Beyond Imagination_The Intellect

by Thomas Zman

  “That is the best way of putting it,” concurred, Sinclair, with a giggle. “Imagine, holding Senior Rank and walking the floors as if just some commoner.”

  “What are you telling me?” I asked, “that I currently hold Senior Rank? “I thought back. The last time I had seen Veetra – Odd, but then again I had been doing a lot of work away from the Portal.

  “That’s how it works.” Brax joined our little group, and shook my hand in congratulatory fashion. “Proudly done, sir,” he said. “Coordinating the whole of Portal One from the comfort of your own bedroom.” He stroked his beard wisely, it having streaked gray with age.

  “James!” we were suddenly astounded by Evvie’s British accent. She was calling me from the distance -- my bedroom door having been left open. I hurried across the complex, towards her.

  “Hey,” I said, out of breath.

  “What is all this?” Evvie’s eyes were wide open. She looked upon all before her in disbelief. How is your room . . . this?”

  “She is meant to know,” explained Bethesda, joining us.

  “Are you glowing?” Evvie asked of Bethesda, in near horror.

  “Am I actually seeing this?”

  “I assure you, it’s all real,” Bethesda stated. Please join us

  or a look around.”

  “No – No. This can’t be,” Evvie protested. “James, I knew you were a person of importance, but how could you keep this from – from your family?” Evvie was shaking. “This can’t be happening.” She turned and hurried down the stairs to her room. I told Bethesda I needed time to explain things to Evvie. He assured me it was time that she learned everything.

  After closing tight my bedroom door, I sat beside Evvie, on her bed. I fell into a long narrative of just what I, we, were all now involved in. She stared in disbelief as the account of the past several years was revealed. Slowly she wrapped her mind around the whole of it. Unexpectedly, Grandpa, too soon wheeled himself into the room: he attempting to add a little levity to the situation by broadcasting the Star Wars theme on his audio unit.

  “It’s true, Evvie,” Grandpa stated. “Every word of it. Though we need to keep this from Mrs. V and Angie just a little while longer. They’ll come to learn as well once the house has completed its Transmogrification.”

  “Trans . . . what?” she asked.

  “The change that’s happening here,” I answered. You see, we’re all quite lucky.”

  Evvie shook her head, confused. “’Lucky?’ The bloody world is ending and – “

  “Is everything alright in here?” asked Mom from the doorway. “Oh,” she noticed the partially faded doorframe. “We must get some painters over hear for a freshening up of this place.” The change had crept into the walls of Evvie’s room. “Are you feeling Okay, dear?”

  “Y --Yes,” replied Evvie, shaken. “Just a little out of sorts over all the bad news from the tele, I suppose.”

  “I was just explaining that to her now,” I countered. “I just know that somehow we’ll all make it through this little ‘rough patch’ in history.”

  “Oh – “Mother huffed in response, “that’s why I don’t bother listening to any of that!”

  I spent the evening consoling Evvie. I even brought her in some tea and asked if she wanted to smoke. Though appreciative, she said her mind was boggled enough for one night. So, we just talked, and we talked. It was very nice.

  * * * *

  When finally, I left her sleeping, I realized I had no bed left for myself. My bedroom was now The Portal. I would have to make myself comfortable in the living room. So, I grabbed a couple of throw pillows and took up residence on the couch, a thin quilt covering me. Not at all comfortable. After tossing and turning for the good part of an hour I finally succumbed to sleep. It was then that I was awakened by a gentle touch.

  “You can sleep in my bed,” Evvie whispered in my ear. “If you’d like.”

  Chapter Eleven

  New Dawn

  Evvie was up early getting Grandpa dressed for the day. I could see them both as I lay across her bed, on my stomach -- still in my clothes from last night -- and peeked through the partially opened doorway into grandpa’s room. He was slumped to one side, contorted oddly; she was combing his hair, talking with him, though she could not see me. Grandpa was telling Evvie the story about his father, and why he had vanished that stormy night, so long ago.

  I looked around Evvie’s small room and noticed it was barren. No pictures, nick knacks, no personal artifacts about whatsoever, even though she had practically lived here for the past five – several years, whatever. There seemed no sense of her belonging here, no attachment; only the utmost devotion to taking care of my grandfather. As I took all this in, as I just stared at the two of them – I could almost swear that I saw my grandpa give me a wink. I smiled at the notion.

  Just then my mother came in through Grandpa’s doorway. She was wearing a light robe and slippers, clutching a cup of coffee. In her usual cheery manner, she said good morning to the both of them. It was then that I made my entrance and stood there, expressing my ‘good mornings’ to them as well.

  “James,” said mom. “Your father was telling me last night that your room is now filled with all kinds of noisy equipment – it’s even making the hallway feel funny. No place for a proper night’s rest.” She turned to Evvie. “Thank you for allowing him to sleep here.”

  “And a perfect gentleman, he was,” Evvie added, smiling.

  At that moment the room swirled, distorted in space as the walls around us finished their transformation. The bedroom expanded outward; the special bed that grandpa slept in melded into a console of sorts, all the pertaining life support equipment that flayed throughout was condensed into several computer screens and a huge Tesla Coil.

  “I’ll get things started,” mother commented -- oblivious to the dramatic aberration that just occurred.

  “I have such a nice brunch planned.”

  “If you’re wondering, yes, I saw all that,” Evvie said.

  “Grandpa’s been filling me in. Now, let me go see if your mom needs any help.”

  * * *

  “Global conditions are deteriorating at an exponential rate,” commented Grandpa as we all sat around the dining room table, about to enjoy brunch.

  “Yes,” Father began. “And it has worked out perfectly well that we are all home here, together now in this last phase of the Apocalypse. James has been quite instrumental in his work for the Intellect.”

  “What’s this you’re all talking about?” Mother queried, as she, Evvie and Angela placed the last of the meal on the table, and then joined us. “Intellect. Apocalypse. Sounds like an old melodrama movie,” she laughed, sitting down with us. Mother then helped herself to some eggs while asking if anyone needed anything more.

  “Now hun,” began my father, “please just stay where you are and listen. This is very important.

  Mother eyed him with a sudden scorn.

  “I realize this is going to be difficult, but we can no longer contain this.” Father looked around the table, then said: “It is time you learned what has been going on around here.”

  “And dad,” Angela chimed into the conversation, “if you’re thinking I don’t know -- I’m in the loop. I did a little research of my own. Guess you could say I became aware once I started working for James at Veetum. And don’t think I haven’t noticed any of the changes happening around this place lately.” She smiled.

  “That’s comforting to know, Angela,” said dad.

  “You do have a bomb shelter under this house, right?” she asked. “The one Grandpa built when we were just babies.”

  “Seems you may have only half the story,” I said, looking over to Evvie and giving her a wink.

  “Evvie, could you please help me with a little taste of coffee,” said Grandpa.

  As the words resounded from Grandpa’s synthesizer the dining room walls melded into shimmering wavelets, then vanished. We all sighed with ama
zement. Mother shrieked in horror as nearly all the interior of our house had opened up to become that of the portal.

  “Welcome, all of you,” stated Braxton, walking towards us from the distance. “So glad we all finally get to meet. The Portal has incorporated nicely with your time-parallel and it seems we’re all just about on the same plane at this point.” Braxton moved to where my mother was seated. “I am especially honored to make your acquaintance, Mrs. V.” He extended his hand to her. Mom’s eyes rolled to the back of her head and she fainted away, Braxton catching her.

  “I’m feeling a little woozy myself,” said Angela, looking around in disbelief. “I guess there’s more than just a bomb shelter under this place.”

  Evvie and I looked at each other and laughed.

  Dad raised himself from the table and helped Braxton take mom over to the couch –the only thing left of the living room, save for the Grandfather Clock -- the rest of it having melded into computer consoles, sliding clear-boards, and video screens. The screens themselves displayed a multitude of news stations from around the globe, each covering the latest earthquake, tsunami, or tornadic clusters that seemingly formed instantaneously anywhere on the planet. It too showed footage of worldwide conflicts, and military leaders posturing with nuclear threats.

  Dad had managed to bring mom around and was explaining to her, and Angela, as to our purpose in the house; how our family, along with hundreds of others around the globe, would be spared inescapable death due to the Apocalypse.

  “I’d fix you a drink,” Father offered, “But it seems --”

  “After hearing what’s been happening right under my nose,” mother said, “I no longer feel the need for one.”

  The grandfather clock struck twelve and was chiming its deep toll. I was viewing updates from the Intellect when I was approached by several of my staff for direction. None however needed be given them, as all plans had thus far gone accordingly; I then noted from off one of the video feeds, that the alien Mother Ships had all left their moorings. So, I bid my staff farewell, thanking each greatly for their united efforts, wishing them God’s Speed into this new realm of reality, which we were all about to embark upon. They then left us and receded to the lifts, to the lower levels of the Portal where they too would await the final hours before Assimilation.

  “If you’re not of the mind, James I should wish to stay up top here with you,” Braxton requested. “I should like to see this thing through to the end. Besides, perhaps I could be of use should you require assistance in showing these ladies around.” With a raised eyebrow, Braxton indicated my sister sitting over near my parents.

  Despite the solemnity -- before I issued the final command for the Futurists to enter their Chambers -- I decided Brax was right. Admittedly, it would be good to escort Evvie about the Portal, share some of the knowledge I had acquired here; having had to keep it a secret from her and so many others for such long a time was quite a burden. Angela seemed rather flattered that Braxton showed an interest in her.

  It was a while later that we started around the Portal -- the girls awestruck, delighted over the polished floors and mists through which we walked, asking questions about every facet its interior. We passed before the Virtual-Graphic conferencing stations (now dark from disuse); the transparent lifts, which had removed the last remaining staff members; and then came upon the utmost distant part of the complex, where the computer wires, fiber-optic cables, and transparent plumbing all collected. Three golden Orbs in succession rocketed through the piping overhead and then vanished off into the nether.

  “Orbs . . . “I elaborated on the phenomenon, remembering when I first viewed them floating around our backyard. I attempted an explanation as to how they worked – though it was not as good as Braxton’s. I then explained how the orbs would be instrumental in transferring the souls of Futurists from around the globe to a single collection point in the Yucatan. That once the Portal here had completed its transformation, our spirits too would meet up with them in that very same place.

  “What do you mean our spirits?” Evvie questioned.

  I felt the pang of conflict; I chose my word carefully. “Since our planet will soon become un-inhabitable, our lives -- our souls -- will live on peacefully in a sanctuary, a place we call the Collective.”

  “Your grandfather certainly wasn’t specific in that part of our little chat last night.”

  “You mean we’ll have no bodies?” said Angela.

  “Basically, that is one way of looking at it,” I replied. Our minds, our memories will live on. We will be alert and alive, have all our senses . . . but have no mortal form.”

  “Oh, I don’t like that.” Evvie said. “I don’t like that at all.”

  “Neither do I,” Angela chorused.

  “Who the f – came up with that plan?” Evvie angered. “Imagine that? No body. I’d rather be bloody dead.”

  “Would you?” asked Brax. Would you pass up a chance to live on forever, never having to concern yourself about getting old, getting sick, hurting, hungering? Only living and experiencing what is good, inter-experiencing the lives of others. Just think it, then live it?”

  “And just how do you know all this?” Angela protested, her arms folded.

  “I’ve been part of this project, the Intellect, my entire life,” said Brax. “This is the reason for my very existence. And yes, I am quite human.” Brax prided himself. “In fact, should you at some later date require a bodily form, for whatever reason, then look no further than Bethesda and Sinclair. You have seen them for yourselves, Evvie. They are the prototype embodiments.”

  “I have learned from the Intellect,” I continued, Angela rolling her eyes. “I’ve worked with and helped guide these people, these Futurists for just this purpose. Grandpa and Daddy have dedicated their lives to this cause. Who can say what a thousand -- ten thousand years in the future will bring. But you can rest assured that whatever it is, we’ll be there for it! And our children, too.”

  The girls looked at each other.

  Angela’s mind was working, adapting to the concept. Braxton had piqued her attention and continued on the line of reasoning. The two parted from us and were soon engrossed in deep conversation, talking as if formulating some clandestine accord. Evvie, however, was quite the opposite.

  “I want no part of this,” she stated, and headed back towards my family. “I have to get out of here.”

  “You can’t!” I said, grabbing her hand, turning her towards me.

  “Why?”

  “Because no one is meant to survive out there.”

  “Then maybe I’m not meant to survive, either.” She yanked her hand from me and started away. “I just have to say goodbye to Grandpa, your parents, then I’m gone!”

  We rejoined my family where they sat on the sofa. The dining room, too had changed; it now just a large open area, extending infinitely. We came to find that Grandpa was no longer contorted, slouched in his chair. In fact, he had left his wheelchair and was seated beside my parents on the sofa, talking, normal. He appeared quite comfortable . . . though a near imperceptible shimmer inhabited his being.

  “Grandpa!” I said with excitement, surprised that he was raised up and unsnarled. Evvie, too was confused to see he had been awakened, though went to his side and hugged him.

  “James,” he spoke to me -- with his mouth, his face smiling. “Our work is paying off.” He returned Evvie’s hug.

  “Yes, yes it is,” I then looked to Evvie, bewildered by emotions. She ruefully moved herself away from Grandpa.

  “I need to tell you all something,” Evvie began, though interrupted by a frantic knocking at the front door -- which was still in place, along with a partial wall.

  “Who in blazes could that be?” Evvie said, and hurried to answer it.

  “Wait! You mustn’t,” shouted Grandpa with his new-found voice. His warning went unheeded.

  Evvie opened the door and there, standing on the front porch was Mary. The girl with w
hom I once worked. She had aged terribly; looking disheveled, the weight of the world had drawn upon her features. She most obviously remembered where I had lived and realized that I’d had a connection with the aliens; thinking perhaps, even the cataclysmic events as of late. She no doubt was frantic for safety – fleeing to my house out of desperation.

  Mary was standing there only an instant when she saw me across the room and yelled, “Jimmy! – Please! I need to --” She tried to push past Evvie, who jumped back out of the way. That was when a surging effulgence dissolved the intruder – Mary, right before our eyes! There in the doorway! Her body had vaporized, not an ash falling to the ground.

  “Jesus!” Evvie shrieked in horror.

  “Oh my God!” cried Mother from the couch, and then passed out, again.

  “Come away from there!” Grandpa yelled.

  “It’s too dangerous!” echoed my father, trying again to bring Mother around. “The converging time-dimensions have created an unstable interface.”

  Through the doorway we could all see the glowing, swirling coalesced nether -- not believing that someone had been standing there just moments ago.

  “I need to leave,” Evvie cried hysterically, looking at the doorway, then to us. “I don’t belong here.” She tried to control her emotions, but couldn’t. “You’ve all been so wonderful. You’ve truly been a family to me. But I feel – “

  “Evvie,” I said, collecting myself, abhorred by Mary’s death.

  “Please, you can’t. You’re supposed to stay here.”

  “If you walk through that doorway, there is no return,” warned Father, staring at where Mary had been. “What’s all this?” asked Mother, still half dazed, gripping at my father. “Who was –? “Grandpa cut her off. “Evvie, you must stay!” he stated, “I explained to you --”

  “And left out the part hat we’d all have no bodies,” she

  returned, and then softened her tone. “I like my body. I don’t feel I…”

  “Evvie, please,” cried Mother. “We need –”

  “It’s not right,” Evvie explained, having calmed herself. She looked to me, nervously fumbling with her gold cross. “I don’t think this is what God has planned for me.”