Strange Temple

by John Lilley

  ‘And if I don’t your plan for the new master race will be exposed. Your credibility will be shot. What the hell is going on here?’ said Derek.

  ‘Mate, I’m just another experiment. There are three of us in circulation. We’re the most autonomous creations yet. It’s all part of the learning curve and evolution we need to go through,’ croaked Arthur.

  ‘Derek, there really is nothing more to it than that. You knew that things were moving in that direction when you were last involved in the development process. Your son is on his way, he needs your help,’ said Mother.

  Derek looked down at his hands, the pistol in one and the link in his other. The fluid from David had pooled and was now oozing over his left shoe. When had Mother ever been wrong? When has she ever made a decision that had not been in the best interest of her people? Had he ever been in any doubt about the trustworthiness of Arthur? No, no they were all bad-tags. He raised his pistol and pointed it at Arthur’s face.

  Back on the beach, the crew running towards John had finally got the message and turned around in time to see the simulant raise its gun. Near to the tents, Bill could see him only too well, as he peered down the barrel of the simulant’s weapon. He just stared sternly eye-to-eye with the approaching figure while everyone nearby froze. Seconds went by while the simulant maintained its aim on Bill, but it did not shoot. Then it clicked the safety back on, lowered its weapon and snapped to attention, staring beyond the crew at some distant point in the landscape. The nearest of the crew rushed the immobile simulant but were stopped in their tracks when it spoke:

  ‘Please don’t be alarmed, we wish you no harm. My weapon has been deactivated. There will be no further attacks on your vessel or your party. We apologise for misunderstanding your intentions. On behalf of the British people, we welcome you and inform you that you are now under our protection. A patrol vessel will arrive in 17 hours’ time to escort you back to mainland Britain.’

  ‘If it’s all the same to you tin-boy,’ said Helm. ‘I think we’d feel a lot safer if you handed over that gun of yours.’

  ‘Only too happy to oblige sir,’ said the simulant as it held out the weapon in a straight-armed military gesture.

  ‘You’d better save my son,’ said Derek as he lowered his gun and began walking toward Julie and Trevor.

  ‘We will, we will,’ croaked Arthur. He pushed David’s body off his own. As he did so the noise and downwash from the dropship came through the tree canopy. Four large black figures in full combat gear dropped the 30 metres to the forest floor, only 10 metres from where Arthur lay.

  ‘What have you done now wonder-kind?’ asked Tarquin with a wide white-toothed grin.

  ‘Oh you know me, just bumbling about as usual,’ said Arthur. ‘The rest of this guy’s arm is over near the other one. Be careful to clean all the fluids away, we don’t want any contamination. Derek will keep the others away while you do your stuff. Have you got something to seal me up, I’m losing too much pressure?’

  ‘No problem, I’m sure there’s some gaffer-tape coming down on the stretcher. One thing though, before we pack you up - what’s it like?’ asked Tarquin.

  ‘What do you mean?’ said Arthur.

  ‘You know, not having her in your head all the time?’ said Tarquin.

  ‘I don’t know, I’ve always been this way. It’s certainly not a problem for me,’ said Arthur.

  ‘Perhaps we’ll all be like you one day?’ said Tarquin.

  ‘Oh, you mean short and pasty faced?’ said Arthur.

  They both laughed.

  Blackhawk and the rest of the crew had returned to the main group. Everyone had questions for the simulant, and he answered them all at great length. John had detailed information about Chief’s mission that he’d not divulged until now. No point in getting everyone worried about possible problems getting through the security. When he heard John mention Chief the simulant suggested that he and John went up the beach together to check that the drone was fully deactivated and safe. Once out of earshot the simulant seemed to John to take on a different persona; Mother had now taken full control.

  ‘So Mr Blackhawk, please tell me more about this Chief of yours, is he an artificial person?’

  By the time they’d returned from the dead drone Mother had all the information she required. The files from David and Eric tied in exactly with this latest information. There was no threat. A flotilla of patrol ships was now being modified for a rapid voyage across the Arctic Ocean, final destination Canada. The main changes were to accommodate a human crew. John had given detailed instructions of the course they must follow to ensure they reached the shore without harm. He’d handed over the shark’s tooth from his necklace, it contained all the details they needed within its organic memory structures.

  49 LIMPING BACK

  The crew had insisted that they would continue on Cloud Maker. The Patrol vessel which arrived would have struggled to accommodate them in any case, not being equipped for even a token human crew. The plan was to patch up the Cloud Maker and tow her back. They were all amazed at the abilities of the simulant. Before the second patrol vessel arrived, he made several trips out to his old ship to retrieve tools that the crew needed to start the patch-up job on Cloud Maker. All of the crew had returned to the ship, it was just too cold on the beach and what cooking and washing facilities that remained, were all on board. Everyone helped with the big clean up. Once the debris that could not be salvaged had been cleared the crew got to work cutting away the remains of the destroyed rotors. The simulant had also done good repair jobs on John’s ankle and Helm’s shoulder. They were both apprehensive about letting the simulant treat them. Helm had to be restrained when he saw the simulant unwrapping the scalpels from the medikit. Once the second patrol ship had arrived, there were four simulants to help with the job of re-floating the Cloud Maker off the beach and setting up the tow. Harry and John were the only people allowed on the patrol vessel. The refloating operation was attempted successfully at the next high tide. With Cloud Maker afloat the simulants identified a few small leaks which were promptly plugged. Despite pumping out the water Cloud Maker still had a list to port. After some debate, temporary ballast in the form of large rocks was winched on board using the new patrol vessel’s drone. John could not help feeling uneasy when the drone was flying across the decks, a reaction that had been drummed into him as a boy. Within two days the two ships were on their way back to Britain.

  50 ARRIVAL

  The Cloud Maker continued its voyage around the north of Ireland and down the Irish Sea into the magnificent natural harbour that was once the Cheshire plains. Britannia City was located where the old towns of Cannock, Rugeley and Stafford formed a triangle of high ground which was well above the new sea level. They were now basically following the old course of the river Weaver. With the tow ropes disconnected, the Cloud Maker manoeuvred itself through the deep-water navigation channel and into the sea lock to the central lagoon north of the city. Coastal patrol vessels were leading the way but seemed totally upstaged by the Cloud Maker and its tall sail-rotors. An armada of small boats was already in the lagoon waiting to escort the Cloud Maker into port. Everyone on the Cloud Maker was on deck and waving back at the people in the small boats.

  As they reached the end of the lagoon, they could see the tallest buildings of Britannia on the horizon. As their steady five knots pace drew them nearer; St Pauls, the Shard and the Gherkin all resolved in greater detail. Nearer to the city they passed the collection of ancient ships: Victory, Great Britain, Cutty Sark and the Belfast were there, all with their decks thronging with well-wishers. An enormous crowd had gathered on the quayside to see the alien vessel come alongside. Helm began to shut down the remaining rotors when they were within 400 meters from their target mooring and just manoeuvred on battery power. At 200 metres he switched off the main engines and used the thrusters for the remainder of the docking. He was pleased to be able to get the ship exactly parallel to the quayside. Port offic
ials were waiting to throw lines across onto the ship when it got near enough. Once these lines were secure, with all its forward motion now gone, the Cloud Maker slowly winched itself securely to the quay.

  The patrol vessels had already docked, and their crews of simulants had disembarked. The four simulants managing the Cloud Maker didn’t wait for the gangways to be lowered and jumped the five-metre gap straight onto the Cloud Maker’s deck. This sudden show of strength didn’t go unnoticed by John and the crew. The four lined up in standard navy fashion one arm’s length apart, stood to attention and snapped the classic British Navy salute: shortest way up (I’m not showing you my tar-covered hand).

  ‘Well, we made it,’ said Harry, lifting Jane into a long embrace.

  ‘Yes darling isn’t the whole thing so fantastic,’ she said as the tears of joy streamed down her face.

  Like everyone else on the Cloud Maker, the Four were all waiting eagerly to go ashore. Jake and Carlos were holding Gene so that he didn't fall, Bill was looking ashore pensively, his arm still in the sling. As soon as the gangway was in place, they were at the head of the queue.

  ‘Oh, you can't believe how good this feels,’ said Gene wincing with pain with every step.

  ‘Well yes I can,’ said Bill, ‘How are you feeling now buddy?’

  ‘I feel okay, but I would like to sit down and have a beer as soon as we get the chance.’

  ‘You’re not the only one buddy, I wonder if they even have beer?’ said Carlos with a grin.

  The crowd were cheering loudly but were standing politely at a distance. Then something behind them made them begin to part, and through the gap emerged a black transport vehicle, itself a great rarity, seldom seen on the streets of the city. The open-topped charabanc stopped a few metres from the newly disembarked passengers. Its doors opened, and Tarquin and Jeremy emerged.

  The Four were suddenly frozen in their tracks, intimidated by the two black giants. They’d all grown up with the old video footage of the military killer robot armies and the two currently before them, looked like well-dressed versions. Seeing their apprehension Tarquin and Jeremy bowed before them and extended their hands.

  ‘On behalf of the British people we welcome you,’ they said.

  Jake and Bill allowed their hands to be engulfed in the slightly warm flesh of the two simulants. Tarquin and Jeremy remained prone and continued the handshaking with flashing smiles. The crowd were cheering, there was not a dry eye amongst the travellers, but they were all smiling now, smiles and tears of sheer joy.

  Everyone in Britain knew that the Cloud Maker was arriving and virtually all view-screens in Britain were currently tuned-in to the scenes down at the harbour. In the previous few days, there had been extensive newscasts retelling the full story. Many people remembered the kidnap event and the explosion in Paris, but everyone was fascinated about the Natives and the prospect of making their world a lot bigger.

  Once everyone was on board the black transport vehicle, it set off back through the crowd and along the main harbour road towards the city centre. Their entire route was lined by cheering crowds; totally overwhelming for all of the travellers, just so many people. For the crowds, it was such an unusual thing to see moving through the city. All of the Americans were sat in the front two bench seats of the vehicle and remained completely silent while staring open-mouthed at the sites along the way. To the Four, it all seemed like a dream come true, a place with real people, real men, real women and real children; it was like a rebirth. Deep in the distant parts of their memories, they all remembered life when there were a lot of people around: Mums and Dads, brothers and sisters, aunties and uncles, grandparents and numerous friends. Their minds had all switched back to their last days back at the base. It was all proving too much for Gene who was convulsing with sobs. The continuing applause was a very humbling experience for all, such warmth, such humanity. Susan was sat near the back of the vehicle, her face held a puzzled look. She had just seen the Tower of London, and from somewhere deep inside, her memory of a family group stood in front of the tower was now playing back. She recognised the small girl at the front of the group, it was her, but who were those other people?

  The vehicle turned away from the quayside and through Admiralty Arch onto the Mall. Ahead of them, they could now see Buckingham Palace, and alongside it the Palace of Westminster.

  ‘Where are you taking us?’ inquired Harry.

  ‘We are going to the Palace where all of your parents are waiting. You will have some private time with them, and then Mother has requested an audience with you all,’ said Jeremy.

  ‘Well, nothing like going straight to the top,’ said Jake.

  ‘If I'd known, I would have got changed,’ said Carlos.

  ‘Oh, you'll do buddy,’ said Bill as they all laughed.

  All the Kids were now trying desperately to remember their parents and siblings, but sadly most of them could not, even the City looked strange to them. Their programming by Central had robbed them of all those distant memories, and they approached the Palace with great trepidation.

  The route down the Mall was packed with people, thousands on each side. As the vehicle approached the Palace, the large iron main gates opened and the vehicle went inside. It traversed the courtyard and went through one of the entrance arches into the inner courtyard and came to a halt. Its doors opened, and everyone piled out. Tarquin helped Gene down from the steps and into a wheelchair he had waiting. Gravel crunched under their feet as they looked around in amazement at the ancient architecture. The Four were all still in deep shock for this was the oldest building, they’d ever seen, it was like something out of the history books. Carlos was comparing it with his mansion back in his dome, and for an instance, he wondered what Juanita, Manuel and Mitzy would be doing.

  Jeremy led them to the main reception desk and in his booming voice announced: ‘Your attention please ladies and gentlemen; Mother would like to meet you all at an informal luncheon in approximately three hours’ time. If you would all like to check in at the desk, you'll be allocated one of the nearby rooms, where your families will be waiting for you. There will also be a change of clothes in the rooms and everything you need to freshen up. I think you'll find everything to your satisfaction and we’ll give you a reminder of the reception a few minutes before it’s due to start. Thank you for your patience, I believe the correct American phrase is: Have a nice day.’

  Somehow, Jeremy managed to say the last phrase in a broad Texan accent, much to the amusement of the Four, they smiled in unison.

  There was no need for Gene to approach the desk since Jeremy already had the details and pushed him in the wheelchair directly to his room. As they got to the room, Jeremy handed Gene the key and helped him out of the wheelchair. He then watched as Gene inserted the large brass key, unlocked the door and lent a hand to push aside the heavy door. Gene just stood and gasped as he stood at the entrance to the room which was furnished like an English Edwardian aristocrat’s bedroom. All the furniture was original gilded Chippendale from the heritage collection. The curtains adorning the windows looked like they would have weighed several hundred pounds and taken many years to make by hand, as indeed they had. Gene walked across to the bed and brushed his hand across the fabric of the counterpane. He’d never felt such soft and sumptuous silk, before. Back home, all his life he’d been used to the plain functionality of machine-designed simplicity. He wandered on further towards the door at the back of the room, which looked like it might be the bathroom. It was indeed a bathroom, but like nothing Gene had ever seen before or in fact ever imagined. The sanitary ware all appeared to be made out of solid marble, even the toilet base, and the taps were heavily gilded brass. A selection of thick, heavy white towels was waiting on the heated towel rail by the bath.

  ‘Central told us this was some kind of Socialist State?’ said Gene.

  Jeremy just smiled.

  ‘Well, I'm not complaining. If this is what Socialism is like, then count me. In
fact, I can't get enough of it,’ continued Gene.

  ‘Are you going to be OK now sir, shall I leave you?’ asked Jeremy.

  ‘I think so, but what about a change of clothes?’ said Gene.

  ‘I’m sure you’ll find something to your taste hanging in the wardrobes,’ said Jeremy.

  They retraced the steps back into the main bedroom, where the wardrobes revealed a comprehensive selection of comfortable clothes, all cut to Gene’s exact size.

  ‘Well I think that Mother has taken care of everything,’ said Gene, ‘I think I’m going to be OK buddy.’

  ‘Splendid sir, please call me by pulling the bell near the door. I shall leave you now, but please listen for the call to the luncheon,’ said Jeremy as he backed out of the room and closed the door.

  Wow, what a place, thought Gene, even better than Carlos’s. I’m going to have a good soak in that Royal bathtub, but first I think I’ll just have forty winks on that bed.

  His exhausted frame sank deeply into the memory-foam surface of the enormous bed. One hundred and sixty minutes later, he was awakened by a ringing sound. He turned towards the source of the noise. It appeared to be coming from a small device on the bedside table. Gene rolled over and examined the device closer. It took some time to figure out what it was but he finally realised it was a telephone, a very ornate one but a phone non-the-less. He picked up the handset and held it to his head.