Chapter Fourteen
Who is This Masked Man?
Death
Signifies transition,
transformation,
and the shedding of old forms.
Something must die so something new can be born.​
Antiope was ready for her night out. The sun was dipping past the skyline, a copper wash over Chicago’s towers, and she was already wondering how boring this date could possibly be.
A walk through the land of the dead?
She shook her head. Only Jim could think up something this absurdly intriguing.
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Transitions and Tangles
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“Of course,” Jim said, continuing their earlier conversation, “time travel to the future is possible — but far more hazardous.”
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“It would seem the opposite,” Antiope said. “Isn’t the past more dangerous?”
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“It’s equally hazardous,” he replied, “but the past is predictable. Genie has history to navigate by. The future? No map. No anchor. Once you veer off course, there’s no guaranteed return path.”
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“So you can skip forward in time and come back because you don’t interact — ghost mode. No consequences.” She paused, thinking it through. “Unless you intentionally alter something… then check again in ghost mode to see how things changed?”
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Jim smiled. “Exactly.”
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Antiope groaned softly. “Jim, my head is spinning. It’s too much power.”
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“It is,” he agreed. “Astronomical amounts of energy. But we return what we borrow. Continuity of your body is preserved, so you feel nothing.”
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“And if we travel into the past,” she asked, “we have to fit in.”
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“We must avoid paradox at all costs.”
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“So where, exactly, do you plan to fit me?” she teased.
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“Genie has two excellent historical matches for you and Helen.”
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“Oh? And what mythic figures might those be?”
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"Genie came up with two very nice matches for you and Helen."
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"Which are?'
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“You as Antiope, Queen of the Amazons. And Helen as—”
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“Helen of Troy,” she finished with a laugh. “Classic Jim. If you can actually pull that off, how could we refuse? But… you’re not serious. Are you?”
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“There’s no historical explanation for either legend,” Jim said. “And you two fit the mold perfectly.”
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“Jim.” She narrowed her eyes. “You’re planning something. There’s more to this adventure.”
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“You can always decline.”
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“You know I won’t.” She shook her head fondly. “Where you go, I follow.”
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​Power In the Room
​​
Helen's captivating discourse, coupled with her striking presence, continued to mesmerize the assembled company. The revelation of a functioning time travel device had ignited a palpable excitement. While many grappled with awe-struck disbelief, the undeniable reality of the machine silenced any lingering skepticism. This profound experiment, far from rendering its observers impotent, had catalyzed a surge of intellectual fervor and groundbreaking ideas. Jim's foresight was poised to be vindicated, as the advent of time travel for Earth's inhabitants was now a tangible future, marked by the crucial "Qblh's refueling."
Within Qblh's consciousness lay depths of contemplation far beyond what either woman could fathom. He felt an inexorable pull toward a future laden with stakes he could not yet fully comprehend. A singular, persistent thought occupied his mind: the potential resurrection of Christ. He possessed the capability; why then did he feel the weight of obligation? A power transcending his own had forewarned him of the flood. He was acutely aware of an entity that even Isis had dared to defy, and ultimately, had. Her terrestrial dominion and influence had been irrevocably lost, or so it seemed. Qblh, however, harbored no illusions about underestimating his sister; her insight into his nature was unparalleled. Consequently, Qblh harbored a strong premonition that he must maintain unwavering resourcefulness and employ the utmost discretion in his dealings with Earth's affairs. Concealing his true identity was therefore paramount.
"Antiope, Helen seems to be stretching her address a bit. Wouldn't it be prudent to bring this grand occasion to a close and allow everyone to depart, so we can enjoy our planned evening out?"
"Your assessment is, as always, perfectly accurate, Jim. I shall see to the conclusion of this banquet. Kindly excuse me as I attend to the final arrangements."
Rising from her seat, Antiope navigated through her diverse network of representatives, conveying her directive. Within moments, Helen received the signal to bring her speech to a close.
"To summarize, distinguished guests. You stand on the precipice of a new epoch. Abundant energy resources are now within your grasp, promising to render power universally accessible and astonishingly affordable. Antiope Industries pledges to ensure an inexhaustible supply for all. Any impediment to our progress will be met with decisive action; consider yourselves duly cautioned. Furthermore, our energy distribution network is poised for global expansion, and we will impose no trade barriers with any nation, unless they falter in their adherence to our distribution stipulations. Qblh retains the ultimate authority regarding any disruptions to these power distribution services."
"And who exactly is this Qblh we are being referred to?" a curious audience member inquired, "and by what right does he possess the power to supersede our established legal frameworks?"
"It is his proprietary technology that will be the source of the energy distributed by Antiope Industries. Should you prefer to persist with your antiquated, polluting methods of power generation, you are at liberty to do so and risk your own extinction."
"This sounds remarkably like an ultimatum. Either we capitulate to your terms, or face an unknown consequence... I am uncertain if I can secure the endorsement of my constituents for such an arrangement."
"Yet you say we must comply with this Kublah's terms. For all we know this guy is Kublah Kahn and could be worse than his beautiful mistress."
"I am also his mistress. You also haven't heard his terms yet, and even Isis must comply with Qblh's decisions. In her eyes, his law will override any human law, and only his law prevents her from already dominating this planet. You really have no choice with regard to the matter anyway."
"So we must accept nuclear power or perish."
"That is a pretty good way of putting it. Yet we are certain that we have buyers. The United States has done a very poor job with respect to its nuclear containment policy. By suppressing the spread of nuclear power generation with excessive legislative roadblocks and fear of terrorism, a healthy development of the industry is crushed. In addition your people then have an excessive dependence on oil as a fuel source. Oil is so vital to your economy that nations are willing to go to war to secure their oil supply. The wealth from the oil revenue is not used as constructively as it should. Antiope Industries will take a tremendous bite out of the money earned by those who would sell oil, because it will no longer be used as fuel. The owners of Antiope Industries will receive some of this money as stock dividends, the users of the energy will get the rest as savings."
"There may be some very strong interest groups that may not take kindly to you."
"We can easily absorb any attack that they may pursue."
"How do you know?"
"Don't buy any of our stock if you believe we may fail. I could care less what you personally fear or feel in your puny brain and body. You strike me as a gutless wonder, and if I were one of your constituents, I would be looking for another representative."
Helen then directed her speech to the rest of the audience. "The choice is entirely yours. Our intention was merely to offer assistance. We have no desire to compel compliance."
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Closing the Banquet​
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The rest of the audience laughed after Helen had ridiculed the doubting Thomas. Embarrassed he seated himself. Antiope grabbed the opportunity to take the podium.
Antiope smiled. "Thank you, Helen. Power! Ladies and Gentlemen! Power is the way to the stars. Power is the way to grow a healthy thriving community. Power is true wealth. Power gives us the energy to achieve what we wish without having to do the work with our own bodies. Access to power and control of power can be bought, sold, bartered, given, stolen and exchanged in many manners. Yet it can also be used to enslave the masses. Jim, Helen, and myself have already risked our lives to bring you freedom. The power is our gift to you, but we must control the resources that we use to generate until you can understand the principles yourselves and build your own machinery. I see that many of you have been involved making relevant investments during this meeting. I see that you gentlemen have made a substantial influence. Antiope Industries shares closed up close to 23 points today."
She could hear certain exclamations of joy emanating from the audience. She also saw some rather green faces. "I still advise no one to sell short. Antiope Industries plans to control most of Earth's aerospace projects. No one shall beat us to the stars, because we are from the stars. To the future, ladies and gentlemen, and I thank you for your time."
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By the time the applause faded, stock prices had soared twenty-three points.
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Preparations
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Antiope motioned to Jim and slipped away to her temporary office. She then left the room brushing off any following, indicating that she wished to be left alon
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Helen circulated through the hall reminding all that the party was ending and the building needed to be secured. The employees wanted to go home. She selected a few men to accompany her for the evening. John had to go "elsewhere" and spend time with Aphrodite. His mission had been accomplished, or so he said.
"Well, son. You are refueled and I see you are about to go on a very great adventure. Your mother and I will try to keep an eye on you, and we'll be there if you need us. Excuse me, I have to go elsewhere."
Excusing himself with his ominous comment about “going elsewhere”, John entered the men’s room and never emerged.
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“Can we still link to John, Genie?” Jim asked.
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“Yes — from this time frame only.”
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"Then, extend and establish a hyperspatial communication channel link and maintain the lock. Notify me of any issue. Okay, Idiot?”
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“Okay, Jim.”
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“What’s tomorrow’s launch window?”
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“Any time after 11:47 p.m. CST.”
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"I am currently in a quasi-stable mode. I have normal communication ability and have full electromagnetic emission/absorption ability. My navigational systems are fully operational. I can project a shielding effect of invisibility around you and can transport the Dutchman back to Hawaii now, if you wish, but I am not yet up to interstellar or time travel. Concerning your night journey through the streets of Chicago, your optimal path is to keep me in a powered down state and use as little of me as possible. This will minimize any power drain, and will guarantee one or two very nice punches if needed. I will find a way to suggest a minimal energy expenditure solution for you to use, but I still am obliged to honor any of your commands."
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"Understood, Idiot. Antiope is expecting a ride."
"I have just rented you a van, and I can call a taxi to take you there when you wish to go. I may have limited power, Jim, but I have access to Antiope's bank accounts. Using the phone circuits and my voice simulator, I can make just about any transaction that you may need."
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All but a few of the guests had been dispersed. Helen left her group to speak with Jim.
"Don't forget, Jim. I want a romantic trip from you. I am expecting high quality. Tomorrow night, my beloved. I'll be waiting."
She walked away as he followed her with his eyes. Helen hadid no interest in social affairs. She wanted to go far away with Jim to another time. Knowing he knew what she wanted, Helen was confident that Jim would create a first class excursion. .Jim watched Helen leave. The few remaining guests followed Helen out of the builng.
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Antiope’s Decision
Flashing his credentials to the guards, he quickly made his way to Antiope’s office and noticed the scent of ambrosia.
”So," she said softly, “you’re taking me to another time. A Mediterranean climate, I assume.”
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"You shall also be living today as well. There will be a next week for you here, and you will have to honor your engagements. You will essentially live somewhere else between now and then."
"How intriguing, Jim. Undoubtedly, you are taking Helen on a similar excursion. Will we know each other? Certainly you can afford a different residence for each of us."
"My dear, it shall be our special place in space and time where you can be as my bride if you so wish."
Her eyes glittered. “Jim… is this a proposal?”
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“That is one way of putting it.”
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“Then I say yes.” She moved closer. “Carry me off to this other world. Let Isis have Artemis. You will give me a home realm of my own.”
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He touched her cheek. “You have endured much. We can’t live openly in this time — but in another? Yes. Our own space. Our own life.”
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“But Jim,” she cautioned, “you must be entangled in Earth’s fate.”
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“I never intended to be.”
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“But now you are,” she said gently. “And you always will be.”
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“Which is why we must withdraw for a while. I’m buying time.”
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She smiled. “Yet you control time, my lord.”
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He downplayed his role. “That’s just a nursery rhyme.”
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“No,” she whispered. “It is the Queen's decree. Qblh rules time. Isis rules space. Together you are unstoppable.”
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Jim sighed. "But Antiope, you love me as Jim against her will."
"That is not fair, Jim. You abducted both Helen and myself."
"This is true."
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"We are guilty because of you Jim. Ordinarily she would condemn us both, but you have stayed true to your word of protecting us both against her wrath. She knows full well that we both, Helen and I, are deeply in love with you. Why should I be jealous of Helen? I shall not be jealous of Helen, but I do not wish the wrath of Isis on myself for loving you."
"I too feel the predicament. You have my children in your womb, and I know you wish to experience the joys of motherhood. Yet these children may need to be shielded somewhat from all that we have experienced."
"And I shall have a place where I can be protected along with some of my friends?"
"Whatever you wish, dear Antiope. We have a genie at our command. I can not be constrained to that time or this time or any other time, as you must well know. "
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Faith and Fate
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Jim as the inventor of time-travel was full aware that he had learned the secret only because of his devotion to his God, YAOHUSHUA, known to Earth as Jesus. He felt a special friendship to this Being. Now Jim did not yet realize that YAOHUSHUA was Jesus, but being of kindred spirit their paths would inevitably cross. Isis knew very little about Jim's faith, as she knew very little about his science and engineering.
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It was Qblh's own particular faith that enabled him to keep the will of his sister in check. Only this faith gave him the power to resist the overwhelming power and will of his sister and spouse, Isis. Qblh felt that his ability to travel time was a gift bestowed to him by his Creator, and he dare not use the device in any manner to violate his faith and principles. He wondered himself what his future had in store for him. Judging from his "past", he knew that his future would be somewhat "unexpected". Jim was not sure why he had promised to take Antiope and Helen on a walk between the two lands of the present and past, the living and the dead.
​Knowing this walk between the lands of the living and the dead awaited him.
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And death itself would be forced into the light.
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What mysteries would unravel when the veil was torn?
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What secrets would die — and which would be reborn?