The Vernal Memory: A Dystopian Sci-fi Novel (The Variant Saga Book 4)

by JN Chaney

  “Not to worry,” she said, reaching the ground and raising her light. “Now, let’s see what you’re—”

  The sight of the machine left her stunned, its hulking mass filling half the cavern. “That’s what I was talking about,” said Terry.

  “Unbelievable…is this still operational?” She walked toward it, waving the light from one side of it to the next, searching.

  “What is it? Do you know?”

  “The technology looks to be pre-Extinction Day,” she said.

  “You mean before Variant?”

  “This is a metal purifier.”

  “A what?”

  “The miners insert ores into the machine and it extracts whatever impurities the metal has. I’ve never seen one in person, but I remember the database entry.”

  “The Sneak that attacked us was feeding it,” said Terry.

  “Feeding?” she asked.

  “It was giving it something, like chunks of metal or maybe rocks. I don’t know.”

  “Wait,” she said, stiffening. “Where is that thing? Did you kill it? Did it run off?”

  “It’s dead, I think,” he said, pointing to the various pieces.

  She squatted down and examined them, nudging one of the blobs with her gun. “Interesting,” she whispered.

  “What do you think it is?”

  “You don’t know?”

  He shook his head. “Should I?”

  “This is a machine.”

  “Like a robot?” he asked.

  “A construct, made up of what appear to be micromachines.”

  “Micro?” he asked.

  She reached out with her fingers and touched the metal. It trembled, reforming slightly, and then relaxed. “Tiny machines built to perform a certain task. They often come together to form a larger assembly like the one you fought against. The technology is very old.”

  “How do you know about this?”

  “Everlasting uses them in repairs, but we moved away from the technology a century ago. We only use them for a few things now.”

  “Why?”

  “Orinchalium is the primary metal used to create them, but as you already know, the metal is exceedingly rare.”

  Terry looked at the cut on his palm. No wonder this machine was able to hurt him. It was made of the same metal as his sword. “I see. So, what are they for?”

  “You remember the sentry units you fought?” she asked.

  “The Guardians? Sure, but I don’t think they—”

  “Those didn’t use them, no, but some do. The micromachine sentries are remotely controlled via satellite uplink, while the ones you fought were reliant on a pilot.”

  “Are they just different models or something?”

  “No, all the sentries started with a similar design, but over time most of them had to be refurbished. It’s been two centuries since the last one was constructed, and they’ve all taken a beating. Over time, our engineers had to replace their parts and alter how they functioned.”

  “So, that means there’s still a few micromachine Guardians somewhere in the wild. How do you kill something like that?”

  “Why do you think I came all the way to this continent?” she asked, approaching the giant machine. “All the other sentries have to rely on a pilot, which we can kill, but the other kind—the ones made up entirely of micromachine orinchalium…well, the only thing strong enough to stop them is more of the same.” She shined her light on the sword in Terry’s hand. “That’s why this mission matters. Without that metal, none of us stands a chance.”

  CHAPTER 14

  Ortego Outpost File Logs

  Play Audio File 1627

  Recorded: April 3, 2351

  MICHTELL: So far, the fusion is holding strong. I’ve tested it on my own cells and the mix appears to be stable, although I will need to modify a few things. The next step, barring any complications, would require me to perform an injection on a living creature. Preferably, if I had one available, a rodent, but I don’t have the inclination to order one from Central, nor the patience to wait.

  Instead, as I have stated previously, I will be using the mixture on myself. In fact, I have the needle in my hand as I speak. I am certain others would criticize me for what I am about to do, but there is no other choice.

  Given the recent upheaval in Everlasting, the time for experimentation and waiting is over. If the walls fall—if city loses all protection from the gas—millions of innocent people will die.

  The reaction will be fast, and I’ll know quite soon whether I’ve wasted my efforts or not.

  Now, then…

  Time to change the world.

  End Audio File

  The Red Door

  April 3, 2351

  Johnathan Finn was already waiting inside the ship when Emile finally arrived.

  “I thought I’d beat you here,” she said when she spotted him.

  “I like to be early,” he answered, thumbing the safety belt around his waist.

  She took a seat across from him. “That so?”

  “Not really,” he admitted. “I’m just in a hurry to get back.”

  “Your concern is understandable, given the situation.”

  He only grunted. As much as he appreciated her sympathy, talking about Mei wouldn’t do him any good right now. He had to focus on the job. Go find this Jinel Din and bring her back to Everlasting.

  Get her to talk. Find Mei. Focus on the task.

  The aircraft roared to life, shaking their seats as it began to lift. “It seems we’re on our way,” remarked Emile.

  “How far away is our target?” asked John.

  “Satellite feed shows her ship docked in a harbor, south of a mining city. She was tracked into the mountain and hasn’t been seen since.”

  “The mountain? How are we supposed to find her?”

  “Wait, of course,” said Emile. “She has to come out at some point.”

  The Red Door left the hangar and took off toward the north, headed for its goal. Another continent to the north. Before this day was through, John would find his target. He’d finish the job and get his answers.

  One way or the other.

  ******

  Galathane City, Tharosa

  April 3, 2351

  “You heal pretty fast,” said Jinel, checking the bandage around Terry’s hand, followed by his shoulder. “Remarkably fast, actually.”

  Terry and his friends sat inside the queen’s house, waiting for lunch. Having fulfilled their promise to retake the mines, the group was invited to relax and discuss the terms of their agreement. That is, authorization to receive their payment of orinchalium. A well-deserved prize.

  “His wings stretch far,” explained Ludo with a large grin. “I taught him everything he knows.”

  Terry laughed. “It’s true, he did.”

  “You taught him how to heal faster?” asked Jinel, clearly confused by the notion.

  Lena stood right beside him, observing the place where the wound had been. “Accelerated healing factor is inherent to the priest class, usually induced through various forms of meditation. However, if I understand correctly, Terry, you were able to do much of this before you learned how to focus your mind.”

  “Sure, but it wasn’t even close,” he said.

  “Still, your biology is very distinct, even more than the naturally evolved population on Kant, such as Ludo and Ysa here,” explained Lena.

  “If it weren’t for them, I would probably be dead,” said Terry, smiling at the couple. “They taught me how to survive.”

  “Terry has come far,” said Ysa, her voice as elegant and soft as ever.

  Ludo placed a hand on his shoulder. “It is so.”

  Hux bellowed out a roar of laughter. “What a crew we’re shaping up to be.”

  “What is all the noise down here?” asked the queen, entering the hall from the kitchen, a wide smile on her face. She was holding a tray of baked treats, the scent of which had filled the room long before she
arrived.

  “Only friends speaking loudly, Majesty,” answered Hux.

  “Sounds to me like family, nephew, but still think nothing of it. Everyone, come with me and let us eat. There is much to discuss regarding your contributions yesterday.”

  “A fine day it was,” called Barniby from the kitchen.

  “With many more to come,” said the queen.

  ******

  Terry explained to the queen what he found in the mine, leaving out a few select details. For example, the queen didn’t need to know that the only reason Terry knew what the machine did was because of Jinel. If anyone learned where she was from, it could pose a danger to her, since Everlasting was so revered. People might think she was a god, while others might try to kill her, as Hux had suggested.

  No, it was better to stay as far away from that as possible, so instead he told a lie, claiming he’d seen the purifier in other areas of the world.

  “I see, so the Sneak was a machine, guarding its nest,” mused the queen.

  “In all likelihood, it was only trying to do its job, but at some point, malfunctioned,” said Jinel.

  “Whatever the case, it’s gone now,” said Lena.

  “Indeed, it is,” said the queen.

  “Which means you can send your miners back in,” finished Jinel.

  The old woman nodded, smiling. “I suppose you’ll want your oryx metal, as we agreed.”

  “If you don’t mind,” said Jinel.

  “Rest easy. Barniby has already left to secure it for you. It will be brought to Hux’s ship right away.”

  “Thank you, majesty,” said Hux.

  “You are most welcome, nephew,” she said, cheerily. “Shall we eat now? I’ve spent all morning meeting with my staff about this matter and I must admit I’m quite famished.”

  After lunch, the crew departed, waiting as Hux embraced his aunt and said his goodbyes. The jolly sailor smiled brightly at her, kissing her forehead. “Safety to you, majesty.”

  She tapped her chest with her shaking fist. “To you, nephew Hux, and please come home to us soon.”

  He returned the gesture, bidding her farewell.

  It was snowing when they arrived at the city gates, and had been since the night before. By now, the field was covered in a sheet of white flakes, transforming it.

  “Something wrong?” Jinel asked, glancing at Terry as they reached the steps.

  “It’s been a while since I saw snow,” he said.

  “When was the last time?” she asked.

  He thought back to when he arrived on this planet. As the portal spit him out onto the mountainside, along with pieces of the Ortego facility. He remembered the fear and confusion he felt, the sudden touch of ice, the shock of the world before him. The sight of two dancing suns. He had been afraid that day, a frightened child in the wilderness.

  But that was a long time ago…and he was older now.

  An easy smile formed, and he looked at his friends, who each stood beside him. “I can’t remember, but it feels like a lifetime ago.”

  “I believe I know what you mean,” she answered, and he knew it was the truth.

  ******

  The Red Door

  April 3, 2351

  The aircraft flew across the sea of clouds, parting them like saltwater. The continent of Tharosa was just ahead, growing larger in the distance, though it was hardly visible behind the building snow storm. John stared out the window. “This could be a problem.”

  “If the storm gets any worse, we’ll have to wait it out,” said Emile.

  “What’s the forecast? Do we know?”

  “Looks like a few more cycles before we arrive, according to Analytics.”

  John reached into his pack and removed his headgear, a thick beanie to cover his head and ears. “Good thing I brought this.”

  “We have masks if you’d like one. They’ll shield you from the cold,” said Emile.

  “Thanks, but I’m fine with my own gear,” he said. The ship passed through the storm with only a minor bit of turbulence. As it neared the continent, the Red Door began its descent. John spotted mountains first, followed by the harborside village. They’d come from the east in order to land in a nearby field so as not to alarm anyone. “Do we have a read on the boat?”

  “Still docked,” she answered.

  “We need to get to them before they leave,” said John.

  “Agreed.”

  “That means leaving the ship before the storm ends.”

  “Maybe for you and your team,” she said. “I’m staying here.”

  “What’s the point of bringing you if you’re not going?”

  “The orinchalium in Jinel Din’s possession, if she’s been successful, needs to be analyzed. I’m not leaving the ship until you’ve captured her.” Emile shuddered. “That woman is dangerous.”

  John lifted his Everlastian pistol, looking it over. “I guess that means we’ll have to take her down fast.”

  “Her accomplices, too,” added Emile.

  “Right,” said John, holstering the weapon.

  The ship landed after a short moment, and the outer door unlocked automatically. John got to his feet, looking over the cabin and the dozen soldiers he’d brought with him. “Are we ready?”

  The men raised their fists, giving their salute.

  “Alright.” He pressed the unlock button, opening the door. A strong wind hit him, stinging his cheeks. “Move out!”

  ******

  The harbor was nearly covered in snow by the time they reached the ship. Hux went in to check on the cargo while the others waited on the dock, which had already emptied for the day. “Shame. I wanted some snacks before we left,” said Ludo.

  “Don’t worry,” said Ysa. “Lena asked the innkeeper to buy some. They are on the boat.”

  Ludo’s face lit up. “Truly?”

  Lena handed him a piece of wrapped meat. “We noticed you had an affinity for dried sempter fish and raginello cheese, so we made some requests.”

  “So kind!” He took the food, grinning.

  “Ludo is easy to please,” remarked Ysa.

  “It would seem so,” said Lena, trying not to laugh.

  Jinel and Terry stood a few meters away, watching Hux’s crew walk along the deck of the ship. The young soldier cleared her throat. “Mind if I ask you a question?”

  He nodded. “What’s up?”

  “Are you doing this because you believe in Garden?” she asked with her muffled voice.

  “Garden?”

  “Yes. I realize now I haven’t asked how you feel about all this. Did you agree to assist us because you understood the cause? Because you wanted to change things?”

  He thought about the question, then shook his head. “Not really. I’m not much of a revolutionary, and I don’t know enough about your politics.”

  She blinked. “Then, why?”

  “I was being held hostage in that lab, but you saved me. You got me out. Maybe it’s stupid, but I’m doing this because it feels like I should. Because I have a debt that needs paying.”

  “So, you owe Garden your life? That’s why?”

  “No,” he said, looking at her. “Just you. You’re the one who saved my life. You walked me out of that place when bombs were going off. The least I could do is help you. Besides,” he added, “you’re my friend.”

  She stared at him. “Your friend?”

  “You and them,” he said, motioning to Ludo, Ysa, and Lena. “And Hux, of course.”

  She looked at the others, who were laughing amongst themselves. “I see. Well, thank you, both for agreeing to help me and…for the rest.”

  “The cargo is set!” called Hux as he came out from the cabin. He walked to the bow of the ship and smacked his chest. “We can leave right away.”

  “Shouldn’t we wait for the snow to stop?” asked Terry.

  Hux scoffed. “A little ice never stopped this old ship!”

  “Rightly said, dear Hux!” shouted Ludo. �
��Let us—”

  “Hold,” said Ysa, touching her husband’s wrist, quieting him. “Listen.”

  Ludo said nothing, but closed his eyes instead.

  “What is it?” asked Jinel.

  “Wait,” said Terry, and he followed his friend’s lead, shutting his eyes and focusing his mind. With the strength of his senses, he listened, shutting out the distractions. The gushing water beneath the docks. The soft wind, carrying the snow. The people in their homes, laughing, talking, arguing.

  Far beyond the walls of the village, an engine rumbled steadily in a field. Two dozen feet shuffled in the snow-tipped grass, running in this direction.

  “Do you hear it?” Ysa asked him.

  He opened his eyes. “Are those soldiers?”

  “Soldiers? From where?” asked Jinel.

  “I don’t know, but it sounds like an aircraft just unloaded some people.”

  “Everlasting,” muttered Jinel. “Could it be they’ve found us?”

  CHAPTER 15

  Ortego Outpost File Logs

  Play Audio File 1634

  Recorded: April 3, 2351

  HARPER: Wait a second. Are you saying you injected an untested immunization without clearing it with the board? Please tell me I misheard that.

  MITCHELL: That’s correct.

  HARPER: Good God, Mitchell! What the hell were you thinking? You could have died.

  MITCHELL: True, but I didn’t. I’m still alive.

  HARPER: That’s not the point and you know it. You defied procedure and put yourself in serious danger.

  MITCHELL: Nonetheless, it seems the vaccine works. I’ve performed multiple tests since injecting myself and—

  HARPER: You haven’t experienced any negative side effects?

  MITCHELL: Not a single one. Based on the data before me, it would seem we now have a viable solution.

  HARPER: Well, be that as it may, it doesn’t excuse your behavior. You understand that, don’t you?

  MITCHELL: Certainly.

  HARPER: You’ll have to appear before the board for a special hearing to discuss the ramifications of your actions. However, given the results, I’m sure they’ll opt for a lighter touch.

  MITCHELL: Ma’am?