He is both male and female and he is neither. To speak of him as one or the other is only a manner of speaking. In order to protect the righteous and destroy the wicked, he takes birth again and again throughout the ages.
His most recent birth was as Sri Krishna in the land ofthe Pandu brothers. Then and there he slew demons and granted realization to the worthy. His life lasted 135 years, from 3675 to 3810. He will be remembered as the divine personality.
His next birth will be as Adi Shankara in the land of the Vedas. Then and there he will make available the knowledge of the Brahman, the highest reality. His life will last 32 years, from 6111 to 6143. He will be well remembered as the divine teacher.
His subsequent birth will be as Jesus of Nazareth in the land of Abraham. Then and there he will embody and teach perfect love and compassion. His life will last 108 years, from 7608 to 7716. He will be well remembered as the divine savior.
The scripture ends there. I lookover at Dr. Seter.
"Where's the rest of it?"I ask.
"You do not need all of it to judge its authenticity," Dr. Seter says.
"That doesn't answer my question," I say.
"The rest of it is in the vault," James interrupts,close to my right side." But we decided it wouldn't be a good idea to bring it all out tonight."
On the road, I was briefly separated from them by a distance of two hundred feet. At that point they had their radio on and their windows up. Even I, with my supernatural hearing,could not hear what they were saying.They must have made this decision at that time. Naturally, I am disappointed not to see it all. Yet I am thrilled by what I have read. Already I am convinced the scripture is authentic. The papyrus even feels as if it is five thousand years old. I stroke it gently, making James jump.
"Don't do that," he says.
I withdraw my hand. "I know how to handle such things. I did not harm it in any way." I pause and look at the doctor. "It is my belief that this scripture is authentic."
Dr. Seter is taken back. "You can tell that by such a brief study?"
"Yes. This portion matches what I have. I take back what I said earlier. They're almost identical." I pause. "It would help us if I could see the rest."
Dr. Seter is apologetic. "Alisa,surely you understand what an act of good faith it was for us to show you what we have shown you. Now it's only right,before we reveal any more, that you show us at least a portion of what you have discovered." He pauses and smiles. "I think that is fair. Don't you?"
"Very fair. May I have a day or two to deliver the material to you?"
"Certainly," Dr. Seter says. "James will not be accompanying me east. You can bring what you wish to show us here and he will have a look at it."
"Fine," I say. "But you must look at it yourself, Dr. Seter."
"But I have told you about my commitments on the East Coast."
"What I have to show you will make those commitments seem unimportant."
Dr. Seter is troubled. "I am not willing to cancel any of my lectures until I have more proof."
"I will give you such proof before you leave for the East. Where will you be staying in San Francisco?"
"At the Hilton by the airport," James says. "You can leave a message there. We'll return your call promptly."
I offer Dr. Seter my hand."I look forward to meeting you again soon."
The doctor is surprised at my sudden departure. "But you've said hardly anything about what we've shown you."
I keep my tone light "It's what you haven't shown me that I would have a lot to say about."
James touches my arm. "I'll walk you out,Alisa,if you'd like."
I smile. "I would like that very much."
Outside James is a study in politeness.
"I hope you can understand our caution," he says. "We just met you tonight. While we're all impressed with your understanding of the Suzama material, we still have to take things one step at a time."
"No problem," I say as I open my car door. "I doubt that I would have been nearly as open as you and your father have been."
James smiles. "Actually, Alisa,you haven't been very open." He pauses. "You can at least tell us where you found your material."
"In India."
He frowns. "Are you serious? Where?"
"In Sri Nagar."
He nods. "I know where that is. In the Himalayas. What were you doing there?"
"I had a few dreams of my own." I pause. "How old are you, James?"
"Twenty-eight."
"You took much younger. I am twenty-five, for your information."
"Youlook much younger," he says. "Do you practice anything Suzama taught?"
I smite. "A personal question. I don't know if I want to answer that."
"Come on," he insists.
"I'll tell you what, I'll make a deal with you. Tell me what you practice and I'll tell you what I practice."
He gives a sheepish grin. "You're a clever young woman,Alisa.I don't know if it's smart to share too many secrets with you."
Before I climb into my car I place my palm on his chest I catch his dark eyes once more, and for the first time I notice how deep they are, how beautiful. There is more to him than meets even my penetrating eyes. A soothing warmth sweeps over me, for him,as well as for his father. Beneath my soft hand his warm heart beats faster. He may not trust me, but I know he likes me, maybe even wants me.
It is strange how I suddenly want him.Since Ray, I have not really desired any man. Even with Joel and Arturo, it was more my love for them that bound me to them. Yet, out of the blue, James has me allhot and bothered. Seymour would be incredibly jealous.
"Secrets are what make us all interesting," I say, and give him a light peck on the cheek."Have fun in San Francisco. I will call you."
He grabs my arm.
"There is something unusual about you,Alisa," he says in a gentle voice. "I'm going to figure out what it is."
I laugh."And tell the whole world?"
He smiles,but when he speaks there is a seriousness in his voice. "I have a feeling few in the world would believe me."
4
The time is well after one, but I do not drive straight home. Being a vampire, I find one in the morning not unpleasant. Also, since my rebirth as a vampire, I have found I need little rest, an hour's nap here and there. Even when the sun is high in the daylight sky, my powers are hardly affected. Once again I attribute this to the fact that I used primarily Yaksha's blood to bring about my transformation.