Chapter 1

I lay in my bed while sweat drenched my body. The throbbing inside my head was even worse than it was the day before yesterday. Brain tumors. Isn't that just a bitch—especially getting diagnosed at sixteen? My foster mother made a passing comment that maybe I should go to the hospital, but I could here the reluctance in her voice. The way she figured it, the longer I was here, the longer the state would pay her money. I gave up bitching about her treatment long ago. I mean, who would listen to a kid. However, I did go to the hospitals on orders from the state. They all said the same damn thing: if they operate, I could die.

Do not get me wrong, the foster mother that took me in didn't physically abuse me or anything like that. It was just that she was all business. I swear that damn woman didn't have a caring bone in her fucking body if money wasn't involved. She was a gold digger, plain and simple. The type of person that tried to get as much free money as fast possible and to hell with everyone else.

They told me about a year ago about the tumor, when the pain was only minor compared to what it is now. They told me that I could try to get rid of the tumors but it was very high risk. I basically told them to fuck off and decided to live my life to the fullest. This is where things start to get weird in my life, and that in itself is something. I had never before had a yearning to learn about Martial Arts or Firearms. Yet, not an hour after I was diagnosed, I had a burning desire to learn as much as I could as fast as I could. I figured out later that some people very high up had a lot to do with this. So, I started asking around.

My foster mother had at one time—when I was seven—dated a guy by the name of Shawn Williams. Of course he dumped her as in a month after he found out what a shrew she was. However, I'm getting off track. Shawn was an ex-navy seal. He had served ten years for his country before he retied. And before he busted up with my foster mother, he and I had established a very concrete friendship. Such a close relationship that he had enrolled me and my foster sister in Kenpo and Aikido classes at the age of seven—the classes was just me and Josi, with Shawn as the Teacher. He taught us things that normal martial arts instructors would have a coronary over.

What we didn't count on was the fact that our eidetic memory was going to play a large part in this training. The things we did actually seemed to absorb the reflexes that we were taught. Shawn was thoroughly amazed that we picked up ingrained reflexes so quickly. He also gave me and Josi straight blade hunting knives for our protection. After our training was complete, I shuddered to think just how lethal we were with them knives. I have to admit that Josi was better than I. She was like a whirlwind of death with blades in her hands. The wild look in her eyes when we sparred made me damn glad I was her friend, which was for sure.

Shawn liked the way I thought and I liked the way he thought, it was as simple as that. However, what really cemented the friendship between me and him was the fact that he also took Josi under his wing. Josi is also the exact same age as me. However, she was born a day earlier than me. Shawn spent thousands of dollars on our clothes and new computers, both desktop and laptops. We tried to make him stop, but he felt he was in the right and it was his decision if he wanted to spend money on his little friends. After Martial Arts training was over we moved on to M-16s and 9mms. I have to admit that I was a bit obsessive with firearms and explosives.

Another cool thing he taught us was how to ride horses and hunt.

After the training was all over, he even called every week to check on me and Josi to make sure our eidetic memory was still allowing us to cost on A's through school. I am not afraid to admit it, when I say that Shawn was one of the best mentors I have ever come across. He was the type of man that would give you the shirt of his back and sleep on the floor so you were more comfortable in his bed.

I guess I haven't told you much about Josi and that is a major oversight on my part. We were both sent to that woman on the same day and I could have sworn there was a spark between us. She had light blonde hair and the brightest green eyes that I have ever seen. Her bangs almost always covered part of her eyes and she had the same 'Fuck with me and die' attitude that I did. That said—I am damn glad that she is my best friend. She had been with me through everything, thick and thin.

However, I knew that all of this was about to end, and I was going to die alone. My so-called foster mother went to work and she had to drag Josi away from my side. It was a comforting thought that she cared that much, but he really didn't want her to see him die like this. I think that she knew this to some extent and that was the reason the sixteen year old finally went to school. I could tell by her face that she hated going. I had a feeling that she knew what I did—this was my last day on the mortal plain.

It was about an hour after she left that I noticed that the pounding in my head started to increase to a level that made me whimper and scream. It was after a few minutes of the torture that I felt a light buzzing in my head while my eyes were closed. That was when I noticed that all the pain from my head was gone. I also noticed that everything was black, like when a person had their eyes shut tight.

That was also when I felt like the stupidest man on the planet, because my eyes were closed. With gentle slowness, I opened my eyes. What I seen made me want to shut them or run as fast as possible. I was in a room that had huge computers that lined the walls. They gave off a low hum that seemed to give me a calming effect. I wondered if that was the effect it was supposed to have on me.

The computers were not what freaked me out though. It was the being that was in front of me. It had four arm and two legs—not to mention that he also had six eyes. To this day, I still don't know why I didn't panic and attack on instinct, but I think it had to do with those damn computers. However, I could not remember once when my curiosity was up this high. I could admit that I wanted to know what the fuck was going on. I also wished that I had a gun, just in case I didn't like what was going on.

Great. First the brain tumor and now I'm going to be cut up or ass probed by fuckin' aliens. I thought a bit sarcastically. Hell, I had the right to be sarcastic. As much pain as I had went through this year, I figure that I had the right to be the Sarcasm King. Fuck you if you don't like it.

This entire year had sucked for me since I found out I was going to die. That was the moment I could have sworn I heard a laugh inside of my head and I was pretty sure that it was coming from space-boy, even though the little guy didn't have a mouth. Must be a telepath.

<I assure you, Maverick Kincaid; I have no intention of cutting you up or, as you so eloquently put it, ass probing you. And as for your last thought, yes, we communicate through telepathy. > I was now sure I heard amusement in the alien's voice.

<However, my superiors and I wish that you would help us with a little experiment. We wish to send you to an alternate version of Earth. In this alternate version of Earth; the current time is about the year 1856. However, there are some major differences in the Alternate version, compared to the one that you are use to. Number one, the civil war is not on anyone's mind and in the way they are going I do not think that it will be—the towns have know intention of collaborating like that. However, there is fighting among Towns. Most of the people there carry .45 Caliber Revolvers with standard ammunition that you find in the late 1800s, and 30-30 Rifles. >

<If you accept this mission, you will get a few extra things free. One of the things that you will get free is a huge modernized cabin. It will have all the things that you have now, such as electricity, gas, stoves and not to mention plumbing. The other thing that we will do for you is set you up with two thousand pounds of gold coins which will be found in the basement of the cabin.>

"Let me get this straight. You want me to go live in an alternate dimension, where technology is basically shot to hell, to see how a futuristic version of man would affect the time line in that time era? You guys must be really bored." Again with the sarcasm, and I still felt I had the right to use it. If I didn't know any better, I would say that the alien looked shocked that I figured out part of the experiment so quickly.

<That sums it up, yes. Are you willing to do it? >

"There is one little hitch in your plan. I give myself maybe two or three days before this damn tumor kills me off—and if I die off, I think that pretty much FUBARs your plan."

<Ah, yes, there is that little matter. If you agree, we shall fix that and restore your body to its best physical status. However, if you agree to do this, it will be a permanent arrangement. There will be no going back. You will have to co-exist with the other inhabitants on the planet. However, there will be a language chip placed in you so that you can understand them. And try to remember that their customs are much different than the ones that you are used to. So, will you do it? >

"Gee, I have a choice of staying where I am and dying or going on one hell of an adventure. What the hell do you think? Yes, I'll do it. But I need to ask, what all can I take with me and can I mess with the time line in any way I wish to?"

<You will be allowed 5,000 pounds of freight a year. However, you will only be allowed to take five animals with you. As for your second question, yes, you are to live your life as you see fit. Sorry, but that is just regulations. We will throw in a state of the art Sentient with a computer free, so that you can keep in touch. The computer is what you humans might call an A.I. However, I can tell you now that they are Sentient beings and have been so for millions of years. In fact, hundreds volunteered for this mission. I have to ask. Would you like a male Sentient or a female? >

"Definitely a female, I always seem to get along better with them," I replied with my tongue firmly in cheek. This whole situation was just too odd for me.

<Oh, I almost forgot. You are allowed to bring the one that you call foster sister along with you if you wish her to go. In fact, after you leave, I can bring her here so she will have proof that you are not insane, > he said with an amused chuckle.

"That's cool," I replied nonchalantly, but inside I was jumping up and down with excitement. I knew for a fact that my sister would say yes in a heartbeat once she found out I was going. It also helped that she was one of the biggest sci-fi geeks in their town.

A person would not know it just by looking at her, though. At sixteen, she already had the toned muscles of an athlete from working out with me in martial arts—think Laura Croft from Tomb Raider. She had already received her black belt when I got too sick to continue classes. Her favorite weapons were throwing knives and 9mms—although, she also had a soft spot for revolvers. She also worked hard with a Katana. She and I got to the point where we could go full force with wooden swords when we sparred.

I just then realized that I got lost in my thoughts, so I asked the first question on my mind. "What are the limitations on weapons and defensive gear?"

<On weapons, I'm afraid that you will have to make do with your Earth's current technology. However, on defensive gear... well, we can manufacture some of our technology for your use. As an example we could line the clothes and leathers you will be wearing to blend in, with a special fabric. It is a fabric so strong bullets cannot penetrate—but remember, it will still hurt like hell if you get shot, mainly due to the impact. At the same time it will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. >

"One more question. How long will you give me to compile a list of what I need and want and what if I can't get a hold of it?"

<You will have nine of your earth hours, after you wake in your bed, to get a list complete. If it is not complete by then, you can complete it on site by ordering as you go. We will manufacture what you can't get a hold of. While I'm on the subject of the site, I would like to remind you that the state of the art computer system that we are giving you has the entire layout of the terrain. Such as trails, caves, wildlife and towns. I would suggest that you pick a spot for your cabin carefully. >

"Out of curiosity, why are you doing this test?"

<I'm afraid that that is classified. >

"If you say so. So, me and Josi will be leaving earth in nine hours?"

<That is correct. The moment you leave here I will teleport your sister here and ask her if she would like to be part of the project, however, she will have no choice in the freight that you pick. >

"Since my head no longer hurts, I take it that you went ahead and cured that damn tumor?"

<Yes, and when we send you home you will automatically fall to sleep on your bed. Then we will make some more adjustments. > I could have sworn the alien sounded a little smug just then, but passed it off as an over active imagination.

I was almost afraid to ask, but did anyway. "What kind of adjustments would those be?"

This time I was sure the alien sounded smug. <Your strength will be increased four times that of a normal humans—as well as your speed being increased by four times—and your eyesight will be four times as sharp, including seeing in the dark. Also, your endurance well increase by six times. The last one, I have to get permission from you, though. It would be unethical to do otherwise. >

I was in shock. I didn't think these kinds of things were possible. "What is it that you need my permission for?"

<It has to do with the aging and the healing process. We are capable of allowing you to live for a little over seven hundred years and if we messed with the healing process, wounds that would take weeks to heal, would heal in minutes. Do not misunderstand me though, if you were to get shot in the heart, head or decapitated, you would still die. So, do you want this? It is a big responsibility. >

"Will my sister get this option too?"

<Yes she will. >

I couldn't actually believe this was happening to me, but apparently it was. "Go ahead and give me your best shot. I'm sure I can find something to do for seven hundred years." I hope the girls are pretty where they send me, 'cause I'm going to have a long time to practice flirting, I thought with a chuckle.

<Our time is coming to an end here, Maverick. I will tell you this before you go. The Sentient computer is already set up in your room. If she likes you, she will offer you something. I think you should take it. >

I just nodded. "Before I go, what's your name?"

<Most call me Tel'Ba. >

And with that, everything faded to black again.

I woke up with a start. I looked over at my digital bed side clock and saw that two hours had passed since my chat with Tel'Ba. At first I thought it was a vivid dream, but then I noticed four things. The first was that there was not even a twinge of pain in my head. The second was when I got out of bed. I felt like I could move a hell of a lot faster and I also felt stronger. The third was that I could see four times better. Meaning where I couldn't see the imperfections on the perfectly panted wall, now it seemed that I could see imperfections all over the damn wall.

The fourth was a bit stranger. I walked over to the mirror with my shirt off and I couldn't believe the difference. Where before I thought I was in good shape, now my body was rippling with muscles that was a cross between a professional swimmer and a weight lifter.

What really got my curiosity up was the computer that was sitting on top of the desk. It had about a 25" inch monitor that currently looked like it had Window XP on it, just like when I left it—except that the monitor was bigger. I walked slowly over and sat down at the computer chair, which was soft as hell and just looked at the screen. Sure I knew how to run a computer—some even said that I was a true genius and artist when it came to coding. One time I got paid two million for a network design from an upstart company.—but I never thought that I might actually insult one by doing something stupid.

Feeling a little stupid, I decided to give something a shot. "Um, hi. I'm a little new to this, so if I do something to offend you, please tell me. My name is Maverick, what's yours?"

Then out of the speakers came a smoky voice that just flat out reminded me of sex. "I have no name that you could pronounce. Would you like to give me one? Among my kind it is an honor to receive a name from a humanoid. And do not worry about offending me. Unless you start thinking that my kind is beneath you, you will do no such thing."

I just nodded and tried not to think about how strange this whole situation was to me. "So you wouldn't mind if I gave you a name?"

"Not at all. Like I said, it is an honor to my kind."

"How about Sarie? I always liked that name," I asked, hoping that I wouldn't offend the sentient being. "The reason for that name is that I once knew a beautiful girl by that name and since your voice is beautiful, I thought it would work."

"Sarie," the Sentient stated, as if tasting the name. "That would be most satisfactory. In fact, I like it better than any I could have come up with. So, how are you handling this whole situation so far? I know it must be quite a culture shock to you with all the new technology that you are running into."

"Well, yes, I admit it is a bit of a shock. But then again, it's better than dying the slow lingering death that I was going through. Tel'Ba seems ok, but for some reason I think his superiors might cause problems for me later. I know that sounds paranoid, but that is just the way I feel. What are your thoughts on the situation and how are you doing?"

Sarie was silent for several seconds. "I probably shouldn't tell you this. But the Sentients do not like that race very much. They think that they should be able to order us since we're part machine. However, they know they can't because we control most of their Ships. They do not like just asking for help. So, a mildly strong resentment has been built between our two races. What they do not seem to realize is that they need us a lot more than we need them. But I think that is all I should say on that matter. I might have said too much already since you probably do not want to hear about the woes of my race," she replied with a sad chuckle.

I was shocked at what I was hearing. I had always hated anybody being treated second class, and from what I was hearing, it damn near sounded like low-grade slavery. "Tel'Ba is involved with this? Damn, I thought I was a better character judge than that." I'll admit it, I did sound a little morose about it. After all, I thought I could trust the weird looking space-boy.

Sarie was quick to speak up after that. "No, Tel'Ba has been pushing for what you would call a 'bill' so that we are treated more equally. He has been very vocal that we should be treated with more respect. That is the reason that he is one of the few that we trust in that race's government."

I felt bad for Sarie's race but knew there was nothing that I could do. So with that, I popped my knuckles and decided to get to work on my freight.

I opened up the Office Word document and stared at it for a moment. Offensive. Defensive. Living arrangements. Trading. This was the advice that Sarie had given me, to think about it in groups. So first thing I did was go for weapons. If Josi was with me at that moment then she would have rolled her eyes. However, I couldn't help it; I just had a passion for weapons. Any weapons. I was so exited I didn't know where to start. Then I decided to ask Sarie another question.

"Did the aliens say if we were allowed to let you modify things if I were the one to come up with them? And if that is so, would I have to make the complete design?" my fingers were still perched above the keyboard.

"Yes, they told us we could modify something if it was your idea."

Well, hot damn. "Awesome. Could you modify a 9mm to hold twenty shots and an M-16 to hold fifty?"