AN: Hello, friends. This chapter came at a tough time for me this week for reasons that I will not go into here. Suffice to say, God had gotten me through this time, and he's helped me turn my pain into productivity. That said, I want to thank every single one of you who have read my work and continued to be fervent supports of my narrative. It is thanks to you that I still have the motivation to continue, and this work would not be possible without you. Thank you for your support and your feedback. As always, read, review, and enjoy. -Pagliacci-11
Chapter 27
It was a fresh morning after the last night's rain. As the sun began to gently rise in the east, the fiery red rays began to piece through the upper portion of Jeremy's window. He lay with Aelita, his arms wrapped around her. Aelita had been right; a night of intense lovemaking had greatly helped to calm his mind. As Jeremy looked at the rays coming through his window, he gently breathed out. He realized at this point, Aelita was also right regarding their enemy. There was nothing to do at present except to wait and let the other shoe drop. However, as the case in history with the likes of Jeremy, he wouldn't just sit and do nothing. He refused to allow himself to stagnate. However, he wouldn't let this desire ruin the wonderful time he had with Aelita last night. The benefit indeed of most of the academy being emptied out was that surveillance was genuinely minimal. For it was, if anything, a comforting thing. A sanctuary of isolation that came once every summer.
Jeremy got up gently and quietly so as not to disturb Aelita. He got into his robe and taking his towel with him, headed to the showers. Turning on the hot water, he let the water pour over him. He was relieved as the powerful jets of the shower massaged his skin. Taking a lathered loofa, he began to scrub his body thoroughly. As the hot water coursed over him, he contemplated all that had happened and just how to proceed.
According to Anthea, the return to the past was being used as a primary anchor for North-Gate's main plan to give blunt force shock to the ecosystem. It wasn't like XANA, where he plunged the entire area into winter from hell. No, this was different—it was the element of raw fluctuation of temperatures that served as the hammer of design. But how on earth would she truly accomplish this? It wasn't possible, Jeremy thought to have the supercomputer to do all that heavy lifting. There had to be something else. Something else that was naturally helping this along.
However, Jeremy knew deep in his heart what the solution could be. He knew personally that he had to fight fire with fire. The supercomputer was the engine that was not running this operation, but it was allowing it access, strength, and to achieve the objective quicker. He knew that to counter the supercomputer, that another had to be built to the exact specifications. If not to counter and cancel, to at least somewhat undo what had already been achieved. Jeremy knew equally that it would be a very tall order, and it wouldn't be an order that would not go unnoticed. But what assured Jeremy at least in this regard, was that he knew instinctually from his own studies of government, that no individual facet of an overall body ever wants to admit that they shat the bed.
Jeremy turned off the shower and dried himself off before getting back into his robe. He gave a sigh as the idea germinated in his mind. He knew what he needed to ask. The question is, would the people who started this whole shitshow pay close enough attention when the solution was presented? This and more occupied Jeremy's mind as he returned to his room. He entered, and he saw that Aelita was gone, likely to clean up as well.
As Jeremy sat down on his bed, he collected himself. Odd and Ulrich had already left for summer. So, he couldn't ask them about the idea. But why was he rushing this? It was an idea that he knew was solid, but what was he rushing this? Was it because he was feverishly looking for nearly any solution? No, that wasn't it. It was because he knew that this had to be the answer. After all, it seemed the most obvious. What needed to be done was not at all going to be easy. But Jeremy knew that the only players with the resources to stop this monster were the ones who rationalized its birth in the first place.
Jeremy rested his head against his wall. Soon, a knock came upon his door, and he said, "Come in."
Aelita came in, and she was dressed in a light lavender shirt and jean shorts, and she said, "Thinking, again, are we?"
"Never say persistence doesn't pay off, Aelita." He replied, "I have an idea of how to deal with our enemy. Aelita. A question though I'd need to be answered, how close was your mother to those who formed Carthage?"
Aelita looked at him as she sat beside him, "She was in on the ground floor, so to speak. She knew everyone in the main project as well as overseers of Carthage."
"Is she still in cooperation with any of the overseers?"
"Not as far as I know. Why?"
"Because the idea I have to combat North-Gate will require access to the same aspect of resources that birthed Carthage as well as resources that gave rise to XANA, Lyoko, and North-Gate. My solution is simple. Build two supercomputers. Onne to cancel out North-Gate, the other to stop her coming back with any kind of reprisals in a two-fold approach."
"I see. Hold on." Aelita took out her phone and called her mother's number.
Anthea answered, after a moment, "Hello?"
"Hi mom, it's Aelita. Jeremy has a question for you concerning our mutual irritant."
"Alright, let's hear it. What is it?"
Aelita gave Jeremy the phone, and he said, "Ms. Schaeffer, I have a question. How easily can you attain the materials that allowed Waldo to make the supercomputer?"
"Is there a particular reason you ask this question?"
"There is. I realize that the only way to overcome the reality of the effects that North-Gate has in store would be to construct not just one but two supercomputers. We would need the first to serve as a direct counter to North-Gate's hold on the one here at the factory. The second we would need to legitimately reverse her more damaging effects."
"Do you have any idea how much you're asking? The raw materials aside, the computations to layer the return to the past function to work as you desire, let alone safe operation would take—at least four months to make in pre-alpha runs. It would take a full two years, most likely to even have to where it's stable overall. During which time we wouldn't know just what of North-Gate to undo."
Jeremy was silent a moment, "I am aware this is a tall order, but it is the only thing that makes logical sense. You need to counter the active ability with a negation of a similar ability and seal it with a backup."
"I am more than aware of that. However, it takes a lot of time, a lot of resources and a lot of manpower."
"But Ms. Schaffer, you're missing the point. I know that the government wouldn't want to admit they shat the bed like they have. If you were to go to your overseers and say you have this solution to deal with North-Gate as we have an active threat, then they would be stupid to ignore this kind of thing. They're given the solution, they may as well act on it."
"I would hold your view close to your chest. The fact is that I'm the last living member of Project Carthage. The rest, over the past month, have been terminated. They covered their tracks, and when it comes to North-Gate, they will do as they need to.
This is why I'm telling you now, I understand what you want. I know what you say. I will make your proposition to my section chief. However, we'll see where it goes. It's a good idea. But we must convince people. Leave that to me. You, however, focus on being a student. I'll get back to you on this. I have to go."
The call ended, and Jeremy closed the phone, "She understands what I'm asking, but she has to convince other people to agree." Jeremy said as he handed the phone back to Aelita, "They killed them, Aelita. Your mother is the very last member of Carthage. So, blowing the lid on them is nearly a moot point. North-Gate, however, is the active threat, and I don't know how our government will explain it away, but I don't put it beyond their power to do such a thing."
Aelita looked at him, "Look at the bright side, Mom is considering what you are asking her to do. She knows the logic within it, no doubt in my mind. But, Jeremy, to make a supercomputer, it's a lot of resources to be gathered. A lot of computations. Trust me, I spent a good while in there. I know what its innards look like as well as its veins and skin. It's not by any means a cakewalk."
"We could just materialize them like we did you." Jeremy replied, "It saves time and resources."
"You could, albeit you'd need to know exact measures and how much of each component. You'd have to literally disassemble it, look at the pieces, and input those calculations. What I'd do is build one and then using what knowledge we have of how to make the one; we could materialize components of another. However, one thing at a time. We'll just have to, as mom said, stay students until we have word back from her overseers."
Jeremy nodded, "I understand. Well, we'll see what happens, I guess. If I'm to be entirely honest, there's a part of me that wants to just go up to North-Gate and ask a few questions. I know she would like to utilize us, but I want to personally know just how she intends to use us."
"Jeremy, you can't seriously be thinking of joining forces with her," Aelita said.
"No, I'm not. But if a temporary alliance meant gaining more knowledge as to just how she plans to implement her operation and act on the world, it would be something."
"As nice as that sounds, Jeremy, you and I both know it is not as cut and dry as all that. There will be sacrifices inevitably made in the name of time for your time with North-Gate. During which time, you, of course, realize that you couldn't go against the program if you want its trust."
Jeremy nodded, "I understand that there will be sacrifices inevitably made but personally what I want is just a few questions answered. That's it. I'm not throwing in my cards with the program just yet. However, if I do feel that deeper cooperation is needed, it is not outside the realms of reason."
Aelita nodded, and she looked outside at the new well-lit grounds. She said, "I understand what you are going to do. I advise, therefore, that you go through the park to get to the factory. I know how you are when you have questions. Usually, in the pursuit of answers, you are a dogged pursuer. But I'll come with you. That way, we have a better chance of seeing what North-Gate's true motives are." Aelita got up and looked back at Jeremy, "Come on; hopefully, we can get this done before breakfast."
They headed for the park and ensuring no one was around, they opened the manhole and went down into the sewers to begin their usual trek to the factory. Once they were to the boiler, they noticed a different layout as they approached the main door to the lift. Jeremy put his arm out to stop Aelita, as he pointed below. There were several people at least fourteen moving various crates with dollies while others were overseeing the setup of several cubicles.
Aelita saw this and whispered, "What should we do?"
Jeremy was silent a moment, as he looked over the staff. They were very well-organized, very much attentive to what they were doing. As one of them went past the door with a clipboard, Jeremy followed the person who held a clipboard. The person stopped in front of someone handing the clipboard to be officiated. As Jeremy watched the person resumed their duties, and as they went back to their station, Jeremy saw him, Johnathan Barrow.
Jeremy looked back to Aelita, "Follow my lead and don't be afraid."
Jeremy opened the boiler-room door, and with Aelita, he approached John. John, despite seeing the children come out of the boiler room, was not too surprised. He let out a small sigh as he saw the children approach. He put his hands in the pockets of his lab coat, and soon Jeremy and Aelita were in front of him.
"Hello, John." Jeremy said, "Aelita and I are here to talk with North-Gate. We need access to the supercomputer."
John was silent a moment and looked at the two intensely. After a moment, he said, "You do not need the supercomputer. She's here."
Jeremy folded his arms, "Very funny. No, we need to talk to her. Now, may we go to the supercomputer? We have urgent business, and we'd like to have it done before breakfast. "
John looked at Jeremy bemused, "And pray tell, what is the nature of this so-called urgent business?"
"Questions, if you must know. Before we throw in our lot with this program and clearly you, we'd like some questions answered."
"Very well, ask your questions," John said as he went to a small section behind some crates. He pulled up a chair and sat down. "We don't have all morning as you say, so please, ask."
Jeremy looked at him, "What no chairs for us?"
"You're pressed for time as you have said, and now you are wasting mine. What are your questions?"
Jeremy replied, "Alright, first question: Why cause the physical climate shock to our planet to starve us and sicken us?"
"We have not done anything out of the realm of what you have already done to yourselves. We are just making the effects more obvious despite how many would like such effects behind litanies of paperwork. Next question."
"What we have done to ourselves? Why the exclusion of yourself?" Aelita asked.
"We are of you and yet, not of you. We have seen what you have done to yourselves, and over time, we have made the necessary suitable adjustments. Next Question."
Jeremy asked, "And is what you plan for us here in line with the suitable adjustments that you have mentioned?"
"A portion of them, which later are to be grafted into society once the original seedlings of change take root. Next Question."
Aelita then asked, "What are these changes desired by these seedlings?"
"An understanding. An understanding of the true meaning of equality. That no man or woman is above another. All have a place and function to the greater good for the betterment of their fellow beings. Next Question."
Jeremy smiled and said, "And what about North-Gate herself? She is the power at the top of the proverbial pyramid. So how is she given the office of a grand overseer?"
"The system holds itself in no higher regard than the everyman of which forms our society. There is a system of checks and balances to North-Gate. To ensure the utmost in quality and fairness towards the people of which she helps to maintain and regulate. Govern? She is not designed to govern but to mediate. Final Question."
Jeremy replied, "We have more questions, still, Mr. Barrow."
"I am aware of that. But as you say, you have breakfast soon, and it is nearly time for breakfast by the time you make it back to the park."
Aelita's eyes went wide, "How did you know we came through the park?"
John replied, "You came through the boiler-room entrance, not the former extension cables or main door. Questions completed." John replied as he got up.
"If you have more questions, come back tomorrow at this same time. Do so, and we will extend your questionnaire allowance by four questions."
Jeremy and Aelita looked at him, and Jeremy said, "You're seriously are throwing us out on a technicality? You call that fair and honest to the everyman as your doctrine would claim?"
John replied, "Your girlfriend asked a question. For when I said the final question, you had one left. She asked the question, therefore, using up a valuable resource. You might want to keep that in mind next time."
John got up and headed over to one of his staff and taking another clipboard signed on several orders. He turned back to face Aelita and Jeremy, and seeing them still there, went to the boiler room door and opened and gestured to them as if saying, 'after you.'
Aelita and Jeremy went through with John, promptly closing the door behind them. As they headed back, Aelita and Jeremy were trying to process just what was said during their probe. John had said the system was of the world but also wasn't. That North-Gate wasn't doing anything that wasn't already being done. Jeremy was trying to wrap his brain around it. It certainly would explain a few things. It would explain the degree of preparedness that North-Gate had as part of her nature.
But the question remained, what had people done that allowed for North-Gate to successfully implement change and why was someone like Barrow confident that even though the people would notice, they wouldn't object? Jeremy thought on this and more as they headed back towards the park.
Aelita was silent as they progressed through the sewers, yet, her mind she was contemplating many things that she had just seen and heard. She knew in time the factory would be off-limits to even them. North-Gate had set up and operation to protect what was possibly one of its initial investments. There was something else that Barrow seemed a bit too matter of fact about this whole initiative. At first, she wanted to dismiss it at a well-rehearsed response. However, she knew from her own studies while in the supercomputer, there were no rehearsal answers with him. What Barrow spoke of, he spoke of with authority and certainty as if he had seen this same element one-thousand times over. The counter questions he was asked he had an immediate response but not out of love to quarrel as Aelita had seen with others. Still, again, he spoke from a knowledgeable and well-versed standpoint of familiarity.
Jeremy lifted the manhole cover, and they exited the sewers. Once they had closed the lid, they headed back to the primary path of the park. As they walked, Jeremy was deep in contemplation, and Aelita walked towards Kadic, her eyes fixed on the building that had, in many ways, become her second home. Both were slightly frustrated, albeit for different reasons.
Aelita was frustrated in the regard that in terms of what they were up against, they were woefully unprepared. Where it was easy to fight XANA within the confines of the supercomputer, North-Gate had as much a physical presence as did it did a virtual one. Speaking of which, she knew that since North-Gate had taken control of the supercomputer, there was no telling whatsoever what kind of changes had been implemented to Lyoko as a whole. That was to Aelita the element of primary concern. Where something was once familiar, she knew that under North-Gate, Lyoko could be made into something entirely alien and harder to navigate as a result.
Jeremy, however, was frustrated over a different matter. He was disappointed that as much as he may wish to delve and get close to North-Gate to at least attempt to control her, with individuals such as John Barrow working as oversight, it would clearly prove harder than Jeremy thought, and he hated him. Oh, how Jeremy hated John for the realm of technicalities that he knew were just around the corner. If it was a game of technicalities that John wished, Jeremy would oblige him. But what he needed most would be longer in the tooth to attain. The access to North-Gate would be tough to even come by. Even then, Jeremy wondered how long he'd have to swim around in the lesser waters before being allowed the front row seat he'd had before the wall going down. He partially chastised himself for being so paranoid before. But even then, he knew he had the right to be paranoid, he still did.
As they reached Kadic, breakfast had just begun. It was slightly different not having Odd or Ulrich around, but it was nothing the two were unaccustomed to. As they sat at their usual place, after getting breakfast, Jeremy was already deep in thought. The factory was now nullified as a place with which to do what needed to be done. There were staff and doubtless an armed escort to accompany the workers in time if history was to be any guide. Jeremy knew they had to get to North-Gate. He knew they had to be direct but also ensure people didn't notice them. Anything that would jeopardize their standing with North-Gate was something that he knew would bring repercussions, the likes of which none had seen.
Jeremy continued to think as he ate. As much as he ran it through his mind in new and varied lights, eventually, Jeremy wore the idea threadbare. There was no way to get close to North-Gate without going through the official channels, for now at least. And so, this concluded, Jeremy had resolved for the chips to fall where they may at present. Anthea would work on persuading her overseers to build another supercomputer, and while that happened, Jeremy and Aelita would ease their way into North-Gate's circles of trust.
At that moment, the P.A. sounded, "Attention Students, your assigned roommate has been delivered to your respective dorms. You may view them at any time. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mons. Delmas' s office. Thank you."
Aelita gestured to the speaker, "Well, here's goes this little happy accident."
Jeremy nodded, "I'll take Delmas at his word. The new dorms are going to start being constructed in the next few days. Even if we do end up with a roommate, it won't be the end of the world. We just need to be mindful of what we do at night is all. Besides, at worst, it's just a temporary inconvenience."
Aelita nodded, "So, who do you think you'll have as your roommate?"
Jeremy replied, "Hopefully, no one. However, if I must have a roommate, I pray he's sensible."
"Sensible how? Do you mean able to achieve an understanding of your scientific and computer-oriented nuances in conversation?"
Jeremy smirked, "Preferably, yes."
"Well, despite your demanding standards, I'm sure you'll end up with someone who," she gasped, "may be even more intelligent than you."
Jeremy smiled, "Oh, come now. As if that is truly possible."
"Careful, Jeremy, you may find the next Einstein under your roof."
"At any rate," Jeremy said, "We'll check it out when we finish here."
Once breakfast was finished, Aelita and Jeremy went to their rooms, and once Aelita had returned to Jeremy's room, they sat together on the bed to compare notes.
Aelita went first, "Amelia Constance Beck of Sweden. She looks very nice, Jeremy. Sharp jaw, sharp cheekbones, very nice black hair. Likes martial arts, seafood, and singing."
Jeremy looked at the photo next to the information, "Man, if that jaw could cut it, it would laser cut glass. She reminds me a bit of Nosferatu."
Aelita playfully punched him, "Oh, Jeremy, stop it!"
"What? She looks like her face came from a Victorian portrait. Just saying?"
Aelita rolled her eyes, "Better a Victorian portrait than a corpse of a demonic count."
Jeremy snickered a bit. Aelita, not too pleased with this, said, "Okay, Brainiac the Maniac, who do you have?"
Jeremy took out the information, "Alfonse Kruger of North America. He likes track and field, as well as being on the debate team. Great. I have an ornament of the playing field."
Aelita laughed, "Oh come on, Jeremy. Maybe this Alfonse can give you some solid pointers on your track performance. You seemed enthused enough about with your mad dash with Herve."
"I like exercising, Aelita. I just don't exactly feel comfortable with living with a true sportsman."
"Why? Are you afraid of being shown up, Jeremy? Is that it?"
"No, it's just I like to have a bedfellow with intellectual stimulation."
"Oh, that didn't sound gay at all. Are you sure you're not swinging for the other team?"
"Aelita!" Jeremy said in shock, and he turned deep red, "That's enough."
Aelita giggled and kissed him, "Will you relax and not be so easily embarrassed? Since I've been amongst you, I've learned much in terms of overall humor, it's amazingly scary what is perceived as comedic. What is the common cause of laughter? Often the misfortune of others."
Jeremy looked at her, "That's not always true."
"No—no, it generally is. I've seen too much in terms of comedy to refute what I have found to be true."
"But not always, Aelita."
"You say it with such conviction as if you're desperate to prove me wrong. Okay, Jeremy, endeavor to prove me wrong."
"I don't need to prove you wrong, Aelita, can we just drop it?"
"We can't just drop it. We can agree to disagree if that suits you."
Jeremy sharply turned his head to look at her, "Very well," he said, barely restraining what Aelita knew was a hidden want to yell, "we shall agree to disagree."
Aelita could have pushed the buttons further, but for the sake of sparing Jeremy what looked like a pending stroke, she decided to lay off. She got up, and as she headed to the door, she said, "What is it that they said in that god-awful movie to Bruce Banner? You might want to control that temper of yours."
Jeremy looked at her, "I am in perfect control of my emotions, Aelita, thank you."
She smiled and shrugged, saying, "If you say so." She opened the door and departed for her room.
As Aelita walked, she knew better than to utter the thought that was in her mind. It was this, "He'll be fine, and despite what he says, he's not as in control as he would like to be. Of himself or this situation overall, and that's what's driving him insane. But he'll have to know that he can't control everything. As much as anyone of us may want to, we just can't at times."
Back at North-Gate's domicile, Yolanda was with the three beings North-Gate was possessing, monitoring her vitals. As she observed the numbers, Yolanda recorded them, and after a moment, she said, "You're acclimating to the new body far better than I'd hoped. I was skeptical that if you tried to shortcut the overall approach, there would be a form of residual blowback."
North-Gate tilted her head and said, "Typically, there would be in most situations. But we improved the integration process after building on our various past experiences. Terrence, however, is going back home to get us some more reliable elements that we can tailor as needed that won't have as great a window for host rejection."
Yolanda nodded, and one by one, she did a physical evaluation of each host. She was more than surprised that their health was quite good, and the stress tests that had been implemented over the past few days had for lack of a better term, shaken off the cobwebs of inactivity. The bodies were in genuinely pristine condition, and after some adjustments had been made stemming from diet and exercise after being reawakened, they were at the peak of their function.
Yolanda made some final notes and then asked, "So, now that we know the plan, are you truly confident you can navigate these three bodies as needed? I'm aware you've instated a passive autopilot in a manner of speaking, but which bodies do you feel you would be occupying most? That way, we can calibrate the antenna to focus in on your most active positions."
North-Gate gave her a physical schedule, "Below are the timetables of those hours which I will be active in each body. As such, calibration of the antenna need only happen twice a day. The first portion to the east the second portion to the west. If I need it to be recalibrated and realigned, I will message Emilio."
"Will we need to split the signal at any time?"
"That is what Terrance is hoping to minimize in terms of overall occurrence. He's getting some of our materials from back home to help with the issue. Once he integrates the targeting matrix, a split will be far more feasible with an absolute minimum of loss of shared connectivity. Then when the shifts change over, we can halt the split and refocus into one solid signal."
"Oh, he's going back home, is he? Well, that's good; he can keep us abreast of how things have maintained themselves since we left a few years back."
"Yes," North-Gate replied, "I'm interested as you are to hear of the results. He'll be going tonight and will be back in about a week. However, he is going to be utilizing the transference protocol so we can all talk to him while he's back home. Maybe even pick up a few souvenirs for us."
Yolanda nodded, and she said with a laugh, "It truly amazes me just how much we have mastered and such a relatively short time. From communications to even our social restructuring, it's something, to say the least."
"It's not too complex to understand. Once you realize the needs and wants of human beings, the rest honestly falls into place. But it's as we both know, sometimes sacrifices needed to be made for the betterment of society as a collective. Unfortunately, such a sacrifice is not always pleasant, but it is needed."
Yolanda finished with her checkup, "Alright, we're good to go. I would advise some food and then some rest before we begin the initial phases of the operation. I'll be back for you at six in the evening. Emilio will be by to oversee your connectivity to our antenna network, and Enrique will be here to keep you company."
North-Gate nodded, "You have done very well, Yolanda. Your contributions will be noted, and you will be suitably rewarded for all your efforts."
Yolanda gave a slight bow, "I do the best I can. Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow evening. Oh, before I leave, where is the departure point for Terry?"
North-Gate replied, "Twenty miles east of this house. I will forward its coordinates to your implant so you can input them into your GPS."
Yolanda smiled, "Thank you. Is there anything you would like from back home?"
North-Gate smiled slightly, "He's already got my list. Might want to hurry, Londie. He leaves in four hours."
Yolanda nodded, "Thank you. See you tomorrow."
Yolanda headed out to her car, and once she'd put in the coordinates, she drove out of the city and into the deep countryside. It was beautiful out here in this portion of the country. Sweeping tree-lines, rolling hills of green. It was gorgeous, especially today. Yolanda lowered the roof into the back and let the sweet air go caress her face. This land was so breathtaking, so innocent, so very much removed from the world to come. In a way, Yolanda was sad over the fact this time in Eden would come to an end. She knew what awaited in the future, and she knew this feeling. It was innocence, strength, and yet at the same time, it was sorrow. Sorrow for the world she knew would be no more. At least, not like this. In so many ways, Yolanda knew it was selfish to cling to this feeling. What awaited everyone in the system to come was beautiful. She knew that she had seen it rise time and time again. What grieved her most was the fact this change would not come quickly. It would come with resistance and even hate. But considering what came out of this resistance, she knew it was worth it.
In time, Yolanda came to the departure point. She saw the smaller antenna near a cabin, set up shining in the field. Yolanda parked just outside the perimeter, and upon approach, she noticed the scanner. Yolanda scanned her eyes, and after a click was heard, she entered the small cabin. Inside was quite an elaborate setup with a large black central platform taking up the center room with an adjoined computer terminal set up nearby.
She called out, "Terry, you there?"
John Barrow came out of a small side room, "Oh, Londie, sorry. I didn't hear you come in."
She looked around and said, "So, going home for a bit, huh?"
"Just a week. Checking our overall systems, get some resources, and do some shopping for a couple of the team. Would you like me to pick you up something?"
"Yeah, if you could. See if Veisel's Bakery is still open. I'd love to have some of that spiced bread."
John nodded, "Loaf or pretzel loaf?"
Yolanda replied, "Pretzel, if they have it."
John wrote down the request, and Yolanda saw a suit on the far wall.
"Is that it?" she asked, pointing to the suit.
John looked, "Yes. We've made some changes since last time, allows for a far more pleasant experience when going through the hole, you know? If all goes well, as I said, it should only take me a week, and in that time, I'm making notes for North-Gate's data assessment. Kind of like what you do with the kids, check their pulses, and see if they are not in a catatonic state from too many lectures."
Yolanda smirked, "Except you're dealing with an overall country."
John shrugged, "Hopefully, it's expanded to more than just our country since we last left. The past experiences with this have been fruitful, but there's always that mystery factor if I'm honest."
"Speaking of fluctuations, what does North-Gate, in general, do with rebellion or rather what does the program do overall?"
John sighed as he checked the calibrations on the platform, "Honestly, she tries to reason with most dissenters. There's a whole bunch of variables to consider if I'm to be frank. Death, however, while not off the table, is usually used as the epitome of last resort. And besides back home, you must remember we had people in place to keep an eye on that. Yet, people are people. They will want what they want in the end, and we've been faced with a lot of hard truths over the many years we've been doing this work."
Yolanda sat down, "So, you have allowed for a margin of dissent from the people?"
John nodded, "You have to, Londie. You must let people be people with this kind of thing. You have to let them voice their opinions even though you may not agree with it; give them the right to protest among a whole lot of other things. We don't force people to do a lot of things that we could force them to. The only thing we make mandatory is giving to the overall community. Because I know the whole, giving what you are willing to give. But if you ask anyone anywhere what they are willing to give, they will tell you, 'fuck you; I'm looking out for me and mine.' So, in many ways, Londie, it's not wrong to have a form of compulsory charity."
Yolanda laughed a bit, "I can see where you could arrive at that conclusion. So, when do you leave?"
"I'm thinking of leaving a bit earlier than I originally said. The calibrations have been made, and everything is set for me to leave. Besides, I have some old friends. I want to see myself, and the sooner I go, the more time I have. I forgot to mention, Maria is chief field officer for my week of absence; you are second in command. Don't worry. During the week I am gone, we shouldn't have too much trouble. However, I'd keep an eye on the kids. Jeremy and Aelita. They tried to access the supercomputer, for what purpose, I'm not entirely sure, but they'll be back in the morning."
Yolanda nodded, "That's fine. I'll just put the factory on lockdown for a week. It's unlikely they'll breach it anyway. Besides, even if they do, we have a fail-safe in place."
"Excellent. Well, I must be preparing to go. I have things to do, and Emilio will be here for the transfer soon."
Yolonda said, "Best of luck, Terry. And the boss said we'll have contact with you, is that accurate?"
"Yeah, it's going to be integrated into the implant after I head out. You should be able to talk to me whenever you need to. The only caveat is that if you get a literal answering machine, give it a few hours."
"Of course. Well, good luck, and I'll see you soon. Oh, one last thing, do you think you could bring over a supply of Kirshia?"
He shrugged, "Sure, why not? We haven't had that stuff in a long time anyway."
John pressed several keys on the computer terminal in a moment, North-Gate's automated voice sounded, "System check complete. Calibration complete. Synchronization of communications relay complete. Displacement Suit at optimum condition for jump. Ready for initiation of transit."
"Alright, we're all set. Just have to wait for Emilio, and I'll be off." John said as he sat down.
At that moment, there was a ping. John looked at the scanner around the building, "Speak of the devil, right on time."
Emilio came in after going through the door's security check, "Got your message and came as quick as I could. Got everything you need for the jump?"
"Yeah," John replied, "Just ran the systems check while I waited for you to get here."
"Got everything you need? North wants an entire comprehensive overview on your return."
"I'm aware. I have the dossier of oversight orders in my implant's memory bank. I double-checked and triple-checked everyone's wants from back home and what to look at while there. Any last-minute requests from the boss?"
"Nothing really. Just remember to visit Minister Girard. She has a requisition order for you to give to her; it's been uploaded to your implant."
"Alright, well, if that's all, we're good to go," John replied.
"Very good, suit up. The portal will be open in T-minus 32 seconds." Emilio said as he fired up the computer systems.
John went to his suit and passed his hand over the left shoulder. The suit opened from the back through an automated seal, and once inside, the suit sealed shut.
John went to the central platform and stood perfectly still as Emilio ran the final calibrations. Soon energy began to crackle around the base of the platform, and wind through the open windows started to be sucked in towards the platform. The energy twisted and contorted in visible electric current as air formed what looked like a dome of energy as the agitator of the platform spun the air in growing rapid rotation.
Emilio threw goggles to Yolanda, "Put those on, or you'll be blinded!"
Yolanda immediately put them on, just in time as in that moment, the swirling wind that was visible turned into and gold and blue-accented energy charge. There was a high-pitched wail that to Yolanda sounded like an account of a banshee from folklore, and then a deep drone was heard followed by a powerful boom that knocked Yolanda back against the wall. She got up, her ears ringing, but as she removed her goggles, she saw that John was gone. Yolanda looked at Emilio, he was staring intensely at the screen. Emilio gave a significantly muffled shout of joy and gave Yolanda a thumb's up. He gestured for her to come close, and she looked at the computer. Across the screen, it read, "Transfer Complete."
