Time Ripples (First Chapter), P.J.Lawton [e book reader online txt] 📗

The Pakolmeck high priest Zandl looked up at the beautiful face of DeMur, the mission historian, then settled himself into the cushioned portion of the gateway. Of course, DeMur didn’t know he was a high priest. As far as she knew, he was simply the mission leader and chief scientist. Only a few knew his true identity, because of the ancient practice of blood rituals, the Xyndo religious sect was outlawed hundreds of years before. Of course it didn’t stop the true believers from practicing what they held to be the one true religion. Zandl had maintained the position of high priest and assembly leader for many years.

Giving DeMur the pretense of a smile, Zandl pulled the head piece in place. Gripping the remote advance device tightly, he folded his arms over his chest. He didn’t like leaving her to be the last one to depart, but he really didn’t have a valid reason to require her to proceed before him. She was the mission historian and record keeper after all. In any case, it was best not to arouse any suspicions, even to one as insignificant as her. He was sure she wouldn’t find anything to jeopardize their plans, since she really didn’t have reason to suspect anything.

While waiting for the time-space wormhole to fully stabilize, Zandl thought about the last few days. Since there was never the chance of going back to their ancestral home, the mission survivors knew they must make the best of what there was to offer on this somewhat backward planet. In this instance, they would have to travel somewhere, sometime, in Earth’s past.

Everything, for the most part, had gone smoothly. With the exception of DeMur, he was the last to commit to the assimilation travel. Worried about a possible power shortage, his second in command, and under priest, Mixxu didn’t want him to remain until the end and they argued about it only the day before. Actually it hadn’t been much of an argument.

“But, my Leader”, Mixxu said, “You should proceed prior to me. That way you can ensure everything is satisfactory prior to our first meeting.”

“Nonsense!” Zandl shouted. Then lowering his voice he said. “Think about it. It makes no difference when you or I commence the assimilation travel; it all depends on the date of the assimilation. When we depart is not significant, the essential factor is when we arrive at our new destination.”

Security Chief Mixxu bowed his head in resignation. “Of course my Leader, I didn’t think to consider that. I will proceed as planned and meet you at the appointed time and place."

A slight chiming sound resonated through the helmet informing Zandl that the wormhole was now fully established. With just a touch of sadness the thought, I’m going to miss being Pakolmeck. But, it’s time for the new life to begin.

Zandl closed his eyes and paused for a moment. Taking a deep breath, he pushed the button. His journey backward in time wasn’t really that long. Within seconds he reached his destination, a small room in a two story brick house on the campus of a small mid-western college town. The time was just a little over ten years in Earth’s past. He’d spent several stasis trips picking out just the right time, place, and subject for the simulation. He believed he’d found the perfect match.

As he watched, a rather small man entered the room and took a seat at the heavily cluttered desk. Yes, Zandl thought, he will do nicely. As the priest watched, the man suddenly turned and stared in his direction. Although Zandl knew the man couldn’t see him, it was still a little unnerving. Others on the expedition reported some especially bright humans could sense a presence in the room. It didn’t matter; it would be over very soon. One important factor involved with the transfer was once he took control of the body he would retain all his memories, plus all the stored memories of the subject. What could be better?

Zandl willed himself to move forward. Once close enough, he reached and placed his spread-fingered hand on the man’s forehead. The transfer happened just as he’d been told. In a millisecond his life force leaped into the subject and at the same time expelling the subject’s own consciousness. Zandl was surprised to find he could actually see the man’s life force outside the physical body, a ghostly apparition as thin as a wisp of smoke. The effect didn’t last long as the vision suddenly began to sparkle. In less than a heartbeat, it disappeared.

The priest took a couple of moments to acquaint himself with his new body. Yes, it felt strange since most humans were smaller in stature than he and others of his race. He’d studied the humans intently on all his stasis time trips and was sure he’d have little trouble with the necessary adaptation. After a bit and satisfied all was well, he moved to the desk and picked up the phone.

Phase one was done, now to contact the others and begin phase two. The plan would take a while, a few earth years even before they could resume the cleansing blood sacrifices, but it didn’t matter. After all, there was all the time in the world.

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Publication Date: 07-25-2011

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