ECHO OF REALITY

Upon reading Plato's Republic The Allegory Of The Cave, I was inspired to write part 2 of this short story. I then wrote part 1, a prequel, followed by part 3, the conclusion. Enjoy all 14,160 words.

ECHO OF REALITY

A novelette by Jim Richardson

CONTENTS:

PART ONE - EVOLUTIONS - The Dwelling Place Of Man

PART TWO - ECHO OF REALITY - Darkness Conceals The Light

PART THREE - EPOCH - Darkness Flees From The Light

Listen here if you choose:

PART ONE - EVOLUTIONS - The Dwelling Place Of Man

Prologue

The personal diary of Jamison Osbourne.

As of late I have found myself traversing an unnerving realm between two realities. One pleasant and reassuringly ordinary, the other, quite horrific but inexplicably familiar. The unrest and confusion in my mind has increased with each moment of consciousness. I have remained unable to determine which is the authentic reality. When I first became aware of this, I immediately began to record the events as they unfolded before me. To that end, I hope to solve the riddle of my current paradoxical circumstances, lest madness take a foothold.

Event Convergence One

The first event began several weeks ago. I awoke from a deep slumber to the sound of screaming. It was very early in the morning and still quite dark out. The street lights illuminated the otherwise dark alley where I lay. An electrical transformer above buzzed relentlessly amidst a complexity of sounds emanating from all around. My body ached with unfamiliar pain as I began to upright myself from an unwelcome slumber. Beside me, the metal dumpster I had been laying against reeked of rotting food and weeks old refuse. I examined myself thoroughly. I was wearing dark suit pants with a white dress shirt. My socks were soaked with puddled water which had overwhelmed the street gutter. My shoes were nowhere to be found. From my observations it was evident that I was a person of independent means. I had come from someplace else but had presently been subjected to some sort of bodily attack.

Slowly rising to my feet I reached inside my back pockets, only to find them empty. My identification, lost or stolen. There was a great deal of noise emanating from the entrance beyond the alley. Voices seemed to be growing closer causing my heart to involuntarily beat faster. I fumbled about a bit in the near darkness, examining the exterior walls of buildings I found myself trapped between. There was a windowless, metal door a few feet from my reach. There was no handle on its surface, however due to its poor condition, it remained slightly ajar. I clutched the outer edge and swung the door towards me.

Ahead of me lay a long corridor lined with an array of fluorescent lights emanating from above. Several had been disjointed from their mounting and dangled from a conglomerate of wires. The few lights which were functional illuminated the hallway revealing severely damaged, pot marked walls. I knew of this place and was quite sure I had been here before.

Instinct and familiarity compelled me to continue on. Several yards ahead of me lay a pair of red doors. They were elevator doors. I fumbled about with my hands, searching for a call button but none was to be found. Suddenly the doors briskly swung open. The brightly illuminated plush interior caused my eyes to constrict and momentarily look away. The elevator cab was completely unlike the corridor I had entered. It's condition was pristine. An invisible cloud of fresh smelling air spilled into the dank hallway. Without hesitation, I proceeded inside, the doors closing promptly behind me.

A metallic sounding voice originating from the control console broke the silence. "Good evening Mr. Osbourne and welcome back."

"Um, hello and thank you." was all I could muster at that moment. The voice continued. "We will arrive at ground zero in twelve seconds."

"How....who opened the door?" I asked.

After several moments a response was rendered. "Surely you remember Mr. Osbourne. The chip embedded in your arm is coded with your personal identification. Fortunately for you, it had not yet been extracted during the attack."

Yes of course, the attack. A beating like that would have knocked the sense out of anyone.

Without warning, there was a moment of unconsciousness followed by another awakening. Cool water was flowing over my feet. Its sound was soothing and hypnotic. My arms lay outstretched a soft bed of grass. The sun's rays warmed my face and penetrated my eyes. The smell of spring flowers permeated the air. It was as though I had been here all along, but not really. My previous discomfort had been replaced by something quite the opposite. In the distance I heard a strangely familiar voice calling out.

"Sweetheart.....Sweetheart, can you come carve the turkey?" she yelled.

I swung my head around to see…my wife? Yes, I'm sure of it. There she was with her auburn hair knotted in a ponytail and a long apron atop her long, yellow dress. Jane was a beautiful creature to behold. I withdrew my dripping feet from the water and proceeded back up to the house.

Without question I certainly prefer this reality above the other. Any sane person would. Peace, solitude, beauty, comfort - things most people would die for. But would they here? My soul was at rest and my comfort abundant. I could not help but contemplate how the unfolding events were interrupted at a most peculiar time. I would not confide my thoughts to anyone, at least not until I was able explain these convergences with factual girding.

The aroma of dinner flowed through the open window above the kitchen sink causing my steps to hasten. Dinner was always fresh on a farm; vegetables picked fresh daily, corn on the cob so succulent that it melted in your mouth, chicken prepared from the morning's slaughter and fresh well water that faithfully drenched any thirst into oblivion.

I swung the screen door open and rushed to Jane's side, giving her a hug. Her petite frame fit me like a glove as I held her for several moments.

"Well, what's this for darling?" Jane asked.

"Sometimes I like to remind myself just how good I have it." I replied.

After the blessing, dinner was feasted upon promptly. Jane and I discussed the events of the day. That is, the parts I could tell her. You see, my absence had gone unnoticed. Time had somehow weaved its continuum apart from the events which I experienced. For this, I had no explanation. If I was dreaming, would I not have been asleep and subject to the passage of time?

So begins a mystery to be unraveled.

Event Convergence Two

In the blink of an eye, I found myself sitting at a very different sort of table. It was metallic and unusually large. The din of chattering voices became clearer and more distinct as I focused my senses on the conversation. Inclusive of myself, there were twenty four people in attendance. We all listened intently. Members of the executive and legislative branches had been assassinated weeks ago, including the President. Following the great last world war, governments collapsed and evil, in its many forms, filled the remaining societal voids. Extreme civil violence and corruption overwhelmed the minds and hearts of the few unlucky who survived. I became numb to the realization of these facts as I struggled to process them.

"Gentlemen, all of us present today in addition to several of you private sector citizens, are the last of our functioning government." Judge Nichols spoke with a distinct, authoritative voice. He was the last living member of the United States Supreme Court. "General, where do we stand with the remaining troops?"

General Franks responded promptly. "Sir, chain of command has been severely compromised, if not abrogated altogether. Those troops who are still at their posts have apparently begun to turn on each other. I have received confirmation that all remaining US nuclear weaponry has been neutralized. As far as our allies or any other governments that remain viable, well, we simply do not have the appropriate intel to even hazard a guess. I'm sorry, sir."

"How in God’s name did this happen? Judge Nichols wrestled audibly with his thoughts. "It seems behavior of the general populace is growing exponentially more abhorrent and heinous each and every day. It's as though all hell has been unleashed." As my thoughts drew inward I realized somehow I had already known this. Yet it was as though I was hearing it for the very first time.

"If I may, sir." A short, stocky gentleman with steel rimmed glasses raised his hand to speak. "We in the cyber world community saw this coming." He nervously cleared his throat. "Ever since I can remember, we have been connected to our world in, shall I say, unnatural ways. The chips you implanted in our skulls from birth allow us the freedom to connect with most anyone in the word at any given moment. We see the good and the bad. Unfiltered and unbiased. Many said this was all accomplished in the name of freedom. Others warned....no pleaded that this would dissolve our remaining freedoms and compromise the last place of solace we have....our minds. Funny thing is that those who wanted it the most are no longer alive to see the fruits of their destruction."

The meeting was interrupted by an explosion outside the perimeter of the underground facility. The lights dimmed briefly while the room shuttered a bit. Fear and apprehension gripped all souls in attendance. I remember thinking that circumstances had been set in motion which our present discussion would have little if any, effect on.

My eyes were shut as my head swirled with dizziness. My body contorted in a controlled, pleasurable way. I opened my eyes to find myself looking upon a vast array of lights and moving objects in a repeated succession of blurred images. The screams I heard now were not those laden with terror but were instead screams of joy and excitement. The Ferris wheel car neared the top of its journey and proceeded to return to its origin at full speed. Jane was seated next to me, clutching my arm, refusing to let go. Her screams echoed through the valley which lay before us. She giggled as her tummy tickled from the wheel's motion.

The wheel slowed as we returned to the top of the its circumference. Our car promptly rocked to a stop. Now this was refreshing. We were on top of the world. I knew Jane liked to be rocked even though she pretended not to. Swinging my legs out in front of me, I began rocking the car to and fro.

"Jami, you silly." she said. The dimples in her cheeks were most prominent when she smiled. Of course, I got her to smile a lot. We kissed each other as we rocked. There is no love like your first love in high school. Innocent and fresh. A new adventure into the realm of deep, seemingly uncontrollable emotion. Our hearts ached when apart and burst with joy when we were together. All other thoughts melted away into irrelevancy.

We both looked up while holding each other tight. The moon illuminated the evening sky. Stars were painted in a vast tapestry of twinkling brilliance. The air breezed around us bringing with it the smell of hamburgers and other food being grilled down below. This composite of smells suddenly captured our senses and prompted our appetites.

"I'm hungry." said Jane. "Let's get a corn dog or something, shall we?" I agreed wholeheartedly. As our car reached the bottom, we stopped and the operator swung the bar forward and released us from the ride. We waited for our friends and then all of us ate together.

We joked and laughed about a great many things, especially how we all loved the thrills and excitement the annual carnival brought. Jane especially liked walking through the cheesy haunted house. It wasn't really that scary like when we were kids but it still had a few surprises in certain dark corners. There is always a moderate compulsion to be tempted by the dark and creepy things of life. After all, it's just pretend.

The passage of time became increasingly vague. Seemingly unrelated vignettes of events played out before my eyes. I felt helpless, predestined to a course not of my choosing of which it was evident I was held captive to.

Event Convergence Three

My eyes blinked. I found myself seated among several others as we peered through the glass of an interrogation chamber, listening intently. It was in a different brand of architecture, above ground with skylights in the ceiling revealing the night sky. The lights were dimmed and the room silent. Every word spoken in the adjoining chamber was faithfully reproduced through the monitoring station.

"You were caught attempting to disable the perimeter fence." The lead interrogator, Bryce McDaniel questioned a well kempt but visibly unstable security officer. "You were responsible for the security of this facility. You swore an oath on penalty of death."

"Yea, so what. We're all going to die anyway. Can't you see? Are you all so blind to what's going on. It's just a matter of time before they get in here and then were all dead." he abruptly wailed, handcuffed to his chair.

"No, I don't see. Trust in our organization is everything. You will tell us who your contact is on the outside and do so immediately." McDaniel commanded.

"Screw you." shot back the officer.

The ever patient McDaniel altered his defensive posture and sat on the desk in front of his subject. "Listen, there is still time to effect change. Contrary to what you may have been told, all is not lost. We have to hold on to hope and be unified in thought."

"Bull. I read the reports. I can see the chaos. You think I'm gonna trust you guys?"

"Do you honestly believe everything in those reports?" McDaniel paused and considered a different approach. "As I understand it, you're wife and son are inside the perimeter. Don't you care about what happens to them?" The officer did not look up. "Listen, we are all fighting for what's left of our fragile society. You, along with the rest of us, are very much aware of the deceit and untruths which have plagued us for quite some time now. I know you have been told some things that appear to be the truth but I can assure you that you have been systematically mislead, as also have countless others. Think about it. Would your wife lie to you? Your son?"

For the first time the officer looked up, peering into McDaniels eyes. "My son? Am...am I deceived? I...I suppose it's possible. My mind has struggled with things for many months. It's as though I can no longer tell what's right and what's wrong. I feel hopeless."

Sitting behind the glass beside me was one of the lead scientists in charge. He began to comment. "It has begun. I was hoping that we'd have more time but now it's evident that we need to begin implementation of the next stage....before it's too late."

I looked above the glass to see additional monitors glowing with moving images. These were focused on what was left of the south end of the city. The fire relentlessly consumed buildings of various sizes as people everywhere frantically attempted to leave the city. Many of these were overwhelmed and subdued by those bent on destruction. Perhaps it was already too late.

My vision shifted as I found myself looking into a different variety of fire. This one was intimate and pleasurable. It's bright orange flames were contained within a spherical array of stones. The dry wood crackled and air hissed against a gentle breeze, desperate to escape the controlled blaze. That certain unmistakable smell of smoke permeated our immediate surroundings while sounds of chirping crickets overwhelmed the peaceful summer evening.

To my right sat my ten year old son. He was fiddling with the tent pegs, ensuring that they were snug and secure. Samuel was a good boy, always finding work to do even when there was none to be done. He hands were gifted in that way. They were always occupied with the act of doing rather than standing idly by.

"Son, let's toast a few marshmallows while the fire is still hot." I said.

"Yes!" he said as his eyes lit up with joy. Within seconds he had the bag opened and several placed on a stick. Into the fire they went. Sam knew how to toast them perfectly, three at a time was his style.

"Son, did you like the fish we cooked up tonight?" I asked.

His mouth was overwhelmed with sticky remnants of marshmallow but still managed to blurt out an affirmative response. Suddenly his posture became focused and intentional.

"Dad, when is it OK to kill" Samuel blurted out.

I was surprised but pleased he had asked. "Samuel, you know I've always taught you that it's OK to kill in certain circumstances. For example, if you're hungry and in need of food, never hesitate to sacrifice a fish or an animal. But to kill animals solely for pleasure, well I think there are better things to spend your time on. Remember what you learned about the blue whales, about how they were almost hunted to extinction. This was not done for sport or sustenance but purely for greed. If you remember anything I tell you remember this, we can't impose our morality on others but we can certainly do our best to convince them of the value of virtue and stewardship of our world and each other."

"But what about people Dad, like in the army and stuff?"

"Well, murder is always wrong." I responded. "But there are times when we have to defend ourselves against those who would do us harm. Say if someone tried to sneak into our house late at night wanting to hurt us. Or as in your question, if we're attacked by another country, we would have the responsibility to protect ourselves. Nobody should take any pleasure in this, of course. Protecting ourselves is an instinct we are given which we share with other species. In the case of some humans, killing intentionally it is borne out of mental illness or evil intentions."

I was glad my son was asking me these questions. But to tell him of the events which appeared to lie ahead, this was a dilemma I would eventually have to contend with. For my son’s sake, I prayed that truth would soon reveal itself.

Event Convergence Four

My eyes came into focus on a different vision. It appeared to be a mission control room facility of impressive proportions. Video monitors of various sizes flashed images and information in random succession. The din of a hundred voices could be heard outside the walls of our conference room. The next few moments would prove to be a particularly unnerving vision of controlled chaos.

General Franks spoke with resolute authority. "Moments ago, Judge Nichols gave the order which we all knew was inevitable. We are to prepare for immediate dispersal of the aerosol therapy on all remaining populous."

One commander spoke up uninhibited. "What about the chip implants? Can't we simply send out some sort of signal which will, in a sense, reprogram the minds of those engaged in disobedience?"

"First of all, if that would work, don't you think we would have done it by now?" responded Franks. "The chips are merely communication portals, they cannot induce behavior. It would seem however, that with all of us connected together, our minds have in fact displaced the awareness of reality."

Indian scientist Abhas Mitra was also quick to speak. "Our minds, you say? Well then, how do you explain the rational discussion we are currently engaged in? Are we somehow immune to the effects of the implants?"

"As a matter of fact, to a certain degree we are." answered Franks. "All civil service as well as others who could....afford it, were given altered chips. Listen, it's pointless to go into details at this time since it has already been accomplished. Suffice to say, it was deemed necessary to tightly control information within a sphere of select individuals. I have been instructed to deactivate all chip transmissions at noon tomorrow."

"My heavens, there will be chaos." Mitra uttered.

Franks continued. "Chaos is what those chips have given birth to already. We are now bordering the frontier of the unknown, gentlemen. To do nothing would yield further chaos. Proceeding with the aerosol therapy will undoubtedly curb further violence but regrettably will render those outside unnaturally submissive and docile." Sighing heavily, he continued. "Perhaps a little obscurity and murkiness will provide the necessary comfort for those overwhelmed by the radiance of our present information overload."

I sat partially reclined as I endured this hopeless dialogue, having long since grown tired of this particular insoluble nightmare. Its vignettes of horror were only momentarily appeased by subsequent visions of serenity.

My thoughts were interrupted as I found myself reclining in a different position, surrounded by peaceful sounds of our neighborhood. Lawns mowers canvassing yards, nails being driven into wood timbers and children gleefully playing in the cul-de-sac. The din of conversation emanated from within our home as Jane could be heard engaging in friendly gossip with our neighbors.

At first it was difficult to hear. It was a faint sound. I sprung up from the chair which I lay and contorted my head to listen more intently. It was indeed the unmistakable sound of a child yelling for help. I quickly got Jane's attention and began sprinting towards the source of the commotion. Several men from the neighborhood had also heard. As the yelling grew louder we began to see a young child kneeling beside a manhole. Its lid had been removed and left unattended. It was little Lucy Witlock crying her eyes out, desperately trying to get anyone’s attention. She became increasingly emotional as we approached her.

"Lucy, what's the matter?" I asked.

Wiping tears from her blue, water soaked eyes, she said "It's my brother Timmy. He's fallen down the hole and can't climb out. He didn't see the orange cone in time. What do we do?"

"Now don't you worry, sweetheart. We'll see that he gets out." I nudged Lucy into Jane's arms as the boys and I peered down into the hole. There he was, caught inside a plastic tarp about ten feet down. Instinct told me to speak calmly which would help put his mind at ease. "Watcha doing down there, son?"

Ten year old Timmy was shaken up a bit from the fall but appeared alright. Nothing broken this time. "I'm s..sorry sir. I was running to catch the Frisbee and didn't see this hole."

"That's all right, son. We'll have you out in a jiffy." I motioned the men to get a flashlight and my extension ladder, never taking my eyes off the boy. I could see Timmy still struggling with something. "What's the matter, son?"

"My foot's stuck in....something....something really gooey" Timmy yelled back up.

"Just hold still, alright Timmy. I'll be down in a second." The men returned in an instant and lowered the ladder down carefully." I grasped the flashlight and pointed it towards Timmy. Everything became clear. "Well young man, fortunately for you, this tarp here saved you from a trip to the hospital. And look at that. Looks like a bucket of tar or something your foot landed in. No worries. Just hold tight, I'll lift you out of there and we'll get this hole covered up."

Memories of dozens of events like this flooded my mind. Mostly pleasant and some not so pleasant. It reminded me of how my neighbors seemed to almost be omnipresent. All of us vigilantly watching each other's backs, steadying the roller coaster of life with friendship and protection. This backdrop of community laid the foundation for a life rich in relationship and trust.

This reality felt the most natural to me. My mind was free from distraction, no longer plagued by the foreign opinions and thoughts which I knew in my soul were contrary to those of my creator. I prayed that this present convergence was where truth dwelt and that it would be the last I would experience.

Final Convergence

As quickly as darkness flees from light, I was immediately surrounded by a cloud of obscurity. Not only physically, but mentally also. I experienced a potent sense of reality which I struggled to acquaint myself to. Perhaps I was drawing closer to an authentic reality. Certainly not the sort of reality any sane person would willingly choose. As if I had a choice in the matter anyway.

I stood within a small indentation beside a concrete structure in the blackness of the night. The overhead lights saturated the street beside me with a dim, cool glow. The windows beside me were shattered and glass littered the ground beneath me. I peered inside, hoping to see a familiar face. Any face would do. My eyes revealed what remained of an apparel store. The interior looked as if a thousand men had indiscriminately rampaged through, items strewn about chaotically, leaving a wake of destruction. My eyes focused on a rather strange yet familiar sight. It was....me. Reflected off the shard of a broken mirror, I could see my face, though dimly lit. I was much older than I had anticipated. My face looked like a worn out tire. I was balding, my face pockmarked and wrinkled. Even so, I was grateful to be alive.

My thoughts converged on my family. Oh how I missed them. Where were they, I thought. Were they ever real to begin with? The Ferris wheel rides with Jane. The campfires with my son. Those and countless other memories were fresh in my mind, as though they all happened just yesterday. They were incredibly palpable events which played back in my mind with every detail. It's as though they served to numb the reality which I was presently enslaved to. Oh, I prayed that they were real, that my life had a purpose before the events of this present meaningless chaos.

It was unwise to venture outside, especially in the daytime. The aerosol therapy was successful for a season but there were those who dubiously found a way to isolate themselves from it. It was they who now ruled the darkness. They availed the light to carry out deeds of destruction on those who remained. They were clever, but their senses remained dulled and their approach could easily be detected. My occasional breaches outside the perimeter served to preserve any remaining bond I had with the natural world and the precious memories of the ones who were lost. For that reason alone, it was worth it. Although it eluded me at the time, there remained a purpose for my continued existence. There were not many of us left now and each of us had responsibilities to the other, lest everything be lost forever.

My suspicions had increased for many seasons before the delicate balance within our society finally collapsed to the propensity and eventual inevitability of our own self destruction. The Great Book had long since been eliminated from the archives and purged from the tablets of our hearts. The greedy and the self-centered overwhelmed those whose hope already hung by a thread. Evil and hopelessness had consumed the thoughts of the remorseless few who remained. Yet even with a few pure souls, hope always exists.

Suddenly my ears were flooded with an ominous sound. Sirens began wailing as far as the ear could hear. Its crescendo was loud and relentlessly repetitive. I knew it was just a matter of time now. The door beside me swung open as I turned my head towards it.

"Mr. Osbourne, I must insist that you return inside immediately." yelled a stocky, uniformed guard. His job was to secure the facility and lock down all entrances. "The blast door will seal automatically in three minutes." I immediately obliged.

As we progressed down the elevator, my thoughts raced violently. Of course the chips they insisted would work, didn't. They only served to mask the effects of a deeper problem. Technology would be the savior of many of society's ills, short of those within the hearts of men. Fortunately the Great Book spoke of a greater hope from above. One not borne out of human hands. That truth was exchanged long ago. The allure of the common truth clouded and ultimately suppressed all others.

They told us that this was not only progress but essential to our successful evolution. They told us a lot of things. And we believed them.

A Season Of Darkness

My study was dark and windowless, far below the illumination of the light. There was peace and safety here, for now. The light was to be avoided, at least until it was deemed safe to return to. I had been designated a scribe by our community of below. Our facility was designed to last decades but eventually we would have to return to the surface. For now we had ample food, water and medical supplies. We would conserve the fuel rods which remained and hope for the best. Returning to the surface would not be easy. The elevator shaft had been compromised and could no longer be accessed. There was, however, another way out. If one knew the way.

I was designated as the community scribe. I therefore began to write thoughts which would no doubt be read generations from now.

--Society will never be properly governed by the uneducated and who have no knowledge of the truth. Anyone who is going to act rationally must have sight of it. Someday you will escape this caldron of chaos. You must be diligent to descend back to its origin and remember what it was like to live in the dark, seeing and distinguishing truth only by the shadow of our memories. We must be awake to what is good and what is right. Our desire for light has temporarily been abandoned, but only for a season. It has been temporarily exchanged for the darkness of the deep. It is our hope that unity and submission will remain. For now, the shadows of our past reflect the truths we diligently cling to. Let future scribes be diligent to unswervingly hold to these truths without deviation.--

For some of us, time has became the new enemy to battle. We long to hear the words written in the Great Book and to once again see the glorious appearing of the light.

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PART TWO - ECHO OF REALITY - Darkness Conceals The Light

They lived in a world of limited perception. Of this they were completely unaware. The dark dwellers ventured outside infrequently. For but a few hours they could sprawl about, lurking slowly within a dimly lit environment, never venturing too far. The unknown shrouded their minds and clouded their judgment. This invoked great fear, preventing meaningful exploration. They lived deep within where it was cold, damp and morbidly quiet. Not a peaceful quiet but a place where one longed for an echo, a reverberation of any sort. They had always lived there, generation after generation. Life, if you could call it that, alternated between the total darkness of within and the dim light outside the cave. Legend rumored there was a great light. Its heat was formidable and it's brightness overwhelming, or so said the patriarchs. The desire for light had long since been abandoned. It was exchanged for the allure of the darkness. The darkness brought unity and submission. It was agreed that the shadows of the night revealed all truth.

Not everyone believed this way. There was one alive who had seen the light. He was locked away long ago. The penalty for his vision was seclusion and separation. He was not allowed to see the night any longer. He had long forgotten the look of a dim light outside the cave. The way the various shades of dark foliage danced in the evening breeze. These mattered not to him. It was his memory of the light which plagued his mind with desire. He had seen it. It was not a dream.

His name was Echo. From childhood Echo was told that experience was the only reality. Reality was whatever could be tasted, touched, seen, smelled or heard, this was truth, nothing more. There were no gods. No unseen truths. No other worlds. The dim light outside the cave revealed all that needed to be seen. Without it, there was constant groping about, always searching for a glimmer of light to guide one's footsteps. Echo lived in a community of solitude and darkness ruled by the elders. They had been chosen by the patriarchs. It was common knowledge that each generation had specific instructions for choosing the elders. They were to be loyal in every way to common thought and to the teaching of the previous generation. Opinion and free thinking were not permitted. These would only lead to false truths and alternate realities. Disruption of harmony within the community would surely result.

So said the patriarchs.

The patriarchs possessed all truth. They shared it as they saw fit, always withholding the complete truth, for the benefit of the community. They were never to be judged much less be accused of ever being in error. They themselves were judge and final arbiter of all truth. Their piety was matched only by their stubbornness. They fled from thoughts and ideas foreign to their patriarchal lineage as quickly as light flees from darkness. Their truth was passed down to each generation with regular invocation. Its accuracy was based purely on perception. From their limited point of view, this truth was everything and the entirety of that which they needed to survive. It was without substance, being written only on a tablet of perception. They clung to the security this truth provided. It was their god. This is the way they had always lived, so said the elders. They had each other and they had the truth of the dark. They had every reason to be content. The elders would see to that.

Echo was always seeking the truth. He was a young man full of wisdom, though not the offspring of an elder. He had heard all the stories of the dark and they were forever etched on his mind. His hunger for more knowledge was endlessly mocked by the other cave dwellers and ultimately forbidden by the elders. His training was resigned to learning of self-control and discipline. Ironically, these were the very things which he already possessed in his zeal for the truth concerning all things.

Marina was one he could talk to about anything. She was assigned to him in order to look after his needs. From birth she was infused with inferior status among the community, like most others. She was told this but did not accept it. Not wanting to risk seclusion herself, she kept quiet. Marina had knowledge few others had. She had found the scroll writing accidentally, many seasons ago before the light was forever extinguished. Writing was a forbidden task since all truth was dispersed by the elders. Miraculously these had managed to survive the purging of long ago before the great library was destroyed. Hidden in a deep place away from the scrutiny of the elders, the pages were filled with wondrous thoughts. Foreign to her learning they were merely words in a book. Words that could possibly have little meaning at least based on what the patriarchs taught her.

Marina and Echo lived in one of the many dark recesses of the cave. What they lacked in respect to visible light they made up for in comfortable living quarters, at least as one could be comfortable in a cave. The elders had fashioned objects resembling chairs, tables, beds and whatever else was needed for their meager, quasi invisible enjoyment and comfort. Their pleasure was derived from speaking with one another and preparing meals together. In the dark, some tasks can take a dreadfully long time.

It was an ordinary evening. Echo was burdened with an extraordinary thought not unlike the sting of a dagger penetrating his waking mind. The thought had been there for what seemed forever. He decided to entrust Marina with that which he was forbidden to discuss.

"Marina, may I ask you a question?" whispered Echo.

"Of course, my dear Echo." answered Marina.

"You and I have spoken of many things since a very young age." admitted Echo.

"We have, for sure." she responded.

"Lately I have been thinking that there must be more to this dank, dark world than what the elders are telling us."

Marina was visibly unsettled now. She rose in the ever present darkness and proceeded to the bread counter. She reached for a knife and began slicing.

"We should not be speaking of these things, don't you agree?" she said.

"True, the elders say that we should not and I really have no reason for thinking these thoughts. Yet as I dwell on them, they begin to make no sense."

Marina returned to her chair.

"What begins to make no sense?" she asked.

"This place, the darkness, it makes no sense. What's the point of it all? Why are we abandoned to this desolation with no future and no hope?" he said.

Marina paused and shifted her chair. She was holding something back.

"What makes you think that this isn't all there is? Why do you question it?" she asked.

"A dream perhaps, I don't know. Don't you ever dream?" He said with an agitated tone.

"Yes, I have many dreams and many memories, especially of...." she paused, deciding in an instant that she would tell him, "I read something once in the ancient writings, before they were destroyed." She did not tell him of the pages she tore from the book hid away in a most secret place.

"You know of the writings?"

"I stole away a brief glimpse only. There was one thought which stood out amongst the others. It read like this: 'Society will never be properly governed by the uneducated and who have no knowledge of the truth. Anyone who is going to act rationally must have sight of it.' The patriarchs told us that we had the truth. But if what I was reading was the truth, why was it destroyed?"

Echo was stunned. Marina continued. "I was not able to read many pages, but what I did read spoke of wondrous truth, truth which the patriarchs have not passed down for whatever reason. It spoke of other territories and other peoples, of many things exposed by the light, beautiful things in a vast array of colors we can't even imagine."

There was a sudden loud knock on the door.

"Echo, are you in there?" a voice asked behind the door.

"I am here father and Marina is also with me."

Marina excuses herself to the sleeping room.

"I need you to be prepared early. We have extra work to do." his father begins.

"But father, I had hoped to have time for my own thoughts tomorrow and perhaps..."

"We must use our time as the elders see fit and I will not question their request. Nor will you."

Echo was boiling mad on the inside yet chose to remain silent. Perhaps he would try a different approach to deflect his father’s stubbornness.

"I will be ready father." He paused and then continued with great trepidation. "Father, I would like to speak with the elders about documenting my thoughts."

"Son, what have I always told you? It is forbidden for anyone to use the scribe. The ancient words did much damage to the elders in their day. They must never be exposed again. New words are forbidden. You may speak the approved words only. Writing is never permitted under any circumstances."

"But what about..."

"I'm sorry, that is the end of the matter."

With these words, his father departed abruptly.

Echo's father was quick and to the point. There would be no further explanation, no compromise. Echo was crushed. His spirit sank deeper still, darker than the vast abyss of below.

He doesn't remember saying goodbye to Marina. His thoughts so consumed him that hours passed before he discovered that he had walked a great distance outside in the dark. He had ventured far to the edge of the forbidden zone. Echo knew a hidden place that nobody else was aware of. He had heard of its existence by piecing together conversations he had overheard in the dark. Many things can be heard in the dark if one only listens. There was a dim light emanating from above, scarcely illuminating the narrow path which Echo walked upon. He knew it well and had been here often. It was the one place he could think the thoughts he wanted to think about. Echo quickened his pace.

As he came upon unfamiliar ground, he suddenly lost his footing on a slippery place. His body lunged into the dense foliage to his left. He anticipated landing on a solid surface but instead found himself sliding down further and further. He tried desperately to grasp at a branch, a root, anything that would interrupt his slippery descent. Finally a sudden jolt and his journey concluded with a large spongy plant of unknown kind. He was not familiar with its type but was most pleased with its soft, comfortable leaves which had cushioned his fall. He quietly lay dazed for several minutes, then regained his senses and slowly managed to upright himself. He examined his surroundings and found himself on flat land again. He was really lost now. From here he would continue walking with few other options remaining.

Echo did not anticipate finding shelter so abruptly, but there it was. An enormous stone wall, intricately designed but woefully unkempt. A complexity of weeds and overgrowth choked a majority of its surface. He observed a small area which resembled some sort of entrance. Odd shaped, but there nonetheless. This may lead back home he thought and decided quickly that this was his best option, his only option. He withdrew into the dark entrance groping the walls once again, feeling his way as his moved forward.

The passageway became increasingly narrow. The walls were interspersed with jagged and smooth places. The ground began to give way to nothingness as Echo progressed further, with only a small ledge of slippery rock between him and nothingness. He must be careful now. A pungent chilling wind bellowed up from below. He could almost sense the walls undulating with movement. He could hear water trickling through cracks and crevices in multiple places. Down, down into the endless abyss, he walked. He should stop. He was warned of the consequences of venturing outside the perimeter. Maybe it was time to turn around.

Then he saw it. Perhaps he was mistaken. His eyes had grown weary and might be playing tricks on him. No, it was brighter than before. He was all too familiar with dark. This was not dark. He preceded further...slowly...the ledge yielding its width to the vast abyss. He back was pressed firmly against the wall now, his feet inches from certain death. He knew not how deep the abyss was, nor did he suppose the same of the elders. No one knew he was here. He was completely alone. He should turn around.

He paused and focused his eyes in the distance. It revealed a different shade of gray. It wasn't gray; it was pleasing to the eye and brighter. If only he could get closer. He heard a sound from below, an unexpectedly soothing sound of an unknown origin. It sounded like water poured into a cup, a cup large enough to quench the thirst of many. He eagerly pressed on. The ledge was mere inches wide now as his heels dug into the rock. So close. The wind was noticeably stronger, propelling upward in swift, erratic currents. A small step forward, shifting slowly. His hands groped the wall. Fingers clenched available crevices in steady succession. The light was getting brighter. Excited anticipation persuaded him to continue further. The light fascinated him but compromised his attention as he slowly progressed.

Fingers clasp an unusual outcropping. It moved. Echo was unprepared for this. His hand jumped from its place and his body moved suddenly in the only possible direction, away from the ledge. With nothing to grab hold and dulled reflexes as a result of existing in darkness, he possessed neither ample light nor the time to observe possible alternatives. This was the end of his journey. Echo had never experienced falling before. Panic overwhelmed him. What seemed like an eternity was in fact only mere moments. Feet first, the water enveloped him. Down, down he went until his buoyancy recovered, returning him to the surface. Surface of what, he wondered. The water was surprisingly refreshing. It did not smell or taste like the water from the dark. He lavishly indulged in the first moments of pleasure he had ever known. Shaking his water soaked head, he searched for solid footing. Fortunately for him he had fallen into the water at its deepest point.

He could see light the distance, brighter and more distinct now. It illuminated the water's surface and revealed its shoreline in the distance. Looking directly into the light hurt caused his eyes great pain. He looked away so he could see properly, as he did before. His eyes would eventually grow accustomed to the light. He thought had he turned back on the ledge, he would have had a way out. Now, his curiosity had altered his ability to turn around. Proceeding forward was his only option. He was alone, but far better off sensory wise than just a few minutes ago. He saw things that had apparently always existed but were previously hidden. He had no one to tell him that he was dreaming, no one to tell him the truth. He would investigate and experience this new reality. He had no choice.

Echo reached the shore and withdrew from the soothing water. He was safe and on dry land, an alien shore. The lights grew brighter. This plagued his eyes but once again they soon adjusted. Colors began to ooze from the darkness. It was beautiful and it was liberating. His nostrils came alive with new fragrances. The muck and mire of the dark was overcome with living things. He was overcome by a world of green interspersed with spots of blue, purple, red and yellow. He hastened his pace as the bright light from above nearly blinded him. It was warm and seemed to be giving him unseen energy. The sound of rushing water was overcome by a multiplicity of sounds. Things were flying about, crawling about here and there, everywhere he turned his ear there was activity. This too, was overwhelming.

Hours had passed by and Echo found himself quite hungry. He had perceived many colors, shapes and sizes but knew not what was safe to eat. He decided that he would not eat anything of the common color, green. He narrowed down his choice to the brightly colored, small circular objects he had gathered from their source above. Then he would place one close by to examine its smell. If it did not smell unpleasant, he would consider it. After he had selected several candidates, he began licking their exteriors. Many were fuzzy and tasteless. His hunger and curiosity once again overcame him. He bit down and pierced its soft exterior. A sweet liquid erupted into his mouth and down his cheek. It was simply incredible. He fell to his knees in contemplative happiness. He ate, eating and eating until he could eat no more.

Sleep came quick and sure.

It was not a dream. Echo woke in the very place he had fallen asleep. It was dark again but not the dark of home. This was different than outside the cave where he had grown up as a young man. It was teeming with a life of its own, so vibrant and active. Moonlight ruled the evening from above. Unlike the nights back home, this night teemed with life like nothing he could have ever imagined. Short bursts of tiny lights flickered past in random patterns. Sounds reverberated in a cacophony of overlapped melodies. Animals of all kinds, shapes and sizes traversed about. Animals which crawled walked and even flew. Too numerous to catalog in one sitting, perhaps even in a lifetime. One day passed and then two. His eyes cleared and strengthened with each passing moment. It was as if a giant veil had been lifted from his vision releasing him from his prior bonds of understanding and knowledge. He wondered why he was the first to discover this.

His thoughts shifted and began to refocus on his family. A cold sweat emerged from his forehead as a sudden desperation overcame all previous thoughts. Echo remembered how he had fallen. In his mind that was the best place to discover how to get back home. Home is where his family was which seemed a lifetime away, it seemed presently he had a new reality, a new truth, one which was previously withheld from him. This realization matures in one sudden thrust of emotions. Anger wells up in his soul. "Why don't the elders know about this place?" he said aloud as though someone was listening. "They say they know all things. Yet there is life beyond the cave, a beautiful world waiting for its caretaker." Echo would find out. He thought to himself, perhaps he would receive favor and honor for discovering this world, certainly not for any credit to himself but for the good of the community. He had to find a way back to the plant with the giant leaves which caught him after slipping on the trail. Of course this would mean he would have to go back into the tunnel. And into the dark.

Echo had an abundance of time to dwell on these things as he made the long journey home. Recalling the days and the nights in precise succession he deliberates with himself for hours. The elders had gotten it all wrong. Clearly it was the sun that produces the changing seasons and years, not the darkness. During his time in the light he becomes convinced that it is the sun that brings life and knowledge to everything in the visible world.

Echo remembered every step he had taken since first entering the lights presence. He found his way back to the large spongy plant which caught his fall just days earlier. A clustered array of vines clung to the cliff where he had descended. He clutched one in each hand and slowly inches his way up to the top. The darkness enveloped him as he reached the top, reuniting him with the pathway back home. He knew the way quite well from here. Slower now, not because he was tired or was lacking in anticipation but because of the blinding darkness. It seemed darker than ever before and most unsettling. His eyes strained with discontent and senses became increasingly dull. This would have to be ignored for now. He was on his way home with an amazing discovery to share, a discovery that would change everything. Or so he thought.

Echo returned to the cave to find Marina waiting and filled with questions. He had been gone before but never for this long. He told her everything and she listened intently. He decides that he must tell the elders. Marina begs him not to tell.

“You cannot tell anyone of these things, Echo, especially the elders. They will not listen.” she said.

“I will make them listen. I must. I cannot deny what I have seen and heard. I cannot remain silent” Echo responded.

He immediately left her and requested the presence of the elders. They only spoke to people as they saw fit or when it was convenient for them. Echo surely could not wait for a meeting. Not with this new experience stretching the very limits of his self-control. He did the only thing he knew to do. He stood outside in the common court and proclaimed "For I have seen the light and it was amazing." Once again, he yelled, over and over until the others acknowledged his presence and demanded an explanation.

"I have just gotten back from a great journey. There is a great land beyond ours with glorious lights that..." Echo was interrupted by an elder.

"What nonsense do you speak of, boy? Where is your family?"

"I have seen them already and now wish to share wonderful news."

"There is no news, as you call it, that we know of and certainly none that you could possibly be in possession of."

"Please, allow me to speak. I was out walking and fell into a deep pit near the perimeter. I was not looking to get into trouble. Then I…"

"Where is this pit? If it exists, it must be sealed." said another elder.

"I will show you. I have much to show you. There was a light, a bright light of warmth and comfort unlike anything I have ever experienced. It was..."

"What you saw does not concern us. We have not seen this light you speak of and it is our conclusion that you imagined it. It is clear to us that you are attempting to deceive your people. How could you do such a thing to your family, to your community?"

"But I only meant to..."

"Nonsense! You will not be allowed to speak of it from this day forward."

Echo was overwhelmed with confused passion. He was not crazy nor did he imagine the things he spoke of. He would convince them through reasoning.

"Elders, from childhood you have taught me that what is seen and heard is reality. I have seen this wondrous place. Are you now suggesting that I deny my experience which has passed the test of observance?”

"It has not passed our test for we have not seen these things you speak of. We will decide what reality is and what it is not. We are the elders. Only we have been granted the wisdom from the patriarchs which allows us to proclaim what is real and what is not. Return to your home at once"

They elders knew that Echo must be silenced. Their truth was in jeopardy of being compromised. They too had heard legends of the light from the elders and were instructed to keep silent...at all costs. They were told the truth of the light would bring disunity and division. Any light would reveal that which was previously hidden. That which is exposed can be examined and change the hearts of men.....unless they did not know, or were not told it existed. Experience was the only reality. The elders taught this all too well. Think only of the dark. There is safety and security in the dark. Things can be accomplished in the dark which the light would illuminate should it be given the opportunity. The dark is friend to unspeakable things, things no one will ever know. For an experience devoid of witnesses cannot easily be proven. The elders would decide which experiences were valid and which were not.

The elders convened a meeting and unanimously decided Echo's fate. They would say the visit to the light has ruined his sight. They supposed that he might attempt to find this place again and lead others with him. They would surely prevent him from doing so, for the good of the community. It was decided that Echo would be removed at once into the darkest of places, deep within. He would never again see the dimmest of lights and certainly would have no hope in ever seeing the world of light. Echo would forever bear a secret and the penalty for its knowledge.

Marina hears of the dreadful news concerning Echo, devastation that the spoken word itself is unable to convey. She needs a new word, a written word. She remembers something that was written on the scroll. It was the last thing she ever saw before the light was condemned to darkness. It read: “We must descend into the cave and remember what it was like to live in the dark, seeing and distinguishing truth only by shadows, only half awake to what is good and what is right.”

There was hope the others would return once again. Perhaps they would come quickly.

——————————————————

PART THREE - EPOCH - Darkness Flees From The Light

From the the depths of an isolated cavern to the orbiting Occulus 7AU, one society long since separated by time and moral chaos, is reunited by an unexpected force.

Prologue

The light begins its journey from a source infinitely bright and without beginning. Its photons remain enslaved to the eight minutes and twenty seconds it will take to reach the Earth's surface. No faster, no slower. On it's way, it passes swiftly by Mercury. Atmosphere free and lifeless, its craters bountifully dimpling the surface. Regarded next is Venus, Earth's sister in size. Its dense clouds of sulfuric acid completely engulf the planet, making it nearly impossible for light to penetrate. The unwavering photons proceed undaunted, their final destination lying directly ahead. A perfect sphere enveloped by green and red hues. Large swaths of amorphous, swirling clouds bathe the life giving surface with precipitation. The light's journey nears its conclusion, ever searching out the darkness, replacing it with itself.

This photons brief existence was conjoined with a sudden lurch from within the deep. The ground shuddered and strained to its limit. Solid rock which had held back the light for eons was suddenly breached in an instant. The earth shook violently and sheared like paper revealing the depths below. Darkness was driven deeper still.

The light was granted further life and deeper exploration. Those who dwelt below were quite unprepared for this.

An unfortunate message

From the chief scribe Aaron. An update on societal progression:

It is the fifth season of darkness. Five generations have passed since our unwilling descent into darkness. The adjustment, impossibly harsh at first, has become increasingly bearable with each new generation. Many lives have been lost, families eviscerated. The present generation does not know of the pain and loss of the past, only of the stories, the beauty of what once was. The Great Book gives us hope for redemption, escape from our prison of darkness. Yet we grow weary of waiting.

Our ancestors found the Cave during our first year of darkness. They ventured deep and discovered a different sort of life, but life nonetheless. Our facility had grown short on supplies and as for the perimeter doors, they were crushed and permanently blocked due to various explosions from above. The last survivors exhausted their weapons in a crazed frenzy to destroy one other.

It was in the air. We had created it. Now it had destroyed all who dwelt on the surface.

Hope has now dwindled. Steps have been taken. This will be my final entry.

An interruption

They awoke suddenly in a manner unlike any other. Their slumber disturbed by an unexpected moment of chaos.

They could not escape the light. Its unforgiving penetration into the darkness, filling every void with varied intensities of brightness.

“Naomi, are you there?” asked Bryson.

“I am here. I cannot see. What has happened? she responded.

“I felt the ground move and heard an unspeakable noise. Now this brightness, it’s overwhelming.”

Their optic nerves were still intact but woefully under-stimulated with natural light. Bio luminescent creatures had illuminated their world enough to see in vague shadowy movement. But this was something different. Something written about long ago. A brightness that our forefathers once called home. How could this be? The surface had been permanently sealed from all its chaos and death.

Minutes passed as their eyes began to cooperate with this new illumination. Things once bathed in darkness were now vaguely visible.

A discussion ensued.

“Unbelievable!” Bryson broke the silence again. I didn’t know this was possible. We can see! Look, there in the distance. I see light coming from above. The cave, it’s so expansive and well, even beautiful.”

“Are those the stalagmites we were told about?” Naomi erupted. “And look, I see water and something green in the distance.” They could also hear the water flowing. It was distant but prominent nonetheless. Flowing from where and to where they did not yet know.

“Yes, we have much to explore.” Bryson was really thinking about where the light might be coming from. But he would need help from the others for the light was a great distance away.

“Echo!” said a voice close by.

“What? asked Bryson.

Janek, an elder female raised her frail head to speak. “I remember hearing stories of Echo and his ascent to a supposed bright place. It was said that he was banished to the deep places for his insurrection. It’s now evident these stories may have been true.”

“Perhaps” Bryson responded. “But let’s not be hasty with our conclusions. We will discover the truth for ourselves. Perhaps this reign of darkness is finally drawing to a close.”

In her wisdom Janek knew one of two things. Certain truths had been intentionally withheld either for their protection or for their control. Echo had told them the way out but they had chosen to isolate themselves in the safety of their dark abode.

The abode of above

The air was cold and lifeless aboard Occulus 7AU. Her intact titanium hull was scarred from years drifting through the unforgiving vacuum of space. She was an enormous ship, 1000 meters in diameter and 5000 long. Truly one of a kind. Her design was cylindrical with an array of antennae and sensor arrays across her surface. Inside an immense pair of sliding doors sealed the docking bay from the vacuum of space. Assembled from a billion pieces of raw materials expunged from the shell of the earth, she was the pride of a nation, built for exploration and a hope for the discovery of life beyond their blue planet.

A multitude of tiny lights illuminated the bridge. Everything was at minimal power, conserving the instruments during her long voyage. Only the dim hum of her ion engines masked the otherwise silence within.

Occulus 7AU has been commissioned in orbit a decade before chip implants were mandated by the World Order. Their mission was to be a brief one, to retrieve a highly classified, expensive piece of equipment on a Mars space station. In and out they said. For those aboard, 3160 souls, hyper sleep would make it appear as if only a few days has past. But as they would shortly discover Occulus 7AU had been unexpectedly adrift and was waiting for her next instructions.

Silence was abruptly overwhelmed with the whir of computers, hydraulics, and assorted mechanical apparatus. Darkened screens now illuminated the room with images and lines of computer code. The ship was awaking from her slumber.

An automated message appeared on the display.

TERRESTRIAL INCIDENT IN QUADRANT D-59. AWAKEN CREW TO INVESTIGATE.

Commander Beckett was the first to stir. His hyper sleep chamber had opened automatically. Others followed in an ordered sequence.

Beckett’s attention was first drawn to the computer display. The orders were clear enough but the star date, something was off, way off.

Lieutenant Murphy, weary eyed and a bit disoriented approached him. “Sir. I feel like we’ve been asleep for ages. Something doesn’t feel right. Is it because of that last meal we had?” He chuckled.

Beckett was not amused. “That last meal, well we had it 116 years ago.”

“Excuse me, sir.”

“We’ve been adrift high in Earth’s orbit for 116 years. It seems a communication array was damaged during flight causing a spontaneous computer reboot. This compromised all navigation systems.” Beckett turned to sit down. “Go check on the others”.

Beckett’s immediate concern was to contact the terrestrial base in the hope someone would answer. “Lieutenant, have communications attempt contact with Cheyenne Mountain. And get me visual confirmation of surface conditions.”

“Right away, sir.” Murphy was wide awake now.

The appeal of light

Deep within the now compromised darkness Bryson assembled a group of men to investigate the source of light. All attention within the community had shifted from daily tasks at hand to a new phenomenon.

The Elders were most displeased. The collective had been disrupted. They knew this inconvenience could not be ignored. The infected air from above would soon be upon them. They must take steps to reseal the entrance with absolute haste. They convened a meetings amongst themselves. A private affair deep within a place they called the Chamber of Decision. It was there where the Great Book was kept. It was there where the patriarchs disseminated all truth, their truth. The common truth. This truth was now being challenged by an unknown light. Light disrupting their unity was their greatest fear. Darkness brought contentment, at least until now. These thoughts were not necessarily shared by all within the community.

With Bryson’s team assembled and adorned with fresh clothes brought by Naomi, their task appeared easy. Simply follow the light to its source. Yet they could visually perceive many obstacles in the way. Water, canyons, and thick greenery they had never seen before. Challenging but much more compelling than their present dark abode.

“Let’s go men.” Bryson eagerly led the twelve men on their way. “Everyone look out for one another. Keep your distance and watch your footing.”

Their was little conversation as each man remained over-stimulated by a variety of new sensations. Colors became increasingly vibrant. Smells overwhelmed the olfactory nerves. Things felt different. The dampness became dryer, their footing more stable. The light continued to be a welcome distraction.

They walked for a long time, exploring their newly illuminated dwelling, seeing abundant natural phenomena along the way. Seeing many things they could once only feel. The sound of flowing water was much louder now.

“What’s that ahead?” asked Henderson, one of the men closest to Bryson.

Bryson did not hesitate to answer. “It’s a vertical shaft of some kind.”

The explosion which had woken them all had brought a new opportunity for exploration. Something too precise to be of natural origin.

It was about two meters square comprised of a smooth surface unknown to them. The shaft had been severed and displaced by several meters. It was unclear for how long. The distant light was yet a distance away it seemed so it was decided they would first explore this unnatural phenomena. In the dark all you have is time, a reality they were all dreadfully used to. An seemingly enticing detour had led them astray.

“This is unlike anything we’ve ever seen.” said Henderson. “Our people certainly didn’t build it. I wonder, should we...”

Beckett interrupted “We’re not turning back now. We are going to find the source of that light. Perhaps this is what caused the explosion.”

They both examined the structure with reserved fascination. It was aged but still very much intact.

“Look at the surface, the bars leading up in precise progression. Are they for?” Henderson examined them closely. “Yes, for holding on to.”

Bryson peered into the darkness below. “Looks like they also go down. I can’t begin to imagine where. Doesn’t matter. We go up.”

A different feeling overcame Bryson. An increased anticipation coupled with guarded resolve. He didn’t like the idea of a confined space even though he was certainly used to it. This passage was not built by the Elders, at least there had been no mention of it. But here it was. Hidden behind the rocks for eons.

Rung by rung, they proceeded upwards.

Silence from below

“Have you been able to reach Cheyenne yet Lieutenant?” The cumbersome affects of hyper sleep were now waning for Beckett and the others. Their focus and training now prevailed.

“No sir. No response. Nothing. We do have a visual though sir, but we don’t quite understand it.” Murphy stammered.

The small display revealed the unmistakable terrain of the Colorado Springs at the foot of Pikes Peak. The layout of buildings, roads and familiar landmarks were a welcome site to these homesick interstellar travelers. Murphy continued to zoom in closer as a pattern began to emerge. A pattern particularly noticeable in the city. Vehicles of all sorts were stationary. No movement. Many were upended and otherwise damaged. Foliage of all sorts had overtaken the streets, buildings and sidewalks. Life seemed absent, at least life they had experienced prior to departing for their mission.

“What in God’s name?” a voice uttered from behind the console.

“This wasn’t God” said Commander Beckett. ‘Did we actually do it’ he thought to himself. An unbearable despondency overwhelmed him. But he was in command and had to displace those feelings for the moment. “Impossible. The city is intact. It couldn’t have been a nuke. Everything would have been leveled.” Beckett required little time to decide the obvious next decision. “Prepare a shuttle, we’re going down.”

A culturally diverse team of 12 men and women were selected. Each person had a particular set of skills which thoroughly qualified them for this mission. Commander, communications officer, medical officer, science officer, linguist, sociologist and of course a bit of muscle for any dubious close encounters. Their weapon compliment was minimal but they did carry Glock 22’s as every officer normally would.

Occulus 7AU held two large shuttles in its docking bay for mass transport. Four smaller six man shuttles were available for necessary EVAs as they arose. It stood at the ready. 116 years had little effect on its superior craftsmanship. Between prep time and firing up her ion engines, an hour had elapsed and she was now ready for departure.

The Elders convene

Fear disguised as concern dominated the minds of the Elders. The Great Book warned intruders would come one day and steal that which was not theirs. It’s pages were worn and brittle. Its numbers incomplete. Much information was missing but it’s message seemed consistent. A message of precise order spoken eons ago coupled with condemnation to those who did not heed its words. The words brought a shadow of light to an otherwise dark abode. They would not allow these words to be taken from them.

What was spoken in the Chamber of Decision was always kept secret. The Elders did not speak outside its doors in fear of uttering words not meant for the unwise and unseasoned. Long ago they had set aside a certain portion of ordinance to be used in the most desperate of situations. In the deepness of dark solitude one could hardly imagine a need for such extremes.

The fear of light overwhelmed their fear of darkness. They had learned to live with it and in it found much comfort. Should the light be allowed to remain in their abode surly catastrophe would follow. They would have to act. Trusted men, large men were enlisted to carry out the deed. They would have to move quickly and ever so quietly for it was always quiet. Peculiar sounds would surly be questioned by those always listening.

Presently the light was its own distraction. All eyes were fixated on it. Perhaps now was the proper time.

Naomi’s Nightmare

Naomi slept soundly, enjoying a deep sleep. Suddenly an image appeared in her unconscious mind. Clouded at first it gradually came into focus. To her horror she saw a mass of people, clothes in tatters, bodies bloodied. Insanity emanated from their eyes. Ruination and anguish surrounded them. Violence of an unspeakable nature. Human minds overwhelmed by something unnatural, spreading exponentially. Neighbor become enemy. Family become foe.

Someone was coming towards her. She held her children close. There were so many of them. They held implements of destruction, ready to strike without reason or favor.

She screamed!

Her body lunged forward in her bed. She was awake now. Those around her awoke and attended her. Her fear soon subsided to reason.

Naomi thought hard and remembered being told about some sort of implant assigned to all civilians ages ago in an attempt to unite them as one. Perhaps this is what drove them underground. She would not speak of these things.

She was too tired to dwell on it now for tomorrow was already upon them.

Up they climb

The ladder proved to be quite stable yet its rungs seemed endless. Henderson was the first to break a silence otherwise filled with the sounds of exhaustive breathing and shuffling of feet. “I’m not sure how much farther I can go up. My hands are killing me and these cold, damp rungs are slippery.”

“We’re nearly there” assured Bryson. “I can see tiny red lights of some sort. Must be something of importance I would think.

Several yards above them a recessed opening lay in wait. Ahead of it a door, partially opened, its hinges rusted but holding fast. It was a door that was once closed and locked.

“Everyone, listen up. We’ve found an entrance to…well, something.” exclaimed Bryson. “Don’t touch anything.” They paused for several minutes, allowing their eyes to adjust to the ever brightening intensity of various lights. The silence was now overwhelmed by an annoyance of buzzing emanating from the lights.

They carefully passed through the door into an enclosed corridor, though they knew nothing of its purpose other than it appeared to be suited for their size.

The lights were brighter still. In the center of the room a large table rested with a number of chairs surrounding its perimeter. On the walls hung various visual displays, long since darkened. Perhaps this also was a Chamber of Decision, albeit a much larger, brighter, and infinitely more sophisticated one.

Conversation remained subdued yet awestruck as they progressed to the next room.

“There!” Henderson pointed ahead. “What in the world is that?

A spiral staircase weaved its way up as it disappeared to the level above. Naturally, going up seemed to be the prudent direction. Bryson, always first, always in control, grasp the railing and slowly proceeded upward. ‘What an unusual but clever design’ he thought to himself.

The circular stairway reminded them of certain rock outcroppings back in the cave. But this was much different. It’s surface was smooth and cold, almost pleasant to the touch.

A strange, regular noise was now prominent. It’s origin emanated from directly above. Fear was an emotion long since abandoned. Where danger in absent, fear cannot gain a foothold. Now it awoke from its slumber.

Step by step they continued up a dozen or so stairs. In front of them lay a long console of sorts. It hosted a plethora of knobs and colored buttons. Similar to that of their cave walls but organized and deliberate. Many lights were blinking. One appeared to display a set of numbers. They had heard of numbers but had no use for them in the Cave. They too had been forbidden by the Elders.

Henderson peered over the console. “These numbers, they are getting smaller. What does this mean?”

Bryson, for the first time he could remember, was speechless.

An otherwise silent surface

The two shuttles maneuvered through the atmosphere with ease. She was designed for the unexpected, most hostile of atmospheres. Earths was gentle, warm and quite hospitable.

The darkness of space eluded Earths’ light blue curvature. This was a most welcome sight for all aboard.

“Coming up on 60,000 meters Captain” said the navigator.

“Alright. Are the coordinates for Cheyenne locked in? asked Beckett.

“Yes Sir. We should be able to land close to the base entry. It appears there is no vehicular traffic blocking its landing pad.”

“Proceed navigator. Contact the other shuttle and have them maintain altitude here while we have a look.” Protocol dictated using caution when no response was received, especially in these extraordinary circumstances.

“Science officer, is the atmosphere compromised at all? Any radiation readings to be concerned about?” asked Beckett.

“No sir” he responded. “Quite normal. But no human life I can detect yet. I’m sure that....”

“We’ll solve this riddle yet, don’t worry. Perhaps our instruments are malfunctioning. After all there are 6 billion people out there, somewhere.” assured Beckett.

Minutes passed while the surface quickly drew closer. Earth itself was as they had left her except for those who dwelt on it. The ship’s thrusters engaged with a lurch as the vessel came to rest at the designated landing zone.

The shuttle doors opened. Ahead of them lay an immense steel door. A series of red lights on either side were flashing relentlessly.

“We’ll that’s odd. said Beckett. “These lights only come on during an emergency. Let’s get this door opened.”

“I’m on it.” Murphy swung open the control panel to reveal a numbered keypad. He had retrieved the code from the on board computer and hoped they were still active.

He punched in the code: CO368-RH2112. The door groaned as if wakening from a deep slumber. Slowly the crack between panels became larger. A distinct sound emerged from the dimly lit interior. It was an alarm. Boisterous and regular.

‘O Lord, tell me it’s not so’ Beckett thought to himself. It was the unmistakable sound of an armed missile silo. “We’ve got to get to the control room right away.”

“Here’s the schematic Sir” an officer spoke up. “ He pointed ahead. “Down that corridor and a set of stairs. That should take us right inside.” They moved quicker now, weapons drawn, and attention focused.

Darkness reclaimed

The men sent by the Elders had reached the far end of the canyon. After examination they concluded the breach was several hundred meters across. A solid portion of newly displaced rock lay beside the opening. Light beamed through, relentlessly penetrating their very souls. They had worn coverings for their eyes still preferring to grope about in shadows. Fear had quickened their pace. They placed the ordinance at the base of the opening where there was a sufficient breadth of rock to fill the opening.

The proper use of the explosives had been passed down generationally to a select few. It was only to be used to preserve the solitude of the community, nothing more and only then as a last resort.

All men but one retreated to a safe distance behind a large crevasse. He lit the fuse and backed away with the others. The light glowed with a blinding intensity. The sound was ominous and one they had never heard before.

A concussive blast instantly enveloped their bodies. It overwhelmed their ears and blinded their eyes. Shards of rock and earth flew past them in various directions. The light fractured and diminished. Rocks continued to tumble, filling every void and crevice, eliminating any remnants of light.

They had succeeded. The comfort of darkness restored their souls. They knew the others would demand an explanation. The Elders were convinced they had decided wisely but the light, now witnessed by all within, would not easily be forgotten.

An unexpected reunion

Captain Beckett Captain and Lieutenant Murphy arrived at the control room double doors. They had almost forgotten the sound of the still wailing alarms. Murphy grasped the handle. It was unlocked, its inhabitants long since gone.

Bryson, Henderson, and the others stood there aghast and awestruck. People! Uniforms!

“Freeze right there” A security officer had his weapon drawn yet they were already immobilized with fear.

“Hold on” Beckett ordered. “Lower your weapons. Look at them, they’re unarmed.” Their clothes were peculiar looking, as though they were homemade and quite dated.

Murphy proceeded to the control panel to assess the reason for the alarm.

“What’s going on here? Who are you people? Beckett asked.

Bryson muttered out loud. You speak…English? He explained, “We are from the cave, down below. We saw a great light and sought to explore its origin. We found our way in here when we heard an unfamiliar noise. We meant no harm.”

“Captain” Murphy interrupted. “The computer log says there was a small earthquake here just hours ago. Quite unusual for this area.”

“Is this the ‘terrestrial incident’ Occulus was referring to?” Beckett asked in puzzlement.

“Captain, several coolant lines have been severed. We’ll need our repair team on it immediately. Had we not arrived when we did this place would have been leveled and the nuclear fallout…I can’t begin to imagine the catastrophe we averted.”

Bryson spoke up again. “What does all this mean?” A simple yet profound question. One not easily answered in a few words.

The alarm was silenced. Beckett ordered Murphy to proceed with immediate repairs. He then directed his attention towards Bryson. “We’ve got a lot to discuss. Let’s talk alone together first in here, shall we.” Beckett motioned Bryson into the aged, dimly lit conference room.

The whole truth

Both men, leaders devoted to the safety of those under their charge, sat alone and spoke candidly.

Beckett cleared his throat. ”I can’t begin to imagine what life has been like for you. I say this even as I struggle with the knowledge that everyone I knew, the men I served with here on Earth, my family,” he struggles to control his emotions, “no longer exist. Then again, we’ve merely been comfortably asleep for 116 years, but you and everyone down here…all this time…how, how did you survive?”

Bryson leaned forward, still in awe of his comfortable surroundings, settled into the question. “We had knowledge passed down from a Great Book. It was old, pages were missing and torn, but it spoke of wonderful and miraculous things.” Bryson sneered. “Those pesky Elders, they held to a certain interpretation, you see. Never to be second guessed or open to different opinions. Had they seen what we have seen, are seeing, they would have to believe now. It would be folly not to. Many of us have had a burning in our very soul that there was more to this book, that we were created for a purpose. We were told in secret of one called Echo who witnessed the light and the beauty of a creation outside this darkness. He experienced a liberation which changed his very life. He willingly left that life just to come back to tell the others. But the Elders would not allow it. The promise of the hope he witnessed is the only thing that has kept us sane.”

“Oh but you have not even begun to understand Bryson. “We also have a Great Book, perhaps the very one you speak of. It speaks of a Creator who veiled Himself in flesh to redeem all of mankind. His wisdom has proven uniquely and inescapably accurate in a world overflowing with alternate truths. But as far as what has happened outside, I do not know yet.” Beckett continued. “Let me show you the whole truth, then you can all decide for yourself the reality of what others have kept from you.” Bryson thought to himself ‘It’s time we were all freed from the bondage of our self imposed divisions.’

It was now time for Beckett to inform the others as to their present circumstances. They had found these survivors by a fortunate accident which ironically had almost killed them all. So where did everyone else go? And why? The images from the immediate surrounding surface suggested a mass exodus of civilians. Perhaps they also were driven below. For now however, it was time to liberate those below from their dark tomb of despair and bring down those above back to a home familiar but now permanently scarred.

The long search for survivors had just begun. Hope was rekindled.

Epilogue

The light could not be extinguished. It brought forth life, maintained it, nourished it, gave it comfort. It was life itself. A life that was always there, waiting. It had been shrouded by those who dared claim authority over it. Men of finite frailty who sealed their own fate by disregarding the truth of those who came before them. But now those who remained had been given another chance. A chance to discern truth from above.

All text copyright 2021 © James Richardson

All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever without express written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.