NOVEL WEB Issue 32: The Crystal Files
Issue 7: The Crystal Files
While the secret of At’lan is maintained, the terraformer is huge enough for the general population to live comfortably. We have humans and other individuals living here that know the greater universe exists but since their lives haven’t been affected as of yet, they continue to work the land, enjoy their families, build wonders that would shock some Typherians out of their tech induced stupor. Without knowing which Muthra are sleeper agents, I find myself worrying just as much about my people just as much as At’lan. The only ones who have access to the command deck are Nuul, Sul’sandra, and one other. –Tivus, the Histories of Atlantis.
Watch Mr. Brookes. We don’t know if the enemy did anything else to him besides using his DNA. For his part, he didn’t mind giving up more samples to make it easier to track Chonos’ prior movements. Even though vengeance is on his mind, he seems to be more reflective than his captivity would suggest. What did he see in all those years, trapped in amber?—Arthon, private message to Nuul, Head Muthra of Atlantis.
My sister insists I add something to this memoir of hers. I am not much for leaving written histories or input but she thought it important I add this line here: When everything is on the line, fight with everything you have, so you can pass that fire to the next generation. Be the beacon they can rally behind. Hope is eternal but fleeting to some. If they don’t know where to look. The Abyss may stare back but you also have eyes. Peirce that darkness and carry the light within and without.—Sleeping in Starlight, a memoir of the 22nd century.
Atlantis
Muthra Sector (Level 4)
November 5th, 2103
Thomas Murphy clasped his hand behind his back. His feet slightly apart. His wife was next to him, looking at the updates from Paxton, Whitehouse, and dozens of messages pilling up by the moment. For now, Project Osiris was at a standstill. Thoth still hadn’t made an opening salvo with the Cabal and that worried the dark-haired human. J’ino snorted at Whitehouse’s update. “It looks like Bardax awarded the Golden Redeemers with a prize corsair fleet. To thank Earth especially.” Her brow furrowed with concern, “Seems like some at my embassy took this a bit too seriously. Y’lansa had to personally order the border fleet to let all the ships through back to Terran Space.”
Thomas bit back a bark of ugly laughter. There could only be one person that would raise that much of a ruckus. J’ino poked him in the stomach. “Behave.” Her tone was serious. The slight blush on her cheeks revealed her amusement though. Sul’sandra came over and exclaimed, “Looks like my newest trainee got all sorts of red tape all up in a knot and threw it into the sun.”
She didn’t bother to hide her good cheer. Tears were running down her face. Her breath was coming in great swaths as she held on to the side of the viewing wall for support. The words came out between each intake, “Clever Bardaxians. Very smart of Cooper to claim his team as packmates from the outset. Honorary Bardiaxian status.”
Horus let out a series of melodic notes, ((Ahh, that means the Captain has new family members. This will please her greatly.))
Thomas felt a burst of warmth originating from his bracers. Sul noticed it as well. A small locator hovered above General Murphy’s head. Pointing to a set of hallways leading to the storage area of the sector. She said, “Well now. Looks like we have ourselves a bit of a mystery. Atlantis doesn’t have much in the storage as far as Earth artifacts go.” Thomas waved a hand, “Lead on dear Lady. Might as well leave no stone unturned.”
*****
The Puzzler tapped Arthon on the shoulder, “Someone is accessing something that wants to remain hidden.” Arthon brought up more displays. His eyes growing more concerned by the second, “The Crystal Files!” The muthra sprinted to the main control room for this eastern sector. Puzzler on his heels. Tivus was about to put out a general alert when Eddie stated, “Maybe we should see what the person is trying to access first. Like Whitehouse says, don’t let the enemy know a thing.” Within the octagon-shaped feeds, the mission of those files was clear as day to Arthon.
His blue eyes narrowed. “The Zygotic Expanse. “
No good ever came from that area of the Milky Way.It flowed across the multiverse. Appearing across a multitude of areas.
He accessed the main arrays. “At’lan!”
The ancient ship came online, <
“What information was just authorized via the Crystal Files?”
At’lan paused. Minutes ticked by. Finally, it replied, <
The Puzzler indicated another set of symbols, “Please tell me its not more Void Walker trouble.” Arthon rand his fingers through his hair, hands shaking, then he forced himself to breathe properly before replying, “Not them. The All-Father.”
Eddie didn’t like the sound of that one bit.
Tivus grunted, “We will have to inform J’ino at least.”
A sudden rush of air hit. The doors slammed shut.
At’lan proclaimed, <
Tivus tried to access his HUD, muted static-filled relays stared back at him. “I am completely offline. Arthon?”
His grandson attempted to the same. “Regretfully grandfather. I have nothing here as well.” Eddie saw an orange-red outline behind a panel. The hands were trying to pry away at something. He brought the other two closer together and pitched his voice low, “I think At’lan shut down on purpose. Someone is in the other room, messing with a node or panel of some sort.”
The lights winked out.
Yellow emergency orbs flared to life.
All three could hear faint cursing. The heavy leaden steps of boots.
At’lan remained inert.
The Jupiter Rising
Captain’s Quarters
November 5th, 2103
I was reading some updates when a soft chime resounded throughout the cabin.
“Enter!”
Doc brought in some more stuff from the galley. Set out a tray and it floated beside my bed. She opened with, “Whitehouse has the rest of our prize fleet slaved to Jupiter’s navigation so we can cross the gates to Earth when the time comes.”
I got the very distinct impression that was the least of her concerns for the moment. I moved over and made some room on the bed for her to sit. “A penny for your thoughts Doc?” She sat. Stared at the vidscreen. Her hands were trembling. I reached out with my empathetic senses, even though I knew in the past I had gotten some feelings crossed very poorly, but now that I knew what to dig for it came back as sparks of orange and purple. She was excited for me.
Her eyes darted to mine for a moment, then she tugged on my sleeve, pretending to fix it. I lifted her chin, “Come on, you came in here all happy and excited, why the hesitation?” Jupiter chimed in with, <>
“Ok, so in laymen’s terms?”
Doc laid her forehead on my arm, “You know how you always knew if I was in trouble? It was after senior prom. That wave of feeling I got? You felt it too right?”
I nodded. Remembering the ecstatic feeling racing up my spine. “I do. I thought it was from your healing abilities.” She shook her head. Her hands were grasping my arm harder. She replied, “I sent an initial burst out to see how extensive the damage was but parts of your system that was still present initiated what Jupiter called Mark Bonding.”
I brought up the database. It flashed “Information Denied.”
Jupiter, what do I need to access this?”
The ship sounded apologetic, “A functioning Typherian neural system.” Dexter popped into my mind momentarily, >>Ill access it, but we all have to be in the medbay. That way Jupiter can shield us easier.<<
*****
Dexter read the entry again. Doc had his sister hooked up to the medpod once more. Lorain needed to map his nodes over hers. Mr. Apple was on the other side of the room. Staring at the medical readouts. His eyes pleading with Dexter, We didn’t have time. Chronos would have used all 3 of you to make an unstoppable army for Unity. It happened to Universe 456! Now all those souls feed his despicable master. If that had occurred in the prime universe, all would fall.
The intellectual and logical side of Dexter concurred. Even though that mirror verse had been easier pickings than this prime universe, the results had been devastating. Not just for those beings there but for 10 other universes as well. Through his belt and the vibrations of the Weave, he had witnessed his grandparents sealing off those compromised universes to save the greater whole. Beings still fought with valor though. Not all of them had fallen within that sector of the Multiverse. His jaw was clenched tightly. Spots of red forming before his eyes. His voice was tight with anger, “Scholar: How do we fix my sister’s marks?” Each word was followed by the twitching of fingers. He wanted to punch the man.
The Scholar touched his mind. Everything faded for a measure of heartbeats. Alexander Dexter Murphy wanted to scream. What else would Eliza have to give up without any consultation? To him, the cruelest part was she never even got the chance to experience things properly. Shock flowed through him. Even their mother was changed. By their very birth. He shouted, “Tell me why Scholar. ALL of it. ALL OF IT!” Images assaulted his mind. For Mr. Apple, if this was the only way Dexter would forgive or understand, he shared the knowledge. The lines of fate. What was really at stake if the Twins here would fail.
Cold sweat appeared all over Dexter’s body. Shivers running along his spine from the recent cloning and the situation caused him to collapse heavily into an adjoining chair.
He didn’t know if he wanted to laugh, cry, or punch Unity square in the face.
*****
While in the pod, everything felt nice, to the point where it was like a mini-vacation. No echoes running across my senses. The multitude of voices. Just a sense of weightlessness. Doc had finished placing the equipment along my back. Still, the only real sensitive area was the back of my neck. Her voice came through my neural net: <
She hesitated for a moment, << Just be sure to tell me if anything is different ok?>>
I gave her a thumbs up. Everything faded into a pleasant white noise.
Images swam before my eyes.
The Apex
Location Cloaked
Time Unknown
The sky above was golden. My footsteps echoing along a marble floor. Each square was entwined with black and white markings. A blurry shape ahead coalesced before me. His eyes very much like my own. 8 feet tall to boot. Grandpa Wolf himself. “Where am I?” He wore a simple white shirt with some tan pants. His boots were dark gray. “Within the Throne of the Multiverse. Your brother is very understandably upset.”
He waited as I got my bearings.
Behind him was a great mural. Ever shifting. He continued.
“Between you both, the White demands more physically. Its why you will never be able to do things quite the same as other Typherians.”
His arms wrapped around me in a hug.
He kissed the top of my head, “Your brother is also forever changed. He will do things beyond most Typherian capabilities. But have faith granddaughter. While the 4th mark will be forever closed to you, you will have all the joys of the world. Just remember to weather the sorrows. For life is one grand tapestry.”
The edges faded. Until all I could see was my grandfather and his smile.
“Ever Skyward. Never Bound.” Another family motto.
A great rushing noise filled my ears and my eyes popped open.
The blue fluids of the med pod lapped around me. I shivered as the stimulant receded and the pod opened with a soft hiss. Doc placed a hand on my back. “Easy now.” I exited slowly. My feet planted firmly on the deck. Dexter came over and crouched next to me. His eyes were dark with worry. I grinned, “I’m ok. Feeling a bit dizzy.” Doc ran another hand down my back. Her eyes focused on the newly transplanted nodes. “Alright Captain. Time to take a walk.” I gripped the edge of the pod and hauled myself up.
Taking a few tentative steps forward.
My nose twitched. Everything was in place but what was that enchanting smell. I called out to Jupiter, “Anyone cooking in the galley?”
She replied, <
Well, that explained the aroma. I kept walking. Wondering if anything felt different.
*****
Lorain couldn’t help but feel ecstatic. The readouts were going phenomenally well. It would probably be a few days before Eliza felt anything differently if at all but there was no sign of rejection. In fact, Emris was seeding those new cells with more nanites.
///Integrating Typherian synapses around new material. While the subject may eventually develop along some familiar lines, some marks will never display properly. The subject will remain sterile for the purposes of reproduction.///
Lorain covered her dismay by leaning on Eliza for a moment. Trying to marshall her thoughts. To bury that notification deep. She sent the information J’ino’s way. When it came to that subject it might be best if her mother was involved. Lorain already knew she wouldn’t traditionally have children but she didn’t want Eliza to choose without knowing all her options. Lanis would rather have the Captain remain her friend and confidant without being forced into other matters.
Lorain wanted to know for certain that Murphy felt similarily. If there’s one thing her parents taught her, it was to value friendship, hope for the best but know that sometimes some needs never played out. An arm snaked its way around her waist. Eliza’s gray eyes were filled with confidence.
*****
“I’ll go grab everyone something to eat. No worries brother! Wait until you have some steak. It's great!” I exited the medical bay. Taking the lifts and hallways to the galley. I knew what they were trying to hide but I put on a brave face anyway.
I would never have children. Even with artificial help.
When the White finally emerged from me, it would need all those pathways that were normally reserved for most Typherian powers and abilities. Grandfather had shown me that on the mural. In order to save everything and everyone that mattered, the White would provide but in the end, my physical shell might not even survive it.
I would have to prepare.
Mind, body, and soul.
My heart was not scared for myself but for my family, friends, and loved ones.
Yes, I knew who I included on that list. But like my grandfather said, live with the joys as well as the sorrows. For happiness will burn all the brighter. I would make her happy with everything I had.
Even if that meant just starting with a date.
Atlantis
Muthra Sector (Level 4)
November 5th, 2103
Nuul raced along the darkened pathways. Searching for the agents who did this. His lips pulled back in a silent snarl. Other footfalls echoed down the corridor. His face tensed for a moment. Suspecting treachery but Arthon rounded the corner. Pointing to the column ahead. As they approached a broken conduit panel was resting on the ground.
Nuul’s face paled. “Creators preserve us. Quickly, to the engine room. I think they mean to crush us inside our cover. “
*****
Glazed eyes ran over the main controls for At’lan’s cloaking and shielding. The figure took no care. It just ran on instinct. The various emergency alarms trilled as the sleeper accessed some secondary nodes. At’lan was doing his best but even a total shutdown couldn’t prevent some outer damage. Many lives would be lost. He made a calculated risk.
At’lan pinged Highmaker and Emris. <
*****
As I placed some of the food trays down Dexter’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head. He faded back into me, with a quick apology. White sparks lifted me into the air. I hovered for a moment then the world shifted.
Jupiter was before me. All that I could hear within my head was At’lan’s distress call. I dived into the reddish-orange spot of the mighty planet and prayed. At’lan’s outer shields were wavering. The atmosphere beginning to seep into the edges of the hull. For now, there was no breaching. I felt a familiar heartbeat within the engine room. Highmaker relayed some probes in, they encircled me and teleported me the rest of the way into the vessel. I didn’t hesitate.
I reached for the person threatening the lives of all who dwelled within Atlantis. The empty eyes of Amazing Grace stared back at me. I lifted her from the console. No time. Various signals were reaching a high pitched crescendo. I felt a pull. As from a great distance, one word kept echoing. I took one of the stunners on Amazing Grace’s belt and knocked her out with it. Then raced to the main network. I interlinked with At’lan but he was unresponsive. A shadow figure formed. Its movements repeating over and over.
It was in the form of a tall Markav male.
No time to think. I repeated the movments.
Taleer’s relief washed through me.
Before I could say anything, Arthon and many others burst into the room. Firearms drawn. I raised my hands. A sudden brightness flooded the room. At’lan proclaimed, <
Arthon placed an immobilizing web over Grace. His face was filled with sorrow. “Damn. Alright, I'll get her over to the stasis pods. Maybe we can find what triggers the compulsions.”
The thrum of the mighty center of Atlantis was before me. Various rings swirling in tune with one another. At the very heart was a cube about the size of myself. It was ringed with silver and gold. At’lan’s relief was apparent. Steps formed from the floor and shaped as I walked. Finally I reached out to touch the surface of the cube within the whirling rings. I could see all the molecules under the surface.
I could feel the ancient AI merge with my implants for a spit second.
Giving me additional data.
A thought occurred to me: Wouldn’t want to burn the house down.
I matched Atlan’s calculations within my mind and sent out a controlled dark matter burst from my eyes.
At’lan remarked, <
I got the sense that this ship was both pleased and concerned at the same time.
Eddie exclaimed, “Neat trick there Star! Just remember trigger discipline!”
I tried to reply but the world spun once more and I was back in the medical bay aboard the Jupiter Rising. Doc had her hands on her hips. “I bet this is gonna be an interesting story. What happened?”
*****
At’lan paused for a moment. Considering his next options. He had ran the calculations. Scanned the compromised Muthra agent. He could sense another one within the group that was compromised as well. Taleer interjected with, <
At’lan agreed. Everyone sunk to the floor as the AI of Atlantis sent them off to a white filled wonderland. Arthon knew what would happen. He had to do this often enough with Eliza. What surprised him was that the great ship let him and Eddie keep their real memories. Emris sent a message along, <
He wanted to scream.
Pain danced behind his eyes as the rest of the process took effect.
His fake memories masking the real ones from prying individuals.
His heart sinking to that of a stone.
The Void Walkers would pay. So would Thoth. He would free his family from this curse.