The Mind Portal: History Beckons

By Siva G

LUCAS SIMMONS, a usually easy going happy person is feeling dejected recently due to the loss of his wife, KATE SIMMONS in a traffic accident.
Lucas conveys his plans of bringing Kate back to life to his sister OLIVIA BENNET. He plans to achieve this by a process of mind travel to a parallel universe. Once the mind travels to the other universe, it will occupy the body of another being who will then try to prevent Kate’s death. If they can prevent Kate’s death in three parallel universes, Kate will automatically be saved in their home universe. The travel will be facilitated by a medium - Mme MARISSA through a séance. The parallel universe will be in another point of time in history or the future. The travelers are Mme Marissa, Lucas, Olivia, her husband VICTOR BENNETT and two of their colleagues SAMUEL and RILEY.

In their first journey to a parallel universe, they travel to Africa where Victor and Lucas are slave traders, Kate is the ugly captain of the slave ship. Unfortunately, during their adventure, someone blows up the slave ship killing Kate resulting in their first journey being unsuccessful

In their second journey, they travel to Russia during the time of the Russian Revolution when the Tsar of Russia, Nicholas II is housed at Yekaterinburg along with his family. Kate is the cook in the royal household. Olivia is Kate’s niece. The mission will be accomplished successfully and will be their first victory

In their third journey, they travel to the Aztec empire, during the time of Cortes. Olivia and Victor are Aztec warriors. Kate will finally be felled by a bullet from a captain of the Spanish Army. The third venture will also be unsuccessful.

Back in their home universe, they find that their world would has changed, and Aztec civilization has taken over entire south America. Despite this, our heroes will resolve with going ahead with further seances.

In their fourth journey, they travel to Poland during World War II. Victor is an SS general, Olivia, his wife. Kate is a prisoner at a concentration camp. In this adventure, Kate escapes safely. This will be their second successful journey.

Back home after their fourth journey, they realize that Mme Marissa has another objective - bringing her brother back who was lost during one of her previous seances. After securing him, they decide to complete the final journey.

In their last and final journey, they travel into the future - back in Africa. They find that the Nazis have occupied the land and their weaponry, far advanced. The human civilization will be dying due to excess of Aryan inbreeding. Kate will be a lioness and Lucas, a scientist, will willingly be transformed into a lion. Victor will be the head of security at a medical facility, Mme. Marissa will be a scientist and Olivia will be a Masai lion hunter. In the middle of their journey, Lucas and Marissa are pulled back to their home universe to find that the planet is being ripped apart by a series of nuclear explosions. Apparently, something that they had done in the other universes has triggered the events in their home universe. Recognizing that their further missions must fail for the world to return to normal, they return to the future, try to set things right and come back to the home universe without saving Kate.

As their attempts are unsuccessful 3 out of 5 times, they assume that Kate would not have been saved in their home universe. A distressed Lucas goes back to New York expecting to find an empty apartment, but finds that Kate is alive and well! Initially jubilant, his happiness turns to dismay when he finds that his television shows an event where Hitler is also alive and well.

Finally, in the parallel world of the Aztec empire, the Aztec king after the victorious battle with the Spanish troops will be inspecting the scene of the battle and will find one soldier with a strange

• Language: English
• Publisher: Siva G
• Release date: Aug 27, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463753408

Book preview

support.

CHAPTER 1. PROLOGUE

Centehua woke up with a start. It was dawn, the sun was just coming out and she was sweating profusely. Realizing that she had a bad dream, she looked around her chamber. There was not enough light, and she had to light a lamp to make her surroundings more visible. It was a small room albeit bigger than the rooms of the other junior priests.

Being a senior priestess had its advantages. While the other priests had wooden beds while her bed had a mattress - not that it mattered much as she got very less sleep in the past few days.

The ruler of her kingdom - the king wanted more favor from Huitzilopochtli – The Aztec God of War and Sacrifice. The Aztecs were at war with the people from the foreign land and due to this, it was necessary to perform regular human sacrifices to gain favor from the gods and this was taking a heavy toll on Centehua’ s physical and mental strength.

However, this was not what bothered her the most, she had been through months of these sacrifices throughout her term in the temple. She had seen enough blood, enough ruptured hearts, and enough severed heads to fill a hundred lifetimes. And yet the past few days had been more saddening, more tormenting than before. And today would be the saddest day of them all.

Today, her daughter Citlalli was to be sacrificed to the gods. This was the order of the king. In this case, Citlalli was accused (falsely) of trying to conspire against the kingdom by planning the downfall of the city with the Spanish. Consequently, Citlalli was, without trial, declared a traitor. The only way Centehua could keep her bloodline clean was by this sacrifice. Centehua did not have a choice lest she risk her life and the life of the rest of her family. For this reason, Citlalli was to be sacrificed today.

Centehua stiffened.

There was a whisper at her doorway and two junior priestesses came inside. Soon it would be time. As customary, they led Centehua to her bathing chamber where she cleansed herself. Thereafter her sister clothed her with robes of rich splendid colors and adorned her crown of multicolored feathers. They then went ahead to paint her face in red with a black skull on her forehead.

Centehua then went onto the courtyard with the other priests where they a score of Aztec warriors greeted them and bowed in their presence. Flanked by the soldiers, they walked up to the great Pyramid. There, standing at the bottom her eyes swept the great pyramid – The Pyramid of the Sun. It was magnificent as it was foreboding. Thousands of people – men, women and children were sacrificed here and thousands more would be sacrificed. Uttering a silent prayer, she ascended the stairs slowly, quietly. Only the attendants who were slaves were present on the top of the pyramids apart from the priests and the guards. Looking up at the sky directly over the pyramid, she could see vultures cycling above waiting to dine on the bodies once the sacrifice was over. After a while, she mounted the stairs to the top and looked down below at the people of the city.

Next to her was the King’s commander – a Tlacateccatl. He commanded the vast Aztec army and was answerable only to the King. In the order of the high class, the King and his family came first, the king’s relatives came second, the priests and their family came in third (her family enjoyed the same privilege as long as Centehua was alive) and the commander’s clan came fourth.

The commander grinned at her. Probably because, he was the one responsible for Citlalli being sent to death. He had earlier made his intentions of marrying Citlalli clear to Centehua and Centehua had refused stating it was an insult for her daughter to get married to a lower clan. The commander had repaid Centehua’ refusal by faking a story of Citlalli planning to betray the kingdom to the Spanish. He would see Citlalli dead rather than allowing her to marry someone else.

The attendants started to make a rhythmic beat with their drum-like instruments called the Teponaztli. This was to signal the coming of the king.

The king walked in with his warriors behind him. After he sat down on his designated throne, he nodded to the head priest and in his eyes, he gave the command to begin the sacrifice. Below the pyramid, the people chanted praises of the King and prayers to the Gods. They prayed to the tempo of the drums.

The tempo of the drums increased.

Centehua’ daughter was ushered in, her hands tied with vines as were her legs - tied close together so that each of her strides could not be more than a foot in length. As for her attire, she was dressed in the best of robes and her hair was also well-dressed - becoming of a girl from a well-respected family.

The king looked at the head priest. The head priest commanded another senior priestess to carry out the sacrifice.

Stepping forward in front of Citlalli, the senior priestess cut off a small lock of her hair. She then walked over and took a large cup and sprinkled the hair in.

She then called to the commander.

Come, my commander and drink from this cup. It will make you strong. You will lead our army to victory

The commander came over to her and took the cup. It held a concoction which was greenish black with red spots in it – a preparation known only to the priests.

The tempo of the drums increased again.

As Centehua watched from the background, the other senior priestess took the dagger made from volcanic glass in her hands. She bathed the dagger with the blood of a Jaguar kept in a bowl. The Jaguar was the most sacred of animals, the strongest, the fiercest, the most feared…

The tempo of the drums increased yet again.

The senior priestess walked up to the altar and looked at Citlalli. Citlalli looked into her eyes, her face a portrait of defiance, disbelief.

The tempo of the drums was now at a feverish pitch.

The commander was now smiling with glee. The senior priestess raised the dagger above the Citlalli‘s heart. At the same time the commander raised the cup to his lips

He did not get a chance to drink it. A shot rang out.

The commander crumbled to the ground with a bullet in his head. The last thing he saw before he died were the vultures circling in the sky above.

The drums stopped abruptly, the king stood up and looked towards the gates of the city as did the rest of his people. There was a dead silence.

Someone screamed.

The king and his people still looked at the gates - watching as Spanish troops marched towards them.

This is sacrilege. To challenge us is one thing. To challenge the gods is another. Summon the Army. Kill the enemy. KILL THEM ALL! shouted the king to his soldiers.

CHAPTER 2. AN UNWILLING ADVENTURE

I

Lucas groaned, rolled off his bed and landed on his head with a thud. The pain jolted him awake. He gradually came to realize that he had a nightmare. The time was 8 am in the morning. His nightmares were becoming worse. He had nightmares every night for the past one month and it was always about his wife. She had passed away a year back, but she seemed very real in every one of his dreams.

He bathed and dressed quickly.

He looked at himself in the mirror. All of thirty-eight he did not look his age and looked much younger. He had jet black hair, light brown skin, black eyes, a roman nose slightly bent to the left, perfectly shaped lips. His hair was cropped close to his head. His body was trim owing to his strict exercise regime - almost athletic. His only complaint was his rather large ears. People told him that he was an easy-going person, happy most of the time, though with the passing of Kate, his happy moments had been fewer and farther in between

He hurried downstairs as he was late for a breakfast appointment with his sister Olivia. Half-sister actually. His mother had divorced his father right after his sister was born. His mother married again the same year itself and had him two years later. But, the half did not really matter as far as he was concerned as she had been with him since he was born.

Getting out of his apartment block, he hailed a taxi. He had been living in New York for over a year now. It was a lot different from living in London.

He instructed the cab driver and arrived at his destination in about 20 minutes.

His sister was seated and waiting for him at the restaurant.

Sorry for being late he said.

Nothing new there said Olivia.

His sister did not have much in common with him physically. She was of medium height and build – about 5 feet 4 inches, very fair with blonde hair. She had quite a temper and most people could not win an argument against her. Neither could Lucas.

She usually bossed him around ever since they were young though it was more from a protective angle. The only person who she would listen to apart from their parents was her husband. But then his brother in law did seem to gain respect from most of the people he was acquainted with.

Olivia was employed at the local aquarium as a senior dolphin trainer. The fact that she got to swim daily kept her very fit at the age of 40.

Can you I get some leeway here please? I’m not having the best time of my life., said Lucas

I know that. And I also know that it is time to move on. For goodness sake, Lucas, it’s been over a year. You will have to get over it

I am trying Olivia, but I just can’t get he off my mind, he said, on the verge of tears

I miss her so much, she was my life and is the only reason for what I am today

Success had always evaded Lucas throughout his life. That is till he met Kate. They had met when he was vacationing in the Bahamas. He was into sailing and had taken a trip out into the Caribbean. He had met her on Rose Island, Nassau.

The island was small one with very small wooden cottages. Not a place to spend the night, but a good place to visit during the day it was a perfect island – calm, crystal clear waters and white sand beaches. The fringes of the island were covered with coconut trees. There were small boats and yachts at regular intervals along the beach where tourists were coming and going all the time.

Kate was getting ready for a snorkeling session. Lucas was idling on a hammock when he saw her. She was the prettiest thing he had seen all his life. She had pitch black hair which had a marvelous sheen in the sun. It almost looked like she had a halo. It also seemed that way because of the booze he had been drinking. She looked perky and full of energy.

Kate had a slim body, hazel eyes and very pretty nose full of freckles. She had an almost boyish attitude around her which attracted him even more - a carefree, I don't care a damn attitude

Anyway I can help? he shouted

She looked at him, a little puzzled at first like as if she did not know whether to trust this stranger.

She shouted back Do you know anything about snorkeling?

He sprang from his hammock and in his enthusiasm fell face down on the beach sand. As he sat up, he saw that she was laughing – the prettiest sound he had ever heard.

It turned out that he did not know snorkeling either and was not much help. They got to talking, decided to skip snorkeling altogether and have a drink. She was from London. They got to know each other better over the next two days and want on a couple of activities together on the island before finding themselves spending the night together in each other’s arms.

They got married a year later and he moved in with her to the UK. Kate was the driving force of his life. She helped him start a restaurant in London and had helped in its growth over the next few years. Kate had been the answer to all his prayers.

And just when they were planning to have children, fate had taken her away from him in a car accident. It had hit him hard. He sold the restaurant and became a bit of a recluse.

He had moved back to New York after that. There were too many memories for him in London which made him depressed further and secondly, Olivia was able to provide him with the much-needed emotional support to bring him back on his feet.

His mind snapped back to the present and he looked at his sister intently.

I need you to help me he said.

You know I am there for you Lucas

I… I’m going to try to contact her

Contact who?

Kate!

What?

I know a person – Marissa. She is a medium…

Lucas, have you gone insane? Look what you’re saying!

Please just listen to me Olivia. I need to know if she is ok

Lucas, NO! I cannot allow this

Just this once Olivia, I promise I will try to forget her after that. I just need to know if she is ok

Lucas, this is a farce. There are no such things as… as contacting ghosts from another world

Look who’s talking said Lucas

What are you saying? asked Olivia. Olivia was certain that her brother had gone crazy.

Well, it’s not a secret that you and Victor have had your fair share of adventures. I am sure many of them dealt with the occult in some way

Which is why I don’t want you to get involved in all this, Lucas. Victor has been into these things since he was very young and therefore has the experience and knows all the related risks

I am willing to take those risks

Where did you come by this medium of yours? Is he or she genuine? asked Olivia

I got the lead from Victor’s research papers

Victor was Olivia’s husband.

What? How did you do that?

I went through some of his papers while I was in his study room. That was way back even before I met Kate

Olivia was aghast!

You have no right. Its Victor’s memoirs. He does not allow anyone to access them

I said it was before I met Kate. I always used to go through his things. Victor had a very eventful life. He has had experiences which no one else can even imagine. I was always curious and wanted know more

Well, then you have no right to use the information that you have now

Sis, I will do anything for Kate. You know I will said Lucas

And what if this medium doesn’t work out? Which I am sure it won’t she asked.

I promise you that I will try to forget her, all right? he replied.

Olivia kept mum for a moment and said softly.

Why are you doing this? I am sure she is happy Lucas, she was an angel, and she must be in heaven

Then there is nothing to worry about, is there Olivia? I am sure it will go well he said.

Olivia sighed. All right. And when is this ... this séance, I presume? she asked waving her hands around.

Yes. Tomorrow, at 7 pm, he replied. I can pick you up, please don’t tell Victor about this.

You bet I won’t Olivia replied. It’s a long weekend and I want to enjoy it as much as I can. If Victor gets to know about this, he’ll be sulking all the way

Olivia hoped that this would not be the start of another misadventure.

II

As promised, Lucas picked up Olivia at 7 pm on the dot. They were silent most of the way apart from the occasional observations during the journey and with usual references to family and friends.

In about an hour’s time, they pulled up to an old and worn out neighborhood.

Doesn’t seem like much. If Marissa is as good you make her out to be, I thought she must be living in a good neighborhood said Olivia

Olivia looked at the house. It was old – at least from the outside and in an untidy neighborhood.

Her house isn’t well maintained either she said.

She’s just moved in, so it will take a while for her to muster up enough money to move into a better neighborhood. She is gaining popularity, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she moves into a much better house by the end of the year.

Have you met her before? asked Olivia

I got to meet her when I was in the Bahamas. She is from Cuba and Kate and I used her services once when we were there.

Kate went to a medium? Why would she do that asked Olivia

Out of curiosity. We saw some pretty strange stuff, which is why we sort of believe in Mme. Marissa

Well, this better be worth it said Olivia as she rang the bell.

As they waited, Lucas’s thought drifted once again to the past.

I hope you had a pleasant experience said Mme. Marissa

We did, thank you Marissa. To be honest, it was scary, but the experience was out of this world to say the least. I hope the payment was appropriate said Kate.

Yes, it was. Thank you. Do let me know if you would need my services at any time and I will be glad to help. Goodbye

Goodbye Mme. Marissa said Lucas

As they walked away together, Lucas asked Do you think any of that was real?

I don’t know said Kate, It looked real enough. Otherwise, why would people come in such vast numbers? She is booked for the next two months

Can you tell me something Lucas? asked Kate as she hugged his arm.

Ask away

If supposing I died before you

Kate…

No, just supposing darling. Would you try to contact me? I mean through a medium

Kate, I would not only contact you, I will use the medium to bring you back!!

They laughed as they kissed each other.

The door opened and Mme Marissa looked at them with a warm smile. She had seemed to have aged decades.

Come in please she said.

The inside of the house was much cleaner than the outside. The house had not been painted for a long time and therefore looked a little run down, but solid. The window frames were cracked at various places. The door also looked a little worn out. The rooms were not well decorated with lots of antique furniture strewn around the house in no particular order. The floors were covered with carpet having some intricate prints. The walls were covered with large paintings mostly portraits and a lot of mirrors.

Very haphazard and very interesting thought Olivia

Thank you Mme Marissa said Lucas as he stepped in. Welcome to the United States. I never thought I’d find you here

Marissa was quite an imposing woman - not tall but more inclined to put on weight. She was wearing a blue flowing dress with floral prints. Her hair was tied up over head using a blue headscarf. In the front of the headscarf she had some red flowers tied in a bunch. Her face was pleasant enough. The most striking thing about her was the cigar she was smoking.

‘Cuban Havana cigars’ presumed Lucas

The situation back in Cuba was not good for business. I could never keep the money I earned, which is why I moved out here., said Marissa

Is everything ok? You seem very tired. Are you feeling well? asked Lucas

As well as I am on any other day I suppose. The séances can take the very life out of you

Then why do you do it? asked Olivia

Because my father did it and my grandfather did it and so did his father and so on. The gift has been in the family for generations. It is meant to be shared. I can see you disapprove Ms.…?

Olivia, Olivia Bennett

"Well, Mrs. Bennett, there is no religion in the world that bans people from contacting