Chapter Two
It is upon the last day of the conference, after traveling a great distance from the high country of Maas, that two brothers arrive. The majority of their journey has been upon foot and upon the backs of Gundalin, a particularly ill tempered, horse-like beast that no one has much use for. Those from Maas who do use the Gundalin, use them only for hill travel because of their exceptionally good sense of balance over all but the steepest of terrains.
Having no face in the conventional sense, the front of their head is flat and featureless; composed entirely of protoplasm which ripples constantly with the colors of the rainbow. The people from Maas are unlike any other upon Eschtalon; for they communicate telepathically, have the ability of flight, telekinesis, and energy generation. Some of the local pundits have even speculated that the people from that particular region were not even from Eschtalon. But whether they were or not, one thing is certain, they are a very old and long lived race, perhaps as old as the Machines themselves. A small body of evidence which has been accumulated over the course of time indicates to some degree, that it is more than likely that those from Maas and the Machines have some type of connection, be it mental, physical or a combination of both.
The early attempts at contacting the Machines yielded no information or facts to help the people, save one. Upon returning from their attempts at contact, each party reported seeing evidence of Maas' activity, or actually seeing small parties of three to five Maas moving throughout the barren wastes of Machine land. Attempts at contact proved futile; for when the people's representatives arrived where the Maas should have been, they simply weren't.
Having found not one candidate that could survive the Testing Chamber The Grand Conference of the Choosing is now nearing its conclusion. The people's mood; grim. They reason that since no one has survived the chamber, their desire for change must not have been truly genuine. Many leave, saddened by their failure. It is in this atmosphere of despair, in the gathering gloom of the final day of the conference, that two brothers from Maas walk into the mostly vacant hall.
"I am Vashdon and my brother is Lazarous. We have come far to submit ourselves to the council for testing," says Vashdon, his "voice" echoing in the minds of the few people which remain.
"You are welcome here, Vashdon and Lazarous. Please, come forward and confirm to the council that you are here to undergo the Testing Chamber with the full knowledge of the possible consequences."
The two brothers advance and acknowledge that they are well aware of the dangers before them.
"Very well, your suitability shall be determined in the Testing Chamber. But in all honesty I must tell you that no one has survived the Chamber."
"We understand and are prepared for that eventuality," says Vashdon with a bow.
"Very well," continues the deep voiced man who is obviously in charge. "Considering the importance of our task, I propose that we begin immediately.....if that is acceptable to you both."
"It is, sir."
The brothers are led into the massive structure that is the Testing Chamber. It is there that their bodies will be subjected to intense stresses and pressures; for those in charge of the conference believe that they will need what the Chamber provides to make contact with the Machines once again.
With a quiet whoosssssssssssssh hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm the massive door swings slowly shut. A quiet but solid cha-thunk hearlds the door's massive lock engaging.
The huge door of the chamber now separates the two from the outside. Almost instantly the two brothers can feel the power of the chamber begin to flood through them, threatening to rip apart the very fabric of their physical and mental being. Both collapse seconds after the testing begins; their telepathic screams of pain echoing throughout the chamber.
For the two brothers the three hours of agony which follow seem as if it shall never end ........
As the massive door slides oh so quietly open, the council's hopes for Eschtalon disappears; for they find both brothers unmoving upon the floor. When no pulse is Detected those of the council quickly conclude that their last hope for their world has just died.
Upon hearing the terrible news the gathered people loose all hope and turn toward their homes both distant and near ….. "Weeee ….. are ….. alive….." echoes the ghostly voice within the minds of each person. The crowd freezes, turns and rushes back toward the massive hall where they are greeted by the beaming council members.
"They are both alive," they shout. "See," they gleefully proclaim as they wildly gesture towards the two smallish figures which sit slumped in two chairs near the chamber.
"They are both alive," they joyfully shout once again.
Knowing that the only things which had saved their lives this day were their peculiar race and its long relationship with the Machines, the brothers wave weakly to the crowd and silently thank their lucky stars for both.
Word of the brother's survival spreads slowly to all corners of Eschtalon. And in due time the whole of the planet knows of this most important of events. Hope once again springs to life amongst the people of this depressed world.
Chapter Three
As more and more people hear the good news the celebrations spread, lasting well into the next year.From their recovery room, the two brothers rest and, "talk" with the council about what course of action they believe would be best. After several days of on again off again talks, an agreement consisting of three parts is finally reached.
The first portion of the agreement consists of a short address to as many people as possible in hopes that what is said would eventually be relayed around the planet. The second portion of the agreement consists of a period of several weeks or months in which the two brothers will practice and develop the powers which they now have. (Unbeknownst to everyone involved, the two brothers already had the powers which the council thought to be so important. The chamber merely served to bring them to the fore in greatly amplified form.) And lastly, they will actually try to once again contact the machines. If and when that is successful, the two brothers are then to open a dialogue with the Machines and act as mediators between them and the Council of Eschtalon.
Those that are lucky enough to "hear" the brother's brief "talk" are certain for the rest of their lives, that it was at that moment that Eschtalon actually turned the corner into a new age.
The next morning the two brothers are taken under heavy guard to a massive complex which is isolated from the rest of Eschtalon. It is within this complex, constructed eons ago to the Machine's specifications, that the brothers are to begin their training in the use of their "new" powers.
The process which the two brothers had undergone within the chamber yielded astonishing results; for the techs at the facility quickly discover that their abilities have been greatly magnified. As a result of these increased abilities the two brothers began to notice a distinct change in the manner in which the staff relates to them.
As time passes and the word of how powerful the brothers have become spreads, the fear that they can sense also grows. People begin to avoid them, the fear upon their faces easily discernable.
"Do you sense it, Vashdon?"
"I do indeed. These people have become very fearful of us; as they should, my brother," comes the slightly imperious reply.
"You must realize that that attitude does not become you. We volunteered for this; volunteered to help this world, my brother."
"Yes ..... I know, Lazarous," replies Vashdon. And for the first time in his life, Lazarous can no longer clearly read his brother's mind. It was as if Vashdon had somehow clouded it.
"Very well, brother Lazarous, let us go and reassure these people. To convey to them that our only intent is to render our aid and that there is no reason to fear us."
Calling everyone at the complex together the two brothers hold an extended meeting in hopes of putting everyone's fears to rest. Many questions are asked and answered in the candid session. As the day draws to a close the staff is once more at ease around the brothers. The week following the meeting the administrator of the facility contacts Eschtalon's ruling council and informs them that, remarkably, the brothers are ready to attempt contact with the Machines.
Chapter Four
Two days later the brothers stand before the council, their instructions arguably the most important that that body has ever issued. They are to convey the people's great sorrow for their past and their determination to make amends for it. And lastly they are to ask the Machines what the people must do to have the Quantum Plain re-opened. That night the brothers find sleep elusive as they toss and turn; for what they begin the next day shall be monumental in scope, reshaping the planet's destiny for eons to come.
New Quantum's star burns brightly as Vashdon and Lazarous lift into the crisp, early morning air and head North, deep into Machine Territory. During their overflight of the rugged terrain they use their telepathic abilities to "scan" the massive forms far beneath them.
Five, long, hard days later they find what they have been seeking. The slightest of power ripples in the distance draws Vashdon's attention first. Lazarous is quick to confirm what his brother has felt. At long last they had finally discovered what they had been seeking. Although many miles still lay between them and their destination they are now certain that their goal, The Observer, lay somewhere in the seemingly endless wastelands which stretch before them.
It is this machine, chosen at the dawn of Eschtalon's Dark Time, that would retain contact with the world about it; relaying its observations and impressions of Eschtalon and its people to the other Machines through dreams within their neural net. It is this machine which shall be the interface between the people of Eschtalon and the rest of the Machines.
Side by side they fly Northward; their journey carrying them over thousands of the black, dormant machines; many well over one hundred miles in length. The energy signature which they have been tracking is strong now, drawing them toward what they assume to be an immature machine.
"This is puzzling, brother."
"Indeed, Vashdon. One would think that The Observer should be one of the older, larger Machines."
"That would be my assumption as well, Laz. But the Machine which we see in the distance is the one which we seek; of that I am certain."
They land softly, quietly, almost reverently by the Machine's side. A brief survey of the massive entity quickly tells them that its age is immense, far surpassing that of the other Machines upon this world. Knees grow weak, threatning to send the brothers crashing to the ground. They lean against a nearby rock in a vain attempt to control the shaking which threatens to engulf them; for they now realize that they are in the presence of The Ancient One Himself.
A legend shrouded by the mysts of time races through their minds. It is said by the old ones of their race that all of the Machines upon this planet had arisen from a single Machine; a Machine which had arrived at the dawn of Creation upon a still molten world. As they stare in awe at the Machine, neither finds the powers which the chamber had amplified within them necessary; for a simple touch of its surface is all that is required. Historically the people of Maas had always been close to the Machines but what the brothers experience now is entirely different and quite wonderful; for it is as if they have been "blind" their entire lives and could now "see" for the first time. Neither is prepared for what transpires next.
Anticipating a lengthy discussion they receive the shock of their lives; for Within the span of mere seconds, give or take a nanosecond or two, there is a complete exchange between themselves and the machine: and then their understanding is complete.
The origin, history, development and arrival of the machines are chronicled. Where the brother's unique race had originated and how they had arrived on Eschtalon is also given. The planet's history floods through the brother's eager minds.
Not only can they feel the sense of community which the machines had at first felt, they also feel their extreme loneliness; for they were the only life upon this vast world. The brothers watch the eons of time pass .....
At long last other life appears. The great Machine allows them to experience the elation which all of the Machines had felt when organic life had first appeared. As that life developed in all of its great diversity it was constantly studied; every aspect of it cataloged, and remembered.
More time passes. Intelligent life arises. The beings of this world develop and mature over countless millennia. The Machines confer and decide. The people which inhabit Eschtalon have matured sufficiently. They are now ready to receive and wisely use the knowledge and technology which the Machines can provide.
"We were correct for a brief time," says the Ancient One, a bit of sadness tinging His powerful voice. "Unfortunately the people's greed and need for power destroyed our trust in them. That is when we decided that they no longer deserved our help. That is when I closed the Quantum Plain."
"That is precisely why we have been sent here," they reverently begin. "We are to convey to you the people's profound sorrow and regret for how they perverted your help in the past; committing horrendous crimes against peoples upon other worlds just to maintain their power and influence. They humbly ask for another chance. They wish us to convey that any conditions which you may deem appropriate shall be acceptable to them; for they truly wish to make amends for the past. Their attitude has indeed changed; Ancient One."
The flow of thought abruptly ceases. The two puzzled and worried brothers can do nothing. Is that all, they wonder? Or is the machine simply considering their proposal. They decide that their best course of action is to simply maintain physical contact and wait ..... Two hours later, to the second, contact is suddenly re-established.
"After careful consideration of your proposal, within the context of my own observations of course, I find that your request is acceptable to me. However, I have three stipulations which I shall make. And these are non-negotiable," says the Ancient One, his voice betraying the gravity of his requirements.
"The first appears to have been met. The people do appear to be sincere in their desire for change; in their desire to leave the evil of their past behind them.
Secondly, a symbolic break with the past must be achieved; must be evident not only to those upon this world but also to those which dwell amongst the star. To this end this planet shall no longer be known as Eschtalon; for this name represents a bloody past which is no longer acceptable. Therefore, with the exception of the history data banks, the name Eschtalon shall no longer be spoken or seen upon this world. From this day forward this planet shall be known as New Quantum. This name shall mean honor and justice to all which hear it. And those who dwell upon this place shall become known as the guardians of freedom and justice for the other worlds."
And lastly, an academy is to be established upon New Quantum. Its purpose; the education and training of young men from this world. This training shall be rigorous and thorough. And we the Machines reserve the right to intervene in this training, at any time which we believe appropriate. It is during this time that the students shall be given and taught to use abilities and powers which they shall need upon the worlds where they are stationed. Upon arrival at their duty station it shall be their responsibility to protect and serve that planet's inhabitants to the best of their ability.
The school shall be known as The New Quantum Academy. Each graduate is to be called a Quantum Man. Their assignments shall be quite dangerous and ultimately cost the lives of many of the graduates. These are my conditions," concludes the Ancient One sternly. "Do you accept them?"
"The people of New Quantum accept your conditions with gratitude. We shall strive to the best of our abilities to meet your expectations, Ancient One," says Vashdon with a bow.
"Very well. This day an agreement between the peoples of New Quantum and the Machines has been reached. You both shall attend to the formation as well as the day to day activities of the Academy.
Vashdon, you are to return and inform The Council of New Quantum of our agreement. I would speak with Lazarous a while longer."
Vashdon bows, lifts into the air and rockets Southward.
"Lazarous, I have seen something disturbing within the mind of your brother, Vashdon."
"I do not understand, Ancient One. We .. we are brothers," sputters Lazarous. "We both only want what is best for New Quantum."
"Perhaps for a while," continues the huge machine. "But each of you have your own lives to live, your own paths to follow. Unfortunately those paths are not necessarily the same," says the Ancient One, the sadness within his "voice" obvious.
"I do not understand, Ancient One," Lazarous replies with a shake of his hooded head. "It is true that he has been stubborn in the past, even resisting our parents at times; but nothing to cause great alarm. We have always been close."
"None the less; your paths shall diverge, shall change. And sadly, shall cause you great pain."
"I am sorry Ancient One, but I cannot accept what you are saying," replies Lazarous, desperation and anger tinging his voice. "Please tell me what shall bring about this change within my brother. Perhaps I can prevent it."
"The future approaches quickly, Lazarous," replies the Machine cryptically, "and we each have our work to do. Leave now and begin yours."
"I shall do as you ask, Sir," comes the quiet replie. A troubled Lazarous, his heart greatly saddened by what he has just been told, lifts slowly into the air.
