Four Waters in Dreamland


by Ultimoo
ultimoo@aol.com


CHAPTER 1

"I really don't like the sound of this," Ness exclaimed, a touch of fear in his voice, "you're absolutely sure that this is the only way to survive the phase distorter."

"My only request is that you trust me Ness, for the sake of your own safety, and for the
future of our world," a stern Dr. Andonuts replied matter-of-factly. For the first time in a while, Ness was seriously worried about the outcome of his adventure. It had been nearly a year since he last heard what was perhaps the most influential voice in his strong confidence. It was that long since he had said goodbye to Buzz Buzz. His train of thought was meandering constantly since the destruction of the sound stone. But now it was just him. In the absence of his companions. With a man who was unarguably the most brilliant scientific thinker of his time.

"I'm just worried....I remember it like it was yesterday that Buzz Buzz told me the prophecy of the Apple of Enlightenment. It didn't say anything about my soul being transferred as data into a robot," Ness collected himself to a reply.

"Android, Ness, an android," Dr. Andonuts corrected him. "It allows you to feel your environment as if you were in your own human likeness."

"I still don't like the sound of this. Correct me if I am wrong, but I will be able to
physically perform, using the same weapons and provisions as if I was in my current human body. No stronger, no weaker," Ness continued his interrogation.

"That is correct," Dr. Andonuts replied, "you will also be able to use your PSI. And if you have the patience, and the Apple willing, I will construct some modules that can perhaps enhance your PSI powers and channel them into enhancement, making them more powerful."

"No, it has to be exactly as if I was in my own body," Ness was even more concerned,
"and this operation. How long will it take?"

"A day for each of you," said Andonuts, "Meaning it will take a total of five days to transport you to the final outpost of Giygas, and collectively a week from now to rescue your own future."

"Where is Dr. Saturn?," asked Ness, " will he be returning to confer with you? My companions are already sleeping in their provided quarters, and we are after all making use of his medical office."

"Arrangements have already been made with Dr. Saturn for the entire endeavor," assured Dr. Andonuts, "the operation begins tomorrow. You have all made the proper preparations correct?"

"Yes, so now my only question then is who will be first?," inquired Ness.

"I'd feel safest performing the opening operation on my son, Jeff. You've become close friends with him, haven't you?," the doctor replied.

"I care enough for him as a friend to ask for your most...your most serious care in performing the operation." said Ness.

"Are you forgetting that he is my son? His operation is likely to be the most meticulous. And what of the prince?.....,"

"I don't even expect that to be an issue," Ness exclaimed, "no one is expendable!!"

"The order aside from my son being first is your choice, by the way." Andonuts implied.

"Okay then. Poo shall be second. I shall be third, and Paula will be last," Ness requested.

"As you wish. So be it then, the future of the world depends on the following week. Dr. Saturn should be arriving shortly. I suggest you return to your quarters with your companions , Ness," said the doctor.

"Good night Doctor, you can't begin to imagine.....," Ness's voice trailed off as he embarked into the Saturn Valley night.