by Kurt Winans
“Was that when you devised your brilliant plan?”
“No emperor. At that point in time we had no idea if this planet would retain its overall mass integrity. Even if it didn’t violently shake into crumbled bits, we weren’t sure if any atmosphere would exist in the aftermath of the asteroid collision with the orbiting moon and the bombardment of chunks from both bodies onto the surface. Consequently, the thought of Earth as a possible colonization site was never considered. Reports show that it took several centuries of human timeline before the planet cleansed itself enough to entertain the idea of our species living upon it. Unfortunately, our closer inspection at that time revealed that we once again faced a challenge. Although their population was limited, the human species had somehow survived and exhibited traits of having evolved to a higher philosophical plane. Their actions suggested that they had learned to live and work together in total harmony, which was vastly different than the way their species had generally behaved toward one another throughout the centuries leading up to the apocalypse. In essence, the human species had showed our species positive signs that the shift in their evolution could still occur, it just needed a little help along the way.”
“That must have been a difficult test for you, as your decisions and subsequent actions would seriously impact the future of both ours and the human species.”
“Yes emperor, it was difficult for me from an ethical viewpoint, but not logistically. I developed my plan when we learned that the human genetic code on this planet was in serious peril. Without the plan, it would have been necessary to wait another human century, or perhaps even slightly longer. They would have reached the point of total genetic collapse very shortly, but I found a way to correct that issue.”
“Indeed, and your plan was brilliant in its conception. You have successfully and peaceably eradicated this planet of what remained of the dominant species, while also ensuring that they had the opportunity to survive by stretching their technological and philosophical abilities. More importantly, you accomplished that delicate process without using force in order to do so.”
“Thank you emperor, that’s very kind of you.”
“Your actions on this world have impressed the high council of our exploratory fleet, and they have provided me with a recommendation. I’m pleased to inform you that I’m in total agreement with their assessment. Although it’s true that both you and your father led past observational formations involving this planet that ended badly with the loss of a scout ship and its personnel, those former indiscretions have been forgiven. As of now, your family name has been cleared by me at the recommendation of the high council. Additionally, I’m presenting you with a well-deserved field promotion to the position of administrator of colonization for this planet.”
Somewhat in awe of the news, the alien projected, “Thank you very much emperor. That’s wonderful news about my family name, and it’s also a tremendous honor for me to receive this promotion. I shall do my best to serve you and our species with distinction throughout the future colonization process.”
“I know that you will, and there may be more to follow for you when that colonization process is complete. Now then, I must ask you one question. How did you develop the plan of introducing a slowly gestating deadly virus into their population base for the eradication process?”
“To be honest emperor, I didn’t devise the plan in that fashion. I wanted to ensure that either their species or ours, whichever was the most resilient, would inhabit and thrive on this blue planet. If the human species could adapt to what had been brought, inadvertently or otherwise, from ₹-593-Ԅπ-2-2, then so be it. The infusion of fresh genetic code represented within Ross’s group of recruits had the potential to assure their long term survival here on ₹-829-Ԅπ-3. Because a certain number of them possessed the untapped ability of telepathy, they could reinvigorate the telepathic evolutionary shift that had been stalled for several centuries. However, if the normally benign virus of ₹-593-Ԅπ-2-2 that Ross and others carried with them became something their species could not adapt to, as was proven to be the case, then no harm would have actually been done. As noted in several reports, the human presence on this planet already faced a very limited future. In either of the two scenarios, our species would have kept to our core belief system of giving life on a galactic scale a fighting chance. I will freely admit that the ultimate result of the endeavor was unexpected, as both of our species will profit. We will be able to colonize this planet to help secure our future, and those few remaining human survivors that are experiencing an evolution shift into a hybrid species will prosper as well. They have escaped what became a deadly virus for them on their home world of Earth, and have ventured into space to begin anew.”
“That’s all true, but I don’t really expect those few humans to survive. Although they have made a brave attempt to be sure, they can’t possibly journey to another star system. The spacecraft that they have constructed, and the antiquated propulsion system that it contains, would need centuries of their timeline to reach even the closest neighboring star.”
“That’s true emperor, but their species has no intention at this point in time of leaving this solar system. Perhaps you are unaware, but they set a course to rendezvous with ₹-829-4, and successfully landed there roughly five of their Earth years ago. After departure, their transit took less than one of their years to complete, and since that time they have forged out an existence by developing an underground colony.”
“₹-829-4? Do you mean that neighboring red planet that is nearly the same size as this one?”
“Yes emperor. The historical documents from our long ago observations provide evidence that the planet contained life at some point in the distant past. Now a small group of stubbornly determined and resilient humans, who once resided here on ₹-829-Ԅπ-3, have reestablished life upon it.”
“But that can’t be. Our current research indicates that the minimal atmosphere of the red planet is not compatible with their species needs. They most surely would have quickly perished without the ability to create a suitable atmosphere.”
“That would have been true in the past emperor, but please don’t assume that they have no chance. The human species continues to show me an amazing resilience to an array of obstacles that they have encountered. We must respect the fact that they have made a bold attempt to not only colonize another planet, but to embrace and continue to strive toward their destined evolutionary shift in the process. The hybrid humans, if it’s not too bold of me to label them as such, have taken on a daunting challenge on ₹-829-4, while at the same time leaving a few members of their species here to eventually perish. Although they are unaware of exactly when it occurred, the last of their kind died a few of their months ago. Forgive me emperor, but no, we can’t count them out. The transitional leap of mind and body that they took to another world was accomplished while seeking only minimal assistance from us to ensure the structural stability of their spacecraft for the journey. Then they sought no additional assistance beyond using that same sealing compound while establishing a suitable habitat once they arrived. Although it’s true that the odds were against them from the very beginning, the effort on their part has provided proof that the hybrid humans do not wish to perish as a species. All that they seek is the opportunity for a continued and prosperous evolution of life, and as I mentioned previously, they are extremely determined. For that reason alone emperor, I would like to request that we now officially reclassify that little red planet of theirs as ₹-829-Ԅπ-4.”
Realizing the passion with which his humble brother had conveyed his thoughts, and the general concern for the ultimate goal of enhancing their species existence while also preserving others, the emperor felt he could now endorse the subsequent recommendation that had been presented to him by the exploratory fleet’s high council. Accordingly, he gave a final projection of, “You have shown me great promise for the future, and I will reward you because of it. When you have completed
your duties with the preliminary aspects and initial colonization of this planet, another task awaits you.”
“I understand emperor, and what is that task?”
“It is beyond the time when the leader of the high council should have stepped down, but that will take effect upon my return to the home world. I had known for quite some time that he maintained a grudge against your family name, as one within his family died during the observational formation led by your father. Number two shall ascend, and in so doing it has been suggested by that body that you should receive the entry position of number seven upon the high council. I once again concur with the belief of those who reside upon it, and ask that you accept my offer to join them and bring forth your wisdom to the bench?”
After a step backwards in disbelief, the alien bowed deeply and then projected, “On behalf of my father, who also gave his life on this planet near a place that the humans called Roswell during the pre-apocalyptic Earth year of 1947, I thank you emperor. It would be my pleasure to continue serving you and the exploratory fleet by accepting the great honor that you have bestowed upon my family.”
On ₹-829-Ԅπ-4, or Mars as the hybrid humans living there preferred to call it, Hank and Ross had just heard the latest cry to signify the birth of another colonist. Ross, now eight years old, rubbed the emblem on the necklace that his father had recently presented to him, and thought about those few who had cherished the item before him. Upon Kristyn’s return from assisting with the delivery, Hank projected to her, is everything alright?”
“Yes, Nicki and the baby are fine. How is Ross doing?”
“Well, I haven’t heard any response, so I don’t believe that his message got through.”
Kristyn nodded and then projected, “Ross, your father and I would like you to try again please.”
“Alright mom, I’ll give it another try.”
The ensuing look upon Ross’s face reveled that he was properly focused on the effort, and back on ₹-829-Ԅπ-3, the administrator of colonization heard a faint projection. The telepathic message was short and sweet, but it spoke volumes. “Hello, can you hear me? My name is Ross, and my parents and grandmother have told me that you are a friend of theirs.”
Kurt possesses a spirit of adventure, which drives his thirst for experiencing new places and activities. He maintains a love for the great outdoors, and enjoys traveling whenever his schedule permits. One of his favorite activities is hiking in the clean mountain air, where the tranquil locations provide him with an opportunity to develop characters and storylines for his books. Kurt currently resides in Northern Nevada, where he and his wife have lived for more than a decade.
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Cover design, interior book design,
end chapter graphic, and
eBook design by Blue Harvest Creative
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Story concept by Kurt Winans
Table of Contents
About The Book
Title Page
Copyright Information
Also By Kurt Winans
Acknowledgments
Evolution Shift
01 - Hallucinations
02 - Memory Test
03 - Wheels In Motion
04 - Museum Piece
05 - Flying On Vapor
06 - Unstable Condition
07 - Fallen Oak
08 - Tempered Disclosure
09 - A Blast From The Past
10 - Wind In The Hair
11 - Altered States
12 - One Revolution
13 - In Quest Of Blood
14 - Road Trip To Yesteryear
15 - A Geographic Link
16 - Subterfuge
17 - Personalization
18 - Pin Cushions
19 - Deflated Soul
20 - The High Council
21 - Mysterious Message
22 - Transitions
23 - Unwelcome Discovery
24 - Reaching Out
25 - Silent Conversation
26 - Taking Charge
27 - Expanding The Circle
28 - Magnificent Quandary
29 - Locating The Pieces
30 - Presenting The Solution
31 - A Plan Of Action
32 - The Chosen One
33 - Training Wheels
34 - Extended Ranks
35 - Construction Zone
36 - Internal Mechanics
37 - Mystery Descendant
38 - Genetically Focused
39 - Council Chambers
40 - The Lifeboat
41 - Arrival
42 - The Red Cavity
43 - The Flag Of Optimism
44 - The Rite Of Passage
45 - The Future Voice
About The Author
Contact The Author
Meet The Creative Team
