Simmons wondered how this could be and why Perkins hadn't mentioned Sonya. But he realized that Perkins had only met Sonya a few times and it had been years since Heinlein. She was younger than when he'd first met her, but after listening to her speak, he was sure and he wasn't losing it. It was her. Somehow, it was Sonya, alive.
Chapter 15, Revelations
Simmons slowly regained his composure. Quickly draining one bottle of water after another, he listened to Sonya's tales of science camps and college classmates. Cadet Smithy was obviously smitten with the younger Sonya, whose flirtatious fingers had the tendency to rest upon his hand, arm, and knee. The dreamy eyed glaze had spread all over his body. Simmons wondered if Smithy had heard a single word, as he mindlessly nodded and chuckled when Sonya stroked his forearm with her hand. Herb use to react that same way, Simmons thought.
Suddenly Simmons realized that Sonya's hand was on his. Are you alright, she ask. Simmons smiled, placing his other hand on top of hers. I'm fine. I was just thinking about an old friend. He sent me here to find out what happened here, what happened to you and the others. Something amazing is happening, something that may destroy everything if we can't stop it. Sonya and Dirk stared at him. Sonya's gripped tightened on his hand. For a moment, Simmons saw the Sonya that he had known. Her eyes grew narrow, probing Simmons' face. What is it, she asked? What's this all about? How did all of this happen? Why do I feel like you know me? Sonya's probing eyes cut into Simmons like a dagger. The smile that had adorned her face since he'd first noticed her was now a pensive and impatient grimace.
I can't, said Simmons. Sonya dropped his hand, ripping hers from his grasp. Cadet Smithy's glazed eyes had cleared. Now he merely sat back eagerly awaiting Simmons' response. He'd seen the look in Simmons' eyes when he'd gotten a good look at Sonya, not to mention the fact the she'd come into his life out of a glowing blue energy blob. If it had just been Sonya that had appeared, Dirk would have thanked God and let it go, but it had happened everywhere. And based on the reports, not everything that had appeared was human.
Simmons looked at Dirk and then back at Sonya, who stood in front of him with her arms crossed.
I already have an idea of how, what I want to, no, need to know, is why... Why did this happen? Sonya plopped down into the chair next to Dirk, who looked at her and then back at Simmons. Sonya stared at Simmons, expectantly.
Like I said, I can't tell you that. Not because I don't want to, I just don't know. Simmons bellowed.
Then why do you look at me like you know me? She asked.
Because I do, did, will... said Simmons.
Sonya continued to grimace. Her eyes began to bore into him again. Simmons leaned forward and took her hand. A tear rolled down her cheek. Simmons took her hands in his. I knew you a long time ago, when I was just a kid, fresh out of boot-camp. Her eyes showed confusion, which mirrored the look on Dirk's. She didn't notice. Simmons had her full attention.
Not mentioning her relationship with Herb or the specifics of their research, which he didn't know, Simmons told Sonya about the moon, the base, the explosion, and about her death. Dirk's face had grown pale. Simmons saw Dirk's lips form the words, my god. While Sonya, drew away from Simmons. I blew up and I broke the moon... she said, as a sea of tears moistened her cheeks.
Sonya ran to the station door. Dirk stood to go after her. Simmons blocked his pursuit. The protesters, reporters, and press had finally dissipated. The streets were barren. A curfew had been imposed since the ghostly materializations had brought ancient and not so ancient ancestors and prehistoric species to town. There had been several sightings and a growing number of confirmed attacks. Fortunately, there hadn't been any fatalities reported yet.
Sonya stood in the doorway. A cool breeze wafted through the station. The newspaper on Perkins' desk fluttered behind her. For some reason, Sonya found it comforting, as she looked skyward and saw the moon and the tail that use to be part of the lunar surface. Even in a thousand pieces, strewn across the heavens, it glowed and filled her heart with as much warmth as it did sorrow. Scanning the sky, her eyes fell upon the edge of an ominous swirling darkness, looming beyond the city limits. Her mind drifted back to the window, through which she had been drawn. From her side, it afforded a view of a distant time. From Dirk's perspective, it appeared as a silhouette of the onlooker. She wondered what was looking back from beyond the swirl and if it was going to cross over as she had. She shivered at the thought or maybe it was just the chill of the night air. Trails of tears dried upon her cheeks, as she turned and saw Simmons waiting for her at Perkins' desk. He was flipping through the paper. Sonya walked over and sat on the edge of the desk, with her back to him. Simmons leaned back and turned the page.
So... he said. Would you like to talk to the people that I work for? I'm sure that they wouldn't mind hearing your account of what happened, first hand. Besides, you've got questions that I can't answer, questions that we both want answers to. Sonya still sat with her back to Simmons, staring out at the street. Simmons sat forward and folded the newspaper, as he set it aside. They'll probably want to run a few test, but nothing more invasive than a scan or two.
Sonya slid off of the edge of the desk, taking a few steps forward.
Simmons got up and walked up behind her. Sonya was still scanning the sidewalks outside. Simmons moved passed her to the door. He looked out towards the area that Sonya appeared to be staring at. At first, he saw nothing. Then, something blinked. Its eyes were a vibrant sickly shade of yellow. They blinked and disappeared down the alley with the lanky silhouette that surrounded them, followed closely by several others that he hadn't noticed before.
Sonya walked up next to him. I take it that those aren't your average alley-cats. If we're going, we should probably go before they decide to come back, said Sonya.
Simmons just nodded, still looking at the mouth of the alley.
Chapter 16, Access
The pain in his stomach head and stomach had subsided, but a burning sensation still lingered in his leg. When he opened his eyes, Alex found himself back in room 872. He'd remembered waking up in the lab after his dream. But he had to wonder. Was it a dream? How many dreams left you with a waning headache and a receding burning sensation in one's leg? He rolled up his pant leg and eyed the bruised redness of the skin on his inner calf. It was eerily close to where he'd felt the ridge tearing at his leg in the dream. Images of a massive swirling abyss filled his mind and a fearful dread reverberated through his body. He stood, carefully testing his bruised leg. Aside from the slight burning and the discoloration, his leg was fine. As he approached the door, it slid open. Alex immediately stepped back, expecting Dr. Li or Brock. Brock, the rock, he mused. He chuckled, ready to spring the idea on Brock, who'd probably been called much worst thought Alex. But after a moment, he realized that the door had opened for him and that he'd have to save nicknaming for later. Once again, he approached the doorway. The door stood open, as if it was waiting for him. He envisioned a cartoon rabbit, tapping its foot, impatiently pointing at its watch. A sarcastic grin spread across his lips.
Prefixed by a metallic clearing of the throat sound, a disembodied voice filled the room with a coldly pleasant tone as it spoke.
Good evening Alex. I am the Central Interactive Neural Dynamic Intelligence, Series 3. I am Dr. Li's assistant. You may call me Julius. If you feel up to it, Dr. Li would like you to come down to the lab.
Alex approached the doorway, peering out into the hallway. There was something different, something ominous in the air. Aside from Julius's voice, there was silence. When he'd first met Dr. Herbert Li, the hallways had been teaming with activity. But now, there was nothing. Stepping into the hallway, no guards, soldiers, doctors, nurses, nor orderlies seemed to be around. The halls were barren. As he stepped out of his room, Julius's voice directed him towards the end of the hallway, where Alex entered the lift, which
immediately closed behind him. Looking around, he could see no buttons or obvious panels, until Julius spoke. As Julius spoke, a luminous display appeared on the rear wall. A map, showing his current position as the path of the lift, blinked into view at its center.
When the lift doors open, proceed down the passageway. I will provide access to the test facility once you reach the door. Is that clear? Julius asked.
Alex smiled and said yes. As the lift came to a stop, the door hissed and opened. Alex peered out into a dimly lit passageway, at the end of which he could see a door. A light blinked at its center. From the end of the passage, a voice echoed.
Whenever you're ready, said Julius.
Alex shook his head and stepped into the passage. The lift door closed, hissed, and fell silent. Alex walked toward the blinking light. Each step echoed in his ears. He still hadn't seen a soul. This made him a little more than uneasy, but no more than waking up a few decades in the future. One of the lights flickered, making the shadows dance along the floor. Unlike the rest of the building, the passage was dark. It wasn't just the level of light, it was the walls. They seemed to be made of a very dark metal, maybe some kind of lead, running his hand over the surface as he walked. Despite their color, they were just as smooth and pristine as the rest of the facility's walls. Reaching the door, with the blinking light, Alex saw that it sat in the center of a panel which he hadn't noticed from the lift. Julius made the clearing of the throat sound again.
Before I can allow access, your voice print must be submitted to the security database. Please state your name and preferred designation.
Alex looked at the panel, which had come to life after Julius spoke. He started to reach for the panel, but he was quickly repelled by Julius's voice.
Please refrain from touching the panel, once more clearing his nonexistent throat. State your name and preferred designation, now! Julius demanded.
Alex Marsters... I prefer Alex, said Alex.
Julius hardly gave him time to say "I prefer," before he responded.
Identity captured and confirmed. Access granted, please enter. Welcome to Particulate Omni Rapid Transit. Dr. Li has been eagerly awaiting your arrival.
The sounds of heavy bolts sliding and a massive hissing filled the air. Alex stepped back as the slid open, revealing another hallway, I identical to those with which he’d become familiar before entering the lift. Well lit and welcoming, Alex found himself overwhelmingly anxious to get out off the dimly lit passageway. A lone hallway trailed up to a pair of double doors, one of which stood ajar. Alex was a little surprised to see a door that he'd have to open himself. Stumbling through the opening, Alex hurried down the hallway toward the open door.
Stepping inside, Alex saw Dr. Li seated in front of a large display that hovered above a smooth metallic desk, with a purple sheen. Without turning to meet his gaze, Dr. Li asked Alex to have a seat, gesturing toward the chair to his right.
Alex entered and sat, scarcely lowering his gaze from the display to find his seat. He was transfixed by the flood of images and data that danced across the screen. At first glance, Alex assumed that Dr. Li was studying weather patterns and storms. Videos and live feeds showed desolated landscapes and, swirling clouds. As he watched, each video cut or panned to a nearby disturbance in the sky. They were smaller, but he was sure. They were almost identical to the one on the beach and the one from his dream.
Chapter 17, Origins
Alex looked at Dr. Li, whose hands still moved across the keyboard in a blur, while his eyes remained fixed on the display. Just as Alex was about to ask, Dr. Li started to speak.
I know that you must have questions about what is going on, about how, and why you're here. At first, so did I. I'd hoped that it was something simple. Maybe you were a tourist or what Sgt. Brock likes to call flash bulb hippies. But nothing checked out. How could it? I let Brock pursue this route for a while. I wanted it to be true, even though I knew that it wasn't. Where and how they found you told me that.
Alex remained silent. Dr. Li's fingers continued to dance across the keyboard, not missing a step as he continued to speak.
I didn't want to be the one responsible for what's happening. I didn't want to believe that it could. But there it is. For years, decades, scientists have argued about the effects that such an undertaking could have. Theoretically possible, but not plausible, impractical, dangerous they said. But I did it... and I wasn't even trying. I thought that i could get it right this time. What happened on the Moon would never happen again... I promised her that. The concentration of material is a fraction of what we had then, but here we are, not better for my efforts, but worst.
Alex's eyes were fixed on Dr. Li. What are you saying? He asked.
Dr. Li turned to face Alex. The pleasant and consoling face had taken on a madness which made Alex cringe, as a barrage of accusations erupted from Dr. Li's mouth.
You know better than anyone. You saw what's going to happen. You probably think that it was a dream. I saw what happened to your leg. When we found you unconscious, we brought you down here for some tests. All of a sudden, you started to scream and thrash around. Then your leg started to gush blood. Before I could do anything, it healed and you sat up and started to ramble on about a giant hole and death, saying that it was my fault. You know what is happening, you just don't know why.
Dr. Li's madness melted into utter despair. Tears welled up in his eyes. Alex looked up at the display and then turned back to Dr. Li.
Fine Doc… I really don't remember screaming at you or anything, but yeah. I know what, but I would really like to know why.
It’s you, said Dr. Li! When I brought you here, the way that I brought you here, caused this. But this started long before the PORT project, the 'Particulate Omni Rapid Transit' project. You saw the Moon, didn't you?
Alex thought back to the shattered moon, with its glimmering celestial tail of lunar debris. A look of horrific amazement spread across his face.
Yeah... that's right, I was part of that too. I was just a kid, in my early twenties when it happened. The moon was going to lead us into a new renaissance. On some of the early missions, astronauts brought back samples of moon rock. Most of it was your common feldspar, but some showed potential for generating astounding levels of energy. Several scientists were called in to study the samples. Not long after their research started, two of them were killed in an explosion. No one was sure what happened, so it was ruled an accident. But this didn't halt the study. In fact, soon after, a new research project was established to pursue the matter at its source. That's when I was called in and that's when I met Sonya.
Dr. Li's cheeks flushed and he began to sob. Alex sat quietly and waited for him to continue. After a few minutes, Dr. Li wiped his tears away, apologizing as he did, saying that he shouldn't have let her do it and that he should have done more. He wiped and sniffed, as the tears dripped from his chin. Alex leaned forward and rested his hand on Herb's shoulder.
Doc…? We don't have to do this, said Alex.
Dr. Li looked at Alex. No, you need to know why, he said.
Sonya and I were assigned to the project and sent to Heinlein One, the world's first Artificially Intelligent Moon Base. Since the discovery of the original samples, eventually dubbed Lunarium, there had been several missions to the moon, all in secret. Using these missions, the highest concentrations of Lunarium were pinpointed. Heinlein was built on top of the main vein, giving us access to more than we would ever need. Most of the base was automated or controlled by CINDI, an ancestor of Julius. She wasn't just built to run the base, but to help in our research, security, and to keep us company. There was a small contingent of support staff, but they were mainly there to keep CINDI's systems sharp. After all, CINDI was someone else's project.
We studied the Lunarium for two years before we discovered a way to safely charge and discharge its energy flow. At this point, the military decided to ta
ke over, but they still needed us. To protect their interest, they decided to send a military team to watch us, but politics and a few deleted research reports afforded us the right to choose our watchdog. That's when they sent Commander Simmons. He was one of the men who brought you in. Of course, in those days, he was Private Avery Simmons. Anyway, he was with us for about two years before the end.
Once again Dr. Li paused and a tear cascaded down his cheek, as it fell to an absorbent demise on his lab coat collar. Alex remained silent until Dr. Li Continued his tale.
During that final year, Sonya and I hardly saw the outside of our lab. Once we'd found a way to charge the Lunarium, we started to discover some unexpected and unbelievable side effects. Once charged, the energy flow seemed to be perpetual and unstable. As a precaution, we kept the majority of our samples in storage. Once one sample was charged, it gained the ability to jump-start others. We had a smaller containment unit for active samples. CINDI often lost contact with us when the containment unit was open. Fortunately, the ambient radiation seemed to have no effect on us, at least none that we'd noticed.
As we worked, the days seemed to pass slower than normal. We'd enter the lab on a Sunday and spend a day analyzing data, only to emerge to find that CINDI had only noted a passage of one or two hours at most. Once we realized what had happened, we found that charged Lunarium was disrupting the flow of time. Or to be more precise, the charged samples had acquired the ability to accelerate or slow the flow of time for things and people in close proximity to them. In honor of her favorite myths and the father of the Greek Gods, Sonya dubbed charged Lunarium, Chronium, named for Chronos. So, our research took a new turn. We experimented with clocks, liquids, and food. The affects were too inconsistent. No matter how many times we tried, nothing seemed to regulate the flow of time. There was one good thing about our research. We discovered that modified spacesuits slowed down the affects of the radiation. We also found that its affects could be minimized by decreasing the concentration of samples in a common area.