The Uplift Protocol: In the Beginning

Issue 1: Tarkanan Depths

That Scholar is up to its old tricks. Yes, my husband has her implanted but my intuition tells me this “doctor” will tip the balance. Thoth agrees with me but he has no hold over Tarkanan just yet. I do not care what my husband says now. I will find a way to break Lanis. Then deliver her broken remains to Eliza Murphy.—The All-Mother.

What will undo the evil of this Universe? Living despite fear. Standing fast in the face of the worst it can throw and still offer a hand to your allies. It is natural to fear the dark. It is why we must bring the Light with us.—Sy’ra

If my plans with Lanis fall through I will convert the last vestiges of my soul to the thing growing within my wife. Either way, I will escape the Trap my enemies have set for me. Does Thoth wish my dominion? He may have it. Along with my defective heirs. Tarkanan will not be quick to master. My dear wife only knows what I want her to know. Thus has been the foundation of our Union.—The All-Father.

A piece of my heart was closed off. It was the only way I could focus on the mission before me. In a way, Anna’s constant needling provided a sense of balance that carried me through the survey missions. I knew why Lorian’s mission had to be shielded. Ritark’s part would be just as vital to their survival. So many of us gained abilities by having one foot in each world.—Sleeping in Starlight, a memoir of the 23rd century (vol 7)

Tarkanan

Breeding Pits

March 12th, 2116

Lorain dug her hands into her belt to hide the tremors. What passed for the “medical section” on this planet was abhorrent. A very light touch along her skull reminded her of Ritark’s part in all this. Sy’ra’s expression was open distaste. Everything the Scholar woman did was an outright act of defiance. Lorain watched as Nyx tested the thing growing within the All-Mother. Lanis did not consider that a baby. The way the All-Father observed from the dais enkindled vivid imagery of a snake waiting for someone to take up its offer of an apple. His leg was draped over a throne of grey matted metals. Forged from the remnant ores of this cursed place.

He called out, “So dear Nyx, is it a boy or girl?”

The Keeper glanced at Lanis, her eyes drinking in the mental agony of the Terran’s situation, then she glanced down at the All-Mother. The Typherian’s face was drawn. Her pupils dilated. Nyx stated, “The boy is growing faster than anticipated. Some oddities with the spinal structure.”

The Urraden Mother snapped, “My blood is pure! What non-sense….”

She clamped her mouth shut as the human’s gaze narrowed at the utterance.

*****

Z’tar Urraden forced his wife to speak out loud. Her expression of betrayal was a fine wine to his main course. The baby would be a viable backup plan. Should his primary fail. He would force the doctor to remove the fetus before it could grow enough proper Typherian spinal nodes. He had fresh material he could provide. Complete sampling of his body in its prime. She had rebuilt the stunted material of Ayeer filth. This would be child’s play for the Terran mongrel. He strolled out of the surgical theater, pulling Lanis along by using Sy’ra as a proper leash.

“I know it's not of my body. She ruts about with my mirror. They think I don’t know. How unfortunate for them.” The Scholar said nothing. Her back stiffened. Her features were cold and proud. He smirked at the pitiable defiance. Letting her think each action would prove something. It would be so delicious to see it all burn around her.

He studied the human. That one was coiled tight. Expecting trouble from every corner. The blemishes under her eyes caused him to smile in her direction, “Are your sleeping arrangements adequate my dear?” Lanis said nothing. The All-Father curled his fingers under the woman’s chin. “Answer or the Scholar will suffer for your defiance.”

Lanis grimaced, “Sure. 5-star accommodations.”

Urraden smirked.

“I found a rather interesting anomaly with your “demi” powers. You are quite infertile. Is that why you rut about with the Ayeer mongrel? I bet she is just as compromised.”

Lorain would have tripped but Sy’ra reached out and steadied her.

They were able to connect this because of Ren. Even while her body lived, she never kindled, but your case is very different. Do not trust his observations!

Lorain retorted harshly, “Like I haven’t heard that House talking point.”

It still cut to the heart. She had hoped to have a surrogate but her powers made that impossible. The constant rejuvenation running through her veins prevented certain kinds of growth. From cancer to pregnancy. Her body was constantly resetting itself to optimal settings. She knew it even as the All-Father intoned, “You shall live forever!”

They were guided to the battle halls. Doc stared. Her mind turning in on itself.

I will never die. Everything she loved would turn to dust.

A torturous agony entered her heart: Is that why I am with Eliza? Because she will live longer than most?

Sy’ra’s left hand wrapped around Lanis’ wrist. The Scholar eyed the White Owls leering down from the highest alcoves. Wretched things. Through the Dreaming, she plucked at Lorain’s soul. Guiding it away from emotional cliffs.

This place would not take her.

*****

Ritark watched the Artock fight.

Knowing that Lorain’s feelings didn’t allow her to view things objectively. It was up to him to record information at this junction. He dared not send out any visible signal. That included speech. Even if he was connected to Lorain directly for the moment. He feared that the All-Father would have a way to detect any output. Since they had the mummy as a baseline.

He watched as the All-Father extended his arms, “You think the Artock are our only puppets? How quaint. We let you come here, Doctor. Even if your precious Terran Alliance removed your implants your forces are a mere mote of dust next to the legions we will call forth!”

Ritark’s third eye twitched. The dark mirror network culled souls from other universes! Placing them within the Artock. Placing them within the endless shells. He watched as a dark metallic spider approached, her voice ringing out, “I have done as you asked.”

E’ratha!

*****

Lorain watched as the spindled creature approached. Its brain glowing within the murky brackish waters. Then it spoke. Turing its gray matter to Lorain, “YOU!”

Black arms threaded themselves one inch above Lanis’ heart. E’ratha hissed, “Let me cut her. She will heal anyway!” A small drop of blood ran down those black metallic spikes. The All-Father flicked his wrist and E’ratha floated above them.

“Later. This one is under my auspices for now.”

E’ratha shouted, “That mud monkey stole my DNA archives! I know it!”

Urraden responded, “I will let you have some fun after she has completed my project.”

E’ratha’s appendages swiped at Lorain’s head, “I will give you nightmares you base-born human. Make that face a monument to pain that even your precious Scion mongrel will find disturbing. I'll have Ren mark you! SHE CAN!”

The howling went on for ages.

Lanis’ face remained stone.

I must not give in. Find what makes those mirrors tick!

Edenverse

Survey Sector 1973.34

Javelin Bright Dawn

One month. At least.

During the day it was simple enough to ignore but at night? That place next to me was a stark reminder. I threw on my flight jacket. Looking at the primordial world through the Bright Dawn’s readouts.

Jacob remarked, “Hope we don’t find another White Owl mess with this one.”

Glaive trotted over to me and pressed his head into my hands. <>

I loaded up the shuttle. “I’ll go down first. To get a fresh Dreaming impression.”

We had done this on 12 other planets. From Gas Giants to Earth-likes. No sign of White Owls or Unity corruption. Within the Dreaming? A multi-hued mist. A blank canvas as far as sapient activity. As I descended through the clouds the world below was a red expanse. A literal crimson sea. As I flew I circled an edge of cliffs, bright yellow plants crisscrossed the ground.

White said, “There is life here.”

She was seated next to me. Her tigress form pointed to the sun.

I asked, “Sunbathing?”

She opened one golden eye, “Oh yes. One never knows when we will have actual quiet!”

Her whiskers twitched, “We will find a way to get Lanis back. I promise you.”

My heart lifted momentarily.

Then my dark matter sight locked in on a swirling mass in the distance. I guided the shuttle towards it. Setting down in a field of bright green flowers. Situated on a remote hillock was a mirror of silver. Its glass pulling at me. Unlike the dark mirrors, this one dug into my soul. Filled it with a song that chased away all my darker thoughts.

*****

White kept pace with Eliza. Wondering why this particular area of land engaged her so. Her eyes were locked on the middle horizon. Her hands reaching out before her. White’s gaze narrowed as small slips of energy crackled against Eliza’s palms. Sigils formed on the ground.

She sat. Her mouth agape. “I didn’t think those existed. Yet it must be true!” Hidan’s winged form unfurled in her memory.

“Unity steals every idea it can from that which it hates.” White glanced up.

How much did Black know? How much did she know?

Eliza’s mouth moved, the words torn from her lips, “I know much is at stake but can I at least get a straighter answer from myself!?”

White’s ears flattened against her head at the astringent tone. She couldn’t blame Murphy for it. Knowing that Lanis was in the middle of a snake’s den didn’t help. White kneaded the ground with her massive front paws. “A one-sided conversation.” She circled. The guilt stabbing her at her core. Eliza would probably tell her immediately. Unlike the rest of them. Secrets within secrets. All to preserve more souls. That didn’t stop the heavy feeling dragging her under. Much like the wayward Uplift Protocol, she often questioned how much to hold back, wondering if that was the most suitable response.

The Path Of Ancients

Edenverse

July 12th, 4201

I stared into the Light Mirror. Lorain stuck to my side like a burr that wouldn’t ever let go. She winced as my younger self vented. I took every hit. I remembered how all of it had felt. We were at the main temple of the Three along the old path. Within its hallowed halls of ancient memory was the first network. Mirrors that the Silver Lady and Void Man had cared for. Protected by every facet of the Weave. For only the Highest could see all points of Time.

Lorain reached out to touch the glass. “Can she see me?”

>>No. I can only see myself in these mirrors.<<

Lorain said, “The only time I remember you being this upset was…” She fell silent.

I replied, >> Tarkanan. The Haze. I must pass on these words so Time remains true for Eden.<<

Lorain gripped my arm. Her fingers clawing into my bicep, “You better tell yourself who’s with me or I swear I will drop kick you.” I glanced down at her. Taking a moment to send a very special mental postcard. Her lips quirked.

>>Would you like mustard with that tall stack order?<<

I knew I was stalling. Lorain rested her head against my arm.

“I still wish you could have gone with me. But that’s what they would have wanted.”

*****

I know I was venting. Yelling out all my frustrations at my older self.

Dressed in that burial uniform. “I get it. Gotta keep stuff from the enemy.”

The reflection in the mirror frowned. “Nothing I can say will soothe any feelings of disquiet. Without the context…” I could see it in her face. My face. Was I still trapped by fate? Her eyes darkened. Hidden pain locked away. The weight of her emotions rolled over me. Not pity. Shared determination.

I rested my forehead against the cool glass.

“Context.” The word was ash on my tongue.

White said, “That is a common defense. Older one, when a house is built on secrets, how much should we keep from each other? This is a weight that haunts me.”

The other glanced down, “I know it. The time for secrets is ending.”

She glanced down at something I couldn't see. Her face paling at the words.

Her question bit deeply, “Tell me, if you know the chessboard and the pieces, how would you determine fate? Who wins? Who dies? What souls are lost.”

I retorted hotly, “It seems like I'll be the chess master in all this.”

It was churlish.

Immature yet I indulged for once.

I had never really asked. Always trusted but here was myself. My final self? I didn’t know but she had more context. More answers. If I couldn’t get anything from her who else could I ask?

She responded with, “You are a piece on the board. So is Unity. Tarkanan will fall. Its embers to be collected by Thoth. By the Lord of Chains. The son of Z’tar Urraden. The All-Father of our universe.” She leaned in. Her harsh expression bleeding all rage from me for the moment.

“Do you know how Thoth killed our family within Eliza Odessen’s universe? He cut V’alkor from his mother’s womb. Do you wish to see it? Do you?!” She reached out. Lines blurred.

Screams, maniacal laughter, the pleading of a mother.

I beheld it all. My stomach turned.

I fell to the soft grass. The images sticking with me far more than my current nightmares.

She crouched with me. Our faces were separated by that thin line of glass.

“We are the piece on the board that will protect everyone. So that is why others must go out and work the will of the Highest. So more may live. Survive what is coming. Our brother is a linchpin but you? Rather us. We are the fulcrum. That wind which will change everything.”

Fulcrum? That was a joke. If so I was the most faulty piece in the wheel.

I snarled, “Dexter knows so much more than I do. So does Black. How can I help others evade these traps if I cannot see it?!”

She responded, “Because he will guard the Gate of Death. To ensure Unity’s bloated corpse doesn’t escape its final fate.”

I recoiled. My vision blurred.

My voice rumbled through the mirror, “Those are not tears for others.” The statement hit me like a vise. Digging into my brain. What would people think if they saw me now? Crying out into the Void with self-pity.

White’s understanding cut through everything, “If anyone should get a moment to vent it’s you Captain Murphy.” I wiped away my tears. Lorain didn’t need my moping. She needed a parachute when the time came. To get out of that place would be hard enough. Even with Sy’ra’s help.

*****

Doc’s boot firmly launched itself into my hindquarters.

“Keep your promise!” Her tone was half-serious. She hadn’t realized at the time how much her absence had affected me. I rose from my crouch. Watching as my doppelganger of time reflected and collected herself. The shame twisting through us both. We existed on many levels. Thanks to the Highest. To Convergence. To Unity.

The Vigil remained.

My final moves had yet to be made.

You’d think dying and coming back would be the masterstroke move. Nope.

Sentinel’s voice filled my mind, >>Not all those who wander are lost. They just need a good kick from time to time!<<

I leaned in closer to the mirror, “Doc isn’t alone. Sy’ra is there and will be able to help. She is a Dream Weaver. She has seen many corridors while suspended within the All-Father’s domain. Even now she plots with Lorain. Ritark is with them. His heritage mirrors our own.”

She rose. Floating a few inches off the ground, “Ritark? Thank god. I didn’t think any of the Redeemers would be able to…”

She rubbed her face. “I’m an idiot. A heartsick blind idiot.”

Lorain tugged on my ear. “And?” Her eyes were locked on my younger image.

I squared my shoulders, “You will join the Terran fleets assaulting Tarkanan.”

*****

My fists clenched, “I know a but when I hear it.”

My older self pinched the bridge of her nose.

“Indeed. When all you can hear is static. The Haze of battle. Remember what you stand for. What Lorain would want you to do at that moment.”

I froze. Considering the words.

*****

Lorain watched as resolve filled through those lost innocent eyes.

The past and future all melding together to create a new dynamic.

The mirror shifted. Silver Defender Murphy relayed one last message, “We will see each other again. Ith’aria will need the matrix from the Tower of the Lidless. It resides along the Path. That is part of your future. Set’s disease will prove to be an inoculation against something else.”

The illumination of the old hall dissipated. The moonlight overhead, glittering through the plexiglass domes, shrouded Eliza’s features for a moment. Then faint blue orbs swirled around them. Eliza rose two feet into the air. Taking Lorain with her. When Murphy opened her eyes once more, they gleamed with silver radiance. “What color are they now? First, it was cosmic yellow, then Starstuff made my eyes the green within green….”

Lorain reached up to brush a lock of brown hair away from Eliza’s cheek.

“Well considering your Defender status….”

From the archway, Gulliver looked on, <>

Trouble waddled closer. The chamber filled with the soft glow of the Weave.<>

Gulliver said, <>

Edenverse

Earth, Swiss Alps

March 14th, 2116

Ren paced about this apartment.

Did Murphy live like this? It was spartan. A few pictures but it carried no touch. No mental impressions or life-bearing echoes. She picked up one of the pictures. Old wooden frame. It hit her senses. That had a spark of the old life. She brushed her thumb against the photo. Lanis’ mother had black hair. The father’s eyes. Yet no echoes came from the picture. She ran it through the scanner.

It was legitimate. She frowned. Her skin coiling about her face like a parody.

She knew that the museum wouldn’t have all the personal details. She replaced the photo. Plastering a smile on her face as J’ino and J’dax entered.

*****

E’taria returned the fake smile. The monster had been so focused on finding out about Eliza she never realized that everything planted here about Doc was so far off base that it would send ripples back to Murphy about how fake the “replacement” was. Her brother, Mi’tan raised an eyebrow, “We have a situation that could use your expertise Dr. Lanis.” They never used Lorain’s nickname. Another sign that the Mummy never truly cared about mastery. Just enough to think she was fooling imbeciles. They would let her think she was infiltrating Alliance areas. They even gave her implants that would load her with falsified information. That had just enough kernel of truth.

E’taria waved Ren towards the transport.

They had four other planted sleeping quarters for her to “leech” from.

The final trial would be aboard the Jupiter Rising. The ship would record what it could of the Mummy’s biosignature. Down to the last hair follicle. If she had any real hair.

>>Cousin, how’s Victor?<<

J’ino’s bright reply soothed E’taria’s frayed nerves for a moment.

>>Walking upright and very adventurous. <<

With J’ino having one child in womb suspension they didn’t want this vampire husk anywhere near her. So E’taria continued the ruse.

She asked J’ino, >>So, what’s your favorite Earth food?<<

>>Pancakes. Why?<<

E’taria grinned, >>I love sushi.<<

A thin line of disgust ran through the Family's mental nets.

>>If that’s the case, eat the crab legs too. That will tell Eliza something is horrendously wrong.<<

*****

I linked back to mom. Of everyone in the family, I could hear her mental voice anywhere.

>>Ma, encounter any stories about mirrors in Typherian folklore. Ones that can cross the boundaries of time and space.<<

I watched INet feeds through Bright Dawn’s relays as I waited. Doc’s cover/body swap was something else. Robotic was the politest way I could put it. I don’t think I could even fake hugging her. I shuddered. White rumbled, “Considering your luck with mirrors….”

She swatted at my other hand. I had told her everything from that episode. I didn’t have to say anything to Gwen or Anna. Spilled the beans to Grandma as well. Anna’s reply had been quite serious.

“Sometimes to know the future or any possibility is to be trapped by it.”

Her visions of my brother and my enslavement.

Grandma Murphy had been blunter, “Kiddo, not even I’d want to know what would be in store. Life should be full of surprises. Go with your gut!”

Mom got back to me, >>The Isle of Ikaris Solundra. I'll send the file over.<<

She sent a mental picture of Victor. Cute as a button.

Nearly one already. Time flew.

I would give him a world free of Unity.