“Perception?”
“The Uxay gives me the ability to read certain thoughts – ones that are directed toward me. It also gives me the ability to project a disguise into the mind of another, providing they are open enough to the suggestion,” said Olivia.
“So, how do I know that you’re really Olivia?” said Ben warily.
“Ben, you know it’s me. And here’s some proof: on our last forbidden date, the next-to-last time I saw you, we were alone at the ocean, at the base of the cliffs near Dover. You told me that you were willing to quit the Program if I would, too. You said we could run away to one of the Martian colonies and the Establishment would never be able to track us. You said you wanted to marry me.”
Ben stood in silence while he remembered that day, laying in the sand, hatching impossible schemes in an effort to save their love from having to wait several years for its fulfillment. He had felt silly afterward, realizing his plan to flee his job would have been futile, not to mention dishonorable. Nobody ever quit the Program. He’d pledged ten years of his life, and ten years was what the Establishment would get. Not even true love could change that.
“Alright,” he said finally, “I guess there’s no way anyone else could know that. What else can the Uxay do?”
“I can use it to transport from one location to another, with no distance limit. I can use it to manipulate time, I can use it to reshape matter from the elemental level, oh – the possibilities are endless.”
Ben was truly impressed. Despite the Singularity, no technology on Earth was even close to being able to control the fundamental aspects of reality in such a manner.
Olivia led Ben to a set of massive doors, and when she placed her hand on the wall next to them, they swung open slowly. The intricately carved doors appeared so ancient to Ben that he half-expected them to open with an ominous creak – instead, they glided silently, the antique look clearly a technological illusion.
The interior of this building was breathtaking. Enormous stone columns rose skyward to a vaulted glass ceiling, dozens of stories high. Gentle, blue skies dotted with puffy, white clouds lay beyond the glass ceiling. The spacious room, about the size of a large sporting stadium, was bathed in natural light from the sun above, but areas that might have fallen into shadow were also lit by glowing strands of microfibrous light, which sprung upward from the polished floor like luminescent palm trees. Fountains quietly trickled water into lush, green, sculpted gardens around the perimeter of the hall, while hundreds of people strolled to and fro at a leisurely pace across the expansive marble floor, muttering to one another in hushed tones.
As they walked onward, and Ben gazed around at the wonder of this beautiful testament to Anxeliss ingenuity, art, and landscaping abilities, the strains of a melody could be faintly heard. As the sound seemed to draw closer, Ben looked up to see a quartet of musicians approaching on a hovering disc about three meters in diameter – some sort of moving stage. The musical welcoming-committee reached the couple and fell in pace alongside them, hovering at about eye level as they proceeded toward the opposite end of the great hall. The instruments they played produced a sound unlike anything Ben had ever heard – and he couldn’t help but smile as the sweet symphony caressed his ears and sunk deep into his soul.
“This is Xajahli, a part of the Orchestra Anxeliss. Quartets from the orchestra regularly appear here to greet new arrivals,” Olivia said to Ben.
“Are they hired musicians, then?” Ben asked.
“No. We don’t work the job full time here, Ben. Many of us use our ample free time to develop our talents, pursuing music, the arts, even universal history, sports, and writing.”
“Well, the music is incredible,” Ben said. “You know, at one point when I was passing through the wormhole, I thought that maybe I’d died and gone to hell. Now I’m starting to wonder if I’ve died and gone to heaven.”
“I’m glad you like it, Ben,” Olivia said with a warm smile.
The couple traversed the hall and arrived at what appeared to be a large office with glass walls that had a slight blue tint to them. Inside, Ben could see comfortable-looking furnishings that were made from a substance he couldn’t identify. The chairs surrounded a broad desk that looked like it was made from centuries-old wood. Behind the desk sat a white-haired man in a gold robe with a white sash.
That must be Axo.
Olivia touched an invisible panel in the glass wall of the office. The glass glowed faintly in the shape of a square and then faded, and the wall silently separated. A door-shaped area of the glass, previously invisible, moved outward about one centimeter, and then slid to the right, without so much as a swoosh.
Very impressive, Ben thought approvingly.
Olivia ushered Ben into the office with a gracious arm gesture accompanied by a very slight bow. “Please, go right in and sit down,” she said with a smile.
Ben stepped in and took a seat. Olivia sat beside him and intertwined her fingers in his. The man behind the desk smiled at Ben, and for a fraction of a second, Ben thought he saw fangs. He blinked and looked again, and saw only a kindly-looking old man.
“Welcome, Ben,” said the man, his voice deep and rich. “Thank you for taking such good care of him, Zharaa.”
Ben’s eyes widened. “Zharaa? So you are an imposter!” He withdrew his hand from hers and started to rise from his chair.
“Have a seat, Ben,” said the man, with a calm voice that seemed to pierce him to his core. “Zharaa is Olivia. Olivia is Zharaa. When you become an Anxeliss, you undergo some changes. One of those is your name. By the end of your training, you will no longer be known as Ben.”
Ben slowly settled back into his seat, and Zharaa gently took his hand again, caressing it.
“I am Axo,” said the man behind the desk. “I preside over the Anxeliss.”
“I’m sorry for my alarm just now,” said Ben. “This is all so much to take in, even for someone with my training and experience.”
“It’s alright, Ben,” said Axo. “It’s your training that is keeping you on your toes, keeping you questioning your reality. Frankly, you’re taking it better than most. With time, this will all make sense, and you will feel at ease here.”
“When do I begin my new training?”
Axo smiled. “Your eagerness to get started is encouraging. Zharaa, you were right about him. He is a wonderful recruit.”
“So, when?” Ben asked.
“If you are feeling comfortable with your transition, you may begin immediately. As your Sponsor, Zharaa will mentor you in the basics of Anxeliss life. You will have additional trainers – those who will teach you the way of the Uxay, the nature and expectations of the job, the history of our people, and some specialized martial skills. You will also learn science and the arts. If you wish, you may join a leisure community – those are guilds of hobbyists, everything from the orchestra to sporting teams. In time, you will not only fit in happily here, you will become an integral part of our thriving culture, and live to serve the good of the universe.”
“Sounds grand,” Ben said. He noticed a flicker of indignation behind Axo’s eyes, and quickly amended, “I mean that literally, not sarcastically.”
Axo smiled once again. “Zharaa, I like this man. You have done well in this sponsorship. Please stay close to him through his training period. You will be given no assignments during that time, except you will of course accompany him on his first training mission. Thank you.”
Zharaa seemed to understand from experience that she was being dismissed. “Thank you, Axo,” she said, bowing deferentially. She then took Ben by the arm and led him from the office.
“A pleasure to meet you, Sir,” he said as he left.
#
Ten weeks passed like the twinkling of an eye. Ben grew stronger and smarter than he’d ever imagined possible. Under the tutelage of several experienced Anxeliss, he became an expert at using the
Uxay, and had gained a deep understanding of Anxeliss culture and purpose. Classes in universal history opened his eyes to the intricate relationships between the worlds and the galaxies, and hours of grueling training in new forms of martial arts had sharpened him like a razor’s edge.
His former life was starting to feel like a childhood dream – distant and vague – even detached. He’d fallen even more in love with Olivia – or Zharaa, as he’d now gotten used to calling her, and seemed to have developed a strong mutual trust with Axo, who was like a father-figure to all the Anxeliss.
The day of his graduation had come. It wasn’t a ceremony, per se, more of a ritual. Ben would have his first unitime with Axo, and at that time he would learn what name he would be known by from this time forth. He prepared for his meeting by hiking to the top of nearby Mount Yixel. He sat atop the peak, looking down on the valley below, filled with the beautiful structures that made up the Anxeliss main city. Beyond the city lay several miles of open meadows, and then the great purple sea. A warm breeze buffeted his black hair as he watched the sun sparkle upon the distant water of the sea. This was one of the few times he’d been completely alone during his waking hours since arriving ten weeks ago. Zharaa had practically been his shadow, from the time he left his room each morning till the time he re-entered to go to bed. He enjoyed this moment of solitude, and felt at peace in the relative quiet of nature.
After a couple of hours, he came down from the mountain and made his way to the great hall, and into the office of Axo. Zharaa was already there waiting for him, discussing something with Axo as he arrived. When he walked in, they abruptly ended their conversation. Zharaa rose to leave.
“Alright Ben,” she said, squeezing his hand, “this is it. This is your First Unitime. When you’re finished, come see me in the garden where you arrived.”
“I’ll see you soon,” he said, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.
Zharaa left, and Ben sat down opposite Axo. Axo placed his palm on the smooth surface of his desk, and the glass walls of the room tinted to a dark green hue. “For privacy,” he said.
“So, I’m not exactly sure how this works,” Ben said. “Zharaa and my trainers have prepared me somewhat, but I don’t really know what to do.”
“First, relax. Focus your thoughts on your Uxay. Feel the circle, in your mind, feel the circle reaching out to me. Now, pinpoint your earliest memory. Overlay it with your first memory of arriving here. Use the Uxay to squeeze the two together – the thoughts, the feelings, all the details of those memories. And then, send them to me.”
Ben did as he was instructed. His mental discipline was already heightened from his years working in the Program, but these last few weeks had given him clarity like never before. He found it surprisingly easy to do as he was told, and before he knew it, his mind was joined with Axo’s in a wave of sounds and images. The first thing he heard clearly in his mind was a name.
“Thaylu.”
Ben realized he was being spoken to, and responded by confirming what he understood.
“My name is Thaylu.”
“Yes. And for your First Unitime, you may ask me any one question.”
Ben paused, searching his own thoughts for whatever question was burning most deeply within him. He sent forth to Axo the first thing that came to the forefront.
“Why me?”
“A worthy question. Firstly, you were nominated by Zharaa. We observed you for a time. We approved the nomination. Zharaa sponsored you. We guided you here. You know the rest. Thaylu, during the observation phase, we saw that you were what we call Relssh. It translates roughly as one in many. And by many, we mean, many hundreds of billions. You have several special characteristics. One of those is a strong sense of duty. That characteristic will serve you, and all Anxeliss, very well. It is that simple.”
With that, the mental link was terminated, and Axo caused the walls to once again become clear. He stood and extended his hand to Ben. “I have seen your mind, and I am convinced of your learning, understanding, and loyalty. Welcome aboard, Thaylu,” he said with a smile.
“Thank you, Sir,” said Thaylu.
Axo removed Ben’s Uxay, and handed him another. “Here. This is the Uxay of a full Anxeliss. Go now.”
He left the glass office and passed through the great hall, making his way to the place where he’d arrived many weeks ago.
He found Zharaa in the garden, smelling one of the bright yellow flowers that grew in the bushes surrounding the lawn. She saw him approaching and extended her hand with a bright smile.
“My name is Zharaa,” she teased. “And yours?”
“I am Thaylu,” he said, taking her hand. “Very pleased to make your acquaintance.”
#
“As is typical for a first training assignment, you will be sent to your world of origin,” said Axo.
Thaylu sat in the glass office once again, receiving his orders. “I’m going to Earth?” he asked with surprise.
“Yes. You will be teamed with Zharaa. She will brief you on the mission before you leave.”
“Sounds good,” said Thaylu. “I’m just glad I won’t have to travel through that wormhole to get there.”
“Indeed,” said Axo, “the Uxay is a far more efficient and far preferable mode of transportation. Now, go and speak with your partner. And good luck.”
Thaylu nodded and left. He met with Zharaa and she gave him the basic outline of their assignment.
“We are to return to Earth to subvert the Program. We are to destroy it from the inside out, to enable the Anxeliss to topple the Establishment and annex the Solar System.”
Thaylu laughed out loud. “Ha! I always loved your sense of humor, honey. Now, seriously, what are we going to do on Earth? Or,” he said with a grin, “what on Earth are we going to do?”
“Your sense of humor is lacking,” Zharaa said coolly. “And mine is nonexistent.” Her eyes took on a blackness that made the hair on the back of Thaylu’s neck stand on end. “You will take me to the Program’s administrative head. We’ll start there, and work our way down the chain of command, eliminating every agent until the planet is left defenseless. Then an Anxeliss fleet will enter the system unhindered and begin the extermination and enslavement process.”
Thaylu could see in her blank expression that she was dead serious. His blood ran cold and his mouth dried up. “You’re not Olivia.”
“I told you, my name is Zharaa.”
He felt sick to his stomach. His face twisted with anger, and he yelled, “And my name is Ben!”
He then focused his thoughts and used the Uxay, in a process that had become second nature through his recent training, to transport himself away. He sent himself past dozens of galaxies, back to Earth. He’d never used it to travel that far in his training, but to the Uxay, all distances were exactly the same: zero.
At the same time as initiating the transport, he also used the Uxay to create a mental shroud, protecting himself from the thought-reading ability of the Anxeliss, essentially breaking all mental links with the people he’d spent the last few weeks growing to trust.
Ben immediately found himself at the front door to Program Headquarters, a base in the desert just outside of Sydney, Australia. He was unsure why he’d not appeared inside, but proceeded anyway. He entered his key code, rushed inside and headed directly for the Administrator’s office, located one hundred stories underground. He had to warn the Program of the impending threat and coordinate a defense response as quickly as possible.
There were no security guards to impede his progress through the facility, because the walls were equipped with biogenic sensors that recognized his DNA. As he approached each door along the way, the sensors confirmed his identity and automatically opened the doors as he neared them. Within a few minutes he was at the Administrator’s office. He burst through the door.
“Administrator Field,” he said breathle
ssly, “we must initiate a Program-wide alert immediately.”
“Agent Delta Nineteen?” said Field, a look of confusion on his face. “Ben – you’re alive?”
“Yes – I only went dark a few weeks ago. You’d presumed me dead already?”
“No, Ben. You’ve been gone for three years. We thought you were lost. There was a funeral.”
“Three years? What year is it?”
“It’s 2092. You haven’t been seen since 2089.”
“What are you talking about?” said Ben. “I left for Lunatropolis about four months ago, in June of 2092. I followed a lead that led me to Borneo, and I checked in from there three months ago. Then I was in Nepal, and that’s when I was taken to Anxeliss.”
“Ben, you were lost three years ago on a mission in Lunatropolis. We sent two teams to the moon looking for you. We never found your body. No one has seen you since that day in 2089 when you took the assignment. Your last check-in was April 16th, 2089. And what is Anxeliss?”
Ben plopped down into a chair near Field’s desk. “This doesn’t make any sense.” He pondered for a moment, piecing things together. “Sir, the Anxeliss are the people who abducted me on the Lunar mission. It appears that they’ve held me for the last three years, filling my head with false memories. But I have escaped them. And they are on their way here right now to try to destroy the Establishment and take over the whole Solar System.”
“Normally you’d undergo an extensive debriefing,” said Field. “But under the circumstances, it seems there is some urgency that requires your debriefing be put off. I want you in a consultation position for this, Ben. I’ll form a team, and I want you to create a protocol to deal with the threat. I’ll initiate an alert immediately.”
“Consultation? I should be heading this thing up,” said Ben.
“Not when you’ve been missing for three years, Ben. You know how this works. You should be in a small room with a counselor and a couch, but we need you active right now. However, you can’t take lead, not after three years in captivity, especially considering the mental reconditioning you claim they’ve been doing to you. Now get moving.”