The Evaran Chronicles Box Set: Books 10-12

Contents

The Portal Effect - Book 10 of The Evaran Chronicles

Copyright Page

The Story so far

Evaran's Technology

Prologue

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

Epilogue

The Time Cube - Book 11 of The Evaran Chronicles

Copyright Page

The Story so far

Evaran's Technology

Prologue

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

30

31

32

33

Epilogue

The Evaran Impact - Book 12 of The Evaran Chronicles

Copyright Page

The Story so far

Evaran's Technology

Prologue

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

Epilogue

Note from the Author

About the Author

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Books in the Series

Copyright © 2019 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 Eliza Dee

Cover done by Tom Edwards

Interior design done by Colleen Sheehan

Proofread done by Jade Hemming

Published by Quantum Edge Publishing

www.AdairHart.com

To get updates on new books and other notifications, sign up for my mailing list at:

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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 drops 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.

- In The Cosmic Parallel, book 8 of the Evaran Chronicles, they leap from parallel timeline to timeline in a trap designed by the Mortani, plane refugees who blame Evaran for their situation.

- In The Unification, book 9 of the Evaran Chronicles, they travel to AD 514,723 to unify humanity while dealing with an extradimensional threat.

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 with a semitransparent floor and sides, 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.

Seeros-172 studied the projection over his desk, which displayed various parallel timelines and their unique signatures. Ever since Seeros-1 had discovered that there were parallel timelines, he had been busy retrieving other Seeroses.

Seeros-172 walked over to his large window and looked out. A plaza bustled with other Seeroses going about their day. To date, there were 2,419 Seeroses. The massive facility they had built resided on a planet in the timeline where they controlled the surrounding solar systems. Seeros-172 had come to call it home, and he implicitly trusted every other Seeros and regarded them as family.

He ran his pale hands over his silver hair. Although he enjoyed finding parallel timelines that might have other Seeroses, the process to find them was complicated. Through the process of trial and error, they had determined which timelines most likely had Seeroses in them, and by extension, the Antigulan species. Once a Seeros was found, they were extracted, although not all wanted to come back.

Hey, said a voice behind him.

Seeros-172 spun around. 85. I wasn’t expecting you so early.

Seeros-85 nodded. Busy day as always. I saw that you identified another potential timeline.

I have, said Seeros-172.

Seeros-85’s beady eyes narrowed. Something’s bothering you.

It’s the extractor we’re sending. Ziekah.

Oh…yeah, she’s rough.

Seeros-172 took a seat and then gestured for Seeros-85 to sit. She…he…it. Ziekah doesn’t really have a true physical form that we know of, although I guess Ziekah likes the female form. None of whatever species Ziekah is has a gender. Unfortunately, they’re the only ones who can traverse the connection dimensions without dying.

Connection dimensions? Is that what you’re calling them?

Seeros-172 chuckled. I’m thankful that we found a dimension, and its connecting dimensions, that allows us travel to other timelines, and I know Ziekah’s species helped the first Seeros through to here. I still think they have an ulterior motive.

You worry too much, said Seeros-85.

Of course I do, I’m a timeline analyst.

Seeros-85 studied the projection on Seeros-172’s desk. Speaking of which…why’d you pick this timeline? Looks likes there’s several candidates.

Seeros-172 walked over and gestured at the holographic timeline. It has all the identifiers that there’s a Seeros there. However…there’s something else that I’ve never seen before. The exotic energy levels have the highest concentration that I’ve ever seen, and I don’t recognize a large portion of them.

So this is not only a retrieval mission, but a research one.

Seeros-172 nodded. Now you see why I’m hesitant to send Ziekah there. She doesn’t care much for research.

You think she might come back and take all this over?

Seeros-172 shrugged. I don’t know. Her species couldn’t use the portals without our tech. Now they have that, and knowledge gleaned from working with us.

They wouldn’t dare try anything here. Our security AI and defense systems are top-notch, said Seeros-85, raising his head a bit.

Then let’s hope we never have to find out. It would be nice if we could do the investigations ourselves.

Seeros-85 chuckled. You remember what happened to Seeros-221 when he went into the connection dimensions. Cockiest version of ourselves I’ve ever seen. He went in there with a full squad of our Silverguard defense robots, and he wore our most advanced defensive suit. He and his squad didn’t even make it a third of the way to a portal. The creatures that live there are unlike anything I’ve seen. Without the extractor’s guidance, it’s a lost cause.

To be fair, they fought a swarm of creatures that looked like they numbered in the millions. Not much you can do against that, and that was just one fight, said Seeros-172. He sighed as he pressed a button on his desk console. I sent the mission over to Ziekah. Hopefully she’s in and out like normal, and we get some new information to help us identify timelines better.

Seeros-85’s eyes narrowed. That timeline signature has the unique signature of the Time Wardens.

Seeros-172 grimaced. Yeah. That’s one case where having the connection dimension between us and any portal is a good thing. Natural defense.

Right. Seeros-85 slapped Seeros-172 on the back. In the meantime, you should see what 104 has made in the cafeteria.

They shared a laugh.

Seeros-172 was relieved that he did not have to physically talk to Ziekah. Something about her and her abilities always made his skin crawl. That, and her raspy voice always sounded sinister to him. If she found something worthy to hunt, she might not even come back. He wondered about the Seeros in that timeline and what his experience must have been. If everything went well, he would join the other Seeroses and could tell them himself.

Dr. Albert Snowden could detect exotic matter and energy, but usually not from his college office. The odd aspect of the disturbance was it had enough power to wake him from a nap. Even stranger, he sensed V, a close friend who happened to be part artificial intelligence and had various body modes. The distinction between the two energies created an odd mix, like garbage and a scented candle. Dr. Snowden sat up in his chair. Something was not right.

He had been having a good dream about Kess, his girlfriend from the future, but it faded from memory. He stood and verified that his survival suit projected what he normally would wear to class. It was one of his favorite enhancements. The suit had become like a second skin to him, and with another recent enhancement, he felt raw dimensional power course around him.

A quick check at his desk clock showed it to be about 7:30 p.m. He grabbed his personal support device and opened a communication channel to Evaran.

A small holographic screen showing Evaran’s head appeared above Dr. Snowden’s PSD. Is everything okay?

I’m not sure, said Dr. Snowden. He looked around. I was napping, but something woke me up. I…sensed some type of exotic energy, but I don’t recognize it.

Evaran’s eyes narrowed. I will come to you.

I think I’m okay. Have you sensed anything unusual?

I have not, said Evaran.

Where are you at? asked Dr. Snowden.

I am at Lord Noskov’s base with Jake Melkins.

Dr. Snowden exhaled from his nose. Oh, all right. Is V with you?

The projection zoomed out and showed V in projected mode. I am here.

Okay, said Dr. Snowden. He grinned. I thought I sensed you out here too. It’s probably my late lunch acting up. No need to come out here. I’ll head home.

Evaran eyed Dr. Snowden. Are you sure?

Jake Melkins, with his fair skin and black hair, popped into view. We could pick you up and have a cookout.

Dr. Snowden chuckled. As appetizing as that sounds, I think I’ll continue my nap at home.

Okay, said Evaran. We are here if you need us.

The projection dissipated.

Dr. Snowden sighed as he looked around his office, usually a refuge after teaching classes, but not tonight. The strange energy presence seemed to have gotten stronger. He packed up his traveling bag with various items, then slung the strap over his shoulder. Perhaps continuing his nap at home was all he needed.

His office door opened as he approached it.

A woman in a formfitting black suit with silver lines segmenting it stepped through.

Dr. Snowden studied the woman with her red hair, pale skin, and dimly lit green eyes. Her outfit appeared suitable for mobility, and the thin light gray pads across the body looked like they were able to take a hit or two. Dark blue spaulders resided on her shoulders while a slim silver belt rested on her hips. She was obviously not human and reminded him of a futuristic ninja with her metallic shin and forearm wraps.

Who are you? he asked.

Ziekah, she said in a somewhat raspy and calm voice. She pointed at his chair. Sit. We’re going to talk, me and you.

Dr. Snowden grabbed his PSD and attempted to contact Evaran.

Ziekah tapped at her left shoulder spaulder, which shimmered with various glowing lines. Your communication device, while advanced, isn’t contacting anybody. She motioned at his seat again. Sit.

Listen. I don’t care what you want, or why you’re here, but you should leave, said Dr. Snowden.

Ziekah laughed. Oh…humans. Always a flair for the dramatic. Fine, stand, but you will talk with me.

Dr. Snowden did not like the superiority complex thing Ziekah had going on. It was apparent that she had singled him out for some reason. Perhaps she wanted his nanobots, or even information on Evaran. Whatever it was, she would not get it.

You might be surprised that I know you as the great Dr. Albert Snowden, said Ziekah. She looked him up and down. Your appearance seems to contradict that assessment. However…I sense dimensional and other types of energy swirling around you. You’re human…and more.

Is that why you’re here?

No. I’m here because of what you did to someone I’m looking for.

Dr. Snowden’s eyes narrowed. And who would that be?

Seeros.

A cold chill swept through Dr. Snowden. It had been a long while since he had heard that name, but he had not forgotten how powerful Seeros was. He’s dead.

Oh, I know. You see…I travel the timelines, looking for versions of Seeros. This timeline’s version is dead, and I hunt those who wronged him before taking him out of the timeline. Although the Malazim directly killed him, you and your friends put him in that position. I’ve already dealt with the Malazim. Now I’m here to deal with the other half.

Dr. Snowden wrinkled his brow. The concept of there being multiple Seeroses sounded like a nightmare. Even more alarming was that she said she had dealt with the Malazim. They had almost killed him long ago. He knew them as a race of powerful dimensional beings with the ability to infect those in this reality before twisting the flesh to do their bidding.

So you’re here to kill me? he asked.

No. You aren’t the brains of the group. That would be Evaran. He is the main game I hunt, and you…the bait.

I wouldn’t suggest doing whatever it is you’re planning.

Ziekah eyed Dr. Snowden. Is that so?

He raised his PSD and fired a stun beam.

She dodged it and leapt across the desk, kicking him in the chest.

He sprawled back into the wall.

I wouldn’t try that again, she said.

He grabbed his PSD from the floor where it had fallen. Her kick would have crushed a normal human’s chest. He jumped up and shoved her away using his left forearm energy shield.

She slid back and raised her head a bit. Impressive. Not many could do that.

Dr. Snowden had to get out of there. The office was not an ideal place to fight, and she seemed much tougher than her appearance led him to believe. He rushed over to the window and jumped through. As he fell, he shot a grappling beam at a nearby tree and used it to slow down to a graceful landing. He looked up.

Ziekah appeared in the window and extended her arm. You think you can outrun me? I have another idea…

Dr. Snowden closed his PSD and stood. His eyes widened when a green circle formed under him. It reminded him of the portals the Torvatta, Evaran’s ship, used when traveling long distances.

I’ll see you…earlier, she said, smiling.

Dr. Snowden fell through the circle. He tried to get a bearing on the pure darkness around him, but a moment later, he crash-landed on the side of a dirt road. The dark skies indicated it was nighttime, and crisp air rolled around him. He paused to catch his breath and stood. The moon’s brightness caught his attention. An earthy smell of the forest wafted through the air.

He verified he had his PSD and projected a communication window. Evaran needed to be updated while there was time. Ziekah might appear at any moment. He tapped at Evaran’s icon.

The PSD showed no signal.

He tried to reach Emily.

No signal.

His heart beat faster. He attempted to see if PSD could even verify if the Torvatta was near.

A small connection icon appeared briefly before showing no signal.

He sighed. Wherever he was, the Torvatta had not responded. Contacting anyone seemed not to be an option either. He raised his helmet and dissipated his holographic suit before activating his camouflage shielding. His chest hurt from Ziekah’s kick, and he hoped Evaran and the others were ready for when Ziekah visited them, as it sounded like her plan. He understood why she had portaled him away: one less factor to deal with when hunting Evaran. His eyes surveyed the environment. It was time to find out where he was.

Emily inhaled the fresh air as she walked through the park. Although it was nighttime, the well-lit pathway was one she had taken hundreds of times. A study group session with her and three others had been refreshing and made her feel normal. While traveling with Evaran was great, she sometimes got lost in the adventures. She smiled as she remembered her father telling her never to forget her roots.

Life had been good to her the last month. She had joined Dr. Bryson and his fiancè, Karen, as they had visited the Wild Haven Institute for classes on the nonhuman world and how to interact with the human one. The atmosphere there seemed unusual, with all sorts of nonhumans, and even some aliens, attending.

There existed many types of beings she had not been aware of. The classes stimulated her, and watching Dr. Bryson joke around had been entertaining. Karen much less so. She was uptight and unsure of how to take everything in, but Emily understood how disorienting learning about nonhumans could be.

Emily also enjoyed spending time with both Jennifer and Jelton Stallryn. While Emily was close with Jelton, they did not engage in physical contact much. They interacted mostly through mental bonding. Definitely fun, but sometimes she wanted more.

Jennifer satisfied the physical aspect. Emily understood now why Fredorians, the human ex-slave civilization she had helped boost long ago, used relationship groups instead of being monogamous. It allowed for different types of relationships among group members. Emily’s group consisted of Jennifer, Jelton, and Andia Kiggs, the Fredorian she had met long ago but had not seen in a while. It was not lost on Emily that her relationships were scattered across time and space.

One of the lamps flickered, causing the area around her to temporarily darken.

She paused. Something was off. She did a quick check to make sure her survival suit had the right hologram on it. Out of instinct, she checked that her PSD was within reach. Dr. Snowden teased her about always being ready to fight. Traveling with Evaran meant there were targets on their backs, and she remembered being on a prison planet unprepared. That would never happen again. Ever.

The lamp stopped flickering.

She sighed. Although the light seemed to be back to normal, she sensed an unusual energy. She thought she detected V, but whatever the odd energy was, it overpowered that.

She looked around. V?

Silence.

She grabbed her PSD and held it in her right hand. It did not hurt to be ready to fight. After focusing, she detected a slight disturbance in the air. She spun to her right while raising her left forearm shield.

An elongated arrow-like projectile bounced off her energy shield.

Emily extended her PSD into a baton.

A woman with a formfitting black suit segmented by silver lines walked out from behind a tree.

Emily aimed her PSD forward. Who are you?

Ziekah.

Did you shoot an arrow at me?

Dart, actually, said Ziekah.

Emily’s eyes narrowed. Nonhumans knew not to mess with her since that meant Evaran would get involved. Ziekah’s energy registered as one Emily had never sensed before.

You were supposed to get hit, then fall asleep, said Ziekah.

Emily snorted. Whatever. Why’d you attack me?

To use you as bait. Evaran is difficult to find, but you and your uncle…not quite as hard. Your uncle showed me that you and he are not as you appear.

What’d you do to Uncle Albert! said Emily, gritting her teeth.

Tried to capture him, of course. He’s a lot stronger than he appears, and faster too. I wasn’t expecting that. No matter. He won’t be bothering anyone anymore.

Emily attempted to contact Dr. Snowden and Evaran.

That won’t work, said Ziekah, tapping at her left shoulder spaulder. Glowing lines appeared on it.

Emily’s heartbeat ramped up. This woman clearly wanted a fight. All bets were off if she harmed Dr. Snowden.

Now, why don’t you surrender? I’ll even let you call Evaran. All you need to do is give me your…weapon, and we can sort all this out, said Ziekah.

I’m not giving you anything!

Ziekah chuckled. Just like your uncle. Stubbornness must run in the family.

Emily fired a repulsion blast at Ziekah.

Ziekah rolled out of the way and shot another dart at Emily.

Emily knocked it away with her baton and charged forward. When she reached Ziekah, she hit her point-blank with a stun beam.

Ziekah shuddered for a moment. She yelled as a pulse of white light radiated out from her.

Emily flew back. After standing, she charged again.

Impressive, said Ziekah. You’re even faster and stronger than your uncle. I clearly misjudged you as well.

When Emily approached, she hit Ziekah with a point-blank repulsion blast.

Ziekah tumbled back. She got to her feet, shaking her head. Smudges of green blood appeared on her cheek. You…actually hurt me.

I’m going to do a lot more if you hurt Uncle Albert! I’m taking you down! You’re gonna talk to Evaran.

Ziekah’s breathing increased. She tapped at her left shoulder spaulder. Contact him, then.

Emily faced Ziekah and opened a communication window from her PSD. That allowed Emily to keep an eye on Ziekah while operating the PSD. Evaran’s icon illuminated. She tapped at it.

Emily. Is everything okay? asked Evaran.

No, I’m under attack by someone named Ziekah, and Uncle Albert isn’t responding, said Emily.

I see. We are on our way, said Evaran.

The communication window disappeared.

A moment later, the Torvatta appeared in the sky and streaked toward Emily’s location.

Emily smiled. Evaran must have calculated the time to get from orbit to her location. With that information, he could travel back in time so he could arrive at that moment. She loved time travel.

Ahh, he appears. Finally, said Ziekah.

I wouldn’t be so cocky if I were you, said Emily.

Ziekah laughed.

You’re awfully confident for someone who’s about to be judged.

Ziekah’s eyes flared. Judged…like how he judged Seeros?

Seeros? asked Emily. A chill swept through her.

"Put him on a slab to die by the filthy Malazim? The details are sketchy…but I know you were there. However, it’s obvious Evaran made that decision. You’re simply a lackey. A human one at that, although you are full of surprises."

Emily clenched her jaw. Seeros was a timeline refugee that had sought out Evaran for revenge. As powerful as Seeros had been, she and the others had been able to take him down.

Why do you care what happened to Seeros? asked Emily, glancing up for a moment to verify that the Torvatta still approached.

Because he is to be extracted from this timeline. Unfortunately, it appears that due to the random nature of how I enter timelines, I’ve been placed in a period after his death. I can fix that…but not if a time-traveling group is meddling around. I also exact revenge on those who killed Seeros, directly and indirectly, such as you.

The Torvatta hovered over Emily.

And time is up, said Ziekah. She smiled as she motioned in circles with her hands.

A green circle appeared under Emily.

Emily’s eyes widened as she fell through. Everything became dark. She crash-landed on a forest floor and paused to catch her breath. As she surveyed her surroundings, she tried to reach Evaran. His icon had grayed out. It seemed off that she could connect to the Torvatta but it did not respond to her.

She closed her eyes and focused. The smells were definitely those of the forest, and the noises of bugs and other normal sounds made her think she was really in a forest and not a mirage. She opened her eyes and tapped a nearby tree. Solid. Wherever her location, it was not a pathway in a park.

She sighed. Alone. Again. It seemed to be a reoccurring theme that displeased her. Not being able to contact Evaran or anyone else was never a good sign, but the Torvatta rejecting her connection made her uneasy.

Her next step was uncertain, but with her PSD, she had food and water and basic necessities covered. Memories of being on the prison planet flashed through her mind. The difference was that this time, she had an upgraded suit and PSD and was ready for whatever came her way.

V, in projected mode, had enjoyed his time at Lord Noskov’s base in the Appalachian Mountains. However, the call from Dr. Snowden and Emily troubled V. Jake Melkins had joined the group as they had rushed to the Torvatta command center. V had calculated that it would take twenty minutes to get from orbit to where Emily was, so Evaran had taken the Torvatta back in time while stealthed. It was uncommon for Evaran to be in the same period and location as another timeline version of himself, but V understood why Evaran had done it.

Although they had arrived almost immediately after Emily had contacted them, she had already fallen through a green circle, which had closed up. Ziekah moved her hands in circles at some trees nearby. The Torvatta did not register Emily anywhere, but it did identify two more portals opening somewhere and closing. V ran through several other detection systems and only found traces of whatever the portal was and the exotic energy on Ziekah.

Whoa, what just happened? asked Jake, staring out through the transparent front half of the ship.

Evaran rubbed his chin. I am unsure, but it would seem Emily traveled through a portal.

I didn’t even know that was possible.

Although we cannot be teleported, pushing us through a portal is possible, said Evaran. His eyes narrowed. V, show the Torvatta and project me in front of Ziekah, as she calls herself.

Acknowledged, said V.

He interacted with the Torvatta’s systems and made a small rod extend out of a black panel on the exterior right side.

A projection of Evaran stood before Ziekah a moment later.

So you are real, said Ziekah, studying the hologram.

V determined that she had dimensional energy, but also a hint of rift energy on her, and another exotic one that was not identified. That should not be possible.

I am, said Evaran. Where did you send Emily?

I’ll be honest…I don’t know. That’s not how my ability works.

You open portals to destinations unknown?

Sorta, said Ziekah, smiling. Why don’t you come out here and we can talk?

I do not think so. I suspect you would try to create a portal under me. Did you do this with Dr. Snowden?

Ziekah laughed. I sure did. I’ll admit…they surprised me. Not quite human anymore, are they? They get to live…yet Seeros had to die.

Seeros…why do you mention him?

Because I’m supposed to extract him from this timeline. Unfortunately…you killed him. That’s a problem, one I will fix. Your ship is now known to me, and more importantly, the energy signature of it.

In the command center, Evaran gestured at V. I have paused my interaction with the hologram. Prepare to use the tractor beam on her. We are going to bring her on board and let the Torvatta dampen her abilities.

You’re bringing her here? asked Jake. Is that wise?

Yes, unless she can defy the Torvatta. I do not think that is possible.

Jake exhaled as he shook his head. If she could, she’s much more powerful than she’s letting on.

I concur, said Evaran. He interacted with his chair console, then nodded at V.

V made the hologram active again.

Evaran’s hologram eyed Ziekah. Your actions have made you a priority. You will be coming with us until we find out where Dr. Snowden and Emily are. I would also like to learn more about why you are involved with Seeros.

Some things are better left unsaid. This is one of those instances, said Ziekah.

In the command center, Evaran motioned at V.

A tractor beam shot out and encapsulated Ziekah. She began to rise.

Ziekah chuckled. Not my first tractor beam. Nonetheless, we will meet again. You’ve given me the gift of information. She moved her hands in circles.

A portal formed above her, cutting off the beam. She fell into another portal below her. The portals closed.

V had not anticipated Ziekah’s action, and by Evaran’s silence, it was evident that he did not either. A profile was being built on Ziekah, and the ability to form portals was a powerful one.

Wow, that was crazy, said Jake.

Evaran stood and stared outside for a moment. He faced V. Take us to thirty minutes before Dr. Snowden’s call. You can use stealth mode to observe what happened at his office, but no interaction. Afterward, we will do that with Emily as well.

V tilted his head. You are angry.

No. Concerned. Dr. Snowden and Emily are gone, and I do not know where they are. The person responsible is also missing.

Jake raised his head. I guess if we hop back and aren’t detected, everything’s good, right?

Evaran nodded.

So we couldn’t nab Dr. Snowden and Emily before Ziekah met them?

No, that would cause a timeline change. Ziekah has set events in motion, and we are a part of them now. Although I am willing to bend my rules for observation, I will not initiate direct action unless it is an alternate timeline or an extreme scenario. Neither applies to this situation currently.

Jake chuckled. I got ya.

V tapped at the front console.

Twenty minutes later and they were in low Earth orbit.

Engaging stealth mode and scan mode one, said V.

After a moment, everything outside the Torvatta faded away before easing back in.

Analysis. We are thirty minutes before Dr. Snowden’s call.

Good, said Evaran. Take us to his office. Once there, you can use orb mode and stealth.

Acknowledged.

The Torvatta descended and, after twenty minutes, hovered outside the building Dr. Snowden’s office was in.

V switched to orb mode. I will be back.

Evaran and Jake nodded.

V shimmered out of view as he flew off the Torvatta. He had to put some effort into reallocating his processing since an inordinate amount was spent on containing a strong emotion. Dr. Snowden and Emily could be hurt, and for the moment, not much was known other than that Ziekah and portals were involved. V paused to compartmentalize his inner container’s pulses. It affected his current focus.

When a student exited the building, V took the opportunity to fly in. He had been to Dr. Snowden’s office many times, and it was not lost on V how unusual this scenario was. Stealthy investigations were not new, but doing one in the context of Dr. Snowden’s immediate past was. If V were detected, it could cause issues. He hovered a bit away from Dr. Snowden’s office door.

Ziekah’s energy signature has been detected, said V.

Yes, although it appears she has not reached Dr. Snowden’s office yet, said Evaran.

V listened in as Dr. Snowden contacted Evaran.

Wait a moment, said Jake. How is it that Dr. Snowden contacted us in this time period, and not us here now?

He is in sync with the version of us at this point in time, said Evaran.

V enjoyed listening to Evaran and Jake talk. Jake was intensely curious, and V had spent a lot of time with Jake learning about Earth customs. In a sense, Jake was V’s study buddy.

Analysis. Ziekah has appeared and is entering Dr. Snowden’s office. I am following her, said V.

He flew to the entrance of the office and recorded the exchange between Ziekah and Dr. Snowden. When he jumped out the window, V flew outside and watched Dr. Snowden get portaled away.

That sucks, said Jake.

V, come back to the Torvatta. We will fly over to where Emily met Ziekah.

Acknowledged.

After V returned, the Torvatta flew to the edge of the park that Emily had called from.

This is as close as we can get without her detecting us, said Evaran. He glanced at V. Go, but stay a safe distance away. Ziekah’s presence should obfuscate your detection. Also, as you are aware, she opened portals after Emily fell through hers. Avoid those at all costs.

Acknowledged, said V.

He shimmered out of view and flew off the Torvatta, then followed Emily. When he scanned the area, he noted that Emily seemed to sense him. Ziekah was nearby and he had detected her. His inner container pulsed as he watched Ziekah take aim.

Ziekah tried to hit Emily with a dart before they fought.

V’s inner container surged. It was hard to stand by and watch Emily in danger.

Steady, said Evaran over comms.

I apologize. I am finding it difficult not to intervene.

We must not, said Evaran.

V’s lights dimmed. He could see the Torvatta command center in a window and noted that Evaran had a serious look, although it would be hard for anyone not close to him to know that.

Jake pointed at the Torvatta from earlier as it arrived. There we are…in the past.

Yes, said Evaran. His eyes searched the ground for a moment. This Ziekah seems to be tied to Seeros, but her signature has dimensional and rift energy, as well as an unknown one around her. I suspect the unknown energy is what allows her to form portals.

So what’s our next step? asked Jake.

Research, said Evaran.

Outside of you, who’s an expert on dimensional, rift, or that other energy?

Evaran half smiled. I know someone who may be able to help.

After Emily was gone, Ziekah looked into the sky in V’s direction and moved her hands in circles. You can go away too.

V tried to escape, but a portal opened in front of him. He swerved to the side and flew through another portal that appeared.

Jelton Stallryn, a Rift Guardian Deathless Riftblade and commander of the Ravaw, an elite unit of the Rift Guardians, smiled as he pulled his energy blade out of a dead Time Warden, a timeline void species that Emily, his girlfriend, referred to as metal spiders. It had been a tough fight. The sliver of cosmic energy that ran through him made it appear as if the Time Wardens moved in slow motion.

He had Evaran to thank for that. Although Jelton was second-in-command over all Rift Guardians, he still led the unit he came from into battle from time to time.

This fight was personal since it related to the Rift Guardian’s first colony. He had selected the site and the people and had assisted with logistics. The Time Wardens had appeared and attacked the colony. Although he had removed their timeplex long ago, which prevented new Time Wardens from entering the timeline, many still existed in the timeline and rifts. The Time Warden anchor station he was on had been identified as where the Time Wardens came from.

Bahala, Jelton’s second, approached. A good fight.

Jelton nodded and then raised his blade.

The Ravaw in the room cheered.

He lowered his blade.

Casualties? asked Jelton.

Twenty-four, said Bahala.

Jelton grimaced. And the colony?

Gone.

Jelton closed his eyes for a moment. He had arrived too late. Although the colony possessed defenses, the Time Warden onslaught had been too much. He would not allow the next colony to make that mistake. How the Time Wardens had found the colony remained a mystery, one he would need to solve.

All right. Gather up our wounded and dead, and send an information extraction team here. I want to learn everything there is to know about this anchor station, he said.

Yes, sir. Also…you have a meeting request at headquarters, said Bahala.

From who?

Evaran.

Bahala and the other Rift Guardians in the room knelt.

Jelton perked up. That was not something he had expected anytime soon. Although he enjoyed Emily coming to visit, Evaran visiting seemed unusual. The Rift Guardians viewed Evaran and Syrilus, his partner-turned-plane, as gods. Jelton contained a sliver of what made Evaran unique, and after being resurrected, the Rift Guardians viewed Jelton as a demigod. His eyes swept over the Ravaw. They showed reverence at the mere mention of Evaran’s name.

Rise, he said. He gestured at Bahala. Inform headquarters I’m on my way.

Bahala nodded as he and the others stood.

Jelton walked through the remains of the Time Wardens in the room. It seemed they would need to take a back seat to whatever Evaran needed. If he had made a request to meet, it must be important. On the upside, Jelton looked forward to seeing Evaran and the gang again.

After boarding a transport, he was on his way back to the dimension that housed the Rift Guardian’s headquarters. The recent battle weighed heavily on him, and the loss of even a few Ravaw concerned him. They were hard to recruit and train. One of the names on the list of the dead was Gavalt, a fierce fighter that had served with Evaran when fighting the Mortani. That event had had even more losses, but the stakes had also been much higher. Jelton sighed and eased back into his chair.

He reached the Rift Guardian’s headquarters an hour later. Normally he would be glad to visit what had become his home for so long. This return was different. While happy to meet Evaran, Jelton dreaded reporting to Gowldin, the supreme leader of the Rift Guardians. Jelton checked his light armor. The last thing Evaran probably wanted to be reminded of was the Time Wardens.

Jelton surveyed his office and verified it was ready for visitors. He would contact Gowldin afterward, as a visit from Evaran always took higher precedence. Jelton tapped at his desk console.

Send Evaran and the others in, he said.

Yes, sir, said a male voice.

Jelton smiled when Evaran strolled in. He never seemed to change, and looked exactly like he did from their previous encounter. The gray suit with shiny metallic boots, forearms, and belt were offset by the dark gray segmented armor pads.

Evaran! It’s good to see you again, my friend, said Jelton, performing a Rift Guardian salute, which consisted of crossing his arms in an X pattern across his chest. He eyed the young male next to Evaran. I’m afraid I haven’t met your friend.

Evaran gestured at the young male. Jake Melkins was the first human I met when I arrived on Earth.

Hey, said Jake with a wave.

Jelton nodded at Jake. Emily has mentioned you. It’s good to meet you, and any friend of Evaran is a friend of mine. He peered behind Evaran. Where’s Dr. Snowden, Emily, and V?

Evaran raised his head a bit. That is why I am here. I do not know where they are.

Jelton’s stomach churned. Those words should never be heard from someone like Evaran, who had the capability to go anywhere. That…doesn’t sound good. He gestured at some chairs before his desk. Please, sit.

They complied.

Jelton sat. How can I help?

Evaran nodded. A mysterious being portaled them away. He pulled out a small orb and tossed it into the air.

The orb projected the encounters.

Jelton studied the projections. He frowned when Dr. Snowden jumped out of a window and then went through a portal. His eyes narrowed when Emily fell through one as well. V had just disappeared. The being named Ziekah, who had various data labels attached to her, must be sensitive to beings around her.

I didn’t observe V go through a portal.

Evaran nodded. We registered two portals out of sight. I suspect one changed V’s direction, and the other sent him through when he swerved.

Jelton shook his head. This Ziekah seems powerful.

I concur, and I assume you noticed a part of Ziekah’s energy signature is rift-based, said Evaran.

Jelton nodded. Her signature, at least that aspect, is not unknown to us. We encountered a creature with a similar one, although we never identified the unknown energy. We assume that is something from the nightmare lands.

Jake’s eyes widened. Umm…nightmare lands?

Jelton chuckled. It’s not as bad as it seems. He looked at Evaran. I believe you have a Hazgrodah in your timeline. That’s not a good thing.

I am not familiar with that species, said Evaran.

The projection ended.

It’s less a species than a class of beings. Let me start with some history. Several centuries ago, we fought a Hazgrodah through space and time. It took on a male humanoid form, and was deceptively clever. We became aware of his presence because he trashed a Time Warden anchor station. Thinking we had a new ally, we tried to talk to him. He asked us where Seeros was, and we told him we had no idea. He then killed a few Rift Guardians and escaped.

Seeros? Interesting, said Evaran as he rubbed his chin. We destroyed Seeros in our timeline.

And who is he? asked Jelton.

A timeline refugee that hunted me, said Evaran. He was unsuccessful.

I remember Seeros as a big-time city builder, said Jake.

Evaran nodded. Unfortunately, he used that as cover to gather resources for my hunt. He faced Jelton. Did your Hazgrodah mention anything about why he hunted Seeros?

No, but it seems from this video that Seeros is being extracted from timelines for some purpose.

Evaran’s eyes narrowed. Most likely not a good one. How did you defeat your Hazgrodah?

We didn’t. It took a while, but we chased him to a portal on a remote world. Although the surface looked like a cliff behind a waterfall, we detected the strange rift readings. Some Rift Guardians pursued the Hazgrodah through the portal. Out of ten highly trained soldiers, one came back, and he had a video feed of what we call the nightmare lands. Fiendish creatures, hostile environment, and red rivers. The nine that died had been completely destroyed by what looked like a massive walking tree with branches that moved like whips.

Jake shuddered. Sounds like hell.

I don’t know if that translated right, but I agree, a bad place, said Jelton. We sealed the entrance on the world, and left monitoring devices in case it ever reopened.

He remembered when he had first viewed the video feed of the nightmare lands. It appeared as if someone had placed massive irregularly shaped rock cones with bubbling red rivers running between them. The dark gray clouds and red illumination made it hard to see anything. The nightmare lands were a maze.

May we view the footage? asked Evaran.

Jelton nodded. He interacted with his desk console.

After a moment, a projection shot up.

Wow, that is horrifying, said Jake.

I agree, my friend, said Jelton.

Did your Hazgrodah create any portals or anything? asked Jake.

Not that I’m aware of, but those readings are very similar. At the very least, I think you’re dealing with a creature native to the nightmare lands.

Evaran rubbed his chin. Intriguing. Based on your readings, the nightmare lands are a connection dimension to a junction one. That would explain her unknown energy.

I’m…not familiar with those terms, said Jelton.

A connection dimension is a realm that connects a reality, like yours or ours, to a junction dimension. The junction dimension itself is created when the universe was formed, and the dimension can connect to many timelines, as well as other dimensions. I do not believe the Rift Guardians you sent in made it to the junction dimension, but instead returned after being in the connection one.

Jelton ran a hand over his mouth. Are Dr. Snowden, Emily, and V in the connection or the junction dimension?

I do not believe they are in either, said Evaran. Ziekah’s portal had a space-time rift signature, not a dimensional one. They are somewhere in the timeline still.

Then we must find them, said Jelton. His gaze swept over Jake and Evaran. I’m coming with you, but I need to report to Gowldin first.

Dr. Snowden walked down the dirt path he had landed near. Over the last hour, he had learned more about his environment. He had checked the stars’ positions using a PSD program and verified that he was on Earth. It surprised him to see AD 1842. The time also showed 8:50 p.m., which was an hour later than he thought it was supposed to be. Although the program did not tell him his location, he figured he would run into civilization at some point if he followed the road. His knowledge of the 1840s was sketchy at best. Emily would spew a ton of information if present.

He wondered if Ziekah had gone after Emily. His blood boiled to think that this might happen to her as well. He put it out of his mind as he trudged on down the road.

After another thirty minutes, he heard the approach of heavy breathing and what sounded like horse hooves hitting the ground. He recalled the light orb he had launched earlier. Once he retrieved it, he stood off to the side of the path. His camouflage shielding should allow him to remain hidden unless whatever came by had heightened senses.

A dark-skinned man hustled down the road.

Dr. Snowden studied the man’s coarse shirt and pants. It looked like something Dr. Snowden would make if he had to create clothing out of raw cloth. Blood stained the right side of the man’s face, and his shoes had seen better days. Given the time period, Dr. Snowden wondered if the man was a slave, which would put the location somewhere in a southern state most likely. Why the man ran down a dark road was a mystery. Dr. Snowden stepped forward to get a better look.

The twig snapping under his foot caused the man to falter and fall to the ground.

Dr. Snowden grimaced. He figured the man might have thought a wild animal caused the sound.

Two men on horseback chased down the fallen man.

There you are, boy, said one of the riders.

Please, said the fallen man, shielding his body with his right arm.

Trying to run away, are we? asked the other rider.

The fallen man whimpered. I’m sorry.

You’ll be more than that when we get you back.

Dr. Snowden scowled. It definitely sounded like the man on the ground was a slave, and the riders were slave owners or catchers. Dr. Snowden determined that he would interfere in this instance, since the man had fallen due to Dr. Snowden’s mistake. He wondered what Evaran would do.

Dr. Snowden deactivated his camouflage shielding, lowered his helmet, and stepped out of the bushes. A quick check verified that his holographic suit still had his brown suit up.

The horses neighed and backed up.

Leave him alone, said Dr. Snowden.

One of the men lowered a double shotgun at Dr. Snowden. And who are you?

Dr. Albert Snowden.

Well…Doctor, this doesn’t concern you. Begone!

Dr. Snowden’s eyes narrowed. No…but you should leave.

The men laughed.

Dr. Snowden stood between the men and the slave. I’m going to guess you’re slave owners or catchers or something like that.

One of the men eyed Dr. Snowden. You must be a damn Yankee and one of them abolishists or whatever. Hiding in the bushes is what I’d expect from you.

Abolitionist is the term you’re looking for. However, yes, I’m from the north.

Yer in the wrong place, then, said the other man. He waved his shotgun off to the side. Now, git moving!

Dr. Snowden shook his head. Sorry, that’s not happening.

He raised his left arm across his chest. If the shotgun fired, his forearm shield would activate, hopefully before the pellets hit him. Although he hoped it would not come to that, these men were not backing down.

Final warning, said the man, lowering his shotgun. I don’t wanna waste pellets on a white man if I don’t have to.

Dr. Snowden scowled as he pulled out his PSD with his right arm and extended it into a baton. He shot a repulsion blast at the area before the horses.

The horses reared back. The rider with the shotgun fell off while the other one tried to calm his horse down.

Dr. Snowden hit the rider on the ground with a stun beam.

The man cried before going limp.

Dr. Snowden aimed at the other slaver, who had hopped off his horse, which had promptly bolted along with the other one.

Take your friend, and go, said Dr. Snowden.

The man trembled as he picked up the other stunned man. What…what are you?

Dr. Snowden raised his head. A traveler who helps those in need. Now go!

The man hobbled down the road with the other rider over his shoulder.

Dr. Snowden turned toward the slave. Are you all right?

The slave cowered. Please…please don’t hurt me. A tear ran down his cheek.

I mean you no harm, and I come in peace, said Dr. Snowden. He almost chuckled thinking about how aliens in future fictional media would say that. What’s your name?

Kuda.

Dr. Snowden put his hand on his chest. I’m Dr. Albert Snowden, but you can call me Dr. Snowden. He offered to help Kuda up.

Kuda studied Dr. Snowden’s hand for a moment before accepting it.

Dr. Snowden smiled. You’re safe.

They’ll be back. Kuda’s eyes scouted the environment. What are you?

A traveler. I try to help those in need, such as yourself, said Dr. Snowden. His eyes narrowed. Where were you running to?

Kuda licked his lips and looked down.

Dr. Snowden rubbed his chin. I understand if you don’t want to tell me, but if you did, I could take you there.

W-where did you come from? asked Kuda, looking back up.

From…far away. I arrived recently, actually, said Dr. Snowden. I’m guessing those guys wanted to take you back to wherever you ran away from.

Kuda nodded. He pointed at Dr. Snowden’s shield. What’s that?

Oh, said Dr. Snowden. He retracted his shield. A new item they’re working on in the north. He rubbed his chin. Where are we exactly?

Outside Natchez, Mississippi.

Dr. Snowden sighed. Okay, so 1840s Natchez, Mississippi. The Underground Railroad was active here if I recall.

Kuda cocked his head.

It’s okay if you don’t want to tell me about it, but if you’re headed to a stop, I can take you. I just don’t know where it is.

Kuda raised his head. It’s some walking. And dangerous.

Dr. Snowden nodded. What if I told you I could get you there safe and without being detected?

How?

I have a way of getting there, but I don’t want to startle you. Are you ready?

Kuda nodded.

Dr. Snowden extended his PSD and formed a flying platform. He observed Kuda as the platform had formed. Although Kuda seemed surprised, Dr. Snowden figured Kuda was probably relieved about not being returned. Dr. Snowden opened a guardrail and gestured for Kuda to step on.

Step in, and we’ll be on our way, said Dr. Snowden.

What is that? asked Kuda, eying the platform.

Another thing they’re working on in the north. Normally I wouldn’t show this, but this is no place to be out and about in.

Kuda stepped toward the flying platform. Why’re you helping me?

Because it’s the right thing to do. Slavery is wrong. Period.

Kuda’s eyes softened as he frowned.

C’mon, said Dr. Snowden.

Kuda tentatively boarded.

Dr. Snowden closed the guardrail. Okay. We’re going to be in the air, so grab a guardrail to steady yourself.

Up there? asked Kuda, pointing up.

Dr. Snowden nodded.

Kuda death-gripped the guardrail.

Here we go, said Dr. Snowden.

The platform lifted into the air.

Kuda gasped.

After ascending several hundred feet in the air, Dr. Snowden gestured over the guardrails. Okay. Where to?

Kuda studied the ground for a moment. He pointed northwest.

The platform began to move in that direction.

Kuda relaxed his grip and exhaled slowly. He faced Dr. Snowden. Are you a…spirit?

Dr. Snowden chuckled. Nope. Flesh and blood, just like you.

Kuda nodded.

How far away is the stop? asked Dr. Snowden.

Two days walking.

Dr. Snowden calculated that to be about twenty miles or so. Okay. Let me know if we need to change course or anything.

Kuda nodded and focused on the ground.

Dr. Snowden ran through several scenarios on what needed done once he reached the Underground Railroad stop. Without the Torvatta or Evaran’s help, Dr. Snowden would need to find someone who could help him. A trip to Atlantis could take a while if he wanted to see the Helians, and he was not aware of the state of the nonhuman world in the 1840s.

One approach involved seeking out Lord Vygon’s beacon. Although used long ago in the past relative to the current time period, Dr. Snowden figured it might still be there. Lord Vygon would help if he was not sleeping. Dr. Snowden sighed as he continued to analyze options.

Over the next three hours, Dr. Snowden studied Kuda. While he seemed to relax over time, he looked tense still. It could be that they were in the air, or perhaps the general unusualness of the whole situation. If Evaran knew what had happened, he should have appeared with the Torvatta the moment after Dr. Snowden arrived. This was not a case of time dilation like what had occurred with Emily on the prison planet.

Dr. Snowden had yawned several times. Per his PSD, it was 12:35 a.m., and his cozy recliner seemed so far away. He had been excited to visit Kess over the weekend and wondered what she was up to. The silence other than the occasional course correction did not help keep him awake.

Kuda did not talk much and kept to himself. Dr. Snowden wondered if his fair skin might have given Kuda pause. The time period was a barbaric era in American history, and it was twenty years or so before the civil war. Dr. Snowden sighed but had confidence that he would be picked up soon.

Kuda jabbed a finger at a cabin below.

Dr. Snowden peered over the edge of the flying platform. A cabin in the woods was becoming something of a theme to him. Although it was still dark out, the moon provided decent illumination. The cabin seemed off. It had a blurry effect on it, although Kuda seemed to have no trouble identifying it.

Okay, going down, said Dr. Snowden.

Kuda smiled.

Dr. Snowden reflected that it was the first time he had seen Kuda do that.

The flying platform descended and landed at the outskirts of the cabin’s clearing.

Kuda hopped off of the platform. He put up a finger to his lips and whispered, Wait here.

Okay, said Dr. Snowden.

He pulled the platform back into his PSD, then watched Kuda hustle up to the cabin. Dr. Snowden’s eyes narrowed. In addition to the strange visual sensation he sensed earlier, a Daedrould registered nearby. He gripped his PSD and looked around. The Daedrould’s energy was one he had not encountered before. He inhaled the crisp forest air and waited.

A moment later, Kuda exited the cabin with a woman.

Dr. Snowden sensed the dark-skinned woman was the Daedrould. She wore a black dress with a green wrap of some type around her shoulders. A black cloth wrapped her hair. The bone-like amulet around her neck and various rings on her fingers caught his attention.

Kuda and the woman approached Dr. Snowden.

I am Thereze Leblanc, said the woman, slightly bowing her head. Kuda says you helped him.

Dr. Snowden nodded. He was being chased by what I guess were slave owners or catchers.

So he said, said Thereze. She eyed Dr. Snowden, then motioned at Kuda. Food and drink awaits you inside. Go. I wish to talk to this Dr. Albert Snowden.

Dr. Snowden figured his name had been given to her by Kuda.

Kuda nodded and took off.

Thereze watched Kuda leave, and when he reached the cabin, she faced Dr. Snowden. You’re not what you appear to be.

I was going to say the same about you, said Dr. Snowden with a smile. You’re a Daedrould, but I’m unsure of the strain.

Daedrould…a term I haven’t heard in a long time. I’m a mambo.

Dr. Snowden wrinkled his brow. I…don’t know what that is.

Vodou priestess.

Ahh, he said. I wasn’t aware mambos existed in Mississippi.

Thereze chuckled. Most of the queens are in New Orleans. However…some of us wish to ease the suffering of these slaves in a more direct manner.

Gotcha.

Now…I’ve told you what I am. What are you?

Dr. Snowden cleared his throat. I’m just a traveler who helps those in need.

Like you helped Kuda.

Dr. Snowden nodded.

You’re not a Daedrould or Outsider. You’re something else.

I’m not sure there’s a classification for what I am, said Dr. Snowden. He rubbed his chin. Do you know of Evaran?

Thereze’s eyes narrowed. "The time loa who walks among us as a mortal