Dedicated to Bogdan, Ricsi and Gyongy on account of the game we started together.

Credit given to Martin Marvin, Mariette Ciaffoni and others. This story is about a twin planet of earth, with an identical history to our own. Humans live on it, knowing just as little about the outer universe as we do. Animals live there all like our own, dinosaurs having died millennias ago. Technology is progressing at the same rate as ours - all but the time difference, for this planet, we shall call it Earth 2, was one decade ahead of us. It was, at the moment 2021. Names of important historical figures were also different, but names of every-day humans were the same. People became more spiritual in both sides much faster than people on earth did. Visions and spiritual experiences became part of everyday life. Nothing is normal or usual anymore. The battles of the spiritual realm take part in the physical in this world. The veil is opened, for this world is ready. When will ours be?

Armageddon

Chapter 1 Another day murmured Niel as he dragged himself out of bed; this, in fact, consisted of a big old mattress and a few torn sheets. Niel was a thin scruffy kid, always good in sports, a fan of soccer and generally the type of kid you would imagine in a far away sub-urban neighborhood un-brushed dirty-blond hair, light blue eyes, and a small piggy nose. He was quite tall for his age, but less than mature for almost twelve. He was not too fond of hygiene, but kept a very cool appearance, or so he thought. Niel lived in a dingy little area of town, not the real low-class cardboard-hut area, but more like a middle-low class, with tiny wood shacks tightly built against each other. The sidewalks were cracked, the grass un-mowed, the houses dirty. All the little huts were exactly the same, creating a long street of a dull repeating pattern, the only difference being the surname tags on each house and a number next to it. His house stood out from all the rest, however, as on his last birthday he and his friends spent three hours spraying down his house with paints they had found. All sorts of unintelligent designs and words now adored his front wall. I cant believe that tomorrow its my 12th birthday, he wondered aloud and Ill have to celebrate it by myself, without my parents or friends! If only someone Just then the doorbell (or rather a big copper dangling object that was filled with cracks of all shapes and sizes) rang and a tall middle-aged man walked in, without even waiting for an answer. He looked like he was in his fifties, with very dark brown hair, and thin gray-green piercing, but kind eyes, a thin clean-shaven face and a protruding chin. Hello, Niel! He burst out enthusiastically as his eyes fell on the

young boy, after having surveyed the rest of the room. My name is Mr. Clark, but you can call me Uncle Stuart. But you cant just bound into my house like that! Its my property, and I have goovermantle rights to call the police. It is governmental, son! Yes, you do have those rights, but if you would listen to me for the next few minutes, I could explain what all this is about. After waiting a number of seconds with no response, Uncle Stuart continued Sooo? So what!?! Niel retorted. Niel wasnt a mean or rude kid, but he grew up in a tough neighborhood without any family, except for an old hag next door, who claimed to be his grandfathers sister. She told him queer stories about his ancestors, a lot of which, honestly, Niel did not believe. She was no witch, as you might speculate, just a little coo-coo Niel mused to himself at times. She was short and crouched down almost to an average persons waist. She leaned on a tiny fragile stick, as thin as her own pinky. But what was extremely unusual about her, was her face. It wasnt deformed or misshaped, or even ugly. It was as though she was twenty-five, except for the few little wrinkles on her forehead. She wore a tiny little amulet around her neck, no one knowing what it signified, or meant, or even looked like, because no one saw it close enough. Once though, Niel saw it peek out from under her old overused robe. It looked like three golden circles somehow intertwined with each other. There was a little star in the middle which was white. It glistened with a red light, which was somewhat strange. But that little discovery didnt make her any less mystical or unearthly. No one even new what her name was. They called her the hag. Do you want to listen to me or not? Uncle Stuart repeated patiently. I guess Ill live. Niel mumbled. Wont hurt, will it? You see, because of my job, I knew your parents, Uncle Stuart began, but had to stop, because Niel had again interrupted him. You knew my parents!?! Niel nearly yelled, his eyes growing wide with excitement. How did they look? What were their names? What did they do? How did they die? When did they... If you want to know all that, you will have to patiently sit and listen to me, like I did to you. He said with a less-than-patient tone of voice. We used to be colleagues and good friends. And you know what our job was? It was to save the world! Right! Niel laughed You sound just like the old hag. She tells me stories like that too. Who? Never mind. It doesnt matter any way. But those stories are for two-year-olds! Niel stated in a matter-of-fact way. Will you listen? Uncle Stuart asked with a little less patience in his voice.

Whatever. Niel half whispered in an I-dont-believe-you tone of voice. We were heroes. Together we defeated Lucifer over and over, but he Whos Lucifer? Lucifer was once a friend of God, but he once got so offended at Him, that he gave up everything he had worked for, (which included a very high position), and turned absolutely against Him or His helpers. And he had to start all over again. We destroyed his work and his little bodyguards more than twenty-five years ago. Now he is back with a new army, new weapons, and more skillful men, and is in hiding, just waiting for the right moment to strike. But you see, your parents, I and a dozen other people were not normal humans. We had powers given to us by God. He called us the Chosen Ones, for we were chosen by Him, to defeat Lucifer. These powers werent given directly to us, but were passed on by our parents. These powers are then passed on to the next generation, and the next You are the third generation of Chosen Ones. You are chosen to defeat Lucifer and his men, just like we did a few decades ago. Just me, by myself? No, there are more of you. You will get to meet them in the days to follow. More of us Niel echoed. U. Stuart got up and motioned towards the door. You dont have anything to collect, do you? he asked, just to make sure. No. I never owned anything, much less anything important! OK, then. Lets get going. U. Stuart started slowly walking toward the door, as if waiting for Niel to make his final decision. Niel, after sitting in his previous position for a second, then dashed across the one room-kitchen-bathroom shack and slowed down just before reaching U. Stuart. What about the old hag? Niel questioned as he saw the little hut, neighboring his own. An unexpected feeling of loss slowly drifted through his body. Which old hag, son? I thought you were alone. Shes my neighbor. My grandpas whoever, or thats what she says. Your grandpas who? Dont know. Sister she says. Theodores sister is still alive?!? Aunt Adelai is still alive? Stuart nearly ran to the hut, almost burst through the door, but then momentarily regained some of his manners. He knocked ferociously on the door until he heard a faint voice answering him. Im coming, Im coming. Dont you be in such a hurry!

The lady opened the door and almost jumped back in shock. Stuart! How in the name of God are you here? Why did? When did? She almost sputtered that all out in one breath, but quickly realized she needed two. Niel noticed straight away that her amulet was shining. Then, ever so slowly a little red beam began to travel from each others chest to meet in between with a light brighter than any light on earth. But strangely, Niel didnt even have to squint his eyes in the least. A figure began to form in the light. It was in the shape of a young girl. She was facing the opposite direction that he was, and started turning to him. He could not see any of her features, except for the shape of her body. She wasnt very mature physically. Only about one year older than he was. When she finally turned around, Niel swore to himself again and again that she was the prettiest thing he had ever seen. The girl was not at all surprised; on the contrary, she looked well prepared for this encounter. Hi, Niel, my name is Andromacheii, meaning battle of a man in ancient Greek, but call me Anda. I am assigned to be your helper. I am as surprised to see you, as you are me, but I think that with His help well get to know each other better for the desperate times to come. The girl started to fade, but somehow Niel knew that she would still be there talking to him. And he was not disappointed. The voice remained distinctly there, although now it did not come from any specific source. For right now, dont waste any time, and get on with what youre doing. What am I doingI mean - supposed to do? I dont know. Im just saying what I hear from Him. Just then Niel realized that Uncle Stuart and the hag, or now known to him as Adela, were quietly conversing and occasionally glancing at him. He could also hear a few chuckles here and there. Are you talking about me? Niel asked as he narrowed his eyebrows in a gesture of being upset. But that brought on even more chuckles. Whats so funny? Niel started to get frustrated. You know, son, when you are that young, everything you do to copy adults is funny Adela said. It was the first time he saw her smile. She looked so much younger. Her back was strait, the wrinkles were gone. Her hair somehow regained some color. Her tone of voice was also somehow younger. Niel mumbled something incoherent under his breath, as he turned around and started trudging toward his shack, but then stopped, remembering that he was not to live there anymore. Uncle Stuart and Adela had not noticed, or at least pretended not to. Niel, come on, we need to go find the others! U. Stuart called. Niel turned around and followed U. Stuart and Adela, who had

also decided she had nothing to take from her little shack. They walked slowly (too slowly for hyped-up Niel) down the street and into a small forest. After walking for about a minute, they came to a clearing in the middle of which sat a small modern Learjet, glistening in the sun. It was a royal blue color, with a golden emblem of a design, like the one that Adela wore around her neck. U. Stuart reached into his pocket, pulled something out, and in a moment a door of the Learjet opened, revealing a simple cabin and a set of seats in the back. No TV, no computer, no video, just a small bathroom and a cupboard with a fridge. U. Stuart stepped inside, followed by the others, who sat down into their selected seats with mouths agape. Let us say a word of blessing. U. Stuart reverently said. Adela bowed her head and closed her eyes. Niel hesitantly followed suit. Dear Jesus, help me to fly well to our next destination, and thank you that I have found Niel and Adela with no problem. In a matter of minutes the plane was high in the air, heading for unknown destinations.

Chapter 2 Get out! Rosa shrieked. I have to change, cant you see? Nannie nannie, boo b Renatos singing was interrupted by a harsh slap on his cheek by his sister. Renato and Rosa were twins, adopted by a very wealthy couple in Brazil, although the twins did not know that. They were the spoiled sort of kids, always getting what they wanted, and going where they wanted to go. They acted like pure Brazilians and were very nationalistic, at least for their age of 14. GET OUT!!! Rosa yelled at the top of her voice. Renato finally left not because he gave in, but because he didnt want to lose his hearing ability; not that there was much left from the screaming coach on his basketball team. He didnt particularly like basketball, but his tall, thin, wiry body made for a perfect basketball player. He had a short clean haircut, always gelled up. He never solved the mystery of why his eyes were blue, and his parents brown, but right now, he did not really care. Having grabbed his clothes before the door slammed, he dressed in the bathroom, and went down for breakfast. Renato and Rosa were not a typical brother and sister. They were best of friends, even though they often liked to tease each other and had their moments of conflict. Their foster parents were careful in spending money and didnt have any servants or chauffeurs, except for a chef and a cleaning maid. They lived in a normal-sized private house, with six bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a garage, a dining room, and a living room.

They had a big property, always clean and neat, with flowerbeds, lawns, ponds, trees, a fountain, and a little hut at the back, where the twins, or shall we call them the Marvins, for that was their familys last name, kept their few pets. As Renato was leaving to tend to the animals, after having finished breakfast, his father called him to the bedroom, in which Mr. and Mrs. Marvin lived. Wheres your sister? Lois asked. I have to tell you something very important. I do not know how you will take it, but you are already fourteen, and need to know the truth. You know me I dont like to beat around the bush, so I will be frank and get straight to the point. Both you and Rosa were adopted when you were three-year-old toddlers. We met plenty of children, but you and Rosa were so adorable and happy. You were definitely the best decision any foster parents could make. You two just had something special about you that we could not place, something majestic and unexplainable. Early this morning a man called me, saying that he knew your parents. I didnt really understand, but he said he has official documents from your parents, stating that he was and is your legal guardian and that in half a week he will be coming to talk with you and possibly take you to wherever he is taking you. Renato pondered on all of this without his mouth agape like it should have been. He and Rosa had discovered about a year ago that they were different from other teens by possessing unusual skills. He remembered the first time they had discovered them. He and Rosa were swimming in a lake, half of which was their property, near to their home. They were not trained swimmers, but they knew how to swim well, because they came here to swim almost every day. Rosa found a spot where she would dive deep and look for colorful sand or stones. This was where she would spend almost all her swimming time. Once, however, she dived too deep behind an underwater rock ledge, and could not come back in time to catch her breath. Just when she was about to open her mouth and swallow water, an air pocket appeared around her, and she could freely breathe. The air pocket was perfectly spherical, the size of which was regulated by her mind. Renato saw this too, as he was diving for shells and urchins. When she came back to the surface Renato helped her to shore and checked to see if everything was fine, already knowing that it was, due to what had happened under the water. Rosa was totally shaken from her near-death experience. She somehow knew that it was her who created that air bubble, or rather God, in whom they both strongly believed. She walked a distance away, and sat down, closing her eyes in concentration. Slowly very, very slowly a dark blue transparent bubble began to form around her, growing bigger and bigger. It looked like it was made of blue liquid, vibrating and moving around her. She opened her eyes and stood up. Slowly she started walking to Renato,

who took a few steps back, not knowing exactly what to do. I dont think it is dangerous she whispered. Walk inside, maybe it is meant to protect us. She was right. Renato walked inside morphing through it. His face was very awkward, as the feeling was new to him. It was a sort of uncomfortable twinge through his body. Not painful, just uncomfortable, like a small electric shock. Once he was inside, the blue liquid turned into ice. The ice was pure like glass, and was not melting on the outside, as the crystallized molecules were constantly renewing their structure. Renato began to feel cold, and glanced over to Rosa who was peacefully standing and watching the world through this new perspective. She sensed what he was about to say, and the ice bubble disappeared. A few days later Renato was sitting on his bed, wondering if he too had any powers. He walked out of the backdoor, when some movement caught his eye at the edge of the property. A boy, about his own age, was sneaking out of the hut in the back of their garden with one of their white rabbits. Hey! Renato yelled at the top of his voice. What do you think youre doing? But the boy having heard Renato now ran for his life. Renato knew all his rabbits by heart and the one the boy was carrying right now was his favorite. Renato now realized that he was barefoot so he couldnt run on the rocks and pebbles that the boy was running on. He dogged into the house and put on his shoes as fast as he could. Now back on the porch he could see the boy at the end of the road which stretched out for a long ways before rounding a corner. He started running with all his might down the road. Soon he realized the boy was quite a challenge. Picking up speed, Renato didnt realize, that his surroundings started turning into streaks of objects, zooming by at extreme speed. He caught up with the boy, who was pouting like a race horse, and recognized him as the faraway neighbor boy, who had never become their friend. After talking a few minutes and coming to some agreement, the boy gave the rabbit back and jogged toward his home. Renato turned around, and only then realized how far he ran in only a few seconds. He made it home in seven minutes, still deciding whether he should tell anyone about his power. Heading towards the shack to place the rabbit in its cage, he bumped into Rosa, who had just fed the animals and was going to look for their fifth rabbit, thinking it ran away. Rosa, I need to talk to you! Pushing her back inside the shack, Renato excitedly recalled everything that had just happened to him. Rosa stood there for some minutes, considering their new secret. Should we tell anyone? Rosa asked half knowing the answer. I think we should keep it to ourselves for now. Renato mysteriously replied. We will find out when we are supposed to tell

others. Now he sat in the kitchen, soberly eating breakfast, and exchanging uncomfortable looks with his dad, now known to him as Mr. Marvin. Rosa was walking down the stairs, unaware of the ultimate changes their lives were going to take. Mr. Marvin looked at her adoringly, knowing it was a matter of days before she would leave, and maybe never see him again. Rosa was also tall and thin, with long brown hair, of which a little part in the front was dyed red to the nigh horror of her parents. She sat down at the table, looked at the two men, and began chewing her breakfast. Bubbling over with all sorts of topics, Rosa had not even noticed that neither Renato, nor her dad said anything, and frequently exchanged peculiar looks. Rosa, I Dad, Ill tell her. Tell me what? Rosa asked. Ill tell you later today Renato replied. Tell me what?!? she persisted. Rosa, please! Renato muttered with a sigh. Rosa shrugged her shoulders and continued her breakfast. Her facial expression had not at all changed, even though she was very interested in new information. She was the kind of girl that likes hearing any unusual news. Silence at the table was very unusual. That afternoon, as they were sunbathing by the lake, Renato told his sister everything he heard from their dad. Rosa was very surprised, though not nearly as shocked as Renato thought she would be. She was a sturdy girl, but very keen on learning new things all the time. For Renato she was a bit too curious. I wonder who our parents were and what they were like. Rosa muttered after a while of reflection on all that Renato told her. Me too. I think they were very nice people, not those mean sort of parents. Renato said with a smile. Yeah, me too. Those three days passed all too soon for the Marvins, who by this time did everything they had ever wanted to do together. Renato and Rosa still called Mr. and Mrs. Marvins mom and dad out of affection and love, as well as habit. They were going to miss each other a lot, even though they all knew about the barrier between them. Finally that dreaded day came. Well, not dreaded for everyone. Rosa and Renato were looking forward to it and what it would bring with much curiosity. Their things were packed and food ready. But we must wait a few chapters before we come back to this snuggly home.

Chapter 3

Far away from Mexico, in the country of Norway the RADAR scanners of a private airport spotted an unknown aircraft. The main tower was abuzz with activity to secure all sectors of the airport. The head of the airports defense program was nervously watching various computer screens. He picked up the transmitter and calmly spoke into it. Aircraft, identify yourself. Over. Private LE 3806. Over. The man quickly searched up the name on the computer in front of him. A picture of the JET appeared and with it the face of Stuart Clark. Stuart! the man transmitted with a big grin on his face. How nice of you to drop by! Requesting fly-by, sir. Permission granted. Over. In a matter of minutes the small plain was driving out of the only runway into a covered hangar. A little yellow car was slowly cruising towards the plane, and when U. Stuart opened the door, the face of a nice man popped inside the plane. Stuart! Its been a while hasnt it? the man said in an accented English as he heartily slapped Stuart on the back. Yah, Boris, over 13 years U. Stuart slowly replied looking far away in the direction of the dark blue-gray mountains. The sky was all covered with the same pale blanket of nothingness all day. No sun, no rain - a very dull weather. Niel and Adela were quietly sitting in the corner watching this exchange. Now Boris noticed them, and threw a questioning look at Stuart. Oh, these are very good friends of Marcus and Amanda Stuart replied casting a warm smile their way. Niel stored that information in his mind for later reference. You must be hungry and tired. Lets go to The Place, shall we? Boris asked the three, but knowing only Stuart would understand. Yes, lets go. Stuart replied for all of them We had some food on the way, but rest is always good. Niel and Adela quickly got up and followed Boris and U. Stuart to the main airport building. After giving some orders to his men, Boris came back out and they proceeded to get into his little car. They drove through a forest, and then by a lake, and then through another forest. Mountains could be seen not too far away, heavily clothed in dark shaggy pine trees and light puffy Christmas trees. Birds could be seen flying among the tree tops, and little rabbits hoped between trees from time to time. Everything was so wildalmost too wild. Niel thought he even saw a deer once. Seven minutes later they came into view of a beautiful middle-sized house by the edge of the forest. It was plain on

the outside, but very neat and tidy. It was of a peachy cream color, and would be seen for miles away, had it not been for the forest on one side and the hill on the other. The only angle you could see it from was only the one they were coming from, and even then for a little period of time. Boris parked his car by the side of his house and got out to open the back door. They followed him around the back of the house to the front door and stepped in. None of them, besides Boris himself, of course, expected what awaited them on the inside. The little wooden door opened into an ornamental hallway at the end of which a stairway could be seen disappearing into the next floor. On both sides of the hallway beautiful brown doors opened into little single or double bed rooms, with neatly made beds, apparently ready for any guests. Boris showed them their own rooms, and then took them to the living room, where soft comfortable couches rounded a table, set with an assortment of simple, but delicious looking dinner food. Please feel at home, my friends. Boris said with a friendly smile on his face. Have dinner, as Im sure you are very hungry. My wife will bring tea and dessert shortly. Wow, Boris, you really fixed it up nice. You live here now? U. Stuart asked. My wife and I moved in here and made it livable after that situation. It has served us well. Our kids like it too. He answered with a twinkle in his eye. Thats right, you have kids. A son and a daughter, am I right? I remember your son when he was an infant, but I have yet to see your daughter. She is nothing like Shawn, he remarked with a chuckle quite the opposite actually. Niel hadnt yet finished his plate of chicken stew, before a surprisingly young-looking woman walked into the room carrying a big tray of tea and desserts. U. Stuart got up and shook her hand, exchanging some polite words of greeting. Boris then introduced Adela and Niel to her, as they also got up and shook her hand. Once they were all done with dinner, Boris motioned to U. Stuart, who then got up and walked in his direction. At the other end of the living room stood a huge menacing steel door with a series of complicated locks on it. U. Stuart and Boris stopped in front of it. Why dont you two rest for a while? U. Stuart said turning around. I know you are both tired and you need that rest. I will retire to my room soon also. With that Boris and U. Stuart stepped into the door, which Boris by now had opened. Niel and Adela looked at each other, then got up in silence and walked to their rooms. At breakfast Boris wife Katy and their two kids joined them at

the table. Happy conversation took place, and everyone enjoyed each others company. Niel caught U. Stuarts eye and saw some discomfort about what was to follow. Boris and Katy I am happy to have seen you two once again. I had nothing but pleasure since coming into this house. But the time has come for us to move on to greater destinations. We will hopefully come to visit you at a later date he said as he winked at Boris when we have more company. Thank you for your hospitability and welcomeness. Oh come on, Stuart, you know it was no problem to have you here. We are very definitely looking forward to you coming again. Boris exclaimed with a big smile on his face. Niel and Shawn who were almost the same age were excitedly chatting in the corner to the oblivion of their surroundings. When Stuart finished his goodbyes, they were both standing quietly and watching this happy-sad departure time. Niel hugged Shawn and they both walked towards the front door ahead of the others. Boris drove them back to the airport and gave them some more food to cram into the jets fridge. Ive already asked my men to wash and shine your plane, as well as give it a good refill. Thank you, Boris, you took care of everything. After they all prayed for each others protection and safety, the door closed, and the Learjet was soon speeding on the runway heading again to unknown destinations. U. Stuart, who are Marcus and Amanda? Niel impatiently asked. In the next three days you will meet a few other teens. Marcus and Amanda were parents of two of those teens. They were best friends of mine. They passed on at the hand of Lucifers men like the rest of us did. Stuart sadly replied, while maintaining his concentration on flying the plane. But then why are you so sure we can defeat Lucifer, if you were dying at his hand? Because God passed on the anointing to the next generation. We defeated his father, it is your turn to defeat him. Niel pondered on this in silence until he fell asleep. Adela watched him for a long time with a thoughtful expression on her face. I guess those grandmotherly genes are starting to work, huh? Stuart joked. I never saw him sleep. He looks so much like his father and grandfather. Adelas voice was so much younger than Stuart heard it so far. This whole experience and memories from the past straightened her body and renewed her spirit and vigor. She remembered those days when the powers were given to her. Not passed on, but given. She was from that first generation of Chosen Ones, whose power was given to them by messengers of God. Even Stuarts power was passed

on to him when he was born. Stuart was from the second generation. However, he lost his abilities in his rebellion and disobedience. Adela gently put her hand on Stuarts shoulder. He somehow knew why. There is always a second chance, Stuart She whispered. I know, Aunt Adela. And I think this is it. I cant think of bigger blessing than recruiting the third generation of the chosen ones. They were promised to be the last generation, the generation to see our Lords coming. I am honored to be in His service in this way. He gratefully replied. He will reward you greatly, Stuart. I know it. She said reassuringly and then sat back down in her seat, falling into a deep sleep like Niel. Chapter 4 Cormac was jolted out of his sleep by the persistent annoying ring of his alarm. 6:00 AM. Today is the day he told himself as he got out of bed and went to his closet to pull out a small packed suitcase. He dressed into pair of jeans and a blue T-shirt and went to the kitchen next door. He splashed water onto his face from the kitchen tap and then wiped it with the dish towel. After finding his coat, he put on his shoes, grabbed his suitcase and went out the back door. He closed the door behind him and typed some commands into the little circuit box next to him. Some locks clicked, some beeps sounded, but he was already out of the gate, flagging down the next cab. Southside airport he told the driver and then relaxed in his seat. Take it slowly. he told himself. Youll have plenty of action ahead, just enjoy the calm. Within an hour of winding through back streets to avoid the morning traffic, the cab pulled up by a small airport on the outskirts of town. Cormac paid the driver, got out, ducked back inside to pull out his suitcase, and then slowly strolled toward the entrance of the airport. Once inside he headed over to the restaurant and sat down at a table. A female waiter walked over to his table and put down a menu. Thank you, Marie, but I will have the usual he replied with a wink. Yes, Mr. Clark, it will be ready in five minutes she said blushing. Oh Marie, we went through that before. Please, just call me by my name. he muttered rolling his eyes. Look, Corm, I am just a waiter at this airport, and you are the son of its owner. She seemed to stiffen. Marie, its ok. He sensed her tension and gave her the menu back, while lightly brushing his fingers over hers. She took the menu and quickly walked away to the bar. Cormac smiled and remembered how he met Marie. No wait, he didnt

remember. Many girls had their eyes on him. He was good-looking with long black hair and light brown eyes. His well built body made him look nineteen and his sharp jaw and straight cheeks only made him look older. He had known Marie as a little boy, coming and going to this airport with his father on business. Marie was not one of those girls who just looked at his face. She was gentle and saw him for who he was, at least he was sure of that. She was noisy and outgoing a lot of the time, but she wasnt shallow. He didnt know what it was about her. But their little relationship never grew. It stayed that distant hi-winkbye relationship, and though neither of them liked that, that was just the way things went. He looked out the window onto the runway and then down to his watch. 8 AM. Only half an hour. His tray of breakfast had come and gone, along with the newspaper he now started reading. An incoming flight announcement caught his ear and he looked out of the window again to see a distant dot growing on the horizon. He smirked as he sunk in his chair and put the newspaper even higher above his head. His thoughts wondered to the person that was supposed to come with him on the same plane. He was told not to worry about it, but he couldnt help but wonder. Was he here already? Or would he come at the last minute before take-off? Was it a he or she? More questions passed through his minds eye, but he couldnt figure them out any. Just as he was about to start making guesses the door to the restaurant opened and three people walked in. He recognized his dad right away, though his face was growing prickly hairs that Cormac hated. The other woman and boy were new to him, but he knew exactly who they were. Stuart eyed the tables and then gestured to the woman and boy to a table next to Cormac. After ordering breakfast from Marie, all three sat down at the table and started a small talk. Breakfast came soon and when the table was set Stuart asked Marie about Cormac. Worried, she turned around to Cormacs table, but he was prepared for the moment. He was standing behind her smiling, his suitcase in his hand and the newspaper in the other. Cormac, it is good to see you! Stuart exclaimed as he wrapped his hands around his son. Thanks, dad. You too! Cormac hugged his dad and then sat down on the last free chair. Did you have breakfast, son? Yes, dad, thanks. He replied lazily. Oh, by the way this is Adela and Niel. He looked at Niel with a cheeky smile Adela, Niel, this is my son Cormac. It is good to finally meet you. Cormac said as he reached over to shake hands. I think we will have plenty of time to get to know each other better. Stuart whispered something in Cormacs ear, who then went out the door toward the runways. He walked over to the plane while the

door was still opening. He stepped inside and typed in some controls. The plain lurched and slowly rolled towards the nearest hangar. He refilled its fuel tanks and food storage, and then proceeded to create an auto-pilot disc in case of emergency. By the time he was done, Stuart was behind him ready to leave. Cormac crawled into the back, while Stuart climbed into the front and strapped in. Cormac sat down on the seat behind the drivers and strapped in as well. He turned over to the passengers and his jaw dropped. Marie! Why. Dad, what is? he turned to his dad in shock at the new passenger in the plane. I thought I told you about that passenger that was coming with us. You forgot? Stuart said light-heartedly. No, butMarie? he was obviously at loss for words and kept mumbling something to himself. Well, Marie, Im definitely surprised to see you here, but even more so glad. He was sincere and she knew it. She didnt know either that he was coming on this trip, but was more than happy about it. Cormac turned back to the cockpit and stared out into the clouds. This was definitely an adventure. But he was not at all hesitant to jump head-first into it.

i http://www.behindthename.com/name/adela ii http://www.behindthename.com/name/andromache