The swirling darkness disappeared, replaced by the smell of aviation fuel mixed with the scent of fresh-cut grass. Slowly colors came in to focus: red, orange and yellow from a flower garden adjacent to a beautiful green lawn.

  Then it happened all over again. The Eagle air ship landed and out came Centurians in battle armor, firing their weapons. Evan Godfrey dropping to the grass. Internal Security agents…firing on other Internal Security agents.

  Tyr-his best friend-shot and killed by a gray haired member of Evan's security detail. Another blast. Trevor on the ground looking up at Ray Roos. Roos pulled a gun and fired. Trevor felt the sting in his chest but when he glanced toward the wound he saw a small dart.

  They betrayed you, Mr. Stone. And you should know that Evan Godfrey now rules your Empire. Piece by piece he is undoing your work. Soon he will weaken your people enough…enough so that…well, I am afraid that you won't live long enough to see the end result. However, today is a great day for blessed Voggoth. Allow me, Mr. Stone, to show you why.

  Whatever magic fed new realities into Trevor's mind now took him to another place. Another Earth. He flew through the clouds and to a world where nature ruled supreme. A world without pollution, an Earth where the masters of the environment lived in harmony with all around them.

  Trevor felt a cool, clean breeze across his face. He saw rolling green fields, thick and healthy forests, rivers and streams where crystal blue water flowed. He flew overhead with great speed, unsure if he traveled only in his mind or on some kind of transport.

  Far below on a mountainside meadow Trevor saw a primitive village with small dwellings constructed of animal hides and a pair of larger structures made from timber and thatch.

  All around that village…near the entrances of the homes…near escape paths leading to the cover of the deep forest…bodies. Bodies of slender humanoids dressed in skins and cloth, creatures who comprised one of the eight invading armies on Trevor's Earth but who were indigenous to this Earth in a parallel world where the Feranites-what Trevor's people nicknamed 'Red Hands'-fought to survive.

  He soared above, cresting the mountain and beholding a carnival of horrors. In the fields below, the woods had been clear cut and replaced with ugly box-like buildings and dome-shaped homes and tall barricades. Smoke stacks poured soot into the atmosphere; the smell of burning iron works chased away the aroma of nature, the sound of massive machinery toiling away for unknown industries thundered in a symphony of noise pollution.

  Trevor saw Feranite warriors, and females, and children in bondage driven by the whips of the bipedal lizard aliens Trevor knew as Hivvans, some too weak to carry on felt the deadly crunch of a master's boot.

  And he kept flying still, circling the globe. Feranite slaves tending to the whims of egotistical Witiko owners…Geryon dirigibles burning Red Hand villages so thoroughly that only scorch marks remained where buildings and people had stood…Chaktaw infantry shooting fleeing warriors in the back and tossing the bodies into pits filled with rotting Feranite corpses…human tanks closely matching the Abrams armor in his own ranks blasting the last wooden barriers protecting yet another village.

  The world Trevor had first thought to be full of nature turned black from the smoke of the dying civilization that called that Earth home…

  Blackness again.

  This is the fate that awaits your people, Mr. Stone. You have failed and I wanted you to see what that failure will mean for the people of this Earth. Given your unique knowledge of the greater scheme of things, I believe you can appreciate the vision. But I must go now, to tend to matters of an official nature. I will leave you to your miseries…

  The Bishop turned his attention elsewhere, but remained plugged into the machine that contrived Trevor's torture. He needed that machine and its advanced engineering to complete a task for his master. As he did so, he did not fully disconnect from Trevor's mind. In essence, he failed to hang up the phone, allowing Trevor-through the great machine-to be a fly on the wall at a meeting of the Gods…

  …"The representative of Voggoth calls the gathered’s attention to the Feranite host world. The Feranite free population has fallen below one percent and no longer offers any organized resistance. Furthermore, nearly five million of their number is in servitude to the other races and the Feranite surrogate has been terminated. The representative of Voggoth calls for the Feranites to be ruled defeated."

  "The Feranites challenge this claim."

  "The Witiko agree with the representative of Voggoth: the Feranite race has been subjugated and destroyed to the degree that its current state reflects the parameters previously defined as defeat." "The Feranites charge Human violations." "The Geryons support this charge." "The Hivvans object. Rules violations have been counter-balanced."

  "The Feranites assert that the counter-balance to Human rule violations were implemented in a manner outside of the linear time line of the host world and, in fact, served to further strengthen the Human position on the host world and therefore failed to compensate for said violations. It is further charged that Human violations also benefited the Chaktaw."

  "The Centurians call for further investigation into alleged rules violations by the Humans and Chaktaw."

  "The Chaktaw counter-charge that the actions of agents of Voggoth on the Human and Chaktaw host worlds precipitated a series of rules violations that, in actuality, served as counter-balances to maintain the integrity of the host worlds."

  "The Humans support this counter-charge."

  "The Witiko consider the Chaktaw and Human counter-charge preposterous."

  "The Chaktaw further call into question the objectivity of the Nyx based on observations of cross-time and cross-dimensional travel outside the scope of gateway activity."

  "The Hivvans point out that the Nyx are not sentient and therefore their objectivity is not and cannot be in question."

  "The Humans suggest that fluctuations in the time line of their host world give reason to suspect that the Nyx may have interfered with linear events both in the local past and the local future, the full effects of which have not yet been determined."

  "The Witiko believe that if the Nyx have been misused it has been to the benefit of the Humans, as evident by cross-time travel by segments of the Human population, including the surrogate’s genetic line, in an apparent attempt to protect said population."

  "The Duass remind that the source of the suspect travel has not yet been determined due to the constraints of local linear time."

  "The Humans object to the suggestion of impropriety and counter-charge that an investigation should be launched into the coincidence of how such a large number of surrogates on all the host worlds were immediately and directly threatened upon the commencement of the challenge."

  "The representative of Voggoth observes that these charges, counter-charges and speculations are not germane to the disposition of the Feranites. The host cosmos' were prepared in a manner unanimously accepted and designed to prevent rule violations or unforeseen circumstances from corrupting cosmos’ outside of those directly affected by said circumstances."

  "The Witiko remind the Feranites that their race embraced this concept and voted with the majority for utilizing the parallel cosmos." "The Feranites call for a re-evaluation of this structure." "The Duass reject this call." "The Chaktaw reject this call." "The Humans reject this call." "The representative of Voggoth rejects this call." "The Centurians reject this call." "The Hivvans reject this call." "The Witiko reject this call." "The Geryons reject this call." "The representative of Voggoth calls for recommendations as to the disposition of the Feranite race."

  "The Witiko reminds all participants that the Feranites have now failed the challenge. Their pattern of life is lacking."

  "The Feranites dispute this assertion. The Feranites dispute the classification of their race on the host world as defeated. The Feranites call for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the Feranite surrogate and whether or not said death constitutes a rules violation."

  "The Duass reject this dispute. The dominant sentient species of the Feranite environment has been subjugated. No alternative species in that environment have proven viable."

  "The Witiko reject the call for investigation and remind all participants that surrogates serve primarily as markers and observers and are still subject to the same frailties possessed by their races."

  "The Chaktaw point out, however, that the death of the surrogate does reduce the long-term viability of the Feranites’ Deus."

  "The Humans are confused by the Feranite's dispute of the circumstances of their disposition. Do the Feranites contend they are not the representative species of their life pattern? If so, what alternative representative of their life pattern should be considered?"

  "The Feranites strongly object to the Human suggestion and consider it offensive and counter-productive."

  "The Hivvans remind all participants that the Feranite race developed additional challenge balances to compensate for the technological differences at the time of surrogate conception including control over a greater number of non-sentient helper species from within their environment."

  "The Feranite call attention to the circumstances of non-sentient helper species and suggest further investigation into the nature of and development of these species. The Feranite race believes that a better understanding of the nature of the helper species will support the Feranite claim to greater spirituality and promote a better understanding of the origins of the root cosmos."

  "The representative of Voggoth strongly objects to the Feranite suggestion on the grounds that that matter is considered closed."

  "The Chaktaw further point out that despite these added balances the Feranites are the first to attain defeated status."

  "The Feranites call for closer inspection of the incidents of genetic memory leak between races and suggest that the answers to these leaks may provide greater insights into the origins of all life patterns."

  "The representative of Voggoth dismisses this suggestion and encourages the gathered to remain focused on the disposition of the Feranite race."

  "The Geryons move that the gateways on the Feranite host world be ruptured so as to sterilize that host world."

  "The representative of Voggoth reminds all participants that the consequences of failure in the challenge are not isolated to the host cosmos, as per the agreed upon structure."

  "The Witiko recognize Voggoth as the oldest and most learned of all the participants and therefore request guidance in the resolution of the disposition of the Feranites." "The Geryons second this recognition." "The Duass agree." "The Hivvans support the Witiko position."

  "The Humans remind all participants that only one outcome was considered at the time of implementation of the agreed upon structure."

  "The Feranites object."

  "The Witiko move that it would demonstrate the superior abilities, strength, and intelligence of the remaining participants if an alternative to complete sterilization is considered." "The Centurians agree." "The Duass call for the expulsion of the Feranites from the root cosmos." "The Chaktaw call for the Feranites to be de-evolved to a lower life form." "The Geryons reject the Chaktaw call." "The Feranites object." "The Humans suggest the Feranite race be divided and given over in servitude to the other races." "The Feranites object." "The Witiko observe that the Feranites are no longer in position to object to these proceedings." "The representative of Voggoth offers an alternative."

  "The Witiko suggest that Voggoth’s proposal be accepted without question due to the superior status of Voggoth as the only immortal entity in existence." "The Chaktaw reject the Witiko suggestion." "The Duass also reject the Witiko suggestion." "The Centurians call for Voggoth to state the alternative." "The Humans second the Centurian call."

  "The representative of Voggoth recognizes that the Feranite life pattern has met the parameters for defeat on the host world and therefore has shown its species to lack the strength necessary to remain among the dominant races."

  "The Witiko agree with this recognition."

  "The representative of Voggoth further suggests that this failure clearly demonstrates that the Feranites, as they currently exist, will never be capable of achieving immortality nor are they worthy do to so." "The Witiko recognize Voggoth as the only such being or race." "The Chaktaw suggest the Witiko refrain from flattery." "The Humans second the Chaktaw suggestion."

  "The representative of Voggoth offers an opportunity for the Feranites to achieve immorality and remain intact, although only if the Feranite race will renounce their current life pattern in recognition of its inferiority."

  "The Hivvans object to this offer as outside the agreed upon structure."

  "The Duass remind the Hivvans that their own progress in their parallel cosmos suggests that the Hivvans might be next to appreciate such an offer." "The Hivvans condemn the Duass suggestion on the grounds that it is inflammatory and premature." "The Centurians agree with the Hivvans and further point out the Duass’ own vulnerability." "The Feranites request further information as to the nature of the offer presented by the representative of Voggoth."

  "The representative of Voggoth states that it is possible for the Feranite genetic structure to metastasize into one compatible for existence within the realm of Voggoth. Under these circumstances, the Feranite people will become immortal." "The Chaktaw question if under such circumstances the Feranites will remain a distinct, independent species." "The representative of Voggoth answers no." "The Witiko point out that this action may be the only means of any form of survival for the Feranite race." "The Duass question if the Feranites will maintain the ability to reproduce and evolve."

  "The representative of Voggoth answers no with the caveat that the Feranite race will experience instant metamorphosis across all cosmos to a higher life form compatible with the domain of Voggoth." "The Chaktaw express reservations about this alternative form of closure." "The Witiko move that the Feranites either willingly acquiesce or be compelled." "The Feranites request additional time for consideration." "The Humans question which linear sphere will the Feranites use to acquire more time?" "The Centurians object to the Human question on the grounds that it is flippant and counter-productive."

  "The Witiko call for either the immediate acceptance of these terms by the Feranites or the immediate sterilization of the Feranite race from both the root cosmos as well as all parallel cosmos."

  "The Feranite Deus accepts the offer from Voggoth on behalf of the entire Feranite race. May He who created us all have mercy upon the souls of my people."

  "The representative of Voggoth asks the Feranites to refrain from repeating fantasies of a being superior to the gathered and reminds the Feranites that any soul their race may indeed possess, now belongs to Voggoth."

  – Captain Dustin McBride lay on his belly with binoculars staring down at the dusty, almost barren water basin at the heart of Seminoe State Park in Wyoming. There along the featureless, rocky banks waited his quarry packing their wigwams and extinguishing fires.

  For months the Red Hands eluded McBride's vaunted 1 ^ st Cavalry, remaining several days ahead and varying their movements so as to escape pursuit. In recent weeks, the hunter gained ground, fighting several skirmishes with Red Hand rear guards. Those skirmishes cost his enemy dearly, dwindling the Feranite numbers to nearly half their original size.

  Of course those tribesmen still outnumbered McBride's fighters, but arrows and spears would be no match for assault rifles and grenades, especially with the Red Hands caught along the reservoir banks. Perhaps their chieftain had guessed that his pursuers fell for the false trail left outside of Sinclair. McBride, however, felt the signs leading south to be far too obvious for an enemy proven so coy.

  After such a long hunt, McBride regretted that a slaughter would be his only reward.

  "Agarn."

  Corporal Lawrence Brown crawled next to his commander and shared the view from the brush line at the basin ridge. A rumble marked the approach of a rare morning thunderstorm caused by the remarkable heat wave sweeping through the Midwest. That heat, as much as anything, had slowed McBride's horses and men in recent days. No doubt that same heat tapped his enemy's strength, a strength McBride had grown to admire. Regardless, a good storm might cool things down for a spell. "Ooo, now ain't that a sight for sore eyes." "Yeah, man, it's been a long time coming. The boys ready?" "Hooyah, roger that. We'z been spoilin' for a fight. 'Bout time you found us one."

  Dustin set his binoculars down and crawled away from the ridge. Waiting behind cover were two hundred horse soldiers with another two hundred hurriedly circling around to pinch the Red Hands from the flanks. All of them itched to finish a job started long ago.

  A radio message broadcast to Dustin, "Hope here, we're in position," followed thirty seconds later by a woman's voice, "Chambers speaking, we're all set."

  A bugler played 'charge' and three formations charged the trapped Feranites, including McBride and Brown leading the attack from the ridge. Enthusiastic hoots and hollers joined the stomping sound of horse hoofs that broke the morning calm. In the distance, a bolt of lightning reached for the ground and a veil of water fell on the lake, moving toward the slaughter like a curtain about to close.

  Dustin led his warriors down the ridge, careful in steering his horse across the rocky slope and also careful to watch for incoming arrows. The Feranites never showed any fear of modern weapons. They would fight to the death no…matter…what…

  The hoots and hollers quieted. Horse hoofs slowed.

  The Feranites stood along the lake, trapped in the open with no chance of escape. They stood straight and still, the whole lot of them. No drawn blades, no raised bows.

  "What the shit-nuts are these fellas up to?"

  McBride did not answer his friend. A trap? Or were the Feranites-for the first time ever-ready to surrender? Had the pursuit broken both their backs and their spirits? Following McBride's lead, the other attacking elements halted some fifty yards from the primitives. Radio calls came in, "Sir? Should we fire?" "Am I seein' things?" Dustin dismounted. Agarn-Corporal Brown-told him, "Now, don't be gettin' no stupid ideas."