Terra Incognita

Chapter One

Twelve hours after Activation

It began with an explosion. The gates to hell opened. In Turkey, an army of demons poured forth. In Canada, a brainwashed man activated an alien device, causing a worldwide electromagnetic pulse, plunging Earth into darkness. And in New York City, Josh Wilkinson sat at a mahogany desk reading one of Wisdom’s journals by candlelight.

R. continues to vex me. His fingers traced the words as he read aloud. Still unsure of a connection between him and the Council, but the man has real power. He speaks with the shadows and controls men’s minds. If left unchecked, R. could rule the world. He must be stopped.

Josh wasn’t sure who this R. person was, only that he was a Russian mystic with ties to the aristocracy. Earlier sections of the journal detailed Wisdom’s journey to Moscow following rumors of an alliance between the Council of Peacocks, a secretive cult of ceremonial magicians, and a local religious order, the Khlysty.

Josh stared at the order’s name. How the hell do you even pronounce that? Kly-sty? Ku-listy? Way too many consonants in there.

A nearby gunshot broke the silence, followed by the sound of breaking glass. Josh dropped the journal and jumped to his feet. He activated his powers, creating a telekinetic sheath around his body.

Three more gunshots.

Josh exhaled, relaxing. Not inside. Still safe. His telekinetic armor dissolved.

He went to the row of floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out on Central Park. The city was blanketed by a thick layer of snow. Directly beneath him, a small plane had crashed into the street, the wreckage still smouldering.

Josh watched as a man ran out of Central Park carrying what appeared to be a child in his arms. A small crowd chased him, shooting in the air. They weren’t trying to kill the man, only scare him, Josh hoped. Part of him wanted to run down to help, but he was over ten stories up. By the time he got down to the street, either the fleeing man would be long gone or the crowd would have caught up with him.

A feeling washed over him, one he knew well: powerlessness.

You made a mistake, Wisdom, he thought. I can’t do this.

Wisdom was gone, forced to leave Earth for a complex but ultimately valid reason. In his absence, he’d placed Josh in charge. Josh was starting to comprehend what that meant, which was part of the reason he couldn’t sleep. It was also why he was reading Wisdom’s journals.

Most read like fantasy. Wisdom described his research into various Atlantean sites including Gobekli Tepe and rumors of a second Sphinx. He also wrote about several years he’d spent using the name Mr. Swan to infiltrate something called Project Horizon. Josh skimmed through incomprehensible notes on something call the Black Knight satellite. Right now, all he needed was a distraction. He wanted to find more details on Wisdom’s relationship with Grace Kelly, the movie star who’d become a princess.

Leaving the window, Josh grabbed the candle and went into Wisdom’s secret vault. The 15’ x 20’ room had four-drawer filing cabinets along two walls, each filled with reports on Wisdom’s various adventures. A third wall was filled with black and white photos featuring Wisdom and his various acquaintances. Josh stopped in front of the one with Wisdom and Grace Kelly. Both appeared to be laughing. Grace’s hair blew wildly in the wind.

Josh wasn’t sure why, but the photograph mesmerized him. A hidden story waiting to be told. He had yet to find the journals detailing how they knew each other. Wisdom was nothing if not an enigma. If he was going to take over for him, Josh needed to know everything he could about Wisdom.

He turned at the sound of a door opening. As he left the vault, a young woman with long brown hair tied up in a ponytail approached him. Her name was Garnet Klarenbeek. Josh had come to love her deeply. If not for her, he wasn’t sure how he would have handled the last few days.

He drew her close, kissing her forehead.

I left because I didn’t want to wake you, he said. One of us should be sleeping.

Tried that. Didn’t work so well. Did you get any?

Josh pulled away, shaking his head. I tried. Really, I did. But as soon as I closed my eyes, all I could see were thousands of Orpheans and edimmu flying out of that portal. Just knowing they’re on Earth now and not knowing what they’re doing . . .

Garnet cupped her hands around the back of his head and looked into his eyes. It’s not our fault, Josh. We did everything we could.

Josh looked over his shoulder out at the dark city. Big help that was. I keep trying to find a way to fix things, but I can’t see any way of coming back from this. There’s so much we don’t know. The internet’s down. Cell phones don’t work. And . . .

Garnet kissed him to stop him from talking. For a moment, it worked. He felt his muscles relax.

When Josh finally pulled away from her, he walked back to the window. He searched for signs of the fleeing man, but the streets were empty.

You’re the telepath. What’s going on out there?

Garnet joined him at the window, placing her fingertips against the cold glass. So much. Fear. Anger. Confusion. I can’t leave myself open to it for long. She pulled her fingers away from the window and frowned. What is he doing?

Who?

Todd. He’s across the street for some reason.

Really? In the park?

She shook her head. No. Over there. In the church.

Josh nodded. Makes sense. I’d be over there myself if I had any faith.

You don’t mean that. Garnet pulled her hair out of its pony tail, slipping the elastic around her wrist. You can’t tell me, after all we’ve seen, that you don’t believe in God.

Josh shrugged. I don’t know. Maybe it’s because of all we’ve seen. How could God let this happen? Don’t answer that. I know it’s a total cop-out question. Bad things happen. Bad things have always happened. Blah blah blah. A thought occurred to him. Hey. Wisdom’s been alive forever, right? Do you think he has any journals from around 33 AD?

Garnet bit the corner of her lip. Then her eyes went wide. No way. You think he might have a record of the crucifixion?

Josh held up his hands. Maybe? I mean, he did spend a bunch of time in the Middle East, and he was always interested in mystical events. How cool would it be if he actually met Jesus?

Garnet looked in the direction of Wisdom’s secret vault. She took a step toward it, then stopped.

Nope, she said. Not even going to look. My mind can’t process anything else today.

But don’t you want to know? There are so many stories in there just waiting to be read.

Those stories can wait for another day. Garnet grabbed Josh’s hands. Come to bed. Ms. Ryerson will be back soon from her meeting. Tomorrow’s going to be a big day. Even a little bit of sleep will help.

Josh resisted. Wisdom’s journals held thousands of years of secret history. It was hard to rest knowing a library like that was at his fingertips. Still, Garnet had a point. Ms. Ryerson had left a few hours ago to meet with someone at the United Nations. She’d promised to return with information about what was happening around the world. When she returned, sleep would be impossible.

Fine. You’re right. He kissed her again as she led him out of Wisdom’s office. But a part of his mind was still on Wisdom’s journals. Another part wondered if the man carrying the child had escaped. Or if he’d been caught.

***

Todd McLaren sat on a pew in the dark church, hands clasped and eyes closed in prayer. Despite the late hour – it was nearly 4:00 a.m. – the church was far from empty. Some prayed. Others huddled for warmth. Hundreds of candles filled the air with light. The scent of frankincense hung heavy in the air, helping Todd relax. That and the two allergy pills he’d taken. All the destruction in the city had thrown dust and God knew what else into the air.

He heard a whooshing sound beside him and opened his eyes. It was Ms. Ryerson, the woman who, until recently, had been head trainer of the Anomalies. Under her guidance, Todd had learned to master his abilities. She parked her wheelchair beside him but did not move to interrupt his prayer. Amelia Ryerson was a big-boned woman with ice-white skin and long black hair, currently kept in a tight bun. The wheelchair was a recent necessity, the result of significant injuries she’d sustained at Gobekli Tepe.

You probably think it’s silly, he said. Me being here.

Ms. Ryerson shook her head. On the contrary. Coming here is probably the most logical thing one could do. She crossed her herself and bowed her head slightly.

Hmm. Didn’t take you for a religious person. Are you Catholic, Ms. Ryerson?

A strange twinkle appeared in her eye and she smiled. Something like that. I can appreciate why you’re here, but I have news. She lowered her voice and glanced around at the people in the church. News that may not be fit for public consumption just yet. I’ll tell you everything back at the office.

Fine. But can you give me a few more minutes? I was in the middle of prayer and . . .

She put a hand on his leg. You don’t have to explain to me, son. Although I could really use your help getting up the stairs to the tenth floor.

Of course, Todd said. He closed his eyes and started to pray again. Then a strange thought formed in his mind. Wait. How did she get down the stairs? He opened his eyes and looked back to see if Ms. Ryerson was still there. But she was long gone. Instead, he saw something that should have been impossible. A miracle.

A dead woman stood beside a statue of Mary.

Bethany? Todd jumped up and ran to his friend, a woman who had died in the first wave of attacks by the Council months ago. Though she’d been more than twice his age, Bethany had been his closest friend. Initially, they’d bonded because both were adopted and did not know their birth parents. She had been one of the few who had taken the time to know all his secrets. Although he’d never seen a ghost before, he knew immediately that’s what he saw. She was like an afterimage, a trick of the light burned onto his retina. His senses told him she was not real, but her smile and the depth of her eyes convinced him she was truly here.

How is this possible? Todd reached out. His hand passed right through her. Todd stared, eyes wide. Several people nearby stared at him strangely. Wait? Am I the only one that can see you?

Bethany’s smile brightened. She opened her mouth as if speaking, but no sound emerged. Instead, thoughts appeared directly in his head.

‘I’m afraid so. Probably best to stick to telepathy. Don’t want to scare these folks any more than they already are.’

Todd felt his eyes tear up. ‘I’ve missed you so much. I’m so sorry I couldn’t . . .’

She touched her breast as if pained. ‘Shh. I know. But honestly? You don’t have to worry about me anymore. You cannot begin to imagine what it’s like here. Achingly beautiful. It is I who should be sorry for you, my friend. I’m beyond danger now. But you? The next days are going to be tough. Tougher than anything you’ve seen so far.’

‘Well, that’s freakin’ fantastic.’ Todd rubbed his eyes. ‘Because the last few days have been so easy. Practically a vacation, really.’

Bethany reached out toward him but pulled her hand back sharply, as if suddenly remembering she could not make physical contact. ‘They are not giving me much time, but I had to come. No matter how nice she seems, do not trust her. If you do, you will die.’

Todd did a double take. ‘Her who?’

Bethany backed away. ‘You’ll know soon enough. Tell no one that you’ve seen me. Understand? Not even Josh. Especially not Josh. If she senses he is onto her, the results will be catastrophic. Understand?’

Todd shook his head. ‘No. Not even a little bit. What are you talking about?’

Bethany placed her fingers to her lips, kissed them, then held them out toward Todd. ‘I love you, Toddie, more than you’ll ever know. I don’t want to see you on this side for a very, very long time. Yesterday, the world changed forever. You have to be ready for what comes next. The second you arrive, be on your guard. Trust no one.’

Bethany took another step backward. Then she was gone.

‘I don’t understand.’ Todd glanced around the church. ‘When I arrive where?’

Chapter Two

Josh surprised himself. As soon as he lay next to Garnet in bed, he fell into a deep sleep. So, when there was a knock at his door, he was beyond annoyed. He didn’t so much bolt awake as drag himself out of a coma.

Are you kidding? Someone better be dead. He sat up and rubbed his eyes.

Garnet threw a pillow at the door. Of course someone died. This is New York. People die all the time. She picked up one of Josh’s t-shirts from a nearby chair and slipped into it. It’s Ms. Ryerson. Sadly, she has important news. We can’t ignore her.

Josh grumbled something about where Ms. Ryerson could shove her important news and reached for his clothes. Only then did he realize that he was still completely dressed, shoes included. He’d been so exhausted that he’d simply collapsed upon hitting the bed. He glanced over to admire Garnet’s bottom as she finished dressing. Because she was telepathic, she knew exactly what he was thinking. She looked back at him and winked.

Garnet used her pyrokinetic power to light the candles on a nearby dresser. Once she was fully dressed, Josh opened the door.

About time, Ms. Ryerson said. A glowstick fastened to the front of her winter jacket illuminated her face with a soft green light. I just got back from the UN. We have a plan of action, but it means we need to leave New York.

Where are we going? Garnet stood beside Josh in the open doorway, her arm around his waist. And how did you get back up the stairs in your wheelchair? Did Todd help you?

Ms. Ryerson scowled. No. He’s over at the church.

Then how did you . . . ?

Ms. Ryerson did not answer Garnet. She simply raised her eyebrows and stared back at her until the younger woman averted her eyes.

Where are we going? Josh asked. Should we pack?

Pack. As to where we’re going . . . that’s a bit more complicated. With her free hand, Ms. Ryerson handed Josh a plastic bag. Wisdom’s contacts at the UN supplied me with a bunch of these glowsticks. We couldn’t find a single flashlight that worked. Which, it turns out, is both good news and bad news.

Garnet reached in the bag and grabbed a glowstick. Really? How so?

If this power outage was caused by a true electromagnetic pulse, it would not affect all technology. It should have only fried circuit boards and modern electronics. Old-style flashlights and timepieces should have been untouched. Yesterday, after Wisdom warned them about the impending invasion, several high-ranking officials went into hiding. Their safe houses were designed to withstand nuclear attacks and the resulting EMP. I’m talking heavy shielding. But here’s the thing. It didn’t work. As far as we can tell, every piece of human technology beyond hammer and nails stopped functioning.

I’m waiting for the good news, Garnet said.

I just told you the good news, Ms. Ryerson said with a smile. A real electromagnetic pulse of this magnitude would take months, if not years, to recover from. But this thing, as far as we know, it could only be temporary. A glitch while the systems reset.

Josh sighed. Or it could mean that we’ll never recover from this.

How widespread is the power outage? Josh asked.

Ms. Ryerson let her eyes drift away for a moment.

Realizing he wasn’t going to get confirmation, Josh decided to change the subject. Any news of what happened in Windsor? Has anyone been able to contact my cousin, Travis, or the others?

She shook her head. Nothing concrete. Our satellites in orbit seem unaffected by the pulse. Standard methods of communicating with them are unusable, but we have . . . unconventional methods of communication. Our assumptions were correct. The alien device has been activated. Energies of unknown origin are circling Windsor and its sister city Detroit, effectively cutting both off from outsiders. Canadian and American armies have sent troops into the region, but they dare not risk entering the city until the nature of those energies has been determined. We have reason to believe there are people still alive in the city, but no way of knowing who or how many survived. Once we reach our destination, we’ll know more.

How? Garnet’s eyes narrowed. What kind of technology are they using?

Ms. Ryerson opened her mouth to respond, then shook her head. I could tell you, but you wouldn’t believe me.

Josh grumbled. Seriously? Last night I read that Wisdom helped recover a UFO for a group of aliens called the nizarians in exchange for a promise to stop abducting humans to create hybrids. I think my capacity to believe the unbelievable has been . . .

Ms. Ryerson leaned forward. Did you believe it?

Believe what? The alien thing? Josh thought for a moment. I . . . I have no idea. I can’t see why Wisdom would lie about something like that, but . . .

Exactly. Ms. Ryerson leaned back in her wheelchair, a satisfied smile on her lips. Some things you have to see for yourself before you can believe them. I promise everything will be made clear soon. Now, I’ll leave the two of you alone to pack. Meet me in Wisdom’s office as soon as you can. We leave at first light.

Josh closed the door as Ms. Ryerson spun her chair and headed toward the staircase. He cracked one of the light sticks when he was struck by a thought.

Hey, he said. You don’t suppose she can teleport like Wisdom? Is that how she’s getting up and down the stairs?

Well, that would be nice. Garnet took the elastic off her wrist and put her hair back in a ponytail. "But I doubt it. We’ve seen her do some fairly unusual things before. Turn invisible. Control the wind. Run like The Flash. Garnet’s face went blank. Crap."

What’s wrong?

I just realized. That show’s probably not coming back. There might not be anything on TV again.

Look at the bright side, Josh said. "There’ll be no more Dancing with the Stars. He opened the door to his closet and, reaching deep within, pulled out a suitcase. I’ll be quick. If you want to get a head start packing, I can meet you in your room when I’m done."

Garnet kissed him on the cheek. Strange. I’m not really used to packing. Wisdom moved us around the world constantly, but he always had things waiting for us at our destination. She sat on the bed, hands clasped together. "I can’t believe he’s gone, Josh. What am I . . . what are we going to do without him?"

Josh brushed a strand of her hair away from her forehead. I wish I knew. But we’ll find a way. We have to.

Garnet stood and started to make the bed. After she fluffed the pillows, she grabbed one of the lit candles and walked into the hallway. The moment she was gone, Josh felt incredibly alone. Vulnerable. Around Garnet, he had someone to be strong for. Without her, the weight of the last few months threatened to smother him. He still grieved the sudden loss of his mother and the realization that his father was a monster. Now, it felt like the entire world was crumbling around him.