Primary: Vertex One

By Holland

On the brink of suicide on his 21st birthday, a young man's world is turned upside down when he encounters an elf and dwarf whose voices he can hear in his head. Thrust into a realistic video game, he must race against time to recover ancient artifacts that hold the key to his true origins before his high

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wrymhole Pty Ltd
• Release date: Feb 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9780645717709

Book preview

1982

"F ive, four, three, two, one-liftoff!" announced mission control for the spaceship Z1Z. The powerful engines blasted it high into the clear blue sky. Billions of people cheered around the world as they watched the Z1Z launch, their minds filled with wonder. For the ship was unlike anything ever seen before, and so was where it was destined.

It had been twenty-one years since the wormhole first appeared. Emerging several light seconds away from Earth, this dark cosmic well filled with swirling stars had sent people’s hopes and imaginations alight. Speculations of intelligent life, alternative realities, theology, time-travel, hoaxes and countless others plastered the news headlines. The many aeronautic agencies of Earth sent probes and satellites through the wormhole, each and every one eager to be the first to discover what lay on the other side.

Unfortunately what had followed was years of unmanned vessels failing to make it through. Countries leader’s would boast that they would be the first to receive images of what lay upon the other side. Yet time and time again as soon as entering the wormhole, the video feed would instantly cut to static and the connection to the craft was lost.

It was declared by The Cosmocracy, the recently formed world government of Earth, that the aeronautical agencies would combine all their resources to create a ship capable of surviving the wormhole. Using the data gained from all the failed attempts, what had come to pass was The Z1Z. A spaceship like no other.

The design of the craft appeared like a bird swooping for prey with a sharp beak for the nose. It had curved wings that jutted out of the lower half of the ship’s sleek aerodynamic body. The metal surface was cutting edge material that could withstand immense G forces yet extremely light, allowing for incredible speed and strength. It did not use the traditional propulsion engines as the other craft had, instead powered by electric rockets that didn’t weigh the craft down. This allowed for an easy escape of Earth’s gravity and precise navigation of the wormhole. But most importantly, for the first time, The Z1Z would be a manned spaceship.

The identities of the crew remained top secret, even as it launched for its maiden voyage. Theories of telerobotic creations helming the spaceship abounded but the Cosmocracy quickly squashed the rumours. The public and media were given full assurance the crew were human and had been hand selected from across the globe.

In the short time it took the ship to reach the wormhole, planet Earth had been breathless with anticipation. The scheduled broadcast of the spaceship entering the dark cosmic well was predicted to be the most watched event in human history. So much so that some countries pre-emptively declared a national holiday.

On the day The Z1Z relayed back live video to Earth of it entering the wormhole, the hopes and dreams of a space faring humanity were changed forever. The images taken from the camera built into the front of the ship began with a circular black void of the wormhole that swallowed the ship and enclosed it in darkness.

The relayed video began to shake from the powerful gravitational forces colliding with the ship. The viewers on Earth feared the worst as the images began to cut out. Suddenly the shaking ceased and planet Earth watched as a bright spectrum of neon colours burst forth from within the wormhole. Colours of every kind swirled and danced along the edges in a spiral. It was as though viewing into a futuristic kaleidoscope.

As quickly the neon colours had appeared, they abruptly vanished, and all that could be seen was a thin white beam of light rotating around itself in the far distance.

The light beam slowly grew longer as it looped around its most outer edge and magnified in size. The light left a small black space between each rotation as it expanded. Like a hypnotist wheel that was spun before people’s eyes. While The Z1Z flew through the wormhole the white light beams began to pass by, all the while continually spiralling infinitely in the distance. The image relayed back to the Earth appeared as that of a powerful strobe light.

Amidst the pulsating light, a large object emerged in the distance. It quickly grew in size as the ship moved towards it. The strobe light revealed what appeared to be an enormous undulating mass. Soon it came into focus, its form shimmering and scaley like that of a snake. The colossus came closer, a long snout and horned head appeared and with it eight terrible grey eyes with black slitted pupils.

It was then the giant maw opened. Rows and rows of black teeth bared themselves to the ship, its horrible fangs glistened with saliva as Planet Earth screamed as one. The giant black spider dragon appeared in full, its gigantic body, replete with eight tremendous wings, engulfed the entire wormhole. With nowhere for The Z1Z to go, it flew helplessly into the dragon’s open mouth where the broadcast feed instantly cut to static and the wormhole suddenly vanished from sight.

Planet Earth lost interest in space travel after that. The Wyrmhole, as the media proclaimed, became a natural deterrent for the fledgling space faring civilization. The hysteria the Wyrmhole caused led to The Cosmocracy to ban anything and everything relating to it.

The broadcast footage of the voyage was removed from being seen. Images of the spider dragon were not allowed to be displayed in any format. The fate of the Z1Z spaceship became classified information which the aeronautical agencies were not allowed to speak of, not even to the families of the secret crew members. Some countries went so far as to imprison anyone for even mentioning The Wyrmhole.

The Cosmocracy wanted people to forget what they had seen. With the bans in place, Earth’s focus was voluntarily turned away and the memory of The Wyrmhole slowly began to fade. But there were those who did not forget. Some still seek the truth, even under the threatening gaze of The Cosmocracy. Though small in number they meet in secret and share information.

It is now, forty-two years since The Wyrmhole, that the story continues with a young man planning his own death.

2024

Koby Duchmar had planned his suicide perfectly.

At exactly 10am he’d jump from the Djinda town bridge into the river and drown himself.

What better way to celebrate your 21st birthday?

On the day most people would be excited, Koby reluctantly opened his hazel eyes, letting the blurry world in.

He clumsily reached for his glasses but instead knocked them off his cluttered bedside table and onto the dusty floor. Swearing angrily, he heaved his large frame across the bed to try and retrieve them. Yet he only pushed them further away, dissapearing amongst dirty clothes and fast food wrappers. Swearing even more loudly, he dropped out of bed and onto the floor, a tremendous crash emanating from his hundred-kilogram frame. He snatched his glasses and put them on, slowly bringing himself upright, his knees sore from where he landed.

Koby squinted around the room through his dirty smudged perspective. He proceeded to kick the piles of ill-fitting hand-me-down clothes around his room till he uncovered some semi clean ones and got dressed. As he did so he caught sight of himself in the dusty full-length mirror.

Koby was a tall young man with an unshaved round face and messy spiky brown hair. He wore a black itchy jumper and black pants with holes in them, his best clothes by far.

He turned away from his reflection in disgust and made his way downstairs.

As Koby shuffled towards his grandmother’s kitchen, a part of him wished there would be a present or cake waiting for him there. Just something to acknowledge his birthday. He closed his eyes upon entering the room but upon opening them he found what he knew would be there all along. Nothing.

He sighed and saw there was a gardening book on the bench with a note stuck to it: LIBRARY. RETURN. TODAY.

‘Thanks Grandma,’ thought Koby. ‘I’ll do that before I kill myself.’

Koby made himself an unhealthy breakfast and sat hunched over at the bench. His eyes glazed over the ugly flower wallpaper that his Grandmother Petunia had plastered all over the kitchen. He ate his breakfast quickly and went into the living room. Inside there was no tv, no computer, no video games, not even a radio, just books about gardening on bookshelves. All there was were the Djinda Times newspaper sitting upon a single wooden chair.

Koby cast his eyes over the newspaper, he saw an image that made him feel instantly sick. It was an advertisement for the Djinda high school. There smiling gleefully in the ad was the boy, now a man, who had made Koby’s life at that school a living nightmare. Koby quickly turned the page, not wanting to see any more. He flipped to a full-page ad for some kind of festival. Ignoring it, he flipped through until he came to the puzzles.

Untouched, he said to himself gleefully, getting a pencil from a nearby shelf and sitting down.

Koby adored puzzles and games. He would pore over crosswords and the various games within the newspaper, testing his skills and knowledge.

It was the one thing that Koby was allowed in the house while he lived with his grandmother.

Though he needed to erase all the progress he’d made and leave no trace for when his grandmother came home.

If he didn’t there would be hell to pay.

Once Koby had done the crossword in pen, he went hungry for two days.

Living with his grandmother, Petunia, was not easy for Koby. He had to adhere to her strict, almost militant rules or suffer the consequences.

This is my house. she had said to him many times, her sharp bony finger digging into his chest.

You will do as I say or you’re out, I never wanted you anyway.

I’ll be gone soon enough said Koby to himself as he finished the last puzzle in the crossword.

He gazed at the clock on the wall and saw it was 9.30 a.m.

Very Soon.

The Library

Koby closed the door behind him, his grandmother’s book in hand. He didn’t turn back to see the dark two-story house as he walked away. Number 11 Rainbow Drive did not hold any good memories for Koby, he only wanted to erase them.

As he passed the letterbox and onto the street a flash of movement caught his eye.

Good morning young man! chirped Mr White, peering up at Koby from tending to his garden.

Mr White was a strange old man who lived by himself next door to Koby and his grandmother and always seemed happy, something that seemed so foreign to Koby. He always wore white clothes and had strange white tinted sunglasses and short white hair to match.

G-good morning, he replied, a little taken aback by Mr White’s appearance.

And what a fine morning it is, said Mr White, taking in a big breath through his nose. Makes you appreciate being alive. I’m just getting rid of some of these weeds here. Best to get them while they are little before they get too big. Isn’t that like everything in life?

Sure, Koby replied, not listening to anything he was saying and only wanting to get away.

Are you getting yourself some morning exercise? Mr White inquired. Good on you Koby! A brisk walk will get the mind and body ready for the day! If you win the morning, you win the day.

Um, I need to— said Koby, moving away.

Of course, of course! said Mr White, waving him away. Don’t let me keep you from your plans! I hope you have a great day Koby, whatever it is you are doing! Go have a virtuous day!

Koby turned and walked away, ignoring Mr White’s merry whistle as he returned to weeding his garden.

Stupid old man, said Koby to himself. He couldn’t believe someone could be so happy.

He must be self-medicating. he muttered to himself as he walked along the footpath, eyes downcast at the ground and kicking the rocks.

The bridge of Djinda was only a short walk from Koby’s house, past the main street where the library was located. He could have ridden his bike to get there but Djinda was such a small town, it hardly warranted it, plus he didn’t like moving his body all that much. If he had a car, it would have been a different story altogether, but Koby could only dream of such things.

He sighed and kept his head down as he walked past strangers’ houses, ignoring the bright sunny Friday morning. He turned and came to the main street of Djinda. From here, if he wanted to lift his eyes, he could see the library and the bridge at the far end.

Instead he moped his way along the main street, keeping his eyes downcast. He didn’t want to see the looks on any of the people’s faces.

Don’t come any closer, said a gruff voice as he passed. Koby kept his eyes down instead of seeing the owner of the electronics store standing in the doorway, he knew exactly what kind of expression he had on his face.

You shouldn’t be allowed out! the owner called after him. Not after what you did!

Koby hunched his shoulders, trying to make himself small.

What are you doing out here? said a shrill voice of the news agency clerk in his ear You are banned from coming near here!

I’m banned from everywhere, replied Koby quietly, moving to the edge of the footpath.

Does your grandmother know you are out? I’m going to tell her! she hissed.

Koby heard the sound of hurried footsteps. Go on and tell her. I’ll be dead soon anyway.

As Koby walked past the different stores, people yelled abuse or obscenities his way. He would have crossed the street if it wasn’t for the fact he’d just hear the yelling in his other ear.

Koby glanced at the bakery window as he passed to see a black and white photo of his own face with a big red heading and footer saying, DO NOT ADMIT. The same picture had been printed and hung in each and every store and building in Djinda, courtesy of his grandmother.

Koby moved as quickly and quietly as he could towards the library, trying to make himself not seen.

Well, well, well, said a voice that made Koby’s blood run cold. If it isn’t the freak.

Koby looked up into the cold grey eyes of Ashley Nedaud, the person he’d seen on the front page of the newspaper, the boy who’d made his life a misery.

What are you doing out here? baited Ashley, his face broad and black hair dotted with bits of grey barring Koby’s way. Come to explode more computers or TVs?

Those were accidents, said Koby. Can you let me pass please? he pleaded as Ashley moved to keep blocking his way.

Accidents you say! laughed Ashley, seeming to enjoy toying with him. Those accidents happen nearly every week when we’re in school together, didn’t they? No wonder they asked me to be on the front page, they need all the money they can get for all the equipment you destroyed while you were there.

I didn’t mean to, said Koby quietly. I don’t know what happened.

I don’t know what happened, mocked Ashley in a crying voice. It wasn’t my fault. I heard voices calling my name. Why doesn’t anyone believe me? He stiffened and snarled. You are a freak Duchmar. A freak who should be locked up and have the key thrown away. You’ve destroyed the tech inside each and every shop in town. No one wants you here. Go back home and don’t you dare show your face again. This is my town. I won’t have freaks like you around ruining it.

Koby nodded and stared at the ground, holding back his tears. He thrust the book in his hand out to show Ashley.

There was a long silence. A silence that seemed to go on forever.

What do you want me to do with that? said Ashley, confused.

I’m returning it, that’s why I’m outside, said Koby in a rush. I’m just trying to return the library book.

I’m just trying to return the library book, mocked Ashely. Whatever freak, take it back and go straight home. Don’t show your face again, you hear me? Or we’ll get reacquainted like we used to in school, he finished, cracking his knuckles.

"Understood. Yes. Thank you,’’ stammered Koby, quickly hurrying to get passed.

As Koby went by, Ashley lunged forward suddenly, making Koby jump to get out of the way only to collide with a telephone pole, his face smacking into hard wood and sending him crashing to the ground.

Ashley roared with laughter as pain erupted from Koby’s nose and mouth, tasting blood and seeing stars. Koby slowly picked himself up to rise and the laughter continued, slowly dragging himself away, blood pouring from his nose.

He could still hear Ashley as he approached the library, his mind frayed from the encounter with his high school bully. He felt his nose. ‘Broken’ he thought, as it seared with pain at being touched, the blood running down his chin.

Koby gazed at the bridge at the end of town. His recent humiliation only fuelling his desire to end his life. He marched towards the library, his will so strong to end his life, he almost threw the book on the ground. My grandmother is so evil she’d probably haunt me even in death for not returning it, said Koby to himself, committing himself to doing this last thing before taking his life.

He reached the return chute, catching the A4 piece of paper with his face upon it in the window and stopped suddenly as he heard a British female voice inside his mind speak

He’s going to do something big this time. Koby glanced around him, trying to find the source but saw only parked cars out the front of the library before heard it again.

There has to be a reason he’s hosting it in such a shithole.

I doubt it, replied an American male voice inside Koby’s mind. Abe’s not busting out anything major this time. Last year was big enough with the MindLink launch.

As Koby peered around he came to where the voices were originating, there inside the library was a dwarf and an elf sitting at a table.

Koby wasn’t shocked by the appearance of the pair, the dwarf being a young woman with long flowing auburn hair, piercing green eyes and red leather armour that covered her stout frame. Or the skinny blonde elf with pointed ears wearing a golden tunic and matching cape. It was that their mouths weren’t moving.

These bad boys replaced mobile phones practically overnight, said the elf in Koby’s mind as he tapped the side of his skinny head. He’s gonna dial it back this year. That’s why he’s brought the festival here. It makes sense with the line-up of bands being weaker than years previous, it’s more low-key.

Koby watched as the dwarf frowned and replied. I don’t know about that. Why bring it here? The Prism Music Festival has been hosted in nearly every major city across the globe. This is the first time it’s come to Australia and it’s in the middle of fucking nowhere.

Glastonbury is held on a farm. Coachella is in the desert, replied the elf in a matter-of-fact tone. Those don’t count, snapped the dwarf. He’s never held a festival in the same place twice. There is something sketchy about this place. There is something here— The dwarf’s piercing green eyes looked directly into Koby’s face.

Realising he’d been seen, Koby ducked out of sight, his heart racing.

Did you see that guy? asked the dwarf, alarmed.

What guy? asked the elf.

There was this fat weirdo with blood over his face staring at me through the window, she said, making Koby flush.

Oh my God, really? said the elf, alarmed. Maybe he’s curious why a pretty dwarf is in the local library. We always get looks from weirdos before the festival starts, especially you.

Don’t remind me, shot back the dwarf. I really wish the dress code wasn’t fantasy this year, I feel like I’m about to pop out of my armour but I want to be the best dressed.

You always dress nice, said the elf. Plus, I don’t mind if you pop—

Don’t say another fucking word, Solomon, thundered the dwarf. Not another word.

Koby listened as a long silence grew. It went on so long Koby thought they might but left but dared not see.

Is there anything you want to do before the festival starts tomorrow night? asked the elf gently. I doubt there is anything to do here, replied the dwarf hotly. I just want the Whiteheads to see me. I better not have gotten dressed up in this uncomfortable outfit for nothing.

If they are going to come anywhere it’ll be here, replied Solomon. I don’t think there is anywhere else to go.

As the elf and dwarf debated location options, Koby realised that someone was standing behind him as he crouched on the ground.

He turned and saw a woman dressed entirely in white, her hair, her clothes, her shoes. She even had white transparent veil over her face that gave her a ghostly appearance.

Hello, she said warmly, walking closer to where Koby was.

He-hello, stammered Koby, rising to his feet.

That’s him! said the dwarf in his mind. Right next to the—

Are you planning on going to the festival tomorrow night? asked the woman in white cheerily to Koby.

I-err, mumbled Koby. Is that the Prison festival? he remembered seeing the image in the newspaper.

Prism,’’ corrected the woman with a giggle. Though we had a cops and robbers theme a few years back with a full-scale security prison. That was a hoot. Will this be your first time attending?"

"I don’t think I ’d be able to,’’ said Koby, glimpsing the bridge in the background.

Oh, didn’t you get a ticket? said the woman sympathetically.

No, I didn’t, lied Koby. I just live around here and I didn’t know about it until—

Koby was cut off as the elf and dwarf burst through the library door, pushing Koby out of the way to get in front of the woman in white.

You’re a Whitehead, aren’t you? gasped the dwarf. Can we get backstage passes please? Yeah, come on! said the elf. Get a load of how good our costumes are!

The woman in white surveyed them up and down.

You certainly put in the effort, she said evenly. Though I don’t care for how you treat the locals who live around here.

The trio turned to Koby who struggled to meet their gaze. He’s just a creep who stares at people through windows, said the dwarf with venom.

Koby tried to respond but couldn’t find the words, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he stared at the ground.

Charming one you are, said the white woman. What are your names?

Ruby-Anne Key, said the dwarf.

Solomon Lillen, answered the elf.

And what is your name? asked the woman.

It took Koby a moment to realise she was speaking to him.

Me? he responded.

Yes, you, she answered with a warm smile.

My-my name is Koby Duchmar, he answered.

Well, Koby Duchmar, I’d like to offer you a backstage pass to The Prism Music Festival.

WHAT? shouted Ruby and Solomon in unison.

You can’t give it to him, he’s not even in costume, yelled Ruby.

I bet he doesn’t even know what a backstage pass to the PMF even means! raged Solomon. The woman raised a white gloved hand.

You both know very well The Prism Musical Festival has zero tolerance to aggressive behaviour. I’m more than happy to revoke your public access tickets if you wish to keep shouting.

The elf and dwarf held their tongues, their faces turning into scowls as the woman turned back to Koby.

Would you like to come to the festival Koby? she asked.

I can’t, he said, glancing up at the bridge. You should give it to them instead.

Even if he is a freak, at least he’s smart, Ruby said in Koby’s mind.

I’m not a freak, shouted Koby, his frustration and anger boiling over as he lifted his eyes to look directly at Ruby.

I didn’t say anything! Ruby replied with a shocked expression on her face.

I heard you say it, said Koby angrily. You said ‘Even if he is a freak at least he’s smart.’

You-you heard that? said Ruby, her green eyes wide with disbelief.

We have a secure MindLink connection. There’s no way you could have hacked into it, said Solomon.

I don’t know what you are talking about but I can hear what you are saying about me, so stop it, growled Koby, unsure of where his confidence was coming from.

The woman in white suddenly grabbed Koby’s hands, bringing his attention to her.

Can you hear what I am thinking, Koby? she asked.

Mother give us colour, she said without speaking.

Mother give us colour, repeated Koby aloud.

Oh my goddess, she said, letting him go. "It’s you. It really is you.

She brought forth a red lanyard and placed it into Koby’s hands.

This pass will get you into the festival and backstage, she said in a rush.

Koby glanced at the pass which attached to it was a small red ring.

If you need directions or help, simply use the ring, she continued. It will guide you to where you need to go and any other information you need.

I can’t go, Koby said flatly. I’m barely allowed out of the house as it is.

The woman in white thought for a moment.

What if someone took you there? she suggested. Would that be allowed?

Probably not, why? he answered, puzzled by the question.

You two! said the woman wheeling around to the fantasy pair.

Can you take Koby to the festival?

The elf and dwarf looked at each other.

You want us to babysit him? asked Ruby. Forget it. Crossing her arms.

What if I gave you both backstage passes? asked the woman.

The pair suddenly sprang forward.

Of course! exclaimed Solomon excitedly.

Absolutely, we can get him there, agreed Ruby. Can we have the passes now? she asked expectantly.

Not until Koby is backstage at the festival, said the woman flatly. I will make sure the passes are there for you once you arrive. Together, she finished with a stare.

Together, began Ruby.

Of course, finished Solomon with a nod.

The woman in white forced a smile and turned back to Koby.

"I would take you there myself if I could but we Whiteheads do not travel by traditional means. That leaves these two as my only option for getting you there I’m afraid.

She sighed and found her warm smile for