PROJECT 43432

by Sokrahnaluth TV

  “I guess…three?”

  After the question, he looked around and saw all the pictures, which were hanging on the walls. He felt sad. He realized he was living in that room for one year and even did not pay attention at the details. The old man was trying to live in a somehow illusory world, which he hoped would take him away from the reality.

  “I understand that the sickness has done that to you. Don't blame yourself for what you are and how you have lived your life.”

  Suddenly they heard Chris's voice. He has already set up the chess table and was ready to play with anyone who dared to challenge him.

  It was autumn — Alan's favorite season. Many patients outside the hospital were having a walk, feeling the warm and soft weather. They wanted to catch a glimpse of that shared moment with everybody else. Both friends went outside to join and challenge their roommate and opponent in a friendly chess game. As they were going down the stairs, they ran into a group of old men who wished to pretend that they were the world's best chess players and usually were challenging Chris without success. It was fascinating for Alan to be with these men. They were all coming from different parts of the city with different past and lifestyles. Some of them were there for a short period of time, but others as a final destination of their lifetimes. Nevertheless, they were enjoying their time together.

  Alan was behind this unity. When he was admitted, the hospital was like any other. People were not talking much, thinking about their problems and worries. They tended to isolate themselves from each other and that was creating an unpleasant atmosphere of course. After his arrival however, people started gathering and getting together more often. With his positive energy, he was influencing everyone and slowly more and more people started talking with him, sharing their thoughts and problems. As everyone learned that this young man was having probably counted days to live, they all began to be ashamed of themselves, having no right to complain about their problems. Especially that most of the people's conditions were not that serious. That was a turning point in the lives of the people who knew Alan. More patients started going out, sharing stories from their lives with each other and becoming more careful about their actions. Every day Alan would go out, gather with the people, and chat until late. The news about this young man spread very rapidly and before long, he became well known in the hospital. Everyone respected him for what he was and for the way he was living his life. Day after day, patients were improving their health and were talking to Alan about everything. The whole hospital was transformed into a positive and enjoyable place to be. This created an atmosphere where the sick felt they were not alone in this seemingly empty world for some of them.

  When all of the players went out, they saw Chris sitting on one of the special tables, which he and some other friends made for playing chess. He was smiling, ready for the game. His opponents knew that when their friend look too smiley, something was not right, something must be bothering him from inside. They sat around the table pretending they did not suspect anything and started the game. His opponent was Paul, man with nice character and a good friend of his. He was in the hospital for one year because of a heart problem. His family could not risk leaving him alone in his house, so they agreed that it was best for him to be there as they were visiting him very often. The game began as usual with some funny comments about the opponent and his accomplishments as a chess player. While they were thinking, Paul tried to ask him if everything was all right, but on that, Chris just answered with his usual answer that all was well. Alan tried talking to him too:

  “It's ok, you could share with us when you want to.” Chris looked at him and nodded agreeing with that.

  These men just loved chess. They would sit there for hours, puzzling over different moves, giving funny suggestions, sometimes hiding the opponent's figures. Occasionally they group against Chris and try to beat him altogether. They argue from time to time, making fun of each other in the name of the good old collective spirit that comes with the wish and the goodwill of the players. When the game finished, they were all silent for some time, looking at the leaves falling down. The wind was gently touching their faces, bringing them sweet memories from the past, detaching them from their places and swirling them into the vast ocean of dreams where everything was exactly where they wanted and all was possible. Being a witness of the nature changing was a marvelous moment, which they appreciated and loved very much. A man from the group took one leaf and told the others:

  “Is not that amazing how perfect the nature is? I mean, I think it's beautiful to observe one moment, which contains so many different details and the more you look at it from a different perspective, the more you see of the same instant. You are a witness of many changes and you feel good inside for what you see. On the other hand, it is sad because this would never come back. The time is in constant motion, and if we are not fully awake, it would pass by us and one day we would be awakened just to realize that everything has been one beautiful moment.”

  He took a deep breath, feeling the air that was carrying the sense of autumn. They were enjoying this passage of time. Like in a trance, all of them were fully absorbed from the moment or we could say from the continuous moments that were playing in front of their eyes. Leaves in different colors already on the ground, were making little sounds, dancing with the wind. A sense of change was in the air.

  As the time was passing, the weather became cold and all of them went inside to warm up. Only our three friends stayed on the benches. Speechless, but being there was enough for them. Chris was gazing at the chess table and thought of the good memories he had with his friends. It felt like it was a moment ago, like a dream that he had. There was nothing left except the feeling and experience in his heart, but that was enough for him. They were submerged in their own thoughts, bouncing back and forth through memories, sitting on the bench, feeling the present situation. In some way, it was not real for them. Since they knew they were sick, their perspective of life changed and past, present and future became one. Their situation and point of view of the world was a bit different and they were trying to capture every second of this movie. A movie which was projected in front of their eyes and they could simply choose which moment to live in. Alan decided to ask Chris again:

  “Chris, is everything all right? You seemed worried, although you are trying to hide it.” Miguel was also worried about his friend. The old man looked at them and decided to talk.

  “I see you know me very well. I thought to keep that to myself but I simply can't. It is something, which touched me deeply, made me very sad, and at the same time happy. Let's call it a short experience that was so profound than anything else I have experienced in my life. I would like you to hear what happened to me. Well, for a long time, my mind was busy thinking about different things in life, about myself, about my family, you know. Somehow, yesterday I decided to go and visit the maternity ward…,” both friends looked very surprised. “I know I know, you are asking yourselves why. I will tell you now. You see, like every one of us, I started my life as a baby, not knowing anything, everything was new and I was curious. As you know, I don't know how much I have left, which made me think about many things. Yesterday I decided to go and visit the newborn babies and to experience once again the feeling or at least to see what it was when I was born. I can't explain it myself. I just felt I had to go. My heart was talking to me and I trusted what I felt. At 1 a.m. you were already asleep. It was the perfect time to go. The ward was on the third floor. I went in very slowly and quietly, as I didn't want any of these newborns to wake up and start crying. I guess all of them would start doing that. I didn't know the layout of the rooms, but luckily for me there was a little light coming from the corridor, which helped me to navigate. Then the moment came when I saw this baby, it was beautiful and perfect. There were so many of them sleeping but this one. It was awake and fortunately, for me it didn't cry. Actually, it was far from crying. As I approached it, it moved its little arms towards me, tryi
ng to reach me. I will never forget that. I sat next to the baby and as I touched its little hands, I felt the joy in its big eyes. It had big cheeks and small hair, well normal baby if you ask me. And so my friends, I took her out from her bed and held her in my lap. Her little arms were trying to reach my face as she was simultaneously giving out some sounds, you know baby sounds. I was feeling different. Then I looked into her eyes and… I saw myself. I was just like her, even though my age, I was just like her. At that moment, I felt sadness. I mean she was a perfect little miracle, coming into this world with no fears, no ideas of what is good and what is bad, neutral of what is going on, and she would have to face a world full of fear, anger, and suffering. Then I asked myself whether we as people would want to continue living in that reality. Can we create a better future for ourselves, brighter future where we could give a chance for the newborns to experience love and joy? A world where peace and happiness would be normal for everyone. No wars or corruption. A place where we will not separate ourselves, hate each other or harm others. A reality in which we would be united by the spirit of our civilization, and the beauty of the nature, which would reflect our inner state of mind. When I looked into her eyes, for me this was as if life and death were meeting face to face. And here I was asking myself the question, if I am the lucky guy since I am at the end of my journey, or she, being at the start line of hers. This moment guys, was memorized deep into my mind and that was the reason I am in that mood. It is strange how in this building, death, and life meet almost every day. It is like a gateway through, which people come and goes. There is so much on this topic, but I don't want to talk about it anymore.”

  “The story which you told us is something, which we all have to think about. It is a crucial moment in the lives of all people, as we are all on the border to make a choice. The choice of whether we want our children to be born in this world, or we can create a better world for them. Things are moving slowly but I am sure that small changes can make a difference. If we don't take a conscious move towards happiness, no one will,” Alan reassured Chris.

  They remained silent for a minute when Miguel suggested going inside because it was dinnertime and his stomach was empty. They all agreed. Tomorrow was a visiting day and everyone was waiting for it since the last week.

  CHAPTER 2

  Past

  Every Sunday, close friends were coming to see our three friends, bringing different presents or food that could not be served in the hospital. If someone from their floor had no visitor, they would ask him to join them and feel better, rather than being alone. Today Alan was going to meet with Chris's son, because he had prepared a present for him: a book. Mike liked reading books about people and so he thought this one might interest him in some way. Alan was able to go out from the hospital, which allowed him to visit and have a good time with his family, to be with his girlfriend, who according to him was one of the most important people in his life. Almost every day, she was visiting him, making sure he had everything he needed. Her name was Anika, a twenty—seven years old beautiful girl with big black eyes, slightly pulled at both ends, with beautifully curved cheekbones, straight nose, and soft lips. She had short black hair, partly longer from the left side, where long locks were descending along her smooth skin of her face. Her elegant figure was slightly accentuated by her clothing. She and her boyfriend had graduated the same University where they met and started their relationship. For them this was not just a relationship. It was a union where you give and receive with no expectation. It was a connection where both helped each other, through freedom and support.

  The time was progressing and everyone was with their relatives or friends, sharing news or just little stories of their lives. Then they all gathered in the room of the three companions, telling jokes, engaging in different conversations. Alan decided to talk to Mike.

  “Mike, I brought you something,” he took out the book from his bag. “I know you are passionate about life and so I bought you this book, which can interest you,” he handed it to him and waited to see his reaction.

  “Alan, this is an unexpected gift, thank you.” Mike unpacked it quickly and looked at his present. At first, he was puzzled by the title, but then opened it and went through its contents. At the end, he asked:

  “How can I use that book and … what is the reason for you to give it to me?”

  “Good my friend, you asked me that question. Knowledge comes with questioning. It's a book about you, about every one of us, about your higher self, which is attached to a huge mainframe where we are all connected. But it is early to talk about that now. I would like you to read it and then ask me questions if you don't understand something. The knowledge, which is inside can bring you anywhere you want… literary, no matter where you are and in what position you are in. Read it and we will discuss when you are done.” Alan left Mike with the book. After that conversation, he felt calm. He could pass on his knowledge to someone who was open for that kind of information. Soon he would have to meet him with the “man of knowledge,” as they called Adonis.

  Everybody was having a good time, sharing stories with the rest, as more people were joining them. He saw Anika coming to him.

  “Alan, I missed you.”

  “I missed you too. Mike was quite interested in the book. He might be the right person. After all, he is young, intelligent and possesses the skills we need. Did you bring me the source code from Heops?

  “Yes, I brought the disk with the code. Be careful as the “Company” somehow knows about the algorithm and it's monitoring the net. Someone has told them about it and they want it for themselves. Apart from that, the virtual meetings are getting more and more crowded with every single week. We are thinking of expanding the group into other cities as it was before, but we need trusted people. Maybe Mike could help us. Adonis is sending you his best wishes and he is eager to meet you next week when we are all expecting you to attend the real meeting. It is going to be the first one since long time.

  “If I am still alive… I am doing everything I could to stop the process, but we will see until when I could stand on its way.”

  “Please, don't talk that way. We know there is a certain chance of survival. I pray for you every day and do what I can to help you. You are the only person who has given me everything and requested nothing in return. You gave me the knowledge and freedom to become what I am, to do what I am here to do, and who loved me unconditionally no matter what I do.”

  “When we are together, nothing can stand on our way Anika, just believe and we will all be ok. Tonight I would like you to call Kane and ask him to go to the “place.” I will be waiting for him there.” They went outside to enjoy the sunny autumn day and walk a little. Mike seemed very enthusiastic about the new book. He immediately sat apart and started reading.

  Alan and Anika lived in the suburbs of the city, where they had their own apartment, which belonged to Anika's parents. Both graduated computer science at the Karash University and had a good knowledge of programming languages. Coders as they called themselves. The life now was very difficult and not having the necessary skills would make your existence an arena of suffering and continuous stressed days or maybe months. The year was 2043 and at that moment, the life has come to the point where the animal instincts of survival often came into play. According to Alan, the human race was in danger of the already taking control “Company.” After the implementing of the microchips and brain waves scan, the things went out of control. The World Bank took control of all banks around the world and the cash currency was substituted everywhere with the electronic exchange. The goal for one centralized entity to control the many was almost in place. The world army was also established and recruiting more and more young soldiers, making them part of the “all seeing eye” agenda. Poor people on the streets were rebelling against the system, against the decisions made from the government, which seemed to be in favor only to the highest rank politicians and businessmen operating behind the “Company“. Mu
gging or robbery was something common, a part of the everyday life and all that was not even interesting for the mass media. The world was flooded with corruption, murders, burglaries, people were pushed to the edge of their mental barrier, where they could slowly become mentally unstable, or they would fully support the system that was robbing them in front of their eyes. As the time was passing, for real news were considered only massive killings, brutal murders or any other mass loss of lives caused by many things including plane crash or a bomb planted inside a building or a car. People were not realizing that the news media was not there to show them the evil, but to make them accept it as something normal. Most of them were still living in that sleeping state where the authority was never questioned about the major current events on the planet. Humanity had the chance to see the whole world and decide whether they wanted to live in it or they wanted to create a better one, full with love and prosperity, radiating love from everyone. Behind all that was a corporation called “Company.” It was an organization, which was operating on a secret level behind the government. However, more and more people started to see the truth and investigated the system. They found out about this corporation, which was in a sense the hidden government controlling the country, playing a big role in the world decisions. Time passed and the population started being suspicious about its actions. Not long after its creation, the “Company” decided to go public, establishing itself as the primary controlling power. Many rumors started that the organization was experimenting with human DNA, that it was communicating with extraterrestrial beings and together were conducting experiments for creating humanoids that would replace the human race. All that was just hearsay and nothing was proven… yet.

  Since young age, Alan was trying to understand the world. The situations around him were changing every single day and he had to cope with the demands concerning survival. He was trying to understand the feelings, and emotions he was having. He realized that to be able to comprehend that world, he needed first to be able to understand himself, which was not an easy thing to do. He tried and tried, observing every single move he made and every single feeling he had. Soon he started making a connection between his thoughts and the outside world. For him there was something, which was behaving in a certain pattern, which accordingly to him could be predicted or maybe changed. There was a connection between some feelings and the life experience after that. These were like a prediction signs for him and he learned to spot them and to guess the following outcome. Sometimes he enjoyed doing it. Apart from that, his awakening and inner world were of big importance for him. Sometimes it was difficult to distinguish good from bad. He soon realized that both outcomes were representing the same thing and to understand it, he needed to suffer sometimes. This was a big dilemma for him before understanding the real meaning of suffering and pain, and the reason for them. As he was growing up, he had a couple of good friends and the rest of the people were just passing through his life. He was looking for individuals who were different, who had different interests and more precisely, knowledge of the life and understanding of the human mind. It was not long before he met a man whose name was Adonis. The next important person he met was Anika. Alan and Anika were attracted to each other from the first moment, and since then they have been inseparable. They shared happiness, sadness, good, bad and always supported each other. It was not necessary to speak to express what they were feeling. A look in the eyes was enough to feel the mood and vibration of the other.