by SJ McGarry
"Princess, please, stop! You're causing distorted sound waves to bombard my system," Nella's BCC Personal OMNIS III computer named Tessie, pleaded, interrupting her karaoke moment.
"Oh, sorry, Tessie, I can't seem to get the song out of my head. I'm ready to start the VIV recording for the historical account of the pre-flight any time you are."
"Excellent, shall we begin, Princess?"
"Fire away, Tessie."
‘Downloading: Narration from Nella, Princess Warrior of Centaurius. Preparation of mission launch to Earth,’ the system announced.
Resembling a puffer fish with bulging cheeks, Nella took a deep breath and held it while counting slowly to three. Turning ten shades of purple, her lungs collapsed, and air exploded from her mouth like a volcano spewing hot air directly into the mike causing a loud whoosh, followed by a piercing squeal bouncing off the ship's walls.
"Princess, what is going on?" Tessie's booming voice shot out over the screeching sounds.
"Oh, nothing," Nella coughed and sputtered. "I'm working on my breath control and trying to improve the timbre and ring of my voice by doing an exercise I read about for breath control. Guess it didn't work, huh?"
"Sounds like it, no pun intended,"
"Gee Tess, I hoped to sound alive and exciting, not like the annoying and boring seers and prophets I have listened to being glued to the VIV the past 24/7 rings. My eyes are burning with boredom."
“Take two.” Tessie cued the recording to begin again ignoring Nella’s complaint. It started the pre-flight narration that would continue during their actual flight to Earth.
BC DOWNLOAD BEGIN:
“A cosmic train wreck is waiting to happen. The Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies are on a collision course. But something else is closing in and gaining speed that is yet unknown to other worlds.”
DOWNLOAD STOP
"How did I sound Tessie?"
"Somewhat like a scared chick reading a horror sci-fi novel, but the decibel adjustments are correct! Try not to speak so breathy. Take three."
"Roger, here we go!"
BC DOWNLOAD CONTINUE:
“Global unrest is building on Centaurius. There is an unusual amount of activity among the leaders and legions of warriors’ subject to serve and defend the Empire. The Royal Family of Utropia received a personal summons bearing the royal seal from Montrobius, King of the Centaurian Empire.”
DOWNLOAD STOP
A giggle escaped Nella’s pouting lips upon discovering her image through the ships’ window. Round "oohs" and "aahs" captured her mouth bouncing around the interior of the cabin resonating happy sounds of pure mischief. She puckered her lips and planted a kiss on her reflection that stared back at her mirrored image.
“Nella, girl, you’ve got this!” She winked flirtatiously at her reflection. Next came the attempt to capture the big-eye look by stretching her facial muscles of her upper forehead, which did nothing more than displaying a creepy look like she’d seen an alien doppelganger. “Not exactly the look I was going for,” she sent out another spasm of giggles.
With promises of magic yet to be discovered and mastered, sparkling emerald gems rested between her heavily-lidded eyelashes. Their movement imitated a butterfly's wing in flight, fluttering with mischief and excitement while fanning her face within their embrace. Liking the effect of her eyes, she attempted a subtle fluttering movement, but instead, they thrashed about up and down like bats on steroids. “Well, so much for the come-hither look!”
Interior lights reflected on her free-spirited hair cascading past her shoulders, lush and opulent like the darkest of wines. Nella pulled back her burgundy mass, securing it with the royal crown (which looked more like an embellished hair clip). Amethyst, diamonds, gold and precious crystal stones of protection accented its ancient beauty and symbol of her family's royal lineage
"I'm ready to continue now."
"Well, that’s nice to know, Princess. For a minute, I thought I lost you to our next Astro model centerfold!"
"Hmm, very witty of you, Tessie."
"I'm not programmed to be witty, Princess, it’s a high priority to increase my database knowledge. Can we continue?"
"Sorry about that, just checking my reflection."
“No problem, Princess. Take three,"
BC DOWNLOAD CONTINUE:
“Since a child, I’ve been training under the supervision of Konan, the High-Warrior of the Centaurian Empire, as education in many areas of the military logistics were necessary. Legends predicted a life-changing event involving a future mission in serving my country. At the age of 1,600 spiral rings, I received the commission for the Earth mission I would command.
Through two hundred rings of training, I became familiar with the historical war records about our beginnings, wars and dreaded enemies of the empire. The number one threat being Zennibar, the wicked wizard from the neighboring planet of Naphix in the Whirlpool Galaxy. He enlisted and hired Abigor, his co-conspirator, and sidekick, the Duke of the Legions of Demons from the Fireworks Galaxy who commanded Zennibar's fleets. Together, they earned the infamous reputation of terrorists and were in the top ten most wanted enemies of the Centaurian Empire.
Since I still did not have the full knowledge or scope of the future, the rumor kept buzzing around the planet that something serious was brewing; more than likely, this ‘something’ mirrored a direct result of the planet’s enemies’ forever-scheming plans to overpower the existing governing powers and rule the Universe in chaos and terror.”
DOWNLOAD STOP
A message intercepted Nella's recording session and appeared on the VIV circling within a hologram. It showed a white cake with buttercream frosting and green-tinted decorated edges. A miniature figurine clothed in armor stood on the top layer. The small female warrior held a silver sword decorated with the royal crest, the point directed towards the heavens.
On the cake's flat surface, written in silver lettering, were the words, "Happy 1,800 spiral rings!" The sender's name did not accompany the message.
With all the responsibilities on her plate, and with the final preparation currently taking place for her spaceflight to Earth, Nella forgot about her birthday. Reaching eighteen hundred on the first level of Centaurian rings of time meant a celebration in the making. In Earth's time, this compared to an eighteen-year-old.
For those living on planet Centaurius, keeping track of time had little meaning. Everything revolved within the governing Twenty Rings. Each ring spiraled within different dimensions, timelines, experience, and intelligence. The first inner ring circling the planet was similar to one year of Earth time. However, one year on Earth was equivalent to one thousand Centaurian spiral rings.
Centaurians could not advance to any of the nineteen remaining rings until they completed all their tests and growth cycles from infant to end of the mature life cycle, starting with the First Ring. They progressed to the next ring and repeated the cycle until they advanced to the twentieth ring where they reach immortality. Centaurians grew, matured, and then elevated to another level of awareness within the rings.
BC DOWNLOAD CONTINUE:
“At the age of accountability, eight hundred rings on the first level, my first official assignment arrived giving complete responsibility to oversee the welfare of all creatures and critters of the land, air, and sea on Centaurius.
Thrilled with the challenge and opportunity to serve, the Council suggested I seek further education with this critical assignment. They advised me to delve into added research to develop my skills so that I could grow in wisdom, expanding my range to other planets, galaxies, and through the Universe.
The hilarious banter filled my days with a lot of humor as well as mastering multiple languages and ancient means of communication. One truth became evident early on in these studies. The reality revealed that the fact, all creatures—regardless of their breed, origin, or species—have similarities in common with their wants, needs, and desires.
->One: Instin
ct for survival
->Two: Living in a peaceful environment
->Three: Enjoying the safety and love of family, and lastly,
->Four: Living their lifespan to the fullest.
Living a non-threatening lifestyle on Centaurius and fulfilling all the duties expected within my given talents, I still felt a gnawing longing chipping away like a lost link which weighed heavily on my heart. The gift to communicate with all creatures did not amount to any outstanding accomplishments in my way of thinking. There just had to be more!
Realization hit me full force that trouble brewed when all the banter and communication ceased. Nothing but silence yelled and surrounded our planet. I am sure everyone understands the saying, "Be careful what you wish for." Well, I would find out soon enough!”
END DOWNLOAD
"Tessie, I need a break. Sandpaper invaded my mouth. How did the recording sound? Do we need to do a retake on this segment of my historical account to date??”
"No, Princess. My system is programmed to take all the information and put it in the proper sequence, so we are good!"
CHAPTER 4
Catastrophic Prophecies
With a wave of her hand, the hologram appeared so Nella could begin her research on the old prophesies in the Book of Twenty, the Bible to the Universe. The record contained everything recorded from creation to the present ring, as well as personal experiences, thoughts, and deeds.
Through the beginning section of the monologues, Nella found a few references by an age-old whizzy-wiz.
"Wow, check this out, Tessie!" She commented as she cued a section from a famous seer of Centaurius.
"Back in the early formation days of our planet, these wizards were not exactly what I’d call an egalitarian nor have their views changed in today's rings of time," she mused.
The monologue read,
‘Similar to an epicene who is always combating an internal war whether real or imagined, the cosmos undergoes constant, dramatic changes. The transition is dependent on the incremental external hierarchy for survival and dominance.’
"You old robo-fem, stereo-robot whizzy," Nella mumbled to the empty seats on the Phoenix. Her eyes dropped to the next line of scrolling text.
‘Somewhere in the vast arena of space, a cosmic train wreck is waiting to happen. Within the cosmos, any galaxy might appear as if nothing changes. However, over time, nothing stays the same. All creation is moving undetected by any discerning eye or the most powerful telescopes towards an original—purpose unknown—and sometimes unforeseen by intelligent entities.’
"Well, blast me with a robocorn, this prophecy speaks of complex nothingness. Have you heard anything so profound, Tessie? This old geezer is blowing smoke!"
"Yes, it is a possibility Princess. However, from an analytical perspective, I’m a firm advocate of the saying, History does not occur in a vacuum, which is an adroit way to say, shit throughout ancient times happens for specific reasons," Tessie responded with her robotic voice. "You will discover a plausible answer and an explanatory sequence will follow."
"Whatever." A giggle escaped out of Nella’s mouth at Tessie's use of the English lingo and swear word as she attempted to concentrate and returned to scanning through the documents.
The biggest concern she noted from the writings discussed the interaction of the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies. Though 2.5 million light years apart, the seers predicted they were set to collide. According to the astronomers, at the speed of 402,000 Km/H, or 300 KPS, these uncontrollable Giants gravitated towards one other at speeds fast enough to circle the Earth in six minutes.
As the calculations ran through her mind, Nella realized these Titans had approximately three to four billion Earth years before they would be at each other's throats.
"What's the urgent rush or panic, Tessie? There should be enough time and means left to aid in Earth's rehab."
"Keep reading; you will discover a significant reason."
"Do not become a drama queen on me, Tess. So far, all I have gleaned from these old records and prophesies is this: Earth will be destroyed by cremation if it continues on its present course. How can that be?"
"You are correct. Before the proclaimed time, Earth's decay will speed up because of the repercussions of mass internal issues. The prophecy warns of depletion from within of natural resources, water, habitats, rising oceans, land loss, deforestation of rainforests, and death of its coral reefs—yadda, yadda, yadda."
"Hey Tess, you added a couple of new slang words to your database. Here is a new expression to counter your remarkable discoveries. Awesomeness!"
"I must admit you provide volumes of peculiar and questionable jargon from Earth Princess, which at times makes no logical sense. They do work well in getting the point across to you. I think many have incorrect meaning, or should I say are empty, with no purpose, direction, or place for a rational understanding of what is being discussed or communicated."
“Sad but true. I agree with you, Tess, one hundred percent. English is like a whole different language made up of multiple accents and dialects, directed towards different age levels. I am still trying to figure them out. When I think I have the majority mastered, it shows that through each generation of time, they come up with crazy new jargon that only they can understand. I'm not sure if I can pull off blending in with Earthlings because I can't find logical meanings to a majority of the phrases or words they use within their means of communication.”
"It is a challenge. I am confident you will find a way. I am here to assist. Now, you were saying, Princess?"
"Oh, yes, well, with the environmental decay and a lack of a 'pedal-to-the-metal' mentality, counting the disappearance of many life forms in the animal and plant kingdom, you would think life on Earth might cease to exist long before these doomsday predictions," Nella noted.
"Right again, Princess. Earth's deterioration existed and has progressed for a long time. Many creatures are dying off for lack of a food source and living habitat. Human births are reaching worrisome numbers, threatening a serious shortage of food or water sources as the population explodes," Tessie noted. "Besides the unnecessary catastrophic destruction, add other acts by Mother Nature or meteors hurled from space which has the potential to eradicate all life forms. These are common threats, to mention only a few realistic possibilities."
“Whoa. You’re beginning mimic a historical textbook of doomsday prophecies. Or worse, sound similar to one of the seers assigned to enlighten me with our planet's past. I'm bored to death being held prisoner to listen to them babble during this training mission. Such a waste of words!”
"I'm not programmed to waste words, only to instruct and serve."
"I didn’t mean you, Tess. I think it is a troubled position for the inhabitants of Earth in taking a deaf-ear approach and refuse any responsibility to correct their spiraling decay."
"There are other issues to add to the mix — for example, their misuse of modern-day technology, for one. So, we are back to the fact: Earth is gyrating out of control," Tessie reminded her.
"Okay, okay, I get it! Oh no, here is the predicted prophecy on Earth's death." The text enlarged for more comfortable viewing on the VIV as Nella waved her hand across the screen.
‘Some planets can and will survive change; others will not. Unfortunate as it may be, the death of Earth by burning from the sun's solar rays will occur earlier than the original prophesied timeline and is recorded to happen within three million years if conditions are left uncorrected.’
"I don't understand how they can predict this so early, Tessie. How can we ever retrieve and transfer the full historical facts for future generations to read with such limited time left? What's worse, it looks like an impossible feat to save planet Earth," Nella complained.
"All in good time. Take small steps. Look at the following section, Princess." A new text started streaming across the hologram screen.
‘Heavenly bodies throughout the millennia will meet their demise. For
ces will devour, swallow, and spin everything out of orbit into oblivion. Stars will burn into non-existence, and planets will experience realignment or death. The emergence will create new galaxies, solar systems, planets, suns, and moons—a new birth—resulting in the total extinction of the old.’
"Just peachy," broadcasted over Nella's sound system, which she thought she voiced for her ears only.
“Oops, sorry about that Tess!”
"What does 'just peachy' mean?"
"I’m not sure. I believe its use in this instance if meant as sarcasm, but its translation says; fruit, soft and fuzzy on the outside, sweet and juicy on the inside and tastes delicious to eat. Confusing, huh?"
“I will run it through my database Princess to find possible other meanings and if appropriate add it to the vast array of Earth communication to use in future and appropriate context.”
“Thanks, Tessie, you’re the best!”
A throbbing headache claimed Nella's skull. Energy squeezed and tormented her mind where she saw a white background with restless black dots, spreading like an amoeba consuming everything in its gluttonous hunger. With the amount of incoming historical data, she experienced pain which no medication or magic could heal.
CHAPTER 5
The Red Brume
Nella continued researching the records within the Akashic Records that archived the events of the worlds and recorded within the Book of Twenty. The time log showed she spent more time on research than training real-time out in the field.
She took a deep breath and exhaled in one big swoosh in an attempt to keep awake. Her eyes focused, her body stilled as she scanned the page and realized she’d found the information she had been searching to find. She read and re-read as a frown claimed her face.
"Tessie, I’ve found it. Here is the part on the Red Brume, which according to the archives, is the most feared of prophecies, capable of destroying everything if not stopped. Listen to the notes the Wizard Jarvis wrote who created this entity."