Chaos Mortalitus

by Mark LaMaster

  "As brothers we will crush these humans. For all time we will command every inch of this universe. Our moment has arrived at last as the glory of battle awaits us. This is the blood omen of the planet Earth." Lord Erazux says with a sinister grin facing his General and in his heart that beats ever so cold, this battle has already begun. Once his thirst for blood is quenched the hidden blue pearl in this silent abyss will be dust and ashes, and all who once were will be no more.

  General Jason Scott of the United States Marines sits in the Oval Office with General Greg Knight and President Jonathan Reynolds as they discuss this new course of events discovered by General Knight's security research and review team. They watch the video over and over from the evening of March 10 th, 2029 A.D.; a video they can't believe has traveled so long to finally reach them, for there it sat silently under their noses. Unexplainable events locked within the precious seconds of footage.

  Review of the radar reports from the same timetable reveal a startling discovery, for it was that evening that something happened within the pyramid that has sat calmly on the ocean surface for over a decade now. From the security footage a large electrical flash can be seen producing an intense blinding light within the central chamber. Following the light, an object can be seen exiting through the main entrance at an astonishing speed. Radar records indicated that the object left the pyramid at speeds defying the laws of physics all together, super luminal speeds.

  General Scott has been briefed and his doubts are greater than ever for something is brewing, something dreadful is coming and he can feel it in his bones. Even with the video slowed down thousands of times, a black blur is all that can be made out. In the back of their minds it seems to be some sort of cloaked figure as this riddle pushes onward through stormy weather. Desperate times in the nation's capitol, for these walls of white have seen their share of despondency with historical events. Yet in the wake of the human milestones that have designed this people, this government, nothing can truly prepare them for the days ahead.

  "Mr. President, I think we need to begin efforts to move to DEFCON 1. We should share our intelligence with the world's nations and advise them to also take up the highest level of alert possible." Jason advises the President, his long time commanding officer of the best course of action in his personal opinion as Greg sits in a chair beside the Resolute desk.

  "I understand your concern General, but keep in mind the kind of hysteria this will generate. Not to mention the backlash this administration will face for withholding such historic events from the world's knowledge." President Reynolds says responding to the ever-chaotic changing events.

  "I agree with General Scott Mr. President. We have to do something. Who knows what's really going on here, or what that thing was. Whatever it is, it sure left here in a hurry. Didn't bother to stop in and say hi, if you know what I mean." General Knight says agreeing with his mentor's opinion for Jason and Greg have stood back-to-back through thick and thin.

  President Reynolds stares at the two aging soldiers that have become powerful figureheads in the military of the worlds dominate superpower. "Don't think I don't agree with your precaution. Understand this, no administration has ever gone to DEFCON 1, even in the nineteen sixties DEFCON 2 was issued to air forces only. We must do our best to remain calm and study these events further."

  "You should listen to your advisors Mr. President." A voice from behind the President says as Jason's eyes quickly widen. In that moment I suddenly appear before the men and quickly feeling threatened, Jason Scott draws his sidearm and begins to point it toward me as I stand behind the President.

  "GET DOWN MR. PRESIDENT!!!" General Scott screams to Jonathan as he aims and begins to squeeze the trigger of the weapon. Greg leaps from his chair in the direction of this mystery figure to insure the President's safety.

  "Enough." I demand as I raise my hand and the two men freeze in place with Greg floating just over the lip of the historic Resolute desk.

  Defying all logic and imagination the two men stare back at my figure as President Reynolds still able to move dives from his chair to the floor, slowly pulling himself away from the intruder. Dragging it out, I walk calmly from behind the desk toward the President who is frozen in headlights. Jonathan has seen every secret within the government, helped to even cover up the more recent events yet he knows no contact has ever been made with any form of alien life. He watches the intruder draw closer, as the dark cloak he wears shield's his identity. Glowing eyes peer back at Jonathan, through the dark hood an alien presence can be felt.

  Gleams of light bounce off the metallic armor made visible by movement as this creature comes to a stop just in front of the President. "WHAT DO YOU WANT DAMN YOU?!?!" The President screams at the figure fearing this is the end.

  "Stand up Mr. President, act like a man. I'm not here to kill you. I have more pressing matters to attend to. Please take your seat so we can begin." I reveal turning to my old friends still suspended in mid air, unable to move. "The years have come and gone, yet some things never change." I say as my eyes glow through this ancient helmet.

  President Reynolds just sits on the floor as I walk to the fireplace against the wall facing the President's desk in the Oval Office. I release my friends that have been suspended in air with a flick of my hand as Greg comes crashing over the right side of the Resolute desk. Jason also looses his balance, but both men are quick to their feet as they race to secure the President. Covering the President from the front the men fix their aim upon this sudden and mysterious intruder. "DOWN ON THE GROUND! I'M ONLY GONNA' TELL YOU ONCE!!" General Scott screams in my direction. "NOW!!!"

  "I've come here in peace. We have much to discuss Mr. President." I respond as I turn from the fireplace and once again give these men my full attention. "I'm sorry for arriving unannounced without a formal invitation, but time is truly of the essence."

  "THIS IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!" General Knight fires back as I remain still, far from hostile. "YOU THINK YOU CAN JUST WALK RIGHT IN AND DO WHATEVER THE HELL YOU WANT?!"

  "It's ok Greg. Let's give it a second. I don't think this is a threat." President Reynolds says as he stares at the creature he does not understand. "Who are you?"

  I walk forward toward the men slowly, my arms at my side to reveal no ill intentions. "My name is Mortalitus Mr. President. I come to you from worlds elsewhere."

  The two highly decorated military Generals keep their aim locked on me and for that I understand. I walk to an open chair in the office and sit down slightly scanning the room and its ancient relics. "Won't you please have a seat so we can discuss a few things Mr. President?"

  President Jonathan Reynolds walks over to his executive chair in front of the three large windowpanes, a trademark of the Oval Office. He slowly sits in the chair for all this excitement and his old age are surely getting to him. The two Generals surround me as I sit facing the President on the opposite side of his desk. They keep their weapon sights directed at the back of my head for a kill shot if necessary.

  "Ok. Let's have it then. What are you Mortalitus?" The President asks me with a heightened sense of tension.

  I stare back at him for a moment, at this man who has been searching for answers to the riddle of Ashton Mortal for so long. If only in this moment he could make the connections, maybe I might be welcomed. "We are difficult to explain, for Mortalitus is not just I. We are two forms that create the entity of Mortalitus.

  "I do not understand. You sit in front of me as one individual." Jonathan replies as the tension begins to dissipate. "Why are you here Mortalitus?"

  "Universal war is on the approach Mr. President. I have come to inform you of this and begin the process of Earth's inductions into my kingdom."

  "Kingdom? What are you talking about? Are you extra terrestrial?" Jonathan asks beginning to understand my purpose.

  "I am king of the known universe, currently ruling over a planet Avothina in the Neshuza Galaxy. Our reach extends far as we seek
to dethrone the Xxirian, Lord Erazux and reclaim the first human nation, known as Edoxus." The three men seem puzzled beyond comprehension as I reveal the small pieces of a vast puzzle.

  Avotha City is bright and beautiful late into the evening, having become a technological metropolis housing creatures from every corner of the universe. Most come for a new beginning, a new home while others journey to fight for freedom, peace and a cherished king named Mortalitus. General Xenom Bairix sits once again on the balcony of his home atop the beautiful alien architecture that Mortalitus created when he commanded Avotha City out of the dust and rock. That was the day all the former slaves to the Xxirian oppression were finally free, and received a home of their own from the maker that had finally heard their cries and prayers.

  Four friends of the revolution sit together to discuss the hours approach as Sirec stands and stares out onto the brightly lit city, pondering the future of this crusade. They've fought side by side the entire way from slavery to legendary and it is these warriors that will never accept defeat, no matter the circumstance. Three will leave together upon the return of their king, and one will lead the armies of freedom against the bringers of death. Sirec Exale stands silently while his comrades talk among themselves.

  A dark color to his fur, shades of silver allow light to bounce from the tips, his face with unique markings that give him an ancient tribal look. "I don't like this one bit. You should all be with me at Edoxus."

  "Come on Sirec. We've been over this already. This is the order of Mortalitus; he knows what's best for us. Besides its only until the war is over." Tikik responds trying to cheer her dear friend up, for she also has a bad feeling.

  "She's right." Halex says. "You know we all must play equal parts in this. Our king requires us to protect what is most important to him. Keep in mind he hasn't seen her in over ten Earth years." Halex reveals leaning forward offering his opinion of the situation for he has seen the turmoil his king is bound by.

  Sirec gives off a subtle growl as he turns his head to the city lights once more decorated in a warrior's armor, articles placed at random, some in decoration and others in remembrance. "This is no time to allow emotional ties to get in the way of certain victory. No one has ever attempted a sudden attack on an entire Xxirian colony. A suicide mission at best! I just wanted the best we have to offer alongside me."

  "I understand Sirec, but you've grown into a fine leader. You will be remembered in this great struggle. You will walk second to our king and savior, honor and glory await you my friend. Once we've done this deed, we will reap the freedoms of peace for all time." Xenom Bairix replies doing his best to reassure his brother in this revolution. None of these four friends truly knows what to expect for no one has ever attempted such an obstacle.

  "Whatever the cause may require, I will deliver. Together we will win this war. Just remember, if you need us, you need only signal and the fires of Mortalitus will fall to your backside. You must all prepare, for our king will return soon and Earth will finally know of the revolution just outside their doorstep." Sirec says to the group with a sense of pride, for these creatures from different walks of life have become the only family he has anymore.

  Today is the dream of yesterday and the truism of a hopeful tomorrow, the final calm before the inevitable storm. The Oval Office of a house of white echoes the soft tones of a king turned storyteller as the President of the United States and his trusted colleagues are brought up to speed. Miraculous events that only moments ago were acknowledged by crazed fanatics and the misguided are now stunningly believable and tangible proof for all to see is on its way. President Jonathan Reynolds seems completely taken back as his one desire was to find his place in this vast riddle.

  Revelations of the truth come at a steep price for the aged man, with destiny once again stepping to his doorstep. In this moment he can't help but wish for the simple life he might have had given different choices, different circumstances. "How do you expect me to take this at face value? I mean you're the king of the universe? We are all at war? Against creatures you call Xxirians?" Jonathan asks as I sit on the opposing side of him, Jason and Greg still at my backside. "You don't think that sounds just a little nuts, I mean why are you the one leading everyone in this confrontation?"

  "Whether you believe me or not is irrelevant. These events will transpire no matter what you decide and you will have to tell the world. Tomorrow you will call a press conference and address the world of what is coming. Do not react with hostility, these military units are being sent for your protection. They will begin the process of induction." I reply informing the President who now knows of our cause, knows of our desire for this epic battle waged across the stars to finally end.

  "Induction into what?" Jonathan asks. "What are you talking about?"

  "The free worlds of the Reformed Imperial Nations of Avothina. Earth will become part of our leadership in building a new universe for all sentient beings, in all places. Finally the flags of peace will fly forevermore. Finally this struggle will end and I can return to my life, my family." I say with a sigh for I feel so close to my love, my heart yet still so very far away. Knowing that I will be leaving shortly, thoughts of my wife and son dance through my head at every open chance.

  "What will happen tomorrow Mortalitus?"

  "Call a press conference Mr. President. Then you and the entire world shall bear witness to the day that changes the histories of Earth for all time. Do not be afraid; inform them that friends are coming. Remember that together as a unit is the only way to end this war. Also, I have one favor to ask of you, it has to do with my family and friends."

  "What can I do? What do you mean your friends and family? I don't understand, you mean here? On Earth?" Jonathan asks as strands of lightning begin to cut a hole into the space behind me, opening a gateway back to Avothina. Jason and Greg back away toward each side of the room as they watch the beautiful array of lights and energy fuse open my doorway home.

  "Yes. My family is here on Earth; you've met them before Mr. President. Tyler Morgan informed me of all your involvement in the mysterious events that have taken place. That is why I've come to you now, for you also understand the mystic forces at work here."

  "Who are you damn it?!" Jonathan yells out of frustration, hoping for something to finally make sense. "Tell me who you really are!"

  "I am your ghost Jonathan. The universe knows me as Lord Mortalitus, but you brave gentleman have come to know me by a different name. Ashton Mortal, but my friend's call me Ash." I reply stepping forward from the spiraling wormhole at my backside as Mortalitus begins to retract revealing his full view and all its glory to the three men.

  Now wearing the black cloak, I walk forward a few steps and pull the hood from my head to show my face. Jason and Greg are spellbound as they slowly inch toward the President and my location to stare at my face. I look back at the men with empty eyes, for blackness is all they see in my once green eyes. President Jonathan Reynolds has waited for this day for ten years and now finally the man that has eluded him is finally revealed. "Holy shit! Ash! Is that you buddy?" General Scott asks as he stares in disbelief.

  "Yes." I reply. "It's been a long time my friends. I've missed you all."

  "I can't believe this! Great to see you man!" General Knight says as a smile breaks across his face, for the man they thought was buried in their memory so long ago has been revealed to be alive and well.

  "Mr. Mortal! I should've known this had something to do with you. Ten years you've been popping in and out of these amazing situations and here you are again. Now apparently king of the universe." Jonathan says with a hint of sarcasm.

  "I know this is difficult for you to understand, but trust me. Everything is being done now in the best interest of all beings in this universe. Call the press conference tomorrow at three o'clock on the South Lawn. I will take care of the rest. I wish there was more time for me to explain and catch up but I have to go. Thank you for your time Mr. President, I bid you a
ll goodbye for now."

  "Wait! When will you return Ashton? Jonathan asks as I make my way toward the shifting wormhole.

  Turning my attention back to the men, they look upon me as the shifting colors dance wildly behind me. "When this fight is won. Should you ever need to call upon me, you will be able. General Xenom Bairix will fill you in on the rest. He will know how to contact me."

  Jason breaks from the men and walks straight up to me chest to chest with his hand out to shake mine. I do the same and feel the friendship I've missed so dearly return in an instant. "Thought you were dead bro. Don't make it another ten years before we catch up."

  I step backward and Mortalitus once again symbiotically adheres to me covering my body with the metallic armor. "Don't worry after this is over you'll be seeing a whole lot of me. I might even retire, take up painting. Oh also, about my family and friends Mr. President."

  CHAPTER: 26

  CHAOS MORTALITUS

  5/28/2035 - 11:23 A.M. - PST

  Today is the day the universe has been waiting for, driven by the divine fate of destiny. It is Monday on the planet Earth in the lunar month of May on the 28th day. A day to pay homage in remembrance with a celebration for those lost to the distant wars of humanities past. Memorial Day kicks off with a nation proud of recent accomplishments, completely unaware of the dramatic chain of events that surround the blue pearl, nor the trajectory in which they freefall. It's early in the afternoon on the West Coast of North America with life on the small terrestrial planet scurrying about, same as so many days before.