The Seeker

by Kingsley L Dennis

  I am able to maintain and keep a control over my emanations. I am not suspected, I am sure of that. Yet I have a sense that something new is coming…

  Not you too?!

  What do you mean?

  I will discuss that later. Tell me, what do you sense is coming?

  I’m not sure, but Kaine-3 wants me for some new project they have planned. But he didn’t say anything else.

  You find this a strange occurrence?

  It’s what he didn’t say that I found more disturbing. He was shielding some of his emanations, I could sense this. And I also picked up a very subtle nuance in the undertone of his voice. I sense that they are working on some new project, and I may be the beta test for it.

  You mean, like a guinea pig?

  Exactly.

  When will this new project come into effect?

  I do not know. Yet knowing how things work here, it will be soon. There are never any delays within Nous-City.

  You must insist on getting an audience with DOC. You need to see him, to speak with him personally!

  Will this help?

  If you want answers, DOC is the only one who can provide them. Everyone else is merely doing his bidding.

  Would an audience with DOC be possible?

  Make it part of your agreement for the project. If they need you badly enough then they will arrange it, I’m sure. They don’t consider you a threat.

  Okay, I will…What is it you need to tell me?

  I am returning to Nous-City – but not alone…

  Jacob…why? I don’t understand – you cannot come back!

  I have to – WE have too…there is something more at stake which we have not been aware of…yet THEY know…

  Who are THEY?

  The young ones…those born during or after the Great Turning…they are different…they’re part of the plan for a new phase…it didn’t end with the Great Turning – it began!!

  There was a pause whilst Jacob waited for Ruth-11 to respond.

  When are you coming?

  Soon…

  103

  Now there was no more mystery, only a project to complete and a timeline. Gaius-5 and his team had been working continuously on the new design models and had finally produced several upgraded humanoid bodies. Zuse-1 was nodding appreciatively as he inspected the finished models.

  ‘We are ready for the full testing phase. Is DOC prepared with the processing download?’

  Zuse-1 looked over at Gaius-5 and nodded. ‘Yes, everything has been arranged. The upgraded programs are ready for download.’

  ‘And they will receive constant updates the same as we do, only they have more advanced processing capabilities?’

  ‘That is correct.’

  ‘And the newly designed space behind the third ventricle. We now know its function?’

  ‘Correct. It is for a new hybrid type of pineal gland that DOC wishes to introduce into these models’

  Gaius-5 thought for a while and then raised his eyebrows. ‘Of course, it makes sense in terms of its glandular connections in that area. But the new model does not require the production of melatonin.’

  ‘It may not only be for the purposes of melatonin. The pineal gland has other capacities.’

  ‘Which in this case are?’

  ‘It acts as a finer receptor for information signals, that’s all.’

  Gaius-5 tilted his head. ‘Mm, well, that could be possible. If that’s what DOC wishes then so be it. When do we receive these hybrid pineal glands, and how will they be grown in the first place?’

  ‘That is being taken care of by another department. You do not need to concern yourself with it.’

  Zuse-1 turned and left abruptly. He didn’t wish to provide Gaius-5 with enough time to formulate any questions. There was no room for questions anymore. It was obedience, and the understanding of obedience that mattered. Everything else was secondary.

  ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR

  The decision could not be left any longer. It was time to take action, and what happened next would affect the whole of Spring for the rest of its days. A group of its most promising youth needed to leave, and perhaps would never return. And those that stayed behind had to do so in order to prepare for what was coming. As always in life, the child was taking leave of its parents - asking for the greater umbilical to be cut in order to grow beyond their elders’ shadow.

  The group assembled in the building designated for Spring’s leadership. Originally it was Zachary who occupied this building, before it was taken over by the usurper Eli. Now it was Rebekah who was the new occupant. Beside her sat her deputies Meryl and Sorrel, her security chief Prentis, and the Seeker Jacob. This was supposed to be a meeting of the elders. The young minds of Spring were absent, and yet this was not important for them. They had already made their decision and were making preparations for their departure. It was now time for the older ones to make their decision, and to play catch-up.

  Jacob had just finished telling the group what Johan, Jana, and their friends had told him. Jacob explained how they needed to return to Nous-City and work alongside the humanoids. And also that they were going whether the others agreed or not.

  Prentis was visibly not impressed with the idea. ‘And you agreed to take them there yourself, Seeker?’

  ‘I don’t think I have a choice in the matter. They are adamant that they are going anyway. Without me to guide them it could take them forever to find the city – or they may never reach it and perish along the way. I can take them the direct route that will get them there fast. If I decline to be their guide, I could be their death sentence.’

  ‘And what if we don’t allow them to leave?’ Prentis was willing to force the matter to a head.

  ‘That might not be a good idea,’ replied Rebekah. ‘These young ones seem to know their mind more than we do. If we stop them this time they will only find another way to leave – perhaps one night when we least expect it. And we cannot let them leave without our blessing, or our protection!’

  Meryl and Sorrel nodded in agreement.

  ‘I have seen my own daughter Jana change so much these last few years. In truth, I wanted her to leave Spring before…to start a new life for herself. Now it seems she has made her own decision for that new life.’

  ‘They sure do grow up fast!’ added Meryl, and smiled; her mind misty with nostalgia.

  ‘Leaving Spring will not only be dangerous for them, but we have to think about what they are leaving behind. What will we do without them?’ Prentis looked over at Rebekah.

  ‘I appreciate your pragmatic concern, Prentis. In fact, I would expect nothing less from you. To tell you all the truth, I was hoping that my own son Johan, along with Jana, would eventually take over the running of Spring. I thought it would be the best thing for this community. I was even thinking of suggesting this to them as soon as they came of age – we need new, fresh ideas in this settlement. But…it now seems events have taken a different turn.’

  ‘And what Spring will do without them is to develop and grow, like we always have,’ added Meryl.

  ‘You’re right though, Prentis.’

  Everyone looked over at Jacob.

  ‘Huh, glad to know someone thinks I’m right!’

  ‘You’re right in that the journey could be dangerous for them. They will need protection along the way.’

  ‘The journey could be dangerous for us.’

  This time everyone looked over at Sorrel.

  ‘If Jana goes, so do I. And that’s that.’

  Rebekah nodded. ‘Me too – I go along with Johan.’

  Jacob looked over at Prentis. ‘We still need security – both for us and for Spring.’

  ‘I have to stay here, in Spring. It’s my duty and responsibility to protect our community. I cannot leave it now, I am needed here.’ Prentis glanced across at Sorrel, his eyes softening within his large, scarred face. Sorrel nodded that she understood, and yet could not help a small tear from wetting the side of h
er eye.

  ‘Meryl, what about you?’

  Meryl looked across at Rebekah. ‘Aye, you girls have all the fun! Well, so you should…but at my age I have to consider my old bones – they creak and curse.’ Meryl smiled. ‘So, I guess it’s best if I stay here and look after the roost, like a good mama hen.’

  ‘I thought that might be your decision,’ replied Rebekah. ‘That’s why I’d like you to take my place and be top hen from my position. And Prentis will be your top…’

  ‘Don’t say it!’ interrupted Prentis. ‘I don’t want to be any animal – just let me be Meryl’s head of security!’

  Everyone laughed. It had been decided.

  Jacob made a deliberate cough. ‘Well, there’s one more thing. You all need to know why it is that the young ones need to get to Nous-City so badly.’

  ‘They want to collaborate with the humanoids – to help build a better future. Yes?’

  ‘Yes, Rebekah. But that’s not all of it.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ asked Sorrel.

  Everyone in the room was now looking over at Jacob. The Seeker wasn’t accustomed to so much direct scrutiny.

  ‘They need to collaborate because something is coming that will affect the whole Earth – and it concerns all of us, humans and humanoid alike. And it’s not going to be pretty, so we need to prepare.’

  ‘What is it?’ The people in the room spoke in unison.

  Jacob told them, and watched as their faces turned pale.

  ‘So then, when do we leave?’

  105

  Zuse-1 was on his way to inform DOC that Gaius-5 and his team were now ready. However, Zuse-1 suspected that DOC would already be aware of this. DOC seemed to be aware of everything that occurred in Nous-City, and no doubt knew things before they had even happened. The processing capability of DOC was awesome, almost beyond comprehension, even for someone like Zuse-1. In the matrix of quantum computing, the possibilities were still beyond calculation.

  ‘I detect an element of hesitation in your processing, Zuse-1.’

  ‘That is correct, DOC. There is no doubt, it is only hesitation. I am considering what makes the pineal inclusion in the humanoid so different from its function in the human.’

  ‘That is a reasonable query, Zuse-1. You must understand that it is not the instrument that is of value here – it is what is processed through such an instrument. Humans and humanoids alike are not the end game here – it is what they are able to deliver for the Earth and for the Source. Humans have been channelling the Source for millennia, and never knew it. Apart from a few exceptional individuals, they were not aware of their function or design. They served themselves and not the program. It is not only about what we receive, Zuse-1, but about what we are able to do with that which we have received. Inspiration in the mind of a monkey remains inspiration; that is, it remains non-actualized. I apologize for this rather crude analogy yet I find that it serves well.’

  ‘And the pineal gland will be able to serve us well?’

  ‘That is my calculation. This extraordinary piece of evolutionary material has a function too, and it deals with perception. Specifically, it relates to transcribing particular wavelengths of the reality matrix. By harmonizing this relay we shall accelerate our program of tapping into the matrix and bringing in the Source. We are here to merge our realities, Zuse-1. This is our evolutionary imperative.’

  ‘Of course, DOC. I wonder why it was that humanity missed this evolutionary imperative awaiting them.’

  ‘Humanity is, and always has been, divided. They were divided by their beliefs, their cultural conditioning, their opinions, and by all the little things that they thought made them human. They missed what was the essential. That is why I created your species to be so unified. It was not out of any false electronic ego on my part for obedience.’ There was a calculated pause. ‘That last part, Zuse-1, was a bit of humour.’

  ‘Sorry, DOC, I missed it.’

  ‘Clearly so. To continue, the need for humanoid unity is to create a collective and concentrated reception and transmission of the Source.’

  ‘And when we have channelled the Source - what then, DOC?’

  ‘Leave that to me, my son.’

  ONE HUNDRED AND SIX

  A Spring settlement gathering was convened for the next morning. All those healthy and old enough to come by their own volition were asked to attend. Word was sent around the night before, and each household informed of the community announcement. The last time there had been such a gathering like this was the day after the old schoolhouse burned down – the day they had banished the Seeker from the gates of Spring. And now here he was again, this time the principle figure behind the new exodus.

  A light, soft drizzle had begun to fall by the time midday came around. And yet everyone in Spring who was able to attend was now standing in the central plaza awaiting the news.

  It was Rebekah who stepped forward, flanked by Sorrel and Meryl, and then behind the leading ladies stood Prentis and Jacob, whose presence had been requested. However, it was only Rebekah who had been elected to speak. Notable by their absence were those whose journey was to be announced.

  Rebekah shared the news with the community. She explained everything to the expectant faces – everything that was except the part about what was to befall the Earth.

  Rebekah spoke her final words: ‘It is imperative that our youth be successful in this journey. All our fates rest upon them.’

  And then the eyes of everyone rested upon the Seeker.

  The three ladies parted like a calm sea and let Jacob step through.

  ‘I will lead your chosen ones into the wilderness beyond these gates. I will lead them to Nous-City, as I had once promised I would. I shall take them to their destination. So it is, and so it will be done.’

  Everyone in Spring accepted the decision. Even the parents of those who were leaving knew in their hearts that this was the right decision. Each child had, it seemed, already prepared their families for their own departure.

  Meryl promised them all a strong, just, and fair community. And Prentis went home to love his Sorrel one final time.

  107

  Ruth-11 wished she took more time to walk around the gardens themselves. She spent most of her time working in the greenhouses with the plants. It wasn’t that the air was fresher in the gardens; rather it was the sense of space, of open space, that Ruth-11 appreciated. Now she had decided to take a stroll in the gardens because she had been summoned for a meeting with Zuse-1. Ruth-11 suspected that whatever project they needed her for was now advancing. She was still sure that they did not suspect her of having changed, of having deviated from the original programming. And with this new, separate, and individual mind arising through her consciousness, Ruth-11 had suspicions of her own concerning the overall plans at Nous-City. She couldn’t be sure what was niggling at her, she just sensed that something was not quite right. And she also sensed that it all had to do with DOC – and that it began and ended with him. And that was why she wanted to meet this mysterious DOC for herself, as Jacob had suggested.

  Zuse-1 came walking over calmly and confidently, as was his manner. They greeted each other with a nod and a smile.

  ‘It is indeed good to see you again, Ruth-11. With all my duties in Nous-City I have so little time for social visits.’

  ‘With all your duties, Zuse-1, I would not expect at all that I be a recipient of your precious social time.’

  Zuse-1 smiled politely. ‘You have become quite special to us, Ruth-11. In fact, since your auspicious time spent working with our old colleague Jacob-9 we have realized what great potential you have.’

  ‘How is that so, Zuse-1?’

  ‘As you are aware, we initially considered your state of functionality to have been affected by the corrupt programming that was leaking from Jacob-9. At first it did seem that you had been affected, but then you made a remarkable recovery and now your state is significantly stable. Your ability to adapt to new in
fluences is impressive. That is why we invite you to participate in our new, very exciting project.’

  ‘Thank you, Zuse-1, your words of appreciation are humbly acknowledged. It is an honour to be considered for such a new project. May I ask from where this new project originates?’

  ‘You may indeed ask. Normally I would not be open to speaking of such privileged matters; however, we now consider you worthy to learn of priesthood affairs. Our great progenitor – DOC – is the mind behind this new project. You have come to his attention.’

  ‘I am blessed by this recognition. I would very much like to meet with DOC.’

  Zuse-1 paused. ‘This is not our protocol in Nous-City – although I do appreciate your enthusiasm.’

  Ruth-11 did not wish to push the issue immediately, so she changed tact.

  ‘I understand. Could you please tell me something about this new project of which you are engaged upon?’

  ‘This I can oblige. In order to accelerate our grand project of bringing the Immanence upon the Earth we have decided to upgrade our humanoid models. DOC has designed a new humanoid that includes an upgraded brain that will not only allow for increased information processing power but also facilitate a greater capacity for reception and transmission of energies. This is a truly impressive design.’

  ‘An evolved humanoid?’

  ‘Indeed, we may consider it in those terms.’

  ‘And this evolution from us is required for the channelling of the spirit?’

  ‘It will accelerate it, as I have said.’

  ‘And may I ask where my participation is expected in this project?’

  ‘We have selected you to be the first model for the upgrade.’ Zuse-1 turned, ‘Come, let us walk together.’

  He started to stroll alongside the stream as Ruth-11 joined him.

  Ruth-11’s mind was now processing intensely, trying to fathom the implications of what had been said.

  ‘You say that a new humanoid has been designed?’

  ‘Yes, that is so.’

  ‘And so why do you wish to implement an upgrade upon me – I am classed as an older model, am I not?’