Aftereffect, p.4
Aftereffect, page 4
“We have already set up an Earthling neighbourhood here on the 138th floor. You should find it quite comfortable. I can take you to your dwelling now if you’d like.”
“What do you mean, my dwelling?”
“No one meant for you to come here. So, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to take care of every human that accidentally ends up on our station. Until such time we can transport you home, you will be given shelter and be fed. Come, let us walk.”
They exit the room through a sliding door which leads into a wide hallway. As they make their way down, Charles looks over, “You know, in movies about aliens, you guys are always trying to kill us.”
Xelxion laughs, “Some might, yes. However we are miners, not murderers.”
“Yeah, you said something about that. Something about waiting for a planet to break down.”
“Elements, such as Uranium and Polonium, taste better after having a few hundred millennia to break down. But things like Neodymium, metals used to withstand hyperspace, are much easier to find and reach in the ending stages of a planet's life.”
“Wait, you eat Radioactive elements?”
“Yes, I’ve had this conversation with the others. It seems that you humans are carbon-based, and therefore can not ingest such things. True nutritional value comes from the way the elements are prepared.”
“Back up for a moment, you said I would be fed. There is stuff for me to eat here, right?”
“Of course, while Earthlings are new to the station, carbon-based lifeforms have been aboard for quite some time.” There is a pause, “You must keep in mind this station is quite large, there are numerous forms of life aboard.”
“I see…”
“Radium tastes the best, if you ask me.”
“What?”
“Radium, when cooked in a high-pressure thermal heater, everything becomes just unstable enough to unlock its true flavour. Erratic atoms actually stay in one’s gastrointestinal system longer than static atoms.”
“I’ve always had the understanding that you don't want to put something as unstable as radium into anything, anywhere. Let alone into a cooker.”
“Come now, surely you know how to prepare food.” Xelxion makes a noise similar to someone clearing their throat, only scarier. “One must be able to prepare nourishment for one’s self if they wish to survive. It is a pretty universal rule across almost every species in the universe.”
“I know how to make the essentials, but I still feel like adding heat to Radium is a bad idea.”
“I suppose one could reach that conclusion after looking at the state of your planet.” They come to the end of the hall and through another door. This time they come to a large open area which reminds Charles of how the first floor of malls used to look. Creatures of various shapes and sizes mull around the numerous stalls. Charles' movement slows as he faces things he could never have imagined on Earth. “Come on, you don't want to fall behind and get lost.”
“Xelxion!” A female human child runs up to them. “My computer isn’t working properly. Where would I find someone to fix it?”
“I believe Stiglar, on floor 107, might have something to fix it.”
“I have the toolbox,” She holds up a small black box from its handle.
Xelxion laughs lightly, “Look at you being on top of things.” She smiles at this. “Why don’t you try…”
“I can take a look at it, I like to think I’m pretty good with computers.” Charles steps forward slightly.
“Wow, really?” The little girl looks up at him, then her face turns puzzled. “I don’t recognize you… Are you new?”
“I am.”
“Yeah, I can tell, you look like it… It’s a little scary at first.” She shuffles her feet slightly, “But everyone is nice here. Like, there is this one thing that looks really scary, but it’s actually really soft. And then, when you pet it, it um, it talks to you. And I screamed the first time, but it says really nice things.”
Charles laughs, more than a little thrown off, “Well that’s… good.”
“Come on, I’ll show you where my computer is.” She turns and runs off.
“This way, I don’t expect you to follow Melisa.” Xelxion takes a few steps ahead to lead the way. “You could power the whole station with the energy that little one has.” There is a brief moment of silence, “A joke.” He looks back, “Humans would make horrible power sources.”
Charles can’t help but laugh a little at the ridiculousness as he follows.
8
THE WILL TO SURVIVE
LICENSE #2166Z8 - OREN
[MEMORY BANK 13]
IT'S EASY TO FORGET WHY WE'RE HERE when our runs end up being less than fruitful–especially ones across the planet. Time is precious; one can’t help but feel like a failure when it's wasted. Humans used to have a corporate level where they sent people to fetch coffee. Sometimes I feel like that is what we’re doing–minus the coffee of course. It’s dangerous out there now, I can only imagine how it was on the streets before.
Danica hasn’t said much on the journey back. Usually she’s the one to fill the silence, not embrace it. There’s something on her mind and I am currently deciding whether or not I want to ask her what it is. Our conversations can be tiresome but this behaviour is completely out of character. Does it bother me enough to say something? Yes, I think it does.
I reach into my pocket, pull out a small copper disk, and offer it to her. The elevator feels particularly slow today.
At first she says nothing and raises an eyebrow, but after a few seconds she finally breaks the silence. “What are you doing?”
I shrug. “Offering a penny.”
She nods. “I see that, but why?”
“For your thoughts.”
She chuckles. “You know that’s not a literal thing, right?”
I toss it to her and she catches it effortlessly. “Of course, I don’t understand these figures of speech, but it makes you laugh every time I do it so I’m going to say mission accomplished.”
She shakes her head. “I’m fine, Oren.”
I lean against the wall panel. “You’re quiet.”
“And I’m not allowed to be?”
I sigh. “No, it’s just an abnormality. You’ve been quiet ever since Japan.”
There it is, the observation which makes her feel uncomfortable. She begins fidgeting with a penny between her fingers. “I’m just disappointed.”
“That’s all?”
She rolls her eyes. “And perhaps a little bit frustrated. Humans have so much potential, but all they do is prioritize power. The guns we dug up reminded me why we’re here.”
“All things come to an end, Danica.”
The elevator doors open and she is quick to step through. “I am well aware, but just once I’d like to see a civilization escape old habits.”
The silence re-establishes itself as we empty our packs onto the conveyor and make our way to find Lex. I still have the sauce which I think might go well in her personal collection.
Danica heads out down the east corridor towards her room and I waste no time making my way to the heart of the ship. Each room I pass is like an exhibit, but in reality is a very carefully maintained sort-and-storage system. These are the premium items we will take back to Zairon. I stop midway at the sight of the vehicle elevated to a carefully crafted pedestal. Chevy Impala year 1967. Our matter shifters were too small to transport the entire thing in one go so I dismantled it and brought it back piece by piece. It was the cobalt blue that caught my eye. I was proud of this find and of the condition. One rarely finds classic vehicles anymore, let alone ones that still function. It took me a solid month to bring it back and another week to reassemble. I hope whoever purchases this back home understands the effort it took to retrieve it.
I continue forward, stopping occasionally to remember the items we’ve gathered as I pass their rooms. How much longer will we be here? This planet is getting more and more desolate. I miss the green waters of home
“Not there, but over here. Why do humans insist on using numbers when letters are perfectly capable?” There’s muffled mumbling up ahead. Lex must be setting up another room.
I continue forward and see a door open on the left. As I approach I realize the lights are brighter than usual, and the smell is very distinct.
Like fresh pressed pine.
Lex stands in the middle of a fairly muted carpet surrounded by bookshelves of all sizes; some are empty, but many are full of works I remember bringing back. I’ve never seen so many books in one place without there being debris everywhere.
“Oren.” She turns to me and I see the giant mug in her hand. Judging by the two large empty bottles neatly placed off to the side, I’d guess she’s filled it with cola again. I never understood the need to pour from one container into another like that. “Describe to me the walls in the library of parliament.”
I pause. “It was multilevel, open, and at the time, very dark.”
She shakes her head. “See, I don’t think that was its original state. What do you think of this design?” She closes her eyes and the room begins to shift. To the left are aisles of bookshelves organized in rows, while on the right is an open area with tables and chairs. “I imagine there would be an area to research findings.”
“It’s very organized.”
She nods. “It should be. A library is the centre of knowledge in any civilization. It should be perfect. This planet has let too many burn.” She sets down her mug and takes a seat in what looks to be an oversized puffy chair. “Do you have something for me?”
I pull the bottle of red sauce out of my bag and hand it to her. “It looked like something you might like.”
She wastes no time in breaking the seal and pouring a dollop on her finger. “Smells spicy.” She puts it in her mouth and her eyes light up almost instantly. “Oh! Now that’s good. Where did you find this magical mixture?”
“Japan, though I see English on the bottle so it is not exclusive to that country.”
She smiles. “Excellent. Good find, let me know when you come across more.”
Danica steps in behind me and takes a moment to admire the room. “Oh wow. Lex, this is beautiful.”
She nods. “Thank you, now I need to figure out this number system for the books. If we arrange this authentically then it will be worth more when we return.”
Both Danica and I exchange looks. Lex hasn’t spoken a word about returning in a couple decades. The three of us have been on expeditions before, and whenever she brings it up, it usually means we’re leaving sooner rather than later.
I clear my throat. “Has Zairon called us back?”
Danica smirks at my boldness. “Cool it cowboy, it hasn’t even been a century.”
Lex takes a drink from her mug. “No, but I think it would be best to prepare in case we need to leave in a hurry.”
The look on Danica’s face tells me she wasn’t expecting this response either. Our contract is for two Earth centuries. I grumble and I moan but the only reason we would be leaving so quickly would be if there were–
“Menths.” Danica shakes her head. “How long have they been here?”
Lex takes another drink. “I’m not sure, but there was a surge. A monolith activated somewhere in the North American continent. We have to be careful now. Safety is the number one priority. I have no problem breaking our contract if it means we get out in one piece.”
Those are heavy words. Zairon doesn’t take well to incomplete expeditions. Especially on a planet as young as this one.
“We know they’re here somewhere. That’s half the battle.” Danica sighs. “It’s a pain though, I was beginning to like this place.”
Lex nods. “We’re not pulling out right away, but I want both of you armed at all times. Lethal if necessary.”
I step forward. “We should scout around. There’s never just one monolith.”
“Agreed.” Danica pauses. “Then we can see about bugging the data. At least it will tell us how long the planet has.”
If there are Menths here then the drilling has already begun.
Lex sets down her mug and smiles. “Good plan. Backup your memory banks often, and no heroes. Understand?”
We both respond in unison. “Yes, ma’am.”
We are not soldiers, but we are fighters. These expeditions are always seen as one way trips because of the danger, but we have survived three together.
This will be number four.
9
GETTING TO KNOW THE NEIGHBORS
XELXION LEADS CHARLES DOWN PAST ALL THE CREATURES MULLING ABOUT, and to a door before looking back, “We did a great amount of research before designing the human settlement on this floor. We opted for a cul-de-sac look, as you humans seem to like to look at your neighbours.” The door opens, and the scene on the other side is completely different from the rest of the floor he’d seen.
What looks like a city street starts at the threshold and continues down to a large round section. The details are all there; city lights, garbage cans--the street even has sewer grates and a sidewalk. The houses are a snapshot of Earth as it was, everything looks perfect and there isn’t any rubble in sight. The room’s ceiling is bright, making the area feel as if one is on earth during the day.
Melisa runs back towards them, “Hey mister,” Her feet carrying her as fast as they can, “Mr. Jones says that he’s having a barbecue, and everyone's invited.”
“A barbecue? What for?” Xelxion asks.
“For cooking food.” Melisa smiles, “He said it's something they do in Texas.”
“I’m not claiming to be an expert on your planet but,” Xelxion pauses for a moment, “I don’t think preparing food over a fire pit is exclusive to any particular region.”
“Well, he says it’s going to be good.” Melisa looks at Charles, “We can look at my computer after the food’s done. Mr. Jones says he wants everyone outside with him.”
“So, how many humans are actually here?” Charles quickly counts the houses lining the artificial street. “Cause it looks like there’s a lot.”
“Seven.” Melisa says proudly.
“Eight, including you.” Xelxion corrects her. “We were not sure how many of you would end up here, so we prepared for the ones that were here and a couple dozen more. Though it may get cramped at that point.”
Charles looks down the street again, “It’s amazing what you were able to create.”
“You’re on a space station, and you’re impressed we could replicate a street from your home planet?” Xelxion shakes his head, “Humans say the most interesting things. I mentioned we are from an entirely different galaxy where this station was constructed, correct?”
Melisa laughs.
“I mean, I don't know.” He sighs.
“Consider this, you still haven't even questioned how a being from another planet speaks your language perfectly.” Xelxion walks up ahead.
Melisa laughs again, “He’s funny. I’m speaking French.”
Charles stops walking, and the absurdity of everything begins to set in again. He had just been going with things since Xelxion became interested in the cat plushie. Meeting Melisa helped ground him to something familiar.
Melisa turns around, “And to me, you’re speaking French, too. But if you watch my mouth,” She points to her lips, “The shapes don't match the sounds.”
“How is that possible?”
“I don’t know.” She smiles once again, “But it sure makes talking to everyone easy.”
The only thought that goes through his head is the possibility of him actually being dead. He was never particularly religious, but it would account for all the strange things happening around him. If this is heaven, people have been wrong about what it looks like for a long time, but if this is hell it’s certainly not the magma pit he was told about.
Melisa gets him to walk forward once again around a large orange and green house, through the white picket fence, and into a backyard space. There is a large black charcoal grill, with a round man standing in front of it. The other people are spaced out around the yard, either standing near or sitting at the picnic tables. “Everyone,” Melisa shouts, “This is the new man I was talking about.”
Everyone's eyes quickly land on him, followed by a voice that he can’t tell the origin of. “Couldn’t help but touch the Monolith, right?” To which everyone chuckles, including Xelxion.
“Melisa, what’s this young man's name?” An older woman steps out from the group and over to them.
“Ummm…” Melisa thinks, “I don’t know.” Her head snaps towards him. “What’s your name?”
“Charles.” He says softly.
“He says his name is Charles.” The little girl beams.
“Well it’s very nice to meet you,” Her hand extends to offer a shake, “My name is Doris. My son, Michael, is standing by the grill.”
An arm raises from the round man, “Hello, and welcome. I hope you’re hungry.” He says with a smile.
Charles reaches out and grabs her hand, “How do you all seem so accepting of all this?”
“Michael was the first human to arrive here,” Xelxion looks towards them, “His mother followed very shortly after him.”
“One second he was there, then he wasn’t.” Doris says, “I grabbed the Monolith as it started receding into the ground. Then I was in the same room as Michael.”
He thinks about where Zath was when he touched the structure. If it receded like the one Doris and Michael came across, there is a good chance it was gone before he would have made it to the stage.
“My name is Harpreet.” A man stands at the far end of the table, before he makes his way around, “From Mumbai.” Another hand shake.
The women sitting at the table each wave, “My name is Zartaj, and this is Marjeta.”
Charles looks at everyone for a moment, “The monoliths were everywhere, huh?”
“I’m from Prague, and Zartaj lived in Karachi.” Marjeta points to each of them as she explains.
“I’m Sato Koari” A hand waves from the teenage boy, “I lived in Hokkaido.” He laughs, “Sorry if my Monolith joke made you uncomfortable.”
