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Wiring Lower Volt Systems
Wiring Lower Volt Systems
Not long-ago systems having 26 volts and below were exempt from the National Electric Code. They do not generate enough electrical current to do harm to humans considering the body’s resistance to current flow. Higher voltages do. The NEC has significantly changed opinions of lower volt circuits since then.
Automobiles are not in the code unless having a 120v alternating current or larger generator on them. Vehicles differ from normal wiring situations. Rubber tires prevent current from going to ground. Best to stay in cars made of metal during lightning storms. Earth is where lightning wants to go.
Cars and trucks can be used as examples for low volt systems. Most auto batteries are 12 volts and do little harm to us when also touching the metal chassis but can deliver more than 300 hundred amps when starting fuel engines. These batteries make large sparks when metal is placed between terminals. When changing batteries, the cable should be taken off the negative terminal first since a conductive metal wrench touching the vehicle from there makes no difference, that terminal being connected to the frame anyway. The wrench can now safely be used on the positive terminal because the return circuit to the battery from the frame has been removed from the negative terminal.
Small 1.5v household batteries connected (+) to (-) add up to make 12 volts dc or more and can be handled safely. A metal object touching them end to end creates a direct short but makes little spark. Because small batteries only produce so much energy they are referred to as power limited.
Many Types of Low Voltage Circuits
The index in the NEC makes clear definition for low voltage circuits as being an electromotive force 24 volts nominal or less found in Article 551 for to Recreational Vehicles & Parks. Some direction for installing low voltage wiring is there, but for the most part Article 720 must be referenced. This article pertains to Circuits and Equipment Operating at Less Than 50 Volts and requires conductors not to be smaller than 12 AWG copper or equivalent. Makes little sense for most lower volt installations until 720.2 is considered referencing exceptions in Other Articles.
Moderately complex when and how exceptions apply are discussed in Other Articles for Low Voltage Lighting, Health Care Facilities, Park Trailers, Floating Buildings, Pipe Organs, Electroplating, Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems, Remote-Control, Signaling, and Power-Limited Circuits, and Power-Limited Fire Alarm (PLFA) Circuits. Where smaller wires are allowed for home furnaces and air conditioning thermostats, doorbells and so forth is in Article 725 for Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 Remote-Control, Signaling, and Power-Limited Circuits. Although Class 1 reduced power limited circuits are somewhat restricted, those for Class 2 and Class 3 are not and require either the device producing or converting electricity, as small batteries or transformers, be power limited or fused accordingly. Tables 11 (A) & (B) found in Chapter 9 can be used to calculate equipment power source and fuse ratings, but it’s easier when marked on equipment by manufacturers approved by United Laboratories (UL listed). Some Canadian standards apply.
Hazardous (Classified) Areas I, II & III
Concerning electricity, hazardous areas are where high concentrations of gases & vapors, combustible dust, or ignitable fibers or flying’s are or can be present in the atmosphere or on light fixtures and other equipment with hot surfaces. These substances result in explosions due to electrical sparks and fall into Classes, different from classes used for power limited circuits by using Roman numerals.
Hazardous Classes are further subdivided by Divisions depending on how great concentrations are likely to be and extent electrical material and equipment must be installed in them to ensure safety and prohibit damage. Prevalent in European models, Zones may be used instead of Divisions. Groups further determine concentrations needed for ignition of different types of gases, dusts or fibers. Industrial facilities, such as natural gas wells and refinement sites, determine boundaries between Divisions or Zones. Corporations are responsible if damage results if their boundaries don’t encompass the entire threat. Divisions are determined in Commercial services, like gas stations, later in Chapter 500.
Power limitations on lower voltage equipment and circuits in hazardous locations are more critical because tiny sparks can ignite explosions and fires. For this lower voltage equipment and wiring to be exempt from costly manufacturing and installation, they must also be Intrinsically Safe Systems with lower power limitations addressed in Article 504.
Optical Fiber Cables
Optical cables transmit light comparable to electricity through wires but any similarities stop there. Used for their own sake to illuminate medical operations or light up artificial Christmas trees, optic cables are usually manufactured for communication and data.
Electricity is transfer of electron energy in molecules present in tangible matter. Light is made of photons traveling faster in absence of molecules. It goes 186,000 miles per second in outer space. Light is immune to electromagnetic interference generated by electricity making optical cables efficient when placed beside conductive wires or themselves.
Optics includes laws of refraction and total internal reflection. Light is trapped in denser material surrounded by less provided there is a small angle of contact. For light to completely refract, this angle must be less than the critical angle determined by differences in mass. Diffusion causes irregularities from other than a completely smooth boundary. Optical cables can be made of many fibers the size of threads, thin enough to prevent light waves making contact from the inner core made of highly transparent flexible glass to surrounding cladding more than critical. Much data can be imposed on a single wave of light generated by lasers. Information is increased by many fibers and frequencies.
So why are optical fiber cables addressed in Chapter 7, Special Conditions by the National Electric Code since light has no known voltage? Transmitters and receivers interpreting this light do and cables are likely installed by electricians. Fundamentally there are two types of optic cables, nonconductive and conductive, the latter using metal jackets and wires for protection and strength to pull them in and hang in vertical risers. Hybrid cables have both electric wires and fibers. Optic cables can occupy the same conduits and cable trays as electric cables. Metal wires in optic cables need to be bonded and grounded. Types of cables are listed for various installations in Table 770.154(a) and (b). Another consideration is when they are installed in ducts used for environmental air, especially when used for heating.
Although no specific reference is made to family dwellings, optical cables are further discussed by Premise-Powered Broadband Communication Systems in Chapter 8.
Communication Systems
Residential and most commercial communication cables are low volt but not taken lightly by the NEC. In fact, Chapter 8 pertaining to them is the last chapter preceding Tables and Informative Annexes and is completely devoted to communication. This chapter is divided into five Articles depending how communication, TV, internet, etc. are provided. The NEC does not cover wireless devices regulated by the FCC.
Article 805 addresses Communication circuits as telephone land lines and is not all that complicated. Article 810 is for Radio and Television Equipment. It helps to understand how antennas work.
Antennas receive electromagnetic waves transmitted through air and are not to be mistaken for electromotive force (EMF) commonly known as voltage. Electromagnetic fields are generated by alternating current transferring energy from wires when coiled around an iron core in electromagnets and transformers. Energy also transfers between wires run next to each other. Electromagnetic waves are transmitted from ground towers and satellites outside earth’s atmosphere. Outer space is considered a vacuum.
This technology was used during WWI to receive Morse code in battlefields. Additional power was not needed for amplification by crystal radios. Electric flow results in voltage through resistive devises and small headphones were needed because voltage derived was small.
Antennas have become more complex collecting stronger electromagnetic waves of certain frequencies transmitted from a particular direction. Energy from batteries or a larger source is still required for amplification needed by radio and television power consumption. Further advancements allow large, circular antennas mounted on poles in the yard to receive satellite transmission by TV providers. Antennas are now smaller since electromagnetic fields are significantly stronger and more focused from satellites. Coaxial cable from antennas to receivers provide better results than wires not being wrapped in a jacket made of meshed wires or foil. Conductive jackets drain off outside wave interference when grounded from overhead transmission lines and higher volt wires providing power to devises using more current. Larger signal wires provide better reception, but due to ease of installation RG-6 Coax is commonly used.
Community Antenna Television and Radio Distribution (CATV) Systems are different in that electromagnetic waves are received by taller antennas and processed by receiving stations before distributed with overhead or buried cables to consumers. At first analog signals received from antennas were sent through coaxial cables but modern television technologies rely more on digital inputs converted by receiving stations. Hybrid cables incorporating optical fibers and electric signal wires are used as well by companies.
Powered Broadband Communication Systems aren’t so much different from CATV Systems except they’re more digital and deliver additional information and data with many frequencies. Network-Powered Broadband mostly rely on conventional electric cables. HDTV cables in buildings improve operation of devises. Premise-Powered Broadband Systems depend more on optical fibers.
Articles in Chapter 8 are divided into similar Parts. Cables are listed from Tables depending on installation, must be properly grounded, and determine insulation ratings for voltage and issues such as restricting fires from spreading rapidly in buildings.
Eberling@www.thndrsns.com
Ground Fault vs. Arc Fault Circuit Protection
Ground Fault vs. Arc Fault Circuit Protection
An estimated 40,000 homes a year are damaged by electrical fires but how many pertain to electrical installations in the last thirty years? Companies make a lot of money betting this incident won’t happen in comparison to what they’re getting paid to insure them. Forty thousand home fires in the United States is considerably less than one percent. Additional electrical preventative measures are certainly beneficial to insurers by reducing number of claims without reducing premiums.
It would be great if everything is wired in metal conduit. Costly but chances of electrical fires would all but be eliminated. The National Electric Board are doing best to eliminate electrical fires by incorporating Arc Fault circuit protection in the code. There are advantages and disadvantages associated.
Ground Fault and Arc Fault have two things in common, reducing electrical hazards by means of electronic components which trip faster than standard breakers and protect against additional safety concerns. Standard circuit breakers and fuses trip during over currents and short circuits by heating metallic components in them. With fuses this metal dissolves completely breaking the electrical circuit requiring fuses to be replaced. When metal strips in circuit breakers get hot they bend causing their switches to trip but can be reset once the metal cools down. Current cannot exceed their ratings thereby protecting wiring and connected loads but they don’t reduce safety hazards caused by electricity flowing in smaller amounts during arc and ground fault circumstances.
Ground fault circuit interrupters are intended to eliminate electrocution to persons around metal appliances, water and associated metal pipes. Arc fault interrupters are intended to reduce fires caused by sparks in by protecting wiring in structures to and at habitable rooms. Just about everything in dwelling units including manufactured and mobile homes are required to have one of these protective devices and/or the other. Requirements and locations in dwelling units for Ground Fault are in Article 210.8 and Arc Fault in Article 210.12 in the 2020 National Electric Code. Commercial structures necessitate some ground fault but not necessarily arc fault since wiring is protected by additional means. Industrial establishments have other rules to follow.
Ground fault was first introduced and quickly caught on. GFIC protective devises measure current on wires to intended loads. In safe situations, amperage is the same on both load and neutral wires. But when some current returns to the breaker or receptacle through ground paths they trip. This fault current might be through a person when touching grounded metal or water possibly causing ventricular fibrillation commonly known as electrocution. Less than thirty milliamps through us can cause cardiac arrest. Electrical resistance in our bodies prohibits tripping even a five amp or smaller fuse.
Originally called Residual Current Devises (RCDs) have evolved into breakers also capable of over and short circuit current protection more commonly known as GFCIs. GFI receptacles are cheaper than GFIC breakers and protect cords and devices plugged into them.
Now Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters are also required by code. AFCI devices detect sparks in wiring causing heat and possibly fires. Arcing can be parallel (line to neutral), series (loose or broken wire), and ground arcing (line or neutral to ground). Making this requirement unique from ground fault is not only connected devises must be protected, but the entire circuits from service panels. Exceptions consider wiring to the first AFC receptacle protecting those downstream if in metal raceways or MC cable usually installed in commercial establishments. Plastic PVC conduit costing less is not allowed. AFC receptacles also require an over and short circuit breaker in electrical panels although this discussion gets complicated. Only Combination Type AFCI breakers protect against all three types of arcing in the entire circuit.
Two types of services for residences are available, single phase and three phase. Single phase most of us are familiar with consists of three wires, 240 volts phase to phase and 120 volts phase to neutral. When available at the service panel it can be delivered down line in a similar manner. Both GFI band AFI protectors cannot share neutrals with loads connected to the other phase in three-wire installations without tripping. Since ground fault does not pertain to entire circuits, three wires with a grounding conductor from a double pole breaker at the panel can be installed in a single Romex cable run across the house tapping the neutral for another circuit before connecting a GFI receptacle. AFCI protection includes the entire wiring making two separate neutrals necessary from separate AFCI breakers or installed in metal conduit and metal cable eliminating this protection to an AFCI receptacle. Four conductor Romex is hard to come by with two white neutral wires and inductance might present problems making two separate cables necessary.
Remote rural areas often have three phase building services since two-thirds current is required on these transmission lines needed to deliver adequate power. Reducing three phase high voltage to standard 240/120 volts for lighting and receptacles requires several transformers. Generally 208/120 volts is available for ranges, clothes dryers, hot water tanks, etc. Dealing with neutrals in single phase circuits is still the same although three phase services consists of four wires at the main breaker panel.
Early on ground fault devises weren’t all that dependable tripping for no apparent reason. For this reason they were not required for garage door openers or refrigerators and freezers in kitchens. GFICs have become more reliable and these exceptions no longer apply. Arc fault circuit interrupters are relatively new and nuisance tripping can still be a problem. Ground fault is only required for receptacles or connected loads but Arc fault includes switches, lights and other junction and outlet boxes. AFCI protectors should be designed to ignore smaller sparks in switches and motors but it might be best to turn devices such as vacuum cleaners, lamps, televisions and so forth off before plugging them in or pulling their cords out of receptacles to prevent these small sparks from tripping AFC circuits.
Some machines use solenoids to allow small currents from thermal protectors and other regulators to control motors rated at much more amperage. Solenoids are made with small mechanical switches called contactors operated by electromagnets. Contacts can corrode after extended use causing larger sparks and nuisance tripping by arc fault protectors. AFCI tripping can be devastating for alarm devises. Allowance is made for electronic smoke detectors and burglar alarms but power can be tripped inadvertently by other devices on the same circuit. Modern alarms have battery backup.
Oxygen machines used for medical reasons may have problems when incorporating mechanical solenoids possibly disrupting power provided by arc fault protectors. Maybe oxygen machines should be required to have battery backup at least making loud shrills like monoxide and smoke detectors upon loss of power. Not a bad idea anyway in case they lose power for any reason such as being unplugged or utility power outages.
Fresh food deteriorates without being cooled in refrigerators and freezers. Refrigeration requires substantial electrical consumption making battery backup unfeasible and auditable alarms do no good if no one is there. Some states have AFCI allowances for them.
Although arc fault devices provide some protection from fires caused by faulty wiring, they do not prevent them all. Fires can be caused by overheated conductors, possibly more so than sparking wires. Fires can result from wires being inadvertently or intentionally hooked to breakers larger than what they are rated for or loose connections under terminal screws and in wire nuts. Thermal creeping heats wires up damaging insulation and setting flammable material in contact with them on fire. Power Fault Circuit Interrupters detect voltage drop in circuits more than considered normal causing this excessive heat. To date PFCI protection has not been implemented by the NEC.
It would be great if all wiring were installed in metal conduit and boxes. Generally manufacturers, suppliers and contractors won’t argue with more revenue. Efficiency doesn’t necessarily apply without affordability. Electrical installation costs can be reduced by providing less circuits or smaller protected wires when allowed by code maybe affecting overall convenience of homeowner abodes.
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Property of Electrical Grounding
Property of Electrical Grounding
Electricity is hard to visualize. It can’t be seen or smelt, but to touch it can be painful if not deadly. In an attempt over the years to make easier to understand the way it works has been often compared to properties of water. Maybe a little absurd since water reacts to gravity which has no measurable effect on electricity.
Electrical current is the movement of electron energy from one molecule to the adjacent. Like billiard balls, energy impacted on the first ball hit transfers to the next and so on. The speed of the cue ball transfers from one ball to the others and if they’re in a straight row only the last one will move much. It happens quickly in a good conductor. Static electricity generated by dragging feet across a shag rug carpet is an exception. Lightning is the result of water molecules in clouds rubbing against each other with excess energy going to earth where it came from and will eventually return. Maybe or maybe not the result of gravity but then again earth generates this attraction.
The concept that generated electricity tends to go to earth, probably created by Benjamin Franklin’s kite experiment with static electricity, has been replaced. It is now known that electricity returns to its source being a generator, transformer or battery. Dirt makes a poor conductor although better when wet.
What does this have to do with electrical grounding, much less water since water ultimately responds to gravity? For the purposes of this comparison, earth must now be thought of as a generator, transformer or battery when comparing properties of water.
Given multiple paths, more water will go down the steepest slope although lesser amounts will still run down others. The same with electricity proportionately returning to its source through paths of least resistance. More will return through a copper wire than a human body. With that said, who wants any electricity going through their body? Larger voltages create more current to be distributed. If the steeper slope is dammed by a switch placed on the return path of the devise(s) using energy being turned off, or a loose wire, all the water will go down lesser slopes. Likewise, if the conductor supplying the resistive or reactive devise contacts a person before reaching this device intended to be operated, current will divide proportionately between its resistance and ours because the easy copper return path of the devise has now been partially blocked by the light, motor, heater and so forth.
The National Electric Code requires all exposed metal parts of an electrical circuit be grounded with a third conductor or metal raceway such as conduit going directly to its source. Not infallible since splices in it or connecting other metal enclosures might come loose but suppose it’s better than jumping out of an airplane without a reserve parachute. The intent is virtually all fault current will take this path with almost no resistance and trip the over current protective devise immediately like a waterfall.
The NEC can be somewhat confusing as the intended return path, often called the neutral, is referred to by it as the grounded conductor, and wires in the safety path required so all exposed metal parts of a circuit be grounded are referred to as grounding conductors.
That’s not to say earth can be taken out of consideration when designing electrical systems. Produced electricity tends to fluctuate and this variance in voltage is eliminated when tied to ground considered to have no voltage. Because dirt is a poor conductor, resistances in it may cause slight voltage differentials back to the delivering service equipment. Differences in electrical potential cause currents to flow through conductive paths. Fluctuations in voltage are even more critical in modern times. Computers don’t behave well when supplied with erratic voltages.
Grounding circuits must be isolated from grounded circuits at devices back to the source or some of the returning current might take the path through exposed metal parts, putting us right back where we started regarding safety. Once reaching the device creating the desired voltage, or its main disconnect switch, it is highly recommended they be bonded together there so the neutral branch conductors will have a constant zero potential at that location required to be grounded to earth.
It is clear in the NEC what grounding electrodes are to be used and bonded together. Buried building steel and metal water pipes of structures require larger bonding conductors since they are more likely to be energized by short circuits downstream and take that path back to the neutral bus bar in the main service panel. Rebar in concrete foundations only need a smaller bonding wire and a ground rod smaller yet since their only purpose is to eliminate voltage difference between ground and electrical service. Back in the day only one ground rod was used. Possibly due to modern electronic developments, when resistance between one rod and earth exceeds twenty-five ohms a second rod is required not less than six feet apart from the first bonded by a small number six bonding conductor. When in doubt, use a larger number two conductor good for ground rings.
Article 250 of the 2020 National Electric Code contains twenty-nine pages and addresses Grounding and Bonding requirements in much more detail.
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The National Electric Code Has Come a Long Way Over the Years
The National Electric Code Has Come a Long Way Over the Years
by Steve Eberling
Back in the day, if something was wired and it worked you were considered an electrician. How things have changed.
The National Electric Code was first published in 1897. Back then the method of wiring was knob & tube consisting of porcelain posts supporting electrical wires several inches from what they were secured to in attics, basements and outer surfaces of ceilings and walls. Only two wires since grounding wasn’t deemed necessary. This was an easy way to install electricity in existing structures by owners that could afford it.
Electrical work according to the NEC then became required by the National Fire Protection Association. Structural fires were probably caused by wood and coal burning stoves or oil lamps but electric wires couldn’t be ruled out as the cause.
First introduced the NEC was only fifty-eight pages not very big at that, about 8” high by 5” wide possibly not so much as to prevent fires as to protect electricians from this liability. Since 1989 NEC included many more pages about the same size with additional installation requirements. The 2020 code is nine hundred 8 ½”X11” pages.
Likewise, in Colorado anyway, a test had to be taken in order to obtain a license to legally perform electrical work as a contractor, required for commercial or industrial work. Residential home owners being exempt. But once the test was passed as a residential, journeyman or master electrician you had it unless wanting to up-grade. In this state, it isn’t compulsory for a contractor to have a maters license to do electrical work provided they employ one. Back then a license allowed six apprentices to work under it but now it’s three. Additional testing was also required, arguably good because they kept getting more difficult to pass. Twenty-four hours of credited classes are now necessary every three years.
Due to additional requirements, it now costs quite a bit more for material and labor to wire residences as awhile back. More advanced products offer more protection against shock and fires but rising costs don’t necessarily mean structures work more efficiently. Explaining it all in detail becomes quite involved and necessitates an understanding of the National Electric Code and how electricity works.
For electricians involved for years in the trade it’s all complicated enough, but the bottom line is it might be overwhelming to many wanting to become electricians. Let’s face it, they are not doctors, lawyers or such and this skill requires vigorous labor.
Although NFPA 70E, Electrical Safety in the Workplace is not readily referenced in the National Electric Code (NFPA 70), it’s practices are becoming more mandatory requiring further material and time.
Electrical Copywriting
Dear Client,
Advertising and marketing are good for every business, and with modern internet becomes highly competitive. Small companies put up websites and send emails at affordable costs. Website providers are handy at graphics. Experienced writers make content unique standing apart. It’s the reason I’m writing. Why should you be interested?
Forty years in electrical construction result in a Colorado master electrical license and New Mexico journeyman’s, along with a Colorado State University degree in electrical engineering offers credibility when writing. Your company will be the one to do their electrical installations and repair.
If interested in my copywriting, please go to Thunder Sense website www.thndrsns.com. Purposely not knowing who visits, you won’t be contacted by doing so. Copy in the menu has different writing samples and Fiction attracts internet traffic by others improving SEO. However, Electrical Construction provides much research and explains the National Electric Code in layman’s terms, maybe useful to you and downloaded free.
Studying copywriting with American Writers & Artists, Inc for several years has taught much about copywriting with intent to promoted services and products but proposes rather high fees for web and social media content, white papers and consumer or business correspondence. Costs can be negotiated at this time. Sometimes newer is better, fresh and appealing to customers and associates, not necessarily conforming to what’s been used.
Telemarketers responding to contact information on Thunder Sense makes it probable to leave voicemail. Should you decide to call, text or reply to this email your message is always returned.
Thank you,
Steve Eberling
970-376-2554
thndrsns@gmail.com
www.thndrsns.com
sw.eberling@yahoo.com
Distant Times
Distant Times
by Steve Eberling
Cowboys aren’t easy to love and harder to hold. George sits next to the camp fire with cows all around. Puts meat and potatoes to cook and remembers harder times. Was the fight between Wyatt Earp and Clanton’s Cowboy gang, or over cattle being delivered for packing? Reflects how he came by these cows. With spring approaching moves them to pastures in rugged mountains not certain they’ll be found. Sun sets with full, white moon rising east. Gazing at the yellow and red flames George thinks of Mary.
Mike’s starship comes out of ultraviolet drive at a planet called Verde orbiting the Nabulus sun. This planet is crazy. Verde’s revolving axis is forty-five degrees from orbit which oscillates similar to earth’s but makes temperatures in north and southern hemispheres much more extreme. Another oddity about the fourth planet out is it’s in not in a plane around Nabulus but revolves different angles every revolution. Two moons randomly orbit Verde. The closest one has an axis pointing to Verde like earth’s moon with one side always visible, but the bigger one farther out rotates horizontally all sides seen on occasion. Given proportionate size and distance, both moons often look the same size.
Climate and tides are not only unpredictable but can’t be predicted at all since an elliptical orbit with random patterns never repeat. Having nitrogen and oxygen atmosphere, oceans and carbon life evolve. The Federation on Lexus won’t come looking for him on Verde.
Eager to escape the star ship’s confines, Mike lands in a clearing and with one moon crescent east and the other full west and starts a campfire not far from the ship. It’s smoke smells good floating in the musk air. Staring into glowing embers Mike’s thinking of Jane. Getting tired, climbs into the spaceship not knowing what lurks outside, locks the doors and falls asleep.
Stars shine above cowboy and spaceman dimly through the moonlight.
Mary’s husband died November of tuberculosis leaving her with a teenage son and daughter. Not long after owner of a larger ranch next to hers comes around. Aware of intentions, she rejects proposals. Couple months later he lowers asking price for cattle. She knows delivering hers at that price yield small profit. Barn’s hay depleting and rationing all winter leaves little meat on her cow’s bones.
Mary’s kids are big enough to help quite a bit, but on this day end of March, with snow receding she loads remaining hay on a wagon to deliver cattle now quarter mile away. Looking up a lone cowboy approaches on a large palomino with white mane and tail. Usual chit-chat when he offers help unloading the hay. Come to find out, he’s in need of a few good meals and she of chores.
Alone from her kids, George alludes to a gun fight in Reno and Mary her situation. Decision is made to move cows early in spring to high pastures where lush mountain grass comes up soon. At least there is a chance.
Jane is pretty and chancellor’s daughter on planet Lexus, an outpost of Earth with several minerals it wants. Her father and mother love her very much, but business decisions hand over to her older brother, Brad. His diplomacy is quite good. On this day, cadets from many planets in the starship academy assemble for graduation on Lexus where their expertise is needed. Family in attendance, Jane spots Mike in the cadet lineup. Hard taking eyes off the handsome youth. Aware of his appearance, Mike stares back also quite taken.
Of stature there, Mike’s from a planet of little significance. His graduation from flight academy was highly unlikely, but he learns quickly and ability to handle a spaceship undeniable. Later he’s doing tedious tasks on headquarter grounds making no sense to a pilot. Looking up Jane is often in windows and on occasion he’s in her presence.
Jane’s brother is no fool and has high designs for her. She learns through the grapevine Mike is to be deported to a distant planet. Middle of night Mike is awakened with immediate orders to take a starship to Verde not far away. He quickly obeys, possibly knowing why or where these orders come from and for what purpose.
Cowboy George dreams deeply as he rides a large bird flying above leafy green jungles. Not in control of this bird without reins or saddle it flies steadily. Only in a dream is he not afraid falling off. Seems eternal before they land in a clearing with buildings. Sits in a large one now with strange beings. Not small creatures expected in jungles. Not only are these figures rather tall but sees through their ghostly features. Feels welcome in their presence. Sounds seldom accompany dreams with conversations unspoken. Everybody knows what are thought. He enjoys the company but wonders about images of a riverbed where large boulders float above.
Spaceman Mike’s dream is different running up a mountain with large pine trees. Been doing this some time coming to a mountain valley with many cows. Villagers welcome him in. Sitting in a large tepee with prayers going around spirits seem pleased. Why is he thinking of a valley with cattle? Leaving the lodge there are many star troopers waiting.
Sunny morning on Lexus as Jane dresses to accompany her younger sister down to family for breakfast prepared on the table. Her brother isn’t happy. A starship departed during the night without permission. Jane explains. Mike, part of her entourage for some time now, was sent to Verde in search of mystical floating rocks wanted for her garden. That starship is part of her fleet. Gritting teeth, Brad expresses Verde’s erratic behavior means instrumentation cannot be trusted and only fools attempt to land on it. “Well, he is a good pilot.” Brad relaxes. This ship is not necessary for commerce on Lexus and one way to get rid of Mike. Father and mother listen in silence. Expected they’ll discuss the situation later.
Mike wakes with it raining. Freeze dried vegetables are suitable for breakfast. He can’t shake thoughts of cattle. Despite the rain, decides to unload a ground rover and venture out. Computers on the rover don’t work right, but he’s able to override them with mechanical equipment. Apparently, the space ship’s force field protects its computer dialog. Forest is lush with tall leafy trees blocking sunlight but also provide defense from the rain. Tall ferns and vines obstructing the way are cut down with lasers. Large centipedes scamper away aware of destruction.
Mary wakes before daybreak. Goes to the barn slicing meat off the cow hanging there, still edible due to freezing nights in early spring. Chickens lay enough eggs for breakfast. This meat along with a pot of coffee heat on the wood stove when her teenagers get up in a good mood. They’re going to school today in a new building erected not far from the cattle baron’s stead. Other kids are expected to attend they don’t see often enough.
Richard, the cattle baron has his own concerns. He’s from a wealthy European family and they won’t support erratic behavior in the American west forever. Mary’s husband homesteaded first where she escaped confinement of city corsets. Richard feels the same way. He builds a small school house thinking it might ease tensions with surrounding homesteads. Least these kids will have a shot at reading, writing and arithmetic. Richard’s not such a bad guy. Mary can do worse.
George has been looking after Mary’s cattle couple weeks now, keeping them bunched and from wandering off. Mountain pastures don’t take long to flourish once winter’s hard freeze is over. He can only shake thoughts of tropical forests heard of, much less star troopers only imagined. On the palomino circling the cattle several cowboys ride up. They’ve been watching smoke and came to find out what’s up. George invites them to camp putting a pot of coffee on the smoldering fire they’ll enjoy after riding in brisk morning air.
Not only do they know Mary but are from surrounding homesteads. George explains the situation they’re familiar with and want to know if he needs help. Who’s going to reject company? He watches them ride off in despair.
Long night and day breaks. After coffee and eggs George saddles up doing what must be done. Not tending long spots a herd of cattle below surrounded by riders on horseback. As they approach, he recognizes some men from the day before. “Hope you don’t mind if we join you?” Makes sense combining herds taking turns watching them. In this way some can return to families off and on and with a larger herd all afford driving them to market. So begins a co-op. Much relieved, Georges gallops back to Mary with good news.
Mike drives the rover north not knowing why or what to look for. Just seems the right thing to do. He ventures farther each day returning to the ship at night. Shadows in the jungle make him uneasy. On the fourth day begins climbing higher. Landscape changes abruptly. Isn’t long tropical forest turn into mountains making the journey easier and ferns and vines below are already cut down, although starting to grow back again. On the fifth day arrives at a valley with river running through. Mike thinks he’s been here before and for some reason isn’t surprised large boulders float in the atmosphere. Grey in color are hard to see hanging among low, rumbling thunder clouds. Breezes have little effect moving their large mass.
Computers on the rover begin working again analyzing molecular compositions not found in their banks. The boulders’ magnetism is neither up or down but haphazard. Suppose this makes sense on Verde with this planet’s erratic orbital behavior. The precious find is undeniable, and he can now return to Jane on Lexus with floating rocks for her garden.
Attempting to drive the land rover quickly down the mountain doesn’t last long when computers on the rover once more fail to work. Not only that, but five days on Verde makes him dizzy. It’s getting dark with moons either rising or setting before making it back to sanctuary on the space ship. Eager to collect his cargo, Mike knows it’s foolish without sleep until morning and before storing the rover.
More freeze-dried vegetables as the night before, he energizes the spaceship and heads to the floating boulders. Locking on to them with tow beams is easy since they hover anyway collecting several at one time dragging them up to the ship’s forcefield. He places the starship in infrared drive this time. It will take longer returning to Verde without ultraviolet movement, but better chance returning with all the cargo.
Sun’s setting as George makes it back to Mary’s ranch. Wants to make it before dark but knows the Palomino’s had enough. He gets off walking the horse. Light glows from cabin windows and not sure what to expect knocks without going in. Mary already heard about the co-op and can’t be happy enough to see him. Vegetables stored in the cellar are retrieved to prepare a good meal along with meat and beans. They already ate, and although happy to see him the kids retire to bedrooms to study books lent. Knowing George is exhausted, Mary takes him to bed after dinner.
Mike’s starship come out light drive hovering high in Lexus blue sky with large boulders floating around it. Federation craft instantly deploy in case there’s danger. Surrounded he waits for instruction. Jane wants her starship back. With many boulders floating above, Brad agrees. Mike certainly prove himself and it’s obvious this cargo is expensive. Transporting to land, is met by Jane. She takes him to a room in the central compound hoping he will relax and prepare to tell his adventure. Dizzy and tired returning from Verde he falls fast asleep.
Mike and George are in a deep dream back in the lodge with familiar ethereal beings. They never noticed it pitch dark before but can see each other plainly sitting across opposite sides with their hosts in-between. Both realize now they’re the same person, but from distant times.
Save A Flower
Save A Flower
by Steve Eberling
Light abruptly fell on everything in the room as an old man flicked the switch on the wall. The woven, hemp rug seemed first to catch and then reflect the light from browns and reds illuminated by the bulb above. In its simplicity the rug dominated the room and pulled the eye away from faded, tan drapes on dusted, brown walls. Walls were left barren except for the drapes and a single crucifix hanging above the bed. A dresser is separated from it set against the wall across the room. The same brown, blending it into the wall.
“Dawn. Time to get up.” The old man’s voice sounded harsher than intended and cleared his throat.
As a heavy, woolen blanket on the bed is slowly lifted golden hair of a young girl flashes by the light, immediately jerking attention from the rug to where the bed sits. The girl rubs her eyes and pulls corners of her mouth tight in rebellion to harsh glare of the bulb. From behind her tiny fists bright blue eyes begin to focus. Not like his, her voice comes gentle almost too soft to hear across the room’s huge void.
“Morning, Grandpa.”
For a moment just stared at the tiny lass dwarfed by vastness of the room and the bed’s appearance with the woolen blanket. Her features are small except for blue eyes, captivating with innocent curiosity. Her yellow hair strands across a delicate nose and thin lips. Not at all like silvery grey hair closely cropped, leaving grey eyes and long nose stand for themselves against his wrinkled face. Looks at her hardly moving, wondering how she could be his granddaughter.
“Are the cows awake now?” Her voice startles him bringing eyes down to center of the rug. He promised this morning she could help feed the cows.
“Yes lass. Get your breakfast now.” Lifting his eyes from the floor, pauses, then turns back to the kitchen.
Aroma of coffee smells good mixed with scent of bacon frying over blue flames of the old stove. Reaches listlessly sliding a pot of coffee to another burner. Turns the front knob on the white stove to extinguish flames no longer needed and sits at the table waiting for grounds in the rich coffee settle in a porcelain cup.
The kitchen is a friendlier room. Faded yellow curtains hang beside two windows across from each other on adjacent walls, tied back letting sun beginning to rise from behind rolling New Hampshire hills stream in highlighting blue and white cupboards and a red checkered cloth on the table. His wife had redecorated the kitchen before passing away. Although paints and colors are faded from many years of sunshine through the windows and some neglected grease and dust, these colors still give the kitchen life. She died before repainting the bedrooms seeming of a different house as the kitchen.
Thought often of his wife. His granddaughter reminds a lot of her, and knew his daughter did too.
Once, innocence and beauty of daughter and wife were pride and joy. They looked alike, long hair and delicate features telling everyone the child was her mother’s daughter. Loved his wife with gentle nature and often stood in awe. At these times being very quiet not knowing what to say, never truly understanding her nature. When she was sad, uncertainty forced strength, forced not to reveal weakness, and grey eyes stared, voice becoming harsh. These actions weren’t right, but couldn’t act another way, often taking long walks at night praying for understanding.
Did not take long for the little girl to finish breakfast, grab her grandfather’s hand to hurry down where the cows are kept. These cows are used to being fed earlier. But this morning waited for granddaughter to finish breakfast. Cows being restless from delay sits her on a railing for protection from restless hoofs where she watches with enjoyment, never taking those blue eyes off him. Sensing importance, grain and hay are filled in troughs with pride.
After his wife left, their daughter was sent away to school but pleasures a child brings were missed.
Cows watered and fed, returns to his granddaughter putting her back on the ground. She wants to play by the creek. He smooths her hair in consent. As the young girl runs across the meadow watches from shadows of the barn.
Recalls his daughter now before leaving. Hated doing it, but how could he raise a child without understanding unable to give her mother? It was a school for girls. Sure it was best that way but often questions the decision.
It is now almost time for lunch and Dawn has not yet come back. Grandfather begins to worry and begins to the creek when sees her across the meadow, walking slowly, not looking up. Her face is dirty and as she nears tear stains appear on her cheeks. Head bowed and in hand carries several wilted flowers. More nervous now, afraid she maybe stumbled falling by the creek.
His voice is softer and for once did not display strength. “What’s the matter, Dawn?”
“Grandpa, I picked these flowers by the creek for you but they died because of me.”
“No, lass.” The gentleman thought hard for something and say and ease her sorrow being no good with words. “These flowers were picked for a reason they understand. Let’s put them in water and pray for them.”
“What will we pray?”
“What your mother taught you.” Paused, looks at granddaughter with grey eyes and feels harshness coming into his voice. “Your mother taught you a prayer, didn’t she?”
“Oh yes!” exclaimed the girl, and for the first time now entering the house smiles. “It’s very pretty. Would you like to hear it, grandpa?”
Nods and the girl’s eyebrows tighten thinking of a poem her mother taught her.
“Fled to the meadow to find who I am
Rocks, trees and wind knew what to say
Who could I be but part of today”
Looking at her grandfather she is met by his stare. Feels anger flowing through his face and hands. Their daughter always seemed to fight what he tried to teach her, but now she ruined her daughter with poems evading church and spoke in riddles. Changes appeared in his daughter soon after being sent away to school, talking metaphysics and philosophy. Meeting at the train station once found she cut her hair, wearing a skirt hemmed above her knees. She no longer seemed to remind him of his wife.
Dawn’s voice invaded his concentration. He is glad. Thoughts like these were best kept to themselves. “I would like to bury these flowers by the creek. Could I grandpa? Would you like to come?”
“After lunch, child.”
After lunch Dawn went back to the creek alone because a few worn boards in the barn needed repair. Mainly retired but kept a few Jersey cows from the dairy they once owned. Thought of selling them all, but having nothing to do was scary and these few cows gave meaning to life. Mentioned her and her offspring could come back now being divorced, but knew they would never leave the city. Still loved his daughter and thought of her often. She reminds of his wife despite objections. Takes her daughter to visit on occasion and sometimes stays with her. The aged man enjoys watching them together, always kidding around, playing games and laughing. Dawn was becoming much like her mother. Promised not to change that.
Nailing the last board in place, Dawn comes running in, breathless, full of enthusiasm. Grabs his hand and beckons to follow. She does not explain what she wants, but follows for curiosity and delight in the lass leaves no choice. She leads across the meadow to where the creek runs slowly. There she runs to the base of an oak tree, grins while pointing toward a tiny red orchid barely in blossom.
“See the flower I found? Isn’t it pretty, Grandpa? I’m going to water it every day so it will grow to be the prettiest flower in the whole meadow.”
The farmer could not help but smile back. Wants to hold his granddaughter but leaves her innocence blending with a small red orchid magnified by surrounding green grass and shiny, muddy creek. Dandelion gold accents the beauty beneath the tall oak.
Boy’s First Rabbit
Boy’s First Rabbit
By Steve Eberling
On an early winter morning, golden bright sun shines from opulent blue sky casting threatening rays on small patches of dusted, grey snow left scattered across the prairie, freezing cold being only salvation they receive. Even breezes blow gently across it dispersing rhythmic puffs of steam floating from a young boy’s tight lips, long strides offset by a shotgun hanging loosely in his right hand swaying with motions of gait. Brown leather gloves lined with silky, grey fir do not prevent this hand from being numb gripping and protecting the gun. His left hand remains snuggly tucked away in a pocket of a thick tan nylon jacket. Soon it will be time for shotgun to change sides.
Hunting started shortly before sunrise and early morning cold deposited then seems unaffected by mid-morning sun. Covering of lined Wolverine boots feel not there but his feet are insensitive to amplified, constant dull pain inflicted by infinite dead frozen mounds of grassy tufts that must be stepped on. Thoughts and desire to return home are frequent but quickly blot out by stubbornness and persistency to shoot his first rabbit.
Not his first time hunting. Started seven years old. At least hunting was thought of then. Simple armoires included spears made from small willow branches and rocks found down by spring creeks running through gully bottoms. Never killed a rabbit, but the thrill of seeing these creatures bolt from behind sandstone boulders and yucca or prickly pear cactus chasing them wildly throwing these rocks and projectiles carried in pockets or belt until the animals reached and scurried through holes in gully walls excited and fascinated him. Didn’t seem to mind long, tense hours waiting for those rabbits to come out which they never did. He loved the hunt and hunted every chance he got.
Thinking about past hunts invaded and eased day’s discomfort. Youthful innocence he now finds amusing forcing tight lips to smile despite cold, dry air. Walking alone on still prairie gives chance to think uninvaded thoughts of lofty dreams. Twice morning day dreams were abruptly startled as rabbits scrambled from dry bush crashing through brittle, dead leaves throwing puffs of grey dust from back feet bound for sanctuaries down holes maybe three or four feet high located in brown, sandy cliffs of ravines. Both times loftiness makes him slow giving just enough time for them to duck into these holes followed by sighting along stained barrels of the double shotgun. Both times lad grits teeth, lowers gun and kicks brush only a few feet away ejecting these rabbits but avoids surrounding cactus. Learned not to wait for them to emerge and better to keep moving.
Thoughts again transcend, remembering dad talking about trips hunting. Always used to hunt going weeks at a time, leaving the boy with mom for what seemed years to come back home. Praying each night pa would get a buck. Venison was only game hunted since he can’t remember dad going after rabbits. Two days before his fifth birthday begged him to go hunting as well, promising it would be the only present ever wanted. Pop smiled saying his son was too small, left the room for a moment and returned carrying a small cardboard box not yet wrapped. Handing it to his offspring explained it was meant to be his birthday present. A fairly large pocket knife appeared when the carton opened with delightful gasp. Finally thought a hunter tears choke back when hugged.
Couple days later on the birthday he was shown how to oil that knife and make its blade sharpest by gentle grinding on a wet stone. Few days after dad left for the year’s hunting trip but can’t recall minding, knowing one day getting to go for deer now thought a hunter and occupied those days oiling and sharpening the knife. When the pick-up returned with a six-point buck tied across the white canvass covering equipment in back he could hardly run fast enough to reach his father’s arms with joy.
Roy takes a deep breath of cold, draught air which snaps him out of this trance and reaches into faded jeans to feel the pocket knife’s smooth surface even through leather gloves and pulls a black stocking hat further over his ears. Noon approaches while sun rises higher in southern sky but it is very cold and dry prairie finds him thirsty regardless of chill. Eating dusty snow only lessens his thirst and breaks off a small dead twig to suck on from a dark green pinon tree.
Getting the knife was the last birthday had in their small, town house. Father offered a much better job in a bigger city where they purchased two acres of land by it the boy thinks as perfection with abundant prairie right outside the fence. Here he finds freedom and first began to hunt, seek excitement, and loved it. Waited for father to go hunting again. Surely of age now and could go with him. He had shown how well to care for the knife. Except for the blade’s slightly receding from constant sharpening and case’s further smoothness from use, it was perfect as the day he gotten it. Father must take him hunting soon.
But dad did not go hunting again, not even by himself and come from work tired and on weekends either return to the office or play golf at the country club. Offered to teach him to play the game, even received a bag of clubs. Enticement of clubs only turned him further against golf and ran to the prairie for solitude. Pa no longer had time to take off work for hunting trips, being told that many times. But this year he pleaded. Twelve years old soon and to go hunting was all he wanted this birthday. Good for dad to go, but just looked in the eye without much said.
For his twelfth birthday, he received the Savage double barrel shotgun packaged in a brown box wrapped with blue paper and yellow bow. As he opened the present pieces were found neatly laid in order with an instruction sheets safely tucked under one section of the gun. Nice as could be bought. Looking up dad was smiling. But he could not smile for dad wouldn’t ever go rabbit hunting with him.
Two weeks he waited help putting the shotgun together hoping dad would be there when it first fired. But father said he was now old enough to do it himself. That was why he bought it, his son was old enough now.
Lad stayed in his room leaving only for meals and school. He had to go to dinner, ma and pa thought it best that way. He loved that meal. Mother came to his room several times, seeing sadness in tired eyes and knew she could sense what he felt. She consoled him and told him he should find more friends his age and that hunting wasn’t everything. Didn’t know what to say. Most other boys didn’t like to hunt, couldn’t understand the excitement and their parents thought they were too young anyway. Mother would leave sometimes without much said. Sometimes he knew she was not feeling sorry for him.
Roy’s walking most of the day now. Soon it would be getting dark and must be home for dinner. Getting colder as midday warmth quickly drains into evening chill. Twig in his mouth turns soft, splintering and expel in small drops of spit. Deciding to exchange the stick for snow found a boulder to lean the shotgun against, setting hands free to scrape dusty, icy shell off a bank of snow drifted behind the rock. Snow tastes cold and wet knowing he would not stop eating it. Peaceful prairie makes him weary. Thoughts soon become incoherent and will return home without thinking of direction. He would have to go home without a rabbit. Always returned empty before, but today is different. He now has a gun and wants so much to return with meaning for the hunt.
Forcing a smile and picking the gun up by the barrels throws last bits of uneaten snow at a bush. It explodes upon impact from the snow. Two rabbits streak out compelling his heart to jerk. Both animals head up a bank only twenty feet away as he raises the rifle once leaning on the boulder by reflex. One rabbit soars up the cliff and flings itself over the top, leaving the other partially behind. Second rabbit also bounces up but soft dirt crumbles at top making it fall back to gulley bottom. Kicks and stays squat, black eyes watching hunter in terror. For a second Roy stares back. Braced against his shoulder the gun roars by itself. The animal flips in a cloud of dust and lands quivering on its side with intestines sprawled across the ground, steaming in dry winter air.
Roy can only watch. Hands tremble letting the gun lay on the sand. The rabbit has no expression on its face, only a bland innocent stare. Remaining still now Roy’s stomach begins to knot having not killed before and never pictured a rabbit laying in guts, steaming, with open black eyes staring as if watching.
He pulls the knife slowly no longer aware of its smoothness. Head flushes with heat. He kneels over the dead animal sticking the knife slowly into its carcass, sobbing silently cleaning it. Hands shake as grit and blood ooze over his fingers.
