Human Time Line

Updated Sunday 15 May, 2011 12:18 PM

Human Time Line

Book Four -The Renascent Epoch of Mankind

Chapter 3 And Then There Was Light

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The initial success of stage one of Operation Archangel made the Elysium Union (EU) over confident. Up until now, the SSS had been very careful with their dealings with others in the Elysium universe. But all that had changed when a Union Explorers Agency (UEA) clandestine team had discovered the real activities of the Apparitions. Soon the EU found themselves at war, albeit a secret one, with a powerful non-corporeal enemy. Although the battles took place in another universe, it was as dangerous, if not more so, than any previous conflict.

This feeling of danger, however, evaporated quickly when it became apparent that the Apparitions were not as powerful as first believed. The success of the Guardian units brought great confidence. Soon all thoughts of retaliatory action by the Apparitions against the EU in the Elysium universe were soon forgotten. Most now thought that any attack by the Apparitions against them would meet with the same result as had been the result in the real time & space universe. Only a handful argued otherwise: their concerns were basically ignored.

The Apparitions "hunting" parties, however, continued to crossover to the real time & space universe. These, as previously, were intercept by the Guardians. But as the numbers of missing Apparitions continued to raise dramatically, it did not take long before the Apparitions realised something was amiss. By completely changing their strategy, the Apparitions ceased their "hunting" missions & commenced scouting operations instead. Although these parties did not have the skills of their equivalent UEA clandestine teams, they nevertheless discovered what was taking place.

Within a few scouting missions, information came back to the Apparitions clearly documenting the secret war. Reports of powerful non-corporeal specie units were deliberately intercepting any Apparitions, regardless of mission profile, by engaging them in battle. The enemy was so powerful, that even the strongest of the Apparitions had little chance of survival. Out side of this information, however, nothing was known of the entities motivation let alone their origins.

The Apparitions were not the only ones reporting back from the war front. The Guardians & UEA clandestine teams were, likewise, constantly sending back reports for the UEA analysts to go over. It was not long before it was noticed that the Apparitions "hunting" parties had stopped & that an organised defence was now taking place. Furthermore, it was noticed with some alarm that, after battle commenced, some Apparitions were able to flee the battle & crossover back to the safety of the Elysium universe. It could only be concluded that these escapees would report to the rest of the Apparitions the war that was being waged against them.

Both the UEA clandestine teams spying on the Apparitions in the Elysium universe, & the Guardians in the real time & space one, reported an increase in numbers of Apparitions who were prepared to fight it out. Soon the Guardians were outnumbered by up to ten to one. These odds were clearly working against the Guardians & a number of Guardians were killed in the battles that followed. Furthermore, some Guardians had their life force energy taken from them by the Apparitions.

Horrified as the EU became by these reports, such success, albeit rare, excited the Apparitions into a frenzy. Soon Gabrielle was forced to send more & more Guardians to supplement & reinforce those already in the real time & space universe. Although this brought Guardian numbers up to the point where the advantage was once again with the EU, it meant that only a skeleton defence could be arranged for the Elysium universe.

As it became clear that the fortune of the war had changed direction, the Assembly began debating the issue. Once again Lucifer denounced the "war party" by declaring that the war would bring destruction "… not only on ourselves, but also upon our ancestors across the Vale. The Apparitions, it has become well known, have tasted our souls. Once they discover who & where we are, they will come."

It was a statement that rang true with many. It became even more poignant when UEA clandestine team X-ray reported back that, apart from the occasional incident, the great majority of Apparitions had not fed or shared life energy for some time. There were clear signs of the beginnings of specie wide ill health. Lucifer took this as proof that "… at some point in the near future, the Apparitions will come looking for food. This will mean universal Armageddon for the Elysium universe".

Even though the likes of Michael tried to calm down the rhetoric of Lucifer, it was an impossible task. This job became even harder when word came in, from the real time & space universe, that the Apparitions had suddenly ceased all activity. As if on cue, Team X-ray reported that they had been discovered & were under attack. The entire EU community could experience the battle - the first time for many of them of the war. All felt the horrendous terror as the Apparitions ripped the life force energy from the UEA personnel. The pain was unspeakable. The terror, fear & above all the emptiness that followed, was even more so. Soon it was over for the members of Team X-ray. But for everyone else it had merely began.

Plans

The Apparitions now knew that their enemy shared the same universe as themselves. Of all the questions that the Apparitions had wondered about their enemy, at least this one had been answered. And this one was probably the most important on the list. Why their enemy attacked them was not really known, although the leading theory was something along the lines of acting as a protector. This would not be the first time that an Ancient race befriended a Junior one, but there appeared to be more to it than that.

Whatever the reason was, it did not matter in the long run. This new enemy had stopped them feeding & without feeding the Apparitions could not survive. It would now mean that the Apparitions would have to feed elsewhere. And that meant feeding upon more advanced creatures. This was a unfortunate because it meant they would have to do their feeding in the Elysium universe, unless a portal to another universe was discovered. This last option was highly unlikely.

Furthermore, in the final analysis, feeding in the Elysium universe meant risking a massive war. It also meant, now that they knew that their powerful non-corporeal enemy was also in the Elysium universe, that their activities & above all their location was obviously known. The discovery of a small group of spies told them that as a fact. Yet the life energy force of this enemy was the most powerful & satisfying ever encountered. Plus the Apparitions had succeeded in defeating them - well the spy team at least. Yet the ttemptation to go after their enemy & risk everything was enormous.

As the Apparitions made their plans against the EU, the Assembly continued to debate what to do next. The first decision was the recall of all Guardian units from the real time & space universe. Only UEA clandestine teams would continue to patrol there & call in Guardian units when required. Although this meant giving the initiative to the Apparitions, it appeared the only alternative. For their part, the Guardian units began patrolling EU "territory" until a plan of action was finalised by the Assembly.

Gabrielle argued that "… before we do anything, the Guardian numbers must be doubled. A militia must also be formed so that we have a substantial reserve to help with defence. As the last few encounters have demonstrated, the Apparitions have dramatically improved their battlefield capabilities."

Few in the Assembly disagreed with Gabrielle. Having experienced the loss of Team X-ray, everyone knew what type of horrific encounter that could await them all. The main problem, however, that was evident in the Assembly debates, was what should the EU do next. Some wanted to flee, some wanted to take the fight to the Apparitions, while others wanted the Apparitions to come to them. This issue could not be settled, but at least the Assembly agreed that clandestine surveillance had to continue.

Although Gabrielle understood the need to know what the Apparitions were up to, he also thought sending UEA clandestine teams to spy on the Apparitions foolhardy. Having discovered Team X-ray, once considered the best team, Gabrielle at first refused to send a replacement. Now he was ordered to do exactly that. His instructions to the new team, Team Beta, was simple: "Keep your distance & take off if discovered. No heroics."

Joan, the team’s leader, was to take the team’s instruction to heart. It was just as well. Barely had Team Beta arrived to commence operations, when a large force of Apparitions challenged them. Team Beta immediately retreated, but not directly towards EU "territory". Using a wide circular route, Team Beta took their pursuers on a long trip through the Elysium universe. It was only after it became clear that the Apparitions had given up pursuit, was when Team Beta headed home. In a way it was a successful mission. The UEA & Guardian planners learnt that the Apparitions were alert, ready for battle & capable of discovering any SSS spying on them. Although it would mean that the Apparitions could not be spied on as previously, it also meant that the EU would soon have to fight.

Still the Assembly argued the proper response. The experience of Team Beta only furthered the diverse views on the matter. Ironically, it was the Apparitions themselves that forced the matter. Having chased Team Beta across half of the Elysium universe, they began to realise that several corporeal species occupied areas within striking distance from Apparitions "territory". Some were vaguely familiar to them, while others were new. The Apparitions party also noted that several non-corporeal species were likewise in this region.

After several clandestine operations of their own, the Apparitions made a number of conclusions. The first was that their, until yet, unnamed enemy was not one of the non-corporeal species in their "neighbourhood". Furthermore, all of these non-corporeal species were at least as powerful as themselves & therefore the risk of defeat was too great if they attacked them. Leaving them alone was best option.

The next conclusion was somewhat disheartening for the Apparitions. No evidence whatsoever was discovered as to the location of the enemy. Even though the Apparitions were able to keep in touch with the spy team for a considerable amount of time, eventually they lost contact. A search of the area found nothing except the location of a corporeal specie that operated an enormous artificial city whose population reached 3 billion citizens. Clearly this was not the location of, or connected with, their enemy.

The final conclusion was a result of the previous two. The corporeal specie that operated the artificial city had more than enough souls available for harvest. In fact this civilisation had enough numbers to ensure survival of the Apparitions for some considerable time. Further analysis indicated that some contact had been made with this corporeal civilisation in the distant past. But the information indicated no or little danger for the Apparitions. The recommendation was attack.

Battle

It was as peaceful as usual for the Ongoum as they went about their business. The citizens of the artificial city were, thus, somewhat surprised when proximity alarms began sounding everywhere warning the population of the approach of a non-corporeal specie. Although everyone was concerned, no one panicked. The military went about their duties as second nature. Soon energy fields, weapons & response groups were all online. And it was just in time.

The first wave of the Apparitions hit the defence shields, unaware that the Ongoum were waiting for their attack. Although a few were killed by the shields, most survived & alerted the rest of the situation. Soon the first wave, along with the second, began to reconnoitre the defence shields in order to discover a weakness. While this was taking place, the Ongoum were able to scan their attackers. When an identification was finalised, the Ongoum finally felt fear. A fear of the most hideous evil creature that dwelt in the Elysium universe. And one that was out for their very souls.

Battle was given. The Apparitions was somewhat surprised at first when the Ongoum weapons were able to fire at them! Furthermore, even though the Apparitions were supposed to be invisible to the Ongoum, after a short stay within the proximity of the great city, they were clearly visible. An even more disturbing revelation was that the weapons of the Ongoum were extremely powerful: powerful enough to thoroughly atomise, in other words kill, them.

It soon became clear, however, that even with all the extremely advanced technology that the Ongoum had, including their powerful weaponry, it was not enough. Immediately the Ongoum sent out calls for help. On every known frequency that other civilisations used in the Elysium universe was utilised. But as in the past, none of the other civilisations answered their cries of help - none except the EU.

As the Assembly was still in stalemate over the future pursuit of the war, the distress call from the Ongoum arrived. The Apparitions had made their move & it was against one of the civilisations that they considered to be a friend. Without hesitation, Gabrielle replied indicating that the EU would come with everything that they had. Lucifer & others demanded that Gabrielle’s reply be withdrawn, but he refused demanding a vote. It was, in many respects, a fait accompli, as Guardian units upon hearing Gabrielle’s words headed immediately towards the besieged Ongoum city. These actions were, thankfully, authorised as the Assembly voted to support Gabrielle’s actions.

By the time the Guardians had reach the Ongoum, the defenders were in a dreadful & desperate state. Numerous breeches had been achieved by the Apparitions in the defences, even though they had suffered heavy casualties for their efforts. Nonetheless, the "feeding" had began, & with each victim, the Apparitions had grown stronger. The Guardians, however, took advantage of the distraction of the fighting & feeding & surprised the Apparitions.

Thousands of them were slaughtered before they became aware of the Guardians presence. Soon, though, desperate battles between the non-corporeal beings took place. The Apparitions, to their failing, began to ignore the Ongoum & concentrated on the Guardians. This suited the defending Ongoum fine as they blasted away. Soon the Apparitions found themselves in a deadly cross-fire. Their rear flank was totally undefended against the Ongoum, while the Guardians attacked frontally. It was a massacre.

Aftermath

Sadly some 4 million Ongoums had perished during the defence of their great city. Most were victims of the "feeding". Needless to say, the celebrations were rather belated. Nonetheless, the Guardians were held in high regard for answering the Ongoum’s desperate call for help. If the SSS had not intervened when they had, then the Ongoum’s would have ceased to exist. Some may have survived, but their civilisation would have certainly ended.

Having said that, the Ongoum began to ask around why the Apparitions had suddenly attacked. The unwritten rule in the Elysium universe was that conflict was outlawed. Although this was not written down in any treaty or constitution, it had become well known & above all observed by everyone; regardless of their "natural" behaviour. Now the Apparitions had broken that rule. None of the civilisations submitted a reply except the EU.

The EU, even though they knew the whole truth, suggested that it had something to do with the failure to crossover. Due to the fact that the Apparitions had to feed on life energy or finally become extinct, they had decided to feed on weaker species in the Elysium universe. This appeared to be a reasonable theory, but the Ongoum suspected, that an enormously powerful civilisation like the EU, probably knew more about the attack than they divulged. They certainly did not suspect that it was a result of a clandestine war between the EU & the Apparitions.

Not all of the Apparitions were destroyed at Ongoum city. Small groups, survivors of much larger formations, scattered in all directions. Not knowing what to do, any organised counter-attack was impossible. And they were not to get much reprieve. When the Assembly had became convinced that the EU & the Ongoum were not under threat of another attack, a counter offensive was permitted to commence. This was not a popular move, but it was well understood that the remanding Apparitions could not be allowed to recover from their disaster at Ongoum city & begin a guerrilla campaign against the Ongoum & the EU.

Soon Gabrielle & Michael had organised mixed search & destroy units that combined UEA Clandestine & Guardian personnel. These combined units soon became operational & began hunting the surviving Apparitions. In response, the Apparitions dispersed even more & not only throughout the Elysium universe. Several crossed over into the real time & space universe, where several of these took advantage of existing in the space-time continuum at various periods of time.

It did not take long, though, for curious inquiries to come in from other civilisations. Due to the hundreds of search & destroy teams patrolling the Elysium universe, other civilisations started to become concerned. Rumours had spread from Ongoum city about a pitched battle, involving the Ongoum & SSS on one side, & the Apparitions on the other. Although few of the other Elysium civilisations cared for the Apparitions, in fact most were glad to see them gone, they nonetheless concerned themselves about the violation of the "no conflict" protocol. This was further evident by the patrols conducted in "neutral" territory, by the UEA mixed units, that were obviously not explorer teams.

Debate in the Assembly was troublesome. Concern now lay with possible recrimination from other Elysium civilisations over the EU’s violation of the "no conflict" protocol. No one really had an answer, although the Assembly did agree to cease all search & destroy missions. The recall orders went out immediately & all UEA units involved acknowledged their orders & returned. But as is always the case in war, not every unit could be contacted in time.

Breaks in communications has always been a problem at the best of times &, although for the SSS it was not as substantial as in earlier historical periods, those units in the real time & space universe could not be contacted immediately. Furthermore, due to the fact that these teams were scattered over numerous time periods meant that a long & laborious process had to take place before the recall order finally got through.

Birth

The UEA mixed team Alpha-Charlie One was on the trail of a group of slippery Apparitions. Every time Alpha-Charlie was able to track them down, the Apparitions were able to pull some stunt or manoeuvre & get away. This group of Apparitions were also rather healthy which indicated that they were able to feed when not being pursued. This made them strong. It also gave the members of Alpha-Charlie good reason to chase them to the ends of the universe if need be.

The actions of Alpha-Charlie One, in pursuing this group of Apparitions, meant that they were impossible to track down. In frustration, Gabrielle resorted to sending ten UEA clandestine teams after them in a vane attempt to issue Alpha-Charlie with the recall orders. None of the clandestine teams, however, were successful. But as accidents often shape the advance of history, it was just as well.

Alpha-Charlie One once again tracked down the Apparitions whilst they were feeding on the pre-Ancients planet Essence, of all places, some 1.5 million years BC (according to the Human calender). They had taken their full & thus were at their most dangerous. Aware of this, Alpha-Charlie’s commander Lilth approached Essence with caution. It was partly in hoping to take the Apparitions by surprise & was partly to ensure that a trap was not waiting for them. Alpha-Charlie had already lost two members because of a previous trap & Lilth was determined to avoid further losses.

Even with such a cautious approach, the Apparitions were alerted to the approaching UEA mixed unit. But unlike previous successful escapes, Alpha-Charlie was able to track the Apparitions escape. In a dangerous procedure known as skimming, the Apparitions were able to crossover to the Elysium universe, skim its periphery, & then re-enter the real time & space universe at a different time & place. In the same fashion, Alpha-Charlie followed.

Both arrived before the dawn of time. The real time & universe only existed in a small globe of white matter. Everything else was empty. It was as foreign & disturbing as anything experienced by the members of Alpha-Charlie on any previous occasion. But they were not here for sight seeing or exploration, they were here to give battle. Before the Apparitions could try another escape route, they knew that they were trapped. Battle between the gods thus commenced.

It was somewhat comic that the battle appeared to dance around a extremely powerful ball of light. Creatures would dive this way or that trying to avoid a burst of deadly energy, while trying to do the same to their opposite number. Combatants fell in the melee on both sides. Yet it was near the end when the accident took place. Just as the last Apparition was hit with a weak blast of energy, it lost control & spun into the ball of light that was to be the future universe.

Immediately, the ball that had been stable for an unknown periods of eons, began a chain reaction. The four survivors of Alpha-Charlie barely escaped the enormous explosion that followed. In fascination they kept a safe distance as they witnessed the birth of everything. Lilth joked that "I bet there’ll be a few annoyed comrades in the Explorer Division!".

Uriel, upon learning of Alpha-Charlie’s battle & the significant consequences, would comment: "It is totally ironic, & at the same time disconcerting, that a creature who feed on the very life force of creation was also its creator. No wonder things are the way they are!"

On to Chapter 4

This creative work is the property of David Mark Atwell.

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