The Guardian's Wildchild (18 page)

11. Rules for Sidney

Mid-Morning, July 7, En Route to Peru

Prior to his prisoner’s arrival, Sam had struggled to apply himself to the drudgery of mindless tasks. But the numbing routine had transformed into a state of continuous chaos the day she arrived. He was now tired of the constant barrage of unexplainable events. Mindless tasks were almost appealing now.

Sam was determined to get his ship back on its routine. After reviewing the standard daily crew reports and enjoying lunch with the officers, Sam went to relax on the upper deck near the
Nonnah
’s bow. The solitude was as healing as a Buddhist meditation retreat. Recalling his Buddhist roots, he wondered why he’d left his mother’s teachings and meditation practices behind. The experiences had been powerful. Perhaps, he thought, they had showed him a truth he hadn’t been able to accept, one that often conflicted with his military training. He turned his face toward the sun, feeling its warmth soothe away the morning’s tension.

As the
Nonnah
sailed the Pacific Ocean in a southerly direction, her nose surged through the heaving waves. Out in the water, all was in rhythmic harmony — the wind, waves, ship, and him. It was just as Sidney had said when she’d inquired about his sailing. He had to admit she’d been right.

Sidney’s mood tumbled and fell toward a dark place. She was painfully aware of the distance between herself and the life she’d once known. Mornings with her people had been filled with quiet solitude. She’d be high above the valley with Celeste nearby, immersing herself in the Guardian sacred truths. Afternoons passed quickly with harvesting vegetables, preparing meals, collecting eggs, and chatting with friends. Evenings were blessed events while seated around the fire with the Guardian Elders, basking in their eternal and unconditional love. All the things that had given Sidney strength and courage were now gone.

Sitting in her lotus position on her bed, she closed her eyes, breathed slowly and deeply, and let her gloom slip away. Gradually, her breathing slowed. She became acutely aware of everything in her room. Even with her eyes closed, she sensed the medical scanner’s energy. She knew where dust particles hid in the corners of the room, and she sensed the energy remnants of each person who’d been in the room that day.

So deep was her meditation that her awareness expanded beyond the confines of the isolation room. She mingled with the energy of the ship, old and full of history. Still conscious of the space around her physical body, Sidney traveled in a dimension without time or space. She found herself seated in the circle with her Guardian Elders.

Birthstone was the first to acknowledge her. “We’ve been waiting for you, my dear Sidney. You’ve done well, and we’re filled with joy that you’re here with us.”

“Birthstone, I don’t feel I’ve done well. The mission was a failure. I’m to be executed soon.”

Greystone got up from the other side of the room and sat down in front of her. He reached out and caressed her face. “Sidney, you haven’t failed at anything in your life. All that’s required is for you to remain true to your higher self. Have you done this much, my dear?”

“Yes, Greystone. Mostly. Sometimes, I … ”

He put up his hands. “Then, you’ve done well. Nothing more is required.” He cocked his head. “You’ve come here for advice, perhaps?”

“No. I just miss everyone. How’s Danik?”

“We have him busy most every day attending to our livestock. Keeping him occupied with herding instead of scheming. He’s tempted to charge in to rescue you.”

“Oh no. He mustn’t. These people would destroy him at first sight. They’re a rather angry lot. More concerned about following rules than anything else. Few listen to their inner wisdom.”

Greystone nodded. “Hmm. That’s military life, I suppose. Sidney, I want you to make a promise to me.”

“Yes, anything for you, Greystone.”

“Promise me you’ll follow your heart.”

“I always do.”

Greystone waved a finger in the air. “You’ve put limitations on where you allow your heart to go. Let it be free. Free as you when you decided to swim in the river’s current rather than near the safety of the shore. Free as you when you climbed the cliffs instead of taking the pathway to the top of the mountain. Free as — ”

“I think we all get the message, Greystone.” Livingstone rolled his eyes. “Do you Sidney?”

Sidney shrugged. “I guess so. But my heart belongs to the Guardian people. I don’t need to — ”

Birthstone interrupted. “True enough, Sidney. You don’t need to. But, if your heart should speak to you about being confined and limited, listen. Listen and follow your heart.”

Sidney looked back into Greystone’s eyes. They shone with love for her. They spoke of his wisdom and patience. Then, they faded away as she returned to her isolation room. The supper tray was still there.

She tested the sides of the teapot. It was still hot. She poured the tea into a cup and pulled the tray of food closer to her bed. Holding her hands palms up, just above the food, she thanked the Creator for the gifts of the Earth, her life, and her lessons. Then, taking a fork into her hand, she scooped up a portion of the cheese and noodles and tasted it. It was hot and delicious.

When her supper was eaten, a feeling of doom still hung over her. She resumed her meditation. She had to consider the promise she’d made to Greystone. She heard her door open, and knew it was a man when the fragrance of aftershave hit her nostrils. Her eyes remained closed.

As Sidney sat cross-legged, ignoring his presence, she felt his tension, even a hint of contempt. She continued to breathe slowly, eyes closed and her hands placed on her thighs, palms up. He stepped closer to her bed. She sent loving kindness to the man, attempting to soften his anger. Quietly, he moved to the side of her bed, careful not to disturb anything.

She opened her eyes. Commander Moon was bent down closely, inspecting the old bullet wound in her left hand. Without warning, she spoke.

“It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

Moon gasped and bolted up straight. Sidney smiled, amused at having surprised him.

“Excuse me.” He grabbed his hat off his head, and then placed it on again. In the next breath he was in command again. “You appear fine.” He waited for a response.

It seemed to Sidney as if he expected a report from her — as though she was one of the seamen. She got off the bed on the opposite side from where he was standing and stood up straight.

“Yes, sir. All systems are functioning at optimum performance. Do you require verification, sir?”

His face remained as a stone for a moment before a sneer took shape.

“Very amusing, miss. And, if I asked for verification, what would you do?”

“Well, let me see.” Moving around to the end of the bed and toward the door she considered her response. “I know. Swimming is a great workout for the body. Perhaps I should jump into the ocean and see how far I can swim. Would that satisfy you, sir?”

Moon simply glared at her. “If you have any notions of getting off this ship, I suggest you come back to reality.”

Sidney had hoped to break through his hard shell, but she discovered it was impenetrable. There was only one other alternative — challenge his beliefs about her. She walked right up and stood toe to boot with him.

“I know more about reality than you can guess.”

She stabbed one of her fingers into his breastbone. Moon grabbed her hand, lifted it off his chest and held it painfully tight. For a brief moment, she could see he’d lost command of himself. He regained it quickly once he released her hand.

“You won’t give me any trouble. You won’t step outside the infirmary doors. You’ll do exactly as the medical staff commands. Is that clear, miss?” he snarled.

“I have no wish to be any trouble to you or anyone else.”

“That’s difficult to believe in view of your attempted escape this morning.”

Sidney now realized she’d made a serious mistake in making light of the situation. She’d made her escape attempt during his shift, and it was now obvious he held a grudge against her beyond the fact that she was a prisoner.

Looking directly in his eyes, she declared, “It clearly states in the Prisoner of War manual that a prisoner is duty bound to attempt to escape. So when I found the door unlocked and no one around … well, it occurred to me that perhaps I’d overstayed my welcome. You would’ve done the same thing, Commander. Except, I think you’d have been more successful than me.” She hoped that would be enough to repair some of his damaged ego.

A smug grin emerged on his face. “The captain tells me you claim to have decided not to continue with your escape attempt because you became concerned the admiral would punish the captain’s family for your escape. Do you realize that the captain’s sons have been well taken care of by Admiral Garland since the captain’s wife died? They live in luxury in the admiral’s mansion, attended to by servants and go to the best school in New Seattle. No, Captain Waterhouse’s boys wouldn’t have suffered any ill fate.”

Sidney was initially staggered at the news of the close relationship between Captain Waterhouse and Admiral Garland. It created a new depth of fear and doubt in Sidney’s mind. The captain’s benevolent manner toward her was truly just pretense, a ruse for a gullible prisoner. Sidney was humiliated and angry.

Moon leaned down to her face and grinned. He went in for the kill. “I want you to think about that. You could be on your way home, right now, had you not been so näive. Pleasant dreams, miss,” he said sarcastically before he strode out of the room.

Sidney paced around her bed. Her anger continued to gain strength and fury. Sam opened the door, and she spun around on her heel and glared at Sam.

He was lacking his usual military stance. There was even a flicker of concern on his face.

“You’re upset,” he said.

She stood rigid. “Do you have a question, Captain?”

Sam stepped into the room and shut to door behind him. “All right. You have a complaint?”

Sidney narrowed her eyes. “As if that matters.”

“What’s at the bottom of this?”

Sidney stepped forward. “I have a question of my own, Captain.”

“You answer my question, and I’ll answer yours. Deal?”

“No deal. I know exactly what would’ve happened if I’d escaped? Nothing! Apparently, I’ve been a fool. Your sons are quite safe. In fact, Admiral Garland has taken on the role of protector to your kids. Is that not so? You and Admiral Garland must be great pals!”

“Who’s been talking to you?”

Sidney crossed her arms over her chest.

“Come with me,” he demanded.

He took Sidney by the arm to lead her out of the room. She tried to pull away.

“I can walk on my own.”

Sam tightened his grip on her arm and pulled her through the doorway and into the infirmary.

“Phillip, who’s been talking to the prisoner?”

“Commander Moon stopped by. Left just half an hour ago. No one else that I know of, sir.”

Sam clenched his teeth. It was disappointing to discover that his first officer had been nosing into his personal life. His actions had seriously jeopardized his relationship with the prisoner.

“I’ll be using the Doctor’s office for the next while. I don’t want to be disturbed. Get her clothes ready. She’ll be transferred now.”

Sam let go of Sidney’s arm and motioned for her to go into Dr. Duncan’s office. Still fuming, she complied. Sam followed her and slammed the door shut behind him.

“Sit down!” he demanded.

Sidney hesitated but decided to show some cooperation. She chose a chair farthest away from Sam, who went behind Dr. Duncan’s desk and sat down.

“What did Commander Moon say to you?” he asked stiffly.

“Why do think this has anything to do with Commander Moon?”

“Sidney, answer my question and I’ll consider answering yours.”

“Oh, yes, that’s right! We’ll all be honest.” Sidney’s anger was turning into rage. She stood up and shouted, “I’ve been told once today that I’m naïve. I think he was right. All you want, Captain Waterhouse, is to know how I got into the missile room and how I defused the missiles. Let’s get this over with. Now!”