EARTH'S LAST WAR (CHILDREN OF DESTINY Book 1)

by Glenn Van Dyke

  “At least that explains his score on the Academy Finals.”

  “His score?”

  “He had the second highest score in the history of the Academy’s finals! That’s why I chose him.”

  “Second to yours?”

  Steven nodded. “Does he have a female counterpart?”

  “I don’t think so. I believe he’s one of the earlier designs, part of the Einstein Program that worked out of White Sands. The goal at that time was to unlock the brain’s potential. From the few rumors that filtered down to us, early test subjects were so intelligent that many were deemed, clinically insane. The strain of correlating such vast amounts of input was just too much for the emotional psyche to process.

  Novacek must have been one of the later triumphs and due to his success they were able to move on to the next phase—us.”

  With a sigh, Steven pushed forward, “Ok, you gave me the good one. Sooo, what’s the bad one?”

  Wincing, then hesitating briefly, “Tynabo came to me a few days before our 24th birthday—he wanted to tell me about-” Ashlyn’s voice cracked.

  It only took Steven a second to understand the source of her pain, “Ren. He told you about Ren and I?”

  Ashlyn nodded, looking down at the grass, “Yes. He told me that you were getting married.” Slowly, her eyes rose to meet his, “Tynabo thought it best to let President Tomlinson discuss the situation with you in person. He’d said that you were scheduled to meet in a few weeks.”

  “It’s true, we were.” Steven thought back to the President’s recording, where he had expressed his desire to speak with him privately regarding his personal circumstances. Now, it all made sense. “So you knew about Renee?”

  “Not exactly—I mean, Tynabo never gave me your names. I just knew that my mate was in love with someone. I didn’t even know where you were.

  It did peak my interest that the President had an interest in you, but Tynabo never told me why.

  On the day when the alarm sounded, Tynabo wanted me to be flown to your location. He insisted actually, but I refused. If I had gone—our close proximity would have initiated the fugue.

  I couldn’t do that to you. You were in love. My presence would have stolen that from you. It wasn’t my decision to make. It was yours.”

  Steven looked at her confused, “Ash, why is that so important? Everything worked out. I don’t understand.”

  “Steven, because I chose to go into stasis, dozens of good people died. If I’d flown to you like Tynabo wanted me too, yes, it would have initiated the fugue—but you would have received Tynabo’s gifts. That alone might have been enough to change everything.

  At the very least, you never would have gone to Denver, so Cole would still be alive—and who knows how many others. Jackson? The pilots from my squadron? The forty-seven people in engineering? Those who died at the falls? Jenkins? Maybe none of this ever would have happened.”

  Steven’s heart was heavy, her sadness overwhelming. “Ash, why didn’t you tell me all this sooner? We’re stronger together—remember?

  Ash, you need to understand—the weight you’re feeling isn’t from your decision. You did what you thought was right. This all began long before us, with Enlil. He rigged the game from the beginning, manipulating us, using us—even rebelling against his own family.

  I don’t understand everything that’s happening to us. I don’t know if there is such a thing as destiny. I can’t explain our visions. I have no idea what lies ahead of us.

  All I know is what I feel in my heart. I believe in you. I believe in us.” Steven looked around at the beauty of the Garden, “Right now, this is where we are supposed to be, here in the Garden. I can feel it. It’s like a fire burning within me.

  I also know—that I love you—and I never want to be away from you, not for a single moment.” Steven then leaned over, giving her a long, tender kiss.

  When their eyes opened, the tree above them was radiating. A yellow, glowing fruit was hanging from its branches.

  “It didn’t have fruit on it when we sat down! I’m sure of it!” said Ash.

  “I’m sure of it too,” confirmed Steven. “This is the second Gift.”

  “It’s Occam’s razor,” said Ashlyn. “Everything The Keeper has told us—all of it is so obviously simple, logical.”

  Steven, saw the simplicity, the clarity of it all. “Yes, it is. It was man that polluted history, twisting it round until it became unrecognizable, people using it to further their own egotistical quests for power and greed.

  Humanity, so eager to have answers, grasped onto anything that had a hint of truth in it. If we couldn’t explain it, we said it was a mystery, believing that God must have His own hidden agenda that’s beyond our understanding. We blinded ourselves to the truth, ignoring logic in favor of misguided faith.

  The problem is that faith based upon twisted information is nothing more than delusion—and delusion leads to division. It divided humanity, taking us into endless wars, separating us by race, religion, politics.”

  “It all seems so clear. It was before us all the time,” added Ashlyn.

  “Staring us in the face,” said Steven. “Written out and plainly stated. Like you said, Ash. It’s Occam’s razor. The simplest answer is usually the correct one.”

  “So the tree revealed itself to us because we were honest with The Keeper and—ourselves,” said Ash. “It read our hearts.”

  “I think that’s exactly what happened. It was Enki’s way of assuring that we’re worthy of receiving the Gift. It was a test of our morals, our virtues and our ethical principles.

  That was Enlil’s mistake—he abandoned all of them.”

  Steven looked up at the fruit and then back into Ashlyn’s eyes, searching for the confirmation that he expected to find.

  “Yes, my love! I will eat from it with you.”

  Stretching on his tiptoes, he picked one of the glowing fruits off a branch. It radiated a pleasing warmth in his hand.

  “This time the man’s going to eat first.”

  “Sexist!” she said with a teasing smirk.

  “I thought I was doing you a favor? This time if the world gets all screwed up, women won’t take the blame for it.”

  “Yes, and if it all goes right, you’ll claim all the credit for it!”

  “Should we flip a leaf?”

  “No. You go ahead, I’m anxious to see if I’m in love with a prince or a frog.”

  Steven took a bite from the fruit. It was the sweetest, freshest tasting fruit he’d ever eaten. Handing it to Ashlyn, she followed suit.

  They held hands, waiting to see if they’d feel differently or if something was going to happen.

  “I’m not sure what I expected—trumpets? Maybe a little harp music? Something?” Steven jested with an accompanying shrug of his shoulders.

  Holding hands, they walked back through the Garden to stand before The Keeper.

  The tree began to glow. “You have done well, my children. You have passed the test. You have received the Gift of Knowledge.”

  “Thank you. Keeper, what is the Gift of Knowledge?” asked Ashlyn.

  “It has been given and even now it is beginning to grow within you. If I were to tell you, what it was—you would seek it out and it would elude you. It must be allowed to come naturally—for it is now and forever a part of you.”

  “Does Enlil possess this Gift of Knowledge?”

  “Enlil has possessed both of the Gifts since before my creation. All pure Anunnaki are born with them.”

  “Keeper, I would like to ask. Can we share our Gifts with others?” asked Steven as he thought of Phillip and Novacek.

  “It is your right as pure Anunnaki to partake from the Water of Life, and if I am so ordered, to give it to others.

  As for the Gift of Knowledge, each person must take the test.”

  Steven reflected upon The Keeper’s words, “Keeper—you just said that we are pure Anunnaki? How are we pure, if we are only part An
unnaki?”

  “You are pure because you are full Anunnaki, of the royal bloodline. You are the family of Lord Enlil and Lord Enki.”

  As realization dawned, “That’s it! Ash—that’s why Enlil was working with Earth. He coerced the world’s governments into cooperating with him, making them collect millions of genetic samples from people. He continued the guise of cooperation until he’d finally found all the bits and pieces of the genes to create a true, one-hundred percent pure, female Anunnaki.

  Enlil’s own genes could provide the male side, but he needed those that you possess. That’s why Tynabo kept you at the Foundation. He was protecting you. You are what Enlil was after.

  Tynabo created me so that we could propagate humankind, nothing more.”

  Steven’s mind vibrated with energy, thoughts came flooding in quicker than he could speak them. “Enlil wants to build an army of immortals, like himself. He’s forbidden from entering here—but, if he can create others who are loyal to him to pass as pure Anunnaki, he’ll breed a new army with which to attack the Anunnaki home world.

  He wants vengeance against those who banished him.”

  “So, once he had the last missing genetic piece and we were no longer needed—he destroyed us,” said Ashlyn.

  “Yes. It’s the ultimate revenge. He enlisted the help of the uplifted children to help him kill the parents, the Anunnaki creators,” said Steven, adding, “That’s why President Tomlinson and Tynabo hid us and Sea Base from the world. They both knew the day would come when Enlil would turn on us.”

  “The NASA patch. One giant leap for mankind. They knew we were humanity’s only chance for a future,” said Ashlyn.

  “President Tomlinson had told me to forgive him, that there was a reason behind their madness. Only now, do I understand what he meant,” said Steven.

  “You are wise Lord Steven and Lady Ashlyn. I did not perceive Enlil’s motive. You are worthy of being called Anunnaki.”

  “Keeper, you must not let others come here. Even those who appear to be pure Anunnaki. Not before Enlil and his followers are destroyed. The risk to the Anunnaki home world is too great. Are you capable of enforcing this?”

  “As the last Anunnaki to have entered and passed the tests, you have the right to give such an order. Your answer is, yes, I am capable of enforcing it. I am pleased to have such an honorable task.”

  “Keeper, are those who traveled here with us still outside the wall?” asked Ashlyn.

  “Yes, they are waiting for you.”

  “Steven, why don’t we give them the Gifts? They can help us fight Enlil.”

  “I am sorry, Lady Ashlyn, but they cannot enter.”

  “Why?” asked Ashlyn.

  “I have not always been watching those who are outside. It is possible that even now, they are not who they appear to be.”

  “I don’t understand,” said Ashlyn, frightened by the implication.

  “I am sorry, but I am prohibited from explaining.”

  Steven exhaled deeply, “All right, then let the order be given. No one must be allowed through the wall until Enlil is destroyed,” commanded Steven. “Keeper, does Enlil have any weaknesses that we can use to defeat him?”

  “Perhaps. I do not know if it will be of use to you, but when Enlil was a child, a creature beneath the surface of the water on Heaven, frightened him. It left him with an unnatural fear of what he cannot see.

  Though, he is strong and has millions of years of experience, his weakness is his arrogance. He does not believe that he can be defeated.”

  “I understand. If he believes himself to have no weakness, then that, in-and-of-itself, is a weakness.”

  “The Anunnaki would be proud of your wisdom, Lord Steven. As your friend I wish that I could be of greater help to you.”

  “Is there anything more you can tell us before we depart, anything that may help us?”

  “You must be careful on your journey to the Great Pyramid. Along the way, there will be many dangers.

  There is the Uttu, a creature that lives beneath the sand. They are on an endless search for moisture and are very dangerous to those who walk upon the surface.”

  “The spiders?”

  “Yes, your people call them spiders.

  There are also other dangers; you would call them, Neanderthals. They were the first to serve Lord Enlil and were the first to receive an uplift on Tiamat, long ago. Now, they wander the desert trying to avoid the slave caravans that seek them out. While many are timid and complacent, you should not underestimate their strength or ability in combat.

  You must also beware of the Igigi patrols. Your people refer to them as the Grays. They will be hunting you. You must avoid them at all cost. They are barbaric, merciless.

  Lord Steven, Lady Ashlyn—I believe it is possible that Enlil has already created his pure Anunnaki. Nine years ago, he arrived from off world with an escort of new, Elite Guard. They are tall and human looking in appearance.

  I had thought it curious that humans would choose to serve Enlil, but now, after your observation of Enlil’s motivations; I do not believe they are human. He calls them, Watchers—same as those who had served him millennia ago.”

  “Keeper, thank you, my friend. Do you have any information on the others of my group that arrived here on Hades with me? I left them encamped at a mountain surrounded by a forest northwest of here. Do you know if they are safe?”

  “The mountain’s name is Sinai and it has been used by your people for many thousands of years.

  The others that arrived here with you, now encamped at the mountain, have done great damage to Enlil’s forces. Many thousands of his followers have died. So far, it appears that your people are safe.”

  Steven grinned, happy for the good news. “Keeper, I have one last question for you. The pedestal also spoke of the Sword of Truth! What is it?”

  “It is a symbol of the Anunnaki—one given to each member of the royal family. The orders of the one who wields it are never questioned. It is a symbol of heritage. A symbol of power.

  Enki had sought it out when he was here on Hadaesia, wanting to strip it from Enlil and return it to his family on Heaven. He never found it, however.”

  “We owe you more than we can ever repay and to simply say thank you isn’t sufficient.”

  “As Anunnaki, you have the right to possess the Gifts. Your presence here and the wisdom you have shown, make you worthy. I am proud and honored to have helped you, my children.”

  “We look forward to returning here and speaking with you again,” said Ashlyn. “Keeper, may I ask, are we able to have some time of privacy here in the Garden, not being observed by you?”

  “Yes, when you are ready to leave, simply place your hand upon the wall, and I will see you thru.”

  “Thank you, Keeper.”

  “Fare thee well on your journey, Lord Steven and Lady Ashlyn,” said The Keeper, the tree’s glowing light dimmed.

  Passing by the stream, “Steven, can you hold me here, by the stream for a few minutes before we return outside?”

  For all of Ashlyn’s genetic manipulation, her spirit and heart were clearly human. For her, all the troubles they faced were outside the wall. They both knew that they had no choice but to confront Enlil—but for now, they chose to lay claim to a small moment of tranquility.

  Sitting on a smooth boulder, Ash deep in his arms, they talked, “Steven, do you think The Keeper is a machine?”

  “By a stretch of our definition, yes—but as we understand machines, no. He’s a creation, a device but far more at the same time. He may be a true life form on his own merits.”

  “Do you think we can defeat Enlil?” Ashlyn asked.

  “Honestly, I don’t know, Ash. The only thing I am sure of—is that we can’t underestimate him. If it were a football game, I’d bet on the team with more experience every time.

  In our case, however, we have nine billion reasons why we want to destroy him.”

  “Steven—I asked
for the privacy, because I want to have sex with you here, in the garden. It’s so beautiful.” She turned round, facing him. Her eyes lowered to his cock.

  Steven laughed as a thought ran through his head.

  “What is it? Ash asked.

  With a shrug of his shoulders, “I ate the fruit first—so I guess it’s your turn to eat first, now.” With a laugh, he added, “We’re the two neediest people I’ve ever known.”

  Ashlyn’s would have laughed too, if she hadn’t been so anxious. Kneeling between his legs, with coddling fingers, her mouth engulfed him.

  Chapter 17

  Novacek was staring at the man, when he suddenly realized what he had been missing. It had been gnawing at him and now that he saw it, it seemed obvious. Cutting through the chatter of the crowd, “You told me earlier that the Anunnaki are on the verge of a civil war and that many regret their attack upon us?”

  “Yes—that is so.”

  “You’re lying! You told me that there is only one Anunnaki, that the others, the Grays, are his creations, an abomination. There would be no civil war! They would not dare to challenge him or question his authority.”

  Novacek had said the words loudly. The crew separated, clearing the path between the two of them.

  The man stared at him, a picture of polished poise. “It was just my improper use of your language. As I told you, I do not speak it much anymore.

  Please understand that we were defending our home. Was it not you that fired the first missiles at our ships when you arrived? Did you not travel here to destroy us? Were we wrong to want to defend ourselves?

  We realize that a mistake was made when we attacked Earth, but we now wish to make it up to you.”

  Novacek knew that many of the crew wanted to believe. The visitor was very convincing.

  “I warned you earlier, and yet again, you said, we. Perhaps you truly are one of them?” Novacek’s rage was clearly visible.

  “It is only a figure of speech. For thousands of years—it has been the way humans have spoken. We live here, now. We are part of their culture.”