Beta Earth: Between Worlds 2.0 Edition by J.R. Napier Read Free Book Online Page A

fascinated by the display.
    “Time would have a whole new meaning.”
    “Not just time.” Dr. Mizrahi waves his hand and the space illusion disappears. “Existence itself would be different. When your body is transferred to this world, it becomes data. Only people with special concentration and understanding of this can control and collect their data to form their original body. Others would get lost in the stream of consciousness, eventually losing their self-identity and merging with others to become … something new.”
    “Sounds awful, losing your identity. Why would someone create such a place?” Vin looks around as the vivid illusion that surrounds him slowly fades to the original white landscape. Dr. Mizrahi nods his head in agreement.
    “It does sound awful but in reality it’s nothing extremely bad. However, when you break down the physical walls that make us unique, you take away something truly special—chaos, creativity, duality, our very definition of life. It is a definition that I happen to like and one I am willing to fight for.” Four children walk into viewing distance from an invisible horizon. Vin watches them as they approach.
    “Children? Here?” Vin asks.
    “They are four that made it here. Body and mind. All four possessed the unique ability to maintain their physical form here. They are the first four and this is their home.”
    “First four, this is their home ? Wait, what are you?” Vin asks. Dr. Mizrahi takes off his glasses and wipes them gently using his lab coat.
    “Ah yes, others will soon discover they can come here if they so choose. Those children might be the first of many who enter this place of their own free will.” Dr. Mizrahi looks off into the distance. Peers up as if he is staring into a full blue sky.
    “As for me, my body died long ago. I am but a phantom of degrading thoughts. As I’ve said, we aren’t immortal here. Our data is lost, flung out into space and we dissipate and eventually disappear.” Dr. Mizrahi puts his glasses back on and finishes. “One of us is afraid of that fate. So he uses all his remaining energy to find a suitable Avatar.”
    “Is that what this is all about?” Vin asks. Dr. Mizrahi nods in confirmation.
    “Partly but don’t worry. None of us will do as his Avatar. He wants one that can walk through both worlds uniquely. Decius Hanamex, is the name he chose. The one who was reborn here, in this sea of information.”
    “He?” Vin asks.
    “Question about gender?” Mizrahi replies.
    “Does it matter?” Vin says. Dr. Mizrahi smiles. It’s been a long time since he’s been able to talk to someone like this. So long that even this task of answering questions is delightful for him. He is also happy to be able to talk to someone who is able to absorb and analyze the information so easily and freely.
    “This is usually a lot to take in. I’m impressed with you, Vin. Now can you place the pieces together?” Dr. Mizrahi asks.
    “I can guess.” Vin replies as he grabs the bottom of his chin.
    “I can assume, when this place was found or made. Someone thought it would be salvation from that fate, protection from a possible cataclysmic future.”
    “Some might say an almost certain cataclysmic future.” Dr. Mizrahi says with a clap.
    “Interesting insight. Wonderfully callous and realistic. No doubt influenced by your time in the sprawls.” Vin casts his gaze downward.
    “There are many people struggling in the sprawls who see nothing but poverty and death. They wish for a new start, a new world. This Decius ... has the power to make it happen.” Vin and Dr. Mizrahi are quiet for a moment. Vin stares at the children who are walking toward him and then looks back at Mizrahi.
    “So Decius created this world to protect us but now he is on the verge of dissipating and needs a new body so he can escape to my world … the solid world.”
    “That is correct.” Dr. Mizrahi replies. The children, two boys and two girls, are