Anamnesis

Anamnesis

History of Sol Book 2

Steven Dutch, Chris Masterton

Masterton Dutch Multimedia

Copyright © 2021

Steven Dutch & Chris Masterton

All rights reserved.

This story, as far as we know, is entirely a work of fiction. Perhaps we have inadvertently channelled these tales from the distant future. Perhaps it has been sent back to us by some powerful being, as a warning of things to come. We cannot be sure. But what we do know is, that the names, characters and incidents portrayed throughout this story are the work of the authors’ imaginations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental. This story, its characters and artworks are the intellectual property of Chris Masterton & Steven Dutch. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, telepathic, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without prior permission.

History of Sol

Book 3: Second Edition

Written by

Steven Dutch & Chris Masterton

Edited by

'Mick'

Cover art by

Jason Giraldo

Cover design and formatting by

Chris Masterton

Acknowledgements

Since starting out on this journey a number of years ago, we have met some really awesome people. The biggest influence of all has been a bloke called Mick, who reached out to us with a helping hand after we released the first edition of book 1. We are better writers because of his patience, feedback, and attention to detail.

Massive thanks go to Jason for another fantastic cover, helping bring out visions to life, and to Amanda for help with formatting. Shout out to Marie (for bringing the snacks) and Amanda for being great company at the conferences.

Like most authors, we have some very understanding partners, Rach and Yani, who accept that we need to be glued to our computer screens for hours on end and are always there for emotional support.

Finally, all the fans who have read, enjoyed, and even loved our books; thank you for coming to meet us at the conventions, giving us feedback, and for supporting our journey!

This book is dedicated to Michael Dutch

26/10/1988 - 22/06/2016

DATAFILE

Matias-1 Orbital Space Station

NODE 1

The Matias-1 (M1) Space Station is one of twelve orbital biospheres constructed as observation platforms orbiting Lunar. The viewing portals look out over the Terranean Expanse, an asteroid belt thought to be the remains of the ancient homeworld.

Originally constructed in cycle 803 (SE), M1 is the oldest space station still in operation. Although it has received many upgrades and refurbishments over the span of its service, the shell and core structure of the station remain the same.

NODE 2

Aurora City is the main platform of M1. Home to 2.8 million Lunarians who live and work on the station. The city is topped by the Observation Decks and an operations platform, which serve as a historical monument to the homeworld. Aurora is viewed by the Lunarians as one of the best places to live in the Colonies.

NODE 3

The laser lifts connect the city of Aurora to the Observation Decks by using a concentrated column of light to levitate large circular platforms up and down the centre of the station. It was originally designed as a security measure to protect the Observation Decks, which held relics from the remnants of the homeworld. This is now considered something of a novelty, as this technology is not used on any other space station.

CHAPTER ONE

Final Shift - C1099 S5 R2

Civic Armin felt the electric pulse surge through his brain, waking him instantly. He reached out and grabbed his Link, which drifted in front of him. Rubbing his eyes, he looked at the display. It was almost time for his work shift in the control centre. He knew it would be busy, so he cleared his mind to focus on his primary objective. People of extremely high Value from all over the Colonies would be meeting on the Observation Decks to take part in the ancient tradition of the Anamnesis, where they commemorated the mistakes made in the distant past that resulted in the destruction of the homeworld. He didn’t really believe any of that garbage. Stories like that were always being told to keep everyone in the Colonies obedient and suppressed.

He peeled the neural stimulator from his forehead, deactivated the suspension field and floated gracefully to the floor. The hatch hissed open and he stepped out of his cramped rejuvenation chamber, pausing to neaten his hair and moustache in the tiny mirror on the wall.

He hated waking up this way. The idea of his mind being turned on and off by a machine felt like a complete violation. Sure, it was easy and efficient, but it still felt wrong. Luckily, it would be his last time on board the M1 Orbital Space Station. This rotation was going to be a big one and he couldn’t wait for it to be over. After eight sub-cycles of tolerating this suppression and turmoil, he would finally get to go home and see his family.

The outer crew chamber wasn’t much less confined than his rejuvenation chamber. Which upon exiting, placed him directly across from his bunkmate, Samuel ‘Brute’ Rennom. Brute was already awake and had begun the daily struggle to cram his muscular torso into a standard issue uniform.

You know what I’ll miss about these sleep coffins? Brute grumbled.

Civic decided to humour him. Is it the claustrophobia?

No. I like waking up in the mornings and not desperately needing to take a piss.

Civic forced a weak grin. Are you ready for this, Brute?

Brute nodded slowly, likely deep in thought about what they were going to do. His reply was almost insightful. Soon, we will become mighty heroes. For better or worse, we will be the ones that people remember in times to come. After all, this is our destiny!

Well said, Civic agreed. Let’s go.

He led the way out into the communal area, where Pulse and Lannek were already waiting for them. Lannek drained a tube of Organix as they entered and casually tossed it across the stark room into the waste hatch on the wall. Pulse watched the tube’s arc from his perch atop a bulky machine; a black cube with chrome handles on each side, fronted by an interface.

Why are you still drinking that nasty slush? Pulse asked. Just stop by the galley like I did and swipe some real food while those mindless fools aren't looking. They’ve already got the good stuff out for the event.

Lannek let out an almighty belch and grinned from ear to ear. I like the way it tastes.

Civic shook his head. If you drink enough of that stuff you’ll become one of them. He turned to Pulse. Did you get what I asked for?

Pulse nodded, fumbled through his pocket, and retrieved four black wristbands. He placed one around his own wrist and snapped it closed. It beeped as it locked in place. He threw the others to Civic, Brute and Lannek.

Civic secured his wristband, then looked over at the black and chrome cube supporting Pulse’s thin frame. So that’s the frequency generator? Did you have any trouble getting it?

Nope, Pulse said. It was exactly where our friend said it would be. Everyone is so busy with the Anamnesis that we went largely unnoticed. I think this is going to be cinch.

Civic closed his eyes and put a hand on Brute’s shoulder. May the light of Sol shine on us this Rotation. He opened his eyes, the others still stood in silent prayer of their own. Well then, we all know what we have to do. Let’s get to it, shall we?

Brute pushed Pulse off the machine and, with a grunt, he lifted it up to his chest using the two chrome handles. He gave a nod and they headed for the service passages.

The corridors were dull, narrow, and dimly lit. They contrasted sharply with the ornate lavishness of the ancient space station's public areas. Strangely, they didn’t encounter any other workers on their way.

Civic activated his Link and keyed in an audio connection. Glitch, it’s Civ. Are you at the laser lifts yet?

A soft feminine voice replied, but her words were short and to the point. On our way to the lifts now. Are you guys ready? She sounded tense. Which was understandable, given the nature of their mission, but he had to make sure her head was in the right place.

We are, he said. Everything is in place. Are you alright?

We’re fine, she answered.

Stay focused. No more Link connections from this point on. Stick to the timeline. When she didn’t acknowledge, he added, this is the will of the Divine. We will prevail!

May the light of Sol shine on us, she said, and then cut the connection.

Only the sound of footsteps could be heard as they conspicuously made their way towards the top level. It seemed to take forever to reach the destination, which was only a brisk walk up two floors from their lodgings.

They looked up at the large thick doors that stood between them and their fate. Civic placed his hand on the interface beside the control centre door and lights within the door frame flashed from red to green.

Remember, in and out, just like we planned, Civic whispered.

Every time Civic set foot in the control centre, he felt like he was stepping into outer space due to the transparent walls of the expansive dome-shaped enclosure. The whole area was lit by rows