Journey to the Known

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(2635) - Home Life - Chapter 09

Christopher E. Cancilla — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 09:12:38 GMT

CHAPTER NINE

“Mom, you doing OK?”

Rory looked calm but concerned, “According to the lab tests, my DNA changed in the past year or so. They say it is a radiation overdose from all the flying I did in my life. The upside is that I can talk to dead people, and I may have passed it on to the two of you. The downside is that they haven’t said anything yet.”

Scarlett said, “They told us we both got your DNA modification. They know exactly what changed and how it changed. They think they can reproduce it.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Scary!” Michael said.

“Mom,” Scarlett said, “Michael and I did a test. I went to Neptune Station, and he stayed at home. He and I talked all the way there, while I was there, and on the way home.”

“How do you know it was not all made up?”

“We each wrote a letter with a few sentences in it. Traded letters and opened and read them while I was at the station after we told each other what was in them.”

“So you told your sister what was in the letter, and you opened it, Scarlett, and it was exactly as he said in your mind?”

“Yep!” They both said.

The team of doctors walked in. “Mrs. Romet, Rory. You need to understand that the section of DNA we see that was changed in you is not one we have previously worked with. However, because of you, we understand a great deal more about that section of human DNA.”

The doctors, Rory, Michael, and Scarlett, talked for another hour.

~~~~~~~~~~

Things were progressing a few months after Rory and the twins’ medical appointment. Virginia pressed a button on her desk. “Captain Romet, can you please come to my office?”

“On my way, General.”

Virginia needed to contact Scarlett at the L3 station. Every so often, L3, being precisely on the opposite side of the sun from Earth, is out of direct contact. This happens very rarely, but at the moment, they are.

With the L3 Station in the exact opposite orbital position from the Earth, with the sun between, communication could have been routed through a couple of other relay points, but….

Michael walked into her office. “Have a seat, Michael.”

“Uh oh.” He said.

“Uh oh, what?” Virginia smiled at him.

“Nothing, Ma’am. Just that a ‘have a seat’ conversation is usually not a happy one.”

“Well, this time it is. I need you to contact your sister, pass along some information, and ask her to give it to Brigit. This is classified information for Brigit only. Understand,” she paused, “What you are about to see is never to be spoken by either you or your sister.”

“General, you’re scaring me.”

“Good. Then, I got my point across. You’ll understand as you read and pass it on. She can receive the message, type or write it, and personally hand it to Brigit. No copies, no saving the file, not even carbon paper. Brigit will read it and destroy it. Am I clear?”

“So, only us?”

“Yep, just the four of us. You two are more secure than the comm, so I’ll know where the leak is if it gets out.”

He grinned, “Understood.”

“OK, do your magic.”

Michael was handed a piece of paper with maybe 300 words on it. In red, across the top, it said CLASSIFIED. He closed his eyes and called to Scarlett.

It took a minute, “Hi, Mike. What’s up?”

He closed his eyes, “Sis, this is an official communication. This is classified and cannot be spoken of ever. You are to copy the text I send you and personally hand it to Brigit. You and I are never to mention this, ever.”

“You’re scaring me?” She said.

“That is exactly what I told Aunt General about two minutes ago.”

“OK, stand by a moment. I need to get to a clear area.”

“Aunt V, she is finding somewhere for some alone time.”

Virginia nodded.

“OK, bro. I’m ready. I’ll long-hand it and hand it to her personally.”

“OK, Sis, to reiterate. No copies, no saving the file, not even carbon paper.” She acknowledged, “He read the message for the first time as he was sending it to his sister, and you can see his face changed as he realized it was about him, his sister, and his mother.

“Message sent.” He told Virginia, “Before you ask, she read it back to me, and it was word-for-word, according to this paper.”

“Perfect,” she held out her hand, and he handed her the paper. She pulled out a lighter, burned the paper to a cinder, then crushed the blackened, burned document into dust. “Thank you. You are dismissed.” He stood and left without a word.

He went to his cabin on the station and sat at the table. Scarlett called out to his mind about 10 minutes later.

“Hi, sis.”

“Uh, I need to talk about this between us. We cannot tell Mom this, ever. We cannot even talk about it out loud, ever. Brigit read the document, lit it on fire, and then crushed the burnt paper into dust.”

“The general did the same thing.”

“OK, got a question. The general and Dad have volunteered to receive the genetic experiment to see if they can what, attain, grow, and discover a gift.”

“That’s about it. If it works, there may be an entire department for gift implantation or something.”

Scarlett laughed, “Implantation? That’s an interesting term.”

“You realize that even when they tell us, we cannot let on that we know.”

“I know. But the fascinating thing is that Mom may hear it from a spirit,” Scarlett paused for a microsecond, “Wait. We have never spoken the words, only thought them. So, as long as it is all in our heads, literally, even the spirits cannot tell her.”

“Good point,” Michael added, “Unless they read it over my or your shoulder.”

~~~~~~~~~~

A month passed, and Brigit returned from L3 to her station orbiting Mars. While she was away, Marcel Romet and General Rolf had a planned trip and needed to go to Neptune for a few days.

They returned home a few days later, and Marcel entered the house.

“What the hell happened to you?” Rory asked.

“Had a little incident on Neptune 3. A battle of wits with a sheep, the sheep won.”

He had a bandage on his forehead, which he removed to expose a couple of stitches.

“Well, let the nurse take care of you,” Rory said as she kissed his boo-boo.

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(2634) - Home Life - Chapter 08

Christopher E. Cancilla — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 09:12:39 GMT

CHAPTER EIGHT

Marcel walked into the room, “I need to go to the feed store. Do you need anything in town while I’m there?”

“Nothing I can think of except a bottle of scotch.”

Marcel laughed, “Already on my list, dear. One 18-year-old bottle of scotch for my favorite wife, who happens to be my only wife,” He kissed her and left the house.

Rory cleaned up the kitchen and sat in the living room. She turned on a news program, a documentary. They were chronicling space accidents. She saw they talked about hers when the rock came through the window and almost ventilated her, as Brigit said. They put the odds of this happening at nearly 1 in 1,000. They mentioned it was a military shuttle, and no one on the ship was injured. It was listed as a training flight, and the shuttle received a structural upgrade, so pressure suits were worn. The copilot happened to be instructing the pilot at the moment of impact, which saved her life.

It was a great story, and maybe 85% of it was accurate. Thankfully, because it was a military flight, the pilots’ names were not released to the general public, so Rory or Virginia didn’t have to deal with prying questions.

She looked at the wall next to the fireplace. That’s where she hung the plaque. All it had was the rock, cut in half and mounted to the wood, the words ‘Ventilation Avoided,’ the spatial coordinates of the event, and the date it occurred.

“I know, me too. I almost lost you that day.”

Rory turned and saw Magda standing in the kitchen, “You’re really here, aren’t you?”

“I am. What do you see when you look at me?”

“You look like you, dressed in that tan suit you like to wear when you travel,” she paused a moment and smiled, “But relaxed.”

“Makes sense. I have nothing to think about. Nothing I need to do.”

“What do you do all day? And, for that matter, do you need to sleep?”

“Nope, no sleep. I have no body. So I do not get tired. As for what I do, I can go anywhere, be anywhere, and see anything I want. For example, I was just visiting the twins; they are next to each other and are about to call you. Wanna freak them out? When they call, tell them you want a surprise party for Marcel at the station, with all our old friends, and a chocolate marble cake.”

“That’s what they are planning?”

“Yup!”

They talked another minute about where she had been, and the comm rang.

“Answer.”

“Hi, Mom!”

“Hello, the boy, where’s the girl?”

“Right here. Grabbing a tea.”

Rory grinned, “Glad you called. I was thinking. We need to have a surprise party for your Dad. His 50^th, you know. Invite the old gang and a chocolate marble cake.”

The twins stood there frozen, eyes furrowed. You could almost see the gears moving in their heads.

Michael snapped his fingers. “AH! I got it now. Magda was here listening and told you.”

Magda laughed, as did Rory.

Rory turned and said, “OK, boss. Drop in anytime.” She turned back to the screen. “OK, we’re alone now. She left. Going to visit Serena and Lieutenant Malloy.” She paused a heartbeat, “Brigit called and said you were heading to the station to run a few tests. Going to pick me up on the way?”

Scarlett said, “We can do that. Thursday at 8 AM is OK with you?”

“Perfect, see you then. I need to go for a walk and think about this.” They said their goodbyes and disconnected. Rory got dressed to walk in the woods around the house.

She left the house, and Rocky followed her. She and Marcel picked up a massive Black Lab-Great Dane mix that weighed 140 pounds and was all puppy.

Walking out the back door, the other animals watched them enter the tree line. It’s not exactly a forest, but a clump of trees on the property, making Rory feel good when she is there.

She bought a few wooden chairs and a couple of small tables to drop in the exact spot where she could only see nature. She had her coffee and set it on the table next to the chair.

“Well, Rocky. Now, what do I do?”

Rocky heard his name and looked at her. “I wish I could talk to animals. It would be really cool to know what you’re thinking about. But this is cool, too. I can see wandering spirits. The recently deceased, dead friends….”

From behind her, “G-G-G-Ghosts?”

“Yep, ghosts!” She realized someone had said that, and she was not dreaming. She turned to see Jonathan standing there.

“Hi, kid. I guess that means somehow you got the part of the vision gift. Not sure how it happened, but if I had to guess, you accumulated enough cosmic rays flying in space. That year you lived in the settlement looks like it did its job, updating your DNA or something.”

“I really miss talking to you. When you move on, I will never see you again, will I?”

“Kid. I moved on just after Magda died. She has not moved on yet. She thinks she can still be a part of all your lives.”

“Wait, you moved on? I can see and talk to both you and Magda.”

“I guess your gift is as strong as Serena’s.”

“I have never had a vision.”

“Well, perhaps there’s a reason. When you go to the station to run those tests, I suggest that they use your DNA from when you were new to the military and compare it to your current DNA. They may see something.”

“Good idea,” She said, “So, what is next for you?”

“No clue. I plan to head to a few other planets close to our solar system and see what’s there. Let the rest of them know I will be gone for a while, but should be back in a year or so.”

A moment later, he waved to her and vanished.

She looked at the trees around her and saw a woman walking. Wondering who it was, she called out to her.

“Hello?”

The woman looked at Rory and walked toward her. As she approached, Rory recognized her. She ran a small craft store in town.

“Hi, Rory. I think I died.”

“You did, Gloria. A day after your 118^th birthday. It was a few weeks ago, actually. It was peaceful, from what we all heard, though. You died in your sleep.”

Serena walked up to the clump of trees and saw the conversation.

“I have no idea what I need to do next,” She turned and saw Serena, “We have company.”

“From what I understand, touch it when you see a light. You will move on.”

Rory saw Serena walking toward them.

“What does it feel like?”

“A very nice young lady once told me that when you touch the light, it feels like a warm hug.”

“I saw the light a few times. Next time, I’ll touch it and see what happens.”

Rory said, “Hi, Serena. This is freaking me out.”

“Brigit asked me to come here and talk to you. You have the sight but not the vision. Never happened before,” she said. She looked at Gloria. “Hi.”

“Hi, yourself,” She looked at Rory, “You gonna be OK?”

“Yep, I will.”

“I see that light again.”

Serena said, “Touch it.”

Without saying a word, she touched it and vanished.

“So, you have the sight. We must talk a little about this because it can be freaky.”

“Really,” Rory said, “Haven’t noticed!”

They both laughed, sat in the clump of trees, and talked for a few hours.

Rocky rested between them in case his services were needed to protect them or if either of them required some fur therapy.

Rory asked, “Do you think this gift will grow if I spend some time in the settlement?”

“No clue. But still not a bad idea.”

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305!

Christopher E. Cancilla — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:20:42 GMT

HI GANG!

Well, for the first time since I started “JOURNEY to the KNOWN,” I hit 305 subscribers. I bounce between 295 and 301, but this is the first time I hit 305, and it is thanks to all of you (all 305 of you, actually!)

Can I ask you a favor?

Can you please post the following on your social media?
Maybe someone you know will be interested in the blog posts, too.

JOURNEY to the KNOWN

A weekly blog post by Christopher E. Cancilla that you receive in your email, where you explore one of his novels each Sunday, normally less than a 15-minute read.

Also, every other Wednesday, you will receive the WEDNESDAY WONDER, something interesting and thought-provoking for your entertainment that is a short read.

Please register at: https://ChrisCancilla.substack.com

Registration is free, so you have nothing to lose.

(WW17) Wednesday Wonder, Week #34

Christopher E. Cancilla — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 10:12:27 GMT

Love, hate, friends, intimacy, scared, happy, sad.

Incorporation of feeling can be anything you need to amplify your story.

In the world we live in, firearms are a constant. Nightly news portrays the deadly shootings and people carrying guns in public as something negative. Why? Why should they be allowed to possess, carry, or, for that matter, OWN a gun?

That answer is very simple, and it cannot be refuted. The Constitution of the United States of America gives all Americans the right to possess a firearm, and the ATF determines who can and cannot purchase or own one. There are age restrictions, legal restrictions, and background checks that MUST be completed before the gun store hands you that brand-new firearm. I completely agree that checks and balances need to be in place. Sometimes, there is also a waiting period!

The Second Amendment of our Constitution states:

“A well-regulated Militia,
being necessary to the security of a free State,
the right of the people to keep and bear Arms,
shall not be infringed.”

So, what does this actually mean?

The Second Amendment was ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights; it guarantees the right of individuals to possess firearms for traditionally lawful purposes, like self-defense, independent of militia service.

Let’s take a Wednesday Wonder exploration of this concept. For example, why is there a distinct fear of “GUNS” by certain people?

There is a simple answer. They are clueless!

Not in a bad way. They simply have no clue, no training, no understanding. Much like a person’s fear the first time they are behind the wheel of a car. They are scared because they do not know, understand, have any experience with, or even have the basic familiarity with the new situation, whether it be driving a car or holding a pistol for the first time.

OK, so you argue that thousands of people are killed by guns each year, right?

Let’s take a look at some real numbers.

Using figures from the FBI and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it is clear to me which poses a greater danger to American Citizens. In a nutshell, these numbers come from a consolidated CDC study.

Looking at straight numbers, yes, in 2024, more people were killed by guns than by cars. Wait, we need to make this fair. You are saying people are MURDERED by guns, so we need to subtract the suicides from gun deaths. That puts the numbers at about 40,000 deaths in a motor vehicle and 20,000 deaths by firearm. There were also roughly 19,000 suicides by motor vehicle. Hmmmmm…. Look at that. Car and firearm self-inflicted deaths are close in numbers.

So, what does that tell us?

Using the logic of the gun-fearing, that means we need to outlaw cars because they are more dangerous than guns. Twice as dangerous, actually!

But other countries have taken guns away from citizens, and their gun violence has gone down.

UH HUH, keep talking and showing your ignorance. If there are 10,000 guns in a city, and the government steals 9,000, of course, gun-related incidents will decrease. But violence overall increased. Clubs, knives, rocks, you name it, and violent people always find a way to be violent. The Second Amendment is not there for their (the bad guy) protection; it is there for your (the law-abiding citizen, the good guy) protection.

But I could never shoot someone.

Really.

Two armed men break in to rob your house, and your three small children are playing peacefully on the floor. You have a pistol in your hand or fast access to one, and as they aim at your kids, are you going to let them kill your children? NO!

You will point that pistol at them and pull the trigger until you use all the bullets in the gun. THAT is what the Second Amendment is there to protect: your right to protect you, your family, and the targeted innocent.

So, tell me now how you are going to let the bad guys break in and kill your family? You can’t. OK, you do not have a gun, but you will fight to your last breath with a knife or a club, or the lamp on the end table, to protect those in your house. Protection!

I am very sorry, but death by bullet and death by lamp is still death. This debate has never been about death; it is about fairness. Is it fair that I have a gun and you don’t, or won’t, carry one?

Is killing good? No! It never is.

Is it necessary? At times, to protect the innocent or yourself from fatal harm, yes. It is! One step further. Those countries where they took firearms from their citizens. True, gun violence went down, but other deadly forms of violence, well:

AUSTRALIA:

The homicide rate is nearly the same

o Knives and other sharp instruments
o Blunt objects
o Personal assaults (hands and feet)
o Arson and other less common methods

Is dying better by a knife, or being stomped to death, perhaps if they set your house on fire and your entire family is burned ….

OK, WHERE IS THE PROBLEM?

I put it on the media. Selective or biased opinions and tailored news to slant the direction you want to agree with.

A typical AR-15 and a typical hunting rifle are used the same way, but they look different. Is that gun scary to you? Get over it, take a class, learn about it, and conquer that fear!

A very high number of people’s exposure to firearms comes primarily through:

News reports of shootings.
Crime dramas.
Action movies.
Social media.

Because violent events receive extensive coverage, firearms may become mentally associated almost exclusively with crime or tragedy, even though firearms are also used for lawful purposes such as sport shooting, competition, hunting, collecting, and self-defense.

Let’s change the script. AR-15s are assault rifles.

This is one of the most common points of confusion for the clueless.

An AR-15 sold to civilians is generally a semi-automatic rifle:

One trigger pull fires one round.

An assault rifle, in the military or any definition, is capable of selective fire, as in semi-automatic, 3-round burst, and fully automatic (think machine gun).

The standard AR-15s is not capable of selective fire out of the box.

The name "AR" in AR-15 does not mean "Assault Rifle"; it means Armalite Rifle, after the ArmaLite company that developed the platform in the 1950s.

OK, you get the idea. If guns are that scary to you, then what you need to do is take the class and learn about them. The best way to do this is to sign up for a class at any local range that offers basic pistol, basic rifle, or basic shotgun. Once you understand how they SAFELY operate and how to SAFELY operate them, the next step is to go on the range at the end of the class to fire those firearms. And complete the class. You will receive a certificate confirming that you have completed the class.

I personally teach basic pistol, which is my favorite class. We talk about safety, how they operate, and how to load and unload a wide variety of handguns safely. Why do I go over this so heavily? The main reason I keep deep diving into this pearl of wisdom is safety, my striving point, the pinnacle of my goal. I even wrote a book on Firearm Safety (CLICK HERE FOR THE BOOK). Talking about handgun operation is by design, because you may have occasion to come across a handgun you have never seen before in your house, on the street, on a trail, or in a park, and if you know how to notice and how to unload that firearm safely. You are much better off.

Umm. What do you do in that case? Ohh. It’s just lying on the trail in a park. Stand there and wait for the authorities. Call 911, have them come out, and collect the firearm. Suppose a child finds a gun. They’re going to do what any child has seen many, many, many adults do on television: they’re going to point it at their friends, thinking they can’t hurt anybody, and they’re going to shoot it, and that friend of theirs is no longer going to be their friend and play with them. Oh yeah, that’s why you need to experience firearm safety and training, and so do your children.

Now, what do you teach children about firearms? If you are smart, you teach them not to touch it. Somebody stands there and watches it to make sure no one else touches it. Someone else runs and gets an adult. Once the adult is there, the children need to clear out. There is no bringing it to the principal. If you find it at a school, you leave it; you don’t touch it, because the police will want to know exactly where you found it and examine fingerprints.

Enough about all this; let’s talk about something else two Wednesdays from now. I hope you were at least enlightened by these words and understand that firearms are not dangerous. It’s the person holding the firearm who makes them dangerous.

If you think that firearms are dangerous, place a loaded pistol on a table. Leave it alone; did it shoot someone? Nope! A firearm is only as dangerous as the person holding it. If that person understands safety, then it is safe.

Did you know there are FOUR primary rules of firearm safety?

ALWAYS TREAT ALL FIREARMS AS IF THEY WERE LOADED.
NEVER ALLOW THE MUZZLE OF ANY FIREARM TO POINT AT ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY.
NEVER PUT YOUR FINGER NEAR THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO FIRE.
ALWAYS BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET, AND WHAT IS BEHIND AND IN FRONT OF IT.

There is one more: DO NOT DEPEND ON ANY MECHANICAL DEVICE FOR SAFETY!

For the record, I am an NRA-certified Pistol Instructor and a Chief Range Safety Officer. I am comfortable around firearms and have been around them nearly all of my life. I spent 14 years in the military and had occasion to pick up a few interesting firearms, but before I carried or used them, I made damn certain I knew everything about them for not just my personal safety, but the safety and security of those near me, and those I was protecting. I have never witnessed a gun fire on its own; only through the actions of the person holding it.

THANKS!

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(2633) - Home Life - Chapter 07

Christopher E. Cancilla — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 09:12:20 GMT

CHAPTER SEVEN

Rory woke up at 3 AM, got up, and went to the living room. She was about to sit in her favorite chair, but it was occupied. She sat on the sofa. She thought she was still dreaming, but sitting across from her was Magda.

Rory looked at the sofa and said, “Hi, Boss.”

“Hi, Rory. Wait, you can see me?”

“Evidently,” Rory replied.

“How is this possible?”

“My guess,” she said to Magda, “Is that I am still asleep and dreaming.”

“No, that’s not it.”

Magda looked at Rory, who had a faraway look on her face. Rory said, “House. Call Brigit Markz.”

“Do you have any idea what time it is?” Magda asked.

“Since this is a dream, I will not wake Brigit for real.”

“Hello?” Brigit said, still partially asleep, “Rory, what can I do for you?”

Without a second thought, Rory said, “I am sitting in my living room talking to Magda, her spirit, actually. How is that possible?”

“WHAT?”

“I know. Kinda cool but odd, don’t you think?”

“Magda,” Brigit said, “What were you doing just before you showed up there?”

“I walked around the Moon and Mars for a while, visiting people I used to know when I was alive. I was thinking about Rory, or rather, I thought Rory was thinking about me. Next thing I know, I’m here.”

“Do me a favor?” Brigit said, “Find Serena and tell her to call Rory, and when she does, conference her in.”

Magda disappeared. A second call came into Rory’s home a minute later: “Answer and conference the call into the current call.”

“Hi, Rory. Magda said I needed to call you. What’s up?”

“Not sure. All I know is that I am dreaming and pulled you into my dream.”

“Actually, you’re not dreaming. You are awake.”

“How can I see and talk to Magda if I am not asleep and dreaming all this?”

Serena said, “Well, a few of the outsiders who were dedicated to the colony can do things like this, and they thought they were going crazy until a few others spoke to them about it. It seems that they have developed a basic sense. Some are empathetic, some are sensitive to spirits, and some are in tune with animals. A new group is developing other gifts not previously found in the community.”

Brigit said, “Why have I not heard about this?”

Serena replied, “I have been on the committee for this at Virginia’s request. Leading scientists and geneticists believe it is the result of human evolution. Some of this is due to the community’s radiation, which is similar to that found in the space between worlds. Since you flew in dark space so much, I can guess you have retained many of the right rays.”

“So, does that mean my twins will develop something?”

Brigit spoke, “That is a distinct possibility. They do seem to know things when they are in a group. I suspect after hearing this that they are seers.”

“What is a seer?”

Serena added, “Someone who sees. As in a light mind reader, but more so, they see the emotions of those around them.” She paused a moment. “House. Conference in Michael and Scarlett Romet.”

The twins were added to the call.

“Hi, Mom!” They both said.

Brigit spoke, “I need the two of you to do me a favor. Michael, I was hoping you could look at something in the room that we cannot see. Scarlett, I need you to tell me what Michael is looking at.”

“How am I supposed to do that?”

Serena spoke, “Think, concentrate on Michael. Look through his eyes. See what he sees.”

A minute later, “I see a coffee cup. He wants to get up and get the coffee that he left on the kitchen counter next to a box. In the box is a gift for me. It’s a snow globe, winter in the community. It is beautiful.”

Michael looked amazed and shocked. “That’s right. All of it.”

Serena added, “The two of you are tuned to each other. If you practice and hone the skill, you can use it as easily as the comm.”

They talked longer, and Marcel woke up and entered the living room. He stayed off camera but listened, and Rory did not know he was in the room. When the call disconnected, Marcel sat next to her.

“So, you can talk to Magda?”

“Apparently. Strange, too.”

“How does she look?”

“Really nice,” She said, looking at the other side of the room. “She is wearing her favorite set of flying clothes. She said, This is cool! She missed talking to me. I wonder if it is just her or if I can see others too.” She paused a moment. “OK, boss. Pop in any time.” Rory looked at the floor for a moment.

“Did she leave?” Marcel asked.

“She left. She needs to go talk to Serena about something she found.”

They walked back to the bedroom and crawled back into bed. They snuggled and fell back to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~

Rory made coffee and sat at the table, where she had sat hundreds of times. She was confused. She had a dream last night that she talked to Magda; it was a happy dream she remembered.

Marcel came out of the back room and grabbed his favorite coffee cup. He sat across from his wife of nearly two decades. He looked at her intensely and asked, “So, is Magda in the room?”

Rory nearly dropped her coffee cup.

“WAIT! Was that all real? I thought it was a dream.”

“Oh, no. I walked into the living room about 3:30 AM, and you had Brigit and Serena on the comm. Then you brought in the twins, and they did some experiments Serena asked them to do. You had a conversation with Magda’s spirit, and she headed to talk to Serena about something, and we went back to sleep.”

Rory was frozen in shock.

“I thought it was a dream.”

The comm rang, and Marcel said, “Answer.”

“Hi, Rory,” Brigit said, “Can you come to the Mars station for a couple of days? We need to experiment with a few things. It seems you have a gift of sorts.”

“How?”

“That is what we want to find out. The twins will be here on Thursday. Can you be here then also?”

“They can pick me up, and we can all travel together. I take it V knows all about this?”

“It’s her idea. If we can figure it out, we may be able to create new abilities in people.”

“Sure. No problem. I will work it out with them.”

They disconnected. Rory looked at her husband. Her eyes were getting moist. This was scaring her.

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(2632) - Home Life - Chapter 06

Christopher E. Cancilla — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 09:12:14 GMT

CHAPTER SIX

Brigit left the garage and headed down the hall. Someone was standing in the hall in front of her. She realized who it was, “Jon!”

“Yes, Brigit. Today is the day. I was just with Magda, and she has a headache. Medically, there is nothing that can be done for her.”

“We will be there at her shuttle in a few hours. Will she make it?”

“I hope so. I’ll go back and keep an eye on her.”

She was alone in the hall.

Brigit walked into the office and stood just inside the doorway. She looked at Virginia until they locked eyes. Brigit said a single word, “Neptune.”

Virginia scrunched her face, trying to understand the reference to Neptune. Her eyes opened wide a second later, and she remembered her conversation nearly 20 years ago. They needed to retrieve Magda, who died of an aneurysm in the shuttle heading for Neptune yesterday.

She pressed a button on her desk, “Cancel everything for the next few days, ready my shuttle for immediate launch. It is a classified trip, two souls on board.”

Not saying a word, Serena raised her hand and held up three fingers.

“Check that! Make it three souls. We depart in 30 minutes.” She disconnected before the bay could acknowledge.

Brigit had an overnight bag. Since the new ships were made of a new material designed by the organization that bought the rights and wares from Monica and Mik, there was no longer a need to wear a pressure suit in the shuttle. They are carried, though, but only worn when needed.

Serena looked at the upper left of the console. They have three hours.

~~~~~~~~~~

They had been traveling to Neptune at full speed.

“Hi, Jon,” Brigit said.

“Hi, Uncle Jon,” Serena said, “Can you go find Auntie M?”

A few minutes later, he returned, “She is near death, a matter of minutes actually. Very peaceful and no pain at all.” He passed on the spatial coordinates and velocity. Serena told Virginia where they needed to be, and she turned slightly and kicked the ship in the ass.

“Thanks, Jon. Go be with her until we arrive.”

Virginia said, “10 minutes to the coordinates.”

Virginia opened the comm as they arrived, “Shuttle 3723 priority omega.”

They heard a beep over the comm.

“All stop. Prepare for docking,” Virginia said.

Magda’s ship obeyed, stopped, and docked in auto mode to Virginia’s shuttle.

“I set that up a year or so ago, knowing this day was coming. I hoped I never needed to use it.” Virginia told the others.

As they arrived, Virginia went to the pilot’s seat. Magda still had a pulse. A moment later, it stopped. “She’s gone.”

“But I did not die alone, thank you all,” Magda said. She looked at her flesh and blood, “You know, I still look pretty good for an old lady!”

“Auntie M, you know that you died?”

“I do, kid. I also know I can talk to the two of you. How does this work?” Magda looked around the ship and saw her organic remains. “Hi, Jon!”

“Hi, Kid. Welcome to forever.”

“What’s next?”

“Not sure, but we can experience it together until one of us sees the light. When you do, touch it, and you will move on.”

“You have not touched it yet?”

“No, I was waiting for you. I told Gayle I would. Maybe we can find her together. You two always enjoyed talking.”

“How does this work?” She asked Brigit.

“We have no idea. It just does. When you see the light, touch it. When you do, you will move on.”

“Now, where have I heard that before?” Magda said. Brigit and Serena laughed.

“Let me guess. The boss is cracking jokes!” Virginia said.

Serena and Brigit nodded.

They moved Magda’s remains to the passenger area, stretching her onto the floor. She looked at peace.

Brigit sat in the pilot’s seat and switched on the comm. They were less than an hour from Neptune station.

“Neptune Station, this is Brigit Markz in Shuttle 3723; I am declaring an emergency.”

“Hi Brigit, please define the emergency?”

“Retired General MagdaLynne Rochavarro has died. We are bringing her remains to Neptune Station.”

“Understood. You are both cleared for a straight-in approach, bay 1 for you and bay 2 for the other shuttle. All other traffic has been cleared. Our thoughts are with you and her friends and family.”

“Thank you, Tony. General Rolf is piloting the other shuttle. I have power at max, and the ETA is 9 minutes.”

Brigit landed and parked, and Virginia parked next to her a moment later. The dome closed, and the honor guard approached the shuttle.

The medical examiner, actually the station doctor, entered the ship. He found Magda in the passenger area, examined her, and made the pronouncement.

They placed her carefully on the gravcart and covered her with a flag of the solar system. Leaving her face visible. Those in the bay lined the walkway, and as she passed, they saluted. The three women cried a little; it was a beautiful tribute to Magda.

They brought her to the medical bay, the doctor verifying how she died, and that it was natural. Virginia contacted Mik, and a few made their way to Neptune.

Security found them and asked what had happened, and they told them the plan was to meet up, but the shuttle was not where it was supposed to be. They opened the transponder and found it, caught up to it, and docked. Once they docked with the ship, they found Magda and headed to Neptune station immediately. The ship’s log confirmed everything they said.

An Autopsy was performed, and the cause of death was an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Nothing could have been done to save her life once it ruptured.

~~~~~~~~~~

Everyone gathered near Venus. The bus was filled with mourners, and 50 crafts were in the procession.

In her will, Magda asked that her body be sent into the sun so she could fall as sunlight on the universe. It was beautiful.

They reached just outside Mercury’s orbit, as close as they were permitted. The small ship, a larger speeder, was remotely piloted by Tommy Reilley, and it contained the remains of Retired General MagdaLynne Rochavarro.

Words were said over the comm, and Tommy directed the speeder to fly directly into the star. “The ship is a little sluggish. Like it has a lot more mass than it should,” Tommy said.

“Well, Tommy, my boy. Magda and I talked about this day, and she said not to do what was expected of her. She told me to pack whatever she was in with as many explosives as possible into the craft. So, I did, just under a thousand pounds of C-21. The Navy provided the explosive after reading and laughing at Magda’s will. They used their expertise in placing it into the craft. No detonator is needed. The sun will take care of that!”

The 15 people in the shuttle stared at Mik’s open mouth. What he said went over the comm, and the 300 attendees heard it. They watched the ship as it approached.

Members of the core team were on the ship with Mik. People who knew what the community had to offer.

Serena, Brigit Markz, and Brigit Malloy started laughing, “Oh my.” They both said.

Mik said, “I take it she’s here with us?”

“She is,” Lieutenant Malloy replied, “And she said she just looked in the ship, and she looks good, but,” She grinned, “Her words, Holy shit, Mik. Did you leave any C-21 for the fleet?”

Everyone on the ship laughed. This did not go over the comm.

Less than an hour later, the most enormous explosion in a century happened near the sun. Although much smaller, it resembled a small star going nova.

The ride back to the station was a conversation about Magda’s life and humor, with Magda present and asking for rebuttal time.

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(WW16) Wednesday Wonder, Week #32

Christopher E. Cancilla — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:12:27 GMT

Love, hate, friends, intimacy, scared, happy, sad.

Incorporation of feeling can be exactly what you need to amplify your story.

If your story features a married couple or a couple in a relationship, then yes, intimate relations can be included. But you do not need to explain it in detail since this is called soft porn.

If by chance you are writing a romance novel, then it is expected; if you go into detail, you can sell more books. RIGHT!

Friendships need to be strong and true, loyal, and friendly. I have, in several of my 50 novels, killed off characters in a story, and losing them hit me hard, too. Situations where that particular character would be perfect for, and they are no longer available. As the creator/writer of the story, I miss their presence, and that reflects in the words, emotions, and attitudes of the other characters who are also missing their friend.

But it was the right time for a death in the story, and that character had the perfect death for the moment it occurred.

I went through all the other main characters and described how they were dealing with it, and her husband had a particularly difficult time understanding how or why. Since it was a time travel novel, the idea of going to just before the death came up, and they determined time needed to stay correct.

However, eventually, with the assistance of his friends, he came to grips with the realization and finally moved on with his life. Eventually, he found new love and continued living.

What I am trying to say is that in your stories, make your characters sound human. They are not robots; they are not stoic Vulcans; they have emotions and expectations for their future. They love, hate, and have opinions. Those opinions could lead you to a side story to make the overall novel more interesting.

Use that!

Your story's characters need to be believable, like close friends the reader knows. If the reader feels a connection to the character, your story will resonate in their mind for a long time.

USE THAT!

THANKS!

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(2631) - Home Life - Chapter 05

Christopher E. Cancilla — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 09:12:27 GMT

CHAPTER FIVE

The community has come into the future, more or less. Communications and video screens are in most homes, including the house built by Brigit and Brad Markz and lived in by Ramona and Marshall Johns when Brigit and Joseph decided to leave the community and work for Magda nearly three decades ago.

“I really love this house, Brigit,” Carole said, “It is so cozy.”

Carole Luccia was the second member of the investigation team on the first day. After visiting the settlement for a few days, she dedicated herself to the community a few months later and has lived there since. More than twenty years now. Since she has no family, she adores being a part of the settlement and living in the home of her dear friends Brigit and Ramona.

Her role in the community is education. She is the school’s leading teacher and has found her calling.

“We designed it to be a bunch of smaller rooms, each room having an exterior wall and each exterior wall in a room with a fireplace. There are two bedrooms, a living room, facilities, and a kitchen. What more would you need?”

“I know. “ It is perfect,” Carole said. “I need to run. Don’t want to be late for school.”

“What’s today’s lesson?” Brigit asked.

Carole grinned, “The Sol System. What’s out there? Every grade level is learning this; the final exam is a field trip to the station. Rory is driving the bus, and they get to fly like a bird.”

“Oh, that sounds amazing. Let me know when the field trip is, and I will try to be there. I’ll help with the tour and the flying. Make certain they are all wearing pants.”

“You got it. Gotta run.”

The call disconnected, and Brigit stood in her living room. Joseph was on the surface again with Teressa and Biff, consulting at the sheep ranch. Virginia and her gang are back at their station, preparing for another round of inspections. Her job is more than when Mik had it; Mik had more responsibility than Magda. Brigit Markz thought, ‘I feel sorry for whoever takes over from Virginia.’

Brigit froze for a moment. She discovered who would take over when Virginia was no longer in that office.

~~~~~~~~~~

Brigit headed to the station where Virginia and her team lived and worked. She had to go from her station in Mars orbit to Earth orbit, to the surface, and back, and her car was not fast enough. She borrowed a quick shuttle from Mars Bay and made it there. She had a few days, she knew. She parked the shuttle in the garage and headed to the surface, the settlement, in the speeder. It may be old, but it still worked and was fast.

She landed and parked next to her house. Carole heard the landing and waited on the porch.

“Why are you here?” Carole said, jokingly.

“I need a place to think, recenter my mind, and come to grips with something I saw in a vision. I love this place. It really helps.”

“I was about to head into the hills to gather for a day or two. You are welcome to stay here and be alone in your thoughts.”

“Thank you, Carole. Have a nice trip.”

Brigit sat on the porch. The weather was cool, but a mild, warm wind passed over her face, which she missed most about the planet. Wind. At the station, there is no wind. There is airflow, but it ain’t wind!

She understood in the morning that she needed to walk into Virginia’s office and say the word. She also knew Serena would join them.

But tonight, she can rest, be at peace, and relax.

Joseph was in New Zealand, introducing David to the ranch hands. He demonstrated a few things David did not realize he could do.

“Answer,” Joseph said when the room video rang.

“I need you at the settlement tonight. Our old house.”

She needed to say nothing else. Something in the way she said it, “See you in an hour.”

Brigit prepared a meal of meat and vegetables. Joseph walked in as she placed it on the table.

They talked about the trip. They spoke of the station. They did not talk about why she was there, which was unusual.

They ate, talked, and cleaned up the kitchen, and Brigit said, “Tomorrow, I walk into Virginia’s office, and she and I head out to find Magda.”

He knew the time was close, “I figured that was why you were here. I am so sorry. What can I do?”

“Be with me tonight.”

“Always!”

~~~~~~~~~~

Breakfast was finished, and the house was cleaned up. Joseph left to head back to finish in New Zealand half an hour ago, and Brigit walked out the door. A few other community members stood in front of her home, waiting for her to walk outside.

One young woman about Serena’s age walked up and hugged her. “Bring Magda home to us.”

The others did not say a word. They offered their strength. Hugs and handshakes, eye contact, but no words.

Brigit got into the speeder, started it up, called control, and was cleared for a direct to the station.

As she parked, a private opened the garage and waited in the clear zone. Once she parked and shut down, he said he would look after recharging the speeder.

She headed out of the garage, secured the airlock, and pointed herself down the hall to what was Magda’s office, then Mik’s office, and now Virginia’s office.

~~~~~~~~~~

Serena walked into the General’s office, partially also her office, a bit earlier than usual. She was alone for the moment. The General should be here in the next half hour. She activated the screen, trained the scanner on the settlement, and let it do its thing, as Mik used to say.

She stood and walked to the dispenser; she needed a cup of coffee. It would take a minute to do the scan. Grabbing her cup, the cup her mother gave her all those years ago, she filled it with coffee. Virginia gave her her first cup of coffee, which was more like coffee milk, on the first night. The cup had the words “First Night” on it.

Walking back to the console, she looked out the window. The stars and the Earth were beautiful this morning. She saw her reflection and realized again that she looked like her mother and grandmother.

The console beeped, and she looked at the display. Someone was launching in a speeder from her mother’s house.

She froze a moment, “Oh my.”

Her eyes got a little wet. She knew what was happening.

“Hey, Kiddo! You do look like your mother, you know,” Virginia said as she entered the room.

“Aunt General,” using the name Rory’s kids call her, “You’re in the office early?”

“I am. I have a meeting at Jupiter Station later this evening, so I’ll spend the night. By the way, do you want to go with me? I know you like Jupiter Station. Last time, Michael was there and told you where all the fun stuff was, right?”

“Yes, I see Michael less and less as I get older. Mr. Mik was here when I arrived this morning. He said hello. He will be gone for a while. He and a few others are heading to other solar systems to see what’s there. Funny how no one has done that yet. I asked Michael about it, and he said the transfer there takes a lot out of them and takes months. Really boring, he said.”

“Good to know,” She thought momentarily, “Office, call Rory.”

A moment later, “GV, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I’m heading to Jupiter, taking Serena with me. Wanna go with us, girls’ trip?”

“Sorry, got stuff to do. When Gayle passed away a few years ago, Jon asked Marcel and me to help with his farm. Last year, when he passed, we found out he had given us the farm, and since then, Marcel and I have been occupied. Take my babies with you. It’ll be fun. Besides, Serena can keep you from getting into trouble.”

After a bit of small talk, they disconnected. Serena calculated the life in the community, and a few seconds later, she saw it was the same as when she left last night. Looking at the schedule, she saw that a few transports were due to trade in the community today. But no speeder was scheduled to land or depart.

Serena knew Brigit would be here momentarily, but not Virginia. They went about their day as usual.

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(2630) - Home Life - Chapter 04

Christopher E. Cancilla — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 09:12:32 GMT

CHAPTER FOUR

The auditorium at the station was large. The view was magnificent. The room’s backdrop was stars, and the small conversations happening everywhere gave the impression that the family was sitting down for Sunday dinner.

Serena Brigit, the event’s MC, stood and walked to the podium. As she did, the conversations in the room quieted.

Silence filled the room, and even the animals seemed to understand. Someone was about to speak.

“Friends,” Serena started, “I like telling everyone that I am named after my grandmother, Serena, and my favorite Aunt. Aunt B, please raise your hand. There may be someone in the room who does not know you.” Everyone laughed for a moment.

“Welcome to the twenty-fifth anniversary of First Day!” The room erupted. The event was being broadcast to the community on a massive screen on the side wall.

After a minute, she raised a hand, and it quieted again.

“Brigit Markz, Joseph Waters, MagdaLynne Rochavarro, Mik and Monica Spencer, Rory Romet, and Virginia Rolf; please join me up front?” She continued to speak as they all stood in a line next to her, on her left.

“There are others who are instrumental in mingling the two worlds: the universe and the community. I was five and a half when I met these lunatics. Rory and Virginia were like my older sisters. They showed me the proper way to get in trouble!” She winked at the women, and the room laughed a little. “Brigit and Joseph were like an aunt and uncle to me.” She rubbed her chin and said loud enough for the mic to pick up, “Wait, they are my aunt and uncle?” Soft chuckles around the room, “Monica was, and still is, the pillar of joy in this group. As for the Retired General’zzzzz here, I call them my uncle and aunt because, as we all know, family protects the family.” Applause.

A moment later, “Some of those who attended First Day all those years ago are no longer with us. Gayle and Jonathan Janning. David Carpenter, Mik Spencer Sr, and several others.” Everyone understood that Mik Sr was there as a spirit and moved on from the First Day event. “Some of whom are in the room with us right now.” She laughed, “Evidently, Jonathan wants me to get on with it – he said he has things to do.” Everyone laughed.

“I’m certain some of you think I missed a few people. Perhaps my parental units? I told them what I was doing, and they told me to leave them out. However, can you help me get them to the stage, please?”

The room erupted louder than before, and Marshall and Ramona stood and walked up on the stage to stand in line with her friends.

“If you will notice, this line of honor is one-sided. We need to fix that. Along with this group on my right, a few were instrumental on this day. Still, they were from the universe rather than the community. Russ Miyaga, Ronald Luchinski, Retired Admiral Marcus Russel, and Marcel Romet.”

They headed to the stage, standing on her left.

“Russ and Ronald were members of the investigation team, and the admiral sent them on this mission. Marcel’s job was to map the planet, and he found us. As he should have done, he reported his discovery to the Admiral, who created the team.” She paused a moment, “You know, I had a long speech drawn up. But, the four generals, slash admirals, on the stage told me if I used it, they would need time for a rebuttal,” Laughs again. They all knew this group was friends.

Serena spoke of that first day and first week. She visited the station for the first time and realized her life would be intertwined with these people forever. She spoke of David Carpenter telling the community about how it is in the rest of the universe and that the community needs to adapt, or it will collapse.

“As you all know, several from the community have chosen to live in the universe. Our three donations to General Rolf’s staff. Stand up and wave to everyone, you three.”

They all stood, turned to the crowd, and waved.

“On the flip side of that coin, as my Auntie M would say, several of those from the universe have chosen to live and adapt to the community. Please stand and say hello.”

Eleven people stood and waved. “There is one other that is missing, Carole Luccia. She moved to the settlement shortly after First Day and has not left. She opted to learn the crafts, and it is quite amazing. She is living in my Mom’s old house….”

“… And mine!” Brigit added as a joke.

“Yes, Aunt B, you lived there first after you built it.”

Carole’s face appeared on the giant screen, “There she is now. Hi Carole!”

“Hi, kiddo!”

Her speech ended a short time later, and she nodded to the three lieutenants. Lieutenant David Carpenter stood and took to the stage.

“Hi all. I was chosen to speak because my grandfather and I share the same name. I know exactly what my grandfather would say. My grandmother told me.” They all laughed, but simultaneously, the entire room knew he was speaking the truth. His grandmother had the gift of vision and could talk to him after he passed. He dictated a speech to her, and she handed it to her grandson.

He read his grandfather’s words, and when he ended, Marcia and Brigit joined him onstage.

Brigit said, “We are here as representatives of the community and the universe. We live and work in the universe.”

Marcia continued, “But our hearts are firmly embedded in the community. My life before was that of a simple worker. I learned the crafts from Zoee.”

Brigit added, “I learned the farming skills from many people, including several on this stage.” She waved to Brigit and to Ramona. They waved back.

David spoke, “I, too, learned skills from people on this stage, animal skills.” He waved to Joseph, “Some, to this day, are still teaching me those skills based in the community, but taught and refined in the universe.” Joseph waved back, and several smiled.

In unison, they said, “Believe it or not, we have a great boss!” Virginia nearly fell over laughing. “Those who know us, our particular skills and abilities, allow us to exercise them with no preconceptions, no misuse, and…”

“… They do so silently,” Brigit said. Brigit froze momentarily; everyone saw it and knew what was happening. She restarted, walked over to Magda, and whispered in her ear. Then returned to the other two Lieutenants.

Magda took a few steps back and spoke into her comm, then returned to the line of people and smiled.

The talks ended after half an hour, and the gathering became a party. Food, beverages (both soft and alcoholic), and desserts.

Magda walked to Lieutenant Malloy, “Brigit, I sent off the warning. They told me the rock was off-cycle, and no one was looking at it. It would have hit very close to the new dome on the Moon’s far side. The dome is not yet inhabited, but occupancy would have been delayed for years. They deflected it successfully and asked what I wanted to name it. I told them to name it Vision 25.”

“I like that. Saved by a vision at our twenty-fifth anniversary,” Brigit knew the name already but did not let on to Magda.

“By the way, they are trying to keep it hush-hush because it is embarrassing for them to be directed by an old retired general with astronomy as a hobby.”

Brigit Malloy nearly busted out laughing at the idea that Magda had astronomy as a hobby and saved many people or money.

Lieutenant Malloy got Brigit Markz’s attention. “Yes, dear, what can I do for you?”

“I have had an odd vision,” She paused, unsure what to say next, “A few years from now, there will be an injection available that will enhance the gifts. I see General V with a gift.”

“I have had that vision as well. For now, let’s keep it between us. If this is true, then it needs to happen naturally.”

“Understood.”

They went back to mingling at the party.

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(WW15) Wednesday Wonder, Week #30

Christopher E. Cancilla — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:12:09 GMT

Creative writing is fun. However, character naming is interesting, and it can be critical to the storyline, but you can also have some fun with it.
Look at the names of women in the JAMES BOND films.

Miss Goodbody
Dr. Goodhead
Octopussy
Pussy Galore
Chew Me

The list goes on. If that is what you want to be known for, by all means jump into that pool with both feet, doing a cannonball!

If you are looking to have meaningful characters, there are a few things that I recommend.

Name your characters according to the character.
Do not name your characters “out-of-character” or out of their culture.
Have their backstory in your mind as you write; perhaps a bit of their past will show itself in their present.
It is OK to use nicknames, pet names, and the like. I have a character named Bradley Bentonfield the Third, who could go by Brad, or BB, but he goes by Trip, like the third.
I used a character who appeared to be a caucasian from Maine. Her name is Priyanka Smith. She has Cleopatra features, but was the whitest white, with creamy white skin and no flaws. Her face was so special that it made everyone, male and female, stare at her because of her uniqueness! That was the point of that character. She is a CIA agent, and no one suspects her of being one. Obvious in plain sight. Occupation: Model, world traveler, magazine photos on location.
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Do not let your characters make decisions that are out of character for them. Your readers will know, and hate you for it.
No jump the shark situations. Not recommended.
1. Wait, you do not understand the JUMP THE SHARK reference?
2. It describes the exact moment a creative work, usually a television show, begins a decline in quality. It refers to a desperate, far-fetched, or absurd plot twist that a series introduces when it has run out of original ideas.
3. Think the TV show HAPPY DAYS, when Fonzie, wearing his leather jacket, jumped over a shark on water skis.

OK, so, where do you find fresh, interesting, and usable names?

Search baby name generators and also specific cultural surname lists. Personally, I find names all around me. For example, the grocery store. They all wear nametags. Riley, Marchella, Savana, Acasia, Connor, and Conner, to name a few. Names are everywhere; there are people. Some are really unique, interesting, and an anti-character and persona can be created around a name.

A good rule of thumb:

Make the name match the character.
The character matches the situation.
The situation aligns with the character's background and experience.

THANKS!

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(2629) - Home Life - Chapter 03

Christopher E. Cancilla — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 09:12:40 GMT

CHAPTER THREE

They all left the house late, like well after midnight. They had not been together like this in a long time. Kiwi stuck his nose in Brigit’s face and sneezed.

“Thanks, Pup. You make a great alarm clock.”

She rolled over, “Hey, we gotta get up. I dreamed that they plan to invade us in 15 minutes.”

“They what?”

“At the moment, I guess they are gathering in the common area and will hit us all at once. They talked about it when they walked back to their rooms and decided it was necessary to poke us with a stick!”

“Who said that?”

“Who else, Magda. So, let’s get up and get the coffee ready for them all. Sit at the kitchen counter and wait for them to walk in.”

“I love it.” He said, and they got up, got dressed, and made the coffee. A lot of coffee.

They poured themselves a cup and sat at the counter. A few sips later, the doorbell went wild, and the door opened. Magda walked in and yelled, “HEY! We’re here for breakfast!”

“Perfect, we have the coffee ready.”

Magda stopped, “Who told?”

“No one, but if you must know, I heard it from you, ring leader!”

“Now, what was I thinking. Trying to pull a surprise sneak attack on the dream queen.” She laughed, “OK, sous chefs, breakfast!”

“We got it covered, boss.”

They slid a small gravcart into the apartment and into the kitchen, and got to work.

The food was ready in 15 minutes, and Monica yelled, “FOOD!”

They invaded the kitchen.

Ramona said, “OK, we have scrambled eggs, grits…”

Mik added, “Cheese grits.”

“OK, cheese grits. Also, for Ron, we have steak, links, and bacon with crispy hashbrowns.”

Ron fake wiped a tear, “I love you guys!” as he grabbed a plate and filled it with meat and taters.

The twins stood and watched. This group, multiple families, strays, and newbies, all communing together. Breakfast is a thing, more than a meal, a time to level-set your day. How do you want it to turn out? What do you want to accomplish?

Michael asked loudly, “So, what are everyone’s plans for the day?”

They talked and ate, ate and talked, then had coffee and cake and talked a little more.

The consensus was that no one had definite plans, except for a few.

Virginia, Brigit Malloy, Serena, and David had a rehearsal they needed to attend.

Serena is the MC of the event this year, and Brigit is passing it on to her. A decade as the voice and the face of First Day is enough, and she is very excited to pass it on. She is giving her all the leeway she needs to make it her own.

Ramona, on the other hand, likes to take tours and experience new things.

“Aunt Brigit, Marshall, and I are taking a tour of Olympus Mons and would like for you and Uncle Joseph to join us.”

Brigit and Joseph looked at each other and grinned. They have taken the tour before, but it was several years ago. Joseph turned to Ramona, “That sounds like fun.”

Brigit added, “What time do we leave?”

~~~~~~~~~~

Virginia and her team took over the conference center on the same level as Brigit and Joseph’s apartment. Biff walked in and looked around.

He started laughing, and everyone looked at him. He sang, “Three new butterbars, two crazy captains, and general making coff-ee.”

Virginia tossed an empty paper cup at him, and it hit him in the chest.

“You all saw that assault!” He smiled.

Scarlett added, “General, please.”

Virginia stared at her, wondering what was next.

Scarlett continued, “Next time, please use something heavier. Remember the gravity difference.”

Virginia smiled, “Captain S, you are correct. Next time, I will remember this conversation.”

Biff looked at the group like he had been offended. Michael asked him.

“So, what can a room filled with officers do for a Warrant Officer?”

Biff walked to the center of the group. “I need a favor.” He pointed at Virginia, “From you, General.”

Virginia walked over to him, “Such as?”

“My retirement is in a few weeks, and to be ushered off is one thing. I am requesting that, as I depart my duty station in a retired status, I depart in your car.”

Virginia looked at him, “It is fitting. You did scrounge some of the parts I have needed for the past few years to keep it running. But, if we are going to do this, it needs to be done right.”

She looked around the room, “I need two volunteers. A chauffeur and an attendant to open the door for him. A second lieutenant and a Captain would be perfect.”

Brigit Malloy and Scarlett raised their hands. Brigit spoke, “General, I believe that I would make for the perfect attendant, and Captain S will be the perfect chauffeur.”

Biff started laughing. “I LOVE IT!”

Michael added, “The reaction from the crowd, and especially from Mik and Magda, will be interesting.”

“All of us have been there enough over the years that they will be expecting something interesting. I guess they will get it.” Michael said, “But, I have a suggestion. We need news coverage.”

~~~~~~~~~~

The group invaded the Mars club. Virginia requested food, drink, and the back room for the evening. The cost was not nearly as bad as she thought it would be, and of course, Mik and Magda would help defray it.

As they entered, Virginia in the lead, followed by the Captains, then the Lieutenants, then the retired generals, a Warrant officer, and, bringing up the rear, Brigit and Joseph, and the gang Serena ferried from Earth space.

The food was excellent. The drinks were good, but the fellowship and camaraderie were exemplary.

They had to be in place at 0800 for the ceremony, so at 2330, the lights flickered. The group looked at the switches and saw David flashing the lights.

“We all have an early day and General M,”

“Which General M?” Someone asked.

He looked at Biff, “Does it matter. They’re interchangeable! Well, General M told me to let everyone know when it was 2330. OK, it’s 2330.” He grinned, “There, orders carried out!”

Mik said, “Well done, Lieutenant.”

Over the next half an hour, everyone headed home. Rory had the bus, so she did not consume any intoxicating beverages, but as for the rest, well…. They are all adults.

This entire group was residing on the station, and that is where she returned.

As they entered the garage, the airlock closed, and she parked. Cycling the bus to sleep, everyone departed, and she and Virginia stayed to recharge and replenish the bus. Alone, it takes maybe an hour. Together, 20 minutes.

“V, I miss us. We need to do something together. Like the old days.”

“I know. Watching a space rock nearly ventilate you was the high point of my life.” Rolling her eyes.

“Well, maybe we can do other stuff. Like some pampering at a spa or something.”

“I like the way you think. I am tied up for the next few months, but after that, let’s go away for a week.”

“Deal!”

~~~~~~~~~~

They left the garage, and Virginia got to her room. She and Rory hugged, and Rory headed to her place a few doors away.

As she walked in, Marcel was standing at the door holding a perfect Rusty Nail made with Drambuie and Scotch, on the rocks.

He had a white tea towel over his arm, and she started laughing. She grabbed the drink and took a tentative sip, “AH! The perfect Rusty Nail.” Rory sat on the love seat and told the vid to turn on and find cartoons.

Marcel sat next to her as the cartoons started. He kissed his wife and said, “Yes, it is!” He produced a glass for himself, and they sat and watched cartoons for half an hour, finished their drinks, and headed to bed. They needed to be up early tomorrow, but not nearly as early as some of the others.

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(2628) - Home Life - Chapter 02

Christopher E. Cancilla — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 09:12:07 GMT

CHAPTER TWO

The doorbell rang, and then the door opened.

“I guess my door code still works?” Magda said as she walked in, “Glad you two weren’t busy!” She grinned at Joseph.

A moment later, she realized the place was packed with people.

Mik and Virginia jumped up and ran to her, “BOSS!!!” making a Magda sandwich.

Magda said, “Hey, I just pressed this suit.” She was laughing, and the two did not move.

Monica yelled to her, “You hungry?”

“I am,” She sniffed, “Do I smell First Night food?”

“Yes, you do,” Mik said.

“I’ll have eggs, sausage, grits, and French Toast. Tell me you have melted butter and maple syrup?”

“We do, coming right up. Grab a seat, and I’ll deliver it to you.”

She sat in the big chair. As she did, Serena jumped up in her lap, “I miss my fuzzy.”

Joseph said, “We can get you another cat. Maybe you and Serena can find one for you later.”

“No, I spend most of my time traveling between stations, giving lectures.”

Virginia asked, “Where to next?”

“Well, I am attending Biff’s retirement. He’s been the top enlisted person on Mars for the last decade, and the General, remember him? He was the Colonel when this all started. Well, Magnus invited me to usher Biff out. He is staying on Mars with his wife’s family. He will still be working in the same place, doing nearly the same job, with nearly the same people working for him. It appears that the military faction of the domes is moving toward civilian leadership. Biff deserves the position.”

Monica handed her a plate. “Damn, this smells good.”

She took a few bites and realized there were new people.

Magda looked at Mik, “Who are the kids?”

Mik looked at Virginia, “Who are the kids?”

Virginia looked at the three sitting on the couch, “Who are you?”

“Second Lieutenant David Carpenter,” David said.

“Second Lieutenant Brigit Malloy,” Brigit said.

“Second Lieutenant Marcia Taylor,” Marcia said.

Magda stopped and swallowed, looking at the three. “Let’s see,” She sipped her coffee, “David, your grandfather, and I were very good friends. Marcia, Marissa was my favorite person in the community, so I hope she is your grandmother. Now, Brigit,” She paused, “Malloy?”

Joseph added, “Michael Malloy. He brought you to the barn, had you milking cows, and stood there and watched you for an hour before you realized you were doing his work.”

“Oh my god, that man is a nut job. I never laughed like that in my life. Except when Gayles’s spirit came to visit.”

The three on the couch looked shocked. She knew a lot about the community because, to this day, they still do not openly discuss gifts with outsiders.

Brigit Malloy asked, “General,”

“AH! Nope, not General. Just call me Magda,” she said, turning to Mik and Virginia. “You two call me General!” She looked at the twins, “You two call me whatever you want.”

Michael said, “OK, older Aunt General.”

“Except that, please,” Magda said, and everyone laughed.

Brigit asked, “I heard stories of you in the community. When you retired, and I was very young, you lived there for a while. I remember you and me walking in the mountains collecting something.”

“We did. We collected flowers to put on the graves of friends on Remembrance Day,” She smiled, “You stopped me from picking a plant, do you remember?”

Brigit thought a moment, and she started laughing, “I do. You almost picked poison ivy!”

“Yep. That was it, and to this day, I have never forgotten that little rhyme you taught me. Leaves of three….”

The rest of the room finished, “….Let it be!”

The door chime rang, and it opened on its own. Tommy walked in, “Hey! My code still works!”

Tommy was carrying his granddaughter; his wife followed behind him, and Teressa and her husband followed.

“HEY!” Virginia said, “Who let a Warrant Officer in?” Teressa started laughing. Her husband was made a warrant officer a decade ago. “BIFF! I hear you’re retiring. Gonna be a farmer?”

Big hug from Virginia, “Thanks, General V. Yep, next week. My boss said some crazy woman would be there to ensure I got the hell out of dodge or something.”

“DAMN RIGHT!” Magda said.

They all talked briefly, and Tommy introduced his granddaughter to everyone.

“Hi, all. My kid is currently off the planet, but I got to hang out with this cutie. Her name is Lynne.”

“As in the second half of my first name?”

“Sure, General. Let’s go with that.”

“How old are you?” Magda asked.

“I’m four.”

Who’s hungry?” Monica asked.

~~~~~~~~~~

The phone rang, and Virginia said, “I’ll answer the call. You two, please act like idiots,” she said to the twins. The three lieutenants looked baffled.

“Answer,” Virginia said.

Rory’s face appeared on the screen. “YOU HERE!” Virginia said.

“We are. Fun flight in the bus.”

Michael and Scarlett walked into view behind Virginia and passed to the other side of the screen. Then, they reappeared, waving like lunatics.

“I see you have that annoying pest problem on that station.”

“HI MOM!” They both said as they jumped back into the camera’s view.

They each rested their heads on their boss’s shoulders. “If there is anything you can do to fix these broken toys, I would appreciate it,” Virginia said.

“Sorry, did all I could for eighteen years. After that, you screwed them up even further.”

Virginia grinned, “Can I at least blame Mik a little? He had them first when they had that new lieutenant smell.”

Mik joined them on screen, “Well, I’ll tell ya. These two were pretty screwed up when they were delivered to me. I ordered them from supply.”

The twins nodded like some children’s toy.

“I’ll be there in half an hour. Who all is there already?” Rory said.

“Everyone but you and Serena.”

“Where is Serena?”

Brigit walked into the room.

“She had a secret mission or something yesterday morning and asked to borrow my car. She left just after breakfast.”

“Have you looked up the car transponder code?”

“No. I have not.”

Rory looked down at the screen, “Well, she went to Earth, Australia, actually. She also hit the Moon and Station Zed. What on Earth is she up to?”

“Let’s call her!” Brigit said, “House, conference in car 324.”

A few moments later, she appeared on the screen.

“Hi, Aunt Brigit.”

“Hi, kid. What are you up to? I see you are about 20 minutes from here.”

The camera did a wide pan of the car. In the front seat was Marcus Russell, and in the back seat were Ron Luchinski and Russ Miyaga.

“Well, I figured these people set it all in motion, so why not. Carole opted not to come to the festivities. She is living in Mom’s old house at the moment.”

Brigit said, “You mean my old house?”

“Yep, that’s the one.”

Ramona walked through and looked at the screen, “FINALLY! You headed here?”

“Yes, Mommy. I am bringing friends,” Serena laughed, “I guess we are the last to arrive?”

Ramona said, “You guessed right.”

“OK, see you all when we get there.” They disconnected.

Brigit asked Ramona, “Where’s Marshall?”

Ramona smiled, “He’ll be here tomorrow.”

Brigit asked, “You trying to be sneaky?”

Ramona nodded.

The FIRST DAY celebration will take place in a day and a half.

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(WW14) Wednesday Wonder, Week #28

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:13:01 GMT

Creative writing is fun, and creating a new universe in your mind is amazing, but the main thing to remember is that the new universe needs to appear organic. Meaning it seems like it “could” be real, and would grow on its own to the reader. How do we do this?

Well, let’s find out together!

Last time, I asked, “What if I told you I have no idea where my new story ideas come from?”

Did you believe me?

LOCATION……….

The setting of your story is as important as the main character. If you are talking about a space story, setting the backdrop in a volcano is not the best idea. But on a starship, in space, with stars, planets, nebulae, that is perfection!

Last time I mentioned the short story I wrote called RV to Mars.

The story of a family colonizing Mars. They leave Earth and head to Mars slowly, in their RV. Which, in this case, does not mean Recreational Vehicle; instead, the reader learns it is short for Remote Vehicle. As in computer-controlled to get them to the planet Mars.

They have a family, Mom-Dad-Son-Daughter, and a family dynamic like any other family of humanity. They have inside jokes, and yes, the occasional Dad joke. But they are a family that all agreed that becoming colonists was something they wanted to do.

The settings are, of course, space and the ship itself, as well as a space station layover/rest stop and the surface of Mars.

In my series, THE ARCHIVES, the location is vital to the scene. The school, lunar domes, restaurants, the city streets, but more importantly, when the characters are time-traveling, the location they are in creates the feeling of the time they are in. So, 65 million BC in Pangea, or the Wild West. The reader needs to believe the characters are there, where they are supposed to be.

But that’s me.

Now, your story, what is it? Horror, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Romance, SciFi, Thriller, Suspense, so what do you like to think about? This is what you would be good at writing about.

I live in North Carolina, so a historical ghost story is plausible. Perhaps you are driving in the countryside and happen upon a closed, hidden 1980s shopping mall. Large spaces, names of past stores, and ghosts of mall shoppers can be part of the story.

SciFi - my forte - can be absolutely anything you can dream up. Space, starship, planet with a green sky, the discovery of an underground city, life under water, a desert after the apocalypse.

How about something I really cannot say I enjoy, horror? I do not get scared all that easily, so writing about scary things is really not easy for me.

In the same light, romance. Yes, I consider myself a romantic, but there is no way I can write a romance novel.

I was once told that to make money writing novelettes, you need a romance novel formula. I gave it a try, then deleted it because to me it is like writing porn, and I really do not want to be known for that.

How about historical fiction? Yep, that is where I like to reside. Discover a tiny historical event, learn all about it, then find your angle and exploit it.

For example, I did a little research and learned about the PIG WAR of 1859. In 1859, on the disputed San Juan Island between the United States and the United Kingdom, an American farmer named Lyman Cutlar found a pig rooting through his potato patch.

The pig belonged to the British-owned Hudson’s Bay Company. After repeated problems, Cutlar shot the pig. What should have been a simple dispute escalated as both American settlers and British authorities became involved.

Eventually, American troops were sent to the island. British warships arrived offshore. Hundreds of soldiers faced each other. National pride and territorial claims were at stake.

Remarkably, the only casualty of the conflict was the pig itself.

The Pig War shows how seemingly trivial incidents, such as a farmer, a pig, and a potato patch, can influence international boundaries and diplomatic practices for generations. While it is often remembered as a humorous footnote in history, it helped shape the modern map of the Pacific Northwest and demonstrated that negotiation could succeed where military confrontation might have failed.

Now, imagine wrapping this into a story! You can make it as long or as short as you want to, but making it THAT length depends on the words, the story, and the angle at which you look at the situation.

Think about it. If you looked at it from the pig’s point of view, you could print it on a cocktail napkin. So, there are many perspectives to consider, and I have, in the past, written about a group of friends who all witnessed a crime. 90 seconds of the event, but it was a 5,000-word story because I explored the exact same event from 7 different vantage points, mindsets, life experiences, fears, and phobias.

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Chris Cancilla

(2627) - Home Life - Chapter 01

Christopher E. Cancilla — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 09:12:04 GMT

For those who are reading along and just finished book #2 last week, please drop a note at the end of this reading and let me know what you think.

And on that note, let’s jump right into Book #3 of the Brigit Markz Trilogy.

HOME LIFE!

CHAPTER ONE

Brigit Markz woke up peacefully this morning. Joseph was asleep beside her, and Serena was curled up at her feet. The thought ran through her mind: Where is Kiwi? That dog has a way of finding interesting things to do when no one is looking.

She still had not moved in the bed, and a furry face popped over the mattress when she rolled over.

“Hi, Kiwi!” Brigit said to her now-senior-citizen dog. She still refers to him as a puppy, as his health is excellent for an 18-year-old, whatever breed or breeds he is.

Serena, her little kitty, is 23 years old now, and it’s evident. Her doctor, also Kiwi’s doctor, is their Daddy, Joseph, and he said little Serena is nearing the end of her days.

Today is a special day. A lot of old friends are coming to visit the station. In a few days, they will celebrate the Awakening, also known as First Day. The day the community entered the universe. It was the day Brigit flew her car into the square. Brigit and her station are hosting the community, at least those who can make the trip.

Magda retired over a decade ago and initially moved to the farm with Gayle and Jonathan. She also lived in the community for a year, which drove her crazy. She had nothing to do, so Joseph suggested she go to New Zealand, and she found her place. She found she enjoyed helping with the animals. It would be much better if she could speak to them. But that is not in the cards. Magda will be arriving sometime this morning on her personal shuttle.

Joseph rolled over, facing away from her, and Kiwi noticed. After walking to the other side of the bed, he stuck his nose in Joseph’s face, and Joseph opened an eye. “G’Day, Pup!”

The dog ruffed quietly, answering his father. Joseph rolled over and said, “Good morning, beautiful,” to his wife.

She mimicked Kiwi and lightly barked at her husband. He started laughing.

Brigit said, “If I move my legs, someone will be upset with me.”

She was referring to Serena, who slept between her ankles.

“We really need to get up, shower, dress, and get ready for the gang to get here.”

Joseph smiled and said, “Yes, dear.”

Brigit said into the air, “House. What is the time?”

“The time on the station is 1344.”

“Thank you. Who is scheduled to arrive today, and when?”

The computer recited a list of people, some of whom she knew.

“Stop. Identify when the core is arriving?”

The computer chirped, “Retired General MagdaLynne Rochavarro will arrive at 1400.” Momentary pause, “Marcel and Rory Romet are scheduled to arrive at 1415 on the bus with the community members. Rory Romet is piloting.” Slight pause, “Retired General Mik and Monica Spencer and their children, Jonathan and Mik, will arrive in 45 minutes. Tommy Reilley, his wife, and his daughter, Victoria, will arrive with his sister, Teressa Wellington, and her husband, Robert, at 1630. General Virginia Rolf and her husband, John McGay, will arrive in five minutes with her staff.”

Joseph was only partially listening to the computer, and the last thing he heard was “FIVE MINUTES.” He jumped up and hopped into the shower. Brigit laughed.

She removed all her clothing and sat on the bed, waiting for him to finish. She was ready to take her shower. “DONE!” came from the room, and she walked in and showered.

Joseph was dressed when she finished her shower, and a call was coming in.

“Hello?”

“We’re here, all seven of us,” Virginia said.

“Seven?” Joseph replied.

“Me, John, three Lieutenants, and two Captains.”

“Oh, right. Your entourage!” Joseph laughed.

“Who’s flying?”

“The Two Captains.”

“Let me guess, the last name is Romet?”

“Yup!” She continued, “We just parked; be at your place in ten.”

“Understood.” They disconnected.

Brigit finished her shower and walked into the bedroom. Joseph sat on the bed facing the door she had just walked through.

She saw him and stopped. “What?”

“Got ten minutes?” He grinned at her.

“Ten minutes? That’s barely enough time to get the engine started.”

He smiled, “True, but I do like this pre-show!”

They talked as she dressed, and the bell rang as she finished.

Joseph went to get the door. Brigit followed a few seconds later.

As the door opened, Virginia grabbed Joseph, gave him a full bear hug, and did the same to Brigit. The rest of the group entered the home. Virginia’s husband for more than a year, John McGay, said hello. They were married in a small ceremony at the farm, which farm does not matter. They are interchangeable. Virginia took a month off for a honeymoon, and they did something they both had wanted to do most of their lives: hike the Appalachian Trail. Neither of them knew much about hiking, so they learned together. Got tired together. Twisted an ankle together. But consider that the best month of their lives.

Spending 24/7 together on the trail, they really got to know each other and discussed sickness and health. They both ended up sick at one point, thankfully, not at the same time.

The three Lieutenants, new members of her staff, looked out of place as all the hellos and hugs were being freely dispensed.

The Captains, Rory’s twins, Michael and Scarlett, said, “Hi, other Mom. What’s to eat?” Brigit started laughing.

“Joseph,” Michael said, “I’ve got something for you to do next time you’re near the house. Mom thinks a few of the critters are missing you.”

“How do you know that?”

“A few friends let us know what they were thinking,” He thumbed at the three Lieutenants, “Suffice it to say, can you please drop in and make the kids feel better?”

“Early next week, I am planning to head to New Zealand. I’ll leave a day early and drop in if I can spend the night. By the way, who’s looking after the farms?”

“You have to ask? Oh, Rufus is staying at the farm while the parental units are up here.”

Brigit said, “OK, who are the butter bars?”

“Three newbies,” Virginia said, “I heard about them from Serena. They are from the community. I thought I would grab them up and give them a purpose before they get dropped into a nowhere job.”

Brigit looked at them, “You three are from the community?” They all nodded.

“I am Marcia Rolland. You and my grandmother were friends when you were kids.”

“We were?”

“Yes, Ma’am. Megan Rolland.”

“Oh my. I remember when you were born.”

The others also gave their names.

“I am David Carpenter. Yes, I was named after my grandfather.” He said with a smile.

“I am Brigit Malloy.”

“OH, I love your name!”

She smiled and nodded.

Brigit asked, “Any gifts?”

Virginia replied, “One of each.”

“So, vision, animals, discernment?”

They all nodded.

Serena entered the room at that moment, riding on Kiwi’s back. Everyone laughed, and David bent down. He and Joseph started laughing harder.

Joseph said, “I know which gift you have, David.” He looked at the others, “Kiwi wants to know why he has to carry the cat.”

“Who has vision?”

Brigit raised her hand, “We can talk privately later. I have the same gift as you, and Joseph and David have the same,” She turned towards Marcia, “Discernment?” Marcia nodded.

Brigit looked at the general, holding out her hand; Virginia shook it, and she knew what would happen next. A second later, “Virginia, you did well getting these three. They will be with you for at least ten years.”

Joseph went into the kitchen, and Brigit looked at David.

“David, can you please tell our fur babies to nap in the bedroom?”

“Yes, Ma’am.” He looked briefly at Serena and Kiwi, and they turned and left the room.

“Thank you,” She turned to Virginia, “General. I wish I could have been there when you were promoted to general and took over from the previous General. I hear he was a real dud. What was his name again?”

From down the hall, “His name was, I mean is, Retired General Mik Spencer.”

Mik poked his head around the corner, and Virginia grabbed him in a similar bear hug.

“Well,” Mik said, “Maybe she does like me after all.”

Virginia replied, “Maybe a little.”

Monica added, “Me too?”

After another round of hello hugs, the animals returned to the commotion to see who had arrived. They ran up to Monica, who sat on the floor, and let them jump all over her.

Virginia said, “Monica, you are their favorite toy in the universe!” Monica nodded.

Brigit said, “House. Who is the next one in the core scheduled to arrive?”

“The Romets with the bus and Retired General Rochavarro will arrive within a few minutes of each other.”

“House. Add all of the people in this room to the group core.”

“Complete.”

“Who’s hungry?”

Everyone’s hand went up.

“Sous chefs, to the kitchen,” Mik said as he, Monica, and the twins went to the kitchen.

The younger Brigit asked, “Sous chefs?”

Brigit looked at the younger Brigit, “Decades ago, when we all started meeting at my farm, or most likely at Gayle and Jon’s farm, we all had a role. Some tend to the animals, but others like to cook. Mik, Monica, and Ramona liked to cook, so we named them the Sous chefs.”

From the hall, “You talking about me, Aunt Brigit?”

She rounded the corner and caught Brigit in a full hug. Made the rounds and said, “You three know me, right?”

“We had to intern with you and your daughter for a month each.”

Rory’s twins said simultaneously, “You too!!”

Virginia quickly said, “Someday, I hope you two stop using one brain.”

Together, they said, “Me too!”

~~~~~~~~~~

“FOOD!” Mik yelled.

Virginia looked at the new kids, “That means breakfast is ready. Or lunch, or dinner, or a snack, or whatever.”

They went to the kitchen and saw French Toast, scrambled eggs, cheese grits, and link sausage. Brigit nearly cried; she was laughing so hard.

Virginia said, “The breakfast that started it all.” Her eyes scrunched a little, “How did you get it all cooked so fast?”

Marcia said, “The what?”

“Precooked, in heat bags,” Monika said.

Brigit laughed, “Everyone, get your food and coffee. Have a seat, and we will talk about what we call First Night.”

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(2626) - Life in Transition - Chapter 20

Christopher E. Cancilla — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 09:12:43 GMT

EPILOGUE

It has been over a month, nearly two, since the meeting at the cave, and David has had the opportunity to speak personally with everyone in the settlement. Virginia and Rory were able to come up with a few gifts for the community when they showed up.

As the car pulled into the square in front of Brigit’s favorite bench, the snow fell, and the white blanket covering everything made a beautiful, serene, and quiet area. The stillness of the area and the environment added to the reverence and history being marked at this moment. The snow was maybe a foot deep, and it was obvious some people were a bit cold; thankfully, the wind was not blowing. The air temperature was below freezing but not excessively uncomfortable.

Mik and Rory drove the ground car into the settlement and got out. No one seemed too shocked, so David explained it to everyone well enough.

David walked out of the council building, “Mik…. Rory….. So nice to see you again. Would you like something hot to drink or maybe something to eat?”

“No, David, we are fine, but a hot beverage does sound wonderful,” Mik said, and Rory nodded.

Mik reached into the back seat and removed a rather large box. He asked a few strong lads to assist him, and they, three of them, carried the boxes and placed them onto the steps of the council building.

David turned, “OK, Mik. What is that?”

“Well, you enjoyed our coffee. I thought I would bring you enough for a year. Brew it like you would normally. It is already perfectly roasted and ground.”

“What about everyone else?” David asked, already knowing the answer.

Rory jumped up, “Sorry, Sir. There are four of these packages in the backseat. That should be enough for everyone in the community to drink the best coffee on the planet until at least the end of summer.”

David started laughing. Mark asked, “Is this the coffee we had during our conference?”

“Better!” Rory said.

“Then definitely count me in!”

They walked into the building, and Marshall and Mark walked up to the car and opened the trunk. “Help us with this, please.” They had been briefed that they were the crew to handle this task while David spoke to the two in the building.

They unloaded a few things they could not get in the community. Coats, scarves, and gloves. Marshall said, “This is Magda’s winter gear.” Mik nodded. The items all appear to be typical community attire, with one exception: the community logo, the logo on the exterior wall of the council building, and the necklace worn by council members feature a patch sewn to the upper left of each item, and on the scarves and gloves as well.

As they entered, people stared at them. One man said, “You look familiar.”

Rory stopped, “Got enough wood for your fireplace?”

“AH! Now I know the two of you. Rory and Mik, right?”

“Yep!” Mik said.

“I felt there was something a little off about the two of you, and I see I am correct.”

Mik remembered the man’s name was Michael Donnigan, and his home was next to Ramona and Marshall.

Mik said, “You seem to be a good man, Michael. If I remember correctly, you live next to my favorite couple. Regarding all of you, rest assured that I am friends with several community members and would give my life for them or you.”

A woman stepped forward, “Rory. I have seen you in my mind, but did not understand until this point. I am happy the rock did not ventilate you, as Brigit said.”

Rory laughed, “Yeah, I am also quite happy about that!” The others just stared at her. She would explain it to them later.

She said, “I see great and good things in your future.” She paused, “These newcomers are our friends. I trust and have faith in them. They have our best interests at heart.”

The woman paused momentarily; Rory saw it and knew what it was. Rory whispered to her, “What did you see?”

The woman smiled and spoke, matching the whisper, “Give Brigit and Joseph our love and tell them we miss them dearly.”

Rory approached her and whispered, “I will,” Rory said.

The woman said, “OH!” She said loudly, “Brigit will be here for lunch tomorrow!”

Mik replied to her, “That is a fact. I truly adore your gift.” She looked shocked at his comment. Then, understanding came over her face. Everyone pressed to say hello to the newcomers.

“It seems you understand a great deal about us and our way of life.”

“Well. For nearly five years, my education has been considerable. Brigit, Joseph, Gayle, and Jonathon have seen that we understand and support all of you.”

Mik and Rory were nearly hugged to death. Evidently, emotion and hugging are currency, and they just got wealthy.

~~~~~~~~~~

Several people were assembled in the square near Brigit’s favorite bench.

“This is Rory calling car 324.”

“Car 324. Hi, Rory.”

“Brigit, a great many people are looking forward to seeing you.”

“I have missed them all,” The comm was on loud so everyone in the square could hear the entire conversation. No one spoke. They listened intently. Even the birds were somewhat silent at the moment.

“What’s your ETA?” Mik asked.

He and Rory spent the night in Ramona and Marshall’s home. They had a spare bed that Rory told Mik to use. She slept on the couch. They both slept very well.

“I see my house. I mean, Ramona’s house.”

Ramona laughed. It was a running joke between them. Through the comm, you could hear Brigit laughing as well.

Rory asked, “Who all is with you?”

“Me, Magda, Joseph, Gayle, and Marcel,” she paused a heartbeat. “Jon stayed home to tend to both farms, and Rufus dropped in to help for a few days. Virginia will be arriving in a few hours. Marcel, well, he wanted to keep an eye on you.”

Ramona cracked up. Other women close by started laughing as well.

“Uh-huh. Keep an eye on me.” Rory said.

Brigit said, “ETA is 90-seconds. Heads up!”

Everyone looked up, and a moment later, Rory pointed. Mik and David came out of the building and joined them, and the rest of the Elders followed.

The car hovered over the square, and people moved around a bit. Brigit maneuvered the vehicle into the area behind the ground car and landed. The engine shut off, and the four doors and the trunk popped open.

Everyone exited. Brigit and Gayle had tears in their eyes and running down their cheeks. It had been a long time since they stood in this place, and they really missed it. Marcel grabbed Rory and gave her a hug and a kiss. Magda got a hug from Ramona.

Mark grabbed Brigit and hugged her, and Brigit hugged Zoee. “Hi, Zoee!” She said.

“Funny, we never met, but I know you.”

Brigit said, “You do. We grew up together, and we are close in age. I opted for the fields, and you went for the crafts.”

They talked briefly about the old days, and David raised his hand. The square got quiet.

“Friends, this is the first day of our future. These people, our new friends, will help us get there while keeping things as they are meant to be. We will be fine.”

Applause and cheering. Next, the biggest party the community has ever seen.

~~~~~~~~~~

The following day, Mik received a call from Virginia.

“Colonel, someone parked a classic in my workspace? A 26 Double L,” Virginia asked.

“Wait, a 26 Luxury Lunar? I had no idea any existed. What does it look like?”

“It looks like the images I have pasted to the walls of my office! Same accessories and color scheme, actually.”

“Now, V. If that is true, I would look at the registration and see who the owner is. That is a nice car, and it would be bad if they forgot where they parked it.” Mik let on that Rory was in the room as well. “Can you believe it, Rory? There’s a 26 Double L parked in the station garage?” It was difficult for her not to grin or smile through the call. Thankfully, it was audio only.

Virginia opened the car and sat in the pilot’s seat. She tapped the start sequence and opened the registration file. “WHAT THE HELL!!!”

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, V!” Rory and Mik said to her simultaneously.

“Wait, this is mine. I have wanted one of these since I was 4. How…. When…. Where….”

Rory said, “She is such a wonderful speaker.”

Mik added, “With such an amazing command of language.”

“This is really mine?”

“When you look at the registration file, who is the owner?”

“Me.”

“OK, then, you answered your own question. Your orders for the day are to check out your new car, get used to flying it, and go to the Moon and pick up a pizza order. It’s paid for already. Bring it here to the community for lunch at 1 PM. I promised a few kids they get to have their first slice of pizza.”

“YES, BOSS!”

Mik disconnected and called Tommy.

“Tommy, go make sure Virginia is OK. We gave her a birthday gift, which blew her mind.”

“The 26 Double L?”

“Yep, you heard?”

“Hard to keep a secret from me up here on the station. I know everyone.”

“Ride with her and join us here at the settlement. She needs a passenger anyway, someone to talk to for sure.”

“Will do, Boss.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Virginia called Rory and let her know she was landing. Rory went outside, followed by Mik, Brigit, and Marcel.

The car landed perfectly. It is a beautiful car, and its design is somewhat inspired by vehicles from the mid-20^th century. It is a huge car, twice as long and half again as wide as Brigit’s car. The paint was precisely what Virginia had on her wall, of this exact car. A vehicle that Victor fixed up, restored, and painted to match the car on the wall above Virginia’s desk.

The overall color was a deep, metal-flake maroon, and the trim and roof were gold, appearing highly polished, as if genuine gold. The interior was brown leather with a comfortable cover over the seats. The electronic package seemed to be a restored set. Still, the software and capability let her know it was a current system, which is safer when flying through space.

After shutting it off, she ran, tackle-hugged Rory and Mik, and kissed them.

Monica saw her landing and made her way there, and by the time the tackled duo stood, Monica said, “I believe she loves her birthday gift.”

Virginia grabbed Monica, and they landed in a snow pile laughing.

They brought the pizzas into the barn, where the kids were all waiting.

Time for a pizza-tasting party.

~~~~~~~~~~

The community has taken to the universe, and Magda has seen they understand what they can and cannot do. The first thing they do is come by the busload to her station, where they stay for one week and acquire an identity while learning about the universe as it truly is.

Their instructors are Rory and Marcel Romet. Married a few months after the community learned how the universe really is and returned from a whirlwind honeymoon throughout the solar system. Their boss granted them an extended leave.

Their community timeline is simple. The first three years were for the community to experience the universe. In the current year, the fourth year, Magda is considering a few news outlets and reporters to break the story of the community that lives like in the olden times. She has an idea of a reporter who she feels will be fair and honest, but she needs to go to the community and talk to someone about it. At least, that is how she plans to portray it to her. She selected a bright, young female and her cameraman to come to the station for an interview. They think it is to announce her retirement.

Retirement. Minikid told her the date she would retire would be easy to know. It is one month after Colonel Mik was promoted to general. She heard from her boss or team of bosses that Mik’s promotion was less than a year away. So, when the new year starts, she will retire and turn it all over to Mik.

Virginia and Rory were promoted to the rank of Major more than a year ago. Rory left military service a few months later and works as a civilian employee. She actually leads the training team.

Marcel and Mik made O-6 a few years ago. Marcel is a full Captain, and Mik is a Full Colonel. Still, the greatest difference is that Mik wants to become a general and have a long career, while Marcel wants to be with Rory and start a family.

Virginia is a Lieutenant Colonel now. Pinning it on four years after making Major. She works directly for Colonel Spencer. Tommy Reilley was promoted to Captain and left the job to go home to Mars. After a few months of tending the gardens, he called Magda and asked if he could work for her, and she jumped at the chance. He is the civilian logistics manager for the outer solar system. This new position needed to be filled with the right person. Mars base is the perfect place for this position.

Brigit and Joseph moved to the newest station in Mars orbit. It is an offshoot of the community and directly under the command of General Spencer and Lieutenant Colonel Rolf. The instructor team, the Romets, teaches here periodically. The station has several levels of fields and livestock. The produce and the animals make their way to the surface of Mars, where they are disbursed to the outer solar system. They have a completely separate group specializing in pets. Joseph has his pet services and veterinary practice at the station. These are dogs, cats, rabbits, and hamsters that can acclimate to the environment of space, a colony, or a station. Several, like over a hundred, pets made their way to the recent colony ship. Joseph told each one what was happening, their name, and their human caretaker. The animals love Joseph, and he feels the same about each of them. Several community members with animal gifts work for Joseph, and Mik is prodding him to be a licensed vet.

Gayle and Jonathan’s home is pretty much community property, as in property of the community. Ramona, Mark, Marshall, and Zoee live there full time and help members of the community acclimate to the universe, and starting in a few months, a few people from the world who want a simpler life and are willing to commit to the community’s way of life. Ramona and Marshall have the big bedroom, as Jon and Gayle willed it to them. Zoee and Mark travel back and forth, and Zoee has become an excellent pilot in her own right. Mark said she could drive, and he would look out for things not to run into.

Marissa and a few others perform a similar role in the mountains.

Before Joseph and Brigit left for Mars, they gave their home to Rory and Marcel. Teressa had a house waiting for them when they arrived on Mars, and after a year, they moved to the new station. Their cat, Serena, and a dog, Kiwi, a ranch hand who adopted Joseph while contracting in New Zealand, made the trip to Mars with them. Since they had the car, they used it to get there in just 4 hours of flight time. The pets were unhappy about having to stay in their boxes for the flight, but rules are rules. They have not made a 4-legged space suit yet, but Joseph has that on his list of things to look into once he settles on Mars.

The new skin suits, as Tommy nicknamed them, are fantastic. They have been tested under extreme conditions and are as comfortable as wearing a coat. The helmet will be the next thing to be minimized. The new suit provides a week of life support, including food, water, and air. It has an efficient evacuation system. The Navy fighter pilots will test the suits, and if they pass, they will be released to the general population.

While sleeping one night, Brigit had a dream that Joseph would attend and graduate from veterinary school on Mars and become a full-service veterinarian. He talked about it for years, but goes when Mik pushes him. Finishes in record time and loves every minute of the school and the work. He can treat the whole animal. Medical, surgical, emotional, and, of course, psychological.

Gayle and Jonathon enjoy sitting and watching others’ lives unfold. Everyone occasionally gathers at their farm and remembers how things were in the beginning.

Gayle and Jonathon passed on to the next place, leaving the universe a better place on their way.

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Thank you for reading,

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Chris Cancilla

(WW13) Wednesday Wonder, Week #26

Christopher E. Cancilla — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:12:27 GMT

Creative writing is fun, but at my last camping event, someone asked me where I get new story ideas. Well, let’s find out together!

Before we get started, I wanted to let you know that there is one more installment, one more chapter, in book #2 of the Brigit Markz Trilogy.

That means book #3 will begin with Chapter #1 the following Sunday. I hope you are enjoying the reading each week. I have been reading along with you on this one, and I have to admit, I have been enjoying it myself.

Book 3 of the Brigit Markz Trilogy takes place several decades after Book 2, and friends have moved on, others have been born and joined the team under the guidance of General Virginia Rolf. Brigit felt as though she contributed very little to humanity, but her friends set her straight. It was her direct intervention that allowed humanity to enter their future, to become more than they could ever have imagined. Are they still homo sapiens, or are they something more?

Start writing today. Use the button below to create a Substack of your own

^{What if I told you I have no idea where my new story ideas come from?}

Would you believe me?

Well, it’s true. If I am writing a new story, I have an idea. No, not really, but soon after I think it up, that idea flashes.

OK, a new story idea begins with a glimmer. Something in your day strikes you, and you remember it, think about it, and create a story in your mind around it. That may only be a 10-second movie in your head. But it is the very beginning of a glimmer, or a thought, of an idea, or a new story.

Let’s create a new story, right now. No pre-thought.

OK. A ship is in space, somewhere. The ship is quiet because all but a single person is asleep, the night watch. She is sitting on a couch-type chair on the bridge, looking out the window, and her cat, Felix, is resting quietly on her lap, purring softly.

The radio begins receiving a signal. repeating. Felix raises his head abruptly and stares at the viewscreen. Not the radio output, off to the far right of outside. You can tell it is their version of Morse code, repeating over and over. A repeating signal, but slightly altered each time. The recording was automatic.

Laurra stands, heads to the radio, adjusts the transmitter for the same frequency and modulation, picks up the microphone, and holds it to her chin. Pressing the button on the side, she speaks.

OK, now you need to decide which direction you want to go. Left or right. Left, you go off into the alien contact realm, and right, you take a little trip into SCIFI. Let’s go right and see where it gets us.

Laurra presses the Push-to-talk toggle, “Hello. This is Laurra McKensin, Chief Engineer of the Earth Exploration Starship, Wanderer. I can hear you and hope you can hear and understand me.”

Now, we need to decide what happens next. Is it a call for help, or something else? Let’s go with something else.

Laurra thought about it. Since there were no downsides to a seven-second push, she set the thrusters to max, set the timer to 7, pressed the toggle, and let it go. A few seconds later, it stopped, and the ship held its position in the new location. She activated a scan of the area and found a very large rock heading towards her position. The computer calculated and found that it will miss the ship completely. Its path, however, takes it straight through where they were sitting a moment ago.

Now what?

The captain bolted onto the bridge, “What happened?” He said.

A brief moment later, a very large rock passed by the right side of the ship, aft to bow. The captain froze, realizing that the push to the left moved the ship just enough to avoid getting slapped in dark space.

“That thing is not showing on any scanner!” He said, “How did you know to move?” He asked Laurra. At that moment, he had his answer.

“Laurra!” The radio cracked, “You OK?”

He looked at Laurra, then at the radio. Laurra still held the mic. “Hi, Laurra. Yes, we are all good. How are we talking?”

“Long story, but suffice it to say an interesting one. In a nutshell, you will find out how in about a year. Let’s just say you meet new friends. Remember this conversation, because you will need to save yourself in about a year.”

The captain asked, using the console mic, “So, you are us a year from now?”

“Correct. But one thing, in a few months, captain, you need to cut the black wire.”

“Black wire?” He said, “Like a bomb?”

“No, sir. The black wire has a short that is stalling the main engine, and you do an EVA to repair it. If you cut the black wire, it would have gone into standby. You cut the wrong wire, and the engine fired with you directly behind it.”

OK, so that is the beginning of a short story, 526 words. I created and developed the story JUST NOW, and wrote it in real time.

Once you’ve written this much, you can pause for a few days, then go back and reread it. As you are reading, you will think of things to add to make it more interesting. Add smells, add shiny things you can see. Perhaps add Felix's emotional support and the feel of his fur as you stroke it.

If you let your imagination run the movie in your head, the video will tell you what happens next. Let it go!

Give it a try!!!

OK, changing stories………..

I did all this, as I mentioned above, with a story titled “RV to Mars.” It took me less than a month to write it and be really happy with it, but it is complete. I cannot show it to you, YET, because it is entered in a contest whose guidelines limit the maximum word count to 8,000 and first-run printing to the contest anthology if you win.

So, in a month or so, I will drop it here for you to read. Hopefully, you will let me know your thoughts on it, and I may turn it into a Novella eventually, since I can add a lot to it

Thank you for reading,

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Chris Cancilla

(2625) - Life in Transition - Chapter 19

Christopher E. Cancilla — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 09:12:24 GMT

CHAPTER NINETEEN

The past few days have been an eye-opening experience. Ramona and Marshall brought Russ and Carole back to the settlement, where they observed.

They had a recording device, cleverly concealed in a shoulder bag carried by Carole, and a small pack carried by Russ.

They spent the night at Ramona’s home, visited many people and places in the community, and learned a great deal about the community and its residents.

Carole had a wonderful time in the community until someone asked her about her home village. They saw the truth, as Marshall does, and realized something was wrong. Marshall pulled him aside and explained the truth, more or less. He was satisfied with the explanation, and they went to have dinner.

Entering the house, Ramona closed the door, and they sat in the living room.

“Brigit and her first husband built this house, Brad,” Ramona told them.

Russ asked, “The man killed by the bear attack and the one who watched Marcel and his group map the planet?”

“Yes,” Marshall said, “Who’s hungry?” His hand and three other hands went up.

Ramona told them, “Food is pretty simple here. Meat, bread, a vegetable or two, coffee or tea, or if you prefer, plain water.”

“I had something a few months ago that I have been perfecting in my kitchen,” Marshall said, “Who likes beef stroganoff?”

Everyone nodded.

“Well, not exactly beef, but really good,” He said.

“Uh,” Carole spoke, “Not exactly beef?”

“No, eating cows is not good for the community. A few are raised each year for the table, and the remainder are for milk. This is a veal stroganoff.”

They stared at him, and he continued, “Veal, young cows, are abundant at a specific time of the year. If every cow in the community gave birth, they would outnumber the people in no time. Therefore, to maintain a balance, we need to thin the herd, so to speak. When we do, that calf is processed and placed in the freezer. Anyone in the community can remove meat from the freezer when needed. Some shop daily to gather what they need for the next day. During the winter, every household is encouraged to retain at least several days, if not a week, to feed their family.”

There was a knock at the door.

Marshall stood and walked to the door. He opened it, “Elder Carpenter. Welcome.”

“Hello, Marshall, Ramona. I hear we have guests from…. another village.”

“We do. Please come in and join us. I was about to make dinner for us all, and one more plate means I will not have leftovers.”

“You are an odd character, son. But I like you anyway.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Serena Brigit stayed at the cave site; they called her their mascot, and everyone spent some time with her. The two from the investigation team sat with her. They drew on paper until they realized she was drawing a space station currently in the planning and early construction phases, but it was completed in her drawing. She is a talented artist, and the colorations and shadows made it an impressive station.

Donald asked, “What are you drawing, little one?”

“Your new house.”

“My new house?”

“Yes, your wife will get asked to run the science team there, and you will move there. You will live here,” She pointed to the largest ring, a set of windows.

Donald asked her, “Is this a good move for our family?”

Serena Brigit paused, “It is. You all think it is great. You tell them every day it is the best view in the universe. But a year after you move there, you will get sick. The doctors can’t figure it out until you tell them about something that your Daddy had when he was a kid. Then they fix you all up,” She drew a little more, then said, “Your daughter is beautiful, too.”

“I don’t have any children,” He said, not quite out loud but loud enough. Then reality hit him, and he kissed Serena lightly on her head.

As he kissed her, the physical connection was made, and she saw something else: “Oh, after they make you all better, tell your wife she needs to check the baffle plates of the shuttle she will fly to Neptune station.”

“What happens if she forgets to check the baffle plates?”

“Bad things.”

~~~~~~~~~~

After breakfast, Russ called the rest of his team, and Ramona contacted Brigit. Over the past few years, Elder Carpenter was made the lead Elder of the committee. His leadership and guidance have brought them closer to the current technology, but they are still worlds away. His wife, Mel or Melinda, saw in a dream that he would be the one to bring the community into the future.

Without Brigit, her trusted confidant, she did not know who to talk to about the visions, so she told David what she saw. When David traveled the last time, he knew this was a part of the vision, and he began the process, slow as it needed to be, to enlighten the community. He set in motion certain fuzes that could not be extinguished once lit. Brigit and Joseph are two of the significant figures in these fuzes.

The trip to the cave took less than 5 hours, and David Carpenter accompanied them. David needed to build a real trade team, and he planned to name Ramona and Marshall as the leaders and chairs for the required items. This would supplement the collection if possible, but not replace it.

As they arrived at the cave, Marshall and Joseph took the cart and settled the horses into their temporary barn.

Brigit saw David, went up to him, and gave him a huge hug. They had not seen each other in several years. David said quietly to her, “We need to talk. Mel dreamed about you, them, us, and what will happen to the community.”

Brigit replied, “As did Ramona and I. We will discuss it shortly. “ But for now, come in and have lunch with us,” she asked David. “How is your wife?” Mel has the same gift as Ramona and Brigit.

“And her daughter, I understand,” He said quickly.

“True.”

They went into the building and the kitchen area, and the others saw David and bid him hello, with a handshake or a hug.

~~~~~~~~~~

David spent a few days with the teams. He believes the only way to keep the community intact is to show them what is out there and let them understand they are vital to it.

Mik and David took Brigit’s car and headed to the station. Mik had a video of the entire trip. He took David to the moon, and they flew over the colonies and stations, then back to the cave. He called Biff, asked him to do a high-level pass over the colony, and to send the video. It took an hour, but the video reached him before he returned to the cave area.

They arrived back the following morning, exhausted, but an understanding was made. David needed to ease the community into the future and the future into the community.

Mik sent the video to Virginia, as did Biff, who cut and edited it into a logical progression. Total length: an hour. It showed everything in orbit, the moon’s surface, and Mars’s domes and stations. As Virginia edited it together, she had images of a beautiful full Earth shrinking to a dot and a gorgeous red ball; Mars, growing as the view approached the planet, traveled near the stations and descended to the primary and two secondary communities of Mars. The video ended with a view of the Earth, a slow zoom into the community, and a final stop at the council building. She also added the drone footage that Russ gave her. Russ asked for a copy of the finished video because it was exceptionally well-made and would highlight his report.

Everyone watched the video in silence. Mik made a massive batch of popcorn and served a variety of drinks. Serena enjoyed the video, and when it focused on the settlement, she yelled that she had seen her house.

“Virginia,” David said, “That is beyond words. It is informative, spellbinding, mesmerizing, and beautiful. You did a fantastic job assembling the video, and I hope I can do it justice.”

He applauded, as did everyone else in the room. Serena jumped up and hopped into her lap, and she gave her a big hug.

David addressed the assembled group and informed them that the Council of Elders would be updated. Four will have vision, two will have the gift of animals, and one will have discernment. David and Marissa have discernment, as in the human lie detector. His wife, Mel, Mark, and Ramona have the vision. Marshall and Louise have the animal gift. That makes eight, but at the moment, Mel is not on the council.

Russ asked during dinner, “David. What will the repercussions be if Brigit and Joseph walk into the settlement?”

“I have thought about that,” He said, “And came up with a solution. A few days after I return, after all of us return, I will hold several informational sessions where the video Mik and I took, and Virginia edited so well, will be played, explained, and understood by those in the community. The goal is to bring the community to understand that the rest of the universe lives differently than we do, but not better.”

Magda added quickly, “You got that right!”

“Therefore,” David continued, “After all community members are informed, understand, and are ‘good’ with the idea, I will contact Mik and Rory to arrive in a ground car to bring something we need. A day later, Virginia, Brigit, Joseph, and you, Magda, can land in the square in Brigit’s car.”

Ramona and Brigit froze momentarily, and when they unfroze, “David, I had a vision that the community would be fine with what you said. I see that a few want to leave the community to explore the rest of the planet and do so.”

“I saw this also,” Ramona said, “Several worldwide would like to become a community member. People who have no urge to collect wealth or work for no other reason than to work. They need a purpose.”

Serena walked in, looking like a zombie. She walked up to David and stopped in front of him. Her eyes were pure white. When she spoke, it was not her voice, but it was.

“Uncle David, I have seen the results of your intervention and merging of the worlds. I know the community will remain and thrive. A new council position will be as a liaison to the universe. The person’s primary role is to vet requests to join or leave the community. Ramona, my mother, and Aunt Marissa are the best people for this role. Together, they will maintain the colony’s duties, responsibilities, and integrity. Auntie M will provide tiny houses that can be used for this purpose. As community members depart, their residences can be reissued to those arriving.”

She just turned and walked back down the hall.

Virginia was sitting on the couch with David when Serena entered and did her thing.

“OK, is that normal?”

Everyone from the community said, “NO!”

Virginia stood and went to find Serena. She was in their room playing on the floor with a toy, a doll she had brought with her.

“Hi, Kiddo! How are you?”

“I’m good, Aunt V.” She held up the doll, “Do you know Dolly?”

“I don’t, is she your baby?”

“She is. I like playing with her a lot,” She turned to the side a moment and laughed, “I did?”

“Did what?” Virginia asked.

“Aunt V, did I go into the big room and tell Uncle David something?”

“Yes, you did. You don’t remember?”

“No, Michael told me what I did. Did I do something wrong?”

“Oh, no, not at all. You helped everyone understand what needed to be done. They are talking about it right now,” She got a chill. “Is Michael in the room?”

“He was. He came in with you. He said I can trust you, so I call you Aunt V. Besides, one day, I will work with you like Aunt Brigit.”

“I am looking forward to that day, kiddo. When you work for me, can I still call you kiddo, or do I need to call you Miss Serena?”

She thought for a minute, then jumped up and hugged Virginia, “When we are alone, call me kiddo. But when others are around, it may be better to call me Serena.”

Virginia hugged her back and said, “You got it, KIDDO!”

~~~~~~~~~~

Serena Brigit opened her eyes. The room was pretty dark, and she was lying on her bed across from Virginia, who was sound asleep. Without thinking about it, she crawled into bed with Virginia. Serena touched Virginia’s head with her finger:

Serena walked into the general’s office a bit earlier than usual. She was alone for the moment. The general should be here in the next half hour. She activated the screen and trained the scanner on the colony.
She stood and walked to the dispenser; she needed a cup of coffee. Grabbing her cup, the cup her mother gave her all those years ago, she filled it with coffee.
Walking back to the console, she looked at the window. The stars and the Earth were beautiful this morning. She saw her reflection and realized again that she looked like her mother and grandmother.
“Hey, Kiddo, you do look like your mother,” Virginia said as she entered the room.
“Aunt General,” using the name Rory’s kids call her, “You’re in the office early?”
“I am. I have a meeting at Jupiter Station later this evening, so I’ll spend the night. By the way, do you want to go with me? I know you like Jupiter Station. Last time, Michael was there and told you where all the fun stuff was, right?”
“Yes, I see Michael less and less as I get older. Mr. Mik was here when I arrived this morning. He said hello. He will be gone for a while. He and a few others are heading to other solar systems to see what’s there. Funny how no one has done that yet. I asked Michael about it, and he said the transfer there takes a lot out of them and takes months. Really boring, he said.”
“Good to know,” She thought momentarily, “Office, call Rory.”
A moment later, “GV, to what do I owe the pleasure?”
“I’m heading to Jupiter, taking Serena with me. Wanna go with us, girls’ trip?”
“Sorry, got stuff to do. When Gayle passed away a few years ago, Jon asked Marcel and me to help with his farm. Last year, when he passed, we found out he had given us the farm, and since then, Marcel and I have been occupied. Take my babies with you. It’ll be fun. Besides, Serena can keep you from getting into trouble.”
After a bit of small talk, they disconnected. Serena calculated the life in the community, and a few seconds later, she saw it was the same as when she left last night. Looking at the schedule, she saw that a few transports were due to trade.
Brigit walked into the office and stood just inside the doorway. She looked at Virginia until they locked eyes. Brigit said a single word, “Neptune.”
Virginia scrunched her face, trying to understand the reference to Neptune. Her eyes opened wide a second later, and she remembered their conversation nearly 20 years ago. They needed to retrieve Magda, who died of an aneurysm in the shuttle heading for Neptune yesterday.
She pressed a button on her desk, “Cancel everything for the next few days, ready my shuttle for immediate launch. Classified trip, two souls on board.”
Not saying a word, Serena raised her hand and held up three fingers.
“Make it three souls. We depart in 30 minutes.” She disconnected before the bay could acknowledge.
Brigit had an overnight bag. Since the new ships were made of a new material, there was no longer a need to wear a pressure suit in the shuttle. They are carried, though, but only worn when needed.
Serena looked at the upper left of the console. She noted the day and time and logged it into her memory.
They had been traveling to Neptune at full speed for maybe an hour and a half.
“Hi, Jon,” Brigit said.
“Hi, Uncle Jon,” Serena said, “Can you go find Auntie M?”
A few minutes later, he returned, “She is near death, a matter of minutes, actually. Very peaceful and no pain at all.”
“Thanks, Jon. Go be with her until we arrive.”
Virginia said, “10 minutes to the coordinates.”
They arrived, and Virginia went to the pilot’s seat. She still had a pulse. A moment later, it stopped. “She’s gone.”
“But I did not die alone, thank you all,” Magda said.
“Auntie M, you know that you died?”
“I do, kid. I also know I can talk to the two of you. How does this work?”
“We have no idea. It just does. When you see the light, touch it. When you do, you will move on.”
They moved Magda’s remains to the passenger area and stretched her out on the floor. She looked at peace.
Brigit sat in the pilot’s seat and switched on the comm.
“Neptune Station, this is Brigit Markz in Shuttle 3723; I am declaring an emergency.”
“Hi Brigit, please define the emergency?”
“Retired General MagdaLynne Rochavarro has died. We are bringing her to Neptune Station.”
“Understood. You are cleared for a straight-in approach, bay 1. Our thoughts are with you and her friends and family.”
“Thank you, Tony. ETA is 9 minutes.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Roughly a minute later, Virginia started crying. She grabbed Serena Brigit and held her tight, “Oh my god, kiddo. Is that how it happens?”

“Yes, Aunt V. But it is OK. Auntie M will be fine afterward and move on fast because her life has been for others.”

Virginia looked at the clock. It was 5:12 am. Today, everyone is heading home. “We may as well get up and make coffee.”

“Yes, good plan. I will like coffee when I get older.”

“Maybe I can make you something my daddy made me as a kid. Coffee milk. You want to try it?”

Serena nodded, and they dressed to start the day.

Virginia set up the coffee pot, which was more of a large urn, and it was ready to drink in a few minutes. She poured herself a cup, then made Serena a milk coffee. “OK, let’s see if I remember it right. Half a cup of milk, sugar, and a little vanilla, then coffee.”

She stirred it all together and handed it to Serena. The cups matched. Serena mentioned that she loved the milk in the coffee.

Ramona walked in, “And what is little miss drinking?” Virginia and Serena looked like that kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

Virginia said, “Oh, oh, Kiddo. We’re busted!”

“Coffee milk,” Serena said.

Ramona stopped and looked at the ceiling. Virginia said, “My Dad used to make them for me when I was 6, so I figured since she is a big girl now….”

Ramona poured herself a cup and sat opposite these two. “Coffee milk. I remember that, too. My Daddy made them for me, too.”

“What did I make?” Mark said as he walked into the room.

Serena held up a glass, “Coffee Milk!”

Mark stopped dead in his tracks, “By golly, I remember that. Your mother thought I was nuts giving a six-year-old coffee.”

“I thought Virginia was nuts giving a six-year-old coffee until I heard that name and realized it was a good thing.”

Virginia said, “Glad that coffee milk is MOM and GRANDPA approved.” She finished her cup and said, “I’ll get dressed and tend to the horses.”

Ramona added, “I’ll give you a hand as well.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Virginia walked into the kitchen dressed and ready to tend to the horses. “Brigit, Ramona,” She said, “I need to speak to you privately.”

Virginia looked agitated.

Ramona said, “We were about to help tend to the horses. Would you like to join us?”

“It would be my pleasure,” Virginia said, smiling.

They walked into the makeshift barn and shut the door. The wind was biting cold, and they really were not appropriately dressed. In the barn, they refilled the food, made sure the water was topped off, and rinsed the droppings and other things off the floor or, more precisely, into a trough on the far wall. They talked while they worked.

“OK, what’s this about?” Ramona asked.

Virginia thought for a moment or two and looked at Ramona, “Little bit did something new. She touched my head while I slept, and I saw the station’s vision, Brigit walking in and saying Neptune, and the three of us, Me, Serena, and Brigit, flying to get Magda. I saw it as you all see it. I saw Jon, who died a year before, appear and tell you where Magda was located, and he stayed with her until she died. We made it and held her hand as she died, and her spirit thanked us for being there with her. We brought her to Jupiter Station, emergency landing, and that’s when it ends.”

“Who was the controller?” Brigit asked.

“Tony!” she said with confidence, as they had never seen before.

“That’s the controller I see when I see the incident,” she said, looking at each of them. “This is new.”

Ramona and Brigit started tending to the horses.

“If this is a new gift, the council needs to know. Perhaps as the children of children with the gift evolve, so does the gift,” Brigit said. She froze.

“OK, those born in the community can acquire gifts. Those who choose to join the community will not naturally develop a gift. However, in a few years, a method will exist to give a gift through an injection. Ramona, you must let the council know about this, find all with the gift, and talk to them about this.”

Ramona said, “Thanks to Rory, I see.” She turned to Virginia, “Can I run a test?”

She walked to Virginia and held her hand, and a vision appeared. She let go and touched her head, and the vision appeared to Virginia, but Ramona seemed to have taken a lot out of her.

“Cool. Thanks.”

“I had no idea I could do this. It opens up a lot of possibilities.”

Brigit attempted the same thing, and nothing happened. She saw the vision but was unable to transfer it to Virginia.

They finished the horses and headed back to the kitchen. “We are heading back shortly. But I want to give you a gift,” Ramona said to Monica and Mik.

She held their hands simultaneously and said they had a shared, mutual future. She let go of their hands and touched them both on the head. A second later, they both grabbed her and thanked her. It was a vision – private and personal – for them alone.

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(2624) - Life in Transition - Chapter 18

Christopher E. Cancilla — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 09:12:27 GMT

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

“Well, hello,” Magda said as the four walked through the trees and out on the path to the cave. They had no idea a hoteling system was in place, nor did they know that two people in the group they were about to meet were from the settlement they were sent to investigate.

“Hello!” The man said, a little alarmed. People were sitting and waiting for them to appear.

“I am General MagdaLynne Rochavarro.”

“I am Dr. Russ Miyaga. Wait, did you say General Rochavarro?”

“I did.”

“I know you, or I know of you. My boss mentioned he was friends with you the other day, and he had a meeting with you.”

“Is your boss the Admiral?”

“Yes, Admiral Russell.”

“He and I have recently become friends, and I will continue to back him in his endeavors.” She paused a moment, “Allow me to introduce my team, or a part of it. This is my second-in-command, Lieutenant Colonel Mik Spencer. Next to him is Brigit Markz, a member of the community you have arrived to investigate; however, she left that community about five years ago to work for me. Our last introduction is Marissa Taylor. She and Brigit are members of the ruling council, referred to internally as the Elders. The others from the community and my team are making your breakfast in the kitchen building. I understand you all are getting hungry.”

“We are. We were talking about that on the flight from the station. None of us had the chance to eat anything this morning.” He paused momentarily, “As I said, I am Russ Miyaga, team leader, and this is MY second in command, Carole Luccia. Carole is the historical expert on the timeframe in which the settlement appears to be living. This is our resident psychologist, Donald Barr. He is here to evaluate us, them, me, you, the animals he happens across, whatever. The last member of our little group is Ronald Luchinski. We have a job. He has a profession. He is our security specialist. His role is to keep us safe.”

Mik asked, “Safe from what?” He smiled at Ronald.

Ronald replied, “Safe from them, you, us, the animals in the woods, the weather, hunger, starvation, dehydration.”

Mik and Ronald nodded to each other. Magda saw, and they had mutual respect.

“Luchinski,” Magda said, “By chance, are you Margo and Rogers’ bouncing baby boy?”

“Yes, General. Those are my parents. I take it you know them?”

“I do. As a captain, I worked for your Dad. As a Colonel, I was under your Mom. I love them both to death, by the way. Best bosses in the universe.”

Mik added, “Aside from you, Boss!” Magda laughed, and Ronald understood the relationship. “OK, let’s head into the building and get you people some breakfast. If you had your choice, what would you want for breakfast?”

Russ said, “Definitely, French Toast.”

Mik said, “Maple syrup and butter?”

“Definitely.”

Carole said, “I’d love some good, creamy grits.”

Mik replied, “Ah! Love me some cheese grits,” She agreed.

Donald added, “Scrambled eggs are my fave. Scrambled with cheese would be perfect.

Ronald added his two cents, “I guess I’m the carnivore. What they said is great, but I need some meat. I am a fan of the little link sausages, and if you have maple syrup that I can cover them with, all the better.”

Magda said, “Here we are, gang. Let’s go inside and grab some food and coffee. By the way, this is your building. There are four rooms down that hall, one for each of you. Pick one and take up residence. But that can wait till after you refuel your tank.”

Magda or Mik introduced everyone in the room, and little Serena came running in, “HI. I’m Serena Brigit. That’s my Mommy,” She pointed to Ramona, “That’s my Aunt Brigit, my Aunt V, and my Auntie M,” Pointing to Brigit, Virginia, and Magda in order.

Magda defined where people were from for the newcomers, and they were amazed. These two groups of people, unique and diverse, were friends and worked together to keep the secret. Magda continued, “And this smart little lady is Serena…”

“Auntie M, I am Serena Brigit. My name is from my mommy’s mommy and her sister,” she pointed to Brigit. “She has the gift like Mommy, Grampa, and me.”

“Oh, I am so sorry, mini-kid. Everyone, this is Serena Brigit. She is instrumental in the fact that we are here waiting for you to brief us on the community you are planning to visit and to tell you why that is not a good idea.”

Russ asked, “The gift?”

“We will tell you about that briefly, but first, you need FOOD and preliminary information.”

Mik took over, “AH! The food. I must let you know that Ramona and Monica are the best sous chefs in this building!” Everyone laughed at that comment, and Ronald asked a question.

“Ahhhhhh, Mik, my new friend. If they are the sous chefs, then who…”

“…..is the chef? Well, I would hate to blow my horn here, but…”

Monica quickly added, “There is no ACTUAL chef, but instead, there is a gaggle of sous chefs, with Ramona and me and my favorite husband, Mik, as part three of this three-part cooking harmony.”

Ronald winked at Monica, “If you need a fourth, feel free to draft me. I love kitchen work. I find it relaxing.”

Mik said, “Oh, good, someone to help me with the dishes!” The room laughed. They quickly became friends, which was the intent of all this pointed back-and-forth fun.

Ramona said, “We have freshly prepared French Toast with maple syrup and melted butter for breakfast.”

Monica added, “We also have a pot of cheese grits, and there is enough for all of us to have thirds. I went a little crazy.”

“There are enough link sausages to make anyone in this room happy,” Mik said, winking at Ronald. “And last, there are the freshest, fluffiest scrambled eggs you will get anywhere else in the universe. If you so desire, I can melt some cheese on the eggs if that is your choice.”

Magda took over, “Now, get breakfast, and the briefing will begin. I need to make a few phone calls, and we can get started.”

She walked outside and into the other building. She needed to confer with several generals and admirals above and below her, so she used the large screen in the common room of the next building. They talked for ten minutes and agreed to come for lunch.”

Walking into the building, “OH, Sous Chefs. There will be five more for lunch. What are we having?”

Virginia said, “I was thinking chili. Medium, mild spice level with additives and cornbread.”

The room agreed.

Virginia said, “I’ll start it shortly.”

Mik added, “The Sous Chef Trio will assist.”

Ronald said, “Quartet?” Mik and the women nodded in agreement.

Virginia gave a thumbs-up.

Magda started speaking, “OK, you all go grab chow. I will start talking.” She glanced up at the clock on the wall above the door. Ten minutes till 7. “Let’s start this briefing at 7. I figure we can get it all done well before lunch and open it to questions from the floor. Besides, that French Toast smells amazing, and I had breakfast several hours ago.”

Ramona opened the left oven and removed four trays of French Toast. Perfectly hot and ready to eat. Monica went to the right oven and set up the sausages and a hotel pan of scrambled eggs.

Monica added, “If scrambled eggs aren’t your cup of tea, we can make you a couple over easy or whatever.”

No one wanted made-to-order eggs, so everyone went through the line, grabbed what they wanted, refilled their coffee, and found a seat to eat and listen to the lecture. They all had a paper pad and a pen to jot down notes or questions. Rory and Marcel saw to that, handing them out to everyone as Magda made her phone call.

Magda made a plate, ate it quickly, and sipped a cup of coffee. “OK. Listen up. We need to get this briefing on the road.”

She looked around the room and started talking, “OK, my two cents,” Magda said, “The community is filled with just under 500 people ranging in age from less than a year old to 70.”

“Make that 76,” Marissa added.

“OK, 76. They have basic electricity, a walk-in deep freezer, and all the amenities in their homes, as if they were in the late 1800s. So, lamp and candle for interior light, cooking on a fire in a cast iron stove, and internal heating during the winter is a fireplace in as many rooms in the home as can be safely accommodated.”

She paused and sipped her coffee, “Mik and Rory, please come up here and give us your impression of the community during your visit a couple of years ago.”

They stood and walked to the front of the room.

~~~~~~~~~~

They broke for lunch, and the investigation team found their rooms. The idea of the gifts was discussed during the question-and-answer period. Ramona and Brigit explained it as best as they could.

Ramona walked over to Russ and extended her hand. He was a little leery to offer his hand in return because she had already told them all that if she shook hands with someone, she saw things in their future.

Russ took Ramona’s hand, and she froze. A few seconds later, she started up again and looked at him.

“Before I say anything, do you want me to say it?”

He thought about it briefly and asked, “Is anything embarrassing?”

“No.” She replied.

“Then spill the beans!”

Ramona said, “OK. You will take a vacation trip to the Mars colony with your wife in a few months to celebrate your 10^th anniversary. While there, you will find ways to work, and she will not be happy. An argument happens, and the next few days are not fun, but finally you make up and spend the last two days happily. My suggestion is not to find ways to work. It seems your work is taking a front seat in your car now, and your wife is not happy about it, but she doesn’t want to say anything to you. Be there for her. If you do, the child you have waited for 8 years for will be conceived on this trip. A girl, happy and healthy and born on my birthday, October 1.”

“Do you know her name?” He asked.

“I do, but you and your wife will make that decision when you make that decision.”

He nodded, started back to his seat, and thanked her. They shook hands again, and Ramona got another vision.

“I just saw that you will get a call this afternoon. You need to take it immediately. It is from your brother; his wife and son will be injured and hospitalized. Nothing you can do about it now, nor anytime this week. They will be in an induced coma for six days, and you will be there when his wife,” Ramona concentrated for the name, “Madelynne, comes out of it. She will tell you where you were last week. She will know about this conversation and ask you about the community. You will know what you need to say to her at that moment. Please remember that when this team completes its mission, you must put your family differences aside and be with your brother and his other children. You can be the cool uncle, as his middle son will call you. Your relationship with your family will mend, and you will become a family again,” She laughed briefly. Everyone looked at her, wondering, “Sorry, you will all be together at his house next winter holiday, your brothers. You will assist him in cooking, and I may recommend taking a cooking class beforehand. You and your brother burn the turkey pretty badly, too, and you end up making meatloaf. You laugh about it, and the meatloaf becomes a new family tradition.”

The room was laughing at what would happen. Carole put her hand up.

Ramona asked, “Yes, Carole, you have a question?”

“I do. How do I know this is all the truth? What you ‘SEE’ is what will happen? For example, all of these things you envision are so far in the future; they may or may not happen, but will we even care by then?”

At that moment, Serena returned. She walked up to Carole and stopped, staring at her. “Your phone is going to ring. Your daughter will tell you she is having a baby, their first child. It will be a boy, and they will name him William, after your husband, who died a few months ago.” Without saying another word, she left the room and returned to wherever she was playing.

“What was that about?” Carole asked.

“I suppose that it is a vision specifically for you to allow you to open your mind to the possibilities.” Carole’s phone rang.

“Hello…. Yes Marina, OH MY, that is wonderful…. Have you thought of names?” She paused, “I love it. I’m in a meeting at the moment. I’ll call you back later this evening. Give my love to Bruce.” She hung up. She looked at everyone, “The kid is good. OK, you got a believer in me.” She paused momentarily, “How can I, I mean WE, help?”

They talked for another hour, and the guests started arriving.

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(WW12) Wednesday Wonder, Week #24

Christopher E. Cancilla — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:12:12 GMT

I have a few questions, 10 of them actually,
and all you need to do is click and go.

The questions are simple, and I really do value your opinion.

I will report on this in 4 weeks.
2 Wednesday Wonders from now.

This poll is available for one week. I will let you know the results in a month

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