pROJECT:aLLE
It finally is here! Taken from last year's epic spellbounding book, project:alle, written by andrew and I, edited by Kok Kin and various other sources, this article is the original version of the book. Note: it is not as clear and interesting as the version on sale.
The transition from Microsoft Word to this blog has not been smooth, and some phrases and words have been cut off entirely. There are a few grammar mistakes.
The full version of pROJECT:aLLE is only RM30, and it contains the edited version, autographs, maps, glossary and a more detailed look at the universe and equipments involved in this story.
The next book in this series, Sorcerors of Nightwing (S.O.N.) is due to be released next month. It continues where PA left off, and will sell at RM40, due to the hardcover and extra costs. For booking, please contact me early.Latest update: This version uses VERY simple English, and has a LOT of grammer mistakes. This is NOT the book itself, it is just a rough copy, in fact I will be posting a sample of the real one soon. Not the whole thing mind you, that costs RM 30 in its glossy hardcover and cool illustrations.
Nzaebutlae brought the pod lower, barely skimming the barren earth. Showing off, the professor swung the craft down. The aircraft landed abruptly, a cloud of dust billowing through the air. A screeching noise pierced the stale air, making the scientist grit his teeth in pain. Something was wrong. Then the missile struck the ground, just a few feet away from the wrecked pod. Shrapnel and debris flew all over as the pod vibrated at an alarming rate. The plasma shell left a trail of white-hot concentrated fire. He had to leave. The mission was tremendously important, nowhere as important as his wife, but if he stayed, they would both die. The predators had arrived.
Tears streaming, Nzaebutlae stumbled out of the burning vehicle, glancing behind. The predators were gaining quickly. He stumbled over to an alley, infested with slime and centuries of age. Panting, he fumbled with the transporter clip, attaching it to the grimy wall. Click. He hung on, ready to hurtle through the complex networks to Earth. The footsteps were nearer. He could already feel their evil aura. Then it hit him. It was the wrong clip. It was the prototype. The clip disappeared in a sudden flash of blinding light, racing towards its set destination. Back at Zenofon, its creator was torn apart and devoured by the hungry predators. Then the Nucklavees, the savages, cloaked, blending in with the surroundings, their blue aura finally shimmering into darkness.
* * *
“Give me that,” said Hank. His brother, Neil Bushmir, shifted his weight to his other leg, adjusting his hand cast. He was understandably sweating, as Shomorra City was well known for its sweltering heat. Terrible, really. If not for the hefty profits, he would never have been in the middle of this burning oven. Behind him, Hank Bushmir grumbled something about the heat. The two brothers were criminal masterminds, but a certain incident had caused them to resort to conning. Neil was good at it. Very good.
“Get the papers, bro. Upcoming target,” he said suddenly, straightening his tie. The man was getting into a BMW. Weeks of relaxation lay ahead, he was sure of that. Approaching the man, Neil smoothly pulled out the proposal, explaining it. The city mayor was selling the city, so would he buy it? As an agent, he would give a very low price, continued Neil. The “target” turned out to be an undercover agent and spotted the fake immediately. Neil interpreted the officer’s betrayed expression right away and sped off down the street. The officer had whipped out a baton and was quickly gaining on them. Gasping for breath, the younger Bushmir dodged into an alley.
Hank followed, throwing the briefcase at the following officer. The cop was gaining, and fast. The brothers were cracked for the first time, unless they could somehow evade the agent. Neil had to admit, he was at his wit’s end. Then again, he was twelve.
Sounds of shots rang loudly over the heavy traffic, causing daily market bargainers to go into a stand still. Neil let loose a couple more shots at the agent, causing more chaos. Hank took the lead, bringing the pair across the river into more law enforcers. Stunned, he stood there with his mouth open in surprise. “We lost him”, said Neil trying to catch his breath He turned to his brother, still catching his breath and then he caught sight of the police. He too just stood there with his gap wide open.
“Put your hands in the air,” shouted one of the five police. They were closing in on the brothers. The pathway of the bridge to the other side was sealed. Their heart thumping, they slowly obeyed the orders. Neil caught sight of a gondola heading towards them and a light bulb lit up in his mind. Hank seemed to have read his mind. “Now slowly drop your weapons”, instructed that same police. “Look!” Neil then pointed to the back of the police. “No more games, boy,” said the police “put your weapons down and….” A man with an oar knocked the cop right into the river. Quickly, Hank disposed of the others with his neutrino blaster.
“Hey! Crichton my man!” said Hank slapping the young man’s back in perfect hip-hop fashion. “Glad you came,” said Neil, adjusting his hand cast. “How can I forget you guys?” smiled Crichton. “You helped me get this job.” “Hey, mind giving us a ride?” asked Neil, glancing behind. “Sure!”
The three of them got into the gondola. It was decorated for couples. It was quite a smooth ride even though there was a strong current. “Where to?”. “Just drop us over there,” said Neil. “Crichton? Crichton? Dude? Crichton!”
Crichton was lying flat, blood spurting from the chest. Hank saw the police standing by and some running after the gondola. The dead body was swept away by the current. Neil seized the oar from the body. Catching speed with the help of the stirring and current, the gondola was far from the police. Estimating the perfect time for them to get on shore and run, the brothers dodged for shelter underneath a bridge, evading the policemen, while the police followed the empty gondola down the river. The street was vacant, allowing the Bushmirs to make a run for the back streets.
“Stop! Police!” shouted a man in blue uniform. Almost out of their last breath, they forced their legs to bring them as far as possible from the inspector. Hank fired few long shots at the police’s direction, widening the gap in their escape. Hank and Neil were running zigzag all over the city. A sudden blind turn cost Hank to crash right into a girl. Hitting hard,Hank and Neil tripped, but they could see bright flashes of blue like a laser presentation and the alley blurred out as if the wind had blown away the colours to apply a smudge effect.
* * *
Having a heavy feeling as if a tumour had just built up in his head; eyes shut tight like a safe even though awake, he was trying to get out of a dream. He vaguely remembered seeing the whole alley decolourizing and travelling through a twilight zone, finally ending with a boom in total darkness. Suddenly the soft ground gave a nudge, throwing him off. Forcing his eyelids to open, able to he saw a hand coming into his direction …..
“Ouch!! What was that for?” exclaimed Hank, holding his face. “Don’t you know how to watch your way?” she said with a expression not unlike a hyena stalking its prey.
“Hold on babe. Let’s get to know each other first,” looking into her hazel eyes. “I’m Bushmir, Hank Bushmir.” “Don’t try to change the subjeccc…” her eyes strayed off towards Neil, resuming with “Who’s he?”. “The name’s Bushmir, Neil Bushmir,” he mumbled, eyeing the alien surroundings. “Oh, I’m Valerie,” she said, smiling. “Now just wait a blasted moment!” said Hank, squeezing between the two. “Oh, right!You have to apologize for knocking me back into this blasted alley!” shouted Valerie, all traces of the smile gone.
Neil sighed, looking around at the awesome scenery. “Where are we?” he thought inwardly, fingering his hand cast once again. The sky scrapers towered high into the sky; some low, some massive. While it looked like a normal city, Neil immediately dismissed the idea. This was another planet far from earth. Could it possibly mean that they actually travelled to another world? It was possible, considering time travel was already developing. “Why the sceptical looks?” asked Valerie teasingly. “How did ‘BUSHMIR’ lower himself that badly?” “Where is this place?” asked Hank. “By the climate and surroundings, I’m betting its Zenofon. It’s a metallic planet; built, not natural. It’s also a goods-trading centre,” answered Valerie, after a look around.
Neil was about to start exploring when an object caught his eye. It was a diary entitled ‘?????’. Flipping through the pages, his eyes caught a certain entry that was written in some sort of language; different even from the rest. The next page was the translation:
Day 64
I finally finished the clips for the Universal Alliance (UA). Planet Xanadu has freed itself from the ruling of the UA. Therefore the planet is able to travel off the orbits of the UA but is endangered by the predators. The clips are functioning and powerful enough to transport half a planet for an entire century or more…(there was a burn mark, blocking out a few words)..predators attacked…..transported avenue alle with the clip and onto a planet.
Neil shut the book, his mind racing with ideas. Planet Xanadu…Universal Alliance…transportation clip…it all fitted into place. Perhaps…Xanadu was Earth!
After scanning through the journal, he swiftly strode over casually towards Hank and Valerie. “Hey bro, Valerie’s gonna show us around Zenofon,” said Hank. “Want to munch on some alien delicacies?” asked Valerie. Neil nodded, his mind still deep in thought. Walking was a rough journey, for the red sand they were walking on was unstable. Neil’s eyes caught a few information on the billboards, linking the description with the diary he had found. Zenofon was filled with creatures of all kinds. “Fifty silver for a slave! Bargain buy!”, “apepoityh mlkjg(accessories, utilities) for sale!” rang the voices of traders who were busy auctioning their merchandises.
The natives were like humans but their ears dug deep into their skin and their skin was a creepy light blue. Neil finally took his eyes off the creatures, looking around the merchants. Suddenly, an object sped past him, brushing against his arm. “Hey!” Neil let out a startled cry. He quickly scanned the crowd for the culprit.
“There. It’s just a probe,” she pointed towards a rounded robot with wheels as its feet and not even up to the height of an average human’s height. “Hurry. Hurry. Step right up to wrestle the Obiaz,” it drawled in a monotone. Neil winced at the grating sound. “Hah! A quick-money scheme! Hey, robot! Let me at it!” yelled Hank suddenly, cracking his knuckles in anticipation. Then, a figure pushed through the crowd, a great towering brute. Hank stared.
It looked too old to put into words; an air of arrogance dancing in its eyes. In one swift jerk, it ripped off its shirt, revealing densely-packed plates of lava. The creature eyed its opponent, finally breaking into a grin. “I bet a 100 Zefons,” it laughed.
The two exponents circled each over. “Scared?” teased the Obiaz, grinning at his enemy’s height. “You wish!” replied Hank, concentrating on his opponent. No time for mind games now. Hank positioned his head lower while the Obiaz just stood there allowing him the first blow.
In one quick lunge, Hank struck the Obiaz right in the stomach. The ancient creature stumbled, momentarily winded by the leaping tackle. Then it recovered. No being had ever beaten it in battle before. This alien was about to be taught a lesson. Obiaz grinned, summoning his inner powers.
Hank eyed the Obiaz. Then, he attacked again, kicking the Obiaz from behind. As it turned, Hank leaped to the side, positioning himself for the final blow. He anticipated wrongly. A second too late, he realized the Obiaz’s next move. The creature jumped with full force, landing directly on Hank. The weight sandwiched Hank to the ground, his head by now whirling with colours. With a roar, Hank Bushmir shifted, gripping the Obiaz in an iron-like grip. The creature struggled but to no avail. Veins strained as never before as Hank bodily slammed the creature into the ground, driving him down with his full weight. The Obiaz gave a feeble cry and then lay still. The crowd was quiet. Then, the creature’s hand came up in a gesture of surrender. Yelling with joy, Hank joined his companions, collecting his winnings. The crowd was stunned, pushing for a look at the being that had defeated the almighty Obiaz.
* * *
Red liquid dripped from Hank’s papriquo (alien liquor). They were celebrating Hank’s victory over the Obiaz at a diner. Neil finished off his twenty-first mujde, a hard rock with various tastes. Hank and Valerie were drunk and had already fallen asleep. Sighing, Neil brought them to a nearby hotel. Then, he silently slipped out.
The leaders of Zenofon were the predators; so he could sell the clip to them for a planet. Bending down on his knees, he chanted ‘srotaderp’, maintaining full concentration. I have the clip that you want, he said, sending the mental statement to the Nucklavees. Moments later, they appeared.
“Why do you summon us?” roared a robed figure. Neil suppressed a shiver, straightening his hand cast. “I have the clip. I want a planet in exchange; a safe one,” he said, clenching the concealed clip. The shadowed creatures talked quietly among themselves before one finally drew back its hood. Neil was stunned. Its eyes were empty caverns of darkness; its entire face reeked of a putrid smell and pieces of flesh were hung together by tiny veins. Composing himself, Neil waited for the answer.
“We accept the deal,” replied the predator. “We shall give you a device to contact us. We will get the planet ready by tomorrow dawn. I shall await the clip,” it continued, replacing the hood. Very little negotiating tactics, thought Neil. Just straight to the point. How amateur. Neil nodded, turning to go. Then the predators were gone, without any flashes or sounds. Neil snickered, pocketing the device.
Hank blinked his eyes groggily. Neil was awake with a weird expression on his face. He seemed to be deep in thought about something. The older Bushmir sat up straight. He didn’t like this weird place, no matter how near it was like Earth. He cracked his knuckles and then went over to his younger brother. Neil, lost in thoughts, didn’t realize Hank was awake.
“Problems?” asked Hank, sitting down.. Neil jolted out of his thoughts, turning towards Hank. “Problems? All of us have problems, bro. But don’t worry; mine are no where too complicated to bother you. Anyway, we’d better wake Valerie,”said Neil, still thinking about the pact. It bothered him in a way, he was sure it couldn’t be that easy. Deals never were. Put it aside, he chided himself. He would find the loose end later.
Sighing, Neil sat down. Part of him wanted to help his bro and Valerie but the deal was important too. What if something happened to them? Then again, they could follow him, perhaps even rule with him. Toying with the idea, Neil faced the other two. “We’d better move. Unless you want to stay in this strange world, of course,” he told them, heading towards the alley. He wouldn’t give the clip to those foul creatures; not until they reached Earth again. Then he would be in control of the pact.
Quickening his pace, Neil stepped into the alley, switching the clip on. Hank and Valerie, still drowsy with sleep, followed. They felt the jolting sensation again, as a myriad of shimmering blue lights flickered before their eyes. Neil closed his eyes as waves of nausea swept over him. He just had too much to think about. Being a child prodigy did have its downsides.
All of a sudden, they halted. They were still in Zenofon. Neil blinked in surprise, panic building up slowly. It didn’t work! Maybe…they couldn’t go back. Before Neil could think any longer, a hard blow on the back of his head closed down all thoughts. He slipped into darkness, blacking out. Hank grabbed the assaulter, flinging him into a wall. He was cloaked in robes, his face bathed in the shadows of his ragged hood. Hank took a step closer. Then, Valerie uttered a soft cry of surprise. There were even more of them coming. Who were they?
Hank dodged the attacks, landing a blow of his own on one of his opponent. The creature took a step back. Hank took another swing, just before yet another of the things appeared. Hank quickly danced out of the way. He then smoothly whipped out his Neutrino blaster, sending a blast of concentrated plasma right into the approaching assailants. Those creatures were certainly hardy. The blow could have knocked down a rhino; but the creatures just kept on coming. Predators, Hank decided, were built to withstand and survive. Then again, so was Hank. All Bushmirs were.
Hank heard a groan and turned. It was his younger brother, slowly getting up from the floor. The robed attackers turned to Neil too. “What’s...?” Neil uttered just before the creatures picked him up, dashing away with surprising agility. Hank was momentarily stunned. Then his training kicked in. He raced towards the predators, slamming his shoulders into one. His opponent fell backwards, then picked itself up. A fist whooshed past Hank. Grinning, Hank caught the weak attempt and flung the attacker judo-like into the floor. The others were already escaping. They were far ahead and moving far too swiftly for Hank to catch up.
* * *
Neil struggled to get free of the iron-like holds. “Treachery!” he yelled, hitting one of the predators. Their putrid breath filled the air, choking Neil. Without warning, they suddenly let go. Neil smashed into the floor in a flailing heap. He quickly got up, controlling his anger.
“I know what you want,” he managed to say, though his voice was choked with fear and he was quivering unprofessionally. “The transporter,” Neil continued “I have the clip. Here, take it. Then give me a craft to return to Earth. Oh, and once I reach home, I shall take over a planet of my choice. Thank you very much.” Neil clenched his fist. How dare they break the pact, making him look like an idiot?
The Nucklavees chattered excitedly at the sight of the clip. It was a fake, of course, but they had no way of knowing. In fact, it even emitted the flashing light when activated. One of the predators, possibly the leader, took the clip and then pointed at an aircraft nearby. Smiling, Neil strolled towards it and then activated the craft. Dimwits, he thought inwardly. With a loud roar and a gigantic cloud of smoke, the vehicle shot off at a shocking speed, just a few inches away from the ground. After a short while of manoeuvring, his brother and Valerie came into sight. He smiled broadly, landing the craft.
“Greetings, fellow humans. I am happy to say that I gave those creatures a fake clip. They’re obviously a few brain cells too short to face the like of me,” bragged Neil. Valerie giggled, nodding in approval. Something struck Neil as wrong but he couldn’t place it. Before they had all got into the craft, a roaring sound hurtled towards them. Frightened, Neil glanced at the source of the noise. All he could see were billowing clouds of smoke and a dim blue light. It was them.
Neil frantically jumped into the cockpit, jabbing a few buttons at random before clutching the throttle. Hank and Valerie hurriedly followed. The Nucklavees arrived faster than he thought, the gigantic ship smashing into the back part of the craft. Hank and Valerie were thrown out by the impact while Neil hung onto the throttle. This couldn’t be happening! He couldn’t lose! He searched for something, anything that could help. The predators were already disembarking. Then he remembered. Grabbing the handle, Neil pulled out his Neutrino prototype. Fumbling with the dial, he squeezed the trigger and held it, all the while aiming at the Nucklavees. The blaster vibrated vigorously, a long stream of plasma exploding from the nozzle. The predators screamed in pain as they were knocked backwards by the force.
There was no time to save the other two. But he couldn’t leave them to die! Never mind, he would come back. And woe betide anyone who dare oppose him. He jerked the throttle forward, the craft zooming away from the wreckage. Then he steered into the sky, towards the planets awaiting him.
* * *
A long week had passed since Hank and Valerie had been caught. They might be dead. If they were, the predators would pay even more severely. Neil pushed the thought out of his mind, concentrating on the makeshift rocket he was building. It was quite primitive, only having basic functions. But it would have to do. The other weapons were slightly better, especially the latest Neutrino blaster. No more plasma for him, what he needed was laser, strong enough to slice the blasted creatures into many pieces. He had the clip! Let them learn who was really in power! Putting in the final microfilament, Neil strapped on the helmet.
“Goodbye, you arrogant space beings. Bushmir is here!” he shouted. Neil got into the rocket, twiddling the tiny stick. It shot off in a trail of smoke, the pressure slowly building up. Neil’s anti-pressure helmet was straining against the G-force, with loud screeches filling the air. Neil closed his eyes and set the dial to Zenofon, all the time holding his Neutrino blaster.
Neil landed in an amazing display of fireworks, sparks jumping from broken wires. Coughing, the teenager stepped out, unnerved. Then he saw them - the predators. With a grin on his mouth, Neil fingered the laser pistol. Turning away, Neil ran towards the two familiar faces. The predators were stunned but they quickly recovered. Neil unlocked his companion’s chains before turning towards the Nucklavees. Before they could approach, he let loose a burst of laser. The victim had barely disintegrated before Neil took out a staff. The enraged teenager swirled the staff, hitting two opponents at once. Grunting, Hank joined in the fight.
“No! This is my fight!” yelled Neil suddenly, eyes ablaze with anger. Hank backed off. Spinning the staff again, Neil speared a Nucklavee. Two others approached from behind. Neil took another shot. Over the loud roar, he disposed of the other predators with his Neutrino plasma blaster. The leader was unscathed and no amount of attack caused any damage. Neil finally jumped into the rocket, waving goodbye to the head of the Nucklavees.
The following hour was ‘story telling time’ as they related their stories. Hank and Valerie exchanged glances as Neil talked about the clip. Exhausted at last, Neil sat down, taking a sip of water. “Can someone pass me that knife? I need to cut this extra piece of bandage,” said Neil, adjusting his cast.
Hank and Valerie exchanged glances again. “Here it is!” said Valerie, gripping the knife tightly. Neil caught the expression. “Hey…” he broke off as Valerie brought the knife down. He jumped aside, heart thumping wildly. “Valerie!” he screamed, warding off the attacks. “Hank, help me!” he yelled, his heart beating at an incredible rate. Then he saw Hank’s face. No! This couldn’t be happening! Neil’s mind raced with thoughts as he slowly backed off from the two. He gripped his Neutrino blaster. Before he could lift it, Hank held him in a ‘bearhug’, while Valerie brought the knife down. Neil gave a final sob, then slumped down; blood spurting unhalted. He felt no pain, just coldness; more intense than any coldness he had ever experienced. It was too cold to think; his body numbed by the chill. Then the world dissipated into darkness and the coldness was no more.
Valerie looked stunned. Then, she composed herself, discussing the matter of the clip. But even that matter soon ran out. A chilling silence followed. Valerie occasionally glanced at Neil’s dead body. Stopping a sob, Valerie broke the silence, saying “For the last time, I am in charge of the clip. I killed him so I get the bigger share.” Hank kept quiet, scared that Valerie would vanish; leaving him with nothing.
They were in silence for the rest of the trip and the terrible stench of the dead accompanied them through out the whole trip.
* * *
The western sky had darkened, as the moon set in. Streaks of dying yellow and orange pierced through the graying sky; thick clouds of ash and dust billowing through the air. Hank blinked a few times, dispelling the floating debris with a loud cough. He was feeling uncomfortable, but it had nothing to do with the weather.
The unformed plan flitted through his mind, entangled in the vines of greed. He gripped his Neutrino blaster for comfort, feeling the familiar coolness and firm grip. Then he remembered its creator, Neil. He quickly released his grip. Should he do it? He had already murdered once, he thought, trying to console himself. Second times are always easier. Gripping the pistol tightly, he spun around, aiming the triple nozzles at Valerie.
“Huh? What’s..Hank! What are you..!” she screamed, her eyes opening wide in horror. With a small kick, the liquid cooler released a burst of plasma, leaving a searing trail of heat. And dust. Nothing else. Sniffing, Hank Bushmir pocketed the weapon. He would not be consumed by guilt, not at so pivotal a moment. It was time to carry out his plan. Now, who’s the genius, Neil? Who, indeed, he laughed to himself, his eyes sparkling with greed. Then his eyes trailed towards the two dead bodies. The smile died at his lips.
* * *
Ten years passed in a blink of an eye and Hank had fulfilled his manic dream, thanks to his scrawny assistants. Hank was already the ruler of the four largest planets in the universe, Planet Drawde, Planet Werdna, Planet Enyaw and Planet Nevoop. The predators’ numbers had multiplied astonishingly, thriving on the life of riches and luxury. There remained just one more planet, one that he had eyes on for a long time. Planet G-Nop was enormous, its bulk more massive than all his planets combined. It had millions of savages, predators, or so the rumours said. No being had ever invented technology strong enough to travel there and back. Other than him, of course. He would conquer it on his own, savour his final victory before getting rid of the troublesome predators. They were too many and might grow unruly. The night before his departure, all the predators gathered at the place where Hank was going to leave. After saying his goodbyes, he held the chip in his hand, closed his eyes and was transported there in the blink of an eye. When he reached there, he put the chip in his pocket and when he opened his eyes, he was baffled.
The planet was beautiful, rich in colours, too many of them to figure out. For Hank, there were no words to describe the awesome beauty. It was the planet of his desire. But something was funny around there; there were no people and also no predators! He used his special device to detect if there were any life forms on the planet. Shockingly, there was nothing! Hank smiled to himself and jumped with joy. “Victory is mine!” he thundered, roaring with laughter. “It just makes my work so easy” he said to himself.
By now, all that remained was to go back, call his predators and build his base here. Grinning in anticipation, he held the clip and readied himself for the jerking motion. Nothing happened. He flipped the clip again, checking whether it was the right one. It was. He decided to give it another go. Holding the clip, he closed his eyes. He was still there!
Frightened, Hank raked his brains, trying to figure out the reason. 10 years ago, when he asked Neil, his late brother, to tell him about the clip, there was one thing Neil forgot to mention. When you enter the tenth year, you can only use the clip once, then it automatically dysfunctions. Hank was sweating by now. He had no idea whatsoever of what to do.
He tried over and over again to use the clip, but it still did not work. His predators had no way of knowing what had happened. They could not do anything because their only transportation was the clip, and Hank had the clip. He was the only one on the planet. After a few days of sheer torture and wandering, Hank finally starved to death, the faces of his victims laughing at him.
As for the predators, they slowly met their demise one by one as they were stranded; completely cut off from the other members of the UA. The Nucklavee head was the last to die, pressing the button of the long-dead communicator.
And so ends the story of pROJECT:aLLE, but not necessarily the complete ending of the whole history. For the legend of the curse of the 5 planets remains even until now. Have you ever wondered why the Olympics have 5 rings as its logo?
posted by Wayne. @ 3:31:00 AM
