NOTE: This is a free story that all are invited to read and enjoy. All characters, places, and organizations depicted here are purely fictional.
And now we begin...
The year is 2060. Organic farming has been outlawed within the last city of mankind, but still exists within the outside world. As a result of this law, Jason Caron and his other teammates have constructed an organic farm, which is gaining in popularity despite warnings from the government. However, due to its popularity, agents will be dispatched into the night to deal with this "menace"...
"What do you think, Meero?" asked Niranna.
Meero looked at both of them and said, "Do not underestimate the enemy. No doubt they'll be using those against us."
Jason shook his head and said, "Despite the health risk, eh? If what our research tells us is true, then they'll be able to match me in physical strength."
At that moment, Kin dropped down from above them and said, "We all know what to do. Jason, I believe it's time for the world to know you're still alive."
Niranna smiled and walked towards the entrance of their farmhouse, saying, "I'll ready the gear."
Meero looked at the plants Niranna and Jason were watching over and said, "Looks like a rather pricey bunch, don't you think?"
Kin smiled and said, "I'd better be taking off. The captain asked me to run an errand earlier."
Jason looked at the plants and asked, "Why are we growing potatoes again?"
Meero looked at the forest surrounding them and said, "Every single strain of potato on earth is no longer safe. These strains are the original strains that managed to come to our planet and propagate successfully. Hence, we're doing this to bring back something this planet has lost."
Jason looked at the other plants within their field and asked, "To think they'd put such a high price on the land we're cultivating just because we're organic farmers."
Meero began to walk towards the other side of the field and motioned for Jason to follow. After a few moments, Meero said, "When I came back from town the other day, it seems that they've raised the taxes on organic food due to its 'health risk'. So that means we'll have to increase our prices again."
Jason felt a bit disgusted about the government at that point. Sensing this, Meero calmly said, "Remember what we've taught you. One must never hate his opponents, for every warrior fights for what he believes in. Besides, to let your heart be filled with such emotions will only bring evil to your actions despite how good your intentions will be. So let go of your hatred, and show only anger when needed. You got that?"
Jason nodded and exhaled, saying, "I'm just a bit outraged at the government, that's all."
It was at that moment that Kin dropped down behind them again. "It's not the government you should be mad at, because they're only doing what they think is right. It's not the doctors or the pharmaceutical companies you should be mad at as well, because they need to make a living. And don't you forget that not everyone in that city as ignorant."
Jason smiled and loosened himself. If there was ever anyone around here that could cheer up anyone's mood, it was Kin; and if there was ever anyone who could knock any sense into anybody, it was Meero. At that moment, he felt fortunate to have been able to meet them. As Jason looked at the sun rising higher into the sky, his thoughts began to drift over towards their mission. Everything would begin tonight.
The following morning...
Ray Michaels was so surprised by the news, he didn't bother getting up from the floor he had accidentally fallen on. He had just received news about what had happened to Grady's team, and he still wouldn't believe it. "They've all been beaten senseless... impossible..."
At that moment, Marie came in and said, "Hey! Have you heard the-- thank God you don't sleep in the nude! What're you doing on the floor?"
Ray got up and fixed his bed, saying, "I did. I was so surprised, I fell out of bed."
There was a sudden rapping on the window, and both soldiers looked towards it. From outside the glass, a figure wearing the same armor they all recognized gave them a big smile and jumped off. There was a sudden clap of thunder, and then silence.
Marie rushed towards the window, yelling, "What? Is he crazy?"
Ray rushed over as well, and looked for the stranger. "He's... gone... but how's that possible?"
Marie pointed over towards a rooftop a few blocks away and pointed. "Look!"
There stood the figure, looking like nothing had happened. He gave both of them a wave, and sprinted away with a loud thunderclap. From where Marie and Ray stood staring, all they could see was a blur in the distance. After what seemed liked hours, Marie slowly muttered, "You... have got to be kidding me..."
Ray looked at her and asked, "What is it?"
Marie opened the window and scooped up a shiny metallic object with a picture attached to it. "It's Jason's tag."
Ray, overwhelmingly surprised, snatched it away from Marie and took a look at it. There was no doubting it. This was, indeed, Jason's identification tag. At that moment, Marie laughed. Ray turned towards her and asked, "What is it?"
Marie handed the picture towards him. Ray took it and saw that it was a group picture with him and the rest of their former teammates. He flipped it over and read, "Yo. Jason here. Surprise! Hope I didn't worry you guys, but just so you know, I'm alive! So I'll be seeing you around, eh? If you're wondering about that trick I just pulled, well, magicians never reveal their secrets. Big smile."
Ray looked over the city and said, "Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle."
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Key to Extinction - Chapter 12: Tolerated Menace
NOTE: This is a free story that all are invited to read and enjoy. All characters, places, and organizations depicted here are purely fictional.
And now we begin...
The year is 2060. All that is left of humanity is now located within one large Biodome on the continent of North America. Being the last, and only, great city of mankind, the city has been aptly named: Gospelopolis. A symbol of hope, freedom, and safety to all who seek safety from the now dangerous world ravaged with disease and death. However, even in this idealistic city, death still prowls the corridors; and now, an even greater threat looms overhead...
Ray Michaels breathed in the morning air from his apartment. He didn't know why his relatives were so frightened of heights. Living on the twentieth floor of a building felt rather refreshing each morning. The air was cooler, there wasn't much noise, and there was a smaller chance of him catching anything in the more sanitary atmosphere.
Turning on his heel, he walked towards his bathroom while flexing his muscular arms. As he walked, he still recalled all those wrestling matches he had had with his old buddy, Jason. Whenever he thought he had him, Jason would suddenly find some way to wriggle out of his grip. It was at that moment that his eyes, the color of crystal blue, flared up with a great inner fire.
Stamping his right foot as hard as he could upon recalling that memory was now second nature to him. That was the day he lost his best friend. It had been ten years since he last saw him, and what puzzled him the most was the fact that there was no ransom note or any indication of what had become of him. It seemed as if Jason had vanished into thin air.
He took off his clothes and walked into his shower, and turned the tap. As the water began cascading down his body, his mind began mulling over everything again. How could it have happened? Jason was just as big and strong as me, and yet that one guy tossed him like a regular thug. Perhaps it was implants. Yes. It was implants. No other explanation. He shook his head and took a deep breath. Recalling that unpleasant memory always made his blood boil. It was like some sort of mockery to him. They were supposed to be the best of the best, and they were treated like normal people.
He turned the water off and walked out. After drying himself, he felt a little bit better. That was years ago, and this is now. He had said so himself. Jason was dead, and there was nothing anyone could have done about it.
At that moment, a woman a few heads shorter than Ray burst into his apartment. "Hey! We've got an-- oh, my goodness! Put some clothes on!"
Ray wrapped the towel tightly around his waist and said, "Good morning to you too, Marie."
Marie quickly turned around, revealing her braided black hair. With a little stutter, she muttered, "We have an assignment."
Ray, fully dressed in his assault uniform now, said, "I know. I always catch the morning reports."
Marie turned around and exclaimed, "That was fast. How'd you do that?"
Ray took her by the hand and began leading her out the door, saying, "Magicians never reveal their secrets. Now get back to your room and get dressed, Little Miss Prim."
Marie walked towards her room and said, "Jason really rubbed off on you. Even the way you talk reminds me of him."
Ray stamped his right foot and yelled, "MOVE, SOLDIER!"
With a start, Marie ran into her room. After a few scuffling sounds, she came back out with everything she needed. "Let's go!"
Ray watched as she lightheartedly walked down the hall and into an elevator. She wouldn't wait for him. She knew he preferred taking the stairs. The moment she gave him a cheery smile that was synonymous to: "See you down stairs!", Ray quickly felt embarrassed. He had to stop dwelling on the past now, and focus on the future. He can't have something that happened a decade ago cloud his judgment. With Jason gone-- a loud stomp echoed throughout the hallway. Ray grimaced at his mistake and whispered, "Okay. Time to move on. I can't keep doing that."
"Hey there, mister grumpy!" yelled a tall man with graying hair.
Ray and Marie looked up to see the only other member of their old team still living. With a cheerful smile and an energetic wave, Marie called, "Morning, Kevin!"
Kevin jogged up to them with an eager smile and said, "So. What you reckon they're gonna let us do today?"
Marie replied, "Nothing dumb, I hope. That last job was unbearably stupid. I mean, could you have imagined us putting organic farms out of business ten years ago?"
Kevin quickly jumped back, expecting the loud footfall. None came. "Hey! Looks like someone turned over a new cabbage leaf. Get it? Cabbage?"
Ray bluntly said, "No. I'm trying to forget about it."
Marie slapped Ray on the shoulder and said, "So now you want to forget about it! How long does it take for your brain to process things anyway?"
Ray didn't answer and hailed a taxi.
An hour later...
The trio were now sitting inside a small room with a single light hanging overhead. As they were waiting for their briefing, they were busily arguing.
"I thought you said you were trying to forget it?" exclaimed Kevin.
Ray replied, "I am. I'm just... having... a hard time with it."
Marie, who was between them, said, "Discussing how Jason could've been caught and dragged away like a rag doll is not going to help you forget it."
Kevin added, "Besides. Why would you still want to remember that embarrassing thing anyway?"
Ray replied, "Because, I want to know how anyone could have done anything like that without any external or internal implants. You saw how those thugs looked like. They were wearing denim and armor for crying out loud! We had heavy assault gear with us, nothing we did to them worked."
Kevin added, "Well, I've always wondered why that was. I mean, did you see the way those bullets flew off of them?"
Marie added, "Y-yeah! Like-like water on a balloon or something."
Ray added, "Or what about those weird lights on their arms? I can still remember what happened to me after my right arm got hit. It was numb for hours. Nothing the doctors did worked."
Kevin asked, "You think that's how they managed to get him? Hitting him with one of those lights?"
Marie replied, "That is conceivable. If it could make a limb numb, then I guess it could render someone temporarily brain dead. I mean, if that were the case then Jason was still alive when they took him."
Ray was about to discuss further, when a voice spoke, "Greetings, agents."
The trio became very quiet. After a brief silence, the voice spoke again, "As you all know, organic farming has been restricted inside this city for three years now. However, due to a loophole, it does not prohibit organic farming to be practiced..."
Ray interrupted. "Outside. We know this. So you want us to burn another farm. Is that it? What's the danger? Why not alert the public to the danger?"
The voice answered, "The public is ignorant of the danger of organic farming and its products. Although highly patronized in the past, it was soon discovered that organic farming promoted pests to thrive. Diseases began to spread throughout the world, unchecked, unnoticed. But not today. The future of this world lies within the hands of what our top geneticists keep creating. What was once natural is no longer safe. The only safe thing is through the hands of those who protect us."
Marie asked, "So does that mean you want us to burn it?"
The voice spoke, "That is correct."
Kevin answered, "Isn't that illegal?"
Ray added, "My team is not a mercenary team. We uphold the law for the best interests of everyone. That means, we will not burn it. Come one, guys, let's go."
The voice spoke harshly. "We will find someone else to do this. And we'll even pay them quadruple."
Ray turned and said, "Why don't you get Grady's team? More numbers, and I hear they've been itching for some action."
At that very moment, outside the city...
"What do you hear, Jason?" asked Niranna.
Jason, now sporting a beard and mustache, replied, "We're in for a rough night."
And now we begin...
The year is 2060. All that is left of humanity is now located within one large Biodome on the continent of North America. Being the last, and only, great city of mankind, the city has been aptly named: Gospelopolis. A symbol of hope, freedom, and safety to all who seek safety from the now dangerous world ravaged with disease and death. However, even in this idealistic city, death still prowls the corridors; and now, an even greater threat looms overhead...
Ray Michaels breathed in the morning air from his apartment. He didn't know why his relatives were so frightened of heights. Living on the twentieth floor of a building felt rather refreshing each morning. The air was cooler, there wasn't much noise, and there was a smaller chance of him catching anything in the more sanitary atmosphere.
Turning on his heel, he walked towards his bathroom while flexing his muscular arms. As he walked, he still recalled all those wrestling matches he had had with his old buddy, Jason. Whenever he thought he had him, Jason would suddenly find some way to wriggle out of his grip. It was at that moment that his eyes, the color of crystal blue, flared up with a great inner fire.
Stamping his right foot as hard as he could upon recalling that memory was now second nature to him. That was the day he lost his best friend. It had been ten years since he last saw him, and what puzzled him the most was the fact that there was no ransom note or any indication of what had become of him. It seemed as if Jason had vanished into thin air.
He took off his clothes and walked into his shower, and turned the tap. As the water began cascading down his body, his mind began mulling over everything again. How could it have happened? Jason was just as big and strong as me, and yet that one guy tossed him like a regular thug. Perhaps it was implants. Yes. It was implants. No other explanation. He shook his head and took a deep breath. Recalling that unpleasant memory always made his blood boil. It was like some sort of mockery to him. They were supposed to be the best of the best, and they were treated like normal people.
He turned the water off and walked out. After drying himself, he felt a little bit better. That was years ago, and this is now. He had said so himself. Jason was dead, and there was nothing anyone could have done about it.
At that moment, a woman a few heads shorter than Ray burst into his apartment. "Hey! We've got an-- oh, my goodness! Put some clothes on!"
Ray wrapped the towel tightly around his waist and said, "Good morning to you too, Marie."
Marie quickly turned around, revealing her braided black hair. With a little stutter, she muttered, "We have an assignment."
Ray, fully dressed in his assault uniform now, said, "I know. I always catch the morning reports."
Marie turned around and exclaimed, "That was fast. How'd you do that?"
Ray took her by the hand and began leading her out the door, saying, "Magicians never reveal their secrets. Now get back to your room and get dressed, Little Miss Prim."
Marie walked towards her room and said, "Jason really rubbed off on you. Even the way you talk reminds me of him."
Ray stamped his right foot and yelled, "MOVE, SOLDIER!"
With a start, Marie ran into her room. After a few scuffling sounds, she came back out with everything she needed. "Let's go!"
Ray watched as she lightheartedly walked down the hall and into an elevator. She wouldn't wait for him. She knew he preferred taking the stairs. The moment she gave him a cheery smile that was synonymous to: "See you down stairs!", Ray quickly felt embarrassed. He had to stop dwelling on the past now, and focus on the future. He can't have something that happened a decade ago cloud his judgment. With Jason gone-- a loud stomp echoed throughout the hallway. Ray grimaced at his mistake and whispered, "Okay. Time to move on. I can't keep doing that."
"Hey there, mister grumpy!" yelled a tall man with graying hair.
Ray and Marie looked up to see the only other member of their old team still living. With a cheerful smile and an energetic wave, Marie called, "Morning, Kevin!"
Kevin jogged up to them with an eager smile and said, "So. What you reckon they're gonna let us do today?"
Marie replied, "Nothing dumb, I hope. That last job was unbearably stupid. I mean, could you have imagined us putting organic farms out of business ten years ago?"
Kevin quickly jumped back, expecting the loud footfall. None came. "Hey! Looks like someone turned over a new cabbage leaf. Get it? Cabbage?"
Ray bluntly said, "No. I'm trying to forget about it."
Marie slapped Ray on the shoulder and said, "So now you want to forget about it! How long does it take for your brain to process things anyway?"
Ray didn't answer and hailed a taxi.
An hour later...
The trio were now sitting inside a small room with a single light hanging overhead. As they were waiting for their briefing, they were busily arguing.
"I thought you said you were trying to forget it?" exclaimed Kevin.
Ray replied, "I am. I'm just... having... a hard time with it."
Marie, who was between them, said, "Discussing how Jason could've been caught and dragged away like a rag doll is not going to help you forget it."
Kevin added, "Besides. Why would you still want to remember that embarrassing thing anyway?"
Ray replied, "Because, I want to know how anyone could have done anything like that without any external or internal implants. You saw how those thugs looked like. They were wearing denim and armor for crying out loud! We had heavy assault gear with us, nothing we did to them worked."
Kevin added, "Well, I've always wondered why that was. I mean, did you see the way those bullets flew off of them?"
Marie added, "Y-yeah! Like-like water on a balloon or something."
Ray added, "Or what about those weird lights on their arms? I can still remember what happened to me after my right arm got hit. It was numb for hours. Nothing the doctors did worked."
Kevin asked, "You think that's how they managed to get him? Hitting him with one of those lights?"
Marie replied, "That is conceivable. If it could make a limb numb, then I guess it could render someone temporarily brain dead. I mean, if that were the case then Jason was still alive when they took him."
Ray was about to discuss further, when a voice spoke, "Greetings, agents."
The trio became very quiet. After a brief silence, the voice spoke again, "As you all know, organic farming has been restricted inside this city for three years now. However, due to a loophole, it does not prohibit organic farming to be practiced..."
Ray interrupted. "Outside. We know this. So you want us to burn another farm. Is that it? What's the danger? Why not alert the public to the danger?"
The voice answered, "The public is ignorant of the danger of organic farming and its products. Although highly patronized in the past, it was soon discovered that organic farming promoted pests to thrive. Diseases began to spread throughout the world, unchecked, unnoticed. But not today. The future of this world lies within the hands of what our top geneticists keep creating. What was once natural is no longer safe. The only safe thing is through the hands of those who protect us."
Marie asked, "So does that mean you want us to burn it?"
The voice spoke, "That is correct."
Kevin answered, "Isn't that illegal?"
Ray added, "My team is not a mercenary team. We uphold the law for the best interests of everyone. That means, we will not burn it. Come one, guys, let's go."
The voice spoke harshly. "We will find someone else to do this. And we'll even pay them quadruple."
Ray turned and said, "Why don't you get Grady's team? More numbers, and I hear they've been itching for some action."
At that very moment, outside the city...
"What do you hear, Jason?" asked Niranna.
Jason, now sporting a beard and mustache, replied, "We're in for a rough night."
Friday, February 1, 2008
Key to Extinction - Chapter 11: Purpose
NOTE: This is a free story that all are invited to read and enjoy. All characters, places, and organizations depicted here are purely fictional.
And now we begin...
The year is 2050. The future of humanity is extinction, and for some reason Jason Caron has been taken from his home by humans who are not from earth. What is their purpose for bringing him to where he is now? Why go out of their way to help only one person out of hundreds more qualified? How does Jason know that he can trust his captors... or friends?
Jason looked Niranna in the eye and said, "I've been doing a little bit of thinking, Niranna, and one thought keeps bugging me. Why are you here?"
Niranna simply got up and replied, "Liberation."
Jason kept eye contact and asked, "Liberation from what? Ignorance? Injustice? Malnutrition? What's there to destroy?"
At that moment, Meero and Kin came bounding through the trees. Niranna quickly went over, while Jason lumbered about to get up.
"We've got a bit of a problem," said Kin.
Jason joined the three of them and asked, "Problem? What problem?"
Meero looked at Jason and said, "Seems like you haven't been pronounced dead after all."
Jason was about to say something, when Niranna said, "Your comrades are looking for you."
Jason felt relief wash over him like water on a sweltering day. His teammates had come back for him! They didn't think he was dead! But then, if they were coming for him, what would happen to him? Would he go through usual procedure, or would they take him back home directly?
At that moment, a team of soldiers wearing protective gear designed for the outdoors came barging through the trees. They looked from right to left, and then pushed onward without a sound. Jason was about to call them, when Niranna covered his mouth and restrained him with unimaginable strength. Before Jason could break free, his teammates were gone.
"I'm going to take my hand off your mouth now, Jason, but you'll have to promise that you'll keep your mouth shut," said Niranna.
Jason nodded, and Niranna let go. With a face full of anger, Jason whispered, "Why'd you do that? They were looking for me!"
Niranna looked at him and asked, "And what would they do if they found you?"
Jason exclaimed, "Why, they'd! They'd... they'd..."
Meero continued, "Take you back and put you into quarantine for the rest of your life."
Jason collapsed onto the ground, and began to contemplate. Niranna walked over to him and said, "After all this time, you thought all those people were infected with the disease that wiped out almost half the human race."
Meero crouched down to Jason's eye level and said, "Looks like you still have more to unlearn."
Jason lowered his head and began to grow tense. He was angry now. Angry for being so blind, angry for being so powerless, angry with the people who call themselves humanity's hope. At that moment, a hand brushed through his hair and brought him back to normal thinking. He looked up, and saw Meero looking down on him with his usual calm. Jason sat for a while, and finally asked, "Now what?"
Meero held out his hand and said, "If you want to change for the better, then take the hand."
Jason was about to reach for it, when Meero raised his finger and said, "Only if you truly are committed to changing."
Jason felt a smile curve along his face, and grabbed hold of Meero's hand. The next thing he knew, he was flipped over and knocked to the ground. Jason got up, rubbing his sore spot, and said, "What the hell was that for?"
Meero asked, "Any bruises?"
Jason looked at his side and noticed only one. Meero took a good look and said, "Very good. You're on your way. Within a few more months, we can finally use your help."
Jason looked at Meero and asked, "My help? You can flip me around like a rag doll. Why would you need my help?"
Kin replied, "Would you believe a chimpanzee if he started preaching the Gospel?"
And now we begin...
The year is 2050. The future of humanity is extinction, and for some reason Jason Caron has been taken from his home by humans who are not from earth. What is their purpose for bringing him to where he is now? Why go out of their way to help only one person out of hundreds more qualified? How does Jason know that he can trust his captors... or friends?
Jason looked Niranna in the eye and said, "I've been doing a little bit of thinking, Niranna, and one thought keeps bugging me. Why are you here?"
Niranna simply got up and replied, "Liberation."
Jason kept eye contact and asked, "Liberation from what? Ignorance? Injustice? Malnutrition? What's there to destroy?"
At that moment, Meero and Kin came bounding through the trees. Niranna quickly went over, while Jason lumbered about to get up.
"We've got a bit of a problem," said Kin.
Jason joined the three of them and asked, "Problem? What problem?"
Meero looked at Jason and said, "Seems like you haven't been pronounced dead after all."
Jason was about to say something, when Niranna said, "Your comrades are looking for you."
Jason felt relief wash over him like water on a sweltering day. His teammates had come back for him! They didn't think he was dead! But then, if they were coming for him, what would happen to him? Would he go through usual procedure, or would they take him back home directly?
At that moment, a team of soldiers wearing protective gear designed for the outdoors came barging through the trees. They looked from right to left, and then pushed onward without a sound. Jason was about to call them, when Niranna covered his mouth and restrained him with unimaginable strength. Before Jason could break free, his teammates were gone.
"I'm going to take my hand off your mouth now, Jason, but you'll have to promise that you'll keep your mouth shut," said Niranna.
Jason nodded, and Niranna let go. With a face full of anger, Jason whispered, "Why'd you do that? They were looking for me!"
Niranna looked at him and asked, "And what would they do if they found you?"
Jason exclaimed, "Why, they'd! They'd... they'd..."
Meero continued, "Take you back and put you into quarantine for the rest of your life."
Jason collapsed onto the ground, and began to contemplate. Niranna walked over to him and said, "After all this time, you thought all those people were infected with the disease that wiped out almost half the human race."
Meero crouched down to Jason's eye level and said, "Looks like you still have more to unlearn."
Jason lowered his head and began to grow tense. He was angry now. Angry for being so blind, angry for being so powerless, angry with the people who call themselves humanity's hope. At that moment, a hand brushed through his hair and brought him back to normal thinking. He looked up, and saw Meero looking down on him with his usual calm. Jason sat for a while, and finally asked, "Now what?"
Meero held out his hand and said, "If you want to change for the better, then take the hand."
Jason was about to reach for it, when Meero raised his finger and said, "Only if you truly are committed to changing."
Jason felt a smile curve along his face, and grabbed hold of Meero's hand. The next thing he knew, he was flipped over and knocked to the ground. Jason got up, rubbing his sore spot, and said, "What the hell was that for?"
Meero asked, "Any bruises?"
Jason looked at his side and noticed only one. Meero took a good look and said, "Very good. You're on your way. Within a few more months, we can finally use your help."
Jason looked at Meero and asked, "My help? You can flip me around like a rag doll. Why would you need my help?"
Kin replied, "Would you believe a chimpanzee if he started preaching the Gospel?"
Monday, January 14, 2008
Key to Extinction - Chapter 10: the Greatest Enemy
NOTE: This is a free story that all are invited to read and enjoy. All characters, places, and organizations depicted here are purely fictional.
And now we begin...
The year is 2050. A human from earth, named Jason Caron has begun to understand a world he thought existed only in his wildest dreams. What new things will he discover? What shocking new truths will he unearth?
Jason took a look at Meero's pocketbook again, and reread the entire selection up to where it said, "Do the next steps after you have done this regimen for a month."
Jason raised a doubtful brow, and turned the page. The next one read, "I said, a month!"
Jason quickly flipped back to the previous page, and began to reread the regimen out loud, "Okay. Number one, get as much sun as you possibly can. Number two, eat a lot of healthy food. Not a problem. Number three, be patient."
At that very moment, Jason's right leg began to twitch violently. He grabbed hold of it, and began to apply pressure. Despite all his efforts, though, the pain still shot up from his kneecap all the way to his hip. Jason grimaced in pain, and clenched his teeth. For as long as he could remember, these pains would always come every single day. What was worse, the doctors didn't know what it was... he paused for a moment, and said, "They knew all along, and they never even bothered to help. Those checkups cost me a fortune!"
Jason lost his balance, and fell on his right side. The moment he hit the ground, he was about to get up, but was held back by the pain in his right leg. He quickly grabbed hold of his kneecap once more, and began applying pressure. At that very moment, Niranna arrived. He was about to call for help, when she quickly rushed to his side. She merely took one look, and grabbed a hold of his leg. Even though it felt rather awkward, he was thankful that she showed up. After a few moments, the pain slowly subsided. With a sigh of relief, he sat back up and said, "Thanks. I needed that."
Niranna sat next to Jason and asked, "Those occur often?"
Jason nodded and said, "Ever since I could remember."
Niranna looked at a tree and said, "Don't you worry. That was caused by improper nutrition. Now that you're with us, you won't have to worry about food anymore."
Jason looked at Niranna and asked, "Nutrition? All that was from malnutrition? How can that be? I eat fruits and vegetables."
Niranna turned to him and asked, "How often do you fry them in corn oil?"
Jason was about to start counting, when Niranna said, "It was rhetorical. Frying your food is bad enough, but frying them in corn oil is even worse."
Jason looked at Niranna and asked, "Why is that so?"
Niranna replied, "First of all, man was never intended to consume that much oil from corn. In fact, in order to get a tablespoonful of oil, you'll have to squeeze two bushels of corn."
Jason's eyes lit up. He shook his head in disbelief, and asked, "So corn oil is bad?"
Niranna nodded.
Jason asked, "So why did they advocate it?"
Niranna replied, "Well. It all began over a century ago, during World War II. When Japan took over the Philippines, the price of coconut oil went up. To compensate, America had to find another source of oil. Corn. However, when the war ended, coconut became cheaper than corn oil; and it was tons healthier, with a lot more benefits to boot. So, industries advocating corn oil began to spout claims that coconut oil was bad for you."
Jason shook his head in disbelief again. He looked at a coconut tree nearby and asked, "What did they say was bad about coconut oil?"
Niranna replied, "It had lots of cholesterol."
Jason looked from the tree to Niranna and asked, "Isn't cholesterol bad?"
Niranna replied, "What contains the highest amounts of cholesterol?"
Jason began thinking, and replied, "Pork brain, pork liver..."
Niranna cut him short, and said, "All are major organs. Doesn't that tell you something, Jason?"
Jason's eyes grew even bigger. He had been taking medication for his cholesterol levels for months now. And here was someone who was telling him that what he had been doing was wrong. After a few seconds, it came as no surprise to him anymore. He looked Niranna in the eye, and said, "I never knew."
Niranna replied, "The greatest enemy, Jason, is not pharmaceuticals or industry. It's ignorance. You have no idea how many lives have been lost to ignorance, Jason. You have no idea how many lives are being ruined because of it. But I'll tell you this. No-one can tell you how to live your life, but you."
Jason nodded slowly as he took all of that in. After a while, he looked at Niranna and said, "So what did you come here to do?"
And now we begin...
The year is 2050. A human from earth, named Jason Caron has begun to understand a world he thought existed only in his wildest dreams. What new things will he discover? What shocking new truths will he unearth?
Jason took a look at Meero's pocketbook again, and reread the entire selection up to where it said, "Do the next steps after you have done this regimen for a month."
Jason raised a doubtful brow, and turned the page. The next one read, "I said, a month!"
Jason quickly flipped back to the previous page, and began to reread the regimen out loud, "Okay. Number one, get as much sun as you possibly can. Number two, eat a lot of healthy food. Not a problem. Number three, be patient."
At that very moment, Jason's right leg began to twitch violently. He grabbed hold of it, and began to apply pressure. Despite all his efforts, though, the pain still shot up from his kneecap all the way to his hip. Jason grimaced in pain, and clenched his teeth. For as long as he could remember, these pains would always come every single day. What was worse, the doctors didn't know what it was... he paused for a moment, and said, "They knew all along, and they never even bothered to help. Those checkups cost me a fortune!"
Jason lost his balance, and fell on his right side. The moment he hit the ground, he was about to get up, but was held back by the pain in his right leg. He quickly grabbed hold of his kneecap once more, and began applying pressure. At that very moment, Niranna arrived. He was about to call for help, when she quickly rushed to his side. She merely took one look, and grabbed a hold of his leg. Even though it felt rather awkward, he was thankful that she showed up. After a few moments, the pain slowly subsided. With a sigh of relief, he sat back up and said, "Thanks. I needed that."
Niranna sat next to Jason and asked, "Those occur often?"
Jason nodded and said, "Ever since I could remember."
Niranna looked at a tree and said, "Don't you worry. That was caused by improper nutrition. Now that you're with us, you won't have to worry about food anymore."
Jason looked at Niranna and asked, "Nutrition? All that was from malnutrition? How can that be? I eat fruits and vegetables."
Niranna turned to him and asked, "How often do you fry them in corn oil?"
Jason was about to start counting, when Niranna said, "It was rhetorical. Frying your food is bad enough, but frying them in corn oil is even worse."
Jason looked at Niranna and asked, "Why is that so?"
Niranna replied, "First of all, man was never intended to consume that much oil from corn. In fact, in order to get a tablespoonful of oil, you'll have to squeeze two bushels of corn."
Jason's eyes lit up. He shook his head in disbelief, and asked, "So corn oil is bad?"
Niranna nodded.
Jason asked, "So why did they advocate it?"
Niranna replied, "Well. It all began over a century ago, during World War II. When Japan took over the Philippines, the price of coconut oil went up. To compensate, America had to find another source of oil. Corn. However, when the war ended, coconut became cheaper than corn oil; and it was tons healthier, with a lot more benefits to boot. So, industries advocating corn oil began to spout claims that coconut oil was bad for you."
Jason shook his head in disbelief again. He looked at a coconut tree nearby and asked, "What did they say was bad about coconut oil?"
Niranna replied, "It had lots of cholesterol."
Jason looked from the tree to Niranna and asked, "Isn't cholesterol bad?"
Niranna replied, "What contains the highest amounts of cholesterol?"
Jason began thinking, and replied, "Pork brain, pork liver..."
Niranna cut him short, and said, "All are major organs. Doesn't that tell you something, Jason?"
Jason's eyes grew even bigger. He had been taking medication for his cholesterol levels for months now. And here was someone who was telling him that what he had been doing was wrong. After a few seconds, it came as no surprise to him anymore. He looked Niranna in the eye, and said, "I never knew."
Niranna replied, "The greatest enemy, Jason, is not pharmaceuticals or industry. It's ignorance. You have no idea how many lives have been lost to ignorance, Jason. You have no idea how many lives are being ruined because of it. But I'll tell you this. No-one can tell you how to live your life, but you."
Jason nodded slowly as he took all of that in. After a while, he looked at Niranna and said, "So what did you come here to do?"
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Key to Extinction - Chapter 9: Begin From Within to See What You Can't
NOTE: This is a free story that all are invited to read and enjoy. All characters, places, and organizations depicted here are purely fictional.
And now we begin...
The year is 2050. Jason Caron, a human who has decided to take a stand against a hidden enemy, receives a pocketbook that will help him do so. However, the moment he reads the first sentence, he is warped into another world of doubt.
Jason quickly barked, "Nirana!"
Nirana suddenly bounded a tree, and landed with a loud thud that sent Jason tumbling backwards. Nirana looked around from left to right and said, "Next time you holler like that, make sure you're in real danger!"
Jason took a quick look at what was on Nirana's arm, and saw nothing but blue light in the shape of a sword. Nirana looked at Jason and moved something on her gauntlet back into place; the light disappeared, and she looked at him with an annoyed air about her. Jason just looked at her, but quickly mumbled, "The uh... the... the book! Yeah. The book. I don't get the first sentence."
Jason began looking around for it, but heard Nirana dictate, "Get off your butt, and start walking."
Jason turned around, and fell on the ground. After a few seconds of trying to get up, he asked, "Yeah. That's the one. What's that supposed to mean? And where'd you find it?"
Nirana held the book and said, "You dropped it. And, this is Meero's pocketbook. In order for you to understand it, you have to be in touch with your philosophical side. Like, for instance, this first sentence means that if you want to follow what's in this book, you have to leave whatever it is that's been holding you back."
Jason raised a doubtful brow and said, "I'm one of the most physically fit people in my Biodome. Isn't that proof enough that I'm ready for whatever it is that's inside that book?"
Nirana tossed the pocketbook back to Jason and said, "Then why ask for my help?"
Jason was about to answer, but no words came. Nirana turned around, and left. Jason felt rather sheepish now. Not only was he tossed by a woman a few hours ago, he just got talked down by the same one a few seconds ago. He opened the book to the next page and read, "Now that you've understood the first thing you have to do, you can move to the next step. Nutrition. As much as possible, get as much sunshine as you can."
Jason looked at it in an entirely new light. Was Meero crazy? Everyone knew that too much sunshine could result in cancer. Yet here, Meero tells the reader that he should get as much as possible. Jason closed the book, and was considering throwing it, when he decided otherwise.
"Get off my butt?" said Jason. He began rubbing his forehead, and asked himself, "What does it really mean?"
Jason began to pace back, and forth, looking for something he knew was there somewhere. What exactly did that sentence mean? He began to pace back and forth again, wondering what it was that he was missing. What he wanted now was for Nirana, or Meero, or anyone for that matter, to come along, and point him the way. But, for some reason, something inside him wanted to be left alone for now. It was an entirely confusing thing for him; and he didn't know what to do. After a few more minutes of pacing back and forth, he finally sat down, and began to think deeper. Now Nirana said that in order for me to get what's in this book, I had to look at it through a philosopher's point of view. He flipped the book open, and read the first sentence once more. What did it mean? To let go of whatever it was that was holding him back? Where was the sense in that?
Jason lay down on the grass, and began to recall everything that has happened to him the moment he got captured. After a few more minutes of silent recollection, images, and words began to appear in his mind's eye. All of them were different, yet they were also similar. As he lay there, he couldn't help but remember that he was still outside; and he was still alive. The doctors had always warned them that if they ever set foot outside of the Biodome, they would die. The doctors always said that the Biodomes were weakening, and that they needed more funds to boost the power. And yet, he still became sick. The doctors... knew... nothing...
Jason got up with so much force, the clothes he wore almost shot him forward. The doctors! His old beliefs! That's what's been holding him back! All those things that they've been telling him, all those lies they've been telling their fellow men... those were holding him back at this very moment. He looked at the book he held in his hand in another new light, and said, "This philosophy stuff is pretty interesting."
And now we begin...
The year is 2050. Jason Caron, a human who has decided to take a stand against a hidden enemy, receives a pocketbook that will help him do so. However, the moment he reads the first sentence, he is warped into another world of doubt.
Jason quickly barked, "Nirana!"
Nirana suddenly bounded a tree, and landed with a loud thud that sent Jason tumbling backwards. Nirana looked around from left to right and said, "Next time you holler like that, make sure you're in real danger!"
Jason took a quick look at what was on Nirana's arm, and saw nothing but blue light in the shape of a sword. Nirana looked at Jason and moved something on her gauntlet back into place; the light disappeared, and she looked at him with an annoyed air about her. Jason just looked at her, but quickly mumbled, "The uh... the... the book! Yeah. The book. I don't get the first sentence."
Jason began looking around for it, but heard Nirana dictate, "Get off your butt, and start walking."
Jason turned around, and fell on the ground. After a few seconds of trying to get up, he asked, "Yeah. That's the one. What's that supposed to mean? And where'd you find it?"
Nirana held the book and said, "You dropped it. And, this is Meero's pocketbook. In order for you to understand it, you have to be in touch with your philosophical side. Like, for instance, this first sentence means that if you want to follow what's in this book, you have to leave whatever it is that's been holding you back."
Jason raised a doubtful brow and said, "I'm one of the most physically fit people in my Biodome. Isn't that proof enough that I'm ready for whatever it is that's inside that book?"
Nirana tossed the pocketbook back to Jason and said, "Then why ask for my help?"
Jason was about to answer, but no words came. Nirana turned around, and left. Jason felt rather sheepish now. Not only was he tossed by a woman a few hours ago, he just got talked down by the same one a few seconds ago. He opened the book to the next page and read, "Now that you've understood the first thing you have to do, you can move to the next step. Nutrition. As much as possible, get as much sunshine as you can."
Jason looked at it in an entirely new light. Was Meero crazy? Everyone knew that too much sunshine could result in cancer. Yet here, Meero tells the reader that he should get as much as possible. Jason closed the book, and was considering throwing it, when he decided otherwise.
"Get off my butt?" said Jason. He began rubbing his forehead, and asked himself, "What does it really mean?"
Jason began to pace back, and forth, looking for something he knew was there somewhere. What exactly did that sentence mean? He began to pace back and forth again, wondering what it was that he was missing. What he wanted now was for Nirana, or Meero, or anyone for that matter, to come along, and point him the way. But, for some reason, something inside him wanted to be left alone for now. It was an entirely confusing thing for him; and he didn't know what to do. After a few more minutes of pacing back and forth, he finally sat down, and began to think deeper. Now Nirana said that in order for me to get what's in this book, I had to look at it through a philosopher's point of view. He flipped the book open, and read the first sentence once more. What did it mean? To let go of whatever it was that was holding him back? Where was the sense in that?
Jason lay down on the grass, and began to recall everything that has happened to him the moment he got captured. After a few more minutes of silent recollection, images, and words began to appear in his mind's eye. All of them were different, yet they were also similar. As he lay there, he couldn't help but remember that he was still outside; and he was still alive. The doctors had always warned them that if they ever set foot outside of the Biodome, they would die. The doctors always said that the Biodomes were weakening, and that they needed more funds to boost the power. And yet, he still became sick. The doctors... knew... nothing...
Jason got up with so much force, the clothes he wore almost shot him forward. The doctors! His old beliefs! That's what's been holding him back! All those things that they've been telling him, all those lies they've been telling their fellow men... those were holding him back at this very moment. He looked at the book he held in his hand in another new light, and said, "This philosophy stuff is pretty interesting."
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Key to Extinction - Chapter 8: Rediscover Thy Self
NOTE: This is a free story that all are invited to read and enjoy. All characters, places, and organizations depicted here are purely fictional.
And now we begin...
The year is 2050. A human named Jason Caron has just taken his first step into an even bigger world full of mystery. What challenges and discoveries await him now that he is about to be shown the way?
Jason looked at Meero and asked, "What's that supposed to mean? What's with the thunder, and effects?"
Meero replied, "It means that you're more attuned to the element of thunder. You know, sound?"
Jason nodded his head and asked, "Oh... Right... Now what?"
Meero pulled out a pocketbook, and tossed it to Jason, saying, "I'll let Nirana handle that," he looked over to Kin and said, "Come on. We have to get moving."
Kin jumped down and landed much the same way Meero landed. After that, he and Meero began walking away; but before they disappeared behind a clump of trees, Kin turned to Jason and said, "Good luck."
After that, Jason could've sworn he heard snickering coming from Kin and Meero's direction. Before he could do anything, however, something extremely heavy whacked him from behind. Jason uttered a cry of pain and surprise, and rolled on the dirt for a few seconds. When he got up, Nirana was standing over him with a shirt in her hand. Jason looked up and asked, "What... was that... for?"
Nirana dropped the shirt onto a pile of more clothes, and said, "I heard you were weak, but I didn't know you were this weak. This shirt weighs about a quarter of your body weight; and it was able to knock you of balance."
Jason rubbed his sore back and flinched. After that, he got up and asked, "What am I supposed to do with that?"
Nirana said, "Wear it."
Jason took the shirt and was about to change, when he suddenly felt conscious. Nirana grinned and said, "Fine. I'll turn around."
After Jason was sure Nirana wasn't looking, he began to change into his new clothes. It was a rather unfamiliar experience for him. Although he was used to lifting weights, wearing them was entirely different. The shirt alone limited his movement, and weighed him down considerably. To make matters worse, it threw him off balance whenever he bent down to pick up the other clothes on the ground. After thirty arduous minutes of changing, and falling, Jason had successfully changed clothes. Nirana turned around and said, "Good. Now just follow what it says in the book, and holler if you need me."
With that, Nirana disappeared into a clump of trees. Jason's jaw dropped at those remarks, and all he could do was gawk at the spot Nirana had disappeared into. Seeing that gawking wasn't going to get the job done, Jason decided to have a go at the book. The first thing it said was, "Get off your butt, and start walking."
Jason looked up, and felt his jaw drop again. What the hell did this mean?
And now we begin...
The year is 2050. A human named Jason Caron has just taken his first step into an even bigger world full of mystery. What challenges and discoveries await him now that he is about to be shown the way?
Jason looked at Meero and asked, "What's that supposed to mean? What's with the thunder, and effects?"
Meero replied, "It means that you're more attuned to the element of thunder. You know, sound?"
Jason nodded his head and asked, "Oh... Right... Now what?"
Meero pulled out a pocketbook, and tossed it to Jason, saying, "I'll let Nirana handle that," he looked over to Kin and said, "Come on. We have to get moving."
Kin jumped down and landed much the same way Meero landed. After that, he and Meero began walking away; but before they disappeared behind a clump of trees, Kin turned to Jason and said, "Good luck."
After that, Jason could've sworn he heard snickering coming from Kin and Meero's direction. Before he could do anything, however, something extremely heavy whacked him from behind. Jason uttered a cry of pain and surprise, and rolled on the dirt for a few seconds. When he got up, Nirana was standing over him with a shirt in her hand. Jason looked up and asked, "What... was that... for?"
Nirana dropped the shirt onto a pile of more clothes, and said, "I heard you were weak, but I didn't know you were this weak. This shirt weighs about a quarter of your body weight; and it was able to knock you of balance."
Jason rubbed his sore back and flinched. After that, he got up and asked, "What am I supposed to do with that?"
Nirana said, "Wear it."
Jason took the shirt and was about to change, when he suddenly felt conscious. Nirana grinned and said, "Fine. I'll turn around."
After Jason was sure Nirana wasn't looking, he began to change into his new clothes. It was a rather unfamiliar experience for him. Although he was used to lifting weights, wearing them was entirely different. The shirt alone limited his movement, and weighed him down considerably. To make matters worse, it threw him off balance whenever he bent down to pick up the other clothes on the ground. After thirty arduous minutes of changing, and falling, Jason had successfully changed clothes. Nirana turned around and said, "Good. Now just follow what it says in the book, and holler if you need me."
With that, Nirana disappeared into a clump of trees. Jason's jaw dropped at those remarks, and all he could do was gawk at the spot Nirana had disappeared into. Seeing that gawking wasn't going to get the job done, Jason decided to have a go at the book. The first thing it said was, "Get off your butt, and start walking."
Jason looked up, and felt his jaw drop again. What the hell did this mean?
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Key to Extinction - Chapter 7: Beginning
NOTE: This is a free story that all are invited to read and enjoy. All characters, places, and organizations depicted here are purely fictional.
And now we begin...
The year is 2050. A human from earth named Jason Caron has been taken captive by beings from another world. As Jason learns more and more about the situation he is in, he is given a choice.
Kin and Jason walked through the woods for a few minutes now. As they were walking, Jason asked, "How'd you know I was done?"
Kin looked back at Jason and said, "I can read minds."
Jason stepped over a large root and asked, "You can read minds? Are you some kind of telepath?"
Kin looked at the sky and replied, "You can say that."
Jason looked at where Kin was looking at and asked, "Can all of you guys read minds?"
Kin continued walking and replied, "No. Only I can."
Jason hastened his pace and asked, "Really? Then what can Meero and Nirana do?"
Kin ducked to avoid a low branch and said, "Meero can boost things, while Nirana can craft earth. We each have unique abilities."
Jason looked at a caterpillar crawling on a tree and asked, "So what do you want me to do?"
Kin jumped across a creek, looked at Jason with a smile, and said, "First of all, we have to see what you can do. What element you're more attuned to."
Jason looked at Kin with a bewildered face and asked, "What?"
Ten minutes later...
Meero was seated on a tree branch twenty feet above the ground, while Nirana was sitting atop a rock. Kin approached them and easily jumped onto a branch several feet above Meero. Jason watched in awe as he saw this feat. Kin looked at Meero and said, "All yours, Meero."
Meero smiled and dropped down from the branch. When he landed, however, all Jason could hear was a soft tap. Meero looked at Jason and said, "Okay. Let's see what element you're more attuned to, then."
Jason looked at his feet and arms and asked, "How do we do that?"
Meero pulled out a ball of glass, and tossed it towards Jason. Jason caught it, and looked at it curiously. After a few minutes of inspecting it, Jason asked, "What is it?"
Meero said, "Do as I say. First, hold it with both of your hands as you would a small basketball. Your right should be level with your left... yes. That's just right. Next, visualize a concentrated ball of light located two inches below your navel. Okay... no. Relax, Jason. Relax. That's it... that's it... good. Now. Imagine some of that light traveling from that point, up your chest, down to your arms, and out through your hands."
At that moment, the glass ball Jason was holding began to drone loudly. Meero, Kin, and Nirana covered their ears. Jason couldn't hear a thing; but he could make out Meero telling him to drop it. Jason dropped the ball and shook his head. Meero came over and picked up the ball. Jason looked at it and asked, "What the hell just happened?"
Meero shook his head and snorted, saying, "Thunder, eh? That's a pretty messy element."
And now we begin...
The year is 2050. A human from earth named Jason Caron has been taken captive by beings from another world. As Jason learns more and more about the situation he is in, he is given a choice.
Kin and Jason walked through the woods for a few minutes now. As they were walking, Jason asked, "How'd you know I was done?"
Kin looked back at Jason and said, "I can read minds."
Jason stepped over a large root and asked, "You can read minds? Are you some kind of telepath?"
Kin looked at the sky and replied, "You can say that."
Jason looked at where Kin was looking at and asked, "Can all of you guys read minds?"
Kin continued walking and replied, "No. Only I can."
Jason hastened his pace and asked, "Really? Then what can Meero and Nirana do?"
Kin ducked to avoid a low branch and said, "Meero can boost things, while Nirana can craft earth. We each have unique abilities."
Jason looked at a caterpillar crawling on a tree and asked, "So what do you want me to do?"
Kin jumped across a creek, looked at Jason with a smile, and said, "First of all, we have to see what you can do. What element you're more attuned to."
Jason looked at Kin with a bewildered face and asked, "What?"
Ten minutes later...
Meero was seated on a tree branch twenty feet above the ground, while Nirana was sitting atop a rock. Kin approached them and easily jumped onto a branch several feet above Meero. Jason watched in awe as he saw this feat. Kin looked at Meero and said, "All yours, Meero."
Meero smiled and dropped down from the branch. When he landed, however, all Jason could hear was a soft tap. Meero looked at Jason and said, "Okay. Let's see what element you're more attuned to, then."
Jason looked at his feet and arms and asked, "How do we do that?"
Meero pulled out a ball of glass, and tossed it towards Jason. Jason caught it, and looked at it curiously. After a few minutes of inspecting it, Jason asked, "What is it?"
Meero said, "Do as I say. First, hold it with both of your hands as you would a small basketball. Your right should be level with your left... yes. That's just right. Next, visualize a concentrated ball of light located two inches below your navel. Okay... no. Relax, Jason. Relax. That's it... that's it... good. Now. Imagine some of that light traveling from that point, up your chest, down to your arms, and out through your hands."
At that moment, the glass ball Jason was holding began to drone loudly. Meero, Kin, and Nirana covered their ears. Jason couldn't hear a thing; but he could make out Meero telling him to drop it. Jason dropped the ball and shook his head. Meero came over and picked up the ball. Jason looked at it and asked, "What the hell just happened?"
Meero shook his head and snorted, saying, "Thunder, eh? That's a pretty messy element."
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