The terror of recognition struck, her mind screaming, her body moving on its own to grasp tightly onto Trent's arm. He placed an arm around her in response, pulling her even closer, his trembling matching hers. The creatures appeared to utilize humans as hosts and change them genetically. The image faded and was replaced again by Captain Trelic.
“Fortunately, one of the researchers was able to escape with this record, but soon was overcome by the same fate. What we found terrified us. These creatures were, without a doubt, human. The fundamental genetic code matched exactly, but major alterations were found within key genetic markers. Our first assumption was some sort of native plant life was causing this major mutation, but all of our botany studies came back negative. So we tested the local bacteria, viruses, air, water, earth, insects, and animals, but could find no trace of a genetic mutagen,” Sasha thought about his words...what could have caused the transformation if not an external source?
“This led us to consider all possible options, including the extreme possibility,” Captain Trelic appeared to take a deep breath, “that this was the next step in human evolution.” Trent gasped, horrified. But Sasha stood silent, unable to fully comprehend what was just said, her mind screaming in utter disbelief....it isn't possible!
“After analyzing the genome of the spores, we were able to track down the original source from the colonization lists and started performing comprehensive simulations. At first, we were unable to reproduce the genetic mutations, but when we realized that the simulations were taking into account current human intelligence and NHA approved genetic modifications, not the altered intelligence and standard genome of the Neo-Humans, we removed the variable. The initial results were frightening. In almost every simulation a major mutation occurred within the first ten generations when Neo-Humans were placed in a new environment. But none as drastic as we'd seen. So we reversed the simulation and the data returned a positive...it is possible for the set of mutations to occur that would cause the changes seen in the altered humans. The odds were astronomically low, but it had occurred. Humans suddenly evolved into these creatures in five generations...no...they devolved...” Captain Trelic went silent, appearing to fall into deep thought.
Sasha began considering the ramifications of this information. Humans had not shown any signs of natural evolution in hundreds of thousands of years. But when their intelligence was removed, all genetic modifications reversed, and they were placed in a hostile environment, it took only 73 years for a major genetic mutation to occur. Captain Trelic cleared his throat.
“We acted immediately, creating a barrier to isolate the mutated humans in an attempt to stop them from spreading to the healthy tribes. Our research had found that the HDP infected humans were capable of two different methods of reproduction. The first, and most frightening, was via airborne spores that are emitted from a special gland located in the neck, which mutates normal humans. The other method is through standard sexual intercourse, which during our observations was never actually witnessed.” Sasha unconsciously held her breath as she thought of the airborne spores possibly floating around the room. She knew it was a ridiculous thought, but she was unable to contain it, the terrifying idea of turning into one of those...things...those monsters...hovering at the edge of her thoughts. Trent stared at the image of Captain Trelic, face frozen. Sasha wished she could read his mind.
*********
This has to be a dream, it was the only logical explanation that Trent's mind could grasp. Since if it was not, and what this holographic man said was actually true, then a group of his ancestors had evolved into monster-like creatures. The thought defied all logic and he had the sudden sensation that sharp bones were about burst forth from his wrists at any moment. He turned to Sasha as the image of Captain Trelic looked to fall into deep thought.
“Pinch me,” he said.
“Why?” The response he expected.
“I need to know if this is all a dream,” she raised an eyebrow, then pinched him as hard as she could
“Ouch!” he yelped, rubbing his arm.
“Not a dream?” she asked dryly.
“Yes, but if this is not a dream...” he trailed off, unable to fully comprehend the ramifications, the entire reasoning well beyond anything he ever thought possible.
“Over the next 10 years,” Captain Trelic continued, “we hunted every last remaining HDP infected human, pod, and spore...but it still wasn’t enough. So I decided that the infected Earth must be purified...a decision that I, and I alone, will have to live with for eternity,” he looked away, voice falling hush, “will you forgive me, Dorinia, when I arrive alongside you amongst the star gods?” he questioned, before turning back, eyes of total sorrow. “It was a required sacrifice, and I shall face whatever fate the emperor may bestow. But this mutation must not be allowed to spread off this world. It must not be allowed to taint humanity further, which is why I...” he again paused.
“What did he mean by purify?” Trent asked Sasha.
“Destruction of all matter,” Sasha told, unemotional, “he must of ordered everything within the containment area, innocent or not, destr-”
“But that is done,” Captain Trelic interrupt, like he knew Sasha was about to expose his sin, “and cannot be taken back. It is now my duty to prepare for the future, to the eventuality that this mutation may occur elsewhere in the universe or escape the purification. Those of us who remain, debated long, deciding to cover all possible options, no matter the risks. We shall save the two last pods, for I am want to destroy them, my own blood within, along with the research notes and my account of the events that occurred here. One pod shall remain, in cryo-containment, within a secret cavern hidden deep within our research complex, while the other shall accompany us back to Origin, onboard the NHA Research Vessel ERF Newlois, as is required by the academy, though with a great weight in my heart at the possible repercussions,” Captain Trelic paused, appearing to enter something into a console before him. “I hope my decisions were correct, and the many who have died to right this abomination will forgive this old fool, for I only had the interest of humanity’s future ever in my heart and mind.” Captain Trelic seemed to shed a great weight as his story finally concluded.
“Research and event data download completed,” Vin stated the moment Captain Trelic vanished. Sasha raised her bracelet towards her lips.
“What now, Vin?” Sasha asked calmly, but Trent felt it was forced.
“There is an emergency access transport tube within research lab 24. Located on the opposite side of the cavern from research lab 21, in which you are now present,” Trent, horrified at the thought of entering the cavern holding the pod, stared back and forth between Sasha and Vin.
“There must be another way?” Sasha pleaded, as dismayed as he.
“It is possible to return the way you entered,” they sighed with relief, collapsing into each other’s arms, “but pursuers loyal to Sir Simwa have located your position and are currently proceeding towards research lab 21,” Trent's relief vanished as he sprinted to the door.
“Damn it,” he cursed under his breath, finding a large group in green uniforms, about 200 meters down the tunnel, rushing in their direction.
“See if you can get Vin to lock the door!” he shouted back to Sasha.
“He said safety protocols are in effect and the door will not seal while the lab is occupied!” she responded after a few seconds. Why did it always have to be so difficult, he questioned as he rushed back to Sasha’s side.
“Vin, where's the entrance to the cavern?” he hurried, knowing they had little time.
“The containment cavern emergency access hatch is situated in the corner opposite the entrance,” Trent grabbed Sasha’s wrist before Vin finished, leading her towards the only open corner, the others full of debris and equipment.
“Here!” Sasha shouted diving towards a square access port hidden in the floor.
“Vin, how do you open this?” Sasha shouted with frustrat
ion as they searched desperately for a way to open the hatch.
“Coding approval required, please stand by,” Vin’s sphere undulated, shifting color rapidly.
“Vin, hurry, they’re going to be here any second,” he urged.
“Please stand by, coding approval will take an additional 48 seconds to complete,”
“We don’t have that long,” he hissed as he stood, pulling Sasha to her feet alongside. He gazed into her eyes, then embraced her fiercely.
“If I fall, I want you to escape without me,” he whispered into her ear.
“Trent, wh-,” he stopped her protest with his lips, forcing all his love for her through the contact.
“Trust me,” he pulled away, running to the door with all haste.
“Trent! Stop!” she implored, but his mind was set. I will protect her, he pledged.
He drew his laser arc as he slammed his back against the wall next to the doorway. Then, before his mind could catch his body, he spun across its face, firing on their pursuers who were less than 20 meters from the door. Just as he reached the other side, laser bolts sizzled through the air where he’d just been.
“Too close,” he whistled, glancing to the wisp of smoke that rose from his singed shoulder.
The return fire continued relentlessly, streaming past to splash harmlessly off the transparent wall that appeared harder then steel. But even so, he found little opportunity to respond in kind, knowing every moment they were inching closer. Trent carefully angled his laser arc around the door’s edge and started to fire blind. The return fire stopped as the enemy dodged his blind fire.
“Trent, its open! Com-,” Sasha started to shout, but was cut off.
He dove across the doorway, ignoring the laser bolts that again sizzled through the air, charring his jumpsuit as they passed mere millimeters from his skin. The moment he was clear, he noticed Sasha fumbling for her laser arc, but not looking towards the door. Instead, her attention was plastered on the pile of equipment in the corner of the lab, closest to her.
Trent stumbled when he saw what held her gaze. Four bizarre creatures, with furry, grayish round bodies and eight legs, or arms...Trent couldn't tell which...emerged from the pile of equipment. They climbed free of the pile, shifting between walking on four or six limbs, while the other limbs seemed to shift, or morph, their shape.
Before he or Sasha could react, the creatures began screeching, the sound like someone was pulling their fingernails across a chalkboard, before rushing straight at Sasha. Their legs rotated in a continuous cartwheel as they accelerated at an incredible speed. Sasha steadied her laser arc, firing, catching one of the creatures dead on, blasting it back into the pile of equipment. At the same moment, Trent fired, catching another, sending it tumbling behind a stack of crates. Before either of them could fire a second shot, the two remaining creatures fled passed Sasha, and dove down the now open hatch in the floor. Trent slid to a stop next to Sasha and hugged her close.
“Schnac'lasis!” she breathed, her eyes of shock and fear. “They are a race of the, ASU, they...they shouldn’t be here, Trent,” she grasped his cheeks, staring desperately into his eyes. “We have to stop them! If they capture a sample...” Trent nodded understanding. If they were enemies of the NHA and were able to retrieve the HDP, the human race could be doomed.
“There they are!” he spun, the pursuers rushing through the doorway.
“Go!” he pushed Sasha towards the hatch while firing at their pursuers, forcing them to dive for cover.
“I love you,” she declared, vanishing before he could respond, to state his own love.
Trent waited only a moment, swinging through the hatch behind her, grabbing the outer bars of the ladder, then sliding quickly to the cave floor 20 meters below. He turned as he landed, rolling onto one knee next to Sasha, who squatted while rubbing her bottom.
“Do you see them?” he asked carefully, unable to see clearly in the dim red light.
“No,” she replied as his eyes began to adjust. Pulsating red tubes crisscrossed the large, humid cavern, while cone shaped stalagmites littered the ceiling and floor, surrounded by pools smelling of pure sulfur.
“Follow me and stay close,” he stood, covering his nose with one hand as he began to creep slowly away from the ladder.
“There!” He spun when he thought he caught sight of movement, but found it was only a droplet falling into one of the many pools.
“Trent, we need to hurry,” Sasha whispered franticly.
“I know, but...”
“They went down here!” a muffled shout interrupted from above.
Without thought, he grabbed Sasha’s hand, and started darting across the cavern, weaving between the foul smelling pools, stalagmites, and crystal-like protrusions, jumping over the tubes that crisscrossed the cavern’s floor. He tried to stay as close to the uneven wall as he could, and as far from the pod in the center of the cavern as possible, but a jutting outcropping forced them within five meters.
The sight was grotesque, even in cryo-containment. Green slime oozed from the outer casing as the pod pulsed, slowly seeping into drainage holes set into the grated stand in which it stood. Its surface was littered with large veins that pulsed in unison, reminding him eerily of a beating heart, but one sickly and dying.
“Trent, Trent!” Sasha whispered impatiently, pointing to a deep shadow near the base of the pod, where a moment later, the two Schnac'lasis crept into view, hastily removing the cryo-containment tubes. Trent took aim at one of the unsuspecting Schnac'lasis.
“Take the one on the left,” he whispered. Sasha nodded, raising her trembling laser arc beside his.
He flew back as a laser bolt scorched through the air less than a meter before him, catching the tip of his laser arc, which vanished in a cloud of sparks.
“Stop!” Sasha screamed, while Trent was still in a daze. “There are Schnac'lasis here! At the pod! You have to kill them!” Sasha implored.
Without waiting for a response, knowing it unlikely they would believe her anyways, he began sliding across the uneven cave floor, dragging Sasha along with him, towards a deep crevice he'd noticed in the outcropping they'd just passed, ignoring the laser bolts that continued to sizzle just overhead.
“Surrender and you will not be harmed!” the demand echoed throughout the cavern.
“Why will you not listen!” Sasha shouted in desperation.
“In...go,” he pushed Sasha into the crevice first, then climbed in behind, placing himself between her and the rest of the cave...I will protect her.
“Trent?” Sasha questioned, her apprehension evident now that she had regained her composure.
“Stay down,” he instructed, ignoring the concerned glare he received, “and I love you,” he stated honestly, sliding the laser arc free from her grasp before she could react, and leaning out in search of target. He dove back when laser bolts stuck the edge of the crevice.
“How can they see me in this light?” he mumbled to himself.
“Combat PDU's dark setting,” Sasha whispered into his ear, “these are real guards, Trent...probably from Sir Simwa's personal escort,” Trent muffled a curse, trying to slow his breathing as he thought desperately about how they could survive.
An orange cloud exploded throughout the entire cavern as alarms blared. He caught a glimpse of the pod splitting open, so he pushed Sasha deeper into the crevice.
“I love you,” he whispered with a glance before wedging himself into its entrance, trying to completely block his love, his life, from the inevitable.
“Trent, no, please!” Sasha desperate pleas sounded distant as the orange cloud rolled over him, and his mind began fading into oblivion.
He crumbled to the floor. The sight of the grotesquely mutated human flashing before his eyes, its image burned into his mind, along with the knowledge that he had failed...he had failed to save his love...he had failed to save Sasha.
Chapter 20
Pain...
Intolerabl
e pain, coursed over every millimeter of her flesh, like millions of needles were piercing her skin simultaneously. She tried to fight, keep from falling unconscious, but it was just too strong; the pain, overwhelming, her resistance, fleeting.
“Sasha,” a soothing light flashed within her mind, whispering her name with Trent’s voice, “it’s ok, Sasha, I will stop the pain, just trust in me, Sasha,” the voice sang. She reached desperately for light, for Trent, for his soothing embrace, knowing it to be salvation.
Burning...
Her entire body felt as if magma coursed within, her very heart a volcano. She wanted to scream, but the sensation left her stiff, unable to move. Her body was melting, her flesh erupting in flame...I’m dying, she cried. Suddenly, it began to ease, the magma turning to lava, flowing free of her flesh, absorbing the pain and cooling the raging volcano in its wake, while also removing all her senses.
“Grand Duchess Sasha Alutia, the TSB Earth Base self-destruct sequence has been activated. It would be wise to access an escape shuttle with all due haste,” an unemotional voice tingled in her ears, but she knew not what it meant, her mind muddled, like she'd just awoken from a decade long sleep.
Her senses began to return. A warm lump grew beneath her, forcing her up gently, then down, then up again, told her she could feel. The sound of splashing water as droplets fell rhythmically into a nearby pool, told her she could hear. Shadowy shapes, hued red, began clearing within the total darkness, telling her she could see. While a putrid aroma, mixed with a familiar, calming fragrance from that which lay beneath her, told her she could smell.
The burning sensation returned, worse than before. She screeched in pain, pulling herself into a ball, shaking uncontrollably as the magma filled her veins once more, assaulting her very soul. Then, like before, it left her. But this time, it cleared her mind.
Alutia Rising, Anniversary Edition (Alutia Rising Series, Book 1) Page 37
