Time is an Illusion: The Ptolemy Expedition (Carina Book 1) Read online

  At breakfast, two days later, Corb was responding to the persistent requests from Michelle and Cassandra regarding the DoD and Air Force personnel Corb left in a locked room. He left them with no way out, no water, and no toilet facilities. Also, Davinder now deferred to Corb to run the daily status meeting.

  “Cassandra, how much more time do you need to catalog the Mayan hieroglyphic cache in Xunantunich?”

  “By myself, working six hours per day? Another seven years.”

  “Put together a list of people who you trust and who are capable of taking over for you. We need to shorten the data gathering process and refocus your efforts. How long to create the list?”

  “The list is already done. Shall I email it to you?”

  “No, please send it to the Coterie mailer. Davinder, will you have your people vet Cassandra’s list?”

  “On it. MI6, the FBI, and the NSA have been standing by for the list.”

  “Great, when the list is shortened, schedule interviews. We will prefer scientists who are single and willing to relocate to Belize for about a year. Proximity will allow Ire and Yari to escort the scientists into, and out of the chamber.

  Presuming, of course, Cassandra, you wish to continue as part of the Coterie?”

  “Yes, as long as I have right of refusal on who is chosen to continue to research and cataloging of the artifacts.”

  “Granted. The next item on the agenda is the persistent requests we receive. NATO, various governments, and the high-tech business leaders don’t even bother to intersperse their requests. They send new requests every day. Sometimes, requests from the same source are received multiple times per day. The requests are sprinkled with threats and advice. They do not give up and they are increasingly threatening.

  Lucinda, terminate the incoming land-line phone access. All cell phones will have a call blocker installed to bounce unknown callers.

  “Got it, tighten down telecoms.”

  “Nick, set up a new domain for our emails and create a routine to bounce unwanted emails.”

  “Easy peasy. Where we are going, we don’t need roads, telephones, or email trails.”

  “Very good, I see what you did there. A Back to the Future reference is always worth a smile. We are pressing forward with our plans. No new alliances are planned, nor do we anticipate needing any additional assistance.

  Before I get on to the final topic, are there any questions?”

  It was NT who was the first to try and expose Morningstar Pharmaceuticals’ plans for global genocide using the cold and flu remedy: ColdStar. Since the advent of the Summitate powers, resulting from the side-effects from the ColdStar product, NT has taken a “back seat” role with the many interactions of the Coterie. Passive in overt leadership, NT continued to document the extraordinary events. Now, however, NT felt it appropriate to assert new questioning and counter-point logic.

  “Corb, Janish, I have several questions.

  First, Corb both you and Janish can teleport at will. Both of you possess telekinetic abilities and are powerful. Your ability to reason, think logically, deduce outcomes, is not measurable. The daily regime you have imposed, the self-discipling it is teaching us, is astonishing. I am copacetic with where we are individually and collectively, and the plans we have for the future.

  However, all that you and Janish have become is also the Coterie’s weakness. We rely on you two for almost all the transportation requirements, most of the external communications, and our protection. Lucinda is gaining strength but seems to have stalled. She is unable to teleport without Corb or Janish. In fact, no one can teleport without one of you two holding our hand.

  The connection ability for Michelle and everyone else is growing. The connections are strong. All members of the Coterie feel the emotion of the connected end-points. None of us can teleport and only a few can telekinetically move objects.

  Small objects.

  Which is the material question. Is there a plan to heighten our collective ability or are we going to rely on you two for our protection?”

  “Bloody well right! About time you got back in the game wanker!”

  Nick had interrupted NT before we could complete the question and before Corb could respond. NT smiled and continued.

  “Relax, I didn’t go anywhere. I’ve been here with no need to talk or be assertive. I found out what the secret to life is: Friends. Best friends.”

  “Ock! There’s an oldie. Fried Green Tomatoes! Right?”

  “Yes, Nick. It is from Fried Green Tomatoes. May I continue?”

  “Of course. This is merely the beginning, not the consummation.”

  Everyone groaned. Janish punched Nick in the shoulder. NT leaned forward, diagonally across the table, to fist bump with Nick before he continued.

  “As I was saying… I have several questions. First question: Corb, is there a plan to heighten our collective ability or are we going to rely on you two for our protection?”

  Corb nodded affirmatively several times, contemplating. He looked to Janish, then Lucinda, before speaking.

  “You want to know how we plan to propagate the abilities. A simple question with a complex answer. We, Janish and I, are not going to propagate the abilities in others. It is not within our power to bestow the abilities. One of the tenants I learned from Ire and Yari is this: The power comes from within. The Shamans were steadfast in their stance regarding transfer of powers and abilities. The power comes from within. Remember the dojo in Waxahachie? Remember the phrases I put on the wall? The Five Precepts and the Three States of Mind of the Warrior?

  If I may, The Five Precepts are:

  We shall endeavor to build our character

  We shall be faithful in our study

  We shall cultivate courage and tenacity

  We shall attach great importance to etiquette

  We shall be wary of foolishness

  The 3 States of Mind of a Warrior are:

  Zanshin – “Awareness, Alertness, and Readiness”

  The ability to be prepared: Always. One is always prepared and strong. Strong in any moment. Strong in a crisis. It is a lifestyle.

  Mushin – “No mind”

  If there is too much on the mind, it slows one down. A clear mind allows one to react spontaneously. Warriors always react with a clear mind.

  Fudoshin – “State of Emotional Balance.”

  With this, nothing can move one out of the center. Variations in emotion are small. There is no drama. No sadness when there are difficult events. No depression. No celebration. No adrenaline rushes.

  It is “real balance.”

  Collectively, the Precepts and the State of Mind, all of them, are required to fully understand, and master, the Summitate ability. More directly, to the point of your question, Mushin is the answer. Lucinda is the closest to the ability to teleport because she has the mind of a warrior. Her mind only allows those things necessary to complete the immediate task and be victorious. Janish and I were given a shortcut. A shortcut we have been unable to replicate.

  Therefore, we need to look at our daily workout and mediation routine. We need to revise the emphasis of the meditation. We will emphasize relaxation, and mental clarity, immediately following strenuous workouts.

  The good news is, we have a high level of Fudoshin. We, as a group, have a stable, and calm emotional balance. If we can retool, and tune our routine, we can achieve expanding the abilities within the group.

  Also, Zanshin, being aware and ready is the result of achieving Mushin and Fudoshin. If the Three Precepts are guidelines on how to live a good life, the State of Mind is how we achieve the safety and security we need. We need to become true warriors.”

  Corb stopped, looked around, realizing he had been cogitating out-loud.

  “I have been negligent. My focus and attention have been elsewhere. I need to focus more attention toward the Coterie. I need to help my friends. Everyone, this afternoon, be prepared to work hard.

  NT, you have mo
re questions? How many more?”

  “Only two more. Second question: To the best of your capability… No. Let me rephrase. Can we sleep knowing some special forces commandos are not going to drop in and take us all to an underground bunker for interrogation? Davinder, Lucinda, and the strike team kept me alive when Rynsburger’s, Doctor Wolmarans’, and Vivian’s hit teams tried to kill me. I was lucky. Very lucky. Eventually, luck runs out. Are we safe here?”

  Corb looked to Davinder who turned his right palm up and waved it left to right, across the table. Davinder was indicating to Corb: These are your people, tell them the truth.

  “One hundred percent safe? No. What I can tell you is I need a bunch of help. Davinder and his security team are constantly assessing military threats. They have not been able to find any planning or threats to us here, at the compound. At Q'eqchi'.

  I also rely on Nick and Janish to monitor the WEB, the Dark WEB, and any other digital horizon they can find, to ensure there are no covert operations being planned. So far, nothing. But, their fancy algorithms, their software BOTS, keep looking.

  Finally, the airspace over, and around, the compound, is being monitored. Remember, we are sitting on top of a mountain. No one gets into the compound without walking up the mountain, driving up to the gate, or dropping in from the sky. We have all three access paths heavily monitored.

  If Janish or I are given time, even a few seconds, we can divert any forces approaching the compound. Davinder’s security team’s only protocol, for a confirmed threat to the compound, is to alert me or Janish immediately.

  If anyone manages to get into the compound, uninvited, Davinder’s security team has a standing order to shoot first. No questions. No one gets in the compound without an invitation.

  One hundred percent safe? No. Have we done everything possible to ensure our safety? Yes.”

  Corb stopped speaking and waited.

  NT continued.

  “Final question. How is it you have kept the plans a secret? I mean, the rumors are rampant. What can you tell us?”

  Corb was hoping he had several months before confirming NT’s question to the Coterie. However, the realization of an ever-increasing threat to their personal safety, sharing information is now a priority.

  “The Others gave to me the technology, the detailed plans, to build an interstellar spacecraft. With a couple of added technology items, humans can build a spacecraft capable of reaching the Others. But you knew that. What you didn’t know is we have a schedule and timeline. The unmanned launches start in about seventy-five days. NASA and CSNA, The China National Space Administration, are co-leading the build. The first manned launch is in about one-hundred and eighty days. They are planning on using boosters from all available public and private space programs. The unmanned boosters will position the payloads and await the arrival of the build team.

  The last schedule I saw indicated unmanned boosters were going to launch build payloads every twelve to twenty-two days.”

  Corb paused, looking tired, but relieved.

  “I suppose you all want to know your roles?”

  Michelle intervened.

  “We can talk later. Let’s take a break, meet this afternoon for the workout, then talk over dinner.”

  No one questioned Michelle’s directive. They stood in unison and left the conference room.

  Out of ear shot from the group, Corb turned to Michelle with a question.

  “Am I doing the right thing? Ehud Olmert said: ‘I have to make sure I am doing the right thing. I can't afford to make any mistake.’ How do I know I am not making mistakes?”

  Michelle did not miss a beat in responding.

  “Yeah, and Nelson Mandela said: ‘It always seems impossible until it's done.’ You are going to make mistakes. Everyone does. Those who do more, make more mistakes. Right now, your only worry should be to conjure up a strategy to make members of the Coterie more powerful. The pressure on you and Janish is extreme. We need to spread the workload.

  Now, let’s go to bed. I mean let’s take a nap. I mean after…”

  Chapter Six

  The Delusion of Private Sector

  “I'm not against business. I'm against big business in bed with big government.” – Dave Brat

  “What the fuck did you do?”

  Lucinda was screaming at Davinder and Corb. Everyone was standing in an exam room turned temporary dojo. The entire floor was covered in mats, forcing everyone to remove their shoes before entering the room. It was unnerving for most of the Coterie. They were standing in their socks, clothed in workout sweats, listening to Lucinda scream.

  “This place is starting to feel like a calaboose and you two are the jailors. Information is supposed to flow two ways! When were you going to tell us?”

  Corb stepped forward and responded.

  “First, every action we take, every decision we make, is always in the best interest of this group. The safety and well-being of this group is the first, and honestly, the only real consideration. Everything else is countermanded if the safety of this family is a concern. No exceptions.”

  Corb did not like Lucinda’s tone nor the implication the decision he and Davinder made negatively affected the compound and the Coterie.

  “Yes. Of course. You are right. I know you and I trust you. I apologize. But, you know, we are worried. No one likes surprises.”

  Lucinda’s face expressed honest remorse.

  “Apology accepted. What we did was create a diversion. We gave out enough information, viable information, to get the governments, and corporations, to stop pestering everyone involved with the build program.

  We published the technical designs for the spacecraft. We had Nick and Janish create the impression the designs were leaked. Why did we leak the designs? We put everyone on an even footing regarding the technology. Well, they understand they have the technology and the design specifications. And, they do have most of the structural technology.”

  Corb paused to let the information settle.

  “We did not leak several key pieces of information provided by the Others. Several key hardware and software design specifications. In fact, no one has the information, or access to the key information, except Janish, Nick, and Myself. If the information were to leak before we are ready to populate the spacecraft and complete the build…”

  Corb paused again, visibly disturbed.

  “If the remaining information gets out, they will destroy Q'eqchi' to kill us all.”

  The normal jovial group was somber, sober, and attentive. Corb continued.

  “We have retained the design specifications for the process to create, contain, and use anti-matter for propulsion. Also, we have retained the design specification which gives us the ability to generate a type of deflector shield. Finally, we can build a handheld rail-gun more powerful than any handheld weapon on earth.

  All we leaked was design specifications for a livable spacecraft. A spacecraft shell capable of sustaining human life for an extended period. They will quickly figure out they don’t have the entire set of design specifications and build plans. Nick and Janish have set up a multilayered, digital false-flag operation, to keep the pests busy.”

  Waving his arms, indicating everyone should spread-out, Corb intended to begin the workout session. Janish asked a question.

  “Corb, while we are stretching and warming up, should we talk about the alternate location, the safe-house?”

  Everyone stopped and turned to Janish with obvious looks of curiosity.

  “Yes, of course. Please take your places.”

  Everyone laid down, began stretching, with the normal banter non-existent. Nick, of course, was impatient when Corb delayed starting to tell the team about the alternate location.

  “Shall I run down to the off-license for a bottle of the tipple? We can get pissed before we sweat our arses off.”

  “Relax, ya tommy. Don’t get your dander up. I’m getting ready.

  We will continue to use
this facility but also another. Q'eqchi' will, effectively, be mothballed. After dinner, please move your above ground accommodations to one of the rooms on UL2. A minimal, maintenance, security, and service contingent will be seen coming and going. We, this group, will make a show of leaving in helicopters to an undisclosed location. We won’t leave. Before the helicopters takeoff, Janish and I will teleport us all down to UL2.

  Step one: We create the impression we have left the compound. The compound will be our base for sleeping, eating, and relaxing.

  Step two: We will work out of a warehouse facility in Northern Virginia. Michelle, Janish, and Nick have been fastidious in their research. We have achieved a modern-day version of Janish’s request to build a safe-house. A modern version of a stone temple. We are setting up operations in an unmarked, non-discrete industrial warehouse.

  A vanguard has established a false front at the warehouse. An office has been installed to establish an import/export company. The warehouse will be a staging facility for many of the items needed for construction of the spacecraft.

  We will be hiding in plain sight.

  That’s not the best part.”

  The warm-up period over, as a unit, the Coterie moved into a series of choreographed movements. To an untrained eye, their movements looked like a form of Tai Chi[5]. The reality is, the movements were a combination of several disciplines. Corb had taken movements from Tai Chi, forms, or Kata, from Karate, and defensive strategies from Brazilian Jiu-Jitso. Corb called the movement ‘constructs’. When the group’s movements synchronized, Corb continued.

  “We will be hiding in plain sight. Yes, we will be sequestered between here and the warehouse. But we will be able to take an occasional day off. However, Davinder will assign a security detail to you if you want to leave the compound or the warehouse.”

  “Okay, we get it. The prison now has two locations. Where’s the ‘best part’?”

  Lucinda stood up, walked three paces over to NT, and punched him in the chest. The room erupted in laughter and the synchronized movements stopped. When everyone had stopped giggling, and NT got up from feigned death, the construct’s synchronized movements resumed. Corb provided the best part.