Blurred Vision: Seven billion voices about to be silenced

by Chris Botragyi

  ‘Again, this is where the contradictions come into play,’ said Michael as he ran his hands through his wet hair. ‘As I said previously, the Bible has been dramatically altered over the centuries. An “eye for an eye” was some mad monk’s written justification to himself; he thought that as he was Holy it was okay for him to gain revenge for some wrong done to him. It was never actually written in the original scriptures.’

  Michael contemplated the ever-changing skies. Fierce snowflakes melted on his unlined, immortal face. He looked down at the water, at the thousands of individual tiny ripples that sprung outwards as each drop of rain touched its surface.

  John was relentless in his pursuit. ‘What about a soldier in war? He kills an enemy, which is still another human being.’

  Michael pulled his eyes from the heavens and gazed out far across the river. ‘A soldier in war, regardless of whether he kills or not, is in fact safe depending on his cause. You see, if he fights for a just cause, for example, a safer place for his people, or to rid the world of an opposition that wishes only to dictate and harm the innocent, then they have our vote.’

  John pondered the answers for a while as he rubbed his white hands together in a feeble effort to warm himself up. ‘Yes, but surely both sides in a war believe that their cause is just. So how do you separate the two – whose cause is right and whose is wrong?’

  Michael looked at John angrily. ‘Please, you are giving me a headache now,’ he said, pleading with his hands for John to stop.

  John’s tongue toyed with his dry lips. Again he was confused by the Bible’s contradictions. ‘You said that whatever one does in life can be forgiven, if repented.’

  ‘I know, I know,’ replied Michael tiresomely as he continued to search the heavens for stars amidst the dark clouds and peppering rain.

  They sat again in complete silence for several minutes, staring at the metal chaos below them.

  ‘So, how do you feel about things now?’ asked Michael, more upbeat as he shifted his body on the ledge. ‘Have I made things clearer for you?’

  John continued to look downwards. ‘I know that I can never be who I once was, those days have long gone. You did say that I had the choice, right? And if I do what I originally planned to do, then I can repent and go to Heaven. It seems like a winwin situation really, doesn’t it?’

  ‘Well, if you put it like that, then yes,’ conceded Michael, a frustrated frown adorning his chiselled features. He looked sadly at John. ‘You have completely missed the point of what all of this is. I have failed you.’ The archangel gripped the collars of his woollen jacket and proceeded to shake the wetness from them. ‘There is a bigger picture you know,’ he said as he opened his arms wide, gesturing to include the world around him. ‘Besides, what about your children, have you considered how they might react to your loss?’

  John sniggered, his breath hovering in the air before fading. ‘They don’t give a shit!’ he said loudly. ‘They’re old enough to get over it. In fact, they’ll probably hate me even more as all they will be left with is the bill for my funeral!’

  Even Michael couldn’t help but smile as he found the statement mildly amusing.

  ‘If that’s what you really want to do, then I shall not stop you,’ said Michael, resigned to the fact.

  John looked back to Michael as he lifted his body up from the ledge. He steadied himself once again with his right arm, whilst using his left to balance. ‘Michael, it has been an honour to meet an archangel and warrior such as yourself. I’m sorry for wasting your time; I am truly sorry for all that you are about to witness.’

  Michael leapt up from the ledge and onto his feet. His jacket rode the wind as he stood next to John in a solid, almost superhero-like posture. ‘Are you sure you really want to do this?’ he asked one last time.

  ‘Lord God Almighty, forgive me as I repent all of my sins!’ John gazed up to the black sky. The snow pelted down stronger, like bullets battering the pair of them mercilessly. He turned to Michael’s pained expression. ‘Goodbye,’ he mouthed quietly.

  He closed his eyes, and let his body fall effortlessly from the ledge. The high pitched squeak of wet rubbery soles pierced the air as he disappeared. His life quickly flashed inside his fragile mind as he fell head first. His parents, his wife, the birth of his children; everything that was once good made a single tear run from his eyes. It ran cruelly over the side of his forehead as he managed a glance backwards. He could see the hurt visibly etched on Michael’s face, the archangel’s dark figure becoming ever smaller.

  He hit the icy surface fast and hard. The impact winded him as he sunk further into the grey water. One thought entered his dying mind as the freezing liquid made its way agonisingly into his lungs. Peace and tranquility awaits.

  His strong heart began fading, the beats slowing to a poor rhythm. Instinct gripped him; he began thrashing about wildly as he fought death. His blue lips parted lightly as a smile broke across his stiffening face. His eyes glazed over, rolling back into his head. His body went limp and floated to the surface, face down; it began bobbing along the vicious waters. John was dead.

  John opened his eyes, still thrashing his limbs. A bright white light appeared in the distance. He paused for a second as he evaluated the situation, remembering what had happened. He rose to his feet and approached the pulling light. ‘This is it!’ he said aloud, excited.

  There in front of him stood Michael. He stared at the archangel’s dry clothes before pulling at his own, that were somehow equally dry. He smiled euphorically as he looked up at the tall celestial being.

  ‘Well, you made it. I didn’t think you would do it to be honest,’ said Michael as he smiled back.

  ‘Wow, I can see what you mean now, Michael,’ said John as he looked all around, elated at the calm surroundings. ‘I can feel the warmth extending from the glow. Is that Heaven beyond the light?’

  Michael walked towards the human. The brooding presence – accentuated by the looming feathery wings – enclosed the archangel within an ominous darkness. ‘Not quite my friend, not quite,’ he replied with a wicked grin.

  Filled with awe, John looked up at Michael. With that, the whole environment began to transform. The warm white light vanished in front of his eyes. It was replaced by a harsh coldness as everything began morphing into large sheets of grey metallic steel. He spat empty words, coughing up only salty water. Violent screams echoed from every wall round him. Confusion was evident as he placed his crinkled hands over his bleeding ears.

  ‘I don’t understand, Michael. What is this?’

  His face began to distort as he could feel an immense fear crawl over his skin. His hair now dripped with water that ran away from his shivering soul. Tall shadowy figures glided through a strange reddish mist that swirled hypnotically in the cool air. Their silhouettes began shuffling towards him.

  He turned to Michael. ‘Help me!’

  Michael released a raucous laugh and shook his head. They always beg for help!

  Suddenly, Michael’s whole body began to change. The long, curly black hair disappeared into baldness, substituted by a large grey bulbous head that now stood upon a stalk-like neck. The dazzling white smile was gone, a pencil-thin mouth replacing it. Feathers floated silently to the oily metal grating as the angelic wings fell apart.

  John fell to his knees, fear and pain grasping him in a crushing embrace. Desperately, he grabbed hold of Michael’s boots, but the black leather turned into slimy four-toed feet. Shocked, his mouth dropped open as he withdrew his trembling hands from the bizarre appendages.

  He looked up at Michael, pleading. ‘What’s happening?’ A psychological pain roared incessantly in his head. ‘Michael?’

  There was no Michael anymore.

  The alien looked down with large black eyes at the pitiful sight before it. Pathetic human! Your species and their emotions are so easy to manipulate. You and your so-called “faith”. Though one fact does remain true in your Bible, and that is any human com
mitting suicide shall immediately be transported to Hell. Look around – I think you will love your new home!

  John froze as the words entered his mind telepathically. He couldn’t comprehend what was happening. The whites of his eyes lit up the darkness as the fear took control.

  ‘Is this, is this Hell?’ he stuttered, the pain in his head becoming unbearable.

  The alien’s thin body crept closer. It bent its head to one side. You catch on fast human – you will be a perfect addition to our studies.

  John gazed upwards from his crumpled foetal position. ‘If this is Hell, then who are you?’

  The deep eyes thrust themselves down heavily upon the whimpering soul. You can call me whatever you wish, it doesn’t matter anymore.

  John’s blood-curdling screams echoed those of the damned as the aliens clawed at his pale, trembling torso. All that remained was a trail of salty water as the vine-like fingers dragged him through the mist, and down the dim, tubular corridor.

  Chapter 9: A Last Conversation

  ‘I don’t think I can take much more of this,’ said Mark as he gathered the weapon tightly to his chest. ‘When they come, can’t they take us together?’ He shivered at the thought. ‘It’s going to be horrendous for whoever’s left.’

  ‘It’s going to be horrendous anyway, no matter what the outcome,’ replied James, ‘but I know what you mean.’

  The men sat quietly for several moments, fidgeting with a nervous exhaustion as they each pondered their immediate futures.

  ‘I know you are young, but are you married?’ asked Mark, trying to deviate from his thoughts. ‘Got any kids?’

  ‘No, I haven’t got around to the family bit yet.’ James clawed at his facial stubble. ‘Though looking back I agree with what the General said, you know, about being glad that he didn’t have children… because of the current situation.’

  Mark looked to the ceiling, watching as the mist toyed with the flush lighting frame. ‘Yeah, hindsight is a funny thing. Besides, children are going to be a necessity if we are to survive as a race, that is. The population is going to need a serious boost if things are as bad in the outside world.’

  ‘You’re not wrong,’ chuckled James. ‘I think China will have to do away with their two child policy!’

  Mark forced a laugh. ‘At least Africa will be okay, they have them by the dozen out there!’

  The light moment passed. ‘What about you, married?’

  ‘Divorced.’

  ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry,’ said James as he turned his muggy head and looked at the Professor.

  Mark’s eyes met with the younger man’s. ‘It’s fine, we’re still good friends. We have a young daughter, Erin, she’s eight; I have her every other weekend, and we split the holidays.’ His eyes began to glaze over as her image sat in his mind. He ran a hand through his thick peppered hair, down to the back of his neck. ‘I hope that she’s safe.’

  ‘I’m sure she is, mate. Don’t forget, we still don’t know what’s happening out there.’ James gently patted Mark’s knee with the tips of his fingers. ‘She’s probably tucked up in bed asleep, safe and sound.’

  The thought brought forth an effortless smile that sprang from cheek to cheek. He hoped that James was right and that she was safe. Keep it inside, don’t give these bastards a bigger incentive, or the satisfaction.

  ‘What exactly do you do?’ asked James. ‘I know you’re a Professor, at Stanford was it?’

  ‘Yeah, have been for’ He paused for a minute. ‘I’m still getting fragments now and again, but I can’t be 100% sure how long come to think of it.’

  James shifted awkwardly on the floor as he sought a more comfortable position. ‘The General talked about a time machine, was that for real?’

  ‘Yeah, I guess so.’

  ‘Okay, so what type of Professor would be needed to invent something like that?’

  ‘A Theoretical Physicist I suppose.’ Mark looked directly into James’ eyes. ‘Ah, yes. I must be a Theoretical Physicist!’

  ‘There you go.’ James bounced his head in respect. ‘Must be a rewarding job I imagine.’

  Mark changed the direction of the conversation. ‘I would like to know what the General was getting at though. What did he mean when he said that “I would find out”?’

  ‘I wouldn’t know, Mark. Maybe it’s better that you don’t know either, eh?’

  ‘It was an odd thing to say – he must have known something.’ Mark bit his bottom lip cautiously as he paused for a moment. ‘Have I done something wrong?’

  James yawned as he shook his head. ‘I wouldn’t dwell on it too much. The only thing I find odd about it is the fact that the General was the only one who retained his memories, almost instantly it seems.’

  ‘Yeah, I pondered that earlier, but put it down to his large build. Perhaps the mist, gas or whatever it is wasn’t enough in terms of the ratio with his BMI.’

  ‘BMI? I don’t follow. What’s that?’

  ‘Body Mass Index. Imagine trying to tranquillise an elephant with a pea shooter, it won’t work. It’s the same principle with the dart. If it’s not loaded with the correct dosage, then the elephant stays standing. Add the full dose to the dart and the elephant drops like a ton of bricks.’

  ‘I love the analogy, Professor. You are definitely a University man, no doubt about it.’

  ‘Yourself, what about you?’ said Mark as the tiredness forced his head back against the wall.

  ‘No kids, you know that. I’m not what you would call the “settling down” type.’ He appeared distracted momentarily, as though deep in sad thought. ‘I seem to meet someone, have a relationship with them for a few months and then it’s over. Then I go out, meet someone new and start all over again. I can’t see myself spending the rest of my life with the same person, there’s too much going on in the world for that.’ He sighed and took a deep breath. It was almost like he didn’t believe his own words. ‘It’s just how I am, how I’m made.’

  ‘No, my friend. I’ll tell you why your life cycle spins like that,’ Mark smiled, shaking his head in disagreement. ‘It’s nothing to do with how you’re made, it’s simpler than that. The reason you hop from relationship to relationship is because you are young.’ He could sense James’ deflated belief. ‘It’s all a part of youth, like a practice run until you do meet the right woman, the one. There is a specific person waiting out there, searching for you also. Trust me, you may think I’m mad, but you’ll see. You’ll know when your soulmate comes into your life.’

  A false smirk masked James’ true emotions. ‘Well, I don’t think that’ll be happening soon, do you?’

  Mark played with the weapon carefully as he rolled it around his fingers. He checked every millimetre of the steel, looking for an extra advantage, though he wasn’t sure what he was expecting to find.

  James brought his knees to his chest, and rested his dangling wrists upon them. ‘Is it intact, did it get damaged in the fight?’

  ‘Yeah, I think it’s okay.’ Mark stared hard at the gadget, his eyes pained from the effort. ‘I hope so anyway, it came in extremely useful.’

  James half shut his eyelids. ‘Problem is they’ll come for us with something bigger.’

  ‘Sorry, but this is all we’ve got.’

  James nibbled at the hard splinters of skin that congregated around his fingernails. ‘I know, I’m not knocking it,’ he mumbled.

  ‘Next time I’ll try all the bloody buttons on this thing! They might do something else, especially this one on the bottom here,’ said Mark. Both men peered at the tiny hard silver button.

  ‘Try it,’ said James curiously. ‘You won’t know unless you try it.’

  Mark’s face winced at the thought. ‘Christ, no! I have no idea what it is. It could release a deadly gas or something. No, it’s not worth the risk. I’ll wait for the Grey bastards, then try it.’

  The watery sound shook James from another weak sleep. ‘Who’s there?’

  �
��It’s okay, it’s me, I was only relieving myself,’ came the voice that echoed back through the haze.

  James felt a massive blast of fear leave his body. He leant back against the wall as the relief washed over him from head to toe, happy at hearing the Professor’s voice.

  Mark staggered back into view. ‘Something has been bothering me,’ he said as his hands felt for the wall. ‘I was thinking earlier, back to when we were talking.’

  ‘What about it?’ said James, rubbing his forehead. ‘What part specifically?’

  Mark shuffled down next to James. ‘Well, none of us knows why we were taken, right?’

  ‘Yeah, and?’

  ‘I’m a Professor of Physics, and the General, well, that speaks for itself. I think that Tom was someone more than we thought. I mean, you saw his physique, he was no slouch; he ended up like that because of what happened to him. Then John, what did he do?’

  James let out a quick, chuckling snort. ‘I don’t know, why?’

  ‘Daniel was a bit, strange, shall we say. And what did you say that you did for a living?’

  James thought for several seconds. ‘I can’t remember.’ A quizzical look stretched across his angled face. ‘Now that’s bizarre. I can think back years, yet I don’t recall what I did for a job. Anyway, staying on track, what’s your point?’

  ‘The point I’m trying to make is that we, those of us that recall our jobs, are in important positions in society. For example: the General in the military, I’m in physics, Tom’s physique, I think that they are somehow linked.’ Mark stared at James as he waited for a response. ‘What do you think?’

  ‘Are you saying that this isn’t random, that we’ve been “selected”?’

  ‘Yes. I think that we have been purposely brought here because of our backgrounds, our particular expertise maybe.’

  James scowled at Mark’s suggestion. ‘So, what you’re saying is that we’ve been selected. The General had military knowledge, you with physics and science.’ He raised his hands, placing them behind his head. The stains underneath his armpits were now evident through his thin jacket, not that he knew, or would even care. ‘Okay, I’ll humour you. But we still don’t know what the others did, or who they even were.’