The Gate

by Jennifer N Hibbert

  ‘We use it to refer to the kingdoms and dominions in the universe, but here we’re using it mainly to refer to the home of the mystical, like the realms of witches, vampires, zombies and so on,’ Calbas explained. ‘We offered to help the astronauts achieve their goals because, quite frankly, we believe that such a programme will benefit mankind in the long run.’

  ‘How?’ Kevin asked, staring at Calbas who maintained eye contact.

  ‘If the programme is successful and the migrants adapt well to their new environment, it will offer more humans the opportunity to migrate from Earth to other planets. Most of all, it will help to distribute the weight of human activity that is already bearing down on the Earth’s environment.’ Calbas spoke with passion and conviction. ‘The organisers had one major challenge during their planning, which proved tough to resolve. However, through engineering ingenuity and a little help from us, they finally arrived at a robust solution. The issue, of course, was how to heat the planet because Mars is cold and dry. A careful selection of where the city would be built was crucial.’

  ‘Crucial how? I thought you said you are supernatural, which means you could do anything you want, anywhere you want.’

  ‘Yes, but it’s not as simple as that. We don’t like wasting resources or powers of any kind. That’s why there is a realm for zombies, vampires and even the skeletons of men and animals. As you know, vampires are magically animated human corpses that are inhabited by the spirits of deceased people who closely resemble living humans before they were transformed. These undead creatures sustain themselves by drinking the blood of the living, especially humans, and thus they transform other humans into their kind by infecting them with their own blood.

  ‘What made the zombies defective in the first place?’ Kevin asked.

  ‘The power of a wicked, evil mind that was so strong that even the person who possessed it could not control their desire to operate evilly. It overwhelmed them. Such force was powerful enough to raise them from the dead to continue to advance their evil intent.’

  ‘Why didn’t you just destroy them?’ Kevin asked.

  ‘As I said, we don’t like wasting resources or power.

  ‘So, how will they feed without human blood, Kevin asked.

  ‘We’ve provided for them, the blood tree. Anyway, for now I will not go into details regarding this,’ Calbas explained.

  ‘Wow, that’s mind blowing,’ Kevin said.

  ‘As I was saying, we only use what is necessary; besides, we like to give humans the chance to explore their options, and we only interfere when it's absolutely necessary.’

  Kevin scratched his head and shifted in his chair uncomfortably.

  ‘Back to what I was saying about how it was decided where the city would be built. The Martian southern hemisphere, which is at the closest point to the sun, has short, intensive, hot summers and long, cold winters. Its closeness to the glacial ice cap, which is a source of water even though it is frozen, was also studied. The astrobiologists found that the water, when melted, contains carbon dioxide which will also help the environment.’

  ‘I thought you told me the new city was built on the northern side of Mars,’ Kevin said quietly.

  ‘Yes, they settled for the northern hemisphere. It has a long, mild summer therefore it is an obvious choice for the human condition. It endures a brief, cold winter. However, more work was needed to verify that the heat from the warm summer would be enough to sustain human citizens, as well as a functional ecological system.’

  ‘Was it the issue of energy conservation?’ Kevin asked.

  ‘Indeed. The astrobiologists, with a little help from us, terraformed a large segment of the Red Planet and colonisation of Mars became safe and sustainable for humans. I’ll tell you how we did this.’

  Once Calbas mentioned ‘we’, Kevin became suspicious. He rested his whole attention on Calbas, trying to figure out what the Gatekeepers stood to gain from all this. He felt like Calbas could read his thoughts because of the way he opened and closed his mouth before continuing, as though he had changed his mind about what to say. That made Kevin feel a bit vulnerable.

  ‘They replicated the system used on Earth to heat people’s houses during the winter. To do this, they spent years transporting materials and equipment to Mars. They had to build a reservoir to protect these materials from the harsh weather. They also created a storage compartment for food for their human crew, who worked jointly with the most intelligent robots known to man. We provided the robots,’ Calbas added happily.

  ‘Is all this hard work really necessary? For what? If you don’t mind me asking, what do the Gatekeepers stand to gain from all this?’ Kevin interrupted.

  ‘First of all, we have nothing to gain except the natural order and flow. And, as I explained earlier, we want to encourage interplanetary travels for all creatures, but through the right channels, provided the traveller has obtained adequate permission to enter a particular planet or realm,’ Calbas said. Silence reigned for a second. Then he continued, ‘As I was saying, they transported fuel for their return trips to Earth. Subsequently, when all the preparation was done, they created a giant radiator connected to the solar system that generated electricity and heat from sunlight. It was clean energy at its best.’

  ‘So how were you able to conceal such an operation from the countries on Earth, the armed forces, or people using astronomical telescopes?’ Kevin asked.

  ‘Oh, that was easy. You remember that I told you we are supernatural? We also invented the technology,’ Calbas continued.

  ‘Yes, how can I forget?’ Kevin replied. ‘If you don’t mind me asking, how come you look like humans?’

  ‘We prefer to look like this. But rest assured, we can look like anything we want. And we can place an invisible protective dome over any place we want, for as long as we want. There’s an invisible covering right now over Mars Rothadam, just as there is one covering Mars Harrogate where we are at the moment. Nobody on Earth can find our location, even with the most powerful telescope. And every country’s government informed its armed forces, after agreeing with the decision of the world governing body to pursue the project.’

  Kevin was quiet for a moment. ‘Sir, if you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?’

  Calbas looked at him. ‘My age is close to that of the universe. I was born immediately after the universe was born solely to guard it and everything in it.’

  Kevin looked at him and then quickly looked away.

  ‘As I was saying, in order to achieve this both the south and north were engaged. First,

  astrobiologists constructed a magnetic receptor in the south, very close to the Sun. Using the same system of solar conversion, the trapped heat was used to melt a portion of the polar ice cap. The melted water was transported through giant pipes laid underground all the way to the north. These giant tubes are heat receptors that can handle the hot water passing through them.

  ‘The process was duplicated in the north. A magnetic receptor was constructed very close to the Sun, the trapped heat was channelled into the water that came from the south and was refocused. They worked hard to lay pipes deep underground in ridges across the sections of the land that were to be colonised in the north. The water passed through these pipes, creating a type of underground heating system.’

  ‘How did they generate enough electricity to carry out the work? Let me guess, you had to use your powers for that one,’ Kevin said impatiently.

  ‘No, we didn’t lift a finger. The project was masterminded by Earth scientists. Humans are more intelligent than they are given credit for. They used the same process to convert heat from the Sun into electricity and distribute it through a power grid. Water was processed to supply clean drinking water for the whole city by using state-of-the-art water treatment and filtration systems. The land was irrigated through dispensed vapour from the heat underground and the water feeds into a massive reservoir. When the humans start to use it in daily life, it will also help
to irrigate the land.’

  ‘What would happen to the tsunami of dust that I read about that could cover the whole land in an instant?’ Kevin asked. ’Surely they didn’t make a machine that would sprinkle water on the ground on a daily basis.’

  Calbas beamed. ‘Actually, that’s what they did – although it’s a little bit different. Pipes were installed every six to nine meters along every street to sprinkle water on the ground on a daily basis, or as often as needed, to combat the dusty conditions. The sprinklers are also used to cool the environment on excessively hot days to prevent radiation exposure from sunlight to humans and their livestock. As you saw from the pictures, they have brought in some livestock to live alongside the humans. The sprinklers receive their water supply from the reservoir.’

  ‘So, they’ve done practically everything. The humans will have nothing to do, just like on Earth, other than sit in front of a television, eat and get fat,’ Kevin spat out.

  ‘Some critics accused the organisers of over-modifying the city, which could detract from the experience and sense of adventure for the migrants. They were concerned that it could deprive them of the ability to create a sustainable environment on Mars without outsourcing for food and other material from planet Earth.’

  ‘I agree,’ Kevin said.

  ‘You have to bear in mind that the storage systems are there as a booster, to help ease the humans into their new surroundings. In time, they will start to farm and work the land by using the irrigation and greenhouse processes.’

  ‘Looking at the pictures you showed me and hearing everything you’ve explained, I still think, that the astrobiologists have already over-modified the planet. It seems to me that everything has already been done for the migrants, without leaving anything to them or their imaginations.’

  ‘What is enough and what is excessive is a matter of opinion,’ Calbas said, leaning back in his seat.

  Tobus stood in front of the table, listening to their discussion and occasionally preening himself. His eyes rotated every so often. Kevin caught himself staring at the lizard, before moving his eyes away to concentrate on what Calbas was saying. He stopped arguing, but he didn’t change his mind. ‘I guess, even after all of that, my questions still stand,’ he said. ‘What am I doing here and who am I?’

  ‘Over time, our activities involving humans have increased drastically. Inevitably, so have the evil forces of Earth and there are some extra-terrestrial bodies that persistently try to destroy the world. Therefore, we are constantly evolving and spearheading new, innovative devices to help us carry out our activities and fight these evil forces without being detected by humans. Most of all, we are combating divisive and evil tactics that are intended to destroy peace on planet Earth and its surrounding planets. The more sophisticated our adversaries become, the further ahead of them we have to stay. And this is where you come into the picture,’ Calbas said.

  ‘What do you mean?’ Kevin asked.

  ‘About one year and ten months ago, we finished developing a state-of-the-art combat machine. However, when I say we finished developing it . . . well, that’s not exactly true. It still needed a little tweaking here and there.

  ‘Late one night after the new city was built – by the way, it took them a decade to complete – we took the machine for a test run. Everything was going well. We were soaring through the solar system, passing many planets as we travelled – but then, in a flash, one component malfunctioned and the vessel crashed to Earth. We cleaned up quickly to make sure we didn’t cause any disturbances among the humans or the nearby surroundings. More importantly, we made sure there were no traces of our activities left behind. Then we studied and re-tested the equipment for the important tasks ahead,’ Calbas finished.

  A momentary silence followed his speech. ‘And?’ Kevin asked anxiously.

  ‘When our gate machine crashed, it crashed into you. Your Earth suit was badly damaged, and none of your organs were functioning. We did what we could to recover what was left of you without drawing attention to ourselves.’

  ‘What does that mean, my “Earth suit was badly damaged”?’ Kevin asked.

  ‘The body you have now is not an Earth suit and you cannot use it as a human on Earth. In a practical sense, it’s safe to say that you died that day.’

  Kevin’s eyes widened, darting from Calbas to Tobus, but he said nothing.

  ‘Although you still look like yourself, you now look completely different to humans. Your family would never recognise you. We checked you out of the hotel you were staying in on the day of the incident and recovered your belongings – you didn’t have much, just a few items of clothing and travel documents. We were very discreet in order to avoid detection by humans. By the way, your Earth name was Kevin. Kevin Hugh,’ Calbas explained.

  Kevin nodded and smiled slightly as Calbas told him his name. At least he now knew one important fact about himself. When they saw his reaction, Calbas and Tobus seemed to relax. For a few seconds, no one spoke.

  ‘If you’d like to work with us, we will be happy to have you as part of the team,’ Calbas said cheerfully.

  Kevin nodded slowly. A voice came from nowhere, startling him. It was Tobus, bursting with excitement. ‘You see! I told you he wouldn’t mind! He’s accepted what happened. Yeah!’ he squeaked, and threw his hands up in the air with glee.

  Kevin cut through Tobus’s excitement. ‘So, you guys literally killed me, just to get me to join your stupid programme?’ he asked, not bothering to hide his disgust.

  ‘No, it was an accident. But we do believe that the Gate vessel chose you,’ Calbas replied.

  ‘Chose me? I can’t believe it. You’re lying to cover up your mistake. Your Gate machine didn’t know me before it killed me. Admit it! It couldn’t have chosen me.’ Kevin looked suspiciously at Calbas.

  ‘I wouldn’t put it that way. You would be surprised at the things we know – and the people. Including you,’ Calbas replied.

  ‘I don’t believe you,’ Kevin protested. ‘This is just one of those gimmicks that people use to get others to buy in, telling them they’ve been chosen to step up and shoulder some responsibility for a project they’ve never heard of. I don’t care whether the Gate, or whoever, chose me. My life was cut short! So much for protecting the human race. I will never have children, see them grow up or hold a grandchild, all so I can take part in your stupid programme!’

  Kevin had just finished speaking when the large book in front of him was flung open unaided. His eyes were drawn to the pages, which still appeared blank. Suddenly, a blade of flame leapt from the book’s spine and struck his eyes before he could blink. The impact sent tremendous shock waves through his body and his head jerked back and forth. The tongue of flame flared out, leaving some shimmering, dusty sparkles of light projecting from his eyes into the centre of the room, where they swirled around in a circular motion. His life started playing like a movie, starting from when he was a little boy.

  It showed his parents, Jackie and Paul, welcoming their beloved first-born son. Jackie later had a daughter named Kate. Kevin saw his early school years when he met his best friend, Matthew Adams, and how inseparable they were. They did most things together and pledged to be best friends forever. Kate, Kevin’s younger sister, married a man called Tom who didn’t get on with Kevin and insulted him any chance he got. However, that did not bother Kevin much as he had Mum and Dad, a sister and a best friend that loved him.

  Matthew went to study medicine at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, away from their home town of New Orleans; he subsequently became a doctor in Boston. That placed some strain on their relationship but they were able to continue their friendship regardless of the distance between them. They spoke to and visited each other every chance they got.

  Seeing all this, Kevin beamed with excitement at how wonderful his life had been. The projection continued to show how his mother, Jackie, loved and cared for him, even when Kevin started living in his own house. She visited Kevi
n’s house when he was at work to do his laundry, cook and clean for him.

  Kevin worked as a design coordinator in a local fashion house in New Orleans. Although his brother-in-law despised this job, Kevin never paid attention to Tom’s insults. One evening after work, he went out for a drink in a Main Street bar close to his workplace. That night changed everything because he met the love of his life, a beautiful girl called Cynthia Moss. She worked as a nurse in a local hospital. They dated for a while before Kevin’s mother found out. She didn’t like Cynthia because she had another girl called Angela in mind for him. She’d already suggested that Kevin consider dating Angela, her best friend's daughter, as she would make a perfect wife. Kevin had refused.

  Kevin loved Cynthia so much that he was willing to do anything for them to stay together. At the time Cynthia also loved Kevin and was willing to marry him, despite her father’s objection to her union with a fashion designer, which her father deemed to be a job for women and gays. Meanwhile, Kevin struggled to fend off his mother who was busy calling Cynthia all sorts of names, like ‘black widow’. Jackie said Cynthia was bad luck because Kevin had told her that Cynthia was engaged to be married to a pilot who had died in a crash one month before their wedding. Perhaps, Kevin thought at the time, Jackie was calling Cynthia names because Kevin refused to marry Angela, who Jackie considered to be a well-behaved girl from a decent home.

  Matthew was transferred back to New Orleans, where he worked as a doctor in the same hospital as Cynthia. Soon afterwards, Kevin and Cynthia got married against both their parents’ wishes. Matthew was the best man at their wedding.

  The projection showed that Kevin and Cynthia had a happy home, full of love and affection. They had three children, Nathan, Tiffany, who looked just like her mother, and Tyler, a girl who resembled both her parents. Cynthia was a good wife and a loving mother. After ten years of marriage, Nathan was seven years old, Tiffany was five and Tyler was two years old when Cynthia went back to work. Kevin saw how happy his life had been and how his children craved his attention whenever he returned from work. He always greeted the youngest child, Tyler, by rubbing his hand vigorously on her head before picking her up.