Cast of Characters- 1/2

Let me introduce to you my friends and colleagues. They are part of the cast of characters in this larger than life adventure I have inadvertently become part of.

In case you're wondering, these are not their real names, but they are somewhat representative of their real names, just as you might not use "Bob" in an era four hundred years ago, but you might choose what would best fit such a name in that time, if at all possible, or a name based on some characteristic that you have or relate with.

This is a two-part article which I will finish next week.

Ben

First, let me talk about Ben, a science professor and our local inventor and theorist at the university. More than twenty years ago his theory on dimensional interaction at the sub-atomic level revolutionized an entire branch of science (which does not exist yet) and arguably took science into a whole new realm.

He's also invented a slew of machines and gadgets of practical and mostly impractical use, but they are always quite ingenious and demonstrative of his underlying theories or ideas. Ben used to be head of the science department, but though a brilliant scientist, his heart seems far away from the administrative duties expected of one in such a position.

Instead he spends his time teaching, theorizing and inventing, all of which he loves. Some might think that his greatest years are behind him, but I don't agree, especially if we can get back to our time. He also likes to play the harp when he takes a break. He plays truly beautiful music on this time-honored instrument.

Ben is much older than me, but in spite of this, we have similar perspectives and share a strong friendship and comradeship with one another. Ben's wife is a patient one, as we often stay much later than we should talking about his this and that and she never bothers us about it.

José

José is the most compassionate individual I know. Perhaps it is no surprise then that he became a medical doctor. Of course, he could have easily become a counselor instead, but it is no stretch of the truth to say that he is a healer of both body and psyche. He is in fact, a very spiritual person, perhaps a requirement when dealing with what a man will have to deal with in his career. José often travels with fellow doctors and nurses to other regions of the world that need emergency medical attention. He will often engage me in a game very similar to that of Dominoes in this time.

José holds a mysterious enchanting calm about him. I have told him as much. He merely laughs at my observation. But you merely need to speak to the man for a few moments to understand this. I cannot help but admire him as a human being and feel honored to call him a friend.

Terry

My friend Terry is a cultural connoisseur. He is a young fellow. His parents travled quite a lot from world to world when he was young. He opted to visit Earth for a cross-cultral experience when choosing a university. Lots of people do in my time. After all, there are many worlds with people, and often humans who were born and raised on other worlds want to "come back" to the cradle, so to speak, to experience what Earth is like and visit historical sites. But you see, Terry isn't at all human. His is a cross-species experience as well.

In fact, his people were one of the first to come into contact with Earth in the period in which will be called (translated) "The Great Re-awakening", when humanity makes contact with many alien peoples and we were accepted into a vast organization consisting of intelligent civilizations throughout the universe with a common, peaceful goal of friendly interrelationship with one another.

Terry is quite the character and garners even more attention for his insatiable curiosity for culture (particularly human culture), than for his alien nature. As a student, he is a delight to teach, even if he is not easy to follow at times, considering his tendency to analyze matters above and beyond the current subject matter and connect it to other seemingly unconnected things. I have developed a friendship with Terry over time, and he'll often take part in activities with me and some of the other professors on campus.

Thank you for your time as usual, noble reader. More to come next week.