Each apex resembled an elongated talon with a slight curve. The height and width of these monoliths was staggering; easily as wide as one of New York City’s skyscrapers. The Empire State Building came to mind. As Dean flipped through the photos, it was apparent that the monoliths’ coloring and engravings remained constant.
“You will note the symbols on each are exactly the same, save for the bottom of each monolith.” Dean moved one of the pictures closer to the video camera. “I have deduced that this is how they are numbered – assuming numbers were even used back then, it could be named something else for the ones who made these gigantic structures. Needless to say, after some hard work on my part and Alton’s computer wizardry I believe we can reverse the action that brought us here…although no light has been shed on exactly where ‘here’ is. We are going to attempt a reversal of the action.” Dean paused, and cleared his throat. “Yes, all these monoliths work in unison, and they function as one big ‘transporter’, if you will.
“I assume Alton has shown you the videos of the blue arc lightning? That is a sign of the transporters in action: all linked, or linking up, before the planetary shift. If you were awake you felt the Earth move beneath your feet. This was a precursor to the actual event. A testing phase, if you will.”
“I remember it,” I said, forgetting momentarily that Dean was a recording, not speaking to us from a live feed, so engrossing was his delivery. ”I was up and my living room wall came rushing up and gave a good whack on the rear.” I rubbed my back. It still ached.
The recorded Dean continued. “Our scans do not show any prevalent power source, and X-ray technology will not penetrate the monoliths’ surfaces. We know all indeed, don’t we?” He sneered and gave an ironic chuckle. “My research suggests that any one of these monoliths can initiate the sequence for transportation. If you take a moment to consider what has occurred, it is truly remarkable, and makes one think - myself included - that we really are very small in the larger scheme of things. To move a whole planet is so far advanced we couldn’t even begin to fathom the power required to accomplish such a task, but here before us are things that can.
“So much for the basics of the monoliths. Let’s move on to some history: the incredible stories engraved upon the alien edifices.
“I’ll try to summarize; we don’t have enough time for me to read everything symbol for symbol.” He looked into the camera and smiled. “And thanks again to Alton who helped tremendously with the deciphering of these symbols and text.”
I had heard this before, but this time it sank in deeper and made me feel odd, out of place. I saw Oscar shift in his chair and assumed he felt uneasy as well. Dean continued.
“These beings were either superbly far-sighted or time travelers. I believe the former to be correct. To assume that man is the only intelligent being to inhabit this planet is total arrogance. Many forms of intelligent life walked the Earth and swam within its waters and oceans. It’s all right there, on the monoliths.
“You may think that these beings hoped we would find out a way to decipher the language? Some would call them gods, and they have been named other things in the past, such as the Old Ones. Be warned: these are no peace-loving creatures. They watched the ascent of man and decided to wait until the world was ripe with bipedal creatures that could walk and think for themselves. They foresaw this and made preparations for it. Why?”
Dean smiled briefly, without humor. He moved out of view momentarily, returning with a handful of notes. His face darkened, his expression tight with fear.
“It’s very simple. They want us for food.
“These beings - or gods, or Old Ones, whatever you want to call them - needed a sign from us to let them know the time was right for their next move. I guess they could have calculated the proper time, but it seems they didn’t rely on their calculations to make their move and transport our world to their home. We gave it to them.
“How was this done? By dreams and visions. Given to some of our ancestors who practiced ancient arts, arts that have been handed down through age-old dreams and practices that take place in the darkest and most unsavory parts of our world.
“There are rare, ancient tomes, centuries old, that tell of these beings. Within those pages some learned that not all these gods are of the same persuasion or direction. Like us, they war against each other and play simple, petty tricks over the eons.
“One such book landed close to your doorstep not too long ago. A tome called the Lexum, brought by an old man who came to visit a prominent artist close to your home town. Mankind did not know its imminent danger present in that small southern town, and the world has a young and brilliant artist and a man of older years to thank for its safety. That artist gave his life so that millions could live today.
“I learned that the old man is from a European society which protects the world from these evil gods. It may be German, judging by his accent. Let’s hope he’s still alive, and that his society is working hard to find a solution to our nightmare if our attempt to set things right fails.
“We may never know how these old gods were contacted or what started the transporters. We may presume that cult leaders such as Lady Sabrini, down in the swamps of my homeland state, had something to do with it; I’ve already gone over her history with you so I won’t repeat it here. But how many other cults like hers are there?
“It seems the cult leaders initiated the event, and the world witnessed this when the masses walking into the oceans. It is estimated that over six thousand went into the oceans and drowned, but further sources indicate that they did not drown, but transformed into something more sinister, a cross between humans and the likeness of these older gods. These in turn called to others to come and join them. By my accounts and the information I have obtained from my colleagues many heeded the recruitment call - those that did not met an untimely death.
“I named the first six thousand the Herders, because that’s what they did. Those that came after I named the Collectors: these are the ones most dangerous to us. They desire nothing but to bring us to their elder gods for sacrifice - by any means necessary, even to the extent giving up their own lives. No doubt you have witnessed this on video: the thing that took the flooded streets of New Orleans as its new home.
“Many other things have called this place home now, creatures from our worst nightmares made real. I predict many more will show themselves in the very near future. We even have new vegetation thriving on our planet! Pray it doesn’t rain, because if it does, the new ground growth will multiply at an alarming, unprecedented rate.
“I wish I had more time to go over other things I’ve learned, but we have only two days. I pray our plan works, or that some other miracle comes to shine a light of good fortune upon us. This is all for now. I will answer any questions you may have tomorrow when we meet. Please remember: do not approach any water that has depth to it. Things are there waiting to take you their gods. I can’t stress this enough.
“Until tomorrow, Dean out.”
The video ended. Alton moved to his keyboard and began typing.
“You gonna walk me out?” Oscar asked me.
“Sure. Alton, I know the way out. Oscar’s leaving for home.”
“Be careful, Oscar,” Alton said, not looking from his monitor. “I hope to see you tomorrow.”
“Take care of my friend.” Oscar went up the stairs.
“He’s safer here than anywhere else I could think of,” Alton muttered.
The goodbye didn’t take long. Oscar was ready to get home. I didn’t envy him one bit him going alone, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
The twilight was still present as we ventured outside.
“I wonder if it’s ever going to get dark?” Oscar asked.
“I hope not.”
“Yeah, good hope that one.” Oscar walked to the Gator. “See you tomorrow, Trent.”
“You betcha. Be careful now, and tell Martha hello for me.”
�
��Will do,” he said and cranked the gator. The familiar sound of its engine broke the silence. He revved it once and then pulled out.
I waved goodbye and hoped against all hope that I would see him tomorrow. He disappeared into the light mist, and I prayed he didn’t get lost going home. I waited till I could no longer hear the gator’s motor.Then I went back inside and locked the door. Heading downstairs, I had a sick feeling in my stomach.
Telling me that this was going to be one very long night.
7
The next two days seemed to pass by in a dream. Dean taught us more about the age-old cults and I was relieved to see Oscar return the following day. Alton and I didn’t say much. I helped him some with his computers and he thanked for me it, but he mostly kept to himself. I occupied myself by looking over the files Dean and Alton had put together for us. I watched new footage from the Doomsdayers and Hammers of other cities, and it was all the same: mass destruction and death wrought by strange-looking things roaming the land or swimming in the streets.
It was no surprise that the fishing industry ground to an abrupt halt. After losing twenty-five seagoing vessels it wasn’t hard to work out how to stay safe: avoid deep water. And who could navigate in such times? No directional computers worked, and a completely new set of stars had replaced the constellations humanity had used for millennia to steer by. Even the North Star had vanished. Anyone brave enough to venture onto the deep oceans was asking for a quick death.
On the second day our nerves were frayed. Alton was edgy all day and Oscar was in a particularly bad mood. I did my best to cheer them up, but my thoughts always returned to my Sandi.
I wish I could have mended the rift between us. I hated that it ended like it had; maybe it was my fault. If I had been a better husband I wouldn’t have let her go outside. She might be alive right now if...
These and many other things ran through my mind. Time seemed to just float, going nowhere, like a rotten twig on a stagnant stream. Oscar and I practiced the chants Dean gave us to memorize. I felt silly saying them. I could hardly pronounce any of the words, and attempting to vocalize them with the proper intonations made my head hurt. We managed the best we could and hoped it was enough for Dean’s plans.
As the second night came to a close I began doubting our plan even more but I said nothing. If I died so be it; it might be better than to live in this hellish world now. The odds of us reversing the monoliths I thought very slim; two southern boys and a college professor who dabbles in ancient history. What were we thinking? I had committed myself, though, and once I’ve given my word I don’t back out. I guess that’s one good quality about me that I’m proud of.
Oscar had his question answered - the one he asked the night he left to go back home and tell Martha what we were planning. Darkness never came, only the same perpetual twilight. I guess that’s good, for if I had to think what was lurking in the night outside I just might’ve gone mad down in Alton’s basement.
Surprisingly, sleep came easy to me on the last night. Before I dozed off I could hear Alton shuffling papers as usual. The last thing I remember is hearing Oscar praying out loud to God. I wanted to do the same but couldn’t find the words to say. In all honesty I was too mad at God to ask him for anything; hadn’t he given me and the rest of the world enough?
After that, I remember nothing except the long, intense dream that followed. Sandi survived the winged creature attack, but her wounds were mortal and she would die before I could get her to any help. I think that’s the worst, knowing you’re helpless and can’t do a damn thing about it when someone you love needs you so desperately.
Yeah, that’s the worst.
8
The day of our journey arrived. To my surprise, Alton had made us breakfast and packed some things for our trip.
“I’ve already talked to Dean and he will be expecting you in two hours,” he told us.
I checked my watch and then looked at Oscar, who was beginning to stir. “That doesn’t leave us much time, Alton.”
“No sense in doddering over what must be done, is there?”
I shook my head. “Guess not.”
“Good. Breakfast is served.”
We ate quickly and quietly. I downed two cups of coffee and got my own things together. Oscar was ready in a few minutes.
“I’m ready to get this over with, Trent,” he said.
“I hear ya man. I hear ya,” I replied.
“Think this is going to work?”
I wasn’t sure if he was joking or serious. Then a slight smile appeared on his face. I smiled back
“I guess we won’t know till we try, eh?” I said.
Oscar smiled and patted me on the back, “Well, let’s get going.”
Alton said goodbye the only way he knew how: clumsy and awkward. We said our goodbyes, thanked him, and told him we hoped to see him again soon.
“I sure hope you do. Better hurry now, Dean is waiting.” He didn’t follow us outside or even walk us to the door. Being solitary for so long had changed Alton some, or maybe he was afraid he would lose two more people who’d been nice to him and admired him for what he had done. I wish Martha would have come and stayed with him, but Oscar said she wouldn’t leave her home for anything. She would rather die there than any place on Earth.
“If we fail, she may just do that.” Neither of us laughed at my comment, and I didn’t say it to be funny. It was just the plain honest truth.
Outside, the car Alton had promised was waiting, fully gassed up. We both looked back at Alton’s place and said our silent goodbyes. Oscar twisted the key and the engine started first time. He dropped it into drive and we headed out of the driveway en route to Dean’s house.
9
Oscar and I arrived at Dean’s house early. We had been lucky; we only saw two people and three cars the whole trip.
I could tell Dean had invested his finances wisely as soon as we turned onto his property. The rolling hillside and land he acquired must have cost him a pretty penny. The mile-long driveway was neatly mown and the trees sat in long rows waiting to be cut in another five or so years.
Dean’s house, however, was a rather modest home for one with so much land. Dean sat inside his helicopter, a Bell 206, looking at some papers. He waved to us through the windshield and then exited the chopper.
“You sure you want to go through with this?” Oscar asked me.
“I don’t think I’d have ridden all the way down here if I wasn’t, Oscar.”
“I don’t like flying.”
I laughed. “Is that what’s the matter? You don’t want to go up in a helicopter?”
Oscar nodded. “Hate it, Trent, absolutely hate it.”
“It’ll be okay,” I said, not knowing if it would be or not.
Dean greeted us with an outstretched hand. “You must be Trent.”
I nodded. His handshake was firm, a good sign of a working man who wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. I liked him instantly. He turned to my neighbour. “And you must be Oscar.”
“Right you are,” Oscar said with a smile. I could tell Oscar liked him too.
“You two ready? Got your stuff handy? We need to go as soon as can be. The things in the air won’t be up this early. They mainly stir around midday onward.”
“I guess we are,” I said.
Oscar looked at Dean. “If we don’t go now, I don’t think I will go later.”
Dean gave him a questioning glance and then looked at me.
“He’s afraid to fly,” I told him.
Dean smiled. “Don’t worry, I’m fully certified to fly this whirlybird here. She don’t look pretty, but she’s reliable. You’re in good hands, Oscar. Try not to worry; we have more important things to worry about than flying. Don’t you agree?”
Oscar nodded. Dean’s words seemed to put him at ease.
“Let me grab one more thing and then we’re ready to leave.” Dean ran over to his car. After a few seconds of rummaging in the trunk Dean retu
rned and invited us to enter the helicopter.
I made Oscar go first. He took a deep breath before getting in. Dean hopped into the pilot’s seat like a man of twenty-five and I took the seat next to him. Oscar fumbled with the seat belt, clearly confused. I didn’t say anything as I buckled him in.
After fastening my own belt, we donned our headpieces and Dean started to flip switches. It wasn’t long before the whine of the engines filled the cockpit; the slow turn of the rotor blades followed.
In less than two minutes the Bell 206 lifted off the ground. I saw Oscar’s hands gripping the arm rest. Sweat poured down his face and ran into his eyes. He blinked several times.
The cars below got smaller and the world seemed to fall away. I heard Oscar groan through my headset.
“Guess I better not do any tricks today?” Dean said.
I tried to laugh, but couldn’t. “No, not today.”
The helicopter leveled off, the nose tilted forward a fraction and we began to move towards our destination.
I honestly believe that’s when our luck went south.
10
Dean went over the plan several times while we flew. We even practiced the chant more than I wanted to. Oscar gradually adjusted to the flight and color returned to his face. He spoke with Dean more than I did, grilling him with questions. Dean answered each one; if Oscar didn’t understand the answer Dean did his best to reword it.
The ground below raced by and soon we were over water. It didn’t take long to see the Collectors, seeking out meals for their gods. I marveled at the differences in every Collector I saw. No two were alike and that made them even worse.
A question I had been afraid to ask couldn’t be put off any longer. “Dean, won’t there be Collectors at the monolith?”
Dreaming In Darkness Page 35