Chapter thirteen: A long time ago

“Wait!,” yelled One. They stopped. “This isn’t One speaking FYI. It is me. Over here.” AJ and Kal looked over at the C/Os. Each of them were staring straight ahead, expressionless. No way of identifying who was talking through One.
 
“OK, what’s up?” asked AJ. Said One, “What are we supposed to do. You know, if something catastrophic happens. Like the world ends or something?”
 
“Well,” said AJ. “If the world ends I suspect you won’t have to do much. And if it doesn’t just be there for us three. We are about to do something and we may need your help after whatever happens, happens. So just relax.”
 
One stepped back into her spot. “It’s me this time. One. I’m ready. Kal? You ready? AJ?”
 
“Yes,” said Kal who had found more confidence with the purple source. “I am too,” said AJ. But just before we do this I want to tell you something that may be important. My name. it is not AJ. It is Ajax. Somehow I felt like I was breaking confidence with everyone if I didn’t tell the truth on that front.”
 
“Yes, we know you are Ajax. Not to worry. It is written on your source,” said One. “Any other last thoughts before we do this?”
 
“No. But I do like AJ more than Ajax. So if it is ok with you I’d still like to be called AJ.”
 
“Indeed. Here we go. It is time.” One took her spot.
 
Kal smiled. “I just realized something. What is our source made from?” He was looking at One. “Wood?” said One. “Oak,” said Kal. “Oak. Do you get it? OAK! Isn’t that amazing? Does it mean something?”
 
“Sorry Kal but I don’t think I…oh wait... One of the C/Os gets what you are talking about. Our initials. One. Ajax. Kal. OAK. Very clever. Which of you made the jump?” The C/Os were expressionless as usual. “Of course it was you. Why did I ask! You are always the problem solver! The OAK thing might just be important. I guess time will tell.
 
“Here goes. One two three…” The three hit their sources on the ground, a slight vibration, a humming sound, and then the ground lit in dotted lines down the tunnel to a location only a few feet away, then pointed toward the wall.
 
They followed the dotted line, turned to face the wall, then raised their sources and each touched the solid rock wall. The rock wall fell over like it was paper. And in the room they could see lights and machines, an odd platform with three spots colour coded, and what appeared to be someone sitting in a chair with their backs to them.
 
“Welcome. I have been waiting a very long time for your arrival.” He turned his chair to face them.

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