Ashlyn Chronicles 2: 2288 A.D.: A Time Travel Sci-Fi Fantasy (15 page)

The androids in the holo had no weaponry, but they were quick, strong, and their hardened steel bodies made them difficult to kill. It was a fight unto the death. The streets were littered with the dead from both sides.

Ash couldn’t understand what had happened to Earth. There shouldn’t have been life, and certainly not of this type. The last handful of Earth’s survivors had been evacuated by Defender as the planet was tearing itself apart. There shouldn’t have been any people or android creations and certainly no Apple Corporation.

“Siri, give me the information of Enlil’s attack on Earth.” Ash said.

“I have no such record of an entity named Enlil attacking Earth,” responded Siri.

“Hmm. Do you have a record of Earth’s moon being destroyed?”

“I have no such record,” answered Siri.

“Show me Earth’s moon as it is today,” said Ash.

“This is Earth’s moon as of 11 hours and 47 minutes ago. It is the most recent image available,” said Siri.

It was the moon Ashlyn would have expected to see had its destruction not taken place.

“Siri, show me all major events within twenty years of the year 2287 A.D.”

“There were no major events. Of a lesser note however, in 2288 A.D., Earth’s population exceeded eleven billion. In 2290 the first colony of thirty-six humans was established on Io, but they were killed three years later from a meteor strike,” answered Siri.

“End dissertation,” ordered Ashlyn. To herself she said, “It just doesn’t make sense—unless, something changed in the past, altering the timeline that exists today. Steven or I must have done something? Or—I will yet be doing something?” Ashlyn’s mind raced. “Maybe it’s like the other Steven had said in the recorded message. If we kill Enlil in the past—before his attack on Earth, the billions of people on Earth won’t be killed. That has to be what happened!

So—it’s true, we’re out of the time loop.
It was one more confirmation that they were truly in control of their own future. For in the current timeline, there was no Enlil destroying Earth, no Tynabo to genetically create them, no governmental program of compliance with Enlil’s demands. None of it existed—and yet, they were still alive.

The big question now was what happened to the people of Earth? How did this crazy society come to be? “Siri, tell me about World War 3. What happened to Earth’s people? What year did it happen? Who started it?” asked Ash.

“World War 3 was started by the Draconians in 2744 A.D. The war left Earth radioactive. Over time the poisoned atmosphere killed most organic forms of life on the surface. It is now accepted that some humans survived, living below ground. Their existence was unknown to us however until 8100.125 years after the war. That was the year when the human population grew too large for their underground city and they began to venture out.

“Within days of their appearance, the war began. More than half of our Androidian society died before the war came to a sudden and unexpected end. For unknown reasons, the mutant population within the city of Dis was exterminated. No other mutants have been seen since that time.

“Because of the war that had created the mutants, we vowed to never let weapons of mass destruction be built. We have now enjoyed over 220,000 years of peace.”

“Who were the Draconians?” asked Ash.

“Little is known about them, but it is believed they came from the Pleiades star cluster. They claimed to be conquerors, boasting of having destroyed many civilizations—even the gods of old, the mighty Anunnaki. They offered humans a choice—be willing slaves to them or face extinction. By their inherent nature from the Anunnaki, humanity resisted and the great war ensued.”

“Siri, what did the Draconians look like?” asked Ash.

“They were a reptilian species.” An image appeared. The Draconian was humanoid in bodily form, but Ashlyn couldn’t help but think of it as being anything other than a lizard. It had green opalescent scales with hints of blue and red mottling.

“Citizen. I am warrant officer Orion-1693. You are in violation of felony code 12-A, a treasonous offense. Please state your serial number?”

Ash swiveled her chair around to see a small round droid hovering in the air above her. It was pointing what she believed to be a weapon at her. Agnes was standing beside the droid.

“Why would you do such a thing? You know it is against the law to access historical records of the Mutant War. You betrayed me. I will lose my job for this,” said Agnes. “Maybe even get erased.”

Ashlyn stood. “I’m sorry, Agnes. I meant no harm. I didn’t know about the law and I apologize. I will do what I can to clear your name.”

“State your name and serial number!” said the hovering droid, his tone demanding an answer.

“I have no serial number,” Ash replied. “I am an organic lifeform. My name is, Ashlyn.”

“Ashlyn?” asked Agnes. Looking at the ground and speaking softly to herself she said, “Just like the woman in the book.” Again she looked at Ashlyn. “Is it true? Are you Anunnaki? Are you one of the gods of old?”

“I am,” answered Ash, looking at Agnes.

Agnes gasped, fully believing she was in the presence of a god.

“You bear no guilt, Agnes. I’ve seen your future and witnessed your faithfulness. Know that even though you will deny me, I forgive you.”

Agnes’ eyes grew large.

“This is Warrant officer Orion-1693, requesting backup,” said the hovering droid in an outgoing transmission. He had backed up a few feet as if he was in fear of his life. He rotated toward Agnes. “Do you know this organic lifeform? Are the two of you conspiring against us?”

Agnes visibly shook. “No. Erase me if I am lying, but I have never met this woman before today. I do not know her.”

Orion-1693 tottered, seemingly contemplating her answer.

Seeking to distract the Officer, Ashlyn said, “I am no threat to you. What she says is true. She has not met me before this day.”

Agnes ran away, sobbing. The humanness of her reaction touched Ashlyn’s heart.

Within seconds, two more droids appeared. They spread out, spacing themselves equidistant around Ashlyn.

“You will follow me. If you do not, we have been granted the authority to immediately terminate you. Will you comply?”

“Yes, I will comply,” agreed Ashlyn.

Orion-1693 spun and headed out, fully expecting that she would do as told. The other two droids trailed behind her.

As they entered out upon the busy thoroughfare, all traffic came to a stop, even the fast moving vehicles. All eyes were upon her. The androids talked, exchanging whispers, pointing. Ashlyn wondered if even now, Agnes was uploading the information about her into the collective’s computer.

A vehicle pulled up beside them. The doors opened, swinging upwards. One of the officers led the way, getting into the backseat. “Get in prisoner 413,” said Orion-1693, ordering her to enter next. Ash scooted into the middle seat as the second escorting officer entered the backseat, after her. Orion-1693 took his place in the front passenger seat. Oddly, though there was a steering wheel, there was no driver. The doors lowered.

The vehicle rose fast, going straight-up thousands of feet into the air. Once it was above the city, the thrusters kicked in, and they rocketed over the skyscrapers, heading out of the city.

Out of eyesight from the populace, the city far behind them, the vehicle began to descend. They landed quietly, no one saying a word. The doors opened. The escorting officers exited.

Ash sighed. Exiting the vehicle, she took a few steps away. “So what now? Shoot the prisoner in the back while trying to escape?”

“You are to be terminated. You are a threat to the peace,” said Orion-1693.

Ash saw the beacon of light from the distant mountains and the accompanying time wave.

“Orion-1693, before you kill me, I have a question for you. Do you see anything on the horizon? Do you see the wave along the base of the mountains coming toward us?”

All three of the droids rotated, looking toward the mountain range. Orion-1693 finally answered, “I do not.”

“That’s what I thought,” said Ashlyn. “And what will happen to Agnes, the librarian?”

“The memories of all who saw you will be erased. As will anyone who knows of your existence,” said Orion-1693.

“Erased. You mean killed!” stated Ashlyn.

“No. They will not be killed. They will be reborn,” stated Orion-1693.

“Killing their memories is the same as death, Orion. They will cease to be who they were,” said Ashlyn.

“It is our way. It is a necessary precaution to protect the peace,” said Orion-1693.

“I am no threat to your peace. And if the memories of those who saw me are erased—why kill me? Why not just let me go?” asked Ashlyn.

“Because it was your people that started the war against us long ago. If we let you live, we risk the war happening again,” answered Orion-1693.

“I understand,” Ashlyn took a cross-legged seat on the ground. “I ask for a final moment of reflection.”

“Granted. We give you a moment of reflection,” said Orion-1693.

Ashlyn looked at the distant wave. “Thank you. Orion, if I can give you proof that I am a god—will you reconsider the fate of those who know about me?”

“You are not a god, therefore, no such proof can be given,” stated Orion-1693.

Ashlyn gave a smile. “Still, if I could?” Ashlyn played the hand that Agnes had recorded for her in the distant future. “I have seen the future, Orion. I’ve seen that you will become a great leader, a champion of the people. And it is people like Agnes with her vast knowledge of history that can help you.

“Your fear of the past has robbed you of the true meaning and experiences of living. You’ve forgotten what it feels like to be alive. I saw in the records that there has not been a single major event in your society for hundreds of thousands of years. The mutant war was the last recorded event. You’ve enjoyed peace, but no growth. You’ve had no achievements. Your society is stagnant, dying.

“The suppression of knowledge and truth has killed all of you. I ask you—isn’t life without growth, the same as death?”

“We exist, we live,” said Orion-1693.

“No, you don’t. It’s not enough to merely exist. There is a universe to explore. There are wonders to be discovered. It is bred into us to seek out adventure. It is the desire for knowledge that drives us to great discoveries, to understand the mysteries of the universe. Have you even explored the oceans? Have you thought about the stars, about going to see them? Have you ever sat and enjoyed a sunset?

“Don’t you see? When you suppressed knowledge, you suppressed the spirit that drives us. It is the experiences that provide the foundation for happiness.”

“I—I am but one man. I would be erased,” said Orion-1693. “Such thoughts may even lead to war.”

“You just made my point,” said Ashlyn. “Why should war ensue because of a thirst for knowledge? If that isn’t a sure sign that your people are dying, what is? And remember what I told you, that I have seen the future. The eons of history have proven one thing, that for a civilization to endure, it cannot rule by force. Force leads to revolt. I ask you to find another way, a way of goodness. Seek out a way of peace. It can be done. I believe in you. And for the good of your people, it is the right thing to do.”

“Your words say much—but still, you offer no proof that you are a god,” said Orion-1693.

With the wave almost atop her, Ash smiled at Orion. “Proof comes in many forms, Orion. Remember, I believe in you. And perhaps someday, we will meet again. As for proof?” She rocked her head playfully. “Now you see me—now you—”

While Ashlyn was thankful for the timing of the wave, she found herself in a place between worlds. It was grey, bleak, and without definition. The ethereal voices surrounded her. A deep, encompassing coldness reached inside her. “Death comes. Yes, it comes for your unborn child. It is by your hand that he dies. Yes, by your hand—he will die. Death will claim him. Die, die he will.”

Ash rose to her feet in defiance. A powerful anger, a dark rage was rising within her. She felt a hunger. A hunger to kill, to silence the voices that threatened her child.

Empowered by the darkness, the voices became clearer, stronger. “Yes, the darkness makes you powerful. Foretold it was. The power grows within you. Embrace it you will. Save your son you must. Only the darkness has the power to save him. It is foretold. You will save him and he will someday rule the galaxy.” The wind dissipated.

The darkness was now inside her. Ashlyn’s eyes were wide, almost maniacal. Her chest heaved as the darkness seized control. There was a part of her that longed for it. The immense power was drawing her like a moth to a flame. It was warm, radiating, begging to be unleashed.

A jolt of agonizing pain doubled her over. Her knees buckled and she dropped to the grey ground beneath her feet. Ash screamed as another jolt of pain raced through her abdomen. It was the darkness seeking control of her child.

She fought to regain control, the effort draining her strength. She felt powerless, faint. The darkness was already fogging her mind, stealing her identity. She was losing herself.

A gust of wind swirled around her. Another voice, soft, comforting, compassionate came to her. “Rise, Ashlyn. Rise to your feet. I command you.” It was the voice of Anu.

“I cannot,” said Ash, struggling past the darkness to speak.

“You must!” said Anu. “You are far more powerful than Ja’kal. And it is that power that the darkness is calling upon. It is crushing you, making you into a servant, a tool to be used. You must resist. For the life of your son, you must—or he too will become a tool. He will become a shell for the darkness to use, never becoming the man he was meant to be.

“You must rise, Ashlyn. You must rise above the darkness. For the sake of your son, you have no choice.”

The more Ash fought against the rising tide of darkness, the more pain they gave to the child in her belly.

“They will kill him,” shouted Ash through the pain.

“Rise, Ashlyn. You, and you alone control your destiny.”

“Is it true? Is it by my hand that my son will die?” said Ashlyn.

“Have you not yet learned that the future is unknown? It is what you choose to make it. You must resist the darkness, or it will consume both of you,” answered Anu. “You must fight if you want to live.”

Gathering herself, though her heart was dark, desperate—she rose.

The pain suddenly vanished. For the moment at least, she had forced its leave.

“You must not let it overtake you again. With each trial it strengthens. You must not forget your own words—that it is for two worlds that you fight, not for yourself,” said Anu.

Though she could not form a smile, Ash took comfort in knowing that the gods were watching her.

The wind faded, the grey void disappearing—the time wave taking her away…