Aleane and Caldar stood before the Doorway Between Worlds, that portal which led to a thousand realms and existences. Neither displayed hesitation, though this was to be their first mission as Guardians. Through training and meditation they had grown and become mature. Children had once played in the waters of creation. Now they were Guardians, ready to walk amongst the worlds.
“They call it Earth,” Sir Tupin remarked. The Guardians watched as the owl fidgeted with his monocle, then opened a scroll. “Yes, it’s a world that truly has its share of delights and hardships.”
“Earth… sounds interesting,” Caldar said thoughtfully.
Aleane glanced at her own scroll. “There are a lot of words listed here for the name of the world.”
“Quite right, quite right,” Sir Tupin replied. “Linguistic distinctiveness of regions aside, the subject of your intervention today knows the world as Earth.”
“I see.” Aleane chuckled in relief. “For a few moments I was worried I’d have to learn all these languages.”
“Goodness, that would be quite the study!” Sir Tupin laughed. “No, I would not place such a burden on our newest Guardians.”
“Do they speak our language on Earth?” Caldar asked.
“Oh no, it is quite beyond them,” Sir Tupin replied. “That is why each of you will use one of these.”
He produced a pair of gemstones, each forged of solid light, and gave them to the Guardians. As the Guardians touched them, they turned white and purple, one adorned with the symbol of Aleane, the other adorned with Caldar’s sigil.
“What are they?” Caldar asked.
“Stars,” Sir Tupin said.
Aleane studied hers. “What are we supposed to do with them?”
“Hold it to your forehead,” Sir Tupin replied,
As the Guardians did so, white light briefly flashed in their eyes. Then the stars adorned their foreheads, as though they’d always been there. Their minds were filled with knowledge of a strange language. At first it sounded crude, guttural, more akin to the speech of forest animals than sapient beings. Yet, here and there they caught a hint of the divine language in it.
“This will take some getting used to,” Aleane said.
Caldar felt the stone upon his forehead. “Say, Sir Tupin, I’ve seen images of how the people of earth look. Won’t these make us stand out?”
Sir Tupin laughed. “If we were to send you down to earth looking as you do now, I should think you would stand out!”
Caldar’s eyes widened in surprise while Aleane laughed.
“See, I told you something would have to change!” She giggled.
“Indeed,” Sir Tupin said.
He took the scepter from his side. With a pair of quick taps, he touched both of their foreheads. The Guardians gasped in surprise. Caldar staggered while Aleane outright tripped and fell backwards. Their previous shining appearances were exchanged for forms that appeared all too human. Caldar had light blond hair and grey eyes, while Aleane was given medium brown hair and blue eyes. Both wore a T-shirt and shorts.
Sir Tupin flew near Aleane and offered his clawed hand. She accepted it and rose to her feet. With arms open for balance, she tested her new form.
“My dear guardians, I understand this will take some getting used to,” Sir Tupin said,
“It isn’t too…” Caldar began before promptly tripping over himself.
Aleane began laughing before taking another tumble herself.
“Take as long as you need,” Sir Tupin said.
The two Guardians steadied themselves. After a short while, they’d become familiar with the new bodies.
“I think we’re getting used to them,” Aleane said.
“Good, good, then we can get to your task.” Sir Tupin held up a scroll and examined it. “Ah! here it is! I have the region where you will be sent.”
“What are we expected to do?” Caldar asked.
“That is up to you to discover,” Sir Tupin replied. “Are you ready to proceed?”
“You bet!” Aleane grinned.
“Whenever you open the door,” Caldar said.
Sir Tupin gestured to the archway with his scepter. Blazing light shone within the archway, then a world was revealed. As they’d been instructed, Aleane and Caldar reached out and touched the energy field at the same time. In an instant they were cast into the new world, a flurry of energy around them.
“I shall expect a full report when you return!” Sir Tupin called out.
With a splash they landed in the ocean. Dragged beneath the waves, they struggled to the surface, only to find themselves looking at the bewildered face of an old sailor, staring at them from a boat above.
“Where in the blazes did you two come from?” the old sailor asked.
Aleane attempted to reply, but found herself sputtering seawater. Caldar managed to recover sooner.
“Would you mind letting us onto your boat?” he asked.
“We’re alone in the middle of an ocean and you ask a question like that?” the old sailor replied. “Yeah, sure, come on board.”
The old sailor let down a rope ladder, then the Guardians climbed aboard. A pair of younger men and an older woman joined the old sailor, bringing blankets for the Guardians.
“Thanks,” Aleane said.
“Sure,” the old sailor said, “but who are you?”
“Oh, give them a few minutes to rest,” the older woman said. “They must be quite chilled.”
“It’s alright,” Aleane said. “Name’s Allie.”
“Cal,” Caldar said.
“How’d you get all the way out in the ocean?” the old sailor asked.
“We got stranded after our boat capsized,” Aleane said. “Swam around for a long time, too long. It’s just good that you came by.”
“Indeed,” Cal said. “As you can tell, my sister and I weren’t exactly prepared for that.”
“Aye, it happens on the sea, especially in these cold waters,” the old sailor said. “Never fear, we’d never fellow sailors. I’ll introduce everyone.” He pointed at himself. “Name’s Greg, captain of this fine vessel, but people call me Skip around here.” He pointed at the older woman. “That’s Rebecca, my wife, and those gentlemen are my crew, Chuck and Fred.”
“There’s also Dwight, but he’s probably in the crew room getting some rest,” Rebecca said.
“A pleasure to meet all of you,” Caldar said.
“Likewise,” Aleane said.
“So, what brings you out here?” Caldar asked.
“We’re a research vessel,” Skip said. “You can see the objects of our tests over there.”
The gaze of the Guardians turned to where Skip pointed. A circular yellow pod, in the shape of a bell, was suspended from a winch system.
“What is it?” Aleane asked.
“A deep dive pod,” Skip said cheerfully. “I’m sure Fred can give you a rundown on the technical specs, if you want it.”
“Sure thing,” Fred said. “That is the Sealion artificial atmosphere ship, though we just call it SAAS. It’s designed to go down up to nine thousand meters, enough to cover any part of this ocean.”
“As you might be aware, we’re over the so-called South Sandwich Trench, one of the deepest points in the Atlantic Ocean,” Chuck said. “Goes down a bit over eight thousand meters.”
“This isn’t overwhelming you, is it?” Rebecca asked, a smile across her face.
“A bit.” Aleane giggled.
“Personally I find it all quite interesting,” Caldar said. “I take it you’re planning a dive?”
“Yep, to the bottom of the trench,” Skip replied.
“Say, what was the name of your ship again?” Rebecca asked.
Aleane and Caldar looked at one another.
“The Greyshark,” Caldar replied.
“Think it’s recoverable?”
“Nah, it went down quick.”
“I see.” Rebecca sighed. “Well, you two can stay with us until we get back to port. That being said, you could make yourselves useful on your stay.”
“We wouldn’t want otherwise,” Caldar replied.
“Whatever you need,” Aleane said.
“When you’re ready, Allie, why don’t you help Rebecca with preparing the gear,” Skip said. “And Cal, Dwight could use some help. I’ll help you find him.”
“Ready to go anytime,” Caldar said.
Skip smiled. “You recover quickly, lad. Let’s go.”
Caldar followed Skip into the crew quarters. They found Dwight in the mess hall, staring at a tablet.
“Hey, Dwight, got someone to introduce!” Skip said.
Dwight started in surprise, quickly putting his tablet away.
“Oh, a new guy, huh,” Dwight said.
“Yeah, he and his sister got shipwrecked,” Skip said. “They’ll be staying with us until further notice.”
Caldar offered his hand. “Name’s Cal.”
Dwight shook his hand. “Dwight.”
“Cal’s gonna help you get ready for the dive,” Skip said.
“I, uh, appreciate the offer, but I don’t need any help,” Dwight said.
“You sure?” Caldar asked.
Before another word could be said, Dwight stood up. “Sorry to interrupt, but I don’t really feel like chatting right now. Gonna get some shuteye, Skip.” With that he left the room, closing the door behind him.
Skip leaned against a wall and sighed. “Sorry, kid, he gets like this sometimes.”
“Has he experienced hardship?” Cal asked.
“Yeah, you could call it that,” Skip replied quietly.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t worry, kid, it’s nothing to do with you.” Skip picked up Dwight’s fallen tablet. “I should get this back to him.”
“Yeah, I’ll go help my sister and Rebecca,” Caldar said.
“I appreciate any help you can give us. You have my thanks, Cal.”
After Skip left, Caldar sat against the wall for several minutes, thoughts flowing through his mind. What was that about? We heard the report about this world, but words alone can’t replace experience. And we don’t know who we’re supposed to help, whether a single person or the entire crew.Could Dwight be who we’re supposed to help? He arose from his thoughts and walked to the back of the ship. There he found Rebecca and Aleane.
“What’s the reading?” Rebecca asked.
“Tensile strength within limits,” Aleane said.
Rebecca nodded and walked over to the control station. “You’re really getting the hang of this, Allie.”
Aleane smiled. “Thanks!” Her gaze turned to Caldar. “Cal? You’re back already.”
“Dwight had… something else he wanted to do,” Caldar said.
“Did he want to be alone?” Rebecca asked.
Caldar nodded. “Yeah.”
“He often gets like that before dives,” Rebecca said. “Been the case as long as he’s been on our team, and he didn’t pick up the habit on our vessel.”
“Do you know why he’s like that?” Aleane asked.
Rebecca shrugged. “Some things we tell others, other things we hold deep within ourselves. Who are we to pry into his life?”
“Yeah, I guess that could just make it worse,” Aleane said quietly.
“Anyways, that should be good for tonight’s equipment checkup,” Rebecca said. “I’m gonna go see to supper. We’ve got a long day ahead of us tomorrow, and we’ll need all the energy we can get.”
“Do you want any help?” Aleane asked.
“You’ve done enough, Allie.” Rebecca smiled. “Dinner usually takes an hour or so to prepare. Until then, just enjoy the view.”
Rebecca walked away, leaving the two Guardians alone. Aleane turned to Caldar.
“So, any thoughts?” she asked.
“Dwight might be the one we’re supposed to help,” Caldar replied thoughtfully.
Aleane sighed. “And we’ve got no idea of his problem.”
“Let me ask you. Why were we literally dropped in an ocean?”
“I assumed that was Sir Tupin having a jest at our expense. However, it does seem like an odd choice if we’re just supposed to meet Dwight. I mean, time in our world being as it is, surely we could have arranged to meet him at port..”
Caldar smiled. “Almost like we’re supposed to participate in something.”
“The dive?”
Caldar pointed at the diving bell. “How many people can use that?”
“Four,” Aleane replied.
“But they must need a few crew up here to monitor the winch, analysis tools, and the ship.”
“Yeah, Rebecca was saying that they weren’t able to get a full crew component together for this expedition. Skip, Fred, and Rebecca are the ship crew, while Chuck and Dwight are contracted divers.”
Caldar’s gaze turned to a group of suits that appeared like a combination of humanoid diving suits and vehicles. “Did Rebecca mention what those are for?”
Aleane smiled. “Apparently they’re the point of this whole expedition. See those tubes connected to them?”
“Yeah.”
“They transfer artificial atmosphere from the diving bell to the suits on the outside. It’s a new system that allows exploration suits to go far deeper than they could normally, given the immense pressures they’re exposed to. They’re called atmospheric suits.”
“So divers are in the atmospheric suits, outside the bell, during the dive?”
Aleane nodded. “You sit on the outside and go down with it, into the depths.” She stared at the water, now growing murky with the evening sun. “Must be like entering a new world.”
“Indeed.” Caldar smiled. “Is anyone from the crew around?”
Aleane looked around then shook her head. “No, you’re clear.”
“Good. I’m going to use my thought stone to analyze these suits.”
“Wait, isn’t that cheating?”
Caldar grinned. “A bit, but it is our first mission.” His eyes flashed white, illuminating the suit in front of him. Its technical schematic was revealed and analyzed, piece by piece.
“Okay, but why the suits?” Aleane asked.
“Simple, we’re going on that dive tomorrow,” Caldar replied.
Aleane’s eyes widened. “You think they’d allow us to do that? I mean, we did just meet them.”
“Yet, if we have knowledge of similar systems, what’s to stop us from going down? After all, it would be better to test the system at its full diver capacity, wouldn’t it?”
“Rebecca did say that I was a quick learner,” Aleane said thoughtfully.
Caldar smiled. “That’s my sister talking.”
Aleane grinned. “So, we going to give an explanation to them over diner? Tell them all about our many diving trips?”
“Sounds like a plan,” Caldar replied, “though, that eating thing sounds weird.”
“We could always use the excuse that we’re seasick.”
“Experienced divers seasick? On a calm boat, no-less?”
“Well, I didn’t say it was a perfect idea,” Aleane said hesitantly. “It’s just weird.”
Caldar finished examining the suit. “I’ve got all the information, Aleane. Let me give it to you.”
Aleane walked over and touched her forehead to his. Beneath their skin, twin lights shone for a few moments.
“Seems simple enough,” Aleane said. “For our story we’ll transmute this knowledge to a similar diving mechanism, something ordinary people would have access to.”
Caldar pointed at the computer terminal. “Does that device have access to information about machines like this?”
“Maybe,” Aleane replied. “Be careful about analyzing that though. The electrical pattern within seems fragile compared to these other machines.”
“That’s fine, I can do it manually.”
Caldar began using the computer, quickly coming to understand how to work it.
“The interface is primitive,” he remarked.
“Expected on a world like this,” Aleane said.
Caldar worked with the computer silently as Aleane kept watch for the approach of any crew members. After several minutes went by, he broke the silence.
“You holding up ok, Aleane?”
Aleane nodded. “Yeah. I’m still getting used to this world and form, but I’ll get through it.”
“You know what Sir Tupin always said, twins so often have the same response. I feel the same way.” A smile crossed Caldar’s face. “Think I’ve got something here, come look.”
Aleane walked over and studied the display with Caldar. An encyclopedia displayed images of underwater vehicles with propellers. Divers grasped their handles, moving at speeds far beyond the speed of swimming alone.
“A diver propulsion vehicle?” Aleane said thoughtfully.
“Or a DPV, as they’re often known,” Caldar said.
Aleane frowned. “Not exactly an atmospheric suit.”
“True, but you’d need to be an experienced diver to be familiar with one of these.”
“So if we know how to use one of these…”
“They’ll believe our story about being experienced divers.”
Aleane turned away. “Right…”
“Is something wrong?” Caldar asked.
“Caldar… is it alright to make up stories? I know we’re in a difficult position, but I really hate to feel like I’m lying to others.”
“I understand completely, Aleane,” Caldar said gently. “We’ve been placed in a hard situation, perhaps intentionally. However, if we don’t go on this dive, I have a feeling something awful might happen. Isn’t that the sense you have as well?”
“Yes…” Aleane replied softly.
“I don’t want to deceive anyone, but they wouldn’t believe the truth. After all, this world hardly believes in other beings or other worlds, so they would dismiss us as liars. If we are to help them, then we must find a way to reach them within their understanding. We must convince them that we know how to use equipment like this, and that knowledge is something we soon will have. The stories we tell are just embellishments about that knowledge, something they need for their sake to give them confidence in us.”
Aleane smiled. “Makes sense. Thanks, Caldar.”
“Anything for my sister.”
“We should look up information about diving as well,” Aleane said.
Caldar smiled. “Was just going to suggest that.”
The remainder of the hour was spent studying everything they could about diving. With their intelligence and memorization abilities, it wasn’t hard for them to grasp the general principles. Yet, both knew that such knowledge meant little without the ability to apply it. The real test would come later.
“Hey, Allie, Cal, dinner’s ready!” Chuck called out.
Over dinner Caldar and Aleane regaled the crew with tales of diving adventures. Each Guardian wove their own story, occasionally adding to their sibling’s tale with short anecdotes. By the end of the evening, not only did everyone know each other better, the crew had a sense of confidence in the diving experience of those they’d rescued. At last the time came for the proposal.
“This is a great experiment that you seek to prove,” Caldar said. “One might even say that it is historic in nature.”
“True,” Skip replied, “If this technology proves successful, then it might well open the bottom of the ocean to true exploration. What man once required a ship to experience, he can now move around in freely.”
“A wondrous concept,” Fred remarked. “Everyone will be interested in the results, from countries to companies to researchers.”
“I know this sounds like an odd request, but given our expertise, would you consider allowing us to dive with you?” Caldar asked.
Every eye of the crew turned towards them. Silence reigned amongst the astonished crew. Then Skip spoke.
“While I appreciate the offer, Son, Project Deepwhale was a difficult project to fund. Each suit cost five million dollars to make, a figure that doesn’t factor in development costs. You understand when I say that, even given appropriate experience, I’m very careful about who I allow to pilot one.”
“But you do have four suits onboard,” Aleane said. “Isn’t the dive bell designed for that many divers?”
“Well, we were technically expecting to trial the system with four people,” Rebecca remarked. “But as I told you before, two of our divers were unavoidably held up.”
“Aye.” Skip sighed. “They got into a car accident and they’re currently in the hospital.”
“They’re going to be alright, aren’t they?” Aleane asked with concern.
Skip nodded. “They should make a full recovery, but they won’t be diving for a few years at least.”
“Returning to our offer, it seems a shame to test out the system at half capacity,” Caldar said. “I’m sure your results would be more impressive with the bell at full capacity. Are you sure you won’t reconsider?”
“Well, it would be full proof of the technology,” Dwight said thoughtfully. As the table turned to look at him, he shrugged. “If we don’t make a dive at full capacity, we’ll have to make a second one at some point. As you’ve said, Skip, we’re making this dive because we have to prove ourselves to our grant contributors.”
“I was hoping tomorrow’s dive would secure enough interest for more funding,” Skip said.
“However, even if we’re successful with a two many dive, further funding isn’t guaranteed,” Dwight replied. “With how much money gets thrown around nowadays, it’s really easy to get forgotten in the crowd. However, if we can irrefutably demonstrate the feasibility of this project at full capacity, that would display its potential to everyone and satisfy every criteria of our patrons.”
Skip shrugged. “Can’t argue with that, Dwight.”
Dwight looked at Aleane and Caldar. “Tell you what, if you really think you’re up to this, then show me your diving skills tomorrow morning. We’re scheduled to make the dive tomorrow, but we can put it off until the day after to give you training, if you’re successful.”
“Are you sure, Dwight?” Fred asked. “I only maintain the suits, but they’re pretty complex to operate. Is a day of training really enough?”
“The principle isn’t that different from a DPV, which Allie and Cal have already operated,” Dwight replied. “Besides, I’m not asking them to go out for an extensive exploration. We just need to get to the ocean floor, touch down, and make sure everything is functioning.”
Fred eyed Chuck. “You’re the other here. What do you think?”
“If Dwight thinks they can do it, then I trust him,” Chuck said. “Besides, a lot can happen during a dive and having a few extra buddies along is never a bad thing.”
“Skip?” Rebecca asked.
“You kids should know there’s danger in these dives,” Skip said. “At the sort of depths the bell goes to, any fracture in the suit, any major failure in the equipment, will be fatal. You two still have long lives ahead of you, and so you should choose wisely.”
Dwight’s face fell at those words.
“There’s always risk in accomplishing anything great, that cannot be avoided in this world,” Aleane said thoughtfully. “Yet, Cal and I don’t fear risk. We’re ready to accomplish something great.”
“We are ready to make the dive,” Caldar said. “We trust you and your equipment. All that waits is for you to place your trust in us.”
Skip leaned back and chuckled. “You sure you two didn’t fall out of heaven? Seems like we’re lucky to have you.”
Aleane giggled. “Thanks!”
“Remember, first you have to demonstrate that you have what it takes,” Dwight said. “We start tomorrow morning.”
“Deal!” Caldar said enthusiastically.
● ● ● ● ●
While the rest of the crew went to sleep, Caldar and Aleane stayed in their cabin and talked quietly. As Guardians they needed no sleep, so they were more than happy to talk before putting a part of their plan in place.
“Quite the day,” Caldar said softly.
“I really am going to have to talk with Sir Tupin about never dropping us into a situation like that again,” Aleane said indignantly.
“Yeah, knowing what we know now it was certainly awkward.” Caldar laughed.
“Still, I think you’re doing pretty well, Brother.” Aleane looked down. “I’m just worried about how convincing I am.”
Caldar hugged her. “Don’t worry, you’re doing fine. This is our first mission in this world, and we’re already fitting in and helping people.”
“Hey, Caldar?”
“Yes?”
“Think they’re asleep by now? I’d like to get as much diving experience tonight as possible.”
Caldar glanced at the clock that read 1:00 AM. “Should be, but we’ll be careful anyways.”
They crept out of their cabin and made their way to the back of the ship. There they prepared by putting on wetsuits, utility belts, swim fins, oxygen tanks, and respirators. Then, underwater flashlights in hand, they they lowered themselves into the ocean. A cold chill covered them the moment they hit the water. Their bodies, still unused to such sensations, were reminded of the chill from earlier in the day. Yet, such minor discomforts were nowhere near enough to dissuade them from their goals. With each stroke, they became more confident in their swimming skills, and soon they were gliding through the water like fish. They began trying controlled ascents and descents, a vital part of diving to depths with abnormal pressures. Staring up from depths of the sea, the lights of the ship shone above, a beacon to the world they’d left behind. Beneath there was nothing but inky darkness, uncertain and fearful. Theirs was the world between.
After diving for several hours, the Guardians surfaced near the boat. Looking up at the back of the back of the ship they saw Skip watching them, as though he’d been awaiting their return. They barely looked at him as they scrambled aboard.
“Pretty late to be swimming,” Skip said thoughtfully. “Night dives can be dangerous.”
“We like a challenge,” Caldar replied. “Besides, we wanted to get back in form before our test tomorrow.”
Skip nodded. “Understandable. However, you should inform me before doing something like this in the future. A captain is responsible for everyone aboard his ship, and that’s a duty I take quite seriously.”
“Sorry, we’ll be more careful in the future,” Aleane said.
“I’d appreciate that. Anyways, you should get your rest. Tomorrow will be a long day.”
● ● ● ● ●
“You’re doing good. Let’s go deeper.” Dwight spoke over the radio as he beckoned the guardians to follow him.
They dived into the depths. In day the water was clear, though the chill remained. Deeper and deeper they went, now at a hundred feet. As Aleane glanced at the surface she wondered at the sun shining above. It glittered upon the surface, seemingly close and clear, yet far away.
“Hey Allie, let’s keep going,” Dwight said.
“Right,” Aleane replied.
Even with their successful dive the night before, Aleane and Caldar struggled to keep up with Dwight’s strength and speed. They stopped at hundreds of feet beneath the surface. Below them the clear water turned into an abyss of darkness. Light was lost in shadows, as though devoured. A shiver, of cold, or perhaps something else, came upon Aleane.
“Shadows, so many shadows,” Dwight said quietly.
“Have you gone deeper?” Caldar asked.
“I’ve been free diving deeper than this, and I’ve used an atmospheric suit to go down several thousand meters.”
“Into the dark?” Aleane asked.
“It’s so quiet down there, deathly quiet,” Dwight said. “In that place life is lived second by second, moment by moment.” He shook his head. “Let’s ascend. I’ll give you my evaluation when we get back aboard.”
They ascended slowly to allow the pressures of their blood to remain steady. When they were back aboard the vessel, Chuck met them.
“How’d they do?” Chuck asked.
“Frankly, I’m impressed,” Dwight said. “Cal and Allie aren’t quite pro level, but they’re good solid amateur divers.”
Aleane smiled. “Must be all that recreational diving we’ve done.”
“Did we pass?” Caldar asked.
“Cal, Allie, I’d be honored if you’d dive with us,” Dwight said. “What do you say?”
Aleane grinned. “Yes!”
“We’re ready for a rundown of the suits whenever you want,” Caldar said.
“You two quick learners?” Dwight asked.
“We managed to master gliders in a few hours,” Caldar replied.
Dwight shrugged. “Similar concept, if a different execution. Sure, let’s go over it.”
They spent the next hour getting familiar with the systems. Though Caldar and Aleane already knew the controls, they played along. When they were finished, Dwight leaned against the railing.
“There’s one precaution,” he said. “You need to know that these systems have to stay with about fifty feet of the bell. Without the fine tuned atmosphere generated by that machine, the suits would easily be crushed when they get below several thousand meters.”
Aleane nodded. “So keep in range of the bell. Got it.”
“Alright, let’s try them out in the water,” Dwight said. “Don’t worry, I’ll be with you if anything goes wrong. We’ll keep close to the surface on the test run.” He raised his voice. “Hey, Frank, let’s get a pair of suits ready for deployment!”
Caldar and Dwight went for a dive first. Having familiarized himself with the controls, Caldar only needed to get a sense of the feel of the suit, something he quickly mastered. Aleane followed, demonstrating similar skill. All the rest of the day they practiced, sometimes free in the water, at other times attached to the diving bell. By the time night came, Dwight declared them ready for a deep dive.
● ● ● ● ●
The diving bell was lowered ever deeper into the sea, suspended amongst the sea by the ship’s cable. Aleane, Caldar, Dwight, and Chuck rode the bell on its descent. Internal displays within the suit helmets showed the depth and constantly adjusting pressure.
One Hundred
Two Hundred
Three Hundred
Four Hundred
Five Hundred
The light above began turning dim, as though all the world was exchanged for an abyss.
Six Hundred
Seven Hundred
Eight Hundred
Nine Hundred
One Thousand
What little light there had been before was now gone. Inky blackness surrounded them, pierced only by the lights of the diving bell.
Fifteen Hundred
Two Thousand
Twenty-Five Hundred
Three Thousand
They were deeper than any atmospheric suit had gone before, deeper than even the test runs had gone. Even if the face of each diver was obscured by the heavy suits, each understood the sense of tension that permeated the group. Aleane and Caldar had never felt anxiety or fear, yet in this strange place, this abyssal world, they began to understand.
Four Thousand
Five Thousand
Six Thousand
Mortals understand few things better than Gods, yet here their understanding was above. In incarnating there was a sense of vulnerability, smallness, fear. Immortals never died, yet this world seemed opposed to that truth. And in uncertainty, sensation betrayed wisdom.
Seven Thousand
Seventy Five Hundred
The world was a duality. Life was contained within artificial suits. Metal, sealant, and carbon fiber were all that stood between them and the world of death. Eyes of external cameras were all that beheld that world beyond. Dwight’s reports to the ship took longer and longer to answer, sound itself slowing in response to the vastness of water between them and the ship. Was this what it meant for humans to dream? Caldar wondered.
Eight Thousand
Too fast.
We’re going too fast.
Far above on the surface, the winch mechanism slipped. The slow and deliberate descent was thrown into turmoil. Down, down they went, too fast for depths where even a small crash could mean disaster.
With a crash, the diving bell struck a rocky ledge. Thunderous force, magnified by titanic pressures, threw the divers from the bell. The readings on each suit flashed red, directing the divers’ attention to a single warning.
Atmosphere compromised.
The four divers felt the effects almost immediately. Though the system was partially working, the pressures were wrong, off. At these depths, the pressure per square inch approached a ton. A major system failure for even a second would be fatal.
“We need… to get… to the… interface,” Dwight said through the pain.
Chuck tried to move towards the bell, but passed out partway, his suit falling to the ocean floor, breaking the extended interface device. Dwight got closer to the bell, but his suit also fell limp against it.
A transmission from Rebecca blared over the radio. “Divers, report in! Divers!”
Aleane and Caldar tried to reply, but the wireless communicator must have been damaged in the fall, leaving the wired interface as the only way to communicate. After what felt like half a minute, another report came in.
“Divers, we’ll hold until you reply, or half an hour goes by, as agreed.”
Though Aleane and Caldar’s hybrid Guardian physiology held up better than human physiology, their heads still thumped with pain, and each struggled to maintain consciousness. Their mental link activated.
“What should we do?” Aleane asked telepathically.
“We need to get the pressure back up,” Caldar replied. “I’ll start analyzing the bell. Tend to Chuck and Dwight.”
Aleane hovered over Chuck. He’s Stable, but unconscious, she thought. Her attention shifted to Dwight. He was awake, yet moving in and out of consciousness. She was about to report to Caldar when she felt a psychic cry. Caldar went silent, the energy of analysis too much to bear under the strain. Aleane was left alone, struggling for consciousness. Her mind raced between choices. Should she try to analyze the bell herself? Should she revive Caldar? Should she focus on Dwight?
Her mind was made up. Dwight, we need you. You know how to operate the bell. Now is the time to be strong for all of us. The star upon her head shone as she made contact with Dwight’s mind.
● ● ● ● ●
Aleane’s eyes widened. She was sitting in a restaurant across from Dwight. A plate of half eaten spaghetti and salad sat on the table in front of her, while similar fare was before Dwight and an unfamiliar man.
“Relax, we’ve done deep dives before,” Dwight said. “There’s nothing to fear, sis.”
“Besides, I’ve got his back, Vicky,” the other man laughed. “You trust me, don’t you?”
Aleane tried to say something, but her mouth moved on its own. “I do, Eric, you know that. Still, it’s no small matter testing out new equipment like this… this… what did you call it again?”
What is this? Aleane thought. Am I seeing the world through the eyes of someone else? Is this a memory?
“An atmospheric diving suit,” Dwight said. “Basically, it’s something between a diving suit and a one person submarine. Provides a lot more freedom of movement compared to a standard diving bell, and it can go deep, really deep.”
“If it sets your mind at ease, the National Oceanography Institute has already put the suits through extensive testing,” Eric said. “Every precaution has been taken to ensure the safety of their divers.”
“Yeah, but this is the first time a human has dived deep in one of them, right?” Aleane found herself asking. “Even if everything is checked and done right, that can’t account for random problems or unforeseen circumstances.”
“Two thousand meters is no small feat,” Dwight said. “However, similar dives have been made with other atmospheric suits before.”
“And we’ve trained with these suits for months in the shallow waters,” Eric said.
A smile crossed Vicky’s face. “Well, aright you two. Just promise to come back to me in one piece, alright.”
Dwight smiled. “Will do, Vicky.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to haul Dwight back in one piece!” Eric laughed. “Wouldn’t let him get away with anything less!”
Dwight raised his glass. “Here’s to a successful mission!”
“To success!”
● ● ● ● ●
A void, darkness.
“Memories from a happier time,” a voice said wistfully.
“Dwight?” Aleane called out.
That was Dwight’s voice, wasn’t it? she thought.
“Happiness never remains long in this world,” the voice said. “That’s what I’ve learned. What is the point of struggle? Isn’t it easier to just not care? Isn’t it easier just to give in?”
Aleane’s eyes widened. “Dwight…”
“I’ve failed you.”
A surge of light flowed through the void.
● ● ● ● ●
Weary eyes stared at the grave before them. Dwight stood next to Aleane, his hand clasped in hers. The death date on the stone read four years before the current expedition.
“Eric,” she said softly, tears welling in her eyes. “Why?”
“Some things can’t be helped,” Dwight replied softly. “Least, that’s how I lie to myself.”
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have brought it up again. After all this time…”
Dwight let go of her hand and turned away. “I should have been able to do something, anything!”
“It wasn’t your fault,” Vicky said. “Don’t blame yourself.”
“I was the lead diver. It was my job to make sure the equipment was in order! Eric should have been here celebrating with us, not remembered with an empty grave!”
“Dwight, look at me.”
Their eyes met.
“You still have your life to live, your future,” Vicky said. “If you give up on deep diving now, you might never get another chance. Would Eric really want that?”
“Even after all this time, you don’t understand,” Dwight said quietly.
Vicky tried to smile through her tears. “Dwight, remember that day on the hill as kids, the one where all three of us talked about the future?”
Dwight laughed softly, even as tears fell from his eyes. “I remember wanting to be an astronaut, or a rock star, or a cowboy.”
“Or all three at once.” Vicky laughed gently, before tears overtook her.
Dwight’s eyes widened. “Sis?”
“I… I’m all right. But, point is that you wanted to accomplish something great, to leave your mark on history. Eric and I, we both saw that in you. If you leave this behind, what else will you do?”
“I’ve got a job interview at a sports store. It should be enough to pay the bills.”
“Is that what you want for the rest of your life? If you walk away, your dream atop the hill is dead.”
Dwight shook his head. “Perhaps childhood dreams should have always remained in the past. If I hadn’t told Eric to go diving with me, if I hadn’t convinced him to ignore his parents about that job on the golf course, he’d still be alive.”
“But you two lived true to your desires,” Vicky said. “And you could still bring that dream into the future. You didn’t get stuck in some run down secretary job, wondering what the point of it…”
Dwight’s eyes flashed. “That’s not you, Vicky. You’ve accomplished so much more than that. You matter more than that. You matter to me.”
Vicky nodded. “But that’s what I mean. You still have time to accomplish your goals, the goals Eric promised to help you achieve. Won’t you reconsider continuing deep dives?”
Dwight looked away. “You know the promise I made that day. I’ll never dive again without him.”
“Neither of us wanted you to make that promise. Here you are beating yourself up about things that aren’t your fault, seeking redemption in self imposed punishment. It’s not you, and I think you know that.”
Dwight turned away. “I… I need to go, Vicky.”
“Dwight!”
Dwight turned and walked away, leaving his sister to weep alone.
● ● ● ● ●
Despair
Darkness, oppressive and consuming, surrounded Aleane. Streams fell from her eyes, trickling down her cheeks. Are these tears? she wondered. With a quick motion she wiped them away, her eyes filling with determination. Guardians must perform their duty, no matter what they experienced.
“Dwight?” she called out. “It’s me, Allie!”
Silence
“You have to keep trying!” Aleane said.
She activated her sight star and tried to pierce the darkness. In an instant weakness rushed through her body. Even her inner strength, that spark of Guardian power, struggled against the oppressive unfeeling force. No, I can’t fail, she thought. Everyone’s relying on me. I can’t…
Aleane sank to her knees. “Caldar, help… me!”
Her head was against the ground, agony coursing through her body. Darkness embraced…
Silence
● ● ● ● ●
Caldar’s star blazed bright. Aleane. He activated his suit and hovered in the water. Spotlights lit the darkness, illuminating Aleane’s fallen suit as it lay next to Dwight’s suit.
Caldar tried to reach her telepathically. “Aleane, can you hear me?”
Aleane fluttered in and out of consciousness. A light, a beacon, tried to pierce the shadows, battling them for her focus.
“Caldar,” she whispered.
“Aleane!”
A faint voice, an otherwordly echo, crossed the void. The darkness moved to smother it, writhing against the light. Yet, in a single moment certainty dispelled confusion.
“Caldar!”
A hand, glowing with light, reached out from the darkness. Aleane took it and rose to her feet. Together the twin guardians shone, dispelling the shadows.
Certainty
● ● ● ● ●
Desperate eyes, trapped within the bounds of a suit of iron and glass, stared up at Dwight. Aleane and Caldar felt a violent cough come over them as the atmosphere of the suit failed.
Dwight’s voice came over the radio. “Eric, talk to me!”
“System’s fried,” Eric said. “I can’t maneuver it. Buoyancy is failing too.”
“Hold on, I’m going to try and hold you up!”
Dwight attempted to maneuver his own suit to support his friend’s falling suit, yet his attempts proved useless.
Two thousand
Twenty-one hundred
“I’m going for the tether, hold on!” Dwight said.
Twenty-two hundred
Twenty-three hundred
Dwight reached the tether line. “Give me everything you’ve got!” he ordered over the radio.
“Copy!” the ship communication officer replied.
Dwight grasped the tether with his suit’s claw and jetted towards Eric.
Twenty-four hundred
A crack formed across the glass.
“Dwight!” Eric cried out.
“Eric! Hold on I’m almost…”
With a crash, the glass gave out. In a single moment, the pressure destroyed both the suit and its pilot. Horrified eyes beheld one last silent scream.
● ● ● ● ●
“Why go on?” the voice asked. “It always ends in failure.”
“No, no it doesn’t!” Aleane shouted. “You can succeed! That’s what they wanted for you!”
“That dream is gone, my friend is gone, and soon I will be too.”
“Yes, he’s gone,” Caldar replied. “That is why you must achieve what you promised! He cannot alter this world or change it anymore, he cannot leave his mark on history. Only you have the ability to do that in his honor, only you can fulfill all you two desired.”
“Don’t throw that gift away.” Aleane pleaded.
“Perhaps I would prefer to walk among ghosts,” the voice replied.
“No,” Caldar said firmly. “You have a duty to your team, and you can no more abandon them than you could abandon Eric or your sister.”
“All I did was betray them.”
“They would never say that of you,” Caldar replied. “Do you not remember what your sister told you? Do you not remember all your times together? Abandon this delusion.”
“All I ever did for them ended in failure, in disappointment.”
“And shall you let this dive end in failure?” Aleane asked. “Why? Can you rest easy knowing that your last act was to give in and surrender, to take the easy way out? Where is that drive that made you want to succeed? If that drive is truly a part of you, then why leave it in a graveyard? The time for your will, your drive, your dream has come.”
“Arise and realize all,” Caldar said.
“Arise,” the Guardians said in unison.
In that place of darkness, Dwight’s eyes opened. For a moment, before that world vanished forever, he thought he saw a pair of otherwordly beings over him.
● ● ● ● ●
“Dwight! Dwight!” Aleane’s voice came over the radio.
Dwight’s voice came in. “Allie? Is that you?”
“Can you move?” Aleane asked.
“Yeah.”
“Chuck’s unconscious,” Caldar said. “We need to talk to the ship, but the coms…”
“I’ll get the coms!” Dwight said. “Make sure Chuck is hooked up to a tether.”
While Aleane and Caldar attached the Tether, Dwight inserted the interface device into the bell and established a link with the internal systems.
“Mayday, Sea-Dog, we need an ascent on my request,” he said.
There was silence while the message ascended through the depths. Seconds passed, then…
“Message acknowledged,” Rebecca said over the radio. “You had me worried.”
Dwight checked behind him where the tether was safely attached. “Everyone, get ready for the ascent.”
With each suit safely tethered to the bell, Dwight spoke. “We’re ready, Sea-Dog, bring us home.”
● ● ● ● ●
The Sea-Dog’s crew crowded round the railing as the diving bell surfaced. Four atmospheric suits were attached; the divers had come home.
“Get them back on board!” Skip ordered.
The diving bell was hauled on board, and the divers opened their suits. Skip rushed over to Chuck’s suit, oxygen in hand. He helped the non-conscious Chuck to a seat while the rest of the crew gathered around the other divers.
“I’ve never had a winch fail like that,” Fred said. “I’m sorry.”
“Sometimes situations happen that are out of our control,” Dwight said. “Don’t let it shake you, Fred.”
“None of us got too hurt,” Aleane said. “Chuck just needs a minute or two, and the rest of us are fine.”
“Thankfully that’s true,” Rebecca said. “However, this is the end of the expedition.”
“Yeah,” Skip said sadly. “I don’t think we can continue with this test after a failure like this.”
“Oh? Do you not have repair parts on the ship?” Caldar asked.
“No, I’ve got a bunch in storage,” Fred replied. “Why?”
“The fact that the system held up under that sort of pressure really says something,” Caldar said. “Why, if it hadn’t been for that freak accident, we would still be exploring the sea floor.”
The crew looked at him, puzzled.
“You’ll have to forgive me brother, he takes a while to get to the point!” Aleane laughed.
“Point?” Skip asked.
“He means that we should try again!” Aleane said.
The crew stared at her in silence, eyes wide in surprise.
“Well, I didn’t mean today, exactly,” she said. “However, if the winch is fixed, then why not try again?”
Caldar nodded. “Isn’t this your last chance at getting this system funded? Why not try again?”
Skip stroked his grizzled chin. “Aye, but…”
Dwight put a hand on Skip’s shoulder. “I don’t want to give up on this, Skip, none of us do.”
Chuck took off the oxygen mask and slowly rose to his feet. “Yeah. Give me until tomorrow, then I’ll be ready to make the dive again. I still believe in this project.”
Rebecca smiled. “Well, if our winch system is up and running again…”
Fred gave a thumbs up. “It will be! I’ll work through the night if necessary”
“We’ll be ready to dive too,” Caldar said.
Aleane winked. “You bet!”
● ● ● ● ●
Norhel and Sir Tupin watched the Doorway Between Worlds with anticipation. The owl looked over his open scroll once more.
“I do believe they’ve done most splendidly!” Sir Tupin exclaimed.
Norhel smiled. “As I knew they would.”
The portal activated, displaying a clear image of earth. Aleane and Caldar walked through, smiles across their faces.
“Mother!” Aleane called out.
“Aleane, Caldar!” Norhel said happily.
Aleane ran towards Norhel and held her in a warm embrace. Caldar gave a nod of acknowledgment.
“Ah, yes!” Sir Tupin said. “I’ve seen your reports and they were most exemplary. Why…”
Aleane pointed her finger into Sir Tupin’s chest. “You and I need to have a chat.”
“What did I do?” the owl knight protested.
“You dropped us in the middle of an ocean!”
“Caldar, Lady Norhel!” Sir Tupin pleaded.
Caldar crossed his arms and stared at Sir Tupin. Though his exterior was calm, inside he was laughing. Norhel, by contrast, laughed away.
“To begin,” Aleane said, “one does not simply appear next to humans with no discernible reason! Next…”
Kotharian Lightning 