“Wow,” Kristie said when we landed. “That was amazing.”
“Yeah, traveling via superconsciousness is the best way to go. Z’porrah power cubes are faster, but you get to see the sights with a superconsciousness in the driver’s seat. Help me with this.” Went to the lead container and moved it out of the corner where Chuckie and I had shoved it.
“Now what?” Kristie asked.
“No idea, honestly. I’m going to try to reach the Anti-Mother telepathically. If I can.” She wasn’t an animal, it was going to be tricky.
Heard a sigh in my mind. I’m right here, Lilith said. I can tell you’re not used to this kind of combination. Hang on. Waited a few moments. My music changed to “Inside of Me” by 3 Doors Down. The Anti-Mother and Cradus will speak to you now.
Cradus?
I am here, Kitty. It is good to talk with you again.
Wow. I hadn’t realized your essence went with everything from your planet. Um, I had to use your present to save the other solar system.
I know. Spehidon and I are overjoyed that our gift was so useful for you so soon, and that by giving the gift of ourselves, you were able to save the system that is soon to join with us.
So, you can connect with yourself even if a part of you is separated?
I can. Spehidon can, too. We both agree that what you want to do is the right thing.
Um, great. So, the reason for my speaking to you is who we have imprisoned inside of, um, you, I guess.
You named me The Anti-Mother, she said. And I, too, am here, Kitty.
Had no idea how to start, so just gave up and started wherever. Um, do you like that name?
Well, it was fitting.
Was. Do you mean it’s not fitting anymore?
I have had . . . time to . . . think.
To think about what?
As you’d understand it, my sins.
You’ve had less than a week.
In your time, yes. The Anti-Mother chuckled. Have you not realized that mind time goes much faster than time out of mind? The music changed to “Time Out of Mind” by Steely Dan because Algar enjoyed DJing a lot. Noted that the music seemed to be keeping up with time as I’d think of it, but was pretty sure that, when this was over, Kristie wouldn’t be asking me why I’d spent fifteen minutes staring at a metal container.
Yes, I’ve started to pick that up. So, what did you decide about your sins?
That I now understand why you and my son became . . . friends. There is more to this life, this existence, than domination. Life should be preserved and encouraged.
I’m sorry to seem incredulous, but that’s a hell of a change of heart.
Cradus has been . . . helping me. There was something in the way she said it, the tonal or mental inflection.
Oh my God, are you two like an item or something now?
In a way. The Anti-Mother sounded happily embarrassed, as if, if she was a person, she’d be blushing and looking over coyly at Cradus.
Yes, Cradus said, sounding pleased. As you would be able to understand it. We have spent every moment together since you submerged the trap inside of me. And in that time, we have come to an understanding.
Cradus taught me about his people. And about what he and Spehidon know is out there. And about you. He showed me another way. A way that, I believe, is a better way than I have ever known before.
Um, I hate to ask this, but what does Spehidon think of this, ah, relationship?
She is pleased, Cradus said. We are eagerly waiting for SuperStar. To have another sentient star join us is a source of great joy. The Anti-Mother is a powerful consciousness. To have her with us is also a source of joy, now that she has come to understand how we see our worlds and galaxy.
“Me, Myself & I” by L7 came on. So, um, does that mean that you’re all sort of one, even though you’re all also separate.
Yes, in a way. Cradus sounded like Olga normally did when I’d figured out something—a kindergarten teacher pleased with a prized pupil.
So, you guys want me to believe that the Anti-Mother has become a force for good now? And I should believe that this isn’t some sort of trick and the moment I let her out, she’ll turn evil again?
You can’t really ‘let me out,’ the Anti-Mother said. I need to remain inside of Cradus now. We have combined and the trap is dissolved.
Better and better. Focused on the good side—I wouldn’t have to stick my hand in mercury or get into the Moon Suit right now. If I can’t take you out, how do I get you into the sun?
You send us in just as happened before. The star’s heat can melt Cradus, but if we’re going fast enough we will still hit the surface. As long as we do that, we can join with the sun.
Then what happens? The supernova we’re all dreading?
No. We will have the power to move the sun.
Really hated what I was thinking now. Because I was thinking about Charlie.
CHAPTER 107
HE FEELS HE CAN lift the sun, Lilith said, obviously reading my deeper thoughts. Lifting this container into the sun will seem easy.
He’s a little boy, practically still a baby. Just because he thinks he can do something doesn’t mean he can.
He’s your child. He, like your daughter, is exceptional. And the other exceptional children will help him. And each other.
Why are you okay with this? Why is ACE?
Because we understand two things you do not. This is the only way, and your children are going to do what they think is right, with or without your permission. Wouldn’t it be better if their mother was helping them, rather than working against them?
Argh. All that makes sense. However, their father is not going to be so easily convinced.
You may be surprised.
Someone nudged me as my music changed to “Children in Bloom” by the Counting Crows. Had that right. “We are not alone,” Kristie said.
Turned around. Sure enough, Jeff was here, along with Jamie and Charlie. “How did you get here so fast?”
He shook his head. “Our children wanted a family powwow.” He cleared his throat. “So Jamie and ACE brought me over like Lilith brought you and Kristie.”
“Well, that saves time, I guess. Where’s Lizzie, then?” I asked Jamie.
“She’s getting the other kids ready,” Jamie said calmly. “We’ll talk to their mommies and daddies, too, but not yet.” Presumed they wanted to get me and Jeff on board first, which made sense. The kids were many things, but dumb was not one of them.
“Okay, so, what are we talking about?” I mean, I knew, but why not be polite?
“If Daddy is a king, and you are a queen, Mommy, then that makes Lizzie and me princesses and Charlie a prince. And princesses and princes are supposed to do what’s right for their kingdoms. That’s what Auntie Rahmi and Auntie Rhee always say.”
“They do, that’s true. But they’re grown up.”
“They were protecting their people when they were little,” Jamie said. They were Amazons, I was certain Jamie wasn’t making this up but had been told about it by the princesses. Probably many more times than once.
“But—” Jeff started.