Meet Jabesh

Tuesday, 2/21/23

Welcome back, readers!

I hope you enjoyed hearing from Rana. I shouldn’t pick favorites this early in the game but, what the hell, she’s my favorite character! More about her later!

I need to use Google Translate, because most of my characters are from the alien planet Ralga (if Google Translate works with Ralgan?!). Jabesh is a pivotal character in “Dark Salvation” and provides some interesting moments in “Obsidian.” If you have any questions for Michael, Rana, Jabesh, or me, leave them below in the Comments section. Next time I’ll be interviewing Mariam, one of the people from the Jakar desert community, so be sure to come back for that.

Disclaimer: the images of the characters were generated on Canva’s Text to Image Artificial Intelligence (AI) software. They aren’t the final representation of the characters in “Dark Salvation” but, rather, visual representations of the characters so you can understand the characters better.

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JOHN: Tell us about yourself. Where you’re from, what you do for a living, for fun, etc. etc.

JABESH: I am one of the last people who is old enough to remember life outside Camouraska before we came to live in the black rock. I have lived my whole life inside Camouraska. For a living? I’m a mentor to the younger people in Camouraska, and I am responsible for passing down the prophecy of the Light of the Stars. For fun, I love playing with the Energite and helping in the Sky Gardens.

JOHN: Michael told me about his opinions about living in Camouraska. Do you like living there?

JABESH: I love it. The people here are my family. We can use the Energite that Camouraska has provided for us, and, in return, it only asks that we learn about the Truth and respect each other.

JOHN: Why is the Light of the Stars so special?

JABESH: Where do I begin? Those chosen to be the two Lights of the Stars are the reason we’re alive, and they are responsible for guiding and leading us. The Ralgans of the past wished to have a solution to the nagging complexities in their lives, and with the help of the Lights of the Stars, we’ll soon have the answers to the most pressing questions life has ever had. That’s what makes them special.

JOHN: Do you know why there are two Lights of the Stars and not one?

JABESH: The prophecy tells us the two Lights of the Stars will join forces to find the Truth and solve all our problems.

JOHN: Isn’t that a lot to ask of two individuals?

JABESH: True, but they were chosen for a reason. Everything happens for a reason with the prophecy. Once we find both Lights, then we will have clarity about the past, present, and future. They have a lot on their shoulders, but they are also the bearers of good news. The sacrifices they make will far outweigh the beauty of the results.

JOHN: It sounds like a reason to celebrate. Has everyone been excited for the Lights to arrive?

JABESH: I can’t get into specifics, but, no, not everyone is pleased. Some don’t want to lose power to two outsiders. These individuals need to know that power is ephemeral. Discovering the ultimate truth is not.

JOHN: I’ve heard a little about the Energite from Michael. What can you tell me about it? It sounds amazing.

JABESH: It is the most unique substance ever created. I’ve had a lifetime with it, and it still amazes me to this day. It can be controlled, but it also has a mind of its own. We use it for practical purposes in Camouraska, but I have heard those in the desert may have other uses for it, including weapons. I think it should be used wisely, and its true owner, Camouraska, should be thanked for its presence as well.

JOHN: What else can you tell me about Camouraska?

JABESH: Camouraska is a friendly entity that resides in the walls here. It found us Ralgans when we were most vulnerable, living in the forest and near destruction. It took us in and has provided for us ever since. We have it to thank for our lives.

JOHN: I would love to do an interview with Camouraska if that’s possible. Could you arrange that since you seem so connected with it?

JABESH: I’m afraid Camouraska doesn’t do interviews, but I will tell it you wished it well.

JOHN: Do you have a family in Camouraska?

JABESH: The people of Camouraska are my family. I once had another, smaller family, but they’re gone.

JOHN: I used to live in the city. Are there any cities near Camouraska?

JABESH: No, unfortunately not. I lived in a city as a child, but then we moved into the forest before coming to Camouraska. I don’t think there are any cities left.

JOHN: What happened to the cities?

JABESH: There was a disaster on the outside and that’s part of the reason we moved into Camouraska. We’re safe here, but I’m not sure what happened on the outside.

JOHN: Is there anything dangerous that you can talk about? I mean, this is a science fiction novel series with some thrilling/suspenseful elements.

JABESH: Ah, yes, you’re writing about us. It can be dangerous on the Sky Gardens because sandstorms can appear rapidly. Otherwise, I’m sorry to spoil your story, but there isn’t anything dangerous in Camouraska.

JOHN: Well, that’s boring, but I understand. Camouraska sounds like a safe place. I’ll have to write in some intrigue somehow.

JABESH: You can, but all that I ask of you is that you don’t disrupt the Lights of the Stars. They have a very important mission, and I don’t want anyone interfering with that.

JOHN: OK, but this is my work. I can do what I want, but I’ll try to follow your wishes. It may be impossible, though. The Lights of the Stars are an important part of the story.

JABESH: They are the most important people on Ralga. Let me ask you a question: don’t you want to find the Truth? If so, please let the Lights of the Stars complete the prophecy. That’s all I ask.

JOHN: Of course, I want to find the Truth. I would love to see why you believe in it and what it is. What can you tell me about the Truth?

JABESH: The Truth is an answer to all our questions. That’s all I’ll say.

JOHN: I look forward to learning more about it in the story. Any parting thought for the readers?

JABESH: I’m glad our story will be in writing. Our mission is the mission of all species that have ever lived or will ever live. Follow along closely, and soon you will know the Truth along with everyone else. Ahut to you. <I Google Translated “Ahut,” and it means “Truth.”>