Hope Everlasting: A Dystopian Sci-fi Novel (The Variant Saga Book 3)

by JN Chaney

  “We barely know these people. Just because they’ve offered to help, it doesn’t mean they’re our friends,” said Mei.

  “Got it. No trust,” said Zoe.

  “Record everything, if you can. Have him explain everything he does in detail as he does it. If you suspect he’s doing something suspicious, pull him away.”

  “Brooks is in charge while I’m gone,” continued John. “She’ll post someone in the room with you while you work, just in case.”

  “I don’t need any babysitting,” Bart insisted.

  “Not saying you do, but everyone needs backup.”

  “So, how do we get in touch with you if we need you?” asked Zoe.

  Mei took out her pad, showing her the screen. “See this?” she asked. It was a picture of a small device resting on a crate.

  “What is it?” asked Zoe.

  “That’s a communicator that Lena gave me. Gel brought it for the exact reason you’re asking about.”

  “Why’d you take a picture of it?”

  “In case it’s bugged,” she said. “Obviously.”

  Zoe laughed. “You sure are paranoid, ma’am.”

  “After what happened with Tremaine bugging our entire outpost, can you blame me? We can’t let these people know everything. Not if there’s a chance of them betraying our trust.”

  “Smart thinking, Doc,” said Bart. “I like where your head is at.”

  “At any rate, we need to understand how this machine works. Should everything fall apart and these people prove hostile, we may have to shut the whole operation down. If so, I don’t want any hiccups. Find out how this thing works. Learn as much as you can.”

  “We understand,” said Zoe. “Don’t worry, ma’am. We won’t let you down.”

  Mei nodded. “I know you won’t. You never do.”

  John escorted her back to the landing zone, signaling his team to break apart. Half would remain behind to guard the gate, while the rest would go along to Everlasting.

  Short, Hughes, Track, and Mickey all piled into the aircraft, taking seats along a side adjacent to one another. John sat next to Mei. “Think this Everlasting place is worth the trip?” asked Short.

  “I’ll tell you one thing,” said Track. “If it’s underground, you can count me out. I’ll stay inside the plane.”

  “I’m not sure this thing’s a plane,” said Hughes.

  “Whatever it is, I ain’t leaving it.”

  “The city is on the surface,” said Lena, surprising them. She’d apparently snuck into her seat without anyone realizing.

  “How’s that work if you can’t breathe the gas?” asked Hughes.

  “There’s a protective shield in place. It has its own atmosphere.”

  “Neat,” said Mickey.

  The engines started, and a low hum erupted from the floors, vibrating their seats. John watched from behind a glass window as the Red Door lifted off the ground. Several of the remaining Blacks—Meridy, Brooks, and Hatch—waved, and a few saluted. John hoped to be back as soon as possible, but his confidence in Brooks to handle things was firm. She’d led this team for several months while he was visiting Mei at the Ortego outpost. She could handle this, too.

  The Red Door began to accelerate, leaving the camp and the other Blacks behind. John watched as they faded from view, overshadowed by the forest trees and, eventually, the mountain peaks. The ship soared high into the stratosphere, piercing clouds. When it emerged, the world seemed to transform. The land faded beneath them, revealing the clearest sky he’d seen in days.

  He wondered how far Everlasting truly was from their camp, and what such a place might be. Would it be dangerous? He hoped not. The last thing they needed was another fight. With any luck, the aliens would have some kind of technology to help him locate Terry. It was the reason he had, after all, leapt through the rift in the first place.

  It was the only thing that mattered.

  ******

  The Temple of the Eye

  February 15, 2351

  They had been at the temple for nearly a day. The first afternoon was spent unloading supplies and transforming the cart into a standalone shop. As Plead had said, they had to play the part before beginning their true mission. During the day, they’d sit around and sell their goods, talk to people and ask questions about the temple, walk around and get a feel for the layout. Once they knew where to go, they’d strike at night and rescue Ysa, then be packed and gone before the suns rose in the morning. No one would know until it was too late.

  With any luck, they’d be out of here by tomorrow.

  “Hand me that jug, would you?” asked Plead, motioning to the side of the cart.

  “Oh, sorry,” said Terry.

  “Your mind somewhere else?” asked Plead. “It’s best to stay here. Keep your head on the prize, you know?”

  Terry handed over the jug, and Plead poured him a cup of water.

  “Don’t leave for a bit, yes? I’m going to talk to our friends at the meat cart. I’ll see if I can get some information.”

  “Be careful,” said Terry.

  “Don’t worry about me. I’m as subtle as they come,” said Plead, leaving with a grin.

  Terry wasn’t so sure about that, given what he saw at the gate the day before. Plead was a good man, probably not used to wearing such a big lie. If he wasn’t careful, the entire operation would be blown.

  Ludo came around the side of the nearest building, carrying an armful of chopped wood. He’d gone into the forest with a few of the other apprentice merchants to retrieve some kindling for the community fire, which the band of travelers lit together every night. Ludo volunteered to do it himself, suggesting he might learn a thing or two from the other men. Maybe even catch a glimpse of something. Perhaps Ysa, if he should be so lucky. Maybe he would spot her leaving one of the tents, preparing for the upcoming ceremony.

  But as he returned from the woods still wearing the same expression he’d left with, Terry knew his friend had been unsuccessful. Nothing had changed, and Ysa was still lost.

  Ludo dropped the firewood off at the rear of the cart. Terry poured him a cup of water and handed it over. “Thirsty?” he asked.

  “Thank you,” said the farmer, accepting the gift.

  “Plead took off for a few minutes, but he should be back in a bit. Did you learn anything new from the others while you guys were in the woods?”

  “Nothing we did not already know, I’m afraid,” said Ludo, gulping the water down. “They only talked briefly about the ritual. A bet was placed on how many of the priestesses would die this year. The average was three.” The energy in his voice was entirely gone.

  “Don’t worry. We’ll find Ysa before it comes to that,” said Terry.

  “Right,” said Ludo. He climbed into the back of the cart. “I’m going to rest for an hour. Wake me if I sleep too long, would you?”

  “Sure,” said Terry.

  It was concerning, seeing Ludo with such a dour look in his eyes. Perhaps the many restless nights had finally caught up with him.

  Plead returned from the meat cart after a while with a slab of bloody flesh resting on a metal hook. It carried an awful smell, like something rotten. Terry couldn’t help but plug his nose.

  Plead laughed when he saw him. “Sorry about that,” he said, taking the meat behind the cart. There were several small pikes in the ground, which he used to hang the meat. “They call this Pinstridge. It might not have the greatest scent, but the taste is incredible, and it’s filling.”

  “If you say so.”

  Plead motioned for Terry to come closer, near the side of the cart where no one could see them. “I was talking to the owner of the other shop. I mentioned that I had only been here one other time, so I was unfamiliar with the layout of the temple. He was happy to help with information.”

  “We already know what most of the tents are for, though,” said Terry.

  “Right, but not all of them, and we still don’t know where your friend is
,” said Plead, referring to Ysa.

  “Did you find out?”

  Plead grinned. “They’re not here.”

  Inside the cart, Ludo stirred.

  Terry kept his focus on Plead. “What do you mean?”

  “Each of the priestesses are staying in another location. It’s not too far from here, but we’ll raise suspicion if we go right now. I suggest waiting for nightfall.”

  “Where are they?” asked Terry.

  “Further east. The butcher called it the Sanctum. It’s a cathedral, by the sound of it.”

  “We will go tonight,” said Ludo, speaking at last.

  Plead looked surprised. “I see our friend is awake.”

  Terry leaned in closer to the side of the cart. “Ludo, wouldn’t it be better to wait for them to come to us? He just said they’ll be here tomorrow.”

  “No, it must be tonight. If we wait too long, we may lose our chance to rescue Ysa,” he said.

  “He’s right. This temple has guards stationed all around it,” said Plead.

  “You don’t think the monastery will be the same?” asked Terry.

  “Perhaps so, but when the priestesses arrive, they will likely bring their guards with them. The odds of success would drop considerably,” explained Plead.

  “Alright, you’ve convinced me. How long after dark should we leave?”

  “The two of you,” began Plead, “will leave a few periods after Jino sets. I’ll wait here and prepare the cart for departure.” Jino was, of course, the name given for the second sun, with Luxa being the first. According to legend, there was once a great war in heaven between thousands of immortal gods. Jino was on one side of the conflict, while Luxa was on the other. They were both considered the greatest fighters in existence. It was said that if the two should meet on the battlefield, the fate of the war would be determined.

  As it happened, this was exactly what happened, but instead of trying to cut each other’s throats, the two gods found they were unable to raise their swords. They fell in love almost immediately—a common theme in Kant’s ancient stories—and resolved to end the conflict once and for all. After a few days of intense debate, they finally managed to convince their leaders to lay down their arms and end the war. All because two warriors fell in love.

  Afterwards, Jino and Luxa were gifted the responsibility of protecting Kant, blessing them with the gods’ most favored world. Terry had always thought it was a nice story in an otherwise violent world.

  “You’re not coming with us?” asked Terry.

  “Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous. Do I look like a soldier or a high priest? I’d end up dying in a ditch somewhere if I went along with you,” said Plead. “No, I’ll stay here with my cart, if you don’t mind.”

  “Ludo, does this work for you?” asked Terry.

  “If it means finding and saving Ysa, then I will do what needs to be done,” he answered.

  Terry walked around to the rear and raised the flap, shining some light on his exhausted friend. “You need to get some rest beforehand. You understand, Ludo? I can’t have you keeling over on me when we’re in the middle of a fight.”

  “Don’t worry,” said Ludo, sitting up and closing his eyes, taking on a position of meditation. “I need only clear my mind. It may take a few moments, but I’ll be ready when the time comes.”

  Terry nodded. “I’ll come and get you later.” He closed the flap, leaving the farmer to rest. If only they’d arrived a few days earlier, Ludo might still have enough energy in him to be useful. If he hadn’t slept by the time the hour came, later tonight, Terry might very well have to leave him behind.

  ******

  The Red Door

  February 15, 2351

  The ship flew over the landscape of Kant with unparalleled speed. It was unlike anything John had ever witnessed. Forests, rivers, and lakes came into view and then faded, all within the same minute of one another. The only things that lingered were the mountains in the west, which rose high into the violet sky, piercing clouds for several kilometers.

  According to Lena, Everlasting was far to the north, near the edge of the continent. John expected such a trip to take hours, but was surprised to learn it would be much sooner.

  After about forty-five minutes, the pilot announced they had entered Everlasting airspace. They would be there shortly.

  “How far did we just travel?” asked Mickey.

  “I’m sure they measure distance differently than we do,” said Mei.

  “Indeed. It would be difficult to answer without knowing your measurements,” said Gel.

  “Do you have a map?” asked Mei.

  Gel nodded. “Lena, can you show them?”

  “Yes, sir,” she responded, and a holographic display appeared before them. It showed a large landmass, ripe with mountains, rivers, and lakes. There were several dots scattered across, with strange markings next to each. One of the dots lit up, blinking neon blue. Lena did all of this without moving. “This is where the facility is. Where we retrieved you.”

  Another dot began to blink, also blue, far to the north. “This is the Red Door.”

  A third dot followed, finally, a short distance from the second. It was much larger than the others. “And here is Everlasting.”

  “Are these mountains to scale?” asked Mei.

  “They are,” answered Lena.

  “Incredible. We traveled…this has to be at least a thousand kilometers. Probably more. We did this in under a few hours?” asked Mei.

  “The ship achieved suborbital status and then descended to where we are now, making for a faster flight than if we would have stayed at this elevation,” said Lena.

  “What’s she talking about?” asked Mickey.

  “The ship went really high up and then came back down,” said Short.

  “And that made us go faster?” asked Mickey.

  “I’ve heard about this,” said Mei, looking at John. “We used to have ships like this, before the Jolt. You could make it from Tokyo to New York in just a few hours.”

  “What’s Tokyo?” asked Hughes.

  “It doesn’t matter. The point is those two places were really far from one another,” said Mei. She glanced out the cabin window. “Only the military and billionaires had them, if I remember right. Taking a plane like that was expensive because of fuel costs. They used to tell people this type of transportation would eventually be affordable and easy, but it never actually happened.”

  “Because of the Jolt?” asked Hughes.

  “Correct,” she answered.

  “Then you understand?” asked Lena.

  “We do,” said Mei. “Thank you for the explanation.”

  “You’re very welcome,” said Lena, and the hologram shattered, dissolving back into the air.

  John leaned against the hull, staring out into the distance, and spotted an object. It was massive, filled with glistening towers and activity—vehicles flying from one place to the other. It was Everlasting, and he could already tell it was massive and sprawling with life. “Hey, check it out,” he said, pressing his finger against the glass.

  “I can barely see anything,” said Hughes.

  “You don’t have the Sarge’s eyes,” said Track.

  Mei leaned in beside John. “I see it,” she whispered. “It’s incredible.”

  There were so many buildings, John couldn’t begin to count them. So many people walking on the ground between them, and those were the ones outside. “It’s bigger than I thought it would be.”

  A sudden fear rose in his gut as he watched from behind the glass. A reminder of what could happen, should the talks fail. If Everlasting was so powerful, and its people this plentiful, then Central stood no chance at all. The threat would be undeniable.

  Maybe I should let Mei do all the talking, he thought, right as the Red Door began its descent into the city.

  ******

  John hardly felt it when the aircraft touched down on the landing platform. It was certainl
y a graceful machine, if nothing else.

  The door opened almost immediately, and a blue light filled the cabin. “The hell is that?” he asked, shielding his eyes.

  “The biometric scanner. It’s automatic. Please ignore it,” said Gel.

  “Hard to ignore something so bright.”

  John stepped off the ship, but stopped when he saw where they’d landed. The ship had brought them into a loading bay of some kind, with curved walls resembling the inside of an egg. The landing platform sat in the center, connected to an elevated path into the facility. Lights flickered in the distance. He spotted a few other platforms at various points above and below this one, many with ships of their own.

  Everyone piled out of the Red Door. “Whoa, check this place out,” said Track.

  Short cracked her neck and stretched out her arms. "Finally. Can’t stand sitting that long.”

  “It was only a few hours,” said Hughes.

  “Quiet down,” ordered John. “Eyes up and ears open while we’re here. Everyone follow?”

  “Yes, sir,” said Short, suddenly serious.

  Lena and Gel disembarked from the ship, following the others. “If you will come with us, please, we’ll take you to your rooms. The Leadership has expressed you be given whatever you need during your stay with us,” said Gel.

  “We appreciate it, but when will we be meeting with them?” asked Mei.

  “Tomorrow morning, I believe. For now, Lena Sol will show you to your rooms.” He gave a slight bow. “Good day to you.”

  “Thank you,” said Mei.

  “Follow me, please,” said Lena. She led them out of the landing bay and through a corridor. Everything was so clean and smooth, a far cry from what Central had to offer.

  “Think the food here is good?” asked Hughes.

  “Seems classy so far,” said Short.

  “Wonder if they know what chocolate is.”

  “I wouldn’t count on it.”

  They came around a small corner and entered another room. It reminded John of the train stations back home, only smaller. Like those, this one had a tunnel running through it, with a loading platform at the center. Lena Sol approached the side of it, standing completely still and saying nothing.