Solstice - Ch 18 - Xanadu
They all looked at each other. In addition to suddenly being teleported, their clothes had been changed. Everyone wore simple white cotton gowns like the villagers had worn in Greece.
Demi had shown them all the memories Alex and Ariana had shared with her. So, they had an idea what to expect. They were still surprised at how simple yet homey and practical it was.
After looking through the house, they ventured outside. In the immediate vicinity it was all Colorado group, who had just arrived. As they continued, they met others. Having never met any of them, they somehow knew everyone's names and their families. There were no strangers in Xanadu.
Nomena, from Madagascar came running up to them and greeted them warmly.
"Glad you finally arrived. I'm sort of a self-appointed welcome wagon. Every day at noon there's a newcomer's meeting."
"How do you know when it's noon?" Alex asked.
"There are vertical poles scattered around. They're sundials. You're going to love it here."
"How long have you been here?" Ariana asked.
"Two weeks based on time here. What date did you leave earth?"
"October seventeenth," Alexandra replied.
"Then I've been here for six weeks earth time, and two weeks Xanadu time," Nomena said. "We've got about a half hour until the meeting. Let me show you around."
She gave them a quick tour. The whole area was set up on semi-circles that were crossed by paths at points on the compass. These were intersected by two parallel lines running the length of the village. The river had been designated as the south side. All homes were on the semi-circles. Community buildings were at the points where major paths crossed. It would be easy to navigate once you saw the pattern. The assembly house, the largest structure, was where all compass paths intersected.
"Look at the fields over there," Nomena said, pointing them out. "Those were planted the day after I arrived. The fruits and vegetables were mature the next morning. It's amazing. If you pick everything off a plant today, it'll be full and ready for picking again the next morning."
"Wow!" Alex said.
"Better go to the meeting. Who can figure out where the assembly house is?"
"That way," they all said.
"Exactly right. We may let you stay."
They walked the few minutes to the structure and went inside. There was room to seat at least a thousand. She took them to the front and pointed out seats.
Several people gave orientation talks to the hundred or more newcomers. It was comforting knowing how organized everything was. It was when they began speaking of the assembly that their brows were raised. As they named off the assembly members, they announced Ariana, Demi, Alexandra, and Alex of the Colorado group. Aphrodite was announced as the leader of the assembly itself.
Aphrodite stood. "Excuse me. How were those names selected for the assembly?"
"You were close to the last of your group to arrive. Those already here voted unanimously on your members. As far as you as assembly leader, over three quarters of Gaia's children are here. You were voted in by 100% of the vote. Welcome to Xanadu, Aphrodite."
"Thank you."
"The assembly meets at six this evening. We'll see you then."
"Finally, a woman president," Alexandra said, smiling.
"It's an honorary position," Aphrodite said.
"No, it isn't, Madam President," Demi told her. "The Oracle said it's going to be a full-time job for a couple of months to get the community coordinated and running efficiently."
"Crap! Am I going to have to learn to play bridge and stuff?" Alex grumbled.
"Why would you have to do that?" Ariana asked.
"First gentleman, you know."
"Alex, you can be a real dumbass at times. Your job is fucking," his sister replied.
Nomena continued the tour on the way back to the house. "The big community meals are done in here at five," she said, pointing out the structure. You can also cook and eat at home once you're settled."
"I've got someone due to feed now. I'm heading home," Aphrodite said.
"So do I," Ariana added, leaving with her.
"Alex, how does it feel to be the only fertile male in Xanadu?" Demi asked.
"Daunting."
"Well, let's see. About seven-hundred women. That's only two a day," Nomena said.
"Assuming they're satisfied getting laid once a year," Alexandra chuckled.
"Oh shit," Alex said. "I hope we have the stuff here to make the elixir of vitality."
The women laughed. "Maybe you could set yourself up in an office. Say, thirty or forty visits a day," Demi chuckled.
"That still only gives us once every three weeks. Seven hundred women, three times a week, using a forty-hour week, comes out to fifty-two and a half in an hour. Almost one woman a minute. Sounds like pretty boring sex to me," Ally offered.
"Not gonna happen, ladies," Alex grumbled. "I'm pretty sure my job is impregnation. We also have the other men and women that can help with the sex part. We're back to two or three a day."
"Don't forget the virgins," Demi said.
"The oldest non-adult female I've seen here is only twelve," Nomena replied. "So, virgins won't be an issue for at least six years."
"Really?" Ally asked.
"Except for the few born in the last six months, all the kids are between six and twelve."
"Strange. I wonder why? I'll ask the Oracle," Demi said.
*****
The meeting with the assembly was awkward for Aphrodite, but she handled it like a pro. With Gaia as her guiding force, a plan was devised to find out what the people wanted or needed that they didn't have. They reviewed available resources. Gaia had even provided metal in the form of tools and fishhooks. Food, water, and shelter were covered. Everyone wore the white gowns that seemed to repel soiling. Simple rinsing had so far kept them clean. Hygiene was covered. Soap was being made in ample amounts, and a plant was found with a flower that worked perfectly as a toothbrush. All that seemed to be needed was organization. Everyone would check with their groups, and they would re-convene in three days. Demi was given a list of questions for the Oracle. Ally would write minutes of the meeting. Aphrodite would spend the next couple of days touring the community and meeting everyone.
As they were walking home, they came across Jason. He was sitting alone beside the path.
"You go ahead. I want to talk to Jason for a few minutes," Aphrodite told the others.
She sat beside him in the grass. "I haven't done anything wrong. Please don't make me a dick nose again."
"I wasn't planning to. You seem down. What's wrong?"
"Music was my life. When I came my guitar didn't come. I'm lost."
