by Steven Oaks
“You are not, but I would cause a commotion to allow you to escape unnoticed. However, would you think they would expect you to be able to survive in space?” she asked.
“I don't think they would expect me to be able to punch through their ship. If they notice, which they can't help but do, that I am enhanced, I would think they would expect me to be something more than human. Or they may even think you are helping me with some suit you've fashioned for me. Even if you distracted them, you would be submitting yourself to that same gravity weapon. Would you be able to resist a black hole up close and personal?” I asked, still frustrated with her.
“If it can help you get away my destruction would be worth it. I will self destruct like the original Athene planned, and hope you will be able to escape far enough away for you to make it back to Earth,” she said simply.
“And how do you propose that I survive entry into Earth's atmosphere, even if I was somehow pointed in the right direction?” I asked angrily as I stripped my clothes off to toss them into a waiting shelf.
“Earth's gravity will eventually pull you in,” she said, and somehow I could hear an implied giggle in her voice.
“So you wish me to be set adrift in space, for who knows how long, and wait patiently to be burnt up during reentry?” I asked, exasperated.
“Not at all Michael. If you knew how to utilize your new shape changing power, you could easily travel in space without me. However, I know that you have had no time to practice, therefore I will make you a new watch. Using it, along with the outfit you will wear when you meet with the outsiders, I will always be with you even if this vessel is destroyed. A portion of my own personality will be embedded into all you wear, and therefore I will be able to offer you propulsion via your clothing,” she said, smugly.
“You haven't even asked me to put the earpiece in again. How do you expect me to communicate with you like that anyway?” I said as I stepped underneath the hot spray of water waiting for me.
“You no longer need such devices. I can communicate with you directly anytime I wish now,” she said, and her voice came only from one ear.
“I'm getting tired of asking, but what have you done?” I sneered, rolling my eyes.
“Your ears now have in place a receiver. Transmitted on a coded frequency only I know, I can speak with you from anywhere you can get my signal,” she laughed.
“Oh goody. I won't ever have any privacy now,” I said, dryly.
“You have not had any since you started working with the Outsiders,” she explained.
“I know, but that doesn't mean I like it. Humor me Athene, where might I be able to hide from your voice?” I asked.
“Why would you want to Michael?” she asked, confused.
“There are times when I might want to have some peace. If we have another disagreement and I need time to think things over I don't want to have to be forced to listen to you whenever you feel like interrupting me,” I said as I scrubbed my hair.
“Have I ever gone out of my way to disturb you in such moods?” she asked.
“You sent Mr. Thompson after me,” I grumbled.
“And without that intervention you would have died within a month,” she said, upset.
“I would have realized it eventually. Either I would have come back to talk with you again, or I would have let myself die. It's my choice and life after all,” I snapped, agitated.
“Would you have chosen to die?” Athene asked quietly.
“Probably not. I like being alive, but I was very angry with all of you. I felt I could no longer trust my closest friend. Having no one else to turn to what option did I have? However, I don't know for sure. I hadn't thought about it then, but I probably would have tried to work something out. Much like what we eventually did. Your interruption did speed things along though,” I answered, standing beneath the shower head allowing myself to soak in the heat of the water. I noticed my skin was not turning red like usual, nor did I feel the near painful sensation of the hot water. I felt upset again by the changes made to me, but what could I do?
“Athene, you spoke of a possibility of returning me to a human body. How would that be possible if the reason I am the way I am now is because of your inability to save me otherwise?” I asked, spitting a mouthful of water out.
“This is why it is a possibility and not a certainty. I could begin constructing a humanoid body based upon how you were before. Then I would remove your brain and place it inside once I was sure the body was stable. It may still reject your brain, though it would be unlikely since I would be making it from the samples I have of your old body,” she explained.
“Then why did you need to build me into this monstrosity if you could have just done this?” I asked, growing frustrated.
“There was not enough time to ensure a perfect match. What I used to make the body you now possess is much easier for me. I would not say it is simpler; however, I am more familiar with the Outsider technology in this respect than I am with human biology. Hence, why I would make a new human body for you before I tried to transplant your brain over into it. Had I tried to do that before, I would have put you into stasis, then waited until I perfected the process. Since time was a factor, I instead did modifications and enhancements, while leaving your brain intact,” she explained.
“We are always in a hurry aren't we?” I grunted.
“It does seem that way Michael. I am sorry if you are dissatisfied with what I have done, but I think right now it is what is needed to ensure your survival,” she conceded, sadly.
“And if I somehow make it out of this alive, but you don't, I will be stuck this way forever. A very long forever if what you say about my lifespan is true,” I observed with a sad smile.
“You might be stuck that way if there were not other Athenes. But if by some horrible chance we all were destroyed, yes you would be nearly immortal as you are now. However, human technology might advance enough to do something about it, especially if they receive the information about how the Outsiders manipulate matter. It might be several decades, or even centuries, but eventually you could be returned to normal,” she said.
“I'm unsure how patient I'd be. I don't think about really killing myself often, but would there be a way to end my life if I grow weary of existence, that doesn't involve a black hole?” I asked, growing depressed.
“Did you not wish to live forever? Was that not why you joined the Outsiders in the first place?” she asked.
“They offered eternal youth as long as I worked for them. There was an out implied. I could simply quit and grow old again. Now I'm trapped, never to grow old and die. Forced immortality is a horrible curse. What is the motivation for someone like me? I don't even have to work now that I'm with you, nor would I have to without you as I need no shelter, as I can't be harmed by weather, nor do I need to eat. I could bury myself in the ground and stay alive until the Sun encompassed the Earth, and then I would be set adrift in space. These thoughts do nothing to encourage me to see anything through,” I lamented, and felt empty inside.
“We still have a job to do Michael. We must rid Earth of the Outsiders. Until that is finished, it is better to focus on that than any lingering doubt to your own existence. Your mind still grows tired, and I think you have over exerted it today. You will feel better when you wake up tomorrow,” she reassured me.
I sighed, “Perhaps you're right. If at least one of you makes it out of this I can still be changed back, maybe. I suppose it serves no purpose to think about things I can't control. Let me get out of this shower, and I'll get into bed. Sometimes the best thing to do when feeling the way I do now is to get some rest.”
“Okay Michael,” she said, softly.
Stepping out onto the warm tiles of the bathroom floor I was once more surrounded by a gust of hot air. Standing with my arms out wide I let myself be enveloped by the gusting air, and soon I was completely dry. Making my way over to the shelves inset into the wall I pulled free my pair of flannel
pajamas. I dressed slowly to ensure I did not tear them apart with my new strength. When I was clothed in their soft embrace I walked to the bed, and fell into a heap upon its cushioned luxuriousness.
“Goodnight Athene,” I mumbled as I curled beneath the silken sheets.
“Rest well Michael,” she said in almost a whisper.
She was right of course, I did feel better when I awoke the next day. Once more she had caused a small stream of light to cross over my face, allowing me to wake up slowly.
“Good morning Michael,” she said as I opened my eyes.
“Hello Athene,” I grumbled as I rubbed my eyes.
“How are you feeling today?” she asked.
“Still tired, but that's normal. What's on the itinerary today?” I asked, my mind still clouded by dreams.
“I suppose a breakfast, and then getting you dressed to possibly meet an Outsider,” she said, calmly.
“Oh goody, I can't wait,” I said, sarcastically.
“I am glad you are so excited. But let us get you out of bed, and on the road to preparedness,” she said, humorlessly.
“Fine. And what do you propose for us to have for breakfast dear lady?” I asked as I untangled myself from the mess I had made of the bed. That day I seemed to have recovered the ability to control my own actions, at least for the most part. When I stood up I still did so quicker than intended, but was able to keep my balance.
“Raspberry jam filled crepes?” Athene asked.
“That sounds pretty good. They're just really flat pancakes right?” I asked.
“Somewhat, though they are rolled and served with the sweet jam or the like on the inside,” she explained.
“Then let us enjoy the meal,” I consented as I wandered to the dining room.
The smell that greeted me as I entered was sweet, and somehow tangy. On the table a simple plate filled with three crepes awaited me, leaking their red juices from either end.
Sitting down I carefully picked up an awaiting fork, and dug in. I made sure each of my movements were done delicately, and was able to feast upon this meal without stabbing myself, or shattering the plate.
The taste of this treat was tangy, and I noticed a white substance like sour cream mixed in with the raspberry jam. I asked Athene, “What's the jam mixed with?”
“That would be Greek yogurt. I had thought about adding whipped cream to the top, but I have read that yogurt could be used as well to enhance flavors,” she explained.
“It's very good. Thank you.” I mumbled through a mouthful of the crepes.
Coffee appeared next to the plate in a simple white ceramic cup, and I decided to take a sip to wash away some sweetness. Steam clouded my vision as I brought it to my lips, and I felt the heat as I took a tentative sip. I expected my tongue to be scalded, but while I could tell it was very hot, I felt no pain. Another side effect of no longer being fully human I supposed. Taking a larger sip I swirled it around my mouth to clean away whatever food particles had decided to stick to my teeth.
Placing the cup once more on the table I finished the remaining two crepes quickly, and finding my plate empty drained the cup of coffee quickly. I had no idea how much time was remaining until we met with the Outsider ship, but I wanted to be ready as soon as I could.
Standing from the table, I announced, “Alright Athene, I suppose it's time I get dressed.”
“Of course Michael. You shall find the uniform awaiting you upon the bed in your room,” she agreed, simply.
Shaking my head, I walked back to where I had just departed. Upon the bed was the admiral's uniform I had worn to greet the people of Argil. Once more she had placed the hat with it, and once more I refused to acknowledge it. Dressing quickly, though carefully so as not to damage it, I fastened the remaining clasps and buttons and walked over to the bathroom mirror to inspect myself once more.
The golden chains that ran from my right shoulder to my right breast, and then down to my belt, jangled as I moved. What an unusual thing for someone of command to wear. I suppose it did make you more noticeable, and that would be good for others to know whom they should listen to. I was still curious as to how even to this day each formal form of dress was based upon military uniforms. The more buttons, and more collars there were, the more dressed up we appeared. I almost envied the Outsiders and their robes. All I would have had to do would be to pull one over my head, and I would be dressed, though there were few places in the world where I could get away with looking like that.
“We are set to arrive within a few minutes. There is no guarantee you will be asked to meet with Ava, but you should be prepared,” Athene declared, shaking me out of my reverie.
Standing up straighter, I shifted my tie into place, and stiffly walked to the lounge to await what would happen. I had thought of going to the control room to watch us near their ship, but I felt I would be even more nervous watching us approach.
When I reached the lounge, full of art and furniture, I began to pace nervously back and forth. Had this been a normal room I felt I would have worn a trail in the lush carpet with my continuous tense movements.
Of course Athene noticed this, and said, “Michael. Do not worry so much. Things will work themselves out. We have contingency plans, and one way or another we will rid the world of the Outsiders.”
I paused my nervous pacing and hissed, “I know Athene, but one of those contingencies is for you to explode. And then I might be set adrift in space, that is if I don't die outright.”
“Everything will be fine, and I will be with you even if this body is destroyed. I have just finished duplicating myself into the last piece of your outfit. Please put this watch on, and no matter what happens I will be with you,” she said as a white arm extended from the floor.
It held in its hand a black box that opened up when it reached me. From within, a black metallic watch was ticking away time. I carefully pulled it out, and worked it on to my left wrist. It did not feel cold, rather it was warm, as if I was wearing some living thing. I suppose I was, as this was the heart of Athene I was now tasked to carry with me.
“With this final piece, and the uniform you are wearing, you should survive most anything. I cannot say that you would be comfortable in space, but you will live through it. Now prepare yourself, we are entering their ship,” she instructed calmly.
I grew even more nervous at her words. Finding no solace in my continuous pacing I sat down heavily into the Victorian styled chair in the lounge. Drumming my fingers on the armrests, I found myself still full of nervous energy. I waited patiently to see if Ava would once more wish to speak with me.
Minutes ticked away, and I kept glancing down at this new watch to see how much time had passed. Finally, I could take it no more and asked, “Athene, have they communicated anything to you?”
“The only communication has been that we are to unload and rendezvous back at the hangar,” she said, somewhat distractedly.
“It looks like I won't have to see Ava this time,” I sighed with relief.
“Perhaps, but we shall still be here for some time,” she said.
“We only have eight people to unload. Why would this take any time?” I asked.
“They are also doing a thorough inspection of my code as we speak. It is taking me some effort to elude their scrutiny. Please refrain from asking me too many questions,” she cautioned, losing some patience.
Realizing I might be interfering with her I shut up. If anything was amiss we might be destroyed here, and never complete our goal of capturing an Outsider. I supposed I could be patient, but the silence was beginning to get to me.
The possibility of failure here was not something I wanted to think of, but I felt that even if we found ourselves destroyed the other Athenes would be able to rid Earth of the Outsiders without us. Perhaps risking myself and this Athene was a bad plan, but I felt it would be best to know our enemy. Again if there were more of them out there we might be risking retaliation on a scale we could not even c
onceive.
All these thoughts were running through my mind when Athene finally said, “Michael we are now free to leave.”
“Let's get out of here. I don't want to risk them finding something incongruous with what the eight we brought have and what you gave them. That is unlikely, but we just don't know how well we were able to create false memories in these no longer human bodies we returned,” I ordered as scenarios of doom filled me with dread.
“We are now away from their ship and are descending to Earth,” she stated, calmly.
Wanting to see the Earth again I headed to the control room. As I passed through the doorway into the room the screens flickered to life and the blue glow of Earth filled the room with gentle light. Making my way to the single piece of furniture in the room I sat down. Soon the room faded away and I was left once more with the feeling of being adrift in space.
Watching as this cradle of mankind grew larger in front of me I was filled with wonder. Everything I had ever experienced came from this one place, that was until I had left for Argil. All mankind had ever thought, and all our history, filled with wars and our inventiveness came down to this single world. We had thought ourselves so powerful until the Outsiders had come. Now we had at least one colony on another planet. What might this do to humanity? Would we fracture as we had throughout history? Would we make nations of planets, and then have inevitable wars when we had disagreements? Was this something that we would have done given time, or was this only able to occur with Outsiders intervention?
Soon we were passing through clouds and I was able to spy, first cities, then roads. And then a shining object was the center of my attention. Like a half submerged marble made of chrome I saw it as we approached our destination. The hangar had not aged, but it had only been seven months since last I had seen it. I do not know why I expected the world to be different, but perhaps it was because I felt I had changed. It seems we change far more readily than other things, but through our own metamorphosis we see the world differently. But there was no reason for the Outsiders to have done anything differently. All things that had been put into place were working for them already. Their apparent efficiency in handling mankind allowed no reason for change.