NOVEL WEB Issue 10: Memories in Amber
Issue 10: Memories in Amber
“Of all days, why did this have to happen? Because of Protocol, this too I have to keep from my little girl. A birthday she will not remember accurately.”-From the Journal of J’ino Ayeer.
“It is a pity that the little one appears mostly human. She displays only the innocence of a child. A commonality I am glad exists in this universe. She could see my son when no one else could at this facility. Like all children, he too was curious, we will keep the memories for her.”-Ambassador Iresh, Litari Federation.
“I know why they had to do it. Eliza, at that point in her life, hadn’t displayed much of her mother’s capabilities. It still twists at my heart. I know it wasn’t easy for Jennifer…I mean J’ino. I think in some ways, she preferred her human cover, as a kind of shield. As I look back on my life, I wished nothing more to take a ship. Gather up my family and fly away from everything. But duty, love, and obligation prevented it. Earth and everyone else would need to be a Wall against the Endless Void Walkers. Even before my daughter wore her cape, she knew this. No 4 year old should have to bear such a burden.”-From the personal biography of General Murphy: A Father’s Duty.
“Eliza was my first friend. From Earth that is. She hid me from the worst trouble in the whole multiverse, to be used as a weapon. I had no idea just how close the Void Man came to abducting me that day. I am glad she is back at Area 51. Even if its with US NASA cover. Unlike many here, she can still see us. We have never been Shimmers to her.”- Ritark ultha Iresh y Maktar, Litari Federation.
Area 51, Main Access Building
Earth (US Facility, Groom Lake)
October 8th, 2078
My first visit to Area 51 held quite a few memories. Once I was able to re-access these guarded secrets, my parents often complex feelings became far more understandable. I remember reading something once: Evil prospers when good men do nothing. At the time, even though my mother understood this on an intellectual level. Emotionally it was something different to handle. Some children make up imaginary friends. From birth, mine was far more ancient and all too real. Some called all the various ambassadors at the complex “Shimmers.” Even now, all these years later, I am forever grateful that the Void man wasn’t able to truly see me until far later. Because even at that young age: my sight was already uncovered.-Sleeping in Starlight, a memoir of the 22nd century.
Daddy was angry at someone. I could tell by the set of his mouth. His mustache was all puffed up as he talked to the man in the nice suit. I stood quietly by. When he was in his officer uniform I knew it meant Father was present. With bells on. Like mama would say. I looked up at him in shock when he cursed. I can hear pretty good. He was gonna have to give that Jar some money. He broke off for a moment and knelt in front of me. His neatly trimmed black hair reminded me of Lego blocks. Very straight and square.
“Eliza, I am sorry. Looks like you will be spending part of your birthday at my work today. But if you are a good girl, I promise we will go get mom later and take you to the Carnival. Ok?”
I did my best to look very composed. Then I giggled when he lifted me into his arms. When he kissed me on the forehead, the bristles on his face tickled. He spun me around, then asked, “Who is daddy’s little space cadet?” Was this a trick question? I poked him on the nose. Then replied, “Lt. Space Case reporting for duty Col. Father! Does this place have shuttles! I want a space ship! Then I can go to the habitat rings! ” His brown eyes lit up. A familiar rumbling tone, “Of course you do. I bet one day you will fly to the Moon.”
I giggled. “YEP! Just like Captain Cosmos and the Planetary Defenders!” My father just gave me a little squeeze as he carried me into the elevator. Even though I was a big girl now, it was still good to have dad there. His shoulders could lift anything. Even a kid like me. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see something looking at us. A big white basketball with a central red eye. Just like the landing lights on a hover copter. After a few moments, it descended and sat right on my head. Now the size of a baseball. It wasn’t even that heavy. I was tempted to say hello but Mr. Apple stopped me. He was in the elevator too. Looked kinda like Captain Cosmos but in a nice black suit. With a red tie. I could hear him even if his lips never moved.
Don’t worry. He’s a friend. But this is most important: Pretend you can’t see him, ok?
Part of me wanted to tell mom and dad about Mr. Apple but he said some secrets will save them. But they couldn’t know about him for now. He was a linchpin. I didn’t know what that meant but my gut said he was good. I could feel it. Just how I knew daddy was good. Momma. All the doggies. Gran-gran and pop-pop! When the doors opened, there was a giant display in the middle of the main hall. It had so many colors. Father took one look at it then winked at me, “Not today kiddo, you need proper clearance.” So we went past more doors. Mr.Basketball was humming the theme song to some old movies that gran- gran loved. The last door on the right, dad put his eye up to it and it made some noises.
Once inside he activated the big monitor. It took up half the room. “How would you like to watch the Captain go on some adventures with this kind of screen?”
“YES! ” I pretended to shoot at the screen in front.
“I will defend the whole universe!”
Dad shook his head and also pulled out a package, it was nicely made with a yellow ribbon, with a giant “Happy 4th” written on it. That was momma’s handwriting. Hers was very neat. Lots of curves to it.
“Since it's going to be a bit, why don’t we start some birthday fun now?”
I took some time to carefully unwrap the gift. It was such a pretty ribbon.
It was a ball-cap! But just not any cap, it was a NASA cap. With big white letters. It was navy blue. I put it on my head as my father laughed. Then he helped me adjust it. Basketball was taking pictures. I could tell because he was floating all around the room. His iris expanding and contracting rapidly. Like when gran-gran goes on a rampage for her wall. I wish I could stay with them longer but they are very busy. Just like mom and dad.
A tiny beep came from the side of the room. Dad walked over to it and said something. Then shook his finger at me. In a rather serious voice, “There are two men outside that will guard this door. Ill return in a few hours. Over in that left corner is a mini fridge. Just ask what you want: It will cook the food. The unit next to it serves water and ice tea. No sugar for you. That’s for later, ok?”
I nodded solemnly. “Yes sir!”
He gave me a quick kiss on the head and exited the room. Basketball was hovering near the edge of the display screen. It almost looked like he was enjoying Captain Cosmos too. Mr. Apple was near the door for a moment, like he was listening to something, then in a blink, was beside me.
When the time comes, hide him in your jacket ok?
I nodded without thinking. This was a nice jacket. It had a rocketship on the back. Pop-pop gave it to me last month. Since I was getting so tall already. Mr. Apple gave my nose a small boop. He smiled. He glowed for a moment then faded from my sight. I went over to the fridge to get some crackers and decided on the ice tea. This episode featured Dr. Sawsmith, the Captain, and their faithful Robo K-9 Jester. Against the evil Chessmen of Ortis 6. That was a good one. It had a big space ship battle.
Basketball eventually melted through the wall. That was a neat trick. Mr. Electron, the main demi from California could do something similar.
*****
Ritark phased rapidly through the Area 51 complex. Terrified of the thing chasing him. He didn’t mean to but somehow he found himself on the Human side of the facility. He flited from shadow to shadow, his body molding to each place like he was born to it but the Void Man still found him, which terrified the young Litari even more. His mother had warned him of the Ashen ones but he thought it an old tale. Now, this walking nightmare was all too real. It wore a human face but he wasn’t very sure how to identify it. Most humans still looked unclear to him. His people were a nocturnal race. So they relied more upon sound. He slipped under the door guarded by two humans, hoping they could delay the Void Man.
*****
At first, I thought it was a trick of the light but then I rubbed my eyes. A smaller person had somehow entered the room. His eyes glowed yellow. His whole body was like a black sheet, rippling with exhaustion. His fear hit me like a hammer. I could hear the men outside arguing with someone. I remembered Mr. Apple’s words. I opened my jacket. I whispered to him:
“Hey, you will be safe with me.”
*****
Ritark paused in shock for a split second, then dived into the deepest recesses of the little girl’s jacket. He could feel the pull in her words. A simple promise of protection. His golden eyes latched onto a name stenciled in the back: Property of Eliza Murphy. He curled up into a tight ball and waited. Hoping that his mother, the Bardaxians, or even the Typherians would find him in time. He heard her zip up the jacket, taking time to seal all the openings she could find, then he heard the monitor sound go up. The door opened and the little one held his breath.
Please. Don’t let me die.
He could feel something happen. A wall of warmth and concern covered him. Keeping the darkness at bay.
*****
I reassured him the best I knew how. I did that sometimes with mom, dad or my grandparents. When they got too sad about something. A tall blond man opened the door for a moment. His eyes flickering rapidly. The two guards outside pulled the doors open even wider. One stated, clearly irritated,
“Director, are you satisfied? There’s no one else here. Just like we said. Besides shouldn’t the FBI be on Level 4 anyway? Why come up here. This is just admin.”
I dared not look at him. Just that one side image told me all I needed to know.
Monster. Like the ones that eat you from under your bed.
Pitiless Eyes.
Focus on the Captain.
After another breath or two, he exited the room. One of the guards looked at me, “Sorry about that kiddo. That man has a nasty streak. You will be better off going NASA. Just sayin.” He closed the door with a soft click.
*****
Micheal Brookes stopped a few doors down. He could still sense the Litari’s pheromones somewhere on this level. The damned thing couldn’t have gotten too far. Had it phased under that door and re-emerged somewhere else? He dashed for the main elevator. It might have gotten a few levels down after all. The guards had told him about the girl in the room.
He only needed a moment but after examining her, deemed her genetic code lacking. Even her spine was damaged. A useless fragile specimen that wouldn’t even reach this planet’s level of maturity. An irritant in the grand tapestry. As the elevator descended downwards into the dark, he sent a message to Ms. Bel.
Subject Escaped. Stay the Course for Project CoC. We will find another sample.
*****
I opened my jacket. Finding two golden eyes staring up at me. “Hi! The Monster Man is gone. Where’s your momma?” His voice seemed to echo in my head. Like Mr. Apple.
I’m not allowed to say. They are gonna be mad. Not supposed to talk to Humans yet.
“Well, that’s already happened though. Can you call your mom?” I held up my communicator. It only had my home code and my grandparents in it. The reception didn’t work in here but his eyes locked onto it.
He gave a small chirping sound. I smiled at him.
The Ships might know! I will show you!
“I like that idea. I love ships. I bet they could page your mom. Like in the holovids.”
We went to the backside of the room. My friend said his name was Ritark. He reached out and a weird symbol formed on the wall of the bathroom. Not in the stall itself. But rather near the corner by the wastebins. A portal opened, only slightly taller than me. I stepped through.
I was having an adventure! Just like all my favorite vids.
Area 51, Uplifted Complex Level 3
Earth (US Facility, Groom Lake Docking Bay)
October 8th, 2078
I stood in shock at all the shapes and colors. My friend peeked out of my jacket. He indicated one tethered to the south side of the bay. There were so many different words here. One, in particular, caught my eyes: Dweller Class Relics. Then Ritak chirped again, indicating a ship in the back. It looked like an oval. The color of obsidian. He let out a rapid fire of barks, whistles, and chirps at it.
It spoke back! JUST LIKE CAPTAIN COSMOS!
Except for the Monster Man, this was turning out to be a fun birthday.
Area 51, Situation Room
Earth (US Facility, Groom Lake)
October 8th, 2078
Thomas lurched to his feet.
The other representatives just looked up from their reports. President Marshall cleared his throat, “Something wrong Col. Murphy?” Finds-The-Path was staring at him. His MWD handler was utterly oblivious. His scruff was raised slightly. His black and tan fur almost electrified. Three quick thumps of his tail made Thomas’ face blanch. Raised Scruff and 3 thumps.
Uplift Breach. Level 3.
He gave everyone a quick apology. “Excuse me. My wife is trying to call in on an outside line. Be right back.” They all resumed their daily routine. The president gave him a more in-depth review then gazed at the dog. His eyes refocused. “Right, well take all the time you need. It's not like this facility is going anywhere.” He chuckled at his joke.
*****
J’ino raced down the hallways. Her brother and Nuul of Atlantis right behind her. The High Muthra was muttering under his breath. She chose to ignore it.
Over the network, one message played over and over: UPLIFT BREACH LEVEL 3. Notify all personnel. Breach Level 3.
The main conveyor opened, she saw her husband armed to the gills, motioning them inside. “Finds is stuck in the Room. It's up to us.” A dark shape filled the area as the Head Litari Ambassador joined them. She motioned to Thomas, “Our children are in the ship bay.” J’ino and Thomas just stared for a moment, then the Typherian Ambassador grasped her husband’s arm for support, “HOW did Eliza get in there?!” Her eyes were wide open with horror. “You will not touch my daughter’s memories until I say.” She waited until the others nodded.
*****
We both waited by the ship. He said his mom and some others were coming. That we should stay here. It wasn’t long until I heard the commotion. Multiple footsteps. I started waving excitedly to dad when I saw him. That was a whole lot of stuff. Some of it looked very impressive.
“Sorry, daddy. Ritark needed help. And you and pop-pop said we should always help. The Void Man tried to eat him. I told him we should call home. So we found his ship to call his mama.“ Father took a few steps forward then knelt in front of me.
Mr. Apple blinked in next to him. His arm passing through daddy’s head.
Tell them the Void Man’s Job. Remember the title the guards mentioned?
“The guards called him Director. Mentioned that the FBI would be a bad place to work. They told him to go to Level 4. He was pretty tall. Blond. But his eyes looked Monster bad. He was gonna take Ritark. Pitiless Eyes. Blacker then Space bad. Daddy. Really bad. Bad things. Cold.”
A lady in really nice space armor crouched next to Father. Silver and Black with a blue sash. I couldn’t see her face but I could tell she was crying. I can't explain it but when people are sad they have a blue aura around them. A big bearded man was behind her. His armored robes looked fancy. With silver and blue engravings on it. His lips were moving but I couldn’t hear anything.
I hugged the space lady. “Welcome to Earth! Today is my 4th birthday and these ships are very pretty.” She wrapped her arms around me, her voice echoing through her helmet, “Th-thanks. So what do you want for your birthday.” Her voice was very sad yet proud.
I gave this some very serious thought. “Can I share some cake with Ritark? Can he have chocolate?” My friend flew in small circles, all the while chirping with excitement. His momma took up half the room. But she wasn’t that scary. I felt a weight on my neck. I looked at the necklace. It had a nice pretty stone. It glowed green when I held it. Some sort of music echoed in my mind. Another woman entered the room. She looked kinda Asian but with very nice clothing.
Dad gave my back a small pat. Like the Space Lady, he looked very sad but remained composed. I hugged his leg for a moment. “Mission accomplished Bossman!” Just like what Uncle Paxton would say. Along with a salute. A very slight smile formed then he gestured to the other lady.
“Her name is Sul, tell her what you told me, even if it was scary ok?”
*****
The Lady turned to J’ino and her husband. The children were chatting away at the table. Complete with cake. Points-to-the-Stars had some icing on his nose. His boisterous howling echoing throughout the room. Just like any other beagle.
“Your daughter must be protected above all else. You will understand with time. I know, especially you dear J’ino, hate what needs to be done but she cannot have any clear memory of Ritark. Not as he is.”
They both stared at Eliza for a moment. Emotions crisscrossing their faces. Thomas was the first to speak, “So, what kind of memory do you suggest?” His face was pure agony. His tone flat. She paused, choosing her next words with great care, “There may be a way to keep the most important part intact.”
*****
We were all piled in the car. My NASA cap affixed to my head. Plus the head diplomat from the Pacific Endurance Pact, now that’s a mouthful, gave me a necklace. Cause her son had gone missing and I had found him. We watched all of Season 1 of Captain Cosmos. Not only that. I got a chocolate cake. Which, thanks to Snoopy, was all gone. Dad wanted that part to be a surprise but having a dog in the house was gonna be nice. I beamed the biggest smile I could at my parents.
“Mom! Can I take a shuttle ride for my next birthday? I might be tall enough then.” A weird look came over her. Like she wanted to cry but held it in. I know this wasn’t normal and maybe against the rules but I unhooked myself from the special seat and climbed into the front. Planting myself firmly in mom’s lap. She hugged me. Resting her cheek on the top of my head.
“This was a good birthday momma! I got cake, NASA stuff, a dog!” Snoopy perked up at that and gave a very excited bark. Only one bark though. He was smart. I gazed over at dad. He had a funny expression too. Their auras were blue with stripes of gold running through them. Gold was hard to understand. So I pushed against it. Red indicated someone was angry. I didn’t see any red so that wasn’t it.
Mom gave me a look. Like she knew what I was doing. I grabbed her necklace for a moment and put it next to mine, they made a nice sound when I did that. She started humming a soft tune I didn’t recognize but it made me sleepy. “Can we all go to the Carnival with Uncle Paxton and Gran-gran, Pop-pop? Maybe Jacob and Sam will come with us this time.”
My eyelids felt heavy. Then I didn’t feel anything at all as sleep took me away.
*****
J’ino could sense Horus in the back seat of the car. She cradled her daughter as they drove home. Then without turning, she stated, “Horus, have you relayed my request to the Council of Five and the League of Sentients?”
<
*****
From 10 sectors away, Q’vera felt her sister’s rage along the Ayeer relay line. She winced. Another rejection then. As she entered her domicile after over 2 years in the field, she greeted her children, held them close. At this point, nothing was more precious. She sent a request along the line, to her parents. Even if his status as “ruler” was mostly in name, in many parts of the Multiverse, V’alkor’s words still held some weight. There had to be a way to free J’ino’s daughter from this conundrum. Who cares what the Science Council thought anyway.
*****
I sat in my room. All that cake made me feel very tired. Mom even let me have a 3rd slice. That was very special. Snoopy was on my pillow. His little legs kicking as he dreamed. Ever so often a muted bark and a little thump of his tail told me he was hunting too.
Mr. Apple was beside me, pointing at the various pieces on the checker board. I moved the red ones for him.
“Why can't anyone see the Shadow man?”
Mr. Apple leaned in close, then whispered:
Because he is everyone and no one. He hides very well. Wears many faces. But you must not say anything. I protected that one part of your memory for a reason. So when you are bigger, you can fight the Shadow man. Just like the Golden Bulleteer.
I grinned. “Just like him?!” I pointed at my 2nd most precious items: My collection of Maverick toys was arranged on the table by my bed. Alongside was a giant Squid monster, trying to eat the city. But they would always save the day. No matter what.
My first was the space shuttle models my brother Jacob made for me. Two old Endeavor Classes.
Mr. Apple gave me a very stern look. Then his eyes brightened. A bright wheel of white light formed. It began to tick.
Little moves.
He indicated the bed. Snoopy had rolled over again. I yawned then climbed in. Gran-gran’s friend was coming over tomorrow to make pancakes. I didn’t want to miss that. I looked at the necklace again, it was glowing faintly, a nice melody running around in my head. I wrapped my arms around my beagle. Everything was gonna be ok.
Hall of Ages, Typhos
A’rgax Central City (Typha, Heart of the Typherian Ascendency)
October 12th, 2080 (200 ACF)
V’alkor Ayeer, 12th of his name, Known Ruler of the Ascendancy strode towards his private chambers. The skyscape of his homeworld filled with the coming and going of ships, all types of Defenders, their belts lighting up the Star Sphere surrounding Typha’s twin suns. He glanced at his H.U.D as it filled with Horus’ latest reports from Earth. His grey within black eyes narrowed as he read the latest:
///Horus to V’alkor:/// The young captain wishes to fly a starship. Query: She can already self propel in the air, like so! I wonder why she would want a ship in that case.
V’alkor just stopped dead in his tracks as a vid showcasing Eliza, with the same hair and eyes as his own, bounding with endless excitement in some sort of cornfield. Her eyes had the white of humanity though. Her erstwhile friend, Eddie, from what he could remember from the reports, whooping as well. She had her arm wrapped around him. Wind whipping through their hair as they jumped even higher off the ground.
A deep hearty chuckle escaped from his chest. Grandchildren were indeed the most wondrous things in his universe. Mostly because he knew how biased he was. At his age, just over 700 cycles, there were very few things in life that gave him more joy. He sent a signal to his daughter’s amulet. In a few moments, her cloaked form filled his vision. The look on her face gave him some relief. An easy smile formed.
>>Father!<<
Her mind's voice was filled with a rare sense of wonder.
>>I see Horus informed you of Eliza’s antics. Don’t worry, Thomas and I are watching them. We had no idea. None at all. With the birth being so hard. The damage to her heart and…<<
Her tone turned bleak for a moment. V’alkor’s mind reaching out to his daughter. He wrapped her in a fierce mental blanket of paternal protection. Her lips quirked slightly. Eyes turning soft. >>Still a protective wolf aren’t you papa?<<
He snorted. >> Just make sure Eliza gets some of the flying fundamentals down. Remember the family motto: Ever Skyward, never Bound!<<
J’ino just smirked. >>Right, with the way Thomas is looking at it, we will have to put a tracker on her just to make sure she doesn’t get lost on the Darkside of the moon!<<
He had to cut the link sort, unfortunately. Because he could see Eliza begin to bound towards her mother. >>We love you both. And yes, I am still combating the restrictions. I'll never stop my dear.<<
He began counting the days until Arrival. On that day, the final push would begin. He knew beyond all measure, what that would entail. So for now, he carried the burden. Eliza would be ready.
Faith would light the way. And she wouldn’t be alone.