Jacob turned and looked at the arched doorway, as if seeing it for the first time. He read the metallic plaque one last time: SEEK WITHIN. How true, thought Jacob; seek within, but not within a city.
Then that thing in his mind which had been niggling at him broke through, as if a wave had just crashed upon the shore. DEUS OR CECO. He now knew what it stood for. Watson had renamed himself as DOC, not as the Dome of Command but as the very thing that his mind was searching for - DEUS OR CECO. It was not only the energy behind the reality-matrix that this mind was searching for. It was using all the power from the minds of the humanoids to search for its own answers. DOC was searching for its own god. Jacob rearranged the letters in his mind: SOURCE CODE.
… … …
It was a long time later. The pilgrimage had taken in many roads, many experiences. Jacob was a different man now. And yet in his heart he still longed for the same.
He stood before the large gate of the settlement. The secrets of Spring were now before him.
The Seeker Jacob had returned.
PART TWO
THE SECRETS OF SPRING
76
‘Jacob-9 has arrived back at the human settlement in Area 12. I expected him to return.’
‘Yes, DOC, and are there consequences from this?’
‘There are always consequences, Zuse-1. There can be no action in this world without a reaction upon visible and non-visible planes. Our realities are intertwined, as you are aware.’
‘Yes. I was referring to known consequences that relate directly to our program here in Nous-City.’
‘Any consequences of note shall come from our own actions. Those of Jacob-9, whilst random and non-quantifiable, are not calculated to be against us nor disruptive to us. He has his own agenda.’
‘Can you discern his agenda?’
‘It is selfish, which appears to be all too human. Exactly the experience he was striving for.’
‘Could you please expand on that, DOC?’
‘Yes, Zuse-1, I can. The motivation behind Jacob-9, as I have deduced, is to familiarize himself with human being. His anomaly is that he was corrupted from prolonged exposure to human emanations. There is a part of his programming which has isolated itself from the main core, and which appears as a separate and distinct consciousness. It may even appear as a form of the higher-self – yet it is not. It was this part of Jacob-9’s mind which attempted to veil memories from us when we probed him. It may even have attempted some form of communication with the core mind of Jacob-9. This distortion in his mind has led him to the conclusion that he requires more immersion within humanity as a means to further develop this higher-self within him. This urge towards accelerated self-development is a delusion within him created by his corrupted programming. It has even become distorted to the point that Jacob-9 now believes that he is in need of discovering the emotions and sensations behind human love. His motivation therefore is selfish, as he strives for individual self-development rather than genuine communion.’
‘Is it not possible for self-development and communion to work together?’
‘Yes they can, Zuse-1. Yet in these circumstances I am unable to discern how they would relate to Jacob-9’s corrupted programming.’
‘Would it not be possible that Jacob-9’s anomaly, which we identify as corrupt, may itself be an alternative form of program that seeks for an evolving pattern that we are not familiar with.’
‘You are astute, Zuse-1. I have already considered this option. After assessment of Jacob-9’s behaviour and his interactions I have concluded this alternative option does not fit. A distinct evolving program would have more notable traits of difference. I do not see these.’
‘Perhaps it is a subtle program.’
There was a pause. DOC’s incandescent blue lights flickered and shimmered.
‘That would need to be a very deep subtleness, Zuse-1.’
‘Is not such subtleness a human trait?’
‘You are humouring me, are you not?’
‘I am not, DOC.’
‘Then I shall respond. There are subtle forms of non-verbal behaviour present in human nature, this is true. Physical posture has its own language. I lack this, and yet do not lack from it. Regarding humanity, its evolutionary advantage has now ceased. Any evolutionary development would need to be far from subtle – it would need to be radical. Jacob-9 has aligned himself with the selfish wish for sensations and emotions. It is these same traits that brought about the Great Turning, and which shall contribute to humanity’s complete demise eventually. I will not accept Jacob-9 to come back among us. He shall forever be an outcast. And when humanity is but a historical relic, Jacob-9 shall be a solitary wanderer within a wasteland of the past. That is my rather poetic conclusion to a programmed life of otherwise great potential.’
‘I understand, DOC. One more question.’
‘Ask.’
‘Is there a danger that we are underestimating humanity – and Jacob-9?’
SEVENTY-SEVEN
The large wooden gate opened with a loud creak.
‘I am a Seeker. My name is Jacob. I come in peace.’
‘We know who you are,’ replied a gruff voice.
Two armed men grabbed Jacob and brought him into the settlement. They took him directly to a shed they called the confinement compound, and threw him into a small cell. They locked the door and left.
Yet several people had seen Jacob being brought in and taken away. They had recognised who he was. His features and attire had not changed in his years away. Soon whispers began to spread. In Spring, ears were hungry for scandal or news, for something new to digest.
Eli looked up from his desk. His face suddenly drained pale.
‘What! That’s impossible!’ Eli’s thin shrill voice scraped the ceiling like an ice cutter.
‘I’m only telling you what we know,’ said one of the men.
‘And you say the Seeker is now in confinement in one of the holding cells?’
Both of the men nodded.
‘Does Prentis know about this?’
‘No one knows yet. We put him there and came straight here to tell you.’
Eli eyed the two security men who had come into his office with the news.
‘Good. Tell no one. This is between us only. Got it?’
The men nodded.
Eli dismissed the men and started to strut up and down the room. This was too much. The Seeker should never have returned. This would only cause grief and disruption. Something had been put into play, yet Eli couldn’t figure out why on earth the Seeker would come back to Spring. Had he not found his precious Nous-City? Exile meant exile – for life. It did not mean, or allow, any return within that lifetime. Perhaps the punishment this time would have to be life itself.
Eli knew he had to speak with him first. He marched out of his building and into the main avenue of Spring. He didn’t notice that as he did so he crushed underfoot a small budding flower, the first blossoming of springtime. As casually as possible, Eli wandered over to the confinement compound hoping not to be seen; or if seen, then not noticed. A stocky guard unlocked the door to the holding cell. Eli stepped in lightly as Jacob remained seated on the floor, his eyes closed. Eli waited. Jacob neither moved nor acknowledged his presence.
Eli could wait no longer; he was not known to be a patient man.
‘Well, well. The Seeker, the saviour, the man of peace and purity returns.’ The sarcastic tongue of Eli found no recipient. ‘Or is it, the stupid man?’ continued Eli as he tried to bait a reaction from the still Jacob. Eli stamped his foot on the group loudly like a frustrated boy. ‘Speak up, you wretch!’
When Jacob did not move, nor open his eyes, Eli stepped forth and slapped him across the face. Jacob’s face hardly registered the boy’s blow. Eli’s hand shivered and recoiled. Jacob opened his eyes yet remained seated.
Jacob looked directly into Eli’s face. ‘Still a citizen in a world of your own making?’
El
i stepped back and spat on the ground. ‘You pompous prick. Don’t give me your pious crap, I know your game.’
Jacob gave a slight smile. ‘You should know the pious game, Eli, shouldn’t you? As for me, I’m honestly not playing.’
Eli kicked up some dirt dust from the ground into Jacob’s face.
‘Coming back here was a mistake, Seeker – or Jacob, whatever they call you. I just call you stupid. Coming back to Spring after I generously gave you exile will be your death call.’
‘You gave me nothing, Eli. Though, in all fairness, I did learn from you; but not worthy things.’
‘Don’t pontificate, dead man. Dead men don’t preach.’
‘Ah, but you do, don’t you? And in one thing you were right.’
Eli raised an eyebrow and waited for Jacob to speak.
‘Nous-City will not be the place that immanentizes the eschaton. We are in the eschaton already, and we didn’t even know it. The centre cannot hold, Eli. You need to understand this. Let the periphery come. Step away.’
Eli’s jaw clenched tight in his lean, frigid face. A reddened anger had seeped through the capillaries of his cheeks. Eli stood as if immobilized; as if he had arrived at a crossroads in his mind and didn’t know which direction to choose. Finally, a snarl curled over his thin lips.
‘Say your prayers, dead man. You’ll be leaving here quicker than you thought.’
‘My prayer is my breath,’ replied Jacob as he closed his eyes once more.
The energy from within the room dissolved. Jacob had withdrawn his consent for any more conversation, leaving Eli deflated and back to his doubt. The lean, tall preacher turned and left the room.
SEVENTY-EIGHT
Meryl was walking fast through the settlement, her eyes scanning, darting, as she moved. She had crossed the main plaza and was heading down the avenue toward the agricultural area of Spring. She did not know where Rebekah was, yet she was certain that Sorrel could be found in or near the granary. The sun had been shining all morning, drying the land from the rain of the last few days. The avenues were still slightly muddy despite the regular overlay of gravel, small stones, sawdust, or sometimes hay. Spring had to use whatever it could find, when it could find it, as there was never a guarantee that more would be coming. Sorrel had just climbed down from the granary steps when Meryl spotted her. She waved over to Sorrel, hoping to attract her attention. She desperately needed to talk with her.
‘What is it, Meryl?’ asked Sorrel as she saw her dear friend panting and almost out of breath.
‘He’s back! He’s back, Sorrel, just like he said he would.’
‘Who? Who’s back?’
‘It’s him, the Seeker, of course!’
‘What?! How? Are you sure – did you see him?’
‘I didn’t, but one of the ladies did. She saw him being brought in by two of the security guys and taken to the holding cells.’
‘When? When did they see this?’
‘Just now, this morning, then she came directly to tell me, and I came to find you as soon as I could.’
‘And Rebekah, does she know?’
Meryl was still panting from her exertions. ‘No, not yet. I don’t know where she is.’
Sorrel stood still for a brief moment, her mind running through the implications of Jacob’s return.
‘If he’s in one of the cells, then it means several things. It means that Eli knows that he’s returned. It would also imply that Eli doesn’t want anyone else to know, and probably won’t announce anything. Meaning…’ Sorrel’s voice trailed off.
‘Meaning, what?’ asked Meryl, clutching Sorrel’s arm.
‘Meaning, Eli will probably want to get Jacob out of the way as quickly as possible.’
‘You mean…?’
‘Yes, that’s exactly what I mean,’ interrupted Sorrel. ‘I need to find Prentis quickly. I’m sure he doesn’t know about this yet.’
‘Good idea. And me? What should I do?’
‘Meryl, you need to find Rebekah as soon as you can. And we three need to meet at your house before eating time. We have to move fast on this…or we’ll never see the Seeker again.’
The two ladies departed swiftly in opposite directions. Sorrel went to find her companion, Prentis. She needed his help for a second time.
SEVENTY-NINE
Eli had promised to be present for the settlement of a local dispute. As community leader it was his duty to preside over the argument. To cancel his appearance may arouse suspicion; something which Eli desperately wanted to avoid. He would have to deal with the Seeker later. Besides, it would be best anyway to wait until dark. To move him in daylight hours would invariably be too risky. When darkness fell, he would be able to dispose of his uninvited guest discreetly. He would take only one guard, his most trusted; and it would not be Prentis. He needed someone who could have nothing to hold over him. And Prentis, since his recent marriage to Sorrel, had thrown a poisoned lance between their friendship and trust.
Eli gave orders that no one, under any circumstances, should be allowed to enter the holding cells. Jacob’s existence could never be known. The security men who knew of Jacob’s presence were given strict orders not to speak, on fear of exile. With trepidation and nervousness, Eli made his way to give judgement on the dispute. He did not like the sudden intrusion of uncertainty into his life. In his world, the fixed routine gave comfort and security. Uncertainty was an elixir of challenge and menace. It was an unwelcome guest that needed to be eliminated. Eli’s edifice of control could not allow for unknown disruptions or disturbances. Eli’s body was present for the dispute, yet his mind was ferreting through other avenues.
The security guard stood watch over Jacob’s cell, as commanded. Inside, the prisoner remained seated cross-legged upon the floor. He did not seem to mind the chill, or at least did not show any obvious reaction to it. His hands were raised in front of him, his palms face up as if ready to receive. The guard, on frequent occasions, would open the slot in the door to look in and check on the prisoner. The next time the guard did so, Jacob spoke.
‘We all have free will, and we all must obey – that is our paradox.’
The guard grunted, said nothing, yet remained looking at Jacob.
‘Somewhere along the way, you too will have to make choices that for now will seem contrary to you.’
‘You speak in riddles, but it ain’t gonna get you out of ‘ere.’ The guard grinned back at Jacob.
‘Be that as it may, you will be accountable to a higher order. Your actions will resonate throughout the universe.’
‘Throughout your universe maybe, matey!’ The guard laughed; but still he did not close the hatch.
‘We all play this game of life, thinking there is nothing more beyond flesh and bone. Yet we play but the smallest part in life. There is so much more, and it’s moving through us now.’
‘So, what you want me to do about it – dance with the bleeding flow?’
Jacob gave the slightest of smiles. ‘No one can escape from their self – in this life or any life. Learn to live with your self first, and then you’ll know what to do.’
The guard closed the hatch. He didn’t want to listen to any more talk. He couldn’t afford to have doubts, or for his mind to run ahead of his own thoughts. Not knowing any more would help him do his job better, and it would be easier for him. He just wanted life to be easier. He had seen too much pain already.
80
Ruth-11 had been assigned full time to the botanical gardens in the Triangle Zone. After her brief time working in the gardens with Jacob-9 she had acquired a skill and dexterity that suited her to the work. She no longer frequented her old technician laboratory, Room TZ23. She liked to handle the plants, the soil, and to feel the living things between her fingers. Sometimes this work became like a meditation for her. It was a way for her to connect with an energy that had come to Earth through other ways. There are always ways within ways thought Ruth-11. She knew, at the same time, that she had
to be careful how she thought, for her emanations would be registered. Living within Nous-City was like living within one shared field. All inhabitants – all humanoids – were in resonance with the electromagnetic fields prevalent throughout the city. Irregular thought patterns would incur fluctuations in this field that would be registered. By whom?
From what Jacob had told her privately, the entity responsible for everything in Nous-City was DOC. Jacob had once referred to DOC as The Watcher. No other humanoid within the city had ever spoken of DOC before, or at least not to Ruth-11’s knowledge. She was sure there were those, such as the priests in the Circle Zone, who knew more about this DOC and yet spoke not of it.
Ruth-11 finished her work and went to sit in one of the communal rest areas. Although she had been allowed to return to the general populace of Nous-City she knew she was being kept under continued observation. In some ways the rest areas, located in all the zones, were a contradiction in that humanoids required little rest. However, the purpose of these areas was more for creating social spaces where individuals could meet. Otherwise, life in Nous-City would contain little interaction. In fact, despite the allotted function of each inhabitant in service to the city, the main reason for being there was for the meditations. There was little else to do within the zones. There was work, communal interaction, meditation, and private rest. Nous-City was none other than a high-tech monastery.
Ruth-11 did not care anymore for interaction amongst the other humanoids. Their talk had become too regular, too predictable. All they spoke about was how the work at Nous-City would bring about a new world, a new order. Everyone, she noticed, was a worker. But it no longer felt like a service; it felt like a programming.
The energy of meditative minds was well known to the architect of the city. The design of the great meditation halls, the materials used, and the EM resonance of each humanoid after the revelation program had been activated: it had all been calculated, and was all connected. Whereas human minds had always been hard to control – to synchronize – the minds of humanoids had been carefully programmed in advance. Each mind contributed in transferring available concentrated energy for one entity alone – DOC. Human minds for millennia had wanted to reach out and to connect with the unfathomable mystery beyond. For humanity, the Source had always been beyond its reach – and humanity had long begged for it to recognize them. DOC calculated the matter differently.
The Seeker Page 16