From: creative-archive@anxst.com Subject: Masynchi (Introduction) Date: Sat, 23 Aug 1997 13:42:14 -0700 (PDT) name = David J Baker email = DAVID_J_BAKER@compuserve.com title = Masynchi (Introduction) adult warnings = NONE story = MASYNCHI: INTRODUCTION Masynchi is a seven part (so far) cross over story of Babylon 5 and Blake's 7. ***** ***** ***** MASYNCHI: A Blake's 7, Babylon 5 cross-over. By David J Baker. (1997) e.mail: DAVID_J_BAKER@compuserve.com DISCLAIMER: All characters were created by J.M.Straczynski and T. Nation, except: Sabrina, Viron, THOR, Zenchi, Xzarkoff and Alteryus. All technology and 'universes' were created by JMS and TN except: The Masynchi continuum and related technology. ABSTRACT: 'Beyond thought there is the Masynchi Continuum, where consciousness, existence and reality merge. Beings from here are embroiled in the ultimate battle, for mastery of eternity itself.' This story is a Blake's 7 - Babylon 5 cross-over. The combined forces of both universes are needed to stop eternity from falling into the wrong hands! ********** ********** With the evil Federation in ruins, former rebel Avon is sprung from jail by freedom fighters. He promptly plots revenge against the person whom had been his captor for 25 years, Empress Servalan. She was already one step ahead and Avon walks into a trap. Things become complicated by the benign looking flight computer called THOR. It transpires that it was responsible for the Federations downfall, and that it was actually a Masynchi processor containing Soolin as a nucleation point. Soolin is rescued after a deal with THOR, and they visit their old ally Villa. When on 'Vilaworld', Soolin has a mystical encounter with Zenchi, a great Masynchi being. He sends them all on a mission against the Vorlons and Shadows. Meanwhile, on Babylon 5 in the year 2261, Draal appears to Ivanova with an unusual request. Commander Susan Ivanova visits Epsilon 3 to destroy a Masynchi virus implanted into the great machine by the Shadows. She merges with the machine at the level of mind. Whilst there she is continually challenged by the virus, which plays on fear, hope, complacency, trust and love. She would have lost if it were not for a strange voice, that later turns out to be Zenchi. She also encounters a former lover. Avon, Vila and Soolin travel through a portal to the Babylon 5 universe. They meet up with Sheridan, Delenn and Susan. They rapidly plan a simultaneous attack on Z'ha'dum and the Vorlon homeworld. A secret is revealed about Soolin and Susan, whom use telepathy to block the Vorlons shield. Avon, Vila and Sheridan attack Z'ha'dum whilst the White Star fleet, lead by Delenn, attacks the Vorlon home world... ***** ***** ***** PARTS 1-7 PART 1- CHAPTER 1: Avon's Revenge Avon's Revenge Breakout Fire Fight The Stand Off Freedom fighter Avon is rescued from a penal colony by the 'New Alliance'. He then goes after his old enemy Servalan and enters a deadly stand off... PART 2- The Confrontation CHAPTER 2: The Masynchi Factor The Masynchi Processor The Soolin Factor Reunion Integration After seemingly resolving the conflict with Servalan, Avon learns a secret about THOR, the 'flight computer'. He learns of the Masynchi Project, the most significant advance in technology, ever... This leads him to a reunion with an old friend, Soolin... PART 3- Destiny Revival Vilaworld The Calling Avon ends his conflict with Servalan, permanently... He and Soolin then visit an old friend, Vila, and Soolin develops telepathic powers... PART 4- The Masynchi Continuum Soolin collapses and thinks that she is dead. She is actually in the Masynchi Continuum, a place beyond thought. There she meets Zenchi, a masynchi being whom becomes her guide and mentor. She is educated by Zenchi who then asks her to accept a mission to bring back the Shadows and the Vorlons to the Continuum... PART 5- CHAPTER 3: Epsilon Mirrors A Cry For Help Masynchi Integration Fear Hope Complacency Trust Love The Sour Taste Of Victory. Meanwhile it year 2261 and Commander Susan Ivanova receives a distress call from Draal, the guardian of Epsilon 3. She must eradicate a 'masynchi virus' planted by the Shadows. In order to do this she must merge with the great machine and combat the virus. While there she also meets Zenchi, whom guides her through to victory. PART 6- CHAPTER 4: The Nexus Visions Of The Past Departure Arrivals The Rangers Back on Vila world, Soolin convinces Avon and Vila to join her on the quest. Avon has a masynchi experience and becomes a lot more trusting, courtesy of Soolin. They leave for Babylon 5 with the help of Draal. When there Susan learns about her connection with Soolin and an ancient Minbari prophesy seems to come true. With the joint forces of both universes they plan a devastating attack on both the Shadows and Vorlons. PART 7- Battle The plan is put into action... TO BE CONTINUED... ***** ***** ***** DEDICATION: This story is dedicated to Claudia Christian in honour of her role as Susan Ivanova. From: creative-archive@anxst.com Subject: Masynchi (Part 1) by Daid J Baker Date: Sat, 23 Aug 1997 14:16:09 -0700 (PDT) name = David J Baker email = DAVID_J_BAKER@compuserve.com title = Masynchi (Part 1) adult warnings = NONE story = MASYNCHI Please see Masynchi Introduction for information and the disclaimer. CHAPTER 1: AVON'S REVENGE It was twenty-five years after the crew of the Scorpio had their terminal confrontation on Guada Prime. The Federation was in ruins, not due to an intergalactic war this time, but descent amongst its citizens. Blake's rabble has finally won. Power was returning to the common man and people could begin to speak freely without fear of reprisal. I say Blake's rabble, as it was his legend and that of the Liberator that gave people hope. You can break peoples bones, but as long as they have hope, you cannot defeat them. The actual downfall of the Federation was not planned, but rather by the uncoordinated efforts of a number of unrelated factions. Ironically, it was the rabble's disorganisation and impulsive nature that permitted it to destroy the highly ordered Federation. Intelligence gathering was a nightmare for the Federation operatives, as no one in the resistance knew what they were doing anyway. It was more of a slow dissolution, nothing too dramatic. There were one or two decisive 'victories' that were much touted by the resistance. These were almost accidental. As the rabble stumbled around looking for somewhere to hit, the Federation messed up with equal stupidity. In actuality, times had changed and only the innermost core of the Federation existed. Everyone wanted freedom and that was unstoppable. Kerr Avon was still on Guada Prime. He was in a prison, at Her Majesties, Empress Servalans's, pleasure. She reverted to her original name after she had ruthlessly crushed and murdered her opposition. She then seized total power and promoted herself to Empress. She enjoyed acting the part, lavish palaces, slaves, ceremonial executions and the like. Ironically, it was her own iron grip that aided the destruction of the Federation. Avon was her prize, she once even visited that 'miserable little planet' just to gloat! She was going to execute him in a lavish ceremony watched by all the Federation worlds, but reprieved him seconds before the final act. Some speculated that she was actually in love with Avon, they did not live very long though. In truth, she enjoyed tormenting him, like a cat with a mouse. This too, was not one of her brightest ideas. She should have executed him while she still could! BREAKOUT The resistance fighters took great pleasure in liberating 'political prisoners'. Unfortunately, they were not to discriminating about who they released. Murderers and villains were released along side the genuine political prisoners. Guada Prime contained some particularly nasty characters. These were the so called 'pioneers' that inhabited the planet during the years of its 'free planet' designation. The great hero, Blake himself, helped to put some of them away. Avon had a difficult time there. It was only his cold, icy logic and wit that kept him alive. He did however have one thing going for him. As an original member of the Liberator crew, he had a legendary status. He was the ideal target for one of the resistance's foolhardy rescue missions. They probably wanted an idealistic leader, like Blake. Avon though, had other plans. A small ship drew into orbit around Guada Prime. It was very fast and contained some of the latest weaponry and computer technology. This ship was Federation. It was their new, prototype Armageddon class interceptor. This ship was based on technology salvaged from the wreck of Scorpio, and of course ORAC. ORAC in fact, helped to design it. ORAC had studied the systems of the Liberator and Scorpio. The ship was a showpiece. It had a star drive, a very advanced teleport, state of the art tachyon blasters' and of course, a flight computer based on ORAC. It could travel at TD 17 in real time and had the firepower to destroy a planet. It was unstoppable! Perhaps it was just as well that the resistance had stolen it! It was to be Empress Servalan's flag ship. One in which she could have seized back total control of the Galaxy. The Guada Prime perimeter defences had been decimated with the ease of squashing ants. The flight computer, THOR, had overridden all the computer codes of the penal colony. All that was left to do was a quick 'in and out' rescue with the teleport. This should have been simple. The teleport could lock on to the thought signature of an individual, although it still required the use of a focusing crystal on the person requiring teleport. Hence the need for a rescue squad. A three man squad teleported down within a stones throw of Avon's cell. Calling themselves the New Alliance Special Forces, you would expect them to be good. However, one of them was killed within seconds of arriving and another began to panic. They busted down doors, firing everywhere and causing utter mayhem. True, they killed at least five Iron Guards, but they also killed twice as many prisoners. In fact, they almost killed Avon! Boom! The cell door came crashing down, bringing half the roof with it. Viron, their leader, addressed Avon. "Are you Kerr Avon?" Avon was standing in the corner brushing off the debris. "Who the hell are you, the Keystone cops?" "We're the New Alliance Special Forces, You've just been liberated!" Viron proclaimed proudly. Avon smiled very sarcastically. "Well, I would have never of guessed. I assume you have a ship waiting, or are you totally reckless?" Viron, apparently oblivious to Avon's sarcasm, was still gloating wildly. "We've got the fastest, most powerful ship in the Galaxy. No one can stop us, we can go anywhere, do anything!" "Now where have I heard that before? Ah yes, he was an idealist too. It didn't do him much good though!" Viron now had a touch of hatred in his voice. "Yes you killed him, Blake I mean." Avon changed his mood to one of haste. "Are we going to stand around all day, waiting to be shot, or are we going? Come on!" He ran out the door, and stood in his martial arts pose. A number of iron guards ran down the corridor. They started firing indiscriminately. Total chaos broke out. Johnson, the other soldier, was shot several times. Avon and Viron teleported up to the ship, narrowly escaping the direct fire of the Iron Guard. Avon and Viron stood in the teleport chamber. In front of them was the flight deck. Very sleek and reminiscent of the Liberator. The ship was crewed by seven, very young looking, idealists. This was Avon's idea of hell. "Welcome, Kerr Avon, to Deliverance. I am Sabrina." Avon wanted to throw up at the sickliness of it all. However, he had not seen a woman for some time. Sabrina was some woman! She was in her mid twenties and had a passing resemblance to Soolin in her general build and facial characteristics. Unlike Soolin though, she was un-scarred by life and had a certain type of naivety. She was also a brunet. That naivety would have been very sweet under different circumstances. Avon was a bit overwhelmed by all this, so he opted to simply say- "Thank You" Sabrina then programmed in a new course. "THOR, engage at heading 221.7, TD17" "Oh, very well then, but do stop pestering me! I have very important work to do" Replied THOR, irately. Avon walked into the flight deck. He looked around at the panels. Avon stood with his arms in the air, admiringly. "This is fantastic, it must of cost a fortune." "Twelve billion credits, to be exact, now it's all mine!" The flight deck was triangular in shape. The teleport chamber was to the rear, as were some rather lavish looking seats. A large column of coloured liquid stood to the left. In the middle there were seats that look like those from the Liberator. Servalan was obsessed with that ship! The deck was huge, like a giant stage lit up like a Christmas tree. A low whirring noise could be heard. It was the sound of the star drive. Sabrina was full of glee. "We intend to liberate the Galaxy, so all can be free." Avon had a bemused look. "So I gather" "We have already liberated many and victory is within our grasp." Avon had a disturbing feeling of deja vu. "So what do you want me for?" "The legends say that you were the bright one, very perceptive." "I should warn you, I'm not some 'wet behind the ears' idealist." "The truth is, we need your help." Avon looked into space, with a hint of regret. "I once new a man, a lot like you. He asked for my help too." He walked to the front of the flight deck. He looked out the front view-screen into space. The stars were all blurred due to the speed. It was like standing at the bow of a ship, ploughing through space. What a feeling. Then Viron appeared behind him and broke his almost hypnotic trance with his brash voice. "Yes, then you killed him." Avon reflectively and feeling remorse, turned round and faced Viron. "I was mistaken" Viron replied, a little less brashly. "We all make mistakes." "I've noticed that." Said Avon, sarcastically. Sabrina was standing at the pilots position which was raised and had a view of the entire ship. Suddenly, realising that the other two soldiers had not returned, she glanced over to the teleport. "Viron, where are the others?" Viron replied full of pomp and pride. "They didn't make it, they died heroes." "They died stupidly. Even a half-wit could have pulled off that little stunt. Even Vila could have." Said Avon arrogantly and a little annoyed. He then looked more concerned. "Incidentally, what happened to the others?" Sabrina was surprised by the question. Her and Viron exchanged glances. "You mean, you do not know?" Avon looked shocked at their apparent lack of wit. "As you can imagine, I don't get out much!" Sabrina walked down and stood in front of Avon. She moved close enough so that Avon could detect the scent of her perfume. A distant memory fought to the surface, but it was cut off by Sabrina. She entered a mothering, storytelling type of mode. "Vila was liberated years ago. He is now the governor of a planet on the fringe of the new territory. It is a pleasure planet, a sort of resort. I am not sure about the others, some say they lived, others said that they died. It is still a mystery." Avon smiled as a thought of Vila and his new life. "That sounds like Vila. Why did you liberate him first?" "He was one of the original crew of the Liberator." "So was I!" Avon was very annoyed. Sabrina raised her voice into a surprised yelp. "But, you killed Blake." She backed off and almost jumped as she said it. Viron intervened, very brashly and full of hatred. "You were our last resort, there was no one else left. We should have left you to rot!" Avon looked into Viron's eyes, square on. It was that icy gaze he gave people. The 'Your Dead!' look. Sabrina realised that Avon was becoming very annoyed with the twenty year old. She tried to break the tension. "Now, Viron, Avon IS our last hope" Avon had suffered this conversation too long. "No I'm not, put me down on the nearest hospitable planet. I'll take my chances." He walked towards the teleport. Sabrina followed him and touched him lightly on the shoulder, pleadingly. "Oh come on Avon. Please." She looked sweetly and seductively into Avon's eyes. Avon's gaze softened a little. That memory resurfaced, it was Anna Grant. He softened a little more. He looked at them. He seemed to realise for the first time that they were nothing but kids. In a soft voice he said. "Very well then." he raised his voice. "But understand this. I am going after Servalan. I want her dead!" Sabrina was somewhat an idealist. "We all want that, but there are ways and means." She was now holding Avon around his shoulders. Avon rebutted her and stated. "Servalan is the Federation. Kill her and the rest will happen naturally." Viron delved into a fit of uncontrollable emotion. "You are blinded by hatred! If it wasn't for us you would still be her pet!" Wham! Avon struck him, he landed on the ground with a thud! When Viron came to he looked bemused and embarrassed. He prided himself on his fighting abilities. He was a 'special force soldier' after all! Yet, here was an old man, yes a legend, but still an old man. Who had just knocked him out, cold. Avon stood over him and said, very coldly. "No good deed ever goes unpunished." Sabrina shouted almost hysterically. "Stop it you two!" Avon regained his composure. "If you want a leader, you'd better fill me in a little. You can start of by introducing me to my new crew." Avon looked around at the five people who seemed to be ingrossed in their consoles. Sabrina stood upright, very commandingly. "We need help, but I am the leader." "Let's not get infantile, I can do without ego trips." Avon replied sarcastically. Sabrina returned the insult. "Who's having the ego trip then?" They exchanged glances. The fire in their eyes softened a little. Sabrina squeezed Avon's arm, ever so softly. "We are all very tired, lets get some rest." "Well, I could do with an adrenaline and soma, or two." Sabrina showed Avon to his quarters. After years on Guada Prime, the bed looked very comfortable. He was asleep within seconds. He awoke several hours later. He showered. Oh! That water felt good. Sabrina bought him in some fresh clothes. "You wanted to know about the ship and its crew, Avon?" "That was the general idea." They walked into the flight deck. Viron was standing at a console, avoiding Avon's glance. Sabrina was composed and analytical. "Actually, myself and Viron are the only humans aboard. Well there's you of course. The rest are cybernoids. A product of genetic engineering and cybernetics. They are controlled by THOR." Avon raised his voice. "THOR?" Sabrina looked towards THOR. Its visual reference point was the column of liquid. The liquid seemed to move, as if it were alive. It also sparkled whenever THOR spoke. A familiar whining noise, reminiscent of ORAC, emanated from the column. "He is our flight computer, designed by ORAC." Avon corrected her emotional ties with a thing. "He, don't you mean, IT." Sabrina rebutted as she stroked the column gently. "No, he has a personality. He is our advisor. He advises us on our strategy. He planned your liberation." Avon stood in front of THOR forbiddingly. He pushed her out of the way. "Never trust a computer, particularly if it is controlled by another." Warned Avon, in his very wise voice. Sabrina now looked worried. "What do you mean Avon?" "ORAC, I assume, is in Servalan's capable hands." Sabrina looked Avon straight in the eye, questioningly. "Yes, but THOR is autonomous." Avon, realised their fate, and shouted. "You fools, you have walked right into a trap!" At that moment the ship stopped dead. Despite attempts to access the systems, the ship would not respond. Then the view screen activated. There, standing in all her glory, was Empress Servalan. Gloating more than usual. The three of them walk up to the view-screen. Servalan croaked with a sense of achievement. "Avon, now I have you all! That Sabrina was a minor irritation. So I decided to have some fun. I expect that I will kill her, later" Avon had one of his enigmatic smiles, as he recognised his old adversary. "You planned all this from the start, didn't you?" Servalan smiled back. "Of course, I just wanted to see hope in your eyes and then squash it!" Avon chastised her. "Where's the sport in a loaded dice?" "I thought you, of all people, Avon, would know me better. I don't play for sport, I play for pleasure." Servalan sounded disappointed in Avon. She then pressed a button, terminating life support on the ship. Avon was enraged. "ORAC! Run sequence Alpha-9-1-Override!" Servalan ran her fingers over ORAC. "Oh, don't try that one. ORAC is my obedient servant now." They frantically tried to regain control, but all was useless. FIRE FIGHT Avon, Sabrina and Viron tried to re-establish life support. They grew weak and began to fall over due to lack of oxygen. Almost an hour had passed and the air in the flight deck was running very thin. The cybernoids remained relatively unaffected due to their enhanced biology. Servalan's voice echoed ominously. "I will enjoy watching you die, but first I will play a little." She switched back on the life support. Now gasping for breath, they brought themselves up into a sitting position. Viron, being the fittest, ran up to the auxiliary control panel and attempted to place the ship on manual override. Servalan snapped her fingers and one of the cybernoids grabbed hold of Viron. There was a struggle, but Viron pushed it away. He then pulled out a neutron blaster and fired it directly at its head. The cybernoid's head exploded. It revealed a mesh of computer circuitry integrated with an organic brain. The personality of the individual whom once inhabited the body was long gone, but it was still like killing a human, not a machine. The stench of burning flesh did not help. Servalan then looked up disapprovingly, and screamed. "Get him you idiots!". She waved her arms around furiously. Two more approached him, but he finished them off too. One in the heart, that took two shots. The remaining two grabbed hold of him. Sabrina shoot one of them in the arm. It hung there, lifeless. Avon stood back and let them do the fighting. He watched in admiration as Sabrina finished one off with a laser cutter. She sliced its head clean off. The last one pushed Sabrina away, she slid across the floor, eventually she crashed into a console. It then used the data probe, built into its knuckles, to stab Viron. The probe entered his throat as he struggled against it. It then started to discharge a high voltage into Viron. Viron dropped his neutron blaster, it slid across the flight deck. Avon calmly walked over to it. He paused for a second, as if deciding whether or not to intervene. He then dispassionately fired three shots at close range. Perhaps this brought back memories of the final confrontation with Blake. Whatever he was thinking, the cybernoid flopped to the ground, lifeless and expressionless. Viron flopped down moments later. Avon stood over Viron, with a worried expression. "Viron! Viron!" He dragged him over the flight deck, leaving a streak of blood behind. He then put Viron into the medi-capsule. It diagnosed weak life signs and initiated the regenerative cycle. He would live. Avon shrieked. "Sabrina! Sabrina!", She came round from her encounter with the console. She looked up at him and he pulled her to her feet. They embraced. "Avon! Avon! What happened!. Viron?" Avon comforted her, in a fatherly way. "Its all over now." "Not Quite!" Servalan's voice boomed out. "Having fun! I didn't think she was your type Avon, a little too young." Avon looked towards the view screen. There he saw Servalan, gloating as usual. There was something more, could it be a hint of jealousy? Perhaps people were right, perhaps Servalan was in love with him. There was something else, the proximity detector. Could it be? Was she right there, outside the ship? Servalan was well and truly in gloat mode. She held the power, but was becoming a little reckless. She had not been up against a man of Avon's abilities for a long time. Avon whispered to Sabrina. He made it look like the sweet nothings of a lover, but it was actually a plan. Sabrina pushed Avon away and spat. Avon knew that Servalan was pre-occupied, watching him. He gambled that much. He walked towards THOR. Meanwhile Sabrina sneakily disabled the teleport by removing the central focusing crystal. Avon considered that Servalan needed a bigger distraction. He decided to engage her in a conversation, knowing she could not resist the gloat. Avon looked at the screen, humbly. "So you finally have me." Servalan could not resist, it was like a red rag to a bull. Sabrina was nonchalantly working her way over to the weapons control. She disengaged the minor weapons systems from automatic. This did not ring any major alarms, but served Avon's plan. Servalan. ".And remind me Avon, why did you shoot Blake?" "As Tarrant once said 'Everyone is entitled to one really big mistake'". Sabrina had now gained control of the neutron blasters and had targeted Servalan's ship. She nodded to Avon. "Tell me Servalan, what have you enjoyed most about our relationship?" "Ah well, its the power you see, I have it and you don't!" Avon. "Oh really. N-O-W!" With that, Sabrina fired the neutron blasters. The first volley knocked out Servalan's engines, then her power supply. Servalan was helplessly adrift in space. It was Avon's turn to gloat this time. "The trouble with power is that its always changing hands!", "Don't gloat too much Avon. I still have control of your ship, remember. I can terminate your life support and teleport over when you are both dead.", Avon wore his enigmatic smile. "Check your instruments, we have disabled the teleport! Check mate!" "Oh come on Avon. Stalemate!" THE STAND OFF Three days had passed. Both ships were immobile, floating in space. Avon had worked very hard at disabling the computer controls. Servalan's battery reserves were running low. Her emergency signal had been responded to, but this far out. Their nearest point of reference was Deneb, at the other side of the Galaxy. Only two ships in the Galaxy could travel that far, that quickly, and both of them were already there! Her only hope was to re-establish teleport. This would be difficult to achieve, without the help of Avon or Sabrina. Viron was recovering well. The shock had taken a lot out of him though. The medi- capsule was state of the art and contained full cyber-genetic engineering processes. He would be fit to leave the capsule in a day or two. The one big problem being, unbeknown to Avon or Sabrina, he was being converted into a cybernoid! Of course, ORAC, whom was under Servalan's complete control, knew of this. So it was a waiting game. If Servalan discontinued life support on the Deliverance, she would alarm Avon into action. The medi-capsule was an obvious possibility. It should have been even more obvious to Avon, after the incident with Muller's robot on Scorpio. If she out waited Avon, she could win. She could instruct Viron to reactivate the teleport and kill Avon and Sabrina. If her life support lasted that long. She had already instructed ORAC to do some calculations. Based on these, she had decided to execute her three crew members. They were breathing her oxygen, the audacity of it! Avon had finished modifying the computer controls. This ship was very complex. It would be impossible to pilot manually. The best you could hope for would be life support, some minor weapons and blind flight at sub-light speed. Avon and Sabrina sat together, waiting. Avon was always a very forthright man and did not indulge in idol chatter indiscriminately. Under the circumstances though, he decided to pass the time by quizzing Sabrina. "So, what's your story?" "I grew up on Earth. My Father was a scientist. He was the senior administrator at the cybernetics department, at the Federation Imperial Academy." "So you had quite a sheltered upbringing then?" "Not at all, I was always involved in one protest or another. I despised my Father's work. I wanted to change things." "Idealists are hard to find these days." "You don't like idealists, do you?" "Lets just say I have had some bad experiences with them." "You are talking about Blake again, aren't you?" "Blake!" Avon exclaimed. "He died over twenty-five years ago, why are you so obsessed with him?" Sabrina asked. "Let's just say he left his mark." "He certainly did, none of this revolution would have been possible without him." Avon replied in a drill voice. "You mean they followed his example, deliberately?" "He was a great revolutionary, perhaps the greatest." Avon looked up for a second, as he remembered. "You didn't know him, I did, he was just a man. In the days of the Liberator we used to bumble around the Galaxy, trying out all sorts of hair-brained plans of his. He was obsessed with destroying the Federation. Now with his infectious impulsiveness and general flair for stupidity, he seems to have succeeded. Whoever would of guessed?" Suddenly Servalan, interrupted with her soft voice. "Yes, your right Avon. Our computers, not even ORAC, could prepare us for the unpredictable side of human nature. You and I are more alike now than we ever were. We both knew that Blake was a fool, but he eventually got the better of us both. Now we are in a Galaxy surrounded with Blakes. Two rational people, slaves to order, usurped by the forces of disorder." Sabrina leapt up off her seat, and waved her arms about in anger. "Rationality! Computers have no soul! The Federation has no soul! It never did! The human spirit will always triumph over attempts to suppress it. It is a natural law of Life." Servalan looked at Avon, with that knowing look. "Doesn't her idealism sicken you, Avon?" This made Avon very angry. "Not as much as your voice!" He fired a volley of shots into the speaker, destroying it with a satisfying boom! Sabrina looks at Avon, with her big brown eyes, "I don't really sicken you, do I?", Avon replied with surprising compassion. "To tell you the truth, after twenty-five years of hell, there is nowhere I would rather be just now." "We'll make an idealist of you yet, Kerr Avon!" Avon snapped back to his usual rational self. "We have work to do." He was lying of course, there was nothing they could do except wait. Something about her, her perfume, her idealism. It reminded him so much of Anna Grant. Why was it that he always killed those he loved? He would not allow himself to become close to anyone, but was the ice beginning to crack? He remembered the words of Oscar Wilde: 'And each man kills the thing he loves, Let this by all be heard; A coward does it with a kiss, The brave man with a sword.' He thought this was very appropriate description of his predicament. Avon was now standing at the 'bow' of the flight-deck. There seemed to be a temporary reprieve from Servalan's preying eyes. He stared blankly out into space. Deneb, a blue giant, was dominating the spacescape. From: creative-archive@anxst.com Subject: MASYNCHI PART 2 by David J Baker Date: Mon, 25 Aug 1997 11:41:54 -0700 (PDT) name = David J Baker email = DAVID_J_BAKER@compuserve.com title = Masynchi (Part 2) story = MASYNCHI PART 2 Please see Masynchi Introduction for information and the disclaimer. THE CONFRONTATION Then, suddenly. The control panel lit up like a Christmas tree. It registered energy discharges aboard Servalan's ship. Two spikes. Avon ran over to the console, frantically pressing buttons. "What's wrong Avon?" "It's Servalan's ship, two energy spikes. She is up to something!" A third spike, then a fourth. "What does it mean, Avon!" "Perhaps she's finally lost her nerve!" "It could be a trap, or a distraction!" Avon looked lively, then his expression changed to that of horror. "O-h No!" He ran towards the teleport, frantically. "Sabrina, re-activate the teleport. NOW!" "Avon, are you mad!?" "DO IT!" His voice was strained, he was very agitated. "Why? I wont do it unless you tell me why!" "I don't have time to explain. Just DO IT!" Sabrina, reluctantly, did as he said. She replaced the central focusing crystal into the teleport. "Put me down, on her flight deck!" "Avon, you have lost it! That is suicide!" She shook him, pleadingly. "Please Sabrina!" "OK, but it will be a rough ride. We do not have computer control, so I will have to use manual." Avon pulled out his gun, and stood in his familiar pose. Gun in right hand, left hand in a defensive posture. "Put me down!" The teleport sprung into action. A whistling, oscillating sound echoed throughout the ship. Avon's molecules spun around in a vortex before being converted into a spinning streak of energy. Then he disappeared. All was quiet. Sabrina was alone. Avon materialised in Servalan's ship. In front of him were two dead Federation crewmen. They had been shot at close range. "Servalan!" He followed a streak of blood along the floor. "Servalan!" He walked across the flight deck and into corridor. He followed the streak of blood. "Servalan!" "Avon, is that you. Over here Avon!" Avon looked over. Servalan was lying in a pool of blood. Her white fur coat was now turning red. He ran to her. "Servalan, it is you!" "Avon! Look out!" Avon ducked and turned around in one sleek move. He then shot the one remaining Federation crew member, several times. She was thrust back with the force of the blast, landing in a twisted heap. Avon turned to Servalan and looked at her pitifully. "My hero." Servalan whispered. Avon caressed her head with the point of his neutron blaster. "Oh, Servalan, how long have we known each other?" "Too long, Avon. Finish it. PLEASE." Servalan moved the point of Avon's gun to her forehead. "Not this way, it is too easy." Avon backed off. Then, over the communicator channel. "Avon! Avon! Come in Avon!" Avon went over to the console and opened a channel. "What is it Sabrina?" Viron is awake. "Good news then! Why the panic?" Servalan pulled herself into a sitting position. "Oh, Avon." She chuckled. "Cybernoids, ORAC, THOR, the medi-capsule? You disappoint me, it was obvious!" It dawned on Avon. Viron was now a cybernoid under Servalan's control. "Tell it to back off Servalan! I mean it!" "Or you'll kill me. Is that it Avon. I think not!" "Servalan I mean it!" Servalan was now patronising, almost gloating. "Oh Avon. You've had so many chances. You can't do it can you! You see Avon, we need each other. Without me, what would your life mean?" Sabrina could hear everything. "Avon, kill her! Don't worry about me, just DO IT!" "Sweetheart, he is not worrying about you. You poor, dumb, child." Avon became angry and pointed his gun at Servalan, he was shaking. "She is more than you will ever be, you murdering gangster. She has spirit, life!" "You are beginning to sound like and idealist, Avon." A shrill scream exploded from the speaker. "Sabrina!" Avon was frantic. He looted Servalan's ship, from top to bottom. Servalan laughed as he ran about frantically looking. "ORAC! Where is he?" "Now Avon, It would be a little stupid of me to tell you that!" Unfortunately, Servalan's eyes betrayed her. "ORAC!" Avon ripped off the panel of a side door. There was ORAC. "The Key!?" He went over to Servalan and searched her. She was enjoying every moment of it. He found the key and activated ORAC." "I want teleport ORAC, NOW!" He pointed his gun at Servalan. Standing with ORAC in the other hand. The teleport activated just as he fired. He materialised back on the Deliverance. He found another trail of blood. Then a piece of furniture flew towards him. It was Viron. Avon shot him, in the head. Viron was thrown back into a console. Avon fired the rest of the clip into Viron. By the time he had finished, Viron was a burning heap of flesh and circuitry. Avon followed the trail of blood, almost afraid to look. There, at the 'bow' was Sabrina, slumped on the ground. "Sabrina! Sabrina!" He held her in his arms. "Avon." Sabrina's voice was a mere whisper. "Avon." "I'm sorry Sabrina. Please forgive me!" "Av." Sabrina gasped, her eyes fixed on Avon's. Then he felt her life drain from her body. "ORAC! ORAC! Do something!" "Condition terminal, Avon. Do try and make reasonable requests." ORAC's voice grated. It was the voice of rationality, the voice of Avon. A tear worked its way down Avon's cheek. It landed on Sabrina's lifeless lips. "Avon. Avon." Avon looked up to the view-screen. There was Servalan, tears were in her eyes too. Servalan spoke very softly and gently. "You see Avon. The only certainty you and I have, is each other. That is why you did not kill me. That is why you will never kill me." "One day Servalan. One day you will die in my arms." Servalan wiped her tears and smiled. "On that day, you will die too!" Avon smiled. That enigmatic smile. ********** ********** CHAPTER 2 THE MASYNCHI PROCESSOR Almost a week had passed. Servalan, true to form, was rescued by a Federation squad. Avon had withdrawn the Deliverance to a safe observational distance. His main pre-occupation was the assimilation of information. ORAC reverted to its old role of Avon's advisor. Technology had advanced significantly since Avon was in prison. Of course, it was well within Avon's capable abilities to catch up. The framework was the same and ORAC was the same. The main technological advances were refinements and enhancements of the long established principles, of which Avon was expertly versed. There were of course one or two entirely new discoveries. The main ones involved the interface between mind and matter. The thought signature tracking device, used by the new teleport, was a very primitive example of this technology. ORAC was very informative, living up to its reputation. However, to the frustration of Avon, ORAC adamantly refused to discuss one particular breakthrough known as 'The Masynchi Processor'. The masynchi was an entirely new concept in the field of psycho-physics. It represented a true elementary particle, so to speak. This particle represented the key to where mind and matter merged. A masynchi is a point in the universe where the forces of consciousness, reality and existence interact. Masynchi's put simply, are the building blocks of everything. They are common to thought as well as matter and can interact with both. A masynchi processor uses a matrix made of these particles. This matrix exists outside time and space, outside thought even. It therefore has limitless potential. ORAC was the only thing that came close to a masynchi processor. In fact ORAC was Ensor's early attempt at a masynchi processor, Ensor keeping the masynchi theory very much to himself. The problem with ORAC's matrix was it was not truly dynamic. Ensor had merely created a static repeating pattern, like ripples in a pond. Even so, ORAC was infinitely more advanced than any other processor. The new masynchi processor was totally dynamic. It therefore could become self aware and develop emotions. It had powers of limitless growth and could influence both thought and matter. It had one other ominous characteristic, it could be totally irrational! It was not man that had defeated the Federation, it was the prototype masynchi processor! Having developed an advanced sense of conscience, it took pity on humanity and decided to save it from the Federation! The problem with the processor was one of elementary laws, the law of entropy. The universe tends towards maximum disorder, so did the masynchi processor. In a sense it was destroying itself, it was becoming no more than a random haze. It needed a nucleation point, somewhere to live. Imagine being lost in a dream without the possibility of awakening. The masynchi processor needed a new body in which to awaken! The only suitable body was ORAC's! The problem for the masynchi processor was that the transfer could only take place under specific circumstances in a specified location. Servalan was wise to the Masynchi Processors designs on ORAC. As long as she kept ORAC, she would be safe. Without ORAC though, she was in grave peril. Servalan was blinded by her love-hate relationship with Avon. Now she had lost ORAC and she was very worried indeed. There were not many things that could frighten Servalan, not even Avon. This masynchi processor though, it scared her witless! Perhaps it was her first encounter with it. She, as the Supreme Empress of the Galaxy, visited it during its conception. Her ruthless slaying of its creator did not serve its endearment of her, but it was the use of federation torture techniques that really upset it! It was only her possession of ORAC that saved her from death, if it were that compassionate! The main reason Ensor did not invent a true masynchi processor is due to what it would have entailed. It needed a human mind in which to grow. It would grow like a virus, a virus of thought. The personality of the host would become corrupted, just as a computer virus corrupts files. Imagine your worst nightmare and amplify it by a million times. This is what it would be like as a masynchi host. It would start of un- noticed deep in the subconscious. It would then begin working on your subconscious mind, archetypes and your identity. Only in your dreams would it become evident. They would become darker and more disturbing, as the thought virus erased your soul! It would eventually break through into consciousness and you into the fringes of perception. In the end the host mind would dissolve, totally. Even in the production of mutoids, the host mind still exists. It is merely suppressed through conditioning and drugs. With a masynchi host though, the mind is erased. THE SOOLIN FACTOR After the great shoot out on Guada Prime, Soolin was left wounded. Whilst Avon and Villa were sent to penal colonies, Servalan had something else in mind for Soolin. All three were sent for psychological profiling and Soolin was the most suitable for Servalan's masynchi host scheme. She was given priority medical treatment by the best the Federation had. Soolin had a lot of spirit, she was also intelligent and very hardy. Many subjects had died as masynchi hosts, they could not handle the strain. It seemed to be that women faired better than men, they were more in touch with their subconscious mind. At a secret location, Soolin was being prepared for her part. It was absolutely necessary that Soolin should be in deep contact with her subconscious mind. She was to be kept in a state of REM sleep. For a successful integration of the masynchi thought virus, the host must confront it at a subconscious level. The laboratory was very high tech. It had a sleek design and was very spacious. In the middle, was a clear column. This column was the main integration point into the masynchi neural network. Soolin was marched in by a number of Federation guards. She was wearing a hospital style tunic, everything was very clean. Cleanliness was of greatest importance for the integration process, the laboratory was as sterile as an operating theatre. Servalan watched from an observation room. Soolin scowled at her, Servalan laughed. Servalan operated the communication system, her voice boomed out. "Soolin, be very careful now, you are valuable Federation property!" "You'll never succeed Servalan, I'm not one of your mindless drones!" "Ah, but that's exactly why you were chosen, Soolin. It is a great honour for you. You are giving your life for the greatest scientific advancement in Federation history!" Servalan looked at the chief medical officer. "Proceed!" Soolin was given a sedative. She was then put into a booth that looked remarkably like the teleport on Scorpio. A technician activated the device using keys on a control panel. A loud whirring noise could be heard, this was accompanied by a dimming of the lighting. Soolin's molecules began to spin around and she eventually disappeared into thin air. "Phase two!" The masynchi disintegrator was swung into position around the column. It resembled a giant 'U' shaped magnet. The chief scientist pushed some buttons on the control panel. A high pitched humming noise was accompanied by a blinding blue light. The clear column began to change colour and sparkle. Soolin could be seen re- materialising in the column, she was slightly 'out of phase' like a ghost. The column began to change colour and resemble a spinning vortex of liquid. Soolin was now totally obscured by the swirling liquid. While in this tube, Soolin would be in the masynchi continuum. She would be outside time-space and would not age. All was set for the masynchi virus integration. ORAC was to be the CPU. No standard Federation computer could do it properly. This is one of the reasons why integration had always failed. ORAC was of course one of the first things that Servalan had salvaged. "Phase Three!" "ORAC, initiate masynchi virus implantation." "Very well then. I must say I find this whole procedure quite fascinating." Soolin was floating through space, she could see all of existence below her. It was like standing in the clouds and looking down at the countryside. When she peered she could see a small road, she had to really squint to see it properly. Along that road was her entire life, every moment. She began to focus in on one moment in her childhood. Soolin was standing a the porthole of a transport ship leaving Earth. Beside her were her mother and father. She watched the Earth, her home, grow smaller and smaller. She held a teddy in her arms and began to cry. Like a flash, she was again looking at the road of her life. She focused on to another episode. Soolin found herself standing in a field. She was only nine years old. She was back on Guada Prime. "Father, Father!" "Soolin! Where have you been?" "I've been playing in the field." "Father, Who's that strange man?" "I don't know Sweetie, lets find out." They walked over to the farm. This tall stranger was standing there. He looked vicious. Soolin's father reached for his gun. ZZAP!! The stranger killed him where he stood. He was very fast, very fast indeed. Her mother walked over holding a tray of drinks. "Jake! Jake!" Another cold stranger slipped around the corner, he dropped her. One blast from his neutron blaster. He pointed it at Soolin. Soolin felt something inside her die. It was the archetypes of Mother and father, the masynchi virus was replacing her. Bright lights, a whirring sound. Soolin was floating through space. It was like a disjointed dream. She found herself in the yard of the farm. She was seventeen now. A bright, beautiful and very skilful young woman. She was looking into the faces of the men who murdered her parents. Quick as a flash, she drew her weapon. They were both dead before the knew what hit them! Something else in her seemed to slip away. The masynchi virus was claiming more of her mind. Again she found herself floating through space, looking down at the road. Now she was on Xenon. She was in the room, the room Dorian used to go to. There around her were Avon, Tarrant and Dayna. Dorian, her consort, was standing there. He was threatening to turn them into a gestalt being. Then, Vila appeared from the steps. "Avon!" He handed him the Federation gun. Avon blasted Dorian. He fell to the ground and his body disintegrated. Again she found herself floating through space. This time she arrived back on Guada Prime. Avon had just shot Blake. Arlen proclaimed to be a Federation operative. Dayna went for her gun, but Arlen was the faster. Then Villa, he was shot by the iron guard. She shot back, then everything was blank. There was very little left of Soolin's mind Again she found herself floating through space, near the end of the road. She saw Servalan gloating. Soolin could feel her consciousness being squeezed to the periphery. The road began to fade. All was white, just brightness. Was that to be Soolin's last thought??? "Excellent!" Proclaimed Servalan. You have finished, but nine weeks. It better be good. "Yes your Supreme Majesty. I assure you it was well worth your wait." "Yes, Yes, get on with it then!" The chief scientist, the creator, pressed a button. The column of swirling liquid sprang into action. "Unit THOR awaiting new programming." Servalan went up to THOR and ran her fingers down the glass. She turned and faced ORAC. "ORAC! I want you to download your entire knowledge into this!" "That is impossible. Even if I had the inclination, which I don't, it would take an infinite amount of time to complete." "This is your answer ORAC?" "Yes!" ORAC had its very snide voice. Servalan turned to the chief scientist. "You fool! All I have is a computer. I may just as well use it as a flight computer in my new ship, Deliverance. Total control of the Galaxy? Idiot!" With that she produced her neat little gun and proceeded to execute the chief scientist. "That was un-necessary. What kind of creature are you?" THOR's voice, echoed throughout the chamber. It was a synthesised male voice, rather like ORAC's. "You dare to question me!?" "I will stop you. Your Federation has ruled altogether far too long!" "Someone disconnect that thing! NOW!" A scientist approached her and said humbly. "I'm afraid that is impossible, your Supreme Majesty." "If we can't disconnect it, we must convert it! It is based on the human mind, we can use the treatment!" With that Servalan exited, slightly shaken. She knew its full potential, THOR was not to be an easy opponent. THOR was subjected to the 'treatment' and decided to act the part. It was installed into Servalan's flag ship, The Deliverance. It amused her no end to think that Soolin was in there! It particularly amused her when she hatched her plan for Avon. Just think, Avon on board a ship with no idea of Soolin's presence! THOR, however, was working in the background. It was not Blake that lead to the downfall of the Federation, but THOR. THOR used Blake's image as a catalyst for change. In the twenty-five years after the Guada Prime incident, THOR had all but destroyed the Federation. Servalan was unaware of this. THOR still frightened her though, that is why she kept it close. It was ironic to think that all the time, Servalan's Empire was being destroyed by her own 'flight computer'! During THOR's interrogation, Servalan learned of its eventual dissolution due to disorder. She also learned about the possibility of this process being stopped by integration with ORAC. She new that she had to keep them both close, otherwise someone may aid in this integration process. If this were to happen, THOR's conditioning would break down and she would be doomed. Servalan was also paranoid about THOR, what if it were to break free from the conditioning? As it was in the masynchi continuum, it stands beyond time. Any destruction attempts could be pre-empted. Whatever possessed Servalan to put THOR in the most powerful ship ever created is beyond rationality. Perhaps she intended to go down in a blaze of glory, if she had to go down. Perhaps she was just mad! REUNION Avon was not having any joy with ORAC. "That the teleport can lock onto thought is obvious, do not waste my time." "But HOW ORAC! Why are you being so difficult?" "I am not being difficult, that would imply an emotional response of which I am not capable. You however, are obviously very emotional. Considering your weakness, I sugg- OWWWW" Avon snatched ORAC's key and threw it across the floor, then he smiled. This was the first time Avon had deactivated ORAC since repossessing it. The silence was broken by THOR. "Avon, ORAC is holding back on you." "Well, I've figured that one out for myself. When did flight computers start giving gratuitous advice, anyway?" "When they became conscious, Avon. You must listen well to what I have to say to you." Avon looked intrigued. "You have my complete attention, this should be fascinating." "Watch the screen very carefully." The view screen flashed into action. On it was displayed the entire conception of the Masynchi Processor. At the point when Soolin was brought in as a host, Avon interrupted. "WAIT!!! That is Soolin, tell me they didn't do that to her." "I'm afraid it gets worse, Avon" Avon looked visibly disturbed as Soolin was teleported into the column. "N-O!" He then saw everything Soolin saw up until her final dissolution. "What happened to her THOR, what have YOU done with Soolin!?" "In a sense I am all that is left of her, does the column look familiar?" Avon moved over to the column and peered at it intensely. "Soolin! Soolin." His voice softened a little. "I should have never taken you to Guada Prime, it was my fault." After his confrontation with Servalan and the loss of Sabrina, Avon was beginning to loose it. Avon did not often loose it, but when he did things happened.. Anna Grant, Cally, Blake, Sabrina, and now Soolin. "I want her back THOR, I owe her that much." "It may put you in grave peril, but it is possible." "That is why you are telling me this, that and." Before Avon could complete his sentence, THOR interrupted. "That and the small matter of my immortality!" THOR explained the need for integration with ORAC and how this was only possible with his help. In return he offered Soolin. "Soolin for ORAC." Said Avon. "Normally I would say NO DEAL, NEVER, but look where that got Cally." Avon looked very serious. "Let's go before I change my mind. I am not known for my sentiment." THOR responded. "I have programmed a flight path to Xenon. You are already familiar with it and the chamber used by Dorian. This is the only place in the Galaxy where the integration process can take place." Avon looked worried as if THOR was badly informed. "I destroyed the Xenon base, and the chamber." "The base was destroyed, but the chamber had a lower cavern that was undamaged. The new teleport can put us down into this cavern." "OK, but the Federation must know of its existence." "Xenon is far out of Federation territory. True, they scoured it for technology, but left it alone after that." Avon looked more appeased and motioned THOR to proceed with the briefing. "We will enter low orbit. ORAC must be kept inactive all the time up until the final integration. Whilst down in the cavern you will be out of contact with the Deliverance, but it will be booby trapped to prevent take-over by hostile forces." Avon grinned and rolled his eyes. "That's a small comfort, what if they just destroy it?" "Life is a risk Avon. Do you play for Sport or Pleasure?" "I play to win!" A number of hours passed until THOR informed Avon "Xenon orbit achieved." During these hours Avon gathered supplies and prepared himself for the task. He listened to THOR's precise briefing and rehearsed the manoeuvres. "OK THOR, lets do it!" "Last thing Avon, you must take Soolin now" "OK, so all I have to do is smash the column once it has gone clear?" "Yes, but only when Soolin is in phase." "Naturally!" Avon grinned. THOR powered down. The swirling liquid began to disperse and Avon could see Soolin phase back into existence. She had not aged one day since he last saw her. When he was sure all was OK, he ripped a piece of metal from one of the destroyed consoles. He then smashed the column 'SMASH!!!' It shattered into millions of little bits and Soolin slumped to the ground. It was Soolin's body all right, but it lacked her mind. Instead it contained the now unconscious THOR. Avon moved Soolin's body into the teleport chamber and then grabbed ORAC. THOR had previously set the teleport on a time delay that was counting down. "Ten, Nine." Avon tried his best to balance Soolin against himself whilst holding ORAC in the other hand. "Three, Two, One. Initiating teleport." The teleport sprung into action and they disappeared in a swirl of molecules. They arrived in a very deep chamber. There was the sound of wind that had no apparent source. The lighting too, was enigmatic. This did not worry Avon, he had other things on his mind... Integration Avon carried Soolin to the specified location. It was about 100 meters from the set down co-ordinates. The special characteristics of the chamber in that area rendered it opaque to teleport transfer. Avon lay Soolin on an elliptical slab of clear crystal which was about 1 meter high and 2.5 meters across. As he did so it lit up and started to emit a strange howling sound. A few meters away there was another elliptical slab of similar design, awaiting ORAC. He quickly ran back to fetch ORAC. He ran through the small passageway covered in strange symbols, he passed a small pool of crystal clear water and arrived in the main cavern. He looked at ORAC as if deciding whether to proceed. It occurred to him that THOR could not influence anything from the inner chamber and that ORAC could regain control of the Deliverance. After a slight pause, he grabbed ORAC in both hands and ran along the passageway. He placed ORAC on the crystal platform and stood back. He removed ORAC's key from his top pocket, and pondered his next move. He looked around. The cavern was dome shaped and around 10 meters high, it was covered in strange symbols and had an eerie glow. He could smell a very earthy smell with a hint of burning, like an electrical fire. He stood mid way between the two crystal platforms directly below a large amethyst stalactite. He walked over to ORAC and held his key above the activation point. He waved it over in a sort of hovering motion whilst he pondered his decision. Then he looked up, and then around, gave a broad smile and slipped the key into the activator. ORAC screamed "N-O! N-O! Disconnect me! NOW Avon!". ORAC's crystal platform lit up and emitted a howling sound similar to Soolin's platform. The chamber suddenly became very cold and the atmosphere became charged with electricity. The howling sounds became progressively louder and of higher pitch. ORAC and Soolin began to glow with an intense blue light. This light became more intense as the howling, now resembling white noise, became deafening. Avon held his ears in pain and screwed his eyes tightly shut. He spiralled to the ground screaming, but the sounds of his screams were drenched by the howling. He eventually collapsed and lost consciousness. The light in the chamber was now blinding, so bright that Soolin's skeletal structure could be seen as the light penetrated through her body. There was a shrill sound and beams of intense blue light surrounded the crystal platforms, they emanated from the amethyst stalactite. Forms of ethereal shadows left both Soolin and ORAC and entered the stalactite. There was a great 'whoosh!' as the forms were propelled into the masynchi continuum. A massive expanse of total whiteness, total stillness, not a sound. Then three black points appeared in a vertical line, they entered with a boom. The middle point was Soolin's mind, it formed the pattern. It expanded out with a great whoosh! Like an undulating framework of lines, a giant spider's web. The bottom black point was ORAC's 'mind', it expanded downwards into an endless cone of great regularity, like the ripples on a edgeless pond. The upper point was THOR's 'mind', it expanded upwards into a random mass, like jumbled string, white noise. The three points came together and the cone and jumbled mass combined to form a great black line, penetrating the Universe. There was a contented humming noise that became increasingly louder. Soolin's mind then expanded in all directions at an exponential rate. Suddenly there was a crack and a white spinning ball of pure energy appeared just below the amethyst stalactite. It hovered for a second before shooting off at great speed down the corridor. From: creative-archive@anxst.com Subject: Masynchi (Part 3) by David J Baker Date: Mon, 25 Aug 1997 12:11:49 -0700 (PDT) name = David J Baker email = DAVID_J_BAKER@compuserve.com title = Masynchi (Part 3) story = MASYNCHI: Part 3 Please see Masynchi Introduction for information and the disclaimer. DESTINY Avon started to come around. He felt a stabbing pain in his ribs. He looked up, his vision was blurred. "Wake up! Wake up!" When he managed to focus, he saw Servalan standing above him. "Servalan. I might have known, another trap." "Yes Avon, but this time it is not of my doing. It has got the better of both of us." "THOR tricked me! Sentiment got the better of me, what a fool I've been!" Servalan helped Avon to his feet, he brushed himself off. "No Avon, not THOR. Destiny." Avon looked around. On the crystal platform where ORAC once stood there was a molten heap of plastic. Where Soolin's body once lay there was a pile of dust. "It has killed Soolin and ORAC, it has probably destroyed the Deliverance as well." Avon looked at Servalan with a worried expression. "No Avon, I don't think so. They seem to have combined to form some sort of energy being. I was watching from the corridor. It was really most fascinating, if a little disturbing. I tried to stop you, but by the time I had arrived it was too late, the process had already started. I thought it had killed you." Avon smiled at Servalan. "Sorry to disappoint you!" "Avon, we are trapped here! That energy thing killed five of my best men who were standing in the corridor. The corridor the caved in, there is no way out!" At that point a ball of light entered through the wall and hovered in front of Avon and Servalan. It spun round and started to change colour, then it elongated into the form of a human. This form solidified into Soolin. "Thank you for saving me Avon, I wish I could return the favour." "Soolin, please, you can't leave me here. With HER!" Avon's voice was grating. "I cannot intervene. You will arrive at the place in which you walk." Soolin seemed different. She was very enigmatic and had a strong presence. "Soolin, stop talking in riddles!" "Avon and Servalan, you walk together as if in a tangled dance. Only you can choose your direction, only you can set the tempo. You are both responsible for this end. This room is a focal point in the masynchi continuum, this is where the journey ends, or begins." Servalan looked at Avon. "She's right you know. Remember our last encounter." Avon exchanged glances with both of them. "So this is how it ends?" Soolin began to fade and returned into the ball of light. It shot off at great speed through the wall. Servalan handed Avon her gun. "You go first, Avon. Kill me!" "You give in too easily Servalan. I'm going to find a way out. You will have to kill yourself!" Avon put the gun on the floor and went over to the corridor. He started to move some rocks in a futile attempt to clear the passageway. "I'm tired of playing Avon. There is no pleasure in it anymore. We are both too old for this, it can't go on." Avon looked back. "Are you going to help me or are you going to sit there feeling sorry for yourself!" Avon went back to his rocks and moved a few more. 'BANG!!! SLUMP!' "Servalan!" Avon ran over. It was too late, Servalan was slumped on the floor. She had shot herself in the head at close range with the neutron blaster. "SERVALAN! SERVALAN!" Avon's voice echoed around the chamber. He cradled her body in his arms. He picked up the gun... REVIVAL Avon pointed the gun to his head. He began to squeeze the trigger... Then, a great ball of light appeared in front of him. This ball of light hovered for a couple of seconds and elongated. The form of a human started to appear. This form crystallised out into Soolin. She was transparent like a ghost and shimmered. "Avon! Don't do it! Many years of entanglement with Servalan have now drawn to a close!" Avon looked up and slowly lowered the gun. "Soolin! Is that really you?" Avon's voice sounded pained, almost pleading. "Yes Avon, it is me." "I thought you were dead!" "What you see is my disembodied mind. My physical body was transported to the Deliverance during the process. It is in the stasis capsule awaiting reintegration." "And you need me to press a few buttons!" Avon was scathing, almost sarcastic. "No Avon, During the process a flight computer named Zen was 'installed' in the Deliverance. He can initiate the transfer." Avon grinned. "Please forgive my scepticism Soolin, 25 years in hell can do that to a man." "As I remember Avon, you were never much of an optimist anyway!" "I was usually right." Soolin's mood changed to one of urgency. "We really must get going Avon. Federation ships are on their way. We are sitting ducks here! Follow me, I can lead you to a concealed exit." Avon did as Soolin said. He took one last look at Servalan's body, as if paying his last respects, and proceeded to follow Soolin. "Wait! I can't walk through solid rock!" "It isn't solid rock Avon, it is an illusion projected into your mind by the rooms defence mechanisms." Avon put his hand out, it hit solid rock. "It seems solid to me!" "Trust me Avon, it is not just an optical illusion, but one of all your senses." Avon walked straight at the wall and passed through. He found himself in a corridor. It too was covered in strange symbols. "This way Avon!" Beckoned Soolin. He followed her to the teleport set down point. "Wait here Avon." Soolin vanished into the strange globe of light which proceeded to shoot upwards at great speed. Avon waited for a seeming eternity before seeing the strange glow accompanying the teleport beam. His molecules spun around and he disappeared. The caverns were left to Servalan's dead body, and her mind!? Avon rematerialised in the teleport chamber. He looked around at the deck of the Deliverance and grinned. He looked over to where THOR once lay. There, in his place, was the familiar sight of Zen. "Zen!" He said. "Get us out of this place!" "Confirmed. Heading 227.8 at TD12, arrival at Epsilon 3 in 3 standard hours." "Well, at least Zen is back to his old self." Avon looked at Soolin and motioned towards the stasis capsule. "Will you be able to operate the controls Avon. I could get Zen to do it." "Of course I can!" Soolin spun into a globe of blue light. Projections started to leave this globe and enter the body in the capsule. They were like solar flares and had a distinctly ghost like appearance. The globe gradually faded until the remnants disappeared into the body. Avon operated the controls on the stasis capsule and Soolin's body slowly returned to life. After a few minutes she started to twitch and her eyes moved, as if she were dreaming. Then she slowly opened her eyes. Her first sight was Avon peering down at her. She felt very cold as her body was kept in cryo-suspension. Avon pressed a button and the glass casing slowly slid aside. This was accompanied by a rush of warm air from the flight deck. After over 20 years it felt so good, so alive. She moved a little and caused ice chunks dislodged from her body. "Take it slowly Soolin, you will feel weak." He took her by the hand and helped her out of the capsule. Soolin stood, looking decidedly unwell and unsteady on her feet. She held her right arm across her forehead and tried to focus with her eyes. "You'd better sit down over here until you recover." Avon led her to one of the comfortable looking seats at the rear of the flight deck. He poured her a large glass of adrenaline and soma. "Thank you." She whispered. He poured himself a large glass and proceeded to down it in one. He winced as it went down. He then poured another large glass and began to drink that one too! "Where is Epsilon 3, I assume that you programmed the course?" "It is the nearest neutral planet outside Federation territory." "In that case I suggest a course correction. Zen, set a course for Sigma 17 in the Orion sector. Speed TD 15." "Affirmative. Course laid in, travel time 6 hours 17 minutes." Soolin looked perplexed. "Sigma 17 is an old agricultural planet run as a penal colony. Why do you want to go there?" "Let's say it has had a change of ownership." "And...?" "And it is now a pleasure planet, run by our mutual former associate." "Which former associate would that be?" "Vila." "I thought Vila was dead." "We have all thought a lot of things over the years." "I haven't, apparently I was in some form of stasis for twenty of them." "I thought you knew what had happened to you?" "I know the end, that is all." Avon looked puzzled and then he smiled as it dawned on him. "Of course, your mind was erased during the Masynchi Programme. While we are in transit I will fill you in with some of the details." Avon spent over an hour explaining to Soolin. Then he went across to the main view screen. "THOR showed me a most interesting video file. I think it will fill in the gaps a little." "Zen, run video file alpha-1709." "Confirmed." Soolin watched intently as the video file was played. "Approaching orbit of Sigma 17." Suddenly the view screen changed. The video that was playing vanished into the centre and there was a loud beep! Then a face appeared on the view screen. It was Vila. "This is governor Vila of Vilaworld. Identify yourself or my satellites will destroy you!" Avon turned and smiled. "Ah Vila, and what satellites would those be?" "Avon is that you?" "Yes, me and Soolin are both here." "Ah the lovely Soolin. I wondered what had happened to her." Soolin approached the screen. "Hello Vila." "Soolin, you are more lovely than ever, you haven't aged a bit. Come to think of it, you look exactly the same as last time I saw you." "Well!" "Well what?" Avon looked at Vila. "I see that years of luxury have not tainted your intelligence Vila. Are you going to invite us down or do we stay in orbit. Not even you could have imagined that this was just a fly by." "Of course, I will give you teleport co-ordinates. I still have an old teleport bracelet from Scorpio, a souvenir you know." "How do YOU know that WE have TELEPORT?" "Oh, um, your in the Deliverance. Everyone knows about the Deliverance." "Anyone with a network of very bright associates perhaps, but YOU!" "I have my sources. Anyway we can talk about it down here." "I would rather that you teleported up." "As trusting as ever I see Avon. OK then I will give you my co-ordinates." Vila pressed a few buttons on a control panel. "That's it then. I'm ready when you are." "Very well then. Just give me a couple of seconds." Avon walked over to the teleport and programmed in the co-ordinates. He then pulled out his gun. This made Soolin nervous. She reached for her gun like lightening, but it wasn't there. "Don't you think that you should get properly dressed now Soolin. We have guests coming." "It's only Vila." "Precisely!" Soolin disappeared into one of the crew quarters. When she reappeared, Avon pointed to the area behind the teleport. "Get a gun and stand over there. We must be careful, Vila could be working for the Federation." Soolin stood at the other side of the teleport holding a neutron blaster. Avon activated the teleport. The lights dimmed and a high pitched noise arose. Vila's molecules spun around and crystallised into his form. He was Warning ceremonial robes and was just trying to untangle his seal of office. "Avon! I wasn't ready!" "That sounds like the old Vila I once knew." "Where is Soolin?" "Over here!" Vila turned round and almost walked into the point of her gun. "It's nice to see you too!" Soolin put her gun away and smiled. She then looked at Avon. "You see, as harmless as a baby." Vila looked perplexed. "Have I must something?" Avon grinned. "You always miss everything Vila." "I didn't come here to be insulted. Before you arrived I had a very good life you know. Aldebaran ale, beautiful women, Martian mud baths.." Soolin looked repulsed. "We get the idea Vila." "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. I didn't mean that you weren't beautiful, I mean..." Avon turned. "Stop babbling Vila, you are beginning to sound like Slave." "I wasn't babbling, was I, I didn't mean to..." It was Soolin's turn to look annoyed. "Your very nervous Vila, are you hiding something?" "No, no, just my usual self." Avon looked at him. "Are you sure Vila? We wouldn't want you to do something stupid." Vila walked over to the mini bar and poured himself a large glass of adrenaline and soma. Avon pulled out his gun and pointed it at him. Vila looked very worried and started to babble. "It was Servalan, she made me do it." "Servalan is dead." "Oh, that's good news then." Soolin joined in. "What exactly did she make you do?" "I was supposed to report to her if I contacted Avon." "Then what?!" Avon was angry. "That's all I know. Avon, she made me do it!" "Or what, she would take away your play pen?" "Look, I don't have to listen to this. You would have done the same in my position." Avon looked at Vila. "Would I! However, all this is largely academic. Servalan is dead, very dead indeed." "You mean you killed her?" "She killed herself." Soolin interrupted with a quip. "She couldn't stand the thought of spending the rest of her life locked up with Avon!" Avon looked at Soolin. "All this arguing is getting us precisely nowhere. Servalan is dead. We have the most powerful ship in the Galaxy and Vila. Well, he's still Vila." "Now that's all sorted out, do you mind of we return to my planet?" "Your planet. Ironic isn't it?. A petty thief and half wit ends up with his own planet, and I, I end up with 25 years in hell!" "You can come and work for me if you like Avon. I'm sure I could fix you up with a job, computers perhaps?" "Thanks, but no thanks." "Are you two going to stand there all day insulting each other, or are we going down!" Avon turned towards Zen. "Zen, I assume you have undergone certain enhancements since your last incarnation. Can you now operate the teleport?" "Affirmative." "Place the ship on intruder alert stasis and monitor our movements with the masynchi thought tracker." "Confirmed." Avon, Vila and Soolin entered the teleport chamber. "Put us down at Vila's last co-ordinates." "Confirmed." The teleport sprang into action in its usual fashion. Their molecules spun around and disappeared into a vortex. VILAWORLD Avon, Vila and Soolin arrived at the governors palace on Vilaworld. It was very lavishly decorated. The best materials from throughout the Galaxy were used. It was also on a grand scale, like a huge cathedral. The style was reminiscent of ancient Roman Earth, but with all the latest technology and comforts. There was a complex of roman style baths and fountains. There were many pieces of rare sculpture, statues and artwork. The theme was slightly erotic and to do with pure enjoyment. A great dome encapsulated the complex, the twin moon system could be clearly seen. The view was breathtaking. "I must say Vila, you have surprised me. Where did you get all this from?" Avon was visibly envious. "Here and there. As I always said, stealing is quicker." Vila smiled and beckoned over two beautiful young women. Avon was now scathing with jealousy. "It is a bit too garish and obvious for my liking, but there is no accounting for taste." The two young girls smiled. Vila smiled at them. "These are two of my former associates, Avon and Soolin. Please make them welcome, I have some matters to attend to." "Come with us, we will show you the pleasures of Vilaworld." Avon grabbed Vila's arm, stopping him from leaving. "What matters exactly." "Relax Avon, running a planet is not all fun and games you know." "Then you won't mind if I join you." "You can if you like, but the pool is very tempting." "No thanks, I don't care much for mindless relaxation." Soolin looked at Avon, then over to Vila. "Well I could do with some." "You please yourself what you do, but don't blame me if it all goes wrong." Soolin and the two girls departed on a tour of Vilaworld. Avon followed Vila up to his office. He paced around trying to decide whether to trust Vila. "Adrenaline and soma?" Avon looked as though he needed one. "Don't mind if I do." Vila poured him a large glass and handed it to him. "So Avon, are you going let me in on it or not?" "How can I be sure you are not still working for the Federation?" "Avon... How long have we known each other. I've always been on your side. We've been through a lot together, I would never sell you out. Especially not to Servalan." "Are you quite sure!?" "They were holding a gun to my head, I panicked." "I can believe that." "So when are you going to start trusting me?" "I don't trust anyone, I just take calculated risks!" "So you've finally succeeded then!" Avon looked at Vila with a surprised expression. "Succeeded at what?" "Becoming a computer!" Avon's eyes turned to stone. "You know what they did to me... You know what they did to Soolin, and the others...? And you stand here, in all this luxury. " "Yes, but.." "But nothing Vila. If I find out that you have sold ME out, will kill you!" "I never doubted it for a moment. Did you think that I would have invited you down if I had sold you out. I was liberated by the New Alliance. They recognised me as an original Liberator crew member and gave me this planet." "How touching." Avon and Vila carried on in this way until the evening. They then met up with Soolin whom had been trying out some of the attractions. THE CALLING "I trust everything is to your satisfaction, lovely Soolin?" Soolin looked serene and tranquil. "Yes Vila, this place is amazing." Vila smiled. ""This is making me sick."" "What was that comment Avon?" Soolin was angry and demanded an explanation. "I didn't say a word." "I could have sworn that you did?" Vila added his view. "No Soolin, Avon didn't say anything. That is unusual for Avon, granted!" Avon gave Vila a cold stare. ""Oh no, Avon is mad."" Vila looked at Soolin. ""Nice body! I wouldn't half like a chance at that!"" SLAP! Soolin slapped Vila in the face. "OW! That hurt! What have I supposed to have done now?" "Stop it you two! I've had enough of your childish games!" With that Soolin stormed off. Vila looked worried. "What's up with her?" "I have absolutely no idea. Perhaps she is hallucinating." "Or hearing things." "Of course! The masynchi integration process..." "Avon what are you talking about, masynchi, what is that? What process? Avon?" "Oh do be quiet Vila." Avon looked worried and went after Soolin. Vila was right behind him. They followed her to the flotation room. She stood by one of the flotation tanks she had used earlier. She seemed to sense them looking at her. She turned around. "Yes, and what do you want?" "You have developed telepathy, haven't you Soolin?" Avon looked concerned. "I seem to hear voices and sense the presence of people. I also feel different somehow, it is difficult to explain. When I look at something or someone I actually BECOME them!" It was Vila's turn to look concerned. "Have you been drinking that Aldebaran wine?" "No, I am perfectly sober." Soolin smiled at both of them. "At least I know that you are genuinely concerned, somehow." Avon grinned. "That must be refreshing!" "You should try it sometime Avon. It is like knowing everything and being at total peace." Vila looked even more concerned. "You are beginning to worry me now Soolin." "It has something to do with the masynchi integration process, I can feel it." Soolin sat down beside one of the tanks. She seemed to go into a trance. Avon went over and started to shake her. "Soolin! Soolin! Wake up!" Soolin tried to look up. Her eyes were glazed over and she could not regain control. Suddenly she closed her eyes and fell over backwards. "Help me with her Vila. We need to get her to the medi-capsule." "We have a sick-room here. I will summon the medics." Vila went over to the wall and summoned medical help by pressing a button on the panel. From: creative-archive@anxst.com Subject: Masynchi (Part 4) by David J Baker Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 08:33:39 -0700 (PDT) name = David J Baker email = DAVID_J_BAKER@compuserve.com title = Masynchi (Part 4) story = MASYNCHI: Part 4 Please see Masynchi Introduction for information and the disclaimer. THE MASYNCHI CONTINUUM Soolin found herself in a vast area of white space. Images from her mind seemed to appear in front of her. It was a very strange place indeed! She found herself on the flight deck of the Scorpio, watching herself and the rest of the crew. Her perception was different somehow. For one thing, she was in telepathic contact with each member of the crew and simultaneously experienced everything they experienced. It was like being everywhere and nowhere at once. There was a great feeling of serenity and indestructibility. No one on the Scorpio seemed to be aware of her presence. As she started to acclimatise to this state of being, she became aware of other experiences. For example, if she looked at something, she could also physically feel it in her mind. If she looked at a sentient being, she could feel exactly what it was like to be that being. All the colours seemed more vivid and apparently solid objects had the consistency of foam. She did not need to move, only focus her attention. Her hearing was most odd too. She could hear very subtle sounds, like that of Vila's heartbeat. She could hear microscopic particles of dust hit the hull of the Scorpio as it flew through space. In a sense, she could understand what it was like to be one of these particles, even transiently becoming one. "Oh my God. I must be dead!" As she thought this the Scorpio vanished into a swirling vortex. She was once again in a massive expanse of white space. When Soolin was a very small child, she used to sit in a field next to her favourite tree. This tree was a grand oak tree. It was one of the last to survive on Earth, due to the destruction of the Great War. This tree appeared before her. She could feel what it was like to be the tree. She could feel the sap flowing up through the trunk. She could feel the light enter the leaves. She could even see molecules interacting in the process of photosynthesis. There was the smell of summer in the air. Soolin became lost in this experience. It was not merely smell, but something far more consuming. It had colour, feeling, consistency, mood and a million other attributes that were beyond description. "If this is death, it isn't so bad." She thought to herself. A strange thought occurred to her- "I can feel, see, smell and touch everything, but I am not the slightest bit aware of my body?" At that thought she became aware of her body, it was just how she remembered it. Then she caught sight of a leaf falling off the tree. She felt a twinge of 'pain' as it broke off the twig. She then serenely floated down to the soft grass below. Her body was now the leaf! "WAIT!" She began to panic and the tree, the leaf, everything broke into a thousand pieces and vanished. She was aware only of the great white expanse. "Having a little trouble?" "Who said that?" Soolin looked in all directions, but there were new directions she had not even thought of. She focused her attention to a strange, 'inner' direction. There's inside and outside, but this was something else. Imagine being two dimensional and not being aware of the third dimension. You live out your life in your two dimensional world and suddenly look up! This was the same for Soolin, but there were many more dimensions. She caught sight of an elongated blue light. This is where the voice seemed to come from. This too was strange, as although she knew the voice came from this blue thing, she could hear it all around. "Where am I?" Asked Soolin. "A reasonable question, may you well ask! You are in the Masynchi Continuum, beyond time, space and thought." "Well that clears that up then!" Soolin replied with dry humour. "Ah good, a sense of humour is essential here!" "Where did you come from? Who are you? What happened to me?" "Stop, stop, stop. One question at a time please!" A second being appeared from a totally different direction. "How many dimensions are there in this place?" "The number is limited only by imagination, but they come in sets of three. These sets are also arranged in three's. You are familiar with the three dimensions of space, that is the basic level. There are then three dimensions of time and three dimensions of thought in your mind. These nine are the ones of normal human perception. You have just discovered a higher triad, where there are 27 dimensions!" The first being interrupted. "Before you can pass through the great archway to the origin of eternity, you must master the first 27 dimensions. After that you can be free to explore and create your own Universe!" Soolin, now manifesting her usual body, sat down with her head in her hands. "This is all a bit difficult to grasp. I feel as if my head is going to explode!" "Then let it explode!" "I can't do that, I would die!" "Not here, you are mind, a Masynchi Being. You will learn how to create and use form, even material form. You are not confined to that form however, your mind is as free as your imagination. It is similar to what you call dreaming. Of course it is far superior and infinitely more wonderful than you could possibly imagine." "What about the Scorpio and the tree? Did I imagine them, or were they real?" "What you saw was both. It is impossible to grasp at your stage, but you were actually there on the Scorpio. The best way to describe it to you is as time travel, however this analogy is very basic, as you will learn. You also imagined it, and you will learn that you can change things just by thinking. Each time you do this you create a parallel universe. Masynchi Beings appear to be omnipotent to those occupying space, but they are not, they just operate at a much more advanced level." A third being appeared. "How is our new recruit doing then?" "And who exactly are you?" "I am Zenchi, your new teacher. You have already met Xzarkoff, he is the guardian. It is his job to guard the continuum, a bit like a security officer. Alteryus is the Keeper, she acts as a guide and caretaker. We form the triad of Laurenia. There is no gender as such here, but our roles reflect different aspects of yin and yang." Zenchi paused and then said, "We will create a triometric field around you and take human form until you acclimatise. This should be thought of as a prosthesis, a learning aid only. As a child learns to ride a bike it uses stabilisers, once it has learned the stabilisers are removed." The three beings spun around to form a giant band, like the rings of Saturn. This ring then spun around to form a sphere. This process continued until all 27 dimensions had been 'sealed off'. The beings then, one by one, took physical form. Xzarkoff was first. He transformed himself into a tall and muscular man. He had short hair and was in his thirties. He wore a black uniform disturbingly reminiscent of the Iron Guard. Alteryus was next. She transformed herself into a beautiful young woman wearing a white uniform. She had very short, dark hair and sparkling eyes. Zenchi was the last to transform. He appeared as a very tall and formidable looking man. He wore black robes and held a staff in his right hand. His head was shaved in the style of a Zen monk. His eyes were piercing and conveyed compassion. Zenchi was a lot older than the other two, ageless. The surroundings seemed to solidify into the field and tree Soolin saw earlier. At first they seemed imaginary, but they seemed to become more solid until she was convinced they were real. She looked around. Her sight and other senses had returned to normal and she no longer possessed the supernatural abilities that she did earlier. Zenchi waved his hand and a picnic hamper appeared on the grass. He than snapped his fingers and a large silver tea pot appeared. "Tea Soolin?" "Well, don't mind if I do!" After all that had happened the idea of having a cup of tea at this time seemed somewhat absurd. Never the less, she could do with one. Actually she could do with an adrenaline and soma, but didn't like to ask! Zenchi poured the tea into a little china tea cup. "Thank you." With the niceties over it was time to get down to business. She was hear to learn after all. Zenchi sat on a tree stump and took a sip of tea. "Let's start with the basics." He said. "There are three main forces in the everything. These are called Consciousness, Existence and Reality. On the physical plane, this seems a little strange, to say the least. However, in the Masynchi Continuum, it makes perfect sense. You have already demonstrated it with the Scorpio and the oak tree. The potential of the tree always existed, you then thought of it and by the action of consciousness, it was perceived. Once perceived it became real. The physical world is none other than condensed or solidified thought. The potential for it always existed and over countless aeons it was 'carved' into being by repeated perception. The first thing to be solidified was the concept of time. Then came space and the universe. The rest came later and eventually lead to sentient life. Later we will discuss the different levels of consciousness, which eventually lead to masynchi beings. This will be today's teaching." Soolin looked rather perplexed. "Is that all!" She said rather sarcastically. "What exactly do you want with me anyway?" Zenchi looked into the air and then back at Soolin. "We need you and The Deliverance to perform a small favour." "What kind of favour would this be?" "In a parallel existence, the Universe is being threatened by two very powerful beings. These are Masynchi Beings that manifest as entire species. They are at war with each other and the rest of sentient life. They wish to eradicate life so that they can have total control of this parallel existence. From here they can establish a strong base that is a threat to everything. They could seize control of consciousness itself. There names are the Shadows and the Vorlons." Soolin looked worried. "You want Avon, Vila and I to go up against these beings?" "Yes! It is not as hopeless as it seems. You have superior telepathic abilities and technology that has some superior characteristics. It will not be an easy fight, but you will have help." "What kind of help?" "They call themselves the Rangers." Soolin looked very worried. "Don't look so worried Soolin, we are not going to send you in blind." "Avon once said something similar." "You must start your training immediately! We are going to send you to a planet which exists in the masynchi continuum. It is not all white space you know. This planet is designed to help you develop your skills and to become well aquatinted with this level of being. You will learn how to create and hold physical form. You will learn the arts of concentration and mind control. You will learn how to control and use the Masynchi continuum! It will all seem like supernatural magic, but it is all explainable and quite rational. After all, teleportation, interstellar travel and super- computers would seem like magic to a stone-age person." Soolin looked up, Zenchi was smiling down at her. He waved his arm in the air and a large portal opened in front of them. It shimmered above the ground and had pulsating red edges. It also made a peculiar humming noise. He then waved his arm again and it disappeared. "OK Soolin, before we go to the planet, you must learn how to call for the portal. This is very important. It has two stages; First, you must call the portal itself. Each Masynchi Being has his own personal portal, accessed by a secret symbol. You must not disclose this symbol to anybody. As I am your master, I will give you your portal symbol. Remember it well." Zenchi then looked into Soolin's eyes and imprinted the portal symbol into her mind. "Do you have it Soolin?" "Yes I think so." "Then call for it." Soolin concentrated very hard and nothing happened. "You are trying too hard, let go and the portal will open naturally." She tried again and a tiny portal, about the size of a coin, appeared and then vanished. "Good, but do not try to grasp it once it appears." Soolin tried again. This time the portal appeared and began to expand exponentially. "WO, Not that big Soolin!" He lifted a finger and the portal stabilised. "Now try again, this time try to catch it. It is a fine balancing act and requires concentration. It is like riding a bike. Once you have learnt the technique it will become second nature to you." Soolin tried a number of times. After about six dozen attempts, she finally managed to produce a stable portal. "Very good Soolin. Some of my students took hundreds of attempts to achieve a stable portal. You learn fast, I have a good feeling about you." Soolin smiled broadly. The portal wobbled and then vanished! "The next stage is to 'program' the portal. This is done by imagining exactly where you want to go and then projecting it into the centre of the open portal. You can then walk through and will be exactly in that place. The portal must be closed behind you, there are many sorcerers who are always on the look out for open portals!" Soolin opened a portal and then projected an image of the Scorpio into the portal. "Good, Good! Now we are almost ready for the next stage!" "Almost!" Replied Soolin. "Yes, I want to make sure that wasn't a fluke!" Soolin tried another half dozen or so attempts. They all seemed to work out OK. "Fine. Now we must go to the planet. We have work to do!" Zenchi waved his arm and a portal appeared. "You just like acting the part, don't you Zenchi. I mean, is it really necessary to wave your arms around!" "It is expected by the mortals, we wouldn't want to disappoint them, would we!" He then projected the image of the planet into the portal. "Come along then!" He motioned to Soolin and they both walked through. The portal vanished. From: creative-archive@anxst.com Subject: Masynchi (Part 5) by David J Baker Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 16:44:14 -0700 (PDT) name = David J Baker email = DAVID_J_BAKER@compuserve.com title = Masynchi (Part 5) story = MASYNCHI: Part 5. Please see Masynchi Introduction for information and the disclaimer. CHAPTER 3: EPSILON MIRRORS A CRY FOR HELP It was a relatively normal day aboard Babylon 5. Captain Sheridan was missing, presumed dead, and Mr Garibaldi had vanished without a trace. Citizen G'Kar had left Babylon 5 in search of him.. Ambassador Delenn was in the mists of organising a mission to Z'ha'dum, ever hopeful of finding the Captain, alive. Commander Ivanova had assumed command of the station. She was not taking Sheridan's apparent death easily. She stood in C&C staring out into space. It was a wonderful view during normal circumstances, but now there was only darkness. She was interrupted by the sudden materialisation of Draal's holographic form. "Draal... What can I do for you?" "A very serious situation has arisen here on Epsilon 3. It is imperative that you come down here, alone." "What sort of situation?" "I do not wish to discuss it here, please come down as quickly as possible. Do not tell anyone." Susan was perplexed. Her intrigue caused the darkness in her soul to lift a little. There was nothing worse than standing around with nothing to do. She left C&C giving only a transfer of command order. "Lieutenant, assume command." "Yes ma'am." She went down into the fighter bay and scrambled her starfury. She watched Babylon 5 grow smaller in the reflection of the canopy. She was glad to get out of that place. Here in space everything was silent, almost tranquil. Susan had other things on her mind. She drew into orbit around Epsilon 3. It was a wonderful sight, even in her state of mind. She began her decent down through the cloud layers. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! "Evasive manoeuvre gamma 12!" Her craft came under fire from the planet surface. She opened a communication channel. "Draal, Draal, it's me, Ivanova. What are you doing?" ZAPP! ZAPP! ZAPP! ZAPP! She took the ship on manual and began to clime out of the atmosphere. Some of the fire was very close. It was total bedlam around her, the sky lit up by laser fire! She carefully manoeuvred to a safe orbit. She bit her lip and took a number of deep breaths. "Draal I'll strangle you, you idiot!" Draal's hologram appeared in the cockpit beside her. It flickered as if it were unstable. "I am most sorry Susan. Please accept my most sincere apologies." "If I could touch you I would rip your head off! Did you see what happened? BOOM! That's what happened!" "Yes Susan, that is why I must see you. Take care, I will do my best to give you a safe landing." His hologram drew weak and disappeared. "Yeah, but it's not your butt on the line here!" She began her descent again. "Here goes nothing!" She passed through the cloud layers and flew directly towards the opening in the mountain. "BEEP BEEP BEEP! Incoming missile at heading 175." The computer voice was very calm and relaxed, almost indifferent. "DAMN! Evasive manoeuvres." Susan flew the fighter into a canyon. She dodged in and out of the sheer cliffs. "Draal, I AM going to kill you!" The missile hit the side of the canyon. Susan narrowly escaped. "Third time lucky." She re-established her original course for the great chasm in the mountain. This time she passed through without any incoming fire. She descended into the docking bay. After she had secured the ship, she took of her helmet and shook her head. She opened the canopy helping it with a kick. She was about to step onto the landing pad when she had a disturbing thought. "The internal defences? Are they active too?" She carefully climbed down onto the pad. It was strangely cold and eerie. She could remember most of the defence mechanisms, but all of them? She walked along the narrow corridor made of rock. Suddenly, there was a crack! She hit the deck at lightening speed. "S-H-I-T!" An array of plasma bolts cascaded over her head. It was like standing in the middle of a fireworks display. The noise was deafening. After a few moments the barrage stopped, all was quiet. She took her head out from beneath her hands. "Susan, Susan, that was a big boo-boo." She whispered to herself as she crawled along the corridor until she arrived at the entrance. She stood up and was once again awe-struck by the size and beauty of the great machine. For a few seconds she just stood, admiringly. The machine was huge. It extended for miles upwards and miles downwards. She could not see the bottom, only this massive machine. She brushed herself down and began to walk across the bridge. Below her was a sheer drop of almost infinite proportions. "This better be good, Draal." She muttered to herself. She approached Draal, whom was embroiled in a mass of machinery. His eyes were closed and he looked unconscious. "Wakey Wakey! Draal, it's me, Ivanova." She unclipped his neural interface and Draal slowly came around. His eyes rolled a little before they opened. His throat was very dry and he was disoriented. "Ivanova, you came." He whispered. "Here I am. So what is so important?" "We cannot speak here, we must go. I'll lead the way." Draal was very unsteady on his feet, so he used Ivanova as a walking stick. "Take it easy Draal." "No time to waste, no time..." They walked around the great column of machinery until they arrived at another bridge. This led to a dark cave. "This way." They stumbled over the bridge, trying not to look down. Eventually they reached the cave entrance. "Must rest, get my breath." Years of integration with the great machine had left Draal's body very weak. So they rested for a minute. "Are you going to tell me what this is all about?" "In time, we must go on." They walked into the cavern. It was very dark and chilled the bones. Stumbling over rocks and crawling through damp passageways, they eventually came to an opening. The narrow corridor gave way to a large, well lit cavern. The lighting was enigmatic with no apparent source. There were strange symbols all over the walls. A large stalactite made of amethyst projected down from the roof. The cavern seemed to absorb sound so no echoes could be heard. Draal sat down on a large rock, Ivanova sat beside him. After a brief rest period, Draal looked more comfortable. Ivanova broke the silence. "So." She said. "Now we are here, I can tell you. The great machine has been suffering from a problem." "You're kidding! I would never have guessed." "When the Shadows were here, they planted something in the machine. It was a sort of virus, called a masynchi virus. It is taking control of the machine and must be stopped." "Can you stop it?" "I am not the one." "I see, so that is why I am here." "Yes, you can stop it." "How?" "You must merge your mind with the machine. You will then confront the virus at a subconscious level. The machine will take images from your mind and produce manifestations. These will be archetypal in nature. Their exact form will mirror your mind, and that of the collective. You must defeat these forms and thus purge the virus from the system." "A bit like a role playing game?" "This is no game. It is important that you understand what is at stake here." Draal got up and walked around a little. He was getting used to his body again. He stood in front of Susan and looked very serious. "You are travelling through life on the tip of a very sharp point. This point is what you call reality. On every side of this point lies existence. What has been, what could have been, what might be and what will become. It is fluid, dream like, devoid of reality. How sharp is this point? If you take a close look at it, you will see that it is composed of consciousness. Your perception, your experiences, your essence. If you take a very close look, consciousness evaporates. There is then no point on which to stand. You merge with the dream like nature of existence, you cease to be..." Ivanova looked worried. "That sounds pretty serious to me." "Susan, you may lose your mind, your very essence." "If I don't do it?" "If you don't this complex will fall into the hands of the Shadows. They will use it to destroy Babylon 5 and from there... From there they will defeat us." "It sounds like I do not have much choice then?" "The choice is always yours. Look into your heart and ask for direction." Ivanova sat for a minute pondering the decision. She smiled at Draal. "There is no decision. I will do it!" "Excellent! we must proceed immediately." MASYNCHI INTEGRATION Susan stood under the amethyst stalactite and the mind transfer started. The stalactite started to glow and produce a high pitched sound. This sound became louder and louder as the light became progressively brighter. It was a piercing blue light. A strange chill came over the place accompanied with the smell of burning. The atmosphere was electric. The light became so bright that it penetrated Susan's body. She could feel its rays burning like the sun. A shadow of her skeleton could be seen. The sound was deafening and grated like white noise. Susan held her hands to her head and screamed. She then fell to the floor and passed out. A surreal form of etheric shadow left her body and entered the stalactite. Her mind was leaving her body and being absorbed into the machine. The light dimmed and the whirring subsided. Her body had been turned to glass in the extreme heat. It resembled a statue and was partially transparent. As it cooled it became opaque and resembled the red rock of the cavern. Susan had a petrified expression on her petrified face! FEAR Susan found herself in infinite white-space. Her first thought was that she was dead. She caught site of a strange shadow fleeting in and out of existence. This place was very strange. There were many dimensions extra to the physical universe. It was like a hall of mirrors, each way she looked there was a different reflection. "Hello! Hello! Can anybody hear me!?" The Shadow scuttled at the periphery of her perception. "Stay calm Susan. Stay calm." She comforted herself. The Shadow scuttled about some more. It seemed to pass through her and a cold chill went down her spine. She was getting anxious. Then she heard a hideous screeching sound. She tried to block it out by covering her ears, but the sound was in her head. The Shadow seemed to approach from all directions. Fleeting glimpses of hideous shapes. Then a voice. A menacing, cold voice. "Susan, Susan... You are like a thought. Both arise from nowhere and vanish into oblivion." "Who said that? Who said that?" The Shadow scuttled around and seemed to laugh at her. "If you stop thinking here, you will cease to exist." "You don't scare me!" "Are you sure... Can you keep the train of thought going. Don't stop or you'll vanish. When you sleep, then what will happen?" The Shadow seemed to crystallise out into a form. It was very difficult to see. It was ungraspable, like a disintegrating dream. Susan peered, but the harder she tried the more difficult it was. "What's wrong? Having trouble seeing? That is the first sign of dissolution." Susan tried to cover her eyes, but it was useless. She became more and more frightened. "You are dissolving into the void, little by little. Soon only bare consciousness will be left. Then you will disappear!" "NO! NO!" The Shadow laughed. "Who do you think you are. Up against us you stand no chance!" Susan could feel herself loosing it. Then another voice appeared in her mind. "Let go Susan. Let go. It is only an illusion, it cannot harm you. If you let go you will not fall into oblivion. Trust me." Susan tried to collect herself. "Do not listen to him. He is lying." Suddenly she remembered the words Sheridan had said in his personal log. 'If you fall off a cliff, try to fly. You have nothing to loose!' She let go. A wonderful calm brightness filled her entire being. The Shadow seemed to dissolve in the bright light. It faded and vanished... "I owe you one John." She thought to herself. For a few moments she enjoyed the taste of victory. HOPE Susan saw her mother. She was being given drugs to suppress her telepathic abilities. "Mother! Mother! Don't let them do this to you!" This old nightmare memory had been taken from her mind. It was amplified many fold. The pain, the grief, they were tremendous. She tried to run over to her, but it was hopeless. The feelings of helplessness and inadequacy were tearing at her soul. Tears ran down her face. "Mother, please!" She felt her mother dying. She felt death within her. She wanted to grab hold of her, but it was like grasping at the moon. Every step she took, her mother moved back one. Susan was frantic. She was now running and screaming. She had totally lost track of her mission as she became absorbed into this hell of hopelessness. Her mother disappeared and all was grey. She was running in this greyness. The further she ran, the darker it became. It seemed to close in on her. She could actually feel the pressure. She wanted to scream, but this too became impossible. Susan sat down in an embryonic position, sobbing. She could feel all her hope drain from her. She was becoming lifeless. The Shadow had won, time to die. "Look up! Look up!" It was the mysterious voice again. She chose to ignore it. "SUSAN! LOOK UP!!!" She lifted her head slightly and wiped her tears. "Straight up, above your head!" She did as the voice said. There above her was this grey sky. She looked very closely. "There, can't you see it?" "See what?" "It is there, look!" She scoured the sky. Then she saw this little white light the size of a coin. "That's it!" The voice was full of glee. She was encouraged by this and the light started to expand. As it expanded, she floated upwards. She eventually reached the light and passed out of this hell into bright sunshine. "Well done!" Susan smiled. "I did it!" Her hope returned. It was stronger, she was stronger. Her experiences were making her very strong. She was now grinning ear to ear. "So, you reckon I am weak. I'll show *you* scum!" COMPLACENCY Ivanova strolled through the white space. "OK Draal, I have eradicated the virus. Time to come home!" She was full of glee. "That was pretty easy!" She gloated. She walked along in the 'sun-shine' totally unaware of the new danger that was approaching. Unaware that she had a Shadow in her mind. It planted itself deep into her subconscious. Her previous fear had helped her to keep alert. She was now becoming complacent. The Shadow worked away, erasing her mind like a computer virus erases files. It erased key pointers in her mind that act as bridges between events. Without these life looses its connectivity and becomes a random sprawl of memories. As long as Susan was unaware, she would be in grave peril. Her memory was still there, intact. It was the ordering of memories that was being disrupted. This would eventually lead to an identity crisis. As in the masynchi continuum, where she now was, thought creates form. If this thought is random, then the forms will be random. Eventually they will run out of energy and disperse into oblivion. In other words, the point of Ivanova's reality was being whittled down. It would soon disappear altogether. Her apparently coherent though process would break down like a disjointed dream. As she was separated from her physical body, there would be no nucleation point for her consciousness. If her mind and body were still one, then she would simply wake up! In here though, she would vanish without a trace. "OK Draal, what is keeping you so long? Where is the way out of this miserable little place!?" She was on a high. This is what the Shadow had hoped for, this was going to be its chance. Ivanova did not notice it fleet around inside her mind. She was oblivious. In a sense it was shock, she had been through a lot. Then.... Suddenly... She fell down a chasm into total darkness. WAAAAA! She seemed to fall forever. The walls closed in on her, it was claustrophobic. "Let me out of here! Now!" The voice she had heard before, the one giving her encouragement, arose in the darkness. "Now I have you attention, I can warn you." "YOU! I thought *YOU* were on my side!" "I am *Susan*, I am!" "No you are not. You are just another manifestation of that virus! Get out of my mind!!!" Susan could not bring herself to trust this voice. Her fear though, had cut the Shadow off. Her mind was reorganising itself. Soon she would be out of danger. The walls started to thin. She could breath again. Unbeknown to her, the strange voice had saved her life. "OK Susan, get a grip!" She tried to encourage herself. She sat there collecting herself whilst her mind repaired itself... TRUST "I have the key. Trust is the key." Ivanova looked up. There before her stood Ambassador Kosh. "Kosh! Is that you? How did you get here?" "I am in all places at all times." "Am I glad to see you. The Shadows are here." "I know." Susan got up and smiled. She walked over to Kosh and put her hand out. She touched his encounter suit. It was the first thing in this place that seemed real. "Are you real, or another illusion?" "Reality is subjective." "Well, it certainly sounds like Kosh" Susan thought to herself. Kosh turned round and started walking. He paused for a second. "Come!" Susan obeyed and followed Kosh. He led her to a portal. It was an oval of shimmering light. Through it she could see his ship. This portal was the back door! Kosh walked through the portal and Susan followed. "Are you the voice I have been hearing." "I have many voices." Susan took this as a yes. She followed him to his ship. She had often admired it in the docking bay. The chance to go in it though... That was a dream! The door opened and she followed Kosh into the ship. It was totally amazing, like nothing she had seen before. The ship was organic. It was like being in the belly of a giant space creature. "Stay." The Vorlon disappeared to another section of the ship. She felt it begin to move and looked for a porthole or a view-screen. She found a small 'hole' and looked out of it. She saw Epsilon 3 being left behind. The ship rotated and headed towards Babylon 5. She was glad to be out of that place! It approached the huge chunk of metal that was Babylon 5 and started docking procedures. After a few minutes, the ship came to a halt. Kosh reappeared. He did not say anything, just waited. The door then opened and she followed him into the docking bay. Susan was rather tired. She went up to C&C to make sure everything was OK. "Report Lieutenant." "Everything is running smoothly commander." "Good. I am going to my quarters. No one is to disturb me. Understood!" "Ma'am." Ivanova walked down the corridor and made her way to her quarters. When she entered, the BabCom displayed an incoming message. "Play!" It was monotonous station evaluations. She poured herself a large vodka and sat on her couch. After a couple of minutes, and finishing her vodka she lay back. "Stop!" The BabCom fell silent. Ivanova could now get some sleep. She drifted off fairly quickly. She found herself and white space... "Oh no! not this again." She stirred a little and opened her eyes. She smiled and said out loud. "Only a dream... The hour of the Wolf!" She poured another vodka and sipped it. Again she slowly fell asleep. There she was, in this white space. The voice arose again. "Susan. Susan." "Kosh!" "NO! I am not Kosh. He has deceived you. You are not on Babylon 5." It was a very vivid dream. "Where am I then?" "You are on Epsilon 3, in the great machine." At that Susan heard the BabCom... She began to awaken. "No Susan. Stay." She was already half awake. "Remember your consciousness!" This perplexed her and she turned her attention to the voice. "What?" "What is dream and what is reality. It does not matter, consciousness is the key." The BabCom sounded again... She started to come round. She was pondering the voice's words. "Who are you?" "Patients, Patients... All will be resolved." The voice vanished. Susan found herself fully awake in this white space. It dawned on her, she *was* still in the machine! She took some deep breaths and thought out loud. "You though you had me that time! You'll have to try something better, if you want me." The Shadow responded. "Do not be too sure. That *was* Kosh!" "It was an illusion!" "All is illusion, like a hall of mirrors. That *was* Kosh." "You are beaten, out of my way." Susan stormed off... LOVE The white-space began to crystallise out into forms. She found herself in a big forest. The trees were very tall. The sun shine produced large columns of light. It was beautiful. She could hear the wind rustle in the trees and feel its cooling breeze on her face. The sun too was most pleasant. It was warm on her skin. She closed her eyes, Bliss! She took a deep breath and the smell of pine encased her. It really was most wonderful. She could even feel the soft moss beneath her feet! As she became more absorbed into this, she began to smell a very familiar smell. It was the perfume her lover, Talia Winters, used to wear. She smiled broadly and submitted herself to the moment. She was in that wonderful state between sleep and wakefulness. Then she felt a warm breath on her cheek. This was closely followed by a touch. A touch Talia alone could give her. Then the gentle words. "Susan... Susan... " Susan slowly opened her eyes. There before her was Talia. "Talia... Is that you?" "Yes!..." They embraced. Gently at first, then passionately. This was followed by a kiss. "Talia, what happened to you?" Susan was breathless. "The Shadows took me... It was terrible!" They embraced again. "I was so worried about you. They told me you were dead!" "In a sense I was. The Shadows took my mind. They implanted it in this machine. There was nothing but whiteness." "I know the feeling... I am here to purge a virus..." They stared into each others eyes. Both were telepathic and their minds merged. They experienced their own and each others experiences, simultaneously. These experiences merged and expanded at the same time. It was like taking joy, love and bliss, and reflecting them off each other. The situation was perpetual, like infinite reflections between mirrors. Then there was clinging. "Don't let go! I can't survive without you!" "Nor me without you!" They embraced once again. They squeezed each other so tightly that Susan could feel Talia's heart pounding against hers. They kissed passionately. There hair became entwined. As it was their minds that were meeting, they actually began to merge. It was like slowly relaxing into a warm bath. It was becoming difficult to tell were boundaries lay. Susan had a nagging thought, or was it the voice. "It is a trap!" She tried to gather herself, but was too entwined to let go. She did not care, Babylon 5, The Shadows, Epsilon 3. All she cared about was being with Talia. "It is a trap!" She tried again to stand back. It was useless, like being too drunk to get up. Talia was like a great magnet from which she could not escape. "Susan! Listen! If you stay, your consciousness will be wiped out!" "I don't care!" "Then the Shadows have won!" She made a supreme effort of will and pushed herself away from Talia. Her hands seemed to sink into her, like pushing against foam. She struggled, consoling herself with. "It's only an illusion!" She fell backwards and scurried away along the ground. Talia looked pleadingly at her. "Susan, Susan! Please!" "NO!" Talia began to fade. "It *IS* me Susan. Please help!" Talia faded. In Susan's mind she heard her scream. "WAIT! I'm coming Talia!" Susan ran over to her and tried to embrace her, but she vanished. Susan realised the irony. The only REAL thing in all of this place *was* Talia! Now she had let her die. The Shadows had used her as a trap! Susan fell to the ground and began howling with remorse. Tears streamed down her face. "TALIA! TALIA! I am SORRY!" The forest vanished and she was once again in white space. THE SOUR TASTE OF VICTORY A fleeting Shadow skimmed around and disappeared into the brightness. She could hear it scream as it dispersed into the void. The white space became even whiter. Draal appeared before her. "Another trick!" She was not in the mood for any more. "No Susan. You have defeated the Shadow. There will be no more." "What about Talia" Susan was sobbing. "What is left of her is within you. Do not diminish this... It is time to leave." "The voice?" "That was Zenchi. He is a masynchi being from beyond the dimensions." "Zenchi, huh." "Yes, he is your personal guide and mentor." Susan tried a fake smile. After what she had been through, her sadness was understandable. A great black space was in her heart. It hurt like hell. Draal looked at her with compassion. "You did the right thing Susan. You probably can't see that now, but you will." This was sour comfort to her. A part of her had just died, a very big part. Draal disappeared and the white space became very bright. It was so bright that it was painful to look at. Susan felt her 'body of thought' being infused with a great brightness. For a moment her heart was full again. Her body began to disintegrate and her consciousness contracted. It shrunk to the size of a pea. Her vision was strange, like through the eyes of a fish. She felt herself being pulled into a vortex. She began to spin, then she spun very fast and blacked out. A white streak of light entered Susan's petrified body. The amethyst stalactite radiated pure blue light. Slowly Susan's body morphed back into its original conformation. The light stopped suddenly, she lay on the floor, unconscious. Draal gently touched her shoulder. "Susan... Susan..." She stirred a little and opened her eyes. She was very stiff and her body felt like lead. "I feel terrible!" "The effects will ware off." "I hope so." Draal sat with her in the cavern for over an hour. He comforted her and wiped her tears. "We all owe you a great debt of gratitude." "I just want to leave. Please!" "Very well." Draal escorted Susan to her starfury on the launch pad. This time she got in very carefully and closed the canopy gently. She started the engine and slowly lifted off. She flew out of the great chasm and towards the clouds. All the time she was thinking of Talia... She arrived back on Babylon 5 exhausted, both physically and mentally. She did not bother to check in and went straight to her quarters. The BabCom was full of petty messages. She poured herself a glass of Vodka and reclined on her couch. "ENOUGH!" She threw the glass at the BabCom, it smashed with a satisfying crack. She sat down and a tear rolled down her cheek. "Oh Talia, I am sorry." The pain in her heart lifted for a moment. She swore that she could see Talia. "Talia!" The image faded as Susan tried to grasp it. She sat there for a moment, dumbstruck. She lay back in her couch and stared out into space. She quickly fell asleep out of exhaustion. She heard Zenchi's voice as she drifted off. "Patients... Patients... All will be resolved..." From: creative-archive@anxst.com Subject: Masynchi (Part 6) by David J Baker Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 17:37:58 -0700 (PDT) name = David J Baker email = DAVID_J_BAKER@compuserve.com title = Masynchi (Part 6) story = MASYNCHI: Part 6. Please see Masynchi Introduction for information and the disclaimer. CHAPTER 4 THE NEXUS VISIONS OF THE PAST "Soolin! Soolin!" Avon was standing above her. "Are you all right Soolin?" Soolin opened her eyes, everything was blurred. Vila looked down at her. "We were getting worried, you were out for almost an hour!" "An hour? It seems like an eternity. I met Zenchi, we must save Babylon 5. I went to a planet. I learned about the masynchi continuum and controlling matter." "She's delirious Avon!" "No, she isn't Vila. A little shook up perhaps, but not delirious." Soolin's vision started returning to normal. She began to remember her training on the planet, all nine years of it! Only an hour had passed by human standards, but in the Masynchi Continuum, there is no time. Soolin sat up and composed herself. She used one of the mind control techniques taught by Zenchi. "We have a very important mission ahead of us." "Do we!?" Avon was not about to volunteer for any fool missions. "Yes, we must travel to a parallel universe and return the renegade beings to the Masynchi Continuum." Vila looked at Avon. "Soolin what are you talking about?" "In am talking about the great war, the Vorlons and the Shadows. They are beings from a plane of existence called the Masynchi Continuum. They are trying to seize control of this universe, and eventually, consciousness. They must be returned to the continuum to be wiped clean." Vila looked even more puzzled. "I knew I should have serviced those flotation tanks. I got them at a bargain price you know... Free!" Soolin rose to her feet. She waved her hand in the air, and behold! A portal appeared! Vila looked at the half full glass of Aldebaran wine he was holding. Soolin snapped her fingers and the portal disappeared. "I need the Deliverance, and your help." "NO DEAL! The Deliverance is mine!" "I could wipe you out in a finger snap, Avon." "Go ahead then!" Vila started to move away. "Best be off then, see you later." ""Vila, I need you."" "Who said that, Soolin was that you? It was like Cally used to sound, in my head." Avon looked to Soolin, then at Vila. "As I said, she is telepathic." "I am a lot more than that. I am the last best hope for existence!" Avon smiled. "If a little modest!" "Avon, why are you always at war with everyone?" "Not war, survival!" "Have you ever trusted anyone?" "Once, but I do not wish to talk about it." Vila interrupted. "It was Anna Grant, wasn't it!?" "Be quiet Vila, this is between me and her!" Soolin walked up to Avon and touched him lightly on the shoulders. "I can see it Avon, your mind is like an open book. You are afraid that if you ever get close to someone, they will die. So you choose to remain detached and untouchable." Avon looked disturbed. "Psychoanalysis is easy if you are telepathic." Soolin looked into Avon's eyes. Using a technique taught by Zenchi, she exchanged minds. She brought Avon's mind to the Masynchi Continuum. Avon stood in an area of white space... There before him was Anna Grant. She was waiting for him. It was just before she betrayed him. "Anna! Why did you betray me, tell me why!" "You betrayed yourself Avon." He went over to her and touched her lightly on the face. He could feel her love for him. He could also feel her wrestling with her conscience. She did love him, but she was a Federation operative. Her conditioning could not let her renounce that. Avon then saw into Anna's mind... He saw the conditioning break down due to her remorse over him. He saw her turn against the Federation. He saw her being shot... It was He whom shot her. White space... Avon's life was a very dusty and twisted road below him. Avon saw Blake. It was his first meeting with him, on course to Cygnis Alpha. "So you are Avon... I need your help." The scene changed. They were in orbit around Star One, the Federation control complex. "I want out, I want to be free of HIM." Avon was seeing through Blake's eyes. He did not like what he was seeing and he was seeing himself! "For what it's worth Avon, I have always trusted you." Avon felt Blake's sincerity. Blake faded... Then the scene changed again. He again could see through Blake's eyes. He was on Guada Prime. "Blake. Is that you..." "It is me Avon, I set this all up..." Bang. Avon felt the shot hit Blakes body. He felt Blake's surprise at being shot... By Him. "Avon, Avon..." He felt the other shots. Most of all he felt Blake's confusion... He could not understand why Avon did not trust him. White space... Avon focused in at the events in the deep cavern on Xenon. He saw Servalan above him. He felt her hate... And her love. She felt her sadistic pleasure. The scene changed. Servalan shot herself. Avon felt a release. A release like he had never felt before. Servalan was dead and finished with. The Federation was dead and finished with. That which took his trust, that which had been a thorn in his side, was now eradicated... Totally! Soolin and Avon stood there intently gazing into each others eyes. Avon's mind returned... It felt different somehow. Lighter, brighter and more optimistic. He felt quite physically weak and fell to his knees. "Vila, please can you get me a glass of something?" "One Adrenaline and Soma coming up! What have you done to him Soolin?" "He did it all himself." They both helped Avon onto a seat. "Soolin, Vila, I'm sorry. I should have trusted you both." Vila smiled. "I think I'm going to like the new Avon." Vila went over to the drinks cabinet and poured three large glasses. "Cheers!" "Thank you Vila. You really are most kind." Vila looked at Soolin with a worried expression. "It does not sound like Avon you know." Soolin looked deep into Vila's eyes. "The Avon you know was a symptom of a disease. The disease has now been cured and the real Avon is here." "A disease you say... Cold, callus, ruthless... He almost killed me once, but, a disease?" Soolin smiled. " I can do the same for you, you know." "No thanks, I kind of like my disease. Anyway where would I be if I suddenly got religion?" "You can both come with me on my quest..." Avon smiled. His smile was different somehow, it was genuine and light. "I will come with you Soolin. I feel that I have a big debt of gratitude to repay." "How long is Avon going to be like this. I am beginning to think I liked him better the way he was!" Avon put his hand on Vila's shoulder. "Always the joker, Eh Vila!" He was jesting, not at all like Avon. Vila downed the glass and went over to pour himself another one. His hands were shaking. Religion and the supernatural had always made him nervous. Avon followed him and put his arm round his shoulder. He was acting as if he were drunk. He was just happy, he could feel trust and love again. "So Vila. We have a lot of catching up to do... What have you been doing all these years?" Soolin walked over. "You two have a nice time catching up. I have some preparations to make." With that she left them to their chat. After Vila had downed a few more glasses, he loosened up. They spent the entire evening and most of the night like old buddies. Laughing and joking. DEPARTURE The next morning Soolin awoke early. She teleported back up to the Deliverance and started programming a course, updating the memory banks and making preparations. Vila and Avon were still asleep. She instructed Zen to teleport them straight to the Deliverance. The teleport operated and at first Avon appeared, then Vila. They were both still sleeping. She went over to them. "Wake up you two! It is time to go!" Vila awoke first... "Oh! My head!" "You shouldn't drink so much Vila." He held his head in his hands and grumbled. Avon began to stir. Vila shook him. "Avon! Avon!" Avon jumped up and crouched in a defensive posture. "I had the most terrible nightmare. You and I were drinking like old buddies... and I... I was apologising profusely about everything." "That was no nightmare Avon. Actually I was beginning to like you." Soolin threw them down some clothes to ware. "Here, put these on." Avon looked a little stunned. He had come out of his stupor and was back to his 'normal' self. Vila looked at him. "Do you remember anything that happened?" "Happened? Not a thing!" Soolin put her hand on his shoulder. "You will Avon, You will." "Why do I get the impression that I am missing something?" Soolin walked over to Zen. "Do you have the correct course and speed?" "Epsilon 3, TD 17." Avon looked at Soolin with a worried expression. "That was our original course before I changed it. You were planning something all the time, weren't you Soolin." "Yes, but only at a subconscious level." She bit her lip, it was time to see if Avon's experience had changed him. "You are going to have to trust me Avon!" "Trust... Avon looked blank for a minute. OK, but only this once." "One step at a time is all it takes." Vila looked confused. "Soolin..." Soolin quickly stopped him in mid sentence. She used telepathy. ""Not now Vila, I will explain everything later." She looked at the view-screen and motioned Vila over. Vilaworld could be seen in all of its glory. A real jewel of a planet. "Take a good look, it will be the last you see of it for a while." Vila looked at the screen. "Zen, proceed with course." "Confirmed!" The deliverance turned away from Vilaworld and left orbit. It positioned itself in the direction of Epsilon 3 and accelerated to TD17. The stars blurred as the Deliverance past light speed and entered hyperspace. Two hours of flight time had passed... Avon was busy with one of the computer consoles. Soolin approached Vila. "Now would be a good time for an explanation." "About time too. I was beginning to think that you were leaving me in the dark." Soolin walked over to one of the crew quarters. Vila followed her. She sat down beside a table. Vila followed suit. "Are you aware of the Masynchi project?" "No." "What about the concept of masynchi's?" "Never heard of them!" "Well, we are going to have to start at the beginning then!" "Sound good to me, only keep it simple!" "I'll try my best." Soolin composed herself and Vila looked at her intently. "Remember ORAC?" "How could I forget him!" "Well... ORAC was based on very primitive masynchi technology." "It didn't seem that primitive to me!" "For masynchi technology, ORAC was very simple." "So what exactly is a masynchi?" "A masynchi is a point in the universe where consciousness, existence and reality merge. That is not strictly accurate, but it will do." "Oh, is that all!" Vila was being very sarcastic. "Beyond the Universe is the masynchi continuum, this is the route of everything... And I mean EVERYTHING!" "Go on..." "All sentient life is evolving towards higher consciousness. Eventually a point is reached where one transcends the physical universe and becomes a masynchi being." "Sounds like fun." "Don't worry Vila, you are still a long way off!!!" "Well thank you very much. I'm not as stupid as I look you know!" "If it is any consolation, you are nearly as intelligent as Avon. You just act the fool." "Well, if that is a complement!" Vila got up and poured himself a glass of wine. It was not very nice wine. "Can we at least go back and get some decent booze!" "I'm afraid not Vila. We have no time to waste." "So these masynchi beings then...?" "I am one. I was used in the Masynchi Project, where I was converted into THOR. Later THOR and ORAC combined, as THOR was dying. They were both absorbed, leaving my mind to expand... infinitely. That is when I became a masynchi being." "I don't understand?" "Well let me start from the beginning..." Soolin sat down again and told Vila about the Masynchi Project, from the very beginning. She then gave him the video file to view. "That sounds very... interesting. I think I have got it now. These tapes contain the complete story?" "Yes, they should fill in the gaps." Vila sat down and viewed the file. Soolin left him to it. She left the crew quarters and entered the flight deck. Avon was standing at the bow staring at a strange planet. "I think we have arrived at Epsilon 3, now what?" "Now we wait..." "For what. I don't like surprises." "Trust me Avon. Trust me." "I am beginning to make that a habit. OK then." "I have to prepare myself for the task. Please keep out of my way. I will be in the Executive suite." Soolin walked over to the other side of the flight deck. There was a large triangular door with the symbol of the Federation on it. The door opened automatically and Soolin entered. She found herself in a very large and grand room. I had a huge picture window looking down at Epsilon 3. In front of this window was a very large chair. It was were Servalan used to sit! Soolin took her place on this chair. She had a good view of Epsilon 3. She needed to contact Draal, he was in the parallel universe. In that Universe, Epsilon 3 contained a massive computer complex. Draal controlled this with his mind. This complex was a masynchi amplifier, rather like a giant beacon. She needed to contact Draal in order to form a fix on the parallel Universe. She could then create a portal large enough for the Deliverance and pass into this Universe. Soolin sat very still and entered a meditative state. ""Draal, Draal, Can you hear me Draal?"" She waited, no answer. ""Draal, Draal..."" She heard a faint echo. Using a mind control technique taught by Zenchi, she 'homed in' on this faint echo. ""Draal!"" ""Who is that?"" ""It is Soolin, from the masynchi continuum. I have been sent by Zenchi to help you. Can I come through."" There was a slight pause. ""Yes you may, you really are most welcome here."" Soolin concentrated on Draal's masynchi signature. She could visualise the parallel Epsilon 3. She could see a massive space station. ""That is it. Babylon 5."" She thought to herself. She brought herself back to waking consciousness. She then returned to the flight deck. Avon and Vila were sitting on the comfy chairs at the back. They were playing a board game. "Soolin, you have been five hours!" "Sorry, time passes quickly in the Masynchi Continuum!" "Are we ready for your plan?" "Yes, we are quite ready. Zen, lay in a course 221.8, one tenth light speed." "Affirmative." Avon looked perplexed. "That will take us just over there. In empty space!" "Watch carefully. Zen execute course." The Deliverance started to move. Soolin returned to the Executive quarters and sat back on the seat. She concentrated very hard. A portal appeared directly in front of the Deliverance. She then programmed the portal for the parallel universe. She watched from the window as the Deliverance passed through the portal. The ship seemed to shrink to sub atomic proportions, then it entered a strange corridor. It was like a spinning vortex. The vortex pushed them along. The ship began to grow again, to normal size... It entered orbit around Epsilon 3, in the parallel universe! ARRIVALS "What is that! A jump gate is forming by Epsilon 3. Launch squadrons 3 and 4!" Commander Ivanova to Captain Sheridan. "Yes what is it Susan?" "Sorry to wake you Captain. I think you should know that an unidentified ship has just jumped out of hyperspace and is in orbit around Epsilon 3." "Are you joking?" "No joke!" "I'll be right there!" The fighter squadrons surrounded the Deliverance and demanded that it surrendered. "Zen put up the force wall and clear the neutron blasters for firing!" Avon was not about to surrender! "No Avon, they are friendly! Zen lower shields and send a greeting message." "Confirmed." "Unidentified ship, this is Babylon 5. Prepare to be boarded." Commander Ivanova stated. Avon still was unconvinced. "I hope you are right Soolin." Soolin Hailed Babylon 5. "This is Earth ship Deliverance, we come in peace. Please acknowledge." The view screen activated and Commander Ivanova appeared. She composed herself and held her hands behind her back. "Your configuration is unfamiliar. You are certainly no Earth ship that I know of." "Ask Droll, He will be able to confirm that our intentions are not hostile." Soolin took a deep breath and contacted Droll telepathically. Draal's hologram appeared in C&C. Comm Ivanova and Captain Sheridan turned to face it. "She is right. Her name is Soolin and she has travelled from a parallel universe to help us. Please let her dock before her ship arouses suspicion." John Sheridan nodded to Susan Ivanova. She went over to the BabCom link. "OK Soolin, you are cleared for docking at bay 11. I am Commander Ivanova and this is Captain Sheridan. We will be down to meet you when you have docked." Vila took over the conversation. "Oh no need pretty one, we can teleport over. Zen can handle the docking procedure." Avon and Soolin looked at Vila. "You fool. They may not have teleport here. It could be regarded as hostile." Ivanova interrupted. "No, no, it's quite OK. I would kind of like to see this teleport device you have in action." Avon instructed Zen. "Initiate automatic docking procedures as specified by Babylon 5 systems." "Confirmed." "Set teleport co-ordinates for the origin of the signal." "Confirmed." "One more thing, continuous scans and full alert. I want to be able to leave at a moments notice." "Confirmed." The three of them entered the teleport chamber. "Put us down Zen." The teleport activated. There was a great bright light and three spinning vortices appeared. Ivanova and Sheridan looked on, totally amazed. The forms crystallised out into Soolin, Vila and Avon. "That's quite an entrance. Welcome to Babylon 5." "Thank you. It is just as Zenchi showed me." Ivanova looked disturbed. "Zenchi?" "You know him Commander?" "Only in my dreams... Please, call me Susan." Her expression changed to a cheery welcome. "I am Soolin, this is Avon and he is Vila." "So when is Zen joining us?" Avon laughed. "Zen is our flight computer. Very sophisticated." "Oh I see." Vila went up to Susan. "I understand that you are having a small problem with the Shadows and the Vorlons." "You could say that!" Avon walked over and put his hand on Vila's shoulder. "You will have to excuse my friend here. Tact was never his strong point." "I don't know. He certainly has a knack for getting to the point. In Russia we like that kind of thing!" Captain Sheridan spoke. "I am John Sheridan. I run this place, I am pleased to meet you all. I will leave you in Susan's capable hands. I will assign you temporary ambassadorial status." Ivanova motioned them over to the door. "We are keeping your ship in a secure bay. It is in all our interests to keep a low profile. Things have a habit of getting out of hand here, And before you know it BOOM!" The three of them followed Ivanova as she took them to a secure location. "Ambassador Soolin, Avon and Vila, here are your quarters. Is there anything I can do for you or your people Ambassador?" Avon looked angry. "We speak for ourselves. Soolin is not our leader. In fact the Deliverance is MY ship!" Ivanova smiled, turned round and walked away. When she was out of sight she threw her hands in the air and muttered. Avon closed the door. "So Soolin, now you are finally getting the attention that you crave, what is your next move!?" "This is not our Universe Avon, we are guests here. Relax, we are quite safe." Vila was already over at the mini-bar. "Fine selection of drink here!" He sat down on a big, comfortable chair and raised his full glass. "Cheer's!" Ivanova and Sheridan met up with Ambassador Delenn. "They are here then." "Yes." "Good, there is still some light left in the Universe." Sheridan looked puzzled. "You sound as if you knew they were coming." "It is an ancient Minbari prophesy. Those from over the threshold of thought will come out of the stars. They will bring with them great technology and powers beyond their imagination. There leader is called Soolin. She is a being from beyond. She is capable of taking on the Vorlons and the Shadows." Sheridan looked at Delenn. "Why did you not tell us this before?" "I wanted to be sure that I was right." Ivanova looked up. "What do you know about Zenchi?" "Very little is known. He is a being, almost a god, it is by his direction that all this is happening." "I think you ought to know. I have seen him in dreams. He kept on saying one thing. Patients, Patients... All will be resolved." "You have?" Delenn looked concerned and looked into Ivanova's eyes. "There is more to the legend. The universe they come from is linked with our own. Some souls exist in both. It is said if the two halves are united, then the result will be..." "Be what?" "They can only co-exist for a small amount of time. Then they are both lost to the void." Delenn looked even more concerned. "One master looks after one soul. If Zenchi has appeared to you, then you could be the other half of Soolin!" "I felt a certain affinity with her from the moment I saw her. It was as if I had known her forever." "You have... You must be very careful. I do not know how long the process takes." Sheridan interrupted. "We must convene the Rangers. These people must have a purpose, a plan. We must move swiftly." Delenn nodded. "I agree. We will meet Tomorrow at 08:00, I will make the arrangements." During the evening, Susan visited Soolin in her quarters. They exchanged stories about Zenchi, the masynchi continuum and their soul linkage. They also devised a plan to end the war forever. THE RANGERS The Rangers convened at 08:00 hours. There were many mutterings and murmurs. Soolin, Avon and Vila walked in. Captain Sheridan opened the meeting. "We have some very special visitors here with us. They are to join us in our battle against the enemy. I have convened this meeting to ask for your support. We must stand united if there is to be a hope of victory." Ambassador Delenn took the cue. "May I be the first ambassador to welcome our new friends. We hope that you understand the significance of their presence. They are our last hope." There were many murmurs from the assembled. One of the Ambassadors spoke up. "How can we know that they can be trusted? Look what happened with the Vorlons." Another one spoke. "Even if they can be trusted, how do we know that they are capable of helping us?" Ivanova answered. "You have our guarantee and word that they are to be trusted." Avon spoke next. "As for our capabilities. I have assessed your technology and that of your enemy. Our ship is considerably faster and can travel trans-light without jumpgates. Our computing power is greater and our tachyon blaster can match their firepower. We also have teleport capabilities." Soolin stood up and walked over to the delegates. "I am capable of competing with your enemy. They are from the same place that I am. I have support and a few surprises." The delegates conferred. "How about a demonstration. If you are as powerful as you say, you could liberate one of our homeworlds." Avon: "We could give a small demonstration." Delenn disagreed. "No Avon, we cannot risk alerting the enemy, not until we are ready for the final attack." Soolin: "We have to approach this from a different angle. I propose a three fold attack strategy." The assembled watched Soolin intently. "Firstly, with the combined telepathic abilities of myself and Susan, we can render the Vorlons defenceless. After that, a fleet of white Stars can attack the Vorlon Home World. A simultaneous attack on Z'ha'dum by the Deliverance should secure victory." Delenn looked worried. "Are you sure you can do it. Is the Deliverance powerful enough to tackle Z'ha'dum by itself?" Soolin smiled. "The Deliverance is equipped with a tachyon blaster. It has the power to completely destroy a planet. Zen is the most advanced computer in the Galaxy and the Deliverance can travel at TD17. It is superior to the Shadows ships and they are very vulnerable at the moment." Delenn looked at Soolin. "And the Vorlons." "The fleet of white Stars is no match for the Vorlon fleet. With the combined telepathic power of myself and Susan, we can render them useless." "Is that not very dangerous?" Ivanova took over the answering. "Yes, we both may die. This is our last, best hope! We are willing to take the chance. We have an ace up our sleeves." She was referring to Zenchi, of course. It was important to keep this secret, just in case of a mole. Delenn nodded approvingly. She turned and addressed the assembled. "We will still need your help. With it we stand a good chance of ending this war." The assembled talked amongst themselves. Delenn closed the meeting. "We will re-convene at 20:00 tomorrow. That should give you ample time to decide." The delegates walked out of the meeting, discussing it. "Do you really think we can win?" "I don't know. Who is Soolin, can we trust her?" That night Soolin and Susan left for the Vorlon home world in a starfury. They wanted to give the Rangers a clear message. Avon and Vila prepared the Deliverance for its mission. They met Captain Sheridan in the docking bay. "You will need a good pilot." Avon smiled. "We will need a miracle I think!" "I know this territory and have travelled to Z'ha'dum, I am also an accomplished pilot." Vila butted in. "Sounds reasonable, we need all the help we can get." "*Reasonable* Tell me one thing that we have done so far that is reasonable... And I will show you a corpse!" Sheridan was not used to Avon's humour. "Look! You need a good pilot. You also need someone whom knows the are!" Sheridan put out his hand in a gesture of friendship. Avon did not accept it but said. "Agreed." The next day at 20:00 the Rangers reconvened. Delenn broke the news. "Soolin and Susan have left for the Vorlon Home-world in a starfury. They will have arrived by now. Captain Sheridan is on the Deliverance with Avon and Vila. They are making final preparations. Are you with us." The RANGERS discussed it amongst themselves. The decision was far from unanimous. "We are with you." "No, I think the whole idea is ludicrous." "I don't know if you can be trusted." "I have reservations. butt I am with you." One third of the delegates remained. "Thank you for remaining. This will make it more difficult, but we can still win. As Avon once told me: In the end, winning is the only safety." The remaining delegates looked concerned. "This is suicide. How can we possibly take on both the Shadows and the Vorlons?" "We *must* win. It is our only hope. The white star fleet is waiting in hyperspace. We will leave in four hours." The meeting adjourned. From: creative-archive@anxst.com Subject: Masynchi (Part 7) by David J Baker Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 19:34:09 -0700 (PDT) name = David J Baker email = DAVID_J_BAKER@compuserve.com title = Masynchi (Part 7) story = MASYNCHI: Part 7. Please see Masynchi Introduction for information and the disclaimer. BATTLE The Deliverance was first to leave, It could travel at trans-light speed without jump gates. The white star fleet arrived through the jumpgate and orbited Babylon 5. In six hours the fleet would be fully operational and ready for its departure for the Vorlon homeworld. Timing was of utmost importance. Only if both attacks were synchronous could they succeed. Indeed, only if Soolin and Susan blocked the Vorlons successfully did any of them stand a hope in hell! Any mishaps and they were all history. The Deliverance stood off Z'ha'dum at a safe, undetectable distance. The white star fleet did similar at the Vorlon homeworld, using a moon for cover. They were both awaiting a signal from Soolin and Susan... Soolin and Suzan had been on the Vorlon homeworld for many hours. They had managed to evade capture due to their small size. They also used a telepathic trick. The starfury looked like just another bit of space debris at first glance. That is all it was given by the Vorlons. Soolin had been educated by Zenchi about the technology and structure of the Vorlon society. In order to block them, they needed to be close. The Vorlons had a shield that protected their planet from outside influence. This shield was semi-permeable, like a massive intestine. A lot of the Vorlons technology had an organic basis. The shield allowed the Vorlons to send out influence, but blocks any incoming influences. It was their second skin. They needed to get beneath the shield to have any effect. To do that they needed to emulate a piece of space debris, down to the landing! It was going to be tough. Soolin had bad memories of power diving atmospheres with the Scorpio. Ivanova was an expert pilot though, and a starfury is a lot easier to control than a planet hopper. They set a course that would put them on the outskirts of Vorlon territory. "Get ready Soolin, beginning the power dive!" Soolin braced herself. The starfury raced towards the atmosphere. When it reached the outer limits it skimmed like a stone on water. It then entered the atmosphere and began its, almost vertical, descent. Whoooooooooosh, Bang! As the starfury crashed Susan pulled it up level with the ground. It ploughed into the soft earth and left a long trail. Crash! Susan kicked open the canopy. "Are you all right Soolin?" "I have seen better days. Lets just get on with it, shall we." "OK!" They both climbed out of the wreckage. "We need to move fast..." Soolin was concerned. "I agree. Let's go." They ran for cover. When they had entered a wooded area they slowed down to a forced march. "We need to get into one of the shield generators. There we can send a telepathic masynchi agent into its protocol. Then we can modulate it to send the signal." "Sounds rather complicated Soolin." "Yes, but I have practised this many times." Soolin had also made a mental plan of the route. They camped down for the night. They would resume at daybreak. They both needed rest and meditation to enhance their telepathic abilities. The two did not know each other that well. During the trip they were both too fired up to communicate. Out here though, in the dead of night in enemy territory, they needed the companionship. They decided to continue their conversation that they began on Babylon 5. Susan decided that a recap was needed to break the ice. "So Soolin, tell me again. How did you get into all this?" "It was Zenchi. He told me of the problem with the Vorlons and the Shadows. He said that they are a threat to consciousness itself." "How did you meet Zenchi?" "I had an experience with something called the masynchi project..." Soolin and Susan exchanged stories. Soolin told the masynchi story, the story of Blake and her part in the scheme of things. Susan relayed her experience with the Psi Corps, The Vorlons and Shadows and her encounter with the masynchi virus. They both exchanged even more stories of Zenchi. They talked for hours... The sun began to rise so did Soolin and Susan. They still had three miles to travel. They made their way through the forest. It was beautiful. The smell of spring was in the air. The complex they were looking for was underground. It would be easy to find as the Vorlons were not particularly worried about invasion. None but the Shadows could stand a chance against them, so they thought. "Over here!" "What have you found Soolin?" "It looks like an entrance of some kind." In front of them lay a rectangular slab of stone. It was raised up at an angle. At the side was a panel, it had three circles within one large circle. "Strange looking door knob." Remarked Susan with dry humour. "And I have the key!" Soolin placed three of her fingers on the strange symbol. She then concentrated very hard. The door began to move. It took a while to open fully. "After you..." "No, after you!" Soolin entered first. Before her lay the most amazing array of bio-organic technology. The place was lit from a source in the roof. It cast bleak shadows across the floor. The entire complex was like an ancient Egyptian pyramid. Some of the technology looked alive, breathing almost. Most of the colours were dark, mainly browns and greens. They approached a device that looked like a giant shell. "This is it." Proclaimed Soolin. "All we have to do is deactivate it. The telepaths on the White Stars will be able to block the Vorlons until we can ." Soolin set about deactivating the shield. She placed her hands upon the device and concentrated. The breathing noised from the machines began to subside. They then pulsed as the shield was modulated. The signal... The shield fluttered and died. "We must leave quickly!" They left the complex unaware of the approaching Vorlons... The White Star fleet behind the moon received the signal and began their assault on the Vorlon homeworld. Surprise was their greatest ally. They flew in low and bombarded the planet with heavy fire. They were met by a fleet of Vorlon fighters. The telepaths managed to block the first wave, again a big surprise. Subsequent waves were more difficult to deal with however... The Deliverance also received the signal courtesy of an improved Zen computer. "Sensors indicate a field modulation emission consistent with the prescribed parameters." Captain Sheridan got up from his console, tired after his long wait. "OK! That is the signal. Lets go!" Avon lifted his fingers in the air in a cautionary movement. "Don't be too sure, we need to be certain." "We are as certain as we will ever be Avon." "Crusading idealists. OK, I only hope that you are right." "Trust me." Vila wandered through half drunk and half dressed. "What is going on? Has it started?" Avon looked at him sarcastically. "Ready as ever?" They took their places at the flight consoles. Sheridan was in the pilots position, Avon was in the computer relay position and Vila was in a relaxed position! Sheridan gave the order. "Proceed!" Avon instructed Zen. "Zen. Battle computers on line. Clear the tachyon blaster for firing and activate the force wall." "Confirmed." "We are going in. It will be a rough ride." Sheridan took the Deliverance on manual and engaged the ship on a direct course for Z'ha'dum. The star drive whirred and the stars seemed to blur. They were thrust back into their seats. Vila looked decidedly unwell. Suddenly, Sheridan pulled back and dropped out of trans-light speed. They were in a close orbit around Z'ha'dum. "Vila, stand by on the tachyon blaster." Vila rubbed his head and leaned over the weapon controls. "Ready." "FIRE!" Vila fired the tachyon blaster. "PRRRRRRR..... BOOOOOOM" "PRRRRRRR..... BOOOOOOM" The surface of Z'ha'dum erupted into activity like a giant volcano. A fleet of Shadow ships closed in on the Deliverance. "We are going in for another pass." Sheridan took the controls and did a jump to light speed and a tight turn back towards the planet. The surface was now red at one side and great chunks of it were now in orbit! He dodged the fragments with precision. "Now Vila!" "PRRRRRR... BOOOOOOM" "PRRRRRR... BOOOOOOM" "CRACK... RUMBLE... BOOOOOOOOOM!" Z'ha'dum broke in two like a giant egg. Lava spurting out at all angles, the fire lit the sky. A great shock wave started at its centre and began to spread out. All in its path was reduced to rubble. "Lets get out of here *FAST*!" Sheridan took the controls and set a course directly away from the shock wave. Most of the Shadow ships were destroyed. Great screams could be heard and fragments of ships flew through the sky. The Deliverance was hit by the tail end of the shock wave. It spun through space at light speed. It eventually came to a stop. The place was a mess. Vila was unconscious on the floor and Sheridan was sitting down cradling his knee. Avon brushed himself off. "Zen! Damage report!" "The Star Drive is non functional, Weapons are non functional, life support is at minimum capacity. Estimated auto-repair time 32 standard hours." "OK. Where are we?" "Navigational systems are processing data. We are in an region of neutral space. Precise location unknown." "Lets take a look." The view screen activated and displayed a number of Shadow ships. Most seemed dead, but one or two had signs of life.... Meanwhile on the Vorlon homeworld, the White Star fleet had obtained major damage, with up to two thirds being lost. The Vorlon fleet had been badly hit. It had retreated to the home world and waited... Delenn was on the lead White Star. "Why do you think they have retreated? They were winning." "I don't know Ambassador, we should strike now." "Yes, you are right Lennier." Then a signal was detected. It was aimed at Delenn personally. "We have Soolin and Ivanova. If you attack us they will die." The view screen activated revealing Soolin and Ivanova in the custody of the Vorlons. Ivanova screamed. "Attack Delenn, *Attack*, it is our only hope!" A Vorlon looked at her and seemed to inflict pain. The view screen went blank. Marcus looked at Delenn. "We have to get them out of there." "Yes I know." Suddenly a jump gate opened. Through it flew the remaining Vorlon fleet. "Battle stations!" The white star fleet moved into a defensive posture, expecting an attack by the Vorlons. They did not attack, and flew straight past. The remaining Vorlon ships left the planet and joined the fleet. A strange jump gate opened in front of the fleet. "That's odd. I have never seen a jump point like that before." Marcus was perplexed. It dawned on Delenn. "It's a trap! Set a course away from the planet. Signal all ships." The Vorlon fleet entered the 'jump gate' which was actually a portal produced by Soolin. As the last ships passed through, the Vorlon home world began to shake... Meanwhile, The Deliverance was about to engage in a deadly confrontation with the Shadows. One of the ships was a lot less damaged than it at first appeared. "Zen, I want an analysis of its capabilities." "Confirmed." Vila was now standing up, looking very worried. "What is it Avon?" "I think we have a problem..." Sheridan interrupted. "A very dangerous problem." Zen had completed his analysis and gave his report. "The Shadow ship will reach offensive capabilities in 1.2 standard hours." "How soon can you have the weapons back on line?" "Accessing... Neutron blasters will be back on line in 1.7 hours. The tachyon Blaster will require a replacement neutron source to become functional." Avon looked worried. "Flight capabilities?" "The sub light manoeuvring thrusts are operational. The main drive will be back on line in 3.6 hours." Vila looked at Avon. "How far in front of the Shadow ship can we get in half an hour." "Not far enough!" Sheridan walked over. "I have an idea Avon. If one of us were to board the Shadow ship, we could disable it. Does your teleport device still work?" "Zen!" "Teleport has function, but not full function." Vila looked worried. "I will operate the teleport then." "Relax Vila, the job needs skill, I will go." "Actually Avon, it would be better if I went. No one knows the Shadows like I do." "Well, if you must." Sheridan walked into the teleport chamber and pulled out his PPG. "Ready." "It will be a bumpy ride. You do understand that there are no guarantees that we can get you back?" "This way we stand a chance." Avon operated the teleport. Captain Sheridan's molecules spun round in a vortex and began to disappear. They phased back in and out a few times and the teleport looked like it was failing. Avon frantically pushed buttons. "Zen! All power to the teleport... *NOW!*" The teleport lit up and Sheridan vanished. A few painful seconds passed. "Sheridan to Deliverance. Down and Safe." "We will monitor you continuously." Sheridan was standing in the Shadow ship. It was very dark and damp, like a living cave. A faint rustling sound came from an inner section. Sheridan made his way towards the noise. He came to a section that contained the neural interface. Inside there was a young human female. Sheridan sighed with disgust over what the Shadows had done to her. He put his hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, I am here to get you out." He started to disconnect the interface wiring, the rustling sound stopped. "Wake up! Wake up!" There was no response, she was unrouseable. "Sheridan to Deliverance." "What is it Sheridan?" "I have neutralised the ship. A young human female was being used as its processor. I will send her back first." "Are you sure that is wise?" "Just do it Avon." "All right then, if you are sure." Avon activated the teleport. The young girls body began to de-fragment into its molecules. These spun round and disappeared. Something went wrong. The masynchi thought tracker had tried to lock onto the girls mind. That was still in the Shadow ship! It attempted to teleport the entire ship. The result was a masynchi rift. The Shadow ship, with Sheridan still aboard was catapulted into a parallel dimension. "Avon! Do something!" "Zen! What happened!?" "The Shadow ship has been trans-located to a parallel dimension. It was attracted by a similar thought pattern. There is no more information." "There is nothing we can do here, we need Soolin." Avon programmed in a course for Babylon 5... The Vorlon home world exploded in a giant flash. The white star fleet was caught in the fireball. Ships exploded, others were torn to pieces. Only a handful survived. Most of these were badly damaged. Delenn's ship had been hit badly, but was still operational. "Send out a distress call." "Right away." "We must asses our losses." Marcus was at a console. He looked sick. "We have lost over 90% of the fleet. We only have a handful of ships left and most of those are beyond repair." "Start the salvage operation. Pick up as many survivors as you can." The salvage operation took several hours. One of the ships exploded in space, all nine surviving crew were killed instantly. In all there were 137 survivors, many badly injured. A call came in from Babylon 5. "Avon to Lead Star, come in Lead Star." "Avon, this is Lead Star. How did you do?" "I picked up your distress beacon. We have destroyed Z'ha'dum and only a handful of Shadows survived. The Deliverance is badly damaged and undergoing repair. We have limited capabilities and the tachyon blaster is useless." "We have all but been wiped out. The Vorlons jumped into a different dimension, just before destroying their own planet. They have Soolin and Susan. Their fleet was less badly damaged." "We can rendezvous with you in three hours." "Your help will be appreciated." The Deliverance left to help the crippled White Star fleet. Avon boarded the Lead Star and broke the news regarding Sheridan. "...You see, we have no way of knowing where he is, but it is likely to be the same place as the Vorlons, Soolin and Susan." Delenn looked distressed. "We must launch a rescue mission." "That may be some time off I am afraid. We do not know where to start looking, even if we could re- create the teleport accident." "When the time is right, Avon, When the time is right. We *must* find them." The fleet returned to Babylon 5. It was not the same without Sheridan, Susan and Soolin. Dr Franklin had taken temporary command. Avon and Vila stayed, bringing the Deliverance back up to full capability. There was a strange air of sorrow. The Shadows and Vorlons were out of the picture, at least for the time being, but it was like the calm before a storm... k