Soteria- The Crisis Forge

by Roberto Arcoleo

  Saya neatly stitched up his wounds and bound them in silk. Then she gave him an herb that allowed him just enough strength to move. She forced him to crawl into a large cage mounted on a cart in the rear of the house. After covering the cage with cloth, she wheeled it into the center of the town in darkness. She arranged his extremities on a table before him for all to admire and left a note: “No one who kills women and children should ever walk the earth or lay their hands upon another.”

  And as the poison wore off, from within the curtained cage were heard his moans and cries of pain. In the windows of the village, lanterns started to glow, and the hum of voices could be heard behind the wooden doors as Saya disappeared into the night.

  This act was received as the greatest of horrors by the leaders in the surrounding provinces, and a steep price was put on the perpetrator’s head; one that would attract bounty hunters from as far away as Tokyo. When Master Yoto learned of the terror that Saya had exacted, gasping at the act and fearing reprisals, he told Saya to leave his home. And amidst Mistress Kaya’s tears, Saya had no alternative but to flee.

  She ran back to Hong Kong hoping to be lost among the millions of faces. It was there that she met Sing in a casino. He was visiting his family and securing funds for his adventures in America. Although swept away by her beauty, it was after hearing of her skills that he offered her a new life in America.

  Thus began Saya’s life in the gambling business, a life for which she seemed to be born, a life that she grew to love. She loved her anonymity, hidden behind the tables. Asia was her past; she no longer sought the status and fear that her former life gave her. She found power instead in the games she played, taking and giving pleasure and pain in more harmless adventures.

  Vestiges of some darkness I left behind in Japan, some cravings still live within me. Will I ever truly understand them?

  Chapter 20: Observations from Afar

  On Eldern, there had been stirrings in the chambers of power. The activities of Mark and Jason had overtaken the agenda of the Supreme Council. Today, amongst a series of high-level meetings, the Council was to discuss the latest adventures of the twins on Earth.

  “The Lower Chambers have been conveying a great deal of data about the twins,” began Elgert. “Our citizens have become obsessed with their day-to-day activities and are mesmerized by their adventures; they are becoming more important than the dreams themselves. Everyone is following them religiously. They are cult heroes on at least nine planets.”

  “Yes,” responded Dronin. “Surprising, and unanticipated, but not entirely unacceptable. As it turns out, all this activity is drawing more attention to humans, and in turn their dreams. It is making Eldern quite wealthy.”

  “You are aware,” Allaceia interrupted, “there have been unforeseen effects upon the humans.”

  “Yes, but this is inconsequential,” responded Elgert.

  Dronin paused and looked at them both. “I am more concerned with the woman Jason has affected, Saya. She has developed special abilities. I fear she may become a problem. What shall we do with her?”

  “Do with her?” questioned Allaceia

  “Let’s discuss the issues at hand first.” Elgert’s tone was cool, more authoritative than usual. “The dreams and their profits are our primary concern now. As for the twins, we know their mission is risky. In fact, they both may not survive. Maybe the problem will resolve itself. But whatever their fate, the collection of dreams will continue for eons, making us all rich.”

  “Don’t speak about the twins like that, Elgert. We cannot turn our backs on them because you think they may be becoming a problem. We created them. Besides, they have the power of my lineage within them.”

  “You are right, forgive me Allaceia. They are very strong and grow stronger.”

  “I have been watching them, Elgert. Their lives are engaging. This is why their popularity continues to grow; we must protect them if we are to ensure the populace is content. Should something happen to them, the masses will hold us responsible.”

  “What are their chances of survival?” asked Dronin.

  “The same as before,” answered Elgert.

  Allaceia’s attention antenna rose; He is hiding something.

  Elgert looked at her. “Actually we can’t be sure yet, but it is possible that their chances of survival are better than we previously thought.” Could she know something, but how? “My staff has concluded that their growing attachment to humanity will only enhance their willingness for sacrifice.” He paused, awaiting her response.

  Elgert could taste his ultimate ambitions; he wanted complete control. The two of them and the twins were not in his plans, but could he be clever enough to manipulate all the moving parts?

  “So, as long as they accomplish our plan and continue their mission to save the Earth, we should let them do as they wish.” Allaceia looked at Elgert, puzzled by his demeanor.

  “I agree,” responded Dronin.

  Allaceia turned to Elgert. “What about the Asteroid What is the time frame on that?”

  “The collision will occur many years in the future, in 1992 Earth time, to be exact. That is, 24 of their years from now. Our primary plan is to have one of them – I expect Jason – to descend into the earth’s core and redirect the power of the earth’s magnetic field. Mark will be near the approaching asteroid and, with Jason’s help, send it on a course towards Jupiter rather than the earth. It will be a long, slow process. We cannot use too much of Earth’s magnetic energy, as that might be perceptible to humans. Unfortunately, the pressure within the core may crush Jason and Mark may be pulled into the asteroid’s gravitational fields. Transitioning between dimensions should mitigate these effects. Regardless, it will likely be agonizingly painful.” Elgert spoke routinely, as not to arouse Allaceia’s suspicion. She stared intently into his eyes.

  “Hmm, the fate you see for them both is not acceptable.” If I were not in these chambers, I could probe his mind and he would never even know I did it. Something is wrong.

  She is perceptive, thought Elgert. She is looking at me strangely.

  Elgert knew the twins were too strong to fall to such a fate; he would plan to attack Mark when he was alone approaching the asteroid, leaving Jason’s fate in the hands of the earth’s core without the aid of Mark to rescue him. They must be separated for the plan to succeed. Together they have already grown too strong to be attacked from this distance. Separated, they would be less formidable foes.

  “Are you sure about the fact that the asteroid can be affected by the degree of magnetic energy they will be able to channel?” asked Dronin.

  “Dronin! This is entirely unacceptable,” Allaceia exclaimed. “There must be other alternatives than to risk their lives.”

  Ignoring Allaceia, Elgert responded, “Our preliminary findings were confirmed by the Prime. If need be, Mark can also use the magnetic power to gather nearby space debris and then employ their combined gravity to change the asteroid’s course. This will be a longer process, however.”

  “This plan is overly complicated. Is there no other solution?” asked Dronin.

  “No. No, I do not agree.” interjected Allaceia.

  “Not without risking revealing our involvement to the humans,” replied Elgert. “We have already concluded our anonymity is primary. We cannot reveal ourselves; they are not ready for contact. Furthermore,” he smiled, “it would inhibit our collection of dreams.”

  “Yes, and we grow richer every day,” agreed Dronin.

  Allaceia knew she could not appear to put her concern for the twins before her responsibilities to the Counsel. She knew she must wait and spoke dutifully. “But more importantly, if humans were to meet us at this point in the earth’s history, the Federation may become alerted to our activities and our enterprises compromised.”

  “Yes, we must remain as discreet as possible. It is bad enough that Jason and Mark’s antics have changed the dynamics of our situation,” Elgert continued. “Do you know t
hat on New Tripton, our companies are selling clothing branded with the name ‘Jason’ and that they are amassing fortunes? Synthetic black leather motorcycle jackets with skulls and crossbones printed on them! Those tiny little beings are going crazy for them. And not only on New Tripton…”

  “I thought Triptonians did not wear clothing, just changed the color of their fur in their salons?” asked Dronin.

  “They don’t wear clothing. That is what is so amazing about all this. It’s unprecedented. Also, the Allogians are big Mark fans. Everyone is buying Mark penny loafers and corduroy sports jackets. ‘The Mark and Jason Effect’ is not just a surprise, it is a phenomenon,” voiced Elgert.

  “And,” continued Elgert, “the problem is that there are clubs and cults forming in many cities and on many planets. It is not just the Triptonians; it is spreading across the entire federation. You have the ‘Jason fans’ and the ‘Mark followers.’ There was even a brawl in a club between two gangs on Steeleron.”

  “We should not be concerned, as long as we are benefiting our citizens and the mission quietly continues,” said Dronin. “How long until the twins reach full maturation and embark?”

  “That is hard to quantify, especially since they are not exactly equal. We specialized them, as you recall, for the benefit of the mission,” answered Elgert. “It could be weeks, but it could be months or longer. We will only know when they are able to face each other and walk the earth at the same time.”

  “Can their development be enhanced? Can we speed it up?” asked Dronin.

  “Not without risks,” responded Elgert. “But I will look into it and try some adjustments.” He knew he would not.

  “What happens when they learn that they will likely die and experience great pain and isolation? Even with the fact that they are programmed to fulfill their duties, suppose they refuse?” asked Allaceia. She knew Elgert’s words were laden with ulterior motives. If I could only mind probe, she thought, but she knew that was impossible.

  “Do you recall the military probes we stationed on the far side of Earth’s moon to guard against dream pillaging from planets outside the federation?”

  “Yes,” responded Allaceia.

  “They have the ability to destroy both Mark and Jason,” answered Elgert. “Mark and Jason will have no choice.”

  “But Elgert, if they die, there may be a revolution here…” Allaceia spoke firmly.

  Elgert looked at Allaceia relishing her exposure. Obviously, something had been developing within her. It was a motherly instinct she had not shown in the past. She is revealing herself; her empathy for them can turn Dronin towards me.

  “Destroying them might not be as easy as you think. Do you think your toys could destroy me? Not likely!” She spoke defiantly, awaiting Elgert’s response… But continued, “They will do as they are asked because it is their duty.”

  Elgert stood quietly for a moment knowing that Allaceia’s words met his needs for now. He wanted the chaos to slowly unfold so he could later pick up the pieces. In the coolest of tones, he responded, “You have a keen perception, Allaceia, and Mark and Jason’s combined strength is formidable, but I think you are correct in thinking that they will both willingly continue with the mission. A sense of duty lives within them”

  “I hope you are right,” echoed Dronin. “We should encourage Mark and Jason’s attachments for the humans. We should allow them to remain on Earth if they choose to, should they succeed and survive at their task.”

  Thinking that he had pushed far enough for now, Elgert changed the subject. “Now as to the woman Jason affected… She grows in power, and she could become a complication. We did not anticipate that he would create this mutation.”

  “Yes, the girl might become a liability. We could remove her from the equation,” said Elgert.

  “What are you implying?” Allaceia asked.

  Elgert smiled, and thought, it all starts to unravel.

  Chapter 21: Something that You Need

  More than ever, Jason anticipated the moment he would see Mark’s eyes, that fraction of a second when the details and the color arrived. The window had cracked, and the hues of his last hours were revealed. The meaning of their existence was a constant question: why were they on earth, and what was yet to be asked of them?

  Jason’s thoughts turned to Mark. He always sees himself as the noble one. Why is he so judgmental? He does not understand that my effect upon this primitive species matters little to The Council. But this woman, Saya, matters.

  The twins’ communication was not bound by literal thought. They shared the senses as well as the logic of ideas. They were able to read meanings, see colors, and touch textures beyond the limitations of words. They heard the notes in the dark unsaid, tasted it all, both the sweet and the bitter, for they were capable of communication of the subtle and the unobserved. Yet there existed an unending gnawing deep within them – a parasite, forever present, forever eating their minds as they waited for the day they would walk together, for they knew until then they would never understand.

  The Council had instructed them to learn, to explore human feelings, even to experience human pleasures, but that was before he knew Saya existed. Now it is more complicated… I am responsible for who she is, and for what she may become. She has stolen breath without regret or remorse, and it may just be the beginning. How deep are the caverns that hide within these shadows? Have I seeded a storm or a sunrise? I hope I will not have to kill her.

  Jason often cleansed himself of his fears through his lust for living, but this time he wanted Mark to see every detail, to enjoy it all as much as he did. It was vital for Mark to understand the importance of Saya. He was not seeking approval or boasting of his discovery; that was a human weakness. I want him to see my thoughts, and perhaps, he smiled, view with a dash of envy.

  Jason lay down on the bed and watched Mark’s form emerge from the portal. As it often did, his face appeared first. He wore a warm smile and communicated...

  Haven’t you been the busy one! Jason faded into the void.

  Chapter 22: Mark’s Awareness

  When Mark emerged from the portal, streams of light fired across his mind. Unintelligible flashing colors coupled with pulses of energy and discordant sounds pounded inside his head. He felt an energy rising. It was vibrating, building… Is this the Council? No! No, it’s me. I feel scrambled as if I have been eaten, digested and regurgitated.

  Strange sounds.

  Colors again and again.

  Words, repeating.

  Mark jumped up.

  What’s going on? I have to get out of this apartment. I need distance from the Council, fast.

  No! It can’t be them… But what if it is them?

  Not knowing how he got there, he found himself in the street. He did not even remember getting dressed, but he was. A crowd rushed past him. He walked quickly. He noticed neither faces nor eyes. Everything around him appeared to be a fuzzy mass of energy, surrounding him, flowing through him and about him as he walked. Mark lowered his face, fearing what it was showing. Finally, he looked around him at the people passing.

  No one seems to be staring, so I guess I’m okay…

  He reached the river and stopped. Leaning on the railing, he looked out at the water. The river felt steady, comforting. The water just flowed – flowed as it always had.

  It’s steady… Yes, this is what I want. Steady and constant. This is better.

  As he calmed down, he felt an overwhelming yearning; a strangeness he had never known. The name Gabriela echoed.... forming on his lips again and again: Gabriela… Gabriela.

  There was a terrible wanting within him. Something is going on. This is not them… This is me. My response to having Gabriela in my life is altering me. Within a chrysalis of his own making, emotions were being born. Opening his eyes, he watched people pass him and understood the feelings of others as he never had before.

  Gabriela was stirring within him, all he wanted was her. The thought of h
er fueled a hunger for this thing that humans call emotion. He needed her smile, the sound of her voice.

  His mind started screaming.

  Data… Data… Data…

  Permanence! Permanence! Impermanence…

  This relationship with Gabriela is doomed. I will live for thousands of earth years, while Gabriela is limited by her humanity.

  Again, it came:

  Data… Data… Data…

  Will I be called away for a hundred years? What is my destiny? Possibilities rushed about his mind. Infinite scenarios sang like an ominous chorus in a Wagner opera. Things I can control and things I cannot. He turned and looked out at the river. This all is too much to think about for now… He needed to touch her, to kiss her. He longed in ways he did not understand.

  How strange, this agony…

  Mark wanted to call her but dared not, in fear that the professor would pick up the phone. I will go to the college. I’ll figure it out there.

  He took the subway uptown as he usually did, but this time his experience in the train and on the platform was different. He no longer felt the urge to peek into people’s minds for carefree amusement, nor to play games or engage in the usual antics. Rather, he began to find others’ thoughts seeking him, weighing upon him. The subway car was full of pain but dotted with flashes of happiness. Yet he saw mostly suffering. In the past, he had toyed with these primitive beings. But now he listened – and what he heard tore at him. Some of the yearnings were overwhelming. He was about to block them all out, when one stirred him.

  It was a black woman across the aisle wearing a faded dress and worn shoes. Her sorrow rose from within her. She was trying to keep tears from her eyes. She held the hand of a child of six. Her grandchild had been living with her for a year, ever since her daughter had been arrested on drug charges. She had already lost her only son to violence in the streets.

  He heard, in her mind, a prayer. How much more, Lord? How much more will you ask of me?