Page 141 of Forbidden Moon
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CONFERENCE ROOM, EARLYafternoon
Evan nodded as Jack walked in for their joint teleconference with Everet. They’d met shortly after breakfast to compare notes, unsurprised to discover they’d both experienced similar dreams. Due to the four-hour time difference between Gladstone and Fairbanks, Evan waited until almost noon to call the man. He, too, had something to report, and they agreed to discuss it together before notifying Alpha Sheppard.
Evan and Jack sat side by side within the scope of the camera pickup and activated the link with Everet. The men agreed to share their dreams first and then discuss the meaning afterward. Evan began, weaving the tale exactly as it occurred and in great detail. Jack went next.
“My dream was much the same, only in Mexico and what appeared to be the northwest United States. In each place, I found unknown True Elders, each seeking someone to guide them. As in Evan’s dream, they were of all ages.”
Everet’s experience was strikingly similar.
“The pattern remains true in my dream also, though my walk took me through both Alaska and Canada. Once the dream released me, I could not shake the impression that Luna is preparing us to meet the other True Elders who have remained hidden until now.”
Jack’s expression and scent changed abruptly before he spoke.
“Last month, I discussed this issue with Hezekiah. Given the relatively small number of recent arrivals in the Afterworld, there must be a large number of True Elders alive and among us somewhere. This may explain why we each saw brothers of different generations. I only foresaw Everet and one other in my previous dreams and assumed no more existed. Perhaps Luna has waited until a better time to reveal the others to us.”
While Evan agreed, he sought additional answers.
“Why do you suppose Luna gave each of us the same basic dream except for the location?”
Everet lifted a finger to speak.
“I wondered myself. Is it because our search must be wide in scope? Or, Luna may be alerting us to our individual responsibilities when our brothers are found. After all, it makes sense for me to deal with those nearest my home.”
Both Evan and Jack nodded, having considered the same thing. Jack responded.
“Your ideas have merit, Everet, though initial dreams are nearly always of a general nature. Only later do they reveal more and provide the direction we seek. However, considering all three of us received the same dream simultaneously, I believe Luna intends to bring this about soon. We must prepare ourselves to receive, educate, and assimilate brothers who are yet unknown and may be found in any region which harbors natural wolves.”
Evan’s early morning conversation with Ben prompted his next question.
“How, Jack? Each of us has a mate, children, and other responsibilities.”
Everet agreed.
“We need to bring up the subject when we speak to Alpha Sheppard.”
Jack responded without the lecture they half expected.
“Indeed. As I have always maintained, our gifts do not require personal sacrificeat any cost. Unlike my early life, we now have airplanes, computers, and other technological marvels that will help us in our work. We also have understanding mates who will not allow us to be overwhelmed. I expect our responsibilities to increase for a time, but we must be creative in how we respond to the need.”
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AN HOUR LATER, DULUTH, Minnesota
“...the dreams may be telling us that our search for other True Elders will soon bear fruit. When Luna reveals more, we will contact you.”
Once Jack stopped speaking, Adam Sheppard realized he’d been leaning forward towards the oversized screen, eagerly soaking up his words. Regaining some of his composure, he sat back in the comfortable chair.
“This is astonishing news! Not three weeks ago, Everet gave a fine presentation at the annual conference on this very subject. It appears Luna was listening. Our pack Alphas are actively searching for clues and information on unknown True Elders as we speak. Given what Luna has revealed to you, do you have any specific recommendations?”
Everet brightened at the invitation.
“I do, Sir. As I said at the meeting, these people may wish to remain hidden for various reasons. Perhaps they have been rejected, don’t understand what they are, or their gifts prevent them from fitting in with traditional packs. Luna has also reminded us that they may be of almost any age, representing multiple generations.
“The majority of packs should have already identified True Elders among their number by scent alone. Therefore, the search must concentrate on lone wolves, cast-offs, runaways, fringe packs, and others outside of the American Shifter Council’s influence. Ultra-remote areas need to be cataloged and visited to see if any of our people live there. Some, as I did, may have hidden among natural wolves.
“We also need to think about sending international teams to help our brothers in Mexico and Canada. For instance, Jack found no evidence of his relatives years ago. What if they still exist in hiding and no one thought to look for them? Has anyone ever returned to England to search for remnants of our ancestors? Surelysomeof them decided not to emigrate to the new world. If so, they must have gone deep into hiding when the natural wolf population was exterminated in the fourteenth century.
