9Tales From Elsewhere #11
© Copyright 2016 Bride of Chaos/ All Rights Reserved to the Authors.
First electronic edition 2016
Edited by A.R. Jesse
Cover by Turtle&Noise
THESE ARE WORKS OF FICTION
In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the permission of the publisher is unlawful piracy and theft of the author’s intellectual property. If you would like to use material from the book (other than for review purposes) prior written permission must be obtained from the author and publisher.
This Collection is presented by THE 9 TALES SERIES for more information on this series please visit www.brideofchaos.com
THE AUTHORS YOU SHOULD BE READING
Visit our Website for FREE STORIES
And ‘Like’ us on Facebook for all the latest news and FREE PROMOTIONS
https://www.facebook.com/The9Tales
9TALES FROM ELSEWHERE #11
Table of Contents
A MESSAGE FROM CITSON by William McManus
AMBROSE’S EIGHT-PLUS-ONETH by Judith Field
THE SELICH by Kenneth O’Brien
NEW DAWN by Pascal Inard
ILLUMINATION by Gary Buller
CONTAMINATION by Lee Clark Zumpe
ST. ZENO’S SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED by Charlotte H. Lee
MOUNTAIN OF SILVER DUST by Robert Lampros
MORPHIA by Vincent Sakowski
.
.
.
.
A MESSAGE FROM CITSON by William McManus
To the People of Earth
Welcome to all who care and listen with the intention to learn truth and gain knowledge. Calling forth from fact of witness and bearer of honest proclamation, I will attempt here the recounting of those most historical of events. For those who partake in the fraternity of open minded and healthy skepticism, I promise a foundation upon which to build future resistance to our oppressors from the stars. To the ardent and calcified, I can only offer a flicker of light’s hope that the roots of truth will begin to fissure that concrete prison of lies to which you have pledged allegiance.
It has, perhaps, been far too long since mankind has been free from that most deplorable of injustices—foreign rule. Each generation that passes has seen the increasing erosion of our traditions, our mythologies, and even our history. What was once unthinkable is now the common practice and beliefs of all but a few. Being of the priesthood that has sought over the years to preserve the old religions, I am among the few. Our goal is to awaken those of the human race that have been seduced into a perpetual servitude by the elaborate displays of technological superiority wielded by our self-proclaimed saviors; that enigmatic race known as the Dimensionals.
Many were the sacrifices made by my brethren who risked imprisonment and even execution (since the Great Conversion of our world) when they disobeyed the decrees of past Lieges. For it was due to their underground activities that the divine word has been preserved. In our ancient past it was not long before the good truth spread across all nations; it had done so once long ago and would do so again. The current tolerance toward our religious views and customs of worship that most of us take for granted can be attributed to the spirit and certainty of those courageous men and women. It has been a journey too long for many believers in faith. We have stayed our course and over time began to persuade the popular sentiment.
And so it came to pass that I was accepted into the circle of the Liege Council. Many were against allowing a priest into such a position of State. But I knew, as did many others of faith, it was nothing more than a token membership. Those politicians of high power were clever enough to know when to appease a marginal—yet growing—portion of the people. None of them ever intended for one man of a minority view to influence any legislative outcome.
Keeping one man from affecting legislation was one matter. But preventing one man from affecting others with the voice of reason and truth, that was very much a different matter. Whether it was the erosive deceit of pride, or a blind arrogance forged within the fool’s cauldron of legal decrees, our Liege Martak VII, never saw the piecemeal conversion of his most decorated police officer—Argos Aradas. I say piecemeal because it was three years of casual friendship and fervent debate before I successfully persuaded Argos to step inside a sanctum of our Lord God. And even then, he would not fully turn to faith until that moment of revelation a few years ago.
“For the unwavering act of bravery against the tides of ignorance and mysticism, I—Martak VII, do present the Centurion of Valor to Argos Aradas!”
The eruption of applause was enough to shake the very foundations of the Luminary Hall. Through membership in the Liege Council I had gotten to know Argos well. He was a proud officer and assured beyond commonality in his duty to the Liege. But I knew he must have seen through the pomp and ceremonious posturing of those who spoke of honorable characteristics while selling their human souls to a race of demons. Of course, such inner knowing could not be seen upon the surface of his rigid brow, that steady chin of granite, or his statuesque poise.
Liege Martak VII approached the dais high above the assembly room which hosted hundreds of prominent members of the political classes. The assembly room was grand in its design with the golden seals of our dependent nation-states set upon the spherical walls of frigid marble. On the exterior of the room were colonnades with abstract images of our alien saviors sculpted upon their surface. Our Liege began to speak.
“It has been said by those in the wisest of our professions—the scientists and technocrats—that we have entered a great new age unprecedented in history. This new age I speak of is one of pure reason and objectivity. No more will humanity be deterred by the shadowy specter of mysticism and the uncertainty of emotional drives. Yes, we are human beings. Yes, we are, in fact, an emotional breed. But we must not allow our darker instincts to drive us toward our own destruction. We must constantly strive to be more like the Dimensionals. They are kind and loving but do not allow their intelligence to be ruled by passions. They make themselves known to us in the world and provide such wondrous technologies that we need not want for anything. There is no more need for faith; no more need for humanity to prostrate itself on some altar of false hope. Our saviors are here and now, in the flesh and blood of the gifts they have showered upon us over the generations. All we need do is pursue those higher goals of intellectual growth and understanding of our place in this universe. And we must continue to prove our allegiance to our saviors by weeding out all transgression and organized rebellion. The current order of science and community shall prevail over the savage and selfish emotions of the individual.
“That is why the sacrifices made by our officers of decree are so invaluable to our way of life. There has always been a need for men like Argos Aradas. Whether it was in the dark days of our brutal and ignorant past before the arrival of the Dimensionals, or in the enlightenment of our prosperous days still to come; there will always be those who seek to undermine the order of society. And, fortunately for us, there will always be men like Argos to stand in there way!”
More exaggerated applause erupts for their hero of the day. Argos stepped up when Liege Martak VII motioned him to approach. With battle-worn eyes, Argos looked over the vast crowd below as their applause continued. He gave the official salute just as expected. Later, he would confide in me: “I could not help but wonder how many within the crowd were Dimensionals. Given the shape-shifting capabilities of our friends from the stars, who would even know if one of them was standing right next to you?” Once the applause ceased Martak VII began to spea
k again.
“As all of you know, the time of Vernal Ascension is near; that most coveted of privileges bestowed upon us by the Dimensionals—the gift of rebirth. Only when the sun positions itself directly above the equator, do a select few get to be chosen by our saviors. In the past, such a gift has only been available for the sitting Liege, his administrators, and others high within the ranks of the civil services. But now the chance to be selected for Ascension has been extended to those multitudes within the science and technology fields. No longer will the prize of becoming one with the Dimensionals—rising into space, experiencing the universe through their eyes, and ultimately being transformed in body and spirit—be reserved for those employed within the State’s apparatus. It is the hope of the current Liege that one day all humans will rejoice in the enlightenment our saviors have waiting for us.
“It is widely known and expected that your leaders within the Liege Council are in continuous contact with the Dimensionals. This day we have received word of a coming revolution in transportation technology. Our current systems of mass transport by way of the pneumatron (shuttles within pressurized passageways) that have formed a network across our cityscapes are to be replaced by some form of teleportation. We do not, as of yet, know the nature of this new technology. But ultimately it would allow each and every individual the ability to travel anywhere in the world at any time. However, as the Liege Council has communicated to me, the Dimensionals are not prepared to release such advancements due to the current political and social instability that continues to divide our great nation-states. So, I must ask all of you to be ever vigilant in the fight against insurrection and those who seek to undermine change. Remember, it is your duty to report any who disregard the necessary decrees that have enhanced our relationship with the Dimensionals.”
As usual Martak appeared to be campaigning for the Vernal Ascension. It had been some time since a Liege had been selected by the Dimensionals. There was speculation on some of the news sites that the current Office of State was falling out of favor with our saviors. Argos had told me, “On several occasions, I’ve noticed Martak spending hours within one of the communion rooms. Sometimes you can hear him from outside. He pleads with them to forgive him for all his petty transgressions and to have patience. Whether or not they answer him I don’t know.”
After all the speech making was finished the festivities began to accelerate. All those misguided hypocrites of the political elite would waste no time indulging in the most decadent displays of debauchery. On the surface they appeared reserved and sophisticated in jacket suits and evening dresses. But once they allowed themselves to be tempted by alien customs their humanity was lost to a tribal animalism. Some attended gatherings inside privacy chambers where a florescent vapor filled the air. When people emerged from these chambers they would speak of other worldly visions and exotic ecstasies that defy human description. Others retired to the suites upstairs with a Dimensional that appeared in human form. Once they were alone the alien could transform its physical appearance into whomever or whatever the person desired. And since the aliens cannot be harmed (their true form is not physical) a person could act out any vile behavior their fantasies could conjure. The darkest of human indulgences took place within the shadows above the Luminary Hall.
I retreated to the garden outside the main causeway. This is where I would go when the vices of those around me became too excessive and apparent. I walked along an orchard path which led to the pond. I could smell fresh mulch and was glad that some things had not changed. It was night and the silence of the stars blended seamlessly with the fresh fertility of nature’s subtle beauty; as quiet as it was I did not hear her approach. With the stealth of a Stryker she stepped out of the shadows and startled me.
“I find it interesting how you do not dress in modern attire like the rest of us,” she said. “Is this how all priests dress? I must say, I find it droll and nonconformist. Does it not bother you to be so different than the rest of us?”
She was a slender girl with long dark hair that ran the length of her bare back. Her gown glittered beneath the moonlight just as her eyes danced with temptation.
“How is it you think I’m any different?” I asked.
“You’re out here, for one thing. Everyone else is enjoying themselves with good conversation and drink. But you choose to be out here—alone and sad.”
“Despite how it may appear, I’m not alone, nor am I sad.”
“If you’re not sad, then how come you’re not inside with all the other happy people?”
“What it is that makes them happy is an illusion and only temporary. Careless acts for a moment’s pleasure can leave lasting scars. The worst kinds of scars are those that cut deep; the kind that mark the surface of the soul itself.”
“Oh boy! Do you need to lighten up or what? You know, I can’t figure out your type at all. You’re beliefs are different than most—even dangerous some might say. You don’t seem to care if anyone else agrees with you. You think you’re right, and no matter how many people tell you you’re wrong you will not change your mind. Are you not scared to be alone?”
“People are never alone. God is always present.”
“God? What God are you talking about—an invisible fairy tale that exists in your imagination? Why don’t you people wake up? The only Gods worth believing in are the Dimensionals. They came to us from a real place. They give us things we can touch and use to make life better. They saved us from ourselves. We would be extinct by now if not for them. Can’t you realize that?”
“Mankind has always survived itself in the past. I think the human race, despite all our flaws, would have continued to build a better and better world. We cannot travel into the future under the tutelage of others without losing ourselves. It’s because of our inherent individuality that we need to achieve greatness on our own. All the aliens did was turn us into slaves by fooling the masses into thinking they are dependents.”
“Such words—such bold words from so young a mouth.” The girl moved closer to me; her shoulders shifting back and forth, her hips swaying like the night breeze. Now I can smell her fragrance. “So tall and handsome—blue eyes that any girl would die for—and you choose this dull life of religious righteousness. It’s not reasonable, you know?”
She stood right in front of me. In one stroke she removed the slips from her shoulders and the gown slid off her body.
“I’m afraid you’ve made a mistake. Please—you need to put your clothes on.”
Under the bright moon she began to dance seductively. I picked up her gown but she moved away and continued to tempt me with playful gestures. Then she slowly moved closer again. I could smell her fragrance.
“You really need to put this back on, dear,” I said, while draping the gown around her.
She reeled backwards snatching the gown angrily. “You’re no better than the others! You are a fool! We see right through you. Do you not know us? Your true intentions are known priest! Are you really so naïve that you don’t see our true power? We could wipe you and your rebellious lot out with one fell stroke! Your own kind would not even care. The only reason you’re here—in our capital—is because we allow it.”
Up until that point I had never seen one of them change right in front of me. It was like one form melting into another. Within a few seconds the young girl had morphed into a towering beast covered in scales with hungry fangs and wild horns. I thought this must be their true form—a hell-spawn! I stood my ground by faith alone.
“Are you not afraid little man?” Its voice was gargled but I could understand. “What you see before you is true power. Right here in the flesh—a kind of power that you cannot even begin to subvert.”
“True power comes from the inside, you animal. If you destroy me now—like this—you’ll only make the cause for freedom stronger.”
“Ha, I thought you were a smart human. I do not speak of the physical power I now possess. The power I speak of is that which h
ides right in front of you. When I approached, you were convinced I was something that I am not. You could not see the truth even though it was right in front of you. Our power over your kind is deception. Your species is so easily manipulated.”
“That may be true and I don’t claim to be completely immune from propaganda. But it only takes a few to start spreading the word of truth. And sooner or later the people are going to wake up!”
I could hear its teeth grinding as it crouched on all four limbs like a predator about to pounce on its prey. Still, even in the face of horrible death, I could not help but smile. It was slight but the beast could see it.
“You must be mad human. You smile in the moment of your own demise? What a strange species you are.”
“Whatever it is you’re going to do, go ahead and do it. I find it interesting, however, that even when your words are as fake as the masks you hide behind, the truth still manages to come out. You are right. Deception is your true power. But all that means is that once people really see you—it’s all over. All it takes for conquerors to fall is for the conquered to change their perception.”
“Yes, well said human.” It began to lurch closer to me; its horned head looking down with salivating wont in its savage eyes. For a few seconds it’s heaving breath washed over me. The stench was unbearable. I knew running was futile. “Now if you would just shut your mouth while I feast upon your bones this little encounter of ours can come to a sumptuous end.”
“That’s far enough, no-face. You had your fun. Now back off!”
I noticed him before he spoke. It was just a fraction of a second. The moonlight reflected off the nozzle of his handgun and caught my attention. The beast never knew. Despite its keen predator senses, it never noticed Argos moving through the garden and closing in from behind. Strykers are masters of stealth and diversion.
9 Tales From Elsewhere 11 Page 1
