Forever Autumn Teaser.2-Alessandra

FOREVER AUTUMN A Story by Thomas Mills

alessandra

Forever Autumn Copyright © 2017 Thomas Mills • All Rights Reserved

Prologue

Characters

It is time. A time that will catalyze global change, survival of the few, and an unbelievable future for those who can adapt and evolve.

Alessandra Garrett (Alix): Main Character Gerek McGovern: Symbiosis Fighter

Summer 2007 – An ancient alien race (Arboreals) inhabit planet Earth, existing symbiotically and peacefully with humans who have no idea that these sentient beings live among them.

River Road º South of Brethren, MI – Alix Garrett, age 10, ambles wistfully among the large trees on her grandparent’s property and through the dew-laden bracken scattered atop acres of sandy, gravel-laced soil. Though soaking wet in a matter of minutes, she knows her clothing will dry long before it’s time to return.

Heading northeast, assiduously following a well-worn path that she carved and has frequented on every visit extending back to her earliest memories as a young girl, she knows that summer is waning and school begins again soon.

Feeling a surge of anticipation as she covers the remaining hundred yards to the forest edge, Alix is hoping this visit will rival that of her last as she enters the cool, quiet realm of the Manistee National Forest. Neither River nor Dickson Road, to the north, carry much traffic...so she purposefully detaches from civilization as the only sounds reaching her are from insects and the slight rustling of leaves.

Methuselah º Arboreal (Statesman) Prometheus º Arboreal (Venerated Elder) Professor: Avery Weston “Wes” Dark State Politician: Gavin Slayton Radical Military Advisor: Arlen Yueh Black Ops Specialist: Alec McClaren “Mac” Parents/Alix: Teagan & Walker Garrett Parents/Gerek: Jinny & Hunter McGovern

Within moments, goosebumps appear on her arms and Alix strains to hear something else, something she hopes is there with her in the woods, something she steadfastly believes in and searches for on every excursion like this one.

Alix has heard strange sounds many times before while playing alone in this forest. At first she was frightened. But as she grew older, curiosity overwhelmed her anxiety and she yearned to know if it was her imagination or, if something... or someone, was watching...waiting...for what?

Alix/Chrysalis

For her.

FOREVER AUTUMN

ARBOREALS

A four-part science fantasy that is all too likely to come true. º Forever. Autumn º Terra Incognita º Terra Redux º Terra Firma

This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this book are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Images are licensed through Adobe Stock Images.

FOREVER. AUTUMN Copyright © 2017 by Thomas Mills All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form.

Aliens live among us.

– Thomas Mills Artist/Entrepreneur (269) 203-5400 thom.mills@me.com

They were here long before we crawled from the oceans.

Alessandra Spring 2017 º Manistee Forest º Manistee, MI Heading south from her grandparent’s home outside Brethren, Michigan, Alix ventured once again into the woods, where she’s most comfortable, though often mystified and intrigued.

Noticing the forest becoming far denser as she approached the Manistee River, she wondered if, this time, her childhood experiences would finally culminate in some type of discernible verbal expression or possibly the emergence of an ephemeral shape. Slipping off her sandals, Alix whispered aloud, “It’s my birthday!” as if the forest itself could hear her.

The ground became increasingly elevated with verdant gullies spiraling downward toward the banks of the meandering Manistee.

Here the trees were larger, with massive roots sprawling out and away from each trunk, gripping the earth’s surface like the sinuous hands of a pianist, frozen in time. Searching for something within the soil.

Alix wondered. Was this an extensive effort to reach other nearby trees in some form of connection, as Suzanne Simard describes in her recent scientific experiments involving trees? She reflected on two of her favorite books as she walked upward slowly, avoiding dead falls and savoring the forest’s soft mossy carpet beneath her bare feet. “The Hidden Life of Trees” had found its way into her hands, thanks to Gerek, her childhood friend. “A special gift...” he’d said, “...for someone with a very special gift and the passion to pursue it!” The memory elicited a smile.

trees

voices, names, sounds...?

Laying down with her back nestled snugly between two large roots emanating from a massive tree. Alix began to read. She noticed a strange sensation, as if the forest floor and the trees themselves were charged with some type of invisible energy.

Continuing to read, the sensation subsided and the words began to blur. “The Wisdom of the Native Americans” gave way to fatigue and she slipped into an expectant slumber there on the forest floor.

Images, voices, and the peculiar feeling of being surrounded immediately absorbed her entirely in a fitful dream.

A dream she would not soon forget.

As she walked softly, deeper into the forest, thoughts of Gerek commingled with recollections from her recent reading and the massive paper she’d produced for her PoliSci class taught by Albion College professor, Avery Weston. Alix was increasingly anxious. She’d begun having hallucinations. Everything seemed to be coalescing; her life, her relationships, her education and her fears.

She felt apprehension and an overriding sense of dread. But she didn’t know why.

wohlleben simard

Reaching a perfect spot at the top of a rise, Alix placed her pack filled with books and food in a moss-covered crevice. A shaft of sunlight accented her arrival.

Gerek would be here soon enough.

ARBOREALS

“The Hidden Life of Trees” – Peter Wohlleben

“alessandra?”

“Global warming is like a storm on the horizon – we see it coming – yet are unaware of its ferocity and destructive power until it’s upon us.”

Gerek McCutcheon

dreams Gerek McCutcheon

“Alix...Alix! Wakeup!”

“Alix...it’s me, Gerek.” He pulled her trembling body up from the moss. “No! No! Alix moaned.

arboreals...

Alessandra Late Spring 2017 Ever since Gerek found her in an agitated dream state deep in the Manistee Forest, Alix had more disruptive dreams, unsettling dreams coupled with anxiety and uneasy premonition. She now knew for certain, that a living force was present in the forest...specifically, in the trees themselves!

death

of

“When you take your next walk in the forest, give free rein to your imagination-in many cases, what you imagine is not so far removed from reality, after all!”

Peter Wohlleben, “The Hidden Life of Trees” What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discoveries from a Secret World

Early Fall 2017 º Albion College º Albion, MI

“I don’t know Gerek!” Alix rose in frustration and anger. Turning her back on him she stared from the windows of her Seton Hall lounge wondering what she could possibly say or do to make things better.

“This was supposed to be a positive, inspiring visit. And, now you tell me you’re considering a military career and insist on knowing just what’s bothering me...isn’t that how you put it?” she snapped back, instantly regretting her own words as she slumped into an overstuffed chair across from Gerek.

“I’m sorry Alix. I realize this isn’t the best timing in the world. It’s really hard for both of us. You’re starting your junior year and I’m, well... while I don’t have a preconceived idea of what’s going to happen in my life, I do know I have to make a difference in the world...I want to contribute something positive. Especially as messed up as things seem to be right now. And you, of all people must understand how that feels.”

“I do Gerek.” She slipped from her chair onto her knees beside him.

Clasping his hand she laid her chin on the arm of his chair and looking up said, “You have always been a great friend Gerek. I realize I didn’t always see our relationship that way. But now...I do and I don’t want to lose you. You’re my voice of reason. I depend on you in so many ways and yet, this clearly means we’re going in very different directions.”

Gerek gently brushed a long wisp of hair from her eyes, his thumb sweeping away a tear. “We’ll get through this Alix. I promise.”

Gerek rose quietly still clasping her hand and together they walked side by side toward an uncertain future...each thinking it had to somehow be a future together. Neither had the courage to speak of it now.

Late September 2017 ยบ Albion College ยบ PoliSci ยบ FURSCA Interview

PoliSci Avery Weston Albion College Professor

originality ยบ creativity self-direction FURSCA

Avery Weston, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Political Science talking with Alessandra Garrett about her interest in the Foundation for Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity (FURSCA) º FURSCA Proposal – submitted by Alessandra Garrett Project Goal: Initiate a global response to reverse the ecological crisis caused by global warming.

Compile research and scientific facts to create definitive international awareness and a mandate for change, supported by the use of electronic media to elicit political accord and cultural support.

“It’s really up to you Alix, That’s the beauty of academic opportunities like this and you certainly have the requisite academic record, the maturity and social standing to make your effort a landmark event here at Albion. I’ve absolutely no doubt about your ability to carry out this idea.”

“The truth is, global warming is real and society is guilty for deliberate disregard of the potential for catastrophic results.”

– Avery Weston

“Thanks Wes! I really appreciate your vote of confidence. Having you as a mentor will give me added incentive and determination to succeed.”

“To be honest, I think you’re taking on a huge challenge. One that’s certainly topical and that desperately needs a solution.”

“I know. That’s expressly why I want to do this work. It’s hands-on, it allows me the freedom to develop my own creative ideas and solutions and it will address a problem of global significance where originality of thought and suggestive intent can serve a crucial purpose. At least, that’s what I believe and I will struggle to prove, if necessary.”

“Are you sure you’re mentally prepared to execute this level of independent work Alix?”

“I’m not certain exactly what you’re asking?”

“We both know that you are an exceptionally bright and self-directed student. I think you will someday make highly positive and significant contributions to society. Yet, I couldn’t help but notice a change in your normally placid demeanor. Generally, nothing phases you. You are a level-headed young woman who rarely allows anything to distract from your educational pursuits. That’s been obvious since day one. But, since you returned to school this semester, you seem somehow changed… if only slightly and I can’t determine the exact cause, or causes.

That’s really not my business. It’s yours.

“I’m fine Wes. Thanks for noticing. I didn’t realize I was broadcasting my state of mind in any discernible way.”

“Don’t take offense Alix. I’m only trying to make sure you’re fully prepared to take on this FURSCA challenge. It represents an amazing opportunity as well as a significant amount of research, preparation and study. The goal of this program is to help you achieve a higher level of understanding and experience pursuing a subject that you personally, find extremely inspiring. That’s what I’m referring to…nothing else.

I’m sorry if I seemed anything less than supportive.

“It’s ok Wes. I’m pleased to know that you can be direct with me. It’s an honest reflection of your capability as an instructor. I expect nothing less of you. When can we get to work?”

“We turn our backs on the very things upon which humans depend for survival, consigning our planet to a desiccated, lifeless future, all for the sake of economic gain.”

– Avery Weston

FOREVER AUTUMN Alix will go back into the woods one more time.

dreams Alessandra

The dreams still haunt her.

Alix wanted to believe, with absolute certainty, that something existed in the woods. She’d heard words, phrases, snatches of conversation argument and debate. Her premonition involving a pending natural catastrophe had to have some basis in her most recent experience in the forest. She hadn’t been able to offer Gerek a suitable explanation for her anxiety and unsettled behavior. Simply blurting out the name Arboreal or attempting to describe the ephemeral beings that really were out there would have unnerved Gerek and simply gotten her even deeper into this psychological mess.

“Not all humans reject the existence of global warming.

Unfortunately it’s now a matter of too little, too late.”

“There is still hope.”

– Prometheus

– Methuselah

She wondered about the reality of what had finally happened and worried now that her desire to connect with nature and trees had come true.

Or, was it only true within her mind?

Alessandra – A Forever. Autumn Episode – “To be continued.”

– Thomas Mills