by Grant Fausey
"How do you wish to proceed?" he asked the Governor. The Governor drew in a deep breath then whispered to Lord Graves secretively. "Have that idiot silenced, before he gets us both killed, will you!"
Lord Graves nodded, turned to two caped crusaders beside him. They looked like twins, each identical to the other. Each identical to the youthful man Torge had conferred with at the site of the bridge.
Torge gasped. He knew they were coming for him! In a moment as far as he was concerned, they would all be dead!
– 20 –
ESCAPADES
• • •
THE THIRD UNIVERSE
THIRD DIMENSION
.
Samuel Nomad crouched down in the darkness. He could feel the wood under his fingers. There was the distinct smell of treachery in the air. He had to think: What was it that made him a criminal? He hadn't done anything in this new universe that would be considered a crime. There was the man that greeted him upon his arrival. But that was all. What was it he had said? "Welcome to ... Haven."
Samuel's eyes widened, lit up with excitement. He hadn't realized what he had said until right this moment. HE WAS IN HAVEN––The one world universe.
He had heard all the legends: The garden spot in the Eden sector. It was called The Garden of Eden. The place Adam and Eve were supposed to have been created by God!
Samuel was in awe. He looked around. This wasn't what he expected. Mythology painted a different picture. He had studied the great book as a young man: The recounting of the events of prehistoric value. It was the accounting of the Bible for Alvericon's sake.
Why?
Why here in this wilderness was he a hunted man? The question needed addressed and he'd get to it just as soon as he found a way off the platform. However Torge's troops were everywhere, dressed in slick combat armor that made them stick out like sore thumbs.
"Take that direction and circle back," demanded the troop commander; a rather dark looking alien with grayish black skin. His webbed hands fluttered in the wind as he made a gesture in Samuel's direction. He had sent a trooper to his exact position. Samuel crouched down as close to the platform as possible. He was a well hidden. The shadow of the trooper drooped over him, climbing across the wooden floorboards with a rippling effect. Finally, the troop's boots stood in front of where he was concealed. The shoes were just barely visible.
"Stay put," said the trooper in a whisper. "I know you're there, Samuel Nomad. But don't fear. I will not give you're position away. Await another patriot; he'll come closer once we've exited the section. Know him by the factor."
The factor, thought Samuel. "What the hell is the factor?" The trooper looked up, facing his commander.
"Well," screamed the officer expecting an immediate answer about his findings.
"Nothing here, Sir!" shouted the trooper. "Then move on, soldier!"
"As you wish, Commander," snapped the soldier as he stepped away, continuing his search of the surroundings. Samuel breathed easy. He had almost lost it. The trooper's appearance was frightening enough, but to be discovered and patronized was overwhelming. What was the factor? He didn't know. All he could do is wait. Something or someone would show up. He just hoped it wouldn't be another trooper.
"Nothing in this section, Commander," reported another trooper. "Permission to move on!" The commander looked around, scrutinized the particular area were the trooper had stood before Samuel. He stared at the area then glared back at the troopers. He sniffed the air like a dog. The thick humidity pending rain filled the heavens.
"We've an approaching storm," announced the commander. "Widen your search and move out!"
Samuel sat back, slowly. He felt his legs give out beneath him: a reaction to watching the long shadows of the troopers as they moved away. His heart relaxed; his breathing slowed, but only for a moment. The world around him changed without so much as a warning. The wooden floor morphed into the opening mouth of a Gateway. Fear coursed through every part of Samuel Nomad's body.
"Greetings Traveler," announced the Living Machine Gateway. Its scanner and viewing apparatus hung down form the top joint of long, spidery legs. Samuel spun around, caught in the widening transit field as it materialized in the platform below his legs and feet.
"Who said that?" shouted Samuel. "Oh, my God! What in the hell are you?"
"Greetings Traveler. I bring you greetings from the factor. I'm sorry for the delay. Attempts at reunification with one's culture are limited. However, alternative universes are negotiable. This may not be your best source for survival."
"Survival," said Samuel.
"Transfer has been initiated ... have a good trip."
"No––Wait!" shouted Samuel. "There has to be some mistake." The transit system activated and the creature widened the mouth of the gateway to another dimension. Samuel's body began to sparkle, bathed in blue white light of the gateway. A series of pulsating luminescent red rings formed around Samuel and his body molecularly disassembled in an exchange of particles. His body sparkled in a decomposition of his person––his body appearing to break apart at the sub atomic level. It shattered, being swept away like dirt in the wind. Samuel's body reassembled, solidifying in a dark.
The point of entry was a dismal cavern of ancient origins. His eyes finally cleared of the blue-white haze that covered them during the transit. They focused. Standing before him were three men and a woman. "Welcome, Lord Nomad," said a woman as she stepped out of the darkness into the light. "I'm Reta Jordan. This is Captain Christopher Denarak."
Captain," said Samuel. The captain shook his hand. "Were am I?"
"Safe for the moment," answered Captain Denarak. Samuel didn't know of the Captain. But he assumed he was an important figure. Why else would this Reta Jordan introduce him first?
"This is Senator Michael Tyler of the First Federation," she continued. "He's our connection to the Earth Corporate Alliance."
Samuel's eyes widened. He had heard of the Earth Corporate Alliance: The mega machine that ran most of the known universe. Together with its alien counterparts the Earth Corporate Alliance controlled more than three quarters of the galaxies interests. They were the Industries.
"And this is our benefactor..." continued the Earth doctor. "May I present, Senator Jacob Mantell of the planet Athin."
"Senator," answered Samuel Nomad with a nod of his head. The introductions were all good and fine, but Samuel wanted to know where he was and what the hell was going on. Further more, he wanted to know what these fools wanted with him. Why they were considering him some kind of Lord. Samuel had never been a dignitary and he certainly wasn't a nobleman of any kind. The entire episode felt ridiculous, but on the other hand it beat being killed by those troops. If being confused as royalty was keeping him alive, so be it! It was worth the ploy. These maniacs had rescued him from certain death, and that in it was worth a thank you. But that didn't mean they weren't going to string him up either. The fact that he had been introduced to his rescuers gave him some feelings of security.
Reta Jordan motioned with a hand gesture for him to accompany them deeper into the ancient caverns. Samuel accepted. What else was he going to do? Say no? It was the obvious choice, and the one he had to make. The woman walked swiftly like she was in a hurry, moving with a purpose. She led them down darkened corridors into a large underground cavern. Samuel stopped when he entered the interior. It was remarkable: A complete city underground. A campus constructed into a grand sphere that encircled their existence with a fortified retreat of sizable influence, comfort and durability. This was a project that took a good deal of funding to complete.
"Welcome home," said Denarak. "These caverns have been our home since the beginning. I would like to extend to you their comfort and protection."
"An elaborate establishment," said Samuel considering the place to be nothing more than a prison. "You are free to come and go as you please, m'lord. Just remember…"
Remember what? Thought Samuel. "The theory of cause an
d effect, Senator," said Jacob Mantell. "We're all responsible for our actions in this universe."
"I understand," Samuel answered. He wondered, had they read his thoughts; his question wasn't an easy one to second guess. Reta Jordan smiled at him.
"We realize your confusion, m'lord. We'll explain everything to you as soon as possible." Samuel sighed. They were definitely reading his thoughts.
Torge entered the command center of the shuttle. He depressed a code key and opened a channel to the high command. "The situation has been contained," he said as the static cleared. There was a gun pointed at the back of his head. "We'll be concluding our investigation within the next few hours and should be en route to the capital before the day is out." A scrambling of information screeched across the intercommunications device. Captain Denarak listened to the message then adjusting the controls on a communications panel, he answered Torge himself.
"Message understood," announced the Captain. "Keep us informed."
Lord Graves lowered his weapon. The Governor Colonel smiled. "Good," said Lord Graves. "Very good. Now, let's get back to our little encounter."
Torge looked up at him. "You didn't really see Samuel Nomad did you, Torge?"
"No, Sir," answered Torge. "I guess not."
"Good. Then maybe we can get on with our lives."
"That would be fine with me, Sir."
"Good," snarled the Governor Colonel. "I'd hate to lose such a productive officer." "
Me too!" added Lord Graves with a half smile. The Governor Colonel turned and walked away, swiftly exiting the compartment. He stopped at the entrance and addressed one of his troops.
"Kill them," he ordered the trooper. "Kill them both."
The cabin flashed white, and then orange. The deed was done.
– 21 –
BIRTH OF A NATION
• • •
THE THIRD UNIVERSE
THIRD DIMENSION
Flatbed made it to the edge of the threshold, overlooking the tree cities from atop the gap between two snow covered peaks. The intermittent waves from the crossover universes churning softly, like ripples on the water around him. He trekked forward and found himself waiting outside the innkeepers shop on the main concourse of the tree city's upper level. He watched carefully for any sign of the individual he had seen in his vision. The tree city was a large place, and he knew it was going to take some time to find him and return Samuel Nomad to his rightful place. But still, he had to try. Samuel Nomad followed Reta Jordan through the connecting double doors of the communication center and stopped at the railing.
"Who am I in this universe?" he asked bluntly.
"A contaminant," answered the good Doctor. "We need you on our side. Let's just say you're counterpart died in our universe a little too soon. It wasn't supposed to happen quite like it did."
"My what?"
"You're doppelganger," answered a strong male voice from behind Samuel. The young Alpha Renettean turned around to face Captain Denarak. "We know your real identity, Mr. Nomad. But to us, at least for this moment, you're more valuable to us as Lord Nomad, a legendary hero that we need to help stay alive a little bit longer."
"The Industries consider you a threat, Mr. Nomad," added Jacob Mantell.
"That's obvious. Why else would they consider burning everything to a cinder in the universe we just rescued you from?" Jacob Mantell looked up at Samuel and flinched his upper lip like a little prairie dog.
"At one time, they considered me a threat too. But thanks to a very gallant band of men, under the direction of a man known as Trinod Rex, they managed to save me. I live today because of them."
"We all owe our life to him, even you," added Reta Jordan. "That's why you're here, instead of being dead out there."
"I see," said Samuel answering cautiously. He didn't have so much as a clue to the actions they were referring. But it was nice to know he was considered in the same ranks as a hero.
"It's a little more complicated than we can simplify for you right now. Let's just suffice it to say, 'All men were not created equal'. At least, not in the eyes of the Alpha Renetta."
This time Samuel looked up. He couldn't agree more. Long before the great exodus of the past millennia, mankind found itself at the mercy of its ethereal brothers. The Alpha Renettas were a special breed of pioneer. Many were set aside: Some hidden away during the capitulation of the human race. All that remained of humanity was a thread of their existence among the stars. The Alpha Renetta fostered the elite, moving them to estranged planets, the home worlds of the Industries. Mankind was in a co-habitation with beings that were crossbred with the essence of another race: beings from another universe, perhaps this one.
The Renetteans had been given a wide berth of alien landscapes, painted in unique tapestries that became their playground, while the rest of humanity labored to stay alive in a universe under siege. One of the elitists a man named Samuel Nomad, became a renegade traditionalist. "He was a good friend, Samuel," said the good doctor aloud. "He went with us when we crossed the dimensional threshold with purpose and a destiny. We were all heroes, Samuel. Especially, Nomad, but he tempted fate and it caught up with him. He tried to be in too many places at the same time. The Alpha Renetta pioneered his society. One predestined to repopulate the insignificant planet in the Eden sector Earth of the Milky Way. But the truth was that the Industries countered our attempt, an undetectable deception. Mankind’s’ own ideals stood in his way. That's why Samuel died a hero. It's why he has to live on in you. You are the same man, just a little bit different version. A different make and model ... we call it a doppelganger."
"Just answer me one little question, will you?" asked Samuel.
"And what would that be?" answered the doctor.
"It's quite simple, really," stated Samuel, forcing a smile. "Why me?"
"Fate," answered the Captain. "The universe has brought you to us."
Samuel couldn't argue with their logic. It didn't seem unreasonable. So what else could he do ... he enlisted. Jake Stern stood on the ice field overlooking the remarkable gateway that formed echo pass. It was morning. First light had crest the mountain peaks in the background, shedding a steady stream of light across the cloudy mountain ranges in the distance.
"It's beautiful isn't it? I mean, the snow and all." Jennifer Riggs took him by the arm. Jake looked deep into Jennifer's eyes. He wasn't seeing the frail little woman that had nearly perished in the flaming wreckage of the escort ship. No. He was seeing the beautiful young woman who stood before him with strength and cunning. She was beautiful. If only there was time for them. He smiled at her then looked back across the fields to where the sunrise unmistakably glittered into morning. Zez Lee shivered behind them, covered in snow.
"Is this were he crossed the threshold, Zez?" Jake asked half paying attention.
"Yes, Captain," whimpered the little forklift. The tracker is on line? We can depart at your earliest convenience."
"Now would be good, Sir," said Jennifer, "We've a companion to retrieve ... Captain." Jake nodded. The thought of a lost living machine made him shiver. He looked to the cloudy sky, seeing a rainbow of color sparkle on the peaks at the edge of the gateway.
"Fire'um up, fellows," he said shaking off another shiver. The temperature was still dropping. "We best be getting out of here before we get caught in another ice age! I'd hate to have to wait an eternity before it decides to thaw out."
"Oh...ttthhannkkk yyouu, Sir," quivered Zez Lee. "We could do with a bit of hot liquids and a good oil bath."
"Well, you've earned it," said Brian Thomas. "The Submariner is ready for departure. I've got her all warmed up and a hot pot in the cockpit. If you want we can get started right away." Zez rolled around returning to four twenty nine. "I figured we could take a closer look at that distortion field I picked up when I entered the zone."
"Sounds good to me!" snapped Jake. "How about you, Jennifer? You up for a little investigating on our own, or would you feel more co
mfortable hitching a ride back to base?"
Jennifer smiled. She was ready and waiting. Another adventure it was.
– 22 –
THE ZONE
• • •
THE THIRD UNIVERSE
THIRD DIMENSION
A harsh wind blew across the opening to the gateway that formed the bridge between the universes. Echo pass was aglow with shifting sands, rising suns, blowing snow and a dozen other things all at the same time. The threshold was more than just a blending of time and space; it was an overlapping of universes: A place where everything existed at the same time. Samuel stood in awe. Jacob Mantell had told him the elaborate tale of his escape. How, thanks to Trinod Rex, he had been saved. It was hard for Samuel to believe that so few had helped so many ... and it was overwhelming to think that in another universe, he had sacrificed himself to prevent the Empire of the Industries from spreading. "Tell me, Jacob," said Samuel Nomad to the Senator. "Whatever became of the Cat woman?"
The Senator told him the tale of how the Cat woman Ree Ta had assumed the shape of a lovely woman known to him as Sarah. It was during the exodus from Athin that he had met her. He was with Rune Linka and her traveling companion, a Senator and life long friend Jason Maccon. Senator Mantell had found himself caught up in a web of deceit, Industrial plots and the capitulation of his home world. He had been whisked away aboard a transport, along with countless thousands that fled the last days of the planet Athin. The Industries had declared right of dissension and had announced plans for planetary regeneration in a ploy to ride the Empire of the Galactic Senate. However, and only because of Trinod Rex's intervention, Samuel Nomad of this universe managed to execute a counterplot to save the Senators from the fate the company had planned for them. Regeneration was a repossesses process with an end result that destroyed life in favor of its new matrix. Samuel Nomad knew this, as did Ree Ta. Each of them, travelers to the new universe knew this. Still they went. That was why such elaborate plans had been put into effect to save the Senate and its esteemed Senators. Jacob Mantell separated from the cat woman in a plan that smuggled him aboard a transport destined for a secret rendezvous set up through Trinod Rex's operation. It was a journey lacking comfort; awe and the unique mystery that helped take him to the edge of his abilities in understand reality.
