Issue 12: Project Freefall
When his majesty came knocking on my door I was quite shocked. Said the yanks might have a nice job for me. What a job that was. Marvelous really. Got to tinker with those ships. Working with a nice lad called Jacob Murphy. Brings a smile to my face. The British and Americans working together for common good once more.—Ned Fletcher
I didn’t realize it at the time but designing mobile assault units and scout ships for the Bardaxians was a trial run. Knowing how important Project Freefall was galvanized me to work nonstop. My father finally told me what was going on. No wonder his extrasolar wife went “native” as her detractors called it. Humanity was ready in more ways than I thought.—Jacob Murphy
That’s what the hidden room was on the Jupiter Rising? Even my daughter had surprises for me when they got back. I had thought it was the room my parents had built within it. But it turns out other hands were busy as well.—J’ino Ayeer
Now I know why mom felt so guilty after I got back. Her parents were keeping things from her so her reactions at Staging Area 51 were genuine. To this day, I am glad they didn’t reveal the real might of humanity’s efforts. I have the worst poker face ever. Bar none. My actions as the Banner were vital when the “Uplifted” community thought Earth was just a newbie. In reality, that Irish king knew so much more. Started the ball rolling. He was keeping tabs on Thoth. Knew that Atlantis was made of cosmic tech. Different yet similar to the magic he wielded. He didn’t take it for granted. Humanity was fighting an ancient battle even before false gods like Set and others showed up.—Sleeping in Starlight, a memoir of the 22nd Century.
Project Freefall
Location Undisclosed
February 8th, 2104
Jacob Murphy marveled at the ships berthed there.
Hovering by massive rings. Sleek and silent for now.
Ned Fletcher, also known as “The Handyman”, stood next to him. He wasn’t much to look at from the surface. Slim build. Reddish-brown hair. Hazel eyes. His hands usually stained with oil or some other lubricant when not working on ships. It was uncanny. He could break down something and know how it operated. Reverse Engineering on steroids. He grinned at Jabob’s expression, “To think, the Bardaxians just gave us these ships. Certainly sped up our production levels.”
Jacob replied, “No kidding. If I knew this was what my father and Area 51 were masking I would have fainted. Probably joined my mother in gibbering about things.” His mother was still within the lab quarantine area. The Weave integrating with her on level’s Jacob was shocked by. He had no affinity. Samatha had a smidgen of it. Ambassador J’ino and her son were making their way down the middle tier of the vessel network. He could tell because they were always accompanied by Sir Avalon or Judgement.
Adam Lazer would patrol the area as well. The tech demi was so much more than HeroNet or INet would ever believe. A man was within that armored shell but his mind was augmented in ways that even Fletcher was shocked by. The Mighty Mallet would often state, “Why did they invite me? Because of the Howling?” Jacob understood his confusion. He often wondered why he was let in on all this. Granted, he was good with most small ships, patrol vessels that seated a single pilot but his real expert knowledge was grav-tanks. I’arvan Ayeer took Jacob’s hand when he reached the bottom of the grav-elevator. “The Order wants you at the main conference room.” Jacob waved Fletcher on. “I’ll join you at R&D later.”
Ned waved, “Have fun storming the castle.”
Main conference room work indicated something big was going on. Ned was most comfortable tinkering. Explained why he and Jacob got along well. He pulled out the lasted holo of the schematics for the Jupiter Rising upgrades. He knew Eliza Murphy would faint with the possibilities. He whistled a merry tune as he headed down into the very depths of the facility.
Jacob hoisted the boy onto his shoulders.
Murphy noticed J’ino smiling at them both, “It’s high time we explain everything.”
I’varvan sighed, “Finally!”
*****
Jacob stared.
His father clothed in the garments of Judgement. Golden helm placed on the table. Sir Avalon motioning to the screen. Murphy grabbed the pitcher of water. Wishing it was bourbon. But drank anyway. He cleared his throat, “So Sam and I know this now?” His father grinned, “Haven't filled Sam in just yet. She’s more concerned with monitoring her mother for the moment.” Jacob’s mood soured. A flush of guilt hitting him as unworthy thoughts clamored to the forefront. J’ino squeezed his hand.
“I know it isn’t easy.” She said. Her tone was sympathetic.
She continued.
“Anna has legitimate issues. She’s something another universe calls a Weave Speaker.”
Jacob leaned back in the chair. The magical sigils on the screen expanded. Showing him another universe. A different version of himself was another half-blood brother to an Eliza there. She was touching things. Giving reports on impressions from the items. He laughed. “That Eliza is half Typherian there as well? I can see the similar planes on the face. Plus the eyes give it away.”
He asked, “So the Markav aspect? Some truth there or a ruse?”
His father responded, “Mostly a ruse but she does have some Markav knowledge implanted because of the Ur-Stone.”
His father handed him some reports. They were in paper format with magical locks on them. They reacted to his touch. His father intoned words that were impossible for a human’s vocal cords. What was this Arcane Order? He had never questioned it much. Mostly due to all the technical wonders here and he trusted his father. Words formed. Jacob stared open-mouthed.
Attend. Earth is at war.
Not with one person or faction but an overarching corruption.
It is the Dark Mirror to the Weave. We have been entrusted with a holy vow to stop it.
To return balance to our universe and others.
Be Weary of the Path of the Ancients. The Coils of Set reach into the Infinite.
Jacob dived in.
“Holy shit. Eliza’s going to have to St. George the Dragon?”
His father muttered, “Jar!”
Pointing at a glass container that materialized. A small note indicating, “Future Triplet Fund.”
The elder Murphy child threw a mix of bills and coins within.
He read further, his stomach twisting, reading between the lines of the Light Shaman saga and proclamations.
J’ino’s hand strengthened its grip on his shoulder. “Queen Guievenere says she has a plan for that. My father finally told me.”
Jacob winced as the agony flowed behind her words.
“I will not lose my daughter to this Unity monster.”
He rubbed his eyes. “There’s something here about Follow the Lights. They will guide her home.” J’ino scanned the words. Seeing nothing. Thomas questioned Jacob, “Where is that? I cannot see those words.”
Jacob pointed. “Here, I'll write them down.”
Still, his family said nothing. He said, “The words are plain on the paper. Both within the codex and…” His father held his breath. Snapping his fingers.”Of course!” Thomas brought over more entires.” You can see some Weave manifestations even if you can’t speak directly to it!” Jacob saw his father practically beaming. What a rare display!
Jacob stated, with some glee, “Does that mean I get a raise?”
He was joking of course. His humor often manifested when he least suspected it.
J’ino planted a motherly kiss on his forehead, “I'll supply all the extra mechanical fun you could ever wish for. The corrupted of Set within Typha’s houses can eat all the crow in the world for it.”
Jacob replied, “There’s something worse than this Hidden House from these reports?”
J’ino nodded, “Indeed. Father also filled me in on who and what that assassin was from years ago. Typherians who voluntarily slice out their spinal nodes.” He pulled up his sister’s medical profile. “From what I gather, that’s a pretty big taboo right?” She nodded. Her eyes darkening as she looked at the initial reports from Lorain Lanis. Jacob didn’t understand all the technical terms but he had never realized just how much pain his little sister had been in. Horrifying. According to Doc, if her Demi abilities hadn’t manifested, she would have been wheelchair-bound by now. A side file materialized.
The White Defender Belt. He clicked it. His mind expanded. The words carrying him away. Meanwhile, the world around him continued. His passing was only noted within the space of a few heartbeats.
*****
The Curator smiled. Taking on the form of an old human. Greeting Jacob with a hearty, “Welcome. I see you found my little addition.” Jacob shook the man’s hand. Not knowing why.
“What is this White Defender aspect?”
“Your sister. But more than that. It is history.”
A wide field of grass formed under his feet.
White pearly towers rose. Golden banners with 8 silver stars around a white oak.
Jacob approached the castle.
The moat was interlinked with rings. Each swirling and vibrating. The waters letting off pleasant echoes.
Once inside he saw a large table. 8 figures seated around it.
A woman clothed in white. A man decked out in black armor.
It was extremely odd that they all appeared human. The Curator winked, “It is how your mind is making sense of the information around you.” He examined the room. Making note of the blade resting at the center. Its pommel facing the black armored figure. The white-clothed woman with pitch-black eyes turned towards the window. “Am I to understand this correctly dear Scholar. You wish to study the Leylines?” The cloaked figured nodded. Opening his hands with delight.
“Yes, with your permission of course. As guardian of the Lines. I humbly request access.”
The Black rumbled, “Have we not provided enough materials for new Universes to be born? Have you not already seeded them with those you call Litari? Markav? Even the four-footed fellows.” Jacob’s hands passed through another figure. This one’s name echoing outward. He appeared harsh. Reserved and troubled all at once. J’kua/ Intez. The shape changed. Skin nearly white. Black and grey eyes drinking in everything. “We feel more time is needed. Weave willing we will find more places to seed with the Light of…” His voice wasn’t singular. It was a great host of memory behind those eyes. He wasn’t as tall as a Void Walker. Murphy realized that this was the form of a pristine Keeper. Or rather: J’kua.
The Curator pointed. A being of pure darkness pulsated next to the Black.
Amarche.
Jacob asked, “Are you the first of all?”
The Curator responded, “No. That is the Weave. The Many Faces of God. Breathing life into the very foundation of all.”
The castle walls brightened.
Murphy passed through the table. The sword was Excalibur.
Though the blade had a different shape. He rested a hand on the sword’s pommel.
<<Ahh, I see now. We shall meet at the Well of Freefall. Carried by Magic and Time.>>
Jacob walked over to the White. Blood pounding across his temples. Images colliding together. Dexter and Eliza faced down a dragon of gargantuan size. Armed with opposing spears and shields. A Typherian with red eyes. Holding a blade to J’ino’s throat while dark matter danced around the edges. Thoth lying bloody and broken. Eliza standing over him. But the uniform was all wrong. No, not his Eliza. The other one. The Typherian Weave Speaker. Her hand gripping a blaster pistol. Its energy crackled with ferocious heat.
His Eliza moving with agonizing slowness. Shouting a warning.
White asked Jacob, “How do I save her? Our fault. We let the corruption in. It wore the face of a friend.” He saw White crawling towards a pool of energy. Blood dark upon the stonework. The Scholar mutated. His hands reaching out.
“I see it all. Become one with me! FOR ALL ACROSS THE INFINITE WILL SHARE IN THE GLORY!”
The skin of the Scholar melted. A twisted vile thing bursting from his chest. Jacob leaned heavily upon the chair that Black was seated within. Two solid white eyes stared outward. At the approaching storm. The song of the moat grew distorted. Endless melodies were stilled. Black turned to him, holding out his hand, “The Ouro only sings for the Twins now. They guard the souls of the past. Willing those towards the future. Souls no longer finding their place within Time’s great tapestry are shrouded by Unity. Reactivate the Ouro within each Universe. Tie it to Eden!” The castle walls dimmed.
His Earth glimmered overhead. It's light feeding the primary Ouro. The souls there finding peace. To be reborn anew. Seeking other protected Universes. Jacob’s mind processed it by seeing the patterns akin to a mural. Each piece a small light hanging within the absolute black of space. The Curator leaned in close. His voice gentle, “Find the lights. Rekindle the Ouro. Only then shall your sister be saved.”
The Ouroborous Chain hummed.
An endless line of Kings and Queens sat upon a Throne.
Without really understanding.
That was for the inheritors. The Twin Suns of Earth and Typha.
The Ouroborous Chain was maintained by an endless cycle of Eliza and Dexter. Avatars no matter the circumstance. They guarded it with everything they had. No matter the cost or the Universe. It was a moat that protected the Weave Castle. The very first ones still existed. Untouched by time. Which meant a great deal. They were effectively immortal.
A calling card to those who would wish to devour them.
Hunted by the Unity.
The Intez hiding within Human hosts.
J’kua within the Ur-stone.
Convergence. Dexter and Eliza existed within Eden.
The Unity would finally see its end.
The castle faded.
He blinked.
*****
His father was saying something, “….well if we can figure out how to properly communicate….”
A shrill tone broke through Jacob’s haze. Something was coming through the main transfer hub within the Dyson Sphere. He followed his father and J’ino to the central rally point. Light Shamans forming a ring of protection against the incursion. The air grew heavy as a portal opened.
An obsidian spear lanced outwards. Impaling a multilimbed creature against the protective wards of the Shamans. Its purple eyes sparking. One man shouted, “Aspect of Unity! We are betrayed!” Jacob bellowed, “NO! Weave Script! That is my sister’s weapon!”
Figures spilled outward from the portal. Eliza Murphy’s Star-Spangled Banner uniform singed and burnt. Her eyes filled with cosmic brilliance.
“Earth’s Weave sings with the Ouro of Eden.”
Her left arm was immobile. A black dragon tattoo inscribed up to the elbow. Doc’s healing energies closing up the Golden Redeemers' wounds. Emerald K-9 was resting within the arms of Lightbearer. Star bounded over to the deteriorated husk of Unity. “Nobody makes bacon out of my dog.” Jacob’s eyes widened as she used that left arm to punch through the skull of the Unity husk. It pulsed with golden light. Drawn into the imagery inscribed upon Star’s arm.
Eliza crouched. Picking up the small purple gem. “Now to put this in Pandora’s Box.”
She smiled at them all, taking one step forward, floating upward as sleep took her.
Doc let out a shaky laugh. “We got an Intez here that wants to talk to the President.”
Lanis roped Eliza in with some medical drones.
Still wondering what to make of the whole ordeal.
Puzzler gave Jacob a hearty slap on the back. “Heya Murph!”
Jacob grinned, “I imagine we have a whole lot to discuss.”
Eliza yawned, “Set. Houses. Lots to say. Plus these guys know who I am. Hi momma.”
J’ino poked her daughter’s midsection. “What did you do young lady?” Her tone was almost calm. Star stifled another yawn. “Gotta light up the cosmos. So many lights. The Weave wants me to talk to Mallet. Something about a Howling?”
*****
My eyes grew heavy again. White’s voice rumbling around my head with great concern.
<<I told you. Your body isn’t quite ready for the major leagues! Take it easy!>> It was like having five of my mom yelling at me all at once. Which was probably happening. I was getting a mindfull already.
>>What on Earth did you do to your arm?! I only just found out about the Lying House. Plus you hurled that spear akin to an Odessen. I want receipts.<<
Whatever Doc was pumping into my system was absolutely delightful.
It shouldn’t have worked.
Needles shouldn’t have worked.
I grinned. My voice slurred, “Yesh? I loffe you ma. I love everythin’ right now. Why is it pink?”
*****
J’ino’s expression changed to horror when she saw the needles pierce her daughter’s skin.
Lorain held up her hand, “It happened when the dragon tattoo appeared. White says it's because she used that ability too soon. But it was required. Star will have to explain. “ Lorain held Eliza’s right hand. Mostly to keep contact so she could analyze everything medically. She let out a small sigh of relief as Star’s invincibility snapped back into place.
She had a feeling that sleep wouldn’t find her any time soon.
Lorain’s face flushed as the thought finally caught up with her.
*****
The drugs wore off like a splash of cold water to my face. I used another nano hypo on Cooper. Glad to see that his Green Defender belt had protected him from a fair amount of harm. Mom was looking at me with a mixture of relief and worry. “I know…well here’s how it went down. Unity tried to eat Emerald….and that’s when I lost it….”
My fists tearing into the dragon. All I could see during that moment was red.
As the rest of my team scarfed down some well-deserved food, I continued our tale. A battle that would stick with me for the rest of my days. But like with everything else in my life, it was a story that would remind me of my powers. The need to master my emotions.
Morrigan and Ichabod chimed in simultaneously, “That dragon had it coming!”
I knew they meant well. I just hoped I wouldn’t ever go over the edge.
Rage with someone of my power level wasn’t healthy. Or wise.
Mom and Jacob listened intently.
Dad added, “Space Cadet. Those things aren’t actual beings with souls. Don’t be afraid to cut loose on them. Just like the Living Stone. You may not start the fight but sometimes you have to finish it. Got it?”
I nodded. I let out a breath.
I would do this. I had to. The Weave and the Ouro within other universes had to be freed.
“The Queen said….”
My eyes wandered as I continued to recall that battle within the Weave. The future I had glimpsed after striking that subsector dragon ringing brightly within me. It gave me hope. Seeing everyone smiling around that table. Mom watched every move I made. Like she was memorizing everything. She knew. Grandpa V’alkor had let her in. I nudged her mentally.
>>I know it will work mom. I’ll find all the lights to carry me home.<<
A brief smile appeared. Her gaze remained troubled.
A flash of orange eyes beckoned once more.
*****
J’ino kept the image of the Golden City close within her mind. Seeing flashes of her daughter’s future. Praying that it would be the Truth rather than wishful thinking against an uncaring void of stars.
*****
The Hanged Man slept soundly. His breath coming and going like the sea.
The shadowed form of a woman called softly to him.
“I know the taste of your tears.”
Issue 11: Here
Issue 13: Here