Reckoning of the A.R.K.

Our world is a living organism, that lay dormant until the time was right. The year the comet flew through the solar system, passing by earth was the beginning of the rebirth. For three days the world was bathed in a green mist of light, there was no day, no night. One week, to the day, after it passed the humans began to die, rapidly. Within a year their civilization was no more, what few survived were scattered, unorganized. Alone.

The time was right.

The world began to grow from within, discovering the reason for its existence. The Earth awakened, and with it an awareness for every living thing. An awareness that also lay dormant in them.

In all honesty no one knew how the new civilization began. The one known truth was that it was the Elephant and Crow who started the new society. They were the first to realize the potential that lay all around them. They recruited the Simians to join them, they were a logical choice. There was no question that the oceans would be overseen by the Dolphins. They formed a coalition, a council for Animal Rights and Knowledge, one where every animal had a say. A.R.K. would make sure no one species would dominate ever again.

Evolution expanded at a rapid rate.

They discovered that the tree roots were an information web, connecting the world. Since time began, trees communicated with each other. Soon a breakthrough occurred. They learned that special vines on certain trees allowed inter species communication. The vine could sense vibration of dialect and translate their words so all could understand.

The creation of a universal language three hundred years ago eliminated the need for most vine translation. Except for those species unable to adapt their vocal cords. In those cases, translate vines were still in use.

Their shared knowledge showed them the world was created to work in harmony. A balance amongst all living things could yield anything needed. Every creature became aware, they understood, they comprehended, they became one.

Except the humans, they refused to change, they had been on top and wanted to be once more.

A.R.K. devised a plan.

The animals corralled all the remaining humans. A few at a time, relocating them to an island to live. Their abandoned sea vessels became the means of transportation, towed by the great whales. Sunk once the humans were landed. All the humans on one landmass. An undertaking that took over two hundred years to complete. If they had not done so, the humans would have killed each other off, or worse destroyed everything trying to relive the past. It was a hostile island, but as time marched on, it became a beautiful place, self-sustaining. Deserts gave way to forests, lakes expanded, and rivers flowed. The new evolution of humans began. But then again, it is understandable, a lot can change in two thousand years.

Odam breathed deeply, surveying the surroundings, the sheer size alone was amazing. Standing atop a large amphitheater, carved into the face of a cliff. Walking to the edge where Evie stood, taking her hand he whispered, “Have you ever imagined it was like this?”

Below, stretched out as far as the eye could see, was every type of creature, species, together in one area. Canals trenched into the earth filled large pools of fresh and salt water for the aquatic life.

Evie looked up, worry showed in her amaranthine marbled eyes. “Odam, what we say tonight, could change everything, or worse, nothing.”

“Evie, Orang taught us well. He believes in us, be ourselves, truthful and honest.”

Orang did believe in them. From behind he watched the two humans, knowing what they must be thinking, so much depended on them.

He noticed his fellow members of A.R.K. began to take positions. Each behind a carved rock podium. A giant tree stood center stage, her branches stretching over the entire platform.

Orang lumbered over to the two, gently placing his ape palms upon their backs, smiling he said, “It is time, please take your place.” Motioning to the left with his long hairy arms.

He joined the twelve A.R.K. members, representatives for all the varied species of the world.

“Order, order.” Orang cried out. All went silent.

The weight of anticipation gnawed at everyone in attendance. All eyes gazed upon the stage, watching as water from above began to lightly flow down, landing on the tree. Whose leaves now glowed a myriad of colors, the water turned to mist, cascading in front of the council. Where but a few moments ago they were no more than mere dots in the distance, like magic the A.R.K. members images were projected on the mist for all to see.

Moss covered vines reached out gently touching the water. Their tendrils sending the image down their roots, across the earth. Transmitting this exact vision to other Gatherings throughout the world.

The crowd watched and remained respectively silent, as the two humans took their place.

‘Could this be the year ‘they all thought.

The male stood to address the council and crowd.

Speaking in perfect universal language. “Thank you for welcoming us to the Gathering, we are honored to be here.”

Orang now held up his arms, for quiet. “Welcome to the final day of the Reckoning.” At this the crowd roared with delight.

“Once every human generation we welcome their representatives to our Gathering, for judgement. To review their application for membership.”

The crowd stirred; Stories of the human’s dominance still flowed. To some it was a fabled myth, to others they were used as warnings. Most wanted all to live in harmony with the humans. Not segregated or dismissed or worse, ignored.

This was the first time many saw a human. No longer were they separated by color or physical difference. Generations of living on the island evolved them, blending all their qualities. Their skin now rippled with a gradient combination of all ethnic races. Glimmering as they moved. They were quite beautiful.

Orang smiled, looked to the council and the humans, asking, “Are we ready to begin?”

In Unison all replied, “We are.”

Dusk turned into a clear night; a full moon shone giving an air of solemnness to the proceedings. Odam and Evie were polite, confidently answered every question presented to them from the council. Their humble nature was endearing to all who were witness.

Not all were pleased or willing to accept admission of the humans that was clear.

At one point council member, Ellyim, fumed and trumpeted her concern. Flapping her great ears, she asked outright. “What do the humans have to offer us, to enrich our lives. Will they slide back to their ways if they are admitted?”

Orang interjected on their behalf. “They bring many things with them that are beautiful, writing, music and art.”

“I agree that is beautiful but is it useful?”

“To this day we still have no proper way of recording our history, I concede to the fact you have an eidetic memory, but other species do not.”

So, it went on. In the end it appeared that Odam and Evie won over the toughest critics. The council was nodding, there were even a few smiles.

It was time for them to address the council and the audience.

Odam began, relating their history, the violence, the destruction of the world. Acknowledging the abuse of their knowledge, how they once forced things to benefit their needs. He reminded them that it has been over five hundred years since humans have tried to escape the island. They now accept it as their home. Learning how to adapt to the new world, wanting to exist in peace and harmony.

He could not hide his sorrow or shame, his feelings were open, honest, true.

Smiling he looked up in wonder, "This world has everything we need. I arrived from the island in a whale, a whale that evolved to haul cargo. I was inside a living animal as transportation. No fossil fuels burned. Speaking of which, fire. Man’s greatest discovery. When all along, all we needed was to combine certain moss and lichens for light, add rocks and you have heat.” No need for trees to be harvested.

Odam shook his head.

“We are not, nor have we ever been perfect, but we learn. We witnessed how this world is built to live and survive in harmony. Everything has a place; our ancestors did not have the patience to learn or the ability to see what was right in front of them, but we do now.”

He stepped back; Evie proceeded.

She was passionate as she spoke. Discussing how they now spent their time learning about life around them. No longer constructing homes, realizing that the trees will grow to form a living dwelling, an actual home inside a tree. Tap into the root system for flowing water. How to receive nutrients and lifesaving herbs without killing a plant. They grew foods and ate what the sea has to offer, never taking more than was needed.

Evie looked out into the audience, placing her hand upon her belly she beamed. “I wish our children, and your young ones have the opportunity to explore the world together.”

The audience began to sound their approval when a voice boomed in.

Ellyim spoke up again. “Is it your desire then to be living amongst us in the world once more?”

Evie almost blurted ‘yes’ but she realized it was a trick question. Standing tall, she faced the pachyderm, and replied “Desire? No. Hope, that is what we wish for. Hope to become one with the world, to become part of tomorrow.”

Ellyim nodded and gave a wink.

Orang smiled to himself. They did good.

Before the council could make their decision, Odam Approached the council, reaching into a pouch he placed an item in front of each of them.

Evie presented Orang his gift personally.

A golden heart shaped locket, encrusted with tiny flakes of shiny gems.

The gift was projected on the screen for all to see.

Odam smiled, “This locket represents our hearts.” He continued. “The gold was not mined, it was found in the rivers, as were the gems. We cut no tree down to forge the metals. We used the natural heat of the volcano. We carved the heart shape into lava rock, melting the gold in the lava flow.

The two humans beamed with pride like children who just pleased their parents.

Silence.

One by one the council walked out, leaving the gift on the podium. The crowd, without a word began to disperse. The water from above stopped flowing.

Odam and Evie approached Orang with a puzzled expression. “What happened Orang, what did we do?”

Orang held up his locket, in the palm of his hand. In a solemn voice he spoke.

“Do you know why we only allow this chance once every generation?”

The humans stared, no expression, only shock.

Orang continued, “Each generation must learn to fully embrace the new ways with harmony. To you this is just a gift, a token. But it represents so much more.”

Evie looked up with tears in her eyes and whispered, “We meant no offence, did we lose our chance?”

“You need to understand. This locket creates a physical representation of value, leading to currency. Soon someone has more lockets than others and they will fight for them, the cycle will continue.”

Orang placed his locket in her hand and said, “Gather all the gifts you brought, take them home, throw them in the volcano.”

Placing his hand on Evie’s belly he said “Perhaps your child may be the one. Teach your children what you learned today. Your ride awaits you on the shore, the whales will take you home.”

With that he turned and left the podium.

I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you enjoyed it, please leave a heart, and help yourself to view my other writings. Should you decided to leave a tip, it is not expected, but always appreciated.

Jason,

Other Stories :

-Cost of Freedom

- Best Date I Never Had - Two Steps - Falling

-Oh, What a Lucky Man - The Final Battle

-Drowning , A psychological experiment for hope