by Adair Hart
He swallowed hard as the deallocation crept toward them. Watching football this afternoon was out. Now he had to deal with an awakening that he knew very little about. Half the stuff Levaran said to him sounded like gibberish. He shook his head.
When the deallocation was ten feet away, everyone closed their eyes.
The noise was irritating his ears, but after a moment, everything went quiet. He flailed around as the sensation of falling swept over him. Opening his eyes, he saw darkness, and a small light in the distance. The light grew exponentially until it was all around him. Pain shot up and down his body as he tried to breathe. His vision was blurred and his throat dry. Trying to cough did not help things.
A prickling sensation swarmed around his heart region. He tried to put his hand over his chest, but his arms were not responding.
The familiar sound of Levaran echoed out. “Give your body a moment to adjust.”
Although fear had been his first reaction, Levaran’s voice calmed him down. The sound of Dr. Snowden’s voice in the background excited him. Maybe Levaran was telling the truth. He could feel his senses returning at a rapid pace. It was time to find some answers.
Emily had watched the split-screen interaction in both virtual simulations. Although they were sped up due to the time-dilation effects, she was able to follow them. Dr. Bryson was similar to the man she knew in her universe. Apparently in this universe, he and Dr. Snowden were also close friends. It seemed Dr. Bryson had accepted Dr. Snowden’s word at face value. It probably helped that they had a theoretical discussion like this in the past.
Watching her dad and mom had been rough. She now knew that she had never been born in this universe, so they would have no idea who she was unless told. They were not her parents, but being duplicates of them tore at her emotions. Although it had only been a little over one minute from her perspective, it was about twenty in the virtual simulation.
She shot Evaran a look. “That was quick.”
“It was,” he said. “Levaran used a different approach than me, but now, with everyone awakening, we will need to bring them all to the same level of understanding.” He eyed her. “Are you ready for this?”
She swallowed hard. “As ready as I’ll ever be, I guess.”
He smiled. “Let us do this?”
She shook her head as she swatted Evaran’s arm. “Let’s.”
Levaran and Dr. Snowden had disconnected from the virtual simulation and joined them at a spot in front of the slabs.
“I kinda like that administrative console,” said Dr. Snowden.
Levaran waved her thumb between herself and Evaran. “We figured you would.”
“That teleport aspect was pretty nifty. And the control … I guess I could replicate that in the holo room, but it feels different with a real person in there not knowing.”
Emily bumped Dr. Snowden. “Don’t let it go to your head.” Her attention focused on Dan, Sarah, and Dr. Bryson propping themselves up on the slabs. “Looks like they’re about to become fully aware.”
Evaran nodded. “This time everyone was guided.” He gestured at Levaran. “I think it is best for Levaran to be the spokesperson until they are dressed.”
“No problem,” said Emily, eying her parallel-universe parents. Dan’s personality in the virtual simulation was every bit the father she knew. Sarah much less so, but she did not have much to go on. She sighed as she latched on to the left arm of a startled Dr. Snowden. Although she was trying to put up a brave front, the emotions swirling around inside her were fighting for control.
After a moment, Levaran gestured outward to the others. “Please, come forward.”
Sarah gripped Dan’s arm as he inched his way forward.
Dr. Bryson swung his head around in confusion, then focused on Dr. Snowden.
When Dan passed Dr. Bryson, he paused. “James?”
Dr. Bryson shook his head. “Looks like I’m in the same boat as you.”
“I guess we’re about to find out what the hell is going on.”
Dr. Bryson nodded and followed Dan and Sarah up to the first slab. They stood just in front of it.
Emily and Sarah locked eyes. It was easy for Emily to see where she got her looks. She could see a hint of recognition in Sarah’s eyes. When she checked Dan, she saw the same hint. It was their intense focus on Dr. Snowden that did not surprise her. They would have known him, regardless of her status.
Levaran raised her hand and positioned it palm down in front of her. “When I have my hand here, breathe in. When I lower it, breathe out. It will only take a few minutes.”
After Levaran raised and lowered her hand several times, she said, “You should all be feeling a bit more relaxed.”
Dr. Bryson exhaled from his mouth. “Yeah. I am, at least. Feel like someone tossed me in a washing machine.”
Emily chuckled. Dr. Bryson had the same humor she had known growing up.
Dr. Bryson half smiled as his eyes searched Emily over for a moment. “I think I know who you are.”
Levaran raised a finger. “I’ll explain that. First things first. I have covered some of this already with Dan and Sarah, but I want to make sure we are all on the same level of understanding. You’re here because you were abducted by an alien race known as the Krotovore. You’ve been here three weeks inside a virtual simulation. Nanobots were placed inside you to help maintain your bodies during this time. The ship we’re on jumped through a space-time rift and is now badly damaged in the Andromeda galaxy, one year into the future. Do you all understand this?”
Dr. Bryson nodded. “Albert covered it with me, but I have to say, it sounds outlandish. However … it’s hard to argue with reality slapping you in the face.”
Dan exhaled from his nose. “So this is the real world you spoke of.”
Levaran nodded.
“And these … nanobots. What are they exactly?”
“They are nanometer-sized machines that will maintain your body,” said Levaran. “They do have some side effects such as increased strength, speed, the ability to comprehend things faster, the ability to breathe in harsher environments, and … other aspects. Your well-being is their goal, and you have nothing to fear from them.”
Sarah wrinkled her eyebrows as she ran a hand over her arm. “That’s … kinda creepy. So do we know who or what these Krotovore are like?”
Levaran interacted with her ARI.
V walked into the room.
Dr. Bryson and the others jumped back. He exhaled sharply. “Holy moly! Is that … an android?”
V gazed at Dr. Bryson. “I am a variable utility artificial intelligence. My shortened name is V. I have two modes, orb and body. I am currently in body mode.”
“Absolutely fascinating,” said Dr. Bryson, running a hand across his mouth.
“You’re adapting pretty quick to this,” said Dan.
“I … might dabble in science fiction a bit,” said Dr. Bryson with a grin.
Levaran gestured at V. “Display the Krotovore species.”
“Acknowledged,” said V. He shot a holographic display of a three-foot-tall creature from the top of his head. It had six eyes on a bulbous head; two were larger than the four surrounding them. Where a mouth would be, a short proboscis protruded. Small antennae extended from the head, which had little bumpy ridges around the top. The kidney-shaped body was covered in short hairs, and the back had segmented armor plates. Four legs supported the body while two arms on each side of the body hung to the side. Each arm had a hand section with three slim fingers, one of which was opposable.
Dan peered at the projection, and after a moment, he said, “That is one ugly alien.”
Sarah shook her head. “Reminds me of a large flea, kinda.”
Emily smiled. “Did to me too.”
Sarah half smiled at Emily.
Dan put a hand over his mouth for a moment, then pointed at Dr. Snowden. “I’m very curious to hear how Albert is here. I buried him five years ago.”
Leva
ran nodded. “This will sound strange.” She waved a hand between Evaran, Dr. Snowden, Emily, and V. “They are from a parallel universe. In their universe,” she said, pointing at Evaran, “he rescued them from the Krotovore. He is that parallel universe’s version of me.”
Dr. Bryson waved a finger. “And in this one, since Albert is dead, we were chosen.” He gestured at Emily. “I’m going to guess that is Dan and Sarah’s kid.”
Emily felt a wave of emotion sweep over her.
Levaran nodded. “You are correct. I can see why you and Dr. Snowden were friends. In their universe,” she said, motioning at Sarah, “she died giving birth to Emily.” She pointed at Dan. “You died in her sophomore year of college. Dr. Snowden took her in so she could finish college.”
Emily’s eyes watered as she saw the realization sweep over Dan and Sarah. They were staring at her with intent, and it was becoming increasingly hard for her to maintain control.
Dan choked up a bit as he dipped his head toward Emily. “Not sure I fully understand what a parallel universe is, but guessing it’s some sort of duplicate, and … that’s our parallel-universe little girl?”
“Yes,” said Levaran.
Emily smiled as she wiped her eyes.
Dan smiled at Sarah. “She has your looks.”
“Yeah, but she has your defiance,” said Dr. Snowden.
Dan swallowed hard. “This is … unexpected.”
Emily wanted to hug them, but figured it might be odd.
Levaran cleared her throat. “Before we continue, why don’t you three get your clothes on.” She tapped a panel on the bottom of the nearest slab. “Your clothes are in the lower panel on your slabs, and there are changing rooms in the back. Once you’re finished, you can talk among yourselves. Evaran and I have some things to go over.”
Dan nodded. “Right. Sure. No problem.” He turned and tapped Sarah’s arms. “C’mon.”
Dr. Bryson examined his robe and chuckled. “White robes with dots. How original.” He smiled at Dr. Snowden. “I think I’m going to enjoy hearing more about all of this.”
Dr. Snowden chuckled. “I knew you would, and for the record, I was right about the parallel-universe argument we had at that convention in St. Louis.”
Dr. Bryson eyed Dr. Snowden for a moment. “You were, as hard as that is to admit. Ahh, well. At least I hope they abducted me in decent clothes.”
Emily chuckled.
Dr. Bryson half smiled at Emily and then went to his slab.
Once they were all in the changing rooms, Dr. Snowden said, “Well, that didn’t go too bad.”
“Yeah. It’s a bit easier when you don’t have two people going crazy,” said Emily. She sighed. “This … version of Dad is dead-on.”
Dr. Snowden nodded. “He definitely is. So is James. Sarah is too, but she is a bit older. I guess we’ll get to know them.”
Emily nodded. She studied the others when they came back from the changing rooms. Dan had on work boots, jeans, and a green flannel. Sarah wore jeans and a large shirt. Dr. Bryson was wearing sneakers with jeans and a short-sleeve patterned shirt. The clothes fit the image she had in her head.
Dr. Bryson stretched his neck. “Well, at least the clothing situation worked out.”
Dan tugged on his flannel. “Feels a little lighter than I remember.”
“You’re probably just realizing the increased strength from the nanobots,” said Dr. Snowden.
Dan exhaled as his eyes misted. He swallowed hard. “Sorry … I … I just wasn’t expecting you.”
“Take your time,” said Dr. Snowden.
Dan wiped his eyes as he bobbed his head. “Right. About these nanobots … what if we don’t want them in us?”
“Evaran can take them out, well, I mean, our Evaran,” said Emily. “I wasn’t sure if I wanted them in either, but now … I couldn’t do without them.”
Dan nodded as he approached Emily. “So … in this … other universe, me and Sarah are dead, and you and Albert are still alive, is that right?”
Emily’s throat constricted as she nodded.
Sarah peered at Emily. “You’re beautiful.”
“Thanks,” said Emily in a soft voice.
Sarah moved her hand close to Emily’s face. “May I …”
Emily nodded.
Sarah touched Emily’s hair, then ran a hand along her face.
A tear dropped onto Emily’s cheek as she leaned her head into Sarah’s hand.
“Oh, I didn’t mean to make you sad,” said Sarah. She opened her arms, and Emily hugged her. “You may not be our daughter here, but somewhere, you are.”
Dan sniffled as he placed both arms around Emily and Sarah.
Dr. Bryson raised an eyebrow at Dr. Snowden. “If you think you’re getting hugs out of me, forget it.”
Dr. Snowden chuckled as he wiped his eyes. He joined the others in hugging.
After a moment, V tilted his head. “Is this an open hugging session?”
Emily laughed as she stepped back. She went over and hugged V. “How’s that?”
V’s lights brightened.
Levaran and Evaran joined the group.
Evaran raised a finger. “I do not mean to break up this discussion, but it appears we have visitors.”
Dr. Snowden swallowed hard. He had an idea of who it would be, and with a sigh, he said, “Let me guess … Jerzan?”
Evaran drew his lips flat as he pointed at the large screen on the wall. After interacting with his ARI, the screen showed docking bay 3. Jerzan’s ship stood prominently inside. Evaran pointed at it as Jerzan and his crew disembarked and headed over to investigate Tolkus Gare’s ship. “You are correct. That is Jerzan and the Bloodbore mercenary group.”
Dr. Snowden recalled that during their abduction, he saw Jerzan’s arrival when they were at the bridge. Seeing Jerzan now was not surprising, given that the Krotovore ship had been delayed in coming through. “Great. I was going to suggest we split up and get Dan and the others to the Torvatta, but I guess not now.”
Evaran raised a finger. “It would be too dangerous. We are going to head to the bridge as we had initially planned, then the engine room, then to the Torvatta.”
Dan chuckled.
Dr. Snowden shot a look at Dan.
Dan shook a hand out. “You’re a carbon copy of the Albert I know. If there’s something crazy going on, you’re right in the thick of it.”
Evaran nodded. “An apt description.”
Dr. Snowden jerked his head back. “What …”
“I take it this Jerzan guy is bad news,” said Dan.
Evaran drew his lips flat. “Jerzan is a ruthless mercenary, and so are the Bloodbores. If they were to capture us, we would go to the slave markets.”
“Oh,” said Dan, moving his head back.
“Levaran and V will take point. Dan, Sarah, and Dr. Bryson will be in the middle, with Dr. Snowden and Emily on either side. I will take the rear while Edev scouts out front,” said Evaran.
Dr. Bryson narrowed his eyes. “Edev?”
“You have not met her yet,” said Evaran. “She is like V, except in orb mode.”
“Oh,” said Dr. Bryson. He waved a finger between Evaran and Levaran. “You never told us what you two are …”
Dan and Sarah perked up.
“We are … complicated,” said Evaran with a small smile.
“You’re aliens, right?” asked Dr. Bryson.
“Something like that,” said Evaran.
Dr. Bryson raised an eyebrow at Dr. Snowden.
“They’re … different,” said Dr. Snowden.
Dr. Bryson snorted.
Evaran waved forward. “Come, we should go.”
They exited the room and headed toward the bridge.
Memories of the large silo-like room, the elevators that resembled columns, and the dim light and mist ran through Dr. Snowden’s mind. He could tell Dan was trying hard to keep it together. The constant looking around and Sarah clasping his arm showed they we
re in distress, but Dan would never admit it. It just was not his way.
As they headed to the elevator that would take them up to floor that the bridge was on, Edev flew in and scanned Dan and the others. “Hello, I’m Edev!”
Dr. Bryson moved his head around as he examined Edev. “Well … hello back.”
Dan and Sarah nodded at Edev.
“You’re in safe hands,” said Edev.
“I hope so,” said Dr. Bryson. He squinted as he studied Edev. “So you’re like V, just in orb mode?”
“I am,” said Edev. “V is much older than me, though.”
“Analysis. Edev is one day old,” said V.
Dr. Bryson jerked his head back. “Oh, wow. Okay.”
Dr. Snowden chuckled. He figured Dr. Bryson and the others would get along well with Edev on their adventures, assuming they agreed to travel with Levaran. His suspicion was that Dr. Bryson and Edev would form a close bond, similar to Emily and V.
As they exited the elevator on level 555, from level 546, Dan shook his head. “This is a pretty big ship.”
Dr. Snowden nodded. “You should see it from the outside.”
Sarah gulped. “It’s kinda eerie.”
Emily nodded. “That sensation, regardless if you’ve been here before, never goes away.”
A shrieking sound in the distance caused a wide-eyed Sarah to jump.
“You’ll get used to that,” said Emily.
Sarah closed her eyes for a moment as she nodded.
Dr. Bryson adjusted his glasses. He tapped Dr. Snowden’s arm with one hand and pointed at the segmented arch they were approaching with the other. “So in your universe, while I was teaching class, you were on an alien starship and getting to study things like that?”
“I hadn’t quite … believed … we were on a ship at that point,” said Dr. Snowden.
“Oh,” said Dr. Bryson. “What changed your mind?”
Dr. Snowden furrowed his eyebrows. “Draug. Insect-like hive-minded creatures. They swarmed the large room we’re about to enter.”
Dr. Bryson’s eyes widened.
“Don’t worry. If they come, they’re gonna be in for a surprise,” said Dr. Snowden with a chuckle.
As everyone reached the arch, Dan walked up to one of the segments and studied it. “Huh. I … can read this … somehow.”
