Encounters 1: The Spiral Slayers

by Rusty Williamson

  She was uneasy and a little angry. Was there some party they'd not been invited to? She tried to focus on her own stack of paperwork and put the situation out of her mind.

  ---

  "Exactly 827 years ago, our astronomers conducted a survey called OU Active Distribution -- the ‘OU’ standing for Observable Universe. A simple endeavor. They would choose 24 small areas distributed evenly within the sphere of the observable universe, and in each of those areas, they would count the number of galaxies and then note how many were active. This would determine a rough percentage for active galaxies within the observable universe. However, an odd thing was discovered. Two survey areas in the extreme galactic Northwest had a much higher percentage of active galaxies -- roughly 160 percent.

  "Everything we knew about the universe said this had to be some fluke related to the sample areas that were chosen. So new sample areas were selected, but we found the same anomaly. This wasn't a fluke. Something was seriously wrong. Does everyone understand what I've told you so far?"

  President Wicker, who was the only person without much science, said, "I'm not sure I understand why something was seriously wrong."

  Bugs faced him. "Everything we know about the universe says that every part of it, especially over large areas, should be about the same. For a rather large area of the observable universe to differ so much is pretty much impossible under current theories."

  "I see," Wicker said nodding.

  "This anomaly became the focus of all our research for it challenged all that we thought we knew. Systematic surveys continued -- understand, we're talking about a huge area. It would take a very long time to actually check the entire area. Extrapolating from the data we had from over 700 years of widespread sampling, we mapped out what we believed the visible portion of the anomalous area looked like. The results were shocking. The area encompassed about 6 percent of the observable universe. It stretched from the edge of the observable universe to the center...where we are...where it pointed at us."

  Everyone was stunned.

  However, President Wicker was astounded by the wrong thing. He asked, "Out of the entire universe, why...how could we be the ones pointed at?!"

  Adamarus explained to him that this was only due to the way light traveled. "Because of the distances involved, anywhere in front of the affected area would see the area in this shape and pointed right at them."

  The President asked a second question, "Bugs, you emphasized 'the visible portion.’ What did you mean?"

  Bugs replied, "Optically we can only see a very small portion of the affected area because light from the vast majority of surrounding space has not yet had enough time to reach us."

  Adamarus asked, "What about the Tachyon scope?"

  Bugs nodded. "Active galaxies can release vast amounts of energy and so the Tachyon scope can reveal these at great distances. Still, these distances are tiny next to the size of the affected area. When the data from the Tachyon scope was analyzed for traces of these distant active galaxies, what emerged was predictable though still shocking. Instead of the point, it showed that the forward edge of the anomalous area was pretty much a flat plane.

  "When we factored in all this data plus, when the galaxies went active, variations in the number of active galaxies, and how the universe is expanding, we could extrapolate the probable shape and size of the affected area and how it was spreading."

  Everyone in the room leaned forward completely engrossed in what the Loud was telling them. At this moment no one was thinking of the huge black hole coming at them.

  At this point, Bugs set a small cube on the conference table and a large hologram appeared over its head.

  Immediately there were gasps and exclamations of "Fuck!" and "Holy shit!" It showed a sphere representing the observable universe with the “area” shown in red.

  Bugs said, "Yes, it is quite unbelievable. Absolutely astonishing really. As you can see, the anomalous area resembles an incredibly large cone which is progressing through the expanse of the universe observable to us. It is expanding as it goes and is moving forward at roughly 98 percent of light speed. As shown, one side of this cone extends beyond the edge of the observable universe. Working backwards we surmise that this construct first came into existence about 20 billion light years outside the observable universe around 200 million years after the formation of galaxies. Where it enters our observable portion of the universe, its diameter is about 22 billion light years. It has proceeded to a point halfway through the observable universe and now has a diameter of about 60 billion light years. Our galaxy is getting caught by the forward edge of this expanding cone."

  Bugs paused to let all of this sink in.

  "It is important to note that this area is not a cloud, that is, the additional active galaxies only come into existence when the leading edge passes over the area. After the leading edge has passed, the number of new active galaxies returns to normal. The forward edge creating the anomalous area seemed to have no width and whatever was there affecting the galaxies was not visible. It was like a flat, dark rounded veil 60 billion light years in diameter creeping through the universe causing random spiral galaxies to become active."

  The assembly was speechless. The implications were so overwhelming that it seemed to fill a person up like a flask of water that had already started overflowing. The faucet stayed on, the water kept coming, but it no longer had an effect because a person had already taken in all that they could.

  The president, due to his lack of scientific education, did not yet realize the magnitude of the Louds' discovery and was not as stunned as the rest. He asked, "When will this...dark veil reach us?"

  Bugs moved closer to the screen Wicker was on. "The veil is just passing over us now."

  Everyone started talking in low voices.

  Van Loader was asking Donnelly, "Why haven't we noticed something this significant?"

  "I can't really see a way we could notice it without doing the same survey, and we haven't."

  Bugs paused, checking the vital signs and emotional indicators he was monitoring. As he suspected, the two scientists were in a state of shock. The rest would be there soon.

  Bugs interrupted the chatter. "We discovered more." Instantly there was silence. "The active galaxies this creeping dark veil was creating were very different from the standard types. The giant black hole at the center of these galaxies was not just brimming with increased energy, it had actually exploded. Most or perhaps all the matter it contained had been released and was spreading outward through the galaxy's spiral arms."

  Bugs looked at Wicker, "Understand, Mr. President, when I say exploded, I speak of an explosion that takes an average of about 300,000 years to expand from the galactic center to the rim."

  Bugs spread his arms out, "Please try to understand, Mr. President, that the size and scope of all we've been discussing is...beyond anything that any of us can appreciate or grasp."

  Adamarus felt a dizziness ripple through him. He was reminded of driving an automobile which was stopped at an intersection -- suddenly the vehicle next to you rolls backwards and, for a second, you experience a strange sensation and think you are moving forward. He shook his head to clear it -- remembered their original purpose. How did all of this relate to the black hole coming at them?

  Bugs was still talking to Wicker, "The anomalous area first entered our observable universe over 12 billion years ago." Bugs paused to let that sink in. "The age of the universe is only 13.75 billion years. Whatever it is, Mr. President, it's been coming at us since the dawn of time."

  Adamarus felt his hand slip off the table. The room seemed to tilt. Did Bugs just say what he think he said? He had to focus. He forced himself to concentrate on the four-foot robot's words.

  Unfortunately, that was the moment when the other shoe fell.

  "It was only about 250 years ago that we detected the first black hole leaving one of the exploding galaxies."

  Everyone stared blankly at the avatar,
not yet catching on. The alien had just sealed the top of the flask.

  "Then about 200 years ago, we discovered a second black hole traveling towards the center of a nearby galaxy."

  Everyone sat up a little straighter, their eyes a little wider. Somehow water continued to flow into the sealed flask, but now it had nowhere to go.

  "We have found and are now tracking over 100 of these objects -- they're rather hard to detect at the distances involved. All of them are located at the leading edge of the affected area within this dark veil. They are traveling just below the speed of light in the direction of the spreading anomalous area. All of them are leaving clusters with newly exploding galaxies and are headed for the next galactic cluster. Obviously these black holes are the dark veil. And all of them are identical to the one approaching us now."

  Water cannot be compressed regardless of how much pressure is applied. Therefore, despite the strength of the container, it must give.

  For a full minute there was silence. Again everyone was speechless. Then people started talking in awed, shocked voices. The words were staggered and laced with hysteria. Bugs just watched. The voices became louder and more panicked until the room was in chaos. Everyone was yelling at the same time...at each other...at Bugs...at the President. The bedlam increased until Van Loader exploded from his seat, causing both the conference table and his chair to issue a loud screeching sound as they slid apart.

  He shrieked above the uproar, silencing the room. "What you are telling us is...just...not...possible!" He slammed his fists on the table. "It is not possible..." he flung his arms in the air, his voice now hysterical, "...for anything to destroy an entire galaxy!" He took a deep breath, regaining some composure, then squinting at the robot with a knowing smirk, he started wagging a finger and shaking his head. The tone of his panic-stricken words rose and fell. "None of this is possible! This is because, my fine metal robot," he spread his arms wide and jumped backward knocking over his chair, "the universe is expanding...and it is expanding faster than the speed of light! And therefore...nothing traveling at less than light speed can ever transverse the universe as you suggest!”

  There was complete silence. Most realized that Van Loader was correct.

  Bugs had turned to him. It calmly replied, "Yes. You are correct and that is still one of the many mysteries we are pondering, Dr. Van Loader. But, that is what the data shows. And, I fear, we have more unexplainable data for your...consideration...much more."

  ---

  Three hours later…

  The double doors opened and Dr. Van Loader walked hurriedly out of the conference room, hands over his mouth, his eyes closed. He proceeded straight across the hall and banged into the opposite wall. Then he slid down the wall to the floor and started throwing up.

  Dr. Bradford Donnelly burst through the doors, looked around, saw him then rushed over and kneeled beside him.

  Next, Radin came out. His eyes were red and it was obvious he was in a barely contained rage. He paused and absently watched Donnelly help Van Loader up.

  He thought that Donnelly was handling everything pretty well until he saw Donnelly’s eyes – they were huge and a fire seemed to burn within them as if he’d seen the face of God. Seeing this Radin seemed to grow even madder. He turned and quickly strode down the hall toward the elevators.

  He needed a drink.

  He could hear Donnelly and Van Loader following him – Van Loader was making a horrible pining sound as Donnelly spoke softly to him.

  A very strong drink.

  Leewood and Harrison pushed through the doors next. Leewood was holding Harrison who had her face buried in his chest. She was crying softly. Leewood stroked her hair. His face was grim.

  Adamarus followed right behind them wearing his poker face. His face was pale and he'd broken out in a sweat. He paused just outside the doors watching Leewood and Harrison walk down the hall.

  ---

  Inside the conference room, Secretary Thornton’s teleconferencing screen was dark. On the screen next to it, the President sat with his head in his hands. Bugs stood before the screen watching him.

  Wicker looked up – his eyes were bloodshot, his face pale. “Well, Bugs…” he sniffled and ran his hand through his hair -- a barked, shaken laugh escaped, “is there...anything else?”

  “No, sir,” Bugs answered. “Will you need to sleep on what I’ve told you?”

  The President just stared at Bugs not knowing how to respond. Finally, “Bugs, we’ll talk about this again in a day or so.”

  ---

  A hollow feeling extended from Adamarus’ gut up to the center of his chest. It ached. The rest of his body seemed numb.

  He had to pull himself together.

  He realized that he had started thinking only one thing…saying two words repeatedly like some kind of mantra: Don’t think. Don’t think. Don’t think.

  He became conscious of the fact that he was still frozen in the hallway. He turned to the left…the way the others had gone…the direction that led to the elevators…the direction that led to…what? He realized that going left led to places he didn’t really want to go. However, what choice was there?

  Just then, Van Loader’s voice drifted up from the lobby shouting something. Adamarus could not make out the words, but the hysterical tone…that was something Adamarus could identify with far more than he wished. Adamarus did not want to go in that direction.

  Don’t think.

  He turned and glanced down the corridor the other way —he saw a door he hadn’t noticed before. He quickly walked to it and tried it. It opened. He looked inside – stairs. He slipped inside and closed the door behind him.

  Don’t think!

  Unlike the rest of the building with its faux marble floors and walls, this area was unfinished. The walls were unpainted wallboard and the metal stairs leading both up and down were covered with a thick layer of dust. Naked bulbs lit the area and there was an unnatural quietness to the unfinished place. The air smelled...clean. It all somehow seemed to fit the moment. He leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes.

  Don’t think!

  He shook himself and started down the stairs, and after rounding the corner, he saw a window and stopped to look out. The rain had let up. One of the many reflection pools stretched out for about fifty feet surrounded by trees and hedges. A walkway extended away from the building running along the reflection pool, then continuing into the trees and bushes beyond. The ground surrounding the walkway held patches of grass, puddles and dark wet mud. Wisps of steam rose from the ground and the smell of rain was in the air.

  Adamarus’ eyes followed the walkway outward. It seemed to pull at him. From an elevation of two-and-a-half stories he could see that in the distance, the dark ground seemed to end. It looked dry out by the distant wall. That’s where he wanted to go.

  Don't think!

  ---

  By the time Donnelly got Van Loader to his quarters, Van Loader had quieted down somewhat. Donnelly was really worried about Van Loader. He of all people knew how much and to what depth Van Loader had been affected by the news they had just received…by the things they had been shown. Just hearing the Loud’s tale was enough to shake anyone to the core, but the undisputable evidence they’d been shown was the final stake to the heart!

  He led Van Loader to his bed and had him lie down. Donnelly hadn’t had time to ponder the differences in their reactions. Both of them had been changed, but Van Loader had been shattered while Donnelly had…what…seen the blinding light of truth?

  Van Loader moaned —a haunted tormented sound that sliced into Donnelly’s heart like a hot knife. He sat down on the bed. “Oh, Gerald, my friend…please hang in there.” He needed to get Van Loader some help.

  To Donnelly it was clear, obvious, and undeniable: The highly advanced and unbelievably powerful alien that they had thought was coming at them was...something else entirely. And across the vastness of the universe, across three super clusters, he had l
ooked into its face. In that moment, he seemed to realize some undeniable and searing truth. He wasn't sure exactly what it was, but it had changed him.

  Nevertheless, he still had to relieve himself. That hadn’t changed. “Gerald…” he squeezed the broken man’s shoulder, “I’ll be right back.” He got up and walked six feet to the restroom, went in and closed the door behind him.

  ---

  It had been hours now and still everyone was “unavailable.” Evelyn couldn’t shake the feeling of uneasiness and finally gave up trying to focus on busy work. Brandon's idea about everyone trying to help with the weather problem made some sense. She decided to check for herself.

  She did not take the main elevators to the atrium, but instead took the closest of the six maintenance lifts down. This deposited her in a small alcove about fifty feet up the wall of the circular domed room. She paused and peered out over the large chamber.

  The rain had let up, but there were still some dark clouds drifting up around the center of the dome. She could see the ground was still wet and there were puddles. Here and there wisps of steam rose. She leaned over the rail and took a deep breath. The smell of rain was invigorating and something she had not experienced in a long time. She noticed that there was a dry area directly below her that continued out from the wall for about twenty feet.

  She was about to turn and walk back into the super structure where stairs would take her either up into the dome or down to ground level when she noticed a figure below. It was Adamarus. He was sitting on the ground, legs outstretched, back against a tree. She found herself smiling down at him though he could not see her.

  She turned and walked back into the structure. She passed the elevator doors and went to the stairs. As she turned to start down, she heard footsteps above her and looked up. The metal grade stair switchback rose above her following the curve of the dome until it eventually curved out of sight. High above, she spotted someone climbing upward – she could not be sure, but it looked like Dr. Van Loader. She felt that she must be mistaken. Van Loader would be the last person she would expect to offer his help on something like this.