Prologue
My hands were shaking as I tucked my white blouse into my skirt. My nerves were fried from nightmares the night before, but it was crucial that I remain calm and collected. That morning, that day, it was impossible. Who would be calm if they knew that in a measly three hours, they would walk through a transporter into another dimension? I took a deep breath and focused on my family back in Galveston, Texas. Ma and Pa out on the orchard smiling and waving as the smell of apples filled my nose. It did nothing to calm my nerves, in fact, it made them worse. Something could go wrong and I may never see them again. 'Get a hold of yourself, Jasper,' I chastised 'don't work yourself up over nothing.' I grabbed my purse and lab coat, still attached my NASA id, and walked out the door into what may happen.
The 30 minute drive to the facility went faster that I hoped, but you can't put off the inevitable. Flashing my badge to gate security I drove in and found the spot my car would stay until I got back. If I came back. Walking through the building that same sentiment was displayed on all my coworkers' face, all knowing the gravity of this test run. Flashing my badge again, for possibly the last time, I entered the containment area. On the upper control level, behind bulletproof glass, the electrical techs were scrambling to begin. Tears were welling in my eyes when I heard the air-lock doors opened behind me.
"Are you sure you want to do this Miss Brezzin? You can always turn back, you know." I turned to see the kind face of my superior and mentor. I can see that his face, lined with wrinkled of happier times, was now hardened in sadness. His eyes were devoid of the wonder that they once held. I returned him a sad smile.
"I'm sure, Brendan. It's what I want to do." My voice was heavy with sadness. He sighed and walked toward me with a small black box with a red button on it. "This is what you use to come back the button will open the rift from where you are…God willing," The last part was said under his breath, not meant for my ears, but heard all the same. ", Any sign of danger, any sign Jasper, you push it and come back. Screw data collection, just come back safe." He kissed the crown of my head" don't push yourself, sweetie. You're like a daughter to me. I can't lose you." He walked through the doors and a call came from the control level
"Miss Brezzin, please step on the transport pad." I walked forward, my steps heavy and stepped up on the circular pd. A slow humming started up and gradually grew into a loud whirring noise. The four tall curved bars of metal began to spark. In a loud white bang, a large hole was ripped in the empty space in front of me. A rainbow pulsating glow poured from the hole, showering me in an aurora like light. I heard Brendan Chairmichal's voice over the intercom. "Remember Jasper, don't push yourself. If there is any danger, come back immediately." I turned to him and gave him a thumb up and a smile. He sighs and speaks again.
"Okay, the rift is stable. You may pass through. Safe travels." I see all the people up on the control dock stand and salute me, as if I was a higher ranking officer. It warmed my heart knowing they all wished for me to have a safe trip. I looked back into the light and my heart began to pound uncontrollably. Hesitantly, I stepped forward into the light and walked with careful steps. It was just like an old scy-fi movie, with moving, pulsating rainbow of colors that look similar to the human iris. It was a short while till I smelt it. Apples. Just like my orchard. Without thinking of my mission, I veered off toward the smell. Big mistake. After a few steps the swirling rainbow started to twist and flash angry reds. Freaking out I began to run in the direction I was already heading like an idiot. I didn't care where it was leading me, I just wanted out of this strobe light hell. A bright light opened up before me and I picked up speed, hoping it was a way out. No thought of the remote that was still in my pocket crossed my mind, like it should have. In my terror it was completely forgotten. Something caught my foot. Causing me to tuck and roll. I rolled in to this light and for what seemed like a long time I rolled. I could feel my clothes start to burn off. It stung where the flames touched my skin. Then a painful excruciating pressure was forced through every pore of my being. I felt the bones warp and break and rearrange themselves before the muscles. They were next to morph and twist. All I felt was pain. All I was at the time was pain. I wanted to die. To escape this torture. My organs fit themselves into the new cavity. Then my skin stretched itself and something sprouted from it. I never felt this pain since and never hope to. Just be for I passed out I felt something sprout from my shoulders. I felt muscles stretch to fit this new addition to my transformed body. This damn light did it to me. I cursed the light to kingdom come with the last bit of strength and consciousness that I had. I finally passed out from pain and exhaustion. I only wished death would come kindly in sleep. I didn't want to have to suffer any more than I already had. The light faded. My body stopped tumbling and landed. Unknown to me in my sleep I would have my life changed beyond comprehension.