HIGHLY doubtful. I've taken the AM and I'm running my own direction with it. Besides, if all the answers were already out there, what'd be the use of writing the story. 
Let's just say that there is MUCH more to it than our world would have you believe. 
Yes, yes I have. According to my research, such a device existed centuries ago, but its purpose and design were never described. All that could be understood was that it was supposedly some sort of mechanical calculator for the stars. Beyond that, Im at a loss.
Well, on my world, we actually found one.
Are you serious? A discovery like that would be front page news around the world. Everyone from scientists to mystics would kill to see one up close, but how does that fit in to what the 5th Column is working on.
Dr. Brantiff theorized that the mechanism was not simply a way of pinpointing the positions of the planets. Through his research, he was able to discover that it was in fact the key that opened the door to universe. It was a combination lock, if you will, that properly used could allow a person or persons to travel between worlds.
So thats how youre doing it. You have one of these Antikythera thingamajigs built into your suit.
No, my suit IS an Antikythera Mechanism.
Youre kidding!
No, Im not, but there is more that you must know before you can completely understand.
Alright, go on.
The Antikythera Mechanism that was found on my world was dated to more than 2000 years old. Brantiff believed it to be in fact only a little over a hundred. Of course, he was labeled a lunatic, but he had his reasons. According to him, the mechanism was aged prematurely by the forces it is subjected to when used to cross worlds. You see, in order to travel between worlds with drastically different timelines and histories, you must first remove yourself from time itself. You see, one year here might equal a thousand back on my world, or it may be no more than a day.
I thought time was constant.
It is, within each world. Why do think the bible says a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years are as one day? It is referring to this branching of time. I have seen countless amounts of evidence to suggest that the concept of traveling between worlds is not a new one, and the crystal we found in the mine is another sure sign.
What do you mean?
Brantiff theorized that anything or anyone traveling between worlds would be subjected to the exact same forces as the Antikythera Mechanism. Because of this, there was no telling what would happen to an unprotected individual making such a trip. When Garrins discovery of these crystals went public, Brantiff realized what they might be able to do. He figured that time, or the passage of it at least, was nothing more than another form of energy. If this was true, then a properly rigged Garrin Crystal of sufficient size could be used to absorb this energy and protect the user.
And did it work?
Yes, otherwise I would be a pile of dust right now.
So how does this fit with the mine?
The crystal I found was inserted into the middle of a carved section of wood along one of the beams in the mine. The carving was in a shape reminiscent of a design I would recognize as meaning tree. It isnt exact, but its close enough for me to jump to this conclusion. That mine was used, at some point, as the focal point for an Antikytheran Gateway.
Abolutely outstanding. Please keep posting. 
I hereby eat my words 
A lot more different than I thought it would be =]
That's the idea. If it was predictable, it'd be boring. To me the story seems bland and rather cliche. The only thing I could think of to spice it up was to take somewhat obscure yet actual items and concepts and twist them to my own ends.
Here's a bit more of Chapter 7. I dare say I could probably add a lot more to the explanation, but I am SO enjoying drip feeding it to yall.
Is that what I think it is?
Yes Dusk. An Antikytheran Gateway is what we called the temporal rip between worlds. After speaking with Cinaed earlier, I am now quite certain that this world is no stranger to them. In fact, he not only recognized the name, but was able to give me the name of someone that might be able to help.
So the crystal absorbs the energy of transport? Then why is this one full? Does that mean its been used recently?
I dont believe so. I believe it is just as I said. The crystal was filled by the ambient magical energy of the Circles ceremonies. This world has an incredible amount of magical energy pervading it. In fact, it has the highest mana level I have ever seen. My guess is that the crystal was able to fill much more easily and quickly because of this high level of mana. Magical energy, as I have long since learned, is the most potent form of energy in the entire universe.
Okay, then why do the 5th Column want it?
I dont believe the 5th Column actually realize what and who they are dealing with.
And exactly who ARE they dealing with.
The man Dusk and I encountered in the mine goes by the name of Casimir Hergotz. In short, hes a bloodthirsty tyrant that Ive been following since day one. He is the reason that I came to this world.
Does he have a suit as well?
No, this suit is absolutely one of a kind. It was the only prototype, and the research that helped create it is long since gone. My guess is that Hergotz is attempting to collect materials to help him build another gateway. Chances are hes using the 5th Column only to get what he wants. Hes probably promised them some sort of power, but knowing him, the instant he has what he wants the Column will become a liability instead of an asset. When that happens, we will undoubtedly know about it.
What about the scientist that Starbuck mentioned? Do you know him?
Thats a good question Dusk, but the answer is no. I have never seen Hergotz with anyone, so its possible that this scientist is simply someone he found on this world with the knowledge he required.
You say youve been chasing this guy, but what did he do? Was he some sort of criminal on your world?
My reasons are my own, and we will leave it at that.
Well, Ive heard enough Joker. I think you and Dusk should stick together on this, and Ill be sure to inform the City Rep tomorrow of your work. Youve done quite well for yourself since you arrived here Joker, and I couldnt think of a better person for this job.
I agree with Azuria, Joker, and I want you to know that I will be there to help with whatever you need.
Well then, perhaps you two should get some sleep, and try to start fresh in the morning. My only question is what I should do with this crystal.
Ill take care of it, Azuria. My guess is that Hergotz is going to make another attempt on this crystal, and when he does, Im going to be waiting for him.
Well Joker, I have to agree with Azuria. I think we both need rest, especially if we are going to be taking on that friend of yours again. You know
my place is close
There was that glint again, and now there was no mistaking it. I must admit that I was intrigued, especially considering what I had seen of her talents, but the suit wasnt exactly as easy to change as her costume apparently was. Couple that with the fact that it had literally been centuries since my skin had felt the cool air without the benefit of sensors, and chances are I wouldnt be as much fun as she was hoping. Besides, if I can not give myself mind, body, and soul to a person, then I will not even begin to contemplate such a move.
Truly, Dusk, I am flattered, and any man in his right mind would happily jump at such an offer. Unfortunately, it has been a VERY long time since I was in my right mind, and I do not wish to spoil such a beautiful smile with my lack of enthusiasm.
Well, just so you know, I dont make such an offer lightly. In truth, my chosen path has put a severe cramp on that aspect of my life. Despite that suit of yours, I can see that you are an honorable man, and just so you know, the offer will remain on the table.
Ill keep that in mind. If I were ever able to find a way out of this suit, perhaps I would take you up on that offer.
Im sure I could get you out, but theres no telling what shape it would be in once I did.
It's been a bit since I last posted, but that' how this is going to go for a while. I haven't written any more on this story in almost a month, so this thread is quickly catching up to my version. Oh well, here's some more of Chapter 7. Enjoy.
Once again I made my way back to the area known as Kings Row. My research back in the library had told me that this area was once home to a bustling textile industry that had recently fallen on hard times. As always it was isolated from the rest of the city by the towering war walls, but unlike the other areas, its aging and decaying factory buildings gave it an ominous feeling. Despite the darkness, the intermittent flashes and explosions of countless battles could be seen dancing about between the shadowy buildings.
The window of my apartment overlooked the local police station, but even here signs of crime were obvious. I could see why the city needed its heroes. The police force was not equipped to handle the likes of the 5th Column or the Circle of Thorns, and the fact that they still persisted in making their rounds was truly awe inspiring. I had seen hardened warriors cower in the face of such powerful enemies, yet here even the average citizen had courage enough to go about their daily lives despite the horrors going on all around them.
Whats the matter Joker?
Somethings eating at the back of my mind.
Something to do with the Garrin Crystal?
Yes. It doesnt make sense that, in all our travels, this is the first one that we have encountered. I know that these crystals are exceedingly rare, but if there is one of this size here, why has there never been one on any of the other earths?
As you said, they are quite rare. Perhaps its possible that the one we found was brought here from your world as well.
That thought has already occurred to me, but I am supposedly the only person other than Hergotzs team to have left our world.
Is it possible that the gateway was rebuilt following your departure?
No. The facility wouldve been completely destroyed, along with the entire island. Unless your calculations are way off base, everything within a mile of that slice of hell will be radioactive for another millennium at least.
And all that talk about a thousand years is as a day equals what?
A simple exaggeration to prove my point. Dont even begin to lecture me about the ins and outs of dimensional travel.
I wouldnt dream of it. So what are you thinking?
In my mind, there are only 2 possibilities for how that crystal got there. One, that it has been there for centuries, and the gateway it was keyed to has been long since forgotten by this world. The other option is that the crystal was brought from an alternate dimensional timeline; one that is similar to my own.
Weve technically never found another world like your own. This is a very surprising and somewhat disturbing fact.
I agree. Ive been wondering if its possible that the destruction of the lab somehow lead to another dimension. Its possible that some person may have escaped the labs destruction, and that individuals death or survival is the difference between the two timelines.
If thats true, then this crystal couldve come from that alternate version of your earth?
Exactly. If thats true, then its possible that Hergotz has stumbled upon this same line of thought.
Then you think hes trying to reach that alternate earth?
Possibly, but until we have more information we are only guessing.
I get the feeling that you are still hiding something.
Lets just say that I have a couple questions for Cinaeds contact.
Then I suggest you get some sleep. Powering down.
Sleep was the last thing I wanted at the moment. It had been centuries since I last dreamed, but this world seemed to be bringing back a lot of old memories; memories I would prefer stayed buried. Thats the thing about dreams. They are never what we truly want to see, but are, more often than not, what we need to see.
Well, I've decided to stop posting any more on this. In an effort to not leave you completely in the dark, this post will contain the last part of Chapter 7. Yes there is more, and no I won't send it to you or post it. Granted, this is subject to change at some future point, but at this junction I'm not feeling particularly motivated toward that end. Thus I present the final bit of DJ's story that shall see the light of day in the near future. Word of warning, I didn't bother to reread this section before posting, so it's not as I would fully wish it to be. In fact, it's quite a bit shorter than I expect it will end up should I actually edit it.
Whos the soldier?
Nobody important. Now, what can I do for you today Dr. Harrison?
I just thought Id stop by to tell you that the PAGERS experiment was a complete success.
Wonderful! I knew the damn thing would work. What did old Irons have to say about that?
I wasnt able to tell him doctor. His office was empty, and the doors to Green Sector are on complete lockdown.
Theyre what?! Are they trying to reopen the gateway? Do you know if anyone has come back?
Who are you again?
Thats not important. Did anyone come back through the gateway?
I dont know, and I dont think I should be talking to you about it.
Its okay Dr. Harrison. Joker here was leading the protection team for Green Sector before he was unceremoniously dumped next door to me.
What did you do to get landed in here Joker?
Lets just say I questioned the authority of the General, and he didnt like that. There may have been some choice words for your dear Dr. Irons as well, but I dont exactly remember everything that happened.
There were rumors that the first experiment met with problems, but I
Problems?! That damned Dr. Irons shut the gateway before the team could come back through! That ******* sentenced those people to death, and he knows it.
Now Joker, thats not entirely true. What have we talked about?
I know, I know, but you said that if they didnt use your crystal theory for their return trip, that they might not survive the trip back.
I see youve been teaching again Dr. Brantiff. How much does he know?
All of it. Now, how far along are you on building the suit?
Id say we need another 3 days to incorporate the results of todays experiment. Once thats done, all of the theoretical work is finished. All thats left is to actually put someone in the thing for a test drive. Typically thats a job for Green Sector, but seeing as how theyve shut the place down, I doubt we will be able to test it until they are finished with whatever it is theyre doing.
Dammit Joker, thats the emergency siren. Theyre going to be locking this place down in less than 5 minutes.
I know that doc, so youd best help me get this damn thing on before they get here. I dont want to have to kill you, but I will if it becomes necessary.
Listen Joker, Brantiff had a number of other theories regarding this suits use that you might want to hear.
Trust me, he told me ALL of them, at great length.
Alright, the suits locked up tight.
Id suggest you start running then doc. This base and everyone in it are going to be a pile of slag in less than 30 minutes. I figure that gives you just enough time to clear the tunnel entrance to the mainland.
******
Dusk and I had prearranged to meet at the Talos Island station the next morning, and my trip from Kings Row turned out to be rather pleasant. I had decided to make an early start of it, so just before dawn I made my way to the Kings Row station and began studying the map for the shortest route. Apparently I would need to leg it across Steel Canyon in order to switch to another line that could take me to the island, but this gave me a chance to fully view that portion of the city without the gloom of night hanging over it.
Making my way north along one of the many sidewalks, my eyes were drawn back and forth to the hustle and bustle common to any major city. Steel Canyon was apparently the major business district for Paragon City, and the steady flow of briefcases, ties, and business suits merely confirmed this status. As always, the criminals of this city had also made an early start of it, and the nameless workers were all too happy to thank me for intervening in what would have undoubtedly been a very bad day.
The canyon was a marvel to behold as the sun poked its head above the war wall to my right. The solemn glass and steel high rises were bathed in a golden light that seemed to breathe new life into the city. Despite the dangers inherent to this place, I could see why so many flocked to its walls. It may not have been my idea of heaven, but to the citizens of this city, it was undeniably the next best thing.
A thought suddenly struck me as I stepped onto the platform at the Talos Island station. Dusk and I were aware of our rendezvous, but Cinaed had been left in the dark. He had not left me with a method to get in touch with him, and I was running ideas of how to do just that through my head when I noticed Dusk. She was back in her outfit from the night before, and was sitting atop the railing outside the exit platform for the train. As more of her and the island came into view, it became apparent that she was chatting with someone. Evidently I wouldnt need any of those half-baked ideas for contacting Cinaed after all.
So then he says to me Youll rue the day you messed with The Fallen Prophet!
So thats when you threw the car at him?
Well, I wouldnt so much call it a throw. It was more like a slam dunk. A friend of mine at the Zigg said he was eating through a straw for a month.
Truly an exciting story Dusk, but I believe I will need to wait for another time to hear another one. Our mutual friend has just arrived.
Joker! Good to see you made it here in one piece.
Thanks Dusk. Its nice to see you as well. I see Cinaed didnt require any notice of our meeting.
It was made apparent to me that my presence was required here and now. I can only guess that you are ready to meet the man I mentioned the other night.
Exactly. Dusk and I have stumbled upon some disturbing news, and I think this friend of yours may be able to help us clear up a few questions.
I take it you have found a Garrin Crystal.
How did you
?
That is not important. It is, however, now crucial that I take you to this man, but I must warn you, he is no friend of mine or my cause.
Where to?
The Ziggurat.
The Ziggurat was what the locals dubbed the citys prison, and as I stole my first glimpse of it through the mornings fog from the Brickstown train station, I could easily understand why. Towering above the great majority of buildings in this section of the city was a pitch-black monolith in the shape of a tiered pyramid. The massive structure was almost medieval in appearance, and the wide moat of water isolating it from the rest of the city only served to strengthen this image. A series of high chain-link fences stood between the moat and the streets outside the installation. These were topped with the ubiquitous rolls of razor wire so common to such places. Like any other prison, this one was guarded by a series of towers manned by security personnel armed to the teeth, and the overall impression was one of imposing strength and invulnerability.
On my world, prisons were isolated miles from any population center, and the worst of them were often found in the most inhospitable of landscapes. However, here in Paragon the prison was little more than a stones throw from the heart of the city. The decision to place such an obviously dangerous facility so near to the heart of the city must not have been made lightly. Criminals the likes of those we had already seen would have been isolated in some god-forsaken hell hole in the middle of nowhere back on World 1, but here the city practically embraced its fallen children.
The security inside the Zigg was even more imposing, and every guard in sight was wearing body armor. They did not appear to holster their weapons, but instead chose to keep them at the ready at all times. Unlike the numerous prisons I have had the opportunity to visit, this one did not require us to relinquish our weapons. The reason why was made readily apparent as we stepped beyond the third checkpoint and into the facility proper.
A loud bang to our right was quickly followed by a number of nefarious looking individuals in what could only be prison issue uniforms. The bright neon orange of their jumpsuits was stamped with the prisons name, and they were each sporting crudely made weapons. Stealing a glance over their shoulders, I could see 4 guards slowly fading to nothing from the room they were exiting, and I quickly began to draw my sword. I neednt have bothered for Cinaeds deep, gravely voice ended the battle before it had a chance to begin.
You have two choices gentlemen, the easy way or MY way.
At these words his hands leapt to life, and the heat I had last felt back in the sewers quickly filled the hallway.
Holy
Thats Cinaed!
The third just stood there dumbstruck. The pipe he had been carrying clattered to the ground, quickly followed by the weapons of the other two. They had stopped dead in their tracks upon seeing Cinaed, and I must admit that I dont blame them. If the stories Dusk had been telling me were true, then the prisoners here had a damn good reason to fear his wrath. Their faces looked almost relieved when the emergency response unit finally rounded the corner and hauled them back to whatever hole theyd crawled out of.
The rest of our trip through the maze-like halls of the Ziggs main level were uneventful. If not for the constant stream of costume clad individuals, the place would seem almost ordinary by prison standards. Countless computer controlled gates divided the hallways into small chunks to allow security to easily divide an out of control mob into workable sizes. Every inch was watched over by numerous cameras, and heavily armed guard stations were set in strategic locations to give the best fields of fire should the need arise.
I was informed by Dusk that our destination lie deep beneath the mountain in an area designated for extremely dangerous inmates. According to her, each cell was specifically designed and equipped for its occupants. Considering that she could probably punch clean through a solid steel door, I can only imagine that there are others with even more formidable abilities, and I was therefore not overly surprised to hear this.
An almost inaudible exhale of surprise escaped the elevator operators lips as Cinaed entered the cab. Without a word, the elevator began to descend, rapidly gathering speed. After descending for about 30 seconds, the cab slowed to a halt. As the doors opened I slowly took in the enormous chamber we had arrived at. It was as if someone had taken a giant sphere and cut it in half. At each of the 3 remaining cardinal directions stood a massive metal door with a simple computer terminal built into the nearby wall.
Stepping lightly off of the elevator, Cinaed silently strode across the giant room to the door opposite the elevator. As he approached, the display on the computer terminal to the right of the door came to life. This was followed by an almost human sounding voice.
Good morning Cinaed. Braonan has been expecting you. I see that you have guests. Please have them step up to my console to be recognized and verified for access.
I guess it means us.
Ladies first.
Accessing
Record found. Dusk comma Shattered registered and verified.
You next Joker.
Accessing
Record found. Joker comma Desolate registered and verified. I believe Braonan has been expecting you as well.
Wonderful. So, are either of you going to tell me who he is before we go in there?
I believe that Cinaed is the expert on him. I only know what was in the papers.
He is an Angel of Destruction. It is said that even if they serve the Devil, they do so only with the permission of God. Suffice it to say that he did not have permission.
Joker, are you buying this God stuff?
Dusk, I have seen and experience more unimaginable things than the existence of God. Who am I to confirm or deny that which I do not understand? I can only confirm one thing. The concept of a great creator is not unique to this world. Though the name changes, the essence of the story never does.
You are wise, Joker, but rest assured that He DOES exist. He feels the pain of every living soul, and he cries for the children he has lost. My work, our work, is to save this world from itself; one child at a time.
With that the large metal doors in front of us began to silently pull apart. As they swung inward I could see that they had to be at least 3 feet thick, and Id have to guess that they weighed tons. Despite the obvious bulk, they moved almost effortlessly out of the way, pulled by unseen and unheard gears hidden in the walls.
The room they opened into was just as breath-taking as the chamber outside. This one, however, was in the shape of a full sphere. The walls looked to be covered in spikes, all pointing toward the exact center of the sphere. The entrance led to a small walkway leading about 20 feet into the mammoth room, and as we made our way to the edge, the doors swung silently closed behind us.
Suspended in the center of the room, as if held by some unseen field, was a large robed figured sitting with his legs crossed. The room was devoid of anything except the figure, and I could only guess that there was indeed some form of gravity or magnet based technology keeping him locked into position. This thought was dispelled a moment later as he stretched his legs beneath him and glided easily to within about ten feet of our position.
Do not worry. The field surrounding this place keeps me from getting any closer. It is hardly needed considering Cinaeds presence, but rules are rules.
A pity you did not follow them.
Yes yes, I know my dear brother. By trying to rule themselves, they broke the rules of God, and thus God cast them out of his kingdom. Weve been through this before, but that is not why you are here. I see that you have brought the desolate one with you, but I was not expecting to be visited by such a beauty as this one.
We do not have time for such things Braonan. Joker needs to know about the tree.
Ah yes. You really should spend more time reading the fascinating works of this world brother. Too much time spent working and you will risk turning into a lifeless shell. Ooops, too late.
The figures laughter suddenly filled the gigantic space. The echoes and reverberations were dizzying at first, but quickly began to fill me with an unidentifiable sense of dread. I could see that Dusk was feeling it too, but Cinaed seemed unperturbed. Seeing that his laughter was having no discernable effect upon the butt of his joke, Braonan quickly refocused on the topic at hand.
Desolate one, you have touched the tree, but you do not control it. You have climbed its branches, yet you have no sense of which direction you are headed.
What tree are you two talking about.
Why, Igdrasil of course. The Tree of Existance.
But I thought that was merely an explanation of the division between Heaven, Earth, and Hell.
Yes and no desolate one. It has been used by less intelligent civilizations to describe those three locations, but it is in fact the same thing as your Dr. Brantiffs Dimensional Tree. The roots of the tree describe the very essence of existence itself. Innumerable energies and processes went into its birth. I can not begin to describe such a thing, but trust me when I say that it was a marvel to behold.
You were there?
Why yes Dusk, and I must say that its beauty is but the tiniest of candles compared to the vision of fire I behold in your eyes.
Focus Braonan. She is not here to be fawned over.
Yes, of course. Joker, you have spent countless lifetimes traveling among the branches of the tree, yet you have no concept of where youve been and where youre headed. The reason why is simple. Igdrasil, like any tree, protects its heart. In order to have complete access to its branches you must uncover both the location and combination of the trees trunk. Only then can you fully grasp the intertwining branches and follow them wherever you wish to go. I fear, however, that you are far behind in this task compared to the ones you seek to stop. I sense that you have questions for me. Speak them, desolate one, and I shall endeavor to answer them.
Where did this crystal come from?
I believe that you already know, but I will help to remind you. Your decision to destroy the facility beneath the island prison resulted in the emergence of another dimensional branch. You have never been back to that world because your travel along the branches has moved you quite some distance away from your World One. However, this new timeline was able to recreate a small amount of the research that you sought to destroy.
So theyve been able to open up their own gateway?
Yes, but they were not prepared for the worlds that awaited them. Instead of guarding their methods, they freely spread them amongst the worlds they visited. Where technology would not suffice, magic was used to open the gateways.
But that would mean they visited this world as well.
Precisely. They came to this world nearly five centuries ago. In order to hide their departure, they sought refuge in the tunnels where you found that crystal. Unfortunately for them, they never fully understood what was required for traveling amongst the worlds, and I fear that they are now adrift among Igdrasils branches, just as you are. They are not, however in possession of that remarkable little outfit of yours, so they are destined to die without ever finding their way back.
Who is behind the 5th Columns recent activities?
Oh, I believe you know that already as well, even if you havent yet come to realize it. My dear, you look flustered and pale. It doesnt suit you. Perhaps you and I should be given some time alone. I dare say that Cinaed is incapable of such things, and the desolate ones mind is elsewhere.
I think Ive heard enough.
I agree Joker. There is no further need to subject Dusk to his presence.
The doors began to slowly open once more as if they had been aware of our entire conversation. I was beginning to have a sneaky sensation that the computer terminal was listening in to our little chat, but seeing that neither Cinaed nor Dusk looked the least bit surprised helped to calm my nerves. Braonans final words as the doors swung closed, however, dispelled that feeling immediately.
She is NOT lost desolate one! Can you not hear her words?! Can you not feel the power of her sorrow?! I can hear her crying even now! She cries for the love she has waited lifetimes to see again! DO NOT FAIL IN THIS JOKER, OR EVERYTHING WE HAVE EVER HOPED FOR, EVERYTHING WE HAVE WORKED TO PREPARE FOR, EVERYTHING WE HAVE EVER DREAMED WOULD COME WILL BE LOST!
For those curious, Chapter 8: The Addison Prophecy and Chapter 9: Green Sector were the next two chapter titles.
Got to say I am more than a little disappointed that you will not be continuing or persuing this. The story is freshs and original and well written. I find myself chafing at the idea that I will not know how this ends up or the rest of the story that has been hinted at.
Please, reconsider. I don't want to delete this from my favorites list.
You can't stop now! 
Please reconsider!
I've finally caught up to your thread, Joker, and I add my voice to these folks who want more. More I say! More offhandedly vicious action, more intricate plot thingies that haven't been explained *yet*, more fog-of-war dialogue. I'm getting to like how the world stops for dialogue. It's like Tarantino.
Please consider taking this thread up again. I don't want to have to hike over to NC and peek over your shoulder. ; )
Okay, word of warning. I haven't really gone back and fixed the things that need fixing. For starters, the discussion with Braonan should actually be quite a bit longer, and there are a few things I've missed. I plan to get back to it at some point unless I'm able to work a few things differently from the original plan. As such, everything from this point forward may become a bit confusing. Simply put it's revelation time for a large amount of the hanging plot lines, and I haven't double-checked to ensure I haven't missed one. Also, there isn't much more written at this point, so the posts won't be anywhere near as frequent.
Keep voicing your opinions and theories and such. I find it highly interesting to see what people think, and to see how far off and how close some are.
Chapter 8: The Addison Prophecy
Its only after you lose everything that youre free to do anything.
An uneasy silence pervaded the elevator as we made our ascent back to the Ziggurats main level. I sensed that it had a lot more to do with Braonans final words than it did with our discussion of the inner workings of dimensional travel. Dusks normally vibrant self seemed almost somber and restrained, and though Cinaeds face was perpetually hidden in shadow, his sorrow was unmistakable.
The silence persisted as we made our way out and through the security, and back onto the streets of Brickstown. At the final checkpoint, Cinaed stopped for a discussion with one of the gate keepers, and Dusk and I were momentarily left alone with our thoughts. I could sense that she was dying to know the truth, and perhaps I too was looking to finally have someone to tell it to. Before I could speak, however, Cinaeds gruff voice broke the stillness. As always, Cinaed seemed to be way ahead of the ballgame.
Perhaps we should discuss what we have just learned.
I agree, with him Joker. I skipped breakfast, so why dont we head back to my place for a bit to talk things over.
That is a grand idea Dusk. I sense that Joker has much to tell us.
Apparently Dusk wasnt kidding about being familiar with the park. Her apartment was set high above its solid green canopy, above the noise and cries of the streets below. Unlike my own apartment, however, hers was loaded down with the weight of years worth of life. From framed newspapers of her at award ceremonies, to a rather robust looking set of exercise equipment, you could tell that this place held many memories.
Stepping into her apartment was like stepping back in time to a place I scarcely remember and have longed to see again before I die. It had taken her months to convince me that a place together would help strengthen our relationship. She had been right, of course, and looking back I cant help but wonder why it had taken me so long to see it her way. Like they say, hindsight is twenty-twenty.
In those days, dreams of other worlds were just that, dreams. Their existence was little more than the theoretical ramblings of a supposed mad doctor. Little did any of us know how much truth was hidden in his words. However, he wasnt the only person to speak of such things. Though alternate dimensions had always been a staple of science fiction novels and television programs, few actually believed that such things existed. So, when a young graduate student by the name of George Addison published his thesis on the subject, many in the scientific community laughed it off as pure science fiction.
Despite the ridicule, Addison held firm to his beliefs, and continued his research into the possibility of alternate earths. After years of study and research, Addison brought news of a miraculous finding to the scientific world. He had found evidence of a gateway connecting worlds, but lacked the ability to open it. He did not, however, relinquish the location of his supposed gateway, and was therefore mocked and shunned by his scientific brothers and sisters.
It wasnt until the findings of Dr. Brantiff were made public that Addisons news of a gateway was taken seriously. Even if many believed Brantiff to be as mad as Addison, the fact that 2 completely separate individuals had found evidence pointing to a similar possibility was difficult to dismiss. Suddenly people were willing to listen to what Addison had to say, but it had been nearly a decade since anyone had seen or heard from him.
The day following our removal of Dr. Brantiff from the conference brought stunning news from Addisons corner. An old friend had paid a visit to his home, and had found it abandoned. According to the friend, the place looked as if it had been empty for years, and a thorough investigation was performed in an attempt to locate the missing scientist. Though no notebooks or documents related to his work were found, the investigation was not a total loss.
During a search of the home, a diary was found amidst the dust and cobwebs of Addisons attic. The story it told seemed to confirm the beliefs of many that Addison had long since lost his mind, but there were those who werent so sure. Its pages contained little of scientific value, but Addisons descriptions of his dreams were very enlightening. One passage stood out amongst them all, and it quickly became known to the world as Addisons Prophecy. For one who has seen the near infinite, his words are hard to forget.
Sorry for the massive cliff hanger and long absence, but I've decided to move this story off-site. This allows me to update when I wish and keep the chapters together. I've had a few people complain that the broken format I've used in this thread causes them to have trouble following it, so this should help. My website is linked in my signature below this and all of my posts, and there is a section on the site devoted entirely to this story. Please feel free to stop by, have a look, and shoot me an email or pm if you find the need.
Thanks
Oh, snaps! I know I've heard of the Antikythera Mechanism. I'm not saying anything, I could end up ruining the next chapter somehow
Next chapter may just get infinitely more interesting....