The Cosmic Parallel: The Evaran Chronicles, #8

By Adair Hart

Not all prey is the same.

Dr. Albert Snowden just wanted to see a parallel timeline where Neanderthals were the dominant species on Earth. What he did not expect was a barren world. While investigating what happened, he, Evaran, Emily Snowden, and V are pulled into a trap created by a mysterious group.

One issue is that the trap forces the group to jump to parallel Earths. Another problem is that the Torvatta, Evaran's ship, is out of the picture. It does not help that the cosmic-energy-enhanced nanobots in Dr. Snowden and Emily are not working as intended.

To make matters worse, each jump to a new parallel Earth weakens them. Along the way, they meet Jelton Stallryn, a Rift Guardian, who has also fallen into the trap. Together, they will fight to escape and then track down the mysterious group responsible.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adair Hart
• Release date: Aug 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386729174

Book preview

Contents

Title

Copyright Page

The Story so far

Evaran's Technology

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

Note from the Author

About the Author

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Books in the Series

Title

Copyright © 2018 Adair Hart

All rights are reserved to the author. No part of this ebook may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Editing done by Laura Petrella

Cover done by Tom Edwards

Interior design done by Colleen Sheehan

Proofread done by Alexa

Published by Quantum Edge Publishing

www.AdairHart.com

To get updates on new books and other notifications, sign up for my mailing list at:

www.AdairHart.com/MailingList.aspx

The story so far

- In The Arrival, the Evaran Chronicles prequel, a space- and time-traveling being known as Evaran rescues Jake Melkins and Kathy from a Seceltor slaver named Greecho. It is Evaran’s first adventure in the Milky Way galaxy and introduces him to Earth.

- In The Awakening, book 1 of the Evaran Chronicles, Dr. Albert Snowden and his niece, Emily Snowden, are abducted by an alien race known as the Krotovore. They are rescued by Evaran and V, Evaran’s trusty mobile artificial intelligence, who dropped them back off on Earth.

- In The Fredorian Destiny, book 2 of the Evaran Chronicles, Evaran returns to check on Dr. Snowden and Emily, and they ask to travel with him. Evaran accepts. They then help Fredoria, a planet of human ex-slaves, become a full trade partner with the Kreagan Star Empire, the local galactic superpower in Earth’s region of the galaxy. Hampered by Seeros and bounty hunters, they secure the Arkaron for the Fredorians to give to the Kreagan emperor.

- In The Purification, book 3 of the Evaran Chronicles, they fight the timeline invaders known as the Purifiers, a human-supremacist group led by the overlord, that tries to change Earth’s history.

- In The Time Refugee, book 4 of the Evaran Chronicles, they tangle with Billozein, a rogue time traveler, while helping Jane Trellis, a time refugee who is pulled out of her timeline.

- In The Evaran Origin, book 5 of the Evaran Chronicles, they discover Evaran’s origin and meet Levaran, another one of Evaran’s plane forms, while fighting the Time Wardens, a timeline-void race that hunts rift travelers.

- In The Shadow Connection, book 6 of the Evaran Chronicles, they group up with Jake Melkins and the nonhuman community to defend Earth from the ambitions of Caltorus, a dimensional being that rules over a vast empire encompassing worlds in many dimensions.

- In The Human Factor, book 7 of the Evaran Chronicles, they head to AD 10105 and deal with a ruthless AI known as Salazar, in addition to fixing the timeline.

This book continues their adventures.

Evaran's Technology

Torvatta—his disc-shaped ship that can travel through time and space. It is roughly fifteen feet tall by thirty feet wide. The interior contains six dimensional rooms, an open area, and a roof that can be transformed by hard holograms. A shielding around the Torvatta prevents most matter from entering.

Universal interface card (UIC)—a credit-card-sized device carried on his belt that allows access to most technological systems that do not have an artificial intelligence in them. It can also view limited information on biological systems.

Augmented reality interface (ARI)—an interface that only he can see around him.

Utility handle—a hilt-like device carried on his belt that can extend morphable matter in any shape, typically a baton or staff; can also fire repulsion, grappling, heat, mist, sticky globules, and stun beams.

Illumination orbs—small orbs on his belt that provide lighting and can hover.

Projection orb—an orb that allows projections to be sent to it from remote sources, such as Evaran’s ring or the Torvatta.

Ring—a ring that can provide holographic projection and also scan.

Chapter One

A thin circular metallic platform kept Dr. Albert Snowden from plunging several thousand feet to the ground, and possibly his death. Although he had been intrigued and wanted to try out the hovering platforms he had seen before, looking down made his muscles tense. There was a shielding of some type that encompassed the platform and went up to his knees. Even if he were to fall over or tilt too far, the platform would right itself and put him back up. At least the shielding rooted him to the platform. The more intriguing aspect was that when off the platform, it could shrink and fit in his pocket.

To his left was his niece, Emily, on her own platform. On the other side was Evaran. V flew along in orb mode. Dr. Snowden had enjoyed the last two months in AD 10105 on Earth. It had been a nice change of pace from their last adventure, which took them to another part of the galaxy and involved a rogue AI.

This is cool! said Emily.

It’d be cooler if we started off a little lower to the ground maybe? asked Dr. Snowden, adjusting his glasses.

Bah, she said. She leaned forward and took off, with V pursuing her.

Evaran tilted his head. We can go lower if you wish.

I’m all right. I know these are safe and won’t let me fall to the ground, said Dr. Snowden, licking his lips. It just … takes a bit to get used to the height and all that.

I see, said Evaran. I will follow you then.

Dr. Snowden grinned. You don’t want to go zooming around like Emily and V?

I do not. However, these are quite efficient.

Yeah. I wish we’d had these on previous adventures, said Dr. Snowden. He shook a hand out. I know, I know, I say that every time we discuss enhancements, but this really would have been handy.

I will look into integrating something similar to your PSD.

Dr. Snowden leaned forward, and the platform moved ahead.

Evaran kept pace.

I guess we can’t just borrow these.

That is correct, said Evaran. You can imagine how even just one of these could change history, or even the future. If it was integrated into your PSDs, no one other than yourselves could make use of it since your PSDs are bound to each of you.

We could still be forced to use it, said Dr. Snowden.

Perhaps, but even then, it is not something that could be replicated for mass consumption.

I get it. Dr. Snowden’s muscles relaxed. I think I’m getting the hang of this. He jumped when Emily laughed as she whooshed past him and slapped his arm. Apparently she had circled around and was enjoying herself. He gulped as he watched her and V fly around. It was good to see her smiling and having a good time. Her joy reminded him of giving her airplane rides when she was a kid. I’m glad Emily likes this.

It would appear she does, said Evaran. He pointed in the distance to a large hovering disc with guardrails. We can take a break there.

After ten minutes, everyone had assembled on the disc. Their small hovering platforms shrank enough to fit in their hands.

Evaran wore his usual light-gray suit with metallic forearms, boots, and neck guard and padded armor pieces outlined with multiple colors, and Emily wore her light-armor suit, which looked more appropriate for battle than a casual outing. V was still in orb mode, and his four segmented tentacle-like arms hung behind him as he flew around.

Dr. Snowden wore his gray formfitting survival suit, which he had come to rely on to keep him safe. He leaned on the guardrail and looked over the city. Earth in AD 10105 was beautiful, and although it was only about 7:15 p.m., the sun was still out, but beginning to set.

Sleek buildings rose like monuments to mankind, with humans and aliens alike flying around everywhere. Energy beams of some type quickly transferred others between buildings, while in the distance, on the far edges of the city, he could see ships arriving and departing.

It’s so nice out here, said Dr. Snowden.

Emily joined him. Yeah, it is. There’s so much to do. The virtual environment here is amazing.

I seem to recall you and V heading out to the dance clubs quite a few times, said Dr. Snowden, wagging a finger. Leave you two alone for two months and watch out!

She smiled. They had some … interesting music, that’s for sure.

Analysis. I have acquired several new dance techniques, said V.

I’m sure you two brightened the place up with your presence, said Dr. Snowden.

Emily dipped her head toward V. He took Solia along.

Dr. Snowden drew his head back. Solia was a female android from a previous adventure who had to be left behind in an alternate timeline. He narrowed his eyes. Was she the same or …

Analysis. I did not mention anything of our previous meeting. She was curious about why I contacted her, and I mentioned I had heard of her while browsing the galactinet.

Dr. Snowden chuckled. You lied!

V’s lights glowed a bit brighter. Yes, but it was necessary, and I enjoyed her company.

Dr. Snowden raised a hand.

V extended one of his four arms and high-fived Dr. Snowden.

Well, I’m glad you two had fun. I got a lot of research in while I was here. Speaking of alternate places … I still want to see that parallel timeline with the Neanderthals, said Dr. Snowden. He shook a finger at Evaran. You mentioned it during our abduction long ago, and it’s been a fire in my head ever since.

Evaran glanced over at Emily. Does this intrigue you as well?

She smiled. Oh, yeah. I’m always up for something new, and since I did study them in depth, I’d be curious as to what an advanced Neanderthal society is like, assuming we’re going there in AD 10105 and not AD 2012.

Analysis. I would be interested in seeing another Earthborn species.

Then it is settled, said Evaran. We can go there tomorrow. As it is our last night here then, perhaps we should all take in a natural meal, nonreplicated, before heading to the Torvatta.

Dr. Snowden grinned. Works for me. One thing he liked about Evaran’s ship, the Torvatta, outside the ability to travel through space and time, was that it had a neural effect that helped him sleep. It was his new home, one with six doorways to other dimensions and a plethora of abilities such as stealth, tractor beams, and an impenetrable shield, at least to regular matter.

Several hours later, and with a full stomach, Dr. Snowden eased back into his chair around a square table. Looking out over the patio at the city while eating had been a treat. He enjoyed moments like this, with good food, close friends, and no stress. Although the pull of sleep was strong, he savored every moment he could.

He knew how chaotic it could be traveling with Evaran. The downtime between adventures was what Dr. Snowden had initially envisioned traveling with Evaran would be like. Helping Evaran was Dr. Snowden’s newfound purpose in life, and with the enhanced nanobots that kept him healthy and extended his life, he appreciated and understood the opportunities for research and learning about new cultures that was afforded to him. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime situation, and one he could not fathom having almost passed up on.

Scene Break

Ten hours later, Dr. Snowden woke up from a solid night’s rest. According to his personal support device, it was 9:00 a.m. He loved his pen-shaped PSD. It could shoot various types of beams and form morphable metal to meet all sorts of situations. It was also a miniature computer in its ability to analyze things, provide augmented reality views, and even store food and water via the use of dimensional mechanics.

There were a lot of recently added patterns for the morphable metal, and some looked like it could form another material that was not metallic. How that worked he was not sure, but it was something on his list of things to find out about.

His mind focused on getting coffee, and he was a blur as he got cleaned up. Stepping into his formfitting silver survival suit was always something he enjoyed. It had saved his skin more times than he could count, and it was resilient and also had defensive abilities.

After getting his cup of coffee from the conference room, he went to the command center. A smile crept onto his face as he saw Emily sitting in the U-shaped seating area off to the left. She was talking animatedly with Evaran and V. Evaran was in his usual command chair, while V hovered near the front U-shaped console. Dr. Snowden went to the right side of the command center and took his seat.

You’re finally up! said Emily.

Dr. Snowden took a sip and then smiled. Yes, I am, and I’m ready to see this Neanderthal world.

Analysis. I am excited as well.

Evaran half smiled as he tapped at his chair console. Very well then. V, take us to the coordinates I have entered. Make sure we are in Torvatta scan profile one and stealthed.

Acknowledged, said V. After a moment, he said, Torvatta scan profile one activated. Stealth mode engaged.

The Torvatta floated in orbit above Earth, which was buzzing with activity.

Dr. Snowden bet anyone seeing the Torvatta would do a double take when it formed a portal and flew through.

As if on cue, the Torvatta shot out a silver beam that formed a blue-bordered portal with a red surface, the color scheme for a portal to a parallel timeline. The Torvatta flew through the portal and exited above a parallel timeline version of Earth.

V, perform standard scans, said Evaran.

Acknowledged.

Dr. Snowden examined the transparent floor and sides of the room, expecting to see advanced Neanderthal ships. There was no sign of activity around the parallel Earth. Umm … where is everything?

Evaran raised a finger. Something is not right.

Scene Break

Emily wrinkled her eyebrows as she studied the various data windows popping up. On the mini map of the galactic region they were in, she could see a concentric circle pulsing out ten light-years from the representation of the Torvatta. There was some activity on the edges, but around Earth and in the solar system, there was barely anything. Her eye caught a small blip in low Earth orbit. What’s that?

Evaran tapped at his chair console. After perusing his augmented reality interface, or ARI, for a moment, he said, It appears to be a satellite. V, take us to it.

Acknowledged.

The Torvatta moved near the satellite.

It was unusual-looking, a dodecahedron with each of its twelve sides containing a small bump in the center. No antennae were visible, and it had a green sheen to it.

V, attempt to connect to it, said Evaran.

Acknowledged. Initiating connection, said V. After a moment, he said, No connection protocol or mechanism found.

That is odd, said Evaran.

In what way? asked Dr. Snowden.

Evaran glanced at Dr. Snowden. Satellites usually have a system capable of some form of receiver and transmission capability. This satellite has neither. Unless … V, perform a targeted exotic energy scan.

Acknowledged.

A green beam swept over the satellite. Small labels popped up off the side.

Evaran sat up in his chair.

Emily’s eyes widened as she glanced at Dr. Snowden. Whatever was showing on the labels, which seemed like gibberish to her, was something that had attracted Evaran’s attention.

Evaran narrowed his eyes. This satellite has a trace of cosmic and rift energy. It has a connection to something on the planet.

Emily remembered that rift energy could also come in the form of crystals allowing for portals to other places. So the lack of any other type of technology out here, and now this … What do you think that means?

I suspect whatever this satellite is, it is involved in the change of this world. V, take us down to whatever the satellite is connecting to. Let us see what we are dealing with.

Acknowledged.

The Torvatta angled itself and then flew toward the planet.

Dr. Snowden chuckled. Another mystery. Let’s hope this time there aren’t any Hadryn spawn overlords to deal with.

Emily clenched her jaw. The overlord had been held up as a god by the Purifiers, a human-supremacist group that tried to alter Earth’s history. They were defeated and the overlord was banished by Evaran. A part of her hated the overlord for killing Levaran, one of Evaran’s other plane forms.

I do not think we will need to worry about that, said Evaran.

The Torvatta broke cloud cover and soared over a lush forest.

Emily noticed something shiny sticking out near one of the larger trees. You seeing that?

Evaran tapped at his chair console.

A data window popped up showing the rusted remains of an advanced building.

Dr. Snowden adjusted his glasses. Okay … so it looks like maybe there was a civilization here, and now there’s not. You thinking a timeline change?

I am, said Evaran. We will gather some additional information, then head to low orbit, travel back in time, and attempt to find where the change occurred.

So a lot of little jumps? asked Emily.

Evaran raised a finger. We will jump back to a known point that I have visited before. That should establish a base point. From there, we halve the time difference from then to now, and jump there, and then note if the satellite is present. This process is repeated until we narrow down to when it appeared.

Huh. That’s pretty cool.

Evaran nodded. V, take us to low orbit and then to AD 105.

Acknowledged.

The Torvatta ascended to low orbit and then faded out and back in.

Analysis. The date is now November 2, AD 105. The satellite is not present.

Emily noted that on the next jump, the year showed AD 5105, and the satellite was not present. This could take a while.

Not as long as you might think, said Evaran.

The Torvatta jumped to AD 7605.

Emily examined the scan results that appeared on the screen. Looks like the satellite is here, so it appeared sometime between AD 5105 and AD 7605.

Yes, we are getting closer. Now we halve from there and keep going, said Evaran.

After a while and many jumps, V said, Analysis. The date is now January 1, 5705.

That wasn’t too bad, said Emily.

We know it appears this year, said Evaran. V, deploy a tracking satellite. We can check on it in a year and pinpoint the exact arrival.

Acknowledged. Deploying a stealthed tracking satellite.

A small orb shot out and then stealthed.

Now, take us to the end of the year, said Evaran.

The Torvatta jumped forward in time.

Why didn’t we just do that in the first place? asked Dr. Snowden.

It could cause potential timeline issues if it was detected over a long range of time. However, in this case, it is only a year, and the satellite may not have lasted that long.

All right.

Retrieving data, said V. Isolating appearance of the exotic energy satellite. After a moment, he said, Date confirmed.

Good. Retrieve the satellite, and then take us ten minutes prior to the exotic energy satellite’s appearance, said Evaran.

Acknowledged.

Dr. Snowden chuckled. We’re time hoppers today.

Indeed, said Evaran.

The Torvatta satellite flew back into one of the Torvatta’s side panels, and then the Torvatta jumped to the point Evaran requested.

Emily narrowed her eyes. There was some traffic, and most seemed to be rudimentary satellites. It looks like they were still around in this time period.

Evaran nodded.

After ten minutes, the exotic energy satellite popped into existence.

What the heck? asked Dr. Snowden. Where did it come from?

I am not sure, said Evaran, narrowing his eyes.

Scanning now, said V.

The Torvatta bathed the satellite in a multicolored beam. Statistics on the object appeared in a data window.

Evaran rubbed his chin. Interesting. It came from another timeline, but which, I do not know. The amount of power required to do that and be this precise must be immense.

Analysis. A link has been detected from the satellite to an object on the surface.

Display it, said Evaran.

V interacted with the front console.

A golden beam appeared from the satellite to an area on the planet.

Well, that’s what we saw in the future, said Dr. Snowden.

Yes. I believe we may have found the cause of the timeline change. Whatever is on the planet, it possesses a sliver of cosmic energy. That is not a good sign, said Evaran. V, jump us one hundred years forward. Let us see the impact of this.

Acknowledged.

Everything outside the Torvatta faded away and then eased back into view.

Analysis. The date is now November 2, 5805.

Emily studied the screen. The activity she had seen in orbit just a hundred years ago was now gone. Whoa … it looks like whatever that satellite is involved in had a big change.

It would appear so, said Evaran. He glanced at Dr. Snowden and then Emily. Shall we investigate?

Emily laughed. Let’s do this!

Chapter Two

Jelton Stallryn, a Rift Guardian deathless riftblade, glanced at the projection that shot up from the back of his formfitting black glove. The projection showed a gray-skinned humanoid with green rectangular strips arcing from the front of his face to the back of his head. A thin metallic headband resided over his forehead, and two shiny metal plates hung on the sides of his head, with a cutout for his ears. Lightly glowing green circuitry-like lines ran along his face, and his eyes had a dim silver glow to them, typical of the Riven race. Jelton sighed. He knew the humanoid to be Gowldin Khull, the Rift Guardian commander of their base.

Jelton, we have an unusual disturbance. Come to the command center as soon as possible, said Gowldin.

I’m on my way.

Gowldin nodded.

The projection ended.

Although Jelton was wrapping up his breakfast, it seemed his day was starting earlier than normal. He stood and did a quick survey of his formfitting black mesh suit. Its tightness gave him a sense of comfort, and he enjoyed its versatility in keeping him warm yet able to take punishing damage. He visually inspected the slightly glowing blue outlines of his padded armor that segmented the suit. The pads were small and numerous and gave a cracked look not unlike dry parchment. They were durable and had earned their keep on his suit. Although it was a solid suit, it was only one piece of the Rift Guardian light armor he viewed floating in the corner of his room.

He walked over to his suit and grabbed his belt. His two energy-pulse sidearms were recharged and ready to go. After holstering his sidearms, he grabbed his dual green curved rift blades, which defined what he was. They fit snugly onto the underside of his metallic forearm cover. He extracted his boots and slipped them on. A quick stomp ensured they were on tight. He slipped on his metallic hand coverings and wriggled his fingers to make sure they were flexible.

He smiled as he glanced at the chest piece. It was heavier than the other armor parts. A large blue circle on the left side pulsated with electrical arcs shooting out from the center. He pulled out his chest piece and put it on, then popped on a thin silver Rift Guardian headband that locked into the one embedded in his head. It could spawn a space-worthy helmet if need be, and although his suit could withstand the rigors of normal space, he preferred not to be in that situation if possible.

The final piece was his favorite. Although it appeared as a hooded cloak, it was much more than that. He loved how resilient the rift-infused fibers were. The more important part was its ability to bend light around him. It wasn’t true stealth, but at medium and longer range, it made him hard to detect, especially when he crouched and it covered him. The hood was spacious and rigid enough to stand up on its own. He liked the fact that it also had a shadow-casting effect that made it hard to see his face, even when not stealthed.

As he walked to the meeting room farther away in the compound, he took in the breathtaking views of Solus, the Rift Guardian headquarters. Being in a dimension inside a rift afforded some unusual visuals, most notably in the permanent pitch-black beyond the light pollution of the floating headquarters. There were no planetary bodies or stars in the dimension, but the unusual fluctuations between the rift and the dimension produced power, and an unlimited supply of it. When the power was harnessed, it could be converted into something usable by the massive floating headquarters.

After a brisk fifteen-minute walk, he reached the command room for his five-hundred-strong group, known as the Ravaw. He nodded at Gowldin, who was standing by a large circular table. A projection showing a timeline as a vertical cylinder dominated the space above the table. Bright yellow dots flashed and sparkled up and down the timeline, but it was the pulsating red one that drew his eye. Jelton pointed at the red dot. I guess that’s the disturbance.

Gowldin nodded. Whatever that is, it’s caused a timeline change. He tapped at the ringed console that hung slanted off the table.

The projection zoomed in to the dot.

I’m not familiar with that region of space, or that time period, said Gowldin.

Jelton studied the solar system that appeared before him. It had eight planets orbiting a yellow star. Me either. So … this is not a rift-induced change.

It isn’t, and that’s concerning. You remember the last time we saw a red dot …

Jelton’s eyes narrowed. He remembered fighting a group that called themselves the Time Wardens. They had punched into the timeline, established a timeplex, and then begun surfing the rifts, spreading out and corrupting everything they touched. Unfortunately for them, the Rift Guardians were riftborn, and not only were they able to destroy the timeplex, but they also went into the timeline void and hunted down the Time Wardens. There were a few that still existed in the timeline, and it was always a high priority to exterminate them if detected. You think it’s another timeplex being formed?

Gowldin shook his head. It doesn’t fit the timeline change pattern.

What do you think it is?

Gowldin grinned. You might find this hard to believe … but I don’t know.

Jelton swallowed hard. Gowldin was thousands of years old and had seen almost every type of timeline change pattern possible. The gravity of the moment weighed on Jelton. So this is something new.

Yes, it is. I’m excited to hear your report on what you find. Head out there, said Gowldin, raising a finger, "and be prepared for anything. I know you will, but this … I don’t know. It doesn’t feel right. Maybe you should take the Ravaw with you."

Although Jelton was a part of the Ravaw, he did special operations solo and joined them if need be. The Ravaw were tough, resilient, and dedicated Rift Guardians through and through. They had recently seen battle when destroying several Time Warden anchor stations. Their current status was listed as available, and Jelton would have liked to call on them, but he knew it was best to perform reconnaissance before committing.

I’ll handle it, like I always do, said Jelton with a big smile. If I need the Ravaw, I’ll let you know. Best not to overcommit to what might be nothing.

All right, said Gowldin. He tapped at the console interface.

The projection spat out various details on the planet in question.

Gowldin pointed at the projection. Another thing. It seems that there is an unusual type of energy that’s causing the timeline change. It’s one I’ve never seen before. Whatever’s there, it will be unique. He laid a hand on Jelton’s shoulder. "You’re one of my best riftblades, if not the best. You didn’t earn the rank of deathless by chance."

I won’t let you down.

I know. I wish I could go with you, said Gowldin with a sigh. My place is here, though. I won’t tell you what you should take, but I would gear up for a potentially hostile scenario. Oh … and keep the mental bonding with the natives to a minimum.

They’re the ones that ask for it, said Jelton with a devilish grin. I’m just being friendly.

Uh-huh, said Gowldin, eying Jelton.

They shared a laugh.

Jelton crossed both arms across his chest in an X pattern and then left. It only took half a day to prep a standard timerift ship and go through all the necessary medical tests, but he was ready to go. His blood pumped at the thought of yet another investigation. One of the advantages of having access to the timeline void was that it allowed for entry to any point in space and time, although there was always a slight variance upon entry.

The recall engine on the ship offered an easy return to the Rift Guardian dimension. He sat in his command chair in the spacious command center. Although he was alone in the timerift ship, it could support a crew of eight if need be. At least he had his support robots and drones.

He enjoyed watching the holographic display of the exterior project out just a few inches from the walls, ceiling, and floor, making it seem like he was floating. Data windows hovered all around him. Weapon systems were online, and the ship had full power with capped-off reserves.

The ship lifted off the spaceport and hovered in the air for a moment. It then flew toward a portal held in place by two massive green crystalline towers.

Once through the portal, he checked the status projections and verified he was outside the timeline. It was dark everywhere, something that always made him uneasy.

Timeline reentry calibration commencing, said a voice.

Jelton grinned. The virtual intelligence aboard the ship was humorless but functional.

Entering the timeline, said the ship.

Jelton’s eyes narrowed as he studied the planet