CHAPTER 19: WELCOME HOME
EPILOGUE
Worlds Without End: Aftermath (Book 2)
About the Author
Pronunciation Guide
Dedication
To my beautiful wife Tanya and my four wonderful children: Kylee, Bryant, Alexis, and Parker. You have all shown that I can go beyond myself and find strength in areas that I didn't know I had.
Note to Reader
Dear Reader,
Thank you for reading Worlds Without End: The Mission. As you read this novel, you will discover a strong religious theme. In no way does this novel reflect the views or doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have simply taken elements of the Church's doctrines and turned it into a story.
It is my hope that you will be entertained, uplifted, and your mind opened to the possibilities that lie beyond our mortal understanding upon this Earth. Again, thank you for reading Worlds Without End: The Mission.
For more information about this series and upcoming books, please visit: www.EmpyreanBooks.com.
Sincerely,
Shaun F. Messick
Acknowledgments
Writing a book is a long and arduous journey. Despite this, it is also very rewarding and satisfying to hold a written work of your creation in your own hand.
I came up with the idea for this novel when my daughter was being treated for cancer at Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Each weekend, I would make the 205-mile journey from my home in Shelley, Idaho to Salt Lake. It was during these trips that the idea for the Worlds Without End series began to flourish.
I began writing the original edition, entitled Beyond Mars, in 2003 and self-published it in 2005. After several revisions and edits, I changed the title to Worlds Without End: The Mission in the spring of 2011. Regardless of these revisions, I still was not satisfied with the final product because I knew it had not been professionally edited.
Then in April of 2012, I decided to risk the investment and paid for a professional edit. Needless to say, it was the best decision I have made for my writing career. And it is with these services and individuals for whom I wish to express my gratitude.
First and foremost, I would like to express my appreciation to Beth at bzhercules.com. The editing job she did on my manuscript was top-notch, and she offered several suggestions for improvement. In addition to the editing, I want to express my appreciation to Fiona Jayde at Fiona Jayde Media. Her cover art for this book is spectacular, which makes the book come alive.
Next, I wish to convey my gratitude to all of those friends and fans that have read the original versions of the book. All of you have motivated me to keep writing.
Finally, I want to thank my beautiful wife who has put up with me spending long hours staring at the computer screen for countless hours in hopes of making this book better.
In summary, I hope that you will enjoy this final edition of Worlds Without End: The Mission. I believe that this edition is better than ever with a new cover, professional edit, and an exciting, new beginning.
PROLOGUE
Over 2,000 years ago. 22-light-years from Earth ?
Moriantun stood gazing out of crystal glass at the top of the gold pyramid that he and his people built in honor of their God and Savior. He stared at the awe-inspiring view of the sun as it began to set behind the sprawling city that his people were busily constructing. Turning, he noticed his reflection in the glass, which gave him a three hundred sixty-degree view of the surrounding landscape.
He turned completely around and continued to stare at how his appearance had transformed. He had been transfigured to withstand the presence of his Lord. His eyes had returned to their normal shade of bright blue, and his hair returned to its shimmering black from its mangled mess of gray. He smiled at his appearance, revitalized from the countless hours that he and his people of the Tilicah tribe had worked to complete the temple in which he now stood.
"Moriantun, blessed art thou, my son."
Moriantun, startled out of his trance, looked up toward the night sky at the two moons of his planet that were full and bright. Smiling, he responded to the thunderous voice of his Lord, which had penetrated the night sky and the temple walls. "My Lord?"
The Lord's voice echoed through the silence. "Kneel before the altar."
Moriantun turned and looked at the solid gold altar in the center of the floor. A gold tablet rested on top of the altar. It was about three inches thick and about the size of the parchment he had used so many times to record the words from his Lord. He knelt next the altar. Then, closing his eyes and bowing his head, he offered a fervent prayer, thanking his God for the prophecy that he was about to receive.
As soon as he finished, he looked to the sky up through the point of the crystal top of the pyramid. Suddenly, a beam of white, blinding light shot down from the night sky, piercing through the top of the crystal pyramid, and down onto the gold tablet. White light exploded out all around him. Instinctively, he raised his arms to protect his face and eyes from its intensity. But surprisingly, the beam of light did not blind him, nor did it burn his skin. Rather, the light seemed to radiate comfort and peace to his soul.
Slowly, he lowered his arms and looked down at the gold tablet. There, he saw the finger of the Lord writing symbols onto the sheet of gold, symbols he did not recognize. After a few minutes, the light dissipated, returning the crystal pyramid to normal.
Moriantun reached down and picked up the gold tablet. He examined the writings, but he could not read them. Confused, he looked toward the sky again and said, "My Lord, I do not understand the symbols on this plate."
Again, the thunderous voice of his Savior reverberated through the quiet calm of the night. The crystal glass of the pyramid vibrated as He spoke. "Blessed is he who shall unite two worlds and two peoples. These words are not meant for you, my son. For you are the keeper of the prophecy. Only he who was foreordained before creation is worthy to translate my words. For my word is the pure language of God. For it is he who is prophesied who will come forth to free your people. You shall be liberated. A Savior I will raise up among you."
Moriantun then looked toward the two moons with a burning in his bosom as he witnessed the miracle the Lord would send among the people of his planet. And then, the vision closed.