That's when we decided to attempt to use Chronium to bridge space, therefore decreasing the perceived travel time from point A to B. Sonya had a few theories on how we could do this, but we knew that we had to find a way to regulate the energy-flow first. It took weeks, but we eventually managed to create a working regulator. Many of our designs were purely theoretical, but we had to try. Much of the regulator was primarily used for containment. Only a few components were design to direct and to control the chronetic energy. During our first test, we attempted to move a paper cup from one end of the lab to the other. The cup made it. It had also aged by at least 50 years. It flaked and crumbled when we touched it. This happened over and over again, until we learned how to constrict the field with a low level magnetic pulse. The pulse seemed to successfully restrict the aging affects long enough to allow the cup and
many other objects to safely traverse the temporal field.
On the day of the last test, I'd decided to take a nap. I slept for about an hour and was on my way back to the lab, when I heard and an explosion from inside. Forgetting to grab my suit, I entered the lab. The regulator and half of the lab were in flames. The containment chamber had ruptured and the resulting explosion had breached the storage facility. Half of the Lunarium had been charged by the time I'd arrived. Sonya was sitting against the wall to the right of the doorway. I took her hand to help her to her feet and started, as a heart wrenching cry of pain emanate from her lips. She was wearing her spacesuit, but half of it had been charred and fused to her skin. She screamed for me to get out. She told me that the chronium had become dangerously unstable and that she had to seal the breach. Just then, the panel behind me exploded and threw me to the floor in front of the regulator. As I lay there, a wave of energy threw me backwards, slamming me into the wall. Then, I lost consciousness.
The next thing I knew, Simmons was carrying me and Sonya was locking us out of the lab. By the time we reached the control room, the lab had been engulfed in blue flame. Somehow, we made it to a ship and escaped into space, just before the base and the moon exploded. Our ship was enveloped in debris and a wave of chronetic energy. When the debris cleared, we found ourselves on the opposite side of the planet and more than a day had past. To us, it had only been minutes.
Later, I discovered that the pulse had caused another change in the Chronium. With each test and each pulse, the Chronium had begun to compress together into one lump. Eventually, that lump compacted, increasing in density until it reached critical mass. That much I know, based on the final data stream transmitted by CINDI, before she exploded.
Chapter 18, Fallout
The explosion unearthed and charged tons of Lunarium. A substantial amount of it burned up in Earth's atmosphere, but some still rained down all over the planet. Some of it found its way into the Atlantic and the Pacific. Fortunately, only a small amount made landfall, mostly in isolated locations around the world. For years after the Moon exploded, scientists collected and analyzed samples of charged lunar fragments, but they no longer seemed to have any effect on time or on our perception of it. No one is really sure, but we can only assume that the explosion caused another change in the chromium, resulting in what we now call chronyte. In time, I managed to start this project. Since the chronyte no longer exhibited the instability of its predecessor, finding funding without government ties was easy. After all, what businessman wouldn't want to be responsible for groundbreaking advances in transportation and distribution?
Early on in my research, I discovered that the same magnetic fields that Sonya and I had used to control chronium radiation could now unleash it. So, I continued my research. I had to do it. I wouldn't let Sonya's sacrifice be forgotten or written off as another misbegotten government experiment.
Alex could no longer remain silent. His frustration had been growing beneath his mask of fascination. He felt sorry for his loss, but Dr. Li still hadn't given him the answer he'd hoped to find in the doctor's ever growing diatribe. Alex interrupted Dr. Li.
Doc... Please... Alex implored.
I'm getting to it, said Herb, continuing.
Since your arrival, things have started to unravel in ways that I could never have predicted. Time is like a river. Like a river, time flows. Our experiments on the moon acted like a stone, skipping across the face of time and space. Each test sent out a ripple, disrupting the flow of time in a fraction of our perceptible view of linear time. Like a river, those ripples didn't just fade. They merely spread out until they were too small to see, not that we would have known what to look for. Based upon recent events and data, the original ripples created weak points or fractures in time. When you throw a stone into a river, it doesn't just vanish. It sinks to the bottom, but the additional mass continues to displace water as it flows over that stone. The same was true of the fractures. Once I started the second experiment, more fractures started to form. With every test, a new fracture was thrown into the flow of time. However, even though the flow had been disrupted, it was on a very small scale. At least, that was until the last test. An unforeseen power surge punched a hole through that flow, opening the fractures and causing time to collapse into that hole and the present.
So what does that mean? Alex asked.
Time is pooling, randomly spilling people and animals into the present. The flow of time is repeating that last test unchecked. So far, most of the transports are incomplete. Many of the people and animals appear as phantoms, which fade in and out of our time period. But some remain, anchored by contact with someone or something from the present. If our past and present finally merge, we could cease to exist. Without a past, there can be no present, nor a future.
Chapter 19, Daring
Closing his eyes, Dirk took a deep breath, pressing his palm firmly against the handle of his sidearm. He pictured the yellow eyes and the shadowy forms that he'd glimpsed upon approaching his new friends near the station doors. Simmons and Sonya had gotten a better look at them, but they couldn't imagine to what those eyes had been attached. It didn't matter. Dirk wasn't going to let anyone get hurt if he could help it, especially not Sonya.
Despite what they'd seen, they were determined to get to the lab. There was no doubt in their minds that Herb could answer an ever increasing number of questions. Simmons had landed only a few yards from the alley. Dirk volunteered to take point when they were ready to head out. Sonya would follow Dirk, while Simmons watched their backs. Simmons primed his sidearm as Dirk gave one to Sonya and taught her the basics. He was surprised by how quickly she took to it. Simmons chuckled as Sonya readily leveled her sidearm and powered the injectors. Entering the main office, Simmons drew his comm pad from his pocket and contacted Herb.
Herb, this is Simmons. Sorry that I didn't call in sooner, but I got a little side tracked by one of our ghosts. She's a scientist from the recent past. I thought that you might like to hear some of her observations first hand. Besides, she's got tons of questions that I definitely can't answer.
Good, said Herb. Most of what I've been getting from these interviews is deeply rooted in superstition. I can hardly find more than a few crumbs of useful information.
Well, we'll head out as soon. We saw something strange outside, so we're taking it slow, said Simmons. We aren't too sure what they were, but we all agreed that they probably haven't gone very far.
Be careful out there Avery.
I will Doc. Simmons, out!
Simmons returned to the front of the station. Dirk and Sonya were staring out into the street.
Are you ready, he asked? Are you ready, said Sonya? Let's do it, said Dirk.
Dirk drew his sidearm and slipped outside. The streets were barren, except for a few stray scraps of paper, being scooted along by the wind. A curfew had been instituted, which everyone initially ignored, but with an ever increasing number of disappearances and ghostly sightings, the streets had emptied by dark. Dirk let the station door close behind him, gesturin
g for Sonya and Simmons to stay put. Making a quick sweep of the area, Dirk beckoned for Sonya and Simmons to follow. Dirk could see the car on the landing pad less than ten yards from the alley where they'd seen the yellow eyes disappear.
For the moment, the sky was clear and even though it was fragmented, the moon provided an ample amount of light. Sonya inched up behind Dirk, followed closely by Simmons whom was noticeably on edge. We've got to go, said Simmons. Now! Something's back there. I can feel it.
Chapter 20, Prey
It was cold. Since he and his clan had entered the shimmering ring, the warmth and brilliance of their home had faded. Now, they huddled together as they moved, sticking close to the shadows. The hunting had been good at first. There was prey at every turn, but they frightened him and many of his clan. They were smart, but not always quick. We are always quick, quiet, and smart. We always hear them first, he thought, snorting as saliva dripped down his chin.
It had only been a couple of days since he'd last seen his home, his sky, his hunting grounds. The jungle was lined with fire capped mountains. The skies blazed with light, blue, gold, and red. The forests were thick with a crawling mist that blanketed the jungle floor. Each night, when the sun sank out of sight, beyond the fire hills, his clan awoke and hunted in the waning time. He didn't know why, but it was always the best time to hunt. The big herds often had stragglers, too proud to ask for their clan to wait. Fortunately, his clan was not too proud to attack them. This filled their bellies, but it did little to feed their thirst for the hunt. But that thirst was often filled once the sun had set. At night, they hunted by scent. Smaller prey slept in packs, smelling of fear and pulsing with blood. Finding them was easy. But, that wasn't the fun part. Catching them after they scattered, always made their mouths water. The thump of a still beating heart, bursting in their jaws, was the perfect way to end the night and a hunt.
The new lands were different. He hated hunting just by sight and sound, but something was wrong with the air. It made their lungs burn. None in his clan had been spared this affliction, but they made do. It was worth it.
Hunting here is good, his brother grunted, gesturing to where they'd heard movement earlier. He looked and saw something emerging. It was tall, but seemed to stoop down as it moved. He could see the heat radiating from its body. His clansmen saw it too. Their eagerness grew as two more emerged to join the first one. The clan fanned out, sticking to the cover of shadows. The hunting had been slow that night. These three would not escape. Despite the burning that he would feel, he searched for their scent. The air was thick with air and sweat. The three that they stalked had stopped and seemed to have sensed the impending attack. Their scent had become a tidal wave, washing over and inflaming his clan's hunger. Soon their hunger would grow into an unquenchable lust for blood. Soon they would no longer care about stealth. Soon there would only be the smell and the taste of their blood.
There was little time left. The others had already begun to inch closer and closer to the prey. His brother and sister still held their ground, flanking him on either side. One of his prey was looking right where they had been hiding. The other two drew close together, trying to hide behind a strange boulder, but their scent exploded into the air. He felt his claws tear into the earth, as his teeth dripped with anticipation, he flung himself out of the darkness to claim his prey.
Chapter 21, Predators
From every direction, they heard the sound. A high pitched raspy roar reverberated from the shadows. Beneath the roar, there came the thud click of a dozen rushing talon clad claws. Simmons' eyes grew wide as three pairs of blazing yellow eyes pierced the darkness, lunging forth from the shadows. Before he had a chance to think, he fired, not aiming until he'd already fired a third round. Their speed was terrifying, but he dropped the one right away, dividing a pair of the eyes with a single shot. To his left, Sonya and Dirk followed his lead, firing into the shadows at nearly a dozen pairs of yellow eyes. Simmons took out another one of the creatures attacking from their flank. The remaining flanking attacker let loose a high pitched squeal as is pounced onto Simmons. The creature's razor lined jaw clamped down on Simmons hand and the sidearm in its grasp, crushing the barrel. Simmons locked his arm around the creature's neck. They toppled back on to the grass. Simmons could feel the creature's tongue probing and coiling around his fingers as they struggled. He knew that the barrel of his sidearm and his hand had been crushed.
Seeing their clansman entwined and wrestling on the grass, the creatures charged in a circled around Sonya and Dirk in order to attack Simmons. Dirk and Sonya pressed in against the car they'd been hiding behind. Tears welled up in her eyes, but Sonya kept firing. No longer underestimating their prey, the creatures ducked and sidestepped her shots easily, darting away and returning with bared fang and claw, one of which tore through Sonya's left arm. She shot the claw's owner through the eye, which exploded from the back of its head. A shriek rang out to her right, as blood splattered across the side of the car. Dirk slumped to the ground next to Sonya, as blood gushed from the stump that use to be his right arm. One of the creatures tore at Dirk's lifeless body and detached limb. Through a mask of blood and tears, Sonya fired. Several of the creatures had died, but not enough to make them retreat. Some of the creatures held their ground, while others turned on their dead, dragging them off into the shadows. The remaining creatures continued their assault. One lunged for Dirk, embedding its teeth in his neck and ripping out his throat.
Simmons continued to struggle with the creature which had led the attack. Trails of blood streamed from the claw anchored in his back. Blood dripped down from the barrel of the sidearm in his hand, which was still firmly lodged in the creature’s jaws. Simmons could feel his hand starting to go numb. So, before he lost full use of whatever remained of his hand, he pulled the trigger of his sidearm.
Click!
A hum filled the creatures head. The burning sensation in his throat was gone. His entire body felt warm and tingly. He savored the blood on his tongue, as he bit down harder and harder. Simmons screamed and the creature’s head exploded along with Simmons’ mangled hand. The creature’s headless body wrenched and flopped to the ground. The claw anchored in Simmons’ back, fell limp to the ground. The rest of the creatures scattered and fled, snatching up pieces of the dead as they did. Simmons lay back on the ground, cradling his shattered hand. Sonya sat with her back against the car next to Dirk, crying. Dirk’s body lay motionless with blood pouring from his throat.
Simmons sat up and looked at Sonya. We should go before they decide to come back, he said.
What about... Sonya started to ask?
There’s nothing that we can do for him, whispered Simmons. He’s gone.
Chapter 22, Ripples
Alex wasn’t sure how to take what Herb had just told him. Going to sleep and waking up a few decades later, seemed trivial by comparison. Herb had returned to his work, muttering as he did. At first, Alex couldn’t understand a word of what he was saying.
What’s the connection? Why myths and legends? Herb muttered these questions over and over. Alex thought Herb had snapped, when the muttering stopped. That's it, shouted Herb. Alex stood and took a few steps back towards the lab doors. My God, that's it, Herb repeated. What's it? Alex asked. Herb turned to face Alex. It all fits, said Herb.
Behind Alex, the lab door crashed against the wall, as Simmons stumbled into the room, leaning on a gorgeous redhead. Simmons cradled a small mass of bloody rags in his arms, cloaking his tattered hand. Aside from being notably upset and the clotted gash on her arm, the redhead seemed to be fine. Alex helped her get Simmons into a chair. All the while, Herb sat motionless, unable to take his eyes off of the redhead. Alex could see tears in his his eyes. Sonya, he whispered. Herb repeated her name again and again. Sonya walked up to Herb, who fell to his knees and took her hand, and sobbed.
Herb, she's not your Sonya,
said Simmons. She's from at least ten years before you met, our Sonya. Herb looked at her. She was different, he thought. She smiled awkwardly. Her cheeks and face grew red with embarrassment. Herb relaxed his grip on her hand and sat in his chair. Nice to meet you, she said. I'm Sonya, Sonya... Riley, said Herb, finishing her sentence. She smiled as her face reddened once more. Hi Herb. Could you do something for Avery, she asked? We were attacked outside of the police station. Tears started to roll down her cheeks, but her face stayed serene as she spoke. Avery shot the ones that led the attack, but they came from everywhere. I kept shooting and shooting, but they wouldn't stop. All of the serenity drained out of her face, unleashing a tide of despair, but she continued. And Dirk... Dirk... they killed him. They killed him.
Her words melted into an incomprehensible stream of tears. He put his arms around her. Seeing her so anguished and lost, Herb's self-loathing and despair receded. All that he could see was that she needed him and she was alive. Simmons looked at them and smiled. Herb was the elder now, but it still seemed to fit. He hadn't seen Herb look so at peace since before Sonya's death. Despite the dire circumstances, Simmons was happy to see him happy, if only for a moment.