1953…

It was the largest scale operation that Ann O’Malley had ever heard anything about, she decided, as she watched the special space program report on television.

She had enjoyed a pleasant Christmas period, and a new space program was finally announced on the second of January, 1954. Ann and her friend Arella Kayne were watching with interest.

            "A new organization has been formed to investigate a yellow and white radiation       cloud, which our satellites say is approaching earth. The organization is in fact a

            temporary alliance of NASA and other similar units devoted to the space front in

            other countries. There has been a need for secrecy so far, in order to avert a

            possible panic, but latest satellite reports indicate that the cloud although

            extraordinairy in nature, is in fact harmless. The temporary U.C.S.E. (United

            Continents Space Explorations) alliance will attempt to send a rocket with a

            camera to film the cloud. It will be necessary to combat the possible radiation

            effects on the camera; so special film will have to be used. The radiation will

            not be harmful to human beings, but it is expected to be detrimental to camera

            film."

"I think I should have a look myself," thought Ann. She waited for an opportunity to talk to Arella Kayne in privacy.

"I am going to explore that cloud in Wildstar. I can get there much faster than a rocket."

"I'd love to come with you," said the twelve-year-old blonde haired girl who could dream the future on numerous occasions.

"Have you had any dreams about that cloud lately?"

"I have had dreams that I cannot understand, confused images, colours and shapes that don't make any sense."

"Maybe you dreamt about my experiences in the time path," said Ann.

"No, my dreams were after you got back, mainly over Christmas. They could have something to do with that cloud."

"I was hoping that you would like to come for the trip anyway. The cloud is now so close to earth that we can reach it overnight. You won't be missed here. Let's go tonight," said Ann, “Wendell’s going to love this.”

*          *          *          *

Arella slept in a downstairs room. She had only to leave her window open before turning her lights out. Ann used her anti-gravity triangles to float down to the ground at quarter past eleven.

"I think we'll both be sleeping in tomorrow, " thought Ann as she walked around to Arella's window. She reached in and tapped Arella's shoulder until the girl stirred from her sleep.

"Ann is it time to go?"

"Yes. Climb out quietly. Have you got your door locked?"

"Of course, for privacy."

"Then it's time to head for the forest, and meet up with Wildstar."

Arella stepped out and accompanied Ann to the forest. They walked to the clearing, and Ann asked Arella to climb onto her back.

"I'll use my bracelets to piggyback you up to the roof of Wildstar. Then we'll board the spaceship one at a time."

Arella enjoyed the ride into outer space.

"We're making good time. It's not even midnight yet, and there's the cloud now. Let's get in real close," said Ann.

"Yes we must. There is something interesting there, for me to see," said Arella.

"She sounds even more enthusiastic than I am," said Ann.

“I want to see it too,” said Wendell.