by Steve Hertig
Fractime Shadows (Part 5)
Steve Hertig
All characters in this book are fictitious.
Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved.
Copyright 2014 Steve Hertig
ISBN 9781311518361
You can connect with other Fractime fans and the author online at Facebook: https://facebook.com/fractime
Version 2.0
This book contains mature content.
Part 5: Shadows
"One man's 'magic' is another man's engineering."
-Robert A. Heinlein
Chapter 41
RefPlane/Trua Outpost: Stardate 202443.83
Luinan sat in her small administrative office contemplating Tye's brief Time Corps report on the destruction of the Navis. She gazed at the evolving stardate of the Trua mission clock on her station that was only meters away. The critical timepiece found in the nexus of the outpost incremented precisely as she considered her new title in light of the near destruction of their universe.
Her position as queen was largely ceremonial and CEO of the Family was more accurate except a CEO usually had more staff. Discussions occurred over the years about dissolving the title, but it irked the Time Corps, and that usually seemed enough to sway the council's vote. The Family often had a collective sense of humor.
She finally looked away from the timepiece to review Micah’s plea for the temporary abandonment of the Pruchlais after the fall of the Navis. He had e-signed it simply with his cover name- Flint.
She tried to piece together his motives in light of his next communication, which arrived, unusually, exactly twenty-four hours after the first. It was an advisory of a possible creation of an alternate reality where Micah detailed events for several Sol days following the Navis' destruction. She rubbed her sore eyes reflecting on the reality that Zuinall could be alive somewhere near the Lár, and John Mackinac was indeed family more than even Mick could have suspected. And although Micah's incredible account was very detailed, there were pieces missing and the fractime rip raised other concerns.
A shudder running through the outpost interrupted her concentration and then as scarlet emergency lighting activated along with an intruder klaxon, heavy footfalls became apparent approaching her office. She snatched a ceremonial golden arrow from its place on the wall behind her and crouched behind her desk in the red gloom. She retched as a fetid stench surrounded her and a large figure filled the doorway.
"Your majesty, I presume." It spoke through sharp teeth in a deep voice as reddish vapor emanated from curved horns protruding from the sides of its bulbous, dark-purple head. The beast stood at least seven feet tall, stooping as it passed through the doorway. Very stretched silken, yellow boxing shorts were all that betrayed the demon's true identity.
"Drac!" Luinan said boldly confronting the monster as its long, pointed tail quickly flicked back and forth banging against the door jam. "I assume you realize you are in the change." She had never observed her old adversary during one of his rare changes; this one was particularly interesting.
"My sincere apologies, your majesty," Drac said sincerely. "I have just returned from Maastricht with disturbing news," he said and then with a shiver morphed into a small man. Earmuffs replaced the horns as he straightened a yellow waistcoat and bow tie. And as he pulled up matching pants appearing under foot over the baggy boxers, the outpost's lighting returned to normal.
Drac was the representative the Liaths, a troubled faction of the Family. But unlike Drac, many were distressed beyond even Dr. Fanau's help. Luinan was familiar with ancient citadel scrolls suggesting that all Family members have another genetic code entwined within their Auriane DNA. There had been speculation for centuries that this code mentioned in the archives was indeed the Mór Continuity and Flint's report now confirmed it.
The Liaths believed either they had too much or too little Mór and that sometimes meant disastrous side effects. They could physically change unexpectedly, like an outrageous version of Tourette syndrome. Many believed the affected had succumbed to both human and Auriane fears of demons. This fear precipitated a minority's first involuntary change into horrific monsters from childhood and those demons never left. Research at the citadel lasting centuries begged a cure, but none evolved. The worst affected rarely reverted back to their Auriane bodies; their minds were lost to chaos and a host of personality disorders. Others, like Drac, were in some halfway world.
Luinan reverently replaced her impromptu weapon and dismissed the intruder alert. She requested a full scan and recording from her station before addressing Drac further as he twirled a metallic pendant hung on a long chain around his chubby neck.
"I assume this is about the recent elevation of the chaos coefficient?" she asked, hoping his current mental state would allow an intelligent exchange.
The former queen warned her that the Liaths could take advantage of the recent universe instability. Their apparent chaos lessened slightly as the universe’s chaos increased but unfortunately this usually only generated more devious, paranoid delusions. The Liaths would start to believe themselves as their powers increased. She forced herself not to consider the possible ghastly consequences.
Drac removed his earmuffs, subtly straightened his shoulders, and then said, "The entropic increase has gained us clarity regarding the persistence of the change. We must stop the disorder, your majesty. It progresses to a point of total lunacy. You know there can be only one solution."
She had heard this before- advocating the separation of Auriane and Mór. Radical Liaths believed their Auriane part was responsible for the change. Research had followed the idea, but no results had come. Even defining the Mór within the Family was problematic.
"We have tried," she said. "But you know this and that research continues."
She hoped this encounter would have a better outcome than when the Liaths staged what they called the revolt of 1104 where they sprang a surprise attack during Mick and Clare’s joining ceremony. The attack left dead too many on both sides, including almost all the first generation. Tensions between the sides lasted well into the fourteenth century, when at last, both sides agreed to a truce. Drac was the main representative of the Liaths, while she was Micah's junior aide on the other side of the negotiating table. The Liaths called Drac their ambassador and despite his condition, he still had the rest of the Family's respect as a surviving gen one.
"My research with Miri has had little additional resources for years," Drac added while wringing his hands.
"It has been centuries with no breakthroughs, and in case you have not noticed, there has been a war to be dealt with," she said sternly noting his growing agitation.
"You offer no assistance?" Drac said harshly.
"Ambassador Draconous," she pleaded, "I offer all we can and are doing. You may appeal to the council for more resources," she said knowing her words would seem mere platitudes to the Liaths.
"Then we must take matters into our own hands," he told her with beads of sweat now trickling down the sides of his baldhead.
Luinan knew not to take Drac's customary, meek persona for granted. He was unpredictable especially so soon after the change, and his obvious discomfort was starting to worry her. "Drac, I'm sure we can offer assistance for those severely affected," she said hoping to calm him.
"Like Ghost Town?" he quipped as high-frequency tremors raked his body.
Luinan felt a twinge of guilt at the mention of the sanctuary designated for Family beyond help. It could be a horrific place. She stared at her desk, hoping for inspiration from the morning's empty teacup, and wondered if the alternate-reality rip r
eported by Flint could be in anyway responsible for the Liaths renewed interest in a cure.
She looked up to see Drac's blurry form and blinked thinking her vision was to blame.
"Three Sol days then the rainbow bearer must be stopped converging," Drac blurted shrilly as a cloud of yellow vapor enveloped him.
From within the vapor, Luinan strained to hear Drac say, "Danian's arrival will mark our end…."
As the vapor dissipated, Luinan realized Drac was gone. She sat back down in her office chair and sighed at his extraordinarily dramatic exit but knew his words, even if unfathomable, were rarely hollow. From her station, she quickly ordered an emergency meeting in a few hours at the council's chambers in the citadel on Trua. However, now, it was time to talk to Micah.
Prime: 1 Jan 2000
"You're back! What the fuck has happened?" Jen asked, looking at them all and then rushing to give John an embrace.
"The coffee pot has just begun its cycle," Sara said. "It can be a bit noisy when it starts up."
"I don’t think she meant the coffee machine," Flint said as they all stared at Jen, her hands back on hips.
"Extraordinary," Prophet added as he extended an appendage to touch Jen’s arm lightly.
"What do you think happened?" Jennifer asked Jen cautiously only to receive a silent scowl back.
"I can explain, sort of," John finally said as he retrieved the first cup of coffee and handed it to Jen.
Flint smiled and sat back in his stool, seemingly getting comfortable for Jen’s coming enlightenment.
John shifted the parrot sunglasses atop his head. "You are six days in the past, aren’t you?" he guessed.
She nodded.
"We did leave for the Lár almost a week ago," John continued. "We sabotaged the Navis so it could not create the rip in the future. Apparently, it didn’t. So, that never happened. Except for us," John said looking around at the away team. "We lived it all, every detail."
"We were shielded by a gravitational event at the instant of the alternate reality spawn," Prophet said, paused, and then added, "but obviously, there are unanswered questions."
Jennifer took the second cup from Sara. "But are you aware," she told Jen the obvious.
"Evidently one of the questions," Prophet said. "Probably Mór related."
Flint repeated himself, "John, were you and Jen scanned by Dr. Fanau together? Simultaneously?"
"Yes," Jen replied for John cautiously.
"I've warned the council about using the new version of the medical AI," Flint said, "The techs used a significant amount of Zuinall's ancient code which we don't fully understand in the programming. So, in light of the recent discovery of certain elements of early Family history, I'd guess you may be John's new guardian."
"The AI would have to have sensed significant attachment to perform such a transition," Prophet said. "High probably of Mór in the Medical AI somewhere and perhaps other places," Prophet added grimly while looking at Flint.
John immediately thought of Luca.
"Guardian?" Jen asked.
"Your job is to look after me now," John told her, trying unsuccessfully to appear serious. "I'm your sage."
Jen just laughed. "Well, it is fantastic news the mission to the Lár was a success."
"I'll fill you in on the details later," John said just as Barney let lose a screech that made them all wince followed by Luinan appearing, wearing Amhrán, next to the pools diving board.
"Queen Luinan, it's an honor finally to meet you." Jennifer said as the queen joined them at the bar.
"Aren't you supposed to at the Pruchlais? I'm guessing it's safe now." Luinan said with a curt glace to Flint. "But it is finally good to meet you, too," she said softening and extending her hand. "You've done impressive service for the Family."
"I take it; you've seen my report." Flint said.
"Yes, but the outpost has been compromised," Luinan said as Sara handed her a cup of coffee. "I thought meeting here would be safer before you brief the rest of the council on Trua." She smiled broadly taking a sip of coffee while staring at John causing him to blush.
"Elder Brother," Luinan said turning to John, "I am speechless at the recent turn of events to say the least."
"Me, too," John said humbly into her indigo eyes.
"Welcome," she said embracing him warmly.
"I'll get some more seats," Jennifer said then left to get enough chairs for everyone around the nearest table.
"Count me out," Sara told her as she put a tray of steaming mugs on the table. "I know nothing," she said in a thick German accent before leaving them alone poolside.
Prophet was the last to take a seat after having to fend off Angstrom demanding more attention.
"Is Queen Zuinall alive?" Luinan asked Flint directly.
"She was when she departed in the lifeboat," he said. "She was beautiful."
"Stasis chambers were available," Prophet added and ignoring the rare personal observation from Flint. "It is likely she still exists, although space near the Lár is very dangerous."
"We must initiate a rescue," Flint said. "We must go back before the boat is lost forever. There are too many variables to wait."
John shivered. He wondered if Amhrán could affect the translation or if they would have to retrieve the Traveler's watch again.
"Yes," Luinan agreed, "but there may be a more pressing matter at hand." She told them of Drac's visit and his cryptic message.
John noted Flint looked worried at the mention of Drac's threat.
"We leave for the citadel as soon as I hear about the events post-Navis destruction firsthand," Luinan said.
"Good idea," Jen added, looking at John.
Planet Trua
Luinan translated with them all to the front steps of a colossal cathedral where attendants with clothing were waiting.
John thought it must dwarf Notre Dame by several times over.
"Welcome to Trua and the citadel," she proclaimed.
"It's huge," Jen said looking up at very earth-like gargoyles staring at the group below while pulling on the simple garments provided along with the others."And why are you still in your swim trunks?" she whispered to John.
"I think Amhrán likes me," he whispered back.
"Trua is a safe planet," Jennifer explained, "and now home to much of the remaining Auriane population and a few other races."
John scanned the surrounding area. The citadel, situated on the flank of a mountain, overlooked a large city that wrapped around a huge bay, beyond which a gentle sea stretched to the horizon. The city's architecture, not much different from Earth's, was seemingly much more colorful, brightened from above by binary suns. One was just at the horizon, the other almost direct overhead.
Flint continued to the open doorway in front of them. "This way. Tye should be waiting," he said guiding Prophet with a hand on the Calma's back.
John wondered how they could hide a planet as the interior of the citadel came into view. He was awestruck so much so at the immense interior decorated with master stonework that he failed to notice Tye as she joined them trailed by two O'jits.
"You are late," Tye said addressing her queen. "And no gear?" she asked the rest as the O'jits looked dejected and then scampered away.
"Tye!" John said and gave her a hug and then both Scotts and Prophet did likewise.
"Has the rest of the council arrived?" Flint asked Tye.
"Mick is here and Clare is expected to arrive shortly," Tye replied. "Refreshments wait in the council chambers."
"We should proceed to their safety," Flint added quickly.
"Lunch sounds good," John said. "What time is it any ways?"
Flint looked at him and shook his head.
"Brunch then," John said hopefully to Jen as Tye led the group through the Family's library and toward a distant arched doorway.
They passed both sisters and brothers, attending to various hard copy documents and workstations.
"The family has a
massed a large collection of humanity's knowledge," Jennifer said looking around at the intensity of activity. "It's a huge undertaking to input, catalog and cross reference all the bits and pieces."
"Never ending," Tye added over her shoulder.
"But O'jits are helping," Luinan added.
"Any breakthrough?" John asked.
Flint sighed as Tye stopped at looked back at John.
"The leadership hard-wired them to be servants, any deviation from that purpose, and they fall gravely depressed," Tye replied. "Our biopsychologists are working the issue as resources permit. So far, the best answer has been to provide them the duties they require. They are happy and healthy with the database work. Luca and I are coordinating the Jit integration with the help of Dr. Fanau."
"I thought my ears were burning," An attractive, tall woman said materializing next to Tye, causing Jen to jump.
"Luca!" Prophet said.
"You're real?" John asked and then immediately felt brainless.
"I employ a physical manifestation while in the citadel," Luca said. "The extra time spent in form is worth the cost as there is still much analog data to integrate and the Jit does not respond well to mechanical AIs."
"There is new Library ship tricorder data in the Pruchlais' system that needs integration," Flint told Luca. "Unfortunately, Zuinall took her research aboard the lifeboat," he added, looking at Luinan.
"Tricorder data shouldn’t take long," Luinan said, "but it does need to be input. Perhaps Jennifer and Prophet could be of assistance?"
"Of course," Luca said with a smile. "This way." She pointed to another of the rotunda's exits.
"I know the way," Jennifer said with a hint of dejection at leaving the team, but Prophet was obviously pleased to interface with the Family's AI again.
Flint gave Tye a glance and she followed Luca, Jennifer and Prophet through the nearest archway.
The citadel's council chambers were not far from the rotunda and entering them, John felt the enormity of time. It was the same feeling he got staring over the Grand Canyon or into Milky Way. He shivered as he grasped Jen's hand.
"I feel it, too," she said.
"The chamber is temporally sheltered," Luinan said. "Some can sense isolation," she added looking at John and Jen.
A large, round stone table sat in the center of the chamber surrounding by five ancient wooden and two modern steel chairs. Opposite the doorway, on the other side of the table, were pitchers of water, sandwiches and strange fruit.
John smiled through subtle hunger pangs at the fairly typical meeting fare as Mick appeared in the chamber's doorway with a huge smile and Clare beside him.
"Here you go," John said and pulled the nearest wooden chair out for Jen and noticed Clare glance at Luinan.
"Assigned seats?" John asked wondering if he broke some family protocol.
"Don’t be ridiculous," Luinan replied. "Times are changing," she said and sat next to Jen in a steel chair.
"You guys sure know how to shake things up, temporally that is," Mick said with a chuckle as John reached for a sprout and cheese sandwich to accompany a large purple apple.
"Direct observations of an alternate reality are truly amazing," Clare said. "And by Family, well there are no words to describe it."
"You do not know the half of it," Flint quipped.
"Let us begin," Luinan said then subtly cleared her throat. "As time appears to be of the essence."