The Uplift Protocol: In the Beginning

Issue 8: The Eyes of Ta’mathon

I always wondered why these bracers chose me. It wasn’t just a matter of blood. Plus I was glad my wife got caught up in this whole adventure. Even I forget that she was required to have martial training. Mostly for self-defense but as a military man, its good to know my wife has my back in all things.—Thomas Murphy.

The humans have an interesting saying, behind every good man is a good woman, which considering the conundrum we found ourselves in, manifested in full force. I forgot just how much fun it was to be on the same page as Thomas. Plus it had been far too long since I got to flex with my abilities.—J’ino Ayeer Murphy.

As of this moment, I dub this clause the Murphy Exception. Just as Bardax was generous with Humanity, so we will be so with our galactic neighbors. Any other pirate vessels’ Earth manages to acquire will be used in the defense of all Life.—President Fredrick Marshall. In his address to the Terran Alliance.

If there’s one thing I remember growing up and even now: Don’t underestimate your parents. No matter what age you are. Nowadays I have more of an idea of how mom knew what I was doing 24/7 besides her mental abilities. She took a page from Dad’s book: I was a horrible poker player. And raised to be that way on purpose. This became apparent when I finally got to Typha.—Sleeping in Starlight, Memoir of the 22nd Century.

Unknown Location

Time Period Unkown

Date Redacted

Thomas Murphy rubbed his eyes. The great expanse before him was devoid of life. Completely blank. J’ino buried her head in his chest to check that his heart was still beating. That same comforting sound that would lull her to sleep nearly every night. Thomas ran a hand along her back, knowing how much she loved that. It didn’t hurt that it also calmed her down. After a few moments, she glanced up at him.

“Looks like Sul isn’t here.” The Markav Admiral was indeed gone. Along with the rest of Atlantis. Thomas brought his left arm up. The bracer was pulsating. J’ino ran an index finger alongside the leather material. It manifested a pulsating sphere, a narrow beam pointed to their left. Thomas grinned at his wife. “Curious?” She eyed her husband with a pensive look. Then grinned when he twirled her about for a moment.

“Lead on handsome. Besides our children shouldn’t be the only ones on adventures!”

He smiled, wrapping an arm around her waist. Bringing her in close as they walked.

“There have been times at Area 51 I wish we could just stroll around like this.”

Thomas agreed, taking one of the mints he kept in his left pocket. J’ino deftly wrapped her fingers around it and he let the candy go.

Thomas eyed her, “So that’s what happens to them. I could buy some more…”

She retorted, “That’s no fun! I like taking them from you because you are mine.”

He nodded, “Til death do us part. Besides I have everything I ever wanted.”

Even if Void Walkers and Crazy Houses got in the way.

Marriage was about teamwork. Besides if these little rituals kept his wife centered that was all that mattered. The floor began to change. Going from a sheer nothing to sprouting limestone walkways. The pyramids of Egypt rose to greet them. People passed through the Murphys akin to holograms. J’ino’s eyes had a distant gleam to them. She shuddered and came back to herself. Thomas kissed the side of her temple. He leaned down to whisper in her ear, “Pick up anything?” She nodded. “I sense 4 powerful minds here. They aren’t hostile but they are observing us.”

He thought quickly, pointing to the largest pyramid. “Let’s go check things out. Maybe get a lay of the land.” J’ino smiled. Her face lighting up. She tapped Thomas on the neck. The rapid motions going in time with his heart.

Clever girl, he thought.

After more taps, he finally got the rest of the message.

Whatever else was in here was from Earth. She sensed the various metals native to Sol.

Over the years they had developed their coded system in case of trouble. Especially since what happened during Eliza’s birth. The sun was high in the sky. Unmoving. The clouds were tinted with gold. This place wasn’t technical. It was a part of whatever powered his bracers. They approached the base of the Pyramid.

A great Jackal greeted them, “Scion of Heaven and Earth. Ta’mathon Heir. Welcome to the Annals. We have much to teach you.” He examined J’ino as well. Stating, “We also greet you Traveler of the Stars. Mother of the Convergence. Tied to the Twins of Fate.”

Thomas saw his wife inhale sharply.

He cut in with, “So you are aware of what’s happening currently as well?”

The Jackal blinked and the planes shifted. They were in the middle of a pitched battle. Bodies passing through them. J’ino pointed, at the center was Ta’mathon with the very same bracers Thomas had, blocking hits from Thoth. The crazed king was shouting. His eyes wild with hate.

“Egypt will fall! FORWARD!”

He was clothed in the remnants of an old Muthra battle suit. Thomas peered up into the heavens and noticed that the Keepers had probes even within times long past. What shocked him was that these probes started to sizzle. Sparks flying as a woman in jade silks and golden cuffs fired into them with raw fury. “Isis demands obedience!”

J’ino spotted another figure barreling into the fray, his smoky outline passing through the attackers, cutting and howling with the joy of battle. “Only I command the dead, False Atlantian!” His form materialized next to Isis. She turned and salted, then fired into the mass of rotting bodies. “Brother Anubis. So glad you could join us!”

A mass of bodies attempted to surge over the defenders. A silver-clad figure dived into the fray. His golden staff flashing in the sun. Ancient markings adorned his chest. “The divine power of Ra smites you unholy shells of decay!” Great swaths of fire burned many of the shambling corpses to ash. The living army took up a chant, “The Wall of Life shall Endure.”

Thomas saw Thoth raise his arms. The skies above darkened. Lighting arched across. Pooling in the mad king’s hands. He shouted, “FACE ME TA’MATHON!” He flung the lighting towards the living. Isis formed a shimmering barrier. Her face contorted in pain as Thoth’s assault became more pronounced.

*****

Horus secured the storage vault at the Lady’s request. Sul’sandra was still blinking away. Trying to clear the spots dancing around everywhere. The four gems floated before them. Shining with symbols and light. One was red as the heart of a volcano. Ra’s aspect shimmered in its depths. He spoke, “The Scion of Ta’mathon must be tested. We thank the Markav for keeping us hidden all these years.”

Sul’sandra bowed. “We stand with all Life.”

From the golden gem, “Isis will test their endurance!”

The vibrant green muttered, “Anubis will see into the depths of their soul.”

At the center, the cyan gem pulsed in time with Thomas Murphy’s heart.

Horus beamed a closed com relay to Highmaker, ((I understand. I will keep her safe.)) He trusted that Eliza would be transported in time. His allies were very capable. Emris updated the F.R.A.M further. He agreed. Grace, Tivus, and Nuul would be monitored. He didn’t want to keep this information from Sul but saw the merit in knowing where some traps laid in wait.

*****

Thomas memorized the tactics. Seeing the ebb and flow of the battle was paramount. Thoth was more gut instinct than an overall battlefield commander. He excelled at single combat. Even if his older self learned new tactics the baseline mindset was always vital. J’ino examined the genetic makeup and materials implemented in the fight. Thoth used Markav tech alongside humanity’s spark of magic. This version was before the pollution of Void Walker machinations moved in. He moved people and elements as a grand brush. Resorting to brute force to enact his will. Thomas pointed. A sea of bodies parted. Thoth had a retrofitted Simbak aimed at Ta’mathon. The Egyptian pharaoh waved his fighters back. His robes flowing about him as he descended the steps from the heart of the Golden City.

“You bring dishonor upon that noble weapon. “ His fingers moved and the Simbak flew from Thoth’s hands. He resorted to throwing lighting. Ancient sigils deflected it. The magical barrier of the city obeyed its Master.

An immense shape charged at Ta’mathon. Its heads were repugnant. It's scaled body that of a Hydra. Blacken diamonds that rippled and cracked as it glided across the sands.

It belched fire.

The sheer wrongness of its material makeup made J’ino cling to Thomas as it passed through her. She gagged. Thomas carried his wife away from the beast. His eyes hardening as he saw the indications of brutal experimentation. J’ino’s face was pale even under the blazing sun. She leaned into her husband’s neck. “It’s made from pieces of the Weave.”

Ta’mathon formed symbols in the air, the bracers following his command, pinpoints of light bloomed all across the monster’s body. These lights formed into endless spears. Slicing into the monster. Impaling it from every angle. A bright blue flame engulfed everything. Thomas and J’ino were struck blind by the sudden darkness. Tiny green flames danced around them.

A voice called from above, “What do we have here? Shall you walk the path of the ancients? Which mysteries call to you? What do you offer beyond all threads of time and space?”

Typha

The Halls of Memory

Date Uknown

J’ino watched as a very young Typherian walked among the final resting place of all. Thomas took note of the various statues and burial tombs etched into every wall. From the looks of it, his wife’s people preferred to cremate their dead. The boy couldn’t have been older than 12 years standard. His light footfalls echoing across the vast space. Even he was subdued in this place. He continued until reaching an intersection. On the left was a massive flowing waterway. Thomas could hear the faint calls of birds or something like them. The boy took the right passage. It turned into a spiraling stairway. As they traveled deeper within the complex, Thomas could feel the slight breeze. It was warm and carried the scent of candles.

J’ino gripped her husband’s hand with claw-like intensity. She knew this place.

Thomas pointed to the ceiling, “Is that supposed to be here?”

She replied, “No. The top is usually a material that reflects the image of the visitor. Colors around you that indicate your mental state.” What they saw was etched with pale jade fire. A pair of eyes watched. The young boy stopped suddenly. Turning to face them, he opened his palms. A bright white fire was in one palm. With the other, pitch black.

“The world is not ready for them.”

The boy’s face clouded with the power of something vast. Unknowable.

Voice rippling with power.

“But yet they arrive. One with the cry of battle. The other bleeding to the marrow.”

J’ino’s heart thudded rapidly in her chest. Thomas stepped protectively in front of his spouse. His voice was flat, “Which carries the sorrow? Which proclaims battle?”

The boy handed the black fire to Thomas. His soldier’s mind dimmed. A figure stood before him. Beaten and bloody but its eyes shined. Ribbons of white swirled around the black armored figure. A shield planted in the earth. It shimmered with white and gold. The ribbons wrapped protectively around the man.

The youth then handed the white fire to J’ino. Within her mindscape, she saw Eliza. Her form was encased in the full regalia of the White. Her face was drawn. Various wounds pockmarked all over her body. A void black Spear held in one hand as if she was preparing to hurl it to the heavens.

His voice ran through both Murphys.

“By Ties of Fate, Blood and Time, they will be the vanguard of the future. Vessels of Battle and Sorrow.”

Thomas shouted, “That’s not all. We have given love as well. “

The boy reformed into Ra.

He pointed, “Behold the world as it was. As it will be. If you fail.”

The Calamity

At the Edge of Tomorrow

Time Uknown

Eliza shouted into the Void. Her breath coming out in short raspy coughs. Thomas could see her favor one side. Like all her ribs were busted. Each intake was a personal hell but his daughter stood defiant. A whole host of Defenders was arrayed behind her. A being beyond all comprehension bored down on her. It’s immense bulk striking from everywhere. Her shielding was failing but still, she clung on. That strange black spear held before her like a talisman.

J’ino saw Dexter spiral downward. Pulling all his might into that shining white shield. She realized her husband couldn’t see him. Not as he should. Something about this struck a cord within her. She nudged Thomas. “Anything else you see with this picture?” He examined the forces arrayed to the entity. That multifaceted lidless monster was whispering. Sowing despair in the Defender Corps. Ra materialized next to them. “This is not the only way.” He waved as a young human approached. His chest and arms were adorned with runes. He ran up to everyone.

“Oh thank god! Wait….”

He pointed at Thomas, “ I thought he was dead? Ahh, nuts. This isn’t my universe. When the heck did her brother become a good guy. In my world, he was called the Demiurge.”

He squinted, “Wow. That Eliza has an upgrade.” Ra bowed to the cloaked figure next to the mysterious man. “May we borrow him?”

She nodded. “Universe Omega has other matters to attend to. Just mind the output. He’s quiet strong. Perhaps a visit to this prime universe will help him.”

The man squared his shoulders. Stating, “That thing looks just as ugly as the Calamity from our universe. Oh man, did we not succeed? I know I hit it pretty hard. Oh and that Eliza should have a white spear! Plus the shield. He paused as Thomas stared.

He began with, “Who are you and why do you think I am dead.”

The young man grinned, offered his hand to the Murphys.

“My name is Rune! I thought our universe was the prime one. Well, that one didn’t have a scary looking Black Defender. Plus Star was still in high school…”

General Murphy barked, “Never mind that for now.” He motioned to the battle.

“Why do you say my daughter needs a spear?”

Rune pointed at a particularly key spot on Calamity. “See that? With our group, the Scholars were able to help us shatter it. Alongside a magical gizmo inside the Thone of the Multiverse. Is this V’alkor as nice as ours was? The King’s Own were pretty lively as well!”

J’ino poked Rune in the chest, “I might regret this but…” Rune’s eyes went wide as he felt her enter his mind. >>This is faster. May I see your fight with this damned thing?<< He smiled warmly.

“Sure thing! And as our Murphy would say JAR!”

Thomas watched his wife for a few moments. Then looked at the way the Black and White chipped away at this thing. Like their hands were tied behind their backs. The newcomer was correct. They were not in balance. His eyes narrowed. Ra continued to observe. Finally stating, “Do you see it now Scion?” He felt his wife wrap her arms about him. Her face was buried between his shoulders.

>>Each Universe must face this Calamity. World Ender. In their universe, they managed to beat it by combining forces with Urraden of all things. That Earth didn’t have nearly enough tech to do it on its own. Or Demis. My people were even more closed off. Uplift Protocol made children fight for the future.<<

He felt the various images bombard his mind. His eyes widening with sheer horror. They had done that to his children. He turned on Rune, “ Did your universe have an Area 51?” He nodded, “Yeah. The US govt unearthed some Typherian tech and then some space pirates almost flattened Earth.”

He continued, “They made Dexter into the Demiurge. A weapon to destroy the Calamity.”

J’ino stopped him. “I’ll update my husband on those particulars. I can do that faster than you can talk. Even though you are quite able at it.” She grinned. Rune blurted out, “Is Anna just as crazy?”

Oh boy. She retorted, “Just focus on this battle for now. We can compare notes later.”

Rune saw Eliza and Dexter throwing hit after hit on it. Breaking some parts down but it reformed somewhere else. He pointed, “Sheer power won't do it. You have to hit it in the sweet spot so it breaks apart faster that it can form. Our Eliza concentrated on Defending, while everyone else: Me, Adam, Scary All-Father, The Demiurge went all Offense.”

He paused. As if considering something. “I don’t even know if you can break it apart in the same way. This Eliza and crew are even more potent than the versions I know.” His eyes gleamed. “I want to test myself against her.” Thomas glared at him. He backed off for a moment.

“Not in that way sir! Besides if this Eliza is anything like mine was she’s like a sister to me!” He made some mock punches. The runes on his skin flaring bright blue. “We trained on our Earth. She didn’t like to go all out much. Even lost it in the museum once. Was afraid she’d hurt people. “ He thumped his chest. “Me? I am made of rock-solid stuff!”

He put his hands on his hips. Watching as more Defenders tried to pour their power into preserving the Twins. Rune snapped his fingers, “If this helps, our Eliza’s White Belt augmented other Defenders. Even gave a boost to magical people.”

The scene faded. Rune glanced around. “This place is even more strange than that out of body experience I had a while back.”

Thomas rubbed his face. That other Earth had held his son hostage. He willed his racing heart to slow. Palm trees sprang up. They were along some sort of beach. A towering temple rose to greet them. Rune took up a defensive position as a rocky figure approached. Its eyes gleaming with inner power. A wizened old man called out, “Somehow I knew you’d end up here. No, this isn’t Florida all over again. This way.” Rune muttered, “That Watcher knows a whole lot. I just hope everyone is alright.”

The Watcher turned, “Yes. That Eliza and her brother are rebuilding that universe as we speak. And no, that Thomas also lives. He was revived in the heart of Io. While there is no Black Defender within that universe, it is not hopeless.”

Rune let out a happy cheer. His final gut punch to the Calamity of his universe had paid off in spades. He saw these Murphys just stare for a moment. J’ino even remarked, “Well if they managed it, we can too. We just have to figure out a decent battle plan.”

Rune replied, “I still have some juice from those special glasses.”

Thomas leaned over, “For now, until we know how your magic affects our world, be careful. Even I’m just learning the basics.” Rune’s eyes grew big.

“Oh man! I think I’m gonna like it here too. Maybe find something that can help bring magic back to my universe.”

The Watcher raised his hands to the sky, “Isis and Anubis. The testing shall begin!”

With a flash, the summoned of Ta’mathon arrayed themselves before the group. His dark blue robes were covered with a golden breastplate. He pointed his spear at Thomas, “Live up to your name Judgement.” They sprang forward. Thomas brought his arms up to block. Magic flowed and time slowed.

Rune found he couldn't move one muscle. Ra spoke, “This is not your Test. Look!” He indicated how Thomas and J’ino stood back to back. A team that knew one another well. Rune blinked with amazement. “Damn. I knew her father was a fighter. Her mom is almost as scary.”

J’ino’s hands flew out, using the material around her to form shields from the trees, sand and stones. Forming needles to fly into the faces of her opponents. Thomas meanwhile summoned combat knives. Grav Missiles and other weapon systems he was familiar with. Imbued with the magic of his bracers. Isis let out a scream as J’ino assaulted the elder demi’s mind. Forcing the ancient goddess to aim her arrows at Anubis. Causing his casting to fail. Ta’mathon nodded.

They were back at the Pyramids of Giza. The Golden City on a mighty hill between the 3 structures. Rune let out a low whistle, “Yeah. I want to know everything!” The Jackal motioned to his ruler. “Ta’mathon. Shall we proceed?”

Time resumed.

*****

Sul’sandra blinked. Thomas and J’ino were present once more. Along with a strange young man. He pointed, “EASTER ISLAND HEADS!”

She narrowed her gaze, “I see that my tech doesn’t work on you. Here are some basics.”

Rune listened.

He could see through the various layers of this world ship. It was inside Jupiter itself. Oh yeah! He was going to love it here.

Thomas felt the bracers warm up. He pulled back his uniform. They were inlaid with silver now. In each of the 4 sockets, a familiar jewel stared back at him.

Ta’mathon walked the realms once more. Alongside Isis, Anubis, and Ra.