by JN Chaney
“Mei, you remember our pals,” said John.
“I remember Lena,” said Mei.
“This is Master Analyst Gel,” said Lena.
“Sergeant Finn tells me that you’ll be representing your people in our talks,” said Gel.
“It looks like it,” she said, handing the bags to John. He took them, frowning.
“Whenever you’re ready, I’d like to discuss our guidelines regarding outsiders entering Everlasting.”
“Entering Everlasting?” she echoed.
“You are to join us in the High Room. The Leadership would like to meet with you. They’re very interested to meet the visitors from another universe.”
Mei blinked. “Huh?”
“I think your translator’s busted,” said John. “Sounded like you said another universe, unless that’s what you guys call a planet.”
“I don’t think so,” said Gel. “Analyst?”
“I believe the translation is correct,” said Lena.
“This portal breaks the seal between realities. It is a trans-dimensional gate. Were you unaware of this?” asked Gel.
“Wait a second. Are you saying we’ve been traveling back and forth between two universes?” asked Mei.
“Absolutely. Our predecessors built this facility specifically for that purpose,” he responded. “They were exploring a method of transporting matter across vast distances. Things did not proceed as planned, however, and this bridge was made instead. A portal between realities.”
“Wait,” said John, trying to think. “You’re saying we’re not in the Milky Way anymore?”
Mei sighed. “That’s a galaxy, John, not a universe.”
“Oh,” said John.
“Anyway,” Mei continued, “if I’m understanding this correctly, this is simply another version of our world. Very different, but still the same.”
“That’s a difficult question to answer. No one from this side has ever seen your world, so comparisons are impossible. We would have to collect our own data for analysis.”
“There’s two suns, though,” said John, tilting his head. “How can you have two suns and still be the same planet?”
“Theoretically, there are multiple universes, possibly infinite, each a little different from the last. In this reality, the solar system has two suns instead of only one. In another, it might not have any at all.” Mei scratched her ear, tugging a strand of her hair. “For all we know, there could be a billion universes layered on top of one another, each with a different race, a different atmosphere.”
“There you go again with your head in the clouds,” said John.
“It’s fascinating to think about. If what you’re saying is true, Gel, the implications are staggering,” said Mei.
“Indeed,” he said. “Though, I must admit I am surprised to learn of your ignorance. We assumed you understood the capabilities of this machine, given how you were able to activate it from the other side.”
Mei’s eyes reflected a brief annoyance, but the look quickly disappeared. Had John not known it firsthand, he may have missed it entirely. She was good at concealing her feelings, especially when dealing with strangers. Central had chosen their ambassador wisely, whether or not they knew it. Mei had a higher tolerance for this sort of thing than anyone else he knew. “Well, thank you for clarifying the situation.”
Gel nodded. “If you wish, we can leave immediately,” said Gel without missing a beat.
“Of course. I just need to speak with Sergeant Finn for a few minutes to go over some things. It won’t take very long.”
“Understood. We’ll be waiting on the aircraft whenever you’re ready.” He started to leave.
“Sir,” said Lena.
He stopped. “What is it, Analyst?”
“The machine. Do you remember?”
“Ah, yes,” he said. “I brought a technician to assist you with the bridge. We believe we can open it from this side so that you no longer have to wait.”
“Oh, that would be helpful. Thank you,” said Mei.
“We are happy to assist,” said Gel.
“You understand we’ll need to supervise the process.”
“Of course,” he said.
They headed back to the surface. Gel and Lena joined their people aboard the ship, while John and Mei proceeded to the largest CHU. John collapsed into one of the chairs. “This sucks. I can’t believe Central didn’t send someone else to do the talks.”
“You don’t want me going?” asked Mei.
“I don’t like the idea of you alone inside their city. We barely know those people,” he said. “You’d better take a few of my crew with you, just to be safe.”
She giggled. “I meant to talk to you about that. After I spoke with you last, Harper contacted me again. Apparently, the military wants their own representative to be there.”
He straightened. “Oh?”
“It’s funny. I was about to tell her to put your name in, but it seems Colonel Ross already did.”
It made sense, he supposed. John was already here, and he had the most experience. Ross probably weighed her options and he was simply the most logical choice. “She just likes me. That’s the reason.”
“Sure she does,” said Mei.
“I’m a likeable guy, you know. Everyone says so.” He leaned in and put his arm around her. “I lured you in, didn’t I?”
She beamed a grin at him. “You’re just persistent, that’s all.”
“Same difference.”
“Think you’ll be able to handle the responsibility you’ve just been given?”
“Probably not. I’m kind of reckless, ya know. Untamed, you might say.”
“Whatever. I’ll keep you in check.”
“What about you? Think you can handle being an ambassador to an alien race of technologically advanced weirdos?”
“I’ve dealt with worse,” said Mei.
“Sure, your old boss,” said John.
“She was demoted and moved to Salamander outpost. Don’t mess with me, buster. I’m dangerous.”
John laughed, not because it was funny, but because it was true.
******
Somewhere in Kant
February 13, 2351
Terry was glad to be on the road, though he liked the sea as well. His time with Hux had shown him something new, and for that he was thankful. There was so much variety to the world, he had found. The more he thought about it, the more he wondered what else there was to see.
After providing them with sacks of food and drink, along with a few extra sets of clothes and a clean bath, Plead took Terry and Ludo to his traveling cart, which he had parked a short walk from his shop. Plead often traveled between the nearby villages, carrying supplies and selling them to his many clients. Hux delivered a variety of materials to Plead, and the partnership had made him very wealthy over the years. It was for this reason, he explained, that he had agreed to assist with escorting Terry and Ludo to the Temple of the Eye. Plead did not go there often, but he knew the path well enough.
He did not foresee any delays, and Ludo was thankful to hear it.
Ahead of the cart were two domesticated animals, which Terry had only had the pleasure of seeing one other time, back in Capeside, and only in passing. Plead had called them haddins, similar in many respects to oxen but without the horns. Large, muscular, and with burgundy fur, the animals could pull fifteen hundred kilograms for half a day without tiring. They were also fairly intelligent, and would stick to whatever path their master put before them. If trained properly, they could even memorize routes. Haddins, Plead had told them, were the perfect laborers.
Terry jumped into the back of the cart, along with Ludo, as Plead handed him some supplies. “We’ll be at the temple by tomorrow,” said Plead.
“That soon?” asked Terry.
“My cart doesn’t stop. We can travel through the night. I’ll sleep once we arrive.”
“Thank you for doing this,” Ludo told him. He’d ex
pressed his gratitude to the man several times since yesterday.
Plead smiled and raised his hand. “Please, sir, you flatter me. I am happy to do it. I’ve been meaning to sell some of my incense to the priests and priestesses. This is the perfect opportunity to try and open a new route.”
Ludo gave the merchant a happy nod and continued moving supplies. When they were finally done, Plead set the haddins to moving, and the cart began its trek across the eastern countryside.
As the hours passed, Ludo and Terry decided to meditate in order to prepare themselves. “We must clear the mind if we are to stay vigilant,” said Ludo. “There will be opposition when we arrive, and things may not go smoothly.”
“You think we’ll get into a fight?” asked Terry.
“I would not presume to guess our fates, but I believe in being prepared. The temple guards are some of the most decorated in the region, given their station because of their valor and proven worth in combat,” said the farmer. “We would do well to be as cautious as possible.”
Terry believed his friend, as he often did about such things. He would not let down his guard when they arrived, not for a single moment. The lives of his friends were in the balance, and Terry would do whatever it took to keep them safe. This he swore to himself, sitting there in the back of the traveling cart, meditating, and reflecting.
******
The journey to the temple lasted for over a day. The sun set and rose in the time it took to travel through the countryside, but when Terry opened his eyes to the morning light, he could hear voices in the distance. Dozens of them. Maybe more.
Ludo sat meditating on the other side of the cart, his eyes shut. He was entirely motionless. Probably far away somewhere, dreaming of another world.
Terry sighed and licked his lips. He was more than a little thirsty, having drunk most of his water the night before. What he wouldn’t give for some Academy cafeteria orange juice right about now.
The cart continued to bump along the road, and the sounds of the temple grew louder. “Ludo,” said Terry. “Hey, we’re almost there.”
The farmer stirred, but was slow to open his eyes. “Already?” he asked. “Has so much time gone by?”
“How long did you meditate?”
“Not meditating,” muttered Ludo. “I was dreaming.”
“Good things, I hope,” said Terry.
Ludo smiled, although there was a touch of sadness to it. “We were on the farm, all of us. You and I, Ysa and Talo. Even Grandmother…and everyone was happy.”
“It sounds like a good dream,” said Terry.
“We must make it come true,” Ludo insisted. “Together, as chakka-kin, we will bring our family home again.”
“We will,” agreed Terry.
The cart came to a stop a short distance from the edge of the temple grounds. Plead dismounted and came to the rear, raising the flap. “We’re here, or nearly. Are the two of you prepared? Shall I take us in?”
Terry waited for Ludo, letting him give the order.
The farmer replied immediately. “Let us go,” he told the merchant. “We are ready.”
Plead clapped his hands together with excitement. “Right! I’ll take the cart to the rear of the temple with the other traders. There is a stretch of them there selling knockoff jewels and lackluster goods. Wait until they see what Plead has brought.” He chuckled and closed the flap.
As the cart proceeded, Terry listened with great interest to the voices from the temple grounds. He wondered who they were and why they had come. As Ludo had told him, the temple was a place of both worship and sacrifice, where priestesses came to pay tribute, often with their very lives.
How many Gast Maldeens were walking on these hallowed grounds? How many people with unbelievable power? Would he have to fight them all to save a farmer’s wife? Would he and Ludo have to kill again?
As humanity itself had shown, true believers could be dangerous. They did terrible things to each other, and in their minds it was always justified. Genocide wasn’t so bad as long as the gods gave it their blessing.
All throughout mankind’s history, death had followed faith. Here, it seemed, the tradition was still ongoing.
The cart came to a stop right as it entered the grounds. “Hello, good sir,” said Plead. “It’s a wonderful morning, isn’t it? The Eye is on us today!”
“What business do you have here?” asked a man with a husky voice.
“I’ve got goods to sell. Fabrics for the temple, food, and spices. A variety of things from the southern harbors and across the sea. All the finest things!”
The man grunted. “You brought it all yourself?”
“Oh, certainly not! I have two apprentices in the back. Stronger than me, I can assure you.”
The stranger walked to the rear of the cart, each footstep growing louder. Terry focused on the motions of his body, the clanking coins in his pocket, the wind against his tunic. By the time he reached the rear, Terry already had an image in his mind. “Hello, sir,” said Ludo, opening the flap before the guard could do it. He stepped out into the dirt. “It is good to be here…in such a holy place.”
The man nodded, turning to Terry. “You there. Step outside.”
Terry did as he was told, saying nothing.
The guard observed him, a look of growing concern on his face. “Is something wrong with you?” he asked, after a moment.
“This one is a foreigner,” said Plead, almost dismissively. “Pay him no mind.”
“A foreigner?” asked the guard.
“He is from Lexine,” said Ludo.
“Where?” asked the man.
“From across the sea to the east,” said Plead.
“What sort of place is it?”
“There are a lot of deserts. Not very civilized.”
“He’s so pale, though,” said the guard.
“I came here when I was younger. I arrived in Capeside as a baby and never went back,” said Terry, trying to hasten the conversation.
“I’ve heard of your country, I think,” said the guard, nodding along.
“Shall we continue, sir? Oh, and please take one of these fruits. Ripe and delicious, believe me,” said Plead.
“Yes, very well. Go ahead to where the other merchants are. Stay out of the way, and no selling during the Day of the Eye. That’s tomorrow. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir. Thank you very much for your patience,” said Plead.
Terry and Ludo got back into the cart, leaving the guard with the husky voice to munch on his newly acquired piece of fruit. As Plead brought them around to the side of the temple, Terry caught a glimpse of something standing in the distance, blocking the horizon. It was a wall, and he was surprised at how far it seemed to stretch. Even with his hybrid eyes, he couldn’t see its end. The wall was mostly obsidian black, though smaller pieces were white and gray. He couldn’t tell what sort of material it was, though it rose at least a hundred meters into the sky. “Is that the border?” asked Terry, gawking.
“It is, indeed, and inside lies Everlasting,” answered Ludo.
“Does it go all the way around the city?”
“So the stories go, but no one knows for certain. Some have tried to walk the whole of it, but most gave up and returned.”
“Why? How hard could it be to follow it around?”
“There are mountains eventually, and even an ocean,” explained Ludo. “But worse, still, there are the Guardians, who stop any who linger near the wall for too long.”
The Guardians Terry thought, remembering what Hux had told him. Demons shaped like men. Deadly and dangerous. Giant killers looking to destroy.
Despite his own curiosity, he would stay far away from the border’s walls. They had come to retrieve Ysa and bring her safely home. With any luck, they’d be gone this time tomorrow.
PART 2
The only means of ridding man of crime
is ridding him of freedom.
― Yevgeny Zamyatin
Cage an eagle and it will bite at the wires,
be they of iron or of gold.
― Henrik Ibsen
CHAPTER 11
Ortego Outpost File Logs
Play Audio File 965
Recorded: February 15, 2351
CURIE: This is the last time I’ll be able to speak with you for a while. Zoe and Bart will remain behind at the outpost. They’ll return in a few days, once their work is finished.
MITCHELL: When should I expect you back?
CURIE: I don’t know. Maybe a few days. I can’t imagine we’ll stay longer than that. In case we do, though, I need you to do something for me, Sophie.
MITCHELL: Of course, ma’am. What is it?
CURIE: If you haven’t heard from me in five days, I need you to disable the portal.
MITCHELL: Disable it? Oh…I see. You’re concerned we might get attacked, is that it?
CURIE: Right as always. I’ve seen their technology. The ship they came here in is highly advanced. The same goes for their armor and weapons. John managed to disarm a few of them, but Central only has so many Variant hybrids. Even if we had an army, it still might not be enough.
MITCHELL: I understand. Don’t worry, ma’am. I’ll do the job.
CURIE: I know you will, Sophie.
MITCHELL: In the case of such an event, what should I tell Harper and the rest of the board?
CURIE: The truth, I’d imagine. Tell them you were following orders. I don’t mind taking the blame. I’ll be too far away to give a damn.
MITCHELL: You’ll excuse me if I remain optimistic about your return.
CURIE: Of course. I’m not planning to go off and die. I still have things to do.
End Audio File
Bravo Gate Point
February 15, 2351
Mei ordered Zoe and Bart to stay behind to work in conjunction with the technician from Everlasting. “Don’t let him out of your sight. You limit his access and observe his actions as carefully as possible,” she told them.
“You don’t trust them?” asked Zoe. “What am I saying? Of course you don’t.”
“Nor should she,” muttered Bart.
