Into The Dark Matter; City of Mebsuta

By H Jason Schulz

Glenn, Teddy, and Benji Jamison, brothers, are sent to an alternate dimension and find themselves in the Vast City of Mebsuta when Teddy discovers what he believes is an ordinary guitar amplifier among his father's things. Fearing the ancient disease that almost wiped out the people of Mebsuta, they choose to undergo a medical procedure that gives the brothers enhanced strength, speed and mental ability. They discover forgotten islands, and ancient technology while the city splits into two opposing governments, the Legacy Party in the west, and the Timeless Party in the East. Glenn, Teddy and Benji use their abilities and enlist the aid of their home world to stop the Timeless Party's monster soldiers and the evil scientist Breckinbauer, who developed a serum from the blood of naturals, that allows him to live for ever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: H Jason Schulz
• Release date: Jul 16, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005238698

H Jason Schulz

H. Jason Schulz

Book preview

Into The Dark Matter:

The City of Mebsuta

By H. Jason Schulz

Copyright © 2020 H. Jason Schulz

All Rights Reserved

Smashwords Edition

Table of contents

Chapter 1 …....... The Jamison Home

Chapter 2 …....... To the Laboratory

Chapter 3 …....... Into the Dark Matter

Chapter 4 …....... Settling In

Chapter 5 …....... The Procedures

Chapter 6 …....... Mebsutese Military

Chapter 7 …....... Into the Center of it all

Chapter 8 …....... Mysterious Islands

Chapter 9 …....... Unexpected Visitors

Chapter 10 …..... Cave of Truth

Chapter 11 …..... Back to Mebsuta

Chapter 12 …..... Daring Rescue

Chapter 13 …..... Breckinbauer

Chapter 14 …..... Prepare for War

Chapter 15 …..... Lodestar

Chapter 16 …..... Message from Home

Chapter 17 …..... East End

Chapter 18 …..... Call in the Cavalry

Chapter 1

The Jamison Home...

Mrs. Jamison was in the garage packing up the last of the boxes, in preparation for her husband’s move to the new research laboratory that he had been hired to manage. It was a hot day and the garage was like an oven. She walked to the door that led into the house, opened it and leaned in.

Boys! She yelled, Get down here.

What? came the yelled reply from the boys, from somewhere inside the house.

Get down here and start putting boxes into the storage container! She yelled back. She had packed up all of her husband’s things that were in the garage and now the boxes just needed moved into the storage container. The garage was used mainly as her husband’s workshop. They had a large, white storage container, courtesy of Triton Research Inc., dropped in their driveway to load up the rest of Dr. Jamison's equipment and research. As soon as it was loaded it would be taken to the Lab.

Boys! She yelled even louder. Get out here now!

You don’t have to yell Mom! Came the reply. We’re coming, yelled the boys, but still no sign of them. She stomped over to the stairway that led up to the boy’s bedrooms.

NOW! She yelled.

Two of the boys reluctantly came down the stairs, and stopped in front of their mother.

Put everything that is your father's, she motioned toward the garage, into the container. Nothing else. Understand?

Can’t we wait until tomorrow? pleaded Glenn. I have to be at the college, I have class in a few hours.

Glenn was tall and muscular with sandy blond hair, a very good-looking young man. He was finishing up his first year in college, and was very focused on his grades.

It’s too hot today, added Teddy. Plus, I’m on line with Rick, he’s waiting for me.

Teddy was also tall, but not quite as tall as Glenn. He had a thin, athletic build and dark brown hair that always looked a little messy. He was finishing up his senior year at Sand Palm High School.

No. You put those muscles to use, she said, pointing at Glenn. And you, she said, pointing at Teddy, can let your friend wait.

The boys grumbled, but started moving toward the door that led to the garage. Glenn opened it, and Teddy let out a mock scream and threw his hands up in front of his face as if to stop some horrible sight from reaching his view.

Let’s just finish this. Glenn muttered and bumped Teddy's shoulder as he stepped out into the hot garage. He pushed the button on the wall that sent the garage door grinding open and walked into blazing sunshine to open the container. It was a particularly bright day and the sunlight reflected brutally off of the white container.

Let’s don’t and say we did, replied Teddy, as he picked up one of the boxes and started toward the now open container. Oh-man! I’m not in the mood for this. He continued to protest.

Glenn picked up two large boxes with a grunt and carried them into the metal storage container.

Look. It’s mostly finished. Dad did a bunch last night. Glenn said. His eyes trying to adjust to the dark interior of the container, so that he could see where to drop the boxes. Teddy, following Glenn into the container, had just put a box down when something caught his attention.

Wait a minute! Dad said he couldn’t get me another amp! He said, mostly to himself.

What? Inquired Glenn, setting down the two boxes and turning around to look at Teddy.

Dad said he wouldn’t get me an amp because I got a D in senior English, but he obviously, came to his senses, replied Teddy. He picked up the box and examined it. It was flat black in color with two oval openings in the front, covered by a mesh material. These look like good speakers. Teddy thought. The thing was slightly larger than a shoe box, with a display that was labeled Configuration, and what looked like a calculator next to that. On another side were two small holes marked Primary and Secondary input. Teddy recognized them as, end pin jacks.

Maybe you should leave Dad’s stuff alone Ted. Glenn challenged.

I don't see another guitar genius in our family. Teddy replied. He was absorbed in his examination of the amplifier.

Put it down and let’s just finish. Okay? Glenn retorted. Then he punched Teddy in the arm, in an effort to get his attention. This barely had any effect. But Teddy, still looking at the amp, followed him out of the container with his prize. Teddy walked right past the boxes and into the house, unnoticed by Glenn. Glenn added another box to the container and noticing that Teddy had disappeared, he went into the garage, opened the door to the house and yelled,

Mom! Ted's not helping! He went back inside!

No he didn’t! He's still working! Glenn is a liar! Teddy yelled, as he walked back into the garage. I just took the amp to my room tattle tale. He said as he passed Glenn, and picked up a box.

They finished loading the container then went inside for lunch. They found Benji already eating a sandwich. He was sitting at the island that was in the middle of the family's kitchen reading a beat up looking notebook.

Benjamin was the youngest of the three Jamison brothers. He was about a half of a foot shorter than Glenn, but had the same color hair. He was in his first year of high school but took advanced classes.

Where was the freshman during our session out in the oven? Teddy asked his mother, who had her back to them making sandwiches. Teddy sat down next to Benji.

He was doing his chores. Like you'll be doing before you get back on that computer. Understand? And quit calling him that. Mrs. Jamison said.

"He is a freshman, Mom." Glenn said, and rumpled Benji's short blond hair. He then walked over to where his mother was making the sandwiches. He grabbed one of them off the plate that was in front of her, and disappeared upstairs.

I'm headed to the store after I run some errands. While I'm gone, I want you to finish up your chores. No running off until they're done. Understand? Mrs. Jamison said over her shoulder to Teddy and Benji.

I'm almost done. Benji said, not taking his eyes off of the old notebook.

And I'm almost started. Teddy said then he turned to look at Benji.

Is that Dad's? Teddy asked in a low, accusatory tone so that his mother couldn't hear, For shame! Taking Dad's stuff with out asking...Why-I'm shocked!

It's just one of his old research notebooks. Benji countered.

You two also have homework to do. Mrs. Jamison interrupted, unaware of the quiet exchange between the brothers. She placed plates of sandwiches in front of them.

I'm done with my homework. Benji said. He picked up the sandwich and took a big bite. Then he turned to Teddy with a look of exaggerated anticipation on his face. Teddy shot him a sharp look then turned to his mother.

I beg your honor, excuse me from homework duty. He said, I claim, undue hardship, as well as extreme inconvenience - If it pleases the court your honor.

It does not please the court, Teddy. For heaven's sake, you’re not stupid. Why do you get bad grades? Mrs. Jamison asked.

"Dear mother, you don't have to get them. You can simply sit back he leaned back in the tall chair, locking his fingers behind his head in a relaxed attitude, and the teachers will award them to you with practically zero effort – it's quite nice actually." Teddy said, a broad, innocent smile creeping across his face.

Just finish your work before your dad gets home. She said, and walked out of the kitchen shaking her head.

They finished lunch and headed upstairs to finish their chores.

Benji was in his room putting all of his dirty laundry into a basket. When it was filled, he picked it up and started down the hallway. As he passed Teddy's room, he saw him sitting on his bed and leaning over a new guitar amplifier. Benji put down the basket he was carrying and stood in the doorway.

Is that a new amp? Asked Benji.

Yep. Answered Teddy, not really paying attention to his younger brother. He was alternately fiddling with the dials on his guitar and the display of the amp.

Where is the on switch? Teddy asked out loud.

"Where exactly, did you get it?" Benjamin asked.

Teddy looked up and said, Dad said he didn’t need it. So he gave it to me. And smiled a quick, exaggerated, toothy smile. Then went back to poking the amp. Good bye.

Try the switch on the side, rock star, suggested Benjamin at about the same time that Teddy’s finger found it.

Never mind! I found it! Teddy said, very loudly.

A low, faint whirring sound was heard, and the LCD screen flashed the message, Powering up, please wait. The whirring sound rose in pitch until it faded away completely. Then the screen flashed the message Load last configuration? There appeared immediately below the message two boxes on the screen. One read, Yes, the other, No Teddy touched the Yes on the screen.

Nice. A touch screen. Teddy said, It's not very big though. I hope it's loud!

Teddy put it down with the speakers facing Benji.

That is cool. Commented Benji, But dad’s going to be ticked at you.

"I told you, Benji, he gave it to me. Besides, what about that notebook that you took?" Teddy asked.

No! That's not the same! Benji was shaking his head, That was an old note book. You took that...That! Benji pointed at the amp on the floor.

The screen flashed Configuration loaded...Ready for input... and Teddy inserted his guitar cord into the input marked Primary.

Maybe some heavy sounds will get rid of you! Teddy said in as low a voice as he could manage. He pulled the pick across the strings, and heard the familiar, Middle C cord. Teddy’s hand was raised high in the air as the sound faded, the pick was still tight between his fingers, as he saw his brother seem to blur, then disappear entirely. Glenn was just walking out of his room when Benji disappeared.

What the… Glenn stopped mid sentence, as he too saw his brother disappear.

Benjamin? Teddy walked to where his brother had been and waved his hand through the air.

What are you doing? How did you do that Ted? Where’s Benji? Glenn stammered.

I dunno. Teddy replied.

Seriously. How did you guys do that? That was really cool! Glenn said.

I dun no. Teddy said again, as he again waved his hand through the place where Benji had been. Glenn walked up and stood precisely where Benjamin was when he disappeared.

Show me how you did that! Glenn insisted.

Teddy walked back to his amp and picked up his guitar.

I just did this. Teddy again, strummed his guitar, and again, heard that same cord, and again, saw a brother disappear!

What the Fruit Basket! Teddy exclaimed. Then he thought, this must be a dream. I’m dreaming this, and I need to wake up. He stood up and Whack! Smacked him self across the face. He stumbled a little then looked around. Then he shook his head and thought. No good. I'm still in it. And now, my face hurts!

You don’t feel pain in a dream, do you? He questioned out loud.

I don’t think so, his mother said as she hurried past his room carrying a basket full of laundry. You three have clothes to put away. She yelled over her shoulder and started down the stairs.

Teddy was still confused when, from down stairs, he heard his mother ask,

Why are you two wet? and, What have you two been up to?

Nothing. He heard Glenn and Benji reply,

Go up and change. You too Benjamin. She said.

Teddy was puzzled. Did that really happen? He thought to himself. He rushed to his bedroom door and stood, wide eyed with his hands clutching either side of the door frame and watched in disbelief as his two brothers squished up the stairs and disappeared into their rooms. Teddy just stood there, stupidly looking at their closed doors. After a few seconds, he came to his senses and pounded on one door, then the other. Glenn was the first to open his door.

Did that just happen? Teddy asked. Glenn was pulling on a dry tee shirt. Benji pushed past Teddy, and into Glenn’s room. Teddy closed the door and started throwing questions.

"What happened? Where were you? How did you get down stairs? Why were you wet? He asked.

What did you do? Glenn was advancing on Teddy.

Stop! Yelled Benji.

Leave Benjamin alone boys! They heard their mother call from downstairs.

Stop. Just wait. His forehead was wrinkled in thought. Lets go one step at a time.

It was that amp! Dad's amp! Accused Glenn.

You got the amp from Dad... Benji wasn’t so much asking as he was working things out in his head.

More like stole it from Dad's stuff. Glenn spat.

It’s just an amp. How could it make anyone disappear? Teddy asked.

Disappear! We didn't disappear! We fell into a river! Glenn answered.

What river? We live in a desert – hello. Teddy said.

I went there first, Benji paused in thought. And then I saw Glenn. He fell from about ten feet out of thin air about the time I was pulling myself out of the water. There was a big grassy field... Benji was still thinking out loud. He wasn’t really trying to answer Teddy’s question. Let’s take another look at that amp. Benji suggested, and so they left Glenn's room, and slowly walked toward Teddy’s. Glenn was in the lead, followed by Benji and finally, Teddy. Glenn stopped short in the doorway, looking skeptically at the amp.

I turned it off. Teddy said and pushed past his brothers, who then followed him into the room. The three of them went over and stood in front of the amp, looking down at it in suspenseful silence.

Maybe Dad did it! Benji loudly blurted out, causing his two older brothers to yell, and jump backward, away, from the amp in terror.

NEVER, EVER, Do that man! Teddy pointed at Benji, What are you trying to give me a coronary or something? Jeez! Teddy said, breathing heavy and pulling at his shirt over his chest.

Sorry about that. Benji said, then his eyes lit up, Hold on! and he rushed out of the room.

When all else fails, read the manual. Benji said, as he walked back into the room flipping through the pages of the notebook he had taken from his father's things.

He did do it, he said. His brothers looked at him expectantly. But Benji was deep in thought, as he turned another leaf of the notebook.

What! Glenn and Teddy yelled together, rousing Benji from his thoughts.

Leave Benjamin alone boys! They again, heard their Mom call from downstairs.

He turned visible matter into dark matter, or so he thought, said Benji.

So he thought. What does that mean? asked Glenn.

"It means that we went - somewhere. We didn't transform into dark matter. We traveled. Maybe that's what dark matter is - other dimensions or something." Benji said. There was a moment of silence as