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THE FIFTH CYCLE

By Chuck Semenuk

Peter Jenkins smiled as he checked over his notes. Even though the whole idea was bizarre, his experience over the years assured him that it would work. He dialed the number of an old acquaintance, John Brennen. John was one of the most powerful and influential men in the country, and also had a streak of greed a mile wide.

“John, we have to get together. I have quite an amazing story to tell you. But more than that, I think you’ll want to be involved.”

“Peter, what’s this about? Can’t you tell me anything over the phone?”

“Until you’ve had a stiff drink and we’re sitting eye to eye, I’d rather not divulge anything.”

A meeting was set up for the following afternoon. Peter told John that he would also be inviting local astronomer Erica Wright.

Puzzled, John Brennen hung up the phone.

“What in the world could this be about? I won’t sleep a wink tonight. Now, I can’t wait to hear what Peter has to say. Very mysterious.”

####

At two PM, within seconds of one another, John and Erica pulled into Peter’s driveway. Peter’s A-frame located right on Lake Crowe, was a writer’s paradise. In addition to being a respected physicist he was also known for his futuristic views and had written several best selling sci-fi novels.

John and Erica were only starting up the sidewalk when Peter rushed out to meet them, almost tripping as he anxiously raced out of the door.

“I’m so glad you could both make it.”

He quickly escorted his two guests inside. His living room was beautiful, all cherry paneled with a picture window facing the lake. Peter would spend weeks here, rarely leaving when a novel was in process.

Erica and John sat down and Peter quickly poured them each a drink.

Looking at them hopefully, Peter said, “Your afternoon is free I hope? I have much to tell. Please relax, and clear your head of any pre-disposed notions of man’s destiny …”

“For God’s sake man,” John interrupted, “Will you get on with it already?”

“You’ve got my attention too,” Erica added.

“Well what I want to tell you both, I believe to be the absolute truth. A week ago I received an e-mail from an unknown sender. The message was very brief and mysterious.”

“Tell us already.” John was getting impatient.

“The message merely said … 2012, four times before.” I e-mailed back. I said I didn’t understand — please clarify.”

“And then?” asked Erica.

“The sender asked to meet me at Loganville Park at 10 PM two nights ago. I was little worried and suspicious of the sender’s motive, the middle of the night and all, but I was so curious that I agreed.

He showed up right on time and quickly got to the point. His name is Mashiah and he comes from Earth, but not from our time.”

“Are you trying to tell us that he’s a time traveler?” said John with a look of total disbelief on his face.

“Yes, I am. He came to warn us of a coming catastrophe.” Peter paused and then said, “Although, this idea is not really new to us.”

Erica got up and poured herself another glass of wine. Looking amused, she asked. “Are you sure you didn’t have a bad dream last night, Peter?”

“I’m not trying to pull your legs. Just give me a chance to get this whole story out.”

Erica and John both nodded and John said, “Okay Peter, you have the floor. Get on with it.”

“Well, I know you’re both familiar with the Mayan Calendar and their prediction of the end of the world in 2012. The media and tabloids have been putting out stories for some time now. But, did you also know that this, according to the Mayans, has happened four times before.”

“No, but so what?” said Erica.

“That would make us in the fifth cycle of life. And our time traveler claims to come from the fourth cycle. He says he can prove that the end of the world is really going to happen.”

“Mashiah has proposed a plan to take a select group of people through time, beyond the disaster date when the earth would once again be safe to inhabit.”

John was getting a little edgy. “Let me get this straight. Do you really expect us to believe this cock-and-bull story? Peter, we’ve fought some battles together before, but I’m starting to wonder if your science fiction stories aren’t getting the best of you. You know, we’re a year away from this so-called “end-of-days” and no one has yet been able to present any hard scientific data to substantiate this theory. It’s all just a lot of hogwash to sell newspapers and media time.”

“I don’t want either of you to pass judgment tonight. I just want the three of us to meet with our visitor. After that if you’re still skeptical, you can both go your own way. Fair enough?”

Erica smiled and finished her drink, “Why are we supposed to be a part of this?”

“The visitor requested an astronomer to validate his calculations of the coming doom, and a physicist – myself, to help build a time portal capable of transporting enough people to start a new civilization and of course, a person with the funds and connections to complete this awesome task.”

Erica quipped, “Sounds interesting to say the least; I wouldn’t mind hearing what he has to say.”

Reluctantly John said, “Well, this sounds like a pipe dream to me Peter but, I’m curious. I’ll at least listen to his story.”

######

Peter and Erica watched as John’s car disappeared down the road.

Erica turned toward Peter. “Well, what do you think? Do you think he bought it?”

Peter grinned. “Oh yeah. He’s nibbling at the bait. I’ve known John for a long time and I can tell you he’s going to be climbing the walls until our big meeting next week. That’s when we set the hook! John knows how to work a con; he didn’t get all of his money because he was such a swell guy. But, it takes a really good con man to outsmart another con man and I’m the guy! I need you to spend the next week working closely with our “time traveler” to make sure that there are no obvious holes in our story. Once we make John a believer, we can depend on him to bring some of his “deep pocketed” friends into our little adventure.”

“Who is this Mashiah character?” asked Erica. “Are you sure that we won’t have any problems with him?”

“I’ve known him for a short time,” said Peter. “His real name is Alejandro de Fernandez. He can con your grandmother out of her false teeth. I’ve been told that he’s a pretty good actor. He tells me that he’s been in the movie business in South America for some time but he never got the break he needed to get into North American films.”

“How are we going to come up with a time portal?” asked Erica.

“Let’s go inside and have another drink while I fill you in.” Peter poured a couple more drinks while Erica settled into a comfortable chair. “With the economy being so bad, there are some very talented people out there who will do just about anything to make some good money. I know a couple of un-employed movie special-effects technicians who can build virtually anything.”

Erica sipped on her drink. “Won’t that cost a fair amount of money?”

Peter smiled. “If you and Alejandro do a good job of convincing John, we shouldn’t have any problem getting the money to start flowing. We can pay our “traveler” and the “techies” and still have plenty for you and me.”

######

Per the alleged instructions of Mashiah, Peter, John and Erica were to meet with him at the Starlight Motel at midnight the following Friday.

Peter and Erica arrived early and set up the room with a white board and easel, and some astronomy text books and charts for effect. John arrived at 11:45 PM. The three waited, and as expected, the visitor arrived right on time. Peter asked John to open the door. It was a clear moonlit night, perfect for introducing John to the visitor. Coming out of the shadows, he entered the room. Tall and lean looking and dressed in a hooded robe, he looked the part of a priest or shaman. In keeping with the con, Peter introduced Erica as if the two had never met. As he introduced Mashiah to John, Peter could tell that John was duly impressed.

Mashiah told them how his people had monitored present day civilization and learned their language and customs. So enthralled with Mashiah, John didn’t think to ask how the Mayans were able to monitor us.

“Your civilization is about to end, and it is too late to do anything about it.” Mashiah moved to the white board and began to draw as he described the coming catastrophe. “As you may have read, my culture predicts that the world as you know it will end on December 21, 2012. This is actually part of a natural cycle of our solar system. It has happened four times before.”

Mashiah pointed to the diagram he had drawn. “On December 21, 2012, the sun will be in conjunction with the crossing point of the galactic equator.”

Feeling terribly ignorant at the moment, John stammered “What in hell is a galactic equator?”

Seeing an opportunity to lend creditability to Mashiah’s story, Erica quickly opened one of the books that she had brought along for the occasion. “Here it is, John. The galactic equator is the center line of the milky way.”

John grunted, still trying to understand. Mashiah continued, “This crossing is known in some circles as the “Holy Cross.” My people call it the “Sacred Tree.” At the time of this galactic alignment, the earth’s magnetic poles will reverse, triggering global calamities that will be beyond imagination.”

John’s forehead had beads of sweat forming as the magnitude of Mashiah’s story began to sink in. Peter turned to hide the grin on his face. John was hooked. Now, to play him a bit before reeling him in. Mashiah continued his story of impending disaster while Erica pretended to find supporting documentation in some of her books and charts.

“What can we do?” asked John.

“If we work fast, we can save a select group of approximately fifty people; men, women, and of course some children who could start the next cycle with all the knowledge that civilization now possesses. If mankind is ever going to move on to the stars it will need to bridge the gap between the cycles,” said Mashiah.

“John, Erica, you must have some questions. What are your thoughts?” Peter said.

“I’m sorry. I’m having a hard time believing this. I’ve always thought that time travel was impossible.

“John,” Mashiah gently touched his shoulder, “Let me assure you that it is the least of our concerns. At the time of the magnetic shift, a door into the heart of space and time will open. You will learn more about this phenomenon soon. Time travel is a principle that your present civilization is about one hundred years away from discovering. When we are ready and have selected the right group of people, I will demonstrate how time travel works. Then John, you will know why you are so important to this effort.”

“How do we get this project going?” asked Erica.

“First off, secrecy is everything,” cautioned Mashiah. “Only the fifty or so people who are going into the future can take any part in the project. If outsiders find out, we will have a worldwide panic on our hands, and no one will be able to go. I hope Peter has chosen both of you because like him, you will be committed to do what is necessary, without question.”

John’s mind raced ahead. He was rich and powerful. In the new world, he could imagine himself as the undisputed leader. “Count me in,” smiled John.

“I think we have enough to chew on for now. Let’s get back together in a few days and finalize our plan,” suggested Peter. While John stared at the sketches on the white board Peter, Erica and Alejandro exchanged knowing glances. “We’ve got him,” thought Peter.

######

The sun was already high in the sky as Erica prepared a light breakfast in Peter’s kitchen. Peter walked into the room, drying his hair with a fluffy towel. “Well. Good morning sleepy head. Were you all tired out from thinking about the money we’re going to get?” laughed Erica.

“Yeah. I had so many things running through my head that I couldn’t fall asleep,” mumbled Peter. “You really did a great job with Alejandro. His little presentation was excellent.”

Erica put two plates of scrambled eggs with toast on the table and sat across from Peter. “It was really strange. Alejandro was actually very knowledgeable about the 2012 story, especially all the astronomy stuff. I didn’t have to teach him any of that. We just worked on the scenario we would use on John. I asked him how he became such an expert on 2012 and he just smiled, saying that he reads a lot!”

Grinning broadly, Peter poured the coffee. “I can’t believe how well this is working out.”

Erica sipped at her coffee. “There’s still a lot that you haven’t told me. Once we’ve identified the fifty people, for the big “trip,” how will we con them all? Obviously, if we pick people that would be capable of rebuilding the technology base in the “new world”, I’m sure some would see through the scam in a heartbeat.”

Peter laughed. “You, being the astronomer, and I, being the physicist will make the selection of the “intelligent” people who will go into the future. Of course, John won’t know that the list will be bogus. John, being the guy with all the money connections will be allowed to select three or four additional people based on what they can contribute financially.”

“I see.” Erica was excited. “Alejandro and I will put on our dog and pony show for this little group.”

Peter finished his eggs and pushed the plate away. “It’s extremely important for us to convince John that he is a key player in our endeavor to save mankind from total annihilation. As soon as he frees up some serious money, I can have the special effects geeks start building a believable time portal and impressive looking electronics for our demonstration.”

As Erica thought about the plan, she looked at Peter with a furrowed brow. “I was thinking; these people aren’t stupid. Surely someone will question the worth of good old American cash in a different time and civilization. What if we had them discretely convert a good portion into gemstones and small quantities of precious metals like quality gold and silver trinkets?”

“Not a bad idea,” remarked Peter. “We should be able to convince them to do that. That will also make it fairly easy for us to convert into the local currency, wherever we are.”

######

Peter had scheduled the “planning” meeting to be held at John’s house. He reasoned that it would be effective in making John believe that he was actually a major player in the effort. John and Peter were relaxing with a glass of brandy when the door bell rang. John quickly went to the ornately carved oak door and peered through the security peep hole.

“It’s Erica and Mashiah,” exclaimed John. He ushered them into the lavish living room. “May I get you something to drink?”

Erica smiled, “I wouldn’t mind a glass of white wine if it wouldn’t be too much trouble.”

“No problem,” laughed John. He prided himself on his fully stocked bar. “How about you, Mashiah?”

“That brandy looks good to me, John.”

With the pleasantries out of the way, John refilled his brandy glass and settled into a plush chair. He took a sip of brandy. Believing that he was now in charge, John smiled broadly and said “Okay folks, what’s next on the agenda?” Peter described how he and Erica would be responsible for selecting technically competent people to bring into the future while Mashiah would be working with some of them to construct the time portal. “What about me?” asked John impatiently.

“John, you are a key force in making everything happen.” Peter laid it on thick. He wanted no chance that John would doubt his importance to the project. Feeding John’s ego some more, “You are the only one who can pick the right people to make this project work. The persons you pick will of course have the means to support this endeavor financially as well as being of good “breeding stock.”

“That sounds a bit crude, Peter.”

“I’m sorry, John. I couldn’t think of a delicate way to say it,” grinned Peter. “They will be the leaders of the new world. Of course, they must all be sworn to secrecy.” Peter explained the balance of the plan as he wanted John and the rest of the marks to know it.

John agreed to advance funds to begin work on the time portal. “We will begin work immediately,” pledged Mashiah.

######

Peter had built a fire in the fireplace. He and Erica relaxed after a long day. A year had passed quickly. John had done his part admirably and selected the right greedy people who were only too happy to part with a good part of their wealth for the chance to pass into the “new world.” It was now December 14, 2012. The time portal demo and astronomy show put on by Erica and Alejandro was a success. Good acting, a good story and a fair amount of greed on the part of the participants helped to carry off the scam without a hitch.

Erica stared into the dancing flames. “Peter, I’m worried about something.”

“What’s to worry?” quipped Peter. “Everything is going great.”

“Alejandro told me some things. I went to the observatory yesterday to check them out. I have a friend there who let me use the telescope for awhile. It’s very hard to see unless you know exactly where to look but, there is a very small meteor on the move through our solar system. If it stays on its current path, it should slingshot around the sun and hit Earth just before the galactic alignment on December 21.”

“You’ve got to be kidding” chided Peter. “Alejandro is an actor, remember? I hired him for this scam. How can you let yourself get suckered into believing any of this?”

Tears started to form in Erica’s eyes. “I don’t understand how he knows certain things but he does.”

“Erica, I think that you need to get your act together. Within six days, you and I will be kicking back at a nice little villa in Mexico.”

######

Alejandro held Erica in his arms. “I have so much to tell you. You must not go with Peter. The meteor – I know where it will hit the earth. It will hit just before the final alignment that will cause the magnetic poles to reverse.”

Erica was puzzled. “But how---? I don’t understand.”

“Trust me, mi amor. You will understand soon. Te quiero con toda mi alma. I love you with all my heart. Please say that you will come with me.” Alejandro kissed her tenderly.

With tears running down her cheeks, Erica sobbed, “I do love you Alejandro. I will come with you.”

####

With the cash and other riches collected by Peter under the guise of getting it together for transport through the time portal, John and the other participants in the time travel scheme were instructed to be ready and waiting until notified by Peter of the exact time and place. Peter, now comfortable in his little villa in a small Mexican town, ran his hands over the cash and jewels on his bed. Erica didn’t show up when it was time to leave. “No great loss,” thought Peter. He could have any woman he wanted.

Peter turned on the radio to get some music. All of the stations seemed to have some sort of news broadcast on. His mouth open, Peter heard the news reporter – “……a rogue meteor previously unnoticed due to the positioning of the sun and planets, has slingshot around the sun and is headed toward earth at a high rate of speed. It is expected to hit somewhere in Mexico…….” Stepping out on the balcony, Peter stood awestruck at the white hot ball of fire approaching.

######

Alejandro and Erica stood at the Mayan temple in Tikal, Guatemala looking at the pulsating portal in front of them. Tikal had long been thought to be a possible portal to the next world by scientists of the time. Little did they realize how right they were.

As the pulsing light grew brighter, Alejandro looked deeply into Erica’s eyes. “Te quiero, mi amor. I love you. It is time for us to leave.” As they walked hand in hand toward the portal, Alejandro smiled. “…….2012, five times before.”

The End

Scheduled to be published in the July, 2011 issue of Ultimate Writer Magazine.