Forthcoming

"Forthcoming”

by S.T.I.L.

(1) Tuesday

Lebanon, Kansas was once a tiny, sleepy town boasting a population of one hundred and eighty-two people. At that time a search for attractions within its borders would yield a whole three results, one of which was the Visitor’s Center. The other two were a tiny chapel and a stone structure marking the geographical center of the lower forty-eight United States.

It was not exactly a tourist attraction, but that was way back in 2023, the year Future D. McBright was born.

Today, 27 years later, on a sunny June morning in 2050, Future sat on the back patio of her apartment, listening to the distant sound of a bullet train transporting thousands of commuters to and from the big city. This crisp autumn morning, she enjoyed the sun hitting her cream-colored skin as she sipped her green tea, both feet resting on an ottoman.

She was dressed in her usual garb: comfortable black high-tops, relaxed black jeans, a dark, long-sleeved shirt, and a sleeveless vest with a hoodie, just in case the weather changes unexpectedly. A pair of reflective sunglasses whose lenses swooped back to cover the side of her eyes completed the outfit.

Her alarm sounded.

Future stood straight up, smoothly slinging her backpack onto both shoulders as if she weren’t lounging just a second ago. She unintentionally startled a few small birds sitting on the patio banister with her sudden rise. She left her teacup on the glass table and departed quickly down the stairs toward the backyard.

Her sense of urgency was warranted. The female voice in her head, heard only by her, was desperate for assistance.

**That voice had awakened her from a deep sleep several hours prior. Future had shot up into a sitting position in her bed. Truth be told, though she was startled, she was not even slightly alarmed at the unknown voice. She was oddly comfortable with it as if something long-missing had been returned to her. “What do you need?” Future had snapped back at the voice, eager to help yet irritated at being awoken.

“May I enquire, who are you!?” the voice had responded.

Instinctively, Future threw off her covers. “You called out to me, but you don’t know who I am?” she said flicking on a light switch and reaching for a pair of well-pressed jeans from the closet. She just knew this was important and she needed to act quickly.

“I am beyond desperate.” The pleading voice replied. “I called out not knowing who would hear me or if anyone would at all,” the female voice explained.

“Where are you?” Future asked, obviously confused. She paused, her jacket half on. “Better yet, who are you?”

“My name is Amelia, of Lindou.” The voice explained proudly.

Even as bewilderment wrinkled Future’s forehead, she was filled with a sense of adventure. “Of where?” she asked as she glanced at the digital clock reading 2:47 AM.

More than a little confusion accompanied Amelia’s voice. “You do not know of Lindou, the City of Scales?”

“The city of what?”, Future asked.

“We are spread across all the known land,” Amelia explained melodically.

Future heard feet shuffling.

Amelia continued. “We maintain peace between the Ruukos to the north and the Burren to the south. To the west, we have instructed the Seeta in designing and building the most glorious spires and majestic cities. How is it that you know not of my kind?”

Future knew- without knowing how- that whatever was happening was meant to happen to her. With delight in her voice, Future asked, “What are the Ruukos, Burren, and the Seeta?”

There was a long pause. Future waited as Amelia paced.

“You truly are not from this land” Amelia finally broke the silence.

“It seems not” Future agreed.

Amelia’s feet came to rest. “But the Ianua is meant for communication between those of my kind. You must be in our land for it to reach you”.

“Well,” Future thought out loud, standing in her foyer. “If the … Ianua can only communicate within your land, let’s agree that’s where I am.” She threw on a hoodie. “Tell me what you see around you.”

“Aaah, yes I see.” Amelia agreed. “Yes, very smart.”

Future heard the familiar sounds of a door opening to the sounds of the outside. She thought to herself, 'Is it possible?' “Amelia, I am guessing the mountain you are on must be pretty high.”

“Yes, high into the clouds,” she replied.

Future asked, “Do you see a vast plain covered in trees with leaves of many colors?”

“Yes, in the not-too-distant east, I can see “The Vivid Forest.” Her voice sounded more hopeful now. “My people sail over them often in our travels.”

“Amelia, what is the name of the mountain you’re standing on?” Future asked, also feeling hopeful.

“I stand on the Sierra” Amelia replied flatly.

Future stopped in her tracks. “Amelia, what do you see on the west side of The Sierra?”

“I see The Vast. It’s an ocean”, Amelia told her.

“You’re on a tall mountain, above the clouds with the Vivid Forest, which I guess means a colorful forest and a vast ocean to the west.” Future stated it as fact, no longer theory.

“You seem to know where I am, Future”, Amelia said, hoping.

Future giggled and grinned. A voice in her head was speaking to her from afar, and she remained as calm as could be, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. She flicked on the light in her kitchen and reached for a tea bag. “Yes, I do believe I know where you are, Amelia. But I want to clarify a few things first.”

Future poured hot water into her favorite teacup. She walked out the screen door, set an alarm on her phone, and sat in her favorite outdoor chair. She asked Amelia many questions, attempting to fully understand what was happening.

That’s how she came to be walking down the stairs of her back patio to her garage. She opened the large garage door and sat on her bike. As she revved the engine, she said, “Amelia, it’s nice to meet you. My name is Future D. McBright.” Your future is where I am from.”

(2) Ride

As was her way, Future sped down the freeway like a stunt double in an action movie. She had a knack for finding the right path in between vehicles at top speeds while avoiding the watchful eyes of city police.

As she maneuvered, Future listened to Amelia explain about her land, her people, and her culture.

“That is fascinating, Amelia. I had no idea people in the past had such advanced technology,” she excitedly explained. “I wonder what happened to it all. Some of the instruments and technology you mentioned are foreign to me.” She sped up and zoomed past a big rig, riding the yellow dividing line. The trucker yelled something Future ignored.

Future was beside herself with joy. She admitted she was on this new mission as much for the other woman as for herself. Somehow, she knew whatever this was would benefit her and her new friend. And she was eager to see it through.

Future took an exit. “I just pulled into a fuel station”. She parked next to a fuel pump and put down the kickstand.

”You mentioned that earlier”, Amelia said with a questioning tone. “A place where you put an energy source into the small transport you’re using right now, correct?”

“Good memory”, Future said, preparing to remove her helmet. She hesitated. “At times I will be surrounded by people. Responding to a voice that’s only in my head might cause some concern.” She paused, pondering for just a second then she tested a theory. “Are you able to hear what I am thinking right now?”

“You were thinking that; not speaking?” Amelia asked in wonder. “It sounded the same as your voice”.

“Perfect” Future said aloud. “I can still communicate with you and not seem like a crazy person with an imaginary friend”, she thought as she removed her helmet and began fueling her Limited Edition, Honda CBR 850.

“Future, I do not mean to seem ungrateful,” Amelia said cautiously, “but I am in an urgent situation. You stated this trip would take a while. You never said how long”.

“I can tell you’re desperate”, Future assured her.“Honestly, it could take up to a full day.”

Amelia sighed. “I understand”.

“I am sorry Amelia” Future replied honestly as she finished fueling. “But you’ve never seen me ride.” She added, putting her helmet back on. “I will happily make this trek as short as I can”.

“I would appreciate that,” Amelia responded. “I would appreciate it very much.”

Future noted something in Amelia’s voice as she sped up the onramp. “What is it, Amelia? What’s happening?”

“They are coming up the mountain,” Amelia said flatly.

“You mean the ones you said want you dead?” Future verified.

“Yes, they do not know I am here or that I have reached out to anyone,” Amelia explained. “They are only just now approaching the foot of the Sierra. When they arrive and learn what I have done they will desire my death even more.”

Future sensed Amelia was inside a structure on top of the mountain, looking over the edge to those below. “Wait, Amelia, you’re on the mountain peak but, you see the enemy at the bottom?”

“That is right”, Amelia said plainly.

Future replied. “You must have amazing eyesight”.

“It is one of the many attributes of my kind admired by others,” Amelia told her. There was a short pause. “Are there none of my people where you are, Future?”

“I do not think so”, Future replied as she ignored both the speed limit and traffic laws. “Maybe they moved?”

“That is a possibility”, Amelia said, unconvinced. “It is hard to imagine my people abandoning our home”. She took a deep breath.

Future heard an indistinguishable rustling and opened her mouth to ask about it.

Amelia spoke first. “I need to cause an avalanche to slow their ascent.”

Future heard wings preparing for flight. They flapped a few times, carrying Amelia’s voice with them. “I will return with haste, Future”.

“Amelia!?”, Future shouted but she heard no reply.

Future reached the outskirts of Lebanon. The eight-lane freeway became an old two-lane highway. Future D. McBright smiled and opened the throttle.

(3) Sierra

Future sped down the freeway like a bullet from a sniper rifle. The hum of her bike under her was comforting. She found peacefulness in the floating sensation brought about by the wind slicing around her bike’s lustrous design. She maneuvered corners like a racer-at-heart. She had become very familiar with this long stretch of road in her adult life. Many times, she had pushed herself to complete the thirteen-hundred-mile stretch in less and less time. She became quite skilled at it. She was a natural-born rider who could hug the corners just right and then explode on the straightaways.

She reveled in the freedom.

She was so caught up in the thrill that she didn’t hear Amelia’s voice the first time she spoke.

“Are you still with me?” Amelia asked.

“Sorry, yes, I am here.” Future replied. “I was enjoying the mental escape.” She heard Amelia’s soft chuckle. “Where did you go?” Future asked her.

Amelia explained, “I snuck to the back side of the mountain undetected then to a position far above my foes. I pushed just the right amount of snow out of place, causing an avalanche, just big enough to slow my enemy’s ascent without hurting anyone.”

“Did it work?” Future asked her.

“Oh yes, quite well, actually”, Amelia said, satisfied with herself.

“I am glad to hear that. “I am enjoying getting to know you” Future told her. “I would hate to lose you already.”

“I am enjoying this as well, despite the odd, dangerous circumstances”, Amelia explained, looking down at the ones below. They were busy regaining their footing and deciding best to proceed.

Amelia sounded nervous, so Future changed the subject. “You never explained who the Ruukos and the Burren are.”

“You know, Future, it does concern me that you do not know the species of my time,” Amelia explained, sounding sad. “I wonder what will happen to them between now and your time”.

“I am not sure” is all Future said. She waited a long while for Amelia to continue.

Amelia ended the silence with a deep breath and then explained. “The Ruukos are peaceful, gentle giants. They are the largest of all species with grayish, silky skin. They are often intimidating at first sight. But as one gets to know them one sees they love peace and work hard to maintain it.”

“I am sure they are quite a sight.” Future exclaimed as she continued down the long, lonely stretch of highway.

“I would love to introduce you to them,” Amelia said. “They are lovers of poetry, dance, music, and all that is creative. You would love them as we do.”

“And the Burren”, Future enquired. “What are they like?”

“Ah yes, The Burren”, Amelia said thoughtfully, searching for the right words. “They are, shall we say, a menagerie of bird-like creatures. Unlike mankind, whose families share similar features, each Burren is so unique that only another Burren can distinguish family groups.”

“Wow! They would be interesting to meet as well. They sound like something out of a fantasy novel.” She increased her speed, excited to reach The Sierra and- somehow- meet this mysterious woman. “What is their language? Some sort of complicated bird speech?”

“No, not at all. They speak the common tongue as I do.” Amelia replied, reminding herself that Future is brand new to her world. “That is to say” Amelia corrected herself. “They have their language but only speak it among themselves. They considerate rude to speak in their tongue among other species.”

“Good to know they have manners”, Future chuckled.

Amelia also found it humorous. “Oh yes! They pride themselves on their structure, hierarchy, rules, and decorum,” Amelia said in a haughty tone. “Their social structure is highly complicated. What you and I know as a cousin is referred to as a second brother or second sister. And your father or mother’s brother is not called an uncle. He’s referred to as a younger father, even if he is older than your father or mother.”

“That could get complicated pretty quickly,” Future said wrinkling her forehead.

For the next few hours, Amelia taught Future the cultures and species of her land and time. Future did the same in return, teaching Amelia about everything from airplanes to cell phones and space shuttles to the internet. They found it easy to speak to each other and time passed quickly.

It was well after sunset when Future announced her progress to Amelia. “I crossed the Colorado border a while back but didn’t want to interrupt your fascinating story of The War of Reseen. You’re an excellent storyteller, Amelia.”

Amelia laughed, “Well I thank you, Future. I take a bow as I say I have practiced the craft over my many years.” She laughed at herself.

Future laughed as well. “I appreciate the years of practice.”

Future enjoyed the sight of a sky blanketed with stars as she exited to fuel her bike again. Amelia caused another avalanche, again slowing her pursuers. Future got back onto the freeway, closing the distance to her destination.

A day later she arrived at the foot of The Sierra. “It took me longer than I wanted but I am finally here, Amelia.”

“You’re at my mountain?” Amelia asked. “I am so relieved.”

“I am relieved as well, for some reason,” Future told her friend. “It will only take a few minutes to take the road to the top.”

“A road? How interesting. The only way to the top in my time is to climb. And that can take days.” Amelia looked over the edge to see her pursuers gaining ground. “I am glad it will not take you that long.”

Future heard the anxiety in Amelia’s voice. She threw her helmet back on and wasted not one more second talking. The roar of the bike didn’t drown out Amelia’s thoughts.

“They are getting closer to the summit, Future,” Amelia told her.

“So am I,” Future responded.

Amelia retreated into the cave, next to the Lanua. She felt safer there.

“I am more than halfway to the top, Amelia. How close are your enemies?”

Amelia sounded nervous but not panicked as she explained, “They will be here in a few minutes, my friend. They are too close for me to attempt to leave without being noticed”.

“Good. I am entering the cave as we speak” Future said feeling triumphant.

“Can you see the Lanua?” Amelia asked.

Future got off her bike and placed her helmet on its seat. In the middle of the cave, she saw what seemed to be a pyramid-like structure. “It is covered in a lot of dirt, but I believe I am looking at it.” Future informed her. “Give me a second.”

Future used her jacket sleeves to quickly remove several layers of dirt, exposing the Lanua. “Amelia,” she said to the voice in her head.

“Yes Future?” Amelia replied hearing the concern in the other woman’s voice.

“Are you near the Lanua?” Future asked. Amelia replied that she was. “I know what we need to do. I don’t know how I know but I just know. Do you trust me?”

“Strangely enough,” Amelia said, “I do trust you, completely.”

“Quickly, place your hand on it. I have an idea.” Future instructed.

Amelia did as requested. “My hand is on the Luana.”

Future stepped toward her Luana and was about to place her hand on it, palm down. She had a thought. She pulled her bike closer, leaving one hand on its handlebar.

“You ready for this Amelia?” she asked.

“For what, Future?” Amelia questioned.

“For whatever is about to happen,” Future smiled. She placed her hand on the Luana, and instantly the scene before her faded away while at the same time, a new scene replaced it. In no time at all she was in the same cave but knew she was no longer home.

Her right hand still held the handlebar of her bike. Her left hand sat, palm down on the Luana and all her surroundings were familiar yet different.

She sensed something to her left. Turning, she saw something unbelievable. A large, winged beast only seen in fantasy books was staring at her. With her mouth gaping wide, she cautiously took three big steps backward and swallowed hard. Her right hand gripped the seat of her bike in a death grip. She forced herself to breathe as she blinked over and over, trying to figure out what was happening.

The large beast tilted its head to one side, looking curious. It spoke, breaking the awkward silence. “Future D McBright, I presume?”

Future recognized the voice “You….. are who I have been hearing in my head?” Future asked in disbelief.

“Well, yes.” The great beast replied, taking a cautious step toward the confused human before her. “I am Amelia. Why do you seem so panicked?”

Future took a deep breath and made herself let go of the bike. She stepped toward the creature. “Amelia, this may seem odd to you but,” Future steadied herself. “May I touch your wing? I just need to be sure this is happening.”

Amelia’s head tilted again, curious. “Yes, you may.” She slowly extended a wing toward Future.

Future extended her hand, tentatively, keeping an eye on the massive creature. Her hand rested on Amelia’s wing. She ran a few fingers along its edge then stepped back. “I just touched a real, live dragon!”

The face of the large beast showed even more confusion. “Is this a strange occurrence for you?”

“Well, yes!” Future said as if it were obvious. “You’re a dragon.” She tried controlling her breathing. “You’re a myth where I come from. Folklore, legend, not real.”

Amelia was taken aback. “Well, obviously that is untrue,” the dragon, Amelia, explained.

Future shook her head, trying to keep her wits about her. “Somewhere in history you must have died out or maybe you left, but you don’t exist in my timeline.”

The dragon took a step back, raised an eyebrow, and replied, “Clearly I am not a myth.”

“I am pretty sure I have not seen any dragons walking around Lebanon, Kansas.” Future spread her arms indicating Amelia’s size. “I think you’d stand out”. She started pacing.

“Future, this may be hard to comprehend but it appears a certain wisdom has been discarded through the years.” She lowered her massive head to Future’s level. “You have seen dragons all your life,” Amelia explained patiently.

Still pacing, Future asked, “How do you figure that, Amelia?”

“Because” Amelia began, then the dragon was gone in a flash, replaced by a beautiful woman in a long, elegant, flowing dress. Amelia’s voice explained. “Humans are Dragons.”

Future’s mouth hung open. She struggled for words. She blinked repeatedly, trying to assess and understand what she had just seen. Finally, one word came to mind. “WHAT?!”

To Be Continued.