Prometheus, A New Dawn

by Nicole MacDonald

  The sterile smell struck first, then a coldness though she couldn’t say if it were actually colder or just the illusion from being encased in steel. Eoin pressed close behind her as they peered into the space. Taking the ten steps down into the surprisingly large rounded space, Ally held a hand up, signaling for Eoin to stop. Before her she could see a ledge like table that jutted out from the side of the space, following the curve around. Beneath the staircase was an open doorway. Ally stayed still for a moment, ears almost ringing with the effort to hear even the slightest noise. There was a soft hum running through everything, and she assumed it must be the power source, but where did it come from? Her walk along the tunnel had revealed potential hidden panels, if her eyes didn’t deceive her, as well as an odd entrance or exit some way down, a circular door like what Eoin had speculated for the tunnel end they had entered through, half jammed open and heavily overgrown from the outside; she’d only just been able to glimpse sunlight through it. Nothing that she’d seen anywhere had revealed a power source, or even cables for a power source, suggesting it had all been well hidden when this place was built.

  ‘Ally?’

  ‘Give me a moment, there’s a room out here I want to check.’ Ignoring the hum for the moment, Ally stepped through the doorway beneath the stairs. Instantly the space lit up. Ally stared in astonishment. The doorway led to a tiny hallway, with two more doorways. From where she stood Ally could see straight into what appeared to be sleeping accommodation. A bed set against the wall sat perched on a platform that seemed layered. Ally squinted at it and cautiously moved closer peering into the room then gasped.

  The wall opposite the bed showed the jungle! From edge to edge.

  ‘What?’ Eoin’s voice from right behind made Ally jolt but she was too distracted to be annoyed.

  ‘Look!’

  ‘Oh wow!’ Eoin didn’t hesitate to squeeze past her. He admired the image for a brief second before the bed had his attention. Ally watched in wonder as he swiftly made sense of how it all worked. She stayed still in the doorway as he slid the bed back then swung it up. With a soft click the bed slotted into place and a wall slid over it. The layered platform slid too, the top section moving back half the width of the bottom. With several deft presses here and there, Eoin had the platform opening up to reveal what must be a kitchen hidden within, though it all looked foreign to Ally. In the platform below, storage spaces yielded numerous sealed containers.

  ‘What are those?’ Ally asked as she entered the room, squatting beside him to lift one of the containers.

  It wasn’t made of steel, and it didn’t seem like the plastic containers they’d come across before. It sealed tight on its contents, taking a rough outline of it.

  Eoin turned the container he had in his hands over and over, while casting furtive glances at a device in the kitchen area.

  ‘I think,’ he said as he stood, speculatively eyeing the rounded pot on the kitchen area. ‘I think this might be food. And I think that might cook it.’

  Ally couldn’t stop her eyebrows shooting up in disbelief as she stared at the silver pot-like device that had no obvious opening. Eoin didn’t hesitate, moving like he always did with objects she considered unidentifiable and therefore dangerous. He deliberately placed his palm on the top of the rounded silver pot. A hum seemed to vibrate through Eoin’s hand. The top of the silver pot lifted, revealing an opening. Eoin promptly set the knobbly shaped container of suspected food into the silver pot.

  The lid clamped shut.

  They exchanged a glance, hers concerned, his excited.

  A rapid ticking sound caused Ally to leap to her feet, a hand on Eoin’s arm about to wrench him bodily from the room when a clear sharp ‘ding’ rang out.

  The lid opened, and Ally jerked back, half dragging Eoin.

  ‘Calm down, Ally! Look!’

  From the open lid steam rose, along with the scent of rich spices, and meat.

  Ally stared in bewilderment at the pot while Eoin shook off her hold and moved into the kitchen space, selecting a plate and utensils before peering into the pot. He gave a chuckle of delight and carefully reached in.

  Gone was the misshapen container he’d set into the device, in its place a wide open platter covered with food. Ally gaped at it, mouth working as Eoin spooned it onto the plate.

  Finally she found her voice. ‘You’re not going to eat that?’

  Eoin’s eyes jerked up from admiring the steaming plate to stare at her with bewilderment, that open confused expression causing a sudden flare of anger.

  ‘Don’t be ridiculous!’ Ally half shouted. ‘If this is before Q.E then that is over five thousand years old! You cannot eat it!’

  Eoin’s confusion melted away to amusement, the half arched eyebrow patronizing Ally. ‘You’re not worried about me poisoning myself?’

  Proper fury at his calm, teasing question forced an override in her system and she blacked out, vision narrowing to pin pricks of muffled light, her legs buckling, and her hearing blurring out until nothing registered in her mind.

  Eoin set the plate down and stepped over to his wife’s prone body, quickly arranging her on her side, outer leg sprawled across the lower, arms the same, then stepped back to his plate. Having a seat on the platform beneath the kitchen space, he kept an eye on Ally but didn’t panic. She knew not to let her emotions to overwhelm her. Hunters weren’t allowed to feel intense anger, it promptly triggered an override response to the nano-virus that momentarily shut down their system, killing the fury.

  The best hunter was always calm.

  She also knew the chances of a Promethean managing to poison themselves were slim to none. The nano-virus was sensitive to compounds that could do potential damage.

  Ally breathed easily enough and knowing she’d open her eyes in a moment Eoin hurriedly scooped a fork full of the steaming food and popped it in his mouth.

  Ally’s eyes flicked open as Eoin’s eyes began to stream.

  ‘Eoin!’

  He waved his hand at her as the intense mix of spices and the unexpected heat rose up the back of his throat. She perched beside him, clutching his arm, her eyes wide with fear.

  Forcing the mouthful down, noting as he did the creamy rich touch of meat, Eoin gasped a breath and patted her hand.

  ‘I’m okay. I’m okay. Are you alright?’

  ‘I’m fine,’ she assured him. ‘What’s wrong, did it burn? Is it okay?’

  ‘It’s good! Really! It tastes like it was made fresh now!’

  Ally’s skeptical expression said it all.

  ‘Go on, try it.’

  It took some persuading and then a dubious and tiny taste test before Ally’s eyes went wide in astonishment. She took a larger mouthful and slowly chewed it, visibly rolling the food across her tongue before swallowing.

  ‘That’s insane,’ she finally said. ‘How does it taste so fresh?’

  Eoin grinned and stood to split the food onto another plate then handed it to Ally along with another fork.

  ‘I don’t know. I’d need to see how it’s sealed in those containers, and what they’re made of.’

  ‘Though, given that the tunnel is open and only relied on that mesh stuff to seal out, the metal of the space is in incredible condition,’ Ally said between mouthfuls, all apprehension toward the food gone. ‘And I can hear that hum of something working away all the way down the end of the tunnel. I wonder if there are pumps and things to keep the space dry.’

  Eoin considered that as he set his now empty plate aside. ‘Even the air is dry compared to the jungle. And it is so low, there must be the risk of flooding.’

  Ally mumbled through a mouthful. ‘No sign of flooding anywhere.’

  Eoin nodded, mind considering all the options while Ally finished her plate. Standing, they explored the rest of the room side by side, discovering clever cupboards tucked away behind panels, some empty, others containing white clothing, long pants and shapeless over tops that tied at the waist. Ally regarde
d them with a derisive sniff, wrinkling her nose.

  The next room revealed itself to be a bathroom, with a floor that sloped to the center drain. A press made a small sink pop out from the wall and a discreet toilet too. Fascinated, Eoin tested the tap, delighted to find water.

  ‘The legs,’ he said to Ally excitedly. ‘They must disguise all manner of pipes.’

  Ally nodded but he could see she already edged toward the main room. With a grin to her he motioned her ahead as they walked back into it, the area excessively spacious in comparison to the sleeping quarters and bathroom.

  Ally stopped a couple of feet into the room and slowly studied the space. The jutting out shelf-like table that ringed the outer walls left an overly wide space through the middle of the room. She knew something must occupy that space. Beside her Eoin muttered under his breath studying the area too; it caused a twinge of competitiveness and Ally moved further into the room. The smooth floor had the slightest variation in the very center of the room. She heard Eoin moving closer and quickly stooped, reaching for that tiny bump.

  The moment her hand came within an inch of that spot a loud hum and sudden vibration made them both recoil in shock.

  ‘Greetings Prometheans. Welcome to the Seventh Promethean Laboratory. My name is Holi, I am your laboratory guardian.’

  Ally gaped at the woman standing before them, eyes and mind disbelieving.

  The slightest flicker in light made Ally spot the dot on the ceiling, identical to the one on the floor. Both dots emitted the light source that somehow produced the human woman they saw before them.

  ‘Holi,’ Eoin’s voice sounded strained. ‘What are you?’

  ‘I am your laboratory guardian. A fully interactive AI projection. I am responsible for protecting this laboratory and assisting scientists in their work.’

  Ally and Eoin exchanged a blank stare of shock. Holi continued.

  ‘Protocol demands must be met. Do you have any injured humans in your party? If so please bring them in immediately so I can see to their injuries.’

  ‘No,’ Eoin began. Holi interrupted him.

  ‘Please ask your commanding human to enter the laboratory so I may talk with them.’

  Ally arched an eyebrow at Eoin, her lips pressing smaller as Holi continued, demanding to meet their humans.

  ‘No!’ Eoin raised his voice as Holi went to repeat her questions. ‘We are a team of two Prometheans only. A scientist and a hunter.’

  Holi’s expression flickered in a manner that soothed Ally’s irritation. She smirked as the projected blonde placed her hands on her hips the odd looking fitted suit of white fabric with lines of blue down each limb appearing to stretch across her bust as she huffed.

  ‘Well! This is NOT normal protocol. What year is it?’

  The irritation vanished and Ally met Eoin’s eyes, apprehension swirling at that potent question.

  6 Holi

  Eoin’s eyes looked as gray as the steel of the room as he stared at Holi.

  ‘What is the date?’

  Holi pitched the volume enough to make them both wince. Ally gave a tiny flick of her hands, eyes fixed on Eoin’s. He pursed his lips then shrugged.

  ‘It is the second century of the eighth millennium of the common era.’

  Holi stared blankly at Eoin, and as the silence extended Ally moved to his side. Holi’s eyes seemed to flicker; actually her whole body shimmered making her hard to watch. Ally and Eoin stared with uncertainty at the A.I.

  ‘Did you break her?’ she murmured.

  ‘That does not compute,’ Holi declared suddenly, image solidifying. Her eyes narrowed at them. ‘What is the ACTUAL date?’

  ‘Why not?’ Ally asked with irritation. ‘You’ve been asleep. How would you know?’

  Holi pivoted, the lack of normal sound from movements eerie. She addressed Ally directly.

  ‘This facility was completed at the end of the second century of the third millennium. This facility is designed to sync with the main facility in London every year. In the event of any worldwide catastrophe this facility is instructed to deactivate completely. Has there been a worldwide catastrophe?’

  Eoin’s breath hitched in his throat and Ally froze.

  ‘No! No. It is the, the fourth century of the third millennium,’ Eoin blurted the words out, squinting at the A.I with a pale face. Ally regarded that expression with a surge of gut twisting anxiety, realizing that he guessed, and that if he were too out for Holi’s liking, she’d make this entire lab nothing more than a hunk of ancient scrap metal.

  Holi’s image flickered rapidly for a moment then solidified. ‘That is acceptable. But I must report to London for updates.’

  Eoin went to speak but Holi’s eyes were lowered. He met Ally’s gaze with a dubious expression. Minutes ticked by as they waited, watching. Ally began to wonder if this wasn’t both the most exciting, and most disappointing find of their lives. To be this close to the facility that had been sought after since the time of the Epidemic, and it could all collapse in a moment depending on the response Holi received.

  Ally gave a quiet sigh and lowered herself to the ground, legs crossed and an elbow on her knee, chin on her palm as she watched the AI projection.

  ‘Eoin,’ she whispered. ‘What does she mean by AI projection?’

  ‘Artificial Intelligence. Projection means her image.’

  ‘I understand that, but how can an image be an AI?’

  Eoin stepped across so he stood behind where she sat. Ally leant back against his legs and smiled up at him. The wrinkles of stress across his brow vanished as a smile spread in return and he squatted, thighs on either side of her back and bent to kiss her lips.

  ‘I don’t know,’ he said when he lifted his lips from hers. ‘I’m hoping we’ll get a chance to find out.’

  Several more minutes ticked by before Holi’s eyes lifted. The sound of the energy system within the lab increased and Ally and Eoin hastened to standing.

  ‘Unfortunately I cannot reach London,’ Holi announced as she crossed her arms behind her back, and spread her feet. ‘Neither can any of the other twelve labs be reached. I fear my transmitter must have been damaged.’

  Eoin’s hand found Ally’s and squeezed tight, tension humming through his flesh. Ally squeezed firmly back and took a breath, waiting for the bad news.

  ‘This means we will not have their expertise to refer too, I apologize for the inconvenience. But you should find all the equipment necessary within this lab. Your results will depend entirely upon your own capabilities. What grade scientist are you?’ Holi tilted her head, blonde ponytail swaying as she stared at Eoin.

  Ally glanced quizzically at him, wondering if he had an answer to that.

  ‘I’ve recently achieved the highest grade,’ Eoin said with a glib smile. Ally rolled her eyes, wondering if the AI was capable of understanding a lie.

  ‘You are of the Master Grade!’ Holi exclaimed then bowed her head to him. ‘It is a privilege to have you within my lab. Please make yourself at home. I am at your complete disposal, just ask.’

  Eoin waggled his brows at Ally and grinned cheekily. She pulled an exasperated face, crossing her eyes with a silent sigh. He chuckled then nodded at Holi.

  ‘Thank you for the recognition. Can you please tell us about this facility, it is the first time we’ve had the privilege to enter one.’

  While Holi might be incapable of recognizing an untruth, she seemed to easily understand flattery.

  ‘Oh! Of course, this way Sir,’ she motioned him to move to the head of the egg shaped room, without a second glance at Ally. Eoin winked at Ally while mouthing ‘Sir’. Ally snorted and followed along as Holi began to explain.

  ‘You’ll see the full length bench space to allow you to spread your work comfortably. All equipment is kept within specially designed chutes behind the walls. If you’ll motion your hand over the bench like so,’ Holi demonstrated from where she stood, a projection of the bench appearing before her instantl
y. ‘You’ll see it calls up a remote. Select the equipment you require and it will be delivered.’

  Eoin didn’t hesitate, Ally watching curiously from his side as he held his palm over the bench. A holographic remote appeared beneath his hand. After a moment of studying it, Eoin pressed three buttons in quick succession.

  Sounds of something moving behind the wall made them both pull back, watching as a small portal appeared in the wall and ejected three items; a transparent rectangular sheet the size of a small book, a box full of padding with three syringes nestled within, and a strange looking contraption.

  ‘What is that?’ Ally asked, moving closer. Holi beat Eoin to the explanation.

  ‘An electron microscope. What is your intended project?’

  Eoin answered vaguely. ‘To have a better understanding of our nano-virus.’

  The answer satisfied Holi, who stood silently behind them as Eoin delicately examined the microscope, his ears tinged pink with excitement.

  Ally decided to try out the remote herself, holding her hand above the bench. A moment later and the holographic pad appeared beneath her hand. She lifted her hand away to examine it but it vanished after a second. Frowning, Ally put her hand out again. The remote hovered to life. Lifting her hand higher, but keeping it at the same angle, she studied the buttons. It showed small glyphs of each option. Pressing the tool glyph, Ally smiled when it opened to a new menu of dozens of items. Hitting the plain circle glyph, the remote returned to its main menu options.

  ‘Holi,’ Ally asked as she studied the remote. ‘What is the large screen option it shows?’

  Holi inclined her head at Ally and a moment later the wall before them seemed to vanish, replaced with a remarkably clear view of the surrounding forest. Five seconds later the image changed to the entrance hole they’d fallen down.

  ‘This is the large version of the small monitoring screens. This can also be used to demonstrate ideas with the simulator, or to showcase microscope results,’ Holi explained, Eoin listening intently.

  Ally nodded and pressed the button on the remote, marveling as the screen vanished and the wall was returned to normal steel.