The Fall of Martin Orchard

Chapter 3 Sydney: June 2020

I was in the bathroom of the Prince of Wales Hospital, and I stared into my reflection. My eyes looked normal, alas not the same nuance of blue as before. One of the first things I had done when I returned to Sydney was to get tinted lenses. While the monocle expanded my mind, it was exhausting to always be so aware of my surroundings.

Since the incident in the hidden Zetan Temple in Nepal, the colour of my right eye had changed irrevocably. My right eye was now luminescent purple. While the monocle could hide my eye colour, this wasn’t the case when I took it off.

I had settled for using tinted blue lenses. While they made my right eye look like I had glaucoma, they didn’t impede my vision. Appearing to have glaucoma was also less noticeable than having a shining purple eye.

I was due to meet my neurologist shortly. I felt trepidatious and anxious. I had visited last week, and I had received a call-back urging me to return as quick as possible. My panic attack caused my vision to blur, and I ended up vomiting into the toilet bowl.

I pulled myself together. There was nothing for me to fear. I had returned from the dead. What was the worst that could happen? That the CT scan indicated my imminent death? Hah, been there done that. With my nerves calmed, I splashed some water on my face to freshen up. I exited the toilet and I approached the doctor’s reception with my head held high.

***

“Mr Lundqvist. I have some unwelcome news.” Dr Ramsay said and wrinkled his forehead.

“I figured as much when I got the urgent call-back,” I replied.

“Your CT scans show a massive amount of scarring on your brain. You should be dead ten times over. It’s a miracle that you are still alive.” Dr Ramsay explained.

“Perhaps, but I thought this was a hospital. What can you do for me?” I replied.

“Not much I am afraid. But I would appreciate if you’d volunteer for medical studies. You are unique as far I know.” Dr Ramsay said.

“I am sorry, but spending my remaining years being a human guinea pig is not on the top of my priorities” I replied dismissively.

“I understand you. But please tell me. What symptoms do you experience? Seizures? Hallucinations? Migraines?” Dr Ramsay asked.

“All of them. But, since you’re unable to assist me, I’d rather spend my time somewhere else. Goodbye Dr Ramsay!” I replied. After that I got up, opened the door, and slammed it behind me. This caused everyone in the reception area to stare at me as I took off.

***

“So, what did they say at the hospital?” Elaine wondered when I got home. “That my survival was a miracle, and they wanted to use me as a human guinea pig!” I yelled out. “Well perhaps you’ll be happier if you appreciate that miracle then?” Elaine replied. “So, what do you suggest that I do?” I asked. “Wear the monocle. It helps your brain function.” Elaine suggested. “I’ll think about it. I need to have a rest now.” I said, and I walked to the bedroom.

Lying in bed, I pondered on Elaine’s suggestion. While the monocle had helped my brain function and sped up my mind, it came with an apparent adverse side effect. I was contactable by Rangda, and the last thing I wanted in life was to be contacted by that malicious creature. Rangda had claimed that she wanted to help humanity survive the future apocalypse, but I didn’t believe her at all. Yet, what were my other options?

I plugged in the monocle, and there she was, Rangda.

Rangda smirked at me and spoke: “Tsk, tsk, tsk. Look who is back.” “I don’t have much choice, do I? My brain is beyond repair, and I can’t function without the monocle.” I replied tiredly. “The Chosen One usually doesn’t have a choice. That’s why it’s called the Chosen One. As in I chose you, not the other way around. “Rangda replied. “And why did you choose me?” I asked

Rangda stayed silent for a while, and she seemed to be looking for a good explanation. In the end she spoke: “A lot of fortunate coincidences. I could track you because of your Zetan tattoo which acts as a tracking device. When you got to Nepal, I was fortunate that you came across a replicated Zeto Crystal.” Rangda explained.

“A replicated Zeto Crystal? What is that?” I interrupted.

“My enemies, the Zetans, were the most advanced species ever to roam the Milky Way. Eons ago they found a way to make replicas of the primordial Zeto Crystals. “

“So, what is a primordial Zeto Crystal?” I asked.

“A primordial Zeto Crystal contains the soul of the True Maker. They are incredibly powerful, and they can create almost unlimited energy. There is one primordial Zeto Crystal hidden somewhere on Earth, and one day you shall help me find it. The replicated Zeto Crystals, on the other hand, are common. They are just useless one-time usage fuel cells. Non-rechargeable batteries if you will” Rangda explained.

“So, was it the replicated Zeto Crystals that opened the portal in Egypt and saved me from certain death during the accident in Nepal? “I asked.

“Yes, but the real prize is the primordial Zeto Crystal. Possessing that artefact, you can heal your brain damage, and you can save the future om humanity.” Rangda said.

“So, how do I find the Zeto Crystal?” I asked.

Rangda smiled and chuckled. “I love your enthusiasm. Self-interest is the most potent force of the universe. To find the primordial Zeto Crystal, you’ll first need to find Pachamama’s veil, hidden somewhere in the Andes. Once it’s found we will have more clues to continue our search. “Rangda said.

“But how can I afford that? I don’t have enough money to travel the world for years, looking for alien artefacts.” I replied.

Rangda gave me a disapproving look and shook her head. “Tsk, Tsk. Money! This fictional concept that governs your species and is holding you back from achieving true greatness!” Rangda exclaimed.

“Well it’s still the reality on Earth regardless of what you think of it,” I replied snidely.

Rangda gave me a hateful look and shrieked. “Do not disrespect me, human! IIIIIIIHHHHHH!”

Rangda’s shrieking was too much for me. I collapsed to the floor with a terrible migraine, and my vision was flickering. “I am. I am sorry. Please spare me.” I whimpered

“You forgot to address me Empress Rangda,” Rangda said mockingly and continued. “Very well. I’ll give you money. Will US$1 billion suffice?”

“That’s an absolute fortune. “I replied.

“I thought so. Make your way to New York. You’ll need to play the winning Powerball numbers.” Rangda said.

“That’s easier said than done. “I replied.

“You are forgetting who is helping you. Predicting the outcome of human lotteries is easy for me with my premonitions. But to get the money you must promise to serve me!” Rangda said

“Didn’t I promise that already?” I asked.

“Bah. A promise given out of desperation to save your life. Not worth much and besides I cannot enforce it. Go to New York. Once you are there, you’ll renew your promise, and I’ll satisfy your lust for money! “Rangda said.

After saying this, Rangda disappeared into thin air, and I was alone to deal with my terrible headache. I disconnected the monocle and collapsed on the bed, falling into a deep dreamless sleep.

***

“I am coming with you!” Elaine said in determination.

The room was still spinning. Elaine had woken me up after I collapsed on the bed the afternoon before and I had mumbled out what had happened to me.

“But we don’t know if she is telling the truth?” I objected.

“After the miracles that we witnessed in Nepal, I am ready to give it a shot. Besides…” Elaine stopped mid-sentence and burst out into tears.

“What is it, honey?” I asked.

“I went to your neurologist after our conversation earlier today. He didn’t want to disclose much, but he confirmed that you were severely wounded and hanging in the balance. You risk dying at any moment. I want to be by your side. If you believe that things can get better from visiting New York, then what else can we do?” Elaine revealed.

I got up to a seated position and hugged Elaine tightly. “Thank you, Elaine. We’ll get through this together.” I whispered.

After that, we both sat in silence for a long time before we finally fell asleep.