Oroboro Island

Oroboro Island

A novel by Oleg Bazylewicz and Karen Buckton

This is a work of fiction. The characters and events described herein are imaginary and are not intended to refer to specific places or to persons alive or dead. All right reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including but not limited to photocopiying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher except for brief quotations embodied in critical reviews.*

© 2018 by Oleg Bazylewicz and Karen Buckton

ISBN-13: 978-1726373111 

ISBN-10: 1726373118 

_______

*Based on: screenplays for TV series, 10 eps. X 45 min.,

Title: Oroboro Island (by Oleg Bazylewicz and Karen Buckton)

Writers:

Oleg Bazylewicz (Ukraine)

PhD – Social & Economic Geography; Natural Resources & Environmental Protection

Writer, Screenplay Writer, Artist –

olegbazylewicz.wordpress.com

Karen Buckton (Australia)

Master of Science – Zoology & Genetics

Screenwriting - Australian Film & Television School

Comedy Producer - bucktoothproductions.com.au

If there is no way to change anything,

let’s try to fix at least something

2,223 A.D.

The sun was setting fast, diving quickly as it always does in Egypt. The heat had subsided, but only a little. The wind raised more dust, which strangely added shades of cerise to the sunset palette of Giza plateau. Kas took a deep breath as he stood on the open porch of the field lab, admiring the landscape and listening to snatches of conversations reaching him from inside the premises. It was an interim facility, a component of the students’ camp set up on the plateau during the field period. He was more excited than anxious.

It was peculiar for him to realize that not so long ago he was a student himself, obsessed with rocks and minerals, performing his general procedures, studying profusely and striving to be a real scientist. With little delay after graduation, he was now a research teaching fellow on his first field assignment with his first student group. Eager eyes, enthusiasm, thirst for knowledge were all there but, of course, not spread evenly across the group. The university heads knew well the importance of this location. They had sent student groups to Giza plateau for decades to run the same routine studies of mineralogy and geophysics; basic descriptive and classification work. But this group contained brighter than average students.

The brightest two undergraduates were Thala and Max. Thala was a special case. Her mind, nimble and penetrating, was noticeably different. She seemed to know everything in advance. Somehow, she was able to feel where to dig, and where not to, a priceless personal trait for a wannabe-scientist. And she was pretty. Tall and thin, resembling a stretched string, with prominent cheekbones, thick dark hair and big, shiny grey eyes. Already Kas’ heart melted each time he looked at her.

Max was tall, massive and rather clumsy but he enjoyed an incontestable authority within the group because of his sharp intelligence and perfect understanding of complicated mathematics. Despite his obvious lack of discipline and sometimes difficult communication skills, it was impossible not to be impressed by him.

Kas turned and walked inside to where students were finishing work on their sample collections. Some were summoning 3D images of crystalline and semi-crystalline structures on the holographic monitors of their workstations, checking different data inputs and analyzing the findings. Max and Thala were there too because they never missed an opportunity to work longer.

Oh, boss, it’s nice that you finally decided to come in, Thala smiled to him. Just want to show you something.

Kas scratched the small chestnut beard he had grown to look more adult. Of course, he knew the rules and would never dare to do anything against the code. Perhaps much later, when Thala left the system there would be no obstacles... But there was still a long way to go... Or maybe he would forget about her, when he took another group here, who knows? Kas was still uncertain of his feelings for her.

Sure, replied Kas, trying hard to suppress his inner conversation – ‘she was waiting for me – oh c’mon, get real, she wasn’t’ – as he walked several steps towards her workstation.

And then came the yell. Boss! I think you’ve got a call on the eich-em! shouted Max from the corner of the hall. Indeed, the corner monitor blinked its bright-green oval icon, and the loudspeakers uttered a soft beep.

Excuse me, Kas said to Thala before he walked towards it. It was the only stationary computer with an interactive holographic screen connected to a HMVT system, or holographic-mobile-video-telephone, as the company called it in a somewhat old-fashioned way. The call meant that someone wanted to be able to work with some other data while talking. Or else they just wanted to view a nice 3D picture during the ensuing conversation.

Kas came closer and pressed the button, frowning as he saw the avatar of the man making the call. The screen came on, showing Promus talking from his lab. His red hair appeared unmanageable as usual, but his deep brown eyes shifted as if he was looking for something.

Hello, tourist! exclaimed Promus with a weak smile. How’s your vacation?

Vacation indeed. We’re still working here, as you see, said Kas coldly. He quickly donned small earphones, anticipating more tactless wording from his old friend. Now only he could hear what Promus might blurt out.

The students politely cleared the room, but Kas imagined their smirks. Sure, working, I see that. But I also see there’s a campus queen around. I mean, there was, because she left. Promus peered around, trying to better see the departing students.

You bastard, snorted Kas indifferently.

Promus barely reacted. Glad to see you in a bright mood, and still holding onto your job. And you'll probably keep it for some time more if you don't do anything stupid. You know what I mean.

What are you talking about? asked Kas, slightly irritated.

Losing a job’s not a good thing, Promus sighed. But that's what I’m gonna do, and probably very soon. The Grumbler said he needed to shut down my project because of no results promising enough. Promus’ hologram made an energetic move to cross his hands in front of him to indicate his imminent lab closure. The problem is that I really don't know what else to invent, he continued.

That was serious news. Having known Promus since they both were kids, Kas had never heard anything like this from him. Promus does not know what else to forge? Oh, no. Just impossible.

The Grumbler says he doesn't believe I'll find anything at all, Promus continued to complain, as the last traces of his teasing mood were gone. The experimental conditions I’m looking for, he says, simply don’t exist on Earth. Imagine that?

You must be very disappointed, observed Kas, not really knowing what else to say.

Disappointed? I am desperate, that’s what I am, said Promus, his eyes wandering again.

Maybe you worked too much or tried to do too many things in too little time, as usual. Maybe you only need to change your environment, suggested Kas, moving his head to look around Promus’s lab.

Observed from this part of the screen, the lab was reasonably spacious, but stuffed with different equipment items, computer workstations, samples and storage cabinets, all placed chaotically. There were many flowing charts on the walls, some of them animated. Kas shook his head.

You’ve cornered yourself in a messy room, he said. Try to...

...to switch gears, Promus interrupted. To get away from it all for a while. I know. Promus squinted and looked at the silhouettes of faraway pyramids. I’ve heard it many times, and not only from you. But you know what... I think I know what I need... Those massive things behind you. Could you please bring up on the screen all the data on their positions, mass and volume? requested Promus, scratching his red chevelure. And I also need their gravity signatures, if you have them available.

The pyramids? You crazy son of a... Kas held himself back as he immediately understood what Promus had in mind. Do you really think that... he started but stopped short again, mumbling additional words and bringing onto the screen assorted schemes, diagrams, calculations, formulas and tables related to the Great Pyramids.

Stretching his hand out and moving these graphs inside the depth of the monitor, Kas looked inquiringly at Promus, who immediately started to dig in the content produced from his side of the screen. The monitor worked both ways – this is a big advantage of holographic video-calls, thought Kas, when people can share the same 3D screen to work together on something, even thousands of miles away from each other.

Promus quickly examined the data, running some of it through a strange and somewhat buggy analytical application he had remotely connected, probably from his own workstation. Kas had never seen this app but was not at all surprised.

Prom always had an app or two.

Soon we’ll know whether I’m crazy or not, mumbled Promus. But the Grumbler must be right; in my lab, I’ll never get the necessary conditions. I mean, the things you've got just in front of your nose! Wait. Just wait. I’m going to grab some of my gear and show up near you in a couple of days from now. Is it okay with you?

Naturally, it was not, and the concerns were too many. Kas, doubtful, looked around and lowered his voice. Listen, just don't spill the beans, alright? No one can know what we’re up to.

Well, if you think they'd fire you for this...

Worse, replied Kas harshly. Not only fire me – of course, they'd do it right on the spot. But on top of that, they'd laugh both of us down! It's even worse 'cause it's much more difficult for someone to find a new job after he makes a fool of himself. If you know what I mean.

Promus screwed up his face. Yes, I think you know that well, said Kas darkly.

***

Promus arrived at the campsite a mere two days later, his face pale and unhappy. He jumped off a small truck and shook hands with Kas. Did you have a good flight?

Are you putting me on?

Oh, I see. Threw up again? Kas shook his head. Strange. There are not many people who still puke aboard planes.

Shut up, snapped Promus. It was a minor problem.

Then tell me what bothers you most.

Kas’ students, who kindly offered to help unload the equipment that arrived with Promus, had already started to move things about with due care. Kas and Promus slowly walked towards the field lab.

We sit on what we know and don't really touch the things we consider impossible, complained Promus. We still use airplanes, regardless of the engines, fuel, speeds, construction materials, or comfort level. Aerodynamics, thrust and wing lift are still the same! For damned 300 years, the maximum speed we travel across the planet is still only the speed of our planes! Imagine this!

He hasn’t changed, thought Kas. Just an obsessed progressist. I’m sorry I asked. Come and I’ll show you the lab.

***

The next evening, they still messed with the equipment Promus brought to the site - connecting, switching, testing, gauging and calibrating. Several students, including Max and Thala, helped with this and that, while others watched and actively discussed this new turn of the field period routine. The task was complicated as Promus kept too many things inside his head, with an obvious lack of hard or soft copies. Besides, he had been improvising probably with too many modelling conditions and equipment working parameters at once, which required constant re-adjustment and re-arrangement. Strangely, however, for everybody involved it was more exciting than boring.

Kas was on all fours under one of the tables, huffing and puffing and trying hard to find the right wires and plugs. His face became sour. Promus was busy with a similar task under the nearby table, but in a brighter frame of mind – he seemed to be in his element. And this irritated Kas even more.

I just can’t recall how all this is supposed to go together, said Kas bitterly.

You better tell me the truth, replied Promus with a bright smile. What really bothers you, friend?

What bothers me? Okay, I’ll tell you. Kas crawled from under the table, his face red. I'll be damned if I can understand what exactly it is we’re going to measure!

Promus smiled and sat on the floor, wrapping his hands around his knees. It was contemporary polymer material used for quick temporary flooring, easy to lay, replace and recycle.

I see, he said light-heartedly. Frankly, I don't fully understand it either. But it doesn't bother me. What really drives me mental is this. Promus grabbed a bundle of wires and held it in his hand. And not because we messed up with this stuff for half a day. In fact, it’s been like this for hundreds of years. Yes, we have a lot of wireless stuff nowadays. But if we want gadgets to work, we still need to climb under tables and mess around with wires. Our progress somehow stopped.

A means of transfer is essential, objected Kas. It’s technically impossible to transfer energy or information without using anything!

Exactly. Just as I said about passenger planes earlier. We haven't got any closer to teleportation!

Kas looked at him, surprised, annoyed, and full of disbelief. Teleportation? Are you out of your mind?

You may call it hyper-track, not teleportation, if you don’t like the word. I’m just stating the obvious. We still can't do without wires. Just as much as we still can't teleport objects, not to speak of teleporting a living being. Think of all those famous anti-gravity plates they keep testing in Massachusetts. You know, they still cost a fortune, and can't lift up a thing heavier than a toothbrush.

Max, Thala and a few other students remained in the corner of the area to listen to the conversation.

I love hearing those clever boys argue, whispered Max. I side with Promus. What about you lot?

I’m doing what I was asked to do, said Thala softly. Please do the same, Max. OK? Or better still, help me with this. Complex mathematics is needed here.

Max turned his head to the graphs and noted that Thala was still struggling at one of the screens.

Still in the middle of the site, Kas sat on the floor opposite Promus and made a wry face. OK, OK, don't touch onto toothbrushes again, he moaned. I understand. You think our progress stopped in certain areas. But it's alright, it happens that way! Sometimes slower, sometimes as usual. Sometimes faster. Stop and go.

I believe a new go, a new fundamental discovery, is on its way now, said Promus with a brief smile. It’s just the right time for something really fundamental. Last time it happened was when electromagnetism and radioactivity were found. So, now we should discover a new kind of natural phenomena. An absolutely novel one. Promus pointed to the sky. And not out there, somewhere in the open space. Right here, on Earth!

Kas stood up and put his hands on the table. So, you want to discover a new form of matter? he asked. Don't you understand - it sounds insane? People will say you’re either a genius, or a psycho!

People? And what about you? asked Promus. Kas said nothing, waiting for more clarifications, and Promus continued. Look, I can’t explain to you the things I have yet to discover. I’m still in the process, see? Yes, we are talking about a very special form of matter. A field. A multi-level field structure of planetary, or rather geophysical, origin. A structure linked to many other known processes and phenomena on Earth. And not only on Earth, by the way. Other planets and stars must have such fields, too.

But it’s just an assumption, objected Kas. How do you know this mysterious field really exists? Kas stopped Promus, who was about to say something, with a gesture. I know you want to mention electricity to me again, he said. But that’s not applicable. Before people discovered electricity, they saw thunderbolts. They had seen them, all the time. Don't you understand the difference?

As Kas briefly paused, all eyes were on him. So, my question is this: what the hell have you seen? What on Earth makes you so sure that your field exists? I think you must have discovered evidence already! Tell me what it is.

Promus smiled with satisfaction. In fact, I haven't seen anything special. I just gave a bit more attention to what was already known.

I’m all ears, said Kas, verbalizing everybody’s feeling.

Think about things that lack uniformity.

Like what, exactly? asked Kas.

Take the speed that planets rotate on their axes and orbit around the sun, continued Promus. Think of the tiny repositioning of planetary axes. Or take electromagnetic and gravity fields. Nothing’s totally stable and uniform, as you perfectly know.

Alright, go on.

My idea is that all these perturbations are driven by fluctuations of another, as yet still unknown, field structure.

And you decided to use a specific simulation model... You have one, right? asked Kas. You’ve developed a model. You always had an app or two, a bit immature, although quite workable.

Yes, the model I use is immature, agreed Promus. But I got the app and ran data through it. As simple as that. All the planetary data I had on Earth, Venus, Mars, our Moon, and various planet satellites and asteroids. The simulation concluded that all field perturbations related to these objects can be explained by fluctuations of another field structure. Every planet must have its own field of this unknown type. One field that influences all the others. The simulation explained it all... more or less.

The monitors and sensors were finally switched on and ready to go. Promus and Kas went through the tables with final checks. Thala, Max and other students still absorbedly listened to the conversation.

More or less? What do you mean?

Promus sighed. The planetary satellites of Mars, Phobos and Deimos, and the asteroids showed much stronger supposed ‘field performance’ than Earth, our Moon, Venus and Mars. Don't ask me why. I dunno why yet.

Kas shook his head. Equipment testing and calibration procedures were under way. Maybe the app needs more work?

Promus shrugged. We'll see later, he said indifferently. Too many things to work on now. But then... Look, you know, if my calculations are right, this new field is going to be a source of tremendous amounts of energy. Amounts as yet unseen. It will change the world, once and forever.

As far as energy is concerned, intervened Thala, you should know that we’re really tight here, by the way.

Promus turned to her. Are you?

Yes, we are. We had to switch off everything, just to make sure all your devices work. But I still don't know if we have enough juice for them. So, if you want a drink with ice, or hot coffee, you'd better find something... out there... wherever it is.

Thala gestured and made a circle in the air. Some people laughed.

Oh yes, the field must be very juicy, observed Promus. But first we need to find it.

Max looked enthusiastic. I believe we’ll find it! he exclaimed. Promus nodded to Max with appreciation and then turned to Kas.

By the way, you never asked me why I needed to be near the Great Pyramids.

I twigged to the reason. Unnatural gravity signatures.

"Correct. Big man-made structures. Things which should not be here. They create their own gravity signatures, overlapped

with the Earth gravity deviations. It’s important - the masses, physical volumes and mutual positioning of the pyramids are very good to catch this overlapping picture."

What about electro-magnetic field deviations? asked Kas.

They’re here, too, and we’re gonna take them into account as well, Promus nodded towards the pyramids. If what you say is true and these ancients didn’t even know the secret of iron-working, then they must have had nothing to do with the construction of these giant structures. They could not have built them.

Really? asked Max, surprised.

No way, Promus responded. But I don't care. They’re exactly what I need for my tests. If my calculations are right, and I know this is mind-boggling, but it looks like they were built specifically for today’s experiments!

The others reacted with great surprise, talking to each other in soft voices, and switching more and more equipment units on. One of the screens began to build a 3D holographic picture of a complicated geometric shape.

Another image on the other screen was full of different graphs and diagrams, with one pulsing and slowly turning into a red 3D graph in the centre. Promus pointed to the latter.

Look, it must be like this, he said, anxiously now. It’s the model profile. And we’re supposed to take up the factual... As you know, so far I’ve been unable to do it.

All attention became focused on the screen. Promus rubbed his nose. The image of the chaotically pulsing and rotating red 3D graph suddenly began to change.

Oh, look! Look! exclaimed Promus. There’s now another graph on the monitor, less visible above the other one... It pulses evenly at equal and short periods of time. See?

What do you think that is? asked Kas in doubt.

Promus jumped with extreme delight. Here it is! We caught it! The Field! See this? If it jerks, it exists! We’ve detected the Field!

Promus’ delight was infectious, and the entire gathering dashed to cheer him. And then, with great excitement, Kas and Promus further manipulated the screens, with the involvement of Thala, Max and other students.

But we’ll have to test if this result is reproducible, observed Thala, delightedly anticipating further developments.

Of course, said Promus, shining with joy. I think, there are many more interesting results to be obtained!

***

2,227 A.D.

Promus’ new lab was larger and less messy than his previous one because he eventually paid heed to the comments of other people, including Kas. He finally understood that because big-shots occasionally visited his premises, he should play by the rules and pay more attention to visual impressions.

Promus, Kas and Max stood in the middle of the lab by a table, brightly lit with many lamps. One glittering, well-polished flat metal disc was placed in the middle of the table. Grumbler, Promus’ former boss in the Institute of Geophysics, was also there – a sturdy fellow with short grey hair and old-fashion

spectacles. Despite their differences of opinions, Promus valued Grumbler’s expertise and invited him to participate in his new team after the Omega-Field discovery.

Promus, who always believed that it was going to be the last discovery of the kind, suggested the term ‘Omega-Field’, and it took flight.

Now, having finished the last checks on the screen, Grumbler gave a hum of approbation and nodded. Well, let’s show them what we have. He looked to the open door as he heard multiple footsteps in the corridor.

A group of people led by Admiral Perkins entered. The Admiral was a tall, fit man of about fifty, wearing a perfectly tailored military uniform. His face was inscrutable, his features held authority, nobility and determination, and his bright eyes revealed a quick and penetrating mind.

Captain Ingrid Dalgaard followed him. She was a pleasant-looking, buxom woman about thirty, and with typical Scandinavian features. Kas knew her as she was an old friend of Thala – the girls studied in the same school but then Ingrid choose a military career, which apparently was a wise decision. Ingrid climbed her career ladder rapidly – she was serious, concentrated, clever and disciplined. But Thala regretted that Ingrid had become more officer than fascinating woman, they drifted apart, and their meetings were now few and far between.

The third officer was Captain Towner. His origin was the southern African continent and his skin was swarthy. He was slightly younger than the Admiral, and well-known as one of the best experts on military technologies.

Two other people, a man and a woman of about thirty, represented the Scientific Board of Intergovernmental Council, but their rank was much lower.

Promus, Kas, Max and Grumbler quickly looked at each other. I called the Board, I didn’t call the Army, said Kas in a voice low enough so that only his colleagues would hear.

So what? whispered Promus. It’s good that Perkins decided to show up. We’d need his support.

Promus smiled and waved his hand. The group approached the table and briefly greeted the scientists.

Let’s start by saying that what I heard seemed totally insane, began the Admiral, looking straight at Promus. But you people have already earned some credibility. That’s why we’re here. So, show us, please, what we need to see.

Promus nodded and began the experiment demonstration. From beneath the table he produced an old heavy brick, slightly cracked on one side, and placed it on the metal disk on the table. Then he donned a special glove of a remote handling tool. Grumbler switched on the indications on the control panel nearby to show formulas and indices, including the brick's weight.

Now see what’s going to happen with the weight of this object, said Promus after he entered some data. The weight indicator ran down, showing that the brick became lighter until its weight reached the 0 mark. The guests stared at the zero in disbelief.

Promus moved his hand and the brick took off slowly and hung in the air above the table in its gravity-free state. Promus further manipulated with his remote handling tool, made the brick move and turn around, and then slowly made it land on the metal disc.

The gathered assembly was impressed. As people watched the experiment and read the monitor data, their attitudes quickly changed from skepticism to deep surprise and then to astonishment and admiration as they saw the anti-gravity trick in action.

How can you explain this? asked Perkins. Try to avoid the term anti-gravity, OK?

The word ‘gravity’ won't be of much help here, either, observed Grumbler.

Oh yes, we still don't know much about gravity, but we can use it, said Promus enthusiastically. Like we can use electricity and many other things we still don’t completely understand. What we know is that it’s related to mass, but mass and energy are equivalent. So, we use energy to manipulate gravity, that’s it.

But only a special kind of energy can be used here, added Max. The energy of the Omega-Field of Earth.

You mean, you managed to concentrate Omega-Energy somehow to make gravity acting on the brick to, so to say, give? asked Captain Towner.

In a way, Captain. But we still need a tool, or a conductor. Here it is, said Promus, gesturing towards a shiny metal disk on the table.

It’s a unique material we were only able to develop because we used Omega-Energy, explained Kas. You could call it a gravity modifier. It contains semi-crystalline gravity-energy converting nanostructures which are...

Admiral Perkins interrupted. That’s enough of the technical details for now, he said firmly. So, with this material and technology, you can assign weight, to... to anything, right?

Theoretically, yes, Admiral, said Promus. It revolutionizes construction, transportation, or whatever.

We just need to decide what we want to revolutionize first, observed Grumbler.

The guests looked at each other and exchanged quick remarks as they started to realize what kind of technology breakthrough they were witnessing.

What’s the cost then? asked Captain Towner. How much energy did we spend just now, for this particular demonstration?

The equivalent of two days output from of all the power plants on Earth, said Max proudly, failing to hold back a happy smile.

What! That much? exploded Perkins. Just to make a brick fly?

Well, the bricks began to fly in our lab yesterday afternoon only, said Promus and shrugged. We haven’t had time to prepare a full report. But, according to our measurements, we utilized only about five percent of the capacity of our small lab Omega-Reactor.

Five percent? asked Captain Dalgaard in utter disbelief. What does it all mean?

That we’re rich, Ma'am, said Max, still smiling. We are wealthy.

***

One hour later Kas, Thala, Max and Promus drank coffee in a café nearby. The men were excited about the presentation, but tired as they had worked long hours recently. Thala was eager to know more, and questions lingered in her head. Kas studied her. They had married soon after she finished her studies, just two years ago. He considered it to be pure, and probably a bit undeserved, luck for him that the first girl whom he fell in love with and proposed to, eventually agreed. He still feasted his eyes on her. But her personality and ways of mind were still a mystery to him, and he was unsure he handled their relationship well.

For now he was more concentrated on what happened in the lab. Glancing at Thala he suddenly realized that there was something else to discuss right now – because she had a certain facial expression again; the one where she had correctly guessed something important. Besides, he knew Promus well too. There must be withheld information.

Now tell us what you didn't reveal in the lab, insisted Kas. Spit it out.

Why do you think we held something back? asked Max.

Those two have known each other for a long time, said Thala. In such matters, time really counts.

Time? Why would you mention that concept? asked Promus.

That’s it, thought Kas. Occasionally it seems to me that my wife knows everything, he said. So, go ahead. What does it have to do with time?

Promus was caught red-handed. Well, as you know, those semi-crystalline structures you developed... he commenced, choosing his words carefully.

They work not only in energy-gravity conversion mode, right? asked Kas pointedly.

Correct, said Max. If we rearrange certain basic field vectors and change certain energy conversion parameters...

Max, please, said Thala softly.

Max became silent and glanced at Promus. Promus dropped his eyes and sipped his coffee, saying nothing either. Kas gave Promus and Max an inquiring look. Thala’s face darkened.

Oh my God! she exclaimed. You two! What did you do? Energy-time conversion? God-damned energy-time conversion? How dare you?

It's alright, dear. Kas touched her hand, but Thala drew it back.

It is absolutely not alright! I told you not to give them those crystals! she said, glaring at Kas.

But it was just meant to be a new material for gravity control tests, he said with a tone of apology. That’s what you two told me, didn’t you? Kas’ eyes shifted from Promus to Max and back.

It's not good. This is not good, muttered Thala, looking down into her cup.

Thala, your husband did a great job, assured Promus. Yes, the nanostructures he developed for us are really good. Better than good. They are, in fact, multifunctional. He lowered his voice. Yes, energy and mass are related, mass and gravity are related, but time is also involved, as we discovered. The material Kas developed, in fact, allows energy-time conversion. What's wrong with that?

Everything is wrong! objected Thala abruptly. "Anything you would even think to try to do with it is terribly wrong!

Why? asked Max, smiling in innocence.

Because you must not change the course of time, said Thala simply.

Maybe you’re right, sighed Promus. But maybe one day we might have to change the course of time. Who knows?

Make sure nobody knows about this effect, said Kas. And please refrain from any time travel experiments, alright?

Don't worry, friends. I know what we’re dealing with, said Promus, pretending to sound certain.

No, you don't, said Thala, shaking her head. That’s the whole problem. No-one knows.

***

2,231 A.D.

Thala sat in front of a 3D monitor that streamed seismic activity and volcanism data. She had tried to systemize some data but now quit, covered her face with her hands and sobbed. It was getting worse. The number of earthquakes grew tremendously, their magnitudes increased, and the effects were more and more devastating.

In the adjacent room, Kas prepared to go out for a meeting. Wearing 23rd century formal attire he combed his hair in front of a smart mirror that provided a corrected-reading, direct-viewing image, as he really was; not with the usual reversed reflection of early mirrors. The mirror automatically disappeared when he walked away from it.

Darling? asked Kas. Isn't it time for you to get ready?

It's all because of your god-damned Reactors... moaned Thala from her room. I know it, Kas!

Kas frowned, put down the comb and left the bedroom and entered the room where his wife sat.

Thala? What's up? You’re not coming with me?

Thala turned her face to him, all tears. Kas crossed to her and gave her a soft hug. She shook her head and disentangled from him.

It’s all because of us... We’re doing it! We’re the ones doing this to the planet!

And exactly how do you know that? asked Kas polemically. How do you know anything for sure? No-one on Earth can explain why these events are occurring!

But it’s the only possible explanation. Don't you see that?

No, I don't. There’s no proof that the Omega-Field Reactors are causing Earth to shake so much more than usual!

Kas hugged Thala again in an awkward attempt to comfort her, and again she shrugged him off.

I think you should work less, he suggested gently.

Work less and do what? she questioned, somewhat aggressively.

Rest. I dunno.

Or spend more time with our nonexistent children? she asked bitterly.

We could have had kids, darling, if you’d agreed to see the fertility specialist...

Thala pointed to the screen. We can’t bring children into this world! she shouted. Not into this world.

Kas shrugged. I agree, he said. That’s why the Plan is so critical. Thala sighed heavily. Are you sure you’re not coming with me? asked Kas.

Thala, her hands on her face, shook her head negatively.

Very well. He placed