Pain

G was in his office reading when the intercom came through.

"Yes, Cindy."
"Your guest is here, G."
"Send him in, please. Thank you."

A middle-aged man, frail looking walked in. G gestured him to his seat, "How can I help you?"

"I've heard that you heal people........I've a problem in my body, and the doctors I've been to so far can't help me........." his voice trailed off trembling.

"I'll do my best, please furnish me with more information," G took off his glasses for the story to unfold.

"It came some years ago. I had a fall, and then the pain at the back started. I've been to hospitals, chiropractors and seek Chinese medical help, but no results. The X-rays cleared me, the ultra-sound shows nothing much, the doctors say it's muscular. Then I've been to physiotherapy and traditional massages, and still.........The pain is so much that sometimes, I can't sleep at night but I need to work.........I heard from friends that you heal people, so I came today," his eyes are filled with teary hope. And he hoped this trip will bear fruit.

G took a breath, muttered something under his breath, and went on, "May I know where the pain is?"

He turned with his palms extended, placed at the lower back and added, "Sometimes the pain shoots down my left leg.........Doctors just prescribe me lots of painkillers, my stomach is near ruin because of them........." And he choked on his tears.

"Yes, painkillers are pretty acidic on the gut. Come, I'll take a look," G walked over to him, and press the afflicted spot lightly, "Is it here?"

"Yes........"
"Were you injured in your youth?"
"I was a basketballer in the school team, injuries were common."
"Ok."

Many chronic pain or illnesses have their roots in the youth where reckless activities or strenuous sports took a toll on the young bodies, only to surface its' ugly heads in the middle-age giving much pain and agony.

G then hover his palm over the area for a minute for his diagnosis.

"I'd agree with the doctors that it's muscular, but it's more than that. The Qi circulation is very poor, and your blood is weak. I don't think you've been eating well too, which is why there's no recovery."

He hung his head low, "I've been very busy at work, that I sometimes have only egg sandwiches for my meals,"

"Ok," G is pretty cold with his answer this time. Human often think their bodies are made of indestructible diamonds. "Please stand up, and I'll start the therapy."

He stood up, G went to switch on the stereo to play some music generated by crystal bowls, held his right palm above the spot, chants under his breath, and started circling the area. "Do you feel some warmth?"

"Yes."
"Any tingling sensation?"
"A little, yes."

G intensified the frequency. The client now feels as though some electric current have gone into the muscles, he's starting to sweat.

"This is the healing process, I'm now helping your deep tissues to heal themselves. The sweat is to expel the blocked channels of their acidic crystals. A little more and we're done."

"Ok, thanks."

For the next 10 minutes, G repeat the process and went on down to the leg. The leg twitched strongly at some parts.

10 minutes soon came.

G went back to his seat, wiped his hands with a hot towel, and had a sip at his mug. "You must take a week's break to really recuperate and eat well, or the pain will return."

"Thank you, I feel much better already."
"That's an initial sign that the cells are regenerating themselves, however, they're still at a very vulnerable stage. If you don't rest them, everything will return."
"Ok, I'll listen."
"Remember to eat well. Cut out all caffeine, any fridge cold stuff and sleep as early as you can. Don't do any strenuous exercise, walks and leisure swim are fine, however. If you can find heated pool, even better. It'll help your Qi and blood circulation."
"Thank you, I'll do as your advice. Thank you."

He then stood up to leave G for payment at Cindy's, brimming with renewed hope.

To Be In It

G hasn't pop by 1369 for some days and it worries Andy. He called him up.

G is just on his way over and Andy hang up to prepare his killer combination for his pal, what else but gin and tonic? It was just in time for G to arrive.

"Good timing, eh?" Andy grinned.

"As always," G returned with a smile.

"So what's up lately? Didn't see you around," Andy is always prepared to hear stories from G. Stories most people won't be able to provide, and even so, may not be of the truth. But then, what is the Truth?

"Busy. Lots to do and run around, and I'm moving office. And then with the customers. Lots lots lots.......Oh my......." G massaged his forehead to get the blood going to the brain. "Do you have food? Feed me, please."

"Chicken wings? Coming right up!" Andy zipped off to get the wings out into the toaster. G took a sip at his glass.

"Say, do you.......like get a reading done for whatever you want to do? Like if it's a good day to go out. Like to get a haircut, of such?" Andy is very very curious.

"Ho, no! Not for my level at least. At this stage where I am now, I just need to go with the flow. Meaning, if I feel like doing anything, I do it. If not, then fine, next time. If it happens, it will. If not, then fine. I've plenty of other stuff to fill out. This is one of the higher level for Mortal Aliens to be in, quite unnerving sometimes, 'cos you can't plan and so don't plan anymore. All will unfold nicely, just in time."

It's hard to entertain Andy's questions sometimes, 'cos they could be quite meaningless to field. But at the end of the day, G knows it's a mortal's desire to know and understand. It's in human to be curious, or civilization wouldn't get this far. And at such this present state too.........

"Okie. So, so, lets say, what if, your house is going to get burnt down. Would you know in advance?"

"Why should I?"

"Because you're an Mortal Alien, you should! What if your prized possessions got burnt to noth?"

"Andy. If God wouldn't manifest himself stop people from burning down his temples or churches; if God wouldn't manifest himself to stop people from smearing His name; if God don't do all these and more........." G look up right into Andy's eyes, "Then why should I?"

"Then what about Fengshui stuff you do for others? Isn't it against the flow?"

"For a human to keep doing the wrong things and suffer, if they want a better environment for a peace of mind, yes, they should. Even for God's churches and temples, no one would build beside a cesspool. It's a no-brainer question."

Andy was stunned.
The toaster ringed.

"Errmm........chicken wings' done!" He pryed a smile through.

Another day for G.

Another day educating the mortals.

The Quack

Tonight's 1369 seems to be especially busy, Andy was so happy being busy that he has no time for G.

"Amazing! The Windmill is here! They're heading back and stopped by here for a pop! It's 'em singing now! LIVE!!"

G turned to look.

The little 80sqm pub is now buzzing with activity with groupies, journalists and 1369's regulars all wanted to catch a piece of The Windmill band.

"Gimme my usual," G told Andy, and he zipped off getting the gin & tonic in a jiffy. He isn't fond of noise and since he's already here, he thought he should at least try catch up what people are after now.

The lead singer is now on the little raised stage with his mates behind the instruments, singing the latest hit single, a soft rock - Cloud Chaser.

When I close my eyes
I see that day I've been dreaming
My heart is busy beating
My sweat gushing

People on the floor screamed. It would be what the fantasy world looks like, everybody in love and no war, no breakups, no acne. All mushy.

I hold you in my arms
And we will be walking
Where our heaven will be
And I woke to see a note beside me

The lead singer is starting to sweat alot. It was strange, it's just 20 C in the pub.

You said not to worry
You've gone to the galaxy
Between the stars you live
Shining over me

The crowd went wild once again. The lead singer's lips are turning white. G sees that his fingers are trembling. Something isn't right.

G beckoned Andy over, "What did you feed him?"

Andy was surprised at the question, "Nothing! He asked for some vodka and mixers."

"You know where they were before coming here?"

"I heard one of the chicks said they were singing live at a mall, then headed right over here!"

And I've started chasing
Between the dusts and clouds
For your tinkle bell
You should've told me earlier!

The last word was piercing, and the more he yelled into the mike, the more people go crazy over the song. Is this music at all? G feels like leaving any moment.

And then, someone screamed. And more screamed, people start scrambling out. Some people were yelling, "SOMEONE CALL 911!!"

Andy and G rushed over to take a look. It's fine that the pub went on the headlines for hosting a famous band, not someone from it died.

The lead singer is frothing at the mouth, eyes rolled back and mumbling, "Devil........the Devil........Hahahahaha...........".

"HE'S BEING POSSESSED! POSSESSED!! HELP!!" One of his band mates yelled.

"Not with me around," G said, then instructed the others to hold him up, "Jack him up, mate!"

He checked his pulse, it was racing.
The eyes were a tad yellow.
The skin is cold and clammy.
The froth has a weird smell.

"Did he eat anything?" G asked that scared stiff bloke.

"No! We didn't! We didn't even touch a cake!" He's now melting into a pool of goo, not the cool dude signing autographs in the day.

G pryed open the mouth and checked the tongue, it was thick in slimy clear coating like mucus.

"Andy! Give me a warm saline solution, a glass of it! Add 1 tablespoon of sugar, stir it and bring over! FAST!" Andy rushed off as told.

"You! Take his shoes off, leave the socks on, bend your knuckles like this," and showed them in a half clenched index, "Rub the middle of the sole! Do it now!!"

The dude could only heed, while the rest of the band could only stand and watch. One of them is calling their manager who's on vacation in UK.

"Water! Water!!" Andy rushed in. G pulled the head back a little and poured it down the throat. Some overflowed to the clothes. He started to cough a little. G started to massage his chest, and poured the rest into the mouth again.

The body is starting to feel warm. By now, the ambulance has came, and he was wheeled away.

In 5 minutes, 1369 was empty.

Andy sat slumped against the wall, dazed of the whole affair. That it came as fast as it went. G took a sip from his glass.

"What the hell happened?"

"That bugger was dehydrated. He took drugs, didn't take a meal or water and drink vodka," G took another sip. He has never like to work after his official hours.

"I though he was possessed! They said he saw the Devil!" Andy was still pretty shaken. G went behind the counter and mixed something sweet and warm for him.

"Possession won't be that easy. Never. Ha." G started to take a drag.

"I didn't know you're a doctor, you bastard! Hehehehe.........." Andy finally got his senses back.

"I'm not, I'm just a quack." G took the last sip from his glass, it's time to leave.

"Gosh, you know the metaphysics and you know medicine. What the hell are you?!"

"I've told ya, I'm a quack. So don't land in front of me one day, I may just sell your kidneys. Haha." G picked up his bag, and finally with a smile, "Clean up, mate. You've a business to run tomorrow," he heads to the door.

Andy then got his staff over with mops and buckets of water of weak baking soda solution.

Mortal Alien

Another day in the human world, working for the people. G packed up early and headed off to 1369 where his relief is, and some entertainment. It's always fun to be entertained by his good pal, Andy Tight Ass.

1369's night tonight is rather quiet.

"Why? All of your customers took a vacation en masse? Or you served bootleg?" G chuckled.

"This is how you see me, buddy, eh! There's a rock concert down by the river, everybody has went to catch The Windmill."

"Oh. Noisy music. Just as well, get me some chicken wings. Hungry."

Andy popped a serving of 6 into the toaster, and poured himself some punch, "Want some?"

"Pooh! Dishwater. I'd rather take OJ. Give me my usual."

"Coming right up!"

And the toaster ringed in synchronization. Just in time, snack time.

Andy took a sip, "How do you know so much?" "What do ya mean?" G took a bite into some meat, today's food day, everything is up to standards. His standards.

"Tarot........Fengshui........Numerology.........Religion.........the metaphysical.........."

"Ah huh?" The wings are really well-marinated. G is losing his focus on Andy's talking.

"Did you hear what I just said?" Impatience is something the 2 share really well, Andy knows G is going into his own world of gin & tonic and chicken wings.

"Heard ya," G sucked his fingers and wiped on his pants. "Now, this isn't something exclusive to me. Anyone can get to learn all these.........."

"..........Not me, I know I can't. Well, I know a bit of Tarot but heck, you're good!"

"No, it's the same. It's the same like I am a Uni grade in my Masters to Mathematics, and you're on Grade 6 struggling with Algebra. Of course I can teach you something about Al, but you can't teach me like.........Algorithms."

"So?" It's now Andy's turn for his toasted chicken wings.

"And all these learnings are accumulated via many lifetimes of practises, so what I've now are actually recollection of what I already have. Just that it's applied to the current era. You also see me pick these up faster and easier. There may be people who pick it up in a week. You know, faster than me?"

"Ok, and?"

G reached for his 3rd wing, "If you ask me to fix a car, I can't. But some mechanic can revive a dead one, or turn a lemon into.........an apple. Hehehe........."

"Corny. But there's no automation eons ago, how did the mechanic..........?"

"Hehehe..........All these knowledge are accumulated within a 'line of influence', meaning, they may be great carriage makers like in 20 A.D, but making the wheels move is their forte, it's now translated into cars. Like whatever you see on a computer is graphics and sound, but the computer program is actually binary. Same thing, different form."

G is finishing his gin & tonic. He's now eyeing whatever Andy may have on the shelves.

"Ok..........I'm getting there. So how do these 'knowledge' got stored in? The brain?"

"In modern terms, these knowledge are 'encrypted' in the soul. When a soul gets reborn, it's 'transferred' to the brain to be 'processed' with the current educational tools via the 6 senses so everything makes sense. Which is how we adapted to the modern times." G is now deciding between Glenfiddich and port. The salt in the wings are showing up.

Andy is thinking hard now, "Ok.........So each of us has a certain skill, no?"

G starts mumbling to himself, "Shall I, shall I not..........Hmmmm..........Technically, yes. But all of us have to learn our way back Home."

"Home??"

"In some religions, it's called the Ultimate Heavens. Some call it The Great One. Some call it Nothingness. Some call it The One. Oh well, whatever the name, it's like asking you to undress for the next pants, you still gotta wear some pants anyway. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA............."

"Ho ho ho.........I don't think the Heavens have a place for me, I run a pub! Darn, just tell me what you want! Stop eyeing all of my stuff!"

It's pretty rare for these friends to enjoy some quiet times together, and both are savouring every moment.

"Ok, port then. You have nachos? I haven't had lunch. Heh."

"Tsk! Take it! Lemme melt the cheese."

"You see, it doesn't matter you open a pub or a pastor, all of us gotta learn The Way Home anyway. So whatever you're doing now is just part of the process. Serviettes!"

"How long does it take?" Andy turned to melt the cheese fresh out of the fridge, hard and cold.

G starts wiping his grease-filled fingers, for the nachos, "At least 500 lifetimes."

Andy stopped in his tracks and looked into G's sparkling eyes.
G looked back, thinking of nothing but the nachos.

"Holy shit! You're bullshitting me!"

"If you do see one around the corner, lemme know, ya? I've not seen one before. Hehehehe..........."

"Tell me you're bullshitting me."

"I'm serious, dead serious as we got to the moon," it's somehow amusing to see the face of his friend as if he has discovered a New World.

"Oh my God, forget it then," then the microwave bell rang. Nachos time.

"Oh no, there's no running away at all. We're all in it together. Just that some go back earlier than others. Ooooooo..........hot. Hot. HOT!!" G has never been a patient sort. Food, to him has to be eaten hot for the freshness.

He got into the first bite and melt into the heaven of factory churned cheese. "Hmmmm............"

"I'm not thinking about it anymore. I'm getting a headache," Andy gave up, as usual.

"It's ok, the most important thing is live your current life well anyway. It's the only right thing," G dipped his finger into some fridge cold sour cream then into the burnt tongue.

"Then what are you? I mean, you're doing all these..........Can I call you a psychic?"

"Not really, many psychics can't do what I can. I'm a Mortal Alien. Even so, there're many levels around. Hmmm..........You have more nachos?"

"No wait..........Now this is interesting. Mortal Alien. Can you make me fly?" Andy is now grinning like a schoolboy.

"I can throw this glass of water at you for sure! Give me my nachos!"

"FREE LOADER!!"

"TIGHT ASS ANDY!! TIGHT ASS!!!"

And the fireworks for the rock concert bloomed in the cold dark August sky. It was a spectacular sight to behold.

The Beginning

Andy paid G a visit at his office, bringing a gift he knew G would gladly appreciate.

"Oh, it's you," G poured some tea for Andy, "What brings you here today?"

"I errmm........here to thank you, you know, I got the money back. You're fantastic." G drew a puff at his new gift - Romeo Y Julieta's cigarillo, Andy does know of his likes.

"Thank yourself, not me," said G in his usual stoic tone.

Andy has no idea what G is thinking of many times. A layer of ice grew in the air.

Drawing another puff, G continued, "I'm just a conduit between God and human. You're the master of your own fate, I've no role in it. One can get the best advise in the world but if they're not willing to execute it......." G gave a shrug, "It's good as gunk."

There's just a line with humility and arrogance, Andy has no idea which is which now. What he does know is, he's feeling a tad awkward at G's reply.

"Hehehe.........yeah, you're right. Hey, remember how we made friends?" There must be a way to loosen up, they're friends, no?

"Ho! You bugger. 1369 was seeing some young punks then. Was it 3 years ago?"
"Yeah! And I was tearing my hair out everyday. I was thinking if that goes on, I'd have to go burst because my good customers are not coming in anymore!"
"And I went to your little pub the first time for some........."
".........GIN & TONIC, AND A DASH OF LIME, PLEASE!"

Both roared. Such was the good old times.

".........Hahahahaha.........And I asked if you need help with the punks."
"And I asked if you're a cop."
"I said, no, but I can do something about it."
"And I almost fainted. I thought you were from the Mafia!"
"Tell me you're not a bugger!"

The other round of roaring melted the layer of ice in the air earlier. It felt good to be warm.

"Then you asked for some grain spirits."
"And you gave me brandy!"
"And you trashed me good! "You open a damn pub and you can't tell which is which?" Hahahahaha........."
"Well, you did gave me some whisky in the end. Remember what I did?"
"Oh yes! You told me to remove the darn bag of trash at the main door, then you went over, splashed that half a bottle of $200 Scotch, drew a circle by your finger 3 times.........."
"..........You've a great memory, buddy. Hahahahaha..........."
"Hehehehe..........then you mumbled something I didn't hear.........."
"Trade secret! Hahahahaha.........."
"And in 5 minutes, the punks left for the back alley for their fight! As if someone asked them to go!"
"Hehehehe..........."
"Buddy, my jaw dropped. Really, I swear."
"Why didn't I notice it then? I could've pick up for ya. Hehehe.........."

G does have a sense of humor, if he wants to.

"And you told me to NEVER, EVER place any trash by the main door again. And I did, and everything went fine then. But hey, I am.........I am really grateful," Andy's voice mellowed, "You saved my life. My life savings went into 1369, and I had a new son then. I can't imagine what would happen if that went on.........."

"Well, you can pay me. And we're even, ya know," G quipped with a chuckle in the eyes. He can be rather charming, if he wants to.

"Sure! I've been meaning to ask! How much do I owe you?" Andy let out a toothy grin.

"$400," G gave a sly smile.

"WHAT? And for wasting my Scotch?!"
"You could have gone burst, buddy. Don't be a tight ass."

Andy felt bruised.

"You know I'm not those selling by the roadside, I felt cheap already," It's clear who's the winner. Sweet taste of victory over silly humans has always been a fun game for G. It's not about the money, it's about making the lesson worth the sweat.

It's in human that the dearer the lesson, the better they remember.

"Alright then, since I'm the one who opened the big mouth," Andy drew his wallet from his pocket.

G pressed the inter-com button to his PA sitting at the reception, "Cindy, please issue a receipt for $400, to Mr Andy Tight Ass. Hahahahahaha.........."

"You bloody.........!!"

"Hehehehe..........Mr Andy McNeil, please," G is enjoying himself thoroughly.
"You gave me a fright, G," Cindy has trouble adjusting to G's antics since her first day. Still.
"And my heart goes to you, Cindy! It must be difficult working for such a boss!!" Yelled Andy across into the inter-com.

"Well, that's for me to know, and for you to find out, Mr McNeil," Smiling through the other line, she's pretty quick at standing up for the check writer. G appreciates Cindy precisely for being smart and quick.

"And thank you for the late payment, buddy. I could've charged an interest," G grinned.

"Now, now..........It's too late to turn back! Hehehe.........Ok, I gotta go, enjoy the little gift. Hope you like it."

"I do. Thanks." A sincere smile radiated the room. Andy knew he made the right friend.

A buddy indeed.

Another Day At 1369

It was yet another blistering night.

G got himself some gin and tonic, perched on the barstool of pub 1369, sipping slowly.

"You're early today," Andy quipped with a smirk. "Work," G replied nonchalantly. Wiping the tall glasses for the stream of customers later, it's an easy chore for Andy, yet. "So, you're early today from work. And if you're tied up, you're still early here. What gives? Heh." That chuckle broke the ice in the air.

"You're exceptionally tensed up today, eh?" G took another sip, eyes on the glass of gin. It's a tad pale today.

"Hahahahahaha...........I'm constipated, how d' you know?" Andy is getting nervous.

G, with a sigh, took out a deck of cards, shuffled a few times and whipped 1 out.

"4 of pentacles," G faced the card to Andy, "Someone has been owing you money for sometime," He looked icily at him in the eye.

"Hey, I know tarot cards too. You don't assume..........."
"And he's been sitting on it, you've been chasing him for a while, and your good friend just won't return the money," G took another sip.

"Darn you old..........." Andy hates what G does sometimes.

"Go to his wife, she'll get it back for ya," G took out his wallet and placed a ten on the counter.

"It's not easy you know, he's a long time friend," Andy softened. G is trying to help, no matter.

"You need the money for your liver, mate," G straightened his shirt and picked up his slingbag.

"How do you know..........?"

"Your skin is getting too yellow, it's showing too much already. Be good, mate," G left that trail as he headed for the door.

It was just another day for G.