Voyage to Saga: Healers (Part III)

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The Shepherd provided Vearden with a conjured lavish six-star resort suite that was far too big for one person. He had the most comfortable bed in the worlds, and access to a room service bot whenever he wanted it. He kept asking the Shepherd to send him on his way, but she said the delay was not for his benefit. It was taking her longer than expected to prepare for his departure. She mentioned something about copyright issues, which didn’t make any sense, but also said that getting to the trial faster would not result in winning them faster. They would just take longer. Again, what does that mean? She wouldn’t explain completely, and he knew he couldn’t push it. Instead, he accepted his condition, and decided to take full advantage of the fake hotel amenities, especially the gym. He was in dire need of exercise, so it wasn’t like he was just wasting time.

Still, when she returned after nearly a week, he was ready to go. She dressed him in nice athletic clothes and opened a special door for him. It revealed a view of stars like none he had seen before. It wasn’t from the perspective of a planet, but from the orbit of one. She gently nudged him out, and he began to uncontrollably float and spin towards the surface. She was either trying to kill him, or he would somehow be able to survive the fall. It seemed to the be the latter, for he was headed down at too steep of a rate for a normal entry, but he couldn’t really feel that much movement. It could best be described as zooming into a certain Earth mapping software, completely safe and harmless. But this was not Earth. No big deal, Vearden had been to other planets before. In fact, this was so boring, that it was more interesting to turn around and watch the publish-blue sky fall away.

He continued to zoom in until passing through the roof of a large building, as well as a few floors below. At last he landed. A man was hastily providing CPR to another man on the floor. At first, Vearden couldn’t tell if people could even see him. He thought it might have been like It’s a Wonderful Life, but no, the guy was just busy trying to save somebody’s life.

“Where did you come from?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Vearden said. “I can help. Do you need me to take over with compressions?”

“I do,” the man said. “I need to find out what’s taking Geltona so long with the resuscitator.”

Vearden got down on his knees, found his hand placement, and got to work. “What’s his name?” he called out before the first responder could leave.

“Governor Litsendi.” He ran out of the room.

Vearden continued compressions for a few more minutes, but it was becoming incredibly tiring. He could feel something else, though. It was a feeling he had not experienced for many years. Soon after unwillingly becoming a time traveler, and being sent to his first non-Earth planet, he encountered a race of natives called the Gondilak. They had the ability to heal their bodies at a phenomenally fast rate. Through a series of accidents and coincidences, Vearden was bestowed their ability temporarily. This allowed him to travel across Earth, saving lives by donating blood to them. He thought this ability had been literally drained from his body, but perhaps not. Some tiny sliver of that crept upon him just now. Looking back, he probably always had it with him. It was just enough power to save one more life, and no other beyond, so subconsciously, he must have been saving it for a special occasion. This was going to have to be that occasion. He just needed to find enough time to search for the right medical supplies, which would be tough, because the man was on his last breath, and he was now alone. Fortunately, this appeared to be some kind of doctor’s office. Or was it a museum?

He stopped compressions for a few seconds, rushed over to grab a couple needles, a tube, and some alcohol. Ignoring proper procedure, he jabbed himself with one needle, and siphoned off a steady stream of blood, which he let flow into the patient’s body. Governor Litsendi woke up less than a minute later, just as the first responder, and a new woman came into the room. She was presumably Geltona.

“How did you get him back?” the first responder asked. Then he noticed the tube. “Why the hell did you do this? What’s going on here?”

Vearden held up his hands to show nonviolence. “Everything’s okay. My name is Vearden Haywood. I come from...well, another world. I healed this man with my blood. It’s something I used to be able to do. I only had one more dose left, which I used for him.”

Governor Litsendi was happy about it, but the other two were unsure. “Castanea,” the woman said, “please escort our prisoner downstairs.” There was something weird about their mouths when they talked that Vearden was just now starting to notice with her. He couldn’t quite figure it out.

“Hey, come on, man, I saved his life,” Vearden argued, but Castanea didn’t try to take him away. Instead, he held the governor’s wrists behind his back, and walked him out.

“Uh...he’s a prisoner?”

“Of war, yes. Not our war, mind you,” Geltona said, “but we must honor Galactic law, and let the authorities take it from here.”

“So, are we cool?” Vearden asked.

“This room serves as the exit for the Museum of Medical History. It must be kept at a particular temperature in order to protect the artifacts.”

“Wow, that must have sounded like a non sequitur. It’s just an expression from my world. I mean to ask if you and I have a problem with each other, or if you accept my presence and actions as agreeable.”

“You saved the life of a very important—very terrible—but very important man. Your actions may have prevented a grave escalation of interstellar conflict. For now, you and I are...cool.”

“Good. Can I stand up?” She nodded with her eyelids. “I do want to remind you that what I did was an anomaly. If you’re planning to dissect me, or keep me locked up, or use me for some grand plan, you’ll be disappointed. I’m normal now. I became this way by accident, and it really is gone by now.”

She dismissed the thought with a wave of her hand. “His condition was nothing we would not be able to handle under normal circumstances. He was only in so much danger because he was in the most remote part of the building, full of antiquated surgical paraphernalia.”

“If that is the case, then I am greatly impressed by your partner’s knowledge of basic manual resuscitation technique.”

“The best doctor knows everything about medicine and treatment. We do not forget the old ways.”

“That’s nice to hear. I might need some of that knowledge while I’m around. It’s likely to be dangerous for me here.”

“Why are you here, and where exactly did you come from?”

“You wouldn’t believe me.”

“I judge only by facts, not impressions.”

“Well, you see, that’s the problem,” Vearden said. “The fact is that I come from a distant parallel universe, and was brought here on an unknown mission, the completion of which—along with ten more—ultimately hopefully leads to the safe return of my partner.”

“That is quite a story.”

“I told you that you wouldn’t believe. Even though it’s true, I would not be able to prove it.”

“That is not entirely accurate, but we do not have time to run the necessary cosmic frequency tests. I will simply operate under the assumption that you are telling the truth.”

“Much appreciated.”

After an awkward pause, Geltona decided that they best find out what Vearden’s mission might be, if it wasn’t simply to save the governor. Theoretically, if that was it, he would be gone by now. No, it was probably something else; something bigger. He was getting the sense that he was meant to help people, rather than just survive some danger. Afterall, the Shepherd wanted to watch him win, and the only time he’s ever felt like a winner was when he was helping people.

Castanea was waiting for them in their joint offices. “I figured you would bring him here.”

“Is the governor secure?” Geltona asked of him.

“Yes,” Castanea confirmed.

“So is he the governor of his planet...or another one? Or what?”

They looked at him funny. “Governor is a military rank, above coronel, and below ligament,” Geltona explained before turning to Castanea. “He’s from another universe. Must be a translation error—which doesn’t explain how we are understanding each other at all. You obviously don’t speak Vertean, because I can see your lips moving differently than the words that I interpret you enunciating.”

“I guess you’re right, I had a hard time following what you just said, because I’m not that smart...but it did sound like English to me.”

Castanea perked up. “Where have I heard that before?”

Another woman came into the room holding some kind of computer device that resembled an ancient Egyptian scroll. She handeded it to Geltona who pressed a button and released a hologram. “Thank you, Awilda.”

“Also, Comsprint wants you to know that he will be returning from Aehdre,” Awilda said. “The patients are not getting any better, and he doesn’t feel he can do any more good onsite.”

“Thank you, Assistant,” Castanea said, but he made it sound more like a respectable title, rather than just him not caring about her real name.

Vearden couldn’t help but peak at the images on the hologram. They looked familiar to him, but he wasn’t sure, so he would need a better look. He rudely took the device from her hands, but she didn’t seem to mind. “I recognize this rash. What is the diagnosis?”

“There is none.”

“We see these symptoms in other diseases, or rather in the historical records of diseases, but the patients test negative for all of them.”

“What are the symptoms?” Vearden asked.

“Fear of light, deep confusion, these rashes you seem to know something about. It’s killing by the thousands, we’ve not seen anything like it in centuries.”

“Well, I’m not a doctor, but they look exactly like something I picked up in the 18th century called typhus. A doctor from the future had to come back and heal me, but I assume I still have antibodies for it.”

“Diseases tend to not leap across whatever barrier separates our universe from others,” Castanea said. “At least I don’t think so, since I’ve never heard of other universes.”

Geltona sighed and took the device back from Vearden, setting it down on her desk. “That’s true, but it can’t hurt to take a few samples.” She removed a pod from her desk and unwrapped the plastic. She then smashed it between her hands, letting a mist cover her skin. Castanea cleaned his hands as well, so that he could place gloves on hers. She rolled up Vearden’s sleeve, and took a gun-like device from Castanea.

The Shepherd’s disembodied voice came from nowhere. “Let them have nearly all of it,” she said. The other two did not indicate that they could hear it.

He knew he had to comply. “Take as much blood as you can without killing me. Leave me only as much I would need to survive in a bed with an intravenous drip.”

They were not convinced. They probably had their own version of the hippocratic oath.

“Please,” Vearden begged. “I can’t go home if you don’t. This is what my mission entails, so this is what I need from you. Ignore ethics, save the patients.”

That was enough for them. Geltona took litres of blood from his veins, leaving him a wreck, curled up on the floor. He quickly passed out, and then woke up in a hospital bed. The Shepherd was standing over him.

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Microstory 510: Aleri War Commences After Sublight Delay

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This is an official Aleri news bulletin. Only Aleri citizens are allowed to read this. Any non-Aleri attempting to read the following words will be treated as enemies of the state, and will be pursued. Any Aleri who attempts to relay this information to a non-Aleri will be considered a traitor, the punishment for which is death. Years ago, one of our fierce and powerful battle matrixa set out for war. The Aleri government had been petitioning the AMF for weeks for war approval, being turned down every time. War was even accepted by one of the opposing worlds, but still the AMF rejected our proposals. Finally, a plan was set in motion. We would go to war without approval, fully aware of the danger this posed our people. The force of the entire galaxy may have torn us apart, but we were prepared to invoke an ancient convention first agreed upon by the original sixteen interstellar colonies. This convention allows for a military force to act against the the AMF’s decision by severing its ties with the rest of the galaxy, if only temporarily. Astral lanes are closed to and from Aleri during this period, and can only be reopened for trade or other travel after the results of war. This is why an entire matrix of ships were sent towards our enemies at the same time. Unfortunately, as we all know, our brave warriors were unable to complete their mission. A field decision was made to continue on at sublight speeds. As science would have it, however, relativistic speeds prevent any practical form of interstellar communication. While three years passed for us, the matrix experienced only 108 days, surviving on rations and hibernation shifts. Theirs was a noble sacrifice, and all true Aleri owe these soldiers their respect and reverence. Now they have returned, having reached civilization just yesterday. Much has changed since then, and debriefing groups have been dispatched to their location to bring them up to speed (no pun intended). Their exact coordinates, and status, are classified from the public, but war plans remain in effect until otherwise stated. Please review your wartime procedures with your family and community. Further bulletins will be posted across all of Aalleerrii as necessary.

Microstory 509: Grandmother in the Moon Continues to Elude Authorities

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The Fostean High Police Squad has been in pursuit of the Grandmother in the Moon for weeks now, with little to no results. For those who have been following the galactic decree by not listening to illegal broadcast transmissions—which should be easy, since very few things are illegal—the Grandmother in the Moon is wanted by authorities for her defamatory radio series. Her words promote the loss of everything we hold dear in our great galaxy, and our whole reason for The Great Schism. We came here seeking freedom from a tyrannical government; one that insisted everyone be equal to a baseline, leaving no real room for success or self-improvement. The invaders from this government, nicknamed by this publication’s competitors as The Lucifers, have been infecting our home with their backwards ideas of communistic assimilation. Since they have arrived, more and more people unhappy with how little they’ve earned have risen up and spoken against our way of life. In Fostea, everyone has the chance to make themselves better, and to garner achievements through hard work and dedication. Though the Lucifer aggressor team is still enemy number one, the High Police have been forced to refocus their efforts on the Grandmother in the Moon. I was able to gain some information regarding their investigation. She is using a broadcasting technology not unlike the kind used by the Galactic Compliance Department. This allows her voice to be heard on any device in the galaxy capable of receiving variable frequencies, even those inadequate for plex communication. Leading technicians are unable to explain how the Grandmother in the Moon came by this technology, but believe it to be most likely smuggled in from Origin, possibly by the Lucifers. Anyone with information regarding this transgalactic broadcasting technology, or the Grandmother in the Moon herself has an obligation to come forward. We must all do our duty to earn what we deserve, and only that. Let the Light of Merit show you the way to triumph.

Microstory 508: Landslide Vote in Favor of Rename to ‘Martian’

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A few standard decades ago, Mascoli visitors to Earth were completing their regular rounds when they learned that our planet had been discovered by the humans. A little disclaimer ahead of time, astronomical observations were completed entirely by the Earthan humans. They received no help from the Arsenic suiters. Secrecy protection protocols have, in no way, been violated. Since that time, the word Mars has been established as the conventional name for our planet on Earth, and recently, it was determined by the Masco network government that this convention was unlikely to change. Because of this, it was proposed that we change our naming conventions in order to match Earth’s perceptions of us. Should we one day connect with our brethren on the third planet, many believe they would be more comfortable using their own terms. Indeed, the Earthan language of Latin is already being learned in schools across the Masco network for similar reasons. Not everyone believes this to be the best course of action, however, and their arguments are not without their merits. Some think this plan could have negative effects following first contact. If we already speak Latin, and we already know what they named our planet, they will know that we’ve been able to reach out to them for however long before. Others refuted this position, saying that admitting our practice of secretly visiting Earth is something that we’ll have to do anyway, so we might as well tell them this truth in their language.

Even amidst the protests, a vote was held network-wide, asking one simple question: should we, or should we not, alter our planet’s name to Mars and our people’s name to Martian. As you may have gathered from the headline, the vote was a landslide. A higher percentage of now-Martians agreed to change our name than have agreed on any vote in history. Exact number of votes are still being verified, but present figures put the vote at around 94.87%. For our Amaigaben readers, that’s the equivalent of 114.7927 perunviginticenti. The vote itself is impressive on its own, but even more impressive is the hope it presents the Martian network. This indicates that Martians can agree on something, and even though most of us no longer live on our homeworld, we have something that really brings us together. It’s one thing to call yourself a Masco because that’s what millions of years of history tells us, it’s another thing to call yourself Martian even though you don’t have to. The network government does not see this as an opportunity to bring back our colonists, but as a chance to solidify our unity, and repair any hostile relationships amongst factions. In fact, it is becoming more and more likely that our home planet will be abandoned almost completely, in order to further protect Earthans once they inevitably invent observational technology capable of reading Martian surface details. Such a vote would still be centuries off, however, so don’t pack your bags just yet. This article will be updated with the exact vote count, broken down by colony.

Microstory 507: Human Visitors Claim to be From Another Universe

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One day, two aliens appeared out of nowhere on one of the moons of Shaouren. Though only a few scientists were present at the time, apparently everyone in the solar system felt something change. There were even reports of a gleaming light from Shaouren’s heavenly zenith. This is, of course, not Shaouren’s first encounter with an alien species, though other first contacts were that of other Concordians. Experts still cannot explain why peoples from other star systems share our basic genetic structure, but the system has become accustomed to it, even though most have come with violent intentions. Those who have met these two new aliens have expressed experiencing a culture shock. Earlier today, the aliens appeared in front of a broadcast, and explained themselves. They started off by giving their names, and a little bit about their home planets. Deeper biographical information can be found on the next page of this publication. Perhaps the most surprising revelation, however, is where their respective planets can be found. They are, apparently, from different galaxies themselves, but both are from some other universe. That’s right, the distance they traveled to reach us cannot even be measured in lightyears. Their answers to questions were confusing, but the description of their universe makes it sound like some other plane of existence, as if they were gods come down as avatars. The visitors rejected this characterization, but were unable to come up with a better alternative. They have also guaranteed that they do not come with plans of ill will or conflict, and seek only to return to their families. Details are sketchy, but the scientists who incidentally greeted them were working on a secret project that may or may not have been related to their arrival. All attempts of returning the aliens home, however, have been met with failure. Like us, their lands are presently fraught with war, and they are in desperate need of returning so that they can help protect their loved ones from an imminent attack. Their technology appears to be more or less at the same level with ours, as they were both unimpressed, and nonjudgmental, about our transportation and hospitality capabilities. They are currently staying at an undisclosed location, sponsored by the head government, but a possible visiting and exploration program is not outside the realm of possibility. There have also been talks of diplomatic discussions with their universe of origin, but experts believe this kind of prediction to be dramatically premature. I am planning a series surrounding their arrival and dealings with us, the Concordians. Keep following for more information.

Microstory 506: Amadesin Remnant Hiding in Higher Dimensions

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Martian Authorities have uncovered possible evidence that the remaining sects of Amadesis have been hiding out in higher Prime dimensions. The best way to access these dimensions is through Earth, which is why the evidence wasn't readily available before. An unnamed Aviid historian first proposed this theory about sixty years ago. Though his ideas were not dismissed, they were deemed too risky to pursue at the time. During this period, Earth was steadily ramping up its efforts to either prove, or disprove, the presence of alien entities within their airspace. Though visitors from across the galaxy regularly traveled to and from Earth before then, it was decided that a greater amount of secrecy and security needed to be implemented in order to prevent any unwanted attention. It has taken this long for all members of leadership of The Core to agree that a minimal investigation of the uncharted dimensional space could be logistically possible. Details are scarce at this time, but the number of Amadesin descendants are said to number in the millions...possibly billions. A great deal of resources have been allocated to creating, demonstrating, and protecting the Right Eye Papers, but Martian representatives assure the public that a more complete investigation into this second major intergalactic issue will begin within the next few weeks. A source inside the authority has revealed that these Amadesins in particular derive from the Ellaraitch school of thought, and execute a form of indentured servitude and compartmentalization in order to attain their goals. As far as the infiltration mission goes, members of the Isala administration have all agreed that the elite team should be comprised exclusively of humans. Because little is known regarding the current level of Amadesis technology, scientists from Levida have concluded that it would be too dangerous to include Martian Arsenic suiters. Their true nature may be discovered quickly, placing the entire mission at risk. A representative from the Eridani military contingency has spoken up as well, promising the public that preventing war is of the utmost priority for all those involved, at least on our side of the dimensional brinks. The number one priority, however, is...well, Priority One; which obligates any member of deveiled society to act in the best interest of safety for everyone, regardless of cultural or developmental consequences. Specifics on the mission will be released at a later date, possibly following the effort, in order to preserve universal security.

The Advancement of Mateo Matic: June 27, 2112

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Saying that Gilbert was Mateo’s favorite person in the world would be an overstatement, though he did care about him. The real problem now was that Gilbert knew more about choosers, powers, salmon, and time than anyone else. Well, except maybe for Lincoln, but Mateo wasn’t allowed to consult with him. He was hoping—well, to not lose anybody at all—but at least to hold off on the one guy who could help them understand what was going on. Mateo guessed then that this was the point. The Extractor, Arcadia was gradually removing from him his support system, and it was only ever going to get worse. From this comes only heartbreak.

He let everybody sleep. Paige got out of bed and they went off to get water. “Tell me about the person who’s missing this time,” she requested.

“He was a bad guy.”

“Really?”

“At times an antagonist, at others a villain. But then he became an ally, and then a friend. His relationship with Horace was particularly roller coastery.”

“Did I know him well?”

“Ya know, I don’t know. I leave for a year at a time, so when I return, I’ve always missed almost everything. It’s ironic that I’m the one who knows something others don’t since usually it’s the other way around. Because Horace is your father...and they were growing closer every day, I imagine you and Gilbert shared a few nice moments.”

She repeated his name, “Gilbert.” She took a zen breath and closed her eyes. “Nope, not coming to me. I didn’t expect it would, but...”

“But it was possible. I appreciate the attempt.”

“You’re lucky you have this group, Mateo. Anyone else would have dismissed your claims as total bullshit.”

“You don’t have to tell me,” he said.

“Any ideas what the challenge will be? You talked about someone called The Constructor, and then we had to build something. What might we have to do this time?”

“Well, Gilbert was founded a multi-billion dollar corporation in the other timeline.”

“You mean like Horace?”

“Yes, they were, at first, business rivals.”

“Oh, that’s interesting.”

“He ended up in prison because he essentially robin hooded their profits.”

“So, he was a good criminal.”

“As good as they come, yes. Then Horace killed him—”

“What!” she interrupted.

“Well, that was another life...literally. He came back to life and started possessing other people’s bodies, which screwed up his mind, and made him a problem. Then I killed him, and he was stuck in just the one body, and then The Cleanser killed him again, and then I brought him back through a magic mirror, and he’s been on our side ever since.”

“My father...killed him?”

“Yeah, shot him in the head.”

She looked disturbed.

“Paige, you know that Reaver was not a good guy before.”

“Well, yeah. He’s said as much...but he’s never given details.”

“That’s probably for the best. You don’t wanna see that side of him, or even imagine what it would be like.”

That did not make her feel better.

“That’s all in the past,” Mateo continued. “He’s not like that anymore.”

“But maybe he will be again. I mean, if this woman can take people out of time, she can probably change reality in other ways. All she has to do is extract evil Horace from that timeline and bring him here. Who knows what else she could do? She could destroy the whole universe!”

“Okay, okay, little one.”

“I’m older than you.”

“Touché.”

“I know that it doesn’t do any good to dwell on what might happen. On the bright side, if she does destroy the universe, who will even care?”

“The Gravedigger, the Curator, a few other people who live in other dimensions.” Lincoln appeared from behind some bushes.

“And God,” Mateo added.

“Were you following us?” Paige asked, changing the subject.

“Just thirsty.” Then he shot Mateo a careless look, but it didn’t seem like Paige noticed.

“I don’t know why I didn’t think of this before, Lincoln, but do you remember Gilbert and Baudin?”

He looked scared. “What? No, of course not. Why would I? I mean...who’s Gilbert?”

Now she was suspicious. “I’ve been alive for—” and then she coughed, but Mateo could hear the word hundred. “—years. I know when someone’s lying.”

“She erased my memory, just like everybody else’s. I still have my power, but I’m missing key facts. It’s not like with Leona where it’s fuzzy, it’s just not there.”

Paige appeared to be changing the subject again. “Who gave me this ring? Do you remember?” She held up her hand.

“Why that was...uh, I don’t recognize that,” Lincoln said awkwardly.

“Yeah, definitely lying. You remember Gilbert too.”

“Who?”

“That didn’t work before, and isn’t going to work now,” she said. “Tell me the truth.”

He looked to Mateo for help, but Mateo didn’t know what to do. Finally, he felt like he had no choice but to be honest. “I...yes.”

“I knew it.”

“Look, you don’t understand. You can’t—”

“Thank God I’m not the only one,” she said with a sigh of relief.

“Paige, you remember him as well?”

“Not exactly. It’s like that one movie where Jim Carrey loses his memories. They don’t just disappear all at once. He goes through a transition period where they fade, and they’re like...shadows of people. That’s what Gilbert is to me. All I see is a shadow, except that it’s not going away. I know someone is supposed to be there, but I don’t know who. I don’t know the details.”

“Is it the ring?” Mateo asked Lincoln.

“Well, that is what you could call a remnant, but I’m not sure it’s the ring doing this. She is spawn, maybe it just plain doesn’t work on her.”

“Ah, dammit,” Arcadia’s voice rang out before she teleported to them. “I thought I had this program figured out. Either there’s something wrong with the code, or you’re right, and it doesn’t work right on spawn.”

“But I don’t remember Baudin at all,” Paige said.

“Then it does also have something to do with that remnant you’re wearing. That is protecting you, but it only works on you because you’re different than anyone else.”

“So, it’s both because she’s spawn, and because she’s wearing something given to her by someone you kidnapped.”

“Yes,” Arcadia agreed.

All Mateo could think about was Leona, but he didn’t want to say anything. If he brought her up, she would just be in danger.

“I know what you’re thinking, and I won’t stop you,” Arcadia said to him. “You still can’t speak with Lincoln, but Paige and Leona are weak spots that I did not predict. I would dishonor myself if I changed the rules on you just because of how inconvenient they’ve turned out to be for me. That’s something Zeferino would do. If you can figure out how to get help from the spawn, then I have no choice but to allow it.”

“Thank you,” Mateo said to her graciously.

“I told you that I’m not a monster.”

“I know, and you’ve proven that today.”

“I’m going to leave now so I can alter the plan. I’ll make the expiation easier so it only requires two days, and give you today to discuss these...developments.” Arcadia approached Lincoln. “And I’m giving you a pass because you were caught off guard. I will not give you another one. You best learn how to lie, because if Leona tries to talk to you about this, things could go south real fast. You are still bound to your silence.”

“I understand.”

She eyed him to make sure he was serious, and then teleported away from them.

After Lincoln was satisfied that Paige would not slip up like he did and reveal what he knew, they all three ran off back to the new camp. It was only then that he noticed the sign attached to the roof. It read CAMP BAUDIN. “You named it after him?”

“Of course they did,” Leona said as she was putting on her shirt.

“You’re welcome,” Vearden said with a cutesy bow.

“But you people don’t even know him.”

“It’s his shelter,” Mario said. “We hope to know him one day.”

Vearden was doing his morning stretches. “It feels like everybody’s here, but I assume somebody’s missing. So come on, Mateo, out with it.”

“His name was Gilbert Boyce. And...” He paused to make sure everyone was anticipating his next words. “And Paige Turner remembers him.”

“You do?” Horace asked, shocked.

“Well, not exactly,” Paige explained. “I have memories of times with someone, but I don’t remember the man himself. He’s been cut out, but Arcadia wasn’t able to do the thing where she patches up the timeline so we don’t even care who’s missing.”

Horace gave her a small hug. “It’s because you’re spawn, isn’t it? Serkan is helping us, even from the grave.” Then he dropped his face into a frown. “Oh my God, am I gonna forget my husband?”

Mateo shook his head. “I don’t think she’s ever going to delete memories of someone who wasn’t here when this whole thing got started.”

“That’s a relief,” Horace said before adding, “if it’s true.”

“Hold on,” Leona said. “Question.”

“What is it?” Mateo smiled.

“Who the hell is Gilbert Boyce?”

“Wait,” Darko said. “She is spawn as well, should she not remember?”

“Right, well, it’s also because he gave Paige a gift that she had on her at the time.”  He took Paige’s hand in his and held it up. “He didn’t give Leona anything like this.”

Darko jumped out of the shelter. “Objects!”

Téa jumped out too. “Clothing.”

“That’s what we were thinking,” Mateo said.

“I’m lost,” Mario said. “What are we doing?”

Saga understood perfectly. “Paige and Leona can both remember people who have been taken from us. If each of us gives each of them something of ours, they’ll...bond to it, and be able to remember us when we’re gone.”

“I can’t imagine a world without me,” Mario said. He went on when they looked at him funny, “I mean that literally. Philosophically. Can you picture—I mean, really picture a world where you don’t exist? Rather, can you picture yourself not existing.”

They evidently could not, but most of them didn’t really want to talk about that sort of thing since it meant risking their heads exploding. Instead, they listened to Mateo’s description of Gilbert Boyce during breakfast. He talked at length about what Gilbert had been through in all of his many lives. He explained Gilbert’s motivations, mistakes, regrets, and redemptions. He went over his relationships with each and every one of them, however little, and explored his own feelings towards him.

After the meal, Téa and Darko got to work. They led the group in what was almost a game. Everyone still around was asked to remove one item of clothing, or an object belonging to them, that Leona and Paige could keep on their person at all times. It was a little weird that Kivi had to give her bra to Leona, and her underwear to Paige, while Xearea did the same in reverse. It was necessary, though. It was far too hot for the two spawn to have to wear, like, ten shirts. Most of them had at least two things that they could give up and contribute to the cause. Mario was both proud and scared to bestow Leona with his sentimental watch. Aura was the same with her engagement ring. Vearden had only the one shirt, and not really anything he could part with. The others in the group weren’t all that upset that he had to go shirtless, though. Vearden could have borrowed an extra shirt from someone else, but no one wanted to suggest he wear more clothes. In the end, Paige and Leona had what they needed to survive the time tears, and provide Mateo with some much-needed psychological support. The day ended on a pretty high note, but 2113 brought them danger.

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