The Impossible Future: Complete set by Frank Kennedy (mini ebook reader .txt) 📕

blast rifles, create a perimeter around the crowd. Some of these strangers stood on the single-level roofs of stores and cafes. Where had they come from? He answered his own question when he looked directly behind, down the eastern boulevard. A cargo transport filled his view. Under the bow, a single word: Spearhead.

A hand grabbed him. The woman who shot him in the heart bent down to one knee. She tapped her temple.

“He has risen, Admiral.” She tapped off her amp and smiled, just as his mother did before pampering him. “You’ve been reborn, Rikhi. Look.” She pointed to the wound, which left a black stain on his shirt but was otherwise healed. “Do you understand now? Why you always felt different? The joy you now feel is salvation.”

Rikhi knew what she meant. The weight of his life vanished. He felt a light surging through his soul, blotting out everything he thought he understood. Then, just as quickly, he remembered what the woman said before killing him.

“Did you really do it? Did you kill my brothers and sisters?”

“Yes. And we have just now executed your mother. We have saved your father so you may bear witness.”

He wanted to be furious; he wanted to reach out and strangle the woman. But Rikhi’s anger died as the woman kissed him on the cheek. He didn’t know how it was possible, but he was meant to love this stranger and all others like her.

“Time for you to meet your new father, who will care for you until the end of time.”

The women lifted Rikhi and started toward the crowd.

“The eternal tyranny of the Chancellors is about to end,” the giant speaker on the monument said. “A new race of immortals who will be your protectors, not your oppressors, will push aside the obsolete rule of failed, self-made gods and replace them with the most perfect creations in the universe. The highest form of evolution. True gods have come at last.

“My immortals are the flagbearers of the gods you will know as the Jewels. You may have heard Chancellor propagandists call them monsters, abominations, or failed hybrids. Nothing is further from the truth. They control life and death itself. They bring wonder and misery, miracles and devastation in equal measure. But today, they will fulfill your greatest dreams. All they will ask in return is your undying loyalty.”

A voice spoke up. “We’ve heard about your lot. If you’re so almighty, why you threaten us with rifles and laser guns?”

The giant man in olive body armor – himself sporting a blast rifle – smirked.

“We do not mean to use these weapons against you. We are providing security for the Jewel who will look over this town long after we’ve gone. But first,” he said, turning toward Rikhi, “I want to demonstrate a miracle.”

The crowd parted as Rikhi’s captors led him to the monument. Gasps followed in louder waves as he passed. Their awestruck gazes and sagging shoulders told Rikhi they saw his corpse moments ago.

The giant looked down upon Rikhi and welcomed him.

“Call me Admiral Valentin,” he said. “You are the five hundred and fifth immortal we have liberated.” Admiral Valentin turned to the crowd. “Death can be defied. We are proof. Rikhi Syed is proof. We cannot die, which makes us an enemy to the Chancellors. It also means we can literally fight for you to the end of time. Can the Chancellors say the same?”

“This proves nothing,” a voice rose over the crowd. “You are frauds. You never killed the Syed boy.” Other voices rose in agreement. “These murderers brought down the space elevator on Earth. They have raided colonies and killed a million or more citizens of the Collectorate!” And another: “They are wanted by the Guard. We must act now. We will be heroes to …”

A single shot cut the air; the protestor fell. A woman beside him screamed and bent over his body. Rikhi saw olive-green soldiers take offensive stances, their weapons aimed. Everyone knew the damage a Mark-class blast rifle could inflict. Peacekeepers often showed off their handiwork in propaganda streams.

“Please understand,” Valentin continued when the roar died down. “We will only kill those who need to die. We will not tolerate reckless and irresponsible incitement to violence. Nor we will allow apostates to pose a threat to you or us. The apostates have openly conspired with the Chancellory to benefit themselves at your expense. They are conspirators in the poisoning of your fields.”

Incredulous shouts blended with accusatory fingers pointed at those who Rikhi knew to be among the town’s leading citizens.

“Rikhi.”

He faced his father, Muhar.

“Son, come to me.” The man reached out. “These people are murderers. They are …”

“Here to save me.”

The words fell from the boy’s lips as if on instinct. He didn’t know they were coming, yet they felt natural. Inevitable.

Admiral Valentin pointed to Muhar.

“This apostate is the worst of the criminals.”

A disciple in olive grabbed Muhar and shoved him to his knees.

“At this time, I ask you to bring forth your apostates,” Valentin told the crowd. “Drag them to my feet.”

Fists flew and screams shook the square. To Rikhi’s shock, they obeyed. Within minutes, eight squealing, pleading men and women sat face-down before the admiral.

“Your people know you too well,” he told them. “They have been waiting for the opportunity to show how they feel about apostates who collaborate with Chancellors.” He studied the crowd. “Today, we will restore what you have lost and remove the enemy from your land.” He pointed up the western boulevard. “Walk to the fields. We have an incredible surprise for you.”

Valentin waited until they dispersed, soldiers flanking their processional. The women who escorted Rikhi stayed behind to gather the apostates. Valentin grabbed Rikhi by the hand.

As they followed the masses, Valentin spoke to the boy.

“Do