The Prodigal Sun: A Novel

by S. E. Meyer

  “In a sense, yes. But it’s not just where you go when you die. The energy of that place is a combination of the life force of everyone, and every living thing, that has ever lived and died. Not just from your planet, but every planet, in every solar system, from every galaxy that slowly spins around every universe there is, and ever was, and ever will be.” Enlil paused a moment, stroking his long beard. “The journey we take after this one is different for everyone. All life experiences the joy and elation that comes with that journey in a very real, and unique way.”

  “So you’re not-”

  “God?” Enlil finished John’s question, and then laughed heartily. “No, young son, I am not Anu, the creator of all life, only yours.”

  “So what Braedon told me is true? You made us who we are?” asked John.

  Enlil smiled again. “Yes, we played a part. And speaking of my son Braedon, I believe it is my turn to say thank you. You and your friends stopped him and his plans, saving your world and ours. For that I am eternally grateful to all of you.”

  “I-I’m sorry for what happened to him, and Traedon,” John stammered, lowering his head.

  Enlil nodded briefly. “Do not be sorry young son. Let me tell you a story. A very long time ago my son Braedon turned against me. He did not think your kind should be allowed to live. He thought it was a mistake. His lust to end your race, and my reign, consumed him. On our last visit to your solar system there was a plan to take over the throne. I hid on Earth, fleeing for my life. While on your planet I warned your race of what was coming. I was able to convince several of your people to gather up provisions and construct boats to live in until the tides receded. Braedon was furious when he found out, but in the end, he was defeated and I returned to this planet to once again sit on the throne. Evil dwelled in the hearts of both my sons and there is no room for evil here. I did not have the heart to send my sons to their deaths for treason. I decided to go against the urging of my advisers, and I gave them another chance to atone for their actions. I sentenced my sons to be thrown into the Earth, along with all who were involved in the rebellion. I am fairly certain this story sounds familiar to you, does it not?” Enlil asked.

  “You mean, your son was the Devil?” John asked apprehensively.

  “No, Braedon was not the Devil, but rather, the Devil was Braedon. Do you understand what I mean by that? Your stories of Satan and hell came from what actually happened to my sons, and the judgment I handed down to them, along with what they were doing to your people’s souls. The stories you know are all that remain from the original version of what actually happened, after being told around campfires countless times and changed for dramatic effect through countless generations.” Enlil paused. John could feel him probing his mind, reading the events of the last few months from his thoughts. “Regardless, I thought living among you for thousands of years would be enough to change their hearts, but instead it only hardened them. So you see John, I am saddened by the loss, but there is no need to be sorry for their deaths.”

  “If it’s any consolation to you Enlil, sir. In the end, Braedon gave his life to save us. He showed me how to control the weapon and he released the souls from the Shi Habannatu. We could not have accomplished what we did without his help.”

  Enlil leaned in closer as he listened to John’s story. “This pleases me, young son. I am happy to hear he had a change of heart in the end,” he replied.

  “So what now? What happens next?” John asked.

  “Now you will go back to Earth, and as a thank you for everything you have done, I have a very special place for you all to live.”

  “Go back? How can we do that Enlil, sir? It’s covered in water.” John asked.

  “John, you have heard of the phrase ‘One day is as a thousand years.’” Enlil said. “It’s not to be taken literally, of course. It is a figure of speech. One day here is not a thousand years on your planet, but time does pass differently on Eridu. You remember that from the last time you were here, do you not? Time is relative John. We are on a planet that is spinning in a different direction around a different star that is orbiting the opposite way traveling through space at an entirely different velocity than your planet. Because of that, there is a phase shift, and time passes much more slowly here. This is one of the reasons our life spans seem to incomprehensibly surpass yours. So because of this difference in time, the water on your planet has already receded, washing away the transgressions placed upon it by your people. As it was written, the sun of God will return to wash away the sins of the world.”

  “Everyone is going back to Earth?” asked John.

  “No, not everyone. Most people who come here never want to leave. It is the usual custom to allow you to make the choice to go back or not. But not you John, you are a Sura. This has always been your purpose. You and your small group of people will be brought back to live in Eden,” Enlil explained. He waved his hand and a tall Annunaki woman with a slender, muscular build, stepped forward. She was dressed in leathers and had long brown hair that fell around the chain mail covering her chest and shoulders. The high cheekbones that rested just below her bright green eyes, gave her a look of power, along with the broad sword that hung at her side from a jewel encrusted belt. “This is Inanna. She is the head of global defense and commands my armies. She will be going with you, and will be bringing a team of my people with her to help you get settled,” Enlil explained.

  Inanna took several steps towards John and then slowly circled him. “So this is the Sura. The one who defeated your sons and saved us all,” Inanna said. “You don’t look like much of a warrior,” she scoffed. Inanna moved in front of John to face him. “Regardless, I must thank you for making my job so much easier. Without Braedon and Traedon, the armies they amassed were easily defeated. They only hijacked three of our ships, which we destroyed before they could fly here.” Inanna looked into John’s eyes. “You ended the war before it started. For that I am grateful.”

  “You’re welcome,” John replied, not being able to take his eyes off of the woman standing in front of him. “But I couldn’t have done it alone. So when do we leave?” he asked.

  “Tomorrow,” Inanna replied.

  “Tomorrow?” John exclaimed in disbelief.

  Enlil rose up from his chair and walked forward, stopping a foot in front of John. He extended his hand and John shook it with a firm grip. “Yes, tomorrow. It was a pleasure meeting you all. I will say goodbye for now.” Enlil turned to leave and then stopped, looking back at the group. He raised his hand in the air and spoke. “Be fruitful, and multiply upon the Earth.”

  A Snaky Situation

  Water dripped from the ceiling of the massive cavern deep underground. Each droplet formed methodically. Slowly swelling to a pear-shaped, diamond fragment in the darkness before finally letting go, diving from the hairline crack in the roof above, falling silently through the loneliness, hundreds of feet to the rock floor below. The crack was increasing in width from the pressure of the water and debris above it, remnant damage from a million vengeful souls.

  An electric blue outline, glowing in the darkness, faintly illuminated the small pool of water that began to form next to it. The figure stared at the crack above with a hopeful expression that quickly turned to despair. It doesn’t matter if that crack in the rock were to grow a mile wide, Traedon thought. There is no way to escape the Shi Habannatu once it has been sealed, at least not in my condition. Traedon listened to the rhythmic drip of the water, his anger persistently growing, drop-by-drop, in cadence with the shallow pool next to him. He watched the fracture suddenly expand to three inches in width with a deafening crack that echoed through the cavern. Water began to spew from the fissure in a long narrow band, forming a glass-like window that stretched from floor to ceiling. Then something caught Traedon’s eye; a flick of a smooth skinned tail, hanging down through the crack in the roof above. It wriggled and writhed against the falling water for several minutes before finally splashing down into the poo
l below. It raised its head, staring blankly at Traedon in the soft blue glow. A snake, Traedon thought. A slithering reptile, washed down into the belly of the earth from the surface high above them. The creature had made a long journey, carried by the receding tides and flushed into the pit of hell like unwanted garbage down a drain. Hello, my friend. Traedon said telepathically. It is just you and I, a duo in the darkness. The snake moved sideways, staring Traedon down. Its small, unblinking eyes were the color of the blackness that surrounded them. How unfortunate for you. There is no way out of here, my friend. You will starve to death in this tomb of total darkness. Traedon became jealous of the snake. It would be able to do something he could not. Escape. There will be an end to your existence, while I will be stuck here forever. With lightening speed Traedon wrapped his blue wispy fingers around the snake’s neck. He began to squeeze. I will be tormented with loneliness, incarcerated in this rock cage, for all eternity. No chance of escape. Unless. Traedon eased his grip on the reptile’s throat. If you were able to get in, then maybe you can get out. Traedon let go of the snake and stood up. This may be fortunate for both of us, he thought. Traedon gathered himself up placing his wispy hands together in a firm grip while crouching onto his haunches. He jumped into the air, his electric blue outline hovering for a second before crashing down onto the snake. The snake writhed momentarily, flailing onto its back and then stopped. It calmly and slowly raised its head, its forked tongue flitting between its smooth lips. The snake snapped its head back and forth and then its blank staring eyes changed from smooth solid black, to a bright sky blue, glowing radiantly in the darkness. “Yessss. Thissss will do,” Traedon hissed. The snake turned its head upwards and peered at the wide crevice above. It slithered to the rock wall and began a slow treacherous climb. For hours, it picked its way, winding between the imperfections in the stone and climbing along the subtle outcroppings of rock, before finally reaching its destination. The snake extended its head into the stream of water, flowing from the crack in the stone just above its head. It vigorously squirmed and writhed, swimming up through the hole in the ceiling and disappeared into the room above.

  “John!” Jenny called through the doorway of the small grain mill. “Are you hungry?” she asked. “Breakfast is ready.”

  John turned to face her. The white powder covering his face made Jenny laugh out loud. The sun was shining through the windows above, turning the mill into a stage of dancing sunbeams as they reflected through the flour dust. “Are you a miller or a mime?” she asked with a smile and then walked towards him. She wiped his nose and kissed him, tasting the earthy flavor of the fresh ground wheat on his lips.

  “I guess I’m both today,” John replied with a smile. “But yeah, I think I’m ready for breakfast. I definitely worked up an appetite.” John pulled Jenny close and hugged her tightly.

  “It looks like you’re making quick work of the wheat berries they delivered from Eridu.”

  “Yeah, I’ve ground enough for now. Inanna said we should only grind a few weeks worth of flour at a time so it doesn’t get stale or go bad.”

  They made their way out of the grain mill and along the stream that powered it, passing rows of fruit trees and berry bushes as they walked under the warm, yellow sun.

  “Looking good!” John called out as they passed James and the garden he had just finished planting. The smell of fresh eggs and toast hit John’s nose, making him salivate, as they entered the small, but functional, log cabin. John sat down across from Jenny at the kitchen table that the Annunaki taught him how to make and poured a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice. “It’s amazing how far we’ve come in less than a month isn’t it?” John asked.

  Jenny took a bite of toast while nodding excitedly. “I know! I mean we couldn’t have done all of this without the help of Enlil and the swarms of Annunaki men and women he sent here to help us, but yeah, I think we’ve come a long way. I have learned so much in such a short time.”

  John drained his glass and refilled it. “I’m shocked at how little we knew about how to live on our own and actually take care of ourselves. It’s like over the last hundred years we forgot how to do anything for ourselves at all. Just work, work, work and buy everything.”

  “It’s not like this isn’t work John. I mean, it’s a simpler life, no doubt, but it’s also a tremendous amount of physical labor.” Jenny poured herself a glass of juice while taking the last bite of toast.

  “True. But I think this is the way we were meant to live, you know? I don’t think people were meant to be crammed into office cubicles, never seeing the sun, constantly stressed out over car payments, credit card interest, taxes or mortgages.”

  “That’s probably why so many millions were taking an average of four daily prescription drugs just to get through it all. I agree John, this is a much easier lifestyle, even though it’s a lot harder.” Jenny laughed. “I don’t know if that would make sense to anyone back home, before all of this happened. But I love it here. It’s beautiful. It feels good, you know? And I feel amazing!”

  “You look amazing,” replied John with a mouthful of eggs. “You look radiant.” He smiled. “I feel pretty damn good too,” John said. “I mean it took a few weeks to start getting back into shape, but the soreness in my muscles is finally going away.”

  Jenny jumped up from her chair. “Oh I almost forgot, Barb dropped off some material yesterday. You know, the stuff she’s been learning how to make on the loom? Well, while you and James were fishing yesterday, I made it into something for you.” Jenny handed him a folded piece of cloth.

  “Really? Thanks honey. Hey it’s a shirt,” John said as he unfolded the material. He pulled it on over his head. “Wow, it fits perfectly!” John smiled again, beaming with pride.

  “So are they still planning on leaving today?” asked Jenny with a touch of apprehension.

  “Yes, Enlil is coming to say goodbye. I’m going to go see them off in a few minutes.” John could see the brief look of worry on Jenny’s face.

  “They can’t stay here forever Jen. Earth is almost out of range of their ships and they have done so much for us already. Besides, they’ve brought years worth of supplies here from Eridu. Enough to get us through until we can really get the hang of this subsistence lifestyle, and get better at growing our own food and making our own tools.”

  “Inanna is leaving too right?” Jenny asked with a hopeful expression.

  “Yes, Jen,”

  “Good. She looks at all the men around here like a piece of meat.”

  John smiled. “She is a bit crude Jen, but she knows a lot, and has taught us so much about how to live on our own.” John stood up and hugged Jenny tightly.

  Jenny pulled away from John to face him. “John, before you leave, I have something I want to talk to you about.” She took him by the hand and led John past shelves of sun-dried vegetable and into the small living room. She sat down on a wooden bench. “Sit down,” she suggested, patting the space next to her.

  “I already know what you’re going to say Jen,” John replied as he sat down next to her.

  “That’s not fair. You need to learn how to turn your mind reading skills off sometimes. I need to say it anyway, out loud, so please listen. I love you John...”

  “I love you too Jen,” he interrupted.

  “Just stop talking for a minute okay? This is important, so hear me out,” Jenny demanded, a hint of irritation in her tone. “I love you, and I love this place. The thought of this new life we have here, and being able to start over, it fills me with joy. I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life here with you and I wouldn’t want it any other way. But John...” Jenny trailed off momentarily. “John I know that this baby, or thing, or whatever you want to call it that’s growing inside me. I know that it pains you. I can see it in your eyes John. It’s like a constant reminder of past mistakes. Regrets. How can we start a new life together and put all of that behind us when it’s always right here in front of us? And this isn
’t something that’s going to go away John. I mean, if I have this baby, then what? Will you be able to love it? Or will it eat away at you every day of your life. Like a splinter in your mind, gnawing away, and filling your heart with resentment.”

  “I don’t know Jen, I can’t answer that.” John nervously ran his hand through his hair.

  “Exactly. And that’s why I talked to James. I decided I want to terminate the pregnancy.”

  “Isn’t that dangerous?” asked John with concern in his eyes.

  “I’m still in my first trimester, barely, but I am, and James knows what he’s doing. There’s a risk of infection post procedure, but it’s a low risk. He has his med kit and everything he needs. I just wanted to see what you thought about it.”

  John sat silent for several minutes before looking deep into Jenny’s eyes. “Jen, it’s your body, and your child. I think this is your decision and I think you should do whatever you think is right. I’m not going to deny you your chance to be a mother.”

  Jenny leaned in towards John and kissed him gently on the cheek. “Thank you. I just wanted to know that you were okay, either way. I already set everything up with James. He’s going to take care of it while you’re gone this morning, saying goodbye to Enlil. I think it will be easier for both of us if you’re not here. And you know James will take good care of me.”

  “Yes, I know he will.” John pulled her close again and kissed her forehead. “I’m still a little concerned. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.”

  “I’ll be fine.” Jenny kissed him on the lips and stood up. “Don’t worry about me. Go and see Enlil, say goodbye, and by the time you get back, it’ll all be over and we can get back to our new life together, okay?” Jenny smiled brightly while rubbing John’s arm reassuringly.

  “You don’t want to come and say goodbye too?”

  “No. We all said goodbye last night, at the farewell dinner. But you go ahead. And don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.”