CHAPTER 7

In the beating heart of an ancient library, where the echo of every footstep told of forgotten stories, Terry found himself absorbed among mountains of books. His casual attire, a notable departure from his usual stately imperial high—warrior garb, gave him a more earthy, more approachable air. Though far removed from his imposing uniform, the dignity of his bearing was undiminished; he was a warrior on pause, a shadowy strategist, preparing for the moment when he would once again take up the banner of his office. In this sanctuary of wisdom, Terry was fashioning a speech that would not only resonate in the ears of those who heard it, but also aspired to incite an echo through the ages.

Suddenly, the atmosphere of concentration was interrupted by the sound of the transporter portal opening. It was Marcus, accompanied by Vicenzo, two figures who broke the serenity of the place with their mere presence. Marcus, always the more direct of the two, was quick to break the silence.

—¡Terry! I brought Vicenzo as you requested,— Marcus exclaimed with a smile. His voice, though controlled, filled the space with an unmistakable energy.

Vicenzo discreetly stood a step behind, his eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and deep admiration. The figure before him was none other than his former boss, who seemed to have transcended into an even more powerful version of himself. What was most striking were his stunning blue eyes, now of an electric hue that seemed to house an entire universe in miniature. In that gaze, stars danced and constellations traced ancestral stories. That electric blue was not just a color; it was a window to the serenity of the cosmos, inviting those who ventured into its depths to feel the sensation of floating in space, enveloped in indescribable peace and protection.

With a more reserved demeanor, but with palpable emotion sparkling in his eyes, Vicenzo addressed him.

—Your Excellency,— he began, with a bow and a greeting gesture reserved only for those of the highest lineage, specially designed for the Imperial Supreme. This greeting, a gesture of profound respect and loyalty, symbolized the uniqueness of the relationship between Vicenzo and his leader, marking a moment of mutual recognition in the new chapter they were about to begin together.

– Vicenzo – Terry said, his voice tinged with palpable warmth – I'm so glad to see you again – He stood up from his seat with a fluid gesture, leaving his pencil on the desk to approach his once trusted assistant. With a firm but meaningful handshake, Terry greeted Vicenzo, who accepted the gesture with a gratitude that went beyond words. Vicenzo was visibly excited to meet his former boss again, the man who had granted him his freedom and with it, a new life full of satisfaction.

—Nice to see you again,— Terry repeated, his genuine smile cutting through the air with a promise of renewed camaraderie.

The emotion of the moment overwhelmed Vicenzo, and treacherous tears slid down his cheeks.

—Excuse me, Your Excellency,— he stammered, trying to wipe away his tears with a handkerchief. Terry, faced with this unexpected display of vulnerability, could only smile kindly. He had never seen Vicenzo so moved before; he had always been a reserved person, scarred by the harsh experiences of his former life as a slave. Now, before Terry, a side of Vicenzo that was rarely shown was revealed: his vulnerability.

Without thinking, Terry broke all protocol and hugged him. He knew, deep down, that this gesture of affection was what was needed between them. Over the years, they had shared countless moments, linked by a history that stretched back some 25 years. Vicenzo had been more than an assistant; he had been a loyal companion, always ready to offer help and advice when Terry needed it. It was a bond forged in adversity and mutual trust, an unbreakable bond that Terry would never forget.

With a gentle and understanding gesture, Terry slightly moved Vicenzo away so he could look him straight in the eyes. —I understand you, Vicenzo, it has happened to me with my family too,— he said, sharing a moment of deep and sincere connection. Vicenzo, overwhelmed by emotion and without words to describe what he was feeling, nodded and lowered his gaze, recognizing in Terry's gesture a bridge of empathy and mutual understanding.

—Now,— Terry continued, —I need your help. I need you to help me write this speech. You are the best at this; you know how to get my ideas down on paper. You know that my thoughts are often disorganized and I have a hard time giving them form and context when I put them on paper.

— Yes — Vicenzo replied, his smile resurfacing at the memory of the peculiar dynamic they shared. It was true, his boss had an innate talent for expressing himself verbally, but he faced quite a challenge when trying to organize his ideas in writing. Vicenzo had always been the beacon that guided those ideas towards clear and structured ports. – Then, let us begin, your excellency – he said with determination, taking a paper and a pencil from the desk and sitting down, ready to shape the words that would define Terry's next speech.

At that point, Marcus, understanding the importance of the task at hand and the space they needed to accomplish it, discreetly withdrew. He left the two men alone, lost in a productive silence broken only by the whisper of Vicenzo's pencil sliding across the paper. So they began to work, united in a joint effort to crystallize into words the ideas that would mark the next chapter in their shared history.

Ethan had come to the temple, summoned by Elian, as had Rodrick. The tension was palpable in the air, an anticipation charged with uncertainty. —We must,— Elian began in a voice that denoted the urgency of the situation, —get everything in order. I want to know, what measures will they take for the guards?—

— ¿Guards? — Ethan looked confused, frowning — ¿If Terry is no longer here, what exactly do you mean? — His question hung in the air, full of doubt. Rodrick, for his part, opted for silence, waiting for Elian to clear up the mystery.

Elian, with a calm that contrasted with the anxiety of his companions, revealed: –Terry will give a speech in this place.

The surprise was evident on Rodrick's face, who immediately asked, —¿When will that speech be?— He noticed, worried, the growing crowd that was gathering at the place.

—We assume tomorrow at the latest. In fact, he's already preparing his speech,— Elian explained. Rodrick and Ethan exchanged glances, aware of the eagerly awaiting crowd.

Ethan, thoughtful, expressed his concern – I understand that we need to calm these people down, but is it safe to do so now? We've been facing some problems on the streets, it's spreading, how to put it... – He searched Rodrick's gaze for the right words.

—A collective madness,— Rodrick concluded gravely. —People are very excited about Terry's return.

Elian nodded, firm in his conviction . —That is why he must speak to them. This will reassure them all, and they will be able to continue venerating him. They are upset because they have not been able to see him, or even see his body. Remember that before they could come to worship him here, he was physically there. But now, look,— he said, gesturing toward the empty pulpit. The machines that monitored Terry's vital signs had been removed, leaving only the vases of flowers, some candles, and the temple's decorations.

Rodrick took a breath, determined – Okay, let me check the vulnerable points to position my guards.

And Ethan added, —I, for my part, will see to the guard that will watch over him from the exit of the… well, you know where.— He avoided mentioning the specific place, aware of the possibility that prying ears might be listening, especially in a place as loaded with meaning as the one where his brother now found himself.

In the secret retreat of the castle, located on the outskirts of the city and on the edge of a forest still untouched by urban sprawl, Terry found respite from the fervent devotion that haunted him. Away from the worshippers and fanatics, this place offered a sanctuary of calm amidst the storm of adoration.

When darkness enveloped the outside world, the male members of the family would gather underground, in a meeting room designed for dialogue and strategy away from prying ears. The heart of this room was an unconventional table, an advanced holographic panel that was the epitome of technology and sophistication.

This device, known as the HoloTable—3000, was a technological marvel designed specifically for strategic planning and analysis. Its flat surface, when activated, came to life, projecting three—dimensional images into the air, from detailed maps of cities and territories to complex representations of distant galaxies.

The HoloTable—3000 featured an intuitive user interface, allowing users to interact with holograms using gestures in the air. They could zoom in, out, and manipulate visual data with astonishing precision, facilitating decision—making and strategic planning.

Each holographic panel was equipped with cutting—edge technology, including voice recognition and advanced privacy settings, ensuring that only those recognized by the system could access the critical information displayed. In addition, the table was designed to seamlessly integrate with various data sources, allowing for real—time updating of the information displayed.

At nightly meetings, this panel became the hub of discussions, displaying not only maps and plans, but also vital information about population movements, sociopolitical trends, and security alerts. The ability to visualize such a wide range of data in three—dimensional formats allowed Terry and his family council to anticipate future events and plan with a complete view of the big picture.

Surrounded by the castle's ancient stone walls, with the latest technology at their disposal, the group worked in the shadows, charting the future in the luminescence of the holograms dancing across the HoloTable—3000.

In the shelter of the old hall, under the cover of night, the men of the Whittaker family gathered again, along with Terry's relatives and friends. Their purpose was to unify their opinions and draw up a plan of action for the crucial event of the following day: the speech that Terry would give at the temple.

—I've been observing the temple,— Rodrick began, his attention fixed on the images floating above the HoloTable—3000. With a precise gesture, he brought into view a detailed three—dimensional map of the sacred site. —I've identified the weak points of the enclosure,— he continued, pointing precisely to the areas marked with blue dots on the map –This is where we must position the guards– he explained, his voice full of determination.

Darius, frowning in concern, intervened. —¿What about the back of the temple? ¿Is there any chance someone might try to get in through that area?—

The room, lit only by the HoloTable projections, became the scene of a strategic deliberation, where every detail and possible contingency was meticulously examined to ensure the safety and success of Terry's speech the following day.

—It's completely closed,— Ethan said, referring to the back of the temple. —Unless someone jumped the fence, although, considering how fanatic they can be, I wouldn't rule out that they might try. It's happened in the past,— he added, biting his thumb in anxiety. He was aware that the next day would be challenging and the uncertainty of what could happen weighed on him.

—¿What about the underground?— Marcus inquired, aware of the previous problems in that area.

– I scanned the entire place – Elian informed firmly – We didn't find anything suspicious or anyone. We have maintained constant surveillance since that incident.

Curiosity and concern showed on Terry's face as he asked, —¿What happened in the subway?—

Francisco Javier took the floor, revealing a dark chapter from the past – While you and the fragment of the Ætheris Gem were at rest, there were attempts to steal your body. They even planted a bomb, which fortunately was discovered in time to prevent a tragedy.

Terry's astonishment was evident. He still found it difficult to comprehend all the attention he had generated during his unconscious state; after all, for him, that period had not been a dream, since he was not present in his body.

–Tomorrow, brother– Ethan interceded in a serious tone–you will realize the magnitude of the devotion they have for you. It is normal that now you do not fully perceive the pressure or the reality of your adoration–

Claudius, seeking to calm the atmosphere, turned to Ethan. —Uncle, it would be wise not to alarm you. Tomorrow my father needs to be completely calm and focused on his speech. So don't let yourself get carried away by anxiety before time.

Ethan, looking slightly annoyed, replied, —I was just trying to show you a little of what we've had to deal with because of the fanaticism.

The conversation revolved around the challenges they faced, preparing not only for the logistics and security of the event, but also for managing the intense devotion Terry inspired, seeking to maintain a balance between alertness and calm needed for the day ahead.

—Guys,— Marcus interjected, trying to calm the mood, —we're all a little upset and worried about what might happen tomorrow. There's a lot of uncertainty, but let's keep the faith that things will improve and that there won't be any major incidents. Besides, the speech Terry will give could be key to reducing the tensions on the streets. It's crucial that you give it, Terry. The people need to see and hear you. Without your leadership, this city could fall apart.

Terry nodded calmly, aware of the weight of his words. Years ago, he had faced similar situations in another life, in another body. This past experience gave him a unique perspective on the importance of his role.

It was Rodrick who detailed the strategy on the HoloTable—3000, pointing out the exact position where Terry was to be during his speech, as well as the locations of the guards, both those assigned by Ethan and his own, who would ensure his safety in the temple. He also explained how they would have bodyguards nearby to respond quickly to any incident, proving that they already had a well—prepared contingency plan.

—You won't be able to walk anywhere alone,— Rodrick warned him, making a clear distinction between the safety inside the castle, far from the city, and the need for protection when entering the city.

—I thought so,— Terry replied, with a reluctance he couldn't hide, though he opted for silence this time. He remembered the old disputes with his brother on this very subject. Now, the dynamic was different; his power had grown, surpassing his brother's, and he knew that any confrontation could quickly escalate. They were no longer children fighting over trivialities. He understood that his safety was a priority for his family, even if overprotection was suffocating. As he crossed his arms instinctively, his family understood his position: they did not agree, but would reluctantly accept the security measures to avoid further conflict.

— You must understand — Marcus intervened, assuming his usual role as mediator between Terry and his family – that the situation is more complex than you imagine. You have not yet seen firsthand the magnitude of everything that has happened, as we have managed to keep you safe in the castle, away from the true turbulence outside. Tomorrow, when you face the reality outside these walls, you will truly understand what is happening – Terry looked at him, choosing to remain silent, processing Marcus's words, who could only exhale a deep sigh. He knew that his friend would soon face a significant revelation about the impact of his actions and the devotion he aroused among the people.

In the heart of the night's strategy, as shadows danced across the castle walls, Ashtar raised his voice, signaling a halt in the whirlwind of plans. —This is all well and good,— he began, his tone filled with a calm that belied the urgency of his words. —But there is something crucial we are overlooking. How will security be on the way to the temple? The streets the car carrying Terry will pass through need our attention.—

Darius, ever prepared, activated the HoloTable —3000, projecting a detailed map of the city and the planned route. —That's already taken care of,— he assured confidently, pointing to the planned path. —The vehicle will take this route, the least congested by fanatics and pedestrians. We will have guards on the streets to ensure safe and uninterrupted passage, with fences to limit access. Two vehicles will precede us, and one will follow behind, alert for any abnormalities. Terry, you will go in the center, between Marcus and me, in the car, to maximize your safety.—

That's when Sapphire stepped in, adding another layer of complexity to the next day's scene. —Tomorrow, Father, not only the people will be waiting for you.— The images on the hologram changed, showing familiar faces from different social and galactic strata. —There will be kings, princes, ambassadors from other planets, and tribal leaders. This event transcends what you imagine. Although you already have experience dealing with dignitaries, the challenge will be greater, but I trust in your ability to handle it.

Terry, absorbing the magnitude of what was coming, couldn't help but question with a touch of humor: –Yes, but ¿will they all fit in the temple? If I remember correctly, it wasn't that spacious.

The room filled with suppressed laughter, a brief moment of relief amid the tension. Through this exchange, Terry's family and advisors wove a web of strategy and security, laying the groundwork for a day that promised to be historic. Amid the seriousness of their preparations, humor and shared affection reminded everyone of the importance of sticking together, ready to face whatever fate had in store for them together.

In the expectant silence of the room, Ethan spoke up, introducing an unexpected turn in the conversation. —We had to make some changes to the temple,— he revealed, capturing everyone's attention. —You may not remember, Terry, but when you woke up, the temple was no longer as you knew it.

Thoughtfully, Terry replied, —Actually, I don't remember any of that. The one who came back earlier wasn't me, but Ætheris. She was the one who awakened this body and subsequently brought me back.

Ashtar's face was filled with wonder. —Impressive,— he murmured, processing the magnitude of what they had shared.

Safiro, unable to hide her astonishment, intervened: –That explains the explosion of the devices. You will have to tell us what happened during the time you were in that deep sleep.

Kyran, showing signs of annoyance, came to his father's defense . —Calm down now, brother. He just woke up from a deep sleep, and you already want a full account. Let him breathe a little.

Francisco Javier, with his natural authority, put things in order. —Calm down, everyone. The scientists will have plenty of time to ask their questions. For now, let's focus on what concerns us today.

Safiro, without losing her momentum, replied, —We will never move forward like this,— showing her frustration.

Rodrick, visibly upset, but with an underlying affection, reprimanded his nephew. —I love you, nephew, but sometimes you really complicate things.— Safiro, aware of having crossed a line, lowered his gaze, accepting the reprimand. He knew that when his uncle got angry with him, it was because he had really erred. The relationship between the two was one of deep respect and a special connection, one that Safiro did not want to put at risk for a momentary impulse.

The family and team dynamics revealed a web of complex relationships but full of affection and mutual respect, a balance between duty and personal care, preparing together to face the challenges that the future would bring.

After ensuring that all positions were filled and the plan for the next day was underway, Ethan broke the silence with determination.

– We have all the key points under control now, and we must follow the plan for tomorrow.

—Yes,— Darius agreed, his voice echoing with a mix of exhaustion and anticipation. —It is time to rest; tomorrow we face a day full of challenges.— With unspoken agreement, the group dispersed, each heading to their own nightly shelter within the vast Whittaker Castle.

Seeking a moment of peace before he retired, Terry ventured into the castle's back garden, an open—air sanctuary that promised respite from the oppressive atmosphere of preparations. Upon arrival, the transformation of the space immediately caught his attention. It was evident that his mother, Helena, had been hard at work, breathing life and tranquility into this forgotten corner.

Under the soft moonlight, the newly installed waterfalls murmured soothing melodies, their sound a balm for the weary soul. All around, flower beds overflowing with flowers displayed a rainbow of colors, with red and white roses standing out among them. Terry's favorite, these roses not only beautified the eye, but also filled the air with their intoxicating scent, evoking memories of simpler, happier days.

Not only had the flowers received attention; the fruit trees, strategically placed around the garden, promised natural delights with every season, its branches whispering promises of future harvests. And, as a final touch to this personal retreat, an elegant hanging chair had been installed under the protective shade of a sturdy tree, inviting Terry to immerse himself in the tranquility of the surroundings, a place to meditate, dream, or simply be.

The meticulous arrangement of the garden at the back of Whittaker Castle reflected not only his mother Helena's love of beauty and harmony, but also her desire to offer her family an oasis of peace in the midst of their turbulent lives. At that moment, with the fresh scent of the evening mingling with the sweetness of the flowers, Terry felt a deep gratitude towards his mother for this gift, a sanctuary where the soul could find rest and renewal.

Under the starry blanket, Terry swayed gently in the hanging chair, immersed in the memories of his travels through galaxies and other universes. Each experience, lived in different bodies and shared with Ætheris, had enriched his soul with invaluable knowledge and adventures. The summer breeze of the night invited a state of deep relaxation. With his eyes closed, he let the memories of the people he met on his travels flow through his mind, unaware of the arrival of his brother Ashtar.

—I thought you'd be in your room,— Ashtar broke the silence.

– I was just looking for some fresh air – Terry replied, opening his eyes in surprise at her presence.

—I won't interrupt you, I'll continue towards my shelter,— Ashtar said, turning around.

—¿Do you have a shelter?— Terry asked, curiosity shining in his eyes.

–Did you think you were the only one who needed some space from time to time? – Ashtar replied with a smile. –Let me tell you, little brother, you are not the only one who sometimes seeks to escape from obligations and family.

Terry looked at him, amazed. —I would never have imagined that from you. Always so close to everyone, I never saw you seeking solitude, always engrossed in the laboratory.

–True, that was before, when we were younger– Ashtar mused –But, since you left, many things changed. My responsibilities extended beyond science. I found myself charged with new obligations– His voice was tinged with nostalgia as he recalled those days. Looking up and finding Terry worried, he added –It is not a reproach, brother. It was the path you had to follow, destined from your creation by Ætheris. I only want to please know that I now understand your need for solitude, your longing for a quiet place, free from demands and constant surveillance. The imposition of guards made me uncomfortable too, and so I understand your longing for freedom.

Terry offered a warm smile to Ashtar, finally understanding his need for isolation. —I'm sorry you had to bear all that in my absence,— he said in a tone of sincere apology.

—Oh, don't worry. It was my decision to accept those responsibilities; in the end, someone had to do it– Ashtar assured. –But I promised myself that if you came back, I would take you to this shelter I created. I didn't do it just for myself; you helped me find this place, even without knowing it.

—Really?— Terry looked genuinely surprised, intrigued by this special place Ashtar spoke of, a place he had unwittingly helped create.

That night, Ashtar sought respite from the heavy responsibilities that were suffocating him. —I wanted to scream, Terry. I missed you so much. You were always my confidant, and without you, I felt lost,— he confessed, revealing his vulnerability. Driven by a desire to find peace, he ventured into the woods behind the castle, where a tree evoked memories of a shared childhood, of Terry hiding from his father's reprimands for his pranks.

Terry smiled at the memory – Those were the days... But remember, you were never good at climbing.

Ashtar laughed, admitting his lack of skill. —Correct, and I haven't improved. But as a scientist, I found another way. I didn't need to climb to build my shelter in that ideal tree.

Intrigued, Terry stood up – I have to see that.

Guided by Ashtar, they arrived at a wooden cabin hidden among the trees, near a cliff. The cabin, cozy and well equipped, offered comfort and a privileged view of the sea through its windows. –It is impressive, Ashtar. A true refuge.

—It's my sanctuary of solitude,— Ashtar said, handing a code card to Terry. —And now it's yours too, whenever you need to escape.

Sincere thanks filled the air as they settled back to watch the sea crash against the rocks. In that moment of peace, Terry broke the silence. —¿Do you want to know what I experienced while I was gone?

Curiosity lit up Ashtar's face. —I'd love to, but only if you're ready. I don't want to overwhelm you, despite my scientific curiosity.

In the tranquility of that refuge, between the brother who had sought solace in solitude and the one who had returned from a transcendental journey, an opportunity was woven to share, understand and reconnect, while the whisper of the sea served as a backdrop to their reunion.

—I know,— Terry began with a smile, banishing any concern about his exhaustion. —I'm not tired, actually. This body has had enough rest.— His laughter was contagious, and Ashtar couldn't help but join in. —During our time out of body, Ætheris and I learned to use others, some on the verge of death. The bodies varied in age, and even when their souls departed, Ætheris repaired them so we could continue traveling. That led me to explore countless galaxies and universes, learning languages, customs, and even everyday tasks.

—You, washing the floor? That's hard to imagine,— Ashtar interrupted, half incredulous and half amused.

—It's true,— Terry said with a look that spoke of the richness of his experiences. —I inhabited the bodies of women, men, children, and even animals. In one, I found myself in the skin of a slave, learning about the treatment of them in different places, universes. Once again, in a woman's body, I understood her feelings and thoughts. I was even a magistrate, a farmer, and a religious leader, though the latter was not exactly a saint. With Ætheris, we transformed a corrupt cult into an educated and self—sufficient community, sometimes even calling on my magic to help .

—So you have lived many lives. Now I understand the breadth of your knowledge about people,— Ashtar observed, visibly impressed.

–Yes, but we didn't always take bodies. Sometimes we just watched from above, learning from a different perspective. I learned various magics, summoning techniques, and how to channel my energy in new ways.

—¿For example?— Ashtar asked, curious. In response, Terry reached out his hand towards the ground and, with a gesture, made an Angel Flower sprout, a species unknown in this universe, but common in the Gantara universe, south of Epsilon. —It's beautiful. ¿What flower is this?

—It's called Angel Flower. It grows in arid environments, typical of Gantara's universe,— Terry explained, as they both looked at the delicate flower. —Its petals, pure white and almost transparent, emit a soft glow under the moonlight. And its aroma is a balm of calm and purity.

– Amazing– Ashtar admired – so, you really learned to create from nothing using your magic.

—Not only that,— Terry added, a shadow briefly crossing his face, —I also learned how to extinguish lives remotely, though I would only consider it in extremely necessary circumstances.

Ashtar looked at him, shocked by the revelation. —¿You went that far, brother? ¿But wait, when did you have to use that ability?

The brothers' exchange delved into more serious depth, exploring the limits of the powers Terry had acquired during his travels. Through the beauty of the Angel Flower and the confessions shared, a greater complexity was revealed in the fabric of their experiences, marking a point of reflection on the weight of the knowledge and skills they had brought with them from other universes.

—It was ten years ago,— Terry began, his voice heavy with dark memory. —There was an incident involving a ten—year—old girl and a man who had kidnapped her to rape her. At the time, she was inhabiting the body of a female warrior guarding a village.

We located the kidnapper, but he threatened to throw the girl off a cliff if we tried to stop him. The anger and indignation I felt was overwhelming, and in that instant, I wished that her heart would simply stop beating. And it did. I focused my energy toward that end, and it did. That's when I discovered I could do such a thing .

Ashtar, listening intently, nodded. —You acted out of a just cause, not a desire to do harm without reason.

—Still,— Terry continued, —that action left me with a deep sense of unease. Even though it was for a noble reason, the act of taking a life… It made me feel as if something dark had taken root in my soul.

—It's like you feel like you've lost a part of yourself,— Ashtar said, trying to understand.

—Exactly. Every time a life is taken, no matter how just the cause, a little bit of humanity is lost, a step forward into darkness,— Terry confessed, with regret echoing in every word.

—What's truly important is that you now know the limits of your power,— Ashtar mused, seeking to offer some comfort.

— Yes,— Terry concluded, finding a space in the conversation to process those memories. Through this fraternal dialogue, Terry not only shared the lessons learned about the extent of his power, but also explored the emotional and ethical costs of his actions, a crucial step on the path to understanding himself and the impact of his choices.

—Well, brother, I must return to my room,— Ashtar said, preparing to get up. —Tomorrow will be a day full of activity, and I must be by your side, fulfilling my role as Imperial High Priest.

—That's true,— Terry nodded, glancing at his watch. Surprised to see that it read two in the morning, he added, —It's later than I thought. Let's go back to the castle to rest.

With that mutual agreement, both brothers stood up, leaving behind the haven of tranquility to return to the castle, preparing for the challenges that the new day would bring.