Shiva Returns
In our second short story featuring the Infurians, a new recruit may not be so new after all. The Infurians is Written by J.A. Pringles
By J.A. Pringles | February 10, 2017
Click Here to read “The House of Thaniel”
short story, our first Infurians story
Shiva Returns
January 21, 2001
“Okay, Shiva, let’s see what you can do.”
I took a deep breath and opened my eyes. In front of me were three of the most powerful people on the planet. And these days, the concept of “power” has a more literal meaning.
I took a few steps to the middle of the room. It was an old high school auditorium, near the edgo of the infection zone. With the area nearly abandoned, the school has been re-purposed as a training facility for the government. Gone were the bleachers and equipment, replaced by three chairs, behind a fold-up table.
I closed my eyes again, focusing thought and energy through my helmet. “Think ‘simple’”, I said to myself. The light began to flicker from my helmets frontal sphere and flow to my arm. The hard light forming a disk, hardening into a translucent shield of hardened, yellow light.
“Impressive” said Tom. “And how far can you project the object?”
“Right now, I can only project items touching my body, basically. But once they are created, they can be thrown or removed without limits.”
“Interesting,’ said Tom.
“Do you need the helmet to create the projections? asked Harold.
“No….but without the helmet, the light is more fragile and less concentrated. With the helmet, I can also create more intricate shapes”
“I see. And you built the helmet yourself?”
“Yes I did.”
“Hmm. Give us a moment please,” said Howard.
They began to speak amongst themselves; Howard, the diminutive ape-like creature; Keza, the first female member, with the ability to manipulate light; and Tom, the first among the public heroes. Since the task force started, Tom was the first recruit by the government. His elemental control of intense fire and heat have earned him the nickname of “Vesuvius.” He has never appeared publicly wihout his armored suit.
“Have you tested the strength of your projections?” asked Tom.
“The strength?”
“To see what and how much they can resist.”
“A little. I did create a ramp that would support a car. A few things like that.”
“Okay, can you project a barrier? A wall?”
“Yes.”
This one was easy. I held my hands out, and my third eye flickered. An eight foot wall appeared before me.
“Okay, please come over here. Everyone, back against the far wall.”
Three of us gathered towards the far wall behind Tom. He stood there alone, his armored hand rising, aiming…now still.
Suddenly, a stream of red and yellow erupted from his hand; thin and delicate, controlled and fierce, the flames struck my barrier.
Ten seconds, fifteen, twenty, and my impromptu wall began to dissipate. Finally, the force was too much, and the wall disappeared in a flicker.
Tom closed his fist, relaxing his arm and the show was over. He returned to his chair, and the others followed suit. I returned to my spot in front of them, where my wall once stood. Not a mark on the floor or wall.
“Don’t worry, there’s no risidual heat,” Tom said.
******
After a few minutes consulting with one another, Harold finally spoke.
“Shiva, what is your full name?”
“My name is Shiva. Shiva-4 to be precise.”
“No, what was your previous name?
“I don’t understand. My name is Shiva. I don’t have another name.”
Harold paused for a moment and glanced over at Tom. Stoic in his containment suit, Tom gave away no clue as to his feelings. A statue in silence.
Keza spoke for the first time. “Shiva. What was your, um, body’s name last week?”
“Oh, that…why does that matter?”
“Can you just give us the name?”
I paused. “I thought I was here to test my abilities…see if I was suitable to join, or re-join, the team.”
“Are you going to answer the questions, or keep playing games?”
“I am not playing games.”
“Then tell us the name of the body…the name that you had last week.”
I paused again, this time for more than a moment. Confused, I stared at my hands. They had lost most of their color since yesterday. As rigor mortis was setting in, the stiffness was beginning to affect the motion.
“I-I don’t remember. I don’t know my previous name…the name of the body.”
“What do you remember? Try your best.”
“I remember waking…next to this man. He…he was maybe 35. He was my husband, I think. Yes. I woke up a few nights ago, suddenly.”
I hesitated again. “I’d rather not talk about this”
“Shiva, we need you to tell us, while you still remember.”
“O-okay. Um, I remember this man…my husband. I woke up at around three in the morning. I went to the kitchen, and started to take apart the microwave. Then my laptop. Then a few other things around the house. I then began to piece them together for my helmet.”
“Was there anyone else in your home?”
“Uh..yes. I, ah, had a daughter. She was…she is seven. She must have woken up because of the noise.”
“Please continue. What happened after you finished your helmet?”
“As I was completing construction, my daughter came into the kitchen. She asked what I was doing. I ignored her, and continued working.”
“What happened next, Shiva?”
“I finished the helmet and put it on. I made a few minor adjustments. Then I left. I came straight here.”
A tangible silence was in the air, as no one spoke for nearly a minute.
“Um, have I answered all your questions?”
“Shiva, what about your husband and daughter? Did you tell them anything before you left?”
I was confused. “What are you talking about?”
“Your husband…and your daughter. The ones you just told us about. Do they know where you are?
“I don’t know who you are talking about. I don’t have a husband or daughter.”
“Shiva…you just mentioned them a moment ago,” Keza shouted, “did you not–”
Harold put his long, fur covered arm in front of Keza, interrupting her.
“Harold! Move your god damn hands away from me!”
Harold gazed at Keza, then to me.
“That will be all Shiva…you can go.”
“What? What do you mean she can go? We can’t let this happen again! Tom–” she stopped herself. Keza rose from her chair, and walked towards the exit.
“Keza…” Tom said to her, but she did not listen. She pushed open the door, and left the auditorium.
“Shiva,” Harold said, ignoring Keza’s interruption, “do you have any questions?”
“Um..yes. Am I to assume i passed, and can join the group?”
“Yes…yes, you passed. Welcome to The Infurians, Shiva. Or should I say, welcome back? The guard will take you back to your room. Welcome aboard.”
“Great. Thank you. Thanks everyone.”
******
Today, one equals a thousand. Who knows what tomorrow will be?