Deathship (The Outsider Series Book 1)

by Steven Oaks

  “You have reached your destination,” Athene said sounding like an old GPS guide program.

  I looked around where I was and spotted a large parking lot. I maneuvered into it, found a close spot, and parked the bike. I took the little key that was in the front dash and was trying to think of where to put it when Athene piped up.

  “You should be safe now if you wish to remove the suit. I do not think that you would look strange, like you first indicated with your concern about being a wet tourist. Simply reach under your chin for a zipper. Loosen that and you should be able to take the helmet off,” she said.

  I did as she indicated, and again heard the hiss of air either escaping or entering. I tilted my head up slightly and I took my first lung full of Japanese air. Everything smelled different. Not bad, just different. I could tell I was somewhere completely across the globe from where I have ever been just by the smell. I took the helmet completely off and sat it on the seat of the bike. My long hair free once more, tumbled loosely around my shoulders. I proceeded to strip off the suit. As I folded it inexpertly, trying to cram it into the little waiting pouch on its inside, I was glad for the drive. The suit was completely dry now. I was already dreading the thought of trying to fold the thing back together when I returned to the ship, right after being dragged through a lake.

  Then another thought hit me. “Athene, how am I suppose to store the helmet?” As I said this the helmet simply deflated.

  “Um, okay. I guess that works,” I said as I picked it up. I inspected it as I held it in my hands, and I could not even tell that it had been a solid helmet just seconds ago. “That is some amazing material,” I noted.

  “I suppose you might think so. But it works on the same principle as the rest of the suit. It stiffens with a current. But when you release that current it is just another simple fabric. Just fold it away, you have some walking to do,” Athene said with a hint of humor in her voice.

  “Well I’m glad I got a little rest riding the bike,” I said, not actually meaning it. The drive itself had been a bit of a trial on my nerves. Weaving in and out of traffic, honking at people, making them notice me, and generally trying to bring attention to myself had left me just as tired as swimming had. Just so I could get around slower vehicles. I was incredibly far from my comfortable norm. I was trying my best to will myself from visibly shaking.

  “You will be able to view the gardens and the external parts of buildings. You are here much too early for this place to be open. So lets get you walking.

  “Wait! I’m not suppose to even be here right now? It’s not open?” I said in anger and shock.

  “Well, this is the only time you may be able to view this particular place. I thought it would be a good opportunity for you,” she said, sounding genuinely confused by my anger.

  “Athene, this whole little trip seems to consist of me breaking laws, one after another. Are you trying to get me in trouble or what?” I said, controlling the heat in my voice.

  “Michael, I would not do that. Again, my assumption was that this might be your only free time. So I wished to get you to take advantage of it,” she said sounding hurt.

  “Remember when you talked about assumptions toward Daito and the traffic? Sometimes assumptions can get you places when you have others with experience to make them. But when you, Athene, are the one making the assumptions, that could indicate you need more info. I don’t want to be breaking laws, or misleading people,” I responded, trying to explain.

  “Well, do you not wish to see the Temple gardens?” she asked.

  I stood there and thought about it for a minute. I felt agitated by how much she was controlling this situation—and it seemed it was getting out of hand. I had already borrowed a bike from a guy that was probably, at the very least, interested in pursuing romantic feelings with Athene, and illegally sped through a country I was not completely familiar with.

  But earlier that night, or day, I had buzzed around the Eiffel Tower and had French Air-Force jets sent out after us.

  Perhaps a bit of trespassing might not be too horrible to add to my activities for the day. But then again this was a Temple, dedicated to, at least on the surface, the spiritual side of mankind. I am not sure if I felt up to violating that.

  “I don’t know Athene. I mean, yes I’m already here, but I would feel bad about disregarding the sacred nature of this place. While I might not find it holy, I still should respect those that do,” I explained.

  She was silent a moment. When she did answer, she spoke quietly. “I am sorry Michael. I did not mean to put you into that type of position. I am still actually young. I have a tremendous amount of access to the this world’s knowledge—but I think this might be an indicator that I need to work on what you might call ‘common-sense’.”

  I immediately felt bad about making her upset. But I was already rather upset about the abruptness of the little venture. I had been doing things I would not normally try and I was feeling a bit anxious and overwhelmed.

  But Athene was correct. She had pointed out this might be the only time I would get an opportunity to visit this place.

  “Athene,” I said. “It’s alright. I’m just feeling uncomfortable as I in no way would have come out here like this on my own. I should thank you for this opportunity. I’ll go ahead and take it. But I think I might like to put the suit on again—as I don’t want to be recognized, nor do I wish to submit myself to the chance of being injured by some guard who is only doing their duty.”

  I turned around and began the process of unpacking the suit, first pulling out the deflated helmet and setting it on the seat of the scooter.

  “Oh, that is wonderful! I really would hate to think that I had you go through all this to have you just turn around. And of course this means I get to walk around with you—and I will get to see things even easier when you are wearing the suit.” She sounded so excited. I found that I was getting excited again too.

  “About how much time do we have for me to wander around?” I asked, curious. Jumping all these time zones was causing me to lose my own sense of time.

  “Well, as the sun just rose, and it only took you 15 minutes to get there, and your return time should be similar, I estimate you can spend half an hour here before you have to return so we can be back to Missouri on time,” she said.

  “So I’ll get to spend an hour in Japan, and half of that driving. Whee, what a fun time. Ah well, I’m here, lets do it,” I said in resignation.

  I hurriedly put on the suit once more. As I reached for the helmet, it inflated to full size. Once more when I put it on my head the hissing noise indicated it was sealing. I was now ready to explore, though briefly, this Temple I had asked to see.

  As this was a brief visit, I do not recollect too much of what I saw, other than to tell you it was beautiful. There were scattered rocks placed in little mounds on hills covered in grass. The trees set among them looked like ancient giants, though that was simply in contrast. The buildings themselves were pristine, white walls inlaid with wood so dark as to be almost black, until you got closer and could see the woodgrain.

  A vast rock garden took my fancy and while some would say I wasted my limited time with the minutes I spent staring out into it, I have never regretted it. Little waves of rocks were formed in rows that flowed outward to the walls enclosing the Temple. It reminded me of the ocean Athene and I had just crossed.

  As I reached an area that looked like a wooded grove of bamboo, Athene said gently into my ear, “It is time. Please make your way back to the bike. If you are lost, I will highlight the path back. I am so sorry to leave, this place is delightful and I wish we could have seen more of it.”

  “I couldn’t agree more. If we ever get the chance why don’t we come back here during regular business hours and spend all day,” I suggested as I turned away. I was feeling
regret that I could not stay longer, but was glad knowing even in the short time I was here I would have the memory of its grand beauty.

  “Yes,” Athene agreed. “Let us try to do that. I do hope we have the time. The pictures available on the Internet do it no justice. Its loveliness is a rarity to behold. This shaping nature into other natural formations, instead of the usual brute structures that state ‘Humans made this!’, bring a sense of wonder to me. Don’t get me wrong, a castle is an amazing piece of beauty in its own right, but this is glorifying the natural world to a level that even nature rarely gives us.”

  “Athene, you have plucked the very idea that was germinating in my mind as to why I find the old traditional Japanese style so fascinating. While other cultures have lived in harmony with nature, the Japanese, at one point, not only lived in harmony, but even honored nature. They brought it with them when they began creating a dynastic culture. Perhaps only the Western influences caused it to be pushed aside for a more modern and industrial culture. Some still cling to the past, but that is what it is. The past. And it’s too late for it to ever go back. We are just lucky enough to have places like this to look back on,” I said. I felt both elated at what was, and saddened it indeed was only what was—a memory of what will no longer be.

  I did not let these thoughts slow my return to what I originally thought of as an atrocity, the electric bike. I now looked on it with a bit of fondness.

  I could see other people beginning to walk about town, and they looked at me like I was an alien. When they began taking pictures I knew it was time to get out of there.

  Athene stated the obvious, “Hurry to your bike, and get out of here. I have been monitoring the local police frequencies, and they are currently alerted to your location. While you drive I will change the appearance of the suit to different colors, so hopefully you will be able to avoid them.”

  “I’m on it,” I said, hopping on the bike. Starting it up, I zoomed away past bewildered pedestrians. I began trying to head where I had come from.

  As I was about to turn on the road I had been on previously, Athene interjected. “You will want to continue straight for a little longer, I will alert you when you need to turn,” she said. And in just a couple more blocks she said, “Turn left now.” And I did.

  “As no one appears to be looking at you when you turned, I have changed you to bright red. Now speed away. They should ignore you unless some smart person thinks you can change colors on the fly,” she said.

  I looked down at my arms and they were indeed red with a black stripe up both arms. “Well, I don’t imagine anyone would think I could do that, but people have been known to change their outfits when being pursued. I would suggest at the next opportunity to change again. Keep me cycling through different colors and combinations. Try not to reuse any. That should certainly confound them as no one would have that many spare outfits laying around.”

  “Got it. I will pay attention to the surroundings. If I notice no one is looking when you turn a corner, or are screened by shadows, I can transition you to another appearance. This will not be as likely since you are a highly visible speeder on a scooter that should not be able to go as fast as you are,” she said.

  “I understand. Let’s see if I can get back in once piece without harming anyone.” And with that I stomped on the accelerator and leaped past the little car I had been stuck behind. They looked at me in mild outrage. In the reflection of their window I could see my helmet had taken the appearance of a samurai mask with a fierce scowl. It was mostly white with red lines drawn swirling over the entire face, and black lines indicating eyebrows and the outline of eyes.

  “Athene, you are making me stand out even more with this samurai face,” I said, a little surprised and confused.

  “That is part of the point, the more elaborate the outfit, the less likely they will think it is you from the temple,” she advised.

  “While that may be true, I am still probably breaking a law going this fast. And you are likely to get the original owner in trouble. Who else is going to have a bike that looks like this and can go this fast?” I asked.

  “Ah. I had not thought of that. Perhaps I should make you look less conspicuous. I glanced over at other car windows and could see my helmet had changed its appearance to the snarling face of a clown, similar to the movie Akira.

  “Yeah, just stick with colors please.” And as I said that my sleeves changed to a dark blue with a white stripe down each arm.

  “Just keep following the course I am setting for you. Daito should be waiting for you when you return as I have called ahead,” Athene said.

  “Well that’s good. I hope he doesn’t wind up in jail for this,” I said. I was wishing I had been able to drive at a more normal speed, but I had a schedule to keep. Thinking of that made me laugh out loud. How ridiculous was it that with all the power I had the ability to tap into, I was taking advantage of it just to go out as a rude tourist, ignoring all laws and rules just to play.

  “What is so funny Michael?” Athene asked curiously.

  “I was just thinking how outrageous this whole situation is. Here I am on a bike that should not even be possible. Breaking who knows how many laws, in an almost invulnerable suit. All so I can have a mini vacation. Of course all the while I was out gallivanting in an extremely large spaceship that can traverse the entire earth in a matter of minutes. Have I missed anything?” I said with a little ironic laugh.

  “You missed the part when the AI that is helping you do all these things will be pulling you back to the ship via a tow rope—which Daito has kindly placed near the rendezvous point.”

  “Sounds like fun.” I was now orange with black stripes as I turned right at the McDonald’s where all this had started. As I approached the blip marking our associate, I saw I was once more shrouded all in black.

  And there was Daito, waiting patiently on the side of the road. Dressed the same, but he was carrying a rather large plastic bag, as if he had been out shopping in the time I had been gone.

  I shut off the bike and waved at my compatriot in my outing.

  “Daito,” I said, “Thank you so much for the use of this amazing machine. It has come in very handy. Continue treating her well.” The adrenaline from the situation was making me less of a recluse and was practically making me gregarious.

  I got off the bike and offered my hand, and as he took it I bowed. “You are very welcome. As a memento of your visit would you like the bike?” Daito said in his thick accent, returning my bow with more grace.

  “Had you asked me that when I first saw her, I would have said no thank you, but that is a very nice machine—as silly as I think it looks. If you are offering it to me, I will gladly accept, but please do not feel that you have to,” I said.

  “Yes, I am sure. I’ve already arranged other means of returning home. Please take it so that you will always remember your visit to my country.”

  “Thank you. But how am I suppose to get the bike back to my ship?” I asked. I was not sure I could hang on to the bike, even if the water did not damage it.

  “I have thought of that. I purchased for your use some garbage bags and a tarp,” he said as he held forth the bag he was carrying.

  I took the proffered items and looked within. It was carrying what he had described. I did not know how this would help, but I thanked him.

  “If it is okay with you, my ride is waiting on me. I would help you but I was told to have little contact, and to use discretion,” Daito said this while bowing and backing steadily away.

  I thought this rather strange, but I figured maybe he had seen or heard of my escapades escaping possible arrest. If that was the case, it was no wonder he would wish to be rid of the bike, and of me, as quickly as possible. Just so I would not get him in trouble.

  “Well th
ank you Daito, you were a great help. I hope you have a safe trip home,” I said.

  As soon as I said that Daito turned away and walked very quickly down the little road that I had parked at the end of.

  “Athene, do you think I’ll be able to hold on to this bike while you drag me in? Should I even bother trying to cover it in plastic?” I asked.

  “Go ahead and try to put the bike in the trash bags. When that is done, put it in the tarp. You can see the eyelets on it. There is a fastening mechanism at the end of the rope I sent ashore. But hurry, there is no telling if the police will be able to locate you soon, but it is a possibility,” she said urgently.

  I used two of the large trash bags to cover the bike and secured them together as best I could. As for the tarp, I just draped it over the top of the bike and lowered the bike onto its side. Since this was not a gas powered vehicle I assumed little damage would come to it.

  I should have done this closer to the shore as the thing was near 150 pounds. I grunted at the exertion of moving it the few feet needed to get it close enough to the tow line. Athene must have launched the tow line when I was away, as I did not see her do so when I arrived, but it was only long enough to reach just beyond the shore.

  The fastening mechanism looked like a large carabiner with its metal hook and spring loaded latch. I fastened it through all the loops in the tarp surrounding the bike.

  “I think I’m all ready. Do I just push the bike into the water and hang on?” I asked.

  “You will want to get it into the water and then sit on it in such a way that your legs are on either side of the rope while hanging on with your hands. The bike behind you should give you a bit of additional security while I pull you both in.”

  “Alright, pushing it in now. I hope it doesn’t get too wet” I said, shoving the bike into the murky lake. When it hit the surface I was splashed with a wave of water that lapped against my suit. I walked into the shallow water and was glad to have this garment to protect me from its embrace. I was in the shallows at this point, otherwise the bike might have sunk far below never to be retrieved. If that happened I doubt I would have been able to even find the rope.