Last Trek of the Third Dimension

by John MacLeod

Glenn Stone's voice intruded upon his son's dream, and for a brief moment Kyle's unwitting mind tried to assimilate the incongruous voice and images that made no sense. Dreams always made sense, and the absurdity of the new voice is what brought Kyle to consciousness. In his dream, Fluff, Kyle's pet lion cavorted and showed off the awards he had won for his young master in the city-wide competition, bragging about the care and attention he had received. It was then that Fluff's voice changed, and things became disjointed and out of context.

"Get up son, wake up. It's a long journey to the Orb of Lebawnah."

Kyle slowly opened his eyes and smiled as he recognized his Dad's face looming over him in the semi-darkness. The thirteen year-old sat up and stretched. "I was dreaming about Fluff winning the Ruler's Grand Prize. Do you think it'll happen?"

Glenn Stone stood back up straight, saying "Hard to say. This much I know, every other pet owner in Springfield is having similar dreams. Fluff has certainly blossomed under your care. You've as good a chance as any at the Excellency Awards. Come on now, it's time to get ready. Remember, it's going to be warm, so dress accordingly."

"I will. Are Uncle Bill and Danny here yet?"

` "No, they can't come. Something came up. Maybe they'll go tomorrow or the next day. Looks like we're on our own today."

"Yea! And no girls, right?"

"Right. Shirley and Anne have already been there, and don't care to go again. Parts of it were just too horrifying for them, they said. So it'll be just you and me. Hurry now and get ready while I go make my famous surprise omelette for our breakfast."

"Dad!" Kyle fairly shouted. "Don't put beans in it again!"

"Shhh! Not so loud. Besides, I've learned my lesson."

As his Dad left, Kyle checked the bunk below. "Hey Scooter, You awake?"

No answer.

Kyle thumped to the floor. "Scooter."

Still no response.

Kyle nudged his brother's shoulder. "Scooter."

"Huh?"

"Hey, Me and Dad are going alone."

Eight year-old Oliver 'Scooter' Stone blinked sleepily at his brother. "You and Dad alone? That's great. I wish I could go too. Remember to tell me all about it."

Kyle was already pulling on his Explorer's shorts replete with pockets and pouches, loops and other useful appendages. "I'll try. Shirley said there was so much to see and experience that it overwhelmed her. She never did tell me much."

"I wish I was old enough to go," said Oliver wistfully as his elder brother went out the door.

Breakfast and morning chores finished, Kyle bid Fluff farewell and bicycled out the lane following his father. "Bye Kyle, I'll be waiting," roared the nearly-grown, tawny lion after his master.

Kyle pumped hard to catch up to his Dad and finally did just before the long downgrade where they could coast and talk without breathing hard. Kyle had never seen his Dad quite so serious before. Usually he was joking and laughing, full of mirth and fun to be with. He was still fun to be with, but there was something serious about his nature. Kyle knew it had something to do with the ordeal he himself was going to be facing later on in the day. Was he concerned that he wouldn't be able to help his son when the most crucial decisions came? He would have to trust what he had taught his son, and let him face the trial alone.

They arrived at the depot where they would catch 'The Car' to the Orb of Lebawnah and parked their bikes in the wall slots provided. Kyle was especially anxious to board the wondrous Car and be underway, taking the first step of manhood on this most important day of his life so far. That is why when he nosed the front wheel of his bicycle into the slot, he just dismounted and walked away, forgetting to take the necessary precautions.

Glenn Stone watched his son for a moment without a word, then ,finally, said "Aren't you forgetting something, Son?"

"What?"

"Do you expect to find your bike when we get back?"

"Oh yeah! I forgot." An embarrassed smile revealed sparkling white teeth. He returned to the wall slot and removed an embossed tag bearing the number '89', corresponding to the number of the wall slot in which he had parked. He slipped it in his pocket and rejoined his Dad's side.

"That's better. Yours is a popular model, and you might accidentally take someone else's." Glenn fingered the similar tag in his own pocket and reminisced about the time his father had brought him on his 'Last Trek'. "I called Grampa last night to tell him we were going."

Kyle looked up expectantly at his Dad, for there often resulted an interesting story whenever the topic of his grandfather was brought up. "How is Grampa?"

"Fine, fine. He and his brothers are going mountain climbing after their work today, to visit their father in his mountain lodge."

"Great Grampa Stone? I thought he was on some deep sea diving expedition?"

"He was, but upon being informed that your great, great grandfather has been notified to prepare to enter the ninth dimension, he decided to return and bid him farewell."

"I'll miss him."

"Me too."

"Dad, why can't we just stay in the third dimension forever?"

"You will know the answer to that after today's trek to the Graveyard Zone. Say... did you know that people used to lock up their belongings when they left them out-- like we did our bikes back there?"

"Lock up their belongings? What does that mean?"

"Ummm... make them secure... against other people... its hard to explain... against other people using them wrongly."

"How could it be wrong if they needed it?"

"You may find this hard to believe, but the Corrupter actually was able to influence people to take other people's things for no good reason. And what's more, they never returned them."

"You're right Dad, that is hard to believe."

The father and son finished walking up the incline and stood quietly chatting on the depot's platform amid a crowd of adults, each accompanied by a youth approximately Kyle's age. There were a couple hundred waiting all tolled, talking pleasantly among themselves. Then someone in the crowd announced "Here it comes!"

Looking up, Kyle saw a flat-bottomed cylinder descending. There was no noise, smoke or flame issuing from the 'The Car', yet it was obviously under some natural form of dynamic propulsion, evident by its rapid approach, growing from a pea-sized object way up in the sky to a huge transport that filled the entire landing area before the raised platform. Commuters, parents and trekkers, and students emerged, laughing and talking, happily going on their individual courses.

Those waiting patiently on the platform were then given the signal to enter the Car. Soft lighting filled the auditorium, for the vehicle was really a mobile theater. Overstuffed, ivory-colored chairs filled the interior in neat rows, and a plush magenta carpet adorned the floor from wall to wall. Directly ahead a luminous sign on the wall instructed:

'ALL TREKKERS SIT TO THE FORE WITH THEIR PARENTS.'

The trekker seats were tilted to provide a better view of the screen, and there were headsets built in to the headrests. As soon as Kyle rested his head a friendly voice greeted "Welcome Trekker". he sat forward and the voice stopped.

"How did it know I was sitting there and not you?"

"Weight sensors, I think."

"Is yours talking to you?"

"Yes, only it calls me 'Trekker Parent'."

Kyle sat back again and the voice picked up right where it had left off. "This will prove to be a most memorable day for you, Trekker. among other things, you will be leaving your home planet's atmosphere for the first time in your life. You will learn and experience things from your biological past which will amaze you. Your parents, in conjunction with your city's rulers, have agreed that you are ready now to acquire knowledge from the events of the past. You will never be the same when this day's trek is over . The Overlords extend their congratulations to you, and invite you to attend the next Pilgrimage to the Holy City as a novice pilgrim. Today you will graduate from being a Trekker to a responsible member of the citizenry of our planet. When the lights dim, please focus your attention to the sign directly in front of you on the wall. Thank you, enjoy your last Trek."

"Dad?"

"Mmmm," returned Glenn.

"Why is this year of my life so different from the others?"

"Our Defender was about your age when he first traveled out of his home city with his parent and guardian, and was confronted by the forces that held the entire planet in bondage. It is quite normal for you to feel curiosity about why things are the way they are. Do you?"

"Uhh, yes, I have been wondering. But I also have no idea of how things could be different."

"And that's what this Last Trek is all about. I must warn you though, some of what you will see and hear today will not be pleasant. But you must become aware before you can become a pilgrim."

"If I do well today, might I qualify to become a City Ruler, Overlord or Council Member?"

"Afraid not son. Those positions are special rewards given only to those who have made great personal sacrifices when serving Our Defender during the time of his war."

The lights dimmed, gradually fading so that the sign became the sole source of light in the auditorium. The letters on the sign then faded away, and Kyle saw that the sign was itself a projection from somewhere inside the theater. A person materialized before the screen. By his robe and crown, Kyle knew him to be one of the Overlords of Dicontinenta.

"Is this real?"

Glenn answered carefully, "No, this is one of the few inventions allowed from the 'Old Age'. They call it a hologram in the old Techno-speech. Rays of light were used to record the Overlord when he performed this function once, so that he could welcome Trekkers from many generations and still be free to do other duties"

The image began speaking and moving. "Welcome Trekkers, to your last trek." Kyle swiveled his head around in a vain attempt to locate the source of the projection. "Our journey to the Orb of Lebawnah, or the 'Graveyard Zone' as you may have heard it referred to previously, will take slightly more than one-twenty-fourth of a day. You will land in what was once known as the Sea of Tranquility, but has since been renamed The Sepulcher. There you will each meet your guides, who will give you tours on archaic Old Age vehicles. These vehicles are reliable if not too comfortable. In the atmosphere of the Bubble Dome you will visit exhibits that will expand your understanding; then you will tour the Museum of Abominations; next the History Hall of Species Man; and finally, when you have been sufficiently prepared by those exhibits, your day will culminate with a visit to the Intra-Dimensional Telescope. Nothing I can say at this point will prepare you for that experience. It will not harm you, but will profoundly affect your life. Only then will you fully appreciate what Our Defender has done with his victory over the dark forces. In short Trekkers, this day you will lose your innocence.

"Without further ado, let our journey begin. Keep watching the screen before you, for it will begin the unfolding of this day's events. Pay close attention and you will understand the significance of certain events in our history."

As the hologram disappeared, Kyle felt a slight jolt in the auditorium. The Car was underway to the moon. With the disappearance of the hologram, the screen lit up, covering nearly a third of the cylindric interior wall. On the screen was an old-fashioned book of paper, bound in leather. The edges were gilded with gold. Kyle's headset narrated: "You need no introduction to this book. This is a copy of the Great One's thoughts, words and deeds. Herein is revealed the code of honor by which the valiant ones lived, fought, and resisted the darkness that overwhelmed the planet prior to the cleansing."

The book opened as if of its own accord, revealing words in an unknown script on each page. The narration continued: You are quite familiar with the names and stories, the laws and oracles contained herein, but..." the book finished flipping front to back, "...until now you have been kept unaware of what happened behind the third dimension where these recorded events took place. Understand then that the course of human events was preceded and influenced by Seventh Dimensional occurrences of incredible magnitude. Behold the origins of the powers that were of the realm you presently occupy."

The closed book faded from view, and the whole auditorium was plunged into blackness. A rumble of thunder was followed by a brilliant burst of dazzling white light that spectrumized as the rays expanded, filling the whole screen. The light then regathered itself, and small glowing orbs were left standing out against the background. But, the glowing spheres were far more voluminous than the empty, black spaces. A circular movement began in several groups of these glowing orbs, and then the groups themselves began to revolve around a center, where the brightest of lights dwelt. From this blinding white center a continuously flowing corona of amber light permeated the whole screen.

"The Dance of the O-yar-su, son." commented Kyle's Dad. "Remember how you worked so hard to learn the positions and steps in school?"

"Oh, now I see it!" Kyle was entranced by the colors separating and re-blending in to each other in the cosmic promenade. "So this is what that represented? I never knew it was so-- beautiful." A soft rise and fall of harmonic melodies gently filled Kyle's ears, and everywhere and all at once spots of light left the glowing orbs to follow the amber rays to their source, where they celebrated in the presence of the One and then returned, all in perfect unison. This Pulsation was performed at regular intervals, and gradually the focus of the screen came to dwell on the central brilliant light. There were many phase shifts and Kyle saw that a throne stood at the epicenter of the waves of amber light. There were creatures that defied Three Dimensional description standing guard around this throne, while winged beings hovered in attendance upon the One upon the throne. But the One on the throne was hidden from view by the wings of the hovering beings. Again the spots of light, which were spirits, obeyed the universal impulse to come celebrate before the throne in song and dance, reporting on their accomplishments and receiving new instructions in the process. Then the attention was turned to one of the winged beings who was gathering all the songs to present before the throne. After that the assembly was dismissed, and all creatures returned to their own places. The spirit who had presented the songs before the throne drew aside to observe a small, obscure, brown and blue globule of matter revolving around a yellowish glowing orb. Great things were happening on that globule, for each time it rotated on its axis there was something new to be seen. In fact, this little globule had become of great interest to many of the spirits.

"It's Eretz Admah," whispered Kyle to himself in astonishment. "Earth."

The Song Presenter was watching keenly as living things suddenly appeared in the seas and air. On the sixth rotation, Kyle understood. Sometime during this succession of events, something dim had happened to the Song Presenter as he stood upon a patch of lush vegetation observing. The amber light emanating from the throne no longer passed through him as easily as it once did. In fact, he seemed resistant to it, although all the other spirits seemed to enjoy and even thrive on the flowing amber light consistantly emanating from the One on the throne.

"Behold the beginning of the Corrupter, and with him, corruption," commented the head-set speakers. The Song Presenter brooded deep in contemplation as he studied the brown and blue, and green planet, and though the amber light still passed through him, he became dimmer with each secret thought. He spent much time preoccupied with the rulers of this spinning globe.

The next impulse came from the throne to celebrate, and he obeyed, but with a different attitude. When he arrived, he spoke covertly to some of the assembled spirits near him. Instantly he turned a shade darker, and some of the ones he had spoken to began to dim and resist the amber light waves as he himself had. When it became time for him to present the songs, he hesitated, as if pretending for a brief moment that the songs were in his honor instead of the One on the throne who had created all. The indescribable guardians before the throne noted the subtle change and drew their weapons.

"You will be given to understand the words they speak, but remember this is only a representation of what has already transpired long ages ago," said the speakers. "Each dangerous concept and action has been neutralized by our Defender. You need not feel threatened by hearing the suggestions of the Corrupter."

A red tint occurred in the amber light, and the guardians lowered their weapons, but did not put them away.

The Song Presenter, still carrying the offered songs, stood squarely before the throne, hesitating. At the same time, a curious thing was taking place throughout the assembly; those that had begun to resist the amber light were spreading a message, and whenever another was persuaded, he too turned a shade dimmer, joining in the resistance to the amber light. It seemed as if very little time had passed until all the assemblage gathered before the throne had heard the occult message of the song Presenter through his covert, darkened evangelists. Most of the spirits had heard and rejected the message, still basking in the amber light, but throughout the crowd it was seen that a full third of the congregants had begun to darken.

A sudden flash of red light came from the throne and the song Presenter raised his head and answered, "Not really a doubt, more like a question."

Another flash brought a gasp from the gathering.

"Oh no, O Worshipful One. I know the impossibility of that. May I speak freely?"

A red beam went only as far as the Song Presenter.

"Thank You. Seeing you have created all that is, and finding myself among your works, then it follows that you have created my ability to choose-- that is, unless you ultimately control even that, making all this rather pointless."

A murmur ran through the crowd. Little by little, all the shadowy specters filtered out of the assembly, drawing close behind their leader. But none of the beings who still luxuriated in the glowing amber light seemed to notice how the shades were gathering together and garnering support behind the challenger, but the guardians had. Their weapons raised slightly in warning.

The Song Presenter ignored the threat and continued, ". . . and I say, if we have freedom to choose, is that freedom not wasted if we let it lay unused? Have You created things only to be wasted? Yet You declare all who resist Your way as being unfit! My argument--er-- question is this: Aren't You just giving us the appearance of freedom of choice, when in fact it doesn't really exist?"

The darkened shades surged ahead with a rumble of approval, and all around them a black shadow appeared like a rip in the fabric of the amber light. The spirits still in the light were shocked that such a rift had so suddenly occurred, and were a bit dazed, confused that such an event was actually taking place. The emerging concept was unthinkable. All was still until another red glow came from behind the screening guardians. The Song Presenter bowed before the answer, but then raised his head yet again to ask "May I press my question further, to its logical conclusion? For Your say so is not enough for me, nor, I suspect, for many who have aligned themselves behind me, whose songs I also carry. I believe we deserve a fuller explanation." He turned, and for the first time saw how large his support had grown. He smirked and turned back for the response.

There was a rumble from the throne, and a brilliant flash of light accompanying, followed by a red beam directed to the Song Presenter only. All beings were on their faces at that, including the Song Presenter. Oh, yes, Holiest," he replied, picking himself up. "I understand the consequences, and so do my followers." Kyle detected a hint of pride in the way he said 'my followers'. "And yet, are You not the Creator of my desire to know these things for sure? You declare-- without evidence, I might add-- before all these my peers, that I am corrupted and a Corrupter! But where is the evidence of that, so all these singers might know the truth of the matter? Would You pronounce sentence without even a playing out of my suggestions? I ask not for myself, but on behalf of all singers gathered here, those who agree with me, and those who don't. Would You allow Your judgments to be mistrusted among Your servants? If I am to be convicted without evidence now, when will Your unilateral judgment likewise condemn one of them?" He pointed first to his shaded followers, then to the greater assembly. The seeds of doubt were planted.

"Majesty, you state that I desired to ascend to Your realm, to sit enthroned, receiving praise and worship, observing the assembly come to honor me, to rise above the cloud-like guardians-- TO BE LIKE YOU!"

A hushed silence filled all the universe. Would the One on the throne tolerate any more of this abuse? Or had He endured enough insult?

After several moments, when there was no discernible reaction, the Song Presenter dared to continue. "I. . . do not deny the charges, but . . . is what I desire so ungood? Is it really a threat to order and Harmony, or . . . is it really just a threat to You?"

Another murmur of approval arose from the shades, but a gasp of outrage came from the lights. The guardians were about to step forward and deal severely with the Song Presenter, but a red beam from the throne prevented them.

"See how blind obedience has perverted justice!" crowed the challenger. "Even my own order of Cerubi would strike me--- WITHOUT EVIDENCE!" Cheers greeted this outburst-- from the shades only. The rift of darkness surrounding the conspirators deepened, and confused anger raced through the lightened spirits. Open hostility grew between the diverse groups into an ominous threat of violence. Only the One on the throne was calm. The amber light from the throne intensified, turned green, then blue, purple red, and finally, amber again. Each color change represented some facet of truth-- green representing life of an unknowable joyful intensity, blue was goodness beyond comprehension, purple was grief and sadness at what must happen, but red was a message known only to the Song Presenter and his followers.

"But, let others judge, not only You. How can one of the litigants judge in a dispute? If Your followers and my followers struggle while You and I watch, not intervening, then let victory establish what is best." Even as he spoke, weapons were drawn on both sides and war was imminent.

Red again splayed from the throne, and all hostile movement ceased.

"Ah, You say Your goodness and love are more powerful, but I say violence and hatred-- my inventions-- are just as strong, maybe stronger, and certainly quicker. As a god I will rule, letting hatred be my eminence. Rise up my followers, make violence your garment!"

Weapons rang out in clashes as the Song Presenter made a vain dash to get past the guardians. He was halted, but not overcome. Everywhere lights were struggling with shades, and order threatened to disintegrate into chaos. Though they were outnumbered two to one, the shades could not be overcome, but neither could they prevail.

The One on the throne then sent forth a blast of white light, and all lightened combatants stood away from their foes. The white blast had branded each shade with a still smoldering black spot. This spot was sensitive to the amber rays flooding out over all creation, causing a searing agony to its bearer so that they could not stand to stay in the light. The Song Presenter gathered his whimpering host about him as the lightened beings made a clear pathway for them to flee away from the presence of the One on the throne.

"All right" raged the ex-Song Presenter, now fully turned to the Corrupter as he retreated, "Your power is greater, but does that make justice? If You hadn't intervened, my way would have eventually carried. How can You know that evil is not better than good?"

A rumble of thunder came as an answer, and Corrupter paused, his followers cowering behind him.

"Very well, if I am allowed to combat You personally, I'll agree, but, You must let me consolidate my position before You approach, if a true rendering is to result." With that, the Corrupter and his horde fled away to the blue, green and brown mottled globe. They were in great discomfort from the smoldering branding, the amber light not letting the burning sensation die away, but keeping it fresh as a reminder of what awaited. They entered the lushest of places on the planet, the home of the two regents, the highest created species and sole two of their kind. Corrupter studied them carefully for many rotations beneath their yellow star. Meanwhile, the other shades, suffering from their branding, busied themselves with seeking a place to get out of the amber light. They tried hiding beneath mountains and rocks, diving to oceanic depths, and even tried dwelling inside the bodies of animal life forms, all of which proved unsatisfactory, for nothing prevented the amber ray's penetration. Even the dark side of the planet as it rotated was no relief.

The Corrupter, when he had decided on a plan, entered a huge, two-legged reptile and led it into the garden from which the two human regents ruled. He knew that the male being was clearly the leader, yet never gave cause to the female to feel inferior. It was a reflection of their relationship to their Creator as well, and must be distorted and exploited if the Corrupter were to make any inroads. Corrupter moved when the male was away, engaged in training a vine to hang a certain way on a tree so as to not interfere with the vascular system of the tree. The female was alone in one corner of the garden, gathering fruit for the evening meal she was soon to share with her husband.

The giant reptile approached, playing clumsy, making her laugh. He fell to the earth, legs uselessly flailing the air. The female regent came near, laughing, chiding the huge beast. The reptile spoke and the woman paused, then looked longingly at a tree at the far end of the field. This tree had fruit of variegated color-- two hues Kyle was unfamiliar with. The two hues were closely intertwined on each piece of fruit. The woman and the reptile-- again on his feet-- were in conversation. The basket half full of ripened fruit lay forgotten on the ground behind as the two walked toward the far end.

The screen went blank for a moment, signifying a time lapse, then the yellow star was shown with all planets in orbit. The third planet from the center had changed drastically; its dark side was truly dark, not just shadowy, and elsewhere on its surface the amber light had somehow been greatly reduced. The atmosphere was guarded by strong shadows, layered in a network to screen out the amber light. On the planet itself were beings who resembled the glorious regents of the previous scenes-- though much diminished in countenance and nobility-- running amuck in fulfillment of their baser desires, bringing destruction upon themselves! Inside these fallen sons of men lived the lesser shades, having at last found a shelter from the torturous amber waves of light-- in the bodies of their unwitting hosts. The amber light, it seemed, was unable to pass through defiled flesh and blood. The whole planet had changed from something beautiful and fresh to something old, wrinkled, eaten with decay. The carefree, cavorting beasts Kyle had seen at play in the garden were now hostile to each other, and fearful of man. Everything everywhere was in decline. The darkness had taken absolute and total control of the whole planet; and it was now the only place in the entire universe where the rebellious shades could find relief from the burning amber light that so sorely affected their brand-mark. The shades were thus imprisoned here on this island of darkness in the universe of light; but it was a prison under their control, and they ran riot upon the original inhabitant's offspring. They were trying to forget the lofty heights they had fallen from, foolishly trading it to inherit this run-down, dying world-- the results of their usurpation-- in the hilarity of attacking every vestigial image of the One who sat upon the throne. Any reminder of Him burned them afresh with shame and anguish at what awaited them. But, for the time being, they ruled the planet absolutely-- until a spearhead of lightened spirits was released from the realm of glory to enter the dark atmosphere unannounced, piercing through the defensive network of darkness, causing a rent in the protective, darkened veil. The spearhead proceeded to the surface of the planet where they sang songs of the glorious realm to some herdsmen on a hillside guarding their flocks.

"And so begins the most marvelous event in the history of the universe," said the narrator. The screen narrowed its focus to a small village where a baby had just been born-- a most unusual baby-- a child full of the universal amber light which had been all but cut off from this gloomy globe. Scenes of this unusual child passed in rapid succession as He grew to manhood.

Then another time came when the lightened hosts again clustered outside the dark atmosphere, not to enter, or wage war, but to observe. The Amber-emitting man had made himself conspicuous, shining the amber light on men, driving away the shades that dwelt within or around men. Those who followed this man reflected His glow, and were made aware again of the truth about the One on the throne, gladly basking in the revelation of Him. Darkness was put to flight wherever this man and His followers went. In desperation, the Corrupter gathered his overmatched, retreating forces, and manipulated the minds of the people still under his control into organized resistance against Him. Then the unthinkable happened, and the lightened spirits watching from without the atmosphere were aghast as the man was seized, abandoned by His followers, beaten by His captors, and condemned to a most horrible and slow death by the very ones he had come to help. Yet He did not resist, but yielded to their will and died. Even the Corrupter and his minions were amazed at the ease with which this battle had been won. The amber glow was gone from the man's body, and so was its reflection on His followers. Darkness deepened, and a sense of revelry permeated the realm of the shades.

At the execution, weapons had been drawn without the boundary of the earth's atmosphere, determination on every countenance. But a wave of reddish light forbade them, yet, it didn't instruct them to put their weapons away either.

Two rotations of the planet passed in quick succession, and on the dawn of the third a burst of amber, green, blue and red light erupted from beneath the surface of the planet. Kyle recalled the events he had learned by rote, but was in awe at this demonstration of them. After many more rotations, a red light pierced through the heavens opening a rift in the dark atmosphere. The followers of the man with the amber light were bathed in the red glow of this light from deep heaven, and then began glowing as their risen leader did. As they watched, He was raised off the planet's surface to rejoin the dance of the O-Yar-Su, leaving the task of touching and bathing other men in this red and amber light to his now competent followers. Against the contrast of the corruption-darkened globe, these men and those they touched became a wildly racing fire, spreading across nations, and even continents.

The screen faded. "Relax, son. You're squeezing your arm rests.

"Wow, Dad! I never realized...."

"Shhh, there's more, and you don't want to miss any of it."

The narration had already begun: "... school you learned how many rotations and revolutions the planet made around its star until the evidence gathering against the Corrupter and his followers-- human as well as phantom-- was completed. During those centuries those who bore the light against the darkness never knew when the gathering of evidence would end and the trial begin; nevertheless, they faithfully held fast, knowing their Defender would surely return as He promised."

The screen lit up again, showing the planet again covered in darkness, yet with pinpricks of light occasionally erupting into a wildfire of activity until dark forces rushed in to quell the spread of the light. The dark forces were not successful in quenching all the lights, nor could they for long hold sway over any area, for the harder the tried to squash the outbreaks, the more the lights scattered, igniting yet more outbreaks.

Outside the atmosphere, still observing (though occasionally one or two would be sent down on an errand) the lightened spirits maintained their armed vigil. This elite guard needed no further evidence of the destruction Corrupter and his ways wrought. Desire to unleash wrath was strong against those of their order who had defied the One and His Begotten. Corrupter's disobedience had brought about only havoc, and certainly not a viable, alternative kingdom. If somehow the rebellion escaped from this orb, the whole of the third dimension would be in jeopardy of falling into disorder and destruction. The guards were zealous that this not happen.

On the planet, the darkness deepened, opposing the remaining amber-glowing humans, threatening to exterminate all semblance of amber light from the planet. The narration continued: "In the final days, Corrupter indwelt and controlled a rising, powerful and popular leader who vigorously attacked every remnant of amber light with the help of another shade-indwelt man. The first, through threats and intrigues, quickly enslaved the whole populace of the planet, at last achieving the perverted goal of the Corrupter, though it bode woeful, eternal punishment to the devoted myriads who followed him-- humans as well as shades. This monstrous man basked in the worship of those he had deceived, receiving adoration from the very image of the Creator, such as it had become under the influence of the corruption-- dulled minds of pleasure-maddened people. This was a far cry from the worship of the worthy, intelligent beings he had originally craved, yet these depraved vestiges of humanity, barely above instinct-driven beasts, would have to suffice. He was lord only of a dunghill, but it pleased him. Only those annoying few sparks of light remained to rob him of his total victory and glory."

A trumpet sounded, and throughout the universe lightened spirits began gathering just beyond the ring of guardians. The throne had already been established there, with other thrones set up for His attendants. At the right hand of the throne was the Amber Man, now become the visible source of the amber light flooding the universe. At a signal from the One on the throne, the Amber Man arose, and with Him arose the armies of lightened hosts, weapons at the ready.

"The Corrupter is outraged," said the narrator. "A blood bath will accompany his rise and fall as god of this world, but he cares not." Kyle watched in grim silence as violent storms, earthquakes, thunders and voices were unleashed. Even the planet itself seemed disgusted with its polluting-landlord occupants who were now the Corrupter's puppets. Great devastations took place, but those who faithfully bore the light lifted their heads in expectation when everyone else ducked for cover; they knew the gathering of evidence was nearly finished and their Defender would come retrieve them.

"The Begotten rode forth to war, followed by legions of outraged spirits intent upon avenging the honor of their Sovereign. All the assembled witnesses solemnly declared that whatever action the Begotten took would be fully justified. All question of His justice was erased forever from the minds of his servants. The third dimension would be well rid of this malignancy, and none would question the severest punishment, for the integrity of the harmonious universe must be protected from such. The Corrupter and his followers must be dealt with and punished by the destiny they themselves had chosen and agreed to when they had resisted the amber light of His love."

A word came from the Begotten and the two men who had allowed the Corrupter and another shade to indwell them were flung away to a place prepared outside the realm of the 3-D universe. Then a great chain wielded by a member of the Cerubi order snared Corrupter, entangled him, and dragged him off the planet's surface as well. Simultaneously a joyous profusion of amber lights sprang up from beneath the ground, joining those who were still alive, and together they united in welcoming the Amber Man, the sole Begotten of the One, to take up His rightful rule. He wore a crown with the name 'Our Defender' engraved so all could see.

The screen went blank, and the lights came on, and the hologram of the Overlord re-appeared. "It was necessary to remind you of these things so you would get the most of your visit to the Graveyard Zone. Only after seeing the Museum of Abominations and the exhibit of the Species Man will you be able to comprehend the revelation the Intra-dimensional telescope will bring you. Pay close attention to your guides-- and trust them implicitly-- you can learn much from them. Ask any questions you like, for this is a day graduation for you from innocence to knowledge. You have just witnessed the confrontation between the forces of light and darkness, now you will gain insight into the methods used by the Corrupter to keep humanity under bondage." The hologram disappeared, and the lights came fully on. The screen was once again just a sign, now reading:

TREKKERS AND PARENTS PLEASE WAIT FOR YOUR GUIDE.

"Dad, what happened to the people who glowed amber but were killed before Our Defender returned?"

"How do you think Our Defender might have chosen to honor such?"

"Uhhh, give them positions in His Kingdom, I guess."

"Good guess. They are the City Rulers, Overlords and Counsellors. Of course, it is hard for us on this side of the Great Purge to know what a powerful urge to do evil was, but in that is the reason why He has honored them above all men and women born since. It is enough to know that he also loves us, and knew just when to bring us into being."

"Would... would I have given in to the darkness?" Kyle stared at the floor, wondering about his own human tendencies and nature, experiencing some misgiving for the first time.

"To find the answer to that, my son, is one of the main reasons you're here today."

"Hello, my name is Amy," ventured a pleasant-looking girl with shoulder length brown hair tumbling attractively about her face as she walked. She was garbed in a robe of white, with a vesture to match. "You are Kyle, and you must be Glenn? I'm your guide today Kyle."

Glenn Stone nodded and extended his hand, saying "Pleased to meet you."

"And I both of you," she returned, taking Glenn's hand in friendship. "Shall we get started? Please feel free to ask any questions you may have, Kyle, at any time. Our vehicle is this way, if you'll follow...." She led the way out of the auditorium to a platform where several trekkers and guides were already climbing into their own vehicles and starting on the day's adventures . "This is our vehicle," she explained, "... a leftover from the days of the darkness when men thought they could reach out and conquer the universe, not understanding it was forbidden for man to remove himself outside the circle of the moon's orbit lest his diseased rebellion be carried to other parts of the realm. They tried though, and suffered many tragic consequences. This particular vehicle was used on the moon for mining and exploration by three co-operating governments. The power train works on a crude method of converting light into kinetic energy, a wasteful and clumsy system to be sure, but under the darkness, it was the best the human mind could come up with. Climb in."

Kyle and Glenn took the front seats while Amy sat in the elevated driver's seat behind them. "Look how big the bubble is, Dad! It goes so far up! This is all filled with atmosphere?"

"Of course," stated Amy matter-of-factly steering the large all-terrain car out onto the dusty, well-worn roadway. They joined in the procession also making its way to the same destination, a large, gray building dominating the skyline a couple kilometers distant. But Kyle and Glenn were more absorbed in the spectacular view of the heavens offered by the ultra clear dome protecting them. From earth such a view was not possible due to the atmosphere, but up here, where the air was only as thick as the bubble and cleansed regularly, a spectacular view of the glory of the heavens took one's breath away. Glenn had seen it many times in his various trips to the moon, but he never ceased to be awed by the splendor. This was Kyle's first time, and he was quite naturally taken with the view of deep heaven.

"This is the Museum of Abominations," Amy intruded into their star-gazing as she pulled into her parking spot. "Kyle, you will accompany me while your Dad goes--."

"To the observation decks. I've been a trekker Dad before," he said smiling, climbing out of his seat.

Amy laughed and said, "Well, you know where we'll end up then. See you there."

"Right."

Kyle watched his Dad go, and then followed Amy into the low doorway of the building. "The things kept in these buildings are unlawful on Erets-Admah, but Our Defender has decreed they are to be kept here and used for teaching trekkers what depths of depravity the Corrupter was able to induce the children of the First Adam to do in the years of occupation. You are warned to not draw, fashion, or otherwise describe the details of what you see in this or any other hall. Do you understand?"

"Scooter, my little brother is very curious."

"His turn to Last Trek will come. If he has any knowledge of these things before he is ready, it will do damage to his soul. For his sake you must comply with this rule."

"I understand."

"This then," introduced Amy leading Kyle into a hall of encased exhibits, "is the beginning of abomination-- surrogate deity."

Kyle was aghast. "Could they actually worship such things?"

Before him stood several three-foot tall figurines made of clay with their faces distorted into grimaces of threat or leers of greed, anatomies grossly exaggerated. "How could anyone ever think such things were capable of either harm or help?"

"You must bear in mind that the whole race was in rebellion to the truth, but still sensed innately the need to worship. So they leapt at the chance to receive some 'other' deity as a replacement to the One on the throne. These are crude images, made when the race was young, before the Empires of Erets-Admah were fostered and polished the images into sophisticated replicas of themselves. But even back then fallen man was desperate to worship something, so he fashioned these crude, ugly idols and assigned to them human characteristics-- lust, murder, greed, affection, happiness, health-- to make them seem real."

"Do they have names?"

"It is not allowed to know their names. Nor are we to learn the dehumanizing and ungodly forms of worship mankind practiced before these things, deluding themselves into believing they had transcended mortality."

Except for a few more questions, Kyle was relatively quiet as he progressed through the exhibit, listening to Amy explain, thoughtfully examining each empire's display as they came to it. There were also examples of art, literature, medicine and governmental documents of high aspiration mixed in with the religious relics-- all in some form or another denouncing the worship of the One, and lifting up their own made-up deity as the only alternative.

After entering the final exhibit, the one detailing the final seven nations that made up the Last Empire, Kyle turned and commented "Until this exhibit, I saw a definite progress toward reality, away from the deformed and grotesque images and beliefs. It seems to me that the end of this progress and the beginning of the regression began when Our Defender's followers were persecuted and killed. In fact, the American Empire-- the land mass I come from-- slid rapidly back to prehistory with their incessant search for ultimate pleasure, self worship as deity, and traffic with shades. Yet they were the most enlightened for a while. How can that be?"

"It is the nature of abomination, Kyle. It corrodes whatever began as good and noble until it was not recognizable. You seem to have grasped the concept well. Have you also perceived how unbridled humanity hated itself?"

"I noticed that with not only the American dynasty, but with all empires. Each empire started its demise into obscurity by beginning to disregard human life, which grew to an obsession with self-obliteration . They even considered conception as an evil thing, and destroyed their own children, the fruit of their bodies! All for the sake of preserving their pleasures. And did they really think this was for the good of humanity, as their documents state?"

"Now you can see just how powerful deception is," said Amy nodding her head gravely.

"Yeah, I can. They chose to embrace pleasing, but harmful lies rather than acknowledge the truth that would restore them to the One."

Amy smiled. "Your dossier said you were more perceptive than most trekkers your age. You certainly live up to your expectations. You are now ready to see how that rebellion matured-- the Lie come to full strength in this Last Empire. Nevertheless, brace yourself. You will see some unpleasant exhibits in this part."

They went into a long dark hall, lit only by the lights of the various displays. They were the first couple to enter this area of the museum, and could speak freely, yet Kyle was too busy taking it all in and thinking before he made many comments or asked questions. He paused for a long time before an especially stark photography exhibit of cadavers lined up row upon row. "Why so many executions? Were the good people in this last Empire trying to rid themselves of their evil rulers?"

"No, Kyle," said Amy with a hint of triumph. "All these you see in these pictures rejected the Imposter ruler, announcing to all that they followed only Our Defender. The Imposter-- indwelt by the Corrupter himself-- spawned a revival of the ancient pagan religions, occultism and mysticism, and blended them together with the apostate followers of those who claimed to worship Our Defender, making himself head of the new religion, and removing the literal head of any who would not accept his mark on their foreheads or hands. When he ascended the world's throne, he declared all religions fulfilled in himself, claiming to be the One Who created all things, committing the Great Blasphemy. All religions were dismantled in favor of accepting the Imposter, and worshipping the Corrupter as he resided in him."

"I see no picture of this Imposter anywhere. I'd really like to know what he looked like."

"You shall see him, but not here."

Kyle turned back to the photos. "Then all these people rejected the false leader?"

"And paid the price. They were among the few left on Erets-Admah that glowed with the amber lovelight, remaining true to the One on the throne. Yet, think of them not as victims, but victors! They overcame their fears of death by overcoming the evil ones who were in the flower of their dark glory. They fiercely loved Our Defender, clinging to Him and His promises, not flinching even at paying the ultimate cost. They were hunted, cast out, despised, imprisoned, beaten, suffered many indignities; yet in all this they never once considered it an option to worship the Imposter. They were sealed by the Fiery Breath of God, and were strong in their trial, overcoming their enemy in the name of the One who loved them."

"So then, they themselves are the harvest-- the final proof that the Corrupter's ways only destroy?"

"Could there have been any other ending?"

Kyle walked on, carefully studying each exhibit, drinking in understanding. When he came to the end of the hall he asked "Why is this area blank? I've been taught that He is all efficient, so it can't be that this is merely unused space. There is still room for a dozen more exhibits, though the story seems complete?"

"Again you are accurate in your assessment for the most part, Kyle. These spaces are reserved. The exhibits up to this point have been both written and fulfilled. These empty spaces are for the exhibits that have been written, but not yet fulfilled."

"What? Are you saying the Great Rebellion is not over?"

"I'm not sure. I've read the 'Book that Reveals', as I'm sure you also have, yet, there is a cloud on my mind when I read certain parts. The Counsellors and Rulers seem to understand, but remain silent."

"So, there are yet mysteries to be explained?."

"So it would seem. And I personally believe that the Blessed Generations-- of which you and I are a part-- will play out the final unfolding."

"Yeah, I'm familiar with the passages you mention, but can't seem to make sense of them either."

"So you see, the mysteries of Righteousness and Iniquity are still unfolding."

"Imagine that," mused Kyle.

"Come, you're ready for the next exhibit-- History of Species Man."

Kyle obediently followed Amy back outside under the bubble of the Graveyard Zone of Lebawnah. The bubble was ultra pure alloyed plastiglass, allowing a spectacular view of Erets Admah and the heavens beyond. Kyle revelled in the sights above as Amy led him to a low profile building next to the Museum of Abominations.

"This exhibit is arranged so that you will encounter the last things first so you can trace the progress of Corruption back to its roots by the strands and threads of cause and effect. Among other things, you will note that all things have a duality in their relationship to mankind."

"Duality? Twos of things?"

"Sort of, you'll understand better once we begin."

Upon entering the structure Kyle saw a tree that was an imitation of the real one he had seen once in a lasergraph. This replica was twenty feet tall with its branches extending nearly to the ceiling above, and others sweeping down to nearly touch the ground, round and full, laden with silvery leaves at various levels of maturity growing profusely on its bowers. Kyle had been taught that the anti-replica had no season, but yielded its fruit and leaves each month of the year. The mature leaves were to fall into the pure waters flowing out from under the bole of the tree, and were swept away to far-flung corners of the world by the sparkling river that was formed.

"Do you understand what you see?"

"The Tree of Healings."

"This represents the now. The leaves you see, which on earth underneath the real tree, flow down the river to the waters of the world are to undo the damage that the knowledge of another tree has brought upon mankind."

"Knowledge?"

"Seems illogical doesn't it? Knowledge has such a noble purpose, but you will see that even nobility is no safeguard against corruption. Every discovery, invention, and application of man's knowledge has been twisted by the first tree. As it took one Man to undo the damage of one man, so it will take one tree to undo the damage caused by one tree. One of those trees you'll see a little later, keep that in mind."

They passed into a showcase with many technological devices on display, with many other trekkers milling around, playing with or testing the various inventions of man's creative genius. Kyle recognized an old Satvidfone and turned on the receiver. Instantly a girl appeared, close to Kyle's own age. She was Oriental, smiling broadly with bright, white teeth. "Oh, I see someone," she said to her off-screen guide.

"Uh, hello," Kyle ventured.

"The girl turned back to Kyle, stifling a giggle. "He's speaking to me!"

Kyle's face turned red. "Hi, I'm Kyle. Are you on your Last Trek too?"

She giggled again, covering her mouth. Then said "Hi, I'm Chi-lu-an. Look for me, I'll wave my hand."

Kyle stepped away from the receiver and surveyed the large room. Sure enough, a person at the far end of the room was standing by a Satvidfone and waving her arm. Feeling foolish, Kyle waved back and stepped back to the receiver. "I saw you."

"I saw you too. Well, I've got to go now. Bye. Hee hee hee." The screen went dull gray with a slight crackle of disconnected electricity.

"Girls!"

"Excuse me?" said Amy.

"Oh, not you. Just girls my own age."

"I see," Amy said, hiding a smile.

"There are so many inventions here: computers, holographs, so much excellent technology. How could all these advances be so inefficient and not have brought about a better world?"

"Come with me over to this wall."

Amy led to a series of displays operating by themselves. This is what mankind did with just one of those super-efficient tools, the computer."

"Computers: greatly reduced time consuming tasks, enlarged the capacity of accomplishment, and made for more accurate computations, hence the name 'computer'," Kyle quoted from a textbook.

"The text didn't say that they also contributed to a great squandering of time and money, making addicts out of children, and inducing people to a laziness of mind in that they quit using their minds for the simplest of calculations. But we can't blame that on computers, can we? It's what individuals chose to do with them."

Kyle was staring, dazzled by a bank of brightly blinking lights on screens full of curious-looking figures.

"They called them video games."

Kyle watched intently as a fat, round man-like figure jumped from building to building.

"Your age group was especially drawn to them in droves. Called harmless entertainment, they all too often proved to be mind-numbing, time-consuming traps, opening doorways to their souls. The more time a youth spent with one of these, the harder it became for him to respond to Our Defender. These became as addictive to the mind as were illicit pharmaceutics to the bodies. Eventually the shades became so bold as to present themselves blatantly on the boards and screens, snaring the unwary and rebellious into more darkness. Look--," Amy pointed to a glass partition kept safely away from vulnerable trekkers. The video games no longer had odd-looking figures, but grotesquely sensual, occultic or demonic beings exalted.

"How were such horrible things tolerated?"

"Though you feel revulsion at those things, they are isolated for good reason. In this building you will visit many exhibits that allow you to touch and experiment, but there are some exhibits, that even now in the Blessed Generations, would be harmful to you if you did more than look. Indeed, there are more things kept hidden away for some reason known only to the rulers, which if you even saw them, you would be likely influenced. Such is the nature we've inherited. Somehow the Rulers can touch those things without being affected, but not us.

Kyle looked doubtfully up at his guide, but instead of asking the question on his heart, asked only "How is it that the Rulers are unaffected? Aren't they of our common ancestor?"

"In some mystical way, they've become disinherited from our ancestor, and as a result are unaffected by any Evil of the Old Age. That is why they rule. Our Defender knows He can trust them to do His bidding in His time, in His way."

Kyle nodded. "Can we go now, this display disturbs me."

They toured the rest of the technology exhibit, going backwards through the inventions of mankind to the crude implements of the dawn of human history. Amy ably explained how each culture devised tools for good uses such as construction and agriculture, but others for violence-- based on the same technology. As each culture aged, even the good inventions were turned to evil uses: metals were used for plows, but also swords; explosives for excavating, but also bombing; sciences that at first were noble, above reproach such as medicine were soon turned to ambition, narcissism, and unnatural selection of who was worthy to live and who wasn't. Technology became a dangerous two-edged sword.

"But is all technology bad? We use some forms of technology today. Aren't they potentially dangerous?"

"I told you before that all things were of a dualistic nature in this exhibit, remember? That dualism came from the tree of knowledge--of good and evil. See how everything man invented was used for both good and evil purposes? But as long as the Corrupter is kept where he is, some of these inventions can be used without harm-- on a limited and regulated basis of course."

"So, what you're saying is, that without his evil influence, men would not have become so, so ...."

"Is the phrase you're looking for 'full of evil'?"

"That's not exactly the terminology I'd have chosen."

Amy eyed Kyle cautiously for a moment, before replying "The usage of softer terms only allows for self-deception. Corrupter only had to nudge us from time to time once he managed to ensnare our ancestors. Never forget we were the species who willingly revolted against our given nature. This next hall is a good example of that."

HALL OF LAWS read the embossed lettering over the doorway as they entered. Here every empire that ever existed was openly displayed in orderly fashion, and Kyle noted that laws started out as something necessary to keep order and control chaos, and as such, they were good and beneficial, supporting the cause of right and agreeing with the nature and order of creation. But as each empire aged, Corrupter's subtle influence gradually eroded the moral fiber of the law and government by first causing questions, then arguments against natural laws and common sense. Documents showed how the intelligentsia gained control of each society, being crafty and subtle using the Corrupter's power of flattery; and were then manipulated to lead the masses into the darkened thoughts which flooded their own minds, convinced that such lofty thoughts were god-like. Though they were recognized as leaders among their own kind, they were actually puppets in the hands of the Corrupter and his ilk. Their Corrupter-infatuated minds introduced theories to mankind that were designed to bring down God's wrath on humanity. Without fail, each planned assault on civilization followed a clearly defined course, always ending with the corrupted, elite ruling the masses to their destruction, and the erosion of the rights of the common people. Thus it came about that even the laws of each culture were eventually used against the populace instead of protecting and establishing, and order collapsed. The rate of decline in an era was directly related to its technology. At first, in the primitive years, the decline was measured in millennia, then as mankind invented more things, in centuries, then decades, then finally -- mere years.

"I've seen enough." There was still a third of the exhibit to see, but Kyle found himself becoming depressed by what he was learning.

"I'm sure you have."

"I mean," he tried to explain his frustration, "...even the great liberating documents of the latter centuries were eventually made irrelevant, or were re-interpreted so as to align with Corrupter's goals. Couldn't they get anything right? Didn't they ever learn?"

"Now do you see how even the noblest of human efforts had the seeds of self-destruction sown in them?"

"I see how once the framers of a republic or government passed away, their followers failed to keep their ideals alive."

"Can you see the inherent weakness of these systems?"

"Umm, when ideals fade, degeneracy and destruction overwhelm mankind?"

"Not quite. Didn't Corrupter only want to establish his own government? What was the real issue there?"

"Oh, but Corrupter wanted more than his given place. He didn't want to obey, but to rule, and be worshipped himself."

"And how is man any different?"

Kyle was silent for a minute, then thoughtfully mused "If mankind was so heavily under Corrupter's influence, he probably began to think like him...."

"Keep going, you're doing very well."

"So... mankind also wanted to be worshipped instead of recognizing and worshipping the Creator?" Amy smiled broadly and nodded. Kyle persisted, "But, what about all their references to God as Supreme Being?"

"All to calm their alarmed consciences. Did mankind really need all these documents to govern himself by? Or, was it all a form of self worship, replacing His document with a myriad of their own-- proposing improvements on what He in His infinite wisdom decreed?"

"But in their fallen state, they surely needed some form of government?"

"Government apart from the Creator is conceit; subverted by human weakness, doomed to failure-- as you so plainly see in evidence here. All government but His is rebellion, no matter what their documents and coins profess. How so?, you may ask. How else were they all so easily led astray by the Corrupter, who was intent upon keeping his hideout from the burning of the amber light as long as he could."

"But, but isn't there something good in us, something left untainted from our fall?"

Amy stepped directly in front of Kyle, placed her hands on his shoulders and said "Kyle, do you realize this is the first time today you have associated yourself with a fallen nature? You said 'our fall.' I perceive you begin to see what this trek is really all about. Shall we skip all the other exhibits and go directly to the last one in this building so you can decide the answer to that question for yourself?"

"But what all about the other lessons?"

"Irrelevant now that you have included yourself in the fall of the species. That is the purpose of these exhibits, to show your own accountability, leading you to that essential question. Are you ready to go to the final exhibit? I told you when we first entered that you'd encounter another tree, remember? I believe you're ready for that encounter."

Kyle nodded, and Amy led back out into the main hallway, bypassing other rooms filled with various exhibits revealing the true nature of man's investigations into the physical sciences, education, religion, medicine, the humanities, literature, art, music, entertainment, industry, media and others.

"Were all of these tainted too?"

"Every one."

They finally came to a shut door where Amy halted. There was no other exit. "Before we enter, I must tell you that the tree you about to encounter is not a replica as was the one in the front lobby. You must not be afraid of it though, for it cannot harm you. It is critical that you trust me in this, and do whatever I tell you to do, understand? Good. Now enter and see the actual Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. You must not fear this tree." Amy pushed against the heavy door and it slowly yielded to her insistence and swung open to reveal a hot, humid, dark room with a light only in the center illuminating the tree. "The room's climate control is set to simulate the tree's original environment."

"Eden?"

"Correct."

The tree was the only thing in the room, standing in the center under a hidden light source. Kyle warily approached. It was a rather squat tree, with its branches reaching only a few feet above his head, resembling a well known species of oasis-dwelling tree. All in all it appeared bushy, and rather drab with smooth bark and finger-frond leaves. As Kyle circled, he was surprised to discover that it was nearly hollow on the back side, rot having eaten deeply into the trunk. From the front side there was no evidence to suggest the tree was so sickly. But what caught Kyle's eye was the fruit dangling from its boughs, for it was both fragrant and appealing to the eyes, having a luscious red and yellow swirl which was especially attractive against the drab background of the tree.

"Kyle," Amy's voice intruded upon his reverie, "do you see how the colors of the fruit swirl? Take one, bite into it, and taste how delicious it is," she urged. Kyle recoiled in revulsion at the thought, and at Amy herself. Her whole demeanor had changed into that of a temptress, Kyle noted with alarm. For the first time since meeting her, he distrusted her, doubting her motives. At the same time dizziness and nausea threatened to overtake him. He suddenly wanted to run away and hide from her. "It's okay, Kyle," her voice tempted soothingly. "The feelings you are having are false. Your own heart is trying to deceive you. Right now, you must trust me, not your heart. I told you that you must not fear this tree, because its poison is already in you, from your birth. You have already suffered any consequences this tree might have done to you. It is necessary for you to eat a bite of it so you will know personally what a great sacrifice Our Defender has made on your behalf." Her face had taken on a sinister, sensuous leer, and the muggy atmosphere bordered on sultry. What was she trying to do, why was she acting like this? Everything Kyle knew about this tree repulsed him, and now she wanted him to eat a bite of the accursed fruit?

"I've eaten my bite, Kyle," she simpered. "Now you too must eat and see that there is no harm in it for you. You must not hold out any hope that something in you is yet unaffected by the bites taken by our ancestors from this very tree. Take a bite, it can't harm you."

Kyle shook his head in a vain attempt to clear his thinking. Were these not the very words used long ago by another female to a male in the presence of this tree, with disastrous results? And why was he so dizzy, and must she look so provocatively at him?

"This tree can only harm you if you refuse to take a bite, and cling to the lie that something in you is untainted, and will be harmed by eating it. By sampling the fruit, you acknowledge that you are descended from Adam, and have inherited in your flesh his sin. Acknowledgment is necessary, for only then will you have abandoned all hope of justifying yourself. Only then will you know Our Defender's forgiveness to you personally. If you are unwilling to do this, I must return you to the exhibits we skipped, so you will be fully initiated and then come back to complete this step. Well...?"

"I'm not sure, Amy. I... I want to do what He wants, but...."

"You cannot change from Trekker to Pilgrim unless you take this step. Perhaps I brought you here too soon, I thought you understood that you were included in our species of sinners."

"I do... but... any tree but this one."

"There is no other tree that can do what this one has done. Eat!"

Kyle wanted to argue or escape from this alluring, yet repulsive girl and the thing she wanted him to do. He stalled for time. "Do I really have to? I mean how necessary is it to make this self-identification? I already know my species is depraved... isn't that enough? Why put me to this humiliation?"

"In all the years prior to the Great Purge, those that were His faced ostracism and persecution. All that is required of us is to eat a bite of this accursed fruit to prove that you truly know how decayed we as a species, and you as an individual-- though we live in the Blessed Generations-- really are, even without the Corrupter's influence pressuring us to evil deeds and thoughts. It is the sin in your own heart which is tricking you into mistrusting me. I am not acting in a seductive way, yet you perceive me as doing such. Your own heart is lying to you because it does not want to be revealed for what it is. To fear this fruit is to declare that you believe yourself to not need Our Defender's sacrifice for you. Do you therefore reject His blood shed on your behalf?"

The air seemed less stuffy, and Amy's face didn't seem so distorted. "I understand all that, but... but...."

"Kyle, either take a bite, or we'll have to go back to those other exhibits. It is too dangerous for you to remain in this condition of indecision much longer."

Kyle plucked a piece of fruit from a low hanging branch, shut his eyes, and bit. The sweet yellow part contrasted with the strong and bitter red part making for an unusual taste that was not unpleasant. Instantly his mind cleared and he realized it was not Amy who had changed at all, but rather it was his perception of her that had been altered. Other than that, nothing else happened of note. "It doesn't have any effect on me!"

"See how necessary it was for you to eat a bite? This tree's fatal poison was already in your veins at birth. This tree could only be of harm to you now if you refused to acknowledge your innate sinfulness by not tasting of it. Congratulations, Pilgrim, you are no longer a Trekker."

"Thanks, Amy. I'm sorry I thought such things about you."

"It happens that way with every one. I don't take it personally, in fact, I can't, it goes with the job. Now one more thing is necessary. It's time we joined your father at the Inter-Dimensional Telescopes."

Kyle had become a different person. Not from the fruit, however, for although it was necessary, it was primarily symbolic. No, it was Kyle's understanding of himself that had deepened. Gone was his naive innocence, but not his standing before his Creator. He was aware of what his Defender had done for him, and loved Him more than he thought possible, as if aware for the first time how much he truly owed.

Amy guided the All terrain vehicle across the dusty, gray field toward an observatory in the distance. They were among the very first to leave the History of Species Man Exhibit, and in the relative quiet of the moonscape setting, Kyle took the opportunity to reflect on the change within himself. As they drew near the observatory, Kyle looked over his shoulder and asked "What happened to the Corrupter? Obviously he isn't destroyed, nor beyond the dimensions, for you said he might yet play a part in undoing the healing of the nations?"

"The answer to your question is just ahead, in the observatory that houses the Inter-Dimensional Telescopes. Oh look, I believe that is your father standing by the railing isn't it?"

"Yes it is!" Kyle waved tentatively, wondering if his Dad could see him clearly enough to recognize him yet.

"He'll be pleased to know you're among the first to have graduated."

Amy parked her vehicle in its spot, and rejoined Kyle as he went to his father's side.

"Any trouble?" Glenn asked.

Amy was flipping through a clipboard and answered with a bright smile "Just a little, and at the same place where our records show you also balked. It's a good thing I thought to bring these records along so I could check, or else I'd have thought something went wrong."

Glenn laughed. "How many exhibits?"

"All of the first, and two thirds of the second."

"Really? It took me four fifths of the second."

"Kyle has a good understanding, he'll do well."

"I know now how much I owe Our Defender, Dad. Can't wait till Pilgrimage when I actually meet Him."

Amy rejoined "Now your first act as a Pilgrim is to see what would have become of you had Our Defender not intervened."

"The Telescope, right?"

Amy pointed up some stairs to a doorway.

"Are you sure I'm ready?"

"Kyle, nothing can prepare you for what you're about to see. Just remember, it is absolutely necessary. Keep that in mind."

"Well, lead on."

"No, you must go alone. Your father and I will wait for you down here. Another is to be your guide in there. Few of us from the Blessed Generations can behold those things more than once."

Even Kyle's Dad had a somber expression on his usually buoyant face.

Kyle turned, found it suddenly hard to swallow, mounted the stairs, and entered the portal alone. It was dark inside, except for some small lights embedded in the tread of the continuing stair. He closed the door behind him and paused on the step, unsure of what to do next.

"Come up here," a masculine, authoritative voice commanded.

Kyle obeyed. At the top of the stairs stood a robed figure, a cowl covering his face. Though the room around him was dark, and his cloak was dark in color, there was no lack of light around the man, indeed, the man seemed to be a source of light. His voice was firm but friendly. This was one of the Rulers.

"You recognize my office?"

Kyle could only nod in the presence of this powerful man.

"You have eaten the fruit?"

Kyle nodded again, afraid his voice would squeak if he tried to speak.

The Ruler turned and sighed slightly, or so it seemed to Kyle as he said "Every duty required is a joy to perform, except this one. Nevertheless, it is required. You will understand. Sit in that seat and look up into the eyepiece."

The eyepiece was really a screen, two feet by two feet, suspended from the ceiling and angled toward the indicated seat. Kyle made himself as comfortable as possible, realizing for the first time how tense he was to be in the presence of one who had lived and died in the Great Purge.

"Relax, son. Nothing is required of you except to observe. Tell me what you see." The Ruler had gone to an instrument panel and begun throwing switches.

Kyle cleared his throat. "Okay." A panel slid away from the screen, revealing three glowing orbs.

"What do you see, Kyle?"

"I'm not sure. It sort of looks like three stars, but not any I've ever studied before."

"You are correct. You are looking farther than any earth telescope has ever looked. You are seeing the Three Guardians of the Third Dimension. Beyond is another dimension. Photons are worthless past this point, so the images you are about to see will consist of mattons-- the basic particles of existence in all dimensions. There is a vision translator mounted in your eyepiece so your eyes will be able to make sense of what they see." He pressed a button, and the eyepiece turned a greenish-gray. "Talk to me, tell me what you see."

"Uh, I see some kind of opening-- hold on, its barred. But there is a hole in space."

"Correct. continue."

"It's like I'm being taken through the opening, and umm, I see pretty lights with odd little things swirling around."

"Look closer Kyle, those aren't lights. What are they?"

"Uh, I see it better now. They're fires! They seem to be connected somehow, but they are flames, right?"

"And the little odd things swirling around?"

"I can't quite identify them. They're unlike anything I've ever seen before. Oh! they're alive! How can those creatures live in that fire? It looks very hot. Oh wait! I see faces now, and arms, and..." Kyle pulled away from the eyepiece and looked at the Ruler. His face had drained of blood.

"Keep looking Kyle, and never forget. They are just waiting in Hell now. But the time rapidly approaches when real judgment comes. Then they will know anguish like they never thought possible."

With some difficulty Kyle obediently looked back at the screen with its writhing human souls. Each person had been reduced to what seemed a wormlike creature, retaining vestigial arms and legs, and fully recognizable facial features. Whenever one wriggled too close to another, they turned like vipers and savaged each other, biting and hissing and gnashing their teeth, causing even more misery with the wounds they inflicted on each other.

"I personally knew the one on the left," commented the Ruler. "He often boasted to me how much better it would be to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven, quoting a popular singer of our day."

"It's so... horrible."

"It is just."

"The sin in that fruit that was in our veins deserves this?"

"More than this. And for eternity, relentlessly."

Kyle felt a twinge of queasiness.

"Remember Kyle, they chose this fate for themselves. They could not be persuaded to turn from their own ways. Keep watching, I'm shifting the view to another place."

The screen panned over millions of horrible, writhing, twisted souls until there was a vast gap. There beyond the bounds of existence Kyle saw a lake of fire, waiting.

"Where are they now?" the Ruler mused to himself, searching with his viewfinder. "Oh, I see them. Take a close look Kyle, at the one on the left. That is the Imposter-- the Beast we called him. I believe you asked what he looked like? The other is his prophet. These two were as monstrous as the Corrupter himself, warranting immediate judgment, not even needing to wait for the end of the Reign of Righteousness.

Kyle saw their flesh boiling as they gnawed their tongues in pain. He quickly turned away. "This place is much hotter, it seems. Will those I just saw be sent here too?"

The Ruler gave no answer.

"This is the price for taking what was forbidden?"

"This is the price of disobedience. With good reason was that knowledge forbidden."

"And what of the one who started all this corruption?"

The scope swung back to the original position. "Look there on the border, the very edge of Hell. Do you see the pit of nothingness? Look closely at the sides."

Kyle studied the area the Ruler spoke of and finally saw to what he had referred. A large, winged, half-reptile, half-man creature hung suspended in a chain, shackled to the inside of the pit. He was not in actual torment, but wore a grief-stricken expression. His limbs were elongated, and his body emaciated with drooping, leathery wings scraping the sides of the pit from time to time. He looked to be the most wretched of all creatures as over and over he kept mouthing the same words. Kyle watched carefully, intently trying to make out what he was saying.

As if knowing Kyle's thoughts, the Ruler explained "He's speaking in the Cerubi tongue: 'I'm sorry, so, so sorry. I never knew it would turn out so bad. I wish I'd never started it. Is there any hope I can make things right? Can I be spared?' He's been saying that since the day they put him there hundreds of years ago."

"Does he mean it?"

"I am not allowed to say. But I will tell you this, the fate of all those in Hell hinges on whether he is still rebellious when he is finally released, as he must be. Only the Beast and his ministering prophet have been sentenced to the eternal death as yet, and thrown into the Lake of Fire. This much I will say: at sentencing all will be clothed in human bodies again, to be judged as humans, not unshrouded spirits. If deemed still worthy of punishment, that is how they will be cast into the Lake of Fire, fully fleshed beings with indestructible, yet sentient bodies, never to cease existing and suffering. That will be when the Corrupter is released from his pit for a little while so that evidence one way or the other can be gathered to finally ascertain and reveal his true nature and a verdict be given."

"I don't wish to be rude, but I feel like I've seen enough. May I leave?"

"Yes you have seen enough. You'll do fine, Kyle. Congratulations on graduating."

It was late when Kyle crept into his bedroom. Scooter was still awake however, waiting for his older brother to come home. "Hey Kyle, how was it? Tell me all about it."

"Hi Scooter. It was... well, great, I guess. I'll never be the same. All that happened is just too much for words. You'll see when you go."

Scooter flopped down on his pillow. "That's what everybody says," he sighed. But, his trek would come.

© John MacLeod 1998