"I am getting to old for this. My bones are creaking, my body aches in so many places that I cannot imagine getting up from this chair. Why must doctors always insist on full body scans?” I silently mumbled to myself. I just turned one hundred last month and some days I feel every bit of it. To think that in just a few days I might be getting a brand new body and a second chance at life is beyond my belief.
Two years ago, a scientist Dr. Theodore Berk, came out of nowhere and spoke of a breakthrough in trans-dimensional shifts that his company Totality had discovered. He demonstrated that an item can be sent to another dimension and brought back. Furthermore, he was able to record a planet that seemed to operate under the laws of physics as our own with a couple deviations. Apparently, there are many mythical creatures and animals that have died out on our planet still alive and kicking on this parallel world. Dr. Berk was also able to figure out a way for living beings to be transported to this planet, but a change will occur during the transition. The primary change was that everyone transported to this world would end up as children approximately 5 years old and the other more shocking piece was that some would no longer be human.
I found it hard to believe myself, but once I saw the vid-feeds it brought back all my memories of MMORPG (massive-multiplayer online role playing games). I saw elves, gnomes, and dwarves running about about with older versions watching over them carefully. Furthermore, it seemed that this world was looking for immigrants of all nationalities to come explore their world. This announcement came as a great shock to the world, especially some doomsayers and fanatics. There were even some governments that saw it as an experiment to destroy their countries and allow for hostile takeovers.
As for myself, I thought in the words of that old action star Bruce Willis “Yippee ki Yay.” I wanted to live on and experience a new world, being a hundred years old makes you think of when and how you will die, and not if you will die. I wasn’t the only one excited to jump at the chance to see another world. Yet, to many people’s dismay there was a waiting list and the first transference wouldn’t happen for two more years as the final touches had to be made. Moreover, that waiting list only allowed for 5,000 people to be transferred, at least to begin with, each year.
So that brings me to today, I had received a formal invitation to come and apply for candidacy to be transferred. Being selected to go to Totality’s headquarters surprised me as I had already applied and was number 48,564 on the waiting list. I was sure there was a mistake in me being selected as soon as I was. It was several months before the first person was schedule to be transferred and I wasn’t schedule to go for another ten years, if I lived that long. After arriving at the corporate headquarters, I was ushered into a doctor’s office and thus began me being examined six ways to Sunday. To top up that vary intrusive physical (I will let the reader use their imagination), I was given a modified lie-detector test that covered my entire life. Some of the questions were totally out of left field and seemed like a dating website questionnaire but I responded to the best of my abilities.
Sample questions:
What degrees do you have? Associates of Science, Bachelors of English, Bachelors of Math, Masters of History (Ancient Civilizations: Greek and Roman)
During your lifetime what were your favorite physical activities? Weightlifting (sadly not in the last 30 years), hiking, swimming, and running (also not so much, to many knee surgeries)
If you could use any melee weapon to fight someone what would it be and why? Spear, mid-range capabilities, multi-use functions.
Which is better and why: cross-bow or English Longbow? English Longbow is slow to train but has greater versatility. Quicker draw with great range and stopping power. Especially if used in group formations.
How many countries have you traveled to? Out of approximately 280, I have traveled to 114.
Describe the ideal place where you would like to live? Mountains, forests and a river, and with a place where I can grow crops.
What are your hobbies? Reading, gardening, wood carving, cooking and in my youth working out.
What jobs have you held? Gardener, Maintenance worker, vacuum salesman, fast food restaurant, military both as enlisted and officer, and owned my own bookstore and gym.
What is your most fulfilling task? My gym franchise Medieval Fitness. A gym where you have the basics, but also combine in weapon fighting, grappling, and day to day activities that would exist during the 1400-1600s. I had rock station where individuals would move rocks 10 yards, I had lumber station where you had to cut wood, the cannonball toss, climb the tower, the patrol (50 lb vest and walk a mile), and many other physically tasking workouts.
All told, I think I answered over three hundred questions. Between the physical and the questionnaire I had never felt so vulnerable and invaded in my life. I left there with high hopes in my selection, and eagerly awaited them to get in contact.
Several days later, I received a phone call from Canum Enterprises stating that I was accepted into the program and would be the first one to be transferred to Aether. I could come down to the offices once I have wrapped up all my businesses and the procedure would begin.
Wrapping up loose ends was accomplished via my will months ago once I had an inkling of the possibilities presented by Dr. Berk and his research. So, the next morning I went with my lawyer to begin the next stage in my life. Why bring a lawyer, well my holdings were in the tens of millions of dollars and I want to make sure my heirs would not squabble over every little penny just because they decided I was insane. My children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren all knew about my decision and were behind me, but I wanted to play it safe at least for their prosperity. You never know when a jealous little punk of a nephew might want to make a play for the inheritance.
As we walked through the doors, the receptionist was there waiting to escort us into the medical bay. Instead of the whiteness that I expected the room was a light neutral color that was very relaxing. Dr. Berk, himself, was there waiting for me in front of this metallic black capsule. That capsule drew all eyes to it. If I was a scientist, I would almost say it was a Black Hole, but that would be improbable. Although, the light from the room did seem to just be absorbed by it. I digress.
Dr. Berk explained “Logan, welcome, you might be wondering why you were selected to be the first one to be transferred. I won’t make you guess, it is because I owe you a debt of gratitude. Twenty-five years ago, you found a man lying by the road, unconscious, and took him in to your house. You must have thought I was a drunkard or just lost it, but you called a medical response team to come get me. After they arrived, you stayed by my side to make sure I was okay and even checked in on me at the hospital. After I was released you took me to your home for a couple of days, gave me a change of clothes, got me in contact with the other transferees, and bought me a bus ticket to get to them. You probably don’t even remember me, but I remember that act of kindness. You see when you found me I had just been transferred to this world from Aether as part of team. Our team got separated in the transfer and ended up spread out all over your world as there were no focal points on this side for us to home in on. By taking care of me I was able to get a leg up in this world and begin my mission of providing my world, soon to be yours, new candidates.”
He was wrong, I do remember helping out someone like that. I couldn’t remember his name or what he looked like, but helping someone out was just something I liked to do. I was blessed growing up and wanted to share my luck with others. Twenty-five years later I guess I got my investment of $100 back tenfold.
Berk continued explaining “That brings us to the purpose of today, your transference. My assistants should have explained the procedures several times before, but let’s go through this one last time. Once you enter the capsule, it will scan your brain patterns and sync with the questionnaire and physical we performed last week. An avatar will appear and provide you with choices customized and solely available to you. I do not even know what will be presented to you. One of the few things that I could do to help you was place you first in the line. After you have made your decisions, there will be chance for you to back out one last time. If you decide to continue, your physical body will die and you will not be able to come back to Earth as you are now. You will be permanently transferred to Aether, your new home planet, for the remainder of your days. Your new body will be that of a five year old child. This is in order for you to grow into the world and learn how to control your body naturally. Furthermore, this growth period will prevent uninformed individuals from causing mass chaos in a world that is slowly coming to the understanding of outsiders. Until such time as you learn how to speak and move about the avatar will be your companion, confident, and so much more. In this world it would be comparable to an artificial intelligence that uses your mind as its central processor. Everyone on Aether was given one twenty-five years ago in preparation for your arrival and can be used as a form of communication between acquaintances, friends, and family. Are you willing and able to step into the capsule and into the unknown?”
Finally, I never thought he would stop talking! “Yes,” I almost shouted, “I being of sound mind and body, blah, blah, blah, get me in there and hooked up. Lordes, my attorney, will fill out any last minute paperwork, and see to my remains once I pass over to the other side. Take care Lordes, and thanks for all the years you have been with me.”
I only wish my wife was able to do this transference with me as well. It has been almost a year and half since she passed away due to an aggressive form of cancer. I still remember being woken up in the middle of the night and told that she had passed away in her sleep. Regret for not being with there with her for her last moments will always be a dark spot on my soul. I had hoped we both could go on this journey together. I miss her, but I pray that she is looking down at me as I head out on adventure. Here goes nothing; at least I won’t have to wear a stupid catheter anymore.
As I climbed into the capsule I marveled at the metallic surface wondering what type of metal could have molded into such an intricate shape. However, I quickly was distracted as the capsules door closed and the interior went pitch black, in fact it was so dark, I could almost feel it seep into my skin. Thankfully, the lights slowly pulsed into existence and I saw what was to become my first friend in the new world.
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
“And you are?” I asked, curious to see who this being was in front of me.
“I am a figment of your imagination, a voice in your head, or just a construct given birth by the people of Aether. I am your guide in your transition to your new home. Only you will be able to see me, and I will answer your call. Speaking of which what will you name me?”
“Hmm, I shall name you Lordes,” Why not I thought, she was a great assistant and I will miss her laughter and quick wit. “Why the floating ball? Is there a way you can at least take on a face or a body.”
“As you wish, since I am a part of your imagination, please imagine a face or entity that you would like me to emulate.”
“Alright, please scan what I am thinking right now. Think you can take that form?”
“Yes, I can.” Lordes body slowly came into focus. She was about five foot even, with a light muscle tone that denoted a runner, of a slight Hispanic descent, and wearing a fashionable pantsuit. “Is this” with a gesture up and down “what you wanted, remember at any time I can change my appearance.”
“For now that is perfectly fine. Now let’s get on with whatever you have in store for me.”
“Alright, to begin with you will need to choose the body that you will grow into. However, it seems that due to your age and experiences one body in particular will suit you the most.”
“Please, explain. I want to choose not have it chosen for me.”
“As you wish. The basic model that we allow transferees is the human model. As a human you have the following stats: Strength: 10, Agility: 10, Wisdom: 10, Intelligence: 10, Stamina: 10, Vitality: 10 for a total of 60 statistic points. Humans have an overly aggressive attitude giving a bonus to fighting stat, but otherwise have no hidden bonuses.
“Wait, wait, wait, this sounds almost like a game, what is going on here? Why are things quantified like that, don’t I just get a body, and live life anew.”
“Please wait all will be explained.”
“The next models are the dwarf, gnome, hobbit, and elf race with 65 stature points divided out. Then you have demi humans, half-races, were-animals, avians and several other races with 75 stature points. Do you really want me to break each one down for you?” If I wasn’t mistaken, there was some serious sass and sarcasm in that question. “ Please don’t ask me to, it would take hours. Let me just jump to the point and tell you the one best suited to your abilities and experiences.”
“That race is the Aos Si. The people of the mound, an ancient race, which humans and elves are the descendants. The stature points for them are broken down in the following Strength: 15, Agility: 15, Wisdom: 10, Intelligence: 10, Stamina: 15, Vitality 15 for a total of 80. This race is gifted with low light perception, enhanced healing double that of the other main races, and like elves they cannot die of old age.”
“I could live forever?”
“Technically, yes; however, sickness, war, accidents, chaotic events, and a random meteor shower could all kill you from one moment to the next.”
“You say wars? How often does your planet have them?”
“Every summer we have skirmishes between kingdoms seeking to expand their areas of influence.”
"And how much influence does the biggest kingdom have right now?”
“Currently there are 42 kingdoms spread across the main continent, with the biggest holding an area the size of your China. The other 5 continents have only 1 or 2 kingdoms at most as our world is just entering an exploration phase.”
“Where will I be born at, if I chose to continue with this?”
“In the past, the transferees, have all decided to go to the main continent as it is settled and they would have more chances to improve their stock in the new world. Before you ask, each transferee is guaranteed to be taken care of by an influential family, and the main continent has many families seeking children.”
“What about the new continents, the other 5 you were talking about?”
“Those continents mainly consist of explorers and minor nobility. Hmmm, how would you say it: for power the main continent is a 10, and the others are a 4 for influential families.”
“I don’t care, I just want to explore and see what my ancestors did as they explored uncharted mountains. If I do this, can I be sent to another continent?”
“That wish can be granted. In fact, taking into account your desire to explore, the last continent to have been settled was Sunhaven. Last population count was of the one hundred thousand.”
“Now can we carry on with the selection process? The Aos Si have a high nature affinity, and will be accepted by most good or neutral races. The bad news is that the Dwarfs will treat you suspiciously, and ……..?
“And, you mumbled something there.”
"……”
“I am waiting, speak up.”
“There are currently no Aos SI anywhere on Aether. They disappeared from the main continent a millennium ago.”
“So, how can I become an Aos Si if they don’t exist.”
“Our scientists have figured away to transfer you into a body and have been blessed by the Creator with the formulae for your future race.”
“Will I be the only one of my race?”
“I cannot predict the future, but the probability is that there will be others.”
“Alright Lordes, let us get this over with. I trust that you are giving me the best choice with Aos Si and not out to trick me. We have many years ahead of us and I do not want to start off on a bad foot. What do I need to do to make this finalized?”
“Two things must be done. The first is your luck statistic. Please roll a dice to determine what your luck will be set at. Randomness is important in the world and it had been determined that all Tranferees can boost their luck by dice roll.”
Hmm, I wonder. “Oh okay, where is the dice at?
“You must ask for one, and upon receipt of said dice immediately roll it.
“If randomness is so important in your world, give me a twenty sided dice.”
“As you wish, please know that there are many other dice available, but you have selected a 20 sided dice please roll now.”
“Wait, there are other dice out there I could have asked for?”
“Yes, there are dice with up to 120 sides, but not many people know about those. Please roll.”
I should have waited and figured out if there was a trick to this. One shouldn’t get mad at Lordes since she was just doing her job and was probably programmed not to hint at other dice. Grabbing the dice, I let it roll out of my fingers and onto the simulated floor. As it dropped, I mumbled and said a prayer for high numbers. Once it hit it bounced a couple of time before spinning to a halt at my feet with the number 18 boldly facing upwards. I was relieved that my luck at least came through for me in the roll.
“Congratulations on the 18, may your luck shine through as you carry on into Aether. The final step in the process is to make the final commitment, step out into the unknown, bite the bullet, find Davie Jones’s locker, bid adieu, and so on and so forth.
“It may sound weird, but the last thing you need to do is hit the YES button floating in front of you, or if you wish to back out hit the NO button. This is a system that Dr. Berk put into place in order for people to make a physical decision to transfer and allow for one final out.”
With that being said I hit “YES” and the world disappeared with a flash of light.