The Deepest Darkness

By John Stamos Parrish

In the final decades of the 21st century, mankind has colonized the moon and Mars and has created a "technological" tower of Babel. But then, without warning, mysterious anomalies that defy all the laws of physics occur in space. These anomalies, called Orbs, unleash storms of cataclysmic proportions throughout the solar system. Once god in the making, mankind scurries back to earth like a cowering mole.
Against this backdrop of chaos and fear, Daniel Fielding, a seventeen-year-old orphan, bitter and angry with God and life, partakes on a dangerous mission to explore the Orbs. The mission makes discoveries that will challenge people's accepted beliefs about the origin of the universe. But, even more importantly, Daniel unlocks the truth about a power that Evil dreads, as he moves into the realm of the deepest darkness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Oct 11, 2000
• ISBN: 9781469733524

John Stamos Parrish

A former electrical engineer, physics teacher and technical writer, John now manages distance learning programs in the medical field.

Book preview

Prologue

The long awaited message had come. They needed him. He folded the letter and placed it on his bureau.

Outside wind-driven rain attacked his bedroom window. Lightning evoked to life grotesque shadows that roamed frantically about.

He sat on the edge of his bed, his hands trembling slightly as he opened the letter once more. It said there would be danger; his safety could not be assured; they realized he was young…

In the distance he heard the thunder relentlessly beating like jungle drums warning of impending danger. Danger had become a way of life. Just twelve years before the earth had passed through its greatest period in history named, The Fifty Years of Prosperity. Now prosperity, hope and peace had become a distant memory to a frightened, confused world.

During the fifty years, scientific advances had brought about cures to most illnesses; had led to the colonization of planets; and had situated Man on the threshold to the stars. His tower of Babel rebuilt, Man was ready to reach his age old dream of becoming like God.

Then, they appeared.

Defying all the known laws of physics, two spherical objects named orbs by the world’s scientific community, materialized in in the sky. First a Green orb appeared, followed three months later by a Blue orb. Their arrival unraveled Nature. Periodically, and without warning, storms of cataclysmic proportions unleashed their fury on the solar system.

With his tower crumbling, man the conqueror—God in the making—scurried back to earth like a blind mole. His scientific progress ground to a halt, man’s great achievements quickly decayed, and his faith in science disappeared. To fill this new void in his life, he turned back to ancient superstitions, making the orbs objects of worship or dreaded demons.

The young man carefully folded the letter, put it in his shirt pocket, moved to his closet and put on his jacket. Gently, he rubbed off some dirt that was on the sleeve. The jacket had been a gift from a very special friend.

A loud clap of thunder shook his room knocking over a small, empty picture frame. He opened the bedroom door. Tears welled in his eyes as he surveyed the room; a room that had once been filled with joy, love, life. He closed the door gently behind him.

And while the world trembled, the Psalter, on her knees with her tears flowing freely, oscillated to the rhythm of a long ignored hymn. And near the Deepest Darkness, where Time and Space have no meaning, the Terror waited.

1

Daniel Fielding moved briskly along the weather-beaten pier, hands in pockets, deep in thought. His tall, strong frame swayed with every movement of the rickety dock.

At the end of the dock, silhouetted against a darkening pale blue sky, sat an old man fishing. Next to him a small sign read: BOATS FOR RENT.

Excuse me, said Daniel. I’d like to rent one of your boats—for a few hours.

The old man didn’t speak. He moved his rod up and down. Daniel shuffled his feet nervously. I—uh…

The man looked at Daniel. A deeply tanned, wrinkled face with pale blue eyes studied him. You thinkin of suicide, boy?

No! Why do you say that?

Cause it’s suicide to go out there at this time of day—specially with those things up there. Lifting his fishing rod, he waved it angrily at the sky.

Daniel didn’t look up. He didn’t have to. For most of his seventeen years they had been there.

It ain’t my neck, continued the old man. Then pointing the rod at Daniel, Got money? Don’t take credit anymore.

Daniel reached into his pocket and pulled out a small gold coin. The old man’s eyes lit up. He snatched it from Daniel’s hand and inspected it carefully.

This’ll do just fine, he said quickly, putting it into his pocket. He motioned with his head over his left shoulder. You can use the blue boat.

Daniel saw several boats attached to the dock. He spotted the blue boat at the far end. It was about the size of a mid-sized car, sleek and built for speed, but it had seen better days.

I’d rather have the.

The old man glared at Daniel. The blue one or no one. I’ve lost too many good boats since those things appeared.

All right, said Daniel and stepped into the boat.

The boat, an injection molded plastic piece, had a blue tint color throughout, except for the small clear plastic cabin that stood like an oversized windshield near the front of the boat. The cabin contained the steering wheel, gauges, a built-in keyboard, and the stairs that led below to the engine.

Daniel made his way over the badly scarred floor to the cabin. Fully computerized, the boat was similar to the one his parents had owned. Daniel knew he could enter in the destination coordinates and let the auto pilot take over, but he decided to pilot the boat himself.

Be sure to set the Retriever, I want the boat back even if you don’t come with it, said the old man.

Daniel started to say something, but stopped. He wanted to get going so he set the Retriever. The old man grunted and dropped his line back into the water.

Daniel paused before starting the engine. His dark, inset eyes followed the flight of a lone sea gull until it disappeared into the distance. He scanned the area. Unrecognizable. It was almost impossible for him to imagine that he had spent so much time here and yet…Curse the orbs!

He pushed the starter. The engine sputtered, then purred. Using the steering wheel, he turned the boat from the dock, carefully maneuvering it through floating debris, and headed out into Florida’s intercoastal waterway.

The dock faded from view. An eerie purplish blue sky bid farewell to the sun and set in motion a strangely cool wind that gained in intensity. The ocean swelled.

As the boat’s engine exerted itself, its soft purring sound turned to a high-pitched whine. Daniel tightened his grip. No other boats were in sight.

Engage autopilot, said the computer.

I’ve got to handle this, he muttered, Or I’ll never be able to handle the rest of this trip.

The boat crawled forward. Stinging mist swirled around him, sending chills up and down his spine. He lifted his jacket collar. The wind howled, then roared. The small boat lurched from side to side.

Daniel reached for the autopilot control just as the boat was hit broadside by a wave. He lost his grip on the wheel and staggered sideways. Swinging his arms like a bird learning to fly he righted himself, but just for a second. The boat dipped back and with the bow pointing upward, he was tossed into the stern, then into the raging sea.

The waves swarmed over him. A strong swimmer, desperately he struggled to stay afloat.

Above him the mysterious objects pulsated, pulsated.

The boat’s computer, detecting that Daniel had fallen overboard, reduced the boat’s speed and plotted a course to retrieve him.

Daniel struggled to breathe. He took more water than air. His lungs ached.

God, help me!

The computer navigated the boat to within ten feet of Daniel. Its stabilizers worked furiously to keep it upright as it extended a built-in rescue bar. The bar dangled a few feet from him.

The sea pounded him, tried to pull him under. Barely afloat, he focused his strength into his arms and legs. Painstakingly he made his way to the extended bar, reached out, and grabbed it with one hand. A piece of wood, like a giant hand, slapped him hard on the side of his head. He sank beneath the surface.

A strong, compelling voice, that emanated from the water itself, called out to him, Stop struggling. It’s time to be with your loved ones!

Faces from the past flashed through his mind along with his father’s words, "No matter what the odds, never quit"

With several powerful thrusts he exploded like a dolphin to the surface, reached out with both hands, and grabbed the bar.

Responding to its sensors, the computer retracted the bar toward the side of the boat.

Daniel reached for the handrail attached to the boat, but his hand slipped off. Exhausted to the point of fainting, he focused hard on what he was trying to do. When the sea lifted the boat up and away from him, he grabbed the handrail and used the boat’s momentum to catapult him into the boat.

On his back, half-emersed in water, he panted heavily. The wind hovered over him like a vulture as the sea relentlessly attacked the boat. With his eyes closed, hoarsely he cried out, Thank you.

His mind detached itself from his pain-racked body. Like a video recorder in fast forward, memories flashed by. For a moment his mind paused on words his grandmother said to him just before she died, All power is given unto Him in Heaven and on earth.

Chilled to the bone, he crawled with great difficulty to the control panel, entered in his destination, pressed the autopilot key, and with difficulty made his way below. He returned a few minutes later wrapped in an old blanket.

That’s life, he mumbled bitterly. Death at any moment.But these words stirred something suppressed deep inside of him, giving rise to a feeling he could not identify.

It was dusk when Egmont Key came into view. Silhouetted against a pale gray sky stood the lighthouse just as he had remembered it. For an instant he felt that life could return to what he had known, to the world before the decade of horror.

But then he looked up. No, he muttered. Life will never be the same.

The surf was too high to land the boat. Daniel shut-off the autopilot. Twenty-five feet from shore he checked to make sure the Retriever was still set, and then jumped into the water.

Wadding through the swirling water he suddenly realized how tired he was from his earlier struggle. The short distance to shore became a long, difficult journey.

He reached the shore and collapsed onto the soft, powdery sand. Sleep started to overtake him, but he knew he had to go on. In the fading light of the now invisible sun, he looked around the shore.

The remnants of a twentieth century fort were still there, more in ruins than he remembered, but so was everything else. A sudden gust of wind shrieked like a banshee through the fort.

Gingerly he got to his feet and walked stiffly past the fort toward the lighthouse. Built over two hundred years before, it still looked useable.

Be there by nine o’clock, the message had said. A team member will meet you. Daniel looked down at his watch. It was 8:55.

All he could do was wait. The two orbs, one green, the other blue, stared down at him. The green orb mocked him; the blue beckoned him.

Shifting his eyes downward, he sensed the darkness to the right of him move. His muscles tensed up. Straining his eyes, he was sure the darkness moved toward him. Then it stopped. Daniel broke into a cold sweat.

Out of the darkness a green face materialized, suspended in the air. Its cat-like eyes glared hard at him. Daniel braced himself and clenched his fists.

Daniel, said the face, breaking into a warm smile. Don’t be afraid. My name is Tobian. I’m a team member.

Daniel breathed easier, but remained alert.

I’m wearing a light-absorbing suit. Quite handy when you want to see, but not be seen.

Daniel relaxed. You’re a Martian, aren’t you?

Yes, replied Tobian. The smile left his face.

Were you sent by.

Hold on, Daniel. Tobian moved closer. The faint outline of his muscular body grew visible.

A gleam returned to his green eyes. I know you have a lot of questions he continued, but we’ve got a long way to go—about two days journey.

The long, lonely wail of a ship’s horn filled the night. Daniel saw the faint outline of a large cargo ship about a mile from the island.

We’ve got to catch that ship, said Tobian. I’ve got a two-man sub waiting. We’ll use it to attach ourselves, like a tick to a dog. It’ll carry us to Mexico. Here, put on this light-absorbing suit. I’ll help you."

Wow, it’s eerie watching your body disappear, exclaimed Daniel. Then, embarrassed by his outburst, he said, Sorry, I’m being childish.

Nothing wrong with that. Tobian’s eyes grew distant. I—I wish I could feel that way sometimes. Then catching himself, he said, There, now you’re a shadow in the night.

The suit’s hood had built-in infrared sensors for the eyes. Daniel quickly adapted to them and followed Tobian to the shore, not far from where he had landed.

Daniel knew from Tobian’s face—white hair, high forehead, and green eyes—that he was one of the experimental babies from the Martian prison colonies. He had studied about the horrors of Dr. Sendou’s genetic experiments. Daniel also knew that Tobian possessed enormous strength, but would be lucky to live beyond forty. He guessed that Tobian was in his late twenties.

Surface, called out Tobian to the water. Slowly the dark, metallic gray submarine emerged twenty feet from the shore.

Open. The sub’s hood opened with a whine.

Tobian dove into the sea and reached the sub in several powerful strokes, grabbed onto the side and vaulted in. Daniel followed close behind, but needed a helping hand to get in.

Take off your face mask, commanded the Martian as he settled into his seat.

Daniel obeyed and sat next to him.

The hood closed with a gentle thud. A pale blue light that emanated from a small monitor in front of Tobian was the only source of interior light. As Daniel’s eyes adjusted to the light, he gauged the dimensions of the sub to be eight feet long, six feet wide, and four feet deep. Besides the monitor, the inside contained a control panel, a secured cabinet to the left of Tobian, and two body-length cushions made from a net-like fibrous material which were their seats. Once he settled himself into his cushion, he could feel it contouring itself to the shape of his body. Overall he had the sensation of sitting in a sleek sports car.

Daniel became aware of a strong, stale odor that irritated his eyes and throat. As if reading his mind, Tobian said, Sorry about the odor in here, I’ve had some problems with the air filtration system. I promise you that after a while you’ll hardly notice it.

Daniel smiled and continued to examine the interior looking for a sign of weapons. Though he couldn’t see any, he was sure the sub was armed.

Tobian placed his right hand on the control panel. Within seconds there was a faint humming sound and the sensation of movement.

Are you comfortable? Without waiting for an answer, Tobian continued. Every fiber of your cushion has sensors that’ll automatically make the necessary adjustments for your body’s comfort. Reaching forward he made an adjustment to the monitor’s brightness, then said, Ever been in a two-man sub before?

Never. Truth is my experience is only above water.

You’ll enjoy the ride, it’ll take us… He paused to type in a few numbers, then said, Exactly four minutes and thirty-three seconds to reach and attach ourselves to the bottom of the ship. After that we’ll lean back and let others do the driving for us. He chuckled making a throaty sound that reverberated throughout the sub.

Tobian expertly brought the sub under the cargo ship near the engine. He pressed a button on the panel. A whining sound preceded a gentle bump.

Well, that went smoothly, whispered Tobian.

We’ve attached ourselves?

Yes. Nothing to it. The computer deserves all the credit.

Tobian turned to face Daniel. In the pale blue light his face had the grotesque appearance of a creature in a horror movie. Yet his eyes were warm, concerned. We won’t be able to talk anymore. We’ll pass through government scanners periodically during the length of this trip. If I need to communicate anything to you I’ll type messages on the monitor.

Is the government looking for us? whispered Daniel.

Not really, but this mission is top secret. We can’t take any chances.

I’m confused, I really wish that you would tell me more. Not names of people….

Tobian raised his hand to his lips and shook his head. With his left hand he quietly opened the cabinet, removed a pair of headphones, and handed them to Daniel.

Daniel put on the headphones. At first he heard nothing. Then the faint sound of a harp was joined by a flute. Their combined sounds oscillated up and down, growing, then fading. Daniel found himself concentrating on trying to make out the rhythm. Slowly more instruments joined in. Up and down the music oscillated.

Daniel felt every fiber of his body unwind. He was so tired. His eyes closed. With all he had been through today sleep was what he wanted most. But I mustn’t sleep, he thought. Memories he had repressed surfaced. His parents, grandmother, Maura—sweet, beautiful.

He fought the memories. They hurt too much. The music was doing strange things to his mind. He tried to open his eyes, but couldn’t. He

tried to take off the headphones, but they seemed glued to his head. The music was so peaceful, powerful.

Maura came into his mind. She would miss him. He suddenly realized that he would miss her too. Just like he missed his parents; his grandmother. But there was no turning back. He had made up his mind to get away, to travel with Holloway’s team to some secret destination deep in space.

2

Wake-up Daniel, said Tobian, gently shaking him.

Daniel had the sensation of falling through space. Instinctively he reached out to grab hold of something. What hap—was I asleep?

For two days, replied Tobian casually.

For—the music! You manipulated my alpha waves. Why? I didn’t ask you to.

Tobian paused before answering. He looked at the monitor, then turned and looked at Daniel. His eyes were without expression. It was a long ride. I knew I could handle it; I wasn’t sure that you could. There really wasn’t much to do—I hope you understand. Tobian smiled sheepishly. Here, drink some water before you dehydrate. He extended a blue flask.

Daniel reached for the flask. His eyes never left Tobian’s face. He drank deeply, wiped his lips with his sleeve, then tersely said, Can you give me more information now or don’t you think I can handle it?

Tobian stretched his muscular frame and with a measured voice said, I’m sorry to have kept you in the dark. Actually, I don’t know the whole story myself, but I can tell you this much, we’ve broken free of the cargo ship and are headed for Pergreso Beach in the Yucatan. From there we’ll make our way to the Capital, Merida. We’ll travel separately once we reach land; less suspicious. In Merida, I have the name of someone to contact to make arrangements to fly us out of there to a point unknown. And that’s all I know.

What am I to do?

You’re to make your way to the Cathedral, some famous landmark, and wait for me there. Just be careful and don’t arouse any suspicion.

But who’d be suspicious of us? I know my father’s best friend, Noel Holloway, is involved with this, and I can’t believe he’d be doing anything illegal. When he called me after my grandmother’s funeral.

Hold on. Tobian held up his large hand, his eyes narrowed, The less each of us knows the better. I don’t know this Holloway, and you shouldn’t be using names. This mission is technically legal, but with all the disasters on Earth, the Moon, and on the Martian colonies, any venture into space must be sanctioned by the World Economic Council. And I’m sure you know that all of the world’s money and resources are geared to repairing damages; not to space exploration. So we’re going, but not with their permission.

"Do you know where we’re going? My letter didn’t mention any details, only that it involved a trip into space."

We’re going to—to the orbs.

The sun had set when the sub surfaced off the shore of Pergreso Beach. Daniel and Tobian wadded their way to shore, removed their wet opaque suits, and buried them.

The night was muggy and the mosquitoes were hungry.

Daniel studied the area. Several Mayan-style huts dotted the landscape. The Mayans, who made up most of the population, had abandoned modern ways since the orbs had appeared and had returned to the ways of their ancestors. Next to one of the huts he saw a small stone pyramid. Perched on top of it were the two globes. The blue globe rested on the green orb. A shrine to worship the orbs!

Beyond the shrine he saw the remains of hotels and large homes that had been ravaged by the storms. Centuries of progress laid to

waste by nature gone mad. Shaking his head he thought, It’s the same all over the world.

Turning to the sea, Daniel saw the sub sink from view. On the surface he watched the reflections of the Moon and orbs. All seemed peaceful, yet he knew, at any moment, the calm could explode into violent rage.

Tobian came up to him. He wore a cotton fisherman’s hat and lightly tinted glasses to hide his unique features, but his muscular frame was evident even though he wore a baggy white shirt with matching pants. Reaching into his back pocket, he pulled out his wallet. His long fingers had difficulty removing a credit card from the wallet. He handed the card to Daniel. Take this. Your name is Francis D. Becker.

Daniel examined the card. I thought credit cards were useless now?

"This card is only good in the United Countries of Latin America. If anyone asks you about it, just say you’re a Junior accountant with the Roo company. The Roo family practically owns Mexico and Venezuela, so no one will bother you.

Daniel wore a beige short sleeve shirt and dark brown pants. He held his jacket