Alutia Rising

by Craig Gerttula

  "This is the record of the Human Devolution Phenomenon, or HDP, witnessed during the fifth generation of the Uninterrupted Human Growth Project commissioned by Emperor Xaxis in the year 49,756 of the New Universal Empirical Human Alliance." Sasha froze when she heard the date, turning to Trent who was staring intently at the projected image, face full of wonder. She wasn't sure if he was more amazed at what was said or the technology of the display itself.

  "I am Captain Trelic and have taken responsibility for the studying and destruction of this phenomenon. It is my hope, that if HDP occurs in humans elsewhere, my research will be able to assist in its containment." Sasha glanced down, feeling a rising tension at the words being said. Trent suddenly grasped her hand, squeezing his reassurance, letting her know he was there for her...she hid a small smile. Her eyes shifted to her wrist, where Vin's sphere had again appeared, rippling and shifting colors at an incredible speed.

  "We located the Planet Earth in NHA year 49,858, and delivered our charges of uneducated humans to a safe location on the planet's surface. The Neo-Humans, as we called them, broke quickly into clan units controlled by the strongest males who were able to provide food and security in the virgin wilderness. This held true during the first three generations, while the Neo-Human population decreased, due to death by disease, injury, and starvation. Infant mortality rates were extremely high during this time, with less than a third of all infants reaching adulthood." Sasha gasped in horror at the thought, infant death by any cause being a thing of the past since well before the creation of the NHA

  "During the fourth and fifth generation a shift was seen. The female population grew in intelligence, suddenly inventing new methods of hunting, gathering, habitation, and the first use of primitive tools. Men soon adopted these methods, but the shift in power was completed and the Neo-Human society had become a matriarchy. Women were now responsible for choosing their own mates and unmated males were banished from the tribes, left to wander." Sasha smiled at this, glancing at Trent, who caught her smirk and turned his head away slightly. She would have to make sure to bring this part of his ancestry up whenever it suited her needs.

  "This was when the first reports of irregularities started appearing in the local environmental surveys. A deadly species that appeared to hunt Neo-Humans emerged. Whole tribes would vanish overnight and we could not decipher the location of the species responsible. Until, by chance, one of our researchers stumbled across a hidden cave.

  "Inside this cave were biological cocoons that contained an altered human genetic code. This baffled us, so we sent a second, larger research team, with a full array of analytical and research equipment, to comprehensively study this strange phenomenon. What occurred next is too gruesome to describe, but a record of the incident was saved." The man suddenly faded and a two-dimensional display took his place.

  The image showed the inside of a large cave lit with a single hovering sunsim light that simulated natural starlight. Researchers, wearing the same uniforms as Captain Trelic, could be seen intermingling with bizarre, greenish pods, working at portable research stations and taking samples. Suddenly, out of the corner of the image, one of the pods broke open, releasing a hideous human like creature. The beast was accompanied by a strange orange cloud that caused the researchers in the vicinity to collapse when it engulfed them. A researcher tried to run and the strange creature leapt 10 meters across the cave, landing on the researchers back. The sight caused Sasha to gasp, getting her first good look at the creature.

  It was grotesque, its abnormal head appearing almost identical to a regular human, but with an oversized, slavering mouth, with sticky saliva dripping down an elongated jaw. The arms were gangly, being twice the length of a human, with what appeared to be two joints, or double-elbows, one close to the shoulder and the other close to wrist. Sharp bones protruded from the sides of each arm, just below the lower wrist, curving around human like hands, to end in a sharp point. The legs were filled with tightly bound muscles that could be seen pulsing against the taught skin, their length twice the size of the creature's muscular torso. The skin itself had a greenish tint, almost glowing, but appeared to be similar in texture to normal humans. Then she saw the eyes...human eyes...showing human intelligence.

  The creature started using the razor sharp bones that curved around its hands to carefully dissect chunks of flesh from the dead researcher, then, to her rising horror, proceeded to eat them. She gagged at the sight, her stomach threatening to release, when Trent quickly stepped before her...she buried her face in his back.

  "I'll let you know when it's over." She quietly thanked him, but knew the gesture was too late...the sight would haunt her dreams.

  A minute passed and Trent stepped away and she slowly opened her eyes. All the researchers were either gone or passed out on the floor...the horrid creature....departed. Sasha found it odd that it had ignored most of the researchers who'd passed out from the orange cloud, but she assumed they were probably left to feed the other creatures when they hatched...an easy meal. The record started accelerating and to Sasha's rising shock and horror, the bodies on the floor became covered with a strange, gooey substance. It gradually grew, eventually forming into the same type of pod as the others that still lay unhatched within the cavern.

  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, pulling her even closer, his slight trembling matching hers. The creatures appeared to use human's as hosts and change them genetically...Sasha started shivering uncontrollably at the thought. The image faded and was replaced again by Captain Trelic.

  "Fortunately, one of the researchers was able to escape, 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 wasn't possible! She felt her grip slowly tightening within Trent's hand when her mind realized the repercussions if it were actually true.

  "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, not the altered intelligence 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. 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 transformed humans. The odds were astronomically low, but it had occurred, humans suddenly evolved in five generations...no...they devolved..." Captain Trelic went silent, appearing to fall into deep thought. Sasha began thinking of 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 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 and Sasha returned her attention to his projection.

  "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 f
ound 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 was staring, face frozen, at the image of Captain Trelic...Sasha wished she could read his mind.

  *********

  This was all a dream...it was the only logical explanation that Trent's mind could grasp. If what this holographic man said was true, then a group of his ancestors had evolved into monster like creatures. The thought defied all logic and he had the sudden sinking feeling that bones were going to start growing out of his wrists. He turned to Sasha as the image of Captain Trelic looked to fall into deep thought.

  "Pinch me." His words must have taken her off guard, since she jumped slightly.

  "Why?" The response he expected.

  "I need to know if this is all a dream." She immediately pinched him as hard as she could and he yelped in pain.

  "Not a dream?" Her voice contained a bit of dry humor...a very small bit.

  "Yes, but if this is not a dream..." He trailed off, unable to fully comprehend the ramifications...the entire thing well beyond anything he thought possible. Captain Trelic suddenly continued.

  "Over the next 10 years we hunted down every last one of the HDP infected humans. We lost many good men and women over that time, but it was worth it...this mutation must not be allowed to spread. But in case of this eventuality, we stored the last remaining pod in this cave and a copy of the research notes that will be sent back with the returning NHA Research Vessel ERF Newlois. The pod is fully matured, but is currently in cryoanimation and will not hatch. As I stated earlier, this was deemed necessary in case this type of devolution occurs elsewhere and a ready source of additional research subjects are not readily available." Captain Trelic paused again, appearing to enter something into a console before him.

  "All of our research notes are also included within this file. I hope my decision is the right one and this travesty of human life does not cause further grief to the universe." His face suddenly looked ancient, but relieved, a great weight removed from his shoulders, as the image faded. Sasha raised her bracelet closer to the flashing light on the workstation, causing its surface to suddenly be covered by many multi-colored lights, blinking in rapid succession. Vin sat hovering, like always, above Sasha's bracelet, rippling and rapidly shifting colors, similar to when they were attempting to access this lab.

  "Data download complete." Vin stated as Sasha raised the sphere towards her mouth.

  "What now, Vin?" Sasha's voice was calm, but Trent had a feeling it was forced.

  "There is an emergency access transport tube on the far side of the cavern." Trent stared at Sasha, then Vin.

  "There must be another way? You cannot expect us to walk through that cave?" Vin seemed to ripple slightly, considering Sasha's question.

  "You may return the way you came..." Trent sighed in relief as Sasha shoulders slumped, her grip tightening in his hand. "...but Sir Simwa's men have located the entrance and are currently proceeding down the tunnel towards this location." Trent's relief vanished as he released Sasha's hand and sprinted to the open door. He carefully peered around the edge and felt his heart sink. A group of Sir Simwa's green clad men were rushing down the tunnel....they would arrive in only a few minutes. Cursing under his breath he turned back to Sasha.

  "See if you can get Vin to lock the door!" he yelled.

  "He said the door will seal automatically when we leave!" she yelled back after a few seconds. Trent sighed...why did it always have to be so difficult, he thought...running back to Sasha.

  "Vin, where's the entrance to the cave?" he hurried his question, knowing they had little time.

  "On the floor in the far corner...." Trent grabbed Sasha's hand before Vin finished and led her towards the corner he assumed Vin was referring, finding a small square outline on the floor. He quickly fell to his knees and searched desperately for a handle, finding none. Annoyed, but not willing to give up, he started punching the sealed door in desperation.

  "Vin, how do you open this?" Sasha yelled at the sphere, letting her frustration boil to the surface.

  "Coding approval required, please stand by." Trent glared at the sphere, clenching his teeth at the fact that they even had to ask. Sasha raised her right hand, like she was preparing to slap the small sphere, then let out a small, weak sigh. Trent stood, dragging her up with him before embracing her with his entire body.

  "It's going to be alright." The look in her emerald green eyes told of her fear, but also sparkled with a glimmer of hope....a hope that he would save her.

  "I know....but I am still scared." Her weak response struck his heart. Trent leaned in and kissed her deeply, forcing his love through his lips, then ran back to the door, ignoring her concerned shout. He drew his laser arc, placing his back against the wall next to the door. Taking a few quick breaths, he peered quickly into the hallway, cursing while curling back into cover, exhaling slowly.

  The approaching men were now only 30 meters away, having slowed as they approached the laboratory door with laser arcs drawn. Knowing he had no other choice, he spun into the doorway and fired, jumping back to cover as they dove to the ground, firing back in trained unison. This scenario was becoming all too familiar, he thought as he fired again, and for better or worse, he hoped this was the last time it would occur.

  Return fire singed the air less then a meter away, filling the doorway while harmlessly striking the far wall. It continued nonstop, forcing Trent to push just his hand around the edge of the door to fire blind. He continued trading shots with the attackers, for what felt like an eternity, when Sasha's shout caused him to look her way.

  "Trent, the door-." She cut off suddenly and Trent followed her eyes to the pile of debris in the corner of the lab, closest to her. Two strange creatures, with furry, grayish round bodies and six legs, or arms...Trent couldn't tell...emerged from the ceiling high pile of debris. They slowly moved through the large pile, shifting between walking on two and four limbs, while the other two limbs seemed to shift, or morph, their shape.

  Before he could react, they made a strange chattering sound and rushed straight at Sasha, legs rotating in a continuous cartwheel at an incredible speed. Trent didn't even think as he turned, aiming at the space just in front of Sasha, who had started backing away, cringing in fear...and fired. The laser bolt missed Sasha by a meter, but caused the two furry balls with legs to screech loudly, chattering in his direction as they tumbled to a stop. Trent had started sprinting towards Sasha as soon as he fired, trying to steady his extended laser arc for a second shot, but the grey balls moved too fast, fleeing down the now open hatch in the floor. Trent slid to a stop next to Sasha and hugged her close, checking that she was indeed alright.

  "Schnan..ch..shc..Schnac'lasis." Her voice was jittery, her trembling too strong, Trent having trouble making out her words. She forced her breath too slow, trying to regain her composure.

  "Schnac'lasis......they are a race of the......ASU..." By the fearful tone of Sasha's voice, Trent knew this was bad...very bad. She grasped his cheeks, staring desperately into his eyes.

  "We have to stop them! If they capture a sample..." Trent understood. If they were enemies and were able to retrieve the HDP...the human race was doomed.

  He turned as he realized the room was silent, the sound of laser bolts filling the air having stopped...they had little time. He looked deep into Sasha's eyes ...suddenly fearful that he would lose this woman he loved so soon after finding her...he had to save her no matter the cost.

  "Fol
low me down and close the hatch behind you. Stay close and call out what you see!" he held her gaze for a moment longer, seeing fear, but also trust ....and love. He grabbed her waist, squeezing tightly.

  "Sasha, it will be alright, I'll protect you, no matter what....I love you!" He leaned in and kissed her passionately, pushing all his feelings...all his love...into his sign of affection. He pulled back, still staring into her eyes. The kiss was like nothing he'd ever experienced before in his life, it felt like she was drawing him in, telling him to linger, indulge in the woman he loved. But he reluctantly pulled away, still staring into her eyes.

  "Alright?" he breathed, holding her steady as she swayed, blushing, her earlier fear having vanished.

  "Yes..." Trent didn't wait, swinging through the hatch and grabbing the outer bars of the ladder in one motion, then slid quickly to the cave floor 20 meters below. He turned as he landed, rolling onto one knee, unable to see clearly in the dim red light.

  After a few moments, his eyes began to adjust. Pulsing red tubes crisscrossed the large, damp cave, while cone shaped stalagmites littered the stone ceiling and floor, surrounded by small puddles smelling of sulfur. He stood, covering his nose with one hand as he began to creep slowly away from the ladder. He thought he caught movement out of the corner of his eye, but when he aimed his laser arc, the spot was empty...his mind playing tricks. Sasha's sudden yelp caused him to turn in surprise. Apparently she'd tried to slide down the ladder as he did, but landed hard on her butt.

  "The door won't shut!" she whispered franticly, rubbing her aching bottom while pushing herself flush against his back. He held back a curse...he had to save her.