Meltdown Ophilion - Book One

51_IRREVERSABLE

"People of Ophilion," Jenna began, "I am one of you, though I do not live in a com-zone. I am of the Regala. Ten generations ago my people left the com-zones to live in the Triacle Wastelands; what we call Bonthran-Tel. Our elders did not agree with new policies that gave too much power to the rulers; that allowed the com-zones to grow beyond reasonable limits; that allowed the Keneso to be completely separated from the Cholan. We are all connected – what one of us does affects everyone in some way.

"We learned of the weapons tests in our asteroid belt from the Merenthaal. They told us of the potential danger. I was instructed to travel to Kypro and try to speak with someone who held authority – who could look at the problem and help solve it. My goal was to share our knowledge and avoid a catastrophe. That meeting never took place, and I now realize it would have been ineffective.

"The greed of the rulers of Kypro has blinded them." She made a pause and felt something alter inside her. "We know it's difficult to understand but... in the end..." Jenna swallowed and a tear streaked her face, "in the end many of you will not survive this," she said, her voice breaking, "because you did not accept what you are feeling now – because you closed your hearts and your minds; because you did not stop and think.

"If the Ancient Code had been followed we would not be at this critical point in our history. We could have avoided this. When the tests happen the com-zones will become death zones, just as the Chiefs have explained.

"Think. Don't be manipulated by the rulers. They have been dominated by the Baccaran, those malignant beings who care nothing about your lives; who are only concerned about power and control and will stop at nothing to get it." Jenna couldn't help glancing at the dark aliens as she condemned them. She noticed the way they looked at her and immediately felt a knot of cold in her stomach. She found herself wishing she had not mentioned the Baccaran in her address.

There was a full minute of silence following Jenna's entreaty. The wall screens around the planet displayed the four young Ophilion standing in silent vigil, and their whole world held vigil with them, waiting for what might come next. The whole planet, it seemed, was suspended in time, held in the grip of Destiny.

Orion was next to speak. He told of his experience with the Merenthaal, of his doubts and fears and of the reality he had come to accept. He told them about love – the love that he felt from the aliens who had come to help them at this point in their history.

He explained the evacuation system which had been set up by the Merenthaal, that this was the way the Merenthaal could help them, this is what they were allowed to do.

There were already functional camps outside each of the one hundred thirty-eight com-zones – three camps per com-zone – and Merenthaal representatives were ready to receive the people.

Starting from the end of the broadcast all who wished could proceed to the camps. No one would be refused if they came in peace. The Merenthaal guaranteed protection from the effects of the hexolium fusion event.

With tears in her eyes and a hand to her lips, Belarin watched as her son addressed the planet. He had helped to conclude the work for which his father had given his life. She felt a closure taking place; deep wounds healing; insurmountable obstacles being moved.

Fel spoke next. He briefly recounted the discoveries they had made and where it had led them. He told them more about the Merenthaal – about their mission and goals. He criticized the Order and the rulers and the com-zone system that served to reduce millions to virtual slavery, that sponsored crime and abuse. He spoke of the wonders and beauties that he had experienced in the free-zone. He told them of their journey through the underground.