Beyond the Crystal City

by Logan Brookfield

  ‘And what if you don’t achieve the speeds you need?’ Carl said.

  ‘Good question and I’m glad you’re still paying attention,’ Edmond said. ‘Falling below our desired speed gives us a few choices. We could travel for longer or accept a shorter elapsed time on Earth. We think that even after two thousand years the earth will be greatly improved. Our main concern is collision and engine failure. Travelling so fast propels us so far from our planet that we’d never make it back if our engines failed, and small objects that cause little damage at lower speeds can produce enough energy to destroy the ship at greater speeds.’

  ‘The Lasell isn’t the first ship. It’s actually the third such mission, the other two left many years ago. One returned but the other is yet to. We have no idea how successful it will be or when it will return, although I kind of hope it fails. Imagine how disappointing it would be to return to our beautiful blue planet only to find a civilisation has already developed. Our third mission has more chance of success. We have a more powerful and reliable engine, better life support systems and better collision avoidance systems.’

  ‘Couldn’t you reduce the risk and travel more slowly? I’ve read about suspended animation and freezing people for long periods of time,’ Carl said.

  ‘Well, that education in the projects didn’t go to waste did it, Carl? The risk is greatly reduced if we travel much slower, but there is no way yet to successfully freeze humans for the time required. In our tests freezing humans is near fatal. Severe brain damage resulting in mental and physical impairment is the result, a hundred per cent of the time. There’s no point returning to paradise if you can’t run along the beach and swim in the crystal clear sea, now is there?’

  ‘What about the mission that returned?’ Carl asked.

  Edmond walked over to a locked door. ‘Follow me, and I’ll show you.’

  Carl removed the VR headset and the haptic gloves and walked over to the silver door off the Virtual Reality room.

  Edmond used his security pass to unlock the outer door of the secure laboratory. Carl and two armed guards followed him in. They were now in a small area which had another door leading to an air lock where the inner door would only open when the outer door was shut and locked. Carl jumped as jets of sweet-smelling gas filled the small space.

  ‘Don’t worry,’ Edmond said. ‘Merely a precaution, a harmless gas that will ensure we don’t take any unwanted bacteria in with us or bring any out.’

  ‘What’s in here?’ Carl asked.

  ‘It’s probably easier to show you,’ Edmond said swiping his access card.

  The heavy metallic door gave a clunk as the locking mechanism disengaged and it slid open to reveal the interior. As they stepped inside Carl felt the cool filtered air rush past him and just a few deep breaths made him feel light-headed. The two guards took up position either side of the door, just inside. This looked like a clinical laboratory with large silver vats of liquid sitting against the walls which were interconnected with pipes and wires. Against one wall was a long white countertop with stools arranged neatly underneath. On the countertop were microscopes, boxes of syringes, rubber glove dispensers and an arrangement of test tubes and glass vials.

  In the middle of the room were six large oblong-shaped boxes, like metal coffins sitting on pedestals, about waist-height. Each coffin had tubes and wires connected to it and each had a glass top. Carl couldn’t see what was inside from where he stood and he took a hesitant step back, wary of what might be within them.

  Edmond approached the first box and leaned on the glass. ‘I’d like to introduce you to some friends of mine,’ he said, beckoning Carl over with one hand.

  Carl took a few steps and stopped as Edmond punched in some digits on a keypad located on the side of the box and bright interior lights illuminated the contents. Carl took another couple of steps and leaned forward. Inside each box was a human shape. Naked and without any discernible features they were pale in colour without eyes or a nose or mouth. Their skin was smooth and thin, showing blue and red veins just under the surface.

  ‘What are they?’

  Edmond sighed heavily and raised his eyebrows. ‘Say hello to our anthropoid friends, otherwise known as the remains of the Frobisher, the ship used for the first mission. Their craft returned a few years back. We picked up a distress call and found her drifting and heavily damaged. Most of the crew of 2000 were missing and the bulkheads and engines were all but destroyed. We salvaged what we could and found these six barely alive in the bridge area.’

  ‘Are they part of the original crew?’

  ‘We believe so, yes.’ Edmond nodded. ‘Although we can’t tell who they are, not even if they’re male or female. The location in which we found them would suggest they are part of the command crew but we’ve no idea who exactly.’

  ‘What happened to them? Why do they look like that?’

  ‘Our best guess is that they travelled through a black hole or some kind of wormhole. This damaged the ship and most of the crew were lost. The remaining crew members appear to be undergoing some kind of change. When we rescued them they were barely alive and they were covered in cuts and sores. Those have now healed and we’ve detected some brain function too. In the few years we’ve looked after them they’ve not only healed themselves but they are slowly changing shape, growing in size and losing most of their human features, turning into what I really don’t know hence the security detail each time we visit here.’

  ‘So this outcome is what is waiting for you and your crew?’

  ‘I hope not. We’ve analysed their course as much as we can from the damaged computers and we’re planning a different and somewhat less hazardous journey. We know they encountered a pulsar much the same as we will on our course. They took evasive action and then encountered an unknown anomaly. We think it’s from that point onwards that things went wrong for them.’

  Carl shook his head. ‘This is madness. You’ll destroy everything on Earth and then yourselves. There’ll be nothing left and the human race will be just a memory.’

  ‘Not so,’ Edmond said, lightly thumping the top of the box. ‘Quite the opposite. Our plan will ensure that mankind thrives for many more thousands of years. At last we have a real chance to start again and to bury the mistakes and hatred of our ancestors and create our own Eden. It’s up to us now and the survival of the entire human race is our responsibility. It’s a challenge for sure but one we have grasped with both hands and we refuse to fail.’

  Carl looked at the floor. ‘No, you’re just another crazy person who wants to play God at the expense of everyone else. You’re planning mass murder out there and growing monsters in here. It doesn’t sound like a recipe for survival to me.’

  Edmond removed his glasses. ‘Our monsters as you call them are actually humans undergoing a yet unknown change. Just because they look different it doesn’t mean they are any less worthy. They were brave enough to try and it’s our duty now to look after them on their journey towards whatever it is they’ll change into. If we avoid that pulsar we’ll avoid the anomaly and hopefully won’t succumb to the same fate. It’s a gamble I’m willing to take and one that will hopefully restore humans to their former glory.’

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  The acid rain stopped, leaving pools and puddles of toxic corrosive water everywhere. As the clouds started to clear the unbearable heat started to descend. People ventured outside once again, trying to dodge the lakes and get some shade from the sun. It wasn’t advisable to be outside when it was raining. Skin would itch and blister and hair would start to come out in clumps, but it was drying up once more and the masses of people were on the move.

  Groups of Wretches, male and female, young and old, gathered on corners and in the doorways of the ruins to plan today’s event. Placards had been painted and the protest march would begin as soon as the organisers thought enough people had turned up. Protesting was strictly illegal but when it did happen the Black Hats would often turn a
blind eye for the sake of keeping order. Small-scale gatherings usually passed without incident and the paperwork would be more trouble than it was worth, but this one was different. Thousands of people had turned out, many more than for previous meetups and it was becoming more difficult to move. It was a huge sea of people carrying signs and banners and they were slowly moving throughout the city.

  The Black Hats kept a low profile with their riot vans and armoured cars parked down side streets. They kept an eye on things and were always ready to wade in and break up any trouble, but with so many streets blocked it was becoming harder to put their tactics into play, and the more people joined the march, the more the soldiers were noticed and stood out.

  The crowd stretched halfway across the city and was as long as the eye could see. The chanting could be heard from within the Crystal City and started to cause concern to some of its residents.

  Edmond and Hugh looked out onto the old ruined city from their high vantage point.

  ‘That’s a lot of people,’ Hugh said.

  Edmond removed his glasses. ‘It certainly is. I’ve never seen so many Wretches together in one place.’

  ‘Does it create any risk?’

  ‘Well, if they all made a move on one part of the fence it would be very difficult to keep them out,’ Edmond said. ‘We’ve got eyes on the ground and we’ll break it all up if they start getting too close.’

  Hugh folded his arms. ‘There seems to be more unrest as we get closer to our goal. On another matter, one of the boys working for me did well on that solar flare activity report, don’t you think?’

  Edmond nodded. ‘He really did. That piece of data was crucial and could have affected the launch date drastically. He’s worth hanging onto but I’m more interested in his companion.’

  ‘The pregnant girl, you mean?’

  ‘Yes.’ Edmond nodded. ‘She could hold the key to a lot of the issues our own community are experiencing. It’s important we store her blood and take her with us so we have a good supply.’

  The swelling masses now started to move towards the perimeter fence and eight trucks pulled up to form a makeshift barrier to stop them getting too close. The escape hatch opened on the roof of one of the vehicles and a soldier climbed out so his head and shoulders were in view. He held a small microphone to his mouth. ‘By the authority of the Cloud people and the Crystal City I declare this gathering illegal. Please disperse now and return to your dwellings or we will take action to disperse you. Anyone who leaves this illegal demonstration immediately will be allowed safe passage and will not be questioned. Anyone still in this area in five minutes will be arrested, taken into the towers and held for questioning.’

  Some of the crowd began to make their way home but the vast majority stayed where they were and started to drown out the official announcement, shouting insults and waving their placards. A man wearing a long coat and a hood, covering his face with a gas mask, stepped forward, lit a petrol bomb and threw it over the heads of the crowd. The glass bottle full of fuel smashed into a truck and a large explosion and flames engulfed the vehicle.

  A Black Hat inside flicked a switch then pressed a button to shut off the vehicle’s ventilation fans which were sucking in smoke. They now relied on air being pumped around the interior, scrubbed by filters then recirculated. He pressed the button on the small radio fixed to his shoulder. ‘Base, this is 528, we’re in sector four coming under heavy attack. The mob won’t disperse and our vehicle is on fire and is severely damaged. We are unable to move, requesting urgent backup.’

  A small group of people broke away from the main mass and jumped onto the bonnet and then the roof of another truck. One Wretch pulled at the hatch to try to open it. The soldiers inside couldn’t risk opening the lid and using their water cannons because of the risk of more fire bombs.

  ‘This is 528, we need urgent help, our vehicles are under attack.’

  ‘Roger that,’ base replied, crackling over the radio. ‘Hang on, help is on the way and incoming, sixty seconds and closing.’

  The Wretches on the truck looked to the sky as twenty drones did a high-speed low-level fly-past to survey the target. Two broke away and fired at the top of the truck instantly killing those trying to open the hatch. Another group of drones flew the length of the mob spraying gas while at the same time releasing toxic canisters that rolled into doorways and down alleyways to spread the disabling cloud. The mass of people started to panic and scream. The weak were pushed over and trampled on while the strong used them like a path, running in all directions.

  The soldiers in the vehicles placed their gas masks on and started their engines. One truck was still on fire and the Black Hats inside kicked the back doors open and poured out onto the dirt as the internal temperature became unbearable. They ran towards another truck and piled in through the back doors, which were then bolted shut as it sped away.

  The drones now worked a pincer movement, attacking both flanks of the melee. Increasing levels of gas was sprayed and the cloud was now so thick people couldn’t see where to run or how to escape. Many dropped right where they were, falling to their knees in a semiconscious state while being knocked flat by others falling on top of them. The demonstration had been subdued and the drones returned to their base to replenish their toxic substance and return for a second run to mop up the stragglers.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Carl pushed the gate open and walked into the library. The quiet area and smell of old books was becoming a welcome distraction from the busy work environment and mind-numbing boredom of the habitat pods. As always the air was cool, the light was at a pleasant level and it was empty, apart from the curator.

  ‘Young Carl, good to see you again. How have you been?’ Joshua asked, stroking his beard.

  ‘I’m good, thanks. Thought I’d drop by and maybe look at that book again.’

  ‘Of course, you’re welcome. It’s just here,’ Joshua said pointing to the bookshelf. ‘Whenever you’re ready, just help yourself.’

  Carl smiled and sat down at a desk. ‘Thanks.’

  ‘You seem more relaxed today, Carl. Are you beginning to settle in and find your feet? Is it all beginning to make more sense?’

  ‘I’m not sure it makes much sense if I’m honest. I miss my family and friends and everything seems OK until I start asking questions,’ Carl said looking down at the desk.

  Joshua sat back in his chair. ‘Yes, I understand how hard it must be for you. Everything has changed and nothing makes sense, does it? But like I said to you before, I really think you should stick with it. There’s nothing for you outside now, and you have a real chance of surviving and making something of your life here, with us. I know they don’t give you many choices but you need to learn how to make the situation work in your favour. What I mean by that is, rather than seeing this as an obstacle in your life, look on it as an opportunity to live.’

  Carl nodded. ‘Thanks Joshua, you make me feel better. You’re so easy to talk to, and this place feels safe and far away from the craziness.’

  ‘You’re always welcome here, son. We’ve a long journey ahead of us and I don’t see anything wrong with making things as comfortable as possible, and if spending a few hours each week reading the ancient books in my library helps with that, then so be it…now you’ll have to excuse me for a few moments. I sent one of our rare books to the lab to help determine its age and I need to bring it back. I really can’t rest at night if one of my babies is out on loan.’

  ‘No problem. I’ll just look through that book while you’re gone if that’s OK,’ Carl said fetching the heavy leather-bound book off the shelf and placing it on the desk.

  ‘That’s fine. Somewhere in the middle is the story of the Minotaur. A fascinating creature and the illustrations are wonderful, I hope you enjoy it,’ Joshua said as he closed the main gate behind him and disappeared down the marble steps.

  Carl turned the pages until he came to the picture of the Minotaur. A large muscular
beast with the body of a man and the head of a bull, he’d never seen anything like it. He wasn’t sure if this was something that used to roam the earth or whether it was another of the ancient mythological creatures passed down through folklore. Perhaps it represented evil, something their many gods could fight against, or simply a demon conjured up by weary parents to frighten their children into being good.

  The library was now empty and deadly quiet. Only the low hum of electricity could be heard as it surged through the wiring that powered the dim bulbs.

  Carl looked over at the iron gate that kept the valuable and confidential stuff secure, then back at the main gate. There was still no sign of the curator or anyone else. He walked over and gently tugged at the round metal handle, and was surprised when the gate opened with a heavy creak. He looked over his shoulder then stepped inside.

  The confidential area was a small room compared to the rest of the library. It had one large bookcase which went from the floor to the ceiling and was full of books of all shapes and sizes, all of which were covered in a thick layer of dust. In the middle of the floor was a large round wooden table covered in books, scrolls and pictures. The smell of old leather and paper was overwhelming. He looked towards the main gate, which was still closed, and knew he didn’t have much time. The punishment for getting caught would be severe but his curiosity was getting the better of him.

  Carl dusted off one book that sat on the table, and read the title out loud. ‘Population Control for the Masses. Extermination through the Ages. Volume One.’ He started to turn the pages and looked at the pictures inside. This was some kind of record from history, a compilation of methods and results from the ancients’ attempts to kill each other over the centuries. The more pages he turned the more gruesome the pictures became so he closed the book and pushed it to one side.