Forgotten Origins Trilogy - Box Set: Infected, Heritage, Descent

by Tara Ellis

  I have barely finished this thought when an incredibly loud, high pitched hum fills the world around me. It seems to be coming from inside of me and I can feel it resonate in my bones. A crushing weight unexpectedly slams me to the ground, followed by an explosion that rocks the land. Unsteady, I push up on my knees, ears ringing painfully. I reach to rub at them and my hands come away with streaks of blood. My eardrums have ruptured.

  I begin to crawl on my hands and knees; to where, I don’t know. I just have to get away. I don’t get very far before bumping into one of those Greek gods who had been running by. Only he isn’t so attractive anymore. Blood pours from his ears, eyes, nose and mouth. Recoiling, I see there are dozens more in a circle about fifty feet wide around me. Beyond them, the others continue their flight, barely pausing to acknowledge the dead.

  Some sort of sound weapon? We have one that works in almost the same way on earth, but a whole lot smaller with far less drastic results. It would seem this place has perfected it. What an odd dream. I am curious, but none of this makes any sense.

  I sit next to the fallen man and stare towards the opposite end of the valley, from where they were fleeing. By now, nothing should surprise me but I can’t help but gasp. Standing in clear profile are three very large pyramids.

  With some effort I slowly stand, and find that I am now suddenly in front of one of the pyramids. It is so massive that I can barely make out the top from where I am standing. It isn’t made of stone, but of some highly reflective metal unlike anything I’ve ever seen. There is muddy looking smoke or steam coming from the top and spreading out across the sky. The typical wide stairway leading from top to bottom has some sort of extra part attached to each step. Similar to a rudder on a boat, each piece juts out, creating waves in the material that is spewing from the top and cascading over it to a large lake at the base.

  I’ve seen something like this before. On a much smaller scale. We watched a show on it earlier this year in my geology class. Miners use a piece of equipment called a sluice box. Water washes the dirt down over the ridges and the heavier, desirable material falls to the bottom, caught up in the crevices created. They’re mining.

  The implications behind this discovery are just starting to sink in when I wake up in my small, dark room. As my eyes adjust, the blackness fades to grays and I look around to orient myself. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to seeing in the dark. It’s kinda cool though.

  It feels as if it’s been days since I first discovered the changes happening in me, but it’s really only been a matter of hours. Earlier, I made myself lie back down and close my eyes like a good, reasonable Shiner would have done. It took a long time to fall asleep, and my dream must have lasted only minutes.

  Different from the dreams where I believed my dad was communicating with me and helping me, this was like watching an extraordinary movie where I was only an observer. I reflect on what I saw and am struck by the possibility that our own pyramids may have originally had a similar purpose. Were those the Nephilim in my dream? They somewhat match the descriptions of them as godlike giants.

  I struggle to reconcile what the professor made me believe during the outbreak, verses what I have recently found out. I wish right now that the virus had increased my intelligence a bit more. I guess it all makes sense in a way, if I put it together logically. The Nephilim were here at least five thousand years ago and built the original pyramids. I thought it was just to disperse the anti-virus, but who knows? Even the professor admitted to not knowing everything. Would it be so crazy to think that their real purpose could have been for mining? Or that maybe it was at first.

  Sighing, I turn over onto my side so that my back is to the camera. I don’t want them to know I am awake again. A headache is threatening. Professor Hassan told me that the Nephilim had a civil war here. He also said that they were very advanced and no one knows where they came from. I’m sure that’s what spawned my weird dream. If it turns out that our pyramids really could be giant mining machines, well, maybe it’s due to my newly enhanced math abilities that I subconsciously figured it out. Nothing more.

  ***

  My first full day as a hybrid Shiner is a mixture of fear and exhilaration. I haven’t seen anyone I recognize yet. Instead, there has been a steady stream of strangers coming and going from my room. I’ve been given so many different tests that I don’t even know how I’m doing anymore.

  While I seem to excel in some areas, I’m afraid that my shortcomings will be obvious and they’ll know I’m still myself, that I’m not connected to the ‘hive’ and am still a threat to whatever their goals are.

  I have all the enhanced senses that the Holocene virus affected, such as my vision, smell, taste and hearing. It isn’t extreme or anything. I think it’s probably comparable to how when someone goes blind and then expands and develops the other three. It isn’t too distracting, but man, the whole math thing is.

  You know when you read something in Spanish but think it in English? I’ll look at a door and think ‘door’, but along with that word, is a whole string of mathematical information. Such as how many angles it has and what kind of shape it is. I’m learning to ignore some of it already, and hopefully it’ll get better. I fail to see how this is going to benefit me in any way and really wish that it was my general IQ that went up. Based on some of these tests, I would say that I am no smarter now than I was yesterday. I’m trying to come across as intelligent, but my acting can only go so far.

  I was beginning to wonder what sort of mutations had been made to this new virus, because it seems identical to the Holocene. That is, until they lead me into a small, make-shift gym. After about half an hour, I learn that not only are my reflexes even more catlike than Mom’s had been, but I’m more limber and balanced. It’s like I have an uncanny instinct for how my body is positioned and it reacts to my every thought like a well-oiled machine. When it comes to lifting weights, I barely stop myself from laughing out loud when they tell me to lift double what I’m normally capable of doing in gym class. I should have known better. Not only can I do it, but it’s easy.

  I look quizzically at the man observing me. “Increased collagen production. Strengthens all the connective tissue, muscle, and skin.”

  I accept his explanation with a simple nod of my head and go back to lifting. I think I understand what he means, but I can’t let him know that I didn’t instantly grasp the full scope of it. Of course the Mudameere would want their puppets to be strong and agile. Good characteristics to have in any soldier or laborer.

  So now I’m sitting on the floor of my room, pushing at the unrecognizable piece of meat on my tray. They gave me the dinner awhile ago and I ate as much as I could. I still don’t have a normal appetite. Knowing that it would be uncharacteristic of me to play with my food, I make myself stop. Instead, I set it carefully aside and go over to brush my teeth.

  They brought the toiletries earlier, but I had ignored them until now. It might feel good to wash up a little and maybe even brush my hair. I’ve actually been avoiding mirrors all day. I guess I think I can convince myself that I haven’t turned against my friends, so long as I don’t see those shining eyes. They’re only going to shine in the dark, I tell myself. I look in the mirror.

  The dark bags under my eyes are gone. Not only are they gone, but so is every other little blemish. It’s not that I had a bad case of acne, but my complexion was far from perfect. Until now. Must be the whole skin thing the guy mentioned.

  My hair is a nice glossy black, like I just had a very deep conditioning treatment. It’s healthier than it’s ever been and I’m thinking I can live with these side effects. Until I see my eyes. I was right that they wouldn’t be shining under the regular lights, but they’re certainly not my usual bright brown. Incredibly, they have turned a very unique violet color. I rub at them and step closer to my reflection. Yup. They really are violet.

  Slowly, methodically, I go through the motions of brushing my teeth and washing my face. All
the while I wrestle with the conflicting emotions running through me. Ultimately, I come to the conclusion that I can cope with all of these changes, so long as I am able to escape and get to the senator in Montana. It will be worth it if I can help prevent this virus from getting out. Just thinking of the armies this new version would create is terrifying.

  When I am done at the sink, I walk gracefully back to the bed with my newfound litheness and wait for either Seth or his father to come see me. It doesn’t take long.

  NINE

  Nossor Busiri walks in without announcement, coming to stand silently in front of me, arms crossed. He seems troubled; his brows furrowed and handsome face set in hard lines. Seth, on the other hand, leans casually against the frame of the open door after tossing some hospital scrubs at me, looking a bit amused. I get the impression he enjoys watching his father struggle. I think I confuse them.

  Thankful for finally being able to cover up, I pull on the oversized pants, cinching the drawstring tight at the waist. I place the shirt on the bed for later. No way am I changing in front of them.

  “Are you enjoying your time with us, Alex?”

  I meet Nossor’s gaze and tilt my head slightly to the side, the way I remember Mom doing so many times. “What an odd choice of words. I find satisfaction in being aware now, but to enjoy something would imply empathy. I only wish to serve our greater purpose.”

  His arms flex and eyes narrow. I hope I didn’t go too far. From my experience, however, Shiners are not known for social etiquette. I would view this man as inferior in every way and regard this conversation as a waste of time. My only goal would be to be with the collective and provide whatever role they needed. Sitting here in a room, being studied by these simple-minded men would be unacceptable to me.

  He forces himself to relax, dropping his arms to his sides and attempting a weak smile. “Oh, you will serve a purpose, don’t worry about that. We just have to make sure that you are … suitable first. Tell me, Alex. Do you know just what that ‘greater purpose’ is?”

  Careful Alex, he’s fishing, I caution myself. None of us really understood how the connection and apparently flawless organization among the Shiners worked. They acted like a hive mind, each with a specific task that they carried out with conviction. They didn’t seem to be able to read minds, but rather all be sharing the same thoughts. I’m not sure how to answer this question. Sweat breaks out on my forehead, and I pray that no one notices.

  Hoping to match the emotionless grin that always freaked me out, I tilt my head in the other direction. “If you would like to know Mr. Busiri, then I would suggest that you infect yourself and join us. It will be clear to you then. You too, Seth,” I continue, focusing my violet eyes on the boy in the doorway. “We could always use more soldiers with such strength, and a willingness to do the less pleasant tasks.”

  Silence. Nossor takes a step back, alarmed. Seth straightens, his grin fading as we continue to stare at each other. He appears torn between my compliment and the veiled insult. I know I am pushing the limit, but I have to be bold in order to make up for my inadequacies. Any hesitation, any self-doubt will be instant disaster for me.

  Seth finally looks away after mumbling under his breath about the damn Shiners and their cockiness. A twinge of hope flares that I might have pulled it off. I’m mindful to keep my expression neutral, the grin now gone, and shift my icy gaze back to Nossor.

  He is carefully studying me, gauging his response. Finally, he chuckles and shakes his head. “Sorry, Alex. While I hate to admit that your reasoning is sound, I’ll pass. I prefer to retain my ability to think for myself. We humans are stubborn that way. Come on,” he continues, waving me forward. “Time to go see the Doc.”

  I have apparently passed inspection, and slowly let out the breath I’ve been holding as I follow him out the door and into the dimly lit hallway. Seth holds his ground as I walk by, forcing me to step around him. Glaring at me, he walks alongside me in the narrow passageway, shoulders bumping. I know he is trying to intimidate me and I do my best to ignore him. I can’t let him win. Something tells me that he may not be as convinced as his father is to my allegiance and I will always have to be on guard.

  As we walk deeper into the maze of corridors, I try to pay attention to how many right and left turns we are making. It will be crucial for when the opportunity comes for me to escape. But trying to focus on something so trivial when I’m fighting to keep from blurting out questions is distracting me. I’m almost sick to my stomach with worry for Mom and Jacob and everyone else. They didn’t have the anti-viral meds. If they were also taken and infected, then they’re most likely somewhere in this building. Only, it won’t really be them anymore.

  I’d managed to push those thoughts aside for the past day as I concentrated on making sure I was in a position to help them. Now that I’m at the point where I can actually think seriously about getting out of here, I have to come to terms with the possibility that I might not be able to. I have to face the fact that they may not want my help and there is nothing I can do about it. I obviously can’t ask about them. As a Shiner, I wouldn’t care.

  Stifling a sob, I’m dangerously close to losing it. I can’t think this way. It will get us all killed. Turning yet another sharp corner, I’m grateful for the burnt out light in this section. It gives me about five steps to compose myself. It will have to be enough.

  By the time Nossor finally stops at a closed door marked infirmary, my expression is once again neutral. I note that not much further past here, the hallway ends at what looks to be the large room where they first brought me. Except now, the few beds that are visible are occupied. Seth notices me looking. “Yeah, sweetie. We got you some friends to play with.”

  I want to claw his eyes out. Instead, with immense effort I simply ignore him. This seems to have the desired effect, and he looks disappointed at my silence as we enter the room.

  As we approach the doctor, a new concern makes my step falter. He is bent over a patient in what is likely the same bed I was in just a day ago. What if they are a Shiner? Will they be able to feel that I am not connected with them? Does it even work that way? They didn’t seem to know before at the school, I assure myself. They had to question and separate us during the first outbreak. Still. My stomach knots up as we near the bed.

  I didn’t need to worry. The young woman is unconscious and obviously near death. I immediately feel guilty and resist the urge to take her hand. What if it had been my mom? No. I push the thought away and focus instead on the conversation between the men.

  “Another one?” Nossor asks, obviously irritated.

  “Yes.” The doctor makes an adjustment on the IV pump and turns to us. “She probably won’t make it. But it was expected. She had a pre-existing condition with the mitral valve of her heart. The Holocene virus didn’t seem to compound those types of problems, only the bigger ones like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and such. As you well know, its initial death rate after infection was around 10%. The Nephi2 Virus, on the other hand, is up to a 30% mortality rate with the primary infection.”

  I’m appalled that they’re experimenting on innocent people like this. Now I know where my neighbors were being taken. It was common knowledge that the High School football coach had a heart condition. He had been a big college football star when he was diagnosed and forced to stop playing. Why they took the rest of his family, I couldn’t say. I have no idea what kind of health issues they may have had, but maybe it was just for comparison. The thought of what happened to that family and several others is a stark reminder as to why I have to get out of here. These monsters have to be stopped.

  I find the name of the new virus interesting. A play on words perhaps? It does confirm for me though that this all goes back to the Nephilim and what Mr. Jones told me before he died; we are being prepared for their return. How the Mudameere became involved in helping them is a mystery, but it’s apparent they have no intention of being infected themselves. Based on the questi
on Nossor asked me, I wonder if he even really understands what is happening. Or perhaps, just like the professor had a ranking in the Khufu Bast, so do the Mudameere. At this level, they’re just following orders of the higher-ups.

  “So if this Nephi virus is going to kill off a third of the people we infect, isn’t that kind of defeating the purpose?” I’m a bit surprised by Seth’s question. Or that he would ask it in front of me.

  The Doctor seems nonplussed and more than willing to explain it. “You have to think about it on a grander scale, Seth. If you take four billion people and thirty percent of them die, you are then left with 2.8 billion dedicated, incredibly strong and intelligent workers. Imagine what could be accomplished with that! There is also still the very real possibility that part of what we are seeing are the effects from injecting the virus, versus airborne. They finally got the CDC Bio-containment lab at the NIAID Rocky Mountain site ready for testing. Trust me, this isn’t something you would want to do here.”

  I’m still trying to absorb the genocide the doctor was so pleasantly explaining, and almost miss this significant piece of news. Rocky Mountain site? That has to be in Montana! Wait, what was he talking about? I chastise myself for not paying more attention. Luckily, Seth doesn’t quite get it either.

  “If these scientists are so smart, then why has it taken them this long to get that place running?” It’s clear to me now that the Mudameere cells must work independently of each other. Seth is obviously resentful that they are not as informed as he would like to be. This might be useful at some point.

  “Developing and testing an airborne version is complicated, Seth,” the doctor says evenly and it is clear that a line has been crossed. Nossor must recognize this too and he smoothly intervenes.

  “Our only goal is to make sure that orders are carried out in a timely fashion, Doctor. Seth’s age sometimes prevents him from seeing the bigger picture, but I can assure you that we are here to help you in any way you see fit. I have great faith in our leaders and their ability to fulfill the prophecy of our heritage.”