I take several large steps to be sure I am past it. When I stop I realize I can feel the sun on my face. I open my eyes tentatively, and see I am outside. I wait several seconds for my eyes to adjust to the light. In front of me I see a grassy field with trees scattered sparingly on the landscape. In the far distance I see what could very easily be the edge of a small town.

I am standing on a dirt path that heads off in the direction of the town. The path looks to be well used. The sun shines with the normal yellow I am accustomed to on earth. The air is hot with a hint of moisture. At my best guess, it is summer. A slight gust can be felt.

I turn around to see what is behind me. What my eyes see, is not what I expected. I am standing in front of what looks like an old building that has been forgotten for many years. All that stands is the walls and they look like they could fall any minute. As I continue to check it out, I realize that it looks more like a church. About the only thing it is missing is the stone cross on the top.

I am standing at the threshold of the front door. Inside there are stone benches set in lines, with an altar at the back. The altar consists of one large granite stone cut in the shape of the temples, on the computer planet. From where I stand, I can't see any writing on the temple.

Standing in front, and to the left of the altar is an elderly gentleman. His hair is pure white and going in all directions. He looks to be at least in his seventies. It looks like it takes all his strength to keep his skeletal frame up. His skin looks like it is draped on his frame, very loosely. He is looking at me with his mouth wide open, and complete shock on his face. He is leaning on a long staff. It appears to be made of the same material as the temples on the computer planet. On the top of the staff is a miniature of the temples.

We continue to stare at each other for a while, before he makes a sound. He points at me with his free hand, “You are from the makers.”

“Uh I don't think so. I just walked through some wall.”

“Yes you are. You came from the stone. Only the makers come from the stone.”

“I'm sorry to disappoint you. But the only thing I am a maker of is problems. The temple just told me to go to the cave and it brought me here.”

The man puts his hand down like it is as much trouble to raise, as it is to put it down. “But the makers sent you.”

“I don't know who these makers are. I was sent by some stone temple. Like the one on your staff, but lots larger.”

The man slumps in disappointment. “Then you didn't see the makers?”

“I'm guessing not, but I still don't know who these makers are.”

The old man slowly walks toward me. After what seems like forever, he passes me heading down the path. He glances back at me, “Come, we will discuss this with the council and see what to do next.”

As the man continues to walk, he increases his speed sluggishly. I follow him in silence. I was expecting the walk to take forever, but for such an old man he can walk fairly fast. By the time we get to the edge of the town, I have to take large strides to keep up with the man.

The town looks like an old mining town you see in movies. You know the ones that nothing good ever happens at. Most of the buildings were made of wood. Where they got all the wood, I don't know. There aren't that many trees around. There are three buildings made of stone, in what looks like the center of the town. I can see no automobiles or horses anywhere.

I see several people walking around. Most look intent on wherever they are heading. A couple of the people stop to stare at me. I can't say what period of clothing they wore, but most look more like rags then clothing. I'm sure my attire looks strange with good stitching and brighter colors. I never liked wearing bright clothing, but compared to what they wear, mine stands out like a sore thumb.

I continue to follow the old man, as he heads to one of the stone buildings. The closer we get to the center of town the more of the locals stop to stare. I notice a few more of the locals are coming out of buildings to take a look.

I have grown accustomed to being stared at. When you cause people to run screaming in fear, it tends to draw attention. I will have to admit though when a whole town comes out to stare, you get a very uncomfortable feeling. We come to a building that I'm guessing is the town hall. It is the largest building in the town. I can tell it is taken better care of. As we walk up to the double doors it looks to have better craftsmanship.

The old man knocks on a set of double doors with his staff several times. The staff vibrates with each tap. By the fourth tap you can hear a subtle hum from the staff. After the hum begins the man taps it on the ground, at his side. You can hear its hum increase to a tone. The tone reverberates off the wood doors, then subsides to silence. I can hear an audible click from the doors. Slowly the doors creak open in unison.

A blast of musty stale air waifs from the open doors. It is then I notice several people walking past me, into the building. There is a man and woman walking hand in hand. They both look to be middle aged. The man has short dark hair with a stubble of a beard growing. She also is dark haired, but it lays long on her back.

Neither look my way as they pass me and enter the building. Then a male in his late teens walks past. His hair is a dark blond and just covers his neck. He looks like some kid that would prefer to hit you then talk to you.

Next an elderly lady passes. She looks to be as old and frail as the man with the staff. Her hair is blond from sun bleaching. She looks as though she hasn't combed her shoulder length hair in her life. She leans on a stick as she walks.

The next two I never would have expected. A boy and a girl pass on each side of me. Neither look older than ten. Both have their hair cut short. The boy's hair is dark black and short. The girl's hair is a very dirty blond and extends just past her shoulders.

The old man glances around like he is looking for someone. He then shrugs and walks into the building. I reluctantly follow. The walls of the large open building are made of the same stone as the temples. At the back of the building there is a raised podium. On it is a stone table also made of the same stone. Behind sits eight chairs, again made of the temple stone.

Several long backless benches are lined facing the podium. The look of it all gives me the impression of a church. Everything in the room is made of the temple stone and gives off a glow.

After I take several steps past the threshold, the doors start closing. I stop and look back. All I can think is that now I'm in for it. I have no way out. Then the doors close with an audible click.

I turn to find all the people are sitting in the chairs on the podium. Starting from the left is the old man, the old woman, middle age man, middle age woman, the teen, an empty chair, the boy, and then the girl. The old man is whispering to the woman next to him. She then responds in a whisper. I walk up to the dais and wait for whatever comes. The older man nods to the others and they nod back.

“Lets begin,” the old man speaks, “First introductions. My name is Seth. Next to me is my wife Saleem. Then it is Geth, Mysty, Berg, and the missing chair is Peth. She is unable to make it. She is giving birth. And the last two are Zee and Beet. We are the council. May I inquire your name?”

“Ben.” I reply.

“Well Ben, would you please tell us how you got here?”

“I'm not exactly sure, I just walked through a wall.”

“Could you please elaborate more, maybe a bit before you walked through the portal.

“You know of the portal?” I ask.

“Yes, please elaborate on how you got here, and then we will try to explain as much as we know.”

“Oh okay, I guess I will start when I poofed out of my home. I was getting ready for work, and then I am standing in front of a stone. Well at first I had no clue what to do till the quake, then the stone started talking.

It was rude. It wouldn't answer any of my questions. But it sure wanted answers from me. Then I got to another stone temple. She was really nice, but really couldn't explain a lot to me. After she was done, she had me go through a tunnel, then I ported to that building you were at.”

“Did you create the land shake that activated the validation temple?” Seth asks.

I shuffle my feet nervously as I answer, “Yes.”

“When you finished the test with the alignment temple, what result did she give you?”

“I don't remember any result. She just said she had trouble getting answers, then told me to follow the yellow line.”

The old man looked confused, “You mean she never gave you your alignment result?”

“Nope, she just said she couldn't find answers. Or something like that, then sent me into the wild blue yonder.” The seven start whispering among themselves. I try to catch something but no words make any sense.

You can't hear them because they silenced you. I hear Grass in my head.

I jump when I hear them and hope the others didn't see me. How are you talking to me? I figured I am not on the computer planet anymore. I reply in my head.

It seems that when you are near enough eternal stone we are able to contact you. We have been keeping track of you since you left. We are still able to hear your thoughts to a degree, and the rest we get out of the computer. It seems the computer is keeping really close tabs on you.

Great now I am a soap opera in space.

Grass Chuckles. In a sense yes.

Gee thanks.

Grass just chuckles.

The group finishes talking and looks at me unaware of Grass and my conversation. Seth takes a moment then says, “We are just as baffled by your appearance as you are. If you will indulge us we would like to ask you a few more questions before we explain what we know.”

“Sure I'm not going anywhere fast, and I have enough energy, I believe, to last me over twenty-four hours.” After I reply I notice Berg gives me a strange look.

“We would like to know what talent you have.”

“Boy, I wish more people were like you. I wouldn't have had so much trouble as a kid,” I say and Berg tilts his head slightly. “Well, I have disintegrate, blink or I think they called it some type of teleportation, fear, earthquake, and transformation, which I think they called mimic.”

Each of them jerk back slightly as each ability is said, after the first. “You have five talents?” Seth asks nervously.

“Well actually I guess I have seven. I have one that took me on this mess, and then they said I have an unknown.”

“You can't,” Berg interjects in a deep gruff voice.

“Probably not if you think so, because I only know of the others.” I reply hoping he is right. I really do not need another ability to mess my life up.

Seth looks at Berg solemnly, “The validation temple is never wrong, Berg. We will have to wait and see what it is.”

I look at Seth seriously, “No, I agree with Berg I don't want another headache.”

I can tell that Zee and Beet are trying their best to hold in a laugh. But it is too much for Zee. He bursts out laughing and smacks the table. After he regains control he says, “I like him.”

Seth gives him a dirty look, “Zee.”

Zee tries to calm himself down, “Yes.”

Beet then has to look away, and I hear a restrained burst of laughter. She then turns back to face me with an almost stern look.

“Sorry, but I'm serious. Take that ability back,” I am quite serious and do not understand the joke.

I guess my last comment was too much for Zee and Beet. They both start laughing uncontrollably. It is all they can do to stay in their seats. I even see a smirk on Berg's face.

“Children please, this is a council meeting,” Seth tries in vain to regain control.

“Wait, what is so funny, I am serious,” I comment.

It is too much for Zee. He is now on the floor laughing. Beet is just barely able to stay on her chair. And even Berg looks to be having difficulty holding a serious face.

Seth looks at me concerned, “Sorry Ben, this is not normal in so many ways. What is so funny to our young upstarts is you cannot give your ability away. I think another thing they find funny is you are not a normal subject. We have several records of other subjects, and all of them are very serious about their position.

It has been so many generations since we have had subjects come through here. I think the shock is a contributing factor. I will apologize for them. Since we lost contact with the makers so long ago, nothing has been the same. We had hoped you were the makers to set things right.”

“Right, what do you mean?”

“We were the keepers of the tests. Only the strongest and the most resilient were sent to us. We had the knowledge and the tools to train them.

Then one day in our history, most of the tools lost their power. The temple connection began to shut down. And eventually we lost all our sources to keep our city alive. Our ancestors moved to one of the most remote temple sights, and tried our best to keep our society alive.

As each generation came and went we lost more and more. We are now all that is left of a once large and active society. The only link that wasn't lost was the memory temples. And in all the memory it always talked of tests, so we had assumed that we were now being tested.

So we wait for the makers to come back and tell us how we have done. But they never came. So you can understand why I wanted you to be the makers so badly. In all of the memory there was never a subject with more than one ability. The accounts in the memory say that is because only the most powerful of talent users were sent here.

Since only the most powerful are sent here, we were stunned that you had more than one. So you are not what we were expecting. We had hoped you were sent to bring us out of our plight.”

“I'm sorry to disappoint. But it seems that must be my unknown. I disappoint everyone.”

Stall them, we found some new info we are trying to work through. Grass sounds excited in my head.

“Let me think about this a bit,” I say to the council, not able to think of something better.

We have found some of those connections the others were talking about. It seems they were shut off. We are looking to see why. According to the new information, these so called makers, were here after we became sentient. It looks like they stayed in the planet's core. We just found a reference to anomalies occurring in their data. It doesn't explain these anomalies. It is possible that the information may be in the areas we are unable to access. Oh we just found a desperation clause. It mentions your planet. It is flagged as a counter to another clause. It shows three planets as forbidden. One is your planet but it does not explain why. Here we got the information we were looking for. It appears that their race was dying, there at the end. They couldn't find the source of the disease. And all attempts at stopping it failed. So they sent the emergency code through the computer. The code hid some files, and shut down all outside connections. We are not sure why, but they left access to some memory for external connectors. Interesting, it seems the core is self perpetuating. This means this planet will always be here. Well unless it is completely obliterated somehow. Sorry just caught our attention. Not relevant.

Okay. Can you find anything that I can use that might be remotely helpful right now? I say in my head.

Sorry no. It just indicates something very important about the planet you are currently on.

Well I guess that is a start. Thanks.

Any time. I can tell Grass is slightly distracted on that last comment.

I address the council, “It appears I have the ability to get some info while in here. I can't be for sure, but I think the makers are dead,” All of them gasp, but I continue, “Although, if I understand things right, the answer to something lies on this planet. Maybe a fail safe or something.”

I can see a visible increase of excitement as Seth speaks, “That would be great. It might fit with why we had to leave the cities. It is said that the ones to go into the inner sanctums, of the city, would come out sick. It is said that they would die of an illness that could not be cured.

We would all be in your debt if you could find out. We can set up a party to go with you to the city, by tomorrow morning. Will you lead them?”

“Well I can't lead them. I have no clue where to go, but I will definitely go and help where I can,” I reply.

Zee lets out an audible chuckle as Berg speaks, “Then I will set the party, and lead.”

“Gung-ho, Sounds good to me,” I replied, trying to be funny. Zee and Beet giggle, but Berg gives me a stern look.

Seth stands up, “Then this council is done.” He taps his cane on the ground twice, and the doors open.

Seth begins to walk down but stops. He looks at me and says, “Since this building allows you some link to the makers, you can have access whenever you want. Just tell me and I will open the doors for you.”

“Sounds hunky dory,” I say and turn to leave.

Just before I turn around I notice Seth giving me a strange look. I could also hear Zee and Beet Chuckling.

I step outside into the bright sun. I try to look around while my eyes adjust. I spy the other two stone buildings directly across the dirt road. Both have a single door in the front. Both buildings are a mirror image of the other. Just like the hall, neither have any design or outstanding architecture to them. They look like a huge square stone was dropped in place, and a door placed in the front.

I figure one is the memory building, but couldn't guess what the other one is. Unless there were two memory buildings. But to me that is over redundant.

I feel a tap on my shoulder. Berg is standing beside me. He motions to our left and says, “We can find you a place to sleep.”

I look back at the two buildings and say, “I don't need a place to sleep tonight, I have too much energy. I might sleep on the journey, if I am lucky. I know one building is the memory building, or at least guess that. But what is the other building for? I just don't see it necessary to have two buildings as computer terminals.”

“What is a computer?” Berg asks. Even though his voice was still deep and gruff it has a softer tone to it. “And yes one is the memory building. The other we are unable to get into. We do not know if it was ever possible to get into it.”

“Well I am guessing that at least at one point it could be gotten into, otherwise it wouldn't have a door. I'm guessing it has lost its usefulness, or the link to the main frame was lost,” I turn to face him. “Oh and a computer is a high tech device that does calculations similar to your temple thingamabobbers, just not as advanced.”

“You talk really strange for a warrior.”

“I lived on a planet called earth, and I worked to make a living. Just a boring life, except for these cursed abilities.”

“So you were a servant like us? Who was your lord? And I did not mean to offend.”

I was taken aback, “Oh, no you didn't offend at all. I am just frustrated, and running on super adrenalin. No I was not a servant to anyone other than maybe fate. Oh and just in case you are wondering, fate is a metaphor for life. If I get rude just tell me,” I was thinking of saying just slap me, but I was afraid he would take me literally.

I look back at the buildings, “Is it possible for me to use the memory building? I can see the time is going to drag for me. When I have this much energy, I usually don't sleep for two days.”

“Of course it is open to all.” He motions me to the right building. “Why are you not able to sleep? Do you have a sleep disorder?”

I glance at him as we walk, “Oh no, the only disorder I have is these gifts. No I transformed into a plant that seemed to over charged me. Normally only running electrical objects do that to me.”

“What is electricity?”

“It is a form of energy that runs things like the computers.”

“I do not understand why you consider your talents baneful. I would love to have just one of them.” As he finishes his question we reach the door.

I stop and look at him with a scowl, “Because they are a bane. And be glad you don't have them. I can never have someone to love, because I will drive them away in fear. At any moment I could shake a building to its foundation. Oh and not to mention that there is always the possibility that I could completely disintegrate anything I touch, if I don't pay attention. And those are just the obvious ones.”

Berg bows his head and takes a half step back, “I have offended, I am humbly sorry.”

The pain and frustration subside quickly. I really hate having the extra energy, I jump off the handle so easily. I bend down to try and see his eyes, “No, No you haven't. I am so sorry. I am the one who offended. You asked me a simple question, and I fly off the handle. Like I said before, I have a lot of energy. This tends to cause me to erupt easily. Please don't get shy. I haven't had anyone I could talk to about all this. I would hope I could live here since I may never get home. And I was hoping to one day maybe call everyone here a friend.”

Berg's head rises and I rise back with it. His voice loses most of its gruffness. “You mean you consider me your equal?”

“Well not equals. I think I am a bit older than you, but other than that, yeah,” I say and Berg smiles.

I notice the door has a latch. I open the door and step in. The walls again are made of eternal stone. I see what looks like terminals evenly spaced around the open room. The room is about half the size of the hall..

I walk over to the nearest terminal and sit down. The chair is simply a square stone made of the eternal stone. When I sit down I am several inches too short to put my arms on the small shelf, in front of me. I feel the stone rise to adjust me to a comfortable position to type.

There are three other stone seats around this one terminal. Even the square block that is the terminal is made of the eternal stone. The shelf, I suspect is the control, seems short for a full size keyboard. Though it is a bit wider than a normal keyboard.

I sit and wait to see if it turns on or something. Nothing changes on any part of the terminal block. I see Berg sit at the seat next to me looking at me. As a test, I touch the short shelf. The shelf flashes and what could be the screen starts to glow brightly.

A voice that sounds like the validation temple says, “Processing.”

I look at Berg and ask, “If all these talk, doesn't it get rather noisy?”

Berg looks at me confused, “No why would it?”

“Well if all of them are talking, you would have all the ones in use echoing around the room.”

Berg looks confused, then something makes sense to him. A look of understanding crosses his face, “Oh no, Only the person in the chair can hear. All that echoes in the room is the people at the memory stations.”

“Oh neat.”

The screen does a quick flash and I hear the voice again. “Processing done. Unable to set terminal appropriate to hand controls. Please speak your queries.”

I talk to the screen. “Why are you unable to set hand controls?”

“Hold while response is queried.”

I look at Berg, “Do you know why hand controls wont work?”

“No, when I sit down it just pops things up on the extension.“ Berg points to the shelf.

“Query complete,” the voice startles me and I look at the screen, Name after name pops on the screen. Most I can't even pronounce. Then at the bottom are three names separated from the others. Two of the names I don't think I could pronounce if I had to. The last name on the list is earth. The two other names were in white, but earth has a red tint. The computer continues speaking after the names are printed. “The list shows all the known, and allowed planets included in the research. The last three are set as forbidden. The last, planet earth, is the one the scan registered you from. No detailed information is registered from earth. It is set as strictly forbidden.”

“Why is earth strictly forbidden?” I ask, hoping to get a good answer.

“Earth is registered as primitive and unpredictable. Research shows that earth subjects showed that test results were too erratic. Unknowns tend to appear in every subject. It was registered as too dangerous to continue use of earth subjects.”

“What are the unknowns?”

“There are seven registered unknowns.”

“Okay what was the talent of the unknowns?” I start to get excited thinking that I might find out the unknown ability.

“Unknown query. They are unknown.”

“Damn I just wanted to know mine.”

I did not consider that the computer would answer my question till it says, “Unknown, subject's talent is registered as the most detrimental to test. It was registered to a beginning subject in the first stages of planet testing. Information shows that it almost ended all tests. The exact reason is sealed in memory.”

I just stare at the screen for a moment, then absentmindedly say, “Well that is interesting.”

I notice Berg shift toward me and ask, “What?”

I look at Berg, “Well this block says that the unknown talent I have almost stopped all testing at the first.”

“What is it? Why did it almost stop?”

“It doesn't know. The information is sealed. Whatever that means.”

“Are you dangerous?” Berg asks and leans back away from me.

“I don't know. Let me try and find out.” I look back at the screen now scared of myself. “Am I dangerous?”

“Elaborate on meaning of dangerous,” the computer responded.

“Can this unknown talent harm anyone?”

“Unknown, no information about fatalities are registered.”

“Okay let's try this another way. Tell me all info on this unknown.”

“Hold while information is processed.”

I look at Berg, “I don't know yet. It did say, so far that no fatalities were registered.”

Bert let out a sigh and relaxes, “You are getting more and more interesting.”

“To you and me both,” I turn back to the screen. The screen is now blank. I don't know when it had erased the list. We sit there in silence waiting for the computer.

The screen flickers and several schematics appear on the screen. After several schematics pop up they vanish and the computer says, “Information on unknown is limited. Only information connected to unknown is these files.”

“Show me the first plan.”

In response the screen shows the first schematic. I am no engineer so it just looks like a bunch of lines to me.

Berg walks around behind me to get a better look. After studying the picture for a minute he asks, “Can you keep that there. Seth might know what it is.”

“No problem, I'll just wait here,” I give a slight smirk. Berg then runs at the door.

I think between your questions and the info we have been obtaining, we might have some idea what is going on. Grass says in my head.

“Well fill me in, if you don't mind,” I say.

From piecing things together, we have learned that the people of this planet are actually the makers, as they call them. According to the computer, there were several planets the makers inhabited along with our planet. The computer indicates that all the other planets succumbed to the disease. This was one of the newer inhabited planets, so was not fully covered by the maker's eternal stone. It appears the disease was spread through their interstellar connections. They couldn't pin down the source of the disease. They did narrow it down to their home planet, the planet we are on, and possibly a subject they were in contact with. We think that your planet was opened to the test hoping maybe one of the unknown talents could help. We think that is what the desperation clause is indicating. As for your talent. The information is sealed. It appears at one point they were open. When the desperation clause was activated, it sealed a lot of flagged files. And it also cut all but the most essential connections. Oh just on a side, before they walk through the door. The other building is for transportation. But since they think that may be one source of the disease transfer, they cut the connection. Here they are, talk to you later.

Berg, Seth, and Saleem walk in the door. It gets me how Grass can know so much about what is going on. Because the computer is watching you closely. Comes Grass's comment just as the three get to me and look at the screen.

They all study the schematic carefully for several minutes, before Seth says, “It looks to be scrambled by the security temple.”

I look at the screen again. “Translate security code please.”

A big booming voice echoes in every corner of the room saying, “Verify security clearance please,” and on the shelf appears a lit up hand print.

I start to put my hand on the pad when I remember Grass saying that these people are the descendants of the makers.

I look at Seth, “Put your hand there,” I point at the image.

Seth looks worried, “But you are the subject not me.”

“Indulge me,” I say without any inflection in my voice.

Seth hesitantly places his hand on the image. When his hand lays flat on the image the voice booms in the room again, “Processing.”

All three of them cringe down waiting for some unknown retribution. After a few seconds the female voice from the alignment temple says, “Thank you Seth Maldestand.”

The image on the screen begins to shift and alter. It does a strange altering similar to when I stared at the writing on the temples. Except when it is finished it looks like the writing on the stones. We hear a voice echo through the room, and even coming through the open door saying, “If you have activated this report it means all hope may be lost. You can only be our descendants. We are glad our race has survived, but are disheartened that a cure was not found. If you have activated this message to clear it then enter code at the end. If you have activated this message to find its answers, then it means our efforts have failed. Unfortunately it would also mean all rank has been lost, and any chance of helping with a cure has died. All I can do is wish you luck and hope, eventually the desperation clause will bring a cure. Please treat all subjects from Earth, Pendertansefraun, and Festertaldenstain with the utmost respect, they may one day be your salvation. End message.”

We all stare at the screen bewildered. This whole time was a message describing what had happened, and a possible cure all along. It seems to me that none of their descendants ever found this message.

Seth lets his hand fall as he pulls away to a full standing position, then mutters, “But.”

I look at him sympathetically, “While I was waiting for you I found out you are all Makers by blood. I guess over so many generations you had lost that knowledge. I'm afraid to tell you that the Makers are you, so no others will come to save you. The others were wiped out by a disease, they could not cure. They couldn't even find the source. Which in my view is saying something, since they must have been highly advanced back then. As for what help I can be, or even if, I don't know, but I will help if I can.”

They all look at me pathetically. Berg breaks the silence with, “But this can't be, we are not the makers. We just serve them.”

I turn around in the chair trying my best to show and give support, “I'm afraid not Berg. Every person in this town is and was the maker’s. Time has dealt you all a low blow. You all deserve and should have all this back, but fate deals you a trump card. Fate is cruel that way.

Your ancestors saved you, for what it is worth, by moving way out here. The extra building was shut down because of fear the disease would spread to this small outpost. It is a transportation building.”

Seth looks at me, “How do you know all this?”

“I have a way, but cannot tell you how. I am being watched by the computer very closely. I do not want to lose that source. If the computer knows of it I might lose it. And at this point it may eventually save us all.”

Grass speaks in my head. Thank you, you are so adept at being elusive that even the computer is unable to comprehend what you just said.

You are always welcome, and I hope to never lose the connection to you ever. I reply in my head.

“But all connections were severed, other than this one how?” Seth asks desperately.

“Please do not ask any more about it please. I will say this much though, the computer doesn't even know its own power.”

Grass chuckles. That was great now the computer is doing a full diagnostic.

“Very well Ben. In respect for one who could be our salvation I will respect your privacy.” Seth says calmly.

“Thank you,” I reply.

“But it says it is hopeless,” Berg says upset.

I look at Berg sternly, “Nothing is ever hopeless. Even the message says that. What do I look like chopped liver?” They all give me a strange look, but I continue, “It says that hope lies from one of those three planets. I am from one of them. Plus the computer sent me here. Somewhere in the ones and zeros, it registered that I might be the anomaly that can fix it.”

Saleem speaks with an elderly crackle, “This young man is right, we have survived out here this long. We should be rejoicing. We are the makers and all this can be ours again.”

“Yeah,” I hear several people say at the door.

I look over and see a line of people piling in the room. They all circle around us. The room fills to beyond what I consider capacity. After the room is filled someone in the back yells, “We can all have all this, Let's get going to the city.”

Several others yell, “Yes.” A slow murmur begins to fill the room. You hear a clear 'go', 'now', and 'when' every once in a while.

“I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings but...” the room goes silent after I say, 'but', “The disease could still be in the city.” I can hear a lot of whispering. “I figure that ones from these planets listed are probably immune to the disease, I hope, but none of you are. Anyone who goes with me could be going on a death march. I do not want any one of you to do that. Just tell me how to get there and I will do my best.”

Only a slight whisper can be heard every so often as everyone contemplates what I said. Berg breaks the tense silence by saying, “As our savior has said 'Oh dear lord' I will go with him. Even with a chance of me dying, I will know that I at least tried. We are the makers. He will need one of us to access areas.”

A teenage female pushes through the crowd to stand next to Berg. Her hair is bright blond and down to her waist. She stands a head shorter then Berg. If it wasn't for the dirt and the simple clothing she could be a supermodel. She puts her hand on Berg's shoulder and speaks with a very soft tone. “But I cannot be apart from you. Not knowing would devastate me.”

I do a double take on her, “I thought you just had a baby.”

She looks at me, and just her looks begin to melt all thoughts I could have had. Then as her words come out I stand mesmerized, “No I was helping another. I cannot be with infant for another two years.”

I could hear the swoon in my voice, “Oh.”

Berg doesn't even notice. He just looks at her and says, “Peth I must. You know how much I want to save us all. This may be the only opportunity for me. Gen can take my place. I have to do this.”

Peth looks back at Berg compassionately, “Then I go with you. My healing knowledge may come in use.”

“But,” Berg protests.

Peth delicately puts her finger on his lips, “No, I will come. My learned have all they need to know amongst them. My replacement can be taught.”

My heart aches for a woman like that. In all the time on earth not one in the girl swarm could compare to her. Then I recall why I am still alone, and my heart goes cold.

“She might have a point. If she knows a little about healing the injured. That will come in handy if something happens before we get there.” I look directly at Peth as she lowers her hand. “You do realize you could be walking to the end of your life?” I ask trying in vain not to sound harsh.

She looks at me with compassion, “Each step could be our last. So it is no different if I walk to another door or walk to the cities.”

I cannot help but admire her composure and wisdom. “Very true and wise.” I look at Berg, “I do not mean to offend, but I would have loved to have such a lady to call mine.”

“No offense taken,” Berg replies. “I did not call on her, she called on me.”

I look at Peth baffled, “You asked him to be your boyfriend or spouse?”

“I do not understand your inflection with boyfriend, but yes I hoped he would choose me in two years.”

Berg looks at Peth with a compassion I would never expect from him, and says, “I know it is early, but yes I will take you.” A cheer can be heard from the crowd.

Seth raises his staff and silence ensues, “I know it is early, but in recognition of our possible salvation I grant the connect.” He then tips the staff five times and touches each of their shoulders.

I watch as a slight glow surrounds each of their heads then fades. I look at Seth bemused and ask, “That is all that is needed for a marriage?”

Seth looks at me, “I do not understand this word marriage, but if you refer to the connect then yes.”

“Too bad it wasn't this simple where I come from.” I hear a few chuckles from behind me. I change the subject quickly, “I think we can head out tomorrow. That gives this couple a little time alone. Plus I want to get some more info from this lump of rock, while I can.”

I hear murmuring and one asks, “What lump of rock?”

Seth does a quick look around then says, “Let us leave Ben to his memory and help prepare for the travel.”

The room slowly clears except for Peth, Berg, Seth and one lone gentlemen standing on the other side of the terminal. He walks around to face me.

His hair is long and black. It hangs straight as though someone had troweled it on his back. His eyebrows are the most obvious feature on his face. They look like miniature gerbils, but just as black as his hair.

A forlorn look can be seen on his face. His eyes are puffy and red from what I figure could be crying. By looking at him I would say he is at least in his twenties. Although his forlorn expression gives him an older look.

“May I go?” he asks with hesitation.

“That is up to you, and whoever else you need to ask. It is not my place to say yea or nay. I just warn you of the dangers.” I say.

He looks at Seth with a bit of hope. Seth studies him then says, “Cliff you just lost your connect. Are you sure you want to?”

“Yes I do. We talked of this. We were thinking of stealing away to try on our own, before she returned.”

“Cliff that would have banished you both,” Seth says with concern.

“I know, but we knew we had to try. I know if she was still here she would have volunteered. She also made me promise to go without her after grievance. I would like to keep my promise with her. And this gives me that opportunity.”

“But Cliff your grievance is not yet complete.”

“I am but a few days away. I can finish on the walk.”

“As you wish Cliff, my thoughts go with her.”

“Thank you,” Cliff then looks at me.

“I am so sorry Cliff. I would have been proud to have her along if she was here,” I say.

“Thank you Ben, I know she would have entrusted you fully. She always asked the makers to send word. I just wish she had known she could have sent for you herself.”

A tear trickles out of my eye. “Well you all better get things together. I bet it is going to be a bumpy ride.”

Cliff looks up at me with hope, “You have a riding device?”

I look at him hoping my feeling of being sorry shows, “I am so sorry I don't. That is just a saying where I come from.” The irony of all this did not escape me.

Cliff walks slowly out the door. Seth follows him out, then turns at the door to face us with a sad look. Then he heads out the door behind Cliff.

Berg looks at me, “Thank you for letting him go. He has always wanted to leave this town behind.”

“Like I said, it is not my place to say he can or can't go. I do appreciate all the help though.”

Berg nods, “Agreed, now we will see you at sunrise. If you need a place to sleep just ask. Anyone would be more than willing to give you a place to sleep.”

“If only I could. But thanks I appreciate that,” I say.

I watch as they walk out the door and close it behind them. A chill runs down my spine. Before I realize it the tremor shakes the building. I wait expecting someone to come running in, but no one does.

I turn back to the screen as I hear Grass in my head. We do not understand. What is wrong with Cliff?

“Being that you do not die, I am sure it is a bit confusing,” I say out loud. “I will try to explain. Unlike you all, we do not live forever. All humans and the makers don't have a finite life span. Eventually we die. Once the person is dead we grieve for our loss. Just like them, I will eventually die. I think that is what makes it so hard for us. We know eventually we will pass on like so many before us.”

That is so sad. We have never experienced death like you. We are so glad you showed us this.

At first I got angry that anyone would be glad for someone's death. But then it hits me, these are the grass. A lot of our concepts will be different. It is not right to get upset at them for something they do not understand.

Thank you for your understanding. There is so much we have to learn.

“No problem. There is just so much going on so fast, I get confused easily. Plus your food source overcharged me. Wish I could have access to it later, I might need it.”

Let us check the fauna on the planet to see if there is anything comparable.

“Thank you, that might be the one thing that saves the mission. Have you learned anything new?”

No not yet. We are trying to see what we can do with the info we got from Seth accessing security temple. We have seen the rank files, but didn't understand their purpose before.”

“If you can decipher the security protocol, that might help in the city.”

We agree. We do know the other files that appeared after the first protected file, are not easily accessible. Their security clearance is lot higher. We are working on using the security protocol we got from Seth to help figure out the others. If we could get a second we might be able to find the patterns. We have learned that you would consider us a computer too.

“I would never,” I retort.

No not in that way. We do a lot of simple calculations fast. Since there are thousands of us we can figure patterns easily. I think you would call us the perfect hacker. I hear a smile in Grass's voice in my head..

I couldn't help but chuckle, “I have a super, super computer as a friend.”

I can hear the smile in Grass's response clearly. Yes.

“Whelp I have all night. Is there something some searching on that might help you?”

We are not sure. The information is so scattered we are having trouble locating some information.

“I might have some ideas to remedy that,” I turn to the screen, “Show me how the filing system works.”

I watch the screen as a bunch of symbols flash on the screen. It fills the full screen then waits a few seconds and starts over. The screen is filled then replaced five times before it stops.

I look away from the screen, “Did that help?”

Yes it did. It took a few seconds to decipher its process, but now we don't have to fumble through the disarray, thanks.”

“Any time. At least I feel I am contributing.”

I can hear the compassion in Grass's voice. Ben, you simply being here and befriending us, has contributed more then you will ever realize.

“Awe now you made me blush,” I say and chuckle. Grass chuckles along with me. “Well anyway,” I say, changing the subject, “Did that help you find anything relevant?”

We are still having to do a lot of reference right now. It helps us understand where to look, but they have so much info that there is a lot to filter through. They have a lot of information we think is unnecessary. But we are just now beginning to understand a lot of its process. We will have to see if the information might be relevant.

“Okay then I think I will play.” I look at the computer. “How long has it been since the disease has killed everyone?”

“Unknown, there is no record of when the Oranians stopped the disease.”

“I know the disease was not stopped. I want to know when the last Oranian died.”

“Unknown query. Oranian’s are not extinct.”

“Oh yeah duh. Okay let me rephrase this. When did the last of the desperation clause get activated?”

“Two millennium, thirty-two centuries, two decades, five years, eleven months, ten days, twenty-one hours, seventeen minutes and twenty seconds.”

For some reason I know those numbers, I just can't place them.

The last time someone was sent through the portal you went through. Grass states.

“Damn your right. Computer was the last time someone was sent through the portal I used, the same time the clause was activated?”

“Incorrect, the clause was activated two seconds after the portal was used.”

“Picky, Picky. Who was sent through the portal?”

“Unknown query. At the time the portal was active five Oranians were sent through the portal.”

“So the last five Oranians on that planet were sent through the portal. So they were sent to the same building I was?”

“Incorrect they were sent to the reception center in building seven, of the tenth subdivision, on planet twenty.”

“When was the portal changed to the current location?”

“Two millennium, thirty-two centuries, two dec...”

“Stop. Was it after the desperation clause was activated?

“Correct.”

“Where are all the Oranians?”

“On current planet in current location.”

“How many Oranians are alive?”

“Unknown, unable to trace new Oranians. Environment has altered DNA enough to prevent tracking.”

“If you are unable to trace Oranians, due to DNA alterations, how are you able to trace me when there is no altar on earth?”

“Two part question given, given in two separate parts. First part, 'why are you able to track me?'” It is really eerie when I hear my own voice coming out of the computer. “You were registered at the validation temple. Once subject is registered the tracing temple is able to use the tracking temples to keep track of subject.

Part two of question, 'There is no altar on earth.'” Again I hear my own voice. “Incorrect. When earth was first approached for testing, a temple was placed to begin tests. According to register, temple still exists on earth.”

“Where?”

“Unknown. Tracking temple is not registered to trace that temple.”

“What is the name of the temple on earth?”

“Unknown. File is sealed.”

“Damn. How far away is the closest city?”

“Hold, calculating distance conversion.” I sit waiting for a little over two minutes. “The nearest city is one hundred twenty miles from current location.”

“About how long will it take me to get there?”

“Unknown. To many variables.”

“Okay, is the city accessible?”

“Correct. All public areas are never closed.”

“Is there power at the city?”

“Unknown. Power parameters undefined to city.”

“Okay are the facilities working in the city?”

“Correct. City functions are working properly.”

“Is there a food source at the city?”

“Correct. Warning unsure if disease is transmitted via food. Caution is advised.”

“Is all of the city accessible?”

“Correct. All doors have been unsealed as of the activation of the desperation clause.”

“Show me the desperation clause.”

The booming security voice echoes around the room. “Security clearance required,” the hand print appears on the shelf.

“Oh what the hell,” I say as I put my hand on the pad.

The voice booms around the room, “Access denied, security clearance to low.”

“Well it was worth a try. What level is my security clearance?”

“All subjects are set to level two clearance.”

“Describe the levels of clearance.”

“Level one clearance only allows public access areas. Level two clearance allows public areas as well as training areas. Level three clearance allows public access and training observation areas, level four allows access to public areas, training areas, observation of training area, maintenance areas, and research facilities. Level five security clearance allows access to all locations.

“List all files with a level one clearance.”

“Warning it will take subject approximately twenty millennium to read the files. Do you want to continue?”

“No, show me all files that are encrypted, and have a level one clearance.”

On the screen ten files are listed. They are written in the strange symbols.

“Translate file names to English.”

It takes a few seconds for the symbols to morph into English. The list is unnumbered, but read from top to bottom as: Desperation clause introduction, Public safety, transportation, travel, maintenance, registrations, time allowance, scheduled maintenance, new facilities, and beginning introduction.

I put my hand where I remember the hand print was located on the shelf, and say, “Show me the beginning introduction.”

The screen clears and the whole shelf flashes. After a second the screen is filled with the strange symbols. I sigh then say, “Translate to English,” I pause then decide to add, “Audibly.”

“This is a public notice that the destination planet is finished. All registered employees report to main transport. All interested in applying for a position please contact your immediate supervisor or get to the position assignment temple. As a celebration of the completion of the project, a party will be held on the planet's surface. Be sure to bring a sun screen pin. The sun will be close to the planet during the party. We will not be responsible for sunburns. Time of party will be posted at all public forums.”

“Boy they are thorough,” I think of what it would be like if earth had such a thorough filing system. Nobody could shit without the whole neighborhood knowing about it on the net. “Show me all security encoded files with a level two clearance,” I say, trying to pull myself back to the task at hand.

Only three files appear on the screen. Again all three are in the strange symbols, “I really have to remember to say translate to English.”

The list starting at the top is: Subject beginning introduction, subject destination leaving facilities, subject final word. I debate on which to start with then get a brainstorm. “Read each file starting from subject beginning introduction and ending with subject final word. Between each file pause till I say continue.”

“First file, 'subject beginning word.' We congratulate you on showing promise to our test. You have shown promise in your chosen ability. We are always improving our forums and our testing facilities. We thank you for participating. Your rewards will now multiply according to your powers with your chosen ability. Your immediate interrogators will answer any questions you have. Paused”

“Continue,” I say, wrapping my mind around what I just heard.

“Second file: Subject destination living facilities. We are glad to announce since the trials have advanced faster and better than expected, we are now able to offer better living facilities. This took effect after the finding of the new talent, self sufficiency. Those choosing this talent will receive extras to replace the food supplies. As a general reward to all. We will also offer advanced training facilities. We look forward to the progress of the test. Paused.”

“Continue,” I say absentmindedly.

“Third file: Subject final word. We regret that you chose to leave the program. All talents we regret are permanent. We have some off site facilities we have designed for those choosing to leave, but are unable to return to their home planet. If you choose to return to your home planet we will set provisions as best we can to accommodate you. Again we regret choosing to leave. We will always leave a place for you with this facility if you choose to return. End list.”

I cannot comprehend that this was all set up with subjects knowing what they were getting into. Who in their right mind would choose these accursed talents.

Apparently millions upon millions. Grass says softly in my head. According to a few files we found they actually had to refuse almost as many, due to physical or mental deficiencies that would hinder the testing.

I turn sideways so I am not facing the computer. “For god's sake why?”

There is nothing in the files to indicate why the subject chose to take a talent. But we did find that it was extremely rare for anyone to be able to handle more than just one talent. The only planets that were able to handle more than one talent at a time, were from the forbidden three. There was a note we almost missed, attached to one of the three that said: It is extremely regrettable that the most promising planets have to be abandoned.

“But why are earthlings now allowed to have them. It makes no sense. They are no longer here, and by what info I have read they abandoned everything just hoping to survive. What ability could earthlings, or even any of the other planets, have that could bring back all they had? Ooo hold on Grass.”

I turn back to the computer, “How many subjects from the forbidden list have come through the Oranians portals, since the desperation clause was activated?”

“Two.”

I am taken aback, “Why hasn't anyone from the other two forbidden planets come through?”

“Unknown requests were sent to all forbidden planets upon activation of desperation clause, but only earth temple responded.”

I turn away from the computer. “Well I guess that answers that question. So the Oranians only hope resides in a self absorbed planet. I feel so sorry for the Oranians. If I fail, I bet there will never be any hope for them.”

We do not understand. Aren't there more like you that are so generous?

A tear falls down my face. I bow my head and say, “I am not doing this for the Oranians, I am doing this hoping to get home.”

We do not understand. That is not what we see in your thoughts. You want to help and also hope you get home.

I sit in silence.

We can understand now why the Oranians forbid planet earth. We now also understand why they were flagged the worst. I slump lower in my seat with each sentence.

Grass continues. Humans conflict with themselves so much. A race with more compassion and selflessness that fight their own nature. We see in your thoughts you are willing to die for a people you don't even know. Yet you feel you are selfish. All that you have met were willing to help you if they could, but you weren’t unwilling to accept. Even in your movies someone is shown to be selfless. You strive to be that selfless and surpass it, but you say you are selfish. We are willing to do what we can for the other of ourselves, but we would or could not sacrifice an individual thought for another. Our knowledge is in all, so if a part is lost it is not a loss. Yet you are willing to sacrifice the knowledge and self for another. The loss of you would be a worse travesty to knowledge on kindness then any other. Yet you are willing to sacrifice it all for those you don't know, and could at any moment sacrifice you for their own life. And you would be willing if there was not another option to save you both.

We are the selfish race, not humans. Your own turmoil of a confused moral is what makes you forbidden, not your selfishness. You desire to sacrifice it all for one, is the reason you are unusable. We do not know what the unknown talents are. But we know that they were dangerous to the test. We believe, not because they could kill because most of the talents can do that. Your unknown talents were dangerous, because they could do things that could not be predicted. So get your ass to work on that computer, and be that which you already are. Show us and the Oranians who you really are, not what you think you are. We are not your friend because you saved us. We are your friend because of who you are. We saw your thoughts the first time you mimicked us. We know who you are, now you need to know it. Doubt is but your excuse to hide. Quit hiding, shine just as all humans have potential to. We want to see the true human, not your misdirected fantasy of what you want to portray.

I have never felt guilty for being modest, but I think Grass just accomplished that. I guess it took something I used to take for granted, to show me something I never noticed. I don't think I will find a friend more honest and insightful as I have in Grass.

I pep up which was easy since the energy from feeding with grass was still flowing, “Oh by the way, any replacement for the energy burst I got from feeding with you?”

Regrettably no. It seems the fauna is similar to what you have on earth.

I shrug, “Well at least I know I won't starve then. Who knows, maybe I might find an interesting food source anyway.”

There is that. Grass chuckles. You're not trying to find a replacement for us are you?

“Of course not,” I pause for a short then add, “But you never know.” I smile evilly.

I turn to the computer and contemplate my next question. “Where are the subjects now?”

“At current location.”

“Um how many subjects are there?”

“Two.”

“Location of other subject.”

“Unknown.”

“Then how do you know there are two?”

“DNA trace indicates a positive.”

“Is the other subject alive?”

“Unknown.”

“Okay I need a better explanation as to why the other subject is known to exist, but is unable to tell if it is alive or dead. If you are able to detect DNA, then you should know its location.”

“Unable to comply. The subject is registered, and leaves the DNA to trace. But the exact location cannot be calculated. Possible reasons are: Subject is no longer within detectable range of temple, subject is in a state unknown to scans, or subject is deceased but other life form adsorbed DNA.”

“Okay that last one is creepy. Where was the subject ported from? Designated planet.” I realize that I am sounding more and more like the computer. It scares me that I cannot stop.

“Earth.”

“Where is the last known location of subject?”

“Current planet, City four, district twelve, building ten.”

“Was subject ported to same location I was?”

“Negative, Subject was ported to location stated.”

“Was subject registered as moving prior to losing trace?”

“Correct.”

“Where was subject registered as moving to from porting to planet till losing trace?”

“Subject leaves room and enters courtyard. Stays in courtyard three hours, ten minutes, and twenty seconds. Enters food store. Leaves food store and goes to building ten's residence quarter. Enters room five, then room six, then room seven, and then room ten. Leaves resident quarters and goes down building ten security corridor. Enters memory room one and stays for ten hours. Leaves memory room one, enters building ten security corridor, and then leaves building ten security corridor. Enters residence corridor then leaves resident corridor. Enters courtyard. Leaves courtyard. Enters transportation.”

“So the subject was able to reactivate portal?”

“Unknown.”

“Is that where the DNA signature is?”

“Correct.”

“Did the subject try to activate the portal?”

“Correct.”

“What was the subjects talents?”

“Denied. One subject may not request information on talents of another subject, per desperation clause.”

“Interesting. Is it stated why one subject may not ask another subject's talents?”

“Negative.”

Grass interrupts the conversation. Ask to see level three security files and try to activate them.

“Show me a list of security level three files in English.”

'Observing' is the only word that appears on the screen. I put my hand on the shelf and say, “Verbally read file.”

After a couple of seconds the security voice echoes in the room, “Access de... de... nied.”

In my head I ask Grass. Why did it stutter?

Grass responds with excitement. We may be able to allow you access to security level four. We have found out our roots have reached into the edge of the core. That is why we have gained sentience. We are linked to the main computer. We have extended some of our roots farther in, and are able to interact with the computer.

Isn't that dangerous? The computer will realize you are there. I comment in my head.

No, we are considered by the computer as part of its programming. We have not yet figured out why, but we are using the computer against itself.

I chuckle in my head then respond. So I am friends with a double super super computer.

Grass chuckles back. Apparently so. Okay try the file again.

I put my hand back on the shelf and say, “Verbally read file.”

There is a slight pause then the computer says, “File inactive. Please pardon the inconvenience but the observation stations are inaccessible due to maintenance. Observation stations will resume in a week from message date.”

In my head I scream. Wow it worked. That is so awesome Grass. My thoughts voice calms down. Now you said I am active to level four?

By all responses we get from the computer, yes.

Why can't you make me level five?

Because all level access was locked by the desperation clause, and it has a level five clearance to read the other files.

Oh, why would they lock out level five clearance unless they didn't trust even their own people?

We don't think it is because of mistrust. There is no indication that any race they mistrusted had the ability, or knowledge, to hack their computer. The only reason we could, was because they didn't anticipate that grass could be sentient. They never put protections against us like they did sentient races.

Then what purpose do they have putting a lock on level five in the clause?

We are unable to figure out any reason. We will work on that later.

Well don't worry about that problem too much, there are others more important.

We agree.

I focus my attention on the computer and say, “Why would a security level be locked?”

“Unknown.”

“Show me a list of secured level four files in English.”

“There are one million four hundred twenty-six thousand, three hundred twenty-two, are you sure you want the list shown?” the computer responds.

“Show me a list of secured level four files, up to one week prior to the desperation clause.”

'Warning' and 'Final notice' appear on the screen.

I put my hand back on the shelf. “Read both files verbally.”

“First file: Warning. Those still on the Destination planet, please be warned. Desperation clause will be active in two days. Look at the file for the exact time and date. Once active all transportation stations will be locked according to file. Please be where you are destined before that time.

File two: Final notice: All transportation has been stopped. The disease still spreads. All that worked with the health temple have succumbed to the disease. Even if you have chosen to isolate yourself, the disease will eventually reach you. Several thousands have chosen tech isolation over oblivion. If you chose to follow, please contact the main for information. This will be the final message sent anywhere, so take head. All connections other than memory will be shut down in hopes to contain it.”

“Read first message that mentions the disease.”

“Public notice: There has come to light a possible disease spreading. If you have any of the symptoms listed at the end of this message please contact the health temple. Be sure to have your life record handy to help the health temple find its source. Now the list of symptoms: Sore throat, sneezing, coughing, the feeling of sore muscles, an aching that seems to come from the bones, headache, runny nose, puffy eyes, and being tired.”

“What?” I turn from the computer, “That sounds like a cold.”

Grass sounds confused. What is a cold?

“It's a virus or very little bug that gets into your system and makes you ill. On earth everyone gets one at least once a year. We just take some cold medicine and sleep it off.”

You mean you don't have health people eradicate it?

I laugh, “We have doctors that help with our health, but there is no cure for a cold that I know of. You just have to let it take its course, and let your immune system take care of it.”

According to all the files, Oranians have never had a disease, illness, or unnaturally fatality since before the destination planet was created.

I stare into space in complete shock, “Oh my god I bet I have just killed the last of the Oranians.”

How?

I turn to the computer and ask, “Can you scan a subject for foreign organisms?”

“Correct.”

“Are there any foreign organisms in me?”

“Correct, all organisms we cataloged when you were validated.”

“Were all of them known, when they were scanned?”

“Correct, all foreign organisms were on file when they were scanned.”

“Were any of them genetically similar to scanned Oranians that had the disease?”

“Hold.”

Grass still sounds confused. We do not understand what you are trying to find out.

I speak in my head. All viruses, colds, or whatever you want to call them mutate. They may have just run into a cold that was resistant to their technology. And since their immune system was either inactive or very weak, it could kill them. And if that is the case, I carry cold viruses in my system. All humans have some in them, I am told, just about all the time. Our system is just fighting them all the time. The symptoms described are just shown after the virus is all through the body, and the immune system is working over time to fight it. Now I am no doctor or nurse, but that is what I remember from school. If only half of it is true, then I may be carrying with me the cold that killed them all.

The computer voice startles me when it speaks, “No DNA similarities were found.”

“Do you understand how viruses mutate?”

“Correct. File remains prior to virus eradication.”

“Take one of the foreign organisms and mutate it like the old files, over two millennia while close to eternal stone.”

“Hold.”

Grass begins to sound confident. So you believe that the cold virus survived that long and still mutate?

I reply in my head. Yes and no. I'm sure on their original planet they could have eradicated all of them. They do seem to have high enough technology. The only thing I wonder is if they took into account a new planet with new viruses next to the stone. They introduced a new variable into the mutation equation. Like with you the stone mutated you in a way.

I can almost see a light turn on as Grass speaks in my head. Why didn't we see that. We are a result from eternal stone, yet we were oblivious to it.

I don't think it is that simple. Your knowledge is based off the Oranians. And since you were confused when I said, 'I might have just killed them,' then it hit me. If you can't understand it, maybe neither could the Oranians. They believe they had eradicated all of them, so if one had mutated just enough before their eradication process was activated on a planet, then it might survive long enough to infect one of them.

If you don't mind, we are going to concentrate on helping the computer. With our better understanding of your concept we can assist the computer.

No that is all right. I think I am going to look around while it computes. I say in my head. I then say out loud, “I'm going to leave, but tell me when you are done computing.”

“As you wish, subject Ben. Do not leave sight of Memory building.”

“Okay.”

I get up and head outside. Darkness covers the town. I had not realized I was there so long. I guess I didn't realize how much time I had really taken between questions.

Not a light shown in any of the buildings. Since I destroyed my phone, I have no way of telling time. Then it dawns on me. I'm not on earth. I'm not sure the time would be of any use. I don't even have a clue what season this place is in.

I look up for a sign of a moon. All that is visible is strange star clusters, and no milky way. I never realized how much I took for granted. I remember as a kid lying out watching the stars. I would dream of what it would be like in space, or on another planet. I stand here with part of that answered, and now wish I was back on that familiar ground.

I would say I will never take anything for granted, but I may never see any of it again. I look around slowly. Is this my new home? Should I not take any of this for granted. I head down the walking path, that is the main street for this town. I realize I am heading in the opposite direction of my entrance. I figure I just as well check out the whole town.

My mind wanders to how an advanced race can be wiped out so easily. Will humanity do that to itself eventually? Then I think, is it possible we might have already done just this scenario. I doubt it, but who can be sure.

How can a race that is able to make a whole planet a computer become complacent. I remember the show “War of the Worlds,” and thought at the time of watching it, that is just plain ridiculous. How can a simple virus kill a whole race. And now I find myself in a situation not at all dissimilar to that very scenario.

My heart bleeds for all those people that probably suffered till their last breath. I remember getting a cold that was so severe I had to be subscribed antibiotics. They had said it was one of the more resilient strains. I sure shook the house with that one. I chuckle remembering my mother having to keep a close eye on me. She would call, 'In coming,'' every time I shivered. After that, just about everything was nailed or taped down.

I think the hardware store loved my parents. With all the havoc I caused, they were at the hardware store at least once a week, if not two. My sister, one day, told me they had to have a running account with them because of me. I never found out if they did or not though. My mother kept it all hidden as much as possible as to what it cost them for my incidents.

My mother, in all this I had not even thought of her. How selfish is that? Tomorrow is her normal day to call. How is she going to feel when I do not answer. She had begged me not to move out. She said her and dad had thought of adding to their house. She said if I could just wait, they could make the extension just for me. And what really threw me off was that my brother thought it was a good idea.

It actually killed me the day I moved out. My brother likes to be the tough man. He never cried or showed anything that would show weakness. But the day I was moving out he gave me the biggest hugs I had ever gotten from anyone. The whole time he is bawling telling me not to go. He would say he didn't know how long he would be able to see me.

At the time I figured he meant coming to the city, I moved to. I wonder now if my mother hadn't had a clue this might happen. If so, why had she told my brother and sister and not me. My sister had already moved out of the house before I did. At her leaving we all said how we will miss her, but no one tried to talk her out of it. We all had a party the day of her leaving and gave parting gifts to help in her new place.

After I got moved in, I had called her to make a joke with her about my brother. But the reaction I got from her threw me off. After telling her I moved out she screamed, “What the hell are you thinking?”

Now that I think about it, the only reason she would react that way was if she had been told something I had not. Mom must have told her about her suspicions, about me leaving this way. Now that I think back on it, everyone's attitude changed after my graduation. Everyone seemed to be nicer and more willing to go with me anywhere.

In fact that is when my brother had started sticking to me like Velcro. He didn't care what I was doing, he wanted to be there. When I was away from him for any length of time, he would run and give me a hug before anything else. How are they all going to feel when they find out their worst fear has been realized. Why had they kept such an important possibility from me. My mother tried to help keep things as normal as possible, but she refused to tell me that it all could end.

Then it dawns on me, that is why she never told me. If I had known I could vanish at any moment, I would have lived in fear. She has always known how these talents bothered me. For her to tell me I might vanish, would have probably thrown me over the edge. But the fact still remains, why did my talents not bother her more? She never even acted upset or shocked when any new ability showed up. The only one that upset her was the one that appeared at my graduation.

“Warning, almost out of communication range,” the computer voice startles me out of my revere.

I stop and look around. I am standing several yards outside the edge of town. I had been so wrapped up in my thoughts, I hadn't been paying attention to where I was going. I turn and head back to the memory building. This time I look around at the town. Despite the small size of the town, it gives me the illusion of being big. Of course that could be due to the fact I am walking it. Normally when I go anywhere, I either drive or take public transportation.

I was never good at recognizing types of wood, so I had no clue what the buildings were made of. I would say they are dark from weathering, but I am not sure. They all seem to have a uniform dark gray color. I can't remember what they looked like in daylight. It could be that it all looks dark gray, because there is not much visible light. I then realize that there is a sparse glow around the town. I look around trying to find its source. It doesn't seem to emanate from any particular spot.

The glow seems to emanate from everywhere in the town. It is not bright enough to see clearly, but it gives just enough light to see something moving. The buildings are placed right next to each other. In this light they are so close, I can't tell exactly where one building ends and the next begins. I would think that has to take precision construction.

I would not think the Oranians could do that now. I can't say for sure, but I doubt they could even repair a building this well now. I say this because none of the buildings show the normal wear and tear of aging. Either the wood is well sealed from weather, or they do not require repair. I see the three stone buildings just a few buildings away. In this light the stone of the buildings look like the eternal stone, just rougher.

It looks like the stone buildings have a double glow to them. I figure it is due to the eternal stone on the inside. It tends to have its own glow, so it might be permeating through the outer stone. I head to the transportation building. As I approach I realize that the door is made of the eternal stone, and is larger than even the double doors of the hall. The glow from the door gives the whole entrance an eerie look.

I reach the door and realize it is about the size of a large garage door. No symbols or grooves can be seen on the surface. The edges of the door seem to melt into the outer stone. I feel around the door. I can't find a ridge, or any indication of division. By the way it feels, I would say the building and door were one stone.

It seems there is no possibility of entering this building. Unless I am able to find a way to reactivate the connections, it will probably stay sealed for eternity. I give up on that venture and walk to the hall. I look at the wood closely. After really checking it out, I realize it isn't wood. It looks to be a rougher stone then eternal stone.

The stone has a mix of gray and brown to give the illusion of wood. It even has swirls and lines similar to wood. I'm thinking this would be a designer's dream. Wood that never ages or decays. I feel around where the seam between the doors would be. I feel no defining line. The only indication they are two pieces is the inconsistent design.

I can't find any seam around the outer edge of the door either. Like the other door, there is no separation between door and the outer stone. To look at the stone-wood from a distance, it looks ruff and wavy. To feel it, it is as smooth as the eternal stone. I am about to turn and head back to the memory building when I hear the doors start to creak.

As I watch, the door opens slowly. It gets to a point where I can squeeze through, then it stops. In the distance of my mind I hear, 'In hurry.'

Without thinking, I squeeze into the hall. I just get in and the doors close. I look back at the door, “Well now I am trapped, hope you're happy,” I say into the air.

No you're not. We just didn't want to activate the council summons. It was easier to do it this way, then override several thousand protocols. Grass counters in my head.

“Guess you have a point,” I say out loud, “I guess the computer doesn't listen in here.”

Not at the moment, no. Recording devices are only active when the official council is called.

“Well that is good. At least in here we have privacy.”

Yes, in the memory building everything is monitored.

“So I am guessing you have some info for me?”

Yes and no. We are still partly helping the computer with your request. It is now down to the long process of time. There isn't any new info for you, but we think we found something better.

“Really what?” I turned to face the dais since I am getting tired of looking at the doors.

We found some compartments that the council may be unaware of. Most of the compartments are empty, but a few have some useful items.

“Well lead away oh mighty computer,” I say and have to smile.

Ha, anyway, one has a recording device in it. It appears when the Oranians were thriving, each of its citizens had a life recording device. They were used as a journal and medical storage device. It is not linked directly to the main frame for privacy reasons, but there might be enough energy, and eternal stone to keep a link with you, as long as you carry it. In another compartment are several thousand food supplement replacements. The devices provide the nutrient a life form needs. The only drawback is that it wont fill your stomach. You might get hunger pangs, but you will still have what your body needs to thrive.

“They both sound good. The last one more for the others then me.”

We do have a request though.

“Shoot.”

In one compartment holds an experimental device. We are unsure of its use, but when it was flagged here it had high priority. Even though we don't know what it does, we thought you might take it just in case.

“Sure as long as it doesn't make me ill or die, I am willing to try anything, Oh and doesn't maim, almost forgot that one.”

Grass chuckles. We would never do any of them to you. Well not intentionally. I can hear the smirk on the last part.

“Gee thanks, lead the way almighty supercomputer.”

Touche, just go behind the chairs, we will open them for you.

I walk behind the chairs as I hear stone scape over stone. The sound echoes eerily through the room. I turn to the wall and see three drawers have come out of the wall. I look into the first drawer and see a black cube about the size of a dice.

That is the recording device.

“But there isn't enough of the stone in that little thing to get a connection. At least I can't see it.”

We believe it is not as much the stone, as it is the energy of it. That little device totes more memory and energy then all the computers on your planet.

“Damn.”

Exactly, and in the next one. Grass says and I grab the cube. I look in the second drawer. In it sits a crown. Well a block head band actually, but it is made of stone so I think of it more of a crown. I grab it and it hangs in my hand like an elastic band. Grass continues. This is the experimental device.

“How can stone act like elastic?”

We don't know, it is experimental and has a level five protocol on it. So we are unable to find any more about it.

“Weird. I guess next,” I walk to the last drawer. The drawer is completely full of what looks like onyx rings.

And these are the supplements. As long as you wear them you will be sustained.

I reach in and grab a handful. I put them in one pocket, and put the cube and the band in another pocket. The drawers close, then Grass says. Head to the door. When you get there we will crack them enough for you to fit through.

I walk over to the doors. Just as I reach them they start opening. I follow as close behind them as humanly possible, till I am able to squeeze through. Once I am clear the doors close.

Looks like it worked, you have enough on you to keep the link. We will keep communication to a minimum while you are around others.

“Sounds good. I feel better now, I know you are all close. Just pardon my moodiness and brain babbling.”

Grass chuckles. Pardoned, now you may leave prison.

I burst out laughing along with Grass. I go into the memory building and survey the room, Grass do you have an idea of how long the computer will take with the calculations? I ask in my head.

Not really, but it is almost a millennia.

Will it slow it down, or confuse it, if I go to another terminal?

Why do you want to use another terminal?

So I don't mess up what it is doing on the virus.

Grass giggles. This computer can multitask beyond your comprehension. All you need to do is tell the computer to continue work, and ask another question.

Sure go ahead and laugh at my ignorance. I say jokingly.

I sit at the computer I was originally at, and face it directly, “Continue calculation and inform me after completion. What is the percentage of me being able to return home?”

“Define home.”

“Planet earth.”

“Two percent.”

“What gives it a two percent chance of return?”

“The desperation clause.”

“Why does the desperation clause give me a two percent chance of returning to earth.”

“Unknown.”

“Well crap. What should I ask that will help me figure out how to help the Oranians?”

“Elaborate on helping in relation to Oranians.”

I look at the computer quizzically. I was expecting a different response, “How can I make it so the disease will not wipe the rest of the Oranians.”

“Already calculating.”

“Explain what you mean by already calculating?”

“Desperation clause has already set calculations in the main to find the right question to ask, to eliminate the disease.”

“But I asked,' what can I ask?”

“Already calculating.”

I speak to Grass in my head. I don't understand the answer. Can you enlighten me?

Sorry Ben that one stumped us too. For some reason it associates you with the clause. In a sense it considers you the clause.

That makes no sense. I didn't have anything to do with it. I reply.

We know, that is what isn't making any sense to us either. And since we are unable to access the clause we are at a loss.

Okay this may be a long shot, but I gotta try. I say in my head then speak aloud. “Computer, is it possible for a living organism to be a part of the main?”

“Correct, integration has already occurred.”

“How many times?”

“One.”

“Was it already anticipated?”

“Correct.”

“How long ago did the integration occur in relation to planet completion and now?”

“Integration began two days after planet completion, and ended seven hours ago.”

What? Grass's voice yells in my head.

“Can you hear the organism communicating with other organisms?”

“Negative.”

“Why not?”

“Current communication is unnecessary to be heard. All information is recorded in main.”

“What was the last communication between integrated organism and other life form?”

“Twenty-eight seconds.”

“What?”

Grass's voice in my head sounds shaky. That means the computer knows of us.

“Yep.” I reply out loud.

But how?

“I think the tables are turned on this one. As I got more and more information I began to see a type of pattern. I am surprised you did not pick up on it. To me it seemed like the Oranians were almost predicting my moves.

The computer considers the desperation clause as level five security, yet it would let me know part of it. It just would not reveal the clause's purpose, but it would let out minor information from it. As I searched more and more, and watched how you could manipulate it, the whole thing didn't make sense. I could understand an advanced race missing a virus. Especially when they thought they had eradicated it.

But as many species and races of organisms this race has seen, and dealt with, I found it strange they didn't anticipate an organism gaining sentience. But the real clincher was why would an advanced race that knew it could prevent anything from hacking lock the highest security?

The only need to lock anything would be to protect the computer from itself. My hunch was they knew you all were in the computer. Why they didn't separate you, I don't know. But since a slight unknown was in the computer, the best way to protect a subject from gaining access to the desperation clause was to lock it.

I think it was just in case. They knew the abilities, and what they could do. So to cover the possibility of the subject connecting to the organism, a lock had to be done. It is not the main that is running the show. It can only calculate things and try and anticipate possibilities. But a person could anticipate that which the computer can not envision. So the clause has set conditions to release set responses in the computer.

I think they did that to protect a very important part of the clause. Now this is a hunch, but I believe that if all of it is revealed it could hinder their salvation, for lack of better phraseology.” I say and let it sink in.

After a second the computer says, “Correct.”

That means the computer can read our thoughts as easily as we could have, if you were one of us.

“I don't think so. The computer can't read thoughts, it reads memory. Remember it calls these memory centers, not data centers. I am guessing their word for this building has no language to language translation from their language to English.”

After a second the computer responds, “Correct.”

Grass laughs. We guess you were right. We are a computer.

“No you are much more. A computer can only calculate, you can think. Didn't you ever wonder why the Oranians keep grass on the planet? What use is there for grass on a computer? It is not like they needed pleasantries for the subjects. The subjects knew what they were getting into. Plus some of those races may have no need for grass. Computer don't respond.”

We never considered it. We figured that they didn't have anything to worry about from grass, which is why they ignored us. In all of our time that we can remember, not one subject ever considered us worth their time.

I turn away from the computer, “But you said you never saw one Oranian. They stayed below where you could not see them.”

We guess. We just figured they weren't on the planet.

“I bet that they stayed away from you so they would not interfere with your growth. If you had known them you would have tried to communicate with them all. At least if it was me, I feel that that would hinder your growth as an individual. And possibly could have messed up the computer since you were allowed to integrate.

Think about it. They have created the ultimate computer. One that can learn beyond any logic computer out there. The ultimate design. I can say almost perfect. One that can, in a sense, double check itself infinitely. Can you all do me a favor now?”

Sure anything. Grass responds a bit distracted.

“I would ask you to try and kill me, but I know you couldn't do that so,” I continue fast to keep Grass from responding, “I will ask you this. Try to do something that would injure me, or another in this town. You can make it minor so it doesn't hinder. I would suggest it on me, because I have the ability to heal fast if I can mimic. I can mimic this computer and be fully healed.”

We could never harm you. I hear fear fill Grass's every word.

“Please, If I am right, there are no consequences. If I am wrong I quickly mimic, and still no harm.”

Very well but we do not like it.

“It's okay, it is different if you are asked to do it.”

Nice try, we know more than just the obvious about your morals, but we agree. There is a cleaning file for this room. It fills the room with a toxic chemical. It normally is set to activate when the room is empty. But since it has no security protocol on it, it will be easy to activate. The chemical reaction is slow. It will start with a warming of all exposed skin. When you feel that mimic. It actually will not cause harm at that stage.

“Go for it.”

Are you sure?

“Yep can't wait.”

After a couple of seconds the security voice bellows in the room, “Denied.”

I put my hands to my ears, “Oops that I was not expecting.”

Grass sounds shocked. How did you know?

“Because I have watched enough movies on computers to know safety is all a part of a computer. A race this advanced could only survive this long with a lot of safety protocols to protect against stupidity. It doesn't matter how intelligent a race is, accidents happen. Safety protocol on a computer is needed, if not required. So I figured the Oranians figured that in so the computer can double check you.”

And we thought we could out think you. Humility is a strange feeling for us. Grass sounds embarrassed.

“Ah lovely humility, a shit kicker in the ass isn't it?”

Grass laughs and the computer echoes the sound. I look at the computer, “Looks like you all incorporated even more.”

“Correct,” the computer responds at the same time Grass says, “Yep.”

“How long till virus calculation is done?” I ask.

“Ten minutes and fifty seconds.”

“Did the desperation clause unlock all areas of the city when it was activated?”

“Negative. All areas were opened as the last Oranians commuted to final destination. The only area kept close was the transportation buildings and the transportation sublets.”

“Can you unlock the transportation building and outlets?”

“Negative, they are locked with level five protocol.”

“Damn, worth a try. Define possible dangers for our walk from this town to the city.”

“Starvation, dehydration, local inhabitant attack, local fauna poisoning, and exhaustion.”

“Recommended time of daylight walking for me, Berg, Peth, and Cliff.”

“Nine hours of walking. Any more may contribute to unneeded fatigue.”

I contemplate my next question when the computer says, “Calculation complete.”

“Explain results.”

“Calculation shows similar characteristics of subject virus to disease. Some variables were considered that were not part of query. End result, possible source of disease. Computer calculating future responses to future contaminators.”

“In that calculation, incorporate possible other sources of contamination not considered important prior.”

“Other sources considered in calculations.”

“How long till calculation is finished?”

“Unknown, to many variables. Estimation will be in years.”

“Well that wont help us now.”

“Correct,” the computer replies.

I turn away from the computer, “Well one good thing came out of this, I don't have to hide you all any more.”

We believe we feel relief. It helps us not to have to worry about not getting exposed and killed.

“Yep that is a relief.”

We like that feeling.

“Wonderful isn't it?” I smile.

Very. I think I heard the largest smile even in my head.

I get up and go outside. “Hey Grass, can you find out how the Oranians are able to feed themselves when there are no gardens or animals?”

Just a moment. We have to do some searching.

“Not a problem.”

I look around the town wondering what it would be like to live here. I then wonder why all the Oranians here thought they were slaves or servants. The Oranians are more advanced in my eyes, then any alien race I have seen in movies. Their technology is based on a stone.

Now to me the stone would be the most obvious choice to base a society on. Look at the pyramids, they lasted for thousands of years. And by the look of the eternal stone, it was named right. These stones have lasted a millennium without maintenance. They look as clean and shiny as fresh marble cut and polished. Yet they have no one to help keep them polished. Maybe if I can figure this all out, I will be privy to the power source. It is like each stone has its own power source.

In a sense they do. Grass says in my head. They are a type of crystal. Just like the crystals of earth, if they were worked and engineered right they vibrate energy. Or I guess we should say they vibrate with the energy.

Everywhere in the universe is energy, it just takes the right knowhow to access it. Take the life collection device. It merely reads the energy of the person holding it, and then converts it to energy signals the crystal can use to record.

Your scientists haven't even touched the surface of storage. That dice in your pocket can hold all the information on your planet, and still have room for much more. Since we found out the computer knows of us, and accepts us, we have let down our guard so to speak. We have been very cautious as to where we went in memory. We did not want to set any flags. We now go where we thought the most sensitive of information is. We have learned so much of the Oranians. Plus now we don't have to try and remember everything we read. The Oranians were very much like humans. In fact in all practicality, they are human. Their DNA only varies slightly. That is why they flagged the three planets as forbidden. Many thought it was wrong to interfere with a race so close to them. But the main reason was they knew themselves so well, that they knew the risks of interfering. Just like you, the talents were too unpredictable to use on themselves. That is why they gave them to other races. They were trying to find a way to control them, so they could use them. All the other races knew full well what they were being used for. They didn't care, because the idea of having them overpowered their fear of the consequences.

“Interesting, in any of the new data were you able to find anything that could help with what they expected of me?”

Unfortunately no, but to answer your other question. There are devices in each of the homes that grow a type of algae. This algae gives them the protein and carbs a body needs. The only drawback is that it lacks some nutrients needed. That shows in the physical form and mental capacity. That may be the source of the confusion on who they are.

“I'm curious. How long does the nutrient rings last?”

Indefinitely so far we are aware of.

“Then why were they forgotten? That should supplement for the algae lack.”

According to records you are right. But all records end a few days after the town was created so we don't know.

“Strange a highly advanced race forgets its technology so easily. Hold on, does the record show what class the people were that came here?”

Class? Do you mean what level they were?

“Yeah I guess. Were any of them scientists or higher up?”

No, we guess you could call them peasants or commoners.

“So they were all average people without any training at all?”

Pretty much yeah. Some were about to go to training. Some were just parents, but most were children born around the time of the disease.

“Okay now I am curious, check the children and see if they have antibodies to the disease.”

Hold on a bit, will take some searching. There is about a minute before Grass talks. Now according to the computer it is possible it is the antibodies. It says it would need a test on the child to be sure. And you and I both know that isn't possible.

“Actually we might. When the others get here we can have them tested. The virus may have still mutated, but the coding for the antibodies might still be detectable.”

It's possible. But according to the computer, you still have several hours till dawn.

“Well that is a bit of a quandary then,” I say. “What do I do now? I am all done with that terminal, plus I have the computer with me. And the better part too.”

Ah now it's our turn to blush. We laugh together.

“I do have a question though.”

Shoot.

“What are the houses made of?”

Basically, defunct eternal stone.

“Then why does it look like trees cut into boards?”

That we don't know. The obtaining and processing of the crystal is level five protocol.

“Well that would make sense, but it still sucks,” I say disappointed.

How so?

“Because it prevents the wrong people, or creatures, from getting the knowledge. Another protocol that prevents primitive races like mine, from misusing it.” I laugh out loud.

What is Stargate?

“It was a show and TV series I watched, and this all sounds so much like it.”

Do you mind if we search your memories to see them?

“Sure go ahead.”

Immediately I realized why Grass asked me if they could read memories. I couldn't have ever imagined the effect it would have on me. I have heard of the three dimensional televisions, but this would put them to shame. It was more like the holographic deck on 'Star Trek.'

I find myself in the theater with all the people around me. The movie screen is clear as a bell, in my vision. I feel I could almost reach out and touch the seat in front of me. The oddest experience of it all is my position. I cannot explain what it is like standing, but sitting at the same time. I was standing outside at night and could feel the breeze. I can also feel the seat beneath me along with the coolness of the theater.

Then the movie starts. I can feel the speakers as well as hear them. The colors were clear and vivid, on the screen. I can see the buildings across from me, as well as the full movie screen. Looks like a fade on a movie got stuck.

Now I have seen shows where they fast forward, as part of shows. Your eyes and ears cannot process the information fast enough, and it is more of a blur in the mind. Now I see that speed up happening, yet understanding every image and sound.

I am very fascinated. I am watching a show I hadn't watched for years again. This time it is in fast forward, but just as vivid and as exciting. When the movie was done I flash to my parents home. I am now watching the series. Again in fast forward. The only disappointment is I still have to watch all the commercials. Even on another planet I have to watch accursed commercials. Those advertisers sure know how to get you everywhere.

When the shows ended on the last one I ever saw, I was facing the building. I have to blink to refocus my mind more than my eyes.

Nice show. We agree it is very similar. Grass's voice in my head clears my mind, and brings me back to the present.

“Are you okay?” Seth asks.

I focus on Seth, “Yeah was just conversing with the computer.”

“Excuse me? I don't understand.” Seth looks at me dumbfounded.

“Oh sorry a lot happened while you all slept. Follow me, everyone,” I walk to the hall.

I stop at the hall, “Grass open the door. Call everyone to council.”

Okay. I hear Grass in my head.

“Grass?” Seth asks completely bewildered.

I turn to face Seth, “Oh yeah sorry, that is what I call the memory building.”

“How can you?” Seth stammers.

I see everyone coming out of the buildings, “Sorry Seth, I will explain it to everyone. Right now you and the council need to get to your chairs, and get ready to start.”

Seth looks at the open doors. He then looks at his staff. He looks back at the door and says, “But how?”

I step aside, and motion everyone in the hall. “All will be revealed.”

Reluctantly Seth and the others enter the hall. I stand at the entrance and wait till everyone is in. I do a quick check around the town. Why I don't know.

I walk into every eye looking at me. I definitely have gotten used to attention and all eyes on me. I walk up the center isle with a confidence I never knew I had.

I stop at the front of the dais, “I may have overstepped my bounds by calling the council, but the council is still yours.”

Seth blinks rapidly, “Of course. The council was called so the subject, Ben could tell the whole town something. The council is called.” Seth taps his staff on the ground.

Around each of the council chairs the light increases just enough to stand out. Seth stands and says, “I give the light to Ben to speak.”

I notice a glow increase around me. I look up at Seth who has already sat down, “May I?” I indicate the dais in front of the table. Seth nods.

I step up on the dais and face the Oranians. “Last night I have learned a lot from the computer on what you call memory. I believe I have found out what caused the disease to spread amongst you.” Half the room gasps, “You are all the descendents of the Makers.” I can hear hushed murmuring. “Your ancestors came here trying to escape the disease. It wiped out all but a few thousand. You are the descendents of these thousand. You have lost your understanding, due to lack of the original knowledge of the technology and malnutrition.”

“What do you mean, we have food?” I hear from somewhere in the crowd.

“I know. The food you have eaten for so long, lacked the proper nutrients to keep you at full health. Grass the rings please.”

I hear the drawer open behind me. I then hear Beet squeal. I ignore it and go on. “In this drawer are rings you should all be wearing to supplement the difference the algae lacks.”

“What algae?” I hear Berg ask behind me.

I turn to face him and see Beet in front of the table, and Zee on it.. “The food you have been eating is an algae. It is a type of plant. The algae gives you the protein and carbs you need but lacks essential nutrients.”

Berg's face is cold, “What are these words you say?”

“My apologies, I did not mean to confuse any of you. Our languages are so dissimilar I forget that the translation lacks in many ways.”

“But you are speaking the same as we are.” Beet says. I look at her and can see the drawer scared her a lot more than I thought.

“You hear what I say in your language, and I hear what you say in mine. We live very far away from each other, so we could not have the same language. The memory building translates for each of us. How it does it I don't know.”

I turn to Berg, “Now to explain what I mean about the food. We all need something from food we eat to grow and continue to live. There are different types of stuff in the food that our bodies need, to keep us alive.

The problem with the food you eat is that it does not have everything your body needs. The part that is missing causes part of your body not to grow right. Those rings have the other part you're missing.”

“Then why didn't our ancestors know it?” someone in the crowd asks.

I turn around. “Because they didn't know. Your ancestors had no knowledge of the technology they used. Most of your ancestors were but children. The few adults were just regular citizens. They were just mothers and fathers raising children. None of them ever worked on, or understood the technology they used.

I'm guessing they probably didn't even know about the rings. They just knew that they needed food, and that was in their homes.”

I pull out a ring from my pocket, “The computer told me about them, so I was going to take them on my journey to find out why I am here. I do not need them or food because of my talents. But I knew my companions would.” I glance back at Berg and Peth.

I put the ring on but felt no difference. I didn't expect to since I am still running on super adrenalin. “Put them on any finger and you should possibly feel something.”

I hear the rings cling together and turn around. Berg has a ring in his hand and is putting it on. I'm not sure if it is because of the glow around him or what, but his skin seems to gain more color. His eyes lighten up with knowledge somehow.

“Wow that is great,” Berg says.

Zee and Beet put one on. Zee squeals, “I tingle.”

I look at Seth, “If you will allow. Can these rings be past out as I continue?” I say and Seth nods.

I look at Zee and Beet, “Would you do the honor of passing them out to everyone?”

“Boy would I,” Zee and Beet chime almost in unison.

I turn back to the crowd, “Now back to the disease. It seems that your ancestors thought they had stopped what my people call a cold. It is a micro-organism that invades the body and causes it harm.” The crowd moans in disgust.

“But one of those organisms evaded your ancestors' defenses or scans. Since they had no resistance to these bugs their bodies couldn't fight back, and the bugs eventually killed most of them.

The part I find ironic in it all was that the children that came here probably had an immunity to the bug, but it was missed because they did not suspect a bug or virus.”

“Are you saying that our ancestors died of a simple ailment?” Seth asks, disgusted.

I turn to face him. “I believe so, yes.”

I notice a ring on Seth's finger. “So you are saying the ones who created all of this, and more, couldn't stop something simple. I find that unlikely.”

“I did too at first. My people would scoff at me too, but let me try to explain. They had eradicated all possible ways for the virus to invade the body. Without realizing it they had also made it almost impossible for the body to create a defense against it.

Now they did this on home planet. So every possible variation of those viruses could not invade the body. But then they go to new planets and introduce the eternal stone. The stone itself accelerated or created a new type of mutation.

This new mutation could not have been anticipated on home planet. Plus they had forgotten all about the normal cold long before they started colonizing other planets, I am sure.

In the scientists and healers mind, a cold could not hurt them. So they never even considered it.

I then had memory do a calculation on some viruses in me, with eternal stone as one of the variables. I also had memory check its records on the antibodies in the children that made it here, but were born during the outbreak.

After two millennia of the virus in me mutating close to eternal stone, it came very close to the virus that was considered the disease. I am guessing the healers had not even checked for normal viruses. I'm sure the disease was DNA based, so they were looking for variations or changes in your DNA. But that is just a guess.

The computer said that the antibodies in the children could be the antibodies for the virus. Although the computer says they would have to check the children again. Now those children are now your ancestors, but you may still have the antibody. I'm not a healer, but I had heard that the info on antibodies could be passed down through generations. I was hoping someone would be willing to be scanned to see.”

There is a long silence as everyone takes everything in. I turn around to face the crowd. I wait for a few minutes before asking, “Anyone?”

“I will,” Berg says behind me.

“Well we have to go to memory building to do this,” I say looking at Berg.

No you don't, just have him place his hand on the table.

Just as Berg rises I interrupt, “Hold on, just put our hand on the table. The computer says that is all that is needed.”

Berg sits down looking at the table strangely. He places his hand on the table. A flash can be seen in the area of his hand. The computer voice can be heard echoing through the Hall, “Hold.”

Seth looks at me, “How did you do that? The memory building is the only place that has spoken.”

Grass laughs in my head. Any table can be used as a terminal. Even the tables in their homes.

As I speak, Grass continues to chuckle in my head. “The computer says that any table, including the ones in your homes, can be used to contact memory.”

Seth looks down at his table and places his hand on it. “Are you memory?” his eyes grow to saucers. He slowly removes his hand. He continues to stare at the table and says, “Okay.” Seth looks at me, “How do you stop it now?”

“I'm not sure, but usually telling it to stop or end should work in theory.”

Seth looks at the table, “Memory stop talking to me here.” Seth leans back still in shock.

The computer voice makes everyone jump. Grass ceases its giggling as the computer says, “Complete, do you want the results?”

“Yes,” I say then add, “For everyone to hear.”

“Antibodies in Berg's system are a similar match to the antibodies needed to fight the disease. If disease were to hit again berg would have a ninety-nine percent change to survive. Memory analysis suggests that Oranians continue to allow viruses to invade body. Health temples have been reset to mask symptoms and support immune system of citizen.

According to prime protocol this takes effect without mains approval. All citizens are asked to be checked at nearest health temple, Public notice will be posted and sent to every citizen's life recorder. File is set to priority flag. All citizens required to read and comply.”

I speak to Grass in my head. What was that last part all about?

It seems that the prime protocol of the computer is set to take over for the greater benefit of all Oranians. The computer flagged the calculation as priority for everyone's safety, so safety protocol took over. We actually were not paying attention so we missed the flag. Grass responds in my head.

“Computer, where is the closest health temple and please speak verbally so everyone can hear.” I say.

“Nearest health temple is located at entrance of City four,” the computer responds.

“When is it required by everyone to read the notice?”

“The notice will be required reading next time citizen accesses memory.”

I face the crowd, “Sorry everyone I did not know this would happen. I did not mean to force things on you.”

I hear a slap on the table and jerk around to see Berg standing up. “This subject should have no reason to be sorry. He has helped us in ways we may not understand right now. I have never seen things so clearly, as I do now, with this ring. I think if it will help us, it should be required.” Berg looks at me as the crowd cheers.

Berg looks at me with the most intense compassion, I have ever seen and says, “I will lay down my life for this man. He has helped us find ourselves again. Whatever he chooses to do, or go I will do anything in my power for him. I pledge my life and my body to this man,” Berg nods at Seth.

Seth stands and faces Berg, “If that is what you chose so be it.” Seth then taps his staff which echoes eerily around the room. A glow similar to a halo surrounds Berg's head.

“What?” I blurt.

I hear a bit of a smirk in Grass's voice. In effect this man's life is in your hands, and the computer is set to enforce it.

I look at Berg in shock, “Wait no, No way am I going to be responsible for your life. I have enough problems without that added. You cancel, stop, or whatever it is to be done and get rid of that.”

I see Seth face me out of the corner of my eye. “It is already done I cannot undo it.”

“And I don't want him to,” Berg says.

“But I do, Do you realize that memory is set to enforce what you just said?”

“Of course that is why I did it.” Berg says nonchalantly.

“That means if you die I am responsible,” I almost screamed.

Fear creeps into Berg's eyes, “No, I am responsible for me and you is all.”

The anger starts to boil in my head. I can't think straight. I am about to start yelling at Berg at how stupid he is when, I hear Grass in my head. Go outside and cool off before you do something rash.

I hear the doors opening. I run and jump off the dais and stomp out of the room. As I exit and the door is closing, I hear the computer, “Please hold. Temporary interruption, Will res...” the doors closes cutting off all sound.

I wonder in circles trying to cool down. I can't believe the computer could be set to enforce a death, just because of a pledge. What were the creators thinking. That is just stupid. Why would anyone die for me? I am always in trouble. I'm surprised I haven’t already killed them all.

Ben, Grass yells in my head.

I freeze in place. My mind goes blank, and for a moment I am not even sure what is going on. Before I am able to come back, Grass continues talking in a calmer voice. Relax you can cancel it. You have level four clearance. And anyway the computer is here to keep everyone alive. It will not force a death. It is merely an indication of position. I think the best comparison to English is a guard. It simply states that he will go wherever you go unless you tell him otherwise. Good lord Ben, he basically just pledged his undying loyalty to you.

It dawns on me what I just did. I laugh then say, “You do know I am glad you are only on that planet. The energy I get from feeding with you, is playing havoc with me.” I laugh again.

Well, when you are a bit more stable, let us know and we will open the doors. Grass says calmly. But I can hear them fighting laughter.

My laughter finally subsides and I feel a bit more calm, “I think I am okay now.”

Just remember their customs are a lot different than yours. The computer is merely a tracker, not an enforcer. The only thing it will intervene and enforce is safety.

“Okay I will try to remember.”

As the door opens, I take a deep breath then walk in calmly. As I enter the building all talking ceases and they all watch me walk up to the dais. Berg is still standing with a pained look.

I look up at him with what I hope is sincere sympathy, “I am truly sorry Berg. I misunderstood your gesture. I'm very honored that you have done that.”

Berg's whole body visibly relaxes. “I just wanted to show you my dedication to your help.”

“I understand that now. The computer explained it to me. Our cultures are very different, and I need to keep that in mind. This is why I would not wish my talents on anyone. They tend to cloud the mind to somebodies most honorable and generous gestures.” I look at Seth. “If I have not disrupted things too much, may I continue?”

Seth motions at the spot I left. “The light is always yours. The burden you bear is great and we commend and thank you for it.” He taps his staff and the glow appears around me again.

As I walk up the dais Berg sits. I walk to the spot I had left and turn to face the crowd. “I apologize for my outburst. I am still learning your ways. At times it is a bit too much for me. But I will try harder to take my ignorance into account more.” As I finish I see several in the crowd nod.

“One of my talents allows me to mimic other life forms. The last one I mimicked over charged me. I don't know when the effect will wear off, so I ask you to bear with me.

Your ancestors created the tests for subjects in an effort to gain control of them. They had hoped to learn to control them so they themselves could use them.

It looks like my world, and yours, only differ in age and technology. According to what I have learned I am not that dissimilar then all of you. Our physiology is very similar.

So Your ancestors set my planet, and two others as off limits to the test. When the disease hit, they knew they were in trouble. So in an effort to save all of you, they created the desperation clause.

I cannot even begin to fathom what it is though. In all my efforts I was unable to read the full file. As of yet I do not know what its purpose is.

Through the computer, I was able to obtain the highest level possible for access. But there is one level of access I am unable to gain. And that level is what protects the desperation clause.

I do not know why I was brought here, or any clue what to do. I still plan on heading to the city if anyone wants to go along. I doubt there is a danger from the disease now.

The only thing to consider is it will take us several days to get there. The computer has said there are several dangers on the way. It has recommended what will be safe for us to walk each day.

I do not know what awaits there. I don't think there is any dangers in the city itself. I don't even know if I will find an answer there. It is just the only thing I can think of doing. Any questions?”

I hear murmuring coming from the crowd. Several minutes go by and no one speaks. “Well, I will return the floor to Seth. I will answer any questions you have if I can, before I leave.”

I look at Seth. He nods and taps his staff. The glow around me fades. I walk down the dais and stand at its edge.

Seth looks into the crowd, “Berg, Peth, and Cliff said they already want to go with Ben. If any of them want to stay they can tell Ben themselves. Anyone else wanting to volunteer can contact me after council.

Council is now open for all comments or questions.” Seth taps his staff and everyone has a glow around them.

A male voice asks, “Is it true we can contact memory in our homes?”

“Ben says that is possible. Put your hand on the table or desk you want to activate, and ask memory a question. To end it tell memory you are done. Anyone else?”

A female in the far back asks, “How long should we wear the rings?”

Seth looks at me. I look up at the ceiling, “Computer answer the ladies question please for everyone to hear.”

“The rings are designed to be worn at all times. It is considered okay to remove them for hygiene purposes.” the computer's voice echoes around the room. One big gasp can be heard from the crowd.

Several minutes pass and no one speaks up. “If there are no more questions, then I state this council done.” Seth taps his staff on the floor. The extra glow vanishes and the doors open.

I watch as the room slowly empties. I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn to see Berg standing behind me. “I did not want to offend you Ben.”

“You didn't. I just misunderstood the computer. I get a bit jumpy, and off the handle, when I can't sleep. It has been a long time since I had this problem. I had almost forgotten what it was like.”

Berg drops his hand. “I know you are a good man and will come through all this.”

“I hope so for both our sakes.”

“You will, and Seth would like to talk to you alone if you don't mind.”

“Not at all. I did jump the gun a bit on calling this council.”

“I don't know what a gun is and how to jump it, but Seth has something else to talk to you about.”

I nod and Berg leaves the building. I then notice Seth and I are the only ones in the room. “Grass close the doors please,” I say. The doors close

I walk up to Seth who remains seated in his chair. “Berg says you need to talk to me.” I state.

“Yes I would. Since you have come you have shattered our world.”

“I'm sorry about that, I have a knack for that.”

Seth looks at me sternly, “If you would allow me to finish.” I bow my head in shame, then raise to look him in the eye.

“Since you have come, you have shattered our world. I thank you for that. We have lived in fear and regret too long. I, and many before me grew up thinking we had offended the Makers. We all grew up doing everything we can to win back the favor of the Makers. We were simply wasting our lives.

You came and showed us we are those, who we thought we served. We are the descendants of the great Makers. You have made us a proud people again.

Many of us have talked while you learned all this from memory. If you are unable to return to your home, we would want you to take over head council.”

I back up. “Um, no way do I want that. You are head and I would never be able to do it.”

“Yes I am head right now, but I will not live forever, and my successor is the one who suggested you. He feels he could never meet your knowledge. He feels that you could show us so much more.”

“The role of the head is not knowledge. Anyone can have knowledge. It is the wisdom that makes a head. I don't have much, if any wisdom. Your successor, like you, is here for the people.

You have the understanding, and patience, for those who need help. You know through experience the better options for difficult situations.

I guess what I am saying is that you are a leader, not me. You know how to lead your people where they need to be. You are their stability. You are the foundation they need.

I am a fad passing through. I would have no clue how to lead these people. I don't know your customs, or your ways. I don't even know how things are done.

You keep it and hand it to your successor. Add new things slowly, so all can learn them. Allow the new to incorporate slowly so there is no shock. You and your successor need to be here. Without each of you there would be no Makers.”

“Thank you Ben, but you are wiser than you realize. We will strive to be as wise and knowledgeable as you.”

“I guess in that case you are doomed,” Seth looks a bit shocked and pained. “I'm kidding. I just said that to make you laugh. I tend to joke a lot when I am nervous or worried.”

Seth smiles, “At my age there is nothing to be funny about. If we laugh another piece falls off.”

“Touche, you are good. Is there anything else?”

“Yes if you don't mind answering. How are you able to speak to memory without a place to talk to it?”

“That is actually a long story, but I will sum up. With one of my talents I was able to talk to a part of the computer that just recently found out it was the computer.”

Seth cocks his head sideways. “How can memory not know all of itself?”

“Well to try and sum up. An organism connected to the computer, and becomes part of it without it realizing it. Your ancestors anticipated this and allowed it. So now you have the ultimate computer. One that can understand feelings.”

“But why has it just now known it?”

“Because it thought it would get eradicated if the main computer knew about it. It wasn't till I did some prying that we realize that the computer new of it.”

In my head I ask grass. Can I give them your name to contact so they can talk to you all if they like through the terminal?

We would love it if they would, and allow us to ask questions of them.

“The live organism says that you can address it directly if you allow it to ask you questions in return,” I say to Seth.

“You mean we can talk to this Grass?” it's odd hearing the excitement in Seth's voice.

“And that is why you are a good leader. Nothing escapes your attention. And yes Grass would love to talk to all of you if you allow it the same privilege.”

“Of course I will inform everyone. How do we talk to Grass?”

“Easy just mention their name. Basically like you do to anyone else you talk to. The only drawback is you have to be at a place you normally ask the computer questions.”

An echoing voice comes out of nowhere startling us both. “We are working on that though. Back when your people were at their peak they could just talk to memory by a command. We are trying to locate the command now. Till then just activate a memory outlet and we will hear you.”

It is really strange hearing an echo of what sounds like thousands of echoes to begin with. Seth looks around nervously but asks, “Can I ask you what species you are? I do not understand the we reference. And if we need an outlet how are you able to hear us?”

“We do not mind now. We are what you call grass. We were here as your ancestors created destination planet. As we absorbed the energy of the eternal stone we gained sentience. We are many but act as one.

The reason we can hear you now is because we have a mind link with Ben. As long as he has something that has a link to memory we can hear his thoughts. Yes Ben we just recently figured that out.” I shrug in acceptance. Grass continues in the multiple echo voice. “So what he hears we hear. When we are able to open an audio listing we will post a file for everyone to read. Or we might just announce it if the mood hits us,” Grass says and I smirk at the last comment.

“Is there anything else Seth?” I ask.

“No, thank you for your time. The others are getting provisions ready for your travel and I need to get out there in case there are any changes.”

“Oh of course Grass door please,” I say and hear a door opening which catches my attention. I look at the doors and just one side is opening. “Something new I see.”

“Yep,” Grass responds in my head. I follow Seth out of the hall and the door closes behind us.

Berg, Peth, Cliff and another gentlemen wait outside. I see a makeshift backpack on the ground. Berg and Peth are off to my left talking. Cliff is leaning against the building like he is about to pass out.

The extra guy stands right in front of us with the look of impatiences. The gentleman has short blond hair. It looks like it has never been washed. I notice a ring on his finger.

Seth looks at the man calmly, “Yes, Tieth?”

Hopeful panic covers the man's face, “Can, Can, I , I, I, g,g,go? I, I, have to know.”

Seth looks at me and says, “This is Tieth; he has been wanting to leave town to search for his brother. His brother has taken off a few days ago saying he is being called. All attempts at stopping him failed. From time to time we lose a member to insanity.”

“Grass...” I start but grass interrupts my thoughts.

Already checking for DNA traces in the area and possible distance traveled. Ask if he took food.

I look at Tieth. “The computer is doing a search for your brother now. It would help if you knew if your brother took food with him.”

Tieth looks up in thought. “I don't know, but he was at the food maker just before he left.”

I look at Seth. “If he took food that does not sound like insanity to me.”

“You may have a point, the others didn't even tell us they were leaving. We had the banishment because of fear from the disease. I see no reason to keep it if we are not in fear of it now.”

Grass responds in my head. The computer is inconclusive. The DNA can be traced to the city, but the trace is lost after that. The computer can't even make an educated guess as to why it stops. And yes the city you are heading to. It is the only one in walking distance really.

“Interesting. The computer is inconclusive as to if your brother is alive or not. It did however say he at least made it to the city.”

Tieth looks at me strangely. “I don't understand. If he can't be found then that means he is dead.”

I look at him for a moment trying to figure out the best way to explain it. “The only way I know how to explain it is like this. The computer has techniques to detect a death. How I don't know. But with your brother the trail just ends.

It is like your brother disappeared, but that is how the computer sees it. There can be many other reasons that your brother's trail disappeared otherwise the computer would conclude him dead.”

“Other ways how?”

“Well for one he could have found a transportation device that was not locked away. When he activated it, it could have ported him.”

Seth looks concerned, “Is that possible?”

Yes Grass says in my head.

“The computer says yes,” I say

Tieth slumps. “Then that means he is gone to me. We have no way of finding him.”

I look at Tieth sympathetically, “Not true. If we get to the city we may find a way to find him if he is still alive.” I reach into my pocket and feel the rings. “And I have some extra rings if we find him.” I say and Tieth's eyes light up.

“Well, I think we still have enough provisions for everyone,” Berg says. He then looks at Tieth. “You will need to get something to sleep on.”

Tieth nods and runs off. Seth looks at Berg. “I leave it in your hands then. I have things I need to do,” he says and heads off to the memory building.

Berg looks at him confused, “What?”

Seth doesn't even stop. He disappears into the memory building. I look at Berg and say, “He learned of another part of the computer. I'm sure he has a lot of questions for Grass.”

“Okay,” is all Berg says.

We wait for several minutes for Tieth. He comes running to us. He stops just shy of bowling us over.

“Well I guess it is time,” I say, “Lead on Berg.”

Berg heads in the opposite direction of the old temple I appeared at. I think of how I got here and how distant in time it seems. It was just yesterday but It seems like ages ago.