Tales of the Canterbury Nebula

The Great Creators

Era shyly rose her appendage. “I will tell my tale next if it is convenient to all present.”

Maxceo gave what passed for a chuckle for his species. “No one protests your proposal; you are free to tell your tale.”

Era nodded and began. “As my father stated, it was just another educational outing. My fellow young Mechanicks, as we all call ourselves, and I were escorted by our instructor, De Glitch, to an archaeological site…”

This particular dig was of a recently discovered ancient crash site of a star faring vessel of unknown design. Archaeologists, scholars and scientists were baffled as to the vessel’s origin. The written language they had found was untranslatable to any languages within the galactic council’s data base. Of course, this had captured everyone’s attention. The planned educational outing came after nearly endless files of permits and agreements from all the parental units.

The head archaeologist, researcher Knick-Knack motioned to the partially unearthed vessel. “We have theorized that the few survivors of this ancient craft had meticulously salvaged what they could to construct a smaller craft to leave this world to parts unknown.”

Curious, I looked at the ancient writing. It was indeed strange but there was also something familiar about it. It was not that I had seen the writing before but something similar. Then I made the connection. “They look like strange pictographs, turned into a form of language.”

Knick-Knack smiled. “Yes; exactly, young one. This is a form of pictographic language. However, without knowing the meaning of each image, we are unable to translate it.”

As the site was deemed inert and safe, my study group and I were assigned to study a sectioned off area. It bad been previously searched and deemed to have nothing of any real research value. Of course, the archaeologists should have remembered it was not wise to underestimate young. They have been known to surprise even the most experienced of minds. That was why it was decided that a young group should search the selected portion of the dig to see what they could find.

De Glitch swept her hand, motioning to the section they were assigned to. “Remember to carefully scan, study and catalog everything you find that you deem might be worthy of study.”

The class responded as one with “Affirmative, professor.”

We all scattered to find our own spot to scan and study. To our collective disappointment, we did not find much of value. We did find a few items worthy of a more careful scan but nothing that was truly noteworthy. Still, each discovery was taken seriously. Each young Mechanick was permitted to take their unusual find back to their dwellings as a prize. It was near the end of the allowed time for the educational outing when I discovered an odd device among the rubble of strange objects. It was close to the length and width of the palm of my hand. It was also oddly thin and seemed to have been transmitting a soft but strong signal on an unknown frequency. I noticed the same pictographic symbols no one could translate. Curious, I studied it carefully, trying to make sense of them. One particular symbol was flashing and I naively touched it with my finger. I immediately regretted my impulsive decision.

A thunderous boom shook the entire archaeological site as a large pile of dirt and debris shook and gave way to reveal an unknown circular device. It looked like an odd door. The center of it glowed brightly then began to violently pull everything towards it; including myself. The other students, further away from the device managed to get away from its pull. I was not as fortunate and let out a startled scream. I held on as best I could to anything secure enough I could get a grip on. De Glitch and a number of workers ran towards me in an attempt to assist. Only they were not fast enough and I was hurled through the ancient doorway, into darkness.

When I eventually woke, I found myself hurting and all alone in completely alien surroundings. The air was thick and the gravity was three times that of galactic standard. I detected movements somewhere just inside my awareness radius. Whatever they were, I was relieved they remained at a distance. I heard strange sounds all around and caught even stranger smells. I performed a health scan to assess any damages. I was relatively unharmed other than rattled nerve circuits and strained joints. I was able to freely move in the higher gravity, which was a blessing. I tested the air and discovered I was able to draw in sufficient atmospheres to cool and power my life support systems. My next task was to carefully scan the surrounding area. I needed to find materials to build minimal survival necessities. I was in a natural field littered with the various objects that had been pulled through with me. Then I saw the doorway that had thrown me out onto this strange unknown world. It was and exact replica of the doorway that pulled in on my world. Strangely enough, it threw me into the middle of an archeological site on another world.

Stunned, I looked down to find I still had the strange device in my hand. “Where am I?”

A booming voice rang out, starting me. I turned to spot a huge bipedal creature approaching me at high speed. There was another slightly smaller bipedal creature running close behind. As they came closer, I recognized their species; Human. I remembered the released data clips from the mainframe government. Humanity was deemed a primitive, violent race constantly at war with its own kind at every stage of their social hierarchy. Fearing execution or worse, I activated my emergency adaption protocols. This was a system of nanobots which took minerals from the native world. Their job was to create a shell resembling the native species. Within seconds, I Looked just like a small female human child. The process finished just as the two humans had reached me.

Breathing heavily, the man looked down at me. His face turned red upon seeing me but he also seemed relieved that I was not obviously hurt. “Are you okay, kid? You should know this area is restricted for the time being.”

I blinked and looked up at the human. He was six foot or more, rippling with muscles and adorned with various strange fabrics sewn together. He looked at me with two forward facing predatory eyes, leaving me feeling vulnerable. Only instead of attacking, he ran a hand through the thick tuft of brown hair on his head. “I think you better handle this one Rena.”

The female human, named Rena stepped forward. Her eyes widened and her face also turned red the moment she saw me. She grabbed a large clothing item off of the male and gently draped it over my shoulders. “Crickey, Sam! The poor girl is naked!”

It took a brief moment for me to translate their words into my own language. Once I understood their statements, It dawned on me that their multi-fabric coverings was an important part of their culture and society. I was at a total loss as to explain my presence and lack of attire. I feared anything I said or did would result in a hostile reaction. Seeing no other option, my emotions overloaded and I began to cry. It was soft at first but soon exploded into a full emotional breakdown. I sounded as if I had just come out of the birth assembly. Rena and Sam turned to each other before Rena gently picked me up and began to carry me out of the field. I was quickly taken to a strange land vehicle. Sam opened the door where I spotted a long padded seat that was apparently divided into three sections. I noticed several straps that were no doubt designed as some form of restraint and fell into a panic. I cried louder and began to struggle.

Rena was surprised by this but was easily able to keep her hold on me. “Easy…! Easy! What’s wrong?!”

As if on cue, a terrifying sound was heard. Sam turned to see a truck approaching. “Something tells me the girl was desperately trying to get away from someone.”

Rena knotted her jaws in decision and pushed me onto the seat then slammed the door, sealing me inside. They soon after took a seat in the front with Sam working some unknown controls before the vehicle roared to life. It was a similar frightening sound to the other land vehicle like some wild beast. I attempted to let out a cry of fright only to have it cut short by a sudden increase in forward momentum. I was frightened, confused by the two human’s behavior. Then, I realized it was not the human but the ground vehicle. It was reacting to my panic…”

Inside the ship, Atrace gasped. “You have Mechanical psionics?!”

Cahzea hushed her daughter silent. “Yes. It is a very unique and rare ability among the Mechanicks, what the people of Digitex call themselves.”

Norida smiled. “It is fine. You see, Atrace, it is our belief that everything built has a small piece of the creator’s soul within it. It has been theorized that Era has the ability to reach out to those souls.”

Atrace smiled. “Thank you, Norida for explaining that.” She turned to Era. “Please, go on…”

Era nodded then continued, “As I said, the ground vehicle was reacting to my panic by building its speed and taking defensive maneuvers to escape whatever danger I thought I was in….”

As I held on as best I could, a thousand thoughts and questions ran through my head. Why was I not strapped down? Who or what were they trying to get away from? Nothing about it made sense. From my position, I could only see the world flying past but I could tell by the movements of the land vehicle that Sam had managed to regain control. I noticed a sign that read ‘Welcome to Creator Lake’. I could only assume it was a geographic marker of some form which meant I was being taken away from the doorway like device, my only way back home. Frightened, I took hold of the fabric covering in a vain attempt to calm myself. As I did, I realized I was still holding the strange artifact that had resulted in me being pulled away from my home and stranded on another world.

Thinking quickly or acting in desperation, I was not sure which, I placed it into a pocket sewn into the fabric that oddly had a plastic round piece which I assumed was made to hold it closed. Fitting the piece into place, I thought, “Hopefully, it will be safe there.”

I heard Sam barking orders into some strange device held up to his mouth and listened. “This is Dr. Sam Rico! I am inbound with a Jane Doe about ten to twelve years of age! She was found naked at the archaeological dig near Creator Lake! She needs emergency medical aid!”

Hearing that confirmed Creator Lake was geographical marker and made a point to remember it. My mind warned me that my stress levels dangerously were high. The only thing I could think to do was to pull the fabric covering close. I soon fell into a deep, restless sleep. I was plagued by unsettling dreams filled with unfamiliar sounds and smells. I heard frantic voices; too many speaking too quickly and over each other for me to even hope to translate. I heard pounding feet, the squeaking of a gear or wheel and then someone barking orders. I smelled a form of cleaning agent, many strange flowery fragrances and sweat for what seemed like an eternity before I was then surrounded by nothing but silence.

When I woke up, I again found myself in unfamiliar surroundings only I had completely forgotten the events of before. Seeing my body covered in artificial flesh, I feared I had somehow been abducted and was now a prisoner on a non-council world; likely with hostile intent. There were sensors attached to my body in various locations, a strange loose fitting fabric garment on my body and an odd device gripping my second finger. I carefully removed the sensors from my artificial flesh and removed the device from my finger. Almost immediately after, an alarm began to blare and I ran from the room. At that point, I was in self-preservation mode and hurried into a room where a female child, similar in height, was resting. Scanning the room, I found clean garments and put them on as a disguise. I had to get back there. Back where, I was not certain but I had a vague sense of which direction to go. I exited the structure without challenge and began to run in the direction my clouded mind was screaming I should go…

Hours later, I found myself in the shadows of a narrow alley catching my breath. I had been running the entire time without stopping; ignoring the burning in my muscles and lungs begging for air. The moment I came to a rest, my legs felt like rubber and every breath burned. It was a miracle I had not yet passed out from the pains of fatigue. I cautiously looked up from my hiding place and spotted a small train depot across the street beyond the alley. Although I was not sure why, I knew that I had to get on board that train. Every fiber in my body was begging me to stop, to fall to my knees and cry myself to sleep. Only there was something gnawing at me from within, urging me onward. I decided it better not to second guess myself. I took a breath and stumbled out of the alley, my legs barely carrying me. Keeping a wary eye on the crowds I cautiously walked towards the ticket office; fearing I had no energy left to run if something bad happened. Halfway there, without thinking, I took a small number of bills from my pocket.

As I reached the line in front of the ticket office, I looked at the money, curious. "What in the void is this?"

Deciding it best not to over think things, I accepted the fact I had it; pondering over what it was or where it had come from was not important at the moment. Nothing was certain except for the fact that I was scared and I had to get away to... to what? What was it that needed to be done? And who could I trust? I absently minded stepped in a line behind a young boy, no more than two inches taller than myself, with short auburn hair, wearing blue jeans and a white T-shirt. The line moved slowly, too slowly for my taste. I looked down the small row of people then nervously scanned my surroundings, fearing trouble.

In my thoughts, I desperately urged the line to move faster, but it seemed to only make it move slower. "Come on, Come on! Let's go! I've got to get to- To where?"

I shook my head, trying to keep all of my thoughts and senses together, but my mind seemed to cloud over more by the minute; soon there would be nothing left but a dark, impenetrable void from which there would be no escape...

"No!!" I said, almost out loud. "That's not going to happen!"

Startled that I had spoken out loud, I looked around myself, my nervousness rising. Somehow, I knew someone was coming; I had to be on board that train before whomever it was arrived. Who were they? That was unclear, but I was not about to find out, I was too frightened. Eventually, the line shortened until only the small boy stood in front of me. By that time, despite my best efforts, my mind seemed a complete blank. All that was left was the fact that I had to get on the train. I had hardly paid any attention to the boy; I was wondering where to go and what would I do to pay for the transportation.

Then, I heard the boy say "One ticket to Creator Lake, please."

My ears perked up. Something about the town's name suddenly became important in my mind but it was beyond my power to know why and it frustrated me. I saw the boy pay with the same papers I had discovered in the pocket of the garment I was wearing.

The man at the ticket booth told the boy, "That will be twelve dollars, sir."

I looked at the papers I had and was relieved to see that I had plenty of ‘dollars’ to buy the ticket. I stepped up to the booth as the boy left to board the train and said repeated the boy’s statement in the same tone, hoping it was polite. I noticed the boy stopped for a moment and half turned, curious. He then went towards the awaiting train. I paid the fee then quickly boarded the train, still feeling nervous and frightened. As I took my seat, I caught a glimpse of my reflection. I was a young girl between ten and twelve with mid shoulder length blond hair and blue eyes. It somehow did not feel right but my mind was not focused on what I looked like at the time. Once settled, in a vacant seat near the middle of the first car, I uneasily glanced out the window. The train slowly began to pull away from the station towards Creator City.

As I blankly watched the passing scenery, a voice softly rang out to me. “You don't look so good; are you okay?"

When the voice reached me, I spun around; startled, facing the young boy I had stood behind earlier. Seeing his face for the first time, I was surprised to find he had soft features for a boy with sharp hazel eyes. Not sensing any threat from him, I relaxed a little. Still, something was telling me to remain on guard. "No, I'm fine."

The boy did not seem convinced so he pressed. "Are you sure about that? You look a little shook up."

I sighed then coldly replied, "I said I'm fine."

After a few moments of silence, the boy spoke again. "I'm sorry." he said. "I don't mean to pester you but you did seem like you could use some help." he extended his hand. "I'm Tony. Tony Rico. What's your name?"

I swallowed hard, realizing that my memory loss included my own first name. I searched wildly through the void surrounding my mind and only one name came to mind so I used it. "Jane Doe."

Tony made a face that made me wish I had thought of something else as he shook his head. "That is who you call a girl who cannot be identified. I’m guessing you've lost your memory. No wonder you looked a bit lost.”

I teared up, wanting to run "I just wish I could remember..."

"Maybe my family can help you." pausing, Tony said. "We all deal with solving mysteries and its better than wandering around a small town alone."

"I don't think that's a good idea." feeling frightened, I said. "I have a bad feeling someone is after me…"

Tony chuckled. "My dad has taken on men twice his size, so has my mom. You have nothing to worry about there." he paused, seeing the train coming to a stop. "This is where we get off, are you coming?"

I looked out the window and spotted a small number of police officers, standing on the platform then turned to see a black van in a small parking lot. I do not know why but one or both made me feel afraid for my life. My mind was spinning, trying to think of what to do. There was no way was I going to follow someone I had just met to a family I know nothing about. That and how did he so quickly figure out I had lost my memory? To my mind, any normal person would have assumed I just didn't want to say my name. It seemed all too convenient, him being so willing to take me into his home. Still, it could be dangerous not to obey him, as he clearly wanted me to come with him. I decided that my best bet was to follow Tony out then use to crowd to hide from him, the police, and the van.

Following Tony closely, I made my plan. "As soon as I find the right opportunity, I'll make a run for it. Even if this guy turns out legit, who am I to burden him with my problems? It's best to try to figure this out on my own."

Frightened and uncertain, I kept an eye on the police and soon realized that they were watching the very door Tony was leading me to! I then turned to the black van and saw two men in white uniforms step out and walk towards the platform.

My heart began to race as a new wave of panic fell over me. "I can't go out that way! I can't!"

Tony turned to me, concerned. "It's the only door out to the platform. We have to get out that way."

Panicked, I looked out the windows one last time then followed Tony a few more steps but, instead of going with him, I jumped up onto a seat and dived through the window. The window was marked 'emergency exit' and at the time I could not think of a larger emergency. The window pushed out easily against my weight and I fell out, rolling as I hit the platform and stood up directly in front of the group of startled policemen.

To my surprise, they seemed confused by my actions. "What the devil!? Can't you wait to exit like a normal person?"

I did not answer the police officer as I had locked eyes with one of the men from the black van. It was at that moment, I seemed to remember the man. It was not a memory but a feeling, an unpleasant one which was enough to send me running from the platform. Everyone watched, surprised by my unexpected entrance, but it did not take long for the police to pick up the chase. With them almost directly upon my heels, I frantically looked about as I ran for a means of a quick escape. Ten foot fences rose on either side of the tracks, most likely to keep juvenile delinquents from throwing rocks at the train. But to me then, they were just another obstacle between me and escape. Several shouts and screams echoed behind me but I ignored them. I was too occupied dodging bystanders trying to stop me. I searched, hoping to find some break or low place in the high fence large enough for me to quickly slip through.

I began to cry, muttering strange things such as, "I can't let them take me! Not again! Not again!"

Suddenly, something flew passed me, ripping part of my blouse as it hit a telephone pole. I paused; startled to find that it was a dart. Someone was firing at me! I screamed as something flew past, barely missing my shoulder and continued to run, faster than before. I raced into the scattered crowds of disembarking and boarding passengers, zigzagging swiftly between the people to avoid being hit. The band of policemen, caught behind the crowd, gave shouts, ordering them to clear the way. Some of them were pointing their guns upward at some unknown threat. All I cared was that they found it difficult to get through, giving me time to escape.
Still, the strange thoughts entered my mind. "Stay down, keep moving! Keep out of sight, don't let them shoot you!"

I had finally cleared the crowds and I was racing towards the end of the fence, which opened into a clearing with a line of trees just beyond. Only a dart ripped over the crowd and grazed my left leg! I cried out in pain and stumbled but I managed to keep running. Only my speed was hindered as I was now limping slightly.

I turned back to find one of the men from the black van coming onto me fast. "Easy there, Era. We just want to help you."

With that, he quickly grabbed my arm, sending me into a blind panic. "NO!!"

Before the man could react, I swung my foot up and caught him in the jaw, forcing him to release his grip. I then landed a punch to his abdomen. To my surprise, an electrical jolt fired from my fist, sending the man into a short bout of convulsions sending him to the ground. It happened fast and I did not have the time to ponder over how I had managed it. The other man was somewhere with a firearm and the police were closing in. I ran, trying to ignore the pain and a sudden case of sleepiness that was slowly creeping over me. Fortunately, though I did not know how, I made it to the woods. Only with my leg hurting and my body starting to feel heavy, I was not sure how far I could get or what I would do when I got there. I was so scared, did not know what to do so I just kept running.

Upon entering the woods, I paused a moment to quickly take in my surroundings. I wasn't certain what I was looking for, but once I spotted a small stream not too far to my right, I knew that I had found what I needed. I stepped into the icy water, ignoring the stabbing pain in my leg, and followed it for several meters until the drowsy feeling left me completely. At that point, I continued to run through the woods as fast as my pain allowed. I needed to find a place to hide; a place to pause and organize my thoughts. Presently, I found a large, hallowed out old tree with enough space for me to duck inside and be unseen unless one comes close. After a quick inspection to make sure it was safe, I climbed in and drew a deep breath, listening for any obvious signs of pursuit. Detecting none, I decided I was safe for the moment and slipped weakly into a sitting position.

I then began to collect my thoughts. "What's going on? "What is wrong with me? I'm obviously running from… or to something, but what or who?"

Was I a fugitive from the law? Was there hunt for me? Was I an escapee from a prison somewhere? It seemed all too possible, to judge by the efforts made to capture me. That and the desperate moves I had made to escape from those who were seemingly chasing me or was I simply overreacting? I began to wonder if it was a mistake to run from the train station as the police officers did not seem interested in me until I jumped out the emergency exit. Then something inside reminded me of a task I had to accomplish. I still did not know what that task was, but it had to have been very important. Were those in the van working with the police to stop me from reaching my goal or were they working alone?

I shook my head, confused. "Anything is possible at this point but what kind of prison would hold and launch such a large hunt for a little girl? Also, if this task was so important, why would anyone send a child to carry it out?"

Again, I shook my head, nothing made sense. I was going in circles and going nowhere fast. There had to have been another explanation for what was happening, but what? My thoughts carried me as far as the shadows of the narrow alley near the train station. Everything before was lost inside the dark void within my mind as if to taunt me. All I knew for certain was that I was hungry, scared, and near exhaustion. The growling in my stomach and the aching of my muscles confirmed that. I must have been running for a long time and gone without food longer. I would have to eat and rest soon. I looked down at my leg and saw a dart petruding from my leg. I absentmindedly pulled it out and the pain immediately stopped. I sighed in relief; that was one issue resolved. Still, the questions remained where was I to go, who was after me and why?

A cold chill ran through me as the sudden snap of a twig nearby interrupted my thoughts. I immediately fell silent and focused my senses. I looked out at the woods within my field of vision and listened intently. Nothing; there was no obvious signs of danger and I heard no further troubling noises. An uneasy urge to jump from the my hiding place and flee haunted me but common sense won out I forced myself to remain calm, still and quiet. Running away from my hiding place would have done nothing but alert my pursuers of my position. Presently, a single group of police officers came into view. They carried nightsticks with a hand onto a firearm in its holster. They were all walking passed my position, not giving the tree a second look. Their moves were precise, practiced; all of them moving slowly as they searched. Some looked up in the trees and behind large bushes, keeping a distance of about twenty feet from each other, It was clear that they were looking for me.

Terrified, I thought, "I can't let them find me! I'm so close... close to- to... what?"

I moaned inside. I almost had something but it slipped back into the void, out of my reach. Frustrated, I returned my attention back onto the police officers who seemed to have all passed, including the two men I saw step out of the van with a third man I had not seen before, sporting a rifle with a scope. I waited for what seemed like endless minutes as the group vanished into the woods before I came out of my hiding place. Some bark caught my blouse and ripped off a piece as I did. Unfortunately, it was enough to alert my pursuers. One shouted in a strangely familiar language and gave chase with the others following. For a second, I froze. Then, without thinking, I pointed my hand with the palm up at a nearby tree. To my surprise, a thin tether of metal shot out and made contact before pulling me up high into the tree. Allowing my instincts to take over, I swung from tree to tree using the tethers. The police and the men with them watched with their jaws dropped as I quickly swung my way out of their sight.

I heard one police officer yell, “What the hell is this, a Marvel convention!?”

I did not know what Marvel or a convention was but I was too focused on getting away to bother with it. I finally dropped back down to the ground, more hungry and tired than ever and ran in the opposite direction of the search party, back to the train station. Only, before reaching that point, I stumbled upon an old running path. A posted sign stated that it lead to the city named Creator Lake. I did not know why but I knew whatever I was running to was there and it was important that I reached it. Still, the question loomed, what was I to do once I got there?

I hurried along the old path, the sun slowly setting behind me. Only, as I drew closer to Creator Lake, I began to jump at every shadow, my anxiety was growing amidst the dark void that was my memories. There was something in that city I had to find but it was beyond my power to remember what or why. With every step I took, I began to fear entering town more. There was the three men from the black van, one who had fired upon me when I ran from the train station and then there was the police who seemed to be helping them searching for me.

Feeling a tang of doubt, I thought, "If I walk into town, not knowing who or what I need to find there, I’ll get caught for certain. There is no telling what will happen to me then."

I shuddered at the very as if part of me already suspected what would happen, it was not a pleasant feeling. I looked up to the rumble of thunder, there was a storm coming; I needed to find shelter and soon if I wanted to stay warm and dry. Creator Lake was within sight but I was no longer considering that as a safe place to go. I decided to instead find a safe shelter from the storm to rest and plan out my next move. I looked around and saw what looked like a dirt road off the jogging path and decided to follow it. The dirt road winded its way deep into another part of the woods. The dirt road branched off to the right and left several times like a maze but I kept moving forward until I came across a small cabin that seemed almost hidden among the trees. It looked as if no one had lived there for a while so I took a chance and tried the front door. It was locked. "Damn."

Frustrated, I kicked the place mat that was in front of the door and turned to try another path where the road had branched off but froze as I saw the kicked mat had revealed an odd hidden key. Hope returning, I picked up the key and thrust it into the lock before turning it. A sigh of relief escaped my lips as I heard a click and I was able to open the door. I peered inside to find the cabin was simple but functional. I cautiously walked inside just as it began to pour down rain.

I sighed in relief. "At least I won't risk acquiring illness tonight. I guess it would be wishful to think anyone had left any food behind."

Deciding it would not hurt to look, I used what light was left in the day to find a switch. To my fortune, there was power and the lights in the room came to life. There were heavy curtains over all the windows which was a welcome sight. I decided not to turn on any other lights unless I had no choice in fear of attracting attention and began to explore the cabin. My first step onto the hardwood floor brought me a surprise; I could feel the texture of the wood. I glanced down to discover that one of my shoes had fallen off somewhere. Only I was so focused on getting away from the train station and then the police search party, I could not begin to think where I might have lost it.

I kicked the other shoe off. "Maybe I'll find some shoes in my size somewhere. Who knows?"

I then continued to search the cabin for food but found nothing in any of the kitchen cupboards or the refrigerator; I would not eat that night. I moved on to find a bathroom and caught my reflection in the mirror above the sink. It was like looking at a total stranger through a window; I did not recognize myself. The girl in the mirror was young, only ten to twelve years old. Her skin was soft, almost angel like with long honey blond hair and deep blue eyes. Her face, although dirty and covered with sweat, had a soft, angelic glow. I was wearing blue jeans and a torn blouse. Seeing my arm slowly leaking where the blouse was ripped, I reached into my pocket to find a pink bandana which I tore in half and used as a makeshift dressing.

Staring at myself, I muttered, “I- I’m pretty. Only… who am I?”

I forced myself to turn away from the mirror and returned to the main room of the cabin. It was there I fell onto my knees and buried my face into my hands, shaking and sobbing. I was tired, hungry, scared, and confused. Soon, I was lying down in a fetal position in front of a cold fire place where I quietly cried myself to sleep...

“Who- Who am I?”

I slept uneasily that night; I dreamed that I was running as best as I could through a maze of hallways that all looked the same with endless large windows looking into bare holding cells. Inside each was a being from different world, all looking sad and or desperate and in various stages of abuse. Behind me, two of the three men in white uniforms I saw at the train station were causally following. There was panic on my face and tears in my eyes as I looked back at them. The men paused then continued more slowly, keeping a distance as if to deliberately taunt me into run faster. Then, as I reached a connecting hall, the third man appeared. I do not know why I paused but it was enough for the man to lunge at me. I let out a short, high scream and dived through an open door, narrowly escaping his grasp.

Sweat beading down my face, I muttered, "Run… Run…"

I emerged out of the office through another door into another long hall, the plain white blouse I was wearing torn and dirty. I quickly looked about for any sign of the three pursuing men before making a mad dash for a door labeled exit. Half way to it, I let out another scream, spotting the three men running towards me. I ran the final length to the door then reached into the pocket of my jeans, producing a thin device with strange lettering on it. Shaking and crying, I fumbled with the device, desperately trying to get it to open the door. Eventually, the door unlocked, revealing a soft flickering light. Before I could run in, however, someone grabbed me from behind, forcing a damp cloth tight over my nose and mouth…

I woke up, not with a start, but in stages; the nightmare still had a firm hold of my mind. The first thing I was aware of was that I was covered with something. I let out a low moan and slowly reached up to find that it was soft and warm. The next thing I was aware of was that it was warmer than the night before and I could hear the soft cracking of a fire somewhere. Someone had brought the fireplace to life.

That was when I finally woke up as I realized I was no longer alone inside the cabin. "Shit!"

I opened my eyes, wide with fear, and saw a tall, slender woman with long brown hair and brown eyes. She was wearing blue jeans and a tan blouse, both dust and dirt covered. The woman smiled gently as she caught my eye but made no advances towards me.

My silence was taken as permission to speak. "Good morning; do you remember me? My name is Rena; I’m surprised you found your way to our summer cabin."

I gulped, slowly sitting up and looked at the door. Rena noticed this and shook her head. "If you are in some sort of trouble, tell me now. Otherwise, I cannot help you."

Tears falling, replied, "I- I'm not sure. I can't seem to remember much at all."

Rena raised an eyebrow. "My son tells me you ran from the train station. How did you get there so fast?”

I slowly shrugged. "I don’t know. I’m sorry to trouble you. I'll just go now."

Again Rena shook her head. "Where will you go? Back to the archeological site where we found you?"

I began to sob harder. "I don't remember! Everyone is after me and I don't know why!"

Rena slowly rose to her feet. "Maybe I can help you figure it all out. No one knows you’re here at the moment so you are safe. If you run, you risk losing that safety. Will you trust me?"

I did not know what to do; this strange girl seemed friendly but her son from the train seemed too eager to take me to his home. My first instinct was to run out of the cabin and find another place to hide. What stopped me was knowing I was weak, despite having slept. Even if I were to run, I doubted I would get far. Then a rumbling in my stomach broke my chain of thought and I turned to Rena, uncertain.

Rena smiled. "Are you hungry? I have a few sandwiches with me, if you like."

I was hungry but I was still not sure if I could trust this woman before me. True, she could have taken me anywhere while I was asleep and she seemed to know me somehow. Still, that did not mean she was not a threat. I decided it best to remain quiet but my stomach growled again, answering Rena’s question.

She giggled slightly. "I'll take that as a yes."

With that, Rena turned to a duffel bag I did not notice before and pulled out a few bagged foodstuffs. They were all fiber, with a form of sliced meat and solid milk product in between; cut in halves. I almost took reached out for it, eager to have something to eat but suddenly stopped. I was afraid she might take the opportunity to do something to me. Rene seemed to sense my hesitation and opened one of the bags before taking one half of a foodstuff out. She took a bite and, while chewing, sealed the bag and tossed it at my feet.

After swallowing, she motioned to the bag. "It’s just a ham and cheese sandwich. It's up to you if you want to eat it."

Keeping an eye on her, I slowly reached out for the bag. I had to quickly look to see where it was to do so but, to my relief, Rena did not move from her spot and I quickly opened the bag. I took a small bite, to test it, and then quickly ate it down, all the while, keeping a watchful eye on my host.

Rene smiled. "Would you like another? Judging by how you are scarfing that food down, you must be starving. When was the last time you ate?"

I blushed slightly. "I don't remember…"

Rena was thoughtful for a moment. "Maybe there is something in your pockets that might give us a clue as to who you are. Have you tried that?"

I shook my head and she cautiously came closer but maintaining a friendly distance. It unnerved me and my first thought was to back away. Only I saw no obvious danger so I remained still.

Rene, seeing my fear smiled patiently. "Will it hurt you to let me see what you have in your pockets?"

I shook my head then slowly began to search my pockets, one at a time. I was not about to be fooled into placing myself into a position where I could not use my hands to defend myself. Rene remained in a sitting position until I was done. What came from my pockets was the small amount of currency I had discovered earlier, the dart that had hit my lower leg and a pink bandana that had been torn in half. It was not much to go on.

Rene looked surprised. "Is this all you have in your pockets? Tony, my little brother, is always putting things into his pockets to tinker with later."

A spark of recognition flashed in my eye. "Tony?"

Rene looked at me curious. "You met him?"

I sighed. "On the train. He seemed real eager to take me home with him."

Rene shook her head. "Is that why you ran? Tony scared you?”

I winced. "Not so much him. I saw some law enforcement officers; they gave me a fight. Then there was..."

My voice trailed off, not knowing if I should talk more or remain quiet for now. The feeling did not last long as Rene gave me a stern look that made me pause.

Rene placed a soft hand onto my shoulder. I do not know why but it felt comforting so I did not pull away. Still, I gave a timid “Sorry…”

Rene sighed. "I am trying to help you. If I am going to do that, you need to talk to me. What else was at the train station that made you so afraid you fled with reckless abandon?"

I gulped. “There was a black van there. Seeing it really made me feel afraid."

Rene raised an eyebrow. "A black van? Do you know why it made you afraid?"

I shuddered. "I don't know but one man from it shot at me when I was running."

Rene gave an annoyed look but I had a feeling it was not me she was annoyed with. "Someone shot at you!? Why would anyone need to do that?! You can't be any older than nine or ten!"

I started sobbing again. "I don't know! I don't know!"

Rene’s face softened. "Easy now. Let’s move back to what we found in your pockets."

Rene picked up the ripped bandana first and briefly studied it. "Well, it’s clean and torn in half. Well now I know how you patched up your arm."

I looked at my arm and slowly nodded. "Grazed a tree.”

Rene nodded. “You did it well which suggests you have some training in first aid. I'm guessing it was that dart that hit you in the leg when you ran from the train station. I am going to look at the dart next; don't be afraid."

I slowly nodded but shifted myself so that I could run if I needed to. Rene noticed this but continued to pick up the dart. Upon inspecting it, she found what looked like blood on the tip but something was off about it. Seeing this, I gulped though I did not know why. Rene then passively placed the dart aside.

Rene turned to me, serious. "Someone wants you badly, kid. I do not know why but we need to figure this out and fast."

I slowly shook my head. "Why are you helping me? I could be a threat to you.... I should leave."

Rene giggled. "I doubt that. If you were as dangerous as you fear, we would not be here, having this pleasant conversation over sandwiches.”

I giggled at that. My first real giggle since I found myself in that alley. "You have a point.”

Rene giggled with me then turned serious. "Too much effort is being placed into catching a girl of your age. You are obviously important to someone. Only the way this is being handled stinks to the high heavens; there is more to this than there appears."

Just then, the door to the cabin opened and I spun around to face a towering man entering as he asked, "How is your patient, Rene? Is she awake yet?"

Seeing my fearful look, Rene gave me a gentle smile. "This is Sam Rico, my husband.” She turned to Sam. “She woke up a few minutes ago; she seems to have a form of amnesia."

Sam nodded then turned back to me. "You were pretty scratched up when we found you, kid, but it doesn’t appear as if you broke anything. Do you feel up to answering a few more questions?"

I nodded but did not speak. "Good; we have some snacks ready for you at the dining table. We will have to move fast, though. It won't be long before that rascal, Bronx starts snooping around here."

Rene tilted her head, curious. "Why do you think Detective Bronx will stop here?"

Sam led us to the dining room. "Because Bronx knows that we brought this girl to the hospital. Plus I'm certain he saw us patrolling the side streets not too long after the excitement at the train station. It won't take him long to put the pieces together and burn a fire trail to our drive."

Before I could respond to Sam’s reply, a familiar voice piped in. "Weren’t the police already here, asking questions?"

I turned to see Tony pulling himself onto a chair so I pulled myself into one next to him to which he gave me a quick smile.

Sam sighed. "Yes, Tony but they did not have a warrant and I would not allow them inside without one. It won't be long before they return with one and Detective Bronx."

I raised a single eyebrow, curious. "Who is Detective Bronx?"

Sam turned to me. "He's a fit and muscular man, taller than most, in his late thirties. He's been a security guard and a bouncer before joining the police force. Did you see him there?"

I shook my head. "I don't think so."

Sam grunted. "It's just as well, we'd better get cracking. The more we learn from you, the better off we'll be when he and the police arrive."

With Tony to my right and his parents across from me, the items found in my pockets were passed between the three. They seemed to know more than I did but not by much. Sam seemed to believe that I had run from a hospital.

I turned to Rene who gave me a gentle smile. "You talked in your sleep which raises a few questions. However, there is nothing in what you said or what you had in your possession would justify the big fuss over you."

Sam nodded. “You spoke of a secret you cannot tell and of being pulled in and thrown out somewhere. Do you have any ideas that might shine some light on this? Even the most seemingly trivial clue may be of help."

"Well-" I was hesitant, still not sure who I could trust. The images that had haunted me while he slept were still fresh within my mind, as were the faint memories of some uncompleted task. Still, I had to trust someone or stand alone. I decided to take the chance again. "I did think about it when I got a chance to rest a moment. The first thing that came to mind was that I might be a wanted criminal of some type."

Sam grunted. “I seriously doubt that. First, most of the people chasing you at the station were not from the police department, they were of form a security firm I have never heard of. Second, when we were searching for you, no one over the police band ever referred to you as a criminal, but they were real anxious to find you for some reason. Now, if we could discover just what that reason is-"

Tony turned to me. "Hey, Jane; at the station, why did you leap out the window instead of following me out through the front?"

I tilted my head, confused. “Jane?”

Tony smiled. “Well, we have to call you something. Right now, all we have is Jane Doe as you seem to have amnesia.”

I nodded as it did make sense. "I- I’m not sure. Alarms were going off everywhere inside my head; the window seemed to have been the safest way out."

Rene raised an eyebrow. "What do you think made you feel that way? Was it the police waiting on the platform?"

I shivered. "They might have been part of it; they seemed very determined. But there was that black van…"

Tony turned to me. "What black van?"

The sound of squealing tires interrupted the conversation and Sam stood from his seat. "No time for that now. It sounds like the police have arrived."

Moments later, a heavy knock came to the door. It was Detective Bronx. "John Rico, I know you are in there! Open up, we need to talk! If you have that girl from the train station with you, give her up now!”

John walked to the door. “What has this girl done!? It must be important to someone if you got a warrant this fast.”

A heavy sigh was heard. “John, listen to me! You’ve known me long enough to know I don’t go banging on doors unless it was urgent! Believe me, you have to see this to believe it!”

John opened the door. “What are you talking ab…?”

The words died in John’s throat as three bipedal robots strode in passed him. Each were in pristine white uniforms that covered everything except their boots, hands and heads. Rene gasped and Tony gave out a resound “Cool!”

One of the robots, who seemed to have been in charge of the three, turned to John. “We are Mechanicks; sentient robots from the mechanical world of Digitex. The young female you have taken into your care is named Era.”

He pointed a small device at me that let out a low frequency. Before anyone could protest, my forgotten disguise seemed to melt away. At first, I thought I was going to panic but, as I looked down at myself, I was somehow unafraid. The lead robot lowered the device and turned to whom I could only assume was his second in command who nodded.

“My name is Z-No-9 of the diplomatic core. My colleagues are Web-Ex of the explorer class and our commanding officer, Kay-Oh of the defense forces. We obviously have a lot to talk about…”

Tony smiled, his cheeks turning a shade of red. “You look cute.”

I smiled, my eyes turning a soft shade of pink. “Thanks…”

Detective Bronx took up an extra chair and sat down. “It’s a lot to take in, folks. You might want to listen.”

I sighed. “Okay… I’m listening.”

Z-No-9 went on to explain who they were, where they were from and what had happened which lead to me being on Earth. All of it seemed familiar yet it was more like a distant memory or dream.

Rene placed a light hand onto my hand across the table. “Is any of this sparking any memories?”

I sighed. “A little, I guess but it’s all still a bit of a fog.”

John reached into his pocket. “Maybe this will help. I found it in my jacket pocket. I assumed I found it at the archaeological dig site and forgot about it. It is covered hieroglyphs.”

The instant I gazed upon the artifact, all of my memories came flooding back like a dam suddenly bursting. Before I could stop myself, I blurted out, “That’s it!”

Everyone turned to me curious and my eyes again changed to a soft pink color. Everyone gave a bemused smile, happy that I seemed to finally remember everything. My eyes again flashed a pink color before I composed myself.

Z-No-9 examined the artifact. “It has the same markings we found on the ancient ship we found on our home world.” He handed it back to John. “You seem to understand these odd symbols. Care to translate them for us.”

John inspected the artifact. This, err, device opens a door from the old world to the new and back.”

Rene then inspected the portal. “There is an inscription here. We must start our civilization anew. We send our creations, our children to the stars. May we one day meet as we rise again.”

The three mechanicks and I froze at that statement, our jaws dropped. John, Rene, Tony and Detective Bronx were all looking confused. Finally, Z-No-9 spoke up, sadness in his voice.

“The sheer amount your people have forgotten is staggering.”

Kay-Oh nodded. “Indeed. It is hard to believe that we would find the Great Creators on such a seemingly insignificant world.”

Then Web-Ex began to smile. “Perhaps seeing this portal will spark their lost memories.”

The three mechanicks turned to me to which I turned to my human friends who remained confused. A tiny smile touched the corners of my mouth and grew into a genuine smile. “Are you guys willing to go on an educational outing…?”

Less than an hour later, we were all back at the archaeological site where I had first appeared on Earth. The strange circular door was still there, mostly unburied. I turned to Web-Ex who gave me a solemn nod. “Just believe in yourself. That is all you needed in the first place.”

I nodded then turned back to the portal and closed my eyes, doing my best to concentrate. At first, nothing seemed to happen then the ground began to shake. Everyone was forced to stumble as they fought to keep their balance. Then, movement caused them to turn to the lake. A shimmering, towering structure was rising from Wizard Island! Other structures followed, coming up from the bottom of the lake! When the shaking finally stopped, the group was standing in a highly advanced city.

Before anyone could react, a thunderous boom like the ringing of an enormous bell sounded out. As it rang out again and again, Detective Bronx’s radio went off with his officers reporting in. “The same thing was happening everywhere in the state!”

I opened my eyes and smiled at my human friends. “No, this is happening all over the world. All that you had forgotten is returning to you.”

Z-No-9 smiled. “I had never dreamed that we would ever find the Great Creators and here you are, standing before us.”

John gave a rueful smile. “No, our ancestors of long past were the Great Creators. We, however, have a lot to learn.”

I could not help smile. “Perhaps, if we are able to convince our governing powers, we can help you accomplish that goal.”

Rene nodded. “We would appreciate that.”

Detective Bronx let out a long sigh. “I am going to be filling paperwork for weeks not to mention answering a lot of questions from my superiors.”

Z-No-9 nodded, sighing in return. “As will we. I fear neither your world our ours will ever be the same again.”

I gave a sigh of my own. “I think I will have many questions to answer as well.”

Kay-Oh chuckled. “Of that, I have no doubt. However, do not be surprised when you are received as a hero to your world.”

Tony stepped up and gave me a warm hug. “Take care of yourself out there, alright?”

My eyes flashed pink for a moment. “You do the same, Tony.”

John turned to the distance as sirens were heard approaching. “That is your guy’s cue to leave before you end up getting bombarded by questions from thousands of people.”

The three mechanicks and I nodded before Kay-Oh touched a device on his wrist. “Four to return to ship.”

With that said, I felt a tingle and then I was onboard a ship bound for home…

On the vessel, bound for Earth, Maxceo beamed with pride. “Era has solidified herself in the mainframe of history. She has meet the descendants of our Great Creators and awakened what they had long put to slumber and forgotten.”

Gnosarac smiled. “An incredible story. These humans never cease to surprise and amaze us all.” He turned to the others. “who would like to tell their story next…”