A reunion of worlds by D.A.Sanford - HTML preview

A Reunion of worlds

Getting reacquainted

It has been twenty years since Brad Jenkins AKA Zorn, has revealed that the human race did not exist. It was just a shape that the changelings could do.

The three now are maturing and the CNC (changeling news channel) has reported every aspect, every event that has happened to Gloria, Kile and Arron. The biggest thing is the emergence of each of their talents.

Of course, Kile is becoming the leader that he is destined to be. He is the heir and will possess the three when his father steps down as leader. He is now very familiar with almost all the aspects of ruling with the same passion that his father has. Fair but just. First and foremost family.

Kile is a lycanthrope that when he goes full wolf, he can only change outside. There have been numerous holes in the ceiling that had to be patched when one of his younger siblings aggravated him.

Arron is the logical. She is the anchor of the three. That felid has no problem with going toe to toe with Kile in his full form. If you did not know the respect he has for her, you would laugh at the sight of a female tabby felid that is almost six feet, stare down a werewolf that tops out at over eleven feet. She would just stand in front of him, hands on her hips, state her feelings and then tell him to calm down or she would turn the garden hose on him.

Kile knows she will do it because she has.

Gloria is the enigma. A harpy that just knows. Outside of the immediate family, no one knows how she knows things. Gloria has her grandmother Gloria Satten, wife of pompa Devon talks with her ever since that day that Arron was born.

Gloria gets directions, warnings and advice from the final life from her namesake. These have always borne out but one thing she would find out will turn the worlds understanding on its head.

The three mothers, Brenda, Maribell and Rose have had more children. All are loved but all can be an irritation to the three oldest because they always want to be included with what they are doing. It has tapered off somewhat when they enter the teenage years but those under that threshold really can be almost an army of helpers.

It has to be said that the irritation does not show to those in that army. They are treated with respect but after they go to bed, the parents hear of the antics. We try not to laugh. All we say is that it is all a learning experience.

Since all the buildings, tools and machinery have been designed for the human form. The world still uses the human form when working. It does not prohibit changeling forms but it makes it so everyone to be able to fit and function.

Even the airlines still do business. With flash, everyone can go anywhere in an instant but driving, boating and flying, even for those avians, is now recreation and vacation.

Brad, Brenda, and Maribell all have corporate jobs at the executive levels. Rose has chosen to be home mother. She really is suited for the role. She is caring but does not let anyone get away with doing wrong. She makes all the children that are not of school age do small daily chores around the house.

We have opted to send the school age children to public school. Now that the world is not governed by human prejudices, the level of education is the same throughout this world. We find that the social interaction with friends is important.

Those in high school must have after school public service projects. The lower grades must help the staff after school. Rose makes sure that each has finished the homework. She encourages them to use study periods to do just that study.

Empress Judith Granden is still in charge of the philanthropic organization. With her guidance, People in charge all over the world are begging BBM corporation to invest in their town. Anywhere we buy, we invest in the town by buying empties but more important we do civic improvements.

Our England group have built tourist attractions. They built a two hundred room resort near that Norman settlement. Our philanthropic charity organization granted the town all the money to develop the sites into a historical museum. They have enclosed the site fully. Heated and airconditioned, the tourists can watch the archeologists carefully excavate the various sites. They also have paid the salaries for those students that want to go into that field. They train under the experts.

The gallery walk ways are always full. An entry fee, modest of course is charged to support the research.

Devon Statton is still with the corporation as the head researcher. He goes to places we want to buy and will give his evaluation. If we buy, he can choose which he would like to work with. Funny thing is, he really likes to take the ones in real trouble and breathe life back into them.

When they see him coming in. his meetings are never dull or depressing. He will not sugar coat but he will get the experts in our flagship to come in and see where we need to trim to be able to build back up.

When not traveling, Kile is now spending time with his grandparents, Emperor Harcourt and Empress Judith. Harcourt is starting his training to take the throne. Harcourt wants to retire and feels that this will prepare Kile for his ultimate position, my position as ruler of the whole world. On the side, I have told my son to read thoroughly anything they ask him to sign.

They are now introducing him to women of his age. His birth mother has told the both that she must read and agree to anything, she repeats, anything they want him to sign. And then she wants corporate legal to review.

Does she think that they would pull the same trick again? You bet your ass. She loves Brad but still harbors resentment for the underhanded way they married her off.

Arron is the one that it is hardest to fool. She is solidly based. She has inherited her mother’s stoic stance. “I am me and I do not care what you think. I will be true to myself.” Don’t like it, tough.

Once you get to know her and she knows that you are true to the persona you present, Arron is the best person in this world to be able to call friend.

I am prejudice in my view of my daughter Arron. She presents a tough outside but she is the sweetest person you will ever know. Right now, she is in public relations in BBM. People are pleasantly surprised when she speaks at a newly acquired company. She will lay out the direction we want to go with that company in such a way that there is no questions. People like her.

As I said before, they also know that she has the grit to and has turned the hose on the future leader of the world. Don’t cross her with deceit and think you can get away with it. Don’t ever forget that fact.

My first born Gloria. I love all my babies right down to Rebeca the last born, my daughter with Maribell. Gloria knows me. She knows that I still see her as that little girl flying around the vaulted ceiling of the England mansion. Singing her song while carrying her doll Arron.

That doll has a place of honor in her room. It sits in that rocker that was made for her so many years ago. It is a very frequent occurrence to have one of the small girls come in, when they need comforting, sit and rock that rag doll. Gloria will comfort them by singing her song of strange words.

Now most of the young ladies can sing it even though they don’t know what it means. All they know is it means happy.

Gloria is a comfort to me and great heart ache. We know that someday, someone will come along and steal her heart. When that happened, I will hide any paint and not put in hidden cameras.

She knows when I need a hug. I constantly get them from all my children but, here, I will write, Even though I love them all equally, she has that special place in my heart. The scenes of her play in my memories.

The Emperor is tired

Emperor Harcourt Granden is in his late fifties. His father jump ship on the office just as soon as Harcourt got married. There was resentment unto his death. Now he regrets that resentment because he knows that the heir Kile Jenkins is now twenty. Kile hasn’t told his parents but he is in love with a woman, Mica Simpson, their new book keeper in training.

Harcourt has found himself wanting to speed things up.

The position of emperor, even though there are still vital things that he needs to do, is really just a title because of Zorn’s awakening. Once Kile ascends to the office of ruler of the world, the position of emperor is redundant. He does not want to wait because Brad is only a little over forty.

He has seen that his wife Edith is also starting to show the effects. Harcourt is now considering just vacating the position. He needs to sit with Devon and talk. Devon is really the only one that he really can talk to one on one. It’s decided. He flashes to his office at BBM corp.

He finds Devon there and asks if he has some time. They sit and for a long time Harcourt is silent. Devon can see that his friend is very troubled, He sums it up in three words.

“Harcourt, just quit.”

“How did you know. I don’t like being a quitter but I don’t know how long I have left. I want to spend the time with Judith. I’m afraid of which of us will die first.”

Devon does something that he did not expect. He grabs Harcourt and takes him across the hall.

“Brad, Harcourt is quitting. He is going to stand down from the emperor requirements. He will just be a figurehead that is now on a 365 day vacation. Let’s pull in the financial and all the other duties into the corporation. Let the man enjoy his life with Judith. When you step down and give your position to Kile, the position will go away.”

I get on the phone to public relations. Arron comes into the office.

“Arron, we need an announcement for the world that needs to be worded the way only you can word it. Grandpa Harcourt is stepping down. The responsibility of the office of Emperor is being absorbed into my separate governmental office in this building. He will be my representative at special functions.”

I explain to her that we want him to spend more time with grandma. He deserves a good time.

Arron is happy and hugs him. “Ompa don’t worry about a thing. You have done a wonderful job and have been wonderful for our family. I will make the announcement, so you know that I love you and it will be inspiring to generations to strive to live up to your dedication.”

Harcourt does not know what is happening. He hasn’t said a word to Brad. He had a whole reasoning that he was going to present to Devon. He did just look at Arron, Devon and Brad.

“Ompa, go tell g’ma the good news. Papa, is this effective as of this time today?”

“As Zorn, I decree that both Harcourt and Judith Granden have retired with full lifetime compensation. They are to retain the right to their titles and are to retain ownership of their current home, the palace.”

I look at Harcourt. “What the hell are you still doing here. Go chase Judith around the palace. Deep down, we could all see it. Relax and enjoy.”

Still in shock, he leaves. When we get home, I am swamped by my wives but they let Maribell have me first. She kisses me then, for a long time hugs me and cries.

“I was worried that he was going to die of a heart attack . Thank you for saving both. Your other wives want their turn.”

My other two hug but now the children are asking what is happening.

“Daddy has allowed ompa to retire. He now can relax.”

They all cheer but one of them Sharlene, Roses second child asks, “When is the party?”

I think about it and, looking at my wives, “An all day party out on the lawn. Have… wait I’m going to ask who could cater.” I ask CNC for a caterer in the area that could put together a party for a few hundred. All his acquaintances will be invited.”

There is a local that has a good reputation that can do it in a week. The deal is struck for two hundred guests. What ever is left over will be donated to the food kitchens. I have them contact my wives but tell them that the open bar, is to in no way to serve juice to us.

I tell my wives about that order. “If Harcourt wants to drink juice he can but if he wants to get tipsy and chase Judith into the bushes, he deserves it.”

Maribell does not know how to take that. She is happy but. “I’ll talk to my mother and tell her to make sure she takes him into their room in the mansion.”

We all get a laugh but they peed themselves when I said that it would be better than in the bounce house. Then I could see that they were contemplating the idea. Interesting.

The announcement has gone out and really all are celebrating and wishing them a long happy life. The guests have been invited. We also have invited our office and the people that work at the foundation.

They worked closely with Judith. She says that she wants to still work with them. I do have something up my sleeve and have brought Devon in on that. The man is delighted and is in full agreement.

Everyone shows up. We have asked it to be casual dress. It is nice to see. People are enjoying themselves and talking with the guests of honor. It came time for me to call all together.

“First, I would like to thank the caterer. The food is wonderful. The children’s entertainment is a hit. The drinks are professional. I now decree that they are authorized to use my endorsement of their services. Now Emperor and Empress please come up.”

They do and I continue.

“Emperor Harcourt, your service to this country has been exemplary but you would never been such a success if you did not have the love of your life empress Judith. You both need the time to step away from the office. I hear by pull all those day to day responsibilities into my governmental offices. I, Zorn here by disband your office but relinquish the titles to you both in perpetuity.”

I hug both now for the surprise.

“Judith has said that she still wants to head the charity. Harcourt, BBM would like to make you an offer. I would like you to come to work for BBM. I would like you to work along side Devon in evaluating future acquisitions and see what needs to be done to improve those that we buy. With Judith in the office, you can be there at the same time. No chasing her around the office.”

Everyone is both cheering and encouraging him to take it.

Harcourt is saying something to Judith. They are both smiling and she nods.

He tells me and the crowd, “I will accept the invitation. Being just an employee is a weight off my shoulders. I will need a couch in my office.” Looking at Judith. We all get it and there is a resounding roar and applause.

A few weeks later, Maribell is grabbing my hand and leads me down to the bedroom. She rips both our clothes off and attacks me. She is being very affectionate. I love it. When she ran out of steam.

“I was just at my parent’s home. They both are looking years younger. Both needed this. All their royal dress is gone. They both are in jeans. My mother said to thank you for what you have done. So I figured that this was a good way.”

Now she gets serious. “I thought I was going to lose them too soon. Thank you. Their alive again.”

The Connors

Gloria is directed by grandmother Gloria to a man in Elizabeth a non changeling named Ryan Connor.

He is met with borderline hostility but asks to sit with Zorn and his fathers. Whatever fate they decide he will live with but that generation of hatred has almost completely died off. ”We, the current generation, see how happy everyone is and ask for clemency. Let us show you that we are not those bigots. If we prove to be wrong, punish us as you see fit. Know this, I will kill anyone that even threatens Gloria. I would die to protect her.”

Devon is skeptical but must speak his peace. “I remember hearing that resolve many years ago when a young man closed up a town and moved to another.”

He turns to Ryan, “This is my granddaughter, my life. Let anything happen to her, I’m going to pop your head like car tires running over a toad at night. It will make a satisfying sound.”

A chill ran up Brad’s spine. He remembered those exact words.

Devon finishes, “Since Gloria says that her grandmother told her that they are true and this one is her one. I will not repeat another potential mistake. My daughter stopped me the last time. My wife is stopping me this time.”

Harcourt pronounces judgement, “This generation of Connors will be allowed to intermingle but will not be allowed to change. In one year, if you prove true to what you have told us. We will lift the block on your change.”

Now I look at Gloria, my fledgling bird, my first, but I talk to Ryan. “After that year, then and only then will I allow you to ask your questions of her parents. If you act improperly in that time, I will personally, sorry Devon, see that, even though my beloved daughter would hate me for the rest of her life, separate your head from your body with my fist. Do you understand what I am saying my Gloria and Ryan?”

Gloria sees the tears forming in my eyes and hugs me tightly. “Daddy, I hear you. You will never lose my love. you protect family.” Now she is crying but tells Ryan,

“My father is going to make a broadcast, at my request, on CNC. He is going to tell the world of what has happened. The trial year for the new generation of Connors and of our restriction.”

She turns to me and says,

“Daddy, DaDa, I ask you to have the world watch us. We will never sully your orders and rules. If the world family is watching. Nothing untoward will happen between us. Ryan can you abide with this?”

He says yes.

I make that very broadcast but add that we must be warry but these are not the ones that carried out the crimes against us. Accept them, I forbid any hostile actions towards them but trust must be earned.

All this time, the three mothers are respectfully listening. This was a somber moment that was for the rulers. It was not for others to speak. Now that the broadcast has gone out, Brenda talks to the two.

“You know the road you have chosen is a hard road, a road full of traps and pitfalls. The reputation of the Connor name is known worldwide. I now know why we need to listen to grandmother Gloria. For the peace of this world, we must put the past away. Do not forget it but do not let it rule over you. I, as first wife and mother to Gloria, accept this.”

She does turn to Ryan, goes full harpy and tells him, “I’ll be the one driving the car. If you ever hurt my daughter!”

All in the room shutter at the way she said it.

With that a new beginning is here. I would never have believed even this morning that we would cautiously accept a Connor anywhere near us let alone into our family. I must say that I will be watching them very carefully. My gut feeling is that he is sincere but the remainder.

Her grandmother would not have told Gloria that he was the one.

A few days, we could see that it was real between them. The reports are coming in that they are obeying the social rules we set. We also get reports that others are watching them. Some of the young Connors. Not that they are threatening but they seem to be following the couple.

I call my fathers and now I also ask Kile to join us. We are in a very private room in the corporation.

“I have asked you to meet here because what I have to discuss must not leave this room unless agreed by all. I have had reports sent to me that our couple are being followed by some of the young Connors. I now do not doubt Ryan and his love for Gloria, but I get a bad gut feeling about the others. Could they be looking for the right moment to attack?”

I hate what I am going to say but say it I must.

“Are they looking for a chance to deal revenge for Jimmy Connors and the way they have been exiled?”

That startled them and I could see that they are getting angry. I must change that.

“I can see that this news has hit a nerve, as it should but please do not get angry. That will cloud your judgement. Get mad and plan. What do we need to do?”

The ideas started flowing and it boiled down to the need to watch the Connors. It was Kile that hit the mark.

“We need to sit down with Gloria and Ryan. Lay out what we know and what we feel. Ryan may or may not be in on this. For Gloria’s sake, I hope not. I think that both need to be confined to this continent. We have an escort for them. The remainder of the Connors need to be rounded up and interviewed.”

Devon has a suggestion, “Body doubles. We bring both here but at the same time have those doubles in Elizabeth. We watch and see if they make a move. They move none will be alive but I agree with Kile. We need them here now.”

I call out and ask the receptionist to contact Gloria and have her flash here and bring Ryan. Within a matter of minutes, they both are here and look worried. They both have been behaving but are they in trouble?:

Again in that room I lay out our concerns. “We have had some serious reports that you two are being followed by your own, Ryan. You are always is view of at least four of your relatives. I’m sorry to have to ask this of you but have you, even casually, heard any rumblings?”

He thinks about it and he is shocked.

“Quite a few of my age cousins have told me that Gloria is too good for me. They said that they may need to steal her from me for their own. It was said in a joking manner or so I thought. If that is the case, I will take arms against them. The one thing I will agree with is that she is too good for me.”

She grabs his hand as he hangs his head. I’m going to take a chance.

“You both stay at the mansion for a few days. We are going to have body doubles for each of you. Then you will go back to Elizabeth. Make a display of being there. You will go to lunch at the Italian restaurant. You both will flash here and you will be in lock down. The body doubles will flash to the restaurant and leave. They will go for a walk to a secluded area. Let’s see what they do.”

Kile says, “Sister I ask you to please be quiet. Ryan, if it is found that they attack, know that we will not show mercy. You have stated before that you side with Gloria. If needed, at the remaining Connors trial, will you denounce them and express your affection to Gloria? Even if you know that all the remaining Connors will be sent to face the decision of the gods. The gods will decide between rebirth or oblivion but they will die in this world if found guilty.”

Ryan answers, “If found that they are conspiring to abduct Gloria, I will ask you for a new last name. Strike me from all records and start a new line. I will stand by any judgement including what you pronounce on me. Gloria, you are my life but if I must die for you, so be it.”

She is looking at all of us and at Ryan. She is emotionally breaking. Leave it to Drako. He comes over to both. Puts his hands on Gloria’s face and sweetly tells her that he will not see her hurt.

“This man of yours has proven where his feelings lie. There with you. He is who your grandmother chose for you. Ryan don’t disgrace my wife by dying. Live and make my granddaughter happy.”

He kisses Gloria on the forehead. He turns to me and says,

“Brad, since he is sincere and has been chosen by my wife, when it comes time, add him to my family tree. His new last name will be Satten.”

Doubles are found and the plan was put into motion.