I am Jasher, thirty two years old, working for the Etheric Galaxy Intelligence, guardians over wars. I am a protector. There is conflict across this world. Restrictive laws and hordes of enemy mutant Bio-Bots are on the march, making every journey challenging.  Those causing the aggressive war are behind a protective psi-wall I cannot break through.  We are working on identifying them.

Meanwhile I join others in fighting against these invading, mind controlled masses. I am a psi-transporter.
 

I am in a barren zone where only scattered bush and stunted trees dot the land.  Before me I see a lone woman carrying a child, struggling along.  They are out in the daytime, making them easy targets, which worries me.

 I walk faster to catch up with the woman.  She turns and looks at me. I can’t help but smile as I notice her golden curls clinging to a sweaty brow. Large brown eyes reflect caution as she stands still watching me come closer.  I sense we are alone on the dusty track.  There are no sounds of machines whirring, or the distinct screams of invaders or Bio Bots. We are safe right now.

“Hello,” I venture.  “We certainly are far from home.”  She stands straight and faces me, trying to hold her child still.  The baby is fussy and crying.  “Yes, we are. Hello to you as well.”  She has a strong voice and gains control of her wiggling child.  She doesn’t move away.  That surprises me.  She faces me head on.  Instantly I respect this woman.

I walk closer and offer my help. “It seems we are both on foot today.” I do not add anything to fluff the statement up.  I surmise by her expression that she appreciates being straightforward.
 
“Where are you going?” I find myself grinning at her. “I am not sure where I am going, just sure where I am not going.”  My eyes rivet toward her beauty and I let out a quick laugh at her response.  I look ahead and spot The House atop the next hill.  It is good to see we are close. I calculated my return well.
 
“Why don’t we go to that house?” I point in the direction it stands,”Your baby needs a break and the two of us can rest and eat.”  I don’t wait for her answer but walk ahead a little after taking two of her rucksacks to carry.  She shows relief that I am helping.  A smile lights up her face. She follows me without comment.

I walk up the hill toward The House feeling tired because I’ve been busy for several weeks. My body needs rest. Wow, her packs are heavy. I wonder how many miles she has walked carrying these weights. I hear her panting behind me. It is hot. I guess triple digit hot. Upon reaching The House, I climb the stairs and open the door.  I know there is nobody there, and aware The House is waiting.

I quickly set the rucksacks inside then turn around to help the woman and child. She hands her baby to me and walks slowly up the steps.  It is a blessing The House is here, for all three of us.

Once inside we walk from the grand foyer into the living area. I head into the high tech kitchen and go straight to the faucet.  Ah, water. I get two glasses and fill them, taking one to the woman. We drink the refreshing cool water slowly. I sit down on a chair facing her.
 
She is nursing her child, and whispers, “Thank you, I am grateful for the water and your help.” “You are welcome. My name is Jasher. I think it is a good thing we found each other, considering the extreme heat outside.”  “Yes,” she says still in a whisper. I am not sure she is quiet because of the child or her thoughts.
 
I had expected her to tell me her name without my asking.  Again I choose to be forward. “What are you called?”

“My name is Brana.” 

“The fighting hit all of us hard. How did you happen to be on this road right now?“ She opens up and begins speaking. I listen without interruption.

“My husband and I could not make a living on our fields and the fighting was getting close.  Our land became barren because of the weather controllers.  Nothing could grow.  Almost all our neighbors left for the West Coast.  We knew we would die either from starvation or the invading Bio Bots. Their masses had already crushed neighboring areas.  We swapped our homeland for a wagon.  Several days out my husband went witching for water as all our supply dried up.   A snakebite took him soon after he left. Two men came into our area right after he was gone. I knew they were up to no good. They stole our wagon. I have been walking almost nonstop ever since, searching for a safe place for my child and me.  I have lost track of time. It has been months. I appreciate your help.”
 
People are so damn mean sometimes. I can see how tired and sad she is.  She needs help not robbery of her precious few belongings, and her with a baby in tow.  It blisters my patience. Humm, I like that her name means “Strong, and honorable. I will bet it suits her. “Do you have any relatives or anyone close to you for help?” I ask.

She has yet to shy away from a direct look, and I notice a solitary tear travel down her cheek. “I have no one.  Both our parents are gone.  My husband has a brother, and I have no idea where he might be.  The last time I saw him was five years ago.  I don’t have any family.  They have all been killed in this war.”
 
“Well, we are safe now.”  I reach out to the book on the table and open it to show her.  I know this book by heart. “Well, Brana, sit here, I will bring you dinner.” 

She responds, “Let me help.” 

“Please read the book while I am in the kitchen.” I tap the top of the book, “You can talk to it and get answers.” I head into the kitchen leaving Brana looking at me with an expression somewhere between thinking me as smart as a hunk of clay or completely brain damaged. She turns her head toward the book, lowers her head and whispers, “Sure, I’ll talk to a book.”
 
I break into a wide smile hearing her subtle comment.  In the kitchen I punch the buttons for a fine dinner.  It comes out of a door ready to eat.  I am hungry and know Brana must be hungry too.  Carrying two plates of food into the living room, I see her studying the book, silently. Not wanting to be distracting, I carefully set both plates down onto the table. The baby is asleep next to her.
 
“What is your baby’s name, Brana?”

“Lali.  Her name means ‘highest point of heaven’.  I felt it would suit her and I like it.  To me she was heaven sent.”

“It is a good name.  How old is she?”

“Around six months old, I’ve lost track of time while walking. Lali is the only child I have been around,” Brana turns her head to look at her baby and adds, “and she is wonderful.”  With that said, tears begin to flow and she cries silently.

I touch her hand, “You are welcome to live here. I am a temporary visitor and literally pop in and out.  As a Psi-Teleporter my job is to keep peace where I am sent. The House will provide protection.  You will be able to live here permanently and raise your child worry free. This is a painful time.  We are fighting the factions working to control all living beings.   They have created hunger and panic.  So far it has been successful and we have found our battle serious.  Stay here and be safe,   I will be back here as often as possible.  If you have questions or need anything, just ask The House, it will respond. Really. “I emphasize the word ‘really’ and look at her. “It exists to assist.”
 
Lifting her head toward the music room, she stares briefly at the piano, then notices the fiddle carefully cradled in a soft bracket on the wall. She has not looked around the large home although she seems anxious to become familiar with her new surroundings.  Her eyes stray back to the piano.

“Oh, I love the piano over there, it is beautiful, and the fiddle is a real thrill to see too.  My father taught me to play both piano and fiddle when I was very young.  Lali is going to learn to play.” She looks into my eyes and wistfully adds, “This House will be filled with music.”
 
“Your playing will bring life to The House.  I, too, play the fiddle.  We can enjoy duets.” I almost wink but choose to be strictly polite instead.  “Let’s go upstairs and settle in.  You can pick the room you like best. I am so tired I could sleep on a rock.” 

Brana laughs, “The rock is not a good idea, but getting sound sleep is. I am tired to the bone,” she says as she carries little wiggling Lali with a smile. “I want to thank you, Jasher. You make me feel welcome here. I am fortunate we met.” “We will talk in the morning. I will be glad to answer all your queries as you are sure to have many by then. You need to rest now.”

We climb the stairway and Brana goes to the door at the back of the hallway. I walk with her so I can show her around before I leave, “Jasher, look.” She whispers, “This is a beautiful room. There is a crib and I see clothes for me and Lali too. Look at the bookcase under the windows in the turret.” She runs over to get a better idea what is there. “Oh, Jasher, they hold many children’s books and I will use the rocking chair,” her hands run over the smooth wood, “when I read to Lali. Oh, I love to read but have not had a chance for a long time. Now I feel spoiled.” Her smile radiates across her face.

“You will be comfortable here, Brana.  Now rest.  If you need anything, just holler out.”  While saying good-night I simply ask The House aloud “Please help Brana.” The House voice responds, “It is my pleasure.”

Brana jumps, grabs her chest. She lets out a small sound and with bright eyes looking right into mine says “You meant it.”  I didn’t see that one coming. Even though I am tired I should have known.  Now I know how worn out I am, and of course, I am trusting of this handsome man before me.  I gently tell her. “This is not your everyday House, it is a home to help you and keep you safe. Trust me as you are in the finest refuge.”

“All this is new to me! You can’t make this stuff up.”  She looks at her shaking hand thinking, I need to pay closer attention. I am not used to surprises and let my guard down.  Thankfully, Jasher is easy for me to ‘read’. We are safe. Getting Lali and me here through those difficult miles was worth it. I hate to think of the severe heat we suffered and ducking, hiding from bands of thieves and bio-bots. I am bone tired. Now I will rest.
 
Jasher looks at her and knows how exhausted she is feeling right now. Brana’s big eyes look up to face me as she answers.  “I believe you or we would not be here and safe. Good night, Jasher. I am glad we met today and grateful for your kindness.” “I am happy I met you too.”  I turn around and head back down the hall to my old familiar room. Yes, this will be ideal for the times I am lucky enough to be back here.

 (continued)