Celestial Fire

There are a lot of things about Aurora, that have been neatly tucked behind the scenes of her resolute demeanor. For one, she has a deeply playful side, a sensual side, and one bad ass side as well. We used to sit out in nature, and have all sorts of conversations about “our place” in the Cosmos. Aurora was never one to avoid a good mystery, nor was she one to back down from an adventure either.

So when she called me out of the blue, wanting to meet at her secluded cabin. I was curious to what she had found. You see, we learned a long time ago, how to blend into a population. It didn’t matter where a job took us. Sometimes it was right next door, sometimes it was several systems over….And sometimes, well it was even in different Universe. That was the calling of the Wanderers I suppose. To observe, help, and be part of the ground crew of the Council. Most would never even notice us, even if we were right under your feet.

As I said….. Wanderers are great at blending in….. We are always never too far away, and Aurora was one of the best at blending in. Her and I share a bond. And while we were not always side by side, we are never too far from each other.

The Long Country Road To Seemingly Nowhere

After Aurora and I spoke, I couldn’t get her words out of my head. “Love”,she said, “We should meet up. I have a cabin you would absolutely enjoy. It’s in the middle of know where, surrounded by forest and water. There’s not too many ways in and out of the location, so it’s perfect for us to meet”. “A, what did you find?” I asked curiously. I often called her “A” as it was one of my nick names for her. “Love, I found a Remnant, one present before the collapse. It’s right up your ally, trust me.” 

Aurora’s voice had a playful but serious tone. One that I’ve heard so many other times, in so many other places. “I’m in”, I said, before writing down the instructions to A’s cabin, and hanging up the phone. It didn’t take me long to pack some of my gear, and head out.

As I worked to put together a week’s worth of clothing, and wilderness gear. I stopped from time to time to admire the autumn scenery outside my bedroom window. It was an early evening, and by the old calendar it probably would have been a Saturday in early October. But when the collapse occurred almost 100 years ago, everything changed. There was too much to do and rediscover. As a result, old norms vanished… Even the calendar.

Originally people lived in small to medium communities after the collapse. but over the last 100 years large urban areas has begun to spring up on the planet again. Though the population, was much more of a Technological Agrarian society now. Wanderers such as myself and Aurora, kept to small communities, as to not draw too much attention. Personally, I loved my sleepy little town but nonetheless an adventure would be fun.

The following morning, I found myself hopping into an old but well kept modified Jeep. It was still dark when I pulled out of my small driveway, and took a final look at my dwelling. A place I considered home for many years. My Jeep hadn’t been used much since it had been modified. Drawing a concentration or water vapor and electrical currents from the atmosphere to power the engine. A testament to the Sun’s changes over the years.

Several hours later, I found myself day dreaming, thinking about Aurora as I drove along a long country road.

Aurora’s Old Letters

Making my way along the road, I felt dazed by the size of the trees surrounding me . I had been passing through them for hours now, and they were massive. I also wondered how Aurora found this place, and what made her originally decide to setup a cabin here. Additionally, the presence of the large lake, in the distance made the trip more mysterious. From there, I saw storm clouds brewing far out over the water. Giving me a strange feeling every time I glanced at them. Something was hidden in the place, something odd and ancient. I felt it, and now It was approaching zero hour… A term used for that period between late afternoon and twilight. I was a little on edge, if I’m going to be honest.

A lot of things changed after the collapse….Not just the way society behaved, but dimensions became closer, and the ability to perceive the “paranormal” was heightened. The collective consciousness on the planet was still learning to control these abilities. And it was estimated It would take another 900 years before the world would be ready to start meeting outsiders. The population while mostly decent, but still had some wounds that needed to be addressed. Until then, they were subject to other types of entities crossing the proverbial gateway into this place.

To keep my mind focused while I traveled, I thought of past letters that Aurora and I exchanged. Always playful letters, that showed our affection for each other. Wanderers usually don’t gather in groups too often while in the field. Our energy is different… When too many of use are in one spot it can be detected by some nasty beings. Some of which, who wouldn’t think twice of using dimensional gateways to violate Cosmic Law. 

I smiled to myself as it sunk in more, that I would get to see A. Just to see her smiling face, and the twinkle in her light brown eyes would have been worth the trip. The more I thought about it, the more I smiled and reflected. I smiled so much, that perhaps one would say in the old language of the planet, I was cheesing….. Cheesing so much that that I didn’t see the road narrow and become more cluttered with small stones.

The Jeep bounced frantically, causing a large power station and solar panel to shift violently in back of the jeep. “Shitttttt”, I screamed. But before I becoming too concerned, I saw a narrow unmaintained road branching off the main country highway. 

I braked quickly and turned elegantly into the entrance of the new location. The Jeep now facing a long narrow corridor or trees and leaves. “Damn Aurora”, I thought, “you always know how to show a guy a good time.” 

It was now dusk. Off in the distance, I saw a soft glow of what appeared to be a light source. There were also several side paths branching off the narrow road, that I couldn’t make out fully. “Welp” I thought, I better not keep her waiting”. With that I increased the illumination on the Jeep’s lights, slowly making my way up the mysterious path…………