Gemini Ascending: Tempting Eternity: A Gemini Ascending Series Book

By Mark John Terranova

Gemini Ascending: Tempting Eternity, the latest in the Gemini Ascending series of novels, is meant for those who believe the world we live in, the lives that we lead, and the wonders that we see in the universe all have purpose. The unfolding events on Earth over time has created serious consequences for its people, steering them towards an unimaginable fate, one that very few are aware of. However, an immortal, driven to evolve, and a psychiatric patient, whose doctors strive to unravel the secrets hidden in the depths of his mind, could give the Earth a chance, unless they fail in their initial quests. The incredible ending in this latest novel, the women who emerge to take on leadership roles while struggling with their personal relationships, and the breadth of storyline creates a tale, in modern times, similar to that in the "Game of Thrones," and "Lord of the Rings." "...Terranova's concise prose generates memorable scenes." - Kirkus Reviews. "The story triumphantly fuses fantasy with real-world relationships..." - Kirkus Reviews. "A captivating otherworldly sequel that should appeal to both new and returning readers." - Kirkus Reviews

• Language: English
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Release date: May 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9781478798897

Mark John Terranova

Mark John Terranova, raised in rural Pennsylvania, has been expressing the essence of life in his poetry and short stories for over thirty years. He now lives with his family in Illinois.

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Gemini Ascending: Tempting Eternity

A Gemini Ascending Series Book

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2020 Mark John Terranova

v9.0

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

The opinions expressed in this manuscript are solely the opinions of the author and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of the publisher. The author has represented and warranted full ownership and/or legal right to publish all the materials in this book.

This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Outskirts Press, Inc.

http://www.outskirtspress.com

ISBN: 978-1-4787-9889-7

Cover Illustration by: Victor Guiza.

Cover Illustration © 2020 Outskirts Press, Inc. All rights reserved - used with permission.

Outskirts Press and the OP logo are trademarks belonging to Outskirts Press, Inc.

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE

SUMMARY OF BOOK 1: ETERNAL TWINS - CHAPTERS 1 TO 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

THE FIRST DAY

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

THE SECOND DAY

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

THE THIRD DAY

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

DAYS TO REMEMBER

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

FOOTNOTES & BIBLIOGRAPHY

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

COMMUNICATION WITH MARK

PREFACE

The Gemini Ascending Series creates an intriguing storyline for those readers who enjoyed Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings. Each book is self-contained, providing an excellent summary of the previous work, so that even new readers can start enjoying the series right away.

However, the motivation behind this series goes much deeper than fiction for entertainment. I have always been fascinated by the wonders of this world and the diverse cultures that inhabit it, which is why the storyline is also shaped by scientific texts, articles, and historic sites from around the world.

Human nature is another interesting dynamic for stories, which is explored throughout this series—our capability for violence, counterbalanced by the love and compassion shown within families, and often shared with others during times of need.

Building upon these two facets, the additional layer of complexity in the Gemini Ascending Series storyline comes from looking up into the heavens at night to realize that the Earth’s history is a microcosm of a much larger story. The latest images from the Hubble Telescope, detailing an astounding number of galaxies, further reinforces a belief that the world we live in, and this universe, has a very special purpose.

I would also like the reader to know that the dedication for this book has a heartfelt meaning. Friends of mine had and still have their children attending Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Many other people know families and communities affected by the tragedies at Sandy Hook, Columbine, Charleston, Ocala, Las Vegas, Sutherland Springs and Santa Fe, Annapolis, Pittsburgh, Thousand Oaks, Mercy Hospital, El Paso and Dayton. Sadly, such events continue to happen.

For me, the long-term, concerted effort needed to bring about social change on the various aspects of this matter is a cause that I will pray for, contribute to and participate in. I commend the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School for initiating the March For Our Lives program and the plan on How We Save Lives together.

For the children, teenagers, and adults who have fallen before our eyes, I pray for them and their families; may God bless them and give them strength. And I pray that we never forget them as we diligently press for change, no matter how long it takes.

SUMMARY OF BOOK 1

-ETERNAL TWINS-

CHAPTERS 1 TO 21

Born in the seventeenth-century, James Montgomery, an immortal, was taken in by a tribe of Native Americans who taught him a balanced way of life. While with them, he realized how his life could have purpose, even though he has no soul. As the centuries passed, he came to grips with his amazing strength and his abilities to communicate with animals, read thoughts and images in people’s minds, and change his skin color at will.

But he is not alone. In recent times, he befriended a priest named Father Martin, who believes that James was brought to Earth for a very special reason. Married and the stepfather of two boys, James now has a family for which he is willing to risk anything to protect. And, somewhere in the world in an indeterminate time and place, lives his fraternal twin brother, who is also an immortal gorgon.

John Parella, Jr. thinks he’s mentally ill as he hears voices constantly and has strange, disturbing dreams that leave him feeling helpless. Many of his latest dreams involve his father, who had previously worked with the Arabian government many decades ago.

After leaving Saudi Arabia, John Sr. had been given knowledge about the future as a reward for helping the king bury secrets deep in the deserts surrounding the cities of Dammam, Abqaiq, and Ghawar. While each site contained many location beacons, no one understood what type of power source could activate them.

Though some of the information given to John Sr. told him how he could avoid economic pitfalls in the future, the other information contained a curse—helping the world meant that he must choose one of his children to live out a fate determined by the laws of the universe, and this child’s destiny would no longer be their own.

Having checked himself into a famous psychiatric institution in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, known as the Clinic, John Jr.’s mental health continued to decline, causing him to attempt suicide. This marked the second time a patient at the Clinic had done such a thing under the current leadership.

Unbeknownst to John, his suicide attempt had a life-altering impact on someone other than himself. James, after hearing the news, realized that the world he had built for his family was about to radically change. He and his family would no longer be safe in the agreed upon sanctuary in Florida, as the first move had been made in what he thought would become a devastating conflict on Earth, one which he could no longer avoid.

Forced to make a choice on where to fight the initial battle, James and his wife, SuiLeng, along with her two sons, PeoBing and ChunSoon, who they call PB and CS, decide to flee the United States and head back to Penang, Malaysia. There, SuiLeng’s brother, Winston, and her grandmother would be able to help them—together they would be much stronger.

On his own, Father Martin discovers that the person manipulating James’ life is the renowned psychiatrist and scientist, Dr. Adolphus Junger, who is the head of the Clinic. This egocentric doctor has apparently known James for centuries, advising the Church in Rome about him. He has also shared knowledge with the Sons of Ishmael in Arabia at the turn of the previous century, and he is a being who can steer the fate of the world in any direction he pleases. All of which makes Father Martin realize he will have to play the role defined by Dr. Junger, while trying to secure the backing of his longtime friend, Father Paul, and the Bishop they both report to. His only consolation is the doctor, for the moment, is amused by his tenacity.

John’s suicide attempt, which happened while Dr. Junger was away from the Clinic, caused him to be transferred to the Grant Institute in Media, where Dr. Junger’s former colleague and love, Dr. Katherine Duhring, is the Director of Psychiatry. However, Katherine, who is completely unaware of the forces at work all around her, becomes fascinated by John and his mental demons. She, along with another well-known psychiatrist, Dr. Peter Amello, are determined to lift the barriers surrounding John’s mind and find out what drives him, though he does not give up information about himself very easily.

With John beginning to undergo therapy involving hypnosis, the enigma surrounding his mind is slowly unraveling to reveal who he really is. In one session, John’s subconscious is overtaken by another personality.

The destiny of the human race is left to hang in the balance as two beings, John and James, each embark on very different journeys. One is attempting to uncover vital information locked in the depths of his own mind. The other must trek across the world to evolve into a being more powerful than anyone can imagine, while trying to find his brother in the process. If they are successful in their quests, there is a chance for balance to be restored. If they fail, the world will encounter an unimaginable fate, one that will ripple throughout the universe.

Chapter 22

1995 AD

On their walk around the grounds of the Clinic, Father Martin was amazed by all the information that Dr. Junger chose to share with him, including the roles that immortals like James played in the universe. He was equally unnerved by the power that Dr. Junger seemed to possess.

Before heading back to the main parking lot outside of the Clinic, the doctor dropped Father Martin off at the central security desk to retrieve his tape recorder and other personal effects, while he stopped by his office to pick up a sealed package.

Fumbling to get the tape recorder into his pocket, as they exited the Clinic together, prompted Dr. Junger to tease him a bit. Would you like me to record something on that for your esteemed mentor, Father Paul, or the Bishop?

No, absolutely not. They apparently already know a lot more about you than I do. They would think I was a total idiot if I came back with a taped message from you.

Chuckling at his comment, the doctor moved on to another subject. How about discussing what James will be like if he survives the change process?

"What do you mean, if he survives? I thought that once he decided to change then that was it—he changed. I didn’t think this followed Darwin’s Theory of Evolution."

"Father, c’mon, he just can’t press a button to change. He must endure exacting mental and physical trials, just like all the good stories in the Old Testament. A few of which, I believe you have used to help counsel others. And, while I do give our boy decent odds to make it through his first evolution, he won’t be the same afterwards. With the ability to sense danger miles away, scan other people’s minds at will, and search every nuance of their soul, he will not hesitate to act accordingly.

"Given your training as a priest, you will think that he has become more impetuous, prone to more violence. But what you need to realize is that he will explicitly know, with absolute certainty, the true nature of every being that he interacts with or judges—for the life they have led to date as well as all possible future decisions they could make.

Because of this, he will no longer entertain any moral or philosophical debates with you, as he did in the past, that an individual can change in the future. And his brother, well, his simplistic logic for black and white decision making would be considered terrifying to most mortals. Your work will certainly be cut out for you as your destiny becomes intertwined with theirs.

My god, this sounds more like a curse, declared Father Martin.

Yes, it is. That is why the first change process for him is so strenuous. It has to prepare him for what comes afterwards, or mercifully kill him in the process.

I wasn’t talking about a curse for James. I meant me trying to help him and his brother. Explain to me one more time why God needs such beings?

Sighing slightly, the doctor answered his question. Such beings don’t just engage in punitive measures for individuals. Remember, I told you that they also build new worlds and course correct worlds that have strayed from their original purpose.

But I thought God had angels for this type of thing?

I have been dealing with angels for thousands of years on this planet, and I can tell you they are not very effective for this type of day in and day out tedious kind of work. Guardian angels are empathetic to a fault, which renders them useless in this area. And while Archangels are built for power, they’re prima donnas—they like short, spectacular missions. And the rest of the angels, who follow God, are still privately wondering why they weren’t enough for Him—why He decided to create other beings in the Universe. With this type of sibling rivalry, they can’t be counted on to drive effective change processes.

Father Martin stopped walking. Putting his hands on top of his head, he was exasperated and somewhat overwhelmed, which caused him to pause and think before speaking. How exactly am I going to know what to do, and when I should do it? And how do I prepare myself for all of this?

"Oh, pish-posh! What happened to that previous enterprising spirit you exhibited to gain entry into this game? No one can prepare themselves for such a challenge as this. The variables are immense, almost beyond comprehension. In this game, you will never be able to learn all that you don’t know. You will have to learn as you go, adapting to new situations, based on previous successes and failures in your life.

Now, I have just enough time to briefly outline each of the four stages of transformation for beings like James before we get to your car. Then, it’s time for you to be on your way, while I engage with the other players in this game.

Walking into his home library at twilight after his meeting with Father Martin earlier in the day, Dr. Junger observed the last embers of daylight gently flickering through the wood blinds in his study, which poetically felt like a confirmation of his present plans. With the key characters in this portion of the game literally up and running, he could now monitor their thoughts, while observing their actions to see if they stayed on script. If anyone deviated off course, contingency plans would be triggered to counteract detrimental behavior.

Realizing the irony of the situation, he sensed his actions of late were also being heavily scrutinized by others, based on the risky strategy he had put into motion. It was during moments like this that he also wondered if he were a minor character, playing into an even bigger narrative.

Chapter 23

Taking a rare sick day off from work, Dr. Junger sat in his study, extending his presence secretly into Dr. Katherine Duhring’s inner office at the Grant Institute, where an active session was in progress between her, John Parella, Jr. and Dr. Peter Amello. Observing the situation, he was amused at how each doctor cautiously approached John, after hearing him speak while under hypnosis.

Opening a private pathway into her mind, Dr. Junger read her thoughts as she recalled what the paramedic said about the eerie events that transpired in the ambulance, when they drove John to the institute after his suicide attempt: if you closed your eyes and listened, you would have thought that three other people were back there carrying on a conversation with him.

Both doctors were startled by the voice coming out of John’s mouth; its pitch and timbre was completely different than anything they heard before. If they weren’t looking straight at him, they would have believed the voice, that they were hearing right now, was from an entirely different person.

The voice from within John spoke again. Doctors, please, you have such a concerned look on your faces. Let me assure you that John is fine.

Dr. Amello was standing up in front of John just three feet away from him, while Dr. Duhring was now occupying the small space between the front of her desk and the side of the chair that John was in. Speaking calmly, Dr. Amello asked the first question. Can you tell me who I am talking to?

The voice responded. My formal birth name is Zachariah; my friends call me Zach. And I hope we can get past this awkward phase that we are in; as I said a minute ago, I need your help.

Warily looking at John and then glancing up at Katherine, Peter pondered his next question. Before we can contemplate helping you, we will need to know something about you; for instance, how long have you and John known each other, and why did you choose this particular moment to step forward and announce your presence?

Doctors, please, I don’t have time for extensive questions and answers. I really am growing weaker as each day passes. I can barely hold onto John as it is now. Seeing that this response created more apprehension in both doctors, Zach had John exhale loudly, and then continued talking.

Alright, let’s get the basics over with. I am not a schizophrenic manifestation of John’s subconscious mind. While I have taken control of him presently, there is no internal power struggle going on between him and me. Thirty-two years ago, I chose to live within him of my own free will, and we usually have daily conversations. Though he is still dubious of my existence, I consider him to be an interesting young man and a damn brave one at that.

Pausing, Zach had John turn his head to look at Dr. Duhring. Seeing the information that he provided was met with skepticism caused him to express some frustration. Geez, you guys get your psychiatric degrees at Pep Boys? I was hoping that you could keep up with me. I mean, you two have treated patients before, haven’t you? You must have run into some dicey stuff—stuff that books and common sense can’t immediately explain away, right?

Observing the fascinated expression on Peter’s face, she moved away from John in order to stand next to Peter, before firing off a few statements and questions of her own.

Zach, we happen to be preeminent psychiatrists in our field; as such, we find your arrival to be too coincidental a development. You say that you’re not part of John, but you exist within him. You say that you have known him for thirty-two years, and had many conversations with him, yet he doubts your existence. Now, why is that?

He answered curtly. Isn’t it obvious. John thinks that he’s totally nuts, yet he is nothing of the sort. He has always attributed the head accident that he had at six years of age to his present mental state. Almost dying, it was the neurosurgeon that operated on him, plus lots of prayers, that saved his life.

Unmoved by his answer, she crossed her arms. So, you were inside of him when this accident happened?

"No, I came on board right after the accident. I was in the same hospital, passing away a few hours after John was operated on. I died of congestive