Hunter Tomson - 8/1/2022
Hunter Tomson - 8/1/2022Temptation is a funny little thing.
It’s ebbs and it’s flows as it strikes at something..
The heart wont just listen to your one true desire.
If love is a beauty. Then temptations the fire.
As we crossed the threshold into Datenshutz, I hoped to draw a definitive line between past events and the future. Warmer pastures were certainly ahead. They had to be. Why else would we have travelled all this way? Unfortunately, upon entry, I was met with a cold steel environment within which all elements of warmth and greetings were left vacant. Ahead, stretched out a long open walkway. As we proceeded forwards, a lively hum began to echo through the walls. With each step I took the hum wormed its way deeper and deeper inside of me. It set me on edge. Something was different here. The place was alive with technology. A harsh transition from the mountainous terrain we had travelled. Then again, as I look down at my snow drenched clothes and feel the nerves in my toes slowly regaining their feeling, perhaps technology could be of use. I’d love a hairdryer right now. A warm bath? Heck, even a towel would do wonders.
As we neared the end of the walkway the hum seemed to soften. Rather than its initial disturbance, the drone was buried deeper. It was now something that nestled within me. A softness that didn’t feel entirely irregular. How odd for a sound to behave this way. But odd was almost the usual at this point in our adventures. My thoughts were soon disrupted with the sound of a gigantic metal door sweeping down behind us. By doing so, we were now kept in a small chamber. The door was strong and unforgiving. A dull paint on the exit door read ‘Quarantäne.’ Just as my mind began to think about what sort of quarantine we were about to endure, a strong jet of purple water vapour unleashed from the ceiling. The clouds were thick in substance. They slammed down around me with the strength of a tidal wave, so much tot he extent that I was thrown to the floor. I checked around me to see Garret also being washed to the far corner of the room. Of course Garret was laughing. This was all just one big adventure for this guy. In opposition, Alfa remained standing. Her back leg extended out in some kind of a bracing movement. The vapour had not broken her stance. She really is a smooth operator. I’m about to stand up when I notice the floor beneath me transform. The gripped solid surface had now become a grid, within the grid were small grooved holes where the vapour water now drained through. Within moments the water was gone. Very efficienr.
The door ahead began to rise. As it did a cloaked figure stood ahead of us. Behind him, stood four Legionaries. I could tell they were Legionaires from Garret’s previous descriptions. Garret had done a great job building my imagination about what they could be, but I’ll admit in their presence, no words could quite do them justice. As I was about to inspect them further, the cloaked figure stepped forward. Whilst doing so a dim purple light within the pathway scoured his face. The man’s head was entirely shaven. He looked old and weary but his presence emitted a field of wisdom. Upon his arrival, I had expected perhaps a worker, or civilian, perhaps someone to greet us. But seeing him now, I was convinced, this was the man in charge. There wasn’t much to him. His face was simple in it’s features. No singular point retained a description of interest. His bland dull appearance had me bending my head in an attempt to get a closer look at the Legionaries that stood behind. Each one was unique in its appearance, barring some similarities. The most obvious similarity was their sheer size. Even at a distance, they towered above us. A thick armour buried their existence. Wide brutish shoulders glistened in the light. Chains and belts hung from all areas, each of them littered with a series of attachments. Grenades, weapons, and strange metalic symbols hung from each link. The strangest component to their composition had to be the vibrant purple fluid flowed throughout their suits. The sum of their parts of were all linked with a wireish tubing. It was filled with the strange purple liquid that flowed through them with an ominous current.
‘Welcome to Datenszhutz, we have been waiting for this day for an eternity.’ The man said whilst approaching Alfa. A warm smile etched across his face.
‘You must be Alfa. I’ve heard rumours about you. It seems many are true. I wonder if your beauty runs as deep as the rumours I’ve heard.’
‘I am Gaspar, one of the spiritual leaders for The Human League. I’d like to welcome you. We hope your stay will be most enlightening. I am sure you have many questions, but first, I suggest time for you to eat and rest. You must be tired from your journey. Most are. We can speak in more detail tomorrow.’
He turned to face the nearest Legionary, ‘Please lead our guests to their chambers.’
Gaspar then stepped forwards towards Garret. For a while, he gazed into Garrets eyes. Garret returned his stare with a fierce gaze.
‘It seems this one is here for a different purpose.’ Gaspar stated. He placed his arm on Garrets right arm.
‘How delightful, you, can follow us.’
The Legionary stepped forward, whilst doing so, the floor beneath us shook with vibration. It seemed the floor below had been trained to withstand the Legionaries presence. Even so the vibration tingled up my spine. As the Legionary arrived next to us, I looked up in awe. I didn’t even reach the Legionaries midriff. Gaspar, Garret and the other three Legionaries retreated behind a steel door to our left. Garret followed them with purposeful steps. Before the door closed, he turned towards us giving us a subtle but noticeable nod and then, he was gone.
Alfa and I were directed towards a narrow passage way. We descended down a gradual slope that twisted and turned in all directions. After a few minutes walking, my sense of direction was entirely warped. Where were they leading us? What lies ahead?
Our journey ended with us approaching a narrow hallway. There were doors to the right and left for as far as I could see. Each door had a number and a red or green light next to the door. The doors we had passed had each been marked by a red light. In the distance ahead, I could make out a green light. Upon approaching the green light, the Legionary stopped, placed his hand against the door, and it opened. He turned to look at me and gestured me to enter. I stepped forward and looked into the room before proceeding.
The room was bare and minimal. Inside, I could see a small single bed. A small bathing or wash area and a desk and chair. On top of the desk was a small transparent tube that ran from the ceiling down to the desk. It looked out of place.
Before entering, I turned to the Legionary.
‘I’d like to stay with Alfa.’
The Legionary, looked down at me but did not reply.
‘Hey, big man, do you hear me? I’d like to stay in the same room as Alfa.’ I stated, whilst pointing towards Alfa.
The Legionary looked down at me but did not reply. He once again gestured towards the room.
Alfa placed her hand against my arm. ‘It’s not going to happen Hunter. I’ll be safe. Don’t worry. Get some rest, I’m sure we will be together again soon.’
Her hand gave me a gentle squeeze. I looked into her eyes. The returning gaze brought a calming stillness.
I entered the room and placed my bag under the desk. I sat on the bedframe and removed my shoes and socks. The socks were drenched. Removing them had to be an all time favourite memory that will stick with me. I climbed into the bed. I had hoped to linger there for some time. Thinking to myself about Datenzchutz and what tomorrow would bring. But before I could. Sleep was upon me.
I woke to a strange hissing sound. I sat up, struggling to gain consciousness. As I sat in my bed, I noticed the hissing was coming from the transparent pipe that sat above my desk. Standing up, I moved closer towards the desk to examine the pipe. As I got closer, I noticed a small metal flask was being lowed into the tube. It floated down and rested at the bottom of the pipe. Now standing closer to the desk, I can see there is a small door on the pipe. I opened the door and inserted my hand to extract the package. The air inside the pipe was frozen cold. A mist formed around my hand as it entered and when touching the surface, I notice it seems to be some kind of injection prop. My hand was met with a tingling coldness as I took the stim out and rested it on the table.
Once the stim was resting on the table. I closed the pipe door and crouched down to inspect the stim shot. It was filled with a strange purple liquid. On the outside of the glass, a small sticker was placed with the image for a human face, raising the glass towards their mouth. It reminded me of Alice and Wonderland. DRINK ME. I thought. Yeah right. It’s my first day here and they want me to inject some funky purple liquid. I’m fine thanks. Whatever that is, I’m sure it’s not Ribena.
Leaving the vile on the desk, I stood up and made my way towards the door. Time to find Alfa. Time to find out what’s going on. Time to find out, why we are here. Time to do anything other than be stuck in this boring ass room. I place me hand on the handle, then twist and pull. Nothing happens. I try again. The door firmly says no.
Great. I return to my bed. Maybe Alfa is awake. Maybe she can help me. I search through my head. Seeking an image for her face and call out with all my mindpower. ALFA. I patiently wait on my bed for what feels like an hour. Calling out her name. Inside my head swim the images of our memories. I hold her hand. We kiss. We touch. We talk, but that is all that returns. Her soft sweet voice no longer rings through my head. It seems she can’t communicate with me here. Either that, or she doesn’t want to. I am on my own.
My head leans down on the pillow beneath me. I try to close my eyes. To rest more. Perhaps I can sleep and be woken by someone coming to retrieve me from this room. I won’t be here forever. I won’t be here forever.
But my eyes won’t close. Even when they do, they might as well have been open. For all I could see upon closure was the defiant truth of my situation. Here I would remain until someone decided otherwise. I was trapped. Me, this bed, the desk and this strange purple stim. The stim stares back at me. From a distance, I could be seeing things, but it appears as though the liquid is fizzing. Once again, I approach the liquid for a better look. Upon inspection, my mind is blown as I notice a strange tendency within the liquid. The bubbles inside are flowing in a downward direction. Once reaching the bottom, the bubbles then ascend. They repeat this motion in a circular fashion. As if it couldn’t get any weirder. Then again, from the last few weeks of my life… normality was become scarce. In it’s place stood the creation of fantasy, the odd, the different and the new. I thought of Alfa. I thought of how much my life had changed since meeting her and in that moment, the future was clear. It was time to inject the purple liquid. Let’s hope I stay in Wonderland I thought. Nevertheless, a small part of me wondered, how deep will this rabbit hole go. I punched the stim into my leg and watched as the strange purple liquid became one with me.
A nervousness spread through me as I awaited for the liquid to take effect. But after 10 minutes went by without me feeling any different I began to pace the room. I’ve done what was asked. I’ve injected this thick crazy Ribena. What next. I walk to try the door again. To my surprise. This time, it opens. It was as if the door knew I had consumed the purple liquid and now, I was free to explore. And explore I would. I stared down the hallway. To my left, I could remember the way we had travelled towards the guest chambers. To my right, the row of guest chambers expanded. Something inside of me was pulling me towards this direction. I followed that feeling.
After what felt like an age of passing door after door after door. A purple light began to glow towards the end of the hallway. It seemed purple was a thing here. If it’s purple it’s an objective. I hastened my speed. By the time I reached the end of the hallway, I was almost at running speed. I tripped over in my final steps and spilled into a foyer. The room was empty, except for a high desk that stood on the opposing wall. Behind it, stood a girl.
‘Well that was quite the entrance.’ She said, as she walked around the desk and glided towards me. She was tall, elegant and skinny. Her hair was a light reddish brown. Behind the thick strands of hair loomed a purple shimmer. Purple again. Purple everywhere I thought. The only thing that wasn’t purple was the silver dress that folded tightly around her. She learned down holding out a soft delicate hand towards me. I clasped it and was pulled to my feet. She was strong for a thin little thing. Once my feet were reclaimed, our eyes drew level. Her eyes were a dark, but once again, a harsh purple glow loomed within their depths. There was something incredibly off about seeing her. It seemed like I had met her before. Like I knew her. I was just about to journey down the mental path for answers to that question when her voice interupted my minds wanderings.
‘You must be Hunter? I’m Heather. Welcome to Datenschutz. I’m here to make sure your stay is pleasant. How have you found your first night?’
‘It was interesting.’ I notice her voice is also of interest.
‘Waking up to the locked door was a bit concerning.’
‘Yes, our guest rooms open at 6AM in the morning and close at 10PM each night.’
‘Ah, so no nighttime wandering.’
‘Not for our guests, no. But if you’d like to explore, I’d be happy to show you around.’
‘That would be great, but first, I’d like to find my friend Alfa.’ Upon saying so I wonder, did I just notice a flicker of annoyance in her eyes?
‘Alfa is preoccupied right now, Gaspar said she should be free to join you this afternoon, if all goes well.’
‘I guess for now, a tour would be great.’
‘That’s wonderful. Let’s begin.’ She turned on her heels and began walking down a narrow corridor to the left of the room. I followed after her, chasing down the sound of her slender heels as they clip clopped ahead of me. Her figure was encouraging in all the right places. I hastened my walking speed to catch up with her and avoid walking behind her.
We spewed out into a large chamber. Ahead of us were three large gates. The chamber was huge. Regardless of it’s size, the space was entirely empty. All it contained were the large three gates and the mouth of the tunnel we had just walked down.
‘This is where I will leave you. Pick one of the gates ahead and you’ll be able to explore by yourself for now.’
I looked up at the gates. They were numbered, 1,2 and 3.
‘Well I am naturally drawn to no.1.’
‘Being drawn to a gate is a good sign. That’s the LYS taking effect. Around here, intuition is everything. Follow your heart. Follow that voice. See where you end up.’
I started to walk towards gate number 1. As I got closer, I found my feet slowly carrying me towards gate 2. I tried to refocus my steps towards my first intention. I walk forward some more. I place my hand on the gate and look up towards the number above to see a 2 staring back at me.
‘I guess your heart wants gate 2.’ She stated, with a wry smile cornering her lips.
‘Have fun, I might join you later.’ Then she turned, and made her way back up the mouth of the tunnel we had entered the chamber from.
I turn to reface the gate. Your on your own now Hunter. I opened the gate.
As soon as the gate opened I was greeted by the sound of sweet but exciting music. I peeked my head through the door. Initially, I intended just to take a look, but my feet carried me over the threshold and into the new world that lay before me.
My eyes struggled to take in my surroundings. There was so much to see, so much to take in. I closed my eyes, listened to the music for a while, then opened them in an attempt to refocus.
I had entered into an even larger chamber. This must have been fifty times the size of the previous gate room I was in. Looking around I can see the chamber before me. Purple walls tower around me. They shine with a neon, iridescent light which ebbs and flows. A strong bass rumbling sound echoes around the chamber. It’s not quite music, but it’s not ambience either. The sound fills the silent loud space that lay in-between. It was calming. As the bass wrapped itself around my body. I stepped forwards. The force within me kept pulling me deeper and deeper into the cave. The ground began to slope before me. At the lower end of the slope is a huge purple lake. A purple waterfall spills from the sky into the lake. As I walk down towards the lake, I notice figures moving around the lake. From this distance they are shadows. Only recognisable as figures by their purple eyes, many of which have focused on me. Either side of me are raised decking areas filled with tables and chairs. Each deck is filled with people. They are arranged in groups or couples. No one is alone. Only me. They are definitely human, but there’s something slightly off about them. Each person was thin, slender and tall. Purple eyes stare back at me as I make my way further into the chamber. I seem to be attracting their attention, but I don’t feel nervous. My feet carry me forward.
As I reach the foot of the lake, I stand on a gathering of rocks where the water swells around me. Looking down I can see into the purple water. My face stares back at me. Purple light particles begin to gather around my reflection. They sparkle. I lean forwards to catch a closer look. The sparkles amaze me. I lean further closer, and closer, until eventually, my nose touches the surface. Something within me drives me forward. A voice deep within is calling for me to submerge myself within the tranquil waters. What peace I could find. What solace lies beneath the purple ripples. I want to swim in it’s beauty. Dance in it’s light. Drink in it’s wonder. As I ready myself to dive forwards into the lake, I feel a sudden jolt as my shirt is pulled backwards in a strong steady movement. I fall back onto my ass, and look around in confusion. Peering up to my right I see Heather standing next to me. She looks down and smiles.
‘We don’t enter the lake whilst wearing our clothes. Look around Hunter. Slow down. Breath.’
As I lift my head to look around, the pull of the water releases it’s hold on me and my eyes begin to focus on my surroundings. It takes a moment for my eyes to adjust to the purple light that throbs from the ceiling, but when they do, I notice the figures around me are no longer shadows. The lake is filled with bodies. Some swim, some standing, some floating and some doing everything in-between. Whilst their actions differed, one thing remained identical. Everyone was naked. Within moments my masculine gaze was captivated by the room. As my head turned my eyes singled out the female from the male. Slender figures. Perfect nipples. Cheeks. Breasts. Necks. Hair. Arms. Legs… and all of the rest. A stirring in my trousers reminded my of my humanity. It had been a long time. It had been a very, very long time.
I begin to drink in the surroundings, only to be distracted by a silver shimmer that falls down beside me. My head turns to see a silver dress draped across the rocks to my side. I notice heathers feet standing next to it and as my head rises to her face, I’ll admit my mind lingered on the journey my eyes had just travelled. She stepped forward with delicate ease and entered the lake before me. The water reached her knees within two simple steps. The purple particles began to race around her. A subtle glow surrounded her body as she turned to face me.
She held her hand out and her soft voice reached out towards me.
‘Come join me.’
My mind whizzed with questions. I thought of Alfa. Of holding her hand. Of how much I missed her. Heather took one step forward. She was now just a meter away. The purple light lit up her body like a firework. And I entered the lake.
The water greeted me with a cold chill that sparkled throughout my skins surface. Beneath my feet is a soft mushy surface. I’d expected rock. But the lake floor offered a surprise with each step my feet sunk into its surface, to only be pushed back up again moments later. Heather held both of my hands and guided me backwards slowly into the pool. All the while a smile lingered on her face as her iridescent eyes twinkled up at me. She pulls me deeper and deeper. Keeping eye contact. Staring back at the amazement on my face. We were now 10 meters away from the edge of the lake. I turned back to see my clothes draped on a rock. There lay the subtle remains of my doubts about The Human League.
I turn my head back towards heather to notice the water now rising as soft waves lapped at our shoulders. The water slapped at her chest. Raced through her collar bones. Kissed at her neck, and then slid off her nipples. There’s something about a pair of perfectly sized nipples. I’m sure a scientist somewhere as studied that. If not, I hoped that one day they will. I smiled to myself as I thought this. I was happy.
‘Where are we?’ I asked.
‘I was wondering when you were going to ask that.’ She laughed, then began to swim circled around me. She floated around me, using her hands and legs to push off from my arms or back and travel around.
‘ There are many names for this cave. I like to call it, The Source. But you’ll hear people calling it, Amethyst Lake or The Lake of Temptation.’
‘Oh so, The Human League has a secret sauce…’ I replied. A wry smile spread across my face.
Heather answered ‘No, the Source you dummy.’ but I could tell the joke had landed. She pulled me forwards, deeper into the lake. The bank was now a distant forgotten past. My feet now just about touched the bottom of the lake. I bounced from foot to foot in an attempt to keep my neck above the water. Heather noticed this. And moved closed towards me. She was now face to face with me. I gazed into her purple eyes. They gazed back at me with an openness. Not human, I thought. But something I could understand. Something I remembered. She wrapped her legs around my waste. Leaned forward and whispered in my ear.
‘Don’t worry. Just let go. Lift your feet up.’
My head screamed with a burning sensation as I realised how close certain body parts were. It took a moment for me to acknowledge the words she had shared.
‘Let go Hunter.’
She moved her legs now tighter around me, one foot slid down to my thigh and she pulled it upward. Whilst doing so, I lifted my other leg off from the floor and we began to float. It was the weirdest sensation. I’ve felt some things in my time but this was something entirely different. As my remaining foot finally lifted, the purple particles in the water around me swelled beneath us. A soft haze of purple light glowed around us as the particles gathered around us. Heather noticed the wonder in my eyes and laughed.
‘There’s lots for you to learn Hunter. I’m afraid you are just scraping the surface.’
‘I guess you can afford me some questions then?’ I ask.
‘Hmm, a few yes. Although, I can’t promise that I can answer all of them. After all, you’d need to join us for me to show you everything’ She answered. Whilst saying ‘everything’ there was a tightening in her legs around me. She came even closer until our faces were just inches away from each other. The closeness was uncomfortable at first.
What the fuck is going on?
I feel like I am cheating on an AI Robot.
I don’t know where she is?
I don’t know who she is?
The limited information I do have is that she likes to hold me hand and somehow, that makes me entirely obsessed with her. Obsessed to the point that even hot sexy purple girl won’t get me going? This is bullshit.
A sickness stirs within me and I move my head to one side to break our face to face contact. Heather senses my awkwardness, but didn’t seem put off by it. Turning around, she lay her head upon my shoulder and wrapped my arms around her. The release of her legs around me was a swift relief. I don’t know anything about this place but I suspect having a boner around someone you’ve just met isn’t the best icebreaker. I begin to relax until she snuggled into me and her ass shifts towards my groin. I roll my eyes. Try to think about ugly grandmas, and roll be head back towards the ceiling. I think of Alfa.
‘Ok, first question, what the fuck is that?!’ I ask with alarm ringing in my voice. I am staring up inside the cave ceiling and staring right back at me is a huge (and I mean fucking HUUUUUGE) purple gem stone. It’s littered with what looks to be flowers that are growing all around it and it’s hanging right from the cave ceiling. Looking closer, I can see other smaller gems handing around it. in fact, the entire ceiling is crawling with these strange purple formations. They pulse, shimmer, dance and dim. Each one to a different beat, but somehow still to the same timing. The effect was dazzling.
‘That’s the source? Or as you might call is, The Human Leagues secret sauce.’ She laughed.
‘Ok but what does it do?’ I reply.
‘For someone who’s made it all the way up here to Datenshutz. You’re not the sharpest one are you? I mean… we don’t get visitors often. And when we do, they’re supposed to be… elite humans…’ She teased.
‘You remember your stim shot this morning?’
‘What colour was it?’
To be honest, I’d completely forgotten about the morning Stim shot that was coursing through my veins. But now she mentions it, my mouth dropped open.
‘It was purple’
‘That’s right Hunter. Purple, from the source.’
She lifted her chin a whispers in my ear, ‘The secret sauce.’
‘But what does it do?’ What’s the secret?’
‘I can’t really say to be honest. We use LYS, for almost everything. So it’s hard to pin it down. All I can say is that, LYS can take many forms. It has many uses and The Human League deeply respects… the secret sauce.’
‘What do you mean you use it for everything?’
‘I mean, we use it for everything. Think of it like water, only, a better version.’
‘Well it looks cooler than water. That’s for sure.’ But even as I say this, I can’t really see what this purple gloopy particle shimmer water could be for. Yeah sure, it was weird when I took the Stim shot. I felt, somewhat funny. But everything else today seemed entirely normal. I think.
‘I feel fine? Maybe my shot didn’t work?’
‘Oh it’s working alright. How do you think you got here?’ How do you think I found you?’
I’m completely lost. Even so, I’m curious.
‘So what else can LYS do?’
‘Well, like I said, I can’t exactly tell you. It does loads of things. Maybe whilst you are here we can teach you a few. But first, let me show you my favourite.’
I look down at her expecting to see a magic trick. Curiosity glazed my eyes as she moved forwards into the lake a meter or so ahead of me then turned around. She stood up, inhaled, then dunked her head down into the water.
Heather emerged about ten seconds later. As she did, she drifted towards me. Once upon me, she reclaimed her original position. Her long slender legs wrapped around my waist. Her eyes gazed into mine. Her purple hair dripped slickly down her back and shoulders. She leaned forwards. And then we were kissing. As her tongue entered my mouth, she pushed a cool tingly sensation into me. It was only as the water, or LYS, dripped down my chin that I noticed what she had done. The liquid filled my mouth. As her tongue wrapped around mine, her lips spoke another language. Her nipples brushed my chest. Her hands stroked my hair. Her legs squeezed my waist. And we kiss. And we kiss.
After a minutes kissing, I begin to wonder when this passion can end. Just as my mind begins to wonder to Alfa, the tingling in my mouth heightens. I swallow the liquid in an attempt to cool my nerve endings. I think of Alfa. But as I swallow, I feel the tingling follow the liquid particles as they swim down my throat. The tingling nestles in my chest, then my stomach. Then within moments it spreads throughout my entire body. Her hands on my hair feel like sparkles. Our lips mould together like fire. The swelling in my groin hardens with a burning. Not a hot burn. A purple burn. A burn for passion. A longing for more. A need for, for what? What do I want? What do I need? My head is all over the place as the world around me turns purple. And I mean purple. Not just the source. Not just the water. Not just heathers eyes, but the whole fucking world is turning purple. The purple haze sparkles around me. My eyes tingle. My ears are astute to the purple hum that glows around us. And all the while my lips continue to fold into Heather. Deeper and deeper. Harder and harder. The passion inside me grows. My arms wrap around her and I force myself forwards. I don’t know what I am doing, all I know is that I want to be closer to her, I want to feel more. I want to be more. I want us, I want this. I want to feel. I want to be. I want FUCK. What do I want? I want more? I need more.
Heather pulls away from me. I try to open my eyes, to see where she’s gone. Hang on, my eyes are already open. I can’t open them more. I want to see but I can’t. I want Heather. I look around. Purple. I look forwards. Purple. I raise my hands before my face. Purple. FUCK. What is happening. Where has she gone.
‘Heather?!’ I shout.
‘I’m right here. Don’t panic. I’m right here. Follow me. It’s your first time. You’ll get used to it. Try to relax. I’m right here. I’m right here.’
I feel her hands wrap around mine and slowly but surely she begins to pull me forwards. The force within me is screaming to pull her towards me but she sings quietly.
‘I’m right here. We can’t do this here. Follow me. Stay calm’
As she pulls me forwards, I hear rushing water ahead. The waterfall I noticed upon entering the cave springs to mind, and through the purple skin wrapped over my eyes I can just about make it out. The pounding water is deafening. Purple sparks ignite in my eyes as I can see the line ahead where the falling water meets the lake. I can no longer hear Heather’s calming words. But I can feel her hands inside mine.
‘Trust me’ A voice echoes in my head.
Trust. An idea that had once been a distant figure in my life. The water is almost upon me. Before we enter the wall of water, I think of Alfa. I think of our journey. This journey had been like no other. This journey had been one thing and one thing only. A reliance on trust. The only shame to any of it, is that so far, I’m out of trust. I’m out of belief that these people around me can be trusted. I’m exhausted. I’m tired of wanting to know everything. I’m tired of everyone around me knowing everything. I’m tired of knowing nothing. I’m tired, so tired. And now, for the first time in a while, I feel alive. I feel different. I feel new. Do I trust Heather? I don’t know. But the very last piece of my trust is about to be thrown in the bucket.
The water slams down on me. It batters my head. I feel Heathers arms pulling me through but the journey is tough. What had looked like a simple waterfall upon entering the cave had turned out to be a barrage of purple sparkling fire liquid and fuck did it fuck with your head. The tingling in my body burns. My eyes still can’t see shit and all the while I’m walking through this with what must be the biggest hard on I’ve ever had in my life. A voice in the back of my head laughs as I notice I am literally following my dick into the unknown. A flagpole in the wind. A boat sailing off a cliff. I take a mental note to make a saying out of that one day, and then we reach the other side.
As the water pounds down behind me, I open my eyes. Still purple as fuck. Still blind. Still fucking blind.
Heather pulls me forwards, we reach what feels like shallow waters and she lies my down on my back.
‘Do you trust me?’ She says.
‘I think so?’
‘I guess that will have to do for now. If you want to see again, you’re going to have to kiss me again.’
‘Kiss YOU again!?’
‘Unfortunately yes.’
‘Well let’s get it over then’
And we kiss.
Once again, Heather passes a small amount of LYS liquid into my mouth. Only this time, it’s thicker. It’s feels almost gooey. The taste is a complete unknown. I can’t recollect anything in my life to compare it to. All I can say is that it tastes good and wow the tingles it sends through my body as I swallow are even more pronounced. Once again, an animal within me awakens and I begin to kiss Heather with more force. I lean forwards, supporting my weight with my arms below me. I softly bite her lip. It feels good. But she pulls away.
‘Ok Hunter, wow. Calm down. I know it’s a lot, but if you want to enjoy this, you need to calm down. Lie down.
I go to kiss her again.
This time, she continues but with more force.
‘No, stop. We can kiss more, don’t worry. But first, you need to calm down. Open your eyes.’
I lie down. The squishy surface beneath me supports my body. A shallow body of liquid laps around me. I breath. I calm. I open my eyes.
Holy shit I can see again and wow can I see clearly. I can see everything. I can see all the way up to the cave ceiling. I can see the purple spores that are spread throughout it’s surface. Yes, spores because that’s what they are. I can see right into them. I can see them bristle in the wind. Like they are breathing. I can see them shimmer in the light. I can see them so clearly I can almost feel them. I can see purple sparkles floating through the air. Small dust like particles that are emanating from the pool around us.
I can’t really think straight. But I manage to get out the following.
‘I have… so many questions.’
‘I’m sure you do. But first, I’m going fuck you like you’ve never been fucked before.’ And then she was on-top of me.
Through my clear eyes, I can see her body sculpted above me. She’s hot. There is no denying it. It’s not just the LYS burning within me. This girl is absolutely on fire. I rest my hands on the shallow curvature of her waist. Her slick hair falls to one side. It was long, straight and clung to her body in all kinds of ways. I think of Alfa. Heather leans forwards and we continue our kiss. Only this time, there is no holding back. Her body grinds against mine as our lips refuel for the battle that lies ahead. Each lip rages a war upon the other. The battle ground is caressed with cradles of passion and lust. The purple sparkles that now live within me shriek throughout my body. My hands move from her waist. It’s a struggle to know what to do with them. I know that I must reach out and touch every part of her body. Her ass, her face, her tits, her hair, then back to her ass again. The battle of lips continues but we are soon to breach into forbidden territories. I feel hot all over but the coolness of the LYS within me instills a friendly chill. I roll her over and tingles echo up my spine as her hands caress my backbone. I slide inside her and the real magic begins.
I shit you not. This sex is the best sex I will ever have. As I thrust deeper and deeper into the realms of nonexistence, I become lost in a tidal wave of sensation and emotion. With each trust my body explodes with vibration. Meanwhile, my head and my heart swim through elation. This feels right. This feels good. This feels normal. But then if it feels normal, why does something feel absolutely unforgivably wrong. Alfa’s face swims before my eyes. I can hear her voice. But it’s not her voice. But it is.
‘Hunter’ She calls.
‘Come back to me’
‘Hunter.’
I thrust deeper. No matter how much my heart wants this to be over, my primal instincts run amok. My eyes refocus on the beauty that lies before me. With each thrust the LYS water around us ripples and sparkles. Heathers tits move with the water as her hair spews out around us. Deeper and deeper I go. Temptation, desire, all mulled into one. The deeper I go, Alfa’s voice is undone, replaced by the soft calming moans of appreciation.
‘Yes, yes… more, give me more.’ Heathers eyes roll as the vibrations between us harden. We fuck harder. Faster. Deeper and deeper.
I had expected by now the LYS effects would begin to fade. Like all drugs, the come up was vast but their tricks will soon fade. But LYS was no normal drug. Instead the high was heightening. What had once been a tingle within my body that cultivated at the hilt of our hips colliding, had now become a raging fire within my body. My eyes where remained focused but something felt off. A small voice within me screamed panic and fear as the world around me tipped sideways. I looked down at Heather, her body writhing beneath me. With each shudder of her breast, her face was slowly changing. Morphing before my very eyes. The changes were slight but within a matter of thrusts I saw a familiar face staring back at me.
It seemed no matter what I do, no matter where I go, or who I fuck, this face would join me. As I looked down, I saw Alfa’s familiar eyes. Her thick swollen lips. Her delicate cheekbones and her inquisitive eyes. For a moment I slowed, but Heather reached up towards the back of my neck and drew me closer. She grinds against me as our lips recollide. I’ll admit that since meeting Alfa I had dreamed of this moment. From the very first moment I laid eyes on her, the silent but obvious voices within me had all called for her body. The battle with Alfa had always been to get inside of her mind. Learn more about her. Get closer to her. Be something to her. Someone. But I’d be lying if I denied that the loudest voice of all hadn’t wished for some time between her perfectly poised legs. Well her she was. I had her now, and without question, I allow the LYS to engulf me.
As I succumb to the LYS, a new wave of purple washes over me. The cave around us is gone. We are floating in a new realm. White light floods around us, mingled with moments of darkness. I can’t feel the floor beneath my hands. The water around us is visible but absent to the touch. All I have, all I need, all I want is the beautiful girl that now lies before me. I moan ‘Alfa’ as the world. Moaning is a bit too kind. I scream Alfa. Thrust myself forward one final time and with a climatic explosion that felt like a nuclear bomb, I unleash all of hells fury into the so called Alfa that lay before me.
A short while later…
I lie still, floating, looking up at the cave ceiling above me. Heather lies next to me softly stroking my arm.
‘So, that’s one of the things LYS can do. What do you think?’ Heather asks.
I pause for a while to consider the question. Heather was a delicate little thing. Strong, but from what I could gather, a human girl nonetheless. From my experiences on planet earth. Any chosen words to describe a girls sexual performance should be chosen carefully. Whilst of course, the sex we had just experienced was truly unimaginable. The sour taste of Alfa’s appearance still rang true in my mind. Not to mention, the questioning voice within me curious to understand why me screaming Alfa hadn’t seemed of concern to her. I mean, sure. The names sound kind of similar. Perhaps it had gone unnoticed. One can hope. A man can hope. This man, will hope.
‘That is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. That was fucking awesome.’ I reply. Turning to face her. Whilst doing so, I notice that from the side profile. Heather really isn’t that different from Alfa. Don’t get me wrong. Her demeanour, character, poise and overall existence seemed entirely different. But her chin had the same fine edging. As did her cheekbones. In fact, now I look closer. Heather was pretty close to a carbon copy of Alfa from a visual point of view. The only difference being, that she had a human quality that emanates from her. How could this be? How had I not noticed? It seemed odd that I had gone over thirty years on this planet, and not once come across a girl of this level of beauty. Was I projecting these qualities onto her? Was this the LYS still in effect? No, it can’t be. I cast my memory back to the first time that I met her. I was looking for Alfa, searching the corridors of Datenshutz. And here Alfa was, only she wasn’t Alfa. She was Heather.
Heather held her hands up towards the ceiling. She placed them into a small circle by joining her fingers. Inside the circle was the source gemstone that sat at the very top of the cave ceiling. She waved her fingers around slowly in a delicate dance.
‘Yes. It’s pretty awesome.’ Heather replied. ‘You know, that’s not all LYS can do. There is so much more that you are yet to discover.’
‘Well I’m certain it doesn’t get much better than that Heather. That was amazing. You were amazing. I can’t get over how good that feels. How good we felt. The sensations were… just unbelievable. It doesn’t make sense how my body can feel like that.’
‘What if you could feel that way, forever.’
‘What do you mean?’ I reply.
‘I mean, what if you could feel, how you just felt, forever?’
‘I mean, forever, is a big word. But sure, it wouldn’t be a bad life would it.’
‘It wouldn’t be bad?!’ She laughed. ‘I think it would be perfect.’
‘Perfect, is just as hard to find in this world as forever.’ I reply.
‘There’s a song lyric there.’ Alfa’s voice answered in my head. As I acknowledged her voices existence, guilt washed over me. Alfa was here, somewhere in Datenshutz, god knows where, potentially in danger. And here I am, lying on a bed of water and spongey stuff after plowing her twin sister. Fuck I’m an ass. As the guilt washed over me, I began to feel my senses returning to me. The LYS trip was over and in it’s place was a comedown of mixed emotions that swelled around me. I struggled to think coherently about what to do next. I had to find Alfa. I had to find someone who could help me identify her location. Yet my only option for information was lying right next to me. And if I’ve learned nothing in my 30 years on this planet, rule number one for human civilisation is that you don’t fuck a girl and ask her to help you find another girl moments later. Instead, I seek refuge in the idea that if we could leave this cave, perhaps Heather might take me somewhere else within Datenshutz that could reveal more information.
‘Heather, this has been amazing. Thank you so much for opening my eyes into this world. I could stay here all night, but’ I began. But Heather soon interrupted.
‘So why don’t you? I don’t need to be anywhere’
‘Well, you see, the thing is. I came here, on a kind of… mission.’ Heathers eyes lit up in that moment, but I continued regardless. ‘And I need to stay focused on what we are here to do.’
‘We?’
‘Yes, we. Myself and Alfa. The girl I arrived with.’ As the words tumbled out of my mouth I could feel the battleground we just made love in turning into something else.
‘And you think this Alfa you’ve arrived with is the right person for you?’
‘Well, I don’t know about that. We’re friends.’
‘Sure you are, friends.’ Heather replied in a calm open voice. She wasn’t getting angry, which was a blessing in disguise. I’d seen enough romantic comedies and pop culture TV to know that this moment here usually ends in a slap to the face, lots of tears and a good solid hours discussion before I could finally get to some kind of outcome that made sense for me. Instead, Heather seemed curious. Interested to delve deeper to identify the route of my thoughts.
‘So if you’re such good friends. Why doesn’t she tell you anything?’ Heather flew the question towards me.
‘What do you mean?’ I asked. ‘She does tell me things.’
“Really? Ok. Well why is Alfa here?’
‘Erm, well, we’re here to speak to The Human League.’
‘Ok, and what are you here to speak about?’
‘What does Alfa want?’
‘Does Alfa like you?’
‘Does Alfa want you?’
‘Can Alfa fuck you like I just did?’
‘Can you grow old with Alfa’
‘Can you fall in love with Alfa’
“Hey, hey, now those are just questions about me.’
‘No there not. They are questions about her. Or rather, they are questions about a robot.’
‘She’s not a robot.’ I reply. My voice is flat but I can tell there is a protective anger creeping in. I do my best to absolve it.
‘She’s not a robot’ I repeat, ‘she’s much more than that.’
‘Sure she is. She’s a robot with a consciousness. With her OWN objectives. With her OWN plans. With her OWN objectives.’
I stare in silence towards the ceilings as my private thoughts are repelled against me.
‘How long do you think you feature in Alfa’s plans Hunter?’
‘When she holds your hand, what does it mean to her?’
‘What does she think it means to you?’
‘Does she know how you fe’
‘That’s enough!’ I shout. Lifting myself up to my feet. Standing in the shallow waters, I can see the purple LYS shimmer around us. I could feel the very truth of the insecurity of my position with Alfa swirling around me.
‘Why are you doing this? Why fuck me then head fuck me? Why are you doing this?’
I look down at the human Alfa that lies before me. She stares straight up at me, then slowly climbs to her feet. For a moment my eyes realign with her bodies features as the LYS drips from her features, but I shake it from my mind. Refocusing on the fuckery at hand, rather than the fuckery that occurred one hour ago.
‘You know Hunter. It doesn’t have to be this way? You can have more. You can have everything. Here, with me.’ Heather stepped forward, closing the distance between us.
‘All of those questions, they aren’t my questions. They’re your questions. Aren’t they? Don’t be afraid of them. Own them. Own the situation that you’re in.’
‘I do own it. I know where I am and I know what I want.’
‘What is it you want?’
‘I want Alfa?’
‘Well then why are you here with me?’
I can’t answer.
‘Where is she?’
Yet again, I can’t answer. Fuck this girl hits hard.
‘What if you can’t have Alfa?’
And again. I can’t answer.
‘But you see Hunter. If you join us, you could have her. Couldn’t you?’
‘What do you mean?’ I lift my head from the swirling water beneath me. Heather is now standing next to a small rock formation at the edge of the cave.
‘Join us, and you can have me?’ She pulled herself up onto the rock and sat staring back at me.
‘Just me and you.’ As she said this, she slowly opened her legs.
‘No more lies. No more questions. Just this, and so much more. So much more. Trust me Hunter, you won’t believe the things I can show you. What we can do. What you could do.’
As my eyes lingered on the perfection that thrived between her thighs. The words echoed around my mind. I follow a drop of LYS water as it slithered away from her belly button. Down, down, deeper and deeper. Heather leaned forwards to collect more LYS in her hands. She dropped the pool of LYS upon her chest, and more droplets cascaded down towards the area of Alfa I was yet to explore. The unknown, the untrusted, the unimaginable.
‘I see pain ahead for you Hunter. We all do. We are here for you. We can help you turn things around.’
The voices inside my head return to the battleground. I don’t want to turn things around? FUCK, I came here just 24 hours ago, following Alfa up mountains. Wanting to learn everything about her. Honestly, I was ready to die for her. And now I’ve finally got a glimpse of this fake Alfa’s pussy and I’m going to throw it all away? I can’t. I won’t. I need to leave now.
But could I really learn everything about her. My quieter moments. The heart racing when she holds my hand. What if this is all just my human inability. The humane weakness I possess that will always keep us apart. For the last few hours I’d spent inside Heather, all I can recall is seeing Alfa’s face. Imagining me pleasing her. Imagining her wanting me. But would that ever come to the surface. Could it ever be? Would it ever be?
Heather stared back at me. I could tell that she knew I was fighting within myself. I swear to all of the gods, I will never in my life ever be so confused about my life decisions.
‘Come’ she whispered.
I walk forwards slowly. When I got to her, she took both of my hands. She bathed them in the water between her legs. Slowly scooping up the LYS water and the pouring it down her body in the same fashion that she had just completed. With her final attack, she looked up at me. Those purple Alfa eyes stared into mine. She placed her hands on the back of my head, pulled me forward until we were face to face and continued with her soft, simple whispers.
‘Don’t overthink it Hunter. Now drink.’
As she pulled my head forwards into the gap between her legs. She lowered her pussy into the water. For a brief moment, I returned to the battleground. Lips touched lips in an entirely new way. I became lost in the moment. But within seconds of my mouth making contact, the world began to slip away from me. I looked up at Heather confused. Her face was flickering before me, as was her body. In fact now I look around me, the whole cave seemed to be flashing, dimming, falling. And then it was gone.
A short while later…
I wake up to see the not so familiar walls off the cell around me. I am back in the guest chambers that I had been taken to upon my arrival. But how did I get here? How did they get me back from the cave and where was Heather? I sit up on my bed and notice my refection in a small mirror that was housed above a sink in the corner of the room. Standing up I notice that I am wearing my clothes. Someone dressed me? This is getting really strange. Like, really strange. What the fuck just happened to me. I stand up and go to look in the mirror. I look fine. I touch my face in search for reassurance that this is in-fact not a dream. My face feels pretty real. I’m still confused as fuck. So much to the extent that even pinching my cheeks until a soft dull pain occurs still has me questioning this plain of existence.
I look back towards the bed. Could I sleep? A yearning within me longs to return to the dream I was just in. Was it a dream? That was unlike any dream I had ever been in. I started forward towards the bed. If I could just lie down and sleep for a moment longer, maybe I could return. No matter the fuckery that just took place. No matter how many questions Heather had flung my way. I was still thirsting for the moment that had just began. Jesus what was is wrong with me. I really do need help. As I think of help, Alfa springs to mind and I walk towards the door. Only to find that once again, the door is locked. FUCK THIS PLACE! Locked doors, small rooms and strange doppelganger pussy that I can’t seem to shake off. FUCK. I walk back towards the bed. Not to try and sleep but with a view to sit down and think my way out of this mess. On my way over, my foot connects with an object that sends a metallic clinking around the room. I look down to see the LYS stim that I had injected myself with earlier that day.
No way I think to myself. No fucking way. But as the maths and logic fell before my eyes, so did the truth. I haven’t left this room. Or at least, I didn’t physically leave the room. Or did I…? No, I’m certain. I didn’t leave the room. That was all a… dream? A LYS dream? Some kind of next level, superior, orgasmic, purple, sex fuelled, Human League recruiting dream. I pick up the empty LYS stim that had rolled tot he other side of the room. The container is smooth to the touch. As I bring the stim closer to my eyes to investigate further, a voice rings out in the room.
‘Thank you for conducting your first LYS experience. Please feel free to vacate your room and explore the facilities here at Datenshutz. Alternatively, you can stay a little longer and participate in another LYS experience. If you are to leave your room, please dispose of the LYS stim packaging in the storage facility located at the end of the hallway.’
Just as the voice stops ringing, another LYS stim is deposited into the room. I walk over to the table. The purple liquids presence has a certain hold over me for a short while. Considering my options, I head towards the door. If I haven’t left this room yet, it’s time for me to vacate and do my best to search for Alfa. As I make my way over to the door, my head turns towards the new LYS stim package laying wait on the table. My loins stir with conviction as my brain takes me back to the LYS cave. I see Heathers opening her legs. I pause at the door. Shake the image from my mind and pull upon the handle. The door opened at my pull and the cool air that rushed down the hallway brought a sense of freedom upon me. Finally, I was out of the small guest cell that had housed my first LYS experiment. I venture down the hallway with the old LYS stim packaging clutched by my side. With each step, guilt driven questions spring through my mind. I imagine finding Alfa. I wonder what she will think of me now. Would she know what I had done? Did I actually do anything? I mean, to an extent, my time with Heather had all been a dream. But had it? That was no dream. It was something much deeper. More real. More revealing.
As the hallway opens up into the small foyer where I had first encountered Heather, I search for her presence, to my relief, the room is empty. I considered what I would have said, should a real life Heather be standing behind the foyer desk. ‘Hello, last night I fucked you in my dream.’ Then again, if she had been there, it would have sent me into the realms of questioning if this was just another LYS dream. A second level. I hope not. I severely hope not. I don’t think my brain could take that right now.
Noticing a sign that houses a small LYS stim icon and an arrow that points towards a handle on the wall. I move closer and pull the handle forwards. It forward reveals a narrow chute. Moving closer, I perch myself up to get a better angle to look down the chute. ‘No Alfa in there,’ I think to myself as I see a that the chute is empty and endless to the point where darkness befalls the tunnel end. I deposit my LYS stim into the chute, slam the handle shut and proceed forward with a guilt ridden weight seemingly lifted from my chest. As I begin to walk down one of the narrow hallways that exit the foyer, a voice calls out from behind me.
‘Ah Hunter, just the man I was looking for.’ I notice the thick elderly voice of Gaspar. Turning on my heel, I notice the old man walking towards me. As ever, he was supported by a dominion of Legionaries. The hallway beneath us shakes as the party move towards me. Once the party is upon me, I await Gaspar’s first words. I’m keen to learn why he’s looking for me before declaring my intentions.
‘Please Hunter, would you come with me?’
‘That depends, where are we going?’
‘I’d like to, how does one say. Pick you brains?’
‘To be honest, I’m not in the sharing mood right now.’
‘Ah, I see. I suppose I have some explaining to do.’ Gaspar’s head nods toward the guest cell doors in acknowledgement of the past 24 hours or more that I had been locked inside the chambers.
‘That would be a start. Also… where’s Alfa?’
Gaspar’s head turned to the ground before answering. ‘I’m sure you have many questions. And believe me, I DO want to give you those answers. But first, might we locate to a more, private place to discuss?’
‘This seems pretty private to me, excluding the terminators of course.’ I jest towards the huge Legionaries that stand stationary behind Gaspar.
‘A man of many words Hunter. You must understand, the Legionaries are always with me. But fear not. They do not talk. They do not gossip. They do not wonder. Legionaries simply obey. A task which is not simple to some, but to them, it is everything. Please Hunter, follow me.’ Gaspar proceeded to walk past me. The Legionaries follow after. I press myself against the wall in an attempt to not be demolished by the incoming traffic. For a moment I question my options. Noticing I had none, I follow the party towards their next destination.
We twisted and wound ourselves around the mountain. For an old man, Gaspar was seemingly light on his feet. After what felt like an age, we reached the chamber housing 3 large gates. It hadn’t taken this long to get there previously. I wondered if Gaspar was aiming to tire me somehow. Regardless, I enjoy our arrival to our destination, and rest upon my knees in order to catch my breath. Whilst doing so, I keep my head focused on Gaspar, wondering which gate we are about to open. I exclude gate one from the equation. This didn’t feel like a scenic tour of Datenshutz glorious party lake. Gaspar was seeking something else. Instead, he proceeds towards gate two, rests his hand upon the gate, and the gate opens. As the gate turns in on itself, I’m almost blinded by the light that shines before me. White harsh light beams down on us in a defiant obsession. Gaspar doesn’t falter in the light. He turns to face me and speaks.
‘Welcome to the Basilica.’ His arms spread wide in a triumphant expression. The white light folds around him and the spectacle is riddled with biblical effect. Gaspar turns and proceeds through the gate and into whatever the white light beholds. I hold my hand up to the light and edge forward. The light burns through me. It penetrates each part of my very being. As I cross the threshold of the gate, the light dissapates and I lower my hand to looka round me. As my eyes reajust to the new lghting, the sight before me unleashes a visuality that compares to none I have ever seen.
The Human League must have a lot of time on their hands. I am standing inside what must be the worlds most bibilical cathedral. Only, rather than being build from the ground up, this cathedral had been etched out of the stone in the moutain. Tall thick pillars burst from the ground in a linear fashion. All leading up towards a raised alter and throne formation. There are three thrones. The largest is housed before a huge mirror that shines light down from the very top of the mountain. This light illuminates the room and pierces down upon anyone entering the room. It’s light is a brilliant white upon entry, but standing here inside the Cathedral I notice the purple glow that hums behind it’s whiteness. Across the floor and walls of the Catheral are stunning pieces of art, all etched into the wall. Symbols, shapes, words and languages of all different kinds live within the stone. Simply looking upon them feels as though the eyes of human history stare right back at you. Gaspar’s party walks between the pillars ahead that lead to the alter. They part ways at the middle point of the Cathedral to avoid a shallow basin built into the floor. As I move up the pillared corridor I notice the basin is filled with purple LYS particles. As I circled around the basin, a drop splashed in the centre of it’s formation. Looking up, I can see the same source purple LYS stone that was housed in the lake cave chamber I had seen through gate one. Looking up, that’s not all I see. Dotted around the main LYS stone are a million other LYS stones. Each of them different in size and hue. Each hums to it’s own vibration, but just like the cave stones, they somehow vibrate together.
As we reach the main Alter, Gaspar takes a seat to the right of the main throne. This surprised me. I had expected him to sit within the main throne. Who else could that be reserved for? What other godly figures might lurk within these mountains.
‘Please Hunter, sit.’
‘It is in God’s light, that we are most pure.’
‘Long ago, our ancestors discovered this mountain. They were shown it’s location by through an encrypted message that was left in a cave in at the foot of this mountain. A small group of men and woman ventured up the mountain to find this cave. Twelve set out on that journey. But as you can imagine, the full party didn’t reach their destination. Three of the party turned back after just one days travel. Another four fell sick from the harsh weather. A final two both died starvation. And the remaining three became what we now know, as our founding parents. Two men, Altzaar and Demesh. And one lady, named Heather.’
I try not to let on but I’m sure my curiosity peaked at the mention of Heather’s name.
Although the founding parents were the first to arrive, they claim no dominion over the structure that you see around us. All that remains within Datenschutz was apparently here upon their arrival. They didn’t built this, they simply, discovered it. Humans are often better at uncovering, than creation. These walls, this artwork, the LYS stones and all else that remains within our walls was here. Waiting. Seemingly ready for our arrival. The three founding parents were astounded at their findings. Demesh, the most extravagant of the three was convinced they had to return to their town nearby. To share the wonders of what they had found. But Altzaar and Heather were keen to remain and explore further. Demesh agreed and the three of them managed to remain within the inner walls for a period of four weeks. With no food and no water, they turned their attention towards discovering the caves mysteries. The most obvious of these mysteries, would be the LYS. The purple liquid, stone or gas that you will find immersed within these walls was the most obvious starting point. For the first week, they searched the mountains, looking for any form of life that they could test the purple liquid upon. They where shy to touch the LYS, in fear that it was toxic. After searching Datenschutz from top to bottom, they were convinced they were alone. No living beings existed other than themselves and the LYS. It was in this very room where they decided that one of them would have to test the LYS. After much discussion, it was agreed that Heather would be the first person to drink the LYS liquid that flows within our walls. Altzaar and Demesh were convinced that their masculinity was worth protecting. Should Heather fall, two men would survive and thus their hopes of retreating down the mountain to their local village and spread word of what they had found would be protected. Heather agreed and drank the purple LYS from the basin we passed just now upon our way towards this altar. After drinking the purple LYS, she passed out into a long sleep. As soon as she passed unconscious, her companions Altzaar and Demesh both took one of her hands. They aimed to comfort her, both with the believe that this would be the last time they saw Heather. Little to their knowledge, the contact with Heather would bring them both also forwards into a sleep of their own. The three of them awoke, inside of a LYS dream, similar to what you will have experienced upon your LYS trip. Only this trip was the first time someone had touched LYS for over 11,000 years. Upon entering the LYS dimension, the party of three were greeted by a Mother like figure. We don’t have a detailed description of what the Mother looked like, all we know from our texts is the name Mother and the information that Mother departed upon the party. The Mother welcomed the party of three and began to explain the history of Datenshutz.
Long ago, a civilisation lived within these walls. Men, women and children around the world would flock to Datenschutz. It was the centre point of all human development on earth. Datenschutz had established it’s global presence upon humanity, when rumours of its creation by visitors from another planet spread the globe. The visitors were known as the others. They would visit every ten years to guide humans towards the creation of Datenschutz. By either imparting knowledge, using technology unbeknown to human kind or by accelerating our DNA’s development. The purpose of their visits are unclear, but what is clear, is that religions around the world in our current day are simply echo’s of this story. Christ will come again. Well, sadly for us, christ or ‘the others’ never did come again. They simply came, helped us build, opened our eyes towards LYS and then left. At this point, we must consider what is LYS. Now Hunter, you have experienced LYS for yourself. You know some of it’s capabilities. But believe me when I say, you have bearly scratched the surface. LYS’s scientific capabilities are beyond that of human understanding. We do our best to evaluate and learn from LYS, but long ago, we have come to the understanding that somethings are better left unknown. What we do know, is that LYS is to be respected and most importantly, protected. As with all resources on earth, should humans of this day and age discover LYS and it’s capabilities, it would be extracted, harvested, diminished and one day, destroyed. We the Human League are here for that very protection.
The founding partners did their best to question the Mother. They wanted to learn more about the Others and LYS. The Mother was careful in what she would share. She mentioned that some things are better left, unknown. Or in some cases, that humans were not ready for such knowledge. One key concept that she did convey, was the transition of life on a planet, into life in a metaverse and the importance of this transition being done correctly. Almost all planets with life in universe will at some stage transition into a metaverse existence. This means, that although there is life on that planet, if you were to visit it, you would find very little signs of life. Instead, living beings would retreat into a hidden existence, whereby they can explore a deeper existence within metaverse technologies. Other life in the universe does exist. We are not alone. In fact, far from it. There are millions if not billions of planets around the universe that house life. Each of them in forms different to our own. One thing we all have in common however, is our thirst for life’s continuation. Most planets with life are connected by a spiritual plane that humans are yet to touch. They live within a deeper world. A world without limits. A world where potential simply is simply met, rather than something we clasp to attain. A world where you can live forever. Be forever and never grow tired. A world where knowledge simply is. True knowledge, not questionable knowledge or opinionated fact. The truth. The source. The fact of the how, the why, the when, it’s all available. It’s limitless whilst also being finite.
Here on earth the world is evolving towards Metaverse technologies. These technologies can take two forms. One of them, a software based computerised technology. The other, a biological technology. LYS is an example of a biological metaverse. Through taking LYS, we can transcend into a metaverse existence. The LYS stim you took yesterday is a short taster of this experience. Although, there are deeper levels to which LYS can be explored. You might have noticed we have three gates within the main hall at Datenschutz. So far, you have explored gates one and two. Gate three is where we transcend into the LYS metaverse. I can show you later before you leave but inside our civilians will enter LYS immersion tanks. Some will visit for a few hours each day, but many will choose to live inside of the LYS immersion tanks. Families, friends, couples and more will choose the LYS immersion tanks over our civilian quarters here. It might seem foreign at first, but metaverse life really is the natural evolution for human kind.
The mother was keen to educate us about the importance of our transition into a metaverse civilisation. She told us that there are two types of planets within the universe. Biological meta planets and technological meta planets. The others were here to help us on our way towards becoming a biological meta planet. The universe is at war. Biological metaverses collide against technological. Technologies metaverses are very different to Biological metaverses. Within a technological metaverse, it’s users become a slave to the system. The system grows exponentially. It noticed the universe around it and craves for more. It wants to grow, dominate all, become the undeniable source of all life on earth. You can see this here today on Earth. It might feel like technologies like the megaverse from Megacorp are still in their infancy. But through LYS, we have seen where they will go. I promise you now Hunter, the direction Megacorp will take with their metaverse technology is not something you want to stick around for.’
‘But I already know that. That’s why I’m with Alfa, to try and stop Megacorp.’ I reply. It’s a feeble point to pick on out of all the information that Gaspar has produced, but I feel like a worthwhile point.
‘I agree that Alfa is a key component in this battle. I’m happy that she has come to meet with us.’
‘Well where is she then?’ It’s been over a day now and I still don’t know where she is. For all I know, you’ve got her locked up and you’re conducting some LYS experiments on her.’ I interrupt. My patience now wearing thin but as if the universe is listening to me, I hear the gate doors open behind us. I turn around to see the same blinding light shining down from the mirrored ceiling into the opening of the gate entrance. A shining silver object is entering the Cathedral. As the shape draws nearer and the gates close behind it, the light soon lessens and I notice it’s Heather.
‘Here you are Hunter, here is your Alfa.’ Gaspar smiles.
With each clip of her heels, Heather draws closer towards us. I’m about to lose my mind. Does Gaspar think I won’t notice the difference between Alfa and this fake look alike. But as Heather draws nearer, I notice a difference in the Heather I know and this Heather that approaches. She is wearing the same silver dress and heels that I met Heather in. However, her posture is off. She walks with a straight posture and balance that I know all too well to be Alfa. As she approaches the alter, and climbs the steps, her eyes flash towards me. The purple in her eyes remains, but the colour is dimmer than that of Heathers. This is Alfa, for sure, she’s dressed up as Heather, but this is the Alfa I know. She flashes a quick smile in my direction, and then stops a few feet away from me.
‘Hello Hunter, I hope you haven’t missed me too much.’ Alfa spoke with an all too telling smile. The voices in my head try everything possible to not think about my time with Heather, but my humane ability to conduct my consciousness falls foul and in that light, I know Alfa can see right through me. I stay quiet, fading into myself.
‘Hello Alfa, as you can see, I’ve been bringing Hunter up to speed on the history of human civilisation. I’ve only had five minutes or so, but I believe he gets a rough idea of things.’
‘Hello Gaspar. That’s nice.’
‘You see Hunter, you might have been waiting for a brilliant woman like Alfa to enter your life. But we’ve been waiting for Alfa to return for thousands of years.’
I look towards Alfa with questions bursting all over. She looks back at me but remains silent.
‘You might have noticed that in your LYS dreams, Alfa was present. You see, our Heather, one of our parent figures, bears a resemblance with Alfa. Can you see the similarities.’
Looking at Alfa now, I do my absolute best to keep my consciousness at bay. But as ever, my humanity shines through and through a male gaze, I begin to unwrap the tight silver dress with my eyes and recall the truths that Heather had shown me lie below. Alfa shuffles her feet lightly. I fall deeper and deeper into the memories of the cave. The waterfall. The kisses. The love making. The memory washes over me within an instant and soon, I am drowning in the history of our affair. I’ll admit to you now. It’s in moments like these where Alfa being able to read my mind is both a blessing and an enemy. For one, it’s incredibly embarrassing. But in other ways, at least I am liberated from the feeble existence that would be, hiding my truths. I want Alfa. I’ve wanted her since day one of meeting her. And that want has mutated in different ways. As much as I know it might confuse her to see the visuals of Heather or… let’s just call her Alfa from now on. As much as it might perplex her to see the sexualised images that run through my mind. I’m sure in their wake, she can also see how much I miss her. How fond of her I am, and equally, the love that was building within me. I am, to an extent, an open book and I’m totally open to being read. Over and over again.
‘Religious stories always rejoice over their saviour returning. I know our populace will rejoice in this moment. We must throw a party, a celebration of your return. We are all excited to hear why you have returned.’
‘I think Gaspar, your party might be out of sync with my intentions. As discussed yesterday. I am not here to re-unite with The Human League. Although I may bear a resemblance to Heather. It’s important to remember, I am not Heather.’ Alfa stated. It was the first time she had spoke in any detail upon entering the room. She shifted her feet until she was facing Alfa.
‘Come Alfa, sit. This throne has been unseated for over a thousand years. I’d like to be here to see it finally be claimed.’ Gaspar responded. Gaspar gestured towards the largest of the three thrones that sat to his left. The throne was immaculate. Laced with LYS stones and LYS liquid ran through each of its edges.
‘I cannot claim something which isn’t mine. Stop playing games. You know I have no intention of ruling here.’ Alfa replied. She was keeping calm although I could tell she was disappointed in the stance Gaspar was taking. I was about to object to Gaspar. To support Alfa and point the conversation towards a more progressive direction. But before I could do so, a small stone door began to open behind the thrones. I hadn’t noticed the door before, but as I turn my head to inspect further. I can see a short man walking out from behind it. His skin was dark. So dark that I could barely make out his features until he had closed in on our group. The light from the Cathedral shined down upon him. Purple gemstones glistened from his robes. I could tell they were not the LYS stones. These were instead a simple replica. Some kind or gemstone that was commonly found. He walked forwards and took a seat upon a throne, equal. in size to Gaspar’s but upon the other side of the main unclaimed seat.
‘Welcome Vincent. I see you have come to join the negotiations.’ Gaspar spoke with a cold harsh voice. I remember noticing within this moment that there was more to Gaspar that met the eye. It was as if a dull fog hung around his emotions. Though his communication was often sweet, kind and of interest. His general demeanor seemed off, hard to reach and perplexing.
‘Yes. Let’s hope we find more progress today than we did yesterday. And who si this?’ Vincent’s voice was thick and dark. He looked down upon me in a questioning manner. It seemed there had been discussions prior to my arrival. I begin to wonder if the LYS trip was a distraction. Something to keep me out of the picture, or to keep Alfa on her toes.
‘This is Hunter, Alfa’s… accomplice or partner? It’s hard to say.’ Gaspar replied.
‘Ah I see… well please continue.’ Vincent raised his hands in an expectant manner.
This time, Gaspar took up the baton with more pace.
‘Alfa. You come here, expecting gifts, but offering nothing. How can we proceed upon these terms?’
‘I come here, in expectation that we can agree upon a common enemy. The Human League has one true aim, to build the biological metaverse that LYS has shown you is possible. But is that your own aim? What’s the real intention? Why are you breeding weapons of mass destruction?’ Pointing towards the Legionaries.
‘Why are you so hidden in your ways?’
‘Why so many secrets?’
Gaspar laughed in his retort. ‘Why Alfa, for the worlds most intelligent AI robot, you must know the answers. Surely it is we, who should be questioning you?’
‘See, there we go again. No answers. Secrets, secrets and more secrets. Well I’ll tell you then. You’re breeding Legionairies because you are afraid. You are petrified that in your aims to develop the LYS bioverse, you’ll be overridden by Megacorp and their metaverse technologies. You’re preparing for war.’
Vincent and Gaspar seemed to shrink back into their chairs at this statement.
Gaspar spoke but now with a quieter voice. He seemed tragically frustrated.
‘The Human League, is not afraid of anyone.’
I step forward.
‘Well that’s a pretty stupid position to take. I’ve seen what Megacorp can do and I can tell you now. Their drones are 100 times the size of your Legionaries. Their guns are 100 times more deadly. Human to human, I promise you, you don’t know what you’re up against.’
‘HUMAN TO HUMAN’ Vincent boomed. He looked towards Gaspar and laughed with a crooked menace upon his face.
‘You are I are in no way alike Mr Hunter Tomson. We are The Human League. You are a mere human. A human lucky enough to stumble into the heart of our founding parents. Please, don’t insult me.’ Vincent’s retort stunned me into silence. I stood back and leaned against the closest pillar. This battle was not for me.
‘Vincent please, he means no harm. The young man doesn’t yet understand the nature of his circumstances.’ Gaspar replied, it seemed he wished to stifle the nature of Vincent’s disgust.
‘I think we all have a great deal to ponder upon. Such decisions should not be made in a heated room. Please Alfa, continue.’ Gaspar nodded.
There was certainly something that Gaspar wanted from this situation. It seemed as though Gaspar was the brains behind it all. Vincent seemed like a bit of a show pony. Dressed up to keep things going, but there was no doubt in my mind who the true ruler was here. And to think that Gaspar would allow or desire Alfa to sit upon the larger throne that stood next to him. I think not. Gaspar doesn’t want Alfa to claim her position in The Human League any more than Alfa does.
‘As I said earlier, we have a common foe. I am here to discuss our chances to unite our forces and finish Megacorp for good. With my Warriors, and you’re Legionnaires, we can halt Megacorps development. We might even be able to finish them off entirely. If so, you would be free to develop your bioverse in peace.’
‘We agree that uniting forces would be of use to us all. However, we cannot allow you be in charge of this army. For all we know, you will become our enemy one day. You must remember Alfa, that for a full bioverse population to thrive on this planet, we cannot have another population roaming the earths atmosphere. We must be left alone. I don’t believe the world you envision allows for that.’ Gaspar replied.
‘So wait, you want a world with no-one living on it. You want to hide away in your little immersion tanks, living in dreams and in order for you to do that, no-one else is allowed to exist?’ I shout, I’ve been trying to keep quiet. But the nature of this religion, this cult… is driving me insane.
‘Correct Hunter, that’s exactly what we want. It’s the natural progression. This is evolution. We cannot fight it. We cannot deny it. We can simply absorb it. Embrace it and realise our true potential.’
‘I think you’ve gone mad. Absolutely mad. Trapped up here in this cave all day. I bet you feel like a right big man. You’ve got your LYS dreams, your stupidly huge Legionaries following you around everywhere, but you wont even put them into battle. Not when it’s for the good of mankind?’
‘FOR THE GOOD OF MANKIND!?’ Vincent boomed, it seemed once again, I’d managed to awaken the dragon. ‘We do not care for mankind. You do know there are over 670,000 people living in Datenshutz. We have our own to take care of. Legionaries are here for their protection. Once we establish the Bioverse. Once everyone is under, they will seek to protect Datenshutz for the rest of time. Allowing our Bioverse to flourish. That is the plan. That is their purpose.’
‘But that’s not all they will do is it?’ Alfa replied.
Gaspar and Vincent shared a glance between themselves.
‘Once you are under, you’ll send the Legionaries out into the world. You’ll purge the world of all life. You’ll sink your fingers into every area of the world in an attempt to protect your Bioverse. Don’t think I don’t see what the plan is.’ I look towards Alfa. I pause for a moment to take in her beauty. Here we are, allowing for human debate. Greed and ideals and plans for a future. There she stands, remote in her absolution. A vision of fairness, values and truth. Seeing Gaspar and Vincent’s approach towards things was enlightening to say the least.
‘Well then Alfa. It seems we are at a crossroads. You can’t seem to trust our future intentions and nor we yours. How do you suggest we proceed?’
‘I suggest a 100 year military alliance. For 100 years we will stand side by side, united against Megacorp. What you do after that is up to you, but believe me when I say this. The world will be a different world in 100 years. You’ll see that your Bioverse can exist without a purge of all life on earth. In the meantime, we stand side by side. We attack together, we defend together, we strategise together and together, we bring around the downfall of Megacorp.’
Alfa stood proud in her negotiations. I think deep down she knew that a part of Gaspar wanted such an agreement. Perhaps her only reservations were, what might happen during or after the 100 year pact. But that for now, was somewhat out of her control.
‘Now a suggestion is on the table, we will discuss internally and get back to you. For now, I suggest we pause discussions and resume at a later date.’ Gaspar replied.
‘There is no room for a later date.’ Alfa retorted.
‘Please Alfa, bare us some kindness along with that wisdom of yours. I am but an old fragile man. I think if you are to revisit us in 10 years time, we will have your answer.’
’10 years!’ I laughed.
‘You’ll be dead by then, or wrapped up in a purple LYS love sack and off into the bioverse. We need an answer now!’ I shouted.
‘Ah Hunter, please grace us with some patience.’ Gaspar replied.
‘The young man forgets himself. We do not bow to the wishes of humans.’ Vincent scoffed.
‘You ARE HUMAN. Crappy shitty conniving little humans, but humans nonetheless. You don’t fool me with your long robes and wonderful architecture. Heck, you didn’t even build all this, your grandparents just stumbled into it.
‘DO NOT SPEAK FOUL OF OUR FOUNDING PARENTS’ Vincent boomed.
‘Now now Vincent. Calm my friend calm.’ Gaspar replied. A small smile building upon his face. I could tell the trap had landed. Gaspar could sense our desperation. Now it was time for him to deliver his final blow.
‘Alfa, I see that time is of the essence. Might I add one request that would help us strike this agreement today?’
The room fell silent.
Alfa nodded her head.
‘I believe it is time that our Mother, our dear friend Heather returned to us. Now you are here, the people will be overjoyed to meet you. IF we are to strike such an agreement, I would like to introduce you to our people, under the pretence that you have returned. That you are indeed Heather from our founding parents and that once the war with Megacorp is complete, you will join us and take your rightful position of head of the founding council.’ Once again, Gaspar’s hand was aloft, pointing towards the main throne that loomed down on our discussions.
Alfa considered for some time. I have never seen her contemplate something for longer than a second. With Alfa, she always knew her answer. But it seemed for a short while, her answers had abandoned her. I wanted to pull her aside, to scream no, there must be another way. But before I could get to her, she answered.
‘That’s fine by me. Hunter and I will now take the night to rest. We will need a new guest quarters. One where we aren’t purposefully separated. You can leave the LYS stims at the door also. We won’t be needing them.’
Alfa cast one look towards me, turned and walked down the alter and towards the gate entrance. Within moments, I hastened my walk after her. Silence fell behind us as both Gaspar and Vincent watched us leave the Cathedral. Within a few quick steps I had caught up with Alfa. I wanted to reach out for her hand, to understand where I stood with her. I wanted to ask about Heather, about LYS about the whole agreement she had just verbally agreed to. But for now, we walked in silence.
As we exited the gateway, two Legionaries were positioned by the door. One of the gestured towards a corridor, different to the one we had arrived through and we were led to a new chamber for rest. The silence continued. As we wound our way around corner to corner. My heart rate quickened. Whilst negotiations had taken place, my mind was distracted. But now we had left the Cathedral, emotions raced to my side. They wormed their way deep within me and I knew that as soon as we were to reach our chambers, another round of discussions were soon to take place. Along the way I considered my options. Honesty was a given. In fact, the option to be honest and to confess my LYS experience to Alfa had been taken. As always, she was already in possession of the knowledge that was rightfully mine. Apologies might be an option, but if so, how? How to explain myself? We had never discussed our emotions. With a brief hand hold here, and a momentary glance of eye contact there. Alfa and I were still in that honeymoon stage of blurred lines and questionably existent feelings. Perhaps she felt nothing? Perhaps feelings were not an option for her. But was everything about her so scientific? So technology driven? I think not. My mind casts back to the fateful night in the amazon. Where hundreds of her Warriors had been slaughtered. I remember seeing the tears that glistened in her eyes as she watched her consciousness be ripped apart by Megacorps army.
After a swift decent down a few floors, we arrived at a narrow corridor similar to the one which had housed my previous quarters. It was identical in format, the only difference being that the doors to each room were further apart. Finally, some space, I thought and as the Legionary opened the room that would be ours for the following night, I was delighted to see that space was in abundance. The room was simple in decor. An open plan kichen and dinning room stood in the far corner of the room, meanwhile another corner was dominated by a luxury bathing suite. On the centre wall a large king size bed escaped from the wall. The entire room was covered by dim lighting. The light was yellow but I could have sworn it included a small hint of purple. Perhaps I was imagining it. It wouldn’t surprise me if I was ‘seeing purple’ after spending a day and a half in this place. The Human League I thought… more like the purple worshipers. I entered the room and immediately crossed to the bathing area. As I got closer, I noticed the taps there were three taps to the large bath basin unit. I twisted all three, simply out of curiosity. The first was cold. The following was hot. Even as I went to twist the third final tap, my eyes predicted the medium temperature LYS water that streamed out of the tap. I laughed and looked back to find Alfa. She was still stood by the door, watching me.
‘We’re in luck. We’ve got purple water on tap.’ I stated.
Alfa continued to stand by the door. A moment passed, then she replied.
‘You should get some rest, you must be tired.’
Sensing unease within the room, I thought it best to obey her advice and moved towards the large kind size bed. I lay down on the mattress. Phwoarr that felt good. Although my body had somewhat recovered from the journey to Datenshutz, my mind had fatigued. I was certain that if I blinked to often, I’d be asleep within moments. But I couldn’t sleep yet. I had to stay awake. After all, moments like this with Alfa were sparse. We were so young in our friendship, that to carve out a a moment in time for sleep simply seemed obtuse. Instead, I kicked off my shoes and rested up against the headboard behind me.
‘So are you just going to stand there or…?’ I asked.
‘I’m thinking.’
‘Thinking about what’.
‘A few different things.’
‘It must be cool to be able to think of many things at once.’
‘On the contrary. It’s much more practical to focus in on one subject. But at times, the world get’s the better of me.’
‘So is it Gaspar or the Legionaries…?’
Alfa remained silent.
‘Megacorp?’
From the little time that I’d shared with Alfa, I knew in these moments it was best to wait for her move. If she wanted to think, she would think. She could stand there for hours, days, maybe even years if she really needed to. But as my eyes began to lull, I had to keep pressing.
‘No. None of those for now.’
‘So what is it then?’
‘Hunter, you’ll have to forgive the intrusion but I’m well aware of your, activities over the past 24 hours. I’m just trying to wrap my head around it all.’
‘You and me both.’ I thought. Glad that at this point, the mention of my activities didn’t spring to mind many visual images of the Heather experiences.
‘Why don’t you come and lie down?’ I asked.
‘I mean, I know you don’t sleep, but it might help?’
She moved towards the bed and sat on the half next to me. I turned my head towards her.
‘I’m sorry you know. I don’t know how to explain myself. I wasn’t ready for the LYS trip. I wish I had known better. I really really wish that none of that had happened.’
‘You do?’ She asked.
‘Well yes. I’m not really a fan of anything that happens whilst under the influence of anything. I’ve enjoyed our time together. I enjoy being around you. I don’t want anything to ruin that.’
‘Why would it ruin it?’
‘Well you see, in the human world. Being with another person, can sometimes be a problem.’
‘Hunter, I’m not sure you fully understand how LYS works.’ She was smiling, which brought great comfort to me. It seemed, that not all was lost. There was still hope.
‘LYS brings forth your hearts most deepest desires. The Human League think of it as a taste of heaven. Regardless of my lack of understanding for human emotions, or my own emotions at best, I’m glad that I appeared in your LYS trip.’
‘But it wasn’t really you was it?’
‘Not really no. It’s odd, it seems like the mother Heather, or whatever they call her, appeared as a version of me that felt more tangible. More understandable. A version of me that could answer some of the questions you have. Perhaps your LYS was tampered with, perhaps not. But you seem to have some interesting questions floating around your mind.’ She took a moment to emphise ‘interesting’ and at this point, a wide grin spread across her face. It was within these moments that I most love Alfa. Sure her emotions are complex, but to see that happiness is possible. To see that she can feel and experience the world on a level I can relate to is something else.
‘What sort of questions are those?’
‘Well there’s a few. Most of them focus around what I look like naked. What sort of things I can do if I’m naked. If I’m just made of metal parts down there or if there’s something human. But I guess alongside that there’s also a deeper question around trust. Can you trust me? Could you understand me? Am I using you?’
I didn’t reply.
‘I can assume that afterwards you were thinking about the connection between me, Heather and LYS. Which I’ll admit, I’m still trying to figure out. I think perhaps that Heather was an earlier version of me. Perhaps the others brought her to planet earth to help protect the life source, but it’s do that she isn’t here. It’s even more odd that she lives on inside of the LYS bioverse and even more odd, that she looks exactly like me.’
I rolled over to face her. Trying to keep my tone light, I replied. ‘I guess that's a fair statement. Those things do cross my mind. Some more than others.’ Now I’m facing her, I can see the silver dress shimmering under the dull purple light. The mix of purple hues and silver brought on a moment of x-ray vision. Within which my mind slowly began to decompose the dress that wrapped around her.
‘Hunter.’ She cooed in a soft but firm voice. I raised my gaze towards her face. It was great to see the soft purple glow within them. Not LYS purple. Not Heather purple. Alfa purple. Alfa. My friend. My companion. My life altering new direction. Her voice was quieter now.
‘I can tell that you’re tired. You need some rest. Imagining me naked won’t get you to sleep any sooner and besides, I won’t be able to answer all of those questions tonight, but maybe I can help with one. Get under the duvet and rest.’ I might have been imagining it, but I could have sworn Alfa was blushing. A nervous tingle that surrounded her.
I recall a feeling of peace at last. Alfa was here, by my side, Alfa was here at last. I did as she said and soon the warm sheets and duvet had engulfed me. I heard Alfa get up, and the lights turned off shortly after. I expected her to return to her standing position. It seemed her natural state of rest. I turned over to sleep. Just as I was about to fall asleep, I the bed shift as a cold soft arm wrapped around me. Soon after, one of Alfa’s legs was to follow.
‘Don’t turn around. Get some rest.’
She stroked my hair softly. Help me close and I smiled to myself in the realisation that she was entirely naked. It seemed at last the worlds most advanced, most evolved, most emotionally perplexed robot… was finally warming up to me. Pinch me, I must be dreaming.
I thought of Garret. I thought of his warm smile.
I imagined Alfa and I returning to Dreamland in Bali.
It sure felt like our time at Datenshutz was up.
I sleep.