...And We Will Have Snow

Chapter 7-2: Shifting

Bear said, "Jen, I'm reminded of what you said earlier about when microcurrents change to conditions that no longer suit local life forms, how some of them shift into distantly related forms and thrive."

"Reminded? How?"

"It's a lot like what we were just saying happens to people. When they go away to school, change jobs, move to a different city. They get exposed to different microcultures. Most of the time they adapt, and thrive."

"You're right. It's a good parallel."

"But some people can't accept the cultural shift. Or don't want to. What happens to them?"

"There's a whole spectrum of possibilities. Some go ahead and thrive in spite of their differences. Some gravitate to a local microcultural niche they can get along in. Some get apathetic, or sullen, or angry. Lots of things. Where are you going with this?"

"Stay with me for a minute. The ones that thrive without adapting—how does that work?"

"They get along. Their differences are accepted."

"And the ones who don't?"

"Their differences aren't so easy to accept. They don't fit in as well."

"What if they manage to hide their differences? Pretend to change without really changing?"

"Then they might fit in, or appear to. But that's a different metaphor, like the octopus that can take on the color of the rock or seaweed, or imitate the shape and coloring of a fish. There are other mimics... Wait a minute. What are you saying? The shaman stories..."

Xayna spoke up. "The Haida have lots of stories of people who put on the skins of other animals, so they can do what those animals can do. Fly like an eagle..."

"Run like a deer, swim like a fish. Or a seal..." Jen had said it. Everyone else got quiet. But the shaman dream was alive. So much so that Ryan and Rosita had become aware of what was happening, were tuned in. Jen's eyes got big. "You don't mean..."

Bear said, "Let's look at this another way. Suppose the guy who was pretending to fit in had good friends, and wanted to tell them about what he was hiding. But he was afraid they wouldn't believe him, or wouldn't approve. What could he do?"

"He could tell it like he was talking about someone else, see if they'd accept it. See if he could convince them that it would be okay to accept it... Damn it, Bear! That's exactly what you're doing isn't it. You're asking me to accept the idea that..that..."

"It's okay, Jen. We know what you're thinking. Go ahead and say it."

"Then it's true? Ryan and Rosita can change into sea lions?"

Bear echoed Ryan's assent with the merest hint of a nod. So did Xayna.

"And you too?" The same faint nods.

"Well, why not? Fish can do it. Why not people?  Shamans anyway."

"And?"

"And...for me it's the difference between saying 'Wouldn't it be great if...' and 'Isn't it great that...' It's a big step. A profound shift in belief. It's like the difference between dreaming of being swept off your feet by a movie star and having the real man walk in your door. But around here, that's exactly what it would be like, I'm sure. Positive, not negative. Acceptance, not rejection. We've already seen and accepted too many miracles to not accept one more."

She leaned back and said. "But okay. Your secret's safe with me. I won't spread it around."

"We want you to spread it around."

"You do?"

"But do it like the World Dream. One on one until you've got several that are in on it. Then they can talk about it together. Consolidate their agreement. Then begin to spread it to others."

"You'll help, right?"

"When you have a group that are ready for it, who want to believe, we'll show them. It will be easier that way."

Jen was looking a bit stunned, but agreed.

Before they parted Sedna turned to Jen and said, "One more thing."

"What's that."

"Start with Zeke."

"Really? You think he's ready?"

"Oh, he's ready. And with him on board, the others will be easy."