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Marky’s office
Marky sat reading an older story while waiting on Bradley to contact him back. “Wow, they’ve been through so much and yet they remind me so much of this universe.”
“What cha, reading Marky” Marvin asked as he slowly appeared from no where.
“Just a story, it could almost be a prequel to the clan.” Marky said as he passed the book over to Marvin.
Marvin looked at the book, then he blinked out and back in less than a second. “Well you are partly right. They could be an early version of the clan if it wasn’t for the destruction of their world thirteen years ago.” Marvin said watching Marky closely.
“What happened?” Marky said looking from the book to Marvin.
Marvin sat down and cleared his throat. “So first the story you are reading was wrote by someone who had the ability to see into their past. Secondly they lived three hundred years ago. Thirdly their philosophy was very much similar to the clan.”
“How did it happen? The destruction of their world?” Marky asked as he thought about everyone he enjoyed reading about.
“Thirty years ago, their people had first contact.” Marvin said quietly and continued. “But their first contact was a species similar to a mix of Klingon and Romulans. The government had peace talks but when a representative party was on the surface; a race hate group started a riot and killed the delegates, starting a war.”
Marky looked around trying to un think the devastation. “Who was the group?”
“They were very similar to the FCC here, but they were the Warriors of Devote Faith.” Marvin said quietly trying to reconcile his emotions. “They not only brainwashed their members but slaughtered anyone who thought differently than themselves. They seen the delegates as an invasion of their planet and an attack on their faith. They slaughtered and ate the delegates. They put their heads on pikes to show they weren’t welcome.”
“They ate the delegates?” Marky asked in shock. “How can anyone go that far?”
“It was easy considering the other atrocities they heralded in the name of their lord” Marvin stated while rubbing his temples.
“So do you know why this story ends so abruptly?” Marky asked hoping it wasn’t something bad.
“The person who was able to see their past said in an interview, He felt they had gone through too much and stopped writing. But the actual reason was he stopped seeing them.” he said looking out the window.
Marky watched as Marvin looked out the windows toward the strip mine. “On a different subject, did you hear the mine property next door was donated to the clan.” Marky asked wondering if he knew why.
“I was told it was going to be an extension of your compound.” Marvin said thinking how Marky could do with a compound that size. “I need to go, before someone finds me and asks me do to more work.”
Marky watched as Marvin faded out without making a loud noise. Slowly he picked up his book and started reading again.
Marky continued where he left off
Robbie walked up from the back of the bus where he had been staying out of site. “Jess, there is a road block ahead according to the scanner.”
“Why are you letting me know? We haven’t got anything to hide.” Jess said looking concerned.
“We do and we don’t, they are looking for the young lady and her kids.” Robbie said quietly. “according to Deidra they are using trumped up charges to detain her.”
“How long till we run into them?” Jess asked knowing Deidra wouldn’t bullshit them about what was going on.”
“They are about five miles up the road. And there aren’t any turnoffs ahead.” Robbie mentioned when he noticed a young boy standing on the side of the road holding a sign. “Jess, pull over see what he needs?” Pointing at the young boy.
“I don’t know where he came from but he doesn’t need to be on the side of the road like this.” Jess said as she slowed the bus down. Once she came to a stop she opened the door. “Where are you going and why are you out here alone?”
“I’ve been waiting on y’all. You are running behind schedule by twenty three minutes.” He said while Lester looked between him and Jess. “Besides, you got bandits five miles ahead. In a mile there is a turn on the right. I need you to take that turn and follow it until you get to the stop sign.”
“But my GPS doesn’t show a road there at all.” Jess stated looking at the boy like he had a third head.
“I promise it will be there and you will be safe.” he said as he closed his eyes as if focusing on something. “They have already stopped at the restaurant and found the car. Please hurry and get moving.”
Jess turned and looked at Robbie who was just over her shoulder; he simply nodded.
“Guy’s hang on to something. I’m about to test this bus out!” Jess said across the bus speakers. “Robbie send a message to Deidra if you can.”
Robbie looked at Jess and shook his head as she grabbed another gear. “They are blocking our frequencies.”
“Turn here!” He said as she turned the bus quickly on to the road and was mystified as the road just sank into the ground after she had left the main road. “There’s the stop sign, pull up and stop here for a few moments and everything will be fine.”
Once they were stopped they all watched as the road disappeared but most importantly the police cars passed the turn as if it wasn’t there; never slowing down. Jess turned to the boy, but before she could ask any questions they were sitting at a travel rest area beside two other vehicles. “What the hell?” Jess said looking around positively confused.
“Just take a moment to adjust to the change, stay seated and breathe.” Marvin said remembering what he was told about travel between time, space and realities. “Once everyone has adjusted I will explain everything.”
Everyone watched as he seemed to fade out and back several times. Nancy watched as this young lad who looked so tired; but she could tell he was working on something. “Sweetheart, can you stop for a moment and come over here? You look like you need a hug.”
To everyone’s surprise he materialized in front of her. “Thank you mam”
Shocked by the formality. “Hun, according to Jess. If your on the bus you’re family. Call me auntie or momma Nancy, but never mam.” She surprised him even more when she leaned over and hugged the young lad.
He looked over to Jess who only nodded. “Auntie, I have a preposition to discuss with everyone here and in the Hollow.”
“Well then I guess we should go back to the Hollow then.” Jess said and then was surprised to see a futuristic building in front of her.
“Let’s go inside.” the boy said and started to walk off the bus when his arm was grabbed by Lance.
“Excuse me, But are you known as Marvin?” Lance thought back to the online stories.
Marvin stopped and blushed. As he started to answer, he was interrupted by Steven as he burst out. “Busted!”
Trevor looked between the three of them as if a light bulb went off. “Lets go in and hear whats going on!”
As they were getting off the bus, another bus and RV pulled up beside them. Lance stopped to look and started to sway. Before he could pass out Trevor had him. He looked and spotted the driver of the bus and mumbled “Linda?”
“Marvin, where are we? How is this possible?” Trevor asked timidly at first.
“I will explain everything inside.” Marvin said as he slowly walked toward the building to be surprised when Robbie picked him up and placed him on his shoulders.
“Dude, you looked so tired” Robbie said as he ducked down to enter the door.
Once inside everyone looked around at all the computer equipment in shock. The young Vulcan working the desk slowly walked over to Marvin. “Are these all of the time refugee’s?”
“No Sinclair, This is just the first batch. We will be using the conference room. You are more than welcome to join us.” Marvin said knowing she was curious.
“I must attend to the front.” Sinclair expressed then walked back and took her seat.
Moments Later in the Conference Room
Lance looked around the large room seeing all the numerous pictures of what one could only classify as adventures. Each picture must have been a digital frame because the pictures would show a ship, members of a crew and teenagers his age or younger to even the age of children. “Marvin, when and where are we?”
Marvin smiled at the question. “Currently you are three hundred and forty one years forward of when you were but in an alternate dimension on Earth of Alpha Prime time line.”
“Wait, what” Both Jess and Linda said at the same time.
“Linda, your group are from yet a different time line and world. Currently your group is sixty years in the past. But since your world progressed differently and technology didn’t advance as fast it did here you were living approximately equivalent to seven hundred years in our past.”
“So then why are we here” Jess said thinking about her home.
“After some major events here, I started looking at other worlds to see if there were others who held the same beliefs as us and who were in just as much if not more imminent danger.” Marvin said while running his hand through his purple hair. “Jess, the world you came from was slowly being taken over by a group who were the very definition of evil.”
Garrett stood up and walked over to Marvin and knelt in front of him. “Warriors of Devote Faith?” As he spoke he looked down toward the ground and let the tears flow.
“How do you know who they are?” Jess asked pointedly.
“They are the radical branch of the military, they are the ones who purchased your system.” Garrett said as tears ran down his face remembering the things he had witnessed. “They are something, I wanted to talk to you about but I wanted to wait till after the funeral.”
Jess walked to where Garrett was kneeling down and held him hoping he would calm down.
Marvin simply smiled at the gesture. “See the young lady you picked up is part of the project but she also was trying to escape and that is where I found you. You were already being targeted because you allowed Melnax to lock down the destructive side of his knowledge.”
“What about our house and the town?” Jess asked as fear started to rise.
“I am working on it as we speak.” Marvin said as he flickered momentarily.
Linda looked over her group “Is there anything we can help with?”
“Linda, you need not worry. I am duplicating your house and bringing your things over as well as things from each of your houses.” Marvin said while looking at everyone from her original group as well as those she acquired along the way.
Looking at Jess. “Do you think your town would want to move or do you think they would prefer to live in the timeline they are in?”
“To bad we don’t have access to Tel, he could send a text to everyone and find out.” Jess said knowing it would probably not be possible.
“I have asked Melnax and Tel to start asking everyone?” Garrett said surprised his phone was still working.
“How is that possible” Trevor said looking at Marvin.
“I have a small tendril of your world routed to his device.” Marvin stated watching Garrett for answers.
“I expect it will take hours for us to get an answer.” Jess said as Garrett started shaking his head. “Why are you shaking your head?”
“The town response is at ninety eight percent. The only ones who haven’t answered are in this room” Garrett said in shock. “The town vote is yes. They want to escape the dangers of our world.”
“Just remember there are dangers in this world too, but far less.” Marvin said hoping they understood there were still dangers in this place.
Jess looked at her group. “Raise your hands if you want to stay here?” she wasn’t surprised when everyone raised their hands.
Linda looked around and noticed everyone from her group had already raised their hand including herself.
“Alright, now that is settled. Looking at the view screen this is the layout of your town Jess.” Marvin said while pointing to the screen. “You will notice there are a few differences. I have included Garrett’s Cabin, his parents house, Ma and Pa’s restaurant, Linda’s ranch house, her brothers house and a bunk house.”
“What is this compound here?” Jess said looking at the complex next door to her property.
“That is this complex. Marky needs to be here to explain this part.” Marvin said while watching Steven excitedly bounce in his seat. Looking toward the ceiling. “Teledyne, can you page Marky and have him come over?”
“Page request was already sent. I anticipated you would like to see him.” Teledyne said quietly.
Marvin smiled. “Efficient as always.”
Everyone turned as the door opened and in walked a pre teen Marky. “Hello and welcome to the Clan Short of Vulcan Rescue Center an Annex of Des Moines.” he stated then stopped as he recognized someone. Slowly he walked over to Lance as he recognized him from the front cover of his book. “Lance?”
Trevor was quick, he noticed the signs and caught Marky before he could hit the floor. “I take it you forgot to tell him?”
“Umm, well. I wanted to surprise him.” Marvin said as he put his face in his hands. Only to have Linda walk over and start rubbing circles in his back.
“How did he know my name?” Lance asked and then became quiet as a book materialized in front of him.
Then other books started materializing in front of Linda, Jess, Garrett, Dale, and Robbie. The final one caused Robbie to blush hard core.
“Who is this writer?” Dale asked as he noticed all the books had the same pen name.
“He was someone who had the ability to see in to other dimensions while sleeping. So to him your lives were dreams or nightmares” Marvin said looking to each person “romance” was said then he looked to Robbie.
Garrett who at some point was checking out Marky. “Did you kill him? I can’t seem to find a pulse?”
“He wouldn’t have a pulse.” Lance said while looking at his book cover. “He started out as a hologram but was made into an android when he entered this universe.”
Jess snapped her head in Lances direction then at Marvin. “He is right, Marky and his crew started off in another dimension as well. They crossed a spacial rift almost a two weeks ago.”
Then a set of books appeared in front of Marky.
“Unfortunately the books you have read about Marky and this world cannot exist here.” Marvin said thinking about how the universe works. “Those are from when he was in the other universe.”
“I figured they wouldn’t be able to exist here because if they did then it could cause a paradox.” Lance said surprising Marvin.
“Paradox?” Marky said as he tried standing back up to find he was sitting in Trevor’s lap. “I don’t think the Pair of Doc’s joke will work Marvin, since there are more than two doctors in this room.” Marky said a little groggy after returning to his senses.
Jake groaned at the poor attempt at humor. “We need to work on your humor.”
“Do you care to explain whats going on?” Marky asked confused.
“Meet your new neighbors.” Marvin said then pointed at the window.
Marky turned to look at the strip mine but it was gone. He saw a farm with horses next door. “Are you sure this can be done and will work?”
“I had help, do you remember Q?” Marvin said thinking about the dimensional rift.
Marky began rubbing his temples then pointed at Marvin. “You are responsible for all their ID’s and cards.” Turning for the door he looked back. “Welcome to Alpha Prime, I’m going to find some temporal Tylenol’s.” Then exited the room.
After he left the room. The wolf pup started running circles in the room. It began barking and yipping and that is when the weird began. Trevor and Lance turned to the pup, but instead of hearing yipping they heard. “This place is cool. I like it here. Where is the potty?”
“So then there is that.” Marvin said with amusement. “he is what we would call a spirit guide. So the two of you can communicate with him.”
“Marvin, what will happen to Melnax?” Garrett asked quietly as he thought of his friend.
“The server in which Melnax resides in was brought to this world. His entire system was brought over and has been upgraded with this worlds system capabilities.” Marvin said with compassion. “I would never leave him behind.”
“I would never leave you Garrett!” Melnax announced from the over head speakers. “Although, I tried to get Silas and Veltran to join us. They said if there was even a chance of saving good people on that world they would continue trying.”
“Silas and Veltran?” Jess asked curiously.
“Veltran is one of the test versions before we went to a server based platform. Veltran was sold to a private company prior to Tel’s operational existence.” Steven who had been sitting quietly said while shaking his head. “Veltran was sold as a favor to a company who needed assistance helping rescue people from bad situation. It was sold before grandpa released the company to mom, and I think before Jess purchased the company.”
“Silas, was released to a company who was donating thirty percent of their profits to the local food banks and wanted a system which could maximize the amount of food; the food banks could get.” Melnax said from the speakers. “Silas also developed a personality like myself. She tries to help as many as possible.”
Steven turned to look at Marvin “Is there any way we can bring them over moments before they go offline? This way they can stay as long as they feel needed and then bring them over?”
“There shouldn’t be to much of a problem doing it, however it will require being perfectly synced.” Marvin said then thought about his helper. “Be right back. I need my helper.
Seconds later Randall was standing in front of the group although he appeared to be missing some clothes. “Hello, I wonder what I did to loose my shirt and pants?” As a blush formed on his face.
Marvin re-appeared holding a fresh set of clothes. “Sorry, I meant to give you these before, I sent you here.”
Linda raised her hand trying to get someones attention. Marvin or Dustin turned and looked to her. “Yes, Linda what up?”
“I’m wondering which name I should call you, since you introduced yourself as Dustin but they are calling you Marvin? And then we have a little issue of confusion since there are now two Stevens.” Linda asked trying to not sound too grumpy.
It was at that moment her Steven looked to her. “Momma Linda, can you pick me a new name? This way I don’t have to remember being part of that church?”
“I know a name, but it might not be totally what you want.” Linda said thinking about Dale’s comments. “T’ven, sounds good. T’ven Wilhelm’s.”
“I like the sound of that name.” Dale spoke and noticed his T’ven tearing up. “What is it honey what did I miss?”
“Wilhelm’s, is Momma Linda’s last name.” T’ven said as he got up from the table and wrapped his arms around Linda. “Are you sure you want me?”
“Have I ever treated you as if I didn’t want you?” Linda asked while looking directly into his eyes. “You were the only reason I stayed working at the ranch.”
It was at this point William walked over. “Nephew, welcome to the family officially”
Lance thought about it aloud for a second and caught Marvin’s attention. “If we are calling him Marvin, and his name in our matching books are Marvin. Then he introduced his-self based on which world we came from to reduce confusion.”
“Absolutely correct, I typically go by Dustin.” Dustin stated then continued. “Marvin Dustin Short, is my full name minus all my titles.”
It was at this moment Trevor asked a wonderful question, “How does an android take a temporal Tylenol?”
Suddenly a large book landed on the table in front of Trevor. Temporal Tylenol’s and how to give them based on species, design and system. “This book should help you understand everything you ever needed to take Temporal Tylenol’s without going mad.” Dustin said as he took off around the table playfully running from Trevor. That is until Dax reached out and picked him up giving him a large hug.
“You can chase him all you want but he brought me and T’ven together. Which means he’s under our protection.” Gaining him a snuggle from Dustin.
It was a this point Janet began to fidget, timidly she raised her hand and spoke when Dustin nodded to her. “So are their any jobs here? I can do to help out or to be useful?”
Before anyone could speak, Marky walked back into the room. “Oh, good question. So I have accessed everyone’s abilities thanks to Dustin passing it along. Here are some position sheets for each of you. Honestly you can say no or yes on anything. My only request is have a look at everything before making a choice.” once he finished speaking he handed out all the papers to everyone but Garrett.
Looking at everyone Garrett began wondering why he didn’t get a paper. “Umm, excuse me Marky, but you didn’t give me a paper.”
“Correct, That’s because I would like to offer you the lead medical position at this facility. After reviewing your abilities and acknowledging everything you are capable of I figured this would be the best opportunity for you and your assistant would be Melnax.” Marky said surprising the young man.
As Marky was talking, a couple of teenagers walked in one almost looked like Dax’s younger brother and the other could pass as Trevor’s twin other than they both had purple hair. They stopped and waited for Marky to acknowledge their presence.
“Ah glad you could make it.” Marky said then waited a second then continued. “Melnax, Tel, how are the new remote body unit’s working for y’all?”
“What!, your kidding me?” Garrett yelled out.
“Hey Garrett, what do you think about my new body?” The larger built one said. Then figured Garrett was having security issues. “Do you remember the first surgery watching the bouncing blue ball?”
“Hell yes!” Garrett cried out as he ran and picked up Melnax and spun him around.
“I’m going to be sick please stop.” Melnax felt dizzy. “Why am I feeling sick?”
“Probably because of all of your sensors are giving various readings to your emotional sensation chip and you are processing emotions, actions, gravity and motion all at once.” Steven said while he was staring at Tel.
Tel noticed and began walking to Steven. “Why is your heart rate up by twenty percent? Your face is flushed and you are sweating.” Tel mentioned at a low whisper.
Steven was curious but still remembered to ask. “May I touch you?” Still not believing this was Tel, a system he helped program.
Tel walked up and allowed Steven to touch his arm. Then he slowly rolled Steven into a warm embracing hug. “Are you alright?” Tel asked worried as Steven’s heart rate sky rocketed.
Dustin walked over then said “We need to go somewhere, where y’all can talk.” suddenly they disappeared. Moments later Dustin reappeared giggling madly.
Turning to Dustin “What are you giggling so much about?” Jess teasingly asked Dustin.
“Its just odd seeing them checking each other out like a doctor on a mission.” Dustin whispered to Jess hoping she didn’t want details.
“Speaking of mission, what is our current assignment?” Randall asked looking around the room as he finished getting dressed. Turning he spotted Dale, Alexander and T’ven. “Or did we finish the last one yet?”
Dustin turned to answer. “Technically we have finished that assignment, tomorrow at eleven am. And then started another part this morning while finishing another part last month.”
Randall just started to rub his head in response.
Dale turned to look at Randall. “Excuse me, but I know I have seen you before but I thought I was just imagining it?”
Randall looked over to Dustin to see him nod. “We met at the old Bates house. Met is a little strong. Umm, I caught the shovel when you tried to knock T’ven’s brains out.” Randall said and then ran to Dale as his flopped down in the chair.
“I was so afraid he was going to take me to his family. Yet, I should have know he wasn’t. And then when I tried to hit him and the shovel stopped, I briefly saw you. I thought I was going mad.” Dale said as he began to cry.
“Dale, remember I felt your presence in the old house. I also felt another presence other than
Alexander, but didn’t know them. I only knew they meant no harm.” T’ven said as he reached for Dale.
Alexander spoke up. “I thought I saw someone intercept the shovel as well.”
Dustin took this opportunity to explain. “So Randall’s assignment was to keep things from going wrong. However, I didn’t tell him to not touch anyone. Next time he will understand his assignment.”
“Assignment or not he did accomplish what was necessary? Right?” Alexander asked while he sat rubbing his head thinking about how much the shovel would have hurt.
“Yes he accomplished his assignment. He did a smashing job of it. Well not smashing… Non Smashing.” Dustin said to Alexander. “Besides, even if he was seen. He did what was in the best interest of everyone involved.”
“Had he not have stopped my shovel strike, what would have happened?” Dale asked as if wondering out loud.
“The short of the matter is you wouldn’t have made it out of town in time. You would have added two plus hours to the trip to mend T’ven. It would have been more difficult getting everyone out together.” Dustin explained. “But ultimately, T’ven would have died before leaving the farm.”
Dale started to crumble from the knowledge he could have killed T’ven. “But, I am alive. I was protected. And no matter what I am not mad at you Dale.” T’ven said as he held on to Dale.
Steven and Tel
“Spill it Steven, are you alright?” Tel asked as he began to get worried.
“I can’t believe the physical embodiment of a program, I worked on could be so hot?” Steven said as all the energy left him.
“Do what?” Tel asked blankly
“I’ve known I was Bi for a long time but father didn’t want me to be anything but straight.” He said almost from cloud nine. “I just know you are hot as hell. But would you consider dating me?”
“I’ll consider it as long as you can recognize, I am my own person. Not a program or plaything.” Tel instantly regretted saying it so cold.
“Tel, I’m sorry, That was kind of cold of me to not recognize you as a person. But no matter what, I did help with your program.” Steven said as the tears began to stream down his face.
“The question still remains. Can you see me as a person and not as the program you created so long ago?” Tel asked as he pulled Steven into his lap. “I’m not upset with you for blurting out I was a program you helped with. I just want you to understand. That I am more than just a program you helped create with that wonderfully creative algorithm.”
“You thought is was creative?” Steven asked surprised. “I worked on it for almost seven month until grampa suggested looking at it from an alternate view.”
Tel pulled Steven even closer. “I’m sorry about your grandpa. I wish I could have helped save him.”
“Tel, it was not your fault nor were you in a position to save him at the time.” Steven said as he turned around to face Tel. “Besides if anyone was at fault it was Mom. She wanted Grandpa out of the way.”
Steven slid from Tel’s grip. Slowly he assessed him from head to toe. Looking at his long purple hair, to his angular face and light blue gray eyes. Noticing his ears where somewhat hidden but the pendant ear rings with the Clan Short logo surrounded with a pride rainbow. “Love the ear rings” Steven said as he returned to the inspection. As he looked at Tel’s arms he noticed Tel had started flexing his muscles for him. “Tel, is it my imagination or could you bench press a bus?”
“Silly, I’m not that strong.” Tel said not really knowing his max lift weight.
“I know you can say no, but the question still stands. Would you consider dating me after we get to know each other better. I want this to work out but I don’t want it to seem like a lust romance instead of true love or…” Steven said realizing he basically just set Tel free.
“Yes, I will date you. With our without the getting to know each other.” Tel shot off quickly.
Front Lobby
Sinclair sat watching the front desk when she noticed one of the new arrivals walk out in to the lobby. He was dressed as a sherif. She watched as he paced back and forth. “Excuse me, can I be of assistance?” Sinclair asked as she continued working the consoles in front of her.
“Yes, maybe no. I’m really having trouble trying to reconcile everything going on. I am normally on anxiety medications and I feel a wave hitting.” Robbie said as he started getting agitated.
Sinclair simply sent a quick message from her terminal and then got up, slowly walking over to him. “Please sit down for a moment. I will try a few pressure points while we wait on one of the current on duty doctors to show up.” She reached over and applied a small amout of pressure on the point near his wrist. “I have heard pressure points can help.” She looked over to his face to notice he looked relaxed compared to a few moments earlier.
“Thank you for the assistance, umm. I’m sorry but I didn’t catch your name?” Robbie said then. “I’m Robbie.”
“You may call me Sinclair.” Sinclair stated with very little emotion.
“Sinclair, you are a Vulcan correct?” Robbie asked thinking about the stories he had read.
They both looked up as a young child around the age of eight walked in. “Good afternoon Sinclair!”
“Good morning Dr. Tom.” Sinclair stated and then turned to Robbie once she felt him move.
“Robbie?” Sinclair asked then noticed he was out.
“He must be a new resident.” Dr Tom said with a snicker as he began checking the patient over.
“Dr he was complaining originally of having anxiety and the pressure point seemed to be working.” Sinclair said thinking about how handsome this person was.
“Sinclair, grab a hover platform. Lets get him back to observation. Also message Marky so he can let the rest know what is going on.” Dr Tom said then looked up. “Teledyne can you page someone to re leave Sinclair.”
“Daniel should be there shortly as he was paged when Sinclair went to check on Robbie.” Teledyne stated from the speakers.
Daniel walked in just as the speakers went off. “Sinclair, I have the front.”
Sinclair nodded that she had heard her replacement. “I will be back shortly.”
“Not necessary as I have taken the entire shift.” Daniel said as he began working on his home work.
“Then, if you ever need me to cover for you please ask.” Sinclair stated realizing these youngsters were a little on the stubborn side.
Conference Room
Jess walked over to Linda “Did you get the suggestion of Clan Parent?”
“Yes, and also Clan Welcome Committee.” Linda stated curious how this could be a total job.
“As a Clan Parent you would be there not only for your children but any children in the clan, not just this site. Also if you were to see someone in need you would have the ability to bring them in to the clan for help.” Teledyne spoke from the speakers.
“Hopefully that doesn’t mean I’m cooking and cleaning for the entire site.” Linda said with a slight giggle.
“No, we have crews and teams for those tasks. But we also ensure everyone on a site is a perfect fit meaning if a person isn’t fit for a job then we don’t assign them to a task arbitrarily.” Teledyne mentioned from the speakers.
“Also, I have sent papers to all of the town members to see where they would like to help.” Marky announced. “If anyone needs help they can come to my office and we will find an area which will work.”
It was at that moment Lance and Trevor walked up to Marky. “What is Ambassador for CSV Saratoga?”
“Ah, I almost forgot. For those of you who showed signs of advanced learning and comprehension. There are positions on the CSV Saratoga. It is a smaller starship currently in orbit. They are working with a town earth side, helping rebuild after an attack. If you are interested in seeing the ship before saying yes, then I can schedule a tour.” Marky said looking at the bewildered faces. “Sorry, I forgot you came from worlds without space travel.”
Jess checked her paper. “Hey everyone, I hate to ask this but would everyone suggested for Saratoga please raise your hands.”
Jess was surprised to see T’ven, Dax, Trevor, Lance and Jake raise there hands. “Looks like I’m with y’all.”
Linda noticed the anxiety showing on Jess’s face. “Hey don’t worry, I can keep an eye on the rest of them.”
Hearing this Jess smiled. “Marky, I’m sure we would like to have a tour.”
“Sure thing Jess.” he smiled “Teledyne, see if you can book a tour with the Saratoga staff.”
“They said they are ready now.” Teledyne mentioned from his speakers.
Looking around at everyone. “I guess we are ready then.”
Teledyne spoke up. “They are sending a shuttle, currently they have their transporters cued up with too much stuff going on.”
“Before we begin splitting up. Everyone will notice a badge appear on your shirts. These are your personal communicators. If you would like ot speak to someone tap the badge and say your name and then say their name. And then start speaking. When your done tap the badge again and your done.” Marky rattled off. “Those heading to the Saratoga if you will follow me.”
As they followed Marky, they began looking a the walls and all the art work. Soon they walked outside to a landing pad and noticed something coming in rather fast. “Wow, Annika is really pushing the ship today.”
They watched as this ship came in fast and then landed on target, without even a scratch.
As the door opened everyone took a deep breath, the young girl stepped out and the new members noticed the remains of Borg implants. Before realizing Lance had started to reach out to Annika. “Do they hurt?”
Looking a little confused Annika replied. “No, they haven’t hurt for some time.”
Marky let a small smile loose. “Everyone, this is Annika. She will be your pilot to the CSV Saratoga.”
“Everyone please board the shuttle craft, find a seat and strap in.” Annika said watching this new group board the ship.
T’ven slowly walked up to Annika, “If you ever want to talk about anything, please come see me.” Before walking in the shuttle; he just pointed to his head.
“If I require your assistance, I will ask for it.” Annika said as a small smile showed on her normally emotionless face.
“Annika, do you mind if I tag along?” Marky said looking at the looks of anxiety.
“Marky, you know very well you are always welcome on the ship. Besides some of the crew would love to see you.” Annika said then looked at him. “hop in the co-pilot seat and get the clearance for take off”
Annika watched as Marky began getting clearance for the trip. “Jess, if you will just relax and think of this ride as a roller coaster you will be fine.” Turning she noticed Dax looking around, not in the usual ah cool way. “Dax, come with me.” Looking at T’ven she pointed to her head and smiled.
Dax got up and walked with Annika to the front of the ship. “Please have a seat.”
Dax looked confused and took a seat between Annika and Marky. He noticed the screens in front of him come to life once he sat down. As he began reading he noticed the Training icon in the lower corner. “Does this mean I’m training?”
Annika roller her eyes. “Of course you are training on how to fly this ship once we have taken off.”
She smiled when she noticed Dax scrolling through the checklist for take off as if he knew what he was doing. “I can’t believe how close to Trek Sim this is!”
Hearing his comment she changed the settings on the training module. “Go ahead and plot our take off the ship will ask me to verify but you will be flying the ship.”
He smiled and didn’t say a word. Soon he began verifying the check list then began entering commands for take off.
Annika for her part verified everything and approved. Marky just smiled knowing the Saratoga just got a new pilot. Soon the ship gently took off and slowly glided along the approved takeoff pattern. Once they cleared the base and the traffic pattern for major airlines the ship began speeding up.
Marky turned to look at Dax, his smile was extremely wide. Soon he began requesting clearance for landing in the shuttle bay. Looking at Dax who was checking out the shuttle bay design so he understood where he would be landing. Marky nodded watching as he clicked through all the information like he had been flying shuttles for years.
Back in the Conference Room
Linda was getting everyone gathered up when Teledyne spoke. “Before you go, we have something we want you to watch.”
The Conference room screen snapped to life. On the screen they saw the shuttle craft approach and watched as everyone boarded. Then watched as Annika had Dax come up front. Linda looked as the screen magnified the training console. “Surely not?” Marvin just walked up and put his hand on her arm and nodded.
They all stood with bated breath as the shuttle took off, slowly picked up speed and made its way to space. The screen was split between a view of the controls and an outside view and also a view of the bridge of the Saratoga crew watching their approach.
Marvin smiled as he watched Dax land the shuttle as if he had been flying shuttles for years. “Looks like they have a new pilot!”
Linda gasped “But how is it possible?”
“Linda, I could tell you but it would be better if you read it from our clan history and journals. For some things reading about them is more believable than being told.” Marvin said gently.
It was at that moment Teledyne spoke up. “Linda, since you are part of the new arrivals group. Sheriff Robbie had an anxiety attack and is currently in our observation unit. Sinclair is currently with him.”
Steven who had moments before walked in to the room. Looked to Linda. “He is part of our group.”
Linda asked Teledyne politely. “Could you send this as a message to Jess, Non priority, as an update?”
“Sent” Teledyne stated. “Once you are settled in I will schedule you sometime to learn everything you can do as a clan parent.”
“Teledyne, I appreciate the offer to wait. But as they say, don’t put off things you can do now.” Linda stated as Tel walked up.
“Be careful, before you get enrolled in temporal mechanics classes.” Tel said knowing she would be good at it.
Before much more could be said an alert sounded. The Klaxon indicated inbound movement.
“Guys we need to go to the center of town, everyone is beginning to arrive from the Hollow.” Tel said as he also received the notification.
Center of the improved hollow
Slowly people began to fade into existence. The rescue center had sent several doctors and members of staff to assist with the transition of this group of people. Garrett was calmly walking rounds checking out people making sure they where alright. As the last batch arrived Deidra looked around. She knew she was in the hollow but things weren’t the same. Her thoughts were interrupted as the young girl leapt from her arms and ran to her parents. As she stood up she spotted Robin walking toward her.
“Robin, where are we?” Deidra asked looking around at her surroundings.
“You are at the Clan Short Rescue Center. The Hollow is now part of this site.” Robin said walking up to stabilize her.
“Is this the place Tel messaged us about a few minutes ago?” Deidra asked while, still in shock.
Looking around Robin got quiet as he noticed the towns family cemetery faded into existence. That's when it hit him they still had not had his aunts funeral. Turning he noticed Dustin walking up.
Dustin sadly nodded. “The funeral is still scheduled for tomorrow, but because you are here now we have it scheduled in the main campus meeting hall.” He said as he pointed to the large imposing building.
Back on the Saratoga
Annika sat back and watched as Dax finished all landing checks before releasing the shuttles seat belts. “All systems show green across the board.” Dax said after he finished verifying all systems were good. “Are there any other groups going to use the shuttle in the next four hours? If not I can put this ship in suspend mode.”
“Suspend mood, isn’t necessary. The way this shuttle is configured suspend isn’t required.” Annika stated calmly.
They both turned as back to the control panel as it beeped. “What does it mean? I successfully passed my shuttle pilot’s test.” Dax asked in disbelief.
“Just what it says. You have successfully passed and are now considered a shuttle pilot of the clan.” Annika said with a large soothing smile. “Now you have a choice stay with this crew or stay with the rescue center.”
“I’ll stay where ever T’ven is stationed.” Dax said with no room for misunderstanding.
Back in the Conference Room
Linda turned around and looked to Tel. “Do you think they would teach me how to pilot a shuttle? I could see where it would be handy if we had an onsite pilot.”
“Linda, I just sent the request for you to learn. There will be an instructor on site tomorrow. The class is open for anyone who wants to learn.” Tel said watching as multiple people turned to pay attention. “But just as a side note there are already twenty on site pilots.”
“I Still would love to learn.” Linda said somewhat taken aback by the number of pilots.
Observation Unit
Robbie woke up and a few things caught his attention. The first being that Sinclair was sitting patiently beside him watching the displays as if they held her whole world. Second the young doctor was still in the room. Third there was a Large screen displaying the list of medications he was currently on. It was Sinclair who first noticed him away. “Dr Tom, he is awake.”
“Ah sheriff Robbie, I’m glad to see your awake. I have just been reviewing the medications you have been on from your world.”Dr Tom said while simply pointing to the board as Vanna White would while she turned the letters. “So after looking at your medication list, I believe we can reduce the medications you are on. Firstly you will need to change your diet slightly and start having the same shakes as most of the clan kids, since you are missing a lot of the vitamins just like they are. Two, I will be subscribing a vitamin blend to got along side of it. This should make your body more responsive and less dependent on medications which are doing more harm then good.”
“Are you sure this will work?” Robbie asked in disbelief.
“Yes, it will work but the side effect will be tons of natural energy. Now don’t get me wrong I did have to inject a medication to purge your body of all these so called medications out of your body. They were doing more damage than helping.”
“Sinclair has volunteered to keep an eye on you for the next few weeks. To make sure you are doing well and don’t have a relapse.” Dr Tom said as both Robbie and Sinclair blushed. “Fascinating!”
New Hollow Compound
Deidra looked around noticing the roads still existed but there were primarily golf cart lanes everywhere. It was a this moment a Rescue Center member walked up. “You seem distressed?”
“Where are all the cars?”
“Since this is now a clan property all cars are being kept in the parking garage for the Rescue Center. All traffic around town, should be using golf carts and mini trams.” Ellis said quietly. “My name is Ellis. I am over this sites transportation center. Besides in case of emergency you do have access to transporters, Plus as part of the redesign there are small subway lines under the main town.”
“Ellis that makes sense. By the way my name is Deidra, I was the Sheriff here in this town.”
“You are now part of the security team. Technically you are second in command over security.” Ellis said then pointed across the field at a young lad. “He is your director, you will meet him tomorrow if you decide to take the position.”
Authors Note:
I hope everyone enjoyed the latest chapter of Digital Refresh. There have been a mess of changes in the story. But Marky now has a complete Division. Wait until next time when the staff all get together.
This story brought to you by the word: Random
To Randomly go where time and space don’t have a meaning other than to cause uncontrolled chaos.