The Cosmic Parallel: The Evaran Chronicles, #8

Contents

Title

Copyright Page

The Story so far

Evaran's Technology

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

Note from the Author

About the Author

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Books in the Series

Copyright © 2018 Adair Hart

All rights are reserved to the author. No part of this ebook may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Editing done by Laura Petrella

Cover done by Tom Edwards

Interior design done by Colleen Sheehan

Proofread done by Alexa

Published by Quantum Edge Publishing

www.AdairHart.com

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- In The Arrival, the Evaran Chronicles prequel, a space- and time-traveling being known as Evaran rescues Jake Melkins and Kathy from a Seceltor slaver named Greecho. It is Evaran’s first adventure in the Milky Way galaxy and introduces him to Earth.

- In The Awakening, book 1 of the Evaran Chronicles, Dr. Albert Snowden and his niece, Emily Snowden, are abducted by an alien race known as the Krotovore. They are rescued by Evaran and V, Evaran’s trusty mobile artificial intelligence, who dropped them back off on Earth.

- In The Fredorian Destiny, book 2 of the Evaran Chronicles, Evaran returns to check on Dr. Snowden and Emily, and they ask to travel with him. Evaran accepts. They then help Fredoria, a planet of human ex-slaves, become a full trade partner with the Kreagan Star Empire, the local galactic superpower in Earth’s region of the galaxy. Hampered by Seeros and bounty hunters, they secure the Arkaron for the Fredorians to give to the Kreagan emperor.

- In The Purification, book 3 of the Evaran Chronicles, they fight the timeline invaders known as the Purifiers, a human-supremacist group led by the overlord, that tries to change Earth’s history.

- In The Time Refugee, book 4 of the Evaran Chronicles, they tangle with Billozein, a rogue time traveler, while helping Jane Trellis, a time refugee who is pulled out of her timeline.

- In The Evaran Origin, book 5 of the Evaran Chronicles, they discover Evaran’s origin and meet Levaran, another one of Evaran’s plane forms, while fighting the Time Wardens, a timeline-void race that hunts rift travelers.

- In The Shadow Connection, book 6 of the Evaran Chronicles, they group up with Jake Melkins and the nonhuman community to defend Earth from the ambitions of Caltorus, a dimensional being that rules over a vast empire encompassing worlds in many dimensions.

- In The Human Factor, book 7 of the Evaran Chronicles, they head to AD 10105 and deal with a ruthless AI known as Salazar, in addition to fixing the timeline.

This book continues their adventures.

Torvatta—his disc-shaped ship that can travel through time and space. It is roughly fifteen feet tall by thirty feet wide. The interior contains six dimensional rooms, an open area, and a roof that can be transformed by hard holograms. A shielding around the Torvatta prevents most matter from entering.

Universal interface card (UIC)—a credit-card-sized device carried on his belt that allows access to most technological systems that do not have an artificial intelligence in them. It can also view limited information on biological systems.

Augmented reality interface (ARI)—an interface that only he can see around him.

Utility handle—a hilt-like device carried on his belt that can extend morphable matter in any shape, typically a baton or staff; can also fire repulsion, grappling, heat, mist, sticky globules, and stun beams.

Illumination orbs—small orbs on his belt that provide lighting and can hover.

Projection orb—an orb that allows projections to be sent to it from remote sources, such as Evaran’s ring or the Torvatta.

Ring—a ring that can provide holographic projection and also scan.

A thin circular metallic platform kept Dr. Albert Snowden from plunging several thousand feet to the ground, and possibly his death. Although he had been intrigued and wanted to try out the hovering platforms he had seen before, looking down made his muscles tense. There was a shielding of some type that encompassed the platform and went up to his knees. Even if he were to fall over or tilt too far, the platform would right itself and put him back up. At least the shielding rooted him to the platform. The more intriguing aspect was that when off the platform, it could shrink and fit in his pocket.

To his left was his niece, Emily, on her own platform. On the other side was Evaran. V flew along in orb mode. Dr. Snowden had enjoyed the last two months in AD 10105 on Earth. It had been a nice change of pace from their last adventure, which took them to another part of the galaxy and involved a rogue AI.

This is cool! said Emily.

It’d be cooler if we started off a little lower to the ground maybe? asked Dr. Snowden, adjusting his glasses.

Bah, she said. She leaned forward and took off, with V pursuing her.

Evaran tilted his head. We can go lower if you wish.

I’m all right. I know these are safe and won’t let me fall to the ground, said Dr. Snowden, licking his lips. It just … takes a bit to get used to the height and all that.

I see, said Evaran. I will follow you then.

Dr. Snowden grinned. You don’t want to go zooming around like Emily and V?

I do not. However, these are quite efficient.

Yeah. I wish we’d had these on previous adventures, said Dr. Snowden. He shook a hand out. I know, I know, I say that every time we discuss enhancements, but this really would have been handy.

I will look into integrating something similar to your PSD.

Dr. Snowden leaned forward, and the platform moved ahead.

Evaran kept pace.

I guess we can’t just borrow these.

That is correct, said Evaran. You can imagine how even just one of these could change history, or even the future. If it was integrated into your PSDs, no one other than yourselves could make use of it since your PSDs are bound to each of you.

We could still be forced to use it, said Dr. Snowden.

Perhaps, but even then, it is not something that could be replicated for mass consumption.

I get it. Dr. Snowden’s muscles relaxed. I think I’m getting the hang of this. He jumped when Emily laughed as she whooshed past him and slapped his arm. Apparently she had circled around and was enjoying herself. He gulped as he watched her and V fly around. It was good to see her smiling and having a good time. Her joy reminded him of giving her airplane rides when she was a kid. I’m glad Emily likes this.

It would appear she does, said Evaran. He pointed in the distance to a large hovering disc with guardrails. We can take a break there.

After ten minutes, everyone had assembled on the disc. Their small hovering platforms shrank enough to fit in their hands.

Evaran wore his usual light-gray suit with metallic forearms, boots, and neck guard and padded armor pieces outlined with multiple colors, and Emily wore her light-armor suit, which looked more appropriate for battle than a casual outing. V was still in orb mode, and his four segmented tentacle-like arms hung behind him as he flew around.

Dr. Snowden wore his gray formfitting survival suit, which he had come to rely on to keep him safe. He leaned on the guardrail and looked over the city. Earth in AD 10105 was beautiful, and although it was only about 7:15 p.m., the sun was still out, but beginning to set.

Sleek buildings rose like monuments to mankind, with humans and aliens alike flying around everywhere. Energy beams of some type quickly transferred others between buildings, while in the distance, on the far edges of the city, he could see ships arriving and departing.

It’s so nice out here, said Dr. Snowden.

Emily joined him. Yeah, it is. There’s so much to do. The virtual environment here is amazing.

I seem to recall you and V heading out to the dance clubs quite a few times, said Dr. Snowden, wagging a finger. Leave you two alone for two months and watch out!

She smiled. They had some … interesting music, that’s for sure.

Analysis. I have acquired several new dance techniques, said V.

I’m sure you two brightened the place up with your presence, said Dr. Snowden.

Emily dipped her head toward V. He took Solia along.

Dr. Snowden drew his head back. Solia was a female android from a previous adventure who had to be left behind in an alternate timeline. He narrowed his eyes. Was she the same or …

Analysis. I did not mention anything of our previous meeting. She was curious about why I contacted her, and I mentioned I had heard of her while browsing the galactinet.

Dr. Snowden chuckled. You lied!

V’s lights glowed a bit brighter. Yes, but it was necessary, and I enjoyed her company.

Dr. Snowden raised a hand.

V extended one of his four arms and high-fived Dr. Snowden.

Well, I’m glad you two had fun. I got a lot of research in while I was here. Speaking of alternate places … I still want to see that parallel timeline with the Neanderthals, said Dr. Snowden. He shook a finger at Evaran. You mentioned it during our abduction long ago, and it’s been a fire in my head ever since.

Evaran glanced over at Emily. Does this intrigue you as well?

She smiled. Oh, yeah. I’m always up for something new, and since I did study them in depth, I’d be curious as to what an advanced Neanderthal society is like, assuming we’re going there in AD 10105 and not AD 2012.

Analysis. I would be interested in seeing another Earthborn species.

Then it is settled, said Evaran. We can go there tomorrow. As it is our last night here then, perhaps we should all take in a natural meal, nonreplicated, before heading to the Torvatta.

Dr. Snowden grinned. Works for me. One thing he liked about Evaran’s ship, the Torvatta, outside the ability to travel through space and time, was that it had a neural effect that helped him sleep. It was his new home, one with six doorways to other dimensions and a plethora of abilities such as stealth, tractor beams, and an impenetrable shield, at least to regular matter.

Several hours later, and with a full stomach, Dr. Snowden eased back into his chair around a square table. Looking out over the patio at the city while eating had been a treat. He enjoyed moments like this, with good food, close friends, and no stress. Although the pull of sleep was strong, he savored every moment he could.

He knew how chaotic it could be traveling with Evaran. The downtime between adventures was what Dr. Snowden had initially envisioned traveling with Evaran would be like. Helping Evaran was Dr. Snowden’s newfound purpose in life, and with the enhanced nanobots that kept him healthy and extended his life, he appreciated and understood the opportunities for research and learning about new cultures that was afforded to him. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime situation, and one he could not fathom having almost passed up on.

Ten hours later, Dr. Snowden woke up from a solid night’s rest. According to his personal support device, it was 9:00 a.m. He loved his pen-shaped PSD. It could shoot various types of beams and form morphable metal to meet all sorts of situations. It was also a miniature computer in its ability to analyze things, provide augmented reality views, and even store food and water via the use of dimensional mechanics.

There were a lot of recently added patterns for the morphable metal, and some looked like it could form another material that was not metallic. How that worked he was not sure, but it was something on his list of things to find out about.

His mind focused on getting coffee, and he was a blur as he got cleaned up. Stepping into his formfitting silver survival suit was always something he enjoyed. It had saved his skin more times than he could count, and it was resilient and also had defensive abilities.

After getting his cup of coffee from the conference room, he went to the command center. A smile crept onto his face as he saw Emily sitting in the U-shaped seating area off to the left. She was talking animatedly with Evaran and V. Evaran was in his usual command chair, while V hovered near the front U-shaped console. Dr. Snowden went to the right side of the command center and took his seat.

You’re finally up! said Emily.

Dr. Snowden took a sip and then smiled. Yes, I am, and I’m ready to see this Neanderthal world.

Analysis. I am excited as well.

Evaran half smiled as he tapped at his chair console. Very well then. V, take us to the coordinates I have entered. Make sure we are in Torvatta scan profile one and stealthed.

Acknowledged, said V. After a moment, he said, Torvatta scan profile one activated. Stealth mode engaged.

The Torvatta floated in orbit above Earth, which was buzzing with activity.

Dr. Snowden bet anyone seeing the Torvatta would do a double take when it formed a portal and flew through.

As if on cue, the Torvatta shot out a silver beam that formed a blue-bordered portal with a red surface, the color scheme for a portal to a parallel timeline. The Torvatta flew through the portal and exited above a parallel timeline version of Earth.

V, perform standard scans, said Evaran.

Acknowledged.

Dr. Snowden examined the transparent floor and sides of the room, expecting to see advanced Neanderthal ships. There was no sign of activity around the parallel Earth. Umm … where is everything?

Evaran raised a finger. Something is not right.

Emily wrinkled her eyebrows as she studied the various data windows popping up. On the mini map of the galactic region they were in, she could see a concentric circle pulsing out ten light-years from the representation of the Torvatta. There was some activity on the edges, but around Earth and in the solar system, there was barely anything. Her eye caught a small blip in low Earth orbit. What’s that?

Evaran tapped at his chair console. After perusing his augmented reality interface, or ARI, for a moment, he said, It appears to be a satellite. V, take us to it.

Acknowledged.

The Torvatta moved near the satellite.

It was unusual-looking, a dodecahedron with each of its twelve sides containing a small bump in the center. No antennae were visible, and it had a green sheen to it.

V, attempt to connect to it, said Evaran.

Acknowledged. Initiating connection, said V. After a moment, he said, No connection protocol or mechanism found.

That is odd, said Evaran.

In what way? asked Dr. Snowden.

Evaran glanced at Dr. Snowden. Satellites usually have a system capable of some form of receiver and transmission capability. This satellite has neither. Unless … V, perform a targeted exotic energy scan.

Acknowledged.

A green beam swept over the satellite. Small labels popped up off the side.

Evaran sat up in his chair.

Emily’s eyes widened as she glanced at Dr. Snowden. Whatever was showing on the labels, which seemed like gibberish to her, was something that had attracted Evaran’s attention.

Evaran narrowed his eyes. This satellite has a trace of cosmic and rift energy. It has a connection to something on the planet.

Emily remembered that rift energy could also come in the form of crystals allowing for portals to other places. So the lack of any other type of technology out here, and now this … What do you think that means?

I suspect whatever this satellite is, it is involved in the change of this world. V, take us down to whatever the satellite is connecting to. Let us see what we are dealing with.

Acknowledged.

The Torvatta angled itself and then flew toward the planet.

Dr. Snowden chuckled. Another mystery. Let’s hope this time there aren’t any Hadryn spawn overlords to deal with.

Emily clenched her jaw. The overlord had been held up as a god by the Purifiers, a human-supremacist group that tried to alter Earth’s history. They were defeated and the overlord was banished by Evaran. A part of her hated the overlord for killing Levaran, one of Evaran’s other plane forms.

I do not think we will need to worry about that, said Evaran.

The Torvatta broke cloud cover and soared over a lush forest.

Emily noticed something shiny sticking out near one of the larger trees. You seeing that?

Evaran tapped at his chair console.

A data window popped up showing the rusted remains of an advanced building.

Dr. Snowden adjusted his glasses. Okay … so it looks like maybe there was a civilization here, and now there’s not. You thinking a timeline change?

I am, said Evaran. We will gather some additional information, then head to low orbit, travel back in time, and attempt to find where the change occurred.

So a lot of little jumps? asked Emily.

Evaran raised a finger. We will jump back to a known point that I have visited before. That should establish a base point. From there, we halve the time difference from then to now, and jump there, and then note if the satellite is present. This process is repeated until we narrow down to when it appeared.

Huh. That’s pretty cool.

Evaran nodded. V, take us to low orbit and then to AD 105.

Acknowledged.

The Torvatta ascended to low orbit and then faded out and back in.

Analysis. The date is now November 2, AD 105. The satellite is not present.

Emily noted that on the next jump, the year showed AD 5105, and the satellite was not present. This could take a while.

Not as long as you might think, said Evaran.

The Torvatta jumped to AD 7605.

Emily examined the scan results that appeared on the screen. Looks like the satellite is here, so it appeared sometime between AD 5105 and AD 7605.

Yes, we are getting closer. Now we halve from there and keep going, said Evaran.

After a while and many jumps, V said, Analysis. The date is now January 1, 5705.

That wasn’t too bad, said Emily.

We know it appears this year, said Evaran. V, deploy a tracking satellite. We can check on it in a year and pinpoint the exact arrival.

Acknowledged. Deploying a stealthed tracking satellite.

A small orb shot out and then stealthed.

Now, take us to the end of the year, said Evaran.

The Torvatta jumped forward in time.

Why didn’t we just do that in the first place? asked Dr. Snowden.

It could cause potential timeline issues if it was detected over a long range of time. However, in this case, it is only a year, and the satellite may not have lasted that long.

All right.

Retrieving data, said V. Isolating appearance of the exotic energy satellite. After a moment, he said, Date confirmed.

Good. Retrieve the satellite, and then take us ten minutes prior to the exotic energy satellite’s appearance, said Evaran.

Acknowledged.

Dr. Snowden chuckled. We’re time hoppers today.