pdf file - Notes from An Alien

near. They were in their home, not far from where Akla's body was laid to rest. Three Aklan women were in
constant attendance and thousands of Aklans were outside, ranging up and down the mountain valley. Every
major turn of event in Velu's birth process was communicated, mouth-to-mouth, through the valley and down to
the low lands, then on to the rest of the Unholy Lands' residents.
Akla had hinted at a very special birth and the time to expect it. The character of Velu and Zena had
focused the hint on this birth.
Twenty-six hours since the beginning of Velu's travail and each hour had seen more visible activity in the
plasma streams in the atmosphere above their home—red and green and purple waves and ribbons of color,
giving a completely festive feeling to the birth process.
Zena handed Velu a warm drink and she said:
"Our child will rename this territory."
Knowing his wife was seeing what she said, he asked:
"What will she call it?"
"She?" Velu cocked an eyebrow and a small smile.
"Velu, you know I know."
"Your powers are resurging."
"Yes. I've needed raw, stark rationality to deal with the Worlds' situation but our child's energy is calling
my powers out."
"Are you ready to here the name I've chosen?"
"If you're ready to reveal it."
"Delva."
"Sweet Breeze..."
"Good?"
"Perfect!"
Velu had a major contraction and Delva's crown peeped out. Velu slid her body off the bed and crouched
over the birth blankets. Two of her Aklan attendants sat in front and one behind. Zena stood where he could see,
his mind recalling one of Velu's favorite prayers. He sang:
"Oh, Eternal One!
Oh, our Hope!
Be with us and bring us joy.
Fill us with Your Spirit."
The plasma display intensified.
The Aklans began a cheering chant.
Baby Delva didn't cry...
A lone astronomer on Anga-Param, having idly trained his telescope on Anla-Purum, noted the increased
plasma activity in the planet's atmosphere, wrote down the coordinates, and left to find his friend and get a
second opinion.
The ruling priests of the Lord's Army and the Faith of Eternity had been in consultation when they saw
the plasma storm.
Urnun turned to Vaozur and recited a verse which was in both their Holy Books:
"She will come to you with glory. She will come at the lowest ebb of the River of Life. The sky will
announce her coming. This is the time to meet together and decide your fates."
"Urnun, you know as well as I the danger of applying holy writ to events, making assumptions unchecked
by confirmation from God."
"I say we choose one follower each, two Gifts for God, to see if we will be inspired to judge this event."
"Agreed."
The man and woman had been fastened to the stake back-to-back, the Knife Bearers and Blood Tenders
were ready, the priests advanced to the wooden platform.