Riding the Dragonfly

Brandon was in the middle of a deep meditation, lying on the extra thick yoga mat after his morning practice. The warmth of the sun’s rays caressed his body, dancing across the crystals above his head.

His day had started like any other, with his feline companion, Kenyun, waking him up with gentle paw pats on his face. Brandon complied, getting out of bed to feed Kenyun his breakfast. They had a unique soul connection with each other, a bonding of spirits across species lines.

But then, as a medium and energy healer, Brandon was use to receiving information from non-physical sources. However, when he heard an unusually loud drone approaching the front door, he was caught off guard by a strange sense of unease, almost dread. The sensation was so strong it pulled him out of his morning meditation.

“Well this is weird,” he told Kenyun, rubbing his chin and giving his tail a gentle tug, which was one of their ways of showing affection. “I wasn’t expecting a delivery today.” Kenyun chirped a quick response as Brandon walked toward the entry way.

He opened the door just as the drone struggled to place an odd shaped package onto the porch. It looked like a crumpled ball of aluminum foil about the size of a small beach ball. It was roughly spherical, but with jagged points and edges all around, one of which was caught on the drone. After struggling a moment more, the drone twisting back and forth, the strange package pulled free and dropped to the front porch with a heavy metallic thud.

There was no indication as to who sent the package, no return address or markings of any kind, not even postage or delivery info. Brandon could feel the hairs on the back of his neck raise. How weird, he thought. A bizarre anonymous package, delivered by drone to his doorstep, interrupting the beginning of his day.

Kenyun joined him at the door for his usual morning exploration of the yard but immediately stopped short when he saw the odd shaped package. His fur puffed up as he hissed and growled, preparing to defend them from this threat.

“I know buddy,” he acknowledged. “It feels off to me too.”

As Brandon cautiously looked closer, not wanting to touch it yet, he noticed something inexplicable. The paper which covered the spherical jagged package was covered with tiny dragonfly graphics, weaving in and out of the canyons which made up its countless sides.

“How did they do that?” he asked Kenyun, who had backed into the hallway now. “Whoever ‘they’ is?”

The numerous jagged planes appeared shrink wrapped with this unusual dragonfly paper, but it wasn’t any kind of paper Brandon had seen. Its shiny gloss reflected no wrinkles, edges or tears, no adhesive of any kind, as if the entire package had been dipped in this substance rather than wrapped with it.

“Something is not right here,” he whispered. Yet, even though there was a sense of danger, he didn’t feel it was directed toward him.

Brandon opened his inner eye to his Spirit Guides.

What am I to do with this mystery package? Why is it here?

He immediately got an answer.

You are the conduit for something bigger. This is the gateway.

As with all things in his life, Brandon looked to the messaging of this uneasy delivery. The jagged spherical shape reminded him of a meditative representation of fear and worry, threatening in its presence, but the dragonfly images were a different messaging. Dragonfly energy, in Native American spirituality, represented the illusionary nature of physical reality, the need to see past what is presented at face value, to break through old ways of thinking.

Is it safe for me to touch?

He got a green light, the sign his Guides give him when moving forward on a particular path is encouraged.

“Ok then,” he said to Kenyun, sending some healing energy to his beloved feline companion. “Let’s calm down and take a look at this thing.”

As soon as Brandon touched the surface of the mysterious package, he was flooded with images of unknown fear-filled faces, accompanied by sensations of anxiety, rising panic, desperation. He flashed on a scene of a society faced with an impending global extinction event.

This is crazy, he thought. Like I’m watching a disaster flick.

The shiny irregular object was cool to his touch, despite the morning heat, surprisingly rigid and strong, yet heavy with foreboding.

“The Guides said it was safe,” he told Kenyun, who followed him to the kitchen while Brandon carried the package to the table. Even as he walked this short distance, an eerie sensation came over him. The almost metallic surface seemed to be adapting to his touch, becoming pliable, clay-like, at each point of contact with his skin.

“What kind of material is this?”

Very curious now, he turned it around, examining the barbed surface. He could feel the weighted center adjusting, rotating on its axis, adapting to his manipulation of the semi-spherical exterior.

“Well, there is something inside this thing for sure,” he told Kenyun.

The sharp thorny texture of the package continued to adapt to his touch, as if nanites were performing millions of tasks in moments. Brandon knew nanotechnology was cutting edge science but nothing like this existed to his knowledge. It was way beyond anything he’s seen demonstrated in the media.

With one hand gently pressing on the surface, exploring it, he reached his other hand out to stroke Kenyun, who was surprisingly relaxed around the object since Brandon had touched it. The moment he made contact with Kenyun’s fur, the strange package began to vibrate and hum.

“Something’s happening.”

He released his hold on it, picking up Kenyun and stepping back from the table. The rough jagged points on the package exterior were melting into itself, turning it into a smooth, dragonfly covered sphere now. Slowly, the innumerable images flowed into each other, merging to form a single large dragonfly facing them. Inside the center of the dragonfly image, a palm shaped recess appeared, matching the size of Brandon’s hand.

“Well if that isn’t an invitation, I don’t know what is,” he said aloud, trying to calm his nervous excitement. “It seems like the two of us unlocked some kind of key,” he told Kenyun, who remained remarkably calm as all this was happening.

Brandon opened his inner eye again.

You’re sure this is the right path for me to take?

His Guides showed him a bright doorway made of light. He saw himself walking through it, while Kenyun remained on this side. There was a tether of light energy between their hearts. He felt safe and protected.

“Ok, big boy,” he said to Kenyun. “Let’s do this!”

He reached out, fitting his hand into the palm print inside the dragonfly image. Instantly, the now smooth sphere sent a soothing sensation of warmth through his hand which flowed over his whole body. Kenyun sat on the table, purring, watching him.

The sphere removed itself from Brandon’s hand and flattened into a rectangular console. A holographic image of a man appeared above it. At first, Brandon thought the image was a reflection of himself. But then he noticed some subtle differences. This man had green eyes instead of his own blue ones. His hair was wavy, slightly darker, and he was more muscular, thicker, than compared to Brandon’s lean toned frame.

“I’m sure you have a lot of questions,” the quasi Brandon image said.

“That’s an understatement,” Brandon answered, startled the image was speaking to him. “I can’t even believe this is happening.” He stared at the shifting image of this version of himself. “Is this real?”

“Reality is such a subjective experience, isn’t it?” the image asked. “But then you already know about different realms of consciousness with the work you do,” the image smiled. “It is why we are talking now.”

“What is going on here? Who are you?”

“I am a version of you,” his alternate self explained. “A Brandon from what you would call a parallel dimension. My name is Tarak. We are speaking through a device of my making which was coded to identify you through DNA matching.”

“Whoa,” Brandon cocked his head, taking it all in. “This is wild.”

“It would naturally appear so to you,” the hologram nodded. “One variable in the calculations required to reach you included accounting for the different vibrational frequencies of our worlds. A phase shift of sorts,” Tarak explained. “The feline you call Kenyun helps with those calibrations. He acts as an anchor for you on both sides of the doorway,”

Brandon stood staring at this version of himself from another dimension. In his meditations and psychic journeys he had visited other realms, but nothing like this, involving physical forms.

“What do you mean from both sides of the doorway?” he asked. “Why have you contacted me?”

“I’ll get right to the point,” Tarak said, looking into Brandon’s eyes. “We are faced with a planetary crisis. Our world is about to be bombarded with lethal radiation from a rogue comet passing through the solar system. Its unique energy signature and radioactive properties prevented all our attempts to divert it.”

“Those are the images I saw when I first touched your…,” Brandon fumbled for what to call the package, “device.” He still wasn’t quite sure of the reality of this whole experience, though Kenyun’s responses added credibility to Tarak’s story. “Let’s say I believe all of this is true, and not some elaborate hoax by my techie friends, what does any of it have to do with me?”

“As I analyzed the radiation signature of the comet, I discovered its vibrational frequency didn’t match the quantum signature of our dimension,” Tarak paused. “It matches yours.”

“What?” Brandon questioned. “How is that possible?”

“My hypothesis, the comet must have passed through a dimensional portal from your universe to ours, altering its sub-atomic structure, its quantum signature, in such a way our technology was unable to affect it,” Tarak explained. “However, if I am able to find a source of dimensional energy from your world, and amplify it, I should be able to create a protective barrier to shield us from the deadly radiation.”

“And you think I can help with this in some way?”

“The psychic and spiritual energies you work with in your practice are an exact match to the quantum signature of the comet’s radiation,” Tarak stared intently at him. “You are the key, Brandon.” Tarak paused a moment before elaborating. “My research leads me to believe you could act as a source of power for the protective energy layer. Not directly mind you, not draining your energy, but acting like a tuning fork for me to align and amplify the vibrational frequencies you use, sourced from the same alternate dimensional reality as the comet.”

“So I would act like a spiritual power generator for your shield?” Brandon clarified.

“Precisely,” Tarak confirmed. “I know this is a lot to take in,” he smiled. “But after observing you for some time, discovering your unique connection to Kenyun, and the immediacy of our situation,” a distressed look passed over Tarak’s face as he paused, “I had to risk contacting you. We don’t have much time on this side.”

“So, if I agree to help you,” Brandon said, still reeling from the sudden turn of events his day just took. “What would you want me to do?”

“This device we are speaking through acts as a gateway between our worlds,” Tarak continued. “Right now it functions as a means of communication, however, I can trigger a permutation of its structure to form a doorway between our worlds, one large enough for you to pass through unharmed.”

Just like you showed me, Brandon affirmed to his Guides. A doorway of light to another world.

Yes, they replied. This is the bigger purpose we spoke of earlier.

“You have to pass through the doorway willingly, Brandon,” Tarak stressed. “I can’t pull you over.”

“An adventure of a lifetime, for sure,” Brandon contemplated, the lingering shock from all that had transpired in the last few minutes slowly fading. “And how does Kenyun fit in with all of this?” He reached out to pet his cherished companion, who pushed into his hand with loving reassurance.

“Because our worlds resonate at different vibrational frequencies, which continue to shift and change with time, I would need a tether, an anchor, a line of psychic and spiritual energy to keep you connected to your world,” Tarak smiled. “Much like the silver cord when we astral travel.”

Brandon nodded. “Kenyun is my silver cord to this world when I pass through the doorway.”

“Yes, he is,” Tarak concurred. “You and he have a unique powerful connection. He must remain on your side, while you are here helping us, in order to assure your safe return.”

Brandon picked up Kenyun, letting him drape over his arm, a cheetah on a tree limb. “What do you say, buddy?” he asked, rubbing under his chin. “Are we up for this craziness?” Kenyun gazed into his eyes, slowly blinking, purring loudly.

“Ok, then,” Brandon decided. “Let’s do this.” He laughed at the improbable scenario. “No one will ever believe me anyway.”

His smile slowly faded with the gravity of this manifestation. “There are no coincidences in life,” he intoned softly thinking of the ramifications this event would have on his reality.

“Thank you so much, Brandon,” said Tarak, a noticeable wave of relief and gratitude coming through the hologram. “We can never repay you for what you are about to do.”

“I am here to serve and help others this lifetime,” Brandon affirmed. “It is my purpose, my dharma.” He looked into Tarak’s eyes. “You’re welcome,” Brandon’s eyes twinkled as he continued, “besides, how many times does someone get to help prevent an extinction level event, right?”

“Very true,” Tarak agreed, “on both our parts.”

“So how does this work?”

“It’s quite simple,” Tarak explained. “The nanotechnology is highly sophisticated. You and Kenyun both need to touch the rectangular base of the device at the same time,” he glanced at Kenyun, smiling as the big feline was blissfully cleaning himself. “Once you’re DNA matched, a portal will form. Kenyun needs to stay on your side to anchor the tether. You then step through the portal. I will meet you on our side and guide you from there.”

“Sounds good,” Brandon nodded. “I need to get a few things ready before I go. You said you don’t have much time?”

“The comet will begin bombarding our planet with radiation within the next 12 of your hours,” Tarak answered. “Take a little time to prepare.”

“How long should I expect to be gone?”

“If all goes smoothly, about 5 or 6 hours,” Tarak shrugged. “But that’s an estimate,” he smiled. “Once I end transmission,” he continued, “the device will reshape back into a sphere with the handprint inside the dragonfly image. Place your hand back on it, like you did before, when you are ready to proceed.”

“Got it,” Brandon affirmed. “Oh that reminds me, how did you know about the significance of Dragonfly?”

A sly smile crept across Tarak’s face. “After discovering your vibrational frequency matched the comet’s, I began observing you, learning about you. It seemed an appropriate image to forecast such a huge shift in perspective, once I revealed myself to you.”

Brandon nodded, smiling. “So true.”

The warm water of his morning shower felt wonderful. There’s a chance this could be my last shower, he thought. But I don’t get a sense of danger directed toward me. It’s for Tarak’s people. He pushed his uneasiness aside. Life is about risk. There are no guarantees. I can’t pass this up!

Kenyun rubbed against his legs, weaving between them as Brandon put out extra water and food for his treasured feline partner.

“Hey, Dave,” he greeted his best friend over the phone. “Thanks for picking up.”

“Of course, my man,” Dave responded. “What’s up?”

“I’m heading out of town for the day. Off on one of my spiritual journeys, no cell service, you know the routine.”

“That I do,” Dave chuckled.

“Would you check in on Kenyun tomorrow morning if you don’t hear from me first? I’d really appreciate it.”

“Sure,” Dave agreed. “Anything else?”

“Not right now,” Brandon answered. “Love you.”

“Love you too, buddy,” said Dave. “Have fun.”

“It should be an amazing adventure,” Brandon affirmed, smiling to himself. “Talk to you later.”

It all sounded so crazy, yet he was intrigued with the possibility of traveling through a dimensional portal to another world, to work with an alternate version of himself. Right out of a SciFi movie.

“We’re ready,” he told Tarak as his image appeared above the console again.

“Please proceed then,” Tarak directed.

Brandon place his hand and Kenyun’s paw on the console at the same time. Once again the device began vibrating and humming but this time it reshaped into an unknown machine. An aperture opened releasing a bright beam projecting a doorway made of light.

“I love you, Kenyun,” Brandon kissed him goodbye. “Thanks for your help, big boy. I know you’ll be with me the whole time.”

Kenyun purred, looking intently into his eyes.

“I’ll be alright, with your help,” he gave him a long full body pet after setting him on the table next to the projection machine.

As Brandon approached the door, he could feel, and vaguely see, a twined cord of energy form between himself and Kenyun, just like the Guides had showed him earlier.

Taking one last look around, Brandon turned to face the doorway of light and stepped through the portal to another reality.