Mission of the Betherans To Darfur Pt 1

INITIATION OF OPERATIONS

The twelve colossal Betherans stood in strict attention towering over the small hills. Upon recovering from the affects of artificial sleep, the titans had disembarked from their craft on anti-magnetic atmosphere discs. It wasn't until they were several miles above the surface that the inhabitants took alarm. Impressive both in size and technology, the colossal Betherans descended down upon the arid landscape and its inhabitants as silently as any dry leaf that fell to the ground

The time of their mission limited by the interstellar drift, the Betherans blanked all communication to outside of the region except to the military forces governing this area of Earthie territory. A blocking screen was projected over the area to jam visual detection both from aircraft and high orbiting satellites.

Among the emaciated population were a small band of Earthies from territories on the other side of the planet. This small group of relief workers stood in complete awe and fear of the sturdy and rigid giants. It was difficult to see the exact features of the titans who stood as high as city buildings. They all wore black boots that rose just above their ankles. The thick, towering, muscular legs entered a pair of deep colored burgundy shorts that ended at the top of their knees. Above their shorts was a jacket of the same color as the shorts. The jackets came down over the hips and were closed by either buttons or a zipper. The collar was banded and slanted inward. On the lower part of the jackets the flaps to giant pockets could be seen. The facial features appeared human. Next to the giants were small gray boxes. And huge as small hills were rolled up material that was surmised to be their bedrolls.

Standing in front of the twelve titans was a larger giant who by his manner of dress had to be the leader. His outstanding feature were the eight tower size cones of black hair that shot out. The obvious question on the minds of the tiny inhabitants---who are they? And why are they here?

Groups of the weakened Earthies whether on canes or on unsteady legs walked up (dangerously close thought the relief workers) to the skyscraper beings. The younger giants who had never been exposed to these minuscule beings before could not help and smile. They too were impressed by the courage and trust the Earthies displayed by approaching ones so much greater. Those who have had contact with Earthies in their past kept strict attention.

OUR (MISSION) OPERATION

The titan who stood before the twelve slowly lowered himself down onto one knee. The relief workers backed away in fear. Despite his careful actions the gigantic knee stirred up the parched dirt in a minor wind storm. And the massive weight of the knee shook the ground causing many to fall. The giant with the towers of hair waited for the tiny Earthies to collect themselves. In a strange manner of speech the titan spoke. "Happy First Greetings Earthies. We are Betherans from the planet Bethera. A quarter distance half of Galaxy. I am called Yalor. We have come to respond to your need. Our time short." Yalor stopped his address knowing the questions on the Earthies minds and hearts.

One Earthie relief worker approached and entered into the shadow of the one called Yalor. Meanwhile, the other Earthie workers with bent heads observed the other giants who stood in strict silence. "Why are you here? And do our respective governments know?" asked the relief worker feeling vulnerable and almost insect like before the giant.

Yalor replied in a powerful voice that caused all who were near to vibrate, "We as said come to respond to your need and suffering of people. We not interested in full cultural exchange with your diverse territories. Time short. We will let you and those who rule this land of pain to tell world. To keep interference away, communications of our mission has been sill."

"Sir..."

The great Betheran titan interrupted, "Call me Yalor."

"Ah yeah, Yalor. How?"

"How did we know?" The Earthie relief worker nodded. "Our in-tuned ones connected with the bio-emissions of the life forms carried on the ectoplasm frequencies picked up their cries. Why we here. Now we must work. Will you help us?" The relief worker turned to the others who had stayed back. With some hesitancy the other relief workers gave the signal that they would.

The relief worker somewhat scared despite the words of Yalor ran as the titan stood up and expanded into the air. Deep, booming sounds not unlike thunder filled the air as Yalor walked over to his men.

OPERATION BEGINS

The twelve young Betheran giants began opening the square gray metal boxes removing plastic bags and instruments. The tiny people and relief workers were curious in how they would help. One relief worker screamed as two enormous fingers picked him up by the back of his shirt. "Tiny one, Happy First Greetings. Tell me status of people." The relief worker at first laughed a nervous laugh as he was suspended many stories in the air before the giant face.

A fourteen year old (earthie measure of years) Betheran named Uril and the youngest among the group was from a Betheran Temple trained in the healing methods. He picked up deep bio and emotional disturbances. Stepping over huts and structures, he came to the remnants of a building that appeared to have been hit with a form of primitive weaponry. Huddling under a dirty sheet were several starving children. Uril carefully picked them up and laid them down in his hand. Their heads were bloated as were their stomachs from starvation. The tiny ones cried out in pain. Another Betheran came over, "I never expected it to be like this."

Uril looked up at his companion, "How come the Earthies haven't sent in more aid?" The other Betheran just lifted his shoulders up in a questioning gesture.

Taking a finger and rubbing it over a gland behind his right ear, Uril gently placed his finger tip on top of the swollen heads. The secretion quelled their pain. "Could you hand me the nutrient compound." The other Betheran reached into the pocket of his jacket and pulled out a small hermetically sealed bag and opened it up. Taking a small amount, Uril placed it on a swab and touched the lips of the children with it. "This will have immediate affects tiny ones."

Outside the boarders of the rescue zone, military of the region had set up position. With folded arms, Yalor looked off in the direction of the military. "You think they will try to attack?" asked one of his men.

"Me think silly if they do. Sent message I did to them before embarkation on our operations."

The relief workers moved somewhat fearful around the heels of the Betherans Though as with the people they sensed good will.

The Earthie and Betherans stopped work, when in the air came the sound of aircraft engines. Yalor observing the aircraft through visual aid equipment told his men, "Get into attack position." The Betherans immediately getting down on hands and knees used their bodies to shield the Earthies.

(FOOLISH ASSULT)

Several large silver bombers approached from overhead. Uril placed the children he was holding into the pocket of his coat. The relief workers began scurrying about nervously. "Just stay under us and you'll be fine," spoke a Betheran. The emaciated people crawled up onto the huge Betheran hands hugging the wrists. Others with their children in arms crouched down in-between the huge, thick warm fingers.

An aid asked the commander of operations, "Yalor are they serious?"

"If governed by fear and hate logic does not exist," replied Yalor.

As the planes drew nearer there came a high pitch whirring sound. Quickly following were tiny (to the betherans) explosions. The people screamed from conditioning. With arms
folded, Yalor looked around and shook his head. Putting his hands up in a horizontal position, Yalor with shut eyes concentrated. Opening his eyes, he directed an emotion concussion sphere at the craft.. The crew of the makeshift bomber found their airborne messenger of death in a terrible turbulence. The metal hull of the aircraft creaked. Losing all control, the plane plummeted down into an area of desolate tract.

A Betheran named Corazon who was further away from the others and nearer the hills, heard the sound of land vehicles and the firing of some sort of apparatus. Turning his head around, Corazon saw a group of green vehicles full of Earthies coming towards him. He felt a few prickling sensations in his face. "I don't want to destroy them," he thought. "Maybe I can scare them off." The colossal giant lifted up his left foot and slammed the tip to his boot down against the ground. The concussion from the giant boot caused several of the jeeps to swerve and tip over. Tiny explosions began to appear all around him. The people under Corazon began shouting.

The tiny soldiers approached the titan from behind. They began to slow their approach at the sight of the black heels that rose up before them, thick and menacing in appearance. The captain from the safety of the hills viewing their progress through binoculars ordered them to continue the assault. "What the?" said the titanic teen feeling tiny movements on his legs. Corazon began shaking his body. The soldiers yelled as they fell off the massive limbs. A group of six soldiers ran around and began shooting high powered machine gun fire into the fingers of the giant's right hand.. The people under the titan crouched down placing their arms over their heads. Seeing the bullets had no affect, the soldiers began running the knives that were attached to the ends of their rifles into the sides of the tree width size fingers. Getting annoyed by this foolishness, the titanic teen told the Earthie soldiers, "Now that hurts. Sorry guys." And the Betheran flicked each one away. The last soldier to be flicked away made a horrified look as the tips of the index and thumb came together. He could see his pathetic reflection in the pink four foot long finger nail. In an instant, the soldier felt a blinding, crushing pain in his chest as he spun high and far into the air. The group under Corazon wept. "Please trust me, your safe now. I won't let anyone harm you," spoke the titan from the stars with great empathy.

Many rocked back and forth explaining how they had seen family members die from starvation and murdered at the hands of the soldiers. A mother recounted what had happened to her young babies. Tears flowed down the Betheran's face. "I promise, I promise no one will hurt you."

A new set of soldiers began to fire small bombs at the colossal Corazon. Digging a quick hole with his right hand, the titanic teen placed the villagers down in it. He backed away from it and stood up. With fists on his hips, the Betheran teen ordered the advancing soldiers away. Pitiful explosions erupted around his huge black boots as a reply. Screaming and hooting the soldiers ran and climbed up onto his boots. "What do you think your going to accomplish?" asked the Betheran titan. The teen from Bethera stamped his two feet causing the tiny soldiers to be thrown off his boots. More rockets were fired at him.

Disgusted by their actions and from what he heard, Corazon lifted his foot and squashed the soldiers. Those who ran only found themselves under a great shadow and were sent into oblivion. Bending over, the Betheran teen picked up two jeeps and threw them towards the others. Wiping his nose, Corazon went over to the hole he dug. Stooping over the hole he removed the Earthies. He sat down, emotionally drained Placing a hand over the tiny people, Corazon found it greatly comforted them. Corazon with the tiny Earthies who found peace in his hand---wondered at what he had just done.

Back at the center of the besieged village, jeeps and groups of soldiers began swarming in Speaking to them in their language, Yalor and several other Betherans warned them to stop and leave. The soldiers did not heed the advice.

Uril spotting a group of soldier coming towards him, "Oh, get out of here." And taking a deep breath, Uril blew them away. The soldier tumbled over the ground like leaves caught in an autumn wind.

Another Betheran had to contend with several soldiers who started attacking his left hand. Having no patience, the titan lifted his hand and slammed it down on top of them. He wiped what was left of them off on the ground.

Using concussion spheres, the Betherans were able to herd the soldiers away. One titanic teen chased a group of jeeps away with the stamping of his boots. One jeep had a rocket launcher. While it did not harm the Betheran, it did cause him to lose his balance. Moving away from the villagers, the colossal teen began to tilt over a group of retreating soldiers. The tiny military men screamed as the enormous backside came crashing down on top of them. The Betheran felt a soft give under him. Placing a hand under his backside, the Betheran when he inspected his hand found to his sickening stomach, the crushed remains of the Earthie soldiers.

Yalor had captured two soldiers. "What are you going to do to them Yalor?" asked one of his young team members.

Speaking to the two frightened soldiers who literally were shaking, Yalor instructed them in his own inimitable way of speaking, "Go back tell what you seen. Power here that will defend lives." One by one Yalor removed the two men from his hand and placed them in a jeep. The two confused and scared soldiers quickly drove out of the village.

(JOYFUL REJOICING)

The relief workers slowly crawled out from underneath the Betherans. One relief worker with her hand on top of her head was laughing and shaking in joy as she said, "They did it! The giants chased them away. The giants!"

Slowly the Betherans stood up. The villagers who had the energy began cheering and dancing. Many ran up to the towering black boots and climbing up wanted to kiss the surface. The young Betheran team blushed and told them what they did was the right thing---to protect life.

Corazon sitting on the ground was still greatly troubled over what he had done. And he had shed a few tears. A woman who was holding her child slowly approached the colossal teen which to her seemed like a God. Entering his shadow, the woman fell to her knees. Near her was a pool made from the Betheran's tears. She dipped her hand into it. She placed the warm water on her face and on top of her child's head. Lifting her child up toward the giant face lost in thought the woman began weeping and speaking. Corazon lifted his face up and looked down upon the sobbing woman who was thanking him. "I thank you dear one like God. My last child. Others had died. Thank you, thank you!" And she continued to weep.

Slowly, Corazon extended a hand out to the woman and placed the tip of his right index finger on the side of her face. "Earthie please don't weep. Feel the peace of Bethera." Corazon smiled as he could see the child sleeping peacefully in her arms.

Uril getting up off the ground leaned back onto his heels. "Your safe now. Maybe they will learn now. Now back to what we were doing," he spoke to a group of villagers. Before beginning his tasks of bio-mending, Uril checked his coat pocket to see how the young children were. They were huddled together sleeping soundly among the folds of the inner-lining. One child opening his huge eyes, lifted a skeleton thin arm up towards the young Betheran teen. Uril, sent down a finger that the still emaciated child touched. "Hi young one," said Uril softly. "Are you feeling better? The compound should be making you stronger. Now sleep." And Uril gently removed his finger. The child slowly closed his eyes.

Standing up, Uril went over to his gray box and removed bio-restoration mats designed specifically for Earthies. Placing a row of pads down, he began placing sick Earthies on them. Two other Betherans with hands full of dying Earthies laid them on the bio-restoration mats. Uril took more swabs and carefully placed the nutrient compound on the Earthie lips.

A Betheran removed a device from his gray box to help with water restoration. Others cleared land and set up distribution of food they brought with them.

(END OF THE FIRST DAY)

As darkness set in, the Betherans set up surveillance around the boundaries of the region. The inhabitants built fires for the first time in years and without fear of being attacked by the government.

The Betheran titans began setting up their bedrolls at different points. Uril set up his bedroll near a group of fifteen dwellings. The children sought comfort by sleeping on the folds of the titan's pillow. Several crawled into his hand. Corazon slept with arms around a group of broken stone dwellings. His handkerchief he gave for many to sleep under. Yalor sitting cross-legged mediated on their mission.

Gazing out of their huts and buildings the inhabitants found comfort at the great outlines of the titans against the darkening sky.

So ended the Betherans first day.

(MORNING)

Corazon, when the light of the alien planet known as Earth met his eyes---had a shock. Not a disturbing shock that tightens the muscles in fear or anger---one of wonder and tenderness. With wide, glowing purple eyes, Corazon saw several dozen people all camped out on and around his pillow. The immensity of his mission came home to Corazon as the people who had been starved and murdered sought protection from him. The responsibility both scared and strengthened Corazon.

The young fourteen year old Betheran Monk and Medical Technician Uril was all ready up. His great form outlined against the dark blue sky. He was running medical checks on those in his care. Life signs were increasing in those who had been placed on the bio-restoration mats. Going over to one small Earthie child the signs had not change. He increased the energy flow of the mat. Picking up an Earthie relief worker, Uril asked, "Do you know the history of this child?"

"His family as with others from the village he came from was wiped out."

Uril replied, "I see." He put the relief worker back down. Placing the side of his finger against the side of Earthie, Uril whispered, "Tiny one try and fight. I need your will. If it will help, I promise you, you can come back to my planet. You have a birthright to have happiness."

The child said a few words though Uril could not hear it. However, the relief work heard the faint words. "Uril," spoke the relief worker. Uril picked the Earthie back up. "The child said a few words directed at you."

"Oh? What were they?"

"Love you like papa."

The inhabitants, many still questioning in their tired, frightened minds the reason for the appearance of the giants walked slowly near one massive titan. The giant grew right into the air so it seemed. His majestic form highlighted as did the other titans the bleak landscape. The giant with the eight towers of hair slowly turned around. The crowds moved back. Stooping down before them the colossus spoke, "Morning greetings

Once all the titans had woken, the Betherans before having breakfast formed a circle. Putting their arms on top of the shoulders of the person next to them they chanted---

"We on mother soil---we in the far beyond heavens---dark clouds deter us not---as we ride high upon the faith of our ancestors who majestically tread. By chasing your dreams everything changes---at all times your heart is watching you---where is love?--- from that question ---the courage that is only yours can certainly be discovered."

A Betheran happened to notice movement on Corazon's left boot. "I think you have a visitor," said the Betheran to Corazon. Looking down, Corazon saw a tiny Earthie hanging on to a strap that crossed the top of his boot. The skeleton thin Earthie looked up at the towering teens. Carefully, Corazon picked the tiny being up. "Your very good at picking up Earthies Corazon," spoke the other Betheran. "It took me practice after practice to get it right. I went through more replicas."

Placing the Earthie in his hand, Corazon asked, "Is there something I can do for you?" The Earthie; a teen who looked like could he could be his age backed up in the hand and placed his two arms around the thumb. And began speaking hurriedly. After he finished his unintelligible words he let go of the thumb. The tiny lifted his arms up to Corazon.

"I think he is looking for protection from you Corazon. Poor tiny creature. The Great Spirit of Light knows what he went through."

Placing a finger on the side of the trembling Earthie, Corazon said, "Feel the peace of Bethera." And he placed the teen in the pocket of his coat.

A Betheran who had been paroling the outer vicinity of the region came up to Commander Yalor. Reaching into a side pocket of his shorts, he pulled out a small round ball of netting. "Commander, I found these two soldiers with knives entering the area." He opened the netting and removed the two soldiers and placed them in Yalor's hand.

Yalor looked down somewhat agitated over the raw brutality of their nature. He finally asked in his singular form of address, "Why you come?" The two soldier shook out of fear in the immense hand. "Me won't harm you. You can be in peace. Me again ask. Why here?"

One soldier piped, "Under orders to infiltrate."

"Infiltrate? We here to help people. We release you. Go to superiors tell them as we told others of your rank, we will defend people if provoked."

The Betheran who had caught the two soldiers said with disdain, "You must have strength commander in not simply crushing them with your fingers."

"Enough blood has been spilled here." Handing the men back to the Betheran, Yalor instructed, "Release them at the outer boarder." Yalor before letting the young Betheran go said to him, "Me understand your revulsion. We must not let our hearts get polluted by hate. They go and will tell all they had seen. Remember the ones we are here for."

The Betheran took the two men and before leaving told Yalor, "Thank you commander."

An Earthie relief worker named Bill who had become a liaison for Yalor shouted up, "Yalor, can I speak with you?"

Bill, still adapting to being around the titans gulped when the small island of a hand came to rest down before him. Climbing onto the giant hand, Bill sat down. "Me how can help?" asked Yalor.

"Yalor, I was wondering what will happen after you leave. Will things revert to the way they were? It's too bad more of you Betherans couldn't come to earth."

"We come and repair your world you think?. Seems tempting. We came to help this region. If your civilization is to survive must be by you. We help here and hope this can set motions in your culture. To your question when we leave. All that is happening being recorded. And will be transmitted to all countries upon our departure.. Even if leaders deny, still exposure here will lend safety."

(RIRIGA)

Stepping over small hills and destroyed structures, Uril with another Betheran named Ririga set up another medical camp. The lone relief worker who was in that sector squeaked, "I'm glad your here Uril."

"Did I meet you before?" asked Uril to the young female Earthie.

"No, not really. I just observed you techniques. You Betherans are a God send to us."

Uril shyly nodded his head "You seem so exhausted. You can rest if you wish."

"I rather stay and help." As she turned she stumbled forward.

Reaching down, Uril picked the relief worker up, "You need rest before you become ill. You can rest in my pocket. You will be very safe there." Slipping his hand under the flap to his pocket, Uril deposited her to the bottom of his pocket. The relief working once on the soft inner lining quickly faded off to sleep.

Uril and Ririga set up bio-restoration mats for the infirmed inhabitants. Once they were set up, Ririga as Uril took care of the sick, started a food station. To spare those who were too weak, Ririga went and collected the people. Ririga while moved by the plight of the villagers was too amused how easily he could pick up the tiny people and place them in his pockets. A rush of importance surged through him as many tiny people shouted as they ran up to the front of his boots. Many once in his hand, knelt and kissed the pads to his palm that were like small mounds to the Earthies.

Kneeling down, Ririga removed the villagers from his pockets and began feeding the people. Those who were unable to eat, Ririga using swabs applied the nutrient compound to their lips. "How is it going?" asked Uril who came over to see how his comrade was doing.

"Its going well," he replied smiling as a tiny family crawled up his hand and removed cubicle containers of food. "Can I tell you something Uril?"

"Go ahead."

"I don't want to sound arrogant or in anyway to diminish the Earthies worth. I-I..."

"Feel free Ririga"

"Seeing what has happened here. And what we have observed on our monitors, I wonder if the Earthies would benefit from being under the watch of our culture. We are taught to look after the weak."

Uril scratched his chin, "You mean take over the planet?"

"No, not exactly, we can be overseers. Maybe we could take groups home. Families could keep a certain amounts to look after."

"Sounds like you thinking of them as pets."

"Its just their so tiny. It took me nothing to pick them up. And they seem so eager to be with us Uril."

"They have a destiny of their own to follow. And besides, shortly Earth will be out of range by the interstellar-drift. And remember the Earthies who act as Companions for our Betheran Warriors back home. If you have questions speak to Commander Yalor."

"Ok and thanks for listening to me," replied Ririga watching the tiny people eating their food. Uril went back over to the medical station.

Continuing to feed the people, Ririga caught notice of a strange moving object. The object that moved Ririga realized was an Earthie. The Earthie had no legs. Just stumps. The young teen was having problems getting by the people. Ririga had never seen anything like that before. Reaching down, he picked the teen up carefully by the sides of his chest and brought him up before his eyes. Ririga made an audible sigh when he could see it looked like the legs had been hacked off. Setting the teen down in his hand, Ririga told him, "I'll give you some food and drink." The teen responded with a big smile. "How can you be so happy?" thought Ririga. The Betheran placed food and refresher fluid down before the crippled Earthie "When you are done, I will take you to your family."

"I don't have a family," spoke the Earthie without any trace of self-pity. Ririga began feeling embarrassed by how he was viewing the Earthies.

An anger began to swell up in Ririga over what must have happened to the Earthie. Looking over toward where soldiers had been seen, Ririga thought, If those bugs show up again..."

( LEARNING)

Uril with the aid of Ririga was getting those in need of constant care and bio-restoration mats, ready to be placed in the transport containers. They would be brought over to the main Betheran encampment. In Uril's side coat pocket, the female Earthie relief worker was waking up. She stretched her arms out in the darkness. "Oh right, I'm in Uril's pocket." She giggled for the first time in weeks as she said, "His dear pocket."

Uril was applying the Earthie ways techniques that he had learned from Commander Yalor on those not so infirmed when he became aware of activity in his right pocket. Uril lifted the flap and peered in. The tiny Earthie waved up to him and shouted, "I'm all ready to continue my work."

"Oh, we're ready to pull out."

The Earthie female in a disappointed voice replied, "I'm sorry Uril, I slept way too long."

"Don't be foolish. You needed it. There's plenty of work ahead. I think you deserve a break. If you don't mind you can remain in there. At least till we get back to the main camp. Perhaps we can have time to official greet each other. If I may ask before hand what are you called?"

"Yes, I would like that Uril. And my name is Lisa"

"Very good Lisa."

After the flap closed, Lisa smiled thinking about Uril. She admired his straight forwardness. "No pretenses with him," she thought finding herself charmed by the titan.

Ririga who had overseen the distrubation of food, double checked that all individuals and families had received their life preserving quantity. The flocks of people in gratitude wanted to touch the titan. Lowering his hand down, it became covered with the tiny Earthies giving thanks. He tried not to let this out pouring of thankfulness move his heart towards one of vanity. Sensing their hardships, Ririga remained true hearted. Gazing again angrily at the border, Ririga was determined not to let anything happen to the Earthies.

Gazing down, Rigira spotted the legless Earthie teen, Ririga's mind flashed back to the time as a young boy back on Bethera, he found an injured Beetle Nymph. He remembered how he took it home and nursed it back to health. The memories brought sorrow too. Thinking the Beetle Nymph was sufficiently healed, Ririga had released it. It turned out too soon. For he found it days later dead. This Earthie teen was different knew Rirga. Still he wondered.. Placing his enormous finger down before the lad who crawled through the dirt, Ririga watched as the tiny Earthie wrapped his arms around the finger. Lifting his finger up, Ririga lowered the legless Earthie into his hand. "I'm going back to the main encampment. If you don't have a home you could stay with me."

The tiny Earthie lifting his head up and giving Ririga a big smile, "My home is everywhere."

"That is a very enlightened attitude," replied Ririga. "Still, I make the offer for you to come with me to our main encampment."

The Earthie teen did feel a comforting protectiveness in the huge hand. He too saw a trace of the tenaciousness that his brothers, before they were slaughtered kidded him about. He missed his brothers as with his parents. Staring up at the titanic teen, the legless teen answered, "I'll go back with you."

Commander Yalor speaking to the tiny relief worker known as Bill commented, "Me ask you to excuse my pride. Me so very pleased with the young Betheran countrymen who volunteered to come on this mission. Makes me proud of my people."

"No need for excuses Commander Yalor, you should feel proud."

"Me thank you tiny one. And as told you before. Just Yalor is fine."

Bill was tempted to ask Yalor about his rather different manner of speech. The Earthie relief worker wondered if it was some sort of speech impediment. "I could ask. Might be too personal. I'm sure Bethera must have speech therapists," he thought.

After placing Bill down on the ground, Commander Yalor made his rounds. The inhabitants were quickly getting use to the titans as they moved over them and their dwellings. For them it was as if they lived with living mountains. Yalor checked on a Betheran who had set up an apparatus to produce water. Another colossal teen dug trenches. Other Betherans worked under the supervision of the Earthie relief workers.

(YALOR AND THE EARTHIE YOUNG)

Yalor was warmed when he came across a few children doing as children should---playing and laughing. They all stopped and bent their heads back as far as they could when Yalor carefully approached them. One child bending her head way back lost her balance and fell over. The ground shook and the air was filled with a deep rumbling as the enormous titan sat down on the ground. "Morning young tiny ones." The children just stared up in silence. Yalor asked, "Tiny ones not scared of me Yalor?"

One child spoke as Yalor listened intently, "You have towers on top of your head."

"Me do?" replied Yalor running his hands up his twisted cones of black hair. Making a comical, surprised look on his face, (much to the amusement of the children) Yalor told the Earthie children, "Your right observant one! Want to hear them sing?"

The children began to giggle as a few shouted up to the titan, "Your hair can't sing."

"Me thinks it can," responded Yalor. Placing two fingers against a cone that jetted out from the top of his forehead, a strange melodious sound began to emanate from it. The children were in rapt attention. "Me think you must like this," commented Yalor as the children began to jump to the alien sounding; haunting rhythms. Removing his two fingers from his hair, Yalor asked the children, "Who like to see a rain of color."

Jumping up and down the children shouted, "Me, me, me!" Lifting his right hand over the tiny Earthie young, Yalor closed his eyes. Slowly emerging from the palm of the great giant's hand were many colorful spheres of light. The children were transfixed as the environment around them became one of fluctuating color. Several children played with the spheres of light, by pushing them into other orbs of color.

(WHO ARE YOU URIL?)

Returning to the main encampment, Uril and Ririga placed down the transport containers with the critically ill Earthies. Tiny relief workers gathered around to receive the sick. Slowly, Uril and Ririga removed the Earthies and placed them on the prepared ground. Several relief works looked up at Uril with sad faces.

Removing Lisa from his coat pocket, Uril observed the peace about her. "Happy greetings Lisa. I have noticed many of you Earthies don't seem scared to be handled by us."

"I think it's because we can feel your goodwill," replied Lisa looking up at the huge youthful face. Uril's large purple eyes radiated a peace that Lisa could feel entering her.

"I hope your stay in my pocket was a pleasant one." Uril twisted his face into an embarrassed smile. "That didn't come out right. I mean, I hope I provided you with a chance to rest your body and spirit."

Lisa chuckled, "I knew what you meant." Studying the features, Lisa figured Uril to be a young teen. Though she felt there was an ageless wisdom about him. Something she could not fully grasp. Only appreciate. In the short time since the Betherans arrival, she had heard about Uril's incredible compassion and medical skills.

After placing Lisa on the ground, Uril began checking on the Earthies under his charge. He talked to each one even if they could not respond. Uril sent them a comforting word. Lisa gazed admiringly up at Uril who on hands and knees was attentively examining each patient. Noticing the small Earthie child was not among them, Uril asked, "Where is he?"

"Uril," responded one of the Earthie relief workers. "He expired several hours ago."
Lisa looked up at Uril. She could see his features stiffen up and change into one of sorrow.

"I would like to see him." A couple of minutes later two relief workers brought up onto Uril's waiting hand the tiny child's body. After the Earthies had climbed off his hand, Uril moved it up to his face. The tiny figure laid peacefully in his palm. "Tiny young one, you don't have family to see you off. I will tiny one; see you off."

Uril chanted an ancient Betheran right of passage for the death of a family member. Roughly translated: "In the arms of the spirit guides you travel to the Great Spirit of Light. My life is a comfort to the small voyager. Not frequented by the sadness of life, you will enjoy the amiability of the Great Spirit for eternity."

After handing the child back to the relief workers, Uril removed from around his neck his family prayer scarf. Tearing a tiny piece, he handed it down to the Earthie relief workers and instructed them, "Wrap it around his remains." Speaking to Lisa, "I wish there was more I could have done. He was so young."

"Uril!" Lisa shouted up with her hands cupped around her mouth. "Some things we just can't prevent. And..." She was startled in mid-sentence when a bucket of warm water splashed down over her. Wiping the water from off her face, Lisa saw the tears in Uril's eyes. Speaking softly to herself, Lisa said, "Don't do this to yourself Uril."

"I need to leave for a few minutes," said Uril to Ririga and to the relief workers.

Lisa watched as the young titan stepped over groups of people and headed for a deserted area. "Who are you Uril? Do you know how you stand out in this place of darkness? And what is it about you that has touched my heart." Lisa found her own eyes swelling up with tears over the pain she knew Uril was feeling.

"Uril!" shouted two Betherans running up to him. "We heard what happened. Do you wish us to join in your mourning?" asked one Betheran with short crop of brown and purple hair.

Uril appreciative of their concern replied, "Thank you. No, I just want a few minutes alone." The two Betherans nodded and left.

Sittting down on the side of a mountain, Uril thought, "It is the way of creation. Just it burns inside to find a child came to suffer like that out violence. Wished I could have shown him the brighter ways." Uril's heart contuied to hurt.

A tickling sensation began at the tip to Uril's nose. He scratched it. The tickling would not cease. Soon Uril became aware of a tiny point of light. To his surprise---a hand on his shoulder. Turning around, Uril saw Commander Yalor standing behind him.

Uril was about to get up when, Yalor said to him, "Stay as you are. I will leave alone. Me wanted to tell you. Me know you hurt. You did show light to young one. Young one here now. Won't leave till he knows he that loves; you Uril, is at peace. Me leave." Uril scratched his head and smiled. He respected Yalor both as a great Betheran Warrior and as a man. Though he found Commander Yalor to be immensely different.

The tiny orb floated before Uril's moonsize eyes. "I still can't help feeling I let you down. Maybe its arrogance on my part. The big giant coming to save the tinies." Tears once more flowed. "I came from a happy childhood. I somehow hoped after you recovered, I could help you rediscover happiness." The orb gently moved against the tip to his nose. "I'm fine, really. And I know your going to a beautiful place. Don't forget me." The orb sent a slight shock to the tip of Uril's nose. "I guess that means you won't." The orb moved over to the side of Uril's face and pressed up against his cheek. Closing his eyes, Uril said softly, "I have to get back to the others. Happy jouney." The orb slowly moved away from Uril's face. Standing up, Uril watched as the orb floated up into the sky and eventually vanished.

End of Part One