Echo Effect Complete Edition

by Robert D. Armstrong

  Keith lost his train of thought for a moment as sweat beaded on his forehead. “Okay, let me see. He still has a heartbeat so let’s get him outside!” Keith said as Garza and Lucas stepped in.

  “Stay back, Lucas, you’re already injured,” Garza said.

  “Fine.”

  Mia stepped over to assist as the three of them carried Michael to the porch. “He’s really not that heavy.” Garza’s eyes widened.

  “Not really, just over two-hundred pounds now. Ultra-lightweight materials. Let’s put him in the bed of your dad’s truck, Mia.”

  “Dad’s? It’s over in the barn?” she asked.

  “Yeah, pull it over here. Let’s sit Michael down here,” Keith panted as they rested his body against the porch column.

  “I know what he’s thinking. When we set off the artifact, the old truck won’t be affected. It has no computer systems or electronics. And you never know, we might need immediate transportation,” Lucas said.

  “Exactly,” Keith said as Mia backed up the old Chevy and parked it. She got out and dropped the tailgate as they hoisted him up, laying him in the bed.

  “How long?” Mia asked. Keith began to strip Michael’s coat off. “To charge him? Oh, maybe fifteen minutes, tops. His solar receivers are extremely sensitive, but he’s been wearing this coat, no wonder he’s low on power.”

  “Whoa, look at his back,” Mia said as Keith pulled off his coat. The garment was riddled with gravel-sized holes, and his back was seared with dings.

  “Looks like small arms fire,” Lucas said from the porch.

  “Yeah, they’ve been on the run,” Keith mumbled, observing the chinks in his light armor. “Dangerous. He’s not built for this much direct fire.”

  “Can you check his vitals to see if they’re improving out here?” Lucas said.

  “Yeah, I checked them earlier. His system doesn’t show any warnings. Could have just fainted like you said, or the low power,” Keith replied. Mia’s demeanor was similar to someone witnessing a natural disaster, a distant tornado perhaps. Her hand was over her mouth, and her eyes were peeled wide open, gazing at Michael.

  Lucas panned around, nodding. “Let’s transport him over to the artifact and get set up. I hate to come off as insensitive like this, but no time to waste.”

  “Right. Garza, you don’t have to go. You can stay up here in the house. I’m only going just in case they need me. From there, I can’t do much more,” Keith said.

  “Nah, I’ve already gone this far, might as well see it through,” she replied, hopping in the bed of the truck.

  “Garza,” Lucas said.

  “What?” she asked.

  Lucas stared at her intensely. “You don’t need to go. Doesn’t make any sense.”

  “I heard him fine, thanks,” she said.

  Mia got in the driver’s seat with Lucas riding shotgun. “Mia, no, where are you going?” Keith asked.

  “You go, I go,” she said.

  “Ah, stubborn as a mule, look, you can drop us off, but after that, you’re leaving.” Keith sighed.

  “Eh, why not let her go, if we fail, we’re all toast anyway,” Garza said. Keith stared a hole through Garza.

  “Mia. Look. I’ll stay back here with Michael. Go slow across the field, probably all kinds of ruts,” Keith said.

  “And I know them all. We’re lucky my brother has kept this old truck maintained,” Mia said, confidently shifting into four-wheel drive. They headed through an open gate behind the house. Just to the right of the gate was an old white oak tree. Its leaves had fallen for the winter. Lucas glared as they passed, admiring its thick, twisting branches. “Bet that thing was huge even when you were a little girl.” He pointed up.

  She snapped over at him. “Kinda hard to make conversation, considering,” she replied.

  Lucas glanced out of the window. “Yeah, it is, but we’re at the point of no return. We know what the plan is. No reason to stress over it. We just gotta do it now,” Lucas said.

  “Easy for you to say,” Mia said.

  “Is it?” he asked.

  “Well, I know who you are. I’ve watched the news. You were on those opinion panels as a news correspondent, the SEAL, the one with all the controversy. Seems like, to me, you’ve accepted death at some point.” She shrugged.

  Lucas chuckled. “That’s what you think? Hmm. What I’ve accepted, Mia, is that there’s worse than death. Far worse.”

  “And in your opinion, what’s that?”

  “Guilt. Living with the guilt that you made the wrong call.” He combed his beard with his fingers, staring a thousand miles away.

  “You think what we’re doing is the wrong call?” she asked.

  Lucas threw up his hand. “Shit, I have no idea. I’d like to think not, but you just never know. The scale of the implications is mind-boggling. I’m not really qualified for something like this, but who is? I’m in this position, just like yourself. You’re driving a farm truck on your dad’s ranch with the key to mankind’s survival sprawled out in the bed of your truck.” Lucas yanked his thumb behind him.

  “Please, don’t say that.”

  “It’s just the truth.” Lucas pulled back his hair. Mia glanced in the rearview mirror at Garza and Keith as their weight shifted around slightly. Keith stared at Michael, his face full of worry.

  “Did he lie to her?” Mia asked.

  “Who?” Lucas furrowed his eyebrows forward, turning toward Mia.

  “Michael. Did he lie to Vala, tell her the artifact wouldn’t hurt him?” she asked

  “Ah, I have no idea. Not sure why it matters now, not in the grand scheme of things,” he replied.

  “Oh, it matters. Believe me, it does. Me, I don’t mind someone doing the right thing, but don’t lie to me just to get me on board. Keith at least laid it all out for me, and did I like it? Hell no, but it was the truth, no blindsiding,” she said with a fiery touch to her voice.

  Lucas glanced out of the window. “Maybe he had to do whatever it took. We’re talking about the survival of our species.”

  “Well, it couldn’t have turned out much worse for him. She’s gone.” Mia cocked her head.

  “Oh, it can get worse.”

  “What, you think the artifact will kill him?” she asked.

  “Oh, not sure about that. Your husband knows better than me. Michael’s his project.”

  “You worked on it, though.”

  “Sort of. I supplied some of the parts,” he replied, staring out at the barn ahead. “That’s it?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Hmm. Your dad, he lived a pretty simple life, I guess. He probably wouldn’t know what to make of all this nonsense. Aliens? He would have laughed at a notion like that. I know my dad would’ve.”

  “My parents didn’t have time to think about that sort of thing, they were more worried about putting food on the table. He and my mom raised four children, myself included, so I’m not sure how simple that was.”

  “You say that like you were a handful.” Lucas grinned.

  “To say the least.”

  “Well, we can’t blame kids for being kids, can we?”

  “Guess not. But now that he’s gone, I wish I’d made his life a little easier.”

  Neither said a word for a few moments.

  “Well, part of the reason I bring it up, the simplicity of all this.” His finger whipped back and forth like a speedometer. “It was better then, in many ways. A lot better.”

  “In some ways, yeah, but there weren’t many creature comforts out here,” she said.

  “They can keep them. I’ve had experience in both worlds. The world I grew up in and the world now are two different places completely. Technology has extended itself beyond comfort now, much of it is dangerous and addictive. This Omega, it’ll change it even more. There’s no denying it anymore.” He pointed at the sky.

  “What do you mean? We’ve known about aliens for years.”

  “Yeah, but we could lie to ourselves yea
rs back when the ship crashed. No real proof of them. We didn’t know what they looked like or anything, but by now, there are thousands of hours of footage, from every camera angle possible of that creature, and this will alter the perception of where we stand as a species.”

  “I know this might sound like bullshit to you, but I think I have to put faith in God, Lucas. That’s why I’m doing this. I believe that we’re here for a reason.” She glared over at him.

  Lucas shrugged. “There’s nothing wrong with that. I don’t judge folks for it, but now all of us know there’s at least one species out there that’s thousands of years beyond us. Why? If we were created in God’s image, or whatever it is that you believe, why are we so low on the totem pole?”

  “Not for me to understand. It’s not even worth me questioning,” she said.

  “But it’s interesting food for thought. That’s my point. People’s perspectives will change even more now, it’ll open up a whole new dialog. Wouldn’t it be fascinating to know the secrets this thing knows? Or maybe not. Seems most of it was centered around warring.” His voice tapered off.

  Mia pulled up to the barn, throwing the truck into park. Behind the barn was an overgrown patch of brush near the forest. Most of the trees’ leaves had fallen, except the pines’.

  She glared over at Lucas. “I think I’m better off not knowing those things.”

  “No, you’re right. I think that the majority would agree and choose to live a simpler life. Like I said, it was easier in your father’s day,” he said.

  “I guess.” She shrugged.

  Lucas raised his eyebrows. “Let’s make your dad proud. I’m thinking he’d be happy knowing we saved the world on his farm and his daughter was right here in the mix.”

  Chapter Ten

  Garza dropped the tailgate as Michael began to stir. He was still groggy. “Where’s… where is Vala?” he asked as his eyes slowly illuminated.

  “She uh, needed some air, had to cool off,” Keith replied, glancing at Mia as Michael slowly sat up in the bed of the truck on his own.

  Vala was gone, and what was ahead was far too important to dwell in the past. Michael stared at Keith, confused, but Lucas interrupted any follow-up questions he might have.

  “Sergeant Michael Keller, inside these walls is a threat to people we swore to protect. The three of us, myself and Garza included, raised our hands to protect our citizens against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Do you remember that day?” Lucas stood tall, raising his voice.

  “Yes, sir!” Garza answered immediately. Michael nodded slowly in agreement, scooting himself toward the edge of the truck bed as his metallic hamstrings screeched against the aluminum bed.

  Keith and Garza each got under his arms as he stepped off the bed. He took his time stepping forward. Suddenly, the thick white snow clouds gave way to the sun, a ray of light beaming down on him. Everyone stopped, staring up.

  “Good timing,” Keith said.

  “That’s not chance,” Mia said with confidence.

  “I’m feeling better. I-I think I can walk,” Michael said.

  “Just watch your step,” Lucas said.

  Garza and Keith cautiously dipped from underneath his arms, stabilizing him with their hands. “You’re okay.” Keith glanced up at the sun. “You should get a quick charge from this.”

  Michael waited a minute, soaking up energy before hobbling into the structure. His speed and coordination increased with each step. Keith unlocked the side door as the group stepped into a storage room overlooking a large area for the cattle. Along the sides were troughs for the livestock, once filled with salt blocks or feed probably, all empty now.

  The floor was dirt, and the walls were old, dried-out planks of wood. To the left, an area had been cleared for the artifact. It leaned against the wall. “There it is.” Keith gestured. Michael walked next to it, staring at the silvery device.

  The artifact was only about two feet in height, maybe one foot in width by six inches in thickness. The upper portion was circular, and it extended out beyond the rest of the rectangle. The overall shape was similar to a small windmill. It had an unearthly silvery color and hieroglyphic-like designs that pulsed faintly. In the middle of the circle was a hole about the size of a fist.

  “So, all the killing is over this piece of metal?” Michael said, glancing back at Lucas, then Keith. “Doesn’t even look that special.”

  “Hell, that’s what the last several years have been about, killing people over pieces of Star Rust. But this one, I guess it takes the cake,” Lucas said.

  Keith stepped forward. “See that?” He pointed at the artifact.

  “I haven’t seen it pulse like that before,” Lucas said.

  “Michael, all you do is insert your right hand into that indentation in the middle, then a light will flash. When it does, turn it clockwise and pull. That simply emits the signal,” Keith said, staring at Michael.

  Lucas closed his eyes, biting his lip. “Keith, I hate to push this along, but people are dying by the moment.”

  “Right. Um, so when you turn it halfway clockwise, then be sure to press it back in. If you leave it out, this works as a paralysis to machines, namely, the Omega’s species. Not sure how they’re controlled from that point. My guess is the owners of this artifact can connect to this through some sort of uplink, maybe through their mind or some type of integrated operating system,” Keith explained.

  “Not that any of that matters,” Lucas said.

  “Well, no, it doesn’t.” Keith lowered his voice.

  “Okay. Simple enough, right hand, half-turn clockwise, then release,” Michael repeated.

  “Exactly,” Keith confirmed.

  “Alright, everyone out,” Lucas said as Michael took a knee in front of the artifact. The rest of the group funneled back outside the door. Lucas clapped Michael on the shoulder, turning away as Mia wiped her face full of streaming tears.

  “H-hunny, let’s go,” Mia chimed.

  “You heard `em,” Michael said. “Out, Keith.”

  “Nah, I need to be in here in case something goes wrong. I’ll be fine. I’m the only one capable of assisting—”

  Suddenly Michael sprung from the ground, grabbing Keith by the throat and pinning him against the wall. Michael snarled, flashing his fangs as his green eyes pulsated. “Leave! Do it! You said it emits a shock. You have zero protection, Keith!” Michael released him. “Get out!”

  Keith coughed. “Y-you’ll have to kill me, Michael. I’m not going anywhere,” he said.

  “What the hell is going on?” Lucas poked his head back in.

  “Stubborn. Is this a mule barn? I guess he feels right at home,” Michael replied.

  “Keith, you know the risk but you’re staying anyway?” Lucas posed. Mia ran up and peeked around him. “Why are you still in here?” she yelled.

  “I have to. Garza, get her away from the door. You guys, back up at least a couple hundred feet,” Keith said. Lucas shut the door, saluting them both before he did. Mia’s crying was muffled as the door closed.

  Michael turned his back on Keith, glaring over his shoulder. “Stay back as far as possible,” he said.

  “Oh, I plan on it,” Keith said.

  “I still say you’re stupid.”

  “Maybe.”

  Michael knelt in front of the device. He stared at the ceiling for a moment, then closed his eyes.

  “Here goes.” He shook his head as he stretched his arm toward the device. He stopped just before he touched it. Keith waited a few seconds. “Mike.”

  “I know, Keith. I…”

  “What can I do, friend?” Keith whispered.

  “Can you give Vala a message, just in case?” he asked.

  “Absolutely.”

  “Tell her, let her know, I witnessed the single greatest testament to humanity. What she did for me. Not only did she risk her life, she loved me unconditionally. Keith, despite what I am, never once did she make me feel different or less than I was
before. The contrary, in fact. She uplifted me. But my decision here is based around her strength. She always gets angry, at first, and I know, down the line, she’ll understand this was the right decision. Had I not known her, I might not have the strength for this moment.” Michael glared over his shoulder at Keith.

  Keith nodded slowly and confidently. “You bet. Least I can do.”

  Michael turned back, plunging his hand into the artifact with authority. Sparks emitted from the device, sending a jolt through his frame. “Ahhhhhhh!” he yelled. Michael’s body crumpled over lifelessly as his face smacked against the cold floor.

  Keith could hear footsteps trotting toward the door. It swung open. “Status?” Garza asked.

  Keith looked down at himself, then rushed over to Michael, turning him on his side. “His pulse is very low.” He sighed loudly.

  “Is there anything we can do?” she asked.

  “I don’t think so. His exoskeleton makes it difficult, and I don’t have access to the equipment I need anymore. It was lost at Solarsystems,” he said as Lucas limped into the doorway.

  “Well?” he asked.

  “Not good. Not good at all.” Keith shot him a grim glare. No one said a word for several seconds. Lucas turned his back, pulling at his hair.

  Mia peeked inside. “Keith’s alright, isn’t he? Please?”

  “Yeah, he’s good.” Garza sighed.

  “What about, Michael?” she asked.

  Keith buried his face in his hands, rubbing his face. He slowly touched Michael’s shoulder. “Hey, my friend. I don’t know if you can hear me, but I wanted to say a few words,” he whispered. “I never got to tell you how much you helped me by just being yourself. You and Vala both. The two of you sacrificed yourselves for each other. That made me a believer. It showed me that life’s worth living, even if you have to start all over again,” Keith said with his hand on Michael’s head. He stood, staring at him. “Thank you.”

  “The man understood the risk, and I knew we could count on him,” Lucas said.

  “Michael’s pulse is very low. Not sure what’ll happen, but I feel so helpless,” Keith said.