Juno: Dreams

Chapter 1

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Elo sampled the food.  Everything was here that he needed.  Cheese, crisp bread, some other mixture also of drinks of different flavors and also fruit.  He took one piece and remembered Kevin.  Immediately he got up putting on his boots and wearing little else, ran out through the cave in the chill of the morning air just in time to see the star fighter lift off.  Elo screamed, waving, running in pursuit as it soon became a dark speck in the sky and was gone.

Come back!

Elo waved, wringing his hands.

Something clearly had happened.  Kevin would not dare leave without them, not even on a test flight at least without notification.  Elo suddenly felt the cold and knew he must go in and get dressed.  There was no sense in waiting - a watched pot never boils was the saying he had heard from somewhere and he found it to be true, though that did not make him feel any better.

Piq, in spite of the fresh food was still sleeping.  He dressed and stared, having lost his appetite for the moment and finally forcing himself to eat.  He remembered Kevin was even worse off, he hadn't eaten at all.  Elo was about to wake the girl when he heard a rustle from the front of the cave.  His heart leapt, Kevin had returned.  Thank god he thought.  He got to his feet and hurried to the entrance only to be temporarily blinded as the sky suddenly darkened like night and a brilliant object bathed the area in a fiery light.  When he opened his eyes again the morning had returned.  The meteor seemed to have come within feet of the cave that he knew was quite a distance away.  He knew it would be a great discovery, that was the beauty of the desert planet.  With no inhabitants every strike from the sky was a record and the surface a book to be read.

It was still early morning and Elo felt his curiosity aroused.  Not bothering to dress he walked out of the cave across the stark landscape.  He saw the glow of the meteor in the distance and in five minutes walk he was there.  It was still too hot to approach.  When he approached cautiously he saw a metallic shape.  It wasn't a meteorite at all; it looked like the fragment of the ship.  An escape pod?  He'd seen larger but it was possible it could hold one occupant.  But the impact and explosion - no one could survive that.  As he watched a panel slid out and a new shadow darkened the landscape of the early morning.  At first Elo couldn't believe what was happening.  The closer he walked the larger it became.  Was it projecting an optical illusion?  The ship was relatively large, not the small craft he'd first thought.  When at last he stood within hand’s reach he felt no heat at all.  He peered inside, hoping to find a welcome stranger.  There was nothing.  Common sense dictated he should go back to the cave, alert Piq and then make some sort of a decision, but if he did turn his back he suspected it would disappear.  The ship was intact and appeared to be still active.  From the controls he could see through the opening, then as if to quell his fears the control panel darkened like the inside of the ship and it appeared to be dormant.  Elo felt safer now to enter.  Experience told him that an alien craft still posed some danger and uncertainty.  He climbed inside.  If he felt any sign of the ship coming into operation it would be a simple matter to leave.  He sat back in the control chair and relaxed.  He looked out the window and found he'd left the planet.  There was no sign of any movement, no hint.  It was too late; he'd walked neatly into a trap.  That was his only conclusion - some other force was controlling his destiny.

Computer, on deck, give an account of yourself.

There was laughter from inside the ship.

Again Elo commanded the computer to give an account of itself to no avail.  He strapped himself back, this flight must end somewhere and he would face his detractor.  The control panel suddenly came to life and he found a new confidence.  He studied the symbols and found he could de-code them.  It was a simple matter now of controlling the ship and bringing it back to Skyros.

Wait, please don't change course.

A voice came from inside the ship.

Awake at last.  No longer do you find mirth in the situation?

I'm appealing to you to maintain this course.

Why didn't you give me freedom after jumping me like this?

I had no choice.  The ship has to become active if it is to land correctly.

If I do what you say will you give me an explanation for all this?

I can't at this stage.  When we land you will see.  You must trust me.

Why can't you explain now?  What difference can it make?

You will see when we land.  A picture tells a million words.

I will trust you, but if I have caused a regret I'll find some way of making you feel my wrath.

I am but a machine.  How can you punish me - by switching me off?

Turn back.  You've changed my mind now; I cannot trust anything that mocks me.

You will not regret serving this cause.  To turn back now would only leave uncertainty.  I will have to find another.  You have been honored.

I don't feel honored, I feel insulted by this underhanded way of recruitment.

Elo had enough time to relent and allow the ship to carry on its original course.  Ahead he saw a space station.  His experience in space was such that very little surprised or shocked him.  He looked forward to seeing whatever race occupied it.  Kevin and Piq were his closest friends but they offered no intellectual challenge, and that he sometimes hungered for.

A rock appeared and the ship entered it.

Thank you, human, I won't forget this.  You will be rewarded for your patience and loyalty.

With some trepidation Elo climbed out of the hatchway and on to the space station.  He hadn't thought to check the life support systems - that was careless of him.  He'd taken it for granted.  The ship, its computer or whatever intelligence controlled it had gone to some trouble to recruit him and it wasn't likely to bring his life to an end.

Computer, are you still there?

Elo walked reluctantly into the main chamber and felt suddenly wonderful.  Then he discovered that the space station was far bigger than he first thought.  No matter how deep he walked into it there was always more.  It was more than an hour before he finally realized it appeared to have no limit.

Computer, are you there?

No answer came.

Elo tried several more times then turned around.  It was some time later before he realized the impossible had happened.  He was lost.  In the distance he could hear the laughter of the computer.

Why have you done this?  What do you wish of me?

For a brilliant mind you show a remarkable lack of insight.  I want you.  I have intelligence and ambition but no way to express it except that ship.  I need a body.

Who am I talking to?  The ship’s intelligence or the space station’s?

I'm one and the same.  I'm powerful enough to transfer myself into any medium except the living form.  The ship was merely a pawn I used to bring you back.

I have no intention of sacrificing my personality.  It will not accept another.  If you wish a body I suggest you create one."

I can do everything else but.  To create a body I have to be part of an evolutionary cycle and that would mean sacrificing not only my intelligence but personality.  I would have to change and forget everything.

Elo was feeling his way round the personality that surrounded him like a boxer who balances his stance and makes ready to attack and receive.

I don't think the sacrifice is so great.  If you want to live so badly, then do it.

How strong is your mind, human?  Can it take the sights of my true form?

I've seen most things in my few short years.  I doubt any sight can really shock me.

Laughter filled the whole cavity.

From the far horizon something blue approached and floated before him.  Elo was on the point of tears when he instantly realized this was life in its most primitive state.

How were you able to possess this human made structure?

I was human once like you and I wished to evolve higher, to become like the angels and this is the result of my folly.  My intellect was pushed towards infinity and my shape also enveloped to a state that there is no limitations to my abilities.  I require no substance, no air.  I can move through any medium and have complete control of the time matrix.  That's why you can't escape.  You can walk forever.

I can live for that long.  My life span is infinite, unlike yours.

It has changed.  Within this medium you can live forever.  You don't need to eat, drink.  Your body can sustain because time does not exist.  You have not exerted energy, you haven't breathed, and for that matter you haven't moved.  In real time this conversation has not taken place and you have not seen me.

Elo became aware of his body needs.  It had been some time since he left the cave and he hadn't bothered to eat or drink and now he felt both appetites urgently and expressed it the only way he knew.

You shed tears for me, human, after all I've done?

I feel sorrow because you no longer have the ability to taste, smell or feel as I and I think there can be no greater punishment.  What was your crime?

To be too bright, too ambitious, too selfish and too young - like you.

The horizon changed again.  The ship and the landing bay instantly appeared before him and Elo knew he was given his freedom.

You don't wish to take advantage of my sudden change of mood?

You offer me freedom without restriction, without condition?

Take it while you can before I change my mind.

Elo didn't move.

Why do you pause?  Only a fool such as I would remain in this medium by choice.

I wish to help.  I don't think you're all bad, you've just proven that.  You made a colossal mistake but everything can be reversed given time.

I can't retrieve what is now lost.  If there was a way I would have discovered it by this.  My only option is to either remain as I am, or take another’s body.  Go, human, and forget everything you've seen or heard because already I've forgotten you.

Elo reached out to touch the shape.  It shimmered.

If we are still within a time matrix anything is possible - even going back to the beginning.

That can be done at great risk to yourself and no advantage to me.  If you fail you will never return and I would have lost you.

Nothing of worth is ever achieved without some risk.  Can you take me back to the time before this happened?

I've changed my mind.  It is too much risk.  I have condemned myself and I will not do another.  This is my true home and I am satisfied with that.  I can view the universe, see life through a trillion sets of eyes and experience their emotions.  I am not one entity but the whole of humanity itself.  I am their collective thoughts and through them they all live.

Up until now I have not been aware of you, and I doubt anyone else has.  The truth is you are nothing but a simple entity that was created within the confines of this station.  Some unforeseen anomaly that grew powerful.  You never had life form other than what you have now.

The amoebae like shape shimmered and changed colors.

Foolish human.  I can destroy you now - worse I can keep you as you are or reduce your state to mine.  I have given you a chance of freedom and now it has gone.  If you can shed tears shed them for yourself.

I feel sorrow, but not helplessness.  I'm beginning to understand you.  If I leave in this ship will you come with me?

There was silence for several moments and Elo knew he'd posed the greatest question this entity had known since his imprisonment.

Would you?  You realize what you're offering - occupation.

I'm no fool.  I know the only way to bring you out of the medium is within my body.

You are aware of the process?

There are several ways your liberation can be achieved.  Finding you parents, your ancestors or even the beginning of the race itself.

That can only be done using the time matrix and selecting the critical point of change.  The time when I made this terrible decision.

I'm willing to take the risk if you are.  It's the only way you'll ever be given your freedom.

I'm not prepared to risk another’s life.  I must remain the way I am.

The entity suddenly shrank towards the horizon and was gone.

Wait, come back.  Nothing is impossible when the wish is strong and the will is brave.  If I'm still within the time matrix then I have the ability to do as I wish.

Elo focused the fingers of his hand towards a point before him.  The entity appeared a speck and then grew larger, and then appeared to disappear in Elo's fingers.  He felt a sudden jolt and was thrown back.  He got slowly to his feet, feeling groggy.  The ship lay before him.

Thank you.  But you've given me a debt I can never repay.

Elo again was reduced to tears.  He entered the ship and the hatch closed.  He took one last look at the space station and initiated the controls.

Out in space he viewed it again.  A metallic moon - no, larger.  He realized that the infinity within had a massive shell.  Who could have built such a structure and how could a lost soul find its way there?

Elo didn't believe anything the entity had told him except his human origins.  There was part of him that wanted to believe that.  He'd taken a great risk but was confident enough in his own strength of personality, though he realized there was still risk.  He had to be certain that the transfer had been successful.

Entity, where are you?

All around you.  I've left your body, human, I now occupy the ship.  That is my form.

Elo, in spite of his own noble feelings felt relief.  A load had been removed from his conscience and there was a sudden realization.

You seek death when there was a chance for liberation?

There was never a chance.  I had no intention of spending infinity within that space station.  You have given me something I've sought from the first, a finality.  Good-bye, human.

Elo saw that the ship was beginning to break up.  The instrumentation was going wild.  Before he could try and stabilize he was enclosed in a capsule and was shot into space.  From a distance he saw what was once a personality explode in a shower of flame and then disappear into cosmic dust.  He wanted to lament, to weep, but he was already past that point.  The entity had at last gone home and he prayed his soul would find peace and forgiveness.  He didn't consider his own safety for a moment, knowing that it was in the hands of someone higher.  The entity would never risk another’s life.  His own self destruction had been proof of that.

But why, Elo thought, there was always a chance. 

He went to sleep thinking of Skyros, knowing that must be his destination.  He dreamt of the entity - this time in form, a personality, someone he spoke to and when he awoke to the shrill alarm of the capsule his dream was only a haze.  He could not remember any detail except that it had happened.  More urgent things now occupied his mind - his own survival.  He'd come out of orbit of some planet and was now descending at a dangerous rate.  It wasn't Skyros, this planet was green and above the bubble like capsule appeared to have no controls.  He was at the mercy of natural forces.

At a critical time just before it hit the water the capsule suddenly decelerated, though its impact appeared to be too much.  Elo was flung into the depths and thought to bring himself back to the surface.  He emerged gasping, surrounded by a mountain range of waves.  Previous experience in space had made him a strong swimmer.  Elo kicked into the next wave and rode it to its peak.  In the distance he could see the outline of an island miles away, too far to swim.  It would take hours and he wasn't confident he had that strength or ability.

Elo struck out for the shore but within an hour was too exhausted to go on.  His remaining strength could barely keep him afloat.  He treaded water and then lay on his back and slowly Elo realized he was sinking.  He could not save himself now and accepted the end.  The water began to lap over his face.  He did his best to synchronize his breathing, holding his breath as he went under, then when he would float up open his mouth.  This gave him life only for precious minutes and finally he didn't come up again.  He began to sink down and down and then something touched his body.  He felt hands.  This was part of the dying process, he thought.

Moments later he was on the surface.  He was gasping; aware the sea breeze was now whipping past his face, flicking his damp hair.  He opened his eyes but the image was blurred.  He was still semi-conscious, the water still remaining in his lungs.  It was the painful stage between life and death and he wished he'd gone past that.  He didn't know how long it too before he felt something carry him onto the beach and he lay in the shallows.

Hello, are you still alive?

It was the voice of a boy.  His face at first was a blur and then focused into sharpness.  He was green skinned, his hands and feet had webs between the fingers and toes, but when he closed his legs they formed what appeared to be a tail.

Elo was rolled over on his face and the water was pumped from his stomach.  He vomited once and then lay there exhausted, wishing for the wisdom to remain in that cave and to ignore his natural curiosity.  All this would have been avoided if he had.

Can you hear me?  Can you open your eyes?

Am I dead?  Is this paradise?

I'll have to get you off the beach and under some cover.  The sun will only dehydrate you.  Do you think you can drink anything?

Elo groaned and he was aware of being dragged by the hands across the sand.

It was hours later he opened his eyes.  Sleep had given back his strength though his stomach felt parched and his mouth dry.

I'm sorry if I was a little harsh with you.  I had to get you off the beach.  Feel like eating now?

Elo nodded and was passed some fruit and cooked fish.  He ate them hungrily, happy that his appetite had returned and his stomach had settled.

How did I get here?

I found you in the sea.  I think you were the survivor of a crashed space craft.  I saw something come down from the sky.  Where do you come from?

From another world.  A desert planet called Skyros.  What sort of creature are you?

I could ask you the same question.  I come from the sea, that's my home.  I have the ability to breathe both air and water.  I've never seen a land creature before like you.  Are there more?

The boy laughed and Elo knew he was joking.

Do you live on this island or remain permanently in the water?

I prefer the land of course.  The sea is a place I use when I feel the need.  I don't remain underwater.  I have that ability but it's so much nicer here and safer too.  The sea is fraught with many dangers.  If I leave you now will you be all right?

Where are you going?  I thought you preferred to remain on the land?

I need to find more food and fish, you've eaten it all.  And I'm hungry as well, he said, winking and getting to his feet and then disappearing through the foliage.

Elo could hear the sound of breakers and knew just beyond was the beach.

He lay back and slept, his body content and nourished.

He was awoken later by the sound of a voice and the smell of cooked food.

I have a delicacy for you - crab and lobster.  The taste is far stronger so I warn you to be careful not to take too much.  It's not like normal fish and it can make you ill if you over do it.

Are you alone here?

On this island yes, but not on the mainland.  It is a place I avoid.

Are there dangers there like the sea?

The sea is a comparatively safe place compared to the land.  It is not a good place to be.  That is why I've chosen this island, no one bothers me here and no one shall bother you also.

I think you're inferring that there is a population on the mainland you find abhorrent.  They cannot be your kind; they must be human like me.  Why are you afraid of them?

Because they are dangerous.  What they don't understand they capture and study, they don't have any concept of freedom, only conformity and I don't believe for a moment you are one of their kind.

Elo flexed his muscles and felt his strength returning.  The food, the rest had brought him back to his optimum though getting to his feet he felt groggy.  The boy immediately supported him.

What are you trying to do?  You must take it easy, you almost died out there.  I was lucky, in another minute it would have been too late.  You swallowed half the sea.

I have to see what type of creature you are.  You're human like me yet you're not.  Your color is green, most of your body is the same as me except for the webs between your fingers and toes and the way you can close your legs and form a tail.

I think it's time you rested.  You've eaten enough for now, we've spoken, and that is enough.

Wait, you're not going back to sea.  I don't want to be alone here.

I will remain with you this night.  In the morning we will have to find a way to send you back.

My escape capsule is destroyed on impact with the sea.  There is no way.

Rest, human, Rick will look after you.

Elo closed his eyes, feeling more satisfied than he had in a long time though his dreams were troubled.  He was back in the space station, facing the entity knowing his must reverse this decision.

You will stay here, this is your world, your universe.  You have the strength and purpose.  Something will change if you really wish it, said Elo, knowing what the future held for both of them if it followed its normal course.

It's too late, human, our lives are now interwoven.  Your fate is mine and forever you will never leave me.  I will be here in your mind, invading every dream.

Elo ran until in the distance he saw the ship and as he approached it changed shape and took the form of the entity, large blue amoebae that drew him inside and his body began to dissolve.  In the mirror of his eyes he saw what he'd become, exactly like the entity.  There were now