Into The Dark Matter; The City of Staus

By H Jason Schulz

Staus is the ongoing adventures chronicling the trans dimensional adventures of the Jamison brothers. In the first book, Into The Dark Matter; City of Mebsuta, the brothers encounter Breckinbauer who had made an attempt to seize worldwide power by developing a serum from human blood that could extend his life indefinitely. Having been defeated at Mebsuta, Breckinbauer flees into the ancient land of Staus where Glenn, Teddy and Benji attempt to track him down. During their man hunt, they encounter fur covered beings known as Pailow. They discover Staus, a city the size of a mountain where the inhabitants seem to be trapped in the past, and a kingdom divided. What are the intentions of the Pailow? Can there be help for the Stausians? Will they save the kingdom from the awful fate that Breckinbauer has planned? Immerse yourself in this fast paced, science fiction adventure that will compel you to read it cover to cover.

• Language: English
• Publisher: H Jason Schulz
• Release date: Jul 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005712389

H Jason Schulz

H. Jason Schulz

Book preview

Into The Dark Matter

The City of Staus

By H. Jason Schulz

Copyright © 2020 H. Jason Schulz

All Rights Reserved.

Smashwords Edition

Table of contents

Chapter 1 …....... One Year Later

Chapter 2 …....... Into Staus

Chapter 3 …....... Good Night Ladies

Chapter 4 …....... Pailow

Chapter 5 …....... The Guys Drop By

Chapter 6 …....... The Fall of White-Heart

Chapter 7 …....... The King Has Returned

Chapter 8 …....... Concourse

Chapter 9 …....... The First Trial

Chapter 10 …..... The Second Trial

Chapter 11 …..... The Third Trial

Chapter 12 …..... The Circus Ship

Chapter 13 …..... Into the Sealed City

Chapter 14 …..... Inside the Great City of Staus

Chapter 15 …..... The Last of The Stausians

Chapter 16 …..... The Robots Awake

Chapter 17 …..... A Visit From the Enemy

Chapter 18 …..... Pailow City Uncovered

Chapter 1

One Year Later...

Following the brief but decisive Mebsutian civil war about one year ago, in which the United States Military assisted the Legacy Party in destroying Breckinbauer's monster army and defeating the Timeless Party, The Legacy Party easily restored unity through out Mebsuta. This was largely due to the fact that without the serum that Breckinbauer had created from the blood of naturals, most of the Timeless Party supporters simply died. The serum had the effect of prolonging the life of the user, seemingly indefinitely and was made from the blood of people who didn’t have the two procedures, the first of which saved Mebsuta from the ancient devastating plague.

There remained those who still believed in the Timeless Party’s cause and were able to manufacture the serum, but they were forced into hiding and the production of the serum was a crime punishable by life in a detention center.

The United States of America established diplomatic relations with the Legacy Party and opened offices close to the Capital Building. One day, Glenn Teddy and Benji were summoned to the offices of the Ambassador. When they arrived, they found several U. S. military and civil officers waiting for them. From behind several of these unknown Americans emerged Colonel Singer.

Good morning gentlemen. Colonel Singer said as he ushered the brothers into a spacious conference room. Once in the room they were introduced to various politicians and military officers, including the new Ambassador to Mebsuta, Thomas Marsh. After the introductions, they took seats around a dark oak table.

Let me begin by expressing the thanks of The United States Government to you Benji. I understand it was you who designed these devices. Ambassador Marsh held in his hand a small, circular device about the size of a coin. It had a small button at the back of the device and when the Ambassador pressed it, the edges began to glow pale blue. The Ambassador then inserted the device into his ear and asked. Does anyone here speak Mebsutese?

All three of us do. Benji said, indicating himself, Teddy and Glenn. Then Benji said, Flos ukart aee? in Mebsutese.

But instead of Mebsutese, the Ambassador heard, How does it work? in English. Ambassador Marsh removed the device and said, Perfectly. He then looked at Benji and asked, How do they work?

Well sir, Benji started, they use the same translators or microscopic robots that are in just about every citizen of Mebsuta. The only difference is that instead of being inserted inside the body to create a link to the brain, they create a link from inside that device.

They link to my brain? Ambassador Marsh asked, looking a little wearily at the small device. Is that safe?

Teddy interrupted, Benji tested it on our mom - and our mom used it to talk with Lizabeth during the entire wedding planning. Teddy paused for a moment then added, If you knew how much our mother can talk, you'd be confident that it was thoroughly and completely tested. Teddy paused for another moment in thought and then added, I don't think the tumor will grow back. The Ambassador’s face went pale.

Glenn spoke up before Teddy could add anything else. I assure you; they have been tested by U.S Military scientists, and are completely safe. Our Mother never had a tumor. Teddy was just joking.

The Ambassador laughed and said, pointing at Teddy You got me! Then he added, "Tested by our boys huh? Good enough for me. Let me get right to the point then. And with that, Ambassador Marsh started right into an animated speech. We have the opportunity to discover new worlds, make new friendships and gain new knowledge. We must forge ahead for the good of The United States and, of all mankind." Ambassador Marsh smiled a big toothy smile.

You've got my vote! Teddy started clapping. He looked around awkwardly as he noticed that he was the only one doing so. His clapping slowed and finally stopped. He looked at Ambassador Marsh, cleared his throat and said, Please continue.

Thank you for your support Teddy. Ambassador Marsh said good-naturedly. We face a few challenges in this dimensional travel. The first one is, if I state this correctly, the fact that we do not have the ability get people back to our dimension if they stay here too long? He looked puzzled, Maybe someone could better explain that to me.

Perhaps I could. Benji suggested.

Please. Ambassador Marsh encouraged Benji.

Forgive me if I repeat information that you already know. Benji said and the Ambassador nodded his head. Dimensional travel is achieved by causing the sub atomic particles to vibrate at a speed other than the normal speed at which the said particle is accustomed. The resonance chamber design, developed by our father, causes this to happen by utilizing a proprietary pressure wave. The problem lies in the level of power one uses to change the speed of the particles. The lower the power, the sooner the particles return to their original rate of vibration.

And you boys are permanently vibrating at Mebsuta's speed? Ambassador Marsh interrupted.

It appears so. Replied Benji.

I see. Said Ambassador Marsh, and he paused for a moment in thought; We'll just have to work on that. Thank you for that explanation. He said to Benji. Then continued, At the request of the Legacy Party government we have conducted a search for the man known as Breckinbauer. We believe he had fled first to the Islands to the east, and then continued on to a continent known as Staus. I'll turn the time over to Colonel Singer for more detail, Colonel. Ambassador Marsh gestured to the colonel.

Standing, Colonel Singer pointed a remote control at the ceiling. A three dimensional image of the earth appeared, hovering above the conference table.

As you can see, this is our world. He pressed the button again, And here is the world of Mebsuta and Staus superimposed over the top of the earth as we know it. You can see that the continent that Mebsuta is on coincides with North and South America to a degree. He pushed the button again and the three dimensional image began to slowly rotate for a second, and then stopped. Here. This is the area of the Islands, coinciding with parts of Western Europe. He pressed the button a third time, and again the three dimensional image slowly rotated until it stopped over Russia and China. Here is Staus, straddling the border between our friends the Russians and Chinese. The obvious issue is that they won't allow U.S. Troops to enter their country and we certainly don’t want to share the resonance chamber design just yet. So we simply cannot get over there from our earth to help the search for Breckinbauer. These worlds are big places. We wouldn't have time to safely or effectively insert troops to the Islands, fly them over to look for Breckinbauer and get them back before they shifted back to our world. If they were to suddenly pop up in Russia or China… Well, let's just say the President doesn't want that kind of an incident. We need a team who can stay shifted. That's where you three come in. Gesturing to the brothers, What do you say? Of course you'll get any equipment or support that you ask for.

Yes. As long as Breckinbauer remains at large, he poses a threat. Glenn said, and then looking at his brothers asked, Do you agree? I didn't mean to speak for you.

Yes. They both said.

I have been kicking around an idea for a while. Benji said.

Let's have it! Ambassador Marsh said excitedly.

Well, I've been experimenting with a sensitive receiver that would scan for the unique signal that Breckinbauer's translators emit. We might be able locate him that way. Benji explained.

That's good! Teddy said. Then we could mount your scanner to bottom of the Syren…Or better yet, my Interceptor, it has as much range and speed as any of the bigger fliers. I could search for him from the air without causing any undue excitement from the natives. Then if I find him… Teddy punched his fist into his palm.

It sounds like a good start. Ambassador Marsh agreed. And then he added, I hate to cut this short, but I have to meet with some men from the Legacy Party before I shift back home. We'll meet again soon with more particulars. In the mean time, I'll communicate the plan to Counselor Tefitive. Ambassador Marsh stood and again thanked the brothers before disappearing through a side door.

It took Benji two weeks to construct the receiver and Teddy another two days to connect it to his modified Interceptor. Teddy had modified his Interceptor by removing the solar panels and installing the magnetic field generators they discovered when they found the ancient Syren and Lodestar. This generator allowed them to convert magnetic field energy into electrical energy thereby giving his ship unlimited range and a faster cruising speed. It also powered the on board DSD. (The miniaturized dimensional crossing device, that the brothers dubbed, Dad’s Shifting Device.) Teddy was just finishing the installation of the receiver when Glenn walked into the hanger.

"What is that Ted?" Glenn asked pointing at the front of Teddy's ship.

It's an Interceptor… Teddy gave Glenn a look that said Duh! Then Teddy asked, Wait...Did you just have a senior moment?

No Ted, the picture and the name. What are you doing? Glenn was looking disapprovingly between his brother and the Interceptor.

What? You named the Syren and Lodestar. I'm just following your example. Teddy smiled innocently as he took a cloth from his pocket and pretended to shine the picture on the nose of his ship.

The picture was of a scantily dressed woman in the attitude of flying through the clouds, and under her was the name Heavenly Body.

I didn't name those ships! Glenn started but was interrupted by Teddy.

Syren… had some potential, but Lodestar-Sounds like a space dump truck. Teddy continued before Glenn could rebut, "Come on! This was the thing to do in WWII! Check it out! She's hot!" Teddy's eyes lingered on the picture.

I just don't know if this is the proper image that the U.S. should portray. Glenn said, also looking a little too long at the image.

Let me ask you this. Does your wife have good taste? Teddy asked. Glenn turned away from the nose art and looked surprised.

Of course! What does Lizabeth have to do with this? Glenn replied.

Then if she likes it, you'll get off my back? Teddy suggested to Glenn.

If who likes it? Lizabeth said. She had just walked out of the back room where she had been cleaning paint brushes. She was wearing overalls that were specked with paint. How do you like my painting? She asked Glenn grabbing hold of his arm.

You painted that? Glenn said looking intently at the painting of the woman. Just then Lizabeth glanced at her wrist watch.

Oh! We have to run! We'll be late for my surprise birthday dinner at my parent’s house! She said, pulling the still astonished Glenn along with her. Then she paused and turned back to Teddy. Are you and Stephanie still coming to dinner? She asked.

Um...I'll be there, but Stephanie... Teddy shook his head slowly.

Lizabeth stopped short. What happened? You two had been seeing each other for a couple weeks, right? Lizabeth asked, suddenly becoming sympathetic.

Yep, give or take. Teddy replied with a shrug of his shoulders.

What happened? Lizabeth asked.

I'd been calling her Stephanie and… turns out her name is Drisia or something like that? Teddy said with a shrug of his shoulders.

Too bad. Well then, I guess we'll see you tonight? Lizabeth asked and Teddy nodded his head. Glenn and Lizabeth turned and started out of the hanger.

Hey! Teddy called after them. Lizabeth and Glenn stopped. It's a surprise party, how do you know about it?"

My mom has been throwing me surprise parties for 17 years, and my Dad has been spoiling the surprise since I was 5. Lizabeth giggled.

Let's see. That would make you 32? Teddy asked with a grin.

Twenty-two! Lizabeth corrected. We have to go. See you tonight! She said with a smile and then they continued out of the hanger.

Thanks for the help! Teddy called after them. Then he turned to look at the painting on his ship. Ah! Amore! The dope! He said shaking his head and smiling.

The next morning Teddy had filed his flight plan to the Islands, where he would establish a base station. Then, from this location he would make flights over Staus and scan for Breckinbauer.

I'll contact you as soon as I have something. Then we can call in the Calvary. Teddy said to Glenn and Benji as he climbed into the cockpit of his Interceptor.

Be careful, we don't know what’s out there. Glenn cautioned.

No sweat. I'm just doing a few fly-bys, camping out a little, nothing to it, bro. Teddy assured him.

All the same, don't take any unnecessary chances. Benji insisted.

Hey. It's me. Teddy said, and gave them a wink while the cover of the cockpit closed. Then he was airborne. It was an uneventful flight over to the Islands and when Teddy landed he found Tat along with the commander of the airfield waiting to meet him as he arrived. As he climbed out of his Interceptor, Tat and the airfield commander were walking toward him. He began to tie down his ship as they arrived.

Welcome. We have all in readiness, Teddy. Tat said.

Thanks Tat. I'll be heading over to the continent in the morning. Teddy replied, and finished securing the last strap that secured the front of the ship. He noticed that the commander stared at the nose art with his brows knitted together.

Not a bad looker eh? Teddy asked.

Let us show you to your quarters. The commander replied coldly.

That would be great. I'm beat. Teddy said. He walked over to the Interceptor and grabbed a canvas bag from the cockpit and closed the cover. Lead on. Teddy said and they chatted about the weather and flight conditions over Staus until they reached Teddy's quarters.

The commander arranged for Teddy to stay in the officer’s apartments. There were several of them in this block and they faced the airfield. There was a wide strip of grass and a sidewalk that ran in front of the doorways separating the building from the pavement on which the air ships were anchored.

Here we are, said the commander. And he began to search for the remote that would open the door. Just then the door opened and a beautiful young woman let out a surprised Oh! as she looked at Tat, and then at Teddy, and then finally the commander, and then back to Teddy where her eyes lingered.

Laelia! What are you doing here? The commander asked, looking from her to Teddy.

Mother had me bring extra towels, and… She said as she smiled at Teddy then hurried past them down the walkway. Then she turned back, red in the face but still smiling, and hurried back to her father the Commander, and slapped the remote to the apartment into his hand. She again smiled at Teddy then catching a look from her father turned and hurried off. Teddy realized why the commander had acted so odd when he saw the picture of the woman on his craft. Teddy started to say something when the commander interrupted.

"There are image recorders on all buildings as well as across the air field; you can rest assured that we will see anyone out and about. He looked directly at Teddy, In case you were concerned about your ship being tampered with." He added.

Oh! That's great! Yep. Good thinking! Teddy paused awkwardly, I'm just going to get a quick bite and hit the sack. Teddy reassured him. Tat and the commander looked confused.

I took the liberty of having a table sent to you, it should be here shortly. The commander said. There was a pause when Tat asked what both he and the commander were wondering.

Why, Teddy would you hit a sack? He asked, and both the commander and Tat listened intently.

Oh. That's just an expression we have in America. It means, go to sleep. Teddy explained.

Strange. Tat said, smiling, Tell your brothers and Lizabeth hello from me will you? Tat asked and Teddy nodded his assent.

Yes. Good. Hit a sack then. The commander encouraged and he abruptly turned and walked away. Tat shook Teddy’s hand in the traditional American way, as he reminded Teddy that Glenn had taught him how to do it, and then he followed the Commander.

Teddy entered the apartment and dropped his bag on a chair. He looked around the place a little and then stretched. It was a standard officer's apartment consisting of two rooms, a living room/kitchen and a bedroom with private bathroom. It had a large display screen in the living room and Teddy walked over and activated it. He switched it to communication and called up Glenn's and Benji's addresses. In seconds he saw on one side of the display Glenn and Lizabeth, and on the other Benji.

Well, made it just fine. He said.

Did you see Tat yet? Lizabeth asked.

Yep. He was here to meet me. He says hi to all of you. Teddy replied as he let out another yawn.

How did the ship fly with the receiver attached? Benji asked.

Good. It was a little shaky at around two hundred, but then it smoothed out. He said.

Any news on Staus? Glenn asked.

Not much. Just that they have flown inland to about seventy-five miles and have only seen primitive villages. Breckinbauer is probably in one of those. I'm going to spend a week or so looking. I'll report in then if I find anything. Teddy said.

Be careful. Glenn said.

See ya soon. Benji added. And the screen went dark. Teddy walked toward the bedroom, grabbing his bag as he went. He dropped it on the tightly made bed and