Insider

Quantum Travel

Footsteps echoed along the corridor as Axel and Eoin walked through.

"So which is the first base that I am going to visit?" asked Axel.

"The first base is in Mumbai, India. It is not as high-tech as Atlantis II, but it still isn't too far behind."

"And what is being researched there?"

"As far as I know, bio-warfare weapons are being developed there. The latest news is that a virus is being modified there. You'll get more detailed information when you get there." saying this Eoin swung open the huge metal door leading to the displacement room. "Well, here we are. This is going to be your first trip. I'll just go the control room. I'll give you your instructions. Also, undress yourself to the bare minimum. Explanations later."

5 minutes later, Axel was standing in his boxers inside the displacement capsule, his face a deep shade of crimson.

Eoin's voice boomed from a speaker somewhere. He was laughing "No need to feel shy, only male workers here".

Axel heard a wave of laughter in the background as his face turned even redder.

"Anyways, keeping the jokes apart, I had told you to remove your clothes as they might get chemically joined with the molecules of your skin when they are being reformed on the other side. It does seem cool though. A permanent Kevlar vest stuck to your chest. Clothes will be obviously provided at Accra. Also, you might feel a little bit nauseous. DO NOT PUKE IN QUANTUM SPACE, unless you want puke particles to be a permanent part of your body. You can relieve yourself after exiting quantum space. Any questions?"

Axel shook his head.

"Okay then. Black Hole formed in 3..2..1 !"

Axel heard a sudden whizzing of motors and a loud electric buzz. He looked down to see a huge flash of light and suddenly transforming into a black whorl of nothingness. The glass floor slid open and he fell in.

First it all became black. Slowly and slowly, Axel could not feel his body parts. First his legs, then his abdomen and then all the way to his forehead.

Then slowly everything started swirling, the colour turned into a purplish white milky place.

Well this is quantum space I guess.

Suddenly a bright flash of light appeared and before Axel could comprehend what was happening he was sucked towards it. First he felt his arms returning then his torso and finally his whole body. He opened his eyes to see himself in a capsule exactly like the one he had been in before entering quantum space

A voice boomed from a speaker. It had a slight Arabic accent, "Welcome back to the world Mr. Smithson. Your clothes are on a stool on the left of the capsule."

Axel stepped out of the capsule. He looked around. The room was the exact copy of the one in Atlantis II. He looked to the left of the capsule to find his clothes. He was buttoning his suit on as man stepped in. He was wearing the same suit that he was provided with and had s prominent beard and black, bushy eyebrows.

He spoke, "I am Jahi Nagi. I am the security head here. I will personally see you off to the airport. If you may follow me please."

They took an elevator just outside the room all the way up to a dusty small building. The door of the elevator was cleverly hidden behind a rotating door which was the same colour as the wall and hidden by a carpet. It was sweltering hot and Axel was sweating the moment he stepped out of the elevator.

They went down the stairs and landed in a carpet shop. Two lazy shopkeepers were sleeping on chairs. Jahi smacked them on their heads and shouted, "Get to work! Bunch of lazy good for nothing asses!"

Axel was grinning as they stepped into a black Dodge Viper. "So that was the base then?"

Jahi answered, "No, no! There are a lot of floors underground. We have to remain undiscovered therefore this poor outfit."

Axel nodded "Anyways, it seems that the human mind does have a conscience, doesn't it?"

"What? Oh yes, you just went through your first quantum journey. Do humans have a conscience? Well it's a raging debate with our experts. Some believe it does have one while others say it is just our last thoughts frozen when our brain dissipated into particles. We might never know."

Axel thought about it and nodded in agreement.

After being stuck in the crowded roads for half an hour, Axel and Jahi finally reached The Kotoka International Airport. They again entered through a back gate and drove all the way to a hangar. As Axel stepped out of the car, a hot wind blew across his face which was even hotter in the airport due to the airplane exhaust.

Inside the hangar was a similar Learjet but there was no capsule. Jahi signalled to the pilot and a staircase slid down.

That is pretty self-sufficient.

Axel was led inside the plane. The interiors were tailor made for a luxurious ride.

Jahi spoke, "Well then, make yourself comfortable and enjoy the journey."

He pointed to a small fridge at the back he told, "All the snacks and drinks you need are there in the mini bar. Rihlat saeida!"

Saying this Jahi saluted Axel and backed down the plane as the engines started to roar.