CATACLYSMAL

by Adrian Glass

  “Ms Jansky I'm a specialist in Intellectual Property, I also specialize in Wills and Estates...”

  Elly Jansky closes her eyes.

  “... Very sorry to inform you that Mr Denlas passed away three weeks ago.”

  Opening her eyes she reaches forward lifting up the glass of water, she takes a sip, placing the glass back down onto the desk. She bows her head, a single teardrop rolls down her right cheek. She begins to cry. Reaching across to a box of tissues she takes a sheet, wiping the tears away from her eyes.

  Exhaling she looks at the attorney. “How?”

  “Complications from a heart attack, this firm and I were appointed the executor of Mr Denlas's intellectual property assets.” The attorney lifts up an large envelope. “This was left for you.” He hands it to Jansky.

  She reaches forward and takes the envelope. Noting it is sealed.

  “Were you close?” The attorney asks

  “Professionally,” she replies.

  The attorney stands as does Jansky. “The Estate of Denlas, instructed by his will, is to hand this envelope to you three weeks after the funeral.”

  Jansky takes the envelope from the attorney

  He then opens the door leading Jansky back out to the main foyer area.

  “So cold,” Jansky says to herself as she walks towards her apartment block in Haight-Ashbury, an icy northwest wind blows in from the bay, clutching the envelope she received from the attorney with he right hand, Jansky walks onward towards her apartment block. There is a blankness to her expression, concealing the sadness that she feels. She looks down at her left hand which is shaking, closing her eyes, she pauses looking up at the overcast sky. To Jansky's right side there is small convenience store, opening her eyes she walks towards the entrance as the feeling of shock, on knowing that her friend and lover has recently passed away, begins to take hold. Entering the store she notices her reflection in the convexed wall mirror, seeing how pale she looks, walking towards the racks of alcohol. Jansky lifts off the rack a bottle of Rum, she then opens the store fridge lifting out a bottle of cola. Placing both bottles onto the shop counter, she pays for the two items without any expressive sentiment. Jansky then leaves the store walking towards her apartment. She takes out her keys, unlocks the front gate, walking up the stairs to her apartment level, she sees that one of her plants has been knocked over, in a reserved and calm manner she bends down and places it back against the shared balcony wall at the same time she drops her keys. Closing her eyes and exhaling she quickly lifts up her house key, Jansky opens the door and enters her apartment. Closing the door behind her, placing the the bottle of Rum and cola down, she looks at the envelope with her name written on the front. Jansky begins to cry.

  After showing and feeling calmer, despite her sadness, Jansky changes into her tracksuit. Sitting down at her computer she lifts the glass with ice, Rum and cola taking a large sip - she then places it down, looking at the unopened envelope. Jansky picks it up, sliding her index finger into where the sealed fold is, she gently tears it open. Reaching into the envelope she pulls out a paper letter and also a USB flash-drive, she inserts the USB into the computer tower port on her desk. Jansky then begins to read the typed letter.

  Dear Elly,

  I am sorry. It was very important for me to prepare this in such as way to lessen the shock. But, not matter how one looks at death and loss, whatever preparation one could take, it will always remain the same emotionally. Yes it feels odd writing this before my pending death. But it is true the preoccupation with life knowing that it is going to end, especially in it's sudden way, is an intensity that is hard to explain. It is though every second, minute, hour and day counts so much to fulfill. To finish, or attempt to complete different projects, but more importantly is that time with love ones and people that are close to me. I know you would understand. My letter to you, as I write this is the final project, my final goodbye, especially to someone that I have feelings for, strong feelings. You meant a lot to me Elly.

  In this envelope is a USB drive, on it is the most changeling project that I've ever completed, I was honored that you entrusted me to complete this oeuvre. This is my gift to you, all works are yours. You are an incredible human being Elly Jansky. What is heading towards us is not to be feared. However what we know in this reality will change, it will be the Cataclysmal.

  Goodbye Elly.

  Jensen Denlas

  Jansky smiles, as a respectful acknowledgment for the loss of a friend and lover, the sincerity of what was written, for it's closure and final goodbye. She gently folds the letter placing it down near her computer. Taking another sip from the Rum and cola, Jansky clicks onto the virtual folder that holds the files. Displayed in-front of her are an array of beautifully designed images, laid out as a artistically rendered presentation board. “Incredible,” Jansky whispers to herself, as she expands the whole image so it fits the dimensions of her monitor.

  ______________________________

  Xeno-Structuralist

  “Alien Artifact”

  Discovery

  In June 2014 the Sub-Core IRDS (International Research and Detection Station) in Antarctica detected a unique aggregation of Neutrinos and Antineutrino with Gamma Ray readings. Later detection and validation occurred with precision military Space telescopes. Civilian scientific analysis and research papers thereafter established a supported assertion that the detections were from an unnatural source or extraterrestrial origin.

  Naming and Visual assessment

  From astrophysical observations on Earth, what was observed and calculated by Professor Ivane Tori, is that the directorial aspect of this phenomenon reveals that it's origins are from the Fornax Void, more specifically, in an cosmogenical point of view the Fornax constellation. The first name given was Dark Emission Voids, a title that was abbreviated as DE-Voids or DEVs. Professor Tori's calculations revealed the embedded shape within Space and time of this object, which entailed that mass was contained inside a structure. Dr Elly Jansky, a prominent astrophysicist, cosmologist and author, hypothesized correctly that the appropriate terminology should be deemed now as an Alien-Artifact rather than a “Void”.

  Dimensions and the structural identity: Alien-Artifact

  In 1969 the mathematician and physicist Karl Cruxes devised a theoretical concept that if a technological advanced Extraterrestrial civilization expands with it's energy use, then it moves higher up the Advanced Civilization Energy scale. Theorized that a Type II civilization would require the whole energy of it's star to power it's technologies, hence the idea of a Cruxes Sphere. An enclosed mega structure that would harness the full energy source of a star. As a conceptual designer, engineer and experimental architect. The structural aspects of building such a concept do not subscribe to my theory of Xeno-Structuralism, as to build structures that are from human-centric concepts, would require an alien civilization to strip mine most of their planets within their solar system, essentially removing them altogether to harness materials to build a Cruxes Sphere. The idea lacks thoughtful conceptualization in it's assumption that Extraterrestrial Civilizations have evolved as a culture whose construction techniques are similar to human beings.

  The Alien-Artifact has an unknown composition, apart from it's mass and calculated dimensions. In the last ten years of of looking at abnormalities in the Universe, astronomers have discovered what is known as Invisible Structures, the observation of these structures has shown that it is made up of type of cosmic cloud, that is revealed by a distinct light curve when observed. My proposal under a Xeno-Structuralist construct is adding to the theory of self replicating alien machinery that is able to create it's mass from matter and duplicate into Binary Fission, essentially artificially building within Space-time. Could the invisible structure be the framework for replication of the Binary Fission machinery?

  Kolossos Brain: The Machine within the Machinery

  The author and futurist Kay Uttalberg took the Cruxes Sphere concept a step fu
rther by suggesting that powering an advanced civilization is not to support a tangible reality, that, as discussed is envisioned from a human-centric perspective, but it's purpose in the construction to build a massive superstructure which would in itself be a mainframe - is the encasement of a supercomputer. She devised the term Kolossos Brain. A structure that would be the size of a solar system within it's mass and astronomical units of measurement. The power would be absorbed around a star, possible a larger star than our Sun. A layered structure that has harnessed Space, time and matter. An Xeno-Structuralism that is the machinery within the machine. Transformation of civilization into it's own virtual reality. Removing its self from the organic life-form to be simulated and become, in someways, immortal. Without need or desire to be interested or bothered with the Cosmos, as, this advanced civilization has conquered reality. Could the Alien-Artifact phenomenon be something similar? The following rendition and diagrams with specifications is what I believe is the conceptual visualization of what is heading towards our Solar System.

  ______________________________

  Elly Jansky begins to study the detailed images of Denlas's drawings of the Alien-Artifact. In which he has taken the original mathematical embedded images of Professor Tori's calculations and intricately creating an artistic impression, a dark monolithic object portrayed in it's cone like shape. The most unnatural alien looking object that Jansky has ever seen devised by Jensen Denlas. She looks over the specifications of the Alien-Artifact. Thirty point ten Astronomical Units or Four point five hundred and three billion kilometers, Jansky studies the scaled image of the massive alien object in it's comparisons to our Solar System. Another image shows a close up of Delans's three dimensional rendering, she looks over it's exterior, an intricate weaved mass, what appears to be an bio-mechanical surface that reflects a slight gleam. A collection of alien self replicating robots rebuilding themselves. She then looks at the scale of the Alien-Artifact. A megastructure for an alien computer, an engine, built around invincible matter. Not a star. Super liquid theory of the Universe? Jansky looks over the images, the astrological measurements, the comparison to the Cruxes Sphere and Kolossos Brain concept ideas for an alien megastructure.

  She sits back smiling, lifting her glass as a show of respect. “Well done Jensen. Gonna miss you my friend.”

  IV.Mordant

  “There is nothing we can do?” Professor Ivane Tori looks at the computerized specifications of the object heading towards our solar system.

  “So? What does that mean? Nothing we can do...” Captain Paul Grunner replies in an impatient manner.

  Professor Tori turns and faces the military man. “Exactly what I mean, I've calculated it's dimensions, it's known physics, that we, you and I, see in this reality. What we determine as reality, this...” He points at the large screens. “...is beyond our reality.”

  “So it is a threat?” Nile Stephenson asks now the Chief physicist of the Gran Sasso Air Force Space Command. Standing next to Captain Grunner.

  “You were a good student Nile, I've read your papers of the last three years, equally as impressive. But now, since you have been with the military. As scientists we must be impartial, it isn't always about a threat...”

  Stephenson looks back up at the digital images of the embedded object within the fabric of Space, it's monolithic presence tracked as it approaches the Kuiper belt that surrounds our Solar System. He then looks at the aging Professor. “You know in two years from now, the Civilian Space program will come under military jurisdiction. The bureaucracy, red tape and general complacency of a civilian run Space program will cease to be, instead...” He walks towards one of the monitors, with various real time data being recorded and displayed. “...We will begin to see the Universe as not benign, not indifferent, but as a threat against the human race. Our greatest enemy is in someways has always been nature, or, as others have described as the natural construct. We hope, once global tensions ease, is that we create a Space defense system, a joint effort of global super powers. To monitor and track asteroids, comets also an early warning satellite array to detect Gamma Ray Bursts...” Stephenson stands in-front of Professor Tori. “...Even alien threats.”

  “How could you defeat this, we don't what it is, apart form it's structural mass. The high Neutron and Neutrino does indicate to me and my colleges that we could be seeing a type of engine...Speculative though.”

  “We know you had contact with Dr Elly Jansky,” Captain Grunner says.

  “Yes, a colleague, it is imperative that we collaborate within the scientific community. Dr Jansky is a very capable physicist. All of us, including yourself Niles, are concerned that any astrological abnormality could spark a global conflict here on Earth. You speak of threats, the biggest threat against humanity as of now, is the human race.”

  Stephenson exhales looking up at the large computer screens he then looks at Grunner. “Professor Tori is right, we must work together on this...” Stephenson turns and faces the Professor again. “...I'll be attending a conference in Boston in three weeks time. Will you be in attendance Ivane?”

  “No...I am going home to Georgia. I have done all I can, the calculations and equations are correct, your computers systems have established the theoretical tests and created the projections. All correspond with my equations. Of course as you are aware this is not void, but structural.”

  “Yes...I saw the updated equation. Invisible matter but not dark matter, super liquid theory of Space and Time.”

  Professor Tori looks at the young physicist. “Did you see the other equation in relation to the high reading of Neutrinos?”

  Niles nods. “Yes, over the six point three petaelectron-volt ... he looks at Captain Grunner. “...it appears to be a detected message.”

  “It's been contained in one of the containment mainframes. I am not a computer scientist Professor. But if that object embedded a message within it's particle emission. It fried our systems, so we shut it down.”

  “What Captain Grunner is saying...The message, what our computers had started to decipher...It ended up fragmenting the AI systems.”

  “What are your experts saying?” Professor Tori asks, now curious at the possibility of an embedded message within the Neutrino detection.

  Stephenson smiles looking at the Professor. “I'll send you the report of the updated findings”

  “Thank you. I plan to leave for Georgia tomorrow.”

  “You'll receive the analysis in a day of so.”

  Professor Ivane Tori nods appreciatively and then turns and leaves Stephenson and Captain Grunner.

  “This is still under military jurisdiction Niles,” Captain Grunner says looking at the Professor Tori as he exits the mission control room.

  “I know...But, we still need him. If this new Cold War is diminishing. The priority now is to find out what we are dealing with here, there is no secrecy. This so called Alien-Artifact of immense size is heading toward our Solar System. None of us know what will happen. He is right, we'll have to work together. Otherwise I do envision pressure from Washington...If we forcefully restrict the Professor's moments.”

  “Regardless, I receive an order to lock down this base...I will do it, that includes yourself Stephenson and the good Professor,” Captain Grunner replies. He then walks towards one of the console desk's where a young female officer is looking over a monitor which is tracking Eastern Europe troop movements from Russia. Stephenson looks at the military man aware that he must play out a delicate balancing act, as the chief civilian scientist under Military control.

  ***

  Elly Jansky looks out from the plane window, noting the thick stratus cloud formation below.

  “Excuse me, would you like a drink?”

  She looks at the air-hostess and smiles. “Yes, Scotch and soda...double shot please with ice.”

  The air hostess reaches over to her trolley and fixes Jansky the drink, she then hands it to her.

  “Excuse me, if you don't mind me
asking. Are you the scientist Elly Jansky?”

  “Yes I am,” Jansky replies sipping from the glass. “Nice”

  “A little bit extra,” the air hostess replies with a smile.

  “Appreciated”

  “I bought your last book...It blew my mind. I mean that in a good way...”

  “Thank you”

  “What do you think it is?” The air hostess asks referring to the Alien-Artifact.

  Jansky sips again from the scotch and soda. “What we know so far is that it's possibly an Extraterrestrial intelligence, which has created an object around a type of invisible matter.”

  “Dark Matter? I read about that in your book,” the air-hostess replies. Jansky in her appreciation smiles, acknowledging that a person who has read her last book is interested in physics despite their amateur perspective.

  “No, it's not Dark Matter...” Jansky turns and looks out from the airline window, staring at the wing of the airplane. She then looks up at the air-hostess who is preparing drinks for other passengers. “...A type of matter, that, we believe can be manipulated within Space and time. Used as a foundation for a construct. I'm attending a briefing with two colleagues in San Diego before the main conference in Boston in a week's time.

  The air-hostess shakes her head. “Sounds so complex. Exciting though...”