Gaia Awakens

By Gloria Fifield

Janine Wilcox has grown into a lovely young lady, albeit one with many special abilities. Hers is the monumental task of being the Emissary to the peoples of this world. As Emissary, she will lead humanity into Pach’tra, the community of intelligent beings that inhabit this galaxy in peace.
Without her, Earth’s billions would be doomed to a future alone and without the enlightenment she could have given them. Before she can follow her destiny however, she and her alien twin Jal’ren, will be forced to save us all from ourselves ... and her own family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gloria Fifield
• Release date: Feb 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215788936

Gloria Fifield

I've always loved books. Even as a kid, that was my favorite pastime, escaping into the fantasy world of whatever book I was reading. Sorry to say, I started writing a bit late in life, but once I started, I couldn't stop. So far, I've tried writing what is sometimes called chic lit, family sagas, mystery, and sci-fi. My latest, is a real epic tale that is a historical fiction novel. Now, that was a challenge. I tackled it because my late partner was fond of telling me not to sell myself short. He said that if my mind could think it, I could write it and he was so right. At the moment, I'm living in sunny Florida with my two feline companions and enjoying working on a brand new collaboration with my brother Dean Fifield (who is also a writer.) Hopefully, we'll be presenting it to you for your reading pleasure real soon.

Book preview

Chapter one

Janine stared at the food on her plate. She was sorely tempted to use her considerable mental abilities to manipulate this mess into something at least more edible. As tempting as it was, she didn’t want to draw unnecessary attention so she refrained.

Just use a little of that red condiment in the bottle. Enough of that will hide the taste of almost anything. Janine smiled at her inner twin’s unconscious shudder when she bravely took a small bite. After only a few more bites, Janine gave up and laid down her fork. Gulping the last of her weak coffee, she motioned to the waitress for her check. Enough was enough.

A moment later, a fellow student dressed in jeans and a tee shirt with the diner’s name on it, approached with the bill. Seeing most of the food still on her plate, she asked, What’sa matter Honey? Somethin’ wrong with the meatloaf?

Rather than insult the girl, Janine lied; No, it’s just fine. I just wasn’t as hungry as I thought I was. Thanks.

She checked the amount of the bill, calculated the proper tip then exited the booth and headed for the door.

There, was that so bad? Janine was beginning to get irritated with Jal’ren.

Let’s just say, that diner’s food sure isn’t Mom’s cooking. Be grateful I was the one tasting it, not you.

I am. It was bad enough hearing you groan. Believe me, being non-corporeal does have its advantages at times.

Speaking of which, have you spoken to Father lately? Last time I talked to him, he and Mother were excitedly planning our separation ceremony.

I haven’t spoken to either of them today, but I did receive a short message from our friend Dennis. He said he’s ready for Professor Levinson if and when he agrees to join us.

Good. I’m thinking that after only a couple of sessions with him, he’ll be onboard heart and soul.

Pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you, Sister?

Janine chuckled out loud, No, but I’m pretty sure of him. I was able to access his memories and I’m certain teaching in this backwater university wasn’t his first choice of occupations.

Wasn’t that kind of risky, playing around in his mind like that?

Janine smiled, Don’t worry, I was careful. He never even knew I was there.

Just remember, our mission is too important to put everything at risk doing something foolish like interfering with any human’s mind. Professor Levinson is to be an important part of that mission. It has to be our ‘Prime Directive’ never to jeopardize the mission.

Janine chuckled at the Star Trek reference, Like I said, don’t worry. I’d never do that. We’ve come too far …

We may have come a long way, but we have much farther to go.

Well, I don’t need to be reminded every few minutes to be careful, either. Jal’ren felt her twin’s irritation so she wisely let it drop.

Janine, the human half of their dual being, was subject to the same human frailties and anyone else. Being joined with Jal’ren wasn’t always easy, but had its rewards. Though to hear their human mother Jan, they were their own reward. She loved all her children, none of which would have been possible without the help of Alrec and Be’jan, their Watcher co-parents.

Jan wasn’t able to conceive a child until she and Kevin met the Watchers and agreed to be the human host parents of a joined child. This child was human in every apparent way, but was invisibly joined to the non-corporeal child of these alien energy beings. Once the girls matured, they would become separate, one flesh and blood, the other a creature of light and energy. Until that time they lived as one, inhabiting Janine’s human body … and mind.

Together, they were a considerable force. Their mission was to be the Emissary, the first to the people of Earth and was needed to show them the way to an awakening that would bring a total awareness of the way all life and consciousness throughout the universe is connected. The only alternative for this world would be exclusion and darkness, if it survived at all.

Janine knew what a daunting task laid ahead, but it was what she was born to do. It was her reason for being. Her task had only just begun and she was still in the first stage of recruiting key members of her team. If all went well, Professor Levinson would become one of those key members.

Janine was still hungry, but didn’t have time to stop anywhere else … not if she wanted to find the professor still in his office. She shelved the thought of grabbing a burger elsewhere. There would be time enough for that later. Right now, she needed to keep her mind on the business at hand. Jal’ren listened in agreement, but said nothing. She knew better.

Chapter two

Zachary Levinson looked up at the clock on his office wall. It was nearly seven and here he was still reading term papers. A few of them showed real promise like this young woman who posed a theory that the earth itself was a major contributing factor in the evolution of the human species. It was an interesting theory, but as she readily admitted, that’s all it was. She showed no solid proof one way or the other.

Furthermore, she asked some of the same questions he’d often asked but was never able to answer. No matter how hard he tried, and Zachary had tried, he was no closer to answers than he was years ago as a young post-graduate student working on Blakely’s team in Africa.

Right after college, Zack spent nearly two years working with the renowned anthropologist, Dr. Gerald Blakely, researching what they thought might be a new species of homo-sapiens. Even though it turned out to be nothing more than a side branch of Australopithecus, the work was no less exciting.

What that unusual fossil was doing in that isolated area where there was never before any indication of early human occupation, no one could say. At the time, they agreed it had to be an anomaly, something out of place and out of time. With a wry smile, he turned his attention back to grading term papers, dismissing his thoughts of far away Africa.

Fifteen years of teaching hadn’t dimmed Zachary’s thirst for knowledge, but did little to satisfy it either. It wasn’t quite the career he’d hoped for, but it had its rewards like being able to encourage promising students such as the young lady that wrote this paper.

Zack casually glanced at the name on the cover; J.R. Wilcox. Wilcox … where have I heard that name before? I know I have … He thought back. Wilcox … Then it dawned on him. Kevin Wilcox was one of his professors when he was a student here. Could they be related? Zack shook his head dismissing the idea. There had to be a good many Wilcoxes. This could be simply a coincidence.

Putting the paper aside, Zack poured himself a refill on the coffee. He tried to resume his work, but memories of his student days kept creeping back into his thoughts. Professor Wilcox was one of his favorite teachers. As his student, Zack was encouraged to think outside the box, to question everything rather than simply take conventional wisdom at face value. Professor Wilcox was one of the reasons he became a teacher when it became clear he would not be able to make a career of it in the field.

He was startled out of his reverie by a timid knock on his open door. There, a lovely young lady waited to be granted admittance to his little sanctuary. With a wave of his hand, Zack motioned for her to come in.

Professor Levinson? I was hoping to find you still here. I don’t know if you remember me. I’m Janine Wilcox and I have a question about your lecture today.

Janine? Oh, of course, J.R. Wilcox. I just finished reading your term paper and found it rather interesting.

Really sir? Some of what I wrote came from insights I got from your lectures, but the rest was gleaned from … other sources. She looked up at him and smiled ingenuously. I hope this means I’ll be getting a high grade?

Zack grinned a little bashfully, Well, in all truth, I haven’t quite decided yet. I usually read papers through once then go over them again to grade them. I’ve just finished the first reading. I must say though, you give the reader some things to think about.

It was now Janine’s turn to grin. This was exactly the reaction she was hoping for. Her joined twin’s voice quietly whispered, Careful Sister. Don’t move too fast. This one is an important keystone. We can’t afford to lose him by frightening him off.

I know, Jal’ren. I’ll take it slow, but we are getting close to our separation time and it would be good if we could conclude this part of the plan before I/We have to disappear.

True, only be careful of the … um … kind of interest you stir up in him. He’s human and a good-looking male at that. We don’t need him thinking your interest is anything other than a student’s curiosity.

Aww … you take all the fun out of it.

You said you had a question, Miss Wilcox? As Zack looked up into her eyes, he couldn’t help thinking that she had the prettiest hazel eyes he’d ever seen.

Janine lowered her glance to break eye contact. Um … yes, I did … I mean do. You spoke today about how you thought there was much more to this Nature vs. Nurture theory than meets the eye when it came to human evolution. Did you mean that you think the environment had a direct effect on how humans developed?

Well, in part, yes. I’m sure you must have heard around campus that this old professor has some pretty strange and totally unproven theories of his own when it comes to the history of our origins.

Janine couldn’t help quietly chuckling at the memory of when she told another student she signed up for this course. The term he used to describe the professor was crackpot.

I have heard a few things, but as far as I’m concerned, they’re as unproven … as your theories are.

Zack marveled at this young woman with such an open mind, I thank you for that, at least. I suppose I should warn you that you might get in hot water with some of your other teachers if you were to start quoting what I say in their classes.

Don’t worry, Teach. I’m pretty good at keeping my opinions to myself except when they are truly wanted. So, how do you think Nature vs. Nurture applies to human evolution?

He took a deep breath, Well, I could sit here and lecture on the subject half the night, but then I wouldn’t get your paper or anyone else’s graded. Tell you what, I have some things in here somewhere that I’ve written but haven’t published concerning this subject. If you like, stop by after class tomorrow. I’ll look them up later and let you read them. I’d sincerely like to hear your input and I will welcome discussing any questions you might have with you. Just remember, I’ve never been able to prove any of this.

I’ll remember. My dad is rather unconventional too. Maybe that’s where I get it from.

Zack thought once again of his former professor, Your father wouldn’t happen to be Kevin Wilcox, would he?

Janine giggled and tried to feign surprise. This was the first time since she left home she’d run across anyone that knew her family and she didn’t want to let on that it was on purpose, Guilty as charged! Do you know my dad?

Zack shook his head. Now, what are the odds? Mischievousness made her want to answer his thought, but caution won out as she waited for him to answer her.

Yes I knew him. He was one of my professors back in my university days. Say, you must be little Nini. I remember he used to bring you to work with him sometimes but then he suddenly stopped. I often wondered what happened to him after he left town for parts unknown. How is he these days? He saw the sadness that crossed her face and suddenly wished he hadn’t asked.

Dad has more or less given up on his studies and writes fiction novels now. He and Mom still live in New Mexico, but I know Mom would rather be here in Indiana with what’s left of the family.

I’m sorry. I know it can be awful hard on a family when things like this happen.

Dad was doing environmental research until he realized the people funding that research never had any intention of using his findings but wanted to suppress everything … for whatever their reasons were. She wanted to explain further the reasons Kevin quit working on the project, but this was as close as she could come to the truth for now.

I can imagine how disappointing that must have been. What was your dad studying out there in the wilderness anyway?

On the surface, it was supposed to be a study of how changes in the environment impacted the paleo-indigenous people of that area. Like you, he had some unconventional theories about forces that helped mold the lives and culture of those ancients which had very little to do with climate or weather changes. Again, she refrained from going into too much detail and waited for his response. She could detect an excitement building in him.

"Careful, he has a high PSI latency. He could pick up on things we don’t want him to if we let our guard slip even a little. He could even detect the duality of our existence. It would be much better if he learned about us later rather than sooner."

"I agree. I’ll be careful."

I think I’ll take you up on your offer, Professor Levinson. I’ll be back after class tomorrow for that reading material you promised. We may be more in agreement than you know. Meanwhile, I’ll let my folks know that I have one of Dad’s former students as my teacher. They’ll get a kick out of that.

She deliberately let him feel older by far than this dewy-eyed freshman daughter of one of his former teachers. The girl left him with no doubt that she considered him more or less in her dad’s generation. That was enough to make most men lose interest real fast. "It’s too bad really. He’s a lot more interesting than most of the other guys around here."

"Interesting or not, we have a job to do."

"Party pooper …" Janine could hear Jal’ren’s laughter in the recesses of her mind.

She turned and waved to Zack who mumbled, Good night Miss Wilcox.

Janine wished she could