The Final Option

by Kyle Robertson

  Geogyn was not only The Conservator, he was Earth's Guardian. Cosmic, or not, he was their protector.

  I am the worthiest entity for this appointment, he thought.

  “Mistakes don't exist where I am from,” Galvin said. “The word mistake was crafted by an uncertain race. They happened to be human, also.”

  “So, think of the Plasma Hawk Facility, and I will just be there?” Geogyn got back to how he would begin the particulars of his travels.

  “You are equitable, Geogyn,” Galvin agreed. “Just think of your destination, and you will arrive.”

  “How long does the transfer take?” Geogyn asked.

  “According to your aptitude, you could have been there, and back fifty times. The duration of your travel anywhere you have been before being expeditious.”

  “I can literally say, ‘I'll be back from the Northern hemisphere in five minutes.’ I'm going out. Don't wait up.”

  “Your environment is fascinating,” Galvin said. “In austere situations, you are still impregnated with frivolity.”

  Geogyn acknowledged his observation. I guess I'm just a funny guy, he thought.

  “A funny alpha curator,” Galvin corrected his thought.

  “You're just omnipresent. Although you are conscious of that certain ability, you haven't returned, because you haven't left,” Galvin reminded him of the time constraints.

  Geogyn understood the urgency. He closed his eyes and thought of Plasma Hawk.

  When he opened his eyes, he was standing in the mission briefing room. The area he was most familiar with.

  Many astounding warriors were briefed here, and many signed their death warrants by being briefed, Geogyn thought. I am The Conservator. I wonder if I have a resurrection ability.

  He thought of Cody Remington. He died, abruptly.

  “Cody, Tory, and Eldridge had senseless deaths. They perished for a skewed belief,” Geogyn spoke to himself. “Let me see if I could correct that wrong.”

  Geogyn willed them into being. They sat in their respective seats, at the boardroom table.

  They all were bewildered. They marveled at the world with new eyes. Tory looked around, at his teammates. Then he looked at Geogyn. They were slightly different than their last encounter, which was a harrowing situation. Now, they were just sitting at the boardroom table, as if they were never waist deep in the blood and entrails of overzealous soldiers.

  “I couldn’t open the door. There was no lock,” Tory said, confused. “How did we survive that grave inferno?”

  “You didn't,” Geogyn told him.

  “Wha… we died?!” Tory was confounded. How do we have the ability to sit here and breathing? I don't think those capacities are awarded to dead guys.”

  “There have been… changes since your demise,” Geogyn explained.

  “That battle just occurred,” Tory said. “I just saw that grenade detonate over me seconds ago.”

  “You and the rest of your Ghost Alpha squad died three years ago,” Geogyn revealed. “You have no cognizance of time when you die.”

  “I had some severe heartburn while fighting those assholes,” Cody interjected. “Now I'm sitting in the mission briefing room, at Plasma Hawk. What gives?”

  “According to Geogyn, Cody, we went to the Big Blue. Now we're back,” Eldridge said. “My two questions are how and why?”

  “I brought you back with my new abilities. Your deaths were useless and premature,” Geogyn explained. “I'm sorry for being cryptic. It's my interrogation training. I'll explain in depth, and hope you believe.”

  Eldridge was curious and looking at the rest of the members, they were inquisitive as well. “Proceed.”

  Geogyn had to tell the astonishing. He took a deep breath and began.

  “After your expiration, I was captured and met their leader, who happened to be Val-Koorin. I understand that name means nothing to you, but his brilliant agnomen may make you quake. I was in the presence of… God.”

  The group showed amazed doubt on their faces. “We only knew you by reputation, and the short time on that mission,” Cody started. “Now, since we're getting to know you better, I'm OK with callin' shenanigans on this one.”

  “I assessed your belief would be suspect,” Geogyn attained. Think of this as a debriefing; a recap of the prior mission.”

  Eldridge insinuated. “Like a report?”

  “More like a book report on fantasy in a middle school English class.” Tory had doubt draped over him.

  “I'm giving you the facts,” Geogyn retorted. “I have no qualms, or caring of your belief, but I will complete my report.”

  Eldridge respected Geogyn's authority. He looked at the rest of his squad mates. “Stop whining, guys. Let the man speak.”

  They quieted, and Geogyn continued. He told them about his defection, his becoming Armageddon. His cleansing of the Earth. His reversion through time, and his quantum mechanical knowledge. The incarceration of Val-Koorin by greater entities, he told them everything, except one aspect.

  “Your story is far-fetched to say the least,” Eldridge said. “Even if we believed this… truth stretching, how did we get back here?”

  “I will see if my briefing prepared you for what I'm about to tell you,” Geogyn said. “As I iterated, Val-Koorin was incarcerated. That left our race acephalous.”

  “That means headless, Cody,” Tory told the high school graduate.

  Tory saw Geogyn's exasperation, and said, “I was just about to graduate college before I knew what acephalous meant. How could a person who just passed high school, and probably couldn't win at Hangman understand you?”

  “I know Cody's educational level. I was going to explain it, before you rudely interrupted,” Geogyn scolded him.

  Exacerbated with Geogyn's admonishment, Tory looked down and away. “Geeze… Sorry.”

  It was tensely quiet for a second. Then Geogyn got back to what he was saying. “Since we were acephalous, we needed a caretaker. Not a God. Val-Koorin was imprisoned because of that. It came to my attention Time was our God all along.”

  “Time?” Eldridge asked in disbelief. “If that's true, then who oversees us?”

  “The Conservator. One who has the same attributes our former God had, but with the proper title.”

  “The Conservator, who's The Conservator?” Tory asked.

  Geogyn tried to adapt himself to this unbelievable information. “I am The Conservator.”

  The squad was astounded at the illumination.

  “Bullshit!” Cody yelled. “If you're the same as God, do one of those miracles everyone talks about!”

  “Who’s sitting here breathing, and yelling at me with contemptuous disdain?!” Geogyn asked. “Heartburn is the last thing you remembered, that was you being poisoned by Novichok. It broke your bones, like crystal in a paper bag being run over by a semi! Since you are here. I'd say miracle accomplished!”

  The squad looked at Geogyn and noticed his impatience.

  “I was thinking about resurrecting every last Ghost Alpha commando who served in one of my exercises, but if everyone reacts the same way you did, actuality would be just fine the way it is,” Geogyn admonished their actions.

  Eldridge began to think. Why have we appeared in the mission station? Who could have whisked us away from that barrage and back to safety, other than… a divinity? We did die. I know we did. We've been wrong challenging Geogyn.

  “I apologize for my teammates, and me doubting you, Conservator,” Eldridge said.

  Geogyn was surprised at Eldridge.

  “Hold up!” Cody expressed by shaking his head, and hand. “Futureshock ain’t apologizing for me! I trust you as far as I can throw you!”

  “You must confide in him compliantly,” Eldridge said. “I've seen you throw heavyweight boxers seventy-five feet, just to clear your path.”

  “It's a figure of speech, asshole.” Cody got upset.

  “There should be literation in your words,” Eldridge retorted. �
�If that was the case, I wouldn't have to deduce how much of an idiot you are!”

  Cody's response was the same as the last time Eldridge accosted him. He stood and loomed over Eldrige.

  Eldridge didn't back down. He stood, directly in Cody's face.

  “Come on, big man!” Eldridge yelled. “If I can't kick your ass, I'll hurt you with similes!”

  If you don't stop insultin’ me, I'll start hurting you with semi… TRUCKS!” Cody countered.

  “Are we done?” Geogyn interrupted. “Cody may not know what a simile is, but I'm sure you know what a semi is. We don't need this juvenile squabbling. Cody will convince himself to believe, in time, be patient.”

  Eldridge stared at Cody for a second, then sat down. Cody regulated his heated breathing, claimed this silent victory, and sat also.

  “You two have me acting like Pinnet!” Geogyn admonished, once more. Then he thought of the primary reason for his sojourn. He was visiting Ron and Owen, to quash their apprehensions.

  “This is the final time I will see you,” Geogyn told the squad. “I have to report to Ron, Then its farewell… Comrades.”

  “You're correct about us still being under your command,” Eldridge commented. “Goodbye, Geogyn. Any final orders?”

  “Yes, and it contents me to know your squad executes orders well,” Geogyn complimented them. “Your orders are to stand down… permanently.”

  Cody and Tory looked confused. Eldridge was the only one to comprehend.

  “Order executed, Sir!” Eldridge spoke for his squad.

  Tory whispered to Cody. “Maybe Eldridge knows something we don't, Cody. I know my call code is Binary Cypher, but even I can't figure this one out.”

  “You peel his head like a grape to peg the answer. This is getting too complicated for me,” Cody whispered back.

  “That head peeling thing? That was a simile. I don't want Eldridge to insult you again. We didn't get Paranormal Commando insurance to cover your ill-tempered psychosis,” Tory replied.

  Geogyn walked out of the boardroom. Here we go, Ron. Let’s hope Owen is with you, so I don't have to repeat this explanation.

  He walked towards Ron's office. He knew Ron's office was heavily defended. He knew what Ron would do to defend. Not just the best, but every Ghost Alpha squad member monitoring the door. He would do what I would do if the Grim Reaper was coming for me. He'd do what I'd do if I had me coming after me. Throw interference my way.

  He descended to Ron's floor. He knew the entire regiment was waiting. He thought it better to avoid them.

  He was a master at stealth, but with these new abilities, he became the uber-proficient guru at stealth. He didn't sneak, he projected his physique directly into Ron's office.

  “What the HELL?!” Ron yelled as Geogyn appeared in front of his desk.

  “Don't call for help,” Geogyn said. “Opposition would be futile.”

  “How did you get in here, Geo?!” Ron, desperately asked. “I overstocked my security!”

  “With what I have become, it would have made no difference anyway,” Geogyn explained. “I'm not here to erase you… and Owen? You don't have a bead on me! Drop the weapon, and get in here. What I have to say affects you both!”

  Owen thought, Damn his awareness! After he embarrassed the MCRD, I thought I was going to get away with that? I just heard my conscience yell, 'WAKE UP, IDIOT!'

  Owen let out a sigh of exasperation, lowered his weapon, and joined the two in Ron's main office.

  “There is no reason for desperation or violence here. I'm on a mission of peace,” Geogyn explained.

  “You've been trying to kill us for over two years! Did you just change your mind, Unwavering Mission Man?!” Ron yelled the question.

  “Yes, logic dictated a mind change,” Geogyn stunned Ron and Owen. “Hence, I'm not here to harm. I'm here to help.”

  Ron was doubtful about Geogyn's admittance. He was still on alert.

  Geogyn appraised Ron's stature. “Come on, Ron! If I was here to murder you, why are the two of you still breathing? It would benefit you to stand down,” Geogyn advised.

  “He's right, Ron,” Owen interjected. “We've been close enough to touch him, and we're still alive. When Geogyn has a goal, he becomes the juggernaut you mentioned before. The only thing that could stop Geogyn, that exists, is Geogyn.”

  Ron perused his stance. He knew his defense was forlorn. He eased his stance and sat down.

  “Finally, rationality prevails.” Geogyn was relieved.

  “We spoke to Barry, and we found there is still just one of you. Quantum mechanics? You have evolved.”

  So, what is this peaceful mission you're on, Geo?” Ron asked. “What's this… radical switch?”

  “Ever since I was discovered, I've been controlled,” Geogyn began. “It was either by force or manipulation.”

  “We forced him with that heart bomb, Ron,” Owen said.

  “I do understand English, and I do have this outstanding ability to contemplate innuendo, Owen,” Ron stated the obvious. “Who manipulated you, Geo?”

  “Val-Koorin. He made me think I was doing ‘God's work’. It actually was. It just wasn't as virtuous as you would've expected,” Geogyn told them. “I was being controlled, by whatever means needed.”

  “Who is this Val-Koorin?” Ron asked.

  “His more recognizable name is God. I'll get to that later. Just don't interrupt,” Geogyn said as if it was as normal to Ron as going to the store. “He deemed me Armageddon, The Corrector of the World. That was the reason you were targeted.”

  “Armageddon is the final battle between good, and evil,” Ron realized. “You must've thought you were the 'Good Guy'.”

  “The quintessential 'Good Guy',” Geogyn confirmed. “Since you weren't pure, you were deemed evil.”

  Owen felt a festering boil in the pit of his stomach. “Why didn't you just obliterate us?”

  “I'm a cyber synthoid, not an automaton,” Geogyn said. “Although I was cursed with being controlled, I still had the gift of choice. If destroying you was my only alternative, it would be my last. You two are still my friends.”

  “But, we tried to kill you.” Ron was in a quandary.

  “You executed my assassination attempt out of fear. I would do the same thing you did when I defected, in your eyes. If I was coming after me, I'd try to kill me too! Luckily for you, you missed. Because if you would've nuked me, I'd be a little pissed at you. I would've augmented my agenda for an expedient visit to Plasma Hawk,” Geogyn said.

  Ron looked threatened. He began to tense.

  “There was no devastation. You're a soldier. How could I be angry at an event that had no residual effect? You should be angry, with all the money you spent on state of the art tracking.”

  “I thought you wanted to skin us and wear our shells as a new wardrobe,” Ron assumed.

  “Revenge is so… human,” Geogyn said. “I was past humanity when you found me in Kinshasa, but I'm straying from my main reason for this visit.”

  “What is your main reason for this visit, Geo?” Ron asked.

  “Be patient, Ron,” Geogyn said. “I'm telling the story of your insolvency. Having me revealing the reason would be like reading a mystery novel, and going to the last page before you read the story.”

  Owen interceded. “Complete your story, Geogyn.”

  Geogyn continued. “I was Armageddon, and my assignment was to alleviate evil. That calling for one man would've been impossible. I was aided in my quest, by Val-Koorin. He equipped me with a holy sword, called the Rectifier. I utilized it, not to murder, but wipe the existence of evil away… permanently. If you were struck by the Rectifier, you wouldn't be remembered, because you never would have existed.

  The effects were quantum. Evil begets evil, immorality caused calamity. I hoped your fates would be averted via a temporal shift,” Geogyn said with hope.

  “We assumed you were calculating when to slay us,” Ron admitted. “We created a contingenc
y.”

  “That was my gift, with a side of the entire Ghost Alpha regiment,” Geogyn acknowledged. “Aww, you shouldn't have. I mean really, with all the planning, money, and effort wasted, you shouldn't have.”

  Owen looked at Ron with a blaming gander.

  “When I disrupted your intentions, I returned to the Marrabios mountains for further instructions. That was when I discovered beings superior to God had incarcerated Val-Koorin for… lascivious actions. The creation of the human race had an underlying acumen. It wasn't meant to just evolve and flourish. Humans were supposed to exist to make a Utopian society. To build an inhabitable environment for his condemned species to move into. Humans were, primarily, the preparers.”

  “The action was perverted. Not the humans, but God's intentions. I thought I was the virtuous one until I found the real reason for my assignment. Since God was apprehended, the Temporal Guardians needed a new caretaker for the world. My call code became literal, but not the way you expected it when you made it.”

  Owen marveled at the story, and said, “The Final Option.”

  “It doesn’t mean the crowning alternative to destroy, it's the crowning alternative to conserve.”

  “So, you're God?” Ron asked, with natural disbelief.

  “Time is our only God,” Geogyn corrected him. “I am The Conservator. The protector of this realm.”

  Ron and Owen had nihilism slam into their beings.

  “You expect us to believe God went to jail, and you watch over us now?” Ron asked, doubtfully.

  “I'm just giving you the reason for your absolution. Believing me is up to you,” Geogyn said. “Observe the results of future consequences. Then you can decide if belief is viable.”

  “You're telling us not to believe you?” Owen asked.

  “I wouldn't,” Geogyn said. “See what happens. Then make your educated inevitability.”

  “You're not basing our belief on faith?” Owen asked.

  “Faith is fruitless,” Geogyn said. “Your belief should ebb from the painfully obvious.”