Twin Earth

Chapter 67

"If you decide to stay Tom, there is nothing here but the natural environment to play with. There's no creator technology left to be in awe about. No accolades or noble prizes to be earned. This is medieval life right here," Rachel stated sarcastically, walking away slightly and beginning to put her equipment away. "But, I like it. It feels quiet here. No politics to worry about, no greed, we simply work together to make a better home for ourselves."

"Tell that to the witch hunters over there," James remarked, pointing to the ever increasing crowd that had gathered in the distance.

"Can you blame them?" Rachel replied angrily, turning to look at James and Yuki. "We could have had something amazing here. We could have created a world between our two planets that worked together, sharing technology and knowledge to become better humans, but what did we do? The first chance we got, we invaded, stole and plundered Mochuvia for everything it had got. It makes me sick."

"Human nature," Yuki replied sadly.

"Is it though? The people here are nothing like those on Earth and we were all created in the same place. How can one civilisation be so different from another," Rachel quipped, clearly upset.

"This is getting us nowhere," I announced.

"Tom's right. We should leave. Mr Apo, is there anything you can share with us before we leave because if what you say is true, once that gate is closed, we will be cut off from each other forever. Is there no way to even communicate between our two worlds?" James asked in desperation.

I could see how upset Yuki was and how disappointed James looked, but as I watched Yuki and Apo argue I suddenly remembered there was some creator technology left on this side of the sphere, but for reasons unknown I decided to keep my mouth shut.

"Son? You seem deep in thought," my father asked, walking over to me and catching me off guard. "You know, if you do decide to stay, I will stay with you."

"What about Hawaii?" I asked without thinking.

"What about Hawaii? I've already lost you twice in my life, do you really think I would leave you a third time?"

"But like Apo says, there could be more portals on Earth. If the maps are correct there could be so much more to discover on Earth than just the Scottish circle. Wouldn't you, wouldn't I want to be involved in that?" I asked more to myself than anyone, but the idea of returning and having to explain everything to the British government and being involved with more Roberts of the world just gave me an uneasy feeling. I realised Rachel was right. I didn't trust Earth humans any more than she did.

"Perhaps our future is here, not Earth, don't you think?" my father replied as if reading my thoughts.

Confused, I wondered if he knew I was hiding something.

"It's time to go," James announced to me, as Yuki marched off in disgust pushing Apo aside as she did so.

"She seems angry," I replied.

"Well, let's just say it's going to be a long night. You're staying aren't you?"

Even though I hadn't actually come to any decision consciously, I knew I was staying before James had even asked.

"Earth has changed a lot," I mumbled, looking into the distance at the angry crowd and at Apo who had gone to calm them down so my team could leave safely. "I don't think I'm cut out for all the politics either."

"But this place is a shit hole," James whispered, taking me aside. "I know it's great to see Rachel again, but when that portal closes, you can't come back. You'll never see Earth again. Is that what you really want?"