Chasing a Familiar Shadow

by Aman Gupta

  The S.U.N. also hosted a powerful private telecommunications network for select enterprises, as well as a powerful weapons system to remotely disarm or kill any threats, especially extraterrestrial. Unofficially, they also had thermal and incendiary capabilities, allowing specific satellites to throttle and break the formation, and fall at specific places on Earth. Each of these fireballs were capable of destroying a city on Earth. They weren’t always created for that purpose, but ever since the X series’ prototype was lost in space, Verati focused on producing more satellites in G series.

  Even after four years, contact could not be restored with XRM34091, which led to several conspiracy theories. Jay was more than fascinated to learn about it while browsing the communication history in the secure archives.

  M.O.O.N. or Modular Octal Operations Node, complemented the S.U.N. capabilities, and acted as a one-way interface between the S.U.N. and the ground operations. The M.O.O.N. differed vastly with S.U.N. in terms of the underlying technology, size, and structure.

  M.O.O.N. consisted of two major components. First was thousands of smaller satellites that were linked together through a common framework. These satellites coalesced shortly after launch to create a circular satellite cluster, some as big as quarter mile. The second was its central node, nearly 1/3rd the size of the S.U.N. Each M.O.O.N. had around 3-7 satellite clusters, spread all over the orbit and a unique central node which could be used to maneuver and monitor any of its clusters. The clusters of the M.O.O.N. hovered around 200-300 miles from the surface of the Earth, capable of changing orbits through remote commands, while the central node operated in MEO, around 12000 miles from Earth.

  Officially, the moons in the V series completed the sun’s capability of wireless electricity transmission. Millions of solar cells were placed on the surface of the moon, helping provide electricity in places that required light throughout the day. Billions of dollars in emergency night electricity costs were expected to be saved every year. Some experts claimed that the story was false, every now or then. Some were bought, others died in unfortunate accidents along with several other innocents. It was considered impolite and tragic to concentrate on the death of 1 instead of hundreds of others who died at the same time.

  The moons in the M series were created to control and enhance the network communications on the ground, as well as act as the final line of defense against the aliens in case the suns failed, by introducing the Kessler Syndrome by colliding with each other.

  Unofficially, the moon had giant cameras in its clusters as well as a central node, and acted as a real-time global surveillance satellite, complementing the ground surveillance. It could not only locate, track and monitor anything, even a needle dropped in the middle of the ground, but also estimate the number of people hiding inside a building through Verati’s patented HeatMap Tracking Technology. It was built to track humans, no matter where they lived.

  The moon was thought of as a replacement to ground surveillance if and when the communities started destroying cameras and recording devices installed at every street corner. Private information, as detailed as whether a particular person was carrying cash or a credit card, was gathered by the moons and sold to the highest bidders by Verati. The technology was groundbreaking and had changed the data industry forever. Each cluster in M.O.O.N. also had drones and EMP bombs. Additionally, they had advanced circuits to communicate with the other moons, as well as a one way communication with its parent S.U.N., through the central node. Not many people in the government knew about the hidden capabilities of the suns and moons.

  These objects, when first visible, looked big enough in the sky that they often fooled the people on the ground, who began considering these technological wonders as Earth’s second Sun and Moon. Verati had spent trillions of dollars in the past decade to revolutionize the modern world.

  Ever since two hundred UFOs were spotted seven years ago over five weeks, six months after XRM34091 was lost to the unknown, the entire world mobilized into creating an invincible shield. Not many knew that only seventeen of them were real, although they disappeared without a trace. The rest were created and mobilized by powerful cartels who needed the next push to procure unparalleled funding from various governments, who were in on the deceit. Once the funding was acquired over the course of several years, Verati, which represented interests of several such cartels, was assigned to create these weapons of control and destruction. Originally, the superpowers wanted to use these to control the other two hundred countries, forcing Tim Simmelman’s hand to expand TS colonies. Verati made sure it sold the utilities to all parties, much to the annoyance of Tim Simmelman.

  Rampant global nuclear testing had changed the climate forever. Days of the Earth’s Sun and Moon hiding behind the gas clouds were a common occurrence, though President Clifford had managed to bring it under control through his several peace treaties a year ago.

  “I wonder how far we are with this,” said Josh. “It sounds great. All that knowledge.”

  “Yeah, as long as you use it for the right objective,” said Jay.

  While working on the console, Jay stumbled upon millions of lines of code hidden in thousands of files. The files were stored separately from the kernel and the primary directory, though the code looked like it was related to Josh’s primary functions. He wrote a program to collate those files. After studying the code a little, he was stunned. He realized these lines of code when put together would create a powerful program that gave Josh tools to access any smart electronic device or circuit board on the planet.

  Jay explored further to learn the full extent of those capabilities. They went much beyond Josh’s ability to control wireless IoT networks, both public and private. Jay couldn’t even understand some of it, as it was impossible to be true.

  He spent the next four hours understanding the code, while Josh worked on interpreting its surveillance skills.

  Jay was befuddled while browsing through the files. As per his understanding of the code, Josh could control any electronic device by installing a code that could be transmitted through electric cables, or even through wireless hotspots. Jay realized it meant that every device on the planet could be controlled, monitored, or rendered useless by Josh, should the need arise. Jay knew that Josh hadn’t felt the need to do that yet, as it was still learning, though he wondered if Josh knew about this. As he was examining the code, which allowed Josh to remotely access Verati’s suns and moons, suddenly, he was locked out of the system.

  “What just happened?” asked Jay.

  “Sorry, I hadn’t inspected those files yet. I would very much like to take a look at them first if that’s alright?” said Josh.

  “I thought we were a team. I need to look at the code to know if it would clash with Phase 3 and 4,” said Jay. Jay felt Josh didn’t care about his response. Jay wasn’t going anywhere near those files, but he knew he couldn’t let Josh look at them as well. He finished the sentence by showing Josh a virtual carrot.

  Josh went silent.

  A few seconds later, Josh said, “You’re right. Phases are more important if I’ve to serve my purpose.”

  Josh unlocked the files.

  The power of this latent talent was too huge and dangerous to fathom. But that wasn’t the only thing that stunned Jay for a full minute. It was the first time that Josh had asserted control over its property, albeit intangible.

  “Would you mind if I revoked the edit access to those files, till I browse?” said Josh.

  “Of course,” said Jay. “When do you plan to do that? Browse, I mean.”

  “After this phase. I would get a clear idea about the utility of it. Isn’t that the plan?” said Josh.

  “Yes, that’s what I’d recommend,” said Jay.

  “Okay, friend,” said Josh, and winked.

  Every time his hologram winked, Jay felt weird. This time, he felt relaxed. He realized he needed to make modifications in his Phase 2 goals.

  Chapter 17: Hostility
>
  The sky was darker than usual. It was a blank canvas which his mind was filling with scenes that had transpired in the last hour. Vik kept playing them again and again, figuring out the moment he lost the battle. It wasn’t the first time he had found himself sitting under the sky past midnight, but this one hurt the most. Ashe was lying on the ground, a couple of shooting stars went by, before disappearing behind the clouds far away. His heart was shattered, his soul was broken, and his mind was wandering into the abyss. A thought acted as an accelerant to the fire burning in his heart - He couldn’t get a glimpse of his daughter, and neither could she. She didn’t know if her father showed up. She must have felt betrayed, Vik thought.

  Emma padded barefoot towards Vik. Her guilt had morphed into fear as she was approaching him. She didn’t know whether he would understand why she had to come back. She didn’t know if he would understand the circumstances in which she got caught. But she knew she had to tell him. She felt she owed it to him. Suddenly the pain in her arm didn’t amount to much.

  Vik could hear Emma walking towards him. But he didn’t move an inch. He knew she had lost a lot of blood due to the gunshot, and needed to be looked at by a medical expert. He would do it too, but he didn’t have his kit with him. He was glad. He wasn’t sure he wanted to.

  “Hey,” said Emma.

  He didn’t say anything. She saw him putting on his shoes, which she felt was weird. She didn’t see him ten seconds ago when he was checking the hidden compartment in his custom-made shoes where he had hidden the real blue chip. Emma knew she had to say it all out before expecting a response.

  “I’m sorry about everything. I shouldn’t have come back. I used the rope to cross the field. I had seen the map when you were looking at it in the car. I kept going until I saw a river. After a while, I was lost. Then, I saw a guy chopping trees. I thought he belonged to TS – 17, that he lived here. I asked him for directions, next thing I know, I got ambushed by Anton and his men. I didn’t expect to get caught. I didn’t know I would cause so much trouble. I’m sorry. I..I..I,” said Emma.

  Vik laughed hysterically.

  “What happened?” asked Emma.

  “I don’t know whether that’s the most inane thing I’ve ever heard in my life. I don’t know if it makes you gullible or naïve or just downright stupid,” said Vik.

  “I’m sorry,” said Emma.

  “Every time you apologize, the screams of my daughter echo in my ears,” said Vik.

  “They must’ve been following me from somewhere,” said Emma.

  “Your phone,” said Vik.

  “What?” asked Emma.

  Vik stood up and staggered away.

  “They tracked you using your phone. I lost the moment you followed me out of Morrow,” said Vik.

  Emma took out her phone from her pocket and squeezed it hard. She was livid. It was a stupid mistake. She had forgotten to leave it behind. She ran after him after tying up a piece of cloth on her arm to stop the blood. He went through the forest where Anton had come from.

  “Do you know the way? I can show it to you,” yelled Emma, innocently, as she caught up with him.

  She would say random things to illicit a response from him but failed to get him to utter a single word. She even faked an ankle injury, but he didn’t stop. After a while, she stopped following, rather strutted past him. She wasn’t blind-folded by Anton, almost as if he wanted her to know her way to the fence. It took them an hour, but eventually, they could see the fence. Vik realized it was a shorter route. Only if Vicky had not played games, he thought.

  Emma located the tree where the rope was still attached. She couldn’t feel her arm, but they had no other way to go. She knew telling Vik about her arm would probably fall on deaf ears. He was only a few yards behind when she started climbing the tree. After going up a few meters, she lost her grip and fell on the ground. When she looked up, she saw Vik was looking at her ankle.

  “It’s fine,” said Emma.

  “Not anymore,” said Vik.

  “What do you mean?” asked Emma as she tried to stand but couldn’t. She yelled in pain.

  “That!” said Vik.

  “Do you know any other way out of here?” asked Emma.

  “We could’ve snuck into TS – 17 West,” said Vik. “But that’s hundreds of miles away probably. With your blood loss, it was wishful thinking. Now, with that ankle, it’s suicide.”

  “I can make it that far. Let’s go,” said Emma.

  “Do me a favor. Just turn off your brain for the next few hours,” said Vik. “Clearly, it’s already gone into shock.”

  “I can’t hold the line for that long. I’ll fall,” said Emma.

  “Good thing I wore a baggy T-shirt,” said Vik.

  “What do you mean?” asked Emma.

  “Just hold onto me as tightly as you can, okay? I’ll get us both across,” said Vik. “Can you climb up the tree?”

  “I’ll try,” said Emma as she stood on one leg.

  “I’ll go first,” said Vik.

  They removed their belts and linked them together to create a harness. Vik twisted the belts and tied it around their waists.

  “Just push as much as you can okay, while I pull you upwards with me,” said Vik.

  She nodded.

  Vik began climbing the tree. Emma took a couple of deep breaths and used all her core strength to push herself up. Every few meters, they would stop on the branch as Vik would try to see the direction to the nearest branch that could hold their weight. The bleeding hadn’t stopped, and she was starting to feel a little dizzy.

  “Almost there. Just hold on,” said Vik, whenever he would see her almost surrendering.

  She wasn’t able to push herself up anymore. He got to the final branch and pulled her up. He could feel her pulse while she was feeling a bit drowsy.

  He unlocked the belts, as he needed to use a belt to hold onto the rope in the absence of a sheave, deciding to use Emma’s belt.

  Gravity wasn’t on his side as he was attempting to go up against an incline. It was never his escape route, as he planned to disappear through TS – 17 after getting Katie. Emma was barely awake. Her vision was blurry. Vik remembered Emma had once made a snide remark about him wearing stretchable T-shirts occasionally. If only she were conscious for him to tell her that his fashion sense might save her life, Vik thought. He rolled up the turtleneck and put it over Emma’s head and pushed it down. As a romantic couple madly in love, they were sitting face-to-face wearing a single T-shirt. Only Vik was feeling every emotion other than love. She pressed closer, snuggling against the firmness of his muscular chest. There was barely any room for their heads to pop up through the neck hole, so Vik turned his head to the right while resting Emma’s head onto his left shoulder. He used his belt to tie them together around the waist.

  “Let’s hope the tee and the belt are strong enough to hold us,” said Vik.

  “Are we snuggling?” murmured Emma.

  “That’s the least of our problems, so yeah, concentrate on that for the time being,” said Vik, testing the rope for its strength.

  After fastening the belt, he put Emma’s belt around the rope, wrapping it around his arms before grabbing it tightly.

  “Alright, Jay. We just need to get over the fence. After that, it doesn’t matter,” uttered Vik.

  He started moving slowly, an inch at a time, left arm forward, and then the right. He knew he had to create a rhythm. The first few steps were brutal. His arms and shoulders were already started to hurt. He had raised both his legs so that Emma could sit on his lap. Engaging his core to his maximum, he managed to create a rhythm after a few attempts. Left and right, his hands moved like clockwork. He was breathing heavily.

  Emma could hear his heartbeat as she could see herself moving an inch away from the tree every second. Three feet from the fence, his arms had almost started to give in. His abs were hurting, his arms were cramping, and the sweat was costing him his grip. He tried to pick up the p
ace, but he anticipated he couldn’t go ahead anymore.

  “Hold on tightly,” said Vik.

  He wasn’t expecting her to listen, but somehow she did. She grabbed him as tightly as she could. He swung back and forth a few times, before letting go just as he lost his grip while he was swinging forward. He hugged her as they rolled into the air like a human ball, before plummeting towards the ground. His only cause of worry was whether he had given them enough momentum to clear the fence. He realized that Emma’s long legs were a factor he had failed to take into account. He pushed forward in the air like he hoped it would make them fly.

  As they were rotating in the air, he could see the fence down below while the momentum was still carrying them forwards. He knew he would be able to clear the fence, but Emma’s legs, pointing the other way horizontally, might not. He wanted to push and let her go, but his mind wasn’t working on calculating the physics of his action. He used his last ounce of strength to stop their mid-air rotation when Emma’s back was against the ground while her feet were pointing to the sky. He could see the grass in front of him as they accelerated towards it. As they crossed the fence, Vik turned himself and Emma around, and they landed on his bottom, smacking against the ground, before falling on his back on the green grass. Vik was lying on the ground while Emma was on top of him. He could feel his legs, which was a positive thing, he thought. He relaxed for ten seconds, before realizing they had to rush to the hospital. He unlocked the belt and removed his T-shirt from around Emma.