The 2210 Legacy -- Dead came Reckoning

By Himanshu Riyal

Humans have already colonized a perfectly inhabitable planet in a distant galaxy - trillions trillions of light years away. The mutual transmission is possible only through a series of unconventional and complicated procedures. The otherwise spotless track-

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blue Rose Publishers
• Release date: Apr 18, 2024
• ISBN: 9789362613684

Book preview

Chapter 1

Where am I…?!

Ayoung man in his late teens, was lying unconscious on a solo bed; can’t say for how long. However, the occasional spasmodic breathing suggested that he was not dead – at least, not yet!

With some wild & jerky movements; he suddenly gained senses & forced open his eyes. He had no count of the days, that they had remained closed like this… or for how long he had been lying here… or what was this place even was! Although his eyelids were still kind’a heavy; yet there were no traces of headache or any other associated issues. Except for an almost blank mind and blinking heavy eyelids; he was otherwise feeling fine. Rather it felt somewhat like a refreshing wake-up; after an overtly long spell of a sweet-sound-dreamless- slumber. With widest possible split of bewildered hazy eyes; he was trying to inspect the ambiance, and ascertain his situation.

And yes, the effort appeared fructuous! With time, the surroundings began appearing prima-facie – familiar! So, he has been here earlier as well. But when? He needed more focus.

Inspecting the ambience with a cursory roving glance, he deduced that he was all alone. The obvious next was to get-up and seek exit. However here, to an awkward realization, he found himself firmly tied onto the bed. At the same time, this failed attempt cleared another misconception as well. Even if not so firmly secured; he still lacked the strength required for any major movement – but for craning his neck. Instinctively, he made a hurried sensory check for his fingers & toes; and was happy that everything was intact.

What a relief!

Oh God, thank you so very much; for being so kind – so far!

But then… why was he here?

Could it be a kidnap?

But then… why… What for?

Am I worth something real big-time?

But then… he didn’t remember anything as such! So, could it be a mistaken identity… or a simple prank? What the hell!

Why the hell am I here? Who brought me? And why?

And by the way, what are all these tubes & connectors? Why are they so firmly attached to my body? Could it be some organ harvesting mafia or anything? Or am I some test-subject for some weird experiment – some kind’a… Guinea-pig?!

The questions were countless… the answers – none! Taking a deep sigh, he relaunched all faculties in an attempt to seek at least some of them – if not all.

However, commensurate to the heavily distorted vision; his mind was similarly blank – to the extent that he was unable to focus or remember anything. His original fears began to resurface & haunt. Further to that, and upon realizing the heightened levels of compromised mental faculties; some additional supplementary questions also began hovering around.

Was I drugged? But when? During or after this abduction?

Taking a forced deep breath, and attempting to calm down; he resumed his visual inspection – hoping to accidentally hit upon something.

And yes… there was this one – right before his open eyes. But then, why didn’t he see it before – this glaring, colorful patch on the ceiling! Apparently, it was some graffiti; but still – completely vague! After 3-4 repeated attempts to focus, all he could make out was, that it was a four-worded scripted design – but again; blurred & totally… unintelligible! What the hell!!

Hey… could that be some kind’a clue or code? But then… who would supply it; and why?

This was another set of supplementary questions; but just like the previous ones – again without answers! Trapped in such highly instable state of senses & nonsenses; the only thing he felt reasonably confident was; that he was a teenager, and his name was… Jason.

Helplessly looking around with minimal neck & eye movements, and aided by a pathetically hazy vision; he realized that it was a moderate sized room – lacking any windows. These repeated attempts to read & comprehend the ambiance, had completely drained his faculties. However, something inside of him was repeatedly suggesting that this place was somehow not altogether alien – but that’s it… nothing more!

So, if I had been here previously as well – then… when?

Neither was there, the required memory support; nor any clues to help him solve this seemingly simple enigma! After a few more vain attempts, acute exertion compelled him to close his eyes; hoping to extend the much-needed relief to those over-strained nerves.

It was during those very retreat moments, that some reflections jerked-out of his frozen memory – ferociously hitting like a tight slap on an unsuspecting cheek. In a knee-jerk reaction, his eyes split wide open! Perhaps, some droplets of relief had finally landed upon the infinite parched land of scorching queries!

Hey, isn’t this the same room, wherefrom the very procedure for my supposed interstellar journey had begun? Oh, yes! And it was very much here only, that I had presented myself… wearing that specially designed outfit – something that perhaps I’m still wearing! And… and wasn’t it here only, that the primary sequence of drugs & sedater was administered – the real culprit behind all these faculty distortions!

Finally… finally… the clouds had begun to disperse – the skies getting clearer! So yes; he was an interstellar traveler, and not some poor victim of kidnapping! A faint smile of relief, involuntarily came floating on his lips.

Although his vision was still hazy, yet he could now figure-out the contents of the colorful phrase on the ceiling! What else, if not the same petty pep-up message from his parents! He fast-blinked his eyes to focus & reconfirm, but again – to no use. But never mind! He remembered the content by heart… one that was still resonating inside his head – loud & clear. It was an emotional four-worded message, that announced – Together We Always Remain – the perfect slogan for a happy & well-knit family… his family!

With every passing moment, the mist was clearing-up. By now, some extra dots had also begun to connect. Just like it being no kidnapping; this confinement to bed, was also not something to worry about! Rather, it was a standard preparatory protocol – applicable to each teleportation subject. Now, these numerous connected tubes & transmitters had also stopped scaring him. After all, they were not meant to suck-out his blood or limbs; but, to rather administer all those life-saving drugs & sedater! Afterwards, he was supposedly shifted to that large disintegration hall. But then… what thereafter??

Till that phase, it was all okay! Everything was as per the details & procedure conveyed to him. He knew that during the induced trance; his consciousness would be sucked out from his body. Sounds scary; but that’s how the Warp Teleportation worked – he was told! Then, once the interstellar journey gets completed, those twin components would be reintegrated – bringing him back to life as a regular… functional individual!

This whole procedure, from-start-to-finish, was definitely creepy – all the time dangerously rolling on the thin-foggy-ridge between the deep valleys of ultra- technologies & cryptic-metaphysics! There were genuine trepidations of slipping into those unfathomable abysses of no return. This very thought was sufficient to scare the crap out of anyone & everyone! Death & subsequent resurrection – that too, through technological mechanics!! WTF!!

But the flip side also had some equally strong counter- arguments – supported by tenable historical weightage! Rather than being some creepy maiden experiment; this whole procedure had proven track records. Billions of inter-galactic travelers had used it for more than a century. It’s true that there’s one huge blot, on its otherwise spotless history; but again, that solo incident wasn’t due to any techno-procedural failure. It was just an unfortunate exception; but definitely no rule, in any case! Further, the SOPs have since been upgraded; to ensure no such repeat!

However, all said and done; bringing him back to the same room couldn’t have been part of any standard protocol! It couldn’t be; and why should it be? Now, if he was alive, and in one-piece – then that was definitely great & relieving. But then, the question comes – why back into the same room… and not at the promised destination?

Now, that he was back to the start point; it could only mean one thing. He somehow failed to withstand the procedures and thus, was bailed-out somewhere in- between!

So, did something go wrong? Something awfully wrong?

He must re-dig into his memory for the answers.

-----x-----x-----

After a few concentrated efforts, the chapters finally began unfolding – events popping-up; as if some movie was being played. Now since it was his movie; the obvious central character was him only… while everyone else, just revolved around!

However, everything was not so smooth and there were problems – lots of them! The movie was not some standard & crisply edited one. The event-horizon was also not evenly distributed – thus lacked any defined continuum. During these weak neuro moments, he didn’t have any control over the relays. He tried hard to standardize the episodes; but such overdrive attempts were too much for his already frail nervous-system! Therefore, despite being the chief protagonist; he was a mere passive viewer – lying in a semi-paralytical state; watching whatever popped-up onto his mental screen…

All that had begun, just a few weeks ago… well… perhaps…

The chosen 300

A giant hovercraft had just left the mainland, and was cruising with a pathetic speed. Its destination was a huge island-facility, situated some 30 nautical-miles away. The whole set-up – right from the distinctive mainland harbor territory, to the destination island & everything in-between & beyond – belonged to the ‘Inter Galactic Exploration & Teleportation Agency’. Better known as IGETA, it’s a highly powerful & autonomous institution – enjoying monopolistic controls over the entire Space travel & exploration business.

The conference deck housed 300 guests, gathered under the same roof for the first time. They were the teenage undergrads – hand-picked from various parts of the globe. For this and various other reasons, most of them were complete strangers to each other.

-----x-----x-----

As soon as the journey began, an impressive audio-relay filled the air; only to be complemented by an equally majestic holographic show for value addition & ease of understanding.

Hello dear travelers… welcome onboard!

You guys must be wondering as to why IGETA chose such a sluggish float to cover these bare 30 nautical miles; whereas the same could be speedily covered by any odd flying-craft or speed-boat!

Well… this was all intentional; where we intend to utilize this leisurely journey to share the background & statement of purpose for your forthcoming project. So, let’s begin with a brief overview.

As everyone knows, you guys have been shortlisted for this

Inter-Planetary Student-Exchange Program; whereas we at IGETA, are mandated to prepare you for the same. But leaving aside the nitty-gritties for a while; we can assure you one thing – this whole affair is going to be a life-changing experience for each one of you.

Now if we talk of the journey details, it’s gonna be entirely different from all those space-safaris; that many of you would be familiar with… right since your high-school days. This journey would cover zillions of light years; and hence, can’t be undertaken by usual means. The unique & specialized mode for such a journey is the Warp-Teleportation – something we believe, you guys have perhaps heard about. (crooked tone) Now, apart from being a state-of-the-art wonder, these technology sequences are very costly affairs as well – to the extent that such a voyage could well cost a fortune. But you don’t have to worry because your trip is a fully sponsored one! (mild laugh) So, in other words, this lavish buffet is literally free for you guys – another good reason to rejoice… isn’t it!

(change of voice)

Now a word about your destination across the galaxies. As you know, our two planets are almost twins in many ways – be that the composition of atmospheric gases, surface realities, oceans, freshwater lakes, rivers, you name it! However, over & above everything else, the most remarkable common factor is; that both planets are ruled by the same specie – our specie… we the homo-sapiens; albeit with a slight difference! And this very difference is also the biggest binding factor – precisely the reason, why we are gathered here & planning this coveted voyage! So, let’s devote a few moments to revisit what we may already know, so that we may understand & appreciate the nuances of this slight difference!

(another change of voice)

The humans on Earth are result of a long series of evolution – spreading across millions of years. However, on the other hand, the human history on Eden is meagerly one century old. Again, even this nascent existence is not attributable to any sudden organic sprouting; but has its roots in planet Earth only. This grand chapter was magnificently written during the last 100 years; when in the year 2155… the 1st batch of a few hundred brave men & women boarded for their maiden voyage to Eden. Thereafter in the ensuing decades, 1000s of larger & larger batches aped them; and since then, it’s a routine scenario on the horizons. It’s noteworthy that during these 100 years; over 3 billion have availed this facility.

(The previous voice came back)

Now counting from year 2155, this is the centenary year of the longest leap that humanity has ever taken. So, in order to mark this occasion, a series of programs are proposed on both sides. And in line with the same, this inter-planetary study tour cum student-exchange-program of yours, has been organized – held as one of the focal symbolic gestures.

Accordingly, the 300 of you have been shortlisted at the preliminary level! After a series of further filtration, around

100 of you would finally undertake the coveted journey; zillions of Light Years across the infinite ocean of celestial bodies – just like your ancestors did, during the last 100 years.

(Voice changed yet again)

Once teleported, you would stay there, for the full 1-year duration. Here, it is worth your ready consumption that any repeat Warp-Teleportation can only be undertaken after a minimum gap of 9 months. Incidentally, this also fits well into your scheme of things; as the tenure of this exchange program; after which, you would undertake your return journey! So, our best wishes to all of you!!

By the time this audio-visual communique concluded; the craft had already touched the destination jetty. The delegates began queueing-up for deboarding. The remaining journey would happen thru fly-buses; to ferry them deep inside of the institutional zone.

-----x-----x-----

The caravan was moving through the beautiful boulevard. Visible from a fairly long distance, the tips of the mammoth structures were shining high above the lush green and dense forest surrounding. For obvious reasons, the actual institutional boundaries were hidden behind a wide security buffer; and the access was strictly controlled. The state-of-the-art security shields, covert as well as overt, were present on every inch! Armed robots could be seen flying in a frenzied manner; trigger-ready to neutralize any threat!

This was the Global Headquarter cum Nerve Centre of IGETA. Since this student-exchange program was first of its kind and no separate facility was created; the participants were lodged in its regular in-house Training Academy.

Ah! There I am …

Just like other co-passengers, I also felt humbled when our sun-roof flying vehicle crossed a virtual security bridge over a wide lake; and entered the tall, imposing gates of the Academy. My father Charles had been a product of this very institution; and always talked about it, with nostalgic pride. However, the irony was, that all his subsequent assignments remained in the faraway space stations; never permitting him the occasion to revisit his fond place. Now that I am here; it should be no less a soul-satisfaction for him!

All through my younger years, I was comparatively closer to my archeologist mom – Vendy. However, with the passage of time, this lopsided tilt began shifting – creating kind’a balance between my parents. At times, I wondered about their poles- apart professional choices – one digging beneath the soil; while the other, exploring beyond exosphere! During childhood, some elders teased & petrified me through fanciful mockery – saying that such contradictory inheritance would make me a split-personality. However, every time, the loving mom was ready with an antidote for the poor anxious kid – that was me! She’d say that such variations rather complement each- other, and would groom me into a more wholesome personality. Her repeat sermons worked very well – providing me a lifelong immunity against such pranking pricks.

While two of us mostly stayed together; the job compulsions of my father obligated him to stays long in the outer space – tenure at times stretching for six continuous months… or even more. However, this physical distance could never dampen the warmth in our relations. On every possible moment, we would connect via holographic pods – getting a feel of being face to face… as a family!

Welcome to the facility

That was going to be the 1st occasion when some senior IGETA functionary would be directly interacting with the young delegates. All eyes were glued to the humongous pedestal. Anytime soon, the Chief Course Director was expected to arrive and deliver the ceremonial welcome address. Listening to all those cracking announcements, clubbed with the intimidating grandeur of the ambiance; our young congregation was reasonably expecting some imposing & petrifying personality. However, what happened next was a direct contrast to everything we had been expecting.

Appeared on the imposing podium, was a lean build old man, walking with a slight limp. He was of short stature and with receding hairline; donning slit eyes and soft mongoloid features. Upon weighing this stark contrast viz-a-viz all those sky-high intimidations; many of us had to make conscious efforts to hold back our involuntary youthful giggles. However, it appeared that this was nothing new; and that the old man was quite accustomed to such prejudices. Giving an understanding warm smile; he began in a calm, composed voice.

"Dear young ladies & gentlemen; on behalf of IGETA Central Academy, I welcome you all! You guys will be spending next 2 to 4 weeks in here, for trainings & filtrations. Now there would be certain yardsticks to decide these qualifying abilities – divided broadly into the medical, physical & psychological spheres. But when I speak of these fields, I don’t mean any super human traits. While any average-looking person may qualify our standards; it’s equally possible that many apparently radiating personalities may fail to do so. Here I’d like to reiterate that choosing the 300 of you, out of millions of other teenagers all across the globe; was no less herculean a task in itself! (a mild laugh) We had to ensure the widest possible sample size of our population – of- course, without compromising on the quality."

The gathering had gone silent. The tiny big-man had carved the niche, and was now ready for the next level.

So, now let’s move on, and talk about your forthcoming trainings. But here, let me confess beforehand, that there’s no precedent or preset training protocols for a program like yours. Our academy has been training probationers for the in-house IGETA assignments; whereas, for travelers, we simply act as a facilitator – conducting some final check-up or at max, some short pre-launch sessions. However, for your purpose, we had to specially design a wholesome package; something that could meet the academic & intellectual needs of your long study tour. Accordingly, we also had to rope- in a lot of external experts; and hope that together, we would be able to do the justice to this mega-assignment.

He stopped for a short moment to sip some water, and then resumed.

"So, as I was saying, your program is the first of its kind, and is divided into 2 phases. During the preliminary one, there would be lectures on a variety of fields & topics. Being the representatives of our future generation; you guys must be well acquainted about all the ins-and-outs. However, I won’t be wasting much time on the details, because your learned faculty members could deal with them in a more apt manner. What I will be emphasizing here is – your mental preparedness for the final outcome of the screening. (slight pause) As I said, this screening would be based on the actual, natural and basic traits of every participant; again, in some broad categories. Now we should appreciate that most of these traits are integral part of our personality. Therefore, if someone fails to qualify, then it would be in his or her best interest to gracefully accept the outcome, and move on. Remember friends – failing to qualify for something specific, doesn’t mean that one is not destined for all the other big things in life; or that there’s something inherently wrong with that particular person! On the contrary, it is also possible that fate might be holding something bigger & better in her folds! So, be it here or any other occasion in your life; always remember that not qualifying in a single event cannot… and I repeat, cannot undermine your potential to make it big in the others; that you may subsequently encounter! A random failure may be a stumbling block, but definitely can’t be the end of the road. Hence, I call upon you to develop the attitude to accept the results, and keep moving! (slight pause) So, all the best to all of you… good bye… be yourself and always stay blessed! Thank you!"

By the time the address was over, the graceful communication of this short, lean & non-descript old man, with slit eyes and a limp in his gait… had already won over the respect of one & all.

After that welcome address, we were invited for some refreshments & ice-breaking sessions. It was there that I got to acquaint with many friends – like Shelly, Priya, Ralph, Rebecca, Bijoy, Sienna, Gurbaksh, Ali & many more. While some were a ready-mix with synchronized vibes; many others opened-up during the subsequent phases of our interactions.

Those two enlightening weeks

The memory slide-show jumped forward. He was still lying in a near vegetative physical state; securely tied to the bed. However, his brain was now hopping rapidly among the different chapters of his recent past – when his band of 300 had attended the various training & screening sessions. Beyond doubt, each day & each session was a comprehensive pack of wisdom – providing highly valuable insights. Each one was to prove a memorable building-block for the rest of their lives.

-----x-----x-----

But these were not the same sentiments, when the training module summary was first announced. Right upon casting a cursory glance, the popular mood was of that of disgust – everyone vomiting in select comprehensions. Allegedly, the whole conception was pathetically poor; while equally pitiful was the designing of the curriculum. It was too theoretical & lame – completely out-of-sync with our youthful temperament.

The whole module was heavily packed with boorish lecture series – no attempt to add any kind’a excitement! The very topics & titles of were very elementary. While many were already available in public forums and widely discussed; the rest appeared unnecessary fillers to somehow cover this 2 week’s duration – a complete waste of time & energy! All this garbage must’ve been gathered & packaged by some snobbish old-timer; that too, in a typically bureaucratic frame! God knows, what these IGETA guys think of themselves! But more so, why do they count us so… worthless? They shouldn’t forget that we were the best 300 selected ones, among the millions from the entire planet!

But despite of all ranting; we knew well that we didn’t have much options; except to fall in line! The mood was gloomy, and we knew that the coming 2 weeks were going to be a drag!

The lecture series was to begin with the lamest most topic – The Historical Developments of the past 3 centuries; only to be followed by the other series of lectures on the sequential developments… travelling up to the current state of technologies.

Pathetic!!

-----x-----x-----

However, the very first lecture shattered all those prejudices. Prof. Carlos Bucchi was an eminent historian and a skilled orator – capable of leaving his audience… spell-bound.

He narrated, how the later 6 decades of 21st century became the most gruesome era of human history. The global conflict had consumed nearly 1/3rd of the human population. Along with that, more than 50% of the global resources had also been ruined. As compared to the left-over resources, the surviving population was still huge – disproportionately bigger, unsustainable… and ever-increasing! Now the challenge before the entire planet was; to survive a sure annihilation.

Finally, when all the attempts to increase the resources failed; the global authorities came at cross-roads. Left with little choices, they seriously began considering the sinful option of a clandestine mass-culling – eliminate the excess numbers!

It was at that critical juncture, when a lesser-known entity – namely the KM Corporation – came as a savior. They not only discovered a habitable planet in a distant galaxy; but also developed the cryptic mechanism for teleportation – and that changed everything! Looking at its awe-inspiring habitation quotient and the grand hope that it bestowed; the discovery was aptly name – Eden. It not only protected those billions from a sure death, but the collective souls of the global authorities were also saved from a grave sin.

-----x-----x-----

Prof. Bucchi had left; but his aura and magnetism was still there, to haunt! And this phenomenon was best felt the very next morning at the breakfast table; where a brutal dissection was waiting to take place!

That Damn Breakfast…!

Hey guys, yesterday’s history lecture was quite holistic… wasn’t it? Rebecca chirped at her usual, on the breakfast table; with Shelly immediately seconding her – as usual.

However, there was no response, especially from the boys. After a few moments of awkward silence, Sienna suddenly started laughing. Rebecca & Shelly began staring her with questioning eyes; while the rest, especially the boys, was sheepishly smiling – silently munching their food.

Hey… hey! What’s so funny, ha? Rebecca boiled. Did I utter some kind’a joke or something?

However, instead of subsiding, Sienna’s intensity rather increased. While trying hard to control the hysteric wildfire; she was signaling that she wanted to explain. However, then her gaze travelled towards the boys; and it only worsened the situation – escalating her laughter to even higher levels. Among the boys, only that bastard

Roger was sharing that hysteria; while rest of us were all the more stationary – heads down & eyes glued to our plates; silently praying for a quick end to this pathetic embarrassment.

Now that was enough! It was a pure insult!

Clear signs of irritation appeared on Rebecca’s brow and she literally jumped out of her seat. However, Sienna grabbed her wrist – requesting her to sit back. Then with great effort, she tried to control her laugh, and began to explain. However, her speech was a pathetic admixture of words and recurring giggles.

Actually… it wasn’t your statement, but… but the reaction on the faces of these… these poor boys… What a grave… inferiority complex has Prof. Bucchi given them! Perhaps, some of them couldn’t even sleep last night… seeing all the girls, so blown away by his charms… … So, now… when you appreciated him, you… you actually rubbed salt onto those bruises… So… so, it wasn’t your statement, but… but the pathetic look on their poor faces… … oh my…

Hardly had she stopped, when Roger also came to her aid; in a similar laughter mixed statement. Initially I had no idea, but the… the moment I saw Sienna chortling like a machine gun… I…I could make out the reason… and… and couldn’t help but joined her…

All these explanations made the other girls also jump into the laughter wagon. The boys also gradually started grinning sheepishly in between. This sequential infection continued for long.

Finally, when the mood somehow sobered up, Shelly initiated a new topic – perhaps deliberately. "Hey, today’s lecture is on the