.”

“You weren’t scared?”

“Of course not, I would have known if they wanted to hurt me.”

“And how would you know that?”

“I don’t know. I just do.”

    Elijah informed Mason they were fine, and the group of explorers headed back to the Unity One. As they swam William thought to himself. “What other abilities do these children have, are there others of their generation capable of doing amazing things. He knew he would have to watch them carefully in the future. And he knew he had to speak to their parents about this new development.

    Noticing that the little cabin cruiser had returned, Helaina quickly removed her wet suit and returned it to the storage locker.  Then she ran off to find her grandmother, and to show her the treasures she had found. When J.R had finished putting up his equipment he asked Mason to show him his work shop, and explore the inside of the little submersible. William cautioned him not to take things apart, and then went to the pilot house with Elijah to prepare to get the yacht moving again. He also needed to get on the computer and have a video conference with David and Charlie to discuss what he had witnessed. He wasn't surprised that Helaina could communicate with creature, that trait was common, he was just surprised that one so young could do it, and with such threatening creatures.

    That evening at the dinner table everyone talked of their adventures, Jennifer and Sophia had done some shopping while in town and had bought something for everyone. Helaina got a new dress, and a swim suit. They found J.R a ham radio kit to put together, hopefully distracting him enough that he wouldn’t take apart any of the new equipment that was aboard the Unity One. William got a new hat, and the newest Dan Brown novel which he had been wanting to read. They even brought Mason and Elijah something.

Jennifer and Sophia had even discovered a bakery, and had brought back some delicious breads and pastries. Sophia Fernandez worked for William and Jennifer as their house hold manager. She also was very skilled at making pastries, and had been Jennifer’s friend since the day Sophia arrived at Jennifer’s home as a young exchange student. When Sophia returned to her home in Spain, after her year of studying English, the two women continued their friendship through long letters. Years later, when Sophia lost her family in a tragic land slid, Jennifer encouraged her friend to come to Hope Island. Sophia never regretted the move, and she and Jennifer were the best of friends. The two women had enjoyed stopping at a little tea room for a snack. They then bought some homemade chocolates, a cake and two apple pies to take back with them, for everyone to enjoy on the trip. This got them out of baking the cookies they had promised Elijah and Mason. That evening they enjoyed one of the pies as they watched J.R work on his ham radio kit.

   Before going to their staterooms J.R. and Helaina showed off the trinkets they found on the sunken ship. Helaina found an old pocket watch, some beads, and four silver tea cups with their saucers, and a china tea pot. The watch, she gave to her cousin, the tea set she gave to her grandparents, and she kept the pretty beads. J.R dumped his bag on the table, and his treasure’s consisted of a few antique tools, some very odd looking, and a few old knifes.  The kind men kept with them when they hunted.  He gave one to William, another to Mason, and kept two for himself. He also had some leather bags that looked like they had been created to hold gold coins, unfortunately they were empty. Everyone was exhausted from their adventures that day, and retired early.  Except for Mason, it was his turn to keep watch on deck that night, making sure they stayed on course. To pass the time he played video games on the computer, then later he raided the kitchen for a few of those pastries. Which he was thankful that Miss Jennifer and Sophia had brought back with them because he had a tremendous sweet tooth. Mason really liked Sophia and wanted to ask her out, but that would have to wait when they returned to Hope Island.

CHAPTER FIVE

 THE SEA LAB

   Around three in the morning the Unity One reached her destination. Mason stopped the engines and put down anchor, than took a nap, while he waited for everyone to wake up. The first thing J.R and Helaina noticed when they woke up was that they had stopped moving. Excited to know where grandfather had brought them, they dressed quickly and went on deck. They discovered that they were anchored in the middle of the Pacific; there was no island, no port, and no nothing. There was nothing around them but blue water. They were confused.

“Where do you think we are?” Helaina asked her cousin.

“In the middle of the ocean.”

“That I know nem rod.”

“Don’t call me names.”

“Sorry, do you think we are going diving again?”

“Don’t know.” J.R curtly remarked back.

“OK. Why are you mad at me?” Helaina demanded, crossing her arm, and giving him a look of frustration.

“I'm not mad!”

“Yes you are!”

“Alright, I am mad! Because I am wondering just what else you can do. What other super powers do you have?” J.R yelled back at his cousin.

“I don't have super powers! You idiot. I just can communicate with creatures. You have seen me do it thousands of times, so what's the problem?

“I saw you talk to animals, but I have never seen you communicate with anything like the way you did with those sharks! That is completely different.”

   Just then William and Jennifer joined them on the railing. Jennifer sensed that something was very wrong because all of a sudden the kids became very quiet. Even going so far as to give each other dirty looks, and turning their backs to each other.

“What going on here?” Jennifer asked as she glanced back and forth between the two kids.

“Nothing!” they said rather harshly.

“Why did we stop here? There nothing here.” J.R asked William

“There is something very important here, something that Unity has been working on. We want to show you some of the things we are doing, so you understand what Unity Corporation, and our family, are working for.”

   Jennifer handed the kids each a back pack and told them to go pack some clothes, because they would be gone from the Unity One for two days. But before they ran off to pack the kids had a few more questions.

“Grandma, can I bring Peanut with us.”

“Not this time, Sophia will take good care of her, I promise.”

“Are you coming with us?”

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world, besides it will be nice to visit with an old friend:” said Jennifer, before asking a question of her own: “Do you know why your parents let us have you for the rest of the summer?”

“Because they want us to begin learning about what Unity does and because they know we love spending time with you, because you spoil us.”

Jennifer and William laughed at J.R’s insight.

“Are we taking the submersible?” J.R wanted to know.

“Yes, we are.”

“Who gets to drive it? Mason or Elijah?”

“Neither. They are staying aboard the yacht. Your grandma will be piloting the submersible.”

    Now for any other person having your grandmother pilot a submersible would be quite unusual, but for J.R and Helaina being unusual was a normal fact of life with their family. Take Helaina’s Grandma Jennifer for instance. Not only was she William Unity’s wife, and mother to David, Rebecca, and Connie, she was also a teacher (actually a profession of English Literature), and a life-long student. She quit teaching when her children came along. But when she was not busy with the family she learned how to pilot a small air-craft, a submersible, and even a hot air balloon. She also learned to speak several languages, and master several culinary cuisines to the delight of her family and friends. But what amazed everyone was that she learned all this on her own, not taking a single class, and passing all of the certifying test with high scores. The Unity family was unusual to say the least. But right now Jennifer Unity was playing the role of Grandmother, a role she enjoyed the most.

“Go and pack your bag. Helaina don’t try to sneak Peanut in your bags. The pressure under the ocean would be too much for a little animal, and it could kill her.”

“Yes grandma, let’s have pancakes and bacon for breakfast.”

“Sure meet me in the kitchen in 10 minutes and you can help me make the pancakes, now hurry along dear.”

    Both kids went hurrying down the stair, and in 15 minutes they were back in the kitchen, and eating pancakes with Mason, Sophia and Elijah, William and Jennifer. Still neither one of them was talking to the other. While sitting at the kitchen counter Helaina put on make-up, and gave instruction to Sophia about taking care of little Peanut while she put dishes in the dishwasher. J.R, avoiding any eye contact with Helaina discussed the workings of the submersible. While down in the Mason’s shop yesterday, J.R had gotten hold of the little subs operating manual, and looked at its blue prints. He wanted to see inside the engine compartment but Mason wouldn’t unlock it for him. Mason had then sent him upstairs before the boy decided to get into his tool locker.

   As the little group ate their pancakes and bacon, thirty five hundred miles away another meeting was taking place. The same two men, who had met Jack Webber at the Washington airport to retrieve the little pink Dream Diary, were now about to deliver that very same book to a United States Senator. A Senator who didn’t trust the Unity Corporation, and wanted to prove they had something to hide. His main objective in life, at the moment was to take the Unity Corporation down. Just like they tried to do to him. Senator Doug Webster was a man, who didn’t like secrets, even though he had many of his own. Doug Webster was 45 years of age, 5 foot 9, very muscular due to the many hours of weight lifting at one of the gyms he owned. He was single by choice, not wanting to share his life with anyone who could get in his way. He had big plans for his life and didn't want a wife and kids to hold him back. But this didn’t stop him from using the women who were attracted to his good looks, and his money.  He began his career as a small town lawyer, dealing with business disputes, and bankruptcy in a bad economy. He then turned to scooping up businesses that were failing for little money, then turning around and making them successful, by eliminating the completion. Sometime in a not so legal way. He liked using strong arm tactics, and a small army of muscle men to do his dirty work. He tried once to take over a small company one that belonged to the Unity Corporation but lost the fight, losing half his wealth in the processes, and now he wanted payback.  He had hired the best detectives to find something on the family, something he could use to uncover their weakness, and use it to his advantage. Maybe this little pink book, from one of the younger members of the family was just what he needed. He knew teen-age girls were known for revealing all their secrets and that of their families, and friends in little journals all the time. And he was hoping that was exactly what Helaina Unity did. Soon after the two hired men left, Senator Webster began reading, and researching the material that was given him.

  Back in the Pacific Ocean the family was now in the submersible, Jennifer at the controls, William as her co-pilot. J.R and Helaina watched out the windows as they traveled deeper into the Pacific. Still neither one of them would speak to the other. They watched as giant jelly fish swim down to the sandy ocean floor. The family travel for two hours J.R and Helaina made a game at seeing who could identify the most fish, communicating through their frustrated grandparent who couldn't figure why they were not talking. They saw a school of orange Garibaldi fish who had a clown like appearance and made them laugh. They also identified some Scorpion fish, Damselfish, Cardinal fish, and a large school of Coral Hawk fish. They were most excited to see two stingrays and a mother shark with a baby swimming alongside her. The deeper they got the less sea life they found, and soon they got bored. J.R found the little subs electrical schematics and studied them for a few minutes, then decided to get out his laptop. Helaina was busy taking photographs, and asking her grandparents endless questions. Finally William who was navigating, told the kids to watch out the forward window, they were about to come upon their destination.

    They watched. For twenty minutes the sub and its occupants traveled about ten feet above the ocean floor.  It‘s darkness so dense nothing could be seen, the only light coming from the headlight of the little submersible. Jennifer and William navigated through the darkness using only their instruments, and experience, for they had visited this area many times. Now suddenly they came upon a cliff, they slipped over the edge into what was a deep valley. Jennifer depressurized the interior just a little more, and took the sub on a steep dive into the darkness. J.R and Helaina sat still watching, waiting for what was to come. Two minutes after initiating the dive Jennifer leveled out the sub. Seconds later, it was like a bright sun had descended into the ocean to light their way. The sub had traveled through a highly sophisticated motion detector, when the computer that operated the mechanism identified the sub; it turned on the lights to welcome the little band of sea explorers. The kids then saw it!  Their final destination.

    There on the bottom of the ocean canyon stood what looked like a large snow globe, with a large metal base. From the base extended metal pipes that penetrated the ocean floor. All this was encased in what looked like a large glass dome, in which swam a vast collection of fish.

“J.R, Helaina, welcome to Sea Station One.”

“That’s where we are going?”

“Sure is.”

“What is that place?” Helaina wanted to know.

“That is a research station; they are trying to harness the planets thermal energy.”

“You mean there are people down here.” J.R asked.

“Sure are, and they are very good friends of ours. Your Grandma went to college with one of the scientist.”

J.R checked his computer then spoke up. “Granddad according to my calculations we are in a canyon between two of the earth’s Tectonic Plates. Couldn’t the two plates come together and destroy the research station?”

“Very good young man, the plates haven’t moved more than one hundred millimeters in the last 300 years. But if, or when the Tectonic Plates move, the Sea Station is capable of breaking free from the floor and moving to another location.”

“This is what they call the Pacific Plate. Which is the outer rim of what they call “The Ring of Fire”, were a lot of volcanic activities takes place, below the ocean and above.” “Yes J.R that's right.” William said, not noticing J.R sticking his tongue out at is cousin, and giving her a smug grin, satisfied he showed up the girl.

“Grandma didn’t Mt. St. Helen erupt on May 18th, 1980? Was she part of the Ring of fire?” Helaina asked as she returned J.R's smug look with satisfaction.

“Yes child she is, and very good at remembering the date.”

William continued, “That’s the energy that they are trying to harvest here, so the world can have an endless supply of energy, without polluting the atmosphere.”

   The conversation came to an end when they arrived at the dome. William radioed the Sea Station, a few minutes later a panel slid up, and over to the top of the dome to allow them to enter. Within minutes the little sub made its way to the snow globe like structure and connected to its docking station, and they disembarked the submersible.

CHAPTER SIX

SEA STATION ONE

LEARNING WHAT POWER THE EARTH HOLDS

   The small hatch was opened, and William and Jennifer were helped out of the cramp space of the little submersible, by the stations electronics and mechanical expert John Addison.

“William, Jennifer, Welcome back. Did you have any trouble with your new toy here? I will have to give her a good look over before you leave, I‘m dying to see what she has under her hood.”

   A boys head suddenly popped up through the hatch. Not expecting anyone else, John was surprised to see the new comer, and equally surprised to see a second head appeared a few seconds later. This time it was a young girl who made her appearance known. It had been years since the Unity’s had brought anyone else with them. The last time someone came with them they had brought David and Charlie, right after they had turned eighteen.

“Now who do we have here?” John said as he assisted the two teens onto the platform.

“I’m James Robert Black, but they just call me J.R., and this is my cousin Helaina Marie Unity.” J.R had taken it upon himself to make the introductions.

“Well I’ll be. I see you brought two very good looking young people to visit with us.” John Addison addressed William and Jennifer. “I will get your bags and take them to your cabins.” John then disappeared into the sub to retrieve the bags, and to investigate this new model which he had only read about. Like J.R he couldn’t resist finding out how things worked. As John descended three people came through a door way. The women immediately giving the older couple a hug, and the men shook hands, and patted each other on the back, as good friends who haven’t seen each other in a while do.

 “Jenny it is so nice to see you again. You to William. Now who have you brought with you? A new generation already? And how’s Charlie and David?” Olivia Golden said all in one breath.

Jennifer Unity laughed and hugged her old friend again. “You haven’t changed a bit Olivia, Noah you look wonderful.”

Looking over Noah’s shoulder stood a young man of about twenty, with a big smile on his face, and the deepest blue eyes imaginable. Jennifer approached him, giving him a big bear hug.

“Samuel what a handsome young man you turned out to be, congratulations by the way, your parents told me you completed your studies, and have received your doctorate degree. From her bag she pulled out a present for Samuel. “I remembered how much you love Swiss Chocolates, that’s the biggest box I could find.”

Samuel returned her hug with enthusiasm, “Thank you Aunt Jen, and have you gotten tired of Uncle William being home all the time, since his retirement.” He laughed

   J.R and Helaina, who had quietly stood next to the sub, now came and stood next to their grandparents. William put his hand on Helaina shoulder, to reassuring her, because she could become quite shy when around strangers. After she got to know someone she became her normal talkative self.

    Olivia Golden was a woman of about sixty years or age, and had the same blue eyes as her youngest son Sam, and the same thick curly blond hair. She smiled as she approached Helaina. The young girl and women stood eye to eye, they were the same exact height. Noticing that the girl was a bit uneasy, she made it her mission to make the girl comfortable and welcomed. Putting her arm around the girl, Olivia gave Helaina a reassuring hug:

“Jenny please tell me who is this beautiful young lady is. We are so glad that you brought her and this very handsome young man for a visit?”

“This is my very smart, very beautiful, and talented granddaughter Helaina, and next to her is my very handsome and curious grandnephew J.R.”

“Hey! I’m smart also.”

Everyone laughed: “That you are my dear.” Jennifer responded. William then took over the introductions.

“Helaina and J.R, I would like you to meet Noah and Olivia Golden and their youngest son Samuel, who likes to be called Sam. Olivia is your grandmother’s second cousin and best friend from college.”

In unison Helaina and J.R greeted their new friends. Helaina finding her voice asked: “We’re related to you?”

“Helaina, our family is much bigger, and extends far greater then you could possibly imagine.” her grandfather said. Helaina looked at the very handsome Sam. Boy, how she wished that she wasn’t related to him, she thought. Unfortunately for her J.R heard her thoughts and began teasing her, using Mind Speak of course. She blushed, and punched him on the arm, William hearing everything that they were saying. Gave J.R the, “You better behave look.” Which stopped his teasing immediately.

  Noah, who was a whole foot taller than his wife, and possessed the same good looks as the rest of his family was about to speak, but was halted momentarily by the rumblings of an earthquake. J.R and Helaina went to their grandparents, not because they were scared, but because they needed something to hold on. The shaking only lasted a minute, and then Noah, who wanted to lessen the fears of his young guest, and brush off the incident as nothing to worry about, told them that small quakes were an everyday event down on the ocean floor.

“How is that for a big welcome?” Olivia laughed. “Now let’s all move into the station, and we can give you a tour.”

But before they began moving an alarm went off.

“John can you stop fiddling with that machine, and come up here and turn that thing off.” Noah yelled down to John, who was still in the small submersible.

J.R walked over to a work station which housed monitors, computers, and other gadgets. “Mr. Noah something is wrong here, it needs fixing.”

“Please just call me Noah, J.R. Now don’t worry about that alarm, it just saying things got shook up a bit.”

“No sir!  See that monitor right there?”

“Yes.”

“The calculations are wrong, they should have changed when the quake happened, but they didn’t.”

John came over to the monitors, turned off the alarm, than took a closer look. “Noah, J.R is right, the monitor is frozen.” He turned off that monitor, than rebooted the computer, and turned it on again. All the readings had now changed. Noah and John looked at J.R.

“How did you know that?”

“I don’t know, but I do know that the readings should have changed, and the monitor has a short in it somewhere.”

“John, please check that out, while we take our visitors on a tour of the station.”

“Sure boss.”

Noah looked at William, “The boy is right!  He is a smart one.”

   The family was then taken on a tour of the Sea Station Unity. Helaina relaxed a bit, and as always had lots of questions, all of them directed to young Sam who was more her age. 

Sam was very patient, and made sure that he answered every question as carefully as possible.  He wasn’t sure how much they knew. Or how much the Unity’s wanted them to know, and that was important. As the elder Unity’s followed behind, he looked to William and Jennifer for signs that he was giving out to much information.

“What do you study here?

“What we study here is the earths Tectonic plates, and the undersea volcanos along their edge.”

“Grandma says you are trying to harvest that energy, and find a way to distribute it around the world, in order to preserve other national resources, in a cleaner and more efferent way.”

“That’s correct Helaina.  By the way that is a very pretty name.”

Helaina blushed, and looked down at her feet. J.R always looking for a chance to tease his cousin, told his cousin, in Mind Speak of course so no one else could hear.

“I think he likes you.”

Before she could stop herself, she turned around and fussed at him.

“You shut up, and stop teasing.”

“Helaina, J.R didn’t say anything:” Her grandmother scolded.

Realizing her mistake, a sense of panic rose up inside her. But her cousin came to her rescue.

“I’m sorry, I was whispering to her, and made her mad.”

Helaina gave her cousin a silent thank you. William who was following behind with Noah smiled. “Ok then. Let’s go see the lab.”

William and Noah lagged behind the group and spoke in hushed whispers.

“William they are very young, have they become “connected” already?”

“I am afraid they have, they also have developed advanced skills and can do things I can’t explain.”

“Have there been any other teens who exhibit this, and do you think it is a concern?”

“Charlie and David are having this type of thing investigated, looking for others, and yes it is a great concern to everyone. Could it be that our genes have mutated? I don’t know. I just don’t know. And it worries me.” William told his old friend.

    As they began their way down the long corridor it was now J.R’s opportunity to ask a few questions, and take the focus off his cousin.

“When a volcano erupts under the sea doesn’t its lava produce toxic waste, and pollute the sea?”

“You are right they do.” Sam went on. “People think that its people that pollute the oceans, they do on some account. But what is causing the most damage is Volcanoes. A volcano will build up extreme pressure, than when it can’t contain it, it erupts.  A volcano can also use vents that dispel its excess pressure in the form of super-heated water, and acids, that can be hot enough to melt lead. It’s that power we want to harness.”

Helaina wanted to know: “The acids you mentioned and the hot water couldn’t that cause damage to the earth’s plates?”

Here is where Olivia step in. “Yes, but not as much as you think, the lava builds up, cools down and then provides nutrients to the plants and sea creatures. The earth uses its own material to heal itself, and to rebuild what was lost. It‘s like when you break a bone, you heal yourself with time, making that bone stronger, in some instances”

   Now Noah stepped in: “The problem we have now is too many eruptions, we need to harness it, and use it. Too many eruptions are causing the oceans to warm up, which causes the death and distinction of millions of different kinds of sea life and plants. Sea life and plants that’s potential to provide medicine, and food, for the population is just now being realized. That is another thing we are now studying.  Soon we can introduce our findings to the population of the world.”

“Wow!!! You are doing very important work!” exclaimed Helaina.

“That they are. That is why we brought you down here, to show you the good things Unity is doing.  What “we” are doing. Now let’s go see the amazing collection of sea plants that the Sea Station has collected. Than get something to eat I am starving.” said William with pride and a rumbling stomach.

“Jenny I think your next generation of Guardians is impressed with what we do.” Olivia whispered to Jennifer Unity, so the kids couldn’t hear her.

“That they are, just as much as we are impressed by them. Now do you have some of the cherry cobbler you make? You know it's my favorite, and I look forward to it every time I visit. You make it better than anyone.  One day you will have to give me the recipe.”

“Never, my dear friend! That's one recipe I won't share with you. But yes! I did make two very large pans of cobbler. Now let's catch up on all the family news:” said Olivia