by Chris Mills
“Yes, we are fine. I’m a little shaken is all. They are too”
“We’ve been looking more into Hanash from what you have sent us,” Councilman Wallace said. “There is a record of a character, but he has been silent for a long time.”
“As I read.”
“He had been reported retired at this point, and we listed him active. I’m sorry for his trouble.”
“You don’t need to apologize.”
“I feel if I had denied your entry into the tear, none of this would have happened.”
“No one could have known,” Herald said. “I’m glad we’re here at least. Did anyone figure out what happened on Earth?”
“One of our drivers’ bodies was recovered yesterday,” Councilman Wallace said. Herald rubbed his face. “We can only guess that Hanash is responsible and waited in the general area after he set off the bombs. His car would be notified of your location. The tracker vanished not long after it reached you.”
“Bastard,” Herald said. This demon, as the profile spoke, didn’t disappoint. “I need a meeting.”
“I know. I’m lucky to be in between things to take this call or Senator Gehris would be speaking to you.”
“I’m fortunate,” Herald said. Senator Gehris had been a good advisor to Jim during his campaign and was a friend of Herald’s. He was smart, loyal, and had a good sense of humor. “When can we meet? The situation requires the tear.”
“I know. There are three unexpected guests to our time period. I want to do this in person, Herald. I don’t feel messages or transmissions like this will do. I need to get other councilmembers to hear the case too. I cannot make decisions on the tear alone because of this. The earliest I have is in three days at ten-hundred.”
“Three days?” Herald questioned.
“Wait. I do have an opening earlier. There is a cancellation. How is fourteen-hundred hours two days from now.”
“What day is it even?” Herald said.
“Day four of a standard seven-day week,” Councilman Wallace said. “We both call it Wednesday.” Oddly enough, a lot of habitable planets had a similar week, some days only being a little longer. Galat II about matched the same of Earth in its course. “Friday at 2 p.m. to be simple, Herald.”
“That’s fine,” Herald said. “They want to go home.”
“Stephen?”
“No,” Herald said. “I’ll see you then. Will you send me the details on how I am to meet with you?”
“Of course,” Councilman Wallace said. “I must go. Willard Weslick has brought me a late supper.”
“Thank you for your time, councilman.”
“Jim, Herald. Let’s not step back again.”
“Very well, Jim.”
“Take care and contact us if anything happens. Welcome home.”
Herald let the handheld fall on the bed by him. Two days meant a possible complaint. Councilman Wallace had a busy schedule and may not sleep much as it was. The constant life of a councilmember made many step down before their full allotted time ended. Willard Weslick, another councilmember, had little more than a year before he had to step down. A race was underway, like there always was for a coming spot. His son Edmund was in it. If he took his father’s place that would be three generations serving back to back, elected by the people.
“Ron,” Herald quickly said and cursed. Everything Herald had on Kodon had gone to him, and he was a person now that could open the containment tube, which could get Herald some heat. Herald soon brought his handheld up to his ear.
“God, Herald,” a tired voice rose. Ron yawned. “Do you remember where I live?”
“Oh,” Herald said. “I’m sorry. It’s been a stressful week.”
“I can tell. You made it?”
“Yes. It’s been a long time since we’ve talked.”
“Yeah,” Ron said. “I kept everything safe, like I promised for you. Are you okay?”
“I think I will be,” Herald said. Darren flashed again in his mind. He’d be talking about a bar right now if he was here. “Stephen and his friends are doing a bit better. I think being away from Earth helped. Our transport went over well.”
“Who took you?”
“A man named Jared. He’s a shady fellow, but I don’t think he’s really that bad. Stephen liked him. I’m not sure I should have given out my line to him.”
“He sounds harmless if things went okay. Herald, I need to get back to bed. I have an early class tomorrow. I can do the weekend.”
“What about Friday?”
“Well, yeah, that should work. I only teach in the morning. I can have an android cover my office hours that afternoon. Let’s do nine your time. Will that work?”
“Yeah, perfect.”
“Get some rest before then.”
Chapter Fifteen
Artificial, fake, simulated? This park had lush grass and trees. People and families were out enjoying the warm weather in the upper city. Any logical person should know it would be freezing up here. If Stephen did not look up or off too far, it felt like the park near his old apartment. He came there during the week to have a breather or study.
Another stroller floated by, the mother jogging lightly behind. For a planet like Galat II, there were many escapes and places to forget the amount of people on the planet, the layers that built upon it, and to some of the ruin all this did to this planet. The overwhelming feeling had come a couple times to Stephen as he bet it did to some who lived here. It still was awesome.
Stephen kept trying to spot Gabe and Kim. The two had gone off hand in hand to enjoy their afternoon. Last he saw them, they had gone towards a large fountain in the middle of the park. Stone children had been constructed within, water spouting out of the book one held which he read with the other. Books in physical forms still existed today.
“This planet is wild,” Andy said. He had yet another tablet Herald bought for them to use. The last one had been left in the crashed car. The bag it had been in had food and some souvenirs from the memorial. “Did you know there’s an aquarium not far from here?”
“Do you want to go there?” Stephen asked.
“Maybe when we can,” Andy said. “They have everything. I hate looking down.”
“Heights?”
“I like seeing a bottom. If I fell, when would I stop?”
“Don’t jump then,” Stephen said. The two laughed. “We may have time tomorrow to go. Wait, I’m meeting with Herald’s old roommate for you know what.”
“Ah, that’s right,” Andy said. “It’ll be me and those two.” Stephen nodded. Gabe and Kim wore smiles as they came around a tree. Herald recommended that they didn’t crowd Ron tomorrow morning. “Maybe they’ll want to go see the fish. There’s a lot to do around here.”
“Yeah,” Stephen said. Gabe may enjoy seeing some sharks.
“Do you think you could live here?”
“I don’t know,” Stephen said. “People manage fine. I guess if there’s something I find that grounds me, I would. I never wanted to live in a major city. This seems way worse. My dad always said, I’d adjust if it’s where my life takes me.”
“I’d never had been able to stand it. Too much noise. I’d wander right over the edge here.”
Stephen hated that he could picture that. Andy’s cane hung over air and down he went. “Any sign of Herald?” Gabe called. Stephen shook his head. “We need to thank him. He had a good idea.”
“I never thought I’d find a park like this,” Kim said. “I hope there are a lot of places like this.” They didn’t have a roof above like below this level. Did they use holo-technology to make it seem like the sky really was in sight?
“I hope the food’s good tonight,” Gabe said. “First hotel I actually can stand.”
“What about brunch?” Stephen questioned. “That Sheraton had amazing waffles.”
“Oh, yeah. I miss those trips with your dad.”
By those trips, Gabe meant a handful. They’d go up to Lake Erie for a long
weekend and stay at the Sheraton. The restaurant had a buffet and made-to-order eggs and waffles. Gabe liked to come along when his parents allowed it. Stephen got the feeling at times that Gabe’s father, Mark, didn’t like it when Gabe had a chance to go on trips. His father never could really take his son on a trip like that without coming back the same day.
“Do you think your dad would have believed the truth?” Kim asked.
“Uh, he had to deal with a lot already,” Stephen said.
“I don’t think I would have been able to handle it like your parents. It’s still unreal.”
“Yeah,” Stephen admitted. “I think he would have been happy here.” His father would be taking a lot of walks to see whatever the heck he could. If he were here, he’d be free of his cancer. Herald had to look it up to understand how deadly it used to be centuries ago.
“There’s Herald,” Gabe said. “Who do you think he’s been talking to?”
Stephen shrugged. Herald’s smile kept as he pocketed his handheld. “It’s nice to have people check up on you,” he said. “The incident is known well throughout the empire. I hope it is enough. No one will stand for it, but it also means they’ll explore other options on what attacked the Explorer C. The Federation’s involvement is an overstretch.”
“Well,” Stephen said, “there are rotten parts of all governments back home.”
“I’m glad no one wants this overlooked,” Herald said. “It worries me a little how much will be released before the attack. Councilman Wallace is the one who holds that information. We don’t need more attention.”
“What if it can bring justice?” Gabe asked.
“Bring justice?” Herald questioned. “If anything, it will get worse. We’ll be admitting to having a project that belonged to the Talon Federation and the son of two former scientists. There’s a lot of secrecy to it that will come to light. Two councils will come to heat quickly and who knows if all the facts can be brought. Kodon cannot be brought to light like this. There could be a chance that all that may bring the Amandora down, but for what? And, if it doesn’t, then look what we did.”
“So,” Gabe began, “you’d chance justice for hell?”
“Those wouldn’t be the words I would choose. I don’t think it’s the best course.”
“It isn’t,” Stephen said. “I’d like to figure out about what happened to my real parents, but this isn’t the way to do it. Kodon has caused enough as it is. I hate what I’ve learned, but I know I must learn more.”
“Ron has more of the data,” Herald said.
Stephen hoped for justice. Now wasn’t the time to wave Kodon in everyone’s face and point blame at the Talon Federation. Not all were responsible for it, possibly a tiny fraction. Who knew what would come the moment the Talon Federation knew? If that came in time, he wanted to have his hands rid of it and answers that Herald may not have of his parents.
“Come,” Herald said. “I thought about taking us all to see a movie. It’ll be something new.”
“Is there a screen?” Andy questioned.
Herald laughed.
**
Films back home had been noise. Andy’s mind had to imagine, in terms, what he may see. His eyes had taken to everything at once, and he still found himself processing it all. It may explain his prolonged tiredness. He wasn’t completely naive to new things. His mouth never opened to ask what the heck a tree was, the handheld Herald carried, sheets on the bed, or many things that clicked quick.
Things like this - Andy could have never fathomed like his own friends. The theater Herald took them to was one of many types a person could choose from. The seating curved around a stage, and what they saw were holograms in action within a space. Every person they saw wasn’t real, yet they had acted like they were. This same film could be seen like this on the holo screens, with a headset, or by a person walking in a fixed space. Andy forgot at times the movie wasn’t real.
The hero of this Earth movie, Melvin, stepped out his car in front of the home he grew up in long ago. His time away had shown much in his face. He pressed his hand upon the tree he carved his name in with his childhood sweetheart. She had died at the start of the movie protecting a child from an unknown man where she worked. He spent five years investigating and regretting leaving her.
“I’m sorry,” Melvin said. He neared the home he left after his mother could no longer take care of it. Its roof bowed up, windows were broken, and the porch had holes in it.
His eyes caught sight of something on the door. Melvin pulled the note. A simple press brought to life the lines on it. They danced about and formed the image of a very familiar logo. Melvin sprinted. The house exploded.
Andy stared. Credits raced in. “Well, that sucked,” Gabe muttered. “What happened?”
“It’s based off a series of books,” Herald said. “I could download them.”
“I never liked reading.”
“Is she really dead?” Kim asked.
“I don’t know. I haven’t read the last one.”
Many eyes kept coming their way as the small audience that came to the matinee left. Andy tapped his foot. Huh. He swore he knew a similar story. Did they really keep recycling things? He got up with the bucket of popcorn Herald shared with him. The concessions had much, and he ordered from droid with a rather large, red head. It tasted better than back home - yet didn’t have the same feel.
“She can’t be dead,” Kim said, as they made their way to the back finally.
“We saw her death,” Stephen said. Andy nodded.
“He never examined the body. Come on, Herald. You have to tell me if you know.”
“I’ll get you the books.”
“Is the series done?”
“Yes. There’s four of them.”
“Kim, you could get them and publish them back home,” Gabe joked. “Leave the aliens out. You’d do well.” A man with four eyes waiting by the bathroom stared, his expression baffled.
Fresh air greeted them outside. A slight wind raced through what little hair Andy had. He’d love to grow it out now. What would a good look be for him anyway? He still had to get used to what he looked like, not felt.
“I’d discourage this idea for profit,” Herald said, finally being clear. “It wouldn’t be wise. Hard work was put in here. Don’t steal it.”
“A fortune after this may be worth it,” Gabe said. He grinned. It faded quick as he stared at his fiancée. “It could help us.”
“I’d read them first,” Kim said. “I’d make her alive in the end.”
Herald chuckled. Light had started to leave the skies of the upper city. Andy stared around at the wonders that never ceased to end as they walked. He closed his eyes for a bit. His mother took him to San Diego before to try and visit his brother. Like normal, his brother had a false address, and they didn’t meet him till the end. Drugs held power over him, and Andy barely knew him. That city sounded a lot like this.
“What do they have to eat at the restaurant?” Stephen asked.
“The hotel has a lot to offer,” Herald said. “Might I say, they have some excellent barbeque. You should learn to sample foods you don’t know. There’s a galaxy of food to enjoy.”
“Can any kill me?”
“What a way to go,” Andy said. “Dying from a stomach ache.”
Andy leaned over the rail, fighting everything to keep staring down into the abyss. Lights moved by all the way down, traffic never ending like it had since he got here. Not all these buildings sat upon another. With the technology of the past, no buildings could hope to reach this high. Fields existed, future engineering helped, and much more to ensure that Galat II stayed as it was. Herald had yet to speak of some collapse.
“Here,” Stephen said. “You have to give it a shot.”
“Thanks,” Andy said with a smile
Andy took hold of the creamy treat. The shop had been there during the many times they passed to and from the hotel. Kim had the idea of giving it a chance after di
nner. While not hungry, Andy found it hard to resist the taste. It had that sweetness that spoke ice cream, yet the texture blew his mind. He licked again, eyes widening from the effect.
The shop dwelled in this line of treats. A long counter had many buckets to choose from. Andy didn’t know half of them, and the line that formed didn’t help. He took another lick. This reddish, green cone had a nice taste as well. Suddenly, a drop of the blue goodness sped over the rail.
“They warn not to drop trash,” Stephen said with a grin. “You could get fined.”
“They should have a field to catch it,” Andy said.
“They do,” Herald said. “In most areas.” His back came to rest on the rail. No cone came for him; a sandwich treat. The green brick with red filling may be worth a try later. “They catch people, not dessert.”
“Do people fall often?”
“No,” Herald said. “People jump. It’s a sad way to go out. All the way up here, fields will catch people and notify the authorities.” Andy let out a breath of relief. To think of that one person who tripped and dangled in a field for dear life brought a churn within.
“I didn’t see that on Earth,” Stephen said.
“Remember where you were,” Herald said. “As I said, in most areas. Not all. You can’t expect every platform you’re on to have one ready and waiting, or able to take a great force. This may be the future, but it isn’t a dreamworld.”
Andy finished off the last of his treat. Whoosh! A car slowed after swerving around another. This planet had automated cars for many, which were safer, yet plenty of people loved to drive, and of course, there were idiots like this. Horns blared. The group took their evening far from the growing noise. Two teenagers, by their looks, shouted some words pretty nastily at the growing jam.
“Traffic,” Herald said. “I’m glad I don’t drive.”
“Wait, you’ve never driven a car like these before?” Stephen asked.
“Of course, I have,” Herald said. “I’ve never cared to get a license here. Who would if you didn’t have to?”