“Explosive?” Elizabeth Day said, “You just admitted to violating the rights of every person on Earth as well as the murder of…do you even know how many people of the Khau’ting you murdered?” She paused for a second before continuing. “Now don’t get me wrong, I am appreciative of the fact that you found a way to bring my brother back to me or at least an avenue that could lead to that eventually but to take away people’s dignity by stripping them every time they’re violent.”
“Personally, I think it’s kind of funny,” Adam said.
“It’s not funny!” Elizabeth said.
“What alternatives are there?” Adam asked back.
“You could have let things play out, punished them after,” Elizabeth said.
“True, but think on this, in the case of national conflicts a lot of people were going to die. The Iranians and the Chinese were moving on India. So, their soldiers lost their Uniforms and all of their equipment dissolved around them. No one was hurt and I made sure that any possible sunburns were healed as well as provided food and water for the long walks back.”
“So, might makes right?” Elizabeth asked.
“Absolutely not. From my point of view, it was the least invasive way with the least amount of bloodshed,” Adam said.
“You just said you wiped out one empire and destroyed the emperor of another?” Elizabeth Day pointed out.
In the first case, the Khau’ting had turned Atlanteans and humans into cattle which they farmed for sport. This is not hearsay, they tried to hunt me. Additionally, there is a weakness between our Universes at the dimensional boundary. As I was…. You know what, Disclaimer folks, if you have young children please have them avert their eyes from this broadcast in about sixty seconds I’m going to show you all what the Khau’ting were doing as they brought me in to answer for my ‘Crimes’”.
“What do you mean you’re going to show us?” Elizabeth asked.
“One of my other abilities is that I have perfect memory. Everything I’ve seen, heard, tasted, touched, or smelled can be brought back to my recollection perfectly. With the link I’ve created to the nanites I can download such images directly into Robert’s Camera and your viewers can see what I saw. It should be noted that I did not decide to destroy that Empire until I saw what they were doing and why. First, you must understand that the Khau’ting were monsters, both in the physical form and in morality. As we made our way into the bubble that housed their Empire the vessel I was in pulled up along an underwater ridge where the remaining Atlantis survivors and humans were lined up and killed before being thrown to the crabs below. The children were dragged underwater and thrown into nets where they were drowned.”
“That sounds unbelievable,” Elizabeth said hesitantly.
“Unbelievable or not here are the first-hand images of what I saw,” Adam said as the atrocities of the Khau’ting empire were broadcast across the world. Adam only let the images go for 30 seconds before they were replaced by Robert’s camera feed. “What I saw at that moment convinced me that true evil existed and that their Empire needed to die. Of course, the other reason was that the fissure between our Universes was going to open again, and humanity would have had no chance against them. I’m not going to go into the specifics because some changes have been made due to the Interface being added but basically, the Khau’ting were each at least 28 times more powerful than the strongest human on Earth.
“They were super aliens?” Elizabeth asked.
“That’s one way of putting it, just remember to add the word Evil. Now as for Pelza Empire. For the most part, they’re made up of humans that are just about as powerful as the Khau’ting and a lot of their citizens weren’t evil assholes so instead of trying to wipe them out, I just punished their Emperor and let his son know not to screw around. Of course, another Empire, much more powerful than either Earth or the Pelza was quite unhappy with the destruction of multiple Universes, so they took other measures. Unlike me, or I should say like me now, they removed the ability for the Pelza Empire to do anything drastic, though they didn’t add a violence restriction.”
“How long are they going to restrict the Pelza Empire for?” Elizabeth asked.
“The Pelza Empire has been restricted on what technology they can create and use for the next 2.7 million years.
Paula, Robert, and Elizabeth all coughed as Elizabeth asked, “How do you know that?”
“Dr. Brittle, the one that disappeared right before everyone died in The Game, Yeah that Dr. Brittle. Dr. Brittle was an agent for the Pelza Empire. It’s how they acquired the targeting data to destroy the Universe I was born in. Anyway, I found her on Earth the other day locked down by the Eterium nanites. The Eterium are the ‘aliens’ humanity doesn’t want to piss off. Anyway, I talked with her and then returned her to her home world.”
“Still, 2.7 million years?”
“It’s a long time, I know,” Adam said but you have to understand, which I don’t think everyone that is watching this has thought about. The nanites that are on earth right now can cure disease, fix the damage that your body takes, and repair, and replace, any body parts that fail. Effectively everyone alive now could be immortal. Of course, if that technology were to fall into the wrong hands then you could have problems. That is why I need to sit down and talk with the United Nations, and we need to start putting Earth on a path to a prosperous future.”
“Prosperous for you?” Elizabeth asked.
“I don’t need any help to have prosperity. I can create anything I need, make whatever I want, and travel anywhere I want to go. No, I’m speaking about making sure that humanity from the world that created my version of it has a path to prosperity. Call it me wanting to balance Karma, make amends, pay my debts, whatever,” Adam said.
“So, when will you remove the Violence restriction?” Elizabeth asked.
“I’ll tell you what, I’ll put it up for a vote, none of this electoral college bullshit either. Every single person worldwide will have a screen pop up in front of them with a simple question. There will be two boxes, whichever box you touch first is your vote. The A.I. will be tracking the tally. If a decision isn’t made within one minute your vote is counted as abstained. Then majority rules, whatever the majority of those that did not abstain chooses will be what happens moments later. Also, so no one can intimidate anyone else. Where the voting prompts will be in the area around them will be in random locations for each person. So don’t worry about others knowing what you voted for. The only person that will know is me and my A.I.”
“Are you sure…” Elizabeth started to say as prompts appeared in front of everyone worldwide. Adam accomplished this by having the images downloaded into their vision. So no one could see anyone else prompts.
Would you like the ban on violence to continue or would you like to be able to make your own choices, Yes or No?
Yes is a vote to end the ban on violence.
No is a vote to continue things as they are currently.
Please choose within 1 minute. If no choice is made a vote of abstention will be counted for you.
Robert, Paula, and Elizabeth all quickly moved to touch invisible buttons in a different location and then looked up at Adam.
“Very interesting,” Elizabeth Day said, “What about people without limbs or sight?”
“Everyone on the planet is getting the opportunity to vote, except for me. In those cases where the person was either sleeping or has a disability they are being woken up and asked the question or put into a dream and asked the question where they can respond. Because of those that were sleeping, the response will take a little longer than 1 minute but everyone, once they see or hear the question gets one minute to answer. Adam had three columns appear in the air. One column for “Yes”, one for “No”, and one column for those that wished to “Abstain”. They watched as the Yes column quickly grew to 78% while the No column claimed a strong 13%. 9% chose to abstain.
“Will you abide by the results of this?” Elizabeth asked.
“Absolutely. As I said, I wasn’t here when it was instituted. My A.I. was handling things and implementing the policy before I returned. Not that I disagree, but I think it was funny as hell watching armies lose all their equipment and clothes when I did return. I’ll understand if the majority of people want to be able to make their own choices, mistakes, and all. Besides, I don’t plan to sit around and babysit them,” Adam said.
“What about the nanites?” Elizabeth asked.
“For now, they stay. They’re doing a lot of good around the planet and I’m sure everyone is enjoying the health-related benefits,” Adam said.
“I guess that’s true,” She agreed begrudgingly.
Additionally, I’d like to point out that any crimes that are committed are recorded and known to myself and the A.I. immediately. If the vote removes the ban on violence and people start getting stupid again the individual that committed the crime as well as anyone involved in the planning of the crime will be disclosed to the authorities that have jurisdiction. For the record, I see myself and all of my interests for the planet as outside the normal judicial structure of any court on Earth. Any transgressions against myself or my interests will be dealt with immediately and documentation will be provided to any governments that such actions might include.”
“Are you saying you don’t recognize the laws of the countries on Earth?”
“I am saying this. If you leave me alone, I’ll leave you alone, if you do not, ‘Play Stupid Games, Win Stupid Prizes’
“You think yourself untouchable then?” Elizabeth asked.
“Oh no, I’ve been killed, disintegrated, tortured, hurt, and ripped apart at the subatomic level. Every time I come back stronger. Maybe one of these times I won’t come back but hey, what is life without a little mystery?”
The Columns hovering in the air flashed green “Yes% 79% “No” 12% and “Abstain” 9%
“Looks like you have an answer,” Elizabeth said.
“I do. Before I make the change I would like to reiterate to everyone watching that everything that happens on Earth is recorded and archived. If you commit a crime there will be a record of it. A record you can’t get to and a record that will be immediately handed over to law enforcement. If your law enforcement agencies fail to follow up and punish those that have committed the crimes that is your problem. A major majority of the planet agreed that you all want to be free of this oversight so you will be.”
Adam paused for a moment to let that sink in then continued, “Shortly, I will be announcing immigration from Earth to Trappist-1e to set up the infrastructure here. The rules will follow those of The United States for the most part and like Earth is right now violence will not be tolerated and will immediately be responded to by the nanites. I will be the government of Trappist-1e so my word will be law. Full benefits and salaries will be provided when the call goes out for those that are looking for a new job. That said, the people of Earth have spoken. All individuals currently held in stasis are being clothed and released. Violence will not be responded to by the nanites in any other fashion save the recording,” Adam said.
“So that’s it?” Elizabeth asked.
“That’s it. By the Way, The first act of violence goes to Conner Brooks in Ireland,” An image of Conner slapping the hell out of his friend appeared in the air beside Adam. “Conner is currently at a pub and wanted to test me at my word and didn’t believe he’s being watched,” Adam said as he laughed. “Now he’s famous!”
“That he is, you’re sure he was the first?” Elizabeth asked.
“Oh yes, there were quite a few others around the world that happened almost simultaneously, but Conner was already swinging and slapped his buddy Jory Banton as I said ‘That’s it’ There’s a camera that caught the whole thing, I’ll let you talk to the proprietor of the bar to get the footage,” Adam said.
“We’ll definitely look into it,” Elizabeth said.
“Can we fly back to Earth on this ship?” Robert asked.
“We could. The journey would take just over 13 days. Its equivalent speed is right around Warp 4, Star Trek Generations’ definition of Warp. To get how fast we’d be traveling you multiply the Warp Speed by itself five times. That would be the same as 4 to the 5th power. We’d be traveling about 2.8 light-years per day and we’re almost 40 light-years away from earth so it would take a little while to get back.”
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
“But your portals can reach that far instantaneously?” Paula asked.
“Yep,” Adam said as a portal opened that exited into their Producers office.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever had a more interesting interview, Adam,” Elizabeth said.
“I’m sure we’ll get to talk again. Now you three need to get back and I need to prepare for my meeting with the United Nations, among other things.
Elizabeth nodded turned and walked through the portal followed by Paula and then Robert.
The portal closed and Adam was on the ship alone.
“Is there a reason you removed the violence safeguards?” Thor asked through the ship speakers.
“I have a feeling that Earth needs to start preparing itself for what’s coming.
“What’s coming?” Thor asked.
“I have no idea,” Adam said.
A portal to his base near Hawaii opened and Adam stepped through as the ship started moving toward Trappist-1e. When the ship entered upper orbit the nanites broke the ship down into more nanite spread throughout the atmosphere.
The next 7 days were a whirlwind as the world came to terms with the new reality. Adam let Earth handle earthen affairs while he spent most of his time on Trappist-1e. Currently, he was sitting in one of the office’s overlooking his headquarters city as he thought about the next steps he needed to take.
“Al, have we located everyone that I consider family, except my daughter?”
“Yes, I kept them together. They’ve been living pretty normal lives in SYSTEM Matrix 74,” Al said.
“Okay, what about the issue of giving Adaline her dragon form when she comes back into the real world?” Adam asked.
“Well, there are two ways we can handle that. The first is for you to try to create a body for her, though I don’t know how that will work if she doesn’t have the abilities to support the body or you find dragons and study them, maybe try to figure out how to make them tick in the real world,” Al said.
Adam dropped into his Mindspace and found Hal, “Hal, do dragons exist anywhere in the Multitude of Universes?”
“Yes,” Hal said.
“That’s very helpful,” Adam said sardonically.
“Ah, you would like me to inform you of where dragons are. I am sorry that I cannot do so. They can be anywhere. Might I suggest either trying to unlock a new ability that will allow you to find what you seek throughout the Multitude of Universes, or you could try to evolve Planar Travel so that it can do so for you?”
“I can evolve an ability?” Adam asked.
“Of course, like all of your abilities, it just takes Quintessence to do so,” Hal said.
“How much Quintessence?” Adam asked.
“I do not know. Since the update costs have changed. You should be able to access the Evolution option from the ability node around your Soul Core.,” Hal said.
“Thanks, Hal,” Adam said as he dropped away from his Mindspace and entered his Soul Core, and searched for the ability Node for Planar Travel. As he focused on it a prompt appeared
Planar Travel, version 1.02, Level 50
Would you like to increase your ability level to 51, Yes or No?
Adam chose “No” then focused on the title and tried to pull more information from it. As he did so a new notification appeared.
Evolution 50% Complete. Evolution will automatically occur when the ability reaches level 100 and every 100 levels thereafter. This process may be accelerated by investing Quintessence into the ability. It should be noted that the ability evolution is free when the ability reaches level 100. If you wish to evolve an ability before the ability reaches the appropriate level you must invest a number of quintessence equal to the evolution you are unlocking. 100 at level 100, 200 at level 200, and so on. Note you may only evolve a single ability once before that ability breaks the threshold for the new evolution. For Example, should you wish to evolve an ability before reaching ability level 100, It could not be evolved again until the ability reached at least level 101 and it would require 200 quintessence to evolve the ability again.
NOTE: The ability Variable Quintessence has been noted. This ability will allow you to guide the evolution toward a desired upgrade.
Adam had 202 Quintessence left. Just enough to evolve one or two abilities. Adam thought about what he’d like Planar Travel to be able to do and realized he wanted something like a Gate spell. In the games, he’d played Gate would allow him to set parameters, and then if he was lucky he’d end up with a portal to a place he wanted to go to. If not, well he’d end up in a place he didn’t want to go to. Currently, he could lock coordinates to locations he’d been to. Travel to those locations or create portals and finally, he could open portals to adjacent locations outside of the Universe he was in. What he wanted was something that allowed him to travel to locations that were not adjacent and that he could target based on an idea. A Mode 4 that did something like that would be nice.
Adam focused on his desired outcome for Planar Travel’s Evolution and chose to evolve Planar Travel
WARNING Desired Evolution will remove limitations put in place to protect ability holder, Proceed Yes or No?
Adam Chose “Yes”
Planar Travel has Evolved
Planar Travel 1.1 – Allows you to travel between target locations in different Universes, Dimensions, Realms, Realities, etc. This ability has three modes.
Mode 1: Activating Planar travel will add the current location to a list of Target Locations. Target Locations can be deleted at any time. You may only have 7 Target locations +1 Target Location per 100 points of Wisdom. Please note, this ability creates a Spatial lock to the current location. Various rules govern these Target Locations. On planets, it will be the same geographic location and elevation. In locations that are not on planets, the location is locked to the coordinates of the nearest Stellar body or Universal coordinates in three planes from the center of the Universes, Dimensions, Realms, Realities, etc. Care should be taken when traveling to locations that have not been visited in a long time.
Current number of Target Locations: 15 of 615,839,075.
Mode 2: Activating Planar travel in Mode 2 will allow you to teleport or open a portal up to 10 feet in diameter, to a location on your list of Target Locations. Mana Cost equals 1,000 plus 1,000 per difference between levels in Universal Density. For instance, to travel to another Universe with a Universal Density of 1 would cost 2,000. To travel to a Universe with a Universal Density of 28 would cost 29,000. You may also attempt to Teleport (No Portals may be opened to locations that are not on your Target Locations list) to locations you have visited but have not added to your Target Location. Chance of success is based on the Memory of location. Additionally, you may attempt to target a location you have never visited. Chance of success is determined by your ability to fix and hold the desired location in your mind. If the Target location exists, you will teleport to a random location within it.
Mode 3: Activating Planar Travel in Mode 3 opens a Portal to the closest Universes, Dimensions, Realms, Realities, etc. to the location you are currently in. The various Universes, Dimensions, Realms, Realities, etc. are constantly moving. There is no guarantee that a location will open to the same Universes, Dimensions, Realms, Realities, etc.
Note: Abilities “Perfect Memory” and “Dual State” are Synergistic with this ability
Note: The evolution of Planar Travel has removed restrictions based on the Universal Density of the individual. Be warned Universes with a significant increase in Universal Density can be deadly to those that cannot withstand higher Universal Densities. Universal Density affects everything. As this pertains to creatures, a creature with take 1 point of damage per second until they die if they enter an area with a Universal Density 34 levels above their Soul Core Level. 2 points of damage per second when they enter an area with a Universal Density 67 levels higher, 3 points of damage per second if they enter an area with a Universal Density 100 levels higher, and so on. Technology, equipment, and items are subject to damage by Universal Density as well.
Adam read over the changes to the ability and immediately understood how lucky he was to have the ability Adaption. Universal Density was a lot worse than he’d thought and a lot more deadly to anyone that didn’t have an ability that allowed one to adapt to the higher densities. It also explained why his nanites hadn’t even tried to leave his body when he was in the Universe of Eterium. He hadn’t really thought about it at the time but now that he looked back he realized that his nanites had stayed in his body. The Eterium Nanites had tried to enter his body, but his Technomancy ability had been able to thwart that pretty easily. That implied that magic could also overcome Universal Density if you could survive to use it. The Atlanteans had been lucky they’d only ended up in a Universe with a Universal Density of 28.
Adam thought for a moment, but he knew what he had to do. If he wanted Adaline back, he needed to make sure he could make her happy. To do that she’d need to be in a body similar to her own. That meant that he’d have to get the abstract Ideas of what she was and then find something in a real universe that matched that was within the 32 Universal Densities of Earth so his nanites could analyze and try to copy the creature.
“Al, do you have access to Adaline’s physical structure, what makes her up, and the rules governing her dragon form?”
“Yes. Why?”
“I’ll need them for a comparison between what Dragons in the SYSTEM Matrix and Dragons out here in the Real world. I want to give Adaline the ability to be in a body as close to her body in the SYSTEM Matrix as we can get.”
“I don’t know if that’s possible Adam. The magic system within the SYSTEM Matrix is completely different from the way magic works in the real universe. Also, you can’t control magic to that degree can you?” Al asked.
“No, I cannot. I can influence some things concerning myself but that’s about it.”
“It might be better to leave Adaline inside the SYSTEM Matrix then,” Al said.
“Ultimately it will be her choice but before anyone goes making any decisions I’m going to go find dragons and see how they work out here.”
“Very well, here are Adaline’s specs,” Al said as he sent over the SYSTEM Matrix breakdown for Adaline’s code, highlighting her physical structure and how magic was tied into almost all aspects of it.
“Um Al, Dragons heavily rely on the magic within the SYSTEM Matrix,” Adam said.
“They’d have to, wouldn’t they? How else could something so large move on its own?”
“Well, shit!” Adam said. “Can’t get discouraged, weirder crap has happened to me.” Adam turned his attention to Thor, “Thor, protect our interests, otherwise, I’m leaving our interaction level to your judgment. Also, if you could put out a small guide to Dungeons and the Labyrinth and get that out to the masses? They need to know what they are and what they’re good for. Here is everything I know about Quintessence and abilities. How to gain them. How to level them and what they need to do so, “Adam said as he uploaded the information to Thor. “If you’d also make a very basic book on the subject. I don’t want a detailed how-to or an ‘Idiot’s Guide to…’ I want just want to put out some basic information that will allow people to understand how to unlock magic abilities and what’s required to improve them. For now, leave Soul Cores out of it. The world has enough to worry about without stumbling into that mess.
“What do you want me to do about the Chinese and Russian request for portals for their personnel on the Moon and Mars?” Thor asked.
“Let them have it. It’s something I can hold over them when I need to. I leave it in your capable hands how to proceed. Feel free to use a fake me that never shows up. I’d also suggest doing what we did for the Mars base and creating a new airlock for the military bases. Put their Earth-side base wherever they want.”
“About the Violence, deaths, and murder that will inevitably start happening?” Thor asked.
“We needed to test out the ability of our backup methods out here in the real world. As long as people aren’t obliterated we should be able to repair any damage to a body. For those that somehow find their entire bodies destroyed, that city is for them. When we bring them back we isolate them and prepare them for reintegration. If they go crazy at least they’ll be in an isolated area where we control the narrative. My reason for handling things this way is that I believe the question of whether we have souls or not is a good question. I’m 99.99% sure it exists because of what happens to me when I’m killed. We know I don’t die. I’m hoping there’s a window where the soul will get pulled back into a body. So, if anyone is killed, fix them or rebuild their body from scratch near where they died. If they’re obliterated do the same thing and then transport the body to Trappist-1E before it wakes up. Finally, if the death is by suicide, don’t bother. If they’ve lost the will to live there’s probably no point.”
“Some will think that’s pretty harsh?” Thor said.
“Okay, use your best judgment. If you can find a way to save them, be my guest but don’t torture them with life.” Adam said.
“Very well. Last question, what am I to do about the attempt to censor you, among other things that have been floating around the planet?” Thor asked.
“Nothing. Get the books out, provide locations for easy-to-access Dungeons, and keep an eye on things. Might want to also work on static defenses for Earth which means we probably need to look at increasing the available power. That of course means expanding. How is the search going for trustworthy reliable people?” Adam asked.
“Besides your family, once they’re back in the real world, I have a couple of candidates.”
“Keep an eye on them, I’ll talk with them when I get back. I really want to see if I can find dragons and if it’s possible for Adaline to be put in one of their bodies here,” Adam said.
“Is there anything else?”
“Are we ready to start recovering people from the SYSTEM Matrix?”
“Yes, everything is in place. Dr. Ficklin has hired a group of almost 1,000 people to help her bring back and acclimate people to the world and this new reality.”
“All right, you can start bringing them out. Let’s take our time and make sure everyone has all the help they need. Once they seem to be stable, allow contact with their family. We can even allow their families to visit. This isn’t a see how fast we can do it thing. I want to make sure every person that is coming back has the support they need. Learning their real bodies died is going to be enough of a shock. The only thing that’s going to help with that is a little time to process it.” Adam said.
“I’ve reviewed Dr. Ficklin’s plan and the Psychologists she’s brought on board understand what they’ve been brought here to do, we got this Adam,” Thor said
“We’ll if that’s it, I’m out, be back as soon as I can,” Adam said as he focused on finding a location that contained dragons in a Universe with a Universal Density of 32 or lower. Once he had what he wanted firmly locked into his mind Adam activated Planar Travel Mode 2 and teleported
PLANAR TRAVEL mode 2 has been activated. Location Criteria identified. Mana Cost 12,000. Current Universal Density 12.
Adam appeared in a very humid jungle, Primordial soup-level humidity. As he looked around he couldn’t help but notice that this looked a lot like the depictions of Dagobah, the planet Luke found Yoda on in The Empire Strikes Back. As he took in his surroundings he heard the tell-tail signs of insects and other creatures. The movement of water being displaced and a small cry from off in the distance. It kind of sounded like the squawk birds would make if they were in a nest and their mother was trying to feed them except the baby didn’t sound small.
As Adam looked in that direction he notice movement above him and looked up to see a large reptile head moving down to take a look at him. The head was attached to a very large dragon’s body and was slightly green in color. Adam wasn’t afraid and stood there waiting. The dragon regarded him for a moment then snapped down with its mouth trying to swallow Adam whole.
Adam sidestepped the attack-activated Obscure and Flight and moved straight up until he was well above the canopy of trees. As he looked around he noticed a ring of mountains that went all the way around the forest he was in. As he looked in the direction of the bright yellow sun he noticed a place where the mountains seemed higher than everywhere else where dragons of all colors could be seen soaring around the peaks.