Meeting 9. The Initiation
Meeting: 8th February 2025
Published: 26th February 2025
Meeting: 8th February 2025
Published: 26th February 2025
Ninth meeting with Shaka! I'd say I'm a seasoned intergalactic traveler by now, but who am I kidding? I still have no clue what's going to happen each time. Today's destination: the Moon. Yep, apparently we're meeting behind it this time.
As I shoot up through the stratosphere, I spot a few satellites whizzing by. Oops-almost photobombed the ISS. Imagine explaining that to NASA.
The ride's smooth as always until I catch sight of the mothership-massive, sleek, and hovering like it's just casually hanging out behind the Moon. And look at that-a landing platform is opening up. I guess they're expecting me. No pressure, right?
The pod docks with a soft hum, and the hatch slides open. Time to step out and not look like a nervous human. The floor's cool underfoot, and I find myself on a moving platform-like a conveyor belt but way cooler-gliding into the heart of the mothership.
The ceiling stretches so high it feels like standing inside a glass cathedral. Above me, the stars twinkle through the transparent roof, but it's the centerpiece that steals the show: a colossal humanoid statue with its arms reaching skyward, as if saluting the cosmos. Water flows gently around its base, a shimmering fountain that sounds like a whispering stream.
The whole place has a serene, almost ancient vibe-like a library merged with a museum of cosmic secrets. My inner nerd is geeking out hard right now. Library of Alexandria in space, I mutter to myself.
So, here I am. Meeting number nine. Let's see what Shaka has planned for me this time...
Oh! Hey, Shaka! I greet, giving a half-wave like an awkward human ambassador. Shaka's head tilts slightly-Shaka's version of a 'follow me' gesture. No words, just that graceful head tilt and a subtle pull on my consciousness that says, This way.
We step onto a conveyor that materializes beneath our feet. Shaka takes my hand, Shaka's three long fingers cool but reassuring. Uh, okay, here we go, I whisper to myself as the belt glides us forward. This time, we sit in these sleek, molded chairs that feel like memory foam but somehow more... alive?
The tunnel ahead is pure glass, or at least something glass-like. Outer space stretches endlessly beyond it, stars sparkling like cosmic confetti. I lean forward for a better look and realize-those aren't just stars.
Whoa, I breathe. Those are ships.
There are dozens-maybe hundreds-of them. Silent, smooth, and hovering just beyond the mothership. It feels like peeking backstage at a cosmic theater production.
The conveyor slows, bringing us to a circular door that slides open with a whisper. The room inside is compact, with softly glowing panels and a slender metallic pole in the center. Shaka steps forward, grips the pole with one hand, and gestures for me to do the same.
Suddenly-whoosh!-we rocket upward so fast my stomach lurches. I can't help but let out a very dignified 'Whoopee!' as the walls blur into streaks of light.
Halfway up, I hear... animals? Sheep, cows, goats. Wait, was that a wombat?
Shaka, are we passing through an intergalactic petting zoo? I ask, craning my neck to listen. The sounds are faint but distinct, layered like an audio collage. Why are there Earth animal sounds on a Shaka mothership? The question joins the endless list of mysteries I still haven't figured out.
The elevator pole slows, and we step off into a large observation tower. The room is circular, with panoramic views of space and Earth just visible over the Moon's horizon.
We're not alone.
Tall, luminous beings stand in a semi-circle around a raised platform. Their presence hums in the air, like static before a lightning strike. I hear the word "Speakers" echo softly in my mind.
"They will speak," Shaka communicates.
They say something in a language I can't understand, their voice low and resonant. The Speakers turn toward us. I straighten my jacket, wipe my clammy palms on my pants, and try to look like I belong.
The air in the observation tower shifts, thickening with something that feels like static and significance. One of the Speakers steps forward-tall, with eyes that seem to hold galaxies-and speaks.
"If anyone wishes to attend, bring forth the gratuitous offerings, speak the truth, harbour the destiny. We are the way. So say us all."
The voice resonates through the room, though the Speaker's mouth doesn't move. The words aren't just heard; they land in my chest like a low-frequency hum.
They're broadcasting this to the other ships, I realize. A call to action.
Tiny lights flicker in the walls around us-white, blue, gold-like fireflies trapped in glass. The patterns shift and pulse, syncing with the Speaker's words. It's mesmerizing, and I'm trying to focus, but... the lights are distracting me.
I glance over at Shaka. Shaka is still, regal and composed, antler-like crown shimmering with the soft glow of the tower. The flowing white robe Shaka wears today has delicate, silver-threaded patterns woven into the fabric-like constellations stitched from starlight. Shaka is tall, elegant... and, well, absolutely stunning.
I suddenly feel self-conscious. Here I am in my earthling jeans and hoodie, looking like I just rolled off my couch, while Shaka stands there like an intergalactic god.
I tug on my sleeve and give an awkward, half-silent laugh. Yeah, Suzan, real ambassador material. Next time, at least wear clean sneakers.
Shaka's head turns slightly, as if my thoughts are heard. The corner of Shaka's mouth twitches ever so slightly. Amusement? Understanding? It's hard to tell, but I swear Shaka knows.
I straighten up, trying to mimic Shaka's grace. Whatever this call to action is, it feels important. The Shaka are gathering, and something big is about to happen.
"A token of appreciation," Shaka says softly, without turning around.
I blink. Wait, what?
Was Shaka reading my mind again? I mean, Shaka usually does-but still, it catches me off guard every time. I was just standing here, mentally bemoaning my fashion choices, and now she's talking about tokens of appreciation? Is this about the hoodie?
Before I can ask, Shaka glides toward a sleek, silver panel embedded in the curved wall. Shaka's robe flows behind, whispering against the floor with each step.
I stay put, watching Shaka work. Shaka's slender fingers move with practiced ease across the panel, tracing glowing lines and tapping what I assume are controls. The surface responds to Shaka's touch, shifting patterns like an ancient lock being carefully turned.
I cross my arms, trying to act casual. Sooo... should I be doing something? Or just... stand here awkwardly like a confused Earthling?
No response. Shaka's focus is absolute. I take the hint and zip my lips, returning to quiet observation. I shift on my feet and try not to fidget. Whatever's coming next... it feels significant.
Shaka is looking out through the windows. I wonder what has been observed.
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch movement beyond the transparent walls. I turn my head slightly and see mechanical arms extending from the mothership's hull. They're sleek and jointed, like metallic limbs, gracefully guiding smaller ships into position.
Ah-Watching them now, it feels less like a mechanical process and more like a living organism welcoming its own. The arms move with a quiet precision, cradling each incoming ship like delicate puzzle pieces finding their place.
The ships vary in shape-some spherical and transparent, others more angular, like polished black teardrops. They dock in neat formations along the mothership, and faint pulses of blue energy ripple outward with each secure connection. It's mesmerizing, like watching cosmic choreography.
I shift my gaze toward Shaka. Shaka is standing near the panoramic window, completely still, attention fixed to the terraces.
What is Shaka seeing?
Shaka looks at me. "Power is the nature of the brethren, seeing the dust, intuition, being forth and seeing the decremental, you must understand the ways of the past."
Shaka continues. "Structured terraces are beneath. The fortuitous nature of the brethren. Dynamic influences bequeath us, for it is everlasting, the diamond structure is but a terrace of institution above discovery, we triumph, this is the way, the marvel, the weakness is described in the truancy nature, absentee will discredit."
Shaka raises a hand and makes a subtle, sweeping gesture toward the scene beyond the glass. Shaka's fingers extend, the antler-like crown on Shaka's head catching the soft light from the console.
I follow the direction of Shaka's gesture, eyes landing on the arriving ships.
My mind scrambles to catch up. I'd assumed the terraces were just docking platforms or mechanical arms, but now I see it: the ships themselves form the terraces. As each vessel locks into position, they connect like pieces of a massive, orbital puzzle. Layer by layer, the arriving ships are creating something larger-an enormous, spiraling structure around the mothership.
Shaka turns slightly and gives a small, approving nod.
This isn't just a fleet assembly. It's a signal.
"The two terraces. Be not abrupt but solitude, for this is the way. Ask for forgiveness and ye shall see."
Was that a personal message to me, Shaka? Or something you want me to write down for others?
Without turning, Shaka answers in that calm, mind-voice I've grown familiar with.
"Both."
I glance out at the spiraling layers of ships beyond the glass. The pattern they're forming seems significant now.
The terraces outside continue their silent assembly, each ship locking into place like pieces of a cosmic puzzle. Whatever this message means, I get the feeling that once the terraces are complete... everything is going to change.
"They're coming here for a meeting. Solitude, we must be resolute and intuitive. Bring the brothers, the likelihood that we are determined. The structure of evolution in the chaos that is mustering. We will bring the torch, shine the light and everlasting peace of silence. Be forth, disruptive and king of the lands, send your voice and bring forth the commandments."
The message I'm getting, I say, more to myself, is that they're here to connect. To talk with other travelers from distant worlds. Like... a call to gather, maybe? An invitation to those who can come and assist.
I glance at Shaka, who stands beside me, silent but attentive.
"I must also say it is a courtesy to be here in this voluminous structure, it is not necessary for us usually to disclose endearing and repetitive eventualities."
"We are wandering in solitude, that keeps us sustained."
"The purposeful, watchful, hurtful, mindful, be contained inside this evolution. For you must stand and be fruitful for change, for it is coming soon. Dust in the wind and change in the air, these are the repercussions of stance."
"The repercussions cast a silence downward towards the open air like a horn symboling rupture, benevolence and the harbormaster. Be ready, be not equal in stature or rein in the tower."
"It's a system of peace, a long lasting discovery of peace but belonging, fortuitous and silent. We are the way."
"Do not dust the cavity of the strange, the repercussions are a must. Be silenced from the war, the readiness of the spirit awaits. We are one, we are cherished by nature and the equality of the lion's nest, be not abrupt or charged, be fruitful, be alive."
"Practice a discharge, a discovery."
"You will tweak nature and discover the underlying grassroots of evolution. Be not swayed or persuaded to the teeth of the snarling, be at peace, watchful, awake full. We will come. The discovery is near, the breach is near, we are prepared."
"The wide nature of things to come is greatness under the sun."
"It is etched in the timeline that peace will come and evolution will stamp the rich nature of the stylized blueprint, meaningful, watch full, seasonal gratuitous lightbringers, we are the way."
You are very elegant looking today Shaka.
"It is the way to present oneself to fulfil the mission. Equivaty is designed as a muchness, we breathe therefore we perceive."
Shaka puts a hand over where our heart is.
"We are similar, distant cousins by nature, similarities beyond belief. Be a person, be a frame, be a distant light shining on the discovery of gratuitous sightline."
"It is the wisdom of nature to be bequeathed, it speaks volumes to the targeted."
"Do not fear, the lion is peaceful."
Thank you Shaka . Are we attending the meeting soon?
"Shush," Shaka says
"We are waiting for the virtuous three. They are docking now, offloading."
I tilt my head and glance sideways at Shaka. Speaking of-which I guess I'm mostly doing to myself-how do you guys have gravity on all these ships? Seriously. I've been wondering since day one. Is it artificial? Magnetic? Or some weird alien trick?
Shaka's mouth twitches into the faintest smile.
"We control all, repetitive nature, finding things, screwing things, opening things, a nest. Weaving nature, mathematics and opening pathways beyond belief. The searchability of our team is endless, we have paths of light all over the planet. Seeking vengeance on those beasts who worm."
I make a mental note and move on to my next burning question.
What's the meaning of the statue in the atrium? I whisper.
"The benevolent teacher. The one that stayed above all else. The queen, a virtuous symbol of robust equinox and talent. We can wish upon a star, she is almighty, the queen of transcendence. She points upwards to the stars seeking the way of justice. We bind by her rule and virtuous fullness."
Thank you, Shaka. I nod, hoping it shows I sort of understand... or at least that I'm trying to.
"Do not hesitate to be abrupt and spend the nature or treat the sack of life as a torture. For you are great design and virtuous. See the system beyond the stars and be happy. For your nature is to discern and be loved, but the tiny disruption glues open the bleeding, the poor, the rupture. Do not discover this nature for it is abrupt, speak the truth, the wise. Be forever indulgent in the screwing of time."
"Move forward, trust no one but yourself. Be fruitful in design."
"Be equivalent to a god, for you are all equals under the sun."
I notice movement along the platforms and the sides of the arriving starships. Something's shifting, preparing.
"We touched on the fortuitous robust feature of the tectonic institution. We must obey, be righteous, and do not hesitate to discover. We are truthful. We are the way."
"Beneath the solitude of life lies a great target of discovery. Bringing truth, volition and a reach of evolution. Bring your souls with the will to touch. We will assist in the evolution. Bringing the light, the dust and the cavity."
We step into another room. Shaka continues talking.
"Behold the true nature of the rhythm. The vibration of eternity for it is warm and infinite. It is the eternal sun of the spotless mind. It is the vacuum that, by design, is to infiltrate the hearts of men, be courteous."
Shaka's definitely been watching a lot of our movies-but hey, I get the analogy.
In the center of the room, there's a strange device. I squint at it. Is this some kind of judgment machine? A memory machine? I point toward it, curiosity buzzing in my chest.
"Be not the man, but the token of gratitude, be warm, vicarious, and dot your t's and cross your i's. Meditate, associate, and you will abide by the rules of nature. You will be fruitful, warm, loving and sexual."
Okay, this machine must judge you-like that ancient Egyptian process where they weighed a feather against your soul.
"You see a taste of what's to come. We have the oblivion of design and technology at our fingertips. What you need we create design and feature."
"It is the laziness of true nature," Shaka says, smiling.
We move down another tube, the sound of voices growing louder with each second. My chair spins 180 degrees as we enter a large, dimly lit room. Aqua-blue lights glow along the floor.
I step off the chair and look around. This must be where all the arrivals have gathered.
"This is a large meeting room to discuss the points of nature, and discuss the rudimentary control of the night creatures, the peckers."
Okay, I whisper. They're talking about the bad guys.
Shaka mentions the arrival of the others.
"They are trusted, and are bequeathed to instantaneous life."
What are they doing here, Shaka?
"Getting ready for the meeting."
We're in an open cubicle, and Shaka is adjusting a device in front of us.
What's this device for, Shaka?
"Reading, wanting, translating."
"It's ready, the meeting's ready."
In the center of the room, a large figure stands, speaking in a deep, resonant tone.
"Hey you, hey you. Call to action. It is the meeting of the fourth dimension dynamic. Bring forth the wisdom of us all. We are the way. We are a system of repetitiveness, and it is what you need."
The translator's struggling with this one, but I get the general drift.
"Standing before us is a wise being who comes forth to share knowledge and teach us the minimalistic styles of the earthlings."
Was he talking about me, Shaka? Wise and knowledgeable feels like a stretch. Minimalistic? Yeah-I'm basically broke. And Earthling? Well, I'm definitely the only one of those here.
"It is by design," Shaka says.
"Lift your head and show your place."
I stand and look at the figure presenting. They give me a small nod of acknowledgment. Shaka, is there anything I need to do?
"Be courteous and await your turn."
Okay!
Shaka stands and gracefully leaves the cubicle, walking off with that effortless elegance a Shaka always has.
I stay put, hearing the low murmur of voices around the room. It feels like a conference meeting-alien style.
The translator's picking up bits and pieces. Something about this public arena... mistrust... uncertainty about humans.
I shift uncomfortably. Great. They're probably scanning me right now.
Not the best timing, considering I had burritos for lunch.
"You are fortuitous, abrupt by design, a token of nature's gratitude. Please wait while you are the token guest."
Token guest? Great. I really hope that doesn't mean I'm tonight's main course. Not that I have a clue what's going on here. I'm just assuming there's some kind of intergalactic happy hour after this whole soirée.
I glance around and spot Shaka across the room, talking to someone at another booth. I smile. For some reason, I'm not nervous at all. Just... curious.
The translator crackles again: "Public gallery."
Ah, so I'm on display. Fantastic. The weird human with the funny hair. I sit a little straighter, trying to look mildly impressive.
Suddenly, a hologram appears on the floor in the center of the room-a rose, slowly unfurling. Its petals shimmer with soft green-blue light.
Wait... no. On second look, it's that familiar aqua blue.
Something's starting. A ceremony, maybe?
I resist the urge to ask if there's a snack break soon.
"By design, you are senseless, but you have a ticket to equality."
Wow. Thanks for that. The speaker's voice is sharp and abrupt, almost scolding.
I shift in my seat, suppressing a smirk. Clearly, they haven't quite mastered the subtleties of human manners yet. Politeness isn't exactly their strong suit-but hey, I've learned by now not to take it personally.
Still, senseless? It's a bit harsh.
"Be distant nature, you are charged with action, speech and benevolence."
"What say you."
Oh... I get it.
The speaker wants to know if I'll write down and publish everything Shaka's asked me to. That's what this is about. I stand up again, clear my throat, and nod.
Of course, I accept. Thank you very much, I say, trying to sound more confident than I feel.
"You will be bestowed off to the side for inauguration." the speaker says.
Someone gestures for me to leave the booth and head down a curved aisle. I step out, walking alone down a set of stairs.
Ahead, an opening glows with a soft red light. I follow it into a room that feels more familiar-almost like a boardroom.
In the center, a round table encircles a hovering tractor beam. It hums gently, suspending something indistinct in midair.
Okay, I think, running a hand along the smooth edge of the table. This is pretty cool.
"Be seated," someone says.
"You are charged with bringing the truth, seeking the dust, do you agree?"
Umm... yes. It's my job. I agreed upstairs, and I agree again.
"Place your distinct mark on this area."
This Shaka points to a flat, tablet-like tool on the table. Oh... I get it. I'm supposed to sign or fingerprint something. The surface looks like glass, so I press my hand on it. The tablet glows softly beneath my touch.
I hear: "You are now part of one of us, be distinct and teach, be above all else the silence."
This Shaka isn't my usual one. There's no calm, elegant presence here-this feels more... official. More like an administrator.
Thank you. It's an honor, I say, trying to sound composed.
Honestly, I'm just going with the flow at this point.
"Be various of teachings, you are the way."
"Here are your instructions and help sack."
"They belong to you beneath the sun. Use them to push the equinox mission. The tools are in the sack, wisdom for they are terra, they are designed to switch instantaneous enlightenment, be aware not to overuse. It is tightened, be away with you now."
Thank you! I say, standing up. That seems to be it-the initiation is done.
I walk back up the steps into the main meeting room. The sound of clapping fills the space, though I don't see any hands moving.
Ah... virtual applause. Fancy.
"You are in the system, too late to backtrack now." I hear through the translator, someone's being smart!
The Speaker talks: "Go forth and discover, be the outreach, dynamic, full of life, we will teach you."
Thank you. May I say something?
"You are beeth, do not whine, you are to teach, what is it you say."
Maybe they're not used to someone asking to speak. I'm not here to complain-though, honestly, the translation could use a bit more of a human touch.
I clear my throat and speak up, louder than usual.
I humbly thank you all, and I will honor our agreement. I'll do what I must.
"You will." I hear "By divine you are spiritual, contained in the atoms with belief, go forth."
My Shaka is waiting for me now, standing just beyond the crowd.
Shaka places a hand around my shoulder, leaning in slightly.
I feel Shaka's breath near my ear as Shaka whispers something softly-words meant just for me.
"It is done, you silly human! What have you done?," Shaka smirks.
I start giggling-nervous, awkward giggling.
"You have discovered the nature of the true divine, the wisdom, the backlash, you will be truthful I know. We are but one."
I'm not sure if I actually find it funny or if I'm suddenly terrified by what just happened. Probably both.
Shaka and I walk out of the room, side by side. Thank you, Shaka, I say, glancing up at her. Not gonna lie... I'm still not sure what I've gotten myself into here.
"You are the truth, bring forth the design and teach."
Shaka! I say, my voice is a little unsteady. I'm going to need help with all this. I've been planning, but I'm still not sure how to do it all. If the plan needs changing... just let me know.
"Keep the distance," I hear. I think Shaka means to just keep as I am going for now.
"You must investigate the truth and be full of life, let it go outwards, the system is set up, just go with it, just go, believe and trust."
Shaka, I'm feeling excited and overwhelmed-like, energetically excited, if that makes sense?
"We do, we are nature, we understand the terminology of others, the feelings, it wasn't always this way when we were less developed and the laws corrupted. We have evolved, our system is equal now to the gods of old. Let it go, be peaceful."
Shaka... was I imprinted back there when I touched that pad?
"You are distinct now, glowing radiant, your pin code is accepted. Your tabernacle is watchful and turning, bring forth the wise."
May I ask another question, Shaka?
"You may."
I need funding to complete these tasks, Shaka. It takes human money to do this. I'll have to work hard or find a way to cover the costs-travel, food, all the expenses. I'll figure it out.
"Don't be discouraged by the cost of society, it's the way, the beacon. Be prepared to undo the latch of equality. Bubbly money is coming, we have insured it."
So... you have a big design planned? I'll just trust you, like you asked, and let you guide me through it. I sigh softly. I'm starting to get a bit tired.
"You've had enough now?"
I exhale, running a hand through my hair. Oh... yeah, it's a lot to take in. I don't know how it's all going to happen, but I'm sure you've got it all planned.
"It is our nature, design, flag, wave, multiple paths, lumps, three dimensional strings. It's a long time looking ahead, multiple timelines passing between them all, it is the way we think."
"You are the way. Don't forget it."
I hope you have others out there doing this too-other ways of getting the information out.
Silence. No response from Shaka. Then again, it makes sense. If there's a bigger plan, sharing those details wouldn't be wise.
"Be discovered, be teachable, be mindful, we will begin sometime about safety. Yes, we will be watching, guarding."
Okay. I'll work hard. But I probably need to look a bit more presentable. I've been pretty scruffy lately-pajamas all day, not exactly ambassador material. Better clothes, nicer shoes, maybe a proper haircut. Oh, and a massage wouldn't hurt either!"
"You will discover this, the intimidating virtue of life."
I turn to Shaka, speaking a bit more firmly this time. Shaka, this... this is the greatest thing I've ever been part of. It's emotional for me-it's incredible.
"Facetious and kind, you will get there. Apart, do not gamble."
Gamble? I frown. There's an undertone there I'll have to think about later.
I take a deep breath. I'm feeling stronger, Shaka. You've inspired me.
"It is not me providing the inspiration," Shaka responds calmly. "You are feeling fulfilled by design-accommodating the truth and seeking the service."
I swallow hard and force a smile. Thanks, Shaka... you're kind of making me nervous now.
"I can see," Shaka says softly. "You will learn."
Thank you, I reply, my voice quieter now. I need some time to take this all in... to sit with my thoughts.
Shaka leans in, glancing around as if checking for onlookers. Shaka's voice drops to a whisper.
"Adjust the nature, seek the truth, then you will love and live long. Keep up the practice-for it is working. Bring the practice in, and it will be within. Keep the practice out, and it will be without."
I blink. Oh! I get it! That's exactly what my meditation course was talking about-taking it inward instead of just going through the motions. Shaka gives a slight nod, the faintest glint of approval in the eyes.
"We are like you," Shaka continues, "motionless, speechless in time. Full of the moment, full of peace in our watchtower."
So... that's how they meditate. Still, silent, and completely present.
Okay, Shaka, I say, grinning. I'm onto it. What amazes me, I say, shaking my head, is just how ridiculously intelligent you are.
Shaka's gaze softens. "I am wise, decadent in solitude. It has taken time. Nature is a suitable host."
There's a pause, like Shaka's letting that sink in. Then:
"You will go now. Discern and think."
I swallow and give a small bow. Thank you. I'm humbled.
Shaka straightens and, with the faintest smirk, says, "Be gone."
I snort. Okay, okay! Love you too.
I step into the return pod, but before the door seals, I glance back. Shaka's standing there, fingers wiggling over the ears, tongue sticking out. The playful side I've come to expect at the weirdest times. Shaka's extra formal today-regal, even. I point to Shaka's robe and give a thumbs-up.
Shaka waves me off with a dismissive shoo-shoo motion. Classic.
The pod hums to life, and I sink into the seat. Amen, I mutter as the acceleration kicks in. What a trip.
Then it hits me.
Wait.
What the hell did I just sign up for?
Holy crap. I guess I've officially been recruited. No chocolates. No Champagne. Not even a 'Welcome to the Cosmic League' badge.
Maybe I'll get a cool spacegirl badge later.
Wait... I don't even have friends to show it to.
I groan and close my eyes as the pod hurtles me back toward Earth.