After the Pandemic:Origins of a Conflict (1248 hits)
Category: NoneRating: 1.34 on 29 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Adamdidit2u (View user info) at 2005-03-08 15:42:12 EST
Introduction: http://www.ubersite.com/m/61238
Corrigan: http://www.ubersite.com/m/61296
Variant C: http://www.ubersite.com/m/61350
The Onion Run Pt 1: http://www.ubersite.com/m/61446
Outbreak: http://www.ubersite.com/m/61453
Rebirth: http://www.ubersite.com/m/61490
I felt the need to do something crazy.
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Standing on the bridge hunched over the various displays a slender pale figure hardly stirs. His gaze is intense and focused on the primary screen located on the sparse metallic paneling. His long gaunt hand, the pale skin tightly drawn, presses a series of buttons causing the colors of the view screen flicker across his face.
"Darslyan!" an ominous voice booms through a massive doorway, seemingly reverberating through every bulkhead in the bridge. "I need a status report" he says as he takes a seat located amongst a variety of arrays and dimly lit screens.
He is Jininaal, the commander of this task force in high earth orbit. Taunt grayish white skin accentuates every minuscule muscle present, in the gaunt frame. A long thin skull accentuated with deeply glowing eyes. Those deep green emeralds convey all the horror of times past. They'll teleport you to that place you go deep in your nightmares, when you try in vain to wake up as all your darkest secrets are revealed and greatest fears unfolded. That crooked smile that shows a glint of the razor sharp incisors that have ripped away the life of so many throughout the ages. It is the face of evil.
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One week after the outbreak. The Vatican.
Mario rushed through the rows of ornate columns clutching the small wooden box he had been summoned to collect. He had never seen his master so distraught and unnerved during his fifteen years of service to him. His mind wanders to a million places imagining what could upset someone as holy and wise as he. Shaking the thoughts from his consciousness he quickly turns a tight corner and opens a thick, wrought iron door into an ante room. Setting down the box he lowers himself to his knees and begins an incantation, hardly audible at first, but melodic and forceful. At the crescendo he leaps to his feet and places his hands on a smooth, nondescript stone slab. A writhing serpent of smoky yellow energy seeps out of his pores and penetrates the stone.
The wall, composed of a series of fist size stacked marble blocks begins to shift and sort; like some kind of intricate puzzle machine. In only seconds the stones have rearranged themselves in a manner that would allow one to pass through the small opening.
Mario picks his package back up and darts through the newly opened passageway. The slim hallway is a perfect white marble inlaid with intricate gold scribing. There is no apparent light source, but an aura of something lights the entire surface with a gentle white glow. As he approaches a great door at the end of the hall the two massive gilded doors shift just enough as to allow one to barely slip through. As he turns to glance back into the hall, he sees the doors now shut, and barred by a great beam.
Turning his attention forward Mario stands in awe of the chamber he is now in. It is a library of sorts. Cylindrical in shape, but rising far above his head into the darkness, every inch is occupied by some leather bound book or ancient scroll. Sitting in a worn dark green leather chair with hunched over a book sits his master. Quickly Mario scurries to his master's side and presents the box to him on his knees. Never changing his gaze from the worn tome in front of him the master motions the young apprentice to sit in the chair opposite him, and takes the small box. Inside is an oddly shaped hexagonal key that he uses to open a massive book lying on the table in between the two of them.
"Today is a grave day for humanity my son" his gravelly voice says.
"As my apprentice, I shall tell you humanity's true story, so that it may have a chance to live on"
All the things you have read about the struggle between good and evil in the bible are true, they simply need to be taken in a different context to comprehend their meaning. In this great universe there are many civilizations besides us. Human beings may just be one of those civilizations, but our numbers are far greater than those of us here on earth.
Thousands of years ago humans were at a level of civilization and technology that far exceeds what we know today. We had eliminated disease and discovered ways to cross great distances over the galaxy. Great ships were built and sent out to create more worlds and expand our civilization ever more. The last remaining proofs of an age past are the great stone structures of the ancient civilizations, crumbling away in the far corners of the earth.
By that time genetic engineering had evolved into an extraordinary science. There was no concept of a god or all powerful being controlling our fate. We saw ourselves as our own gods. We determined our own destiny. We terraformed entire planets with plants specifically engineered to live in those conditions. A diversity of Fauna was made to keep these huge ecosystems self sufficient. Even the genome of our own species was not off limits. It was this that was our own undoing. While researching a way to create a race that does not require sleep everyday in order to rejuvenate basic chemical stocks in our own bodies scientists created what was knows as Necros. The adaptations of increased strength and heightened senses had succeeded marvelously, but some sort of unknown mutation gave them these benefits with the provision of needing more bio-molecular energy. Considered a failed attempt, they were allowed to live out their days amongst the everyday populations, viewed as no more than just another anomalous human mutation.
The Necros eventually found that blood; rich with nutrients it was the perfect source to feed their heightened energy need. Together they formed close knit groups and continued to perfect and hone their particular strengths. Years of genetic tinkering yielded better than expected results. In only a few short generations they were far superior to the original in every conceivable way.
It wasn't long after that, humans soon became viewed as a food source and were treated as such. The Necros felt as if they were the superior generation of our species and should rightly rule over all. Street fights became battles, and the battles became wars. The entire planet was at war with itself; one species fighting for it survival amongst another.
Arks were built and millions fled to distant stars. The Necros built ships too and began to pursue those that left. In the end there was nothing left. All traces of civilization and humanity were vanished. Hundreds of years of war had obliterated cities, and changed the face of the planet. Small isolated pockets of those who may have fled to isolated places began a new civilization, and knowledge of our errors passed from generation to generation, an omen to not make the same mistake twice.
That is how the bible comes about. It was decided that our belief that we were the controllers of our own destiny that nothing was sacred; that all things should be questioned and improved upon. The hope was that by instilling a kind of divine fear, that man would always err from this path, and thus avoid the possible destruction of our species for a second time.
But I fear our past mistakes have come back to haunt us.
We must prepare for war.
We must ensure the existence of human kind will live on.
==================================================
Back on the bridge
"How many days is it estimated until we have sufficient coverage to begin landings?" The gruff voice ordered.
"30 sun cycles by my count" a low hissing voice from behind replied. "The variant virus is working, just as it was designed to. We can begin to re-inhabit our home world very shortly my lord"
"Have we located any of the ancient sites?"
"Not as of yet"
============================================================
Alpha Centauri System, High orbit above Orin.
"Sir the commission is waiting"
"I'll be right there"
Thoughts weighed heavily on the man. Standing near a tall glass window he glanced out over an immense city that sprawled away into the horizons, hundreds of gleaming spires piercing the clouds around him. All his life and across hundreds of star systems he has fought this enemy. Fought them for the helpless people they slaughtered, fought them for countless times they've ruined lives. But now that they've found the homeworld fear is rampant that they will discover some of the powers that were lost on that planet many generations ago; a power that could upset the balance between them and seal the fate of his race.
This was certainly not going to like all the other times, that much he was sure of.
Three hours later on the bridge of one of the dozens of massive ships preparing to embark for an epic battle, a voice rang out. "60 sun cycles to target, prepare for initiation."
He hoped they wouldn't be too late.
User Reviews
Submitted by notyou (user info) at 2005-07-01 16:13:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: -1
No Comment
Submitted by nrduncan (user info) at 2005-05-12 17:42:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I have just got done reading these all and I have enjoyed them all. Great work everyone, +2's for all!
Submitted by Professional_Peon (user info) at 2005-03-12 11:54:20 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Here is my contribution - http://www.ubersite.com/m/61730
Submitted by Adamdidit2u (user info) at 2005-03-11 11:49:41 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
Wait for part two, it'll blow your mind
Submitted by knucklesnelson (user info) at 2005-03-11 10:51:21 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Spam (user info) at 2005-03-10 03:24:39 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
This was really out there.
Well done for trying something WAAAAAAY outside the box. I just don't feel you've pulled it off somehow.
Submitted by TimeCop (user info) at 2005-03-10 00:30:28 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
I dunno, I don't like it so much with the whole space/civilization thing.
Submitted by engine13 (user info) at 2005-03-09 12:44:46 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by LadyPlural (user info) at 2005-03-08 23:22:52 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/03/08/high_school_zombie_threat/
Submitted by Snark (user info) at 2005-03-08 20:37:12 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Huzza?
Submitted by AwesomeJohnson (user info) at 2005-03-08 19:38:44 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
11k what? what?
Submitted by Pentameter (user info) at 2005-03-08 18:34:46 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Pretty good story.
Submitted by thecaes (user info) at 2005-03-08 18:08:53 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
I think this is too far out from the original concept, but that's not why it's a +1. I didn't like the expositional dialogue from the Space-pope, or whatever he was called. It's just...nobody talks like that, that's all. It's a ballsy project, I'll say that.
Also, the name "Mario" made me smile...I had the Super Mario Bros theme song playing in my head the entire time he was opening doors and running through the halls...
Submitted by Dannie (user info) at 2005-03-08 17:57:44 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Lumley is the first thing that came to my mind when trying to write something for this series. I refrained from using spires or manse, but it was hard.
I need to re-read those. I miss them.
Submitted by Jack_McCallum (user info) at 2005-03-08 17:45:28 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I'm gonna put on a big pair of boots and dance on your nads, you fuck.
I'm working on a tale with an 'offworld' setting. You beat me to the punch.
How does this tie in with the original modern-day pandemic?
+2 for shooting for the moon, and beyond.
PS - Check out Brian Lumley's Necroscope series (and subsequent books). That shit is right up your alley. http://www.brianlumley.com/necroscope/necroscope.html
Submitted by DavyJones (user info) at 2005-03-08 17:30:45 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
I don't really like this as an addition...too out of place in my opinion. I guess time will tell if it will tie in right.
Submitted by Dannie (user info) at 2005-03-08 16:20:38 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I love to see all the different takes on the situation. I think the concept leaves so much wide open space that each story is like a vignette of the big picture.
Submitted by munkeypants (user info) at 2005-03-08 16:18:14 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2005-03-08 15:52:38 (#)
Ranking: -2
Eet mor Chikin.
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hahahaha
sorry.. that made me laugh out loud. here's another +2
I've been trying to come up with something to
add to these stories and so far... nada.
Submitted by LadyPlural (user info) at 2005-03-08 16:08:51 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
I don't know. I mean, this was reasonably well-written and everything, but... It just didn't seem to fit or flow with the original stories very well. Maybe it was your change in tense, or... I don't know. I just wasn't "feeling it. Yo" as they say.
Submitted by Dannie (user info) at 2005-03-08 16:00:25 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Adamdidit2u (user info) at 2005-03-08 16:00:06 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by hcp28 (user info) at 2005-03-08 15:55:04 (#)
Ranking: 2
Nice.
I noticed your taking a pretty big leap from the original. It will be interesting intergrating your story line into the existing continuum.
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I wanted to do something really out there, but also something that wouldn't intrude on anything someone might have been working on.
All of these are really awesome, the last thing I would want to do is fuck up the story line.
Submitted by Kre8rix (user info) at 2005-03-08 15:57:52 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Good addition.
Did not see this coming.
I want to see how it integrates as well.
Submitted by hcp28 (user info) at 2005-03-08 15:55:04 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Nice.
I noticed your taking a pretty big leap from the original. It will be interesting intergrating your story line into the existing continuum.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2005-03-08 15:52:38 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
Eet mor Chikin.
Submitted by Adamdidit2u (user info) at 2005-03-08 15:51:40 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
Oh I know, my grammar and puctuation are horrendous.
Pretty pathetic for someone with as much education as me.
Submitted by munkeypants (user info) at 2005-03-08 15:50:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
awesome.
I love these stories. You guys are doing a great job!
Submitted by Adamdidit2u (user info) at 2005-03-08 15:49:50 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by WhatTheHell (user info) at 2005-03-08 15:46:05 (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2005-03-08 15:44:36 (#)
Ranking: -2
What? No photoshop?
No thanks.
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He's such a cunt sometimes, isn't he?
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Yea that sure as shit is putting it lightly
Submitted by WhatTheHell (user info) at 2005-03-08 15:46:05 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2005-03-08 15:44:36 (#)
Ranking: -2
What? No photoshop?
No thanks.
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He's such a cunt sometimes, isn't he?
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2005-03-08 15:44:36 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
What? No photoshop?
No thanks.