by Grant Fausey
"Funny you should ask," stated Creed. "According to the Alconica liaison, Trithen's new project will be one of great interest, especially to you."
"Oh," noted Clarion looking seriously at the holographic projection. "New projects always interest me, Senator. Especially ones from the Alconica sector."
"I thought you would appreciate the news. You should look me up when you get back, I'd be happier telling you all the details in person."
"I'll do that," Clarion admitted, "just as soon as I can."
The image of Creed vanished and Clarion turned toward the isle. What was that all about? He thought aloud. What news? What was he talking about? And why use a Valnonium to secure the transmission. This was all highly unusual.
Clarion stood and took a few steps to the front of the cabin, entering the observation lounge. Callen Sheers, a young boy in his early teens with short dark hair medium build and lifeless eyes, followed him up the isle. "Juniper," announced Clarion impatiently. "I need to make a transmission to the surface when we're in range of Athin. Would you set that up, please?" Juniper's image appeared in the center of the room, materializing waist high.
"From here in the lounge, Senator?"
"That would be fine."
"Senator," remarked the young lad from the entrance of the lounge. "Can I have a word with you?"
Clarion turned around, somewhat startled. He had no idea someone had walked up behind him. "With me," he answered putting on his glasses. Callen stepped out of the doorway and into the room taking another step forward.
"I've a private message for you, Sir, from Senator Creed on Trithen. I believe you just had a conversation with his counterpart on Athin."
"Counterpart?" Clarion glanced behind him to see where the Juniper attendant was. "I did?" Clarion was confused. "What are you talking about?" he asked bluntly. "I just had a conversation with John Creed. What the hell does a counterpart have to do with it?"
"Perhaps I should shed some light on the subject for you."
"That would be good considering I get this ridiculous call from Creed and now you!"
"Is there some place more secure?"
"What's wrong with were we are?"
"What I have to say must be kept in extreme confidence. Your life depends upon it!" Clarion reacted hard.
"My life! I think you'd better spill your guts, kid!" A holographic image of a DNA strands, a helix formed between them several meters above the floor.
"What the––" exclaimed Clarion.
"This is an example of the Industries Hyets project, Senator. Batched together under Hyem Kaa's principle of genetic manipulation." Clarion took a look at it from two sides, maneuvering around the image before the Helix faded back into thin air, vanishing. "The Hyets project, you say?" Callen nodded his head, agreeing.
"It coincides with the Industry growth project at barrier station OR567L."
"Barrier station?" answered Clarion in disbelief. "What the hell is a Barrier Station?"
"We're talking about genetic reconstruction of life in the universe by the Industries, Senator."
"I see that son, but what the hell does this have to do with you and me?"
"Everything Senator. The complex is in the Alconica sector. And they've achieved regeneration of the basic structure down to the subatomic systems. They've already set up a test station in the Eden sector; they're manipulating life itself."
Clarion looked shocked, stepped back, "you're talking about universal retrogression."
Callen nodded, whispering. "Yes Senator..." he said, calmly.
"Excuse me, Gentlemen," interrupted Juniper sticking her nose into the conversation. "We're beginning planetary conversion for reentry. We should be touching down on Athin in just a few minutes. Could you please return to your seats while the ship shifts densities for landing." Clarion stared at the holo–program in disbelief. She was asking him to return to his seat in the middle of this!
"I think not!"
"The starship is in shift conditions Senator and is becoming heavier. We're about to reentering normal space into the fourth dimension, and since we've been diverted from you're scheduled time of arrival, the captain asked me to inform you that we'll have to wait until landing is complete before sending your transmission. It should only be a delay of about thirty minutes."
"Fine," uttered Clarion taking a seat in the observation lounge.
"Prestige," announced Juniper, her image dissipating. "Passengers returning to forward seating, secure for density shift and landing. I'm returning to standby mode."
The starship rocketed through the atmosphere toward the capital city on Athin in a spectacular view; from his vantage point in the forward cabin Senator Clarion could see the elevated spaceports filled with heavy traffic. Several lines of flying vehicles rounded the main terminal buildings, clearing the way for the Prestige as the starship flew on a direct line for a beautiful set of floating complexes made up of six domes, each covered with a new fallen snow and the spectacular luster of glittering beauty.
Clarion watched the crowds entering the Senate chambers; it seemed to be a delegation of some sort entering the main buildings. He loved the city. Raime, thick with wonder and beauty, lush vegetation, tall evergreen trees, thick fields and snow covered icy rivers floating above the surface. It was an acquired taste though. The entire population of Athin lived in the sky, housed within great floating cities, which orbited the planet near ground level. The whole of Athin was a world of beauty and had been kept in perfect harmony with itself for over a million years of evolution and generations.
"Pardon me, Senator Clarion," announced the pilot's voice, cracking over the intercom. "We're arriving on Athin and if you would like I can begin your communication."
"No...." answered Clarion standing up again. "I think I'd rather have some answers."
"Our delay is only momentary, Senator. We're here at the request of another passenger."
"Another passenger?" questioned the Senator looking at Callen.
"Yes Senator, we're here at my request," said Callen, once again stepping out into the isle behind Clarion. The door to the cockpit swished open and the Senator stepped onto the flight deck as Callen followed him continuing his conversation.
"We're here to make a connection, Senator. One that is particular to your endeavors"
"You're a courier, aren't you?"
"Not exactly," answered the youth shaken by an explosion outside of the ship. "Actually, we're here to intercept several DNA samples that were being transferred to the Eden sector. They're being rerouted to us now. They're suppose to meet us here." The ship rocked again and Callen moved to the cabin door looking down at the controls. "There,” he said, “on the top of that roof. That would be our courier. Get us as close as you can, Captain. I'll make the retrieval from the air if I have too. Lower the ramp!"
"You're dissidents...." snarled Clarion, rushing the observation lounge door from the passenger compartment. Callen reached for the opening ramp at the rear of the ship.
"Switching to hover mode," announced the pilot. We're coming into land."
"We prefer to be called Achaeons, Senator," said Callen,
"We're all rebels at heart," said the Senator.
"Not all of us, Senator. But your loyalties are not unknown to us. You're as much a rebel as Creed, or Thompson."
"Thompson?" answered the Senator, watching the ship near the ground. "That's a big assumption."
"Not when the future of the universe depends upon it." Callen reached out. The courier looked identical to the youth standing in front of Clarion. His eyes widened when he realized he was looking at clones.
"Have to make it..." shouted the second Callen Sheers, leaping for the hovering ramp as it moved toward him.
"Tell the captain to hold it steady," shouted Callen from the ramp. "We've almost got him."
"He's you," rattled Clarion, from the boarding ramp. "How is that possible?"
"It's not, you're imagining it!"
&nbs
p; "Come on!" yelled the Callen in the ship, shouting down to the courier. "Jump for it!" Another explosion rocked the flying basket. The boarding ramp moved. Callen shifted positions laying down on the ramp with his arms extended over the edge. It was now or never. The roar of two chariots–styled hovercraft grew louder. The authorities were almost upon them.
Outside the ship, on the other side of the landing platform, barring down on the starship from above two identical hovercrafts rocketed toward the starship. "Halt your movements," screamed a mechanical voice over the craft's loudspeaker, "this is an unauthorized landing: Heave too and prepare to be boarded!"
"I'm not imagining anything!" shouted Clarion. He is you, look at him!"
"He's a courier, that's all!" yelled Callen stretching out as far as he possibly could. He had to reach the courier. "A little lower! I need to get a little lower!"
Callen stretched, his fingers following the trail down the courier’s hands, until he reached his wrist. Their fingers clasped tight around each other's wrists. "I have him!" howled Callen. "Let's go!"
The spaceship lifted into the air, exhaust ports overflowing with thrust. The starship turned skyward. "The package," hollered Callen, "give me the package!"
The courier dissolved from the feet up. His body returning to the material from which he was created. Another explosion rattled the ship and Callen slipped, nearly losing the package of DNA samples.
Clarion grabbed him by the feet, dragging him on to the safety of the ramp. The hatch jerked, lifting as it retracted. Callen's eyes widened. The courier liquefied, vanishing into thin air. It was as if the courier had never existed. Clarion was dumfounded; the entire operation was over in moments and the package was en route to the Eden Sector. The Prestige banked sharply, narrowly missing the top of the Senate buildings, as it's main engines burst to life, sending a shockwave across the surface of the dome that shattered each and every windowpane. "We're in unauthorized space..." clamored Clarion outraged by the incident. His voice echoed deep into the ship. "We've just violated an armload of local ordinances and probably a dozen interplanetary treaties! Besides that, we've just rattled every one of my colleagues in the Senate chamber. If they find out I'm aboard this scow ... POW! I'm history."
Senator Clarion Starr was right of course, he just didn't know how right.
–– 18 ––
JOLLAND'S TRUTH
The third dimension ... the third universe
Seven hours passed since the first rumble changed the world. A new mountain range appeared during the night and the cliffs lay at the bottom of the lake. The world was different, and that scared her. The subdued morning sun was just about to crest the newly formed mountain ranges, shedding its dim light across the top of the boulders, when Sara Jolland rolled over onto her back and opened her eyes. The fact that Callen was there to save her life worried her even more. The facts were hidden in a jaded truth. There was more to Callen than she wanted to admit. It seemed important at the present; she should try to keep herself busy, but she was injured, not bad for all the thrashing around she did in the water; a few cuts and bruises, but nothing major––she'd come through the ordeal well enough.
Callen moaned, letting out a sign. He was still alive. Sara poured a fist full of water over his forehead, allowing it to run across his nose and cheek. An eye opened and his lips quivered, attempting to form simple sounds.
"Hold on fellow," she whispered softly. His eyes opened wider, focusing on her face. Her hair was a complete mess, matted down from the water and dirt, like a child playing in a mud puddle. She was covered from head to toe in brown splash marks.
"Thanks," uttered Callen. "I think we're safe for the moment; the planet is adjusting."
"Adjusting to what?" she questioned, wondering if he even felt the whacks on the head. "You're delirious."
"Maybe you're right." He closed his eyes and opened them again. "Nope, you're still here, that counts for something. The planet is in axis tilt." Jolland leaned over him, dabbing the wound above his eyes with water on her hand.
"How do you that?"
"It's history I helped plan," he announced passively.
"You helped plan?" Callen didn't answer right away. His eyes were filled to the brim with tears that dripped down the side of his face. The view was fine, for someone covered with mud. The sunlight danced across her face making her eyes twinkle. He could feel the warmth in her face.
She pressed the edges of his knee, feeling the leg. The skin was broken around the knee and swollen, but she couldn't feel any real damage. "I don't think it’s broken, but we'll have to put a splint on it just in case; that's all I can do for it."
"That's fine–– thanks."
"You're welcome."
Jolland stood up and looked around for a small branch she could use for a splint. The ground was cluttered with everything except what she needed: A half dozen branches, but none of them suitable, so she pulled up a limb that felt strong enough. Snapped it in two, trying to strip off the twigs. When she was done, the ground was covered in leaves and needles––a real testimony to her ordeal.
“That should do it,” she said. The leg was finally immobilized, and she patted her hands together and laughed. "A perfect rendition."
"So what did you plan, my death?"
"Not exactly.” Callen mocked her, and she gave him a dirty look in return.
If I wanted you dead I could’ve left you to die in the blast."
"Oh right–– I forgot, you're my savior...."
"You're more valuable alive, Sara Jolland.
“So––"
“I came here to save your life. It's that simple."
"It's not that simple.” Jolland became very angry. "To save my life, you––what do you take me for––a fool?"
"No––" angled Callen with a moan. "It's a long story."
"I have time, talk! What are you hiding from me."
"You already know the reasons."
"Reasons, Callen Sheers–– Let me give you some reasons.”
“God! I wish my FATHER could help me out here! I’m sure he would have something so profound to say that...." Callen lowered his head.
"I know you do but he can't be, Jolland. He doesn't exist anymore. The universe you were a part of doesn't exist anymore."
“What do you mean he doesn't exist anymore?” Sara Jolland could feel herself go berserk. She was on the verge of becoming hysterical. “What the hell is going on? What are you talking about? I think I've had just about enough of your--"
"It's not me,” Callen interrupted. “It wasn't my decisions that changed the past. It was the Industries, Jolland. They've created a new race of human beings ... workers and slaves ... a new Source of Living Machines.
“Kellnar's behind it, along with a few members of the Senate: They've created some new kind of super being. Something we know little or nothing about!"
"Kellnar ... Trithen Kellnar?" uttered Jolland in disbelief.
"They've cloned him somehow; made him into an army. They've a thousand copies of him to rule the future and they're all connected through something called living light. It has something to do with the Nexus."
"The Netherlands Nexus?"
"Yes...."
"You're talking about the Source itself!"
"I don't even pretend to understand what this is all about.” Callen pulled himself up, gripping the branch of a fallen tree to steady his legs. “I just know that it was developed in secret. A process called regeneration or something. It alters the universe a moment at a time. They can change anything anywhere, and there’s no way to stop them. They want you erased, they just go back in time to before you were born and change something that eliminates you. It may take a dozen minutes, or a single moment. It doesn't matter. They have control."
"This is inconceivable! Who would do such a thing?”
“Not who…what!”
"Senator Clarion Starr with the help of one of Senator John Creeds”
“Doppelgang
ers?”
“Under Industry supervision of course; the project was formulated on something called OR567L and set into motion here in the continental city."
"Atlantis?"
"The beam drivers were to be a cover-up. They want to rewrite history before anyone found out about it. But to do that they needed to erase you."
“Me?” Sara Jolland looked at him confused. What he was saying made sense, yet didn't. "What do you mean they have to erase me?" She went wide–eyed. "What does all this have to do with me?"
"That's the mystery, Sara Jolland. We're not sure either. We don't know what secrets you hold. You're the mystery." Callen stopped and turned back to her. "When they realize they failed," he continued. "And that they didn’t change history, they’ll try again. You’ll die or simply cease to exist. Something went wrong and you didn't disappear. Which gives you a chance to finish whatever it is you’re here for…."
"I don't know why I'm here," she was even more confessed. "My father never told me why he sent me here!" The young woman made a horrible face. "This is ridiculous. This world used to be a ranch planet with a universal library of some sort. It wasn't meant to be some laboratory for experimental people!"
"A ranch for what?"
"For food ... herds of food."
"Food for what?"
"I don't know. But I can make a pretty good guess," she said. Callen suddenly had a gleam in his eye.
The youth thought for a moment then put up his hand up as gestured for her to be quite. Something wasn’t adding up. "Come on––" he said softly. "We need to get out of here."
"What is it?" The young woman said considering her options. She looked around, as if something was watching her, and she was becoming nervous, almost frightened. That same old feeling of imminent danger was going to show its ugly head again.
"Come on," screamed Callen, "this way–– hurry!"
