by R. Brown
It was only now that Ashlyn understood that the war with her enemies had already begun. The voices were stripping away her humanity—destroying her from within. The revelation strengthened her. It was a war that she had to win, or she would never again be the woman that Steven had fallen in love with. A woman who could be compassionate and kind.
The air on this side of the wave was cool and carried the scent of fresh cut pineapple. Ash smiled, as it inspired a moment of nostalgic memory back to the graduation barbeque that the Academy had thrown in Oahu. As the valedictorian, Steven’s speech had compared all the training officers to pineapples. Hard and prickly on the outside, soft and juicy on the inside. It had inspired a hearty round of laughs, even from the mentoring officers.
“Pineapple, I’d give anything to have a slice of pineapple right now,” said Ash as she realized how hungry she was.
Opening her eyes, she saw the city being erected around her was eerily silent. A fast moving vehicle, that she’d never heard approaching, flew by just inches above her head. The time wave had placed her in the center of a wide thoroughfare of vehicles that were whipping past her in both directions. Ash swung the sword behind her shoulders and darted between the moving vehicles to the sidewalk.
The scene around her challenged the imagination. Hundreds of robotic people, androids made of servos and metal limbs with wire ligaments, were walking the streets. Most were dressed in business attire; others were in jogging suits or clothes befitting a blue-collar worker. Not a one of them was talking or physically interacting. Each walked alone, perfectly distanced from those around them. Even their strides were matched.
The city felt as sterile as it was quiet—as dead as it was alive.
Looking to her right, she saw yet more of the city being erected as the wave raced away. Above the towering skyscrapers, large puffy clouds were slowly drifting across the sky.
She met eyes with an android walking by her. Like the others around her, he had a 3-d holographic projection of a human face. The male android smiled and continued on, like it was normal to have seen her. Ashlyn turned as he passed, watching him. Directly behind her stood another android.
“Hello, stranger. You look lost? Can I assist you?” asked the android.
The male voice was realistically human and full of personality. Its facial projection even had a well-groomed mustache. While androids had been growing in popularity in the 23rd century, Ash had never seen any this advanced. And now, she was surrounded by an entire society of them.
The android cocked its head, his eyes inquisitive. “Is your processor malfunctioning? Should I call AAA to have you rebooted?”
She gave the android a small smile. “I just arrived here.” Ash noticed that the dozens of androids around her, had stopped dead in their tracks. Their upper torsos and heads had all rotated around so that they were watching her. “What is the name of this city?”
“That is a very funny question, stranger. I must remember to tell that one to my wife,” said the android. “You must be a comedian model?”
Ashlyn then asked, “I could use something to eat. Is there a place to get food around here?”
“Of course. The nearest restaurant is three blocks down, just before the library on the right side. It’s in the courtyard. You can’t miss it. They have some of the best organic food in town.” The android smiled.
“Thank you,” said Ash in return. “I could eat a horse.”
“A horse? Even if the animal still existed, why would anyone want to do such a thing?” His face grew troubled by her proposal.
“It’s just an expression. It means I’m really hungry,” said Ashlyn.
“Ah, I think I understand. Have a good day, ma’am.” The android turned and left, then almost as quickly rotated back towards her and asked, “Excuse me, but I must ask. Why do you carry a weapon?”
“Scorpions. I hate scorpions,” answered Ash.
“Ah, you are an outlander. That explains much. Apologies.” The android rotated forward and left. In unison, all the other androids, who had been watching, went back to conducting their business, as though she was no longer of interest to them. Apparently, they had been satisfied by her answer.
Giving a sigh, Ash started walking, following the directions the android had given her. She was desperately hungry.
On the way, she saw robotic devices moving to and fro, accomplishing a variety of tasks. One was cleaning an already spotless gutter on the opposite side of the street. Another was washing a storefront window. From the tiny bit of information that Agnes had given her in the holo message, Ashlyn believed that the entire society, while they operated independently, were still plugged into an informational hive mind. They were a collective.
Three blocks later she came to the open-air restaurant in the courtyard. The sign atop the courtyards archway read, “Wholefoods, Eat Organic, Stay Energized Longer.” What she found was fifteen male androids sitting in recliners, plugged into a centralized energy station, recharging.
“I should have known,” said Ash with a deflated sigh.
All the androids turned and looked at her with curious eyes, wondering if she was going to join them. Ash decided to go to the library, and if she existed in this time period, speak with Agnes. It would be the best place to find quick answers without having to ask questions that might raise suspicion. “Can anyone point me toward the library?” asked Ash. As one, they all pointed to the east, down the street.
“Thank you,” said Ashlyn.
Turning her back to the men, she heard one of the android’s whistle at her, after which to his friends he said, “I’d sure like to insert my plug into her socket.”
“That’ll never happen,” returned the second android sitting next to him. “I think she’s one of them imported models—you know, the 220-volt type with those fancy twisty-sockets.”
“Ah, you’re probably right,” said the heckler. “I’d probably blow a fuse before I got halfway in.”
Ashlyn shook her head in dismay. In a creepy way, they were way too human. It was disconcerting.
Eight blocks down the street, she found the library. It was the most elegant building she’d ever seen. Large columns lined a colonnade with marble benches that led to the front entrance. Inside, she discovered the library was completely empty of patrons, except for a lone female android, Agnes. She was sitting in silence behind a desk, reading a book. Her face was just like it had been in the holo.
“Welcome,” said the female android. “Welcome to the Akashic Records Hall. My name is—”
“Agnes, the librarian,” stated Ashlyn.
“Have we met before?” asked Agnes, cocking her head to the side.
“You might say—I’ve known you almost forever,” answered Ash.
“Odd, I have a very good memory,” said Agnes. “Well, if there is anything you need, please ask.” The android woman’s exuberance showed that she’d not had a visitor in a very long time.
Agnes then asked, “Beg your pardon, but may I ask what model you are? I’ve only seen pictures of exoskeletons like yours in the old books. See—” Agnes showed Ashlyn the cover of the book she was reading.
Ash smiled. The picture did have an incredible likeness to her. So, playing it for what it was worth, Ash leaned forward like she was going to tell a secret and whispered, “I’m a prototype. A nostalgic reproduction of that woman on the cover.”
“Ugh. That’s so typical of Apple Corp. This year it’s bigger, next year it’s smaller. They can never seem to make up their mind. Next thing you know, they’ll want to make all of our children look like Teddy Ruxpin,” said Agnes.
Ash laughed, it was a very funny joke. But what was more telling, was the Apple name. Putting the few pieces together, it was obvious to Ashlyn that she was in a far distant future, one where they seemed to have forgotten that man had ever existed. She also knew that the bizarre society around her was one that shouldn’t exist.
“Can you show me how to access the historic
al records?” asked Ashlyn.
“Of course. The plug and play access terminals are right over there.” Agnes pointed to a row of desks. “Just plug in and the interface will take over. It’s all automated.”
“Actually, I prefer manual, if you have that?” asked Ash.
“I do, but I should warn you that the data refresh rate in manual mode is terribly slow,” said Agnes.
“That’s not a problem. I’ve got time,” said Ash.
“This way then.” Turning, Agnes headed deep into the library. “We still have one terminal left. They’re supposed to take it out next year. We’ve slowly been phasing them out since no one uses them anymore.”
The building was massive. There were thousands of rows of books, each eight shelves high. All were meticulously aligned and in pristine condition. “There must be millions of books here?” said Ash.
“Close to fourteen million, not counting the banned ones of course,” answered Agnes. “I’ve read all of them at least four times now. Some are quite good. I’ve got a penchant for mythology.
“Ah, here you go,” said Agnes as she came to a stop before a black desk. Swiping her hand in the air above it, a holo projection came to life.
“My name is Siri. How may I help you?”
“See what I mean about a slow data refresh rate? Anyway, that’s the AI. Siri will respond to your verbal requests once you take a seat. The more specific you are the better. She’s prone to go into tedious detail about unimportant facts if the request is too generalized.
“We close at five o’clock. So, you have two hours and forty-three minutes. Though if you need more time, I’d be happy to stay late for you.” Agnes gave a wide smile, which made her blue holographic eyes crinkle at the corners.
“Thank you,” said Ashlyn to the departing android. Ash had to give a small chuckle—here she was, thinking of how strange the androids were by displaying such humanesque behaviors—and yet, in this time-period, it was she who was the oddity. Softly she spoke her thoughts aloud, “What the hell happened to Earth?”
Siri responded with, “Your request is too general. Please define a particular event or time of interest?”
Ash took a breath. “All right, show me a list of the major events in the history of Earth’s people, starting with the most recent.”
A list began to scroll through the air above the desk. The first major event listed was, Mutant War of 8100.135 A.F.
“Siri, give me information on the Mutant War,” said Ash.
“The Mutant War occurred in the year 8,100—day 135 after the fallout of World War 3. It was a day that will live in infamy,” said Siri. “It was the day we were forced to kill our creators.”
“Siri?” Ashlyn interjected. “Is there a visual record of the event?”
A holo of the event began to play. The images showed the Androids fighting against mutated, humanoid like creatures. The mutants were tall, hairless, thin with grey, wrinkled, mottled skin and pointed ears. They’d grown long claws and fangs. The holo revealed their viciousness. They had lost their humanity, devolving into a base primal animal. Embracing their instinct to survive, they’d turned into killers.
The androids in the holo had no weaponry, but they were quick, strong, and their hardened steel bodies made them difficult to kill. It was a fight unto the death. The streets were littered with the dead from both sides.
Ash couldn’t understand what had happened to Earth. There shouldn’t have been life, and certainly not of this type. The last handful of Earth’s survivors had been evacuated by Defender as the planet was tearing itself apart. There shouldn’t have been any people or android creations and certainly no Apple Corporation.
“Siri, give me the information of Enlil’s attack on Earth.” Ash said.
“I have no such record of an entity named Enlil attacking Earth,” responded Siri.
“Hmm. Do you have a record of Earth’s moon being destroyed?”
“I have no such record,” answered Siri.
“Show me Earth’s moon as it is today,” said Ash.
“This is Earth’s moon as of 11 hours and 47 minutes ago. It is the most recent image available,” said Siri.
It was the moon Ashlyn would have expected to see had its destruction not taken place.
“Siri, show me all major events within twenty years of the year 2287 A.D.”
“There were no major events. Of a lesser note however, in 2288 A.D., Earth’s population exceeded eleven billion. In 2290, the first colony of thirty-six humans was established on Io, but they were killed three years later from a meteor impact,” answered Siri.
“End dissertation,” ordered Ashlyn. In a low voice, “It just doesn’t make sense—unless, something changed in the past, altering the timeline that exists today. Steven or I must have done something? Or—I will yet be doing something?” Ashlyn’s mind raced. Maybe it’s like the other Steven had said in the recorded message. If we kill Enlil in the past—before his attack on Earth, the billions of people on Earth won’t be killed. That has to be what happened!
So—it’s true, we’re out of the time loop. It was one more confirmation that they were truly in control of their own future. For in the current timeline, there was no Enlil destroying Earth, no Tynabo to genetically create them, no governmental program of compliance with Enlil’s demands. None of it existed—and yet, they were still alive.
The big question now was what happened to the people of Earth? How did this crazy society come to be? “Siri, tell me about World War 3. What happened to Earth’s people? What year did it happen? Who started it?” asked Ash.
“World War 3 was started by the Draconians in 2744 A.D. The war left Earth radioactive. Over time the poisoned atmosphere killed most organic forms of life on the surface. It is now accepted that some humans survived, living below ground. Their existence was unknown to us however until 8100.125 years after the war. That was the year when the human population grew too large for their underground city and they began to venture out.
“Within days of their appearance, the war began. More than half of our Androidian society died before the war came to a sudden and unexpected end. For unknown reasons, the mutant population within the city of Dis was exterminated. No other mutants have been seen since that time.
“Because of the war that had created the mutants, we vowed to never let weapons of mass destruction be built. We have now enjoyed over 220,000 years of peace.”
“Who were the Draconians?” asked Ash.
“Little is known about them, but it is believed they came from the Pleiades star cluster. They claimed to be conquerors, boasting of having destroyed many civilizations—even the gods of old, the mighty Anunnaki. They offered humans a choice—be willing slaves to them or face extinction. By their inherent nature from the Anunnaki, humanity resisted and the great war ensued.”
“Siri, what did the Draconians look like?” asked Ash.
“They were a reptilian species.” An image appeared. The Draconian was humanoid in bodily form, but Ashlyn couldn’t help but think of it as being anything other than a lizard. It had green opalescent scales with hints of blue and red mottling.
“Citizen. I am warrant officer Orion-1693. You are in violation of felony code 12-A, a treasonous offense. Please state your serial number?”
Ash swiveled her chair around to see a small round droid hovering in the air above her. It was pointing what she believed to be a weapon at her. Agnes was standing beside the droid.
“Why would you do such a thing? You know it is against the law to access historical records of the Mutant War. You betrayed me. I will lose my job for this,” said Agnes. “Maybe even get erased.”
Ashlyn stood. “I’m sorry, Agnes. I meant no harm. I didn’t know about the law and I apologize. I will do what I can to clear your name.”
“State your name and serial number!” said the hovering droid, his tone demanding an answer.
“I have no serial number,” Ash replied. “I am an organic l
ifeform. My name is, Ashlyn.”
“Ashlyn?” asked Agnes. Looking at the ground and speaking softly to herself she said, “Just like the woman in the book.” Again she looked at Ashlyn. “Is it true? Are you Anunnaki? Are you one of the gods of old?”
“I am,” answered Ash, looking at Agnes.
Agnes gasped, fully believing she was in the presence of a god.
“You bear no guilt, Agnes. I’ve seen your future and witnessed your faithfulness. Know that even though you will deny me, I forgive you.”
Agnes’ eyes grew large.
“This is Warrant officer Orion-1693, requesting backup,” said the hovering droid in an outgoing transmission. He had backed up a few feet as if he was in fear of his life. He rotated toward Agnes. “Do you know this organic lifeform? Are the two of you conspiring against us?”
Agnes visibly shook. “No. Erase me if I am lying, but I have never met this woman before today. I do not know her.”
Orion-1693 tottered, seemingly contemplating her answer.
Seeking to distract the Officer, Ashlyn said, “I am no threat to you. What she says is true. She has not met me before this day.”
Agnes ran away, sobbing. The humanness of her reaction touched Ashlyn’s heart.
Within seconds, two more droids appeared. They spread out, spacing themselves equidistant around Ashlyn.
“You will follow me. If you do not, we have been granted the authority to immediately terminate you. Will you comply?”
“Yes, I will comply,” agreed Ashlyn.
Orion-1693 spun and headed out, fully expecting that she would do as told. The other two droids trailed behind her.
As they entered out upon the busy thoroughfare, all traffic came to a stop, even the fast-moving vehicles. All eyes were upon her. The androids talked, exchanging whispers, pointing. Ashlyn wondered if even now, Agnes was uploading the information about her into the collective’s computer.