Mission Beyond The Stars: Book #1 of "Saga Of The Lost Worlds" by Neely and Dobbs

CHAPTER 11: Earth

   

  The sun faded below the horizon.  Three figures detached themselves from the frame farmhouse and took the path through the trees.  Jason had trod this same path so frequently that the trail was worn smooth.

  But this trip would be very different!

  As they moved deeper into the grove, their view of the house was blocked by the darkly fading trees and bushes that lined the path.  At the final turn they stopped abruptly, frozen by the sight before them. Resting in the center of the clearing was the strange craft, doorway already open, revealing a portion of the ship's interior.  Samantha’s rapid intake of breath showed her surprise.

  “There it is,” Jason whispered.  “What now?”

  Before they could answer, a voice projected from the ship's interior. “Welcome, Admiral Ozier, Vice-Admiral Ozier, Commodore Trandic.” Kyle recoiled, then slid his fingers through his wavy black hair.  The voice coming from the craft was his own. “The messages you will now hear were recorded by each member of your team prior to the time your identities were cloaked, while still on your distant homeworld, before you were relocated to this planet.  Please be assured that you are in no danger.  Your protection is a primary concern of this mission.  We understand your apprehension and— without the current situation's urgency— a less dramatic meeting would have been arranged.”

  The ship continued, now in Samantha’s calming voice.  “Your true home now faces a serious danger; otherwise you would not have been disturbed at this time.  It was in preparation for this eventuality that you came to this distant planet.  Our purpose is to gain your trust and cooperation, enlist your support, and return you safely and quickly to the heart of your home system.  Your true memories will be restored there, so you may help contend with this emergency. 

  “Aboard this vessel is a machine-intelligence known to each of you in the past.  By tradition, he is referred to in the masculine gender.  His name is ADIZ. At the conclusion of this recording, he will speak with you and attempt to answer any questions.  Please listen closely to his words. He will explain why the need for your return is so urgent.  When— as I sincerely hope— you reach consensus to board the ship and begin the journey, please convey the decision to ADIZ.  Further questions may be addressed to ADIZ both before departure and while the ship is en route to its destination.”

  The ship fell silent.

  “Oh my!” Samantha whispered. "It was one thing to hear your account last night, Jason.  But to hear Kyle’s voice from the ship call me ‘Vice-Admiral’…”  She absently worried the errant auburn lock at her forehead.  “Am I really…”

  A firm baritone voice, different from the others, responded from the ship. “Samantha Ozier, I am ADIZ.  You do indeed hold the rank of Vice-Admiral of the Kepren Cluster Alliance Fleet.”

  Jason turned to Kyle and Samantha, nodded, then spoke to the ship.  “First, tell us about this emergency— and our specific connection to it.”  Kyle and Samantha noticed that Jason’s voice had taken on a definite ring of authority.

  "Certainly, Admiral. Approximately three Earth years ago you came here from a star cluster so distant that few of its stars are visible from this planet.  The civilization there— your true home— occupies dozens of planetary systems within this cluster.

  “War was abolished long ago.  However, approximately thirteen Earth years ago, entire stars— along with their orbiting planets— started vanishing without a trace.  As the number of disappearances increased, a disturbing fact became apparent:  the disappearances were selective, with only occupied systems being affected.  You were a part of a highly placed team who conducted exhaustive investigations of these disastrous events.  It was a great shock for everyone to learn that nothing of the affected planetary systems could be found.  They had simply vanished.

  “It was feared a hostile intelligence might be systematically working to eradicate your civilization.  Since no means of detection or warning could be developed, a daring plan was undertaken.  Led by you, Admiral Ozier, the plan was developed, authorized and eventually implemented.  On ninety-seven unoccupied planets in remote parts of the galaxy, huge hibernation facilities were constructed and equipped to house the citizens of the Alliance.  It was hoped that the combination of remote locations and deep hibernation would hide or disguise whatever natural signals people emitted to attract the invader.

  “Also, maintenance and control of virtually the entire Alliance Cluster was turned over to artificial intelligences— similar to myself— that would continue the search for the cause of the disappearances.  The core programming of every Alliance machine intelligence prohibits it from destroying living beings.  It was decided that it would be unwise to alter that essential programming.  As a result, if the need arose to confront and eliminate any living intruder, a living person would be have to be recalled.

  “Therefore, the plan which now demands your involvement was devised.  Although hibernation sleep is a safe and proven procedure, reviving the sleepers requires a slow awakening process plus a short period of rehabilitation exercises for full return to optimal physical condition.  Thus the plan required that a number of key people remain awake. However, it was feared that their waking presence, even on remote and technologically primitive planets such as this Earth, still might attract the intruder.

  “The applications of medical and psychological science were stretched to the limits of our knowledge in developing the cloaking method you have undergone.  It results in mental alteration far stronger than hypnotic suggestion.  The effect of this change is simply referred to as a ‘mask.’  This mask does not alter personality, but does significantly modify brainwave activity and removes all memory of events prior to masking.  We hoped it would also hide you from the intruder.”

  Jason felt an icy premonition.  The Earth suddenly seemed only a tiny grain of sand on a vast beach.

  “The masks can be removed painlessly, but the necessary equipment could not be transported in this ship.  Only on your home planet of Kepren can the process be performed with maximum safety.  However, preparatory work can be done aboard this vessel using the Kiny-Stomos library, with which realistic images— complete with audio— can be created.  Then, on Kepren, it will require a time period equal to only about six of this planet's hours to complete the process.

  “One additional point: Admiral, Vice-Admiral…during this process you will recover the awareness of your son and daughter, Gavin and Marlinyn, who are— at least, as of five days ago— in perfect health.”

  Both Samantha and Jason gasped at this revelation.  ADIZ observed and waited for the worst of their reactions to pass. He then added, “Commodore, you may rest easy about your twin sister, Kyrinn.  She is also well.”

  Kyle’s eyes misted over.

  After a few moments, ADIZ continued.  “I regret the abrupt references to your families, but I have been given specific directives for the performance of my responsibility of persuading you to accompany me.  There is little time to spare, and the situation forces the use of key names and phrases that will have maximum impact in triggering your recognition and acceptance of the truth of my words.  Please be assured that all of your families, from several worlds, are in hibernation in places of optimum security.”

  Jason interrupted.  “You’ve described what has occurred in the past and who we supposedly are.  But what is the new emergency?  What has happened to cause such urgency now?”

  ADIZ hesitated fractionally before responding.  “It was hoped the disappearances would stop once the populace was removed.  For a while, that seemed to be the case.  But the disappearances have resumed.  Now— a matter of days ago— a lone planet vanished, although in no prior incident has a planet disappeared without its primary— its sun. This new development has created a situation which requires actions not covered by the contingency plans, and machines are not authorized to initiate the needed action.  For that we need the immediate return of the Alli
ance’s senior officer.  You, Admiral Ozier!”

  Jason’s senses reeled as he tried to fathom the actual possibility of this sudden responsibility.  A disorienting dizziness swept over him, but passed quickly.  He felt— somehow sensed and accepted in the core of his being— that it was his decision.  Samantha’s eyes were alert and Kyle’s gaze was one of steely expectation.  Each stood somehow more erect. Jason was further shocked by the realization that his wife and his friend were clearly deferring to him. 

  “We just found out about all this last night,” Kyle grated.  “Why are you in such an all-fired hurry?”

  “I regret the exigency, Commodore Trandic, as well as the complex answer your question requires," ADIZ replied.  “As we speak, monumental energies are being expended to maintain the means for our return to your home world.  We are rapidly approaching the limits of maintaining those energies with any acceptable degree of safety.”

  “Time has passed quickly since this crisis began.  We cannot travel instantaneously, and our starships do not physically exceed the speed of light. However, Supra-Luminal Travel— or SLT— has been developed.  By traveling at one-third light-speed inside dimensional 'shortcuts' through InterSpace, it results in faster than light travel between destinations, without significant time-dilation effects.

  “The information and materials required for my mission were available at the remote center where I was stationed, so I was able to travel directly here.  However, significant time has elapsed since the onset of the crisis.  Earth is quite remote from Sanctuary-1; traveling here from there consumed a full day.  When I arrived, the Admiral was in the company of some of the planet’s natives and, thus, was unapproachable.  I then attempted to make my alternate contact with the Commodore, with the resulting attack on my ship.  My mission directives prevented me from chancing a second direct encounter on the same evening.”

  Kyle looked chagrinned and shrugged apologetically.

  ADIZ continued.  “The following night I again attempted contact, but discovered that the Admiral and the Vice-Admiral were alone in a clearing near their house…occupied in activities of such an intensely personal nature that my prior programming clearly prohibited my interrupting them.”

  It was Jason’s turn to look embarrassed, and Samantha blushed.

  “Thus, two more full revolutions of this planet have occurred than had been planned.  Time has now become critical.”

   “Our travel time depends on energy usage, which we refer to as ‘Phase Levels.’  The advanced transportation facilities on Kepren— coupled with its proximity to its high energy sun, Syzygy— offers the transport system’s highest energy phase, and thus the Alliance’s fastest possible interstellar transits.  My moderate-Phase flight from Sanctuary-1 consumed one day; at the Phase-16 level available from Kepren’s Star Terminal-1, it would have taken less than an hour.  The difference in energy levels is prodigious.  You might think of it as the power of a small thunderstorm versus that of an ocean-wide hurricane.  Such massive energy expenditures are justified only in extreme emergencies.

  “The level star tunnel that had awaited us is maintained by the high-energy support from Kepren’s equipment and sun.  However, after a period of time, any tunnel begins to lose integrity. As it does so, the maximum phase level it can maintain decreases. This has already occurred; Phase-16 will no longer be possible, and our return trip will now be measured in days. Additionally, the chances for the ship’s safe return gradually diminish as the phase levels deteriorate.  If we delay of only a few more hours, the risk will become too great to attempt departure.  Finally, there is one overriding reason for urgency: Should any further catastrophe occur in the Kepren system, we could be stranded here permanently.”

  From the doorway, a faint luminosity appeared and intensified, becoming an angled shaft of shimmering light connecting the ship’s doorway with a large, newly illuminated square of the ground.

   “I must urge your group to make a decision quickly.  Once aboard, Admiral, you will be in command.  The ship will leave or stay as you order.  To board, you need only advance until you are in the shaft of light and it will carry you into the ship.  I implore you to decide without further delay.”

  Jason looked again at his companions.

  Kyle seemed undecided.  “It— or he, whatever— certainly is careful and polite.  And he makes a strong case for urgency.  But, that aside, I’d like to know who our traveling companions will be.”

  ADIZ’s voice returned.  “Besides myself, there will be no others.  Currently, three machine intelligences similar to myself are on board.  They have been fashioned in each of your images.  During your temporary residence on this planet you have been under constant scrutiny.  If you agree to return, these replicas will take your place.  While artificial, they are most convincing copies.  For example, the replica of Commodore Trandic will look and even smell familiar to his dogs; they will accept him as genuine.”

  “Could we observe the golems?” Kyle asked.  “If they are really convincing, it might help us make our decision.”

  ADIZ asked, “What are ‘golems’?”

  “Consider it another term for the machine intelligences on board,” Samantha answered.

  “Understood," replied ADIZ.  "The proper term for them is Artificial Intelligence Data Devices. However, they are commonly referred to by the acronym, AIDDs.”

  Kyle snapped impatiently, “Call them whatever you want! The question is, can we see them?”

   “Your request will be honored, Commodore.  Please stand away from the opening.  When the AIDDs emerge you are free to approach and examine them closely.  However, do not under any circumstances attempt to converse with them.  Were you to do so, it could result in a destructive paradox-feedback loop.  Until I retrieved them and brought them down, they were in a black-body, non-radiating vehicle in a stationary orbit directly over this spot, effectively experiencing your lives in real time.  As a result, they have absorbed the local customs and learned the many terms and idioms I do not know.  Once they leave the ship, however, they will begin independent existence.  Each has internal power, which will supply them for many years.  It is possible that one or more of you will wish or need to return and resume your Earthly identities, so they will dispose of the alarming documents you left behind.”

  “It seems to have thought of everything,” Kyle muttered.  “I wonder if…”  He broke off as shadows moved within the ship.

  A figure appeared in the doorway, a perfect likeness of Jason.  It stepped out into open air; instead of falling, it floated gently down the diagonal light stream and settled gently on its feet.  In quick succession, two other figures followed.  The figure of Kyle ran its fingers through its hair, a characteristic gesture of Kyle's.  The third figure, an exact likeness of Samantha, worried a wisp of unruly auburn hair which perfectly matched the one on Jason’s wife’s forehead.  Although alert, the figures seemed not to recognize the presence their counterparts.  As if at a silent signal, they moved onto the path that led back to the house.  Soon they were lost from view.

  ADIZ, checking the rapidly changing symbols on an instrument panel, keyed his internal microphone and spoke, “Admiral, departure in the next few minutes is crucial.”

  Jason looked to his companions for confirmation.  Samantha and Kyle were wide-eyed, but both answered his look with tight affirmative nods.

  Jason moved slowly toward the light-shaft, muttering to himself, “Going on board to check it out doesn’t mean we’ll leave.  At least we’ll know if that ‘stair-light’ works!”

  Samantha and Kyle made no comment, but warily followed his lead.  When they reached the beam and were fully bathed in it, they were lifted effortlessly into the ship.

  The interior’s soft lighting revealed a comfortable enclosure with lushly cushioned chairs.  There were no windows of any kind.  They all noticed that the door through which they had entered had not closed; the ship gave no sign
that it was preparing to leave.  While no equipment or controls were apparent, the ship whispered a barely perceptible hum that testified it was active.

  Jason found his voice.  “ADIZ?”

  “Yes, Admiral?”

  “We would like to see you before we decide to continue.”

  “At once, Admiral.”

  From a dividing wall in the chamber, a panel hissed faintly and moved aside.  A shadow moved on the far wall.  Then ADIZ stepped into view.  Both men tensed and Samantha almost suppressed her gasp of astonishment.

   Standing just over six feet tall, ADIZ entered with a smooth, assured step that implied careful design and painstaking construction.  His trim body was a flowing mosaic of silver and burnished bronze with panels here and there, apparently concealing interior compartments.  Located in the chest area was a large recess covered with a translucent material.  Colored light patterns played beneath it, doubtlessly conveying information to any trained observer.  The head was pleasingly humanoid, though it would never be perceived as human:  a warm bronze face with a distinct— though austere— mouth, a slight triangular prominence and small oval protrusions hinting at a nose and ears, and what appeared to be a close-fitting skullcap of darker bronze where hair might otherwise have been.  His softly radiant eyes moved from Jason to Samantha to Kyle.

  While still several paces away, he gracefully halted his progress.

  Kyle caught his breath.  “Up until this, I still thought…”  He shuddered slightly.  “Well, hoax.  But this…this is no hoax!”

  Samantha, too, marveled at this animated metal sculpture standing politely before them.  What a remarkable blend of art and science! How mighty the creators of it must be!  Are they really my people?  Her gaze moved back to the external door.  ADIZ's word remained good; the doorway remained open.

  Jason looked from ADIZ to Samantha to Kyle, and back to ADIZ.  All waited attentively for Jason’s next move.  Am I really an Admiral after all?  Admiral of what?  Of whom?  Maybe it’s time to find out.  Keeping Samantha and Kyle in the corner of his eye, he said, “ADIZ, would you close the door?"

  "Are you requesting that I secure the hatch, Sir”

  "Yes, ADIZ." A smile flitted across Jason's face. "Secure the hatch.”

  Reversing its earlier process, the energy shield irised closed, the door panel moved to fill the doorway, then clicked shut. Their ears popped slightly as cabin pressure was adjusted.  The faint hum now rose in pitch and volume as the ship prepared for departure.

  ADIZ addressed Jason, “Sir, I must return to my compartment for the next stage of the flight.  It is my duty to monitor the ship’s launch into space and, an hour into the flight, the entry into the star tunnel that will return us to Kepren.  When all is ready, I shall alert you.  Only at your order will the ship depart.”  He turned toward his compartment, paused, turned back and said simply, “Sir, the command to depart is ‘Launch’.”  He turned crisply on his heel and walked back through the opening.  It whispered closed behind him.

  The group sat stiffly in their cushioned chairs.  Samantha realized, with a start, that she had been clenching her hands together, painfully so.  She relaxed her grip.  The encounter with ADIZ had contained no hint of menace, and she was rapidly adjusting to this strange situation.  The finely sculptured design of the cabin had not escaped her eye.  Even without understanding the ship’s functions, its elegant simplicity told her a great deal.  What civilization had created this ship, this robot, and all the wonders she now beheld?  It was far, far more sophisticated and advanced than anything they had known.

  Had known?  With a start, Samantha recognized she was already thinking of their home on Earth in the past tense.  “ADIZ, I have a question before we decide to go.”

  Jason and Kyle started at Samantha’s sudden declaration.  ADIZ’s voice responded, “Yes, Vice-Admiral?”

  “When we saw this ship take off last night, I noticed faint light projections in front of and behind the ship.  Also, the ship’s speed was much greater than any we’ve ever seen.  Can you explain what we saw and how such speed is possible?”

  “Certainly, Vice-Admiral.  However, you actually have seen such speeds before, and when your masks are removed you will remember it clearly.  The fore and aft ‘light projections’ were polarized, ionized fields which— for simplicity at this time, I must be inexact— magnetically separate the particles of the atmosphere to create a vacuum in which the ship travels without atmospheric resistance.  This field smoothly parts the atmosphere prior to the ship’s passage, then allows the particles to come back together so gently that virtually no disturbance occurs.  As a result, no atmospheric friction slows the ship’s progress and no dynamic sound wave effects are created.  Within this field, the ship’s maximum speed is considerably greater than the 7.9 miles per second you observed.  The ship’s gravity-based propulsion is quite complex and so alien to Earth science that a detailed description at this time would be fruitless.  With the masks removed, you will remember far more than I could possibly tell you in the short time remaining before we must launch.”

  Samantha looked at Jason.  Jason looked at Kyle.  Kyle looked at Samantha.  None of the three spoke.  They just shook their heads in bewilderment.

  “The ship is ready.  If you wish to view our departure, please give the command, ‘View screen, astern’.”  An expectant silence ensued.

  Samantha broke the tension.  “Jason, Kyle…do you think…is it true?  Have we really been only visitors to Earth?  Could our real home be a civilization we would have considered alien only yesterday?  Are we leaving our true home, or are we about to return to it?  Where do we really belong?”

  Jason’s pursed lips and Kyle’s downcast eyes were her only answer.  Long seconds passed as each examined his feelings.

  Again, it was Samantha who broke the silence.  “I can’t explain it, but when ADIZ mentioned the children…  It’s not that I remember clearly.  It’s more like a fleeting memory that I can’t quite grasp.”  She shivered.  “Still, my heart tells me that it’s time to leave Earth and go home.  What do you men think?”

  “Samantha, I am genuinely afraid you are right…" Kyle responded, "but that may mean that you shouldn’t refer to Jason and me as ‘men’.”

  Her giggle broke the tension.  “Kyle, that’s absurd!  I know you well, but I know my husband.  I assure you he’s all man, and nothing can convince me differently.  You’re men all right, just not Earthmen!”

  Jason’s eyes locked with his companions’.  There was the smallest pause, then they nodded slightly.  He felt his heart pounding.  This is the point of no return.

  Even as that thought coursed through his mind, he heard his own voice say, “ADIZ…launch!”