The Mystery of the Shandon Rumblings continues - Chapters 11, 12, 13, 14

The story so far...Shane and his friend Simon observed strange rumbling sounds under the Shandon region. The rumblings increased to an almost earthquake level, which affected houses in the Shandon area and Shane and his family had to move to another safer area nearby. Shane returned to the area curious about things and got hurt when he tried to enter his own home to check out things...

Chapter 11

Shane Learns a Little More

Shane was conscious and aware when the members of the Civil Defence team took him to the accident and emergency unit at the local hospital. He knew he was okay and could really have gone home. They were taking good care of him. At the hospital, he was checked thoroughly by the doctor. The doctor, who asked a nurse to clean some of the cuts and put on a dressing, perused his cuts and bruises. The doctor congratulated him on his good luck. He expressed his amazement that he hadn't any serious injuries and scratched his head in wonderment.

''You must be blessed,'' said the doctor to Shane. ''I've had people come in here with worse wounds from a lesser accident. You are indeed blessed!''

Shane smiled to himself wondering if he had been blessed or just lucky because of the way he fell down the hole. Who knows?

‘‘You will be fine, my friend, if you keep away from large holes. What were you doing anyway?'' said the doctor.

Shane tried to explain about the rumblings, the gas explosion, and the damage to his house.

''Oh, it's very understandable why you would want to go there. You're trying to help your mother, because you're the only man in then house.''

Shane's Mam travelled in her car, following the truck to the hospital. She ran inside the emergency unit, anxious to hear if Shane was okay. The doctor was still talking to Shane. She felt such relief when she saw her son was okay, as he was sitting on a trolley, drinking a cup of tea.

''How are you?’’ the doctor inquired of her. ‘’Shane is fine. He's a brave man, suffering a fall like that. You must be proud of him, Mrs...?''

''McCarthy,'' said Shane's Mam in a strained voice.

''He's really very lucky. In fact, we think he's blessed. There must be somebody up there looking after him. I can't imagine anybody falling several feet down a hole like that and not have some injuries. You can take him home now. We've given him an examination. No broken bones, maybe some bruises, but nothing too serious. If there's any change in his condition later, please bring him in immediately.''

The orderly helped Shane into a wheelchair and into the car.

''Oh I've never been so glad to see the inside of our car. Can't wait to go home. Did Rebecca and Simon go home? I’m sure they were worried about me and wanted to come and help me.''

''Are you comfortable enough there Shane? You must be hungry? Did you have anything to eat?''

''Actually no, just a cup of tea in the hospital. I'm feeling quite hungry at the moment. Maybe we can stop at a shop on the way to the guesthouse.’’

He lay back on the front seat, feeling tired and hungry.

His mother drove smoothly and carefully, stopping at a shop, on Sunday's Well Road. It was open late like all the local shops in the city. Shane's Mam took this route to bypass the city traffic. Soon they were crossing the river at Patrick's Bridge. The traffic was heavy leading into MacCurtain Street. A quick turn up York Hill lead them into Wellington Road. Shane was glad of the welcome he got from everybody.

Simon and Rebecca had made it home shortly after Shane was taken to the hospital. They were so glad to see Shane. They felt guilty, leaving him alone and not rescuing him.

''It's great to see you Shane,'' Rebecca gushed at him. ''Oh I was so worried about you. I tried to go back to help you but Simon wouldn't let me.'' She had tears in her eyes. Simon looked uncomfortable. He blushed a bright red.

''Shane, I'm so sorry I couldn't help you. I was afraid of more explosions and God knows what else. I thought it was best to keep out of the danger and...''

''...and let me die with the explosions. What kind of friend are you, Simon? That's terrible, leaving me all alone with no help from anyone. You could have gone for the security guard or something. Leaving me all alone, that's mad, that's ridiculous,’’ exploded Shane.

Simon was feeling so bad, that he burst into tears.

Shane smiled and then laughed aloud. ''Oh Simon, it's so easy to fool you. You still fall for my very bad jokes.''

He laughed so heartily, tears came in his eyes.

''The laugh is doing me the world of good. Now can I please have some food, I'm starving.''

Mrs. O'Brien, the landlady, came out of her kitchen when she heard the laughter in her hall.

''Good to see you back, my boy. You're safe and sound, now. Come into the kitchen where I’ll feed you. Go into the TV room, would ya?’’ she said to the others. ‘’ And I'll bring hot drinks for everyone. Come in here Shane.''

Simon and Rebecca wanted to talk to Shane about more things but had to be patient and wait until Shane had some food.

Simon had never felt so bad about anything in his whole life. He wasn't sure if Shane was really joking. He realised now he should have gone back for Shane and got some help. It didn't pay to be so sensible and protective. Rebecca looked thunderously at him.

Simon's Dad took some pity on him and told Rebecca that he might have made the same decision.

''You can never predict what the right thing to do is. Some people might risk their lives and rescue somebody and others might make decisions that are about preserving lives. It's a tough call. We're all very, very different. Now Rebecca, I want you to think about what I just said, before you take any more of your anger out on Simon. He did the best he could. You may be in disagreement with him, but he's entitled to his decision. Is that clear?''

Rebecca nodded, tears still pouring down her face. Her father came over to her and held her in his arms.

''I know, I know, you feel bad that Shane had to face danger on his own. Look at it this way, he's okay. After he has finished eating, I'm sure he'll want us to celebrate with him, isn’t that right?''

Rebecca took some comfort in her father's words.

''Thanks Dad,'' she said her voice a little shaky from the tears.

Shane came into the room at that moment.

''What are all the long faces about? You would think I had died. If this is what ya look like while I'm alive, it's going to be one black day for ya when I die. I never knew I could have such a negative effect on people. I'd better leave.'' He moved back through the doorway.

''Oh no Shane!'' Simon shouted. ''Come back, we're glad to see you.''

He came up to his friend and gave him a hug and clapped his back to hide his emotion. He was so relieved Shane was okay.

Rebecca put her arms around Shane and kissed him on the cheek. He blushed with surprise at her feelings for him. He looked down at her and kissed her back, on the cheek.

Everyone gave Shane a hug.

''Now Shane, promise you're not going to go up to the Shandon area again to check on things,'' said Simon's Dad.

''To be honest, I can't promise that. What I will promise is to not explore any houses or buildings there. They've cut off the gas so there shouldn't be any more explosions or other dangerous things happening. I know I gave you all a fright. I know I'm very lucky not to have any broken bones or anything.''

''Someone is definitely praying for you, Shane.'' Shane's Mam was thinking about Granddad and her husband, wondering if they were exerting any influence on Shane's life.

''Now everyone, here are the hot drinks and biscuits.'' Mrs. O'Brien bustled in, putting the tray of hot drinks carefully on a small table.

''I'd better check on Jill. I told her earlier I would look in on her.'' Shane's Mam went up to Jill's room. She came back in a few minutes.

''Sleeping like an angel.’’

She relaxed with her drink. ""Hope you will go to bed soon, Shane. Maybe don’t go to school tomorrow and take a rest.’’

''Think I'll go up now and have a good sleep. See you all tomorrow. Thanks for worrying abut me.''

As he went up the stairs he thought about how lucky he was to have escaped any serious injuries. Maybe the training about relaxing helped. He remembered falling down the hole and banging off the stone-edged sides. He had landed on the bottom with a thump. He wondered if his training in the other world had helped. He just didn't know. It was all a mystery to him.

He laughed again as he thought of Simon's face when he pretended to complain about no help. Poor Simon, he really cares even if he hadn't rescued him.

At the top of the stairs, Rebecca called to him. ''Night Shane, see you tomorrow.''

She blew him a kiss, which he returned.

‘Such a sweet girl,’ he thought as he entered his room.

Fatigue had set in and his bed was a welcome sight. As he lay on his bed, fully clothed, he drifted into sleep. Soon he was dreaming.

While Shane was dreaming, his Mam was discussing with Simon's parents the possibility of renting a house near the children's schools.

'’It will be great if we can find houses near each other. The children would have the company of each other. Would you like that possibility?''

Rebecca and Simon heard her last question and cheered the idea.

‘‘Do you think we could all get on that well together?'' Simon's Dad was dubious about close living between two families.

‘‘We might fall out with each other and never speak again. Wouldn’t that be awful?'' he said.

Both Simon and Rebecca shook their heads vigorously.

''No, no, Dad, not true, sure Shane has spent a lot of time in our house over the years. We practically live in each other's houses.'' said Simon.

''It would be great to share. Maybe you adults would have the difficulty. Maybe you're not used to sharing,'' Rebecca indicated.

''Maybe,'' said her Dad. ''We'll have to give it some thought and find out about compensation from the Gas Company and all that. Give us a little time to think about it,'' he said to Shane's Mam.

''I'm going to look at a number of houses tomorrow, to see what the possibilities are,'' she said.

''We can't stay here much longer. The expense will be too much for me.''

Simon stood up. ''I've got to go out to Blackie to see how he is.''

''Jill looked after him while you were away,'' said Simon's Mam.

''Oh that was nice of her,'' said Simon as he left.

Simon sat down on the doorstep with the dog. The dog was overjoyed to see his favourite person. As he stroked the dog's fur, he gazed at the stars twinkling overhead.

''Do you know Blackie, we're on another adventure and we don't know anything about it. It's probably the time now to get together and see what's expected of us. I still feel bad about Shane. Pity you can’t come on our adventure.''

Blackie stood up and barked at the word 'come'. He hoped Simon would take him for a walk.

''Not tonight, boy, tomorrow after school I'll take you for your w-a-l-k then.'' He had to spell it or Blackie would get overexcited at the word.

He stood up to go back inside. "'Get into bed Blackie. See you in the morning.''

The dog moved into his makeshift kennel. He was comfortable in the kennel, with the floor covered in straw, changed daily by the landlady. She kept horses in her previous home in Glanmire and so she treated Blackie as if he was in a stable with fresh bedding every night. Blackie liked the straw, which was clean, dry and warm. He loved to make a nest by shuffling the straw about.

With a final goodnight, Simon closed the back door and went inside to his parents.

''Oh good, you’re back. How's Blackie? We were just discussing what we might do next. Do you have any ideas?''

It was always amazing to Simon that his parents treated him like an adult, even when he was little. They always included him in big discussions and generally ignored Rebecca, who got annoyed over this.

Simon turned to Rebecca to see if she had contributed some ideas.

''What did you say, Rebecca?''

''I didn't say anything yet, because they didn't ask me. They were just talking to Mrs. McCarthy before you came in.'' Rebecca was beginning to feel angry.

''Well, what do you think Rebecca? Do you think we should look for a house?'' Her father spoke quickly guessing that Rebecca was about to explode in anger.

''I think two apartments beside each other would be an excellent idea. It would be easier to get two apartments together. I don't think all of us living in the house would be good for us. Too many decisions to be made by too many adults and kids.'' She pouted her lip.

Her Dad turned to Simon. ''And what do you think Simon? Should we stay here, rent or what should we do?''

Simon was silent for a few moments then turned his head in the direction of Rebecca.

''I think Rebecca has a good idea. I think two apartments would be a good idea. There are many for rent in the city, with all the new blocks of apartments going up. I love the new style. It would be very posh, I think.''

''You're probably both right,'' said their mother, smiling at their ability to think logically.

‘‘There are new apartments blocks built close to our former homes. They are on Carroll’s Quay - close to the city and close to your schools. I'll make some appointments over the next few days. This family is becoming adventurous and cosmopolitan.''

''Who's going to pay for all this?'' said Dad looked cross. It pained him to have to think about more payments.

''Now, now darling, don't worry. Our insurance will cover

all this. We're going to have to make a decision about repairs and damages and so, but let’s take one step at a time.’’

''I think that might be a decision for another day,'' said their father, who put his hand on his head.

''My head hurts from all this talk about money.''

Simon rolled his eyes at him. Mrs. McCarthy saw this gesture and tried not to laugh. Simon burst into laughter. They both laughed so heartily that the others were startled and couldn't but join in on the laughing. Simon's father forgot about his sore head as he joined in.

''I don't know why I'm laughing,'' said Rebecca, breathlessly.

''Just what we all needed,'' said Mrs. McCarthy, in between splutters of laughter.

''They say laughter is good for the soul,'' said Simon's Dad.

''And good for your head,'' said Rebecca. ''It's better than aspirin, isn't it Dad?''

Chapter 12

Moving House?

The next morning, Shane didn't go to school. He wanted time to himself, to think through what had happened so far. He had slept through the night, waking at a normal time in the morning. His mother checked to see if he was okay and wanted to get up. She was very understanding.

There were no painful bruises on his body, just minor ones, turning purple and yellow.

He expressed his thanks again to God and the universe for no major injuries from yesterday's accident. It was good to lie quietly on his bed, stretching his long frame on the short bed.

'I must be going through another growth spurt,’ he thought, as he realised the shortness of his jeans.

‘I couldn't have grown that quickly,’ he mused. ‘Mam must have shrunk those jeans in the wash.’

He closed his eyes and immediately he saw the colours as before. 'My brain is certainly focused for some kind of concentrating.' He enjoyed seeing the colours, varying from dark blue to green to red. 'It's like as if my brain is on a particular wavelength, like a radio receptor. Am I tuned into the lady's thoughts? Hope I'm not turning into an alien or something weird?’’

Suddenly he sat up realising a fearful thought had come into his brain. ‘How do I know this is not all about aliens? They could be trying to take over the minds and bodies of unsuspecting children.’

He remembered a movie, where aliens took over the minds of children in a town. 'That's not happening, is it?' The reality of the possibility of it being true hit him.

‘It would be horrible if that was true. How do I know these...em...beings are the last surviving members of a forgotten race of people who once lived here in Ireland? Was Ireland the only country they lived in?

Were they here when the Fenian warriors roamed Ireland? Probably they were here before that. I'm having second thoughts about this whole thing. I know we're having some subterranean problems, due to subsidence, earth tremors. How can we trust all this stuff of being trained and going into another dimension? We could be just brainwashed by alien beings. Aliens could capture people. Oh it's all a bit horrible, really.

Maybe it's time to involve the adults. I don't think us children and teenagers should be taking all this responsibility on our shoulders. We can't be trying to save a city. It was different the last time; we had some help, even if the help was a ghost or something weird. I'm not happy about the way all this is going. We're not heroes. We're just ordinary children trying to grow up in an ordinary city.

And Granddad, how do I know that... person...is Granddad? It could be any...being, copying him.'

The fearful thoughts made him shiver.

'Maybe we're just eejits, just very naive children from an old inner city area, who can be easily led in the wrong direction. Maybe that's why they picked us, knowing we would not be spoilt with riches or large houses and could be easily controlled. God, I'm going to have to tell Mam or somebody. It just can't be right. It doesn't make any sense. We're like all these people you read about who've seen Our Lady in Lourdes, Fatima, Ballinaspittle. We can't be seeing Our Lady. Sure we're not very religious, especially me. I prefer science to religion. I can't say I don't believe in God, but I can't say I do, either. I just don't know. I'm waiting until I'm older to see what I believe.

I'll have to talk to the others to see if they have any doubts like me. I think the whole thing is a hoax. Falling down the hole must have done me some good. Maybe God meant me to fall down the hole to wake up and realise the truth.

I think I must have been living a fantasy, like a child. I'm glad I'm at home now thinking all this. If I had gone to school, I would have been too busy to do any thinking. I've done a good morning's work now for myself. Some breakfast is in order.'

He got up, deciding to put the turmoil out of his head for the moment. In the bathroom, the water of the shower felt comforting and cleansing. By this time, everyone had left for school and work.

Mrs. O'Brien dished up one of her enormous breakfasts, which Shane wolfed down.

His appetite had increased and he could have eaten two breakfasts, he mused. Mrs. O'Brien was happy to cook such a big meal. It was part of her raison d’être to feed the population. Her own family had long left to live and work in the USA, South Africa and Australia.

Her husband had died, quietly in his sleep, a few years ago. In the quieter months of the tourist season, she flew to her respective offspring to pay visits. This was her annual holiday.

Her family values of feeding the young with plenty of food to make them big and strong went down well with Shane. She served more food than his mother ever had. Secretly, he was delighted with the extra food. He knew his mother was annoyed at the large helpings, worrying that everyone would get fat.

Shane was always telling her that as long as they lived in

Cork, they would never get fat - because of the exercise provided by the steps leading up and down to places in the city. Cork was built around the river valley of the Lee, on a number of hills. Shane believed he was having a growth spurt due to the extra food. Thus, it would explain the reason for the 'shrinking' jeans.

‘Oh yes!’ he thought.

As for Granddad’s idea of organic food, well, he didn’t think Mrs. O’Brien would be too interested

Mrs. O'Brien had a large kitchen, with modern fittings. She loved to cook and did most of her own baking on a daily basis - biscuits, apple pies, bread, and scones. There was a continuous smell of cooking wafting from her kitchen, from early morning to late at night. If her guests were finished eating, her friends from the neighbouring houses came around for cups of tea with scones and cake - all fresh from the oven.

She employed assistants, who came in on a part-time basis, to help with breakfast and evening meal preparation and serving. She treated her employees like old friends. Before she was married, she had helped her parents to run their hotel in Glanmire. Now she ran a successful guesthouse business.

Shane finished the large breakfast and wanted to tell Mrs. O'Brien about his dilemma. Maybe she would understand more easily than his Mam. He stood up from the large dining table, cleared his plates and cup and brought them to the kitchen, where Mrs. O'Brien was pottering about. He felt nervous.

''Mrs. O'Brien can I ask you something, something you have to promise not to tell me Mam?’’

Mrs. O'Brien spun around as calmly as she could. She wasn't sure if she would be 'calm.'

''Well, what I have to talk about is a very difficult thing to talk about,'' he said as evenly as his rapid beating heart allowed.

''Oh don't worry Shane. I’ve heard loads of stuff over the years. At my age, I think I've probably listened to everything. It’s much better to share your problems than to bottle them up. So let's sit here and have another cup of tea.''

''Well, Mrs. O'Brien, I think that you haven't heard this before. I'd be very surprised if you did''

He took a deep breath and then began his story.

‘‘A couple of years ago, me and my friends helped to rescue the city from the cold spell. D'ya remember that?''

Mrs. O'Brien nodded her head. ''I do indeed. It was the first winter I had to spend alone without my husband. He had died the previous Christmas. I had plenty of guests, although there was lots of snow and ice. The guests kept me busy enough. However, go on, tell me more. So, you were helping to rescue the city. What did ya do to help?''

She imagined he would talk about helping with clearing the snow and old people and so on.

''Mrs. O'Brien, brace yourself. We helped to restore the special stones that were missing from the Shandon clock.''

''That's very good, that's not shocking. I'm delighted you were so helpful''

''Wait till you hear this part. We had the help of my long lost dead granduncle.'' He looked at her to see if she heard everything.

He heard her intake of breath. Her hand went over her mouth and her eyes grew wide.

''Did you say long lost dead granduncle? You’ve got me. I never heard that one before.'' She smiled and relaxed a little. ''You're joking, of course.'' She looked at him.

''You're not, oh my goodness. We have a ghost hunter in the house.'' She sipped on her tea. ''Tell me more.''

Shane continued. ''There were four of us helping mygranduncle. We went to another dimension for training, to help us get the stones back from another time zone.''

He felt like laughing, because he knew it must sound ridiculous.

''Shane, my dear boy, you have quite an imagination. You can't be serious. Nobody does things like that in reality.’’

He looked so worried, she had sympathy for him.

‘‘What is your worry Shane?'' she asked kindly.

''I'm worried that we are being taken over by aliens.''

She fell silent for a few moments. ''You're worried about aliens taking over, here in Cork?''

''Mrs. O'Brien, I know you must think I'm mad. Look, I'm not the only one involved. There’s my sister Jill, my friend Simon and his sister, Rebecca. I'm not supposed tell anybody anything. But I don't like keeping secrets. I think there’s something wrong with that.''

When she heard him mention the other children's names, the shock of it set in.

''I'm sitting here Shane and I think you're making it all up. You may have a very good imagination, but it becomes too much for you and looks real to you. But it's not Shane. This is real here in this room, in this house''

She pointed around the large kitchen.

''What you're talking about, is going on in your head. It's all up there.'' She tapped her forehead.

''I'm sorry Mrs. O'Brien, for keeping you here. It's not a story it's real. If you ask the other children, you'll find out for yourself. However I ask that you don't tell anybody. Our parents would think we were on drink, drugs or something like that. They wouldn't believe us at all. That's why I wanted to talk to you, because you don't know us that well and wouldn't judge us like our parents. It is a big burden to have to carry around this secret. You see there's more going on. Do you want to hear it?''

She nodded her head feeling a little angry because he didn't seem to recognise that there is only one reality. She was worried that the parents would be cross with her, for allowing him to indulge his fantasy making. She thought he would perhaps benefit from some professional help. With a professional, he could indulge his fantasy making. The person would help him interpret why he needed to fantasise so much.

''Shane, my boy, I'm not sure I should listen to anymore. Maybe we can talk later on. I think you should rest yourself now and come down for lunch at one o' clock. We can talk after lunch then, if you want.’’

Shane went back upstairs reluctantly. After lunch, he would try to convince Mrs. O'Brien that he was speaking the truth.

Mrs. O'Brien cleared the teacups and started the preparations for the evening meal. While she peeled potatoes and washed vegetables, she thought about Shane and his imagination. She resolved that it would be best to let his parents know what was going on within his mind. Maybe they would get an appointment with a professional counsellor or psychiatrist for him.

'It's enough to give me the creeps.' She shivered as she contemplated his predicament. 'Young people have great imaginations.’

During her lunch break, Shane's Mam, Mrs. McCarthy, viewed some of the new apartments on Carroll's Quay and Lower John Street, not far from their old home. The apartments were decorated and furnished in a contemporary style.

''They're so spacious and bright,'' she said to the agent.

''Look at this view.'' The agent pointed to the river and the city with the traffic and pedestrians.

''There's no noise here. It's extraordinary. We're so close

to the city, yet if you close your eyes you wouldn't know it.'' Shane's Mam was delighted with the modern look.

''I'll have to bring my family here to view things. Can we make an appointment for this Saturday? We have another family interested also.''

The agent took out her diary and made an appointment for the McCarthys.

''Are you interested in buying or renting?’’ asked the agent.

‘’Renting for the moment,’’ said Mrs. McCarthy.’’

‘’ As you know, we are well into the property buying frenzy. There are only a few apartments left for sale. Do you want me to put a provisional booking on two three bedroom types for your family and the other family?’’ The agent took details and made further dates for viewing.

Mrs. O'Brien called Shane down for lunch. She loved serving food. He was glad of the food, as he still felt hungry. She served him in the large dining room, which had seen many tourists from different countries over the years. An appetizing aroma filled the room as she came in with two plates of steaming food.

They ate in silence, except for the occasional slurping and lip smacking sound. When they had finished she gathered the dishes and encouraged Shane to do the same.

In the kitchen, still steaming from the food preparation, Mrs. O'Brien indicated to Shane to have a seat. With a large mug of coffee, she sat beside him.

''You wanted to tell me more this morning. Isn't that right?''

She spoke with a soft gentle tone, aware that Shane was a young person and not experienced in the way of the world.

''Well I'm sure what I say will sound really weird to you.

You were saying, this morning, that there is only one reality.''

''That's right, there's only one reality. We live on this planet and that's our reality. Isn't that right?‘’

Shane shook his head. ''There's more than one reality. There's another, it's in a different dimension.''

''Aw, come on now Shane. You've been watching too much TV. Another dimension! Whoever heard of such a thing. There are no aliens and there are no other dimensions. Look, if they existed I would have visited one by now. I've been here on the planet for quite a while and I never met an alien or visited another dimension.’’ She sounded aghast at his daring.

''Well Mrs. O'Brien, not everybody can reach this dimension. You have to inherit certain abilities to be able to do it.''

''Is that right?'' she said in her most sceptical voice.

''How do you get to this other dimension?'' She asked, with a quizzical look.

''A guide comes for us and takes us there.''

''And what is the guide like? Does he/she speak? Is it/ he/she human looking?''

''My granduncle came the last time as a guide. He now has a new job as a guide."

Mrs. O'Brien could feel her eyes popping as she strained herself not to shout at him.

''Your granduncle came as a guide? Did he look as you remembered him? Was he young or old?''

''Old looking, my Granddad was there the last time I visited. He has a new job also.''

''Your grandfather has a new job. Does this mean he has left the earth… he's dead?''

''Yea, Granddad died and Liam, my granduncle, his brother, was in our house, working as an oil delivery man, when he helped Granddad to get to the other dimension.''

''And where is this other dimension exactly? I mean if I wanted to go there, could I get some direction from you?''

''Not exactly, we travelled in a bubble of light and floated over Cork city, and then we entered a tunnel and came into a field of flowers.''

''Oh you mean it's over by the Jack Lynch Tunnel. That must be on the way to Mahon Point.''

She was growing increasingly annoyed with his ‘story.’

''I know you're having difficulty in believing me, Mrs. O'Brien. It does sound ridiculous. I don't think it's right children or young people, should be involved in the 'saving' of a city from disaster again. I think those beings in the other dimensions are aliens and are probable trying to take over us or something. I also think they have copied Granddad and Uncle Liam's bodies for their own purposes. You should talk to the others. They will tell you things also.’’

At this point Mrs. O'Brien felt she had enough. The poor lad needed some treatment and needed it quickly.

''Listen Shane you look a bit tired, lad, why don't you rest yourself again. Rest is a good thing after your fall. See you later.''

Shane went reluctantly up the stairs again. He did feel tired and agreed with Mrs. O'Brien's analysis.

Rebecca, Jill and Simon arrived back from school in good spirits. They were looking forward to asking Shane about his training. There was a plan to have a meeting after dinner in Simon's room, out of earshot of the adults.

Shane came down for dinner and enjoyed the large servings of food. His stomach was well satisfied. Simon whispered that he wanted to see him in his room as quickly as possible.

Mrs. O'Brien took the opportunity to have a chat with Shane's Mam of her concerns about Shane's mental well being.

''Mrs. McCarthy can we have a little chat on our own?

Come into the kitchen. We can have a cup of tea and some privacy. My helpers are gone home until the morning.'' She put on the large kettle on her Aga, a faithful cooker since the beginning of her marriage.

''Now I want to have a little chat with you because...''

Mrs. McCarthy interrupted.

''Oh I know, you're worried we might stay too long. Well, I've been looking at apartments today and I think I found one we'll like. There's one also for the Healy family. Next Saturday, we'll have another look and make up our minds then. Is that what you wanted to talk about?''

It suddenly dawned on Mrs. McCarthy that Mrs. O'Brien might have wanted to talk about something else.

''Oh I'm sorry, Mrs. O'Brien. What did you want to talk about?''

''I'm not worried about closing up and you moving out. It's about Shane. I think the poor boy must have banged his head going down that hole, because he's been talking like a crazy person. He believes he has been in contact with aliens and that they are trying to take over the earth. He's watching too much TV.''

Mrs. McCarthy gasped. ''Shane has been telling you that. It does sound a bit crazy. Maybe he should see somebody, a doctor first, maybe. It's not a bit like him to talk about aliens or anything like that. Thanks for letting me know.''

Mrs. O'Brien leaned forward. ''He believes the other children and your daughter are also involved. You’ll have to talk to them also and tell their parents. I'm sure this is going to be okay very soon.’’ Mrs. O’Brien felt relieved.

Chapter 13

Shane Talks to His Mam

As the children were about to go upstairs, Simon's father stopped them and asked them to watch the news on the TV. There was footage about the Shandon church area.

More rumblings had been felt in the area. Strong earth tremors were felt from Blackpool to Sunday's Well. Some tremors were detected as far away as Mayfield on the Northside, and in Wilton on the western side. The news coverage showed citizens becoming concerned and frightened. The theory was that ancient faults were shifting in the earth and therefore causing earthquakes. Reporters talked to city councillors who tried to reassure people that there was nothing to be concerned about. Evacuation was not needed, except in the immediate area of house foundations collapsing. Government funding would be provided immediately for those who had to move. The children cheered and clapped.

''That is good news,'' said Mr. Healy, smiling happily at the thought of funds to compensate a move of home.

''Where would you children like to live? Money is no object. The government is providing. Isn't that marvellous?''

Simon looked at his Dad's beaming face.

''Dad, you look as if we won the Lotto. The government is not going to give us a huge some of money, just enough to replace what we lost.''

''I don't want to live near the tremors,'' said Jill, in a small nervous voice.

''Don't worry,'' said Mrs. Healy, in a confident, gentle way.

''We're going to find a lovely home, where we can be near each other as before. Your Mam is talking to Mrs. O'Brien now about moving. This is a good opportunity to live in a modern home, with energy saving ideas built in. Don't you want to help the earth and stop the global warming?''

Jill nodded. 'If only she knew what I know from my training.' She smiled to herself at the thought of her grandmother as her guide.

Simon stood up, stretching himself into a fake yawn. ''Think I'll go up, Dad. I’m tired from all the hard work at school, too many lectures from the teachers.''

''Lectures,'' said his father, his ears pricking up at the word. ''Oh?''

''Nothing, nothing,'' said Simon, exasperatedly.

He left the room, winking at Shane. Within a few minutes, Shane announced his tiredness also.

Jill and Rebecca soon followed.

Their father had a bemused expression on his face. ''Strange how they're all tired together! Hm...I wonder...''

Mrs. McCarthy came into the TV room just as they were leaving.

''Oh girls, you're off to bed early. I will come in a few minutes Jill, to say goodnight. Has Shane gone to bed?’’

Outside the door, Rebecca couldn't resist making a comment.

''They always have to check up on us, as if we're prize animals.''

''I know, they have difficulty in letting us go. Come on, let's go to Simon's room.''

In Simon's room, both he and Shane were playing a computer game.

‘‘Boys, no games! The parents will be up in a minute to check on us, like zoo animals. Hurry, let’s have our meeting.''

Her voice softened as she turned to Shane. ''Your Mam will be here soon to have a talk with you, Shane.''

She sat beside him.

''Oh okay, Rebecca, come on Simon. We'll be running out of time.

‘’So, what do we talk about?’’ said Simon disgruntled.

‘’I just want to let everybody know that I've been for more training. However, I'm a bit bothered by the whole adventure thing, the other dimension and stuff.'' Shane blurted his truth before them.

Simon wondered what exactly was bothering his friend. ''How many of us have gone back for training?'' he said.

Everyone put a hand up.

''So something important is happening if we've all gone back for training. Isn't that right? Shane?'' said Simon, acting as leader.

Shane was staring into space and was reluctant to speak. He just nodded.

''Perhaps you're feeling bad since your fall,'' said Rebecca, helpfully.

Secretly, she was worried about Shane's lack of reaction. He was normally, such a leader, always with an opinion and information to keep everyone going.

He smiled rather weakly at her. ''I'm okay, Rebecca, don't worry.'' He patted her hand.

There was a knock on the door. Mrs. McCarthy stuck her head around the door.

''Is Shane...Oh there you are. I was looking for you. I thought you might have gone to bed early. Shane, I'd like to have a word with you, if I may. And Jill, you're not going to escape my gaze. Bed for you madam in a few minutes, okay? I'll be back.''

Shane stood up and went out the door with his mother.

The others were stunned at Shane's 'new' reaction.

''What's wrong with him?'' said Simon, fearful that Shane was ill.

''I don't know. He's seems very strange, since his fall.'' said Rebecca, equally fearful that Shane was ill or worse.

''I've never seen him so quiet, not even when he was sick. He's always so lively, so talkative, and so energetic. Now he's as quiet as a...a mouse in the Shandon church.'' Simon made a brave effort to make a joke.

''What's wrong with him, I wonder,'' said Jill. ''He doesn't act like my brother at all.''

''I wonder if the...what do ya call them...beings are it...people, whatever...I wonder what they think of Shane? I wish we had some communication ...eh...channel to talk with the be...them. We could get some advice for Shane.''

On the large landing, Shane's Mam directed him to her bedroom.

''Let's go in here, '' she said. ''We won't be disturbed. I must watch the time. I want Jill to get to bed.''

She offered him a seat, while she sat on her bed.

''I've been talking to Mrs. O'Brien, who told me some strange things about you, Shane.''

Shane felt anger rising in his throat. Adults! You can't trust them. He got up to go.

''Are you leaving already? I haven't even begun.''

''Well it's very annoying that Mrs. O'Brien told you stuff. I talked in private to her today. She hasn't wasted any time in telling you. Adults are so annoying!''

''Don't leave Shane. I'm sorry Mrs. O'Brien betrayed your trust. But I...eh…think she was worried that something might be wrong. Why don't you stay and see what I have to say? Then you can leave, if you want.''

He stepped back from the door. ''Okay so, just for a few minutes. I think this is ridiculous.''

He sat down on the seat, shaking his head and feeling angry.

''She thinks you're worried about aliens. And also she

says the other children are involved.’’

She took a breath, because her heart was pounding with fear and worry that Shane may have 'lost' it.

''I did tell her stuff like that, Mam. It’s true. I know you won’t believe me that’s why I didn’t come to you. The others know all this.''

He sounded so normal about it, that shock went through her.

''The others...the other children... you mean Jill and Rebecca and Simon?''

''Yea, that's what the meeting is about in Simon's room. They were going to talk about their new training in the other dimension. I'm the one who is doubtful that there is another dimension. We all go to for training, when something bad is happening on our planet, like here in Cork.''

His mother heart nearly stopped as she felt the shock going through her. She never imagined the day when her beloved son, Shane, would talk like a raving lunatic. Exerting some self-control, she resolved to be gentle with him.

''You all go for training in another dimension? How do you get there? Will a special craft come for you?'' She was glad other adults were not listening to her questions.

''No, no craft for me, anyway, just a bubble of light. It's rather cool to be floating over CorkCity. There's this tunnel, a time tunnel, at the edge of CorkHarbour. We go through the tunnel and into a field of flowers. You'll never guess who's there now and has a job there?''

''No, no I can't guess, do tell me.''

''Granddad! He has a new job there, looking after the gardens and training in the newcomers. He really likes it. He was asking about you.

Granduncle Liam was my guide the last time I went. He guided me to the tunnel and through it. He’s not allowed to talk when he acts as a guide. He found it difficult to be silent.''

''The last time? When was that Shane?'' She knew how ridiculous she must sound, but she was determined to keep at his level.

She was feeling disconcerted.

‘The poor boy must be still in grief for Granddad. Grief can play on people's nerves', she thought.

''So what has this got to do with aliens? You are visiting aliens when you go into the...eh...tunnel?''

''Well I'm worried that aliens might be trying to take over the minds and souls of children. The others have visited places too, even Jill. We were all together for an adventure to solve the mystery of the cold spell a few years ago.’’

He talked quickly, glad that his mother was listening.

‘’Do you remember that? Do you remember how we could all see into the past, when we opened our door at a certain time in the morning? Do you remember that? Wasn’t that a strange thing to happen?''

His mother realised it had been a strange thing to happen. They had been so cold that they hadn't really worried about that glimpse into the past.

''The aliens did that, you're going to tell me.''

''No, no, that was a 'natural' occurrence, brought on by a slip of time.''

''Oh Shane, whatever you say. At least it happened on our earth and I hope had nothing to do with aliens. Tell me a little more about Granddad. Did he talk to you?''

‘‘Yea, Granddad is my teacher now in the 'other' world. He's great. He says he's learning new things also. He says it's a place we can all go to when we leave the earth. We can pass on to this place for further training of our minds.''

His Mam felt more and more fear about Shane’s mental

health. In her opinion, he was 'for the birds', 'gone cuckoo', but she dare not say anything. He sounded so convinced. She would talk to the others to see what they knew. Perhaps they had been 'influenced' by Shane and were gullible.

''Well I'm so glad we had our talk Shane. Let's have another one in a few days. Maybe I can talk to the others also.''

''Well actually, Mam, we're not supposed to talk to anyone about all this. We promised we wouldn't. So, would you promise me you won't talk to anyone? The others mightn’t talk to you, you know.''

His Mam was really worried now. ''Why are you not allowed to tell us adults anything?''

''Well adults are supposed to be fearful and children are more accepting of things.'' He looked into her eyes and saw scepticism.

She bowed her head before she answered.

''Of course I believe you,'' she said with weak conviction.

He didn't believe her but decided to say nothing.

She kissed him good night. ''Will you go to school tomorrow?''

''I think so, Mam. It gets a bit boring around here and I don't want to talk to Mrs. O'Brien again.''

''Good night Shane, see you in the morning.''

After he left, she sat on the bed, shaking like a leaf from the shock of it all. She couldn't believe her son had truly lost the ‘run of himself.’

He needed psychiatric help straight away. How she missed her husband's influence and Granddad’s.

'Granddad, good grief, why did Shane bring his grandfather into the picture? Did he really miss him that much? Could grief drive a person mad enough to fantasize like that?

First, he loses his Dad and then his Granddad.

Hm...he’s missing the influence of males in his development.’

She would talk to Jill, tomorrow. She went downstairs to talk to Simon's parents.

Meanwhile, Shane knocked on Simon's door. ‘‘Let me in, would ya?'' he growled.

Simon, in pyjamas, opened the door hesitantly.

''Ya, what d'ya want? It’s late and I was asleep,'' he said grumpily.

Shane brushed past him into the room.

''Sorry I didn't get a chance to come back to the meeting. Did ya talk about yer new training?''

Simon nodded, unwilling to speak because of tiredness.

‘‘Just have to tell you that my Mam wanted to know all about our missions. She found out from Mrs. O'Brien.''

Simon was alert.

''What,'' he roared. ''Are you crazy? How did she know? Did she have dreams or something?'' He felt infuriated. It was like having an enemy in their midst.

''I told her because I...'' He never got to finish as Simon exploded.

''Man are you gone crazy? Are you out of your mind? Why didn't you tell me you were going to talk to her and I would have stopped you.''

Shane was feeling bad, now. He could see his friend’s rage and was worried.

''Calm down, boy, you might have a heart attack or something.''

''Calm down, you say, I WILL NOT. NO NEVER!'' He was shouting his fury in a loud voice.

''Sh! They'll be up and we won't be able to talk. Come on boy, calm down.'' He went to put a hand on his shoulder as a gesture of calming him. Simon shrugged him off.

''For God's sake Shane, you've put our whole mission in danger. They'll think we're all bonkers. We haven't a

hope. Oh, I was having such fun with these adventures. Can you imagine adults believing us? They're all old, over the hill, stuck in their routines. We'll be sent to a mental institution or something.'' He calmed down for a moment and looked intently at Shane.

''Are you okay? You haven't gone weird now?'' he said looking intently at Shane.

''No, no, I'm just worried that we may be dealing with aliens. It might be all too much for us. Aliens could be trying to take advantage of young people. They tell us they were here thousands of years ago. But were they? We've no proof of anything. It could all be just…em… coincidence. Maybe they're drugging us in our beds and taking us off to a space ship. It's very unscientific to believe things without some proof.

Why should we get involved? I don't like the idea of another dimension and all that stuff they tell us. Did you know I saw my grandfather this time? He’s...eh...supposedly...eh...working for them. We never get to see the top people, whatever they're called. Have you ever thought like that? Aren't you taking everything at face value and believing everything you're told?''

There was a sudden knock on the door.

Simon stuck his head out.

''Oh Mrs. McCarthy! Shane's here. Sorry if we were making noise.''

''Boys its gone eleven o'clock…going to bed? Come on Shane, I think enough has been said for one day.''

''Okay Mam, I'll be out in a moment.''

Simon closed the door gently.

''Look Shane, we'd better go to bed. It's not cool to get the adults' backs up. God knows what your Mam has been saying to my parents.

My father will do his nut at the thought of aliens. You know what he's like, money, money, money and that's

what keeps him going. I hope your Mam has not been talking. I'll be grounded anyway. I'll see ya tomorrow, ‘night.''

Shane headed for his bed. Would the adults keep their cool and go through everything in a calm way? He needed their guidance, but didn't like their method. What was he do?

Simon was having a crisis of conscience. He sat on his bed, with thoughts whirling in his head. He knew he couldn't betray his guide's trust. He would be very reluctant to tell anything about where they trained. Shane was on his own as far as he was concerned.

Sadly, he realised that his friendship with Shane could be jeopardized. He was surprised that Shane talked to Mrs. O'Brien. Surely, he must have banged his head falling down that hole. This could be the only explanation for Shane's talkativeness. It was out of character. Shane's brain must be temporarily faulty.

Simon felt hurt that Shane hadn't consulted him first. He hoped the others wouldn't talk either.

'I can't imagine what the adults will say. They'll probably want to pray over us.’

He put his head into hands.

'Oh Shane what a disaster you've created. Who was going to help us? What would happen to our city? '

Up to this point, Shane had been the natural leader. Now everything had changed so quickly.

'Nothing will ever be the same again,' he thought, sadly. Simon fell into a troubled sleep, tossing and turning throughout the night.

Chapter 14

Concerns of the Other World

The City Council was concerned with problems of the Shandon church area. There was extreme concern, that daily ground shaking would affect the historic buildings - the Firkin Crane, the Butter Exchange and the church. Damage would not be allowed to these buildings. They were like the trademarks of the city. The Shandon church with its tower and clock could be seen, like a stony beacon, from many angles on the north side of the city. The city council was taking some action with regard to the safety of citizens in that particular area and the city.

Geologists advised the council on the facts of ground shaking. The printing and sending of leaflets to householders about the safety of their house foundations began. Advice on strengthening procedures for house foundations was given. Evacuation was advised for houses, old and in bad repair.

People were asked to not panic as the scale of vibrations had a low reading on the Richter scale. The expert thinking was that an increase in vibrations was unlikely at this stage. All those who had to evacuate their homes would receive assistance in re-housing or financial remuneration.

The two families were appalled at the information now circulating the city. People were advised to not panic, which was an impossible task for humans. The natural instinct of fleeing danger came into play. Some families

immediately evacuated to a safer area in the city. Those, who had relatives further north and beyond Cork, left the city.

Those, who had a bravado attitude, decided to stay and stick to their usual routines and stock up on foodstuffs. This created panic buying and hysteria. Ordinary foodstuffs, like tea, flour, sugar, toiletries and so on, were bought up in great quantities. Some temporary shortfalls were experienced, and thus, panic was created. Security was increased at night time to prevent vandalism and looting of shops.

There were those who pretended all was well and that nothing bad would happen. This group were living near the danger zone. They had lived in the area all their lives and found it hard to leave. It was hard to detach from the living history of their parents and grandparents.

For those who were disabled, sick, or too old to cater for their own needs, neighbours formed into voluntary helping groups. The neighbourliness of the Shandon area was again experienced, as it had been experienced a few years ago in the cold spell.

The local gardai played their part in keeping the danger area safe from the curious and the thrill seekers. Parents kept an extra vigilance on their children's whereabouts. Crowds of children were attracted by the excitement and danger and had to be restrained at the barriers.

Day and night patrol was kept. Every evening the ground shook from the fault deep within the sedimentary layers of the earth. The life span of the balancing effect of the imbedded crystal had almost ended.

The buried crystal had not shown up on geophysical mapping. Therefore, the geologists were unaware of any further shifts in the rock layers. There was imminent danger in the days ahead and they didn't know it.

The guides, teachers and leaders in the other dimension were concerned for the safety of the humans.

Shane's recent reluctance to engage with the others was another concern. Unknown to the human population, the descendants of the ancient dwellers of earth took the affairs of their former home, the Earth, very seriously. It was decided that some intervention was needed. A conference took place in one of the great halls. All kinds of teachers were invited to submit their ideas and proposals for an intervention that respected the free will of humans.

In this other world, many dimensional states were incorporated, like the underwater world and the centre of the solar system.

The power of group awareness was engaged in, at this conference. Through meditative exercises, a plan was devised. A guide was selected to travel to earth, equipped with special technology to enable the person to remain for as long as was needed. The guide had earth connections but there was no danger of the guide re-connecting to past places and persons on the earth.

The descendants of the ancient civilization were aware of the concern and nervousness that would arise among the human population, if their presence became widely known. They were concerned also that the humans would perceive them as 'alien' and a threat therefore, to humanity.

It was a source of amusement and puzzlement to see earth people's preoccupation with 'sightings' of aliens and unidentified flying objects (UFOs). From their observations about earth, sightings had to do with secret military aeronautical developments on earth and not alien technology. To the best of their knowledge, there were no other alien civilizations within galactic range of the earth.

At the conference, there was a lot of discussion about Shane's struggle to come to terms with being an earth guardian. The guide who would come to the earth would also act as mentor to Shane to help him with his struggle.

Granddad and Liam attended the conference and approved of the choice of mentor. Both were now more integrated and advanced within the group consciousness. They found it easier, therefore, to let go of their wish to return to earth and help Shane.

The mentor was briefed for what may lie ahead in Cork. Particular instruction and explanation was given about adults' reaction to Shane's disclosure about his fears and worries. Emphasis was placed on the kind of understanding that should be given to Shane's mother, in particular. He was reminded that parental instinct to protect the young was a strong drive in humans.

The mentor was delighted in being given this opportunity to visit earth. This was his opportunity to re-visit places of particular memory in CorkCity. However, he was well trained in the ability to separate his own needs from group needs.

Rarely did more than one teacher or elder travel outside their dimension to a given area, unless the danger occurring was life threatening to the entire planet. In this case, only a small part of CorkCity would be affected, so it was unlikely that other teachers would arrive. Time was running out, at this stage, as another shift in the sedimentary layers underneath Shandon was due. This shifting process could continue indefinitely without the balancing effect of the crystal.

The mentor prepared himself for the journey to earth. In the room where many crystals glowed with intensity, he concentrated in separating himself from the group consciousness and re-established an individual

consciousness. This separation did not require any technology, just a mental concentration. If he needed to be in contact with the group awareness, this was possible by just re-focusing his mental awareness.

He took the same pathway as Shane, through the tunnel of light. Floating over CorkHarbour, he marvelled at the many lights dotting the harbour at night time.

'Lots of traffic since I left,' he noted, as he gazed at the long lines of white and red lights, snaking through the streets below.

It was early evening in the city. The 'rush' hour was in full swing. There was a chill in the air as frost set in for the night. It was a strange experience to once again be part of city life. Overhead, the stars twinkled their faint and bright lights. He took a deep breath. 'Pollution as usual,' he said as he coughed. Tidal water lapped in small waves on the river below. A chilled breeze blew through his hair, sending his long hair floating like a golden tail.

He focused his thoughts to steer the bubble of light to the top of Patrick's Hill. The light had faded as he landed in the sight of an elderly man. The elderly man staggered and missed a step as the mentor landed near him.

''Superman is with us,'' he said aloud, his jaw dropping in disbelief. ''And I haven't had much to drink. I must need stronger glasses.'' He approached the mentor.

''Hope you had a good landing, sir, wherever you're from.''

The mentor smiled and bid him a good evening.

The elderly man continued on his way uphill, muttering about ‘angels’ and ‘glasses.’

‘‘This hill is getting too much for me. Maybe I should ask Superman for a lift. They'll never believe me at home. They'll tell me I'm drunk again.''

He looked around, but the mentor had disappeared. He had turned onto Wellington Road, where he found his rented house with office, at the end of the road.

''Seems a quiet area. I'll have to see how things go from now on.''