The Uplift Protocol: Issue 17

Issue 17: Signs and Portents

            All my life, I had always been so sure of everything. Because our tech had explored the very fabric of the Multiverse. Until that moment within the Museum. What I saw there changed me, revealing things that I didn’t even know I had buried so deep. The Nile isn’t just a river in Eygpt. I realized why I loved my husband and daughter so. Like my father, they are the ones who put everything on the line, not just for themselves but for everyone. –J’ino Ayeer.

            What is past: A foundation for the Future. I discovered my blood had more properties then I first suspected. While I had no direct demi powers, a “gift” was awakened that day. When our past eventually met up with Eliza’s future, I am thankful Sir Avalon gave us a moment of privacy on that Rotunda.-Thomas Murphy.

After the senior prom and all those festivities, my parents and I just wanted to spend a quiet day together. To unwind. To this day I still have flashes of that moment. How we are all links in a vast chain. Building and fighting for one another. I won’t forget. We all gave that Orb something irreversible. For my father: another cloak of responsibility. Mother: Understanding. She got a taste of what her parents were protecting. For me? Some ties are thicker than blood. For the whole to be saved, there must be a sacrifice. At that moment, as I look back now, that was the point of no return for me.- Sleeping in Starlight, a memoir of the 22^nd century

Museum of Echoes

New Ashbury ( Texas)

November 1st, 2092

                A rining in my ears subsided as we got closer to the main steps of the Museum. My father had the map out, its lines indicating various halls of interest: Spaceflight, Ancient Mosaics, Architecture. The whole world was there for the viewing. I wanted to see the bones of various dinosaurs. Mainly because I was very keen on examining skeletal structures. If I had to punch more paleolithic things in the face, one had to do proper research. Mom was holding her amulet. Almost like she was meditating. Dad held his hand out, sweeping it over the building, “So what do you want to see first?” Mom squeezed in between dad and me, taking one arm each, “I throw my vote into the mosaics.”

            “Works for me. Might as well see how the ancients viewed the world.” I grinned as both parents give me a rather concentrated look. “What?”

Mom pulled my arm in closer. “If I didn’t know better daughter mine, you have a plot hook going, care to fill in the peanut gallery?” Dad shot us a wink, “Jen, I do believe our dear space cadet is pulling what most kids call teasing. Think about it, our jobs don’t allow for many casual conversations.” I stuck my tongue out. “See? Marshmellow Man is on point! Come on mom, can’t a girl poke fun at the cards dealt in this universe?”  Mom’s aura dipped to a dark blue for a moment. I kicked myself mentally. Way to go, Eliza. This was supposed to be a fun outing. I planted a kiss on the top of my mother’s head. “Sorry, Ma! Let’s go exploring.”

*****

            Jennifer gave her daughter’s arm another squeeze. Cards. In a poker game bigger than anyone knew. Her kid’s thoughts filtered through. “It’s not your fault Eliza. Sometimes I have my perceptions waist-deep in work.” She reached up to ruffle her daughter’s hair. Noting that it took her standing on the tips of her toes to do so now. “Your grandmother is right, what have we been feeding you?” Eliza’s gray eyes brightened at that remark. Her usual headwear was missing. Jennifer poked Horus. His red iris flared briefly. ((Inquiry: Yes madam ambassador?))

               

//I know this is a bit unusual but could you return to the Embassy and upload the security packets to my brother?//

Horus ran some calculations. Deducing that she wanted some actual private time with her immediate family. It had been many cycles since she had been truly alone with them. He ascended high above the clouds. The signal within the Typherian Embassy was clear as crystal. In a blink, he was gone, leaving no trace of his passage. Eliza gazed up in wonder. “Mom, I was able to feel that. Horus gives off good vibes though.”

Both Murphys put an arm around their daughter once more. Thomas stated, “Well let's go have some fun. Just the 3 of us.”

*****

             Endless walls of mosaics. Some were listed to be as old as the reign of Ta’mathon. I ventured towards the kiosk. It was said that some of the first demis in that region built a mythical city. To rival the legends of Atlantis. I downloaded the information packet. Read more of the general notes.

        Advanced tech.

Able to repel the various hoards of enemies arrayed against them.

Something about an Undying Traitor King.

I squinted: in the background of a picture depicting Ta’mathon was Mr. Apple.

What the heck?! He was wearing clothing of the period. Flowing golden and orange robes. I turned to call to my father but he was otherwise engaged. His back was ramrod straight. I became concerned. I couldn’t feel his emotional aura at all. Like he wasn’t even there. I left the kiosk, making a beeline for my dad, each step in time with my heart. His eyes were glazed over. Staring off into the far beyond. One of his hands was locked on a piece of the art panel in front of him. I tapped him lightly. Taking care not to startle him. No response. “Hey pops! Dad?” I put my hand on his shoulder, shaking it, trying to pull him away but his grip remained absolute. Mom was walking back towards us. After taking a short break to use the ladies’ room. She began to sprint when she took notice of my concerned pleas. “Dad. Let go of it!” I snapped my fingers in front of his face.

Nothing.

I pulled my hand from his shoulder. Or at least I tried to. Through gritted teeth, “Momma, I can’t move.” But she hadn’t heard my pleas. My mouth was filled with what felt like cotton. I tried to speak but nothing came out. She wrapped her arms around him.”Thomas?” My stomach heaved as the scenery changed. All around us was sand and a clear night sky. Below my boots: rough stone. Engraved with what looked like hieroglyphics. Dad let out a pent up breath. His hands clasped together atop his head. Waves of confusion flowing outward. “Where are we?” His voice echoed. Filling the space with a continuous question.  Mom had us both in a death grip. Her gaze locked on the stars above. “Rulers preserve us. How?” At first, I was puzzled. Then some of my basic knowledge of space and star position kicked in.

“This place is unstuck in time. The stars aren’t even in the right position.” I said this rather calmly. My mouth moving without knowing it. A wave of memory crashed over me. One word resounding over and over:

 Interlinked.

*****

            J’ino and Thomas grabbed for Eliza as she nearly toppled over. Then his wife let out a surprised gasp as their daughter’s form changed. She got even taller, nearly 7 feet. Clothed in some sort of military garb. Black overcoat, white dress shirt underneath, along with gray slacks. Even her boots were a dark gray. Her face changed. The most noticeable was the eyes. No longer white with gray but black and gray. Thomas felt his ring react. His daughter’s voice reached them both, from deep within, sounding older but just as they knew her as well:

            >>Oh boy. Item one: welcome to the magical imbued past. Two: My future, your present, so current me will have no clue. The easiest thing to say later, it was Mr. Apple. Just name drop him. As for this place, we have to find the ties of blood. Like they say in the vids: Father has an important thread to play. Ta’mathon will be able to anchor us for a while.<<

           

                J’ino sent a bombardment of images and questions. Thomas’ sharp gaze never strayed from his daughter. He could see the various patches quite clearly. What a world she will inhabit. His eyes warmed at the thought. All this mess would be worth it.

For her part, Eliza gave a rather formal bow, one that made J’ino respond in kind. Another thorn loosened from her mind and heart. It was the Typerian version of greeting. Of a daughter to mother. Her 3 fingers over her heart. While J’ino had just the one finger over her own.

 >>No worries Mom, the Banner of year 2XXX is here to assist. Hey dad, trust me when I say: the next family gathering will be nice and non-cosmic.<<

            A rather impressive looking man emerged from the sands around the endless desert. His voice was filled with the command of a king, “Welcome to the Mirror. Reflection of Two Worlds. Arbiter. The Mother that Endures.” His crown was simple, wreathed in gold, with a shot of silver along the midline. His robes were a deep azure color, various glyphs etched with white thread along the edges.

“Walk the Path of the Ancients. Find that which binds all. Only then shall you leave this place.”

Mirror of Ta’mathon

Location Unknown

Date Undetermined

My parents decided the first thing to do was inspect my uniform. I knew on a basic level this was mostly to give themselves a sense of calm among the lands of surreal magical misadventure so I let them have their moment. Mom’s mind voice was especially turbulent. Equal parts excited, worried, guilty, and shocked. At one point I had to hold my hands up in surrender, with equal parts affection and exasperation, “Ma. Young me is going to have one Texas-sized migraine if you have me respond too Typherian. Plus this time the UR Stone cant act as a proper conduit.”

            I saw her expression fall, a kind of despair took over, “Hey now, don’t worry Space Lady. It will get lots better!”

I winked for full effect. At the mention of my special name for her a spark of hope re-kindled. It would appear that some more nicknames were in order. I ticked off more with each finger, “There’s Aunty Red Christmas Special. Uncle Stop in the Name of The Typherian Hall of Justice. Grandpa Dire Wolf of the Multiverse. Grandma Diamonds are Forever. My Other Cousin Hates Multi D Math. House My Stuff gets Stolen by a Royal Ummatosh Bird Orange Defender.”

            I let some of these sink in. Even dad looked impressed.

            “Furthermore said House is annoying. First, they wanted to keep me on the benches due to INJURIES and now they want to examine my exceptional gene stock for the glory of the Ascendancy. My mother often tells them to go stuff it like a turkey at Thanksgiving.”

            Mother’s whole body was spasming with uncontrollable laughter by now. Excellent!

            “This message brought to you by House “We are full of Curse Jar Donations” Cyphuskara. Trade Mark Pending.” By this point, tears were falling from her face. I gathered her up in a huge hug. “Feel better now?” She just rested her head in the crook of my arm. After a moment I could feel her nod. She posed a question, “Mother got you into the Survey arm didn’t she?” I smiled down at her. “Oh yeah. Along with one other very invested woman. Admiral Y’lansa is still just as happy today as she was by my first breach of the security net.”

            She managed to blurt out, “Please tell me Horus records all of this.” I gave her a toothy grin. “Yup. He considers it his greatest achievement. He even helped me name said bird as an agent of Chaos and good tidings.” My father was standing behind me, examining the various patterns on the back of my uniform jacket. “Like what you see Marshmellow Man?” He gave me a light jab on the back of the head. “Excuse me First Captain of the Survey Corps, is that any way to talk to a senior officer?” I braced to attention. “No sir! Omega Defenders would eat my wings if I besmirched this uniform.”

Dad came to stand in front of me. He was giving me a critical once over. Like I was a kid at Bootcamp. What he saw caused him to relax. “Good, it looks like I'll have to give you more pointers captain, to make sure you keep those wings polished.”

            I saluted crisply.

            He reciprocated.

            The air around us warmed slightly. My eyes shimmered in the near dark with golden cosmic light. “Its time to go hunting. We have obligations.” My father scooped up a handful of sand. Below him, a faint pathway of light formed. Footprints like stars lead off in a northern direction. “Walk the Path of Ancients indeed!” Mom punched me on the arm. We headed off into the night.

*****

J’ino kept glancing at her daughter. Marveling at the quiet confidence she displayed. Thomas was leading them like a bloodhound on the scent. Unwavering. Like he knew every inch of this Planescape. Ever so often he would stop, look at the stars, then proceed in a different direction. Eliza scooped her mother up, holding her close to her chest, “This is his arena. Gotta keep up!” The sand was still one moment.

The next: crashing about like waves upon a shore. Eliza floated upon the surface, somehow keeping up with her father until they came upon a construct. It was shaped in the form of an A. Three obsidian shards floated in the middle of the structure. Thomas put a hand on the stonework.

“It's like a half-forgotten memory.” His voice was clogged with emotion.         

*****

I set my mother down next to the marker. I formed a chain, using the special cloth provided by Sir Avalon. This part, he said, would be especially gut-wrenching for my parents. My father gestured to it all, “Expecting trouble?” I nodded.  

“A lifeline to keep us all together. To be lost in a place like this can be quite dangerous, even for  demis with magical connections.” I triple checked the knots. Even pulling with all my might. Nothing budged. The 3 shards rang out in unison, “The Arbiter shall light the way.” Suddenly we were caught in a maelstrom of sand and howling wind. My father took hold of us. A vibration passed through every fiber of my being then sight returned. We were in Union Hall. The Archives from the looks of it. Mother’s Typherian senses locked onto my chronometer. “Yup, take a look. Uncle Paxton helped dad link with the Orb.”

There was Karvax, touched by blood and Keepers. Along with many of the Cabal. We saw the battle play out. I pointed at Sul’Sandra. Amazing Grace. “Remember father. You saw mother’s people find the Voyager probes.” Mom placed her hands on dad’s chest, “They locked that memory away. Why? It is of Earth isn’t it?”

            I looked at the scene from multiple angles, noting how Amazing Grace applied the Markav healing nanites to everyone. The Orb’s music sang to a deeper part of my soul. It too was touched by them. “No, its Scholar. Used by the Markav to partially terraform Earth. Atlantis is meant for another.”

            His voice was soft, “I remember now. For a moment I could see nearly everything. Am I human?” He turned to me, strangely vulnerable. I answered honestly, without hesitation. “Of course you are. 100% Texan too! Your blood has ties to another age though.” He reached out to place his hand upon the relic. A red line appeared, leading into the elevator, with the Dweller word “Obligation” etched onto the surface.

“The Scholars exist outside of reality as we perceive it. Some, like me, are bridges that link the thrum of life to the Ouroboros.” My mother stared hard at my belt line. “Is that why its there?” I gave her a quick kiss on the forehead.

            “Yes. But it's so much more. Uplift will change. You’ll see.”

            “Daughter, I never wanted any of this for you. Can’t you just remain my little girl? You aren’t broken.

            “Course not but the Keepers have to believe that lie. Otherwise, the battle will start before we are ready. This Banner fights for everyone! I know its hard keeping things from current me but unlike Lorain, it's easier for me to swallow. Because I can feel your fears and sorrows. The guilt warring with love and pride.”

            Dad grated out, “Why don’t you have any of your mother’s abilities? What caused that damage to your back?” I eyed them both, thinking back, from my current point of view. This ground had to be trodden with expert care.

“Because I am the Shield that Won’t Break. The Link in the Ouroborus that will Not Bend. Life Endures father. Chronos and his allies have no idea that the W.A.P, in this instance, have already Broken the Storm Breaker Enigma. It's just a matter of hiding our true abilities.”

            He blanched at the mention of the old Iron Order demi code. I grasped his hand, placing it upon the word etched into the wall. “You also have a new mantle to add to your war chest Arbiter.” The scene changed once more. 

Gates of Ta’mathon

The Golden Remnant

Date Undetermined

                The Golden City. My parents just stared. Its walls were adorned with magic sigils and wonders not dreamed of since the dawn of everything. Ta’mathon was at the head of a huge host. Thoth and his undead masses arranged in a chaotic horde. The fallen king of Atlantis thundered, “SURRENDER! I might even let some serve in my army!” My father muttered, “Him, we have a  whole…..” He glanced at me, the question plain in his regard.

“I know.”

            I paused, giving my parents a grin they knew so well.

“Project Barracuda. Arthon gave me a whole rundown. No, I can't say what year I am from. See? You aren’t the only curious one!” Dad gave a small chuckle at that. Mom placed her arms around Thomas, hugging him from the back. “So what are we to learn here?” I pointed, “See that golden crazy snake? The one who eventually will throw those disks my way?” They peered down at her while she was standing rather arrogantly next to her ruler. We could hear her cooing, in a singsong voice, “Someone here is lying. Someone here is hiding. Holding dead water for a forgotten and dying race. Passing all the Calamity to your children? Tut-tut!” She waved a finger at Ta’mathon like a demented nun calling her charges to attention.

Mom bit back a curse. “That thing. What of it?”

I put a finger on the back of her neck, “Look, see what swims in her blood.” Mom focused on the creature. Minutes go by. Her voice is filled with horror, “Litari blood flows there. How did Thoth…”

“Not Thoth.”

My father reacted first. “Damn it all. Is that what they are playing at?”

 “Chronos. He wants Earth and will do anything to get it. It has something very unique compared to other places. Not because of what its made of but where it lies within the Cosmos. We are a leyline. THE Layline. The Prime Foundation of all Magic.” My father’s eyes narrowed. His voice took on a hard edge, “It's not about people, it’s the position, what kind of hammer that damned Void Walker wants to use.” I clapped them both on the back. Taking care to not inconvenience mother. For her people had very sensitive spines.

“Unity is death. What lies beyond the Ouroboros is not meant for us as we are now.”

Ta’mathon, or a piece of him, formed beside us. He handed my father a set of tan bracers. “All life is connected. Beyond space. Beyond the shared strings of blood. Beyond all recounting. Wear them and understand.” He undid the clasps, placing each on like they were always meant to be there. One moment we were on a battlefield, the next: An ornate hall, filled with familiar sights and sounds. My mother fell to her knees. “Not this place. Not here.”

The General picked her up, bridal style, murmuring words of comfort.

The Throne of Typha

A’rgax Central City

Date Undetermined

  

            J’ino rubbed her hands over her face. “Not here. Rulers. This place is a curse.” She eyed everything with distaste. “The Royal Cage. The Throne of the Multiverse. How I hate you.” Thomas saw his daughter wince at the venom in Jennifer’s voice. He motioned to her to take the lead. J’ino buried her face in her husband’s neck. “I never wanted to see this place again. Why are we here? All it does is suck the life from my father.”

            “Well based on how Eliza is walking, this part might be for her rather than us. Or you.” J’ino face flushed with embarrassment. “What am I doing? That reaction wasn’t very mother-like of me.” Thomas kissed her cheek, “Well this isn’t exactly a normal situation. Eliza knows us pretty well and this version has more context for whatever is going on. I think.” He whistled for a moment. Eliza stopped and faced her parents, “Yes General? Does our resident Space Lady need to vent at the gilded cage some more? Don’t worry, wait until you see what happens when I set foot on Typha for real.”

            Thomas set her down. His hand remained on her waist. Holding her close.

            J’ino tugged Eliza’s right ear. “Oh, care to give us a hint?” She wasn’t expecting a response but, “Oh yeah! Hmmm, what could I get away with? Captain Cosmos and the Delivery of a Century!” She just waited while her parents recovered. Thomas gave his wife another squeeze, “See? I bet you a nice spa night that a whole lot of American Ingenuity will happen to your home.”J’ino perked up at that. She waved them forward. Within was a set of blue and obsidian obelisks and symbology that Thomas couldn’t tell where one part began and the other ended. Some parts floated in the air, without any obvious support structures, giving him a feeling of disquiet.

            “It’s not the Throne that this place wanted me to see but the ceiling itself. It’s singing to me. Just like….” Eliza’s voice trailed off.

            Thomas took note. Music? He couldn’t hear anything at all. The bracers on his arms started to itch.

*****

            We all stared up at the shifting mosaic on the roof. Flashes of memory and events went by in an instant, too fast to leave an impression. Until a set of words formed.

FEAR THE PATH OF THE ANCIENTS.

THE GUILT IS CARRIED DOWN THROUGH ALL-TIME

PASSED FROM ONE GENERATION TO THE NEXT

THE KEY IS NOT FOR YOU!

THE TWIN RULERS OF THE SKY SHALL ENCOMPASS ALL!

ONE FULL OF HOPE

ONE HIDDEN IN ASH

CLOAKED FROM THE PRYING EYES OF FATE

TWIN HEARTS BEATING AS ONE

TWO WORLDS BOUND AS ONE

THE ANSWER LIES UPON THE OUROBOROS

EACH RULER WILL WIELD A KEY UPON THE INFINITE

THE SNAKE BARRS THE PATH

ONLY WHEN THE BLOOD TRULY AWAKENS SHALL THE MULTIVERSE BE SAVED

TWO LINES, TWO HEARTS, ONE WILL

AN EMPTY CROWN SITS ON A USELESS THRONE

THE MASTERS OF OLAM STILL WEEP

THE SLUMBERING ONE MUST AWAKEN

THE STAR WILL LIGHT THE WAY

THE TWIN SUNS SHALL DEFEAT THE CALAMITY

BEWARE THE PITILESS EYES

A NEW DAWN AWAITS, DEFENDED BY THE WHITE LIGHT OF LIFE

WHAT IS THOUGHT DEAD WILL RISE.

Mom’s hand was over her mouth, tears running unabated, her whole body was trembling. All I could think to do was hold her until the flow of tears subsided. Dad was whispering small words of comfort. His arms wrapped around just as decisively. Like he could be a bulwark against all forms of attack. The utter despair on mom’s face unnerved me. What tipped the shock to the unthinkable was the mirrored hurt in dad’s eyes. He’s seen mom like this before. Dear god.

“Mama?” My voice sounded tiny, uncertain. Like that of a child. She looked up at me. Her eyes were glassy, her breath was coming in shallow rapid spurts like she’s trapped in a nightmare. A wall of emotional pain danced along my spine. The intensity of it pulled me under. A deep abiding ache. Shame. Guilt. A plea for forgiveness. Rage. Sorrow.

A torrent of images assaulted my mind.

Each more confusing than the next. 

Then I heard it.

Another heartbeat.

An infant’s cry.

A woman’s lament.

Livid shouting of men.

I know now the secret my mother carried. The reason why Chronos mentioned those tears. I held her as she wailed once more. Her fingers digging into my biceps like talons. My self of yesteryear wouldn’t be able to handle this. Not yet. But I could. I would endure. For all of them. I rocked her until the sobbing tapered off. Until she was completely buried in my arms. My jacket pulled around her like a cloak that could ward off everything.

I hooked my thumb under her chin, lifting it gently to towards me, “I understand.” I dried the tears from her face. “You didn’t know. How could you? You and father were worried enough as it is.” My father’s lack of a reaction was a mask. His pain was buried just as deep. The loss of a child was a private personal hell. I slung an arm around him. “I know why you kept me from Area 51. I understand it so well it breaks my own heart.” He didn’t say anything. He just crouched next to me and laid his head against mom’s back.

“I will protect everyone. Even those yet born.”

My twin brother had died at Area 51.

The Uplifted Side. Despite all its wonders and hyper-advanced healing.

Because the Keepers had wanted a conduit.

So they tried to subvert a newborn infant.

I closed my eyes, trying to picture it all, but all I could perceive was Mr. Apple’s face.

Not yet.

Ta’mathon manifested once more.

“The Line of Life continues.”

His dark eyes locked on to me, his words were harsh and unforgiving.”Eliza Murphy of Earth. Take up your other half. R'ylaris Ayeer, live up to your namesake. The time for hiding is nearly done. You know the words. Turn it. Drive the Calamity back to the deepest regions of the Void. You know what must be done. You have always known.”

Mom reached up and wiped my tears away.

Once more, the environment shifted.

One last part to play.

The Ouroborous Chain

Omega Defender Sector

Date Undetermined

            J’ino and Thomas clung to their daughter as the stars glimmered all around them. Thomas gaped at Eliza. What on Earth was she wearing now? J’ino brought her hands up. A faint outline of power surrounded all of them. “Thomas, don’t ever speak of this moment. Not even a hint. This must stay hidden.” Ta’mathon phased in. His voice stretched out, pulling our attention to the section of the Chain before them. “Arbiter! See your place among the high heavens. This is what you protect. The very weave that binds  us together.” Eliza took hold of her parents. Bringing her father to the base point. “This decision is yours alone dad.” She reached out, the Chain flowed around them. A small disk of white floated before Thomas Murphy.

            J’ino traced the patterns on her daughter’s other outfit. She grabbed a particular piece. “It would appear I own my father even more apologies.” Eliza’s voice contained a hint of sadness. “He understands. He’s always known. It’s why he wears that crown.”

*****

            I can see it in the desperate pull of her eyes. The wall of questions from my mother. My grandfather’s orders were very clear. Say nothing more than what was already mentioned. Mom tried to pierce beyond that veil he put on me. V’alkor’s voice manifested, using my body as a conduit, saying “Daughter, what will happen has already been set. I know you hate this thing that rests upon my brow but have faith.” She shook her head, angrily wiping away more tears, then watched as the general walked into the disk before him. The magical cloths I had tied around our waists vibrated at multiple frequencies.  We could see everything happening through his point of view.

            I whispered, “We all have our moments. Dad is right where he needs to be.”

            “Eliza, what exactly are those bracers for? Can you tell me that much?”

            I replied, repeating the words grandfather drilled into me, “I am an orchestra that needs a conductor. The Arbiter controls the Orb, driving it to change the very world and beyond around it. It requires things that dad has in spades: Discipline and a clear purpose. Sound judgment. “

            Moments tick by, I continued, “No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his brother. Not for millions, not for glory, not for fame. For one person, in the dark where no one will ever know or see.” Mom clasped my hand.

“And who does that apply to?”, she demanded.

“To fight the Keepers? It must come from all of us. The Wall Endures.” The sigils on my chest, this unveiled mantle across the infinite, flared in the void. My mother read the words imprinted there.

“I just want my girl back. Is that so much to ask from this place? This time? This damned universe.” I directed her attention to the battlefield father was currently trodding. “I will always be your daughter. What we do now, across all lines, will decide just how many children will live to see the future.” Even now I can see a war between duty and desire playing across her face.

 “I have always said it, I will be a shield that won't break. I won’t bend a knee to any despot or injustice. You know this. Its why it sleeps. Why you destroyed that proof. Why you stay silent. I am not the only thing that slumbers.” Mother smiled at me, proud yet tender, “Looks like I'll have to make each moment count.” I held her close as we watched father face his future.

*****

            Thomas walked among the ruins of a dead world. Countless bodies littered the landscape. At one point he scooped up a skull. Its six socketed eyes stared out. Whatever life had been here was long gone. Ta’mathon walked in the ashes next to him. “Bear witness Arbiter. This is but one of many possible futures. This is the result of the Keepers winning their Unity. The Calamity unleashed. The Path of Ancients strewn with tears of trillions. An endless track of entropy.” Thomas Murphy stared. Only one structure remained. The familiar arches of Union Hall dotted the landscape.

            “No.” He turned to Ta’mathon in fury. “What must I do to prevent this?”

            The old Egyptian king bowed his head. “Learn.”

            Thomas let out a soundless bellow as various images assaulted his mind.

            He felt his wife’s touch on either side of his face. He muttered, “We really know how to pick our battles eh?”

*****

            I helped dad to his feet. The Ouroboros faded. The stars changed. A pathway formed in the dark. Mom was in the middle. At times soaking everything in. A new kind of resolve formed within her heart. “We still have time. Any kind of impression you want?” Dad said, “I know Brookes, what she is, how will we hide you from her?” I jerked a thumb behind me, “She thinks I’m a charity story for NASA’s jumpstart program. A cripple. Her hatred blinds her. Along with Thoth and the others.” He paused, then replied, “That will work for a while. But how long?”

            “Until I properly awaken. By then it will be too late for the Keepers to stop what is coming. Its why my formative years were spent as just Earth’s demi. Flying the Jupiter Rising around for NASA. Those were more carefree times.” My parents came to a halt. Mom poked a finger on my chest, “You say that but I can still see into some parts of your mind.”

            I grinned, held up my hands, “You got me Space Lady, never really could hide much from you. Yes, things were more carefree. Like the lazy days of summer. Eventually, I'll understand so much more. Why the Scholars keep saying the Wall Endures. Things worth fighting for are never the easiest but that’s why Justice shoots ever forward.”

            I added, “Let Ritark be the stowaway. It will come in handy later. Left vs right-hand stuff.”

            Dad let out a bark of laughter. “Might as well. Its clear Jen, our clan on both sides cares too much to let everything go dark.”

            I felt a tug, my mind racing along the sands of time, while my parents cradled my younger self.

The Rotunda

Location Classified

Date (Chonolocked//Keeper Null Ships Present)

            Lorain pulled me to a sitting position. My heart did a double skip as she poured some healing into my system. Sir Avalon waved my parents forward. I managed to croak out, “All systems mostly normal. It went just as you told me it would.” My mother’s battle armor was polished up. The shield of the Terran Alliance was etched next to the twin suns of Typha. I relaxed. Letting my mind drift. I linked into the Markav Hermegony net, fiding Highmaker at the ready, <<I am summoned. Shall I notify Taleer as well?>>

            <<Its time, set the countdown for the Last Bastion. I’m ready. The Wall Endures. We will rise from the ashes.>>

            Arthon bowed, giving his Muthra salute, “I'll notify Admiral Sul’Sandra. At’lan will be ready. Along with the Light of Emris.”

            I could feel the words on my lips. The time of hiding was over.

 Arthon took his leave. Now it was just Lorain and my parents. Lorain buried her face in my neck. “Don’t you do anything too foolish you giant brick, I expect you home for dinner.” Mom and dad joined us. I could feel everyone along the family line. The Queen Consort chipped in, >>Like one earth president said, “Get that stick, my dear, we need to go out and dispense some well-meaning justice!<<

            Lorain twitched. Her giggles muffled against my neck.

            >>Dimonds, it's Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.<<

Grandma gave me a mental tug of affection.

I tempered my voice, letting it ring out loud and clear.

“As another wise man once said: I’m all out of bubble gum. Let’s go give Chronos a surprise he won't soon forget.”

Museum of Echoes

New Ashbury ( Texas)

November 1st, 2092

            Mom was holding me on the bench. The mosaic was inert. My head felt like it was about to explode. “What happened?” My voice was dry. Like I had run a marathon. Dad was kneeling in front of me, his hands closed over my own, “Your friend with the nice hat, he did a data dump of sorts.”

            “I see. Next time can you tell him to download things slower or something?” I grinned weakly. The light behind my eyes was beyond crazy.

            Mr. Apple tapped my shoulder with his cane, a very apologetic look on his features, so I shot him a thumbs up.

Saying, “I don’t suppose you have some chocolate cake?” A slice suddenly manifested next to me.

            “Nice!”

            It was the least I could do.

            A burst of guilt reached my senses. I had never felt that so strongly from him.

Mom put a hand on the back of my neck. I felt a slight prick and the pounding in my temples faded. “Thanks ma. I am a lucky kid.” Dad’s brown eyes filled with a mix of pride and amusement. “Right, what if I told you: Bootcamp starting yesterday!”

            “Really? YES!”

            Mom stared at me with astonishment. “Why is that exciting?”

            “Cause I know I can’t join the Terran Alliance or the US Army. So this is the next best thing. Plus I can spend more time with dad too!” After further consideration, “Maybe one day I can see your side of the office Mom.”

            She ruffled my hair at that. Kissed me on the forehead, “I sure hope so. I think you’d fit in just fine.” They both shared a look. One that I couldn’t quite parse but Mr. Apple placed a nice glass of milk next to the cake. I was quite hungry so while my parents walked back to the Ta’mathon mosaic, I shared my cake with Mr. Apple. What could be better than this?

*****

The Scholar turned away from the Murphys. His eyes focused on the Hordes of Undead on the far side of the mosaic. Thoth. One step at a time. No matter the cost, he would make sure Eliza survived to fulfill the role ahead. 

Everything depended on it.

Issue 16: Here 
Issue 18: Here