The NEX
Four styles of housing exist—one type for each pay tier (PT). Except for colors chosen by the occupants, duplicated structures abound. Unified couples and Master Scholars can occupy houses. Singles must live in high-rise condominiums.
Location makes some more desirable and increases the value. Trade, or barter for living accommodations may transpire with the agreement of the parties, but selling outright defies the law. The policy ensures no homeless on Nibiru.
Everyone earns the same script points in a given PT. PTI consists of manual laborers, those failing to get an undergraduate degree, and working students. PTII includes university undergraduates. PTIII is for Master Scholars, and many in academia, and PTIV incorporates high-ranking government officials and industrial managers.
All must attend a school offering advanced degrees, and the bureaucrats assign jobs to those who do not pass. This group performs most of the less desirable labor. Graduates get a pick of two career paths, and those who complete a degree with exceptional grades, dubbed Master Scholars, receive a selection of four professions and a choice of available housing.
Vocations commit one for life. Each vocation features many levels and opportunities for promotion.
Uninhabitable and taboo the continent of Atlant augurs death, and less than half of Okera supports life. To enter the forbidden fifty plus percent, identified as the Hell Zone, carries severe penalties up to and including public execution. The territory contains contagious and incurable diseases, which threaten the population. Diagnosis of such a disease guarantees immediate euthanasia and cremation. The statute provides a clandestine and often used means for eliminating political dissidents.
Within the government, the social order, and academia exists a secret society, the NEX, part of the Annunaki. A genetic marker differentiates the class, and the gene and others contribute to the distinctive appearance and perceived intellect of pure Bloods. The Commonuers make up the other race, and the Blendeds represent a mixture of the two. By all visual appearances, the Annunaki and the NEX share with the rest of society on an equal basis.
On the surface, all appears tranquil, but the influence of the secret order runs deep. Government control and abuse of authority are rampant. More of the population recognizes the fact, and a growing unrest exists—and an ever-increasing number wants more power and direction from the people.
THE DOME PROJECT
A program thrives in the Hell Zone. The undertaking, named The Dome Project consists of the building of an enclosed city to save the public from disaster, if the powder-spraying effort fails. Security of the site demands exceptional diligence. Entrance requires a special pass approved by Ravi Joanz, Director of the Ministry of Law and Order. Bureaucrats control all aspects of the venture.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SCIENCE
Dr. Kizziah Jayne (Dr. Kizzie or Kizzie) sits behind her desk reading one of the numerous reports from her in basket. She received a promotion to Director of the Ministry of Health and Science following the sudden and unexpected death of Dr. Zea. She soon learns, as Deputy Director of Scientific Research, he withheld much of the agency’s business from her. A bit overwhelmed, her curiosity peaks over the secrecy of the agency.
The most pressing issue, climate control, rises to the top of her priority list. The Great War did major damage to the environment, and after many millennia, the planet struggles to recover.
At midday, she will conduct her first staff meeting, and direct reports will give a concise overview of their group’s activities. She plans individual meetings to follow. The Department of Astronomical Affairs remains of particular interest to her. To the deputy director, the information remained classified with no access to the department’s agenda.
A tense atmosphere prevails in the staff meeting. Her attempts to disarm the situation fail. I can’t imagine what causes so much tension. They are my peers and some of them close friends, but now they treat me like a stranger.
Perhaps a better understanding will emerge in my individual meetings in the coming days, but now, she needs to prepare. She accepted an invitation to give a lecture to the Science Club at the university tomorrow evening.
MASTA BHRIL’S OFFICE/CONFERENCE ROOM
A somber mood prevails as the attendees gather in the main conference room connected to Masta Bhril’s office.
Bhril enters, the buzz of the participants’ ends, and an eerie silence falls over the room. They sit around a long oval table where the lone empty chair rests at the head. He opens his attaché, takes out his electronic tablet, and sits. He turns around and flips on the microphone and video switches located along the wall behind him.
“This meeting is being recorded. Kahnn, let’s get this fiasco under way. Tell me the problems, which threaten the completion date? I also want to understand your plans for getting the job back on schedule.”
He gets up and moves to the podium and electronic display board at the opposite end of the room. He begins to give a long and detailed explanation of the status of The Dome Project.
Soon, Bhril stops him. “Kahnn—name the top three obstacles threatening the job? Be short, concise, and to the point, starting with the most severe.”
“The major problem remains information loss, and since the malfunction, we’ve been unable to retrieve about two-thirds of the plan data from the engineering computer. The second problem— is a failure of the translucent material of The Dome’s outer shell. In conclusion, the MagnaTranz taking people and supplies to the job site crashed into an oncoming train. Thirty-five people died, and another fifty sustained serious injuries. A section of track suffered destruction along with building materials and the surrounding structure.”
“Damn—things are bad when an accident killing people is the third priority. At what time did the loss of program information occur, and when will the backup files be activated?”
“The data disappeared fourteen days ago and—”
“Too much time and the backups didn’t get installed. Why did they not get loaded the next day at the latest? Is another problem prevalent?
“Well the link between the engineering computer at the job site and the one through the CDC to the backup computers in The Spider malfunctioned. We are almost certain the information hasn’t been lost—but remains in the network somewhere. Up to now, no one can determine where the data went.”
“Who’s heading up the recovery, and what’s the target end date?”
“The onsite manager assigned someone to head up the recovery. He hasn’t given us a time frame yet.”
Bhril’s face gets hot and flushed. He is fighting a conflict of emotions. His anger is about to make him lose his composure, but he recalls his confrontation with the chancellor. How did he find out about the problems before my staff informed me? This breach of protocol should not happen. He recognizes a major problem in his organization, and no reasonable solutions are presenting themselves. “Mr. Kahnn, you’re now responsible and accountable for the data loss issue. A briefing on the status will take place in my office every morning until the debacle is resolved. I want a detailed time line for completion with benchmarks. Now to challenge number two...”
“Hairline cracks are appearing in the translucent dome panels of the outer shell. The program engineer thinks gamma radiation is causing the formula to become too brittle. He’s discussed the predicament with the supplier but, to date, no cause or solution exists. Production of the base compound is halted until a correction is found.”
“The failures appeared when?”
“Twenty-one days…”
“Mr. Kahnn, are you prepared to give this meeting a full update on the material situation?”
“Not in detail. I’m not familiar with the details about the problem and status. The Procurement and Engineering Departments are working toward resolution.”
“The fact appears to me no one’s responsible or committed to solving the problems. Explain what happened to cause the train wreck. Who’s assigned, and when will the tracks be repaired? How soon will the MagnaTranz start moving to and from the job site? The project is at a standstill.” His tone is sarcastic and angry.
An eerie quiet fills the room.
The meeting is going nowhere, so Bhril leaves the room slamming the door behind him.
Silence dominates and all eyes turn to Kahnn.
The blood drains from his face. A knot returns to his stomach as he walks back to his chair. “Several of you let me down. I’ll notify each of you when to meet with me in my office. This meeting’s over.” He leaves the room, and the door remains open.
The others gather their belongings. The group disperses as a low buzz of chatter breaks the silence.
FACULTY LOUNGE AT ABYDOS UNIVERSITY
Dr. Eath Marshon, head of the Computer and Data Processing Department pours Kava for Dr. Bilden, head of the Engineering and Architectural Department.
“An unusual visitor stopped by this morning. Mr. Nedlib, an assistant to Masta Bhril, came by to visit with me. I believe serious issues exist at The Dome Project.”
“I overheard a few stories,” Marshon says. “Did he give you any indication what the problems might be?”
“Well, he eluded me, but he asked a lot of questions about the interface of the CDC with The Spider and the engineering information on the computer. He asked about things I couldn’t answer. I asked him if he talked with you, and he said no. He can’t maneuver the bureaucracy well.”
“Now I understand who he is and why he called my secretary to set up a meeting for tomorrow. Can you tell me more about his visit?”
“I uuh—surmise they experienced a major system malfunction and can’t find a lot of engineering and construction data. I’m speculating. He talked in riddles and what ifs, but I think they lost most of the project information, and everyone is panicking”
“A serious problem shouldn’t exist, since all data’s backed up in The Spider.”
“Well, with his intensity, I think something went all wrong. I asked him for details of what he needed, but he offered vague innuendos. He’s under a lot of pressure. He did mention a meeting between the new supreme chancellor and Masta Bhril. The chancellor’s asking difficult and pointed questions.”
“I overheard rumors about the problems, but everything seemed to take a back seat to the elections. With the job site in trouble, he faces a real political problem since he promised the people the project will be completed on schedule.”
His Kava finished, Dr. Bilden stands. “My wife and I are having guests for dinner. I don’t need to be late.” He walks away, stops and turns. “You’ll tell about your meeting with Bhril’s man, won’t you?”
“Of course, meet me here at the same time tomorrow.”
Marshon finishes his beverage, puts on his coat, and leaves with haste down the hall toward the MagnaTranz stop. He rounds a corner, deep in thought, not watching where he’s going, and his left shoulder bumps someone going in the opposite direction. The jolt brings him out of his trance, and he turns to apologize.
“Well, Kizzie, I hope I didn’t hurt you,” he says in a surprised and sheepish tone. “I guess I need to pay more attention. I last talked to you when you graduated—how’ve you been?”
Dr. Kizziah Jayne ranked as one of his best students, but he last met her when she graduated from the university several years ago.
“I understand congratulations are in order.”
“Perhaps condolences might be more appropriate. I’m pleased to meet up with you again.”
“Whatever brings you to my part of the world?”
“I’m the keynote speaker at the Science Club meeting this evening.”
“Hmm—I’m free. Do you mind if I come along?”
“The honor is mine.”
“Can you spare time for a hot Kava before you speak?”
“I think so.”
They get their beverages and sit. “You earned your doctorate since we last conversed. Congratulations—you must tell me about your new job—sounds exciting.”
“I’m not sure you chose the right word. The tension at my first staff meeting, earlier in the day concerns me. I believe underlying issues exist of a major magnitude. Tomorrow I’ll start individual meetings with my department heads. I should be able to flush out the problems.”
BETTA KAHNN’S OFFICE
With the door closed, Kahnn walks around his desk reflecting on the meeting. He and Bhril remained close friends since university days. Their friendship always allowed him invulnerability in his position. Now the relationship is sour. He humiliated me in front of my peers and subordinates. All the job security of the past is gone. I will pull myself together and formulate a plan to get out of this mess after I make a call.
He takes his communicator and punches the button for a preprogrammed number. “Listen, I can’t meet you tonight. Things are bad in The Dome, and Bhril’s back and demanding explanations first thing tomorrow. I’m going to be at the office all evening. I’m sorry, but our plans must be postponed.”
The female voice asks, “Betta, when will I be with you again?”
“Perhaps in a few days. He’s in a foul mood.”
“I want to meet soon.”
“Yes, so do I. I must go and take this incoming call.”
He pushes a few buttons.
“Hello, I need to talk to you. An emergency flared up, and I’ll be at the office all evening.”
“Dinner is ready. Would you like me to bring you some food and a bottle of fresh Kava?” Teska asks.
“No. Don’t bring the children out this late. I’ll get something from the machines in the canteen. I must go now. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“You should come home, eat, and at least sleep for a couple of hours.”
“I’ll catch a short nap on the sofa.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
DR. MARSHON’S OFFICE THE FOLLOWING DAY
Someone knocks, and the door opens. The doctor’s secretary steps in. “Your appointment is here.” She moves aside, and the man enters.
He rises from his chair and extends his hand to the stranger. “I’m Dr. Eath Marshon.”
“My name’s Nedlib and I am an assistant to Masta Bhril.”
“Be seated, sir. How can I be of assistance?”
“I understand you’re the department head of the School of Computer and Data Processing. We’ve a problem with some of the engineering programs at The Dome Project. A large amount of construction documentation went missing.”
“Did something happen to the transfer to the Spider and the remotes?”
“Answer the question and you’re a hero. The input vanished from the computer and never arrived at the backups. Most of the people believe the data’s still in the system, but for the past fifteen days, no one can determine where. Bhril believes the project needs a fresh set of eyes. He insists you form and head a team of your best faculty and students.”
“Hmm, give me some time to do a little research and consider the problem.”
“He demanded I get your commitment now, and he requires you at the site first thing tomorrow with your group. He needs you to start with the engineering computer.”
“Well, I can’t make miracles happen. We’re at mid-term, and I can’t spare any of my staff. I might be able to give some of my time, but their place is here with the undergraduates. I’ll call them together and get their recommendations for five academics to be on the task force. I’ll select two of my people to act as advisors, but they’ll serve no other role and must remain here.”
“You mustn’t disclose the purpose to anyone who’s not part of the team. This is a classified and sensitive matter. You, your staff, and students must take an oath of secrecy, and all must pass thorough background checks. Details about the task must not become public knowledge. The supreme chancellor will be at the job site tomorrow afternoon. Masta Bhril must get your guarantee by morning. Form your team as soon as possible and I’ll need the names first thing so the security documentation can begin.”
“I’ll get my staff together later today and tell them some computer bugs surfaced needing some fresh eyes and minds.”
He starts to leave, but Nedlib turns. “I can’t overemphasize the importance of this project. Absolute privacy must be maintained.”
Dr. Marshon calls his secretary. “I need to meet with my staff in the conference room in two hours. This is important. Tell them the meeting’s mandatory and please be on time.”
He leans back in his chair, with his hands clasp behind his head and ponders.
Soon the last faculty member enters the room, and he closes the door. His tall, slender stature dominates the room. His pale blue eyes scan the group. “This is going to be short and to point. Some serious glitches exist within The Spider. I agreed to head a team to find the problems. I need you to consider who the brightest, most intuitive, trustworthy, and hard-working students are in your classes. I’ll write the names on the screen, and we’ll discuss the merits of everyone. Each proposed must be in the last term before graduation. From the list, we’ll eliminate until we’re down to the final five. I’ll start with Jadan Kanzz.”
Soon, fifteen candidates are listed.
“Now comes the hard part. Any of these would be an asset to the project. We must melt the choices down to the goal, and we’ll decide who’s best qualified to be the team leader.”
The target is reached after much discussion—three boys and two girls. A check shows by Jadan Kanzz.
Dr. Marshon dismisses the faculty, goes into his office, and dials his secretary. “I need you to query the computer and find the five students whose names are on the screen. I need to meet with all in my conference room after the last class today. The name with the check, I want here about thirty minutes ahead of the others.”
He pushes buttons on his desk communicator. “Well, Bilden, my meeting took place with Nedlib, and data loss from the engineering computer is real. The situation must be serious because the project’s classified Need to Know. I suspect before this is finished, you’ll be involved, but I can’t tell you anymore at this time. I’m going to be away for several days. Let’s meet for Kava when I return.” The doctor listens. “Okay. I’ll tell you all I learned. Keep your ears open...right...okay, good-bye.”
Dr. Marshon goes into the conference room and sits at the head of the table. He is reviewing his outline when Jadan knocks. “Come in...”
He enters the room, and the doctor gets up and walks toward him. He extends his hand as he greets him. “I’m glad you’re here. How’ve you been?”
“Okay,” he says, in a guarded tone.
“You must be wondering why I called you here. I want you to head a team we’re putting together.”
“Please explain...”
“Selected by the staff and me, you will head an investigative group of undergraduates. A major glitch hit the CDC and The Spider. A large amount of the engineering data disappeared, and The Dome Project is in serious trouble. They believe the info is still in the system, but so far, the theory eludes the professionals. The situation demands fresh minds and eyes. The team gets almost unlimited access to the computers and systems. The task is to find the missing data. You possess an instinct in the field few people do. You can wade through problems faster than anyone I’m aware of. I’m counting on you, and me to establish the direction for the rest of the team. I’ll assign two faculty members after exams, but they’ll work as analysts and advisors. They and I’ll review reports and recommendations from the group and set the agenda. My schedule dictates you will be working alone much of the time. I’m sure many questions will arise, but I assure you. I don’t possess the answers.”
“How long will the project take?”
“From a few days to—”
Someone knocks on the door. “Come in.”
The door opens, and in comes the other four students.
Soon brief introductions are completed, and Dr. Marshon clarifies Jadan’s role. He also describes the classified nature of the job, and each will be required to take an oath of secrecy and pass a thorough background check, which is now underway. “Any of you who can’t be one hundred percent committed to the challenge, I ask you to leave at this time.”
The students glance at one another, but no one goes. Relo and Rue stare with intrigue into each other’s eyes.
“The five of you’ll be excused from all classes for the duration of the project. A group of select tutors will put you on an accelerated schedule so you can graduate on time. Now I suggest you go to your rooms and get plenty of sleep. You’re to report back here for breakfast at 0700 hours. At 0730, I’ll give you a detailed briefing and tentative assignments. Bring what you’ll need to be away for three days. Afterwards, we’ll come back with progress reports and a review of accomplishments with the two faculty members. Questions…?” Silence fills the room. “You’re dismissed.”
“Jadan, I need you to stay for a few minutes.”
The last student leaves, and he gets up and closes the door. “My boy—this is going to be the challenge of your life. If this project’s successful, you can name any career you choose after you graduate. Whatever is going on must be devastating to the project. Other serious problems exist, but this one’s the top priority. Without informing your other teammates, I want you to be alert for signs of sabotage. The whole thing seems a bit too strange to be a random computer glitch. You’ll be sending me updates each day once I come back. I’ll spend as much time as possible the first few days, and I hope the project is defined in detail. The importance of secrecy continues to be emphasized.”
The doctor stands and extends his hand. “Sleep well and I’ll meet you here in the morning.”
“I’m impressed with the other four students. Each is brilliant in their specialty. I’m a bit overwhelmed leading such a group, but I’ll do my best. Goodnight, sir.”
He leaves the building and thinks of Kia. He takes his communicator and presses a button. The device buzzes twice, and she answers.
“I left a meeting with Dr. Marshon moments ago.”
“Is anything wrong?”
“Well, not with me. Can we go out this evening?”
A brief pause follows before she says, “Okay—but I need to dress first. You didn’t go to the Student Social after classes, so I came to my room, showered, and dressed for bed.”
“I’ll come by your room.”
“Give me half an hour.”
They walk to the library, and she says, “Tell me about your time with the doctor? You sounded tense when you called.”
The facility contains a number of rooms where people or groups can congregate in private.
“Let’s try to check out a room," he says.
“Okay,” she says with caution.
This is their first time alone, the two of them. They arrive at the Student Social, and he goes to the desk and checks out the key. They walk along without speaking. The door is open, so they go inside, and Jadan closes and clicks the lock.
A chill flows over her when she realizes they are together behind a locked door.
He breaks the silence. “Sit here on the couch with me. I must tell you something.” He detects the nervousness in her eyes and he says, “Don’t be frightened. This is sudden, but I wanted to be with you before I leave.”
Her expression shifts from anxiety to surprise. “Where’re you going?”
“I can’t tell you. The assignment and all aspects are classified. I hope I can share with you later, but I’m leaving tomorrow for three days. Afterward, I’ll be back, but I’m not sure for how long. Beyond now, I’m unsure when I’ll return.”
She stares at her hands crossed on her lap. Why all the secrecy? I start to enjoy his company and affection, and he’s going away. Loneliness washes over her.
“Kia, I want to tell you, but I can’t.”
Jadan’s surprised when he realizes she’s crying in silence. He reaches and holds her hand in a caress, and they sit in the stillness for a time.
She raises her tear-streaked face and stares into his eyes. She whispers, “I’m going to miss you.”
“I’ll miss you too,” he says with softness as he draws her close, and without another word, they are in a tight embrace. He pushes away and takes her chin in his hand. He pulls her face toward his. They stare into one another’s eyes before their lips meet.
At the magic moment, he realizes he does not want to go. He wants to savor this moment for eternity. The stakes are high for his future—and perhaps hers as well.
“You’ll call me every day, won’t you?” Kia asks.
“Yes, I’ll do my best.”
They remain in a silent embrace until he says, “I’m afraid I must go. I still need to pack, and get a little sleep. Tomorrow, I expect to be a long and challenging day.”
He bends down and kisses her.
They get up, and start toward her room and ignore the bone-chilling cold as they walk across the courtyard. Their emotions are euphoric. They reach her room, and she unlocks the door and stands looking into his eyes. They embrace and their lips meet with passion. Their breathing becomes heavier—their passions are aflame.
She pulls away, and says, “Goodnight,” and steps inside the door.
“Until next time,” he says to her and turns, and starts walking to his room.
“Remember to call me,” Kia whispers.
THE MANAGERS’ LOUNGE AT THE DOME
Chancellor Jerka and two of his assistants walk into the lounge. Seated across the room, he spots Bhril, Kahnn, and an assistant. They stand as he approaches. “I’m glad you’re here,” he says in a condescending tone. “I trust you’ll make my visit worthwhile.”
“Betta will be conducting the tour and leading the discussions.”
“Would you gentlemen like a beverage, or shall we get started?” he asks.
“Bring us up to date while we drink our Kava. I’m anxious to get your explanations and action plans. Begin with the MagnaTranz crash—Dr. Zea, Director of the Ministry of Health and Science, and I held a close friendship. His death troubles me.”
Kahnn’s eyes are weary and bloodshot. He spent the evening in front of the data screen researching and memorizing as much information as possible related to the top three priorities. He contrived what he hopes is a believable story for each.
“Our initial findings on the train wreck point to the CDC malfunction. The computer switched the outbound to the identical track as the inbound. The fail-safe in the system should stop both trains at once, when detecting the two on the same rails, but it didn’t. The lead investigator from the Bureau of Transportation Safety said the onboard recorders showed the incoming in the emergency-braking mode when the collision occurred. The outbound MagnaTranz cruised on autopilot, with no one at the controls. The train continued under cruising power until the two hit head-on.
Maintenance installed temporary rails around the crash site. They’ll be used until the investigation is completed and the originals are repaired,” Kahnn says, in a convincing tone.
“So a system fault is the cause of the collision?” the chancellor asks with overtones of doubt—his left eyebrow rises.
“These are the preliminary findings. Now to the failure of the CDC—Dr. Eath Marshon, head of the School of Computer and Data Processing at the university commands an investigative team...”