Within minutes we were in town. Thea was going to meet us in the alley behind the coffee shop where Alma and I first met. She did not work at the coffee shop. She owned it. So, she was able to come and go as she pleased. It was a good cover. That way she was able to meet a lot of people. Not draw attention to herself and of course, the coffee was great and the scones out of this world.

When we got to the coffee shop Thea was nowhere in sight. Or so I thought.

“Where is she? I thought she was meeting us here?” I asked as I paced around looking behind dumpsters and trash cans and around doorways. Then I saw a big black Bully Kutta staring and me. “Hey, girl. How are you?” I asked as I went to pet her.

“Woof! Woof! Woof!” the very large dog barked.

I stepped back abruptly and fell on my ass. Then Alma started laughing uncontrollably. Bending over and holding her gut she looked up at me and snickered.

“Unbelievable. Seriously?” Alma said dismissively.

As I looked at Alma inquisitively she just rolled her eyes. As I got up and tried to gather my composure. The massive animal before me started to transform. First, it grew vertically. Then it started to vibrate at an intensive speed. It then expanded outwards to match its vertical oscillation and then spun in an aggressive velocity before coming to rest in the form of a woman almost identical to Alma. Accept for her long natural hair of Alma, Thea had a shaved head and a piercing ring on her lip.

“Hello, Jove. So nice to finally meet you.” Thea said as she walked toward me with an outstretched hand.

As we shook hands I looked deep into her eyes. Within those windows to her soul, I beheld what I felt must be a multitude of Universes. I great vortex of life and energy.

“Yes, Thea. So nice to finally meet you. I presume that Alma has updated you when you too mind spoke on our flight back to town.” I inquired as I stepped back and looked at the two of them.

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“Yes,” Alma said as she stepped into my field of vision. “But there is much to discuss. “Let’s go grab a table in the back, get some Coffee and try and figure out what in Orion’s belt is going on.” She said as she lead the way.

“Wow. What a cool sister.” I said as I followed Thea into the back of the shop as leaned into whisper to Alma.

“Thank you, Jove,” Thea said as she turned and smiled at me. Alma just gave me that now familiar eye roll as she shut the door and followed the two of us.

“You guys grab a table. I will get us some Jo and scones. I will be right back.” Saying that Alma disappeared to the back of the kitchen and left us both attended.

“So, I understand that you both are part of the Aegis - the shield of emissaries. Also, that you two can merge to create a greater and stronger being?” I asked.

“That’s right. But we would rather not. It is kind of an ace up the sleeve last resort type of thing.” She said as she now peered deep into my eyes, my soul.

“I see that you were once human. Am I right?” Thea asked as she leaned in for a better look and widened her gaze.

“That is right,” I said. “But Alma told you that.

“No, she did not.” She stated rather forcibly. “I can read energy. Humans have a certain type of energy signature. Yours is off the charts and very entangled with the world of humans. Deep within there is a distinctive particle of what was.” She finished saying as she sat back and accepted the cup of coffee that Alma was handing her.

“That’s right. Among many other gifts, strengths, and talents.” Alma said as she sat down and handed me my cup.

“Sumatra,” I said as I sipped the hot brew. “Yummy.”

“Now, back to business. What have you learned Thea?” Alma asked before I motioned to them both to be quiet.

“What?” They both said in unison.

I help my right index finger to my lips. I motioned with my head to them both to a table at the front of the shop.

“Super hearing,” I said as I smiled and the three of us intently listened.

“That’s right.” Said a man sitting with four others that bared a strikingly similar resemblance. He continued. “The Puritans are meeting tonight at the church. The lamb of redemption will be in attendance.” Said the man.

“Do you mean the ‘Sacrifice’?” One of the other men interjected.

“Yes brother the sacrifice.” Said the one that seemed to be the leader of the group. “Keep your voice down.”

As they finished their conversation, paid their bill, and left, the three of us looked at each other and just smiled.

“Bingo.” Said Thea.” I guess we know where we will be this evening. Vespers anyone?” She stated as Alma stood up. Now rolling her eyes at me but nodding her head in Thea’s direction.

“The two of y’all. I am just saying.” Alma stated as she cleared the table and headed to the kitchen. “By Ramses pointed beard, I swear the two of you. Seriously!” she said as she shook her head. “The two of you. Good, God!”