Ends and Beginnings

by Jason Hamilton

  “I let you down.”

  “I got your note.” she explained, “Knowing the significance of your discovery I figured it would be awhile before you got home.”

  The memories of yesterday came rushing back to him. “Eve I have so much to tell you.” he stammered.

  He then proceeded to tell her everything. About the twelve extra chromosomes and the unique evolutionary pattern he had seen over the last hundred years. Relatively speaking a few hundred years was a very short time for an evolutionary process of this magnitude to unfold. He told her of the unique isolation that the neurons seemed to have. She listened attentively as the story unfolded knowing full well the significance of this find. Writers are like that, he thought. Knowing enough about everything to recognize something important. But that look she gave him. It was almost as if she knew. No, that wasn't it exactly. She was excited.

  “But the important thing,” he explained, “is that it continues to evolve. So I tried to speed up the process through electro-stimulation.”

  “And did it work?” She stared at him expectantly, a glimmer in her eyes. Hope?

  He hesitated. “Yes and no,” he said, “I managed to activate one of the chromosomes but it didn't seem to do anything. I even did the experiment on myself and nothing. I don't feel any different.”

  She regarded him in silence for a while. “That was risky,” she said.

  “It was the only option.”

  “What if something had gone wrong? You know, you concern me sometimes.”

  “I had it under control.” he soothed. “And the computer was programmed to shut off at any sign of trouble.”

  She shrugged, and Adam realized that his wife was used to that sort of thing by now. The crazy scientist, willing to do anything for Aldar advancement. Yet he could still see a shadow of concern on her face. She understands Adam thought but still can't let it go. Part of him wanted to do exactly as she wished, to stay at home and do nothing foolish. Yet, a considerably larger part of him couldn't do it, and he was glad she respected him enough to keep her own concerns buried.

  “What do you think it is?” she said, “If it has no obvious results?”

  He shrugged. “I have a few theories. It must have something to do with the brain's sensory data.”

  “Does anything feel different? After the stimulation I mean?”

  Shaking his head he stood up and paced the room. “Nothing.” he said.

  “No changes, no sudden awareness, no...extra senses?” she pushed him.

  He paused and met her gaze. “Why do you ask?” he said warily.

  She looked uncomfortable, which wasn’t like her at all. She didn't speak for a few moments. Adam gave her the time she needed. After some internal decision had taken place, she stood up and walked over to him. Putting her face very close to his she muttered, “Do you remember the riots from a few years ago?”

  “You mean the so-called magic wielders? I thought the council stamped them out. Executed several too. But what does that have to do with...?”

  “You remember how they used to do...supernatural things?”

  “Yes, we weren't able to figure out how they did it. In fact...” he trailed off, remembering. Eve, looked at him noticing the change.

  “What?” she asked.

  “The council gave us the leader's body for testing. We didn't find anything.”

  “But?”

  “But, it just happened to be the same cadaver where I discovered the brain anomaly.” said Adam, chilled.

  Eve was still for a moment. Then she spoke, “I know what it is, Adam. I think I've known the whole time, but I didn't want it to be true. Or maybe I did, but I certainly didn't want anything to happen to you.”

  He didn't know quite what to say. She knew? Knew about what, the cadaver? He was about to ask this very question when she pushed him against the wall – hard.

  “You cannot tell the council.” She said determined.

  “Eve! Why not?” he stammered. “What's this all about?”

  “I think I’m one of them Adam.” she stammered, “One of the...magic people. I can…feel things. I don't know exactly what it is, but the council would read it the wrong way.”

  “Well if it has anything to do with what I'm studying then I'm sure we could find an explanation.”

  She shook her head, “They won't see it that way. I'm sure of it. They'll think it's unnatural or something. I'm...I don't want them to find out.”

  He stared at her, his next reply lost on his lips. Had she gone insane? Magic. There had to be some explanation for the brain tissue, but he hadn't expected this. Thinking about it for a moment he frowned. No, it couldn't be. Magic was something...else. The Aldar had strict protocols against practitioners of sorcery. Death of course was the primary punishment. The protesters Eve referenced had professed to be wielders of a secret power. They had done...things, things Adam couldn't explain. And with time, the council had hunted them and executed as many as they could.

  “Wha...What are you talking about Eve?” he said, “This has nothing to do with magic.” Does it?

  “I don't think it's magic as we know it exactly.” she explained. “I’m sure there’s a scientific explanation. But if what you say is true about the tissue being mixed with sensory tissue, then I think it somehow allows someone to...reverse the senses. The environment already affects us. We see, smell, feel, but this allows us to somehow reverse the process and let us affect the environment through our senses.”

  He shook his head, still confused. “And you say you have this – sense?” he asked.

  She caught herself, just now realizing she'd said too much. She thought about something for a moment and, once again Adam gave her the time she needed, even though he was almost bursting to know. But she didn't say anything. Instead she reached an arm forward. He followed the direction she was pointing in.

  And stopped cold.

  A piece of fruit from the dining room table was moving. He stared at it, then back at Eve, then back at the fruit again.

  “What are you doing?” he said. Then panic grabbed him. “Stop. Stop! You can't do that in here.”

  She caught the fruit and looked at him. He was speechless, but she answered his unasked question anyway.

  “I've been able to do that ever since we were married. I don't know what caused it. I...tried to hide it but I guess it was only a matter of time before I would tell you.”

  He said nothing.

  “You have to believe me Adam.” she implored, “I'm no witch! I have no idea what happened, but it's not sorcery. I can do it instinctively. Like flexing a muscle”

  He still said nothing but he was intrigued now. He trusted his wife. Trusted her with his life, and he couldn't believe she was a sorceress. She was a good person. There had to be some other explanation.

  He thought about it more, coming to the conclusion that it must be part of some evolutionary cycle. Turning to look at Eve he said, “I believe you.”

  Her face melted in relief, and she wiped tears from her face. Since when has she ever cried? He grabbed her and held her close. “We're going to figure this out together Eve.” he said, “Black stars, but this was unexpected.” He gave her a reassuring smile. “Have you ever had an accident?” he said on a hunch, “perhaps a nasty run in with a power cable or equipment malfunction.”

  She thought about it for a moment then nodded. “When I was six years old I was playing with some of my father's tools. I electrocuted myself and would have died had my older brother not walked in and called the emergency medics.”

  “So that may have been enough to stimulate the chromosome in your mind, but you said you didn't have any....magic, until you married me right?”

  She nodded and Adam scratched his head. “So either that was coincidental, or there was some other catalyst that made the gears turn. You sure there was no apparent cause?”

  She nodded again. Adam thought about it for a while but could come to no conclusions.

&nbs
p; Suddenly the door flew open, banging against the wall. In stepped a man wearing blue and red. Adam's heart did a somersault. Security! Eve drew up against him, hand to her mouth.

  “Come with me.” demanded the man. “You're under arrest.”

  They tried to protest but a threat from the guard’s weapon caused them both to fall in line. The subsequent walk was perhaps the most terrifying ten minutes of Adam's life. What had they heard? Had they seen Eve do...what she did? He supposed they had, why else would security arrest them like this. His thoughts turned to a solution for the problem. One, they could run away, but that was out of the question. They lived on a moon ship. Where would they go? Two, he could try to cover up the evidence. But that wouldn't do much good. Too many people knew about his experiments and if there was any video footage involved it would have been duplicated by now. His only other option was to follow the guards and hope that he could call in some favors with Kalil.

  His mind was racing so fast that he didn't even notice where they were going until they stopped at the door. He looked up surprised to see the door to the council chambers. Turning to the guard he said, “Shouldn't you be taking us to the brig to await collection of evidence and trial processing.”

  “My orders are to see you straight to the council deck.” the guard answered.

  “But, we haven't even been informed why we're here.” Adam protested, “What of our trial?”

  “This is your trial.” said the man without expression.

  “But...you can't do that.” said Eve, her voice sounding higher than normal. “Under article sixteen of the Code of Law, the accused have the right to know their charges and to prepare a defense before a trial takes place”

  “I don't think that would do you any good ma'am.” said the man, “Not this time.”

  The door opened and, after a moment’s hesitation, they stepped in. Seated on a dais overlooking the vast metal interior of the room were the council members. Adam's eyes flicked over each in turn wondering at what the guard had said. Liliah and Desdemona were two of the most stubborn and arrogant people Adam knew, and the two that had been adamantly opposed to his research. Varian was a man with only his own interests in mind. His views rested with whomever held the majority vote. Havard was the leader. Adam glanced at the others: Wolcott, Nestor, Thuraya, Bash, and – Adam's heart leaped – Kalil. How was he involved? The man did not look at Adam, but continued staring at his view screen with a forced expression.

  Adam had to swallow a lump forming in his throat as he stared at the council. Other than Kalil, every member staring back at him had opposed his research, at least somewhat. Where were the other members of the council? A creeping fear began to claw at his chest. What was going to happen to them?

  With a motion from Havard the guard left, the doors shut. There was silence for a moment, though Adam was sure he could hear his heart echo in the circular room.

  “Do you know why you are here.” said Liliah thinly.

  “No.” it was Eve who answered, “And I'd like to point out that bringing us here seriously v-”

  “You no longer have any rights, given recent evidence!” said Desdemona. Adam's legs turned to jelly and he nearly sank to the ground. They knew.

  Havard put up his hand to silence Desdemona and spoke for the first time. “You are here due to evidence of affiliations with one or more supernatural cults. The evidence is conclusive and indisputable.”

  “What evidence sir.” said Adam, sounding braver than he felt. He was not going to let this happen. Not with Eve pregnant.

  “Footage captured from a recording device placed there by warrant of the council.” said Havard. Adam thought he saw Kalil sink a little lower in his seat. Had he placed the device there himself? He had been on their living deck.

  “Sir, I can explain!” said Adam. “We're not traitors.”

  A snort echoed through the room, it had come from Liliah with an expression of deepest disbelief. Many of the other members had similar expressions on their faces. Adam swallowed and waited for them to say something, but at a glance from Havard, they remained silent. Havard was an honorable man, he realized. He was going to let them have their say. It was Eve who spoke next.

  “The phenomenon has some kind of scientific explanation,” she said. “Adam discovered it.”

  “I can verify the findings sir.” said Kalil, speaking for the first time.

  Desdemona and Liliah looked like twin bulls about to charge.

  “You have all seen what they've done.” Liliah said, unable to contain herself any longer. “You've seen their sorcery.”

  “That can be explained,” said Kalil, and Adam felt a sudden rush of warmth towards the man.

  Havard looked thoughtful then turned to look at Adam. “Tell us what you have found.” he said without expression. Liliah looked stricken.

  Adam began to tell them everything. He explained about the brain tissue and their theory on the ability it granted to outwardly express inner thought. He told them of the electrical stimulation and the possibility that it may be linked with the manifestation of this phenomenon.

  When he had finished, Havard was scratching his chin in thought. Wolcott stood to whisper something in his ear. Havard nodded then looked at Adam. “We will consider your evidence and reconvene in three hours time. You will be held under house arrest until then.” Shock showed on Liliah's and Desdemona's faces.

  While leaving, Adam couldn't believe their luck. Perhaps they actually had a chance! His thoughts swam with possibilities. This could be the start of an evolutionary advancement of epic proportions. And he was the one who had discovered it! Maybe...just maybe, the council would let them go.

  * * *

  Kalil filed out with the rest of the council members, thinking about what had happened. He followed Havard and some other council members to the dining deck for lunch. He couldn't quite make out Havard's intentions. Unlike Adam, Havard was as hard to read as stone.

  Upon entering the dining deck he looked out the viewport at the planet resting below them. A singular ball of ice, it was only barely capable of supporting life. But it provided a rather large amount of food taken from the beasts that lived there. The Aldar were scavengers. They roamed the galaxy in ships the size of small moons, taking food from whatever planet presented itself. Kalil wasn't even sure they knew where their original homeworld was.

  After selecting a table by himself, he ordered the local meat harvested from the system and an ale. He had almost finished his meal when a scream echoed through the deck. Standing hastily he looked in the direction of the scream...and froze. Everyone was staring out the viewport at what was unmistakably a human body, frozen and lifeless, floating in space. It's features were difficult to distinguish. Blood vessels had burst on the man's hands and neck, and every feature was frozen solid.

  Kalil searched for Havard and the others. He soon spotted them. Havard was speaking into his transmitter. To his astonishment, Kalil realized that the man did not look surprised or even revolted. He looked angry! No, not angry...annoyed!

  Something was wrong.

  Turning back to look at the frozen corpse he realized that he recognized the man. Hadn't he been the guard that brought Adam and Eve to the council chamber? Suddenly, he felt as cold as the dead man in space. This was not good. Turning he began to make his way out of the room. After exiting he broke into a run. This was not good at all.

  * * *

  Adam was silently pacing the floor of their room, Eve reading her book, when Kalil arrived. Adam could hear him talking with the guards outside. After a moment, he heard a buzzing sound and two low thumps. Kalil stepped into the room. The guards lay motionless at the door.

  “Hurry!” said Kalil, “It won't be long before they reactivate the recording system.”

  Adam stared, “Kalil, what's...”

  “I'll explain on the way,” Kalil interrupted. “You're in danger! Grab any food and water you can carry and come with me. Oh, and grab a coat, a warm one.
”

  Adam didn't protest further. With a meaningful look at Eve they both did as directed. When they had collected everything they could, Kalil led them towards the hangar deck.

  “Tell us what happened?” Eve asked. “Why are we going this way?”

  Kalil didn't answer for a moment, then he said, “They're not going to let you go. They never intended for you to live out the rest of the day. They only decided to let the matter drop so they could kill you in secret. I guess they didn't want to let the secret out by causing a big scene.”

  Eve flinched at the word 'kill.' “But we're not part of a cult, Kal! We never were.”

  “I know Eve! But they don't! We've lived the way we have for generations and the council isn't ready for this kind of change! They'll do anything to stop it.”

  Adam remained silent as they entered the hanger. Kalil led them to a small two-man transport. “You'll have to take this to the planet below. You should be able to live there, harsh as it will be. We were about to leave the system anyway.”

  “What about you Kalil?” said Adam, “You could be executed for helping us.”

  Kalil waved a hand dismissively. “I've covered up all the evidence. Besides, this transport has a full cargo. When you're far enough away from the ship, dump it all. I'll be on the guns to blow it up. They'll think I've killed you to keep you from getting away. Even Desdemona wouldn't be able to suspect me.” He grinned then handed them a weapon. “You're going to need this.”

  Adam took the rifle then reached up and hugged his friend. “Thank you.” was all he said then quickly got into the transport. Eve gave the man a kiss on the cheek and followed. As they sped out of the hanger the last thing they saw was Kalil with his arm raised in farewell.

  Once a safe distance away, they did as instructed. Adam hit a switch and their ship sped up as it lost weight from the cargo ejecting. A moment later and they felt a shockwave as Kalil fired on the cargo and it exploded. The force of the blast nearly caused Adam to lose control of the ship, and they careened back and forth as he tried to bring it down in safety on the planet. Adam was no pilot, but he knew enough to know that if he went too fast, they would burn up in the atmosphere. Even Aldar had limits to their technology.