The Atlantean Chronicles II Shadow's of Enlightenment

By Kip Hartzell and Thomas DeHay

As the crew struggles to survive in their new home, peril and betrayal await around every corner. The saga continues through time as the crew and descendants of Atlantis await the hopeful return of their brethren. A very small amount of those left behind still know the entire truth of their past, the rest of the evolutional chain have reverted back to a more savage and unmerciful existence without the benefit of enlightenment and technology.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hartzell DeHay
• Release date: Dec 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370469598

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THE ATLANTEAN CHRONICLES BOOK II: SHADOW’S OF ENLIGHTENMENT

By Kip Hartzell and Thomas DeHay

Published by Kip Hartzell and Thomas DeHay at Smashwords

Copyright 2016 Kip Hartzell/Thomas DeHay

Smashwords Edition

License Notes

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The Atlantean Chronicles Book II: Shadow’s of Enlightenment

Chapter One: Reunion

Another tremor shook the cave, as rocks began to fall. Jay was on his back wiping blood away from a superficial head wound when a strong hand reached down and picked him up. A man, resembling his Grandfather, swished away rocks like a person swatting away flies. He half carried, half dragged Jay through the bright doorway, where, as soon as they entered, all was calm. The doors shut quietly to a massive room.

Jay felt the coolness of the smooth, polished floor on his face. A group of shadowy people stood over him. He couldn’t make out what they were saying over the ringing in his ears. He managed to roll over. A large shadowy creature loomed large in his view, and suddenly backed away. His vision started to clear and the ringing subsided. Again, a person much like his Grandfather knelt beside him.

How is he, Rhe-A? The Grandfather figure asked.

The person he was talking to, was holding a device over him. Slight concussion, minor lacerations. She stood up. He’ll survive, so, now should I inject the memory inhibitors?

No, not yet.

John, you know we don’t bring Cousins in because of their limited intelligence and inability to accept things outside their norms. Madness ensues and creates a whole other round of problems. You’re going to need Council approval.

I know the rules. It’s just...I think he’s here for a reason. How did he know where to find us? There’s something more here.

You act like you know him? Rhe-A asked, as she moved closer to him. She hesitated in recognition.

I do, I think, I mean, he called me Gramps. I believe that’s a term of endearment. I also feel, I know him.

Hello, I’m right here, Jay said, rolling over and rising to his knees. He wiped blood and dirt away from his sun-tanned face. He pushed his sandy colored hair out of his eyes. What’s going on? He stood up and became dizzy. John steadied him.

Rhe-A reached over with an injector and stuck it to his neck for a second. He immediately felt better, and his head cleared.

Gramps, you look so...young.

John looked at him oddly. His hair had been graying for centuries. They knew they were no longer immortal, and the longer they stayed out of the Temporal Storage Device, the more they aged. Its accumulative affect was evident on his middle-aged face. Without the high concentration of agoam crystals, they were all doomed to grow old and die, eventually.

I’m sorry, who are you?

Jay felt as though he had been stabbed in the heart.

Rhe-A moved her handheld over Jay. Sub-DNA confirms he’s related to you. He’s from the United States.

Hey, stop talking as if I’m not here. Who are you people?

Rhe-A looked at him as if acknowledging his existence for the first time. We are Atlanteans."

Jay waited for the punchline. They all looked serious. Bullshit. He heard footsteps behind him, he turned to see the biggest bipedal creature he had ever seen. The bull-man looked down at him with infinite black eyes.

What an odd expression.

Jay stumbled backward into a very tall Atlantean woman, pale, long black hair, the bluest eyes he had ever seen, he was drowning in them, then she smiled showing two large fangs.

Ahg, he screamed, and ran to the center of the circle of people and darted around like a cornered animal. I’m losing my mind, Jay said as he stumbled around, Yah, I hit my head, hard, or I’m simply dead, no, I’m dying of hypoxia. Yah, that’s it. I need to wake up and get out of this cave. He felt a gentle touch on his shoulder, he quickly turned. Grandma! He hugged Athene-A tightly. Please say you know who I am. He pulled away. Why are you so young?

I’m actually quite old, by your standards.

You know me? Right? He looked at John, then back at Athene-A. I don’t feel so good. He leaned down and put his hands on his knees.

Rhe-A moved toward him with an injector. Shall I administer the memory inhibitors, now.

John stepped between them. No, there has got to be a reason he is here. I think we should investigate.

Your name is...Jay, Athene-A said, slowly studying his face. I used to call you...JJ.

John looked at the two. Your name is John Jay Rodgers...right?

Yes, yes, you remember me.

Only fragments, dreams.

Rhe-A ran her handheld over Jay. The sub-DNA structure is uncannily close to both of you. I would say he’s related in some cosmic crazy way. If we’re going to keep him, let’s go to the infirmary to continue this family reunion.

John and Athene-A gently took him by the arm and guided him away. Jay’s head and eyes darted around. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing, the difference, his Grandparents were his size, but most everyone around towered over them. He recognized all manner of mythical creatures, from Minotaur to Centaur. Paintings on the walls showed spacescapes so real he thought he might fall into space. Spaceships battling each other, all types of creatures from Earth’s passed. Statues of Greek and Roman gods, Architecture was that of ancient Greece. He began to compose himself and realized this was not his imagination. His imagination wasn’t this good.

The door to the infirmary was open when he walked in behind Rhe-A, and in front of John and Athene-A. Jay’s vision was clearer, now, and he tried to focus on one thing at a time. He focused on how tall Rhe-A was, with her gray deep shimmering jump suit that could pass as a tight scuba outfit.

Rhe-A tapped on a table and said, Sit here, we’ll have you checked out in a second.

Jay looked at the high table and hesitated.

Do you need some help? Rhe-A asked, in a condescending way.

No, I can do it, Jay blurted back, and hopped on the table, not quit as elegantly as he had wanted.

If there’s one constant in the universe, it’s the male ego. Now, be still.

Jay was trying to shake out the cobwebs when he stopped and studied Rhe-A. I know you, but...younger, and blonde. Rhea Wilkenson!

Rhe-A, you knew us in our external dissociated form?

Apparently, you don’t read reports, either. I wasn’t absolutely positive until I finished my scan, but, yes, I was there at the end.

How did you know?

The computers are tied into the primitive world network; it’s designed to look for external dissociated travelers. As an experiment, I tracked you for a couple of years. When you got sick, it afforded me the opportunity to examine you up close.

Was it you who extended my life?

Yes.

Why?

It seemed to me that you had...unfinished business.

Did you know me? Athene-A asked.

No, you had long passed, before I became aware of John’s existence. Only now do I realize who you were. Although, I should have deduced it. You two seemingly, travel in pairs. I have yet to ascertain why.

Another mystery, John said, as he looked at Athene-A, thinking he might know the answer. Perhaps, love was a force that could transcend time and space, or even death.

Jay sat there in silence, and within ten seconds, Rhe-A knew everything about his physiology. She reached over and gave him another shot.

I’m not going to forget, am I?

Not yet, but we do need a Council meeting.

He is integral to the past and future, Pandor-A said, in her Inquisitor voice.

Jay saw another, younger looking, tall dark-haired woman in the doorway. She was wearing much the same type of outfit.

How? John asked.

They don’t know, exactly, but it seems he holds some vital information, maybe subconsciously, Pandor-A said, in her own voice.

I can have all his memories extracted, Rhe-A commented.

Whoa, wait a minute, you’re kidding, right? Jay said nervously.

Yes, Jay, she’s joking. I won’t let anything happen to you, John said, as he came around the table to face him. We need to catch up. Rhe-A is he fit to go?

He is now. But I’m not sure how he’ll handle the experience.

I think he’ll be fine. Jay, come with me and I’ll show you a world you’ve only imagined, or only heard about in stories. Pan see if our guests can give us anything more than cryptic sayings. Athene-A, shall we give our Grandson a tour.

Athene-A was wiping the blood away that had clotted on his head and face. The wound was almost gone, while she combed his hair back with her fingers. Suddenly, she stopped, and wondered why she was doing this parental task. She stepped away. Come JJ, are you hungry?

He hopped down with no pain, and realized he was not hallucinating. When he passed by Pandor-A, he recognized her from the story. He slowed as they made eye contact, and then moved into the main hallway, Jay couldn’t believe the acoustics. There was no echo in such a large place, no sense of grandness, it was as if you were standing in a normal room. He couldn’t help but stare at the number of creatures that moved about with a purpose. Some, he recognized, others, he did not.

Who are you, really? Jay asked, as he marveled at the technological heart of the complex.

We’re Atlanteans, John answered without hesitation.

Jay stopped. Those stories my crazy Grandfather told, I mean, you told, were true?

John smiled. I’m really not sure what I told you. The external dissociation trips are pretty rough on our memories.

You told me of escaping a planet called, Terrah, circled a star called Solest. It went super nova and you escaped, only to be confronted by many other challenges.

Yes, that’s true, but I’ve never known anyone to remember so much outside the Temporal Storage Device. This is not a coincidence. Let’s get something to eat and sit down."

They sat in a large common area, Jay thought, looked like a cafeteria. He darted his head around to see all manner of beings staring back at him. He had always been a little self conscious about being the center of attention, even during his college party days. He was usually good at blending in with the crowd. When he sat at a table, he jumped up when the 3-D menu popped into view in front of him. John and Athene-A suppressed a laugh. Jay sat back down trying not to look any more foolish.

Just, touch what you want, or just tell it. It will adjust to all known languages, Athene-A told him putting her hand on his to calm him down.

Uh, thank you. There were thousands of selections, he would never get through them all. Uh, ham and cheese sandwich, on white bread.

What type of cheese would you like? a sultry female voice asked.

Uh, Swiss, please, he said, a little louder than he intended. The table opened up and presented a dish with the desired sandwich.

Would you like something to drink?

Uh, yes, water, cold, please.

You don’t have to say, please. It’s a machine, kind of like an automated drive through, or a-

Because you fought a war against machines, and you put inhibitors on them, right?

Yes, but how did-

I told you, Gramps told me the story of your trip here. It was Jay’s turn to smile. He began to relax and eat as he took in his surroundings.

How did you know to come here? John asked.

Mostly by coincidence.

Too many synchronized random events to be coincidence.

I see your point. All my life, I heard you tell stories, but none so vivid as near your...death. Jay noticed the term didn’t bother John at all, as if, he had heard it before.

"You talked about Atlantis, Terrah, I have the whole thing recorded. Funny, I came on this archaeological dig to get away...and now, here I am."

How did you know to come, here?

You gave me a set of coordinates before you...I recognized them while I was surveying the area.

You mean there’s going to be a dig sight, here?

You cannot let them dig here. It’s imperative this facility remain secret.

Yes, I do understand.

Sorry, It’s really important. If I led you here, then you’re here for a reason. We must determine what I was trying to tell you, consciously, or subconsciously. Oh, and we are going to need that recording. There might be something on it that can help.

So, you guys are aliens?

We’ve been here since before countries, or written language. We could consider you alien. John smiled. Nevertheless, we prefer, extraterrestrial.

You’re not going to stick a probe in my butt, are you?

Uh, no, that’s something the Destroyers do.

Perhaps, Athene-A said, while thumping her finger on her chin, we can tie our brain functions together with the facilities computer. It might be able to correlate the things we have in common. Maybe we can narrow down the list of possible reasons for this reunion.

Pandor-A unceremoniously sat down at the table and spoke without invite, You are linked, she said in the Inquisitor voice, A solution must be found. Time is short. Her eyes refocused on the group.

You know, that is really creepy, Jay said, without thought.

You should be in my position, she replied in her own voice.

I believe, she continued, that they are saying you should start at the beginning and sift through the past in order to discover the future.

Great, John said, now, you’re starting to sound like them.

I think I can narrow down some parameters that link us together, maybe it will shorten the time connected to the data link, Athene-A said.

Sounds good. When can we start?

I’ll need some time to program the computer, with Pandor-A’s help.

I probably should get back to the dig sight, before they send someone to find me.

John and Athene-A looked into space for a brief second. We have a Council meeting. But, with this new information, I believe we will be able to proceed. Stay here, while we take care of Council business. They got up and John waved a Minotaur over. He gave him some quick instructions, and they walked off.

Jay sat there and stared at the bull man, that sat across from him. He no sooner finished his sandwich when John and Athene-A came back.

When can you get back? Athene-A asked.

As soon as I can, without drawing suspicion.

The Council approved all our requests, but it is imperative that this remain a secret, JJ, or else it could have dire consequences. Do you understand? Athene-A said, as if talking to a small child.

I understand, Grandma.

Getting up from the table, he was led to the tunnel entrance.

We will be ready with the program within a day. Be cautious, JJ. The Destroyers have eyes and ears everywhere.

I will Grandma-Athena-or how about, Anita.

It’s alright with me, whichever you chose. She smiled.

How do I get back?

The same way you got here. The tunnel’s been cleared and reinforced, John explained.

Jay was excited about his discovery, even though he couldn’t tell anyone. He rifled through his backpack to find his flashlight, gathering up his surveying equipment, he marched off into the starry darkness.

John and Athene-A stood at the mouth of the tunnel and watched him go.

Can we trust him? she asked.

I feel he has important information that we need. We need to trust him. I just hope we’re not too late.

Chapter Two: If We Don’t Look

Where the hell have you been? the old man screeched, as Jay walked into the well-lit camp.

He dropped his equipment, with little regard for delicacy. He started toward his tent when the old man intercepted him. His tan dungarees and floppy hat lightly ruffled in the breeze. Aren’t you going to answer me young man? he gruffly asked.

I got lost after the earthquake, Professor Snodgrass. Now, I’m tired, and I would like to get some sleep.

The Professor eyed him suspiciously. For someone who has always had a keen sense of direction, I’m not sure I believe you. What did you see out there?

Jay hesitated. Nothing, just a wild goose, the one you sent me on, to get me out of your hair.

The old Professor’s jaw slacked. That’s not true, I, I needed that information to correlate settlements.

There’s nothing there. Since I have your attention, I’m going to need the next couple of days off.

Out of the question. I need you to help excavate section B-214.

I really need the time off.

If you leave, don’t come back.

Jay mellowed, if he were fired, he wouldn’t be able to keep an eye on them in order to keep them away from Chrysalis. Alright, but I’m going to need some time off, soon.

We’ll see. The old man turned toward his own tent and marched away.

Jay turned and almost bumped into Shelly. The woman was almost as tall as Jay. Her blue eyes sparkled in the camp lights, while her dirty blonde hair shifted in the light breeze. Her fare skin had been tanned by the outdoors. Oh, hello, Shell. He started to go around her.

Jay, are you going to quit again?

Maybe.

Is it because of me?

Jay smiled at her self-importance. No, not this time.

Look, I know you’re angry with what happened between us and Amy Mae, but I can’t change things. We were drunk, and Amy was playing grab ass with that intern from the financial backer’s family.

Yah, I know, to make me jealous, but when she left with him...it made me crazy.

I saw the whole thing...and I took advantage of the situation, of you.

Yes, you did. Imagine the look on my face when I found out she didn’t sleep with him.

But she did.

Only after she found out about us.

Shelly looked away. I’m sorry.

Jay calmed down. Don’t worry about it, I guess deep down there wasn’t really anything there. It was inevitable. You just made it happen sooner. I see it as a life lesson. I saw what kind of person she really is. His anger stirred. I saw what kind of person you are. If you’re trying to move up the ladder, move on, and please leave me behind.

That’s an awful thing to say. Shelly’s anger flared. I learned a lot about you, too. If things aren’t easy, you quit.

Get a room! someone yelled from an enclosed tent.

After what Jay had experienced at the mountain site, this all seemed trivial. Goodnight. Jay turned and went to his tent.

Jay was in a bad mood, while he brushed away sediment from a piece of pottery. He didn’t sleep well from all the nightmares. His mind was so scrambled, he wasn’t even sure Chrysalis was even real anymore. He was half heartedly working the deep end of a trench of what was thought to be a temple, when he felt something tugging at his senses. He stood up and moved a few yards down the trench, the sensation was leaving, he moved back a little. Kneeling down, he racked his trowel across the bottom of the trench wall. A metal sound was heard. He carefully dug around a thin strip of metal about two inches by three inches.

He sat on his haunches as he brushed the dirt away. It felt slightly warm to his touch. He rubbed, and spit, until he could make out a series of small lines connected to almost unperceivable row of stones. He studied it closer with a pocket magnifying glass and determined it to be Atlantean. I’ll be damned.

Have you discovered something, Mr. Rodgers? Professor Snodgrass asked, as he waddled through the trench.

Jay put the piece in the thigh pocket of his khaki cargo pants, before the old man came around the corner. No Sir, just the usual pottery pieces.

Well, let’s keep looking, he skirted by Jay and continued talking, If we don’t look, we won’t find. Carry on.

Professor, about that time off?

He looked around. Perhaps, in two more days. He turned and left.

After dinner, Jay went to his tent. He was waiting for the sun to go down before he made a run for Chrysalis. He was about to make his move when Shelly unzipped the tent door and stepped in. She had always made a pair of overalls look good, matter of fact, she made anything she wore look good.

Jay met her at the opening. Shell, it’s not a good time.

But I thought you were always good for a good time.

Uh, not tonight.

Are you sure, she said as she unbuckled one of the over shoulder straps.

Jay became confused, then he felt the piece of metal in his pocket. Shell...I have to go to the head, make yourself at home. He took off into the darkness.

Now, had I known ignoring her was the trick, I would’ve tried that instead, he said, under his breath as he got his bearings.

Halt, who’s there? a man with a heavy Greek accent, said.

Damn, I forgot about you guys, Jay said, to the guard the institute had hired from the local government to oversee their protection.

Jay raised his hand to his eyes as the man shined a flashlight taped to a rifle in his face. Hello, I’m Dr. Rodgers from the archaeological team.

Yes, I recognize you. What are you doing out here?

Bathroom. The excuse had worked before, and since they frequently moved the port-a-potties, it made sense.

The other side of the compound, now go.

Yes Sir. Jay immediately turned around and fast walked away.

A few people were still scurrying around as he wandered through the camp. He began watching the contingent of guards come and go. He watched their patterns, and after several hours, determined he would have to wait for the next night to time his escape just right.

He opened the tent flap, stepping in with his flashlight on, he saw Shelly asleep on his air mattress. With a slight sigh, he removed his boots, and laid back on the lone cot against the tent wall.

Jay was up early, probably the first time in his adult life, and was at the site, hoping to finish, so he could get time off. He scrapped and dug, moving along a predetermined path. He squared the corners, recognizing what things were, where things used to be, categorizing, and cataloging. He had been there a couple of hours when he turned and bumped into thin air. What the hell? he said, reaching out to nothing.

Don’t be alarmed, a male voice said.

Ahh! Jay stumbled backward but caught himself.

Gramps?

Yes.

Jay moved cautiously with his hand out to feel solid air.

It’s a cloaking device, small scale, but efficient.

What are you doing here?

You didn’t come back, and your Grandmother was worried.

The Professor won’t let me go without becoming suspicious. I think I should keep this job in order to keep an eye on them-lead them away, if necessary.

Good idea. Will you be released soon?

Tomorrow, I hope.

The program is set up, and we’re ready to proceed. Shall I incapacitate the sight director for a few days.

Jay smiled at the thought. No, no, that would only draw more attention. Let’s keep this routine, and boring.

Shhh, a wisp of air said.

Who are you talking to? Professor Snodgrass asked, coming over the rise.

Jay tuned quickly. Uh, myself, just talking to myself.

Oh, you’re making great progress, I don’t know what’s gotten into you, Mr. Rodgers, but I like it. At this rate you should be able to take some time off in a couple of days. He turned to go to another section.

Jay grabbed the shovel, and started toward him, but was stopped by an invisible force.

Don’t you think assault might draw some attention?

Jay cooled down. Yah, you’re right. Does that incapacitation invitation still stand? He could sense the humor in the non-existent voice.

Here, Jay’s hand rose on its own. Suddenly, a flexible titanium metal band curved around his wrist. This is your cloaking device. John shimmered and appeared before him. Two fingers, press here, and here, if you do it twice, say the name of the person you wish to communicate with, and we’ll answer.

Whoa, Jay said, as he examined the bracelet.

When you’re released tonight, go west one mile, a shuttle will be waiting for you.

Isn’t that a little obvious. He thought about what he just said. It’s cloaked, too.

Yes, as long as you have the personal cloak engaged, you’ll be able to see it. Board it, and say, Chrysalis. It’ll do the rest.

Aw, this is so cool. At first, I thought I was dreaming. I’ll be- John vanished.

Jay, why didn’t you wake me? Shelly said, coming toward him from the low side.

Ah, well, you looked so peaceful.

What took you so long?

Ah, well, it must’ve been something I ate, was there half the night.

Jay, you’ve been acting very strangely since your Grandfather died. What’s the matter?

He’s very important to me...I mean, he was very important to me.

I always found him interesting, and kind, she purred, as she moved in close to him.

This is why I have you on the opposite side of the site, Ms. Masters, Professor Snodgrass said, standing on a mound above them. They both looked up quickly. When you two are together, not much gets accomplished. Now, Ms. Masters, section B253 awaits your attention.

Yes, Sir. She looked back at Jay, as she crawled out of the trench on her way to her assignment, with the Professor close behind.

We’ll see you tonight, John whispered.

Gramps, I found this. Jay brought out the strange piece of metal and held it out. It disappeared.

Very old tech, it was very hard for us to find it all. How’d you find it?

I more or less, felt it.

You may be more Atlantean than we thought.

What is it?

All will be explained. See you soon.

Jay had his sweaty shirt off before he stepped into his tent. He toweled off and searched for a fresh one. He found it, and as he was putting it on, he heard Shelly call his name, as she walked up to the tent. She opened the flap to an empty room. She called his name several times but remained confused. She called his name several more times, nothing. She could have sworn she saw him walk in here. She looked around one last time, and then stepped out. While she was asking a co-worker about Jay, the tent flap flicked to the side, then fell back into place.

Jay walked right passed a guard without so much as a suspicion. He practically ran toward the shuttle as it got dark. To his surprise, the device also allowed him night vision, but much more clearer than the human kind. He pushed a tree branch to the side, and there it sat. A sleek delta winged ship, much larger than he expected, with a long nose and flight deck up front. Jay touched in awe; the sigil of a tear drop outline with a nova burst behind it. Its 3-D effect kept his attention as he moved down the ship. He couldn’t help but run his hand down the side, as if caressing a through-bred horse. The hatch opened at his arrival, and he slowly stepped in. As soon as he cleared the door, it shut, lights blinked on as the ship came alive. Jay turned off his cloak and walked around the much more spacious ship than it looked, marveling at the 3-D displays that surrounded him.

Chrysalis.

The ship powered up, and he could tell he was moving by the view out of the forward window. There was no sensation of movement, just the sight of trees and mountain silhouettes moving passed. He staggered a little as he finally tore his vision away and looked at something more stable.

It took only a few minutes for the shuttle to stop in front of a mountain side. It quietly slipped inside the man-made tunnel and set gently down in a large cavern-hangar. He stepped out to be greeted by his pseudo-Grandparents.

Welcome back, JJ, Athene-A said, as she put her arm around his, and led him away. We have a quick tour for you before we start.

Jay gave up trying to remember everyone’s names. He found the Minotaurs intimidating, and the Centaurs standoffish. He tried to satisfy a Cerberus by scratching all three heads behind the ears simultaneously, but that was futile. He was beginning to feel at ease by the time they made it back to the common area to make plans on how to proceed.

We should get started as soon as we’re done here. I don’t know how long this will take, John said.

Pops, used to say, take your time and do it right the first time, you may not get a second chance.

That would be my son, John-Athain?

Close, his name is Jonathan.

Yes, I remember him, Athene-A said, staring into space. He was our first born. Her eyes teared up.

He is fine, spoke to him...a few months ago. Still doesn’t have much of an imagination. Kind of a, straight forward, only believe what he can touch, and see what’s right in front of him, kinda guy.

I hope our deaths were not too painful for him.

He took them hard; he loves you both very much. He has immersed himself in his construction jobs in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The separation didn’t help either. Mom’s a little estranged right now.

We know where Las Vegas is. They looked at each other for a second, as if remembering something.

So, how long have you been on Earth?

The cerebral information transfer device will answer all those questions. We should probably get started. We have to have you back by morning.

Do I have to go back...oh, alright. Lead the way.

Hold still, you hairless monkey, Rhe-A said to Jay, as she adjusted the thin clear band around his head.

Rhe-A be civilized, Athene-A said, with a warning in her voice.

I’m joking, she said, while she recalibrated the device, I meant, hairless chimpanzee. She half smiled at Jay, and then walked over to her wall of instruments.

I think I just got an upgrade. I think she likes me, he whispered. Is she married?

I don’t court younger men, she said, handing John, and Athene-A, a similar headband.

But you did, or were you just using me? Jay spitefully said.

Yes, you’re all synched up. Rhe-A continued to change the subject. The computer will scan all of you, looking for commonalities, hopefully the reason you gave him so much information will present itself. There are possible side-effects, like hemorrhaging of the brain, spontaneous aneurisms, loss of all memory, and of course, the all-encompassing, death. Jay’s eyes were wide. If any of you should die before I can get you disconnected, a part of the others will die also. She saw the near panic in Jay’s eyes and put her hand on his shoulder. Don’t worry, it’s less than a one percent chance.

Oh, Jay relaxed.

We have to have him back by morning.

The brain moves more quickly than our linear perceptions. Well, some of ours do. You can only go as fast as the slowest brain. So, we could be here for a while. Rhe-A gave him a sarcastic look.

I still think she likes me, Jay smirked back.

Alright everyone, sit back and enjoy the show.

At first, Jay felt nothing. He was starting to wonder if this experiment was going to work at all. Without warning, he took off at the speed of light. Pictures, images, colors, all became a garbled mess. He was nearing a panic stage, when-everything stopped. He found himself in a hangar, or what looked like a hangar, it was bright, spaceships coming and going. He was looking down on it, like a god checking on his subjects. A focal point became clearer as Jay’s mind raced toward it.

Chapter Three: Before the Beginning

He blew out an exasperated breath, and then climbed down from the short ladder. He opened a panel, letting the tool fall to the floor. The hangar bay was very noisy as space-bound, and planet-bound craft, came and went. The air lock inner doors were massive and made people’s ears pop every time they opened. As he reached for the spanner wrench that lay under the latest model of the Achilles Mark III shuttle, he heard, Asa-Avion! He jumped and hit his head on the engine cowl. He turned quickly to see who yelled his name, even though he knew who it was, he cursed anyway. A shorter than normal Terrahnian stood stoically with her hands on her hips. Her determined complexion was darker than his as she stomped toward him. He maintained his temper.

Is my ship going to be ready by the sixteenth hour?

Yes, Science Councilor Samari-A, it will be ready.

Good. She turned quickly in her full-length gray body dress and marched away.

Asa half smiled, he always thought she was pretty, for someone older than himself, but she had the personality of a Terrahnian Tibber Wolf. He cleaned off his wrench and went back to work.

I need you to fly at these altitudes, Science Councilor Samari-A ordered, as she handed Asa a data pad. I need precise information.

He took the data pad and set it on the consol, where, the data was immediately transferred. He brought it up on his bigger consol. She stood close behind him, watching. That always made him nervous. He made a few calculations, letting the ship do the flying. You know, a drone could do all this.

Yes, I am aware, she snobbishly said. She noticed the perturbed look on his face and relaxed a little. I want first hand information so I can make the appropriate adjustments, she explained a little softer. Look, she leaned in closer, the ultraviolet band changes slightly when oxygen particles pass through, and different levels make calculations astronomically variable.

Asa noticed her flowery smell, and lost his concentration for a few seconds, while he admired her passion for science. In other words, you don’t know why?

Leaning over, she looked at him square in the face. Asa couldn’t stop staring into her blue eyes. I just haven’t found the answer yet. She went back to her arrogant attitude, and her instruments. Asa shrugged it off, and finished his flight plan, and then it was back to Pantheon Base.

The base had been there for hundreds of years as a mining colony on the planet Assillins. The orophyte was essential to the function of almost everything. Most of the planet was made of it, but retrieving it, and processing it, was extremely difficult and dangerous. Its fragility combined with its volatility, made human involvement a must. Machines helped but did not possess the intuition of humans.

Many inventions had been tried, all but the actual human doing the dirty work was all that produced what was needed. The New Enlightenment Order contingent was still fighting the Old Enlightenment Group, albeit, sporadically, but they needed the orophyte, pressure was mounting from the NEO Councilors to have a solution.

Samari-A was only a bit player in the scheme of things, but she aspired to be great. Her research led to several discoveries for the other nine departments to advance. She worked tirelessly on the solution the Council approved, sometimes to the point of obsession. Some of her methods would be suspect by any Old Enlightenment Group supporter, but she was mild, and conservative, compared to her New Enlightenment Order constituents.

The ship landed softly in the bay. Asa manipulated the controls and opened the hatch. Same time tomorrow?

Yes, but mount the spectrilliograph.

Aye, aye, he mocked.

She huffed and exited. Asa watched her go, what was that? He thought. She looked back, he smiled.

No, no, no, Samari-A said, to the defenseless data tablet, as she threw it to the deck of the shuttle.

Asa stood in the flight deck doorway watching the spectacle. New tactic-beat the information out of the computer-I like it.

Oooh, shut up, and run that scan again.

The shuttle’s already working on it, unless you want to beat it, too.

Uww, don’t you have some flying to do?

For this mundane work, the shuttle is quite capable of handling it. What’s going on, you are much more irritating than usual.

What?

I said, you are much more irritated than usual. He smiled.

She found it contagious, and hid it, by picking up the data pad and sitting down. The Council wants results-soon.

Or what? They will take away your seven science degrees.

No, something worse, take away the backing, and possibly mention my name to the wrong person.

Really, would that be so bad, not to have this kind of stress.

This human gene-splicing project means more to me than accolades. I have a nephew that has Aka-Ars disease. My work could pave the way for a vaccine, or perhaps, a cure.

Oh. Asa sat down beside her. He took the data pad from her and tapped on it. I think you should concentrate on the CO2 content in the planet’s atmosphere as it relates to the intensity of sunlight, and not on the Ph levels. He handed the pad back to her.

She nonchalantly looked at it as she showed, for the first time, actual worth in this person. She stood up; mouth open. How do-where did-

Maybe if you interacted with people instead of commanding them, maybe you would learn something more beneficial, besides degrees in Mechanical and Bio-Engineering doesn’t hurt either. Now, I have a ship to fly. Asa made his way to the flight deck and closed the door.

Samari-A was stunned into silence by the truth, and just sat there.

Asa set the shuttle down easily and made his way to the cabin. Samari-A was packing up her things without making eye contact. He felt bad now and was contemplating apologizing for the truth when she opened the hatch and stepped out. She turned back to see him in the hatchway. I know tomorrow is your off day, but would you be available in the late evening, planet time?

Asa had nothing better to do. Around the sixteenth hour?

Yes. Her face brightened. You have given me quite a few things to think about. I’ll see you then.

Asa smiled as he closed and secured the shuttle. A few more months of this and he would own the craft. He clapped his hands together, before making his way to his favorite restaurant.

I can’t tell you how frustrating she is, Asa said to the pale man next to him at the restaurant bar.

So, when are you going to court her?

Asa rolled his eyes. Honored Jonah-Athain, haven’t you been listening to anything I’ve said?

Yes, I have listened to you talk about her all night. Ask her and be done with it.

Asa just stared at the blue-eyed light complexion of a man, who’s been away from a real sun for a long time. Uh, I can’t right now. She is still my employer.

Is that just an excuse, or do you still have feelings for your first wife?

Well, perhaps. She was the one who let the contract expire, not me.

Jonah knew he had struck a nerve and moved to change the subject. How is your boy? how old is he now?

He’s growing like a Tarsas Weed. He’ll be ten next month. They are coming to visit me soon. I haven’t seen him in person in over a Solestial year.

Are they still living on Talis?

Yes.

You don’t sound very enthusiastic about it. Is it because of the heavy NEO influence?

Asa looked at him suspiciously. That’s supposed to be a secret.

If it is, it’s the worst kept one.

True, Asa relaxed. I can see the NEO influence she’s inflicting on him every time I vid-talk to him.

You are not a NEO?

Personally, I could care less about either one.

Oh, I have an independent in my midst.

Perhaps, but don’t tell anyone.

Your secret is safe with me. So, is Samari-A getting any closer to her goal?

I don’t think so, even though I don’t know what her goal is. You are asking a lot of questions.

Just trying to keep the conversation alive. Since she’s still using an ‘A’ at the end of her name, I guess she is still uncommitted.

Some OEG traditions still linger.

Well, you had better find out something soon, or you’ll never know. I’ve got to run, Asa, got some boring rescue training in the morning. Goodnight.

"Beep...Beep...Beep...

Asa rolled over and pressed a button. Yes?

Honored Avion, Samari-A said, through the communication system, I trust we are ready to leave?

What? He looked at his chronometer. It was this evening, not this morning.

I think I’ve made a breakthrough, and I want to test it as soon as possible.

Asa rolled out of bed wearing only his baggy night pants, and went to his ship’s main hatch to opened it. He stepped back, allowing it to open, while he rubbed his eyes. She stepped in with a satchel full of instruments and data pads. She briefly admired his well chiseled body. He caught her looking before she could turn away. He reached over and closed the hatch.

I was told I would find you here.

Sorry about the accommodations. The funding hasn’t cleared yet. Are you hungry?

Yes, perhaps a little.

Good, you’re cooking. Kitchen is that away. Asa pointed, and walked away before she could protest.

He took his time cleaning up, and getting dressed, just to see how far he could push her. But to his surprise, she had a traditional morning meal ready and waiting as he came into the Galley.

Smells good, he said, as he sat down and started to eat. Umm, not bad for a Scientist.

You do know I just read the package.

He smiled. Yes, but heating can be tricky.

Your insight yesterday was enlightening, what do you know of the project?

Not much. My clearance has been delayed.

Not anymore. She handed him a data chip. Your clearance has been approved.

He took the chip. How did you manage?

I told them you were vital to the project, and I called in a few favors.

Alright then, what is this vital project?

Orophyte recovery, it is vital to our cause. As you know, it’s very fragile and human interaction is essential. The conditions on Assillins are less than desirable to human physiology. So, instead of spending hundreds of years changing the planet, we will change our physiology, by reconstructing our DNA to help us cope with the harshness of this planet.

So, you want to make people-miners capable of surviving with less protection?

No, we want our miners to not need any protection.

Asa stopped in mid-chew, then swallowed hard. You want to make a new species. That is radical, even for NEO’s.

Forward thinking, Samari-A went into her, superior-than-thou, mode. Computer simulations show positive results. Besides, we are years away from human trials. Further testing and prescreening could theoretically change them back to their original selves in a matter of months.

But at what cost?

You do not sound like a NEO.

Perhaps, I am more of an independent. I need to survive, and you are paying. I don’t really care what you do.

Then maybe we should get started. Her cold attitude let Asa know the conversation was over.

Should it be this bumpy? Samari-A asked through rattling teeth, as she grabbed